January 10, 2010

Dave: I waited a long time, many years, to get him. It was well worth the wait. We were talking the other day how it must have been designed that way, that it just never worked out before it did, on purpose because we probably would have screwed it up when we were younger. We had to wait for each other to grow and prepare. I can't believe what a perfect match we are. He is everything I ever wanted. He is so dang smart. I love talking to him about really serious topics (although we steer away from some political topics since we don't agree on them all :)). He can give me all the historical facts about some religious topic or who said what about what topic when or just some obscure, random fact that you'd only hear on Jeopardy. I love and respect him for that. He is also a civil servant to the heart. I'm glad he found a career that gives him a chance to "give back" because that is what fulfills him. He needs to feel like he's doing something meaningful in the world. Amazing. He has always been an involved, hands-on father. I have never, ever hesitated to drop the kids and run with him in charge. I knew that he'd know what they needed to do and where they needed to go, and do so probably in a more efficient and "fun" way than I would. He always pushed me out the door when I needed it (and often when I didn't know I did) and has never begrudged me my "girl time." He makes me feel loved and adored and sexy everyday. That's a real feat!

Isaak: He has had some real challenges to conquer in this life. He'll never be "free" of them, but I've come to accept him for who he is today and what he has to offer the world. He is an amazing young man. He is kind and patient. He is the guy I want to use as a model in my social groups for other kids because he is so flexible and patient and a good example to follow. He is so dang smart. It hurts my brain to think about the stuff that he learns so easily. Yeah, he may have to work on the normal social ins and outs that come easy for the rest of us, but I guess the trade off is we have to work at the other stuff he gets so easy! And the social stuff is coming. He'll make it. I love how cooperative he is at home. He may not always think of it on his own, but whenever I ask him to do something to help out, he never complains or rolls his eyes or tells me "later." He just says "K" and stops what he's doing (or finds a good stopping point) and goes and does it. He doesn't complain about picking up dog poop or doing dishes or laundry. He doesn't complain when he's reminded to practice piano. He, of course, rarely has homework, but if I ask him to get *something* done, he'll work on something. He loves little kids. I wish he could babysit (not possible for him) because he just loves little kids. He coos and smiles and follows them around, and they love him for it. He'll make a good dad one day. Despite his challenges, he has deep connections to his family. He loves us very much. He feels it; it's obvious. If he finds the right girl, I have no doubt he will be able to make it work. She'll just have to tell him what to do and he'll do it! He just may not know instinctively!

Audra Maggie: She has always been just this little bundle of joyful energy. That has never gone away. I expect the teenage moodiness to creep in one of these days, but no sign yet. Even when she gets down, it doesn't last long. She bounces right back with a little love. She loves people. All people. She seeks interaction. She will be a fun mother. She is so naturally talented in almost anything she tries. Her artsy brain works really well. You should see these little clay sculptures she makes. She is artistic and creative, none of which she got from me. She has her grandma to thank for that. She loves to cook, which she didn't get from me. She has her dad to thank for that. Some might says she got her energy from me, but who knows. I know that I have a really good time hanging out with her. She's at the age where I can just say, "Let's go see a movie" and it's not like a mom taking a child out to a movie, it's more like two friends hanging out. It was really cool to have her join us for the midnight release of New Moon. I love that she loves to read so much. She will devour a full-size book in a day. She bleeds me dry. I can't keep up with her. I love how passionate she is about whatever she's doing. Whatever she chooses to do in life, she will be passionate about it.

Katie: I call her "idiot" all the time, but I really do love her. I don't love how she still pees in submission if we act too dominate over her (not intentionally). I love how she knows her pack, and she is only truly happy when we are all here. When any one of us is gone, she sulks. I love how obedient she is. Such an easy dog to discipline and train. No work, really. She goes to the bathroom when and where we tell her (no poop on the grass; yea!), we can go out front and give her permission to come out, but she won't run off. She is forgiving that we don't take her on walks cuz we're too lazy (or busy). I love that I have absolutely no worries when any of my friends have their little kids over. They can crawl on her, pull her hair, stick their hands in her mouth, and she just loves it all. I hear that she has growled when a kid took food or something, but that is rare and I suppose normal dog behavior.

I love my family. Each and every one of them.

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