Valentine

I don't know about you, but I've never really been a huge fan of Valentine's day. I always complained, sighed, groaned, and rolled my eyes when February rolled around.

Of course, that was before I met Tay. Our first "vday" together was nothing memorable. (I was 2 months pregnant and he was in school and working...I literally don't remember it.) Our second vday was spent apart, since he was in tech school in California while Bear and I were in South Carolina. From 3,000 miles away, Tay sent me the BIGGEST teddy bear I've ever seen, and I got super dressed up for myself. Bear and I went out shopping and got me some Starbucks, beginning a cute little tradition.

The next year was spent apart again, this time with Tay deployed. Bear and I (4 months pregnant this time) spent the day shopping and drinking Starbucks (he got hot cocoa) and had pizza for dinner. I got flowers from Tay that made me a hormonal mess.

Last year was nothing special. I took the boys for Starbucks/hot cocoa and shopping, and we ordered a pizza. (Or went out, I can't remember. Pizza was definitely involved.) Tay worked, but was home that night. It was a normal night. (I will admit I was upset that I didn't get a gift. For as much as I complain, it had become expected and anticipated.)

Vday this year has been awesome. As per tradition, I took the boys out for coffee and cocoa (not Starbucks this year because there is not a drive through in Oceanside) and shopping. I got a gorgeous necklace this year from Tay, as well as an amazing surprise when I got home. I got to Skype with him for a bit, too. 

I still dislike how commercial everything about vday is, and how much it's pushed. But I love having three amazing guys in my life to celebrate it with in our own unique ways.

(And, yes, I do get Tay something every year. He always gets a card and candy and something obnoxiously covered in glitter, as well as cheesy and slightly inappropriate vday cards on his facebook page. This year I got us matching tags for his keychain/my necklace.)

(Both my necklace and the tags are from Spiffing Jewelry.)

It Will Set You Free

It's 2:30 am. 

I can't sleep.

It's been a pretty rough weekend for the family (something which I am not willing to discuss), and just thinking back over everything is not something that is conducive to a good night's rest.

Really, the only bright spot in an otherwise incredibly crap-filled two days is the love my little family has for each other.

The overwhelming support I have from my husband is enough to bring me to tears. The unconditional love I receive from my boys fills my heart to bursting.

The above lyrics from Mumford & Sons speak to me on such a level that I cannot fully express how much I am in filled with the love of my family.

It is a passionate, unending, all-encompassing love.

It is a love that wishes to burst forth and be known. I am constantly telling my three guys how much I love them, because there is not a single moment when it isn't true.

There are people in the world who go through their entire life without knowing what that kind of love feels like. I wish every single day that people find the type of love that I have. 

It has truly set me free.