The Weekend Commander Visited: A Birthday and A River Adventure

The Weekend Commander Visited: A Birthday and A River Adventure

8.19.2014

My dad and his adorable wife Liz, came to visit us over the weekend!  It was their very first visit to our home  here in southern Idaho (Liz's first visit to the state) and we couldn't wait to show them why we love this area so much.  The little boys and I had been looking forward to their visit for weeks.  We don't get to see our family in California much more than once or twice a year, so it's always a big deal and a special treat to get together.  

First off, let me explain that Commander is what my children call my dad, their Grandpa.  He's a retired Naval Commander.  It's the title my step-siblings (Liz's children) use to address him and the name just stuck.  It is definitely unique and pretty special to us--just like my dad!

Our guests arrived Friday afternoon.  It just so happened to be my dad's birthday.  The boys excitedly showed Commander his birthday sign and balloons.  Then Bron grilled us up some juicy steaks and we topped our meal off with an addicting peanut butter brownie cake.  Jed and Levi "helped" blow out the candles.

^^Happy Birthday, Commander!^^

With our tummies full and taste buds satisfied, we took a short jaunt down the road to Rock Creek Station to explore the old "cowboy" headquarters.  My dad and Liz immediately keyed into one of the things I love most about Idaho.  Because of our small population, there is less trash and hardly any vandalism.  There's also no need for extra fees or laws and warning signs.  It's freedom in the truest sense!  And it is wonderful.  From that freedom to beautiful scenery, this state is full of all sorts of hidden gems.   

  

^^The 19th century general store and saloon^^

^^Levi is such a happy goober!  Also, Commander helping Levi dip his feet in the creek.^^

^^An old cellar^^

^^Just plain precious.  I loved seeing my dad and Liz interact with my children.  There was so much love given and reciprocated!^^

^^Look at that joy!  Jed sure enjoyed the wind in his face on the short car ride home.^^

On Saturday we took a spontaneous trip down into the Snake River Canyon to rent some boats.  I'm so glad we did because our day ended up being one of the most memorable adventures I've ever had!  We wound up with one canoe and one kayak and headed straight up stream towards Pillar Falls.  You guys, this is my backyard!  It is drop-dead AMAZING!  I feel so lucky to call this my home.  There were so many fun and incredible pictures, I had a hard time choosing which ones to post!  

^^The Perrine Bridge, about 486 feet above the water^^

^^Commader showing Levi a tiny fish he caught in his hands^^

^^We stopped off along some rocks and jumped in!  Well, my dad and I did at least.^^

^^View of Pillar Falls.  Water flowed freely over the rocks making pools perfect for wading and swimming in.  I just wish we could have explored more!  Another day.^^

^^Jed was all smiles until he put his feet into the water.  The moss really bothered him!  Haha^^

^^Selfie with the whole gang!  (I should mention that Bron had a bike race in Tetonia that day.  Ooops!  The scheduling was my fault.)^^

^^Chillin' in the water with Commander and blowing his whistle^^

^^I took a turn in the kayak too.  Woo!^^

We seriously had sooo much fun.  There is just something about exploration on the water that makes me feel alive.  I love it.

After several hours in the sun, we were all ready to head back to the house for some quiet and relaxation.  I should also mention that Commander and Liz enjoy spoiling their grandchildren.  Earlier, they had bought both Jed and Levi a couple of boxes of Legos.  Jed received his very first box of real Legos.  You know, the kind kind that get sucked up in the vacuum cleaner Legos.  I should have known Jed would become obsessed with these smaller more detailed pieces.  He's a particular child and he zoned right in on his brand new toy.  Jed and my dad sat at the table for a couple of hours putting the boats and helicopter and submarine together--perfect Grandpa/Grandson bonding experience.

 

That pretty much sums up our first day together.  Thanks for reading along and be sure to come back for part two of our eventful weekend with family in town.

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Exploring A Ghost Town Called Granite

Exploring A Ghost Town Called Granite

8.14.2014

^^The old Main Street of Granite, Montana^^

Before these pictures get lost in the abyss of my computer hard drive, I want to share just one last part from our trip to Montana.  Bron and I logged a lot of miles in the cab of his truck that week in July.  We spent two days traveling to different dairies as a part of Bron's job before embarking on our incredible vacation adventure around Glacier National Park.  So to break up the drive, we took the road less traveled.  And it paid off!

I saw a small sign on the side of the road outside of Philipsburg advertising a ghost town.  It immediately made me excited and I told Bron we just had to go see it.  In college, my roommates and I were kind of obsessed with this little ghost town called Herbert.  It was just an abandoned home and a couple of crumbling stone foundations in the middle of a field---but at night, especially when the moon was waxing full and a stiff breeze was at our backs... it was pretty creepy.  This ghost town in Montana however, blew 'ol Herbert's socks off.

It was pouring rain and the muddy road just kept climbing up this mountainside.  Finally, as the rain subsided, we arrived at the top and at the old ghost town.  Granite was a 19th century silver mining town boasting over 3,000 residents at its peak in history.  There was a bank, a hospital, a three story union hall, and rows and rows of houses.  Now all that remains are the ruins of the once bustling city in the mountain tops.  What would life have been like then?  Bron and I like to wonder.  Walking among the old buildings and stone foundations is like taking a peek into history--living history right at my fingertips!  (I wish I had a better memory; maybe I could have been an historian in another life.)  Needless to say, Granite left an impression on us.  What a cool old ghost town!

 ^^What's left of the three story Union Hall^^

^^The one and only bank in town.  Not kidding, the stone walls were over a foot thick!^^

We made so many neat memories on our trip to Montana.  It is BEAUTIFUL country up there.  I can't wait to go back and bring the little boys with us for some more adventuring.  Thanks for the eye candy, Montana!

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The One Thing I Am Doing Right As A Mother

The One Thing I Am Doing Right As A Mother

8.08.2014

Sometimes I wonder and I worry about my job as a mother to my two sweet boys. Am I teaching them all they need to know?  Do I discipline with enough love?  Am I really listening and being attentive?  Do I remember to enjoy the moment?

I am a very imperfect mother.  One of my biggest fears is that my lack of patience and other personality flaws are going to be reflected back at me in my children.  However, I have learned to forgive myself, to take a deep breath (sometimes multiple times in one day!) and start again with a new resolve.

Ultimately though, I think I'm doing okay.  I am doing my best.

There is this ONE thing I am totally nailing though.  And that is scripture study with my little boys.  After everyone is situated at the breakfast table--with a plate of peanut butter honey toast, some grapes, a vitamin, and a glass of milk (whew!)--I open up the Gospel Library app on my phone.  Sometimes Jed even reminds me, "Read scriptures Mommy!"  And so reading the New Testament has become a part of our daily routine.

On the days the boys are wound up and uninterested, we may only get through five verses.  But there are other days when Jed begs for me to read more!  It has honestly blown me away how much these curious little spirits soak in, how much they understand.  They want to listen and learn!  On those days, a sweet spirit settles upon us for a few minutes.

Reading the scriptures has given me a daily opportunity to teach my children about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is something that is near and dear to my heart--something that I have based my entire life upon--and I desperately want to share it with my family.  Daily scripture study with my little ones has also helped me in my understanding of the gospel.  When I review certain verses with Jed, I suddenly gain a new perspective or application for my own life!  It really is enlightening.  And kind of special.

I hope we can continue this one habit for a long, long time.

*What one thing are you doing right?*

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Rainy Days and Signs of an Early Winter

Rainy Days and Signs of an Early Winter

8.06.2014

The rain has felt strangely comforting today.  It's not very often we get rain storms like this--the kind that last for days--here in Idaho.  I opened the window just so I could hear the pitter-patter turn into a roar and back into a soft drizzle again.  It was wonderful.  We're all cozied up today, reading books and eating warm cookies.  But when we're not doing those things, the boys insist on wearing their boots and playing in the rain.  They really enjoy splashing through the puddles on their bikes!  Yesterday, they stole pot lids and wooden spoons from my kitchen and had a joyful march.  It was cute.

I sure love living with little boys.  I can't help it; the combination of the fresh rainy smell and the happy sounds of my children make me feel content.

Speaking of weather... last week while I was visiting with the manager of the old Stricker Homestead, he mentioned that Gary the Beaver--whose dam Jed admires--was cutting trees two months earlier than usual.  "It's a sign that winter is coming early this year," the manager explained.  And I believe him.  Those animals seem to know what's up; they're better predictors of the weather than any meteorologist.  My neighbor relayed the same message from seasoned farmers he works with.  They're reading all the natural signs: winter is indeed supposed to make an early entrance.

News like this makes me feel a little bummed, of course.  I'm just hoping that if Fall has to be short, it will be spectacularly colorful.  And winter?  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be extra wet.  Ski season!

But for now, it's summer.  Sweet summertime!  There's warm sunshine just around the corner.  And you better bet your bottom dollar we'll be soaking in every last minute of it. 

^^It's raining.  It's pouring.^^

 ^^I think I want a macro lens next.  The better to see those tiny raindrops!^^

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Celebrating Levi's 2nd Birthday with a Dirt Cake

Celebrating Levi's 2nd Birthday with a Dirt Cake

8.04.2014

One thing that I take great joy in is making my little boys feel special.  And there is no better time to do that than on a birthday!

Levi turned two years old yesterday!  In my mind, he's been two for a while: running, riding, screaming, biting, wearing 2T clothing, etc.  He's been a full blown two year old for a little while, it seems.  So celebrating this big milestone of toddler-hood was simply fun.  I started by making the chocolate cake portion of his dirt cake on Saturday.  Levi was sooo excited!  "My birday cake?" he asked enthusiastically all day long.  His birthday was all that was on his mind and all that he could possibly talk about.  It was absolutely darling.

Sunday morning his big day arrived!  Bron and I pulled Levi out of bed while Jed gasped over Levi's new miniature basketball hoop in the living room.  Well lo and behold, Levi was more interested in the balloons I left on the kitchen table!  Haha.  Yeah, isn't that just how it goes with little kids?

After church and a solid nap, it was finally time to party!  "My friends coming!" Levi beamed.  We had three neighborhood families over for a barbeque Sunday evening.  It was good to catch up with our friends, but Bron and I are actually not quite sure how much we actually enjoyed hosting this time.  It was a bit chaotic with all those kids running around.  However, both Jed and Levi reveled in every minute.  I mean, what's not to love when you're under four feet tall?  Levi had friends, presents, cake, and water guns!  It was totally a success.  The perma-smile on his face said it all.

The idea for Levi's dirt cake came from a combination of things I'd seen on pinterest and tasted and loved as a kid.  So voila!  A truffle style pudding, oreo, and gummy worm cake topped with tractors was born.  Perfect for a little boy, if I do say so myself.  I'm not sure who was more excited about it--Levi or me?!  Hehe.

^^Squirt gun water madness!^^

^^Thirsty?^^

Happy 2nd Birthday, Levi!

My love for you knows no bounds.  I would do anything for you, Little Man.  I hope you had a wonderful day. 

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Two Years Old Today

Two Years Old Today

8.03.2014

Levi 3 Months Old

Dear Levi,

I just want you to know that in the short two years you have been in my life, you have somehow managed to get me completely wrapped around your tiny pinky finger.  It's true, my heart is a puddle on the floor when it comes to you.  Part of it is the age; you're still so short and cute.  Those big fat cheeks, playful eyes, contagious grin, and curly blonde hair are enough to win anyone over.

Oh, that hair of yours!  You have ringlets, Levi.  Soft blonde ringlets that make your mama swoon.  With some cords and flip-flops, you look like you stepped right out of a surfing magazine.  And when light hits the back of your head, you suddenly have a halo.  I hope as you grow that you learn to embrace the awesomeness that a fro can do for you because the combination of that hair coupled with your bright personality will be unstoppable.

Folks are always asking from whom you get your curly hair.  I was never able to answer that, chalking your hair up to a lucky genetic anomaly.  Well, at the Nelson family reunion this year, I finally found out!  Your Great Grandpa Nelson had hair just like yours and you have several extended family members sporting the look too.

But enough about hair.  You are so, so much more than that!  You are a ball of bright, happy personality and boundless energy.  In fact, it wasn't until very recently that you started to sit for ten minutes to watch cartoons with your brother; you always had something better to do!

You love playing outside and are hopelessly drawn to water--the sprinklers, a muddy puddle, the dog dish--if it's wet, you'll find it!  It makes me smile.  And just like your big brother Jed, you're slightly obsessed with bikes.  You've taken off on the little yellow strider bike this summer, actually picking your feet up and gliding!  And you're fast too.  That kind of balance and agility makes me excited for you.

All that hard play makes you hungry.  Levi, you're a bottomless pit at mealtimes.  You just eat and eat and ten minutes later you're hungry again!  You're really not too particular, but I think your favorite foods are berries (strawberries, raspberries, etc.) and muffins.

We always pray at mealtimes and I look forward to your turn.  You fold your arms across your forehead but your blue-green eyes are always peeking.  And that little voice is so dear!  You quitely repeat phrases after me and always end with a resounding AMEN.  I absolutely love it.  And those hugs and kisses you exuberantly hand out following family prayer at bedtime?  I love them even more.  It's one of the sweetest moments of my day.

After prayers each evening you have a pretty particular bedtime routine.  You sleep with at least two blankets in your bed: a monkey fleece and a blue one... or two... or three.  And they are all soft; it is requisite that the blanket must feel good against your face.  At bedtime (and naptime too) I hold you on my lap and wrap you up in one of those soft blankets.  I ask you what song you'd like me to sing and with perfect clarity you always answer, "Adelweiss".  It's such a pretty song.  I'm glad you like it so much.  I feel like it's something special we can share together.

Levi, I can't talk about you without mentioning how phenomenally articulate you are.  Seriously, you blow me (and everyone else) away with how much and how clearly you can speak.  And you certainly speak your mind!  All day long you tell me what you want, what you like, and what you don't like.  However, admittedly, my favorite part about your speech is hearing what's going on inside that little head of yours.  You like to narrate your life: "I run!" "I jump!" "I ride my bike!"  Your words often make me chuckle and remind me of just how perfectly innocent you still are!  You are so precious.

All this talking has undoubtedly made the terrible-two's (which we all know really starts around 18 months) much more bearable.  I know you'll become even more independent this year and that your tantrums will get worse, but hey, we can COMMUNICATE  and that makes everything so much easier for us both!  Two is going to rock; I can just feel it.

What I think I will miss most about this last year passing is the way you hold my hand.  Your whole hand grasps just two of my fingers and we walk along together.  It is the sweetest feeling, those tiny hands in mine.  

Levi, you are my sunshine.  Your happy, lively, laid-back personality is one I am hopelessly drawn to.  I look forward to peeking over the rail of your crib each morning to be greeted with an enthusiastic, "Hi Mommy!" followed by, "I hungry."  Your sweet smiles, songs, and laughter make my day over and over.  I love you to the moon and back, Baby Boy--for you will always be my baby.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Levi!

Love Always,

Mommy

The cutest two year old around!

// Levi's First Birthday Letter

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