SONS

"Nurture your sons with love and counsel. Teach them the importance of personal cleanliness, of neatness in their dress. Sloppy ways lead to sloppy lives. Instill in them a sense of discipline. Keep them worthy of service to the Church as missionaries. Give them things to do so that they may learn to work. Teach them to be frugal. Labor and frugality lead to prosperity. Teach them that nothing really good happens after 11 o’clock at night. And do not spoil them. If they go on missions, they may be compelled to live in circumstances that you would not wish for them. Do not worry about them. Give them encouragement.

Stir within your children the desire for education. This is the latchkey to success in life. And at the same time, teach them that as President David O. McKay was wont to remind us, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” 1

I found this quote by President Hinckley.  

LOVED IT.  

As a mom of two boys I have felt inadequate.  

How will I know what to do with boys.

I am a girl.

I love being a girl.  

It is my hope as a mother that I can teach them EVERYTHING (and somedays it feels like everything) they will need to know in this life to be self reliant, independent, honest and kind men.
I also heard a quote from Julie B. Beck.
Since I heard it I don't have it word for word.
She said that as mothers we are doing a good job.  But, we can do a little more.
.....
WOW.  I am feeling the importance of my job as a mother today.

DANIEL...

BIG D.  Danny D.  Big Daddy.  D.  Daniel.  Dan.  Mother Beast.  Legend.  D Stride.

whichever name you prefer today.

I have a message for you.

got the phone.  don't know how to set it up.

thinking your dad needs to do it.

but, then again I know nothing about electronics.

hoping you can figure it out.

thanks lots.

-the electronic illiterate one in our marriage

BiG DAYS

This morning at the breakfast table .
While eating toasted bagels sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and blueberry greek yogurt.
This little darling said his very first mamamama.
It wasn't really a term of endearment, more of a way to get my attention so that I could feed him more yogurt.
It worked!
It even worked later in the day when he said it again because I wasn't feeding him his cookie fast enough.
He has learned well.
I love it when he says it, and it gets him food.
Speaking of food, the same little darling just climbed up onto the table, yes dangerous I know, and is trying to eat half of a banana.
Peel and all! He has to do it all by himself.
But, he is sharing the apple.  So kind.

Later in the day the same little darling, while dancing in the kitchen with a dishcloth wrapped around his shoulders, fell and split open his chin.  He also cut open his gums where his two top teeth are trying to pop through.  

It was quite the bloody and sad experience.  

It's been a big day for the little one.   Now it is nap time.  

Today

(Thomas hiking summer 2011.. taking in the goodness)

Today nothing special is going on...
That is almost what makes it so special.
Especially when I stop to listen to what they hooligans are really saying and doing.
Today Thomas has been calling me Aunt Sadie.
Today he told me to put on his Ninja Mask so he doesn't get hurt.  Oh the protection of a piece of fabric.
Today Lewis is jabbering.  Still not much of a word guy.  Why speak when I get him everything he needs.
Today Thomas told me he never wants to forget to hug and kiss his dad again.  It is tragic being away from those you love.
Today we are listening to my 90.s mix on spotify.
Today Lewis has the best dance moves to my 90.s mix on spotify.
Today Thomas has been jumping rope with a bow tie on.
Today Lewis only wants to nurse.  He may be nursing until he is 5.  He just loves me THAT much.
Today Daniel is at school and work.  It is officially fall.  I love fall.  There is an energy and excitement present.  I can feel it even if I am not a part of it.
Today although I love fall we are hanging on to the last bits of summer and are planning on swimming this afternoon with friends.
Today Lewis is walking everywhere.  I love when he follows me into a room.
Today Thomas says sorcerer "SOY-SIR" and if you have a sorcerer stick you "SOYCE" with it.  What else?
Today Lewis insists on blowing his own nose.  I feel like he just wants to eat the tissue.  yum.  
Today Thomas ate 3 pieces of gum at the same time.  But, its ok because he is chewing them and not swallowing them.  Oh the progress!
Today I need to vacuum and organize my house more.  It has been a huge process.  But totally worth it.
Today we are taking in all of the small and simple things that today has to offer.
(Just like Thomas in the photo above)