I love you a bushel and a peck

I love Valentine's Day! Or, as I have been known to call it, Red Day! Its funny because I only remember once in my life having a boyfriend on Valentine's Day, and I don't remember that specific day being greater than the usual Valentine's greatness. There is just so much expectation when you are dating someone. I just got off the phone, actually, with my little brother who asked me what he should do about such an awkward holiday. I was suddenly so grateful that I didn't have to deal with that awkwardness and am free to send all my love all around uninhibited by scary expectations or potential disappointments. I think what I love so much about this holiday in particular, is that: 1. LOTS of people wear red, and I love red; 2. flowers come in abundance, and I love flowers (especially in February snow); 3. People tell each other they love each other, which I hope pulls us a step closer to charity, and I need more charity; and 4. conversation hearts and chocolate and sugar cookies with sprinkles abound, and I love them all. What isn't to like??

But what I think I love most about Valentine's Day is that, like Thanksgiving, it is a chance to slow down and remember who and what I really love, and then make a point to express it. So, I wanted to tell you just a few of the things I love most of all...

my great big family, the color red, big hugs--bear hugs, the kind that almost hurt, books and books and books, reading a new book, rereading a loved book, Paige, watching a movie late at night, going to bed early, sleeping in just a little on Saturdays, going to the temple, the scriptures, reunions with people I haven't seen in a while, rocking chairs (mine in particular), the snow, backrubs, cheese LDS music (like Cheri Call), the wind, Chad, popcorn, waking up in the middle of the night and knowing I can keep sleeping, blogging (I really do love it!), good good friends (like Katy Cullen and Katy Olson and Nick Stephens), fresh snow, my dad, the mountains, talking to Tasha (and Tanner) on the phone, Grandma's house, wearing an apron, my hometeacher and his wife (Ann), Blake, learning a new skill, making someone laugh, my little apartment, Bella (my fish), talking on the phone (sometimes), Honduras, Sara and Stanford, chickens, water, music--and singing along as loud as I can, my mom--she's pretty incredible, Priesthood holders, wearing glasses, Tasha and Brian, teaching such outstanding students, talking walks, smiling at someone unexpectedly, when I control my temper, Tanner and Brayden, my (future) children, a living prophet, raisins, sewing, mail...

ps Paige found this headstone in the cemetery Monday. Isn't it fantastic??