Yesterday, we celebrated my husband's 29th birthday.
He couldn't decide where he wanted to go for his birthday dinner, so I chose for him and it was a surprise. Really - it was between two places: Texas de Brazil in Tampa and Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin Hotel at Walt Disney World. He knew where we were going when I chose to go "eastbound" on I-4. ;)
We got there for our 7:00pm reservation (grandma had the kids!) and were promptly greeted by a hostess who took us to our table and showed us the original menu (a football signed by Don Shula). Then our waiter Carlos came and went over the menu and each cut of steak with us.
I ordered the 22oz Bone-In Ribeye and Hans ordered the 24oz Porterhouse. We shared a double baked potato with White Cheddar Cheese on top. The meal was absolutely incredible. I have eaten at many steakhouses locally and also in the Tampa & Orlando areas, and nothing can touch the quality thus far that we experienced there at Shula's. Of course, I haven't eaten at Bern's Steakhouse yet. :)
After dinner, we walked over to Disney's Boardwalk and just walked around and enjoyed each other's company. By then it was about 8:45pm. We watched a couple street performers who juggled, balanced on small rolling pipes, and did all sorts of tricks. One even picked me to help out with the show. At first I was nervous but I did very well (I tossed the juggling items to him while he was balanced about 5' off the ground). We left at around 10:00pm and got home at 11:00pm - to our wide awake boys waiting for us with Grandma.
I actually let the boys stay up and play until 11:30pm last night, while I laid on the couch with Hans and just reflected on how blessed I am. How happy I am now. I am slow to anger. I am constantly smiling. I am no longer a pessimist. I don't dwell on the negative but find myself constantly looking for the positive. I could have been angry the kids were still up running around. I could have been exhausted and cranky. But I wasn't. I watched Brad play his PS3 and Jacob run and try to tackle him - to get his attention - while he was playing and thought how lucky I am. I am lucky that I have a man who loves me so much and two kids who call me "mom". I have a mom who adores her grandbabies and will bend over backwards for them and for us at the drop of a hat. I have a home. I have food. God loves us. Thanks to Jesus, I am Saved. The time the kids went to bed didn't matter at that moment. I just wanted to watch them happy and playing. Bradley is 11, almost 12. Before I know it he will be leaving for college. I am going to enjoy every moment from now on.
Just a reflection on my part. Also wanted to wish my husband, again, a wonderful 29th birthday. Thank you so much for loving me, Hans.
