I like to date

My in-laws took the three older kidlets to their house yesterday for a day of play and Matt and I planned a date.

A DATE.

This happens a few times a year-and look~ I have already gotten one and it is only MARCH!

My next few weeks are going to be very hectic, busy and stressful so rather than use that time to get caught up on things that need to be done around home (like change Judah and Adele clothes to the next size up since they no longer fit into anything anymore. Or do dishes. Or do laundry. Or organize the attic. Or sweep the floor. Or dust the furniture. Or. Or. Or. Or.) or stay home sewing while simultaneously looking around at the things that SHOULD be done and feeling guilty about not doing them, I decided to blow the whole day SHOPPING.

Not buying a whole lot, more just walking around.

Enjoying getting out of the car and getting only one baby instead of loading a cart with two babies then waiting for big children to get out of the car. Checking that they are holding on to the cart. Once in the store, waiting for five coats to come off. Before leaving the store, putting five coats back on. Shopping with one child takes so much less TIME!

Enjoying not ONCE thinking about dishes or dust or what to make for dinner.

Watching people (yes, I am a people watcher) instead of focusing on where my children are and listening to the most interesting descriptions of why their shirts itch their backs. Having uninterrupted conversations.

Actually going into stores whose sole purpose is not to provide milk, cheese and poptarts to patrons.

Meandering and touching and taking time looking in every department of the stores, not just the grocery aisle.

It was bliss.

I went to JoAnn Fabrics.
I went to the Christmas Tree Shoppe.
I went to Target.
I went to Big Lots.
I went to A.C.Moore.
I went to the feed store. (okay, that wasn't romantic. But my attire was the talk of the store. Who wears heels and sparkly shirts to pick up chicken scratch? It made the news)

I looked through crochet and knitting books to my hearts content, I fondled brown pompom trim, poured over sewing patterns, tried on shoes, looked at fancy shmancy kitchen appliances, oogled lovely wall decor and ruffled pillows, pined over lovely dresses and generally had a grand time of things.

And I came home with a few future presents for people (boy, am I on the ball!), a wooden ball for future craft project (any guesses?) , and (brace yourselves people!) RED SHOES in the clearance department at Target. FOR ME! (I have always wanted red shoes.)

But not before meeting Matt after work and going to dinner and a movie. ( I know, insane. A MOVIE!)

We ate at a chinese buffet next to the movie theatre since we didn't have much time before the showing. Being a mother who puts three meals on the table for a family every single day, my idea of a going out to eat BETTER involve me being served. (is this just me???) I just don't "DO" buffets. 80% of the offerings were fish of some sort. (eeewwwwww.) Not to mention, every girl under 16 at the restaurant was 9 months pregnant. (sad, sad, sad.) AND THEN, my fortune cookie told me I was a self-righteous snob. (Because of the fish???)

Needless to say, Matt was about the only thing awesome about dinner.

He more than makes up for things though.

Just being with him makes me quake with happiness.

We watched UNKNOWN and I almost barfed while watching a car chase and car spinning uncontrollably. (Guess watching spinning cars on supersized wall has a wee bit different effect than on a 17 inch TV. Yes, I know I need to get out more.) Or maybe it was the kung pao chicken.

Matt stroked the exposed part of my lower neck when he wasn't holding my hand. Judah was a dream. We laughed together on the way home, Matt can get me going until I snort hot cocoa and sputter for air.

I love our dates. Though rare, they are precious.

I love my husband. He is rare and precious too.