In December... Sam goes to Iraq

My little brother Sam is slated to go to Iraq with his Unit in December. I thought that I’d share how I feel about this. When he told me a part of me wanted to cry. I wasn’t hit with tears of fear or even anxiety… It was knowing that he is living his dream that made it real to me.

Since he was a little boy he has always wanted to serve his country. There was never a question of “if” it was always a matter of “when” with him. He started out in the National Guard in High School and has moved into the Army. Along with Fire Dept. volunteering and a number of other programs to help him advance he's been a busy guy. Basic Training is just around the corner and then “The Sand Box.”

I have always been close to my little brother and this is hard for me. I support him 100% knowing that he is doing what he has known his whole life he would do. Yet, I am still reserved about how I really feel about this fight.

Oddly enough, we sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in church recently and finding out Sam was going to Iraq brought that song to mind. In the 3rd verse the original version stated in reference to Christ, “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.” The version that is in our hymn book was changed slightly to, “Let us live to make men free.” I truly believe that Sam is living his life to make men free. He’s not going to end the War in Iraq by himself, but being driven with the purpose of improving those around him is his very special calling in this life.

I am very proud to say that he is my brother and that I love him. My thoughts and prayers are with him everyday and I’d encourage all of you to keep him in mind. (I’ll give you another reminder in December before he leaves too!)

Hanging Out With the Fam!

Eryn liked the newly named "Heaven in a Bowl" Chels made so much she threw it on the wall!


Then she cried because she wanted to go outside, but it was raining.


She really liked Sadie her cousin Allie's dog!


Chels did a little dye job for Ryan and Andrew! Those boys sure loved getting pampered.


Kara, Sarah, and Chelsie... Eryn's favorite Aunts (Other than Tammy!)

We had a big get together on Sunday to welcome Sarah back from El Salvador, celebrate her and Kara's birthdays, and to just have a huge family dinner! It was crazy with 14 some odd people at Mike's parents' house. Eryn loved seeing everybody, but I think that the dog was her favorite that day!

Pioneer Day!

So far we went for a walk and played with ducks! Eryn really liked them. Oddly enough, her growling didn't even phase them. I think that they liked it. Then, we watched some of the Days of '47 Parade on KSL. Eryn likes sitting in my old chair that Grandpa Crawford sent her. The day is still young!

Scared the Horses

Eryn and I went for a walk this morning. There are some horses not too far from our house and they were up by the fence so we could see them really well. (Being the picture taking psycho that I am... I had my camera out and was excited to get a nice shot.) Eryn really really liked the horses. She was laughing and pointing at them. Then out of no where, she growled super loud and scared them away! I've never seen a horse jump up and take off so fast!

Really... Really?

There are times, as a parent, that I am not sure if it is more appropriate to laugh, scream, or cry. This morning was definitely one of those times. I woke up at 8:30 (which is a really good time!) to a little screamer. I figured that she pooped and it was time to change her and get the day going.

"Pooped" is the understatement of the world! She pooped all right. Then she decided to help herself by taking off her diaper. After apparently rubbing both hands in it, grabbing her stuffed dog and running him through it, and finally playing with her hair she was finally ready for Mommy to come help her.

I stood above her crib not knowing what to do. I gave in and started laughing before I began cleaning up. I just kept thinking, "really... really?" The temptation to take pictures was strong, but it was really gross. So, I spared her the blackmail shots and we will just tell this story over and over for the rest of our lives!

Finally... out of the house!

It seems like Eryn and I have been trapped in the house forever! Finally we got out today and went for a walk. I'm feeling better, not great, but better. Eryn was itching to go play outside! We found steps to climb, a puddle to jump in, and flowers to pick. So far it's been a great day!

Being Sick Sucks

I finally gave in and went to the doctor today (after being sick for about 4 days). I got a cough medicine and an antibiotic which will hopefully make me better in the next 4 to 5 days or I have to go back and will probably have pneumonia. The doctor said that I, "sound like crap." You have to love when the Doctor tells you that!

The worst part is that I can't taste anything so food is not worth eating. Coke hurts my throat so it's not worth drinking. The upside that being sick though is that I haven't been able to smell poopy diapers in 3 days!

Luckily, Mike and Eryn are both perfectly healthy. Mike even is sporting new contacts! Eryn had her 15 month check up the other day and is almost in the 95th percentile for height! Still only the 30th for weight though. I guess she just gets to be tall and skinny. Lucky kid!

4th of July Fun!

Our 4th went pretty well. We hung out with Mike's family, had a BBQ, and then watched the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point. Eryn had the chance to swim in her little pool that Grandma C. mailed her! She had a blast playing in it!

All Smiles Today!

Eryn is just all smiles! Today she wouldn't stop looking at the camera. She is also sporting full pig tails today for the first time. BUT, she wouldn't turn around so I could take a picture of the back of her head.

Quick Sum Up

Just to quickly sum up of what we've been doing heading into the holiday weekend... Mike is back at 15. (For all of you Non-ERACers that's the Provo Office!) Eryn has been making herself dizzy for fun and jabbering about "Dad" and "Grandpa." Her two favorite words! I've been busy trying to figure out how I will torture Andrew in the next two days while taking his Senior Pictures!

We are stuck in Utah for the 4th. No amazing fireworks in Idaho Falls for us this year. For those of you who've never been, you are missing out. They are the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi! Sam and Chels will have to tell us about them.