Date Night - A Picture Safari

Yesterday Mark texted me while I was at work to let me know he was planning a date night for us.  Of course I didn't want to know what it was, I love surprises!  And of course I know it just kills him when I tell him I want to be surprised because he 'hates' surprises and can't keep the secret to save his soul.  LOL

So when I got home from work we ate dinner, packed Camden up and headed down to Downtown Detroit to the River Walk.  He had the whole thing planned.  We would start out at the River Walk so Camden could play in the water.  Then we headed over to Greektown to take our picture outside of the Casino in the exact spot we first met 3 1/2 years ago.  Next stop was Astoria, our favorite bakery/pastry shop to pick out a few tasty treats.  We finished our 'picture safari' at Comerica Park so we could take pictures of Camden with the huge tiger.  He even parked our car in somewhat of a 'neutral location' so we could get a lot of walking in...I think we covered almost 4 miles on foot, taking pictures of various things all along the way. 

He really planned this so perfectly, I could tell he really put a lot of thought into it. It was something Camden could participate in but sentimental and meaningful for us and he even fulfilled my request to go on a long walk after dinner.  Sorry ladies, he's taken.  ;) 

It was a "cheap date" but I loved it and it was very much needed.  Between our busy summer, two kids and busy work schedules we really haven't had much time for date nights.  I am a firm believer in having date nights, it just helps to make us feel more connected as a couple.

 Here are some pictures from our Picture Safari Date Night.

The very spot we met 3 1/2 years ago

Gosh I look wrecked.  But at least he looks good!

A happy note

Today as I was refilling my water bottle it hit me - I am happy.  I'm not just talking about on the surface happy.  I am talking about feeling it in my soul and down to my bones kind of happy.  Even sharing said happiness through social media kind of happy.  I'm not bragging.  I am just...well, happy.

After so many years of struggling to find my way through this life I feel things have finally started to fall into place.  I am married to my best friend.  He makes me laugh, he loves me for me.  We love, we fight, we are playful and supportive.  He works hard to support our family and advance his career.  He is an amazing daddy.  He makes me proud to be his wife.  He is everything I have ever looked for and he is officially and legally stuck....umm, I mean, mine.  ;)

God has blessed me with two awesome little boys.  They're smart and amazing little people.  They challenge me but they teach me.  They brighten my day and melt my heart.  They are amazing and I am so lucky I get to be their mommy.

I get to work with my best friend doing something I love.  It isn't my primary job (yet!) but it will get there.  This is something I have dreamed of doing for years and I feel like it is finally becoming a reality.  We have been busy all summer long so far and enjoying every minute of it.  If there was anyone I would want to be in business with, it is Alicia.  We work hard but we have fun doing it.  Working with your best friend doing something you love, could it get any better than that?

I am surrounded by amazing people in my life.  I have friends and family I adore and admire.  They inspire me and make me strive to be the best person I can be.

For reasons I don't understand I am blessed far beyond what I even deserve.  I am happy.

An angel gets her wings

There is a beautiful little girl I never had the pleasure of meeting.  I only know of her through my best friend and sister in law Nikki and her fiance Matt, she is Matt's niece and her name is Hannah.  She had blonde hair and blue eyes and the sweetest smile.  She has the face of an angel.

Hannah faced many challenges as she was born with severe brain damage possibly caused by a prenatal stroke.  Despite these challenges her parents found inspiration, creating Hannah's Hope.  Their Mission - Helping Hannah Help Others.  Read more of Hannah's story and about Hannah's Hope here: Hannah's Story.

On July 30th, this angel was given her wings - Hannah was suddenly and unexpectedly called home to Heaven.  When Nikki emailed  and told me I could feel the grief through her words on the screen.  I may not have ever met her or known her personally but that didn't stop the tears from falling.  For a second I felt a little silly, feeling like I was feeling grief that wasn't mine to feel.  But regardless if I knew her or not,  she was just a baby and I have a Mommy heart.  I couldn't even begin to fathom what it is like to have to bury your child.  My deepest prayers go out to the Martinez family.

Hannah's Obituary

You are probably wondering what my involvement is with this sweet girl if I never knew her personally.  Well, here it is.  Her story is inspiring and I want to help spread word of Hannah's Hope.  It is such an amazing organization.  Every dime donated provides:

• Monetary support for qualifying families in the Northwest Indiana First Steps program for therapies needed.
• Monetary support for families purchasing costly medical equipment (ie. Braces, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Dollars for organizations funding pediatric brain research
• Family gatherings for special needs children, their parents, and siblings, allowing them the opportunity to connect with other families.
• Hope to families knowing there is an organization that proves that families with special needs children are not alone.

Hannah might have been a little girl who was physically unable to help others but her story inspiring. And even though her life was cut far too short, her legacy will continue to live and thrive through Hannah's Hope.

To make a donation please click here: Hannah's Hope.