February is always a special month for me. No anniversaries or birthdays, however it’s Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day. I’m not a sports junkie - but my husband is! I do like to watch football – especially when Tom Brady is playing. I secretly pretend it’s because he is an enthusiast for Pink Himalayan Sea Salt on his foods (especially because we are tried and true “BIG BLUE” fans – NY GIANTS). When I met Michael, I was 17 years old and I knew, even then, that my kitchen would have to be connected to my family room. I love to cook and he loves to watch sports. Our marriage would only work if the TV and stovetop were joined - which they are.
I actually love that Michael loves sports. It makes him who “he is” and he’s my “Mr. Wonderful!” He’s played just about everything since childhood from lacrosse to basketball, soccer and baseball. Last year he started coaching my son’s local basketball team for Parks & Recs. I remember, I finally made it to the third game to watch the kids play because my work schedule had always interfered. I arrived a few minutes late and scooted up to the middle of the bleachers where our teams parents were all sitting. A few of the other moms made room for me and said, “Hey! Your kids on our team? You’re lucky! Wait ‘til you see this coach! He’s new this year. I’m a basketball mom in this town for 11 years - all my kids have played. I’ve never seen a coach this good!”
Of course, I smiled and blushed a bit! A little later on in the game, they obviously found out that the coach was my husband! Ha! I remind him often of this story…why not?! I love him!
And so, I believe the success of our 16 years of marriage is appreciating our simple lives together. I never fuss over the toilet lid being left open or the dog not being fed… I just applaud the good. And I feed. I’m Italian and Michael’s Puerto Rican – so we sorta know how to eat in our house! On Sundays, we watch football while I cook! Meatballs and fresh sauce over pasta, sometimes. Other days, I’ll make chicken wings, pulled pork sliders, nacho platters and fun finger foods. Homemade pot pies are always a family favorite - when there’s time and left over chicken from dinner the night before. Life is really just that: learning to love each other exactly the way we find them. Accepting one another for all we are is easy if we consciously make the decision to do so. (Oh please, I’m no angel or preacher. I’ve wanted to “go out for milk” and not come home a few times!!) However, I have so much gratitude for Michael and the family life we have built together. He has supported me in everything with SALTOPIA and all I’ve ever wanted to do!
With that, HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Go Tom Brady (just because of the sea salt)!
I told you this was a “LOVE letter!”
Love yourself and each other,
Kimarie & Michael
I actually love that Michael loves sports. It makes him who “he is” and he’s my “Mr. Wonderful!” He’s played just about everything since childhood from lacrosse to basketball, soccer and baseball. Last year he started coaching my son’s local basketball team for Parks & Recs. I remember, I finally made it to the third game to watch the kids play because my work schedule had always interfered. I arrived a few minutes late and scooted up to the middle of the bleachers where our teams parents were all sitting. A few of the other moms made room for me and said, “Hey! Your kids on our team? You’re lucky! Wait ‘til you see this coach! He’s new this year. I’m a basketball mom in this town for 11 years - all my kids have played. I’ve never seen a coach this good!”
Of course, I smiled and blushed a bit! A little later on in the game, they obviously found out that the coach was my husband! Ha! I remind him often of this story…why not?! I love him!
And so, I believe the success of our 16 years of marriage is appreciating our simple lives together. I never fuss over the toilet lid being left open or the dog not being fed… I just applaud the good. And I feed. I’m Italian and Michael’s Puerto Rican – so we sorta know how to eat in our house! On Sundays, we watch football while I cook! Meatballs and fresh sauce over pasta, sometimes. Other days, I’ll make chicken wings, pulled pork sliders, nacho platters and fun finger foods. Homemade pot pies are always a family favorite - when there’s time and left over chicken from dinner the night before. Life is really just that: learning to love each other exactly the way we find them. Accepting one another for all we are is easy if we consciously make the decision to do so. (Oh please, I’m no angel or preacher. I’ve wanted to “go out for milk” and not come home a few times!!) However, I have so much gratitude for Michael and the family life we have built together. He has supported me in everything with SALTOPIA and all I’ve ever wanted to do!
With that, HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Go Tom Brady (just because of the sea salt)!
I told you this was a “LOVE letter!”
Love yourself and each other,
Kimarie & Michael