Valentines, Compassion, a Toddler haircut and more!

Now, that is surely unique combination for a Blog post title. Do you think anyone else has used it? Maybe I should do a Google Search just in case!

It is shortly after 6am, and the house is quiet. I wish to reassure you this is not my normal getting up time, but I was wide awake, composing a brilliant blog post in my head, and decided I should just get up and blog it now while I have the chance. I somehow doubt it will be quite so witty and informative as the post in my head, but we shall see…..

This is my first blinkie, and for the animated version look at the top right of this page. I used Gina’s Loving You kit, from Weeds & Wildflowers at Prima Hybrid. I need to thank Amy W for all her help and patience in helping me get it blinking and linking! She was wonderful.

So on to Valentines Day, or at least my perspective on it. I have been fascinated to discover what a HUGE thing it appears to be in the US. Here it is certainly commercial, but as we don’t do the mass sending of cards and sweets to entire classes, it is certainly a lot less work and hassle. I was reading this post by Mommy Cracked and this was my reply

You should all just move the UK or Ireland. Here, at school or preschool the kids make one valentine card for the one they love – which is usually (and hopefully still is) us! Older kids would send a card to someone they really like/fancy/have a crush on, but it is usually anonymous. Really old people (like adults) just send a card to their one true love, unless you have been married for yonks and agree not to bother with the cards things. So really the hassles only really start when teenage daughters are upset because they only got 2 cards, and their friend got 5! I am enjoying hearing about yet another cultural diffence between us and our friends across the puddle:)

Can you share with me how Valentines Day is spent (literally) in your part of the world?

Here it Sam with his Valentine card for me

Yes, I know I am posting this photo, before the others of the actual haircut, but bear with me, it is still before 7am.

Next, have you heard yet about the Compassion Blog Tour to Uganda. A number of very talented bloggers are all in Uganda, witnessing first hand the work of Compassion. Words fail me, and that does not happen often, to describe what they are sharing. Each blogger has their own perspective, and the combined view you get by reading all the posts is very powerful and challenging. Please visit the Compassion Website.

Here is a list of the bloggers taking part:

For photos from the trip go here

A Toddler Haircut

Our church toddler group is probably the only one with its’ own hairdresser! One of the mum’s is a hairdresser, and often gives a toddler a quick trim on request. The price is a donation to the Methodist JMA money box. The kids are so much happier in familiar surroundings, and it is so much easier for the mums. Taking a small child to the hairdresser is usually a stressful occasion, so this is a perfect solution.

Some pics – before, during and after.

Now, thank you to all of you (8 at the last count) who have voted in my poll (see right). The majority are not here for my digital layouts, so that is a relief as I have none to show you right now!

Kids are off school for half-term, so no posting till next week.

Until then, take care, and hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day