Date night

This morning you reminisced about your first date with your sweetheart.

Howard and I saw the movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby " but it was the kiss over apple pie that I'll never forget.

It's important to keep that flame burning. Here are some great date night ideas.

Wake up on time-pill

If you're like one of the millions of Americans who dread the sound of your alarm clock in the morning, then you're probably going to enjoy this story. A new pill has been introduced called "The Wake-Up Pill," designed to help you start your day naturally by waking up on time.

I just hook up the IV to the coffeemaker. But Jeff Martin says he bounces out of bed bright and chipper. Annoying isn't he!?

How's your high note?

Mariah Carey fans and your sweethearts can now celebrate Valentine's Day with something special.

You can sing your own version of a Carey ballad and send it to your near and dear in the form of a Valentine's Day e-card. The promotion is in support of the recent release of Mariah Carey: The Ballads.
Go to MyMariahBallad.com to sing your own version of "'Dreamlover," 'Vision Of Love," or "Hero," and add a personal message with the e-card. Versions featuring Carey's original vocals are also available.

Keep the flame burning

Don't wait till the 14th to rekindle your love. Here are a few things you can try with your sweetheart.

Leave Notes (in Unusual Places) Perhaps life has become so busy that you feel like your schedule rarely coincides with that of your partner or kids. How about leaving them a note somewhere unexpected? You’ve probably all heard of kids having little notes from their mom’s in their lunch bags – that’s one place to start, but how about a note by the kettle, in the fridge, on the pillow, on the computer screen...? This can become a bit of a game as you compete to leave a note in the most unusual places!

Hug Someone Physical gestures mean a huge amount, and a hug can be just what a loved one needs to put a big smile on their face. Whether it’s snuggling up on the sofa with your partner or giving your kids a goodnight hug, being held and warmed by another person is a perfect way to feel loved.
Write A Poem A time-honored way to say “I love you” is to write a poem. You don’t have to be Shakespeare – look for sincere, original ways to tell someone that you love them. Try not to fall back on hackneyed phrases about their beautiful blue eyes or their rosy red lips; write about something that’s meaningful to you, perhaps that dimple on their chin, or the way they laugh at your jokes.
Give An Unexpected Gift I’m sure you give your loved ones gifts on their birthday, at Christmas, and on special occasions like Valentine’s day. But how about bringing a gift completely at random? An unexpected present is a moment of pure joy for the recipient and the giver, and it needn’t be anything expensive. A few of their favorite chocolates, a small bunch of flowers, a book which you know they’ll enjoy ... for a few dollars, you have the perfect way to say “I love you”.
Do The Chores (Without Being Asked) For many people, another extremely welcomed gift is someone else doing the chores! If it’s your partner who usually cleans the kitchen, why not do it and surprise him/her? If you normally have to be nagged to vacuum, get it done without being asked. Finding little ways to make someone else’s day smoother lets them know how much they mean to you.
Hold Hands Like hugging, holding hands is something that we often neglect to do when a relationship becomes cozy and familiar. Try taking your partner’s hand when walking down the street, or hold their hands across a table in a restaurant. Being in contact physically helps you feel closer emotionally. This is especially important if you need to talk through a difficult issue or problem. Holding hands can also be a visible demonstration of support if your partner is upset or feeling down.
Make A Special Meal If Friday nights usually mean ordering takeout, why not offer to cook for a change? Make a special meal for your partner (you don’t need an excuse for this – it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s day or an anniversary!) Include their favorite foods, take a few minutes to set the table, to light candles and put music on, and your usual forgettable evening slumped on the sofa can become a night to remember...
Dress Up In the early stages of a relationship, you probably made the effort to look your best. Of course it’s nice to get to the point where you can lounge around in your jammies or your over sized, hole-ridden t-shirt... but occasionally getting dressed up can rekindle that early excitement in the relationship. Why not go out to a “swankier” restaurant than usual (it doesn’t have to be much more expensive), or just get dressed up in your party clothes for a special meal for two at home?
Give a Foot/Shoulder Rub Modern life is stressful and many of us have aches and pains caused by tense muscles. A shoulder rub, back rub or foot rub is a wonderful way to tell your partner “I love you”. It demonstrates that their physical well being and comfort is important to you, and it’s also a great way to reinforce physical and emotional closeness.
Listen to Them It’s easy to talk over people or to tune out most of what they’re saying whilst reading the newspaper or chatting online with friends. Listen actively to your partner – when they want to talk, put down what you’re doing, and focus all your attention on them. Listen for what they don’t say; unvoiced concerns or worries, or hints at what they’d really like. Nod and make eye-contact to show that you’re paying attention.

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Divot and "Pinky"

She's growing up so fast. Jeff Martin and his daughters came by to meet the little princess and they brought her a gift that she dearly loves to chew. We call it "Pinky".....by the way the yellow stuffed duck that quacks all the time is named Jeff Martin. Divot really likes to bite it's butt. LOL