Classic Date December: Dinner and Lights

2014 was a year of change, but a different type of change than before. 2014 was filled with inner change, inner peace, and finding the joy in life.

Adam and I started this year off in a rough place. He had just returned from the Police Academy to a wife who couldn't find joy in her job and had no desire to be living in small town Iowa. We had somehow lost our ability to communicate with one another, let alone the ability to truly date one another. Dating your spouse sounds a little strange, but in my opinion, it is the best way to keep your relationship in a healthy place.

Twelve months later, Adam and I are in a better place than we have ever been. It fills my heart with felicity to know how far we have come. While it is not always easy, we both know that open communication is the cornerstone of our marriage, and no matter what may come our way, we will face it together.

Which brings me to our "classic" December date for the 12 Dates for Christmas. When Adam opened the last envelope of 2014, this is what he found.

DECEMBER

One year ago, I was missing you terribly. You were almost home from the Academy (still proud of you by the way), and all I could think of was how to celebrate having my husband back.  I hope this year of dates has been the wonderful gift of time I had imagined! Though right now, I bet you are giving me that scrunch faced, “Not so much” look just to tease me…but I’m not phased…I LOVE you!

We’re going to round this year off by going to one of your favorites for dinner, followed by Christmas light gazing. Here is to many more dates to come! 

Included with the note was a gift card for Biaggi's, a restaurant Adam loves, but is a little out of our everyday date night budget. He was pretty darn excited!

The food was delicious, and we even skipped sugar free and opted for dessert. Yum!  We decided to forgo big Christmas gifts this year (stockings only), and instead plan six months of dates for 2015. Therefore, we rounded the evening off by stopping at Target with a $30 spending limit to shop for stocking stuffers. I went over budget...oops! Adam made it with pennies to go. But it was for Christmas, so I couldn't help myself.

 We were so excited about our purchases that we immediately put on our footie pajamas when we were home and exchanged stockings. No one can say we are normal, but we sure do have fun!

Overall, these 12 dates have been the most incredible "gift of time" for our happy home. Cheers to continuing the tradition in 2015!

Love.

Turning the Big 3-0

It is official. I am thirty. It has been a long time coming (30 years to be exact), but I made it. When someone brought up this birthday in the months and weeks leading up to November, my face would automatically twist into an uncomfortable grimace.

I was going to stay 29 forever. Period. End of story. Or, at least until my husband caught up with me.

While I just turned 30, the handsome man standing next to me in life is still 26. Yes, yes, soon to be 27, but who's counting?

Birthday Party

Apparently, I was! That is...until last Monday. There were only five days left in my 20's, the weekend hadn't been long enough, and I was grumpy. I sent my daily email to Mrs. Emily Miska, and it was dripping with bad attitudes and societal pressures about getting old. I was set in my anger about the pending age change, but Emily was having none of it.

Here was her reply:

"Okay missy miss, this is your PEP UP wake up call!!! Time for a little tough love. Age is just a number, seriously. Think about this -- you are MUCH healthier this year at this time than you were last year at this time, both mentally and physically. You are not getting old, you are gaining life experience that is shaping you into the person you are today. I know it is so hard to think about turning 30 because of all the negativity surrounding it, but I have heard over and over that people’s 30's are their favorite years. The best is yet to come, my friend."

Talk about a much needed swift kick in the tush!

She was so right! Why was I putting so much emphasis on a number? Twenty-nine was one of the hardest years of my life. There were some serious changes and choices I had to make for my health and sanity. Sugar free became my mantra. I learned to understand and stand up for my own needs. Truly open lines of communication became a part of our marriage. I made a long awaited change in my career, and...

I have never been happier. I think this 30's thing is going to be alright.

Birthday Bubbles

Not Sugar Free...but it was a celebration!

And that "best" includes a trip to watch the BEARS!

World Food Fest: A Day In Pictures

A few weeks ago, the stars aligned and my husband had a Saturday off. While this does happen occasionally, this day was special because it was his third day off. Why is the third day off important? Well, it means he was able to change his sleeping patterns the previous days...so that on Saturday, he was a fully functioning, completely awake, partner in life. There were no moments of guilt for making he be awake when he normally wouldn't be. There were no glimpses of sand in his eyes.

So, why not take advantage of this fairy tale day by enjoying the World Food and Music Festival in downtown Des Monies? I couldn't think of one reason!

It truly was a perfect day, and to top it all off, the weather was perfect: bright sun, light breeze, and happy people everywhere.

It is days like this that remind me how amazing life really is.

First bite of the delicious food! #sugarfree went out the window today...

Even the river looked inviting.

We spent quite a bit of time laying on the green grass and taking it all in. 

Once our tummies were full, we took a stroll up and down the river.

The evening ended on the patio of The Riverwalk Hub. Gorgeous!
Plus Ailey an James came to visit!
The night was perfection! 

September Date: Guns, Sushi, and Shopping

Each time I write a 12 dates of Christmas post, I start to get a little sad thinking about how this amazing 12 month dating adventure will soon come to a close. Nevertheless, we have fun every month on our date escapades, and this month was no different. Per usual, we went off course...a lot!

Here is what Adam opened on September 1! The letter was accompanied by $40 and a Junction Creamery gift certificate.

SEPTEMBER

This is the date you’ve been waiting for! You’re taking me to the shooting range! Unless something has changed in the last 9 months, I’m guessing I haven’t seen you and your shooting talent all the often, and I am looking forward to it! Nothing sexier than watching my man doing something he is passionate about! And since we both know I’ll need it after the hot steal in my hands, we’re going to the creamery to cool down after we tear that target apart! 

There were just two small problems with the date I had planned way back in December of 2013.

1. I had no idea we I would be sugar free nine months later, so the creamery wasn't the best date spot.
2. Apparently there isn't a shooting range anywhere close to where we live...oops! 

Never fear! As always, we tweaked a few things and went on our merry little way! Because of work schedules, we started this date on a Thursday evening, at my parents house, about 35 minutes from our home in the middle of the country. It is the perfect place to fire off a few rounds. 

Hanging out with the parentals doesn't sound like a date to you? Not exactly a romantic setting? 

Well, you're right. But we took care of the one-on-one date portion the following day. But on Thursday, we enjoyed some farm fresh air, my welcoming mom and dad, and the sweet smell of guns. Ha! 

Adam brought a target, his two guns, and earplugs. I brought a good attitude and the excitement to see my husband do something he truly enjoys. 

We got all set up and ready to go, but hadn't counted on one thing. It was a surprisingly chilly day for mid September! BANG! I got my first shot off, and all I could think was, "Ouch!" Icy hands and a gun I'm not used to were cause for a not so pleasant sting in my flanges! After the initial pain and switching back to the gun I prefer (when did I become a person who talks about preferred guns?!) I felt much better.

Though you never would have known from my almost untouched target. Oh well, guess I'll never be a sharp shooter! 

Adam's skill, however, has improved quite a bit since the last time we went out together! A few weeks earlier, his whole department had to re-certify. Stories about laying on his stomach, timing his shots, and using different stances had me intrigued. I wanted to see what the recertification "course" would be.  While initially refusing, peer pressure broke him down, and I got to see what he does while on duty.

I'm so proud of the path he has chosen for himself. 

Since we were at my parent's house, we stayed for dinner. It was great to hang out and catch up, but it wasn't quite the marriage building, fun, just the two of us date we had had in mind...so September Date Day Part II was born!

Part II: Friday night in Des Moines. Shopping, without buying, at Nike Outlet, Dicks, and the mall. Spur of the moment sushi at Samuri. Many laughs. So much love. TOTALLY date-worthy. Dating my husband is the best feeling in the whole world. 

Yea, I can palm a ball. 

Until next month!  

July Date...In August

We have finally gotten to our July date! Below is what Adam found in his 12 Dates of Christmas envelope this month.

JULY

This month we are going to gaze at the stars and dream! First, I think it is time to buy that tent we’ve always talked about. Then I’ll pack some food, and we can enjoy nature. The beautiful nature trail right behind the house will give us plenty of places to set up camp. S’mores are calling your name!  While we’re out there, we can rekindle our connection with fun and games. 

Will you keep me warm out in the cold?

To be honest, this month has been a busy one. I would love to say we jumped right at the opportunity to go camping...but we simply didn't get to it! The first week of July was spent on vacation with my family. During the following two weeks, I was staying with Emily and working toward my TAG endorsement at the University of Iowa. We were rearing and ready to go when I returned...but then I decided to have an emergency appendectomy. 

What are you gonna do?

After all of the hubbub, we seriously considered skipping this month. But the thought of skipping a month made me all sorts of upset. We have gotten so much out of these monthly dates! We love them! So instead of skipping the whole thing, we improvised, tweaked, and made it our own. 

Did you expect anything less? 

While I'm feeling quite a bit better after loosing a useless and deadly organ, my core strength isn't top notch, and I still have incisions to keep clean. Taking all of that into account, being in the wonderful wild did not seem like the smartest of ideas. 

Introducing: the camping date in the sunroom! Adam pulled the futon mattress to the middle of the room, we made some not so good for you food, and stared at the stars (also known as Target bistro lights). 

I got to lay next to my wonderful husband, and P.P. was able to join the fun. And the major bonus? We were able to avoid any nasty mosquito bites! 

It was the perfect compromise, and I loved it.

June Date: Anniversary Trip

We made it! The first year of marriage is rough, but when I was writing the 12 dates for Christmas, I knew we would make it somehow.

June is our anniversary month, the month I am free from students, and the beginning of summer, so it was only fitting that our June date be a big one! It was so big that Adam opened his envelope a few weeks early.  Inside I placed a $200 Visa giftcard and the following note.

JUNE

Happy Anniversary my love! Can you believe it has already been one whole year? I am so blessed to get to call you the love of my life, my best friend, and my husband.

This month I want to spend a weekend ADVENTURE together, but lucky us, it is SUMMER so a weekend could be any day of the week! I didn’t fully prepay for this one, because I’m giving you a couple choices.

1) Run away with me to KC! We are going to the WWII museum, Worlds of Fun, and possibly a Pure Barre class for me…

2) We’re going to Adventureland! We can get a room, swim up bar, park during the day, Bass Pro Shop for you…

3) We can plan another vacation altogether!  I just want to get away and love on YOU!

I love watching him open these envelopes every month, but this one was especially wonderful.  For fear of ruining his Superman reputation, I'm not going to tell you how excited he was for our celebration trip or how thrilled I was when he swept me up in his arms and danced me around the kitchen...like I said, I don't want to ruin his rep...but it was pretty darn cute!

In true Christmas date fashion, we expanded upon the original plan. Shocking.  After much debate (and even booking and canceling a trip to Florida) we landed on a week in Myrtle Beach! Here are a few pictures from the week so far. Stay tuned for more to come!

#rhymeswithturtle

May Date: Farmers' Market Fun

I say it every month, and I will continue to say it: the 12 dates for Christmas is the BEST! I love the tradition. I am in love with the tradition. I will be so sad when this year is over.

MAY

Beep, beep, beep. Get ready to wake up and get moving! We are on our way to the Farmer’s Market this month. Let’s people watch, drink yummy coffee, and maybe buy ourselves some treats!

* As a disclaimer, if you are still on nights (boo if you are), we can reschedule this date for some fun evening activity…

While Adam IS still on nights part of the time, it worked out that this Saturday event landed after a 2-10 shift. Winning! 

This month was planned as a simple Saturday day date. We were going to the Des Moines Farmer's Market, doing a little people watching, and drinking expensive coffee. It was going to be relaxing and just the two of us...but we switched it up a bit!

My friend, Amy, is celebrating her golden birthday this year, and her loving boyfriend wanted to surprise her with a friend day starting at the farmer's market. Even though it was supposed to be a date day, we decided to seize the chance to catch up with friends we haven't seen since our wedding.

Happy birthday, Amy! 

To add a little fun to the day, we rented bikes and rode round the East Village. We had so much fun! There is something about being on a bike with a basket that brings you immediately back to childhood! Adam was trying to pop wheelies, I was zooming along, and the sun was shining.

Adam on a basket bike mission!

Note to the reader, read the instructions on Bcycle carefully! I thought I was paying $6.00 for a 24 hour bike pass. However, that was just the charge for the day membership. It was an additional $2.50 for every hour. That adds up over a nine hour period! 

After the Village, we sat out on the porch at Hessen Haus, a great German pub downtown. A few people in our group had never done a boot before, so Das Booooot had to happen. Then we rode over to Exile Brewery and were on our way home for some comfy couch time by 10:00 pm.

Hessen Haus 

Toward the end of the evening, Adam commented on how wonderful the date had been. I loved hearing him say it, though I had a feeling he had enjoyed himself. Throughout the day, I kept catching him gazing at me with that goofy/handsome/loving grin he used to get when we first started dating. Being loved by that guy is the best feeling in the world.

Cheers from the sunny patio!

A successful May date!

Up next, our one year anniversary date! I've got something extra special up my sleeve for this...

Three Day Diet: We're Going to the Beach!

My name is Molly, and I am an addict...of travel. My addiction started at a young age because my mom was always looking for ways to keep her children "well rounded". This desire generally meant trips to Chicago to visit her family or to Florida to get away from the Iowa weather. In my early/mid twenties, my addiction was easily fed because I was young, single, and I had very few obligations to adult life. Every school break was filled with trips to Colorado, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and beyond. The older I have become (and the financial responsibilities that come with age), the harder it has been to "get my fix," and I haven't been on a plane for almost a year.

Yes, I know saying I haven't been on a plane in almost a year sounds pretty snooty, but I have a problem.

However, thanks to my rock star husband, I've planned a trip to keep me going! Praise the Lord! For our one year anniversary (wow!), we are going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I haven't stopped grinning since we booked the trip through Orbitz. We got a great deal by packaging flight, hotel, and car rental, saving almost $500! I. Love. A. Good. Deal.

Hold up. Did I just say beach? Does that mean swimsuit season is upon me? Indeed it does. I have been proud of my physical progress over the last couple of months, but I'm not exactly where I want to be yet. We leave for the beach in a few short weeks, and I want to do everything I can to keep my confidence high. Nothing ruins a beach day faster than feeling self-conscious in your suit! Which is why I'm sharing "The Three Day Diet" with you.

The Three Day Diet is an app I found before my wedding last year for $1.99. It is all over the internet for free, and derives from what they call "military" eating. For three days, you have a set diet. You are to eat the food on the list, all the food on the list, and only the food on the list. Then you take four days to eat normally, within reason, and finally, repeat the cycle. The first time I tried it, I lost 8 pound in three days!

The Three Day Diet

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
BREAKFAST Black Coffee or Tea 1/2 Grapefruit or Juice 1 Slice of Dry Toast 1 Tbsp. of Peanut Butter	BREAKFAST Black Coffee or Tea 1 Egg 1 Slice of Dry Toast 1/2 Banana	BREAKFAST Black Coffee or Tea 5 Saltine Crackers 1 Oz. of Cheddar Cheese 1 Small Apple
LUNCH Black Coffee or Tea 1/2 Cup of Tuna 1 Slice of Dry Toast	LUNCH Black Coffee or Tea 1 Cup of Cottage Cheese or 1/2 Cup of Tuna  5 Saltine Crackers	LUNCH Black Coffee or Tea 1 Hard-Boiled Egg 1 Slice of Dry Toast
DINNER 3 Oz. any Lean Meat 1 Cup String Beans 1 Cup Carrots or Beets 1 Small Apple 1 Cup Vanilla Ice Cream	DINNER 2 Beef Franks 1 Cup Cabbage or Broccoli 1/2 Cup Carrots or Turnip Greens 1/2 Banana 1 Cup Vanilla Ice Cream	DINNER 1 Cup Tuna 1 Cup Beans or Cauliflower 1 Cup Carrots or Beets 1 Cup Melon 1 Cup Vanilla Ice Cream

Source

I plan on doing the diet once a week until the trip. The most challenging part for me is not snacking between meals. This diet has shown me what a crutch mindless snacking is for me! The BEST part is that I get ice cream every day. Now, who can argue with a diet like that?

Goodbye snacking. Hello, Myrtle Beach body!

April Date Night: Spa Day

Back in December, when I was planning all 12 dates, I struggled to find a variety of fun activities, yet keep a few dollars in the bank. Hence, idea of "at home" dates was born. There are only a couple throughout the year, and April is one of those months!

APRIL

The Fitzpatrick Home Spa promotes relaxation and well being with a variety of services. Choose from the following:

·     Full body massage with relaxing music

·     Exfoliating facial masks and treatment

·     Bubble bath

·     And a special treat of chocolate covered __________. 

The only treatment we skipped was the bubble bath. Our ugly beautiful pink tub just didn't seem like the best place to relax. We were all set to have an almost free, relaxing evening at home! However, if you have read about any of our other date nights, we always find a way to change things up. I love it!

They didn't turn out quite a pretty as we hoped...but still delicious! 

After looking at our schedule, date night was penciled in for April 20, also known as Easter. After a great day of egg hunts and family visits, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather.  Off to Wal-Mart we went to pick up burgers, buns, and tons of fruit for the chocolate covered treat. I love that we now have a grill, because it has given us so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our gorgeous lake view. By the time we gorged on burgers and chips, more food (chocolate dipped fruit) didn't seem appealing, thus date night part two emerged! Two dates, back to back? AMAZING!

The spread of fruits and chocolate! 

Day One

• grilling
• massages
• face masks (he was such a good sport!)
• eye brow shaping - Adam is strangely good at plucking eyebrows, and I reap the benefits! 
• Thor

Faces of silk...or milk...

Day Two

• dinner at Iron Horse
• chocolate dipping (YUM!)
• game night
• lots of laughs

GAME NIGHT!

Adam was victorious.

Adam won by 2 points...arg! 

But wait! We were having such a great time on our dates, we added in a day three! Can you imagine my excitement? Three nights in a row with my best guy? Thrilled, amazed, SO MUCH FUN!

Day Three

• 18 holes of disk golf
• grilling
• movie snuggles

I love date night! Bring on May! 

Trouble: Game Night!

I have spend a lot of time reading about healthy marriages in the last few months, and a repeating factor in every book and article is this: if you want to keep your marriage happy, you have to keep dating your spouse! When Adam and I were dating, we used to spend a crazy amount of time together. We quickly became best friends, and any activity was better if the other was involved... Enter adulthood life. While we still love spending time together, real life gets in the way of that more often that we would like.

So, when schedules are crazy, how do you keep your marriage alive and kicking?

Well...you make time. Last night, Adam had another evening off (score!), so we decided to make the best of it. After a Hy-Vee dinner and a formidable workout at the local high school, Adam had a lightbulb moment. Why not take a trip to Wal-Mart (the only store in town), pick up a new board game, and make an evening of it? We ended up buying Trouble for $11 and jumping back into childhood! 

source

Adam was pretty confident about his skills before the game began. 

I swear he is usually quite sweet, but competition brings out the best in all of us. He won the first game, and I was thinking I had a long night ahead of me...

But after game three, he wasn't quite as confident. My Trouble skills were coming back from age 10!

After a few more games, P.P. didn't think we were paying enough attention to her, and she let us know!

Finally, six games had passed and the winner was.....ME! We played winner takes all on game six, and I came out victorious! P.P. was happy to have us calmed down (we are pretty passionate about our gaming skills), and we all cuddled up to watch some Saturday Night Live before bed. 

Overall, it was a fantastic date! I completely agree with all those marriage books. Dating your spouse is the best idea in the world. 

Love my life.