this...
(Is everyone laughing that I am wearing overalls? Yes, I am, too. Linds! Cate! Why EVER would you LET me!?)
would become this?
plus two more...
God sure has done some beautiful things in our souls and in growing our family since then.
Once again, I have been meaning to write about this for weeks but free time is minimal between chasing two little ones around. I couldn't think of a better day than the 6th anniversary of our first date to post about this. In the last six years, obviously, a lot (like cleaning out my drawers of hideous fashion faux pas) has happened and we've just, well, stopped dating consistently. Not because we don't like each other. But, honestly, things have just gotten busy and it's difficult to track down a babysitter each week. (We miss you, Emily!)
I don't quite remember how I stumbled across this blog, but I'm glad I did. Ever heard of Project 52: Date Night? Basically, this couple made a New Year's Resolution to resurrect their dating life. Each week they have a set night and hour (though often it turns into several hours) when their kiddos (they have two young children like us) are in bed, where they have an at-home date. They take turns planning their dates each week and if something comes up on their "date night" they simply move it to another evening. Sound intriguing? I think so!
Here are a few examples that Tiffany (the mastermind behind Project 52) gives on another site:
A list of 16 creative at-home dates…. That’s enough to last 4 months
- Discuss a book you both recently read. Create a cafe or coffee shop atmosphere at home.
- Play the First Words game where you read a word card and the other person say the first thing that comes to mind. Here’s a free download of the First Words game.
- Look through old photographs, wedding albums, other photo albums or scrapbooks.
- Flip through both of your high school yearbooks.
- Go through your digital music library to make a CD or playlist of each other’s favorite songs or songs that reminds you of each other.
- Sketch out a blueprint of your dream house.
- Borrow or purchase travel books and plan your dream vacation.
- Write down and discuss each of your bucket lists.
- Have a cookie or dessert baking contest. Each person try a different recipe and see which one you like best.
- Browse through magazines and catalogs to a collage of clothing and fashion styles you would like to see the other person wear or try.
- Watch family home videos.
- Ice cream or soda or cheese tasting. Try flavors you have never tried before.
- Set up a photo booth in your home, put the camera on timer and take pictures of the two of you.
- Go through each room in the house and talk about what you would like to see done to the room.
- Learn a new skill together – photography, painting, carpentry, massages.
- Turn your story of how you met into a children’s book. Your kids will love reading it.
She has a lot more ideas here and bloggers will link up each week and post about their dates.
So, why am I telling you all this? Because I want to recruit some Project 52: Date Nighters from my readers for more cool date ideas (because I'm selfish) and for some accountability because I can be fickle and start things without finishing them!! Charlie and I are going to pick a "date night" each week and then post about it the following week.
So, who's in? Please, pretty please, will you leave a comment to let me know that you're taking the pledge? Come on! Do it for your spouse!!
