Pillow Shams

The Caboose's teacher asked if
I'd sew some pillowshams
for a reading circle in the classroom.
She got the pillowforms at JoAnn's (on sale)
and set me loose
to make the shams.

She wanted them bright and happy
and durable
for the classroom.
I had the floral watercolor fabric leftover
from a window valance I made for the Caboose's bedroom,

and then I found the bright green corduroy
at JoAnn's on sale for a whopping $2.19...total.

Now here's something I did that make it super easy:
I cut the fabric
Once.
I laid it out and cut it the width I wanted,
then,
instead of cutting 4 peices,
I just folded it to a square
(wishing I had taken pictures now!)
and sewed around all four sides--
to make it look like 4 peices.
Because it's a sham,
I could do that
because there's still an opening in the center of the
fabric.
Did that make sense?

Anyway, it took me alot less time
than I thought it would
about an hour and a half
to make all four.

The teacher was happy. And the Caboose says she thinks of me whenever she looks at them or sits on them at school. That makes it totally worth it to me!

This blog is linked to Tidy Mom's I'm Lovin' It Friday

What kind of Flower are you?

I am a Snapdragon What Flower Are You?

"Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

Mr. Idaho's An NCAA All-Academic

Colorado School of Mines 

Wrestling team

 Last weekend we went up to Golden because Mr. Idaho was receiving a special award from the Colorado School of Mines, where he is a student.
That's his wrestling coach with him and Dani and a sleeping baby Garrett.

It was supposed to be nice weather up there,

and it would've been too,

if the wind hadn't been whipping down the canyon.

We all stayed bundled up.

jj

Mr. Idaho was being recognized by his coaches

because

* he always gives his best

*he was worthy of the NCAA All-American Academic

it was also noted that

*he is the only husband

and

*the only father

on the team.

...

We're so happy for you, Mr. Idaho.

Bonus pics of the Golden Child:

The Sign on the Shore

I stayed up late tonight,
talking to the 15 year old
about life.

She's at the age
where emotions are magnified
and perspective is in great demand.

I invite her to sit down
at the table
and talk
while I listen.
I even break out some
paper
to keep notes.
I tell her we're going to start with
a prayer,
then I bow my head.
to let her know
that she is the one who will
be offering it.
She asks Heavenly Father to help
us understand each other
and help her figure things out.

Her mood is serious.
She is struggling with things
that to her,
feel overwhelming.

She talked, I listened.
When we got through,
I wanted to keep my response
simple.

So I came up with a metaphor:
In Life,
we have challenges/problems/trials
that could fall into three different images:
Problems that resemble the breadth and depth of
an Ocean--
where our feet do not touch "bottom"
but where we are required to tread water
to keep our head above the waves.

Problems that resemble the breadth and depth of
a Lake-
rocky bottoms and drop-offs that we don't always know about,
and we may have to swim awhile,
but eventually,
we get to the shoreline for rest.

And Problems that resemble
a Pond-
not too deep,
but if you fall in,
you'll get a bit muddy and wet,
but
you can stand up most of the time
and walk out on your own.

While she is yet a teenager
of just fifteen years old,
her trials feel overwhelming
as though she is
in an Ocean--
barely clinging for air,
treading water,
fearing the next wave.


My experience has taught me
that when I see her in such a state,
I don't always toss a "life preserver"
her way,
but am more likely to say,
"Stand up and walk out."
Meaning, you can help yourself,
so do it.
At first, she was doubtful I understood
her plight.
That I was minimizing her troubles.
I wasn't trying to minimize them as much as help her
to see the differences.

My 19 year old, Nana sat at the table and told her,
"Mom's been around long enough to know
if you're drowning in an Ocean,
or just tumbled into a pond.
You just have to trust her on that."

Then she used her car wreck from last month
as an example:
She was freaking out about the whole thing--
the damaged car, the money or lack of money,
her hurt shoulder, etc.,--
all the while I was calmly telling her
things would work out,
no matter what the outcome,
this car wreck would not even make it in
the TOP 100 Memorable Things
in her life.
But she didn't believe me.
She thought I didn't understand.
Nevermind that I too, have been in car accidents before--
her experience was "different", she told Daisie.
But it wasn't, she admitted.
"Things have worked out,
and I wasted all that time just being depressed,
where, if I'd just listened to Mom,
it wouldn't have been so miserable.
I thought I was drowning in an ocean,
but Mom knew I was only in a Pond."


So we talked about examples of
Trials and Oceans....
An Ocean-sized trial is usually one that
changes your life.
Having a special needs child
was an Ocean for me.
It is a challenge that was not removed.
Instead, I had to learn to tread water
from the moment he was born.
My arms and legs and heart were made stronger
from the exercise it required.
As well as my faith.


We talked about Lake-size trials--
those trials that catch us by surprise
but usually get resolved by some focused effort
in the right direction...
like swimming to a shoreline.
We are made stronger by the effort
and find out what our strengths and talents are
in the process.

Then, there are the Pond-size trials--
most are just little annoying
everyday learning trials...
things that occur simply because we are human--
learning how to grow up
and be happy
and healthy
kind of trials.

The truth is,
trials come in all sizes.
But here's the predictable thing about trials:
More often than not,
They Pass.

We're going to fall/stumble
into many more Ponds
than Oceans and Lakes.
And it's helpful to know that
on the edge of every ocean shore
or lake shore,
there's a sign posted:
NEVER SWIM ALONE.

We need help in our trials.
And we can turn to the Savior of the World,
the Creator of all Oceans and Lakes and Ponds--
and He will help us make it to the shoreline,
to refuge and safety.

It reminds me of the quote:
Sometimes the Lord calms the Sea,
Sometimes He calms the Sailor,
and sometimes He lets you swim.

Special Olympics in Colorado

Our family went up to Loveland Colorado yesterday morning

because our son, Dean was competing in Special Olympics Swimming.

Dean participates in SO in all kinds of sports
and it's always fun to watch him
and the rest of the athletes there.

  

These athletes are so sweet--

they hug one another

they cheer each other along

and it's just a privilege to be around these

lovely athletes.

Besides the athletes,
the most important people there,
are the Volunteers--
most of them are college kids.
The Volunteers make the Special Olympics
happen.
As you may see in the pics,
the volunteers give so much support to
the athletes,

it's inspiring to watch.

There was a family there in the stands

of probably more than 20 people,

all there to support and cheer on "Uncle Steve"--

he was easily in his 50's--

and this family was not shy about their love for Uncle Steve--

they brought posters even,

-- everyone in the arena

knew who Uncle Steve was before we left.

That pic right there is his family.

It was awesome.

That's what's so great about Special Olympics--

these athletes bring out the goodness 
in the rest of us.

We all cheer together 

for every single athlete.

I cheer for every mother's child there

and I heard their cheers for mine.

 --

 Getting ready for his heat.

 See the 2 Johns?  That's Dean...he was in second at first,

but lost his steam on the return lap. Boy! were we hollering his name loud!

It was great!

 

 On the Winners Platform

 

I love that boy.  

Thanks to all the Volunteers!
We couldn't have done it without 

YOU!

Only in Colorado... from a thunderstorm to a snow storm in a few hours!

I had plans today.
After the yahoos went to school,
I was gonna be out the door and on my way.

First, I was gonna go to the YMCA and walk my bahooey off.

Then, I was going to buy some paint for my familyroom re-do.

After that, a fun lunch with Nan and whomever else we could
drag along with us.

Then, I was heading over to look at some furniture.  The leather sofa/loveseat set we've had for 12 years, needs replacing--because the stupid dog jumped up on the loveseat, her nails ripped it open, then she ATE the parts she could rip off and it's going to cost more to fix than to replace.  And while I was wanting new furniture anyway, I was hoping to get thru the summer first without spending it on furniture!  But, I have to replace it now. Now.  I get nauseas everytime I walk by the loveseat.  Anyone want a leather-eatin' hound??

And it's Friday...and I told the yahoos I'd take them to Y to go swimming when they came home from school.

But NONE of this is happening today, no sirree, it is not.

Because
Because
Because

We are in the midst of a
Spring Blizzard--
I kid you not!

It's been snowing all morning long--
at first it was just going to be a two-hour delay for school--
by 7am
it changed to a
Snow Day.

It's now Noon,
and according to weather reports,
but the time this storm blows thru,
we'll have over a foot of snow.
a Foot.
of Snow.

Remember yesterday,
when I wrote about Nana
tanning on the deck?

I came THISCLOSE to buying bedding plants
yesterday...
so
so
so
glad I didn't.

We had a thunderstorm last night
and a snowstorm today.
I cannot even see across the street from me!

What have I done today?
Here's a clue:
I'm still in my pjs.
It's Noon.
And I'm in my pjs.

Spring, where are you?

p.s. I-25 Southbound from Denver to the Springs is closed b/c of weather.  How is Mr W gonna get home?  (it's only raining in Denver--sheesh.)

*Update: The snow has stopped!

Molly Mormon for a Day

Today I played pretend...
I pretended I was a Molly Mormon.
It was a total hoot!

I got up at five-thirty a.m.
and made eggs and toast and juice
for Daisie
to send her off to Seminary.

Then I got out my sewing machine
and sewed 4 pillow shams
for the Caboose's school teacher
who wanted them for her reading circle.
Forget that she gave me the pillow forms
2 months ago, okay?


While I sewed,
I turned on
"Pride and Prejudice"
to keep me company.

I love that movie.
I am infatuated with Matthew MacFadyen:

I could just lick his face, ya know?

                                   Is it even legal to be this good-looking?

I know all the words in the movie--
well the good ones--



What??


While I sewed,
Nana lay on the deck in the morning sun
anxious to tan her winter skin...
with the door open
so she could hear the movie too.
Silly child.
She wants a Mr. Darcy, most ardently.

Then we took the shams to Mrs. Z who asked
if I'd be interested in making some more--
my head shook "yes"
while my brain was inside screamin'
"nuh-unh!"

After that,
I went to Hobby Lobby
because I'm doing a makeover for my own
family room
which I am way stinkin' excited about.

I (heart) Hobby Lobby--
and missed it something fierce
while we lived in Boise.
I wander down each aisle
and get lost in all the "pretties".

Then I went grocery shopping
and got 10 quarts of fresh strawberries
and 8 pints of blackberries
then I came home and made it all
into preserves!


Is there a cure for Molly Mormon-ness?
or will it go away on it's own?
Yikes.
I'm tired.

Mothers and Beauty

The world needs the touch of women and their love, their comfort, and their strength.


Our harsh environment needs their encouraging voices, the beauty that seems to fall within their natures, the spirit of charity that is their inheritance.

The God in whom so many of us believe has endowed His daughters with a unique and wonderful capacity to reach out to those in distress, to bring comfort and succor, to bind up wounds and heal aching hearts, and, most of all, to rear children with love and understanding.

Sister Hinckley said this about motherhood:


“It is the mothers of young children I would like to address first. These are golden years for you. These are years when you will probably do the most important work of your lives. Don’t wish away your years of caring for small children. Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans. This is a time of great opportunity for you to build the kingdom. When you teach children to love their Heavenly Father, you have done one of the greatest things you will ever do. If you can be a full-time homemaker, be grateful. If not, you must do what is best for you. I for one have never felt a need to apologize for my role as a full-time homemaker.

“These are busy, busy days for you. I have seen women in all kinds of circumstances—Chinese women working on road repairs, European women working in the fields, Asian women sweeping streets—but it is my opinion that … Mormon women are *among the hardest working women in the world. They plant gardens and they bottle the produce; they sew and bargain shop. They go on the heart fund drive. They take dinners to new mothers and the sick in their neighborhoods. They take care of aged parents. They climb Mount Timpanogos with Cub Scouts, go to Little League games, sit on the piano bench while Jennie practices, do temple work, and worry about getting their journals up-to-date. My heart bursts with pride when I see them come into church on Sunday, some as early as 8:30 in the morning, their children all clean and shiny, their arms loaded with supplies, as they head for classes where they teach other women’s children. They scrub their houses with little or no domestic help and then try to be the glamour girl in their husband’s life when he arrives home at night. But remember, my dear young friends, that you are now doing the work that God intended you to do. Be grateful for the opportunity”

"The challenges of motherhood are best met when 

I combine my love for my children with 

faith in the Lord’s love for them." 

-Michele Bagley

*I added emphasis here, because she specifically said the word "among"--so as not to exclude other women who work as diligently as LDS women.

Spreading Spring Surprises

It happened again.
I was just happily blogging along
in my own lil Momza's house world
and then
I just happened to notice an influx of traffic.

Where was it coming from, I wondered?
Then, I followed a link to
 Mormon Times.
And there I was.

So how cool is that?
I am always amazed that anyone shows up
here at all...

I've been wanting to show-off some of my favorite bloggers,
so this is as good a time as any!

Enjoying the small things ~~Kelle Hampton
Kelle is the mother of Nella, a beautiful daughter that has captured her mother's heart and the rest of us too. She lives in Florida.

One Day at a Time ~Kristin~
Beautiful photography, lovely life lessons, and so down to earth you'll feel like you just visited a neighbor. She lives in Utah.

Sues' Veiws, Muse, and News 
Sue is a published poet, accomplished writer, and the heart of her family. She lives in beautiful California.

320 Sycamore
Melissa is an earnest homemaker with lots of fun ideas for crafts, recipes and stories about it all. I have no idea where she lives.

Bakow Bubble
Cherie...well all I can say about her is that if you don't know her, you should!
She has a plethora of stuff to say and is one of those "glass half-full" kinda gals we all love being around!  She lives in Idaho.

Knitting the Wind
Sarah writes from the seashore of New Zealand about her days watching her daughter windsurf and other things all written about carefully and lovingly.

The Prairie Maid ~Cheryl
This Oklahoma Farmer's wife will capture your attention and hold it long after you've left her page.  She has a pig named Bacon! 

Peace.Love.Lauren
Lauren aka "Daisy Girl"-- is a college sweetheart with lots on her mind, but her love story is one you won't forget and you'll want to read to your daughters!!! She lives between Idaho (college) and AZ (home).  

and one more today:

Joy for your Journey~ Lori
Lori has a mission.  It's to be a wonderful tour guide of Life.  She points out all the stuff you might miss if you're not paying attention to the little things.  Take a tissue when you visit.  She lives in AZ.

Dear Julie B. Beck: Will you be my BFF?

Dear Sister Beck,
I just love you. Your messages about faith and family and womanhood lift and inspire me.

Dear Sister Beck,
I think you're so neat.  Would you ever consider going out to lunch sometime?  I love the Olive Garden and their breadsticks. 


Dear Sr. B.,
Who does your hair? I'm your biggest fan.

Dear Julie,
Hey there, how's it going? Big meeting with President Monson today?  Anything you can share?

Dear Jules,
Can I call you Jules?

Dear Julie Beck,
I think you're awesome.  And if you wanted to be my BFF, I would totally be okay with that. We could hang out, and go shopping together. Or we could just sit at the table and chat about how cool you are, and the women of the world that you visit are too.  But if you're on your way over, will you call first?  I'd hate to have laundry sitting on the sofa when you got here.

Love,
Momza

Receiving Revelation for My Children Part 1

Because we are their Parents~
Because we are partners with our Heavenly Father~
Because families are eternal~

We are entitled to receive revelation
for our children.

This is true...
I've seen this in my own life
and my yahoos can attest to it too.
I believe it began from the moment
I knew I was pregnant...
I tuned into my body
my baby...
and once that child was born,
the bonding continued
senses are sharpened
and
my bond with my Father in Heaven
also grew in strength...
it had to,
I depended on Him so much
to guide me along as I learned how to
care for and guide the new little spirit in my life.

Somewhere along the way,
my ears became so atuned to His voice,
that there have been moments
when knowledge flowed in
and flooded my mind.
Other times,
little bits of things would be revealed--
just enough to let me know
I needed to pay attention to a particular child,
either to protect them,
or to guide them.

Here's some examples:

When my oldest was almost 7 years old,
he became tempted with lying
to save himself the consequences of his choices.
I knew he was lying
because he wasn't good at it, right?
But I wanted him to CHOOSE to be honest;
so I'd say,
"David Scott, I'm worried about whoever did this[whatever it was],
and I know that Heavenly Father knows who did this,
so when I talk to Heavenly Father tonight,
I'm going to ask Him and He'll tell me."
A tearful confession usually followed.
But then, right before he turned 8
a situation arose where I wasn't sure
who the culprit was--
him or his sister.
Altho I was pretty sure it was him,
I wasn't positive.
So, I repeated my plea for honesty and the words
that usually produced a confession...
"There was more than one person in the room
when this happened,
the person that did this,
and Heavenly Father.
I'm going to go ask Him right now,
who did this."
Rather than the confession,
David Scott said with full confidence,
"Okay, come back and tell me what He says."

I had to do as I said I would.
I went and asked and needed to know the answer--
to prove to my son that my relationship was real
and to make sure the discipline was meted out fairly.

On my knees, I sought the answer.
It came.
And David Scott, then, offered his confession.

*******

Another time,
my special-needs son, Dean,
was a very sick baby with a bad cold.
I'd been up with him all night long
and come daylight,
I was standing in the hallway of our two bedroom apartment
wondering where the humidifier was...
I knew that would help his congestion.
But I was so tired
and emotional, ( do you get emotional when you're over-tired? or is it just me?)
I couldn't find the humidifier.

We only had three closets in the whole place,
and I knew it had to be there,
but I just couldn't see it.
I looked thru each closet over and over
and just didn't see it.
Finally, in true desperation,
with Dean in my arms,
I was standing in the hallway

and I said a prayer,
"Heavenly Father, I need Your help.

I know You know where the humidifier is,
Please lead me to it. Show it to me."
I opened the closet door
right in front of me,
and there it was.
I stood and cried with gratitude
that my prayer was answered so immediately.

*******

One time, I was in California visiting my bff, Denise
and her family
with just the baby, Daisie.
It was my last day there,
and we all went to Universal Studios.
As we're parking the car,
a horrible feeling came over me,
I was wracked with a feeling of dread
and I didn't know why.
I didn't have a cell phone (this was 1996),
and was desperate to get to a phone and call home.
I passed off the baby to my friend,
and ran to the gates of the Park,
in search of a phone.
By the time I found one,
I knew which child was in danger.
I dialed the house,
my husband answered the phone--
"Where's Diana?" I asked, frantically.
"She is at the park with the older kids. Why?" he asked.
"Go to her. Go to her right now!!!!" I yelled in the phone.
"Ok." he said and hung up.
I didn't know what was happening with her, but this voice of warning
was so strong, I knew it was Divine.
My friend and her family caught up with me and waited for a few minutes
until I called back to the house.
When I did,
my husband related this:
"He'd jumped into the car, and drove down to the park that was just around the corner
from our house. He found Diana, who was crying from falling off a swing.  She wasn't really hurt though.
So then he asked himself, why would I have had such a strong impression over a tumble off a swing? So he looked around the park.  Then, he noticed a car with a strange-looking man inside, watching the playground.
Our children, the 4 of them, (ranging in ages 13 to 4) were the only kids at the park.  And there were no other adults.  My husband said he was impressed to bring all the kids home. This was at the time when child abductions were happening alot in Phoenix, and I rarely even let the kids play in the front yard.
As he related this, my heart sank and rejoiced in the same instant! What if I'd ignored that impression?

******

I want to continue to blog these experiences.
After General Conference's theme of Families, I feel that there is a great need for us to turn our
attention inward to our families. 
For me, I have learned that Satan is the Great Distractor from Righteousness.
If he can keep my ears and eyes focused on worldly things,
than on my family,
he is pleased.
I want to acknowledge that Heavenly Father
does care about me and my family.
And we need Him in our daily lives for guidance and purpose.

As parents, we are entitled to receive revelation
 for our children while they are under our care.
 After they have grown, that stewardship is altered.
 I do not receive revelation for my married kids.
 If I've done my job right, then my grown children should
be able to receive their own revelation. 


I can guide them with my best guesses and love,
but in fact, my stewardship changes
once they are adults.
I didn't realize this until recently. 
It has been such a gradual process,
as each of them have aged,
and begun making their own choices,
I didn't feel the shift at all.
And it makes so much so sense--
they shouldn't be relying on their parents anymore.
This is their life,
and their free agency is in full-bloom.
They too, must learn for themselves
how to live happily.

*******

What about you?

Have you also had experiences with revelation regarding your family?

Overheard At the Dinner Table...

Sunday.
The table was set.
Food was served--
a roast with mushroom sauce over brown rice.

Boofus came to the table
took one look at his plate
and says,
"Hey, this isn't what I ordered."

My Father's Daughter

This post is for me.

I spoke to my father yesterday morning.
I haven't heard from him in two years.
I didn't have his number until the day before
and got it from one of my brothers,
who wasn't exactly sure it was the right number.

But I called anyway--
got an electronic voicemail
and left my message,
"Hey, Dad? This is your daughter, Dawn.
Not sure if this is your number.  I'm just calling to
check on you. Call me back."

Yesterday morning the phone rang--
caller-i.d. had my father's name on it.
Anxious,
I picked up the phone,
"Hey Daddy!"
"Dawn? Is that you?"-- a very frail voice on the other end.
"Yessir!" the words trembled on my lips.
"How are you?" I asked.
I was anticipating the phrase he has used my entire life,
"If I was any better, I couldn't stand it."--
but it wasn't there.
"Good. Did you know it was my birthday the other day?
I'm 69 years old."
His birthday is in June. He'll be 70.
"Where do you live now?"
"We're in Colorado again." I said.
"Oh, good for you. It's a nice place."

"Say, Daddy, I was talking to Keir and he says you've lost alot of weight.
Are you eating?" I asked.
"Yeah, I eat."
"Well, what have you eaten this morning? Today?"
"Hmm I dunno."
"You don't know? Can you think real hard and try to remember what you've eaten today?"
"I dunno. I eat though."
"O ok, that's good, Daddy.  Did you take your medications this morning?"
"No. I don't take medicine."
"You don't take your high blood pressure medicine?"
"Nope."
"What about your Doctor? Did he say you could stop taking it?"
"I don't see no Doctor."
"You don't?  Not ever?"
"Nope."

My father has been on medications for at least 10 years.
I wonder why his Doctor hasn't followed up, hunted him down, or made someone aware
that my elderly father needs his meds.

"So, Daddy, when was the last time you saw the boys? (meaning my brothers)
"Oh 'bout two days ago. Yeah, I just saw them."
"Well, I'm planning on coming out there to see you soon. Would that be okay?
Is there a good time you'd like me to come?"
"As soon as possible." he answers. "As soon as possible."
"Okay Daddy, I will see you soon."
"Bye, Girl." and he hangs up the phone.

I immediately call my younger brother,
who informs me that he hasn't seen Dad in awhile...
alot longer than 2 days...closer to a couple of months.
We talk about what we want to do with Dad, who to call, etc.
He says he'll help me by doing whatever he can on that end,
since he lives in Georgia
and my father lives in SC.
Then we hang up.

I sit at my desk for a moment in silence.
I didn't know how bad it'd become.
I didn't know.
and then,
Reality sinks in.
That is my future.
My Dad's mind is my future.
Dementia.
I already have sticky notes and message boards
around the house,
I scribble cryptic notes on my hand
to remember times and places
on my bad days...
which come and go without warning,
but I know when I am having one.
But still, I am grateful that
I'm not lost in my world yet.
Even knowing that when I do
get pretty bad off,
I will not be alone.

My husband lays out my meds everyday now,
so I don't forget to take them.
Sometimes, I see them on the counter
and still forget to take them,
until one of the yahoos reminds me again.
My needs will always be met,
because I have a family who loves me.

My parents divorced nearly twenty years ago...
my father was with a woman for ten years
who wanted him all for herself
and kept us kids away
and he let her.
Then when they broke up,
it had been ten years since he'd been around,
and by then,
there wasn't much to say.
Our relationships were estranged
and we were all indifferent.

But yesterday,
hearing my nearly-invisible
father sound like a child,
vulnerable
needy,
the indifference vaporated
instantly.

That's my Daddy.
And he needs me.
The way I am going to need
own family in years to come.
Talk about karma.
wow.

This morning, as I lay in bed with my Mr Wonderful,
I told him about the conversation with my Dad,
and how I realize my future
and all the emotions that go with this realization.
Typical, Mr W-style,
he smiles and says,
"We're gonna paint your face everyday.
You'll look great!"
I laugh and ask, "Will you bedazzle me too? And a red hat with a purple feather boa?
I don't want to be invisible!"
"Oh Sweetheart," he says, "You'll be fine. We'll always take care of you."

So excuse me now,
I need to search for plane tickets to Georgia and
start shopping for a red hat and purple feather boa.
And a bedazzler.

Glamour Shots Gone WILD

Hey! Looking for an opportunity to kick off the Weekend just right??

Look no further than Glamour Shots Gone WILD!
Go find that old picture
and you know the one--
and link it up with the rest of us
Glamour-puss wanna-be's!

See, this is why you come to my lil blog...
start the weekend right
with a good laugh at yourself
or just laugh at my big fat hair!



That, right there...
is one stylin' Momza.
Yowza.
I used to blow-dry my hair
upside down
and spray it until it could
stand on its own.
It was SO BIG
I had to buy two tickets to the movies.
I had to use two pillows at night.
I lost my car keys in it once.
And a small child.
It had its own zip code.
H.A.W.T.

And Now Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Program aka "Momza's Home"

Well, after working and working on staging someone else's house,
for the past several days,
I had to come home to what used to look alot like my own house.

I recognized the house from the street,
pulled up into the driveway
parked on the Left side like I always do
and walked up to the front door
that I am sure is mine.

But that's where things got fuzzy.
My front room is hidden...
I cannot see my sage green couch
or my floral wingback
or the piano bench
that is usually in plain sight.

No,
what I see are piles of things
clothing
book bags
papers
shoes
and other non-front-room items
strewn about
as though there is no Mother
living in this house.

I glance at the dining table
my sacred dining table--
I recognize that because it's always covered
in books
toys
a cup
a bowl
a leftover cheetos bag.
This is my house!

My eyes follow the kitchen counter
to the pantry door
wide-open like always.
I hate that.
They know how to open it
why can't they close it???
Why??
Someone made toast,
it looks like--
but didn't put the bread away
or the honey...
which is sticky and dripped on the toaster handle.
An amateur toaster-er was here.

A half-empty yogurt container,
spoon still in it
sits alone on the island--
waiting to be... what?--
eaten?
adopted?
tossed-out?
put away for another day?

I have to leave the kitchen--
"just walk away",
my survivor voice pipes in--
"just walk away."

But before I do,
I take out the spoon from the yogurt
toss it in the sink
trash the yogurt
and like a magnetic force,
my hands scan over the countertops for
random wrappers and bits of trash
and my foot taps the garbage can lever
while the collected bits are tossed into it.

I walk around the kitchen
gathering empty cups
the honey-spoon
and cheetos bowl
into the sink.
I'll have a helper come in
and wash them later.

My attention is drawn to the familyroom--
iCarly is on....
playing to an audience of
Zero.
Noone's even watching.
Is there a word for what I'm feeling??
What a waste--
energy
noise--
I dunno,
but I have to pilfer thru three blankets
on the sofa and loveseat
to find the remote
so I can turn it off.
Which triggers other thoughts--
why can't they watch TV without a blanket?
and
why can't they put away blankets once they're thru with them??
The blanket cabinet is literally 2 feet away from the TV!


Where are the motherless-culprits
who've pillaged my home
eaten my food
left their messes for unknown servants
to clean up afterwards??

I use my "mother voice"--
"Whose Home?" I yell.
Then I hear a small cheerful voice floating downstairs from the loft--
"MOMZA! You're Home!"
I glance up to see where it's coming from
and feel two arms reach around my middle
and squeeze me in...

I'm home.
To Cheetos on the diningtable,
abandoned yogurt,
Disney TV,
a sticky toaster,
laundry in the Visiting Teaching room,
and
little arms that missed me.

There's a small price I pay
when I invest my energy into other
non-Mom-related passions.
Whether it's home staging,
or midwifery,
my absence in the home
is nearly always felt.
The anal-retentiveness of my youth
used to hold me hostage
to my Mom-role.
I didn't want to see what the house looked like
when I was absent from it.
But I grew up.
I had to.
I'm more than a Mother-
and my other interests and talents
make me a happier Momza.
So if the price I pay for that
is a sticky toaster
and half-eaten yogurt
or a few odds and ends strewn about,
it's worth the cost.

It's good to be back...
even if there's no cabana boy and lemonade waiting.

Home Staging Basics

This is Us. Cute, hunh?

Okay, so you asked, and I'll answer.

What I do as a Home Stager:

First, I do a Curb to Fence Inventory--starting from the street, I do a curb-appeal check. How does the house look from across the street? What could be done to make it show better?  Lawn, Front door, numbers on the house, stains on the driveway?  How does it all look?  I write it down. Take a picture.

Then, inside the house--take a tour of the house. Look for the BEST selling features that we can work with--take pictures. I make notes of each room--what can stay, what needs to go.
Since the GOAL is to Sell the house and MOVE--we have our clients pack up ALL non-essentials and thin-out every closet, cabinet, drawer, space.
I want a clean canvas, so-to-speak.  It's easier to add things back in once that is done.
Finally, I walk out back and do the same thing.  Most people need to trim bushes, plant flowers, add fresh mulch, etc.  And we plan on how to stage the patios/decks.

Most folks have more than enough "stuff" in their home to stage it.  I try to use as much of their own things as possible, to save on costs.  Which they always appreciate. But, all those teeny-tiny knick-knacks you got from Hawaii or Acapulco or your mission or college years ago, 99% of those, I don't need and won't use. I take nice, up-to-date items from one room to another; rearrange furniture, just get really creative with what we're trying to accomplish.  But I also like to keep it as simple as possible.  The family still has to live there, right? 

The items most people have to buy? 
*Lamps.  Every room should ideally have 5 sources of light, says my partner, Kelly. 
* Healthy Plants...we all have this "nurturing bug" to keep barely living plants around.  But when staging a house, that won't do.  Toss 'em out and get new ones! Full, lush, healthy living plants or nice Dust-free artificial ones.

* New bed linens for the Master suite.  Two rooms sell a house: The kitchen and the Master Suite.
That tie-quilt you've been using since your honeymoon or first child was born, is going to be put away for safe-keeping.  Go out and purchase new bedding.  Choose something romantic, soothing, luxurious.  You can find great deals at Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or even KingLinen.com. 
*Pillows---lots of fluffy new pillows on every bed.  Those pancake ones can be kept, hidden away for sleeping if you want, but to SHOW a house, we want pillows that look fresh and fluffy.
*Towels.  If you don't have nice towels in complimentary colors without holes or they're threadbare, invest in some new, big ones.

And that's really it for the basics.  Now if the home is older, your appliances may need to be updated, or light fixtures, carpet, paint, etc. also updated.  But that's another post.

We have a light inventory of art, candles, lamps, froo-froo accessories that we can bring in to tie stuff together, and we keep track of it and it's returned to us once the house sells.

How did I get into this?
You know that friend that always came to your house and rearranged your bedroom for fun?  That was me!
I've always enjoyed that...and so I determined to learn more.
Using techiniques I learned from a designer, online classes, and my own creativity & results from selling our own homes in less than 2 weeks; I know what works and developed my own take on staging.  I started my own biz in Idaho and when we moved back to Colorado, I knew Kelly had wonderful experience working as an interior designer's store manager and designer, so I asked her if she'd join me.  We play really well off of each other, and almost read one another's minds when it comes to staging.  I love having her knowledge and style alongside mine.  Kelly also works on the Parade of Homes here in Colorado Springs and decorates  Christmas trees every year in Salt Lake City's "Festival of Trees". She is awesome!

Money stuff:  We charge a flat-fee which includes the initial consult, Before and After Pics, and two hours each of hands-on staging. (that's 4 man-hours.) Time after that is an hourly fee.  We'll work until it's done and the customer is pleased.

Living in a Staged Home is easier!  Why? Because at least half of the house is packed up and ready to go!
The clutter is gone. 
I leave a check-list for the Sellers to go over before showings, so they know they can be ready to show their house in a moment's notice. 


Any other questions?

Goodbye Dixie Carter aka "Julia Sugarbaker"

Some of my favorite scenes from "Designing Women"--my all-time favorite sitcom. 




******

******

******


*******


*****

I'll miss you, Dixie.

Home Staging Pics Before and After

Entry Before

Entry After - We moved the table. Removed everything. Used a picture she already had,

added the lamp, candleholder, and plant. Simple but eye-catching.

Mantel Before...little souvenirs and random nic-naks...don't make a statement or show the architectural structures.

Mantel After

After-- Keep it simple, but bold. Use the space you have.

Bedroom Before--one lamp, nightstands filled. Worn bedding. Dark frame above headboard. 

Does this look restful or romantic like a master suite? 

Bedroom After--new linens, lamps,

iron filigree above bed, large floor plant to give balance,

we borrowed the bench from another room to make the bed feel bigger and "finished"...

After

Floral detail in bedroom After. Now it has a great feeling to it. Inviting, restful, calm.

Office Before...busy, busy, busy.

Office Before

Office After--a place where you can go and think and get some work done! 

Orderly, neat, open. 

Office After--the other side. Excuse the realtor's papers.

The home owner and the realtor were pleased with the results too. 

~~

Living in your home is different than Staging it.

But to Sell it,

it has show

at it's Best!

My partner, Kelly and I have a blast

working with our clients

and each other!

Remember:

                                                                   Before you put that

FOR SALE sign

in your yard,

Stage your house

First!