tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43277977969731093192024-03-12T20:35:53.984-05:00no one thought to wonderSam Hirthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068547465799787566noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-30874451029524945442015-11-17T00:35:00.001-06:002015-11-17T00:35:51.092-06:00Graduation from 25th grade!Having recently successfully defended my dissertation for a PhD in Biology, I have had time to reflect on the journey that has been my education. Honestly, many times, I thought that I would never finish and that I would be a student forever or eventually give up. I can barely take credit for a fraction of what I did, and so I wanted to document the inspirational people who helped me every step of the way.<br />
<br />
What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
<br />
This is a question I remember being asked a lot, as I am sure most people can relate hearing this same question as a child. I remember giving stereotypical answers including wanting to be a police officer and fireman. But to be honest, I really wasn't interested in "growing up" so I didn't really think about it. In high school I remember thinking I wanted to be an engineer, even though if you asked me what an engineer did, I would not have been able to tell you. My sophomore year of high school, however, I really liked my chemistry class. Learning about the periodic table of elements and how they behaved and were organized made a lot of sense in my mind and seemed fascinating, so I decided I was going to major in chemistry when I got to college. Still, I didn't know what I was going to do with a chemistry degree, or what I wanted to be, I just was interested in a subject and decided to roll with it.<br />
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Freshman Year of College<br />
<br />
I was elated when I received my acceptance letter to Brigham Young University. There was no where else I wanted to go. I remember a high school teacher saying I should try applying to Stanford or other schools, and I laughed. Stanford, or anywhere besides BYU just wasn't for me. This was for 2 reasons 1) I wanted the unique experience of practicing my faith while attending school. I had had enough of swearing, drinking, crude jokes, bullying, etc. that was found in high school, and I figured being around 99% mormons could allow me to practice my faith, have a fun social experience, and get a well-rounded education. 2) I wanted to go someplace warm. Utah, to most people is a cold place, but coming from Alaska, it felt tropical.<br />
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So my first semester I moved into the dorms, made some friends, and declared myself a chemistry major. Unfortunately, this was also my last semester as a chemistry major. I lacked the maturity and study habits to do things like, "stay awake in class", or "study before a test". So I finished my first chemistry class with a C-, and really jeapordized my future GPA. This meant that it was back to the drawing board for my future career, and I decided my next semester just to take general classes until I figured it out.<br />
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My mission <br />
<br />
Another reason for only taking general classes was that I knew I wanted to serve a 2-year mission for my church, and I didn't want to get into my major and then have to try and remember courses for 2 years. In preparation for my mission I received the Melchizedek priesthood, and decided to get my patriarchal blessing. Eva, my sister came to my blessing, and I am so thankful she did. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had in my life and it was great to have her to share it with me. Before the patriarch gave me the blessing he asked me if there was anything in particular I wanted to know or was seeking answers for. I had only one thing on my mind. I said "I would really like to know what I am going to be when I grow up". There were many sacred things said in that blessing, but among them were specifics to a career involved in teaching about "life and living things". After thinking about it I realized this was an interest I had that just didn't recognize. I had pet lizards, gerbils, and snakes, spent most of my childhood outdoors, and was fascinated with animals. My new goal was to become a professor of Biology, but I knew it would have to wait till after my mission before I could get into taking classes.<br />
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On my mission, I didn't really learn much about Biology, but I did learn a lot about people. I learned how to work hard, and to serve others no matter what I got in return from them. I learned how to study and apply what I had learned. I was disciplined and focused. When I returned from my mission and went back to school, I knew I would be better able to succeed in the challenges of studying and learning. <br />
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As a Biology Major<br />
<br />
As a 21 year-old sophomore I started taking Biology classes as soon as I came back to school. I also made friends with some pre-med students who were much further along in their major. They would meet in the library and study often times late at night, and would go crazy, pulling all-nighters before exams. My first batch of exams were not good (Cs and Ds). While mulling over these horrible grades, and looking at the examples of my new, nerdy friends I realized I need to be more intense in my studies like these pre-med students. In a bit of a "Captain Obvious" moment I learned that if you wanted an A you had to know EVERYTHING the teacher had taught. It seems so simple, but that's all it took. I rebounded from a bad first round of exams and started getting A's and B's in my classes. One of the courses I got an A in was Biodiverstiy with Dr. Kent Hatch. During the course Dr. Hatch asked if anyone was interested in volunteering for research in his lab. I jumped on the opportunity, and did my time as animal care worker before he offered me the opportunity to do my own experiment. But he didn't have the money to fund it, so I also applied and was awarded my first grant.<br />
<br />
As I continued doing research and taking courses I got into the groove of how to study and started take more interesting classes as I got further along in my major. One course I found particularly interesting was Mammalogy with Dr. Duke Rogers. One of the assignments was to write a research proposal. I wrote a proposal about working with migrating bats, and applying some of the research methods I learned in Dr. Hatch's lab. This proposal was important to my graduate school education.<br />
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Getting into graduate school<br />
<br />
I didn't know much about how to get into graduate school, but I wanted to use my research proposal assignment to maybe get my foot in the door of anywhere that would accept me. I looked up every bat researcher I could find and emailed all of them about my research project and being admitted into their research lab. I heard back from some of them, but after a few email attempts many of them stopped responding.<br />
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Luckily I married up...way up. My wife, Kim, and I were married in December of 2003 and she encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She has always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She was also raised with the mentality/motto that the "crazy man always wins". This was a bit of a new concept to me, as I tended to be a little more passive in my pursuits. After I had not heard back from anyone in a while Kim told me I need to call any and everyone that would possibly take me into their graduate school until it happened. Reluctantly during Christmas break I gathered phone numbers and decided to call all the professors I had previously contacted. Nobody answered, I left a few messages, and then, someone picked up the phone. Dr. Troy Best of Auburn University picked up the phone and we talked for 10 minutes or so, and he said he was very interested in my project and it was something he was trying to do as well. That developed into many exchanged emails, and an interview in Auburn. The only hindrances was that I didn't meet the minimum verbal GRE score.<br />
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I have always been great at math/logic, but reading is something I never really gravitated towards. I had a good technical vocabulary within Biology, but the GRE tested on a variety of vocabulary and reading skills, so I was not naturally inclined to do well. I decided to take a GRE prep class and retake the test. The GRE was given electronically and your score was given to you instantly. I'm not sure how much the prep-class helped me, but I did my best and prayed hard during the test. When I submitted the final question and the score popped up I didn't want to look. I finally peeked through my hands to see I had done well on the math portion. I slowly scanned down to my verbal score and saw...... the exact minimum score I needed. I said a prayer of thanks and then ran out of there to tell Kim. With that score I was accepted to graduate school and also given a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, which meant I would get paid a small stipend and have my tuition paid for. I was also accepted to work with Dr. Hatch at BYU if I wanted to pursue a Master's there, but felt it would be better to diversify and we moved out to Auburn, Alabama.<br />
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My Master's degree<br />
<br />
I loved graduate school. It was much more flexible than undergraduate school, the classes were stimulating and I was given opportunities to teach labs. I did not have any problems with my committee members or classes, but I changed the species of bat I wanted to do my research on. The only problem was this species had only been caught in a few locations in the state and I needed a lot of them to do a robust analysis. I spent many nights in Northern Alabama and had a lot of help, and I was fortunate enough to find a decent number of these bats, perform my analyses, and write my thesis. It seemed to go without a hiccup and I finished my master's degree in only 2 years. I looked at a few other PhD programs but decided to stick with Auburn, thinking it would be a seamless transition.<br />
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My PhD degree<br />
<br />
To begin my PhD I did not have a research project firmly decided. I had a few ideas and explored them, but nothing that sounded too promising. During this formative time in my PhD program my sister called me and told me about a friend of hers in Barrow, Alaska, where she was living. It just so happened that she was babysitting for this friend who worked for the Department of Wildlife and did lots of work with polar bears, caribou, and other Arctic animals. My sister said to contact her (Dr. Cheryl Rosa) and I sent her my CV and a link to my thesis. From there a project developed working with baleen from bowhead whales, and I had a more firm objective and idea of my research.<br />
<br />
So everything seemed to be going easy peesy, and I felt like I was coasting through my PhD. My advisor was very hands-off and did not require much from me or others in his lab, but made himself available as needed. This hands-off approach to mentoring, my family, and other needs on my time attributed to me becoming less engaged in my program and department. It wasn't a conscious decision, but I just didn't put the time and energy into my PhD that I should have. This became apparent when I took my written and oral exams, and my committee noticed. After these exams I had a conversation with Dr. Wooten (one of my committee members) and he bluntly told me he thought I made a mistake in staying in Auburn, that getting a PhD was not going to be easy, and essentially that I was not living up to my potential. This was a wake-up call for me, and was exactly what I needed to hear. That very conversation was a turning point in my education. He was right, and I knew it, except I also knew I could change and do better.<br />
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After this conversation I did a few things that made a big difference 1) I made a more conscience effort to be involved in my program. I started to organize lab meetings for my lab, attended other lab meetings, attended more seminars, immersed myself in the scientific literature, and engaged myself in my PhD. This active involvement paid off. While attending seminars I found that other graduate students questions and analyses could be applied to my work, and the first chapter of my dissertation was a direct result of inspiration from Dr. Nandini Robin's dissertation seminar. 2) I got a big grant. I have had few more exhilarating moments in my academic life than when I found out I was awarded a National Pacific Research Board grant-in-aid of research after applying for 4 consecutive years. 3) I started to teach courses as an adjunct instructor. Teaching allowed me to review concepts in Biology that had faded since I learned them. I also felt more connected to Biology and really enjoyed helping students learn. I also learned how much I had learned, and that I had something to offer other people.<br />
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Dr. Wooten was right. It continued to be hard. The research I was trying to do had never really been done before. I messed up a lot. A lot of things didn't work. I had to redo a lot of things. I lost precious data that would have added to my analyses. I didn't have enough samples to do all the things I wanted, and when I asked for more I was turned down. I had writers block. I felt discouraged many times. I doubted that I would ever get it right, or that I would ever find anything significant. But, I could only control what was in front of me, and I decided just to do the best with what I had. Progress was slow but continually headed in the right direction.<br />
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My final frustrations<br />
<br />
In the spring of 2015 I took a position to teach at Pacific University in Oregon starting in the fall of that year. I wanted to finish my Phd before I started teaching because I knew it would be harder to finish with a job. To help me focus, my angel of a wife took our kids and stayed at her parents house for a month. I was committed to getting a lot done while they were out of town. I would sometimes be in the lab till 12AM working on samples. I started writing the first chapter of my dissertation and by the time we moved to Oregon, I had most of it written. After going back and forth editing my dissertation, I submitted my first draft to my committee in September of 2014. I didn't get feedback from all of my committee members from all of my chapters until August of 2015. That was a full year of weekly reminder e-mails, nail-biting, and dancing around how busy my committee members were. I know that my committee members were/are busy people, but sitting on a dissertation, waiting, feeling helpless, made me think that my dissertation was never going to end. It also made me doubt the work that I did. Maybe they were taking so long because it was horrible work? so when I finally scheduled a defense date, I was still skeptical that I would be awarded my degree.<br />
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The defense<br />
<br />
I was fortunate to have faculty at Pacific that let me do a practice run of my defense as a department seminar. They gave me some good feedback and I made a few changes. The week of my defense I was so busy running around trying to get ahead so that all my responsibilities were taken care of while I was gone, that I had little time to review my presentation and what I had written. The only time I was able to really practice was on the plane ride to Auburn. The night before I tried to sleep, but I couldn't recall some of the analyses I had performed and I was worried I would be asked about them, so I was up till 2 AM refiguring out what I had done. The day of the dissertation I was so tired. I also had to run around getting all the paperwork done, and again did not have time to practice my presentation. I got all the necessary documents turned in as I sprinted across campus and arrived at my seminar with only 15 minutes to prepare. I was sweaty as I arrived at the classroom to my seminar. Luckily all this running around didn't afford me the ability to be nervous, and so I just got up there and talked...Somehow it went really well. I was prepared for the questions that were asked and my friend, who showed up to watch who didn't have a biology background, said he understood 90% of what I said. So I felt a little relieved after getting some positive feedback.<br />
<br />
There was a 2 hour break between my presentation and my defense. So I was able to gather my wits a bit, but I was still skeptical that I was going to pass. I was mentally prepared for the worst. And I was so tired. I was operating on very little sleep, was under a lot of stress, and had just been running all over campus in my dress shoes, long-sleeve shirt, and tie. My committee members asked me questions for 2 hours. I was surprised that all the questions were very positive and progressive. They asked my opinion on some relevant issues, for clarification, and some possible applications of my research. But at no point did I feel over my head. Finally they excused me from the room, and I wandered in the hall for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Again, I was so tired I wasn't nervous. I just wanted it to be over, one way or the other. I had given it my best, my all, really, and that was good enough for me, so I was prepared for whatever they had decided. Just as I had gotten myself a chair to sit outside the door, Dr. Best came out, scanned the hallway and held out his hand. "Congratulations, you passed". I shook his hand and also tried to give him a hug which turned into an awkward side grab, but I just couldn't believe it. I walked into the room, shook hands, and breathed a large sigh of relief. I started to express my thankfulness to my committee and then I realized if I continued I was going to turn into a crying, blubbering idiot, so I cut it short and just said a big "thank you". They only had some minor revisions for me to do, and then the rest was paperwork, but it was over. The pressure was gone, but I was still too tired to emotionally celebrate.<br />
<br />
As I walked away that evening I started to reflect back on my education. I realized that every step of the way I was guided by a force greater than myself. I had some sense of accomplishment, but really I was shaped, prodded, encouraged, helped, hugged, and coerced into this PhD. The points in my life I listed here were the big events that were significant to my progress, but there were countless many who helped in so many ways. My family, my children, my wife, my church, my friends, gave me more emotional support and praise then I ever deserve. I feel so honored, humbled, privileged, and loved to have finished my PhD. I, more than ever, want to give back. I want to be in the significant moments that shape others. I want to inspire and serve through my teaching and research to honor those that have helped me.<br />
<br />
I believe in God. I know that you can look at all these events in my life and say that they are just coincidences of fortunate randomness. I can see why and how people are atheist and I myself have debated whether I am just a compilation of chemical reactions or the spiritual offspring of deity. But it's the feeling surrounding these events, the reflection of God's touch, that keep pulling me back to my belief. I believe in God, and He is with me (and my PhD). <br />
<br />Sam Hirthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09068547465799787566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-77997070446193184632014-09-22T21:18:00.000-05:002014-09-22T22:47:34.419-05:00The Birth of Our Beautiful Baby Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve been meaning to write this for a while, but have been
putting it off. It is always hard for me to write about meaningful experiences
let alone put them out into the world. But this has been weighing on me and have felt that it is important
for me to write, even if just for myself. I had a hard time sleeping last night
thinking about it, and I really need sleep these days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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First of all, I want to start by saying that I believe every
woman is entitled to have their own birth experience without the judgment of
others. A lot of attention seems to be placed on labor and birth which, yes is
a hugely courageous, difficult, and amazing experience, but even more
courageous is the decision to parent a human soul for the rest of eternity,
which in my opinion is the hardest, most important job there will ever be. If
you would like to debate me on this you first have to spend a week with me and
my 5 children. You will experience equal parts horror and unexplainable joy. But,
whether you have a pain free birth, a drug-free birth, have a C-section, are
induced, adopt, or are a parent in other ways to the children around you, every
woman has the right to feel proud of their birth/parenting experience. I know
many women feel guilty or disappointed or less worthy because their birth plan
didn’t turn out the way they wanted. I’ve realized over the years that, yes we
should be educated in our decisions, of course we should go in knowing all we
can to have a safe delivery, but in the end, it isn’t our plan, it’s God's. I remember having a very specific birth plan
with my first child and it turned out nothing like I thought. I had wanted to
try to do a drug-free labor and did 8 hours of labor through the night before
getting an epidural. I remember someone telling me after “You almost made it,
you were so close” like what I had done was less than. I thought later, “that’s
not right, I did make it!!!!” That’s when I took on the cause that every woman
should feel amazing about whatever experience they have, because it is their's
and it is personal and special. We should be lifting and supporting each other
in this magnificent effort to bear and rear Heavenly Father’s children. My Mom
felt strongly that she needed to have all of her children without epidurals.
Because of her experience I have tried to stay close to the spirit and be very
prayerful when making decisions about labor and birth, but I personally had felt
peaceful about getting an epidural. I have had all kinds of births with
different labors and situations and each time the veil of heaven was thin and
the spirit so strong and each one I can remember clearly as the most important
moments of my life, the first time I met the heavenly souls that I would be
with forever. So as I tell this story I do it in the spirit of revealing the
tender mercies of the Lord in my life and how I felt the Lord’s hand guide me
as I went through this specific labor and birth experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I moved across country from Auburn, Alabama to Forest Grove, Oregon on August 15<sup>th</sup>
and my baby boy was due to arrive Friday August 29<sup>th</sup>. My Mom usually
comes a day or two after the baby is born, so she planned to arrive September 2<sup>nd</sup>
to help me with the new little one. On the 31<sup>st</sup> I had a false labor
that lasted a few hours then petered out. Sam and I hadn’t even had a chance to
get our hospital bags together so while my false labor was going on we were
packing. My mom came and still no baby. She was scheduled to be here a week and
so I was hoping it was coming sooner rather than later. I had inductions with
other births and felt fine about it, but for some reason with this birth I felt
that wasn’t the right decision so we were waiting it out. I had another false
labor, but nothing came of it. So
instead of helping with a new baby my Mom was helping me get my house more
settled and moved in and helping as the kids started school that week. Her help
that week saved my life and even though I had been hoping to have the baby
sooner, looking back, those were some of the most precious moments I got to
spend with my Mom and my children as they started school in a new town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Wednesday I had a
doctor’s appointment and he talked about scheduling an induction for Friday
morning at 6am. Even though I had felt like I shouldn’t be induced, for some
reason I felt very peaceful about scheduling the induction. I was confused
about these conflicting feelings but figured I could always cancel if I wanted
to, so I scheduled the induction. As I prayed about this confusion the thought
came to my mind “It won’t matter either way.” So I prepared to go in on Friday
morning. It was really great to have a few days with my mom to spend some fun
time with her preparing for baby. So Friday Morning I had a couple random
contractions around 4:20 am, but nothing consistent. I had been having
contractions all week so I wasn’t thinking anything of it. At 5 am when Sam and
I got up to go I was feeling great and ready to go when I realized I had a
missed call from the Hospital. When I called back they said they were going to
postpone due to being short staffed, but when I didn’t answer they just figured
it out and were ready for us. My Mom got up to send us off and stayed to take
care of my 4 children. During the 40 minute ride to St. Vincent’s Hospital in
Portland my contractions went from very minor and 20 minutes apart to 3 minutes
apart and painful. I was still in denial because they weren’t completely
consistent and I had already had 2 false labors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got to the nurses desk I was breathing through the
contractions. They all looked very confused since I was supposed to be their
induction that morning. When I got in to
the room it was 6:30 they checked me and I was at 6 cm. They said we still had
some time and since I like to wait a
little bit to get the epidural so I can walk around and labor on my own for a
while, we weren’t in a huge rush but she
started to get things ready. I was still feeling ok and could handle the pain. My shortest labor
had been 5 hours so I thought we had plenty of time. That’s when things started
getting very painful very fast. I called for the epidural and they said it would
take about 20 minutes to get there. With the amount of pain I was in 20 minutes
seemed like an eternity. I had no idea how horrific these contractions could be
and I felt like I went from slightly painful contractions to unbearable in ten
minutes. They couldn’t get the IV to stay in because I was clinging onto Sam
for my life and also sweating the tape off. By 7 o’clock (I had been in the
hospital room for 30 minutes at this point) the contractions were coming back
to back and I couldn’t even switch positions, I was in so much pain. It’s crazy how pain turns you into a different
person, I was screaming and crying. I remember yelling, “I didn’t know it was
like this, I didn’t know.” I also at one point asked the Doctor to knock me
out. The screaming was so bad that my throat was raw and hurting for the next
day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The doctor had come
in for his morning rounds and the look on his face was total shock. He thought
he was coming into a peaceful induction and instead it was screaming chaos with
nurses everywhere. Come to find out later he also thought I was a first time
mom for some reason and that this labor would most likely take a long time. So
at this point they told me there was no way we had time for an epidural and
even something to take the edge off was out of the question. The doctor had
barely gotten in the room and the nurses had to tell him he needed to stay
because this baby was coming. I felt
this urge to push that I had never felt before and told them so. The doctors
and nurses rushed to get ready and in 2 pushes with my amazing partner and love
by my side, our sweet little West was in my arms at 7:24 am. He stayed on me
for the next hour and I kept saying to him “I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” And
just like that, I was healed. All I could feel was peace and intense love for
this new human in my arms. In that moment it feels like a window from heaven is
opened and pure love is placed in your arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My labor was about 2 hours long from start to finish and I
was in the hospital less than an hour when my sweet angel West was born. I feel
like the Lord showed me so many tender mercies during this experience. Had I
not scheduled the induction for that exact time there is no way we would have
made it to the hospital on time, especially since I was planning to labor at
home for a couple hours and wasn’t really thinking I was in labor when I was. Had
my mom not been there, we were planning on dropping off the kids with my cousin
who lived a half hour away and there is no way we would have time to do that. I
felt the Lord completely orchestrated her visit so we could have the best
possible experience and that our other children felt very secure when
transitioning to a new school. She was quite literally a Godsend. I felt the
Lord guide me to schedule the induction so I could be in that safe environment
when West was born instead of on the side of the road. Now the mixed signals I
was getting from the Spirit seem so clear, that I wasn’t going to need to be
induced, but needed to schedule the induction because my labor was going to be
so fast. Even the fact that I didn’t pick up when the hospital called so they
could figure out how to get the nurses they needed for me was a blessing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Later that day as my sweet baby was having precious skin on
skin time with his Dad I was reading my scriptures and writing in my journal. I
was so overwhelmed with the miracles I had seen that day, but also feeling
anxious that now I had this soul that was depending on me to make it through
this world. I opened to this scripture. <span style="background: #F9F6ED; color: #2f393a; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Fear … not; … I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I
am thy God: I will strengthen thee; … I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness.”</span> (Isaiah 41:10) <o:p></o:p></div>
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I know this even more after this experience and am so
grateful.</div>
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kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-38766471958175721582014-01-09T05:32:00.000-06:002014-01-09T09:08:42.163-06:00Sammy's Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve been feeling for a while that I needed to write this story.
I am awake at 3 am and can’t stop thinking about it. If there is anything I
have learned from this experience it’s that I need to follow promptings that
come from the Holy Spirit. Because it was a traumatic and sacred experience for
me, I’ve been avoiding writing it down, not wanting to relive it. I think it is always hard to share
experiences like this, not wanting to say the wrong thing, but it is my
experience and it’s true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My family was together in Santa Barbara for my sister Annie’s
wedding in May. Sam and I had flown out from Alabama with our four children, Sammy(8),
Luke(7), Henry(4), and Vivienne(1). The boys in my family had planned a boating
day trip a couple days after the wedding. It had been planned way in advance
with family friends helping to make the whole thing happen. The night before
this trip was to happen I woke up in a panic. I looked at Sam and said “You can’t
go!” and he said something to the effect of “I don’t feel good about it either.”
I went to sleep with a bad feeling in my gut. In the morning I questioned my
feelings. I was so exhausted from planning and executing a wedding as well as
traveling with 4 young kids across the country. I didn’t want to seem selfish
like I didn’t want Sam to go on this trip because I just didn’t want to have to
watch the kids by myself when I was feeling so run down. Up until the seconds before the boys left Sam
and I were still going back and forth, which seems strange now since
we both felt so bad about it. Why didn’t we just listen? Well, all the boys in
my family were going, my 5 brothers, 2 brothers in law, and my Dad. We just
felt bad that he would be the only one not there and as they were calling for
people to get in the car I remember the moment Sam and I looked at each other
wondering what to do. I ended up being spiritually lazy and said “Just go.” I
felt that it was easier for him to just go then have to explain or have people
think I was being selfish, which in hind sight seems crazy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the boys left. None of us girls knew just how spent we
all were. We took turns napping from sheer exhaustion and managing the kids and
trying to clean up the wedding. We all felt like Zombies so we said let’s get
out of here and go to the Zoo, do something fun. As we were preparing to go I
knew some of the kids were in the front yard waiting for us to get in the car.
I was grabbing my things when I heard a faint cry. It barely registered, since
most of my day is filled with being a referee of little boy fights, I didn’t
think much of it and then I saw little Henry running up the stairs of the front
door calling for me. The next thing I saw will forever be etched in my mind. My
little Sammy crushed under a huge pillar with blood everywhere. I screamed and
started running. Later my Mom said when she heard that scream it was the most heart wrenching thing that she had ever heard and she knew that there was something horrible on the other end of it.<o:p></o:p><br />
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In my parents’ yard there were two huge stone pillars. I’m
not sure how much they weighed, maybe 300 pounds. They seemed stable, but I
guess the ground they were on was slightly unstable and the pillars weren't
meant for an 8 year old to be playing on them. Sammy said later that he could
have easily gotten out of the way when it started falling toward him, but he
thought he could prop it back up. The pillar was way too heavy for his little
body and crushed him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I got to him he was crying which was good, it meant he
was still conscious. There was blood all around him which sent me into a panic.
Even though I knew how heavy these things were I remember thinking “There is no
way I am not lifting this thing off my little boy right now.” I used all my
strength to pick the pillar up enough that it was hovering just above him, at
this point Cubbie had reached us. She had been holding Viv, put her down to help me with the pillar. We together managed to lift the whole thing off of him.
When we lifted it there was so much blood I was terrified. My mom and my sisters came rushing out to help. Someone got me a rag. He had a gaping wound on the back of his head and even though I
guess you aren't supposed to move someone who might have had a neck injury, I
picked him up crying, trying hold the wound and comfort him. Cubbie called the
ambulance and they were out a few minutes later. As they strapped Sammy to the
board, he was so scared, I held his hand and felt a strange calmness just
wanting to be there for him and love him. The very big, strong paramedics surveyed
the scene. I found out later that they had questioned my Mom how I could have
lifted it off of Sammy, they could barely lift it themselves. I drove in the
front seat of the Ambulance, they wouldn't let me in the back with him, which I
thought was horrible. It was the longest ride of my life. Sammy was beside
himself. I kept promising him from the front seat that he could play Wii as
much as he wanted if he would try and take deep breaths and stay calm. That
definitely helped him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got to the hospital it was rush, rush, rush. I was
asked a lot questions about what happened. Sammy was in hysterics, having a
hard time calming down. They eventually took the neck brace off which helped
relax him. The doctor stapled the wound in the back of his head and took him to
get a CT scan. Then we waited. Sammy was conscious the whole time, but was acting
off. Having crying fits every few minutes. I think we were both in shock. We
would be sitting there talking or I would be singing to him and then we would
take turns just crying from the trauma. This would continue for me for the next
several weeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The CT scan came out miraculously clear. All we keep hearing
was “this is one lucky boy.” He came away from the accident with a concussion,
stitches, and body full of scrapes and bruises, but no permanent injury. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The way the pillar was shaped there was a slight curve
inward at one point, that is where Sammy’s head was. If it had landed in any
other spot it could have gone very different. I feel lucky. Maybe that’s not
the right word, but that’s how I feel, very lucky and grateful that it wasn't
Sammy’s time to leave the earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I couldn't reach Sam during any of this and by the time I
did we were already home from the hospital. Sammy stayed in bed the rest on the
day, just completely overcome with shock and exhaustion. When I could get a hold
of Sam I could barely get the words out. It was too much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I don’t know if Sam and I had listened to the
promptings we had felt for him to stay home, if this would have happened or
not. What I do know is Sam wasn't supposed to go that day, even if just to be
there with us when we needed to be together. I've felt very strongly about
sharing this experience even though I am reluctant to. Take what you want from
it, but the lesson I learned from it is LISTEN. Forget anything else and listen
to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Will will always be what is
right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I truly believe angels were watching over us that day. I
know we all have experiences like these where we feel heaven a little closer.
Where our views are changed about what we want our life to mean and what we
want to fill that life with. This was mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-3403964336547208132013-08-18T16:50:00.002-05:002013-08-18T16:50:33.960-05:00Sill talk by Viv<br />
Viv entertains us. Her face is almost better from her fall, she still has a black eye (black cheek). Excuse the potty talk.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/45KJfv0PktA?list=UUgBsRRrqFJtv1WQpMei3hrQ" width="560"></iframe>kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-75946801366603742552013-05-21T17:28:00.001-05:002013-05-21T20:48:16.864-05:00"What are you grinning at you ghost?"Sammy and Luke played their first season of baseball this year. They got to be on the same team! I loved seeing their improvement over the season and their personalities come out as they play. Sammy is way laid back about it and doesn't really get competitive. He hits the ball almost every time, but doesn't care much about form or hitting it hard. Sometimes in the outfield he'll just sit down, it's hilarious. Luke is all about getting the right form and swinging with everything he's got, even though he might not hit the ball as often. He also sprints as fast as he can from the outfield. I think they are so precious, it's the cutest thing ever to watch them play.<br />
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Sammy hitting<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJoSYMSNF4g" width="420"></iframe><br />
Luke hitting (you can stop watching after 30 seconds)<br />
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Luke running from the outfield<br />
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Sammy hitting<br />
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Sammy running home<br />
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Luke playing catcher<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4EsROlI_Ghg" width="420"></iframe><br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-6381720338368591342013-04-05T19:15:00.003-05:002013-04-05T19:20:29.233-05:00WOOKEY!!!! Happy Birthday LUKE!!!!It is my Sweet Lukey's 7th Birthday today. I wanted to re-post<span style="text-align: center;"> this video of him. This is the essence of Luke.</span><br />
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Luke, I love your body. People have always commented on your body and how it never stops moving, even when you are cuddling there is some part of your body that is rocking out. You are a freak in every amazing sense of the word.</div>
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Luke, I love how you are always keeping beat for no reason. You'll do strange beat boxing without knowing it, it makes me smile.</div>
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Luke, I love that you like to work hard and take pride in what you do. You enjoy finishing your homework and chores without procrastinating. I remember when you were just a toddler and were assigned to be the littlest angel in the Nativity Play. You had to stand on a high tower and were the final moment of the show. You held your trumpet up and never broke character, never looked down. The whole audience was stunned to see such a small person so still, especially you who is rarely not moving. It is one of my favorite Luke memories.</div>
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Luke, I love the way your brain works. You can't just do something half way, if you do something you will spend hours on it until you master it.<br />
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Luke, I love when you swing a baseball bat you swing with all your might every time and even though you are the littlest and youngest on your team you were the only one brave enough to be catcher and because of that you got the game ball! Your coach said the other day, "The Hirt boys are puttin' the hurt on."<br />
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Luke, I love how you try to make everyone around you happy. You are so attentive to Vivi, trying to make her laugh and making sure she is safe, such a sweet older brother. </div>
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Luke, I love every single thing that is uniquely you.<br />
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I love you BEYOND!<br />
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LOVE,<br />
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MAMA<br />
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LUKE POWER!!!<br />
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I like Luke because he is a machine. His body moves in an unnatural and perplexing way that defies human physics. His ability to focus on things that he is interested in are unparalleled. He shares his last piece of gum, he forgives easily and apologizes even faster. I love Luke. I cannot believe he is 7.<br />
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I love seeing you play baseball. You are the smallest guy on the team but you try are hard and are very resilient. Yesterday you hurt your hand playing catcher and we thought for sure you would never want to play again, but when I asked you today about it you said "I love being catcher". That is just like you to forget the bad that happened in the past and move on with optimism. You are an inspiration to me and I LOVE YOU.<br />
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Dad<br />
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kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-83464482184056346212013-04-04T17:15:00.000-05:002013-04-04T17:18:02.325-05:00Videos of littles<br />
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Viv's favorite past time.<br />
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Color Me Rad run with Auntie Eva!<br />
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Vid of the Viv. Please excuse the Mom voice.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-46697424107257034652012-12-16T16:10:00.000-06:002012-12-16T16:10:26.823-06:00Christmas from Alabama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Forest Ecology Preserve Christmas Event.<br />
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This is as close as they wanted to get to Santa. I'm cool with that.<br />
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The boys and our good friend Stewart.<br />
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Chubby cheeked kids that I love.<br />
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This is what I find on my kitchen chalkboard. Yeah, the one I wanted to use for quotes and signs. Love.<br />
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Henry's Pre-school Christmas Program. Magical.<br />
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He's a thumbs-up kind of guy.<br />
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My main squeeze eatin' the kiddie snacks.<br />
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Henry and his buddy.<br />
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We took the boys to see "The Christmas Carol". They were captivated the whole time. So sweet.<br />
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Sam trying to take a Sunday nap by the Christmas Tree. He should know better.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-16643827820074180272012-12-09T15:30:00.001-06:002012-12-09T15:30:04.599-06:00One year photoshoot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These were taken by a sweet friend and I love them so much. </div>
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Vivi is one and I am still celebrating that she is mine.</div>
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-6161532374646152972012-12-03T21:58:00.004-06:002012-12-03T21:58:58.876-06:00Happy Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We started our December right with a wonderful weekend of Holiday fun!!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNywa8GHcr4/UL1uGrM1twI/AAAAAAAABXQ/PTPE-5SV9rU/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNywa8GHcr4/UL1uGrM1twI/AAAAAAAABXQ/PTPE-5SV9rU/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We went to Christmas in the Park...</div>
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Then Hot Cho and popcicles at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-overall-company-opelika?select=D-_sXbz7nn9bs-_JkcfGaQ#I5x2eEZggFrV_2igsTGfNA" target="_blank">Overall Company</a> with friends afterwards...<br />
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We watched our town's Christmas Parade.<br />
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Sammy got to march in the parade with the scouts!!!!<br />
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Vivi was way into it.<br />
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The boys found their school buddies and watched the parade with them.<br />
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Sam telling me to make sure to get a picture of our very own Lil' Sebatian.<br />
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The Girls.<br />
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The boys listening to the Church on Wheels singing "Go tell it on the Mountain." (I love my town)<br />
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Sam made sure I took a picture of this..</div>
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Oh, just letting my daughter play in the road. Good times.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-75005324860058284052012-11-09T14:10:00.000-06:002012-11-09T14:10:14.290-06:00Some Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a great Halloween! So many highlights. </div>
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Sam gives bat presentations the week of Halloween to kids in the community, this is before one of them.<br />
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Dobby on his way to school, being dropped off by Kevin Bacon.<br />
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Last minute Target trip.<br />
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Dobby, Ron, Hedwig, and Harry Potter. Ron's hair turned out a lot more orange than I planned, but still perfect:)<br />
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trick or treating Viv style.<br />
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Best Halloween surprise EVER!!!! As we were knocking on our last door Auntie Kas comes running up to us!!! It was THE BEST!!! She had been planning to come for months and everyone knew except me and the boys. It is one of the few surprises in my life I had NO CLUE about. So great! She spent the next few days with us and I got to show her all of my favorite places. LOVE HER!<br />
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More to come:)kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-36621557334888679022012-10-29T14:30:00.000-05:002012-10-29T14:31:36.261-05:00Heavenly Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sammy was Baptized into our <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">church </a>on the 14th. It was such a special event. My Mom and Brother were able to come out which made if even more wonderful. They got in a couple hours before. It meant so much to us that they could make it. Mom and Jimmie gave talks, Me and Mom sang "A Child's Prayer" and Sam Sr. performed the Baptism. It was really emotional. I was so proud of Sammy and his decision to follow Christ's example. It was also so strange that he is eight and not a little baby anymore.</div>
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Before his Baptism Day I had family members write down their testimonies and thoughts about their own baptisms and put it in a book for Sammy. It was sweet to see him read it and feel so much love and support from his 20 plus aunts and uncles and his Grandparents. I love our big HUGE family:)</div>
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I brought my camera to the baptism and then completely forgot to take pictures. Tragedy. Here is right when we got home...Sammy had already changed into his play clothes, doesn't he look perfect:)</div>
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The sweet book for Sammy</div>
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This was about one minute after Jimmie arrived. She was completely smitten the whole weekend. If Jimmie was in the room she had to be in his arms. So sweet.<br />
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Some friends for cookies after the baptism.<br />
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cuteness.<br />
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Grandma and grandkids.<br />
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I let the kids stay home from school because Jimmie and Grandma could only be there for 2 days. We went to the Zoo and it was AMAZING! No one was there and all the animals put on a display for us, like they were starved for attention. It felt like our own personal Zoo!<br />
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They were getting tired near the end. It looked like they were posing so I had to take a pic.<br />
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The cheetahs were in love with us, or they were hungry.<br />
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viv and jimmie.<br />
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boys with a lot of hair<br />
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viv and jimmie.<br />
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monkey boys<br />
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S'mores in the backyard.<br />
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Yeah, the weekend was pretty much heavenly.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-4702901191208850352012-10-23T11:17:00.001-05:002012-10-23T11:17:40.480-05:00Viv is 1 !!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Dearest Little Vivienne,<br />
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You have been in my life for one year and I can't even believe there was a time I didn't know you. You are everything sparkling and happiness. The day of your birth was one of the happiest days of my life. Your Dad and I were laughing and talking and just so happy waiting for your arrival, wondering what you would be like, who you would look like. That was until the epidural stopped working:) I held your Dad's hand so tight as I labored to bring you into the world, he brought me so much strength. I can't even remember the pain now, because the joy of having you here, finally in my arms, was so all consuming. Having you was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. You were so close to heaven. I couldn't have anyone turn on the TV or play music for weeks after you were born, your spirit was so peaceful and strong. I actually didn't know babies could be like you. So peaceful, calm, and content. Mom's that have babies like you have it so easy...haha.<br />
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For the first month of your life you slept on your Daddy's chest. Neither one of us could be far away from you very long. Your favorite place to sleep now is in between us with some part of your body touching both of us. Your head on one of us and your feet on the other. I LOVE IT. I am a really light sleeper so I don't sleep very well in this position, but I won't move you because every time I wake up I look at your face and I giggle with happiness, you're round cuteness is too much. <br />
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You love your brothers, and they are smitten with you. They love to take care of you and hold you. If I need to do something they are happy to jump in and read to you or try to teach you to walk. You are definitely learning to hold your own among them. If they are playing something without you, you'll just charge right in usually knocking down whatever contraption they've made. If they try to keep you out, you'll have none of it. Your first words were Dada, Mama, Bye, and now you've started saying "No." I know it shouldn't be so cute, but it is seriously amazingly adorable every time you say it. Then you'll smile like you are the cleverest baby in the world.<br />
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I cannot handle your smile. So much cheek and cheese. It makes me crazy to look at you sometimes because you are so beautiful.<br />
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I love your soul. Your relatives describe you with words like, "wise", "a healer", "she just knows," you have something so unique about you that is hard to describe. You just know things. You know how to make people happy.<br />
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I am obsessed with you, everything about you. I can't believe I get to be your Mom on this Earth and that Heavenly Father entrusted me with you.<br />
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My Viv, my buddy, I love you forever, I love you for always.<br />
<br />
Mama<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">From your Papa:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">The best way to describe Vivienne is a little princess. Sounds cliche</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">but from the day she was born she did what she wanted and we all loved</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">her for it. As a newborn all she did was sleep. More so that any of</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">our other babies, and so much that we thought there was something</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">wrong with her, but she just wanted to sleep and we all loved her for</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">it because it meant we could just hold her and look at her cute little</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">face. As a little baby she was always mellow, but full of smiles and</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">we all loved her for it. All the boys fought over who got to sit next</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">to her in the car, who got to hold her next, and who she loved the</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">most. She has been a horrible sleeper, she wakes up every few hours in</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">the night and demands to be fed and we love her for it. I try and</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">appease her and rock her back to sleep so we have become "buddies"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">some nights, but most nights Kim gets all the loving from Vivi. 90% of</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">the mornings I am all by myself on one end of the bed, Vivi is</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">sprawled out horizontally covering one half of the bed, and Kim is</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">barely hanging on to the last two inches. She is learning to say words</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">and she can very audibly say "no", but she doesn't yell it or say it</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">in a demanding way, she sounds like a sassy diva and we love her for</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">it. Only a princess could make such a negative word sound so cute. She</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">loves snuggling with certain people and if she wants to snuggle she</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">makes it known and we love her for it. She attached to Jimmy when he</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">came to visit and snuggled right in to his shoulder and wouldn't go to</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">anyone else. When I get home from school/work she always demands to be</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">held and played with. She says what she wants, she sleeps how she</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">wants, and she gets what she wants, and we may be spoiling her rotten</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">but we love her for it. Happy Brithday to my one year old sassy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">princess.</span></div>
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-18965796973118003812012-10-19T14:00:00.001-05:002012-10-19T14:03:00.182-05:00Potter PartySam has been reading Harry Potter to the boys before bed every night so of course they are completely obsessed (which I love). Sammy asked for a Potter Party which was SO FUN!!! Sam is always in charge of games and I am in charge of food and decor. We love throwing parties!!!<br />
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Sammy said he really wanted chocolate frogs and I happen to find a frog mold the night before. blessings. We also had pumpkin pasties, cauldron cakes, herbology bites, Bernie Bott's every flavor beans, Ollivander's Wands and Polyjuice Potion.<br />
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Our train platform 9 and 3/4.<br />
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Our Hedwig.<br />
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Just some Magical Parents with weird and serious (Sirius) faces.<br />
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Polyjuice Potion. Sam had some dry ice in his lab that morning. blessings.<br />
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The students listening to Sam's riveting Potions Class.<br />
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This is a video of part of the potions class. I love my husband. Yes, we are nerds. PS some of the kids were nervous about the frog, but it was fine:)<br />
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Thanks to Lisa for these awesomely gross Potion ingredients. Totally made Potions class amazing!<br />
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Playing Quittich on mops and brooms.<br />
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I don't know why all the kids gathered so close, but this was present time.<br />
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Whenever there are any little girls around I rarely hold Viv.<br />
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This was our family party. Sammy really wanted a Cookie pizza with ice cream frosting and candy as toppings.<br />
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Just Henry being cute.</div>
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Sammy's big Southern breakfast.<br />
<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-6930397200489958682012-10-09T10:52:00.001-05:002012-10-09T10:52:47.231-05:00Big Boy Sam is 8!<br />
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I seriously can't believe 8 years ago I met you for the first time. When you were born you had breathing problems because the cord was wrapped around your neck 3 times. They let me look at you for 3 seconds before they whisked you away. In those 3 seconds I memorized every inch of your face, not knowing how long it would be before I saw you again. Your Dad never left your side through all the testing and bilirubin lights. He stayed by you and talked to you and sang to you. You two have always had a special bond that brings me so much joy.<br />
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The days after I had you I would just cry all the time. Happy cries. I remember specifically holding you and singing you your song "First time ever I saw your face" and just bawling. I couldn't believe you were mine. They had to keep pricking your heel to check your jaundice levels. I remember waiting in the Waiting Room at the Hospital and hearing you cry in the other room where your Dad had taken you in. I burst into tears with everyone watching me thinking I was crazy, but I couldn't bare to think you were in pain. One sad cry I remember was when I thought I had lost all your baby pictures and I called the photo software company bawling hysterically about what happen. Whoever was on the phone that day must have thought I had lost my mind.<br />
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You were a beautiful baby, you loved people and were very social. People would stop me all the time and say what amazing blue eyes you had. You've always had tons of energy and an inquisitive mind. I love the questions you ask and I try to find ways to answer them that are age appropriate:) You love everything Nature and Animal, just like your Dad. I love how you can catch lizards and will hold snakes with no fear.<br />
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I love how you get hooked on things and have to learn everything about them. When you were 2 years old you knew every Thomas the Train engine there ever was and would carry around this crumpled paper that had all the trains and would memorize them. I wish I still had that paper, it was so worn and taped in a million places. One of the best compliments you gave me at that time was "Mom, you are the most beautiful train." Now you memorize Harry Potter Spells and Animal Facts. Love it.<br />
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I love that you say things like, "We haven't talked in a while, do you want to snuggle?" Is there anything better than that?<br />
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You've always been very verbal and could speak really well at a young age. I love hearing you use big words while speaking your little person thoughts. They are so precious.<br />
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I love your sense of humor. You are always coming up with Knock Knock jokes and funny cartoons. I love when Me and your Dad are talking late at night and I here from your room "Nice one, Mom."<br />
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You, your bros, and your Dad wrestle constantly. When I tell you guys to stop fighting you say, "but Mom, we like it." I never know when to step in and when to let you duke it out. You are all puppies. When Luke beats you, you say things like "Good Job Luke." I love that you encourage your brothers.<br />
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You are so sweet with your baby sister. I love how you just want to make her happy. You don't try to pass her off to me when she is crying, you want to bounce her and make it better.<br />
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Can you tell that I love you, always have, always will? I could write a novel on all the ways I love you. Thank you for still letting me cuddle you, even though you are huge.<br />
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Happy Birthday, my sweet, adventurous boy.<br />
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xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo<br />
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Your Mama<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">8 years of my little buddy Sammy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I always wanted to be a Dad and I have always love playing with kids.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have a better time with kids than I do adults most times. When Sammy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">was born it fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine of becoming a father.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Now I could wrestle with someone whenever I wanted, I had someone to</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">play baseball and legos and video games whenever I wanted and could</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">have fun making someone laugh. Fortunately Sammy has always been up to</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">playing whenever I want to. He has never told me "I don't want to</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">wrestle Dad", or "Dad, will you stop playing with me already" so I</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">have constantly just played with him. His playful nature and silly</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ways have made him into a smart, witty, 8 year old that I look forward</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">to playing with the rest of my life. Here are some of my fondest</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">memories of Sammy</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">His first ear infection when he cried all night and after I gave him a</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">blessing he finally just rested in my arms for the night.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As a 2 year-old he would shoot baskets and call it "shoops"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Going for walks around the block with him in my baby backpack while I read</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Swimming in the pool with floaties when he was less than a year old</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">His obsessions with the latest toys (blues clues, thomas the tank</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">engine, cars, Wall-E, batman, pokemon, harry potter)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I like it when he says "nice one dad" when I tell a joke that he gets</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">playing baseball in the back yard</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">everything is fun with Sammy!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I LOVE SAMMY I can't believe he is 8 years old already.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">heart,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sam Sr.</span><br />
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If you have a memory of Sammy that pops into your head I would love to hear it!!!!<br />
<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-14825802969418357792012-09-23T13:54:00.000-05:002012-09-23T13:54:09.160-05:00firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Viv is almost one and finally got her first tooth and then today she took her first wobbly step!!! I feel like I just had her, but she is so big already. The boys are in love with her and are still really good with her. I think because she is a girl they put her in my category. They know Mom is for snuggling and talking and Dad is for wrestling and playing.kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-65140759738858535552012-09-01T14:06:00.000-05:002012-09-01T14:06:00.446-05:00Videos of cuteness<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_SPtw11c1pQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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This is always a hard day for me. I don't like them gone for so long, it makes me sad, but it is nice to have some time with Viv who is often overlooked because she is so easy going. I love these boys. The pictures capture their personalities perfectly.</div>
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Yes, I do cut my kids' hair. No, I don't know how to cut hair. Yes, I did try to comb their hair this morning. Yes, I do like their hair this way... I am my mother's child.</div>
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We aren't really Cubs fans, but we are big fans of Aunt Cubbie, which is why I got the shirt:) Luke LOVES it.</div>
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-32974057890306049962012-07-31T15:03:00.000-05:002012-07-31T18:26:02.004-05:00Happy 4th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To my dear sweet Henry on his fourth birthday!!!<br />
<br />
If I could describe you in one word it would be Magical. I could watch you all day long, everything you do is so magnificent, silly, imaginative, daring, uninhibited, thoughtful--I am completely in love. I love watching you play make believe by yourself with imaginary ninjas. I love when you look at me unprompted and tell me you love me SOOOO much:) I love your hippo teeth and the fact that you still have your chubby cheeks. I love that you don't care about being the designated bad guy when you play with your bros, you just go with the flow. I love your scratchy voice, it melts my heart. I love when you come into a room, you jump in like a superhero and make a silly face. I love that when you are about to escape out of the pew at church you wind back like a cartoon and then sprint away. You spread joy and magic wherever you are and I just can't get enough of you.<br />
<br />
Love Love Love<br />
Mama<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From Dad:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Henry will magically appear in the bed, he used to scream for me at</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">night, but I think he realized that I made him go back to bed if he</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> made a lot of noise so he decided to take a more </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">stealthy approach. Now I do not even hear him come in and I wake up in</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">the morning with an extra body. Good thing he is a great snuggler.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Henry will often look up at me and say "you are the best dad ever" or</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"you are my favorite dad" which just melts my heart</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sammy asked me to show him my muscles so I pulled back my shirt and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">flexed my biceps to which Henry said "Nice elbows, Dad"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Grandpa Jim would always tease Henry and call him Hank, to which Henry</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">would respond "I'm not a Hank, I'm a Henry"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Henry loves to have books read to him, and it is hard to say no when</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he comes up in his sheepish voice and asks " Will you read this book</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">for me..please... pretty pretty please"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Henry is a great dancer and will dance at the drop of a hat. When we</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">do the lemonade stand Henry get's customers by doing his patented</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">monkey dance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Henry has had this idea that when he turns 4 he will be big. He has</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">said that he is still small because he is 3 but when he turns 4 , then</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he will be big.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I love Henry, he is a smart, kind, and loving big boy.</span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">More notes on THE HEN:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;">Henry was playing paper,rock,scissors. They always say "Paper, rock, scissors, shoot" But instead of saying "shoot" he was coming up with other weapons such as "paper, rock, scissors, banana peel" and my favorite "paper, rock, scissors, ghost" while he made spooky hands and walked around like a ghost. He also did "paper, rock, scissors, eyeball" and "paper, rock, scissors, everything."</span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;">Today in the car Luke and Sammy were going back and forth saying "you taste like underwear" "you taste like poop" and other gross things. Henry pipes up from the middle row of the suburban, very nonchalantly, "you taste like...babies, you taste like Light. I'm a jellybean."</span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; text-align: left;">Today they have been playing some version of pretend. Henry is Chunky Face (the superhero) Luke is Jack (the sidekick), and Sam is "Bad Guy." Later, as I was feeding Vivi they were pulling all their bedding out to the yard and when I walked out to check on them they were lying on their backs looking up at the sky. Later Luke told me that they were playing "I Spy in the Sky" and Henry saw a balloon that spilled it's milkshake. When I laughed Luke said seriously, "No, really Mom."</span>
<br />
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<a class="actorName" data-ft="{"type":35,"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=642741909" href="https://www.facebook.com/darci.nelson.12" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Darci Nelson</a> <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">One of my favorites was his "I'm awesome" phase. I was visiting and said something like "Henry you're so cool" and he said, "no, I'm awesome". Like no big deal. And whatever I'd say you're cute or funny -- he would just respond "no, I'm awesome."</span><br />
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<a class="actorName" data-ft="{"type":35,"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=642741909" href="https://www.facebook.com/darci.nelson.12" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Darci Nelson</a> <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Oh man, I still get heart palpitations when I think about that moment. The little rascal. :). It makes me also remember when mom followed him around disneyworld and he never looked back to make sure she was there. He was just cruising'.</span><br />
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<a aria-controls="ukm8o3_1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="ukm8o3_1" class="actorName" data-ft="{"type":35,"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=17832041" href="https://www.facebook.com/katherinerushforth" id="js_3" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; text-decoration: none;">Katherine Rushforth Nelson Smith</a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"> </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"></span><br />
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When I was in 'bama in November, every middle of night, Henry would wake up crying. I quickly had him crawl into the little twin bed with me... before I knew it, his was dead asleep, body sprawled directly in the center of the tiny twin bed<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">. There were a couple nights I tried to move to the couch, but he always knew what was up... When I tried to move his body, he wouldn't wake up, but it was almost as if, even in his sleep, he demanded to have it right there. So I remained stick straight on the very edge of the bed, happily, I might add. Anything for the sweet Bulldog. I took a picture of it one night, it was too amazing to not capture forever.</span></div>
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<span class="comment_like_245577982229401 fsm fwn fcg" data-ft="{"type":36,"tn":">"}"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[245577982229401]" style="background-image: none; border: none; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="245577982229401"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;"><a class="actorName" data-ft="{"type":35,"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=17832041" href="https://www.facebook.com/katherinerushforth" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; text-decoration: none;">Katherine Rushforth Nelson Smith</a><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"> </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;">When you guys were in SB for the wedding, there was more than one occasion when Mom and I caught Henry staring at the refrigerator doing karate moves... with a closer look we discovered that he was trying to do the moves of the characters drawn by little sammy that had been posted on the fridge. He was very focused, obviously. And it was one of the best moments to have witnessed.</span><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"></span><div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; padding-top: 2px;">
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<a class="actorName" data-ft="{"type":35,"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=17832041" href="https://www.facebook.com/katherinerushforth" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.555556297302246px; text-decoration: none;">Katherine Rushforth Nelson Smith</a><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"> </span><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.111111640930176px; line-height: 15.555556297302246px;"></span><br />
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Also, it's amazing when he cries (i know, weird). He has these big sweet sad eyes that look directly into yours. Directly. Pleading eyes, but a kind of pleading that almost makes you feel like it's coming from a sweet place inside his littl<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">e body, where he just wants you to understand, not necessarily hear him cry, but to understand why he is sad... I don't really know how to describe it. I just have a distinct image of those tear filled eyes... such an aware sweet boy.</span></div>
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</ul>kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-35532204167051119032012-07-29T13:53:00.001-05:002012-07-29T13:53:29.309-05:00Handsome Henry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grandma and Grandpa Hirt gave Henry some new clothes for is upcoming birthday. Of course we couldn't wait until Tuesday to open them. He put these shorts on immediately, wore them all day, and then slept in them:). I wanted to take a picture to send to Grandma and when I got the camera out he just started posing for me, unprompted. Magical!</span>
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-23681332432861565562012-07-27T21:09:00.000-05:002012-07-27T21:09:36.390-05:00making wavesSam taught Viv to wave and I know I am probably the only one that thinks it is the cutest thing in the whole world, but since it's my blog I'm going to post it. :)<br />
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...and some tired laugh/crying.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q89ORfQVHCk" width="560"></iframe>kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-64525587373557250112012-07-21T14:58:00.000-05:002012-07-21T14:58:04.881-05:00summer fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went with some friends to the beach and of course I barely took any pictures. We had an amazing time..played in the ocean, pool, and ate WAY too much. Here are a few shots of Viv. </div>
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This is a pic of the boys after going to a Rainbow Birthday Party. It was so adorable I wish I would have taken my camera.<br />
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-72989174269013701802012-06-30T13:48:00.000-05:002012-06-30T13:59:54.627-05:00Avocados and Adjectives!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Viv you are 8 months old!</div>
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You are crawling everywhere and are interested in everything and everyone.</div>
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When I look at you your face lights up in a wide grin. </div>
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You buzz your lips and say "dadadadada" all day long.</div>
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I didn't know babies could be so happy all the time, you are a wonder.</div>
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You're my buddy and the calm in a storm of boyness.</div>
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When your Daddy comes home you freak out with joy. You need a good ten minutes with him right away or I'll hear about it<span style="background-color: white;">.</span></div>
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I love your chubby cheeks and I want to bite them all the time. Sometimes I am afraid I'll hurt you because I want to squeeze you and munch on you all day long.</div>
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When you wake up from a nap you'll just lie there talking to yourself until someone comes and gets you.</div>
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When I say "kisses" you lean in with a big open mouth:)</div>
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Your Dad will crawl on the floor with you like a Lion and her cub, and then you'll nuzzle heads and do bonkers, one of the most adorable things I've ever seen.</div>
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I can not handle your face, I am so in love.</div>
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<br />kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324946068347339103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327797796973109319.post-34445111385291611002012-06-24T17:09:00.001-05:002012-06-24T17:36:00.830-05:00A Day in Atlanta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Yesterday we were able to go to the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://mormon.org/church?gclid=CImH3u7p57ACFY2b7Qodrg_l6g" target="_blank">Atlanta Temple</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">and Family Fun (free!) Day at the Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta. It was a great day! Unfortunately we didn't get any pics at the temple. Sam and I trade off and the kids are barely surviving by the time we each do a session. Taking pictures always seems like too much, I don't want to get angry at my rambunctious babies on Temple grounds:)</span></div>
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We forgot hats and sunscreen so this was our solution for five minutes.</div>
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Whenever you look at Viv this is her reaction.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">The water fountain, amazing to see so many kids playing in the water.</span></div>
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Viv watching her brothers in the shade:)</div>
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We stood in line FOREVER to get a balloon animal, that is all Henry wanted. It popped 30 seconds later. The Balloon Lady saw him crying and made him another one:)<br />
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The boys rock climbing. I was so proud, I was sure they weren't going to attempt it once they got up there, but they were troopers. Luke had a hard time after because he didn't reach the top.<br />
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