Independence

Did you know that Sam can read?  Well, at least that's what he says these days.  Actually, if you ask him he can do just about everything himself.  According to him he knows how to play the guitar, is a pro when it comes to golf, and he also speaks spanish.  Who knew?

I do love his independence and confidence though.   It's so nice that he can dress himself, help entertain Max, and clean up his room with little or no help.  He seems so grown up to me. 

He still needs a little help when it comes to fashion sense.  Here's an outfit from earlier this week.  The striped socks and sandals are my favorite part. 

And this little mister insists on being independent when it comes to meal time. It makes for quite a mess.

And this one just makes me and Eric laugh...does this even look like Sam?

Guess who has a new found passion for ocean creatures?  Wonder where he gets that from. Max's favorite word this week: WHALE.

 

I heart Holy Toledo!

It’s kind of starting to sink in that we’ll be moving soon, and I’m getting all emotional! I'm excited and nervous to move to a new city, new state, new ward, new friends, and a new job…but I am so sad about leaving our home here. I don’t think I ever thought that Toledo would become a favorite place of mine, but it has. We love it here…especially the people!

Earlier this week we had such a great Girls' Night Out.  Really, there's not much better than eating, laughing, reading fortune cookies and devouring chocolate cake!! 

Then yesterday, we were able to squeeze in a fun Easter Egg Hunt with playgroup friends before the rain and storm hit today.  Look at all of these cute kids my boys get to be friends with?  Aren't we lucky?!  

 

I'm inviting all of you Toledoans right now to come to Indianapolis to visit!  You have to!

What a day...!

Our stomachs were in knots as we walked into the Match Day celebrations today.  There on the huge table of envelopes we saw this one...

the one that would hold our fate for the next 5 years!  We resisted the temptation to tear it from the table and run; and instead sat with friends and impatiently waited until the magic hour of 12 o'clock!

My hands were so shaky, my eyes were full of tears, and my heart was racing...finally, noon came and everyone was told to pick up their envelopes and find out where they'd be headed...

And we're headed to...

Indianapolis!! 

We are thrilled, shocked, and excited for this new adventure!! 

Indy...here we come!!!

Match!

Eric matched!  Eric matched!!
And we're hardly excited!!

Do you know what this means?  We, yes we, have an actual job!  That means an actual income!  Which means that we now have a plan for the next 5 years of our life.  This means that Eric will get to do what he wants to do...orthopedic surgery!  The only piece missing from this puzzle is the location.  Where will all of this happen??  We don't find out until Thursday...but until then, here's a list of the 11 possible states that we could be calling home...

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Missouri
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Utah

Take your guess!  Where do YOU think we'll end up?!

So big!

I've been trying and trying to capture some of Max's words, animals noises, etc on camera, but never could... until last night...during dinner of course!  Sorry about Max's lack of manners.  He's perfectly mastered his duck sound effects but has yet to master the use of a napkin or the art of chewing with his mouth closed.  We'll work on that. 

I love this boy!

This week...

we’re into shoes…or boots rather. These blue snow boots are the only form of foot attire Sam will wear these days. He loves these ugly little things. He can’t seem to grasp the fact that these boots are not appropriate for Stake Conference, swimming lessons, or the new little sports class he’s enrolled in. Today he told me that he’s going to wear his boots all summer long. Oh, I hope not!

Should the rare opportunity arise for him to wear regular shoes, he’s so very particular about them. He complains that the laces are too tight…so I loosen them…but then they’re too loose…so I tighten them…but then they itch his feet and they’re suddenly bumpy…ahhhhh!! What’s a mother to do, but let him wear the dang snow boots? I do put my foot down when it comes to church though…it causes quite a few tears, but I’m not giving in…I’m not.

Thank goodness he's also way into wearing ties lately.  I don't mind these one bit.  Doesn't he look grown up?

This week…

we’re also into climbing…which entails falling and lots of bumps and bruises. Max is a monkey these days. While we were at the park yesterday, Max took about 10 bad falls. He always recovers quickly, which is great, but it makes my heart sink to hear his head smack against the sidewalk. Playgrounds are going to be scary with him this summer…hold on.

This week…

we’re into staying busy and keeping our minds off something huge that is happening in only 9 days. Thank goodness for: Relief Society birthday parties, which require a good chunk of time this week, 2 busy little boys, which also require a good chunk of time, and Easter candy, which is keeping me sane.

Yikes.

My Sam.

Sam knows how to make a girl smile.  He's been giving me compliments left and right this week.  And I'm not going to lie...I love it!  Here are few I want to remember:

- While helping him get ready for bed he said, "You're beautiful, Mom.  You're honest and good, too.  I like you."

- He randomly ran to me at home and while giving me a huge hug said, “I’m just so glad I have a momma who knows about dolphins. Thanks.”

- While eating breakfast Sam said, "Mom, you're the best maker in the whole world!" (I do make some pretty amazing german pancakes!)

Three-year olds are great.  Not only do they laugh at ALL your jokes, but they think you're beautiful when you're in your sweats and haven't showered for the day. 

If you're ever feeling down, call Sam.  He'll give you the confidence boost you need. 

March is here!  Let the sun shine, the snow melt, and the summer preparations begin.  We are so ready. 

Now that it's March and we are allowed to expect warmer weather, we aren't wasting any time.  Here are some of our March doings so far...

Bike Riding:

Sunglass Wearing:

Swim Lesson Going:

And here's some proof of why I can't turn my back for even a second these days:

Max maneuvered a chair and gained easy access to our pumpkin chocolate chip cookie dough. 

Nothing is safe.

I do love this little round face, though.  Boogers and all.

Here's to spring.