Special Treat Night

It all started many years ago when I found myself alone, with three small children on Friday nights. My husband worked nights at a manufacturing plant 6 days a week, 10-12 hours a day and was never home on Friday or Saturday nights. People would talk about all the fun they were planning to have on the week-end with their families or friends and sometimes I would find myself feeling a bit jealous and bummed that I was not out there having fun somewhere.

So, I thought about it. Every Friday, I was home with the kids. I needed to shift my perspective. Instead of feeling like I was missing out on something, I needed to think how lucky I was to be home with my amazing children. It was up to me to make being home fun, exciting, and memorable. That is when Special Treat Night was born.

Special Treat Night is kicked off by enjoying a delicious home cooked meal, prepared as if company were coming over. I get out the special dishes and glasses. The kids pick what I cook, taking turns each week. They love the meal and we enjoy taking sharing stories of the day and things we were grateful for over dinner.

Then, the excitement mounts. We clear the kitchen table and are ready to begin the games. It is board game mania. We play and play and play and laugh and laugh and laugh. So much fun!

Special Treat Night concludes with blankets, pillows, popcorn, and a movie in the family room. We all snuggle together, relax, and enjoy a movie.

I think how Special Treat Night has transformed my life. The gift I gained from all those long lonely nights alone as a young mother is a heart full of cherished memories and a lasting family tradition.

Now, ten years later, the tradition continues. My husband is now home in the eveings enjoying Special Treat Night with us. We all agree that our favorite part of the night is togetherness.

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