60 years?! How Did They Do That?????

Hammin' it up for the camera!

I've been asking myself all weekend, "What DOES it take to raise a family and have a healthy relationship, for 60 YEARS!?!?" I think this weekend was the true testament to that. There will be tears, lots of laughter, forgiveness, prayer and love...love...and more love. 

My grandparents have 7 sons. Yup, you read that correctly SEVEN SONS. Often, the response is, "Oh, your poor grandmother and all of those boys." First of all, "poor grandma nothin'." The woman is tough as nails with a huge heart. She also, ADORES those boys. When they are in the room, you can see the pride bursting out of her. It helps that they are all fantastic men. They are the most loving and hilarious uncles (and dad) a kid could ask for. It wasn't until I hit my late teen years that I realized that not all families are as obsessed with spending time together as mine. We don't all live in the same area, but that never stops them from planning a get-together!  I'm pretty excited for the addition to our family to experience the love and laughter of this group of people. 

I'm going to end this post with a little tribute to my G-parents:

1. I probably owe them for my dedication to my education. I always enjoyed school, but mostly for the social aspect. I did go through a period where actual learning and doing homework was not a real priority (don't worry--I still graduated high school with honors). I think, I would have tried to play hooky a little more often had it not been for my grandparents. When I was too young to stay home ill by myself, I would go to and be nursed by my grandmother. My grandfather was retired by this time, and his late morning ritual (after bowling or golfing, depending on the season) was to watch a little TV. The man wouldn't let me choose the channel. NOT ONCE. The ONLY silver-lining to being sick is watching TV. It isn't a silver-lining if that show is 'Perry Mason.' Blech. Hence, I'd rather go to school... I think I owe Perry Mason a little credit for my Master's Degree.

2. My grandparents were hard on their kids. They expected a lot out of them. Sometimes, those kids made mistakes and fell down. Sometimes, that kid was my dad. I have no doubt that my grandparents unconditionally love my dad and my mom. I have definitely made mistakes in my life. I'm not going to detail them here...I have to go to bed at some point, and even the internet doesn't have enough space for the mistakes I've made. The legacy my grandparents passed down...I know my parents love me despite my faults. It is a pretty great feeling. 

3. LAUGHTER. These people can tell a joke or story that will have you rolling from laughter. Admittedly, sometimes my grandpa tells jokes I don't understand. I'm not sure if anyone understands them. He just thinks that is even more hilarious and laughs harder. His laugh is contagious. Pretty soon you are laughing too, and it isn't until much later, that you think, "Hey, was he laughing at my stupidity and I joined in???" It's too late... 

I truly could go on and on and on...but for your sake, I won't (even though you probably quite reading 20 minutes ago).

People DO make it 60 years. It isn't easy, but it is worth it. I only pray that 55 years from now, Kevin and I have the type of family that can see our faults, faith and love and are there to celebrate all of the memories with us.

Stay tuned...there is a new # coming at the end of next week!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!