F is for Family Date

So ya’ll, Frugal Friday is done for the time being. Not because I’m done being frugal, but because I’m just done writing about it. 🙂  There are so many other wonderful things to write about–even wonderful things that start with F–so we’ll look at some of those instead.  I have a kinda sorta idea forming in my mind that I think would be fun to explore, but I hate committing to something unless I know I can follow through, so no promises.

So last night we had a family date.  It was supposed to be Jeff and my monthly date night out, but a last-minute evening house showing meant we all needed to skidaddle, so we cleaned the house and went on our merry way–all of us. It was so fun.  We decided to get dinner at Trader Joe’s, since that was probably the cheapest, healthiest option around. Sushi for Jeff and me.  I told the kids they could pick anything they wanted. They chose … a lb. of fresh strawberries.  Ha!  So I slipped in some cheese from home and that was din din for the kiddos.  Delish.

Then we used a $20 reward card at Old Navy and got a new much-needed belt for Jeff and a black casual everyday wear skirt for me, and a little gift for a friend, for free. How can I not love that? Then the kids were still hungry (cheese and strawberries wore off) so we used our Christmas Panera gift card and got them bagels while I slurped a decaf coffee.  Dinner, new belt and new skirt: Total spent for the date? $6.50. Gotta love that. And the best part: We weren’t in a hurry. This whole refusing to hurry thing is revolutionary, friends. I’m lovin’ it.

So, I realize that this is a post about nothing, and perhaps you’re wondering why on earth you should read a blow-by-blow of our evening last night. You don’t need to. But I just cannot tell you how much more I am enjoying my family, enjoying life, since beginning this discipline of thanksgiving.  Everyday it changes my perspective, helps me enjoy my kids, helps me weigh down every moment with my presence.  Simple stuff, but the moments are so sweet. Last night in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s a huge semi-truck pulled in to unload food. I crouched next to Dutch, holding his little hand inside mine, and we watched with wonder as it creaked to a stop right in front of us. His eyes wide with wonder, “Is it a Mack or a Peterbuilt?”  Tires as tall as the top of his head.  Slow moments. Stillness. Letting both kids push a little miniature cart around the store.  Considering. Reading labels. Not being rushed. Savoring strawberries and sushi. Delight.

The gratitude thing is such a cycle. The more grateful we are the most delight we take in everything. The more delight we take the more we are grateful for.  This, how we engage in loving our God.

This is worship.

So thankful for a family date and free belts and bagels and bites of strawberries. Juice dribbling down little chins.

Life is delicious.

Happy Friday.

By grace, with joy,

Kari