THE BIG "V"

Michael asked me to marry him on Valentine's Day eight years ago, while we were still juniors at Harding, so this day has extra special significance to us. We'd known each other exactly 2 1/2 years to the day when he proposed. Even though it's a wonderful day to remember and mark time by, some years we have the energy and inspiration to do it up big, and some years we don't. This year Michael went above and beyond. Yesterday I woke up to flowers and a card that explained there would be emails with hints to my remaining cards throughout the day. He even themed the cards, writing each one under the umbrella of "Walking through Life." Each card highlighted some character strength he admires in yours truly, like honor, beauty, strength, talent, work, etc. And written inside each card I found were specifics about our life together of ways he believes I illustrate each of those characteristics. His admiration and appreciation couldn't have come at a better time - I've been feeling down and attacked lately, and frankly, rather unlovable, which is a lie from the enemy, and hurtful at any level you buy into it. ANYway, so the things he wrote were more encouraging to me than anything has been in a very long time, and I know the Lord knew I needed to hear it all.

In the midst of my card reading, me and the boys had a great day of peanut butter waffles with chocolate hearts for breakfast, playing outside, making and eating Valentines cupcakes, and opening presents from their especially special Valentines (Mommy and Mimi, of course). When Michael got home, we all went to Anejo's (Tex Mex) for dinner, where there were fire pits indoors (Bennett and Jasper were big fans) and the food was pretty yummy.

This year was a hit, and it was pretty much wholly orchestrated by Michael. Thanks, hon!

Today, Bennett's class had their Valentine's Party. The parents all sign-up and rotate organizing and decorating different events throughout the year, and the ones who did today's did a great job. The kids were so excited about the decorations, food and games. I included a few pictures. The first is with Bennett and his teacher, Mrs. Penkert. He ADORES her! They're cutting out jello hearts that they mixed together earlier in the morning. Several parents commented to me about how sweet and loving Bennett is with Jasper, and how well they get along, and that felt good. We definitely have our crazy, whiny moments, but they do love each other so very much, and Bennett really looks out for his little brother. Below you can see him giving Jasper his food - he shared everything he had from the party and warmed my heart up good! I love it that they're so close at such a young age. A good friend of mine told me once that she tells her kids that they're best friends, and that's how they should treat each other and love each other, and I thought that was such a wonderful thing to tell siblings, I say the same to my boys.

Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day, full of the love of God and each other!