On Valentine’s Day, you do goofy and sentimental things for the one you love. I have been blessed with an incredible husband. He’s an amazing father and my best friend. We have been through so much – and he has kept me strong. He moves us forward, provides leadership, and loves me so well. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

At our house, Valentine’s Day has become a family time. There’s usually some heart-shaped food, a few small valentine treats for the kids, and a slice of my husband’s favorite dessert. But really, Valentine’s Day is just a day to be with the ones you love – to appreciate them for who they are and what they have done.

I don’t need flowers or candy. I don’t need a fancy night out. I just need him.

This is cheesy and sappy, and totally silly – but love makes you silly. Happy Valentine’s Day David. I love you.

us

It was just another party – an ordinary night,

Until a man walked up the driveway, and it was love at first sight.

On our very first date, I knew it had to be you,

My mom turned out to be right – I really “just knew.”

The raindrops were falling,  you were down on one knee –

I was over the moon that YOU could love ME.

I walked down the aisle and became your wife,

the two became one, we began a new life.

We were starting new jobs, seeing who we could be –

and learning each day how to better be “we.”

Our time was our own, we should’ve slept more,

we had no real idea what was in store.

In a home of our own ,it was just you and me-

Until one day in March, two became three.

We brought her home, feeling so unprepared –

in love, so exhausted, humbled, and scared.

In a moment life changed – all that we knew-

But when life became hard, I had her. I had you.

Our family kept growing – we were having a boy,

Double the children, double our joy.

A new family of four making a move,

Working together, we found our new groove.

Now a stay-at-home mom, and a mother of two,

I wouldn’t have made it, if it wasn’t for YOU.

A Daddy who helped, with the diapers and meals,

Not every girl knows just how that feels.

The love that was shared between you and I,

carried us through when our babe said goodbye.

Life became difficult – troubles came with out warning,

but lucky for us, His joy comes in the morning.

God heard our prayers, and gave us a son,

We thought this was it – our family was done.

Our time wasn’t our own – to our kids we were bound,

Yet together as parents, a new love was found.

We needed each other – life got very real,

Extra time together helped our hearts heal.

I doubted myself, sometimes as a mother-

and found out one morning, we were having another.

How can this happen? Can we handle four?

And like a real man, you stepped in once more.

Now a family of six, two girls and two boys,

In the dark days ahead, they helped us find joy.

We’ve been through so much, the lows and the highs,

and each time I stumbled, you helped me to rise.

11 years later – still no sleep in sight,

as long as you’re there, I’ll be all right.

I know this is cheesy, but I wanted to say,

Thank you. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.