Last year I started doing the 12 days of service with our family as a way to keep our focus on the giving, and less on the buying and getting. I was thrilled when I read about this, and knew it would make our efforts even better.
Today the focus is on honouring our parents. Isaac and I had a brief discussion about how using kind respectful words and being obedient, were ways that he could show love to us. It hasn't been a perfect day, but he has been making a really great effort to "get blessings for the whole family". I decided to honour our parents by telling everyone how terrific they are, and how much we appreciate them,
My mum has given her all into being a wonderful mother. I don't think you can truly fully appreciate a mother, until you are one. Or at the very least I realized, as much as I thought I loved and was grateful for my mum before, the love and respect I have for her has grown exponentially since having my own children. Even though all of her children are adults now, she is never too busy to spend time with us, watch cheesy movies, listen to our problems, and give us fashion-and all other manner of advice. When she sees a need, she fills it, usually before she is even asked. When she does a job, she does is to the absolute best of her ability. She is an invaluable light in my life.
My dad is my trusted source for practical advice in nearly any aspect of my life. He is charitable and selfless, and reaches out to friends, acquaintances, and strangers who are in need. He works hard to make sure those who may be lonely are not forgotten. He taught me to always push myself, whether in my physical fitness, education, or personal goals. He never let me win games just so I could be happy. He forced me to keep stretching and learning, until finally I could beat him enough that it didn't feel like a fluke. That is a lesson that has helped me conquer many challenges. He spent many many hours painting, renovating, and driving here from Calgary to help us get our house as ready as possible before we moved. There is no way we would have been able to move as quickly as we did without his help.
These are my in-laws. I feel so lucky to have them as my second set of parents. This photo reminds me to always keep having adventures and try new things. Your spouse should be your best friend.
My mother-in-law gave up three weeks to help with our kids while we were renovating and getting ready to move. She has stayed with us after babies, made freezer meals, brought baking, and taken the kids on outings so I can have a break. She is so generous with her time, and does her best to make everyone feel welcome in her home. She loves each of her 6 kids tremendously, and makes a special effort to care for each one as an individual.
My father-in-law is also incredibly giving (how did I get blessed with 4 selfless parents?!). He goes above and beyond to help fill needs. He is an active member and volunteer in is his community and abroad. There are many times where extra groceries have been bought, a basket of clean laundry has been folded, or a gas tank was filled. He has worked hard to establish his dental practice and is well liked and respected by his employees and patients. Both he and my mother in law are always open to trying new things, and we have had many experiences, which we otherwise might not have had, thanks to them.
Thank you mum and dads for being so supercalafragilisticexpialadocious.
