If you are looking for a delightful dessert for any occasion, this chocolate red wine cake is sure to satisfy your craving!

If you are looking for a delightful dessert for any occasion, this chocolate red wine cake is sure to satisfy your craving. Make it to share with the one you love.

Simple Gestures

I still remember our first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife as if it were yesterday. We were so young, just babies really…pregnant with our first, baby, actually. Josh was working full time and going to school part time while I juggled two jobs…not very well, I might add. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I suffered badly from morning sickness from the moment I woke up until the time I went to bed, and I was just so tired all the time.

On Valentine’s Day, Josh managed to get his schedule down to a half day, while I worked a full eight hour shift. I remember walking into our tiny 600 sq ft apartment and almost squishing a walkway of colorfully wrapped chocolate candies. There was soft music playing, the table was set with a beautiful bouquet of red roses, and as I turned to my right, I saw Josh in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Confession: I have not always been a fan of Valentine’s Day.

As a mom, I objected to the commercialism, the sugar-high, and the obvious cheese-factor. Seemed something of a waste of time and energy, as far as I was concerned (guess that disqualifies me from the “Fun Mom of the Year Award”?).

But now our family – including this formerly dubious mom – looks forward to our Valentine’s celebration each year.

So what changed? You wonder.

Mostly my attitude.

And I have my husband, Matthew, to thank for that. He began conspiring with the kids to come up with some sweet ideas on how they could bless each other…and me.

Hard to refuse, right?

Not only that, but they somehow managed to avoid the sappy commercialism that I detested so much and put together a celebration that truly communicated love to one another.

And that’s something this mom can get behind. To me, that’s worth – more than worth – a little extra time and  expense. I’m all about encouraging love around here!