Send in the Clowns

Pink polka dots, pink pom poms and a pointy hat describe my favorite Halloween costume as a child. As with most of my wardrobe at the time, my mom made the outfit so my sister and I matched. I remember this clown costume with incredible fondness, but the mask . . . that I did NOT like. (Thank goodness for modern day face paint.)

me, my sister Charlene, and my cousin Jennilyn (Halloween 1969)

When my own daughter, Rachel, was young the typical costume conundrum arose. She had outgrown her first costume--a Raggedy Ann outfit (borrowed from the adorable over-sized doll my mom had made me.)

But, whatever happened to that pink clown? I called my mom in Virginia. The costume was long gone, but she did still have the pattern, and soon it was in the mail. Never the seamstress my mom was, I sewed up a new version with much trepidation. I barely finished it in time, and I distinctly remember my good husband staying up late with me the night before making the big red pom poms while I frantically stitched away. It wasn't perfect. Poor Rachel had marks on her wrists and ankles where the elastic was too tight, but we all were quite pleased nonetheless.

Rachel and friend Sara in Albany, California (Halloween 1990)

I couldn't believe when 11 years later I made ANOTHER clown costume (a few sizes larger.) Kellie wanted something unique, and that is what she got. Sadly, by this time clowns were no longer seen as merely fun humorous circus stars. They had taken on a more sinister role, and I didn't like it one bit. I suppose we all just wanted to hold onto the comedic delights of clowns past.

Kellie, age 11, 6th grade (2001)

We are firm believers in reducing, reusing, and recycling so I couldn't have been more thrilled when Abby decided to wear Rachel's clown costume 16 years after its original debut. (Mostly, at this point in my motherhood career I was burned out with thinking up new Halloween costumes each year.)

Abby didn't mind that the sleeves were now 3/4 length and that the pants were knickers. She eagerly added colorful socks, yet opted to omit the pointy hat.

Abby, age 7, 2nd grade (2006)

That same year Travis wore Kellie's old clown costume adding a nose and rainbow wig.

Travis, age 10, 5th grade (2006)

Finally, two years later, Abby had her turn with our second clown costume. And with that, a Halloween chapter had closed for our family.

Abby, age 9, 4th grade (2008)

Despite my obvious lack of face painting skills, I still like the sweetness and joy of good old-fashioned clowns. So, yes, just send in the clowns!

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.

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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

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.