Since I am not writing for LWG today, I thought I will share in Marriage Monday, hosted by my friend, Christine at Fruit in Season. I just couldn’t resist the topic this week anyway—vacation time 😛 .
Here are the questions Christine asked us to consider this week:
- Do you take vacations as a family, with just your husband, or both?
- What are those vacations like? Do they wear you out or refresh you?
- Do you schedule regular date nights? If so, do you talk about your children (if you have them) or have a children-free-conversation rule?
- Do you have family out of town and if so, how often do you visit them? Is it stressful or relaxing to visit?
- How do all these things affect your marriage relationship?
Our son will turn 22 in a couple of weeks, so vacations for the past 7 years have been just my Sweetheart and I. We used to take vacation with our son prior to that. Well, let me rephrase that…
We used to take vacation as a family every year when we lived in Germany. After we moved to the US, we went only on 2 vacations as a family—I mean real vacation with traveling. The two trips we did take were relaxing. Daniel and I went a couple of times to Germany on our own, because my Sweetheart’s schedule didn’t allow joining us on the extended stay in Germany *sigh*…
Since Daniel is pretty much grown up, we don’t schedule date-nights any more—we used to though. I think it is very important that you take some time with your beloved. You have to stay connected as a couple! What will you do when your child(ren) are leaving the nest? If we don’t stay connected, have hobbies to enjoy with each other, we could grow apart as the children grow up, right?
Yes, we have my in-laws in town, but we might see them only once or twice a year. But I really don’t want to get into that relationship. My entire family is in Germany, so I might see them every four years, if I have the money to get a ticket and stay for a couple of weeks. Do I miss my family? Of course! Those trips back home do exhaust me though. Not because of my family, but the jet-leg gets me down every time.
Now–vacation is for my Sweetheart and I the best time of the year. As many of you know, our favorite spot this side of heaven is San Carlos. This year we plan a trip around my birthday in September. I just hope we both can last that long. We haven’t had a vacation is almost 2 years—way too long! We do take day-trips here and there, but it is not the same. When we are in San Carlos, nothing else matters to us. We only concentrate on each other—no phone, no internet, no laundry, no cooking!!!! I know, we have said it last week that this is not heaven. But to be honest with you, when we are on vacation, it is almost like heaven 😉 .
To read Christine’s and other Blogger’s takes on this week’s Marriage Monday theme, head on over to Fruit in Season. As for Laced with Grace, Terri is covering your devotional today.
Blessings on your Monday and as always…
I agree that we need to keep our marriages a priority. This is something we are really trying to work on, because like you said, one day the children will grow up and leave the nest…and then what? Wonderful insight, as always Iris! Have a blessed day!
It’s nice to hear from the other side of children that the work making schedules to spend time together pays off. Your vacation spot in San Carlos sounds divine!! Thanks for posting, Iris!
Dear Iris,
Great post! I agree we need to spend time making our marriages a priority. Wonderful insight. San Carols sounds so lovely.
Angel
Vacations with our husbands are indeed like heaven on earth. (Since our children have moved out, sometimes every day seems like vacation time!) San Carlos for your birthday is September, eh? Wonderful! I hope you survive until then. :~)
I was suprised to learn you only see your in-laws once or twice a year. Is that happy or sad for you?
That does sound like a little bit of heaven Iris. We’re in the same situation as you and your sweetheart. We went to Colorado last year and had a wonderful time. I have a longing to see the ocean, and we’ve talked about San Diego. However, I’m not sure finances will allow that this year.
I’m trying to get all caught up after being away a few days. I don’t know which to do first – laundry, practice piano or blog!!
Iris, I enjoyed reading your MM post, glad you could join in today! I have been thinking about my upcoming trip to help my mom move and the situation with her roommate and what to do about her and then I come here, read you post and your anti-spam word for me is FORGIVE! WOW, what a neat way the Lord used to talk to me today! Who could ever be greater than our God???
I really enjoyed your answers.
Iris,
I would thrill to go home with you to Germany and see your home through your eyes. My husband and I plan to vacation there sometime in the next few years. He studied European history, Germany. He can’t wait to you.
Loved your post! Be blessed, Lynn
We are so overdue for a vacation. Next stop, heart surgery. Please pray for us both.
Sending love and hugs……
San Carlos sounds great.
I look forward to time away with my man even if it is just one night.
We have a few more years before our nest is free of children–but we look forward to that period.
Hope you get a vacation soon I know you work very hard.
I like vacation,too. It is best longggggggggggggggggggg time vocation..
Now I understand……why you’re looking so forward to the September vacation. I love spending time away with my husband too. (alone)
The way time is just whizzing by, September will be here before you know it!
Never been there but it looks like a little slice of heaven. We are looking forward to going to the Otter Banks NC beach next Sunday.
Thanks for sharing.
I love that you have favorite places to visit with your love. I feel the same way when you have those vacations where you really have no distractions and genuinely relax with one another – just you and your beloved…I want to go on vacation now!!!
I love your answers. If you don’t mind my asking, how did you handle being so far away from your family when you first moved to the US?
For 24 years my husband and I have enjoyed wonderful date and weekends away together. Althought we did have family in the area, they were never available to watch my boys once they got active. So one way we handled this was to swap date nights/weekends with friends. As the boys got older we could send them to separate friends overnight or weekends. I also remember one summer we actually sent them both to camp the same week!
I talk to so many women who have never been away alone with their husband and I always encourage them to find a away…even if it’s just for the day. I believe that my marriage is as healthy as it is because we have made our relationship a priority. Now we are pretty much empty nesters….I adore my children and we have enjoyed wonderful family vacations….but I love spending time alone with my husband.