A Year of Dates: Date #5 (Finally!)

A blizzard couldn't stop the "do-over" of Date #5.  Even though we had to postpone this date last week due to weather and illness, Chad was not letting the massive blizzard interfere with his plans to pull off the date he had painstakingly planned.

Chad's task this week was to incorporate two of the following items into the date: music from mixed tapes he made while we were dating, dinner, mail, shoe and jar.

Which items did he pick?  "jar" and "music"


So what did he decided to do with these items, you may ask?

THE NOT-SO-NEWLYWED GAME

I thought this was SO clever!  I mean, sure, we could have played  a variation of one of the numerous games we already have, but this was totally original for us.  It also meant that he had to search around for this idea and then implement it.

Saturday, Chad ran up the stairs around lunch time.  He said that someone had "left" this at the front door and that we should be ready to play anytime.  It was my first glimpse to our activities of our date. :)

a sample of the song list

We headed down to the coziest room in our house (the rec room) with a fire blazing whilst the snow whipped around outside. Music was playing in the background.  The songs were all from our dating years and many of them from the mixed tapes he made me "way back when."  I LOVED hearing songs I hadn't thought about for YEARS - but somehow I still knew all the words!  It was a nice touch and it amazes me he remembered all the songs.

Then he told me where I was to sit and passed me a clipboard and a pencil.  Chad explained the rules: Simply, we each were to take a slip of paper from the jar.  We would record our answer and then we would ask the other the question.  If our partner answered the question correctly, they would be awarded that slip of paper.  We were to carry this on until the jar was empty.  Then we would count the strips of paper we each had.  The person who had the most, would be declared the winner, and the knowledge that they know the other so well.

Let the game begin!

We played.  We laughed.  A LOT!

We were also baffled as some questions required us to think back over 20 years to come us with the answers!  That's a hard thing to do, you know.

After all was said and done, and the jar was empty, I was victorious!  In all fairness, Chad had to guess some doozies... like: "What was the name of the street I grew up on?"  and, "What are my parents middle names?"  While these might have been mentioned before, the answers wouldn't be at the forefront of anyone's minds.

It was such a fun way to pass a snowy afternoon.  We topped off our date with some popcorn (our fav) and an episode of the new Sherlock Holmes series.

Another successful date for 2013!

A Year of Dates: Date #4

Two Minutes in Heaven

Don't be afraid to spice things up a little!  I mean, we tend to think of dates as movies, dinner, games, walks, activities outside the home.  But don't discount the stolen moments you can enjoy at home - even with the kids in the house! Sometimes it is these specific stolen moments that reconnect you and align you as a couple, especially in the crazy world of work, kids, commitments outside the home.

This "date" is meant to be intimate.  Oh, very intimate. Thus, due to privacy, I will spare you details of our date, but I have to say, I love this.  It is fun and it doesn't require anything fancy other than a die and a few minutes alone with your spouse.  I cannot take credit for this (though wouldn't I have been a genius if I had?!) This is once again an idea from the Dating Divas. You can check out all the details:  http://www.thedatingdivas.com/just-the-two-of-us/2-minutes-in-heaven/

What I did to present this to my husband: I simply cut and pasted the rules, printed them out on coloured paper, and inserted the paper and a couple of index cards into an envelope.

Chad thought he was opening a night that included a gift card because of the stiffness of the envelope... he was {pleasantly} surprised and very pleased with the contents.

Give it a try.
Savour the "stolen moments."
 It is all important to our sanity and our marriages.

A Year of Dates: Date #3

This week's date was postponed from Tuesday to Saturday afternoon.  Whether you have kids or not, life needs to keep us on our toes and keep us flexible.

I am glad for the delay.  It gave me more time to prepare this special date. This week, I was on deck for the entire execution - from start to finish. I based this date around the movie, The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.  I used the setting of the movie for the "setting" and food for our date.

(FYI: I got the idea for this date from The Dating Divas. www.thedatingdivas.com)

On Friday evening, I delivered, (actually our greyhound did with some coaxing,) an envelope that contained 2 tickets to Venezia (Venice.)  To create the invite, I simply used Word and found the Italia Rail logo to put on the "ticket."  I had to look up words for passenger, departure, and the date in Italian. The invite/ticket gave a hint of intrigue and wooed my husband right away.

All I have to say, is thank goodness for the date change from an evening to an afternoon.  Preparation took a little longer - no, A LOT longer -  AND it required much assistance from my two children.  They helped with set up, the cleaning, and the take down of the whole affair.  My daughter even played our hostess for the date.

Side note: Getting your children involved is a great idea as it shows them the care you need take for one another in a marriage. (Brilliant, I say!)

At 3:30 pm (the "train" was delayed by 30 minutes = I needed extra time), we arrived in the lobby of "Hotel Italia," (our house) greeted by our hostess, Signorina Abigail.  She led us to the sitting room of this fine establishment (aka. our living room) and offered us an expresso.  She then proceeded to hand us an envelope from the "proprietors" of the hotel which we opened while she checked on our room.

We opened the envelope whilst we were sipping our expresso.  To "our" surprise, we were told that everything was included, and that we even had euros to pay for our dinner, as the restaurant was separately owned.  (I thought this was a creative way to include more props and use our left over euros from our last European adventure.)  

After finishing our lovely beverages, we were escorted to our "suite" (our bedroom.) On the bureau was a tray with wine, cheese and crackers, chocolate, and there was a bubble bath waiting for us in our lovely ensuite.  We were informed by Signorina  Abigail that our dinner reservations were in an hour and to take this time to relax from our "traveling."  She even told us that clothes were provided for us to change into for dinner.  Naturally, after we were left alone, we opened our wine, ate some cheese and crackers, and soaked in the tub.

Ah!  Perfect after a morning on the train!  LOL!

After an hour, we received a call from the "front desk" to let us know our dinner reservation was upon us.  We put on the clothes set out for us and went down to the "lobby."  Signorina Abigail showed us to our table on the lower floor.  She seated us at the best table in the house!  Situated right in front of a blazing fire and away from it all!  She poured sparkling water handed us the menu.  She explained that this was a family-owned restaurant, using only the freshest ingredients, and because it was a small establishment, they only offered one choice for first and second course, and of course, dessert.  She also said the menu rotated, but today's menu was one of their finest!  I knew then we were in for a treat. ;)  (Loved playing in character.)

We had a lovely three-course meal.  A salad, lasagne and garlic bread, and chocolate cheese cake, accompanied by some red wine.  The service was impeccable, but I was interrupted a couple of time due to phone calls from "the kids back at home." (This was a code between my daughter and I so that I could help her get the next course dished out.)  My husband didn't seem  to mind, as he used that time to peruse the Italian phrase book we found in our "suite."

After our dinner was cleared, Signorina Abigail brought a board game to our table that she thought we might enjoy to play as we soak in the experience of dinner in "Venice."

The game was Ten Days in Europe. We played two rounds of it. I am pleased to report that yours truly won both rounds.  I think that means that the score of game wins on our date nights now stands at 2-1 for my husband.  (I am gaining on him.)

After we finished our dinner and game, our gracious hostess brought us back to the sitting room for a cappuccino. Upon my reservation at "Hotel Italia," I had reserved a private showing of The Tourist in Hotel Italia's theatre (aka. our rec room.)  Once again, Signorina Abigail escorted us to the theatre which had the most comfy seating I have ever had in a theatre! ;)

My husband was in awe of the whole affair.  He commented that I really set the bar high and that he felt like he was truly was transported "away."  Thanks to our wonderful hostess, Signorina Abigail, for all of her help throughout our mini getaway.

Us at "Hotel Italia" at
our special dinner

A Year of Dates: Date #2

Last night marked our second date in 2013.  This time, hubby was on deck for carrying it out (according to the envelope contents he picked for this week).  His instructions were on a sole piece of blue paper.  He had to find a creative way to "invite" me out for the date AND he had to include a couple of items from a list.  He chose poker chips and popcorn to weave into the festivities.

My cute invitation included a handmade envelope (by hubby) and two "tickets" to the evenings events at "Chaz Seward." (He meant to say, Chez Seward).  Very cute!

Plio thinking she needed to help
hubby with the instructions

 We began our date by the fire for another classic game, Careers.  This time, we used poker chips instead of paper money and we played to 100 (normally we always play until 60).

Hubby was champion yet again - but it was close.  (Not really.  Just saying that to make me feel better at losing two weeks in a row. I think the multiple rolls to the Hospital early in the game really hurt me).

 When we peeled our stiff bones off the floor (Yes, our youth is slowly leaving us little by little) from in front of the roaring fire, we headed to find seats at the Seward Theatre.  Since he was the game champion, hubby got to pick the genre of the movie.  To my surprise, he went right for the romantic ones.  He shortlisted a few on Netflix, and I made the final call .  My pick? Bounty Hunter with Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.

While I "saved" his seat, he went and got (made) us popcorn (in our new popcorn maker!) and more of our favourite: chocolate mint Italian Soda. (Soda water and Torani)

We laughed and snuggled.  The movie was entertaining and the second date of the year was a light and relaxing one.  Thanks for a great evening!

A Year of Dates: Date #1

For Christmas, I gave my hubby a big box.  I am not quite sure what he thought he was opening, but I know he was definitely surprised and taken back by what he found inside.  I had planned out a year of weekly dates, and then some.  Each date is secret and cannot be revealed until the envelope is opened.  Each of the dates for a month are in a larger, monthly envelope.  This means, he can't peek and see what's coming up!  I also included a photo album for us to put the pictures from these dates into so that at the end of this Year of Dates, we will have a cool record of our adventure.

Last night was Date #1. It was a Flip and Open date.  (Simply: You flip a coin to see who opens up a smaller envelope, carry out that task.  Then flip to open the next one and so forth).  Hubby seemed to think this was grand!  (Though I was the one who one the flip with "Heads" and got to open up the first envelope).

In it, was a simple scavenger hunt-type activity.  Most of it, we completed while we ate bbq nachos. 

We were required to take a number of pictures to complete the tasks.  Some were very silly, including the one we had to take with the orange (#7).  It was hubby's idea to stage it like we did... LOL!  It looks way too happy!








Mortimer and Bubbles also joined us throughout our pictorial adventure of Envelope 1.



After we completed Envelope 1, we flipped to open Envelope 2.  Now hubby won, but I got to chose what to do with our $10 PC card.  My task was to pick up a treat so that we would take it back for a game of Clue (that was in Envelope 3 which was opened by hubby after best  2 of three flips).!  I think that it almost killed hubby that I was biting on his subtle suggestions as we walked the aisles of the store.  We came out with fancy bubbly water from Italy and super decadent chocolate chip cookies.  Perfect for in front of the fire on a cold January night - or at least I think so! 


How we ended the evening...

PS.  I let hubby win both games of Clue! ;)

Reflections for Christmas with our new and improved family

 We have hardships that make it difficult to carry out our original plans or causes us to change direction.  Joseph and Mary remind us of this.  They had some bumps in their plans as Mary became pregnant and Joseph had to make a decision whether he would support her, even though the baby wasn't his or to leave her and publicly humiliate her.  It was not what he planned.  But he followed the hard path and he and Mary got married.  Then, they needed to travel to Bethlehem.  That would have been long, extremely tedious, especially when the roads were what they were back then, and with a pregnant woman by his side.  Oh, how they would have loved to have had a comfortable place to lay their head after their travels, but they could not secure this for the night.  It was not in their plans to have their son, God's son, in a barn.  A barn!!!

No, none of the plans were what they felt they should be.  It was not easy.  They had to make decisions and change their plans.  However, look at the outcome from all this - Jesus.  The real Reason for the Season.  Joseph and Mary knew he would arrive and that all their hardships and the things they endured would "pay"off.  So they trudge through and tried to stay positive.

It is how we need to be. We need to  put into perspective exactly what is important.  I learned that you have to fight for things that you hold dear and that it is not always an easy task.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And sometimes, it means that things have to change for awhile and that you have to endure hardships, but the outcome is bigger and better than before.

For example, over a rough number of months of separation, Chad and I worked tirelessly on making our marriage work.  We didn't make promises to each other over 12 years ago to walk away.  Sure, there are times when this is inevitable.  But we weren't convinced this was the path for us.  To make sure that we were going down the right path, we put God in the forefront.  He was always there, but we propped him up even more.  We made sure we went to church every Sunday and shared in a few meals here and there as a family, despite the way we may have been feeling towards each other at the time.

In the Spring, we attended Retrouvaille.  What an intense, draining, but SO worthwhile venture.  It really helped for us to open doors and begin to heal as a couple.  It was the stepping stone for putting a seemingly broken marriage back together.

Just after our weekend, we began going weekly to a "Fireproof" study at a couple's house from our church.  It was incredible.  We felt like we could be open and honest with the others present.  We could bounce ideas and thoughts with ease and this lead to many deep conversations later between the two of us. This was more than just the next step.  It provided us with more meat to chew on and bolted us forward to the commitment to reunite and begin anew.

While we were apart for those months, there were times things were maddening and frustrating.  But once we began to heal, thanks to strategies from Retrouvaille and strengthening through Fireproof, we were like a brand new couple rediscovering our likes and dislikes all over again.  That was really exciting.

In September, we renewed our vows. The kids and us (minus our greyt pal, Spencer) headed for Bermuda.There was more anticipation for this event than when we said vows the first time around to each other.    We had a gorgeous place right on the south shore (thanks to amazing friends.)  It was our private getaway.  And the four of us - and God - celebrated the reunion.  It was a blessing, the entire trip, bumps and all.

This year, we saw through the tragedy, and the hurt.  We chose to work through it all and to give it all we had.  We couldn't let 20 years of friendship and 12 years of marriage slip away.  Now, we are more connected and alive in one another than ever before.

Then there is Spencer.  He has also brought this family together with a common goal... to please his majesty.  We have been so enjoying (most of the time) the antics of our new family member and the ability to share our love with him.

We feel like a new family.  We have been given a new start - dog and all- for the next amazing chapter of our life.  We are truly blessed and we are granted grace, all made possible by the One and only.   Our family would not be as it is if it weren't for the strength and love of Him, through Christ.

So as we prepare our home and our hearts this Christmas season, we reflect on the goodness of God.  His gifts to us are endless and we humbly stand before Him.  The most important gift, was His Son.  Christ was not born into earthly royalty.  He was born like many of us - into a working class home.  He didn't have all the luxuries nor did he have the wealth.  Yet, Christ was focused here on earth and lived a flawless, bountiful and grace-filled life, showing compassion and reverence where ever it was due.  And ultimately, He died for our sins.  He bore our pain, guilt and shame.  Can you imagine a parent allowing their child to be tortured, ridiculed and raised on a cross like a common thief?  Would you do that?  Would you sacrifice your son or daughter if it meant that others would be free and could have a relationship with you because of this death?

Again, what a gift this season is and it was given to us at a high cost.