What did you do this week, valentine??

I {heart} Valentine's Day. A whole lot. So, we made the most of it this week.

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First, I made these:

With these little peeps:

So, they could take them to their teachers ('cept for the one who is in public school cuz of those paranoid rules about "store-bought" treats only...well, I guess I can't help but agree with this rule, except when the treats come from MY house!)I got the idea from Bakerella, queen of cupcakes. These are inspired from her Cake Pops, but I made 'em heart-shaped on account of the holiday. And if you decide to do it, alls I'm sayin' is be prepared to set aside a few hours.

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Paige and I took it upon ourselves to surprise her teacher with a jar of "Happy Hearts" from her entire class and parents. I got the idea from Family Fun Mag, and tweaked it a little. This is what we did: I sent home a note a week ago with 3 cut out hearts. The instructions were for the child and parent to write a small note of gratitude to the teacher, things they love and appreciate about her.

This of course was all hush-hush, until we presented the jar for V-day. I went to the class with 3 boys in tow, gave the jar to Paige, sat the class down as I explained to the teacher what we had been up to all week. Paige then stood in front of the class and read the poem attached to the jar {hmm...I wonder where she found a willing poet?} as Mrs. Curtis cried her eyes out.

I cannot believe I didn't take a pic of the actual jar or Paige with her teacher....arghh, but it was this:

With lotsa red and pink hearts and 2nd grade handwriting

with this attached:

Happy Hearts

Inside this jar are “happy hearts”--
from your students, comes this gift.
If you read one everyday
you’ll give your heart a lift!

So, enjoy all of the “happiness”
about to come your way.
From our hearts to yours
on this Valentine’s Day!

Mrs. Curtis’ Class & Parents --2009

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We had a delicious V-day breakfast of, what else? Heart-shaped, whole grain, flax-seed-infused pancakes, sans-butter-with-maple-syrup, homemade berry syrup and strrrawberrrries. Of course.

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The culmination was a V-day couples dinner with some wonderful friends of ours. The theme was Asian slash Romance inspired.

Here is my pretty table setting , that I want to leave here forever.

And ever.

{see the chopsticks?}

The menu was a group effort:

Sweet & sour chicken & sticky rice
Fried rice

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Potstickers

Egg rolls

Cran-Raspberry Fizz Drink

And below are the result of my recent chocolate-dipping addiction that turned out beautifully, if I do say so...

These are those same Cake Pops, but without the stick.

Aren't they deliciously adorable? It's a pseudo-truffle-surprise! Cake inside!!

You must check out this phenomenal creation cupcake woman made for V-day. The truffle idea was hers.

The best part was flopping down on the couch at the end of the night with my own valentine and thanking my lucky stars for all the love.