A "REAL" Date!!!

I'm still in disbelief that I'm using the word "date" in a blog post and that it has nothing to do w/dates on a calendar. I ACTUALLY had 2 REAL dates in less than a week. One w/Tony and the other w/Kase...Keller's will come later {when he stops telling me "I don't like you"}. I had so much fun w/each of my boys so you can bet I'll be conveniently placing more "dates" on our family calendar...especially those w/Tony's name out beside it!

My first date was on Saturday and it was more than just your normal "date night". It was almost a 24 hour date b/c it started Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and didn't end until Sunday at 2:00 p.m. My precious mother-in-law offered to keep the boys so Tony and I could have some "alone" time. She didn't even get the words out of her mouth and we had their bags packed and ready to go. I'm sure that sounds terrible but I know those w/children completely understand. We love being parents, adore our precious boys and enjoy every moment spent w/them but we needed a break. Both of us have spent the last several months {ok, maybe a year or 3} pouring ourselves into our kids that our marriage has taken a backseat to everything else in our lives. I think I'm more guilty of this than he is but nevertheless, it was time for us to focus on one another and not so much on our children and work. I'll admit, it was hard at first but after about 3 hours, I was enjoying myself so much that I didn't care about anything else. We talked, we laughed, we cried, we sang, we sat next to each other in a booth, we held hands all day and night, but more importantly, we reconnected and talked about "us". One thing we didn't do is take pictures and I'm so mad at myself for leaving the camera at home. Oh well, just gives me another reason to have another date night...soon! Thank you Tony for being the best husband anyone could ever hope for. Even though my actions don't always show it, you mean the world to me and we appreciate all you do for us. You truly keep the "circus show" running and that's one tough job!

I love you forever and ever and ever....

The 2nd date was w/my sweet and tender-hearted first born child, Kase.

Keller went to Mrs. Terrie's so that gave Kase and I some special time together. It's been a long time since it was just he and I so we took full advantage of our day by starting early. I asked him what he wanted to do b/c it was his day and I was just along for the drive. In his sweet and most sincere voice, he said, "mommy, I want you to pick". Bless his precious little heart; always trying to make someone else happy. Together, we decided we would go to PB Kids to get some things for his new desk, have lunch outside at Chili's, go to Toys-R-Us so he could use his birthday gift cards, and then whatever else we decided to do along the way. Thankfully, he was kind enough to let mommy run in and shop at Weirs since we were already on Knox St. It's impossible to be on that side of town and not stop off there. I don't know what it is about that store but I love it and always come away w/at least one new goodie. Kase found some treasures next door at Froggies and then it was time for a milkshake break at the Highland Park Pharmacy. If you've never stopped there for an ice cream treat, you are missing out...so yummy!

I just knew our date was ending when we arrived at Addi's party and Kase was surrounded by little girls his own age. See ya later mom!

The 2 other little boys weren't able to come so it was just Kase. He was a little bit shy at first but it didn't take him long to get going. His new friend "Hoppy" was there for moral support!

The weather was beautiful so we had cake and presents outside, played on the playground and even did a little splashing in the creek.

Would you believe I didn't even have a panic attack while watching Kase play in the dirty, germ infested water? I sat very quietly but the minute he got out, it was off to the bathroom for a mini shower w/antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer all over the feet. Kase had a great time and I just knew that would be the highlight of his day. However, based on our conversation, I think I was wrong...

Mommy: "Kase, I had such a good time w/you today. It was so special that I got to spend an entire day w/you all by myself. Did you have fun w/mommy?"

Kase: "Yes, but it wasn't the whole day b/c it's not even nighttime yet."

Mommy: "I know but we have to go home to see daddy and Keller."

Kase: "Why? They can have a special day together."

Mommy: {Trying to change the subject} "What was your favorite part of our day together?"

Kase: "Chili's"

Mommy: "Why was that your favorite thing?"

I didn't hear a response so I turned around and he was pointing at me w/a huge smile on his face. I think it's safe to say I'm still number #1 in his eyes and a place I hope to be forever. I love you precious Kase and can't wait to have many more dates w/you!