Great date

I arrived home from the gym about 6:30 pm. last night. My hubby was sitting on the couch. I wondered why he didn't race outside to help me get the children out of the van. He's always quick to help. As soon as I walked in the door, I spotted "the" package. My handsome groom had purchased the camera that we've been wanting. I really wanted it soon because we leave for New Mexico next week. I was so excited, and then I noticed something else. "Why are you wearing a tie?" I asked. "You have 30 mins. to get ready, we're going on a date," he replied. REALLY! I went through a river of emotions at this point. Excitement, curiosity, frustration (30 mins), confusion...

I quickly jumped in the shower. He gathered the children back into the van. He took them to get a movie from redbox and to get something to eat. Thirty minutes later I was ready. Earrings and all! It's rare this momma of 5 wears earrings. There's something that feels nice about dressing up.

I had a million questions. I am a detail person. Who's watching the kids, where are we going, but I took chicken out for dinner, do we have reservations... Oh silly me. Lack of faith in my ever so charming husband. (he had already put the chicken up for tonight's dinner.) By 7:15 we were off. Thanks to a special couple at our church we had a nice gift certificate that could be used at several different restaurants. Martie had chosen the nicest. Flemings at Crabree Valley Mall in Raleigh.

I really felt special as they greeted us by name. (which means he did make reservations) I was a bit overwhelmed by the menu. It's not often we get to go on a date, much less to a place like this. The atmosphere was nice, but the company was better. We had a tasty dinner and shared a delicious chocolate mousse desert. It was so nice to sit and eat a meal with no distractions. We were able to share our thoughts so openly. I am so grateful that my husband is my best friend.

We left the restaurant a little after 10. I told him that I wished we could go somewhere and take pictures. I wanted to play with the new camera. As we approached the 54/55 intersection, I was a little bummed that our evening was ending. Then he quickly turned on the side road by the Chick-fil-a. I had two thoughts. 1- he's taking the cut through to 54. 2-he's going to see if Paul is working tonight at Chick-fil-a. Then he made another quick turn in to the Courtyard Marriot. I was quick to say, "What are you doing?" Then I thought, how sweet he's going to pull over so we can talk some more, maybe he wants to pray together, or maybe we're going to play with the camera. Then he parked. Right at the front door. Again I was quick to try and figure him out, "What are you doing, where are we going, do you have a room, seriously..." He just smiled.

Apparently he had a very busy day. He had already worked out every detail of our evening. He had my sister staying with the children. My clothes were packed, along with everything I might need. (he even grabbed my makeup at the last minute) I was totally in shock, and even more so when he opened the door to our room. He had put so much thought and effort into everything. There were my favorite chocolates (Reese peanut butter cups), some bottles of coke, sparkling grape juice, rose petals everywhere, roses strategically placed.. He used the chocolates to make a heart on the bed and to write I love you on the table. Perfect, I'm telling you absolutely perfect.

We had a great breakfast the next morning and headed home. I thank God for my handsome hubby. God gave us the model for relationships, and Martie is living that model out. I am blessed. I pray that I can live up to that example too. One thing for sure, if Christ remains our first love then He will continue to direct us in our marriage, convict us, and conform us into His image.