Category: Family Time

Some good advice about being in-laws

FYI, I hit the mother-in-law jackpot. Also, I love my son-in-law and daughters-in-law and want to keep our relationships happy.

This talk had some good counsel. Here are a few of my favorite points:

Mothers-in-law want more connection and daughters-in-law want more space. DILs, the more you include, the less they intrude. MILs, the more you intrude, the more they will want to exclude.

Treat daughters-in-law and sons-in-law just like your children.

Mothers-in-law want thanks and daughters-in-law want praise.

Quit Taking it Personally. (Q-Tip)

Treat your mother-in-law the same as you would your mother, including equal time with grandchildren and family gatherings.

Don’t intrude in a marriage or offer unsolicited advice about raising children.

Respect one another.

Jeff and Paris

The extended Ross family had quite a month. Yesterday was a happy spot, with the wedding of our nephew Jeff. The darling couple played jazz saxophone with their band, sang, and danced at their reception. How enchanting.

Weddings are beautiful, and this one was particularly lovely, but nothing compares to the blessings from our Father in Heaven that we heard during their temple sealing. Well begun, Jeff and Paris!

On the road again

April is the biggest month for birthdays in our extended family. It’s a good thing I am an empty nester with a flexible schedule so I have time to give attention to them. 😂 The post office has been a frequent haunt this month, as well as my car.

April is also the beginning of school year-end events. This week I got to cheer for Solomon. Tomorrow I get to be a proud mom as Daniel graduates from BYU. 🎓

My nephew’s senior night for volleyball at Skyline
Joe’s birthday
GI Joe and Strawberry Shortcake apparel
There is something vital and comforting about connecting with childhood friends.

Easter Snapshots

I have a glimpse of family life for your reading pleasure? today.

We saw my parents and extended family on Saturday for my Mom’s Easter egg hunt, then came home to welcome Tim and Queenie who spent the night at our house. Richard mowed the lawn for the first time this season on Saturday evening, and the lawn, blossoming trees, and tulips are beautiful. We stayed up late that night talking to Tim and Queenie about their adventures. Queenie will complete her bachelor’s degree this month and Tim is busy helping his friend Josh build a house and has some stories to tell about being a property manager. They made a trip recently to Arches National Park and Goblin Valley, which were firsts for Queenie.

We had a freeze a few nights this week, and Richard protected his apple tree blossoms with a tarp and heater.

We had our middle kids with us on Sunday. Add to the energy and events of Easter weekend the four sessions of general conference, which we watched while eating cinnamon rolls, Chex mix, and peanut M&M’s. We also visited Daniel and McKenna’s newly remodeled house where they will live after Daniel graduates this month.

Although we didn’t get a complete family picture this Easter weekend, we almost had one on Sunday during a video call. Richard played with filters to delight our grandson.

In my excitement to be with my kids and extended family, I oversupplied them with desserts. After our Easter feast on Sunday, we read passages of scripture around the table to complete our long tradition of opening eggs which hold tiny objects and scriptures. Happy Resurrection Sunday!