To Uncle Alex, Merry Christmas! from Lauren

This year I had the opportunity to serve and think about my Uncle Alex.  I decided to focus on two traits of Alex's that I really admire and want to emulate.

The first trait is that Alex is a great inlaw to Cindy's family.  I've noticed that he really connects with and cares about the Olsens and treats them the same as his own family.  Even though I've always loved my inlaws, I decided that I wanted to become closer to them and really consider them the same family as the family I grew up in.  I focused on going to more of that side's family functions, making an effort to visit them and I even went on vacation with them (without Casey!).  It's been so fun to get to know my inlaws better and become more involved with that side of my family. I know that this doesn't seem like a real service, but it's something that I wanted to follow Alex's example in, so I wanted to include it here.
  This is the Schow girls getaway weekend that I went to without Casey
Time with Grandpa Schow

The main thing that I wanted to focus on for Alex is what an amazing uncle he is.  He sets time aside to spend with his nieces and nephews and makes an effort to be involved in and aware of what is going on in our lives.  I  know that it has made a really big difference in my life as well as my cousins and siblings, and it's something that I can now do for my nieces and nephews in my Schow family.  This year I've made a special effort to pay attention to their lives, follow up on how they're doing, spending special time with them, and having fun with them.  This has blessed my life in building and strengthening those relationships, but I like to think that it has also been a good thing in my nieces and nephews' lives.  I love you, Alex! Thank you for your wonderful example and thoughtfulness.

Pics with my nieces and nephews: