Pretty Girl

Yesterday I had my second ultrasound to double-check baby's kidneys.  Good news: all is well!  We have offered many, many prayers in her behalf!  She is normal in every way.  We got a classic profile view of her--as an added bonus.  While the ultrasound technician hovered in the profile position, baby let out a big yawn and then smacked her lips and wiggled her tongue.  It was very cute.  She has the very same little pug nose as Ezra.  Hello pretty girl!

I am six months pregnant now, and most definitely looking the part.  At church last Sunday, I got a silent chuckle a dozen times over as women in the ward made eye contact, and then noticed my newly protruding tummy.  No one said anything, but it wasn't too hard to guess their thoughts.  Random children at the park are much more precocious.  I have gotten a number of wide-eyed queries from those in the under-ten category.

Ezra continues to respond to talk of the soon-to-arrive baby.  He has started adopting any small, soft cuddly object as his "baby", including a fuzzy fleece blanket that he folds and tucks up under his arm.  Sometimes he will rub my tummy and say affectionately, "Baby GIRL."  (He has figured out that he is a boy, and baby is a girl).  Last week we went to a kid's consignment sale and I got a dozen or so clothes items for baby.  Ezra was fascinated; he carried the little outfits around as if he were holding the real baby.  I am not sure how his impressions and feelings will change when she actually arrives, but for right now he seems to be romanticizing the idea of the baby.    

Happy Birthday Dallin!

 Comfort food...

 birthday surprises...

and pumpkin pie...I think it was a good one!

Lots of love, Liezel

New Favorite Thing

Dallin (lover of kitchen gadgets) received a Microplane Zester for Christmas.  I love recipes that include fresh citrus, and I use his tool often.  Before just a few months ago, I was using a duller-than-dull cheese grater for my zesting--with mixed results and battle wounded fingers/knuckles.  I am currently in love with this new kitchen toy.  Lemon and lime zesting is pure aromatherapy for my senses.  If only I were Jane and could have a lime tree in my backyard, hmmm....

Dear Inventor of Microplane Zester,

All I can say is: Genius!

Sincerely yours,
Liezel  

Baby Girl!

In case you missed the news, my little occupant is a girl!  The 20-week (half-way done!) ultrasound was yesterday.  I had no inkling whatsoever about the sex of the baby, but Dallin was firmly convinced it was a girl--and he was right!  She is growing like a champ, and every thing is perfect except for one small it-might-be-nothing-but-we-will-double-check-anyway issue with her kidneys.  Apparently, her kidneys are larger than they should be, but my doctor reassured me at least three times that it is common, and an isolated issue, and will likely resolve itself.  I am scheduled to have a re-check ultrasound in a month to look at her kidneys again.

During the entire ultrasound baby was head down, feet straight up in the air, face down.  She was not to be disturbed, and never changed position!  So, we have some really nice ultrasound photos of her spine and the back of her head (he he).  Sorry, no classic profile pictures to share...maybe next month we will get lucky.

This whole pregnancy thing is feeling more real now that I know baby is a girl.  I have lots to daydream about...

Zoo!

Ezra is in love with animals.  He takes a particular fancy in lions, owls, and giraffes.  We look at animal books constantly.  He is quick to point out the obscure animal in the corner of the illustration that has nothing to do with the plot line--like the mouse under the chair or the butterfly on the leaf.  Husband and I recently decided to nurture his fancy and get a zoo membership.  We are currently quite close to downtown; I can get from the house to the front door of the zoo in an easy 25 minutes.  Today the weather was perfect, so we took our first adventure.

As we prepared to leave for the zoo this morning, Ezra was excitedly calling out (repeatedly) "an-mul" (animal), "zoo", and then proceeded to rattle off as many animals as he could think of:
 "Zebra?"
"Yes, we will see zebras."
"Lion?"
"Yes, lions live at the zoo, too."
"Bear?"
"Bears, yes, we will see bears."
"Jaff?"
"Yes, many giraffes live at the zoo."

(You get the idea.)  Ezra included dinosaur in that list, as well.

The little guy could hardly contain himself.  When we arrived, he shrieked with joy.

The lion display sits just inside the front entrance, and, lucky for us, the two lion cubs were up and active.  A solid piece of display glass was all that separated us and the noses of the lions.  Ezra was happy as a clam.

We also saw our zebras, bears, and giraffes--along with a whole bucket of others common and those more obscure.  Ezra giggled at a pair of honky geese, tried to mimic some monkey calls, growled at the cheetah, and had compassion for all the sleepy animals.  "Ni-night,"  he cooed to the daddy lions who were always sleeping.

We ate lunch by the train station, and Ezra thrilled every time the familiar "choo-chooooo" call came circling around again.  Five minutes into our return trip Ezra conked out, very content.

One-Man Band

Ezra is one lucky kid. 

His daddy has turned into a singin', dancin' fool lately.  We enjoy his highly entertaining, completely random and spontaneous concerts after good dinners.  And now that I am cooking again, husband is fat (ish...) and happy, and he has music to share, folks!  Sometimes daddy is an opera star full of vibrato and passion, other times life is his musical and he gives musical expression to his kitchen cleaning activities.  Sometimes, backwoods country hoedown comes toe-tapping right through the kitchen.  Sometimes, he is all about rhythm, the "um-chick-a-um" revebrating from any available body part.  I am just as fascinated by it as Ezra.  I can't figure how or where the sudden inspiration comes from, but I love it.  Ezra probably believes that every kid gets serenaded by their daddy after dinner.  At any rate, husband keeps it lively around here with his one-man band.

(And, no I don't have any video evidence.  It's rude to get up during a concert, after all.  Trust me, it happens.)      

More Words, Please

For better or for worse, Ezra has learned that dreaded two-letter toddler favorite..."no!"  After his bath yesterday he was giggling wildly and repeating over and over "oh no! (giggle) "no, no!" (giggle) "no! oh no!"  I have done my best to not use that word, and instead re-direct his attention with a positive word instead, but he learned it, in spite of my efforts!

We have also been practicing "please" and "thank you"--aided by a great series of board books specifically designed to teach manners (Penguin Says Please, Mouse Says Sorry, Polar Bear Says Thank You, etc).  He seems to understand the context of both please and thank you.  For example, during a recent visit to the library, the librarian gave Ezra a stamp on his hand.  I prompted him to say thank you, and he did!  He version sounds like "dink you".  The word please has made quite an impression, and he uses it often without any prompting.  For example, he may ask for something by saying "more" (more books, more songs, more strawberries...) and if that doesn't work, he will look at me earnestly and say "please" (his version sounds like "pease".)  It completely melts my softie heart.  Who could help but respond?  And so we read five more books and sing ten more songs.

Ezra and I have conversations about the baby in my tummy.  He is very keen to the baby now.  If I rub my tummy, even just a little, he calls out, "Baby, baby!"  Lately, he wants to read books that highlight babies, so we have been reading a lot of Peter and the Troll Baby, The Rainbabies, and Freckleface Strawberry.

Speaking of baby, last week I started feeling flutters of baby movement.  This week I am getting full-on karate kicks, usually on my left side.  For such a little person (about 5 ounces) I am impressed by the strength behind the kicking!  Hello future soccer player!  And, in other good news, I am finally coming out from under the nausea cloud.  I have mostly good days now, aside from being constantly hungry and sleepy.  Hoorah!          

Solo Flight

Last month my sister Lauren left for a teach-English program in Ukraine.  Yesterday, my sister Kristen left for her own teach-English program in China.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  Their solo flight adventuring will be so enriching for them both.  The program requires that they jump into a classroom with little (if any!) formal training and prepare daily English-language lesson plans for elementary-age children five days a week.  It is a culture shock and steep-learning curve, but somehow it is done--with a lot of soul-searching and earnest preparation, no doubt. 

My own solo flight, though considerably more tame, made me the person that I am.  There is something about being out on your own that finishes off the training of good parents.  My maturity in all aspects improved after I had time to learn, make mistakes, and experience more of the world by myself.

I see the wisdom in our Heavenly Father's plan to allow us to leave the pre-mortal life for an earth life experience.  Life on earth is all about growing, learning, teaching, and choosing the good part.  Agency is an incredible gift!  I know that I had opportunity to grow and develop in the pre-mortal life, but earth life is like the solo flight--the expanded opportunity to prove ourselves.

The genius of the Father's plan is that despite our needful solo flight on earth, we are never left completely alone.  Even as we struggle to learn and improve, we have access to prayer, inspiration from the Holy Ghost, priesthood blessings, the words of the scriptures and living prophets, and the power of the Atonement.  As we use our agency to access these divine gifts, our opportunities for suceess on earth are maximized.             

Snow Day

We got a healthy snowfall last night, which created a nice diversion for Ezra and me from the normal daily activities.  All bundled up from head to toe, we ventured out for awhile.  My little guy was up to his knees in snow!  I tried to make a snowman, but Ezra destructed as fast as I could construct.  I gave him rides on the snow shovel (no sleds to be found here).  We made snow angels and tried to eat snowflakes.  It was a nice way to spend a morning.  And, as an added bonus, I wore Ezra out.  He usually kicks and babbles in his crib for half an hour before actually taking his nap.  Today, he was out in about three minutes.   

Look Upward

A number of years ago, when I was a college student, I had a summer internship in another state.  I packed light, but somehow an obscure collection of hymns on cassette tape ended up in my car; I listened to it often.  One of the selections on that tape was a hymn I had, previous to that point, never heard of--"Does the Journey Seem Long?"  Soon, I had memorized all the verses to that particular hymn. 

One evening, I returned to the intern housing quite late.  My thoughts were particularly gloomy, and I had given in to self-pity over my situation.  I was missing home and family, and wishing for different circumstances.  Feeling heavy and sad, I walked the distance from my car, up the hill to the apartment.  As I walked, gently, but perfectly clearly, the words from the third verse of the hymn "Does the Journey Seem Long?" came to my mind: 

Let your heart be not faint
Now the journey's begun;
There is One who still beckons to you.
So look upward in joy
And take hold of his hand;
He will lead you to heights that are new

As I walked I did look up, literally.  The night sky in that rural setting was all aglow with twinkling stars that seemed especially bright.  I felt in my heart that I was not alone or forgotten.  The message of the hymn provided great comfort, and in that quiet moment I could feel the love of my Father in Heaven. 

The Holy Ghost brings truth to our minds in powerful ways.  I humbly acknowledge how this truth, then and now, gives me courage to press forward.  The Savior Jesus Christ offers us the gift of His Atonement.  All that is unfair about life is made right through His Atonement.  The Atonement is the balm for all hurts, pains, disappointments, and regrets.  It enables us to do hard things.  It lifts, encourages, and heals.     

All Better!

Ezra is feeling better!  Hip hip hooray!

He is also adding new words at a rapid rate!  I am impressed with his verbal skills, which have really escalated in the past month.  His new favorite thing is to imitate my words.  Ezra has his own version of dozens of words that are common in his little world (shoes, bowl, shirt, book, cheese, lion, owl, dog, bath, bubbles, diaper, play, park, snack, juice, noodle, eggs...etc.)  He also makes a good attempt at his own name, which comes out sounding something like "E-rah". 

Quiet Life

Ezra and I have been pretty hobbit-ish of late.  In an effort to keep our germs to ourselves, and not get exposed to anything new, we stay home most days.  Books are our chief entertainment, and I am so grateful Ezra has an insatiable appetite for reading.  The little guy has interesting taste for a 16-month old.  His two favorites are The Pout-Pout Fish and Weslandia.  
 The latter is a picture book meant for probably third or fourth graders and tells the tale of Wesley, a nerdy, creative genius who determines to cultivate his own staple crop and establish his own civilization as a summer enrichment project.  I have to wonder what Ezra is soaking up for future reference.  He does love to play in the dirt... 

p.s.--Wikipedia encyclopedia entry describes some of the author's deeper social critiques underlying the basic plot.  Interested readers? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weslandia

Learning to See

My youth Sunday School lesson for this coming Sunday addresses the question, "How can I learn to see Heavenly Father's hand in all things?"  It has been an interesting thing to consider.  As I reflect on past experiences I can cite dozens of examples of seeing Heavenly Father work in my life; I certainly have a testimony that He is most intimately aware of me.  Considering that question this week has been a blessing, and a needed shift in perspective.

After a nasty weekend of sickness, and a Monday morning doctor visit, Ezra got his diagnosis: bronchitis and an ear infection in both ears.  He (we) have been pretty miserable.  He hasn't eaten much of anything since Saturday.  Keeping fluids in him is a challenge.  He sleeps lousy, and everything hurts.  Administering his medicine(s) is painful.  He needs breathing treatments via a nebulizer multiple times a day.  It all adds up to no fun.

And then, I learn (and it's still in progress!) to see Heavenly Father's hand in all things.  I see, for example, how my health has made small improvements, such that I actually have mental and emotional energy to care for a sick boy.  I am still throwing up, but it is usually after Ezra has gone to bed, and I see how timing has been a blessing.  I see how my prayers were answered in getting a doctor's appointment at our very popular/very busy pediatrician's office with our doctor, early on the day we needed it.  I see prayers answered that Ezra will just sleep through the night, or that he will drink his juice.  I see the blessing of good medical insurance.  I see the blessing of Bear, Ezra's comfort item, who has been a great help this last week.  I see the gift of priesthood blessings.

As an additional bonus blessing, our little orchid is blooming and giving its sweet fragrance this week.  There are three perfect blooms, and I smile to think of Heavenly Father's hand quietly working to bring a little extra cheer to each member of our family.     

And, my other news...

Yesterday, a doctor visit confirmed that I am pregnant!  I was making a very similar post almost two years ago, which means that new baby will be almost exactly two years younger than Ezra.  My due date is August 2.

The other story of my lack of blog posts is the result of first trimester nausea in the extreme.  It hit me in the face in early December much more intensely than with Ezra.  I was pretty low-functioning for the greater part of December.  Just before our trip to Utah for Christmas, I ended up in the ER on account of my inability to keep anything in, even water, for a three day period.  It was a struggle to just breathe in and out for a time, but enough of that.

The good news is, Thanksgiving was early, so I was done with all my Christmas shopping before December even started.  I had a few good days early in the month for some small outings, including helping at Teancum's birthday party.  Dallin is an angel.  Seriously, I can't do this without an angel husband, and I have one of the best.  He was mom and dad, baby entertainer, and had cook-and-clean-up duty for most of the month.  The other huge blessing was going to Utah at the peak of the yuckies.  My mom took care of me and my family.  They actually had regular, good-tasting meals, and entertainment!  What a blessing!

This little baby has some serious tenacity and staying power considering all we have been through!  Doctor says all is well and growth is on-track.  It is exciting and difficult all at the same time, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

In Review

A whole month has gone by since that last post!  Eek!  I am playing catch-up for the month of December and Christmas, which is a very sad way to document one of the best times of the year, but it is what it is.

In early December we set up Christmas lights inside and out of the house and Ezra was entranced.  The entire cul-de-sac also had outdoor lights.  The best displays on the street were done by our two closest neighbors, so Ezra had great eye candy out the front windows at night.

Most of the time Ezra just admired the tree...

...until he discovered that pretty lights are good for wearing!

Dowtown Golden hosts a "Candlelight Christmas" every year, a free event featuring candlelight caroling down Main Street, a terrific lights display, performing groups, and hot cider.  We braved the crowds and really enjoyed ourselves.

 As members of the Denver Botanic Garden, we also got free tickets to the "Blossoms of Light" garden lights display, boasting over a million lights.  There were a number of strategically located mistletoe balls for kissing opportunities; we took advantage of at least four such opportunities!

After a couple one-two punch rounds of the sickies, we pulled ourselves together in late December and flew to Salt Lake City for a much anticipated vacation with my family.

The traditional Christmas Eve sibling/spouse/friend couch picture.

Cute parents, and patient hosts of eleven busy (needy) people, including two full-of-energy toddlers.

Cousins dressed up in Christmas Sunday best (clothes from Grandma).  Fruit snacks kept them still.

On Christmas Day we all bundled up, and went out to play in the snow for awhile.

Bear Gymnastics

Ezra and Bear are preparing for their forthcoming circus performance.  Ezra is the hard-nosed task master, Bear the agile performer.  Gymnastic practice sessions have been a regular occurrence at our house of late.  Ezra tells me that Bear has greatly improved his front flip; back flip still needs some more work.

p.s.--I usually post all of our videos to this site: http://www.youtube.com/user/phatfiddle.  This particular video was especially cute, so I included it on the blog as well. 

Touchy-Feely in the Garden

We make good use of our botanic garden membership.  I am one of those strange people who thinks the garden is beautiful even in December.  Ezra and I made a visit today and were two of the ten (or less) patrons in the entire place.  I let the little guy walk the whole garden, and we took a rather serpentine route with Ezra in the lead.  We had quite the sensory experience, touching any interesting looking plant, rock, or structure within reach.  We found (among others) rosemary, sage, lavender, thyme, and about six different grass seed heads good for tickling noses.  In the tropical conservatory he made contact with about twenty genera of plants and was fascinated by the poison dart frogs in the display case.

Bear was also along for the adventure; the two of them are inseparable lately.  I think Bear enjoyed his day too, though he was dropped half a dozen times and came home with a dirty nose.

Ezra was rather giddy at the garden with all the freedom and options for exploring--not to mention the joy of being outside for more than an hour.  His new word is "happy" and his rosy cheeks and toothy grin were all happiness today.   

More Books

Ezra's top five activities include being outside, reading books, exploring/learning, playing with bear, and playing with mom and/or dad.  This list can be interchanged, but generally it follows this order.

Ezra is more likely to wander around the grassy field at the park looking for pine cones and "fluffies" (dandelion seed heads) rather than play on the playground equipment.  Ezra is more likely to empty the kitchen utensil drawer and explore its contents than empty his toy bucket.  Ezra is more likely to read a book than play with trucks.

His fascination with books has been apparent for awhile.  We go to the library often and check out between 15-20 books per visit.  We are likely to read about eight a day, often the same three books six times over again.  His favorite two words come in handy with this favorite activity: "more" (as in "more books") and "up" (as in "pick me up, Mom, so we can read").  Lately, his favorite type of book is the picture/concept book (A, B, C's or 1, 2, 3's or colors).  He likes to play a Q&A game with me based on the pictures.  For example, we look at a page with a red tulip, a yellow banana, a green ball, a blue car, etc. and I ask, "Where's the ________?"  He loves it; I guess he gets a sense of satisfaction even at this young age in feeling informed and prepared with a right answer.

I enjoy reading most any book to Ezra, but after checking out easily 200+ books in the last six or seven months, I definitely have some "mommy favorites".

I have several in the "clever" category.  These books do not necessarily have great story lines or memorable characters, but they do use a completely new twist to explore a common idea.  For example, Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal uses a lively interchange over cloud shapes and explores two equally valid perceptions.  Orange Pear Apple Pear by Emily Gravett has darling illustrations and a five word text (!) combined into witty combinations.

Owen by Kevin Henkes is a little mouse boy with a well-loved blanket (something tells me this dad had a little one with a similar story!)  I love the tone; it is so connected to the emotional attachment with a snuggly thing.  Neville by Norton Juster is a story of a boy who moves to a new place and doesn't like it...never heard that one before, right?  But, it has such a pleasant, wholly unexpected resolution.  It made me smile, and I think it sends a very positive message about using initiative to solve your own problems.  Here's another commonly heard story, with a happy surprise ending:  Wolf! Wolf! by John Rocco is a clever Aesop's Fable adaption.

Happy Reading!

Thanksgiving!

We hosted Thanksgiving for ten people and it went wonderfully well!  I had fun decorating the table with Mama Bear's pretty special occasion tableware, plus some Liezel creative touches.  My sweetheart and I decided to brine our turkey (a 25 lb. bird) using this Food Network recipe: Alton Brown Good Eats Roast Turkey; it was perfect.

We contributed other traditional hot foods (mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, stuffing), but our guests made the dinner exceptionally good.  Tanya brought a delectable traditional Ukrainian holiday vegetable side dish.  Mara wowed us all with special corn bread muffins, jello salad, Medjool date-bacon-and-ricotta-cheese wraps and two amazing desserts.  There was a lot of umming at our table.

We broke with tradition (slightly) and used green pumpkin seeds as our "kernels" for counting our blessings.  I reviewed my journal a few days before Thanksgiving, and (wow!) it has been an incredible year.  Picking just three kernels to mention at our Thanksgiving table was difficult.  Among a great many things that I am very grateful for this year, I mentioned:

1. Dallin.  My sweetheart, my best friend, my helper, my team-mate (and we make a really good team), and super-dad.  We survived the first year of being parents (together).  We moved again and survived that transition (together).  We made a whole new year of memories and adventuring (together).  I would be a mess without Dallin and all his help and great love.
2. Ezra.  My little sweetie boy is my sunshine during the day and is most excellent company.  Being a mom is not for the faint of heart, and it has not been easy, but I don't know what I would do without my little Ezra.  He is clever and cute and soooo fun.
3. Roslyn and John.  I am so grateful they are having a wonderful time in China.  I am so grateful they are serving a mission and seeing a whole new world.  I am so grateful they have this opportunity.  I am so grateful they are in good health.  I am so grateful for their immense generosity in letting us live in their house.                  

Oh, and another great perk of our Thanksgiving was seeing the cousins together (after an almost 3-month gap).  Happy, busy boys!  

Indeed!

Political cartoon clipped from The Economist, November 3, 2012, p.8

Growing Up

Yesterday Ezra and I went to the children's garden at our local botanic garden.  They have a nice set-up with paved walking paths, boardwalks, small drawbridges, activity centers, exploring zones, and interesting plant material.
There were about twenty other kids around, so like a good protective mommy of my little tike, I tried to take Ezra's hand and guide him safely to the boardwalk.  He would have none of that; big boys don't need to hold mom's hand.  I think I looked very much like first-time mom hovering nearby, cautious and perhaps a bit too apprehensive.  All the other moms seemed to have this relaxed, healthy-distance-casual-observance stance.  I suppose I am still adjusting to my little guy becoming not so little.  He is a confident walker, and craves his independence, so I am coming to terms with backing off a little.  I have the feeling this will be a continual readjustment; the balance between protecting Ezra and giving him the opportunity to grow and stretch.

This is me trying really hard not to be an overprotective helicopter mom.

Called to Serve

Last Sunday I was set apart as a Sunday School teacher for the youth ages 14-15.  I have never had a calling with the youth, but I am so excited for the opportunity!  Starting in January, the curriculum for the youth will be completely new.  The curriculum is called "Come, Follow Me", and is modeled after the way the Savior taught.  There is no prescribed lesson manual, there is, instead, topics for discussion, and doctrinal questions arranged into monthly units.  The teacher must now rely much more on the Spirit.  The youth are invited to participate and help teach and bear testimony.  From my observations, this new youth curriculum is to the youth of the church as Preach My Gospel is to missionary work.  Simply put--the Spirit is the key.  My lesson preparations must allow for teacher-student conversations that allow the Spirit to teach.  It is a humbling mandate, but such a thrilling challenge!

This short video introduces the new curriculum to newly called teachers.  I get teary-eyed every time I watch it.  My goal is to help the youth become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Precious Doctrine

Yesterday morning I had a discussion with two gentleman of another Christian faith that focused mostly on the nature of the Godhead.  While we both shared a belief in the Bible, I recognized how much precious knowledge they lacked because of errors or deletions in the translation of that book of scripture.  I feel so much gratitude for the understanding that I have of such a simple and fundamental gospel doctrine.  I feel so much gratitude for the Bible and The Book of Mormon.  I feel so much gratitude for Biblical Prophets and living Prophets in our day.  These additional sources of inspiration found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints give me clarity of understanding in the true nature of the Godhead.

During our conversation these obviously devoted, God-fearing men were puzzled when I used the word "Savior."  They did not understand the meaning of the word or understand to whom I was referring.  When I use the word Savior, I am referring to Jesus Christ, who is, our Savior and Redeemer from death and hell.  His infinite Atonement offers salvation to all men, women, and children who have ever lived on the earth.  Truly, there is no other way to overcome the effects of sin and return to presence of our Father in Heaven except through "the merits, and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life" (2 Nephi 2:8).

God the Father, is the Father of my spirit, and so I am, quite literally, a child of God.  He is a perfect, loving, forgiving, merciful Father who hears and answers my prayers.  I pray to my Father in Heaven, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and I know I am heard.  The Father and the Son are separate, distinct beings with bodies of flesh and bones, as tangible as my own.  And yet, they are completely unified in purpose; their collective work and glory is the immortality and eternal life of all their children.  They are resurrected, glorified beings who delight in honoring their children for their obedience.      

The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, is a personage of Spirit.  The Holy Ghost witnesses of the Father and the Son, testifying, in a still, small voice to the heart of any earnest seeker of truth.  The Holy Ghost can teach, bring to remembrance, warn, comfort, and strengthen.  Those who receive the gift of Holy Ghost following baptism by the laying on of hands, are entitled to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost according to their faithfulness. 

These simple truths are precious to me.  I feel confidence in my purpose here on the earth, knowing that I am a child of God who can pray.  I feel immense comfort knowing that because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, my sins can be forgiven, my weaknesses can be made strong, and all unfairness in life can be made right.  I feel gratitude for the reassuring voice of the Spirit helping me to keep the faith and recognize truth. 

When I Least Expected It

I was asked to be on our church's Halloween trunk-or-treat committee, and preparations for the party have hijacked my week.  The party is tomorrow--thankfully, and it should be nippy, but fun for all.  We have six different kid activities planned, a smorgasbord of homemade goodies, plus trunk-or-treating.

At the last minute, I was tasked with creating nine Halloween-themed table centerpieces with a budget of $15 (spending less than that was also desirable).  Thanks to a magazine idea and some frugal creativity I did it for $11.68.  Not bad says I, not bad.

Earlier in the week, I was out hunting for 40 tiny pumpkins for the decorate-your-own-pumpkin activity.  I discovered a pumpkin patch not far from home and found exactly what I needed.  The pumpkin patch manager and I were chatting a little, and he asked my son's name.  When I replied, he was quiet for a moment, and then responded, "The only other Ezra I have ever known was the Secretary of Agriculture when I was kid, and his name was Ezra Taft Benson."   

Hah!  What are the chances!  Hello open door!  So, I walked in and we had a brief, but concentrated talk about what Ezra Taft Benson did later in life; namely, as a servant of God and the Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I was hunting pumpkins and had a gospel discussion--what a good day!  Three cheers for being a committee member!    

Tomato Bumper Crop?

If you have an abundance of tomatoes, like we did, and have already shared with all the neighbors on more than one occasion, and still don't know how to use all your tomatoes, perhaps you might try this bruschetta recipe.  (I used all garden tomatoes rather than the fancy red and yellow type that the recipe recommends.)

My sister turned me on to bruschetta and it is party-in-your-mouth delicious.  We had bruschetta on toasted baguette and Italian meatballs for dinner recently and it was quite delectable.   

Fall Leaves and Other Discoveries

Our warm-season summer vegetable crops have perished.  There are still warm days yet, so I cleaned out the garden beds and planted a few fall crops (Swiss chard, beets, snow peas, and some pansies for color).  They are doing remarkably well, despite the occasional frosty morning.  Thankfully, our plethora of sunny days quickly perk them up again.
When I work outside, I often give Ezra a spoon so he can play in the dirt too.  Now that all the big summer vegetable crops are gone, his quantity of accessible dirt has doubled, which, of course, he wants to eat.  This is his adorable, slightly mischievous, "I probably shouldn't have done that, but I'm so glad I tried it!" look.  What a sweetie boy; he makes me laugh.

 The Ash trees were among the first in our area to change color and drop their leaves.  Ezra was most intrigued with the crunchy piles of yellow leaves at the park near the house.  He loved grabbing a fistful and flinging them in the air.  At thirteen months, everything is fascinating and everything needs to be explored.  The pea gravel base at the playground is fascinating.  Flowers are fascinating.  Animals are fascinating.  Flying birds are fascinating.  The flight-for-life orange and red helicopter is especially fascinating.  And the lawnmower is an obsession.  We have to touch the lawnmower every time we go outside.  The vacuum cleaner and the hair dryer need to be examined on a regular basis too.    

 

 Ezra says hello and goodbye to everyone, random passerby, grocery store check-out lady, children playing at the other end of the block.  He is fascinated with people, though, usually only at a comfortable distance.  Ezra's latest trick is identifying his "tummy" with affectionate pats.  He will now say "na-na" for banana, which he often eats at breakfast.  "Out" is a favorite word (as in get-me-out-of-this-crib/highchair/carseat), but his version of "out" sounds more like angst-y vowels with marbles in the mouth.  I get it, though.

He is a joy!  A happy, curious, intentional learner, who is truly in love with life.  Oh, and very ticklish, especially on his feet--just like daddy.

Hastening

As always, General Conference weekend was a bit of heaven.  I was just back from my trip to Salt Lake City and enjoyed all the watching via comfy couch next to sweet husband.  Ezra's nap schedule allowed us to fully enjoy the morning sessions while he slept.  Ezra was fascinated by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (who wouldn't be!?), and recognized President Thomas S. Monson's face!  (We had talked about him, and looked at his picture half a dozen times.)  When President Monson spoke Ezra got excited, pointed and called to him.  Very cute.

It takes me some time to process all the doctrine-dense content, but as a cursory comment, I am so impressed by the active, vibrant, forward-motion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  During the Saturday morning session, President Monson announced (optional) changes to the minimum missionary age for elders and sisters.  In the press conference between Saturday sessions to further discuss the new missionary-age announcement, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland commented on the "hastening" and "accelerating" work in the kingdom.  A completely new youth curriculum, which will take effect in January 2013, was also announced.  The new curriculum for youth focuses more intensely on core doctrines of the church, emphasizes spiritual self-reliance, and active gospel learning.

It is an exciting time to be a parent in the church!  I see so much effort on the part of the church to safeguard, prepare, and teach the rising generation.  I acknowledge that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, who have been called as prophets, seers, and revelators, can see and understand so much more than I can.  I am so grateful for their foresight to both invite younger men and women to serve missions, and, at the same time, prepare them with pure doctrine more earnestly.

It is also a humbling time to be a parent in the church!  As the work accelerates and hastens, as temptation is more pernicious and prevalent, so the teaching in the home must be all the more focused and consistent.  I have been impressed lately, that there must be teaching for understanding; teaching that touches the heart, and brings conversion.  The influence of the Holy Ghost is vital in this kind of teaching!  Teaching for understanding means that children act for themselves, respond to invitations to know for themselves, and have personal experience with gospel principles.

I am inspired by this thought from Elder Neil L. Andersen:

In our world today, each child, each young man and young woman needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own “steadfast and immovable”  faith in the Lord Jesus Christ independent of parents, youth leaders, and supportive friends.

The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?     

Tour de Temple Square

Ezra, Grandma, and I visited Temple Square, mostly for the purpose of finding one of my friends, a former roommate and a fellow intern at The Holden Arboretum from 2001.  She is now one of those really special few-and-far-between people who get to be gardeners on Temple Square.  She is on the crew that takes care of the Relief Society Gardens near the Church Office Building.  One of her co-workers helped us locate her; she was in a cherry picker stringing lights in preparation for the Christmas display.  (Yes, they have already started, in fact, they started putting the lights up August 1).  She is just as cheery and happy as ever; so nice to make connections with old friends!

Ezra loved the tour de Temple Square and was probably overstimulated a dozen times over.  There were golf carts, buses, trains, lots of water, fountains, and flowers all colors of the rainbow.  The little guy had plenty to look at and oodles to point at, and I think he wore himself out with all the observing.  He conked out in his car-seat after about 2.5 minutes in the car, slept all the way home, and took a two-hour nap when we got back to Grandma's house.

Jet-Setting: Baby and Me

Baby and me are visiting my family for two weeks.  It has been quite an adjustment for Ezra to have so many new faces and new surroundings (new bed, new highchair...), but after about a week, I think he is starting to settle in.  We have played outside, gone on walks, met the cat, explored the house, been to the library, perused the local botanical garden, and been seriously spoiled by family.  For the viewing pleasure of sweet husband (who didn't get to come), and any other interested viewers, here are a few pictures of our activities:

My darling sister, who works at a florist shop, sent me flowers--surprise!

Grandpa bought Ezra a box of jumbo crayons.  He scribbled, and nibbled a bit too.

Aunt Kristen and Ezra (who loves his apples!)

Grandma brought out the kiddie car, which Ezra loves to use as a jungle gym.

Spaghetti pie beard, super yummy.

Birthday Boy!, Part 2

As far as presents, we kept it simple: several new shirts and one toy.  Lucky for us, we knew exactly what kind of toy to get him.  A few weeks before his birthday we were in Barnes and Noble, and Ezra discovered a large stuffed bear, an old-fashioned style Pooh bear.  He crawled around with it, talked to it, tackled it, and snuggled it for at least 20 minutes straight.  It took a good bit of distraction to put the bear away and leave the store.  Obviously, though, it was of great interest, so we went back later and bought him the bear.

I think we found a good home for Pooh bear!

Birthday Boy!, Part 1

Ezra is one years old!  Hoorah!  A big day for him, and us!  I made a mini loaf of banana bread (which he loves) for his birthday cake and covered it in heavy whipping cream "frosting" sweetened with a bit of maple syrup.  He thoroughly enjoyed the mush the cake part, but actually stayed quite clean.  He flung some on the floor, pulled it apart, smashed it, and ate most of it too.  So fun to watch!      

 

 

To China with Love

I hate goodbyes.

This morning we took my in-laws to the airport to begin their China teaching adventure.  Saying goodbye to them was much harder than I anticipated, and I have spent most of the morning crying.  As soon as I start to pull myself together, something will trigger new tears.  Like noticing that Ezra had grandma's lipstick kisses on his cheeks.  Or walking past the dark and quiet basement stairwell, which, over the last few days, had been the China-packing-Grand-Central-Station.  Or setting the kitchen table for two, not four. 

I said a ten-month goodbye, and the time will certainly go by faster than I expect.  Ten-months isn't so long, and there will be plenty of electronically-facilitated interactions in the meantime.  But, I will miss the daily face-to-face interactions.  The sociality between parents and children and grandparents and grandchild have been precious.  Ezra has been especially keen to the extra love and attention.

I am grateful for this special house-sitting opportunity.  I am grateful for my in-law's generosity.  And, I am grateful that in ten months we can see each other again.