You guys! My in-laws are on their way here right now! It’s going to be a fantastic weekend filled with lots of love and lots of fun. Our apartment is going to be full to the brim with me, Pearson, and Pip, his parents, one brother, his sister, and their German Shepherd. It’s going to be full and tight but I honestly couldn’t be more excited! Unfortunately, I’ll be doing The Music Man while they’re here so I’ll be busy in the evenings but at least they get to come see the show on Sunday!

I love this family and have certainly been blessed by them in so many ways since I started dating and then eventually married their oldest son. Today I thought I’d share some of the wonderful life lessons they’ve taught me along the way.

ONE || Don’t take life so seriously
Seriously, this family is one of the funnest groups of people you’ll ever meet. (is funnest a word?). Anyway, they are always goofing off and have tons of inside jokes. I you ever want a good ab workout, just spend a few hours with them as a whole group and you’ll be laughing till you’re sore. Especially late at night when everyone’s a little loopy. Oh and I love how my father-in-law has no inhibitions when it comes to making kids laugh. He’s dressed up as Olaf and sang “In Summer” on several occasions and has no shame about it!

TWO || Loud doesn’t always mean angry
When one of the parents of a family is “Italian” and you have 4 kids, 3 of which are teenage/20 something boys, things get a little loud. Seriously, any and every conversation turns in to a yelling competition about who can talk over the other because they all want to be heard. But they’re not angry. Don’t make that mistake. They’re just loud. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, when they are angry, the don’t raise their voices. It took me a while to get used to it.

THREE || Family is the most important thing on this earth
If you’ve ever doubted this, just spend some time with the Maugeris. They’ll change your mind. The amount of love, respect, and support they have for each other is absolutely amazing. And of course, I knew this fact before they showed me, but they just reiterate it every time I’m around them.

FOUR || You don’t have to be related by blood to be family
Going along with number three, just because you’re not related, doesn’t mean you’re not family. And I’m not only talking about myself who’s related by marriage rather than blood. And I’m not only talking about my father-in-law who was adopted. I mean any and all friends. The extended church family. Anybody in need. The Maugeris will treat you like family. Their house is always open. I felt like I belonged there long before I ever said “I do.” My brother has been “part of the family” as long as I have. Maybe even longer. There is almost always  a couple extra plates at the table, even on big occasions like Christmas. If you want to feel included, just head on over to their house. They probably won’t even question it.

FIVE || You’re never too old for cheesy traditions
Example: Pearson still calls his parents “Mommy” and “Daddy.” I think it’s precious and he shows no sign of shame or ever wanting to change that. All the kids (ages 25, 22, 19, 14) still sleep on the living room floor on Christmas Eve Eve, bake Christmas cookies and make a huge mess, and look at you like you’re crazy if you ever suggest changing or skipping a tradition.

You see? They’re pretty great people and I thank God often for blessing me with such a wonderful family.
What have your in-laws taught you?
Thanks for reading!