At the twins' school, kindergarteners are referred to as "kinders." I love that for some reason; maybe it is because shortening the word, like shortening a name, endears the kinder to me. I have two beautiful kinders. Has a ring to it, right?

Anyway, today I got to attend a special award ceremony for Kellen (who was sitting across the room and I couldn't get a clear picture of him), but I got this perfect shot of Grant sitting at attention. Once a month, all of the kinder classes get together to celebrate four students from each class. It is a great way for the kids to look forward to achievement, a great way to recognize the goodness they do, and just great for me, as a parent, to take in the energy of all of those cute 5- and 6-year-olds together in one room. ---SM

Little sister, quite literally pint-size. ---SM

Above: At Capitola beach with friends.


Above: Ice cream treats after a sandy day.

Above: Lennox as George Washington (with the hat he made at preschool today. He told me all about chopping the cherry tree, not telling a lie, and the general of the army. Nice teaching moment, Miss Chris!)


Above: After school with sister.

Valentine's Day started the Friday before the big day when I set out three bowls of candy at the kitchen table and asked the boys to fill out all of their own Star Wars Valentines. They were thrilled. Lennox traced hearts that I made for him, and the twins followed their class lists and wrote out their classmates' names. They loved that they didn't even have to ask if they could have the candy in the bowls. They just took what they liked. The twins also hand-picked which friend received which valentine and coordinating sticker---only a few lucky recipients got warrior and bounty hunter Boba Fett.

And the candy loot they gathered during their Monday and Tuesday Valentine Day parties? Tantamount to Halloween! ---SM


Above: Kellen, after school with his V-Day headband on. Each heart has the name of a classmate on it.


Above: Kellen and his classmates after school.


Above: Could there be a cuter baby valentine in a red velvet outfit, a red rosette bracelet, and a white crocheted hat?!


Above: Auntie Staci and tiny baby.


Above: All of my little valentines.




Above: A giant V-Day package we got in the mail.


Above: The valentine holders Lennox made to collect his booty.


Above: A V-Day party with our church group.


Above: My sink full of valentine breakfast dishes---red eggs, red pancakes, and red watermelon. When K saw the eggs, he shook his head and said, "No me gusto estos juevos." I laughed. Then L said, "Eeeeewww. I don't want these pancakes." Grant was go with the flow until I told him I packed his classroom Valentine gifts in his backpack.

"What is it, Mom?" he asked.
"Playdough and lollipops," Kellen answered.
"Oh Mom. I don't like that at all!" Grant moaned, and he fell to the floor in despair.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Above: Staci, Teresa, and I went out to Ethiopian food for birthday dinner.


Above: More Ethiopian food.


Above: Auntie and tiny baby.


Above: Happy Birthday, Sister! (writing by Kellen)

Above: I love this onesie!

I love Costco rotisserie chickens.

I can't think of a less expensive way to make a $5 chicken last for several meals. I kind of make it a habit to pick up a chicken when I'm shopping because even if I don't have it for dinner that same night, it's ready for lunch the next day.

The key, I've learned [thanks to other friends who understand the value of the Costco chicken (!)], is to shred the clucker as soon as you get it home and while it is still hot. Put it in a container in the fridge, and then it's ready to use for the next few days.

My 5 Fab Meals include:

5. Chicken soup
4. Chicken enchiladas
3. Chicken salad sandwiches
2. Cobb salad
1. Chicken mole


Above: Tonight's dinner: cobb salad. With rotisserie chicken!