I love you, no matter what...

I just love being a part of my family. Even when they are not, they are awesome.
One of the traditions we've done almost every night with our kids was taken from a scene in Andy Andrews' "Seven Decisions for Success" DVD. In it, Andy relates how each night, with his boys, he asks how their heart is, and then tells them how much he loves them.

Our own routine involves us telling our kids "I love you, always and forever, no matter what". Nowadays, we say the first portion of the phrase, and they will repeat the last phrase "no matter what". Pretty cool...

Several items to note:
1) it is "I" love you, not the proverbial, non-committal "we";
2) "always" - in every way, and every day;
3) "forever", linking our loving parenthood to their heavenly father; and
4) "no matter what" - because, like Jesus, no matter what our kids do or say, we love them.

That is not to say that we always LIKE the things they say or do. That is not the case. But, we will always love them - and that is our choice, too. Our kids are amazing, and I know you would enjoy their company, too!