Liezel's Bit of Earth

Compelling Reason

2012-02-09T19:52:00.006-07:00

A number of years ago, one of my co-workers discovered I was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had heard a little about the Mormons from his Baptist preacher and asked what we believed. I was a little unsure of his level of genuine interest after that kind of introduction, so I began with some basic things. I told him that we pay 10% of our income annually as tithing to the church. I explained that we abstain from coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. I told him about the law of chastity, our Sabbath day observance, and our humanitarian and missionary efforts around the world.

When I finished, he replied matter-of-factly, "Oh, so you are just good people."

And, by that brief definition, he was exactly right. Unfortunately, he and I never finished our conversation. He was called away to another work assignment, and shortly thereafter left the company. The fact is, a great majority of people across the globe are "good people", by that definition. I have had friends of other faiths who--for religious or personal reasons--paid tithes, abstained from harmful, addictive substances, lived the law of chastity, worshiped on the Sabbath, and were charitable and compassionate to their neighbors.

I have been bothered by that conversation all these years because, in my view, it was an unfinished conversation. If given the opportunity again, I would have started with The Book of Mormon. As "another testament of Jesus Christ" and a companion book of scripture to the Bible, it is the compelling reason we are unique among all other religions. The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture that chronicles the dealings of God with the people in the Americas over a period of roughly 1000 years. It clarifies the doctrine of Christ, the plan of salvation, and our purpose in mortality. It is additional evidence that God continues to speak to his children. The Book of Mormon is filled with references to Jesus Christ as received through his ordained prophets on the earth.

"Good people" is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, in fact, I am grateful to be seen in that light. But, there is more to the story. Along with being good people, we are also covenant-keeping people. The Book of Mormon contains, in clear terms, the nature of the covenants we make. Faith in Jesus Christ, who is so plainly revealed in The Book of Mormon, is the reason we desire to make and keep our covenants. My personal testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon reinforces my efforts to honor my covenants.

The Taste of Lebanon

2012-02-07T18:24:00.003-07:00

I just stumbled across this food blog http://arabic-food.blogspot.com/with recipes from all over the Arabic world. If you like the tastes of these foods (or LOVE them, like me), this is definitely an amazing collection. We tried something simple tonight: a Lebanese-style lentil soup and chicken marinade. The flavor combinations were wonderful!

Grandpa Green

2012-02-01T14:54:00.003-07:00

I recently discovered a new (2011) children's book called Grandpa Green, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. The concept is genius; he pairs horticulture and family history. I wish I had thought of that!
The story is told through the eyes of one of Grandpa Green's great-grandsons. We are given a living tour of Grandpa's defining life experiences as recorded in his topiary garden. The illustrations are simple: black-and-white pencil drawn caricatures and the green topiary creations. Clever details are sprinkled in that give this book a fun character. A great find!

A Macaroni Triumph

2012-01-30T15:49:00.005-07:00

When I got married, I was cooking (for the most part) dairy-free and gluten-free. It made for some very interesting substitutions, especially with husband's favorite comfort food: homemade macaroni and cheese. My original macaroni and "cheese" recipe used sesame tahini, nutritional yeast, dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar as the cheese substitute. We have slowly evolved from strict dairy-free and gluten-free to some gluten, and dairy sparingly. During said transition, I have continued to make macaroni and cheese, but with some minor substitutions, like soy milk instead of cow's milk or gluten-free flour rather than regular white flour. Results have been sadly flawed: soupy or curdled cheese sauce (or part soupy and part curdled sauce in the same batch--eek!) or completely bland tasteless paste for cheese sauce. I have finally realized that some things just have to be made perfectly by the book to work. Last week I bought a half gallon of real cow's milk for the first time in almost eight years. I also bought extra sharp cheddar cheese and real butter. I found this recipe http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/04/macaroni-cheese/and followed it exactly. And, after half a dozen attempts in the last several months, I have finally made a good macaroni and cheese. Hallelujah.

Tidy Tommy was here

2012-01-19T13:45:00.008-07:00

As much as I like to be organized, some things just aren't on my radar. At such times, it sure is nice when handsome husband (aka Tidy Tommy) steps in when I just don't have the mental energy. He didn't just organize the pantry, like a good engineer he:

analyzed the existing system
identified the system's deficiencies
outlined improvements for said system
categorized the system's components and
implemented defined system improvements

Basically, he made it look good enough for a retail display. (All the cans are facing forward with easily read labels!) And, like a good engineer, it is all in the name of efficiency, which translates into making my life just a little bit easier.

Variety Show

2012-01-17T21:01:00.005-07:00

Along with music time, tummy time, story time, play time, bath time, walks, and errands, I have added (unintentionally) a nightly cooking show to the mix.

I host my own show and Ezra is my captive audience. He has grown out of his bouncy chair and now uses his high chair daily. It comes in handy when I need to cook dinner. He watches me intently as I chop, measure, stir, and simmer all manner of foods. He is fascinated by steam from boiling pots, dish washing, and the refrigerator. He will sit in his high chair, with an army of toys, for nearly an hour, content, as long as I am hosting a good enough "show." And by "show" I mean we have an intellectual conversation about my culinary doings. I tell him about chopping bell peppers, the importance of disinfecting the counter top after working with raw meat, how to tell when the pasta is ready, and the art of seasoning to taste. Chances are high I am raising a foodie.

One of my other hats is circus performer. Ezra, darling boy, has yet to figure out the entertain yourself bit. So, mommy is a singing dancing spectacle. I have been known to bark like a dog in order to produce giggles. All in a day's work; I love it.

O Remember, Remember

2012-01-09T09:52:00.008-07:00

My parents gave my siblings and me a great treasure for Christmas. We each received a small leather-bound 3-ring binder with the "large and small plates" for our family. The "large plate" section of the book has records of our temporal or secular history. These include (as of right now) four archival quality compact discs of genealogy life sketches and ancestral photos.

The "small plate" section contains the sacred, spiritual records that are specific to our family. This part of the book contains a dozen or so faith-building personal stories transcribed from journals or written from memory. The small plate section is, of course, an unfinished record that will be added upon over the years.

This gift from my parents comes at an interesting time for me. I have, for about four months, felt a strong compulsion to record my own personal and family history in a more meaningful way. I think it has something to do with the new Relief Society book, Daughters in My Kingdom, and its emphasis on the organization's history. An understanding of where we came from, and who has gone before really can be an inspiration for good. I think it has something to do with the talk from David A. Bednar in the October 2011 General Conference, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn". I heard and felt in that particular talk my marching orders in regards to how I can bless my children. I think it has something to do with having a child and feeling a responsibility to the next generation.

Henry B. Eyring gave a talk in the October 2007 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and said the following:

When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I came home late from a Church assignment. It was after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, surprised me as I walked toward the front door of my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work clothes. I knew that he had been building a system to pump water from a stream below us up to our property.

He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”

I honor my parents who have taken that thought to heart and are doing something about it. I express my gratitude to parents who have the righteous desire to inspire faith in the next generation. I thank my Father in Heaven for parents who "...talk of Christ, ...rejoice in Christ, ...[and] preach of Christ...that [we their] children may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins" (2 Nephi 25:26).

More than Coincidental

2012-01-02T17:11:00.004-07:00

For my birthday (2010) my sweetheart bought me an orchid. It bloomed for the first time nine months later, the week of our first anniversary. It bloomed for the second time the week of Christmas. Just coincidental? Yea, most likely, but fantastic timing, nonetheless.As I think about this last year and look forward to year 2012, I recognize with gratitude blessings received that are so much more than serendipity or coincidence. I acknowledge a merciful Father in Heaven and His gifts to our family in the following:

January 2011 kicked off with wonderful news: I am expecting!
Participation in the stake Relief Society choir for our February women's conference during the height of my pregnancy nausea. Somehow, the singing was a distraction and a spiritual boost through a difficult time.
My brother and sister-in-law welcomed their first child in April, a perfect little red-headed girl.
My sweetheart completed his rotation in June with a successful work campaign (the summation of months of round-the-clock preparation).
My sweetheart began another year-long work rotation that meant we didn't have to move.
I attended the Atlanta Temple re-dedication and cultural celebration in May.
The privilege of serving for eight months of 2011 as a temple ordinance worker.
Kuzmich 3 became 3 +1 adding their own sweet little boy in late August.
Our sweet baby boy joined our family in a miraculous way in September. I thank extremely competent and inspired doctors for his safe arrival.
A wonderful blessing weekend with many family members in town for the occasion.
Thanksgiving and sushi night with all of my sweetheart's family in town.
Christmas with most of my family in Utah.

Genealogy Fan Chart

2011-12-30T15:55:00.001-07:00

I was looking at the new youth and family history site (https://lds.org/youth/family-history?lang=eng) on the lds.org home page and found this nifty nine generation genealogy fan chart. If you have an lds account it will create this chart for you automatically. Give it a try!

Genealogy Fan Chart

My Patient Patient

2011-12-13T12:19:00.007-07:00

Ezra and I have been sick, and Ezra has been an angel of a patient. Even when I do mean mommy things like suck out his snot with a nose bulb or spray saline drops up his nasal passages, he is still so loving. Several times in recent days, he has given me a look that seems to communicate his gratitude for my efforts and his trust in my ability as a mother. I have really needed his non-verbal vote of confidence lately. I marvel at his happy ways even when he is obviously uncomfortable. He is such a sweet example to me of patience and understanding. I feel so grateful to be his mother.

E is for Ermine, don't you know...

2011-11-18T16:00:00.002-07:00

During story time yesterday baby and I read an animal ABC book. The book, first published in 1954, was rather drab...A is for Alligator, B is for Bear, C is for Cat, D is for Deer, E is for Ermine...Eh? The letter E was apparently the curve-ball, the "are-you still-awake-out there?" page. Considering the previous four letters I was anticipating something mainstream and generic, like elephant or eagle or elk or earthworm or ewe.
But, curious George that I am, page 5 and this mystery animal prompted a little zoological exploration. (Perhaps this was the author's intention?) After a little research I have learned that an ermine is in fact a short-tailed weasel, also known as a stoat and lives in mostly northern climes, like Canada and Alaska.
The letter X animal was another interesting page; X is (obviously!) for Xenurus, as in Xenurus unicintus, the Latin name for armadillo. Right, I bet your three-year old will make a connection with that one. (***Note to self, share this story with your child the next time you drive through west Texas and carefully help him identify the Xenurus roadkill).
I guess I am a children's book snob, but I am not terribly motivated to read that particular ABC book again. I could, on the other hand, read Dr. Seuss's ABC book every day to my little boy. Dr. Seuss, who published his ABC book in 1963, not only understands his audience, he understands how important it is to educate AND entertain his audience. The variety, repetition, and word combination patterns are fantastic--bursting with creativity and fun. B isn't just for Bear, it is for barber, baby, bubbles, and a bumblebee. What little kid wouldn't giggle at the feast for the ears in "four fluffy feathers on a fiffer-feeffer-feff" or "the quick Queen of Quincy and her quacking quaker-oo"?! Y isn't just for Yak, it is a yawning, yellow yak with Yolanda on his back! I love it! Now that is a story time to look forward to!

p.s.--for older kids I love Graeme Base's Animalia, another alliterative alphabet book with stunning illustrations.

Music Man

2011-10-29T23:53:00.004-06:00

It is never very productive to pine over bygone days, but I must admit I feel a bit cheated by the timing of my dating relationship with Dallin. I didn't meet him until after his music glory days in college, after his concerto competitions, after his time as concert master, after his recitals, and gigs for campus elites. Sometimes I wish I could have been a fly on the wall or a mouse in the corner during those days to see Dallin in first chair in the orchestra, Dallin wowing the crowds, Dallin in the spotlight.
This past week I got a small glimpse of that Dallin, and Dallin had a walk down memory lane as he was invited to sub in the city symphony orchestra where he attended college. I got quite the thrill attending an orchestra concert, which I am always game for. Even better, though, my sweetheart was in the orchestra all dressed up, and playing with professionals. I couldn't have been prouder. I love being married to a musician. I am sure there will be other orchestra invitations in the years to come. And, in the meantime, I can enjoy his fiddling from the comfort of our living room couch in pajamas. How did I get so lucky?

Collecting

2011-10-21T20:25:00.008-06:00

Ezra and I took a lovely fall walk and while he slept, oblivious to all the beauty, mommy collected a whole slew of colorful flora. I was in a creative mood and came home and made a quick horticulture collage of my plant samples:

Categorizing is always fun, so I made a group for everything red:

And everything yellow:

For all the fruits, pods, and seed heads:

And because I am a plant nerd, how about alphabetically by Latin name? (arranged from bottom to top: Acer, Baptisia, Calamagrostis, Caryopteris, Catalpa, Chrysanthemum, Cornus, Fraxinus, Gaillardia, Geranium, Gleditisia, Juniperus, Lavandula, Malus...)

I won't bore you with all the other ways I thought to subdivide my collection, but suffice it to say, I am easily entertained.

Babies Don't Keep

2011-10-19T13:27:00.004-06:00

For many years in my parent's bedroom hung a 1970s vintage needlepoint with a mother rocking a baby and the following poem:

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow,
for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

When I was younger I thought it was quaint, a nice cadence, a pleasant little rhyme. Now I realize how surprisingly true it is.

My little Ezra certainly isn't a newborn anymore. He already has differentiated his cries, and explores his vocal chords daily with new sounds. His response to visual stimuli is impressive. For example, when he sits in his bouncy chair, his eyes follow me all around the room, often craning his neck to see where I am and what I am doing.

In like manner, his response to audio stimuli has improved. Dallin recently performed on violin at a cultural event at our church. Ezra was very alert during the evening and was obviously hearing the different musical performances. When Dallin got up to play there was a heightened attentiveness. Ezra seemed to recognize the music and was especially aware of the sounds. A couple from our ward sitting nearby noticed and commented on the special response to Dallin's playing, as well.

Ezra's first few bath experiences caused panic and terror. He would scream beet-faced before, during, and afterward. A few days ago he had his first positive experience to the bath and realized that it could actually be fairly pleasant. Today I gave him a bath again. As I turned on the water and undressed him, he got a big grin on his face, recognizing (it would seem) that what was coming was a happy thing.

Before Ezra came, I spent a good deal of time "cleaning and scrubbing." I have to admit, I rather like housecleaning. I find a certain degree of satisfaction in Lysol-ed, squeaky clean, and sparkly. Lately, though I choose to spend the great bulk of my day on walks with Ezra, talking to Ezra, bathing Ezra, reading books to Ezra, listening to music with Ezra, feeding Ezra, changing Ezra, and loving Ezra. Let the house go to pot when there is such an adorable boy to keep me company during the day.

Seasonal Delights

2011-10-14T10:15:00.002-06:00

In the weekly grocery mailer I discovered apples on sales for .69 cents/lb.--and not just one kind of apple either: Gala, Fuji, Red and Golden Delicious, Rome, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Johathan, and Jonagold apples! I made a homemade apple pie two weeks ago, but I might have to make another with apple prices like this! I don't think my sweetheart will mind.

Yesterday I made something rather sinful, or at very least not very healthy, and certainly not gluten-free. I found a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, which called for 1 1/2 cups sugar AND 2 cups chocolate chips! But my sweetheart loves anything pumpkin, so I indulged because making them was just one more way for me to say "I love you." I am not much of a chocolate fan...but I think I ate five.

Last week I created some butternut squash soup and with the leftover squash half, plan to experiment with a butternut squash pasta recipe. I love the foods of fall! Huzzah!

Reason no. 28

2011-10-13T16:12:00.004-06:00

Dear Dallin,

How grateful I am for you in this new adventure of parenthood! What a blessing to have you to share the load, to have you as my teammate, and to have your support when I need a break. Thank you for being my partner in the diaper changing, burping, holding, cuddling, dressing...etc. What an amazing season of life we are in--so glad we can do it together! You are a wonderful daddy, and you help this mommy in all the best ways.

All my love, Liezel

Come and See

2011-10-11T13:02:00.003-06:00

Media attention has been especially focused on religion and politics of late and the old argument that Mormonism is a cult has resurfaced with increasing intensity. I find it so disheartening that such an intellectually immature claim continues to be touted by men in high standing in the public arena.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often nicknamed the Mormon Church) is a Christian faith, and by that I mean members worship in and believe that Jesus Christ is their Savior. I consider myself a disciple of Christ, meaning that I am trying to follow the example of the Savior and live a life consistent with His teachings, as found in the Bible. I consider the Bible to be the word of God and appreciate the doctrines and teachings of Christ that are recorded there. I belong to a Christ-centered church, not a cult; I worship Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, not Joseph Smith.

In the book of John, in the latter half of chapter 1, Jesus invites the curious Simon and Andrew to "come and see" to learn more of Him and His doctrine. Later Philip invites a skeptical Nathanael to also "come and see" Jesus.

"Come and see" is the open invitation from the book of John that needs to be applied to intelligent acquisition of truth. It is the invitation that needs to be applied in understanding the religious doctrines of any faith. Mormonism, along with all other religions, deserves a thorough, unbiased investigation.

Come and see what the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is by attending Sunday services. Every chapel for worship the world over invites "visitors welcome". Use the church's interactive tool at http://lds.org/maps/ to locate the chapel closest to you.

Come and see what the church leadership teaches in its semi-annual two-day general conference. The conference is broadcast from church headquarters in Salt Lake City and is available on http://lds.org/ in text, audio, and video formats for immediate access.

Come and see how Mormons live their faith all over the world by visiting http://mormon.org/. Watch video profiles of just a sample of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or find a written profile of a Mormon in your hometown.

Come and see how the church strengthens its youth with clear standards of morality and decency at https://lds.org/youth.

Come and see how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints blesses its members through principles of provident living, such as self-reliance, home storage, employment services, and education at http://www.providentliving.org/.

Come and see, use your intellectual reasoning, make a thorough investigation, and then make a judgment based on personal experience, not secondhand hearsay.

By Accident

2011-10-01T18:44:00.005-06:00

I think I have been a little camera-happy in my desire to capture all of Ezra's cuteness. Newborns being what they are--not terribly photogenic and quite wiggly--I take 50 pictures to get one worth keeping. In the process, I end up with a series of pictures that could be turned into an amateur animation of flailing baby arms and random facial expressions. It is mostly by accident (and much persistence) that I finally get a decent shot. In no particular order, I present a photo montage of Ezra and his emerging personality.

Garden Envy

2011-09-27T14:46:00.005-06:00

To whom it may concern:

I make a humble confession as a self-professed green thumb: the vegetable garden this year has been a grand flop. My aspirations for floriferous grandeur have been stanched. I blame a very lovely, though slightly obese, honeylocust tree that has been stealing all the sunlight. After months of nurturing half a dozen vegetable varieties from seed, all I have to show for it is one green tomato the size of a gumball.

I am most thoroughly displeased, and am very tempted to do some drastic (anonymous) pruning to said honeylocust by moonlight.

Sincerely, Liezel, a disgruntled gardener.

p.s.-I envy this neighbor's success (and his unobstructed sunshine)

Please Note

2011-09-27T14:39:00.001-06:00

For any interested reader, husband and I have created a family blog. Not much to look at right now, but stay posted for more:

http://kuzmichconstitutional.blogspot.com/

I will include a link to the family blog on my blog page for easy access. Enjoy!

Announcing our little Ezra!

2011-09-14T15:21:00.002-06:00

Ezra Mauss was born Friday 9 September at 10:52 pm. I was scheduled for an induced labor and had a scheduled time of arrival at the hospital, but then made quite a bit of progress naturally without the aid of Pitocin, and finally ended up in surgery for an unplanned c-section. I feel like I experienced the whole gammit of the labor and delivery process and learned so much, even if it was a day filled with unexpected drama. The most important part is that our little boy is here safe and perfectly healthy. We are loving being home and loving having such a precious boy for keeps. It was a surreal feeling when my sweet husband came in the hospital room with the car seat; I got butterflies as it sunk in that this really was for real, that after months of waiting we actually get to bring him home, and that he really is our little Ezra.
Dallin was an absolute angel through the whole process and did everything he could for my comfort. I feel so fortunate to have shared this experience with him. He is my greatest support and helper.

Nothing Yet

2011-08-30T10:36:00.002-06:00

Today is my official due date; I made it to 40 weeks! Apparently less than 5% of women deliver on their due date, and it appears that I am not in that five percent. Nothing much is happening yet, just wanted to report I am still out here, waiting.
Perhaps I have created an all-too-comfortable womb and baby isn't ready to vacate. Perhaps he wants to be a September baby, which is, of course, a very good month to be born. Perhaps he has an attuned sense of irony and wants to redefine my definition of "Labor Day" by arriving this coming Monday. We shall see. Here's hoping I have good news to share in the next week or so.

I Believe in God

2011-08-22T10:39:00.004-06:00

I would like to add my witness to the witness of this renowned scientist.

God is real; he is a personage of flesh and bones. He is our Father and cares for us with all the love and tenderness of perfect Parent. His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, also has a body of flesh and bones, and under the direction of His Father, organized the world and all things therein. I see in their handiwork, the fingerprint of Divine Creators. The order, the intricacy, the majesty, and the variety of the creations in the earth and the heavens demonstrate to me that there had to be a Divine Plan. All things in the earth and the heavens bear witness of the Father and the Son.
We are created in the image of God. We are the offspring of God and have divine worth and potential. Our Father knew and loved us before we came to this earth. He understood our potential and created opportunities for us to grow and exercise our agency in that pre-mortal world. Now, as mortal being on this earth, we continue to use our God-given agency to make choices between good and bad, between truth and error. Our loving Father in Heaven, a being of perfect love and mercy, desires that we use our life on earth in such a way that we may be worthy to return to Him.
I pray to God because I know that He hears me. I am one of His spirit children; He is my Father in Heaven. He has a parental regard and concern for me as an individual, even amongst the vastness of the universe.

I Never Knew

2011-08-19T15:02:00.006-06:00

Is part of growing up liking a wider palette of vegetables?

I think I was open to most veggies as a kid, but perhaps had somewhat limited exposure to all the potential variety an olericulturist could offer. It wasn't until my twenties that I tried, and liked, such things as collard greens, mustard greens, and okra (thank you Georgia). Despite bad PR I have now tried, and actually love, brussel sprouts, especially steamed and tossed in lemon butter. This past winter I tried a root vegetable stew made from turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas and was pleasantly surprised.

Just this month, some friends at church gave us some of their bumper crop of homegrown Swiss chard, and I have a new vegetable love. Husband and I steamed the greens, ate them without any seasoning, butter, etc., and each had three servings, finishing the entire bowl in one sitting! How have I lived this long and never known that I love Swiss chard?!

I am still working on liking beets. One of these days I will meet a borscht I like.

And the Winner Is...

2011-08-17T12:01:00.008-06:00

Recently, I went on a day excursion to the Denver Botanic Garden to identify some top garden performers for summer heat. Late summer has a tendency to wipe out a good majority of perennials. My interest was in those perennials that still had energy to bloom and put on a show in 90+ temperatures and occasional water. I should note that the plants I picked were thriving in the botanic garden AND in the average homeowner's yard, which would receive less care and attention than a plant in a public display garden.

Here are my top picks for late summer Front Range perennials:

Agastache rupestris Sunset Hyssop

This plant is just starting to put on a show in late summer. Normal bloom time is late July to frost. But, that is the appeal of the plant! When little else looks good, this plant takes center stage. It has delicate needle-like leaves and tubular flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The whole plant smells like licorice and is an excellent water-smart or xeriscape choice. It grows quite large (3-4' tall), but has an overall fine-textured look that allows it to blend very well with most any other plant combination. This plant thrives in full intense sun (native to the Southwest).

Salvia officinalis Variegated Sage

Sage is one of those garden plants that has so much to offer: aromatic foliage, great textured (rugose) leaves, kitchen and medicinal uses, interesting color variations, good form, low water needs, and great heat tolerance. It is categorized as a subshrub, has woody stems, and can have a presence even in the winter garden. I consider it an excellent border plant along walks and the front edge of a bed because of its perfect little hedgehog mounding growth habit. Even if it isn't used as a culinary tool, it is perfect for a children's garden because it is small, scented, and textured. And, it still looks amazing in August!

Echinacea purpurea Coneflower

So, this is a very common garden plant, but for good reason! Coneflower is blooming non-stop (with a little deadheading to encourage regrowth) from JUNE to frost--that is a serious garden statement. The plant doesn't flop or fade in the sun. It doesn't need supplementary water once established. Coneflower has few, if any pest or disease problems. It meshes well with a plethora of other plants without being overbearing to any given garden combination. Honeybees and butterflies love the plant. It is long-lasting as a cut flower. If left alone through the winter the old seed heads (where a flower used to be) create an additional season of interest. All it asks is full sun.

Caryopteris x clandonensis Blue Mist, Bluebeard, Blue Spirea

Blue Mist shrub is easy to grow, adaptable to various soils, and somewhat drought tolerant. It begins flowering in late summer (usually mid- to late July) and continues until frost. Blue flowers are always a welcome and somewhat rare garden feature, so this plant has great design versatility and works well in a shrub border or mixed border with other types of perennials. I prefer this plant to other upright purple/blue growing shrub-like perennials (such as Russian Sage) because it has a much tidier growth habit and will not self-sow itself with abandon. The leaves are aromatic when rubbed, the flowers have a sweet fragrance, and it attracts bees and butterflies. Overall plant size is usually 2-3' tall and wide, prefers full sun or light shade.

Honorable Release

2011-08-12T15:05:00.002-06:00

The Denver Temple closes tomorrow for a six-week renovation. Today was my last day to work as an ordinance worker. I have been given an honorable release from my time of service in the temple. My new priority is mommy, and I could not have given up being an ordinance worker for anything less worthwhile. It will likely be 20 or more years before I can return to that service opportunity, as the church asks that women with children still at home devote their full-time efforts to motherhood.
It is a strange sort of loss to be finished with my time as an ordinance worker in the temple. I was able to serve for three and a half years in the Atlanta Temple and about eight months in the Denver Temple. I consider that time a precious gift. Some of my most beautiful life experiences took place there. I know that I became more of a devoted woman of God by spending regular time in the temple. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and especially in the temple, we refer to one another as brother and sister. The women that I served with in both Atlanta and Denver truly feel like my sisters in the full sense of the word. My bond of friendship, kinship, and understanding with the sisters in the temple is both difficult to explain and hard to forget.
How grateful I am for this unique chapter in my life.

Luck of the Draw

2011-08-08T13:41:00.008-06:00

Most every day I listen to Colorado Public Radio at home or in the car, and enjoy it simply for the blessing of good music with wonderful variety. Occasionally, though, there is an added perk for regular listening. Last Thursday a ticket give-away was announced for the closing concert of the 2011 season of the Colorado Musical Festival at Chautauqua. I figured that I had as good a chance as anyone, and called in. About 15 minutes later, the station called me back and I had two free tickets to the Friday night show! This was quite a fun splurge for us, as the tickets were worth $42 a piece.

The Festival Finale featured a group called Time for Three (Tf3), a trio of musicians (two violinists, one double bass) all graduates of Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music. They are an unexpected mix of laid-back, amazingly talented, crazy, classical, blue-grass, jazz, and country styles in an over-the-top energized jam session. If you have 9 minutes and twenty one seconds to spare, I highly recommend giving a listen to their piece "Wyoming 307". We loved the show!

Collaboration and Copycating, etc.

2011-08-03T13:46:00.006-06:00

My latest creative efforts have been for 1) animal applique pillows and 2) a baby mobile.

Originally, I was going to make a mobile using the animal design from the quilt fabric (turtle, zebra, and lion). It turns out my beginner sewing skills are not quite up to make three-dimensional objects. My multiple attempts resulted in really sorry-looking deformed creatures. BUT, I was able to replicate the design as flat pieces fairly well. So, I gave up the 3-D mobile idea after finding a book in a craft store showing applique pillows. I think I did a decent copycat job of the animal shape. I appliqued the animals to fabric pillow squares and then my genius-on-the-sewing-machine mom did the beautiful stitch work to hold it all together. The pillows aren't quite done yet; they still need some piping edges and then will be sewn around pillow forms. A modified mobile idea was a little slower in coming. In my opinion, all the $50 (+) mobiles in Babies R Us were not at all worth having. Most were cute to parents walking into the room, but were not made to be interesting to baby lying in a crib. Not to mention colors and patterns that didn't work with the scheme I had already worked out. So, I did some Pinterest browsing, and found this gorgeous (and CHEAP) idea. I ordered a hanging photoclip mobile and made a dozen paper pinwheels in the color scheme that I wanted. Wa-la! Lots of color, lots of interest for baby, and it can also be easily adapted or changed out. And finally, pregnant momma at 36 weeks. Will work for popsicles and cold water. Whew! The heat wave is getting old!

Anxious for our new arrival

2011-07-13T12:11:00.003-06:00

Last week our stroller/car seat travel system arrived. We put it together and then adorable husband proceeded to push the stroller through the entire apartment with a little-boy-on-Christmas-morning grin on his face. Every other day or so since then, he pulls out the stroller and takes it on another walk through the apartment, smiling from ear-to-ear the entire time. Just wanted to document the cuteness!
This is one anxious daddy.

Good Read

2011-07-06T14:01:00.006-06:00

My friend Katie bought me The Read-Aloud Handbook in preparation for baby and it has been a most engaging book. The basic premise of the book is one I am already aligned with: Read aloud to your children on a daily basis from the day they are born. I am so grateful though for such a thoughtful gift because without some of the back story, the research, and the evidence in favor of such a practice as daily read-alouds, it would be easy to dismiss it as just one more good, but impractical idea. The author, Jim Trelease, presents fact as well as anecdotal story from his personal experience as a father, as well as 20 years of positive affirmation from the thousands of parents and teachers around the world who practice what he preaches.
The idea is especially palatable to me because he isn't trying to push a program or sell a product. Any parent or teacher of any socioeconomic standard can make this a reality! The author recommends just 3 Bs: books (thank you public library!), a book basket in the home so that books can be very accessible, and a book lamp in the child's room. To aid in the read-aloud process, the last 115 pages of his book is his "Treasury of Read-Alouds", an impressive collection of more than 1,000 recommended books for all ages and genres that are especially well-suited to reading aloud. If you have the desire, and a library card, you can't go wrong!

Mr. Trelease stresses the fact throughout the book that the goal of reading aloud to your children from infancy is NOT to produce super-babies, or 2-year old readers. In fact, he encourages that that not be the goal at all. It could be a possible result, but the main crux of the daily reading is simply to create parent-child bonding, and a love-affair with books. No more, no less. It is that simple message that resonates with me because it aligns very well with the church's counsel for daily family scripture study and consistent gospel instruction in the home.

As a personal aside, when I went to visit my family over Christmas, my youngest sister, who is a teenager, requested that I read-aloud to her from a picture book during my visit. She has been a voracious reader since she was an infant and had the marked advantage of six older siblings and parents who were willing to indulge her in regular read-aloud sessions. When I think of her and her interest even now, as a teenager, to be read to, I am inspired and encouraged to start early and do it for my children.

Quick Stop-Over

2011-07-02T22:02:00.004-06:00

My brother, sister-in-law and my nearly three-month old niece (who until today I had yet to meet) had a long layover in the Denver airport. Dallin and I had a nice, though brief, lunch visit with them. Their daughter, Camryn, is just adorable, wide-eyed and incredibly content with observing her new world. So glad we could get together!

Say hello to cousin Ezra!

Creativity Central

2011-07-02T21:35:00.003-06:00

Over the fourth of July weekend, for the last 21 years Denver has hosted the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which attracts artists from across the country. The husband and I braved the 90+ degree weather for a look-see. The 200+ outdoor booths of eye candy in a five-by-two city block area was worth some sweating and swollen feet. Here is just a sampling:

Jack Rabbit on a tricycle was my favorite of this artist's creations (his other companions included bats, grasshoppers, fish, turtles, etc.)

This artist is a Denver local in her mid to late 20's. The top left piece is called "Cherry Blossom" and it truly gave a Japanese feel. Each "flower" is individually constructed of special paper, varnished, and wired in. I love the layers!

Not quite sure what the symbolism is, but I love the counterbalance and unexpected juxtaposition of objects.

At first glance, an interesting mixed-media sculpture,

but get a little closer in and notice an artist with a quirky sense of humor.

The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden...

2011-06-28T14:58:00.005-06:00

"Where you have a plot of land, however small, plant a garden. Staying close to the soil is good for the soul." --Spencer W. Kimball

Well, we are trying. We have a patio garden in pots, and for right now that is the best we can do. This year we are trying spinach, butterhead lettuce, bell peppers, cilantro, basil, dwarf tomato, cucumber, and a strawberry plant. Last night we harvested some greens for a salad, which feels awesome. Since our planting day on June 5, there has been some noticeable growth. The first little cucumber has started to form and the pepper and tomato plants are twice as big.

Garden at planting: Garden progress as of today:

Rocky Mountain High

2011-06-22T12:16:00.006-06:00

Last week Dallin and I took a driving tour through some mountain high country in Colorado. We had so many blessings of good timing and safe travel during the trip that were more than just coincidental. For example, the day we spent in Maroon Bells outside Aspen was a perfect clear blue sky day. The next day was cloudy and cold and the view of the peak was obscured for a good part of the day. What a blessing that we planned our trip to go when we did and enjoy such a beautiful view.

We visited Glenwood Springs and planned to try the mineral hot springs (at a safe pregnant-mommy 94 degree temperature) and discovered to our surprise that the admission price was significantly reduced in the late evening, which is when we chose to go. We enjoyed the pools, the cool mountain air, had no danger of sunburn, and saved money--beautiful.

In three different cities large festivals were planned just a day or two later than our planned stay. This was a very good thing because although the BBQ Street Festival in Frisco, the Strawberry Days Festival in Glenwood Springs, and the Wine & Food Festival in Aspen may be desirable for some, our idea of vacation does not include large crowds. We enjoyed a vacation of relaxing, beautiful natural scenery instead.

We went on two hikes, both of which required some gradual, or in places not-so-gradual elevation climbs over rock piles and/or snow piles. Baby and I handled it just fine. No elevation sickness, no nausea, no cramped muscles, just the benefit of finishing and enjoying the views. Again, I felt so blessed.

On the last day of our trip, we took Independence Pass across the continental divide, which finally peaks at 12,095 feet. The recommended speed limit for most of the trip was 25 mph, the road was narrow, the drop-offs fatal, and in some places the guardrails non-existent. On certain hair-pin turns the speed limit dropped to 10 mph, and for good reason. But, the views were outstanding and so worth the trip. In all of our driving, in all types of weather, we were safe. What a blessing!

Did I mention that we also had perfect luck in our choice of restaurants? Among my favorites was an artichoke bisque in Glenwood Springs and decadent desserts in Snowmass.

Favorite Place

2011-05-23T13:22:00.005-06:00

Over the weekend all the Colorado family plus a cousin visiting from California got together for a garden excursion to the Denver Botanic Garden. The weather was perfect and after several weeks of on-again/off-again rain the plants were looking fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as did Dallin, but then of course we would, we were in a garden! I love that my sweetheart loves a garden almost as much as I do. I am one lucky girl.
Just for fun we took another picture at the moon gate in the Japanese Garden. The first picture was taken in late August of last year when we were very newly-weds; in the second picture I am a 6-month + pregnant mommy-to-be with my ever-handsome husband (wow--pregnancy changes you alot!) Our one-year anniversary is fast approaching and it is amazing to think of all the adventuring we have had in that amount of time. Life is very good!

Seamless Transition

2011-05-22T13:04:00.006-06:00

The bishop of our ward was released today and a new bishopric was called. The previous bishop is moving out of state, hence the change. Sacrament meeting was especially meaningful for me, as a member of the congregation, to see this transition take place. During the meeting, one of the members of the stake presidency related a conversation he had with a friend of another faith. This friend was quite shocked to learn that during such a leadership change, there is neither jockeying for position nor resistance by the congregation to adapt to new leadership.
I consider it one of the great miracles in the gospel of Jesus Christ that each member may, individually and personally, receive a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost that such a change is inspired.
Personal revelation is one of my favorite principles of the gospel, and I testify that in our meeting today, I felt and knew for myself that the new bishop had indeed been called of God. I know very little about this new bishop; in fact, we have never once had a conversation, but by the Spirit I felt a personal ratification of his call, and could, in all sincerity sustain him as the man the Lord had chosen. What a miracle! What a blessing! And so the work of the Lord goes forward in a similar manner all over the world.
As the stake president gave his closing remarks on the meeting, he taught a beautiful principle. He taught that only as we sustained this new bishopric could his time of service be truly meaningful. He needs our prayers just as much as we need his inspired leadership. The two work in tangent with one another, and neither our success as a ward, nor his success as bishop can be separated.

Conspicuous Motherhood

2011-05-17T11:02:00.006-06:00

24 has always been one of my favorite numbers, and it seems that in this pregnancy 24 is also my magic number. As of week 24 I finally developed a baby bump. I am now in week 25 and decided it was time for another picture update.
In other updates, I realize that I have been very short-sighted in all of this motherhood stuff. Case in point: Two of my sister-in-laws and a few friends send cards or well wishes for my first Mother's Day and I was shocked. Wait...me? Really? I guess I am still processing the fact that after 30+ years of being single, I am no longer in that stage of anticipating motherhood, or desiring motherhood, but officially in the thick of it.
And now with a baby bump I am also in the realm of conspicuous motherhood, where people, sometimes strangers, ask me when I am due and what I am having. I am still processing that too.
I am loving this stage of pregnancy though, the "magic window" of feeling good and having energy has been true for me lately. I have started doing some yoga safe for pregnancy, with great energizing results. I also finished the baby quilt. The best news though, is that my taste for sweets is coming back! This is most exciting because summer just wouldn't be summer without enjoying ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato. Boulder has a good collection of local fare frozen treat establishments that I can now patronize! And, Blue Bell ice cream recently made its debut in grocery stores in Colorado, which for a girl who grew up in Blue Bell country is very good news.

Book Nook

2011-05-16T10:40:00.005-06:00

When Dallin received assurance of a new work rotation that would keep us local for another year, and would not require a move, we decided that we could start getting baby things. When the crib arrived I got a wild hair and in one day rearranged all but four pieces of furniture in the entire apartment to 1) make a place for the baby and 2) make some needed improvements. One of my favorite spaces now is this little book nook in the family room. Previously, the armchair was in our bedroom, and the end table and bookcases were in the dining room. There is something very comforting to me in a cozy armchair, a table holding a good lamp and a pile of books. When I was younger, books were some of my best friends. I was often found up a tree with a book in hand, perfectly content to have a bit of sky, a leafy view and reassuring words. One of my earliest memories of my second year of preschool was the "reading pit", a sunken area in one of the corners of the classroom filled with pillows and books. My mom was a collector of picture books and I was favored as a youth by her convenient hobby. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Braun, read aloud to our class every Friday and the sound of her voice recounting the exciting adventure of Brian in Hatchet remains a strong memory. Much to my parent's dismay, I would sometimes find a book so captivating that sleep was postponed in order the finish the next chapter (or three). Falling asleep with the light on at 2:00 am, book in hand, was a frequent occurrence.
I look forward to sharing that love for a good book with my children. Perhaps without realizing it, I created this space in anticipation of cuddle time and story time with them.

Picture This

2011-04-26T14:26:00.002-06:00

It is 1:27 a.m. and you are in bed fast asleep when you are suddenly jerked awake by intense pounding on your front door. Husband groggily gets up, opens the door and greets two policemen at the doorstep. They ask if he is the owner of a silver Honda Prelude, answering affirmatively, the policemen escort him to the parking lot. Before even leaving the internal hallway of the building, some kind of incessant alarm can be heard. The alarm, as it turns out, is coming from aforementioned silver Prelude. It seems that the rain has somehow triggered the horn to blare nonstop of its own accord. Unfortunately, said horn is loud enough to wake every neighbor within a half-mile radius. And is, apparently, annoying enough to prompt some roused neighbor (or three) to call the police and complain. Policemen track you down and help you remove fuse for car horn.

The ridiculous part about all this? It happened to us last night. It appears we have a possessed car horn. So, in the event of an emergency, in the absence of a horn, we will be the weirdos waving our arms and shouting out the car window.

It took me awhile to stop chuckling and fall back to sleep after that one. What are the odds!

From a Colorado Garden

2011-04-22T16:04:00.011-06:00

I had a lovely surprise earlier this week.

I took a trip to the Denver Botanic Garden and found a plethora of plant life budding, blooming, and leafing out. Colorado horticulture early spring has an abundance of color and variety to share, I just needed to know where to look. It would appear, therefore, that much of the local public lives far beneath their horticultural privileges. In my frequent walks around local neighborhoods and parks I see the same twenty plants that are nice, but not terribly unique. I was beginning to think that the altitude, the winds, the dry soil, and low rain fall would not allow any great diversity of plant material to thrive. Not so!

Here are some favorite mid-April bloomers from the botanic garden, which are well-adapted to Colorado and could very easily be added to a residential landscape for some extra pizazz.

Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' Burkwood Daphne (shrub)

Pulsatilla vulgaris Pasque Flower (rock garden perennial)

Anemone blanda 'White Splendor' Greek Anemone (from a rhizome-like tuber)

Chinodoxa forbessi Glory-of-the-Snow (bulb)

Aubrieta intermedia Rockcress (rock garden perennial)

Viburnum carlesii Korean Spice Viburnum (shrub)

What is leafing out right now? Silver Maple, Hedge Maple, Honeylocust, Green Ash, Peony, Filbert, Ninebark

What is blooming right now? Lilac, Tulip, Crabapple, Pearlbush, Quince, Flowering Plum, Serviceberry, Redbud, Hellebore, Fritillaria, Bleeding Heart, Currant/Gooseberry

Good News!

2011-04-15T16:21:00.005-06:00

Today was my 20-week ultrasound, and we are having a BOY! Everything is perfect--he has textbook measurements and weight and all organs are functioning well. He was super wiggly and active during the doctor appointment, but we did get this nice profile shot with his hand near his face.
And this one with his feet side by side, all cozy--look at his little toes!

As of the middle of week 18 my nausea went away. Hip-hip-hoorah! I have been feeling his bumps and wiggles more lately, and today when baby had the hiccups I could feel it! Fun!

Reason no. 8

2011-04-05T11:13:00.003-06:00

Dear Dallin,

You make me smile. (And, no, this is not the beginning of a cheesy Iowa tourism commercial.)

You make my day. You make me laugh every day. I love your silly songs, your spontaneous stories, your characteristic Dallin-isms, your jokes, your sense of humor. I love you for your carefree, happy ways. I knew long before I met you that I needed to marry someone who could do that for me; you are my perfect combination.

How grateful I am for a gentleman husband, for a kind husband, for a hard-working husband, but also for a husband who knows when to be silly. I love that you keep things light and lovely.

"In all living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." -Gordon B. Hinckley

Here's to many, many years of fun and laughter.

Love always, Liezel

An Aunt and Uncle Weekend

2011-04-04T12:36:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was the annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I look forward to this time every year because I love to hear from the leadership of the Church and gain instruction on the things that matter most. This April conference was another miracle as some of my personal needs were met through the words of the Prophets and Apostles called by God. I know that revelation continues!
This weekend was also a unique chance to spend time with my sister-in-law and her two children visiting from Wisconsin. Other than some brief encounters during our wedding last year and talks on Skype, I have not been around this niece (4 years) and nephew (19 months) at all. Dallin and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We played in the park, blew bubbles, had piano concerts, and snuggled. My niece is a doll and so loving, talkative, inventive, and talented. My nephew is a whirlwind, a blue-eyed charmer, so contented, and also very loving. We had hours of fun and play, and a few precious moments, like when my nephew began to understand how to fold his arms for prayer time. He was also intensely interested whenever the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang a number during the conference.
On the way back home Dallin and I realized that we had just seen the next five years of our life. And then we realized that we had just seen the next five years of our life! There is no doubt that the stage of life we are about to enter has its unique challenges and that parenting is demanding and exhausting, but at the same time so rewarding. I look forward to beginning the adventure.

Minus the Drama

2011-03-31T13:12:00.011-06:00

It has taken me some time to appreciate Colorado horticulture. Spring has arrived here, but only tentatively so. I suppose I had become accustomed to the whiz-bang circus performance of a Georgia spring that this tiptoe-in-with-satin-slippers approach has been a little disappointing. Georgia, on the other hand, reminds me of an impetuous child who wants it all now; it is a true spring fling. In less than two weeks the landscape can become a bonanza of color and fragrance. It is a plant lover's paradise, and a pollen-allergy nightmare.
Colorado seems to approach the whole season with guarded grace, showing measured restraint, and demanding patience. There are few "stop-the-car" moments to admire some blooming tree or shrub; we have instead subtle color palette transitions. So, I am learning to slow down a little more, to savor spring in stages, and appreciate the signs of renewal and awakening that do exist. Besides, this is Colorado and there is no reason to rush in headlong; it will probably snow in April.

What is leafing out right now? Willow, Lilac, Crabapple, Hawthorn
What is blooming right now? Crocus, Daffodil, Aspen, Birch, Red Maple, Forsythia

What's in a Name?

2011-03-30T14:15:00.006-06:00

Dallin and I have the interesting challenge of choosing names for baby. A challenge because everyone seems to have their idea of the "100 best" or "most popular". Do we want a name of a certain origin? A celebrity name? A hipster name? A name inspired by mythology? A name inspired by nature? The lists are endless and exhausting.
Honestly, I just need a name simple to spell and pronounce that works with our last name. And it would be nice if our child happened to like the name too. We have some ideas, but I have been stumped on middle names for a girl, which is important to me.
My own middle name has a family history connection on both the maternal and paternal sides of my family. Margaret was my maternal great-grandmother's middle name and my paternal grandmother's first name. I did not care for the name Margaret much when I was younger, but I did like that my name came from something more than just a baby book at random. I also happened to know both women in my lifetime, which helped the name mean more to me.
My great-grandmother passed away a few days after my sixteenth birthday. She was a very short woman, 4'11" on a good day, and was quite spit-fire. She was independent and sassy. She spent her childhood in Nome, Alaska with gold miners in her father's road house in the early 1900s. After high school she did a nurse's training/lab work program in Portland and Astoria. In her later life, I was sometimes allowed to stay with her in her little apartment. We played cards and pool in the community center during my visits.
My paternal grandmother was confined to a wheelchair for all the time that I knew her. When we visited her she would call for us to come to her for a kiss--and by "kiss" I mean a deluge of smooches all over the face. She was a very loving, affectionate grandmother, in spite of her lack of mobility. In the first grade she contracted rheumatic fever and spent six months in bed with a leak in the valve of her heart. Her physical activity was greatly restricted after that. Despite somewhat fragile health she and her husband raised a family on an Idaho homestead farm site that featured sage brush, scorpions, rattlesnakes, anthills, and powerful windstorms.
I don't know that I have "become a Margaret" just by having it as part of my name, but I can appreciate the Margaret's from my family history and make good with the name that we share.
And, between now and August perhaps inspiration will strike and help me find that right name with some kind of important significance for our baby.

School Days

2011-03-23T14:33:00.003-06:00

If I go the (scenic) back way into the city, I have a lovely drive past organic produce farms, grazing cows, horse pastures, a tree farm, and this old schoolhouse. The sign above the front door reads, Valmont School, District No. 4, 1911.The building is sadly dilapidated: a patchy, worn shingle roof, weathered wooden elements, boarded-up windows, and a bell tower with no bell. But, for a 100-year old building, the stairs and the exterior walls seem to made of much sterner stuff. I love to drive past this school because I can still get a feeling of school days of 1911. I can still imagine the students, probably all grades together in one room filing up those steps with primers and lunch pails. There is still a sense of place, even from a bygone time, because the schoolhouse is surrounded by farms and livestock pens that have likely remained unchanged for the last 100 years. I can imagine the young boys attending this rural school thinking about milking the cows and feeding the chickens as they walked home from school. The little girls, amongst their idle tittle-tattle, probably hoped mom wouldn't have too many corn husks waiting for them to shuck. I love scenes of rural America; therein are unadulterated scenes from a historic past.

For Hire

2011-03-21T16:07:00.003-06:00

I have done much babysitting, house-sitting, some dog-sitting, and can now add to the list plant-sitting. A friend at church asked me to watch her vegetable garden seedlings for two weeks while she vacations with her family in California. I am thrilled to help!

And, I think I have found my new calling.

Plant sitter: For hire. All potted plants accepted up to nine feet tall. Nice indoor light from south facing windows with good company amongst other friendly plant-mates. Watering, supplemental fertilization, good nurturing, and plant/sitter conversation part of normal fee. Outdoor sunbathing on good weather days. Plant massage upon request. Bedtime stories extra.

My (non-update) update

2011-03-17T12:05:00.005-06:00

I feel like I should have some updates about my pregnancy, now in week 16. Trouble is, there isn't much different to tell.
I still have nausea as my daily companion. I still hate eating, but of necessity must eat every two hours. I still stand in front of the open refrigerator, bewildered. I still struggle to be in a grocery store. I still have no joy in cooking. I still have no food cravings. I still gag on anything sweet, even remotely, like LaraBars, sugared dried fruit, or flavored yogurt.
Interestingly, eggs and dairy are what is working the best right now. I find this intriguing because I hardly ever ate eggs or dairy before pregnancy because they didn't work for Dallin, so I never bought them. Right now, scrambled eggs on an English muffin or string cheese are my old standbys.
All is well with baby, of that I am constantly assured. Most of the time when I mention continuing nausea the doctors tell me it means a good amount of required hormones and a "robust placenta." So when I throw up in a parking lot, or a public restroom, or on the stairs, or in the car, or the kitchen sink for the twelvth time, I just keep thinking robust placenta: good. throwing up: not so good. but robust placenta: good.
And while I have gained an appropriate amount of weight at good increments, I do not have much of a baby bump, which is actually a little disconcerting. I guess I expected some outward sign by now of all that my body has been doing. So, I give you photos from week 7 and week 16, respectively. Baby is very well, mommy is mostly well, and daddy is a saint.

In Order

2011-03-15T14:46:00.003-06:00

This morning in the communal laundry room one of the washers was marked as "OUT OF ORDER", meaning unusable, or non-functioning, as opposed to it being IN ORDER and fully functioning. Over the weekend I had an insatiable bug to rectify the "out of order" guest room and make things right again. The room was something akin to a tornado-just-blew-through-disaster zone.
With the help of an amazing husband who went and bought me a heavy duty chrome shelving unit after just a brief consultation, and the purchase of several new storage containers, "out of order" became a very tidy "in order" and regained its functionality as a usable space.
A place for everything, and everything in its place. Hooray!

Family: Some Favorites

2011-03-01T12:31:00.013-07:00

She's Got Talent

2011-03-01T12:07:00.003-07:00

My darling artist-sister took the above photograph of us and recreated it in an enlarged pencil sketch. I just had to brag on her, what a wonderful gift! We love you Lu-Lu!

A Breath of Fresh Air

2011-02-22T11:50:00.005-07:00

Last night we had a wonderful treat: the Hilary Hahn violin concert. Dallin received the tickets from me for Christmas as a belated Christmas/early birthday gift (that I can share with him!) The concert was held in the Macky Auditorium on the University of Colorado-Boulder campus. I don't pretend to be a music critic, but I thought I might try to describe the evening.
Hilary Hahn is my age and it seems her parents decided while she was still in the womb she would be a professional musician. Her musical training history is quite staggering. She started studying violin a month before her fourth birthday in the Suzuki program of the Peabody Conservatory. At ten she entered the Curtis Institute of Music. While there she studied with many legendary violin greats. She made her international debut at 14. In 1996 she made her Carnegie Hall debut. She is a two-time Grammy Award-winning soloist with eleven solo albums in twelve years of recording. She tours the world over, performing with some of the best orchestras, etc, etc.
The concert was more like a senior recital: Hilary with piano accompaniment and nothing more. Her pianist, Ukrainian-born Valentina Lisitsa, was equally stunning. They toured the world performing together in 2007, so they were amazingly attuned to one another.
Hilary started with Variations on a Theme by Corelli, which was absolutely flawless. She has intense control and there is no margin of error. Every note was pure and sweet and strong, even when the dynamic was piano. Above all, her style has perfect technical brilliance. She commands every note. Dallin kept saying over and over during the concert that was it like a breath of fresh air.
My other two favorite pieces from the evening were the Violin Sonata No.5 in F major, Opus 24, "Spring" by Beethoven and the Partita No. 1 in B Minor by Bach. The partita was performed as a violin solo, no piano accompaniment. In other words, every note, every dynamic, every nuance, every bow movement was the entire show. Again, she basically represents violin perfection in my opinion. It was simply flawless and gorgeous and clear and sweet and and so powerful.
As if such a performer and such a performance weren't enough, she favored us with THREE encores. It was just lovely. Lovely, lovely.

The Power of Righteous Influence

2011-02-10T14:40:00.005-07:00

At our stake Relief Society woman's conference this past weekend the theme was the righteous influence of women. I have been thinking on that all this week and certainly have positive personal experience with the good influence of women. Case in point, three examples of women I have come to know recently:

An adorable young mother of three, thirty-something, in my ward competed two weekends ago in Houston in the national running championships for the half-marathon. She finished third in the nation. In other words, her average mile (x 13) was 5:30; she finished all 13 miles in an hour and 12 minutes. The first-place finisher is a two-time Olympic medalist. My friend has qualified herself for the 2012 London Olympic games in long-distance running (marathon and/or half-marathon)! Yet, she is an amazingly unassuming, humble person. When I expressed my shock and excitement, she seemed to sort of shrug it off. "Running is what I do," she said simply. "But none of it would be possible without God's help." Think what kind of powerful influence for good she will have (and is having) on her coach, her teammates, her fellow runners, her sponsors, her country!

Another friend was born and raised in China and grew up Buddhist with near governmental approbations for atheism. As a young married woman living in Singapore, she felt the desire to seek higher education and picked, of all places, Brigham Young University. Soon after, she found the gospel and after a lengthy investigation, joined the church. She told me she felt, from her very first Sunday meeting, a kind of all-encompassing peace that she had never known before. She said she felt at once secure and settled and somehow more hopeful for the future than she ever had before. Think what a blessing she can now be for her family and friends as she has opportunity to share her testimony. Think of the ripples she could create for good. Think of the power in her righteous influence.

Finally, just this last Sunday a woman was invited to share her thoughts on a certain Christ-like attribute she was trying to gain. For her, a young mother of two, patience with her three-year old son was the single-most important thing on her mind. She shared how she had made it a goal and a matter of prayer and fasting for over a year. Her greatest desire was to have the patience in mothering to respond with compassion instead of anger. I found her simple example very inspiring. That is righteous influence.

I have known women on school boards, city councils, and as attorneys in high places. I have known women who initiated child advocacy reform in their local and state government. I have known women who started charitable organizations for leper communities in India. I have known women as presidents of organizations and principals of high schools. I have also known women who perhaps never ventured beyond their own neighborhoods, but had righteous influence at their own kitchen tables and in their own living rooms. Whatever the realm of responsibility, how ever large the sphere of influence, there is power in living righteously.

Righteous womanhood is everywhere in the world. I am greatly encouraged by the goodness in all women, and have blessed by many, many good women of all walks of life. It is especially encouraging for me to think of the influence of "the covenant [women] of the Lord, who [are] scattered upon all the face of the earth;...armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."

My life has been richly blessed by the power of righteous influence, beginning with my own mom.

Thoughts after a Winter Walk

2011-02-07T12:02:00.002-07:00

I appreciate texture in the winter landscape so much more because the usual visual interest is blanketed in snow. The coarseness of cottonwood bark or the silhouette of a maple or a cluster of cattails is so much more striking in conjunction with a uniform white background.
The forest may seem dormant, but the crisscrossing tracks of animal prints give proof that it is certainly not dead.
I love coming across a Mugo pine or other dense evergreen shrub filled with dozens of tiny snowbirds making a cacophony of simultaneous noise. It makes me smile to think what they could be discussing in such earnest.
Birdwatching, in general, is so much more rewarding in the winter with all the naked trees. I spotted two northern flickers and two woodpeckers of some kind, as well as sparrows, finches, and towhees.
The look of snow laying on evergreen trees is so romantic. The powdered sugar icing look on a Colorado blue spruce or Scotch pine is just lovely.
Snow makes for great creative doings, like making snow angels and snow forts. In the nearby park someone had created a miniature snowman family: daddy, mommy, and baby on a picnic table.
As long as it is not windy, I love the freshness of winter air. I also love all the reflected light from the snow.

It's Relative

2011-02-04T20:37:00.002-07:00

Earlier this week it was -17, the kind of cold that freezes nose hairs. Today it was 40 and felt balmy. I drove with the windows down and the fresh air was most welcome.

I had a few hours less of nausea today than yesterday, and after a three-week sick-tummy-roller-coaster, those few hours made me feel like a million bucks.

The temple reopened this week after a two-week maintenance close. I was missing my temple time after just two weeks. My friends in Atlanta have been without a temple since July 2009. But, in a little over three months they will have the spiritual high of a temple open house and temple dedication by the Prophet.

Without realizing it, I dropped my cell phone getting out of the car this morning in Denver and it fell face down in a puddle of slushy snow for 5+ hours. When I came back to the car I miraculously discovered it under the front driver side tire. The speaker sound is a little fuzzy, but it works and it isn't an crushed pile of plastic in a parking lot 50 miles from home.

Every Saturday morning in January I attended stake choir rehearsals. The 75-member choir and 10-member orchestra are performing tomorrow for our Relief Society women's conference. I have been privileged to mingle with some of the very best musicians in the stake for weeks. Most are music majors who have sung in choirs or played in orchestras, professional and otherwise, for years. I attend as a mediocre, off-key singer, who struggles to breathe in the right place, and hit high-ish notes. I also attend hoping to learn a few things about how to run a good choir rehearsal. I should feel envious or embarrassed or less-than-up-to-snuff. Mostly though, I am amazed that I can claim association with such a phenomenal group.

Sew Busy

2011-02-02T14:55:00.004-07:00

When baby comes our guest room/creative universe will become the nursery. The room is currently inundated with my craft projects, some major, some minor, of all varieties. In anticipation of packing all that up, I have felt some extra initiative to finish something. Amazing what a deadline can do for you! With some return of my strength and energy and in the last two days, I put time and energy into my living room pillow project. And, it is complete!The project was to take the original four pillows from the couch and make them...well, a little less bachelor pad (Dallin approved). All four pillows now have a checker front, two have solid red backs, two have floral print backs. The adorable little rectangular one was a Christmas present from my mom. I have started this couch throw with matching fabric, as well. The front face is done; it still needs the batting and backing and a final sewing of all layers together. Yea for progress! One project down, just *** to go. (Eek!)

Sanctuary

2011-01-27T13:41:00.004-07:00

After many years of working outdoors with the plant kingdom, I have a real need on a regular basis to breathe fresh air, touch something living, and hear the cadence of nature. Without that I start to feel like a caged animal. We have been very blessed in recent days with warmish winter sunshine, and I have gotten out on my walks again. Today was especially refreshing. I spent several hours at a nature preserve not far from home. I found incredible peace in the sound of the rustle of reed grass. I was able to study tree buds and seed pods and sit by a creek and listen to its gurgle. How grateful I am for this source of personal replenishment.

Manna

2011-01-25T08:54:00.002-07:00

I've been thinking about my current jobless state and my seeming inability to find employment, even after six months of trying. True, my skills and talents are somewhat specialized, but I have branched out in my search to quite a variety of job possibilities, and still nothing. Mostly I want to figure out the "what am I supposed to be learning from this?" question. No grand revelations, but I have some initial thoughts that have been comforting.
During my seven years in Georgia I made several job changes, sometimes to improve my situation, sometimes to pursue more school, sometimes to take advantage of an opportunity. In every circumstance--the shift from one job to another, or from job to school--the transition was absolutely seamless. I literally would quit a job on a Friday and start a new one on a Monday. Or I finished my time at school and had a job lined up and waiting for me. I was single, I had no family nearby, and I had a legitimate need to be able to support myself. The miracle though, is how well my Father in Heaven took care of me.
The best analogy I can liken it to is the children of Israel and their manna from heaven. I felt over and over again in my Georgia experience that manna was simply laid before me, freely given from a merciful Father, and I only had to choose to pick it up.
So many of my initial experiences and connections with people became important a few years down the road in other opportunities and experiences. For example, the skills I gained in my first job were incredibly valuable as the grounds supervisor at the temple. My relationship with the professors at Gwinnett Tech made a huge difference in my graduate school application to the University of Georgia. If I had not been in the Mountain Park single's branch with President Heaton, I think my history would have been much different, especially in regards to the opportunity to work at the temple.
Because of all these experiences I have great faith in the fact that we are given those things that we need, at the time, and in the manner we need them. I was given my manna, and it was always sufficient for my needs, and it was always so perfectly bestowed. The timing of the gift was always the miracle for me. I recognize gratefully, humbly that I have been supported and uplifted and helped, especially in my employment, in ways too numerous to name. And, consequently, I have faith and testimony that if there is ever a legitimate NEED to work, I will again be likewise blessed. It appears that now is not a time of need.
I have confidence in these beautiful words. They have been true for me, they are true for me now, and as the song teaches, they will, in the future continue to be true.
My shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name;
In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream...
The sure provisions of the my God attend me all my days;
May thy house be mine abode and all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest while others go and come,
No more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.

(Trying to) keep it in perspective

2011-01-20T11:12:00.006-07:00

The other night Dallin and I read in Matthew 23:23 about those who omit the "weightier matters of the law" and I was reminded of a talk I gave in my old ward from that verse. In my preparations, I had found some comments by Elder Oaks about means (or mortal methods) and ends (or eternal goals). He taught that when we focus solely on means we are in effect, omitting the weightier matters of the law. Our challenge is to not lose sight of the eternal goal, the desired end, by focusing too intently on the obvious earthly method. The weightier matters of the law are spiritual patterns, qualities, and attributes that move us strongly toward our eternal goals.
I have been thinking on this because I am struggling, as most every newly pregnant woman does, to remember the long-term purpose to all this current everyday grossness. Yesterday was horrid. (Yes, I am complaining). But then Dallin gave me a blessing, and it somehow seemed manageable. And I read Mara's blog and realized it could always be worse. And then friends started to hear the news and give their encouragement and congratulations, and I remembered that I am not alone in this season of life.
Becky Paget was one of the friends that wrote and among other things said simply, "It's worth it." I read that with tears rolling down my cheeks, but I read it with courage and faith that it is true. Another friend, Noella, wrote to tell me that she is also pregnant with her first and now in her second trimester, but was so sick during her first trimester that she actually lost weight. I also thought of my friend, Hitomi, who was sick for the entire nine months with her first pregnancy. And, so, I am counting my blessings.

Yesterday, I got out of bed, took a shower and got dressed. I cleaned the kitchen. I made dinner. And, really, that was about all. But, because I continued to breath in and out and try to eat food as best as I could, so did baby. My life is no longer just about me. Every time I breath, whether I feel disgusting or not, I am giving our baby time to grow. Hard as it is, that is the end I am trying to remember. The end that means I will be a mommy, now and through all eternity.

Reason no. 47

2011-01-17T08:47:00.005-07:00

Dear Dallin,

One of the things I appreciated about you right from the start was your chivalry. I suppose your acts of gentlemanly behavior were carefully noted because I was beginning to think the art form was dead. From day one you opened my car door and helped me in and I remember thinking at the time, "Yes! This is what it should be like!"

And, I love you all the more that the chivalry wasn't just a show during our courtship, but is very much a part of your character. It is a manifestation of kindness and respect for me every time you open a door, or let me go first, or carry all the heavy stuff, or insist on washing all the dishes, or carrying up all the groceries, or dishing my food first.

Every night at dinner, you pull out my chair for me, when no one but the chair sees you do it. You know how it makes me feel? Like a queen! And I love you for it.

For always, Liezel

Meet Amos

2011-01-11T15:17:00.005-07:00

I have a small, but growing, collection of children's books; I find a certain magic in their combination of captivating story and charming illustrations. My dream list includes (amongst MANY things) the plan to write and/or illustrate a book for children in my lifetime. And, to keep fresh inspiration around me, I own several and peruse the public library and bookstores for gems I might someday like to own. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that I asked for a book or two (with a list of five or six as ideas) for Christmas. What was a surprise, however, was that Dallin got everything on my list, plus a handful more! I have too many favorites to name, but would like to review just one new favorite.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee, written by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead, is new as of June 2010 (first edition). Without even cracking the cover I knew it would be good. It has that whimsical, endearing kind of quality even at first glance. Page one introduces our main character Amos McGee--just look at him! He is that perfect sort of rosy cheeked sprightly little grandpa-man that adores his grandchildren and still keeps his roses pruned and his front porch neatly swept. I feel like I could write a page worth of character sketch on him just by looking at his delicately sketched face.
The story follows Amos, the kind, old zookeeper who tends to each animal with utmost care providing personalized attention. For example, Amos lends his handkerchief to the rhinoceros (who always has a runny nose) and sits quietly with the penguin (who is very shy). Amos's kindness is rewarded by his animals friends who care just as much for him as he does for them.
The illustrations are very simple, echoing the simple, but completely fresh story idea. I love the minimalist, but bold primary colors used only on key characters or action. The artist, Erin Stead uses pencil and applies color using woodblock printing, which further enhances the home-spun, approachable quality.
Aside from the main story line, we have lovely little details and just a touch of artistic embellishment. For example, Amos has a teddy bear and a pet mouse that you are never introduced to, but who appear throughout the book. (Little children would love to point out all the mouse sightings!) A little mouse is seen waiting at a miniature bus stop as Amos trundles off to work. A rabbit rides the number 5 bus to work with Amos. A little bird tags along with the zoo animals and, incidentally, becomes friends with Amos's pet mouse.
I think it is charming. And, I find it great inspiration. Happy reading!

If I Only Had Six: Kitchen Tools

2011-01-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

We live in a world of abundance ("for there is enough and to spare"). But let's just say I had to pick just six kitchen tools and make do. What would I pick?

Two-tier bamboo steamer: a recent discovery of mine that is very simple, efficient, and so easy to use AND clean. Steam meats and vegetables in 20 minutes or less in a healthy, non-labor intensive way. Rinse the layers when you are finished and let the bamboo air dry. Done. Easy as that.
Food processor: the quickest easiest way to do guacamole, pesto, hummus, homemade salad dressings, mince ginger, garlic, etc., etc. I have also used it to mix cookie dough and puree pumpkin. Throw in the ingredients, push the button, wah-la!
My super-duty red Rubbermaid spatula: I don't know what they do to it to make it so perfectly effective, but it does a better job than ANY spatula I have EVER owned. I can mix waffle batter, or bread dough, or pasta salad, or anything with this and then use it to scrape the bowl PERFECTLY clean. This particular tool certainly earns its name of "child cheater" because it doesn't leave even a morsel behind for little fingers to lurp up.
Good old fashioned non-stick 12" skillet: I probably use my skillet five times a week. In fact, half the time I just pick it up from the pile of hand washed dishes from last night because it doesn't even have time to get put away.
Measuring cups: When I cook I am usually a two glugs, season-to-taste kind of girl, but when I bake, it's a different story. I have had too many flops to do it otherwise. Hence, the measuring cups are essential. Dallin and I came into our marriage each with a set of nice metal measuring cups and there are times when I am on a baking spree that all eight cups are dirty.
Cutco knife: I have been spoiled right from the get-go. We are lucky enough to own a set of Cutco knives and there is no going back now! But since this is a minimalist's kitchen, I would pick just the "petite carver", a medium size serrated knife with multi-purpose slicing/chopping/dicing/mincing ability.

Plant Psychology

2011-01-04T20:17:00.006-07:00

So someday I'd like to have a greenhouse and/or a sun room, but right now I have one south facing window and a crowd of five plants vying for the best rays. And, in the last few weeks I have made some interesting plant observations that could almost be a fascinating study in human character (but then I'm a plant nerd and I read way more into these things than is practical.)

The Aloe vera purchased in July started with four fleshy leaves and was a scrawny 4" tall. I now have a beast with at least twenty appendages spiraling out in all directions that has grown to almost two feet tall. This plant literally grows a new shoot every week. I am not joking when I say I can see this one grow. Some plants have a serious will to live; give this one some occasional water and good sun and stand back.
The African violet also from this summer has made a nice comeback. I started applying a light liquid fertilizer every month and have been richly rewarded for my small efforts. Currently the little bloomer has twelve open flowers and fifteen buds (yes, I did just count!) Amazing. The existing twelve flowers opened the week of December 13 and on this day not a single one has even begun to fade. Amazing. I am grateful for a plant that has such super curb appeal and seriously exceeded my expectations.
My orchid is my lesson is patience. The little beauty still looks great. It has good light and routine fertilizer, but has grown only slightly and added only one or two little feeder roots in three months. I am grateful for its consistency.
In October I moved the geranium (Pelargonium spp.) from our borrowed outdoor garden plot to our apartment dining room. Since then it has followed an interesting course. When I moved it in it was incredibly happy and blooming like crazy with plentiful rich green leaves. Slowly, those flowers faded, but were not replaced with new blooms. Then, slowly it stopped growing. Then the nice deep green leaves started to shrivel and curl and drop. All the while I was tending and deadheading, and watering as needed. But, to no avail. The geranium seemed to be giving up. Little do I know! In the last week it has made a transformation. Instead of continuing to drop leaves and shrivel, the leaves that remained doubled in size and started reaching for the sunlight. They are a nice rich green and no other leaves have dropped since. I have an unsuspecting hero, a champion adapter, a tenacious fighter. (By the way, the pot fellow to the geranium was a lavender. It pooped out in week 2 of the move from outside to inside. All the more reason for a kudos to the geranium).
An avocado seed. Okay, so I have two lessons in patience. But, I know that it works, I know what to expect, so I can be patient. In Atlanta I grew an avocado from a seed and waited six months for it to germinate in a glass of water. (It works, it really does!) When my Atlanta avocado finally had some roots and a shoot, I planted it up and in time had a three foot tall indoor avocado plant. My current avocado has taken just as long, but at long last it has three beautiful white roots and two upright shoots. In the next few days I intend to plant it up.

New Year's Resolution

2010-12-31T16:35:00.005-07:00

Don't look back. Choose to change. Forgive and forget. The best is yet to be.

Good advice for any year. The best advice for every day.

2010 has been amazing. This is me choosing to make 2011 even better.

The Gift of Music

2010-12-28T12:36:00.003-07:00

My Christmas 2010 has been blessed with the gift of music.
My calling in church is choir director; Dallin is the choir accompanist. I started thinking about the Christmas program around Halloween and we began practicing that music in mid-November. We had a beautiful program, which included the Primary children, the choir, and a vocal soloist. The true spirit of Christmas was communicated through the sacred music.
As the wife of a musician I have also enjoyed hearing Dallin play at many events, mostly on violin, where I was his official page turner. Our ward had a Christmas devotional (instead of a Christmas party focused on Santa) with the theme "Come to Bethlehem" that yet again communicated through music the miracle of the Savior's birth, and our invitation to come and see.
We attended the popular and talented Colorado Mormon Chorale who gave a wonderful concert full of the message of the season. One of the treats during the time we visited my family was going to a musical theatrical performance called, "Savior of the World", which begins with Elisabeth and Zacharias being blessed with a son and ends after Christ's resurrection. The play was full of emotion as some of the most miraculous events in history were portrayed.
Dallin and I learned Christmas music on soprano recorders and shared it with others, including my family. Dallin played some Christmas mandolin, and I was privileged to hear him practice, at least ten times the Adolphe Adam piano accompaniment part for "O Holy Night" ( I never tire of that beautiful piece!)
When I was at home or in the car, almost without exception, I was listening to the local classical music station. The station focused on the sacred and traditional, and played amazing choral arrangements of some of the best loved Christmas carols through the ages.
I am so impressed by the plethora and quality of music celebrating the birth and mission and life of the Savior. What a blessing to hear these timeless favorites and their powerful message! What a gift to be reminded how in "once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed" where the "little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head". How beautiful to remember the prophesies fulfilled, "baby Jesus will be born in a land far, far way...how blessed that are Lord was born, let earth receive her King." And the joy that comes in looking forward to the return of the Son of God as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

The Christmas Stool, Revisited

2010-12-04T13:17:00.008-07:00

For several years I have used a bar stool as my Christmas "tree". This year Dallin and I decided to use the stool again. It is always a special time for me to bring out the Christmas ornaments and decorate, mostly because the great majority of my ornaments are handmade by my mom. She started a tradition of making each child an ornament every Christmas. By the time I moved out, I had a box full of beautiful creations, one for every year of my life. I love her for this gift of time and talent.I am my mother's daughter and have been realizing more and more that so many of the things that I love I gleaned from her. Why should I now take an interest in sewing, except that I saw my mom sewing often as a young girl? Why I should enjoy scrapbooking, except that she became an expert at it and spent many hours putting random pictures into a coherent history of our family? Why should I care about family history work except that I accompanied my mom often to the Salt Lake City Family History Library on Friday nights for evenings of microfilm searching together. Why should I have a desire to preserve family memories in written form, except that my mom first started the pattern of oral history recording with my great-grandmother when I was just a baby? And why should I now find delight in creative endeavors of a dozen varieties except that she did, and does now, love using her hands to create?
Our Christmas stool is full of her homemade ornaments, I have her homemade dolls and bunnies, I have her paintings, I have the book of remembrance she organized that gives voice to ancestors long since past, and I have her creative spirit that needs avenues for expression.
Recently, I discovered that my mom was much-in-demand as a tole painting instructor in Houston when I was in elementary school. Despite her notoriety and acclaim, she ultimately decided to put what could have been a career as a gifted artist aside, in order to be a fully-invested mother. Perhaps there were students who could have gained much from her tole painting teaching in a studio setting. But, how grateful I am that her teaching instead focused on home and family where her young children-pupils were quietly absorbing by example. And there was so much to absorb! My mom has an insatiable appetite for learning and then doing all things that are "virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy." How grateful I am for her.

In Jane verbiage, this is me, and I have big shoes to fill.

"I give unto you a pattern..." (D&C 52:14)

2010-11-22T10:51:00.004-07:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently organized another worldwide leadership training conference https://new.lds.org/training/worldwide-leadership?lang=eng. Remarkably, the leadership conference took place on 13 November, less than six weeks after the Semiannual General Conference held over the October 2-3 weekend. How they could prepare for both in such a close proximity of time, I don't pretend to understand. But, they did and I am amazed.
Dallin and I watched part of the archived leadership conference on-line. I realize what a blessing not only organized religion is, but also an organized religion, which is what I see in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I appreciate the very clear, very orderly manner that material is presented and discussed. I love that the teaching model in the church is not a stuff-it-down-your-throat approach, but (ideally) full of earnest, inspired, spirit-imbued presentation, with invitations to learn and apply. I am impressed by the following principles emphasized in this conference that have application in church AND family government:

Leaders/parents listening more than they talk in church AND family councils and much participation by every member, which fosters revelation.
A focus on ministering, a focus on people, a focus on the resources and talents of all.
The council is an inspired pattern applicable in many settings, and when properly used brings unity and a greater portion of the spirit.
The inspired council shares the burden of responsibility for work of the kingdom.

Each of the above principles, of course, have direct application to the family council. I love the idea of family government according to the Lord's pattern; a pattern and model that is organized by a father and a mother, and allows children equal opportunity for participation.
Last night Dallin and I went to a fireside on the topic of "Science, Religion, and Revelation". The speaker emphasized the importance of seeking after truth instead of comfort in each of these three areas. I see the inspired pattern of the Lord in the work of the church, as we are encouraged to use both the priesthood line AND the personal line for seeking truth. We are not to coast along comfortably relying on every word the bishop speaks, while neglecting the gift of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation in our stewardships. We are invited throughout scripture to seek that we may find, especially in our seeking for divine truth to govern our families.
It is an empowering principle ordained by God to have personal governance and accountability in church and family life. Our Father in Heaven desires our participation in his work. Inspired delegation, self-reliance, and salvation are His principles. He supplies the pattern, and grants us agency, guides us to truth as recorded in scripture, and the living Prophet, and holds us accountable according to the light and knowledge we have received within the realm of our divinely appointed roles. Our Father in Heaven desires to give us all that He has. He tutors us in His ways, we gain instruction as we consider His way of organizing, preparing, watching, and counseling. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I find a divinely revealed framework for operating in His way. In personal revelation I find the manner to work out the specifics for my time and place and stewardship.

The Best Start

2010-11-20T16:27:00.003-07:00

Dear Dallin,

I love that you make breakfast for us everyday. I love our morning routine. The day is so much better when we start it together. The last two mornings I haven't had that luxury, and the day is still good, but it just isn't the same. What can compare with that half-hour of starting with prayer, watching a General Conference talk and having smoothies and homemade bread or waffles (with a healthy dose of love)? Nothing, I submit. And I have missed our mornings. How grateful I am for you and your multitude of little kindness. "By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass..."--how true that is in love.

All my love, Liezel

Her Labor of Love

2010-11-18T10:06:00.004-07:00

Some of my current "nesting" activities include sewing projects, and through these projects I have gained a whole new appreciation for my maternal grandmother's incredible quilting ability. My grandma made the quilt pictured here and intended it to be my wedding gift. Unfortunately, she didn't live long enough to give it to me at that happy event. Shortly before she passed away, she gave it to my mom, who gave it to me while I was still single. Instead of a gift to celebrate my new life as a married woman, it became a beautiful treasure to remember her earth life.
I have been making new pillows for the living room. The design I chose is simple, just four squares on the front and a solid color on the back. I consider it a small triumph if all my corners match up. I made a picnic blanket from old blue jeans this summer and I had a victory dance every time I finished a row. So, it is with great awe that I consider my grandma sewing together hundreds of little pieces in such an intricate design. I have not ventured beyond squares--and for good reason! Her quilt pattern included pieces of fabric just 1" by 1.5" that all had to be cut and arranged and sewn together. And all this was done while she was battling cancer. For my grandma, quilting was truly a labor of love. Grandma was never very good at saying how she felt, but her quilt was the way she could show how she loved me. I am so grateful for her.

I AM Grateful

2010-11-16T12:55:00.005-07:00

Last night Dallin gave the family home evening lesson about expressing gratitude, especially for those things that are easy to take for granted. I realize how wonderful my own family has always been, and how easy, therefore, they are to take for granted. To each of you I want to say: I am proud to call you family! I love our family culture. I love our nicknames and pet names and playful teasing. I love our traditions. I love our game nights and together time. I love how we can laugh together. I love our memories. I love each member individually. I love your unique personality. I love to hear of your successes. I marvel at the challenges you are working through, and handling so very well! I am amazed at your talents and abilities. I am so grateful for the divine institution of family, so central to the plan of salvation, which allows us all to be together forever. I love you each and every one.

Be Not Ashamed

2010-11-10T09:46:00.003-07:00

Most mornings I take a walk in a smallish natural recreational area across the street from our apartment. This morning I came across a very interesting scenario. In a heavily forested part of the path there were a dozen or more black crows making an excessive amount of noise all in one tree. I thought they were expressing their angst about the sudden turn in the weather. As I studied the tree closer, however, I discovered a large owl at the center of the crows; it was a taunting session, a gang of 12 crows to one owl. The crows were making an obnoxious scene squawking (decibels multiplied by 12) and swooping closer and closer, trying to tease, pressure, or disarm the owl. The owl seemed very calm and collected and would only occasionally shift on the tree branch. It sat silent and still as a statue. After enough taunting, though, the owl would suddenly fly to another tree, and the persistent crows would immediately follow, purposely flying into the owl in flight and continuously squawking. I watched this scenario be repeated four times before I continued on my walk.
The little forest drama was good food for thought as I continued on my way. It reminded me of Nephi's prophetic vision of the Savior, "Wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long suffering towards the children of men" (1 Nephi 19:9). In Mosiah 15:5 the prophet Abinadi further teaches of Christ, "[He] suffereth temptation, but yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned..."
I thought of the prophet Lehi's vision of the tree of life with those "in the attitude of mocking" and "point[ing] the finger of scorn", (with the noisy, persistent voice of the world!) but the faithful "heeded them not."
Elder Neil L. Andersen reiterated this message of courage and faith in his October 2010 General Conference message. "As disciples of Christ, we stand apart from the world. There may be times we feel uncomfortable as the fingers of scorn mock and dismiss what is sacred to us. President Thomas S. Monson warned, 'Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith.' Paul admonished, 'God hath not given us the spirit of fear,...Be not...ashamed of the testimony of our Lord' (2 Timothy 1:7-8). We never leave Him...Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him."

Paint the Town Red

2010-10-29T10:48:00.011-06:00

Autumn was a little slow in coming here, but it has (finally) officially arrived now. The signs of the season's arrival are all around. We have a jack-o-lantern on our patio. The basil plant succumbed to the cold; all the leaves are shriveled and black. Jackets and scarves (hooray!) are needed in the morning. Soup season has started. Fresh cooked pumpkin has overtaken the kitchen and is finding its way into many recipes (pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pudding, and pumpkin pie). And there are fallen leaves everywhere that MUST be walked through. (I think I might have some kind of deficiency of fall leaf crunching because I grew up with mostly pine needles). Before the trees are completely naked, the horticulturist in me begs to give voice to the colors of the season here.
Many of the trees in this area turn yellow/brown in the autumn (ie, poplar, aspen, willow, green ash, honeylocust, linden, sycamore, most of the oaks). But, there are a few trees worth mentioning individually that are real stand-outs amongst all the golden leaves. Maples are often wonderful showstoppers in the fall. Sugar maples in the northeast provide most of the stunning color. Sugar maples aren't very plentiful here, but other types of maples give quite a show. For example, both the Acer rubrum 'October Glory' (red maple) and Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' (a cross between a red maple and a sugar maple) have brilliant orange-red fall color. The 'October Glory' maple has a nice rounded form and grows to 40' or more, and its fall color can persist for three to four weeks. The 'Autumn Blaze' maple has much more deeply lobed leaves, similar to a silver maple and has extremely long-lasting color. It grows rapidly and is hardy to zone 4 (ie, Iowa wind-chill hardy), and is also quite drought tolerant. Another tree that really caught my attention was the Fraxinus americana 'Autumn Purple'. This is a cultivar of the white ash with a spectacular range of fall color from deep purple, to maroon, to red, finally to yellow-orange. I enjoyed seeing this tree slowly make its color change over an entire month. Another added perk of this tree is that is is male, so there is no messy fruit dropping everywhere (ash trees have a fruit that looks like a canoe paddle).
Finally, a note on one of the lovely native trees with great fall color. Acer grandidentatum (big tooth maple) grows as a large native shrub or small tree from Montana to northern Mexico and is found in Colorado at elevations between 7000-8000'. The leaves are 4" in diameter with blunt edges and nice red-orange fall color. It is often found growing in association with gambel oak, chokecherry, and box elder.

Reason no. 24

2010-10-26T16:51:00.002-06:00

Dear Dallin,

It started simple enough. You were interested in finding a more convenient and accessible place for my cookbooks. Your kind thought soon evolved into a total reorganization of a portion of the kitchen, with amazing results. I love your way of thinking, the kind of thinking that focuses on finding the better way to do something. I love that your way of thinking is so often focused on how to make my life sweeter. You show me your love by your actions, and it means so much.

All my love, Liezel

Nesting

2010-10-25T09:41:00.003-06:00

Our neighbor downstairs moved in recently from upstate New York, and the third day after her arrival she was fixing up her outside patio space. She pulled all the weeds, washed off the fence and concrete, put down new rocks, and set out a fancy outdoor dining table with a stone top. The table is now decorated with an interesting seasonal display of gourds, pumpkins, watering cans, and flower pots. I am intrigued by her creative impulse to make her living space, even a 6' by 6' patio, more beautiful. My mom calls all those instinctual efforts to beautify and create and make a house feel like a home nesting. Birds build and pad their nests mostly for the comfort of their young. In a similar way, I believe these creative desires, these "nesting" efforts are part of the divine character of a woman. It is part of the nurturing nature of women, whether or not they have children, to create an environment for learning and growth. A home that has the feeling of home is one that emulates the feeling of the temple. The temple, of course, uses the very best materials and the finest fabrics and furniture, but the feeling comes by the holy work performed there and the devotion of the people found within its walls. However simple the home, the feeling of holiness is there when creative and inspired efforts build a loving and nurturing place. No creative effort is wasted because creativity toward worthy ends has divine origins.

A Room with a [Gilded] View

2010-10-21T09:17:00.013-06:00

Every day for the past two weeks I look out ANY window in our apartment and have this gorgeous golden-leafed view (from a Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos):

Life is simple, really, and so is this little blessing, but even still, I see many reasons to give thanks. I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful for color and sunshine. I am grateful for windows that help me to see the good right in front of my face. I am grateful for the influence of the Holy Ghost that helps me to choose to recognize my abundance and tend that garden. I am grateful that after the fleeting glory of autumn there still exist the unchanging truths of life: God lives, Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, we are each beloved spirit children of our Father in Heaven, and there is victory over death through the Atonement.

Upward Ever Upward

2010-10-19T14:54:00.010-06:00

We went on a hike that started in the Chautauqua Historic Park on the northern edge of Boulder. Our end destination was near the top of the mountains pictured below. The day was absolutely picturesque, which I am discovering, happens a lot here. I never expected a Colorado fall to be this fantastic, but I keep being surprised. We have had weather in the 70s and 80s for the entire month. At night it cools down to 35 or 40 so we are still getting the coldness required for good color.
These mountains are called the Flatirons and have very interesting steep-angled flat fronts that are immediately recognizable. The hike was only 3 miles and was marked in our guidebook as "moderate", but it gained considerable elevation in a short amount of time. We started at 5710' above sea level and went to 6950'. This low-lander with southern gills was huffing and puffing like a chain smoker, but I did it! Pictured above is the view from the mountain down to Boulder.The triumphant team after about 6600 steps and lots of climbing over rocks (they don't call this Boulder for nothing!). The "Royal Arch" is the entrance to the final ascent and the sort of gateway to completion of your journey. Hoorah!

Paint me a picture

2010-10-15T14:02:00.004-06:00

A recent conversation with some women turned sort of unexpectedly to memories of childhood play. I was fascinated to hear the accounts of each woman; each had a unique picture to paint. One woman reminisced over her pet June bug that she kept in a shoe box padded with cotton swabs. Another woman grew up with chinchillas and chickens and had adventures with her brothers in the empty lot behind their house. Another remembered having Saturday afternoon picnics on a grassy knoll in a small bit of forest close to her house where she would read for hours. My childhood play memories include trying to catch tree frogs and lizards, collecting cicada skins in yogurt cups, hide-and-seek with my brothers and the neighbor boys, creating aerobic-exercise obstacle courses on our driveway, bike rides, playing "house" in the fort my dad built, or going on "camping trips" in tents made from paint drop clothes and PVC pipes.

And so, reader, I am curious--what memories do you have of your play time as a child?

The Power of Association

2010-10-08T11:07:00.014-06:00

The 180th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held last Saturday and Sunday. I love listening to the conference broadcast! I look forward to it for weeks in advance, but despite all the anticipation and preparation I always feel like I come with a one-gallon bucket to receive a veritable deluge of teaching and testimony. So, I play happy little sponge and absorb what I can in the moment.
One of the talks that made an immediate impression on me was Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", which he gave in the Saturday morning session. In particular, the idea of the power of association has made me ponder quite a bit. The ultimate association, of course, is with our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, as expressed in a quote by B.H. Roberts included in Elder Christofferson's remarks:
“The man who so walks in the light and wisdom and power of God, will at the last, by the very force of association, make the light and wisdom and power of God his own—weaving those bright rays into a chain divine, linking himself forever to God and God to him.”
In addition, Elder Christofferson notes the power of association here and now with our fellow men. He taught:
"A consecrated life is a beautiful thing...Of particular significance is the influence of a consecrated man or woman upon others, especially those closest and dearest. The consecration of many who have gone before us and others who live among us has helped lay the foundation for our happiness."
From The Book of Mormon we have the example of Amulek's association with Alma and the potent power of their missionary companionship. Surely the 40+ years of association with the brethren helped men like Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson more fully polish their characters to become Prophets of the church in these latter days.
My own life is so full of powerful and influential associations that it seems unfair to even make a list because I would inadvertantly leave someone of by accident. But, to bring this down to my life and station, I did want to site just one example. Several years ago I worked with a woman about my mom's age named Mollie. She and I became fast friends almost instantly. She adopted me as the daughter she never had. We talked about everything, including religion at great length. She grew up Catholic and was a modern-day saint. On her days off she went to the homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta and worked as a volunteer washing stranger's feet.
In time we talked about all the gospel principles, The Book of Mormon, temples, prophetic authority, and the plan of salvation. I bore my testimony to her on many occasions. She did more than just hear what I would say, she began to incorporate the faith that I expressed to her into the way she spoke to me. For example, I sometimes expressed my concerns about dating and my desire to find someone to marry. Without missing a beat she would say to me with complete conviction, "You know how to pray and you know how to receive answers. You have faith. Why are you worried?" On another occasion I was being hammered by my boss to work on Sundays. Week after week he would call me into his office to see if I would change my mind and just work this one Sunday. I always said no, but after so many confrontations I was beginning to waver a little in my resolution. Just before I was called in again to see my boss, Mollie pulled me aside and looked me straight in the eyes. With incredible fervor she said, "Don't you dare give in. You know the blessings that come from keeping the Sabbath day holy. Don't you dare let him sway you." With her words of courage I was able to tell my boss in no uncertain terms that I could not, nor would not ever work on Sunday, and then I told him why. He never bothered me again.
How grateful I am for Mollie and the power of her association. She taught me. She listened to me. She encouraged me. She had a wonderful way of praising my personal convictions. I know the power of a righteous influence and have been richly blessed because of this influence.

Mouse Musings

2010-10-07T21:24:00.004-06:00

I found a dead mouse on the sidewalk near my apartment yesterday. My very first thought was, "I wonder what kind of mouse life he lived?" Mouse characters abound in children's literature and I immediately started an internal review of every such creature I could think of.
Perhaps he was a mouse like Gus or Jack in Disney's animated version of Cinderella who were all kindness and helpfulness to their trapped friend. Or a Stuart Little type who was on vacation from New York with his human family and tried to befriend the birds here--with sad consequence. I could imagine him as Despereaux from Kate DiCamillo's book with large ears and eyes wide open and courage enough to save a Princess Pea.
These little animal creatures are so appealing to little children because they can see themselves in the character; they relate to someone small and weak, someone with big ideas, but perhaps lacking in courage or strength.
My mind next turned to little children and then with gratitude to the many people of my acquaintance who teach or nurture them. My sister, for example, is in her second year of teaching fifth graders and puts her whole heart and soul into giving them the best possible education.
One of the women I visit teach in my new ward has a very heavy case load teaching elementary aged children with special needs (physical, emotional, and behavioral), and has a depth of passion and compassion for them that is truly humbling.
My friend Katie took a teaching job in a school 40 miles from home in a disadvantaged school working with children with learning disabilities because she hoped to make a difference.
Of course, I also thought of all my college roommates, most recently Heather, who are now mothers and doing such an amazing job at building the next generation.

Oh the [Colorado] places we go!

2010-09-30T21:30:00.007-06:00

Have I mentioned that I love it here? May it be known that I do. Have I mentioned that I am rather smitten with Colorado? It will tell you right now, I am.
Our most recent adventuring included seeing four extreme landscapes in a two day period. We saw a huge hole in the ground (Royal Gorge, Canon City). We experienced a sand dune, or two...or five...(Great Sand Dune National Park and Preserve, near Alamosa). We marveled at aspens in all their autumn glory (10,000+ mountain peaks off Highway 149 in the Rio Grande National Forest near Creede). We explored giant red rocks (Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs).
During the peak of the autumn color viewing on gorgeous mountain roads we had Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring narrating our tour. It was glorious! It was majestic! I felt patriotic seeing America and listening to America and getting to see it all with Dallin, my most excellent traveling companion.

Plant Nerd Gets a New Pet

2010-09-30T21:05:00.004-06:00

My little plant collection grew by one when Dallin (the sweet) gave me a birthday orchid. It is of the Cattleya species, cultivar Haiwaiian Thrill 'Paradise'. I think we will call her Catty for short. This is a young plant, so it may take up to a year before she blooms the first time, but when she does, it will be a vibrant orange with a red lip and very fragrant. The bloom should look something like this:
Catty gets some pretty posh treatment here. A nice sunny window, vitamin water, and other plant friends, like Aloe (who is nice, but can seem a bit prickly on first impression), and African Violet, (who is content, as long as there is no water on her leaves). And Dallin, who supplies regular entertainment and companionship. This morning he danced for the plants. Adorable.

The Great Zuchinni Race

2010-09-15T13:38:00.005-06:00

Think outside the frying pan folks. Put away your food processor. Hold the juicer. This goes way beyond zucchini relish, zucchini gratin, zucchini salsa, or zucchini souffle. We are dawning a new day of usefulness for the piles of oversized zucchini in your garden. Brought to you by some super creative people at the Boulder Creek Hometown Fair Dallin and I saw with our very own eyes the first ever (cue drumroll and obnoxious gameshow announcer voice) GREAT ZUCHINNI RACE! Yup, that's right for a small fee your child can give new life to a neglected garden veggie. Simply attach four wooden wheels and decorate your zuchinni-gone-racecar with an assortment of provided pipe cleaners, glitter, puff paint, tissue paper, and googly eyes. Finished specimen are then fitly equipped for the race they always dreamed of. It's the ten-minute or less pinewood derby for the green-thumb third grader. I call it dang cute.

Gluten-free, round two

2010-09-14T15:49:00.009-06:00

Last month when Dallin was out of town for a week I made some kind of gluten-free baked item every day. There were some real winners from the experiment, like a nice dried fruit Irish scone recipe, a chewy cookie with oatmeal, golden raisins and walnuts, and a sweet potato pie with a almond meal/brown sugar crust. During that week and the weeks since there were also some less than stellar performers, like my attempt to convert a naan recipe to gluten-free (denture-wearers ought not to taste test), or the gluten-free gnocchi that turned to mashed potatoes as soon as it was mixed with other food. We are still perfecting a homemade gluten-free/egg-free waffle without spending six dollars on a store bought mix. Sweet brown rice/tapioca starch combos seem promising, but success continues to allude us. Yesterday was a good day in the amateur gluten-free kitchen. I tried a new recipe for gluten-free Italian amaretti (almond) cookies that turned out pretty well. Egg whites beaten to a frothy state and almond extract give this cookie a very unique flavor and airy texture. Dinner was a Dallin favorite and a good way to say "I love you." Gluten-free AND vegan macaroni and cheese...yes, yes, I hear you. Just trust me, this macaroni and cheese without the cheese tastes amazing. And it means my Dallin has a happy tummy, which is worth a lot.

Practicing

2010-09-08T10:25:00.002-06:00

Dallin and I have been practicing being spontaneous.

Ridiculous isn't it?...we are making plans for spontaneity. Neither one of us are free spirits, though, and this fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants business is not really in our comfort zone. So, occasionally we will be driving and Dallin (who is usually the instigator of such things, his spontaneity impulses being more highly refined than mine) will say, "Let's be spontaneous." And we do, and it is surprisingly delightful.
In our latest sort-of-planned/sort-of-random adventure, Dallin decided to turn down an unfamiliar street instead of going home. In short order we found a custard establishment that was still open. So we got custard because it seemed like a perfectly unplanned thing to do. While we were eating custard we discovered a Mediterranean grocery store and cafe in the same shopping center. So we decided to eat our custard and browse the aisles. It was lovely. We ended up buying a few things on a whim. In the near future we will culminate our spontaneity with a dinner via Turkey. The most interesting impulse buy? Mediterranean sesame fudge (sesame paste, sugar, pistaschios).

Wisdom and order

2010-08-26T15:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Mama Bear, Dallin, and I went to the Denver Botanic Gardens on one of their "free days". It was my first time (during the growing season) to see the property. I am trying to learn Colorado plants, so I took advantage of plant photo opportunities right and left. I enjoyed the various garden rooms and thematic displays (perennial garden, herb garden, prairie garden, scripture garden, rose garden, seasonal flower cutting garden, native flora garden, desert mesa garden, Japanese garden, water garden, etc.) I enjoyed having so much to touch and see and feel and hear. I enjoyed my perfect company.
Towards the end of our day I was able to catch this dragonfly on a lotus pod with just a little Kodak point-and-shoot camera. Dragonflies at the garden were plentiful and busy in their flight patterns and meal acquistion, but they were also very attentive to their resting time. I was impressed by these dragonflies that recognized their abilities and energy level and took needed routine breaks. A particular phrase from Mosiah 4:27 came to mind, "and see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength...therefore, all things must be done in order." A lesson from dragonflies that I needed to remember.

A Favorite Local Adventure

2010-08-20T07:53:00.000-06:00

At around 6:00 am on a clear day with fair winds in the open field across the street from our apartment complex, you might notice an interesting gathering of people. At first glance, you might think it is an overnight camping group packing up from a sleepover under the stars. Upon closer inspection, though, you realize that the people are actually unloading, not loading.

This particular open field is the launching pad for several local hot air balloon companies. Just as the sun is coming up, they arrive in 15-passenger vans with yellow-shirted employees and sleepy-eyed customers and lay out their baskets and colorful balloons.

By 6:30 am they have started to fill the balloons with hot air. Many mornings I have woken to the sound of blowing propane tanks from our open windows. The deep-throated sound makes me think of a tottering old near-sighted troll fogging up his spectacles to clean them.
This morning when I went out to watch, there were five balloons being filled for take-off. The balloons move amazingly fast from half-filled to full and upright. Passengers climb inside the wicker basket, ropes are removed, pictures are taken...

...And lift-off!
The balloons are all up in the air by no later than 7:15 am, each following just one or two minutes behind the previous one traveling wherever the wind may take them.
And the going rate for this unique form of flight technology?
Monday-Friday, $245 per adult, $195 per child
(slightly more on the weekends)

You told me so

2010-08-17T15:13:00.000-06:00

When I would sit obstinately on the piano bench as a little girl arms crossed over my chest, crocodile tears running down my frustrated, scowly face, my mom would say,

"You'll wish you had practiced when you get older."
"You'll wish you could play the piano sometime later in life."

She was right.

I do and I have for several years. Age and maturity have prompted that desire. Hearing my sisters play, (very well!) in over-the-phone piano concerts have intensified that desire. Now add to that the fact that I am married to a musician, and have public school music educators for in-laws!

The good news is, I still have time; and it seems that my opportune time is now. The other good news is, I can pick my own music. No offense to those beginner tunes with ridiculous names like "Quiet Thoughts", "Sun on the Snow", or "Curious Cat", but I never really got into them. Sorry to say I never really felt that burning urge to perfect my little ditty called "String Beans." I am more inclined to pick something far above my playing ability and allow sheer tenacity to rule while I sit for three hours straight trying to hash it out. If I really want to learn a certain piece, I will. Be patient with me, it could be a month or two, but if I really want to, I can. No major progress yet, but I have a song or two under my belt and a few more in the works.

And, Mom, you were right.
You are always right.

And this makes me happy too.

2010-08-13T20:21:00.000-06:00

First tomato harvest from the vegetable garden on our patio!

You make me happy.

2010-08-13T19:59:00.000-06:00

Dallin and I received some fantastic wedding gifts. For example, the Airbake cookie sheets have somehow improved my cookie baking skills ten fold (thanks Aunt Sanny!) Simple as it is I love my $10 or less citrus juicer; it works like a charm and does its job in a jiffy. All the wonders of gluten-free baking are mine for the taking with our super-dandy grain grinder (Mum, you are amazing!) My sister Molly read my mind and got us the Haslam family special occasion staple, a red "you are special today" plate (I love you Molly!) We have knives in their perfected form from Cutco (thanks Mama Bear!), a cherry wood salad bowl set that makes just salad look like a gourmet meal, an ice cream maker, a rice cooker, etc.
BUT, my favorite wedding gift in the category of low (monetary) input for high (happiness) output is without a doubt our shower curtain. It makes me smile everyday. Oh, and here's a shout-out to the monkeys-eat-bananas Pagets that helped unite this monkey with her Kermit. Love you!

Contribute.

2010-08-09T22:08:00.000-06:00

Last week Dallin and I visited the campus here in Boulder, which I have admired from afar ever since I moved here. The architecture is what I would expect from the front range/almost the prairie/but sort of the desert. It has Romanesque roots, but tries to be southwestern and kind of pueblo-mission, and also reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright, with lots of straight lines, and stable horizontality. Okay, that was really random, and unfortunately we didn't have our camera during our walking tour. Just trust me, it fits the landscape. All the buildings are terra cotta and wheat colored, which is impressively beautiful against the summer green of the Flatiron Mountains.
During the course of our walk we found the word "CONTRIBUTE" in large block capital letters stamped conspicuously in the sidewalk. I have been thinking of that ever since--or it has been haunting me, more like. I guess I am overly sensitive to feel guilty over a word stamped in a square of sidewalk, but I have been wondering, "Am I contributing?" "To what should I contribute?" Sometimes I feel the need to validate my efforts as a human being. So I am mulling here about me and that contributing state of being.

I recycle. And I love to do it. I think I might even be a little bit of a recycling Nazi because Dallin will sometimes be in mid-arm swing over the trashcan with a tuna can or a milk carton and I, in shock, will call him out on his grave misdeed (over-dramatization).
If possible, I ride my bike or walk rather than drive the car. I am contributing to clean air (and my high altitude lung capacity).
I plant flowers. I have an organic vegetable garden. I am making a contribution to honey bee survival. I am making a contribution to the beauty of the earth even if I only have a very little bit of earth to tend.
I keep a journal, and have for the last fifteen years. I am making a contribution toward my family history work, record keeping, my writing skills, and good penmanship.
I run a tidy home. I love to clean. I am contributing to bad germ elimination. I vacuum regularly. I get a little delight from clean counters and a mopped floor.
I still use the good old post office of the United States to regularly send homemade cards, handwritten letters, and care packages just because. I contribute to the smile of surprise at the mailbox.
I say please and thank you. I smile at strangers. I give people the benefit of the doubt. I contribute to those little old-fashioned nice-ties that make small ripples for good.
I love my family. I love my friends. I love my Dallin. I contribute to the happiness of the people in my circle of influence.

Snapshots from a time and place

2010-08-06T21:25:00.001-06:00

When I walk to the end of our road and do a 360 degree turn at sunset on a clear night, this is my view. The clouds in this part of the country are more often than not spectacular and full of color. I love the rural open space feeling; it is an interesting mix of Utah and Iowa. Mountains, plains, meadows, bluffs, and lots of unobstructed sky.
I have started to get a feel for the character of this place. The common vegetation are scrubby, hardy trees like cottonwood, Russian olive, blue spruce, and scotch pine. Some more cultivated ornamental trees include linden, ash, honeylocust, crabapple, bur oak, white oak, and many kinds of maple. Perennial flower gardens are common and lovely. I have been pleasantly surprised to see many flower gardeners here who grow things like penstemon, columbine, Russian sage, lavender, yarrow, coneflower, and clematis.
There is a distinct local culture and clearly defined preferences here. For example, vehicle of choice? Subaru Outback, complete with all-wheel drive, bike rack, and dog hanging out the window. Most common routine purchase? Organic produce. Favorite Friday night hang-out? The prepared food section of Whole Foods. Restaurant of choice? Anything Tibetan. Favorite weekend pastime? Hiking, biking, kayaking, tubing, etc. Stereotypical residents? Hippie eco-tistical free spirits. Most common exercise establishment? Yoga studios. A historic must see? Chautauqua Auditorium, which has hosted summer music programs every year since 1898. Claim to fame? Bolder Boulder 10 km road race every Memorial Day since 1979. Beware of the...? Halloween naked pumpkin run, a tradition since 1998, (runners have hollowed out pumpkins on their heads and shoes on their feet...nothing more...) What will you NOT find here? Wal-Mart.
Eclectic. Interesting. Beautiful. Earth-loving. Colorful. Health conscious. Peaceful. Home.

Perfect

2010-08-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday in Sunday School a portion of the lesson came from 1 Kings 17:8-16, which is the widow of Zaraphath's faithful response to fed the prophet Elijah. We watched a short Old Testament DVD account of this story and then had a discussion of doctrine and impressions. My overwhelming thought was simply this: The timing of the Lord is perfect. The feeling satisfied my little pocket-full of purposes for my fast. I have nothing more to elaborate on that point. Those seven words are sufficient for me.
The timing of the Lord is perfect.
I know that.

Reason no. 1

2010-07-28T18:46:00.001-06:00

Dear Dallin,
This is what started it all.

It was summer. It was Georgia. It was the Paget's living room. It was a little crazy. It was me dancing like a wild monkey with hyper children. And it was you making a violin sing. It was magical. It was an all new Dallin that I hadn't noticed before. And in that moment I think I feel in love. How I love to hear you play! Keep that magic alive. Your violin playing was then, and remains for me now, my reason number one.

Love always, Liezel

Gluten-free goddess (in training)

2010-07-23T09:48:00.000-06:00

I have goddess envy--gluten-free goddess envy. I am a stalker of this blog http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/ and just don't seem to have her touch. This goddess posts a plethora of amazing gluten-free recipes in twenty different categories with gorgeous finished product pictures, yet try as I might my gluten-free baking always falls a little short of her high standard (no pun intended). Perhaps she will take an apprentice? Gluten-free baker certification might look nice on a resume.
Currently, I have more failures than successes. Like my gluten-free pumpkin muffins, which had nice texture, but the taste was questionable. Or my gluten-free quinoa peanut butter cookies--amazing taste, but required a five minute soaking in almond milk in order to be edible. My bread machine recipe for gluten-free bread is at about 85% satisfaction, good taste, texture is still a little heavy. And then there was the lemon poppy seed muffins that weren't even fit as food for the ducks.
Amongst all my hockey pucks and door stops of baked goods, though, there has been one overwhelming success. The gluten-free banana bread I made was spectacular (if you can handle that it didn't get a nice rise in the center of the loaf like its gluten counterparts.) The texture and taste (together at the same time!) were perfect. It was moist, it held together, you didn't gag on it trying to chew or swallow, it wasn't so thick that it got stuck in your throat half way down, and our apartment smelled like a banana paradise while it was baking.
Dallin, gem that he is, though, thinks everything I create is wonderful--except for the lemon poppy seed disaster, we were in mutual disdain over that one. His approval of my efforts is always good motivation to keep at it. I also refuse to be beaten by millet flour, potato starch, or xanthum gum. I will triumph, I will, I will.
Actually though, my real impetus for all these hours of what sometimes seems fruitless labors is about love. This is all for the "fatten-Dallin-up-while-being-easy-on-his-system" campaign. If I can have a success every once in a while and know that it is helping him, it is all worth it.

Summer Is...

2010-07-21T13:19:00.000-06:00

wearing flip flops. eating watermelon. picnics under a perfect sky. carefree. spontaneous. relaxing.

Summer is also ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles. What is it about ice cream that is so memorable? Why is the recollection of frozen sweetness from bygone days so delectably enduring? Perhaps we have brain triggers for pleasure that are distinctively aligned on our cold-treats-in-sultry-weather experiences. I certainly have a healthy collection of them: Homemade lemonade popsicles in the freeze-it-yourself tray on the back porch by the marigolds in Omaha, age five. Pralines and cream BlueBell ice cream direct from the source in Brenham, Texas eaten in a field of bluebonnets and indian paintbrushes, age eight. Mint chocolate chip ice cream cones from the Randall's grocery store, age nine. Dad's blender-made orange julius smoothies for a family home evening treat, age eleven. T.C.B.Y's white chocolate mousse and raspberry swirl in a waffle cone as a reward for good grades, age thirteen. And Coldstone with Sarah and Nikki and Lina. And Baskin Robbins with Julia and Kira. And Brusters with Jenni and Mia. And Blue Bunny with Mom and Lauren. And Ben & Jerry's with Katie. And homemade creations with Dallin in our own ice cream maker. Hoorah for summer!

Home-making

2010-07-15T15:53:00.001-06:00

So it's not a temple landscape and it's not a real yard, but friends and neighbors, Liezel has a bit of earth! Here's to colorful Colorado and more green-thumbing in my new home. Here's to that wonderful process of planting, tending, maintaining, and patiently waiting for the fruit. A good reminder of what a wonderful marriage takes--consistent tending and joy all through the process.

Eternal Convergence

2010-07-14T19:12:00.001-06:00

These pictures were in our wedding reception slide show and inspired a blog idea. Dallin and I were both roughly six months old and progressing equally along a normal developmental pattern. As we grew, though, we slowly diverged in our development pace, personal interests, and skills. About three weeks ago we created an eternal kind of reconnection in our earthly development. Marriage is the reconnecting point, or at least the beginning of a convergence. As we were dating I was amazed by our similar interests and now as a married couple continue to be amazed by the connection points that we have and are discovering. What a beautiful thing to find your eternal companion and have mutually enriching couple development on so many levels. I am grateful for my Dallin and his gentle heart. I am grateful for his generous, considerate attention. I am grateful for his homemade breakfast every morning. I am grateful for his good mornings. I am grateful for his kisses goodnight. I am grateful for being able to hold his hand for always. I am grateful for our growth time together. I am grateful for this sweet and rewarding relationship that creates unity. I am grateful for temple marriage as ordained by God.

Dad's hands

2010-06-19T21:55:00.001-06:00

My dad is the one that taught me how to peel an orange. He would sit at the head of the kitchen table in his pajamas just before my bedtime, a cluster of two, sometimes three oranges arranged in front of him. There was a certain close of the back door that my ears seemed to know; a sound that meant my dad had brought the oranges in from the box in the garage. I would scurry in and take a seat beside him, tucking my knees up under my chin to watch. One at a time he would roll the fruit in his big hands, looking for that perfect spot to start peeling. I think he liked the familiar oily texture of the skin because no matter how long he rolled the orange around in his hands, he always picked the same place to start peeling—sinking his teeth in just enough to pull out a piece on the stem end. It was magic to me as a young girl to see the steady, deliberate way he used thumb and fingers to weave around and around the fruit. As more and more of the orange flesh was exposed, the curl of peel got longer and longer, dangling just above the surface of the table. With the last section of peel removed, my dad would quickly divide the orange in two, handing me half. Sometimes Dad would tell a story or two while we ate our oranges, memories of the Idaho farm, his favorite cows and the family dog, Caesar.

I realize now that my Dad speaks his love with his hands. Love communicated through handmade wood creations finished in the wee hours of the morning to be ready for Christmas morning. Love communicated through unsolicited back and shoulder rubs as I ate breakfast or did homework. Love communicated through his work in the garden, in cultivating the land to bring a bounteous harvest for his family. Love communicated in as simple a thing as peeling an orange and sharing half with me. I love you Dad. Happy Father’s Day.

Quiet goodbye

2010-05-05T19:26:00.000-06:00

Picture this: 5:45 pm, I-285 rush-hour bumper-to-bumper evening traffic in Atlanta the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, Iowa-trained driver behind the wheel of a 17' U-Haul truck with a tow bar hauling an Acura Legend, and Ray Charles' "Georgia on my Mind" playing on the radio. That was me almost seven years ago when I arrived in the state for my very first "real" job. My departure will be much less dramatic. Lunch with friends, one more drive down the connector, and an evening flight to the west.
In the last few weeks, there has been much looking back, much reminiscing, and recalling pleasant memories of this home-away-from-home for all these years. When I make my quiet exit there will be trails of pictures scattered behind me like colored confetti thrown over my shoulder catching the breeze and slowly weaving downward. I will remember Eden-like springtime with dogwoods and azaleas. I will remember the magnolias and hydrangeas, the smell of gardenia after a summer evening rainstorm. I will remember whipped topping clouds that tell stories and cool autumn mornings. I will remember the daphne and camellias of winter. I will remember kudzu, and boiled peanuts, and peaches, and collard greens, and fried green tomatoes, and Vidalia onions. I will remember kayaking on the Chattahoochee River, climbing Stone Mountain, apple picking, and garden hopping. I will remember the rainstorms and the rainbows. I will remember my mornings with the cardinals and Moroni. I will remember all my travels with Tilly (may she rest in peace). I will remember the granola co-op and the Arab meze party. I will remember the farmer's market and planting season. I will remember the temple. I will remember creative writing and bike-ride commuting. I will remember institute and visiting teaching. I will remember tunnel and cutting cardboard. I will remember throwing out and bedding up. I will remember customers and shipments. I will remember finding myself and letting go of fear. I will remember Easter picnics and ASO concerts. I will remember bell choir and oil painting. I will remember live oaks and Spanish moss. I will remember tubing and ice cream at Bruster's. I will remember all the closet prayers. I will remember the tender mercies. I will remember my answers.
And I remember the people and the kindred sprits and the friendships. I will remember my Relief Society sisters. I will remember my temple sisters. I will remember so many faces and stories. Natalie. Jenni. Sarah. Tarryn. Amber. Nikki. Benjamin. Brooke. Christiana. Mia. Eryn. Stephen. Rreza. Hannah. Tamra. The Cheesman's. The Heaton's. Mollie. Roger. Germaine. Janet. Julia. Tim. Yvonne. Hitomi. Sprice. Ginger. Becky. Irikefe. Leslie. Dawan. Amy. Melanie.
Georgia has been good to me and I will remember her.

Reason no. 82

2010-05-02T22:14:00.001-06:00

Dear Dallin,

I love sharing an umbrella with you. Just thought you should know. That is all.

Love always, Liezel