Basketball, Cupid, and a Brand New 6-Year-Old

          I love February.  I love that my boys don't mind Valentine's day and that I get to finally bring some pink into the house without complaint!  I love that we are in the throes of basketball calendar chaos and I get to watch my boys display their developing coordination and physical prowess several times a week.  I love that its the kick off of birthday season.  And I love that I get to bake without guilt...because there must be treats in February, right?
         
          So first, basketball...(please forgive my poor action shot photography.  Still getting used to our camera.)

Talmage making one of his three-point shots in his tournament game.  He was 5 for 7 at the three point line!

MVP: Talmage!!With about 2 minutes left in the game, the coach let him rest for the first time in the game.  He was the high scorer with over 20 points!  In this picture he was receiving a robust applause from the crowd:)

Ashton is the best defender I think I've ever seen in Jr. Jazz.  Up until 6th grade, the boys are given wristbands that assign them to the person they will guard on the other team.  No one wanted Ashton to guard them, he was so good!  

He was also awesome at eyeing the court and passing to open players.  Just wish more or the kids got a hold of that concept;)

On a whim, Talmage decided to enter a shooting competition.  Each player got 60 seconds to make as many shots as they could, accumulating extra points for making baskets from predesignated spots on the court.  After two rounds, the top two scorers moved on to a regional tournament on March 9th.  With a close 2nd place finish, guess who gets to go!!

           So, on to Valentine's day...

First, a little something I made for Seth's card...(cue the chorus of "Awww"s)

Sweet Emery was so cooperative for this little shoot...I got about 5 minutes worth of fuss-free photos:)

    And then the boys Valentines...

This year, I decided to simplify and just gave them one of their favorite treats with their Valentines...cake balls! 

And their favorite muffins for breakfast...Chocolate chip with strawberry glaze.  

     Each of the boys were full participants in their class Valentines preparations.  Usually it is just me putting together the token spider man/sports/car themed store-bought 4"x3" cards with lollipop inserts.  But this year included an unprecedented interest in the entire affair, as each of the boys currently have well developed crushes on specific girls in their classes.  So for several days prior to the big day, I found them hauling out my paper supplies and attempting to make their own special creations for their girls, each with very forward messages.  Ashton's was my favorite: "Dear Kelsie, You are so nice.  You are pretty.  I like you.  Love, Ashton"  Wow! Now that's bravery! (Side bar: Talmage's crush has since fizzled out.  It seems we were right when we advised him not to buy into the whole, "I like you" declaration thing that apparently is this 6th grade generation's way of "going out".  He told us that the next day at school was "super awkward" and both of them wanted to go back to being "just friends".)

I was lucky enough to help out during this little event gem: Talmage's class dance party...

The awkwardness was as palpable as the B.O. wafting through the air...But no worries, Talmage was as cool as a BYU football player at a Middle School Assembly.  Or at least we'll let him think that;)

And finally, our sweet Joseph turns 6!  I decided this year to break out my inner super mom and throw a "for real" birthday party.  With a theme even!  And cupcakes! (I know, it is sad that this was so new to me.)

Yes, that is indeed 6 pair of extra little boy shoes:).

When each boy arrived he was given a personalized pair of eye blacks (or black eye patch thingies, if you're sports inept like me) to wear.  Brilliant, huh?  Wish I could claim it.  It was Seth's idea.  The boys thought it was pretty cool.  And Joseph had such a fun time! He won all the contests we had, so all the prizes went to 2nd place finishers.  (Yes, I had just one prize per game.  Insensitive?  I took a chance.  They did all get treat bag at the end...does that make it okay?)  Joseph was such a good little host, very polite and a great friend to all his guests.  I felt so happy to see him so excited.  It made the headache after worth it;).

          As fun as it was to host a lively pack of 6-year-olds, I always love the more subdued family celebrations that have become a cherished tradition in our home...This year Joseph chose BBQ chicken pizza and oranges for dinner and an Oreo cake for dessert.

Oh!  I almost forgot something else that happened in February.  This won't require much commentary.  Words aren't really that necessary...Enjoy:

Talmage in make-up.  You're welcome.