All about love.

So Valentine's Day is coming up. Want to know how I know?

I don't fit in any of my jeans.

I notice every couple on campus...and feel like yelling obnoxious things a fifth grader would say everytime I see them hold hands or share a kiss. (You know, the whole "get a room!" or "EW! You guys are disgusting" comments. Yeah I know, immature. But who said Valentine's was made for couples? I thought it was made for a tub of ice cream and a chick flick...)

I realize just how many plans I don't have on 14th. When else do I ever notice that?

I plan on using my Coldstone gift card on a specific day.

I am always hungry. (Wait...nevermind, this one isn't holiday specific.)

I have refilled the "Love" jar on my kitchen counter three times. And it never stays full. (Starting with an assortment of butterfinger/reeses/cookies n' cream hearts and hugs, to frosted circus animal cookies and ending with chocolate covered candycane sticks....it just won't stay full for some odd reason? Maybe that's why my jeans don't fit....)

I've lost all motivation to go to the gym. (I don't know why? Since when does sugar make you want to throw away your gym card? Weird.)

I light candles and listen to love songs.

I use my red "Rachel" bowl....for every meal. (Shoot did I just giveaway my cereal/soup/cream of wheat diet? Sorry mom....maybe someday I'll be a good cook....)

I feel like wearing pink. I never feel like wearing pink.

I've already started planning my next vacation...in the sunshine. (Still looking for someone to finance my days in the sun. Any takers? Anyone? Anyone?)

I'm trying to figure out a way to buy an entire year's supply of JuJu hearts from Harmons. Still working on that one....

I reluctantly pass the Valentine aisle every time I'm in the grocery story and convince myself I'm too old to pass out Valentines. (But remember how fun it was to make your valentine box? And find the cutest valentines to address to all your favorite friends? Who said I can't pass them out on campus? Since when is it 'creepy' to take candy from strangers? Psh I don't know what everyone's talking about...)

I have a million great ideas for a Valentine's sweetheart. (Why have I never had those when I actually had a Valentine's sweetheart? Oh wait...maybe because I've only ever had one. And it was in highschool. A candygram was good enough back then.)

I feel like writing in cursive. (Which by the way fourth graders- you can quit losing sleep over how to connect the "u" and the"r"...you really won't ever use it again.)

....And I feel like talking about love. A whole lot more than usual.

Forgive me. I really don't mean to be the Valentine Scrouge. I'm not one of those "let's throw an 'I Hate Valentines Day' or 'Un-Valentines' party" I swear. I love Valentines Day. I think it's fun. And festive. It's a day focused on something positive. Love. It's one of the funnest holidays as a kid. And one of the most romantic as an adult (Or so they say...)
It's just...I'm still working on that same boring outline that gave me the monday blues. And I'm still bored of doing it. And I really can't focus on it anymore.... so I decided to succumb to the thoughts that have been begging to take over.
Valentines Day. Love. Treats.
I don't know why those would be the thoughts swimming through my mind? (Maybe it has something to do with all that Red Velvet cake I just ate straight out of the pan?) But they are.

So. Since I don't have a Valentine, I'm going to steer clear of that kind of post. I'll save that for all you marrieds. Stay tuned for that...gimme 10 years.

I just want to share a few of my "loves" with you. For the spirit of Valentines Day...and all the joy it brings...

I love oreos. Seriously. I could easily eat two sleeves in one sitting- no shame.
I love painting my nails. My family (and close friends) would agree. My sister Lisa (who would much rather paint a canvas than her nails) would call it more of an obsession. She might be right.
I love the sun. Hate being in a swimsuit...but love the sun. (Okay Matt, you convinced me, I'll transfer to Arizona State. The low is 8 here tonight. And that's warm.)
...Which naturally must be followed with: I love Lake Powell. Everything about it. (Okay Becs, you're right, maybe not the bathroom toilets. But everything else.)
I love sleep...but I never do it enough.
I love to read.
I love to write.
I love taking baths.
I love bubble gum.
I love coupons. (And not the dumb valuepack that comes in the mail. I mean ones you don't have to buy 5 things before you get something for 50% off.)
I love children. I love the comments they make. The ease with which they live their lives. And their ability to love everyone and everything... unconditionally.
I love vanilla flavored/scented anything.
I love watching the Disney Channel when I'm sick. (That's for you anne...)
I love oatmeal pies. Yes they are exactly what you are thinking. Those cookie sandwiches (filled with fake frosting and not a hint of actual "oats") you would get with orange slices and capri suns after soccer games as a kid.

But more importantly....
I love my mom. I love her for her zest for life and the way she loves me like no one else could. I love her spunk and her ability to make anything fun. I love her testimony and how she lives to make her children happy.

I love my dad and his ability of always understanding where I'm coming from. I love that he always wants to see me happy, and does everything he can do make it that way. I love how hard he works for our family, and the incredible things we get to do because of it.

I love my brother Matt for making an effort to be involved in my life even with his busy schedule of work and family and church. (I even love the "cow" jokes and the pleas for that one "glass of water" or that "back massage" I somehow always owe him..)

I love my sister-in-law Becca and the way she can make me laugh so hard it hurts, yet bring me to tears with her touching words. I love her for her example, for her love for motherhood, and the inspiring life she lives.

I love my sister Michelle for her sound advice and ability to truly feel what I feel. I love how excited she always is to see me, and how sad she is to see me go. She makes me feel important. She makes me feel loved. And I will forever admire that ability to love so easily.

I love my brother-in-law Scott, and the way he lives and breathes for his family. The way he would sacrifice anything and everything to make them happy. I love him for the way he loves my sister.

I love my sister Juli. I love how she always wants to make things right, always wants to make life a little better for everyone around her. I love the pillar of strength she's been at times when she could have, should have been weak.

I love my brother-in-law Nick. I love his simplicity and the way he makes everyone feel comfortable. I love watching him be a dad. I love the way he is interested in my life and makes an effort to include me.

I love my sister Lisa and the friend she's always been. She has lifted me in times no one else could. I love the way she strives to be a good wife, mother, and friend. I love her stories, and the passion she has for life.

I love my brother-in-law Jon and the amazing addition he's been to our family. I love his gentleness, and how he always notices the little things. I love the fact he always wants me to come visit and makes it so much fun when I do.

I love my brother Brad. I love that we got to grow up together. I love the friendship we developed (Yes, developed, we didn't always used to get along...to say the least...). I love our inside jokes. I love the memories we share and how much fun we have together...it's unlike anything else.

I love my sister-in-law Heather and the way she loves my brother. I love how competitive and secretly gutsy she is (serious- she went bungee jumping in Uganda....). I love her love for children and ability to relate with them. I love how she always asks me questions- and actually cares about the answers.

All in all, I love my family. I love Valentines, and not just for the yummy treats and festive decorations. And not for the "be mine's" and the dozen roses headed my way.... (come on- I still have 5 days!) I love Valentines because it truly is all about love.

So whether you have a sweetheart or not, take time to think about love this Valentine's season. (It's a season right...? I mean advertisements go up right after Christmas and don't end till Easter....)
Think about those who matter.
And forget those who don't.
Let go of that grudge. Get past that pride. Let that broken heart heal.
Hug that lonely heart. Call that friend. Remember that forgotten soul.

Say "I love you."

Because life is too short to not. It's too unstable to put off.
And it's too important to forget, that it truly is all about love.

From my heart to yours,
Happy Valentine's Day.