Oberammergau's Passion Play

In front of the theater . . .

Our first sight-seeing trip last year in Germany was down to Bavaria to see a famous castle. We immediately began hearing about Oberammergau's Passion Play. Oberammergau is a cute little Bavarian town of 5,000 residents with many wood carving shops. Every ten years, the town comes alive for six months with almost daily performances by its locals of the Passion Play. They do it to fulfill a promise made to God in 1633 for their continued preservation. Ryan and I went on Friday and loved it!

The stage . . .

The opening scene made me emotional. Little children began running across the stage waving palm fronds until the crowd on stage swelled to accommodate the entire cast of 1,000 residents celebrating Christ's triumphal entry on a donkey into Jerusalem. Most were celebrating, except for the curious and/or vexed Roman sentries and some Jewish leaders in fabulous costumes.

As I began to write about the sets, costumes, chorus and orchestral performances - these words kept coming to mind: simple, utmost quality, profound, beautiful, flowing. We really enjoyed it - all five hours of it! Worth the high price of the tickets? We think it was.

The entire performance is in German but they sell 5 euro "textbooks" with the entire script in German and English. For the majority of the play, it was easy to read along because there was a lot of dialogue and not much action. It was dark for the final three acts and my eyes were tired of trying to read along and catch all the action so I just watched and still loved it.

The theater seats 5,000 people and seemed full. Ryan joked about the average age of attendees but all that sat around us were very nice Germans - even more so after the three hour dinner intermission with a bit of alcohol consumed! Anyone going should take a little flashlight and binoculars might be nice. Our German neighbors from Regensburg shared theirs with us.

I really loved the script and development of characters like Peter, Judas, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea. Regardless of "accuracy", so much ground was covered and you can't help but enjoy what they've done here!

My other most favorite part is where Christ is taken off the cross. I don't believe I've ever seen this dramatized before and it was very moving. When they laid him in his mother's arms, it was more than I could bear even though I didn't understanding what was said. So moving.

On a personal note, I'm almost finished reading The Peacegiver, a great read to understand and apply the Atonement. Seeing this Passion Play right now was perfect timing!

For more information: Passion Play Oberammergau 2010

My Zoo at the Zoo

The sun has returned! HALLELUJAH!!! It's been rainy or cloudy for a few weeks straight so yesterday's sunshine and warmth was a most welcome arrival!

Our lovely Saturday began with Easton's game and I'm excited to report our team made their first bonafide passes to teammates! I was beside myself with excitement! Ryan was more excited over Morgan's soccer prowess post-game. Apparently she's got some fierce goalie skills that had a few bystanders cheering her on!

Ryan had promised/bribed Easton with ice cream so we did that next and there was a lot going on at the PX -- a community yard sale, the end of the Cobblestone Classic 5 mile run, and a fundraising BBQ. We found a couple steals at the sale and then headed on to a sporting goods store to find little goals for our yard. I'm so happy to have them and it was great fun to see the family kicking the ball around all afternoon! We also cleaned out the shed and did a little bike riding before enjoying some enchiladas for dinner. What a great family day!

Before the sun made it's appearance, we didn't let it's absence keep us in. Easton's kindergarten class had a field trip to the zoo here in Stuttgart this week. We were going to tag along as a whole family but Ryan had a meeting. Rats! I was outnumbered again! Outings are always more fun with Ryan along!

The zoo, rain, and my kids. We liked the zoo. We stayed inside mostly until the rain ceased, but the kids . . . ? You'd think they would be all excited to see the animals but it soon became an exercise in negotiating. Three against one, odds were NOT in my favor.

"After we see the fish, are we done?" It was just our second stop! We'd begun by staying with a few groups from Easton's class but then everyone crowded at each exhibit so it was not fun for me with three to wrangle and two that needed to be lifted to see most things. We were soon on our own and it suited us just fine.

"Ohhh [whining], my feet hurt! After we see the monkeys, can we go to the play ground?" Once the kids realized there were playgrounds, any desire to see animals was extinguished. Isn't it amazing how kids will whine and complain about walking until they spot a pigeon to chase or a playground to tackle?

Easton loves to climb stuff. McKay likes to give low lying things a try but is just short enough that most stuff is too big so he's frustrated and resorts to thumb sucking or bird chasing. Morgan loves any steep incline and I was glad I'd put her in the snowsuit so that she wasn't cold or soaking wet from all the climbing and scooting around she did in puddles and mud.

"After we see the elephants, can we have ice cream?" It was 48 degrees out when we arrived and only a couple of the concessions were even open. But the boys had seen the darn popsicle placards so they knew we'd find some eventually. It warmed up some and the sprinkling rain stopped and dried up a little so after some tropical indoor exhibits we were all hot and sweaty! I was okay with them having some ice cream - it was just knowing that Morgan would want her own now and that would be the end of my patience with the day and the messes. Luckily, she occupied herself with an apple while the boys wandered away to eat their ice cream.

The kids have decided on new foods they like lately. Morgan has discovered raisins and is my only kid so far to really eat them. McKay melts into a puddle of tears if his sandwich has anything other than Nutella on it and it's his most requested food. ARGH! Easton now declares he wants cold mac'n'cheese in his lunches. Outings with my kids largely revolve around the food we have to consume and what they wish we had. Can't seem to please'm all!

When Morgan saw this statue, she began hugging and kissing on it. She has a thing for animals alive or not! Stuffed or rock hard. She's her own person for sure!

"After we see the bears, can we go home?" YES, it was time! Five hours and all of us were falling apart. Once we'd exited the parking lot, I looked back to see McKay and Morgan totally zonked out! Luckily I'd worn them out enough that they were too tired to give me grief as I ran Easton's soccer practice! PHEW! I was sooo expecting a different scenario to reward me for taking my zoo to the zoo!

Recap

Howdy! I wish this was a recap of all our travels with my folks, but I haven't had time to do it justice. Thank heavens for the trip journal I actually kept this time! So this is my fabulous Mother's Day -- my own record of a lot of mundane life details so feel free to skip it!

I actually took the liberty of extending my Mother's Day celebration a day on each end - totally undeclared. That's the way to do it if you ask me, then no one else feels pinched by expectations. Victory!

Ryan was in his baking zone this weekend and who was I to argue?! I wish I'd taken pictures of the beauties before they were devoured! Defying all expectations, Ryan tried his first fresh strawberry rhubarb pie and it rocked! The crust was of course, perfect - but the filling was so yummy, just the right balance of sweet and tart I do declare I have a new favorite. I'm not a tart fan so that's sayin' somethin'! He and the kids made me breakfast in bed on the official day - an omelette, bacon, strawberries and cream waffles, and a cute card signed by the kids. Ryan also whipped up his mom's roast and gravy for dinner only to be outdone by another pie - apple this time, per my request. No wonder I'm feeling rather plump lately!

After breakfast, everyone piled into my bed and we had some fun ticklin' times! I love 11am church!!! As for the kids, they're just growing up too fast! Morgan's not so much a delicate wisp of a girl as she's a feisty tomboy ready to jump, climb and throw herself into everything although Ryan and the boys are a bit too big and rowdy for her at times. She does this sumo wrestler stance and saunter that cracks us up! Oh the faces she pulls! She now waves hello and bye to everyone to get attention. If she catches your attention and you're not going anywhere, you get her full show of silly faces. What a character!

Easton's growing up so quickly and is all arms and legs, but he sure loves to melt into giggles at the mere mention of being tickled! McKay, oh McKay - there's always the back story battle we're supposed to go along with or he could melt into frustrated tears. He asks to be tickled but prefers to be tossed around or snuggled.

In addition to Ryan and I being assigned talks, Easton too had a talk in Primary. It was the Carter show at church, I tell ya! He was to speak on repentance. On the way to and from his soccer game Saturday morning it was just us two and I realized we had to start from scratch on this one with a definition of the word. It sure was neat to chat with him uninterrupted and see him understanding the principle, counting down the steps of repentance. Later in the afternoon I looked up a few short stories of the principle in action from past issues of the Friend magazine and had him come read them to me. He's such a good reader, I'm so proud of him! I asked if he wanted to share one of those stories in his talk or if he'd had a similar experience with repentance to share.

Easton began to tell me a story about a boy in his class and I began typing it as he dictated. Easton got a little bugged with me when I corrected his grammar on the screen while he was mid-sentence. It's so exciting to see him internalizing the gospel and I was reminded I gotta bring my A game! In Primary, he bravely read his talk with a strong voice and we were so proud of him. This is the first time I haven't just written his whole talk and was happy we both learned a new process together.

I finally have a designated church bag! What a difference that makes! Of course, it's a basket I got in a quaint little German basket weaving store and then found it's twin in a shop around the corner for half the price I paid. Oh well!

At church we often sit in the back and never know if we'll have English hymnals so I've started bringing our pocket ones, plus the small Children's songbook for Primary. The kids love them. During sacrament meeting, McKay got the the Children's songbook and began softly singing his favorite song, "Follow the Prophet." I didn't really notice until the sacrament started being passed. While it was soo adorable to hear him trying to sing to himself, it was just a little too loud and I had to ask him to be quiet. My nerves were already heightened by my impending talk. Oh how he loves this song and I love hearing his impromptu verses or variations to fit whatever he's playing!

My talk went fine although I wish I was a better public speaker. When I got back to my seat I was so sad the boys had headed to the bathroom at the end of my talk. They almost missed singing with the Primary. There's my boys tromping up front, McKay's got half his shirt hanging out below his vest, the other half tucked in. Classic. Easton's never really been brave enough to get up there but he sang real good this time. It helped that part of the song they sang was "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" - what we call his song around here. McKay sang sometimes, but mostly just stood up there looking back at everyone and had a big wave to us, the parentals.

On Monday we all overslept. I said, "Oh Darn!" and began making waffles. This time I wanted to give Greek yogurt a try. I made it unhealthy with a little powdered sugar and a drop of vanilla but we sure liked it! Strawberries and pears to top it off and Morgan devoured the yogurt!

Everyone played hooky and after I talked Ryan into swapping room furniture around between bedrooms, we left our chaos for Sensapolis with the kids. I believe I swap rooms around because I haven't the energy, money or know-how to decorate. I pretty much do it every six months or so. Ryan and I have now moved into each bedroom and no one is where they started a year and a half ago!

Sensapolis, a huge warehouse sized indoor playground, perfectly near empty on a school day! It's got life-sized treehouses, a pirate ship, a space ship, rock climbing walls, and a castle. All us kids had a ball and it was a great day of family fun!

Morgan lasted pretty well but we did have to resort to serious snuggle sessions to help her regain her strength. That girl tried almost everything the boys did! We stayed six hours and the boys could have and wanted to stay longer. That was probably because they knew bedtime awaited them at home.

So today my party is over. It took all day to clean up the kitchen from all the baking and cooking since I'd sworn off kitchen duty for the weekend. All's good with an audio book and an empty or sleeping house! Over and Out.

My Straight and Narrow Path

Monday through Friday I bundle the kids up to head out for school. Socks, shoes, coats, and backpacks with papers, lunches, snacks, and drinks. We walk the same sidewalk routes to and from McKay's kindergarten and Easton's bus stop. I could walk it blindfolded now. Today it got me thinking about the straight and narrow path.

When we leave in the morning, we have to go up a slight hill that's too much for them to ride their bikes up. I feel like a momma bear emerging from her cave after a long winter with her cubs. Sluggish but determined.

Sometimes we all ramble at our own pace, sometimes we stay together. Sometimes we even hold hands just for the comfort of each other's company.

Sometimes they want to run, but hardly ever all at the same time which has me second guessing who I should keep up with and how much leeway to give to the child in front while I bring up the rear. Moments like this make me wish Ryan was there to help, to guide, and mostly to enjoy. I know I can manage on my own, but it's so much better with him. Always better with him.

Sometimes we stop to enjoy the spot we're in, like the coy pond, or we're tired from the journey but eventually the promise of home prompts us onward.

Sometimes we totter, balancing on the edges. Because the journey is often slow, I have to remind myself not to because two or three little people are watching me.

There are hidden dangers around every turn. Sunken driveways and garages. Corners where cars might not see my little ones coming. If I'm not watching carefully, one or more will try to cross the road without me looking first. If I'm not watching carefully, one wants to wander in the big open road because she can and she sees no danger. But I know there is danger there. My tone determines her willingness to comply with my plea to get back on the straight and narrow. Demand or persuade? All in my tone.

Sometimes there are detours where the grass and flowers sway in the breeze invitingly.

It grows high and once they've wandered in, they look up at me wondering if they can make it back because it takes more effort than they want to exert. Again, my tone makes all the difference but sometimes I have to go rescue them, and their teddy.

Sometimes we walk, sometimes they ride. Usually they ride because I haven't planned enough time to let them experience the walk and I want to control the pace and their path. Better preparation on my part would negate the need for "The Pace" and my "control" of it. The path? Agency, darn it. And bless it - depends on the moment.

Our straight and narrow path home. Eternal life. Their path. Mine.

Mine is motherhood and I'm in the baby pool eying the big pool warily but with great anticipation. Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into and at other times, I'm overwhelmed at how wonderful it is!

Eve's story in Moses and Genesis has sat with me since January but even further back to that Political Science class at BYU. Eve and her decision to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She could have stayed forever in the selfish ease of the beautiful Garden of Eden. She had everything we wish for in vain. She had Adam. They talked with God and were taught His Plan. Life was good, real good! But there was something missing and it required action. Eve led that time. Her action with unknown consequences - some great, some terrible. But she and Adam persevered. Together.

Recorded in Moses 5:11, upon reflecting on their life, she gladly said:

"Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all obedient."

I always knew I wanted to be a mother but had no illusions it would be smooth sailing. I am the oldest of ten children and saw my fair share, often with safe distance. But I've kept a mental catalogue of images of my own mother in her moments of peaceful fulfillment: holding one of her own new babies in a quiet moment of bliss; being gathered into a kiss by dad after work; having one of the little kids lather and rub her feet with lotion; seeing one of us kids achieve something we'd worked for with pride; enjoying uplifting friendships with other women; witnessing sons and daughters be married in the temple for time and all eternity; learning new skills of dizzying sorts; sewing tiny beading to a smocked baby blessing dress she'd made; and rocking a brand new grand-baby with her special touch.

I know my mom has walked Eve's path. I've seen her go through some of those great moments in life. But I've also seen the messy ones. And some really hard ones that made me ache and cry for her. Remember those shining moments. They come. They are gifts.

The errand of angels is given to women

And this is a gift, that as sisters, we claim.

Like Eve, mom and I - we claim the gift. I claim it. It is not a burden, a prescribed role, the result of Eve's original sin although many choose to see it that way and I fall into that trap now and then.

Heavenly Father's Plan is for us to return to Him. It's not easy, often not glamorous. But worth it.

I believe all God's daughters are called to motherhood regardless of marital status or bearing of children. By that I mean, we are called to develop the attributes of a nurturer with Christ as our example. As I work at it, I feel fulfilled in moments of transcendent clarity. I know I am doing what I was put on earth to do, to learn. I felt that nurturing instinct as a young girl, as a teenager, as a college student, a working gal and now as a wife and mother. The role of a Christlike nurturer fits whatever our status in life may be.

Nurturing - it is a gift and when I claim it, I know that I am becoming a better version of myself.

Elder Russell M. Nelson said in a beautiful talk entitled "Woman - Of Infinite Worth":

"Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christlike yearning to reach out with love as He does.

When her husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews return from a day marred by the world's rude realities, a loving woman can say, "Come to me, I will give you rest." Wherever she is can become a sanctified place, safe from the storms of life. Refuge is there because of her ability to nurture and to love unconditionally."

I claim the gift. The gift, as sister of Zion . . .

"to do whatsoever is gentle and human,

to cheer and to bless in humanity's name.

How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission

If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.

Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition

Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together;

The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.

We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;

We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

Because I've seen my mother do it, I know I can too. Because I read of brave women in the scriptures who did it, I know I can too. And my sisters by birth, by friendship, and through books and blogs, they inspire me to no end daily so I know I too can do it. That is one reason I love to celebrate Mother's Day.

When visiting Venice with my parents recently, and more specifically the lace making on Burano island with mom, we came across this little old woman displaying her artistry.

Mom and I marveled at her quick movements producing many intricate tiny stitches on her hand made pattern to create a large beautiful lace panel. If you didn’t see her in action, you’d have never known or appreciated her attention to the threading and pulling of each detailed stitch, the hours of labor to produce a completed piece. I even took video of her for awhile, mesmerized.

So much like a lifetime of womanly nurturing, the beauty is in the details. One shopkeeper showed us the difference between the delicate, layered stitching of handmade Burano lace in contrast to that done by other masters of the craft or modern machines. Burano lace is distinct and when I looked for it, I could tell the difference in the finished product.

When I've reached her age, I hope my nurturing instinct is honed to an artistic craft like her lace making. My attempts now are a bit messy, sometimes forced out of a feeling of duty. I'm learning as I go by following others' example, following the Spirit's promptings, and often being humbled. Yet my daughter is already absorbing, already nurturing her doll or teddies and learning to give kisses for hurts she's given. My sons too.

I can do this, I must. I must be, I want to be a Mother Who Knows with A Mothering Heart.

My little crew. As they approach the home stretch, it's down hill and they like to run. Home doesn't come into view until they're at the very end.

But home it is, through the gate. Home Sweet Home.

Renewed

Back to regularly scheduled programming. My parents are back home safe, nestled in their own beds. I want them back!!! My kitchen-cleaning-family-history-guru fairy and my kidnapping-park-going fairy - why can't they stay forever?! It's so much more fun to cook when the food is appreciated and I don't have to clean up! Almond crusted chicken, roast beef enchiladas . . . we ate well! Abby and Luke, you're lucky I haven't kept our parentals for myself! Where's an exploding volcano when you really need one?!

This morning I awoke determined to be happy about the work ahead. A week ago I was excited to return from our 11 day child-less travels and attack my life with renewed energy and purpose. That's right, I said ELEVEN child-less DAYS! As my sister-in-law puts it so well - I'm going to write the Pope to have HER sainted! How lucky us gals are to have each other, enabling us to travel without little ones!

One reason I was excited to return to my life was that spring has hit! I was excited to take a walk after dropping McKay at kindergarten. Once underway and breathing the fresh field air while listening to conference, I began feeling a bit selfish. I let Morgan out of her stroller a few times. I enjoyed her inquisitive, joyful meandering pace until I wasn't enjoying it anymore and off we'd go, stroller heavier with it's occupant sucking on her blanket.

In need of eggs and not being able to pass up the pretty strawberries, we stopped in at one of our town's stores. Morgan then proceeded to throw a tantrum and I let her out of the stroller for our little tour of the grocery. All was well until she decided to pick up the eggs in the stroller with one hand and I watched them all tumble out splattering nicely on the floor. Thanks Mom for teaching her to say, "Uh-Ohh!" I returned home with the strawberries and cream, but the eggs aren't much use in their current state.

I got home, answered some emails and researched Motherhood until I could stave off my chores no longer. The busy work let my thoughts swirl as I contemplated my talk this coming Sunday on Mother's Day. (Perhaps no topic or day could be more intimidating!) Morgan was down for a nap so I happily buzzed around the apartment.

Of course, when it came time to pick up McKay from school a complete downpour began. Of course. I have still neglected to follow the climate-appropriate advice given by my family's German exchange student from Stuttgart - a heavy coat wasn't needed, just rain boots. My rain coat was in the van. With Ryan at work. Grrr. So I headed out with the umbrella, grabbing an extra one for McKay. I smiled just thinking of how excited he'd be to carry it home remembering his complete meltdown on the way to a kindergarten event last spring when I didn't let him carry his own umbrella. He sat down in a puddle to have that tantrum. We didn't make it to the event. I surrendered and had carted us home.

What is it about being able to hold your own umbrella in a downpour that brings a smile? McKay had a happy grin on his face the entire trek home! It was so cute. I was bent over his small bike with my own umbrella and as I'd look back ready to ask him to walk a little faster I paused. He was just too darn cute, so happy to be carrying his own umbrella. I didn't feel I had the right to rain on his parade by demanding he catch up. He positively squealed with delight when all of a sudden the rain came down harder!

Here's the three talks I'm basing my remarks from - the two from Sister Beck are personal favorites of mine, but the one from Elder Nelson is a true treasure I found today and am excited to study and share. Go Moms!

Woman - Of Infinite Worth - Elder Russel M. Nelson

A "Mother Heart" - Julie B. Beck

Mothers Who Know - Julie B. Beck

Go Green Dragons!

I've found a new love and they're called the Green Dragons! Today was me and Easton's first soccer game. We missed the first game last weekend while Ryan and I traveled with my parents.

I hadn't planned to coach but an emergency plea for coaches went out and my friend said she wished she knew how to play the game so she could volunteer. I told her I'd seen the email too but didn't feel like I could do it with McKay and Morgan. She volunteered to watch them if we got on the same team and I jumped at the offer! So there ya have it, my newest title, "Coach Carter!" I admit I kinda like the sound of it!


With my first game today, I was a bit nervous about keeping the roster straight. We play 6 v 6 and with nine kids on my team, that meant three kids had to sit out each quarter. I hate having anyone sit out and didn't dare look into the parents' faces to see how they took it! That said, we've got an awesome team! We're not supposed to keep score, but of course, the kids do. {We won 8-4!}

Easton stays engaged in the game although he doesn't plow right into the thick of it. He got a handful of touches on the ball when it squirted out of the pack in his direction. I was proud he made contact each time and he seemed happy with himself. He associates his success with the number of goals the team scores which is fun.

This is the magnet ball intro phase of play. The ball is a magnet that draws every pair of kicking feet within ten yards right to it! Man, are they ever cute!

I gotta say my favorite part was seeing Easton as goalie stop two attempts on goal! He bravely scooped it up and it made me one proud mama!

[I really appreciate how my coach's jersey hugs me in all the right places. Good to have the ol' posterior documented for posterity. Wish I could blame it on all the Parisian and Italian food we devoured on our travels. But look at my commanding goalie Easton there!]

Truth be told, my honest-to-goodness favorite part was after Easton snagged the ball here and then threw the ball to his team -- his shorts fell right to his ankles! Poor guy had been holding them up the entire game and I hadn't noticed among all the speed shoe-lace tying and whistle blowing practice I was getting. The goalie jersey covered him well enough, but the surprise on his face was classic! No one else seemed to notice that I could tell and I hollered over to Ryan to come help him out because me and the other coach were the referees on the field.

A fun cheer for the other team before running through the parent tunnel to the real highlight - the famed post-game SNACKS! At one practice, the moms organized the snack list, team pictures, and the end of the season party for me! I've got a great group of kids and parents! I hope Ryan's up for my new hobby cuz who could say no to this mug here!