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Valentine’s Day holds a special place in my heart for obvious reasons, but did you know Mark and I actually met on Valentine’s Day? Yes indeed, and we were married just a little over one year later. And I can honestly say, I am just as much in love with him today, if not more, than I was more than three decades ago. Now, I’m not saying it is perfect, no marriage is, and it’s not always that crazy turn-your-stomach-upside-down kind of love after all of these years. However, it is comfortable like your favorite blankie kind of love!

Mark is my best friend, my confidant, my strength and my protector, the one I turn to and lean on when things don’t go so well, and the one I turn to first to share good news. I cannot imagine a life without him and it seems he’s always been a part of my life. I thank God for Mark and my children every day!

Celebrating the holiday of love has certainly changed for us throughout the years, as I’m certain it has for most couples with children. When we were first married, Mark and I always went out for a romantic dinner, just the two of us. We would hold hands, share dessert and talk about our hopes and dreams both as a couple and as individuals. It was a magical time of wonderment and being young and in love. We always knew we would be together forever and looked forward to things to come.

As we started to build a family, we became more conscious of our roles as parents and our Valentine’s Day celebrations turned from “couple’s love” to “family love”. We always included the children somehow depending on their ages and what they liked … whether it was a little box of chocolate at their spot at the dinner table, a stuffed animal or a card, we always let them know how much they were loved. And our romantic dinners out, turned to family dinners in with our children, our biggest blessings. It wasn’t about what we ate so much anymore, but who was around our table. From highchairs, to boosters to grown adult children, we continue to be blessed as a couple, as parents and as servants of our Lord.

I am extra grateful on this Valentine's Day, as I get to re-introduce you to the newest member of our family, Alice. Alice is Eric's fiance and is soon to be our daughter-in-law. Mark and I just couldn't be happier!!

When I look at Alice and Eric together, I am just overcome with joy. I love watching the sweetness and the respect they give each other. And you know what's interesting? Mark and I were engaged in October (October of many moons ago) and were married in April AND Alice and Eric were engaged in October and will be married in April. It was in no way planned, but I will take it as a good sign of things to come. : )

So whoever you celebrate this Valentine’s Day with and whatever you do, we wish you lots of love and peace and sure, even a dessert or two! ; )

Counting our blessings!

Mary Beth (and family)