We've been doing a good job of keeping up with dates, even if we haven't done the best job of writing about them. For instance, in November we both kept a record of of all the moments where we "turned each other on," for lack of a better phrase. This stemmed from an Everybody Loves Raymond episode where Raymond frustratingly asks for directions to "the mood." We recorded those moments when we were in the mood for an entire week and then shared with one another on our date night. There were lots of fun surprises, and it was a great way to encourage and compliment one another. We both got some ideas for the future. :)
December is always a challenge when it comes to dating because of all of our holiday travels and celebrations. We have to be super creative to make time for one another in the midst of the busyness. Inspired by this post on the Dating Divas website, I created a "dating Advent calendar" for Nathan.
I got a bunch of gift tags and wrote a number on each (1-25, for each day before Christmas). Nathan enjoyed waking up on December 1 and seeing them covering the fireplace.
On the back of each gift tag was either a date for that evening, something I was going to do for Nathan, or something I love about him.
Here are some pictures from just a few of our "dates."
December 1 - Put on your Santa hat...we're decorating the tree tonight!
We put the tree in our bedroom so that Miss Rebekah wouldn't get into it. We had a lot of fun pulling out all of the ornaments and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Day 2: I hear the Denton Square is awfully pretty this time of year. Let's go check it out!
Denton, Texas has an awesome looking courthouse. We enjoyed walking around, looking at the lights, and then checking out a local bookstore.
Day 7: Everybody Loves Raymond marathon with as many cookies as we can eat...
We watched a marathon of every Christmas episode while cookies baked in the oven. Of course, Nathan had to be sure and eat some dough as well, just like one of the characters in the show.
Day 8: Happy Birthday to meeeeee!!!!!! :) Let's drive around and look at Christmas lights this evening. You pick the route.
On my birthday, we did more than just look at Christmas lights. Nathan gave me a full day of special events. He joined me upstairs for some scrapbooking, and we ate some delicious cupcakes. I hadn't had chocolate in months, so it was a real treat.
For dinner, we went to a place called Prairie House. We've passed by the restaurant numerous times on our way to and from Oklahoma, and I've always wanted to go. It was absolutely delicious - definitely a place we'll be frequenting in the future!
After dinner and our Christmas light tour, we got home, put Rebekah to bed, and then Nathan brought out my "birthday cake." Actually, he made me a delicious caramel pecan pie cheesecake.
Look....the candles spell out 31! Not that that's how old I am or anything...
He surprised me with a movie and a book - both of which I'd been wanting for a while. He also gave me movie tickets so that I can plan a date for us in the future.
Day 11: Don't make your lunch today - we're delivering you a hot one!
Rebekah and I brought Nathan soup served in bread bowls. As always, Rebekah was the talk of the office, even if she was covered in crumbs.
Day 20: It's your birthday! Let's celebrate with a picnic and slumber party in the living room.
When Nathan got home from work, I had sleeping bags laid out on the living room floor and a full picnic of paninis and sweet potato fries waiting. We watched a "Nathan movie" while we ate (it had aliens and stuff...definitely not something I would have picked!). Nathan enjoyed a birthday dessert of cookies and cream fudge in the shape of his age along with a cookie dough sundae. We ended up not sleeping all night in the living room, but it was fun to pretend while we watched the movie.
