Happy Valentine's Day

No big plans on the agenda at our house this year.  The Girl and I made a heart banner the other day after seeing Crystal's super easy project.  I hung the extras on the dining room light and stuck one to a mirror.

Yep, I went all out in the deco department.

I am making a semi-special dinner that I've kept a secret.  I prepped everything yesterday, so it's all ready to be cooked tonight.

On the menu is Balsamic, Brown Sugar, Garlic and Rosemary Marinated Flank Steak that we'll do on the grill.  Red and Purple Twice Baked Horseradish Potatoes.  Sauteed Grape Tomatoes, Mixed Greens and some yummy bread.  I've got a wedge of brie and some strawberries and apples that I'll slice up to munch on while everything else cooks.  And we'll open one of those bottles of wine that you wait for a special occasion to drink.  I'm trying a new recipe for dessert.  Chocolate Lava Cakes.  Mmmmmm.

I set the table for the occasion.  I figure if we're eatin' Valentine's dinner at home with three kids, the least I can do is make it a little more special than a regular Thursday.

I just cut some big hearts out of the newspaper.

The Dad got the sports page.  :)

Make sure you don't use the obits.

Not that I accidentally did that or anything.

The kids' place settings look a little lifeless.

Maybe I'll cut out a couple red paper hearts for their plates and write a Valentine note on them.

It's slim pickin's in the yard, so I just stuck a few rosemary stems in a bud vase for a centerpiece.

And candles, of course.

So there ya go.

Nothin' fancy, but a little extra love from The Mom.

Happy Valentine's Day to your house.