#themacboys2013 :: february

03.04.13

I made it through February of my 365 project. Although some days it is hard to get a picture every day, I love that I have all these snap shots to document our year. They make me happy.

February was filled with some big milestones for the Mac boys. Levi finally was brave and crawled out of his crib. First time ever. He thought he was pretty rad. We celebrated Cora’s heaven anniversary. We did some Valentine crafts and hosted our annual happy heart cousin party. We celebrated Chinese New Year with friends. Griffin finally decided it was time to walk. Yay! We are all so very happy about that. He is almost keeping up with his brother now. We had some gorgeous weather at the beginning of the month and then a huge snowstorm at the end. One boy loved the snow, one boy hated it. We are so thankful for the moisture the snow brought, but so ready for Spring now! We were stuck in the house for days because of snow, so I finally decided it was time to take down Levi’s crib. Levi is doing so great in his big boy bed. In between these milestones we have been reading, taking baths (with and without water), baking cookies, giving concerts, snuggling and playing. Sweet moments that I am so thankful for. I love being mama to the Mac boys.:)

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I was inspired by the 366 project that Drew did of her darling little girl last year. She has a great post with tips on 365 projects if you are wanting to do one of your own. You can start anytime! I can’t wait to see all the pictures of my boys at the end of the year. I am planning on printing them in a book…they will love it!

If you want to follow along I am jessmcclenahan on Instagram.

You can check out last month here:

January

 

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by Jess

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March 4, 2013 - 5:15 pm

Kelly - Baths without water . . . hmmm . . . I’m intrigued by that concept!

We have moved into a big boy bed this month too and he is doing soo great in it! It was a little bittersweet for mama. :) Kelly

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March 4, 2013 - 7:50 pm

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - I really enjoy following you on Instagram! Your boys are adorable!

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March 5, 2013 - 2:14 pm

Krista - These brothers are just the CUTEST! Wanted to pop in and let you know I am thinking of you today on Cora’s birthday. Praying for your family.

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March 5, 2013 - 11:11 pm

Erika Biddix - I knew this was the thing I should do when I saw the hospital from my home town, and the first book on their list was one of my favorites as a child, and now one that I love to read to my kids – “Mike Mulligans Steamshovel.”

Thank you for showing an awesome way to donate. I’m adding them to my Christmas and other “giving” times list.

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March 9, 2013 - 12:15 pm

Stefanie - I love the pictures! Following along on Instagram now!

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hope spoken 2014

03.01.13

We all have a story to tell.

My story is a grief story, a story of learning to trust God through death and pain, and a story of His amazing presence in my life through many tears. But it is also a story of restored joy and learning to live abundantly in all circumstances. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I looked this verse up in several versions to see what they said about abundant living. One version said “more and better life than they ever dreamed” (The Message). Another version said, “ in abundance, to the full, till it overflows” (Amplified Bible). That is the kind of life I want to be living. That is the kind of life you can live…no matter how your story is unfolding.

Just a few weeks ago I was reminded again that we make God known by being willing to tell people what He is doing in our lives. We make God known by telling our story. After Cora died, I remember talking with God and telling Him that I had no idea what He was doing. This was definitely not the story that I wanted. It was not the story I had dreamed of. But that same day I promised Him that I would never turn down an opportunity to share my story. It was the story He had given me and I knew, even though I didn’t understand, that He had a purpose in it. I had no idea what He had in store for me, but I am so thankful that He uses undeserving messes like me. I am thankful that He uses my story for His glory.

I am so excited to share with you about Hope Spoken, an amazing event hosted by Casey, Danielle, and Emily. These three lovely ladies have beautiful hearts and have been dreaming big to plan this conference to encourage women to share their stories for His glory.

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HOPE SPOKEN 2014

Hope Spoken is a women’s conference where we all can come to know Jesus more, and make Him known in our lives. Our conference will be filled with stories. Stories of Christ in each of our lives, and how we can use these stories for His glory. This is a weekend to rest and feel His love, to lay burdens and hurts down and feel His grace. We want to let women know that they are enough, to encourage women to use their passions, their words, and their creativity for the Lord. We, above all else, want to glorify Jesus’ name and share the hope we have in Him.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. // Romans 5:1-5

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Don’t you want to go? You can find all the conference details on the Hope Spoken website. There are some AMAZING speakers lined up and I am so incredibly humbled to be one of them. I would love for you to join us March 28-30, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. It is going to be an incredible weekend and I can’t wait to see what God does in our lives through this event!

TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY!!

I hope to see you in 2014!

:)

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by Jess

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March 1, 2013 - 4:15 pm

kate townsend - Such wonderful news, Jess! Your story and experiences will be a real gift to even more people! God certainly has big plans for you! Thanks for taking us along on the ride!

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March 1, 2013 - 8:48 pm

jorie luecken - Your story is such a gift! I can’t wait for this conference– God is going to be doing big things!

jorie

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snow…lots of snow

02.26.13

We have had some crazy weather here in Kansas. Last Wednesday we left for Bible study knowing that snow was supposed to be coming in the afternoon. By the time we made it to Wichita the snow had already started. I wasn’t so sure it was a good idea to stay, but we stayed for the shortened Bible study (because of the weather) and then turned around and headed back home. I was sure glad to be at home safe with my babies after that long snowy drive. And it has been snowing off and on ever since.

Levi loves the snow and has been super excited about it.

Griffin is a little less enthusiastic about the whole snow thing.

It is a lot of work getting these two bundled up to go outside for the five minutes they usually last in the cold! I have to remind myself that it is worth the extra work. “It is worth the extra work!”:)

The second snowy day I finally just brought some snow inside. Levi thought that was so fun. Staying warm inside made me happy too!

The best part of these snowy days has been when dad comes home. He takes the boys on sled rides.

And brings big tractors home so that we can finally get out of the driveway.

I was just so excited to no longer be housebound. The boys were more excited about the thrill of driving a tractor through the snow.

We are starting to get a little cabin fever around here but the boys have been finding all sorts of things to do around the house.

Griffin isn’t too into the snow but he sure loves wearing his boots around the house. And I think it is safe to say he is officially a walker now…even in his boots! Yay!

He has a few other modes of transportation when his legs get tired.:)

Levi is always singing and has been giving us lots of very loud concerts…in his boots, of course.

And he has even talked me into playing in the snow a few more times.

He built another snowman with his dad and got to try some hot chocolate for the first time. He only liked the marshmallows.

We enjoyed the sunshine yesterday before the next round of snow was supposed to come. Today hasn’t been as bad as they said, so we will see what tomorrow will hold. The snow is fun, but I am getting anxious for flip flop weather for sure! Oh, and we did a grocery run last night only to find out we weren’t the only ones stocking up on milk. It was a close call!

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by Jess

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February 26, 2013 - 8:47 am

Rachel - We are up in the KCMO area and it’s HORRIBLE! Stay safe!

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February 26, 2013 - 9:59 am

Micah - I’m pretty ready for flip flop weather too. We’ve been from snow to rain to freezing rain, and I’m stating to get the winter blues

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February 26, 2013 - 10:01 am

Micah - Sorry it didn’t like my smiley face and cut me off ;) .
I LOVE snow at Christmas but always wish it could go from Christmas/maybe New Year’s, then flash to spring ;)

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February 26, 2013 - 3:38 pm

Mary Ann - We probably get the same storms in Salt Lake City Utah that you get, only a day earlier. We also get what is called “lake effect” which is caused by the air flowing over the Great Salt Lake, then dumping the moisture it picks up in the form of lots of snow on Wasatch Front communities. I love love love the pictures, and the one of Levi drinking his hot chocolate with his rosy cheeks is just adorable. That little Griffin is doing well with his new walking skills. Spring is on its way, I promise!!!

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February 26, 2013 - 4:42 pm

Jody - We joke every time they call for snow that we’d better go get some milk & bread because they fly off the shelves. We are hoping for one last big snow here in Ohio.

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February 26, 2013 - 9:20 pm

Katherine - You got some great photos! I’m in the KC area so we’re getting the same weather, just a day later. My kids are loving it, but I’m ready for flip flop weather, too!

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February 27, 2013 - 3:47 pm

Angela - You take such beautiful photos! I love reading your posts. :)

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February 27, 2013 - 4:27 pm

Stefanie - I love the pictures! Stay warm and safe!

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March 1, 2013 - 8:09 pm

kendra - Wow! Winter is such a tough time for me. Entertaining 2 kids every day inside for 4+ months is enough to drive away my sanity, but we don’t have snow like that! Your boys are darling, though. And what a fun idea to bring the snow inside!

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March 4, 2013 - 3:43 pm

Allison - I am a new reader to your blog and just wanted you to know how inspiring you are to me as a mother. Thank you so much for so many of the things you have shared, they have truly touched my heart. I also wanted you to know I adore your style…I would love to see more rooms in your house! Thanks!!!

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March 9, 2013 - 12:11 pm

Ruth Wright - I feel priviledged to donate to such an awesome cause! I donated 3 books to the San Diego hospital. Will prayer for whoever touches the books to be blessed and comforted by our Saviour Jesus Christ. :)

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it was finally his idea

02.21.13

My sweet little boys are like night and day. One was a super easy baby. One was a difficult, hard-to-figure out baby. One slept through the night at three months. One decided he would wait until he was over a year old to accomplish a full night of rest. One was crazy verbal. One prefers to scream and grunt instead of use words. One is pretty laid back and compliant. One is pretty strong-willed and wants to do things his way. One walked right after his first birthday. One is just deciding that he might try out this walking thing. I’ll let you guess who is who.;)

Griffin took his first steps on Christmas Eve. I was sure he would finally be walking all over the place a few weeks after that. But I was wrong. I shouldn’t try to predict anything with this little guy because he tends to be a little on the unpredictable side.:)

He started taking a few steps here and there but whenever we would hold out our hands and tell him to walk to us, he would shake his head, plop down, and crawl away in the other direction.

We soon figured out that this walking thing was going to have to be his own idea.

He started taking more steps at a time and walking between furniture but it was always when he didn’t think we were paying attention. He still wouldn’t walk when we held out our hands.

Lately his new thing has been that he wants to walk but only if he is holding onto your finger. He wants to walk all around the house. Around and around and around. And when you get tired and let go he lets you know that he is not happy about it!

But this day he was ready to perform. He walked to me from the table and then back again. I grabbed my camera and caught him walking back to me again. And I think he was even quite pleased with himself. Silly, stubborn boy. It was finally his idea.

Go, Griffin, go!!

At BSF today we were studying Isaac’s family (Genesis 25-26). My leader was talking about the favoritism that Isaac showed Esau and Rebekah showed Jacob. She challenged us to ask God to allow us to be open to our children’s strengths and weaknesses and to not favor one over the other. I don’t feel like I struggle with favoritism at this point, but I couldn’t help but think of my sweet Griffin as she gave this challenge. I so desire to know what makes this little guy tick but I know that God is the only one who knows him inside and out. So I am daily having to ask God for wisdom in how to train him in a way that his “weaknesses” would be used for God’s glory. I know that God can use this strong-willed, determined little boy to do great things for His Kingdom…and I want to be his biggest cheerleader! May I be a mom who is intentional in understanding what those strengths and weaknesses are and who encourages him. I am so thankful for how God created these little boys of mine so uniquely and purposefully. And as I think about the weaknesses that are starting to come out in their lives as they grow, I can’t help but think of my own many weaknesses. I am so thankful that our God uses ordinary people…weaknesses and all…to do extraordinary things. We are so undeserving but He still allows us to be part of His purposes. Praise God for that!

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by Jess

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February 21, 2013 - 9:14 am

Katie - Go Griffin!!! :) Love the pictures!

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February 21, 2013 - 10:11 am

Melissa - This is my boys to a T!! I’ve definitely spent a lot of time in prayer on how to understand our second boy. I love the comparison to Isaac’s family, I need to remember that!

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February 21, 2013 - 10:50 am

tara - yay griffin … he is such a little cutie!

and i LOVED this post so much! i am desperately praying that God will use the qualities of my children that drive me crazy sometimes … the stubbornness and the hardheadedness … for His kingdom and for His glory! and what a reminder that He can and will use our weaknesses as well. thanks for the encouraging post!

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February 21, 2013 - 12:23 pm

Eryn - I think he’s a pretty SMART lil guy! He just wanted to wait til he could perfect walking secretly and show off for his mama! ;) Such cute pictures. He’s a sweet little guy!

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February 21, 2013 - 1:04 pm

Melanie - Soooo cute!!!! This post was perfect. My two and half year old boy is very strong willed and determined. Ever since he was born! Thank you for this reminder and encouragement. I have spent so much time in prayer over him…and will continue to. Thank you!!

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February 21, 2013 - 1:29 pm

Mary - Great post! I’m going through BSF as well. I was really pulled by the part of the servant who prayed to find the right woman for Isaac. What a strong believer. We always think of Abraham or Isaac, but can’t forget that prayer warrior Servant! I also thought about favorites with kids. I only have one, so right now that isn’t in effect for me. However I know how it feels. I’m #4 of 4 kids. I know I was forgotten. It’s a fact, and I know the heavy weight that has put on everything in life. Thanks for the reminder! Lost your house too!

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February 21, 2013 - 1:29 pm

Jamie - Love your blog. My 2 boys are just 2 years apart and as different as night and day as well. It is funny how different they are…. but they are still best buds! It is great to have little boys so close together!

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February 21, 2013 - 1:31 pm

Mary - *love your house! oops! :)

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February 21, 2013 - 2:54 pm

Sandy - My first born is a boy followed by 2 girls. They are all so very different. I struggle with my strong willed little girls when thier big brother is so compliant. This parenting thing is really hard work!

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February 21, 2013 - 4:07 pm

Melinda - Way to go Griffin! I can definitely relate. My two boys have been complete opposites in many ways. My oldest walked before 10 months, and I’m pretty sure he was born talking. My youngest walked at 18 months, and has a neurological speech disorder (Apraxia) that we’re still working on. He has also had various other issues through his life. One of my biggest struggles is to not devote so much attention to him and his needs that his older brother feels left out.

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February 21, 2013 - 4:29 pm

Amy - I loved this post so much! It is so similar to what I know of my two little ones so far. One very laid back-the other very hard to please and figure out. What a great comparison to the story of Isaac’s family. May we love each the same, and strive to discover how they may use their unique personalities to further the Kingdom!

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February 22, 2013 - 2:41 pm

Kim - Love Love Love this..your sweet family…sharing your pictures andyour woods of wisdom..Thanks for making me smile today..and think ;0)

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February 22, 2013 - 3:00 pm

Laura - Yay Griffin! Oh my goodness Jess, your boys sounds ALOT like mine! (except my “strong-willed” one was walking at 9 months AND at almost 2 is STILL not sleeping through the night, waaahh! ;) ) love, love, love your blog and your heart. Actually the other night Asher (my youngest) was sleeping in bed with us and I was just looking at him and praying over him, because some days I’m just at a loss as to trying to figure him out! Anyways your post made me smile because I can SOOOO relate!

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February 24, 2013 - 5:59 pm

Ruth - What cute pictures of that little guy taking off!I have followed your blog faithfully since Cora was first ill and still pray for you and your family. God has given you such godly insights as a young mom and your life honors him. I have one thing I have been praying about mentioning and I do no want it to cause you any hurt, just food for thought. Comparisons, while true, can be a trap. I know you would never want Griffin to read any of your posts someday and say “Yeah, Levi has always been the good kid; I’ve always been the problem child.” My heart breaks remembering one of my children saying something similar when we never meant to leave that impression. Your comments always include your love for that dear little boy so I hope that never happens.

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February 25, 2013 - 9:22 am

Mary Ann - And what a good idea Griffin had!! He surely is a sweet boy with a mind of his own. I think he will do great things in his life as will Levi. You have a wonderful family. I think back on my life as a young mother, wondering what to do with my stubborn, headstrong, smart, handsome little son. Now he is all grown up with a son of his own. I see the love he has for his wife and son and how much he cares for them….I can also see I didn’t too badly at being his mother. You’ll probably see the same thing years from now.

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March 2, 2013 - 1:46 am

Dayle - Oh, goodness … he’s such a cutie.

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happy heart party {2013}

02.19.13

We hosted our annual happy heart cousin party again this year. It is always so fun to have all of Levi and Griffin’s little cousins together. Chaotic and messy and crazy…but fun!

I love getting out all my colorful little chairs and setting up the table. My sister found this old wooden Sunday school table for me at a garage sale for $15. Such a good find…and so nice of her to let me buy it! I wish I could have it set up all the time.

This year sweet Sara from Sarah + Abraham provided some fun stuff to decorate our table! I showed her the heart table cloths that I had picked up last year after Valentines day and she came up with all the colors for the placemats.

The kids were so excited to see their own little faces and names at the table. And they were even more excited to have a placemat of their own to take home.

Sara sent magnets for all of the cousins too! I stuck one on each mailbox and they looked so cute.

I loved the colorful table. So fun!

The happy heart banner was my favorite detail…from Sarah + Abraham too! Did you know she makes personalized banners? They are super cute.

I set everything up after the boys went to bed and they got to wake up to this. They were so excited! The ladder was still in the room that I used to hang all the garlands and when Levi first saw the decorations he said, “WOW! Look what dad hung up for us!” I said, “Actually, I hung it all up for our party, Levi.” He looked at me with a very skeptical look on his face and said, “No, dad hung them up. There is a ladder in there!” Apparently girls can’t climb ladders. Looks like I have a few things to teach that boy!:)

These cupcakes were hiding in the kitchen for the adults. We needed a special valentine treat too!

Here they all are. Ten cousins sitting at the table…two really little cousins not at the table…and one big cousin who wasn’t there (he was at school).

Griffin thought he was really big and enjoyed every second of sitting at the big kids table.

Lots of cousin love.

And some sister love too.

We decorated sugar cookies…because there is never enough sugar on Valentines Day! Ha.

Lots of frosting and many sprinkles were consumed. Like any good aunt would do, I sent them all home on a sugar high.:)

The cousins also exchange Valentines. I showed Levi a bunch of Valentines I had pinned (check out my Valentines Day board on Pinterest!) and he picked these super cute ones from Dandee Designs. They were so easy and so fun to make. He loved them.

And a few more pics from my phone. This is our third cousin Valentine party. Such a fun tradition! You can see our past parties here and here. And now it is time to start thinking about preparing my little ones (and myself!) for Easter. The year seems to be flying by already!

Oh, and I almost forgot…Sara is offering my readers 15% off your entire  Sarah + Abraham order through the end of February. Use code MAC15

For those who are interested:

placemats, magnets & happy heart banner – sarah + abraham

heart table cloth (last year) & mailboxes – Target

felt & doily garlands – made by me

chairs & table – antique stores and garage sales

love bug valentine printable – Dandee Designs

bugs – Amazon

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by Jess

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February 19, 2013 - 7:33 am

Micah - So cute, Jess! As always, you did an amazing job!

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February 19, 2013 - 10:28 am

Jill - Love, love, love!! Your first Valentine party inspired me to start having one with my girls and their cousins/friends! We’ve had one for the past two years and it’s always so much fun.

I adore the placemats and banner. I’m going to have to check out her shop for my little girl’s birthday!

Adorable party, as always.

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February 19, 2013 - 12:11 pm

creole wisdom - how sweet! I love it all, Jess :) I bet the boys, your nieces and nephews enjoyed every minute of it. And you bet girls can climb ladders :)

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February 19, 2013 - 4:35 pm

Stefanie - What a great idea! Everything looked so beautiful!

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February 19, 2013 - 11:13 pm

Beth - I love Sarah + Abraham !!! This is SUCH a cute idea. Love every bit of it!!

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February 20, 2013 - 3:46 pm

Susannah - That looks like an adorable, fun party! What a great idea! I like that the adults got a special, just for them treat too. ;-)

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February 20, 2013 - 7:44 pm

Melissa Roseberry - Looks like fun! You are so creative!

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February 21, 2013 - 10:11 am

Lachalle - Looks like fun was had . We made the same valentines as well and yes they were super easy to make too.

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