Two Hot Dates in Two Nights!

To any parent who thinks dates with their spouse are unimportant, let me encourage you otherwise!  This past Friday evening, I went with my handsome hubby to see "The Avengers" along with another couple.  We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the movie, as well as dinner afterwards.  The movie was just fun and fantastic.  Yes, part of the evening was sitting side by side in a theater.  But even that was wonderful.  Having the opportunity to sit with my head on his chest or even holding his hand without the concern of "did I hear the child" or getting interrupted by said child was precious.  Having something new that we shared and something new to talk about is always good.  The food and overall company was great.

And dates don't have to be expensive.  Whether it's going to a driving range, bowling, or a picnic in the park or just dressing up for a free concert around town, getting away from the house and getting out together is so important.  I know many people think home date nights are wonderful, too.  And I don't disagree.  Any time spent together is healthy and important.  But for me, at least, it's so nice to be able to turn off the "to-do list" part of my brain.  If I'm not at home, I don't pay attention to if there are dishes or laundry to be done.  I don't get distracted by the "oh, I need to make sure I run that errand or do this tomorrow."  I don't decide to watch tv or do something equally mind-numbing and alone.

Not to mention, it's just awesome to be able to pay attention to my husband and feel that same undivided attention from him.  It's great to be able to get dolled up (even if it's just jeans) and feel pretty.

But as wonderful as one-on-one spouse time is, one-on-one time with the kiddo or kiddos is important as well.  So after my hot date Friday night, I had a date night with my adorable son.  Or should I say, "date knight," sponsored by Chik-Fil-A.  They had the cow, who was wearing a knight hood, along with a man dressed as a knight, a free photo booth, and a free cookie sundae for each of us!  All we had to buy was dinner, which was just fine by me!  They also had a shield for him to color, a beautiful and fragrant red carnation they gave him to give me, and talking points for good conversations between mothers and sons.  (That night was mother-son; next month, their hosting father-daughter.)

As silly as it may sound, as I looked across the table at my son sitting across from me, instead of beside me, I welled up with tears.  I know I have my son with me all day every day.  But there was something so sweet and special and the mindset of knowing it was a "date."  I look forward to using those ideas and talking points with my son when he's a little older.  And I have photographs of our first date together.  I'll put them next to the photograph I have of Lino and I's first post-child date.

I have two special guys.  And I have had an incredible weekend, enjoying one-on-one time with each of them.  I am a blessed, blessed woman.