What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

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.

14 comments:

Nanci said...

All right, girl! I've known for a long time now that you are a wizard with a camera, but how in the world did you manage to get that picture??!?!?!?!!!!!?

Rebecca said...

the movie theater had pipe things sticking out of the concrete, so I propped my camera on one of them and set the timer. Then ran. :-)

Unknown said...

Love it! Love the picture! Love the Judah shadow in your hubby arms!! Love the words! Love date nights!! :)

Miranda Hupp said...

Love the picture and the post!

Bonnie said...

Sounds lovely! Hooray for the shoes! They were the first thing I noticed in that picture, and makes me wish yet again that Targets were in every direction instead of Wal*mart.
Haven't been to a movie in 7 years.
Went on a date for V. Day, and actually had a bit of conversation. I never know what to talk about though.

Amanda said...

We have 4 children as well, with my youngest being 17 months...needless to say, we don't get to go on too many dates. So when we do, they are very cherished! :) Your photo is perfect and I wish that every husband was as amazing to their wives as Matt is to you!! You are so blessed and I want you to know how much I look forward to every post...you inspire me to be a better wife and mother every day. Thank you.

JHS said...

Yay for date nights :) And I love your list of stores--I can totally relate to your pleasure at going to basic stores...without a crowd of helpers! Give me Target over Macys any day--alone!

And I really enjoyed yesterday's post--super-de-duper-de interesting. Really. :)

I bow to you and to your fam for persisting in the entire process--start to tasty finish. :)

Anonymous said...

I must confess, I really enjoyed your post. It reminded me of the few times a year my husband and I go out. We have eight children so we are usually at home. Yesterday while my daughter and I were out we heard some 'swing' music playing. She thought it was "kindof funny music," but I told her how I loved it because it reminded me of the special dates at fancy resturants that her dad would take me to. What a blessing to have wonderful Godly husbands.

Jess said...

Aww! We so need a date night. Maybe soon...
I cannot believe how big Judah is.
I am jealous of your Target,we moved and now the closest one is 45 minutes away. Grr.

Michelle G said...

LOVE the picture.
Needs to be the poster for FAMILY
because now days, too many young couples miss it....they don't see the special...the love...the "you're gonna miss this" when their family is new.
It's a great reminder picture :)
(on those days when hubby is getting on my last nerve and the kids are already there :)

You're such a good mama :)
You're such a cute couple...

Thanks for sharing :)
M

Abigail said...

Three cheers for dates, even fishy ones! That picture is fantastic, and you look fabulous. I showed it to my camera-hating Heart and told him that I expect this to happen on a future date. (Read: In my dreams and only there.)

I have Mister Magoo red shoes but no fancy ones, and I've also been on the hunt for a while. I've even thought about the usefulness of red paint, 'cause a good pair of red shoes are magic! (Have you seen Mitzi's? Saucy!)

p.s. My word verification is spedi, which made me think of spiedies, which made me hungry for your pizza.

Full of Grace said...

What a cute shot! :) It looks so adorable, whimsical, and romantic!

Glad you had a great day and wonderful date! I'm definately about due myself ;)

Leah said...

Good for you!

E Living said...

What a sweet and romantic shot. Love the "heal pop" :)
Date nights are the best. Glad you had one and it was bliss.