Captain Samuel Lyman Grindstaff M.D.

We were able to go out to Maryland for Sams graduation. He became a Captain and a Doctor in the same day. His graduation was at the Dar (Daughters of the American Revolution) building, in Consitution Hall. Sams parents, his brother Scott and my Mom were also able to come out. Sams family got a MD and a MBA in the same day. Scott graduated on the 17th also but chose to be out with us (thanks Maggie). Scott thought that since Sam gets called Doctor he should be called Master and Commander, I don't think anyone will go for that one.

His graduation was really neat. It was awesome to be in the Nations Capital, it was also awesome that they only had one speaker for graduation. The Presidents own Marine Corps Band played during the graduation.

Washington D.C.

Since Sam's graduation was in D.C. we were able to walk around some after. We went and saw the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial. From there we could also see the Castle and the Lincoln memorial from where we were. The ornate building is the Thomas Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. Mom has always wanted to see it, being a librarian and once we were inside everyone was amazed at the interior. Our kids didn't understand how you can have a library without books.

My kids are great

Now my kids aren't always great but every once in awhile, when I am at my wits end they do things to remind me of why I love being a mom. We were invited to a girls night last night, (everyone elses husband and sons were at the father and son campout). Caleb got dragged there too. He was the only boy, even all of the babies were girls. Anyway, we didn't leave the house until 11:00, which meant my kids didn't go to bed until 11:30. With Sam gone it was awesome to get out and visit. The kids enjoyed playing and getting out of the house. There were no incidences either, which knowing Caleb that says a lot.
This morning we got Samanthas pictures taken, she was awesome and I wanted to buy everything, but I didn't. The kids were crazy. Then we went to Mervyns to look for a dress for Sams graduation. Caleb kept hiding in the clothes and was just wild. Then we got to the dressing room and Caleb started singing. He started with Mother I love you I love you I do. Then he asked me the rest of the words. So we sang together
Mother I love you, Mother I do
Father in Heaven has sent me to you
When I am near You, I love to hear you
Singing so softly that you love me too
Mother I love you, I love you I do.

What a moment. I about cried there in the dressing room. Caleb isn't big on singing, he usually doesn't in primary or any other time. Actually he likes to sing, just songs he makes up. So this was a huge deal.

Air Force One

I have arrived in Maryland for my two week run-up to graduation. It has been quite the roller coaster ride but I have made it. On Monday my friend that I am staying with had the opportunity to get a tour of Air Force One from one of the crew (an old friend). He made a call and low and behold I got to go.

It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it, except that you too will have to be extremely lucky. We started the tour in the presidential sweet including the presidents private bathroom. We went to his office and I got to sit in his chair and flip through the magazines he has stocked there. We got to go all the way to the rear of the plane where the media travels. Then we got to go upstairs and see the communications room and the cockpit. (We even got a tour of the lower level where the baggage is stored. (So I did see the whole plane). I don't have any pictures (none were allowed in the hanger) but they did give us a packet with a picture of the plane, matchbooks, and a box of M&M's with the presidential seal, and president Bush's signature.

Only 10 more days till graduation!

April

April has been a long and busy month. We haven't been good about updating the blog in that time, oh well.

I spent the month learning the ins and outs of working in the emergency department. There was the wild and crazy and the long and boring. I gave 5 people stitches, witnessed 4 codes, and one death. Thankfully most of what I saw was pretty minimal. Most importantly I have completed the academic requirements for medical school and now the rest is just a formality as I wait for graduation.

To celebrate this completion we went down to the Gulf of Mexico to San Padre Island and camped by the beach. While there we endured howling winds, rain, lightning and puddles 8 inches deep. It was very exciting to say the least. We survived, and the kids will have a good memory. Samantha didn't even flinch with the loud thunderings all around us.