Oma Emma

It was great when Oma came down and watched Channing and me perform in our school plays. - Garrett Bushman

Eric Mealey Post

Oma-Emma.
 Always on her feet, making something sweet!
 

Seeing Oma for the last time here on Earth was a new experience for me. It hit me harder than I thought it would. I’ve never lost someone that I’m close to like her. The closest other than Oma-Emma would be my Nana, Judy Allebes. I’ve gotten a lot closer to Oma and Opa over the last few years. I think mostly because my life has slowed down a little since getting married and having Maddix, and I’ve become more interested in both of their art. I’ve called them more in the last year or two, than in my whole life before that, with gardening and art questions. It’s been really nice to spend time getting to know Oma better these last couple years.
Like others, I admire her unique ideas and her willingness to do new things. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Oma and Opa watching T.V. That is something I really admire about them. Although I’m sure Oma had times where she wanted to just relax, she sure didn’t waste her life watching others live. She really lived and really loved what she did with her time and talents. And thankfully, she is very talented; so all these crazy things she has made have easily found a place in the homes of her friends and family. Oma wasn’t too wrapped up in her own world to take care of and encourage those around her. Covey says one thing that every person wants is to leave a legacy and she really has. She has left a legacy of loving people and enjoying life.
We love and miss you Oma.
Eric

I didn't get to know Oma Emma for very long but what I do know about her is this...
She is kind and loving.  I can remember meeting her for the first time, it was at our wedding.  I had this overwhelming feeling that she loved me, I don't know if it was because I was marrying her Grandson or what but she did.  She was always so kind to me.  When I would talk to her she would make me feel like I was the most important person in the room and that she was really interested in what I was saying.
 
She always seemed happy.  Every time I saw her, talked to her, or read a letter or card from her she was happy.  She loved life and loved her family. 
 
Two years ago for Thanksgiving we had the Allebes family to our home.  It was so much fun to have a full house and share that time with everyone.  About a week after everyone had left I received two packages in the mail.  They both contained a butter dish, something Oma had said that I needed.  It was so thoughtful of her, I love them, and they were definitely something I needed!
 
I also am blessed to have one of Oma's quilts.  After Eric and I were married we were there for Christmas.  We decided on Deseret.  It is truly so amazing.  Everyone that enters our home is just in awe of it and I can't help but show it off.  Thank you Oma Emma for such an amazing gift of your talents.
 
Love,
Natalie

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Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star.

Oma

I have always enjoyed looking at all of Oma's different quilts.  Each one is so unique and different, and there are so many that I loved.  I looked forward to the time when I would get married and get to choose one to have in my home, and as I grew up I had several different favorites through the years that I wanted to pick. 

When Jared and I were engaged and Oma took us to the quilt room to choose one, I remember having a hard time deciding which one of all her beautiful quilts that I wanted.  Jared also admired several of the quilts, but together we decided on the "Victorian Marketplace".  Jared pointed out that this one is particularly unique and has so much beadwork, handsewing, and many colors that make it a definite eye catcher.  I had loved this quilt with the many different kinds of fruit, especially since the persimmon square was inspired by my parents' persimmon tree; I felt a special connection. 

We were finally given our quilt just a few weeks before Oma got sick, and when we came to visit her we brought pictures to show her how beautiful it looks up on our wall.  We have already had several friends comment on it, and I can't wait to have many more admirers throughout the years, and I will tell our kids and grandkids about the amazing and creative quilts of our dear Oma.

~Tierney~

Oma

"When I first joined this family I felt like an outcast; I felt that I didn't belong.  She showed me love and acceptance in her own small way.  My very first Christmas she made sure that I had a stocking like everyone else.  And in her last couple days while she was lying in her bed she held my hand, and pressed it lightly letting me know that she appreciated what I was doing.  I love her and I miss her, but I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that she is in Heaven watching over us, and that she will always be one of my guardian angels."

 

Tyler

Oma Emma

To me, Oma Emma represents the kind of woman I would like to be.  When I was younger I remember looking at pictures of her and wishing I were that beautiful. I share the cleft chin, blond hair, and small teeth.  As for everything else - the long legs, the 18 inch waist, the high cheek bones, and perfect skin - never happened.  As I am now older, I have to say I could still stand to be a little more like her. 

 

Oma passed away just a couple weeks after I met Evan.  Since then, as we have been preparing to get married, we've talked a lot about what we would like our family to be like.  To be honest, it hasn't taken a lot of research to know what I would like to be like as a wife and mother; all of my favorite examples come from my own family.  There are a lot of things I would like to take from Oma's example. 

 

Firstly, though I know that being a wife and mother were the most important things to her, she definitely continued to develop her own individuality and talents.  Growing up, while other peoples grandmas were apparently baking cookies, Oma was always just getting back from or on her way to a show, a trip, some guild meeting, or something else.  While I am pretty sure I will never sew anything more than a pillowcase, own a business, or merit a single award in my lifetime, I hope I can be a wife and mother who continues to explore her own talents and interests and brings those back to the home to share with my family. 

 

Secondly, Oma was always in control - of her life, of her emotions, of her tongue, of her household, of her career, and amazingly, of her paperwork.  I remember that Oma received our mail and paid our families bills while we lived overseas.  She just had the ability to organize things in such a way that what was supposed to happen would happen and things just got done.  This is an area that I could use a lot of improvement in.  I am fairly confident that paperwork will never be my strong point, but if I can be generally on top of organization and cleanliness in my home and always speak in the kind tones that were Oma's, I will give myself a lifetime pass to terrible paperwork skills.

 

Thirdly, I love that Oma and Opa were such a team.  Both artists, my grandparents were special.  They were the perfect team.  Oma and Opa's home was full of their artwork and little items they had picked up on their journey though life together.  While they collaborated on only a few items of artwork, everything they hung appeared to go together seamlessly to me.  Art is just one example to me of the way that Oma and Opa avidly honored one another.  Opa was great in the garden - always bringing in yummy veggies for all of us to eat - and Oma made multiple quilts of gardens that hang on the walls of her daughters and grandchildren.  I would like to be that kind of wife - one who learns about and cares about her husband’s interest and honors him in both word and deed. 

 

I feel so thankful that I was blessed to have such a great Oma who has taught me so many things.

 

Madison

 

 

Memories of Oma

My memory of Oma is when we went to an Indian like museum when I was 7. First, we went to a big lodge/gift shop. Then we went to lots of little buildings where there were different things to look at and buy. There were items like animal pelts, necklaces, and much more. For every building Oma had a different candy, mint, or lollypop for me. Once I had finished sucking on the candy Oma had given me, we would go on to the next building. This will be a memory I will never forget!

Channing Bushman

 

I remember going on a trip to Southern California with mom. She was teaching a 3-day workshop as well as attending the fashion show at Bazaar Del Mundo in San Diego. This was the only time that I can recall that I have traveled alone with mom for an overnight event. I know that her main purpose for asking me was to have someone to drive her, since she didn’t like driving herself, and apparently there wasn’t a group of quilting friends that were attending both events on her time schedule. I was able to arrange for Tierney to be taken care of after school and off we went. During the drive down we listened to some humorous books on tape, but we also talked a lot and I learned some things about mom that I hadn’t known before – or at least hadn’t paid attention to previously.

When we arrived in San Diego we stayed at some woman’s home that was hosting us for a couple days. She had this quaint home at the top of a hill with a winding street. Mom kept commenting on my amazing driving skills and how grateful she was that she didn’t have to navigate the street. I don’t know that my skills were that amazing, but I am certain that she was very grateful not to be driving herself in that situation.

We attended the fashion show the next day and we sat in line outside the Plaza for at least an hour, but it could have been 2 or 3 in order to get good seats. I remember thinking that here was an entire group of people that wore clothing similar to moms. I didn’t realize until this adventure that the wearable art community was so vast. We were able to get front row seats for the fashion show, and again I was amazed that there were so many garments that were each a different expression of whimsy and individualism. I also remember that mom had an item in the fashion show - I think it was the coat with the lambs wool petals on it, but whatever it was, the reaction from the crowd was audible. Even among all the other wearable art in the show, hers was acknowledged as one with special character and originality.

After the fashion show we met with several different friends and acquaintances of moms, and shopped in the plaza for unique items to add to her next project. I remember going to a button and bead store where mom found some unique beads that she purchased for something that she was working on at the time. We also met with the man that dyed that fabric for the lace skirt that she made. He kept saying he would make something especially beautiful for her, and he did. She made the silk and lace outfit that was on the cover of "Threads", that she said in one of her fashion shows, "was the most beautiful garment I ever made". I am lucky to now have that garment to remember mom by.

After 2 days in San Diego, we traveled to Rancho Cucamonga for her 3-day workshop. Again we stayed with a host friend, and were treated like visiting royalty because mom had a reputation of being such a skilled artisan and teacher. I watched mom teach the workshop and it was fun to see her connect so personally with each of the women attending. They all thoroughly enjoyed the learning as well as the socializing with each other. It was fun to see mom in her element, teaching the skills that she loved so much.

The days that I spent with mom were interesting on several levels. I learned more about mom and why she loves what she does so much. I learned about the entire wearable art community and the interesting personalities that come from people who express themselves artistically. I also think it was the beginning of a different relationship that I developed with my mom as an adult instead of a child. We developed a mutual respect for each other that we didn't have before. Me for mom's artistic flair that shone even among artists, and mom realized that even though she always considered me to be her most conservative daughter (I was not as adventurous when it came to clothing), I wasn’t really as boring as she once thought.

Reaka Bushman

Heather's long entry for blog and photos

When I was little Mom saw that I was having trouble learning to read, she attended an open house and when she heard the heavy southern accent that my 1st grade teacher had, Mom felt that my teacher's accent was confusing me on the words.  For many months Mom read with me regularly until I was able to read well on my own, soon I was reading a couple of years ahead of my age level.    For the past several years I've spent quite a bit of time volunteering with an Adult Literacy program, there are a lot of people who "fall through the cracks" in the public school program. I'm grateful that Mom helped me get over that obstacle while I was very young. Reading has been a great pleasure to me and has opened the door for lifelong learning.

Mom liked to play cards; I remember when I was little playing cards with mom often, just the two of us.  I can't remember what games we played but I remember enjoying that time together.  I still love to play cards.

Mom went through a time when she was very interested in wool in its natural state.  I remember her buying wool carders, a spinning wheel and loom.  She also had a couple of "drop spindles" (I think that's what they're called).  I enjoyed carding the wool and attempting to spin the wool using the drop spindle.  Last year when we went to Nauvoo with Mom and Dad, there were demonstrations on carding, dying and spinning wool.  I remember feeling fortunate that Mom had exposed us to activities like that when we were young.

I recall Mom's macramé era.  Mom taught Macramé for many years, I have no idea how many students she had.  While other people were using macramé to make hanging pot holders, Mom went outside the macramé box on a number of occasions.  Lochlan wears a beautiful macramé belt that Mom made, I have the macramé head that Mom did and also a tall bottle that is covered completely in macramé and has Mom's initials macraméd into it.  Mom also made a beautiful macramé lampshade that I look forward to brining home one day.  I know that memory is a tricky thing, but I recall a lovely macramé beaded collar that mom made which was displayed at BYU in their Harold Fine Arts Center, I was so proud that my mother did fine enough work to be on display there, 

Mom took an oil painting class.  Her project was a lion painting and I love it.  When mom told the teacher that this was her first time working with oil paints he didn't believe her.  I don't think she did another painting; she had too many other things that she wanted to do.  I'm grateful to have it hanging in our home.

Dad took Shenna, Reaka and I backpacking for quiet a few summers.  Mom didn't go with us, she used that time to do something that she wanted to do.  I don't know if she did this each time, but I remember at least a couple of times that she had purchased something special for each of us for when we came home.

At Christmas my parents would often work together to design an Allebes Family Christmas card.  I recall one Christmas when Mom had us all help made paper ornaments for the tree.  They are elaborately cut into several designs. One of the designs is a partridge and pear tree, another is two cut out deer, and my favorite is a crèche image.  Mom put these on her tree each year and I always loved them.   Several years ago when we were at Mom & Dad's for Christmas I remarked to Mom how much I loved them and that I'd like to try to make some one day for our family.  A couple of months later I received a package in the mail, Mom had lovingly packed those beautiful homemade paper ornaments in a box and sent them for our family to enjoy.  Each year I love putting them on the tree and am grateful for Mom's kindness in giving them to us.

My recollection is that Mom didn't want to be the one to teach us how to sew.  She felt that someone else teaching us would be better (and I think she was right on that).  Mrs. Clara Deluca taught sewing at Bella Vista High School and each of us girls were lucky to have her as a teacher.  Once I started to sew, Mom helped when I asked for it.   Mom didn't do any of the actual sewing on my assignments, but she did offer to take out my mistakes as I made them… what a kind offer that was, taking out mistakes is discouraging and the fact that Mom did that for me was instrumental in my not getting too discouraged.  I don't know if Shenna and Reaka received that same offer, they probably didn't make as many mistakes as I did.  As my sewing improved, mom encouraged me to try more ambitious projects.  I think I paid for most of the fabric that I worked with.  During my senior year in high school, I entered a contest called 'Make It With Wool'.  Mom had encouraged me.  I designed an ethnic dress (I'm sure with some help from Mom).  Mom took me to a fabric store that carried high end fabric.  We had calculated how much material I'd need.  There were several colors of fabric, some solids and some prints.  When I saw the prices of the fabric I was alarmed.  I had a budget in mind and the fabric cost was way over my budget.  Mom was not deterred and helped me to pay for it.  I felt a strong obligation to do that fabric justice and did my best to make it into a beautiful garment.  It's the only garment I have that I made when I was in high school and it's still beautiful. 

When Shenna went away to college Mom had us continue to set a place for her at the dining room table each night.  I thought that was a little excessive… especially since it didn't stop after a few months.  Mom also sent Shenna nice packages.  I remember complaining once that Shenna was sure getting a lot of attention while she was away.  About a week later a package came in the mail for me from Mom.  I can't remember what was in the package, but I remember feeling pretty good about her taking the time to do that for me, just to make me feel like I was special to. 

When Mom owned Tayo's she became friends with a woman who made a handmade doll called a Bronja's Baby.  Mom made them and I loved them.   Years later I asked Mom to teach me how to make them, they're time consuming but Mom was patient in showing me how to do the process.  I love making them and giving them to special friends and I'm glad that Mom took the time to teach me how to make them.  This year one of my nieces had a baby and Lochlan felt I should make her a Bronja baby.  Lochlan wanted it to be light pink, when Mom learned that I was looking for light pink fabric for a Bronja baby, she looked through her stash and mailed me enough to make several Bronja babies of that color. 

When Shenna was married Mom wanted to do something special for each of us.  She ordered 3 porcelain Dutch girls and gave them to each of us to remember Shenna's wedding day.  Later when Reaka and I were married she did something again for each of us.  Mom had a special Norwegian necklace that she had 3 replicas made of (I think that was for when Reaka was married, but it could have been for when I was married).  Another time she purchased 3 matching Norman Rockwell plates as the commemoration of one of us getting married.  I don't know of anyone else who has done something like that; it's just another example of mom being thoughtful.  Shenna has always loved tulips.  I remember the hours that Mom spent making fabric tulips for Shenna's reception, what a process, and they turned out beautiful.

I served a mission in Adelaide Australia; Mom was supportive from the beginning.  Mom sent me packages periodically and she always included something for my companion.  Each of them was so touched that she thought of them.

When Merritt and I were married Mom was so excited and I don't recall any stress with wedding plans or on our wedding day.  I think I pretty much let Mom do what she felt would be best.  When Mom would make a suggestion, I'd respond.  If she wanted input, I gave it.  Since I served with Vietnamese refugees for much of my mission, Mom thought I would like to have some Asian food.  Mom arranged to have Merritt and I taste a variety of different foods that Mom had someone prepare.  We chose the things that we liked the most and Mom followed up with it.  For our "wedding cake" a tower of Asian treats was created.  It must have been a big hit because by the time we went to the food table, they were all gone.  Mom knew that I was patriotic so she suggested red, white and blue for a color scheme for the reception.  Mom and a group of Mom's friends made A LOT of deep red fabric carnations for the reception.  Each Christmas we use those red carnations to decorate our Christmas tree.

Mom once took an Asian cooking class and learned a different technique for cooking broccoli which she taught me.   You add just a pinch of baking soda to the water and then bring it to a boil before adding the cut up broccoli florets.  Let it boil uncovered for a few minutes and then drain.  The broccoli will be a lovely deep green color; it cooks faster because of the chemical reaction so I only cook it for a few minutes. 

Years ago mom had the idea for a quilt with images of the hands of men who were priesthood holders from many nations.  Mom asked if I could get the outline of hands of some people of different ethnic backgrounds, and also Merritt's.  I approached three men from our church congregation, one from the Middle East, one with Native American (Eskimo) origins, and one from the Hawaiian Islands.  Each of them were willing to do this but they probably thought it was odd, I know I felt odd asking them.  Hands on a quilt sounded kind of juvenile to me.  When Mom had completed the project it was beautiful.  The only Caucasian hands on the quilt belong to Dad, Brian, Merritt and Max.  Mom submitted the quilt for the first church art competition that included textiles as a category.  As part of the submission Mom made a legend to go with the quilt with was a drawing of the quilt and included the names and ethnic origins or each person represented.  This quilt was purchased by the LDS Church and has often been displayed.  It was also featured on the inside cover of the Ensign Magazine.  Mom made extra copies of the legend as well as postcards of the finished quilt.  Mom gave me copies to give to each of the men I knew whose hands were on the quilt.  I recall one of the men in particular being so touched to be part of that project. 

Mom recruited a lot of people to work on a project for Dad (I think this was for when he retired, but it could have been his 70^th birthday).  Mom asked people to write a memory of Dad for a book she was making, the memory had to be within specific dimensions.  Most people would put together a book in a binder form (or something like that).  Mom had taken a class and made a truly beautiful book cover with metal and leather which she used for this gift.  It's a work of art…

Mom and Dad have friends with an abundance of persimmons.  One year Mom started drying persimmons, when Mom learned how much our family loves the dried persimmons, she was generous in sharing them with us.  I know there are some dried persimmons in the garage freezer; I hope we'll get to eat some of them…

From the time I was young Mom and Dad often invited people over, couples, families, groups, etc.  Mom didn't worry about the house being "perfect" it was tidy and welcoming and that was enough.  Merritt and I have adopted that habit of inviting people over to our home, not nearly as much as mom and dad do, but often and we always have a great time.  I'm grateful for that example from mom and dad.

Mom was a great support to the people she loved, not just family but many friends.  I remember when a family in their ward needed things that Mom participated in a major effort to help them with their home.  Mom organized an auction to help a couple keep their home when it was in jeopardy due to large medical bills, thousands of dollars were earned as people came together on behalf of this couple.   Sometimes Mom embarrassed me with her high praise, but I appreciated her championship on my behalf.   I remember several times when I was in school (elementary, junior high and high school) when I had some difficulty with a teacher or an assignment.  If I explained the situation well, Mom was a strong advocate, with Mom behind me, I felt confident to express myself in what would otherwise have been intimidating circumstances. 

Mom was great at figuring things out.  If we had something that needed to be done and weren't sure how to do it, we figured that next time Mom and Dad visited, one of them would be able to help us get the task accomplished. One year when Mom was visiting she volunteered to make chair covers for some old garage-sale chairs we had, not something we would have wanted to do on a vacation but she enjoyed doing it and we sure appreciated it.

Mom's taste in clothing was sometimes really crazy, but she also had a lot of classically beautiful garments that she had made over the years.  When we were kids we had a lot of fun dressing up in mom's formals from when she was younger (don't recall the parachute dress though).  When I was in high school I wore one of mom's outfits for homecoming spirit day, I felt like Julie Andrews from Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Another time in high school we were having a fundraiser that was a "Monte Carlo Night".  I manned one of the tables and wore a formal of mom's made of light pink velvet and light pink tulle… that was a hit with everyone.   Another time I wore a grey formal of mom's for a retro mystery night that good friends hosted.  Mom had a beautiful beaded knit dress that I loved, she gave it to me and I was able to wear it a few times.  I kept it and Madison has it now, she wears it often and always looks beautiful in it.    I also have several of mom's "wearable art garments".  I have to be feeling pretty confident to wear them since I know I'll be getting some attention when I do, they're fun and I'm always pleased when people are amazed at the creativity and workmanship of mom's garments.

When I talked with Mom and Dad I was always amazed at how busy they were.  They accomplished as much in a week as most people do in a month or even a year, and it was just their way of life.  I am trying to live as well as my parents have lived, to love and serve others. 

Mom was a wonderful example of not only accepting others but finding them interesting and wanting to spend time with them. 

I have a lot of memories of vacations with Mom & Dad, following are several.

Approximately 23 years ago Mom and Dad went to The Netherlands; it was Dad's first trip back since emigrating to the U.S. with his parents when he was a teenager.  Mom and Dad had a wonderful time. While family was together in Fair Oaks for Christmas in 1987 (I think), Mom and Dad suggested that we should all plan a trip for the spring of 1988.  Merritt and I had recently moved to New Mexico and purchased our first home.  We knew Merritt couldn't take a long vacation as a new hire.   I knew that going on this trip was something I couldn't miss out on.  Madison was two years old and since we were new to our area, I wondered how I could make arrangements for her during the day while Merritt worked.  Shortly after returning to New Mexico, a sign-up sheet was passed around during church for baby-sitting exchanges.  I signed up to babysit other people's children A LOT so that I can earn care for Madison while I went on this trip to The Netherlands with Mom & Dad.  I ended up becoming very good friends with Laura Beauchamp and her family through earning babysitting for Madison.   I had been working full time up until shortly before this trip was planned and had wondered how I would spend each day entertaining a two year old.  Through preparing for this trip and earning baby-sitting for Madison, I learned that having other children over (some children were better matches than others) to play with Madison was GREAT!   Shenna and I ended up being roommates on the trip as neither Brian nor Merritt were able to come.  Reaka and Max were together and of course Mom and Dad.  I had such a great time.  Besides paying for my flight over, making arrangements for Madison, and having some spending money, Mom and Dad made all the other arrangements.  I recall I was also in charge of taking photos, I have a large box full of them, I think I made copies for everyone, but if I didn't, I at least know where all those pictures are.  I'll always be grateful for Mom and Dad suggesting that trip and for the opportunity to spend time with my sisters, my parents, and many of our relatives in The Netherlands.  I recall that on the way back Mom and Dad were upgraded to 1st class, I was a little jealous but happy for them... They had organized what was a "first class" experience for all of us. 

About 16 years ago (Lochlan was one or two years old), Merritt & I planned a trip to Europe with Mom and Dad (I'm not sure whose idea it was, but it was a good one).  Dixie and Odell Larsen, friends of Mom & Dad's were living in Rome.   When we arrived in Amsterdam we rented a car for the 4 of us and spent several days in The Netherlands visiting with different family.  We drove through France, I think it was there that we stayed in a hotel and had what I consider a "twilight zone" experience. We spent some time in  Switzerland where I picked up a piece of carved wood in a trash heap that we now have hanging in our home - I learned from Mom that one man's junk is another man's treasure.  I recall that we spent a few days in Florence, we got lost together in Sienna in pouring rain... I was frustrated about not being able to find our way back to the car but I don't recall anyone else being very bothered by it.   We arrived in Rome later than planned (due to being lost in Sienna), the Larsens were amazing hosts.  Dixie fed us lovely meals; she also dropped us off and picked us up at pre-arranged locations for the days that we were there.  I think she spent one day with us.  What a great way to visit Rome.  We wouldn't have had that opportunity to be hosted by the Larsens without Mom and Dad (mostly Mom) arranging that.

Mom and Dad visited us several times while we lived overseas.  The first time was when we were living in Thailand; they were with us for Thanksgiving that year.  We were able to purchase tickets for them with air miles that we'd accumulated.  They were wonderful guests and we had a great time.   I'd asked Mom in advance if she'd be willing to do a demonstration for some of my friends while visiting. Mom was working on her "Women of All Nations" quilt and had brought it with her, everyone was so impressed, I never saw the quilt in its completed state, but I'm happy to have watched part of it's development.  Mom also brought with her some little kits so that she could show each of the ladies a technique, they all loved it and Mom was in her element.  I'd asked Dad in advance to create a painted canvas nativity backdrop for a "Journey to Bethlehem" which our ward was hosting for the Thai Community.  That backdrop was beautiful and was used for many years with literally thousands of people enjoying it.  There was a picture of the event in an Ensign article that showed part of the backdrop...  Attached is a photo of Mom on an elephant with Madison when we spent a few days in northern Thailand with them.  Dad must be taking the picture since he's not on either of the elephants.  Just another example of Mom being willing to try pretty much anything.

When we were fortunate to live in The Netherlands for a few years, Mom and Dad visited us and we traveled with them to different places.  I knew Mom would like to go to Norway where her mother was born.  Merritt & Madison didn't end up going.   The trip to Norway is the only trip that I've organized myself.  Mom, Dad, Lochlan, Sloane and I went together starting in Oslo and ending in Bergen.  I was nervous about "hosting" this.  We had a few mishaps along the way (got on the wrong boat) but we all had a great time.  Mom was curious and pleased everywhere we went. 

When we lived in Singapore, Mom and Dad visited us again.  This time they were with us over Christmas.  We left Singapore one day and drove to Kuala Lampur arriving in the middle of the night.  It was Ramadan (time of fasting during daylight hours) and there were a lot of people up and about in the middle of the night.  We attended church together and visited what at that time were the tallest buildings in the world.  After Kuala Lumpur we spent a few days in the rain forest, that's were Mom had her infamous landing on her backside when she was walking with us in the rainforest wearing "cute" shoes and a knit top and skirt. We then spent a few days in Penang with the Dan & Wendy Smith family, we all had a great time.  While in Penang Dad tried parasailing and had a couple of unplanned adventures in the water.  We took a ferry to Thailand and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in a motel that was pretty much a dive, Mom and Dad didn't complain...  To get to a small island where we had reservations, we had to go from the dock to a narrow boat.  The getting down from the dock part was tricky even for someone who was young and agile.  Mom saw what was required and didn't make a fuss, she just figured she could do it and she did (with the help of some Thai men).  The accommodations on the island were "rustic" by any definition.  We stayed in small cabanas that didn't have electricity, we did arrange to have Mom in one that had a "western" rather than a "squat" toilet, but that was the only concession.  Mom had a project with her and she worked on it on covered table in the open air restaurants that we ate at... in between games of cards and ordering the yummy cashew chicken and fried bananas that we all enjoyed. 

As Sloane mentioned, while we were overseas we spent many summers staying with Mom and Dad, they were both so kind to us with all the turmoil that we brought into their lives at that time. 

In July 2001 Mom and Dad joined us for a trip to New York.  We spent the 4th of July at Niagara Falls; we all loved seeing the "Horses on Parade" in Rochester.  We attended the Hill Cumorah pageant together; we did a session at the Palmyra temple and went to the sacred grove where Joseph Smith had his first vision.  We ended with several days in New York City including going to a couple of plays, to museums, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Mom was excited to see the information about her mother's entry to the United States through Ellis Island.  Mom and Dad arranged for tickets to a play that I think Tom Seleck was performing in.  He wasn't quite as handsome as Harrison Ford (Mom's favorite actor) but she was really happy to have gone to it, and I was pleased that Mom and Dad arranged that on their own.  When we flew into NYC Merritt wanted to use public transportation to get to our accommodations.   Merritt had figured what bus we could get on and then what metro station was within easy walking distance of our hotel.  We all had luggage but agreed to Merritt's plan.  We loaded our luggage onto the bus and got off at the metro.  We learned that the metro station that was closest to our hotel was closed; Merritt talked us all into just getting off at the one before that stop and walking the rest of the way.  Seven people walking several blocks with luggage was an odd sight.  Mom didn't complain but she did arrange to have a van pick us up at the hotel for our return trip to the airport a few days later… I think we all appreciated that!  

Mom had often talked about wanting to go to Branson Missouri.  Last summer (2008) we scheduled a 10 day trip with Mom and Dad, meeting in Tulsa Oklahoma and then driving to Branson Missouri where we stayed for a few days.  I don't think we would have gone to Branson if it hadn't been to fulfill a desire of Mom's.  I'm glad we went "for Mom" because we all had a great time doing to the shows, visiting the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans museum, "riding with the Ducks", and joining a congregation of LDS members for their Father's Day sacrament meeting.  From Branson we drove to Nauvoo and had a lovely time together, last we drove to Chicago.  Mom and Dad loved a display of morphed images at the Art Institute of Chicago.  We all enjoyed the Architectural River Cruise and a highlight was time at the Millennium Park (first time we went there we happened upon practice for an upcoming public concert.  During this trip mom wasn't feeling 100% and there were a couple of times that Mom and Dad stayed at the lodgings, even though she wasn't feeling well, she was enthusiastic about everything we did.

The last trip we had with Mom was this summer when Mom and Dad visited us here in New Mexico.  Mom, Dad, Merritt and I spent a few days at a cabin in Southern Colorado belonging to generous friends of ours.   I'm glad that we had that time together, lots of down time to visit, play dominoes, hear stories, and supervise Dad on a painting he was working on as a thank you to our friends.  Mom was relentless in making sure the color of the chairs was just right... On the days that we were at our home in Corrales, the dominoes were out a lot of the time.  One afternoon Lochlan, Mom and I were playing dominoes; Mom was being silly about how "proud" I was of winning a game.  We started cracking up, Lochlan said something like "Mom, I never hear you laugh like that."  I should laugh more, I'm glad that one of the last experiences I had with Mom involved a lot of laughter.

On the Tuesday that Mom was diagnosed I was scheduled to fly out from the Sacramento Airport after a few days spent in Ashland Oregon with a couple of good friends.  I'm so grateful that I was in the area and that by simply cancelling my return flight, I could be there when the Doctor met with Dad, Shenna, Reaka and I prior to talking with Mom.  What a privilege it was to see the way in which Dad handled everything, and to see Mom and her response to the diagnosis.  I went through a lot of tissues that afternoon.   I also had several opportunities to listen to mom.  It was so funny to hear her tell the doctor about her father's lesson in how to treat a bloody nose.  Mom also talked about people that she was concerned about and how grateful she was for the many blessings that our extended family has been fortunate to experience.  Mom wanted to make sure that the beautiful garments wouldn't be given away to a thrift store, she wanted her loved ones (including family and friends) to have a chance to choose from them.  Honoring that request was a joy as so many friends and family selected items that had memories attached to them.

I'm grateful that Mom's illness took her quickly; she had often expressed pride in her family dying well... Not lingering.  I hope that I have inherited that. 

I'm grateful for Shenna and Chris for the blog where so many memories of Mom have been shared. 

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again to everyone who has contributed.

Heather

 

 

Allebes girls - Honeyman Beach

Honeyman Beach where we stopped and spen t  a while on our way to Canada where we were visiting Katie, Cor & Peter.

 

 

Heather

 

 

Lochlan and Oma Emma

 

Many years ago I had a project in mind for Lochlan, making fabric flat dolls that could be dressed, I'm pretty sure I had a pattern and I'd been collecting fabrics, but I hadn’t gotten around to it.  I mentioned the project to Mom and she said she'd make it for Lochlan.  Not surprisingly, Mom improved on the project and it turned out wonderful.  Attached is a photo of Mom and Lochlan soon after Lochlan opened it.

 

Heather

 

 

My Emma Story

The first time I met Emma was just after Christmas in 1976. Shenna and I were home from BYU for Christmas. Shenna and I had just met and I had gone out with Shenna twice over the Christmas break, our first two dates ever. I was really impressed with her, so I arranged to ride back to BYU with her in a used VW fastback that Ted & Emma had purchased for her to take back to school. The drive back to Utah went very well until we got almost to Auburn (20 minutes away!), where the car broke down, permanently, and had to be towed away. Ted picked us up and took us back to their home where Shenna and I spent the day trying to find a way to get back to school which started the next day. We spent the entire day at her home.

 

This is where Emma comes into the story. Many people were trying to help us find a way back to school and we spent a lot of time waiting for things to come together. I got to really meet Emma and Ted that day. Emma, as I would later learn was typical for her, made me feel like I was one of the most interesting people she had ever met. In looking back, I suppose that I was actually quite unimpressive, but she would ask questions and seem so interested that I could not have impressed her more if I had been a world traveler, acclaimed scientist and renowned artist instead of a student with no major, no money, a part time job and pretty typical life for a typical student. Emma would ask questions and engage you in a conversation that would make you feel like you were something special. It had not occurred to me what a gift that was until the last few months. She was really interested in people.

 

It seems that one of Emma’s favorite pastimes was playing dominoes, and, while we waited, Shenna and I spent most of the day playing dominoes with Emma and “Oma”, Ted’s mom. We played almost all day! I had never played dominoes before, but I made up for it in one day. (It’s interesting that in the last few months, when Shenna and I would spend an evening with Emma and Ted, we would often end up playing dominoes. The dawn of my days with Emma included dominoes, and the twilight days included dominoes).

 

Shenna and I did find a way back to BYU and made it just in time to shower and get to classes after driving all night. Life was good. Eventually I asked her to marry me. She called home the next day to tell her parents and her mom was very excited! She thought it was so wonderful that Shenna was marrying that wonderful young man that had spent the day playing dominoes with her.

 

Of course it wasn’t really the domino games, although that probably helped her perceive me as a polite young man, it was her ability to see the good in me. All the conversation I had with her while we played dominoes together gave her a chance to feel like she knew lots about me, and I guess she remembered all the good things.

 

She was really interested in people, and she remembered the good things she discovered about them. A few months ago, when Shenna and I were having dinner with Emma & Ted, we were talking about some of the challenges we had brought into their life as we went through some difficult times, and Emma didn’t remember any of them. It was remarkable to me that while I thought she would be glad those times were long gone, Emma remembered all kinds of good times and didn’t remember the challenges at all. She had this perception that her sons-in-law were wonderful blessings in her life and it seems that anything I’ve done that didn’t fit that image just didn’t stick with her.  So there was another lesson I learned from her; not only did she make us feel like we were interesting people, but she really thought we were interesting people because she took the effort to be interested in us and find things to like about us.

 

I’m sure glad Shenna’s parents bought that old VW that broke down 20 miles from home so I could spend the day playing dominoes with Emma so she had time to find things to like about me, so she would spend the rest of her life thinking I was a great son-in-law. I’m glad for her example of being interested in people and finding things to like about everybody she met. I’m sure it made her life more interesting and I know it made all our lives much more pleasant.

 

Brian Mealey

Fairfield

This was a draft of a letter Mom sent to the Fairfield Fashion coordinators to be considered for invitation to participate in their highly acclaimed yearly fashion show held at Quilt Market each Fall in Houston.  Mom participated in this 3 (or maybe 4?) years.

 

Dear.....

 

this is a cover letter to introduce myself and my slides.

 

For more than 40 years I have been an avid dressmaker, rarely making the garment exactly from the pattern.  For the last 20+ eyars, I have loved working with art to wear, using techniques that involve many types of details, weaving, piecing, pleating, applique, dyeing, etc.

 

Over the years many of my friends have urged me to apply to Fairfied with the possibility of partcipating with a garment in the Houston Fashion Show.

 

Some of those friends are Cheryl Bradkin, Ellen Mosberger, Rachel Clark, Suzie Robbins, Sally Lampi, elinor peace bailey, Mary Mashuta.

 

I have won Blue Ribbons, Best of Show, Judges Choice and Viewers Choice for many of my garments on local and State levels.  This is my first time to venture out of my state for this purpose, but I did have one of my quilts selected for the Expo 90 show in Japan.

 

The following information I leave with you concerning my slides.

 

Thanking you for your consideration

 

I remain - Emma Allebes

 

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Here's a few of the write-ups she sent along with the slides....

 

'Sunflowers - Van Gogh'  (one of her best know wearable art pieces) I made this jacket when the 100th anniversay of Van Gogh's death was being celebrated.  The sunflowers in two sizes were my inspiration.  The mosaic portrait on the back has 3050 pieces.  25 different shades of black, grey and white were used.  Three yellow and black prints were added for interest in the front.  I did add a bit of green as my husband said 'every flower needs a little green.'

 

'Freeway Crunch' - Carol Lane's vest/coat pattern. This coat was made to hang in a show in San Francisco to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Earthquake.  By pleating the fabric the cars became crunched.  This garment won 'Best of Class' in the California State Fair Wearable Art Exhibit in 1990

 

'In the Garden' - This garment was made to accompany the 'Evolution of the Tomato Quilt' I made that was selected for the Expo 90 show in Japan.  Piecing, applique, cut-away applique and handquilting techniques were used.

 

'Don't Worry, Be Happy' - My own design forj acket and pants..  This was a challenge garment for a guild I belong to.  The plaid didn't have periwinkle in it so I painted it in.  The tiny gingham check which most people tosssed out, became very effective as the piping.  I won the grand prize.

 

 

Oma Emma Letter

I put together my entry and took those photos of me wearing some of oma's shoes/hat/dress.  

 
Today I was going through some of Oma Emma's shoes and noted that one of the brands said "Too much is never enough." That definitely could have been Oma's motto in regards to her work, and to her life. She never felt the need to limit herself to what was "normal" in her work or in life. Growing up, I never realized just how different Oma was from everyone elses grandmothers and I am so grateful for those differences. She taught me how to carry off intense fashion with confidence, not to be concerned about what others think, the value of the dollar store, tried to teach me how to sew, and most importantly that family is there for you even when it isn't convenient. She and Opa opened their home to us every summer for eight years and I am positive that three messy girls were not their ideal houseguests. Additionally, they were always game for coming out to visit us in whichever corner of the world we were living in and Oma never failed to deliver entertaining stories about what she believed were the life stories of the new people we encountered on these adventures together. I hope to be as spunky as she was when I am a grandmother and to be as willing to go on hikes through the jungle, cross rope bridges and visit virtually undeveloped tropical islands with us. I am unbelievably grateful for the example which Oma set for me and for the way in which she raised my mother. I am positive that without her presence in my life, it would be incredibly different and lacking in so many ways.
 
Sloane Phillips
 

Emma/Mom's Thoughts, etc....

going through Mom's 'stuff' I've found little notes, beginnings of Life Histories, portions of talks & letters, etc that are interesting snips of Mom's thoughts....here are some of them....

 

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'It's only in our country that the garments have been separated from the spirit of the person.'

 

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"Live today so the memory of it will be welcome in our thoughts."

 

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Emma's story - taped at a talk given to the Rocklin Quilt Group, May 2, 1994

 

I'm really hapy that I could be here, that I was invited to visit your group.  As Patty said, at the NCQC meeting,  I'm so used to having my last name, you know if there's a little hesitation I know that they are trying to call my name.  but this was interesting because she was hesitating on "Emma".  The "Allebes" was OK, but the 'Emma", that's the first time that's happened. 

 

But anyway, I'm really happy to be here and I usually start my presentation by letting you know how grateful I am for parents who supported me.  I think that that's what a lot of us need always in whatever we are doing is a support system or group of some sort to encourage us. 

 

My mother and father didn't come from, ah, I didn't come from a sewing background other than my grandparents were tailors and there had been tailors for several generations. So they decided that my mother would be an artist of music instead.  So they devoted a lot of time and energy into her performing as a pianist and so she did crochet, but other than that she could never construct a quilt but she was a wonderful quilter. 

 

We used to have quilting bees at our church and she would go and as a toddler I would along with her and I used to, as probably some of you did, I played under the quilt as the quilters quilted.  But before I went to school I was quilting with the ladies.  I was sitting up and quilting with my mother and her friends at the church.  I am so grateful for their encouragement. 

 

My father was raised on a farm and they are very practical people, but I don't know what it was but they seemed to sense that I needed to be different.  I guess I probably, I don't know of many, but I think we could even trace back to the Asian people and even to the African people, all of them who for many generations have really done a lot for wearable art.  When you think of the wonderful embroidery and the beautiful colors and I think here in American here in the USA we're probably the most conservative of all the nations when you think of the Scandanavian people and their beautiful embroidery and also the Euiropeans how wonderfull their vests and hats and things were as we look at the costumes of other countries.  But here we seem to have gotten a little more simple in our dress until the last few years. 

 

I've always had a real interest in ethnic costuming.  I love fur and the Eskimos, that always intrigued me.  Fur and leather, feathers from the Indians with their leather that's always been a fascination to me.  And when I was in school, if we ever had an opportunity to do something on a different country when your assignment you get to pick a country or a people, it seemed like I was always doing a doll dressed in some wonderful costume to depict that country.  I very rarely drew maps or something like that.  I was always doing something more three dimensional.

 

I can remember when I was twleve years old, my first wearable art garment that I did for anyone else, any living person, was my sister.  And she was two years younger than I and it seemed like even if it wasn't real practical, my mother and father didn't discourage me, they still encouraged me to do this thing that I wanted to do.  And I can still see it in my mind, I can still see my sister on Christmas Day standing in the snow in front of our house wearing these red satin mittens and hat that I had made her for Christmas.  Now I grew up in Utah, in the snow, but I just thought as a twelve year old there couldn't be anything more glorious than red satin, even if it was Utah.  I don't know if she ever wore them in the snow or for warmth or what, but I still remember that picture and how I had hand quilted these mittens and little hat for her.

 

It seemed like I had something about red because when I was in college we had a Snow Queen Celebration in the Junior College that I went to.  This was after the second World War, I was in college at that time and I had been in grade school before that.  But, my father had worked as an accountant for one of the military bases, so he had been able to get at that time a red parachute, you know - like rip-stop.  Do you remember seeing those?  Well there's a lot of yardage in a parachute.  And for some reason that parachute just was in our house for all those years, and that's a long time, it had to have been nine years since ??? that we had this parachute. 

 

So I was nominated for the Snow Queen.  I wanted something really different and beautiful and so I said to my father, "What are we going to do with that parachute?"  And so I made just a gorgeous evening dress out of that parachute and it was tiered and really full and it had a really full petticoat under it and it was just really charming.  And when I told this story once before, I just ened it like that and somebody raised their hand and said "Were you the Snow Queen?"  Yeah, I was.  But I can remember my father for months and months he would have to pull that evening dress out of the closet to show his friends when they'd come and say "Oh, look what Emma did."  He was so proud of that parachute evening dress. 

 

Sometimes you have other things that happen in your life that pertain to your creating, whatever it might be.  If you're a painter, a musician, or it you write , or if you're a poet, whatever it might be.  And I seem to have a real thing about shoes.  I don't know how you feel about shoes, but I love shoes.  And I have a real fun time with them. We were in a......(that's the end of what was transcribed!)

 

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Emma Allebes

83998 Sunset Ave

Fair Oaks, CA, 95628

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Emma Allebes has ben involved with the quilt and wearable art world since she was 11 years old when she made a quilted hat & gloves for her 9 year old sister as a Christmas gift.

 

Her college eduation was financed by Art & Home Ec Schoarships to Weber College & Brigham Young University. 

 

Emma has won local, state, national and international awards for her quilts and wearable art.  She has been invited top participate as a Fairfield Designer 3 times.  Her quilts 'Worldwide Brotherhood" and "Women of All Nations Nurturing Peace" will be displayed at the 2002 Olympics Art Exhibit. 

 

She has been a professsional dressmaker for many years as well as making and designing clothing for her 3 daughters and  herself.

 

She has been judging quilts and wearable art for 40+ years and has completed the 2001 NCQC Judging Course.  Emma teaches and presents Wearable Art Fashion Shows to guilds, quilt shops, churchs and womens organizations throughout California.

 

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Our decision to move from our home at 4513 Thor Way in Sacramento was influenced by the health of Ted's father.  Since Ted is an only child, he felt the resopnsibility to watch out for his parents.  So we wanted to find a place where they could be near us.  Ted would drive on all different roads when out on business for his company.  He drove east on Sunset in Fair Oaks......

 

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The topic I've been assinged for today is 'Develop your talents and creativity'.

 

A month or so ago a group of us were together and were sharing our thoughts about talents.  One very special talent was shared by Paul Sharf.  He volunteers at Kaiser hospital and some of his time is comforting those in the emergency ward.  There are many different kinds of talents.

 

As members of the church, we are blessed with so many talented people that share their talents and creativity with us.  What a pleasure it is to sit near Glen Sharp and hear him sing.  Also Monica Ferrera, Deanne Ellsworth & Shelly Haak.  This past week we received a package from Russ & Deanna Johnson.  They found several books they thought we would enjoy in cabinets in church offices that they were helping sort out.  One was about Norway and the conversion of John A. Widstoe's mother & father written by him.  I finished it last night.  She was a wonderful woman and part of her conversion was the sharing of talents and creativity by members of the church who befriended her.

 

Many of you know the talents of Ted, he has many in his family who are artists on both his mother and father's sides.  He made our living as a commercial artist for 50 years and now teaches art classes 2 days a week.

 

Ted's father, a very fine artist, shared his talents in Holland helping the Jewish people.  He was an engraver for the Holland Mint, engraving copper plates for paper money and stamps during World War II.  The Germans didn't allow the Jews to have rations for food.  Ted's Dad worked with Corrie Ten Boom, author of 'The Hiding Place', by altering ration stamps so the Jews would have food.  He also made false ID papers so that Allied pilots that crashed in Holland could get back to England and America, all this by sharing his talents.

 

Several generations back on my mother's side, both grandparents were tailors of fine clothing.  As an only child my mother was not groomed as a tailor but as a fine pianist.  The talent of the sewing machine skipped a generation when at about 4 years old I was attracted to the treadle sewing machine in our hallway.  Dad put a large block on the treadle so I could reach it, and I began sewing, never using a pattern, just making it up as I went along, which I still do most of the time.

 

As a Clothing & Textile major at Weber College (now Weber University) in Ogden. I became skilled in Tailoring.  I was 18 when I finished my Freshman year and was asked by the school if I would make the Whip uniform for the girls service and marchng group.  117 in all.  Purple long sleeve wool gabardine dresses with white vests.  Dad said "you can't stay in this hallway all summer' so he wored the patio with electricity and that's where I spent most of that summer, making use of the talent I was born with.

 

One thing Ted & I feel to be very important to us is to share our talents, we have made costumes, and designed and painted scenery for many church and community productions.

 

A wonderful example of sharing talents is Aileen Kelley and her harps.  She plays in hopspitals for babys to regulate heart beat, and awakens patients from comas and of course she - with Leslie (Williams) and Julie (Basilius) -  performs often for us in the church.

 

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Dear Golda (Mom's older sister)              Dec 29, 1995

 

Ever since I was a little girl I have looked to you and Willard as the example for me of how to raise a good and loving family.  The times I babysat for the kids are part of my fondest memories and as they grew up they became  my friends. 

 

I never considered you a half sister, but my sister.  After Ted and I were married we always felt so welcome by you and Willard in yor home.  I pray that when the time comes for me to need the tender attention from my children that you are receiving now, that they will meet the test as yours have.  I do hope that you will come to Californai for some visits so that Ted & I can return some the hospitality to you that we have received from you all these years.

 

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How effective can we be unless we love one another?  To be a friend and to have a friend is one of the most important roles we will have.

 

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My granddaughter, Madison, is on a mission in Louisville, Kentucky.  We hear from her each week with interesting stories about her experiences.  Perhaps she sits next to someone on a bus and ends up giving them the First Discussion.  She takes advantage of every opportunity to teach the gospel.  I've thought to myself, 'that-a-girl'.  Then I think 'am I doing my part as I should?'

 

On Feb 9, 2007, my mother-in-law, Judy, passed away at age 97.  I was at her bank the next week closing her checking account.  There was quite a line up and few tellers.  I think they probably were taking some lunch breaks. I was standing next to a very pleasant looking young man, I'd say about 20 years old.  I thought of Madison.  How would she approach this situation? 

 

There was a young woman customer standing at a teller station and she was wearing high heel shoes about 5" high.  I said to the young man  'Look at those shoes, I can't imagine that she doesn't fall over.'  He said 'I've never tried that, but it doesn't look very safe.'  Anyway we visited a bit, and he said 'why are you at the bank?"' I told him I was closing my mother-in-law's checking account  as she had passed away.  He said 'I know how you must feel, my mother died when I was 12 years old and it was very hard.' 

 

Then as we visited he mentioned his Mom & Dad.  I said "Oh, your Dad remarried?'  He said 'Yes, he married my best friend's mother, so now he's my brother.'  We were almost ready to be helped when I said to him 'you are such a nice young man, maybe we could get better acquainted.  My husband and I enjoy having people to our home.  If you write your name and phone # I could call and invite you and your famly over.  So he did...He said he likes to be called....\

 

It's been about 2 weeks ago and I haven't called yet.  Maybe I'll do it before the weekend is over.  I tried but no answer.  He was pretty smart and careful.  The phone # was a business # and porbably closed on Saturrday.  I'll try Monday.

 

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It seems like almost every speaker begins their talk with...'When Ted Allebes called.....'  Well if finally happened to me.  He had several suggested topics and I chose the 11th Commandment.

 

'Thou Shalt Not Waste' - we all know there is no 11th commandment, but if there was one, waste could be considered.

 

At a workshop I took sometime ago I had the opportunity to learn Hawaiian quilting.  The cutting technique is similar to that used when cutting paper snowflakes.  You probably are thinking - what does that have to do with waste.  I hope I'll be able to coordinate the two.

 

I remember attending a dinner many years ago.  Afterwards a man I didn't know came up to me and said, 'I'll bet you're Scandivavian.' I said 'yes, I'm Norwegian, how did you know?'  He said 'the way you  finished your  plate so clean.'  I can't say it happend because of my Norwegian background but I was raised not to waste food.  To eat what I took.  We didn't waste anything.  We saved the rubber bands on the door knob.  Does that sound famliar to any of you?

 

Part of the problem with wasted food with children I think starts with too large of a plate. 

Try:

1 - a small plate with a small serving

2 - progress to a salad plate with a larger serving

3 - finally, when able to manage it - a dinner plate

 

Do some of you know Ben Lofgren?  He was giving a Sunday School lesson once in El Camino Ward.  He gave his theory on this subject.  He always told his children 'you don't have to finish your dinner if you don't want to, but you won't get breakfast until it's all gone.'  We thought 'Hey, that's a good idea and we'll try it.' And you know, just one breakfast of cold spaghetti adn no more uneaten dinners.

 

Probably one of the hardest things a young couple has to do these days is save for a home  Our first home was chicken arbor in North Ogden, Utah.  Ted & I, our fathers and one really good friend made that arbor into our dream house.  Lots of work and frugile buying made it happen.

 

When we bought our property here in Fair Oaks, it was really run down.  But we had a vision of what it could be.  I don't know if Connie Beal remembers this, but soon after we moved here Connie & Lloyd came to see us.  I took Connie down the hallway and she tripped over the tear in the carpet.  It was in pretty bad shape but again with a lot of owrk and careful buying we turned a lemon into lemonade.

 

And now the other half of the Hawaiian Quilt project.  I just couldn't bear not doing something with that that had been cut from the same cloth.  And so you see how so often that which we discard can often be a thing of beauty.

 

May Heavenly Father bless us for our good works, that we may attain those goals we have, that we may do so in righteousness I pray.

 

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