Posted in MEMES

The final installment...

I get along with my MIL very well.  We actually have a great deal in common.  We have learned to ignore the stuff we don't agree on but that seems to be less and less as I grow older.  She is a wise woman and has an amazing son.  I am blessed... 

One of things she taught me very early in my motherhood is that I needed to let Dan take care of the kids, too.  I see so many families where the mom does it all and the dad is not plugged in.  I often wonder if it is more of the mom not letting go than the dad not stepping up.  Oh, I know there are some dads that won't step up but my experience has been that when given the opportunity the dad is very willing to be.... well... the dad! 

The first time my MIL held J(13) she handed him to Dan instead of me and then took my hand to come and do something with her in the kitchen.  I realized later she was giving Dan the chance to step up.  I LOVE that!!!  Because I have learned that lesson Dan is a really great dad.  He is VERY plugged in and present for out kiddos.  They all think the world of him.  It may be me that is less plugged in lately with school but it has seemed to really make our children better to be with their dad more.  There is a relationship there that I did not get to have because my dad worked a great deal and was away from home.  I am not blaming just stating a fact.  I love my dad very much.  I miss the time we spent with him as a family.  Those were very good when they happened.  It was just more scarce.

I learned a very long time ago that I cannot do it all and be all to my children.  I need help.  I, of course, need the help of my Heavenly Father but he has put Dan and me together for that purpose, too.  We are to encourage and help one another.  The help-meet part is not just from my end.  Dan has made me a much better person through his help and encouragement.  He loves me as Christ loves the Church and I am grateful for that grace in my marriage.  I am not easy to live with some days.  I totally know that...  LOL  The two of us together make a great team.  He is my best friend...

There are so many things we can accomplish together that are not possible apart.  He teaches our children things I cannot teach them.  Between the two of us our children are very well rounded and know lots more than we did at that age.  Again... not a statement on my upbringing.  The world is more open for them to explore and with the technology we have they can learn so much more at a much earlier age.  That is NOT always a GOOD thing but much of it is beneficial.  LOL 

I honor Dan today for the dad he has become and all that he is to be.  I just need to tell him that more and not just say it here. 

I will continue with the Marriage Mondays...  but they may not be on Monday!  LOL  The 30 day challenge is over but I will continue to concentrate on my marriage and honoring Dan and continue with my goals.  I will get a book out to read that I started a long time ago but got sidetracked on by school.  The book is called Blessing Your Husband.