Why this blog...

I am the mother of the three most talented, intelligent and beautiful children ever to live on this earth. I am also privileged to be married to the most wonderful man! He has added three additional talented, intelligent and beautiful children to our family! I have a job that I mostly love, a wonderful education, a beautiful home, marvelous family, and I have the privilege of belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been greatly blessed in my life, but I sometimes forget that. So, I decided to create this blog as a way to remind myself of all the many blessings and miracles that surround me. (I'm also terrible at keeping a journal- so this will be something for my kids to enjoy as well.)

I hope you enjoy what you read. I would love to hear what you think!

Deanne

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Blessed to Grow Up with Grandmothers who Bake!

 Both of my grandmothers baked - a lot! One baked for her large family. One baked to stock the case at her cafe. I grew up enjoying their delicious handiwork!

Homemade wheat naan with curry over cauliflower rice!

Now I cook and bake for the relaxation... and enjoy my own delicious handiwork!


Copycat Gaston's Cinnamon Roll - look how big!

Delicious with my salted caramel cream cheese frosting!


Monday, February 15, 2021

Our Great Decision of Eight Years Ago plus a little...

 

With Valentine's Day and our anniversary, it is a great time to remember what a great decision it was and still is to be married to this man!

We "met" on eHarmony... I had been single for a VERY long time, been on too many free dating sites, attended too many singles get togethers, etc... after all of the bad dates, okay-but-not-quite-for me dates, and so forth, I felt inspired to try eHarmony. It was pricey (not quite a part of my budget at the time), but I finally signed up when the feeling to do so would not go away. Just a few days after signing up, Luke sent me a message (LUCKY Me!)


We officially met in person here (Fine Arts Center) on the BYU campus. Our unofficial first date was meeting between graduations for Cassie and Alison. Then going to eat at Alison's grandparents with Luke driving me back to my car in South Jordan.

Our first official date- walking around City Creek (which was new-ish at the time) with dinner at Kneader's (still a favorite of ours.) Luke wore his ear warmers and everything, although is was in April.

Who was interested first: He was interested enough to send me a message. I was interested enough in his profile to message back!

Who said I love you first: One night on the phone, Luke said, "Goodnight, I love you." Then hung up... I was SO VERY NOT sure if he really meant to say it or not (as this was still fairly early in our getting to know each other phase - and Luke had barely even held my hand...) It took me a while to get up the courage to ask if he had meant it.

Better driver: Him- Luke is a very careful driver which I appreciate very much!

Best cook: Luke would be happy to live off of store bought bread, milk, apples and carrots if he had to cook... enough said. (Good thing I love to cook and bake!)

Funniest: Not sure, but we both enjoy each other's sense of humor!

Who is more social: Well, the pandemic really did not change Luke's way of life that much.... 

Where do you eat out most as a couple: Luke loves to eat in... I would love to frequent Bombay House more often - we both love all types of food but especially Mexican, Indian and American.

Where was your first kiss: Is it terrible that I don't really remember? Guess there is so much more that was important to me!

How long did it take to get serious: For me, well not very long. For Luke, let's just say that as we were nearing the end of a book containing 100 questions to ask before marriage, Luke mentioned that finishing the book did not "mean anything" in regards to his getting more serious... But in fairness, Luke had only been single for a fraction of the time that I had been. He wanted to be certain that getting married to me would be wise at the time.

Things we have in common are many! Both of our fathers were high school math teachers. Both of our mothers attended and graduated from the same high school as part of the same graduating class. We both participated in a high school musical (different schools), participated in a Salt Lake Regional Dance Festival at the Salt Palace (same event!), were part of a summer computer program through BYU (different years), earned degrees from BYU (different years), and so many, many more...

I am so very thankful that Luke and I met now almost nine years ago!



Sunday, February 7, 2021

So Trying a New (for me!) Thing...

 Life is challenging right now!


So I planted some things! This is called winter sowing. I have been reading a lot, watching instructional and testimonial videos, and even joined a FB ws group.


It was great to dig in the dirt, learn about seeds, and just think about all the yummie veggies I can grow this year... plus my Facebook feed is full of happy news about growing things!

Win - win!

I will keep you posted on the progress of my plants...