Anyway, it has been a long, very cold winter but we are doing well. Vance is doing great with work. He is so good about spending time with me and the kids when he is home. He is also so willing to help out wherever and whenever he is needed.
Lincoln is a little man now! He turned three in October and had an airplane cake by request. His imagination has really taken off. Just today he was eating a piece of pear and with the way he bit it, he decided it looked like a smile, a "U," and a rainbow. He has taken a big turn and is so sweet and gentle with Lauren. They are really great playmates now. Last Fall she used to crawl towards his direction and he would laugh endlessly, pretending that she was chasing him. I guess when you have no other siblings besides a crawling baby, she'll do!! He sure has been a wonderful "challenge" for us. It has been a really hard, yet joyous ride raising this energetic, strong-willed little boy! He has started asking a lot of why questions this week. I told him I was making dinner last night, and he asked "Why?" ha ha ha... It is so fun to see him learn to make sense of this world.
For Christmas Lincoln got the "sight words" collection of Bob books. Lincoln has always loooved letters and has wanted to know what words say and mean. We finally brought out these books a few days ago and he has memorized several of these books already. I think he is starting to decode words a little bit, but most of it might be read because he has memorized so many words. Either way, it has been fun to watch him ask to read every day and watch his confidence build.
Lauren turned one in November. She just turned 15 months yesterday, and now is loving to walk and practice whenever she can. She probably walks (on her knees) a little more often than on her feet, but she's getting it. She is still so tiny. She's got a little bear from her grandma last weekend that we named "Berry" for her:) She loves to kiss this bear all day! She loves to pull out games and open the boxes and spread out the cards/pieces everywhere. She can point to her eyes and nose. Here are the words she can say:
Shoe
Jesus
Look
Eat
Mama
Dada
All done (maybe)
She may being saying more but we're just not sure. Anyway, she is great at communicating whatever she needs. She really has still been such an easy going baby. We can't remember the last time she cried when we put her down for a nap or bedtime. She leans towards her crib!!!
Life has gotten a little busier. Last September I was called as the Primary President in our ward. We have a large primary and I have definitely been stretched but I feel like I have learned so much already. I have learned a few things....like to assume the best in people, and know that everyone is probably trying the best that they can. We never know what individuals are going through. I've learned that adults are like kids too! We are all imperfect and learning. I've learned that children know a lot more than we think. Their capacity to love is so great. I've learned how to communicate better with people. I've learned how to help children recognize the spirit, hopefully! I've learned a little more how to be a leader and guide, but still have a loooong way to go. I've learned how to coordinate so many programs and consider so many details, people, etc. Anyway, I am still learning but it has been a great experience. Stressful at times, but wonderful.
Last night Vance brought home a huge container of chocolate covered raisins and one dozen roses.He has always been very thoughtful. I think he's the more thoughtful spouse in our marriage. Then this morning he surprised me and took the day off of work. He had breakfast ready (German pancakes). It was probably the best breakfast he has EVER made. It was incredible, maybe because of the amount of butter. Then we spent the rest of the morning together while the kids were with a neighbor. He surprised me by taking me ice skating!! We actually haven't been ice skating since we were in Provo, at least 4-5 years ago. It turned out that no one else was on the huge rink so we had it all to ourselves. It was pretty romantic. I love that man! It was neat that he made this Valentine's day so special for us.
