a list of good things.

1) Yesterday I made the best mashed potatoes. Now, they weren't restaurant style or anything, but they were a favorite that I have made. I have searched far and wide for a good mashed potato recipe, and the one that I threw together last night with red potatoes was by far the best. I didn't measure or anything... and they were awesome :) This is very helpful to a cook who has low kitchen self esteem. I'm normally checking recipes obsessively and frequently messing up our dinners. (ie: I forget we need rice or that pasta water takes quite awhile to boil so we have to wait an extra half an hour or we go without) The Internet has been a great resource for me in learning how to chop and cook, but sometimes I can go at it alone!

2) Julie's positivity. So proud of that girl. :)

3) My lovely mom and dad in law will be coming up this weekend just for a Sunday afternoon visit. Our schedules are impossible to coordinate sometimes, and I was thankful that my Sunday off and Tim's Sunday off happened to be together! They are taking us out for lunch and I can't wait to visit with two of my favorite people.

4) Fruit Salad! I'm sorry I'm still lame with the picture posting... I really can't stand doing it on Tim's laptop and his laptop is often not home.... plus, I'll admit, I feel silly taking pictures of things like fruit salad and mashed potatoes. hehe Anyway, Amber got us started with making fruit salads and whenever we can find some good fruit on sale, we go crazy. I found a huge carton of California strawberries for just $4 at the grocery store the other day, along with buy one, get one free ripe blueberries. We picked up a couple of kiwi from whole foods and some canned peaches and I make a snack that makes me thank God for berries being in season. It's so pretty and so fresh, which brings a summer smile to my face. :) p.s. I am headed to the grocery store now to see if the strawberries are still there so I can buy some more!

5) Just got a text from my sister last night saying that she and my mom were going to try and visit the weekend of the 5th, which just happens to be the weekend after my birthday! With my work schedule having me so down in the dumps these past couple of weeks, I am hoping that I'll be able to make this work... if it works out, I'll have something huge to look forward to!

6) I saw all of Lacey's wedding pictures and they are awesome! Especially the ones of she and Andy together after the ceremony. Those two have some envious photo chemistry together. So happy for her :)

7) I rediscovered teavana's arcadian apple iced tea this morning. I mourn the loss of that tea, but plan on enjoying the rest of my stash this summer before it loses its perfect flavor. Teavana reminds me of all sorts of beautiful times with friends and my mom and summertime is my favorite time to enjoy it!

dear husband,

this past week or so you have been an absolute saint.

thank you for discovering my new favorite place to walk by the lake

with the peaceful path overgrown with all sorts of wildflowers,

skimming past the gorgeous lake and the fort sheridan cemetery,

where i am overwhelmed with emotion for the sacrifices so many have made.

thank you for going out of your way to be my egg sandwich chef.

even after a long 10 hour day yesterday, you insisted on crafting the

best. sandwich. ever.

i don't know how you do it, but it's always amazing.

thank you for discovering our new favorite thai place in chicago

it reminds me of jasmine, which reminds me of home.

thanks for loving me even when i complained

all through our lunch date the other day.

you told me to go home and take a nap

"number one priority."

and didn't chastise me once for my cranky nature.

you just knew i needed something and was patient with me until i got it.

thanks for doing the dishes the other day.

i'd put them off for about 3 days straight.

coming home to a clean sink always speaks to a love language

(my high maintenance, one of many ;D)

as always, thank you for being a man that i compare all other men to

you give all you have to provide for your family

your integrity inspires me daily.

bottom line, i love you.

thanks for putting up with me.