Redecorating.

 New leather furniture for the living room.

 Yeah I know they are chickens, but it fits.

 The painting dresses up the fireplace that David built.

 Dining area

 If this was clear you could see the stained glass angels.

 Hallway

Bunnies!

 

 Downstairs TV room

 Reading nook

It was fun to give the house a facelift.

-jeanne

Perfect day

Two of my girls are spending time with my Mom and sister this weekend. I am so happy to know they are together. Being with my children as adults is great. I am amazed at their unique perspectives on life. Today is a perfect day.

a day in the life

I like to make lists and then check things off as I go. I think that's because I would feel like I hadn't accomplished a blessed thing if it wasn't written down. To look at my plan for the week you might think I was terribly important with nary a moment to myself. Psyche. If I really did everything on my list every single day, I couldn't help but be successful. So, I might just be on the right track.

train up a child

I was thinking about why it is that most (6 0ut of 7) of my kids have chosen not to follow the religious path that I tried to teach them. Is it that I didn't have a clue what I was doing and botched up the whole rearing the children thing or did I teach them how to make their own decisions and they chose something else? I know I loved them as much as any mother could. I know that. But when it came to teaching them how to work, I did too much for them. I guess I taught them by telling them and when they didn't do it, I did it for them. I see that they are all creative people, that's good. Some are good cooks, better than me. They appreciate nature and love animals. They are smart and excell at the things that interest them. What do I want from them anyway? What do I expect? I want them to love life, believe in God and Jesus Christ, take good care of their children, be good members of their community, forgive me for my mistakes, be kind. Is it selfish of me to want to go to their temple weddings, watch the grandkids perform in Sacrament meeting presentations, share spiritual experiences with them? Maybe.
I want to believe that we will all be together after this life. So whatever that takes in this life I want them to do that. In the meantime, I hope I haven't blown it. I hope that the decisions they make will make them happy in this life and forever. They are all great kids. I send them peace, joy and a work ethic that they had to figure out for themselves. Sorry kids. I didn't get the "tough love" thing. But the "love" thing, that I got, and that I gave. You'll do better with your children because you see what changes you have to make. It's a process, one I am still working on myself.

Last night we attended a belly dance concert in the park and the night before was a Utah Premier brass concert. It reminded me of taking the little kids to the park and seeing them run around. Was that another life? My youngest is 20 and my oldest is 37 this year. Yikes. When I was visiting with Mom recently we went to a ball game and she asked for the senior discount. I piped up and said, "You know Mom, I can get the senior discount now too." In mock horror she shook her head at me. Then in acceptance she said "I guess you can." It was a defining moment. I made a list today of some things that make me happy like clothes on the line, babies, bagpipes, enough money to pay the bills, cool drinks of water and New York cheesecake. (actually any kind of cheesecake except for the whipped kind, that's fake.) One of the things that really make me happy is watching my Grandkids grow and be happy. Life is good.

Star Mandala Pattern

Here is the cool new star mandala pattern for my pattern book. There's a red star that we fused to the white glass. It turned out well, the second time. The first one cracked and the star part turned orange when fired...oops, wrong glass!

I have only two more patterns to turn into windows and the book will be ready for the next step. It's been an interesting journey to get it all together. I have learned alot about symbols and their meanings. I hope there is someone out there who finds it worth reading.

Art Is Great In All Weather!

David and I had a piece in an art show at BYU. My friend Kathryn Allen let me wear her fur coat to the opening. Pretty nice huh? It has been fun to meet new people and hob nob with artists. I don't mind the thought of having to look for a job to supplement our window business if we get to continue in some way. Then when things pick up we will still have our foot in the door. And things will pick up. I have been making some jewelry that is colorful and whimsical. It reminds me of optimism and hope. Failure is only if we give up and I'm not ready to give up.

February Light Snow

Just a light snow this time. I leave for Yoga class in the mornings and find beauty in the falling snow. The seat heaters in the car are surely appreciated. This week has been a milestone because Katherine and Scott are officially engaged. It is an exciting time. They are taking marriage classes and temple preparation classes. It's great to see them preparing themselves.

Wedding Plans Mean Quilting!

Here is the quilt I am making for Camille. It's a Queen Size quilt and we had to move furniture around to get it to fit in our living room. Camille is getting married April 2 in Las Vegas and maybe a trip to Napa Valley. I hope she likes it.

I am also planning for Katherine's wedding May 29th in the Draper Temple with a reception on May 30. So far I don't know where the reception will be, still looking. It's a pretty exciting time.

Enjoying Family!

This morning I was able to attend Landon's soccer game. They tied 3 to 3 and it was an exciting game. I loved being able to holler "Go Landon".

I helped watch Sarah's little ones last night (Katherine did a great job!) and we watched SpiderMan. It doesn't matter what we do it just means so much to me to spend time with them. Families are great and I am thankful to be a part of the lives of mine.

Out and about with the family

Youth conference was great for us because we congregated at Gomm Ranch in Star Valley. The youth had a blast and we got to visit with Grandma and Grandpa. It was an enjoyable trip and like a vacation for us. It was Katherine's last year to attend YC so being in the beautiful mountains with family made it even more memorable. The times we spend together become precious when we appreciate the everyday moments.

We're already there

There are so many things I would like to do. I am impressed by the wonderful things you are doing and you inspire me.

Christy, training for a race that will help people is very noble. I will donate soon.

Troy and Amanda you are making memories by your travels and Amanda, your writing is worthy of publication.

Lynette,our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through your experiences with such bravery. I sometimes think I would like to have more, be more and do more but in reality I have everything I need because of the people I know and the love I feel from the Lord. I'm blessed to be able to build windows with David that express our creativity and bring joy to the people we build for. Thanks for your blogs so we can share each other's lives.

Past Independence Days

This Fourth of July was pretty quiet for David and I. Katherine went boating so we were alone. I started remembering the Fourth when I was little. My Dad would make green chili burritos. I have never tasted any that were as good. And talk about HOT. We had friends of my parents over for firecrackers that they had to cross the border to Wyoming to buy. We would walk to Stanley Lake to swim. Sometimes we would go to Lakeside to watch the fireworks over the lake. This holiday also reminds me of the time Dad spent in the Merchant Marines and the Army. He spent 14 months on the front line in the Korean War. I am grateful for our freedom and the sacrifice soldiers have made to protect our country. (picture of Grandpa Krasovich and Christopher, 1973)

Covey Center Childrens Activities

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We were given a flyer at the Provo Park today during the HUGE childrens fair. The Covey Center has a lot of events planned for kids and they really look like fun.

More pictures

School's Out Forever! (Alice Cooper)

This is a pretty busy month for Katherine. She turned 18 and now she is graduating from High School. All she needs now is a drivers lisense which is still beyond her comfort zone. The big day is May 29. Her plans afterward are to get a job and start UVU in the fall. She had her seminary graduation last week. I guess she is growing up.

Katherine's birthday

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May 4 was Katherine's birthday. I find it strange that my youngest kid is eighteen years old. She had friends over for movies and lots of food. What a weird feeling that she is an adult now. I'm in no hurry for her to fly the coop. Well, the next step for her is graduation. The next step for me is acceptance that my relationship with my kids is changing to another level. I'm excited because I love how the relationships with Christopher, Laura, Amy, Dane, Camille and Sarah has grown and I expect the same with Katherine. I sure am blessed.

Prom 2008

Katherine and Scott looked great as they left for Prom tonight. My baby! She looked like a 1940's Vixon.

I was really worried because I made her dress and it's the first dress I have ever made by myself. Scott's tie was almost as hard. But all is well and she looked divine dawling.

Creative Writing

This week was spring break. Instead of going to the Florida Keys we got creative. Katherine wrote a children's book of poetry for a Children's Lit class along with some paintings for AP Art. I spent some time on my book of symbolic patterns. This one is a compass rose. We enjoyed our time together even though we didn't get any swimming in.