Date Night (4 Kids Later)

As our family grows, date night looks a little different these days. We're learning how to be a little more intentional and creative in order to get a little more "quality time"... our primary love language.

We've learned this works best when we let the kids in on our plans and explain to them that mommy and daddy are going to have a "date night" at home together.  Initially, there used to be protesting, but now the girls really seem to get excited about daddy taking mommy on a date -- even if it is just to the living room!  While the boys have no clue of what's going on, Tim really does such a wonderful job of explaining how important it is for mommy and daddy to have some grown up time together. 

So here's what it may look like.......The kids are all bathed, have eaten and are all tucked in bed by 8:00pm.  The girls are able to stay up a little later and love to camp out in their room together. We help them have their own movie experience complete with popcorn and candy providing they stay in their room while mommy and daddy have their date. 

On occasion, Tim fires up the grill and we have a low lit dinner on the porch followed by a movie we've been wanting to see.  

We haven't gotten into the whole Netflix thing yet, but I am a little curious about it, so if you use it, what has your experience been? 

The other night we watched Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow and Garret Hedlund. I was a little reluctant to watch it, but you can't really go wrong with Gwyneth Paltrow....she's such a great actress. 

While the movie did not disappoint, what I loved most was the movie soundtrack. Gwyneth did a great job and I absolutely loved Garret's deep piercing voice. I'd never really heard of  Leighton Meester either, but am slowly becoming a fan. ; ) 

Needless to say, the Country Strong Soundtrack is on repeat around the Barosh home these days. Here is my favorite, "Timing is Everything" followed closely by "Give in to Me".

"Give in to Me"

What are some creative ideas you and your spouse have come up with for dating?