Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! I know a day such as this can have very different meanings, depending on what season of life you’re in, and whether or not you loathe it as a holiday created by greeting card companies, or not. But wherever you stand, I respect your opinion. I don’t put a TON of importance on the day, myself, but I can’t pretend that it has no meaning and that I don’t enjoy my share of chocolates and flowers, when given the chance….

But more than fancy gifts and spending a lot of money on red and pink heart-shaped paraphernalia, I view it as a day that reminds us to be grateful for the ones we love, and to take the extra effort to express that to them. Really, we should be doing that all throughout the year….but if you’re like me, sometimes you need a giant holiday to remind you.

With that said, it’s only natural that I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for the amazing man in my life. Today marks the 3rd Valentine’s Day that I’ve gotten to spend with Aaron, and the 2nd one as his wife. And while that’s not very many, yet, it still makes me giddy and feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get to be his valentine. (And to think of all the years that are still yet to come!) But to spare you of any further sappiness, how about a brief photo trip down memory lane??

Valentine’s Day 2010 – our first one together! (He was visiting me in Indiana, and he got me a beautiful bouquet of red roses :)

Valentine’s Day 2011 – our first married one! (We didn’t take any on ACTUAL V-day last year, but we went to this 1920’s party in February and I thought these were cute enough t0 be stand-in photos. We actually celebrated by going to see The Civil Wars in concert, then spending the weekend in Charlottesville, VA – touring a winery, eating at local places, and in general having a wonderfully sweet time together!)

Valentine’s Day 2012 – today! Our second married one! (These photos are from Christmas in Florida, but they capture the love and joy that I feel getting to live life with him!)

He’s a REALLY good catch. :) And he always does sweet and thoughtful things for me (holiday, or not!). Last night he actually had flowers, tea and chocolates for me when I got home from being gone for the evening. So, he got a head start on today! Sneaky. Here’s what he got me:

The man knows me well: flowers, tea, and Mounds (chocolate + coconut is like my favorite combo)!

Of course I had to have some of my tea first thing this morning.

In whatever season you find yourself, I hope you take a minute today to look around at the people in your life and to celebrate the love that you’re privileged to have and to give. And to remember, most of all, that you’re loved by the One that’s greatest of all! “For great is His steadfast love toward us….” – Psalm 117:2