Hope turned one earlier this month. She is growing so much. She is so different from Barbara in a lot of ways, but one way they are the same is that I can make her laugh as much as Barbara. I think that one of the best things about parenthood is discovering who your children become, and Hope seems to be reserved in many ways compared to her sister. She does not like being tossed around like Barbara does, but she enjoys watching it done to her big sister. She is content to crawl instead of walk, and she is slowly adding a few sounds to her vocabulary. Her growth is amazing.
Barbara turns three soon. She goes to bed a lot more easily these days. She is pretty much potty-trained, though she still needs help wiping properly. Her vocabulary is amazing. She is quite the performer. She likes an audience and shows off. Today in church she covered her ears during one of the hymns. The people around us chuckled at it, so she kept doing it. She said it made people happy. Well, we will work with her on manners and being polite. She loves to play, loves to run, loves her movies (Monsters University and Big Hero 6 are her current favs). We have a little tradition when I put her to bed. I say "Guess what?" She responds "What?". I say "I love you". She then does the same thing with me. So sweet.
Heather has been placed for next year. She will be at Cambrian Heights, which is a lot closer. She was hoping for a change, and this seems like a great fit for her. She is not looking forward to going back, but what else can we do. My work is going along as well as can be expected. Most of my students are good, but I have one class that is just a thorn in my side. I can honestly say that when some of this year's class graduates, I will be happy to see them go.
The kittens are growing into cats, but they still get into all sorts of mischief. Dad and Vi are in Scotland until the end of June, so I am excitedly awaiting their return and to hear their stories. Siblings are doing well to various degrees. My buddy Ricardo came back from Arizona to visit and introduce his fiancee. Very happy for him.
Top Ten List: Top Ten Things I Love About Wife
10. Her laugh. It gets deep and throaty, and is so darn cute.
9. Cuddle time. At night she often just drapes her arm over me. With 5 years of being together almost under our belt, it's nice that she still likes to reach out and hold me.
8. She's a teacher. This means she understands my struggles at work. Plus we get the same holidays.
7. Her taste in TV, movies, music and books. She has started reading Terry Brooks, likes Stargate and Star Trek, enjoys the Marvel Avengers movies, and she is willing to go to concerts I like, everything from Keith Urban and Brad Paisley to the Arrogant Worms and Weird Al
6. Her patience. She doesn't like it when I leave clothes on the floor, and she lets me know, but she does it in a way that is not nagging or complaining.
5. She gave me two wonderful daughters and a pair of stepsons that gave my life new meaning.
4. Desserts! She makes some pretty good ones. Friday night she made a great berry trifle.
3. Temple attendance. We try to go together, but the kids make it difficult. She does go as often as she can. I really like doing sealings with her.
2. That...well, none of your business.
1. Undying love. Her dedication to our love is celestial and perfect. I never imagined that life could be so good, but her love surpasses my wildest dreams.
