Her Gray and Yellow Room

Abby was tired of her light pink bedroom. She pleaded with us to change things up. It took a while, but eventually we complied, and she is happy. Very happy.

She had had enough of her white headboard with girly flowers and swirls. So, we dragged this one out of storage and had it painted bright yellow--Abby's choice of course. I bought the chair at a yard sale years ago for only $1. We had it painted as well. 

This photo makes me want to add two more frames to those three above her headboard. I am also reminded that I have yet to make the cushion for her window seat. I've had the foam for it for over a year, but my procrastination shows my desire for a magic wand.

The other side of Abby's room is retro-fun. For Christmas Kellie bought Abby this old art desk and stool that was being discarded from the high school where Kellie has been interning as a Chemistry teacher this year.

Ironically, at about the same time, Abby's geography teacher was getting rid of this Cold-War era map of Europe and Abby begged to take it home.

Abby is finally content with her room--especially when a feline friend visits.

Dear Rachel (#20)

Dear Rachel,

I've been doing a bit of crafting as I hibernate inside. I'm pretty sure I haven't been warm since Thanksgiving. The shelf in the front closet which houses our winter woolens has been a disaster as we all rummage through to find what we need. Well. . . you know me and my love for Scrabble tiles.

Such organizational satisfaction!

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We are finally making progress on Abby's room. Here's a sneak peek:

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On the first day of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Travis competed for the first time in the pole vault at a track meet held (appropriately) at the Utah Olympic Oval (built for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake.)

He had only been training for three weeks, but he was excited to give it his best shot.

At this meet Travis competed using "three lefts" (or six steps) and he held the pole down lower than many of the other athletes who have trained for much longer. However, even with this technique he was able to clear 9 feet which was his personal record. This week he cleared 10 feet at training using "five lefts" (or 10 steps). Enjoy this video dad shot with his iPhone:

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Finally, look at the progress that's been made on the new Provo City Center Temple. Abby took this picture as we were driving down University Avenue a few weeks ago.

But, what am I saying? You'll be here in a couple days and you can see it for yourself. I can't wait! Give David a hug for me.

Love,

Mom

Dear Rachel (#17)

Dear Rachel,

School's out for us here in Provo so our days have slowed down a bit. Let me show you some of Abby's latest creations:

She isn't afraid of the sewing machine.

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The Provo City Center Temple is coming along. It's interesting how they have dug the foundation out from under it. This view looks north.

This one looks south from the same spot. The Travel Lodge used to be right there.

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I've been doing a bit of creating myself with new pillow covers to brighten up the house for spring.

It all started when the fabric store had all their fabric samples on clearance for $2 each. They were the perfect size and I got a little carried away. 

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Memorial Day weekend found us at the Clearfield and North Ogden cemeteries as usual.

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Abby and Kellie had played (and coached) the U14 State Cup Finals earlier that day. It was an awesome game, but we lost in overtime on the sixth penalty kick. I couldn't be more proud of these two.

I'm glad you had a good 26th birthday on Sunday. Thank goodness for Skype. Love you and David lots!

Mom

Playing with Pins: Part 2

I've been playing with pins again. (See my first report here.)

Mod Podge pumpkins are everywhere. I wanted to give them a try ever since I saw the black and white damask ones Michelle made. This year I found the perfect napkins just like hers, but my attempt was a sorry sight--the Mod Podge bubbled and glopped. I was, however, successful with a different variety. It has temporarily replaced my musical orbs on the table near my piano--a subtle bit of Halloween for my front room. (Original pin here.)

My wallet was getting rather fat and NOT from an abundance of cash so I thought this idea was so clever. I broke my old hole punch trying to punch holes in the cards, but its replacement worked just fine. (Original pin here.)

It took Travis only a few minutes to assemble this catapult as per this pin. I suggested he use buttons as ammunition, and he successfully launched them over 20 feet. Very fun!

My creative and artsy Abby loves to peruse Pinterest as well. Once homework and practicing are done I let her start crafting. I was a bit skeptical about this plastic spoon flower, but she was insistent about giving it a try.

The plastic spoons did indeed melt, but soot soon covered Abby's hands and face.

She originally planned on spray painting her rose black, but when she discovered that we had gold spray paint, her perfect rose resulted.

She was so happy with how it turned out. I was just pleased that she had found an outlet for her teenage creativity and imagination and that the TV and computer remained OFF.

Dear Rachel (#13)

Dear Rachel,
I had to show you the COLOR I found at the John Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio. Just look at these fireplace mantels and trim. I really like the contrast with the white walls.

How do you like this painted checkerboard floor? If only I could be so daring . . .

This is an example of feather painting which the Johnsons did on all the woodwork in their kitchen. Yes, they actually painted the design with feathers.

Never judge a house by its exterior, right? Do you remember going here when you were young? Some pretty significant events in our Church's history occurred here. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, received many revelations in this home, and that room with the checkered floor was where he was pulled from his bed in the dead of night, dragged across the street, and tarred and feathered by an angry mob.

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I was really fascinated by the Lake-Stone houses in upstate New York.

The sign on this property states that "Lake-stone buildings were first built in this area by English artisans who came here to work on the Erie Canal. After the canal was completed in 1825, they found employment by constructing stone houses. Approximately 700 of these structures were built in this part of the state."

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Check out the color and design of the room we stayed in near Palmyra--definitely not the typical hotel look. I like it!

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Finally, look at the rainbow of color that settled perfectly over Grandma's house this summer. (That's Marlee and Grandma going inside.)

I think I am at the point in my life when I finally notice the details that matter and truly appreciate them like I never did before--brilliant color being just one of those.

Have a great week and Happy October!

Love,

Mom

Succulent in a Teacup

The lonely saucer-less teacups I found while "thrifting" now have a renewed purpose to their dainty life. No longer do they house highbrow tea, but rich soil full of earthy goodness.

Thanks to the Internet and its endless resource of ideas I feel so much more creative than I actually am.

My mother and mother-in-law each chose a teacup as part of their Mother's Day Gift on Sunday. Kellie wants one for her apartment and Abby has laid claim to one for her room as well.

They are very easy to make. I first broke Styrofoam packing peanuts into small pieces and layered them in the bottom of each teacup for drainage. After the succulent was planted, I topped the soil with moss, although, I like the look of plain soil too. Tiny rocks will also work to cover the dirt if a more arid look is wanted.

I'm pretty pleased.