Not Yet, Love Monika

I just had a check up with my doctor and the baby is most likely going to come in two weeks.... very near his due date. I'm not dilated at all yet so it will take a while. So, all of you who were coming this weekend expecting to see him will just have to wait. oh well. It might be best to wait a couple of weeks before you come up. At least it gives me more time to get my projects done and make a little extra money. 

love you all, monika
**************************

Hi, thanks for the heads up... Now I don't feel so sad about missing the party. Two weeks??? I remembe how tired one can get in two weeks...(sigh!) Remember, drink LOTS, even though your bladder doesn't agree. Risk of post-partum infection goes down, Isaiah will have more endurance and you will, too. You'll both glow and Sam will beam!

Strater and I have more time to 'mend our baskets...' (clear our heads). He will spend a little more time in Phoenix to visit Great-Grandma Mary, so won't be stopping in SLC...If it works out that you can you meet him at the airport, he can pass a bag onto you with things for the baby. Keep the Wal-Mart receipt to exchange anything you like or need instead. Costco won't require a receipt--it's lost anyway...I'll keep the Bay receipt and after the blessing bring back returns/exchanges for other sizes or gift certificate for you to use whenever you come... If it doesn't work out, we'll work it out via mail for the newborn stuff and when we come for his blessing.

 Love you all!

Mom & Dad

Dear American Indian Services, Sincerely Sam

Samuel R. Crowfoot
840 N. Memmo dr.
Orem, UT, 84057
(801) 377-2803
October 8, 2004

Dear American Indian Services,

Life comes fast and there are ups and downs, my life
recently has been blessed with more ups and downs, but
with life� ups there come great responsibility. I
Samuel R. Crowfoot understand the importance of
responsibility, hard work, and discipline. I am from
the Blackfoot tribe. I was raised in Alberta Canada,
but born in Provo, UT. I am the oldest of six kids and
a newlywed of 1 year to Monika Brown of the Navajo
Nation. I am currently attending Utah Valley State
College. School is really hectic this semester I am
taking difficult classes and working part time as
well.
I am half way done my Bachelor Degree in
Communications, and expect to finish in the next year
and a half or so. It is my hope and dream to one day
attend law school. After law school I plan on
specializing in Native American Law and helping my
people on the path to success. Also we have started
our family and are expecting our first child within
the next month. Responsibility will now be forever a
part of my life now, more than ever.
The purpose of this letter is to express my most
sincere and heartfelt gratitude for your generosity.
Law School at times seems so far away, but with your
contribution toward my education law school is that
much closer. Please know that your generosity is
greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. I thank
you for the scholarship you have donated and I keep
you in my prayers. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Samuel Crowfoot

A Hello Note, Love Monika

Hey Mi Familia,

 

I thought it might be time for another mass email....lucky you! Yep, I'm still pregnant... but not for long! I have about three to four weeks left, which is a very good thing because this baby is definately running out of room... and I'm about ready to explode. It's actually been a very smooth pregnancy, and fun too. Luckily I snuck by without any puking sessions, swelling up like an elephant, or super crazy mood swings (but I've had my episodes). And Sam has been an incredible support! It's great to come home from work, or wait until he comes home from work, and be the lucky recipient of back and feet massages! He's also been really patient with me since I've been super sensitive at times.... its actually been a bit more tricky not having mood swings on a regular basis because then Sam doesn't know if I'm joking, or being sarcastic, or when I'm about to cry my head off for no reason. It can be very confusing. But this pregnancy has been so much fun for the both of us...especially being able to look back and laugh about BOTH of our moody episodes. Sam's had some sympathy pains as well. Poor guy. Sometimes I wonder if its worse for him or me. I'll have TWO babies to take care of once Isaiah is born! But isn't that how it always works? 

How ever much fun it has been, we are both looking forward to finally meeting our baby Isaiah and ending our pregnancy adventure. It'll be so nice to be able to get out of chairs and beds and just up out of anything again! Sometimes I feel like a walrus scooting around the house. Sam tells me at least I'm a cute walrus!  And I can't wait to work out, roughouse, and not have to be so careful.... especially since i'm such a clutz. AND, drum roll, I can finally wear normal people clothes! But the best of all is finally being able to cuddle my baby. Sam is so excited about that. He's a bit worried that i'm gonna be the only one with a special relationship with the baby but i'm always reassuring him...Isaiah LOVES his daddy! I'm always telling Isaiah how fun and wonderful his daddy is. Its been really great so far. Isaiah becomes so wiggley and excited when he knows his daddy is coming home from work or whenever he hears sam's voice. Its adorable.  

Oh, and Isaiah has the hiccups all the time! It's so funny to see my belly "pop" up and down. I've been having trouble sleeping the past week...i'm constantly tossing and turning and fighting for extra bed space. We only have a full-size bed and I think we need an upgrade. So, I decided to try the couch and found that it was much more comfy than the springy mattress. Sam didn't like the idea of us sleeping separately (i didn't either, but what were we to do?) so he moved the mattress out into the living room right next to the couch so we could be near each other. But in the morning I'll roll onto the mattress so Sam can feel Isaiah kick and wiggle against his back (Wake up dad!). Sam loves it. Its become our morning ritual to cuddle as a family! Its amazing, I never thought it could be so wonderful! I mean, I knew it could be good.... but i didn't know it could be THIS good!  

Well, I'm currently at work. I have to be here until 11pm tonight. I usually work from 5-9pm Tuesdays through Fridays... but someone asked me to cover for them tonight.  I find myself becoming easily tired as the days go by and I just don't know how much longer I'll be able to work. I've been scheduled until the end of october but I'm pretty sure I'll be quitting before then. Especially since the contractions are becoming more consistent. I lose my breath so easily. The baby hasn't dropped yet, which is good, cuz we still have some ways to go, but his head is down and has stayed down. (what a good little boy!) 

This past weekend at conference was so uncomfortable! Saturday sessions weren't bad at all. I was pretty comfortable and had lots of energy. But the Sunday morning session was a different story. Right from the beginning I was having very uncomfortable contractions down in my pelvis for the WHOLE session! I was out of my seat for most of the session walking around trying to subside the cramping and surges. It wasn't painful but they were a bit different than the regular Braxton-Hicks contractions I'm used to having. Luckily they stopped as the session ended...if they hadn't Sam was about to take me to the hospital. I was so relieved that the am session was over (we didn't have tickets to the pm session....I was wanting to watch it at home on the nice comfy sofa), so sam and I went for a walk around temple square thinking back and reliving our wedding day. ahh! I couldn't be more in love. Its awesome to think that some day we'll be there with our children telling them of our wedding day, and how their grandparents were married there as well. We sat there in amazement staring at the temple laughing and talking. Wow, I can't believe its been one year. It feels like we've been together so much longer than that. 

Well, Sam is still doing the school/ work thing. He's taking an accounting class and a college algebra class (which we hear is killer). Hopefully, he'll have enough scholarships next semester so he won't have to work at all. Its amazing how the Lord will provide if you're paying your tithing, attending church meetings, doing temple work, etc. I am just so humbled, because I know that we couldn't have gotten by without the generous blessings from the Lord. So, we're doing well and having fun. Oh, Darrell is thinking about moving in with Nathan. The BYU dorms are such a rip-off. Besides, they get along so well and have become really great friends. Its really cool to see our families blend into one big family. How great is that? 

Well, Sam and I hope that you're all doing well. Thanks for all your love and support.  Let us know how you're doing. Oh, Candi and Revina are planning the baby shower for next weekend on October the 15th. Thanks! Love ya!

 

Hugs and Kisses!

Sam and Monika

Pray for the Chief, Love Merriam

Hello my Loved One (and Loved Ones). This came from Merriam today. I feel the Spirit in what she has written. I thought it worthy to share for all our benefit.

Sam, I got the fax and I will take it to Cheryl tonite. I know she will love the 'Amen and Hallelujah!" best of all! HA!

Ellen, 

thanks for the e-mail about the Chief. When we talked earlier this summer I could sense a heavy feeling in his voice. I know he is tremendously burdened. 

It doesn't seem fair that the weight of a "nation" should rest on one man. But what a great man he is. Take him in your arms and hold him and comfort him. Remind him of his great worth. I know we feel like they never do that for us, but that is our gift to give. I am glad that you let us know what is going on. We are a family and as times and trials worsen we need eachother's thoughts and prayers more and more. 

We had a Christmas Program Committee meeting lastnight in our home. It was so strengthening to have them here and to kneel in prayer together. It was a beautiful moment and the love was so strong. I am grateful for the "adopted" family I have here. And even more grateful for all of you. I read Mom's thoughts for you and Strater and I feel much the same way. 

We love Strater and it hurts us to know what he is going through and our initial response is to quit and get out. Pearls before the swine...He has tried and tried for YEARS. They may not even yet be ready. I don't know what the answer is for you and would not be so presumptuous as to "tell" you what to do, but I DO KNOW that the Lord will answer your prayers and lead and guide you. 

I read in a book by Neal A Maxwell this quote: In a sermon the Prophet Joseph Smith rendered a verse in the Book of Hebrews differently. Paul said, "God is a REWARDER of them that diligently seek him." The Prophet Joseph rendered it, "God is a REVEALER to them that diligently seek him..." I know that as your family diligently seeks Him to know His will for you, He will REVEAL it to you! 

Another one I read that may be of comfort or help to you is this: "The storm fronts that come into our lives will not last forever. We can surmount the drifts of difficulties and we can hold out if we maintain our perspective and faith....Just as we know there is a SUN just beyond today's cloud cover, so we must not doubt the continued, watchful, and tutoring presence of THE SON in spite of the stormy seasons in our lives." 

And this, the best one and the one that I feel is happening to Strater: "Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what WE REALLY ARE AND CLARIFYING WHAT WE REALLY YEARN FOR." This experience has clarified what he really yearns for...his family. His ETERNAL family!! Nothing is as important!!! 

Strater is an exceptional man with exceptional talents and that comes with a lot of self doubt. It's incredible how they can exist at the same time in a human being, but they go hand in hand. 

He will battle that until he can allow himself to believe in who he his in the Savior's eyes. He is clay in his hands right now. Let the Lord make of him what He would. If the Lord wants him to continue on in service to his people, then He will make it possible and will open up the way. Miracles will happen. If the answer is not to continue, then he can leave office knowing that he has done what he could and can "return with honor" knowing that he has tried with full purpose of heart with his head held high. He has never wanted anything but good for his people. 

Keep us posted on how things are going. You are always in our prayers. We love your family so much. Thank you for praying for us too. The gospel is a glorious gift that we must never take for granted. 

With all my love, Meg 

P.S. Did you hear that Jenifer is out of the hospital? She is staying with Aunt Elaine for awhile.  

Jake and Shakeh Open House, Love Ellen

Hello our lovely Monika! 

Tonite is our last night of laughs until I fly home tomorrow. We have had a blast-- enough to last us a few more months. Life will definitely be a struggle here, but oh well, if it's not one thing it would be another. 

Jake is great although he is feeling down because they didn't play him at all today and his dad and his new wife took off right after the game to sightsee in Gettysburg, so he hasn't seen him at all since they arrived yesterday afternoon.... and they are leaving tomorrow. I feel so bad for him with all that's been going on (car theft, etc). He does have one thing going for him in his favor and that's Shakeh!

They have the right blend and balance of strengths for each other. He is without guile and she is without fear. He is patient and tolerant and she is ambitious and energetic. etc. They will do fine.

Jake won'[t get off for Christmas break until the 20th of December at the earliest. It sounds as though he wants to go to Utah at that point. Maybe they will caravan with you to AZ to meet GGMA Mary. Anyway, the Open House may not take place until January in Okotoks...??? (if at all) hmm. So much depends on $$$, you know. They may need to move from this place within the next few months. It seems plans change day to day. I'm sure she'll tell you more about everything.

We LOVE you, Monika ( and we love you, too, Sam!)! Shakeh still has the bouquet she caught at your reception and their bedroom has incorporated that scheme. We wish we all lived closer. She wants to fly out for Isaiah's blessing so bad!

Gotta go! I'll write more when I get home.

Love You!

Mom Crowfoot

Narsissian Family Photos, Love Ellen

Hi kids & cousins. 

 

These emails just came in from Pam, Tom's wife (for those who haven't met him, yet, Tom is Mark Narsisian's brother. Tom, Mark and Wanda Narsisian were my dad's first cousins, but way younger than my dad's family, like Crowfoots and Contes. They were Uncle Andy's & Aunt Margaret's kids. Wanda is younger than I am, so there's a spread between her and Tom like Sam and Ammon).

 

Uncle Andy was Great-Grandma Mary's baby brother and he married Great-Grandpa Phil's cousin, Margaret.

 

Satenig is MY Great-Grandmother! She died of cancer in her 40's several years after my great-grandfather died of stomach cancer. She must have been pregnant with Great-Grandma Mary in this photo....

 

By the look of the statue in the background, it seems Dad was trying a little missionary work with Uncle Andy!

 

Love, Mom/Ellen

Great Grandma Mary, Great Grandpa Philip and Baby Philip?

Great Grandpa Philip and Great Grandma Mary

Great Great Grandma Satenig pregnant with Great Grandma Mary

Tom, Andy and Grandpa Philip

Just the 3 of Us, Love Monika

greetings to all,

sam is still working full time commuting to lehi every morning. he works with cars (selling, posting, detailing). he loves his job which is a great plus! 

monika is still working part time and still pregnant, of course. her belly is steadily growing and baby isaiah likes to wiggle around all the time. sam was even able to feel him moving around! we're very excited for the upcoming addition. he's been such a good baby to his mama. (due date is nov 9). 

sam's little brother is now living with us for the summer until he gets his own apartment in the fall. yep, baby in and brother out. :) nathan has been a big help around the house... doing dishes, cleaning the house, giving us rides, etc.... so we like having him here. Other than that, not much has changed... same old same old. but we'd love to hear from each of you. 

much love, 

sam and monika

(801) 377-2803

P.s.Our little baby boy is due in November, he is so active we are calling him Hurricane Isaiah. It is a real exciting time in our lives, I am getting my associates degree this semester and then transfering to either the U of U, or BYU, the applications are in and we will see which ones will accept me. Well I gotta go.

Love, Sam

Diamonds in the Rough, Love Ellen

Here I thought I was almost done. I could be if the lady I hired would WORK! I let her go because she 'can't' do windows, vacuum or dust or disinfect in high or low places because of her bad back! (What's the point?) She does the dishes and that's about it. She doesn't know where to put them so they get scattered and I can't find anything!!!

 

Shakeh come home QUICK! I NEED to get the house on the market! Dad is always on the road, the boys are winding up school and revving up the summer basketball season! Nathan is my only hope, and believe it or not, as good as he is, there is just no keeping up with this crew! I REALLY hope Jake will understand! 

 

It's great to hear you enjoyed Sam and Monika's visit. Isn't she GORGEOUS? Isn't he HANDSOME? 

It was great to hear the Conte kids are doing so well! WOW! Another year done, PHEW! Can't wait til WE get out!

 

Nathan was commenting on what a good-looking family we have and how everyone looks when they walk into a place together. It's funny, though how they get so mixed up on who's who. Remember when Nathan spoke in Stk Conf before Cambodia and everyone came up to Sam right after complimenting him on the talk? Sam just played along and let them go on, shaking hands, getting hugs (aw shucks!). It happens all the time. Last Sunday the Rea's were calling to Red & Ammon to come sit with them. Here it was Nathan and Ammon. He just played along with it, too! People get so flustered and confused, the boys have a fun time with it!

 

Red brought Britney to the movies with us and we were laughing over the phone mix-up again. She's 'just a friend', 'black & white', cute, quiet, TINY and she's a dancer. As Red and Britney drove off, Shea (friend of Noble's) said, "Wow, she's really pretty!" Strater in a 'Curly' mood, said, "Yeah, she's pretty! Pretty SHORT! Nyah, nyah,nyah!" Seems like I'm always having to slap that man!

 

Later, Nathan and Red were talking about girls and what dating in Utah might be like. Nathan thinks he's pretty smooth playing the gentleman role and will have no troubles. Red said, "Nathan, you are TOO nice and they are gonna walk all over you! You need to be the one wearin' the pants, callin' the shots and in control of the game. You need to be more of an ASS, like me! Believe me, they LIKE it!" Nathan looked over at me and we BUSTED out laughing! 

 

These are the days, my friends & fam! Diamonds in the rough! Love you all! Ellen/Mom