So here comes Valentines Day, like it or not. I remember loving to hate Valentine's Day as a single person who wished for a boyfriend. Watching everyone else get roses and chocolates and wishing somebody cared about you, too, was not lots of fun. Of course I realize now (and probably did then, too) that showing love is not all about flowers once a year, but it still is nice to have someone show that you're on their mind.
My days of singlehood didn't last long, however...my second date with Lanny was on a Valentine's Day during my Sophomore year at BYU. We were engaged on the last day of February. Yikes! We must have been nuts. Crazy in love, but that love has lasted and will continue to last. There is nothing quite like falling in love, but it's best when you can keep falling for the same one again and again forever. I have never been as in love as I am now, but even though I'm completely happy now, I'm betting it's still going to get better.
I totally realize that I've got it pretty good. But I also realize that this realization is part of the trick to being happy in love. It's not always easy to remember why I love my kids even when they're sneaking off to play video games instead of doing homework and chores, or when they're whining about the fabulous dinner I just spent the last two hours making. There are also occasions when I look around and wonder how I'm ever going to get to the bottom of that pile of laundry or dishes or paperwork. It would be a lot easier to take care of just me. But not nearly so worth it.So I make a conscious effort to notice the things that do make it worth it. (And if these things don't happen on their own enough for me to be taking comfort and confidence from them, then I may have to actually point out to my kids and/or husband several reasons why I am such a great mom and wife. They know better than to not agree wholeheartedly. Also, I am lucky to have sisters and moms who are good at reminding me what a great job I'm doing even when I'm doubting myself.) But here is a noncomprehensive list of some of the reasons I love being who I am (a wife and mother) and doing what I do (all kinds of junk):
- I do it for the hugs, including little kid hugs, big kid hugs, wiggly baby snuggles, and protective man hugs.
- I love kisses in all their variety too.
- Cole gave me a thumbs-up last night as he was jumping on Grandma's trampoline and said, "Great dessert, mom!"
- Every now and then Luke looks at me with the most adoring and appreciative smile across his face, and I just know that kid is pure good.
- Cade really means it when he says, "I love you, mom," just out of the blue sometimes, even.
- Sadie's smiles and giggles would melt anyone's heart, but especially mine, and especially especially her dad's, which melts my heart even more.
- My attempts at reward systems and job charts work beautifully on Cade, which is in turn rewarding to me.
- Lanny likes to trap me when I'm doing dishes or making dinner and hold me and not let me go. I don't mind a bit.
- My kids are little talented little geniuses, and I like to think that it's partly my fault.
- My kids also know how to procrastinate, complain, and get out of things, and I like to think it's not entirely my fault.
- Those little guys are perfect angels when they're sleeping.
- Sometimes they sing with me.
- Lanny is my best friend and he likes to hang out with me. We laugh at the same silly stuff and can even read each others' minds half the time.
- Their perfect faith is inspiring. I love to hear my children pray.
- Lanny can tell a story to any audience, but my favorite is when he has the kids all laughing their heads off. Sadie even knows when to laugh, even if she doesn't get the joke yet.
- The kids watch out for each other. All the brothers are so protective of their sweet Sadie and delight in every little thing she does.
Luke gives Cade some of his "game time" when Cade needs more time to finish the level he's on. 
Cade teaches Cole all kinds of things, including math facts, how to cough in your sleeve, and how to turn his favorite Transformer toy from a robot to a helicopter. Cole saves treats to share with his brothers for an after-school snack even though it means he has to wait longer to eat with them. - My man watches out for me. He makes sure I get a break when I need one, and encourages me to do not only things I need to do, but things I want to do too. He helps me discover the best parts of myself, where I might have let them stay hidden. He believes in me.
