Delayed anniversary

Mom and Michael's anniversary was on the 27th, but with being sick and having to plan funeral arrangements that day, I wasn't able to cook them dinner like I normally do.  To make up for this we had planned on me coming over after the funeral yesterday and whipping up a dining masterpiece and enjoying game night at their house. 

But first, presents!  Mom had been asking me time and time again to see if anyone had the movie Meet Joe Black, she had been searching for it and hadn't found it anywhere (For the record, Mom is not an online shopper either.).  She went so far as to go to Best Buy on Tuesday where they told her there were two copies in the store and yet when the associate and her went to look for it on the shelf it wasn't there.  However, I did find a copy of the movie on Monday when I went out to Best Buy shopping for anniversary presents and I was able to surprise her and Michael with it and a digital photo frame last night.

As for dinner, my menu for the night included orange-balsamic glazed chicken breasts, parmesan risotto ("Come with me, I teach you how to make risotto."....a prize will be given to the first person that knows who said that on Next Food Network Star.), sauteed green beans, a mixed greens salad and mini chocolate donuts for dessert.

Orange-balsamic glazed chicken and sides

Undressed mini donuts - its do it yourself with icing and sprinkles

After dinner we played Scrabble where I got my butt kicked in all 3 games and even after I had the best word ever in game 2!

Can you find my best word ever?

I'm not sure if it was the wine or my Catholic upbringing poking it's head out, but I so spelled out homily.  We got a good laugh about that and many other things throughout the night.  (Like when Mom got 7 tiles of 4 I's and 3 T's. or when Michael just started making up words.)  The night was a total blast and I'm so glad I got to spend the evening with them even if my cheeks did hurt from the constant Scrabble laughter.

For New Years Eve tonight rather than tackling all of the crazies out celebrating in the city, I've decided I'm going to head back over to my parents' house for round 2.  I've got my menu planned and my game face on!  I'm ready to ring in the New Year and ready for the challenges and changes 2012 brings with it, especially after all of the trials, tribulations, heartbreaks and happiness I faced in 2011.

Happy 2012 to you!  And may the New Year be a happy, healthy and prosperous one to you and your family.