Georgeous Video...

I saw this video linked to Carmen's website. I typically don't pass things along but you just have to see this.

http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html

Sam Says The Darndest Things...

I just have to say that Sam is truly a "kick in the pants," you're never sure what will pop out of his mouth and when. Here's a couple of examples...

1. Last Sunday we were walking into church and behind us came a nicely dressed man. I had never seen him before but that's not saying much as we've been in Primary for the past year. Sam had been dauttling a little ways behind and found himself closer to this Brother than us. As he's running toward us he points his little finger back at the man and starts yelling "HE'S NOT A FRIEND, NOT A FRIEND!" Of course Kai and I were thoroughly embarassed but as Nicholas is starting Kindergarton where he will have to wait for a ride we had been discussing "Stranger Danger" quite thoroughly. I quickly grabbed the man's hand and explained to him what had been the topic of discussion in our house that week and welcomed him to church. I knelt down next to Sam and eventually got both of the boys to shake his hand and introduce themselves.

As we sat down in Sacrament Meeting I noticed the Brother sitting on the stand and quickly scanned the ward bulletin to find him a member of the High Council and speaking that morning. As the meeting started I could see him and the Bishop exchanging words and I felt as if they were staring at us, but we were in one of the first occupied benches and I must have been imagining things, right? Well Brother High Councilman stood for his talk and his attention grabber went something like this, "Today as I entered your building I greeted by Brother Elliott pointing up to me and yelling 'He's not a friend!'... I have to say I've never received a welcome quite like that before." I felt my face turn three shades of red as the entire ward was chuckling and I was sure that behind us everyone was staring at us as I struggled with the little guy who was trying to climb under the benches.

2. I'm sure you've all heard the Primary B-Day song. After Sam's party we were on our way home and I proceeded to sing this... "Happy, happy birthday Samuel dear. Happy days will come to you all year..." Sam starts crying in the back and protesting that he is not a Samuel dear "But you are my Samuel dear because you are sweet and loving." Sobbing Sam replies "I am not a deer I don't have horns!"

This little guy never ceases to amaze me and others with his quick thinking, witty personality, and heart-melting smile.

Sam's 3rd B-Day Video...

Hope you enjoy the video!

Thanks to Jay and Kimberly for letting me use the camera again!

Sam's 3rd B-Day

Wow, what a month! I have to say that new callings and new ambitions have definitely sent our lives into a whirlwind. We are both starting to get a grasp on our callings... okay I have... Kai still doesn't have any counselors but he's waiting on the Bishopric... he thinks.

I decided to do an actual birthday party for Sam since we are without extended family once again. It started as just a small party and ended up being huge... I didn't realize we had so many dear friends here. I also want to add a special thanks here to Rebecca. She donated her time in teaching me to make a pinata and later volunteered her yard to host more than 20 people for the party and her house to make 10 pizzas to feed all these dear friends. I thought the party was absolutely fabulous. The kids had fun, the guests had fun, my Ninja Turtle cake turned out great (thank you Heather for teaching me this marvelous technique), and Sam felt that he was the most special person in the world!!!

NEW CALLINGS...

Kai and I have been teaching the Valiant 10 class since we moved here in June and although we've had our moments we have come to love our class and have enjoyed teaching. On Sunday morning we met with the bishopric who released us from our positions and immediately placed us in new callings. I will now be serving as the Relief Society Secretary and Kai will be the Sunday School President. After having spent most of our time in Primary over the years Kai is a little nervous but very determined to take on this new challenge. I am excited about my new calling as well. I love to do computer work and working with my sisters is just just the change my life was needing right now. Thanks to all our family and friends for their support and encouragement. It doesn't matter how grown-up we think we are there is always a new challenge waiting just around the corner.

AVERAGE BUT AWESOME...

So today was one of those days where nothing really extraordinary happens but it just feels amazing. I woke up feeling energized and ready for the day. Then I hit the gym for 2 hours of grueling but exhilarating exercise. Summer called as I was leaving the gym so we headed straight to her house to help with garage sale preparations, which basically included holding Grace and trying to teach her to make faces. I then helped Brent mow their lawn which I have to admit was awesome. I haven't smelled fresh cut grass in about 3 years and coupled with the cool fresh air I was happy to mow the lawn. Kai met us at Summer's house around 1PM (I love this radiology rotation) and we headed home together. Then our manager delivered a dishwasher to our apartment. After washing dishes for almost a year by hand in a single sink I almost hugged the maintenance guys. Right now Kai is outside teaching Nicholas some Soccer moves and Sam is playing at the table with playdoh. I know this may seem just an average day to an onlooker but to me it was PERFECT!