A busy couple of weeks

It feels nice to finally sit down and relax. The past few weeks have been very busy. We had Valentine's Day, Sam's birthday, Preschool, and did I mention that I'm a little too pregnant! I feel completely drained, especially after a full day of cleaning and grocery shopping, but it is now time to make sure we don't forget what a great time we had.

Every year for Valentine's Day Ryan and I agree to not get each other anything, and every year he does anyway. I have officially learned my lesson and will remember never to forgo a gift for him. My gift to him was only a card and yummy dinner, but he, of course did not seem to care a bit. His gift to me he claimed was more like a "You're having my baby" sort of gift and I took it gratefully. It's a spa treatment, head to foot. Hair, facial, massage, pedicure, the works. It sounds amazing and I can break up the appointments individually, which is the plan. That pedicure will be first on my list as my feet and ankles are beginning to swell and could use some pampering. Ah, Ryan, you are the best!

This is the 4 inch high triple chocolate cheesecake we made for dessert. I didn't win so many points for appearance but the taste was out of this world! Oh, chocolate you are Divine!

Samuel's Birthday was Monday. We celebrated Sunday night as a family and Tuesday we had a little party for him with friends.

We opened a few gifts Sunday night, including: A NEW Cars DVD as the old one was wasted and had stopped working! Color Wonder pads and markers, and a play tent and tunnel. Sam had been excited about a few at his friend's houses so we hoped it would be a major hit. It was! He sleeps in it at night and takes most of his naps there also. It's so funny. We are glad he loves it so much.

Russell loves it too!

The party we had for friends was Shark themed. So...

The invites-

The cup cakes-

And all games were shark themed. Games: Pin the tooth on the shark, fishing, shark tag, etc.

I hope everyone had a good time because Samuel did. He is still talking about it and tells most people he meets how old he is now. He even informed the post man at the post office today when we picked up another package for him. "I am 4 now, and this is my present!" he told the man behind the counter. I am excited to take a few pictures of him playing with his new play dough dental patient, which is what was in the package. Thanks everyone for the thoughful gifts. Sammy loved them all and it made him feel very special to be getting mail from his family and friends.

It was my turn to teach preschool last week. Our theme for the week- Cooking. We learned about the food groups and pyramid, talked about healthy foods, and attempted to cook together. Five 4 year olds are a little hard to organize into a cooking team but they did great. It was fun, but have I mentioned how I do NOT have the teaching stamina that is required to teach these crazy kids more than just 3 days every 5-6 weeks. Wow, maybe it had a little to do with my pregnancy state but I was exhausted come Friday and then I had to make up for all the things I neglected while teaching. i.e. cleaning! Yikes. It took days to pick up the mess.

Oh and Sam had his 4 year checkup this last week also:) He is doing great health wise and is 50% down the line in all his numbers. Way to go Sam! We love you buddy.

Last but not least- it snowed here. Are you shocked? Do you even believe me? Well, here are a few pictures to prove it. All taken from my front porch.

It was only a few inches and it was gone in 24 hours but it was perfect snow man snow and there were snow men everywhere! The power even went out for an hour or so just for kicks. What a novelty it was for the locals. It had been something like 9 years since their last snowfall. Ha ha ha, of course it snows while we are here. It was beautiful, but so was today and it's 65 degree weather. I am loving winter in the South!