Love Is...

I think about my Nana quite often. Like last night, when I pulled out her recipe for her "Good Morning Casserole" so that I could make it for my MOPS group today, and ran my fingers over her pretty handwriting. And a few days ago when I saw the most gorgeous cardinal in our backyard, and then another one flying next to our car. And last week when I remembered that it really wasn't that long ago that she was voted Valentine's Queen at the Assisted Living Home where she lived. She got to wear a crown, a sash & everything!! My brother & his friend *might* have stuffed the ballot box for that one :) She is on my mind frequently, and I miss her so very much.

One of the things that I kept of hers when she passed away was a photo album filled with old "Love Is" funnies (she called them "funnies" instead of comics and it stuck!). Have you ever seen them? I was looking at the dates on some of them, and they are from the 1970's! I can just see her, in my minds eye, flipping through the paper, reading them to my Granddad & smiling, and clipping them out to save & reread.

Some of my favorites read:

Love is....when you're so happy you could cry.

Love is...a smile instead of a frown.

Love is...taking the responsibility for your mistakes.

Love is...that lonely feeling when he's away.

Love is...just one more kiss.

Love is...facing the future together.

Love is...an adventure into the unknown.

Love is...biting back that unkind word.

Love is...something you learn more about as you grow together.

Love is...living every minute of every day.

Don't those just bring a smile to your face?! This Valentine's Day marks that 15th anniversary of my husband and I's first date! Whoa! And as I look back over the last 15 years, I see a lot of truth in those "Love Is" funnies. I'm still that starry-eyed girl from all those years ago; still head-over-heels in love :)

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to.....

the guy I can stop on the side of the road w/ in Belgium to take a goofy picture,

the man I want to travel the world with,

the best pilot I've ever seen,

my hero,

the BEST snow-ball fighter EVER,

the only guy I know who would put up w/ my Bingo addiction :),

the one who doesn't mind looking like a cheese-ball w/ me,

the most loving father in the world,

the man who has made all of my dreams come true.

I love you, Chris. Thank you for making these past 4 years absolutely incredible.

Show Us Your Life...Valentine's Edition!!

Well, it's Friday and everyone knows what that means!! Or, maybe you don't...hmmm, probably should have thought of a different opener! Anyway, it's "Show Us Your Life" day at Kelly's Korner, and today is all about your favorite Valentine's Day date or gift!!

Many of you may know this, but Valentine's Day marks the 14th Anniversary of my first date w/ my husband. Now I'd be lying if I said that the past 14 years have been smooth sailing! Wait, that sounded bad...let me start over. Fourteen years ago I was a freshman in High School and my hubs was a sophomore (he was the studly older guy!). Like *most* high-school relationships, we broke up & got back together about a bazillion times. We FINALLY got it together after college, and realized how much we truly loved each other, and decided to get married in 2006. But let's rewind back to that first date...let me set the scene...

I spent what seemed like forever getting "primped" for my very first date...ever! Oh the amount of hairspray I used was a sin! I remember meticulously looking through my closet for the perfect outfit, and you know what I chose? Jeans, a Nautica polo shirt, a braided brown leather belt, and loafers! Eek!! I cringe just thinking about it! Chris picked me up at my moms house donning flowers and a HUGE card. He was wearing pleated khaki pants, a button-up shirt, and lots 'o hair gel...I thought he was simply dreamy! We went to eat at On The Border & to see Mr. Holland's Opus...ummm, hello 90's!!

That date 14 years ago, with that super cute sophomore, is (and always will be) my favorite Valentine's Day ever. I still have the cheesy card, and the dried flowers from the bouquet that he brought me. Why? Because the moment I opened my front door, I knew that I loved that khaki pant wearing guy standing on my porch. Something in me changed, something ignited...as corny as that may sound. We were a FAR cry from the perfect couple back then, believe me! But still, through the many years of ups and downs, the way I felt about him never changed. He captured my heart that night, and he's held it ever since. I'm so happy to call him my husband, and my forever Valentine.

I thought I'd give you all a little blast from the past...hope you enjoy the pictures :)

Valentine's Day 2005

4 Days after Valentine's Day 2006

Valentine's Day 2008...in Vegas!!