Valentines day....

Before the Christmas holiday is hardly over, the stores are stocking their shelves with all manners of teddy bears, heart shaped chocolate boxes, fake roses, heartzy this and heartzy that.

I think this holiday is seriously overrated in its commercialism. Then again, which one isn't??

I'm thinking of this... how many ladies got a doz roses yesterday who never get them any other day of the year? Who's relationship isn't really all that great, but who got a box of chocolates cause its the "thing to do".

How many women wished yesterday for a TRUE LOVE. A relationship that is solid. Trustworthy.  A love that would last for more than a day.. or a week, or until after their skin has become wrinkled and their figure less slim. A sacrificial love... an enduring love.

This kind of love goes deeper than a doz roses, a piece of heart shaped chocolate, and a fuzzy teddy bear holding  a red (heart). 

Thank God that there are still men  and women who know that kind of love. Its very very beautiful.

The last year has changed us in many ways, but one exciting one is the way we have been enjoying each other. The little ones and I put together a little party for when Jess got home from work. It wasn't without its challenges... after all, it was to cold for them to go outside and run off energy, and organizing a party with littles is a ripe field for some lessons in working together:)

obviously, we didn't dress up. It wasn't THAT formal:)

 

 

 

 

 

But it was fun. In Abby's words " this is the best night ever!"

My girls will look back and say " mom! the napkin isn't right!" I don't care. the table was set with happy hearts.

 

 

 

 

and here, are my roses. These little gifts that came home with my man last night mean more to me than 3 doz roses would have. 

 

 

 

avocado and a DOUBLE coconut egg

 

 

 

 

My life is blessed.

Here is to another year of loving better, growing in grace, and to a stronger marriage and family.