reminiscing

Love looking at our pictures from Europe, and thinking of that wonderful time together. I put together a short video (still figuring this thing out, sorry!) Hope you enjoy it though!!

lots of love!!

Lexington, Safari Park and Natural Bridge

This weekend I was asked to sing at a Stake Relief Society event in Waynsboro Virginia. We decided that we should spend our weekend in that area. We started out in Lexington, visiting Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. We also visited the tombs of Robert E Lee and Stonewall Jackson. What a charming city Lexington is. We also watched the soldiers marching in traditional uniform. Stanley cried and cried when it was over. Cute little General we call him. I could definitely see Stanley as a soldier someday. He is a tough little guy. That evening we ate at a lovely little restaurant called Bistro on Main. It was delish - and the service was so southernly incredible. Our boys were also good at the restaurant so it was a very enjoyable dinner. It's fun the attention our little guys get in those communities of older retired grandparents. It makes us miss being around our own grandparents!

That evening we went to our hotel, our boys took a bath, got to watch a short movie, and into bed. The next morning we drove to Safari Park which was hilarious. Stan and I were afraid of the bigger animals eating buckets of food out of our car at first. It was fun to interact with so many animals that you rarely ever get to see.

After the animals we drove to lunch then to Natural bridge...what of the most beautiful places and days. I love spring - how the earth is dressed in flowers and color, and the warm sun emerges after a winter of cold. Nothing better!

That evening I drove to the stake center and enjoyed a wonderfully spiritual event on relationships and happiness. The next morning we drove back to our ward in Charlottesville and enjoyed a wonderful fast and testimony meeting. We're fasting today for our sweet Grandma Clawson. Prayers are with her in abundance as she is sick with cancer.

Happy Sabbath everyone!!

The Daily with Mason and Stanley

We are mostly back in the full swing of things since Europe, with school, etc. Nate of course is wrapping up his last semester at the University of Virginia (hard to believe), but also Mason and Stan at home. After getting dressed, saying prayers, brushing teeth, making beds, and combing hair (the big five my Mom called it growing up), we have breakfast. Then after family prayer and Daddy goes to school, we do our piano practicing.

Almost every day we also get to have a little school time. We start with marching around with flags singing a patriotic song and the Star Spangled Banner (feel free to laugh at our marching - but at this age it works :),  with scripture stories, an ancestor story, singing songs to teach them the days of the week, planets, continents etc (thank you singin' smart), memorizing a scripture or two (the same ones the last two years I think :), still working on it haha - 1 Nephi 3:7 and Proverbs 3:5, Mason reading to us a little, math workbook, something science (Nate's Mom sends us ranger rick magazines and my boys love them. It sounds like a lot, but all in all it only takes about 30 minutes to an hour - depending on how focussed we are :).

Mason is such a curious kid asking so many questions every day, so keeping up with his curiosity is a fun challenge. He often asks questions I don't know the answer to, so we usually have to look them up. He is also learning how to read like a champ. Stanley is also so much fun to teach the alphabet to, and he's mastered his colors (especially red his favorite), and shapes. Usually there's some coloring for Stan or playing with his favorite toys while I work with Mason, and sometimes it's jumping on the couch and in those times I try to be flexible. However it has been fun to see their attention gradually increase as we make consistent efforts.

We also try to get out every day to see friends or go to the park or library or children's museum. Being a kid I think is so important. I try not to give them too much so that they can also enjoy being care free like my Mom did for me when I was little. For these boys it looks a little different than it did for me - jumping in mud puddles, etc.

Mason loves taking piano lessons (since his 5th birthday) from his Aunt Alissa (Nate's sister) who is getting her masters in piano pedagogy from the University of Michigan. We love catching up with her every week and feel so grateful that she's willing to teach us long distance over the internet. Mason and Stanley are also taking several classes through the local recreation center - art in the park, soccer, and this week swimming lessons. They love it, and it's so much fun for me to see them have fun and develop their talents. Especially fun to see their unique talents and personalities come out.

Mason also learned how to ride his bike this week on his own without training wheels. That was another happy moment for this Mama and Papa. It's amazing to see them growing up and learning so much. Part of me wants to hold on to them while they are young, but there is SO much joy in seeing them grow as well.

I also still continue to try to find time to exercise and have enjoyed my weekly orchestra practice. I'm looking forward to performing with them in May the Bach A minor. Bach is my favorite composer I think. Finding balance in life for me has been important - and I am so grateful for Nate who encourages and supports it. Nate and I have also really enjoyed teaching 10 and 11 year old children at Church.

So while Motherhood has its many challenges, I feel honored and blessed to be able to mentor these precious little men through their first steps in life. While I recognize that as a Mother I cannot give them everything - I can give them something - the very best I have to offer :). I know that God forgives my weaknesses and makes up for the rest. Nate and I just want to try to give them the best preparation we can for life as an adult and we hope someday life together with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We feel grateful that our parents gave their all to us and while difficult (more difficult that I realized - thanks Mom and Dad!!), we try our best to follow in their footsteps.

So much growth and learning on the way - but this parenting thing - I love it. Every life has its crazy, but I'm grateful this is my crazy (as one Mom I know described). 

Cherry Blossoms in DC 2017

A couple of weeks ago we took the weekend to go to DC. We got to visit the Temple before it closes for its 2 year renovation. We always love being in that beautiful and special place. It was a huge highlight for us that Nate ran into his mission companion there whom he served with twice in the Czech Republic. They were put together when they were both two months in the field, and then again later on in Prague. I enjoyed meeting his wife who is expecting their 5th child, and one of the most kind and beautiful women I have met, and his Aunt and Uncle who are in the Air Force. I asked them so many questions I almost felt bad :). They walked me through life in the military and actually helped me feel even more excited for it, and comforted me and gave me tips regarding deployments etc. We also have several Air Force families in our ward since the JAG school is there next to UVA so I have also learned so much from them.

He and Nate were so happy when they saw each other. Its amazing how serving together in the mission field can really bond you.

That night we stayed at a hotel, and the next day we drove into the heart of DC to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. We couldn't find parking at our usual location at the Jefferson Memorial, but we did find a nice place to park on the street near the Capital Building. Glad actually because it wasn't so busy with foot traffic in that direction, and the blossoms there are also so beautiful. We enjoyed walking around and into a few museums. 

The Native American Museum has one of the best children's sections I have seen in DC. We also stepped into the art museum. We enjoyed some popsicles, and then Stan fell asleep in the backpack. We walked up the hill to a fun restaurant, and then casually made our way back to the car. 

Back to the hotel for swimming, and the next morning we drove to our ward back home Charlottesville, so that I could perform my violin with a friend - Joseph Smith's First Prayer. All in all, a great weekend - beside Mason getting tired of walking :). I think next time I would bring the stroller :) (tip to any Moms out there) - or get Mason a scooter. At one point when we were carrying Mason Nate asked, "Mason, will you carry your Mom and Dad someday like we carry you?" to which Mason replied, "I'm not sure I'll remember who you are someday. I'll try, but I'm just not sure I will". Thanks Mason :).