Moss--we'll grow on ya!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

United States History--inspiring

Yes, We the people of the United States are fortunate in so many ways. It has been such a great experience to study more deeply some of our country's early history, and the people involved. What an intriguing and awesome group of individuals helped start this nation, and then continued to lead it in the right direction.
We have spent the month of May visiting places from the lives of our founding fathers.

First--Grandpa Von and Bella Nonna came out to visit and we all went up to Boston to walk the Freedom Trail. We had done this years before, but it took on new meaning and life. We visited the gravesites of men such as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and the victims of the Boston Massacre.

We followed the red brick path that led us passed Paul Revere's home, the Old North Church, and much more.

Later on in May, we headed down to Washington, D.C. and Virginia with our good friends, the Treadwells.
We spent one 95 degree, humid day walking through D.C. We mostly wanted to see the Monuments and the National Archives--to see the original Declaration and Constitution. The boys weren't thrilled with the hours of walking in the heat, but it was a cool experience. We ended the day with a trip to the Air and Space museum.

The next day we were off to Mount Vernon--home of President George Washington. Dreamy. I loved the beautiful and organized grounds, and definitely felt a greater adoration for this great man after hanging out in the visitor's center and learning even more about him. (we are currently reading The Real George Washington as a family--so cool)

After swimming in a hotel pool and a good night's rest, we were ready for the awesome experience of seeing Monticello--the home of Thomas Jefferson. He is such a fascinating person, with a creative mind. His house was full of character and cool features. Isaac didn't think the tour was so cool, so David and Rebekah each heard just parts of it, but it was still neat.

The grounds and garden were beautiful. The kids especially loved the pond. It was filled with tadpoles, and the kids spent an hour catching them (one woman walking by told her son not to touch the water--poor kid-hee, hee). There was a great kids zone where the kids could learn about and act like Thomas Jefferson and his household.

More pool swimming (or goodwill shopping if you were a mom) and sleeping, then good-byes as we separated from the Treadwells for the trip home. You would have thought we would never see each other again--from the sad good-byes and carryings-on! We do love the Treadwells! (we started calling the kids a collective "Mosswells")

We found a tangent on our way home. Luray Caverns--ALMOST as cool as the caverns in Italy. I just love this fascinating, thousands-of-years-in-the-making, natural kind of stuff!

And, to continue this vacation's theme of visiting the homes of great men, we made a stop on our way home, to Columbia, Maryland and the home the exemplar David Gee Moss (from 7-15 years of age). It was so fun to see his familiarity and the excitement of childhood memories that poured out! The boys loved it because they have heard many stories about this home, with its very spacious lawn mown by a young man not any older than some of them! :)

After a 12 hour day of completely separate traveling and stops, we happened to meet up with the Treadwells in the only place we could have, at the only time we could have, just before turning off to our separate towns--I can't make that sound as crazy and ironic and hystrical as it really was. It ended the trip with a good laugh!

We were home in time to sleep, go to church on Sunday, and be ready for David, Eli and Adam to march in the Bloomfield Memorial Day Parade on Monday, with our scout troop and pack.

I love America!!!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Grandpa Von and Bella Nonna

My parents:
They are so loved.
They are so helpful.
They are so fun.
They are so missed.

They came out to visit--with sweet Ginny. We loved having them here to play, and go on walks, and make vegetable juices.
We had such a good time with them, and, therefore, the time flew.
It was hard for all of us to say good-bye, even though we plan on spending time with them this summer.
Tears of disappointment at their departure lasted a few days, especially for one sweet Giant Boy. He was discreet but unable to hold back his emotions and that was a pretty tender thing for his mother. That's what I get for having such awesome parents, I guess--heartache at not being closer, more often.

But, Don't worry. Giant Boy has a pretty awesome family here at home (hee, hee), and he'll make it until Callister time comes again!

Love you, Mom and Dad (and loved meeting and playing with you, too, Ginny)!

This is just a sweet picture of Isaac with a bird's nest that we found during LaCrosse practice one day.

Life is sweet.

Happy Spring!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Easter and a Deacon

Easter weekend is always great, but this year it was extra special.

We the traditional Saturday morning "spring baskets"--at our house it is more like "Spring- string-which-leads-to-clues-and-a-shared-bag-o-fun"

The boys really look forward to the winding up of the string and finding the sweet clues at the end

(the only candy my poor children get is the chocolate the clue is attached to).

I am in charge of stringing Isaac's and Gabriel's, and David does Adam and Eli. Eli was working on his at least 10 minutes longer than the rest of them--David gave him a nice tour of the nooks and crannies of our house!

Saturday night we did "ressurection cookies", which we have done a few times before. None of us like the cookies much, but it is a nice segway into Sunday and the true Easter message.

Sunday morning we checked out our cookies and watched The Lamb of God.

I made bunny bread that morning in preparation for our Easter dinner and then we headed to 11:30 church.

This would be a very special Easter Sunday since Eli was sustained and ordained as a deacon in the Aaronic priesthood.

He looked so great in his new suit, with the crisp white shirt that David taught him how to iron that weekend.

I am such a sap, I know, but last Sunday Eli gave his final talk in primary. I was there and seriously had tears in my eyes as I looked at that big boy and knew he was moving on.

We had just recently taken this picture of Eli and Isaac, because, for a little while, they were the oldest and youngest in our Bloomfield primary. Aren't they sweet?!

A couple weeks ago Eli had his interview with our bishop, about graduating from primary and about worthiness to hold the priesthood. He even got his first temple recommend (it all makes sense, but I was floored). That sunday was very sweet for me, as I felt my good Eli's great spirit oozing out of him.

When I got home from church that day I tearily wrote the feelings of my heart:

4-10-11 Eli's Sunday

He didn't have a birthday just yet; He didn't get the priesthood, or graduate from primary. But he knows these things are coming, and he is preparing.

Eli had an interview with the Bishop today. He was taken out of his primary class for it, and I think this was significant for him.

When church was over, his glowing and eager face saught mine out from among the mass of parents in the hallway.

A sticker on his shirt to remind us of his talk in sharing-time next week, his scriptures in hand, and that aging, but still boyish face--all handsome and sweet, with a twinge of humble pride. He happily, though meekly, let me know that the bishop had asked him a few of the articles of faith (he knows them all very well). That was his sweet way of letting me know he had had the interview.

I get emotional writing about, and pondering, this. Earlier today it wasn't tears, but a sweet swelling in my heart--a swelling of honor and love for my good and golden-hearted Eli.

He was feeling such joy after that interview. He sat with David and I during a baptism, after church (I let the other kids hang out with treats in a different room, but he didn't ask to go).

Eli held my hand and leaned into me. After a few minutes he said, "Mom, I got my first temple recommend today." He said that the bishop had asked him the questions during his interview.

I wonder if Bishop Sowa feels that same level of joy from very many of those he interviews (the bishop told David that Eli presented himself well and he could tell that he was well-educated!!:)).

Eli was oozing contentment--the knowledge that he was making the choices he knew would be so pleasing to his parents, to God, and for himself.

I listened to this lover-of-singing as he tried to figure out how to best sing the melody to "I am a Child of God". His voice isn't comfortable up high anymore, but isn't quite low enough for the octive lower. :(

After the song he laid his head on my shoulder. A rush of love just filled my heart in that moment. What an honor to be the mother of this energetic and sweet boy.

I wish I could put into words the feelings of my heart for my Eli; My first born, curious, physical, adorable boy.

I can't believe he is 12, and yet, it fits him well.

He belongs up there with those boys, passing the sacrament. He is nervous about doing it, because he doesn't want to make a mistake or be the center of attention, but he will fulfill his duty well.

He has such a natural desire to do good.

He is growing, but staying young in all the right ways.

He isn't perfect, of course, but today I witnessed his pure goodness--that which is in his heart.

I believe I connected right with his spirit and know more certainly of his great potential.

Heavenly Father surely sent us one of his elect spirits in this boy. And with that reminder, hopefully I will be able to mother him with greater patience and insight.

I want him to be, and see in himself, what I touched today.

There are many challenges ahead, and a scarey/harsh world waiting this great boy. He will find his weaknesses, which will be frustrating for him, but I know his strengths are powerful, and he will be able to overcome.

I just love this talkative, creative, active, boy--I can't believe he is trying to become a man!:)

Eli carefully dresses and fixes his hair each Sunday. He doesn't do it for the girls, just yet, he does it because he knows it is good--it is what his Dad does. He tucks in his white shirt, ties his tie neatly, puts on his belt and nice black shoes (he doesn't want brown or anything casual-looking at all), he gels his hair (asking mom to help make it look just right).

If all this is done well before church time, then he plops down and creates worlds on the floor with blocks or cards (he made up a solar system game with rook cards this morning).

Eli just came down the stairs singing, "My name is Eli, and I'll be a deacon on Easter Sunday!" (Easter is April 24th this year).

Oh, my great-and-powerful-boy!

After church the Treadwell family came over and we did Easter dinner together. What a sweet blessing to have friends that feel like family! (and, yes, Isaac was like that all through the afternoon!)

What a great Easter!!!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

12 years old!

We've been over this for many years now, but . . . 12?!

Eli had a great birthday.
His dream came true when, not only did he get a new Lacrosse stick and balls, but the weather cooperate enough that he could have friends over and play outside! He made up a lacrosse-type game using plastic cups, since not everyone would have their own stick. He calls it "cupping" and he got to play it with neighborhood friends and Johnny Simcik (from church). This boys is pretty easily pleased and it was nice to see him have a great day.

Our friend Dakota stayed that night and watched Jurassic Park with him--Eli has been curious about this movie for years now, so I relented (we have been studying movies and special effects for a bit, and Jurassic park comes up often--not to mention the fact that he has been a dinosaur freak his whole life!)

Poor little Isaac was sick through all the fun.

Eli truly is the-great-and-powerful-boy, only now he is a giant boy (that is what I call him, anyway).

Happy Birthday, my Eli!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Remembering Toby on his first birthday!

5 Boys

by Rebekah 2-8-11

Bustling, busy boys

School morning in progress

Unlike school in other places

Boys designing paper airplanes

Discussing which is stronger

Making up games

Loud big boys and loud little boys

What is missing?

Today we are reminded

Helping a friend

Watching a baby--

A baby born just a few weeks after mine

A baby who grunts and squeals

A baby boy, crawling

"Pick up those little things

"Here comes the baby"

Mom reminds

Four boy faces--11, 9, 6, 3

All surrounding this sweet boy

Anxious to get a smile

Seeking opportunities to give a kiss

Little hands upon my knees

As he practice-walks along the couch

Eyes look up, asking for a lift

Drool on my shirt

Baby fingernails scratching my neck

Exploring and examining my necklace--

my "Toby turtle" necklace

Hungry baby fed a bottle in my arms

Desperate to see all the big-boy action

Of course

"Mama, he spits!" Isaac reports

A dirty towel is found to wipe it up

A reminder

A little tender and swollen

But sweet just the same

5 boys

(look close and you can see the sweet, white number #5 jen sewed on Toby's hoodie)

Mom asked the boys:

What does Toby want for his birthday?

Isaac said, "Candy . . . gum candies."

Gabriel said, "To watch a movie . . . like Star Wars I . . . with caramel popcorn while we watch it . . . oh, and mamma to love."

Adam said, "Us to help one another. To help mom."

Eli said, "Toby wants us to not be sad that he's gone, but to be happy. Not to be happy that he's gone, but that he has a work to do that he couldn't do if he was with us."

Adam asked me what I thought Toby wanted:

I believe that Toby wants the peace and joy of seeing his family working hard to choose the right, so we can be an eternal family, with him!

As I was pondering Toby's first birthday, I came across this photo of our family in front of the Salt Lake Temple, and tears came to my eyes as I felt the full significance of our family sitting in front of that temple--the same temple we were married in, over 12 years earlier. Toby had left his body behind just a couple of weeks before that photo was taken. Our family was hurting, but whole.

We still hurt sometimes, but we are whole.

We feel so blessed to have the knowledge of eternal families, and the opportunity to be a part of one!

Toby's turtle:

At Toby's funeral David's sweet cousin gave me a necklace with his name on it. I loved having a physical reminder of Toby with me. I decided that I would be on the search of something "special" to put on a chain to remind me of him. I happened across this cute little turtle one day and instantly thought of cute little Toby's turtle. I bought it, and now turtles have become one symbol of Toby.

For Toby's first birthday I decided to use that symbol to help my boys understand that Toby is near. I placed toy turtles in different spots around the house for them to find. With each turtle was a message from Toby:

#1--School Room turtle:

Singing songs, learning poems, worlds to know and be created.

I watch you try, and with each bean you earn, I am elated!

(the boys earn beans for scholastic accomplishments--these go toward a family reward)

#2--Outside by the trampoline:

When Outside, playing ball or on the trampoline

Feel me laugh beside you, though I am unseen

#3--Living Room:

Scripture time, morning prayers, and each great big family hug

I join in with you, now and then. I'm near you on the rug.

#4--New turtle nightlight in the bedroom:

I can be near you any time, though I'm out of sight

My warm presence can be felt, like light that shines in night.

Toby's Love:

Rebekah 3-19-11

Toby is a busy man.

His days are full, like ours,

But he is ready to help out,

And can at any hour.

He knows each individual:

Brother, father, mother

And is filled with the same love

That we have for each other.

When we are laughing, happy,

Really full of bliss--

Toby jumps at the chance

To share moments like this.

When days are so frustrating

And you feel you may submit,

He longs to help, to let you lean

On his strength for a bit.

He knows our Savior and he longs

For us to feel and know

The hope, peace, love and joy

That Jesus Christ will show.

We would love to have had Toby

With us longer here on earth,

But know his role in our family

Carries on much past his birth.

We thank our Heavenly Father

For this special angel-friend.

Like us, Toby awaits the time

He'll be in our arms again.

Happy 1st Birthday Toby!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Adam's first 10 years

What?! Adam is turning 10?
I know it is crazy, but . . .it's true!

I have decided that 10 feels like the end of little-boyhood, so I am going to celebrate (mourn) each boy's 10th birthday by reflecting upon his "childhood" (I started this on Eli's 10th birthday April 2009)

I want to include many of Adam's zany, funny, clever little comments--made throughout his life, which I have diligently kept in his own special journal, and which we have read over each year on his birthdays in the past, but . . .I CAN'T FIND THE JOURNAL--keep it in your prayers (it's killing me!).

Therefore, this relfection will have a different feel to it than it otherwise would, but maybe that's not so bad--I'll make his photo book much lighter--after I find the journal!

Presenting: Adam Von Moss

a.k.a. "Adomius Supremius", "A.V.", or "Sweet-and-sour-sauce" Moss

Rebekah's journal, November 4, 2000:

It was wonderful for me to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. I cannot put into words the spirit of joy and excitement that filled me when I heard the proof of the life growing inside of me. As I drove home from the doctor's office, I couldn't keep from crying out of love for this new baby. I was grateful to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be a part of bringing his spirit children into the world.

November 19, 2000:
It was a beautiful blessing, but as I heard the words David spoke concerning the strength and support I have around me, I knew that the test results would show a problem. He spoke not only of family and friends on earth, but made reference to spirits on the other side who would strengthen me. He got choked up as he became more specific. He said that one who was there and supporting me all the way was the spirit of the baby I am carrying right now. Tears streamed down my face as I thought of that spirit in particular, knowing that I am to be his mother. David said that this individual was happy to know he was coming to a home where he would be taught the gospel and be raised by a father and mother who love their Heavenly Father. . .I was especially comforted because I felt that this baby would be okay . . .

January 29, 2001:

I still really think that I am having a boy. David and I have narrowed the names down to Adam or Isaac. I lean a little more toward Adam and David a little more toward Isaac. I thnk this one will be Adam, but that we will be using Isaac down the road, because I like it, too.

March 11, 2001, writing about Adam's birth:

Before I knew it, Adam was laying on my stomach. Tears came to my eyes as I looked at this new little member of our family. I was so glad he was here and appeared to be so perfect. He weighed 7 lbs 9oz. and was 20 inches long.

That night I got up with Adam a few times, to feed him. I was glad to be alone with him. I just watched his face and touched his little body as I fed him. I really fell in love with him that night.

May 13, 2001:

David blessed Adam to have a special bond of friendship with Eli; to have a healthy body and mind; to serve a mission; marry in the temple; and to be understanding of his parents as they raise him. I was particularly touched by the first part, which mentioned a friendship between Eli and Adam. I am sure that there will be times when such a friendship may not be as apparent, but Iam certain that they will be close and grow to really appreciate having one another. That is just so neat for me to think about--I am not just having children, I am giving these spirits earthly brothers and sisters.

July 27, 2001:

Adam is a sweet little guy still. He is a bit picky, liking to be held up and facing out whenever he is awake. He already weighs 17.5 pounds (4 months). He is just the most smiley baby, when he is happy. He is often found in his crib, in the morning, with his feet in the air, his hands grabbing at whatever, and bubbles spitting out of his mouth, or cooing loudly. He is also rather ticklish and will laugh the most adorable laugh!

August 29, 2001:

Radiation treatments are done!

It has been a long year and yet, from hindsight, it seems to have gone by fairly quickly. Of course, the greatest moment in it all was March 11, when Adam Von entered our family--for him and his existance, I would do it all again, but thank heavens, I don't have to! :)

December 9, 2001:

David gets such a kick out of the boys and their complete adoration of him. If Adam is awake when David walks in the door, his face just beams and he does all he can to let David know he wants him to hold him (since he can't crawl to him yet this means grunting and slamming his hands down). If David walks in the opposite direction of Adam for even one second, out comes an enormously dejected cry that lasts until he is in Daddy's arms.

January 10, 2002:

Adam's first tooth finally broke through, AND he crawled for the first time. He must have known that if he waited even one day longer he would be 10 months old, and that is just too long to wait for either of those accomplishments! :)

October 20, 2002:

I am so glad that Eli has Adam, and that we have Adam. Though Eli can be tough for Adam sometimes, I also already see what a wonderful thing it is for them to have each other to play with and laugh with. Nothing makes Eli happier than when he gets Adam to laugh, and nothing makes Adam happier than laughin with Eli!

December 8, 2002,

After starting treatments again:

Adam is easily loved and has fallen in love with his Grandma Moss. He loves to sit with her and sing with her.

I worried that Adam would have nothing to do with me after my hair was gone. But he has been okay. For the first day he would point at me and with dramatically open mouth, say, "Ahh!" He wasn't afraid, he had found a new game (every time he did it someone would laugh).

Eli reminded me of this from Adam's childhood:

Eli did something to make Adam upset and Adam said, "You're just a jerk!" I had never heard Adam say that before and so I asked him if he knew what it meant.

Adam replied, with mischeivious grin, "It means, 'I love you, Eli.'"

May 17, 2004, mom is pregnant with child #3:

Adam was pretty excited when he heard the heart beat. Since he comes to all my Doctor appointments, he was very aware of what it was, and when he heard it he announced to us all, "That's my baby's heartbeat!"

June 1, 2004:

Adam loves to talk about being a big brother. He often says hello to the baby and gives me kisses asking, "Does the baby like kisses?" It will be so fun to see him with this baby.

August 11, 2005:

I look at my Adam, who just cracks me up, and loves it. I wonder if he will ever decide to stop telling me every morning that he loves me and thinks I am pretty.

I live for his cute compliments and goofy faces.

He is getting so long and thin. I love to pick him up and hug him because he is still not too heavy, but he has those long arms and legs that just wrap around my body, and I feel so engulfed in little boy--I don't know many things that feel better than that!