Monday, January 7, 2013

taking it for a spin...



I thought we'd take my word "embrace" for a spin Friday night.  We had no hockey- nodda- zip-zilch- we practically didn't know what to do with ourselves.

But with one remaining gift card leftover from Christmas, we decided to embrace the moment and go out for dinner.  We purposefully chose a restaurant the boys have never been to- Doolittles.  I knew it was the right choice the instant they seated us in the cozy back addition.  It was warm and candle-lit and had such an ambient glow everywhere I looked.  

We indulged.  We had walleye strips for appetizers.  Nolan polished off most of them.  His appetite is unquenchable most days.  Even when the bread came encrusted with herbs all the way around the crust, he didn't blink.  He took a few bites, and deemed it awesome.  

Ever mindful of the word "embrace" hovering over, I savored every moment.  The boys were engaged and enthusiastic about dinner.  We happily talked about some of the other places we've eaten and where we'd like to go in the future.  

You see... we've stopped going out to eat very often at all.  It was always so convenient and we enjoyed the food.  But when we truly looked at the amount we spent on eating out, it was staggering.  It was such a natural way for us to cut back and save money.

I'll be the first to admit I was reluctant.  It sure puts more pressure on me to meal plan and keep the pantry and fridge stocked.  But I realized we were always trying to convince the kids they were "lucky" to be going out to eat- when really we hadn't taught them at all what its like NOT to go out to eat.  

Friday night, I noticed there was an appreciation on all of our parts.  The boys were eager to try new tastes and flavors.  We were all mindful of the experience of eating dinner together.  Nolan was even talkative and shared with us the idea his team has for a restaurant called "Frischy's."  Nolan was stoked the team thought he'd make a great waiter... and we all laughed at the humor employed in the rest of the roles assigned to his team mates.

The spell cast on us by the great food and cozy atmosphere was broken when we walked through the door of our house.  Nolan and Colton started bickering, the dog wanted attention, and the disarray of the house rose up to meet us.

But as I went to "embrace" Nolan and say good night, he melted into me for just a minute.  "Thank you for dinner mom, it was really good."  

This, I realize, is part of the reason I felt inclined to choose "embrace."  I naturally hesitate sometimes when "new" and "different" approach- but I am convinced its leaning into those very times, going into the center of them, that produces the unexpected joy and the unforeseen gifts.  





















27 comments:

  1. Oh amen Vicky! I so agree - I chose encourage - because I want to encourage myself in so much but in part to lean in and find the joy in all life has for me.

    And I too undertsand about going out to eat - my family and I have been there! It is a wonderful treat! So glad you all got to enjoy a night out with yummy food!

    Love you!
    xoTiffany

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    1. Hi Tiffany- it warmed my heart to see you pop up shortly after I posted- thank you for your steadfast love and support :)

      xxoo

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  2. You had me at "cozy back addition"....sigh.
    What a treat and a treasure for you all.
    Love your family beyond words, my friend.
    Hugs,
    J.

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    1. Jackie- it was truly a treat for us- something we would have done often in years past, but its now a rare and deeply appreciated event :) Love to you!

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  3. I couldn't agree more.. well said, my friend.

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  4. The supper sounds just lovely!

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  5. Unexpected joys and unforeseen gifts is what embrace is bound to bring you this year Vicky and you deserve it all xo

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    1. Thank you Anyes- I am hopeful I can keep remembering to embrace and that I keep finding joy and gifts- I am so curious to find out how this turns out :) xxoo

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  6. Kids do it to you every time lol
    Embracing you too for the New Year!!!

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    1. Vic- they do- kids really have a knack for helping us remember what the lesson is :) Hugs to you friend!

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  7. I think your boys are growing up fast Vicky. I was so happy to read that the boys really enjoyed their meal at the restaurant and experienced new tastes and flavors. Bike man and I don't go out to eat very often, but when we do, we like to experience something new and unique.

    Blessings to you and your family.

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    1. Lisa- way too fast! Yes- I loved seeing the boys so willing to try something new- its taken a long time for them to mature and decide they can try new to them things :)

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  8. Oh I love the word you chose for this year, embrace. There is such wonderful things we miss if we are not willing to embrace what God sends our way. Will be back to read more of what God is teaching you in this word. Blessings

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    1. Hi Betty- how nice to hear from you! Thank you for your gracious words and yes- I have no doubt the lessons will be plentiful! Blessings to you!

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing such a special time with all of us. I love your word "embrace"--I almost wish it was my word for 2013! Your embracing is an inspiration! Blessings my friend!

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    1. Kim- well I would certainly share my word! *wink* Do you choose one? I'd love to hear if you did or decide to! Blessings to you!

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  10. First off, Vicky, Doolittle's...you can't go wrong there! It's my all-time favorite. Have never met a meal I didn't like there no matter what I try. You need to go back this year. Please. In the summertime. On the patio. I'd love to be the one to dine with you out there. It's bliss on a warm, summer evening. Oh, I just love how you are depicting your word, friend. This last line just wrapped it all up in a big hug. <3 it! "I am convinced its leaning into those very times, going into the center of them, that produces the unexpected joy and the unforeseen gifts." Yes!

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    1. Yes- it's a date! I long for the outdoors and sunshine again! Hugs sweet friend- thanks for the encouragement!

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  11. Sounds like a wonderful time we had by all. Thanks for making me smile! :)

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    1. So glad I could return the favor Jen- you make me smile often!!

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  12. Sigh- yes- that is what its like- stiff arming- great visual :) Love how you get me friend ~ love, love, love~

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  13. Some of our most closest moments as family are when we take the time to sit down in that "cozy back addition" and just embrace our time together enjoying something new. So glad you got the chance to do that, Vicky.

    I saw this quote the other day and immediately thought of you. :0)

    " Whatever your purpose... embrace it completely. Get lost in the clouds every now and then so you never lose sight of God's wonder." ~Paul Vitale

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    1. Thank you Eileen! Its perfect and I am so glad you came across that quote and then thought of me. I am going to copy it and put it with my ever-growing list of quotes :) Hugs to you!

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  14. i think embrace fits you like the most perfect and beautiful glove !!
    and we spend too much money eating out ourselves...thanks for the reminder !!

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    1. Beth- we just have to trim our budget back and be more aware of where and on what we spend. Sometimes we feel like we should "make more" somehow when its really about that :)

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