Valentine

I am going to steal an idea from my friend, Jessica, and list some of my favorite things in honor of Valentine's Day! I pray everyone is able to have a special day, no matter whether it involves flowers, cards, candy or a nice dinner. Being a believer, we have the most wonderful Valentine of all--God's love given in the gift of Christ! Happy Valentine's Day!

Some things I love and for which I am so thankful:

--Carter laughing a deep chuckle

--snuggling with my husband and watching television

--A hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

--a hot bowl of steaming soup

--The sound of the breeze rustling leaves on a lazy, summer afternoon

--Friday nights

--twinkle lights (white Christmas type lights)

--Going to church

--rainy days/nights when you can curl up by a fire and read a book

--Blankets

--Walks with my husband and Carter, just chatting about life

--When Carter says, "Hold you" and snuggles his head in the nook of my shoulder

--ice cream

--Playing cards with Ryan on vacation

--putting on fancy dresses

--Costa Rica

--The smell of shampoo in Carter's clean hair

--Candles at a restaurant

--Ryan all dressed up in work clothes

--Reading the paper at Starbucks

--The excitement and planning of an upcoming vacation

--backscratches

--Doing creative projects--blogging, sewing, drawing, writing, cooking, knitting, etc.

--Looking at photo albums

--Singing worship songs

--Going to nice dinners in a fancy dress

--Chick Fillet shakes (oreo)

--The Filet Mignon with blue cheese at Outback

--A summer BBQ

--Relaxing with family

--Planning parties

--Church or building bells chiming

--e-mail

--The ocean just before a storm

--loud thunder

--the sounds of a nighttime football game

--dancing

--hiking with Ryan

--Hearing our pastor give Bible sermons--always something to learn!

--The smell of sunscreen

--Christmas parties

--Fireworks

--sushi with wasabi

--Chinese food with chopsticks and cups of hot tea

--Watching Carter dance

--Teaching children

--Walks behind the Montage right around sunset

--The special herb butter at Ti Amos

--Going to Disneyland ( I love the gardens and paths that all wind around the castle, but I love this little, quiet, secret tunnel by the Mexican food restaurant and the shooting range at night--it has colored bubble lights and is a nice, romantic place to enjoy the twilight.

--Chatting with friends at parks, Bible study, and nights out

--Friends who are truthful, loving sisters in Christ--spurring me on in growth with God

--When Carter would kick my tummy when I was pregnant, and I would poke his little foot, hand or bottom--whatever was sticking out-- to make him wiggle.

--Knowing something you just saw or experienced was clearly God intervened

--Reading the Bible when I am stressed or worried

--My supportive and loving parents

--My sweet and wonderful in-laws

--Our Thrive group on Thursdays

--Sleeping in the car

--Hearing the garage open when Ryan gets home.