Friday, April 29, 2011

Tiffany Toys & Work

Last night I crashed another ward's Relief Society meeting. Friend Tiffany of "Likely Stories" taught us about play and work. They can mingle. Children need to have open-ended toys, and disciplined work. And it is up to us moms to share our work. Teach them to be independent of us.

Every two weeks on Friday I clean John's 90 year old grandma's condo. Today, I took Sam with me, because of the lecture last night. He was home 2 hours early from school (because I chaperoned his field trip and checked him out afterwards to come home with me). I had just enough time to run up and hurry & clean before my high schoolers walked home, but had the thought to invite him. Something I have not done before.

Before we got there, he said he wanted to do toilets. Really, I thought? I told him he could use Great Grandma's cool mop, too, after I swept the floors. And asked if he would vacuum. It is always more fun to clean with someone else's tools. I remember loving to do dishes when I babysat, just because their dishes weren't mine.

Thinking that I wanted to monitor how Sam was doing, I made sure to show him how to scrub up under the rim. Made some suggestions on what tools to use, which cleaners. He was really good about reporting back, asking what to do with things. He even found the plug outlets all on his own.

We got done with two people only 15 minutes faster than I do on my own, but he felt good about it, and he learned some new skills (swifter wet jet mop). He even helped me hang up a new jewelry case that had come in the mail for her, sweet Surprise.

The money she pays me helps pay for bills, but she had left out some Easter candy for me to take home to the kids. On the way home Sam bit into a huge chocolate bunny and said he had fun.

It is fun to clean! Fun to go see what mom does? Fun to help, joyful to serve.

So thank you, Tiffany, for a good, inspiring lesson. I wanted to let you know that you helped me think to include him, when it would have been so easy to just do what I normally do. Independent me.

I am re-thinking our whole summer, with Mom Lessons in mind. Remember when Suzu cooked for us for 2 weeks? Planned the menu and everything? Each of the children should get a chance to do that. Learn to make bread from scratch, since Marjorie's grandma did it when she was 4 years old! Cook a big fancy family meal. Go food shopping independently.

The things that I really enjoy doing--I need to share them, the activity doing part of it, not just the end result. Saying, "Here is a quilt" is not the same as teaching them how to do it for themselves. Like fishing lessons, so they can eat for a lifetime, I want to be a better teacher.

More ideas from last night: I am looking for golf tees and a crab mallet to pound into a cardboard box for my next toddler play date! And make Tiffany inspired cardboard wings! And display the children's books the way they do at libraries, front cover showing, not just spines. Declutter some toys, rotate toys, look for more open-ended toys....

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Stuffed Fun

Recent handwork: Bunnies made from sweater.

Elephant from felt.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Temple Day


Jen & John, Grandma Sandy & Grandpa John, and two past Young Men's presidents came to the temple today to be with Stewart on his first day upstairs. Super support.

Friday, April 22, 2011

FABRIC Silk Dyed Easter Eggs





Emmalyn sent me this idea. Instead of a silk tie, I found a silk shirt, and did a whole batch one color-so I did not cover them with a second layer of fabric. Sam helped me. Twisty ties are a great suggestion (I had to cut off the string-not fun). I used white vinegar. 20 minutes cooking. Cooled with cold water and couldn't wait to see the results!

We will try this again with more silk! I have a box somewhere here in my sewing room of silk ties, too worn for wear, but perfect for this project!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Glad to See My Baby Boy


His voice is deeper than I remember, even from Christmas. Looking good in his new suit (thank you for the shopping trip, Julie!).

I couldn't remember his birthday, to verify he is who he is. I was thinking of SK bday the day before.

We welcome a new niece this week! Happy Body Day! Her birthday will be easy to remember; she was almost born on our anniversary (22 years strong).

Busy week.

Costume Details

New crazy short hairdo. Spiky daring after Michael's cut.For Family Home Evening we opened up our 72 hour emergency kits. Rotated out the stale chocolate, beef jerky (NOT indefinite shelf-life, goes rancid?), too small shoes & clothes. Sam is holding a pair of jeans originally bagged for Max? that he can't even get a leg in. Apparently I was really worried about people having shoes to walk on their own, I even had a spare toddler shoes in my pack. I was not going to carry anybody for long.
Sunbonnet pattern from web, with nice long neck protection. I made 10 new ones for the last seminary combined activity.

We Three Teachers!
Side-view of sunbonnet, posed on lamp shade.Roxie needed a parrot costume for school. To give her credit, she did tell me the day before...but somehow I thought I had more time. At 8:03 am she told me she really wanted help with the beak I had promised her. I grabbed a shoulder pad I had taken out of a jacket, covered it with black fabric and attached two elastic head bands, to hold it in place over her nose so she could still breathe and talk. The two elastic bands, one behind her neck, one up over crown of head.
Her wings were a thrifted Mod dress, cut to make a skirt. It was the right coloring, and the top of the dress fit her perfectly, so I cut the "skirt" in half, gathered top and sewed the bottom of skirt halves into sleeves, attached to top of sleeveless dress, all before we had to leave to get to school by 8:30 am. She loved it and wore it the rest of the day after the play and wants to be a parrot for Halloween!

Last costume detail: me, many moons ago. I don't remember the broken broom. Or was it a lighted broom? Are those Christmas lights, or a flashlight in my hand? Note the angle of broom head to the stick. What is going on here? I remember looking out through those witchy-poo eyes. The backwards black coat and the cardboard-poster board black homemade hat, I don't remember...The red scratchy couches behind me, yes. How fun it is to dress up, yes, I still feel that!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Elder Andersen, Apostle

Photo credit wikipedia.
Twice a year, instead of meeting in our small church building, we gather with the 7 other geographical wards (similarly organized Latter-day Saint groups) in Baltimore. It is called Stake Conference, as in a stake in a tent of Zion. (see Isaiah!)

Our stake conference was blessed with Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, Kathy. Wonderful meetings. They thanked us with love for the care of two of their daughters, the service and love given to their grandchildren here in Baltimore stake. Their son-in-law is one of the young high councilors who has spoken in our ward. The other son-in-law and sons went on the super scout bike high adventure last summer with John & our 3 sons, so we knew their families, but not their connection with this apostle!

I was impressed with Sister Andersen's talk about using General Conference talks for Family Home Evening study. She made copies for all of her children of the 15 talks from the 12 Apostles and First Presidency, used the self-copier and was horrified when the total came to over $50. But then was humbled when the thought, "Isn't it worth it" for her children to know and learn these words. They used them for the next 6 months, even if they were only big enough to just underline the words they knew.

Elder Andersen used the April 2011 General Conference notes from his brethren and repeated some of their quotes and subjects, pointing out things he noticed this year.

Imperatives included writing in journals, "TURNING" as a way to look at repentance, taking time one-on-one with people, not hurrying, reach out to others, listen to promptings, be an answer to other's prayers, be more sensitive, be courageous, be faithful, be patient, have happiness in difficulties and peace in problems, hunger after the word of God, use Book of Mormon & Bible to strengthen your testimony of Christ.

He held a special meeting just for the youth and shook every single one of their hands! Sweet, cheerful, joyous man of God. His little grandsons were all wearing matching suits on their reserved pew. He said he had been praying for this assignment to come to Baltimore for 9 years, "You see how much pull I have!" He said the other brethren call him one of the "kids" for his youth and newness to the call, two years ago.

But when he spoke and shared his witness of Jesus Christ, it was powerful, warm, strong, and sure.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Update on Mom-ing

Suzanna dressed as Evita for a one-pager presentation at school. The black umbrella is Max, behind her, who gentlemanly carried the umbrella stretched over her head and fancy dress all the way home from school. Wish I had been 20 seconds faster with the camera, and you would have seen her with skirts raised to her knees, tip-toe-ing barefoot with heels in her hands across the muddy lacrosse/soccer field.

I am sobered by the responsibilities of parenting. We don't always say the right thing, or react with the calmness and serenity required in a stressful situation. I wish it were easier to explain to our children that the way they feel NOW, the feelings, frustrations, thoughts don't suddenly change once you turn 16 or 21 or 40. Yes, their teenage brains are still developing, but the habits they have, the way they communicate (or don't) continues, unless they make conscious, painstaking efforts to change. If hearing raised voices freaks you out, or if you feel like you have disappointed someone and you want to run away, being a 45 year old mom doesn't guarantee mature behavior...We aren't so different. I remember my Grandma Carlson explaining that she still felt like a 14 year old girl inside of her wrinkly grandma body. Same feelings, same youngness and self-identity. This is the photo we sent in to "Locks of Love."

My mornings are full of a niece, nephew, and Roxie. This is the sweet crossing guard, Mr. Al, who helps keep us safe walking to school! Grandma Billie printed out the photo I had sent to her, gave it to me, and we made a thank you card for Mr. Al. He was touched, thanked us, and I gave Roxie a hug, telling her how important it is to thank people, how good it makes them feel, and I was impressed with how kind she is and how brave to tell people she is grateful for them.

Is it enough? Maybe I am asking the Mother's Day Angst questions a little early this year. Stewart comes home from college in 5 days and then leaves 3 weeks later to be gone for 24 months of missionary service. How can I cram into these 3 weeks the survival skills I should have already passed on?

When can I thank my children for helping me grow up and learn how to be human? It is so hard. Harder than the early mothering days, when needs were simple, the big mystery of hungry/tired/poopy/gassy my only challenges to making them happy.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Talking About Trees




(photo credit: Pottery Barn Kids)
New client with baby #3 due soon wants a tree silhouette mural in her nursery that matches the PBKids catalog. When they find out gender of baby, they will add appropriate bird house colors. She said they wanted "different shades of green" on SW "Moon Mist" so I think we are talking more about the 2nd tree, but she wants it with solid leaves, not the wallpaper or fabric ones shown.

Has anyone seen a bigger picture of this kind of tree? Any guesses as to what kind it is? (who knows round leaf identification? Missing Grandpa Jack!)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Fire Hydrant Eagle Project

photo credit Crimson Night Stock

I contributed 3 hours of painting towards Max's project today. My orange crocs have bright "Fire Hydrant YELLOW" paint dribbles. I learned where the public works buildings are when we picked up the paint.

Max had us organized in painting teams. Red-headed Rachel and I were a team!

I will never look at a fire hydrant the same way again. They come in different shapes. Different "caps" and bolts and chains to hold the caps to keep them from getting lost or water propelled down the street...

Some of the hydrants had been painted red once. We scraped off layers of sun-bleached paint that looked orange.

One driver stopped and said, "We drove by when you were just scrapping, and now painted it looks so good! God bless you!"

Did you know some of them have their birthdays on them? We wire scraped and painted a 1960 and a 1965 one. Newest one was 1999.

Kneeling, bending, squatting in the sun with a sinus infection/upper respiratory yuckies. John made a doctor's appointment for me yesterday, so I have meds now.

Friday, April 8, 2011

CONFERENCE IMPERATIVES -- April 2011

I really wish I were better at taking notes. Our bishop has warned us that in 2 weeks, when one of the 12 Apostles, Elder Andersen, comes for our stake conference: "In communication with Elder Andersen's office today, I was notified that there will likely be time in the Saturday evening adult session for Elder Andersen to hold a discussion with those in attendance on their impressions/reflections of General Conference."

My notes have doddle's all over them. I was listening. In my notes I starred the points that went straight to my heart, things I needed to hear.

These are the instructions we were given.

This list came as one of the seminary resources I get through email. I've been waiting for brother-in-law ROGER to write up his list! (CORRECTION: HE DID WRITE THEM UP, DAYS AGO! THANK YOU, LOVE YOUR NOTES!)

This is similar, but phrased as imperatives. Strong suggestions. Commands. A great "To Do" list.

A guide for our walk and talk for the next 6 months
(Compiled by Sister Ann Madsen and her seminary students. Source: Ken Alford)


1. Honor the Sabbath all day long. Wear nice clothes all day on Sunday.
2. Make worship a part of the pattern of your Sabbath day.
3. Become more childlike; it is part of the process of becoming more Christ-like.
4. Strengthen your commitment to act.
5. Help in the Lord's way. Teach children to help.
6. Use the full name of the Church. Do not call yourselves "Mormons"
7. Do a lot of forgetting and a little repenting.
8. Don't let fears replace faith.
9. Let your children feel your faith.
10. Establish a Christ-centered life and home.
11. Establish Celestial traditions.
12. Don't have higher standards for others than you have for yourself.
13. Search your heart to know your desires; a vision of what you can become forms your desires.
14. Simplify your life with small flecks of Gospel gold.
15. Respond to seen needs.
16. Be sensitive to promptings of the Holy Ghost.
17. Donate to the Missionary fund.
18. Trifle not with sacred things.
19. Remember the blessings of the Sacrament.
20. Tell your spouse you love her/him.
21. Don't waste time with idle pursuits; focus on getting married.
22. Stop hanging out in groups, and find an eternal companion. - President Monson
23. Find a worthy young lady to take to the Temple. - President Monson
24. Master the doctrines of the priesthood.
25. Do not ever let yourself do something of which you would not be proud. - President Monson
26. Be examples of honesty and integrity wherever you go, and in whatever you do. - President Monson
27. Communicate with parents, children, and the elderly about Christ.
28. Ask for the ability to forgive in prayer, frankly forgive others, and quickly forgive yourself.
29. Always keep the Temple in your sights; do nothing that will keep you from entering that holy place.
30. Don't resent the things that help you put on the divine nature.
31. Be of good cheer; your future is as bright as your faith.
32. Turn off the excess noise in your life.
33. Make whatever sacrifices are necessary to qualify, and then attend the temple. - President Monson
34. Express gratitude and love often.
35. Do service and show love--one by one.
36. Pay tithes and offerings.
37. Search for a spouse and start a family.
38. Become self-reliant; live providently.
39. Tell your spouse you love him or her frequently.
40. Recognize revelation and act on it.
41. Lighten your trials though service, revelation, and prayer.
42. Teach your children to be, not just to do.
43. Learn and live Christ-like attributes.
44. Don't postpone marriage.
45. Welcome chastisement and correction.
46. Learn Priesthood responsibilities by reading Doctrine and Covenants 20, 84 and 121.
47. Don't wait on the road to Damascus. Act.
48. Study the words of this conference; pray about appropriately applying them to your life.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

BEST BASKETS

This is the site of the talented Miss Joan who I worked for at the end of last year. I highly recommend her baskets. Beautiful, sturdy, and they will last forever. She turned me into a basket snob. I know what to look for now. Discerning tastes due to education on what makes a good basket. If you are looking for end of the year gifts for teachers, this is where I would go!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

A Suggestion

(Flora Thompson)

Need a good series? Humor, history, craftsmanship, love, politics, women's rights, fashion, farmers, music...?

Based on the book of Flora Thompson, available at our local library. Lark Rise to Candleford.

I loved it. England 1880s, Oxfordshire hamlet.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Her Choice to Sacrifice

Last week for picture day she wanted a fishtail braid, her favorite hairstyle!

This morning she showered, we dried her hair, and she asked again. If we could cut it, to donate.


21" for a good cause!
"Now my braid won't get caught when I do flips on the trampoline!"

Sunday, April 3, 2011

How Do You Know?

This year, instead of a musical (they switch off every year) the high school picked a Neal Simon comedy. Max was cast as the doctor. Here he is comforting his wife. I love seeing him act on stage, and I think he will make a great husband in reality. The kitchen/dinning room remodel-transition is still not finished, completely mudded or sanded, but I couldn't wait. After a sad pity-party morning (playing hymns, reading my patriarchal blessing, praying for help and feeling that painting would cheer me up) I spent the day covering up the orange that was still left on ceiling and walls. I did leave this orange shelf. I didn't want to wait any longer for the "someday" and I knew painting would keep the emotional dragons at bay. Painting helps me feel a smidgen of control over my environment, when so much is beyond my changing.

How do you know things will get better? How do you know it is all worth it, the struggles and the hard times?

Faith
Trust
Hope
Love
Courage
Endurance


This morning over hot malt-o-meal cereal & vanilla ice cream breakfast we went around the table talking about what impressed us so far in General Conference:

Elder Cook's talk about working moms made me cry & think about the reasons/priorities I am working...and to figure out a balance of nurturing and working for our financial survival-not for luxuries we don't need.

John shared his thoughts from the Priesthood Session "Don't Live Below Your Privilege." Rejoice, fully partake of the joy of the Gospel!

Max heard President Monson's talk (after the play I drove him up to the Church).

Roxie liked the talk about the boy holding still during radiation, listening to his dad's voice.

Sam wanted to know what radiation treatment meant.

Suzu liked the talk about desires influencing our choices that Elder Oaks gave.