Family Life

It wasn’t long after the birth of our first child that Danita and I began to notice that something was missing in our relationship. We were away on vacation in Myrtle Beach when it became apparent that we needed to talk. We had been so busy trying to learn the art of parenting that we had not been spending the time to keep our marriage on solid footing. We had begun to slide down the slippery slope rapidly gaining speed, but thanks to God we were able to make a few minor adjustments that have helped us maintain better footing. This page is designed to share some of those things with you in the hopes that your marriage will be blessed. This is a “work in progress.” You will want to check back often. We will be updating the date ideas, as well as providing other helpful resources as we come by them.

One of the first “adjustments” we made was to schedule regular date nights. We try to get away once a month — just us. We have found it helpful to alternate who is responsible for planning the event. Danita plans the date on the even months (February, April, June, August, October, December). On the odd months I plan the date. I am responsible to plan what we are going to do for an activity, where we are going to eat, child care, etc. Danita will tell you the reason is because I am “odd.” That could be. My standard come back is, “I may be odd, but you are EVEN odder.”

March Date Night Idea —

We went on our first date toward the end of December. The weather in March and December are similar in Northeast Ohio. Every year we try to “re-live” our first date. I buy the same number of roses. We try to eat at the same restaurant, do the same things, have the same dessert afterwards. Why don’t you plan a date “re-living” your first date. You may not be able to go to the exact place because of proximity. You may not be able to do the exact thing you did on your first date, but you could at least get close enough to make it a memorable evening. While you’re at it, why don’t you talk about what caused you to fall in love with each other.

April Date Night Idea —

While driving home the other day, a great thought occurred to me about what to do for our next date night. Danita and I have not gone on this date yet, so mums the word. I spent some time driving along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail. (For more information, click here.) The scenes were spectacular! I was reminded once again of how grateful I am that God has brought me to this area to pastor. Danita loves to spend time outdoors. Knowing this, our next date is going to mean packing up our bikes, heading to Lake Erie Coastal Ohio

Trail, and seeing how much of the trail our pedals can take us to. Quaint little shops and restaurants will provide a nice diversion to experience with my bride. We will drive out to the Lorain County line, hop on the bikes and pedal east, and time it so that we arrive back at the car just as the sun is setting over the western edge of Lake Erie. I can hardly wait for the evening.

June Date Night Idea —

On our most recent date night, I needed to invest a little more creativity. We couldn’t find child care, and so I needed to think of a way to still make the night meaningful for us as a couple even though our entire family was together. Our family went out to dinner. We put the kids to bed on time. I threatened them with harsh punishment if they got out of bed, and our date night was about to begin. My wife loves campfires. While the kids were getting ready for bed I lit a fire in our outdoor fireplace. We threw a blanket on the ground and enjoyed some time together. The second phase of our date involved us coming inside and baking a cake together. There is something fun about cooking with the one you love. While the cake was baking, we watched a “chic-flic” and enjoyed some cake together. It was cheap, fun, and a memorable evening.