A Spicy First Date — Rhythm of Adventure

Any excuse to celebrate an anniversary is always fine by me. 7 years ago, yesterday, Justin and I went on our first date. We met in college and would always find ourselves talking or studying after class, but this was our first official date. We met to go hiking on a trail near his house. After we hiked, we both decided to go to an Indian buffet for lunch. Growing up, my parents were always encouraging us kids to try ethnic food and Indian food happened to be one of my favorites. I knew when Justin suggested Indian food that this guy was my soul mate. After the buffet, we drove around his hometown as he shared all of his childhood memories. I already knew I liked this guy a lot from talking after class and getting to know him so I insisted he show me his house. I wanted to see where he lived! Was he a slob? After we arrived at his house, he serenaded me with his sick guitar skills and the rest is history.

Every year on March 16th, we always try to recreate our first date. The first couple years, we went to the same restaurant and same hiking trail, but as the years have gone by we would give ourselves credit as long as we had some type of Indian food and some time outdoors.

Well, this year was no different. Instead of trying to force a romantic day for just the two of us we decided to make the most it and took all the kids out with us. Sometimes I can keep my cool when we’re out with the kids, but other times, especially if I have an expectation for how I want things to go, I get so upset when the kids start acting wild.

So, we loaded up the kids in the car and found our way to the nearest Indian buffet. Fortunately, Jacob slept the majority of the time and the two older ones sat really well and ate most of their food! It was a very civilized lunch! Bennett even made friends with the host. He couldn’t stop saying how cute he was and how he wanted to take him home. We told him he could come home with us if he brought Indian food with him.

The food was absolutely scrumptious and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for all we’ve been through these past 7 years. One of my biggest struggles can be feeling discontent. I’m embarrassed to admit that sometimes I will imagine my life without a husband or kids, all the money I'd have and all the time I'd have to travel. But yesterday was a good reminder that no matter how much money or experiences in life I could have, I wouldn’t want any of it if it meant I didn’t have this beautiful family I get to call my own.

After the Indian buffet, we decided to take the kids to a nearby park and try to go for a walk. It was a bit colder than we realized and after a massive, failed attempt at potty training by our 2 year old, we were back at the car cleaning up a code brown and heading back home. Maybe it was the Indian food?! Normally, that would have been my breaking point but I still found myself fully content. I couldn’t help but feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for giving me this life-a life so many could only dream of.

Later, we put the kids to bed and said to ourselves, “Our kids are so beautiful, let’s just make another one!” JUST KIDDING. No. More. Kids.

But seriously, we put the kids to bed and spent the evening together, reminiscing about that first date and all of the wonderful times we have had as a result. I’m sure that evil voice in my head will creep up again one day soon and convince me that I shouldn’t be content, but I know I’ve got one beautiful life and I try to thank God for it every day.

Be good. Be wild.

xoxo Rachel