Sewing Adventures

After seeing so many tutorials on pinterest for cute outfits, I decided that it was past time for me to try my hand at sewing clothes for my little ones.  Afterall, I can only take so much of searching the racks for any sign of modest little girl clothing.  Since when are booty shorts and mid-drift tops ok for a five year old (let alone an adult)? This week, I ignored all the housework staring at me in the face, got some fabric and got to work.  

If your children are anything like mine, they outgrow their clothes like whoa.  Madi has one pair of jeans that fit now and about 5 pair that are ready for the flood zone.  So, the first couple of outfits I wanted to try involved repurposing those high waters.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

Here is the first one I tried.  You cut off the bottom of the jeans below the pockets and zipper, and add two layers of ruffle fabric to the bottom.  My only caveat is I would measure the length you want the skirt to be instead of just going by her recommended length.  I would have liked the skirt to be a little longer.  But I still think its adorable! You can find the tutorial here.

The second jean repurposing outfit I wanted to try was this pair of adorable ruffle bottomed jeans.  I had some leftover fabric hanging around, and they turned out so cute.  My only problem was finding the right pair of shoes to go with them.  Apparently, we need to restock Madi's shoes.  We ended up going with tennis shoes.  Something I noted with this tutorial is that you want to use a pair of jeans with a wide leg bottom.  The pair I used were straight legged and they work, but when you pair them with any substantial shoe, there isn't much room. You can find that tutorial here.

The final tutorial I worked on was this awesome color block, reversible skirt.  It looked fairly simple and I love the fact it is two skirts in one.  More outfits, less work! Getting the waistband to line up on both sides was a little tricky, but if I can sew this anyone can! Check out the tutorial here and while you are at it, look at the other tutorials! They are all adorable and she patterns for women, girls, babies, and boys!

 

Not only is my model adorable, but I love that she loves to wear the clothes I make.  No embarrassment here! In fact, she is begging for more! Hopefully that will last a while. :)

I've got my eye on several dresses for my next project.  I will be sure to share and let you know how it goes!

much love, 

bc

a baby and strawberry pancakes

So my blogging attempts have been derailed a little in light of some news.  We found out 2 weeks ago that we are pregnant with our third little miracle! Unfortunately, I realized I was pregnant because morning (haha, what a misnomer) sickness hit.  And has been hitting pretty hard ever since.  Baby number 3 came as quite a shock, but we are thrilled! 

Because my family has been so sweet and taken such good care of me, I wanted to make them a special breakfast Saturday.  So, I made Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes! They were delicious!

Most of you know, we eat a plant-based diet, so I was thrilled when the recipe fit our criteria and tasted great too. :) 

Here's the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie, you should give it a try:

Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes

(Serves 4)

• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• 1 1/3 cup flour (ww pastry, white, spelt, Bob’s gluten-free, etc.)
• 8 tbsp rolled oats
• 2 2/3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp unrefined sugar
• 1 1/3 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 tbsp unrefined coconut oil 

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, then add wet. Mix, but don’t overmix. Cook on an oiled (or sprayed) pan, on low-medium, flipping each pancake once. You can boil some more strawberries (with a bit of sugar if you wish) and smash them to make a compote for a topping. Or you can top with powdered sugar or vanilla coconut icecream ;)

Enjoy!

They're yummy!

much love,

bc

{our new South African friend}

We have the privilege of hosting a young lady from South Africa in our home for two weeks.  She is beautiful, quiet, and polite.  It has been interesting adjusting to another person in our home, but it has been so fun! Her and her 10 classmates are here in America to study our school systems and have been taking copious notes.  They will take what they learn here and use it to better their school in South Africa.  We have been blessed to hear them sing and even heard a little bit of testimony.  One of my favorite things is just getting to know a body of Christ, fellow brothers and sisters from across the Atlantic ocean.  It is so incredible!

Josh and I laugh often because we have realized how much we rely on slang, sarcasm, and otherwise "improper" English.  Apparently, we hang out with teenagers too often (ha.).  Sometimes Sphiwe's eyes get a little glassy and I realize she has no idea what we are talking about.  While her English is awesome, it is school-taught and therefore the way we use some words is foreign to her.  

It has been fun taking her to some of our favorite places and restaurants. Her favorite place so far is Gelati Joes.  :) We are surprising her with Hollywood Studios on Monday, as well as several of the other students, and we cannot wait to see the park through their eyes.  They take (or want me to take) multiple pictures of EVERYTHING, so I will probably have 200 just from that day! I will need a large photo album to hold all of the ones we have taken so far.  

If you have any other ideas for "must see" Florida fun, let me know!

Here are some pics to share! :)

(top left: Blake Academy, Panera Bread, playing Mario Cart on the Wii, Bonfire with S'mores;

bottom left: Palace Pizza, Chick-fil-a, Remedy student service, Gelati Joes)

I promise we have done more than eat, but those pics are still on my camera. :)

much love,

bc

{easy three-bean vegetable chili} and {refried bean and avocado soft tacos}

Now, don't eat these two meals together.  HA! 

I am just behind on posting some recipes so I thought I'd give you two!

The chili is such a good throw it on the stove (or even in a crock pot) and let it cook recipe.  It makes a pretty large batch and freezes well.  We end up eating it for dinner, then lunch the next day, then dinner again.  And it is SO healthy.  Its full of tons of veggies.  Just a word of warning, you need to let it simmer at least 2 hours so plan accordingly. :)

Here is that recipe:

Easy Three-Bean Vegetable Chili (recipe from Eat to Live by Joel Furhman)

5 tsp          chili powder

1 tsp          ground cumin

10 oz         frozen onions

3 C            frozen broccoli

3 C            frozen cauliflower

3 cloves     garlic, chopped

1 can         pinto beans, no salt added (nsa) or low sodium (14.5 oz)

1 can         black beans, nsa or low sodium (14.5 oz)

1 can         red beans, nsa or low sodium (14.5 oz)

1 can         diced tomatoes, nsa (28 oz)

1 can         chopped mild green chills, drained (4 oz)

2 1/2 C      frozen or fresh corn kernels

2 large       zucchini, finely chopped (or a bag of frozen squash)

2 C            water, (or more depending on your preference)

All you do is dump everything in a large pot, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.  
When you are feeling frisky, you can change up the beans and veggies to give you some variety.  I love to add carrots and green beans, or add in black eyed peas.  Go crazy! :)

All ready to simmer!

______________________________________________________

Every once and a while you need a good taco. 

I found this recipe at Whole Foods (they have a great plant-based section!) and gave it a try.
The recipe tells you to top it with lettuce, tomato, and avocado, but you could top it with your favorite salsa, corn, or whatever else you like too! (Just don't add cheese or sour cream!) If you aren't an avocado fan, just leave them off.  However, they do make a nice substitute for sour cream.

Refried Bean and Avocado Soft Tacos

1 medium     white onion diced

2 cloves        garlic, minced

1 1/2 C         low sodium vegetable broth, divided

1 can            pinto beans, nsa or low sodium (28 oz can or 2 14.5 oz cans)

1 1/2 tsp       ground cumin

1/2 tsp          ground black pepper

1/2 tsp          fine sea salt (I just use my regular sea salt)

8                   corn tortillas

2 C               shredded romaine lettuce

3                  roma tomatoes

1 1/2            avocados, thinly sliced

Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot.  Add onion and garlic and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until beginning to stick to skillet.  Stir in 1/2 cup broth and continue to cook 6-8  minutes or until onion is translucent and very tender.  Reduce heat to medium-low, add beans and cook 2 to 3 minus to soften, stirring frequently.  Mash beans with a potato masher.  Stir in remaining broth, cumin, pepper, and salt. Cook 2 minutes longer or until warmed through, stirring occasionally and adding water or more broth as needed for desired consistency.

**Tip - I did not use all of the veggie broth.  Add a little at a time until you get desired consistency.  I liked it just thick enough to hold together, not runny.
**Tip 2 - warm tortillas in the microwave between two damp paper towels. :)

Bon appétit!

much love,

bc

Corn Chowder Quinoa Casserole, Roasted Green Beans, and Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am going to post recipes from my week of meals that my family enjoyed.  
Its hard to determine if plant-based meals you find will be yummy, or not so much.  
I am going to do them in separate posts so they will be easier to find. 

This meal is: 
Corn Chowder Quinoa Casserole (from Dreena Burton's Let Them Eat Vegan Cookbook) 
paired with Roasted Green Beans and Chocolate Chip Cookies (from Dreena Burtons blog) for dessert.

*forgive the poor picture quality, I snapped one with my phone right before I dug in

Casserole Recipe:

2 C           nondairy milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)

1 1/2 C     frozen corn

1 C           uncooked, rinsed quinoa

1 C           vegan veggie stock

1/2 C        chopped onion

3/4 C        seeded, diced red bell pepper

2 TBSP    EVOO

1 tsp         dried basil

1/2 tsp      dijon mustard

1 large      bay leaf

1 can        cannellini beans (14oz can)

1/2 tsp      sea salt

                 freshly ground black pepper

1-2 TBSP lime juice

3-4 TBSP chopped flat-leaf parsley

1-3 TBSP extra nondairy milk

Preheat Oven to 400 degrees.  Combine 1 C of milk with 3/4 C corn in blender and puree. In a large casserole dish (8x12inches), combine this mixture with reserved corn plus all the other ingredients (except lime juice, parsley, and extra milk) and stir well.  

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  After this time, remove from the oven and stir again.  Put foil back on and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the quinoa is cooked through.

Remove from the oven and remove the bay leaf.  Add the lime juice and parsley, sitr well, add the milk if you would like the mixture to be a little thinner, and serve.  

Roasted Green Beans

1 bag frozen green beans

EVOO

Sea Salt

I used the same oven/temp (400 degrees).

Spread out green beans (still frozen) on cookie sheet.  Spritz with olive oil and sprinkle with seasalt.  Toss to coat (spritzing and sprinkling more sea salt if needed).  

Bake in oven for approximately 15-20 minutes until green beans look a little toasty.  Turn halfway through baking.  

*I like mine well done, so they end up a little more brown.

Chocolate Chip Cookies 

1 C           Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 tsp         baking powder

1/2 tsp      baking powder

1/4C         unrefined sugar

1/4 tsp      sea salt

1/3C         maple syrup

1/4 tsp      molasses

1 1/2 tsp   vanilla

1/4 C         neutral oil

1/3 C         non-dairy chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.

In separate bowl, mix syrup, molasses, vanilla, and oil.

Add chocolate chips to dry mixture, add wet ingredients. Combine.

Place on cookie sheet.  (I use tablespoon-sized balls and end up with 1 dozen) Press balls to flatten slightly.

Bake 10-12 minutes until just starting to brown.  (Overbaking will cause them to be crispy)

you eat what?

In September, our family decided it was time to change the way we eat.  Through lots of research and talking with a family friend (who is also a nurse/nutritionist/personal trainer and many other things), we decided to switch to plant-based, nutrient dense eating.  Even the most staunch carnivore cannot deny that the way we eat in America is not adding anything our health, especially to that of our children.  I hate to say that we are "vegan" simply because it tends to have a negative connotation, and truly, you can be vegan and not eat healthy foods.  We eat mostly fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans, and healthy grains.  Now, occasionally we give in to our desire to eat a hamburger or grab some ice-cream, but that is a small part of our diet.

We are doing this mainly because we want our family to be healthy.  The links between animal proteins and cancer are documented.  Obesity, especially in children, is on the rise. And God provided everything we need to eat in nature.  Let's be real.  As much as I love a handful of m&ms, they don't exactly grow on trees.  

However, one startling (albeit expected) benefit of eating this plant-based, nutrient-rich diet has been weightloss.  My husband has lost 48 pounds and I have lost 38 (so far). Its awesome! 

If you want to talk to me a little more about what we eat, or even why, just let me know.  I am happy to chat with you.  I have had several friends and family members start their healthy new journey in the last month.  Its worth it!

Resources: 

I HIGHLY recommend reading Eat to Live by Joel Furhman or The China Study .

And, if you have access to Netflix, check out the documentary Forks Over Knives.

Cookbooks:

Let Them Eat Vegan by Dreena Burton

The Everyday Happy Herbivore by Lindsay Nixon

(strict dieting recipes included in Eat to Live)

I am going to periodically post recipes also that I try that are delicious, so keep an eye out! 

much love,

bc

{the october dress project} Day 1, 2, & 3

The October dress project is something that has been done before, but this is my first year participating. I am so excited to be stepping out on a limb, going out of my comfort zone, and doing something so simple, yet so beyond... me.

For 31 days I am wearing the same dress. Every day.  It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Jesus.  He calls us to be less so He is more.  To do less for ourselves and more for others, so I, and a bunch of my friends, are doing something.  The ODP is part of a larger event called the 12 x 12 Project (see the page on FB for more info) and this is the first month.  In addition to ridding ourselves of excess this month, we will be raising awareness for the people of Uganda.  While we live with abundantly more than we could possibly need, there are people around the world starving, without homes, clean water, and basic necessities.  

While it is easy to seem like one person can't make a difference, I beg to differ.  Even small purchases, like my dress from One Mango Tree, contribute to changing lives.  This company makes clothing from seed to sew and supports women fairly so they can take care of their families.  
You can do it too!

I have two friends whose families are both adopting two little boys from Uganda.  How awesome is that? It has been amazing to follow their stories the past few months and has stirred my heart for international adoption.  They are changing the lives of 4 little boys.  Those little ones will never be the same because of these two families obedience, sacrifice, and most of all, their love.  Could you help them on their journey? If you are interested, comment below and I will let you know how YOU can help and be a part of their journey.  

It is not to late to be a part of these projects.  We would love for you to join us in the adventure of a lifetime.  But whether you participate in 12x12 or not, don't be content to just sit back and go along for the ride.  Step out in faith and dare to love those who have no voice.  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Reach out to the "least of these".

much love,
bc



Day 1:

Pink Tank, Black Flats, Uganda Bracelet

Day 2:

Yellow Scarf, Black Flats

 Day 3:

White Tank, Blue Uganda Beads, Gold Sandals

{Treasure every moment}

[Apparently, I took a summer break from my blog.

I can't believe it's been four months!]

Every once and a while, the hubs gets really sentimental. 

 Last night was one of those times.  

He practically had me in tears, but reminded me of something valuable.

(hey, it happens once and a while)

 It is so easy to get frustrated and see how busy we are 

and how our kids don't eat or sleep or calm down or help or 

keep their room clean or keep your house clean or 

leave you alone for five minutes to use the bathroom.  

But…

One day they will grow up.  

Your influence in their life will be greatly diminished.  

Your time with them will be greatly diminished.  

And you. will. miss. this.  

They will go off to college but you will remember taking

them to their first day of preschool.

They will get married, but you will remember dancing

with them in your arms in the living room.

They will have children of their own,

but you remember a tiny baby nestled in your arms.

You will miss snuggling your little one at

1:00am and again at 4:00am and 6:00am. 

You will miss hearing the scrambling little feet that found you 

when you were hiding for just two minutes of peace and quiet.  

You will miss the 400 questions every day from your preschooler.

(I promise, you will)

 And you will miss the days your kids just needed to snuggle on the couch 

even though you had 1,000 other things to do.  

So, don't view them as interruptions or inconveniences, they are blessings.

Sometimes you will have to look really hard to see the blessing.

Like when your daughter decides to color on her light bulb 

and almost sets her room on fire.

Take each moment 

and treasure it.

Our Accidental Butterfly Garden

Last year, we planted a few butterfly plants in our raised bed in the back yard. 

 Among those we planted was a milkweed bush. 

 Towards the end of summer the seed pods burst open. 

We had fun blowing the seeds all around the yard and watching the wind carry them everywhere.

 I knew that they wouldn't sprout in the yard because Josh mowed regularly (haha.) 

 In our back yard, there is a small section that sits between the fence and the house, and apparently, doesn't get mowed.

Imagine our surprise when we happened to glance around the corner and found this.

The milkweed seeds had gotten trapped in this corner and 

this year sprouted into a bountiful butterfly garden!

I guess I should be glad my hubby wasn't mowing back here?

Its been fun every morning coming out to hunt for caterpillars.  

There are tons of Monarch caterpillars munching leaves everywhere. 

We get to see them eat, grow, build their chrysalises, and then hatch and test out their new wings! 

Its been quite the educational experience for Madi.  Homeschooling at its finest! :)

The very hungry caterpillar.

Searching for a good chrysalis making spot.

When they make a "j" and start getting darker, you know they are making their chrysalis.

Chrysalis almost ready to hatch!

It's empty!

I couldn't catch a picture of the new butterfly.  It was very skittish and as soon as it saw me flew clumsily away.  

Isn't this cool though? 

If you'd like to come visit, just let me know! :) 

much love,

bc

Redeemed {Review and Giveaway} ((closed))

Congratulations to 
MANDY 
You have won the Redeemed Wallet! 
(winner chosen by RaffleCopter with random.org)






Redeem.  To pay off, buy back, recover.  

All of those, and more, describe what Jesus did for us.  He paid the price for our sin.  He LOVED us so much that we were worth dying for.  He redeemed us from our sin.  He paid the price for our eternity.  

We are beautiful, valuable, loved, treasured.

I am so thankful to be reminded of how important I am to my Savior.  

I was contacted by Dayspring to do a review of their new Redeemed Makeup Bag and Wallet.  

They are awesome! Not only are the patterns beautiful, they are embroidered with scripture.  

The makeup bag has inscribed "truly beautiful Ecc. 3:11" and the walled has "truly treasured Rom. 8 28".  

They are both made from glossed canvas and oil cloth. 

Take a look. 

The makeup bag is roomy and can be used as a clutch also.  Or, if you are a mom, a nice little take along wipe and diaper case.  :)  

The wallet has a snap enclosure and an adorable chevron pattern across the front.  It has just enough room for some, important cards, and if you are lucky enough to have some, cash and change! :)

Don't you want one? You'd like the chance to win the Redeemed wallet? 

Well, enter here! (winner must cover shipping costs)

I love Lakeland.

As a teenager, which is pretty normal, I couldn't wait to get out of this city! I thought there was never anything fun to do and I was always soooo bored. 

But now, as an adult, wife, and mother, I love Lakeland! It is such a great mix between a big city and a small town.  And while yes, the ever increasing traffic is giving my patience a run for the money, there are so many things I love about it.  I have lived in other states so I know what else is out there, and nothing has felt like home quite like here.    

I LOVE that almost anywhere I go, I run into someone who I know.  

I LOVE that we have events like First Friday, Pics on the Promenade, and a great Christmas Parade where the attraction is more the fellowship beforehand than the actual parade.

I LOVE that I have a group of friends who we have grown up together and now are having babies together.

I LOVE that my husband is a pastor at the church where we have attending almost our entire lives and now, where my children are growing and learning.

I LOVE that I live in central Florida and the beach is an hour in either direction.  

I LOVE that the weather is beautiful, and while this summer promises to be scorching hot, we don't have to shovel several feet of snow.  Ever.

Most of all, I LOVE that I am growing my family surrounded by a great community.  A "village", if you will, full of church family, MOPS family, friends of all ages, and an ever changing flow of people God puts in our path to serve every day.

I don't know why I felt the need to write about this, but if you are a part of my Lakeland family, or anyone we have had the privilege of crossing paths with, know that we love you and are so glad to have you as a part of our life.  

thankful,

bc

Purity - Fighting for Our Children

If there was ever a topic that is near and dear to my heart, it's purity.  

My husband, Josh, and I dated for over 6 years and we were able to exchange vows to one another on our wedding day knowing that we kept our hearts and bodies pure for one another.  

This world is trying to steal the purity of our children.  It doesn't just start once they become teenagers.  We have to begin praying, teaching, and guiding our kids from preschool age.  We have to fight for our children.  We cannot just sit back and let the world decide what they learn and know.  The media, even some "children's" programming, is saturated with sexuality.  It teaches our young ladies that is ok to show off parts of their bodies and boys and girls that there is nothing wrong with exploring sexuality before marriage. Satan will use whatever means necessary to steal a generation from knowing and loving marriage the way God intended.  

Seeds Family worship has long been a favorite in our house. It is plain and simple.  Scripture set to music.  Word for word, without extra fluff.  

Its great, not like those annoying children's songs that make you want to pull your hair out.  Instead, I enjoy listening to it right along with my children.  

Seed has just come out with a Purity album.  {{Big Smile}}

I have only listened to one song, but its fantastic! 

They are marketing it to youth aged children, but there is no reason preschoolers cannot begin to hide these words of purity in their hearts.

The entire album is just $9.99 and you can purchase it here:  

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/purity-album

If you would like to receive a free download of the song "Your Word" and a free devotional download, 

you can take the Parent's Purity Pledge here: http://parentspuritypledge.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k1/

Teaching purity won't be taught in schools and it isn't the sole responsibility of the church, 

it begins in our homes.  Pledge to begin instructing your children in purity.  

Teach them that real love and lasting relationships don't come from anyone else but Jesus.  

much love,

bc

   

Valentine's Day Strikes Again

So, Josh and I don't have the best luck with Valentine's day.  I know some people are of the mindset that you should show love all year long and that it is silly to celebrate such a holiday... but we are of the mindset that we do show love all year long and Valentine's day is a special day set aside to celebrate how blessed we are and how much we love each other. You can't plan special dates, surprises, and buy flowers and gifts every day; at least, we can't, we don't have the money to.  So, a couple of times a year (like valentine's day and our anniversary) we treat and spoil one another. :)  

Anyway, Josh was determined that this Valentine's day would be different... seeing as how our past history included no dinner reservations, trying to make reservations a few days before, failed back-up plans, or nothing at all.  And people, that went on for 12 years... This year, Josh made reservations (!) and he made them 7 weeks in advance (!!), which was a miracle in itself.  He didn't tell me any of the plans just that we'd be gone for several hours and to wear something dressy.  

Valentine's day just happened to fall on a Tuesday and you all know that means its a MOPS morning! So, the day begins with a special MOPS.  We had a couples panel (3 couples) that answered a few questions and shared about their Godly marriages and how they handled different circumstances through the years.  While one couple was sharing, in comes my husband with 3 dozen roses, a giant bunch of balloons, a card, and a box of chocolates.  Now, mind you, this is in front of about 70 ladies.  I was blushing as red as the roses he brought in, but can I tell you, it was the sweetest thing.  He strolls in looking as proud as a peacock and I am a little shocked that he even attempted such a thing. It was a little out of character for my man, but completely and utterly wonderful.  The flowers were beautiful and the card, perfect.  

That was just the beginning of the special day he had planned.  

Following MOPS we went to lunch with some friends and then I ran out to find something to wear.  I found a beautiful top at Versona - I love that place!- and then I raced home to get ready.  I spent the normal amount of girl time getting dressed and fixing my hair and then by 4:55pm I was ready to go.  

Now, the babysitter had arrived and received instructions and we were all set to jet.  He walked me to the car and in my seat was another rose waiting for me. Then, we got on the road and headed to Orlando. I knew this was going to be a night full of sweet surprises. 

I wish I could say the night continued in lovely bliss as we drove into the sunset, but alas, it was not meant to be.  Headed down the parkway, I get a call from the sitter.  My dear, sweet, precious son could be heard screaming in the background.  The sitter informed me that he wouldn't drink from his bottle and was now inconsolable.  After sharing all my tricks of the trade to get him settled down with no results... we had no choice.  We had to turn around.  

It was on the drive home that my husband informed me of the plans he had for the rest of the night.  Dinner at my favorite restaurant, Seasons 52, a table reserved on their back deck overlooking the lake so we could watch the sunset together, dessert, and then to see a movie I've been looking forward to for months. Awesome, right? Yeah, thats what I thought too.

So, while Josh was canceling our reservations, my thoughts were swinging between love for my precious husband who went through so much trouble to make the night special, sadness for what was not meant to be, and thoughts of peril that I might never be able to leave my son again, that I would forever have a permanent accessory... (haha).  

We get home and neither of us could get Jake to drink the bottle.  I was trying to refuse giving him exactly what he wanted, because I still wanted my hot date.  But, he wouldn't take it, and I'm not going to let my son starve.  He ate and as soon as he finished we, the three of us now, went on the prowl for a something to eat.  Now, remember that Josh and I are dressed quite nicely: he in a suit jacket and me in my dressy black pants and new top.  Of course, we all know, me especially, that you cannot get into a restaurant on Valentine's day, even more so a nice place.   We quickly eliminated the obvious non-contenders like Bonefish, Louie Mack's, Carrabas, then eliminated the second place choices like Outback, Mimi's, and Abuelo's, and then realized we didn't have many options left.  

And then we saw it.  That famous (at least around these parts) little man wearing an apron and a cowboy hat.  Oh yes, we were so going to do it.  We are going to eat at this barbecue joint wearing our dressy best and toting along a little munchkin who was not on my favorite list at the moment.  

Our valentine's day dinner was going to be Sonny's.  

We walk in amid several people wearing jeans, shorts, and t-shirts and are given slightly confused glances.  We put our name on the list because even Sonny's is on a short wait, and then step back to wait our 10 minutes. We even see a couple from church sitting across the room so we go over and say hello, and then resume our wait.  Now, the humor of the situation is not lost on us. We stop and laugh every few minutes.  And my poor husband ruminates on the fact that he actually planned valentine's day this year and we are still eating at Sonny's.  There is nothing wrong with Sonny's, we eat there on a regular basis.  But it wasn't a place that had any special meaning to us.  And didn't exactly strike us as romantic. 

By the time we were seated, Jake, our little third wheel, was asleep.  And y'all, can I tell you that what followed was the BEST date we have been on in a very long time.  As a part of MOPS we are doing the 4 great dates and we were on date #1.  We had a fantastic night of conversation, fun flirting, and we reconnected in a way that we've needed.  Looking across the table at the man I married, eating a "big deal", I fell in love with him all over again.  

We ended the night going to Walmart to get Ben and Jerry's and a movie.  I know, the date locations just keep getting better, haha.  

After getting home to put Jake to bed, we snuggled on the couch while our babysitter (who was also my sister) snuggled in the chair beside us, and watched Inception.

The perfect Valentine's day.