saturday date (with soul)

Friday night the big girls slept over at grammy's and grumpy's, so Soulie experienced being an only child for a bit. One of my closest friends is finally getting hitched, so Saturday we headed out to her engagement party, after which, we made a date of it by hanging out at the beach and doing some other fun things together (with Soulie in tow).

The baby belly looks huge there, but I think that picture is funnily deceiving. Though, it is getting larger daily no doubt.

It was nice to go out on a sort of date with my Benny. We haven't gone an official date in a few months, so this was nice. Soulie was with us because my parents took the big girls to watch a musical, so Soulie couldn't go with them, but let me tell you... one kid is so much easier than three out and about!

I know one is hard. I don't knock that fact to some of you who are still in the one kid phase, but boy oh boy, life gets much more interesting with two, then three, and ask me about four in about six months! God is good in that he prepares you slowly with each time you add to your brood, but if you have twins and triplets the first time around. Well my friend, you are just in a whole other ball game! God definitely knows you could handle a whole lot then!!!

Back to our date. It was sweet, simple, and kind of spontaneous all rolled into one. We used to go on date nights weekly, but we would have to drive to my parents (30 minutes away) and leave the girls, pick them up, then drive back home. Sometimes that is kind of a hassle.

I think one thing that keeps us sane together is the fact they all go to bed pretty early, so that gives me and Ben quiet time, even though we don't go on "dates", we don't feel like we are missing out on too much. Don't get me wrong though, I think going on dates are still very important. That's why yesterday was so very special because we just got to walk arm in arm, which is easier to do with one kid, and just kind of laugh and giggle at silly husband and wife jokes together.

Ben mentioned how he listened to part of this message, which was sent to us by our Pastor, and it really resonated with him. I just listened to it and I must say, it resonated with me too. Good practical truths. Marriage is definitely an investment where both parties need to be willing to throw in their all, but God is really the one that makes the difference. With God's help, I like investing in my marriage with Ben.

So tell me, are you married? If so, for how long? If not, any engagement/wedding coming soon or are you still patiently waiting? Marriages are by no means easy and I am sure we could all learn a bit of wisdom from one another no matter how many years you have under your belt!