It’s been a while since I’ve added to this little corner of mine — not much of significance has happened but many little intimate details have made October pass in what seems like the blink of an eye. I just said to Daniel tonight, “How is it that we’ve already figured out a marriage routine??” Sundays are for meal prepping and doing laundry. Tuesdays have remained date-night, eating out or cooking at home. Wednesday is his small-group, Thursday is mine. It doesn’t feel as though we have been married long enough as to have made routines, while simultaneously, it feels as though this is the way it has always been. How can these two feelings co-exist?
Two weekends ago, I got little sleep and yet my cup felt full. Kenzie and I went to a women’s conference in IL where the action call was to live as new creations — the theme was “God makes All Things New”. While I already have this constant reminder tattooed on my left arm, it was inspiring to hear the four different speakers talk about how we can live new lives, redeemed in and through Christ, for Christ. One of the organizations the Conference was donating monetary gifts as well as certain goods (underwear, tampons, bath towels, etc.) to was Refuge for Women — a “national faith-based organization providing a residential healing and recovery program for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation to receive safe housing, counseling, life and work skills development”. This type of charity weighs heavy on my heart so the next morning after our second session, we enjoyed a quick bite at Panera and then made our way to the local store to pick up the donation items. I only wish there was more I could have done…
The following Tuesday, we hosted Kenzie and J for dinner. This was our first time hosting dinner since being married and I was ecstatic. I had taken the day off work to check off the post-wedding errands (i.e. pick up the marriage certificate, sit in line at the Social Security office, sit in line at the DMV, etc.) and I also took some time to prep the large pan of Baked Ziti for our guests (which we’re still talking about; it was that good). Daniel was really looking forward to getting to know J since this was our first time spending time together two-on-two and I’d say it was a hit. J brought Bulleit Bourbon which they sipped on the rocks like old men while Kenzie and I opted for a rosé. We laughed so much my back hurt and I forgot it was Tuesday until I rolled into bed that night, heart full.
And then tonight. Daniel and I decided on a date night to good ol’ Olive Garden. We talked about his overnight camping experience the previous night (tent, almost freezing temps, rain) — which he loved. I enjoyed endless Zuppa Toscana, sipped my favorite cab wine and we left with rosy cheeks. We stopped at Starbucks for seasonal drinks on the way home and may or may not have had another baby-talk thrown in. Daniel would have liked to start a family… yesterday …while I have said we should wait five or so years. If I’m being honest, my timeframe may be wavering slightly.
And because I am still not over our wedding photos… one of my favorites.
eastanywhere.com 