We don't eat out much as a family.

 We like to eat out, but frankly, we're too poor to do it frequently. 

 (Maybe it would sound less depressing if I were to say "it's not in the budget" instead.)

 We took the kids to Outback Steakhouse last night as a special treat. 

 A good time was had by all.  

Here are some thoughts from the perspective of someone who eats out less than the average bear...

 First of all, what we ordered:  

Matt and I shared the 8 ounce Victoria Filet which came with a side salad (that Summer ate) and a sweet potato (that Matt and I ate).  

London and Summer shared a half order of ribs, Mercede ate the sweet potato that came with their meal and a cup of soup we added to the side, and then Matt ordered an appetizer of chicken wings (because he can't go to a restaurant without ordering wings) and we all nibbled on those.  

We all had regular drinks (tea, soda) except Matt had one beer.

 The grand total?

Seventy-two dollars (tip included). 

 I don't know how people do it every weekend.

 For those of you who manage to fit that into a budget...I applaud you.

You deserve a reward.

A reward of gift certificates to restaurants.

 Here's what I found most interesting as we ordered conscientiously, deliberately and frugally...

 I almost felt BAD.

 Like I was supposed to be ordering too much food for our family to eat.

 As we all sat eating nearly everything on our plates I thought the waitress must be thinking how crazy/cheap/poor we were.

 She probably didn't, but when I looked around at the other tables full of half eaten food and doggie bags that were destined to be taken home to a fridge never to be touched again until it was time to throw them away, I couldn't help but think that we looked different, maybe even a little suspicious.

 And when the waitress asked me if I needed a refill and I said, "That would be perfect but just a half a glass is fine", I think she may have actually sighed in frustration as she walked away.

 She brought me back a glass brimming with tea that I took four sips out of before we left.

 In conclusion:  Our family enjoys eating out occasionally but we're frugal and somewhat concerned with wastefulness.

 Maybe it's a case of "sour grapes", but I'm sort of happy that our kids aren't familiar with the insides of every restaurant in town (and surrounding areas).

 Because if (or when) we decide to take them somewhere special to eat it's actually special.

 They want to order something from the menu besides a cheeseburger or pizza (as I did myself when I was a child) and they have an appreciation for fine food.

 Besides, it's a lot easier on my pocketbook.