Family Valentine Dinner

For our family Valentine's dinner my theme this year was wording found on vintage valentines.
You're outta this world, Valentine.
I'd go anywhere with you, Valentine.
You make my world go 'round, Valentine.
I used my souvenir plates that I have collected from thrift stores and yard sales. For the centerpiece, an old globe, postcards, maps, and some small souvenir vases. And of course, hearts.

Our friend, Adelene with Max and Sam. When I mentioned that Ad was coming for Sunday dinner, Sam had an instant response, "Oh good!"

Favors are the small Whitman box of chocolates that I wrapped up and tied to look like suitcases. They are the place cards as names are on the luggage. Everyone had a different destination.
The menu:
Heart shaped Meatloaf
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Green Beans
Berry Jello
Caesar Salad-Sam loves it.
Texas Toast-hey, it was a travel theme.
Dessert is always a heart shaped cake. Cherry chip with mock whipped cream frosting. Hubby loves it.

It's Valentine's Day!

Yesterday Hubby and I went snowshoeing for our anniversary. It was a fun day-nice weather, beautiful scenery and good company. We hope to do more snowshoeing. I am finished with downhill but I still love the snow.

Hubby and I have dinner with friends tonight. Tomorrow we celebrate with our guys and special friend, Adelene, in honor of single awareness day.

And what am I wearing for Love Week?Happy Valentine's Day! I {heart} you!

Really, He's a Lover Not a Fighter

During Love Week I ask my guys, "Anyone special?" "Need help with Valentine's Day this year?"
"No Mom."
Hey, I am just trying to help.
This year Max came to me, looking for help. Yay! I love to help with Valentines. Last night it was fun for me to help Max with his special Valentine. It wasn 't that long ago that I had all my little boys at the table addressing valentines for their classmates.
More Love Week...
Hubby and I are going on an outing today to celebrate our anniversary. Details later.

A Sweet Love Week Recipe

Delicious and pretty for Valentine's Day, these bars are a favorite. Have tea with someone you love this week or make yourself a cup and enjoy!
Cherry Nut Bars
Pastry:
1 C. flour
3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1/2 C. butter
Filling:
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 C. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. coconut
1/2 c. nuts (No nuts allowed in baked goods here- my guys don't like them.)
1/2 c. quartered maraschino cherries
Mix flour, sugar and butter and press into greased 8 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Mix together remaining ingredients and spread over the top of baked pastry. (No need to cool pastry.) Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.
*Here is where I change the recipe.
You knew I would.
I make a frosting from powdered sugar and the maraschino cherry juice. This recipe doesn't call for the frosting but that is the way my Mom made them, so I do too.

Hhmmm...

Apparently, someone at my house forgot that it is Love Week. I've always said I am so happy that I had boys. No bitchycat fighting with guys, they just slug it out.

Well, now, that bit me in the butt, didn't it?

In the words of Hubby, who has said this many times over the years of parenting three boys, "Well now, I think we've all learned a valuable lesson here."

Yep.
Heaps remorse.

If you don't know, don't ask.
Back soon for regularly scheduled, Love Week.

Love Week cont.

Today for boot camp we warmed up in the gym, used our weights, did our push ups and then ran to get coffee. We picked up our preordered drinks and walked, briskly back. It was such a treat, it's such a fun group of women. Oh, and one guy, can't forget our leader, Robb. He's fun too, it's what he has us do, that isn't always fun. Love boot camp!
Speaking of fun guys, Pete and Bob. Today Bob's wife, Anna Greta, is bringing lunch to the museum to celebrate Bob's 87Th birthday. Anna Greta, is an excellent cook and baker. She is from Sweden and her meatballs rock! I have a little surprise for them. After all I have been enjoying 'The Bob & Pete Show' for twelve years on Wednesday mornings. Love my Job!
More Love Week coming... Love Love Week!