I hosted a little Valentine playgroup party at our house on Monday. My oldest is part of the sweetest little playgroup…8 boys…ALL the EXACT.SAME.AGE!!!!! Their mommas are some of my favorite people in the world!!! Love them!! There were about 12 kids under the age of 4 running around my house that night. We consumed way too much sugar, played our little hearts out, and made these PRECIOUS Valentine bags courtesy of The Teacher Wife. If you don’t have her Valentine unit, you MUST!!! It’s darling…even for the littles!!!
My boys handed out these Valentines {thank God for Pinterest ;)} I ended up giving my kids the little “love bugs”, too!!!
Yesterday, I was WAY too tired to think about a dang thing after school. My.word. That party took it right outta me. It was a CRAZY day full of WAY too much candy. When I got home, I had two VERY excited boys and slipped right into my sweats. Elastic is SO forgiving 🙂
We had the most fun little chocolate fondue bar at our party yesterday. Yes…I had a few servings.
The kids had the absolute BEST time and ohmiword. Things got crazy. My parents coordinated this cute little Minute to Win It game where the kids had to transfer Skittles from one plate to another using a straw. SO fun!!! The winning team got bragging rights and even MORE candy to add to their stash!
I picked up my boys and took them out for a little date right after school. Usually, our little family of 4 goes to Snuffer’s every Valentine’s Day. We started this tradition while I was pregnant with Landon. Who doesn’t love hot dogs, cheese fries, and milkshakes on Valentines?! Well..Mr. Spouse had to work last night and he specifically requested we wait for him to continue our tradition. SO…I’ve absolutely got my elastic pants on today ready to devour even more fattening food tonight 🙂 Instead of our favorite little restaurant, I took my boys to McDonald’s for 2 hours of playtime and ice cream last night. BRING.IT.ON. Not a soul in the entire place!!! Best date ever!
I knew my little itties at school would be suffering from a serious candy hangover today. What better way to treat a hangover than with the exact same thing that made you feel all fuzzy in the first place?!?!? I pulled out the leftover kisses and hugs this morning and we started out our day with a taste test. The kids had to try both candies and decide which they liked best. We graphed the results when we were all finished.
Seriously, as nervous as I was to start the day with more candy, this little activity couldn’t have been better!! They were SO excited AND they rocked their little graphing skills. Turns out we love kisses WAY better than hugs 🙂 If you’re looking for a way to get rid of all of that extra chocolate, you can grab a copy to download by clicking the pic below.
I wanted to do a little literacy piece that tied in to what we were doing in math, so I had the kids write about which they liked better…{people} hugs or {people} kisses. Then they got to create their own little candy hugs and kisses to match 🙂 They thought this was hysterical! I found this idea on Pinterest, but I don’t think I pinned it. If you know where this idea originated, can you let me know?!?!? I’d love to give a shout out and link back!!! For this little craftivity, I just cut out a class set of construction paper kisses and had the kids cover them in foil. They glued on googly eyes and then added some glitter squeeze paint for the smile. Love it!!!
I wanted to put more of my leftover candy to good use, so we did Abby’s Sweetheart Snatcher activities today and OHMIWORD…AMAZING!!!! I was going to do this for my formal observation last week, but I ended up doing something not as exciting instead. Honestly, I’m so glad I waited til today because this was the PERFECT after-the-sugar-high-sets-in activity. They LOVED it!!!! SO much fun and SO engaging!! This is another “must have” in your arsenal of Valentine goodies!!!!
I’m STILL without a computer and it’s driving me absolutely CRAZY!!! I’m dying to catch up!!! However, I gotta say that it’s pretty nice going to bed at a normal hour instead of staying up and playing around on Pinterest 🙂 Now it’s off to stuff my face full of cheese fries and fried pickles. Nothing says “love” like a heart attack 😉
Oh, and for those of you who have recently emailed me to ask if I’ve ever gotten any not-so-nice comments and how I handle them, well, I found the perfect post for you to read!!!
You can read more about it at Home Stories A to Z.
TOO funny!!!
Happy hump day, sweet friends!!! Friday’s almost here!!
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Doodle Bugs Paper says
cute activities to go with the kisses.. I am impressed you had tackled all this today. I was so sick of candy.. and anything valentine related. I was probably a little grouchy! I worked my little one's brains to death all day! HA! Then I realized this afternoon that I had to remind them to pay attention and listen.. too many times. You think it was too much candy??!?! Probably. We are kicking off dental health tomorrow and what all that candy will do to your teeth. Maybe I should practice what I preach … HA!
Have a great time tonight!! Sounds delish!
Team Carroll says
I honestly don't know how I did it because halfway through the day I was seriously nauseous. WAY too much sugar…even for me!!! This is the PERFECT time to kick off dental health!!! I don't even wanna think about what their little teeth look like right now! HA!!!
Mrs. Cupcake says
I love all of these ideas!! Especially the fondue bar… mmm sounds delicious!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Klinger Cafe' says
Your boys are too cute. I can't believe people send you negative comments or try to out do you. I must not be near threatening enough because I have some of the sweetest followers and comment makers. lol I think you are amazing and am in awe of all you do…especially with two little ones.
Tammy
@klingercafe (a first grade blog)
Team Carroll says
you are so sweet! thank you!! Hahahaha….seriously, i'm so not threatening AT ALL!! I've had a few negative comments on this little blog…a couple in the form of emails…but would you believe that most of the nasty comments i've gotten have been on my family blog??! lots of "brave" people out there hiding behind the "anonymous" title 🙂 and some not so anonymous 🙂 i ignore them, but dangit…mean people don't make me happy!! HA!
Reagan Tunstall says
I just love when I see your new posts pop up. You are fantastic! By the way the splat unit is so fun! You inspire me to push myself so much further. Ok enough gushing.
I am craving some cheese fries now!
🙂
Reagan
Second Grade Cup of Tea says
LOVE your ideas! Your boys are so CUTE!!!!! and you are doing SUCH a fantastic job! Inspiring your students and teachers! All at the same time! Thank you!!!! And I agree with Reagan! The Splat unit was fantastic!
Jess says
I love those Valentine bags and your bug valentines. I just can't get enough of Pinterest too! Love all your kisses activities and need to file them away for next year! Thanks for sharing!
Rambling About Reading
Courtney Bartlett says
Love these activities! Thanks for sharing! I had my unannounced observation today during the entire sugar crash. Not sure that it was the best time but I guess it was better than yesterday. Have a fun family night!
Swimming into Second
Lyndsey (a year of many firsts) says
Love this whole post. I totally agree with Reagan that I just LOVE when you post something new. It makes my heart happy! You are always just so darn sweet. We all love you!!!
Those pictures are priceless. Love the "Minute to Win It" idea. Sounds like a blast!
We just did graphing our favorite candy on Monday. My kiddos first had to do a taste test of 1 M&M, 1 Sour Patch, 1 candy heart, and 1 Skittle. I had them survey each other and then graph their findings. 17 out of 21 chose Sour Patch! I swear they lace those things with some sort of drug. They are addicting!
Thanks for your inspiration! Enjoy your special evening out. TOO CUTE!!!
Lyndsey A Year of Many Firsts
Ms. Rachel says
Looks like you've had some busy days! I love the hugs and kisses activity! Super cute!
Rachel
Ms. Rachel’s Room
laughinbrunette (Jennifer) says
Super cute!!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
Jen R. @ The Teachers' Cauldron says
I am loving those love bugs!…and the boys are cute too! hehe 🙂
Natalie says
What? I love hugs way better 🙂 Thanks for the cute idea, though!!!
Enjoy your yumminess!
Natalie
Teachery Tidbits
SAS says
I LOVE the skittles game! I am always looking for fun ideas! Thanks!
Sarah
Kindergarten Korner
Andi says
That "meanie list" is too funny and so true! I'll have to go check out Home Stories. 🙂
Your Valentine's Day looked like fun and definitely exhausting. You earned that chocolate and cheese fries. Yum, yum!
Thanks for sharing!
Andi
Elisabeth says
Girl you must have super woman powers! I need to learn to balance my time better or something! I'm super impressed at all you got accomplished! 🙂 If you want to get rid of your super woman cape.. I'd love to take it off your hands! HA Love the kisses your kiddos made! They are precious! I get so excited to see what you and your class is up to!! Thanks for sharing!
Elisabeth
http://www.missdelk.blogspot.com
Cathy Stupar says
Thanks for the never-ending supply of inspiration and always making me feel like we're having a cup o joe and shootin the %#@& as I read your blog. Gotta love a gal who keeps it real.
Cathy
Hadar says
Love this post!! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! I especially like the {people} hugs and {people} kisses activity! So cute!!
Hadar:)
Barbara says
Very cool activities 🙂
❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Kelley Cirrito says
Your kids had a lot of fun! I wish I was in your class!
Rachelle says
LOVE you and LOVE this!!!!!!!! HOW FREAKING CUTE IS THAT???? I wouldn't even know that you didn't have your computer because you're still whipping up the cutest ideas ever!!!!!!!!!
-Rachelle
whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com
Jodi says
What fun…all of it!! Can I just say I want to come and work at your school! Your room moms must be amazing and you always get the coolest gifts!!!!!
The kisses and hugs activity is wonderful!!
Jodi
fun-in-first.blogspot.com
Erica Bohrer says
I am exhausted for you! You are amazing. I cannot believe anyone would ever write not nice comments.
Ms. Thomas says
Love all of it! And how good is snuffer's?! The cheese fries changed my life! 🙂
Ffion
Heather's Heart says
I know you are going up the wall and to the funny farm CRAZY without your computer…I was in the same boat not that long ago but think God was giving me a little lesson on priorities!
And even without your computer, you are still blessing us with a glimpse into your classroom. Thank you for blessing my brain with new ways to look at things! =)
You are an everyday angel!
Bloggy hugs and blessings Sweet Cara!
Heather
Heather's Heart
Brandi says
Love all the cuteness!!!!! Thanks for sharing the Hugs and Kisses, adorbs!!! Got a question, what type of school do you work at? I teach at a Title 1 school; kids are very low and it is tough doing all the cute activities when I'm still trying to teach them to write a complete sentence. Your thoughts??
Susie Q says
I love your blog! Your inspiration is amazing. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas with us, and for free!
Susie Q
Barbara says
Sweet sweet pictures. And I love the bags!
❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Madamsara says
Such cute activities! Could you share where you got the adorable "bounce" balls label?
Thanks!
madamsara@gmail.com
amy.lemons says
Love it all… especially those cute little kisses! Also love the pics of your boys! Too sweet!!!
Traci says
Those pictures of you and the boys are sooooo dang cute! Adorable.
You have ALL of my sympathy over your "missing" computer. I don't know what I would do!!!
Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful fun!
❤ Dragonflies in First ❤
Clutter-Free Classroom says
Oh my gosh I can't imagine being computerless. My condolences. 🙂
❤Jodi from…
★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
Helping Teachers Get Organized
Carla says
LOVE the taste test/comparison/graphing activity of Hugs vs. Kisses! Clever, fun, yummy AND educational….can never go wrong with that! Great job!
Mrs. Rugg says
I love your site….it's so inspiring and so much fun. First Grade Rocks! 🙂
Sabagirl says
New fan here. I am in awe of the sheets you create for your children.
Can I ask, did you use a clip art for the Kiss on the graphing sheet or did you use a drawing program of some sort?
Thanks so much! So motivating…..
Rebecca 🙂
Mrs. Thompson says
I LOVE those Valentine bags!! I wish I could re-do this year's [oh wait… no I don't! :)]. I will be pinning these for next year!
And BOO to the people who are hateful! I'm not sure what they could even be ugly about- you're too sweet!
Mrs. Thompson
Adventures in Teaching
Melissa says
As always such cute and fabulous ideas! I can't believe people hate on you 🙁 Uggh!
I hope your computer is up and running soon…I can't live without my MAC.
Happy Friday!
Unknown says
I LOVE your blog! 🙂 I am inspired by how creative and positive you are! THANK YOU for all of the wonderful ideas – I have used so many of them in my classroom!!
Jen W.
Sara says
I love, love, love reading your blog! You are so inspirational and creative! I just bought your Dental Health mini lesson off TPT and I'm wondering if you have a template you used to make the tooth fairies (for what does the tooth fairy do with the teeth) or did you just free hand it?
Thank you for sharing all your ideas!
Sara C.
Laura Wylie says
Don't let the negative nancys get to you! I am a first year teacher and your blog is very inspirational! I sometimes feel I'm just 'getting by' right now, and adding some of your activities into the week makes my kids (and my room) much more exciting! Keep being so creative!
vicky1970 says
Oh my gosh! I absolutely love your aluminum foil hershey kiss with googly eyes. That is so cute and creative. I need to pop in more often…such cute things happening here. Come on by my blog when you get a chance. Have a great Sunday and hopefully tomorrow off :o)
~ Vicky
Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After
www.jwhit.com says
Very creative. Not sure who'd not like your blog, but keep on giving great inspiration.
coolmath says
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often.
http://coolmathgames2k.com/
Chiquitines says
I love your blog! Thank you for sharing your awsome ideas!!You truly are an inspiration.
Mrs.Cook says
I love the idea of using up some of those left over goodies!
Ashley
http://firstgradesmartcookies.blogspot.com
Mrs. Coe says
Love Love Love your post!
Raina says
We live super close to Hershey, so I LOVE the kisses, how adorable! Loaded that one right away. Your little boys are super cuties!!
Pennies of Time says
I am going to use several of these ideas for acts of kindness with my boys! Thank you for sharing!
Jessica Delgado says
Where did you buy the bugs for the mason jars?