I don't remember who I gave this to--years ago, when I was trying to make quilts for all the babies born at Church. Flannel. Raw edge applique. Shown here before sewing completed... Great Plan of Happiness illustrated.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Never Before Shown Quilt?
I don't remember who I gave this to--years ago, when I was trying to make quilts for all the babies born at Church. Flannel. Raw edge applique. Shown here before sewing completed... Great Plan of Happiness illustrated.
Dearest
Morning exercise (too sunburned to go swimming today): I walked along the middle school fence parallel the train tracks until the fence ended, went into the woods 15 feet until the pathway trickled out.
I heard some rustling, crept slowly around a huge tree and froze.
I was downwind from her. Staring contest. Counted 30 heartbeats.
She moved her head up and down (reminded me of a dog's motions, trying to sniff?). I could see her nostrils flaring. Twitching ears. I tried not to blink, took shallow breaths, didn't swallow. Biggest eyes, ever!
We waited a minute. Two. Three?
She lifted her front leg and stamped. Again. It made me think of a bull readying to charge. Was she protecting a deer-creche?
I thought good-bye brain waves her direction and walked home.
I heard some rustling, crept slowly around a huge tree and froze.
I was downwind from her. Staring contest. Counted 30 heartbeats.
She moved her head up and down (reminded me of a dog's motions, trying to sniff?). I could see her nostrils flaring. Twitching ears. I tried not to blink, took shallow breaths, didn't swallow. Biggest eyes, ever!
We waited a minute. Two. Three?
She lifted her front leg and stamped. Again. It made me think of a bull readying to charge. Was she protecting a deer-creche?
I thought good-bye brain waves her direction and walked home.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Working Thoughts
Painted crib railing by 3 older siblings of Sam. Black marker words by me. Ikea Christmas heart decorations with family history names markered on. 
We survived the first week of no school. Suzu had young women's camp, Max was gone at Maryland State Boychoir camp, so I only had two of my children home.
Add two cousins. And a younger sibling of a young woman who's mom was at camp. And a neighbor across the alley who likes to come play. And Hazel and little brother on Tuesday, and baby Tommy with teeth (!) on Friday...How did my mom ever survive 9 children?
Geri nursed her baby and listened to lunch one day, complimenting how organized it all sounded. HA! It is hard not to laugh and make fun of myself. It didn't feel organized! Crazy chaos! With joyful, good moments. And I knew it wasn't permanent, only a short-time of caring for this household of super young children.
I really do like playing with babies, and toddlers, and with all my teenagers gone, some of the stress was missing...
Quote from Church today: "Looking at the big picture relieves stress" (from Elder Neil Anderson to his daughter in our stake to her high council husband to our stake president councillor who spoke briefly in our meeting today).
The big picture is forever families. Children grow up and have their own children. I look forward to grand parenthood, when my children will raise their own children. I am glad to help other young mothers ease their demanding burden--that will disappear so quickly for them, too. Others helped me when I needed childcare support. I graduated from BYU because of babysitting help my mom gave us (Emma and Stewart did go to lots of classes with us, too). We traded nights with other couples so we could still afford a date without paying a babysitter.
With my busy week I couldn't go clean John's grandma's condo during the day--had to sneak over there at night. Didn't make it to my finance 6 hour a week job. Didn't do any painting. I am thankful again and again for John's full-time super job and the extra things he is still doing to support our family. It makes it easier to relax and do some nurturing!
I can concentrate on being a mom. Being available. Being here in our home. Feeding. Playing. Organizing (grand attempts at turning sewing studio back into guest room for college daughter home in 12 days!). Refereeing. Teaching Sam how to put on band aids for younger children. Insisting on manners. Encouraging reading. Correcting false doctrines. Gently reminding. Serving as mercy and law-maker. Channeling entertainment and organizing work parties (have you ever had a Sock Party? Match the many homeless socks!).
We survived the first week of no school. Suzu had young women's camp, Max was gone at Maryland State Boychoir camp, so I only had two of my children home.
Add two cousins. And a younger sibling of a young woman who's mom was at camp. And a neighbor across the alley who likes to come play. And Hazel and little brother on Tuesday, and baby Tommy with teeth (!) on Friday...How did my mom ever survive 9 children?
Geri nursed her baby and listened to lunch one day, complimenting how organized it all sounded. HA! It is hard not to laugh and make fun of myself. It didn't feel organized! Crazy chaos! With joyful, good moments. And I knew it wasn't permanent, only a short-time of caring for this household of super young children.
I really do like playing with babies, and toddlers, and with all my teenagers gone, some of the stress was missing...
Quote from Church today: "Looking at the big picture relieves stress" (from Elder Neil Anderson to his daughter in our stake to her high council husband to our stake president councillor who spoke briefly in our meeting today).
The big picture is forever families. Children grow up and have their own children. I look forward to grand parenthood, when my children will raise their own children. I am glad to help other young mothers ease their demanding burden--that will disappear so quickly for them, too. Others helped me when I needed childcare support. I graduated from BYU because of babysitting help my mom gave us (Emma and Stewart did go to lots of classes with us, too). We traded nights with other couples so we could still afford a date without paying a babysitter.
With my busy week I couldn't go clean John's grandma's condo during the day--had to sneak over there at night. Didn't make it to my finance 6 hour a week job. Didn't do any painting. I am thankful again and again for John's full-time super job and the extra things he is still doing to support our family. It makes it easier to relax and do some nurturing!
I can concentrate on being a mom. Being available. Being here in our home. Feeding. Playing. Organizing (grand attempts at turning sewing studio back into guest room for college daughter home in 12 days!). Refereeing. Teaching Sam how to put on band aids for younger children. Insisting on manners. Encouraging reading. Correcting false doctrines. Gently reminding. Serving as mercy and law-maker. Channeling entertainment and organizing work parties (have you ever had a Sock Party? Match the many homeless socks!).
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Modesty
Scalloped Bermudas, trace circle shape in pen along wrong side bottom edge and cut and fray-check. 
I was in a thrift store and saw an artist friend I haven't seen for awhile. "I was just thinking about you this morning!" she said. She was trying to find modest patterns on-line, "...you know, like Amish, or Mormon!" I laughed happily with her. It is good to be known for that. She was buying linen sleeveless dresses to cut up the back and convert to cute aprons--great idea that I want to try.
I've added lots of sleeves to store/thrifted dresses. Made many shrugs. But making it available to friends, seminary students going to dances....
I would love to help do something like this here, locally. I asked my daughters what they think about it.
Anyone else interested locally? All sizes needed. Old prom or bridesmaid dresses would work, too. I would dedicate a room in our home for this project.
I was in a thrift store and saw an artist friend I haven't seen for awhile. "I was just thinking about you this morning!" she said. She was trying to find modest patterns on-line, "...you know, like Amish, or Mormon!" I laughed happily with her. It is good to be known for that. She was buying linen sleeveless dresses to cut up the back and convert to cute aprons--great idea that I want to try.
I've added lots of sleeves to store/thrifted dresses. Made many shrugs. But making it available to friends, seminary students going to dances....
I would love to help do something like this here, locally. I asked my daughters what they think about it.
Anyone else interested locally? All sizes needed. Old prom or bridesmaid dresses would work, too. I would dedicate a room in our home for this project.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Baggy Talk
I have a love it-hate it relationship with purses. They are either too small (can't fit a book in) or TOO BIG (heavy, awkward) or handle is too short, or too long, or cuts into my shoulder. I don't have enough hands to carry a hand-bag. And backpacks can be too bulky, or those promotional-cheap ones the strings hurt when the bag gets too full...
At earth day or arbor day field trip with Sam a few months ago we saw the recycled-upcycled (what is the difference?) t-shirt bags (the link of leetha's chops off more of the arm, loses that reinforced shoulder and she drawstrings closed the bottom so no sewing).
What I did: sew the bottom of the shirt closed, cut off tips of sleeves (leaving the reinforced shoulder seam for durability)and scoop out the neck symmetrically with front/back, and you have a lightweight, stretchy-expanding, COMFORTABLE bag!
At earth day or arbor day field trip with Sam a few months ago we saw the recycled-upcycled (what is the difference?) t-shirt bags (the link of leetha's chops off more of the arm, loses that reinforced shoulder and she drawstrings closed the bottom so no sewing).
What I did: sew the bottom of the shirt closed, cut off tips of sleeves (leaving the reinforced shoulder seam for durability)and scoop out the neck symmetrically with front/back, and you have a lightweight, stretchy-expanding, COMFORTABLE bag!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Behind the Scene Real Life
It was really bright outside. This is one of my favorite places to take portraits: front hallway, open front door, photographer stand outside and photo-ee just inside the door, sitting on floor of hallway. The outside lighting and darkened background make their faces pop, but can be uncomfortably bright in early morning-before-Church. This shows how important it is to take MANY photos, don't give up after only one, and endure the complaints, and ask them to try again and encourage them to think of something else, remind them they are doing this because they love you...Please don't be discouraged trying to get your family to smile for the camera. Just keep trying!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
It Runs In the Family...
Graduation.
Nephew M won his grade Word Master competition--similar to spelling bee, except the student has to show knowledge of the word. What are the chances that two cousins would dominate the competition??? Roxie won, too, same school, but in grade younger. Her words, "He gets it from his mom, and I get it from Dad, since they are sister and brother!" Notice the medal he is holding? Roxie got one, too.
Suzu wanted to make sure she got a strong A in chemistry, so she did this crazy project, and involved the whole family in the gathering of household items for this experiment, using red cabbage as the indicator:
BEAUTIFUL colors! Did you know foods tend to be more acidic, cleaning products more basic? She even gave us a written test afterwards and took pictures for her teacher, per his request.
John in his OFFICE with a window--looking out at the solar panels that run all the power for the building plus puts leftovers back into the grid. Very cool turtles in tanks, including one with no tail...Nice workmates. Cool boss. Good atmosphere. Security. Benefits! Needs a quilt on his big wall--coming soon to blogger.
I took the train down to see where he works, and then we drove down to the temple together. It was raining when we came outside.
Cool clouds in the sky and raindrops dripping on my shirt.
Ask John about my calling his voice mail when I was angry at him. Sitting next to him in the car. "Pick up. John Landbeck..." He was glad he didn't say anything, since it took him a minute to figure out I was NOT calling him. I was ordering our crabcakes to go 20 minutes before we would pass Riverside-BEST crabcakes-Pizzaria.
Nephew M won his grade Word Master competition--similar to spelling bee, except the student has to show knowledge of the word. What are the chances that two cousins would dominate the competition??? Roxie won, too, same school, but in grade younger. Her words, "He gets it from his mom, and I get it from Dad, since they are sister and brother!" Notice the medal he is holding? Roxie got one, too.
Suzu wanted to make sure she got a strong A in chemistry, so she did this crazy project, and involved the whole family in the gathering of household items for this experiment, using red cabbage as the indicator:
BEAUTIFUL colors! Did you know foods tend to be more acidic, cleaning products more basic? She even gave us a written test afterwards and took pictures for her teacher, per his request.
John in his OFFICE with a window--looking out at the solar panels that run all the power for the building plus puts leftovers back into the grid. Very cool turtles in tanks, including one with no tail...Nice workmates. Cool boss. Good atmosphere. Security. Benefits! Needs a quilt on his big wall--coming soon to blogger.
I took the train down to see where he works, and then we drove down to the temple together. It was raining when we came outside.
Cool clouds in the sky and raindrops dripping on my shirt.
Ask John about my calling his voice mail when I was angry at him. Sitting next to him in the car. "Pick up. John Landbeck..." He was glad he didn't say anything, since it took him a minute to figure out I was NOT calling him. I was ordering our crabcakes to go 20 minutes before we would pass Riverside-BEST crabcakes-Pizzaria.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Quilt-RRRRRRR T-shirt
Coolest idea for sibling gifts--or FATHER'S DAY T-shirts with good directions if you follow the link. You can use vinyl letters-stickers if you are spelling out words. I used contact paper (wood grained, stuff I had around the house).
Vinegar rinse will also stop the bleaching-- After you sponge on the bleach, rinse in cold water and stick in big bowl of water with 2 cups of white vinegar to stop the bleaching, then stick in washing machine and immediately wash
This was a wedding gift. Since the fabric didn't bleach well, I used the contact paper backing and repositioned the letters and used white "So-soft" fabric paint and brushed around the letters. Turned out okay enough to give away and the bride & groom loved them.
You do have to make sure the t-shirt, pillowcase is bleachable. Some fabrics are bleach-proof. Test before you go to the work. Sorry no picture of end product-camera batteries unavailable, but trust me, it turned out great.
.
Project I've wanted to do for awhile: bleached out T-shirts. I had seen the idea on the blog link above and suggested the Young Women do it for their camp t-shirts. Cheaper than buying lots of fabric paints!
Think negative space--the exposed areas are going to turn white/pink and the area you protect will stay the same color as original t-shirt.
I've wanted a quilter-pirate t-shirt for awhile. Those are scissors instead of crossed bones at the bottom. This could be my new favorite t-shirt. $5.00 nice dark cobalt one found at walmart. Dark fabrics turn amazing colors with bleach!
Vinegar rinse will also stop the bleaching-- After you sponge on the bleach, rinse in cold water and stick in big bowl of water with 2 cups of white vinegar to stop the bleaching, then stick in washing machine and immediately wash
This was a wedding gift. Since the fabric didn't bleach well, I used the contact paper backing and repositioned the letters and used white "So-soft" fabric paint and brushed around the letters. Turned out okay enough to give away and the bride & groom loved them.
You do have to make sure the t-shirt, pillowcase is bleachable. Some fabrics are bleach-proof. Test before you go to the work. Sorry no picture of end product-camera batteries unavailable, but trust me, it turned out great..
Project I've wanted to do for awhile: bleached out T-shirts. I had seen the idea on the blog link above and suggested the Young Women do it for their camp t-shirts. Cheaper than buying lots of fabric paints!
Think negative space--the exposed areas are going to turn white/pink and the area you protect will stay the same color as original t-shirt. 
I've wanted a quilter-pirate t-shirt for awhile. Those are scissors instead of crossed bones at the bottom. This could be my new favorite t-shirt. $5.00 nice dark cobalt one found at walmart. Dark fabrics turn amazing colors with bleach!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Elder L
(photo credit: Deb Koehler the day he was dropped off at the MTC)
He flies to the mission field today. He is doing well. His letters are upbeat, cheerful, hardworking. He types better than he hand writes. MAKE YOUR BOYS PRACTICE PENMANSHIP!
Monday, June 6, 2011
It's Called a "Rabat" Design
John came home and said, "This is a new phase." He thought it looked black. I had actually considered black paint, but only had a quart for mural work. Not enough. This hallway takes a whole gallon of paint, not counting ceiling. 
This is a pattern called "Rabat." And it looks better in the opposite color way of light grid on top of dark background...This looks too much like dragon or snake scales, and only lasted 2 days before I painted over it.
I cut my own stencil from cardboard from the back of a calendar...
Painted over the light lemon hallway with a yellow-green.
Then painted over the silver stencilling. It wasn't quite right. I am considering plaid (the Davidson Clan has a nice dark green background with blue, black, and red.)
Or, I could freehand giant flowers like Martha Stewart magazine this month. I had thought about painting hounds tooth design. More damask? Or...? I can't really decide. I feel like I am having a decorating dilemma. I don't know who I am. What do I want to be? What do I want people to feel/think when they walk in the front door? Or maybe I just want change and control over something? The hallway has a rough texture, so straight lines are hard.
And I really enjoy the process of painting. It is relaxing. Soothing. Comforting.
This is a pattern called "Rabat." And it looks better in the opposite color way of light grid on top of dark background...This looks too much like dragon or snake scales, and only lasted 2 days before I painted over it.
I cut my own stencil from cardboard from the back of a calendar...
Painted over the light lemon hallway with a yellow-green.
Then painted over the silver stencilling. It wasn't quite right. I am considering plaid (the Davidson Clan has a nice dark green background with blue, black, and red.)
Or, I could freehand giant flowers like Martha Stewart magazine this month. I had thought about painting hounds tooth design. More damask? Or...? I can't really decide. I feel like I am having a decorating dilemma. I don't know who I am. What do I want to be? What do I want people to feel/think when they walk in the front door? Or maybe I just want change and control over something? The hallway has a rough texture, so straight lines are hard.
And I really enjoy the process of painting. It is relaxing. Soothing. Comforting.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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