Project 52: A Home Run!

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Debi Walter

This week’s date was a home run.

Since Tom has been sick with pneumonia he’s had his fill of medications.  The Bible says that laughter does a soul good – like medicine, so this week we planned for laughter and lots of it!  (BTW, Tom has completely recovered – something for which we are very grateful to God.)

First, we headed to our good friend’s brand new restaurant called Line Drive Burgers in Lake Mary.

It’s only been opened for 3 weeks, but with the food offered and the variety of toppings we really liked it and believe it’s sure to be a hit – pun intended!

Tom had a Mexican burger with guacamole and jalapeno peppers.  I had a more classy version – bleu cheese, tomatoes, spinach and bacon.

Both were amazing, and the Shake-A-Sack of Fries with all the topping choices was great!  We were a bit less daring on those choosing the typical light salt and pepper, even though they had every kind of sprinkled spice imaginable and some I would never have considered on French Fries, like cinnamon sugar.  The manager insisted it was surprisingly good.  To top it off for dessert we had a bag of none other than – Cracker Jacks.  Tom even let me keep the prize – although it wasn’t as good as I remembered.

After this we ventured to the movie theater, a place we usually reject for a date night, but with Toy Story 3 opening this past weekend, we couldn’t refuse with the high ratings and all.

Get it? We've been married 31 years!

We were not disappointed.  We laughed, cried and enjoyed every minute of the brilliant story line as well as the amazing computer animation.

The short film at the beginning titled, Day and Night was worth the price of the ticket alone.

It reminded us of what it’s like to marry someone so completely opposite of you.  At first it seems strange, but soon becomes strangely wonderful!  Celebrating our differences is what adds spice to our marriage – kind of like the Shake-A-Sack of Fries.  Only God is the One who chooses which spices to add or omit.  All we have to do is shake around in the sack! Now that’s a Home Run!  🙂

Project 52 is the brilliant idea found on Simply Modern Moms website.  There you can find out all the details as well as sign up to join this amazingly fun challenge – simply click the button below:

Posted in Date Night Ideas, humor, Movie Dates, Project 52 | 2 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Debi Walter

It’s 10a., and I just finished breakfast!  Needless to say, I’m off to a very slow start this week.  I’m sure most of you enjoyed a full weekend, like we did – celebrating the wonderful Dad’s in our lives.  On top of this – Tom had a difficult time getting home from a business trip the end of last week.  He felt as if he were stuck in a combination of two movies: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Terminal.  We won’t bore you with all the details, but suffice it to say, it’s sometimes best just to keep things the way they’re planned.  🙂 It keeps one from so many unnecessary stresses.

Today is Summer Solstice – the day when the sun is at it’s highest in the sky!  A great time to plan a Sizzlin’ Summer Date.  Or you can choose from what’s happening around Central Florida this week:

CENTRAL

  • Downtown – Rockin’ Lake Eola on Friday, June 25th from 3p – 11p.  FREE.  This event runs every Friday through Sept. 3rd.
  • Winter Park – Music at the Casa on Sunday, June 27th from 12p – 3p.  FREE.

NORTH

  • Uptown Altamonte presents Friday Night Live on June 25th from 8p – 10p.  FREE.
  • Mt. Dora – Renningers Chili Cook-Off – Sunday, June 27th 8a. to 5p.  Cost is $2, or $10 if you would like to be a judge in the People’s Choice Award. This is sure to be a tasty event!

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

Freebie Friday: A Soul Filled With God

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Gary Thomas has written a devotional book for couples titled, Devotions for a Sacred Marriage.  Today we want to share with you one devotion that has had a profound effect on us.  The amazing thing is – this is what we have experienced in our own marriage and what fuels our desire to help others cross over into a relationship that gives instead of expects to receive.  This is work God desires to do!  We pray you’ll find some time this weekend to talk about it and implement changes as needed.

And to all our fathers – Happy Father’s Day!  Enjoy the blessings God has given to you!

A Soul Filled with God
from Devotions for a Sacred Marriage
by Gary Thomas

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

Personal worship is an absolute necessity for a strong marriage.  It comes down to this:  If I stop receiving from God, I start demanding from others.  Instead of appreciating and loving and serving others, I become disappointed in them.  Instead of cherishing my wife, I become aware of her shortcomings.  I take out my frustrations with a less-than-perfect life and somehow blame her for my lack of fulfillment.
But when my heart gets filled with God’s love and acceptance, I’m set free to love instead of worrying about being loved.  I’m motivated to serve instead of becoming obsessed about whether I’m being served.  I’m moved to cherish instead of feeling unappreciated.
Madeleine complains about a lack of spiritual intimacy in her relationship with her husband, Martin.  “He’s never been what you might call her a spiritual leader,” she says, and this has become almost an obsession for her – as though her own spiritual health depends on her husband suddenly becoming mature.
“Did Teresa of Avila have a spiritual leader?”  I asked her. “Madame Guyon?  Mother Teresa of Calcutta?  What about the countless widows who now pursue God on their own?  Were – and are – their lives empty simply because they aren’t married to a spiritually mature man?”
Tim is upset because his wife never initiates physical intimacy.  Like Madeleine, he’s become fixated on one issue in his marriage, so that he can hardly even pray – which makes him feel more emotionally dependent on the sexual intimacy he’s not getting.  “Tim,” I said, “I remember praying with a husband whose wife was in the last stages of severe multiple sclerosis.  It had been years since they could enjoy anything even approximating normal sexual relations.  Do you think God has wired this world in such a way that her husband has no chance to be happy and fulfilled because his wife can’t initiate – or even perform?”
Tim had expected me to preach only to his wife, not to him.  “In fact,” I added, “he found great joy in taking care of her – and that meant cleaning out a bedpan on a regular basis.”
Certainly, spiritual intimacy and sexual relations are legitimate desires, but you know what?  Whenever I place my happiness in the hands of another human being, I’m virtually guaranteeing some degree of disappointment.  It can be as frivolous as a barista not getting my chai at Starbucks just the way I like it, or it can be as profound as some pastor I really admire falling into sin.
That’s why worship sets me free.  It meets my most basic need – to rest in the fact that I am known and loved, that I have a purpose, and that my eternal destiny and delight are secure – so that lesser needs (including spiritual companionship and sexual desires) serve the role of an occasional dessert rather than my main meal.
It’s simply not fair to ask your spouse to fulfill you.  No one can.  If you expect your spouse to be God for you, your spouse will fail every day and on every account.  Not only that, should your disappointment lead you to divorce, your second, third, and even fourth spouses will fail you too!
Only one can love you like God, with a perfect, constantly steady, and giving love – and that is God himself.  When the “one thing” we seek is to dwell in God’s house, to gaze upon his beauty, and to seek him in his temple, our soul’s sense of desperate need is met in our heavenly Father’s arms.  Then we leave this temple and find tremendous joy in giving, in loving, and in serving rather than in keeping close accounts as to whether we’re being loved or being served.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve seen a constant formula at work in my life: the less I receive from God, the more I demand from my wife; the more I receive from God, the more I am set free to give to my wife.
The best thing you can do for you for your marriage is to fill your soul with God.  Start defining disappointment with your spouse as spiritual hunger, a cosmic call to worship.  Marriage is a wonderful institution, but it is limited.  It can’t replace God.  Don’t ask it to.

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Freebie Friday, Growing Strong Marriages, Spiritual Intimacy | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Summer Sizzlin’ Date Ideas

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Tom and Debi

When the heat is on, our dates can be challenging.  We love spending time outdoors, but when the mercury climbs over 90 degrees it certainly puts a damper on those plans.  This is why we’ve come up with a list of Summer Sizzlin’ Date Ideas:

1.  Squirt Gun Challenge. Make two T-Shirts using fabric markers or paints that have several circles with different point values.  Stand outside, 10 ft. apart and each take turns shooting at the others targets.  Keep score…and who knows the loser just might be the winner!  We guarantee the husbands will have more fun seeing where they hit or miss!  This is a cool game that adds heat of a different kind!

2.  Take a cold shower together.

3.  Go out for Ice Cream or share a Banana Split.

4.  Visit a water park together for the afternoon or entire day! Or have a water balloon fight.

5.  Watch a Winter Movie like:  Dr. Zhivago, White Christmas, Happy Feet, Cool Runnings..(can you think of others to add to the list?  Let us know by commenting!)

6.  Go to the beach and build a sand castle together. Afterward jump in the water with your knight in shining armor!  Land locked?  Go to the nearest lake or springs!   If you can’t make it to the waterfront, HERE are directions for making a sand castle at home you can keep.

7.  Take a walk in the rain with an umbrella.

8.  Pack a cold picnic. Think of cold salads, fruit, and desserts – even drinks that are sure to cool you off.  As an added refreshment – pack a hand towel in ice water.  Take it out and wrap it around your spouse’s neck.

9.  Rooftop Date. Have you ever viewed the sky from the top of your roof?  Why not plan an evening, literally “Under The Stars”.  To introduce your date idea, send your spouse this You Tube video of Carole King’s, Up On The Roof.

10.  Go Skinny Dipping. We realize this can only happen in a place where you feel safe, but with a little planning you could make this happen.  It’s a sure way to cool off and heat up at the same time!  The best kind of Summer Sizzlin’ Date!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Summer Sizzlin' Dates | Tagged | 7 Comments

Project 52: Playing Catch Up

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Debi Walter

No, this isn’t a creative new game to play on your next night out – it’s one of those dates that are necessary from time to time. And one we desperately needed after the past two weeks.

In Europe it is the custom to eat dinner late and linger long at the table talking and enjoying each course as it is served.  Sadly, in America this is literally a foreign concept.  Everything is fast-paced.  Oftentimes one event piggy-backs on the next making our heads spin in a flurry of activity. Our relationship can suffer as a result.

We have electronics to help us keep up with our busy lifestyle;  Calendars that beep reminding us regularly of our to-do list, smart phones that text reminders to us and family members whose phone call requests are only a ring away.  We are connected so much we can easily get tangled in the mess. Add to this the responsibilities that weigh on us of parenthood, church-life, careers and extended family; it’s no wonder we lose sight of what’s most important – each other.

We have a special restaurant we love that is quiet (at least it is on Mondays), serves great food, and allows us to linger at our table all evening.  We have discovered it is the perfect place for us to play catch up. This was our date this week:

We brought our calendars and spent the first part going over any changes making sure we hadn’t missed anything.  Next we talked about life in general – life at work, life at church, life in the news.

Slowly, we came to the best part, what we like to call “the heart of the matter”.

The questions began, “How are YOU doing?” – “How can I help?” – “What are your thoughts?”  The conversation flowed easily as we listened and shared.  Tears welled up and laughter erupted.  Suddenly we realize something wonderful had happened…we had caught up with each other and reconnected.  We were once again walking side by side, united in spirit, ready to continue moving forward in our life together.

Playing catch up is a necessary and very satisfying practice.  It helps us stay grounded in an ever-shifting world.  All couples need a quiet place to reconnect, to catch up – we have found ours.

Where is yours?

_____________________________

Note: Project 52 is a year-long challenge, started by the Simply Modern Moms blog, to date your spouse once a week.  Whether at home our outside the home it doesn’t matter;  the point is purposing to romance each other.  It’s not too late to join the challenge – simply click the button below for all the details!

Posted in communication, Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Dinner Dates, Growing Strong Marriages, Project 52 | 4 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Debi Walter

When Tom and I were about to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, I had no idea what to get him that would match such a momentous event in our lives.  A small gift seemed so insignificant; he had, after all, managed to live with and love me for 25 straight years!  Quite an accomplishment, I must say!  I decided to give him 25 romantic days throughout the coming year.  It sounded easy – on paper, until I realized this was actually a commitment to one day every other week for a year!!  What was I thinking?  How would I pull it off?

It was then when I discovered the many things around town that are available for creative and unique date nights.  I had no idea of all the events we had been missing.  There really was (and is) a world at our fingertips, and I have the feeling this is true in most large cities.  All it requires is taking the time to research.  I managed to complete my year long gift to Tom, and we have so many wonderful memories as a result.

Now, for your convenience, we try to provide you each week with an smorgasbord of what’s happening around town.  Romance is as easy as picking and choosing what will work for you! Kind of like a romantic cafeteria, if you will.  We pray you’ll enjoy your fill of romance whether it’s a night out on the town, or a quiet evening at home.

CENTRAL

NORTH

  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park – Friday, June 18th – Jazz Jams Uptown beginning at 8p.  FREE.

EAST

  • The Plaza Theatre on Bumby – Friday, June 18th – Arturo Sandoval performing live.  Concert begins at 8p.  Tickets $25 and up.
  • New Smyrna Beach – Thursday, June 17th – Seaside Fiesta from 5p – 9p. FREE.
  • Avalon Park – Timber Creek High School Performing Arts Center presents The Sound of Music on Friday, June 18th (7:00p), Saturday, June 19th (2:00p & 7:30p) and Sunday, June 20th (3:00p)  Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

SOUTH

  • Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theater presents A Limousine Scavenger Hunt.  Saturday, June 19th from 5p – ?.  Spend four hours in a five-star luxury stretch limousine for teams of 8 people and stretch SUV’s for teams of 12 – 16. Travel throughout Orlando to visit locations, find objects, and complete tasks. Cost is $75.

WEST

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Monthly Winner!

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Tom and Debi

We had a great response to our contest and discovered that many of you are celebrating anniversaries this week!  Congratulations!  We love anniversaries because it’s an annual date on the calendar that proves God’s faithfulness to us!  Whether you’re celebrating 5 years or 23 years it’s significant and a day to enjoy to it’s fullest!

Congratulations to Kelly Traugott whose name was chosen via Random.org.  She is married to David, and they have three little girls.  Their favorite restaurant is Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant and a $25 gift card is on its way to her!

She shared our site on Facebook as well as Twitter, which brings up the fact that we are on Twitter for those of you who like to tweet!  You’ll find TheRomanticVine by clicking on the link.

Have a fabulous weekend – Thanks for taking part in our contest, but more importantly for being a part of our Vineyard!  We thank God for you!

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Freebie Friday: Monthly Giveaway

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Tom and Debi

We love giving away what the Lord has so graciously given to us.  Whether it’s discovering the joy there is in marriage or sharing a bit of prosperity, we are committed to giving away.  This is how the Lord demonstrated His love for us, and it’s how He desires us to live our lives as well.

As you know we began a monthly giveaway on our One Year Anniversary last November 12th.  It has been fun to see who the Lord would choose to bless each time, and we’ve had a variety of gifts.  However, we’ve decided to change it up a bit;  Starting tomorrow we will offer a $25 gift card to a restaurant of the winner’s choice.  The winner will be drawn – not from the long list of our members, but from those who take the time to comment on THIS post.  As a bonus, you’ll be entered twice if you share this post on Facebook. Simply comment once telling us the name of your favorite restaurant and a second time saying you’ve shared this post on FB.

We hope this will increase your chances of winning a date night on us.   We have grown to love the 12th of each month for we love blessing you!  Enjoy this video…a classic from the 70’s:

Posted in Contests, Freebie Friday | 48 Comments

Slices

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Debi Walter

Here is another Slice of married life for you to ponder.  Let us know what this photo triggers in your mind!

Photo by Abba Photogrhy ~ Aisle Runner by Lynette Swanson

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Project 52: Interrupted

Posted on June 8, 2010 by Debi Walter

Life has been different lately.  Our normal routine has been interrupted by unavoidable things;  Some remodeling, a prolonged sickness and a wonderful celebration allowing us to babysit our grandchildren, to mention just a few.  Needless to say, we probably won’t be having our normal date night this week. But, we have a lifetime to have dates.  This is what life is made of – interruptions. And we’ve learned to adjust as needed.

In the midst of all this – we bought a new computer which added another long list of things to my already full To Do List.  One in particular is going through all my old Word files and deleting the ones I no longer need.  In doing so, I happened upon an article I wrote a month after our son was married in 2006.  Since he and his wife just celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary last week – I’ve decided to share with you how that season of change affected me.

One thing is certain in marriage – constant change is here to stay!  We can’t expect life to always go the way we think it should.  If we do, we will be very disappointed or worse – angry and bitter.   Instead, we must embrace life as God wills it. Here is my article where God helped me do just that – embrace change:

Expired

The expiration date said June 25, 2006.

I have never had to notice this part of the orange juice carton, that is, until now.  My 24 year old son, who loves orange juice so much that he drinks a large glass of it every morning on his way to work, married his beautiful bride on June 3, 2006.  That was 4 weeks ago, and I have to throw away something because he no longer lives here; this is no longer the place he calls home.  I couldn’t be more thrilled, yet why am I crying?

I have prayed for years that my children would grow up to love the Lord and to love the local church.  They do!  I have prayed that they would love being a part of our family and call us not only their parents, but their friends.  They do!  I have prayed for the day to see them fall in love and marry their best friend.  Two of them have!

So, why am I crying over spoiled orange juice?

The answer is obvious, because I have loved being a mother of a house full of little children, and those days are over.    I loved being a mom of teenagers full of life and activity, and that season is over.  Now that my three children are in their twenties, I love watching God reveal His plan for their lives.  He will be faithful now as He has been faithful in the past.

I am learning that God has many surprises for me throughout my lifetime.  Some I’ve anticipated and others were unexpected blessings.  Whether I realize it or not, God is at work in every moment of every day.  Change is hard, but change is so good!  It pushes me out of my normal routines and makes me embrace something new.  He used a carton of orange juice to remind me of what used to be.

Suddenly, I have an overwhelming desire to go to Publix and be different – I think I’ll buy some Pomegranate juice I hear it’s good for you, and my youngest daughter really loves it! 🙂

Design by Natalia

Through the Grapevine:

What changes are you facing in your marriage right now?  Were they expected or unexpected?  How have you adjusted your schedule and/or marriage to meet the demands these changes require?  Are you communicating your thoughts and concerns with your spouse?

We would love to hear from you!

Also, Project 52 is a challenge to romance your spouse for 52 weeks beginning whenever you want.  It’s easy and Simply Modern Moms has made it fun – push the button below for all the details!

Posted in Christian Marriage, Date Night Ideas, Difficulty, Growing Strong Marriages, Project 52 | 7 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Debi Walter

Photography by: Courtesy of Timberline Lodge

One of the greatest benefits of practicing romance in marriage is the strength it provides when life isn’t going so well.  We’re not talking strength in our ability to love each other, but strength that comes from putting our spouse first in the way we live.  This is modeling Christlike love to each other, and His love is what sustains us when life takes an unexpected turn.

Two weeks ago we were away on what we called Our Second Honeymoon!  It was the first time we’ve been on cruise alone since our first honeymoon 31 years ago.  It was exactly as we hoped it would be, that is until the last night on the ship; Tom came down with a fever and ended up visiting the ship’s doctor.  He has been slowly recovering ever since we returned home.

Because we have practiced romancing each other regularly, this didn’t put a damper on our time away, it only intensified my desire to love and serve him all the more.  Life is full of unexpected turns – knowing God is orchestrating everything we face helps us embrace our journey together with faith whether the sun is shining on a crystal blue sea or the winds are blowing on the window panes of our lives.

Through The Grapevine: What about you?  Do you have plans this week to romance your spouse?  Don’t let your circumstances determine your resolve.  We want to hear! If you’re local – check out what’s happening in our area:

CENTRAL

NORTH

  • Sanford – Alive After Five presents, Blues and Bar Be Q on Thursday, June 10th from 5p – 8p.  Admission is $7.
  • Altamonte Springs – Friday Night Live presents the sounds of DEJA at Crane Roost Park.  The concert is from 8p – 10p. and is FREE.
  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Sunset Cinema presents Annie on Saturday, June 12th beginning at 8p.  The movie is FREE.

SOUTH

  • St. Cloud – Cajun Crawfish Festival on Friday, June 11th.  Free event, open to the public, live music , kidzone, arts and crafts, cornhole competition and all you can eat crawfish (crawfish is ticketed). This event will be held at 10th Street and Pennsylvania.  More info: 407-498-0008.
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Freebie Friday: “Friendly” Advice

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Tom and Debi

Actually we have three things to offer you today:

The first is in celebration of National Donut Day, which is TODAY. Check out these Freebies:

  • Dunkin Donuts is offering a free donut with a beverage purchase.
  • Krispy Kreme is offering a free donut – no purchase necessary!

The second offer is a free scoop of ice cream from Friendly’s Ice Cream Parlor tomorrow (Saturday, June 5th) from noon to 5p.  You can select from their 26 flavors and enjoy it in a dish or a cone.  Just check with your local Friendly’s to see if they are participating.

Finally, we want to share with you a blog post that is full of sage advice from a marriage that was nearly on the brink of divorce.  The blog is called Marriage Gems and this post shares briefly the contents of a new book titled,  Project: Happily Ever After, by author, Alisa Bowman due to be released in December 2010.  If you are in the midst of difficulty in communicating or relating with your spouse – please – may we encourage you to take a moment and read this post?  You’ll be glad you did!  You’ll also find a place where you can reserve a copy of this book.

Posted in Christian Marriage, communication, Free Dates, Freebie Friday | Tagged , | Comments Off on Freebie Friday: “Friendly” Advice

Project 52: Our Caribbean Cruise Date

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Debi Walter

This past week my husband blessed me with a week long cruise to the western Caribbean.  Words cannot describe the amazing time we had together.  There was a full moon one night and the song, Lucky, by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat was playing softly in the background.  It was one of those moments you know you’ll never forget as it was happening.

Our daughter, Tracy, helped me put this video together that captures just a slice of the incredible week we had together.  I surprised Tom with it tonight, and we wanted to share it with you!

Although you may not be able to go away on a cruise for a week of date nights, why not put together a slide show of a special time you’ve shared together before, and set to your favorite song. Then, surprise your spouse after dinner and the kids have gone to bed. It’s sure to stir the same emotions you felt at the time, and the memories shared as husband and wife are one of the best gifts God gives to us through the years.

Enjoy…

If you would like to join in with the Project 52 Date nights – simply follow the link below.  It’s not too late to join in the fun of romancing your spouse one special date at a time!

Posted in Project 52, romancing your wife, Sunset Dates, Unique Dates | 3 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Tom and Debi

We hope you enjoyed a long weekend with family and friends – celebrating the freedom purchased for us by the brave men and women of the armed forces.  We are blessed to live in such a country that not only acknowledges greatness when it happens, but remembers it when the great ones have passed from this life.

Now it’s time to start planning a great date with your spouse.  Here’s what’s happening around town:

CENTRAL

  • Lake Eola presents Rockin’ Lake Eola on Friday, June 4th beginning at 5p.  This week’s features Led Hed with a tribute to Led Zeppelin.
  • Leu Gardens – Date Night in the Garden on Friday, June 4th.  Garden opens at 6p. and this month’s movie: Houseboat begins at 8:30p.  Cost is $7 for nonmembers and FREE for members.

NORTH

  • Sanford – Hot Summer Nights – the annual show and sale featuring all new work from the studio artists of Gallery on First will open Saturday, June 5th. A tropical themed reception is slated from 6 to 9pm.
  • Altamonte Springs – Cranes Roost Park presents Friday Night Live Unplugged on June 4th from 7p – 9p.  Cost is FREE.

EAST

  • New Smyrna Beach – Turtle Watch2010 takes place June 2nd – 30th from 8p to midnight.  You must call to request tickets.  The cost is $14 per person – see link for more details.
  • Casselberry – Country Festival and Concert on Saturday, June 5th beginning at 3p.  Lake Concord Park behind City Hall.  Cost is FREE.

SOUTH

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Happy Memorial Day!

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Tom and Debi

This is a day to remember our veteran’s and the way they have served us and protected us through the years.  THANK YOU!

Why not thank your spouse today for the way they serve and protect you as well!  Enjoy this day with family and friends!  We’ll post our Mark Your Calendar tomorrow!

Posted in Holidays | 2 Comments

Freebie Friday: Find the Fun!

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Tom and Debi

If you have the choice…do you take the escalator or stairs?  It has been proven that the majority of people choose the escalator, even though most know the stairs are good for their health and well-being.  However, when the stairs provide a fun alternative, watch what happens:

Most married couples know that spending time together is important.  They know that regular date nights will improve their relationship.  Yet, why is it that many couples neglect making the effort necessary to see this become a regular practice?  Could it be the idea has lost it’s “fun element”?

If we were to ask you to describe your first year together before marriage, most likely the word “fun” would be included in the description.  The dating period before marriage is romantic and fun as it should be.  However, the fun shouldn’t end once the “I Do’s” have been said.  This takes planning, but even the planning can be fun.  When was the last time you had fun with your spouse?  If you can’t remember, it’s been too long.

Our blog is full of ideas to help you find the fun of dating your spouse once again.  It doesn’t have to cost a dime either!  See our D.R.A.B. Date Night Ideas, which by the way stands for “Doesn’t Require A Babysitter”.  If you need help on planning something specific, we’re here to help!  God has blessed us with an element of fun in our relationship that we love sharing with others!  Simply ask if you’re caught in the rut of routine – we’ll be glad to help pull you out of it!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dating Your Spouse, Freebie Friday, Fun Dates, Growing Strong Marriages | 2 Comments

A Memorial Day Love Story

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Debi Walter

Last week we had a Memorial Service for my Aunt Hazel.  She passed away this year after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. My Uncle Arnold passed away in 2001 from Leukemia.  In honor of Memorial Day on Monday, we share with you their story:

Lieutenant Arnold L. Gray and Hazel J. Gray

The war was in full force and Arnold Lopez Gray had enlisted in the Army.  After graduating from the Air Forces Navigation School in Texas on April 22, 1943, he married Hazel on July 26th 1943.  It was shortly after their marriage he was sent overseas to fly combat missions against the Germans.  Little did he know on his 10th mission he would have a story worth repeating for the rest of his life…

His plane was shot down over the North Sea by the Germans, and although he survived the attack he was plucked out of the icy waters by a German U-boat.  He had become a P.O.W. in December 1943.

Hazel, a new bride received news of his failed mission, but nothing more.  The telegram she received simply said, “Lt. Arnold L. Gray is reported missing in action.”

She had to wait until March 15, 1944, to hear that he was indeed a prisoner of war in a German camp.  Actually this ended up being quite a blessing, as the German camp took excellent care of the prisoners, unlike the Concentration Camps.  Unknown to the Nazis, Arnold had taken German in high school for three years.  He was able to listen each day to the communiques broadcast in German over the loudspeakers.  He would in turn, translate the current war updates for his fellow inmates keeping them well informed of the progression of the war.  He was aptly given the name “Scoop” for his service.

After 18 months living life at a snail’s pace somewhere in Germany, the camp was liberated as the war came to a victorious end for the American prisoners of war.  Arnold had survived his long captivity, and would soon be reunited with his bride.

This is his letter from Barth, Germany, dated May 10, 1945:

Sweetheart,

At last I can write you and say just what I please.  I don’t know whether this will reach you before I get home, but it’s worth taking the chance.  You cannot realize the joy I have experienced at being liberated, and the prospects of being with you soon.  The Germans pulled out of here on April 30th, and we took over.  The Russians arrived on May 2.  Since then we have been impatiently waiting to get out of here…

…It has been a long time and you have not been out of my thoughts for one minute.  I’ll close now, sweetheart, hoping and praying that we will be together very soon for all time.  I love you with all my heart.

Your loving husband,

Arnold

They were reunited and lived a long, happy life together.  Their final years were lived in Florida – a state they grew to love as much as their native Rhode Island.  Although separated by death in 2001 – they have been reunited together in their final resting place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

It seemed fitting to see their names etched in stone together surrounded by countless veterans who, like Arnold, had given their all to protect our country at great personal sacrifice.

Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida

Thank you, Uncle Arnold, and thank you to all the military who currently protect our country in various ways.  We are forever indebted to your bravery and selfless service to secure our freedom and future.  Your stories are worth repeating to all who will listen, especially the generations to come!

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Project 52: The Taulbees Visit Jamaica-man

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Debi Walter

Photo from Zazzle.com

This month’s travels took us to the tropical island of Jamaica!  This was a particular favorite of mine because my family heritage is Jamaican, and I especially enjoy the flavorful cuisine.  Having been exposed to Caribbean cooking through my family, Jeff has acquired quite a taste for it as well.  Unfortunately, what I did not acquire was the skill of cooking Caribbean food.  Thankfully I was able to find a local restaurant that could provide us with some of our favorites.
Our date night took place at home this time and gave me another opportunity to include our two boys.

We blocked off the dining room and made it off-limits to Jeff until the evening.  Earlier in the week we picked up some yellow, green and black construction paper and made a large Jamaican flag then added it to our dinning room decor.  We also pulled out some various tropical place mats and decorations and hung them around the room.

Photo from World Atlas.com

Earlier in the day, we picked up dinner and kept it covered in a warm oven all afternoon. Thankfully I was able to contain the spiced filled aromas so my work-from-home husband couldn’t be tipped off.

When the time came to reveal our destination to Jeff, The boys and I gathered in dining room where I slipped a brightly colored dress over my clothes, put an island shirt on my second son and a dread-lock wig on my oldest son.

I turned on Jamaican radio station I found on line and called Jeff into the dining room.  He got a really good laugh from the sight of his family and joined us in some island dancing! 🙂

We all sat down and enjoyed our meal.  Although I ended up making some ham and cheese sandwiches for the boys.  It seems they haven’t acquired “the taste” as of yet.

After dinner we put the kids to bed and actually had to finish packing for a weekend trip that our family was about to take.  I was hoping we would have had time to watch Cool Runnings – a movie that came out in 1993.  It was about a Jamaican Olympic bobsled team that was quite funny.  I was able to communicate with Jeff an evidence of God Grace that I’ve observed in his life in the last couple of weeks.

All-in-all,  it was a great evening!  I love planning these times with Jeff and watching him enjoy our family. God is so good!

Ya-man!  Talk to you next month!!

Project 52 is the idea of Simply Modern Moms.  If you would like to start it’s not too late!  Simply follow the link below for all the details!

Posted in Date Night Ideas, Dinner Dates, Project 52, romancing your husband | 2 Comments

Mark Your Calendar

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Debi Walter

Can you believe it’s the last week of May?  Summer is upon us, and there is so much fun to be had this time of year.  Below is this week’s offering from which you can choose!

CENTRAL

  • Downtown Lake Eola – 2010 Rockin’ Lake Eola Concert on Saturday, May 29th.  3p – 11p.  The first in a series of events held all summer long through Sept. 3rd.

NORTH

  • Altamonte Springs – Friday Night Live on Friday, May 28th from 7p – 9p.  This week’s artist is Spandex Superheroes.

EAST

  • New Smyrna Beach – Fish Stock 2010 – Thursday, May 27th to Sunday, May 30th.  See link for details.

SOUTH

  • Kissimmee – Located in the Gaylord Palms Hotel – Visit Sunset Sam’s Fish Camp for an entertaining evening of great food and live music.  For a less expensive alternative go after dinner for dessert.
  • Lake Wales – Bok Tower Gardens – Monday, May 31st enjoy Memorial Day Carillon Concerts at 1p and 3p.  Pack a picnic and enjoy the day!
Posted in Mark Your Calendars (time sensitive) | Comments Off on Mark Your Calendar

Freebie Friday: Winners Announced

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Tom and Debi

All week long we have encouraged our local readers to enter the Letters to Juliet Contest.   To those of you who have shared with us your stories and the number of years you’ve been married – thank you!  What an evidence of God’s grace in your lives as we continue in this adventure called Marriage!  For those of you who don’t live in our area – we have a list of 10 Easy Romantic Ideas to Spice Up Your Busy Marriage to share with you from our friends at Engaged Marriage.  We think they’re excellent!

Now it’s time to announce the four couples who will receive a pair of tickets to see Letters to Juliet at the Amstar Lake Mary 12 Theater (check them out on Facebook!) Your tickets will be available at the Guest Services desk located inside the main lobby.  You must have a Photo ID in order to claim your tickets.  Also, be sure to look for The Romantic Vineyard’s display!  And thanks to all of you for making this blog a joy!

Just so you know we used Random.org to draw our winning names.  Congratulations!

WINNERS:

  • Shawnie McGahey
  • Ashley Walter
  • Kristy Pizzarello
  • Julia Boyd

Have a great weekend!

NOTE:  We are going away for a week’s vacation starting Sunday, so all our posts are scheduled and ready to go for next week.  However, we will not be able to respond to your comments as we normally would, but we will be glad to once we return.  🙂  See you when we return!!!

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