Staying connected

This is us...

    

     When we got up Saturday morning it was raining (Thank you Jesus). There wasn't much Garrett could do and I was going to get a grocery pickup so Garrett went with me. I, of course, wanted to make a few stops (mainly at thrift stores, don't judge) he likes to go and get back, unless it's something HE wants to do of course. He obliged though. We made a morning out of it, us and the kids.

    I was married before, that was another life for me and I am not the same person I was back then. I was very young and thought I knew it all. I do have 2 wonderful sons from that marriage. In that marriage we did not have date nights and rarely did things just the two of us. I would lay awake at night wondering what I was going to do when the boys grew up and left home, because I did not want to stay there with him by myself (they were 7 & 2 but still, I had to think ahead.)  I poured my heart and soul into those boys and that was it. When that marriage ended I swore that I would not live in another loveless marriage ever. I knew that marriage was broken and this was not how things were supposed to be. Fast forward to present day... Garrett & I have date nights/days. I think it is so important to still date each other regardless of how long you have been married. If you don't water the garden, someone else will. Even if it's just staying home and watching a movie together or sitting on the couch talking after the little kids go to bed. When you are married and have kids a lot of days are just "going through the motions." We absolutely have days like that and when either of us recognizes them we ask the other out on a date. I ask him out on a date as much as he asks me. It's important for him to feel that as well. The best part is that he will ask Charley out on dates. He's setting the standard high for her and that makes my heart so happy! 

    It's hard to find time to go out on dates when you have little kids. I get that. You have to plan it a lot more and way in advance. Where we live there are a few teenagers that would probably baby-sit. If you have teenagers, hopefully they are responsible and could give you a couple of hours out. I totally use the "if you want to do this, then you have to watch the little kids while we go out to dinner." When Dylan still lived at home and wanted Megan to come over, I would be like sure, but you have to watch Charley while Garrett & I go out. It was a great lesson for them as well (if you know what I mean 😉.) That's the perk of being the parent. We are also very fortunate to have both of our parents willing to watch the kids for us. We save those favors for when we REALLY want to go out, lol.  If you ever can't find a baby-sitter, call me. I'll watch your kids while you re-connect. 😆

Wishing you sunny skies and green pastures,

McKession