Questions and Answers, part 3

But first of all, these two are running a half marathon in Cochrane, just west of Calgary near the Rockies, today. They've done lots of training so I hope they enjoy the accomplishment of this summer goal that they set for themselves. They might even be finished already, as start time was 8 a.m. - not sure how much time they were estimating to take. I hope it's not as windy out there as it is here!

During my blogiversary invitation for questions, Melinda, our daughter, at A Year Without Peanut Butter, asked me to describe each of our children, as if to someone who had never met them before. This is hard!!! I've been thinking about it for a month and I've got a few ideas to share. Let me just say though that we are blessed to have 4 children who are healthy, smart, wise, and kind. I don't think that Bob and I had much to do with that. God has blessed us - and them - so graciously.

First off, the 4 of them share many, many characteristics. All of them are athletic and I am constantly amazed at the goals, discipline and training our children set for themselves. Darrin and Kelsey were in a challenge doing all kinds of workout stuff at their gym this winter and placed 3rd. Darrin's played hockey, Kelsey is a soccer player and they both are great skiiers. Heather is a runner (has been since elementary school) and Jonathan is a hiker. Melinda played rugby and did a triathalon last summer and Tyler does basketball and soccer whenever he gets a chance to (even played 3 on 3 in Poland with the Taiwanese students.) Naomi is a great swimmer, has done a marathon and a triathalon and Jerry is a hockey player and golfer. That's just to name a few of the things they participate in! Our kids all participated in various school and community sports when they were younger. I love that their athletics have translated into healthy active living lifestyles. I think Bob and I both encouraged them in sports because we didn't have a chance to do that when we were younger.

They are all risk takers, high achievers, competitive (even with each other!) and know how to work hard. All 4 of them have a love of travel, not that we were able to take lots of vacations (remember, we are farmers!), but we were lucky to travel to other provinces with them when they were younger. Now I think any one of them would head off at the drop of a hat if they could. They are problem solvers and all prefer country living to being in big cities (even though they might not be there right now). And they are all generous, helpful and supportive of those in need. They've seen us volunteer and share what we have.

So - what makes each one unique? Lots of things!! Here are a few highlights, the way I see it.
Darrin - logical, mechanical, rational, neat and super organized, quiet, loves to play with kids
Heather - creative, artistic, sensitive, photographer with a great eye for composition and feeling
Melinda - adventurous spirit, a great teacher with junior high kids, student of her faith, plans every detail
Naomi - gardener (she got all the green thumb), healer, flexible, focussed on her family

I wonder if they will agree with me! If you met them, I think you would like them as people. I love each one of them- "to the depth and height and breadth of my being". (I know I'm quoting someone but I can't remember who - maybe Elizabeth Barrett Browning?)