What Valentine's Day is Really About.

I love Valentine's Day.

Almost as much as I love birthdays. 

So that's a lot. 

And I don't even have a Valentine. 

Not that I couldn't have one.. 

I mean they are practically causing a riot outside my door right now. 

Kidding. 

But really.

I love everything about Valentine's Day.

From the nasty chocolates to gourmet dinners.

February 14th is by far the most precious day of the year. 

But somewhere in the midst of all this lovin' you've got the Anti-Valentiners. 

The ones who have apparently missed the memo and dedicated February 14th to their sob stories.
Well I've got news for all you Anti-Valentiner sob story tellers: 

For real.
Nobody wants to hear it.
Nobody feels sorry for you.
Just shush.

Valentine's Day isn't about having a Prince Charming to celebrate with.
It's about love.
Celebrating love.
Showing love.
Being thankful that you are blessed enough to have someone to love.
If you'd stop complaining for 2 seconds and look around you'd see why I love Valentine's Day.

Being the procrastinator I am, it's obvious that I didn't do my Valentine shopping until last night.
A bunch of people all crowed around empty shelfs hoping to find that perfect gift.
But amongst all the craziness I witnessed what Valentine's Day is truly all about.
Love.

As I sat in my car trying to catching my breath from all the madness I saw a woman walking toward her car with a buggy full of groceries. As she neared the car I couldn't help but notice the 4 smiling faces staring at her, beaming with excitement. And I'm not talking the "Woohoo Mom bought food!" kinda smile. I'm talking an ear to ear, full of love, whole heart kinda smile. The boys faces lit up as she opened the door and they handed her a completely unexpected big bouquet of roses. My heart melted. The look on their faces said it all.

Valentine's Day isn't about the presents or a fancy dinner.
Or even an unexpected bouquet of roses.
It's about genuinely loving.
Loving with every piece of your heart.

So to all you Anti-Valentiners, I challenge you to look around today.
Notice all the love?
How can you hate Valentine's Day?!

I miss you: High School Addition

High School. 

The dreaded transition.

Leaving the top of one totem pole to start over at the bottom of another. 

The times when boys lose their cooties and girls become pretty.

When getting your license becomes your top priority. 

When finding the perfect dress for prom seemed impossible.

And then, in the blink of an eye, you're standing on the top of that totem pole.

You're a senior. 

The years that seemed to drag on for a lifetime feel like yesterday. 

But the year ahead feels like it will last forever. 

But just as the years before, summer fades to fall and the time begins to fly. 

And before you even have a chance to really soak it all in you're walking across the stage. 

Fact is: I miss high school. 

I know that it's ridiculous. But it's the truth.

I miss having to get up way too early to go sit in a classroom full of kids that I've known for years. I miss walking the halls with the people who knew me. I miss trying to hide my cell phone in Mr. Bos' class. I miss trying to discretely chew gum around Mrs. Davis. I miss whining to Reynolds. I miss having girl talk with Mrs. Sweet. I miss telling Mr. Smith that he was awesome. I miss making my famous sopapilla cheesecake for the best staff in the world. 

I miss telling Doug to shut up. 

I miss being able to see my best friend everyday. 

I miss having college with these guys. 

I miss telling Dylan to wake up and answer the professors questions.

I miss arguing with Scott about who was more awesome. (I mean clearly I was and still am) I miss sneaking into the band room to listen to Michael, Micah, and Brandon play music. 

I miss Taylor being my lunch buddy. My constant friend I know will always be there.

I miss stressing out over Beta with Cameron. 

(I seriously think he was the only one that kept me sane and it was all totally worth it in the end) 

I miss Joanie always singing way too loud. And A.Muss for liking Chil.li's. 

I miss Amber always being my math buddy. 

I miss Paige just because she was Paige and could always make me smile. 

I miss you even if I didn't mention your name specifically. I miss being the annoying one that always wanted to take way too many pictures at every.single.event. I miss it all.

These people, my classmates, were more than just some random kids. They were like an extended family. An extended family that was never really extended until a couple years ago. 

I miss you guys.

{Just an example of how I'm more awesome. I mean look at that}

Sending you all my love and best wishes. 

***

Dear Seniors of the future,

I know you've waited for this year forever. To finally be that class at the top of the totem pole. I know. I know people have been pounding it in your head that it will go by fast and blah blah blah. And I know you don't believe it. But trust me. It really does go by in the blink of an eye. More like in half a blink. I've been there. 9 months is a lifetime when you're little. But the older you get the quicker time flies. 9 months is now going to feel like 9 seconds rather than 9 years. I promise. Embrace it. Live up your senior year. You won't get it again. Ever. (Unless you fail. And if you fail, well, then I suggest you write a blog post about being a senior for the second time around and let me know how that goes for ya.)

Good luck.

In memory of Cody McMorris.

MacDaddy I bet you're getting a kick up there watching me be Jeff Gordan! But you know what? Just hush it! 

You will always be in our hearts. 

RIP.