Jesse,
You are my leader and my lover. I’m so thankful for the time we’ve had recently to be reminded of this. It’s a good thing you love the thrill of rollercoasters because we’ve sure been on one. I hate the uncontrollable dips and unexpected twists we’ve experienced but you have been the most loyally committed husband through all of it. Thank you for grabbing my hand and helping me hang on for the ride.
I couldn’t do justice in this note to the love I have for you. But what is so great about us is I don’t have to. We make the most of our time together each day and nothing goes unsaid. If we do one thing right its communication. Thank you for sharing yourself with me and allowing me to do the same. You are the best part of my day.
Jayden,
I literally laughed out loud when you handed me your valentine. 84 pieces?! You epitomize the saying “Go Big or Go Home” more than anyone else I know. You live life large and have a big generosity about you. You are unbelievably self-sufficient and I have no doubt you will be an incredible provider and protector with your larger than life attitude.
Your little brother looks up to you with eyes big and wide. I see so many of your peers doing the same and so I pray tirelessly for you to become the leader God has given you the capability to be. Oh Jayden, the power you will have to move mountains when you serve our God. Great things are left to be done in your life!
Savannah,
What would I do without you? You are my calm presence when your brothers are about to make me lose my mind. You bring a smile to my heart when you place your hand in mine and say, “how about we get out of here and go get pedicures and chocolate.” You get me girl. Our girl time does wonders for my soul. I’m so glad God gave us each other. Each day when you come home from school you recount all the ways you’ve tried to keep peace between friends. You care for others and their relationships and your ability to gauge and empathize with them is exquisite. I’m in awe of you and the gift you have. You love learning and are incredibly brilliant. I’d like to claim these genes are from me but you are already better at math than I’ll ever be. I could not be prouder of you sweet girl.
You encourage my faith even at a young age and I love the way you connect the spiritual to the physical. One of your favorite songs is Rainbow from the My Little Pony Movie. After listening to it one day you said “I think this is a worship song. God’s the only one who can make rainbows out of sad things.” You are my person Savannah. You make this life a beautiful place to be.
Jonah,
You are still my lover boy! You look the most like Daddy but your personality is the most like mine. The way you verbalize your feelings is remarkable for anyone much less a three-year-old. You express yourself in such a real and genuine way it catches people off guard. Tonight when the waiter brought your meal, you thanked him in such a way that made us all burst out laughing. Your rich love makes others feel like a million bucks. It’s my favorite thing about you.
On our way to dinner, we took turns telling each other what we love most about them. You started with me and said, “Mommy I love the way you kiss Daddy!” Then when you ended with Daddy you said, “Daddy I love when you kiss my Mommy!” You have so much love to give and your affection is contagious. My prayer is that you will love Jesus with the same intensity and passion you shower on us. You will be known for your love in this life my son.
Jude,
You littlest one are the cherry on top. The final, deliciously sweet addition to our family. You have the brown eyes I’ve prayed for and look the most like me with a personality the most like your Daddy. You can be so serious one moment(again, your daddy!) and then burst out in the giggliest little belly laugh the next. It’s the cutest how your two tiny bottom teeth glow white against your big red gummy smile. Oh Judah, you have a steadfastness to you already. When the rest of the house breaks out in chaos you just take it all in. You have a quiet strength, natural intelligence, and perhaps most importantly, the position as baby in the family. These three traits will serve you well in life. Happy 1st Valentine’s Day to our Mr. Happy.
Jesus,
I saved you, the best, for last. Yesterday when a friend suggested we squeeze in a coffee date I knew you were sending me a little extra Valentines love. I always say “Coffee dates are my love language.” You showered me in love yesterday and I’m thankful you are giving me the eyes to finally see how deeply known and loved I am. You see me.
Thank you for tangibly sending love my way through the dearest and richest of friendships. I wish I could mention everyone but today you brought me Laura, who has not only helped to keep my life organized when things were falling apart but has been a sister I can practice faith with.
Thank you for a day full of the people I love most and an unexpected dinner in Indiana with my parents. Thank you for a cousin who was willing to give of her time to support us this month. Thank you for daily phone calls with my brother and cousins my kids are crazy to spend time with.
Jesus, Thank you for writing me the ultimate love note with your life. May I do the same for you in return.
Happy Valentine’s Day 2019
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