In love

I recently made this little gift for a friend who is expecting a little girl in January. I can't explain it but I totally love it.

Well, if you haven't picked up on the unintentional hint left by my husband in the last post we are expecting a baby girl due February 2011. We are super excited. I have had two ultrasounds so far that have both confirmed it really will be a girl this time. We had the second of these two ultrasounds today and it truly is a miracle to watch those four chambers pumping blood in that tiny little person. I am still in awe just thinking about it. We have been on a blogging hiatus but hope to be back with the happenings of summer and September. Did I mention that I am really excited to plan for a girl?

Chuck-E-Cheese

Amy had to do some maternity shopping, so Matt decided to introduce Todd to Chuck-E-Cheese on their guys-night-out. Todd couldn't get enough of the Skeeball! He eventually won enough tickets for a dum-dum -- which was the perfect end to a perfect night.

To Dad-

It is not easy to find a husband and father who never tires of doing for others and making whatever comes his way something fun and exciting. Even if it is taking out the garbage or changing a diaper or some less than desirable task. He always finds time in his busy schedule to spend time doing what he loves most with those he loves most. He couldn't be more adored by his wife and his Toddlet.

We love you Dad!

Tender Mercy

I have been having one of those stretches in life when you are not exactly thrilled about the person you are or are becoming. Not quite impressed with what I reflect in my words and deeds on a day to day basis. So I have been looking for inspiration. Reading talks. Praying. Thinking. Reading some more. Today I came across this video. I know many of you follow NieNie. I have heard her story but haven't really followed her blog. I knew she was an inspiration to many and today I added myself to their numbers. Because of her experiences and her humility, she gave me the gift I had been searching for: perspective. It really wasn't one particular thing she said although there are quite a few pearls. It was the Spirit that washed over me as I listened to this video.

So today I say "Thanks." Thanks to Stephanie for sharing. Thanks be to the most merciful and wise Father who always helps us understand what we really need.

Shame.

Not the kind that you are embarrassed about. More like the kind you laugh about and then deep down inside wish it weren't so. I haven't put a single word or photo here for over 2 months. No good excuse. Not too busy. Just doing other things. Staying in my pj's all day. Traveling to visit family and friends in three different places. Salt Lake. Denver. Rochester. Refashioning t-shirts. Making baby gifts. You know how it goes. But I must say I was kicked in the pants when I realized that my sister-in-law can post amidst moving her family of four almost a thousand miles, not to mention while being basically 7-8 months pregnant. Forget it!

So in my attempt to have some self respect I am going to catch you up on our year. Here are few pictures of our recent and not so recent past.

Warning: There are twelve posts including this one so don't feel pressure to read them all. Skim the pictures. I would.

Another Rochester Graduation - a year later

Our most recent trip was to Rochester for our brother-in-law’s graduation from medical school. Having graduated in the class previous, Matt was allowed to “hood” Dave at the graduation. For those not familiar with “hooding” allow me to educate you. When you receive a doctorate degree you receive a hood as part of the ceremony. The person who hoods you has to also have the same medical doctorate. That is where Matt came in. I think Matt felt silly sitting with the “distinguished faculty.” I thought he looked great!


Then. Now.
I have to admit the only funny thing was that because there were so many people there that Matt knew, having graduated the year before in the selfsame robes, he kept getting congratulated as if he had graduated that day. Matt didn’t find it quite as amusing and promptly removed the robes.

Todd wearing the cap! Don't mind the scrape. It is life.


Enjoying the Whipple Park swings!

On the Sunday we were there we went with all of Matt’s and Dave’s family that was in town to Palmyra and Fayette. We visited the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, and the Peter Whitmer farm. It made me miss being so close to all those amazing places.




Later that day hanging out with Dad and Grandpa!

It also was a good excuse to go see old friends. We stayed with our dear friends Carrie and Bob and their family. It was so good to see them and we are so grateful for their friendship. I have to admit that when I walked off the plane in Rochester I felt like I was home. Weird. Sad. Anyway, Thank you so much for letting us stay with you and letting Todd borrow this headband for the picture.

Oranges and other stuff

One of the great things about living where we do is this orange tree. Todd was helping gather up the last of the oranges. Goodbye until next year!



On April 24th, we did a walk for Matt's work. It was a beautiful morning and we had great company.

Our Rock Star!

Need I say more?

Another fabulous adventure

Our next adventure took us Denver to visit my sister and her adorable family. Although I didn’t take many pictures, we had the best time. We were fortunate enough to get to go on their belated Easter egg hunt. No one does an Easter Egg Hunt quite like Mr. Joshua K. I had never seen anything like it. He had the kids on the lookout for bunnies. We drove to a nearby state park to try to find any eggs that had been missed by others the week before. Luckily, they were able to find some. It was great.


These three pictures were taken in the car on one of our many trips out.


I was able to see my dear friend Emily. We met when are husbands were in medical school together. Although we know live in different places nothing is quite like having lunch with a good friend. The conversation was great and so were the corndogs!

We went to the Zoo and the Aquarium while we were there. At the zoo we happened to be there the day the giraffe was giving birth. She was inside but Brooke and I managed to see two legs sticking out of her. Crazy stuff! Click here to see it!

My mom also got to come for the last few days Todd and I were there and she came to the aquarium with us. Both excursions were equally delightful.


I thought it was cute that Todd kept copying Matt. He was so good to him.

Easter Weekend

When I was with my parents over Easter weekend, Matt and Todd dyed eggs with the Sam and Erica clan. Looks pretty fun!



Todd devouring his Easter egg! Who knew the kid liked hard boiled eggs!


My favorite part of the weekend in pictures. The boys were matching everyday I was gone. They also sported their yellow polo shirts the other day I was gone. I love Matt!

Snip! Snip!

Todd got a haircut...


And so did his mom!

April Blessings

As many of you know, I was back in the motherland for a very great day in my life as well as the life of my family. My dear mother, also known as Sweet Jean, was called to serve as the first counselor in the General Primary Presidency. There isn't a better person for this calling. I have yet to find anyone more caring, unselfish, charitable, loving, or tenderhearted anywhere. Not only is she all of these things but she is able to transmit love to all she comes in contact with. A prime example of this was when she and my dad and little brother came to pick me up from my church mission in Brazil. Mom obviously didn't know Portuguese and they didn't speak English but the people there flocked to her side and didn't want to leave. There was a young woman in particular that just kept saying that she didn't want my mom to leave. That is the amazing gift she has. This weekend was filled with many tears and not a lot of sleep as anyone who knows the S clan won't be surprised to hear. Yet, as I left to go home at the end of a crazy weekend, I couldn't help but reflect on what a tender weekend I had had with my family and how the Lord has been so mindful of my parents for the people of goodness and sacrifice that they are. Truly a wonderful weekend.

Todd's Birthday

This picture was on Todd’ birthday. I can’t get over what a happy kid he is. As the invitation stated, the party was the day after his birthday. It was a great day. We had friends over and had lunch. Nothing really extravagant. Sandwiches and fruit. Here are a few pictures from the party with his friends and neighbor:

The First Gift of Todd’s Birthday! (you should say that in the voice of Santa ala Polar Express)






The Friends!

The Cake!

The Presents!

The Tired Birthday Boy!!!