What I found on my bathroom mirror this morning

He's so romantic.

A New V-day Tradition

Last night, we started our new Valentine's Day tradition. I don't know if everyone else in my family is on board with the idea of it being a family tradition, but since I pretty much decide those things anyway, it is. Oh, and since I am starting the tradition you know it has to do with food.

We went to Pei Wei for dinner first. For any of you who have not ever been there, you gotta go. It's owned by the same company as P.F. Chang's. I like to call it a fast food version of P.F. Changs. But it doesn't taste like fast food. You know, like the kind of Chinese food you get at the food court at the mall? It's nothing like that. Our huge family got two appetizers (yes, we got the lettuce wraps), four entrees, and five drinks for $50. It's a good deal especially because everyone ate during the entire time we were seated (even Vivian didn't stop eating), and we have leftovers. Lots of them.

Then afterward, we went to Cold Stone for ice cream. Mel and I didn't get any. We were both too stuffed after eating all that yummy food. The kids loved it! Cold Stone is a special treat for them.

I like doing V-day this way. It's a special time for us to show our kids how much we enjoy going out with them. So, there you have it. Our new tradition. If any of you are around next year and wan to join in on the fun, let me know. We'd love to have you along for the fun.

the cookie monster strikes again

I am such a nice mommy. Last night while I was vacation clothes shopping, I got a call from Patricia. She was in crisis mode. She hadn't made any Valentine's for her teachers. She needed cards and candy for her three teachers. My first instinct was to say too bad you should have mentioned this during the day, not at 9:30 at night. But I held my tongue. I smelled an opportunity brewing. I had extra cards for her to use and offered to do what any normal chocolate chip cookie fiend would do. I, ever so unselfishly, decided that the best thing do would be to send her to school with yummy baked goods. So, guess what I did? I whipped up ANOTHER batch of my delicious chocolate chip cookies.

I wanted to rush home to bake cookies, but I needed two very important ingredients; butter and of course the chocolate chips. Wal-mart had the butter, but they were devoid of chocolate chips. Can you believe that? So, I improvised. I used two giant Hershey's bars. I had a Symphony bar and a dark chocolate bar. I am good at improvising when it comes to missing ingredients. It usually turns out well.

So, I made the cookies when I got home. I stayed up until 12:30 baking. I only ate about five cookies last night. I won't be eating more because I bagged up all of them in cute little Valentine's Day bags to give away. If you are lucky, you or your kids will get some. I mean, you might not because there are only so many to give away. So, don't get all offended if you don't get cookies, ok? I still love you.

Happy Valentine's Day!