Date nights and such...

We started a new family tradition. The first Friday of every month we take a different child out to dinner. Just mom,dad and that child. So far we did Ty in March and Natalie in April. Said child gets to choose the restaurant and dessert place. Ty went to Panda Express and decided since it was his night, he got to choose what we eat and the conversation. We all had orange chicken. We talked about Ty's future career choices...fireman, policeman, car fixer guy. All of them, that's not the options, that's the way it is. Then to Baskin Robbins for ice cream and more "Ty" conversation. On the way in, we had to hold hands and do the "1..2..3..swing" that we did when he was a toddler. Fun night, fun conversation! Natalie had us go to Olive Garden. She had to order off of the adult menu so she would have leftovers to extend the date as long as possible. When the salad came, she picked out all the olives. Our waiter noticed so he brought her a whole plate of olives. She was telling me about her awesome score on her test at school and in the midst of our high-five..she spilled her coke in my direction. I have quick reflexes, she has a cute laugh! After dinner, we headed to Baskin Robbins for ice cream :) and then to pick up other kiddos from a track meet. I'm loving having these special times with 1 child at a time. Since we have 7, it's hard to get alone time and have a conversation. A conversation about them, for them, with them. Amazing! We will continue this tradition as long as we can and wish we had started it years ago!! We have also had 2 birthdays in the last few weeks. Natalie turned 11..1 more year until mutual and girls camp and personal progress. They are all growing up faster than I can handle! Jake turned 14! He's a teacher! No more fast offerings, no more passing sacrament (unless there's not enough deacons) And he gets to go on the "cool campouts" He went on his first one the week of his bday. It got cut short because 1 of the boys got lost for 20 hours. He was found and fine but it was so crazy that they came home. But he can't wait for the next one!! Jake also got braces. He will get them off in 2 years right before he's old enough to date. Date?? What?? Ugh, he'll be in high school next year! I planted my very first garden and already have tiny green tomatoes and strawberries..so freakin' excited! Life is fantastic! I feel good enough to exercise (that hasn't always been the case). My kids are (mostly) healthy, happy, smart and just all together awesome! My man is losing weight, working hard and treating me like we just got married even though we "just" got married 17 years ago :) I'm happy and hoping and praying that all my dearest loved ones (if you're reading this you are included in that) are also so very happy and enjoying all that life has to offer..the little, big, bad, good and great..that life has to offer. We have to remember to be grateful for the bad times too because they are also blessings!! They make the sweet times sweeter :)