We're Moving! Baby Shower! Fun Surprise Date! and Sam's Birthday!

Back in the beginning of August Sam applied for a job at MathWorks. This wasn't just any job-- it was a job that fit his skill, experience, and interests to a T! Seriously, who knew Sam's dream job actually existed!? After 4 rounds of intense HR and whiteboard/engineering interviews they flew him out to Massachusetts!! It was intense, crazy, but an exciting time.

^^On his way to Massachusetts for a day--it was a quick free trip^^

Needless to say: Sam nailed it! He felt really good about how it went. Then they did a background check and talked to Sam's referrals. They basically interviewed Sam's mentor professor--asking questions like Sam's "intellectual aptitude." (click here for more details)

Then... A few days later they made Sam a job offer!! and we accepted!!!

The most ironic thing about it all-- is that for the past couple years, when I talked about where we would live after Sam graduated I always said Boston/the Boston Area... I thought it was because it was really the only place outside of Utah that I had been because my sister lived out there and I visited her once... but maybe I deep down I knew?? was He was preparing me for a few years to make such a big step? I think so. I know at times it will be hard living so far away from family and missing big exciting events-- but we are sooo excited for the adventure!!!

^^It was crazy accepting a career after he had only applied to one full-time job! But when you feel good about it, what do you do?^^

^^I celebrated all of Sam's hard work both in school and in the many many hours preparing the the interviews by taking him to the Cheesecake Factory!! {Still loving these wedding gift cards! :P}^^

About a week later Sam's supervisor sent him an Edible Creation--it was a super fun surprise!!

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Back in October my amazing, talented, wonderful sister threw me a baby shower and it turned out soooo cute, perfect, and wonderful!! Seriously, it's the cutest shower...ever.

^^No, it wasn't bought from a store... Cami painted it!!!^^

^^Our little guy's Grandma and Aunties--A, B, C, and T!! Thank you so much girls!!!^^

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who came and celebrated our son!! We really appreciate all of your love and support! :) 

^^Watching Lucas and Sam play around together gets me sooo excited to be having a BOY!! They have such a fun relationship!!^^

^^And these two!! Need I say more!? . . . "Bryn Bryn??"^^

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One Saturday a few weeks ago, Sam took me on a surprise date to the Living Planet Aquarium!! We seriously had a ton of FUN!!

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Happy 27th Birthday to Sam!!! 

^^Of course he would ask for authentic Mexican for his birthday dinner :)^^

How I Want to Live My Life

"I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

-Sister Marjorie Pae Hinckley

My Mother

Lots of people have this misconception about Marriage, Family, and Human Development classes-- we rarely if EVER talk about specific practices we really only talk about principles. In my efforts to complement my mother on her practices that teach principles-- I didn't do so well. My classes have opened up my eyes what it takes to be a good mom... and what an amazing mother I have. 

I learn the principles, but I don't have ideas on good practices... until I began to notice {a fraction} what my mother does... that teaches me important principles.

I began to realize all the little details that add up to make her one amazing mother.

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My mom stayed up late and played the "reserve your seat for the fourth of July parade" game so we could have front row seats under the trees for shade and close to home.

She got up and made breakfast for everyone and even the most delicious banana bread you will ever eat!! She even did the dishes and tidied up the kitchen all while she let us get some very needed sleep. 

She went and got special food at the grocery store so we could have food that was just a little healthier and tasted a little better. She remembered to get the drinks and waters in the cooler and even added ice so we wouldn't overheat during the parade. 

She took a moment to help the neighbors.

Then she went and parked the car by our parade spot and so after the parade we wouldn't have to carry all of the blankets, chairs and coolers back... ... and then she walked with her hurt knee all the way back home.

After the parade she left and reserved the best seats in town to watch the fireworks and spent a good amount of time making sure the angles were all perfect so we would have the best seats in the house. 

{And it is still morning.}

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Mom,

You show me that being a mother is one of the greatest thing I will ever do in this life because you have made it one of the greatest things in your life. 

You were always there with great enthusiasm at my track meets, award ceremonies or banquets.  You have always been my greatest fan, cheering me on the front row. I will always be able to pick out your voice in the crowd.

You have taught me to love education and to pursue my dreams. Because you believed in me, I believe in myself. You teach me, by example, to love others.

And although life can be really hard, you get up and fight each morning because life is worth it.

You taught me what it means to have faith. You taught me to forgive and the importance of forgiveness. You taught me to do my best (and what it means to do my best).

You taught me that life can go in many directions-- and even if you find yourself in a circumstance that you don't like-- things change.

Because of you, I am who I am and where I am today. Your selfless sacrifices have made such an impact on my life. You strengthened me during my darkest hours so I could feel the sunshine of today. 

Thank you. You are my angel and best-friend.

I love you Mom!