I remember when the our children were little, how wide-eyed and excited they would become for holidays that brought with them the promise of something special. Though we seldom did anything elaborate, doing something, set the day apart from others. Valentines Day was often one of these.

We did different things as they grew. Some years we bought them candy, others a small toy. In later years, they might get clothes. We seldom did the same thing twice, and tried to vary it.

My favorite year (who knows if they even remember it) was when I got up early, and made them breakfast. It was nothing much, but it was special. My parents had done the same for us when I was young.

I got up and made toast. Yes, toast! But this wasn't ordinary toast, this was toast that sent them on a sugar high. I toasted the bread, cut off the edges, and added some sprinkles. The result was a large heart shaped piece of toast with pink or red sugar sprinkles all over it with strategically placed red hots.

They were works of art. Well, at least for me they were. I went and got the children up (getting up early on Valentines Day...what a gift) and led them to the table. When they saw their breakfast, as least some of them were excited.

This breakfast was a mess to eat, but they enjoyed it.

We had little money, and could not do big things. That never mattered to them. They just enjoyed the recognition of the day being set apart from others.

This year, we had a plan. Deanna went shopping. Maybe this wasn't a good plan. Deanna is normally a very careful shopper. Since she handles the money in our home, she does not spend carelessly. I have always appreciated that about her.

This time, I think the whole "we haven't seen our girls in too long," thing came into play. She came home with that look a puppy gets when he has pottied in the house, and knows he's about to be discovered. She came through the door confessing her sin.

"I hope you're not mad at me, cause I think I spent way too much!" She repented.

For my dear wife to begin this way scared me. I envisioned taking out a loan to pay off the debt. As she unloaded each bag, she was in justification mode. It was not going well.

I was not responding with the same enthusiasm that had contributed to accumulating this wealth of goods.

In the end, we decided that perhaps we needed to return a few things.

I confess that this situation found me wearing my "grumpy pants." I enjoy going to the store and standing in the return line about as much as I do going to the dentist and having my teeth drilled.

I had to get over myself and my attitude. The thing is, my amazing wife, was very understanding. She gives me grace when I don't deserve it. She offers blessing where most would tender ridicule.

I do not deserve her. I am so very thankful for her. I cannot imagine anyone else coming close to understanding me, and wanting to love me the way she does. I need no more proof of God's existence than to look at the awesome way He has poured into and shaped her. Her countenance is unlike any other.

She is an example of beauty and grace in motion. It is so easy to see the perfection of our Savior in her. She would try to convince you otherwise, but that is part of her charm. She is very humble, and she is so precious to me!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

brent