LOVE

Lately I have been feeling so much love...for my husband, my son, my family, my 3rd graders, the Lord.  Since becoming a parent I have learned more about what unconditional love truly is...the selfless love where you realize you forsake your own wants/needs/desires for the sake of someone else. I'd like to say I knew about this before Luke and practiced this in my marriage on a daily basis, but unfortunately that's not true. This past year (yes it's almost been a year-Luke is turning ONE soon!) I have learned how to love selflessly without receiving anything in return more than I have ever learned or practiced before. The funny thing is, with babies, you really have no choice! You just do it because you are madly in love with them and you're the one they have been entrusted to...and they're so darn cute:)  Learning how to love Luke unconditionally has helped me realize how much the Lord loves us unconditionally. I fuss, whine, am needy, and want my way so often in life and for some reason He keeps on loving me, keeps on being faithful and good. Who I am NEVER changes who He is.  This is how I want to be with Luke. He can have a fussy day, throw a tantrum when he can't play with my phone, or refuse to sleep all night, but I need to be the same for him each day so that he can learn who the Lord is.

I have also realized just how much my own mom loves me. I LOVED being around her (still do:) and it was often hard for her to get away from me. I realize now, as a parent, how draining that is! Everyone needs a little breather and a chance to think only about themselves every once in awhile.

Last year's birthday...6 weeks till due date

This year's birthday...6 weeks till ONE!

Birthday dinner with my Valentine :)

LOVE this little guy!

So this Valentine's Day/Birthday was extra special celebrating it as a mom. My heart is oozing with love for my family and I am so grateful the Lord has blessed me with an amazing husband and child.

Be devoted to one another in love; honor one another above yourselves. ~Romans 12:10