“A joyful life is an individual creation that cannot be copied from a recipe.”
–Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
(Can I just say I'm so happy my last name is not Csikszentmihalyi...)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A Few of My Favorite Things...
Husband: I always tell mine he's the best I've ever had!
Favorite dessert:
Banana Cake from The Garden Path restaurant in Draper
or chocolate pudding cake (I have a great and easy recipe-see below)
or the raspberry almond torte from Market Street Grill
or any really good bread pudding with to-die-for-sauce
or chocolate Texas sheetcake
or anything with cream cheese (you’re starting to get the idea)
EASY MOLTEN CAKES
8 oz. milk chocolate chips
4 T. butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
Melt chocolate in glass bowl in microwave,
cooking for 30 second intervals and mixing
until smooth.
Cream butter, sugar and salt together. Add eggs,
one at a time, stirring until mixed. Add flour
gradually while mixing. You don’t mix this batter
too much. Fold in the melted chocolate.
Spray 6 small ramekins with Pam and divide
batter into dishes. Bake on cookie sheet at 400 degrees
for 10-12 minutes.
The center should look moist or undercooked. If you
overcook these, even just minutes, you’ll have a brownie instead of molten cake.
Allow to sit for a couple of minutes then cut around
cake with knife to separate from bowl and place saucer
on top of ramekin, flip and cake will drop out. Serve warm
with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream and
raspberries.
Favorite cologne: Juicy Couture (pricey but sweet!) (Recently this really cute GQ looking boy asked me what I was wearing cause he wanted to get it for his girlfriend......)
Favorite color: My signature color is YELLOW! It makes me happy.
Favorite shoes: flip flops (I have rather peasant feet. Some of my friends have these dainty, china doll feet. Mine look like I had a career of stomping grapes or stomping out fires. And they looked like they have walked to China as well. They are not a pretty sight.....sigh...)
Favorite Son-in-Law story: My son-in-law, Ryan, does wonderful kitchen design work and designed my fabulous kitchen. One day he was at work and they were having a meeting and one of the other designers was having problems visualizing what his client had in mind. As he was trying to describe the island, my son-in-law piped in, "Oh, I know what you want...you want fat, chunky legs like my mother-in-laws!" Everyone started laughing.....( I love this story!) (and we HOPE he was taking about the legs on my island!)
Favorite name: I answer to many: Marilyn, Honey, Mom, Mother, "On-The-Mountain-Grandma" (you never know what your grandkids are going to call you...who would’ve thought up this one! But Parker did and all the kids call me this), Grandma Lillums (Rylee can’t say her "w’s") Sweetie Pie, Mair-Bear (or is it Mair- Bare?) Mrs. W........ or Sister W......... or frequently, "Hey you....." One of my WORST days was being called "Ma'am" by a kid at the grocery store. I remember I came home and cried!
Favorite joke on myself: We do have some classic stories in the family...mostly about me....or Tanner. We do the dumbest things. My best one is this.
I had gone to a garden store and this nice young man (maybe late twenties) was so helpful dragging around my little wagon and heaving heavy pots for me. He had this really cute accent and so I said, (and you have to almost hear my voice because I don’t say it, I act it-and use my best "foreign" accent) "So...what is this accent we speak with?" To which he replied, "No accent, just a speech impediment....." (Okay, I am dying now....but can I leave it alone....nooooo.) I say, "Well, it sounds French...I’d play it up!"
Duh! What a twit! My family LOVES to mock me with this one!
Favorite restaurant: in Salt Lake Valley- Harry’s or Ruby River Steak House
Favorite anywhere restaurant: hands down- Shrimp Scampi at The Cheesecake Factory. If I lived within 5 hours of a Cheesecake Factory, I would NEVER find a bathing suit to fit. But I would Not HAVE any vampires after me since the scampi is loaded with sweet garlic....yummmm
Latest confession: You know how I said that about the GQ boy telling me he loved my perfume. I just made that up. I was afraid if I just said "Juicy Couture", you really wouldn’t know how good it was.....since I don't know how to do a "scratch and sniff here on my blog and I WANTED you to know how good it is.... (can you tell I love creative writing....)
Favorite dessert:
Banana Cake from The Garden Path restaurant in Draper
or chocolate pudding cake (I have a great and easy recipe-see below)
or the raspberry almond torte from Market Street Grill
or any really good bread pudding with to-die-for-sauce
or chocolate Texas sheetcake
or anything with cream cheese (you’re starting to get the idea)
EASY MOLTEN CAKES
8 oz. milk chocolate chips
4 T. butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
3 eggs
1/3 cup flour
Melt chocolate in glass bowl in microwave,
cooking for 30 second intervals and mixing
until smooth.
Cream butter, sugar and salt together. Add eggs,
one at a time, stirring until mixed. Add flour
gradually while mixing. You don’t mix this batter
too much. Fold in the melted chocolate.
Spray 6 small ramekins with Pam and divide
batter into dishes. Bake on cookie sheet at 400 degrees
for 10-12 minutes.
The center should look moist or undercooked. If you
overcook these, even just minutes, you’ll have a brownie instead of molten cake.
Allow to sit for a couple of minutes then cut around
cake with knife to separate from bowl and place saucer
on top of ramekin, flip and cake will drop out. Serve warm
with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream and
raspberries.
Favorite cologne: Juicy Couture (pricey but sweet!) (Recently this really cute GQ looking boy asked me what I was wearing cause he wanted to get it for his girlfriend......)
Favorite color: My signature color is YELLOW! It makes me happy.
Favorite shoes: flip flops (I have rather peasant feet. Some of my friends have these dainty, china doll feet. Mine look like I had a career of stomping grapes or stomping out fires. And they looked like they have walked to China as well. They are not a pretty sight.....sigh...)
Favorite Son-in-Law story: My son-in-law, Ryan, does wonderful kitchen design work and designed my fabulous kitchen. One day he was at work and they were having a meeting and one of the other designers was having problems visualizing what his client had in mind. As he was trying to describe the island, my son-in-law piped in, "Oh, I know what you want...you want fat, chunky legs like my mother-in-laws!" Everyone started laughing.....( I love this story!) (and we HOPE he was taking about the legs on my island!)
Favorite name: I answer to many: Marilyn, Honey, Mom, Mother, "On-The-Mountain-Grandma" (you never know what your grandkids are going to call you...who would’ve thought up this one! But Parker did and all the kids call me this), Grandma Lillums (Rylee can’t say her "w’s") Sweetie Pie, Mair-Bear (or is it Mair- Bare?) Mrs. W........ or Sister W......... or frequently, "Hey you....." One of my WORST days was being called "Ma'am" by a kid at the grocery store. I remember I came home and cried!
Favorite joke on myself: We do have some classic stories in the family...mostly about me....or Tanner. We do the dumbest things. My best one is this.
I had gone to a garden store and this nice young man (maybe late twenties) was so helpful dragging around my little wagon and heaving heavy pots for me. He had this really cute accent and so I said, (and you have to almost hear my voice because I don’t say it, I act it-and use my best "foreign" accent) "So...what is this accent we speak with?" To which he replied, "No accent, just a speech impediment....." (Okay, I am dying now....but can I leave it alone....nooooo.) I say, "Well, it sounds French...I’d play it up!"
Duh! What a twit! My family LOVES to mock me with this one!
Favorite restaurant: in Salt Lake Valley- Harry’s or Ruby River Steak House
Favorite anywhere restaurant: hands down- Shrimp Scampi at The Cheesecake Factory. If I lived within 5 hours of a Cheesecake Factory, I would NEVER find a bathing suit to fit. But I would Not HAVE any vampires after me since the scampi is loaded with sweet garlic....yummmm
Latest confession: You know how I said that about the GQ boy telling me he loved my perfume. I just made that up. I was afraid if I just said "Juicy Couture", you really wouldn’t know how good it was.....since I don't know how to do a "scratch and sniff here on my blog and I WANTED you to know how good it is.... (can you tell I love creative writing....)
What I'm Reading
First of all, we got a new Stake RS challenge to read the Book of Mormon again by November. I have been involved with the New Testament (and taking a class) but I’m all for the B of M. Just started this month and I’m just finishing 1st Nephi. Some of the highlights thus far:
1 Nephi 1:17
But behold, I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
1 Nephi 2 :12
...they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that god who had created them.
1 Nephi 3 :7
...he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
1 Nephi 4:6
I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
1 Nephi 5:21
...we found that they were desirable (the scriptures), yea even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. (Amen!)
1 Nephi 9:6
But the Lord knowedth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his work (because he has "all power" unto the fulfilling of all his words.)
1 Nephi 15:8-9
And I said unto them; Have ye inquired of the Lord? And they said unto me: We have not; fot the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." (How sad! I cannot imagine living without the Lord’s inspiration to me!)
1 Nephi 17:9 (this is probably one of my top ten favorite scriptures)
1 Nephi 1:17
But behold, I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
1 Nephi 2 :12
...they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that god who had created them.
1 Nephi 3 :7
...he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
1 Nephi 4:6
I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
1 Nephi 5:21
...we found that they were desirable (the scriptures), yea even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. (Amen!)
1 Nephi 9:6
But the Lord knowedth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his work (because he has "all power" unto the fulfilling of all his words.)
1 Nephi 15:8-9
And I said unto them; Have ye inquired of the Lord? And they said unto me: We have not; fot the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." (How sad! I cannot imagine living without the Lord’s inspiration to me!)
1 Nephi 17:9 (this is probably one of my top ten favorite scriptures)
Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me? (In other words, where do "I" need to go or "what do I" need to do find the tools to accomplish whatever it is that I need to accomplish (especially with my inadequacies)
Nephi 17:13
I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments....and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
1 Nephi 17:50
If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them.
1 Nephi 18:16
I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.
1 Nephi 19:23
I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.
1 Nephi 21:3
Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
And finally- 1 Nephi 21:16
I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hand......("WE" are engraven upon his hands!)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...ERRGGG!
I wrote an email letter to a friend last night and I thought I would post part of it for posterity. But, be warned, it is a horror story. X-rated. Graphic images. Proceed with Caution. Nightmares may follow. I had the frightening opportunity to go to the store yesterday to try on bathing suits for our Lake Powell trip. I needed increased courage to go into the store since I knew that I would need to get a bigger size. So I fortified myself with a Crownburger and fries (okay, the drink was DIET! And the hamburger was the Jr. size!) in the parking lot before going in. I headed right to the BIG Girls section and quickly picked out several suits. I have decided you "just have to go for it...no whining...just jetski into the dressing room and dive in." Well, apparently getting a tankini top over your head isn't something you should do flippantly. It should not be rushed. You can't just jerk the top over your head... what was I thinking? I got the thing over my head...and honestly got myself so tangled up, I thought I was in a STRAIT JACKET! What do I mean "thought"- my arms were criss-crossed over my chest, I was squishing out here and there and I couldn't get the thing to go up or down. I was being held hostage by a bathing suit top! Errggg! Then I was checking out the ceiling for hidden cameras, thinking maybe this was Candid Camera or I was being Punkd, and was praying the fire alarms weren't planning on going off anytime soon.....and then I got the giggles and REALLY needed the ladies room -can I just tell you how hysterical (not to mention pathetic!) I looked in the mirror! I looked like those lobsters in the tank at the grocery store all bound up, with my flippers tied over my head. When I FINALLY got myself untangled, I was thinking "My word, how BIG of a suit do I need?"....then I saw that the tag was mismatched with the hanger and saw it was really two sizes SMALLER. Okay, THAT explains it. I laughed all the way out to the car. Can I just say, it is better to laugh than cry! I'm thinking I had better do my shopping at Cabella's...in the tent section.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Quote of the Day
"Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Ensign, Nov. 1999, 36
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Ensign, Nov. 1999, 36
Sunday, May 20, 2007
A Tragic Accident
David came home from Stake meetings to tell me that Dick and Ardith Eakins were in a car accident on Friday in Idaho and both were killed. They lived in our Ward when David was Bishop and were wonderful people. It is heartbreaking to believe they have died (not for them, but for us!) They served a mission in Cambodia and each week they (mostly Ardith) would write the most amazing email letters, that I really believe circulated to hundreds of people. They would write about their most challenging of circumstances- but of the wonderful people and their everyday life. It was like reading a novel and I was so touched by their great faith and service. I wrote a poem once, called Sister Eakins Writes, (I was thinking about her and her letters as a Fast Sunday approached):
Sister Eakins Writes
She watched the fire gulp
the shanties and hovels
made of scrap lumber and tin.
Shanties, illegal,
some the size of a closet,
but home to hundreds
whose nothingness was soon licked
by the tongue of advancing flames.
Some nights she cannot bear
another day when she will see death
in the face of a child.
Children with limbs like spindles.
Tummies bloated with starvation,
not like the fat baby,
whose picture she sent,
who will drink only coconut milk.
How rich is that baby.
She passes the little shops
where dried fish hang in the sun
for the rich,
dog meat roasts on a spit.
She passes the small boy
in sompeis-
hands together in prayer,
the slight bow.
That is the image I want to keep in my mind
as I begin this fast.
She tells of the young father,
who had nothing, but still gave.
"Praya Jesu Kree" would help him, his family.
Pray Jesu Kree help us,
we who are fat on abundance,
our rice buckets overflowing,
our faith so thin.
Marilyn D. Williams
Dick’s brother, Jim, was our High Councilman speaker today (just a short testimony as we had Josh Wright’s farewell) and he shared a little about the accident. The funeral will be at 1:00 on Thursday
Sister Eakins Writes
She watched the fire gulp
the shanties and hovels
made of scrap lumber and tin.
Shanties, illegal,
some the size of a closet,
but home to hundreds
whose nothingness was soon licked
by the tongue of advancing flames.
Some nights she cannot bear
another day when she will see death
in the face of a child.
Children with limbs like spindles.
Tummies bloated with starvation,
not like the fat baby,
whose picture she sent,
who will drink only coconut milk.
How rich is that baby.
She passes the little shops
where dried fish hang in the sun
for the rich,
dog meat roasts on a spit.
She passes the small boy
in sompeis-
hands together in prayer,
the slight bow.
That is the image I want to keep in my mind
as I begin this fast.
She tells of the young father,
who had nothing, but still gave.
"Praya Jesu Kree" would help him, his family.
Pray Jesu Kree help us,
we who are fat on abundance,
our rice buckets overflowing,
our faith so thin.
Marilyn D. Williams
Dick’s brother, Jim, was our High Councilman speaker today (just a short testimony as we had Josh Wright’s farewell) and he shared a little about the accident. The funeral will be at 1:00 on Thursday
A Second Baby Tops the News Stories
Monday- watched the kiddos in the morning. It was Tanner’s birthday and so in the evening, David and I and Tanner, Travis and Tenille and kids and Brandi and Ryan and kids all ate at Smokey Mountain Pasta and Pizza. It was so warm that we sat outside...then it cooled off before our food came and we were CHILLED but we had a great time together.
Tuesday- Painted a red rock scene with Jon McNaughton and all the painting friends. Debra Simons, Debbie Parr, Erica Nordquist and her daughter, Michelle Coleman. I met Shauna Horne for the first time and really liked her. Everyone else did acrylics but I did oil. Jon paints in acrylic, but I don't like the look of the masonite/gesso’d board. I love the texture of canvas. We painted for 8 hours- had a GREAT lunch. Michelle made a salad of Valene’s that I absolutely loved!
Southwestern Chicken Salad(Valene Cook)
1 lb. skinless chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and chopped
Marinate in lime juice and dash of chili pepper if desired
2 tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 to ½ c. shredded cheese
1 can black beans, rinsed and
and drained
8 cups (1 bag) mixed greens
Toasted Tortilla chips
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
(we served Dirty rice over the top of the salad- I used Zatarain's mix from the store)
Toasted Tortilla Strips: Slice flour or corn tortillas into small strips using a pizza cutter. Put on greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with chili powder, if desired. Cook at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add to salad just before serving.
Lime-Cilantro Dressing
3 c. mayonnaise
juice of ½ lime
3 T. water
1 c. fresh cilantro
3 T. white vinegar
dash of black pepper
½ Anaheim or jalapeno chili, rinsed, de-seeded
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor; whirl until smooth. Combine salad ingredients, toss and serve with dressing. (This is fabulous!)
Tuesday night I spoke on Journal Writing at their Ward (Granite South Stake- 16th Ward). It was awesome to speak and see so many people that I love there. First of all, a girl by the name of Anita Wells spoke on her love of the scriptures. It was fantastic! She shared how the scriptures have spoken to her throughout the years. You could tell she was light years away from where I was at her age. I was so impressed and inspired. She has published a children’s book called, "Nephi, Nephi, I Know the Scriptures are True." A funny, but cute thing that she did for her family for Christmas last year, was to try and look up people’s birthdays in the scriptures and then find the best scripture to give them. For instance, my birthday is January 29th or 1:29. As I’ve looked up many of the scriptures, I found this one (that I had actually underlined before)
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake
(Which I love because it goes with another scripture that helped me so much when Ryan got malaria and dengue in Guatemala. I was so upset because I had stressed out about that possibility before he left and David said I needed to have faith and turn him over to the care of the Lord. I did, and Ryan got so sick. I felt so betrayed until I read another scripture that said, "How much better is it that you suffer for my sake than you suffer for your sins." I realized that there is a GREAT difference between righteous and unrighteous suffering. And good people, even missionaries, do suffer but at least they are not suffering because they are sinning. Also a cool thing about this scripture is- that it came to me when I was in the depths of my sorrow...and I opened my scriptures and there is was- TA DA! I love that when it happens!)
Wednesday was Utah Field Trips. We met at my house and had three cars of us that went to the Salt Lake Cemetery ( other’s met us there.) We had a map that showed where different prophets or pioneers of the Church were buried, and as we would trek them out, then we would share faith-promoting stories (which I had prepared) at their grave. Several of the gals had relatives buried there so they related stories from
their history. It was a beautiful day and so enjoyable. My favorite, that I shared, was Jane Manning James, who was the first black woman pioneer. She lived a harsh but faithful life and I want to sit at her feet some day to pay my respects. This picture of her giving half of her wheat to someone else who had none. It is on a monument at the cemetary. The Salt Lake cemetery is so awesome....we didn’t even make a dent in it. It was also fun for me to do research on many of the prophets. Afterwards we had lunch at Red Butte Gardens. Great day.
Thursday was Joshua’s birthday. He was in school but I had told Marci that I would come and help with the little kids (Heidi and Elijah) to give her a break (so she could rest with the new baby.) I made the pasta dish from last week’s Creative Cooking to take them for lunch. When I got there, Elijah was ready for a nap so I just took Heidi for the day. We did some shopping (a comedy of errors, that I won’t go into), got McDonalds, went to the park to swing and slide. Heidi's a little doll and it was fun to be with just her for the day. Then I hurried home...
I was planning on attending Graci and Hallee’s dance recital but I just couldn’t make it work. I had a new art class taught by Marilyn Gandre (of the Peck and Gandre paperdolls that I used to collect- they did all the Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, etc. Also some of the nostalgia Barbie and Ken paperdolls) It was AWESOME. I did graphing for the first time and was so impressed. I don’t really care about the face I am painting but I am just excited to be learning some new techniques. So, this has been a wonderful art week.
Friday our paint class in the morning was cancelled but that was so okay with me since I’ve painted all week. It was nice to have a day without so many demands although I had promised Brandi to watch the kiddos that night since she and Ryan had tickets to some comic in Logan. She brought them about 3:00p.m. but also their cousin, Megan, to watch them here for a few hours which really helped. I took her home at 5:30 and the rest of the evening was spent playing, referring, feeding. We had a great time but it sure makes me remember real fast the stress that these young mothers (and dads) have day after day, raising little kids. It is constant and draining. So I was glad to be able to give Brandi and Ryan a break and also spend more time with the kiddos. They all did pretty good.
Saturday- The morning was hectic getting all the kiddo’s clothes and paraphernalia found and everyone out the door. And Brandi and Ryan (and all parents) do it each day- every time they go somewhere! Whew! It was quiet when they left and not having anyone here- David, Tanner and Aunt Pat and Casey left on Friday night to go to St. George to move David’s folks again, and I didn’t expect them until late evening. So, I had a nice day- changing sheets on the bed and doing laundry all day. I did
a Costco shop and went to Western Gardens to pick up some plants. Later in the afternoon, Ryan and Marci and the kids dropped in and we talked and played for several hours. The baby is precious and all are doing well. (This picture is of little Noah Joseph) Joshie was happy with his birthday present (a rock grinding machine- "How did you know exactly what I wanted?!")
I had just received a call from Travis about 6:30 that he and Tenille were headed to the hospital, so about 9:00 p.m. I left for Cottonwood Hospital. Tenille did great...you never would know she’s in labor. Dr. Terry came in all dressed in a suit and tie from the evening session of his Stake Conference. He checked her and she was a ten! It was fun to reminisce...since he had delivered Tanner and also Tenille’s little brother, Jake. Anyway- three great pushes and he was out! Just a little guy- 6 lb. 9 oz. which is smaller than their last two. He is so cute...he looks just like Boston now, not when Boston was a baby! He has Rylee’s beautiful little heart shaped lips. It was awesome to be there and get to hold him. (And they haven’t officially named him....) So that makes ELEVEN! Boy, once you start having grand kids, they just multiple so quickly. And we love it! After I got home from the hospital, I still needed to do some breakfast casseroles for Josh Wright’s farewell since Julie is still recovering from her surgery from breast cancer.
(The name is official- Nash Darley Williams! We love him!)
Sunday- (see Eakins Tribute)
It was Josh Wright's farewell. Josh is an amazing pianist- having won competitions all over the world. He spoke (for 40 minutes!) and then played an original composition of "I Believe In Christ" with Brother Corey doing a narrative. Pretty incredible!
I did a little lesson in nursery about Heavenly Father making all the fishes and everything in the sea (my presentation wasn't nearly as spectacular as Josh's presentation)...and made a little aquarium with colored fishes and turtles and frogs inside with paper clips connected to them and a stick fishing pole with a magnet on the end of the line. So the kids got to fish and they thought that was fun.
Came home ready for a nap but we had an appointment with the Stake President and Tanner for an "after mission follow-up." President Miles is such a great man- I just enjoy being around him. THEN I got my nap (while David was at the Church for a Church court and Tanner and Casey were watching the playoff game.) Tonight we
had a High Priest fireside with Elder Todd Christofferson. He and his wife, Kathy, live in our Stake. In fact, Kathy was the education counselor in the Stake Relief Society before me. For most of the evening, he just answered questions from the audience. It was interesting, but not necessarily inspiring. But then he took just a few minutes at the end, to talk about the importance of the calling of High Priest (and wives). He shared one scripture that stood out and spoke to me. It was Hebrews 4:14-16-
14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin.
16. let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Since I have been studying so much lately about the concept of the atonement, forgiveness, mercy and grace, this really touched me. I loved the part that said that Christ wasn't a high priest that couldn't feel our pain and infirmities- because although he was sinless, he was tempted and experienced all that we do. I love the idea of coming boldly unto the throne of grace- and finding mercy in our time of need. I always think of the last lines of a an old movie called "The Chosen." It is about a young Jewish man, whose father is orthodox, but the boy is enchanted with the world outside of that tradition. He shows the heartache both experience. The closing lines talks about their reconciliation (it is only in the movie, not the book, unfortunately)...and basically the father says, "Come to me as far as you can go....and I will meet you and make up the difference." To me, that is grace and mercy.
Tuesday- Painted a red rock scene with Jon McNaughton and all the painting friends. Debra Simons, Debbie Parr, Erica Nordquist and her daughter, Michelle Coleman. I met Shauna Horne for the first time and really liked her. Everyone else did acrylics but I did oil. Jon paints in acrylic, but I don't like the look of the masonite/gesso’d board. I love the texture of canvas. We painted for 8 hours- had a GREAT lunch. Michelle made a salad of Valene’s that I absolutely loved!
Southwestern Chicken Salad(Valene Cook)
1 lb. skinless chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and chopped
Marinate in lime juice and dash of chili pepper if desired
2 tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 to ½ c. shredded cheese
1 can black beans, rinsed and
and drained
8 cups (1 bag) mixed greens
Toasted Tortilla chips
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
(we served Dirty rice over the top of the salad- I used Zatarain's mix from the store)
Toasted Tortilla Strips: Slice flour or corn tortillas into small strips using a pizza cutter. Put on greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with chili powder, if desired. Cook at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add to salad just before serving.
Lime-Cilantro Dressing
3 c. mayonnaise
juice of ½ lime
3 T. water
1 c. fresh cilantro
3 T. white vinegar
dash of black pepper
½ Anaheim or jalapeno chili, rinsed, de-seeded
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor; whirl until smooth. Combine salad ingredients, toss and serve with dressing. (This is fabulous!)
Tuesday night I spoke on Journal Writing at their Ward (Granite South Stake- 16th Ward). It was awesome to speak and see so many people that I love there. First of all, a girl by the name of Anita Wells spoke on her love of the scriptures. It was fantastic! She shared how the scriptures have spoken to her throughout the years. You could tell she was light years away from where I was at her age. I was so impressed and inspired. She has published a children’s book called, "Nephi, Nephi, I Know the Scriptures are True." A funny, but cute thing that she did for her family for Christmas last year, was to try and look up people’s birthdays in the scriptures and then find the best scripture to give them. For instance, my birthday is January 29th or 1:29. As I’ve looked up many of the scriptures, I found this one (that I had actually underlined before)
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake
(Which I love because it goes with another scripture that helped me so much when Ryan got malaria and dengue in Guatemala. I was so upset because I had stressed out about that possibility before he left and David said I needed to have faith and turn him over to the care of the Lord. I did, and Ryan got so sick. I felt so betrayed until I read another scripture that said, "How much better is it that you suffer for my sake than you suffer for your sins." I realized that there is a GREAT difference between righteous and unrighteous suffering. And good people, even missionaries, do suffer but at least they are not suffering because they are sinning. Also a cool thing about this scripture is- that it came to me when I was in the depths of my sorrow...and I opened my scriptures and there is was- TA DA! I love that when it happens!)
Wednesday was Utah Field Trips. We met at my house and had three cars of us that went to the Salt Lake Cemetery ( other’s met us there.) We had a map that showed where different prophets or pioneers of the Church were buried, and as we would trek them out, then we would share faith-promoting stories (which I had prepared) at their grave. Several of the gals had relatives buried there so they related stories from
their history. It was a beautiful day and so enjoyable. My favorite, that I shared, was Jane Manning James, who was the first black woman pioneer. She lived a harsh but faithful life and I want to sit at her feet some day to pay my respects. This picture of her giving half of her wheat to someone else who had none. It is on a monument at the cemetary. The Salt Lake cemetery is so awesome....we didn’t even make a dent in it. It was also fun for me to do research on many of the prophets. Afterwards we had lunch at Red Butte Gardens. Great day.Thursday was Joshua’s birthday. He was in school but I had told Marci that I would come and help with the little kids (Heidi and Elijah) to give her a break (so she could rest with the new baby.) I made the pasta dish from last week’s Creative Cooking to take them for lunch. When I got there, Elijah was ready for a nap so I just took Heidi for the day. We did some shopping (a comedy of errors, that I won’t go into), got McDonalds, went to the park to swing and slide. Heidi's a little doll and it was fun to be with just her for the day. Then I hurried home...
I was planning on attending Graci and Hallee’s dance recital but I just couldn’t make it work. I had a new art class taught by Marilyn Gandre (of the Peck and Gandre paperdolls that I used to collect- they did all the Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, etc. Also some of the nostalgia Barbie and Ken paperdolls) It was AWESOME. I did graphing for the first time and was so impressed. I don’t really care about the face I am painting but I am just excited to be learning some new techniques. So, this has been a wonderful art week.
Friday our paint class in the morning was cancelled but that was so okay with me since I’ve painted all week. It was nice to have a day without so many demands although I had promised Brandi to watch the kiddos that night since she and Ryan had tickets to some comic in Logan. She brought them about 3:00p.m. but also their cousin, Megan, to watch them here for a few hours which really helped. I took her home at 5:30 and the rest of the evening was spent playing, referring, feeding. We had a great time but it sure makes me remember real fast the stress that these young mothers (and dads) have day after day, raising little kids. It is constant and draining. So I was glad to be able to give Brandi and Ryan a break and also spend more time with the kiddos. They all did pretty good.
Saturday- The morning was hectic getting all the kiddo’s clothes and paraphernalia found and everyone out the door. And Brandi and Ryan (and all parents) do it each day- every time they go somewhere! Whew! It was quiet when they left and not having anyone here- David, Tanner and Aunt Pat and Casey left on Friday night to go to St. George to move David’s folks again, and I didn’t expect them until late evening. So, I had a nice day- changing sheets on the bed and doing laundry all day. I did
a Costco shop and went to Western Gardens to pick up some plants. Later in the afternoon, Ryan and Marci and the kids dropped in and we talked and played for several hours. The baby is precious and all are doing well. (This picture is of little Noah Joseph) Joshie was happy with his birthday present (a rock grinding machine- "How did you know exactly what I wanted?!") I had just received a call from Travis about 6:30 that he and Tenille were headed to the hospital, so about 9:00 p.m. I left for Cottonwood Hospital. Tenille did great...you never would know she’s in labor. Dr. Terry came in all dressed in a suit and tie from the evening session of his Stake Conference. He checked her and she was a ten! It was fun to reminisce...since he had delivered Tanner and also Tenille’s little brother, Jake. Anyway- three great pushes and he was out! Just a little guy- 6 lb. 9 oz. which is smaller than their last two. He is so cute...he looks just like Boston now, not when Boston was a baby! He has Rylee’s beautiful little heart shaped lips. It was awesome to be there and get to hold him. (And they haven’t officially named him....) So that makes ELEVEN! Boy, once you start having grand kids, they just multiple so quickly. And we love it! After I got home from the hospital, I still needed to do some breakfast casseroles for Josh Wright’s farewell since Julie is still recovering from her surgery from breast cancer.
(The name is official- Nash Darley Williams! We love him!)
Sunday- (see Eakins Tribute)
It was Josh Wright's farewell. Josh is an amazing pianist- having won competitions all over the world. He spoke (for 40 minutes!) and then played an original composition of "I Believe In Christ" with Brother Corey doing a narrative. Pretty incredible!
I did a little lesson in nursery about Heavenly Father making all the fishes and everything in the sea (my presentation wasn't nearly as spectacular as Josh's presentation)...and made a little aquarium with colored fishes and turtles and frogs inside with paper clips connected to them and a stick fishing pole with a magnet on the end of the line. So the kids got to fish and they thought that was fun.
Came home ready for a nap but we had an appointment with the Stake President and Tanner for an "after mission follow-up." President Miles is such a great man- I just enjoy being around him. THEN I got my nap (while David was at the Church for a Church court and Tanner and Casey were watching the playoff game.) Tonight we
had a High Priest fireside with Elder Todd Christofferson. He and his wife, Kathy, live in our Stake. In fact, Kathy was the education counselor in the Stake Relief Society before me. For most of the evening, he just answered questions from the audience. It was interesting, but not necessarily inspiring. But then he took just a few minutes at the end, to talk about the importance of the calling of High Priest (and wives). He shared one scripture that stood out and spoke to me. It was Hebrews 4:14-16-14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin.
16. let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Since I have been studying so much lately about the concept of the atonement, forgiveness, mercy and grace, this really touched me. I loved the part that said that Christ wasn't a high priest that couldn't feel our pain and infirmities- because although he was sinless, he was tempted and experienced all that we do. I love the idea of coming boldly unto the throne of grace- and finding mercy in our time of need. I always think of the last lines of a an old movie called "The Chosen." It is about a young Jewish man, whose father is orthodox, but the boy is enchanted with the world outside of that tradition. He shows the heartache both experience. The closing lines talks about their reconciliation (it is only in the movie, not the book, unfortunately)...and basically the father says, "Come to me as far as you can go....and I will meet you and make up the difference." To me, that is grace and mercy.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Forgiveness and Mercy and Grace
Today I went visiting teaching to Elsa (whom I have visiting taught for probably more than 7 years!) This month we were suppose to choose the message from one of the Conference talks. There are always so many good ones but one of my favorites was Elder Faust's talk on Forgiveness. I guess I also thought of that one since reading the book Jill S. let me borrow, that I have mentioned, called What's So Amazing About Grace. I have wanted to journal about it- but since I have 15 pages of notes from reading the book, it is a whole chapter by itself. So I think I will just share a few thoughts every once in awhile.
In Elder Faust's talk, he used the quote that said:
Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use, the energy once consumed by holding grudges, haboring resentments and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves. (Dr. Sidney Simon)
Thoughts I loved from the book:
By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out. I leave, in God's hands, the scales that must balance justice and mercy.
Though wrong does not disappear when I forgive, it loses its grip on me and is taken over by God, who knows what to do. Such a decision involves risk that God may not deal with the person as I would want. (example: Jonah and the people of Ninevah)
In the New Testament, the most common Greek word for forgiveness means literally "to release, to hurl away, to free youself." I love the image - to hurl away the anger or resentment. Conversely, the word "resentment" expresses what happens if the cycle goes on. It literally means "to feel again." It is like a scab that is picked again and again.
The first (and often the only) person to be healed by forgiveness is the person who does the forgiveness. When we genuinely forgive, we set a prisoner free...and then we discover that the prisoner we set free was us! I love that. I realize, as I was studying the atonement for Easter, that truly the atonement is available for us, AS it says in the beatitudes, we forgive others, we will be forgiven.
In Elder Faust's talk, he used the quote that said:
Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use, the energy once consumed by holding grudges, haboring resentments and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves. (Dr. Sidney Simon)
Thoughts I loved from the book:
By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out. I leave, in God's hands, the scales that must balance justice and mercy.
Though wrong does not disappear when I forgive, it loses its grip on me and is taken over by God, who knows what to do. Such a decision involves risk that God may not deal with the person as I would want. (example: Jonah and the people of Ninevah)
In the New Testament, the most common Greek word for forgiveness means literally "to release, to hurl away, to free youself." I love the image - to hurl away the anger or resentment. Conversely, the word "resentment" expresses what happens if the cycle goes on. It literally means "to feel again." It is like a scab that is picked again and again.
The first (and often the only) person to be healed by forgiveness is the person who does the forgiveness. When we genuinely forgive, we set a prisoner free...and then we discover that the prisoner we set free was us! I love that. I realize, as I was studying the atonement for Easter, that truly the atonement is available for us, AS it says in the beatitudes, we forgive others, we will be forgiven.
Monday, May 14, 2007
It is Good to Be a Mom....
Most mothers are instinctive philosophers. - Harriet Beecher Stowe
You know those Mother's Days when you end up in a heap on the bed sobbing uncontrollable because...well, it's Mother's Day and you're thinking the Queen shouldn't have to change poopy diapers or wrestle crying babies or clean up spilled orange juice and "What was my husband thinking of by giving me identical golf bags two years in a row?" (and I don't golf)" (true story....IDENTICAL golf bags.....) and cleaning up the kitchen after well- intentioned kids (and husband) try to cook breakfast as a surprise.....Well, today WASN'T one of those days! Today was, well, perfect!
First of all, Church was wonderful. We had a farewell today for Blake Tillotsen, who is going to Argentina. And then my visiting teacher, Linda Raddon, and her husband, Gary, spoke on mothers. We received a lovely book written by Pres. Hinckley and chocolates from The Chocolate Cottage. The best! Nursery went well. The little kids are more kiddos to love! And I had a nice time visiting with Cheryl Curtis. Tanner and Cousin Casey were speaking in the Single’s Ward so I rushed there afterwards but just heard the very end of Tanner’s talk! Bummer! But everyone told me about it and then I found part of it on my computer. He shared one story that I would like to share here:
(I’ll share my version and then what he said about it.)
A few years ago, Tanner woke me up in the morning to say that Travis, his older brother, needed Tanner to follow him to a car repair place and then take him to work and could Tanner borrow my car? I said yes and went back to sleep. A while later, I sat upright in bed, just gripped with fear! I KNEW Tanner was going to be in an accident. At that time, he didn't have a cell phone so I couldn't contact him. As I was pacing the house, I saw his wallet with his license sitting on the stairs...I knew that no one would know how to contact me! I was just going crazy. Ryan and Marci were living with us then and I kept stressing to Marci that I knew Tanner was going to be in an accident and I felt so helpless. But then I knew I could do something. I got down on my knees and prayed and prayed. Sometime later, I got the call. The policeman started to tell me and I started to cry. He said, “Hold on, hold on, he’s alright.” Tanner had dropped Travis off at work (he worked out on the west side of the valley by Usana.) As he was returning on Bangarter Highway, a gal ran a red light and totally creamed him as he was making a left hand turn. My Jeep rolled several times and was demolished. Tanner was taken to the hospital for cuts and bruises and observation. Then this is what Tanner said in his talk:
“Quickly she realized that the only thing she knew that she could do was to pray and plead with our Father in Heaven for my safety. She later wondered why she had that experience when the accident still happened. She knew she had felt the Spirit tell her that something was wrong, but she talked about how grateful she was for knowing, so that she could plead for my safety and to know that I would be be okay. "
I was glad to be reminded of this experience and especially grateful that Tanner’s life was preserved. He is my baby and I adore him so much! Today is his birthday and
how blessed we are to have him in our lives. When he was little, he and Brandi had their bedrooms upstairs. Every night they would kind of go through the "Walton" bedroom routine. "Tanner, I love you" (called across the hallway) to which Tanner would reply, "I love you the mostest." "Love you the mostest" has always been Tanner's phrase. He was the cutest and best baby in the world. When he was in Jr. High, I started noticing his blonde hair was starting to look different. He got out of the shower and it was all curly. I asked him what happened and he said, "Oh, I just didn't comb it out." His hair has turned CURLY (puberty!) and we didn't even know it! And I don't mean just curly, but kinky curly! The girls loved it and called him "Curly Sue". He had to shave off all the curls for his mission but now that he is home, it is all curls once again. What a good natured kid. We love him to death!
After Church, Travis and Tenille and kiddos came, Aunt Pat (and of course Tanner and Cousin Casey were already here) Ryan W. and the kids (Marci and the brand new baby stayed home to rest) and Claudia (their friend from Guatemala that is staying with them)- and Brandi and Ryan C. and their kids came later. We grilled steak and chicken and ate on the patio in the backyard so the kids could just run and play. They have SO much fun together! The kiddos run all around and David lassos them. They just laugh and laugh. And the little kids love to throw gravel in my Tuscan fountain (yikes!) Aunt Pat brought baked potatoes and Tenille brought a delicious spinach salad. Brandi brought dessert, which was a chocolate birthday cake (four layers with whipped cream and chocolate chips in between each layer) so we could sing Happy Birthday to Tanner and also the little kiddos who’s birthdays are this month. I received lovely presents- a beautiful necklace and earrings, a statue of a girl feeding GEESE, for the garden, a handmade cement garden stone with the hand prints of Rylee and Boston that is so precious! Then Brandi gave me this book and wrote a special message at the end (and glued it in the book)
The book is called “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson (Carol Lynn Pearson’s Daughter.) It is a charming children’s book, with one person doing something nice and it is “played forward” until billions are affected. At the back of the book, Brandi had “added” her p.s. to the book- this is what is said:
Not-So-Ordinary Mary(lyn’s) Extraordinary DeedI loved this book so much because it puts into words the impact that one person can have on the world. My not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) has taught me to reach out to others in kindness. A few of the thousands of acts of love include: taking dinner to not one but six families (and not for an evening but like a year or two), sharing compliments with those you love (and total strangers), stocking cupboards for kids, in-laws, friends, and again, strangers, sharing a sympathetic ear to anyone who needs a lift, Christmas pixies, making enough treats to “Boo” everyone in the neighborhood (so no one feels left out), leaving treats for people that your children tee-peed, buying gift cards for people and giving them out “just because”, filling and sharing coin jars, volunteering to help set-up, decorate, clean-up and in any and every way held with Ward activities, showers, etc., etc., supplying lovely food and decorations for people’s weddings (even friends of friends of friends), hugging (even those who appear not huggable), assuming the best of others, forgiving, and sharing literally all that you are blessed with to brighten the lives of others. You truly shine with kindness and generosity. What a wonderful example you are to me, to my children, and to literally hundreds of others. I am so grateful that a not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) is my mommy! Happy Mother’s Day- Love, Brandi
(note: for me it was the perfect day...a day worth shedding a few tears of gratitude!)
Oh, and I want to mention, I always thought the identical golf bag story was the best "gift blooper" but my neighbor, Arlene, had an even better one. One year she got a lawn mower for Mother's Day....and golf shoes with cleats so she could aerate the lawn while she was mowing it
You know those Mother's Days when you end up in a heap on the bed sobbing uncontrollable because...well, it's Mother's Day and you're thinking the Queen shouldn't have to change poopy diapers or wrestle crying babies or clean up spilled orange juice and "What was my husband thinking of by giving me identical golf bags two years in a row?" (and I don't golf)" (true story....IDENTICAL golf bags.....) and cleaning up the kitchen after well- intentioned kids (and husband) try to cook breakfast as a surprise.....Well, today WASN'T one of those days! Today was, well, perfect!
First of all, Church was wonderful. We had a farewell today for Blake Tillotsen, who is going to Argentina. And then my visiting teacher, Linda Raddon, and her husband, Gary, spoke on mothers. We received a lovely book written by Pres. Hinckley and chocolates from The Chocolate Cottage. The best! Nursery went well. The little kids are more kiddos to love! And I had a nice time visiting with Cheryl Curtis. Tanner and Cousin Casey were speaking in the Single’s Ward so I rushed there afterwards but just heard the very end of Tanner’s talk! Bummer! But everyone told me about it and then I found part of it on my computer. He shared one story that I would like to share here:
(I’ll share my version and then what he said about it.)
A few years ago, Tanner woke me up in the morning to say that Travis, his older brother, needed Tanner to follow him to a car repair place and then take him to work and could Tanner borrow my car? I said yes and went back to sleep. A while later, I sat upright in bed, just gripped with fear! I KNEW Tanner was going to be in an accident. At that time, he didn't have a cell phone so I couldn't contact him. As I was pacing the house, I saw his wallet with his license sitting on the stairs...I knew that no one would know how to contact me! I was just going crazy. Ryan and Marci were living with us then and I kept stressing to Marci that I knew Tanner was going to be in an accident and I felt so helpless. But then I knew I could do something. I got down on my knees and prayed and prayed. Sometime later, I got the call. The policeman started to tell me and I started to cry. He said, “Hold on, hold on, he’s alright.” Tanner had dropped Travis off at work (he worked out on the west side of the valley by Usana.) As he was returning on Bangarter Highway, a gal ran a red light and totally creamed him as he was making a left hand turn. My Jeep rolled several times and was demolished. Tanner was taken to the hospital for cuts and bruises and observation. Then this is what Tanner said in his talk:
“Quickly she realized that the only thing she knew that she could do was to pray and plead with our Father in Heaven for my safety. She later wondered why she had that experience when the accident still happened. She knew she had felt the Spirit tell her that something was wrong, but she talked about how grateful she was for knowing, so that she could plead for my safety and to know that I would be be okay. "
I was glad to be reminded of this experience and especially grateful that Tanner’s life was preserved. He is my baby and I adore him so much! Today is his birthday and
how blessed we are to have him in our lives. When he was little, he and Brandi had their bedrooms upstairs. Every night they would kind of go through the "Walton" bedroom routine. "Tanner, I love you" (called across the hallway) to which Tanner would reply, "I love you the mostest." "Love you the mostest" has always been Tanner's phrase. He was the cutest and best baby in the world. When he was in Jr. High, I started noticing his blonde hair was starting to look different. He got out of the shower and it was all curly. I asked him what happened and he said, "Oh, I just didn't comb it out." His hair has turned CURLY (puberty!) and we didn't even know it! And I don't mean just curly, but kinky curly! The girls loved it and called him "Curly Sue". He had to shave off all the curls for his mission but now that he is home, it is all curls once again. What a good natured kid. We love him to death!After Church, Travis and Tenille and kiddos came, Aunt Pat (and of course Tanner and Cousin Casey were already here) Ryan W. and the kids (Marci and the brand new baby stayed home to rest) and Claudia (their friend from Guatemala that is staying with them)- and Brandi and Ryan C. and their kids came later. We grilled steak and chicken and ate on the patio in the backyard so the kids could just run and play. They have SO much fun together! The kiddos run all around and David lassos them. They just laugh and laugh. And the little kids love to throw gravel in my Tuscan fountain (yikes!) Aunt Pat brought baked potatoes and Tenille brought a delicious spinach salad. Brandi brought dessert, which was a chocolate birthday cake (four layers with whipped cream and chocolate chips in between each layer) so we could sing Happy Birthday to Tanner and also the little kiddos who’s birthdays are this month. I received lovely presents- a beautiful necklace and earrings, a statue of a girl feeding GEESE, for the garden, a handmade cement garden stone with the hand prints of Rylee and Boston that is so precious! Then Brandi gave me this book and wrote a special message at the end (and glued it in the book)
The book is called “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson (Carol Lynn Pearson’s Daughter.) It is a charming children’s book, with one person doing something nice and it is “played forward” until billions are affected. At the back of the book, Brandi had “added” her p.s. to the book- this is what is said:
Not-So-Ordinary Mary(lyn’s) Extraordinary DeedI loved this book so much because it puts into words the impact that one person can have on the world. My not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) has taught me to reach out to others in kindness. A few of the thousands of acts of love include: taking dinner to not one but six families (and not for an evening but like a year or two), sharing compliments with those you love (and total strangers), stocking cupboards for kids, in-laws, friends, and again, strangers, sharing a sympathetic ear to anyone who needs a lift, Christmas pixies, making enough treats to “Boo” everyone in the neighborhood (so no one feels left out), leaving treats for people that your children tee-peed, buying gift cards for people and giving them out “just because”, filling and sharing coin jars, volunteering to help set-up, decorate, clean-up and in any and every way held with Ward activities, showers, etc., etc., supplying lovely food and decorations for people’s weddings (even friends of friends of friends), hugging (even those who appear not huggable), assuming the best of others, forgiving, and sharing literally all that you are blessed with to brighten the lives of others. You truly shine with kindness and generosity. What a wonderful example you are to me, to my children, and to literally hundreds of others. I am so grateful that a not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) is my mommy! Happy Mother’s Day- Love, Brandi
(note: for me it was the perfect day...a day worth shedding a few tears of gratitude!)
Oh, and I want to mention, I always thought the identical golf bag story was the best "gift blooper" but my neighbor, Arlene, had an even better one. One year she got a lawn mower for Mother's Day....and golf shoes with cleats so she could aerate the lawn while she was mowing it
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Tons of Good Food, Visitors and Something Wonderful at 7 lb. 15 oz.!
The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose. ~Garrison Keillor
Monday I watched the kiddos at their home since Gracie had pre-school. It was a beautiful day so Hallee and Addison and I got to play outside on the swings. Ran errands/groceries after and tried to get unpacked from the trip.
Tuesday- I got to pick up my brother, Gary, from the airport.
(He is my only sibling and I love him dearly although, mind you, he used to say I was the only person he knew who could hang by their nose in the cherry tree and pick with both hands...he maimed me for life! So, when I took up art, I made sure when I did a portrait of the two of us, his nose was bigger than mine!)
Gary lives by Vancouver, Wa. and recently sold his company to Sorenson Capital, who have their offices at Thanksgiving Point. I had him for 4 whole hours by myself! It was great! He actually was flying in because he is going hunting in Africa with one of the men at S.C. Gary is a big time hunter and so is this man so it is a match made in heaven. I took Gary to my favorite restaurant, Harry’s in South Jordan. SeeBelated Valentines
One of my favorite things to order there (besides the Garden Mix salad which is served on flatbread that has a bleu cheese mixture melted on it) is their French dip which is really shaved prime rib piled high on a fabulous ciabatta roll, served with homemade, delicious french fries. The sandwich comes with the traditional au jus sauce and also a mild and creamy horseradish dipping sauce. Gary loved it as well. Then, I brought him to see our home for the first time. It was fun to have him here.
After dropping Gary off with his buddies, I met mine, Pretty Patty Petty , who came from Boise to spend the week with me! Yeah! Perfect timing for a girlie visit since David actually spent most of the week out of town- first to L.A., then Boise for 2 days, then 2 days in Charlotte, N. Carolina! What a week for him!
(Note about Pretty Patty Petty...I've called her that ever since we met...she and Tom (Tom Petty!) were our first friends as young marrieds in our Young Marrieds Ward at BYU. One of her best friends was named Patty as well and kind of made fun of Patty's name being Patty Petty. So my friend, Patty, lined "her" friend Patty, up with Tom's cousin, so now there are two Pretty Patty Pettys. I just call the second one "Ditto.")
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
So, while Pretty Patty Petty was here we:
Shopped at Rod Works, two malls (South Towne and Fashion Place), Joannes, a couple of quilt stores, The Handmaiden and Gardner Mill.
We ate out almost every lunch and dinner- Chili’s ( sharing chips with con queso dip and the appetizer roll-ups), Applebee’s (Oriental Chicken Salad for me/ some chicken bowl for her) onion rings from Famous Rod’s, Archibalds (Fried- green tomatoes and sandwiches), the food court at Fashion Place (Edo’s and Panda Ex?) plus several "fill-ups" of drinks at Sonics. We ate so much that by the end of the week, we could hardly take one more bite .....but that is what you do, when you are trying to savor every second of a fun-filled-friend week.
We were planning on movies but couldn’t find any playing at the theaters that we were interested in so we bought their popcorn and came home and watched 5 in three days- The Holiday (A ), Catch and Release (F and disgusting),. We also watched The Queen (B), The Lake House (I’d give it a B plus) and De Javu with Dentzel Washington (about a B). The last two shows were a little "time traveler" so you had to pay attention to figure out what was happening. Patty embroidered squares for Necia’s girl’s quilts so it was relaxing and I folded clothes the entire time.
Wed. was my Creative Cooking focus group that I am in charge of . We had it had Vera Domingues’ new home in our Ward. Her home is lovely and Vera made a fabulous pasta dish called Spaghetti a Pizzaiolo. (recipe at the end of entry) She is delightful with her Brazilian accent and she’s a gracious hostess. I, then, shared the recipe for the Olive Garden Salad and Salad Dressing- plus made both fresh fruit Pavlova’s and stuffed strawberries. We had a nice group there- Elsa Gray, Linda Raddon, Debra Nelson, Geneil Tyler, Golda Leonard, Teresa Shantze, Leisa Root and her daughter Ashlee, Vera, Patty and myself. Just a nice lunch, great food, filling conversation.
Friday morning woke up with the phone ringing- Grandpa W. (David’s dad) calling from St. George to see if we had heard anything about the baby. I hadn’t but had told Ryan to call me as soon as the baby was born so I was a little worried. I waited until about 8:30 a.m. to call and Marci cheerfully answered the phone.. Little Noah (7lbs. 15 oz.) was born about 12:45 a.m. She thought Ryan had called but I hadn’t gotten the call. Come to find out, he called my cell phone for some reason and it was left in the car. But, no worry, all is well. She had the baby, at home, with two mid-wives and a Doula , and Ryan delivering the baby in a birthing BATHTUB! Okay- childbirth is scary enough but....... I have learned that I "get" to support my children in their decisions. And ALL turned out well. I’m anxious to see the baby ! Marci sounded great and her mom, Debbie and sister, Chelsey, were there also, taking pictures, etc. Childbirth is SUCH a huge deal- what a hard, but SACRED experience and Marci wanted to be more in control of that atmosphere and I hear she did great! I’m proud of her!
I’m anxious to call and order "Noah" in vinyl lettering for the staircase. I have a black, wooden staircase that leads downstairs and each step has the name of one of the kiddo’s. It is one of my favorite things about our home. But I need to wait until Travis and Tenille decide what they are naming their little guy, who will probably be born on May 22. Tanner’s birthday is Monday (22!) and Joshie’s is the 17th (he’ll be 7)and my dad’s is the 24th (he’ll be 80!) and Boston’s is the 29th (he’ll be two and a new big brother!) So May is a busy, busy birthday month! (Mother Goose had her babies this week also...there are about 6 or 7 of them...it is hard to count since they scuttle so fast! I am NOT putting their names on my stairs....although they are very cute...but I have issues with their father....)
Patty left on Friday afternoon and then David got home. We attended a wedding reception for a boy, Josh Olsen, from our Ward in the evening. It was held at Le Jardin, which is a lovely greenhouse, but it is at Larkin Cemetery. David thought it was fitting that weddings and funerals are held at the same location which didn’t earn him ANY brownie points with me!
This morning (Sat.) I had a date with Brandi for Mother’s Day. We met at Mimi’s for a wonderful breakfast, then she surprised me by taking me to a HUGE new garden store out in Riverton called The Garden Lodge. It is a winner! A great morning with my daughter! I love spending time with her so much! Now I am at home, cooking up dinner to take to Ryan and Marci tonight (and we’ll get to see the baby! Yeah!) Menu- Chicken Squares (Ryan’s favorite), Olive Garden Salad (Marci’s favorite) Fresh fruit platter (Marci’s favorite) and Lemon Squares (Ryan’s favorite). It is fun being a mom.
Spaghetti a Pizzaiola
(Vera Domingues)
2 lbs. of fettuccini- cooked
(Vera likes the kind at Costco-like a wide noodle)
2 lb. of FRESH mozzarella , diced into about 1 inch squares)
10 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 ½ c. of mayonnaise, lite is fine
3 T. of oregano
Mix all the ingredients except the fettuccini together, then toss with
the noodles. Place in a baking dish (makes a HUGE batch so easily could half it) and bake until the cheese is melted somewhat, about 20 minutes on a low oven. It was so delicious...I think it would be good with bacon bits or chicken or shrimp. The cubes of mozerella stay a little intact.
Pavlova
Ingredients
Meringue:
1- 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar OR distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1- 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (6 ounces, about 6) large egg whites, preferably room temperature
Pinch salt ( I leave the eggs out overnight or let them sit in warm water til room temp)
Topping:2 pints fresh or frozen berries
1/4-1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
2 cups whipping cream
1 tsp. Vanilla (I also added 1 small container of strawberry yogurt)
Meringue Directions
Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 250°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the vanilla and vinegar (if using) into a small cup. Stir the cornstarch into the sugar in a small bowl.
In a large bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites, cream of tartar (if using) and salt, starting on low, increasing incrementally to medium speed until soft peaks/trails start to become visible, and the egg white bubbles are very small and uniform, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Increase speed to medium-high, slowly and gradually sprinkling in the sugar-cornstarch mixture. A few minutes after these dry ingredients are added, slowly pour in the vanilla and vinegar (if you didn't use cream of tartar.) Increase speed a bit and whip until meringue is glossy, and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 4 to 5 minutes.
Pipe or spoon the meringue into 8-10 large round mounds that are 3 inches wide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon liner. With the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the middle of the mound for holding the filling once meringue is baked.
Place baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the meringues are crisp, dry to the touch on the outside, and white -- not tan-colored or cracked. The interiors should have a marshmallow-like consistency. Check on meringues at least once during the baking time. If they appear to be taking on color or cracking, reduce temperature 25 degrees, and turn pan around.
Gently lift from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Will keep in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, or individually wrapped, for up to a week if your house is not humid.
Served topped with your favorite filling - lemon curd, raspberry or blueberry sauce, and freshly whipped cream. Makes 8-12 pavlovas depending on size
I whipped 2 cups of whipping cream with ½ cup sugar, whipping until it peaks, then folded in a small container of strawberry yogurt and vanilla. Spread this whipping cream on pavlova, arrange fresh fruit on top (any berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)
Olive Garden Italian Salad
Dressing:
½ c. white vinegar
1 ½ tsp. salt
1/3 c. water
1 tsp. Lemon juice
1/3 c. vegetable
½ tsp. minced garlic
1/4 c. corn syrup
1/4 tsp. dried parlsey flakes
2 ½ T. grated Romano cheese
pinch diced oregono
2 T. dry pectin
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 T. beaten egg or egg substitute
Combine all the ingredients with a mixer on medium speed or in a blender on low speed for 30 seconds. Chill at least 1 hour. Serve over mixed greens dressed with peperoncini peppers (find in aisle by pickles), black olives, cherry tomatoes, croutons, fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Monday I watched the kiddos at their home since Gracie had pre-school. It was a beautiful day so Hallee and Addison and I got to play outside on the swings. Ran errands/groceries after and tried to get unpacked from the trip.
Tuesday- I got to pick up my brother, Gary, from the airport.
(He is my only sibling and I love him dearly although, mind you, he used to say I was the only person he knew who could hang by their nose in the cherry tree and pick with both hands...he maimed me for life! So, when I took up art, I made sure when I did a portrait of the two of us, his nose was bigger than mine!)
Gary lives by Vancouver, Wa. and recently sold his company to Sorenson Capital, who have their offices at Thanksgiving Point. I had him for 4 whole hours by myself! It was great! He actually was flying in because he is going hunting in Africa with one of the men at S.C. Gary is a big time hunter and so is this man so it is a match made in heaven. I took Gary to my favorite restaurant, Harry’s in South Jordan. SeeBelated Valentines
One of my favorite things to order there (besides the Garden Mix salad which is served on flatbread that has a bleu cheese mixture melted on it) is their French dip which is really shaved prime rib piled high on a fabulous ciabatta roll, served with homemade, delicious french fries. The sandwich comes with the traditional au jus sauce and also a mild and creamy horseradish dipping sauce. Gary loved it as well. Then, I brought him to see our home for the first time. It was fun to have him here.
After dropping Gary off with his buddies, I met mine, Pretty Patty Petty , who came from Boise to spend the week with me! Yeah! Perfect timing for a girlie visit since David actually spent most of the week out of town- first to L.A., then Boise for 2 days, then 2 days in Charlotte, N. Carolina! What a week for him!
(Note about Pretty Patty Petty...I've called her that ever since we met...she and Tom (Tom Petty!) were our first friends as young marrieds in our Young Marrieds Ward at BYU. One of her best friends was named Patty as well and kind of made fun of Patty's name being Patty Petty. So my friend, Patty, lined "her" friend Patty, up with Tom's cousin, so now there are two Pretty Patty Pettys. I just call the second one "Ditto.")
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
So, while Pretty Patty Petty was here we:
Shopped at Rod Works, two malls (South Towne and Fashion Place), Joannes, a couple of quilt stores, The Handmaiden and Gardner Mill.
We ate out almost every lunch and dinner- Chili’s ( sharing chips with con queso dip and the appetizer roll-ups), Applebee’s (Oriental Chicken Salad for me/ some chicken bowl for her) onion rings from Famous Rod’s, Archibalds (Fried- green tomatoes and sandwiches), the food court at Fashion Place (Edo’s and Panda Ex?) plus several "fill-ups" of drinks at Sonics. We ate so much that by the end of the week, we could hardly take one more bite .....but that is what you do, when you are trying to savor every second of a fun-filled-friend week.
We were planning on movies but couldn’t find any playing at the theaters that we were interested in so we bought their popcorn and came home and watched 5 in three days- The Holiday (A ), Catch and Release (F and disgusting),. We also watched The Queen (B), The Lake House (I’d give it a B plus) and De Javu with Dentzel Washington (about a B). The last two shows were a little "time traveler" so you had to pay attention to figure out what was happening. Patty embroidered squares for Necia’s girl’s quilts so it was relaxing and I folded clothes the entire time.
Wed. was my Creative Cooking focus group that I am in charge of . We had it had Vera Domingues’ new home in our Ward. Her home is lovely and Vera made a fabulous pasta dish called Spaghetti a Pizzaiolo. (recipe at the end of entry) She is delightful with her Brazilian accent and she’s a gracious hostess. I, then, shared the recipe for the Olive Garden Salad and Salad Dressing- plus made both fresh fruit Pavlova’s and stuffed strawberries. We had a nice group there- Elsa Gray, Linda Raddon, Debra Nelson, Geneil Tyler, Golda Leonard, Teresa Shantze, Leisa Root and her daughter Ashlee, Vera, Patty and myself. Just a nice lunch, great food, filling conversation.
Friday morning woke up with the phone ringing- Grandpa W. (David’s dad) calling from St. George to see if we had heard anything about the baby. I hadn’t but had told Ryan to call me as soon as the baby was born so I was a little worried. I waited until about 8:30 a.m. to call and Marci cheerfully answered the phone.. Little Noah (7lbs. 15 oz.) was born about 12:45 a.m. She thought Ryan had called but I hadn’t gotten the call. Come to find out, he called my cell phone for some reason and it was left in the car. But, no worry, all is well. She had the baby, at home, with two mid-wives and a Doula , and Ryan delivering the baby in a birthing BATHTUB! Okay- childbirth is scary enough but....... I have learned that I "get" to support my children in their decisions. And ALL turned out well. I’m anxious to see the baby ! Marci sounded great and her mom, Debbie and sister, Chelsey, were there also, taking pictures, etc. Childbirth is SUCH a huge deal- what a hard, but SACRED experience and Marci wanted to be more in control of that atmosphere and I hear she did great! I’m proud of her!
I’m anxious to call and order "Noah" in vinyl lettering for the staircase. I have a black, wooden staircase that leads downstairs and each step has the name of one of the kiddo’s. It is one of my favorite things about our home. But I need to wait until Travis and Tenille decide what they are naming their little guy, who will probably be born on May 22. Tanner’s birthday is Monday (22!) and Joshie’s is the 17th (he’ll be 7)and my dad’s is the 24th (he’ll be 80!) and Boston’s is the 29th (he’ll be two and a new big brother!) So May is a busy, busy birthday month! (Mother Goose had her babies this week also...there are about 6 or 7 of them...it is hard to count since they scuttle so fast! I am NOT putting their names on my stairs....although they are very cute...but I have issues with their father....)
Patty left on Friday afternoon and then David got home. We attended a wedding reception for a boy, Josh Olsen, from our Ward in the evening. It was held at Le Jardin, which is a lovely greenhouse, but it is at Larkin Cemetery. David thought it was fitting that weddings and funerals are held at the same location which didn’t earn him ANY brownie points with me!
This morning (Sat.) I had a date with Brandi for Mother’s Day. We met at Mimi’s for a wonderful breakfast, then she surprised me by taking me to a HUGE new garden store out in Riverton called The Garden Lodge. It is a winner! A great morning with my daughter! I love spending time with her so much! Now I am at home, cooking up dinner to take to Ryan and Marci tonight (and we’ll get to see the baby! Yeah!) Menu- Chicken Squares (Ryan’s favorite), Olive Garden Salad (Marci’s favorite) Fresh fruit platter (Marci’s favorite) and Lemon Squares (Ryan’s favorite). It is fun being a mom.
Spaghetti a Pizzaiola
(Vera Domingues)
2 lbs. of fettuccini- cooked
(Vera likes the kind at Costco-like a wide noodle)
2 lb. of FRESH mozzarella , diced into about 1 inch squares)
10 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 ½ c. of mayonnaise, lite is fine
3 T. of oregano
Mix all the ingredients except the fettuccini together, then toss with
the noodles. Place in a baking dish (makes a HUGE batch so easily could half it) and bake until the cheese is melted somewhat, about 20 minutes on a low oven. It was so delicious...I think it would be good with bacon bits or chicken or shrimp. The cubes of mozerella stay a little intact.
Pavlova
Ingredients
Meringue:
1- 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar OR distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1- 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup (6 ounces, about 6) large egg whites, preferably room temperature
Pinch salt ( I leave the eggs out overnight or let them sit in warm water til room temp)
Topping:2 pints fresh or frozen berries
1/4-1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
2 cups whipping cream
1 tsp. Vanilla (I also added 1 small container of strawberry yogurt)
Meringue Directions
Place rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 250°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the vanilla and vinegar (if using) into a small cup. Stir the cornstarch into the sugar in a small bowl.
In a large bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, fitted with whisk attachment, whip egg whites, cream of tartar (if using) and salt, starting on low, increasing incrementally to medium speed until soft peaks/trails start to become visible, and the egg white bubbles are very small and uniform, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Increase speed to medium-high, slowly and gradually sprinkling in the sugar-cornstarch mixture. A few minutes after these dry ingredients are added, slowly pour in the vanilla and vinegar (if you didn't use cream of tartar.) Increase speed a bit and whip until meringue is glossy, and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 4 to 5 minutes.
Pipe or spoon the meringue into 8-10 large round mounds that are 3 inches wide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicon liner. With the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the middle of the mound for holding the filling once meringue is baked.
Place baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the meringues are crisp, dry to the touch on the outside, and white -- not tan-colored or cracked. The interiors should have a marshmallow-like consistency. Check on meringues at least once during the baking time. If they appear to be taking on color or cracking, reduce temperature 25 degrees, and turn pan around.
Gently lift from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Will keep in a tightly sealed container at room temperature, or individually wrapped, for up to a week if your house is not humid.
Served topped with your favorite filling - lemon curd, raspberry or blueberry sauce, and freshly whipped cream. Makes 8-12 pavlovas depending on size
I whipped 2 cups of whipping cream with ½ cup sugar, whipping until it peaks, then folded in a small container of strawberry yogurt and vanilla. Spread this whipping cream on pavlova, arrange fresh fruit on top (any berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)
Olive Garden Italian Salad
Dressing:
½ c. white vinegar
1 ½ tsp. salt
1/3 c. water
1 tsp. Lemon juice
1/3 c. vegetable
½ tsp. minced garlic
1/4 c. corn syrup
1/4 tsp. dried parlsey flakes
2 ½ T. grated Romano cheese
pinch diced oregono
2 T. dry pectin
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 T. beaten egg or egg substitute
Combine all the ingredients with a mixer on medium speed or in a blender on low speed for 30 seconds. Chill at least 1 hour. Serve over mixed greens dressed with peperoncini peppers (find in aisle by pickles), black olives, cherry tomatoes, croutons, fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Seduced...
"It is almost impossible to not be seduced by tall mountains."
Okay, I have to admit it, I am a sucker for mountains! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest (albeit, the only desert in the Pacific Northwest...) I fell in love with mountains. Every trip to the coast filled me with awe. When I first moved to Utah, and would hear people say how beautiful the mountains were, inwardly I'd roll my eyes and think, "These ugly things?" I thought mountains had to be covered with evergreen trees to be beautiful. But you know how it is when you fall in love. Gradually, these giant granite edifices started to grow on me. When we built our last home right above Wasatch, with the mountain in our back yard, I was going through some "moving-outta-my-comfort- zone-to-a-fish-out-of-water-to a-my-kids-are-growing-up-what-am-I-gonna-do-now"stage. An outright depression. Oh, I functioned in public (sometimes) but I did spend time curled up in the fetal position in my brand new walk-in closet. And I did spend a lot of time in my back yard, looking up at that MOUNTAIN behind me, talking to God. I began to tell people that God lived right outside my back door. He and I got up-close-and-personal...and eventually I healed and became a better person for the experience. I’m so glad that my best friend,Cathy, lives in that home now, and loves it the way I did. I have ALWAYS felt close to God, but that mountain really saved me (actually it was the hill behind our home, that sat right in front of the mountain, kind of like a honch. We were so close that it was hard to see the mountain for the hill) Some days he (okay, it’s a "he", shoot me!) looked like a molting buffalo down for a nap. Some days I would imagine a giant Snuffleuptagus buried there. And in fall, it was pure "relish." I wrote this poem during that time. I described how ‘he’ looked that day as well as how "I" felt.
Bonfire
It is a mound of nature’s relish,
this hill beyond the house
where the ochre,
sap-greens and crimsons chop
and blend the spice of fall.
The knoll is touched
with an opalescent haze,
the stroke of an Impressionist.
But down in the hollows,
color is unmuted by the gauze
that cataracts the crest of the hill.
Fall, here, is the bonfire
that consumes passion.
It is the scabby knees
where life is examined
in peeling trees and the death
of petal and stem.
Fall is the gnawbone
where, after the bloodletting,
every strip of flesh
is picked clean.
That was a time of self-examination and re-evaluation. You know how people say it "was the best two years of my life but also the hardest." That pretty much sums it up. It is during those dry spells, where you feel ever so exposed and picked clean, that I bloodied my knees all the way to God. I love all the metaphors of the mountain- it is the house of the Lord, He lifts us up to the mountain tops, and He serves us, individually in the valleys of our life.
Sooo....(and that is NOT what I intended to write about)-
I was totally seduced, again, in Canada. David and I flew in to Calgary where he had a deposition at the Children’s Hospital there and I hung out (for hours I might add!) in the car and the hospital cafeteria reading. And we HAD to drive and circle around the home of the Calgary Stampede....David’s dream event. (You can take a cowboy into the city, but his heart always belongs to the ranch....) After the depo, we drove to Banff. I hadn’t been there since I was a teenager and it was even more beautiful than I remembered! The weather is later than Utah so spring hadn’t really arrived and the deciduous
trees weren’t in leaf, but the mountains! Can I just say "Garmish-Garmish-Garmish" which is what Cathy and I say after our trip with our husbands to Garmish, Germany last fall, when something is "over-the-top" beautiful!
The Canadian Rockies are just magnificent! I wanted to be clapping all day long. And, duh, I don’t know why I never even considered where the name "Rocky Mountains" came from. But rocky and jagged and massive and Garmish-Garmish-Garmish the mountains were! This picture doesn't really highlight the "rockiness" but I took others that do. We had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Fairmont (Banff Springs Hotel)
which was probably the priciest place in town...a beautiful castle/hotel built in the late 1800's. We really didn’t need pricey as there are just fabulous places everywhere (but our travel agent must have gotten a NICE bonus!) Some highlights:
1. Just being with David. For two people with nothing much in common, I sure love that guy.
(see Belated Valentines )
2. The hotel was pretty spectacular. Imagine castle/Titanic/clipped accents/food
presented like art.....
3. Church in Banff. Just a little branch with a great big Spirit. It doesn’t matter where you go, the testimonies and talks elevate. Because it was testimony meeting, the Spirit was especially strong. David was asked to say the opening prayer. They really like to hear new voices....
4. Okay, a funny. Even though Canada is so close, there are still differences being a foreign country. We heard so many accents- we didn’t know really who was native as we heard lots of English and Australian accents. There is a great Indian culture in Canada with Wild West touches, the ski villages, etc., different monetary exchange, the measurement is in liters, speed limits are kilometers, etc. We noticed that instead of signs posted for "Restrooms" - all the signs there posted "Washrooms." I guess both sound better than "Bathrooms" but David came up with a good one. We stopped on our way back to Calgary at a restaurant that was probably on a reservation. He said they should have had just a picture of a teepee on the doors and under it say, "Hepee" or "shepee." Okay, WE thought it was funny!
5. At the hotel, we noticed a bowling alley and strolled over thinking it might be a fun activity. The guy working there tried really hard to get out of work ("If you bowl now, I'd have to charge you $45.00 to turn on the lanes for 1 hour OR if you come back after 7:00, it is $4.50 a line.") (He got off work at 6:00) But what was funny, other than we didn't get to bowl, was that Canadian bowling is 5-pin with little balls (about 5 pounds in weight) without finger holes, that you cup in your hands and roll. It was fun to hear him tell us about the game. "Of course," he said, "our version is more difficult and requires more skill......" (Napoleon Dynamite would have loved it! Skills!)
6. Can I say, once again, being with David.
7. I took a book a new friend loaned me a couple of months ago. It is a Christian book, called "What's So Amazing About (or if I was speaking Canadian- "Aboot") Grace by Phillip Yancey. I read the entire book while there, finishing it on the plane ride home. Can I just say, "Amazing!" The things I learned and have thought about are life changing although many of the concepts are things that have been on my mind and I have been thinking about (aboot) lately. So, it is a blog in-and-of-itself.
Canada, I Love Thee!!!
"Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments." Nathaniel Hawthorne
Okay, I have to admit it, I am a sucker for mountains! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest (albeit, the only desert in the Pacific Northwest...) I fell in love with mountains. Every trip to the coast filled me with awe. When I first moved to Utah, and would hear people say how beautiful the mountains were, inwardly I'd roll my eyes and think, "These ugly things?" I thought mountains had to be covered with evergreen trees to be beautiful. But you know how it is when you fall in love. Gradually, these giant granite edifices started to grow on me. When we built our last home right above Wasatch, with the mountain in our back yard, I was going through some "moving-outta-my-comfort- zone-to-a-fish-out-of-water-to a-my-kids-are-growing-up-what-am-I-gonna-do-now"stage. An outright depression. Oh, I functioned in public (sometimes) but I did spend time curled up in the fetal position in my brand new walk-in closet. And I did spend a lot of time in my back yard, looking up at that MOUNTAIN behind me, talking to God. I began to tell people that God lived right outside my back door. He and I got up-close-and-personal...and eventually I healed and became a better person for the experience. I’m so glad that my best friend,Cathy, lives in that home now, and loves it the way I did. I have ALWAYS felt close to God, but that mountain really saved me (actually it was the hill behind our home, that sat right in front of the mountain, kind of like a honch. We were so close that it was hard to see the mountain for the hill) Some days he (okay, it’s a "he", shoot me!) looked like a molting buffalo down for a nap. Some days I would imagine a giant Snuffleuptagus buried there. And in fall, it was pure "relish." I wrote this poem during that time. I described how ‘he’ looked that day as well as how "I" felt.
Bonfire
It is a mound of nature’s relish,
this hill beyond the house
where the ochre,
sap-greens and crimsons chop
and blend the spice of fall.
The knoll is touched
with an opalescent haze,
the stroke of an Impressionist.
But down in the hollows,
color is unmuted by the gauze
that cataracts the crest of the hill.
Fall, here, is the bonfire
that consumes passion.
It is the scabby knees
where life is examined
in peeling trees and the death
of petal and stem.
Fall is the gnawbone
where, after the bloodletting,
every strip of flesh
is picked clean.
That was a time of self-examination and re-evaluation. You know how people say it "was the best two years of my life but also the hardest." That pretty much sums it up. It is during those dry spells, where you feel ever so exposed and picked clean, that I bloodied my knees all the way to God. I love all the metaphors of the mountain- it is the house of the Lord, He lifts us up to the mountain tops, and He serves us, individually in the valleys of our life.
Sooo....(and that is NOT what I intended to write about)-
I was totally seduced, again, in Canada. David and I flew in to Calgary where he had a deposition at the Children’s Hospital there and I hung out (for hours I might add!) in the car and the hospital cafeteria reading. And we HAD to drive and circle around the home of the Calgary Stampede....David’s dream event. (You can take a cowboy into the city, but his heart always belongs to the ranch....) After the depo, we drove to Banff. I hadn’t been there since I was a teenager and it was even more beautiful than I remembered! The weather is later than Utah so spring hadn’t really arrived and the deciduous
trees weren’t in leaf, but the mountains! Can I just say "Garmish-Garmish-Garmish" which is what Cathy and I say after our trip with our husbands to Garmish, Germany last fall, when something is "over-the-top" beautiful!The Canadian Rockies are just magnificent! I wanted to be clapping all day long. And, duh, I don’t know why I never even considered where the name "Rocky Mountains" came from. But rocky and jagged and massive and Garmish-Garmish-Garmish the mountains were! This picture doesn't really highlight the "rockiness" but I took others that do. We had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Fairmont (Banff Springs Hotel)
which was probably the priciest place in town...a beautiful castle/hotel built in the late 1800's. We really didn’t need pricey as there are just fabulous places everywhere (but our travel agent must have gotten a NICE bonus!) Some highlights:1. Just being with David. For two people with nothing much in common, I sure love that guy.
(see Belated Valentines )
2. The hotel was pretty spectacular. Imagine castle/Titanic/clipped accents/food
presented like art.....
3. Church in Banff. Just a little branch with a great big Spirit. It doesn’t matter where you go, the testimonies and talks elevate. Because it was testimony meeting, the Spirit was especially strong. David was asked to say the opening prayer. They really like to hear new voices....
4. Okay, a funny. Even though Canada is so close, there are still differences being a foreign country. We heard so many accents- we didn’t know really who was native as we heard lots of English and Australian accents. There is a great Indian culture in Canada with Wild West touches, the ski villages, etc., different monetary exchange, the measurement is in liters, speed limits are kilometers, etc. We noticed that instead of signs posted for "Restrooms" - all the signs there posted "Washrooms." I guess both sound better than "Bathrooms" but David came up with a good one. We stopped on our way back to Calgary at a restaurant that was probably on a reservation. He said they should have had just a picture of a teepee on the doors and under it say, "Hepee" or "shepee." Okay, WE thought it was funny!
5. At the hotel, we noticed a bowling alley and strolled over thinking it might be a fun activity. The guy working there tried really hard to get out of work ("If you bowl now, I'd have to charge you $45.00 to turn on the lanes for 1 hour OR if you come back after 7:00, it is $4.50 a line.") (He got off work at 6:00) But what was funny, other than we didn't get to bowl, was that Canadian bowling is 5-pin with little balls (about 5 pounds in weight) without finger holes, that you cup in your hands and roll. It was fun to hear him tell us about the game. "Of course," he said, "our version is more difficult and requires more skill......" (Napoleon Dynamite would have loved it! Skills!)
6. Can I say, once again, being with David.
7. I took a book a new friend loaned me a couple of months ago. It is a Christian book, called "What's So Amazing About (or if I was speaking Canadian- "Aboot") Grace by Phillip Yancey. I read the entire book while there, finishing it on the plane ride home. Can I just say, "Amazing!" The things I learned and have thought about are life changing although many of the concepts are things that have been on my mind and I have been thinking about (aboot) lately. So, it is a blog in-and-of-itself.
Canada, I Love Thee!!!
"Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments." Nathaniel Hawthorne
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Brandi and Ryan's Anniversary/May 4
"Marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING
(For Brandi)
These are things that should be said:
My only daughter and my first born child has a wedding anniversary this week. I 
often refer to her as my "best gift" because that is what she is for me. From the time she was born, she has been my example. She’s beautiful, inside and out, talented, kind and sensitive to others and the Spirit. She’s smart (I never knew you were suppose to go to college to get an education!- I thought it was all about dating!)(she graduated from BYU/then a Master's at Rueters in Physical Therapy) and works so hard to be a good wife to Ryan and a good mom to her 4 little kids. Her life is a handful- but in the midst of every storm, she manages to focus on others who need help and keeps a beautiful smile on her face. When she was getting married, I tried to focus on what she should know. I wrote those thoughts in a poem for her: (Note: when I attend my first Thanksgiving at my future in-laws, I was surprised, and being young and naive, shocked at their Thanksgiving dinner. Why, they had twice-baked potatoes instead of mashed, and their cranberries were "in the salad" instead of in a dish on the side. For dessert, David’s mother served 5 kinds of dessert- not just pecan and pumpkin pie. I thought, "Don’t these people know what you serve for Thanksgiving dinner?" I later learned that those 5 desserts were her children’s favorites and I also learned, that when you get married, it is a great lesson in expanding your horizons, that "my" way isn’t the only way- that "his" way and "my" way become "our" way.
often refer to her as my "best gift" because that is what she is for me. From the time she was born, she has been my example. She’s beautiful, inside and out, talented, kind and sensitive to others and the Spirit. She’s smart (I never knew you were suppose to go to college to get an education!- I thought it was all about dating!)(she graduated from BYU/then a Master's at Rueters in Physical Therapy) and works so hard to be a good wife to Ryan and a good mom to her 4 little kids. Her life is a handful- but in the midst of every storm, she manages to focus on others who need help and keeps a beautiful smile on her face. When she was getting married, I tried to focus on what she should know. I wrote those thoughts in a poem for her: (Note: when I attend my first Thanksgiving at my future in-laws, I was surprised, and being young and naive, shocked at their Thanksgiving dinner. Why, they had twice-baked potatoes instead of mashed, and their cranberries were "in the salad" instead of in a dish on the side. For dessert, David’s mother served 5 kinds of dessert- not just pecan and pumpkin pie. I thought, "Don’t these people know what you serve for Thanksgiving dinner?" I later learned that those 5 desserts were her children’s favorites and I also learned, that when you get married, it is a great lesson in expanding your horizons, that "my" way isn’t the only way- that "his" way and "my" way become "our" way.
Thanks Brandi, for bringing Ryan into our lives- and the love of your little family. What a joy you all are!
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING
(For Brandi)
sometimes there are knots in letting go.
Two people who speak with one voice,
speak louder. Sometimes softer is louder.
Some people serve twice-baked potatoes
at Thanksgiving instead of mashed
and it’s not a crime.
and it’s not a crime.
You always remember the first time.
Happily-ever-after doesn’t mean every day.
In the twilight before you were born,
I loved you first.
Another Stamp in the Passport
Yeah! Another stamp in my passport! Just a weekend tripwith David to Calgary but Canada now requires a passport for all flights....so I'm counting it! And I don't mean "just"- I mean I am so excited to go away with just David and I. He has business and then we'll drive into Banff. I haven't been there since I was a teenager. I look forward to having his undivided attention. It's good to be in love!
On Reading Poetry on a Plane
Traveling home from Alaska,
where everything is larger
than large,
I pick up Keillor’s collection
of poems (Good Poems)
in an airport kiosk, amazing
in and of itself.
After takeoff, I’m surprised to smell,
to be enveloped really,
by the pungent odor of an orange
being peeled somewhere
in a seat behind me,
at the EXACT MOMENT
I am reading a poem about oranges
(pg.133 by Cope.)
The odds of that! It makes one
sit up and think more than
mere coincidence. Maybe this moment
is a fulcrum, the turning point,
the equinox of life.
Perhaps it is the anniversary of my future death
(pg. 413, Merwin ) I want to jump up, lead the
passengers in a rousing song of praise,
praise to the glacier fields below us,
praise to the flying geese
that sustain us (pg.222, Oliver),
praise to life, this teetering dyad
of existence.
I turn to my left. Winkum, Blinkum and Nod-
all three, arms folded against chest,
heads straining necks to rest, mouths gaping.
They are oblivious that in the distance
I hear the faint sound
of a fly buzzing (pg. xx, Dickinson )
seeking a cavern to lay its weary head.
Quickly the scent of orange has passed.
Outside the window, clouds part
and I see the sun has changed position.
Sing praise for quiet losses.
by Marilyn Darley Williams
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