My Valentine

I asked Brian if I could write a post about him for Valentine's Day.  He told me "no" and let out a little groan.  Well, I think there are times in marriage when you take the advice of your spouse...and maybe this time was not one of them.  Ha.

Then I couldn't decide what to write.  First, I was going to do some play on words with "My Funny Valentine" and write about how much fun Brian brings into my life.  (Because I'm really not that fun, people).  But then I thought that was cheesy and a little dumb.  Then I was going to write about our "Love Story"... you know, how we met, dated, married *yawn* but I knew you'd be sleeping before I even finished.  Ok, ok, but I do feel like that's a little important so here is the very short version.

Leah likes Brian.  Leah writes Brian note.  Brian is clueless (Now he's really going to be mad I wrote this).  Leah tells Brian she likes him in person.  Brian gives Leah blank stare.  Ok, you see where this is going...it could take awhile.  Faster version....  Leah and Brian start dating.  Leah goes to Australia for one year.  Leah comes home.  Leah and Brian break up.  Leah and Brian get back together.  Leah and Brian love each other a whole lot so Brian buys Leah a ring.  Brian and Leah get married.  Brian and Leah move to Johnstown.  Brian and Leah move to Newark.  Brian gets Leah knocked up (Sorry mom)  Leah is with child.  Leah births child.  Brian and Leah now have a family that includes their favorite little guy, Jackson.  (After that I'm never going to be able to run for President).

If you haven't closed the browser or hit unsubscribe, well thank you.

2000 was our first Valentine's Day.  I went looking for an old photo to attach and I found this....  (it made me cry, by the way).

So what has 11 years with Brian as my Valentine taught me?

1.  That young love can work.  There were some major naysayers in Brian and I's relationship.  Some that are reading this right now.  Getting engaged at 19 is not exactly what most people envision.  I can't say I did either. Now that I look back I think, "Whoa! Child Bride!  My daughter is never doing that!"  But then I stop and think, "Thank you God for doing that!"  Brian has tamed me.  Tamed my heart.  I'm not sure if I can explain that but I just know that without him I would have a.) probably have a lot less Jesus in my life b.) Probably have a lot more cats in my life.  I think we can all agree that those would be bad things.

2.  That true romance isn't about flowers, candy, or romantic getaways, etc etc.  Don't get me wrong, these things help, but romance in real life is about doing the dishes when your spouse is tired, or letting them take a nap while you rock the baby, or making them their favorite dinner "just cause."  As young women we are told by television and movies that real men buy you expensive things and take you out to fancy dinners.  I think quite the contrary...real love happens in real life.  

3.  That old quote is true, "The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."  I believe that was said by the great Billy Graham.  I'm so thankful that Brian still treats me the way he did 11 years ago.  Having a child does something to a woman...I'm sure you mothers reading this may agree with me...and it's hard to get back into "sweetheart" or "lover" mode afterward.  But Brian has shown me that our love is going to be what teaches Jackson about love.  And Jackson smiles every time he sees Mommy and Daddy kiss (although I'm sure the happiness will turn to disgust about the time he's 8 or 9).

 So folks, I really don't care if I get cotton-pickin-nothin for Valentine's Day (although don't call Brian and tell him that just in case he's got a flower on the way). :)  Brian Yoder is enough.  Having the evening with my boys is enough.  I don't care if the bathtub pipes are leaking through the kitchen ceiling (cause they are).  I don't care if the baby woke up at 4:45 am (cause he did).  I only care about one thing...Brian Yoder is mine.  Yup, you can't have him.  He's got a ring on his finger "TIL HE DIES"  (which is how the pastor at our wedding said it and our little inside joke).  

I think we're getting better with years, right?!?!

My only prayer for today is that, if the Lord allows, he'll be my Valentine next year.  And the year after that.  And that. And 50 more.  Cause I gotta lot of love to give out.  And our love story is just beginning....