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I am swooning over these DIY literary quote mugs by Sarah Fritzler. I’m a bookworm and a quote junkie, so these are just too good. My favorite is the set Sarah made for her parents. Her dad’s mug features his favorite quote, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” And her mom’s says “Kid.” How sweet is that?

Tim is coming home tonight after a 5-day business trip. He frequently takes 1- or 2-night trips, but this is the longest he’s been away in years. While he was gone I made a sad discovery: I complain a lot more when he’s around. Every day this week I got the kids where they needed to be and worked and did everything else I had to do with hardly any whining at all. So why can’t I be like that all the time?

I suppose it’s because when I know I’m the only parent on duty I suck things up better. If Tim’s here, I look for opportunities to slack off. And then wait for him pick up the slack. Doesn’t that sound awful? The other thing is that I ask the kids to help out more when Tim’s gone. And we eat more macaroni and cheese. Out of the box.

If I had time before his flight arrived, I’d make a mug for my long-suffering Mr. Darcy, fill it to the brim with his favorite Cadbury Mini Eggs, and give it to him with a big kiss. Just to let him know how much I missed him and appreciate all he does.

While I think about ways to become a better and less-complaining person, here are some fun links for you to enjoy:

• Free Valentine printable cards that are also toys. Great for the younger set.
• How to get scratch marks off your plates here.
• DIY vintage suitcase charging station.
• Gorgeous, inexpensive valentines you can print out right now.
• Will this book really help my kids become better eaters? My fingers are crossed.
• They claim this chicken stir-fry tastes as good as a Chinese restaurant’s.
• Valentine’s Day in a box. Very cute.
• Thinking of making these for breakfast on Valentine’s Day.

Do you have big plans for the weekend? I’m looking forward to a happy reunion, a “date” with Lexie tomorrow, and some skiing on Sunday. And lots of reading because we’re about one-third of the way through the school’s annual Reading Contest. Have a wonderful weekend and please come back next week for my report on our school’s big author visit and some more Oscar party ideas.