More freezer paper stencils

My tie dye supplies are somewhere in the storage unit but we needed a craft for Bear Lake.  I suggested freezer paper stencils with soft scrub bleach but thought to do a test run with my boys first.

First we scrolled through countless clip art images online, printed them out and traced them onto the freezer paper.  I was on my own with the exacto knife and that got rather tedious.  The bleach application was quick but too dangerous for young children.  It was decided that this would not be a great project for the 30+ kids at Bear Lake.

The boys had fun designing their shirts and watching me do the rest.  I think it is funny how each design reflects their individual personalities.  

I'm glad we decided not to attempt this at Bear Lake because the weekend was already a bit chaotic. Instead a few sisters will come by this week and we'll do it while the kids play.

    
 

Back from Bear Lake

The weekend weather forecast wasn't very favorable but we went anyways.   We couldn't miss out on a "mini reunion" with just 51 members of my family.  I'm glad we went because the weather turned out to be perfect and it was a lot of fun.

 We swam, kayaked, rode the paddle boat, went tubing, ate lots of junk food, played soccer on the beach, toured a cave, and made friendship bracelets.  Actually that's what the kids did, us moms mostly sat in the shade counting heads but that is still enjoyable when you are sitting with people you like.

Can't wait to head back in just a couple weeks.

New Books & a New Blog

Marie's mom was in town last weekend and was so kind in picking up a few new books for me.  If you haven't already figured it out I have a slight addiction to Japanese sewing books. 

I recently found a group of women who share my same addiction - check out The Japan Couture Addicts.  Unfortunately we don't share the same language.  My sister in law who is French/American was kind in registering me into the forum but even with the help of google translator I couldn't keep up.  The boys frequently read over my shoulder and commented, "well mom, looks like you'll have to learn french and Japanese now".

I still enjoy scrolling through the pictures but it isn't enough.  So Marie' and I thought to start a blog together were we can share tips and ideas.  Many of my friends and family have expressed interest in the Japanese sewing books yet are intimidated or don't know which one to start out with.  It is still a work in progress considering most of my books are in the storage unit and I don't feel as organized in this temporary living arrangement. 

Here it is The Joy of Japanese Sewing.  We are still in the process of adding all the projects we have already completed and in the near future hope to add tutorials and translation guides.  Hopefully we can meet other addicts to join in and share the fun.  In the meantime I can't wait to start sewing from these new books and  just as excited for Marie' trip to Japan - I can't wait to see what she brings back!

Stuff Stories: Bird

Growing up this bird was always around our kitchen area, sometimes on a shelf or sometimes by a pile of paperwork.  Even though my parents live in a different home now this same object is found in very similar location, on a shelf by a pile of paperwork.

As a child I always wondered whether it was a real bird and how it got inside. I think my children wonder the same thing considering this home is full of real animal trophies. I have on occasion witnessed them quietly examining this little bird.

Here's the story: Grandpa gave it to Mom many years ago. She admitted she didn't like it because it was kind of creepy but since it was a gift from her father she couldn't part with it. It is now a kitchen icon. 

Capitol Reef

We are hoping to get the most out of Utah before we actually move. This weekend Capitol Reef National Park was the destination.

The weather was perfect, there were interesting canyons and hikes, rivers to wade through, historic pioneer buildings, junior geologist program, junior ranger program, petroglyphs and fruit orchards.

Weekend Highs:
-spotting 7 rainbows on the drive down
-75 degree weather
-earning another Junior Ranger patch
-attending church in a historic chapel in Loa, UT


Weekend Lows;
-Clara spreading gum in her hair and giving her an impromptu haircut with James' pocket knife in the car
-picnic gone bad when one child unknowingly smeared animal scat all over his shoe then in the process of cleaning it up spread it across the picnic table and bench
-Hiking with a screaming child for over 25 minutes (the older boys said it was okay because it would scare away any wild animals)

This park is definitely worth revisiting, by then the peaches may be ripe for picking.

Stuff Stories: Bell Lady

I frequently write about my aversion to stuff.   But living here at my parents I am surrounded by pictures, trinkets, and objects that invoke pleasant memories and emotions.  A lot of these items have been on display from before I can remember but I never knew where they came from nor did I ever give a second thought about their uniqueness.

My sister Suz is living in Mexico City right now and is contemplating a move that is even farther from home. I told her that her life was much more exciting and "bloggable" than mine. She then argued that a summer in Mom's basement is actually interesting when you look around at all the random and sentimental objects on display, it is almost like living in a museum of our past.

These "Stuff Stories" are for her, to keep her entertained with randomness and perhaps feed into any homesickness she may be feeling.

I suppose there is a place for sentimental objects in a home but I wonder what makes an object sentimental. Does there always have to be a "story" behind an object or is it just the familiarity that makes it sentimental. As I have interviewed Mom few of the items I've captured have a story beyond "...well I bought it ____________".

Here's what I can remember about the bell lady pictured above. She sat on the big bookshelf in the "old new room", the book shelf that my Dad built when they were living in Boston, the bookshelf that my brother Doug was found asleep on top of at age 2, the bookshelf where the huge Wangsgard's roots and branches book was stored.

She actually is a bell and my mom said she bought her when they were living in England because she liked bells.  That's it for the story but just looking at her makes me smile and chuckle too.   




 

Gifts for Fathers

Look what our Primary leaders made for all the Fathers.  I can't believe how great they turned out!  Can you tell who's who?

I'm hoping my good friend Nancy in the Primary will give me a tutorial sometime so I can make one for the two younger children.