This year, my husband and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. In honor of our anniversary, I thought I’d share ten of my favorite dates. These are not in any particular order.

1. The old stand-by: Dinner and a movie at the theater. Eating together is one of the most important things we do. There is just something about sitting around a table together with food that helps us start talking. Our local theater has the seats with the retractable arm, so we can sit close together just like we’re on the couch at home.

2. We put the kids to bed, then watch a movie together while we eat a dessert. This tends to be less expensive than #1. The other thing I like about this date is that we can curl up on the couch and snuggle under a blanket together. I love a quiet night at home!

3. Bowling. My husband and I enjoy a little competition every now and then (as some of the other dates suggest). He definitely enjoys bowling more than I do, but I enjoy spending time with him. Plus, watching one another bowl provides lots of laughs. Our bowling alley has an…

4. Arcade. Yes, we actually have fun playing those games from our childhood.

5. Concerts. When we can, a financial splurge on concert tickets is always a fun date. It took a little extra work on my husband’s part, but he kept his purchase of concert tickets to one of my favorite performers a secret until the night of the concert. All I knew was what I needed to wear. It was such a great surprise!

6. Museums. I have sweet memories of strolling through museums, holding my husband’s hand, and talking about everything we saw. I think my husband is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. I love asking him what he thinks. Our museum visits have always provided so much to discuss and share.

7. Invite another couple over for some games. We have some great friends who enjoy playing games as much as we do. Our evenings together have been hilarious!

8. State parks. We spent a day walking trails, visiting a wildlife refuge, and looking at the beautiful scenery.

9. A lunch date. These are rare, so they are extra special. Seeing my husband in the middle of his busy day is so much fun. He always has a lunch break, but I don’t always have a lunchtime sitter. However, when I do the planning it’s easy to do a lunch date. He loves to hear, “I’ve got a sitter for lunch. Let’s get together.”

10. Mini-golf. It’s not expensive. It’s outdoors. Like bowling, mini-golf provides lots of laughs for us.

Most of the time, I am not concerned with what we’re doing. I just love being with my husband. It’s important to me to show him that he’s still the one with whom I choose to spend my life. And I love knowing that I’m the one for him.

Children truly are a blessing.  They fill your life in so many ways. They make you smile, and they truly love you no matter what.

The problem is that they can also drive you crazy!

Yes, we all love them, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be with us every moment of every day, and so here are 7 reasons that you need a date without kids:

7. You think that Chicken Nuggets are Gourmet Food.

If it’s been a long time since the last time you were out without kids, you may notice that there are more things on the menu than hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets. There are so many great things to taste and eat that this is a good reason to find a sitter and leave the kids at home.

6. All of your Conversation Topics center on Your Children

Have you lost your identity since you had children? This is very often the case. We get wrapped up in what Susie or Johnnie did or didn’t do, how many words they can spell, and how many teeth they’ve lost that we lose sight of those things that we enjoyed when we were first married. Figuring out who you are only after your kids are gone can result in scary results!

5. Your life Revolves around Two or Three Places.

If you’re like a lot of parents of small children (I raise my hand here too!), then you probably find that most of your week revolves around your home, your work, and your church. Going to the grocery store is now considered an outing, and visiting family substitutes for cultural enrichment. The problem is that a lot of the places that you could go, you aren’t able to because of nap times, bed times, feeding times, or whining children.

4. You don’t know what you’d do on a Night By Yourselves.

This is a big sign that you need a night out– alone. How many times have you asked your spouse “what do you want to do tonight” and they don’t have answer… or it’s the same thing you always do? When’s the last time that you tried something new or different? Why do you let the children be an excuse?

3. You need better communication.

This goes along with your conversation topics, but when’s the last time that you actually tried to get to know one another? How easy is it to grow to love and know your spouse better when Sally’s asking you for the salt over and over again. Taking time away from television and spending quality time with your spouse can only make your marriage better.

2. Your Family is only as strong as your Relationship with your Spouse.

Your kids are not only learning how to be a good future marriage partner from you– they’re also directly effected by how you show love to your spouse. If your spouse is having a bad day and you bridge the gap– that’s a direct effect. If you love your spouse with an active love, it will shine through and you’ll see it in your children.

1. There are just Some Things You Can’t do While they’re around.

And sometimes, after they’ve gone to bed you’re just too tired. Enough said.