mama and papa cook

My father and mother-in-law.

They are awesome. I am so lucky to have such good in-laws! Did you know that my parents and Trav's parents were good friends throughout highschool and college? Well, they were! My dad and Paul were best buds growing up. My dad told me that they would talk about being friends forever and sharing grandkids someday. Now it has come true!

Paul and Carolene are so wonderful. They are great listeners and give good advice. I know that when I share my feelings with them I won't be judged or criticized.

They have raised 7 amazing children, Travis being the best, of course. :) They are such good examples to me of parenting. Carolene is so gracious and classy and so very generous. When Travis and I were engaged, we would often hang out at their house (since Trav still lived at home). Friends of the cook children would come over and always raid their fridge and eat leftovers or whatever they could find. I always felt uncomfortable doing this because it wasn't my home so it's not like I would just open the cupboards and see what I could make! But at Carolene's house, she really means it when she says, "make yourself at home." I think it took me a good 3 years before I finally felt comfortable opening the fridge and eating leftovers. And I love it.

I love how their home is a gospel centered home. They always reel me back in when I've gone off the deep end and encourage me to be more positive - a trait they definitely passed on to Travis!

Paul and Carolene are supportive and respectful. I'm so grateful to them for raising such wonderful children and an awesome son. Paul adores Carolene and treats her with respect. He was a great role model for how his sons should treat women.

Sunday dinners are awesome at their house. There are SO many people and lots of crying babies. Somehow Carolene always ends up with a baby in her lap at dinnertime and allows us parents to eat first. It's so sweet of her, especially considering that she makes the dinner and she eats it last! Paul and Carolene are awesome grandparents. They loooove the kiddos and it's sweet how they play together.

I'm lucky to have such great in-laws. I'm happy I don't have any problems with them or that "in-law" drama everyone talks about. They are amazing people and I love being a part of their family!