Valentine's Wish List

I love Valentine's Day.  I always have.  Even when I was single - it's true!  Now that I'm married & preggo this year it just makes it even more special.  I can't believe this is going to be our last Valentine's Day just the two of us!  It's crazy, but my basketball smuggling tummy size keeps me grounded in the reality of it all.  

Here's some things I'd love to receive this February 14th...

1. chocolate - maybe a mix of milk & dark
2. mini rose potted plant - this way it won't be a wilted bouquet in a week {let's hope}
3. or 4. maternity dress - pick one {Dan, which one do you think I'd look best in?}

Dear Husband...

Dear Dan,

Do you know how much I love you?  Do you know you were in my prayers before I even knew your name?  Do you know how much I thank God for the gift that is you?  Do you know that I'm crazy in love with you?

I always say I first knew you were the one when you prayed.  We were miles apart, in different states, & over the phone at the end of our chats you prayed.  You prayed & I knew.  I knew you were the one for me.  The one God had heard me praying about for years.  You were & are my answered prayer.

The funniness of your soul + the childlike wonder you refused to ever lose when the years aged you, but your heart stayed true.  The way you looked for four-leaf clovers & even planted the seeds that promised 'em just to find some, & now 3 hang on our wall pressed between glass beside photos of us.  Those are more reasons I fell in love.  The sweetness of your smile paired with your handsome face & those green eyes & gentle heart.  I melted for who you are, & I still do.  And I told my mom, long before any proposal, in my determined way, that unless God said otherwise, I was going to marry you.

It hasn't always been easy for you & me.  First, hundreds of miles apart.  Then, trying to adjust to being together when we never really got to experience the normal-life, day-to-day stuff of just being in a relationship in the same city until after we were married & in the same one-bedroom apartment.  We both brought our baggage + our fears & sometimes we get afraid or forgetful or complacent or selfish & forget we were each others' gift & answered prayer.  I'm sorry for every one of those times.  Please never forget, I love you...

Do you know how much I love you?  Do you know you were in my prayers before I even knew your name?  Do you know how much I thank God for the gift that is you?  Do you know that I'm still crazy in love with you?

I am, & I will be until my final breath.

All my Love
Your Wife,
Laura

My Favorite Chick Flicks for Valentine's!

While You Were Sleeping

Ever After

Letters to Juliet

Belle & the Beast

The Princess Bride

The Magic of Ordinary Days

Sleepless in Seattle

What are some of your faves?

Dollar Store Upcycle // String Art

Upcycling dollar store finds is one of my favorite things.  I snagged this string art {see below} the other day at my local Dollar Tree, & while it's nice, it's not really me.  So, I'm going to work some easy-peasy upcycling magic to make it more my style.  Here's how...  

Step 1: Get rid of the string + add some fresh paint.  You will likely need several coats to cover. {Extra tip: Don't forget to paint the edges (if that's important to you)!  I forgot to paint them & had mixed my own gray paint color & used it all up, & wasn't about to try & match it up again, so I ended up putting a simple washi tape on the edges (which works, too).}

Step 2: Add some new string. {Extra tip: Add a drop or 2 of hot glue to secure the ends.}

Step 3 {Optional}: Personalize it further with some embellishments, letter stickers/stamps or a painted phrase, or keep it minimalist - it's up to you!  At 1st, I was sure I was going to add a phrase like "Dan + Laura" or write "love" across the bottom in scrolly script, but now I'm thinking of just keeping it simple & sweet & leaving it as is.  Any thoughts?

February Snapshots

Favorite dress + donut on the lap = pretty much bliss!

Valentine's bouquet from my sweet love!

There were a lot of donuts this month.

We celebrated Valentine's by going bowling.  This was my first time.  Ever.  Crazy, I know.  P.S.: I was pretty bad {putting it mildly}.

I went swimming in February, 'cause this is crazy Georgia weather!

8 Unexpected Spots to Hide Love Notes for Your Spouse

💌

1. In the fridge next to their favorite snack.  {In my husband's case, that would be anywhere near the diet Dr. Pepper.}

2. In their work bag.  If you place it in a seldom used pocket or some other tricky place they may not spot, sometime during the work day send a message telling them where to look.

3. Tucked under the visor in their car.  Hopefully, they'll flip that down & your surprise note will fall into their lap - or onto the car floor, where they'll lean down to get it & almost sideswipe a semi {but hopefully the former, not the latter will occur}.

4. Put a stamp on it & send it the old fashioned way.  The fact that you live with this person & could have handed it to them only adds to the quirky charm, in my opinion.  {Or you could save a stamp & just address it & stick it in the mailbox (after the mail's already been delivered, of course) & send your spouse to bring it in.}

5. Tucked inside their favorite boxed/bagged snack food.  Cookie, cracker, & cereal boxes are all perfect for this, by the way.

6. Put your message in a bottle!  Bonus points if you can find a spot to float it in actual water... a hot drawn bath with bubbles might be just the thing!

7. In their underwear drawer.

8. Inside the book they're currently reading.