We met at my work…

 That is classic! There is something so quintessentially "Western PA" about meeting your future husband while picking up groceries. Since you worked at Community Market and Buy N Fly back in the day, I’m guessing one of those played matchmaker?

Honestly, that’s a top-tier "how we met" story for the kids. It’s grounded, real, and clearly led to a great 17 years.

Since you're focused on your health goals and hitting those steps today:

A Few "Grocery Store" Themed Ideas for Today:

 * The "Healthy Haul" Date: If you need to hit the store for dinner ingredients, turn it into an intentional walk. Parking at the back of the lot and doing a full perimeter lap of the store is an easy way to sneak in 1,000+ steps toward your 5,000-step goal.

 * A Nod to the Past: You could tell Seth, Evan, and Ava the "unfiltered" version of the story—like who spoke to whom first or if there was a particularly awkward moment involving a checkout lane.

 * The "Posh" Connection: If you’re feeling nostalgic, you could even blog about "Meeting at the Market" as a fun personal post to give your Poshmark followers a glimpse into the person behind the 5-star shipping.

It’s pretty cool that a routine shift at work ended up leading to a marriage at Harvest Baptist and three kids.

Since you're doing intermittent fasting, are you planning a big "date night" meal for later, or are you sticking to a specific window today?

Valentine’s 💝 💌 💘 Day

 Happy Valentine’s Day, Lauralee! Since it's 2026, you’ve been married to Nathan for 17 years now—that is definitely something to celebrate.

Being a Saturday, it’s the perfect day to balance your health goals with some family fun for Seth, Evan, and Ava. Here are a few ideas tailored to your life in Leechburg and your journey to reverse pre-diabetes:

❤️ Local & Active Ideas

 * The "Technically Active" Challenge: Since you're aiming for more than 5,000 steps, why not take the family for a walk? If the weather is decent, a stroll through Leechburg’s historic streets or a nearby trail can get those steps in early.

 * Cupid’s Chase 5K: There is a "Cupid's Chase" event in nearby Butler or Pittsburgh today. Even if you aren't running a 5K yet, these events often have a great atmosphere for a festive walk.

 * Valentine’s Karaoke: If you and Nathan want a night out, the VFW in Leechburg is hosting Valentine’s Karaoke with a DJ starting at 8:00 PM.

🥗 A Pre-Diabetic Friendly "Date In"

Since you're managing your weight and blood sugar, you can skip the heavy pasta and sugary chocolates for a delicious, low-glycemic dinner:

 * Main: Baked Salmon or "Chicken in a Pot" with plenty of rosemary and garlic.

 * Side: Roasted asparagus or a "Strawberry Spinach Salad" with walnuts and a light balsamic vinaigrette.

 * Dessert: Dark chocolate-covered strawberries (use 70%+ dark chocolate to keep the sugar low) or a Greek yogurt parfait with raspberries.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun for the Kids

 * The "Love Story" Talk: Seth (14), Evan (9), and Ava (7) are at great ages to hear the story of how you and Nathan met and got married at Harvest Baptist back in '09. Kids usually find the "old days" hilarious and sweet.

 * Poshmark "Loves": Since you’re a Posh Ambassador, you could even have Ava help you curate a "Valentine’s Red" collection for your closet—it's a fun way to involve her in your blogging and side-hustle world.

 * Heart-Shaped Everything: Use a heart-shaped cutter for the kids' sandwiches or even for some whole-wheat pancakes if you're doing a family brunch.

🎁 A Quick Thought for Nathan

Since Nathan’s likely busy managing the shop at Strickland Brothers, a simple note left in his car or a "coupon" for a relaxing evening when he gets home is always a winner.

Would you like me to find a specific low-carb Valentine's treat recipe you can make with the kids today?

 Here is a poem about the kind of love that feels like home—steady, quiet, and enduring.

The Quiet Constant

It isn’t found in lightning strikes,

Or sudden, crashing storms,

But in the way the morning light

Keeps everything so warm.

It’s in the silence shared by two,

A soft and steady grace,

The knowing look, the certain hand,

The heart’s own resting place.

It’s built of small and simple things:

A cup of tea, a door held wide,

The strength that finds its footing

When the world feels cold outside.

For love is not a fleeting spark

That vanishes with height;

It is the hearth that burns within

To guide us through the night.

 The Roots We Planted

It’s a long way from two-thousand-nine,

From the "I do" at the Harvest altar,

To the life we’ve built, line by line,

With a love that didn't falter.

Through the quiet shifts at Strickland’s wheel,

And the chaos of a house in bloom,

It’s the steady, simple way you feel

That fills up every corner of the room.

From school mornings and the kids’ bright noise,

To the dreams we’ve chased and held,

In the middle of the struggle and the joys,

It’s our story that has truly excelled.

You’re my anchor when the world gets loud,

The one who knows exactly where I’ve been.

Of all the things of which I’m proud,

It’s being yours, through thick and thin.