Healing Power Of Nature

There's something about Nature...the sun, the blue sky, the gentle breeze, the beautiful trees, flowers,water, and creatures ...when I am depressed and down-it fills me with a sense of peace, hope, joy and gratefulness. I needed a renewal of those things a few weeks ago. What better way to do it than with family on a walk around Silver Lake in Park City. Life can get heavy at times, but God provides plenty of remedies to cure our heaviness. Life is  meant to have days like this-pure and good.

Kids Say the Darnest Things!

I have been thinking lately that I needed to write down some of the cute things and saying my kids have done and said lately before I can't remember them anymore:

Tavin: This summer we put Tavin in swim lessons- and despite being a little hesitant at first, he caught on pretty well. One of his classmates was named Natalia, and being to good friend that Tavin is, one morning I hear him cheering her on: "good job Italian! Good Job! Keep going Italian!" I had to kindly remind him that her name was Natalia-not Italian:)

Katie:Katie has become a lot more sensitive and aware as she has gotten older, and lately I have noticed she is very serious about "doing what Jesus would want her to do" I am grateful to her Sunday school teachers for teaching her this and for the FHE lessons on this topic that have seemingly affected her. Sh held the door for a man that was in a wheel chair and afterward, with a huge smile on her face, she said to me-that is what Jesus would want me to do:) Or the few times she remembers to share with Livy-she promptly comments that Jesus would be happy that she did that. I quietly encourage her efforts by agreeing and praising her. She understands how doing what is good and right it makes her feel happy inside. Perfect moments to share about the Holy Ghost! She is growing to be beautiful on the inside and out!

Livy: It must be because she has Katie and Tavin to learn from but she is by far the fastest to pick up words/talking. It seems like she has something new to say every week! This week it is "oh man!" We were putting together a puzzle and she would say "mom, where go, where go? I would point to the place where the piece would go and she would happily say "OK!" If a piece didn't fit where she wanted it to go, she would say-"OH MAN!" :)

Her other common saying: "No Way!" is the answer she gives when she is serious about not wanting to do something:) So asking if we can change her diaper often gets this response or if she is ready for nap time.

She says "I love me" when she wants to tell me she loves me:)
or "hold you" if she wants me to hold her.

She also has her own way of saying my sisters' names:
Kissy = Chrissy
Kisha = Krisha
Kimmy = Kimberly

And she calls the baby in my stomach-her soon to be little brother-"My baby"

First Grade Has Begun!

Tavin is now a first grader at Eastlake Elementary and is excited as ever to be in Mrs. Murray's class. The first day he whispered to me "mom, I'm a little nervous" but as usual-he is doing great! So far things have been going well and I can already tell he is improving in his reading skills. He is so good at math-something I struggled with during my school years-he must follow after his dad. And he is so friendly and social.

Back to school night was only 2 days after he started school and I was the first one to enter the classroom. I introduced myself to the teacher and she asked which child was mine:
"Tavin Bauman-the red headed little boy"
Mrs. Murray immediately began to tear up-oh no-what happened in only 2 days of school??
"Oh your little boy already has a special spot in my heart...a girl who is in our class and is in a wheel chair started school two days late. As soon as she came in the class room, Tavin, without even being prompted or asked went up to her and befriended her. He introduced himself and quickly made her feel at ease."

Of course, as a mother, my heart filled with joy, all those lessons on being kind and not judging someone because they are different-seemed to have payed off.

"That is Tavin for ya"

I am so grateful to be Tavin's mom and know that he is bound to do wonderful things! It is a privileged to be along for the ride. Here's to another successful and fun year of school!

Close to Popin' Time!

One of my secret hobbies/interests is watching animal planet or documentaries about animals...I just love it! Daniel is so good about humoring me in this and often times-when it is my turn to pick what we watch-he willingly agrees:) How nature works and the intricate features each animal is given to survive/thrive in life is amazing to me. Part of the animal instinct is to create and take care of/raise their own children. It brings me joy to see what good and dedicated mothers animals can be. And in the long run, I have it the easiest when carrying a child:

Elephant:18 months 

Giraffe: 14 months

Zebra:12 zebra

Humans: 9 months 

The first three months of this pregnancy have been the hardest out of my children. I think with age-my ability to handle the sickness and debilitating affects-has gotten worse. But the first time I was able to hear my baby's heart beat and see him move around so delicate and real in my tummy-it was love:) My heart fills with affection as I feel him kick and grow each day and I am truly excited for the next member of our family to come join us. Only 3 more months until Graham is here!

 I don't often remember to take pictures of my pregnant belly, but as Dan and I got ready to leave for a date last weekend, I had him take a quick one (while I felt pretty and put together. It is rare during my pregnancies that I have the energy to get ready)

Daniel insisted on me posing this way on the couch just for fun-we had a good laugh over it:) He cracks me u sometimes!

A powerful Quote about mothers: Mothers in today's society should be like a female Tiger guarding a gate....she patiently and effectively paces back and forth-aware of any and all predators that might come her way.  We need to guard our homes in a like manner-completely aware of the very real dangers of the adversary that linger right outside our door-waiting to destroy our family and lead our children away.

Angel Kisses

I am grateful to those who show kindness and love to my children and see them for the special people that I know them to be. One of these people works at This is the Place monument and museum in the barber shop. What a great grandpa he must be! When we walked in, he asked if any of the kids would like a shave like they did in the old days. Tavin was hesitant but Katie jumped right up in the chair for her turn. He cheerfully started to lather her face and explain the process of shaving in the old days using a dull blade to clean the shaving cream off her face. He then noticed her beautiful freckles.

"Little Lady you have a wonderful bunch of freckles on your cheeks and nose. Did you know that the pioneers had another name for freckles? Angel Kisses! You must be really loved to have so many-the same with your brother. The angels have kissed you lots:) "

He then put some mild aftershave on her cheeks and she happily jump down so brother could have a chance.  To someone else, this might seem like just a simple remark, but to my children it meant something. Ever since we left the Barber Shop both Tavin and Katie tell everyone what freckles are really called. The comment on other peoples' freckles and their own. It gives the confidence and fills them with love. Thank you to the man who took time for my kids.  

Boppa was able to come spend the day with us and I am also grateful for him and the part he plays in my life and theirs. We are glad when he comes to make memories. We learned a lot about our Heritage and those who made if possible for us to be here and have the blessings we enjoy...he is part of that heritage.

 Tavin standing in an Indian hut these were really cool to see and hear about. This particular one is for males. They would come here after battling in wars to clam their souls and clean their minds before going back to their families. I know we have some Indian heritage in our background from my father's side. Maybe that is where Livy has gotten her beautiful dark skin. Tavin was very intrigued by these structures and asked a lot of questions. He then asked if he could just sit in one for a little while....my sweet sweet boy who at 6 years old ponders, wonders, and meditates.

The actual "this is the place monument" commemorating the moment when Brigham Young announced that Utah would be the resting place/home for those who traveled so far. We are grateful for them and their sacrifices. I can't imagine taking my kids in unbearable conditions, have some of them dye.....that is faith....

 We were able to see an oxen up close-he was very friendly and even took a liking to Katie's dress-the bottom part is hot pink...he swiftly liked it up with his long tongue when she got close enough-thinking it must be some tasty kind of food. Thus only Tavin standing in the picture;) It was interesting to see a real life image of the animals that pulled the hand carts.

Kids visiting a small hut where thirteen people had to fit inside each night. During the summer months the boys would sleep up on the roof to create more room and in the winters they all huddled around the fire to keep warm. This little hut was about the same size as our bedroom.

See Them, Know Them, Accept Them For Who They Are

I had a long talk with my sister today about how moms sometimes have to celebrate the little things in our days to remind us what life is really about and how we are truly blessed....at times monotony can get the best of us and I have found that if I take time to look for the good at the end of each day, I don't get sucked in. Most of the good that happens during my days is given to me by my kids. 

Recently I was taught by my children-not by their words but by their kind and innocent actions in two specific incidences that I hope I will never forget. It isn't a new lesson or concept that I've never heard before, but for some reason, Every once and a while, I need to be reminded of it...."See them, know them, accept them for who they really are! not what you first perceive them to be."

Let me explain:

Experience #1: While on our trip to California this year, our family got to spend the day at Sea World together. The whales, the dolphins, the sea turtles, the otters, the seals, and the fantastic shows that included many other amazing and fascinating animals on display there were memorable BUT I think the most memorable part of my day was when we were standing in line to ride the round viewing elevator in the middle of the park.

 I was chatting with Daniel-probably about the plans for the rest of the day, when I overheard my Katie girl say, "What is that on your forehead? I want one." Worried that she was offending some innocent bystander with her curious question, I quickly turned my attention to who she was speaking with. It was an Indian woman dressed up in her custom clothing and she had a small red dot on her forehead, which seemed to be the topic of Katie's inquiry. The woman, intrigued by Katie's question, and seemingly happy and pleased with my redheaded girl, replied "This is a mark we wear in our country. It helps us to feel beautiful. You may have one if you would like." Then she turned to Daniel and I to ask if it was OK...she explained that this mark was usually given to a girl at the age when she turns into a woman-a right of passage of sorts but that it was OK for Katie to wear if she would like. 

We agreed and to Katie's delight the woman took a sticker-like dot off a sheet of paper from her purse and placed it on her forehead. Then, she got out her mirror so that Katie could admire her new mark. Katie was so excited. They took a picture together and Daniel and I smiled. We continued to frequently run into this woman and her husband as we wondered the park since it was a week day and less crowded. Each time the woman would embrace Katie and talk with her. They were friends. Thank you sweet Katie girl for reminding me that even though others might dress differently or look differently, they all want to be accepted, they all want to be beautiful in their own way and culture, and they all want to be seen for who they really are...they want to be friends. 

Experience #2: As we played at the park this past week...a man and woman COVERED in tattoos (from their feet to the space right underneath their eyes-with pictures and numbers of all kinds) walked up with their 5 and 7 year old daughters and a 4 month old baby strapped to the woman's stomach...she was smoking. They were a rough looking sort. My sister and I automatically relocated ourselves and quickly judged them on how they appeared. 

Later, I glanced around to make sure I knew where each of my kids were-guess where I found them, yep playing basketball with that family-talking and laughing-making friends. We slowly made our way over to make sure everything was OK. The man engaged us in a friendly conversation about our kids, his kids, and life in general. Tavin talked to him about RSL (our favorite soccer team) and the man and woman willingly listened. 

They were VERY nice and he was a good dad from what I saw. He even helped my kids get down from high spots on the climbing gym. When it was time to go, they warmly said their goodbyes and we were on our way. As i contemplated this event while lying in bed that night, I realized that if I were to see them again, I would greet them willingly and happily-instead of turning my back on them. Who am I to judge another. Thank you Tavin, Katie and Livy for reminding me once again of one of the golden rules: Don't judge a book by its cover see the, know them, accept them for why they truly are and not by how they appear.  My kids didn't see the tattoos or smell the smoke, they just saw friends. 

Pretty Much a Perfect Kind of Day!

Have you ever been asked the question: If you could describe your perfect day what would it be? Well a couple of weeks ago while visiting an Aunt in CA I experienced exactly that-"MY PERFECT KIND OF DAY" A beautiful sunny California day with blue skies and a subtle breeze blowing every now and then on the beach. The sound of people chatting, kids laughing, and the feeling of relaxation in the air. Warm sand under my bare feet and my family enjoying life all around me. As a mom there is nothing more satisfying than watching your children discover life's mysteries and wonders. 

 Tavin drying off and resting after a "hard" couple hours jumping waves, building sand castles, catching sand crabs, and collecting shells. He loved playing with his cousins who came from Riverside CA to spend the day with us. We wish they lived closer-crossing our fingers and our toes for that to become a reality in the future:) There is nothing like a nap on the beach!

 Livy's first time actually aware of the sites and sounds of the beach. Last time we came, she was only a couple months old. I could just see her mind reeling as her senses experienced for the first time, what the beach is all about. She decided she liked the sand-and didn't even mind it when her fishy crackers had some on them....just made them a little crunchier right!:) She had no reservations about being dirty and enjoyed being covered/covering other people with sand. The water was a little bit of a different story-its' enormity was a little overwhelming and she was hesitant to stand in it on her own. Luckily her daddy was there to hold her and assure her it was OK:)

 Daniel enjoying some of that relaxation time:) He played hard too! His favorite: boogie boarding

And here is the beach babe herself:) She, out of everyone, LOVED the beach the most! She tried everything with no fear. Dan even taught her how to do a little boogie boarding on the small waves coming into shore. I loved her excitement and enthusiasm for it all. Maybe because she reminds me so much of my younger self....spending hours finding/or in her words, saving the shells in buckets...chasing the waves, and wanting to create master pieces in the sand.

 I am so glad I have these guys with me for eternity! There is no better people to spend my perfect day with than them....including our new addition in my belly-graham!

ALL the MANY shells we collected and washed and hauled home with us to UT:) She is very proud of them. I am still searching for craft she can do to preserve them as a memory of our day. Maybe just a jar for her to put on the shelf by her bed.