to my valentine

Elizabeth Barrett Browning once wrote a familiar sonnet that begins with the words, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." I couldn't let Valentine's Day pass without letting you know all the reasons that I'm still madly in love with you!

I love that you still love me after all we've been through. We've been through some life-changing things, and when you weren't walking right beside me through them, you were in front of me pulling me, or behind me shoving me forward. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather travel through life with!

I love the way you tell the world that you love me. My heart smiles that you're not afraid to say you're still smitten with me! It just makes me love you even more!

I love that you go to work early so you can come home early and be with us. You've never loved your job more than me or our family, and that's a rare thing in today's world!

I love that you value our family- eating dinner together, wrestling with the boys, and doing life together! Our boys couldn't ask for a better daddy, and I'm grateful they know they are loved each and every day!

I love that you read often, use big words I don't understand, and teach me something new every day! I did have a higher SAT score than you, but after 13 years, I'm ready to say that you might be a slight step ahead of me!

I love when you get focused on something when you are working- you can't help but stick your tongue out! It makes me smile every time!

I still think you're the cutest guy around. I still like to stare at you after all these years, and when we're not together, I think about you all day long!

I love that you're a dare-devil... you'll try anything once. Sky-diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, tattoos, eating chicken hearts and beef tongue- nothing seems too extreme until you've tried it for yourself! It makes you who you are.

I love that you still make me laugh! If laughter really is the best medicine, then I'm guaranteed to live a long life! Whether I'm laughing at you or with you, I'm always sure to have a smile when I'm with you!

But of all the ways I love you, the thing I love the most is that you don't love me the most. The fact that you love God more is the very foundation of what makes us work like a well-oiled machine! I admire your commitment and conviction to follow Christ and to be a true example and leader for our family.

So this Valentine's Day you can be sure that I'm still your biggest fan! I'll cheer the hardest, love you the most, and travel the world with you! We've celebrated at least 13 Valentine's Days together, and I'm absolutely certain that they just get better! Happy Valentine's Day to the greatest guy around! I heart you.