Zenith had to work half the day on Saturday but we had a nice romantic dinner at home after we put William to bed. The day may be almost completely secular now, but it's a great excuse for a date night in with the hubby. :)
Valentine's Day Menu:
-Marinated Broiled Sirloin Steaks topped with Caramelized Onions and Feta
-Herb Roasted Carrots
-Garlic Oven Roasted Potatoes
-Homemade Artisan Bread
-Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon
Finished off with homemade brownies and chocolate dipped strawberries.
We ate in the living room by candlelight
I've been realizing lately how crucial setting aside specific time for you and your spouse is. There are always new ways to grow, and more things to learn about each other and we can get so caught up in day to day life that we stop making the effort to do that. It's tough to get out, but after even a "home date night," which could just consist of a relaxing dinner together talking, we feel so refreshed and our relationship deepens even further.
It's important, however, to set the mood, whatever you decide to do. So if you're just doing dinner, do something out of the ordinary and make it seem special. Lighting candles, eating in a different room, getting out the nice dishes, or choosing a dinner "theme," while also letting your spouse know that this evening is for the two of you, can show him that you're putting effort into your marriage. It also means that distractions should be eliminated for your "date." Computers, phones, tablets, anything that can take your mind away from each other should be turned off and put away, even just until you finish your date. It shows each other that this moment is for them and sets the stage for a more formal date night.
With more children, I know it's difficult. It doesn't have to be dinner though, and it doesn't even have to be long. As soon as they're all tucked away in bed, make a special dessert and eat it by candlelight, play a game together, have a movie night complete with cuddles, write up questions to ask and learn more about each other (or find some online), whatever! But make it special and let them know it's date night so it doesn't become "same old" and they know this is a time for reconnecting.
With Valentine's Day looming over me, I was definitely feeling the pressure to come up with something special for our "date." However, I had a headache, and mentally and physically just didn't feel up for it. But after some pep talks from my sisters about not having to overdo it and Zenith came home with roses and chocolate, I realized it doesn't have to be perfectly planned and over the top. Just moving dinner to the living room with music in the background and eating by candlelight made our dinner special. We just talked and reminisced about how we met, looking through old pictures throughout the evening. It was actually really nice! It's just what we need to keep the spark going and reminded me of how madly in love with him I am.
It's something I want to try to do more often, though I'm sure there will be times when it just won't happen. But when I can, at least I can show him how much I appreciate all he does for me by putting forth a little effort from time to time to keep the flame going strong.
Happy Sunday everyone!
~Lindsay
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