Steppin' Out Saturday

Saturday night, Shawn and I enjoyed our first date out together in a very long time!
My cousin was kind enough to watch our sweet babies and we headed out for a few hours,
ate the most delicious meal, and caught up on weeks' worth of conversation.  It was so
nice to reconnect, focusing on each other and nothing else.

We snapped a few photos before leaving, an excited Mama and Daddy with
our two pajama clad angels:

 

Words can not express how grateful we are for nights such as these for they are few and
far between.  With two working parents, one of whom is in his senior year of college, and
two girls who deserve all the love and attention in the world, alone time is pretty scarce
these days.  We strive everyday to work hard, love harder, and make each other feel
as appreciated as possible.  It's all about balance and being aware of the time you
have, enjoying the moments and being present.  Having a few hours away to just be
Shawn and Liv is a precious gift essential to keeping our marriage strong.  I am still
working very hard to remind myself of this daily.  I am guilty of having guilt: guilt from
being away from my children while I pursue a career I am passionate about, guilt from
not taking time for myself more often, guilt for missing my husband and all the time we
used to spend together.  I am a work in progress, still learning to be patient and accepting
of myself.  And so a night like this was a gift, we savored every moment and stored
this precious memory deep down inside our souls, keeping it close to carry us through.

We arrived home to find this little lamb, waiting up for her Mama and Daddy, and it was
the best of both worlds.  We snuggled up in the living room and shared a bowl of ice
cream, then tucked our baby into bed with us.  It was a magical night and I feel blessed
to be so loved.