date night

          When Mitch and I were newlyweds, a wise friend advised us to continue going on dates. We kept up Friday night date night for a few years. After Heather was born, she even went along with us in her sling carrier. She slept through the 3 hour Titanic movie. I guess things changed when we had two children. We had plenty of family time, but rare time out just for the two of us.
          A few years ago a Mom in our homeschool group led us in a Mom's book discussion using "The Joyful Homeschooler." Many fun discussions came out of that, but the one that stuck with me the most was that if we don't get out together, to make time at home. She suggested preparing the kids supper ahead of time, feeding them, and then having them play together in another room while we later had a quiet dinner for two. We tried that a few times, and it was better than not going out at all.
          Now we have the surround sound set up in the living room and have standard Saturday night family movie night complete with popcorn, but "date night" is almost extinct. My Mom is learning technology along with me, and now when she is on her computer at her house, we communicate through instant messaging. Tonight I was able to google movie times at the theater as soon as she offered to take the kids to the movies. All week long I will be looking forward to our Saturday plans. Mamma and Daddy are are taking the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakquel and Mitch and I are going to see The Blind Side.
          Do you still have "date night"?