Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Little Indulgence

I love dates with my husband. He told me he was going to surprise me for this one. As we were driving, many ideas crossed my mind, but as we passed each possibility I became more confused. Where would this road take us? The only way I knew was to the shore – but it is December. Then I remembered a conversation from awhile back. We had wanted to eat at the Bobby Flay restaurant in the Borgata, a casino in Atlantic City. Could this be our treat tonight – 5 kids home with spaghetti and us out for a few hours eating great steak? Mind you, this is not a restaurant we would frequent because of expense, but it was a special night for us.

We arrived at Atlantic City early. The crowds were small, but it didn't diminish the beauty and extravagance of the hotel. We sat at a quiet table for two and were waited on by very attentive servers. The food was wonderful, but the company was outstanding. I felt like a newlywed taking pictures – not like a woman married for 18 ½ years with 4 kids (+1 foreign student).

We took a look at the dessert menu, but decided that a venti cup of Earl Grey tea and a cookie at Barnes and Noble would suit us fine. We made the 45 minute drive back home and settled into a familiar seat at the book store. We sat in comfortable silence, shared a few things of what we were reading, made observations, browsed the bargain books, and then left for home. The unfortunate thing is that it was only 8:30 when we arrived at the house so only one out of five kids was in bed. Oh well. I enjoyed my date with my husband.

I realize that I blog a lot about my marriage and my family. I hesitate sometimes because I don't want others to think that I have it perfect or that our family has it all together. Come to our home any day of the week and you will know otherwise. However, I do consider myself to be blessed. I like to share those blessings with others. Please join me in appreciating the blessings in your life no matter how small (or how big).

I don't consider our life to be indulgent or extravagant. I do have 5 kids in our home for goodness sake. I enjoy an indulgence every now and then and tonight was one of those nights.

3 comments:

Jodi said...

What a great night. Thank you for reminding me of my own blessings as well! Have a Merry Christmas Sandy!! I'd love to plan a trip home to see my family soon. Hope we can get to meet then.

Sandy said...

You didn't even make the dinner. I did. How wrong. we are definitely not the perfect family and this is the perfect example of why.-Laura (her daughter)

He & Me + 3 said...

What a nice treat for such a cute couple. It is always OK to indulge a little. Our marriages are worth it:)