Vocal Point

I am sitting at my desk on Thursday afternoon and get a random email from one of the secretaries in the building. That happens more often than one would think, I was about to delete when I thought hmmm could have some interesting information. So I pop open the email and open the first attachment, classical music on a Saturday afternoon, hmmm no. Not that I don't like classical music, especially in the afternoon on a Saturday but I never know when I am or am not going to have Sam and he can only take so much classical music. Thinking that yes, I should just close the email and get back to work I open the next attachment. Vocal Point in the small theater - just across the street! Awesome. Not so awesome it is on Saturday, this Saturday. I call up the ticket office thinking they will be sold out. NOPE! I scored three tickets. I invited a friend that I was supposed to go see a movie with on Saturday but then I ended up having Sam so no movie for us but fortunately or unfortunately - depending on how you look at it - she couldn't go. Sam wanted to invite his friend Aiden.

We had perfect seats, not that there are any bad seats in a theater that seats 1,000 people. After we sat down my boss sat down next to us so I told the kids, "Be REALLY good!" I didn't really need to tell them that, they were well behaved gentlemen.

The concert was so fun. It was funny, uplifting, high quality entertainment. I asked the boys what their favorite songs were: Sam said his was Game Day which is very entertaining to watch and Aiden said his favorite was when 'that guy' (that would be Tanner) did the beat boxing thing. I have to admit that was one of my favorite moments too. I loved every moment but I thought it was hilarious when the 'deep base guy' (that would be Robert) did an Elmo voice, the best Elmo impersonation I have ever heard and then when one of the other members said "What part does Elmo sing?" He said in an Elmo voice, "Elmo likes to sing..." And then in a really deep rich base "BASE" So funny. They also sang some spiritual songs.

At the end they said they would be signing autographs at Deseret Book both Sam and Aiden looked at me with big eyes and pleading faces. Oh alright, we'll go. Happy children!

 Tanner and Robert were so cute with the kids asking them their names and what their favorite songs were both Sam and Aiden asked to see Tanner's 'neck' mic - I have never seen anything like it! We learned a lot about beatboxing!

 I wish the pics weren't so blurry but everything happened so fast. Sam was so excited to shake McKay's hand. They were all so friendly and great with the kids.

 Smiley happy people!

I couldn't pass up the chance to buy a CD and let the boys get signatures. Both of them were like "I am going to keep mine forever", "I am going to protect it from the ninjas" Seriously they were so funny about it.

The night was so fun. Thanks Aiden for coming with us we had a FANTASTIC time!

Party Planet

Sam got lucky this year. We found a groupon for Planet Play with the best deal. Seriously the best so Sam got to take three friends to play laser tag, bumber cars, lots of video games, eat pizza and generally just have a good time. We all had so much fun. Even I wanted to try out the laser tag it looked so fun and non threatening. We were all exhausted when they day was over but it was so much fun. Let's do it again!

2011 Misadventures

It's funny that last time I wrote I spoke of trying to be better about blogging and then I never wrote again in 2011. It was a busy year and we had 'stuff'. Here are a few highlights:

I was co-conspirator with my friend Michele Ebright in planning our mission reunion. I think it ended up being perfect. It was so fun to see so many sisters. I think the furthest came from Australia but we had lots of people from lots of places. Can't wait til the next one!

We had a blast with our family at the Wood Family Reunion. Sam loves spending time with his Papa and Dede and his cousins, especially Cambridge. He loves taking care of Beckett and Jude and playing with Lincoln, Spencer and Hayden. The whole trip was loads of fun.

We went to the Utah Scottish festival for the first time and I can tell you we will be back again next year. We had so much fun. Who knew there was so much to do! Plus the root beer is to die for, I think I would pay to get in just to pay to get root beer, honestly it is that good!
 

Sam and I had our first gun experience. My uncle is a gun kinda guy showed us how it is done, safety first and then lots of fun. We had a great time with my parents, aunt and uncle and cousin. I think we need to do it again ... and soon!

Sam finished up summer with his summer play. This is his fourth year and it was fun as ever. He was a Merry Man in Robin Hood's band as well as one of the three little pigs in a side skit. It was so fun to watch his facial expressions, he really gets into his part. He was amazing!
 

Then summer was over we spent the week before school hanging out at the pool, spending a day at the zoo and partying it up at the Children's museum. I have to say to that I LOVE Sam's teacher this year. If you have children at Adelaide pray for Mrs. Packard because she has been a God-send to us.

Sam was a pirate for Halloween but I have to say when he is next to our cousin Kellen who was Wesley from Princess Bride he could pass for Inigo Montoya, don't you think? He made out like a pirate in the candy department - funny he probably won't eat half of it, he is more a salty kid. His favorite treat a bag of microwave popcorn!

Sam loves his counsin Cambridge. They email back and forth and Skype from time to time but nothing is better than a visit! Thanks for visiting!!!

Finally the holidays. We loved Chuckarama with the Lanham family. Sam said it was the best Thanksgiving ever because he got pepperoni pizza. I think here is a new tradition in our family. We had so much fun setting up our Turkey Tree and remembering all the things we have to be grateful for. I got to sing in a Christmas Choir for the first time in years. Sam was a superstar and would come to practice with me every Sunday night for two hours. So grateful he is such a good kid. We also got to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas performance, wow was it amazing! Finally, Christmas day and New Years. I loved being with Sam on those holidays. Remembering our Savior and bringing in the New Year with Sam is the best way to celebrate. 

Now it is time for 2012 and I am sure we will have plenty of misadventures!

It's March ... Already!

I often think my life is boring, well if it is so boring how did January and February fly by so fast? I have a few clues that may lead me to understand how these two relatively long months flew past.

First, my Sam turned 8 years old on January 27th. He is such an amazing kid. He fills my life with laughter and stories and wild imagination. I went to his school the day after his birthday to share a birthday treat and play a game, we made Lego puzzles for all the kids. It was really fun. I loved watching Sam interact with his class. I don't get to do that very often but it is really one of my most favorite things.

We had fun planning Sam's Pirate themed party at the local aquetics center. My favorite part was watching him try to eat with a pirate eye patches on both his eyes.

Second, two weeks after Sam turned 8 he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a perfect day. And I do mean perfect. I had been stressing about the day for months, no need to go into the details but I just worried it would not be great. Then a couple days before I just felt peace, I felt that God was looking out for Sam and it was going to be a beautiful day and it was, it was perfect. I felt blessed to have so many family and friends come and show their love for Sam. He looked amazing in white and his smile was contagious. Brother Randy Benson baptized Sam. He has been our Home Teacher for over six years. Sam loves him like a grandpa.

Third, Sam joined the ranks of the cub scouts. I'll be honest scouts scare me (funny my sister Facebooked me the same sentence!) but really scouts scare me. It also seems to want to nickle and dime me into poverty but that is a story for another time. Sam looks so dang cute in his blue shirt. At his blue and gold banquet last week they had made short films to show the parents. Sam's group was the best. It really was so funny. I think I may have an actor on my hands. He did a really great job.

So the past few months have gone by fast and furious. I don't think it will slow down any so hopefully I will be better about blogging but probably not. Here is the update. I still can't believe it is March 2011.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I wanted to send letters to everyone but alas ... here is my Christmas letter to ALL my wonderful friends and family

Dear Family & Friends,

It has been a year of ups and downs. Mostly ups, a few downs.

This past January my grandfather, Ralph Wood, passed away. Over the year, I have been reminded of what a wonderful example of faith and love he was to me. I have missed him but I am grateful for the legacy he left for my son and me.

We took a couple of road trips this year, one of which was traumatic and financially painful but it was all worth it to see family. Many people know that I do not like to drive but I do it anyway. I may not take a road trip again for a time. I don't like to fly either so if you love me and want to see me I guess you will have to come to Utah!

Sam performed in summer theater camp again. This year they did several skits of twisted fairy tales. They did Falling for Rapunzel, The Emperor's Old Clothes, Ode to Humpty Dumpty and the Princess and the Pizza. Then they also did four dances, Sam was a part of three: Smelling the Roses, a contemporary dance; Hero Battle, a hip hop routine in which Sam had a kickin' break dance solo; and a Bollywood dance. He had so much fun with all his friends. I was told (by people that don't even know us!) that Sam was their favorite. He has such a great face and gets into all the difference characters. He had a great time doing the play and I had a great time watching.

I asked Sam what some of his favorite memories were from this year. He said his favorite memory of this year was spending time with family in California. It was so fun to spend time with my family hanging out at the condo, playing at Disneyland, seeing the ocean for the first time and swimming in the pool. The reunion produced wonderful memories that we will cherish.

Sam and I are going to spend a quiet Christmas at home. During this time of year, we have reflected on the many the many blessings that we have been given. We are so grateful for our family and friends that love and support us. I am grateful for my job and the people that I have the opportunity to interact with every day. We are grateful to live in this country. We are most grateful for Jesus Christ, for His birth and for His Atonement.

We wish you are the very best Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love Liz & Sam

NaNoWriMo

It is that time of year again. I was not going to do it this year but when October rolled around all I could think of was NaNo starts in November. What am I going to write?

Then I had an idea about a huge empire that took care of the people living within the original country/kingdom but mistreated the 'colonies' some of which were the moons surrounding the planet. They bring 'worthy' warriors out of the colonies to become empire guards or whatever. My MC Riley is from one of the moon colonies. The reason the empire peeps are bringing in outside muscle is that they are guarding a dirty little secret. Anyway that is a start.

Problem is this is the first time I have written from a male POV. I find I am struggling. So now with only a few weeks to go I am thinking of striking the whole idea and writing a different story back with my good ol' female POV but then I feel like that is giving up. NaNo is hard enough to write without struggling with the main character. But just now I thought I could write from third person which would mean I wouldn't have to get into my MCs head. Hmmm choices, choices. Nevertheless and notwithstanding I am doing NaNo this year. What exactly I am going to write it yet to be determined.

Happiest Place on Earth

I am in serious neglect of my blog but I am here to redeem myself. We had a great time a couple of weeks ago in California here are the highlights:

The first day we were there it was a beautiful day for the pool. The kiddos has a great time playing in the water and sliding down the water slide. They had not seen each other for a while but it didn't take long for everyone to jump in and play.

We went to a farmer's market and got the best fresh fruit EVER. It was all so good. The only downer was I bought a lot because I just could not stop myself on the last day I was stuffing peaches in my mouth trying to eat it all before we left for home. Sam got some really cool clothes. Here he is trying them out.

Ah the beach. Sam LOVED it. It started off a bit cool and overcast but for me it was perfect. I love that kind of weather. Walking along the beach with a cardigan the water splashing on my toes. Then the clouds cleared and the sun came out. It was a perfect day at the beach.

The family at Disneyland. Needless to say we all had a great time. We laughed, we cried. It really is the happiest place on earth until you have to leave. Sam wanted to know if we could live there. Who doesn't want to live at Disneyland? Sam's favorite ride was the Matterhorn. Mine was Indiana Jones.

Sam, Cambridge and Hayden at Disney. Everybody was so great and had such a good time.

Sam loves Lego - he is a LegoMaster - so when i found out we were only 20 minutes from Legoland I couldn't resist. It was a blast. And Sam got his drivers licence. I have to say going to Lego after Disney slightly lessened the experience for me (although if you ask Sam it might be his favorite part of the trip). It is an amazing place but really nothing compares to Disneyland.

Note the super tired look in Sam's eye. Two full days of parks wears a person out!

Legoland. I can't believe I rode this thing. But Sam had so much fun I just could not resist. It is called the Knight's challenged. To me it looked like a giant dragon claw grabbed us then flung us about. That is pretty much what the ride did. And I didn't even get sick to my stomach! When you got on the ride you had to take of anything that could fall off - flip flops, earings, sunglasses - and take all items out of your pockets. They had a little cubby by the ride to hold your personal belongings. Sam pulled out of his pocket a tiny silver screw, he was so proud of his personal item.

Our last evening in California we went to a Padres game. We, OF COURSE, screaming and yelled for the San Fran Giants. Sam said it was the best, a least the parts he could remember. After all the fun and excitement he couldn't keep his eyes open. Even with loud and crazy fans all around us he was fast asleep after the 3 inning. I had never been to a professional game before. It was so fun.

The last day at the pool. The kiddos loved chasing Papa around and he loved being chased. It was such a fun packet, yet relaxing adventure.

Kipp, Sam, Lincoln and Spencer - the cool kats.

It was so much fun to spend the week with family. My sister is a rock star for putting it all together. Thanks Katie for all your hard work. Can't wait for the next one.