Heart Attack

Why do teachers pack little reminders of holiday projects one day before they are due? Parents need more of a heads up.

Last night, Evan and I spent at least an hour hunting for hearts in magazines and the Sunday circulars to add to his Valentine box. The box was, of course optional, but how could I send my child to school without one? Not only that, but there was a contest incentive and four different themes as well. (Way to add on the pressure and turn, what should be, a fun simple craft into a complicated labor of love.)

Evan opted for the "put the most hearts on your box" category which resulted in him going to bed and me staying up until 2 in the morning. I don't want to just create something basic. I always want it to be beautiful and/or unique. My husband says this stems from being a perfectionist but he's no better. He wraps presents with more precision than a neurosurgeon and is up just as late making perfect, color coordinated circles in his pee wee flag football play book. However, last night he was the one telling me not to stay up too late. You know you're going to extremes when it gets that point but I couldn't help it.

I came up with the idea of making Evan his very own heart bank,to make his box original, and wasn't sure how to pull it off. He has a thing for his ATM bank toy and so I worked off of that. It's a little different but with enough super glue, candy hearts,and snoopy stickers you can make anything cute. Add to that a plethora of cutout hearts and countless hearts inside hearts and there's noway that tacky monstrosity won't win him top place. With any luck, he'll bring home some candy for his efforts. Afterall, he was the tape man.