How we treat others...

Lately the theme around our house is manners...respect...caring...doing our best...and treating others like you want to be treated! I read this cute blog a couple of days ago from Jones Design Company, where it asked 'what kind of family are you'? And it really got me thinking...
If someone asked, what kind of family are the Lewis'? I wonder what people would say, what would they offer up as a glimpse into our team of four?? What would one of our boys say if asked what kind of family are we?
We try to teach our boys to put their best foot forward and always know that they are a representation of the Lewis Family no matter where they are or what they are doing... but it's a hard thing to teach and consistently hold true to, even for me!
First, I'd like to think we are a family that has fun!

We laugh, we cry, and we do it all together... always trying to share everything no matter how good or bad times get! A family should be able to share and know that they are being heard! Even when we don't want to, we listen.. I think the world needs more listeners! God knows, we have enough talkers and boasters around to fill a small planet. But it takes a kindness of heart to listen and allow others to have their moment without overshadowing them...

I'd like to think we are a family that takes time to savor the small stuff...

I want our boys to notice the details in life, to acknowledge them in others and celebrate them when even the tiniest of things goes their way! Life is hard enough to go thru, but without hoorays, secret winks, long hugs and atta' boys, life would just be plain unbearable! I want our boys to be their own cheerleaders and a pep rally for those they care about!

I want our family to know it's OK to be who you want to be...

Rock crazy pj pants, for as many days as you can...even when it's 85 and sunny outside! Don't look to others to lead your way, rely on yourself and know that only your heart can tell you what is right or wrong!!! I worry that we all deny ourselves our own happiness way too much because someone gives us a sly look or a disconcerning remark that shuts down our train of thought to the point where we trade off our dreams for those dreams that we think look better in other's eyes! Be who you want, if someone doesn't dig it, then that's their loss!

Basically, I want our boys to embody the self worth and confidence that allows them to be still when they want and to run crazy if they feel the need...

Knowing when enough is enough and when to pour more on is a tricky thing! Right now our boys don't have that filter! They are learning that if a kooky dance gets a giggle one time, that doesn't mean to do that same dance for 15 minutes straight... lord help me, they are learning this! We all want to be something to someone, whether it be the funny person, the smart person, the lovable one or the one they all fear... Wanting and needing to be important is part of life! But we are trying to teach our boys the limits that should come with that! First and always be important to yourself... others will come along eventually! And if that certain someone, you thought was awesome doesn't come around... that just means God has someone even more awesome waiting in the wings to be a part of your life!

Friendship, love, caring... treating others like you want to be treated, that's what I hope our family embodies! Inside our four walls and outside in the world Team Lewis will strive to be just that... a family of four doing our best each and every day to be the best that we can be, for ourselves and others!

Always - Abbey