It’s another new week and our grass is finally green and needs to be mowed (wahoo because nothing smells more like summer than a fresh mowed lawn) and it’s slowly getting warmer and our forecast also calls for rain five out of the next six days. What a week – it’s going to be amazing!

I know I say this about every weekend…but it was another good one. Ben gave me an evening out for dinner + the orchestra for my birthday on Saturday, and it was such a perfect evening that I just wanted to freeze it forever and never let it go. We had dinner here, and I had the best salmon I think I’ve ever tasted…and I’ve tasted a lot of salmon. The orchestra performance was fantastic, and the evening’s theme was appropriately titled “Let’s Fall in Love,” and I may have squeezed by handsome date’s hand countless times when there was a romantic moment or song lyric that said it perfectly. The people sitting around us probably thought we were young and crazy and in love, and who am I to attempt to convince them otherwise.

I’m not a huge classical/orchestra listener in general…every once in a while I’ll turn on a classical Pandora station and listen for a few hours…but when you’re sitting there watching this music being performed by all these musicians who clearly adore what they are doing…it’s breathtaking. It’s like a small piece of heaven on earth.

Plus, there are a lot of old people at the orchestra…which is cool.

Some shots:

We have some projects that we are working on (plank dining table, closet shelves, etc.) and needed some genuine old board. We spotted this torn-down building a few miles down the road from our house, tracked down the owner, and got permission to salvage all we wanted! We spent an evening picking through the pile and loading up some sweet pieces (ok, ben actually did most of the picking and loading). Free lumber for all!

I used to not be a huge fan of asparagus, but have developed a genuine appreciation for it since being married to Ben. It’s one of his favorites, and has become one of mine! We prepare it a variety of ways: oven roasted, pan sauteed, grilled plain, or bacon-wrapped grilled.

Yes…yes, she is. I love this little miss. She’s so full of fun and mirth and awesome-ness. Please note that if you are interested in her, you must be of the most outstanding quality. You must be a gentleman and treat her with the respect and sweetness that she deserves, and you must also be fun and make her laugh and give her good times.

Some links:

– This works.

– Best necklines for your shape.

– Good questions for buying things.

– Want to try this. 

– Also, this.

– Good + brave word from a good + brave friend.

– READ THIS.

– Listening to this forever + ever.

Have the most amazing week ever!

What about you: classical music, yes or no? Rainy weeks, yes or no? Asparagus, yes or no?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

First of all, thank you for your overwhelmingly encouraging responses to this post last week. I was blown away by the comments you left and the way that many of you connected to the story. I struggled so much with sharing it…because even though I knew I wasn’t the only one to face these feelings and fears, I kept hearing this in my head: no one will understand.

But it has been reaffirmed once again that all of us, every single one of us, have battles we face. Our battles are different and not everyone faces an eating disorder. But no one is exempt from the attacks from the enemy of our heart, but even more importantly, no one is exempt from the rescue from the One Who died to save. No matter what we face or what kind of chains we find ourselves caught up in, there is hope. There is always hope.

So thank you. Thank you for opening up about your own life and battles, and inspiring courage in doing so.

We had a really good weekend, and had such fun having my parents and sister up for a visit! It was a last minute decision for them to come, and my sister managed to sneak up without me knowing it until she was standing in my kitchen. Fun surprise! And even funner one for Ben here…hehe.

I’m feeling like feeling productive this week, and this warm air makes me want to do all kinds of things around the house. I have a lot I need to do in the flowerbeds, since I so sweetly completely ignored them last year. Plus, continuing on with some spring cleaning and organizing. It’s always a good feeling to get things done and checked off that list.

Some links:

– Keep our skin thin.

– Serious???

– For those who mix patterns.

– Oh, English…

– Good for us all.

– Eggs around the world.

– Strawberry + basil smoothie!

– Good tips for those of us who have black thumbs.

Have a great week!

What about you: does warm weather make you feel inspired and productive?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!