What would happen if the worlds of Harry Potter and Shakespeare collided?
Can you imagine Hagrid or Dobby spouting off in Shakespearean verse?
Join us this weekend to see the most magical Shakespeare play ever!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Family Reunion
As a little girl, I knew that my parents came from very different families. My mom had a huge extended family just a few generations removed from handcart pioneers. They held big family reunions and published family history books. My dad had a very small family and we didn't know too much about them. Several years ago, my dad was able to make contact with his half-siblings that he hadn't seen or heard from in many years. He was especially touched when his brother Dan and his sister Cheryl came all the way from Minnesota for my mom's funeral.
Last weekend Dan made another trip to southern California and this time he brought his wife Karen. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and get to know them better. On Saturday we all got together for a visit to La Jolla Cove. Even though it was a little chilly for the rest of us, it didn't feel cold to Dan and Karen and they were happy to be on the beach enjoying the waves and the sand.
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I was having so much fun visiting with them and taking pictures, that I didn't notice my flip flop was headed out with the tide. Fortunately, Cammi grabbed it for me!
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I think my dad and Dan look alike, but I couldn't believe how much Dan's sense of humor and personality reminded me of my dad. Dan is about 17 years younger than my dad--the same age difference between me and my youngest brother David.
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Next the family went to explore the tide pools. Molly and I didn't go down. We stayed with the strollers, thinking the little girls could play on the grass.
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Instead, they wanted to play in the dirt and climb trees. But they had a great time getting dirty!
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Lavender was following this seagull and was surprised when he flew away.
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Evan got in some good unicycling, but our game of frisbee was cut short when the frisbee went flying over the cliff and into the ocean. Not even Cammi could get that one back for us. Later, most of the adults went out for Thai food. We had so much fun laughing and talking and eating. I haven't had such a fun dinner in quite awhile!
On Sunday, my dad, Dan and Karen did a bit of sightseeing and then joined us for the Cinco de Mayo dinner I told you about in my last post. We are so glad they came to visit! They are such lovely people and it was a treat to have them here. Dad's side of the family seems to be growing bigger and better!
Last weekend Dan made another trip to southern California and this time he brought his wife Karen. It was wonderful to spend some time with them and get to know them better. On Saturday we all got together for a visit to La Jolla Cove. Even though it was a little chilly for the rest of us, it didn't feel cold to Dan and Karen and they were happy to be on the beach enjoying the waves and the sand.
.JPG)
.JPG)
I was having so much fun visiting with them and taking pictures, that I didn't notice my flip flop was headed out with the tide. Fortunately, Cammi grabbed it for me!
.JPG)
I think my dad and Dan look alike, but I couldn't believe how much Dan's sense of humor and personality reminded me of my dad. Dan is about 17 years younger than my dad--the same age difference between me and my youngest brother David.
.JPG)
Next the family went to explore the tide pools. Molly and I didn't go down. We stayed with the strollers, thinking the little girls could play on the grass.
.JPG)
Instead, they wanted to play in the dirt and climb trees. But they had a great time getting dirty!
.JPG)
.JPG)
Lavender was following this seagull and was surprised when he flew away.
.JPG)
Evan got in some good unicycling, but our game of frisbee was cut short when the frisbee went flying over the cliff and into the ocean. Not even Cammi could get that one back for us. Later, most of the adults went out for Thai food. We had so much fun laughing and talking and eating. I haven't had such a fun dinner in quite awhile!
On Sunday, my dad, Dan and Karen did a bit of sightseeing and then joined us for the Cinco de Mayo dinner I told you about in my last post. We are so glad they came to visit! They are such lovely people and it was a treat to have them here. Dad's side of the family seems to be growing bigger and better!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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!
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!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Surprises, Big and Small
In the past few years, I have learned to appreciate the unexpected! Here are three recent surprises in my life:
#1
I was called as the Ward Music Chairman at church. I was very surprised, but also relieved by the calling because I knew our Young Women's Presidency was being reorganized and the thought of those responsibilities overwhelmed me. I was surprised because each of the Ward Music Chairmen I've known has been a great musician. You know, the kind of person who can step in at a moment's notice to sing or play the piano or conduct a quartet. Ummm. That is certainly not me! However, I am the kind of person who can plan, organize and invite (that sounds so much nicer than nag, doesn't it?) people to share their musical talents in Sacrament meetings each Sunday. Beautiful music really does bring the spirit and I am grateful for the opportunity to help our ward members feel closer to our Heavenly Father. And if you'd like to volunteer (or volunteer in behalf of a friend or family member) please let me know! If necessary, I promise your anonymity will be protected.
#2
I have been wheat-free for six weeks now. I have been surprised how easy it has been to stay off of wheat. I took a couple of bites of a bun once without thinking and I cheated on two occasions. But overall, I've done really well. I have always eaten 100% whole wheat bread and I would have told you that I eat mainly whole grains. When I cut out wheat, I realized that I wasn't eating things like hamburger buns, waffles, brownies, birthday cake or flour tortillas. None of which are whole grain, of course! Within a few days, I noticed that I had more energy and less desire for sugar. The big surprise was that I have no joint paint. I have had minor aches and pains in my hips for for quite a few years. Since I gave birth to Lavender, I have had swelling and pain in my fingers and shoulder. After I had been off wheat for a month, I suddenly realized that I hadn't had any joint pain in weeks! Sadly, giving up wheat has not led to much weight loss for me. I am back on Weight Watchers Online, but wheat-free this time. I have to mention that the WW app makes it really easy to track your food, exercise etc.
#3 - The Grand Finale!
My dad and Carolyn went skydiving! I never would have expected my dad to do something like that, but he did! I am impressed with their courage and sense of adventure. They did tandem dives while strapped to an instructor who was in charge of the essentials: pulling the chute, landing and filming the jump. They both had a great experience, with the photos and video to prove it. My dad highly recommends it (once the kids are grown) and even found it full of spiritual symbolism. For me, watching the video has cemented my decision to never, ever jump out of an airplane. You can watch the video HERE and decide for yourself.
#1
I was called as the Ward Music Chairman at church. I was very surprised, but also relieved by the calling because I knew our Young Women's Presidency was being reorganized and the thought of those responsibilities overwhelmed me. I was surprised because each of the Ward Music Chairmen I've known has been a great musician. You know, the kind of person who can step in at a moment's notice to sing or play the piano or conduct a quartet. Ummm. That is certainly not me! However, I am the kind of person who can plan, organize and invite (that sounds so much nicer than nag, doesn't it?) people to share their musical talents in Sacrament meetings each Sunday. Beautiful music really does bring the spirit and I am grateful for the opportunity to help our ward members feel closer to our Heavenly Father. And if you'd like to volunteer (or volunteer in behalf of a friend or family member) please let me know! If necessary, I promise your anonymity will be protected.
#2
I have been wheat-free for six weeks now. I have been surprised how easy it has been to stay off of wheat. I took a couple of bites of a bun once without thinking and I cheated on two occasions. But overall, I've done really well. I have always eaten 100% whole wheat bread and I would have told you that I eat mainly whole grains. When I cut out wheat, I realized that I wasn't eating things like hamburger buns, waffles, brownies, birthday cake or flour tortillas. None of which are whole grain, of course! Within a few days, I noticed that I had more energy and less desire for sugar. The big surprise was that I have no joint paint. I have had minor aches and pains in my hips for for quite a few years. Since I gave birth to Lavender, I have had swelling and pain in my fingers and shoulder. After I had been off wheat for a month, I suddenly realized that I hadn't had any joint pain in weeks! Sadly, giving up wheat has not led to much weight loss for me. I am back on Weight Watchers Online, but wheat-free this time. I have to mention that the WW app makes it really easy to track your food, exercise etc.
#3 - The Grand Finale!
My dad and Carolyn went skydiving! I never would have expected my dad to do something like that, but he did! I am impressed with their courage and sense of adventure. They did tandem dives while strapped to an instructor who was in charge of the essentials: pulling the chute, landing and filming the jump. They both had a great experience, with the photos and video to prove it. My dad highly recommends it (once the kids are grown) and even found it full of spiritual symbolism. For me, watching the video has cemented my decision to never, ever jump out of an airplane. You can watch the video HERE and decide for yourself.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
This Deserves Its Own Post
I've know my baby brother David since the moment he was born. It was exciting to see him grow up, even though I didn't live at home with him for very long. As a child, he amazed me because he could start a conversation with just about anyone. I remember him talking to John about the stock market when he was ten years old.
He continued to be friendly and outgoing as an adult. Last Easter he came to visit us for Lavender's blessing. On the flight home, he used his conversation skills with a fellow passenger. Apparently they had such a good conversation that he drove her home from the airport. Those conversations continued, and . . . . almost exactly one year later (on the day before Easter) they got married!!
The sealing was lovely and I cried through most of it because it was so wonderful to be in the temple with so many members of my family. My Dad and Carolyn were there along with all of my siblings and their spouses (except for Lacy who was home with baby Cole). My Aunt Muff & Uncle Paul and Uncle Gerry & Aunt Jody came. My kids Ryan and Molly were in the temple with us and I was sitting next to my sweet husband. Finally, I know that my wonderful mother was there. She wouldn't have missed this day for anything and I felt her presence within the temple.
That evening we traveled to a wonderful country setting for the ring ceremony and reception. It was a great celebration and David gave quite a performance singing "Hooked On a Feeling" to his beautiful bride Annie!
Congratulations to the newlyweds and welcome to the family Annie!!
He continued to be friendly and outgoing as an adult. Last Easter he came to visit us for Lavender's blessing. On the flight home, he used his conversation skills with a fellow passenger. Apparently they had such a good conversation that he drove her home from the airport. Those conversations continued, and . . . . almost exactly one year later (on the day before Easter) they got married!!
On March 30, 2013
David and Annie
were sealed for time and all eternity in the
 |
| Felicia & Grandpa Jerry, Carolyn & Dad, The Groom & The Bride, Me & John, Denise & Scott and Jason. Not pictured Brian & Jenny (who was very ill, but came to the temple and left immediately after the ceremony) |
The sealing was lovely and I cried through most of it because it was so wonderful to be in the temple with so many members of my family. My Dad and Carolyn were there along with all of my siblings and their spouses (except for Lacy who was home with baby Cole). My Aunt Muff & Uncle Paul and Uncle Gerry & Aunt Jody came. My kids Ryan and Molly were in the temple with us and I was sitting next to my sweet husband. Finally, I know that my wonderful mother was there. She wouldn't have missed this day for anything and I felt her presence within the temple.
That evening we traveled to a wonderful country setting for the ring ceremony and reception. It was a great celebration and David gave quite a performance singing "Hooked On a Feeling" to his beautiful bride Annie!
Congratulations to the newlyweds and welcome to the family Annie!!
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