Cowboy take me away

I once read that in order to grow your marraige relationship you should have three kinds of dates on a regular basis.

1) Daily Dates. A time each day when you take a break from the baby, the barking dog, and baking for your church fundraiser and just catch up on each other as a couple. It could be over a quick cup of coffee in the morning, during dessert at dinner, or cuddling on the couch once the kids are in bed. Even just five minutes of focused "Hey, I care about your day" time can take your relationship to a deeper level.

2) Weekly dates. This date needs to be at least an hour long and perferably will take place outside of the home. You should be kid free, distraction free, and most of the time should be able to have a discussion. In other words, just going out to a weekly movie isn't enough. Although watching a movie together is great once in awhile your dates need to consist of opportunities to make conversation or to see another side of each other by doing something different.

and finally 3) Monthly/annual dates. This is the big date. The one you plan and prepare for in advance and maybe even make an annual thing. It's a chance to be child free for at least one morning which means sleeping in and maybe even a little more. ;o) Prince Charming and I have one annual date like this which we take for one weekend every year on our half anniversary. It's something I look forward to all year.

Tonight we leave on one of those big get-away type dates to celebrate our anniversary. This time around we're taking our Little Lady with us but we will have one evening without her while we're away. Can't wait to escape!

Happy Valentine's day! Enjoy your celebrating!