Feb. 12, 2008
How to have a romantic evening with children in the house, and no money
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God blessed me with creativity early on in our marriage. Since my husband worked swings and mids much of his military career finding moments for each other was difficult at times. But we learned very early to take something I did for the kids and turn it into something natural. Really, it was simple. When the children have a bath I would wash their hair, so of course when daddy took his, he needed his hair washed too. They never suspected a thing until their teens, honest!
Creativity and romance go together and when you are a military family without family around to ask to watch the kids, well date nights include everyone. That includes Valentine's Day.
In our home romantic evenings meant an uninterrupted conversation over candlelight looking into eachothers eyes. Romance is the best gift kids can give their parents and parents can give their kids and they giggle doing it!
Our children would start a couple days before Valentines day or our anniversary creating our restaurant. They would create menus called something like Oh-la-la Cafe including the menu for the Special evening (which is great copy work) They would make napkin holders and decorations. Lastly they would pull out the card table and set it up in the Livingroom. This would be our RESERVED table in our own restaurant. Now I know lots of you have done this before only to have multiple interrupts. This is where creativity comes into play.
Since we have our own table in our own restaurant they are the wait staff. They bring the water, the meals etc. They are allowed to ask, "how is the meal and is everything all right."...PERIOD! This is manners training to perfection. This is what causes strangers to come up to your table when you actually do go out with them and comment on your children's behavior. And the best part is YOUR children know they are not to talk to strangers at a restaurant so they leave you alone. If they forget a simple, "Excuse me do I know you" , works wonders.
Now I am sure you are wondering if this was fun for the children. I would say absolutely, because my grandchildren do it for their parents as well. And the grandchildren have done it for us also. If something becomes a tradition, it was a good idea.
Top your night of with a movie in the dark (just like at the theatre) and two things happen, you get to cuddle and the little ones fall asleep, just like at the real movies.
This is my first Tightwad Tuesday with Canadagirl. Head on over for other awesome Ideas.
Comments
Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Canadagirl
Awwwwwwwwwe , maybe I will have to practice this for some date nights this year for next Valentines . [0= Thank you for your very good tightwad tip !! ((hugs))
Blessings and ((hugs)) my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessedwith2angels
I love the hair washing trip. That is to funny. I like the restaurant idea too. I might have to try that for Valentine's Day. Thanks for sharing.
Pam
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by bakerswife
You all have a lot of fun and save money too. Great combination. I love your movie night in the dark,
and your DH needing his hair washed at bathtime is a stroke of genius!
Mama Karen
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jenn4him
Very creative, Bobbie, thanks!
Jenn
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by socalval
Just stopping by to say hello and to remind everyone that tomorrow is Weblink Wednesday. No special links needed - just whatever educational link that you find helpful. I'm going back to posting Weblink Wednesday every week.
Have a great rest-of-the-day.
Valerie
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by psalms16vs2
Those are some great ideas. And it sounds like a very sweet tradition. Thanks for sharing it. :)
JoAnn
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by HeartnSoul
Thanks for sharing, sounds intriguing :)
Denise
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HeartnSoul/479413
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Feb. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Training Hearts
What a creative post full of ideas! I'm in a creative slump, so thank you!!!
Have a lovely Valentine's Day!
~Tamara
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Feb. 12, 2008 - I will have to
Posted by proudmommaof3
get my kids in training.
More on the Dobson thang: I think he is just looking for voters who have values and this is something the voter is taking into consideration when they are going to the poles. This is one reason why I am a Republican. Other than that, I really am voter illiterate. Look forward to seeing some more of your blogs on the political campaign coming up. You have some good stuff to say. I know a couple people now whos husband where in the I did find out when our "primary's" are and they are in May.
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Feb. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by bbullard
Hey, I have something for you over at my blog. Stop by when you get a chance...
Belinda @ With a Taste of Chocolate
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Feb. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy
What a wonderful idea... Ron was out of town on Valentine's Day. He still is ~ so I took Marissa out to lunch.
When Ron called that evening, I said, "I love you Valentine!" A moment of silence followed before I heard, "It's Valentine's Day?" Uh, yep... February 14th, every year.
"Do I have to get you something?" ... No.
"Did you get me something?" ... Yes
"What did you get me?"... Chocolate
"Oh, good, I'll share!"
Now some people wouldn't think this is romantic, but my husband doesn't share his chocolate easily. He hides it all over the house and sneaks.
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Feb. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sahmto4orMore
Great ideas, as always.
I gave you an award on my blog. I don't know if you already have it, but if you do, you deserve it twice!
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