Happy Birthday Mom!

My Mom's birthday is Valentine's Day and so of course we always made a BIG deal out of February 14th! My Mom always had little cards and small heart shaped boxes of candy for us, we'd troop off to school with our tiny Scooby Doo and Care Bears cards for our friends and then when we got home Mom would make a big pretty dinner for us all. There was usually some sort of spectacular main dish and a gorgeous dessert involved. I learned how butter is made from cream the time I tried to "help" her whip the cream for our chocolate mousse. I learned to strike matches to light the candles in our dining room. I fact I got so good at helping her with this ritual dinner that I threw her 30th birthday party myself when I was 11. I never did get her knack at twisting crepe paper so that it hangs "just so" but I can make a pretty table if I do say so myself.

Tonight in Mom's honor, since we can't be together, I am making the type of special occasion dinner she loves!

Menu:

Standing rib roast, salted, peppered and rosemaried (thanks Ellen!)
Mashed potatoes
Sauteed green beans almondine
Seasoned corn niblets
Salad with cranberries and pecans
Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Valentine's Day Everyday

I have been sick the last week and still feel not quite up to snuff. I'd probably feel better if I just slowed down for a couple of days and took the time to get better, but I am always DOING STUFF. Anyhow, my sweetheart and my Valentine basically told me to sit down and rest. So I am. And we are having leftovers for dinner and the kids are having a pizza. And we can celebrate another night when I feel better and I have had more than 3 hours of sleep.

I hope you all have a very happy Valentine's Day!