Date nights...

As you can see from the previous posts, it has been a busy month! Mostly on the weekends...which unfortunately means that Jeff and I haven't had the opportunity to really go out on a date in nearly a month. I know we could try to do a date during the week, but that's easier said than done. With kids going to and from activities and our own responsibilities, it makes Friday or Saturday nights the easiest choice to get away. Needless to say, I needed a date! This was one of my non-negotiable items when we got married. I knew that I would have the kids full time. I knew there wouldn't be an "every-other-weekend" with no kids. And, I knew I would need time away to connect with my husband. For some couples, dates may not be a live-or-die type need, but for me, they are. We need that time to re-connect as husband and wife, as best friends, as eternal companions...not as business partners, co-parents, etc. Don't get me wrong, we have had a blast the last few weekends! I love getting together with family, but I also need time with just Jeff. I feel so lucky to have him. He is my calm in the storm. He is my rock. He is my new pair of glasses when the ones I'm looking through have skewed my perspective. He is my inspiration and my greatest support. The way we fit together so perfectly (with all our imperfections) is nothing short of divine. I am grateful that he has also tried hard to make our date nights a priority. And I am really glad we finally got one this weekend! Tonight we went to Provo. Dallin told us about a musical that was recently composed about the life of Joseph and Emma Smith. It's debut was happening at the Covey Center in Provo so I got Jeff and I some tickets. Prior to the show, we grabbed a delicious dinner from Black Sheep Cafe then happened to stumble upon a car show! I like looking at all these old cars. I just go for the aesthetics, but Jeff knows years, makes, models, engine capacities, etc. He's not a total gear head, but he does appreciate old cars. Finally, we ended our evening with the production, 1820's the Musical. I really enjoyed it. It gave me a new appreciation for what Emma must have endured and how little credit she is given based on the fact that she didn't stay with the Saints as they moved West. I can't even begin to imagine the burdens she carried or the tears she cried. I have had similar reflections on others' lives as well. Who am I to judge their journey? How many people know the inner most struggles of my heart? I know I have wanted mercy extended to me in my times of angst and imperfections, shouldn't I extend it to others? I am thankful for the talents of others that inspire me. I am thankful for the random fun we get to embrace, but mostly, I'm thankful for my incredible husband!