Dates Across the Big Pond

If you have read any of my other posts, you know that my husband travels a lot! So, when he is gone, I try to be creative on ways to keep in touch.

I love the Instagram App/Social Media. I decided to do something fun with it for Matthew on one of his long trips last fall since he uses it as well.  For those who aren't familiar with Instagram, it is a way to connect with friends and family through pictures.  You post a picture and then tell about it and share it.  I love to take photos of all kinds of things.  If you want to follow me, you can request to and you can find me under tracysdavison.

So this is my first pic which I typed in notes on my phone and then screenshotted it so I could post it on Instagram:

Lots of my friends got a kick out of the G rated disclaimer.

 

Here are my other days in order with the caption I put with them:

Day 1: I miss drinking an evening cup of coffee with you.

 

Day 2: I miss sitting in front of our electric heater with you on this cold day.

 

Day 3: I miss cooking with you.

 

Day 4: I miss walking downtown with you.

Day 5: I miss spending time with you and these people!

Day 6: I miss having you beside me while we hear about what God is doing through Gena in Scotland.

Day 7: I miss tucking these two in with you.

Day 8: I miss snuggling up to you in bed and watching Downton Abbey.

 

Just because we aren't in the same town, or even the same country, it doesn't mean that we can't have dates!  I love doing these cute things for Matthew, and I hope to share more ideas with you in the future that will help those who have a spouse who travels.



Work Trip

Geez, I am not good at keeping up with a blog.  I really thought that since it had been a dream of mine to write, I would be consistent.  Boy was I wrong! I go months without posting anything.  Oh well, if I don't pick it back up, it will become another failed attempt at a project and life dream.  So, here I am! Back at it so I can't become a failure!

Ok, so this date was a weekend away date.  I realize not everyone can do this, but when Matthew was asked to preach at a church in Grand Cayman, he made sure that he did it on a weekend that would work for me.  He is such a great guy! Or did he fear my wrath if he had gone without me on this trip?  Either way, I was able to go with him for a long weekend.  So, try not to be jealous as I share photos from our wonderful trip.

We stayed at a really nice hotel that was owned by a church member. This was waiting on us on our bed. Now look at this living room area!

We were very cozy, but spent very little time in our room because there was so much to see and do while we were there.  Seriously, look at these views!!!

We went to the Sea Turtle Farm, too.  We got to hold some turtles and swim with them as well.

Can you imagine being Baptized here?!?!  After church we all gathered at this place for a baptism and there was another church waiting to do the same thing! So awesome!!

And some other pictures from our tour of the Island, which you can go from one point to the other in less than a couple of hours. So, we really did see all of Grand Cayman!

So does your husband ever travel for work? Or do you? See if there is a way to travel together and during free time make the most of spending time together.  You will see more pictures from Grand Cayman (if I can get my butt in gear) because we loved this place so much we wanted to return.

Lunch Date to eat Sushi

First, I have to say that I can't believe it has been so long since my last post!  I have so many dates and family activities to post about! Yikes!  Don't think for a moment that our dates have stopped since I have posted.  Oh no! We have done so much this year.  Some more expensive than others, but I will post them all!

So, todays Hunsband and Wife date is an easy one for many of you.  Matthew and I love Sushi, but the girls aren't too fond of it.  So we like to take our lunch at the same time and go eat sushi.

 

We have actually done this several times this year.  It will always be a favorite date.  Plus, since our girls are in school, we don't have to get child care!

 

Speaking of the girls, they don't have to know, but once we finished the date by going to the new bakery in town and getting cupcakes! Shhh!

 

Sometimes you need a break from work to spend with your husband or wife.  I love my job, but getting to break up the time with seeing my hubbie is awesome!  Where is your favorite place to eat out?  Is it close enough to go during lunch?  If not, maybe somewhere close by may make a better option.  No where close or no money?  Pack a special lunch and meet at one of your work places to eat together.  Not close enough to have lunch together?  Make a phone call to each other?  Don't have lunch at same time?  I have no idea, but maybe there is another option.  Don't ever give up on trying to make time for each other!

Mother's Day Family Date

I am so sorry that I haven't posted lately.  I need a new cord for my laptop. :(  I am borrowing a computer now so that I can type this post. :)

Today is Mother's Day in the United States, and some other countries.  I know that the United Kingdom celebrated mothers in March, but we are just now celebrating, and I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all of those moms out there.  God has blessed you with children for you to raise and nurture and to teach them about Him.  Those of you who are not moms yet or never will be, remember that God wants you to teach those younger than you about Him as well.  You are just as important!!!

So, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I decided to right about a family date.  I think that it is important to block out time for the family.  For Christmas, the girls got a trampoline.  We were told not to set it up until warmer weather.  Therefore, Matthew put it up during Spring Break, and the girls have enjoyed every moment of it!!  Matthew and I have also enjoyed it.  We make time to go out there with the girls to jump.  We do a lot of jumping, but what I enjoy the most, is all the great family conversations.

Today, while on the trampoline, I was able to talk to the girls about what they learned at church this morning. I asked them about Christianity and why we worship God.  They could answer every question, but I challenged them to look at God as our Creator and Father.  They were able to tell me that they didn't want to go to Hell and that is why they want to be Christians, but after I asked them to think about God as Creator and Father, they said they wanted to be a Christian so they could be with Him.

Oh, I love our family time on the trampoline.  Other conversations have revolved around school, friends, and even tv shows that they like to watch.  Another great thing about our time on the trampoline is that it has been a great addition to our exercise routine.

Here are some pics to enjoy!

Yikes!!  I almost forgot pointers!  Not everyone has a trampoline.  So here are my pointers for family dates at home.  Find something that interest your children that you already have at home.  If you have teenagers and a pool, go out there and swim with them.  If you have a swing set, go swing your children.  Maybe you have children that like sports, go out there and throw/kick the baseball, football, soccer ball, volleyball, or basketball.  Just find something that you can do outdoors for exercise and family fun.  I know, there are things that can be done indoors too, but I'll save that for a different post. ;-)

A Late Night in Home Date

I really like to look for ways to have spontaneous dates because sometimes those are easier for Matthew and I, but that can be hard as well because then you are trying to find a sitter last minute if you have children like us.  So, around 3 pm one day, I thought, "I had a great night sleep last night, and I'm feeling tired now.  We could have a date tonight!"  One problem, the girls and it was a school night.  So, I started trying to think of something for us to do.

I decided to text Matthew so that I could get his suspense up.  I asked him if he was up for a late night date.  He said that a date would be great, but asked about the girls.

My plan: once girls went to bed, we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie on Netflix.  I let him choose the movie.  He chose "The King's Speech."  I usually don't watch rated R movies, but this one is one worth watching if you like history.  It is based on the true story of King George VI of England.

Make this night special:
1.  Give your husband just a little bit of info so he will be prepared to stay up late if he is normally an early bird, or to finish things up by the time the kids go to bed if he does work at night at home.  2.  Rent a movie if you don't have Netflix.  3.  Let him choose the movie so that you are showing interest in something he likes (and don't complain about it!).  4.  Plan to have favorite movie snacks.

We really enjoyed our night, but this time, I don't pics!!  Who wants to see us sitting on the couch watching a movie?  Anyhow, I pray that you and your husband have many great dates that allow you to spend time together.

Charitable Event...Oh So Much FUN!

Matthew and I have a Charity in our town that is dear to our hearts.  As a pastor, Matthew was able to help to create The New Life Center in Bardstown.  The NLC is a family support center, where women can take free pregnancy tests and get guidance in how to raise a baby from conception to childhood.  They also counsel men and women who have been court ordered to take parenting classes.  Check out their website for more information (I have it linked above).  They also have a Facebook page.

The great thing about this organization, and many other non-profit organizations, is that they hold fundraiser events each year.  The NLC has a wonderful Chocolate Extravaganza!  Matthew and I used this event as a date night (we have for the past 3 years!).  At the Chocolate Extravaganza, people or restaurants provide samples of a chocolate dish, and for $20 a person, you can enjoy a buffet of these chocolates!  What girl would say no to something like this?!?

Also, they had a chocolate fountain in which you could dip fruit and marshmallows and other items.

This is a friend of ours.  (Sorry, Daniel!)

This year, they added a S'Mores Bar!  They had open flames where you could roast your marshmallow then add your graham cracker and chocolate or other toppings.

There was also a Silent Auction with over 30 items!

And they had a Photo Booth set up for people to use props to have their pictures taken together.

This date did cost us a little more than usual, but not much more than a dinner and any other form of entertainment.  We also had to pay for childcare, but it was so worth it!!!

Tips from this date:  1.  If there is a local non-profit organization near you that is dear to your heart, check and see if they have an annual fundraising event.  2.  Be willing to spend a little more when your date is for a good cause.  3.  Have fun with friends, we some many friends that also enjoyed the night.  I even got to take a Photo Booth pic with my Mum-in-Law.

Here is one last picture from the night.  A friend won Easter hats for the girls in the Silent Auction.  Matthew and I decided to model them.

Enjoy many great dates with your family!  Comment if you have a great charitable date night to share.

Mid-Afternoon Free Date

I work until noon on Fridays.  The girls don't have to be picked up from school until 3:15.  I don't know why we have never taken advantage of this time before!  I guess when you are writing a blog about dating, you start looking for those times.

Matthew and I love to take walks.  We like them for exercise and for talking. So, on a Friday, Matthew asked me what I was doing.  I had stayed to work a little late, and it was almost 1:30.  I said that I was heading home ( I work about 30 minutes from my home).  He asked what we could do (so actually, he initiated this one).  He told me to meet him downtown.  We have a gorgeous downtown.  So, we met at the public parking lot, and went for a walk until time for me to pick up the girls from school.

The best thing about this date, oh wow, there are several!!!  1. He initiated it.  2. We got exercise.  3.  We got to share about our days without interruptions.  4. It was FREE.  5. We didn't have to get a sitter.

Enjoy these little moments with your spouse!  You need time together without the children.

By the way, Bardstown was voted Most Beautiful Small Town in America in 2012!  Check us out!!