Incredible In-laws

I have, by far, the best in-laws in the world. Even in the beginning days of our marriage, when things were awkward because we eloped and I was pregnant-they did their best to grant us grace and give us support time and time again. When the twins came and we were pulling our hair out, they were there to babysit at a moment's notice. (Seriously, on at least one occasion we 'scheduled' a date night after we'd already pulled into their driveway. They didn't even ask any questions when we rang the doorbell seven seconds after hanging up the phone with them. Who is that awesome?! They are.) On an anniversary morning when we were supposed to be on the boat heading to Catalina, one of the kids was sick; like, throwing-up sick-and I called my mother-in-law ready to cry. She very matter of factly told me to just stick the kids in the car (with a bowl) and that she'd still watch them-without any hesitation. I tell you that woman is going to be so rich in heaven!

 I know that our marriage wouldn't have survived those first couple years without them. Shoot, our twins would have been running around stark naked if it hadn't been for their generous Costco-sized donations of diapers and baby clothes. When I look at old pics, I don't just find pictures of us parents ragged and exhausted-there are ones of ragged and exhausted grandparents too! Lol...they were there even when I don't remember...probably because I was unconscious napping somewhere ;).

They even dressed up for my 30th party!

They have loved us through thick and thin, when we've made mistakes, when we've been through loss, when we've rejoiced. I am so thankful for their wisdom, their prayers and their hugs most of all. God has truly used them to be His hands and feet in our lives.

When I grew up my grandparents lived out-of-state so even though I loved my grandparents and enjoyed visiting them, I didn't know what it was like to have local relatives who invested time and energy into family relations. I am blown away by how precious the relationships are that my kids have with their grandparents. The best part is that my in-laws exhibit selfless, Christ-like love that my children see every time they spend time with them. They don't let our kids walk all over them, and they are super respectful of how we choose to discipline. But they also make sure to have pudding, whip cream and cherries on hand whenever the munchkins are around. And they buy out
 the whole toy store every time a birthday or holiday comes around.

Grandpa & Cyrus

Don't get me wrong, my in-laws aren't perfect saints. They have their funny little quirks just like the rest of us (uh hem... Star Trek shrine...*cough cough*...mountains of beanie babies...*cough cough*). ;)     There are some things I will never understand about them, their personalities and their own marriage. But especially this last weekend I was reminded of how kind and rare they are. It was my hubby's grandma's 90th birthday and they pulled out all the stops for her. TONS of Lucille's bbq, a beautiful chocolate cake and all the friends and family were invited. They cleaned their home all week for the party and then watched as little ones trailed dirt and food all over in a matter of minutes...but they kept smiles on their faces all the while! Great-grandma had a great time and I know that God is pleased with how my in-laws are biblically taking care of her in their home.

At our renewal of vows ceremony

Great grandma & grandma with Baby Dax

Soon my in-laws will have another son and I know he will be blessed to call them family as well. ( I think my mother-in-law is working on her daughter's wedding dress this very minute. (We've given her a break from Halloween costumes since we're between seasons ;)). Three cheers to wonderful grandparents, summer weddings and, God willing, baby cousins in the near future!!!