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!

LITTLE FOREVER...

Sometimes I really miss our extended family being able to experience the funny little phases our children go through, so I had an epiphany and decided I would start to share them on our blog. The first of these comes from our little Sam. He has always been proud of his name "Sam." From the time he could talk no one could tell him he was cute because he wasn't cute he was "Just Sam," nor could you tell him he was smart, funny, hungry, etc. This sense of pride in his name tells me that his father was truly inspired when he walked into the house after school one day and announced his name would be Samuel. I being only 4 months along thought this was ridiculous and tried to change his mind various times but to no avail I gave birth to a Sam.

It is now in Mom's opinion time for Sam to become "Big-Boy Sam" and go to the bathroom on the potty. Sam just smiles, pats me on the shoulder and says "I like being the baby." I thought he would probably grow out of that phase but his stubborness to stay little has grown. With the new addition to Summer and Brent's family Sam has been kissing little Grace a lot. The comment was made that one day they would probably get married but Sam informed us that he was not going to ever get married because "I am Samuel J. Elliott forever." Cute scenario, yes, but the plot does thicken.

A few nights ago we were eating dinner and having what is now becoming a nightly discussion with Nicholas about eating his dinner so he can grow big like his dad. Sam is a great eater and loves everything mom cooks but this night he put down his fork and tried to leave the table after only taking a few bites. When told to come back and finish eating he replied that he was done, "If I eat too much I'll grow and I want to stay little forever." I know I really have nothing to worry about, his eating habits are typically normal and he will continue to grow whether he wants to or not and we all know that whether or not he gets married or becomes a Dad he will always be Samuel J. Elliott. I just know that he is blessed even at this young age with a very determined mind and spirit.

Test #3...

Test #3 - 96%
Cumulative Average - 97%

Well after many technical difficulties and a few tears I finally turned in my Genitourinary Test. My instructor says I am doing great and she is impressed with my work but I just know I can do better. I've been missing some things in the dictations that I'm just not hearing. I'm hoping that, thanks to some very generous donations, my new equipment will help to resolve that problem and raise my average.

EASTER 2008...

IT'S A GIRL...

Some of our best friends, Summer and Brent, just welcomed a new little girl into their home today. They have been working through the adoption process for a while and we are so excited to see them become parents. It all happened very quickly. A phone call Sunday evening that a baby had been born and needed a family, and within 48 hours we had pulled together all of the necessities (well hopefully all) a newborn might need. Let me tell you it sounds like a lot of stress but I had a blast and I am so happy I can barely contain myself.

Her name is Grace Michelle Wood and she was born on May 30 weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. She is absolutely beautiful and such a sweet blessing. Brent is a beaming dad and Summer has all the nurturing and love in her heart Grace could possibly need. Hope you enjoy the pictures!