The One and Only . . .

Ariel has accomplished a lot in her 25 years of life. As a belated birthday tribute I want to highlight some of her accomplishments, attributes, and gifts. As I did with our tribute to Mom Galli, this will all be supplemented with words of friends and family who filled out her birthday survey. Also, this post does not even touch the tip of the Ariel Glacier. For example, it does not speak to her love of the outdoors nor her zaniness. So I chose pictures in an attempt to fill in the gaps.

Health and Fitness.

"She has always been the BEST example to me and I've always look up and admired her. She kept us all fed, and healthy. She kept us all in good shape whether we liked it or not."

Ariel is the best at keeping me and the boys fed and healthy. And somehow vegetarian dishes that by name seem daunting (the Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches we had the other day, for example) turn out completely delicious under Ariel's masterful culinary hand. Her love of health has driven us to an almost vegetarian diet (we have meat on Sundays and when we go out to eat . . . or rather, I do). This positive change for our family only could have happened under Ariel's leadership. Not only that, but she has also been the one encouraging me to bike to work, and she takes the time to do Power90 or yoga or walking with her boys every day.

Mothering.

"Ariel really is the best mother and I always look up to her example and try my best to be like her."

"We miss you and think you are the greatest mom!"

"You've also been a great example to me as I watch you be a mother. I hope that I can be half as wise and calm as you are as a mother."

"Poster girl for a mega modern pioneer mom."

These are just a few of the comments offered about Ariel's uncanny, intuitive ability to mother. She knows how to have fun (Abe's become quite an artist with his easel Ariel recently bought him), knows how to teach (Abe's Spanish vocabulary has grown rapidly recently as he has asked Ariel what different words mean in Spanish. She has instilled this desire to learn in Abe), she shares the gospel (Abe knows very well who Jesus is, who President Monson is, and can sing any number of songs from the Children's Song Book), and offers practical advice (Abe thanked a woman today for giving him some water, and when she didn't respond, he said, "say, 'You're welcome.'"). Cool sentence. I really am in awe of the indefatigable, loving mother that she is. She attends night and day to her boys and is molding them for the eternities.


Thinking.

"I also love her deep and wide thinking; I love hearing what she's been rolling around in her head and sharing thoughts and ideas."

"I have particularly enjoyed the many thoughtful discussions I've had with Ariel on health issues -- childbirth (and parenting), nutrition, and green living. She is eager to share what she is learning and interested in the insights of others as well."

"I remember home teaching Ariel and always being very impressed by her wisdom and insights."

"I always loved every time I had the chance to talk to Ariel about almost any topic. She's so smart! I always came away feeling edified, even if we were talking about something that we disagree about, which I think is pretty amazing!"

I really like this one below.

"How much one can learn from an hour with Ariel! The best part is that when you're with her you're never just cooking, or just hiking, or just cleaning or packing! Every activity comes with magnificent, thought-provoking, world-enhancing discussion. Conversations with Ariel are like lighted sparklers on the 4th of July: they make you want to dance, and spin around, and write words in the air like magic... and how badly you want them never to burn out."

I truly never tire of conversation with Ariel. Her mind churns out inspired thoughts faster than McDonald's serves hamburgers. She has wit, intellect, depth, and thoughtfulness. I know where to go when I have a question about the layout of a powerpoint slide or a team issue at work. I love learning from her enlightened mind.


People Skills.

"Something I love about Ariel is that she completely lacks that strange competitiveness than many girls have. She's so easy and comfortable to be around and puts people immediately at ease."

"She is open and kind, un-endingly hospitable, and effortlessly beautiful to the core. I hit the jackpot meeting Ariel in that quad - she is a wonderful friend to have."

"She has always been so personable, hospitable, easy going and just really buena gente."

"I think Ariel could find herself at home in any culture and in any situation."

"She is so comfortable with herself, and so easy to love. She fits right in with anyone she is around."

So this section is something of a hodge-podge, but it captures well how easy-going, hospitable, and comfortable she is. She doesn't need fancy clothes, make-up, or be caught up on the latest TV shows to fit in with people. She goes beyond that. Her connections to others are deep. And she is irresistible in that way, because when you come in contact with Ariel you connect. I have seen her interact with people from different countries, with different religious beliefs, in different cultures and she never fails to see the divine in all. She brings all she comes in touch with a little closer to our heavenly heritage and our divine destination.

Service.

"I watch her with amazement as she involves herself in Andrew's school and work, giving valuable ideas and encouragement."

"I stood by as she served with Andrew in the inner city, and tackled life changing tasks for the Young Women and Young Men of their ward, as well as helping and loving all the members there."

"Ariel helped me ACE my Africa test in 9th grade. She stayed up with me late at night teaching me a song of the countries. I got the highest score in the class! It was a sacrifice for her, I'm sure, but I've never seen her complain about helping someone who needs something."

"I will always remember how much Ariel helped me out when my husband was in the hospital last semester. She watched my son all day long one day and lots of other times. She even fed him dinner and changed him into Abe's pijamas! She also made dinner for us. Then when I was waiting to have my second she was so sweet to go on long labor inducing walks with me and share all of her childbirthing secrets (which I totally credit as a big reason for why my labor was so quick and easy)!"

Whereas most of us need reminders to go about doing good, Ariel needs reminders to take time for herself. Her most natural, comfortable, dependable state is when she is serving others. That may be inviting people over for dinner (which she has done this week), inviting people over to stay (which she has done this week), feeding, teaching and loving her children, making me happy in any and every way possible, sending happy texts to family members with funny things Abe says, or any number of other things. She gives constant glory to God by serving her fellowman. And I've really got to keep huffing and puffing behind before she's translated and leaves me in the dust.



A Perfect Mix.

"You are a perfect mix of refinement and adventure, and will forever be a model for me."

"A quarter of a century isn't very long really, but you have certainly made your mark in just a few years. You've had adventures in Spain, Mexico, graduated from college, gotten married, guided your husband through graduate school, had two beautiful children, served an inner-city mission, and a host of other things."

She is a perfect mix. And she has done a lot. She's seen the world, studied the world, played soccer and lacrosse, become advanced in acoustic guitar, graduated with honors, served two inner-city missions, served in numerous other church capacities, worked professionally, had two children, and changed countless lives. As one survey participant put it, "I've seen her step smiling into the shadows and allow others to shine." I have seen her do this all day, every day. I'm grateful to have a forum to bring her into the light she deserves. I love you. I love you. I love you, Ariel.

Ben's Debut in "Agent Abe and the Big Cheese"

Enjoy! Outtakes and deleted scenes coming soon!

Dear Chaco Masterminds,

August 17, 2010

Dear Chaco Masterminds,

What an amazing product you have created! As you can see, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Chaco sandals. I got Chacos in June of 2003, and have worn them almost every day since. Not until June of 2010 did I notice the crack in the bottom. Even then I kept wearing them until (as you can see), they became completely un-wearable.

I have walked countless miles in these Chacos. They have served as my preferred footwear in my travels all across the United States, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France, and up and down many mountains across the Intermountain West.

I have roommates, friends, and at least 10 family members who have purchased their own Chacos on my high recommendation. I also plan to advance your cause by posting this letter to my blog today (andrewandariel.blogspot.com).

I was wondering if you could please send me a replacement pair because of the priceless PR work that I have done for you, because I have so thoroughly used my first pair, and because I am so invested in your product. I have enjoyed wearing the green Chacos, but this time I think I’d rather have a blue, brown, red or pink pair. You have so many wonderful choices now! I believe these Chacos were a size 8½.

My Chacos have taken me on life-changing adventures in some of my most formative years. I hope and trust that the next pair will have the same inestimable impact.

Thank you again for a wonderful product.

Ariel Marshall

Birthdays, Guests, and an Anniversary

Well, this week has sure been a busy one.
On Monday we had our anniversary; four years and counting!
To celebrate, we dropped the boys off the Saturday before at Uncle Joe and Aunt Melissa's house, and Andrew and I went on a date. We really outdid ourselves; we went to dinner at one restaurant, and then dessert at another! I don't think I've ever done that before.
Sorry, the pictures of that must be on my other camera card.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are kind of a blur. Andrew was working on a big project at work and I stayed busy with the boys.
This picture kind of sums up a good portion of my days. This picture is taken from the point of view of the shower in our tiny bathroom. Neither of my sweet boys like to be very far from me at any time, so instead of Ben taking a normal nap in his crib or Abe playing in his room, they both opted for hanging out in the bathroom to wait.

On Thursday we were lucky enough to have some awesome visitors: Amanda and Thomas, Andrew's sister and brother. We've been having a great time.
On Thursday we went to the park.Abe has been in heaven with some of his favorite people around. Here he is with Uncle Tom, doing one of their favorite activities together.
I put that other picture in because it was so sweet they were looking at a picture of the two of them together, but then I saw this picture and had to throw it up too!
Abe was nice to let Amanda borrow Benjamin for a little while. He doesn't like to give him up (We were at the store the other day and a lady came up to Ben and said, "Oh, so sweet, how old is he?" and Abe said, "Hey! That's my brother!").

Friday was my birthday. Amanda made me the most wonderful red chocolate cake with blue creamy frosting from scratch, and homemade blueberry ice cream to match. Delish!
Sorry, those pics must also be on the other camera. It's in Amanda and Thomas's room, so I don't want to wake them up to find it. I may post those pictures in a subsequent post.

Today we went to the beach! It was a lot of fun. Only one jellyfish sting, and not a very big one. Andrew was the winner this time.


Ben slept almost the whole time, which is really the perfect thing for a one-month-old to do at the beach.
Abe just loved it. He had a blast and did not want to go home.Then we came home, and topped the evening off hamburgers from Five Guys, Wall-e and some M&Ms. A perfect Marshall day!We look forward to another fun-filled week with the sibs!

Life Just Gets Better

The title is a quote from my wiser-than-wise mission president. I didn't believe him as I finished those best of years in Portugal. But he was right.

Why Blog . . .

When your Mom does for you?

Some of our latest adventures. . .enjoy! And thanks again for documenting, Mom!

Childbirth and the Atonement

This is the third and final post about childbirth. We began this study before Abraham's birth and continued and finished it before Benjamin's. If you have thoughts on the matter, we'd love to hear them.

Childbirth and the Atonement
By Andrew and Ariel Marshall

Childbirth serves as a powerful type of the Lord and His Atonement (2 Nephi 11:4). Both the suffering and the joy inherent in giving birth bring to mind His sacrifice. This paper seeks to identify some parallels, symbolism, and connections between childbirth and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Sanctifying Blood
In order to be free from the stain of the “blood of this generation,” priesthood holders have the obligation to teach and preach the gospel (D&C 88:85; see also Jacob 1:19, 2 Nephi 9:44, Acts 18:6, D&C 88:138). Through this service they are sanctified and prepared to return “spotless” to the presence of God (Jacob 1:19). Women, however, are pronounced clean from the blood of this generation, seemingly without further obligation. We believe that this sanctifying process begins with pregnancy, continues with childbirth, and culminates in motherhood.
A mother sustains her unborn child’s life while in utero. The two are one through the nourishing blood, water, and spirit of the mother. Similarly, we are born again through the blood of the Savior (3 Nephi 27:14). The blood and sweat and spirit that He gave in Gethsemane and on the cross seal us to Him and give us new life (Moses 6:59-60). Through His Atonement we are purified and we glorify Him (3 Nephi 19:28-29). Similarly, an infant is purified through the blood of the mother and in turn glorifies her, giving her the blessing of filling the measure of her creation.

The Nephite missionary Aaron explains that “there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of His blood.” (Alma 21:9). The blood of Christ gives life. He spilt it freely that we might gain eternal life. A mother likewise spills her blood freely that her child might have life.

Suffering
In Gethsemane, the Son suffered “pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be His anguish” (Mosiah 3:7).

A mother in labor experiences pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Some women feel they will die while in transition. Many women have died in childbirth, giving up their lives while giving life. While nothing compares to the physical suffering of Christ, the sacrifice of a mother for her child may be proportionally similar to the sacrifice of the Savior for humanity.

Both the Savior and the mother endure necessary suffering, a purifying, cleansing suffering. A purposeful pain that brings life. The suffering experienced in childbirth is the only physical suffering that results in something good. It is productive suffering. The Atonement, too, is physical suffering resulting in all things good (Moroni 7:24).

Sanctifying Love
Christ’s love serves as the motive for the giving of His blood (1 Nephi 19:9; D&C 133:53). The essence of the Plan of Salvation is His love. We, who can barely comprehend how to love in this “carnal, sensual, and devilish” world can still be “filled with His love unto the consuming of (our) flesh” (Mosiah 16:3; 2 Nephi 4:21). His love carries us through this world and we are ultimately born again through His love. The only love that could compare to the love of the Savior is that of a mother for her child. The Lord made the comparison himself: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15). The love of a mother for her child is the strongest love we can understand, yet the Lord’s love is even greater. Nowhere is a mother’s love illustrated more vividly than through her sacrifice in bringing life to her child. The love that grows while carrying the child and later expressed through giving birth is almost tangible. There is an immediate bond between a mother and child as they are sealed in love through blood. The child cannot comprehend the love the mother has for him or her, but can still be swallowed up in it, and can even reciprocate in his or her own small way.

The love of the Son brings us through darkness and into His light (3 Nephi 19:25). The love of the mother brings a child through the darkness and into the light.

Our Helpless State
Paul taught the Ephesians that “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). His sacrifice is grace for us. Were it not for his “infinite atonement” we would become “angels to a devil” (2 Ne. 9:7-9). Just as we can do nothing without His suffering, neither can a baby enter the world without the suffering of a mother. The Atonement and childbirth save those that cannot save themselves, those who are otherwise helpless.

One Way
Just as “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent,” there is no other way whereby mortality can come unto the children of men, only through the womb of a mother (Mosiah 3:17).

The Will of the Father
Through the pain and agony of Gethsemane, “the will of the Son (was) swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:7). It is the Father’s will that we receive mortality and then immortality. Immortality is an eternal gift, and therefore the suffering was so sore, exquisite, and hard to bear, we cannot begin to comprehend it (D&C 19:15). Mortality is also a great gift, but not so eternal and all-encompassing. However, in both the suffering for God’s children to enter into mortality and the suffering for God’s children to enter immortality and eternal life, the will of a mother and the will of the Son are swallowed up in the will of the Father.

Lonely Suffering
No one can take the pain from the Savior or a mother, but they certainly can receive support. The Savior received support of an angel, and asked His apostles to watch with him (Luke 22:43; Matthew 26:38). Mothers have the support of midwives, doulas, parents, and especially spouses. All of that said, no one can carry the burden from the Savior or the mother. The Father could not relieve the Son of His mission (Matthew 27:46), and fathers cannot relieve mothers of their mission. They must finish their mission on their own.

Crowning
Just as Christ wore a “crown of thorns” (Matthew 27:29), when a baby’s head is emerging from the mother, it is called “crowning.”

Joy and Rejoicing
Paul, when writing to the Romans, makes an interesting comparison between God’s children and Christ. He states that we are “children of God” (Rom. 8:16) and in the following verse he calls us “joint-heirs with Christ” on the condition that “we suffer with him, that we might be glorified together” (Rom. 8:17). Just as Christ worked out our immortality through his suffering, death and resurrection, a mother does something similar when bearing her child. The glory Christ offered to the Father and to His children outweighed the suffering he passed through (see v. 18). The glory revealed through the life of a newborn makes the suffering to bring that life into the world nothing by comparison.

The process of labor is described in scripture as “travail” (see Genesis 38:27, Psalms 48:6, Isaiah 54:1). This same word is used to describe the Savior’s suffering (Isaiah 53:11). The Lord Himself makes a direct correlation between childbirth and His Atonement and Resurrection. When His disciples are anxious and afraid because of His foreboding words regarding his imminent departure, He comforts them with a unique comparison:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:20-22).

Just as a woman’s joy overcomes the memory of pain and suffering, so do the power and joy that accompany the Resurrection overcome the pain and suffering of the Savior. Life is given through the suffering, and all rejoice.

Immortal and Mortal Initiatory
In the initial step of our temple endowment (otherwise known as the initiatory), and on the path to a spiritual birth through His Atonement we are washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name (See Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Volume 2, Endowment; see also Exodus 40:12-13). Likewise, a newborn child is washed, anointed, clothed, and given a new name upon entering the world. The mother then takes care of the new child as Christ cares for His flock.

Nursing
A mother responds to her baby’s every need—including the need for nourishment. Anytime the baby is hungry, without asking anything in return, a mother again yields up her body for a moment while the baby enjoys sweet milk. Likewise, Christ invites us to come unto Him and “buy milk and honey, without money and without price” (2 Nephi 26:25).

Conclusion
Christ’s atoning blood saves. A mother’s blood saves. Christ’s love carries us to Him. A mother’s love carries a child to her. The Savior helps those who cannot help themselves. A mother helps one who cannot help him or herself. There is only one way to immortality and only one way to mortality. The Savior did the will of the Father, even in the face of suffering. A mothers does the same. Childbirth is a beautiful, real symbol of the infinite sacrifice of the Son.