Date Night

It's one of the repeated tokens of advice many newlyweds are given by prospering couples.

It is also one of the hardest things to plan for if your schedule is filled with work, school, and church.

 Ever since our marriage, Mike and I have tried again and again to make the Date Night an intricate part of our lives but unfortunately we have yet to make it a habit! So this year, in order to keep this cycle from repeating itself, we have created a  list (with the help of Mary Louise and her husband) of date nights to be used over 2012.

Date Nights
1. Sketch out a blueprint of your dream house

2. Make of list of must-haves in your dream home
3. Paint each other’s portrait

4. Deliver cupcakes, cookies, etc to friends, family, or nursing home

5. Plan our 5 year anniversary vacation

6. Make a map of places you have been and want to go. Make a list or places and sites to see.

7. Teach each other something new

8. Build a fort and watch a movie

9. Make/Watch home videos

10. Attend a festival

11. Go see a local band

12. Spa night!

13. Cookie bake-off!

14. Build out bucket list (as a couple and as individuals)

15. Make a work of art for the house

16. Tandem the River Walk 

17. Visit a Museum 

18. Paint your own hot chocolate cup at a pottery place

19. Go to the Farmer's Market

20. Go bowling

21. Go see Wicked

22. Go to the Cheesecake Factory (outside budget but that’s ok!)

23. Go to a bar/restaurant to watch a Laker game

24. Volunteer at the local shelter (homeless or animal! Everyone needs to help)

25. Have a water balloon fight with friends

26. Play board games

27. See a movie at the dollar theatre

28. Sample all 31 Flavors at Baskin Robins

29. Make a very specific list of things you love about each other

30. Go on a picnic

31. Go to a Goodwill or Thrift store and pick out one item for the other person. $10 budget.

32. Get up early and go eat brunch at the Communal

33. Historic walking tour (in SLC?)

34. Watch stand-up comedy all night (Comedy Sportz or Wise Guys?)

35. Go see a Laser Show

36. Take Mike's parents out for dinner (Golden Corral)

37. Make a 5, 10, 15 year “basic” plan (I say basic because life doesn’t always go as planned but it could be fun to dream it out!)

38. Go for a long walk

39. Make a gift for someone else. Just because.

40. Try a new work out
41. Cook an exotic meal or cook something we have always wanted to try (THE Cheesecake recipe).
42. Have a picnic at the lake
43. Go Country Swing Dancing
44. Play Laser Tag
45. Play video games all night
46. Pajama party! Pop some popcorn, make a pallet, and watch a cheesy show or movie.
47. Go to a basketball game/swim meet
48. Make a mix CD of songs that remind you of your time together.
49. Go for a long scooter ride to nowhere.
50. Watch each other’s favorite movies from childhood. 
51. Have a rapping contest ;)
52. Do nothing but enjoy being together.

And to help us stay accountable we will upload a picture and break down of each date on here!

Love and Laundry?

So you know how I used to LOATHE doing the laundry? 

Well, today I learned a very important lesson...     

When it's chilly outside and the heater's not working, 

go do the laundry and soon you'll be thinking...

It's warm in here and my toes-ies are toasty

oh why did laundry ever fill me with loathing? 

This should be called the basket of Love!

Seriously,

 if you are ever freezing, go do a load of laundry. 

Oh Boi

Sometimes I wonder if Life could get any more expensive...

And then it does.

Lessons Learned

Him

A good way to get back at girls who stand you up is to prank them by setting a living room up on their front yard (including couch, tv, rug, and coffee table.)

Dont try to sneak out to TP someone by throwing rolls of toliet paper out your second story window to your cousin and friend down below, while your dad and uncle watch you from the back yard.

If you hear about a Young Women's sleep over. Take note of the date and warn all the young men in your ward to prepare for battle. Then lay in wait to surprise the young women with water balloons and a hose when they try to TP your friends house.

Be direct with people in a tactful way.

Be honest with yourself and to God, then you will find that you are honest with everyone else

GO TO Institute, you might just find your eternal companion ;) ;)

Always find a way to serve your spouse each day!!!

Charity is the ability to look at people through Christ's eyes, to love them as he loves them. (its hard to do sometimes)

WORK HARD!!! no matter what task I am given I will strive to do my very best at it.

Her
Even though others may choose unhappiness, you do not have to choose the same.
Your family will be the greatest source of heartache and happiness that you will ever find.
Revenge ALWAYS ends up in heartache.
No, your life will not end if you don't go to the school play after party.
Boys will never change. Do not choose one that won't make you happy.
It's perfectly normal to wait til College to date people seriously.
 Three dates does not a relationship make.
Sometimes the individuals you think you dislike will end up being your friend.
Sometimes life is hard... but it will always get better.
Even though other's actions may have an affect on you your life, you are the only who can decide if you will be happy.

What are some of the lessons you've learned in life?