Sweet Sunday - I Always Have A Happy Feeling . . .

I usually sing "When I Go to Church" to Lavender on Sunday morning.  Today she was especially excited to go to church because it was her first week of nursery.  We have been talking about it all week and she was ready to go!  When we opened our eyes after the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting, Lavender was already running out of the chapel.  Evan caught up with her near the nursery room and took her inside.  She happily said good-bye and started playing.  It was extra special because her nieces were visiting our ward and got to join her in nursery.  I feel a little bit cheated though.  Remember my list of 13 things to do in 2013? Can I cross off "take Lavender to her first day of nursery" if I didn't actually take her?  I did take her last week and stayed with her the whole time, so I guess that will have to count!

 

A Change for Mother's Day

I think I've finally made peace with Mother's Day.  It's a peace I haven't felt since I was child making construction paper cards with handwritten poetry for my mom.

For years I cringed on Mother's Day.  It's strange, because in my heart of hearts I am a mother.  I was a mother long before I ever gave birth and I have given my whole heart to mothering.  But on Mother's day I felt guilt.  Guilty that I wanted to be pampered and disappointed that a Sunday full of church and family was not at all relaxing.  Guilty that I wasn't a perfect mother.  Guilty that I was impatient, lost my temper or yelled.  Guilty that I somehow didn't measure up.

Things are different now.  I lost my sweet mother 2 1/2 years ago and I have grieved long and hard for her.  I have a darling baby girl who has brought such joy to our home.  Somehow, just like when I was a little girl writing poems, Mother's Day isn't about me anymore.

This Mother's Day I am feeling exquisitely blessed to have lived my life surrounded by wonderful mothers. Grandmothers going back for generations, a Sunday School teacher who taught me about our Savior, aunts who made me feel special, neighbors who trusted me to babysit their children, a school teacher who nurtured my talents, a mother and mother-in-law who truly were angels. Today the blessings continue with dear friends, my sister, five sister-in-laws, my cousins and daughter-in-law.

One of these mothers was my great-grandmother Clara Matilda Bliesath.  Granny died nearly 40 years ago and I still miss her.  My thought of her wax and wane.  Occasionally, I feel her near me with an intensity that is hard to describe.  In late 2010 and early 2011, I felt her presence often, compelling me to finish the temple ordinances for her family.  Last week I was in the car by myself and thoughts of her suddenly flooded my mind.  I began to cry as I realized how much I missed her.

Like me, Granny was a mother at heart.  Unable to have children of their own, she and her husband adopted a baby girl who became the center of their world.  When her husband died, her daughter made her promise that she would never remarry.  Granny had to work hard to support her daughter on her own.  Later she helped care for her grandchildren as her daughter divorced and remarried.  When her daughter died, she brought her two grieving grandchildren home and raised them.

When my father was grown, he converted to a strange religion that Granny didn't understand.  She wasn't happy when he married a Mormon girl.  But they came to live with Granny for a short time and my mom won her over.  Before too long, Granny was doting on her great grandchildren.

I loved being with Granny.  When she came to our house she slept in my big queen size bed with me and we watched soap operas together.   I remember sitting on her lap and feeling so much love from her.  What more could any child want?

That's exactly what Mother's Day is all about, at least it is to me this year.  Love and Gratitude. Love for the many incredible mothers (yes I'm talking about you!) in my world and gratitude for their influence and example!

Happy Mother's Day!

Serendipitous Cinco de Mayo

On Sunday we had twenty family members at our house for dinner!  More on that in the next post.  As I was planning dinner, I decided on a Mexican theme with crock pot recipes that could cook while we were at church.  On Saturday night I realized that I was missing an important ingredient.  I headed to the store about 10 PM and found myself in line behind a man with 15 kinds of Ben & Jerry ice cream and two barely 21 year olds buying liquor.  I felt a little out of place with my extra large bag of pinto beans.  As I pondered "which one of these doesn't belong," I heard one of the guys mention Cinco de Mayo.  I realized that I had accidentally planned the perfect Cinco de Mayo dinner!  To make things even more festive, Marianne donated a package of brightly colored, striped napkins and Jenny brought an ice cream sundae bar for dessert!

The next time you plan a fiesta of your own, you might want to try three of my favorite recipes.  Two of them are from our niece Holly and one is from our friend Jody whose family, sadly, has moved to Los Altos.  All three are easy, fairly healthy recipes that you can prepare in advance.

Homemade Refried Beans (not really refried, but delicious!)

4 cups raw pinto beans, rinsed
1 large onion chopped
2 t salt
1/2 t chili powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1 t cumin
(can use taco seasoning in place of spices)
1-2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

Place beans and onion in crock pot and fill with water.  Cook all day (6-8 hours on high).  When water has cooked out (beans come to top with a little water) add spices.  Blend hot beans in small batches until as smooth as you like.  Put beans back into crock pot and sprinkle cheese on top.  Turn crock pot on low.  Serve as a bean dip with chips or as a side dish or with tacos.

Holly Tacos (renamed by my kids)

4 large chicken breasts
(1 pkg taco seasoning or)
2 t minced onion
1 t salt
1 t chili powder
1/2 t cornstarch
1/2 t minced garlic
1/4 t oregano
1/2 t cumin
2 cups salsa

Put chicken, spices and salsa in crock pot all day.  1 hour before serving, scoop out extra liquid so that tacos won't be drippy.  Shred meat with fork and add 1 cup sour cream.

Serve with warm flour tortillas, lettuce, olives and cheese.  You can also use the meat to make a great (gluten-free)  taco salad.

Jody's Black Bean Dip (a favorite of my Mom's)

3 tomatoes, chopped
3 avocados, chopped
1 can corn, drained (or use frozen)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can black eyed peas, drained
1/2 bunch of cilantro chopped
salt and pepper to taste
approx 1/2 bottle Italian dressing

Mix together.  Refrigerate and let it set for several hours.  Serve with tortilla chips.  You can double this for a crowd.

¡Viva México!

Best. Present. Ever.

I am pleased to announce that I have finished my Christmas shopping.  Unfortunately, I still haven't  received all of it yet, nor have I wrapped and/or mailed everything.  But I'm working on it!

In case you are still contemplating what to get that special someone, I have a suggestion.  My kids (my oldest two, who just happen to be married to each other) gave me a wonderful gift on Mother's Day.  While it was perfect for Mother's Day, it would be an equally wonderful Christmas gift.  Best of all, it won't cost you too much!

Ready for the details?

Gather 52 cards and envelopes.  You can use simple cards or fancy stationery, just as long as you have something to write on.  Next comes the hardest part.  Think of 52 things you love (or are grateful for) about this person.  Again, these can be as long or short as you'd like.  When you're finished writing, you will probably feel really happy that you have this great person in your life.  Next, put each card in an envelope and then put all of them in a basket or other container.  Add a ribbon and you're set!

Ryan and Molly told me I could open the envelopes whenever I chose.  Since there were 52, I decided to open one every Sunday.  I have "cheated" a couple of times when I was having a bad day.  Just opening that little envelope really cheered me up.  I know it would bring some Christmas cheer to anyone on your gift giving list!

Happy shopping!

Surprised by Joy

CS Lewis wrote, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven."  Perhaps this is why babies, so fresh from heaven, seem to find so much joy in life.  Lavender is quick to smile and she delights in new sights, textures and sounds.  She is thrilled by the familiar as well.  Her whole body quivers and exudes joy when someone she loves approaches.  I feel her joy each day and it heightens my awareness of the joyful moments in life.

Here are a few things that have brought me joy:
receiving an email from my missionary son
the smell of rain in the air
my granddaughter's sweet voice shouting "Hi!" as she runs towards me
feeling the Spirit when I read the Book of Mormon
conversations with my children
holding my husband's hand
talking to a friend
anticipating a trip with my family
listening to my dad tell stories of his childhood
looking at photos of my mother

At times, I have had similar experiences without feeling joy.  Why?  Perhaps it was my attitude or state of mind.  CS Lewis explained the elusive nature of joy:

"Only when your whole attention and desire are fixed on something else--whether a distant mountain, or the past, or the gods of Asgards--does the 'thrill' arise.  It is a byproduct.  Its very existence presupposes that you desire not it but something other and outer."

Joy is a gift from God.  When my heart is ready, I am often, as Lewis described, surprised by joy.

". . . men are, that they might have joy."  2 Nephi 2:25

Sweet Sunday - A soft answer

Spreckles Organ Pavillion

On Monday we went to an organ concert in Balboa Park for Family Home Evening.  We arrived a little late, but we got an incredible parking space and found great seats near the front.  The weather was perfect and we ended up sitting near 24 LDS senior missionary couples.  Evan caught their attention by reading and marking his scriptures.  He is reading The Book of Mormon in 30 days during August and he wanted to finish his 18 pages before dark.  During intermission we chatted with the missionaries and they shared their homemade cookies with us.

This peaceful scene was interrupted when a homeless man staggered across in front of the stage. He was obviously drunk and he was bold.  He made eye contact with anyone who dared to look at him.  I turned my gaze elsewhere, grateful that he wasn't near enough for me to smell him.  A few minutes later, the organ society began presenting awards to three young organists.  The homeless man began clapping and cheering loudly despite his slurred speech.  He was loud and obnoxious and it surely made audience members uncomfortable.  A security guard approached him and apparently asked him to quiet down.  This made the man angry and he began yelling and swearing. A volunteer came over to help and asked the man to leave.  In response he began screaming and using more profanity.  He got really angry when they threatened to call the police.  It was an unpleasant situation and I wondered if our lovely evening was ruined.

Then the president of the organ society approached the three men.  I couldn't hear what he said, but the homeless man began speaking more softly.  They talked for a minute and soon I couldn't hear the homeless man at all.  I watched the gentleman put his hand on the homeless fellow's shoulder.  He gently guided him to where the refreshments were sold.  He got him a cup of coffee and something to eat.  He walked with him and helped him find a place to sit.  Then he quietly went back to his own front row seat.

As I watched this scene, I was reminded of the Savior.  I knew he would have handled the situation in a similar way.  He would have treated the homeless man as a person--an individual with feelings, not as an annoyance to be dismissed or a disturbance to be dealt with.  I am grateful for the example of the president of the organ society.  He surely understands the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:1

"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger."

Father's Day

Since my dad is on vacation, I didn't get to spend Father's Day with him this year.  I miss him, but I know he is having a wonderful trip!  Evan spoke in Sacrament Meeting about the 3 P's of fatherhood (preside, provide and protect).  He gave a wonderful talk and told about John's dad who worked 2 jobs for 17 years to provide for his family.  He worked at the post office all day and then cleaned the bank in the evenings.  Sometimes he took his children along and they thought it was a special treat to get to help their dad.

After church we celebrated at home with all the Happy Hartz except Elder Aaron.  We made John some of his favorite foods and Molly made Ryan's favorite CPK-style salad. 

Our main course was Beef Stroganoff. I think I've made this once or twice during the past 25 years.  I rarely cook with beef.  In fact, the kids were amazed to see the steak I bought.  Here is the recipe I used from the Lion House cookbook.  It really is yummy.

Beef Stroganoff

1 clove garlic cut into quarters (I used more)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs lean round or sirloin steak cut into thin bite sized pieces (1 inch x 1/4 inch thick)
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 lb fresh sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
3/4 tsp paprika
1 cup sour cream
hot cooked egg noodles

Heat garlic in oil for a few minutes, then remove and discard garlic.  Add meat to skillet; brown slightly.  Add onion, salt and pepper.  Cover and cook for 35-45 minutes until meat is tender, turning occasionally.  Add more water as needed. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

With slotted spoon remove meat and mushrooms.  Keep warm.  Blend flour into drippings in pan.  Slowly stir in milk.  Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens.  Add paprika and stir. Add meat and mushrooms and sour cream.  Mix and heat well, but do not cook.

Serve over egg noodles.  Serves 6.

For dessert we had rice krispie treats and homemade rocky road ice cream. Here is the easy recipe we used.

Rocky Road Ice Cream

14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup light cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped pecans
 1 cup mini marshmallows.

In medium saucepan over low heat, cook and stir condensed milk and cocoa until smooth and slightly thickened, approx 5 min.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.  Stir in heavy cream, light cream and vanilla. Refrigerate until cool.

Pour mixture into ice cream maker and freeze according to directions.  Add nuts and marshmallows halfway through.  Yum!

Here we are after dinner.  He liked it!

 

John with all of our children and grandchildren (except Elder Aaron of course)

There are 10 of us now. We're getting to be quite a group!

 

We are happy to see Ryan being a good husband to Molly and father to his girls.

Now if we can just get him to stop these cheesy poses.

Lavender didn't get to taste any of the food on her first Father's Day, 

but she did find something else yummy--her thumb!

Hope you and yours had a wonderful Father's Day!

Our Elder Aaron

On Sunday we left church 15 minutes early.  We wanted to be home in time to receive a call from Elder Aaron.  Yes, it was Mother's Day, but it was also his 20th birthday.  We were excited to talk to him.  I told him I wished he could see Lavender and he said, "Well we are allowed to skype, but we couldn't find anyone in the branch who had a computer we could use."  That made me kind of sad.

Then we asked him about the Korean branch.  We knew they were struggling with less than 20 members attending and the stake leaders were considering disbanding it.  Elder Aaron told us that they finally had a branch activity.  He and his companions (yes they are still a threesome) were excited because they hadn't had any activities since they've been there.  Then the branch president told them the activity would be a health seminar presented by a doctor in the branch.  The missionaries didn't think that sounded very appealing and suggested adding a potluck or something, but the plan was already set.  So the elders forged ahead and invited all their investigators and less active members.

So how did it turn out?  Well, the branch president and his wife came.  So did the doctor and his wife.  With the three missionaries, they had a grand total of 7 in attendance.  Finally, about 30 minutes into the seminar, one of the less active members arrived.  He has since told them he isn't interested in the church.  Sigh!

Elder Aaron is enjoying the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.  They have taught several people from North Korea.  Most likely they had to leave illegally, so I'm sure they have some exciting stories.  There are immigrants from all over the world in Toronto, so there are 6 or 7 different languages spoken in the mission.  In fact, they are the only mission with Farsi speaking elders.  It isn't a language taught in the MTC, but the mission president assigns English speaking elders to learn Farsi and work with the Iranians in the area.

Today Elder Aaron got a new companion, a native Korean speaking elder who has been serving as an English speaking elder for the past few months.  They will be moving downtown and will work in the southern part of the city while his former companions work in the north.

We hope this will be a good change for all of the elders and give Elder Aaron the chance to improve his Korean and find new teaching opportunities.  We know that Lavender is proud of her big brother because when we were reading his latest email, she said something that sounded remarkably like "Aaron."  All four of us heard it, so no one can accuse me of being a crazy mom.  But if they did, it wouldn't be the first time.

Sweet Sunday

One December night I went to bed feeling lonely and kind of sorry for myself.  When I awoke, my mind was filled with some of my blessings.  God told me that he had given me true friends.  These are not the kind of friends who go shopping and out to lunch and then wave goodbye.  Rather, these are friends and family members who have loved me enough to help me teach and raise my children.  Some of these women have selflessly spent hundreds, perhaps even thousands of hours loving and teaching my children at church, seminary, homeschool classes and in their homes..

I am grateful for these women and their influence on our family.  This quote by Spencer W. Kimball describes them well.

To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home – which is society’s basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife. . .


Selflessness is a key to happiness and effectiveness; it is precious and must be preserved as a virtue which guarantees so many other virtues. There are so many things in the world which reinforce our natural selfishness, and neither our men nor women should be partakers thereof. We have grown strong as a people because our mothers and our women have been so selfless. That ennobling quality must not be lost, even though some of the people of the world may try to persuade otherwise.

If you are wondering if you are one of these women, the answer is yes. You are!

A Gift

It has been a week since I posted, a good week filled with happy things.   Here is a sampling of some of the goodness:

*Thanksgiving at my brother's house.  It was wonderful to have the whole family together for a day filled with delicious food, laughter and a walk to the park for pictures.  I am so grateful to my sister-in-law for hosting.  I know it was a lot of work for her, but it was wonderfully stress-free for me.  Best of all, the sadness of missing my mom didn't really hit until the next day, which was fine because I could be alone and process my feelings.

*My family surprised me in a wonderful way.  While I was on a walk they got out all the boxes of Christmas decorations and even set up the tree.  This may not seem like much, but it is a major project to get everything down from our tiny garage.  It is not something I can do by myself.  Right now it isn't something I can do at all!  I was so excited when I came home to find the tree all ready for us to decorate.

*We spent Saturday afternoon at LaJolla Cove.  The tide was really low, so we had a great view of the tide pools and deep green sea grass.  We played frisbee on the lawn and even watched a bride and groom with their photographer.  We drove up to Mt. Soledad just in time to watch the sunset.  It was a perfect way to end the day!

Our "soft" frisbee which was perfect for a crowded day at the beach.

*Christmas cards make me happy!  We received our first card and newsletter (yes I love those newsy letters too) yesterday.  Our own cards are addressed and almost ready to go.  The letter is ready too, but I am holding off on printing it until after my doctor's appointment tomorrow in case I have any news to share.  Keep your fingers crossed.

*Molly and the girls came to church with us on Sunday since Ryan had to work.  We love spending time with them and it was fun to be with Brianne in the nursery.  Brianne was disappointed we hadn't brought the dog to church.  She asked for "woof woof" several times.

*Tuesday is my new favorite day since it is Aaron's pday.  He has been writing us a fairly long email plus a handwritten letter every week.  This is a wonderful surprise since Aaron is known for his brevity.  He sounds very busy and happy.  He loves learning Korean.  On Thanksgiving they got to hear from Elder Nelson and later they got to watch 17 Miracles which includes the story of one of our ancestors, which he recognized.  This proves he actually was listening during some of those family home evenings!

*Today should be another good day.  I get to see a dear friend who moved away last year and tonight I am going to the temple.  I am grateful for the the gift of happy days!

Our Weekend (and beyond)

Friday
Evan sang with the San Diego Mormon Choir and Orchestra. The musicians were fabulous, including the soloists on flute, banjo, cello and bagpipe.  What a show!  If you are local, I hope you'll have a chance to see them next year.  Learn more about SDMCO here.

Saturday
We did lots of laundry, shopping and packing for Aaron. That evening we had our ward fall festival.  It was a great party with chili, gourmet popcorn and lots of dessert (although I was too full to try any).  The kids had a blast with the games.  Here are Marianne's cute mini cupcakes for the cakewalk.

Sunday
We had Aaron's "not a farewell" at church.  He spoke mainly about the temple.  Since early September he has been able to work at the temple twice a week.  It has been a very sacred experience for him and he was sad to see it end.  After church, Aaron was officially set apart as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Our Stake President asked us to share things we admire about Aaron.  Some of his strengths are: peacemaking, obedience, desire to do what is right and an ability to see the beauty in nature.

After the dinner requested by Aaron, we celebrated my Dad's birthday.  He claims he is only fifty-three, but I'll let you count the candles.

Everyone agreed the cake was delicious!

Here are the men of the day (Aaron and his Grandpa)

  With the two newest members of the family (Leighton and Carolyn)

Monday
Aaron got our computers in tip top shape and we had a day full of more last minute chores. We had a great time laughing and joking together.  The checker at Wal Mart even told us what a cute family we had. Then she added, "Someday you'll even have grandchildren." She was surprised when we told her we already have two.  We decided not to completely shock her by telling her we have our own baby on the way too.  John and the boys took their bikes up the mountain for a last run down.  Aaron was excited to have broken his record with a time of 4 min 27 sec.  I was just relieved he didn't break anything else. Aaron bid a final farewell to his favorite restaurant as we ate dinner at Chipotle.

Tuesday
After goodbyes to Ryan, Molly, Brianne and Leighton (and a quick stop at the barbershop!) we headed to the airport.

Roxy will really miss Aaron too!

Good byes at the airport

It will be fun to compare the height difference in two years!

We love you Aaron!

O, Remember, Remember

A few days ago I mentioned to my kids that the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 was coming up.  I recalled what a shock it had been to see the attack of the Twin Towers on TV.  I was surprised to find that my younger kids have no memory of that day. They understand the basics of what happened and we've taken them to see Ground Zero twice, but they still don't remember.

Then I remembered a book I purchased just a few months after 9/11.  It was a little pricey at the time and I debated the purchase.  I kept it on our coffee table for at least a year, but then it got put on the shelf in the garage where I store homeschool books we aren't currently using.  I was able to find the book, dust it off and show it to my kids.  It is essentially a photo essay of the attack and the impact on our country.  Marianne appreciated all the incredible photographs and poured over the book. She learned a few things along the way.  She didn't know that the Pentagon was also attacked.  I also spent some time with the book and I realized that there are many things I have forgotten.  I need to remember.  I want my children to remember.

Marianne and I just finished listening to the Book of Mormon together.  We did it quickly, in less than a month.  At that pace, the themes just jumped out at me.  One theme is the importance of remembering.  Another theme is that we are blessed to live in a choice land; it will be strong as long as we are righteous.  I pray that each of us, and our country as a whole, will remember and that our remembrance will cause us to turn to God.  I saw it happen 10 years ago and I know it can happen again.

Sweet Sunday - Metaphor Muffins

I know that some of you are concerned that I never made it home from New York.  Let me put your mind at ease.  The flight home did not crash.  In fact, John and I had extra leg room since we got to share three seats.  We also got Ben & Jerry's as a snack, so it was pretty much a perfect flight!  Now that we have that out of the way, back to my post . . .

Right now my favorite muffins are baking.  I call them Raspberry Muffins, but we may have to change the name.  When I made them last weekend, Evan actually complained because the raspberries were a little bit tart.  I explained that the rest of the muffins were sweet so it was the perfect combination!

Then Aaron joined the conversation in the role of wise older brother.  "You know Evan, that's kind of how life is."  And it's true!  We have to take the bitter/sour/tart along with the sweet.

Here are a couple of scriptures for you to ponder while I go get my muffins out of the oven.

"And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet" Doctrine & Covenants 29:39

"Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." Alma 36:21

P.S. If you want the recipe.  Go HERE and scroll to the end of the post.

P. P. S  Today, I left the raspberries out of one of the muffins especially for Evan.

Sweet Sunday - Father's Day

Today is one of a very few Father's Days I have spent away from my father. He is visiting two of my brothers this weekend and I am grateful they will be able to spend time together. Two of my brothers are loving and dedicated fathers and I know my youngest brother (who already has a special gift with children) will be an amazing father in the future.

Part of the reason my brothers are such fine fathers is because of the example of our own father. He always worked hard to provide well for our family. Dad lived much of his life without a father in his home, so he lacked the example of a strong father. Yet Dad always made his family a priority and strove to be a righteous father. Dad has never been perfect, but he has asked for forgiveness when he has made mistakes. I have been touched many times by his efforts to constantly improve and strengthen his weaknesses.

I have learned many important lessons from my father, but the most important lesson is to be a good judge. What exactly does that mean? Elder Dallin Oaks explained it perfectly in this talk when he said:

There are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles.

We must, of course, make judgments every day in the exercise of our moral agency, but we must be careful that our judgments of people are intermediate and not final. Thus, our Savior’s teachings contain many commandments we cannot keep without making intermediate judgments of people.

We all make judgments in choosing our friends, in choosing how we will spend our time and our money, and, of course, in choosing an eternal companion. Some of these intermediate judgments are surely among those the Savior referenced when He taught that “the weightier matters of the law” include judgment (Matthew 23:23)

My dad always taught us to make wise choices, especially when it really counted! He encouraged us to seek out "quality" friends and spouses. I have always tried to be thoughtful in making important decisions and I believe my siblings are all wise judges.

Thanks Dad for teaching me this lesson! I love you and will be eternally grateful for your guidance and example. Happy Father's Day!

Dad holding me as a newborn.
I love the smile on his face. It is the same today!
I also love the full bookshelf behind him.
I have clearly inherited my parents' love of books.

Sweet Sunday - Time at the Temple

Yesterday John and I went to the temple. As soon as I sat down, I noticed that a man near me was a little "different". Several times he tried to whisper across the aisle to his wife and she seemed slightly embarrassed as she put her finger to her lips to quiet him. I guessed that he suffered from some kind of disability or perhaps a brain injury.

Over the next hour or two I noticed how enthusiastic he was about everything. He was visibly excited for each step of the temple session. He watched the officiators carefully and was very exacting as he did everything required of him. Later, I watched as he stood, wrapped his arm around his wife and tenderly kissed her hand over and over.

By the end of session, I was in tears. His enthusiasm and devotion were inspiring. It was a striking contrast to the times I have struggled to stay awake or keep my thoughts from wandering while in the temple.

What would our temple experience be like if we were always filled with excitement? Are we joyful about our temple service?

"Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker or happiness." Alma 27:18

Sweet Sunday - The Elephant in the Room

No, not that elephant.

This elephant!

This picture was taken a couple of days before our big garage sale.
Marianne had decided to donate the largest member of her elephant collection
and took a few farewell photos.
She also captured the disaster area that was my living room.
The couches were piled with baby clothes and the room was full of
hangers, cardboard boxes and bags full of (hopefully) saleable items.

The mess wouldn't have been so bad, except I was feeling "messy" inside.
I was overwhelmed, worried and sad.
The joy I strive to feel in life seemed pretty elusive,
I was even irritated by the (literal) elephant in the room.

I had already forgotten the joy I felt a few hours earlier
when Brianne stopped by for a quick elephant ride.

In that moment I had been very grateful for the elephant
and the joy it brought to my granddaughter.

The scriptures are full of admonitions to remember:

"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth." 1 Chronicles 16:12

"And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ." Moroni 10:18

Sometimes it takes an elephant to help me remember, but remembering really does help me find the joy in life! Do you ever struggle to find joy in life? What helps you to remember?

"[Wo]men are, that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25

Sweet Sunday - Clean up Edition!

I understand the shock of pain when you drop a brick on your foot. I know the frustration and even fury that arises while raising children and (especially) teenagers. Unfortunately, at such times, words we wouldn't want grandma to hear may burst forth.

But we know better. At least I thought we did. I have noticed a disturbing trend over the past few years. Words that used to be considered off-limits are suddenly popping up in mainstream books, magazines and even mommy blogs.

I have chosen to avoid certain media because I knew they contained language I considered foul. But it the past couple of years something has changed. Suddenly the "f" word is no longer considered taboo. I am careful in my choice of reading, but profanity is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid!

The popularity of profanity saddens me. The word "profane" has its roots in Latin.

pro = instead of

fanum = temple

So when we use obscene or profane language, we are choosing something instead of the temple; we are choosing unholy words. Often this type of language mocks the sacred: the name of God or the God-given power of procreation.

Elder Dallin H Oaks said, "For many in our day, the profane has become commonplace and the vulgar has become acceptable. Surely this is one fulfillment of the Book of Mormon prophecy that in the last days 'there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth.'" (Mormon 8:31)

I challenge each of us to clean up our own language! I hope that we can avoid watching, reading or listening to profanity and speak up as Elder Oaks suggested "so that others cannot conclude that our silence means approval or acquiescence."

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 5:14

Sweet Sunday - Mother's Day

Parenting Lessons from Mom
1. Be a parent, not a friend.
As an adult, mom was one of my dearest friends. But when I was a child and adolescent, my mom made it clear that she was the parent. She didn't worry that her kids wouldn't like her if she had strict rules or high standards. She expected her children to be respectful to her and other adults.

2. Unique, not equal.

Each of my mother's children think they are her favorite. Why? Mom never tried to treat us all equally, instead she raised us as unique individuals. Over the years, there were different curfews and individual rules. But there were also special trips, unique gifts and time alone with each of us. Dad gets credit for this one too!

3. Apologize and forgive.

Before her children could even speak she taught them to give hugs to say "sorry". Later she explained that it was sometimes best to apologize even if the other person was at fault. We learned that humility and love will open doors and heal relationships. Mom didn't just teach us this, she lived it.

4. Priorities.

Mom knew that children learn what is most important by watching their parents. Mom lived the gospel every day of her life. We saw her pray and study the scriptures daily. We saw her serve faithfully in her church callings and at the temple. We also knew that family was important because Mom put us first. Family time was special and extended family relationships were cherished. There was never a doubt that the Lord and the family were Mom's priorities.

I am grateful that my mom understood the sacred responsibility of motherhood. She is a great example to me!

Mom and me (about age 3)

on our front porch

Photography by Dad

Sweet Sunday

Happy May Day! Your virtual basket and flowers are HERE!

And in honor of May Day, I have another gift for you. I want to share a story I read recently. It is called "Alone in the Garden." The author tells of an "extraordinary experience" she had while visiting the garden tomb in Jerusalem. Click HERE to read it.

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy loving kindness and thy truth continually preserve me. Psalms 40:11

Sweet Easter Sunday

I love Easter and the chance to focus on my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atonement.
We got to spend Saturday with lots of family. We dyed eggs, hunted for eggs and even had a passover dinner. This year's dinner definitely went better than last year's!

One of the things that stood out to me was the symbol of the four cups of wine. It is based on this scripture:

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:6-7

We used grape juice of course, but we drank four times to remember the beautiful promises.

1. The Cup of Sanctification of Consecration
Promise: I will bring you out of Egypt.

2. The Cup of Praise
Promise: I will deliver you from their bondage.

3. The Cup of Redemption
Promise: I will redeem you with a stretched out arm.

4. The Cup of Acceptance (Also known as the cup of Elijah)
Promise: I will take you to be my people.

I am so grateful on this Easter morning that my Savior has brought me out of the bondage of sin. He has redeemed me and I praise His holy name forever. I am blessed to be called one of his daughters.

HAPPY EASTER!