American Gothic

Most of you know that a new hobby of mine is volunteering at Henley Elementary School once a month to teach the students about artists and their work. My good friend, Robin, got me involved in this fun project. It gives me the opportunity to study and learn lots of new things, to look at lots of great art, and to teach the kids. All things I really enjoy.

In January I taught the kids about Grant Wood, an American artist who painted one of the most familiar works in the world, "American Gothic." It represents the hard work and determination of the American people. This painting has been perodied more than just about any other painting ever has. I showed the students parodies involving Barbie and Ken, and Pres. Bush, Tony Blair, and Osama Bin Laden. Many of the students had seen a parody on Sponge Bob or on Mickey Mouse! In most of the classes we created our own American Gothic. This picture is of two students in Mrs. DeMatteis's 3rd grade class. Don't they look great?!

I thought it was cool to learn that the Iowa quarter has an image on it that replicates a painting by Grant Wood.

Logan Talking to Grandma

I wish there were a way to get my voice out of this, because it is sugary sweet, but how else do you talk to a baby, for crying out loud?! Too much fun!

Sew Much Fun

When Jena came for the weekend we thought we'd have fun making coasters and hot pads. I have been using a mish mash of hot pads with every meal. Well good-bye mish mash, hello matching! It's been a fun project.

Grandparenting is the BEST!!!

Here is Logan getting his "teeth" brushed for the very first time! What a good mommy he has.

What a strong boy! Could any of us be held up in the air under our arms and keep our bodies perfectly horizontal??? Not me! Especially not after 5 babies and years of sitting around.

Jena and Logan spent the weekend with us while Josh was racing away in Boston. It was absolutely the best! I think grandparenting is so great because when we hold those little grandbabies who are by extension a part of us, we get to relive the immeasurable joy we had with our own babies! There is no earthly treasure greater than a smile from a grandchild. Also, it warms my heart so to see my daughter having joy in motherhood.

blogging

So today I spent a little time helping my mom create a blog of her own. I also taught her how to read everyone else's blogs and how to leave comments. I have had such a great time reading all the relatives' blogs, seeing pictures of the little ones (as well as the big kids), and reading about what everyone is up to, and I am hoping that Grandma and Grandpa will also enjoy seeing how you all are growing and learning and having fun. I can't figure out how to get the "&" thing off their name. Any ideas?

Lynn and I celebrated our 28th anniversary yesterday. We have been married longer than we've been single. In some ways it seems like just yesterday, and at the same time it seems as though we've never NOT been together. We had a yummy ham dinner which we shared with Gma and Gpa and Travis. Gpa did a tender thing: he looked up stuff in his autobiography about me, my mission, Lynn, our engagement and wedding, and Travis' birth. It was fun to hear him read with some emotion about those precious memories. We also laughed over Aunt Kim's experience having her picture plastered all over the news in connection with Sex Education! Funny story from the past.

Molly Phair gave me a good idea. At a book club discussion she had the idea of filling a jar with slips of paper that we've written things we love and appreciate about our husbands. I thought that was a cool idea, so for over a month I've written down the things I am thankful for that Lynn has done for me. I put them together on a poster and gave it to Lynn yesterday. Thank Heaven for good loving husbands! For marriage. For covenants.

Projects

Grandma Lovelle has been sewing up a storm! She made 4 aprons using a cute pattern I found called "Flirty Skirty". I think the apron would look a lot flirtyer on young skinny girls, but we of the older more comfortable crowd can pretend! She also shortened a bunch of skirts for me. They all used to hit me around the ankles, which is not very flattering given my height to width ratio, so she cut off several inches and made them all MUCH more attractive (all things considered). Happy day!

I also wanted to post a picture of a super fun paper project. Aunt Kris and Melissa taught Grandma Velle and I how to make these adorable tic tac covers. We made lots of snowmen covers and several spring type covers. I think the possibilities are limitless. I've heard there are different colored tic tacs, which would be a fun variation too.

Sewing with Molly

Brad and Molly spent the week after Christmas with us. Brad went hunting as often as he possibly could. What a passion! Molly had fun sewing a blanket for her sister, Sonja. Jessi made 4 blankets over the Christmas break. And Molly and I finally finished our bags. They are made from the same pattern that Jessi and Jena used for theirs. It was so fun having the kids here with us! We loved having Jessi here, and enjoyed getting to know Richard.