Happy Valentines Day!

A week ago on Sunday I made chocolate chip scones.* They were heavenly. The kids loved them, but not as much as I did. At that time I thought it would be a nice Valentines morning treat for the children ... Too bad I didn't remember until nearly 11:00 p.m. last night.

I tried a different recipe this time. They are good, but I think I'll stick to my tried-and-true Joy of Baking recipe. It must be the stick of butter that makes the difference.

Last night after the scones cooled, I packaged each in a cellophane bag and placed one at each stool at our kitchen island/breakfast bar for the children. (And I stuck one with Joe's wallet and keys for him to take to work this morning.)

While the scones were baking, I remembered that I bought a bag of M&Ms for the kids' lunch treat. I bought some adorable red-polka-dotted treat bags at Michaels last week for the very occasion. I cut the treat bags and attached some Valentines scrapbook paper to the top.

I wish I would have thought of this earlier in the morning, but when I wake up before 6:30 and start packing lunches, I'm barely awake. Taylor and Carter's sandwiches were normal, but Jackson, Mason, and Spenser's sandwiches were made with love. (I use white wheat for the sandwiches. My kids are anti-"dirty" bread and do not like to see grain of any kind in their bread, thanks to their father.)

My Valentine treat for today was a necklace with six golden hearts. Joe gave me the chain (and a bag of Ghirardelli chocolate) and each of the children were lined up with a heart in their hand, told me they loved me, and gave me a kiss. So sweet.

And I made Spenser a rushed Valentines jumper to wear to school today. I made it from pink fleece.

Instead of hemming it, I made a blanket stitch all around the raw edges of the dress, neckline and sleeves, included.

And, because I still wasn't happy with it, I made a little heart from ruffled scrap fleece. I added two satin ribbons to tie in the back. The heart, by far, is my favorite part of the dress.

Today I'm hoping to make chocolate-raspberry cupcakes for dinner, along with homemade bread and lasagna, and my little heart butter pats. But, it's Monday, which is cleaning day. And Mason has an orthodontist appointment. And I have a town meeting. And the weather is supposed to be nice, and I'd love to go for a run, but probably won't be able to fit it in.

So, have you planned any Valentine surprises for your sweeties?

*I have made the Joy of Baking scones several times in the past. I omit the dried fruit and add extra chocolate chips. Usually I throw in a small handful of mini-chocolate chips along with the regular-sized ones.*