VALENTINE'S DAY SALMON

I have always, always, ALWAYS, loved Valentine's Day. There is something about pink glittery hearts that just make my heart pitter-patter! Besides decorating my home, I enjoy cooking a yummy and fancier dinner each year for Derek and I. This year, I wanted to incorporate salmon, because it's pink (duh!), and something we love, but don't eat quite enough. I oven roasted this salmon and served with grilled asparagus & crispy fingerling potatoes, for a yummy and light dinner. We kept the meal fairly light and simple, as to not interfere with our dark and rich dessert of Sees candy, and fresh berries with whipped cream. We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday together, and although Derek's pager was the third wheel (he was on-call all weekend), it tended to stay fairly quiet! We ended the night on the couch, cozied under blankets, a crackling fire, and "The Walking Dead". It was a wonderful low-key and lovely night!

A NIGHT OF LOVE

A new year means a new slew of relief society activities! What a better time of year then February to come together as women and celebrate love of all kinds! We invited everyone to assess and find out their primary love language and come prepared to discuss and share ways we can both show and feel love for ourselves, spouses, children, family members, friends, and ultimately relief society sisters. After the discussion, it was time to feast on all things sweet-- red velvet cookies, cake donuts, and sparkling pink lemonade. It was a night of great fun, food, discussion and love. I love my calling and all of these (and many more!) beautiful ladies I am lucky enough to call friends! 

BE MINE, VALENTINE

This year for Valentines Day, we ditched the idea of going out and opted for a morning of home made cards at the kitchen table. For dinner that night, I made a favorite of bruchetta & chicken bellagio with Italian sodas, and with a big stack of Redbox movies afterwards we called it a night. The next morning I surprised Derek with sprinkled donuts, a favorite, and smoothies in bed. This year for Christmas, I gifted Derek Imagine Dragons concert tickets and after a long wait, it was finally our night to see them. The show was so much fun and the band definitely has a great time performing. I knew this would be an awesome gift for Derek because he was a total rock star while he was in undergrad and he hadn't ever been to a big arena concert. After the concert I had to steer Derek away from the big drums as best as I could, and he was just a little sad when the vendors weren't selling them after the show. Looks like I shouldn't be surpised if I come home to a drum session going on one day. 

CHOCOLATE DIPPED PRETZELS

If you know me, you know I have always loved Valentines Day. Even as a single college girl, it was always one of my favorite days. I love everything about it-- celebrating love with those you love and one too many helpings of dark chocolate had me sold from a young age. Since being married, Derek has always stepped up to the plate with making sure love and dark chocolate play a part in the day. This year, I whipped up some of these easy chocolate covered pretzels to combat our sweet tooth for a post dinner treat. They are easy, fun, cute, and perfect for little hands to help along with. 

WHY I LOVE THANKSGIVING

This. All of this. Right here. These people. This is why I love Thanksgiving. A time to sit and reflect on all you are truly grateful for. A wonderful and supportive family. Loving friends & cherished friendships. The beautiful city and country to live in. The green grass, changing leaves, and snow topped houses. The smells of a Sunday pot roast and potatoes. Inspirational talks, lessons, songs, and leaders at church. A date night to just sit and talk for hours and hours at dinner with your spouse. Gainful employment and an education. Curling up with a good book and cup of hot cider. I could go on and on. But man, would you just look. Look at all we have to be grateful for. 

A Snowed In Weekend

 On Saturday morning I was up before the sun sending Derek off to the hospital. As I peeked out the window, I could tell it was going to be a day where wool socks & the comfiest of sweaters would be worn. It seemed as though the storm held out for Derek to return home that afternoon, and then dumped buckets of  that fluffy white stuff New Yorkers call Nemo, and Michigan calls Tuesday. We promptly decided to push our dinner date and opted for an afternoon nap and then even more snuggling when we moved the mattress out to the front room for the night. So it was grilled cheese, orange crush, tile rummy & Netflix date night.  Oh, we threw some Oreo's in at the end too...what's a date without a little something sweet?

Dear Derek on Valentines Day

This past year has been a whirlwind  but I wouldn't have done it with anyone but you. I still get butterflies when I haven't seen you in a while and I will never stop loving when you give me kisses. I can't wait to spend many more Valentines days together, even if we just eat grilled cheese sandwiches and wear snuggly socks. Or this year, flying on an airplane and falling asleep to the sound of white noise. Maybe one day, it will be making a blanket fort with our adorable littles. No matter what, it will always be one of my favorite days as long as I'm with you. 

Living Like Eloise

Who else remembers Eloise? The little girl living the high life in a New York City hotel and all her adventures? Well, that's us right now, except we are in San Francisco. Derek started his clerkship here today and I have already walked my little legs to the dry cleaners, pharmacy, and even grabbed some hot chocolate. The weather is beautiful and it's even more of a treat that I am able to stay with Derek this month. We might not have a usual and traditional lifestyle right now, but we are over half way done with clerkships and by Christmas we will be back to our somewhat normal life. In the meantime, we will just be happy and grateful for this month together. 

The Mile High City

 Besides Denver deciding to have a cold snap & a dusting of snow Friday morning, the city proved itself well to me. The colorful changing trees, charming lower downtown, and the cool crisp air were just some of my favorite things. My favorite, most of all, was getting a big hug and kiss from my handsome husband. We spent a lot of time just talking, walking, and snuggling, which is exactly what Derek needed after a demanding month in D.C. Between walks hand-in-hand, we ate at local hot spots, window shopped, and enjoyed just a few of the beautiful parks in the area. It was a very laid back weekend, but I don't think either of us would've changed it. 

A Month Too Long

Today,  I have my bags packed and am jumping on a flight to Denver. It's been over a month since I've seen Derek, and I am literally too excited for words. Our weekend in the mountains will be filled with walks, talks, eats, snuggles, warm sweaters & hot chocolate runs. 

I can't wait to see the changing leaves and actually feel cold. But I'm even more excited for a big bear hug from my handsome mister.