I am “in love” with a lot of things in life, from sunshine to coffee to the ocean to whatever song I’ve got on constant repeat right now.

In fact, I use the word “love” all the time. Right here on this blog, even.

Some people might say that devalues love or makes it less of a big deal than it should be, but I’m not terribly concerned.

I know that when it comes to “real” love — the love you feel for the important people in your life, the love you put into the world — I’m pretty good at getting my point across with or without words.

But today? Words are exactly what I want to use.

Today’s Love List is dedicated to all the things I love in and about the people in my life.

Not naming names, mind you, but just celebrating ALL the things — silly, small, medium, big and HUGE — ALL of you bring to my world that humble me and fill me and turn my heart into pure squoosh.

I don’t feel worthy of all the blessings, but you don’t seem to care. You just pour it out, and for that?

Thank you.

(Feel free to write your own list in the comments, or pop one up on your blog, and send us the link!)

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT Y’ALL

You encourage without hesitation.
You know the exact moment to say the exact best dry, witty thing… and you bring the house down.
You tell people you love them every single day.
You take delight in recording the world with your camera — and I adore the details you capture.
You expect the best, but forgive the misfires.
And you forgive them completely.
Your eyes shine when you tell stories.
You make kids feel safe.
You choose words with care.
The sound of you playing guitar is home for me.
You talk with your hands to the point where you might catch some air.
You remember people’s names.
The stuff in the back of your car is like a collage of your week… and it makes me laugh every time.
You get knocked down, but you don’t stay there.
Your hair could take over the planet.
Your faith is quiet but huge.
You enjoy yelling from the stands, too.
You are the MacGyver of an empty fridge.
You speak into situations, and actual change happens as a result.
I love the way you blush when people say kind things to you.
Your dimples are perfect.
Your energy lights up the room.
The way you believe in your kids is an example to every other parent around you.
Your wisdom is much greater than your years.
You got up and danced anyway.
You never make fun of me for snoring.
I love how you send me random texts that make me laugh at the wrong and best times.
Your brain wraps around ideas and won’t let go. I love your tenacity.
You own your mistakes.
The talents you have that completely astound me — how do you DO that?
Your ability to sing harmony to anything makes road trips fun.
You get my jokes. No matter how stupid they are.
I love your giant dreams and your inability to downsize them.
You listen better than anyone else I know.
You twirl when you try things on.
Your hands are a map of hard work.
You go out of your way to make others feel at ease.
You remember events in my life, and ask me about them later.
Your insane, unhinged laugh is the highlight of ANY night.
You aren’t afraid to say you don’t know.
You got better, against all the odds.
You used to bring me iced tea when I was working the windsurfing dock so I wouldn’t get dehydrated. That’s typical of who you are.
The way you look at your wife inspires me to hold out for a good guy.
You don’t mind if I get emo — and you know how to joke me back out of it.
You can fix absolutely anything. Handiest guy ever.
You laugh until you cry every time.
You have patience that Job couldn’t touch.
You loved me first, and still love me best.

And here are some songs to tell the rest of the story: