18 Valentines

Derek, you've been my valentine for 18 years! Who would have thought 18 years ago we'd celebrate this valentine's day by going on a 4-wheeling trip with our 3 boys and our dog? You might have, but I sure never imagined it! :)

18 things I love about you

• You pursued me 18 years ago, and you're still pursuing me today.
• You make my coffee every morning, and you don't even drink coffee.
• Your smile :)
• You are always the first to say, "I'm sorry."
• Your dedication to bring up our sons to be Godly men.
• You are even-keeled while I am definitely not!
• You know what I mean when I'm not even sure what I mean.
• You took me to Hawaii.
• You became a dog person when you were not raised as one.
• You've taught me to love camping. (in a nice, fully equipped camper!)
• You understand what Cedarville means to me because it means the same to you.
• Your job is extremely intense and yet you don't bring it home very often.
• You greet me every day with a "good morning sweetheart" and don't expect me to answer back so cheerfully!
• You are strong in all the areas where I am not.
• You value my role as a stay-at-home mom and model that appreciation for our boys to see.
• You love my parents and let them come and stay for 10 days!
• You call me in the middle of the day just to say you love me.
• You picked me to be the only girl you'll love all your life.

That last one comes from a song that I like. You can listen to it by clicking here. Happy Valentine's Day to my loving husband and sons, the ones I get to hug and hold today. And Happy Valentine's Day to my first and forever valentines, my mom, dad, and brother. How blessed I am to have you all to love and be loved by. And now I'm going to go and snuggle my 10 year old son who happens to be home sick from school today. Secretly I'm glad he's home with me. We are having a special day together on this lovely day. :)