Light sticks. Camera. Action!

A little abstract art from our visit to the park with family July 24 to watch fireworks:

Look closely above the yellow circle in this next picture. Do you see a face?

It's James!

While his performance art was definitely cool to watch, these big guns stole the show:

What's that below the fireworks? Oh, here we go ...

Certain explosions seemed bright as day, if only for an instant. 

My dream shot is to capture the image of fireworks reflected in a child's eye. Maybe next year! 

Step in Time

My mom attended my girls' ballet recital with me on Saturday. She marveled at how wonderful dance has been for them, how graceful Emma and Elise are becoming -- especially remarkable since they are, after all, my daughters. Me of awkward elbows and shoulders and funny stances.

"How long did you do dance?" my mom asked before loading into her car. "Because I was trying to remember if it was long enough ... "

"Why?" I stepped in. "Because it didn't stick?"

We laughed, that easy two-step exchange between people who love and know each other well.

Hard to believe, but I did take dance lessons way back in 2nd and 3rd grades. See, here's the proof:

Photo 1: Jenni at age 8 (or so).

I may not have developed lasting poise, but I do remember my teacher drilling the importance of smiling. I also recall her telling us that when we became grown-ups we'd LOVE naps. Oh, how we doubted her then. She was right! 

It will be fun, years from now, to see what sticks most with Emma and Elise about their dance experiences. Hopefully something a little more profound.

Here's a look at their recital. (All pictures were taken at their staging rehearsals. No flash was allowed, and I had to have a really slow shutter speed to work with the low light. It was a fun challenge.)

Emma's dance, Aries:

Photo 2: Emma is part of the right trio, in the back.

 Photo 3: Even though this is a back view, I absolutely love this shot! 

 Photo 4: Look at those well-worn shoes.

Photo 6: Emma's teacher is silhouetted against the dancers as she demonstrates a move. Emma adored her.

Elise's dance, Alouette:

Photo 12: Elise is waving her scarf.

 Photo 13: Elise's teacher. Elise is second from left. 

Photo 19: Samuel outside the theatre. I'm hopeful that he adopted this eye-block ONLY outside in the brilliant sunshine, not during the performance. Pretty sure.  He really did well, even though his attendance was a last-minute decision prompted by his tearful refusal to stay with the babysitter I'd arranged two weeks ago. (Jeff, Kyle and James were out of town.)

Photo 20: Our wonderful support: My mom drove from Midway, and Jeff's mom and sister Katie came from Logan. Thank you, thank you! 

Photos 21 and 22: Elise does some flip-flop jumps on the patio between matinee and evening performances.

Mom's commercial wish list

Should anyone ask, these are the items I'd like to see cross over from industrial use to the home:

1. Lockable toilet paper dispensers. You know, like the Cormatic boxes you see in public restrooms everywhere? (Yes, I know the brand name!) I'm the only one who replaces toilet paper anyway and having the white stuff under lock and key would greatly help my sanity. My home is filled with little Robin Hoods taking from one bathroom to another. One (make that I) can stock a new roll in the morning, only to sit down later and too late find it gone. Hmm ... I'd even settle for the Forest Services style of a big metal bar and deadbolt.

Other items for the bathroom:

2. Sensor flushing toilets.

3. Automatic faucet shut-offs. 

4. Car-wash showers. Take clothes off at one end (naturally equipped with strongly magnetic hampers), proceed through water cycle, then buffing and air drying. Exit. No towels to pick up.

5. But if I can't have a car-wash shower, a towel check-out would be the next best thing. You know, like at the gym (well, at least the gym of my college days -- I haven't been since). Or, like the way doctors get a new set of scrubs from a machine after depositing an old pair. 

6. Speaking of college, I'd really like a milk dispenser from the cafeteria. If I rigged it just right maybe Samuel couldn't lift it up to his mouth the way he does gallons from the fridge. ("Don't look at me, Mom.")

7. Pens on chains at the bank. My home is the Bermuda Triangle of writing utensils. I'd attach a unit (with extra long chain) to the piano, forever banishing the maddening task of finding a pen before my students arrive. But pens needn't be the only chain gang. How about a chain connecting my hairbrush to the bathroom counter, and scissors to the desk drawer? Oooh, the possibilities are endless!

8. Automatic sliding doors. Why should grocery stores have all the fun? If I had a nickel for every time I holler "Shut the door!" I bet I could afford this.

9. Specialty adhesives. How about glue that sticks to every part of a child's art project but the child? While we're at it, how about fruit stickers that stick only to the fruit, or at least do not stick to the floor, where they invariably land sticky-side down. Better yet, how about a populace that knows a pear from an apple so we don't need fruit stickers in the first place?

10. Windshield wipers for windows, complete with cleaning fluid dispenser. Ooh, yeah.

11. Conveyor belts. Everywhere!

Well, I probably could think of more, but I'm off to clean up after my family (a quip about ovens could fit here nicely).

Tell me, what industrial items would you like to have in your home?

Happy Mother's Day to all the women who inspire me!

How do I help my scared little boy?

I have a problem I didn't even know could exist.

My 4-year-old seems afraid of Jesus.

It has been hard to get Samuel to church ever since we switched to the 9 a.m. schedule (he is NOT a morning person), but this last month has been especially trying. On Easter he got quite scared when his Primary class watched a video about the Crucifixion. A Primary leader brought him to me during the class.

Shortly afterward I saw firsthand how fear affects his little body. His preschool class went to a field trip to the fire station. Once we entered the fire engine bay, Samuel was so scared the sirens would go off, that he became rigid and shook uncontrollably. I took him home right away.

Then, our home teacher came to visit. He opened up the Ensign to start his message. Samuel was on my lap. I felt him immediately stiffen when an image of the wounded, but resurrected Christ peeked through the home teacher's fingers on the page. Samuel ran into his room.

The next night for family home evening I thought of how I could help Samuel. I found a picture depicting Jesus using carpentry tools alongside Joseph. I found another picture of Samuel doing the same alongside his father. So I started our little lesson. Samuel was on to me right away and bolted into his room. Jeff and I talked to the other children in Samuel's absence, explaining his challenge and asking them to be sensitive and pray for Samuel. Someone thought it would be good to nonchalantly put many pictures of Jesus throughout the house where Samuel could see them. "Like by the milk," James offered. (silly boy!)

Emma and I went to Samuel's room to tell him family home evening was done. He visibly relaxed.

Samuel can't articulate how he feels. I have really tried to not ask him leading questions such as, "Did that scare you?" He was obviously very, very affected by the video. Later witnessing his similar physical reactions at the fire station and with the home teacher is quite telling. Yet for all the tenderness in his heart, Samuel can't separate the two: his fearful response to what happened to Jesus, and Jesus himself.

I credit Jeff's blessing to Samuel with helping our little boy do better at church Sunday. I was encouraged.   Today, however, I took Samuel to Deseret Book because I thought it would be helpful if he chose a new picture of Jesus for his room. He turned his head away from the display. He didn't want anything to do with a picture of Christ. He did choose a picture of the temple, however, and I hope I can eventually help him associate Jesus that way.

I know this is something that will take time. But it absolutely breaks my heart that he is going through this. He is too young to bear such a weight. Please, if you have any thoughts of how I can supplement my prayers to help Samuel, I would be so grateful.

Seeing Red

(with apologies to Jack)

1. This 

is the quilt that I doubted.



2. These

are the scraps all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that

became the quilt that I doubted.



3. These

are the tools with edges worn
that I used to cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.


4. This

is the thumb of crumpled form
that caused subconscious delays
and visited three different orthopedists,
with each his own say
of why it hurt the hand
to grip the tools with edges worn
that cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.



5. These

are the notes from memory sworn
after I lost the magazine pattern not once but twice --
and, unable to find it at the library anymore --
had to guess
what dimensions to
guide the tools with edges worn
to cut 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades or orange, pink and red

that became

the quilt that I doubted.


6. This

is my workplace forlorn:
a typical scene that I had to clean
before I could set up my sewing machine
and stitch 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

into

the quilt that I doubted.


7. This

is a card with pictures adorned
from my dear daughter Elise
who made a little booklet all about me,
(now destined to become family lore)

that made me wonder exactly what vibe I gave off
as I assembled 271 pieces all tattered and torn
from 26 prints
in shades of orange, pink and red

into

the quilt that I doubted.


Hmm ...

But!

8. This

My family with Brooklynn and my brother Matt on their wedding day, Sept. 30, 2009. My parents, Kyle, Brooklynn, Matt, my brother Jeff holding 2-week-old Greenliee, Madison. Front: Samuel on my lap, Elise, James, Emma. Not pictured are my brother Josh and my husband Jeff (on a business trip), and sadly, my brother Ben who died earlier that year. 

is the couple in matrimony formed
who inspired the quilt

and who, in the 32 months it took me to complete their gift (so pathetic!),
celebrated their second anniversary
and a sweet baby born,

her name Ruby Rose itself shades of pink and red,

a baby girl blessed to come 

to a wonderful couple

whose love for each other

I have never once doubted. 

On my mind today

1. Gratitude that weeding in the beautiful weather brought me out of my long-rooted funk.

2. The Dickens novel I'm plodding through. It's not like I'm in a lit. class right now; why can't I just walk away from it?

3. Why a 7 p.m. "How was your day at school today?" must mean I was a callous, disinterested Mom from 3:30 on.

4. Turquoise -- how to bring more of that hue into my home. Love it!

5. Do I really have the courage to strip our family's linen supply to one towel per person?

6. Forgiveness. Does forgiving someone mean dropping your guard? If I'd rather avoid people who have hurt me in the past for fear of being hurt again, does that mean I haven't truly forgiven?

7.  Whether to start Samuel in kindergarten next year.

8.  How to inspire my children and students to want to practice.

9. I'm a former reporter who doesn't like to read the hard-hitting news anymore.

10. Will my children know how much I love them?

11. Life would be so grand if everyone loved dandelions.

Easter idea

This is our family home evening lesson from last Easter. Samuel, our resident pinball, was touchingly attentive, especially while looking at the picture of Jesus on the cross.

Here is an idea for a teaching your family about Easter. I created this program years ago for a church women's group when I was the Enrichment leader. My goal was to have the sisters contemplate Jesus' life as they touched items the scriptures teach us Jesus also touched. I also added music and sound effects which are briefly mentioned in the outline. Yet the words are strong on their own, as the text comes directly from the scriptures. Adapt the length for your family's attention spans. There is a special role for the youngest child! 

Alternately, use the objects for a grab bag activity: Have children reach into bag and try to identify an item just by touch. Then read accompanying scriptures. I did a Primary singing time last Easter based on this idea. If you place items in bag one at a time, you can control the sequence.

Items needed:

Someone to read the program

Blindfolds for everyone else

• Straw or similar plant material

• Wooden block

• Fish net or piece of mesh

• Cup of water

• Spray bottle of water

• Scrap of cloth

• Thorns (if using rose bush trimmings, clip off sharp ends of thorns first; the thorn shape will still be identifiable)

• Large board (2 x 4, etc.)

• Large nail

• Rock

(For some of these items you may decide to have enough for each of your family members to hold; otherwise pass single items from person to person.)

For an added dimension: Have ready a recording of "Come Follow Me" to play in an adjacent room (within earshot of where you do the program). Place several pictures of Christ in this room. Recordings of hymns and Primary songs are available on www.lds.org.

 ####

“Touch of the Master’s Hand” program

* lines indicate use of music and sound effects

ACTION INSTRUCTIONS INDICATED IN ALL CAPS

Read aloud scriptures.

BLINDFOLD FAMILY MEMBERS AND LEAD THEM INTO THE ROOM.

* Music begins -- "Away in a Manger" from Children's Songbook  -- let first verse play before narration

DELIVER STRAW

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

COLLECT STRAW DURING *THIRD VERSE, DELIVER WOOD BLOCKS

* Music: "Jesus Once was a Little Child"

READ DURING *MUSIC INTRO: “Is not this the carpenter’s son?”  Matthew 13:55

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2: 40

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52

PASS MESH NET, ALLOWING EACH PERSON TO TOUCH

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

“And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”  Matthew 4:18-20

DELIVER CUPS OF WATER, DIPPING EACH PERSON'S FINGERS

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

SPRAY WATER BOTTLE IN EACH PERSON'S FACE

* Music: storm sound effects

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master carest thou not that we perish?

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  Mark 4:37-41

DELIVER CLOTH 

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

“And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

“When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

“For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

“And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. . .

“. . . And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith had made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of the plague.”  Mark 5:25-28, 34

COLLECT CLOTH, THEN THIS NARRATION:

“While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, They daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

“But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole . . .

“. . . And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. . .

“. . .And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

“And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.” Luke 8:49-50, 52, 54-55 

GUIDE YOUR YOUNGEST CHILD TO GIVE HUGS TO EVERYONE 

“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

“Verily I say unto you, Whosover shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:15-17

“And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.” Mark 14:32

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down and prayed,

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, stengthening him.

“And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44

* Rooster sound effect

“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny my thrice.

“And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”  Luke 22:61-62

DELIVER THORNS

“And they cried out again, Crucify him.

“Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

“And so Pilate, willing, to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. . .

“And the soldiers clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

“And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

“And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their kneed worshipped him.

“And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”  Mark 15:13-15,17-20

PLACE BEAM ON EACH PERSON'S SHOULDER, SAY, “WILL YOU HELP CARRY THIS?”

“And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” Matthew 27:32

DELIVER NAILS

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying . . . My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me? . . .  (pause)

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.” Matthew 27:46, 50

DELIVER ROCKS

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for two angels of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. . .

“. . . And the angels answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for we know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said . . .” Matthew 28: 1-2, 5-6

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesis is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

ADDED DIMENSION: START "COME FOLLOW ME" RECORDING IN OTHER ROOM. GUIDE FAMILY MEMBERS TOWARD MUSIC. REMOVE BLINDFOLDS.

“And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about.”  D&C 76:19

####

I am so grateful for my Savior. I wish everyone a joyous, meaningful Easter celebration.