Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's a picture of Stan and I exchanging Valentine's gifts this morning:



Watching the hundreds of diamond and candy commercials leading up to Valentine's Day this year has had me thinking. I tried to imagine what my reaction would be if Stan just decided to go out and buy some diamonds behind my back and bring them home to surprise me. Every time I play through this scenario in my mind, it always turns out pretty bad. I know myself and I think that Stan knows me well enough to NOT do that. :) Diamonds mean nothing to me (except for my incredibly beautiful wedding rings, which hold tremendous sentimental value) and candy will only make me miserable!

As I was thinking about what Valentine's Day would be like this year, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude and joy. Our kitchen will literally be finished TODAY after many months of construction and many dollars reluctantly spent. :) It really looks amazing and it's so exciting to see our dreams for our little kitchen come together (I'll share pictures soon!). This year, Stan and I have decided to stay home and cook (we have not been able to cook in our home in over 3 months) a delicious gourmet meal in our brand new kitchen! There is no other way in the world that I would rather spend this Valentine's Day!

No, we're not big on all the Valentine's hoopla, but we do think it's nice to do something special to recognize how truly blessed we've been in love. This year we will celebrate 5 years of marriage and it has been one crazy whirlwind of joy, laughter, growth, challenges, and learning. I would not go back and change one single thing. I love Stan so much and I am so thankful that every year, for the rest of my life, I get to have hunky Stan Cross as my Valentine. :) I am the luckiest girl in the world!