Friday, May 22, 2009

I have a date...

...with my hubby tonight. Last week we reached the anniversary of our 11th year together. But tonight we CELEBRATE it! We're blessed to have parents who love to have their grandkids stay with them from time to time. And so tonight we're taking advantage of that and getting out! It's been way too long since we've had a "date night", as our kids have come to know it. Life gets crazy, schedules fill up, and the weeks slip by. But we eventually find time to spend an evening together, because we knew from the very beginning how important it would be once we had children to keep time alone together sacred, special, and a regular thing.

Yes, tonight we'll have a date date. Talking, laughing, driving, dinner out, walking (hand in hand), and just enjoying eachother's company.

But I've discovered lately that I need to be better at "dating" my husband every day. In the little things. The things that came so natural when love first blossomed, before the busyness, before children, before the tough trials tried to break you down, before you were in a committed marriage that Satan did not want to see thrive. The things that say "I love you. I cherish you." without actually saying "I love you. I cherish you." Because we all can say those words, but do we put them into action on a daily basis.

"What do you have going on at work this week, babe?"

"Hi honey, how was your day?" And then actually stop what you're doing and listen!

"Hon, I just want you to know how much I appreciated you getting the lawn mowed and things tidied up outside this weekend."

"I'm so proud of the work you do at your job!"

"I love watching you with our children. They love you so much and you're such a good daddy."

Me being the one to plan a surprise date, arrange for childcare.

Fixing a meal that I know is one of his favorites.

Watching one of "his" movies, that I don't necessarily care for without complaints.

Dropping by the office and surprising him with a special treat (coffee, cookies, etc.)

Being calm and gentle with my children when they are being challenging. This one I've discovered speaks to MY hubby.

Being silly and goofy with him and the kids in the evening.

It's my tone of voice when talking to him, alone, in front of friends and family, in front of our children.

And a few other things that will remain unwritten....

These are just some examples of things that "speak" my love AND respect (which is even more important) to my husband.



How do you "date" yours? Please, do share!




12 comments:

Amber said...

HAVE A BLAST ON YOUR DATE, GIRL!!!

I hope you come away feeling refreshed. Nothing like spending a little time with the husband!

And what you said about "dating" our husbands every day...so true.
Clean underwear in the drawer speaks to my husband. That and me handing over the remote without a fight.

harmonysong said...

Great post! Have a GREAT night with lots on hand holding and smooches! :)

Mrs. M said...

Have fun! I keep my husband fed, clothed, and always appreciated!

Wendy said...

The man likes a good back scratch. I hate that feeling of dead skin under my nails, but it pleases him to no end.

Oh and thanks for leaving a few unwritten :)

Yule {b}Log said...

One of my life hightlights is dating my hysband. I even blogged about it, too! I pry for a blessed rebonding for you two tonight.

I say "Ilove you" to my husband by listening to his ideas without squashing them. He has a lot of ideas and he just wants to tell me about them.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reminder. I checked out "Mall Cop" at Blockbuster tonight to let him know I loved him. I would have preferred Pride & Prejudice.

Family of 5 said...

Mmmhmmm! :) I hope you had a wonderful, romantic date night! They are usually much needed when there are lil ones always around! I love date nights too! Sigh...wish we could take them once a week! :)

Nikki said...

Cathy, I just have to say how much it warms my heart to see that after all these years, you guys are still as guddy about each other as you were on your wedding day = ). And it warms my heart to know that I've been able to love you like a sister since the day we met. Do you remember that day? With your parents at my parents house? I remember it like it was yesterday. And all the great memories of our cabin for summers at M.R Camp = ). I just love you! I hope you had a blast on your date! Enjoy as many as you can! I so wish my parents lived closer so we could get out. someday. It's been months since our last date, but we might get one next month or in July if I'm lucky ;).

LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH CATHY! I'm not sure if I say it often enough. I'm so blessed by you.

Brandi said...

Cathy,
Happy Anniversary! I know you both had a wonderful date night.
Kenyon and I go on a date twice a month - usually every other weekend. It's something that we have scheduled - because if you leave it to chance something will come up and you will just put it off. It is great! We both look forward to our dates and are excited about them!
I love your list of daily things you do. I always try to take the time to listen to him about the business (even when I am sick to no end of hearing about it!!) and when he wants to play golf or head to the gym I put up no protest.

Gretchen said...

Cathy, Cathy, Cathy...Why haven't I put you in my google reader yet? The world may never know.

Lurve this post. I have nothing to add because your list is so thorough. And it inspires. We've been married almost 19 years, and I love him more now than ever. But I do forget/am lazy in showing him at times. Thanks for this awesome reminder.

Erin said...

Cathy! you're a fun writer! Your page is very cute, too. Don't we all know what you mean in our struggle to stay romantically connected with our husbands? Life and kids make it so hard! I'll always remember my parents every night when my dad got home from work. They went into their room, laid on their bed on either side, and held hands in the middle. Dad would get to tell mom all about his day and she would share her's. We were not allowed to disturb them. Then we ate dinner. With my girls still so young, it's hard to get them to leave us alone, but I try to look my husband in the eye and make sure he knows he's the most important.

Hilary said...

Aw, Happy Anniversary!! Did you guys have fun??
Dates and alone time are so vital!! Rich and I really have enjoyed our alone time these past couple days with Isaac being at my parents' house.
Rich and I "date" by watching movies together, giving each other massages, sitting down for breakfast together, talking about our day....it is important to look for the little things, isn't it?