Look familiar?

These were our activities from last year and I am posting them again because last night was rough and I am paying for it today and... because everything is pretty much the same! Some updates in red.

Happy St. Cyril and Methodius Day, tomorrow! I am as fond of these two saints as any good Slavic girl with Bohemian and Moravian ancestry could be, truly. My wonderful, Catholic grandparents* were married in a church dedicated to Sts. Cyril and Methodius. I have often wondered how similar the Slavic language that these amazing saints used for Mass and preaching was compared to the beautiful language I often heard lilting around the old farmhouse where I spent many a summer day. My grandparents also spoke fluent English, mind you. Their parents insisted on it! They only slipped into Czech when they didn't want me to know what they were talking about. Considering my entire Czech vocabulary consisted of "grandma", "grandpa", "Merry Christmas", and a saying that when literally translated has something to do with a billy goat wagging it's tail, their secrets were very safe!

*This is not to say that my paternal grandparents weren't wonderful. They were wonderful in their own way, oh...and they were Baptists.
I have to admit it though, I just can't quite give up my affection for St. Valentine in favor of these two Slavic icons (pun intended). I know they were two amazing men, and we know more about what they did while on this Earth than we know about all 3 saints named Valentine.

But.....

....it's.....

.....Saint Valentine's Day, tomorrow!

I made heart shaped buttermilk biscuits this morning that turned out horribly dry. No pictures for fear that the flash would cause them to spontaneously combust. I have never had that problem with any recipe that calls for buttermilk before (insert pout here). I think I will stick with a tried and true recipe this year. If you have never tried Sunrise Scones they are melt in your mouth delicious!

I promised the kids heart shaped pizzas for dinner which means
Mommy doesn't have to cookwe can have a little fun later. Gotta love Papa Murphy! We are going to decorate chocolate lollipops for each other with mini M&Ms later (a little act of love and service). Actually, Lent has put a hold on all of the usual treats, but perhaps some strawberries and cream will count as a side dish, not dessert. I am also going to encourage them to make secret valentines to leave behind letting each other know what act of service they performed for the other person. The girls will, no doubt, offer to make the beds for the boys (something those boys desperately need help with!) but coming up with something for the boys to do might require some extra thought. Suggestions welcome as always!

We will read Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda which is one of my favorite books for this feast day. The illustrations look like mosaics in beautiful muted tones. Of course, it is a fictional legend but it does mention that he was a priest. While it does not have any examples of why he is the patron of romantic love, we always find a way to work it into the story by telling the children that the jailer probably knew of St. Valentine from the Roman soldiers who had been secretly married by him. (I had no idea it was a Catholic Mosaic book. I think I just might have to get that book. Done.)

BigBoy asked to watch Signing Time #4. He calls it "Love" because of the awesome song Rachel Coleman sings at the end. La-la-la-la love! Still true! BigBoy still calls this one "Love" and Rachel Coleman is still awesome. Have you been reading about her trip to Ghana? What an amazing family!

Lastly, a present for my valentine, the man who ignored his inner Cookie Monster and chose to marry me even though I am just above the Mendoza line when it comes to cookie baking. Did you notice how powdered sugar covers the
burntcrispy edges nicely?

He won't. Still true, too!

Considering how good these other cookies turned out the last time I made them, I think Husband will willingly wait until Sunday for a batch (or two). If you are having treats tomorrow, please enjoy them! Just because we have decided to celebrate without them doesn't mean I think everyone else should. It's just what works for us this year. Have a love-ly feast day, tomorrow!