Some Enchanted Evening

Our second Muppet was born on our 4th anniversary.  I knew that was going to happen from the moment we got our EDD - Sept 13.  I knew he would be an anniversary present.  It was the worst delivery, scarred me forever, but he was so worth it.  But, it has meant that we gave up our day, for all these years.  Until this year.  
The day before our anniversary, he was acting weird.  I couldn't go pick up a Harley-Davidson jacket that I bought off of Craigslist and I could not run to school in the morning.  I knew something was up, but he really did good.

It started with roses being delivered...on our pre-anniversary.  The kids were outside and came along as a  squealing escort  to the door.  With my makeup just begun - so attractive.

Hmmm, reservations at 7?  He gave me too much of a clue and I guessed the first time.  But, oh, such an indulgent treat!!

From there we had to be somewhere downtown by 9pm.  He was very clear that it had to be 9pm.   We parked at the firehouse, of course. Hmmm,came up to the Pabst theater...but kept walking.  We were waiting by the PAC and Phantom is in town, but 9 is not a time for a show to begin.

A carriage ride through downtown, of course!! So wonderful.  Nick, the beautiful percheron steed of the evening was a wonderful tour guide and Carla, his owner was so much fun to talk to.  It was a lovely evening!!  And it ended all too soon, but I loved every minute of it.

From there, we went to my favorite dueling piano bar.  Again, so much fun.  

He could not have planned a perfect evening if he tried!  My Prince Charming planned the most ideal Enchanted evening.  It was the most romantic night.  Not too shabby for a silly fireman! ;)

Impromptu Date Night

Nothing fancy, but it was so needed.  I ran to the store an bought some chicken strips and chips (with some fruit tossed in for nutritional value) and some bomb pops for dessert.  The kids would have some yummy deliciousness.  N had orders to fire up the popcorn machine, pass out the gourmet orange soda I bought and toss in a movie.  I haven't really seen my FF in a few weeks.  We have been running non-stop when he is home and awake.  

Having a babysitter in the house has its perks.  It will cost me a Minecraft download later today, but oh so worth it.


I stole my husband and headed off the Miller Park.  TGI Friday's isn't anything fancy, but decent food, cold beer, TVs with the Home Run Derby and NO MUPPETS TO MEDIATE, sounds heavenly.  

We got to watch as they transformed the field into Paul McCartney's playground.  Watch the Derby, while only explaining it to our bartender.  So simple, but so necessary.

We have been stealing time for a while.  A run to Home Depot, that could have waited for tomorrow.  A walk with the polar bears, so N does not have to do it. Nothing spectacular, but time that reminds us who we were before the kids, before the fire department - when it was just the 2 of us in that tiny little two bedroom apartment.


Make time for you and your FF, even if you just do the grocery shopping together.  Or a beer and a TV that is not your own, watching grown men playing a boys' game.  It is all good. 

Hug those FFs tight.  Remember how happy you were to see them come home two weeks ago.  Don't let tragedy be the only thing that brings that emotion out.  Have fun with your muppets.  Get the sidewalk chalk out, run through the sprinkler, laugh at a silly movie together.  Live your life, everyday.

Mystery and Intrigue

I am the keeper of the calendar. Yesterday when I looked to see what was coming up for the week in my handy dandy Cozi, I saw this...

Interesting...very, very interesting.


J NEVER plans anything as a surprise, never.  I can't tell you if he has even planned a date in the 16 years we have been together. Of course, I inquired a bit.  Just to see what he would give up.  Nada.


So, I think I will simply sit back and enjoy the mystery of it all - with bated breath, of course.

Wordless Wednesday - Date Night Link Up

Sunset Cruise on the Riverfront



Dinner downtown, almost like before the muppets.


It was an amazing recharging of our batteries.


Link up and give us a glimpse into your world.  Happy Wednesday!

Date Nights

My hubby and I have tried to set aside a set date night for years.  It just hasn't worked.  Someone has been tired or sick or there is a crisis of some sort that comes up. We always say we are going to do it and we never seem to actually do it.  


But since we moved and our 12 year-old requested a little more responsibility, we have found ways to have mini-dates.  We started off with running to the store during naptime and we have evolved from there. Sometimes it is as simple as running to the Home Depot without the kids.  Tuesday night he took me to dinner.  This past weekend we ran to the Italian deli and pick up sausage for pizza night - without the kids.  So, it seems to be that date night is anytime we don't have the kids.  We are not leaving them alone long and we have AMAZING neighbors, so there is really no major concern.  But it is a chance to reconnect as adults, as a couple, without having to continually plan.



I do think that this is where things get off with families.  We lose ourselves, as a couple, in the chaos that parenthood can become.  Seeing as the parents' love is what starts the family, it is the foundation, if it starts to crumble, the stability of the entire family is effected.  So, in my humblest of opinions, that relationship is just as important as anything else within the family unit.  Not to say that we don't all sacrifice something for our kids, just that it can't be our spouse.  especially in a fire family, when the rate of divorce is significantly higher than the general population.  


Kiss your firefighter, hugs your kids and enjoy the day