Special Visitor # 2

I am feeling pretty spoiled--a second sister came for a week-long visit!  Circumstances were such that the majority of her trip fell under the category of help-older-sister duty. 

Lauren was a much needed aunt in such unappealing tasks as entertaining/chasing down a toddler for nearly an hour at the DMV (it's a long story...)  One morning she took Ezra on a walk outside and fed him lunch when I zonked out on the couch.  She washed lots of dishes and accompanied me on a dozen errands, including spending a whole morning watching Ezra and three other kids while I visited a friend in need.  She even gave me a pedicure (relaxing background music provided, and all!) 

Thanks to her, we were able to give our full attention to our three-hour home inspection (yes, we are finally under contract!), and be understanding when dinner didn't happen until after eight o'clock at night.

We did have a little fun, too.  Ezra will long remember the mango popsicle from Aunt Lauren, which eventually melted into a mushy mess covering his face, neck, both hands, both forearms, and shirt front.  Another evening, we all shared some Blue Bell ice cream; Ezra and Lauren enjoyed theirs in the sun-room.  Now, when dinner is finished, Ezra will ask hopefully for "ice keem"--and then want to eat it in the sun-room.          

A Note for You

Dear Dallin,

Thank you for being my sweetheart.  My days are so much better with you by my side.  Life has been a little harried lately, but what a blessing to know you are always there as helper and friend.  What wonderful things are ahead of us, especially when pursue the course side-by-side, hand-in-hand. 

All my love, Liezel 

We Love Daddy

Fathers and the Priesthood

Each week, I prepare a Sunday School lesson for the young men and women ages 14-15 at my church.  The new youth curriculum (implemented in January) uses a monthly topic, and a weekly question to consider in lesson preparation.  In the month of June, we have been discussing various aspects of priesthood and priesthood keys in my Sunday School class.

With that topic as backdrop, I have approached Father's Day with an entirely new perspective.  I have recognized, more than at any other time, how fathers and priesthood have been beautifully and consistently intertwined in my life.  My dad provided me with one of the greatest gifts: the gift of presiding in our home as a worthy priesthood holder.   

The priesthood is the power and authority of God, given to worthy men to build his kingdom on the earth.  The priesthood authority and power is especially meaningful in the home.  As a Melchizedek priesthood holder, my dad was authorized to give me a name and blessing shortly after I was born.  He baptized and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old.  When the need required, my dad was willing and able to give me a priesthood blessing for healing or comfort.  Before a new school year, my dad always gave us a special blessing to prepare us for the challenge ahead.  When I struck out on my own, and moved to Georgia for my first job out of college, my dad gave me a blessing that proved to be a priceless road-map full of direction and counsel for that unique stage of life.

When I consider the role of my father in the home of my youth, and the priesthood power and authority that he has, words such as safety, consistency, peace, and comfort come to mind.

My life continues to be blessed by Dallin, as the worthy priesthood holder in our new home.  He is my companion and helper as we work together to teach and love one another.  Ezra has begun his life under the same priesthood safety net, and he is enjoying the blessings of an eternal family.  Dallin is providing that needed example of priesthood service for Ezra, and so the legacy continues on, father to son. 

Special Visitor!

My sweet sister favored us with a week-long stay--just because!  Ezra was quite pleased with the extra attention.  Aunt Molly was an immediate hit with the little guy.  He was most anxious to be in her company all the time.  Often his first words in the morning were "Molly wake up?"  He got slightly distressed when she used the bathroom, took a shower, or needed a little alone time.

Molly was ready and willing to read a bucketful of stories (numerous times) and take Ezra on extra walks outside.  Not to mention her cool noises, contagious laugh, and winning smile; what a perfect aunt! 

Despite the blistering heat, our little threesome enjoyed a library visit, a tour of the local duck pond, neighborhood walks, and a trip to the city zoo.

Molly was a gem at filling in at home too: helping with dinner prep, cleaning the kitchen, and starting laundry loads.       

Over the weekend, Dallin joined us for an evening walk through downtown Golden.  The temperature was perfect, the walk along the creek perfectly relaxing.  We happened upon a local park and Ezra got time on swings and stairs and left quite content. 

Our evening was complete with some frozen yogurt (which we ate while being serenaded by the shop owner via penny-whistle).  Ezra tried the surprisingly sour watermelon and blueberry frozen yogurt and gave a classic full face pucker; it was precious.

The next morning we visited the botanic garden downtown.  Currently, the garden is featuring a dozen or more sculptures by local artists.  The lilac/peony/iris garden was ablaze with color and fragrance.  Ezra thrilled every time we found any kind of water body.  We tried for another circle gate family picture, but Ezra was all wiggles.  He did sit very still, though, for some shared paninis from the garden cafe.     

Now, several days post-Aunt-Molly visit, Ezra still goes into the little room set up for her and sits on the bed.  "Molly bye-bye.  Molly home," he says wistfully.  Come back and visit anytime!  We love you!