My Gospel ABC's

Ever since I entered Relief Society 5 years ago, I've held the slightly irrational belief that the measure of a "good" LDS woman is directly related to her scrapbooking abilities. Only those who attend weekly scrapbooking clubs, document their child's first poopy diaper in a cute little album and own tons of fancy paper, buttons, stickers, ribbons, stencils, cut-outs (the list goes on and on) will make it into the Celestial Kingdom. I always felt my creative skills would never measure up so I really never got into it, even though I secretly wished I would. I knew it was something I would thoroughly enjoy but didn't want to compete with the pros so I never tried. That is, until last weekend.

I always need a little project to keep me focused as I watch Conference. If I don't have something to do with my hands I always end up either falling asleep or cleaning the house with the TV turned up loud. So on Saturday night, while Clark was at the Priesthood session, I went out to Michael's to get the supplies I needed to make something. I ended up spending two hours walking up and down the same three aisles. I was completely overwhelmed with all the choices and I almost backed out, feeling like whatever I made would never be "cute" enough. I came home with a small 6x6 album, several sheets of paper, glue and some ABC stickers.

What resulted after several hours of cutting up Ensigns is... well, something I'm actually quite proud of- Booker's Gospel ABC's. Its not perfect- the lines aren't quite straight and I'm sure there a typo somewhere. But I don't care. I like it and I think Booker likes it too. Of course, he won't appreciate it for a few more years. But there are a couple of pages he really likes- D is for Daddy, with a picture of Clark. M is for Mommy- with one of me. F for Family and G for Grandparents are popular too. His favorite, however is Y is for YOU because I pasted a little mirror on it.

I liked my venture into the world of scrapbooking, but I think I'll stick to my digital stuff. I can always get my edges perfectly lined up and there's no pesky glue involved. And on top of it all, its MUCH much cheaper. In fact, I think I'll make a digital version in case I'm ever called to an Enrichment Committee or to simply give to Booker's cousins.

Anyways, here are a few of my favorite pages.

I'm SO Lame

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

Think Pink

Callie had me make a flyer for her salon, so I thought I'd post it here for some added publicity. It sounds like a fun event and its for a good cause. Check it out.

Serenity Prayer

Marie asked me to make these for her.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

A new show debuted on Nick Jr. this week called Yo Gabba Gabba. At first I wasn't sure about it. Just watch this video and you'll see why.

But here are a few reasons why I'm a huge fan. First, one of my favorite bands, the Shins appear on the show and sing a catchy little song about winning, losing and trying again. Click here to see the Shins perform on Yo Gabba Gabba. Also, celebrities like Tony Hawk and Biz Markie make silly appearances. Today Eiljah Wood came on and taught everyone a dance called the Puppet Master. Lastly, one of the regular characters is Mark Mothersbaugh who has a little drawing segment. Today he taught the kids how to draw a potato bug on a skateboard- how delightfully random. Mark Mothersbaugh is the genius behind all the soundtracks to Wes Anderson's films, which makes him a god in my eyes. (He's also the former lead singer of the band Devo, of" Whip-it" fame).

So while it might be a little disturbing to watch a fuzzy green monster have a "party in his tummy," I'll put up with it and even enjoy it if it means my one-year-old is being introduced to the Shins. And who am I kidding? Who cares if I like it or not. If Booker's a fan, then I'm a fan. Plus I'm getting really sick of Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, La la and Po.

Poetry or Production

Clark recently learned that the Law Journal is going to publish his article, "Poetry or Production: Functionality in the Architectural Work Copyright Protection Act." Basically, his article is about whether or not the copyright act extends to the useful aspects of a building. He talks about what test you should use to determine whether a functional aspect (with unique aesthetic qualities) of an architectural work is copyrighted.

You think this would be interesting to me. I handled all the rights and reproduction issues at the Museum of Art and I absolutely loved that part of my job. But I've read some of his past papers and articles, and its like reading a different language. The Clark I married used to write beautifully and well... creatively. I guess there's something about first year Legal Writing that sucks all the imagination out of you and allows you to become fluent in legalese.

I can't complain though. One day, hopefully soon, that legalese will pay for a down payment on a house and maybe some vacations to visit my parents overseas! In the meantime, I'll just remind myself that pre-law-school-Clark is still there, underneath law-school-Clark- who may write differently, but still writes well according to editors at the Journal.

To honor him, here's an etching I did back at BYU. In fact, we were dating at the time and I have fond memories of Clark hanging out in the studio while I was covered in acid, rubbing alcohol and ink. He found me cute even then.

Don't Poke Alligators

If I lived in Irvine (or anywhere in Southern CA) I'd be there for sure! He's my cousin and he's really good. Plus, he said he'd give me the official title of "band artist."