I've been journaling lately about my family, contemplating who they are and what they mean to me. I thought it would be nice for you to know too. So under this category, I will be adding little entries about each member of the family. We'll start with the Big Man:

Joshua: truly my hero! I've always said I want to be just like him when I grow up. His ability to instantly institute change into his life by a seemingly casual flick of the will is incredible to me. He is the epitome of self-motivation. He won't let anything stop him or scare him. He can't quit - even if he wants to. He is calm during conflict, cool under stress, and quick-thinking in crisis. He is always sacrificially thoughtful towards me, and doesn't even leave drips on the toilet seat or clothes on the floor! He is dedicated to God with His whole being and would walk through Hellfire (and sometimes does!) in order to remain obedient to the God-given callings in his life. Joshua also keeps learning and improving himself. He has gone from being blunt and introverted to being diplomatic and outgoing. He truly has a love for people and it shows! He has always been a wonderful lover too ... (we'll leave some of that for the privacy of my journal ). He is also physically quite a hunk! He's got great angular features and nice strong muscles too! He's a great daddy; the kids adore him and love to spend time with him. What a guy! How do I rate? "...makes me feel sad for the rest... 'cause, Baby, you're the best!"

Katelyn Nicole: She is my first sweet little baby - she introduced me to motherhood. We had such fun together, just she and I - doing puzzles and taking walks and discovering life. Then with each successive baby, she has become more mothering and more responsible. She is always leading the gang into some exciting adventure. She is extremely creative and artistic like her daddy. Like most oldest children, she usually carries at least a load and a half of the children-size responsibilities around here - and she carries it well and cheerfully. She is always trying to please me and performing to try to win my favor. She showers Josh and me with cards, notes, and pictures on a regular basis. She loves the outdoors and the earth and wants to be a "farmer" when she grows up. She's highly competitive but also quite tender-hearted. She loves people and animals wholeheartedly. She is sweet and kind and helpful, and she is repulsed by meanness. She has a strong will and a good self-discipline like her daddy. She does not feel the need to be the center of attention, but she is loved wherever she goes.

to be continued...