Lending Support when Needed

When I read the Family Proclamation I usually think about the family I am in the process of cultivating with my husband and my children. But so much of who we are and how we raise our children has to do with those that brought us up. The Family Proclamation includes these Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It simply lumps them all together as extended family and then explains that their role is to "lend support when needed".

Today I thought I would highlight a few of those people that give me advice, a listening ear and what ever "support" I am in need of at the time.

This is a picture of my parents surrounded by their grandchildren. This is a somewhat old picture. There are three more that have come since. Lots of little girls!


Here are my kids enjoying a little time with my husband's father.


Grandma loves to watch the kids perform the Christmas story for her.

This is one of my favorite pictures. My Dad snoring away with a very sleepy Henry.


My mom is put to work when she is at our house. She is almost always reading books to the kids when she comes to visit.


I am often surprised by how much my sister Julie loves my kids. She has always been rather motherly with them.

These are the cousins and that my kids get to see and play with most often. Good kids, all of them. (Notice it is mine that are acting up.)

These cousins live a little farther away so we don't get to see them as often but my kids love them and wish we could see them more than just once or twice a year.

I wish this sister didn't live so far away then we could lend her the support she needs while she starts her family. We don't get to see that little niece very often except through pictures.

I have a great extended family that does support me, not just when needed, but always.

Thanks!