The Family That Eats Together

Family dinners have always been a special time of day.  Even though the gang often have other activities that keep us from eating together, I still try to sit down as a family as much as possible.  I learn a lot during dinner.  I've heard about who my kid's friends are dating and if that person is good enough, in their opinion.  I learn about the happenings on the school bus, like the girl who gave my Cutie Patootie a bloody nose.  The poor guy, not only did he get his nose punched by a girl but then he had to listen to his Mom and sisters "ooh" and "ah" over just how big a crush the little girl must have on him.   Middle Brother has to put up with the debate on if he likes a neighbour and whether or not he can date her since she calls me "Mom".  When I'm over-tired I easily laugh over the simplest thing and I continue until I can't breathe.  Brat Boy and his sister Evil One like to use dinner time to get me into one of my laughing spells.  They also like to say phrases or words to see if they can make me randomly break out in song, they usually can.  Tonight we plotted Evil One's senior prank -it's a good one!  I cherish these meals together and the laughter that rings through the air.  I hope this can continue for a long time to come.

When is too early to begin planning?

Easter will be here in 5 short weeks.  If I plan well enough then I should be able to get all of my needed supplies and my prep-work done before then.  I do know a basic idea of what we will be eating but I am always looking for new ideas for food and decorating.  My big question for the day is cake.  The last few years I had been making carrot cake, an appropriate cake for Bunny Day.

For many years I made this
cute little bunny cake for my
cute little kids.


One of my dilemma's for this year is whether to make one of those or to  go cutesy and stick with a bunny theme

This little fella is adorable and easy to make.

 Or do I want to be more adventurous and take on something a bit more complicated and go with a basket cake.  

This would be fun to make and I could use the
top to showcase the Easter candy that I plan
on making.

These cakes are so beautiful that I
would almost hate to see my gang
cut into them.

Then there is something simple and delicious like these mini cheese cake nests.  You can never have too much cheesecake.   

It is, after all, one of the tastiest food groups.

I've learned over the years that I look forward to holidays, just like a child.  The difference is that I get so much excitement out of the planning process that I can't wait for the next holiday to come around.  Easter is 5 weeks away, then I can look forward to the Fourth of July, and more planning...