Gems from Dad

Father's Day made me think so much of my Dad. No one can deny the significance of a Dad in a child's life. So many predictors of success are determined by Dads. The presence and love of a Dad not only makes a child's life possible, but also much easier, and happier and better. I am mindful of friends though who for one reason or another do not have Dads as a part of their lives. My heart is with them - and I am confident, that God reaches out His arms to them more abundantly. All of us have Dads though - and we can learn from them, one way or another.

My Dad has a pioneer heart. He wasn't one to say that he loved us on a daily basis, but he sure showed it. He taught us to pray, he taught us to serve, he taught us to be disciplined and diligent. He showed through his example a tireless and faithful devotion and dedication to our Creator. He fulfilled his callings and responsibilities one hundred percent. He was the first to show up and the last to leave - cleaning up after everyone was gone.

My Dad is a builder. From a young age he was given heavy burdens and responsibilities - being asked to stay in the mountains and tend thousands of sheep by himself from an early age. He learned courage and responsibility and faith. He was not afraid of hard tasks before him. After selling his sheep business, he went back to school with nine children and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Yes, my Dad is also brilliant. At the same time he was building our large 3 story home, to accommodate his large and growing family. He knew no limits to work and effort, often staying up late into the night to complete his school assignments.

My Dad has a tender heart. I have often seen him begin to cry - sometimes uncontrollably when sharing tender memories of feelings. The stories he shared as a missionary in the Philippines for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are what gave me the desire to also serve as a missionary in Argentina. He loved the people of his mission, and he gave his whole heart to serve and bless them.

My Dad worked so hard, so that his 9 daughters and 2 sons could have every opportunity they could - music lessons, travel, education. He wanted us to succeed, and in turn bless the world through our talents.

My Dad's patience is amazing. As a young 17 year old driver I got into 3 accidents (3 different cars) in 2 months. Yes, they were all my fault. He was very patient through all of them, until after the last one he said kindly "Jo, you must be under a lot of pressure right now". I knew, my Dad had mastered the principle of patience.

My Dad loves my Mom and has served along side her for nearly 50 years, to bless our family. It has never been beneath him to fold laundry, do the dishes, cook a meal, or make our beds. It happened so often, that it was not uncommon for my Mom to ask him to do something else, so that she could do it. He would wake up early to make breakfast, then wake us up and kneel with us by our beds to pray.

As a little girl, I begged to go with my Dad to visit his property in the mountains, or tend his beehives. I loved how I felt when I was around him. He was so willing to answer any question I had - patiently and respectfully. He made me feel like I was the most important thing to him.

My Dad has been faithful to my Mom. In a world of so many distractions, my Dad has disciplined himself and been faithful and dedicated to my Mom. I never worried about my Dad's commitment or honesty or faithfulness. He has a pure heart, and that means a lot to a daughter.

In the end, I couldn't have asked for a better Dad. And though he has never gotten a lot of praise for his fancy clothes, nice cars, or debonair ways (he doesn't care for them :), he has the love and affection of this little girl forever.

I love you, Dad!

What are some things that you love and respect about your Dad?

Pearls of wisdom I learned from my Mother

Mother's Day made me think so much about my Mom, and all of the amazing and important life lessons she has taught me. My Mom has been my greatest life teacher and coach. Here are some pearls of wisdom she has passed on to me.

1. You don't have to have a lot of money to be very happy.

My Mom was proposed to by a millionaire before she accepted a proposal of marriage from my Dad - a sheep rancher. While she knew she wouldn't have her steinway piano that she so dearly wanted, or would probably never live in a large mansion on the shores of California, she knew that with my Dad she would have everything she ever wanted - true love, a man of undefiled faith and courage, and a happy family. My Mom knew that money can't buy you happiness.

My parents sent my sister just older than I and myself to live in Mexico when we were 12 and 14 to live with a young Bishop, his wife, and their sweet infant son. My Mom knew that in Mexico, we would come to see that the light and joy of happiness, does not come from wealth, but from joy in the Savior Jesus Christ. I saw that joy and light whenever people lived any principle of the Gospel of Christ, whether they realized it or not.

Having said that it's obvious that we help our brothers and sisters who are suffering due to lack of basic resources - because it's not easy to focus on what's most important in life, if you are worried about how you are going to feed your child their next meal. In a recent study, Americans said that their happiness peaked at around 75,000.

https://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2010/09/07/the-perfect-salary-for-happiness-75000-a-year/

I think of the scripture in Matthew 6:19-20 that says "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor dust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal."

2. You can find joy anywhere, under any circumstances.

I'll never forget driving across this beautiful Country in the back of my parent's 1972 camper. Eleven kids and all pretty cozy there in the back. My Mom would continually talk about the beauty we find everywhere. After living in Europe, South America, Mexico, in the Eastern, Western, and Mid Western parts of the United States - I know what she is talking about. There is beauty and there are beautiful people to find anywhere you go. That's why the Air Force doesn't scare me - I know that wherever we go, wherever we are asked to live, my sweet husband and I will find the best around us, and we will love it and we will love the people we meet and my children will as well.

3. True happiness is found in following the teachings of Jesus Christ and living His Gospel.

While my Mother always encouraged us to work hard, be the best we could be, develop our talents, and shine wherever we could - she always grounded us, helping us to remember that greater than worldly glory and acclaim, was God's glory and His joy in us. That knowledge has influenced so many important decisions in my life. While the world tells you that you're crazy for choosing this path, rather than another - I have found such happiness, in acting on that faith. And yes - each path is unique and personal, but trying my best to put Christ first, has always given me my greatest rewards.

4. More often than not, the greatest service and the greatest work that is done in the world goes unnoticed, unheralded, and unappreciated.

This Sunday morning I was thinking of the Savior as he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. He came back to find his apostles sleeping. Think of it, the greatest act that has ever been performed, and the greatest pain that was ever known, and not a single other mortal to even notice, or care, or comfort.

I do not even want to compare because one is monument, and another is not - but I think so often Mothers feel the same way. Did anyone even notice or care, that I just changed a stinky poopy diaper for the 20th time today? Did anyone notice how I controlled my temper, or fed my toddler, or woke up 12 times during the night to feed my infant, or .... the list goes on. The greatest teachings, the greatest work for nurturing, loving, serving, being a friend - most times the world doesn't give you much cheering on.

A few weeks ago I got to solo with a small Orchestra. I remember thinking after getting flowers, applause, praise - wow - that was really fun. I could do that again. I came home and told Nate - if people knew how much harder it is to be a parent, they would be showering me with much more gifts and praise than I just got. :). Seriously though - but those flowers, that praise - it dies away. Your babies will live forever.

5. The development of faith, hope and charity should be our greatest desire and it requires consistency. Many times growing up I woke up early to find my Mom on her knees in prayer or reading her scriptures. She constantly served and loved others around her - inviting a new family for Sunday dinner, opening her doors to countless neighbors who needed a comforting, encouraging word, or visiting the sick, lonely, rejected, lost, or sad. As a result she has grown into a woman of great faith, great hope, and great charity. She has taught me that these gifts and blessings come with effort.

6. Children are a joy. My Mother delighted in her children. She would hold a baby with the greatest love. I knew she loved being my Mom and I always knew how much she loved me. Yes, it wasn't always easy for her to have 5 babies under 5, and she will be the first to tell you that she wasn't a perfect Mom. But now that I'm a Mom, I admire her and respect her even more.

7. Repentance is a gift. My Mom is so good at repenting :). She is quick to say 'I'm sorry', and quick to forgive. She has found peace and joy in her life as a result.

In the end - I am so grateful my Mom taught me these things. Where else could I have learned it so beautifully? And while I fall short so often and sometimes forget, her wisdom and her life and her love guides my life.

I love you, Mom!

What are some pearls of wisdom your mother passed on to you?

Virginia Beach

Saying goodbye to Virginia won't be easy - honestly - but I'm so grateful we have gotten to do sort of a farewell tour. This has been the sweetest little spot for our family to be during law school.

This last weekend we visited Richmond's WWII Memorial, Patrick Henry's Church where he gave his famous speech "Give me liberty, or give me death!". We also got to go to Church there where we got to hear Elder Oaks speak in a regional conference about upholding the commandments of God in a changing world. I loved it. I made some goals for myself that evening on how to realign my life to more closely match the life of Christ. So grateful that change and improvement is always possible on this earth through Jesus Christ! That evening we drove to Virginia Beach and watched an incredible sunset on one side of the sky, and rain and lightening on the other side (we were under clear sky). It was amazing to see the diversity and beauty of the sky.

The next morning we visited the Mariners Museum and went to the beach. We tried to go to Busch Gardens but realized it was closed until the weekend. That was really the only bummer of the weekend - everything else ran very smoothly. Shout out to my number one for planning yet another amazing weekend. We love you Nate!

a Richmond getaway

After Nate completed his last class at UVA Law (hip hip hooray!), we took a little trip to Richmond to celebrate. Also, I got to celebrate my 31st birthday on the 30th. Thanks for all the kind birthday greetings. It was such a nice getaway. Nate's bucket list had a few things left in Richmond that we both wanted to check off. Honest I love his love for history and beautiful things like gardens. Plus it was garden week here in Virginia and we didn't want to pass that up.

We both highly recommend Maymont Gardens (free and gorgeous - as well as great for kids) and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (not free but amazing gardens and exotic butterflies!). We also visited Petersburg Battlefield site as well as Grant's headquarters at City Point. Nate wanted to go to Byrd Theater as well, but we didn't quite get around to it. We also ate at Buz and Ned's real bbq. That was Nate's treat :). Of course we had to stop at Aldi's (my grocery story in the Netherlands I used to shop at with my bike). I'm telling you - the chocolate there (from Germany) is the best. We also got to take a tour of the Governor's mansion and Capital building. Last but not least, the huge Nascar car race was in town, so we were driving to our hotel and we saw these amazing old cars just lined up around Hardees for display. We kept saying how much our Grandparents would have enjoyed taking a walk down memory lane there. Mason and Stan like it too.

Here's a little video we took. Sorry the resolution is not the best - pics from Nate's ipod. I lost our camera on a trip (don't even get me started on how tragic that was for me), and we are waiting to invest in a new one. At the end Stanley was crying because we had seen a baby in an elevator and he had wanted to hold her. I thought it was so cute so I had Nate record it. That boy and babies. He's obsessed (just like his Mama). Also, we don't always eat this healthy ;). Mason had his first hamburger. Now he's a real American boy :). He just never wanted to try one before.

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).