I read on Emma's blog comments that my Grandpa Jack told my dad the same "shaggy dog" story about the un-asked for tire jack that Grandma Sandy (John's mom) tells.
I love hearing of in-law family similarities, matching culture and background, things we have in common.
(I remember my mom's advice that couples have enough stress and conflict without adding more differences to the relationship.)
His parents got married on the same day, in the same place, so same anniversary as my parents.
His dad is a convert. So is mine. His mom is long-time LDS member family, like mine. My family from west, with strong ties to east coast. His family from east coast, with history in west. (We still are working geographical challenges out.)
His parents are super hosts, very active in the political community, sing in the ward choir, gregarious entertainers and take care of John's grandma who lives in the same town.
My parents feed local family on many Sunday nights, work in the SL temple, are saying good-bye after the youngest son is married in a month; they put in their mission papers and are waiting for the call to leave.
When I first heard that Emma is now dating a guy who grew up being careful of wet wall paint (as a common thing) I laughed out loud with joy! That is completely like the world I have created for my kids. They have that in common!
His parents met at BYU-Hawaii. Hers at BYU-Provo. We share the same religious background, big plus.
And...?
My personality seeks for more connections with his [Dean's] family, trying to discover what else we share, besides dating children. Still struggling with protocol and appropriate getting-to-know-you-long distance attempts.
Last night I dreamed Dean had called me and said he had some time to talk. In real life I worry that would freak him out if I made that same move; I face-book stalked him at the beginning of their relationship and was too intensely curious and full of questions.
What is the balance? How does one communicate eagerness to discover similarities without overwhelming? Openess and friendliness while reserving judgement?
I would be curious to ask our kids what characteristics they think we embrace as a family culture. The culture of Landbeck that John & I have created:
Who are we? What is our family identity? What makes us, "US" and unique? Who do we think we are? How should we expect someone to get to know us? What do we do when that eagerness to discover and "know" isn't automatic or reciprocated?
I am thankful I found a man who yearns to grow more united with me every day. He loves it when we show up wearing the same color!
To get one okay photo of both of us we have to-
--take lots of photos (usually it is one or the other, not BOTH of us with eyes closed!)
This is my favorite tweak of this photo. Focus is on our eyes, not the unflattering view of my neck...
As seen here. My bangs/fringe needs a trim. I think we look better from above eye-level camera position, NOT below...I am trying to distract you with color. Can you tell where we took this?
UCBAC wrestling on Saturday. Stewart came in 3rd in his weight class; he is going to regionals next week. You can sort of see the shiner under his right eye and the scratches from wrestling earlier in the day.
John was at the library with an Eagle Scout friend working on Stewart's eagle project! He has next week to finish up, before his 18th birthday. You can see the stake president behind us. He was there to watch his nephew compete!
Best thrift store deal: I always look in the dishes, just in case they have a pizza stone. Years ago I bought the middle one at full price, mother-by-marriage lets me "borrow" hers because we use them so much and she doesn't (cookies, rolls, everything cooks better on stoneware!).
Us after a date. Even poor with no money we still squeeze in a date!
