You begin to organize the 3 foot stack of papers on the kitchen counter….throw some out, file others, hang some on the fridge, etc. Meanwhile, a little rascal spills orange juice on the floor then slips in it and cries. Another kid is begging for you to take him to his friends house. You lose your organizing focus and realize you have been eating half the pan of mint brownies that was left out. You wish for a second that you were bulimic but instead decide you are done eating for the rest of the day…except for green beans. You get sick of green beans and realize the only thing that will make you happy is the rest of the brownies.
DeNae says
When my kids were finally all in school, my husband and I started meeting for lunch at least once a week. It was great. Since it was the middle of the day, we were more alert, kind of on top of our game — and nowhere near either of the places that meant stress and work for us, namely his job or the house.
We laughed, caught up on each other’s lives, even did family management stuff like planning vacations. It was great, and is something we still do whenever we can.
Britany says
Love this post!!! We try to do a date night once a week and so we have set up with some friends to “date night swap” kids once a month. We watch their kids Friday night and they watch ours on Saturday night. Saves the money we pay a babysitter every other weekend of the month!
Thanks for some fun ideas!
Kristin says
Fabulous tips! Date nights are a necessity!
Melissa says
I just stumbled across your wonderful blog and wanted to say Hi. Your blog is hilarious…I will be sure to come back and visit again.
Mariel says
Love the date night swaps and meeting up for lunch! I knew I could count on you ladies!
Nice to meet you, Melissa! Thanks for coming by!
Jessica says
I LOVE this post! I think it is my favorite one you’ve done:) Great ideas!
FitToSeeJane says
If my hubby has to go across town for errands I like to go with him. Our kids are older so I can go and we chat a little on the way to the hardware store or wherever.
Kim Ward says
Thanks for the reminder to keep the flame going. I’m going to go watch a movie right now, with the hubby. If you don’t work at it, you’re left without a relationship. NOw to get the guys to read this great post!
Kim Ward says
Thanks for the reminder to keep the flame going. I’m going to go watch a movie right now, with the hubby. If you don’t work at it, you’re left without a relationship. NOw to get the guys to read this great post!
kori bates says
I love this post, but it reminds me of what my hubby and DO NOT do. But, like you said, I need to take charge like always…
Roberta says
Like you Mariel, my hubby is my absolute best friend. We have so much fun together. We love to run together. I have a new post idea for you! Summer skin care, soothing sunburn ideas. Check out my blog for a sad post on my burnt up Grace. I am a terrible mother for letting my little girl get so burned! And it’s still only MAY!
nschinook says
So I’m a guy and dont know what all the fuss is about staying home with the kids all day. I love the little ones!
nschinook says
grab the hamburger helper and then the man who caused all this walks through the door!!……I think you women have more power over us men than you think……you are the ones who have caused all this!
This post really is getting to me!
Reb says
Great Post Mariel. Those above pictures are such impressive visuals. I would also like to add, get some lingerie. Men are such visual creatures. And it keeps it fun for everyone.
Cher says
Haha! Great post…my blog has lots of fun ideas to keep the flame burning… love your ideas. I plan for sure to post about your Rice Kisspies post—soo cute!! I will link you if you don’t mind!
Kari Clark says
My husband and I are so lucky, we get to go out almost weekly with a babysitting swap – we set up 3 rules that have really made a difference. 1. No talking about the kids. 2. No talking about work. 3. No talking about money. It has forced us to find other things to chat about, like when we were dating. Our dates have become way more fun and meaningful.
Mandy Finlinson says
I laughed so hard while I was reading the first part of this post–that is MY life right now! Love it!