Date 22

  Good morning!  Another date with your kids today! Are you excited?  Did you have fun yesterday?  I know that my kids act differently when they are separated as well.  I have less problems, I hear less yelling and I ultimately have less stress.  So when I can hang out with just one it is a little fun.  Boy only children have it made.

  Today it is another date outside!  Whether it's raining, snowing or a bright sunshine day.  Kids love to go outside.  Take a trip to the park.  Not the kind with slides and swings.  This time you and little one are going to walk and explore.  Make a scavenger hunt. I have a few pinned on pinterest.  Walk around a lake or just take a short trail through the woods.

  Today's date is just providing you with an option to spend some quiet quality time with each other. I don't mean quiet as in don't talk; I just mean quiet as in focused undivided attention without the squeals going down a slide.  My two younger kids like going for walks at the park a whole lot more than my older two.  They like to see the squirrels running, a turtle in the water, count bridges on our path or just all the fresh air they are getting.

  So there you go! Go on out and have some fresh air fun.  If you have more than one child maybe spend a half hour with each of them.  It's nice to see their personality without the others around.  I like to listen to them as the describe something to me.  It's so much easier to focus on them individually.  I know they like it too.

Date 11

  This week you have spent time with your significant other be it a spouse or good friend.  You have enjoyed yourselves out and about on walks, in parks, in movies and at dinner.  A date can be anywhere.  It can also be at anytime.

  Today takes you outside again.  Take a trip to the waterfront.  It doesn't need to be a beach; it could be a lake.  I have a lake close by that you can walk around in a reasonable amount of time or I could just go to the waterside and sit in the car, beach or bench and bask in its glory.

  I always like to see the sunrise.  I don't know if it's about the colors or something internal but, I truly enjoy seeing the sun and water.  Water to me is so entertaining.  The lapping of the waves, the seagulls squawking, and the sand under my feet.  It brings me some kind of peace.

  The sunrise is a hard thing to catch though.  I have made it a few times but I'll just appreciate those random times.  You have to watch the news and get the times then add on drive time.  Too much math!

  Have fun at the water today.  It will not be warm enough for a dip but always cool enough to look at.

Date 7

  First date this week with your spouse.  Let me get this clear up front in case I don't always write it out.  This week is for your significant other.  Whomever that is.  Married or not.  This week is about sharing time, making time with the one you love the most, or the one you usually spend time with the least.  I may say spouse, I may say significant other.  Just so you know; I don't know who it is for you.  I don't know what their title is in your life but now you know whom I am referring to.

    Today hopefully it is nice where you are.  Todays date is for the outdoors.  Date 7 is for an outdoor park adventure.  This week make time to hang out with your spouse.  Take a trip around your local park, lake or trail.  Your call whether it is a flower garden, 3 mile trail or even a loop around the duck pond.  Of course you can always pack a lunch then take a nice stroll around, or if time does not allow then just squeeze in some time at the park just the two of you, leaves crunching under your toes, no kids, maybe even holding hands.  No stress for this time, no talk of work or bills, just be in the moment because you will be back in reality before you know it.

  Take a photo of your date and even if you don't post it save it to make a book of your 30 days of dating.  It will be nice to reflect on and remember when you dedicated a whole month to dating.

  Feel free to post your story or picture in the comments below.