Our little Angel

New things

2012-02-10T16:10:00.003-06:00

Sam has decided that cinnamon Sugar toast should be called Sugarmon toast

Also, she was talking about being a baby and her and matt in a tent from some pictures she had seen. She said, "next time can I be a boy?" I told her that is something she will have to take up with Heavenly Father.

Cute Sayings

2012-01-16T22:29:00.000-06:00

I know it has been forever and we have so much to post on the family blog but Sammie said some cute things this week that I don't want to forget:

1. We went to Sea World the week after Christmas and we got to see Shampu (Shamu) the whale.

2. At church they had a picture of Pres. Muffin (Monson) on the program

3. We belong to the church of the Lamanites (LDS)

She also has been watching a British show called Kipper and they go sledging instead of sledding and ready steady go instead of ready set go. I guess someday we will have to move there so I don't have to correct her (and no I don't really correct her)!!! She is going to talk like she is British but with an Oklahoma accent, she will have everyone so confused.

And this is why we love our little Sammie!!!

couple of videos

2011-05-11T17:33:00.000-05:00

Our 3 1/2 year old

2011-04-24T23:00:00.007-05:00

Hats

Cheese

more pictures of finding the Eyeliner

Feeding the dinosaur

Playdoh with brother

Got the pistol (air soft) and was hiding playing spy (I guess).

Sam putting on Treys boots by herself and she was ready to go

Sam learning to use the camera

Buzz & Woody

Not sure why but she kept pulling her underwear up high on her belly and saying like daddy. Ha ha.

She is in the doggie crate.

Learning to read

Being a monkey

Shopping

2011-03-04T09:26:00.002-06:00

Sam: I need to go shopping
Me: for what Sam?
Sam: For Grandma
Me: What kind of Grandma
Sam: One like Grandma First (Hurst)

Out of the mouths of babes

2011-01-12T14:14:00.001-06:00

I love it when sam says "AH BLess you" Right after matt sneezes or like last night when I kissed her after putting her in bed she said she need a kiss like in Princess and the frog.

Birthday PIcs

2010-11-10T06:31:00.004-06:00

On a side note today when we were watching Toy Story 3 I said one of the parts with a character and Sam came clear across the room put her finger to my lips and said "SHHHH!"

Last Night

2010-11-03T10:05:00.003-05:00

Grant and I were talking about Matt last night and his fever and what we should do. All of a sudden we hear Sam say "What you guys talking about." We had to laugh and then told her Matt was sick and we are figuring out what to do. She said, "Oh, Okay."

More Sayings

2010-11-02T20:46:00.002-05:00

I know pics are still coming. We have been busy with the business, but wanted to get a few funny things down before I forgot.

Grant, "Sam, do we throw Cinderlla?"
Sam, "No, Sleeping Beauty." (sure enough Grant went and picked up the figurine and it was Sleeping Beauty, not Cinderlla.)

We made some Halloween cookies that mom bought from the store. The ones with the designs in them. Yesterday I was getting Matt dressed and I go in the kitchen to find the pan on the floor and Sam eating her 3rd cookie for breakfast and she says to me, "mom I ate the tail." (the tail of the cat on the cookie.)

Today she said mom come now. I said just a minute and she said come now mom.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2010-10-19T21:55:00.003-05:00

Today Sammie turned 3. I can't believe it.

We started the day off with egg and cheese english muffin sandwiches and 3 candles. Then we went to the Tulsa air and Space museum. We got to watch a video on planets on screen similar to an IMAX. Then we came home made a cake. Went to dinner at Red Robin and got two free footballs and a balloon. Sammie popped it on the way to bowling and kept trying to throw the string in the air to make it float again. Took Sam and Matt bowling for their first time and they had a blast. Then we went to Cherry Berry for frozen yogurt. We opened presents throughout the day and ended with the last presents.

As I was putting her to bed I asked what the best part of her birthday was and she said I popped the balloon. We did so much and that was the best part:)???

Pictures to follow. We love our Sammie so much and can't imagine our lives without her!!

Love

2010-10-11T14:56:00.002-05:00

Today we were leaving Aldi's (a grocery store) and Sam said to the checker Thanks so much see you later love you.

Also today I was holding her and hugging her and she said, I love you too much.

More Funny Things

2010-10-10T08:40:00.003-05:00

Mom has blue eyes, Sam has blue eyes, Matt has blue eyes, Daddy has orange eyes (brown) ha ha

This morning she said Where is grandma. Guess she dreamed Grandma was here.

Giving me hugs...Loves me so much.

We ask, "are you okay"
Sam, "Yeah, I am (but sometimes sounds like Yam)"

We ask, "do you want to do this"
Sam, "Yeah, I am"
We say "Yeah I do"
Sam, "Yeah I am I do"

Today

2010-10-05T14:19:00.002-05:00

Sam woke up from her nap and said, "very beautiful"
I said, "what is so beautiful?"
Sam, "mom your hair is so beautiful"
Me, "thank you that is so nice"
Sam, "I am a big girl"
Me, "Yes you are"
Sam, "I need 5"
Me, "Yes you deserve 5"

All while she is sitting on the potty:) Yeah our conversations!!!

Getting caught up

2010-09-24T16:06:00.002-05:00

Prayers

2010-09-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

Tonight

Sammie saying her prayers

Thank you for mom and dad and matt and sam You're welcome
Thank you for this day You're welcome
Thank you for our food You're welcome.

We just love the things that come out of her mouth.

One of these days soon I am going to get some pics and videos up. She is singing like crazy:) And now can sing her 1st article of faith.

Sammie

2010-08-24T21:07:00.002-05:00

Our Sammie.....She is speaking so much

Last night we got done saying family prayers and she said kneelies so we got down and said her personal prayers.... Then she pointed to Matt and said Matt's turn....We said Matt will learn when he can speak, but she is making sure already that he is doing what he is supposed to:)

Tonight she wanted her toes and fingers purple (painted with nail polish) so we painted them and they are as she would say beautttitaful. Then she wanted Matt to have his turn to get his painted. :) She is always watching out for her brother.

She grabbed his bottle and started drinking it and said I a baby too.

What she comes up with. WE LOVE THIS GIRL!!!

New Adventures with a big helper

2010-08-16T14:24:00.000-05:00

While grocery shopping today Sam decided to help me with the eggs while I was picking out a pineapple.

Yes, she took everyone of the dozen eggs out and by the time I had gotten back to the carton had cracked and dumped one into the carton and started on a 2nd.

Wow how I love having to be on my toes every minute with a girl growing up wanting to be so big and help:)

Love you little girl!!!!

Out of the mouth of babes

2010-07-27T13:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I said to Matt "Hi Handsome"

Sam said "Hi Mattsome"

Our Girl

2010-07-14T10:49:00.003-05:00

Our Singer

2010-07-13T15:38:00.003-05:00

We have been busy

2010-06-11T11:41:00.001-05:00

Sam started potty training and has it down for the most part although I say that and curse it every time:)

More Catch Up

2010-05-24T21:55:00.002-05:00

Zoo for mom's b-day

We made homemade bubbles and they were awesome

Easter in Utah

2010-04-22T16:23:00.004-05:00

Lots of pics that pretty much tell the story of the great time and trip we had.

Trey got into the choc pudding

Picnic inside cause it was snowing outside.

Frosting cookies

Dying eggs.

Sammie holding Cade

Picnic outside

Rollercoaster

Off to Church

Sammie & Trey

Cookies

2010-03-24T20:25:00.002-05:00

Today's Conversation

Sam "cookies"
Me "how many do you want"
Sam "5"
Me "5 is a lot how many would you like"
Sam "6"
Me (chuckling) "6 is even more how many would you like"
Sam "2"
Me "I can do 2"

Crazy Sammie

2010-03-23T09:09:00.005-05:00

She continually is referring to us or her as crazy. Here is some of her this last week

Playing with Playdoh

1st day of Spring

Got to go for a ride in the snow on the 4 wheeler

Smiling (she constantly wants in the crib)

Driving and ran over daddy

Want to walk in your shoes

In time out

2010-03-05T11:51:00.003-06:00

So this is what Sam did with her yogurt for breakfast yesterday while I was doing the dishes. I guess she wanted to paint.

So I put her in time out so I didn't beat her:) Well really successful because while I cleaned up she found a book in the couch and read it.

Daddy Daughter Date

2010-03-05T11:30:00.003-06:00

Smiling

Stickers...she wouldn't let us call them tattoos

Dancing

Hula Hooping

Corsage

All ready for the dance

She had a blast. Each year our Stake puts on a Daddy Daughter Dance/Date and the girls all look forward to it. Now I know why, they had face painting, hula hooping, wii, karaoke, dancing, bracelet making, story time, corsages, and I am sure I am missing some since I didn't go this is just what I remember them telling me about.

Out of the Mouth of our sammie

2010-02-25T12:46:00.001-06:00

So yesterday she put her blanket in the door shelf of the fridge and said pocket. It was a perfect place for her blanket:)

Prayer

2010-02-21T10:29:00.001-06:00

Today we were saying the prayer to bless breakfast and I only had to help say 3 words Sam said the rest. She is growing up TOOOO Fast

Also we were in a ski and sport shop this week and out of nowhere she said mama prayer. I said okay you say it. na na na in the name of Jesus Christ amen.... Don't know who she was blessing but na na you are blessed and prayed for:)

We are alive

2010-02-21T09:13:00.004-06:00

I am sure you are wondering if we even are still alive. It has been very busy lately, but here are some updates on Sammie.

She now knows her name -- Sammie Garganer. (Sammie Gardner)

She said to me the other day... "Momma, Crazy Matt" This came because he was blowing raspberries.

Sam got snow pants for Valentines Day from Grandma Arthur. Thank goodness it snowed again. It was so cold though we only went out for 10 seconds. It took longer to dress and undress than we even spent outside:)

True Girl had to put her shoes on the bed to sleep

Happy Valentines Day

2 more videos I forgot

2010-01-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

Goodnight Gorilla

2010-01-29T14:48:00.002-06:00

3 more videos

2010-01-29T13:33:00.003-06:00

I don't know where she learned this

Ring-around-the-rosies

Dancing

Snow twice in 1 winter

2010-01-29T12:50:00.003-06:00

Crafts

2010-01-29T12:35:00.003-06:00

She had a blast picking the paint colors and painting hers and Matt's boards

Peek-a-boo

1st Dentist Visit

2010-01-29T11:56:00.003-06:00

She was awesome and so were the staff!!! Next time will go good too I am sure because of the way the staff were this time:)

one last pic---this is how I found her bed after her nap and continue to everyday...She loves these princess books about Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, etc. She definitely is mine and Grant's child loving to read already.

Cracks us up

2010-01-08T11:28:00.002-06:00

Last night as Rella ended I look over and Sam is waving goodbye to cinderella and the prince as they drive off.

2010-01-05T16:07:00.002-06:00

New Hair cuts and playing together

2010-01-05T14:49:00.004-06:00

Cute new clothes

Playing together

After church with new haircuts

right after haircuts and shower

as promised from the post below the okay? video

We think our Sam looks like

2010-01-05T14:39:00.003-06:00

Sam reminds us of Boo from Monsters Inc
.

We also think she sometimes looks like.... well.....

a spaniel...

Journal

2010-01-04T20:48:00.004-06:00

Like I have said in the past I am using this as a journal because I type way faster than I write and today Sam has just blossomed today!!

So here are a few more of my favorites:

I was giving her M&M's (beans like jelly beans I guess) and she said two and put out her other hand like fill it too!

Then we were playing hide and seek and I was in the bathroom behind the door and she said Where did she go ( where she go) so I said pstttt. She found me so I hid again in the closet of her room and she came to the bedroom door and said pstttt before I could say anything. I guess she was calling for me... pstttt pstttt

We clipped the binkie tonight and told her the mouse got it and now it is broken.... the night before we just took it and that didn't go over so well. She took and through it in the trash last night and then Grant gave her a priesthood blessing and we told her dad was saying a special prayer for her. When he was done and we were just playing in bed before putting her down she put her hands on Grants head and said prayer.

Finally Talking

2010-01-04T12:50:00.002-06:00

Sam is finally really talking and everyday she cracks me up.

Today I said push play to watch Snow White she said remote (memote) I said no go push play on the dvd player.

Then I got out of the shower and she is standing with the remote looking at me and says broke...Well she had pushed mute on the remote...not sure how because our dvd remote doesn't have a mute and the tv wasn't muted....

We consistently ask Sam if she is okay until she responds just making sure she isn't have a seizure or something...(you will see this in a video when i get it posted) but I was listening on the monitor while getting ready and she was in bed, Matt sneezed and she kept saying okay...okay...okay...then I heard this noise so I am sure she got out of bed and went and looked in the crib to make sure.

Also, she was in her play car and said Matt Car I put him in and for 30 mins they played and had a blast. (pics and videos to come on this as well)

When we put her in bed she say with you (wish you) meaning she wants us to lay down in bed with her....not sure where she got this as we have never laid with her. She just gets in bed and we shut the door. But it is too cute and so sometimes now I have to give in.

What a funny girl. We love our little Sammie

2010

2010-01-02T20:37:00.002-06:00

Well we didn't get any pictures but Sam stayed up with Grant and I and watched Bedknobs and Broomsticks and then we watched the ball drop. We then ran outside wrapped in blankets and watched the fireworks that were going off in our neighborhood. What a great way to bring in the new year.

Christmas

2009-12-25T14:22:00.003-06:00

Our Sammie

2009-12-25T13:18:00.002-06:00

Christmas outfits & other odds and ends

2009-12-22T11:15:00.003-06:00

Aren't we so happy and deserve a visit from Santa?

The two year old is coming out.

Today Sam was in the bath with Matt and they were splashing and she noticed that she was getting me wet and took the wash cloth and said dry and wiped my sleeve.

Last night as we put her to bed she kept saying "shwishee" We couldn't figure it out and finally I realized she wanted us to lay in bed "with me"

We asked her what we should name her stuffed cat and she said "indzee" So we have a stuffed cat named Lindsay.

Last night also we were getting mad because she wouldn't get into bed and she grabbed the ball and threw it at Grant and he caught it and Sam said "good catch." We busted up and couldn't be mad anymore.

A few old pics

2009-12-14T12:37:00.005-06:00

becoming good friends

new thing is to play like she is going to sleep she even fake snores

Watching us decorate the tree

brother already attacking her

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-14T10:28:00.004-06:00

It was the Polar Express and so they had the Youth Serve us hot chocolate just like the scene in the movie and they had the gold tickets to punch as you came in. It was a blast thanks to all who put so much effort into it:)

Youth

Amazing Painting

Her Gold Ticket

HO HO HO

2009-11-20T17:12:00.002-06:00

Our little Sam

2009-11-20T16:21:00.002-06:00

Dancing to the music

Great Smile

How I found her sleeping one day

Today the Chevy commercial came on and she said VROOOOOM!!

2009-11-12T12:01:00.002-06:00

A lighter note

2009-11-02T17:43:00.004-06:00

Here are 2 fun videos to show how much Sam has grown. She now can recognize the entire alphabet (capital letters only but unsequentially) and count to 10.

Halloween a bust

2009-11-02T16:24:00.004-06:00

We were so excited all prepared for Halloween when Sam got sick and yes again we ended up in the hospital. So unfortunately no Halloween pics for us yet, we may still dress everyone up and get some.

Sorry but this blog is more of a journal because some day I am going to turn these into books for her.

This instance brought back memories of two years ago when she was born and we brought her home from the NICU on Halloween. This time we didn't get out until Nov 1st.

All are doing better and getting healthier every day. It is just a simple a lesson in remembering your priorities and what is most important in life.

I put up a quote on my wall only a week before that said "today's test is tomorrows testimony" Man how that kept coming into my mind as we were going through all these trials. There is nothing as helpless as watching your child so sick and having continuous seizures and nothing you can do but hold the exauhsted body. Some day I hope to know the reason why we have to continue to have this expereince as it is both frightening and exhausting to all around. But I know there is something we are supposed to learn here from it.

The thing was reminded about this time was how precious each minute with them awake and healthy is. Love every moment and cherish them.

We knew she loved nuggets but didn't realize on a sick stomach that a little one can eat 10 with in 5 hrs. Also, oreo cookies are breakfast of a champion little girl who fought so hard through all these tough few days.

Here are some cute videos and pics on a brighter note.

Can I walk a day in your shoes?

Our Beautiful little girl

Sweet girl sleeping

Her b-day with the Gardner Grandparents

Brother and Sister

See we were even practicing:(

My 2nd Birthday

2009-10-22T11:18:00.005-05:00

Airport to say goodbye :(

Birthday Presents

Cake

Last week 3rd post PUMPKIN PATCH

2009-10-22T11:16:00.006-05:00

Pumpkin Carving

Last week 2nd post PARK

2009-10-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

Last week 1st post ZOO

2009-10-22T10:46:00.006-05:00

We were so surprised when Grandma and Grandpa Arthur and Chloe showed up for Sammie's 2 year birthday party. We were able to go to the zoo, the park, the pumpkin patch, church, and of course Braums for ice cream:)

The little things make it all worth it

2009-10-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

We have been having Sam help us with prayers. We were blessing the food and we said Thank you for the food and she said thank you food. Then Grant said please bless the food. She said please bless and pointed to the food and said that. (I guess she wasn't sure our burritos and rice were actually food).

This is why we love our Sammie:)

Fair & other exciting pics

2009-10-09T21:47:00.006-05:00

Sam got to go with Grandma and Grandpa Gardner and Aunt Allie to the fair.

This is how I found her yesterday morning. Notice the feet are by the fish:)

1st Camping Trip

2009-10-03T16:37:00.002-05:00

We camped in our back yard last night.

Cute Hair

2009-10-03T16:34:00.002-05:00

Last week and the Fair

2009-10-02T07:48:00.004-05:00

Grandpa G and Sam at the fair

Dad and Sam

Kids play area

Horses at the fair

Our Rock star

Before church our little princess

23 Months Old

2009-09-21T11:48:00.003-05:00

I put her hair in 4 little buns after her bath and when we took them out at night this is what we got:)

New way to drive a car

A few more Chicago Pics

2009-09-19T23:01:00.003-05:00

Grant sent me these that he took with his phone.

We got to meet my uncle and aunt and their kids for dinner.......which was so great, if only my kids would have behaved:)

Northwest Arkansas Airport

2009-09-08T20:53:00.002-05:00

Princess Castle

Knock knock

One way to use the window

The other way to use the window

Our little Princess

Our Big Girl

2009-09-07T13:30:00.004-05:00

We have been trying cute different hair styles

Some one found the perfect drink. It is only 3/4 her size

Sorry you have to suffer through my voice singing

Family Vacation

2009-08-31T16:05:00.006-05:00

We took a trip to Chicago and got to stay in the famous Palmer House Hilton. Here are some pictures of the Lobby.

4 Kiddos

Andrea, Russell, Grant and Sam

Sam and Grant

Crown Fountain

Crown Fountain

Inside of the bean

Bean in Chicago

Bean In Chicago

Gardner Family under the bean

Millennium Park

Gardner's at Buckingham Fountain

We got to see Grant's Sister and her family and my Uncle and his family. It was fun to be able to see everyone!!

2009-08-19T14:53:00.002-05:00

HAT

Wants to be young like brother again so she gets all the attention.

This is how she is most of the time....A bundle of Joy to be around:)

Entertaining Each Other

2009-08-15T00:03:00.003-05:00

What we do while dad is gone:)

2009-08-14T23:06:00.004-05:00

Since Matt took over the crib, Sam moved to her big girl bed.

She looks so tiny in in it!!

Her crocks are little hippos

Stickers in all the right places

Our Sam

2009-08-03T17:32:00.004-05:00

She has been talking up a storm lately and is getting so big....Where does time go? She will be 2 in 2 months:( Crazy. Here is a recent picture and she also thinks that she needs to use a pillow to sleep.

Attitude

Cute Hair in braids

Cute Hair after braids

Fish Tail

Attitude

Pillow

See Food

Cute Hair

Attitude

A Sign

2009-07-15T10:19:00.002-05:00

I guess it is a sign that she is ready to be potty trained when I walk in to get her out of bed after hearing "uh oh" through the baby monitors and all I see is a butt in the air. She has taken off her diaper. Would have had a picture but who wants to see her butt cheeks:)

My Crazy Month

2009-07-13T11:50:00.018-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa Gardner and the Kiddos

Brother and Sister

Playing Tent in the house

Sam and Grandpa Gardner on our tramp

The Hurst Bunch

At Palmer's

1st 4 wheeler ride

Swimming with dad in Blanding

All the matchin' cousins....we missed you Josh!

4th of July Parade

Farley and Farmer Sam

Great Grandma Arthur, Sam, Matt

Arthur's in Blanding

Andrea, Russell, Luke, Grant, Matt, Sam

So tired that we are giving loves to have something to lean on

Carousel

Sam & Kiana at the park

Grandma and Grandpa Arthur

Sam & Emma

Smiles

Pizza Picnic

Kiana, Trey, Sam

The flower smells pretty

Swimming with the Arthur Cousins

1st time down the slide alone

1st Sleepover Chloe, Sam, Trey

Chloe, Trey, Leroy, Sam

Becky, Evan, Austin, Me, Matt, Sam, Tricia, Trey

Frank & Evan

Tricia, Trey, Becky, Matt, Sam

Palmer's swimming

Sam & Grant

Holding Colee

Aunt Kara, Matt, Grandma Gardner, Sam, Andrew

What we have been up to

2009-06-04T20:20:00.005-05:00

We bought a tramp and I forgot how well it works your legs:)

And Sam has decided to be such a big helper

Anyone remember the Snorks?

2009-06-04T19:43:00.004-05:00

Sam's hairdo today resembled them

Nursery

2009-06-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

So yesterday after Nursery Sam's teachers told us this conversation happened:

Kid: Teacher
Teacher: Yes
Kid: How come Sam has a boys voice?
Teacher: Ha Ha

Teacher tells Grant and I the conversation and we both burst out laughing.

Watching her own movies

2009-05-25T22:04:00.003-05:00

This is her watching the movie of her below when she is sitting in the chair with Matt

Our Sammie

2009-05-22T10:59:00.006-05:00

Watching Nemo

1st Bubble Bath

2009-05-22T10:57:00.001-05:00

18 Months

2009-05-18T12:07:00.004-05:00

We went in for Sam's 18 month check up and she is:
31 1/2 inches long which is in the 50%
22 lbs which is in the 25%
Head was 45 1/2 inches which is in the 25%

Here is what she has been up to lately:

I came in to check on the kids and Sam was sitting on Matthew. Yikes I am going to have to pay more attention. How babies survive older siblings are miracles.

Dad and the kiddos

The last three weeks

2009-05-12T11:11:00.008-05:00

The last 3 weeks have kind of been a blur and very busy all together. First the birth of Matthew and then the visit from my family, a baby shower, rain for days on end and our computer giving up the ghost. We are way behind and so there are tons of pics and they start with the latest and go back in time. Enjoy:)

Piggy Tail

Aquarium in Jenks

Sharks mouth

Touching the Sting Rays

Trip to the church after being cooped in the house for days on end because of the rain

Sharing the car. We both can fit right?

Bubbles (finding nemo)
Popsicle
Bath robes

Present from Grandma Arthur

Holding Brother Matt

Does she even know we're gone?

2009-04-24T15:59:00.003-05:00

I had a great moment yesterday when I came home to help put Sammie down for the evening - Grandma Gardner was playing with her on the computer. They were identifying all the body parts on baby brother while looking as his blog. So, Sammie knows very well where her brother's eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are.

She's been having a wonderful time with Grandma Gardner and it's such a good thing that we've been so blessed to have family this close to help during this time. Truly, we are where we are supposed to be.

I'm a big Sis Now

2009-04-23T10:52:00.009-05:00

http://matthewgrantgardner.blogspot.com/

Big Star

2009-04-20T12:02:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this look just like a paparazzi photo?

Just chillin

Like momma like daughter

2009-04-20T11:57:00.002-05:00

Our Little Girl is turning so BIG

2009-04-17T08:11:00.007-05:00

Less than one week and Sam will be a big Sister (be sure and take our poll on Stacie's blog) She found an open bag of M&M's not sure if you can see but the chocolate is up in her eyebrows:)

About 5 o'clock she starts saying dada...She loves when dad comes home and plays with her while mom gets dinner

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-13T12:33:00.005-05:00

I know this post is a little late, but hope everyone enjoyed their Easter and that you remember the meaning of why we celebrate it. Also, hope that the Easter Bunny found everyone:)

This weekend was big for us, Sam learned to find eggs and put them in the basket, went off her medicine completely, and went to nursery at church for the first time. She didn't want to come home with us after playing with the kids and toys. Her teachers said her favorite time was singing time. Who would have guessed? She has only danced and loved music since she was around 4 months old.

Sam on Easter....I told you she is starting to copy and put her hands on her hips all the time.

Easter Egg Hunt in our front yard.

Blankey and pillow Great Grandma made her

I cut her bangs again. Now she looks more like a toddler than ever

At the store in the car cart.

Family Vacation

2009-04-05T17:48:00.007-05:00

We decided to take one last family vacation just the 3 of us. So we packed up and headed to Joplin, Missouri, which is about 2 hrs from our house. It was nice and relaxing. Here are some pictures from our trip.

1st time swimming in a big pool:)

One of the attractions of Joplin. The 25 foot falls.

Updates

2009-04-05T17:43:00.001-05:00

Daddy Daughter time

I am so cool....I wanna be just like mom

St. Patricks Day and Health Update

2009-03-26T09:42:00.004-05:00

We took Sam to the Neurologist last week. They still don't know what caused the seizures but on most people they never do, so we opted to take her off the medicine until (if ever) she has another one. We have noticed a tremendous change in her already just going to half a dose. Her balance has become way more stable and she is walking everywhere. She isn't as whiny and has more patience with us and herself.

Here she is in my shoes.

Her new favorite show is nemo and here is her own nemo

Ponytails

I love Spaghetti

St Patricks day Dinner was Green Milk, Green Eggs, and Green Waffles.

Video Overload & a couple of pics

2009-03-16T10:22:00.009-05:00

Just a loungin'

I am practicing for Easter

Starting to say sounds. She went from none to 5 in one night.

Sam loves to read with us. We are reading scriptures before bed. This is her moving her finger along the words like we do when we read to her.

We had a Emmy Award party for our Relief Society Party (It was the Emma Awards) and on all the tables they had glasses we could take. Sam loved them!

She loves her new car seat. She picked it out after mom and dad read the safety requirements of course.

Last week I babysat our neighbor boy just for a day again. Sam loved to laugh at just about everything he did. I said hey you are only 1 quit flirting!!

She has also really started copying everything. I didn't realize how much I put my hands on my hips until she started doing it all time.

A weekend never to repeat

2009-03-04T21:13:00.006-06:00

This is going to sound a little in depth but we use our blog as a journal as well so it will be very detailed. Sorry this is going to be long.....

To start I guess I should say Sam was sick on Thurs (we think with the flu) first time in her life she has thrown up. So on Sunday March 1st I woke up puking and since I don't do that with my pregnancies I knew I had the flu. It was stake conference and so I was just going to stay home, but something told me you need to go. So I got ready and we went. I was really trying to pay attention because I knew that if I felt that strongly about going there must be something there for me to get out of the message. And I got a few things here and there but nothing mind blowing. An hour into the conference I began feeling sick again and headed to the bathroom. After about 15 min I returned to my seat and Grant had Sam on his shoulder trying to put her to sleep when her Binky dropped. I reached down to get it when he said Sam....SAM!!! I realized something was wrong. She wasn't responding and her lips began to turn blue. He took her out into the lobby and I ran to grab a Dr. we know who was a few rows up. I guess a nurse had been sitting right in front of us and ran out to help.

At first they thought she was choking, but we said she hadn't eaten anything and so then they realized she was having a seizure. Grant's mom was with us and called 911. The Dr and nurse began taking vitals and checking everything. After the longest 30 seconds I have ever been through she came to life for just a few seconds and then immediately went to sleep. Grant and a few men administered a priesthood blessing and then they asked me to try to wake her. She reached for me and I started holding her but then became very nauseous and handed her to Grant. I went outside to puke in the flower beds. The paramedics arrived and started her on O2. Then the ambulance arrived and we all loaded up and went to the children's hospital of St Francis.

On the way there the paramedic said for parents of a child having a first time seizure you are both very contained and calm. He could tell we were scared but not freaking out. I wanted to say well that is the blessing of having the priesthood power upon the earth. The Dr who helped also lives a block away from us in our neighborhood and I was her Visiting Teacher for a while so we became good friends. She is in her last year of residency in pediatrics at St Francis and so she headed there and got the ball rolling before the ambulance even got there. So we went right into a room and they began doing blood work and processed the test. Withing 40 min we had blood results and they had us being wheeled up to pediatrics where they could closer monitor her. We beat the nurse tech there, she didn't even have the room set up and ready that is how fast they transported us. Nice to have connections.

They put her on Saline because she was showing dehydration and I know why because I was running to the bathroom every few minutes for it to come out of one end or the other and every time I drank it cramped my stomach so no wonder she didn't want anything to do with liquids for the past couple of days. Many friends from church called to check on her and some came by which was so nice to feel the support and love and prayers of everyone. Around 6 pm Grant's mom was holding Sam and she began another seizure again only lasting about 30 sec. Because there were now 2 in 24 hrs the illness became more severe. They had given us a few instructions just in case it happened again when we first got to the hospital and when the nurse came in she said we did everything right.

So they kept us overnight and said they would run tests on Monday. They scheduled an EEG and then said we would get an MRI later. However, they were able to get us in. The worst part was Sam had to be completely put under. They got both tests completed but the MRI was around 4 in the afternoon and once a child is put completely out they like to monitor them for 5 hours afterwards. So we ended up staying Monday night as well. Our Dr friend was actually our Dr that night and it was so nice to have someone we could ask stupid questions to and not feel like we were dumb parents. Thank heavens by Monday afternoon I was starting to feel better. We never could have made it if Grants mom didn't come straight to the hospital with us and stayed with us every min or ran errands for us when we needed. Thank you to an Angel sent from heaven!! We owe her more than we can ever repay!!! Monday night they started her on seizure medicine and so they also wanted to monitor that through the night.

Tuesday we woke up to good news that the MRI came back normal and that we were going to be discharged sometime that day. Well the Dr came in and told us they were able to get the hospitals neurologist to read the EEG and everything looked normal there. We decided to continue with the medicine until we could get into Sam's Pediatrician and a pediatric Neurologist. Before we could leave the hospital we had to get training on what to do if she has another one. However, we are now getting to 48+ hours without one and so the longer we get away the better. Since there was nothing to show where it was coming from they won't give an official diagnosis but they said they would link it to more of a Febrile Seizure. So hopefully we will never have to deal with this again.

Here are some pics from her experience.

Hooked up to the IV and with her hospital attire

Most expensive hairdo she will ever have. This is after the EEG.

Being wheeled down to the MRI. It was nice the hospital is enormous and I didn't have to walk anywhere I always got to be wheeled with her. Thank heavens or we may have had another baby this weekend too.

In her prison crib. She was finally wanting to not be held or touched and just wanted to kick and play.

After being freed from all her wires and cords. So free and happy!!!

Because it was a pediatric hospital they had wagons and cars and so when she was free and feeling better we took her for a few rides. I think this made her want to stay forever. However, mom and dad were ready to hit the road and be at home. We finally got released and home around 6:30 pm on Tues.

We need to thank all those for their prayers and thoughts. All the calls and messages and emails and abundance of love we felt during this time made us realize how many people we are truly blessed to have in our lives. We need to thank our Heavenly Father for the blessing of letting this happen where it did with so many who had medical knowledge and the priesthood to bless her. Thankful for our little girl and the reminder of how short life can be and that we need to remember and be thankful for every moment even if it is a huge fit or mess that we should be grateful that they are healthy enough to be able to make it. And after many tears and prayers from me and priesthood blessings given to me, I am at peace and know that this too will pass and that trials are given to us to strengthen us and help us grow closer to become more like our Savior. And just want to publicly thank my Heavenly Father for Friends, Family, an amazing Husband, and most especially for my wonderful daughter. It is times like this that I realize I should say that more often. I love you all!!!

Sorry I told you it was going to be long.

Random Pics and videos from the past 2 weeks

2009-02-20T10:48:00.004-06:00

My last bottle. I am now a big girl and drink my milk out of a sippie cup.

Happy Valentines day!!

Swinging outside and loving every minute of it.

Daddy and Sammie snuggling.

Dads new way to do squats.

What we do when it is 60 degrees outside

2009-02-18T15:52:00.003-06:00

It is so nice today I turned off the heat and opened the windows. We are getting a nice dose of sun today. HURRAY!!! So Sam and I went outside to get the mail and it was too nice so we stayed outside and drew on the sidewalk/driveway.

Picture overload

2009-02-06T11:55:00.006-06:00

Our little Strawberry Shortcake. Eating Strawberries in her Strawberry PJ's

After almost a whole year she is now able to wear her Year of the Pig Outfit and boy does the description on the back fit her.

Here are some pictures from our latest trip to UT. Sorry to those who we didn't get pictures with and to those we didn't get to see. We'll be back!!
Just Chillin

Great Grandma Hurst

Great and Grandparents with all the Grandkids

Granny Harfur and Bampa with all the Kids

Great Grandma and Grandpa Hurst with all the kids

Koen and Sadie

Blasts from the pasts Roomies

Kiana and Sam

Our little Toddler

Thanks Aunt Tricia for the Oreo

I think I am old enough to be driving

Twinners

Attacking Grandpa

Happy Birthday Grandpa you Senior Citizen

I can walk for candy Aunt Lindsay

Bath Buddies

I put her down on the airplane to pick up our stuff and she had put the two seat belt ends around her.

I Love you

2009-01-19T10:31:00.003-06:00

I am so cute and stylin

She loves to hug everything soft and stuffed

Thanks to our elderly neighbors who thought she should have a stuffed animal for Christmas it has become one of her favorite toys.

Thanks Jelly Belly's

2009-01-19T09:57:00.003-06:00

All it takes is a little Jelly Belly to get anyone with Arthur blood to walk. ha ha

Vain, not our Sammie

2009-01-01T19:57:00.003-06:00

Hat or Bucket?

2009-01-01T18:33:00.002-06:00

Our little Angel

New things

Cute Sayings

couple of videos

Our 3 1/2 year old

Shopping

Out of the mouths of babes

Birthday PIcs

Last Night

More Sayings

Happy 3rd Birthday

Love

More Funny Things

Today

Getting caught up

Prayers

Sammie

New Adventures with a big helper

Out of the mouth of babes

Our Girl

Our Singer

We have been busy

More Catch Up

Easter in Utah

Cookies

Crazy Sammie

In time out

Daddy Daughter Date

Out of the Mouth of our sammie

Prayer

We are alive

2 more videos I forgot

Goodnight Gorilla

3 more videos

Snow twice in 1 winter

Crafts

1st Dentist Visit

Cracks us up

New Hair cuts and playing together

We think our Sam looks like

Journal

Finally Talking

2010

Christmas

Our Sammie

Christmas outfits & other odds and ends

A few old pics

Ward Christmas Party

Our little Sam

More Videos

A lighter note

Halloween a bust

My 2nd Birthday

Last week 3rd post PUMPKIN PATCH

Last week 2nd post PARK

Last week 1st post ZOO

The little things make it all worth it

Fair & other exciting pics

1st Camping Trip

Cute Hair

Last week and the Fair

23 Months Old

A few more Chicago Pics

Northwest Arkansas Airport

Our Big Girl

Family Vacation

Entertaining Each Other

What we do while dad is gone:)

Our Sam

A Sign

My Crazy Month

What we have been up to

Anyone remember the Snorks?

Nursery

Watching her own movies

Our Sammie

1st Bubble Bath

18 Months

The last three weeks

Does she even know we're gone?