Finally a Real Job - Yakima, Washington

It is finally official - we are heading to Yakima, Washington at the end of June. After 10 years of marriage, 7 years of school, 3 years of surgical residency, and a lot of learning and growing, Shawn has a job!!! We are ecstatic - the job is perfect.

 When Shawn started the job hunting process, I just prayed that he would get the job he wanted. That sounds kind of silly, because isn't that what everyone does? It just seems like with our schooling, with the residency, etc. our life has panned out in a way that sometimes felt out of our control, and at times like settling. However - this job is everything Shawn was looking for, plus he had several other options, so making this decision was such an answer to prayers.

 We've had a great experience here in New York, but I will readily admit that I'm thrilled about moving back West and closer to family(10 hour drive to home). The kids are super excited too - thankfully, they have been so supportive of our life adventure thus far. I am extremely proud of Shawn and his hard work. He amazes me at how he is able to juggle family, work, and church responsibilities and always keeps us as his top priority. I am very VERY lucky girl. Not many men are willing to do this. We love you Shawn and are so excited for this next adventure. Check out the practices website: www.cascadefootandankle.com

Jack Discovers the secret Pocket in his briefs

Jack is the resident comedian at the Summers' house, and I couldn't help but record this story because it was just too Jack not to. To preface this story: we had a Stake Valentine's Dinner that provided babysitting, so Shawn and I decided to go and eat without kids. We were dropping the kids off at the nursery, and had them dressed in pjs since it would be a late night. Jack's pjs didn't have any pockets - and Shawn had just given him a key chain with a scorpion in it from his ACFAS to Las Vegas. Now let's begin - We start to unload the gear that they will need, snacks, etc. and Jack turns to us with this silly grin; reaches into the front of his pants and says, "Hey, I want to show you guys something." Shawn and I literally stand there in pure horror thinking that Jack's going to expose himself to everyone in the room, and we're going to be too late to stop him. He starts to pull something out of his pants, and says "Here's my scorpion" whipping out his new key chain. We start laughing hysterically, and gratefully, that Jack in his usual "I'm going to find a way to make something happen" way had discovered that his underwear had a nice little secret pocket in the front that he could store his wares if he didn't have pockets.

My Sunshine

This sweet boy continues to capture the hearts of all he's around.  He is just a happy - happy baby.  He looks at someone, and starts smiling.  It just lights up his face and the entire room.  Even when he's sick, teething, hungry, he manages to find a smile.... let the pictures do the talking:

 This is Max teething - poor guy is getting his bottom front teeth, and he gnaws at his lower lip and his fists all day long, but keeps smiling....

 This is Max with an ear infection. That is right after having bronchitis - we went back in for a check up, and found out that he had a double ear infection. Poor guy!

 This is Max pooping - this boy blows out at least once, usually twice a day and that includes 2 new outfits because its up his back.  He appreciates a clean bum more than any of my other babies, so his smile vanishes if I haven't "addressed" the situation within a few minutes.

 This is Max suffering from major dry skin due to the winter's dry climate.  He scratches and rubs his face and head, and ends up looking like he got into a fight with a cat.  No matter how short I trim his nails, he manages to create scratches.  I've tried socks on his hands, but his helpful siblings always take them off.  The dryness is also affecting his hemangioma making it crack at times....hoping for an early spring.

 This is Max trying to not find the constant attention showered upon him by his siblings annoying!  He's  a good sport, but when he's had enough - its enough.  Sam loves to hold Max and "bounce him" (shaken baby); Jack likes to try hold his hand (Max has recently found his feet and hands and is constantly moving them - not very easy to "hold") Lyv likes to smother him (sometimes literally, with her body, with blankets, with kisses and hugs - I can't leave her with him alone ever!)

Finally this is Max reminding me how much I love my babies.  This is the reason I have children.  For this short 12-15 month period of time, they love me more than any other person.  He smiles every time he sees me, he stops crying when I pick him up, he cuddles and snuggles....I just love my babies.  The times goes so quickly, then they realize that I'm not very fun at all and start to search out their dad and siblings.  I'll soak it in while I can get it.

Out with His BEST Girl

Lyv's date with Shawn was great.  She requested to experience the fine dining of McDonald's (our kids would eat there everyday).  It was a great time for the two of them - a rare occasion for Lyv to just be with Shawn.  He was so happy to have her all to himself and experience how sweet and kind she can be without the distraction and influence of her unruly brothers!  The first of many more to come!

Starting him off early!

Jack and Lyv have been blessed with two buddies their same age, and love getting a chance to play with them. We had them over the other night, and without fail, the girls end up in princess attire, and Jack gets persuaded to be the prince (minus the costuming).  He even treated Liberty to a little waltz and "kiss of true love" - acting out Sleeping Beauty.  Notice his happy smile!)

Max is 3 Months!

Max is 3 months!  He continues to top the charts in weight and height (15 lbs. 13 oz.; 25.5 inches) and brightens our day with his adorable smile.  He's barely able to squeeze his chubby body into 3-6 month clothes (who makes the sizes for these? - I need to write them a strongly worded letter and let them know that they don't apply to my kids)

He is right on the verge of giggle, and he did give me a brief preview of that sweet sound last night, but I won't record it until it is happening consistently.  He loves batting at his bouncy seat toys and kicking his chubby legs in the bath tub.  He still loves his siblings, but only at a safe distance.  He makes me laugh because his smiles at everyone, over anything.  At church this Sunday, he was staring at a guy from the ward talking during Sunday school.  The guy wasn't even looking at Max, but Max was just ear to ear grinning at him.  He is such a sweetie!

In sad news though - Max developed a pretty nasty chest cold and had to have breathing treatments here at home.  He was a good sport and is feeling much better in that respect, now he's moved on to an ear infection and is on antibiotics, but still smiling!  Hopefully this is the worst of his sickness!

Missing You

Two years ago today, my brother Ryan passed away.  In so many ways I can't believe that it has been 2 years - we continue to miss him each and every day.  I was talking to the kids tonight at dinner about Ryan, telling them funny stories and memories that I had, and I realized again how grateful I am for the opportunity to have him in my life.  He was a man of incredible compassion, charity, and courage.  I miss his smile and his laugh - his laugh was one of my favorites. I miss his quiet presence and his ease with his nieces and nephews.  I miss having him here, but I know that because of the Savior, I'll be able to see him again.  For that I'm incredibly grateful. I found this quote from the Ensign, an LDS church magazine, that really made me reflect on the beauty of family - the true meaning of our life:

“Grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning.”

Ryan love and miss you!