2008 blew through like a whirling Midwest snowstorm. It was Charisse's first Minnesota winter, and she never did get used to sub-zero temperatures. But we braved the cold weather and Charisse even let Stephen drive their brand new car out onto the lake (yes, ON the lake!). We transitioned from squatters to home-owners, and the rest of the year has been spent cleaning, fixing, and decorating our lovely abode.
Stephen continues to enjoy his grown-up job at Eaton. Trips to India, Japan, Germany, and Iowa now qualify him as a world traveler but leave him with the feeling that business travel (without your family) isn't all its cracked up to be. Stephen is now the Scoutmaster and, while he loves frequent camping, he finds it challenging to try and remember everything he learned from when he became an Eagle Scout nearly a decade ago. His favorite thing is walking in the door after work and waiting for Samantha to run clompily into the kitchen, turn around about three feet away, and slowly walk backwards for him to pick her up for a good hug.
Charisse is a thoughtful wife and amazing mother. Much of Samantha's beauty (all of the beauty ;), cheerfulness, and intelligence come from Charisse and her diligence in raising our wonderful daughter. This year she has enjoyed playing the flute, reading books, exercising (Yoga, Kickboxing, swimming, biking), designing the interior/exterior of our house, and keeping our blog up to date. She hosted our very first Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners, and everyone at Stephen's work always covets his lunches (leftovers). She's the best!
Samantha passed many milestones this year including learning to sit, crawl, walk, run, and (trying) to jump. She's learning how to talk and loves to babble. Her first word was "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa MEN!" (after family prayer, when she's "all done", at the end of a book, when she wants to leave, and whenever the prayer gets too long at church). She is also counting (mostly just "two", but sometimes 1... 2... 3jump!). Sammi loves music, especially music that makes you dance. It's been amazing to watch her learn and grow and see her personality shows itself. Samantha inherited her father's need to always be doing something--but sometimes she will just lounge on the couch with mommy (for 5 or 6 seconds). She's also a very observant child. When she's in a new surrounding (or when there are new people) she'll just sit/stand and watch for awhile until she's taken it all in. Then she'll be back to her happy self and resume playing and showing off. Samantha inherited her mother's organizational skills, preferring that everything be in its proper place. For example, if she finds your shoes on the floor she'll bring them to you (and sometimes even try to put them on your feet). Shoes belong on feet. She likes doors to be closed (unless you are in the bathroom and she is not), and her cup is ALWAYS in her cup-holder on her high chair. She has also learned that dirty diapers belong in the garbage. Whenever we finish changing her diaper, she reaches up onto the table, grabs her dirty diaper, and carries it over to the kitchen garbage. She's a hilarious girl, and we love her tons.
In the turbulent times in which we now live, we feel even more grateful for our home, family, friends, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ which brings us peace. We hope this finds you all equally blessed.
Stephen, Charisse & Samantha Smith
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