In our fast paced world, we often do not take time to tell our family and friends , just how much they mean to us. Valentine's Day gives us an opportunity to do that by whatever means we may choose. It just so happens that in our family we had a birthday dinner for those with January and February birthdays, and we also had a Valentine Brunch for the aunts, and the neices that recently became mothers and their six small children. This skillfully created, decadent Strawberry Cake, was made by my "ever so talented" sister-in-law. Her oldest daughter created and added the chocolate hearts, making it an elegant, and so delicious Valentine masterpiece. My sister-in-law told me that the recipe is from Paula Deen's Magazine.
My other "so very talented" sister-in-law presented us with this beautiful Valentine Creation, along with the mouth watering apple pie, and an amazing oatmeal cake, that she baked and served. You see, when one has 25 - 30 people in one's family, it takes more than one dessert. What a labor of love these dear women did for all of us. The cheesy baked lasagna that she baked and served to us, was THE BEST! Maybe someday she will share her recipe with us.
This fresh fruit combination was served at the Valentine brunch. The topping that I used was a combination of light cool whip and lemon merinque light, Thick and Creamy Yoplait Yogurt. I topped it with a red gummy heart. The favors and the centerpiece was put together using three small pots of faux flowers from the DollarTree. The small white plastic bags were from Wilton. I found those on a clearance table some years ago. I added tissue, red and pink foiled chocolate hearts, some of the faux flowers and each person's name.
I added water(to give a real look to the flowers), and the flowers, to three small crystal containers that my daughter had purchased at an Estate sale last year. The three crystal candle holders I found at Ollie's last summer for 99 cents each. I set all of this on my crystal pedestal plate, along with a small cystal glass in the center holding red and pink foiled chocolate hearts. It was a fun and very inexpensive way to dress up the brunch table for these very special people in my life.
This sensational box of chocolates was what came home with my middle daughter yesterday. Each student created a box out of chocolate, made all of the individual chocolates inside, and made each of the chocolate flowers on top of the box. The flowers were formed by dipping antique door knobs into melted chocolate and then letting it harden. So fascinating to me!!, I was so impressed with the faculty for coming up with such an elegant chocolate presentation, including the chocolate rose printed ribbon. I have never seen that done before.
She wasn't real pleased with the job she did. But, it was her first time and I informed her that I was so thrilled for her to be learning an art like this. The employees at the company where my husband works will have a fun Valentine Day surprise today, when he brings this into their lunch room. That is the joy of February 14th...to be able to share, surprise, and bless those who are important in our lives.
Which leads me to this...I wish I could have all of you reach through the computer and help yourselves to these handmade chocolates. You all continue to bless my life in so many fascinating and inspiring ways.
This is what I saw early this morning from my upstairs window. The sunrise truly was a breath taking sight! As I stood there watching it, I wondered to myself what the day will hold? What new events will unfold today?
It seems to me that the events of the days lately have left me with so many "unknowns". I don't know which politicians to believe ...I don't know which peanut butter products to use and which not to...I absolutely do not know why anyone would purposely set fires in a country, that would destroy numbers of people's lives...I don't know where the trillions of dollars for the rescue plan, will come from...BUT, what I am reminded of is a favorite song of mine from years ago, written by Ara Stamphill. The title, "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow." The words bring comfort to my early morning thought process; "I don't know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine For its skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him, For He know what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand But I know who holds tomorrow And I know who holds my hand. ---Whatever my questions, whatever the anger, frustation, or deep concerns that I feel in my heart today, I do know the words of this song to be true...so therein lies my peace as I stare at the exquisitely created sunrise, on this early Thursday morning. 
I really like recipes where you can take all of the ingredients, add them all at once, stir well, pour in pans, and bake. Quick, simple and well worth the time. Last evening I baked this recipe, again, since I needed some Valentine Day gifts. How do you like my heart spatula? One year my mother sent all of her girls heart spatulas from" Williams and Sonoma", for a gift on Valentine's Day. I think of her every time I use it.
In this simple package, I placed a loaf of poppy seed bread wrapped in plastic, in the side of a kitchen hot pad along with two packages of hot cappucccino, added a bow and a homemade tag. With a simple recipe, pre-made cards and some quickly done bows...this was almost as fast as writing out a card and sending it, although it sure does taste better.
The yellow painted walls and the old wooden windows helped add to the farmhouse theme.
Shelves containing an endless display of herbs, seasonings, granolas, dried soups, raisins, nuts, sunflower seeds...the list goes on and on, were lined from the floor up.
In the center of "The Pantry" was a large wooden cart decorated in red and white and hearts. Perfect place to display all of the Valentine's Day candy assortment.
"Into all lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days, and fill our eyes with light." ---Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
Happy 75th Birthday to the most special lady in my life!! You continue to age graciously. You have taught me more than you will ever know. Now that I am a mother and a grandmother...your lessons continue on. I could never express to you the appreciation I feel whenever I think of you and all that you have done for me. I wish you a memorable and joy filled day today, even though we are far apart. I love you, Mom! Judy
