things i {heart} today.

i've always loved valentines day. a whole day set aside as a reminder to be intentional about doing nice things to those we love? yeah, i'm in. today my heart has been heavy as i think about those struggling with this day of love. friends who have lost husbands, others who have sick children, others who are reminded today of the ache of unfulfilled desires, and my own sweet mom as she faces this day without her husband of nearly thirty two years.

no matter where we find ourselves today--feeling completely blessed, or being reminded of all the ways in which we feel alone--we can be blanketed by the infinite love of jesus. a love we will work our whole lives to imitate here on this earth, but will still somehow be left longing for more.

my prayer is that no matter where you are today, blessings will shine through and the love of jesus will feel a little bit closer. if you're feeling lonely, sad or depressed... try doing something for someone else. you'll be amazed at what good it does your heart. after all, this day is all about love... not just receiving it, but giving it too.

things that i {heart} today:
- my sweet husband. he is sick. i went upstairs to check on him and tell him my valentines gift to him was a big ole pot of homemade chicken noodle soup that was down on the stove. he looked at me and said apologetically through an almost non-existent voice: "your gift will have to wait." i laughed. yeah, i kind of figured seeing as he hasn't gotten out of the laying down position in almost three days. oh, how i love him.

- all things bella. except for when she's being naughty. but still, that girl just steals my heart. on our way home from a playdate this morning, she was talking on the phone to her little buddies (the children of two of my best friends from high school) "goodbye, olivia. goodbye, wyatt. nice to see you! see you tomorrow. i love you! so much." ohhhhh my dear little daughter!

- walking through downtown this cold winter's morning, carrying bella, and discovering someone had taped white papers with painted red hearts on every.single.window of every.single.building downtown. how adorable is that?!

- delivering valentines treats to my mom at work today. dad always used to get her date-filled cookies from a little bakery downtown for valentines day. bella and i bought those, along with some cream horns, and made a surprise delivery to mimi today. oh, how it made me miss my dad (as just about everything does).

- bringing my sister her fav: coconut flavored dunkin donuts coffee to her office. it's also my dad's old office. it's the first time i've been able to think about walking in there. i don't know how she does it every week. but i'm so glad we visited today. again, i felt his presence.

- toasted bagels from the bagel shop. aaaaand their iced coffee: hazelnut to be exact. what a *perfect* valentines-y breakfast.

- getting to hang out with two of my high school girlfriends and watching our kiddos play and laugh together. it's so special i could cry (remember how sentimental i am? oh yeah... and pregnant).

- the little craft bella and i have been working on for a few special valentines. i'll post pictures later.

- warm peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies that we made for daddy. and a big glass of milk. heaven.

just a few things that i am loving today. and last, but not least, this song that i kept on repeat in our car today as we drove around... it's a worship song by jared anderson that nick&i had played during a slideshow at our wedding reception. just give it a listen. and remember whatever love you find yourself blessed with or longing for today, nothing compares to just how much he loves us.

happy valentines day!