"Hello, Daddy!" she said

The kids helped pull the grass away from the family headstones.  Nice to see the flag for their great, great grandpa. 

John asked if her dad was bawdy, like Billie.  She told us she got her humor from him, that he was funny, witty, danced and could cut up a stage.  He died younger than I realized.  Her mom was a widow for a long time, even marrying again, 2nd husband died 12 years after her first.

It was good to see the names, the dates, hear a little more about my children's ancestors.  Good tradition.  (Need to research how to clean the stone without damaging it.  Hydrogen peroxide to get rid of mildew stains?)

Red, White, & Blue SUPER Dress!

It started with me looking on-line for "cowl neck dress patterns free" and I found the "Eva" dress which I thought looked easy to sew, beautiful lines...Then I signed up for the "Your Style Rocks" site to get access to the pattern, and looked at The Opulent Poppy blog to see the Eva who designed the dress--she made a super modest one out of vintage yellow cotton.  (Hurrah for MODEST WOMEN!)

Printed out all 54 or so pages of the pattern in my size.  Carefully taped them together, cut them out, and started looking for stretchy fabric in my fabric storage.  Nothing in yardage, and being thrifty makes you more creative/desperate...

I had recently gone through all the boy's t-shirts with Stewart as we looked for post-mission clothes for him.  Superman was in a Sam-doesn't-want pile and too big for Stewart (he likes to wear correct size, slim & trim and not baggy) and the Nebraska map fabric was a too-small-but-Roxie-didn't-want pile.  Instead of using top of pattern I used a tissue-weight t-shirt that was way too low on it's own. 

When Suzanna saw the skirt portion she was immediately complimentary and interested so I made it to fit her.  She wore it to Church Sunday with a red belt that cinched in the middle more on her hourglass figure and she got many, many compliments.  The Young Women's president couldn't believe I made it and wanted the YW to learn, use their old YW camp t-shirts.  Actually her parting quote was "You should PIN it!"

The front portion of skirt is one t-shirt--one without side seams so I cut the pattern as it fit under the left arm-pit and wrapped around the right side onto the back of the t-shirt.

Mixing & matching other cast-off t-shirts and stretchy fabric tops I made 2 other dresses, a turquoise & bright neon yellow one I love and a modern polka-dotted yellow & gray & black & white.  They went together quickly because I was using a t-shirt or stretchy top that is finished and using the t-shirt hems for the hem of the dress.  It is a color-blocked look, very comfortable, totally me. 

So where is the picture?  I need to be a little braver to wear it, because it is so wild, new, artsy.  I say it is totally me and then I get nervous, embarassed a little, not wanting the attention I know I will get.  I need some confidence-boosting cheerleaders.  John loves it, it is modest, maybe a little sexy because I look like a woman in it, with girl parts, instead of hiding.

I altered this top after Cardigan Empire's suggestion that cowl necks are perfect for my Delicious Apple Middle body shape, and felt pretty on our date to Star Trek movies (Saturday matinee with all the kids in tow, so it was more a family outing than a date-date).

(Dirty mirror needs to be cleaned.)  Did not want to wear a tank top or another t-shirt underneath so sewed in another fuschia modesty bib layer (another t-shirt) just under the cowl to bring the neckline up higher.

Save those t-shirts, even with holes!  The Superman dress has two hearts appliqued on random cities to patch over two tiny holes.  If you don't think you will make anything with those t-shirts, donate them to me, and I will hand-craft one for you (or me!).

Paul's Letters

Seminary activity:  create a sign with one of the phrases Paul uses in his letters in the New Testament, something inspirational, motivating, something you want to remember.  The students chose phrases, and as we ran out of class time I started decopauge project, canvas backgrounds for them to add to, or sand-off and take away (a play on John's words in  Revelations 22:19).  Ollie's had baby-nursery 12" x12" canvases for $.75 each that made this a lightweight project.

Found Something New

Me in the center (brother John on left, cousin Charlene on right) wearing my newest favorite shirt: "Green Envelope Los Angeles" black soft jersey with salmon peach neckline and flat exposed zipper in back of neck.  $2.50 @ thrift store, score!

Fashion can be frustrating.  First of all, trying to be a modern, stylish woman who is MODEST poses huge challenges today.  I want a dress that doesn't show my cleavage, or my underarm to the world.  And it needs to come to my knees, without that walking slit.  Did I mention sleeves?  And no belly or back showing.  Must have some shoulder coverage, and collar bone area is tricky, it cannot be too wide at the neck (forget boat necks). 

Add to all of that modesty needs/requirements/desires (so much more comfortable when you don't have to twitch to make sure you are covered) I would really like to look cute.  Up that to "pretty."  NOT dowdy, frumpy, old-fashioned, clue-less.  I don't need to be trendy cutting-edge fashion runway (who can afford that?).  I don't want to be too classic/traditional, even though I am conservative religiously and value-wise.  I don't want to be too frilly/romantic/sexy.  I like Bohemian, artsy, and modern looks.  Some romantic, but not too much frills and ruffles.  Maybe I am fashionly moody?

Modest, in-style, and then we get to FIT.  For my body.  Now.  Today.  Not in 5 years when I am the target-weight-health I would prefer.  It has to fit right, right now.

Let me introduce Sister Bagley of Cardigan Empire:  click on Cardigan Empire or the "soft delicious center" red apple button on my right side-bar.  I read through her Cardigan Empire Preview blog and was blown away.  She is a great writer, dresser, fashion consultant, clever, witty, funny, fun, and stylish!  I want to share with everyone, all my girlfriends, sisters, daughters! 

It was so nice to read words of affirmation that I can be pretty, now.  Feel pretty, dress the part, act it, be it.  She says it so well, so if you have a measuring tape and an hour (or more!), see what you learn.  There is a little bit of math, but it all makes great sense.

PLUS I love her mid-century home!  They have done a fantastic job re-modeling an Arizona rancher, into a sweet home sweet home that I love!  Some great ideas.

Time to shake up that closet!

Not subtle hints (we've talked about most of these already)

Found this fun random note generator here and had some fun.

 

"Optimization of the digestion process used in lead detection testing with ICP-AES"

Suzanna with her two mentors from US Army Chemical Materials Agency

As part of the Science & Math Academy, the seniors have to do a capstone project, based on research.  Mentors from the community volunteer to guide the students.  The seniors use their mentor's lab facilities, and "publish" a poster and stand next to it and present/explain it at the end of the year.  The Gallery Walk is open to the public, packed with parents, friends, and the proud mentors.

Lindsay on the left is Suzanna's future BYU roommate!  Siblings came to be supportive.

Stewart talked technical stuff with the senior presenters...

I told John I felt smarter and dumber after the walk through.

But we are SO PROUD OF HER!  Great job!  Congratulations to our senior!

"A digestion method used in lead detection is the ASTM E 1644-04.  This procedure requires samples to be dissolved and suspended in a liquid in order to be analyzed using a ICP-AES instrumentation; total procedure time of completion is approximately 36 hours.  This length of time limits the number of samples that can be analyzed in a single day and delays the results of the test.  A modified method for digestion employs a hot plate, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, distilled water, and heat to digest Ghost Wipe TM samples in approximately 45 mintues.  In order to determine the efficiency of the modified method, known levels of lead were spiked on the samples prior to digestion and then analyzed.  Percent recoveries were calculated based on the known amounts of lead in the samples.  These results were then compared with previously digested samples using the ASTM# 1644-04 method to determine if the new modified version was as effective.  Acceptance levels between 80% and 120% spike recovery was used to dertermine the efficiency of the modified digestion procedure.  After analysis of the samples digested with the new method it was found that the modified procedure worked well with the higher levels of the lead spike with percent recoveries between 92% and 95%, but the lower level of the lead spike had a percent recover of 40%.  The low recovery may be attributed to human error, but it could also be the result of the modified process interfering with the lead spike."  Suzanna plans to attend Brigham Young Universtity to major in Mechancial Engineering

Posed Pictures & Optical Illusion Ceiling Mural

Stewart was released from his mission Saturday morning at our Stake President's home.

Sunday family lunch with the Landbeck men.

And 92 year old Great Grandma Billie, wearing her favorite color (which matches newest version of living room ceiling.  Simple geometry making ceiling look peaked, taller than it really is.  I have been wanting to try this for awhile, couldn't stop thinking about what it could look like.  Better in person...)

I should have taken more pictures of everyone.  Cousin Charlene came with her family, my brother, John, and his family.  Newest cousin:

Last Night Late

Blurry, bleary-eyed hugs, but he is home, happy, glowing, earnest, mature, taller, deeper-voiced.  Big, strong hearty hugs!

This morning we went to the stake president's home and he was released officially. The stake president had me take off his name badges as he took a photo.

Then we drove down to the temple--raining when we left and we didn't get pictures there.  Then quick lunch, and to a harp concert!

Two Years Ago Airport...and then TONIGHT!

Our oldest son left for Billings, Montana LDS mission two years ago.  We will pick him up at airport Friday night, late.  More photos coming!

Before he left Roxie and Sam looked like this picture above, and Max and Suzanna like this one below:

Finishing Turtle Ohana

It still needs a protective coat of polyurethane, and the room is finished.  Signature easier to see in the closet mirror, on the right.

Looking Back Over Two Years Ago...

Photo credit for top two photos:  Deb Koehler

What is he thinking?  How is he feeling?  How will he have changed in 2 years?  We skyped Sunday with him, kept it about Sunday, how Church went, how his investigators are progressing.  Did not want to get him talking about what is happening next week, his dentist appointment, plans for Saturday or company and family coming in town just to hear him speak Sunday 19th 9 am...

In Progress Update

Monochromatic Turtle Nursery

Hawaiin Green Sea Turtle, filling in slowly...baby turtles hatching and headed to sea on the far left.

Plumeria/frangapini tree almost done.

I am not showing you the unfinished banana tree and the sad palm tree that I need to concentrate on tomorrow.  Sometimes it is important to just know when to stop.

One of my favorite things to do after painting for 5 hours is to stop at a thrift store on the way home.  I feel crazy in my painting clothes, and watch to see how people react to me.  The paint is dry (on my clothes) but it looks really messy.  Found 3 pairs of long shorts for Sam and a Coleman lantern for Pioneer Trek, so worth the stop!.

Senior Seminary Photo

Our stake has a tradition at Seminary Graduation to feature the seniors in a slide show, two photos, one serious, one doing something they love.  I already sent in a harp photo, and needed to get another one submitted.

Suzanna isn't dressed up here, just on her way to school, natural as-is.  I think she is beautiful!

Still my favorite way to do at-home portraits:  sit your child down on front doorstep with screen door wide open, you standing outside (on porch) and shoot down at them.  The dark interior magically fades away!

Porch Photo Tradition

2013

2002

Mother Guilt Going, Going, Gone

First off, thanks, Mom, for being willing to be a mother.  For trusting motherhood.  For making sacrifices of time, money, your health/body to have me, and the Siblings.  Happy Mother's Day, to you!

John asked me before Church if it was okay to wear his Father's Day tie today, the solid marroon one with flourescent horizontal puffy fabric paint.  Not perfect horizontals, little-hand shaky, cute.  I told him I couldn't be a mom without his daddying.  And I am very aware that it is a team effort.  I need him.

I woke up from a vivid dream about one of our sons, who was back to being a cute little toddler.  He was swinging on some pipes over the deep end of a pool, wearing clothes and shoes.  I had gotten all our children ready to go, packing up from a hotel, and we were about to leave in the car, and this son dropped into the water, bobbed to the top and started paddling across the deep end.  I plucked him out, held him sopping wet against my shoulder and listened as he explained that he wanted to stay in the pool and have fun and live his own life and be on his own.  I listened, told him I loved him, and then I asked him if he wanted to go with me.  As he ran his short fingers through my hair he told me only if I didn't use hair spray, because he didn't like how that smelled...

Tender mother moments, when babies are small, pluck-out-of-the pool controllable.  You can make them go with you--by taking them, picking them up, strapping them in the carseat.  They may not like it and fight it, but you are bigger, stronger, mightier. 

If you have a teenager living at home who is physically taller/stronger, you see very quickly that the physical pressure is gone.  You CANNOT make them.  You can guilt them, you can withhold financial support, bargain with them, but there is no force.  I cannot batter them into submission, or tie them into a car seat.  I cannot change their minds, or change how they feel about something.

I can laugh, make jokes, tell stories, make connections, teach, encourage,persuade, invite, reward, praise, listen.  I can be there at the crossroads, be available, cook and ply with food.  Serve.  Notice them, hug them, rub their shoulders when they are tense, shop for them.

I found lady-leather gloves for my girls, at an antique store having a fire-sale last week.  They need airing out, but I hope my daughters know I admire them, look up to them, and respect the women that they are and their potential for their own mothering.

And to my sons:  I am watching you.  I am watching how you treat the women in your lives, how you talk to them, how you respect them, serve them, seek for their comfort.  The way your father seeks for mine. 

I can't fix you, or make you do anything.  I can't even take the credit for your achievements and sucesses, or your failures and faults.  Maybe for some of the bad habits, yes...(do not eat ice cream first for your meal!).  Please do not live your life trying to guess what will make me happy.

I am happy.  Happy to be your mom.  Now go and figure out what makes you happiest, too.

I love you all, no matter what, YES.  That won't change.  But you need to be happy with yourself, too.

Hugs & kisses & only a little hairspray today,
Mom-me

Glitter & Preview

38 hours of work, plus travel time, made a long, long week.  Nice to be home for the weekend, and not sick. Tapering off of prednisone, vivid dreaming (about cars that had see-through doors, very bad idea, distracting to drive next to-weird.  I watched a dog in my dream whine and jump out of the window of the see-through truck in front of me, he didn't like being able to see the road and knew it was "wrong.").

Saturday Suzanna went with a friend to a Fairy Festival, she has glitter and wings strapped to her back.  She said it was like a Renaissance Festival, but for little kids.

And I chalked in a turtle nursery today.  It should be a fast project next week, all monochromatic on top of this peachy-porcelain color base coat.  (It won't be pink, just my chalk color that showed up well.)

Singing & Working

Roxie, blond on far left TOWERS over her shorter peers in choir.  She sings high soprano, loves it!

This week I am on-call, working in an office that used to be a bank.  This vault door is behind my desk, very cool, very heavy.  Whatever you have seen in films, this thing weighs thousands of pounds, thick, amazing mechanics.  Old safety deposit boxes still inside.

It's a beautiful focal point in the room, first thing you see when you walk in, after the 20 foot ceilings...marble wainscotting, my smiling face to greet you...

Can You Guess?

Wild flowers?

Lava cooling?

Herd of grazing cows, or maybe turkeys?

My not-so-secret vice!  I can make it without looking at a recipe or using measuring tools...yum!