Eat, Drink, Be Married

What's been cookin' at the Kiesling Kitchen

2012-03-04T12:47:00.004-07:00

I love Pinterest.

I love Pinterest because I find reading recipes relaxing. Reading recipes lets me escape to this wonderful place where I have endless access to ingredients and cooking utensils. I dream about cooking things and at the end of my daydream session, I'm inspired. We had guests here 3 weeks ago and they remarked about cooking ability - and Dan really praised my abilities. Well, my ability to 'make it up' comes from reading recipes and catching what flavors work together.

Pinterest has provided me with an endless access to recipes. Now, I will share some recipes that have recently graced our table.

On the table today:

Balsamic Pot Roast and Onions - in the crock pot. In 2 hours, I will let you know if it received Dan approval. 15 minutes before we left for church, he got it ready to go - so, it's pretty quick to whip together.

For breakfast yesterday:

Baked Oatmeal in individual serving sizes. This received Dan approval! It worked really well for us because Dan's not a big fan of nuts. So, he got apples and oatmeal, and peanut butter-chocolate chips and oatmeal. I got apples, pecans and oatmeal, and peanut butter-chocolate chips, apples, pecans and oatmeal (or what I called the "garbage" baked oatmeal).

On the table last week:

Baked Parmesan-encrusted Asparagus - delicious! In fact, the week that Dan was gone, I just ate this for dinner one night. Don't worry, I had like 25 (super skinny) asparagus, so I got my fill. :) Yes, these also received Dan approval.

The breakfast we served our guests:

Bacon-egg-toast cups. AMAZING!
I transformed this recipe just a little. I had some Jiffy corn muffin mix on hand and thought, "Hmm, I bet these would be delicious with the baked egg & bacon cups." So, I mixed up the muffin mix and started baking them. They were too big to make room for the egg & canadian bacon (which, as all good, meat scientists know is not the same as ham). So, I baked the muffins and THEN baked the canadian bacon and egg. My mouth is salivating just thinking about them.

I also made this AMAZING vinagrette last week....and I didn't repin the recipe. So, I'm not sure I will ever be able to recreate it - but it is so good. It's got balsamic vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper, sugar, olive oil and sesame seeds. I made it last weekend; it's been marinating in the fridge and I used it on a salad at lunch yesterday. It was even better than last week. I will be using it this week on my 'oriental chicken salad.'

Also up this week from Pinterest

Chicken & Asparagus Stir Fry (asparagus is on sale for about $1/bunch around here)

Homemade Granola Balls - will be using pistachios instead of peanuts, and cranberries & apricots instead of cranberries & raisins

Better Than Everything But Sex - okay, I changed the title - Chex Mix. I am referring to this as the adult staple for Girls Nights In replacing our slumber party favorite: puppy chow. I don't have all ingredients on hand (of course) - but, I'm going to improvise just to try it out.

What's my season?

2012-02-25T17:18:00.001-07:00

Today, I have been trying to finish the edits to my creative component. I believe, however, that I am my own worst enemy. My attention span is only so long...and then, I need some entertainment. As part of my distraction, I checked out pintrest and stumbled upon a color chart.

Based on the instructions from this site, I've narrowed my season to either 'Clear Winter' or 'Deep Winter.' I need some assistance. As my friends, you see things that I don't. Please comment with your opinion of my season.

Help me figure out which is my season:

Reform

2012-02-14T03:09:00.001-07:00

This issue has been on my mind and heart a lot in the last few days. So much so that I woke up in the middle of the night and haven't been able to sleep. Instead, this message was in my heart/mind. I am writing to share this with you, in hopes that I can go back to sleep. :)

I have had some trepidation about writing about this subject because I know that there are those out there who will not only disagree with me, but vehemently disagree. Yet, I feel a need to share my own thoughts and do what (little) I can.

When this great healthcare bill was passed a few years ago, it was done so under the need for reform. At that time, it was said that the insurance companies had too much say in what procedures were allowable and what could be covered or not. At that time, it was needed to ensure coverage for all people. I am not writing to condemn the idea that all should have access to healthcare coverage - not in the least. I am writing to say that if this bill was about reform, then, it needs to undergo further reformation.

Real reform should include options for all - not a sweeping, generalization of mass treatment for the people. The current plan does not include this option for all, but a nationwide mandate that all must obey - or else. The current provisions do not include options, either, but a one-size-fits-all coverage.

There must be options. For example, if family planning is a health-care necessity, then the option to receive counseling and services for natural family planning needs to be covered as an alternative. If there was perhaps a young couple that wanted to know how to work with their bodies to plan for (avoid until the 'right' time) pregnancy and not use the pill, as a matter of conscience, the initial and follow-up counseling sessions should be covered. This young couple could get the pill without question, but would have to pay for the counseling out-of-pocket, which they may not be able to do. If family planning is a health-care necessity, reform should take place to cover options.

Once again, this plan seems to leave not just medical, but moral decisions up to the insurance company - or in this case, the government. If tube-tying and vasectomies are provided for and are cheaper in the long run, rather than having to pay for more labor and delivery costs, who's to say the insurance company won't say, "You know, you were allotted two kids under the plan. If you don't get the surgery, you won't get covered for the next one."

It may seem outlandish, but it is the chance we take when an insurance company or government have the final say - and not ourselves. Personally, I married a fourth child and am the daughter of a fourth and sixth child, respectively. I want to be certain that my health care options allow for me to have as many children as God gives and we "plan."

I am concerned that the government has set-up a 'mother state' with this bill. It should concern all of us, whether 'our option' is covered or not, that a government with priorities that may be different from ours could have the final say in our health choices. Real reform includes options and respect for all - even those who think and believe differently from ourselves.

If interested, I encourage you to consider signing this petition with whitehouse.gov.

The first amendment states: Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

A Tribute to Grandpa Joe

2012-02-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

This post is about a year and half late. My grandfather, Joe Kremer, passed away on June 30, 2010. I had the privilege to speak at his wake about his life, legacy, and lessons learned. This will be a long read, but I hope you will enjoy it.

Grandpa’s Tribute

While interviewing for an FFA District Office my junior yearof high school, I was asked to name my hero and explain why I chose thatparticular person. Without hesitation, Iexplained that my grandfather, Joe Kremer, was my hero. He is my hero for 3 reasons:

1) Hehad experienced and overcome much adversity in his life.

2) Heserved his community and state with integrity and stood up for what he believedto be true and right.

3) Hewas one of the wisest men that I knew, though he had only a high schooleducation.

Very few of us have the privilege for meeting our heroes, letalone the chance to call him “Grandpa;” to see him in the public eye and alsoto share in the intimacy of dinner-time prayers and laughter around the table.

What elevated my grandpa from just a “cool Grandpa” whoserved in the gold-domed capitol to hero status was a story about when his legbecame caught in the post-hole digger. If you know Joe Kremer, then you know that he’s a story-teller. Thisstory has been told around our family table many times, with my aunts and uncleadding in color commentary.

Grandpa had been digging post-holes and my aunt Barb, who wasabout 7 at the time, went to help him. The post-hole digger got stuck and Grandpa went to check it out &fix it. His leg ended up getting caught in the digger. Barb saved his life that day by shutting offthe tractor and running for help. Whilein surgery, the doctors worked tirelessly to save his leg – and lost count whenthey had put in more than 2000 stitches. Doctors told my grandma, “IF he lives, he will most likely neverwalk. IF he does walk, it will always bewith a limp.”

My favorite part of the story, though, is this: Grandpa was suffering from intense pain anddoctors weren’t sure if he’d make it. Grandpa said, “That Sunday, the people of St. Anthanasius Church prayedfor me at 10:30 – and at 10:30 that morning, my pain eased and my prognosisturned around.” Not only did he recover,but he walked again – and without a limp, for many years. That story taught me two things: 1) God answers the prayers of His people;2) He had big plans for my grandpa – and‘God works all things together for good for those who love him and are calledaccording to His purpose.’ That JoeKremer – he defied the odds.

The motto for the state of Iowa is “Our liberties we prizeand our rights we will maintain.” Thispast week, I heard it said that every true Iowan has a fire in their belly forpersonal liberty and protecting our rights. In that case, my grandpa was indeed a true Iowan. He was a statesman; he didn’t run for anyoffice, whether in the county or to represent District 27 in the Legislature –for personal gain or fame. He sought toensure that the rights and liberties that God has granted intended for ourlife, liberty and pursuit of happiness were maintained. He believed that a man’s integrity, characterand record were enough to be elected by the people. He had no interest in smearing an opponent;the truth can speak for itself.

Growing up, I had immense pride in the fact that my grandpa was a state legislator. Iloved going to the capitol; loved seeing him be sworn in – and then braggingabout it to anyone who’d listen. Throughthe years, he was always my “go-to” interview for anything leadership orcharacter related. As an adult, I’verealized that Grandpa’s service in office instilled in me the belief that wecan impact government; that those elected should work in the best interest ofpreserving the rights of people; that the power for change lies within us andnot an institution; and that to lead is to serve.

A few years ago, I asked Grandpa what he believed shapedthese convictions for him. He responded:

“Most of the better attributes forwhich you give me credit were inherited graces from a loving and service-dedicatedmother and an extremely strict and non-nonsense father. In retrospect, it is their guidance andstrict Catholic discipline that were, although unknown to me at the time,shaping my fundamental philosophy of life. It is this: we are put into thisworld to help one another.

This, I must admit, is something Isee in retrospect. I never reallyconsidered it a virtue, rather, it always appeared to me as a duty. I was fortunate enough to learn from myparents, and my religious upbringing that we cannot exceed the generosity ofGod. I have never prayed for power orwealth, but do admit that I have often asked the Lord for the privilege ofliving a life of comparable comfort. That has been granted. I have a loving and helpful spouse to sharethese final years, and hopefully, enough financial resources that I may neverbe a burden to anyone. It is my prayerthat this last request be granted.

In summary, I will say this, I haveattempted to keep as my guide the greatest commandment of all, “Love the Lordthy God with your whole mind, heart and soul and your neighbor asyourself.” For this I am most trulygrateful. (And that I have been able toretain my sense of humor and ability to ‘laugh at life.’) “

Joe Kremer was a pillar in his community, church andstate. First, though, he was a pillar inhis family. With wisdom, he acted onbehalf of his constituents. With wisdom,he built his household. I believe Godsaw the way he sought to honor Him first in the way he led his family that heelevated Grandpa to the service of many.

I had the privilege to know my hero. The legs that were predicted to never walkagain, we clung to. In my favorite “Grandpa” game, Grandpa would sit in his chair, wraphis legs around anyone sitting close to him, and holler, ‘I’ve got a prisoner!I’ve got a prisoner!’ The man who spokewith serious words in the statehouse, wrote love letters to Grandma and pennedphrases like, “What a peculiar bird the pelican, his beak can hold more thanhis belly can!”

Grandpa definitely kept that sense of humor. One day, totally out of the blue, Cindydecided to call Grandpa, “Grandpa McGillicuddy.” Our gaggle of girl cousins quickly picked upon it and would taunt Grandpa with “Grandpa McGillicuddy!” Every time, we’d call it out – he’d bellar,“WHO said THAT?!” We’d shriek and laugh – and then Grandpa would usually say,“Grandma! Those kids are pickin’ on me, again!” The game eventually faded – but the name stuck. You all might refer to him as Joe, but to us,he will always be Grandpa McGillicuddy.

He also centered our family around God. At dinner time, he’d say, “Well, we’re allgonna pray. If you don’t pray, you don’t eat!” And you knew that he meant it! At his birthday a few years ago, ourentire family all attended mass together. That day after church, I saw tears shining in his eyes as he said, “It’sjust so good to have the whole family worshipping together.”

Grandpa’s gift of story-telling passed down to his children.The stories of Grandpa’s strict, no-nonsense discipline are in no shortage. Hewas very practical and told it like it was. When my mom was in college, my dad sent her flowers. Grandpa quipped,“Well, flowers don’t put food on the table, now, do they?”

Grandpa wasn’t the one you went to when you were looking forsympathy. But, he told you the truth even when you didn’t want to hear it. …andin my experience, he was usually right. My first “real” job out of college wasn’t going too well; there wasmiscommunication and undefined expectations – and some “interesting” people totry and work with. As our familygathered one weekend, I sought some advice. Grandpa asked me what was going on; I explained; and he said, “Well, itsounds to me like this is your penance.”

My 22-year-old brilliance responded, “Grandpa, I don’tbelieve in penance. I believe in grace.”

As my understanding and faith have matured, I now see hiswisdom. Grandpa knew better than mostthat life brings us trials and adversity. God allows these because they are opportunities for us to strengthen ourfeeble knees and weak arms, so that we may stand firm in our faith until theend (Hebrews 12). From his life experience, he knew the truth St. Paul wrote inRomans 5:

“More than that, we rejoice in oursufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance producescharacter, and character produces hope – and our hope does not disappoint usbecause God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

For while we were still weak, Christdied for the ungodly. God shows His lovefor us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have been justified byHis blood, how much more then will we be saved from wrath! For, if while wewere enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more nowthat we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.“

Our hope does not disappoint. In fact, in 1 Corinthians, Paul says that hope, along with faith andlove, are one of the three things that remain. HOPE. I don’t think Grandpa is disappointedtoday. I think he is finding that he can‘walk and not grow weary; run and not faint.’ I think he has realized that all of his sufferings and trials here haveearned him a crown of glory in heaven.

The hardest thing on earth is to watch your revered andbeloved hero grow old and suffer. Knowing that Grandpa didn’t want to be a burden has caused me to wrestlewith God in prayer about why. Over time,I’ve realized that 1) we witnessed a miracle – Joe Kremer once again defied themedical odds; and 2) it was for us. Though his strength had diminished, we all still looked to him as thepillar of our family. His passing leavesa hole – a gap to be filled. As I’vereflected on this, I don’t believe that this gap is meant to be filled byone. Each of us, in some degree oranother, holds these attributes of Grandpa’s – a lover of history and country;a servant leader; one who stands up for truth and what’s right; that dry,clever wit; the ability to tell it like it is; the endurance to overcome greatadversity; and a stubborn, hold-on-for-dear-life, don’t give up yet will. It is our legacy – and the privilege of ourinheritance – to rise up together and stand for truth, as Grandpa did. It is a great privilege, with great responsibility,but following in his footsteps by daily living out the greatest commandment, wewill do it.

Pinterest comes to life

2012-01-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

So, I am finally getting into Pinterest. AND I'm actually making some of the things that I've pinned.
Here's a sampling of what's been going down in my kitchen...and what I've been subjecting Dan to. Here's a little hit: it rhymes with teen-law. You guessed it: quinoa! :)

Superfoods Salad - courtesy of IowaGirlEats. I first made this delicious salad on MLK Day and again this past weekend. The superfoods featured included quinoa, pomegranate, avocado, oranges, black beans, corn, cilantro and shrimp AND a lemon vinaigrette. (If this is spelled wrong, please forgive me. My spelling skills have flown out the window.)
This salad is DELICIOUS. I love it. Dan's response: "This is really...tart. Don't you think this is tart? It's good..." he says as he eats half as much as I do.

Breakfast Quinoa - This was also delicious and very reminiscent of oatmeal. It includes apricots, almonds, maple syrup, and topped with ricotta.
If you know me, you know that I never have everything needed on hand. In this case, I had no pure maple syrup. I swapped agave, a dash of vanilla, and a dash of rum flavoring. Worked well. :) When I've reheated the quinoa this week, I've added a dash of almond milk. So good.
Dan's reaction: "This tastes like oatmeal." (in a good way)
My response after practically licking the bowl clean: "It's really good!" Dan: "Yeah, yeah it is."

Sesame Chicken - This was good. I would add some corn starch to the marinade. It was really thin. Don't get me wrong it tasted good - but could be improved. Dan agreed.

"Mac" and Cheese - This is another recipe courtesy of iowagirleats.com. AND another recipe that includes quinoa. This was really good. We used asiago and cheddar cheeses in the recipe. Honestly, this would be delicious with corn added in - as a healthier remake of corn casserole, my favorite food in junior high. :)

AND if you thought this was getting a little too healthy up in here...

Jalapeno Poppers! This recipe is courtesy of kitchentutor.wordpress.com.

What about the Super Bowl, Jessica?

Glad you asked! It may be some more of these jalapeno poppers, or little cheddar smokies in a blanket, or a version of Old Chicago's pepperonie rolls. Leanin' toward those pepperoni rolls right now.

Thoughts from Mark 1:40-45

2012-01-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

A leper came to him [Jesus] [and kneeling down] begged him and said, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Moved with compassion, he [Jesus] stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning him sternly, Jesus dismissed him at once. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell noone anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleasing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."
The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Reading this passage yesterday, I had two thoughts. The first was reminiscent of Mother Theresa's prayer; in the vein of "you can heal people from leprosy and ask them to be quiet; they won't; heal anyway." How often do I evaulate whether or not I should do good to/for someone based on how they will use my gift?

There's this reasonable justification (of not being charitable) that if the person is just going to abuse our charity, then we don't have to give to them. Because, really, we aren't doing good, we are just perpetuating a problem, addiction, etc. How do I know, though? How do I know that my small act of kindness could/couldn't be a turning point? We don't. We don't know how anyone will use a gift once it's been offered. Is that a reason to not offer the gift anyway?

It seems that Jesus would say no, based on his actions in this passage. It can be argued that, as the Son of the God of the Universe, who is all-knowing and all-powerful, that he knew how he leper would act. If that is true...and he knew that it'd play out that he would end up having to hang out in the deserted places from that point on...and he still healed anyway, well, that demolishes my end-use denotes justification of giving argument. Even if he didn't know how it would play out, given that the leper had free-will to choose his response, it's possible that Jesus, being a wise man, knew the two consequences (perhaps not the full extent) of the man's actions, either way. He still healed him.

My second thought centered on the order to "go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed." I think in the past I've interpreted as Jesus the antagonist, "Show them what happened - in their face." Which is a completely WRONG interpretation, BTW.

The note in my Bible says this, "The law of Moses provided for the ritual purification of a leper. In curing the leper, Jesus assumes that the priests will reinstate the cured man into the religious community." Hmmm.... The reason to heal and then go the priests was so that the man could be welcomed back, as a participating member, into the religious community. Being leperous had isolated the man from the community of believers; being healed and fulfilling the law through the thank-offering provided the avenue for him to be reconciled back to the community.

Which was more important - to be healed - or to fulfill the law by showing himself to the priest? Obviously, the man thought that the healing was more important because he didn't do the latter. It seems that Jesus would have thought otherwise. Certainly, to be healed was miraculous; a life-changer; but it wasn't a life-fulfiller...being an active member of the believing community was.

Which is more important - to be saved - or to be a participating member of the church?
First, that really the question. It isn't a more important than; it is more of an equation, "a" must come first, but "b" must come for "a" to reach its fulfillment.

To conclude, lately the YouTube video 'I hate religion but love Jesus' is getting a lot of attention. I just would like to say this. Jesus was religious. From what we know through the four gospels, his parents met the letter of the law when he was born; they observed the Sabbath and religious holidays. Jesus and his disciples did the same. He was religious; the disciples, the first Christians were religious. He did not come to abolish religion; he came to fulfill it. He said it himself that He came, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law and the prophets.

I will grant that Jesus hated empty religion. Most definitely, Jesus examplified living in relationship with the Father and operating under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. However, I think He showed that this relationship brings about fulfillment to religious practices, customs and culture.

Thursday's Thoughts

2012-01-05T16:55:00.004-07:00

1) I took a learning styles analysis once and discovered that I am a reflective decision-maker. It means that I need time to make decisions and don't do well making choices on the spot. I think it also means that I am better at appreciating life events and people after the fact when I have time to think about it.

1a) I am a natural reflector. Reflecting upon experiences is a huge part of agriculture education. I guess that means I am a natural ag educator. :-)

1b) As a natural reflector, one of my faults is over-thinking. I have come to this realization, however, God made me a reflector so that I can share my life lessons and thoughts with others. Made to be a blessing.

2) I need longer pants. I love my Ann Taylor khakis, but I look like a total dork when I wear them with my tennis shoes. I feel like I am in 8th grade again. I'm just glad that Matt Downing doesn't work in my building so he can make fun of them.

The Funny Thing About...

2012-01-05T14:53:00.001-07:00

Roots.
Sense of Place.
Weather.
Homesickness.
Lady-emotions.
Identity.

On January 1, it was 80 degrees here: a record.
On January 2, it was 77 degrees here. I cried.

Why? Because, it was the SECOND DAY of JANUARY! January 2nd is supposed to be COLD. At least where I am from. You are not supposed to be wanting to wear short sleeves, sunglasses because it's so incredibly sunny - and you are definitely not supposed to be loathing the presence of said sun and warmth.

But I was.

Because right now, the hardest part of living in Tucson, Arizona is that it is not Iowa - or the upper Midwest. Everything about it is not Iowa...not home...not familiar. All I wanted on January 2nd was a reminder of the familiar.

I do not handle change and unknowns and beginnings very well.

On December 31st, I was LOVING the fact that I could swing out on my hammock in shirt sleeves. I was grateful for the path that God had brought me on during the crazy, intense year of 2011. I could look back with such a grateful heart.

One thing that I have learned about myself through this past year is that I am not very good about being in the present. In the present, I am incredibly reactionary. In reflection, I can see the lesson, recognize the proper response, recognize God's grace in the moment, and be thankful, peaceful, expectant for the future.

Apparently, the difference in those two days - the change to a new year - had quite the emotional effect. A new year brings an entire year full of unknowns. My naturally worried heart wonders ~~how~~ IF God will show up; what new things will come about; if it will be as hard as the past year; if it will be harder. (And I hate a brand new calendar full of open dates; it's so unpredictable.) My natural heart is anxious, fearful, wondering...doubtful.

Even though God brought me through 2011 and I can rationally recognize His faithfulness, I don't think I've believed it all to be good. I don't think I trust God's goodness for me. I don't think I believe God that being here is good for me. It's not home; I'm not surrounded by familiarity. I miss the familiar and predictable.

It's so easy to identify ourselves by place. I love being from the Midwest. I love everything that it stands for. I want to raise my family there. It's easy; it's familiar; it's routine. It's easy.

Easy is not always best. Full schedules do not equal full lives. I desire to control, strength, safety, comfort, ease. Being empty means that I could be open to whatever God has planned for my day; not what I have over-committed myself to that day. However, it requires vulnerability, openness and willingness. It requires that I TRUST and BELIEVE in the GOODNESS of GOD and His LOVING intentions for not just my life - but for all - and that He desires to involve me in His intentional plan to love, do good, and show mercy to others.

2012. Five days in and you're already challenging me to embrace my loving Savior. I guess that's why ~~they~~ I say, "Delve into Twelve!"

A little bragging

2011-12-23T10:04:00.002-07:00

My Great-Aunt Lucy Toal is one of the featured local heroes of Tucson in the Tucson Weekly. (Scroll to the 9th feature)

It's such a neat story because she is just doing what she can to help others. It's not a one-time gradiose gesture, but faithfully doing what she can [still do] that, in turn, immensely blesses those who need a bit of hope the most.

She is my Grandpa Joe's sister (mom's dad). This idea of 'Christian duty' was instilled in them through the strict 'Catholic discipline' of their parents, as my Grandpa related to me in a letter. Grandpa lived his out differently than Lucy; as a public servant, elected to the state legislature representing the people of his district. When I was in an elected position through our professional organization, I wrote him for some advice. In our generation what we see as 'outstanding' and worthy of recognition as a 'local hero,' Grandpa described it as just doing his duty. As a life-long, faithful Catholic, I think he just viewed his 'goodness' and 'acts of service to others' as a simple responsibility to the Gospel; a calling to live faithfully with the 'Golden Rule' always in mind.

As a descendant of such humble faithfulness, I hope I live out that same sense of caring and commitment to others. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words."

Advent Words

2011-12-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

If you read my last post, you can see that Advent has been on my mind lately.

I am a "words" person. I love words. God speaks to me in words. It may not surprise you that my love language is "words of affirmation." When in Thailand, my roommate and were feeling particularly beat-up (spiritually) and need to be reminded of truth. What did we do? Create the "Wall of Truth" - where we wrote all the attributes of God in different colors on separate notecards. What resulted was a VERY faith-affirming work of art.

This Advent, while in church, God would lay different words on my heart from scriptures, Psalms, homilies, and songs. One Sunday, I wrote them down and then asked my friend Nicole to create some "Subway Art" with the words in 'Advent' colors. (purples and pinks)

The result is one thing that I will put up in our house for years to come to remind us of the reason for the Advent season. If any of you are interested in getting a little postcard of the wall art, comment on the blog and I will send it to you.

Isn't it awesome? Seriously, everyone needs a Nicole in their lives! To check out her blog and other creations, click here.

Advent

2011-12-16T08:31:00.003-07:00

The last time I posted was the beginning of Advent, which was entirely appropriate, as the post was about God beginning a new work. Advent is a season of preparation. During this time, we are to prepare our hearts, minds and lives to receive a new the promise of a Messiah coming to dwell WITH us.

Unlike many other Advent seasons, I truly feel God doing a new work within my heart. This past year has been one of many, many...many life-changes. Naively, I thought that none of it would be a big deal. After all, "I can do all things through Christ." While this is true, getting married, leaving a job, looking for a job, getting a job, leaving your HOME (and many friends and family), joining the church, looking for friends and entering the desert (in so many more ways than one) all take a toll.

At our parish, on Monday nights there is a women's faith sharing group. I have only been able to make it twice. The first Monday of Advent, I went. Our book selection was The Reed of God, by Caryll Houselander. The book focused on Mary's "yes" to believe God, receive the miracle of Emmanuel, and bless the world by birthing Him. Houselander likened Mary to 'the Reed' (as in a musical instrument - like the clarinet) God used to bring the music of Christ.

The premise of the first few chapters (which were all I read, as I only went one time) were that we, too, are vessels (reeds) like Mary. For vessels to hold anything, they must be hollowed out. During Advent, we must be emptied of the sins that have taken root/entangled us, so that we can receive the grace of Christ. In turn, then, that grace may flow out of our vessel into the lives of others.
Houselander used three examples of vessels (although I can only remember two): the reed and the chalice. Both are hollowed, so that they can fulfill their purpose. The reed and chalice have two very different purposes, but both are filled to bless another. The take-away thought was two-fold: a) our hollowing out/emptying serves a purpose - so that we may receive something greater - and carry that into the world; 2) the shape of the vessel is designed for its purpose. What 'hollowing' out are you experiencing? How may God want to fill that for blessing?

I was reminded of the what Paul wrote in 2nd Timothy 2:20-21:

Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

The message states the end of verse 21 poetically:

Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.

Advent is a time to make ready, to prepare to receive a gift. How is God asking you to get ready? What stumbling block is He nudging you to remove? His nudging is so that we may be ready to receive His gift so that we can bless this world.

Let us make ready. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Expectations: Epiphany

2011-11-27T06:59:00.001-07:00

You know what I love about God? He inhabits my thoughts. He wakes me up, leads me through my thoughts and into a greater revelation about life. I am writing this particular blog simply to record what he laid on my heart early this morning.

A few weeks ago, I had read on a friend-of-a-friend's blog about advice that she would give to a couple getting married. She was given this advice and it has been a life-saver. The earth-shattering advice? Have no expectations.

Wh-what? NO expectations? None? Are you kidding me? And then ~~your~~ my know-it-all heart says, "Yeah. Right. How is that even possible? It's not. And how is that healthy? Shouldn't we have expectations for behavior? How do you know what is good & what can be improved upon if you don't have expectations?"

Spoken like a true educator, right there, Jessica.
But is it spoken like a supportive, respectful, gracious spouse?

Kinda sounds like a big, fat NO to me. Unfortunately for Dan, it's taken me nearly six months to figure this out. During this present season of gratitude (still is Thanksgiving weekend to me; although Advent does start this morning - and perhaps this is why my present epiphany is so special), I recognized that while I may feel grateful for my husband's presence, my words haven't really communicated just how thankful that I am.

It's been a heart-to-heart holiday for us (which is good considering we are two days away from that half-year-of-marriage mark). I had begun recognizing the ugliness of my heart-attitude, but talking with Dan definitely confirmed it. I may think of them as expectations but they are communicated to Dan's heart as short-comings and failures. What a way to boost my husband, huh? What a way to show respect.

I have this very strong desire to be right. I want to justify my case and position until I am blue-in-the-face. I do this with Dan; my parents; God. Last night, I was thinking about it like this:

So, you have no expectations - is this the same as giving grace?

If it's the same as giving grace, then does this mean that God doesn't have expectations of us?

Surely, God has expectations of us. Right? OR, is it different because God is the Creator and therefore is fully justified to have expectations of His creation and we I am not God, and therefore shouldn't be standing in judgement of my fellow created being, my husband?

Honestly, I am not sure how God led me to my morning revelation - but He did - and here it is.

It started thinking of Matthew 7:2, "Judge not; lest in the same way you, too will be judged." I have thought before on this verse and decided that you can often recognize the way that people are judging themselves based on judgements (or opinions since 'judgement is so unpopular of a word) that they cast upon other people.

When we have expectations of another person's behavior, very few times has that other person been informed of the expectations - or - been involved in the creation of these "important" expectations. We are setting ourselves up as the judge, ruler and executioner when we impose expectations upon another.

Last year, I read the works of Paolo Frieire, a Brazilian philosopher (for lack of a better word) and educator. He regarded that man are subjects because they have been created with the ability to create and transform their world/present reality. Animals are objects because they can only act upon their world - not transform or create it. They have the ability to act upon it, but not interact. Their actions may change their world (over time) - but it is not because they consciously thought, planned and deliberately acted thusly.

My expectations objectify my husband. He was not involved of the creation of them. He just knows when he falls short. (And let's really be honest, when he does meet them, I haven't been really good at communicating that. I mean, it was just a benchmark. Ugh. I would hate being married to me.)

Suddenly, I thought about my workplace. We have been doing the same thing to our students. We have ideas and beliefs about their behavior, attitudes and learning development; we create objectives so that their progress can be measured. We have gone to great lengths to communicate expectations TO them. What involvement have they had in the creation of these ideals? Until they are involved, the benchmarks will be unmet; expectations on both parts will be unfulfilled.

We need to allow our fellow men (husbands, students, even children) to be Subjects. This does mean that we will have to give up control; let's be honest, though, the results of my control don't bode well for anyone. They have been created to be creative and transform their world.

My role needs to focus on encouraging them to think critically, to understand their power, and to use it to better their world. When I can do this, I am honoring God in my role. When I don't, I become frustrated, angry, ungrateful - but, I should. I am 'kicking against the goads,' so to speak. God created all of us to act creatively and thoughtfully to transform our reality. When I objectify people, His power & plan have become impotent.

Well, I need to start transforming the world...by transforming myself.

My Life as a Book Report: The Help

2011-11-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

I recently finished The Help, by Kathryn Thornton. I watched the movie prior to reading the book. Unlike other books, the movie is better. This story is so powerfully told visually. The written word provides a good read, but not the rich, visual context that the movie can provide - and does so well.

When I thought about how this book related to my life, I felt at a loss. However, I am a bit like Skeeter, the main character - the uncoventional white girl, who went to college to get an education not a husband; who notices life and thinks deeply about it; who is go against the grain, even at the cost of all she's known; who, in spite of questioning & thinking deeply, doesn't quite understand the cost.

Like Skeeter, I really wanted to get an "MRS" degree from my baccalaureate degree experience, but didn't stand a realistic chance of attaining this. Unlike Skeeter, who had career direction - desiring to be a "real journalist," I didn't - really. By the grace of God, I've attained positions that fit my skills & interests in ways that honor Him & serve others. Like Skeeter, I love thinking, observing, learning and questioning. Like Skeeter, I find people fascinating; I get irritated by injustices that I observe; I love writing. Like Skeeter, I am naive...idealistic..."innocently ignorant." Like Skeeter, I have made choices that were not 'popular.'

When I first joined MAEOPP, I heard the term "white privilege." The term was new to me - and hard for me to imagine the term describing reality. I didn't know that people still experienced prejudiced judgements or were concerned of being discriminated against - in Iowa - simply because of their skin color. To me, those things happened in the past.

Again, it may sound naive, but watching and reading The Help really helped me understand this concept and its effect. To put it simply, for Skeeter to write this book she had to endure being the outcast of Jackson's society. In itself, this would be hard when it's all you've ever known. We would call her brave. But, for 'the help' who told their stories, the penalty was much, much higher. They could lose their jobs and face closed doors when they tried to get a new one (because it's one tight group in Jackson); their husbands could lose jobs; they could be beaten, raped, or killed. White privilege provided a cushion for Skeeter that her suffering was really just a discomfort. The women whose stories were being told had no such cushion - and really, didn't even have law on their side.

If for no other reason than to have your eyes opened, read the book - or watch the movie. It's a lesson we (I) needed to see.

Life As a Book Report: Grapes of Wrath

2011-11-25T17:32:00.001-07:00

I finished Grapes of Wrath a couple of months ago, but haven't yet sat down and given you my review.

I had never read the 'Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. In high school, we read 'Of Mice and Men' and in middle school, I had read 'The Red Pony.' Honestly, I knew very little about the 'Grapes of Wrath' - other than it was an acclaimed, and 'dangerous' book. ('Dangerous' as people have tried to have the book banned.)

When we were driving "Route 66" during our 'Honey Ride' to Tucson, I became very interested in reading the book. As our guide along what used to be "Route 66," we used a book that highlighted stops along the way from Chicago to California. Reading that book, I learned about the 'Okies.' Realizing, for the first time, that this was a derogatory term given to the native Oklahomans' mass exodus toward the 'promised land' of California during the Dust Bowl/Great Depression. During our PBS phase this summer, we watched a documentary about the Dust Bowl. Fascinating.

I loved this book. Everyone needs to read it. In fact, I would love to teach a course on "Ag Literacy, Literally" - examining how literature about agriculture, farmers, and farm-life, influences our view. How does it color our beliefs and understanding? Is it more powerful than reality?

First of all, while I knew about the Dust Bowl, I had very little knowledge about the effects of the Dust Bowl on people. Grapes of Wrath highlights the life of the Joad family. The Joad family homesteaded the land that they farmed. For those who are 'Far & Away' fans - they would have been part of the Boomer-Sooners who raced to scoop up 160 acres the government granted to new settlers. Oklahoma was prairie ground. The first few years of cropping the ground yielded abundance because centuries of grassland had built up the organic matter, resulting in rich soil. However, the cropping methods, carelessness and over-zealousness of farmers and investors soon depleted the minerals.

The next generation needed more land to farm in order to turn a profit. Soon, the homesteaders became share-croppers, farming land for absent-owners. Farming and living off the land was all they knew. They were connected to the land. When the droughts came of the late twenties/early thirties, the farmers couldn't pay up. When the winds came, and precious top soil flew thousands of miles away, the tractors came. The land-owners came for their land; replacing tenant-farmers with tractors. Fliers popped up. These fliers promised paying jobs to those willing to work the fruit & vegetable crops of the West. People contemplated; winds blew more; people decided. They left Oklahoma - Kansas - Texas - by the thousands.

The decision didn't come easily. This life; this land were all they had known. They were connected here - to the land and each other. Families were a unit; neighbors had seen you through it all. There was a deep network of community. Though they had little, their culture was rich.
They left for a promise - the promise to make a new start - and a new life. If food and jobs are in abundance, then replanting would be easy enough.

I am not going to lay the book out for you. If you know me, you can immediately see why these themes are dear to me. Though I now live in big city in the Southwest, my heart loves rural America. I love the idea of Jeffersonian agrianism - that all should be connected to the land. I love history and policy. I really enjoy learning about the great American (agricultural) experiment.

160 acres - free for the taking. In the Midwest, this allotment of land would have been more than enough (back in the day) for a small farmer. In the arid states, it is not. As stated, over-zealous farmers had little knowledge about caring for this dry land. Utilizing conservation practices started - as a result - of the Dust Bowl. Roosevelt brought folks to the Dust Bowl states to teach these new ideas.

These beginning chapters were not what angered folks to suggest banning Grapes of Wrath. No, the anti-communist movement tried to ban the book based on the suggestion that migrant, agricultural workers needed to organize in order to protect their wages. I am not pro-communism; however, I am pro-person. The living conditions - the hatred - the discrimination - that these Okies endured was apalling. Hope guided them to this 'promised' land; hate met them at the border.

Grapes of Wrath is a fascinating, thought-provoking read. But you don't have to take my word for it! (Right, Lavar?)

Bear Down Arizona

2011-11-15T20:07:00.001-07:00

On November 5, the University of Arizona celebrated Homecoming. Let me tell you what, they do Homecoming well! On campus there is a "mall" (not the shopping kind) - but like a mile-long grass oval.

During home football games, this is where people tailgate - right in the heart of campus. During Homecoming, departments and colleges set up tents all along the mall and people visit different tents. It's like VEISHEA met the State Fair (for all you Iowa Staters out there) - in really, really beautiful weather.

How beautiful was the weather? It was mid 60s and sunny. AH-mazing for AH-rizona (in my opinion). We even came across tickets to the game. Horrible game - but a fun time with friends in "real" football weather. It was even cold enough to warrant hot cocoa at half-time!

This is where I work. Seriously. Second floor people.

See? Norton School of Family & Consumer Sciences. I told you. I wasn't joking.

We may not have fall, but the midwestern universities don't have palm-tree lined avenues leading to their Office of Admissions.

One of the "Southwestern-style" buildings

Old Main - the first and oldest building on campus, now home to the Office of Admissions

The University of Arizona's marching band playing "Bear Down, Arizona" the fight song

That giant paw & awesome Wildcat headband - FREE - at various booths during Homecoming! (and those cute models are our friends' kids)

Nothing says Homecoming like a BUS-TACHE!

One of Dan's judging team members busting out the 'pretzle' as part of the Rodeo Club's "float"

Campus cacti

Our Retailing & Consumer Science club (TREND) put on a UA Fashion Show. This is the "hipster" look.

Pretty sweet view - those are the Catalinas in the background!

Decked out in our red & blue

Go Wildcats! (2 of the cheerleaders are my students, too!)

Fall Comes to Tucson

2011-11-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, the "living in the city" blues hit me pretty hard. I needed out. There's just something about having spent the month of October with 80+ degree weather that made this Midwestern girl crave the time I could wear jeans and a long-sleeve shirt and a jacket.

Solution? Head up the mountain! The beauty of Tucson is that we are surrounded with four mountain ranges. I contacted my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Steve and we headed up Mount Lemmon - part of the Catalinas.

We hiked around for a couple of hours. Then we went into the village of Summerhaven and had a delicious pizza for lunch. After all that fresh, brisk, mountain air and sunshine, I went into the office and FINISHED. MY. almost. THESIS.

All in all, a pretty successful day.

Friday Quick-E's

2011-10-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Before I begin - remember the Quick-E's that used to appear in the Iowa State Daily "back in the day"? They were so much cooler than last year's "Just Sayin'..."

1) I LOVE my job. LOOOVE it. What makes it really the perfect job is that I get to advise AND teach. On the days that I am not loving one part, I've got the other to bolster my spirits.
--New hire at the Norton School in the honeymoon phase of life

2) How hard is it to navigate your university's webpage to find resources - like "where the Math Department is located"?
--Advisor asked mundane questions once too often during appointments

3) Who else LOVES the fact that Tucson's reaching overnight lows around 50? ...and the high yesterday was 75 and today is 80? "Fall? Is that you? My long-lost friend?"
--Displaced Midwesterner in the 'Great Desert University'

4) When your friend gives you advice to finish your 'almost-thesis' BEFORE starting your new job, you should listen to her.
--Graduate student one chapter away from finishing her almost-thesis

5) Who marries a livestock judging coach? Honestly. Crazy people, that's who. No newlywed likes being away from her husband over three weeks in a six week period. However - the time that is spent together is very cherished.
--Newlywed

6) Every weekend is "yard sale weekend" in Tucson. Don't expect to sell everyday items. The people that will come will buy 'strange' items like old appliances - and knives. Or your neighbors that apparently don't have bed sheets or cooking utensils.
--Yard-saler & Tucson new-comer

7) If you carve a pumpkin (or two), don't leave them sitting in your house for a couple days. Strange mold starts growing.
--Lazy Jackie O'Lantern carver

8) Selling TVs at a yard sale doesn't work well unless you are prepared to receive half of what you thought was a fair price.
--"Life isn't fair, why should yard-saling be?" Money-Lover

9) Do you think you could make pumpkin gingersnaps without ginger and molasses?
--"Creative" baker

10) Why get your PhD when you'll just be asked to do more stuff?
--Man who already spends 50-60 hours doing his job

11) I mean, RESEARCH - not even the fun stuff that I already get to do...
--Man who spends 50-60 hours doing his job that includes 'fun' stuff like spending weeks away from his wife with students that kind-of exasperate him

There, ladies and gentlemen is a quick take on our life brought to you by the Quick-E's of an Iowa State undergrad from that late 90's.

Remembrance leading to reconciliation

2011-09-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

The typical question surrounding September 11th is 'where were you?'

As the anniversary date has approached and I've reflected, I have come to this realization: where I was when I learned of the attack is not nearly as important as how I have been shaped by it.

Looking at life ten years later, it could be assumed that not much has changed. Look deeper, though, and there's more depth. September 11th woke me up, in a sense. I was an idealistic youth. In the past ten years, my idealism has been jaded; my false sense of security shattered - and then rebuilt; my worrisome side feared the future (though that wasn't really due to September 11; I worried about the future before).

I still love America. Like many of us, the politics of the last ten years tend to jade us. There is this conflicting view of America - the America of the history books, the 'two Americas' of John Edwards, the tea-party America of personal financial freedom, the liberal America of personal moral freedom - and the bickering in Congress makes you wonder just who "we" are.

On September 11, 2001 in four dramatic, tragic events - those petty bickerings erased. America was us - all of us. America was again, the beautiful, inspiring dream. America gave birth to this reality that we, as human beings, are 'created equal and have a right to life, to liberty, to the pursuit of happiness.' Individually, we may define these differently - but when this was taken from some of us, we rose up - as one.

In ten years, a lot has happened. We responded, reacted, sought revenge. We bickered. We fought. We disparaged each other.

Every time September 11 rolls around, we were jolted back to that day. The day our world stopped. The day we wondered what the next day - week - month would bring. The day we cried. Prayed. Hugged. Called. Loved. Stopped.

Yesterday, we remembered. We memorialized. We thought. We cried. We prayed. We hugged.

What about today? How will this next decade lived in remembrance be shaped?

As I prepared for church yesterday, I told God about what I was feeling and thinking - and asked him to lead me, teach me through these emotions. His word spoke truth into my heart:

Forgive your neighbor's injustics; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Should a man nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?

Should a man refuse mercy to another, yet seek pardon for his own sins?

If he who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days: set enmity aside.

Remember death and decay: cease from sin.

Think of the commandments: hate not your neighbor;

of the Most High's covenant: overlook faults.

Sirach 28:2-7

The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.

Psalm 103:8

Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother or sister? Seven times?"

Jesus answered, "No, not seven times, but seventy times seven."

~Parable of the Unforgiving Servant~

Jesus added, "So will my heavenly Father do with you, unless you sincerely forgive your brothers and sisters."

Matthew 18:21-35

Mercy. Justice. Forgiveness.

I am not claiming to have the appropriate response to September 11th - then or now. I simply realized that September 11th caused us to remember something greater than ourselves. Remembering this should lead us to reconciliation. Reconcilaition with our family, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow Americans who think, act or believe differently.

Showering mercy, grace and forgiveness to all honors those whose lives have been lost - before, on and after September 11th. It honors our heritage as Americans - and God.

God has blessed America - whether we have always responded perfectly is not the issue. He has blessed America - and we have, in turn, been blessed. The issue is our response. When we have been blessed, we in turn must bless.

May our remembrance lead to reconcilation and our reconciliation lead to action.

May Americans bless....

Life...

2011-09-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Every experience God gives us,

every person He puts in our lives

is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.

~Corrie ten Boom

Last week as I prepared for another interview, hoping it'd be my last, I thought about the infamous question: How does this position fit into your career plans?

I hate that question. I've never been one of those people who has my life 'figured out'. Sure, I knew what my college major would be at age 16 - but not my career. After all, for that 16-year-old, the college major was the vehicle to the career of marriage. Yes, my career goal was to obtain my MRS. For real. Even in the 21st centurt, we still existed. :)

So, 'stumbling' into an my position as a Talent Search Advisor was really a blessing. God provided me with a career path!

I think even as a college freshmen, I knew I'd like advising. As a college senior, I wrote out what types of jobs I would love to pursue - they were something like this: college women's ministry, college advising, college teaching, leading study abroad trips for college students, and public gardens' education programs. See any type of theme emerging?

What's funny about life - and God's provision - and God's timing - is that we never quite know what to expect. While that theme obviously points toward investing in college students' development, obtaining an actual job in your dream area requires a) those jobs being open, b) qualifying for said job, c) the search committee believing you're worthy of an interview, d) said search committee actually choosing you for the position.

I thought the perfect job for me was one that I didn't get. (Those who follow this blog know what I'm talking about) While I love the college campus environment, I wasn't sure if that was where I'd end up getting employed. I'm also pretty passionate about non-profits and community programs - so I applied to those programs. My temporary position has been in such a program. I've enjoyed it - but....

So, last week as I prepared for this latest interview for a position advising pre-majors and teaching a communications course, I thought about my crazy little career path. I realized that my life - and career path - are like the game Classic Concentration. http://youtu.be/pcidDyfajzI

Little pieces of my life are slowly being revealed to show the bigger puzzle. I'm not sure what the step after this one will be - but I know that God is revealing a greater picture though each of my experiences - and maybe one day, I'll figure it out.

For the time being, though, the newest picture revealed is that I have a new full-time job as an Advisor in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona - which is one of the most forward-thinking, progressive college departments I've encountered! VERY EXCITING!

These are the words that I'd used to describe the Norton School: responsive, progressive, perceptive.

Just as I was really wondering how God would provide for our needs, and the day we asked for His provision - He provides a job. My oh my - what a God we serve!

(I hope this post makes sense.... Dan and I have been celebrating with some Michigan State champagne!)

You're So Vain...

2011-09-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

You probably think this post is about you. Well, it's not! It's about me.

Today, I curled my hair for church - for the first time in about three months. (I've been blow drying it straight, lately.) I wore my new $6 khaki-with-silver-threads skirt with a white tee and a chunky necklace. I felt like a little desert princess. I looked good.

We got to church early, and one of the priests was making rounds and greeting people. When he got to us, he said, "(muffled by background noise) extraordinary this week." My response, "Thanks!" Dan's response, "I was...."

The priest looked a little baffled. I asked what he said, and he replied, "I asked if you were extraordinary this week."

I said, "I thought you said I looked extraordinary this week!" Before I could say much more, he walked on.

UM. Yeah. I'm so vain that everytime I do think that song is about me.

Dreams....

2011-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had another wedding dream. The focus this time, though, wasn't on Dan and me - but my family, specifically, my young cousins.

The setting was the reception. Zachary, our ring bearer, asked me to dance. As we started to dance, he just hugged me - I was about to correct him about 'proper dance space', when I looked down and saw that he was crying. His dance with me was his chance to communicate love and say good-bye.

I love that Zachary. He is full of spitfire - a little unpredicatable at time - all boy, lover of sports - and thirsty for victory. He can be a bit much, at times, and there are times when you need to teach him at the rules of the game are not "Zachary wins." BUT, I love this kid because he also has a very soft and tender heart. He doesn't show it to a lot of people - unless you can recognize it in his disappointment at losing. It's there, though.

Spitfire: Zachary publicly displays his feelings toward MORE pictures....

Sweetheart: this was his idea. Our photographer asked him to take my bouquet (as in stand next to me and hold it) - he got down on one knee to present me my bouquet. It was so precious.

Zian (older brother to Zach- on the right) and Hunter (on the left)- were the official 'noisemakers' - responsible for handing out the noisemakers to the guests.

The last person that I danced with was Hunter, cousin to Zian and Zachary. He is such a special boy. He is quiet and soft-spoken, a total outdoorsman like his dad and grandpas, and a teachable little soul. I remember that I had to coax him to dance with me. The next thing I knew, as we entered the dance floor, he aged five years and was a 14 year old - with facial hair and looked just like his Uncle Mark! I was just in disbelief. Where was my little boy? Where was little Hunter and who was this man - with a beard at age 14?? (I guess this dream demonstrates how much of a Kies, he really is!)

Oh dreams...sometimes, you make no sense. But one thing is clear - I love my family...and I miss seeing them change and grow up. (Okay, I know it's only been 3 months...but they change so fast!)

How Do You Like Arizona? Follow-Up

2011-09-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Beyond the "my best friends are in the Midwest" aspect, here's one challenge I've found to living in Tucson: the lack of summer.

"Say whaaa, Jessica?! Isn't it like sunny 90% of the time and 105 degrees?"

Yep. Exactly what I mean.

I'm used to summer being the time I spend outside. Soaking up sun, searching for eateries with outside patios, walking all the time, throwing open a few windows (when you get those cooler days, of course), playing sand volleyball or slow pitch softball, grilling out, having outdoor parties - you know! When it's above 100, you don't really want to be outside much, you know?

So, getting used to spending summer indoors has been a process.

But you know what will be awesome? In a month-ish when I can do all of these things for the next nine months while my peeps back in the Midwest enjoy the cool, brisk fall weather (k, I'll miss the colors - and that first 'fall is officially here' day - but I'll enjoy weather like that all winter) and then dig themselves out from snowstorm, after snowstorm, after snowstorm. :)

Yeah, we'll take visitors....

How Do You Like Arizona?

2011-09-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Whenever I meet someone new - which is essentially everyone - and they find out that I moved here three months ago from Iowa - which is the response to the first question asked (where are you from/when did you move here?) - the follow up question is always: "So, how do you like Arizona?"

Most of the time, folks are referring to the weather. That's when I get to tell them how much I have enjoyed the monsoon season because of the humidity (which almost always elicits shock and disbelief). I don't mind the 'dry heat' - which does exist, folks - until the mercury stays up around 107 - 110 for several days on end.

What I don't tell people - since most are making conversation and don't really care - is that while Arizona is fine and I enjoy my life here, I miss having friends. I feel so blessed that I have family here; so blessed that I have a college friend here who is a friend and colleague to both Dan & I; in fact, I even have a high school classmate here! (we did have some classes together; technically, she was a year younger).

I miss my close girlfriends, though. I'm thankful for the last year to hang out with you (all)...just wish you were here, in person, sometimes. I know you'll visit. I know some of you have already planned your visit. I am so thankful for you. Just want you to know - you're missed.

How do I like Arizona? I like it.

Is it home? ...sort of? That part will come...I have faith. :)

My Life as a Book Report: Confessions

2011-08-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been reading Confessions, by Saint Augustine.

(cover photo courtesy of Amazon.com)

I do not have words to fully describe the impact this book has had on both my thought life and spiritual life. Currently, in my life there are several unknowns. I am still looking for a full-time position, though I have had a part-time, temporary position created for me. I am concerned about our cash-flow situation. I am concerned about our country's economic system and if using our emergency fund to help our cash-flow situation (which is the reason it is there) is really wise. In short, I worry.

In Confessions, St. Augustine recounts his life story - but from the perspective of a penitent sinner who recognizes both his folly and God's faithfulness at every stage in his life. It really is a mindful. Wrapping my head around the profound truth and simplicity has been a blessing to me at this particular time in life. Processing and meditating on these truths has also required me to renew my subscription twice at Pima County Library.

Seeing the way that St. Augustine recognizes God's hand in all things, even though Augustine exercised his free-will and chose to think and do all sorts of things that drove him farther and farther into darkness - has helped me do the same in my life.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. In the course of his life, Augustine was a sinner, a seeker, a scholar and a (eventually) saint - much like many of us. His journey to Christ was a long one and choosing Catholicism was a decision that he meditated on deeply. I believe that anyone can benefit from reading his Confessions - sinner, seeker, scholar, or 'saint.'

But you don't have to take my word for it!

Oatmeal Cream Pies

2011-08-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon, I was inspired by this blog, where the author tried recreating her husband's favorite Little Debbie snack: nutty bars). As my husband was returning from a week spent working out with the livestock judging team, I thought that I should make his favorite Little Debbie snack: Oatmeal Cream Pies!

I thought this would be relatively easy - I mean, I make oatmeal cookies, slather on some frosting, bada-bing, bada-boom: happy husband. It was really about that easy. I did search from others' oatmeal cream pie recipes - and let me tell you folks, there are A LOT of sites out there who've recreated the pie. Mine is not a 'perfect' recreation; I think it's better! For those claiming "this tastes exactly like the real thing!" their filling used shortening and marshmallow creme - two ingredients that I did not have on hand and didn't wish to buy. So, I kept searching till I found a very simple frosting recipe - and it is goooood.

So, without further ado, MY recipe for Oatmeal Cream Pies that you and your whole family will love. I gah-ron-tee it. (and since it's two cookies, you really feel like you can eat just one at a time.)

Oatmeal Cookies
(Better Homes & Gardens' New Cook Book Limited (pink) Edition)

3/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (recipe called for cloves; I substituted with what I had)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
2 c. oats

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occassionally. Bean in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer; stir in remaining flour. Stir in oats.

Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

As the cookies cool, mix up the frosting.

Frosting/Filling

1/2 c. butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
1-2 T. whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat together the butter and powdered sugar. Add in 1 T of whipping cream and vanilla. At this point, I thought the frosting was too stiff, so I added in another T of whipping cream and thought it was creamier.

Pair up your cookies with another of a like-size. Frost the bottom of one, and top with another. Enjoy!

(...and you will, even if you don't like Little Debbie's pies - you'll enjoy these. I do!)

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

As alluded to in my last post, I found out last week that I didn't get my "dream" job. At the same time that I was interviewing for the dream job, I interviewed for a position with the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD). It was actually a pre-interview - to determine if I had the skill set for the actual position and should be passed on to the Board for review.

I didn't get that position.

HOWEVER, they saw that I had potential to contribute toward the organization and offered me a part-time, temporary position. While I licked my wounds from dream job, the other offer seemed to be a lame consolation prize.

My first day was Monday. Even then, it seemed a bit of the consolation prize. HOWEVER, as my week has progressed, I am quite awed at God's goodness and provision toward our family.

Who hasn't asked for a job to be created just for them? Essentially, this job is! The director recognized my ability to take on projects and complete them - and that is exactly what she wants me to do. I will be responsible for organizing "Employer Outreach Events" - appreciation, recognition and recruitment. I will try to develop new job opportunities. I will also be developing market opportunities to sell products from the woodshop.

Let me tell you a little about COPD's vocational services. Essentially, they serve two types of clients: competitive and non-competitive. Those who are able to compete in the workforce against us hearing folks, but need assistance finding jobs or training - are the 'competitive' clients. The non-competitive are developmentally disabled and may have hearing deficits (deaf or hard of hearing). These clients require supervision and may only be able to do a portion of the work a competitive person. COPD has developed contracts with a hotel to do house-keeping, some government agencies to provide janitorial services, Catholic Community Services' meals-on-wheels program assembling the meals, and the woodshop - making shelves, spice racks, book ends, etc.

One reason I feel so blessed is the opportunity to develop new opportunities for a marginalized group of society. COPD is part of Catholic Community Services. I think the work the vocational program does is such an important aspect of recognizing human dignity. We were created both to be and also to do. Working, creating, contributing - these are part of what makes us human. I feel blessed to be able to work to provide these opportunities for others.

I don't know how long I will be at COPD, but I am at peace. I know that God will meet our needs! In the meantime, the following verses will be my guiding light and prayer.

Psalm 85:11-14

Love and truth will meet;

Justice and peace will kiss.

Truth will spring from the earth;

Justice will look down from heaven.

The Lord will surel grant abudance; our land will yield its increase.

Prosperity will march before the Lord, and good fortune will follow behind.

Raspberry Pie

2011-08-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last thirty hours disheartened. Upon getting engaged, I started searching for jobs in Tucson. Granted, while TAing, working at ECpE, planning a wedding, and trying to maintain friendships (by being social), the search wasn't intense. (Maybe I should've mentioned working on my Master's project, although that list will give you an idea about why I'm still not finished.) I though I could hit it harder once I got here. I have - but there hasn't been much reaping for all those seeds sown.

Finally, in the middle of July, I had my first interview. Followed by two more the second week. Followed by a second interview. I was excited because this second interview happened to be for a job I deemed my 'dream job.' Not only was I qualified, it's a job that I have wanted to do since a college freshmen! (Any guesses? An Advisor with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) I had connections, even! In the end, though, the job was not to be mine.

In the sports arena, I'm okay with second. When it comes to this, though, second place just wasn't comforting. I even wandered into the, "God. WHY? Why is this so hard? What are you doing? Why aren't you working this out? Am I doing something wrong here?? Why am I not enough for Arizona??"

Been there? Me too - usually when a boy has rejected me in the dating arena, though. My mom referred to it as being in the desert - like when the Israelites left Egypt. Yesterday, my prayers turned into, "Please, just show me some sunshine. Speak some words of encouragement to my heart. I need some light to keep walking forward."

Today, the sunshine came.

When we wonder why God is causing us to walk through deserts, we're missing the point and not grasping the character of God. When we wonder why God isn't giving us what our hearts desire, we're missing it. If God is who He says He is, if He can do all things, then why am I not asking Him to bring about another opportunity - and believing He can do it?

You know when you have disappointments, people always tell you 'something better is coming.' In this economy, that can be pretty hard to take. I don't want to wait another month to have a steady income. I am ready now. In the moment of rejection, I want to nurse the sting; I'm not ready to look at my situation with eyes of faith. I'm looking at my situation with self-pity.

Today, though, God reminded my heart, "...if you knew who it was that brought this opportunity, you would ask Him to do it again - and maybe even better...." (a version of Jesus' words to the woman at the well in John 4)

This reminder is not new to me. This is now the third time he's used this phrasing to encourage my heart and direct my steps. Here is an example:

Though Dan and I dated during the summer of 2008, we weren't exclusive by any means. However, we definitely broke up in October 2008. The night of our break-up, I asked God to bring Dan back whenever he was ready - for me, for love, for our path. During our time off, though, I let go of him, trusting that God would bring him back if he was the guy for me - and I also started asking God to bring me 'raspberry pie.'

At Junior High retreat that fall, our speaker likened God's grace to 'chocolate cake' - and stated that God desires to lavish us with chocolate cake (what we think is a divinely delectable dessert/reward, but we don't think God really wants us to have it). For me, chocolate cake wasn't a good picture; I'm not a fan, really. But I looooove pie! Raspberry pie, ironically, was a flavor introduced to me by Dan. I love raspberries, but I'd never had raspberry pie.

Raspberry pie represented to me something that was new, unique, and an adventure but familiar - and something that I knew I would love. No specific person attached - just him whom God knew fit 'raspberry pie.'

Little to my knowing, it happened to be Dan.

Today, I am done wondering why not me and trying to figure out the why. I am asking God for my 'raspberry pie' job here in Tucson - and I believe that He is able and willing to make this happen.

Are you in a situation that you can't see the solution? Have you been trying to figure out what God is doing - or why He's not bringing you out of the desert? Don't be like the Israelites in the desert and grumble against Him and long for what was not good for you (otherwise, He would've granted it), though it was comfortable. Ask God who is able to do more than you can ask or imagine to bring you the dessert, and prepare you to leave the desert and enter the promised land.

Solution to Sweet Corn & Zucchini Burn-out

2011-08-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

CABASITAS!!!

Caba-what, Jessica??

Cabasitas! A delicious Mexican dish that combines the abundance flowing out of your Midwestern gardens!

You'll need (all or any combination of these items):

An ear of sweet corn
Summer squash
Zucchini
Red Pepper
Onion
Blend of Mexican spices (I used chili pepper, salt & pepper because that's all I had)
Shredded Chicken (optional)
Cheese (goat cheese, southwestern blend cheese - whatev)
Flour tortillas

Slice your veggies...like you're making a fajita.
Heat some olive oil in a pan. Add your veggies and saute until tender. Throw in some spices. I used chicken that I had cooked the day before and added after the veggies had cooked a bit because it just needed warming up.
Heat your tortilla.
Add the veggie blend to your tortilla.
Add some goat cheese. The first time I had this, my friend had some local goat cheese. It was SOOO good in this. I didn't have goat cheese, so I just used a southwestern blend of shredded cheese. It was still delicious.
Fold up burrito style (trust me!) and enjoy!

SO good. SO easy. SO good for you! The little burst of sweetness from the corn is so good with the slight spice and the delicious veggies.
SO. SO. SO. good! ENJOY FOLKS!

Scrumptious Sunday

2011-08-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

We had a potluck for Dan's department on Saturday. He volunteered me to bring desserts, so I finally got to break in my KitchenAid mixer!

The first dessert: Chubby Hubby Bars - like the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. They are very good!

Ingredients:
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. unsalted butter at room temp.
1 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T vanilla
1/4 c. chunky peanut butter
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped pretzles
1/4 c. chocolate chips (for top)
1/4 c. peanut butter chips (for top)
1/4 c. coarsely chopped pretzles (for top)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9x13" pan with foil and spray. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Using a mixer, beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. On low speed, beat in dry ingredients until blended. Add peanut butter. Stir in pretzles and chocolate chips.

2. Spread batter in the pan. Sprinkle peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and pretzles.

3. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

My version:
I used Trader Joe's mini peanut butter cups (chopped) instead of chocolate or peanut butter chips. I did this for one reason: baking supplies are EXPENSIVE here in Arizona! (hint, hint for those looking for gift ideas. Yes, some flour, spices, and an abundance of chips in various flavors would make my day.) They worked great! The bars are delicious. Definitely make them for something where sharing is necessary!

THEN I baked a second dessert, which I invented.

Due to my abundance of pretzels, I wanted to make that strawberry pretzel dessert. After finding a recipe online, I realized that I did NOT want to make that particular dessert. I did want to make the pretzel crust; I did want to use strawberries. My mom has made this 'dessert' before (those of you dieters will know what I'm talking about) - that involves pureeing your favorite berries, mixing in some yogurt and then some Cool Whip. I decided to combine these. Super easy - pretty good.

Chop 2 c. pretzels in a food processor. Add in 3/4 c. butter (softened or melted) with 3 T. sugar and mix together. Bake at 400 for 6 - 10 minutes in a 9x13 pan.

Wash & quarter 1 pt. strawberries. Puree in a food processor. Mix with two, six ounce containers of yogurt. Finally add 1 8-oz. tub of Cool Whip (I used fat free). Pour into the pretzel crust. Refrigerate and enjoy.

--I put this in the freezer, and it took awhile to 'defrost' and thus be able to eat. I would recommend just refrigerating it.

Prescott Pics! & Fast Fact Friday!

2011-08-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had the opportunity to travel to Prescott, Arizona for the Arizona Cattleman's Conference. We were there from Wednesday through Saturday and had a wonderful time!

Dan led a livestock judging workshop on Thursday morning - and I got to help score. There is a youth organization for the junior Cattlemen, and this contest was part of it. One little boy who was 5 participated in the contest. He was adorable. During the morning, he did a great job paying attention and even completed all of the judging classes. By the time we'd had lunch, he was ready to go. He came over by me and we hung out and chatted. All morning, he had this big black cowboy hat on - and he had blond hair and cute blue eyes. Oh boy, I could have one of those! :)

The rest of the weekend, Dan worked the trade show representing the Animal Sciences department. I worked on presentation for the second interview and tooled around Prescott with two other ladies who adopted/befriended me! They were great and it is such a blessing to hang out with ladies!

We also got to attend a "steak fry" at one of the local ranches, The Las Vegas Ranch. The owner is a former judging team member, U of A alum, and current state senator. The ranch was beautiful. The trees lining the grounds were at least 200 feet high with a spreading canopy that kept us dry from the sprinkles. They had two big tents set up with white lights. There was a live country band. It was just - amazing. We also rubbed elbows with some state senators, although that wasn't really amazing. (I didn't take my camera along, but wish I would have.)

NOW for some Prescott fast facts!

1. It is pronounced Press-KIT - not press-SCOTT like it looks.
2. While the theme of the conference was "Where Cattlemen Meet at 5000 feet," the elevation is actually around 5300 feet.
3. It used to be the territorial capital of Arizona.
4. Several campaigns have been launched on the steps of the courthouse.
5. It is rich with history!

The Yavapai County Courthose, which is the same building formerly known as the territorial capitol. Apparently, Barry Goldwater launched all of his campaigns from those steps.

The Arizona state flag

Whiskey Row - and no, it's not all bars! There are some, along with some very cool shops with art from locals.

This is what Whiskey Row looked like in yesteryear.

For my brother

For the Lilly's...who would never own a saloon - maybe it served alcohol chocolates, though?

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-08-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

I have started reading St. Augustine's Confessions. It is beautiful and thought-provoking. I love this passage from Book 1, section 4.

What, then, is the God I worship?

He can be none but the Lord God himself, for who but the Lord is God?

What other refuge can there be, except our God?

You, my God, are supreme, utmost in goodness,

mightiest and all-powerful, most merciful and most just.

You are the most hidden from us and yet the most present amongst us,

the most beautiful and yet the most strong,

ever enduring and yet you change all things.

You are never new, never old, and yet all things have new life from you.

You are the unseen power that brings decline upon the proud.

You are ever active, yet always at rest.

You gather all things to yourself, though you suffer no need.

You support, you fill, and you protect all things.

You create them, nourish them, and bring them to perfection.

You seek to make them your own, though you lack for nothing.

You love your creatures, but with a gentle love.

You treasure them, but without apprehension.

You grieve for wrong, but suffer no pain.

You can be angry and yet serene.

Your works are varied, but your purpose is one and the same.

You welcome all who come to you, though you never lost them.

You are never in need yet are glad to gain,

never covetous yet you exact a return for your gifts.

We give abundantly to you so that we may deserve a reward;

yet which of us has anything that does not come from you?

You repay us what we deserve, and yet you owe nothing to any.

You release us from our debts, but you lose nothing therby.

You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight,

but is this enough to say of you?

Can any man say enough when he speaks of you?

Yet woe betide those who are silent about you!

For even those who are most gifted with speech cannot find words to describe you.

(the breaks are mine)

There is really not much to add...just much to savor and meditate upon and let sink into my soul.

What's New Wednesday

2011-08-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much about our "regular" life, lately.

I've done a little decorating:

Our "refreshment" "cabinet"

I've done A LOT of cooking - and took pictures of one meal.

Roasted squash with sausage, rosemary and asiago cheese & mushroom risotto and spinach.

I was also able to recreate my favorite Thai lunch. Nine years ago, I lived in Thailand for two months teaching English at Sripatum University in Bangkok as part of a mission trip. The "dining hall" on campus was a giant, open air (though covered) hall. Along the edges were food vendors. My go-to vendor made fried chicken and rice AND mamat pad gai. Mamat means fried, pad = noodles, gai = chicken. Put it all together and you have chicken with fried noodles - in a peanut sauce with bok choy and a little cilantro. I found Thai Kitchens' fried noodles with sauce and gave it a whirl. I sauteed some chicken, bok choy, added the cooked noodles, then the sauce. In addition, I sprinkled some chili powder and chopped peanuts. It was awesome!

I've also been reaping the bounty of an aunt with a lot of tomatoes this month! My solution for an abundance of cherry and yellow 'pear' tomatoes? Roast them with olive oil, some basil and garlic at 325 for 30ish minutes. Cook spiral pasta - add it in for a few minutes at the end and enjoy. Dan doesn't like tomatoes - and he looooves this dish.

I also got a hair cut!

I've also had three interviews and one second interview. I'll find out at the end of this week about the second interview. I would LOVE this job and feel like it was made for me! If you think of it, prayers are always appreciated.

What about Dan? Well, he's been bringin' home the bacon by going to work everyday. He's spent the weekends in July working on his thesis. He does the dishes nearly every night...and you know, just does a great job loving me and being my best friend.

MONSOON WATCH

2011-08-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here in Tucson, it's 'Monsoon Season.' For my non-Tucsonan readers, that means that this is the one season in the year where we get regular precipitation. Based on the calendar, "monsoon season" begins on June 15. However, the season doesn't really start until there are three days with dew points above 54. (Fast fact, everybody). For 2011, this happened right around July 4.

Prior to July 4, it was H-O-T, hot here. We had nearly ten days that were around 110 degrees, very little cloud cover and a dew point of -2. (only one of those statements is an exaggeration) Hence, when Tucsonans learn just when I moved down here, their reply is, "Oh! Talk about a wake up call!" or "I'm so sorry!" What they're really thinking is, "Boy, she must really love him!" It was not pleasant.

Then July came...and I am in love with Monsoon Season. This statement proves just how Iowan I truly am! Tucsonans hate the humidity; I love it. I bask in its glory as I walk outside and feel my protection from the sun. It's like a welcome hug from an old friend. (Okay, I may be getting a little too nostalgic and ridiculous.) What can I say, though? I really do like it!

Now, I've heard that the adjustment to the dryness comes quickly. So, it may be that when I visit home next May and it's 68 degrees out, I'll proclaim that it's "so hot!" when what I really mean is it's "so humid!" For now, though, I'm holding onto my Iowa roots!

So, the reason it gets humid here during Monsoon Season is the rain! Almost daily, the humidity will climb, the sun will break through and clouds carrying precipitation (usually from Mexico) will burst onto the scene. Some days, it's pretty light. Some times, we get a good ol' storm with thunder & lightning. Once, so far this summer, we've received such a downpour that it flooded our street! It was AWESOME! Below are pictures to prove it. It wasn't that deep and by morning it was dry - but it was cool!

(The title is attributed to all of our local TV metereologists who over-dramatize the season.)

Yep, just goin' for a walk in the flood waters. No biggie.

Check out that spray action! You're not supposed to drive down the flooded streets, as your vehicle could stall. If it does, not only do you have to pay for a tow, but for a ticket, too!

My Life As a Book Report: This House of Sky

2011-07-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

To put into words exactly why you should read This House of Sky by Ivan Doig is difficult. You just should. You must. You'll love it. Trust me.

This is a "Dan book." He recommended that I read it at least a year ago. I've had it in my possession for several months; long enough that he couldn't remember to whom he loaned it. I finally read it and loved every minute of it. Maybe it's because I'm living 'in the west' now, so I'm fascinated by 'western life'; maybe because I'm married to a 'shepherd'; maybe because I'm a lover of rural life, simplicity and days gone by; maybe because I'm fascinated by history and relationships. Maybe. Whatever the reason - if you find yourself in any of those categories, you'll love the book.

The setting is rural, western Montana and the time spans the early 20th century through the mid 1970s. The book is a collection of memories from Doig's family journey to Montana from Scotland and their experiences homesteading, ranching, rodeoing and living in the sparse, sometimes harsh landscape of western Montana. He describes the landscape and ranch life with such depth, richness, beauty and clarity.

Please, please, PLEASE read the book. Give it to your parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles. I am. (psst! act surprised when you get the book!)

Now for how it relates to my life...

Doig recounts the passing of a way of life. Montana's homesteaders found that after years of struggling, 160 acres just didn't cut it. Eventually homesteading places were bought up by larger ranches, and men could take on jobs working for ranches. Raising livestock dictated the pulse of this area. As the book closes, Doig's home area has now become a logging industry.

I love history; I love my family's history; I love pondering about my family's roots and experiences. Growing up, I used to develop stories and imagine life on our land from years before. We had an old barn up the hill in an area where we used to keep hogs. I loved wandering in that barn. It was so dilapidated and filled with dust. Granted, the "flooring" was just dirt - but I always just remember SO. MUCH. DUST. walking through there. There was even ooooooold dusty hay still in the middle of the barn. I just loved going there and living in my day dreams for a few hours. So much of Doig's life was spent living in his imagination, as he grew up an only child in some isolated areas.

Furthermore, I've watched the landscape of rural Iowa change in my own 'short' lifetime. In our small town of Orient, the surrounding areas were full of families who farmed 'small' farms (500 acres or less?) and lived good lives. Today, those families have thinned out. As we graduated high school and college, we've moved on to larger cities and towns. Our already small school now has graduating classes in the lower teens. (Yes, folks, like 14.) The industry that has supported livelihoods for years...isn't. Jobs for those with college degrees are sparse. Men like my dad who have a college degree and came home to farm earn nicknames like 'Professor' - because those who leave and return are a rare commodity. In recent years, there have been some who've left and come back. Those who do, I admire.

Putting into words why you should read this book is very difficult me. You just should. So, whenever you get around to it - you won't be disappointed.

My Life As A Book Report: Saints Behaving Badly

2011-07-18T11:18:00.001-07:00

I've wanted to do this blog series for awhile. The main impetus is that when I read a book, I read books that make me think. For this reason, I don't read a lot. Not because I don't want to think, but I have to want to read and taught. My husband (and many others) enjoy reading - and read a lot. Dan reads every night. He reads a variety of books: sports, political, mysteries, biographies, westerns. He's voracious.

I'm not. I like reading. I'm a good reader. Heck, I got a 35 on the Reading portion of the ACT - which is based on comprehension. I'm a choosy reader - because of that need for thought to be stimulated when I read. I'm not always a ready & willing audience, but when I am - I need to read. As they say, when the student is ready, the teacher appears - and so it is with me and the books that I read.

This lengthy explanation, which has nothing to do with the book I'm about to report on, is simply to say: this won't be a weekly - or even monthly series. (On the other hand, I'm really interested in reading right now, so it might be monthly.) Also, the point is: when I read, I think about what I'm reading and apply it to my life - and I often find correlational themes and messages. It seems that I read for purpose, not pleasure. (Even though books I choose for pleasure seem to teach me plenty!) My favorites are those which delight and teach me. Those will be the books reported on here.

Without further ado, Saints Behaving Badly by Thomas Craughwell:

cover courtesy of Amazon.com

I received this book from dear friend Andrea upon my confirmation into the Catholic Church this spring. As a newly minted Catholic, I obviously, needed to know something about the saints - and should have a fondness for them. As a newly minted Catholic, my affection toward them was really more intrigue than fondness - as it is a little hard to shake Protestant skepticism and Evangelical distrust of "anything but Jesus."

My dad, the lovable Gideon that he is saw the book and at once proclaimed, "Ah! It's just a book of testimonies!" Which it is; and which is exactly why the lives of saints should be learned about and venerated - because their stories are the same redemptions by the grace of Christ that our lives are today. (Which is also one of the reasons that I love my dad so; always looking for what binds us.)

Saints Behaving Badly chronicles the lives of twenty-eight holy men and women of the faith - most of them saints. There are some well-known saints in there: Saint Patrick, Saint Augustine, and Saint Francis of Assisi. The others were not known well to me. Each 'chapter' was dedicated to portraying the early life, the sinful life, the transformation, the repentent life and the death of each man and woman.

I was surprised at the time this book spanned - starting with Saint Matthew (one of the twelve apostles) in the first century through Venerable Matt Talbot of the late 1800s. For much of my Christian life, I've had this very small view of the 'communion of the saints'. Mainly, that we had Jesus, the twelve disciples, the new church and then fast-forward to today - and you have me. I know that it is very narrow-minded, but I never really gave much thought to the past twenty centuries of Christians until delving into the Catholic faith. For me, the connection to the past generations of Christians - many of them Catholic - has given me a sense of foundation in the church. This was one of the main reasons that I chose to embrace Catholicism (and Dan - but another story).

I read this book as part of my morning devotions. It was a great complement to my daily Bible readings to learn about a saint a day. It is really eye-opening to read about decisions to choose Christ and the Catholic church amid persecution: from the Romans to the English protestants. In nearly every testimony, their sinful past (ranging from promiscuity, adultery, gambling, lover of blood-sports, playboy, idoltry and devil worshipping) was overcome through strict devotion to prayer, serving others through selfless devotion, living simple, quiet lives - or establishing an order to teach/serve others. Their path to holiness always was marked with humility and great reverance for and submission to Christ and the Church.

My "take-away" lessons from these are many. However, the main one is the challenge to think of myself no more higher than I ought. To embrace my circumstance in life, rather than question it, by looking for ways to serve and love others is my life lesson from the lives of the saints.

Do Good. Be Light.

2011-07-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago, we moved.

As the member of our household without a job, packing (and cleaning) became my primary responsibility. I took that on like my job. When moving day rolled around, Dan and I started bright and early - and kept on going until late in the evening. To say that I was exhausted by day's end would be an understatement. The next day started bright and early again with both of us running around to various places. To top it off, the air conditioner in our new place needed charging, so our house didn't start cooling down until the afternoon of Day 2.

By mid-afternoon, I was tired, cranky, irritable...and unwilling to stop. I felt this obligation to just keep doing. This sense of duty to keep doing and going compounded my irritability. I really just wanted to stop and rest - but felt compelled to keep pushing.

I know that I am not alone in this sense of obligation and compulsion. As women, I think we derive from this feeling a sense of worthiness, almost. If I can just keep doing, that will really prove how dedicated, good of a wife, hard-working (fill in the blank) I am. In fact, I was such a good wife that I couldn't say a nice, edifying thing to my husband.

I knew by the growing knot in my stomach that I needed to sit and be still before the Lord. The question was, would I do it? Would I overcome that false sense of duty to do - and submit to my obligation to be?

I did. I picked up my daily devotional and found that Matthew 11:25-30 had been the Gospel reading for Friday.
"Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light."

This familiar passage spoke new life into my heart. First I noticed the contrast between myself and my Lord: for I am mean and proud of heart, my yoke is selfish and my burden is to be right. Yet Jesus is gentle, humble of heart and his work is to do good and be light. Oh, to be like Him! To give up my need for justification and being right and in turn, find rest!

In the translations most familiar to me, Jesus' yoke is described as easy. This seems to be a major contradiction as walking and living like Jesus is anything but easy! We fight against our nature to be right, to be justified, to win. What struck me, then, was his description of his yoke.

When a yoke is used - it's used to do work. What is Jesus' task for us, then, but to do good? If I contrast His nature with mine, then to do good would be to do what is in the best interest of another - even over myself. By nature, I am a reactor. To me, doing good requires one to be proactive - to be on the look-out for ways to elevate another above oneself - in short, to love them through service.

When I think of a burden, it is something that must be carried. Jesus' burden is to carry light. In other words, to bring light into a darkened place. How does one carry light? To me, that would be maintaining hope, faith, trust and belief. How do we maintain such hope and faith? Through prayer, meditation, time in the word, in fellowship with others, and doing good. Doing good and being light looks like encouraging and spurring on others to respond in faith, hope, love and trust to each other and their circumstances.

I may be taking artistic license with the word of God, but in this meditation, I found the antidote for myself and the prescription for my marriage & life: Do Good & Be Light.

The happenings at the casita

2011-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well, God has blessed us with some "pets!"

Maureen

Fernando

We thought Maureen was a Mourning Dove, hence her name. Dan the ornithologist thought so, but now isn't so sure. If there are any Tucson ornithologists reading this blog, please enlighten us. She's made her nest in our Palo Verde tree. She's a dutiful mama and unusually tame. We can walk right up to the tree, around it, talk about her and she doesn't move.

Fernando is the gecko we found last night climbing our screen. Dan is such an animal lover it spills over to reptiles or amphibians (I don't know).

The other happenings is reaping the bountiful harvests of fruits and vegetables through Bountiful Baskets. My cousin Julie clued me into this program. It is a 100% volunteer organization that seeks to provide high-quality, 'local' fruits and vegetables at a reasonable costs. If you choose to participate, you sign up between Monday and Tuesday - with pick-up on Saturday. It's $15 for a conventional basket; $25 for organic. There are other options to choose as well: bread, cookies, buns, other fruit. I'd love to get some of the bread, but it's $10 for FIVE loaves. We just don't have that kind of freezer space!

This is the second week that we have participated - and we have quite the bounty! I also chose the 'Oriental Basket' in addition to the conventional. This supplied us with cabbage, bok choy, garlic, ginger, snap peas, and basil. I think I need to go buy some Thai noodles and peanuts and try my hand at recreating 'ma-mat-pad-gai' (my favorite Thai meal!).

The FRUIT: bananas, pineapple, tomatoes, red pears, plums, apricots and FIGS! (if you've got any good recipes incorporating any of these items, shoot them my way!)

The conventional basket with fruit & vegetables. For veggies we got broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and spinach. I am excited to make garden vegetable omelets for lunch!

Conventional + Oriental basket. Wow! What selection!
Seriously, if anyone has good Asian recipes, please send them to me!

Wedding Shout-Outs: CAKE!

2011-07-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

THE CAKE:

(back story) Dan was the 2000 Michigan FFA President. One of his fellow officers was Attalee Hardy. She also went to Michigan State, and she and Dan became good friends. Attie married Jim Brix; they moved to Iowa when both got jobs in Omaha. She works for ConAgra as a food scientist in research & development. We met toward the beginning of Dan and I's relationship and became good friends. They are great people with great kids - and well, we wish people like that were our next door neighbors! Anyway...Attie is VERY talented and makes/decorates cakes on the side.

As soon as Dan and I were engaged, I wanted her to make our cake. I found the cake design in The Knot's winter magazine issue (which I got Dan to buy me the day we were engaged because it had a cake I liked and the flower-scheme I wanted). I sent that to Attie. The original design used lilies; since peonies were the flower of the day, Attie learned to make sugar peonies. That is correct, folks, all of those flowers at the base are edible and were made by hand! I keep encouraging Attie that she needs to go into this full time and call her business, "Attie Cakes." (like patty-cake!)

Attie works on the base layer.

Setting the cake up on the table!

Our topper was the same topper that Dan's parents used. I really had no plans to have a topper since the model cake didn't use one. However, Dan wanted a topper - and he wanted a bride and groom. (He's quite the traditionalist - and I love him for that!) While visiting my Gramma Faye, I noticed her topper. It was precious (not Precious Moments) with a little bride and groom that almost resembled Kewpie dolls. It was from the early 40s - and I didn't feel that I could ask to borrow it. I tried searching Ebay, but came up with nothing. Dan asked his parents about theirs and we decided to use it. We did modify it just a little. There was a canopy of white flowers framing the couple. I was not a fan; Dan liked it. As you can see, I won. :) I loved having it as our topper. It was perfect.

(Although one of our younger guests did point out that the bride & groom didn't look anything like us.)

All photos on this post are courtesy of Nicole at Farmgirl Chaos!

A Family Friendly Fourth!

2011-07-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Much of our weekend was spent unpacking and arranging the new place. We did get out and enjoy our holiday weekend, though.

On Saturday night, we went downtown to a 'Baja Arizona Freedom-fest.' Well, we didn't really go to it; we planned on it and then took too long getting ready. I had a hard time deciding what to wear! ;-) There are some in Tucson who want Pima County to secede from the state and become 'Baja Arizona,' the fifty-first state. As a new resident, I'm not really keen on all the political happenings and don't really support the petition. BUT, they had live music and my uncle's son was playing in a band and they were going, so we thought, 'why not?' After all, the fourth of July is all about asserting your independence.

Like I said, we didn't end up patronizing Baja Arizona's fest. (We did see the last two songs of Silverbell's set, though, and they are a GREAT band! Definitely worth seeing again!) After that, we enjoyed dinner at 'Club Congress' the restaurant located in Hotel Congress with my aunt, uncle and cousin. The food and drinks were excellent! The conversation was good, too! :)

On Sunday, we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house for a late lunch with them and my great-aunt and uncle. It is a blessing to have some family here! My aunt made a delectable Sunday dinner; we enjoyed great conversation, and ended the day reading the paper and lounging. It was a great Sunday.

On Monday, we unpacked some more - and prepared for our evening festivities. We headed over to our new friends' place for a little cook-out. Nathan and Robin live beyond the Tucson Mountains, out in the 'wild' country. To get to their place, we drove on dirt roads - literally. Think Level B roads in Iowa, but without the deep ruts from mud...just really sandy. They treated us to some steak, corn on the cob and blackberry cobbler! It was quite the treat! After dinner, we packed up and headed into town for the Tucson Padres game. Ryan navigated the traffic well and got us right into the game!

The evening ended with quite the fireworks show. Fireworks have been banned in Pima County this year due to the risk of starting wildfires. Three locations were still allowed to have a show, though. The stadium played a whole background of 'USA'-themed songs - though not the Start Spangled Banner. Personally, I thought that the finale should have gone off at the end of 'God Bless The USA' - but instead we ended with 'Born in the USA.'

This is the view from our seats. We were in the 4th row! I haven't sat so close in years!

The sunset was just beautiful. We are currently in the monsoon season and a storm had blown in around 4:30; that night it sprinkled on us in the 9th inning (later in the evening another storm came in).

Huddle, huddle - looks like trouble!

Happy Fourth of July!

Casita Nueva!

2011-07-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you English-only folks, that means 'new little house.' On Friday, Dan and I moved into our casita with the help of a couple of friends. (Yes, friends!) Dan and I started the moving process about 7:30 that morning with all of the boxes and "little" stuff. Nathan and Ryan came by around 2:30/3 to move the big stuff, while I cleaned the old apartment. It was very successful. Did I mention that it was 110 degrees outside? Yes, those are some good friends!

Here's some pictures of our little adobe abode!

The outside view - complete with a prickly pear (whose fruits are edible) and a space over-run by ventana? where I can plant flowers or vegetables in the fall and spring!

Kitchen: no dishwasher or microwave, but we can handle it. Dan is GREAT at washing dishes.

I'm okay trading a dishwasher for a washer/dryer.

The view into the living room through the front door. It's not a sprawling floor plan, but it works for us!

The living room, complete with a built in "entertainment center." Unfortunately, our TV is just a little too big for that space. After arranging furniture in there, I think our TV is just a little too big for the whole place. (Any takers?) As our friend Ryan said, "You're definitely in the moment (of what is taking place on TV)."

Guest bedroom/office - with a view into the guest bath/kitchen. Yes, Mom & Dad there are two sets of doors. :)

Master Bedroom with a view into the master bathroom.

Walk-in closet with built in shelves!

If you are interested in our new address, shoot us an email. I'd rather not put it out here on the world-wide web!

I married Alex P. Keaton....

2011-06-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

which is fitting for the girl who wanted to be Blair Warner, from Facts of Life.

Those are just some of Dan's ties. Six more were added to the box. With a collection like that, you might think he's throwing his hat into the run for the presidency. Not yet. ;) Maybe a secretary of agriculture some day... Just one of the reasons I married him - one month ago today!

For our one month anniversary, we're moving! Okay, not on this actual day, but in two days! Hence, the ties in the box. :)

I'd hoped to do a whole blog shout-out to every one that helped with our wedding through pictures, but that is just too time-consuming. So, for all of those who helped, THANK YOU! Someday, I'll get a proper picture to recognize your efforts!

One year...

2011-06-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Toward the beginning of the book of Isaiah, he writes, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord." In different Bible studies, it has been mentioned how dear and beloved King Uzziah was to the people of Israel. For much of his life, he walked with God, followed his statues and brought the people to back to the Lord. I always find it interesting, though, how the Israelites 'following God' is largely dependent on their leader. If the King followed God, so did the people. If he didn't, well...most of the time, they didn't either.

A year ago at this time, my family was preparing to say good-bye to our patriarch - my grandfather, Joe Kremer. He battled kidney failure for three years. He was a fighter and probably one of the toughest men I have known. A year ago about this time, he suffered a stroke on a Friday morning and on Wednesday afternoon, God called him home.

In the year since Grandpa passed, my life looks very different than a year ago, but with all changes, they came incrementally. I can say, though, that in this year without Grandpa, I have seen and tasted the Lord. A year ago, God woke me up in the early hours of the morning with the words for Grandpa's eulogy. They just came to me, and I wrote them out. In so doing, I realized this great truth. I had often wondered why God hadn't allowed Grandpa to go earlier, before the suffering, before becoming confined to the house, then to a bed, and finally the nursing home. Grandpa said he was ready. Even if he was, we weren't.

In the days before Grandpa died, I battled a range of emotions - knowing that he should go but not wanting him to be gone. Selfish as it may be, he was the rock of our family. He was a good man, of great integrity, strength and courage. His passing would leave a great chasm and leave our family forever changed.

Jesus said that in order for a kernel of wheat to grow, it must first be buried in the earth and die. For life to come, there must be death. Proverbs says that if you train a child in the way that he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it. For our family to see the true effects of my grandpa's life, he had to go. His passing left an emptiness, but also created an opportunity. Each of us has the chance to rise up and take our place around the family table. It has been so neat to see this happen. We are a diverse family and spread across this country, but we are united by love.

Yesterday, was the feast of the body and blood; the celebration of the Eucharist in the Catholic church calendar. I recalled what my aunt Mary said at Grandpa's wake; as she wrestled with questions about Catholicism, Grandpa would answer that yes, the church was not perfect, but we have the Eucharist, the cup of life. She found great comfort in his words. As I took my first communion earlier this year, those words rang in my head. I was reminded of them again, yesterday. Sharing in the Eucharist helps me feel connected to the Body of Christ, the Church - and all those past and present. I miss my Grandpa, but I find such comfort knowing that he is part of the 'great cloud of witnesses' - the communion of saints - cheering on, encouraging, and praying for his heirs running the race on earth.

Fast Fact Friday

2011-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm on an alliteration kick, so sue me!

It seems that in the blogging world the kick is to have a run-down of your week with the "Friday Five." Since I just *hate* following the crowd; only a little, really, I don't want to stand out too much, but I do want to be unique; you get a 'Fast Fact Friday.' The inspiration comes from one of my former students and my fount of endless, frivolous (not useless) knowledge. On our college tour trip last year, every time I mentioned something noteworthy, he would say, "Fast fact!" I loved it so much that I started saying it and then he said that I was ruining, 'Fast fact!' I digress...onto the fact!

First fact: The University of Arizona Cattle Growers Association sells meat processed at the U of A Meat Lab every Friday. In the summer the hours are 3-5; during the school year, the hours are 3-7 pm. I get to help with the sale because Dan is the club's advisor, they are short staffed, I don't have a job, I like helping and getting out of the house! It's a win-four-times-over situation.

Second fact: The highest priced cut of meat on any four-legged animal is the loin, whose scientific name is the longissimus dorsi. The tenderloin's scientific name is the psoas major. Correction: the tenderloin is the highest priced, which makes sense when you know it as filet mignon (lots of folks asking for these last week); loin is second.

Third fact: A T-bone and Iowa chop are a special cut of meat providing the loin and tenderloin (that's the smaller piece of meat). What are the scientific names, class? That's right! Longissimus dorsi and psoas major!

Fourth fact: Canadian bacon, a popular choice among Canadians and pizza lovers, is actually cured tenderloin - not bacon or ham, though most pizza chains will try to pull a fast one on you. Here is a great link to the pork cuts of meat poster: http://www.amazingribs.com/images/pix/pork_cuts_large.jpg. (If you're yearning for a great education on ribs, then just go to the main page. I am hankerin' for some ribs, now!)

There you have it, folks! Fast-fact Friday! I'd like to thank F.C. Parrish for his fabulous instruction in Animal Science 270, Survey of Meat Science and 476C, Meat Judging. Even after ten-plus years, those facts still stick with me.

If you're in Tucson, come by some meat from 3-5!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

2011-06-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that to be an official blog you need to have catchy titles that use alliteration and the day of the week? 'Member that time Monday; Tasty Tuesday; Watchu Talkin' 'Bout Wills Wednesday; Thankful Thursday; Fast Fact Friday; Sensual Saturday; Sinless Sunday - you get the picture. The trick of the catchy blog titles is that they require a consistent posting of that subject on that day of the week. My problem is not the catchy title - but that consistency. So, faithful followers of four, you may or may not get Words of Wisdom every Wednesday.

Without any further ado, here is the wisdom today:

"Stay hydrated!"

Today is a scorcher, even by Tucson standards. We are projected to reach 110...or higher. In fact, for the next week, we will by in the triple digits. Next Monday and Tuesday had 111 under them. Seriously. My favorite part of the weather report, though, is the anchors' commentary following.
Anchor 1: Geesh! That is going to be a warm one.
Anchor 2: That's right. Be safe out there.
Weatherman: Yes, you all know what to do, though, you live here! Drink lots of water.
Anchor 1: That's right: stay hydrated!

I love water. Ask my friends, I drink my share of water. Last week, though, I needed some variety.
It hit me: I live in ARIZONA: SUN TEA!
Then, it hit me again: I married an amazing man who owns a sun tea jar!
Then, it hit me again: That same amazing man only has black tea, but my amazing Tucson aunt brought me some flavored tea when I was sick in February and my amazing friend gave me some random orange tea!

Last week, I made my first variety of sun tea: 3 large Lipton tea bags with one small Tazo sweet, wild orange tea bag and one small Trader Joe's mint tea bag. The result? Delicious and refreshing! A thirst quencher with a little zang!

Today, heeding the warnings from this morning's news crew, I made round 2: 3 large Liptons with two Trader Joe's organic pear/ginger. A little burst of sweetness in every swallow.

In summary, folks, it's a hot one out there: stay hydrated!

Tucson Mantra

2011-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

"I'm not here for a long time;
I'm here for a good time."

Time in this sense is a bit relative. No, we're not planning on leaving anytime soon, and we're not planning on staying forever... Then again, in this crazy world, who knows? Plans quickly change. So, Mom and Nicole - don't get your hopes up too high. I will still be in Arizona next week. :)

For those who don't know me well or haven't known me since elementary school, I get homesick. I know, it might surprise you. The three times I went to camp - second, fourth and seventh grade - I got homesick. It wasn't so bad as a seventh grader, but I still would have preferred to be home than at camp. I am an interesting extrovert. I do enjoy being by myself; I like alone time...but I like to be near people who know me. I find security in people...in just being near others. So, leaving the people that I loved the most was always hard for me - even if it was for three days. I'm also an interesting cat in that if I can distract myself and focus my energy in the present, I can do quite well. But, if my mind starts to wander, being 'present' is very hard for me to do.

Not having a job has caused me to realize a few things. 1) I would like a job to pay some bills and save some money and feel more comfortable. That one is fairly obvious. 2) I would like a job to introduce me to people. 3) I would like to be part of a community. 4) I want to use my strengths and gifts to pour into others' lives. I didn't realize that I have relied on my jobs to provide me with so many of those opportunities.

Back to the mantra. This past weekend, the roughest bout of homesickness thus far, was pretty eye-opening for Dan. George Strait's new song uses my mantra for the refrain. On Sunday, Dan looked at me and said, "Jessica, how about just living by this? How about recognizing that we're here for a good time?" It really helped me put our life into perspective. Yes, there are so many unknowns; I am living in a new place and experience a lot of 'uncomfortableness' - so far from friends and family, so little exposure to people beside my husband, so much time spent applying and looking and reaping very little; but, it's not forever.

When we are in desert seasons of our lives, it is so easy to look around and see no hope and believe that our present circumstance is our future reality. The truth is, though, this is only passing. Yes, the moment may last longer than we expected or hoped or believed - but it is still passing! The truth is that I have been . given today, this moment and have been asked to be faithful with it - no matter the circumstance. Will I be bitter, forlorn, sad, anxious...or choose to walk by faith? My eyes may not see relief, but I can walk by faith and not by sight. That's what this mantra reminds me to do: walk by faith - and SMILE. Be a blessing...whether you feel like it or not...and you will be blessed.

Life in the Great Southwest

2011-06-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I sit beneath a set of trees (some look like ginko, some bamboo, a mesquite, and some palm trees) on the 'central campus' of the University of Arizona, east of Old Main and south of the student union. At this early hour, there is slight breeze and temps in the 70s. In the shade, this is delightful. Yes, married life in Arizona is not all homesickness and heat-stroke. (Just to clarify, yes I have been homesick; no, I have not had heat-stroke.)

I really like the U of A campus. From my vantage point, I see a blend of southwest architecture and modern buildings. Not adobe, but beautiful red brick with terra cotta roofs. Old Main resembles a ranch mansion, with a large wrap around veranda. The modern buildings try to incorporate this red brick, but maintain their modernity with square lines and glass fronts. You all really should visit sometime; hopefully, you'll be as taken with its beauty as me.

Today, I came with Dan into work. I need the distraction of being out of the house; it increases my productivity. In the house, I get sucked into goings-on on the Today Show & Rachael Ray. Facebook is the stealer of work-productivity and TV is the stealer of housework-productivity. Oh, the evils of technology!

My goals for today are to apply for three-four jobs with the University, a part-time/pass-the-time job at some hotels, and work on reporting the results of my creative component. Dan and I have set some 'lofty' financial-freedom goals that can only be accomplished with me having a job. :) So, all of your petitions on behalf of my employment would be appreciated.

So far life as a wife has been pretty good to me. I have laid out a menu-plan for this week, gone grocery shopping and saved $25, and have been working on our household budget. And my husband? Well, he keeps me sane, encouraged (the seemingly 'lack of progress' in the job front gets hard on me; I am not used to so much rejection; it's not good for WOOing personality [winning others' over]), and he works hard to provide for us...so that I have the means to be so awesome at grocery shopping and menu-planning.

That's a glimpse into my Tuesday morning!

Life in the West

2011-06-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus faithful followers! (Who am I kidding? If you are my followers, you know what to expect!)

Late Friday, June 3, Dan and I made it home to Tucson!

A description and picture of our 'honeymoon' will be sure to come!

30 days!!!

2011-04-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

THIRTY DAYS from now Dan and I will be saying, "I do!"

I can't believe it is THIS close! AH! THIRTY DAYS!!

Also, for a quick fast fact, Dan and I met on this day - 3 years ago!
...and now, in 30 days, we will be together forever! :)

Our Vows

2011-04-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well, as promised, my high school friends delivered some excellent wedding shower "activities!"
One of these activities was a mad lib that Dan and I completed. I thought perhaps we were describing the wedding day and selected my word choices thusly. I'm not sure if Dan was trying to guess the outcome, but he did tell me that he was running out of verbs and started choosing terms used in livestock judging. You'll find the results amusing!

These were read at the shower. Needless to say, I couldn't stop laughing!

Jessica’s Vows

I, your WILDERNESS COMPANION,

take you, MY SHINING STEED,

to be my ENTHUSIASTIC husband,

my constant TEACHER,

my RIDICULOUS partner

and my love from this day forward.

In the presence of (the) FIANCE,

our PANTS and TREES,

I offer you my GORGEOUS vow

to be your SCRATCHY GROOM

in sickness and in DANCING,

in good times and in (the) BATHROOM,

and in ANXIOUS as well as in OVER-JOYED.

I promise to WATCH you unconditionally,

to WALK you in your FLOWERS,

to honor and WAIT (with) you,

to SKIP with you and POSE with you,

and to SMILE (with) you for 5 YEARS.

Dan’s Vows

I, BOONE, take you, JGIRL,

to be my STICKY wife,

my constant SHOE,

my HARD partner

and my love from this day forward.

In the presence of (the) EIFFEL TOWER,

our GEESE and COWS,

I offer you my CRISPY vow

to be your SOFT POLICEMAN

in sickness and in RUNNING,

in good times and in WEST TEXAS,

and in JOYFUL as well as in SAD.

I promise to WORK you unconditionally,

to PROJECT you in your ROLLERSKATES,

to honor and DRIVE you,

to HANDLE with you

and SLEEP with you,

and to WATCH you for (the) 1990’s.

Wedding Centerpiece

2011-03-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Last year, while traveling in Del Mar, California (a suburb of San Diego), my co-worker/friend and I visited the shops in the art district. While in a particular shop, I got inspired. Dan and I weren't close to being engaged, but that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming a little does it? First, I was inspired by all the crowns and fleur de lises...and then - I saw IT - THE wedding centerpieces of my dreams! What could it be you ask?
I don't want to spoil the surprise for you...but here are some of the required ingredients:

approximately 60+ wine bottles (requiring a pre-requisite of friends and family that enjoy wine!)
one wine bottle cutter from Delphi Glass in Lansing, Michigan
one "mouse" sander from Black & Decker (handheld)
multiple sheets of sandpaper with different levels of coarseness
one bottle of polishing compound
two aluminum pie plates
hot water
cold water
a torch, if necessary
ear plugs
2 very patient parents and one somewhat crazy bride
2 free afternoons
48 candles

Here are some pictures to further pique your curiousity:

Curious to see the final product? Well, attend our wedding and reception and you'll get to SEE the rest of the story! (Can you tell that we are a 4-H family? We still document step-by-step the phases of our product. Hopefully, y'all will award us with a purple ribbon for our creative excellence!)

Engagement pictures

2011-03-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dan traveled to Ames on March 5-7. We took advantage of his time here by visiting the reception hall, meeting with the caterer, hanging out with family, getting initiated into the Catholic church, ordering tuxes, planning the ceremony, taking a couple's compatability quiz (we're still waiting to hear if we passed) AND taking engagement pictures!

*Whew!* You're exhausted just after reading that list? Imagine how we felt! We can't wait for the wedding weekend! (Yes, we are very excited for the weekend. However, after weekends like that, I *hope* that the wedding weekend isn't quite so exhausting. Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but let a girl live in her dream world awhile, all right?)

Without further ado, here are pictures for your viewing pleasure!

I really like this picture...especially the guy in the BLUE coat and RED hat. Any photoshop experts out there that know how to erase this guy?

So, there's a little sample of our engagement pictures. My mother took all the photographs. If you're interested in having her capture your precious memories on film, please talk to her at the wedding. (end shameless plug)

Did you notice Dan's tie and sports coat? He requested formal engagement pictures where he would be in a coat and tie and I would be clad in a nice dress. That afternoon, he wanted to wear jeans - so I thought it was only fair that I wear jeans, too - and not walk around in the snow in a dress! It also worked well for our informal pictures because we didn't have to waste time on a major wardrobe change. This worked in our favor since we were on a bit of a time crunch. (see description of weekend above)
It also just so happened to start snowing quite hard when we went outside for pictures at the campanile. Now, we'll have some lovely "winter" shots to hang in our home and remind us what snow is like when next winter is spent in the desert!

Bridal Showers Bring May Flowers!

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For my our faithful blog readers (which I think is limited to my Aunt Mary!) who keep checking for "wedding of the decade" updates (if you thought that was Prince William and Kate, you were wrong!), here are some pictures from bridal showers thrown in the last few weeks by our families.

On February 26, my Kremer aunts threw me a shower in Jesup. It was such a nice gathering of family. We had delicious appetizers and excellent cake. In true Kremer form, we drank a lot of coffee that afternoon!

My mom and I

Family!

Center-cake, center-flowers, center-frame

Trinity (my cousin's daughter) helped me open presents; my aunt Barbara recorded gifts; my grandma Ellen watched (and held babies)

On March 12, Dan's family held a shower for us in Michigan. His sister, Karen, and sister-in-law, Kim, hosted. It was a great time to re-connect with the Rileys, meet baby Lucy, and meet some of Dan's neighbors. I love meeting the people who've watched Dan grow up because they always tell me what a catch I'm getting! Too bad Dan is missing out on all of the showers thrown by my family & friends, so that they can tell him how lucky he is! ;-)

Opening the "only" gift for Dan! (Sure every gift is for "us" - but we all know that means me! ha!)

BOW-quet!

Kathy (my mom), Karen (Dan's sister), Brenna (niece), Kim (Dan's sister-in-law), me, and Linda (Dan's mom)

Brenna, our flower girl, and me; she is VERY excited for her new dress!

On March 15, my Gramma Faye (Rohrig) and cousin Heather hosted a "wedding tea" for my parents and me. It was such a great time. I love tea parties, especially when they involve antique, mis-matched teacups and saucers. I felt like such a proper lady! We had a great luncheon and enjoyed each other's company very much.

Dad enjoying the wedding tea. "Quite right, Gov'nah!" (now you know where I get my flair for the dramatic!)

Gramma Faye, Heather and me

The dessert plate held a tiny sample of each dessert on their menu! Even for this dessert-lover, it was overwhelming!

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We'd like to give MAJOR PROPS to Nicole Nechanicky - Jessica's friend, neighbor & former colleague for designing our awesome "valentine" Save-the-Date's!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

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Our wedding will be Sunday, May 29, 2011!

Selecting a wedding date is not an easy task. You might think a Sunday is...weird.
Well, it's definitely not the typical day for a wedding. However, when the Saturdays at your church of preference are booked from May through the end of September, you have to start getting creative!

So, in the line of other creative couples, please plan to join us to celebrating our union and new life together on the Sunday of Memorial Day - at our "destination" wedding in Ames, Iowa! (If you're a Michigander, anyway!)

Finally?

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Some people say, "It's about time!" Others say, "What took so long?"

But for me (Jessica), the timing was just right. Sure, I was anticipating. Yes, I had been wondering (for months) WHEN he would ask. Whenever he would indicate something special, out-of-the-ordinary, or want to talk about the future until a certain day, I would imagine that it would be then. I'm pretty hard to surprise ('cause I'm so smart).

I had no idea that Dan would propose the way he did. As I made my way to the downstairs of the Kiesling household (in my pajamas) the Thursday morning of December 23, 2010, I had flitting thoughts that maybe he'd propose now. But, I dismissed them. When I questioned whether I should change out of my pajamas, I thought, "He just asked me to come look at an ornament for his parents; why would I need to change?"

As Dan pointed out ornaments with family history, I thought nothing out of the ordinary. (After all, his dad had done the same thing the day before.) When I (finally) saw our ornament hanging in the tree, I wasn't sure that it was ours. I looked at Dan (hoping beyond reason that it was true) and said, "Really?"

Dan, possibly caught off guard (I'm supposed to say yes, not really), said, "Yes, really. Will you?" He brought out the ring - maybe to prove just how serious he really was. I said, "Yeah! YES! Yes, of course I will!"

Did he succeed in surprising me? Yes, definitely. I couldn't have imagined a better way to propose to the girl who has always attempted to figure out the future.

You might say, "Finally!" I say, his timing was perfect. It definitely wasn't my time; but, it was God's time. I can't speak for Dan, but in the last six months, I've had to step out in faith in some very big ways - not knowing how, when or even if what I hoped for would come to fruition. Instead, I have been awed at how incredible God is in His faithfulness and His provision. I am humbled and blessed.

Thank you for sharing in this journey with us.