Celebrating Love

Howdy!!

We've had a celebratory coupla days. We don't always feel like we need to celebrate or go all out on every holiday in our family but you know, sometimes it just feels right to do some celebrating. Just because. Winter days can get long. Dad and Mom work hard. The kids do some hard work themselves. Sometimes a family could just use some quality time doing something fun together to celebrate love. 

So celebrate love we did. The kids and I used our creativity during the week to share our love for the grandparents (who are all in different states) through the postal system. So often the children are showered with gifts from family, it is good for them to think of others and give as well.

On Friday Doug surprised me by taking the day off work. He had a friend of ours watch our kids during the day so that we could go out for a nice lunch. It was splendid! Fantastic food! I had heard about the High Rock Cafe from a couple of people who raved about the food there. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was okay but the food was outstanding. Great flavors, fresh ingredients. Very satisfying. Doug and I had a lovely time. 

Friday night I got the grocery shopping out of the way for the weekend (yay!), picked up a movie out the $5 bin at Walmart, and came home to pizza and a movie with the fam.  "Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole."  It was animated but almost realistic-looking. It is actually fairly intense and even maybe a bit dark for young ones but very good all the same. A bit old for Nutmeg but perfect for older boys like ours. Nutmeg snuggled close up to me. I think the boys felt inspired and empowered. A good boy movie. A great conversation starter for children 8 and above, I think. Powerful themes of good vs. evil. Duty. Heroism. 

Saturday morning Doug and I cooked up a Valentiney (that's a word, right?) breakfast for the kiddos. Pancake shish kebabs.  Tiny pancakes layered with Nutella, banana, raspberries, and strawberries. Yum! We also had a whole table of very sweet loot from the grandmas and grandma figures in our lives. It was all very special. We are blessed by so many people who love and support us. And not just in gift-giving. Loving us through encouragement, words of affirmation, friendship, service, a listening ear. We are blessed by your love. 

Just before lunch we let the kids go wild in the kitchen. We called it "Chopped for Kids." Have you seen the show "Chopped" on the Food Network? We don't have television in our home BUT we do occasionally watch some shows when we go to hotels or stay the night someplace else. Basil and I LOVE "Iron Chef" but sadly I think that show was canceled. Is that right? Anywho . . . Basil and Nutmeg both have an interest in cooking. They both have recently been asking (begging?) for some lessons. We haven't shown them too much but they've been watching and have had a few opportunities to try some things out. They were STOKED when Doug and I surprised them with the day's activity. It was a bit last minute and spontaneous, yet fun. (though clean-up, not so much fun) We'll do it again sometime with a bit more organization. The kids loved it! Sage preferred to be a judge with Mom and Dad. :)  

Tonight I made some "love food." Autumn lasagna, salad, french bread, and Doug's fav: Rice Krispie treats. Twas a good day!

Maybe it doesn't look like much but wow. 

My Zepplin Wrap. This one got me at "pepperchini and jalapeno spread." Yum!

Doug's Fish Tacos.

My dapper Valentine. 

Festive. 

Yes, I like to scale the dishwasher. 

The contestants. 

Soberly listening to the judge's review of her dish. 

Good night and have a blessed Sunday!!