House Elves

The little kids are such great entertainment. So easy to please--most of the time. Katherine found this silky piece of fabric (something that Grandma Rita sent years ago) and wanted a dress--well, I sewed up the sides and cut arm holes and a spot for her head--she couldn't have been more delighted. Peter saw the excitement and also wanted one--so a few minutes later we had "house elf" costumes for the group. Now if they would obey my every command!

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning

I am a morning person and have recently rediscovered how good I feel when I get up early. When I was living at home I had a permanent note made that I would leave on the bathroom mirror for my Dad--it said, "Get me up at 5:45 AM". I used this in Junior High and through High School. I'd get up and study, jog (it used to be called "jogging" now it is "running"), or just enjoy the quite mornings. I remember when I was probably 14 or 15 that Halley's comet made a pass close to earth and that you could see it. I was fascinated with the night sky and convinced myself that I saw it several times on my solo morning jaunts. In high school we often practiced basketball before school so we got up early for that. It never bothered me, in fact, I liked getting it out of the way. In college I signed up for early classes and loved to get on campus before the sun came up to study. Night owl roommates did hamper this on occasion. (If I had only known about the benefits of ear plugs back then.) Things changed when we got married. David stayed up later, so then I did too. We'd even watch the news--before I could rarely stay up 'til the news came on, because I was ready for bed. Then the kids came with that many sleepless nights--I just felt like I was barely scraping by--I still feel like that sometimes now. When the new school year started, Eliza had Seminary at 6AM--so she and David would get up at 5AM and then he would drop her off on his way to work. I generally get up and get moving just before they leave the house. It is SO quite, calm and peaceful. I love sitting in the quiet house. I can hear the fridge running. I have about 30-45 minutes of solitude. This personal time has made a huge difference in my day. It is sometimes the ONLY time that I get for myself and I relish it.



The only draw-back is at 8PM, I totally lose it. Everyone has to be in bed or it gets UGLY.

The Cry It Out Method

There are several different parenting methods when it comes to discipline, sleep habits, potty training, etc. They are endless books, theories, and plans with promises. I think my personal favorite is the "Cry it Out" method. This is generally associated with putting babies to sleep, but can apply to any situation. I just go in my room, close the door, lay on my bed and simply "cry it all out". It really helps and seems to work with all ages and in most situations.

Record Players and Sewing Machines

One of my sewing projects. This is Grace in her baptism dress. I made Eliza one and just figured that Grace could wear it. Well, Grace talked me into making her own and it was finished at midnight the night before the big day. It was a fun project and Grace looked amazing. She is such a sweet girl and a great help to me with the little kids.

William LOVES to sew. He'll turn the light on and off (it's burned out now, so I've got to get another one). Then he'll put fabric, paper or whatever he can find under the needle and "sew". Then he pulls the thread through and gets it all tangled up. It keeps him busy for quite a while.

Here is Katherine playing on the sewing room floor with her doll. These are all picyures from the summer and the kids already look different.

I had a great childhood. Some of my best and earliest memories (from the Salt Lake house--so I was about 5) were being in the room with my Mom while she sewed and we listened to records--Mother Goose, Little Black Sambo, and of course, the Cannibal Counting song. I can still sing that song as I'm sure several of my siblings can, too. I remember standing in front of a full-length mirror on back of the door of the room where my Mom sewed and "eating myself all up" just like the cannibal in the song. Pretty crazy, I know. (I"d love to find that record somewhere). Anyway, at the Cannon Junk Jamboree we all got to pick several things from our childhood to take home. An old record player was my first pick--David didn't quite see the logic in my choice, but I use that record player almost every day when I listen to wonderful memories as I sew. I even found the Mother Goose record at a garage sale. I then picked out a few from Grandma Pieper's basement. Talk about pure listening satisfaction. My kids play with buttons and spools of thread as the sound of the sewing machine whirs in the background and the vinyl memories go round and round.

Apple Butter

A few weeks ago, we had an apple butter fest. Our friends have a huge pot. They brought apples and we peeled, cooked and stirred for hours. It turned out so delicious. The morning started out cool, but it turned out to be a beautiful fall day. I think that we made 123 pints. We just split it up with whoever came to help. It was a great day--especially since I didnt' have to do anything--besides make sure the bathroom was guest appropriate.

Giving Thanks and Chickens

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. David took Wednesday off work so we had several days to relax and be together. Usually, whe he takes work off we are on the go. Traveling across the country somewhere. I am slowing down in my old age! We did have a list of things to do though, which included: movies, board games, crafts, dessert, get chickens, video games, and have a good cry.



On Wednesday David took the kids to get their chickens, I stayed home and made pies. We watched Deep Impact (an older End of the World type movie--this was our "good cry"). Thursday was full of chasing chickens around the yard--I thought they might want to get out and stretch their legs for a while. They did. Then we went up to Emily's for dinner and games. We made lots of food and still have leftovers. She had AMAZING decorations and then lots of fun games--the good old standbys--the flour game and water game. It was so fun to be there. Friday and Saturday were just more movies, gingerbread houses, and fun.



We have lots to be thankful for. We love you all and hope that you are all doing well.

It Worked

Every Monday night we have Family Home Evening. They come in many different varieties--good, better, and best. (Maybe "less than good" should be thrown in there, too). About once every year, we have one that "works". One of the better ones. That happened a few weeks ago. The kids were pretty good, no big fights, teasing, or crying--at least for a few hours. We cut out leaves and wrote things that we were thankful for. Then Eliza went to work gluing them onto tree trunks and making them look good. We had a great time--our hands were busy and David read some of President Monson's Conference talk on being grateful. It was a nice evening to spend together.

One time we had a "best" FHE--the kids were pretty young. I remember we told a story and they voluntarily said that they felt the spirit and liked the story. (Wish I could remember what story we told them). I think those are once every decade, so we are due for one of those soon.