PFCMom

Wacky Words

2012-02-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Last night at our Friday Family Game Night we played Scattergories for the first time. We all enjoyed it and had some good laughs. The best one came when we had the letter "O" and the category Sports Equipment. Dr. Hair was the only one to come up with something: "ovulating". WHAT? He said, "You know that piece of equipment that throws the tennis balls, it ovulates." "OHHHHHH you mean oscillates." "Yeah, that." Another one for the files.

Keep the Swimming Pool Full

2012-02-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

Before I was pregnant with Noble I wasn't much of a water drinker; that changed when I realized that I had to "keep the swimming pool full." Since then I've become an avid water drinker, wondering how I got along without it.

Over the years I've used a couple of methods to keep track of how much water I drink: tally marks on a post-it note next to the sink, and beans moved from one side of the windowsill to the other (which worked okay until I was one bean over halfway and then I wouldn't remember which way I was going). The best method for me has been to use a container to measure.

I begin with a full gallon jug and drink until it's gone. No question as to how much. Simple, elegant; problem solved. I like my water at room temperature so I keep it on the counter. Others in the family like theirs cold so they keep a similar jug in the fridge.

Sometimes Comparisons are Helpful

2012-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Often at church we're told not to compare ourselves to each other, and that's a good thing. We see each other at church and compare our worst self, the one we know intimately, to the best, Sunday self of the others in attendance.

Once in a while, though, a comparison is a good thing. I try really hard to keep my house clean, not just tidied, de-cluttered, and such, but clean, as in windows washed, walls dusted and washed, floors swept and vacuumed, bathrooms clean, kitchen scrubbed and clean, etc. Because I live with a bunch of males that don't see things my way it never quite measures up to my standard, but over the years I've learned to live with it. During the time I had lots of little children my standards had to be regularly retrieved with a posthole digger.

Sometimes I have gotten really envious of someone else's beautiful home, wondering why can't I have a well decorated, lovely home like theirs. Occasionally I go to someone's home and leave with the feeling that mine, in comparison, is absolutely wonderful.

A while ago I had occasion to go inside a home while waiting for a ride to an activity. Immediately stepping into the house I was overpowered by the smell of animals. It actually made my eyes and nose water. An area rug on the floor was so covered in animal hair that I couldn't see the color. Dust and debris covered all the furniture, piles of papers and books were everywhere. It was pretty disgusting.

Later when I returned home I felt better about my humble, but CLEAN, home. Sometimes comparisons put things in perspective and I find I'm on the long end of the stick!

Dandylion

2012-02-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening Dandylion combed his hair back out of his face. Is it just me or is he just about the most handsome thirteen year old boy you've seen recently? By the way, he has decided to continue to comb his hair this way. I love it.

A Blessing on Valentine's Day

2012-02-16T11:37:00.001-08:00

Breakfast on Valentine's Day: casserole, cranberry-walnut muffins, frozen berries, hot chocolate and heart shaped marshmallows.

We ate breakfast together and read our daily chapter of scripture, then TopDad asked me to say the family prayer. For the rest of the story about the miracle go to my other blog called Plain and Precious Things.

The Skirt

2012-02-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the finished skirt for the Sew Grateful Week. I think? my sister gave me this wool when she was cleaning out her supplies. I used Butterick #B5466, view B, which is an extremely simple pattern. I am please with how it went together so quickly. I plan to make more of these comfortable skirts. The only adjustment I made was to lengthen it by two inches (to cover my ugly knees).

I'm "sew grateful" for all the younger seamstresses, whose blogs I read, for their enthusiasm and inspiration. It's wonderful to see a new generation embrace the skills and creativity of making your own clothes. Seeing so many making and wearing vintage styles gives me hope for the future. We can dress in beautiful and feminine clothes of our own choice, rather than being slaves to the fashion industry a la Vogue.

I've never followed fashion and didn't recognize designers clothes (why should I?) so when I watched the film The Devil Wears Prada I wondered what all the fuss was about. I then subscribed to Vogue to get a better understanding of the fashion world. It's a good thing the subscription was cheap. In the two years I got the magazine I think I tore out pictures of only two outfits that were attractive to me. Most of the clothing, as well as the models, was UGLY! I wondered what happened to the Vogue of the Fifties where the models looked healthy and happy, glamorous and successful. The girls I saw now looked sick, on the verge of death, depressed, drowning in sorrows. SICK! (Sorry for the mini-rant)

So, thank you again, to all you who sew your own clothes for looking healthy, happy, and successful in life. You inspire me to keep honing my skills, trying new challenges and having lots of fun doing it!

Making it Do

2012-02-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

I missed posting this yesterday on Frugal Friday because I was busy sewing my Valentine's Day skirt. It's almost done and looking very nice. Then last night TopDad took me out to dinner and a movie for my Valentine's gift. We had a great time.

Here are three examples from my home of "making it do":

First, my new skirt; I took the Seamless Pledge so I didn't want to purchase anything; when I got to the zipper I checked my stash and found that this was the closest I could get to "match" in the right size. I put it in and you can see that the color isn't an issue from the right side, so I was able to make do.

Second and third are in my kitchen, the place where I have to do the most "making do."

This is the extent of counter space in the entire kitchen, all 19 3/4 inches to the right of the sink.

By adding a piece of 1/4" plywood, I create a temporary counter over the sink so I have more room to prepare food.

On the other side of the kitchen I use two methods to improve efficiency.

I use our chest freezer as a counter, not only for extra appliances (they are stored elsewhere), but as a prep counter when cooking at the stove. There are only three electrical outlets in the kitchen, one for the stove, one for the fridge, and one by the sink. I use an extension cord from behind the stove, looped over the oven handle for my extra appliances, such as fry pan, griddle, crock pot, and popcorn popper.

The lid to my electric frypan got knocked off a counter resulting in a broken handle; I asked Eagle Scout Elder PW, to make me a new one. This is the result of his effort, which has worked great for the past four years. All that whittling at scout camp paid off and he shaped this fabulous handle for me.

The old saying "Necessity is the mother of invention" can be seen all over our home. We just don't have money available to buy new, replace old, and remodel to suit, at the time we think we need or want it. Making do is a way to postpone a purchase until something is well and truly used up, non-functioning, or otherwise unavailable.

What clever "make do's" do you have in your home?

Mom's Cafe

2012-02-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

When our chuns were very young we ate at lot of fast food. So much that our pre-schoolers knew the names of the restaurants better than the church we attended. Sad, I know. We have lots of funny stories from that time, such as, Elder PW saying "No!" to the question did he want to go to McDonald's; he wanted to go to "Mc O'Bells", the name stuck and we refer to it as our favorite Irish Mexican restaurant. (Except I try really hard not to eat at fast food places, for about the last 15 years)

One day while running errands the chuns asked about eating out and I said, "We're going to Mom's Cafe." Ohhhhh, a new place, they were so excited; until we drove into the driveway. But the name stuck and my kitchen and dining room forever after have been known as "Mom's Cafe." My children tell me I'm the best cook, but that's only because they haven't eaten at really fine restaurants. I accept the compliments gracefully and gratefully.

A while ago I began putting together a cookbook/homemaking book with recipes, tips and practices from Mom's Cafe. It is a long process and could consume all my available time. My goal is to have it finished to give to the chuns when they get married and establish their own homes.

Today I sorted a whole bunch of loose recipes into file folders representing the categories within the book:
Beans, Lentils & Rice
Breads, rolls, muffins
Breakfast
Cakes, Brownies, Sweet Breads
Candy
Casseroles & One Dish Meals
Cookies
Dessers: Cobblers, Jellos, Tapioca
Drinks & Smoothies
Ethnic & Foreign
Holidays
Lunches
Meats: Beef, Fish, Lamb, Pork, Poultry
Pies & Cheesecakes
Potatoes
Salads, Dressings & Dips
Snacks & Appetizers
Soups, Stews & Chowders
Vegetables & Fruits

There are other sections for meal planning and shopping, as well as cleaning and laundry, including recipes for homemade cleaners.

Here's a snapshot mid-sort of the recipes:

Now everything is in labeled file folders and the plan is to use the recipes and decide if it's a keeper; if it is I'll type it up, print it off, put it in a sleeve and add it to the master copy of the book.

At least at this point, recipes will be easier to find than looking through a three inch stack!
How do you organize yours?

I'm Dreaming of a White Valentine's Day. . .NOT

2012-02-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

After a unseasonably mild winter we had our first big snow last Friday, with cold temps forecast for all this week so no thaw in sight. We got six inches here in Audubon, other areas around us got up to twelve.

My winter wardrobe is sorely lacking and I want something new for Valentine's day, so I dug through my stash and found a nice piece of wool with red in it to make up a new skirt to wear to church on Sunday. (Just about the only time I get to dress up.)

View B - Skinny waistband

Very Pretty Wool!

Cut out and ready to sew.

Any suggestions as to blouse color?

Parental Paydays!

2012-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Motherhood is an unpaid, many times unappreciated, more than full-time career. I chose it and have given my very best efforts. My husband and I count parental paydays as anytime we are praised, shown love or appreciation for our jobs as father and mother. This can be as simple as a slobbery kiss and an "I love you" from a toddler to a comment like the one we received at a symphony concert to which we had taken our five children ages 16 to 7. At the intermission, a woman sitting behind us said "You have most well behaved children I have ever seen. You really have done a good job with them." Cha-ching! Parental Payday!

Today I got one from our missionary:

Mom, I want to once again thank you for putting up with me for 19 years and diligently teaching me. I know I put you through a lot of hardship, bad days, tough times, and I may not have always been as respectful or loving as I should have been; However, therein lies the beauty of the Atonement and the gift of forgiveness. I have changed. I have learned. I am trying hard to be better each day, and frequently Elder F lets me know of improvement. He also has a few nicknames for me, as in Elder Einstein, Elder Nigh (Reference to Bill Nigh the Science Guy TV program), and Elder Emerson (I hop I spilld that rite!).

He makes a comment and I back it up with science. thus the nicknames. They are all good-natured and he never does it without humor, so I take it nicely. And he is the one that attended BYU before the Mission. I am the Utah Red-Neck/ Midnight-Shift worker. But I did read encyclopedias as a child, so there is not much to be said. Except maybe "Thank you Mom, for putting them on the bottom shelf of the bookcase, within easy reach of hands driven by a hungry mind."

Also, "Thank you Mom, for teaching me a little cooking before the Mission. I am SO teaching you how to make Argentine Empanadas while conversing in about 2 months!"

So, today is a good day!

P.S. I don't know why the spacing is so weird and don't know how to correct it. Sorry.

Would You Look At That!

2012-02-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

One hundred posts in just over a year. Who would have thought. I hope to do much better than that in the coming year. This weekend I asked TopDad what my strongest talent is and his answer was "Writing." I take that as permission, as well as encouragement, to keep going.

Blogging is enjoyable to me for two reasons; I get to write about my life, my interests, and express my opinions, and secondly I've "met" so many really interesting and knowledgeable people.

Thank you dear readers. I wish you'd leave more comments, but I understand time limitations.

So here's to another year of exploration, musing and expression.

BONUS: Just received and email with this picture -

Behold a Royal Army - Elder PW is in the back row, third from right.

Noble's Blog

2012-02-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

Noble has posted some delightful pictures of her "Immersion" day where she and fellow students spoke Korean for 8 hours, enjoyed Korean food and got to try on traditional Korean costumes. Although she doesn't think she looks good, I do! It looks absolutely natural on her.

Take a look for yourself at The World According to Noble. I just ordered a pattern from Folkwear to make her a Hanbok of her own. When I first saw the Hanbok (a long time ago) I wasn't impressed, but this past year I watched a Korean Historical Drama and saw them worn and decided they are beautiful. What do you think?

Re-Introduction

2012-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

My favorite picture of me.

I'm Rozylass, can you guess of Scottish descent? My grandpa Joe left Dundee, Scotland to go to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1922. My other grandpa left Norway for Salt Lake City in 1908. My grandmothers were already there! I love all things Scottish. I hope someday to visit Norway and discover that side of my heritage.

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I've traveled to or through 45 states of the contiguous 48, as well as most of Canada (we drove from Montreal in the east to Vancouver in the west), Tijuana, Mexico, England, Scotland and Iceland (an adventure in itself!). I've lived in California, Utah, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Washington, Virginia and currently reside in Iowa, where my husband is from.

Topdad is a retired Marine, we have one daughter and four sons. We homeschooled them for a total of 14 years ( I wish it could have been longer). Noble, the oldest is in the Air Force; Elder PW is serving as a missionary in Argentina, with two months to go; JET is a freshman in college, Dr. Hair/Doc Brown is a freshman in high school; and Dandylion is in 8th grade.

I began this blog with the help of my daughter, Noble, to motivate me to lose weight by making my journey public. It quickly evolved to be a forum for posting whatever I felt like.

I am a devoted follower of Jesus Christ! He is my Savior, friend and guide. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love being a homemaker; it's what I wanted to become while growing up. I'm fairly old-fashioned in many ways: I use hankies, I love to iron, I make many foods from scratch, etc. But I truly love and am grateful for modern conveniences like refrigerators and washing machines, running water and electricity.

I'm a student of history and love to read biographies and memoirs of pilgrims and pioneers. I have dreams of making historic clothing (but NOT in size 20). I know how to sew, quilt, knit, crochet, cross-stitch and embroider, but I don't do all of them equally well. I love to read; I enjoy writing and have participated in National Novel Writing Month twice with the result that I have two unfinished novels. I did have one short story published in The Friend magazine in 1995. My husband likes to introduce me as an internationally published author because that little story was subsequently translated and published in the Liahona magazine in 22 or 23 languages. I had the grand experience of speaking at the 2005 BYU Women's Conference. That was one of the best experience of my life! (Outside of motherhood)

Thanks for visiting, I hope you find something of interest. Blessings to you in your endeavors.

Random Thoughts

2012-02-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went for a walk to buy eggs at the grocery store. The boys had requested cookies and I was out of eggs. The weather is WONDERFUL! The walk felt good and the persistent pain in my right knee is almost all gone. That means I've been sitting down too much!

I'm suffering from pile-itis at home. There are piles of paper all over. Little notes to myself (LOTS), handouts from church, newspaper articles to share, letters, bills, misc. stuff, all waiting for some action. I'm pondering how to deal with the ongoing inflow of paper to get it under control and help me take action, find things when needed and decide what to throw out. Please, inspiration, strike soon!

I have always loved being a mother; being a mother to adult children is the best! I feel successful to have three adults making good choices, doing what they're supposed to, and they're such fun friends! We have great conversations and good laughs together. Those years of training that seemed endless have paid off. Three raised, two more to go.

Tender Mercy! I rearranged some things in the freezer and uncovered three packages of ground beef that I didn't know I had. Hallelujah, I don't have to buy more until it goes on sale again.

I found, on-line, some fast growing willow trees to plant in the space between us and our noisy, nasty neighbors. Reportedly, these willows grow eight to fifteen feet per year. Fantastic!

For Family Home Evening on Monday we de-cluttered our movies, judging them by two criteria:
1) Is it virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy?
2) Do we want to watch it again?
We cleared out about sixty movies, which was enough that the rest fit nicely on the shelves, all alphabetized for easy access. We have lots of movies, mostly because we don't watch TV, and haven't for the past twenty years.

The boys (and TopDad) are going on a scout campout this Friday. It's girl's night! Anyone want to come over and enjoy a good chick flick with me? I miss my Noble!

No excuses

2012-01-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

A whole week without a second post. Shame on me. I have no excuses other than I have been down with the mid-winter blues. It's cold and dark and I haven't been out walking.

Yesterday at dinner Dr. Hair asked "What if there was a man about 85 who had exercised all his life and was really fit?" I jumped out of my seat and fired up YouTube and found Jack Lalanne on Good Morning America.

My favorite quote is "Inactivity is the worst thing, DON'T DO IT!"

Dr. Hair and Dandylion were totally amazed!

Thank you Dr. Hair for asking "What if?" and Jack Lalanne for answering.

Archaeology Dig in the Sewing Room

2012-01-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

Another de-cluttering, de-junking Monday and I was hard at work in the sewing room. And glory be, I found things I've been looking for since we moved here in August 2010!

I don't have everything put away, mostly because I don't have a place for everything yet. But it is all sorted out and my desk cleared off, the shelves behind the desk organized and condensed. I opened every box and combined things and got rid of other things. All of my tools are together! I can find things! It is great.

I have a laundry basket full of "projects" and mending and such. There are 22 items. My goal is to do at least one each day, except Tuesdays which are sewing days and then I'll do as many as I can endure. When these things are done I'll move on to my actual sewing projects of new clothes and quilts and items for my Etsy store (more on that later).

It is such a good feeling to get that room organized and it was so exciting to find some tools I'd been missing!

Here are the BEFORE and AFTER pictures:

First, the view from the doorway

Such lovely, organized shelves!

Second, the actual sewing desk:

Now I have a clear surface to work on:

Last, my bins of fabric:

Still a ways to go, but everything in this area now is fabric, rather than projects or orphans:

This area still needs another "sort and organize", but it's from here that I'll select some treasure for my giveaway. What are you most interested in? Wool, vintage look, silk, cool cotton? Leave a wish in my comments and see what happens.

I don't know about you other seamstresses (or whatever you liked to be called) but I can't create in chaos. I must have order and I'm so happy to finally have it. Now if I could just find some little elves to keep it that way!

Burst of Tears

2012-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Friday we received an email from Church Travel detailing our missionary son's homecoming arrival date and time. As I read it I burst into tears, joy and relief. It's been a long two years! He'll be leaving Argentina on April 3 and arriving here on April 4. Ten weeks from Wednesday!

Elder Thoelke with President and Sister Peterson

Early Morning Beauty

2012-01-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

Moonset at about 7:00 AM on Monday, January 9, 2012. A little tender mercy on an otherwise bleak midwinter morning.

Frugal Friday - Wear it Out

2012-01-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Today on Frugal Friday we'll explore the concept of wearing it out. We've become such a "throw away" people that it's time we look at how we can use things in alternative ways rather than simply tossing them.

First up is a large glass jar given to me by a friend, almost twenty years ago, who had too many of them. She bought peanut butter in these huge jars and then couldn't bear to throw them away, so she washed them and put them to other uses. She gave me three of them. I use this one as a cookie jar sitting on the built in side board of our dining room. (The other two are used for storing brown rice, and bay leaves.)

Last of the Girl Scout Cookies

Wonderful Built-in Side Board and Cupboards

What do you use for cleaning or dusting cloths? In our house we use an assortment of old cloths, such as old dish cloths or wash cloths for scrubbing things; faded and worn cloth napkins for glass, windows and mirrors (perfect because they are lintless); cut up flannel nighties for dusting and polishing (so soft and absorbent); old, stained or worn dishtowels, hand towels or diapers for general cleaning and small mop ups; worn out bath towels for larger jobs like overflowing toilets (which happened this morning), car washing, drying off wet pets, and such.

Clockwise from center: Dust cloths, large towels, smalls towels & diapers, cloth napkins, wash cloths

I keep all these useful articles in these plastic drawers in my kitchen.

Only when the rag is finally worn out completely, do I toss it, guilt free, knowing that it has served us well for many years.

These two examples are just the tip of the iceberg. On future Frugal Fridays I'll share some other ways PFC Mom wears things out.

Buttons

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah! I finally figured out how to make blog buttons and how to make them work! Check out my two buttons on the left.

First is to share my religious beliefs - that's the temple at Winter Quarters, Nebraska.

Second is a pledge I entered into over at Seamless, a wonderful blog about sewing, and fashion and such.

Many thanks to "The New Katney" and "coldhamcuddlies" for their conversation on "How to Grab a Button from another site." Their instructions were clear enough for me to understand and follow. It helps that they both are older than me and understand how us old folks communicate. Blessings to them!

Take That! It's Curtains for You

2012-01-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Finally! The dining room curtains are finished and up. I'm going for a farmhouse/cottage look.
How did I do?

A long time ago I decided that I'm not fancy; I'm a peasant and feel most comfortable when my home is simple, homespun, and cozy. Hence, my curtains of unbleached muslin, tab top with assorted buttons from my stash. I chose yellow because that will be the color of the walls eventually, when we have time to remove three or four layers of wallpaper and then paint them.

Next project, the living room curtains.

Happiness: Thanks to Noble

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is the first Korean Pop Music Video that my fun daughter, Noble, shared with me. This is the one that started it all.

This one, however, is my favorite:

How can I be down in the dumps after watching such cute young men singing and dancing their hearts out? Impossible.

Have a fun day!

De-Cluttering Monday

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Noble introduced me to Miss Minimalist last year. Although I'm not ready to downsize to 100 items and live like a Nun, it has helped me to move in the direction of owning less.

Two other factors have come into play recently. One was helping my mother, and sisters-in-law, clean out my younger sister's room after she died. My sister was confined to a wheelchair most of her life. She had several hobbies and interests, all of them heavy on the stuff. She loved make-up and nail polish, and had tons of both, along with dozens of bottles of perfume and bath products. She was a "Stamper" and had hundreds (maybe thousands, since I'm not sure what they cost) of dollars worth of stamps, ink, paper, paper cutters, doo-dads, and such. All her life she'd been given stuffed animals and had kept most of them. She never got rid of clothes as she outgrew them. We must have had a dozen large garbage bags of clothes to go to the charity shop. Oh, one other thing she loved was jewelry, she could have opened a store!

Helping my mother sort through this and bag it up was interesting. To me it was just junk to be gotten rid of, for my mother it was all kinds of memories. What it taught me is, of course, that we leave all our stuff behind when we go home. I knew that, but had never gone through the actual clean out before. Second, that the most valuable things to leave behind are not material goods, journals and photo albums (if they are well labeled) are the most valuable as they are a record of a specific life lived. I have often wished my grandmother's had left journals and photo albums. I don't feel I know them well enough. My father and grandfathers each have written a personal life history; those are precious volumes to me. My dad has been really good about putting together and labeling photo albums. My mom is currently working on her life story.

Clothes, dishes, jewelry, knick-knacks, toys, hobby supplies, furniture, music cd's, DVD's, and any other personal belongings usually get divvied up, sold, donated, or trashed. Unless it is an unusual piece or it has specific sentimental value to another family member, it is simply excess junk.

The other factor in moving me toward a less encumbered life has been children leaving home. I don't need so many things in the kitchen, or the linen cupboard; outgrown games, toys, and books can be donated; the fact that we live in a much smaller house than we did five years ago helps too. There just isn't room here for all my "stuff." Plus, the fact that some of it has been packed up for the past three moves means I probably can get along without it. I also want to get rid of the cost of our storage unit. Little by little I'm proceeding toward my goal of a place for everything and everything in it's place.

Today I went through my kitchen cupboard where I keep serving bowls and such. I removed duplicates and excess, reminding myself that I have enough and some things can serve in multiple ways. I rearranged what was left and it sure feels good to have more room in the cupboard.

Our town has a community-wide yard sale in the Spring so I'm preparing for a big sale. Whatever is left will be taken to my favorite thrift store.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Elder PW - He's 21 today!

Another Funny

2012-01-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

From the Files:

After observing me take out, clean, and put back in one of my contact lenses, Dr. Hair, age 6, asked, "Do I have one of those?"

Have a fun day!

More Political Thoughts

2012-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

I got an email this morning as a response to a comment I left on a news article on Yahoo. The writer informed me that I'd been brainwashed. Gosh, and I didn't even realized it. Must be all those history books I've read. (Including the Bible and Book of Mormon!)

A common theme in this, and past, election cycles is that the government should take care of everything in our lives; any problem that comes up can be solved by the government. WRONG! That is exactly what is wrong with our country today. We (speaking collectively rather than individually) have forgotten or neglected or actively rebelled against the commandments of God and then when things "go south" we want the big, all-powerful government to bail us out.

I'm currently teaching the Old Testament Seminary class and can't help but see parallels between ancient Israel and today. God gave them commandments and promised them that if they obeyed they would prosper; if they turned to idol worship they would be overrun by their enemies and destroyed. His commandments included the care of the poor, the aged, the sick and infirm, the widows and orphans. There were commandments governing health and what to eat; commandments regarding commerce and trading; commandments about working, employer/employee responsibilities; commandments covering just about every aspect of their lives. Obeying the commandments was strictly voluntary, but the consequences for disobedience was swift and sure. When the Israelites obeyed, they prospered, just as promised; and when they fell into idolatry and forgot the commandments the consequences promised came to pass.

The same can be said of today. When we obey God's commandments we individually and collectively prosper. When we don't obey, we don't prosper, especially collectively. What did Jesus say were the two great commandments? To love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That covers everything! Yesterday's post included a link to Ezra Taft Benson's speech, The Proper Role of Government. It is long, but so worth reading. I believe it has the power to change minds and hearts.

Today I'll share an interesting story from an email sent to me:

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".. All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (substituting grades for dollars - something closer to home and more readily understood by all).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.
When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Remember, there IS a test coming up. The 2012 elections.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you'll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

End of email.

I don't know if the story about the economics professor is true; but the same kind of thing happened in the 1620's with the Plymouth colony. Collective farming was tried as a way to take care of everyone, but it was found that able bodied men didn't work and those who did felt, rightly so, that their labors were in vain because they didn't benefit from them. No one prospered. When the families were given individual plots to work, those who didn't work went hungry, and those who did work prospered and got ahead in life. Those who couldn't work (elderly, infirm, etc) were taken care of.

The person who told me I was brainwashed also told me:

Now, open your mind to a society that is all inclusive. Where each man, women and child goes to sleep at night without fear of hunger or health insurance. A land where all can have the possibility of a good education and family growth.

I like the sound of that, it sounds like a land where everyone obeys the commandments. All parents are married, one of whom works hard to provide for his family, the other is home seeing that the children are fed nutritious food and going to bed early enough to be well rested and have strength against disease. A land where parents read to their children instead of propping them in front of a TV, and through wise financial choices the family stays out of debt and prospers. Sounds like a utopia to me!

What it doesn't sound like is a place where there is government intervention. It sounds like place of liberty and personal responsibility.

And one more thought--Health insurance is not the same as medical care. Everyone in this nation has access to medical care--who pays for it is the great question. Some people seem to believe that health insurance is a health maintenance and service contract, so that no matter how I abuse my body, the insurance company will pay for the repair and maintenance of it. Wouldn't you like a contract like that on your car! Wow, for a monthly premium, paid out of taxes, I can have my oil changed, brakes repaired, new tires, burned out light bulbs or fuses replaced, anything at all done to make sure my car is taken care of. Or how about the same kind of thing for our homes. Need new double paned storm windows? The insurance will pay for it. Something wrong with the plumbing? The insurance will pay for it. New flooring? Call up the agent. Goodness, why hasn't anyone thought of this before?

Before the days of medical insurance people took care of their needs at home, unless it was something that required a doctor, such as a broken bone or surgery. I have read enough depression era memoirs and histories to know what people did. Even my parents took care of all our colds, sore throats, and such at home. I only went to the doctor when it was something they couldn't take care of. I've always wondered when insurance to pay for medical care became a right.

And that's enough of my ranting today. I firmly believe that the answers to all of societies ills are contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

With so much talk about politics swirling around these days I wanted to put in my two bits.

First bit: Ezra Taft Benson, former Secretary of Agriculture, under President Eisenhower, gave a speech to the Utah Forum for the American Ideal, 29 February 1968, in Salt Lake City, Utah, titled The Proper Role of Government. I don't remember when I first read it, probably thirty years ago, but it is as relevant today as it was the day it was given. All members of the Federal, State and Local governments should read it! Voters should read it or watch it so we can be on the same page, so to speak, about what government is and should be. After we're all on the same page then we can have some meaningful and intelligent discussions.

Second bit: Candidates for president get away with promising a whole lot of changes over which they have little to no control. For example, Ron Paul, a member of Congress, has had only ONE of his proposed bills passed in all the years that he has been in Congress. What makes him think that when he is president he will be able to affect all sorts of change, including getting the Congress to vote on a pay decrease, and a part-time schedule? Wrongo, Ranger Rick! The men and women aren't about to give up the gravy train they are on. However, Congress is now and always has been the place where appropriations, budgets and taxes are handled. Charley Reese, a former columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, wrote an interesting essay on this very subject. (In the link it says publication date unknown-It was originally published in 1985, updated in about 1995, and republished again in about 2011). Congress is the place where changes involving money take place.

And one more little bit: The President is the Head of State. He should love this country and think that it is the greatest on earth. He should believe that this is a choice land above all other lands and that it has a divine destiny to fulfill (which does not include becoming a socialist state!).

This is the land of opportunity where millions of people have come to make their fortune and live a better life, millions still want to come here for the same reason. And there is enough for them and to spare! It is only through greed that some have lots and some have none; but it is not up to the government to redistribute the wealth. That is Satan's way of dealing with the problems, through force. The Lord's way of dealing with the problems is to change people's hearts and then they will solve the problems themselves.

Less government, not more, is the answer. "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves," Joseph Smith said. Liberty and opportunity are such precious gifts. We will be held accountable for what we do with them.

Read, study, get informed, pray about the choices to be made. Then get out and vote!

For the truths which inform my political beliefs go here to Mormon.org.

A Keeper of a Recipe

2012-01-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

I tried a new recipe the other night and it was a real hit at our house so I'm sharing it here.

Easy Baked Beef, Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup prepared (home or bought) salsa
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 cup frozen corn, defrosted & drained well (I used canned successfully)
8 small flour tortillas 6-7" diameter (I used corn tortillas, which I like better)
3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or Cheddar cheese (I think I used more than this, I didn't measure)

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 400 F. Heat large nonstick skillet (I used my cast iron) over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4 inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings; season with salt and pepper as desired.
2. Stir in salsa, beans, and corn; cook and stir 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened and heated through.
3. Spray baking sheet (I used my biggest which measures about 12x17) with cooking spray. Arrange 4 tortillas (6 fit on mine) on baking sheet. Sprinkle 1/2 of cheese evenly over tortillas. (Here I just used my hands to grab some from the bag and sprinkle it.) Spoon beef mixture evenly over cheese (this made enough for six, plus left overs, probably enough for 2 or 3 more); top with remaining cheese and cover with another tortilla. Spray top tortillas with cooking spray.
4. Bake in 400 oven 11-13 minutes or until quesadillas are lightly browned and edges are crisp. Cut into wedges and serve. We had them with sour cream.

I've had enough cooking experience to read a recipe and adapt it to what I have on hand, hence all the parenthetical instructions. Everybody liked this; and with a green salad or a veggie tray this makes a great supper. Next time I make them I'm going to reduce the meat, increase the beans, and add some onions.

Just for those of you who don't know, quesadillas is a combination of the Spanish words queso (cheese) and tortilla (flat corn or flour bread product). When I was growing up I made quesadillas with just corn tortillas and cheese melted in a skillet--I called them cheese tacos. Then sometime in my twenties restaurants began serving a product called quesadillas, large flour tortillas with melted cheese; from there chefs got creative and added all sorts of ingredients. They are sort of like sandwiches, you can put whatever you want in them.

I Believe in Evolution

2012-01-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

No, not THAT kind of evolution, sheesh, what kind of a woman do you think I am?

I'm talking about the kind that happens when I set a goal, begin to pursue it and realize that there are obstacles to reaching that goal that must be removed before I can move forward.

In December I wrote down a wonderful schedule that I wanted to pursue in the new year. Every day of the week would be devoted to a specific activity, such as sewing, photo albumming (I know that's not a real word but humor me), etc. Last week I thought I got everything ready to begin following the schedule this week. Am I making sense? Yesterday I did a big thing on my Monday=de-junking, de-cluttering, and de-filing day. Today I'm supposed to be sewing, but my sewing room is still a mess, and I've been reading blogs about de-junking and minimalist living and the like. This morning as I made my bed and folded a basketful of undies, I evolved a bit and decided that I am really motivated to de-junk and de-clutter and de-file (it has to rhyme and be alliterative so humor me some more here) right now. So will anyone be upset if I work on all the de's while I have the motivation?

Thank you.

De-Junking on a Large Scale

2012-01-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

We live in a 90 year old house. The little old lady (and just as an aside, when I was working in Salt Lake City a long time ago in 1981, the receptionist called them LOL's), anyway the little old lady who lived here before us had carpet in every room, put in probably in the sixties. I've slowly been ripping it out to reveal the wood floors beneath.

Interestingly there are oak floors on the main level and pine upstairs. Today I worked in the room vacated by JET. It was the only room where the carpet and wallpaper actually coordinated and looked decent together.

This room is top floor, front of the house, facing south west.

I really like the old doors in this house, with their original hardware.

I began pulling up the carpet and most of the petrified foam pad stayed on the floor:

This is the trail left by me dragging the rolled up carpet out of the room:

I swept up the crunchy debris, using a wide putty knife to pry it from the floor in some spots:

Then scooped it up into large trash bags:

After a thorough sweep and wash the golden pine floors look wonderful:

When Dandylion leaves, this will become my sewing room.

Ah, a job well done. Isn't the sunshine pretty on the floor and door?

Chuns Say the Funniest Things

2012-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

"Chuns" is our family's word for children, which came about when JET was learning to talk and couldn't pronounce the word children. He would ask things like "Can the chuns go out to play?" It stuck and we've always thought it a much better word than "kids" which are baby goats. Anyway. . .

From the file marked "Children's Funnies"

8 January 2005
Tonight at dinner I noticed that JET's fingers were stained pink. I asked, "What's that on your hands?" He replied sheepishly, "I don't know." I said, "That's the most bogus answer I've ever heard. You didn't come running up the stairs screaming about the color appearing on your hands. What is it?"

He said, "Red food coloring."
I asked, "How did it get there?"
"Well I was in the pantry looking around and I opened the box and saw the bottle and I picked it up and it popped open and exploded in my hands."

Uh-huh! This incident did not stop him from snooping around in the pantry, and over the years I have devised many different hiding places for secrets. They have yet to find my favorite and I'm not about to divulge it until everyone is gone from home and have chuns of their own. So there!

Use It Up!

2012-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Frugal Friday at PFCMom's.

My aversion to not leaving home to work is stronger than my aversion to doing oddball things to not spend money. I've been reading about and practicing frugality since I first read about Amy Dacyczyn and her Tightwad Gazette Newsletter in Parade Magazine in about March 1991 (I don't remember the exact date). We'd just had our second child and were attempting to join the ranks of homeowners. Our first yard sale brought in over $400 and I was hooked. We moved to Mount Vernon, Washington in May and I made friends with several other mothers of young children who were avid thrifters, savers and tightwads. We had lots of fun going yard saling, thrifting in the bigger cities south of us and exchanging tips and ideas.

Over the years I've done many things to not spend; some I still do, others were abandoned as children grew and needs changed. Long ago I made a sign for my fridge to remind and encourage me to keep going.

My Pioneer Motto

Today I'll share a few ways that I "use it up".

First in the bathroom: My husband and children were not disciplined (read lazy) about squeezing the last bits out of a tube of toothpaste so when I found these squeezy things, either at a dollar store or Walmart, I bought a couple of them to help them.

Of course you don't need to buy anything, the flat of a comb is what I used for many years. A once a week smoothing up of the tube works wonders for using every little bit.

Another trick is to turn things upside down when it gets to the end. All the liquid will pool at the end with the opening and be readily available for use. I do this with my contact lens solution, shampoo, body wash, conditioner, bath oil, and any other fluid I use.

This also works in the fridge for condiments, see the katsup and dressing on the right?

I even serve them upside down, sitting in small glasses, saved from cheese spreads.

Something else I do to use it up is to cut open containers, especially hand and body lotion. Below are two I've been saving for a few weeks. The lotion gets down to a level below the suction of the pump and nothing comes up, but there's lots left down there. I refuse to throw it away.

What you'll need is a sharp knife (serrated work best for me), a spatula, and a container with a lid.

Remove the pump, then carefully cut the container in half.

See how much is left? Amazing!

Pour and scoop with the spatula into your container.

This is how much I got out of two bottles; different flavors, but that never bothers me and the resulting mix has always been a nice new one.

Stir it up until well blended.

Put the lid on it and voila! I can go another month without buying more lotion.

Recycle the old containers: (the sign is for husband and children who aren't as committed to recycling as I am.)

Wash the pump and save for another use, which I'll show in another post. (Stay tuned.)

In the fabric and fiber arts area I have two examples. First up is this collection of my worn and well-used hot pads. I crocheted them using the leftover cotton yarn from my knitting dish cloths for gifts. They aren't the prettiest or most decorative, but they're not for sale or gifts so I don't mind. (I make really pretty ones for gifts.)

Lastly these placemats I made from some gorgeous quilted material my mother bought for me. Notice that they each have a different colored binding. That's because I just used what I had in my stash. I didn't spend a penny on these, (Thank you Mom for the fabric!) and used up a lot of leftover bias binding.

What do you have to use up? Before you buy, think hard, look around and see if there's something lurking that could be put to good use or with a little effort you could get the last drop before buying more. Let me know what you do to "Use it up."

I Walked to the Airport Today

2012-01-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

This morning I checked the temperature, which at 37 degrees was deemed warmed enough to go for a walk. I headed out the door and walked through town, close a mile, to the T-Bone Trail. On the way there I said hello to my friend Albert, still wearing his Christmas wreath.

From Albert, it's just a hop, skip and a jump to the starting point of the trail. See the big zero in the lower right corner?

It's a beautiful day and before I know it I'm at the first bridge:

Which overlooks a drainage ditch:

And just beyond that is the 1/4 mile mark:

Which is just before I get to the north end of the runway:

Continuing on I come to the BIG tree which is right across from the 1/2 mile marker:

Finally I get to the buildings of the Airport which lets me know where I am:

And of course the Airport Terminal:

Before I get the southern end of the runway I come to the second bridge:

Which overlooks a little creek, still frozen this morning:

And here at about the 3/4 mile mark I can look across the field and see the southern end of the runway:

Runway is the flat area underneath the green and red tractors

Next on my left are some quonset huts and an old brick building:

And finally, just before the 1 mile marker is the big steel building with the Ace Hardware sign:

On the way back I look across the fields and remember why I love living in Iowa:

Open spaces and big blue sky

On the south side of the bridges are benches for resting:

Today's walk was about 4 miles; one mile to the trail, one mile out, one mile back and one mile home.
I'm so grateful for this beautiful weather, the temp when I got home was 47! and the high is supposed to reach 59. Amazing for the first week of January, but perfect for jump starting my weight loss program.

I Changed My Mind

2012-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post about what I'm doing to lose weight. I know my problem is overeating and eating the wrong things so I say to myself all day long "No, I don't want that, I want to be slender more than I want to eat that." I've discovered that I have strongly ingrained habits of just picking up a cookie each time I walk by the cookie jar, or popping into my mouth whatever candy is laying around. (True Confessions here) So I'm consciously changing my mind habits so I can change my eating habits. The month of January will be about changing habits--then, I hope the rest of the year will be easier (is mortal life ever easy?).

My two new habits are:
1. Reprogramming my mind to eat or not eat consciously
2. Measuring portions at mealtimes

My goal is to change my mind so I can change my body. (And wear all the pretty clothes I have stashed away!)

A Senior Moment

2012-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing we live just half a block from the Post Office. I walked up there today to mail a package to our missionary and got all the way inside before I realized that I didn't have his address with me. I don't pack a box at home, I take a bag full of whatever I'm sending and have them weigh it and we look at which option is the cheapest then pack the box and address it. I got my exercise today walking there, walking back, walking back there; then it was on to the bank for some business with them. I've read that exercise is good for the brain as it build the synapses that prevent memory loss. Good news for me!

In other news, I weighed another pound less today than yesterday. My discipline is having an effect and it is so encouraging. One ounce, one pound at a time the weight WILL come off. I have faith.

First Task - GET ORGANIZED!

2012-01-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

Despite my best (or more likely because of my worst) efforts my sewing room is always a disaster area. I get fabric out for a project, decide that's not the perfect one and get out a whole bunch to sample and then never get it put back again. I have leftovers, patterns, mending, ironing, filing, piles of donations, off season clothes, and anything else that doesn't have a place all stacked and stashed around my room. It is a mess! And I have the pictures to prove it.

View from the door

My sewing desk

Most of my fabric stash (with some stuff on top)

Just today I got the totes of fabric into the corner and sorted some piles of fabric back into the appropriate totes. I love fabric and have lots! And I plan to use lots this year. I'm so inspired by the many other bloggers that I'm committed to making my daughter and myself some wonderful new clothes for spring.

But first I have to get the room organized so I can set up a cutting table and work space that really allows me to work. I'm also wanting to share some of my fabric with others who could put it to good use. I'll think some more on how best to do that, as I have only eight readers and two of them are family.

I'm excited to report that I have been a really good girl for the first two days of the new year and the bathroom scale is showing a lower number than on the last day of the old year. It is encouraging!

In other news, we got a wonderful email from Elder PW saying he received the Christmas package and enjoyed all the goodies. Dr. Hair and Dandylion don't go back to school until Wednesday so I don't have the house to myself just yet, but they helped take down all the Christmas decorations and tree today and get that all stowed away in the basement for another year. It's so nice to have strong (and willing) young men to help lift and carry heavy things.

A New Year, A New Beginning

2012-01-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

A fresh calendar, a clean slate, a new year in which to pursue goals, hopes and dreams. This past year was one of change and adjustment. I passed the one year mark of living in Iowa, a new to me experience; Noble joined the Air Force and left home permanently; JET graduated from High School and left home, temporarily it turns out (he's home again for a short time); as of this week Elder PW has just three months before he returns from Argentina; Dr. Hair surpassed me in height; and lastly, fortunately Dandylion still fits under my arm and still likes to cuddle.

I began my blog a year ago to announce and record my weight loss. LOL, that didn't exactly work; but it got me blogging and introduced me to a whole world of wonderful people and ideas that I didn't know existed. I've "met" seamstresses, crafters, preppers, scriptorians, moms of Large families, homeschoolers, poets, writers, photographers, gardeners, and more. What is so fun to me is that every blog I find leads me to at least a couple more (sometimes dozens). I've learned so much it's like attending a university.

With just two children at home now my time is more my own and I look forward to finally getting to some projects that have been on the back burner for years. My New Year's Resolutions include "making measurable progress" on five projects: weight loss, photo albums, cookbook, de-cluttering, and sewing.

I've written out a detailed weekly schedule to include all those projects so I don't get distracted and can focus more clearly on my desired outcomes.

Today we took Noble to the airport and said goodbye again. The time together was just too short! But I'm so thankful she got to come home at all and so grateful the weather cooperated so she could arrive and depart with no trouble.

Thanks to all who read this and may there be more of you in the coming year!

Time goes too fast

2011-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Noble has been here a whole week and it's just going by too fast. Last Saturday she took me out to dinner and to see the Nutcracker. Topdad took our picture.

Last Sunday I spoke in church (you can read that on my other blog); this week has been a combination of lazy days and lots of Korean with a little bit of baking and shopping and wrapping presents thrown in. Noble is so fun to have around I'm loving life with her here.

Thursday night Topdad and I went to his annual end of semester staff bowling party. I won the award for the Lowest Score - and look, they even took my picture! (Sometimes that's what I feel like.)

Wednesday was our church Christmas Dinner and Party. I cooked a turkey for it and the party was a "white elephant" gift exchange. I scored some Hannah Montana hairbands and lipgloss as well as a package of thank you notes and another of stationary. Topdad got a hot dog and bun cooker, looks like a toaster. (We're re-gifting that to JET who is living away from home. BUT DON'T TELL HIM.)

Well, it's Christmas Eve and I want to wish you all a Joyous Christmas. May God bless you and your loved ones with the righteous desires of your hearts.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

When JET was a baby I sat nursing him in the glow of the Christmas tree lights at midnight on Christmas Eve. I loved having a baby and felt close to Mary and her baby. As I looked at the tree with its lights and baubles I wondered "What does a green tree and lights and shiny baubles have to do with the birth of the Savior?" I couldn't answer except to say "nothing." I pondered for months on what would be a better symbol of the birth of Jesus Christ. Finally the light came on in my brain and out popped the answer: A manger and a baby doll. While visiting my parents that summer (1994) I was able to leave the children with someone responsible and make a trip to the toy store alone where I found the perfect little newborn baby doll. In the fall we moved from Washington state to Virginia and just before Christmas I had my husband build a manger for me. I couldn't draw what I wanted so he put together what he thought I wanted and when I saw it I said "It's just fine, dear." (He built another, much nicer one in Utah.) Our children were five, three and sixteen months that Christmas and the older two enacted and re-enacted the Christmas story all through December and into January. We didn't have a Christmas tree that year as I wanted to keep the focus on Christ and not telling the toddler NO NO NO.

The peace I felt that Christmas convinced me that I was onto something great. For a while we alternated not having a tree and having one according to whether we had a toddler or not. I noticed during the years we had a tree that the manger with Jesus in it was pushed to the back and the children were much more me-centered and contentious. During the years we had only the manger the children were sweeter and more service minded. Finally one year we had a tree and the fighting during just the decorating of it was more than I could tolerate so I decided to forego trees in the future.

Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas trees, but in our home it caused contention and I realized that after I had spent so much time pondering and then getting my answer that I should follow what was personal revelation for our family. As much as I love Christmas trees I can do without them; I can't do without my manger and baby Jesus.

I truly love my Savior and am so grateful for his condescension in coming to earth. Seeing the sweet baby in the manger reminds me of several truths:

I must humble myself as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
When I give a gift it is as if I'm giving to Jesus
He sees me at all times
He lived a mortal life and knows my pains and sorrows, along with my joys and triumphs

Last year Noble begged for a tree, saying it didn't feel like Christmas without one. I consented and found that now the children are older they can handle it. I believe all the training has paid off. We bought a little tree that allows room for the manger to be central to our decorations.

So, however it is that you celebrate, I hope you'll keep Jesus at the center of your heart if not your room too.

Our sweet baby Jesus

Nativity Tree Skirt

Some of our homemade, handmade ornaments

The whole picture

We love giving gifts to each other and remind our children that "Inasmuch as ye have done unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Another Fledgling . . . Fledges!

2011-12-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today our 6'5" hunk of an eighteen year old man moved out of the nest. JET goes to school and works in Council Bluffs, just over an hour away. He has wanted to move out since August but hadn't found just the right situation. The decision was made easier on Saturday when he slid off the road into the ditch on his way to work. When Topdad went to pick him up they drove immediately to see a house with a room for rent. Today he and I packed up the most necessary items into the family Suburban and he drove off to a new home in the big city. (We are driving a rental car until JET's car is fixed.) He'll be back tomorrow after school to get the rest. It's always nice when a child moves out under good circumstances rather than in anger or rebellion.

Time continues to race ahead us our readiness. When I think of where our family will be in five years it boggles my mind. JET should be home from a mission; Dr. Hair on a mission; Dandylion preparing for a mission. And here's an interesting tidbit for any LDS readers: In our family we have a High Priest, an Elder, a Priest, a Teacher, and a Deacon. How's that for priesthood representation!!

Christmas preparations are coming along slowly, had that major hiccough this weekend, but I think I'm back on track. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post about what we do and why.

Surprise!

2011-11-30T15:53:00.000-08:00

Day Thirty of Count Your Blessings

Last night I was on our bed reading when Topdad came into the bedroom bearing a gift. I melted into tears!
I love surprises, especially when they are so thoughtful and wonderful! Thank you, Topdad.

Isn't it lovely? I think I'm getting in the Christmas spirit!
Speaking of which, throughout the month of December I'll be sharing how I put Christ back into Christmas.

Accidents Will Happen!

2011-11-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

Dateline - Provo, Utah 27 June 2006
Dr. Hair, age 7, and Dandylion, age 5, went to the Creamery on 9th to get a child's ice cream cone each. They were VERY slow returning. Mom sent JET to look for them. When asked where they had been Dandylion said, "On the way home we found a huge sand pile and we accidentally played in it."

CORRECTION: Dandylion tells me my math is off - He had just turned 8 and Dr. Hair was almost 10.

Oops - I missed a day

2011-11-29T13:29:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-eight and Twenty-nine of Count Your Blessings

Well, I missed a day for no reason other than I was tired. Bad excuse. I've been wracking my brain too, but am in a fog and can't come up with something wonderful that I'm thankful for that I haven't already expressed. So how about a bunch of little things.

I'm thankful for:
a husband's warm body in bed with me on cold nights
an eighteen year old son's hug and "I love you Mom."
a fifteen year old son who holds my hand while shopping
a thirteen year old son who cuddles up to me on the couch
a faithful missionary son
a daughter who's my best friend

I enjoy:
sunsets and moonrises
rain and rainbows
flannel sheets and wool blankets
Mormon Tabernacle Choir music and Korean Boy Bands
plaid skirts and corduroy slacks
fruit pies and fudge brownies (homemade from scratch, of course)
whole wheat bread toast and peppermint tea
cheese - almost any kind
fresh summer fruit
movies that make me laugh and cry
good books
letters in the mail
dressing up
being remembered and recognized
making new friends
speaking in church
teaching
laughing with my children
traveling to new places (or old ones for that matter)
a clean house
sunshine through clean windows
unexpected gifts
museums and art galleries
live symphony concerts
mastering a skill
learning new things
a brisk walk
a leisurely stroll (hand in hand with a loved one is even better)
family history research
old photographs (whether I know the people or not)
fresh flowers
dark chocolate
linen napkins
handkerchiefs

These are a few of my favorite things. . .

Wait, I'm not finished yet

2011-11-27T16:49:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-seven of Count Your Blessings

Today I'm grateful for the patience, mercy and longsuffering of God. I mean he doesn't zap me immediately when I've done wrong (which somedays is just about every minute) but let's me figure out that I've sinned and allows me time to repent. Do you know what a blessing that is?

Interestingly enough, today two other bloggers on my list talked about repentance. A SIGN! I need to repent of my stupidity, my rebelliousness, my weaknesses, my imperfections and so on. Maybe that's why Enos prayed all night, he was talking specifics, not generalities.

Today I'm grateful for repentance and forgiveness, for mercy and the Atonement. I feel like Nephi,
"Oh wretched [woman] that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh [there's just too much of it]; and my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations that do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted." (2 Nephi 4:17-18)

I am a work in progress and I'm so thankful for the patience of God while I stumble about here on earth. I am eternally indebted to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for paying the price for my sins so I can repent and be reconciled to God, the Eternal Father and return at last to his presence.

Now if you'll excuse me I have some repenting to do!

Cloudy With a Chance of . . .

2011-11-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-six of Count Your Blessings

I'm so thankful for the good weather forecasting (well as good as it can be, nothing's perfect) we have today. I wanted to drive north to Carroll this afternoon for a few errands and I was able to check the weather forecast and see that no snow was expected, only strong winds.

This is a blessing earlier residents of these parts just didn't have; and while it is possible to tell the weather by signs around us, those satellite images and radar tracking are a heap more accurate and timely.

How was your weather today? What about tomorrow?

Pajama Party Game Night

2011-11-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-five of Count Your Blessings

Did you know you can establish a family tradition any time you want? We've had a number of "traditions" over the years. Some have lasted a long time, others weren't so popular. The current one we're trying is a Friday night Pajama Party Game Night. I felt we were watching too many movies and not interacting enough, so a couple weeks ago I invited everyone to a Pajama Party Game Night. After dinner and then kitchen clean up we changed into our favorite jammies and pull out a bunch of games. Each person got to choose a game from the pile to play in turn. We had simple refreshments and snacks during the evening.

Dandylion getting a Yahtzee!

At the end of the first party Dr. Hair went to bed chanting "Fun night; fun, fun night; we had a fun, fun night." He was so HAPPY! I found that my simple efforts were worth it for my 15 year old to go to bed that night so happy. Tonight was our third party and it was just as fun. I think this is a tradition to keep.

I'm grateful for family traditions and making happy memories with my children.

A round of "Presto-Chango"

Playing "Warriors from the Book of Mormon"

P.S. One month from today is Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-four of Count Your Blessings

Today I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so thankful for the scriptures and the many people through the ages who sacrificed their time, talents and even their lives to prepare, preserve and translate the scriptures so that I can read God's word today in my native language. I am eternally grateful for a living prophet to lead and guide us.

I'm truly grateful for my family, past, present and future.

I'm grateful for Patriots, past, present and future.

I'm grateful for the wonderful abundance I enjoy in this land of liberty. I'm grateful for those who daily work to preserve the liberty of this great nation.

May your day be full of blessings.

Extra!

2011-11-23T11:17:00.000-08:00

A huge thank you to my friend from San Diego! Got your note today and send wishes back for a lovely Thanksgiving with you and yours! I love getting letters and cards in the US mail.

Do you have a library card?

2011-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-three of Count Your Blessings

Before I met my husband I went out a couple of times with another guy, who upon seeing my floor to ceiling bookcase asked incredulously, "Have you read all those?" And when I answered "All, but a couple of them that I'm still working on," said something to the effect of "What a waste of time." I didn't go out with him again. When TopDad saw that same bookcase he said "Wow, you like to read too!" I married him.

Sometime last year, or was it the year before? anyway, Noble introduced me to a really fun book from a pile she'd gotten at the library and then decided she wasn't interested in. By Hester Browne, it's called The Little Lady Agency. There are two sequels and two other completely separate novels by Hester. She is a delightful British author and her character Melissa/Honey is one of my favorites.

Feeling down this week because of the vile, overcast weather, I pulled The Little Lady Agency off the shelf and read it for the umpteenth time. It never fails to please and lift my spirits. I highly recommend it, as well as all of Hester's other books.

I love to read! We as a family have more books than I can count. It's like a small library, built up over many years of homeschooling and to feed our love of reading.

Today I'm thankful for all the authors whose talent is so much greater than mine in putting down on paper great stories, as well as fantastic non-fiction information and education in a really accessible way.

What Makes A Friend?

2011-11-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-two of Count Your Blessings

Today I'm grateful for friends. I've heard from two of my favorites this week.

My idea of a friend is someone who is rarely too busy to let me come over to bend her ear for an hour and feels comfortable enough to stop in at my house to do the same. She invites me for lunch or shopping at the drop of a hat, and is willing and ready to go when I invite her. Then when one of us moves away she writes, calls, and emails regularly in answer to my regular letters, calls and emails. She shares her griefs and joys and then allows me to cry on her shoulder in turn and is delighted to share in my good news. She gives good advice, encourages me, helps me see my faults, shares recipes and then expects and accepts the same from me.

I've lived in nine different places since getting married. You'd think I'd have tons of friends, but what I have are many acquaintances, just a small handful of great friends! And one of those I raised along the way. (Saranghae, Ah Reum.)

Since entering the world of blogging I've encountered some absolutely wonderful people about whom I think "I wish we were neighbors so we could be friends!" There's got to be a word to describe this new kind of relationship. In the meantime, I'm so glad to have met so many terrific and talented folks.

What Do You Want for Christmas, Mom?

2011-11-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

Day Twenty-one of Count Your Blessings

My children used to get very frustrated with me when they'd ask that question. My answer was always the same, "A clean house and obedient children."

Today as I was cleaning up the mess from our busy, but relaxed Sabbath I got all teary eyed as I realized that my wish had come true. Well, not the clean house part, but the obedient children part. No rebels in the bunch; our adult children are all productive, contributing members of society, as well as in the church; our two younger sons are busy with school, work and improving their talents. We have good relationships and enjoy being together. We look forward to reunions with those who are away from home presently.

With a grateful heart I say thank you to my Heavenly Father for sending me such great children.

This, That and The Other

2011-11-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Day Nineteen/Twenty of Count Your Blessings

One day the lesson in Relief Society (church's women's group) was on keeping a journal. The young mother teaching it was passionate about journals and had many going all at once. She has a regular journal, a gratitude journal, a baby book, a humor journal, and so on. I can't remember all the ones she kept. But I was impressed and over the years I've tried various things, but haven't managed to keep up anything more than a regular journal and jottings in a little notebook that I keep with me all the time.

Some time ago I began a "gratitude journal" thinking I would add to every time I thought of something I am grateful for. Here's as far as I got:

rain

cool nights

eye candy

laughter

friends

a clean bedroom

a package in the mail

ice cream

beautiful music

Just reading it brings up good memories and makes me feel better. Have you ever made a list of things you're grateful for? I saw a book once that was called 14,000 things I'm Grateful For (or something like that) that was a list of everything the author was thankful for. I was impressed! I'm going to add to mine so that when I'm feeling pitiful I can look back and see how blessed I've been.

Friday Fatigue

2011-11-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

Day Eighteen of Count Your Blessings

After thirteen days straight getting up early (before daylight) I'm truly grateful it's the end of the week and there is nothing going on tomorrow morning and I can sleep until I wake up naturally when the sunlight caresses my face.

Inspiration to get sewing again

2011-11-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

I found another Blog that inspires me to get back to sewing for myself again. I have tubs and tubs of fabric, boxes of pattern , notions galore, and time each day (that's the truly amazing part). So, herewith is MY pledge:

I, Rozy Lass, take the Seamless pledge until June 25, 2012. I will abstain from buying any new-to-me clothes until the end of my pledge. I will find ways to be fashionably dressed without spending money. I will craft my own clothes with my own two hands from my extensive stash of fabric, patterns and notions. I will post pictures of my creations on this blog to share with others my successes.

Here's the Pledge if you feel you'd like to join in. (There's a nice button that I wish I could add, but I'll be danged if I can figure out how to add it and make it work. Noble will be home in a month and promises to teach me all these little tricks. In the meantime, thanks for your patience!)

20 January 2012 Update
Noble came and went and we forgot to do the button while she was here. I pressed forward and finally figured out how to do it on my own. Yay, PFCMom. Check out the button on the left.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2011-11-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Day Seventeen of Count Your Blessings

Did you think I was going to say I'm thankful for sunsets? While I am thankful for the beauty of them, what I'm more thankful for is the fact that I can see them! I've been wearing glasses since seventh grade and my biggest fear is that I'll go blind completely. I'm so thankful for my eyes!

Heaters, Wool Sweaters and Socks, Oh My!

2011-11-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Day Sixteen of Count Your Blessings

Studying the domestic history of our country is an interest of mine. I have an exceptionally well written book called "Our Own Snug Fireside, Images of the New England Home 1760 - 1860" by Jane C. Nylander. In the chapter called Frosty Mornings and Stinging Fingers: The Effects of Winter, the author details the differences in homes then and now. From the diary and journals records we know that their homes were much colder in the winter than ours. MUCH colder, as in interior temperatures in the forties. They didn't turn up the heaters in winter, they put on more clothes.

Today was the first day I've felt cold this autumn. I turned up the heater a notch and still felt cold so I put on my trusty sweater to keep me warm. (I've been wearing wool socks to bed because I can't fall asleep if my feet are cold.)

I'm so thankful for heaters and programmable thermostats; wool sweaters and socks; flannel sheets and pajamas. (And we haven't even gotten to winter yet!)

I have to admit, this is the only place I've ever lived where the weather makes me nervous. I experienced my first blizzard last year and the fury of the wind was downright scary! Makes me doubly thankful to be a stay at home mom, too. No trudging off to work everyday. I really admire all of you who do it.

No Fuss Cooking

2011-11-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Day Fifteen of Count Your Blessings

Every time I use my slow cooker (crockpot) I wonder why I don't use it more often. I put ingredients in at 7 AM and serve a delicious dinner at 5 PM. How easy is that?!

Today we had ham and bean soup with homemade, from scratch corn bread muffins.

I'm so thankful for modern miracle appliances.

There's No Place Like Home

2011-11-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Day Fourteen of Count Your Blessings

When I was a little girl I told everyone who asked or would listen that I wanted to grow up to live on a farm and have twelve children. I would play house alternating with teacher, my two loves. As I matured I couldn't figure out how I could do both, be a homemaker and a school teacher. But I shouldn't have worried because being a teacher is another name for mother, and God had a plan for me.

I don't live on a farm, in fact, my hardworking husband has NO desire to do anything remotely connected to farming (and I LOVE cows!). We don't have twelve children either, but that is because we were 31 and 30 when we married and when I had Danny at age 40 I knew I was done. Having babies is a young people's sport! I really admire my Nana who had fifteen children beginning when she was 23 and ending when she was 46, no twins there either!

During our engagement TopDad and I talked about our future family and home life. I was adamant that I was going to be a stay-at-home mom; he worried because he felt it took two incomes to make it. I told him that I knew how to live on one income, having learned from my parents. He eventually agreed that when we became parents I would be able to stay home.

When I had Noble I couldn't imagine leaving her with someone else and trudging off to work everyday. Horrors! When she was three we did put her in a Montessori preschool where she did really well, EXCEPT! Except she began to change into a little monster, picking up bad language and behaviors from the other students. We lasted one semester and didn't return her to the school after Christmas break. About that time we asked questions of a family at church who we knew homeschooled their children. They answered our questions, gave us books to read and invited us to meetings. It didn't take long for us to be convinced that this was the way to go for us. What really converted us was attending an end of year exhibition of the whole group in our county. We were so impressed with the teens! They were well groomed, articulate, friendly, well-mannered and just wonderful "poster children" for the whole thing. We said to each other "That's what we want our children to be like."

And that's what they've turned out like. I'm so thankful TopDad trusted me enough to let me stay home and be a wife, mother, homemaker, and school teacher. It has been my dream career.

I love to Iron

2011-11-13T17:21:00.001-08:00

Day Thirteen of Count Your Blessings

I'm really grateful for people who don't like to iron, because they give all their expensive linen clothes to thrift stores where I can buy them at prices I can afford, then I can look great in expensive clothes without paying a fortune. Whew, that's a mouthful.

I love linen! It is cool in the summer, warm in the winter (layered) and feels heavenly to me. Most people don't like it because it has to be ironed. I love ironing! It is a brainless job that I can do at the same time as something pleasurable such as watching a movie or listening to a child tell me about his day. (Dishes are similar, but I haven't figured out how to move the sink into the living room so I can watch a movie, so I just listen to music or children while working in the kitchen.)

Anyway, I look for linen pieces whenever I shop at thrift stores. My latest find was a lovely shirt. I fell for the colors and classic style. I wasn't sure what I would wear with it, but figured for a couple of dollars I couldn't go wrong. And it just spoke to me! Once home I took it to my closet and realized that I had both a skirt and a pair of slacks that would coordinate. This morning I pulled together this outfit for church:

So, a big thank you to whoever didn't like to iron for donating this gorgeous shirt for me to have.

Vanity Plates and Tender Mercies

2011-11-13T17:12:00.001-08:00

Day Twelve of Count Your Blessings

A long time ago my husband gave me vanity license plates that said "A Lil Roz". I loved them! But they're not the vanity plates that I want to talk about.

Yesterday on my way home after a long day in Council Bluffs, I had a moment of loneliness and sadness. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was on the verge of having a pity party. Suddenly I was passed on the left by a little white car with plates that read "B Joyfl". First I laughed, then I said "Thank you!" to the man upstairs who coordinated things so that when I most needed it, a sign of his love would be in my sights.

I'm so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who knows me by name and is mindful of my needs at all times.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

Day Eleven of Count Your Blessings

I attended a Veteran's Day program at the high school this morning. Our little town loves and honors the Veterans. Five current members of the National Guard were the color guard; the high school band performed a medley of the service songs, and choir performed the national anthem and Battle Hymn of the Republic; a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was the Master of Ceremonies; members of the speech team gave a wonderful presentation of the symbols of America. The last presenter talked about the youth of this generation carrying the torch of freedom and preserving all the hopes and dreams of America. It was an inspiring program in which all the Veterans of the different eras were asked to stand and be recognized: World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Prisoners of War, and then we all stood and observed a moment of silence in honor of those who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve our freedoms. My husband sat by me and stood as a Veteran of the Viet Nam era, and Desert Shield/Storm.

As I watched the members of the color guard I teared up thinking of another veteran, currently serving in the Air Force. And here she is at Recruit Graduation in San Antonio, Texas.

I was so impressed with the graduation ceremony. They really made a BIG DEAL of all these recruits. The commanding officer thanked us, parents, families, spouses, etc., over and over for allowing, encouraging, and supporting our loved ones in their decision to serve their country, especially in a time of war. That brought tears to my eyes. I don't like being reminded that my sweet little girl is a warrior. Fortunately her job will not be in harms way. Her training is too expensive and valuable to risk losing her. We had a great time visiting her and seeing her in her new role.

Airman's Run

Do we look like proud parents?

Well, we were and are!

We have another family member who is part of a Royal Army serving far away in Argentina. He also is a warrior in the fight for freedom and liberty. We are so proud of him as well.

Elder PW is fourth from the right on the very back row.

We love our veterans, both military and missionary, past, present and future. Thank you for serving valiantly and faithfully.

One final thought: As I watched the program today the words of a hymn came to my mind --

"Oh youth of the noble birthright, carry on, carry on, carry on."

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

Day Ten of Count Your Blessings

Today is the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Their motto is Semper Fideles - Always Faithful (for non-Latin readers).

I'm thankful for all the Marines (as well as soldiers, sailors and airmen) who serve day in and day out for less pay and more hazard than they deserve, without complaint, and with much pride and loyalty. I'm especially thankful for my Marine who sometimes thinks he didn't do much. But he was on call 24/7 for twenty-five and a half years, and served others without thought for himself. Semper Fi, Topdad.

Topdad at Recruit Training Graduation (age 17)

Topdad on our Wedding Day (age 31)

Topdad at present (age 54)

Once a Marine, Always a Marine! I love you!

Answers to Prayers

2011-11-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Day Nine of Count Your Blessings

Do you remember what was going on in 1995? Beijing, China was the host of an International Conference on Women, September 4 - 15. All year as I listened to NPR I heard about this conference and how Hilary Clinton and women like her were going and representing the United States; these women talked about empowering women and the changing face of gender roles, the obsolescence of marriage, homosexuality, and such. It was pretty frightening and I prayed fervently that the Lord through his prophet would say something and set the world straight. I longed to hear a voice of reason and truth, rather than the strident voices of those women. I watched every issue of the Ensign, waited for a letter read from the pulpit, something, anything, but nothing was said. The time of the conference came and went and I was so disappointed that nothing happened from church leaders.

At the time I was first counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency and we hosted a reception prior to the annual General Relief Society Broadcast September 23. Being on the east coast we began the reception at 7:00 and moved into the chapel just before eight to watch the broadcast. I will never forget the thrill that went through me when President Gordon B. Hinckley read The Family - A Proclamation to the World. I sat with tears streaming down my face as I heard eternal truths spoken with authority by a prophet of God. My prayers were answered, true to form, in a way better than I could have imagined. My heart was so full I thought I'd burst. When I got home and tried to go to sleep words were swirling around in my head. I got up and wrote them down quickly so as not to lose them, and over the next few days completed a simple hymn expressing my gratitude. I sent it to President Hinckley whose secretary sent a kind note back. My prayers included many expressions of thanksgiving for the proclamation over the next weeks and months.

Here is the hymn - It fits to the tune of God Moves in a Mysterious Way (#285 LDS Hymns).

How Blessed We Are

By Rozann W. Thoelke

How blessed we are to have a guide,

A prophet of the Lord

To lead us in these latter-days

Of famine, drought, and sword.

With strident voices on all sides

He speaks a calming word

To cheer us and encourage us;

The Lord, our prayers has heard.

He calls to us “Repent from sin.”

And asks us to do more

To live the gospel in our homes

Rich blessings are in store.

We pray for him to lead us in

The way of righteousness.

He has not faltered, nor yet will

Let’s follow and be blessed.

I'm grateful for the proclamation even more sixteen years later. Just this week I read a news story about a group working toward legitimizing pedophilia. In 2008 when California was trying to pass the proposition declaring marriage to be between a man and a woman only, there was a lot, A LOT, of flack in Utah about it. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune (and it was published) that included this line "Society shouldn’t redefine marriage. What would be next? Include pedophilia, incest, bestiality? Should all deviancies be tolerated?" Was I prescient or what?

Humor

2011-11-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

Day Eight of Count Your Blessings

Where would we be without humor? I love a good joke, riddle or pun. I love laughing with my family. Take time to make happy memories with your loved ones! True humor and joy are closely connected, at least in my mind. Looking for the bright side, seeing the humor in a tense situation, looking hopefully to the future, enjoying the present are all part of faith, hope and charity.

Today I enjoyed some laughs with JET, our 6'5" eighteen year old son. He has an artist's soul--he even likes his food to look pretty! When he was, I don't know, ten or so, he frequently spilled milked as he was pouring it into his glass. One day I watched him as he poured and noticed that he was watching the milk as it flowed out of the container. He continued watching it until the milk was overflowing his glass! Then I realized that my artistic son was enjoying the beauty of the flow of milk and not watching the level in the glass. Aha! I didn't have to scold him, I just reminded him to pay attention to the level of milk in the glass and not get carried away watching the "pretty flow of milk."

What does that have to do with humor? Well, it's just one of the many funny stories from the lives of our children. As they've grown up I write down (at the moment, on any scrap of paper handy) the funny things they do or say and then put it in a file. Now that they are mostly grown we get that file out when we're together and relive the funniest moments of our lives together. These are our private family jokes that we repeat like lines from a movie when we're together.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. - Proverbs 15:13

Noble - Daughter of the Year

2011-11-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Day Seven of Count Your Blessings

I just got off the "phone" (Skype) with my delightful daughter Noble. I have to say she is what I'm most grateful for today.

She is fun, creative, interesting, virtuous, thoughtful, spiritual, loyal, patriotic, intelligent, talented, brave, and curious. Whew!

Noble has introduced me to a whole bunch of fun, new experiences, and helped me overcome a prejudice. She was my shopping buddy and I miss her lots.

Email and U.S. mail

2011-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Day Six of Count Your Blessings

Elder PW has been gone just over nineteen months, sixteen of which have been in Argentina. When my brother was a missionary in Argentina thirty years ago, we waited weeks for each letter and sometimes months. A weekly email from Elder PW is such a blessing!! I count on it to retain my sanity.

But as much as I appreciate email, I truly love and treasure a "real" letter that comes in an envelope with a stamp on it. It is tangible, I can take it upstairs, sit on my bed and relish it. I can smell it, re-read it, carry it with me and share it with someone else. There's nothing like a real letter. (And I hate to call it snail-mail because I think the letters from my mother in San Diego arrive in two days--I can't drive the distance that fast!)

But I do truly appreciate the speed and convenience of email. I think we need both.

Scriptures - Ancient and Modern

2011-11-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Day Five of Count Your Blessings

Finished another week of teaching Seminary yesterday and thought about the blessings of doing so. The Old Testament is the subject this year and it is my favorite book of scripture after the Book of Mormon. Actually, they go together so well that they truly are one in my hand (Ezekiel 37:15-17). This is a rich scripture year for me; I'm studying the OT for Seminary, reading the New Testament as a family, as well as for Sunday School, and searching the Book of Mormon in personal study. After hearing from Elder PW about him filling ten notebooks with his scripture study I decided to give it a go. While reading (actually listening to the book on tape and following along) the Book of Mormon I stop and write impressions that come to me. It's been said that if we want to talk to God we pray; if we want God to talk to us we read the scriptures. It's true! When I read I will get different impressions than you will get because the Lord's instructions are tailor made for each.

I'm so thankful for scriptures, both ancient and modern; both canonized and the words of modern prophets and apostles that come to me each month in the Ensign magazine (which I expect will at some point be canonized, after all, what was King Benjamin's address to his people but a "General Conference" talk; and Deuteronomy is a series of about five talks from Moses. There are many more examples, but you get the idea.).

Anyway, I am so blessed to have all this. Back in 1984 a series in the Ensign described the events leading to us having the Bible, from the writings of the Apostles who were eyewitnesses of Jesus to the King James Bible. It is a fascinating story and I re-read it several years ago. Then this past week I watched the BYUTV production of Fires of Faith which was fantastic! I got really emotional when the Halleluia Chorus was performed. We owe a great debt to those men and women who made it possible for us to have the Bible.

Grocery Stores

2011-11-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Day Four of Count Your Blessings

Today I'm really grateful for grocery stores. In all of the history I've read and studied nothing amazes me more than the stories of families moving to the wilderness in covered wagons and making a life in the middle of nowhere. Talk about self-sufficient, oh my. No stores, restaurants, pizza delivery, or even neighbors. What you carried with you was what you ate until you could grow something, which involved clearing land, plowing, planting, waiting patiently, harvesting, then preserving whatever it was you were able to grow. We are SOOOOOO spoiled today. Which is why I'm so thankful for grocery stores. I make many things from scratch, but when I'm tired or in a hurry it is wonderful to open a package of some sort to make a meal (my idea of "fast food" is canned beans instead of the soak and slow cook kind). I'm grateful to the farmers, the truckers, and all the others involved in getting the food from the farm to me.

I made a grocery store run today and picked up some cases of canned goods, and bottled juice on sale, to stock my pantry. I love reading about others who have gardens and put up all their own produce, but that has not been within the scope of my life. So I'm doubly grateful for a well stocked store.

I'm really grateful for a stove and refrigerator, as well as hot and cold running water. I can "pioneer" when called upon to do so, but I'm thankful I 'm not called on to do so at this time.

How Much Does Stress Weigh?

2011-11-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm a stress eater. Very bad for health. I knew a woman a long time ago in Virginia who said "I eat three times a day, and my metabolism eats five times a day." After age thirty-five I was lucky if my metabolism ate three times a week! The only way I've found to jump start it and then keep it going is by walking briskly three to five miles EVERY DAY! Well the every day is difficult enough without little children (and no stroller), but nigh impossible WITH. And the stresses of life just add the wrong mix of hormones and eating. Oh my! I guess I use that as an excuse, but I ask you, what's a girl to do? Watch for some major progress as my life settles down, stress is decreased and I'm free to do the best things to get healthy and fit. And work on my long neglected projects.

I originally wrote this October 19, and then didn't post it and I can't remember why. Well here it is. My stress level is decreased somewhat, but I'm weak and undisciplined so haven't made so much progress. TopDad and I have plans to help each other, but life keeps getting in the way. Deep sigh. Does anyone have wise counsel for us? What is the formula for success? What works as a motivation? How does one conquer self? HELP!

Courageous

2011-11-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Day Three of Count Your Blessings

Yesterday when TopDad came home from school (which is work) we sat on the couch and reviewed the day, enjoying a few moments of togetherness. He asked what the dinner plans were as there was nothing visibly ready. I told him that it was "clean out the fridge" night. Then I said "I feel like going to a movie." He said "Okay, what do you want to see?" He is so easy! We hurriedly got ready and left some hazy instructions with Dandylion and departed. We drove over an hour to West Des Moines to the gigantic megaplex there (20 theaters) and saw Courageous. Which brings me to my Day Three Gratitude - I'm so grateful for 1) people who produce films as fine as this one; 2) a righteous husband who has overcome much (alcoholic father, broken home, single mother, high school drop out, divorce, etc.) to become a loving husband and good father; and 3) The Family, A Proclamation to the World, which gives us eternal truths relative to families, marriage, parental responsibilities and such. What a huge blessing to have this document and know the word of the Lord concerning these things.

I highly recommend Courageous as a film to see. It is well done, a tear jerker, and has a rousing finish. We both liked it. And it is the reason I didn't post yesterday; we got home late in the evening and I was too tired to stay up and try to write. 5:30 AM comes really early and I never feel like I've slept long enough.

So, what you thankful for today?

Read The Proclamation here

Let it Snow

2011-11-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Day Two of Count Your Blessings

I'm really glad I took my pictures yesterday of the beautiful autumn colors, 'cause look what happened today:

View from the front porch

It's beginning to look a lot like winter!

View to the north from the front porch.

So today I'm thankful for a heater that works, storm windows and doors, warm blankets and clothes, a gas stove and oven, and a water heater. All the modern conveniences that make life during the winter in Iowa bearable. I recently read, as I do each year, The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. This book, more than any other, helps me remember my many blessings. I have it so easy!

Count Your Many Blessings

2011-11-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here it is November already; time for my favorite holiday - THANKSGIVING!

Think about it, there are no decorations, no cards, no gifts, no costumes, no pageants, programs or parties. Just family, food, and gratitude (no football in this house for which I'm very grateful).

Join me this month as I blog each day about the things I'm grateful for. Thirty days of gratitude!

DAY ONE - I'm grateful for the beautiful world Heavenly Father created for us.

Flames of Virginia Creeper licking at the back of buildings in town:

Statue of John James Audubon, for whom our town is named, in the town park:

Last of the fall color in the town park:

Close up of the spot of color - the last of the petunias:

The colors of Autumn are some of my favorites; natural for a redhead, since I look so good in them.

Thank you Heavenly Father for a glorious world.

Sharpening My Saw

2011-10-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Linda J. Eyre tells this story in her book A Joyful Mother of Children:

"My husband's grandfather was a master carpenter. As a little boy, he used to watch his grandfather work, and he noticed that after cutting a few boards Grandpa's saw went slower and slower until smoke curled from the cutting edge and perspiration dripped from the old man's brow. The boy knew that even though his grandpa was anxious to finish the item or had a deadline for completion, he still took time to sit on a stool and methodically sharpen the saw. Richard loved watching Grandpa's look of pleasure when he put the saw back to the board and it cut like a hot knife through butter."

TopDad and the boys were off school on Friday as a compensatory day after a week of parent/teacher conferences. We got a couple of things done to the house, namely putting up a new latch and deadbolt on the front door and removing the old storm door (for use at the back of the house) and putting up a new full glass one to show off the pretty original door to the living room.

Here's the new door, right next to Ironman and his hippie friend (Dr. Hair and Dandylion). A pretty Autumn sunset is reflected in the door. Too bad you can't see the pretty front door. Next time.

Saturday while TopDad was putting up the new door, I was upstairs in our bedroom cleaning, decluttering and rearranging. Sharpening my saw! I couldn't move for the piles of stuff, mostly books, but lots of papers, clothes (changing seasons) and other miscellany that needed to be put away, decided upon, or trashed. My goal is to have NO PILES on any of the floors in any of the rooms. Lofty goal, but I believe in the scripture that says: "Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion." (D&C 132:8) I want mine house to be that way too.

So, to that end I'm taking time at this busy season to clean and organize so I can better accomplish all my tasks for the upcoming holidays. Next up is my sewing/crafting room. I'm borrowing Dr. Hair's camera for before and after pictures so you can see the difference.

May you take time to sharpen your saw and then cut through your tasks like a hot knife through butter.

I'm S.A.D.

2011-10-31T12:41:00.000-07:00

IF I believed in evolution, which I don't, it would be easier for me to accept that I evolved from bears rather than monkeys because every autumn I feel an uncontrollable urge to eat to bulk up for winter and then I want to hibernate until spring.

Can I say it right here? I HATE getting up before the sun! I HATE daylight savings time. It is unnatural, it is wrong, it is depressing.

I am a creature of LIGHT! I need the sunshine to fully wake up.

Okay, there I've said it.

Shopping in Our Little Corner of the World

2011-10-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Living here in rural Iowa certainly has its charm. I love the tiny town where I can walk anywhere: bank, Post Office, Library, hair salon, High School, shops, even the grocery store (if I need an item or two). But! The lack of stores sometimes gets to me.

The grocery store here is bigger than a convenience store, but has a smaller selection and higher prices than I find in larger towns 25-30 miles away. There is a drug store and a dollar store, both on the edge of town and a little too far to walk because of the time it takes. I like the idea of spending my dollars here to keep the economy going except: my dollars are few and my needs are great so I do most of my shopping in either Atlantic, 26 miles south, or Carroll, thirty miles north. The grocery store I prefer to shop at has a store in both towns; both towns have a Walmart; and both towns have a good thrift store.

One of the reasons I like the grocery store Fareway is because they are closed on Sunday. Years ago I heard a story about someone, who, when I looked it up turned out to be Bishop H. David Burton, who saw President Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife at a grocery store far from their home and he asked the President what they were doing so far south from home. The answer was that they preferred to patronize stores that honored the Sabbath Day by closing. That stuck with me and I've thought about that as I shop. I prefer to shop and support a business that honors the Sabbath Day too. Not that that is possible 100% for me, but I do my best within the limits of my budget.

In researching Fareway, I found this on their website: The idea of resting on Sunday is something in which our founder, Paul S. Beckwith, firmly believed—in part because of his religious beliefs, in part because of a story told to him by his father.

Paul’s father was a pioneer who traveled to the new territory by wagon train. Some of the pioneers were in a great hurry so they drove on every day, leaving behind those who stopped for a day of rest and worship. Weeks passed, and as the settlers continued to move westward, the families who had taken Sunday off began to catch up with those who had pushed ahead—only to find broken-down wagons, lame animals and weary people. Paul’s father told him he decided right then and there that the Bible was right; neither man nor beast was made to work seven days a week.

In Atlantic there is a Salvation Army store and a privately run thrift store. I've shopped at both although I prefer the Salvation Army simply because it is better organized. The private store had clothing on the racks in a complete jumble: short and long sleeves, woven and knits, all the colors and sizes mixed up together. It made looking for something rather tedious and I don't have that kind of time. In Carroll the thrift store is run by the Catholics, I believe, and while not as nicely organized as Salvation Army, the prices are great and I've found wonderful things there. The ladies who volunteer there are really sweet and helpful too.

In our town, there is a consignment store that has prices close to a thrift store's, but the selection isn't as big, especially in my size, which by the way is slowly but surely getting smaller, one ounce at a time. I like the owner, though and support her efforts as much as I can. Besides clothing she has a few household items, antique and vintage, as well as new crafts and baubles.

There is an antique store, which I've not ventured into because I don't want to be tempted beyond my ability to resist. Next to it is The Present Company where I can buy greeting cards when needed (meaning when I don't have anything appropriate in my stash from other sources). Linda, the owner, is gracious and has given me boxes for mailing from her big stash. Up by the park is a little gift shop inside a beauty salon, where I've gotten a few charming handmade items.

Also on the edge of town is a furniture store, another place I don't venture as I'm trying to avoid the sin of coveting. They have some used furniture in a little place across from the park that I peek into as I'm passing on walks. That's about all I can tolerate. (Someday I'm going to have well coordinated and beautiful furniture!)

Not having access to lots of stores has certainly helped me stay on budget; but there are times when I'd love to just browse a big used book store; a fabric store; a kitchen store; a lingerie store.

The closest malls are about an hour and a half east or west of here. We only go when combining trips to the big cities of Council Bluffs/Omaha or Des Moines.

So there you have it. Shopping in Audubon. The town motto could be "We save you money by not having everything available!" We live by the old pioneer motto "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

You Better Watch Out . . .

2011-10-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, in another life, I worked with a woman who loved Christmas; so much so that on the twenty-fifth of each month she would exclaim "Only (fill in the blank) more months until Christmas!" It was one of those things that wormed its way into my brain and from then on when I notice that it is the twenty-fifth of the month I think "Only two more months until Christmas!" And, actually, it makes me happy!

Christmas seems to be the culmination of the year's hopes and dreams. The high point of the year; certainly the biggest celebration of the year. Noble called last night to give me her flight information for her return at Christmas time. Now that is cause for celebration.

Also on my mind this morning is blessings. JET offered the prayer today after scripture reading and said "We thank thee for all our blessings." I guess Heavenly Father is patient and understanding; I've tried to model for our children enumerating some of those blessings. Perhaps JET will feel more inclined to do so as a missionary, when many taken for granted blessings are left behind. This week's letter from Elder PW mentioned his joy at having a washing machine in this new apartment. So for the record I will list some of my blessings. (in no particular order)

solid built house
hot and cold running water
appliances such as washer, dryer, stove, fridge, freezer, heater
electric lights that turn on instantly
food
clothes
comfortable, warm beds
computers, phone service
tons of books
husband who works hard without complaining
obedient children (rather than rebellious)
a living prophet
a loving Savior and Heavenly Father
the gift of the Holy Ghost
modern scripture to confirm and complement ancient scripture
a testimony of the truth
priesthood in my home
vehicle that runs
colors of the autumn leaves
tools to use to create (sewing machine, scissors, fabric, etc)
calendars and clocks
a paved walking trail
big trees
music cd's
parents
brothers and sisters
grandfathers who completed their life stories

May you be mindful of all your blessings today!

Clothing and Covenant Women

2011-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

A post on another blog (Scriptorium Blogorium; see list at the right) inspired me to write this. She is concerned about being prideful and wearing costly apparel. It's an excellent blog and I enjoyed her post. Some years ago I studied all the scriptures have to say on the subject of modesty and women's clothing and such. After all the study I chose Doctrine and Covenants 42:40-41 as the principles to guide my choices.

And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands; and let all things be done in cleanliness before me.

Michaela, over at Scriptorium, asks some wonderful questions to discover our own pride. I'd like to focus on the part about clothing being plain. Of the five definitions for that word, the second is the one I believe to be the one meant here.

2 easy to perceive or understand; clear : the advantages were plain to see | it was plain that something was very wrong.• [ attrib. ] (of written or spoken usage) clearly expressed, without the use of technical or abstruse terms : written in plain English.• not using concealment or deception; frank : he recalled her plain speaking.
From our mode of dress it should be easy to perceive or understand that we are women of covenant. We dress modestly, not calling attention to our bodies, in ways that express our virtue (cleanliness).I watched students pour out of high schools in Provo and Midvale, Utah and wondered who were LDS church members and who weren't. I certainly couldn't tell by their dress or demeanor. They all looked and acted worldly to me. I wanted the members to stand out, I wanted it to be plain to me by the way they dressed and acted. It wasn't and I wondered what more we could do to encourage them to be different.
The part about clothing being the work of our own hands seems to indicate to me that when the fashion of the world is incompatible with our covenants that we need to make our own so we can be perceived by others to be followers of the Savior. If that makes us look different, so be it. That is where the pride part comes in. I remember being persecuted and made fun of in Junior High because I wore dresses to my knees with white cotton bobby socks. This was 1969-1972, the first time around for the mini-skirts and hot-pants. I hated going to school; I hated looking different; as soon as the rules changed to allow wearing slacks I got some and wore them every day so I wouldn't look so different; although I still never achieved my aim to look like everyone else. I never did fit in fashion wise. Now in my adult years I'm glad for that experience because I no longer care what others are wearing. I don't follow fads. I like to wear modest, classic styles that seem to always be "in", or at least not dated looking by the next season.
My mother told of working in the temple one day and seeing a bride change into her "wedding dress" for pictures and the dress was strapless! My mother was absolutely flabbergasted. The workers are not allowed to say anything or criticize the patrons so she had to stand by and just watch. But she wondered where this girl's mother was, or RS President, or Bishop's wife, or friend; someone who could have advised her on proper dress. Or maybe they did and this bride was determined to wear what she wanted, when she wanted and to heck with covenants. I don't know what she was thinking. But I do know that by what she was wearing it was plain she wasn't keeping the covenants she had just made.
I taught our daughter, Noble, modesty by having her wear an undershirt or camisole her whole life. I taught our sons the same, wearing an undershirt under their clothing. This helps them not only be modest, but to get used to the feel of wearing undergarments in preparation of temple covenants. When Noble was in Military Basic Training she felt naked without her undershirts and asked me to send them to her as soon as she was at her next duty station.
I sure don't believe in a "uniform" such as the Amish wear, although it is tempting sometimes to dispense with all the choices and just have a few things to wear; I do however believe in clothing that is modest and makes it plain that I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a covenant woman.

Procrastination

2011-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm working on overcoming a life-long bad habit--procrastination. This week I decided that I had put off washing the windows for long enough (a whole year!) and would do it. Do you ever put off something that seems to be overwhelming and then when you buckle down and do it you wonder why? We have these wonderful tilt-in windows that are so easy to clean! It took just minutes, not hours. And the difference in my outlook, literally! The world is a better place with clean windows. Now I'm encouraged to tackle other seemingly onerous jobs.

This bad habit has been on my list of New Year's resolutions for the past couple of years; and while I make some progress each year it is difficult to overcome all at once. Small changes are easier than big changes.

By the way, I'm asking Santa for a digital camera this year so I can SHOW as well as TELL with this blog.

Go ahead, brighten your day, wash a window or two.

Let Your Light So Shine

2011-10-20T09:49:00.001-07:00

I washed the dining room windows. 'Nuff said.

An Eclectic Life - Does that make me a Renaissance Woman?

2011-10-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

In 1985, while working as a bookkeeper for a small manufacturing firm, my employer offered to pay my way through school if I'd major in Accounting and then stay on as their Accountant. I accepted the offer and began. I lasted about 9 months (at one of those universities for working adults where you take one class a month) before deciding that accounting had no scope for creativity (this was pre-Enron) and I was bored and feeling stifled. So I changed jobs, colleges and apartments. It was the beginning of a new life.

I declared a major in Art History, which had been my favorite course at the previous school and began taking general education classes. Working full-time it took me four years to complete about two years worth of work. I changed my major a couple of times and then just left it thinking that as I got closer to graduation I could decide. The problem I encountered was that I LIKED EVERYTHING! Art History, English, Logic, History, both world and US, Cultural Anthropology, Geography, Spanish, just everything. I would take a class, enjoy it and think "I'd like to explore this some more." (Which is one of the purposes of general ed classes.)

The same holds true today. I love so many things it is difficult to narrow it down and concentrate on just one (or two). Should I be a writer? I have two incomplete novels. Should I design clothes and sew? How about travel? My list of places to visit gets longer all the time. Should I pursue a business? I have several ideas. Should I concentrate on my goal of making a wardrobe of historic clothing representing the decades since the pilgrims landed at Plymouth? How about taking my cooking skills to the next level? And designing and building furniture? (I never can find just exactly what I want, and my husband is, after all, a shop teacher with all the tools I could need.)

Here's another tidbit. Back in the "starving student" days at BYU, we took in an exchange student from Korea. He was a fairly nice young man, except he lied about his smoking habits and was less than cooperative in certain things. Consequently I didn't like Korea or Koreans. Fast forward eight years (it seems longer ago) and Noble begins an obsession for anything Korean. At first I was skeptical and didn't want to see or hear anything. But she persisted and her enthusiasm was contagious. First it was Korean food, then K-Pop music videos, then Korean Dramas on Hulu, then teaching me words and phrases. (Of course in retrospect we can see that the Lord was preparing her for her assignment in the Air Force as a linguist.) Guess where I want to go? I just finished a Korean historical drama about a couple of their most famous painters. Fascinating!! I now have a better understanding or their art and culture. And the women's clothing is so beautiful I now want to make a hanbok.

This is the story of my adult life. I'm interested in everything. Once I dated a man of Armenian descent and took time to learn about their history, even finding a book of poetry I enjoyed so much that I copied my favorites into a journal (had to return the book to the library).

Whenever I hear someone say "bored, boring" etc. I wonder what is wrong with them. I don't have enough time to explore and experience and create all that I'm interested in. (It makes me long for servants to take care of all the mundane tasks so I can indulge in all my interests. Fat chance. *sigh*)

May you have time and energy to pursue your passions and explore this wonderful world God created for us.

Change is Constant

2011-10-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

When we got home from seeing Noble at Air Force graduation I began making plans for the school year. It was going to be the first time in twenty-two years for me to be home alone. Wow! Plans included walking daily, baking regularly, sewing, de-cluttering, working on long neglected projects, etc. That all came to a screeching halt when I agreed to look after the neighbors two little boys. Because my "baby" is thirteen our home and yard are not equipped for child care; no booster seats for the table, few toys, no fenced yard to play in, no playground equipment, and so on. That made it difficult to "entertain" them and we struggled with balancing my needs to get things done with their needs to play. All my good intentions and neglected projects were put on hold. I found it stressful to face the day longing to get things done; things that I had put on hold for my own children for many years.

Last night our lives reversed directions. The neighbor called with the news that she finally got the boys into a daycare facility that she's been on the waiting list for two years. Halleluia!

Of course there is the financial loss of that little bit of income, which was making our ends meet. But there are other means to that end. I made a long list of things I can make and sell. But first I want to spend a day baking: bread, cookies, muffins, scones, whatever! I want to turn on some music and dance around the room. Walk to the library and not worry about little people making a ruckus. Cut out and sew something new to wear. Work on those long neglected projects!

There is nothing as constant as change. Thank goodness. When we're in a bad situation, just wait, it is not forever. Patience and prayer accomplish miracles.

Tender Mercies

2011-10-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Dandylion, Dr. Hair and I got up very early so we could drive almost two hours to Omaha for a meeting with Sister Elaine Dalton, Young Women's General President. She was in the area for regional leadership training and decided to make time for a meeting with all the young women of the region. The reason my two boys went is that at 10:30 that same morning there was a stake youth activity and we drive to Council Bluffs/Omaha only once a day! So we got to the church about 8:00 AM for the 8:30 meeting and the church was still locked. I stood on the porch with a few others chatting and waiting. The Stake President drove up, followed by another car out of which came Sister Dalton. By this time there were about eight of us on the porch. Sister Dalton called out "Good Morning," as she ascended the stairs, then walked across the porch to me and said "I'm so glad you're here, thank you for coming," and embraced me in her arms. At that time she didn't hug anyone else, but walked into the building and then began shaking hands and greeting the girls. Why she chose me to greet with an embrace, I don't know. But I'm so grateful for the recognition and blessing. It makes me feel important to my Heavenly Father, that he would inspire her to greet me as an affirmation of my worth. I'm not a nobody! I am known to God.

Think about the times in your life that you've been the recipient of a tender mercy; then give thanks to the giver of them.

Copy and paste this link to Elder Bednar's talk about Tender Mercies:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng

(Sorry I don't know how to make this link "live" and Noble isn't here to help me!)

Thrift Store Score!

2011-10-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a shopping trip north. I usually stop in at the New Hope Thrift Store to see what I can see. Today was great. Here's what I scored:
3 packages of 9x12" sheets of perforated paper, brown, silver and gold - $.50 each ( I saw these and thought of Laura Ingalls and decided these would be fun to use to make holiday things and Christmas ornaments)
Package with all materials to make 2 gingham bibs - $.25 (woman at church is having a baby this month)
Set of circular knitting needles - $3.00
22" dk turquoise zipper - $.50 (matches some fabric in my stash)
Gift wrapping ribbon, Christmas colors - $.50
Card of 6 buttons, brass that look like woven bamboo - $.50 (great for a sweater or jacket)
spool of florist tape - $.25
vintage handkerchief with pink crocheted edge - $.50
Crocheted doily with lavender edge - $.25 (for my lavender bathroom)
Linen dresser scarf with embroidery and crocheted edge - $2.00 (I can see it as the front of a little girl's dress)
Linen dish towel - $.50
knitting stitch holder (for cable stitches) - $.25
card of 7 vintage buttons - $.25 (perfect for a vintage style dress)
2 packages of microfine glitter - $.50 each (more holiday fun)
Little girls Fairy Costume pattern - $.25
Seven pink linen napkins - $.25 each (There are seven in our family so this is just enough)
Round linen doily with crocheted edge that brings to mind the rays of the sun - $.25
Baggie of spools of thread, including 1 large and 3 small wooden spools - $.25 (I'm collecting to make doll furniture)
2 autumn colored placemats - $.25 each (I use as hot pads on our table)
Card of hooks and eyes - $.25
Counted cross-stitch kit for a Fridge magnet that says "There are two choices for dinner: take it or leave it." $.25 (That is what I've said to my children for years!)
Black and white striped knit top - $1.00 (to go with a skirt I picked up in San Diego)
Package of 8 Thank you cards - $.25 (I go through lots)
Stationary Set, 15 pages and 15 envelopes - $1.00 (I love to write letters)
Eight greeting cards - $.25 each (and send cards)
6 postcards - $.25 each (postcards are fun and fast too)

I even had my "frequent shopper" card filled up and ready to use to get $5.00 off my purchase. Yippee!

I got all the above paying a total of $16.25 in cash.

Autumn brings out my creative, crafty side and I look for materials to add to my stock so when I need something I can "shop" at home. I love thrift stores.

When I got home I found that the bolt of unbleached muslin I had ordered had arrived (to make curtains throughout the house); also a vintage pattern from Wearing History. I am eager to make it up as it is just darling! But first come the curtains as I need them for privacy and the coming cold weather.

(I wish I had a digital camera so I could take and upload pictures of the things I'm talking about. Sigh)

Saving Time and Money

2011-09-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

I began an exercise this morning that I realized I do frequently to save myself time and money. The exercise? Well it's not jumping jacks; rather, it's "take an inventory". I am planning a grocery shopping trip for Saturday night and wanted to make a list so I began by inventorying what I already have.

Here's how it works: I begin with a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle, labeling the left side HAVE and the right side NEED. Then I delve into whatever area I'm working on, this morning it is food, and I look in the freezer, fridge, and cupboards to see what I already have to work with. I write it down, in order of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.

Example: Breakfast HAVE - bagels, (twice, because I have two packages), English muffins (again, twice), oats, flour, potatoes, canned/bottled fruit.
Breakfast NEED - milk, eggs, cream cheese, sausage, bacon, whole wheat tortillas, bread, dried fruits, fresh fruits, plain yogurt, orange juice.

Those are the things I have and want to get so I can whip up a delicious breakfast every morning.

After doing an inventory I write down all the menu ideas that come to me from that list (they're pretty much the same each time) then I can choose for my actual menu plan, according to day of the week, and how much time I'll have to prepare things.

When I go to the store I have a complete list of what to buy in what quantities to fill up my freezer, fridge and pantry so I have all the ingredients necessary. I do the same with lunches, dinners, and snacks. I don't make a menu, then shop; I take an inventory of my supplies, then make a menu using up the things I already have, and adding the items I need to replace and replenish my supplies.

I use the same method at the beginning of the school year to see what clothes the boys already have and what they need. We've never bought all new school clothes for our children. I keep boxes of "to grow into clothes" handed down from older boys to younger brothers from which we "shop" for new clothes. If there is still a need, I will make a list to take to the thrift store. If I can't find it at a couple of thrift stores and it is a critical item I can then look for a sale at a retail store, otherwise we just wait until we do find it.

Several times a year I clean out the toiletries cupboard and take an inventory of what I have and need then add items to my shopping list to look for sales on those items. Cleaning out cupboards and rearranging items usually yields a few surprises as in "Oh look, I have 2 bottles of shampoo left so I don't need to buy more right now." I also pull things forward and make plans to use them up by having them in the front where they are visible. (Out of sight, out of mind is certainly true for cupboards!)

There you have it, my method for saving time and money.

Handkerchiefs and other foreign objects

2011-09-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I did a batch of ironing which included handkerchiefs for both my husband and me. I learned to iron on hankies for my dad and mom and have used them myself all my life. I find gorgeous linen ones at thrift stores, probably donated when a grandma dies and her things are cleaned out.

Why do I love and use cloth hankies?
1. They are softer on noses than paper tissues.
2. They do not shred and fall apart when wet, or put dust in my eyes when dry.
3. They dry and can be used again.
4. They can be dampened and used to wash things, especially children's hands and faces.
5. They can be used as a container for small items (tied).
6. They can be made into a "rocking baby" to entertain children in church.
7. They are pretty.
8. They are romantic.
9. They can become heirlooms.
10. They remind me of my mother and grandmothers.

Other objects found in my home, foreign to many, are tablecloths and cloth napkins. During my high school years my mother went on an economy kick and had me make white cloth napkins for our family to use. Years later when everyone was grown she gave me those same napkins to wear out with my family. When I married and began our family I continued the tradition of cloth table coverings and cloth napkins. I have dozens of napkins; everyday ones in woven cottons and fancy linen ones for special occasions.

I'm always amazed, though I shouldn't be, that people don't know how to use a cloth napkin. One little visitor to our home didn't even know what it was. Oh well, my children know, and they're the only ones I'm responsible for.

Why do I love and use cloth napkins?
1. They absorb and protect better.
2. They can be reused; I bought napkins rings for that purpose.
3. They are cheaper in the long run.
4. Ummm, well, I just like them!

Now, these two objects require ironing (or look better when ironed) and that is one reason more people don't use them. I enjoy ironing. For me it is relaxing because of it's mindless nature and I can justify watching a movie while I do it.

I love the old-fashioned, genteel feeling of using both handkerchiefs and cloth napkins. Wiping away a tear with a lace trimmed hanky just feels more romantic than a paper tissue. Try it sometime!

Boarding School Graduation

2011-09-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Mother called yesterday morning to tell me that my younger sister had passed away at age 42. To me it was joyous news. Emily was born with Spina Bifada and had suffered health problems her whole life. My parents formally adopted her when she was three after having her as a foster child since she was two months old.

I don't remember who said it at General Conference, and I won't take time now to look it up, but someone called this life a boarding school, and that image has stayed with ever since. We are sent here by loving Heavenly Parents to boarding school for the second phase of our education. We have classes, tests, reports, and experiences that we couldn't have in any other way. We are a long way from home and we get homesick and lonely, but we can call home as often as we want (prayer) and we can read letters of counsel at anytime (scriptures). Twice a year we have assemblies to hear the latest information and encouragement from our Parents (General Conference) and several more times each year we meet with local counselors for instructions and encouragement (ward and stake conferences).

Each student has both similar and different courses of study. We learn and develop skills and talents that are uniquely our own. The length of our schooling is uncertain at this end, but is known by the Lord (D&C 61:6 ". . .all flesh is in mine hand,"). So when my mother told me that Em had died, I was momentarily envious; she graduated from boarding school and was called HOME. She is with Nana Hansen, and her beloved Uncle Connie, and Grandma Fern and Grandpa Joe. She was faithful to the end and is now with her Savior! How can we be sad? She is free from pain and suffering; she can walk and run and dance on legs that work!

I know my parents will miss her terribly; she lived with them and they cared for her every need. But, knowing what we know of the Plan of Happiness and the Atonement of our Savior, how can we be sad that she graduated, probably with honors, from this school we call mortality.

I know that my Redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives who once was dead; He lives my everliving Head.
He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grand me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives my kind, wise heav'nly friend. He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing. He lives my Prophet, Priest and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"
He lives! All glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"

Samuel Medley, 1738-1799

Congratulations, Emily, on your successful completion of a difficult course. May you have peace now and happiness with our loved ones who have gone before.

Blessings of the Sabbath

2011-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a truly enjoyable Stake Conference. We live an hour and a half away from the stake center so TopDad reserves a suite at a Marriott with a swimming pool and we check in Saturday afternoon. TopDad attends the priesthood leadership meeting while the rest of us relax at the hotel. He picks me up for the supper and adult session right after his meeting. This time after a quick swim in the pool, Dr. Hair and Dandylion walked a couple blocks to a movie theater while we were gone. After our meeting we hit the stores for a few things (frugally combining trips here) and then returned to the hotel for a dip in the Jacuzzi and pool. It is so refreshing to relax in a hot tub and then splash about in a pool. Sometimes we play games, but this time we just read books and ate treats after our swim. In the morning I went down for breakfast while the males showered and dressed, then they retreat for breakfast while I shower and dress. Our meetings began at nine so we drove to the church and while TopDad and Dr. Hair attended a Media Blitz Kick-off, Dandylion and I saved a bench in the front part of the chapel. The conference was wonderful with much good counsel about how to keep our families safe and progressing. Afterward, we chose to have an adventure and drove a different way home, avoiding the interstate and enjoying the beauty of the early autumn countryside. Once home I pulled together a quick lunch and after reading a couple of chapters of 1 Corinthians we relaxed the rest of the day, taking turns on the computer to write to Elder PW, read comics and the news. TopDad and I took Charlie, the dog, for a walk to give him some needed attention and exercise. Later I watched the Music and the Spoken Word special tribute for 9/11, which was wonderful. Then when the two youngest had finished the dishes we watched an episode (on DVD) of Green Acres for a clean humored ending to the day.

The change of pace and activities is what makes the Sabbath a blessing to me. I set aside all the weekday worries and stresses and just enjoy church and family. This break in the action is restful and renewing. We don't shop, or participate in sports or entertainment; we attend church together, read scriptures, watch "gentle" movies, go for walks, write letters, call family, and spend time together talking, sometimes playing games.

Monday morning comes and I feel ready to face the week, full of renewed resolve to do better than I did last week. I believe this is what Jesus was talking about when he said "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath;" (Mark 2:27)

I like what Isaiah recorded too: "If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 58:13-14)

I know how difficult it is to keep the Sabbath in a calm restful way with little children; but I also know that all the effort to teach them pays off, for when they are older the habits are established and there is little questioning of what is appropriate or not. That makes the day truly restful!

Remembrance and Gratitude

2011-09-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

The day began like any other, breakfast with Daddy, seeing him off to work, the rest of us scurrying to get ready for school. It was a gorgeous autumn day with a bright blue sky. I was rounding up children and attempting to get started on school work when TopDad called to say "Turn on the news (radio, as we didn't have television reception) we've been attacked." I turned on NPR and listened, with my heart in my throat, to the unbelievable, even unimaginable, narrated live. My mind raced in a dozen directions thinking what would happen if furthers attacks occurred. We lived just south of a Marine Corps base and had often heard the artillery practice through our open windows. Would the base be attacked? What if the power went out? Did I have enough supplies? Would there be terrorists on the ground? Would TopDad make it home safe? And on and on.

I do not remember feeling panicked, just extremely sad that lives had been lost and those left behind didn't understand the Plan of Salvation, or have the blessing of knowing that their family was "forever." My only immediate concern was having enough water. We lived in the country and depended on a well serviced by an electric pump, which meant that if the power was interrupted we would be without water. When TopDad returned home we discussed the concern and decided that it was probably safe enough for me and PW, age ten, to go to Sam's Club for our monthly exchange of empty six gallon bottles for full ones. We kept twelve bottles on hand and when six were empty would go fill up again. (The well water was great for everything but drinking; it tasted awful to us so we used bottled water to drink and cook with.) PW and I got in the van and headed north for a quick trip. The roads and stores were eerily empty and we made it in record time.

At home, I knew I had enough food supplies to last for months, and I had read enough pioneer stories, memoirs and reminiscences, as well as 'how to' books to know how to make do for just about everything else.

We gathered the children around and I reminded them that we are led by a prophet; that this wasn't the end of the world, but rather a continuation of the war begun in heaven. A war of hatred and violence and rebellion. We prayed for protection and safety as well as for the comfort and peace of those who had lost loved ones.

I remember being angry at the newscasters who kept saying "those who gave their lives" as if they had done so willingly. I wanted them to say "those whose lives were taken". Because that was the truth, their lives were taken deliberately, abruptly, without warning, without negotiation. The only ones who gave their lives willingly were: first the terrorists and second the police, firemen and heros inside the buildings who helped others at the cost of their own lives.

I was so grateful at the time, and now ten years later, that we didn't have television. We listened to the radio and heard descriptions but did not see the terrifying images until much later. I was so grateful to be able to gather our young children around to read from the Book of Mormon to understand what causes people to make war on others. We talked about following the prophet, how he will always lead us to safety and how if we are obedient and following the Savior, that it won't matter if we die or live. If we die, we will be received in heaven by the Savior and we will be fine; If we live he will continue to watch over us and lead us.

Ten years later I have new tender feelings. At the Air Force Basic Training graduation ceremony for our daughter the commanding officer repeatedly expressed gratitude to the parents and spouses for allowing and encouraging their loved one to volunteer to serve their country especially during a time of war. I teared up and said to my husband "I don't like being reminded of that." We are in a time of war, in fact, from now until the Savior returns we will be in a time of war. This war is not for land or riches but for liberties and freedoms to choose. Satan wants us in bondage, forced to "be good." Jesus Christ allows us to choose for ourself, proving ourselves whether we will be obedient or not.

I am so grateful for liberty, for prosperity, for freedoms. I'm so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven and a prophet on earth. I'm so grateful for all of my blessings. The world changed that fateful day. Our belief in our country was strengthened.

Introducing the Family

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was reading some older posts and realized that I had named my boys one thing earlier and am calling them something else now. That all comes from not having a well thought out plan to begin with and a fading memory as we go along.

So today I'll formally introduce everybody. Of course you know me, PFCMom, or Rozylass. I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I served a mission in Florida Tallahassee, back in the olden days (as my children call them) when it included all of the panhandle, south to Gainesville, and included southern Georgia and Alabama. I served in all three states and love the South and southern folks. After my mission I worked, traveled, attended college and kept hoping to get married. I eventually met a US Marine named Steve, known as TopDad now, and we married in June 1988. He was thirty-one and I was thirty. Our first child, Noble, was born July 1989. She was followed by four brothers, Elder PW in January 1991, JET in August 1993, Doc Brown or Dr. Hair in September 1996, and Dandylion or Mr. Music in June 1998.

We have lived in San Diego, Oak Harbor and Mount Vernon, Washington, Dale City and Stafford Virginia, Provo and Midvale, Utah. Currently we are in Audubon, IA, Heartland, USA. It is a tiny town of about 2,100 (my HS was larger) and we are surrounded by gorgeous farmland, corn and soybeans, as well as pastures with cows of all colors. The rolling hills, woods, wildflowers, streams and farm buildings make for a beautiful picture anyway you look.

When I ask Noble where she says she is from, she says "I tell them I'm from all over, a military brat." I told her to mystify people by saying she is "bi-coastal."

TopDad is an Industrial Technology teacher here; he teaches beginning and advanced woods, beginning and advanced drafting, keyboarding, Eighth grade exploratory (Careers), and next semester will be adding a new class to his repertoire: Small Engines. All this keeps him busy enough, and in the spring he adds coaching the Boy's Tennis team to the mix. At church he's the Young Men's President which gives him reason to spend time with our own boys helping them through the ranks of Scouting.

Noble is in the Air Force now and attending language school in California. She just got a computer and skyped me for the first time last night. It was really fun. She is studying Korean and expects to be stationed there when she finishes school. She's also an aspiring writer with an imagination to be envied. She creates whole worlds and cultures complete with magic systems and all sorts of interesting creatures in them. She's tall, slim and beautiful.

Elder PW is in Argentina, way, way down south in Caleta Olivia. He will return at the end of March 2012 and has a scholarship waiting for him at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. He dream was to be Marine Corps pilot, but I think his mission has changed that a little. We'll see what he decides when he returns. We know it will involve flying.

JET is attending a local community college and loving life. His major is media productions which shows off his skills and talents. He is the most social of all our children and loves to be around people. He is totally artistic, even to the point of making his food look pretty!

Doc Brown/Dr. Hair is a freshman, birthday next week turning 15. He plays the trumpet in the marching band, loves school and is a serious student. He is a Lego Master Builder and would love to work for Lego later. He is also a budding architect who has long promised to build me my dream home.

Dandylion/Mr. Music is thirteen, in eighth grade and still my sweetheart who hugs and kisses me. He'll always be my "baby" no matter how old and big he gets. He plays percussion (bass drum) in the Jr. High marching band and his teacher tells us that the band falls apart when he isn't there to keep the beat going. He is Mr. Music because from the time he was a baby I knew he had music in his soul. He taught himself to lead music from looking at the diagrams in the back of the hymnbook during Sacrament Meetings at age three. At age four he wanted to learn to play the fiddle. At age five he began lessons and took to it like a duck to water. (It was a VERY sad day in my life to have to end lessons for financial reasons, but that's a whole 'nother story.) At about age six or seven he announced that he wanted to be an orchestra leader and learn all the instruments. Well, we'll see. He is also a good artist and cook and mathematician. He has so many talents!

Here's my brood, two years ago, in the spring before TopDad and JET moved to Audubon.

And here am I with TopDad, both pictures taken on Mother's Day, in front of the giant Lilac Bush in our backyard in Midvale, Utah. I wish I could have transplanted that beauty out here to Iowa. They take so long to grow.

Many years ago when I was struggling with all little children and the boys especially were hard to handle being rude and totally boyish, I had a brief glimpse of all of the boys grown up. They were all in white shirts and ties and they all loomed over me. They were handsome and I could feel their protecting power surrounding me. It gave me the strength to press forward and continue teaching them, training them and leading them to adulthood. My husband and I often remark that our children are on a 19 year training program to help us be patient with their unfinished selves. Now that two are out of the nest and another is almost ready to leave I'm beginning to see the fulfillment of that vision.

I love being a mother; I would choose the same path over again, and I would exercise even more faith and have more children. True joy in life comes from family and as it has been said "No other success can compensate for failure in the home." And "The greatest work we will ever do will be within the walls of our homes."

New Haircut Part 2

2011-09-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Back now, with a couple of pictures of the new cut. Kim, the stylist, asked if I wanted my hair blown dry and I let her. Usually I just leave with damp hair and let it do its thing, but today I let her dry it all smooth.

I love the smooth look and know that when I don't want it I can let all the waves and curls show and have fun with a more tousled look.

By the way, can you see Noble at the left of the photos? She is doing great and now has a computer so we had our first Skype call last night. She took me on a tour of her dorm room, showed me her new clothes, her textbooks and even her computer in a mirror. Isn't technology great!

New Haircut Part 1

2011-09-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

In ten minutes I'll be stepping up the street to get my hair cut. I have a new IMAC computer so I can take a picture with it and post it right away, I hope.

I have a Talbots catalog from 1990 with a haircut I like, and as I looked at the catalog I realized that the clothing draws heavily from the thirties for inspiration. With all the blogs I read about sewing and vintage clothing I'm not surprised that I saved this particular catalog as having some elegant, classic styles in it.

I believe my tastes have always run to the vintage, or historically inspired styles. One of my favorite dresses in high school was one that Elizabeth Bennet would have liked. Empire waist, puffed sleeves, ankle length, made of a thin cotton, if I remember correctly small floral or leaf print on a cream ground. I loved that dress!

Time to go, be back in an hour or so.

I Know This Feeling, and I Don't Like It

2011-09-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

It's been ten years since I was involved in "potty-training." Now I'm faced with it again as Cutie Bug goes through it. Today, I lost my patience and when JET got up I drove his car to the store to buy diapers. I'm not going to deal with wet couches and chairs, puddles on the floor as well as wet and poopy panties. I'm a firm believer in not even beginning "training" until a child is at least three. Before then it is mother training, to remember to take the child to the toilet every thirty minutes. I'm too busy for that. When a child is about three, there is sufficient mental maturity to make the connection between bodily clues (feelings) and what to do about them. Even at three and for a long time after, boys just are too busy playing to pay attention to their body's announcements and they suppress them until OOPS; then it's too late. But before three, it's always an OOPS. So until Cutie Bug is three, I'm opting for diapers.

Actually when a child is ready, it takes about one day to "train" them. I had Doc Brown and Dandylion in diapers at the same time. Doc hadn't been very successful answering the call of nature. But when offered the chance to go on the Father and Son Campout if he could stay dry, there was no looking back. He stayed dry from that time on. He was about three and a half. Ready!

Charting Your Own Course - Wearing Your Own Style

2011-08-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Look what I found on a website while looking for wardrobe planning. This is an Issac Mizrahi dress for Target from 2008. I guess Noble and I are behind the times; but actually I like the one I made for her much better.

What do you think?

I've always, and I mean always, worn what I wanted without too much regard for what was in style. After all, I'm a pale skinned, red-headed, modest dresser. I made my own styles. And surprisingly, many times I was ahead of the game. What I wore one season would come in style the next year. It was uncanny. At other times though I was behind the curve and by the time I got something it was past its prime. But when you're a little nobody like me, who cares? Now in my fifties, and with a matronly (read fat) figure it is impossible to look stylish. (See below: I look TOP heavy in that outfit when I really have a fairly even hourglass figure.)

So Today I am Serious!

Sewing Journal

2011-08-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

In June, after Noble moved out, I was setting up my sewing room and had a flash of inspiration so I grabbed an old spiral notebook and began a sewing journal in which I wrote down all of the "To Do" projects as I found them while organizing the room. Since then as I've finished a project or finished a piece of mending I've noted the date and checked it off the list. Today I was able to, at long last, check off the T-Shirts for JET. Remember those. Oh my goodness. I guess I'm kind of dense or rather a perfectionist who couldn't see the easiest solution until I'd finished two of them. As I was serging the side seam of the third one I discovered that the easiest way to do them was to serge the side seam from the bottom up all the way to the end of the sleeve without unpicking under the arm of the sleeve. After I followed that prompting I was able to finish the other three in less than an hour. Thank you Lord for your tender mercies!

Completing a project is such a great feeling! It spurs me on to complete more. I have a deadline on the next one. It is a patchwork quilt for a church service project. On September 10 we are having a Day of Abundance, food of the food bank is being gathered, quilts are being made and we have a goal to fill up a truck from Salvation Army with donations. "Because I have been given much I too must give." Our Branch is making five quilts and I have one of them. After I get the quilt done I will begin on my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. I'd like to have some "Me-Made" days this winter. Then on to Christmas presents. I think I could sew from now until I die and never run out of projects. But that's okay, I'm never bored!

Today I Am Serious

2011-08-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

That is part of my new mantra: "Today I am serious about being healthy, losing weight and being physically fit." Like most others I want to exercise and diet for one day and achieve my goals. Sort of like practicing the violin once and playing like Itzhak Perlman. Like that's gonna happen. So I finally got it through my aging brain that reaching my goal is going to take a whole lot of todays. Each day that I consciously choose to exercise and eat correctly will bring me closer to my goal. The more days I chose to be serious the faster I will reach my goal. Therefore Today I Am Serious.

In other news: Noble is doing great at school despite logistical challenges like not being at liberty to go off post; not having a mail box to receive mail; not having a working computer, etc. She is, however, having the sweet experience of being liked by a guy whom she likes at the same time. This is a new experience for her. Learning the language is progressing; she feels ahead in some ways from all the time she spent listening to K-Pop, watching Korean Dramas, and other television shows; and learning the Korean alphabet ahead of time.

Elder PW's letter this week was more upbeat; with new people to teach and a baptism on the horizon he is encouraged and happy.

JET began school last week and likes college; he has a good job at a car dealership which he likes. Next two steps is finding the right living situation close to school and work and then getting a new (to him) car. He attended the Singles ward this week and was gratified to have been scoped out by all the girls as well as having two of the cutest sit by him during the meetings. Can't get happier than that for an 18 year old boy.

Doc Brown (almost 15) and Dandylion (13) come home most days with good things to say about school. They both like learning and enjoy the small classes and attention of the small school here. Doc Brown is so named because of his penchant for coming up with ideas for inventions and innovations a la Back to the Future.

And there's the latest news from the Heartland.

School Started Today - And other life changes

2011-08-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

I still can't get used to school beginning before Labor Day. But here in Iowa, ready or not, school begins the third week of August. TopDad teaches woodshop, drafting, keyboarding, small engines, and an eighth grade exploratory class at the local Middle/High School. (Our town is smaller than the high school I attended in San Diego) Our two youngest boys are in ninth and eighth grades. We had breakfast together today, read a chapter in the New Testament, had family prayer and they were out the door.

HOWEVER! I am not alone as I had been looking forward to. No, I am the caretaker of two very little boys, ages 4 and 2. Sons of the neighbors across the street. This came to be because I had prayed for a way to earn a little money to fill in the gaps of our budget; the neighbor prayed to find someone close and dependable to tend her two boys. So here we are. I get a chance to use all the patience I've developed over the years!

Jet, the recent HS graduate, is working in Council Bluffs and preparing to begin college on Monday. He's getting his wisdom teeth out tomorrow and hoping to be hired for a different job at a extended-stay hotel which includes a room, so he can move to CB and live close to school, work and play.

Noble is at Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California studying Korean. She's doing well and very happy.

Elder PW has been sick with a cold this week, but otherwise in good spirits, and pressing forward.

Yesterday was my first day tending Little Boy and Cutie Bug, and it brought back all the suppressed memories of how time consuming and exhausting having little ones around is. Wow! The best thing about children is that they grow up! They learn to dress themselves, feed themselves, wash themselves, entertain themselves (boys are always better at this than girls, in my opinion), converse intelligently, etc. So any mothers of young children reading this, press forward with steadfast faith--whatever stage you are in--it is not forever.

Along with all the usual household chores, and the new responsibilities for little people, I am an early morning Seminary teacher! Am I crazy? This will be a challenging year, but my mantra is "I need the money."

Sometimes it is impossible to cut expenses anymore, so the alternative is to raise income. I'm thankful I can do something at home, allowing me a modicum of freedom to get things done.

Mid-Summer Report

2011-07-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Well since nobody reads my blogs it is almost pointless to post anything, still . . .

We are surviving a horrendous heat and humidity wave, which feels more like a stagnant pool than a wave. I grew up in San Diego and know about waves, they move, advancing and retreating. This is staying completely still. Topdad and Jet got an A/C installed in the dining room window which, surprisingly, keeps all the public rooms on the main floor cool enough to be comfortable. Climb halfway up the stairs to the second floor and it's a different story. Oh, well, I just remind myself that people have lived here in Iowa for over a hundred years without air conditioning, I'll survive.

Topdad announced today that school starts in a month. This summer has just flown by and I feel like I haven't accomplished anything. I've kept my family fed, the laundry done and the house clean; but all those lovely projects I wanted to work on are still languishing in boxes. Ever the optimist, I'll hope for better conditions after school begins and I actually have the house to myself and no one clamouring for attention or food.

Noble called on Saturday to let us know she had survived BEAST (playing war in the field). She had her final physical fitness test this morning, and though we haven't heard the results we are praying she passed with flying colors.

I went to the storage unit this morning, after a lovely bike ride with Topdad, (and then a short walk with the dog, Charlie), to retrieve the last of my sewing stuff. I now have everything in the sewing room and look forward to a fall of creating. I've been looking on Craigslist for a dress form to help with fitting things to myself. No luck yet, but I'll keep looking.

Riding my bike on the trail is lovely, the wildflowers are so beautiful! The trail is flat and I can ride a long way. It's just the trip there and back that is hard. My cruiser bike and my old legs don't handle the hills very well yet. Must keep building muscles!

I really admire other sewers who can cut out and sew a dress in a day or two. I wish I could watch them to see their technique. By the time I've cut something out I'm too tired of it to begin sewing. I have to wait a day. Then I'm so persnickety about everything that it takes me a long time to finish anything. I just like the inside to look almost as nice as the outside! I'm fascinated by haute couture and all their special finishing techniques. Especially the old school designers, their clothes really were very well made.

I've learned something about gardening this year. Most flowers need sunshine! The ones I planted under our big maple tree haven't done as well as the ones at the sunniest spot in front of the porch. Next year I'll have to find some shade loving varieties for under the tree. And find a sunny spot for the sun loving ones. Also I'm growing an oak tree. In the early spring when I was cleaning out the area under the tree I found an oak seedling, the acorn probably hidden by a squirrel in the fall. I carefully dug it up and put it in a pot to protect it. When I figure out where I want it permanently I'll plant it and put a block ring around it to protect it from errant weed whackers and lawn mowers. We planted a six foot oak tree in Midvale in honor of our twentieth wedding anniversary and then had to leave it. Oaks take so long to grow! But this one I can say I grew from an acorn.

I think that's all the news that's fit to print.

Pattern Giveaway

2011-06-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Debi, the delightful, talented and generous blogger over at My Happy Sewing Place, has just annouced a vintage pattern giveaway. And the first pattern is totally darling. I'm suppressing my covetousness. The link to Debi's blog is over to the right; her blog has dozens of links to other wonderful and talented ladies. I didn't know there were so many people interested in vintage and historical clothing like me. And the creativity. . . well it is truly inspiring. Thanks to all you terrific seamstresses.

My current project is an experiment in trimming down the width of T-shirts for my son, JET. He is 6'4" tall and weighs about 200. At (almost) 18 he is long and lean. Shirts that are long enough for him are way too wide. We found some really nice shirts on sale for $5 that are long enough, washed them to see how they shrank and now I'm going to attempt to re-size them. My plan is to take off the sleeves, trim down the shoulders and side seams then reattach the sleeves. Stay tuned for further developments. If anyone reading this has experience or advice, please feel free to leave your comments. THANKS!

Parental Paydays

2011-06-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is my chosen career, and has been for the past twenty-two years. I quit the corporate world five weeks before our first child was born and except for a few, very part-time endeavors, and two years working while my husband was underemployed, I have been a full-time wife, mother and homemaker. It has been the best choice for me.

I suppose one reason women like to work is for the regular paydays and the feelings of worth that come from daily seeing the fruits of your labors. Motherhood and homemaking are not like that. Paydays are infrequent for the first eighteen to twenty years of a child's life; the work is endless and unappreciated.

BUT! When the paydays do come they make it all worthwhile. I had a huge payday this year on Mother's Day when our daughter, Noble, spoke in church on the subject of "What I've Learned From My Mother." She described things I'd forgotten about, or things I hadn't known were important to her; and I sat there listening to her with tears of gratitude running down my face, knowing that I (with my husband and God) had created, reared, taught and trained this competent, intelligent, talented, beautiful woman. What a payday!

We have one daughter and four sons. When they all were young, that is under ten, my husband and I would say "They are on a nineteen year training program, we have to be patient because they're not done yet." It helped us through many rough times raising them, and to be honest we still aren't done, as we have an almost eighteen year old boy, an almost fifteen year old boy, and the youngest boy who will be thirteen on Sunday. We are, justly we feel, very proud of our two oldest. Noble, who recently left for Air Force Recruit training, and Elder PW who is serving a two year mission in Argentina.

When I took Elder PW to the Missionary Training Center I felt a great sense of accomplishment, of a job well done. I had successfully taught, trained and prepared a son to serve the Lord as a missionary. I admit I cried when we dropped him off, but they were tears of joy at being able to give my son to God. People asked "Are you sad to have him go?" To which I'd reply "No way, this is what we have wanted his whole life." Likewise, when we took Noble to the hotel for her to leave to go to Basic Training I thought "How can I be sad? She is not leaving in anger or rebellion; she is not leaving to go shack up with some jerk; she has made a well-thought out, prayerful decision to serve her country." I miss her terribly because we got to be such good friends this past year, but I can let her go knowing I gave my best effort to teach her the gospel and to train her so she can successfully navigate through adulthood.

Parenting, or raising childing as it used to be called, is hard work, with no weekends, sick time or holidays. It is 24/7, 365 days each year. It takes creativity, perseverance, patience, forgiveness, and a whole lot of other character traits. Fortunately you can develop those necessary traits on the job, rather than coming to the job fully equipped.

For me the paydays, which are hugs and kisses, notes and cards, verbal thank-yous, infrequent though they are, make all the sacrifice worthwhile. Seeing the fruits of our labors when our children become competent adults is the best payday of all so far. I have heard that being grandparents is even better. Looking forward to that!

Easter Dress for Noble

2011-04-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

When I asked Noble what kind of dress she wanted for Easter she couldn't tell me so I asked her to look for something she liked. She found the dress to the right and said she really liked this one; I looked through my patterns to find a starting point, because I can't draft patterns yet.

I found this blouse pattern - Simplicity 5099

And a circle skirt pattern - McCalls M4875;

however when I was cutting out the bodice

I realized that the fabric, a gorgeous yellow

cotton pique, was only 36" wide which

wouldn't accommodate this pattern.

Back in the pattern box I found this lovely pattern and was able to use the bottom for the skirt. I drafted a waist band for connecting the bodice and skirt; and cut out a tie from the blue linen.

And here's the dress! Noble is a modest, virtuous young woman. Isn't she beautiful!

This project really got my creative juices flowing, and even though I have no sewing room to work in, at present, I really enjoyed the challenge of creating this dress. When I told my Mom that I was planning to go back to college and get a degree in Fashion Design, which includes pattern making, she reminded me that I had always wanted to do that as a teen. Somewhere along the way I got distracted by other interesting things and didn't pursue my goal. Well, now I am. I really feel a calling to do this as there is a need for clothing that is elegant, beautiful, classy, AND modest.

The other kind of clothing I've long been interested in is historic clothing. While we were living in Virginia I was able to attend two symposia about historic clothing. Wow, were they fun; one was held in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I got to meet and listen to several leaders in the field of museum curating. My dream was to create for myself a closetful of clothing representing every era from the 1620 landing of the Mayflower to the New Look of the 1950's. I think motherhood and Halloween costumes got in the way this time. But as the good book says "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) I'm really hoping that now is my season to pursue my dreams.

Family Traditions - Conference Weekend

2011-04-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

Watching General Conference is a tradition I've worked to establish in our home since we began our family. We've experienced conference in Washington State, Virginia, Utah and now Iowa. Each place has it's own set of challenges. In Washington when our two oldest were tiny I think I took just Noble with me to the church to watch a session or two. In those days I devoured the May Ensign when it arrived because I hadn't been able to watch all the sessions. Also, TopDad wasn't a member of the church so I was sensitive about not forcing him to participate. He was baptized the spring before we moved to Virginia. Now we had three children under five and it was a circus attending the broadcast at the church building; but I persevered as best I could. After a couple of years I got the brilliant idea to subscribe to cable for conference weekend and enjoy it at home. The cable company usually had a special going around conference time so it cost less than thirty dollars for the weekend and I thought that a bargain for the blessing of watching conference at home. I'd call on the Monday before conference and order the hook-up for Friday. We'd enjoy all the sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and then on Monday I'd call and ask for the disconnect. After a few times they knew me and didn't ask questions anymore.

Being able to watch conference at home was the beginning of the tradition of special foods for the weekend. I wanted it to feel like a holiday and make associations in the minds of my children: Conference = good food. It worked. The foods have varied over the years but everyone knows that it is worth it to be home for conference weekend.

In Utah we were able to enjoy conference on the regular broadcast station and found that between sessions there were wonderful special documentaries about the church, it's history and people, put together by the religion correspondent on the television station. They were fantastic and we looked forward to those as much as conference. By this time, after about eight years of conference watching in Virginia the children didn't need to be reminded or called to the family room. Conference watching, and taking notes, was a tradition. Several times we got tickets to a session and were able to attend at the Conference Center, which was a special treat. Once you've been there, watching the sessions becomes even more real. The challenge during this time was that not all the others in the ward and neighborhood watched ALL the sessions of conference and would ask for this child or that child to come out and play. We were firm, but loving, about insisting that our children stay inside and participate. We'd invite the friend in also, but few took that offer.

Here in Iowa we watch conference online at lds.org. Our little branch tried to have everyone attend the church and watch it together but few attended and so that was dropped. I prefer to be away from the distractions and noise of others and in the comfort of my own home.

What are our traditional foods? Over the years we have had Breakfast Casseroles, Citrus Scones and omelets, lots of fruit, cinnamon rolls, a variety of cookies, hogie sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses, chips and more fruits, Swiss Steak, Ziti Casserole, Lasagna, Ham and Good Potatoes. I try to make it as delicious and special as I can. Sometimes we're flush with money and other times we've been "starving students." I put on a Sunday tablecloth and napkins, use my best dishes and set things out as beautifully as I can. I have wanted our family to associate Conference weekend with both physical and spiritual feasting. My hope is that as our children move away from home, marry and establish their own families they will want to continue the tradition in their own homes.

When I struggled with little children during the early years in Virginia I would feel like giving up, thinking it would never work. Now I am glad that I didn't give in to weakness and kept working to establish our traditions for Conference. I know we are blessed for watching and listening and taking notes. Our hearts are filled with encouragement and our resolves to live the gospel are strengthened. The unity we feel as a family and the happy memories make it all worthwhile.

P.S. I managed to maintain my weight loss this weekend, in spite of all the delicious food, by taking small portions of the rich stuff and chewing very slowly to savor each bite. I loaded up on veggies and fruit to feel full.