As I was scrambling around trying to get these five little Valentines all situated for Valentine’s Day before we leave out of town (we’ll be long gone by the time this posts and I was feeling bad we’d be far away from them on the big “love day”), I realized I hadn’t really taken time to think about my real Valentine. 
I mean, I think about how sexy he looks on a regular basis, and I’m always awed by his ability to see the “big picture” in life. My heart knits to his when we stay up late “pillow-talking” in the dark and that same heart melts when I watch him with our kids.
But sometimes I feel like I’m running around so much taking care of these kids that poor Dave has to fend for himself. I mean, he can…he’s “big.” He knows how to tie his shoes and make a mean omelet all by himself. But every once in a while I have to remind myself that even though he’s strong and independent, he needs to be pampered a little too. He is and forever will be my “number one.”
So, trying not to be too overly mushy for Valentine’s Day, I just wanted to write some of my favorite things about my Valentine:
Dave is one of the kindest people I know. You can’t let that sheer rugged exterior fool you…he’s got the softest heart around. He really cares deeply about people…even complete strangers.
Dave is an amazingly aware dad. The chaos of it all is tough on him, but when it comes down to these kids he often notices and is aware of more than I am…and I’m with them on a continual basis. I’ve loved watching him, especially with Lucy lately. He knows she needs so much help developmentally and he’ll come home from work and just sit with her, read her books, etc. He’s amazing that way.
This is one of my favorite pictures of him in action:
Dave has great ideas…about life, about business, kids, future. And he has a way of making them come to pass.
Dave won’t be taken advantage of. He sure knows how to hold his own. Sometimes he makes me laugh. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it.
He loves me. And I feel it. He treats me like a queen (unless he’s in the middle of being my best critic…and I like that too).
He has this ability to make me laugh even when I’m in the middle of being mad as a hornet at him.
He knows everything there is to know about current events.
Dave is the best friend I could ever ask for. I can tell him anything. He’ll listen, and he’ll care.
After 13 1/2 years of being married to him, my heart still flutters when he gets home from work and lays a kiss on me. Or when I catch his eye across the dinner table. Or when he has a five o’clock shadow accentuating his jaw….pretty much any time…he’s a hottie, inside and out.
So, Happy Valentine’s to my Valentine. Love you babe.
Wow, what a post! I don’t know how you did this when you are far away from the Internet. Magic I guess! This is a “heads up” for all of us. Hooray for that great Dave! We love him too!
Mom
I love that last picture of you two. Very beautiful. That’s the first time I’ve ever thought Dave looked a little like older brother Paul in a way. Happy V-day guys.
Mom, I love this post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also miss you like crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your family is so beautiful! And you can tell how much you all really love each other – the most important part!
Awwwwww! What a CUTE picture of you two. You both totally scored!
You two are the greatest! Thanks for having such an inspiring blog for me to read all the time. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.
he does seem like agreat lid to your pot! I am so glad you are so happy! Hope you are enjoying your trip!
Shawni your making me look bad!
Very sweet post! Where are you going?
Can’t wait to hear about your trip! Great picture of the two of you, very striking couple.
well that was awesome.
its great to read about the REAL LIFE DAVE since all i ever knew of him was the ‘at work dave’ 🙂
Dave is definitely a Hottie. He also teaches a mean Gospel Doctrine lesson as I recall. You guys are perfect for each other. Great Post Shawnie.
How grateful we are for your love and devotion to each other and especially that you know Dave so well and support him totally and visa versa. He truly is the greatest and we love you both so dearly. So glad you had a get away together – a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the kids will survive! They love knowing you are in love!
Awwwwww. What a sweet tribute to your hubby! Enjoy your time away…
Sweet post & I love the picture of you & Dave – you both look GORGEOUS!!! Hope you had a fun vacation!
You guys make a pretty amazing pair. Cute Valentine Post! When did you find the time to whip that up? I am impressed!
WOW, I thought I was the only one who felt that way about him… hehehe
You guys rock! Wish you could figure out how to join us over here!