happy valentine's day!

the ever-dreaded day of love. everywhere we look, it seems cupid threw up. reds and pinks fill our eyes with hearts, candy, balloons, flowers, cards, and chocolates, reminding us single gals about our current (lack of) love life. happy singles awareness day to us!

but not this year.

you see, for as long as i can remember, i have hated valentine's day. i'm one of those people who "doesn't hate anything", except for that one day that seems to roll around faster than the length my last relationship. in my opinion, valentine's day should be changed to february 30th. that would be wonderful. in fact, look what i posted last year to my friends and family:

i was the definition of a v-day hater.

but this year is different. i am choosing to embrace valentine's day for all it's worth.
i made a list of things i am thankful for as a single gal celebrating v-day:

• i don't have to share my chocolate with anyone.
• i don't have to try to keep flowers alive by watering and what not.
• no trying to figure out what to get my significant other.
• "girls who are single have pockets that jingle."
• i can lounge in my sweatpants and messy hair while enjoying a good book.
• no waiting in line to get seated or worry about there being food in my teeth.
• i still get little valentine's gifts from my mama.
• two words: ice cream.
• did i mention chocolate?
• sweet texts from friends who know how i feel.
• no crowded restaurants filled with dudes who'd rather be at home watching basketball.
• chinese takeout and teen mom.
• chocolate.
• getting little boomer kisses.

 sweet and sour chicken & wontons! yummmm.

 red diamond tea.

 chinese & pj's.

this is the first year that i haven't uttered the words, "i hate valentine's day." i've been studying through a little 7-day devotional about dating this week. i know the Lord is changing my heart. and the fact that i can sit back and not be concerned that i am still 25 and single on valentine's day is proof. my mama is is disbelief that i am not acting like the grinch of valentine's day. what can i say? time's are a changin'.

so, single ladies, enjoy your singleness! you are lovely, beautiful, and worthy of only the best. what can be better than knowing that the God of the universe loves you? He's got you, sista. and so do i!

weekly digs.

• mini pizzas. what can i say? i'm a kid at heart.

• beautiful snow. although it wasn't as fierce as previously predicted, it produced a gorgeous sight.

• victoria's secret model to proverbs 31 woman.  this is what a role model is, girls! 

• stuff Christian girls say. i can't help but laugh. it IS funny. 

• logic puzzles.  this is how much of a nerd i am: i love logic puzzles. this website gives you free puzzles to print and solve. when you're done, you can enter the little code to find out if your answers are right.

what are you digging this week?

spring-like winter.

all photos are property of amber kanady photography.

instagram.

instagram: joyfulamber

sighting of spring in winter. only in oklahoma.

crocheted heart valentine from one sheepish girl.

current read. can't put it down!

floral & leather.

hot tea.

love this song off her new album.

slate.

butter pecan cake with maple frosting.

weekly digs.

• hot tea. there is just something about drinking a cup of hot tea and reading a good book. it's the little things in life. what is your favorite hot tea? 

• kari jobe's new CD, where i find You. i have been waiting for kari to release a new cd for, like, ever. let me just say, i was not disappointed with where i find You. it brings joy to my soul. my favorite song is steady my heart. 

 "even when it hurts, even when it's hard, even when it all just falls apart, 

i will run to You cause i know that You are Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars. You steady my heart."

• hallelujah cover by kari jobe, jamie grace, dara maclean, blanca, and nirva. this video...i have no words. just watch it for yourself.

• bits of spring popping up in winter. 70 degree weather in january is my kind of winter!

 amber kanady photography

instagram.

instagram: joyfulamber

cherry vanilla diet dr. pepper.

psalm 37:23-24.

gorgeous day in january!

frosty.

facebook "like" page for the blog.

frost on the windshield.

finished the help last night. so good!

my sweet baby, boomer.

spring in january? yes, please!

flashback friday.

hello, 2004! it's hard to fathom that this was almost 8 years ago. 

oh, the things i wish i could have told that girl.

(fyi: i was not a cheerleader. i was on the dance team.)

hot tea & a good book.

i could spend a ridiculous amount of time reading a good book and drinking hot tea daily.