Suprising romance?

I hate to be cliche, but it's true : You don't have to spend a lot of money for romance! Last week was my Nine year anniversary. It did not hold a lot of promise for romance. Middle of the week, soccer practice til 8:00, no fancy dinner in the oven to speak of. But all was not lost! My husband joined us at the soccer field, late. I was not angry as he does work hard everyday and sometimes that cuts into our nights together. I had thought about having dinner for us ready as the kids had already eaten theirs, but alas I didn't. No worries, it is our anniversary, we can order take out! As we were leaving the fields, I suggested Hibachi, which we LOVE. He agrees and the task is on! We work as a team through kids baths, tooth brushing and bedtime stories. Once the kiddos are tucked in, we call in our order! I forgot to mention that when we got home, there was a beautiful vase of Daisies sitting on my table with new candles and a very sweet card. I tell you now because this was my catalyst to bring on the romance. While my beloved hubby went to get takeout ( which by the way is way cheaper than going b/c we can split one order and still have leftovers), I went into overdrive. I pulled out table linens and our china. I set the table to include the 3 delicious courses that I did not make! I opened the wine and set out the stemware. After a quick check of the hair and makeup (well at least the mascara I had put on) I squeezed into some heels and a cocktail dress I hadn't worn in a while. My husband was super smiley when he returned, and he quickly tuned the radio into some Jazz. While we ate our scrumptious dinner, we felt true togetherness, even as we realized the Jazz station was really a Gospel station. We had good conversation and felt true romance in the situation.

New Courage?

My kids and I saw a terrific movie called the Tales of Despereaux. It is about a little mouse who was special because he was brave and truthful, just as every gentleman should be. This was part of a free movie summer series that our theater offered.
After the movie was over, my six year old son came up to me and stated I can't believe he was a kid. I said yes and thought of the implication of that for him. Even though I saw a movie about a brave mouse, he saw a movie about a kid, just like him. This was a kid who chose to be brave and truthful. I just smiled, thinking, even a mouse make for a fine role model.

Sweetness!!!

No I am not talking about candy! Although candy is becoming more of an intruder to my once candyless home. But I am referring to the sweetness of people. I have been doubly blessed to have 2 amazingly SWEET children. Now I am not referring to when the might be having a tantrum at the grocery store, but when they feel happy and safe in our home.

My 2 year old wonderful, spirited little girl can be suprisingly in an instant. She will become my "snuggle bunny" as she calls it and lays it on. She grasps my face and rubs her cheeks next to mine. Gives me a nose nuzzle and says "Your the best mommy in the whole world". She is very tactile and likes touching my face a lot. I love these moments and will stop numerous times a day to receive one of these snuggle sessions.

My 5 year old tender, bright son is in Kindergarten for much of the day. When he gets home mostly we begin a bargaining session of how much computer or Tv time is going to be allotted to the day. But he cares for people, in general, quite a bit. I sometime wonder what altruistic profession he might choose one day. So for my husband and I, we get a LOT of love back from him. He is very expressive and makes sure that no one leaves the house without a hug and a kiss. Life lessons to be learned from a 5 year old for sure. And just last night while tucking him in to bed, I teared up while I told him how proud we were of him and his reading. And a moment later, he had tears of "joy" while he said he had the "greatest mom and dad ever".

It is this sweetness from both of them that I remember whenever those tantrums arrive. Yes, even in the grocery store!