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!