valentine's round-up.

valentine's was wonderful. it lasted two days for me and brad, which was such a treat. i'll take any second i can get with that kid. he's insanely busy all the time- he's a chemical engineering major, does research with an MD through the computer-based honors program, leads a small group through our church, and then has to deal with me on top of it all.

he's wonderful. and i know that i'm biased and gushy and probably annoying, but you are always allowed to stop reading :)

he shows me Jesus. and i'm not just saying that- he really does. he shows me the care of the Lord, his steadfastness, the tender heart of God. he tells me no. i like that in a man. Lord knows i need it. and can i just say that he tells me no because that's what i need to hear, not to show that he's in charge or to be controlling. he says it because it's best.

for valentine's day part one we went to dram whiskey bar in downtown mountain brook, where we had drinks and burgers and good, light-hearted conversation while enjoying the ski-lodge atmosphere. it wasn't a super-Valentine's-y spot, but it was perfect for us. we grabbed a bottle of champagne (did i mention that i'm so happy he finally turned 21?) and went back to his parents' house to watch a TV special on Prince William and Kate. he gave me a cupcake decorating kit, made me cupcakes, and presented me with a card that entitles me to as many breakfast dates as i want. i gave him a book of useless information and his favorite candy (which, btw, is only sold at christmas. i rock).

part two was the next day, which was actually Valentine's Day. he was coming over for dinner, so i put a tablecloth on the table, lit a candle, and told him this was my part :) not as sassy as the first part, but just as fun. then he gave me his whole night. he didn't do any homework or complain about how he needed to go to bed, or even play words with friends on his phone. he just gave me his time.

i inherited a couple things from my dad, including flat feet, a bad back, a sense of rhythm (because let's be honest, that didn't come from my mom), and a love for quality time. my dad is absolutely obsessed with spending time with the people he cares about. my family, to be specific. he's ecstatic when we can all be together, and was more torn up than my mom when my older sister left for college.

brad does not share my sentiments. but he's learning that this is so important to me. and the fact that he is willing to give me his time- his undivided attention for hours in a row- means more to me than anything i can think of. he's the best.