Daddy Time

This past weekend marked our first ever family vacation.  A trip with no other purpose than just getting away for a few days and spending time together.  And let me tell you, it was A-mazing!  

However, it wasn't just the sand "that looks like snow*" or the gorgeous clear water that took my breath away, but it was the beauty of my own family.  More specifically, it was watching the amazing man I married with each of our babies.    How lucky I am...how lucky we are.

I love these pictures because they perfectly capture Arthur's relationships with our children.  The love is unmistakable and the trust is almost tangible.  In a society of broken homes, where father's are too often considered obsolete and even unnecessary, I couldn't be more grateful for my husband.  He not only understands the importance of his role as a father, but he works hard every day to fulfill it. 

* James' explanation of the sand

Rolls, Toes, and Giggles (aka Grandma Candy)

Scarlett turned four months on the 27th of last month and I can hardly believe it!  I don't even have words to describe the love I have for this sweet girl!  She is a perfect addition to our family and every time I look at her I can't believe how lucky I am to have her.  

When I was very early pregnant, when I was hoping but didn't know for sure, I came down with a bad case of strep throat (like there is a good case).  I was so miserable that I ended up asking a close friend for a priesthood blessing of healing and comfort.  And while I'm sure the blessing included those things, I can only remember one thing that he said while his hands were placed on my head.  I was blessed that I would "feel the renewed joys of motherhood" I knew that if I wasn't pregnant yet, I would be soon.  And I was so excited that I almost didn't care that I couldn't swallow. 

A "renewed joy of motherhood" perfectly describes how I have felt since this beautiful girl has become a part of my life.  I adore my boys and am grateful every day that I am home with them.  However, between the cooking, cleaning, and repeating the same 5 phrases (each one beginning with please don't), I can loose sight of the beauty of motherhood and the divine responsibility of my roll.  The helpless innocence of their babyhood has past, and when I look at them I no longer see tiny babies.  Instead I see little boys: loud, busy, and full of life.  But when my perfect baby girl was placed into my arms, this precious little spirit straight from heaven, I remembered.  It was the third time a precious child of our Heavenly Father was being entrusted to Arthur and me to love, nurture and teach.  

So my princess girl, I will make you the same promise I made to them.  I will love you unconditionally, and I will always do my best to be the mother you deserve.  I know I am not here to shape or to mold you, but instead I will do my best to help you find your strengths and discover your passions.  I will also try to help you overcome the weaknesses that this life will exploit.  I will do everything I can to raise you in wisdom and light so that you will choose to become the woman your Heavenly Father sent you to be.  

Thank you for letting me be your Mommy!  Scarlett, you a heartbreakingly beautiful baby.  Your smile takes my breath away and your giggle will forever be one of my favorite sounds.  I could kiss those cheeks a million times (and I probably have), and I love to play with your tiny feet and toes.  Your soft skin and chubby rolls are baby perfection but through your bright eyes I can see already the depth and eagerness of a spirit who has waited forever to get here. 

You have only been here for several months, but we already can't imagine our lives without you.  Just the other day, your daddy was telling a friend that very thing.  We both love you with all our hearts!

We are yours and you are ours, forever...

Performance Day

Saturday was Jacob's third violin concert.  In the past, I have been able to snap away while he performs, but with Scarlett constantly in my arms, I had a sneaking suspicion that my normal paparazzing would be a little trickier this year.  And sure enough, it would have been nearly impossible.  So I am grateful that I had a little bit of forethought, and that I had Jake head out back for a little pre performance photo shoot.  I love how they turned out, and I love that I got to just sit back and watch this year.

Jake was so excited about the recital!  The week of the concert, it was actually easy to get him to practice.  And the morning of, was spent is a constant state of humming.  He didn't even pause for the water and bubbles running down his face as he rinsed his hair in the shower, he just squeezed his eyes tighter and hummed louder.  

As excited as he gets, I am a little surprised that he doesn't get nervous at all.  But so far he seems immune from any stage fright.  But I guess that shouldn't be too much of a shock, this boy has always been dripping in confidence.  

Jake walked onto his mark with such presence.  It is such a big stage for a little boy, but you'd never know it by the way he carries himself.  He was so eager to start playing, that he didn't even give the pianist time to play her intro (he had just practiced it with her twice only 45 minutes before), but as all good accompanists, she jumped right in.  He played a piece called Lightly Row.  It is a very pretty legato piece, and he played it perfectly.  Arthur and I were so proud of him, but more importantly, I think he was pretty proud of himself.

Just a week before the concert, he had been struggling to remember what part of the piece he was on (since the sections are quite similar) each time he tried to play it.  "How many Cs?" was the question of the week.  Jake first learned the song several months ago and we have kind of neglected it for newer songs during our practices at home.  I was actually a little surprised that it was the song Miss Robin picked.  But in retrospect, I am really glad she did.  It gave him an opportunity gain the sense of achievement that can only come through hard work.

This priceless life lessons is one of the main reasons Jake is taking violin.  Of course, I hope that he becomes a beautiful musician and will fill his life and the lives of others with music.  And I hope that we are instilling in him a life time appreciation and love for music.  But if he gains nothing else, from this experience, than the value of hard work.  Then every dollar spent and every minute of practice (event the frustrating ones) will be worth it.  Natural talent is wonderful, but it will only get you so far.

Jacob, you are amazing!  Heavenly Father has blessed you with a bright mind and an inquisitive nature. Because of these gifts many things come easily for you.  Since you were you a tiny boy, you have impressed people with intelligence and understanding far beyond your years.  Use these gifts, but remember to never shy away from things when they don't come as easily.  Never be afraid to work hard.  Remember how great it felt to perform so well after working so hard.  Set big goals throughout your life, and reach them.  And most important, use all your talents both innate and learned in service of others.  "When you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

Your Daddy and I love you more than words could express, and we are so proud of you! 

Easter Eggs - Nailed It!

Not!!

So we tried to mix it up and do something a little different with our Easter eggs this year.  I mean, how hard could it be?  A little shaving cream...a little food coloring...  Well, apparently too hard for me.

We gave it a go, and Jake and James had fun getting messy, but when it came to actually getting color on the egg, we went back to the little color tablets and vinegar.

Pinterest, you might be full of overwhelming new and creative ideas, but there is comfort (and success) in the tried and true.

They can really drive each other crazy, but they are the best of friends.

Spring has Sprung!

So far our Spring has been beautiful!  The weather is prefect: sunny and warm with a light breeze.

Our boys live outside.  They spend the days riding bikes, digging for worms, helping Daddy in the yard, and going from one game of make believe to the next.  Some days, usually the ones where daddy is out there too, I can't even get them inside before the sun is going down.  But when they do come in, they are hungry, filthy, and happy.  I love the slow pace of their childhood.  I love that they can just enjoy being little.  I don't even mind the dirty feet (they never wear shoes) or the bowls packed with worms and dirt (as long as they stay in the "homekool" room).  The are just signs of a great day of boys being boys.

I don't mind them being dirty as long as I get to clean them up once in a while for pictures :-)

Then there is our Scarlett.  Her personality is blooming as bright as the spring flowers.  I am genuinely a little obsessed with her!  I mean, have you seen those cheeks?!  There is just so much personality in that little body of hers.  She is never still and she wants to be in the middle of whatever is going on and has such a desire to connect and engage.   There is very little of the day that she isn't on my hip or in her moby (aka the womb - "b" is pronounced) so she doesn't miss a thing.  Before she was even three months old she was ready to carry on full conversations.  I guess she came to the right family for that because, boy, she has a LOT to say!  

My favorite is when she will lock eyes with me and her bright eyes light up and the sweetest smile spreads over her face.  In those moments, I am reminded that being a Mommy is the most incredible blessing I could ever hope for.  

Let is SNOW!

When I think March, snow is definitely not what comes to mind.  But here we are, the second year in a row with snow in March.

Snow is rare here, and when it sticks people tend to get a little excited...okay, they freak out!  The schools are closed, the roads are empty, and the very mention of potential snow or ice leaves the grocery aisles bare.  However, there was no complaining at this house!  My boys, with the biggest one as the leader, couldn't get get their snow gear on fast enough.  And before I could even say "breakfast" they were saucering around our yard.

They were all having the best time!  I couldn't resisted going out in my PJs (complete with matching slippers) to snaps some pictures of their obvious joy.  I think the happiest moments in life come from embracing the small and simple things.  So here are my boys embracing the crazy weather and the extra time together before Arthur left for a month long training.  

I love how these boys capture my boys personalities so perfectly!

Jake:

committed....

but cautious.

James: 

silly...

and fearless!

The boy team :-) 

Daddy: You can take the boy out of Tahoe....

But you can never take Tahoe out of the boy!

As for our precious girl?  You guessed it!  She was curled up, in her favorite place, in front of the fire. :-)

The Cutest Cat Naps

Born just days after the first official day of winter, Scarlett quickly found her favorite spot in the house: right in fount of the fireplace.  Between the warmth of the flames and the soothing white noise of the fan (it is a gas fireplace), our little princess snoozed away much of the winter like this:

Pictures from 2/12/14