I've had a lovely day today, I have! The kids have been well behaved, got on with things without the nagging... that in itself is enough. But we had a lovely lunchtime treat, meeting my best friend Lisa and her nieces for lunch at Frankie and Benny's. It's the first time I've been there. I don't go out of my way to go to restaurants with kids in tow. I resent paying lots of money for a meal I can't relax and enjoy, usually spending up to an hour trying to keep whining and fidgeting kids entertained before getting served, even! But this place wasn't too bad if you don't mind hearing Cliff singing 'Congratulations' several times over for the birthdy parties. Hope was very good. She was happy sitting in her high chair for an hour and a half watching all the goings on. I brought bread sticks and fromage frais with me for her to eat. The meal deals for the kids were very reasonable, in my opinion. For £3.95, they got a main meal, dessert and unlimited soft drinks. I enjoyed my food, too.

I'm about to get some more lovely grub. Here I am, sitting at our Valentine's dinner table. We're having pear and roquefort toasts http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/8262/roquefort-toasts-with-peppered-pears followed by roast duck in a redcurrant sauce. YUM!

Gratitude Friday.

1.) My big girl who, with her friends, took the initiative to raise money for the Haiti disaster and held a cake sale at school. They raised £85.

2.) Hearts. I've done a bit of Valentine decorating.

3.) Used cards. I've saved them and the kids recycled them to make Valentine cards after school. Here HM is making a birthday card for her friend who has her birthday on Valentine's Day.

4.) Seaside shapes and chips. 'Cos I can pop them in the oven and tea is done. No hassel.

5.) Dunelm Mill. I went there today and bought this red table runner for £6.99. I enjoy the music they play as I browse round. This afternoon they played 'We are detectives' by The Thompson Twins! Cool!!!!

6.) Hubby. He's not going to wait until Sunday to cook me a nice meal. He's gonna make me one right now. XXXX