Mama’s Flowers

I’ve been thinking of a line from a childhood song, that goes, “…dear Mother, all flowers remind me of you.” It’s been humming around in my head all day. Since my mom’s been gone for 10 years, it felt right and good to create something simple and pretty to remind me of her.

These simple little paper flowers did the trick. It may just make you feel good too–if you are a mom…or had a mom…or knew a mom–to make your very own little bouquet for the table. Especially if your sky is still trying to decide between sun and snow–like ours is. We need flowers I tell you!

Supplies needed:

1 inch paper strips–I used magazine covers because they were heavier than regular paper and shiny too.

Pipe cleaners

Random buttons

Small hole punch

Fold a pipe cleaner in half–like this.

Poke a button onto the pipe cleaner…

and slide it all the way to the top of the fold.

Loop a paper strip just like this…

and punch a small hole right through all three layers.

Now slide the paper loop onto the pipe cleaner and scoot it all the way up to the top.

Keep adding more and more loops until you love the way it looks—five or six were good for me, but go crazy if you like.

When you are finished adding “petals” slide another button up to the under side of the flower and twist the pipe cleaner to secure the button in place.

You now have the power to go forth and beautify the whole planet…or at least your corner of it! I’m expecting big things.

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Happy May Day!

Back in the old days–when May 1st would come around, all the grade school kids would parade out on to the playground and each class would do a well rehearsed dance for all the parents. We practiced for weeks during our regular recess time so there was a ton of stress to do it perfectly…which of course, we did. The only hitch would be if the record–being played over the P.A. system would skip and no one would have a clue what to do. That was funny to watch…not so funny to be involved in.

Couple of things of note in this picture–

First: Being at the very end of the line means that I was officially the tallest girl in the fifth grade. Wowww–that was a big pain because it also meant, at that age that I was taller than all the boys too.  And those are some mighty big feet for a 10 year old. Again, I say wowww.

Second: Check out all those “bobby socks.” They were all the thing…you must trust me on this.

Third: I positively loved this skirt. It had cute little baskets with puppies on it. I was teased mercilessly whenever I wore it, because, well…you don’t see any other skirts with, you know…puppies, do you? Didn’t think so. But I liked it anyway, so when I was feeling particularly brave enough to be laughed at, I’d wear it.

Lastly, after all these years, I can still remember the names of the girls in line by me. Skeptical? Well, here goes:

Me, Peggy, Estelle, Lori Takiuchi, Gloria Estrada, Michi Jones, Donna Imigawa, and Valerie. Don’t you think I deserve a prize for that? I accept Cheetos and Symphony bars at the door…shamelessly.

Anyone besides me remember May Day dances at school? Tell me about it…please.

Happy May Day everyone!

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{ Peace }

“World peace, though a lofty goal, is but an outgrowth of the personal peace each individual seeks to attain. I refer not to the peace promoted by man, but peace as promised of God. I speak of peace in our homes, peace in our hearts, even peace in our lives. Peace after the way of man is perishable. Peace after the manner of God will prevail.”

Thomas S. Monson

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Coach Boone- In Real Life

This moment…

A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from our lives. A simple, special, memorable moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and keep close to my heart.

Happy weekend my friends!

Stuff That Makes Me Smile

My very favorite “peeps.”

My silly boy immortalized in…cotton—so nobody forgets him. Isn’t he just so CUTE?

Pretty little barrettes on a pretty little ladybug.

The Springy-est colors on the face of earth.

A guy who can dance…anywhere…anytime…for any reason.

A table full of pure heaven. No, there aren’t any left. Sorry.

A girl with her priorities straightened out.

A sweet card from a boy down the road…who shall remain name-less.

Ok, ok–it’s from the artist-formerly-known-as-the-bald-kid.

And lastly–a tiny guy who is perfectly secure in his manliness–when he’s “bein’ the dad.”

What about you? What makes you smile?

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