Hi, You

This weekend, while away for my Nan's birthday, my man and I did something truly amazing. We went on a date. Together. Alone. Oh my.

The children were left to have dinner and play happily with Nanna, Great Nanna and Great Grandpa while James and I slipped out with the instructions to not be home too early. 2am was mentioned (what's the word for an anti-curfew? Is there one?) as a great time to return.

We ordered a romantic dinner at Subway, which was a bit disappointing as I am one of those people who can never quite get my order right, and ate it at the park surrounded by the soothing, mood lifting, love inducing sounds of hundreds of birds squawking and carrying on.

We made it home only moments before our anti-curfew, at about 9pm, after a desert of Caramel Sundaes and a shared Apple Pie at McDonald's.

It might not have been perfect but it was just lovely. To be able to talk and not be interrupted was bliss, the fact that we were able to just be was oh-so-nice and strange all at once. I don't remember that last time we did that without hurrying back to the children or taking one with us.

I've been aware of the need to spend more time together without children, electronics or interruptions for some time and a recent posts; one from Carly of My Life in Colour and another from Louisa of Everything is Edible; started me thinking more seriously about it. A marriage is a sacred thing. Our marriage is so important and we have to make the time for each other. So, when we saw the opportunity we grabbed it and I hope we will continue to do so.

Do you make time for 'date' nights?
Playing along with Fat Mum Slim's Point and Shoot

Tuesday's Tribute: A Special Tribute

Since the moment I came across Tuesday's Tribute and decided to participate, I have been planning this post. I don't yet know what I am going to say, but I have always known today would be the day I would tribute this person.

Tomorrow James and I will share our second wedding anniversary. The past two years seem to have flown by, but at the same time it's like we've been married forever (in a good way).

I never would have guessed James and I would marry, not all those years ago when we would talk on msn long into the wee hours of the morning. I liked him, yes, but our relationship was so volatile. We would talk every night for months before some trivial matter caused a blow out and we would not talk for weeks, even months if I was angry enough.

I was young and hurt over past friendships which had gone awry and very reluctant to trust, especially another boy. Somehow, though, James became my confidant. Somehow, he managed to earn my trust without me even noticing and became my best friend.

Over the years he proved time and again that he would do what it took to look out for me, to make me feel safe, cared for and loved. Even before we were 'in love' we loved each other and it was this love that helped me through some of the darkest times of my life.

In the grips of an eating disorder, James showed me I was worth more, that I deserved happiness and that I should expect to be treated well.

Every morning since we've been together I have eaten breakfast, which really is a big deal.

James is funny, loving, caring. He is so smart, so often he has a tidbit to share which enlightens me, opens my mind and makes me realise, again, just how clever the man I married really is.

I love that my husband is also my best friend. There is nothing I wouldn't share with him.

This weekend, especially (even with me already feeling warm and fuzzy about our up coming anniversary), made me appreciate him even more. He's so awesome with my family. Fits in like he's always been one of us even though, in actual fact, his family is practically the complete opposite to mine (you know, quiet and sane...), not to mention full on.

Watching him with my mum and brother, Josh, made me so proud and gooey.

He is a softy at heart, movies, music... they touch him and he isn't afraid to shed a tear. Only recently we watched Curious Case of Benjamin Button and he had tears running down his face. His sensitivity and big heart are so rare, especially the fact that he allows these emotions to show. I really love that about him.

As a Dad, James is so loving and proud of his girls. It's no wonder Ellie and Kahlei are such Daddy's girls. I love to sit back and just watch him with them, knowing how much he loves them is wonderful.

This man that I love makes life an adventure. He really does. I am excited to share the next year...the next 50 years in his arms, sharing this life we have built together. Until him I never thought I would marry or have children. He's the best thing that ever happened to me (along with my girls, now).

I love you, baby. xoxo.