Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2014
My Love
Having a newborn in the house did not really lend itself to a night on the town on our anniversary. But I will take an in-home date night with this guy anytime. Here's to 13 years!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Surprise of a Lifetime
JD and I haven't had a date night in a while. We are thankful that we have friends who offer on occasion to keep the kids while we get away. When they offer, we say yes!
JD had a secret date planned. I knew it was an out of the ordinary plan, but he wouldn't tell me what we were doing. After a few random statements from him, I figured out that it was about a 2 hour drive from home for our dinner and activity. I thought it was crazy, but I had no idea just how crazy it would be.
Our friend arrived at the house and we headed to Charlotte to have dinner. We had a gift card to Maggiano's and ate there. We had great conversation over dinner, talking about this new baby boy but I also got to play 20 questions to see if I could figure out our after dinner plans. I had nothing.
After dinner we headed next door to pick up dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. If you haven't tried Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple, you are missing out. So so yummy. JD likes Oreo Dream Extreme.
We were stuffed from dinner, so JD said we could eat it at the next location. We drove into downtown Charlotte. I would have never in a million years guessed where we would end up. The Ritz Carlton. Yes, the Ritz. I was stunned. The valet opened my door and I didn't know if I needed to get out because I was just confused. And I figured we were just going to eat our dessert in the lobby until I saw JD pull my suitcase out of the car. WHAT?!?!
Yes, I was surprised.
Let me say this. JD and I NEVER get away. Date night dinners in town, yes, but the last time we had an overnight without the kids (not work related) was before Lily was born. That was over 8 years ago. So this baby-moon surprise was just what this momma needed!!
We got all checked into our room, I mean suite. It was huge and beautiful.
This is one of TWO bathrooms we had.
Yes, there was a TV in the mirror (Can you tell this was a splurge?).
When you don't get out much and you go to a fancy hotel, you go exploring. Found the "aqua lounge."
We then had someone come by for "turn down service". Excuse me? "Not right now thank you." Quick Google search to help us out. Then we gave them a call a bit later to come back. We talked with the guy that came for about 15 minutes, asking him all kinds of questions about the company and about the guests (lots of professional athletes) that frequent the hotel. He was a nice kid and we were thankful for his enlightening us.
About 11 o'clock, there was a knock at the door. It's the same guy, but holding a plate of cupcakes to say thanks. Just one way the Ritz makes you feel like the most important guest there.
The next morning, we had breakfast delivered to the room. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon! It was delish. (Seems like there is a theme revolving around food. Ha.)
JD had scheduled a day of pampering for me. Woot! Prenatal massage, mani and pedi!! It was divine. They even came by with smoothie samples.
He was able to have some down time by the aqua lounge and get some writing done. Once all the pampering was finished we checked out. In the lobby they had a gelato station set up. Isn't it the cutest bit of gelato ever??
What a blessing this guy is! I loved being able to spend an uninterrupted 24 hours with him in a swanky hotel. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. One I will not forget.
But it just gets better!!
On the way home, this pregnant momma needed to stop. As we drove into the gas station, there was a homeless man with sign in hand standing at the entrance. I thought nothing of it but being on a church staff and encountering homeless people often, JD had other plans.
Once we got back into the car, JD said he felt like he needed to give the guy some money. Especially since we had just spent money on ourselves, it was the least we could do to give him some cash. But when he pulled his wallet out all the money was gone. Yikes. BUT we found it. Shew.
We drove out and stopped to give him the money. Let me tell you, this guy was such a sweet man. He had a mouth void of teeth and ragged clothing. He never once looked at how much we gave him. He was so gracious and kept thanking us over and over and said 'God bless you' over and over. JD mentioned that he was different than other people he'd helped in the past. Most of the time people are very much 'what's in it for me' in their speech and actions. This guy was far from that.
We then said good bye and left. JD suddenly looked at me and said, "I'm going to see what his name is and if it's Michael, I'm going to loose it." I had no idea what he meant. JD rolled down the window and yelled across the street, "What's your name?" And low and behold "Mike" came from his lips.
What in the world?
JD recently had a conversation with a friend who had helped several homeless men out. And each time their name had been Mike or Michael. He believed the Lord was testing him to see if he was willing to help these men during their time of need.
Hebrews 13:2 says "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Was the Lord testing us that day after we had just enjoyed an amazing experience? Maybe. I know one thing. We both feel that we were in the presence of an angel that day.
JD had a secret date planned. I knew it was an out of the ordinary plan, but he wouldn't tell me what we were doing. After a few random statements from him, I figured out that it was about a 2 hour drive from home for our dinner and activity. I thought it was crazy, but I had no idea just how crazy it would be.
Our friend arrived at the house and we headed to Charlotte to have dinner. We had a gift card to Maggiano's and ate there. We had great conversation over dinner, talking about this new baby boy but I also got to play 20 questions to see if I could figure out our after dinner plans. I had nothing.
After dinner we headed next door to pick up dessert at The Cheesecake Factory. If you haven't tried Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple, you are missing out. So so yummy. JD likes Oreo Dream Extreme.
Yes, I was surprised.
Let me say this. JD and I NEVER get away. Date night dinners in town, yes, but the last time we had an overnight without the kids (not work related) was before Lily was born. That was over 8 years ago. So this baby-moon surprise was just what this momma needed!!
We got all checked into our room, I mean suite. It was huge and beautiful.
This is one of TWO bathrooms we had.
Yes, there was a TV in the mirror (Can you tell this was a splurge?).
When you don't get out much and you go to a fancy hotel, you go exploring. Found the "aqua lounge."
We then had someone come by for "turn down service". Excuse me? "Not right now thank you." Quick Google search to help us out. Then we gave them a call a bit later to come back. We talked with the guy that came for about 15 minutes, asking him all kinds of questions about the company and about the guests (lots of professional athletes) that frequent the hotel. He was a nice kid and we were thankful for his enlightening us.
About 11 o'clock, there was a knock at the door. It's the same guy, but holding a plate of cupcakes to say thanks. Just one way the Ritz makes you feel like the most important guest there.
The next morning, we had breakfast delivered to the room. That hasn't happened since our honeymoon! It was delish. (Seems like there is a theme revolving around food. Ha.)
JD had scheduled a day of pampering for me. Woot! Prenatal massage, mani and pedi!! It was divine. They even came by with smoothie samples.
He was able to have some down time by the aqua lounge and get some writing done. Once all the pampering was finished we checked out. In the lobby they had a gelato station set up. Isn't it the cutest bit of gelato ever??
What a blessing this guy is! I loved being able to spend an uninterrupted 24 hours with him in a swanky hotel. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. One I will not forget.
But it just gets better!!
On the way home, this pregnant momma needed to stop. As we drove into the gas station, there was a homeless man with sign in hand standing at the entrance. I thought nothing of it but being on a church staff and encountering homeless people often, JD had other plans.
Once we got back into the car, JD said he felt like he needed to give the guy some money. Especially since we had just spent money on ourselves, it was the least we could do to give him some cash. But when he pulled his wallet out all the money was gone. Yikes. BUT we found it. Shew.
We drove out and stopped to give him the money. Let me tell you, this guy was such a sweet man. He had a mouth void of teeth and ragged clothing. He never once looked at how much we gave him. He was so gracious and kept thanking us over and over and said 'God bless you' over and over. JD mentioned that he was different than other people he'd helped in the past. Most of the time people are very much 'what's in it for me' in their speech and actions. This guy was far from that.
We then said good bye and left. JD suddenly looked at me and said, "I'm going to see what his name is and if it's Michael, I'm going to loose it." I had no idea what he meant. JD rolled down the window and yelled across the street, "What's your name?" And low and behold "Mike" came from his lips.
What in the world?
JD recently had a conversation with a friend who had helped several homeless men out. And each time their name had been Mike or Michael. He believed the Lord was testing him to see if he was willing to help these men during their time of need.
Hebrews 13:2 says "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Was the Lord testing us that day after we had just enjoyed an amazing experience? Maybe. I know one thing. We both feel that we were in the presence of an angel that day.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
This Man...
This past year has been a roller coaster of emotions. Overwhelming joy to great sorrow. This man has been by my side holding my hand through it all.
I recently read an article that speaks truth about my husband. How thankful I am he is the perfect man for me. You can read it HERE.
And I am thankful for the 12 years we have spent together as husband and wife. The Lord continues to be faithful each and every day. Wouldn't want to spend those days with anyone else!
I recently read an article that speaks truth about my husband. How thankful I am he is the perfect man for me. You can read it HERE.
And I am thankful for the 12 years we have spent together as husband and wife. The Lord continues to be faithful each and every day. Wouldn't want to spend those days with anyone else!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Celebrate!
What a perfect day to party!
Thanks to Brother for taking pictures all day long! I picked out a handful of the 250+ pics that were taken. I love the JOY on Mimi and Pop's faces!
Thanks to Brother for taking pictures all day long! I picked out a handful of the 250+ pics that were taken. I love the JOY on Mimi and Pop's faces!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Date Night
We had a family day before we left. Then it was time for a date night. We were able to go enjoy a nice quiet dinner before heading to the local theater to see Les Miserables. I just love it! Some incredible music. And we recently watched the movie. Wow. Now I really understand the musical!
This was waiting for the me next morning. I love him!
Before taking Lily to see The Lion King this summer, we had a little theater preview. The local children's theater was putting on Go, Dog. Go! We have a sweet friend who was one of the dogs. Perfect opportunity to support a friend and enjoy a show!
Love me some date nights!!
This was waiting for the me next morning. I love him!
Before taking Lily to see The Lion King this summer, we had a little theater preview. The local children's theater was putting on Go, Dog. Go! We have a sweet friend who was one of the dogs. Perfect opportunity to support a friend and enjoy a show!
Love me some date nights!!
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