Date Night

We're big fans of "dates" in our family.

Spouse dates, kid dates, family dates............we do 'em all!

But they definitely take a little planning, intentionality, and

maybe even a little luck. :)

Most couples I know have a hard time getting consistent spouse dates.

Unless you have a gazillion dollars, sometimes it can be hard to afford to pay a babysitter (or find a great one!) + spend money on a date.

 (our solution: we do swaps and find lots of free or inexpensive things to do).

Some people are most fortunate to live near family who are more than happy to spend time with your kiddos {consider yourself super blessed!}.

For the first 2 years of my son's life, we were in the boat of not being able to get a good routine for dates. But about a year ago, we finally connected with 2 other families with whom regular kid-swapping has worked (it's hard to find the right fit sometimes!). For the past year, my hubby & I have been able to go out at least once or twice a month for dates - love that! Because we don't want to impose too much on our {free} sitters, we have chosen to do our date nights after the kid's bedtime. Our kiddos go down at 7pm, so we're usually able to get out the door by 7:30. Then our sitter only has to hang out & be there. We also have an amazing teen, who my kiddos love, and will come & sit for us sometimes as well.

All that to say, we are so thankful for these times alone & away from the craziness :), even for a brief time. If you don't have a consistent date routine in place, the momtourage is a good place to find swap friends. (wink, wink)
And if we can't get out on a date, we try to make an intentional date night at home. (Doesn't happen unless we plan it.) Couch + coffee + chat = date. Sometimes it's followed up by a favorite show or movie.  

My in-laws have a plaque that has always hung in their home -

The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

If mommy & daddy aren't connecting well during the week, everything is off for sure!   

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When our 2nd child was born, we started taking our son on either mommy or daddy dates. We have learned that they don't have to extravagant or expensive (at all!), but they mean the world to our son. He frequently says,  'member when I went on that playdate with dad, 'member that?

Daddy usually takes him to the {free} monthly Home Depot workships where they get to build something together (good man stuff!). I recently took him to the library after dinner where we sat & read new books together. Then we stopped for a 99 cent frosty - his day was made!

After we had been there a while, I suggested it was time to go.

He looked at me and said, Well................maybe we could just talk some more.

At the end of the night, he gave me a hug and said, you're the best mom the whole world.

I will buy him plenty of frostys in the future no doubt. =)

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There are 1000 things in a day that we attend to. As we lay down in bed, we recall the 1000 things that we still need to do. But let's not forget to carve out those special times where we connect with those we love the most.
And who love us unconditionally,
even when our to-do list remains un-done.