Hubby and I aren’t date night folks, we frequently forget our anniversary and are pretty minimal on gift giving in general, but we still find ways to sneak in the romance and appreciation of each other.
Last night was our 14th anniversary. 14 years. 3 kids. 3 homes and a multitude of experiences, and we feel stronger than ever.
Despite our lack of date nights!
We didn’t have any plans for celebrating our anniversary, in fact our only goal was to finish sanding the walls of our basement bathroom. Then as the kids and I were playing at the beach I set my mind to dreaming up something interesting for dinner.
Going out for meals has never been very enjoyable for us. We both prefer a nice meal and bottle of wine at home, vs wrangling the kids, and paying a hefty bill. But, how does one “not cook” an anniversary meal, feed the family and STILL have a few moments of quality time with their partner?
So, I went to the kids for ideas. Together we pulled together a prepared meal that they 3 kids worked together to “serve” to hubby and I. As we sat outside we were treated to ice cold Prosecco, a sushi appetizer, and Jalepno Poppers (that perhaps I pulled out of the oven as I went in to check my hair)
Dinner was roasted chicken with caesar salad (easily made up from the bag) and potato wedges (purchased from the deli) and dessert was a choice of cheesecake (purchased in a variety pack)
The kids dove head first into preparing this meal for us and serving us with a smile and the best part? Our bill only came to 18$ (but we tossed in an extra 2$ for a tip)
Hubby and I actually had 90 minutes un-interrupted to chat, eat and reminisce.
We thought back to how (OMG) young we were, how green our relationships was, and how much stronger we have become. We remembered our first anniversary and how very awkward everything was that we did, our love and relationship still so fresh.
We realized how well we have gotten to know each other over these 14 years, and that we really have become best friends who are honest and supportive of each other.
And then we laughed, we drank prosecco and we toasted to the next 50 years together, and took off to the basement to get covered in gyprock dust from our bathroom walls.
Romance shouldn’t be forced, or created, it happens in the most magical of moments, snuck in between life. I feel blessed to have a fellow that realizes this just as I do, and doesn’t stress about making things perfect. All we want to do, is make things real.