Yes, it’s rare :: an evening at HOME, by myself. A sacred event to be celebrated that is for sure. How?  Simple.

Well, almost.

First, at just the right time, ask spouse to take all three cherubs with him to ballet lessons. Notice his hesitation but do not comment on it or the battle may be lost. He obliges.

Try not to shout out in a loud voice with extreme excitement, that can wait.

Prepare little people for the event :: feed them well, scoot everyone out the door. Make sure they all leave the driveway with no setbacks.

Sigh and breathe deeply.

Sigh again and roam around the house wondering just what you had in mind to do. Continue for ten minutes and then plop down to read a book. Catch on to the fact that there’s little interest in this pursuit and then roam some more.

Think of hubby and how sweet he is, make his favorite cookies—oatmeal raisin.

Play worship music while working because you feel the Lord is pleased with you as a wife. About halfway through a song realize that this thought may be prideful. Repent. Eat some cookies.

The sweet taste is not what you’re craving.

Open the refrigerator for inspiration and stand there a bit :: the exact action the children are not allowed to do. Notice the luscious tomatoes bought earlier in the day—yes!

Take out ingredients to make bruschetta. Happily chop away basil, tomatoes, and mince garlic. Forget how many cloves you already put in, add another one for good measure.

Refrigerate bruschetta and glance around the kitchen at the mess that was created. Ugh. Begin cleanup. Play more worship music so grumpy attitude does not set in.

Take note of time—hubby and children will be back in just a few minutes. Clean faster.

Welcome everyone, hear stories of their time away, upcoming ballet recital preparations. Offer cookies to all, prepare children for bed. When that is complete and lights out, find spouse and thank him generously for the quiet time.

Leisurely enjoy some bruschetta with leftover pasta salad from lunch. Find a comfy place to rest and realize that it’s the only time you’ve sat down almost all night!

Laugh out loud, make plans to go to bed shortly.

It was truly a wonderful evening.

Bruschetta

1/4 cup olive oil

3 Tbsp chopped basil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

4 medium tomatoes, drained & chopped

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Combine oil, basil, garlic, salt & pepper. Add tomatoes & toss gently. Sprinkle with cheese & refrigerate for an hour. Bring to room temp if desired and eat with toasted French bread.