The all-American Valentine's day party may be the hardest holiday to replicate as a homeschool mom. Luckily, with the help of a great homeschool group, I was able to get the words "best Valentine's Day EVER!" out of both of my boys today!
The night before, we had spent a couple hours making our Valentine's boxes and writing out around 70 different cards. The next morning, I managed to bathe, get dressed, get the boys looking fairly spiffy, and get the girls situated for Mom. I was actually going to be on time! I picked up Ivey to help her with her pajamas and yelled for the boys to get in the car. Before I got the word "car" out of my mouth, Ivey threw up all. over. me. I caught 10oz of milk in the space between Ivey and me. It soaked through my clothes. It was in my hair. I had to waddle to the garden tub, get in, and strip us both down. I had to rebathe and get new clothes. I cannot believe how close I made it to the door! Ivey does this on occasion. I'm not sure if it's reflux or she's just feeling off and has a weak stomach, but it is not unusual for her to throw up and then be perfectly fine.
After 25 minutes of redoing things I had already done, we actually made it out the door.
We took our goodies to the jumpy place where we played, ate, and exchanged cards and treats. Since Mom was an angel and watched the girls for me, I was able to sit and actually talk to some of the other moms. The best part was that the jumpies were in a different room from the tables and food, so we were able to chat without having to scream at each other over the inflatable insanity. Very nice.
After the party, I took some very hot and very sweaty boys to visit their great-grandparents. We had a nice visit with Gram. Asa sat and talked to her about the robots he's building, how to make a worm bed, and how to get rid of moles in your yard with Juicy Fruit gum. She kicked Valentine's day up a notch by giving him a real glass bottle of ice cold IBC Cream Soda, all for himself. He was thrilled. She even let him take one home to give to Daddy, since he's crazy about the stuff. Addison spent most of the time laying across the front porch stairs, rereading one of his favorite books.
At the next stop, we visited Papa and Martha Anne. We were only there for a brief time before Addison noticed a huge stack of playing cards on the table. "What are those for?" "Why are there so many?" "You have four decks of cards?!" Addison loves card games... he loves all things competitive (when he's winning) and he loves "thinking" games. Martha Anne explained that she and Papa play "Hand and Foot" Canasta. Of course, Addison was intrigued. He just had to know how to play. So, Martha Anne proceeded to teach him. They played a hand, and Addison caught on very quickly. When it was over, I told him that it was time to go and he was heartbroken. He ended up staying and playing for a couple more hours, beating her 1545 to 1405. Addison was in heaven, and he wanted to make sure that they could play again. I hope Martha Anne is up for it, cause she has found herself a "Hand and Foot" partner!
You know, I might ought to check into visiting the senior center so that Addison can find people to socialize with... he loves to play chess, play cards, learn about wars, read, and ask questions. I think I might be on to something!
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