26 years

Disclaimer: I could go on all day about how wonderful I think my parents are. This post does not do them justice!  

Happy Anniversary to the two most wonderful people I know. I am sooooo lucky and blessed to call them Mom and Dad!!!

My dad is such an example of everything a man should be. He is hardworking and diligent in all his responsibilities. He works all day at his job and then he comes home and just keeps on working. It is a rare sight to see my dad take a break. Not only does he work hard doing "man" work but he is also helpful around the house and with the children. My dad can often be found cooking a meal or sweeping the floor. I also remember him fixing our hair a handful of times when my mom was sick or otherwise unable to dress us and get us ready. Geri and I were fancy ladies with our hair parted straight down the middle and combed wet and flat to our heads:)

My mom has taught me so many important lessons. She is the most generous person I know. She gives and gives and gives to her family, her extended family, her community, and to complete strangers. She is also the most compassionate person I know. So often I have seen her weep for people she has never even met. When others hurt she truly feels their pain, her heart literally aches when she sees the trials of those around her. She also gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and recognizes that there are two sides to every story. This quality of my mother's is especially beneficial to my husband:) It seems like every time she is present for one of our spats (which are few and far between- or fewer and farther between than they used to be!:)) she is on both our sides. Sometimes this is irritating. Sometimes when I am upset with an individual it feels good to have someone fuel my fire, but my mom will dump a bucket of water on it and put it out. It's because she's smart. It's because she knows that it's much better not to have a fire.

Both of my parents have taught by example. I grew up seeing them kneel in prayer beside their bed late at night and early in the morning. If I was up early enough I knew that I would find my dad at the kitchen table with his scriptures propped up behind his cereal bowl. I have watched my mother give and be overgenerous to people who are unkind and undeserving. My parents have taught us to love and to be faithful and they continue to love and teach us every day. Though we are mostly grown and there are many miles between us, they will always be our parents, setting an example and expecting the best from their children.

 Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thank you for being the best parents I could ever even hope for!!

I LOVE YOU!