My weak tribute au Tour de France.

Hey.

So it's been a while. And it had been a while before my last post. So here's the deal. I want to write down some stuff to treat this more like a journal. So if you find it boring, I'm ok with that.

So what's up? Lots it seems. I really love life. Emily and I keep talking that there must be some major adversity heading our way, because everything is so awesome right now. I keep praying that we will be ready when it comes. It's been said that the Lord broadens the shoulders of those he places burdens upon. Hopefully mine will be broad enough.

I don't recall a happier time in my married life. I have the greatest gal in the world, and 3 kids that make me so dang happy. Having little Samuel has been more than super. It's great to have a baby in the home again. They are like a little slice of heaven.

Christine is doing well. She seems happier now that summer is here. I've seen a major change in her in the last year, and not for good. She's become very introverted, and seems to display some social anxiety. It began with this last year in school. Her teacher was terrible. She hated school so badly. I think it eventually wore her down. It's sad. It was a fight everyday to get her motivated to go to school. We've decided to transfer her to another school this year. It will require some extra effort on our part - but hopefully it will effect some changes in her personality. I'm hopeful. Nevertheless, she is just as sweet as always, and not without her sense of humor. The other day I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed. She popped in, did a big stinky, then walked out saying, "my work here is finished..." It was hilarious. She is excellent at cleaning up the house, and can be a huge help. She's doing well with piano. Though I'm really considering purchasing a digital piano for the benefit of headphones. We have a tenant in our basement apartment, which often discourages the practicing.

Mary is super. She's missing her two front teeth, and her smile has never been brighter. She's still sucking that thumb though... It looks like we're going to have to intervene there a bit. Mary is rather sluggish when it comes to doing jobs... but is always quick on the comic relief. She's got a natural ability to make people laugh. She's quite a character. Often doing funny dances around the house that she made up. No idea where she gets it.

Samuel is such a little champ. He just started walking last week. It is so fun to watch. He just takes these little steps with his hands raised up. He's all boy. It's been interesting to see the difference between little boys and little girls. He loves balls, and loves throwing them. He picks trucks over barbies, and growls a lot when he's playing with his toys. He makes me smile all the time. It's awesome. I've got big plans for this little guy.

Emily of course is simply amazing. I love this woman so much. She just turned 29 a few days ago, and just gets prettier and prettier with every passing year. She is the most selfless person I've ever known. She rarely does anything for herself, and is constantly serving others. She has no ill-feeling towards anyone, and really sincerely cares about people. It's inspiring to be around. We'll have our 10 year anniversary next month. A terrific accomplishment. By far the best 10 of my life.

I am doing well. It has been nice to get back on my bike this year. I really love cycling. It makes me happy. I'm looking forward to riding in the ULCER again next month. Hopefully I'll be as ready for it as I was last year. Young mens continues to occupy my time. I love it. We have our summer camp next week, and it should be a riot. I've had 3 young men receive their mission calls recently, and each one brought me tears of joy. For me, this is the ultimate goal of the young mens program. It is so exciting for me to see them accomplish this. In fact, that reminds me of a story. When I was a missionary in Quebec City, I befriended a little 8 year old member boy. He was just getting baptized, and I got to participate in some small measure at his service. After his baptism, I gave him my favorite name tag as a gift, but on the condition that he would have to return it to me when he came to the MTC to be a missionary. Well we've since fallen out of touch. But only a few weeks ago I got an email from him saying that he had received his call to Paraguay. He was so excited. Even more he said, "et j'ai toujours ta plaque!" (I still have your name tag!). He is coming this month on the 21st. He will stay with us for the night, and I will take him to the MTC the next day. I am so excited. It's a story 11 years in the making.

Anyway, life is so good. I'm happy. =]