St. Valentine's Day

When we were in elementary school, it was always such fun to make Valentines for all our classmates. There was always a really pretty one for your best friend (Sharon) and one for your teacher (Mrs. Uphaus). Even one for that boy that you thought was kinda cute (don't remember who that was). That was the one your really pondered over. Nothing too obvious, but you wanted it to be just right - whatever that was in grade school!

We also made Valentine boxes that sat on our desks ready to receive all the Valentines. There were contests with prizes for the prettiest, the funniest and the most original. It was a day of fun and excitement with a party at the end of the day. One year the "room mothers" made strawberry sodas and strawberry cupcakes. We slowly poured more and more soda into the glasses to see how high we could get the pink foam before it oozed over the side! Such a simple but memorable treat! Another year, a group of moms made cinnamon candy discs that were really hot. Another wonderful, homemade treat. Now I look back and we really had special celebrations with a lot of thought and care put into them. We were so lucky.

Today, my husband and I are celebrating with friends. A special little dinner here at home.

Something savory, something bubbly and -- of course -- something chocolate!
What would Valentine's Day be without chocolate?

To me, Valentine's Day is a day to recognize our friends, old and new. To let special people know you care and that they make a difference being in our lives. So, with that ...

a Happy Valentine's Day to you all!