Our kids are never in school. At least not for a full week. Ever since winter break ended we've had a string of professional half days, federal holidays, or random get out school free cards. (Well that was for winning the Superbowl; that was worth it.)

So my mom buddies and I decided to do a series of ice skating and valentine making events. This makes sure everyone gets some exercise, the intricate and massive valentine making project gets scheduled in, and the kids see their friends.

Rose is a fine ice skater, though she would like to be Olympic level, and David is competent. Gone are the days of a child putting twenty pounds of pressure on my hand as we totter around the rink and then face planting in front me with the real chance of wiping me out as well. Can we just have a hallelujah moment for kids actually gaining skills and independence?

I like to skate, especially, if I can chat with friends, but I have to be careful not to overdo it. I often find myself a wee bit snippy on the ride home because I am hungry, thirsty, and more tired than I realized.

And then on to the Valentine making. One friend went to Michael's craft supplies. Another got the good paper, and I provided the glue gun. We had the most amazing supplies ever: glitter, feathers, ribbons, more glitter, patterned pink paper, doilies, shimmering pens, stickers, paper in every color of the rainbow, hearts cut out of old calendars so our valentines had bears and mountains on them. It was a bonanza. Did I mention the glitter?

David made a fabulous Seahawk inspired valentine. I taught everyone how to make springs, so your valentine would bounce. (And then I taught it to David's class yesterday). Rose discovered hot glue and glitter were a great combination, and we had eight friends to ooh and ah with us.