February is always a special month for my husband and I. We first met 20 years ago and he moved more than 900 miles to live close to me on Valentines Day of 1991 (and we were married by May, in case you were wondering). He gave me a yellow rose then and they are now my favorite color rose and a tradition for us. I almost always know what I'm getting for Valentines and I wouldn't have it any other way :-) One of these days, when we own our own home,  I plan to have bush after bush of them! 

We've also developed another tradition over the almost 19 years we've been married: letter-writing. It wasn't one we planned to develop but with as many deployments as Mike has had, as well as having lived in separate cities when we first became "a couple", it became a natural thing for us to do! I literally have letters and cards spanning 5 or more years worth of deployments packed up in boxes. I also have over a year of emails from deployments saved. I just can't seem to let go of them because their words mean so much to me. I enjoy getting the stacks of envelopes out, untying the strings, and reading through so many endearing words. They remind me of how strong our love really is. For one deployment, Mike even left notes hidden around our house for me to find. I found them in my Bible at church, in the bottom of the flour bin, in the dresser drawer, under the coffee filters, and so many other places. Love notes have always been a part of our life!

Knowing how much his written words have meant to me over the years, Mike recently bought me a new journal. This is a different kind of journal though. It is for me but he is the one doing all the writing! Mike is writing small love notes in it for me daily.  This is one of the sweetest gifts I have ever been given!! I find myself on pins and needles every evening waiting for him to finish up his thoughts for the day. I also find myself needing to find two quiet times a day -- one for God and Bible study, and one for sweet written words from my husband :-)

Do you have any specials gifts that mean more to you than others? What made them so special? I'd love for you to share in the comments!

In Christ,

Sallie