Scenes From Valentine's Day

Zita decorated the dining room for Valentine's Day with the contents of a care package from my mom. We had to keep the dining room closed off until dinner because I knew as soon as Sebby saw it, he would try to gather it all up and re-purpose what he could. Sure enough, the first thing he did was move a chair over to the hanging decorations and pull down a lantern. 

There were three...

I love how Zita strung everything up.

 We made the chocolate truffle cake that I've posted about before and improvised a bit with the frosting. Little taste tests here and there meant I didn't have enough baking chocolate when frosting time came along. We managed by diluting the frosting with a lot of condensed milk. Can't go wrong with that.

 It was just the four boys and me for dinner. Zita and her friend walked up the road and ate out, but joined us for cake later on.

 Seb playing peek-a-boo with the paper hearts.

That was it- Valentine's Day 2015 done. I'm free of holiday prep and work until 4th of July; we'll be flying on Easter this year.

Pulled a Little Something Together

Guilt and a large display of strawberries in the store today lead to ceremonious cake. I baked the cake, Freddy and Zita decorated it, and the kids and I ate it.
Not exactly a romance extravaganza, but it was a good day nonetheless.

Valentine's Day Wrap Up

I almost forgot to share our banner. I printed the letters and let Zita take the lead in deciding how we would put it up.

I was a bit disturbed by the heart messages in the boxes seen below on each pate.  Long gone are the days of  "Be Mine" and "Love You." Instead, the box was full of "Tweet Me," "Text Me," "Friend Me," etc.

Pai didn't make it home in time for dinner, which was fish and green beans per Zita's request, but he did get one heck of a beautiful tray waiting for him in the kitchen. Over-the-top romantic, I know.

Both dinner and the fanfare were very much appreciated, and I got lavish praise from everyone, which is all a mom can ask for.

Cupcake Centerpiece

Happy Valentine's Day

Entrenched in cookie decorating

What Makes Me Happy?

Sees chocolate boxes with an exact depiction of our Blackie. My mom sent a great array of Valentines goodies that will get a post all their own, but I couldn't wait to put up the Blackie chocolates.