Love and What Kids Have to Say

Today is the day.  The one day of the year that is set aside for love.  The day we're supposed to tell the person or persons we love, just how much we love them.  For some, it's the day they wonder nervously if  the guy or girl they like will like them back....will they get flowers, a card, chocolates?  For others, it's the day they have been dreading because they know there will be none of those things. 

As a blogger friend said, 'there will be lots of crying today'.  I feel sad for the ones who believe romantic love is the only kind that matters.  Yet, I used to be one of them.  With time, comes the knowledge that love from friends and family matters just as much as love from a significant other.  I wish Valentine's Day was more about love in general so that everyone could be happy on this day.

Here is what kids have to say about love.....
♥ "If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." -- Glenn, age 7
♥ "Love is like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." -- John, age 9  
♥ "Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." -- Greg, age 8
♥ "Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." -- Tom, age 5
♥ "It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." -- Kenny, age 7
♥ "One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." -- Ava, age 8
♥ "Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." -- Dave, age 8
♥ "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
- Rebecca - age 8
♥ "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
- Billy - age 4

I hope today you know you are loved!  Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Thanksgiving Gourmet Buffet

TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING GOURMET BUFFET!

Carved Roasted Turkey, Glazed Ham and Tenderloin of Beef,

Crab Stuffed Flounder and Herb Crusted Alaskan Salmon.

Maryland Style Crab Cakes and Seafood Risotto

Sage Infused Cornbread Stuffing and Garlic Smashed Potatoes,

Maple Glazed Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole.

Maryland Cream of Crab Soup and Seafood Gumbo.

Smoked Salmon and Assorted Smoked Seafood Display.

Cranberry Relish and Mixed Field Greens with Condiments.

Macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and fries for the kids.

Fresh baked breads and Gourmet Desserts

Coffee, Specialty Teas and Soft Drinks.

 
I'm not cooking the big feast tomorrow!  We are going to the Yellowfin Restaurant in Annapolis for our Thanksgiving dinner.  This menu was just too tempting to pass up!  Actually, my kids have never really cared for the traditional meal that I grew up with on Thanksgiving and the day usually ended up with the kids in a bad mood and me with a headache!  It was stressful all the way around.  When I finally let go of the traditional foods and just focused on the joy of being together and giving thanks, the holiday became much more enjoyable.  So tomorrow we will eat out and everyone can have something they like and we can all be grateful without the stress!
 
I will still make dessert to have later in the evening.  Probably Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake.  This will be the first time I haven't made pumpkin pie, even though this is the one dish everyone liked!   Now that I think of it, maybe I'll make both!
 
Whatever your plans and traditions are I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!