President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Hinckley passed away at the age of 97 last night. I am so sad, to say the least. He was such a wonderful man--so compassionate, tolerant, accepting, loving and humorous. He didn't feel like an "untouchable"--it felt like you knew him on a personal level. I think my father-in-law summed it up best when he said that he felt like he had lost a friend.

God bless you, President Hinckley, as you reunite with our Father and our Savior, as well as your sweet little wife, whom you have looked forward to being with again. Heaven has gained the most magnificent angel. You will be missed dearly here on this earth, but it's comforting to know your wonderful work will continue and your happiness will abound.

Splish Splash...

...Sam was taking a bath

First time in the big bath! Weee!

Eight Months Old!

Sam began sitting up on his own this past week and also sprouted a second tooth. He loves to clap his little hands, especially if someone will chant "pat-a-cake". He also had his first fairly bad cold. I can't keep socks on the boy--he *loves* to pull them off and stick them in his mouth. He'll do that and continue playing with whatever he was playing with, letting the sock hang out of his mouth like a little puppy--it's so adorable! He also continues to grow and grow--I packed away most of his 6-12 month clothing and he's now wearing mostly 12-18 month stuff. Big boy!

Celebrating James

James.

There is no one like you. You are one of a kind.

You are so head strong, so confident, and so determined.

You're very independent--if you wants something, you don't wait around for anyone--you just get it yourself (or at least try to).

You are the biggest love bug, too. You love your Daddy more than anyone in the world. You love to snuggle. When you let me carry you, I always take the chance to tell you that I love you because I know your reply will be, "I love you, Mom." Four words I can never get enough of.

You love to dress yourself (thus changing your outfit 3-4 times each day and putting together some interesting combinations). You love music. You love to dance. You love to play with Playdoh. You love bubbles. You love to color and "do homework". You love to ride in Daddy's green car. You love to say prayers.

As you approach your third birthday (in March), you are ready to embark on some big boy milestones. This week you traded in your nighttime bottle for a new stuffed puppy to sleep with. (This is a huge deal! You loved your bottle so much--I thought we might have to send it to kindergarten with you). You are ready to begin potty training soon. I'm a little hesitant to do that because it will mean that you have taken one more step toward being a kid, one more step farther from your babyhood.

James, I love you so much and I even love the challenges you bring into my life. With those challenges comes amazement and laughter and so much joy. You fill my heart with such wonderful things, James. I hope you will always stay your spunky, wonderful self.

I love you!