I'm dating my husband

We've hit over ten amazing years, and we've still got that flame, however "free" "alone" or "dating" time is no longer a luxury we can afford.

We have always had our date nights, at least once a month in order to 're-connect' and share the value of our relationship, because the BEST things we can be for our children are not only good parents, but good models of a relationship built on mutual love and respect.

In addition to our date nights, I have created a self-imposed challenge of NOT talking about work, or the kids when we are on our dates.... without television to fall back on, that pretty much leaves NOTHING for me to talk about, unless he wants to know how much I just spent on a 1/2 lb. of string beans, I am all out of ideas.... or at least I thought was. That was until I asked some of my mom friends, and their ideas reminded me of what it was like to "date", and the awkwardness of finding converstational topics that were not to risque, yet revealed something about the partner...

I decided to compose a list of questions:

• if you were granted one wish, what would it be
• if you could spend one night alone with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be
• if time travel were possible, where would you go
• if you found out for certain there is/isnt heaven or hell, how would it change your life
• if you had to name one thing in your life that you feel the most guilty about, what would it be
• if you could rid the earth of one thing, what would it be
• if you had the power to hypnotize anyone, who would you pick and why... what would you ask, say, do
• what one thing gives you the most comfort
• if you had to give up your favorite food forever, what is the amount of money you would demand in exchange
•  what frightens you most about growing older
• if you could be more ambitious in one aspect of your life, which would it be
• what is the most sensual part of your body
• if you had to make one for a public place, what would your nonverbal sign be
• if you had to grab the buttock of a famous person, whos would you
• what is the biggest turn off
• if you could only be intimate at the same time of day, forever, what time would you pick
• if God were to grant you one favor, what would you ask for
• where do you think your fears come from
• what is something you intended to do today but did not
• what is one word to describe you, me
• what do people do in traffic that bugs you
• what is your biggest parenting goal
• what is something you have never done, but want to, why
• what is your favorite memory of our wedding day
• whats your favorite smell
• what type of volunteer work do you think you are best suited for
• what attracted you to me before we married
• what is the most romantic thing i could do for you
• if walls could talk what would ours say
• what makes you feel loved
• what could i do to help you best for the next 30 days
• if you could change anything about the way i treat you, what would it be
• in what way would you like me to change personally over the next year
• what causes most of your stress
• if you had only 6 months to live, how would you spend it
• what do you see as your greatest strengths, mine
• what action of mine provides you with the most pleasure
• what do you enjoy doing with me
• what is the craziest dream you ever had

NINE years later

Matt and I celebrated nine years together, today. A monumentous occurance for some, but a small stepping stone for us.

We've certainly experienced a lot in the past nine years... positive AND negative, but, I would not trade a minute of it... not for anything.

Married 6 years, together nine, and 3 babies... sounds pretty good to me

It looked more fun at 10...

What happened to being a grown-up? Isn't it suppossed to be fun?

I don't think I have ever felt so overwhelmed, stressed and behind the 8-ball in my life! It feels like I can never get ahead of anything. I can never get it all done or have enough money or teach the kids enough or cook and bake fresh enough or clean and organize enough. I know I HAVE to do these things and I do them to the best of my abilities, but I never feel like it is enough or that I am satisfied.

Petit Road Race

We all took the trip to Plainville to run in the Petit 5k Road Race. It was definitely the nicest race I have ever seen (other than a Disney race of course). There were TONS of neighbors surrounding all the streets, cheering us on, putting their sprinklers into the road which was burning, and it concluded with a nice little party with lots of freebies... We didn't stick around long, because we went to breakfast at Leo's instead...

Date Night

There is no question that children will completely change a marriage. We all know this going into it (or at least we should--- and if you miss that part of a marriage or ANY relationship being work, then shame on you). So, it probably would be a good idea to discuss how you are going to keep the flame burning for the two of you after the kids have arrived. We first started with our purchase of the Wii game system when we were expecting Jonathan. We played at least one night a week and ordered in. After Katrina arrived, we were FAR too tired at the end of a busy week to play a game, so this morphed into dinner and a movie (in the living room)... Of course once the children got a wee bit older and we were more comfortable (particularly I), we began our bi-weekly DATE NIGHTS! Hello date night! Greatest invention for those married with children! Something as simple as agreeing to a night reserved just for the two of you can keep that connection going. Now, not knowing your specific financial situation please take heed that this evening does not have to bankrupt you. I’m also not suggesting that going on a date night has to be every week, but twice a month wouldn’t be out of the question, would it? Why is date night so important to parents? We all have different reasons. That's because no two parents are alike. There is one thing all parents have in common, though. They're human beings. Everyone needs a break now and then. All work and no play makes Mom and Dad pretty dull. Even parents deserve a little down time. For us there are FIVE reasons we NEED to get out on a date night AT LEAST every other week! 1. It's true; parenting is the hardest job ever. If you're a parent, you're nodding your head right now. If you're not, maybe you think there are harder jobs. That's OK. You'll know better when you have kids of your own. Meanwhile, consider this: Parenting is the only job you can never quit where you have to be on duty 24/7 for the rest of your life. It doesn't even end when your kids have kids of their own. Date night is a small concession for these constant parental duties. 2. Mom and Dad have a relationship too. Date night gives them a chance to socialize without the kids interrupting every few seconds. The better Mom and Dad's relationship is, the more effective their parenting skills are. They need to present a united front. They can't do that unless they're coming from a place of love. There is nothing that aides in the developmental of young people more than the modeling of a stable relationship! 3. Kids aren't the only ones who like to play dress up. Date night gives parents a chance to do just that. Getting all dressed up gives parents a break from the dull routine. They can leave their sweats and bathrobes at home. They can look like "real" people again. They can look like the person their spouse fell in love with. 4. Date night brings romance back into the picture. Remember that pretty girl or handsome guy you fell in love with? Rekindle your romance with dinner by candlelight. Exchange kisses in the movie theater. Date night is a chance to be young and in love again. 5. Forget your worries and fiances and problems and enjoy each others company. It doesn't have to cost anything but time! For our First Night in June, Matt treated me to a show we had seen earlier in the year, but unfortunately missed the beginning and left halfway through the show. This time we were able to enjoy the show from start to finish and it was AMAZING!

Love

Love can be speak when no words do..
The way I feel when you tell me I'm beautiful as I lounge on the couch with my hair a mess, my glasses on and my 'comfy' pjs.
A quick squeeze with your arm around my waist when you think a car is too close to me in a parking lot.
The subtle look you give me when the kids are being adorable and I know EXACTLY what your thinking... "Our love is SO powerful, we created this life."
The ridiculous hours you work, so we can vacation, drive cars, eat, and sleep in a warm, comfortable home.


There is NO ONE I would rather spend my forever with.