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. 

MY OVARIAN CYST

Last Monday was a big day. The past few months I have been waiting for the removal of a very large (13 cm) ovarian cyst from my right ovary. I am happy to report that it was removed cleanly and without any damage to my ovary & tube, which all my doctors and surgeons had warned me of. I am thankful for their skilled expertise, the prayers and faith of countless family and friends, and the chance I have to finally be rid of something that has been a very long and painful road. Derek took a vacation week and has been with me everyday, playing doctor. He's so good at it, no wonder his patients adore him. I have been up and moving more and more everyday and feeling more like myself. It's been a week of pain, love, and a lot of sleep, but more a week of relief.

WHEN DEREK HOLDS THE CAMERA AT SEA WORLD

Derek finally had a weekend off so we spent it doing what we do best--making a plan and then doing something totally opposite. The weather was too good to pass up and be spent inside a movie theater, so we went to Sea World for a couple of hours. We basically had the park to ourselves, lending us the chance to finally ride the new roller coaster 3 times in a row and get a private show by the noisy Sea Lions (Derek's favorite). If Derek does anything better then being a doctor, it's taking photos. He's (slowly) learning the ropes of the camera and how not to take un-flatering photos of his wife. {Side note: I could do an entire blog post, no series, on the photos this boy takes of me. The angles, the up close on the nose, the mid sneeze or clothing adjust. It's an art form really.} This time around, we walked away with one too many photos of the sea lions and a mini photo shoot of me putting on chap-stick, checking my phone, and drinking water. All of course while him behind the lens saying, "Work it. Work it. Oh yeah, baby!" That boy man, just gets funnier and funnier each day.  

*This bag has gotten so many comments, here is the link for the Steve Madden BMAXXIM Bag*

GRANDMA TATUM'S BANANA NUT BREAD

Banana nut bread is the quintessential item I go to when I think and need comfort food. It was that item I could easily whip up on a cold night in college after an exam, or that "go to" item to take to friends & neighbors. My recipe, the one that my Mom & Grandma both use is the best--hands down. It's light, airy, and just the right amount of banana. (coming from a girl who doesn't like bananas, this is key) Part of my birthday goals was to compile a list of local San Diego favorites, but I got to thinking that some of my favorites are in my own recipe book. Each month I will post a favorite item ranging from dinner foods to tasty treats. I hope that some of my recipe book favorites can become some of yours as well. Happy eating, and watch for those crumbs in the keyboard--- they are a pain to get out!