We haven't been able to get much time away from our kids lately. Last friday after the kids were in bed I surprised my husband by coming downstairs in a full-length formal, hair done, nails done, made-up, perfume, the whole deal.<P>We sat together on the deck, stargazing and drinking wine. It was wonderful to get out of the routine of folding laundry and watching sitcom re-runs while we get ready for bed. And we were able to really talk to each other and discuss good things (for a change) even at D-day plus 17. (and he couldn't keep his hands off me, which is wonderful) <P>I am planning another surprise--leaving a message for him to meet me at a bar after work. I've told him I'm doing this but not when or where. He will have to "pick me up" (I hope in the cheesiest way possible).<P>What else--email cards at work, rubbing peppermint lotion into his feet, singing to him, meeting him for lunch looking really fabulous (and towing two toddlers behind), Promising never to make tuna noodle cassarole again no matter how desperate I get.

Great idea!!!