A Quick Side by Side

I grabbed this recent shot on Thursday and after looking at it I remembered the smaller AB version of this picture.  In the picture on the left Annabelle is a year and a half old(taken with my cell phone at a park so not the best quality).  On the right she is 4 years and one month!  So fun to look at the two and see what has changed and what may very well be Annabelle's lasting features.  

Annabelle, as you grow into a big girl (and bigger yet) just know that sometimes when Mommy and Daddy look at you... We see you at this age and smaller.  It's probably just an expression on your face, or the way you turn your head that takes us back to the days of a smaller you.  Don't be upset, just know that we do this because we never want to forget the ways you've grown through the years.  :-)  You will always be our little peanut!  

Valentine's Party @ School!

As a teacher I remember Valentine's day being more exciting for my students than any other holiday.  There is something about being able to bring a Valentine for each of your friends, and then, obviously receive all of the others in return!  Annabelle had her first experience of this today at school.  She's came home COMPLETELY conked from the day's fun!  For me, Valentines and Valentine presents for teachers tickles my creative-bone and I dove onto Pintrest, my new favorite spot, to find the cutes valentines and gift ideas.  I started on this adorable blog, Drawn to it by this cute project! 

I loved the jars, so I went on a search for the plastic bugs!  While at Target in the party favor area, I found the cutest wind up bugs!  I quickly scooped up their remaining in stock and after one more Target stop had enough to get to work!  I loved how they turned out!  AB was thrilled because she loves wind-up toys and was certain her friends at school would love them just as much!

Next, the teacher gift...  Well, I have some experience in this department!  While teaching I got my fair share of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or my favorite the HUGE Heresy Kiss!  I don't think I have any ex-students or parents who read this blog, with that said, it's true that all presents are appreciated and are a kind gesture in themselves... But, there are also presents that can't be beat and those are the creative fun gifts that included something sweet, or a gift card.  Sorry but it's true!  lol-

I had a thought of a bowl or cup of treats, and some mention of AB's teachers being sweeter than all of the treats combined.  Finally, I settled on mugs (which I try to avoid because teachers get a lot of mugs, but these were cute and big enough to use for soup or even cereal!) filled with sweets, including:

Valentine M&Ms

Flavored sweet coffee

gift card to Graeter's Ice Cream

& another Pintrest yummy...

Girl Scout Cookie bars

AB's into math lately, adding her fingers and counting things I thought something math related would be fun!  The message read:

She took all of her goodies in this morning dressed to impress, even sporting a pair of hot-pink sunglasses (that her teacher informed me she wore ALL DAY!)  She was so excited for the big Valentine's Day party!  Most importantly, she couldn't wait for Jack Boyle to see her dress, sunglasses, cookies, etc.!  When she got home we were going through and opening all of the super sweet Valentines she got from her friends.  We had to have a picture of one in particular...  Can you guess which one?!

Annabelle's First Date!

Who else would Annabelle's first date be with?!  There won't be a man who will love her more.  Those smiles say it all! (I think they look identical in this pictures!)  They had dinner, dancing, a magician, photos and according to Annabelle, the most amazing punch EVER!  "Mommy!  They had water and punch to drink and the punch HAD ICE CREAM IN IT!!!"  Me:  "Did you like it?"  AB (shaking from her sugar high): "I had two big glasses!!!!"  They both enjoyed their big night together.  :-)  I wish I could have been a fly on the wall!!