May 9, 2012
Sketched.
Pretty fun.
My friend Stephanie drew this version of our family from a past valentine photo and sent it my way last month. I made copies and handed them out to our kids during church. It was hilarious watching them identify themselves, pick out crayons for their outfits, and color our family.
You should have seen the neighbors leaning over the pews to sneak a peek. Several people asked if Stephanie was taking orders. (I asked. I really did.) But alas, Stephanie is as wise as she is busy and isn’t currently taking requests. But you can check out her photography blog here. She’s an artist on paper and behind the camera.
Steph, I love you. Thanks for leaving this delightful gift in my inbox.
So there we are, looking all cheery and “picture perfect” in caricature.
But reanimate us into “true form” and (probably like you) we’ve been wrapping up the year with concerts and recitals, trying to squeeze a few more weeks out of those jeans that are threadbare in the knee, struggling to fit in baths and showers, spending spare time outside weeding and playing in the yard, and with each trip to the grocery store, stocking up on band-aids and popsicles. Summer is coming fast.
She’ll be part of this cute class for one more year (LPM is a three-year program in which children are taught music theory with voice, bells and the piano, in such a playful way they have no idea they’re building a tremendous foundation for vocal and/or instrumental performance.)
This year Eliza learned two books of songs on the piano. She can sing along with each one, play the major chords in block, broken, or marching format. Recognize note names, solfeg patterns, note rhythms… and the list goes on.
I attribute it all to Miss Liz, her phenomenal teacher.
Next year, Eliza will write her own original song on the piano, notate it with her teacher’s help, and perform it at the year-end recital. Are you raising an eyebrow like I did? When I heard this was the goal, I thought, Really? There’s no way. At age 7, write their own piece?
But I have seen it work. My niece Lizzie (6 yrs. old) did it this year. Beautifully. And boy, was I impressed.
Eliza after the recital, toting her tin can of goodies.
Yes, I think that’s a good plan.
Shirt on backwards, mismatched shoes, and (as Doug so nimbly pointed out) Cindy Lou Who hair…
I hadn’t had Cindy in mind, but now that I’m googling her character, there is a likeness… isn’t there?
Ali chose a striped shirt, striped socks, and a yellow floral print dress. Lovely together. And the flower clips made the perfect accent.
Sunday we celebrated Doug’s mother. Invited her over to be “Queen for the Evening.” We made her favorite foods, decorated with her favorite colors, bought her favorite flowers, and the girls crowned her with a home-made tiara…
and scepter.
She wore the tiara all night. Now that’s devotion to the princesses of your court.
Here’s what I love about Renae. She raised six boys. Six of them. No girls. And guess what? She lived to tell about it. She still has a sense of humor, and when things go wrong (like my rolls not rising and coming out hard), she says, “I love
rolls like this. Thick and heavy. They’re perfect. Just how I would have wanted them.”
She makes you feel like whatever you bring to the table (literally and figuratively) is enough. Perfect just as it is. Couldn’t be better. And considering last week’s post, that is quite an attribute. I admire Renae very much.
They will be leaving on an LDS mission this year, destination still unknown. And I’ve told her, “You know no one is going to miss you more than me, right?” Believe me, it’s true. I’ve relied heavily on Renae these past three years. And she has always come willingly, so I can make a hair appointment, take one set of twins to the doctor, run some errands that have piled up for weeks. She is a Saint. Through and through. A true lady. And I love her dearly.
We told the kids about all of Grandma’s favorites. Her favorite dessert, color, past times, and songs. We sang one of her favorites for her then played her favorite game. Freeze dance.
I think the pictures tell all.
Dancing in the living room is one of our favorite traditions.
The kids especially love it when Doug walks them along the ceiling.
And Poppa Jim? He can jitterbug with the best of them.
Hope your week is going well. Thanks for all your encouraging and insightful comments last post. Most of you seem to understand the wisdom there better than I do. And I appreciated everything you had to say.
Sketched or in “true form,” you and your families are beautiful. You are doing marvelous things. You are grounded and kind. And I’m inspired by all the goodness you are sending out into the world.
Blessings and grace.
Melissa:
I love the "Queen for a Day" Idea!
And I am a HUGE fan of the Arveseths! They were such great service missionaries in my ward, I know they will continue to be great missionaries during this new adventure.
Such a cute little family you've got.
Stephie
My heart skipped a beat when I saw that sketch pop up on my reader. I'm glad to see my silly doodle is being put to good use. You are so kind.
Eliza's music program sounds so impressive…and fun! She looks so poised sitting up at the keyboard. I can't wait to hear her original composition! How cool is that!
Also, I love the "Queen for a Day" idea. What a wonderful way to honor your MIL. It sounds like she will be greatly missed! How nice you've been able to be near family these past couple years!
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us. Have a great mother's day!
cristie
steph…darling sketch. you have a great talent there. xox
Erin
when i saw the sketch pop up, i thought i was on stephanie's blog because i recognized her style. 🙂 love it. someday i'm going to commission her (when she's available) to draw us as well. she's fabulous.
i love the idea about the music program. i wish we had access to it here.
cristie
photos…queen…freeze dancing…all i see is love and fun. xox
Mindy
What a great idea…Queen for the Evening. Count us among the Renae Arveseth fans, too. (I grew up across the street from the Arveseths.)
Time and memories make the best gifts!
catharvy
Melissa – love you. need to send you diapers! Hope you're holding up okay!
Steph – thanks again for the fun sketch. You are so very gifted. Wish we were closer… xo
Erin – Agreed. Steph is fabulous. And I wish you could access LPM too. Hope you are well. Sure miss you.
Cristie – it was loads of fun, and love. xo too
Mindy – I'll mention you to Renae. Sweet comment. And thank you so much for reading. Happy Mother's Day!
Anne Marie
Darling friend, how I've missed you. I'm catching up here while some workers are busying around my house.
The "queen for a day" tradition is so sweet. She is so lucky to have you as a daughter-in-law. I love how you've described her as so accepting and ready to take someone's offering with grace.
What a blessing for Eliza to take music lessons. It sounds like she's learned so much.