sleeping?

Ack! I really hate when my insomnia kicks in. It's almost 2 in the morning, Tuesday July 29th. Hard to believe this month is almost over. Skyler is home and it's great to have him here. Still trying to figure out if and when we get to meet the famous Alicia :)

My weekend in Long Beach/Anaheim was wonderful. I don't know that any of the quilts I saw were that inspiring - they were all lovely, but most of them were very "artsy fartsy" and nothing that inspired me to do something similar. I guess it comes down to what you find interesting or challenging about quilting. For me, while I can appreciate something painted on a piece of fabric beautifully and then quilting it . . . there's no real challenge there. It is much more interesting when someone takes fabrics designed and produced commercially and then uses that fabric to create new and interesting designs. That takes a special eye and a special way of looking at things - to make the ordinary more than what it is. I particularly like when a quilt takes a traditional block or concept and then puts a new contemporary spin on it, using color, value and technique to create something unique. So while I appreciate things that result from computer programs, painting, and embellishing with threads, when that is ALL there is to the quilt, it somehow just doesn't inspire me. I did see a small whole cloth piece that was beautifully hand quilted. I have to say that in spite of my definition above, when the quilting alone creates the art, that is beautiful to me as well. I understand that each person has their own individual relationship to the quilt and to the art. For me, it's in the process. I don't even care that much about actually owning the quilts because for me the challenge is in the process of making it. A quilt represents more than the hundreds of dollars in materials and hours and hours of time that goes into it because it's a way of trying to capture an idea and a feeling. I only wish that my quilts would come out looking the way I see them in my head!

I am delighted to report that, thanks to Lynda, I got excited about a wedding quilt design for Chelsea and Trenton AND I got the top completed. It will probably be awhile before it is quilted. It's much too big for me to quilt it and I will undoubtedly be on a long wait list for a longarm quilter. I want to send it to Bonnie Hunter in So. Carolina. She did Nick's graduation quilt and does beautiful work. The quilter in Iowa that I like isn't really quilting much anymore. There aren't a lot of people you can trust with a quilt so it's worth it to wait the time and spend the money for someone who will do a good job. The other good news (to me anyway) is that I have an idea for TWO quilts for my soon to come grandson. They are still in my head however, although I have the fabric for one of them. In other quilting news, I got an email from Mary Lou Weidman asking if I would be willing to create a very small storyquilt for a chapter in one of her new books. I have to complete it by October 10th, which is just around the corner so I have to think about it and feel the inspiration. The theme is "short stories" . . . I might do something about becoming a grandmother. I'm still thinking about it.

So besides sewing I also spent money at the quilt show. I bought a cool new thing for hanging quilts up, I bought some fabric, a new large cutting mat, some cool quilting threads, and a few other neat things. All in all, a good time!

On other topics: I'd like to plan a dinner here Friday night! This is a belated birthday dinner for Skyler. What shall we have? I want to keep it simple. And we need to invite the Dubrows. I'm accepting menu suggestions!

Ugh!

I'm on call today. Not such a big deal really because I just have to answer pages. I guess I'll go upstairs, work on Puppy Love and listen to King Dork which I've just about finished. The weather is awesome - overcast and cool. It'll probably burn off but right now I love it.

Brother Pike's funeral was nice. I saw Shayla Menzie from a distance. Lots of old faces. But because I was working, I didn't get to hang around. Sister Pike looked peaceful but I'm sure she's going to feel very lost once all her kids go back to their lives.

Today Skyler is off on his road trip - first to Seattle, then Vancouver, then down to Midden, NV (home of ALICIA!) then over to Santa Cruz before home. We'll be lucky to see him by the end of the week!

Lynda Carswell and I are supposed to go to the Long Beach Quilt Festival next weekend and make a long weekend out of it. I haven't heard from her in the last few weeks so I'm not sure if we're still on. If not, I will probably get to go to Ellie's birthday party.

Sunday

Ken Pike died yesterday. Dad and I got home yesterday afternoon from running errands to a message from Del. I was sad to hear the news. I wonder how Del will do. She's a strong and practical woman, but I know from my own experience with losing my Dad that, even though you think you've done all your grieving for losing the person to Alzheimers, when they actually die, it's still a blow. And for someone who has been caregiving as she has, I imagine it will be doubly hard. The Pikes have always been there as a steadfast part of living in Calabasas and being members of the Calabasas Ward. I have memories of Del coming to bring me a baked chicken when I had a broken ankle and two tiny children at home. I have memories of her being the Primary President when my children were small. Del and I were visiting teaching companions for a long time. I remember Ken just deciding to take my car and fix the brakes on it. I don't know how he knew I needed it or why he decided to do it, but I will never forget that. Simple, down to earth people. I am grateful to have known Ken and grateful for the friendship I have with Del.

I've been getting a bit of quilting done . . . not a whole lot, but some. I have been slowly working on Puppy Love. When I've finished the quilting there will still be some embellishing work and I'm not that good at that. I want to put eyes and a collar tag on Scooter and eyes on the teddy bear as well as some kind of laces or something on the shoe.

So am I the only one posting on this blog? Is anyone actually even reading it? We can't be THAT boring of a family, can we? I'll be glad when Skyler gets home next week to spice things up. I would like us to have a family dinner and celebrate Skyler's birthday. It will probably have to be during the week because I think the weekends are booked up. Suggestions please????

The 4th

Dad and I went to Santa Barbara for the 4th. We decided not to take an RV since it was just the two of us and Scooter. The weather was fabulous. We rented one of the surreys and pedaled around the bike path with Scooter in the front seat. We walked down State Street and I bought a really cute purse. Scooter fell into one of the street side fountains (with help from Dad) and looked like a drowned rat for awhile. Then we ate on the pier and found a bit of grass to pitch our chairs on and sat and waited for the fireworks. After about 8 minutes of fireworks, they stopped. Just stopped. We waited and waited and finally people started leaving and we did, too. We were about half way to the car when they got them working again and we got to see the rest of the spectacular from the street corner. It was as terrific as it always is. We're planning next year to go up the day before, camp in the RV and then park it and set up a BBQ area like so many other people do. We were surprised at how many people rope off HUGE areas for their picnic area. I guess it's squatters rights! Anyway we think it might be a lot of fun and maybe bring up our own bikes and stuff.

Scooter is still recovering. :)

Date Night in Rexford

July already?

So today I spent the evening at the urgent care trying to find out why I'm having palpitations and shortness of breath. The EKG looked fine - I'm just bradycardic (meaning my heart rate is slow), but I'm waiting for lab results and probably will have to wear a holter monitor unless the labs show something definitive. I don't know what it is and I'm not terribly worried. Still it's annoying to have these "jolts" in your chest like someone just scared you.

Dad is doing an alignment tonight so I'm alone and feeling bored. I need to go start on the machine quilting for Puppy Love. I'll probably work on that this weekend.

Dad and I are probably going to take an RV up to Santa Barbara early for the 4th and then hope people will take pity on us and join us for the afternoon/evening. I believe the Olsens are planning on coming, but so far that seems to be the only takers. Natalie? Are you going to be able to come?

Gratitude

I've been following Bronwyn's (Thompson) blog and her trials with her premature son. It's interesting to read and I'm glad to see that her little baby is doing so well. One of the things she's been doing is listing five things she is grateful for at the end of her posts. That seems like such a great exercise, I thought I'd try that to:

(1) I'm grateful for a good husband who is so patient with me
(2) I'm grateful for a job that I enjoy
(3) I'm grateful for the opportunities I have to continue to advance my education
(4) I'm grateful for the home I have
(5) I'm grateful for my health, the health of my husband, and the health of my children

Two years!

I think Jamie is onto a good idea. I think we should try harder to post here every now and then. I also think there's probably some way to connect the various blogs so that a post here (or there) could show up on another of these blogs. I need to explore the options and see if I can figure it out.

Look how OLD that photo is!!!! I'll look for a better one.

So Dad is outside working on the grill to grill up some yummy veggies. I think I'm addicted to grilled veggies these days. It was SO much fun having Chelsea and Trenton at church today and have them stay for the full block. Next Sunday is a Linger Longer . . . I'm going to bring Debi Dip . . . Chelsea, what are you bringing? And BTW, Chels and Trent, Dad says we're going to picnic in the park on Tuesday. Shall we bring sub sandwiches? What is Trent's school schedule - will he be around?

We should be getting photos from the wedding this week. I can't wait. Nick, can you feed your pictage stuff to the picasa site here? I'm trying to figure out how to share photos here.

This week should be busy between the picnic on Tuesday, the Layers Party on Thursday and Kristi's wedding on Saturday! What are the rest of you up to?

September already

Hey guys, we never post here anymore and I really think we should. It's Sunday and I'm kind of down and missing my wonderful family. I'm missing Skyler and Chelsea is in Las Vegas, but I'm excited that she'll be staying here at the house for awhile until she can find a better place to live. Just having her around will be fun for me.

We have our reservations for a cabin in Yosemite for Thanksgiving and I'm VERY excited about that, too.

Love,
Mom

Skyler's letters

I'll keep Skyler's letters posted on the blog I set up for him: http://elderonken.blogspot.com/. I put a link in the side bar, too.

Retake

The photos are all blurry due to the fact the camera was set on nighttime mode by accident. And of course there was a member of the family MISSING. So, I don't care if the cards are late this year, let's retake the photo at the next opportunity which I'm guessing is next Sunday.

The house looks nice and the tree is beautiful!

Mom

All I can say is . . .

Jamie I think it gets worse the older we get. You have my sympathies. Every time the thought of Christmas pops into my head, I squelch it as fast as I can before the butterflies in my stomach start up. I'll start thinking about Christmas next week.

Today Skyler got a letter from his mission president. You know it's totally cool that the MP and the office "couple" are friends of Carolyn Parker. Anyway, in addition to his already extensive list of things he needs to bring, they have added: a set of twin sheets and two pillow case and a towel and two washcloths.

He picked up his suits and pants today. He got himself a navy suit and a gray suit, and a pair of black slacks and dark olive slacks. The trench coat I bought him is beautiful. He ordered all his shirts and I've already purchased him several ties and three pairs of socks. He also ordered I think three more pairs of socks, a knit cap and a pair of gloves. Oh, and he bought two pairs of shoes. He needs more socks and ties as well as the bedding, a pair of pajamas, his garments and baptism clothing. And I think he needs his first aid kit and some grooming stuff, an umbrella ummm I can't remember now what else.

I found out my final is on Monday not Tuesday. So that means I have to study for it on Saturday instead of Monday. So, if we get the tree on Friday, I'm wondering if you're all up for decorating on Sunday? After Monday I am going to go into overdrive and try and finish my little quilt projects and do Christmas shopping. Wish me luck.

Maybe Sunday we can take the family photo?????????

Love, Mom

I think I am having a nervous breakdown

Wow, it is 12:01am and I am so tired but I can't fall asleep. I hate it when you lie down and all you can do is think! Think about what you need to do the next day or what you didn't do today, or just wondering about the strange things that pop into your head when you are so tired. Nick is still up working on school projects so at least I'm not lonely. The worst part about thinking about all these things is that I know I will forget half the things I thought of tonight that I need to do tomorrow. (I already can't remember what I was going to put on a list that I got out of bed to make) see? Now I will be up trying to think of what I have already thought of. are you following me? It is one big mean game that our minds play on us. It is really making me mad as I am sitting here writing about it. So I am going to do the one thing that I remember thinking of (water the christmas tree) and try to go to bed again.
jamie

Old photos

Here's a kind of interesting web site. This guy finds old rolls of film and develops them: http://westfordcomp.com/updated/found.htm

I'm Sad

Did we all give up on the blog? I think we should try renewing our interest in it. This may be the best way to stay in touch with our new missionary!

It's hard to believe it is December. I can never remember a time when I felt less like Christmas. I'm having a hard time focusing. When shall we get a tree? Does everyone want to do it together or shall Dad and I just go get one? Who will help decorate it? When shall we take a photo? Maybe we will skip the letter this year. It's been a really sad year for us - so many losses. What do you all think?

Gifts? I need a list from you guys (and Natalie, you have to put more than just "money" on your list :P)

xoxo mom

Finally... done...

From Venezuela

This is a letter from the most recent President of the Venezuela Maracaibo mission, that I received via a listserve:

Dear Elders and Sisters,

Well, today is October 23, 2005, and we can finally write and tell
you all what is going on here in Venezuela. Many of you have
already heard rumors, but we were not allowed to say anything.
October 19, MY BIRTHDAY! We received a phone call from our Area
Authority, Presidente Costa, stating that our missionaries were to be
on LOCK IN the next day. This was for ALL the 4 missions in
Venezuela. We were VERY surprised!!! The next night after a day of
LOCK IN we received another call that said to get all your North
American missionaries and any from other countries (we had one from
Ecuador) in to Maracaibo, THEY WOULD ALL BE REASSIGNED TO OTHER
MISSIONS!!! We were told NOT to say anything. We were told that the
Prophet and his counselors and the 12 Apostles had been in the temple
all day and they felt it was time to take all North Americans out of
Venezuela. Wow, we were really shocked and were still not allowed to
say anything. The N.A. missionaries were not allowed to call home or
write home, their parents were being called by someone from the
missionary committee in Salt Lake to let them know of the transfers.
Those who would be finishing their missions in December would be being
released NOW. Those who would finish in June would be re assigned to
serve in the USA, Spanish Speaking. Those after June were all
assigned to CHILE. We now only have 44 North American missionaries in
our mission. It has been almost a year since any new ones have been
allowed in.

On Saturday October 22nd Presidente Rogers along with all the other 3
Mission Presidents and all the Stake Presidents in this country were
to meet in Caracas with the Area Authorities for a meeting.
This meeting was to explain that this country and this country
only, was given permission to call WORTHY 18 year olds to serve Full
Time Missions!! WOW! When we think that many of our Latino Elders
have only been members for 1 year and that neither of their parents
are members, we are again surprised!! However, those missionaries
have been some of the BEST! When you have to make changes in your
life to become a member we find that they KNOW the Truth and they have
embraced the Gospel. Who knows, perhaps the Lord has risen up another
bunch of STRIPPLING WARRIORS! As you all know too, we have not been
able to receive any North Americans since last December. It is the
same old VISA problem. With that problem the numbers have continued
to go down.
So, the missionary force has to come from within! What an
opportunity for this country!! The work continues to move
forward!! WE have good converts, really good, lots of young
couples with small children!!

The morning of October 22, Presidente Rogers was taking out the
first group of missionaries to the Airport to leave and went over
to tell the Stake Presidents that were there to fly to Caracas for
the meeting good by and to have a great meeting. The Stake
Presidents had NO idea that President was leaving!!! They were just
SHOCKED!! They cried, asked why, couldn't believe it. This has
really been a shocker! There truly have been indications of something
like this but we are just all really shocked.

We are SOOOOOOOOO Grateful to have a Prophet who is a PROPHET, SEER
and a REVELATOR. We started this mission with 210 missionaries and
today we have 87. This is NOT the lowest this mission has ever seen!!
As I have collected a History of the past 10 mission Presidents of
this mission it has never been lower. Our replacement is Teodoro
Hoffman. He is the Director de Bienestar de Venezuela (welfare). He
is a past mission president and many people and even some of the
missionaries know him. He will be here until the new President is
called and comes in July.

Now this has NOT just affected our mission because we are the only
North American Mission President. Presidente Guerra, who is
presidente of the Valencia Mission, is also being sent home to
Chile, where he is from. He works with the Church Education System as
an Institute Director and will go back to his job. President David
Hoopes, and his counselor, Brother Johnson, serving in the Caracas
Temple are the only remaining North Americans in Church service
remaining in Venezuela as far as we know. They are okay because their
movements are restricted from apartment to the temple and can be
monitored easily. We will see if this changes in the future also.

As all this happens, we recall when President Rogers was set apart by
Elder Eyring and he said, "I bless you that there will be PEACE ENOUGH
that you may accomplish the things the Lord needs you to do". The
baptisms continue!! We are retaining MOST of those we teach and
baptize. This new program Preach My Gospel is a wonderful program.
The new Area Books are sooooooooooooo important in the progressing and
retention of new members.

We are so grateful to be a part of this Great Missionary Effort and
we just pray we are doing everything we should be doing.

We are VERY sad to go, we had so many things going and feel like we
wanted to finish them! The mission is in GREAT SHAPE! It can and
will handle this change with NO problems!! The missionaries here are
OUTSTANDING! We will be returning home by the end of next week. We
will sleep for a full week and then who knows what!

Take good care of yourselves!!!

Love,

President and Sister Rogers

I'm Green with Shades of Blue

I posted this over at Family Ties but I wasn't sure everyone would see it, so I'm posting it here, too. What color are you and how accurately do you think this describes you? I was a little surprised at how accurately it describes me.

http://www.albany.net/~mgoodman/color1.html

Yeah!

Skyler, I'm so glad you're home. I guess I just got a little taste of what it's going to be like in a few months when you're gone for two years :(

I'm excited that you have your interviews tonight. And I'm looking forward to hearing more about the Florida experience.

Love, mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Debi,
I hope you have a great birthday and look forward to your birthday dinner tomorrow night!