Hola from Hermana Ivy, 19/10/11

I'm actually in Guatemala!  and I only just learned yesterday how to properly pronounce it!  (Watt-a-mala)  It is beautiful here, not terribly humid and relatively constant nice temperatures, and has rained every day, usually in downpours.  My most-used phrase is "Como se dice?", and I've learned many words, even if I'm still working on stringing sentences together.  The CCM (MTC in Español) is very small, with about 80 students compared to the MTC's 1800ish.  My new compañera is Hermana G, from Nevada, who is going to serve as a mission nurse in Nicaragua!  She is super nice and patient and kind, and I'm grateful to work with her.  Four latina compañeras also live in our 'cuarto', and my latina comañeras that I eat with are Hermana C y Hermana G, from Guatemala y Chile respectively.  They have been patient with how little I speak, are happy to teach me how to pronounce things, and are eager to learn English.  So far they have a VERY hard time making the "i" sound in "icky", and I have yet to come up with a way to teach them how to say it. 

The food they serve us is delicious, though definitely not rice and beans.  I haven’t had the same entree twice.  They actually have served hamburgers, crepes, chicken pie, barbecue rib, and even a curry.  It has been a little difficult eating so much meat, but I'm grateful I now know how to ask for only one thing, or "un pocito, por favor". 

I haven't been really homesick.  What surprised me is how much I've missed our district in Provo.  They are excellent young men and I wish them the very very best.  I'm excited to get to know our current district.

Last week we went to the Guatemala Temple and talked with members there, asking for referrals.  It was one of the funnest experiences I've had!  Mi Español was no bueno, but I smiled and attempted to talk and they understood the message.  And one man actually gave us valid contact information!  I was very happy.  :)

I'm understanding more of what our maestros are saying every day.  That has been encouraging, and I'm excited to be a better teacher.

I want to share some blessings I’ve learned about that come from paying tithing.  In a Provo devotional, the speaker talked about the verses in Malachi 3:11.  In ancient times the Israelite people were totally dependent on what they harvested, and if their crops were devoured they would have died, or the worst possible thing that could happen to their family.  When God promises that He will "rebuke the devourer," He will prevent the thing that would totally devastate our family.  The other promise of paying tithing is that those things we are working for will come to fruition, instead of rotting before ever becoming ripe.

I love you LOTS!  I’m sorry not to type more, the half hour goes fast!  I’ll write more in a letter.  LOVE YOU!

--Hermana Ivy [-]

Hola from Hermana, 12/10/11 (Arriving at Guatemala MTC)

Hola mi familia!  :)

Guess what, it's possible to (slowly) type on Spanish keyboards!  And I'M IN GUATMALA!  And we did get on the right chauffer bus home (thank goodness for "The Living Christ" in Espagnol on the back window), and I'M HERE!!!  Totally crazy.  I didn't sleep much on the plane, and slept the most deeply I've ever slept during the hour nap we had when we got here.  Grateful for the experiences I had on the way here, meeting Sara and giving her El Libro de Mormon, and for talking with you all! wed is pday

Ustedes quiero MUCHOS!   (If I didn't butcher that....)  :)

--Hermana Ivy [-]

6/10/11 – Last week in Provo MTC

Hola mi familia!

Next week I'll be in Guatemala!  WHOA!  It really hasn’t sunk in yet, but I am excited to be totally immersed in Espagnol to speed the learning process.  I'm continually reminding myself to be patient with myself...  and just the past 24 hours have actually caught a vision for HOW I can actually study to learn.  So I feel optimistic.  :)

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to call you from the airport...  Our plan leaves SLC to Los Angeles at 8:12 pm, and we leave there to Guatemala City at 12:50 am, and then arrive in Guatemala at 6:28 am.  I’m not sure if I will call you at SLC or in Los Angeles, and will leave it up to you whether or not to send a calling card.  If I don’t have a calling card I assume I just use my debit card? 

Mom, thank you for your packages!  We're going to have the brownies tonight with our district and we want to surprise our district with the salsa and chips later this week.  :)  Thank you also for the items I forgot!  What I don’t need I’ll send back. The written materials and photos are just wonderful.  :)  :)  :)  I got them laminated today--monsoon proof!  :)

Over this past week:

--One of our teachers wrote an example of a "bad" study plan on the whiteboard and I cracked up because it was my plan: 20 minutos El Libro de Mormon, 20 minutos vocabulary, 20 minutos practicing "r"s...  :)  Today I learned some study principles including: use morning study time to prepare for activities to do throughout the day, study a principle in the morning and listen for it throughout the day, keep records of your plans and goals but write what you actually study on disposable materials since it wouldn't be good to hoard them.

--I LOVED General Conference!  PRESIDENT UCHTDORF is dedicating our temple!!!  SO THRILLED!  Our companionship actually squealed when he announced that...  or maybe it was just me squealing and the others were gasping...  I don’t' remember.  A favorite part from General Conf: Matthew O. Richardson's talk about teaching by the power of the Holy Ghost.  A couple days ago I read 1 Nephi 11-> about Nephi's vision of the Tree of Life.  I read it as though Nephi was the investigator and the angel was the instructor.  It was a powerful learning experience!  The main lesson I learned is that the Spirit leads investigators in inspired self-discovery through asking inspired questions and extending invitations.  So, so cool.  Reaffirmed what we've been taught in class.

Also struck by how many times the Exodus came up during Conf.  I reread that story, and was struck by the faith Moses had to stretch out his hand in front of a million people, command the sea to part, and than thought how it must have felt to have needed to wait an entire night for the sea to be parted.  Reaffirmed that patience is a requirement for miracles.

Yesterday we had a workshop talking about the Atonement.  I felt my heart swell with fervent gratitude and felt the sweet love and joy of the Holy Ghost.  I testify that Jesus Christ lives!  He loves us!  And through His Atonement we can be saved, made whole, and be enabled to get back to our Heavenly Father and become like Them.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all!!!  LOTS!!!

--Hermana Ivy [-]

Sept. 29, 2011 – Provo MTC

Hola mi familia!   :)

I am so happy!  I'm spontaneously whistling Christmas songs in the bathroom, able to laugh at myself while I'm learning, and am so grateful for mis companeras.  The funnest whoopsie this week was while I was trying to pronounce "autoridad", and while trying to make the "au" sound, made a [semi quiet] Hermione/werewolf-esque "AaaahhhhhoooOOOOOO!" in our classroom....   I busted out laughing with mis companeras, and eventually went into silent laugh mode incapacitated on my desk...  yeah, Espagnol is fun.  :)  And my district (four companionships in our district, four districts in our zone) said they had never heard me that much before.  :)  I'm getting closer at pronouncing my "r"s right too!  :)

I'm also learning how to play volleyball!  We have 50ish minutes of gym time every day, and mis companeras took a whole gym period to teach me how to bump, set, and spike.  I'm so grateful!  Now at least I cognitively know what to do when the ball comes at me, even if I still have to conquer that strong urge to duck...  :)  But yesterday was a milestone: I SPIKED MY FIRST BALL!  :)

I'm learning and relearning the importance of having faith and not letting myself be discouraged.  A speaker this week said MAYBE we could have permission to let ourselves be discouraged five minutes a week, but we had to do so in the bathroom where we couldn't pull anyone else down.  I testify that as we center ourselves on Christ faith replaces fear.

One of our Zone leaders bore his testimony and I was touched by what he shared.  He said that in the New Testament, a lad gave his tiny bit of food, two barley loaves and seven small fishes, to the Savior who took it, blessed it, and made it enough to feed thousands.  He testified that the Savior can take what small amount we give Him, bless it, and make it enough to bless thousands.

Yesterday I was touched by 3 Nephi 27: 13 "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you--that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me."  (emphasis added)

I was reminded of the Savior's words in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will but Thine be done."  When I have tasks appointed to me that I don't want to do, it should and can be enough to do it just knowing that "My Heavenly Father wants me to do this.  He will prepare a way for me to do so." 

I love you LOTS!  Via con Dios!

--Hermana Ivy [-]

Sept. 26, 2011 – Provo MTC

Hola, mi familia!!!  :)

I'm excited to email you tonight!  My p-day is on Thursdays (the day I'm allowed to write letters and email), but we have special permission to write today because this is our first week. 

I love mis companeras!  I'm in a companionship with two awesome sister missionaries, Hermana Sm. from Wyoming and Hermana Su. from Hawaii.  Both know more Espagnol than I do, and are thankfully very diligent at speaking it whenever they can.  I'm grateful for their example.  I’m grateful for their patience as I take so long speaking and ask a lot of fairly basic questions. I’m also grateful for the relative openness we have to positive feedback and critique. 

Even though I felt the Spirit often my first couple days, I was fairly emotional all through Saturday.  Transplant shock has been hard.  No wonder tomato seedlings keel over when we first take them outside from the basement.  I felt so overwhelmed with all the Espagnol our maestros speak.  So much.  And I understand so little.  I didn’t know that in here in the MTC the public school second language basics of alphabet, colors, pronouns, and numbers are just skipped.  We first learned (memorized) how to introduce ourselves, then how to pray, then how to testify.  All very basic, but that meant I needed to teach myself the alphabet including how to pronounce all the sounds (mis companeras had to repeat the "r" sound many times).  I’m grateful for the resources we’ve been given to help us learn. 

On Sunday I was walloped by a burst of homesickness.  I finally started reading my "The Living Christ" flashcards and felt a beautiful sensation of peace and love.  I felt assured.  I was touched by the scriptures in D&C 88: 67-69.  We find peace and are filled with purpose and light when we focus on our Savior.  I won't feel better dwelling on thoughts of home, but I allow myself to receive the Spirit and Christ’s love when I focus on Him, not me. Another motto I’ve learned while here: I'm serving Christ for 18 months so that other families can be together forever.

An empowering lesson from a fireside on Sunday focused on distinguishing between the Holy Ghost and Satan (what I called "lighties" and "darkies" in my talk).  The speaker talked about how Satan is doing all he can to thwart us from doing the Lord’s work.  When we think thoughts of doubt and despair, remember that "It’s not that I can’t do it.  It’s that Satan doesn’t want me to do it!"

Today I proved with mis companeras that it is indeed possible to not be where you’re supposed to at the MTC.  We were told to go to a certain room in a building for a service project, an "Elder" (male missionary) let us in, and we found out that it was an Elder apartment building (off limits to sisters).  We were mucho embarassed, and grateful the elders we ran into were fully dressed...

 I’m grateful for the Spirit.  The Holy Ghost is so strong, when we choose to believe and receive Him.  I’ve felt so much better since yesterday afternoon remembering that.

I testify that Jesus Christ lives and loves us.  I know that we can do whatever He asks us to do.  A tender mercy of a thought has been "remember the end from the beginning".  Right now may be hard, but I’m remembering the blessings I’ve been promised, that at some point I will be able to speak.  I testify that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed from our sins and mistakes, be made whole, and become worthy of all the blessings Heavenly Father would give us.  Families can be together forever.  En el nombre de Jesucristo, amen.

I love you very much!!! 

--Hermana Ivy [-]

Mission: Lighties vs Darkies--My talk before departure

The following is a rough summary of a talk I gave in church on September 18th, 2011

Thoughts and promptings can come from the Godhead or Satan, and we must choose who to believe and what to act on.

I've dubbed thoughts from Satan "darkies" because when I think about or choose to believe them, I feel dark feelings of despair, doubt, worry, distress, discouragement, sadness, despair, etc. "Lighties" are those thoughts or promptings from the Holy Ghost that, when I choose to believe and act on them, fill me with light through peace, love, calmness, assurance, happiness, faith, etc.

I've come to realize that acting on promptings of the Holy Ghost can be a choice as much as a physical action. "I feel darkness when I believe this thought, so I choose to not believe it. I choose to replace it with believing in Gospel doctrine." For example, I can replace darkies such as "God did this to me" "Nobody loves me, no one will ever love me"  "There is no solution to this problem" and "Maybe that family member will die today" with thoughts like "I am a daughter or son of Heavenly Father, who loves me, and I choose to love and trust Him."

Thankful Morning: Rambling reflections on a week at the Ranch

This last Monday Dad, Mom, my two younger sisters and I drove up to our family ranch to be with my brother and grandparents and other extended family to harvest and store the hay.  While Dad, my brother, and youngest sister have driven giant tractors, I've learned how to cook meals for 10-14 people at a time, and have decided against ever cooking at a restaurant.  ;)

Camping, cooking, talking, being with little children, and a magical sunrise have made this a week I'm grateful for.

Thankful Thursday: Edible wild plants

Today I made stinging nettle soup.  :)

It is brilliant green, and tastes yummy.  Especially with yogurt.  I can practically feel the vitamins rebuilding my body.  ;)

I'm grateful for unusual plants that I like to eat and are good for my body.

What unusual foods are you thankful for?


PS Don't tell my grandpa about this, or he'll spray the rest with Round-up...  ;)

Thankful Thursday: FIVE MORE WEEKS!

Exactly FIVE MORE WEEKS and then MY BIG BROTHER COMES HOME from his two-year proselyting mission!!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!  :D 

Thankful Thursday: Reassuring words

This afternoon I felt exhilarated after working three+ hours with Mom cleaning up an extraordinarily messy blackberry patch, but tonight I felt overwhelmed.  I am grateful for all three stewardships my family shares responsibility for (a family ranch, a family farm, and the house+property my immediate family actually lives on), but sometimes it is hard to work and work and work and NEVER be done.  

So it was a sweet moment reading these words tonight:

"Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

You know, brethren [and sisters], that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren [and sisters], let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

:)  

Thankful Thursday: What are you grateful for today?

Today I'm grateful

--to be home  :)
--to have gone to my sister's band concert and see her be singled out and applauded for her efforts
--for fun music
--for my friends
--that we finally got the tomatoes and melons planted in the garden (woot!)
--for totally awesome edible landscaping and waterwise gardening catalogues :)  :)  :)
--for totally awesome plants that look like they came from outer space

This is sea holly (image from highcountrygardens.com)...SO COOL!!!  :D  

...and for gorgeous gardens   :)  (photo from highcountrygardens.com)

And lastly, for my sister who shares fun youtube videos.  :)

What are you grateful for today?  

Thankful Thursday: Thank you, Gentlemen, for your virtue!

I'm typing this in a dorm room at the University of Wisconsin.  My family is here because one of my sisters is competing with her teammates at the national Science Olympiad tournament.  I love being here along for the ride, without the stress of being a competitor.  :)  

Virtue:
1) behavior showing high moral standards
   --a quality considered morally good or desirable in a person
   --virginity or chastity
Origin: from Latin virtus "valor, merit, moral perfection"


Tonight I had a difficult experience.  I was walking back to our dorms with my family and our team, when I smiled and said "Hi" to a poorly dressed man.  His reply was a quiet "Hi, Babe", and I realized a minute later that he had turned around and was following our group about 10 feet away.  I felt vulnerable and nervous, and changed my position to be on the other side of my parents, further away from him.  He finally crossed the street and I saw him checking out other women as we continued walking.

Thankful Thursday: Notes of love

Today I received four written notes and a thoughtful email.  I am so grateful.  I am grateful for family and friends who take time to write down their love, and for junior high boys who take time to thank those who served them.  At some point the notes will go in my binder of letters, but for now they are on my table so I can read and reread them.  :)

This week: Please take a moment to write someone.  :)  

Turkeys, and SPRINGTIME IS HERE! :) :) :)

I am so happy!  Springtime is here, the fresh air seems saturated with endorphins, and tomorrow I'm going home to celebrate Easter with my family!!!  *happy dance*  :)  :)  :)

Other perks of today:
--this morning on the bus there were some adorable toddlers laughing
--I saw a fruit tree blooming!  Pink BLOOMS!  :D

60th Thankful Thursday: Works of art

Have you ever seen a painting that took your breath away the moment you saw it?  One that drew your heart right into its canvas?

This painting* elicited those emotions when I first saw it.

59th Thankful Thursday: Websites

Three years ago I was introduced to the website Oxford Dictionaries.   Free of charge, I can now instantly find in-depth definitions, and if I wanted to pay, could even find how definitions have evolved over time.   I'm grateful for the increased understanding I've gained using this site during study.

Sometimes I get carried away looking up definitions.  I just looked up "receive", "call", and "sustain".  :)

This week:  What is a website you're grateful for?

PS  WHOA!!!  I totally thought the Salar Jung museum had made this up!!!  "Blunderbuss"  haha!  Just made my day.  :)

58th Thankful Thursday: Service enabling Christ

I would be totally thrilled if you take time to read this post--it is one of my favorites.  :)


The past few months I dabbled in and out of a shallow mire of gloom from thinking about myself too much.  I finally learned for myself a principle that saved me; and while I'm certainly not stellar at living it yet, in a few weeks I have felt much happier.


The principle: Losing myself in service allows Jesus Christ room to be in me.

57th Thankful Thursday: more simple delights and a simple chocolate chip spiced pumpkin cookie recipe

Today, I took time to enjoy an hour-long nap (!--really, that never happens), watched cedar waxwings munch on crabapples, and baked cookies (another activity I haven't done in months).  I'm so glad I did--I feel more relaxed and ready to take on tomorrow.

The cookies, chocolate chip and spiced pumpkin, require just three ingredients and are totally yummy.  I just plop the dough on the cookie sheet, hence the rugged appearance, but feel free to make yours smooth.  These cookies are more cake-like than they are chewy.

This week:  What simple delights rejuvenate you?

56th Thankful Thursday: Simple, profound words

"I love you."

Those are three simple, profound words that touch my soul.  I am grateful for opportunities to share them with and receive them from family and friends.

I am grateful.

This week: What are some words you are grateful for?  

A tender video clip on how to love like Christ does

Christ washing Peter's feet and the Atonement

A couple weeks ago I read the account in the Bible of Jesus washing his apostle's feet after the Passover dinner and prior to his Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane.  I was struck for the first time how these versus relate not only to the principle of service, but to the principle of repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

The account I quote from is in John 13: 4-9.  In verses 8-9 I include the Joseph Smith Translation* of the Bible, with differences in italics.  I apologize if there are typos in the scripture below.

4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5) After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6) Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7) Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8) Peter saith unto him, Thou needest not to wash my feet.  Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9) Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.  Jesus saith to him, He that has washed his hands and his head, needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.  Now this was the custom of the Jews under their law; wherefore, Jesus did this that the law might be fulfilled.  

Three cows in the kitchen ;)

That may have been the coolest blog title I've ever written.  :)

Three summers ago at my grandparent's ranch, I discovered the most awesome ice cream scoop ever: a Holstein cow handle with a stainless steel scoop.  My grandma gave it to me, and I took it to college.  It became one of my favorite mementos of home and a reminder not to take myself too seriously.  (Who could, looking at that cheesy grin?)

This past summer after I found my current apartment, I thought it would be fun to have my own cookie jar.  Somehow, "cookie jar" became a "cow cookie jar" to complement my ice cream scoop.  And to top the deal, it had to come from the DI (my favorite thrift shop).

For seven months, I occasionally wishfully thought about that hope.  And in the meantime, I happened upon a cow ladle rest at Ross's for $2.

Then last night I found it.  I happy danced right there in the store.  Sure, it's not an official cookie jar, but it will function perfectly as one, and I couldn't imagine a better shape.

I have my perfect ceramic cow cookie container...  now to just find some yummy cookies to fill it.  :)

55th Thankful Thursday: Simple delights to lift the spirit

This week has been filled with small and simple things that have lifted my spirits.  I'm posting some below, and hope you'll add some of your own.  I love when another person lifts the veil from my eyes so I can see the delight hidden all around.  :)

PS I've posted a Youtube video that touched me this week below

--Watching and listening to children laughing and playing during recess
--Green sprigs of grass poking up through cement canyons in the sidewalk
--Hearing squirrels bicker
--The blessed, wonderful smell of rain-kissed air
--Twittering birds in tall skeletous trees

54th Thankful Thursday: Family... isn't it about... time?

This week I've been on Spring Break.  I set a goal to do something fun every day, and have so far kept it.  I don't think I've ever had a "break" where I've felt so good about how I've used the time.  This afternoon I told Mom that, while I haven't gotten everything done, I've gotten the most important things done--and I can go back to school "at peace with myself" ready to get back to work.

I laugh every time.  :)  

Some highlights from the past few days:

53rd Thankful Thursday: Maps, guides, and compasses

This past school year I've been working through an interesting curriculum in how to navigate the map of life.  Last Fall I had an experience where what I thought was best for me wasn't, and I had to re-chart my plan of action using what I knew at the time.  Good things resulted, and I learned a lot.

Now I feel like I've been gently turned around to a path I'd crossed out, being told it is the best direction for me to go.  Yet all I see in front of me is thick, thick fog.  Sometimes in the distance sunlight seems to shine onto possibilities--yet that's all they are: hazy prospects.  

I feel completely uncertain about what's going to happen, and yet totally assured because I trust the source of my guidance.  For me, there is no greater or more perfect compass than God.  

I am grateful for peace even when I don't know my destinations.

This week: Who or what is a guide or compass you are grateful for?

52nd Thankful Thursday: Gifts of Gratitude

Sunday night, I visited my junior high science teacher with several of her former students.  We gave her a book that contained thank-you notes and letters from her past students.  Her joy and gratitude were inspiring and uplifting.  I am grateful I finally thanked one of the most influential, life-changing ladies in my life.

On Monday, I arrived home from school and found a little package on my doorstop.  It contained a precious wooden box with brass finishings--from Subhash in India!!!  I was blown away.  Even more dear to me is the little note he put in it, thanking me for the work I did and wishing me well.  

Looking back at the these experiences, it is incredible that the people who taught me more than I could dream of giving to them, are actually thanking me.  I am grateful.

This week: What gifts of gratitude have touched your life, either through being the giver or the  receiver?

51st Thankful Thursday: Jesus Christ and His Atonement

I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to earth, lived, suffered, bled, died, and lives again.  I am grateful for the peace and purity I am able to feel through the cleansing power of His Atonement.  I know He knows and loves me.  I know He knows and loves you too.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

This week: Why are you grateful for Christ, or, what is something someone has done for you which you are grateful for?

"I Stand All Amazed"

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

50th Thankful Thursday: More Loves! :)

IT'S THE 50TH THANKFUL THURSDAY!!!  :D  I think it's only fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with another List of 50 Loves.  :)

Just some background: this semester marks the first time I've diligently worked out at the gym, and I'm seeing awesome results.   This is a super exciting time for me, and so health-related items came up a lot during this list.  Sometime I will write up a full post on it to explain why it's so awesome for me.  :)

49th Thankful Thursday: taking things for granted

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to lose something for me to appreciate it.  Whether it is my chapstick, inner peace, or lately, my health.

I'm grateful that no matter what I've lost, that I always have what I need to get through it.  Right now I'm very, very grateful for my family and their love and support.

This week: What are you grateful for? 

Gently spiced black beans with baked sweet potatoes

I really, really like this recipe.  It's not very spicy, but is flavorful enough to tickle the taste-buds.  The flavors of the beans and the sweet potatoes complement each other very well.  It's fast and can easily be doubled or tripled depending on how many mouths are around to feed.  It's one I'll make and turn into brown-bag lunches for a week.

I adapted the recipe from EatingWell.  While you could zap the sweet potatoes in your microwave on short notice, as EatingWell recommends, I suggest baking them in the oven.  Baking takes planning ahead, but zapped sweet potatoes don't carmelize like baked ones do.

The sweet potatoes take about an hour and a half to bake (they're super forgiving on time).  About twenty minutes before they're done, start the black beans and you're good to go.  :)  If making a larger batch, allot more time for it to come to a simmer.

Yogurt makes a nice garnish and helps make this a complete protein.  This meal is fairly heavy, so I recommend serving with crackers or flatbread.

48th Thankful Thursday: Beans :)

I have 48 cans of beans and more than two pounds of dried beans in my pantry.  Refried, canellini, kidney, black, garbanzo, great northern, baby lima, original baked, chili....   Thank goodness for case lot sales and a mother who is willing to stock up her daughter's pantry.  :)

We'll see how long this supply lasts.  ;)

This week:  What is a food you consider totally essential to your meal planning?  

PREVIEW:  I'm going to post one of my newest favorite recipes this weekend: an Indian-spiced black bean and baked sweet potato recipe.  :)  SO, so good.  :)

47th Thankful Thursday: Doing things of greatest worth

"We are not only to do good, but, most importantly, to do the things of greatest worth—things of the heart that we know we should do but often don’t do."

--James E. Faust, "Sins of Omission", Friend, June 1998, inside front cover

46th Thankful Thursday: Supermom skills in the kitchen

189 jars (mostly quarts) of veggies and fruit
107 cups of salsa and sweet chili sauce
284 cups of jams and jellies

That is what my Supermom canned just this past autumn.  She cans food every autumn, working tens of hours in a hot kitchen.  I think one year she canned over 150 quarts of grape juice. If she's doing tomatoes she boils the tomatoes and skins every one.  Peaches are peeled with a paring knife.  Jams and jellies require near-constant stirring over a steamy pot, most batches take at least half an hour and only produce about 12 cups of jam each.  Applesauce requires the apples to be cooked and then squished through a food mill.

45th Thankful Thursday: Superdad skills

Last evening, my dad fixed my "broken" car key-hole with WD-40 in a freezing garage.  He used duct tape to patch some rips under the car door frame.   He taught me how to grease the rubber rim thingys of the car doors with Vaseline to prevent them from freezing shut.  Then he took apart and put back together my mom's old laptop, replacing some widget to help it run better.

I love my dad.  I'm grateful he would be both willing and able to help me (and do other service too) when he was so tired after a long day from work.

This week: What are some examples of your Superdad's skills or service?

44th Thankful Thursday: New Beginnings

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

43rd Thankful Thursday: O Holy Night!

"O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song.  My body tingles with thrills whenever the song reaches "Fall on your knees".  I am grateful for a loving and perfect Eldest Brother, who came to earth and lived in mortality.  He lived, suffered, died, and lives again for me.   He did and does so in order that I can become cleansed and whole through Him, become as He is, and live with Him and my family for eternity.  In the holy and sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

This week:  What is your favorite Christmas or other holiday song?  

I've posted a video of Josh Grobin singing "O Holy Night".  I'd love it if you posted a link to your favorite song too.  :)  

42nd Thankful Thursday: Family

I love my family.  I'm done with Finals and am sitting in my living room.  Dad is laying on the couch, littlest Sis is doing homework, and Mom is helping Sis.  Molly our puppy is curled up by the Christmas tree.

I love their hugs.  I love their smiles.  Their laughter. Their encouragement.  Dad's help unloading my car.  Middle Sis showing me the gorgeous decked-out Christmas tree.  Littlest Sis's Christmas band concert.  Mom's love.

Home is wonderful.

This week:  Why do you love your family?

41st Thankful Thursday: Lights in the dark

The Sunday before Thanksgiving I hung a strand of Christmas lights in my apartment's main room.  The purple, pink, yellow, blue and green lights cast cheery glows on the walls and ceiling.  I love turning off the room's lights and basking in their sweet glistening.

I am thankful for the lights in my life that I can be thankful for in times of dreariness.

Some such "Christmas lights" from this week:

--happening upon the delightful flavor combination of fig newtons and gorgonzola cheese (a type of blue cheese)--think a Pixar Ratatouille moment of savoring--if only my ears could be so expressive... or maybe it's a good thing they aren't...  :)

40th Thankful Thursday: Can ye tell [our blessings]? Love from others

Today has been an emotionally bipolar day.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who allows His children to feel His great love through others.  Tonight I attended a Christmas Fireside, and one of my most dear teachers spoke on our Savior's birth, the nativity, and His love for you and me.

Afterwards I went to speak with her.  Our embrace was tender.  Have you ever had a moment when your heart swells so it almost bursts, and you feel so much love and yet are unable to voice what you are feeling?  I am so grateful for those moments.

Monday I was blessed with another tender mercy and outpouring of love.  I received a letter from my dear brother (who is still in Montreal serving a mission), containing four photo-postcards (photos he had taken and made into postcards) with 100 of his "Thankfuls" and another 20 from his companion, Elder J.  I laughed and wept as I read them, and am grateful for the love I felt for him, and the opportunity to feel close to him when he is 2,200 miles away.

Their thankfuls bring our total to 880!!!  Isn't that wonderful!?  Instead of typing the lists, I've taken photos of the photo-postcards, and hope you are able to read them below.

39th Thankful Thursday: Ask and ye shall receive :)

~760 Thankfuls were posted in response to last week's blog.  WOW!  I am grateful for those who shared their thoughts.  I feel like each post gave me a glimpse into another heart and enriched my life.

Thank you!

THIS WEEK:  Ask someone what they are grateful for.  

I have followed this week's prompt with a list.  It has the contributor of each list of Thankfuls as well as at least one of their Thankfuls.  I picked which Thankfuls were posted, and hope you delight in the following too.  :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!  :D

38th Thankful Thursday: 1,000 "Thankfuls" for Thanksgiving! :D

I'm thankful for: my family, cornbread, Jesus Christ, our dog Molly, rain, snow, mountains, bees, honey, clouds, sunsets, chickadees, pictures of hedgehogs that my sister shows me, the color purple, my computer, my kitchen, my pillow, my blankie (I can't believe I typed that in public), and India.

That took less than three minutes.  

THIS WEEK:  Post 20 "somethings" you are thankful for.  Let's get 1,000 Thankfuls by Thanksgiving!  

Requests:  

--Please post your thankfuls in groups of 20.  That will make it easy to count to 1,000.  We just need 49 comments on this post.  

--This is informal--it's okay if your thankfuls duplicate those of another person.  

--I plan to post each day for the next week.  You are more than welcome to post multiple times too.  :)

Your participation is eagerly anticipated and much appreciated!!!  :D

Really corny, wheat and honey cornbread--what a mouthful! ;P

Just in time for Thanksgiving...IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!  duh duh-duh duh:  my favorite cornbread recipe!  :D  If you are looking for KFC-like cornbread, check out this recipe (I suggest halving the sugar).  If you are Southern and swear cornbread is not sweet, consider this.  If you'd like a cornbread so good your grandpa eats half the pan for breakfast, keep reading.  ;)

Moist, nearly cake-like, wheat & honey-sweetened goodness, packed with sweet corn kernels.  I like it just how it is without adding extra butter or honey.  I hope you enjoy it too.  :)  

37th Thankful Thursday: Veterans Day 2010

Today I am grateful for the men and women who have served their country and their people, in combat or not, in chaos or peace, in the armed services, as a police officer, as a firefighter...  (If I left out your particular call of duty, please add it in the comments)

All three of my grandpas served in the armed forces (Navy, Marines, and Army), a cousin served in the Coast Guard, a distant cousin's husband serves as a Ranger, and numerous great-uncles and other relatives have served as well.

A Wyoming neighbor served in the Battle of the Bulge and was left for dead.  He still has shards of metal in his back from the bomb that blew up by him.

36th Thankful Thursday: List of 50 Loves

THIS IS MY 50th BLOG POST! WHOOT WHOOT! :D

I had no idea what could be special enough to celebrate this occasion with you. My inspired sister suggested I write a list of 50 things I love. Wow. She is awesome. So, dear reader, here is

Ivy's First List of 50 Loves:

Unpaid Endorsement: Chef's Catalog

I want to tell you about a company I stumbled on. Chefs Catalog started in 1979, and sells all kinds of cookware from top brands at good prices. I had been looking for a specific blender, and decided to buy it from them.

I couldn't be more pleased. They made sure my blender was delivered on time, even though I had requested a shorter delivery period. My blender arrived safely and securely packaged. The blender works beautifully. :)

You can check them out here.

Happy cooking! :)

35th Thankful Thursday: Indebted servants

My interpersonal communications class learned when we are in relationships where we either over-benefit or under-benefit much more than the other person, we often feel uncomfortable and want the relationship to change.

Later that day, I was reading my Book of Mormon. A new facet of one of my favorite passages of scripture was illuminated in light of what I’d learned in class.

In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin knows he is about to die. He gathers his people and speaks to them for the last time. He confers the kingdom to his son, Mosiah, and teaches the people about their relationships to each other and God.

Green chili under 10 minutes

My grandma makes a soup we call "green chili". It tastes so good after working for hours in chilly Wyoming. It has stewed tomatoes, pork, cans of canned chiles, kidney, black and refried beans, and (probably) tabasco sauce.

This is my version of green chili when I need to have dinner on the table in less than 10 minutes. When served with grain, the meal provides all amino acids needed for complete protein. I eat this with toasted tortilla (warmed in an ungreased fry pan, both sides) or cornbread.

34th Thankful Thursday: Teachers

I am tickled pink to introduce you to my dear friend, Mary LeBlanc. Regal, warm, genius, Christian disciple and Dumbledore-esque are some words that come to mind (or were spontaneously typed) when I think of Mary. :) She has composed a delightful series of vignettes of her choice teachers and learning experiences. I am thankful for what Mary has taught me, and for this opportunity to share this remarkable Renaissance lady with you. --Ivy

Please share your questions, comments and own choice memories in the comments section below.

When Ivy first suggested that I consider writing a “guest column” for her Thankful Thursday posts, I had no idea what I might write about. There was so much to choose from, so many people, places and happenings for which I am thankful, and without which my life would have been altogether different. Where to begin? But eventually one idea floated to the top, namely the group of people whom I recall with gratitude primarily, though not exclusively, for the assorted things they taught me. And, in some cases, are still teaching me. Let me reminisce a bit.

33rd Thankful Thursday: Jesus Christ and yoke partners

I understand you may or may not include Jesus Christ in your life. That's your choice, and I respect that. I hope I've written this post in a way you feel comfortable participating.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 11: 28-30. Jesus pleads with us:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

32nd Thankful Thursday: Favorite Quotes II

This past weekend I joined millions of other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in watching eight hours of talks given by our top church leaders, a semi-annual event called General Conference.

If you are interested in reading, viewing, or listening to the talks, they will soon be posted here.

Here are three quotes that touched me in particular (and short enough I could write them down):

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, quoting Leonardo da Vinci

31st Thankful Thursday: Written records

I know I'm posting this on Wednesday. If I don't post this now, I wouldn't be able to post until tomorrow night. I thought you would rather sooner than later. ;)

Yesterday I was having a bit of a tough spot mentally and emotionally. I realized my self-esteem had been dropping the past two weeks. Causes included being away from home, school stress, and recognizing I had started to manifest pride. The last reason was bitter.

I felt prompted to read my journal. I read entries from my time in India. I felt grateful for the experiences I had had, motivated to get my current duties done, and inspired that, "Yes, I really can do hard things." And maybe most importantly, I was reminded of what truly matters most, and that "I can change. I can become better."

I believe in me. I believe in you, too. :)

This week: What written records are you grateful for? Have you had a particular experience you would like to share?

PS If you made that tomato peanut soup I posted last week, how did you like it? :)

30th Thankful Thursday: Comfort food

As soon as you thoughtfully consider this week's prompt, please read the recipe I posted just prior this post. You may swoon after tasting it, so please have an ice pack handy in case you hit your head. Seriously. ;)

"Comfort food."

Okay, what images just popped into your head? Mashed potatoes & peas with gravy, grilled cheese sandwiches, baked beans, and tomatoes with mozzarella, basil & balsamic vinegar came to mind for me.

These foods remind me of dinners around an old tan wooden table with my family, of being a kid at Sizzler and baffling my parents by ordering a sandwich, of our garden harvest, and just feeling warmfuzzies from the goodness of sweet beans. :) :) :)

THIS WEEK: What comfort foods make you feel like you're wrapped in your favorite comforter, take you back to favorite memories, or just bring a smile of delight to your face? Bonus points for sharing "why". :)

Soul-warming & Spicy African Tomato Peanut Soup

Never in my life have I wanted to share a recipe as badly as this one. Good grief. This soup is GOOD. Common ingredients, rich, and filling. The flavor will blow you away.

I made minor changes to this recipe posted by Gourmet on epicurious.com. Gourmet's recipe uses a few more canned ingredients that might make it easier for you to make this.

I enjoyed the texture and am glad I didn't puree it. If you do puree it, you may not want to let it boil down so much, or it may become too thick.

If you want to serve this with grains, I recommend crackers or flatbread instead of bread.

The peanut butter demands to be paired with a glass of cold, whole, milk. Please don't disappoint the peanut butter.

29th Thankful Thursday: Basic Amenities

Toilet paper is awesome. It is convenient, useful, enables cleanliness, and makes for a more pleasant experience in the bathroom.

For the past three days I have used Kleenex. This afternoon, I finally took time to stop by Smiths and replenish my TP stock.

Thank you, O blessed person who invented toilet paper.

THIS WEEK: What basic amenity are you grateful for?

PS Do you have any suggestions for future Thankful Thursday posts? Pretty please?

28th Thankful Thursday: Like Cups of Hot Cocoa, Thousands of Miles Away

I just finished sipping a steaming cup of hot cocoa. It was warmed my body after a chilly 20 minute walk through the rain (under my umbrella).

Yesterday I had an even better cup of cocoa. I had emailed my India teammates asking for photos, and two replied the same day. Both with wonderful pictures.

Ki. sent hot cocoa flowing through my bones with what she wrote:

27th Thankful Thursday: When Things Work Out

I feel relieved. So relieved. I just met with the director of the Honors Program at my school, and she said to go ahead with what I had planned for my Honors Thesis project. I was nervous to meet with her, and told her so when she asked how I was doing.

Her approval means I get to compile what I did in India, add to it, and produce a resource that CARPED can use to facilitate the installation of their demonstration homestead, as well as being useful for future HELP International volunteers. I am grateful.

26th Thankful Thursday: Delighting in summer bounty

I am sitting at my computer a little bit distractedly, because half of an Ambrosia melon is staring at me. It has a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream in it, taunting me, because they know I can't eat them while I type. sigh

I love this time of year. After a summer of staring at little tiny fruits and veggies, willing them to grow, I am finally sinking my teeth into succulent peaches and tomatoes, squirting some juice here and there, and rejoicing in our family garden. I am picking Asian eggplant as fast as they can grow. I'm tasting Armenian cucumbers (which are technically melons) for the first time, and love them.

Tomatoes. I love tomatoes. Blue cheese and tomatoes, basil and tomatoes, basil and mozzerella and balsamic vinegar and sea salt and a bit of olive oil and tomatoes...

I am grateful for the garden, and the glorious delights that are springing out of it. :)

This week: What are you delighting in right now?

25th Thankful Thursday: This past week's favorite moment

I am sitting at my grandma's dining table in Wyoming. It is covered with a light blue tablecloth with a John Deere tractor pattern. I like looking at it. :)

After a month of cutting, baling, and stacking hay, Hay Season is almost done. Rainclouds aren't as terrifying now that everything has been baled. I love looking out to the vast fields, which look perfectly mowed. My sisters are out on the four-wheeler making sure the small square bales are properly turned to be picked up by the hauler.

This week's favorite moment: sitting on the porch swing with Dad, watching the spectacular sunset and clouds, listening to the sandhill cranes call, smelling the rain-kissed air, and feeling the gentle cool breeze.

How marvelous it is that a necessity such as oxygen can smell so heavenly.

THIS WEEK: What is your favorite moment from the past week?

24th Thankful Thursday: Loving younger people (even if they are as tall or taller....)

My next youngest sister is having her Golden Birthday this Sunday. Here are some revised snippets from a prior Thankful Thursday post, with some additional warm fuzzies. :)

My next youngest sister has taken the Sun hostage in her laugh and cheery disposition. She recently completed the same 90 Day Mind and Body Transformation my Mom did, and my sister can't keep herself from radiating joy. She is confident, does hard things, is full of enthusiasm, and is so buff her hugs nearly squeeze the life out of me. ;) Her smile lights up the world.

THIS WEEK: Who is a younger person you are particularly grateful for? Why?

PS When was the last time you told that particular someone you loved them? I hope you take time to do it again today...

23rd Thankful Thursday: Precious, silly, moments :)

Today I drove to my university's hometown so I could find housing for this next year (mission accomplished!). I asked my youngest sister if she wanted to go with me, and I'm so glad she did.

We ate lunch at the Indian restaurant I've wanted to go to for two years, Indian Oven. The food was great, I ate using my right hand only, and I was able to savor a mango lassi without fearing contaminated water. ;)

We celebrated my apartment with ice cream at a favorite local joint, The Bluebird. Raspberry and vanilla ice cream soda... delightful...