Amish Country

I'm not sure what it is about the Amish and the images I associate with them that I find so intriguing. Their beautiful quilts are definitely a big draw as are their delicious baked goods. Perhaps it is their seemingly uncomplicated life--a throwback to days gone by. Whatever the reason, it was wonderful to drive through this part of Ohio, peer out our rental van's windows and try to imagine such a simple and peaceful existence. All of these photos are "drive-by shots." I didn't want to appear too eager in my gawking.

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.

******************

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."

*****************

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

******************

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

Kirtland, Ohio

Historic Kirtland, Ohio is probably one of the places in my church's history that I enjoy visiting the most. Significant modern-day spiritual events occurred in this area, and one can't help but feel God's poignant whisperings as stories and experiences of the early Latter-day Saints were shared by both missionaries of the Mormon faith and by members of the Community of Christ as well.

The Kirtland Temple

Us at the Newel K. Whitney Store

The Whitney store and many other structures in historic Kirtland have been either restored or reconstructed to look like they did in the 1830s when the Mormons gathered to this city.

Inside the Whitney Store

The Trading and Bartering Room

Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney Home

The Keeping Room in the Whitney home

I loved this vegetable "cage" in the Whitney's garden.

The Ashery

Chemistry going on at the Ashery

Our summer "vacation" was coming to a close. It was a great trip--lots of walking, wandering and learning. Yes, there was some grumbling and bad moods and too much time together, but there was also laughter, smiles, and memories shared. Some of the best were never captured in photographs--night time swims in hotel pools, finding a high school track where we all ran and exercised together, and of course, the glorious eating (where I didn't have to cook a thing.) 

Heading "home"

I wonder where we'll be going next year.

Palmyra, New York

Our last goal for our family vacation this summer was to visit sites that have historical significance for our Church. So, from Boston we traveled west through upstate New York until we arrived in the quaint town of Palmyra.

Our first stop was the visitor's center at the Hill Cumorah.

After a quick climb to the top we headed to the Smith Family Farm and the Sacred Grove.

Next, we toured the site of the publication of the first Book of Mormon (Grandin Building) in historic downtown Palmyra. We ran into one of Kellie's friends who used to play basketball and soccer with her in high school. She is serving an 18-month mission for our church in this area.

Not far from Palmyra in Waterloo is the Peter Whitmer Log Home where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830.

This video tells the story of my Church's beginnings. It will help you understand why we wanted to bring our children here. I believe and know that these things really did happen. Email me if you want to know more.

Dear Rachel (#12)

Dear Rachel,
I love this picture of you and Abby at the Atlanta airport. She was SO excited to see you. Actually, we were all looking forward to our few hours together on the way home from our "Education Vacation".

It was incredibly sweet of you to bring those white chocolate cupcakes to the airport to celebrate your Dad's 50th birthday. They were decadently delicious!

I thought you might like this picture of your most awesome husband.

I'd say we were quite fortunate to realize we had time to take the train to your apartment. It makes all the difference for me now when I picture your home and neighborhood.

The view from your roof was pretty cool. I think our smiles say just how great is was to see you after being apart for a whole year.

******************

School and Fall sports are upon us. Travis is running cross country

and Abby and Kellie are in full soccer mode. Kellie is doing a great job coaching Abby's premier Celtic Storm team. They are currently undefeated. I never tire of the views from their home field at the base of Mount Timpanogos.

******************

One last thing I wanted you to see:

For some reason Abby found it too difficult to walk around to the proper exit of Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston. Before I could correct her behavior she had safely plopped onto the sidewalk.

By the way, do you see the red brick line on the sidewalk? THAT is the Freedom Trail. I am sure that some day you will walk it yourself.

In the meantime, enjoy all that Atlanta has to offer so when I get a chance to spend more than a few hours there, we will have much to explore.

Love you!

Mom

Playing with Pins: Part 1

Ever since I was a teenager I have been a magazine clipper. Happily I would thumb through the glossy pages and gather ideas for future projects, crafts, recipes, my dream home, etc. I would file these plans away in carefully labeled manila folders. Periodically, I would pull the clippings out as holidays approached, but more often than not they were forgotten and ignored.

Enter Pinterest--my modern electronic filing system. I LOVE it. I am hooked, AND, I actually play with the pins I've collected. Evidence below:

The sheet music magnets turned out perfectly (original pin here).

I made these tissue paper pom-poms for a bridal shower I hosted this summer. The brides' colors were light blue and red (original pin here).

This single-serving chocolate chip cookie is quite a dangerous pin for me because it works and is SO good (original pin here).

I thought this idea was quite clever--scarf organization (original pin here).

Finally, Kellie is sporting a happy "Martha" face because we finally found an efficient way to cut corn off the cob. No more kernels all over the counter and cutting board. Brilliant! (The original pin is here.)