Announcing Merritt! From 5 years ago December 3....

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Epigenetics. Why We Are What We Are...

I often ponder what of me my offspring will remember from their childhood.  It seems to me I spend many days lecturing and retraining as I attempt to disciple my babies.  I am most certain this is not all in my head. I do, after all, have 6 little followers, which is what, after all, a disciple is.  I am training them to be what I myself pursue.  

I have been dabbling in familiarizing myself with the basics of epigenetics.  Wikipedia’s definition states in part that it is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence.  The gist is that our environment and our choices can influence our genetic code- and that of our offspring.  In studies done with rats some mothers are overachieving types. They lick their little rat babies past the point of cleanliness.  The regular ol’ once over type mamas are just in it to get the job done.  Turns out the overachievers produce overachievers.  All that licking kicks on their hippocampus and begins a cascade of events, each triggering the next until those little rat babies can say with Fezzik,

      “It’s not my fault being the biggest and the strongest. I don’t even exercise.”

I’m not sure it has much to do with my personal epigenetics, but as I ponder my kids future thoughts of their history and why it was written as it was I can’t help but think about my own.  Why do I do what I do?  

Last night my kids were discussing the ownership of the individual flashlights they each received from their paternal grandparents for Christmas.  They were given with stickers of each child’s name clearly in view.  Said stickers have a way of either falling away or being forcibly removed.  To end all idle chattering I reached to the shelf beneath my cookbooks.  Residing there in its own protective carrying case is the electric engraving tool my dad gave me upon my marriage.  It is the sort where the metal tip vibrates back and forth while making a deafening sound.  I quickly named all the flashlights to the glee of the corresponding children.

Today I engraved the size on my metal bias strip maker with the same tool.  Every time I use that handy bias strip maker I have to remeasure what size it fits.  Why didn’t I think of the engraver before now?  

I fondly recall from my history that my dad engraved TN on every tool he owned.  When he gave me a pocketknife it was named “Megan”. My harmonica was named the same. Incidently, the “a” looked just like that.  Dad’s lower case “a’s” were always formed like they were typewritten with the extra curl at the top.  At the time he gave me the engraver I found it odd.  He just gave it to me, no explanation, no gift wrap, like I would know what to do with it.  

I proceeded to engrave my new name all over my new “tools”. I had bread pans, 9x13 pans, bowls, and spatulas marked with my new moniker.  I was quickly hooked and am ever-thankful I don’t have to go through life wondering to whom the jellyroll pan in the cupboard belongs.  I’m pretty sure this is not an example of how my dad impressed upon my epigenetics, but I am pondering many other aspects as I watch my own children.

If you are the least curious as to how your current choices are effecting your progeny  John Cloud’s article in Time magazine from January 6, 2010, called  Why Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny, was a thought provoking read.  I will think none-the-less of you if you aren’t interested.  It seems I can easily explain my interest.  You see, Breadwinner and I met in genetics class. I set myself apart from the others of my gender, in his eyes, by my daily quest to encourage the professor to check the overhead screen for focus prior to beginning the lecture. We have been in continuous experimentation using genetics for 12 years.  

But, I am sure it can all be explained easily enough using epigenetics.  My dad’s degree was in chemistry and my mom was involved heavily in genetic lab work herself...

Contemplating My Vapor...

James 4:13-14

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit";

whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

My mom dropped over the other day and brought with her a topic of conversation of which she had been reminiscing with my grandma which contained highlights of my high school years.  She had skewed a bit of the history so I got out my scrapbook to fact check.  My four inch thick book of memories is old school.  It contains everything from the usual play bills and photos- to what stands as trash which is my lime green tennis handle wrap and and matching lime green bow from my wrap around tennis sunglasses- to the obscureness of a magazine ad of a chicken with a grin full of teeth and the dried up ear from a dissected fetal pig.  Between the grey covers of this three ring photo binder encased in acid rich papers and  tape I am teased with the thought that perhaps I peaked in high school, and I grow depressed.

I graduated with a class of 25 other students.  I was not the smartest, fastest, nor was I voted best legs.  

For the record I was voted most likely to have the most children- check! I was also voted most likely to be president of my own corporation.  Don't these two characteristics go hand in hand? 

What I did have going for me was that I was involved in every activity offered within the hallowed halls of Dike High.  I was an athlete, a musician, a scholar, a journalist, a thespian, and I went to church on Sunday and Thursday and lead a Bible study.  I did achieve some measure of notoriety and success.  I had plenty of bits with which to fill my scrapbook, which I created on the only day that I ever skipped school with my partner in truancy, Ellie Stewart.  Her dining room table was the location we chose to preserve our treasured memories.   Although her mother watched our every move, encouraging us all the way, my mom almost would not okay my absence from school which would have thwarted my plans to graduate without incidence.  

As I reflected on my past achievements I couldn't help but review my more recent history.  What have I done since then? Have I been using all my abilities and talents to their utmost to bring glory and honor to the Lord or have I been coasting on past accomplishments? 

One thing that really came to light due to my dad's passing was the imminence of my mortality.  I can plan for the future, but my life is a vapor and what I can do for the Lord does have its time constraints.  I was reminded of our state of vapor again this very morning. 

Our neighbor left on vacation yesterday and asked Breadwinner to feed the wood boiler in his shop a couple times a day while he was gone.  Upon opening the door to the shop this morning he was greeted with steamy smoke.  Breadwinner raced home to grab out fire extinguisher to dampen the flames until the fire department could arrive.  The fire was quickly brought under control and after careful examination it was decided that the fire was started not by the wood boiler, but by failed electrical wiring.  The fire had started overhead and made its way down to melt the hose on the boiler which sprayed water on the fire enough to keep it in check.  When the major work was over the  kids and I went to check out the fire men and trucks.  Breadwinner shared news of the incidence and it seemed like another simple matter of a grin as "Praise the Lord" rolls from the tongue.  I hadn't been too worried as the shop was still standing and at no time did the process seem life threatening.  A few hours later I was called to rethink our vapors.

Breadwinner came home from next door in late morning before heading off to work for a second time.  He was there long enough to relate what the fire chief had to say about his investigation and the fire and how the Lord had been working through it.  Fire Chief told Breadwinner that if the fire had not melted the hose to the wood boiler allowing the water to partially douse the flame he could have been toasted in the backdraft when he opened the shop door feeding the fire with oxygen.  Instead he was greeted by billows of smoke and steam. 

 This time "Praise the Lord" is a contemplative whisper while I hug him a little longer as I kiss him goodbye.  God doesn't measure success on the number of yellowing collected newspaper clippings.  What He wants from this vapor is to do His will to His glory.

James 4:15

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Salutations/New Year Blessings from the Roelfs-2011

Come,thou fount of every blessing,teach my heart to sing thy grace,streams of mercy never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise,

I am most comfortable when a project is finished in a timely manner and not left partially completed. This may also mean I have a desire to be in control of my environment.  Having created 6 beautiful children with a wonderful man who also donated genetics that include independent thinking with strong leadership qualities, I often find myself uncomfortable.  Matt recently declared he has discovered the burr that has been a year under my saddle.  My Christmas salutations of a year ago were never delivered...

Those of you with whom we keep in touch primarily through Christmas greetings may not know that early in February of 2010 my dad, Tim Nielsen, was diagnosed with lung cancer.  We had 9 months in which to say, “until we meet again”, which we lived with him to the fullest.  He went to heaven on November 7, 2010 surrounded by his family.  I started my Christmas letter many times, but my eyes kept leaking and my fingers kept slipping from the keys.  The one thing that came of my dad’s illness was that I started writing about it to keep friends and family updated.  These writings turned into a blog.  If you can’t get enough of my ramblings here you can go there for updates during the year. pursuingtheprize.blogspot.com. has become a place I try to chronicle our journey, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philipians 3:14

We just commenced our 10th year on the acreage I have dubbed Sunny Toad Farm.  My fascination with sunflowers hasn’t wilted in the 24 years I have been a collector and our toad population continues to increase at the same rate as our gardens continue to eat up the lawn.  The human population is holding steady for now at 8, although we continue to pray that the Lord would bless us with a greater workforce to raise to His glory!

Madigan Kate is 11 ½ and proud of the fact that the sandals we purchased for next summer are a size 10.  She continues in her study of the violin and is ready for a full size instrument. Who knew when she was 3 and wanted to play that we would be buying replacement violins like so many too small shoes?!  Her sense of responsibility and willingness to help out make her indispensable to us.  I’ll admit to acting a little put out when Matt takes her to help him work.  She especially enjoys helping him by running the lift when he is roofing.  It is not the machinery of which she is fond, but the tote of crocheting and books she packs along.  She and Maliah enjoy a Bible study with a group of young ladies where they are in charge of craft time.

Maliah Joy turned 10 in November.  If she hasn’t read a book on any given day we check her temperature.  She never leaves the house with less than 3 in her bag.  When our smiley free- spirited Maliah is ornery we can safely assume she has been up too late the night before reading. Maliah has created a painting studio in the basement in which she willingly welcomes guest artists. She is a natural on the piano and we enjoy listening to her energetic inflection.  Maliah is a special favorite of all small children.  Although, I recently found out she buys Merritt’s affections with gum...

Maxwell Willard turned 7 in August. He decided this year that he will graduate from Sunny Toad Academy when he is 13 so he can then go to work with his dad full time. Until then he bides his time taking out the trash, removing dead mice from the basement, and peeling potatoes. He is also studying violin and we have enjoyed hearing he and Madigan playing duets. Max is pulling for a bb gun this Christmas so he can keep the barn bird population in check around here. Instead he will be receiving books, for which he will be equally excited, believe it or not. Last week Max followed the Lord in believers baptism and became a member of Harvest Baptist Church.  

Mitchell Wynn is 5 and also an avid reader. He and Max can most often be found reading aloud to their most loyal fans, Maielle and Merritt, when they aren’t running around outside brandishing sticks at one another.  He also does a great imitation of a pirate. He is a very prolific artist and frequent guest in Maliah’s studio. It warms his mother’s heart to hear Mitch proclaim he shall play the trumpet.  At last a brass instrumentalist I can instruct with some confidence. Mitchell has decided to follow Jesus and let the whole world know last week when he too was baptized and joined Harvest Baptist.  He recently decided his occupation shall be as a plumber and that he will marry a woman who doesn’t care if she gets dirty, but then gets cleaned up on Sundays.

Maielle Rose just turned 4 and we are working at harnessing her spirit of self-confidence and leadership.  She is very busy carrying out her various and many numbered plans, regardless of our efforts to thwart her!  She loves to dress up and mother her many baby dolls.  I haven’t decided if she and Merritt are destined to be tailors or supervisors of some sort, as they spend many hours sitting on my sewing table and in the windowsill it abuts critiquing my every stitch.

Merritt Wallace turned 2 at the beginning of December and we are excited that he has taken to potty training quite easily.  It doesn’t hurt that he is a performer and loves the accolades we lavish on him when he makes his deposits in the preferred facilities.  He is as easy going as Maielle is intense and one can’t help but smile when he is around.  He loves to write with a pen and play with the kids and he takes to his crib for a nap easily to enjoy the comforts of his thumb and blankie.

Roelfs Enterprises continues to be as varied as the name describes.  The two main arms being Roelfs Steel Roofing and Advanced Greenscapes. Last Spring the whole family plus my mom and sister and her 4 kids were in southern Iowa planting trees by day and camping at night.  You can also on occasion hear Matt on WHO or read about him in the Spokesman or Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers newsletter (where he writes a regular feature article), as I call him the Coalition’s “poster boy”.  When he is not landscaping Matt can most often be found on a roof. He claims it has no reference to the fractious woman found in the book of Proverbs! Matt also continues to make great strides in remodeling our home.

I keep busy looking for teachable moments with the kids while living and working alongside each other. We continue to spend a lot of time in the gardens as we strive each year to be better stewards of the harvest. We started in the greenhouse in April and the kids dug the last of the carrots last week.  I am in a Bible study with a great group of edifying supportive gals that hold my feet to the fire. When I can work it in I am passionate about sewing, refashioning, and creating with fabric.  

Our 10 year old Great Dane, Daisy, is still with us although she’s no longer the looker she once was. Our Mastiff, Duke, is 3 and we brought his baby brother, Turk, home to live with us last winter to keep him company in the case of Daisy’s demise.  Unfortunately Turk tried to eat out of pecking order and Duke snapped at him. Turk lasted a week before his injuries were fatal.  In May we got a milk cow Maielle dubbed Rosie.  We enjoyed the milk products until she caught milk fever and died hours short of delivering her calf in October.  We continue to ponder whether to get another cow. We also lost a few of our 50 chicken laying flock. People often ask how the kids have dealt with these set-backs.  The Lord has given us these valuable teachable moments and we attempt to live Proverbs 3:5-6 through them. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.”

My grandfather, Ed Ericksen, died in January at the ripe old age of 94. In July the “Ericksen” clan broke the peaceful quietness of the Chippewa National Forest at Cass Lake in Minnesota.  Though it had been quite a few years since Grandpa Ed had been able to join us at the lake I still miss his presence and the resulting fish fry.  We spent a lovely week together reminiscing about past trips and making new memories with the kids. It was a special blessing to be surrounded by family as we marked the first lake vacation without Dad there to encourage the kids in knife throwing games, whittling, band-aid application, and snorkeling.

In June Matt and I celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss and in September we revisited Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, where we spent our honeymoon.  This time around we rented a house on the beach with all the kids and our good friends Mark and Kate Ehresman and their brood of 4.  Getting there is half the fun and we logged 24 hours each way in our 15 passenger van. Our time together was such a blessing and it was the most relaxing vacation on which I have ever been!

For us this has been an entire year of pausing and reflection.  We have come to appreciate God’s gift of grace, made low and wrapped in human flesh in the form of his son, all the more. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter,bind my wandering heart to thee!

Pillowcase Casual...

 My sis-in-law began her new job as a stay-at-home mom about a year or so ago.  She has purchased a sewing machine but has yet to use it.  I can understand the angst of starting such a new venture.  It is a bit intimidating.  After gorging on Thanksgiving dinner she and I were perusing some different websites and simple dress patterns and we came across some really fab pillowcase dresses.  I decided I would do this tutorial for her.  There are others out there to be sure, but none that were written just for you.  Can’t wait to see what you come up with, Miss!  No pressure...

My niece, Kate, turned 4 on Sunday.  My sister-in-law had the nerve to deliver her on my baby’s due date!  My little bundle of joy made her grand entrance 5 days later.  We are still working on her drama queen issues 4 years later.  Kate loves dresses and I already had a pair of boots and leggings for her, so we searched the stash for something to match.  My motto is the more color, pattern, and texture the better!  The “dress” turned out more of a tunic in length.  I will put the measurements for a dress in parenthesis.  

You will need-

2/3 yard fabric A (blue sun and moon)

1/3 yard fabric B (green polka dot)

1/4 yard fabric C (pink)

1.Cut a rectangle 15’’ (20”) by the width of fabric A.  Most cotton quilter fabric is 45’’ wide.

2.Cut fabric B 4” by the width of fabric (figured at 45”)

3.Cut two pieces of fabric C 4” by the width of fabric.  Sew together the narrow ends. Fold in half lengthwise wrong sides together and iron flat. This will be the bottom ruffle.

4. Run a basting stitch the length of the ruffle on the rough edges.  A basting stitch is achieved by setting your stitch length to the longest position.  It is a “5” on my machine.  By pulling on one of the basting threads the fabric will gather or “ruffle”.

5. Sew the ruffle to the bottom edge of fabric B.

6. Sew the top edge of fabric B to fabric A.

This photo shows top stitching the seams of the large rectangle.  It isn't necessary, but makes the garment look more finished.  

7. You now have a large rectangle. Fold it in half, right sides together, and sew a seam down the long edge making sure that the different stripes of fabric line up on the edges.

8. To make armholes put a mark at the top 2’’ in from the side and another 6’’ down on the side edge. Make a gentle “J” curve to connect the marks.  You can use a plate to help you make the curve if you desire. Cut the armhole.

9. Starting at the 2’’ mark at the top cut a gentle curve from each side to the middle ending 1’’ below the top edge.

I made the armcyes (dressmakers term for armholes) by folding the dress in half. I used a disappearing sewing marker to make my lines.  I also have a stub of chalk in my pin box I use if my kids haven't absconded with it.

10. Make a narrow hem on the armholes by folding over the fabric twice to the inside and ironing flat.  Sew the armhole hem.

 11. Fold over the neck line 1/2’’ iron flat.  Fold in again 1 1/2’’ wide and iron.  This will be the drawstring casing.  Sew the neck seam being sure to not stitch across ends where you will pull through the tie.

This photo shows the neck casing.

12. To make the tie sew together the short ends of two pieces of fabric B that are 4’’ by 45’’ to make a 90’’.  

 13. Fold in half right sides together and sew across one end and down the side. Turn right side out, tuck in unfinished end and sew. Iron.

14. Feed tie through neck casing using a safety pin.

Add caption

15. Tie a big bow and smile because you are done!

16. Go start some onions sauteing because your husband will be home soon and when he smells the onions he’ll think you have started the supper prep...

My "model" by default.  The girl it would fit was napping.

Here he is proudly displaying his artwork he likes to call, "Monkeys With Balls".

Sew Free!

I'm not sure if it a genetic predisposition or due my encouragement, but my kids love to create.  I try to offer them many different mediums.  We seem to especially gravitate towards art that makes a mess.  And we seem to crave this activity in the cooler months coordinated with whatever subject we are studying at the time- picture a Shetland pony sized paper mache horse complete with internal wire armature.  I didn't really think this one through.  Do you know how many layers it takes, added one day at a time, of flour and water sodden newspaper to complete a horse?!

The kids also like to paint.  In the warmer months, and when they were young enough to get away with it, I would let them strip down to nature and paint outside at their plastic picnic table.  When they were finished I hosed down the table and filled the wading pool with dish soap and water.  They were happy and I was happy.  Now that we have learned about modesty, and since the dog water is frozen over they have set up a studio of sorts in our unfinished basement.  It is a great space for them to spill paint and practice cleaning it up without me having to come behind them and complete the task.  The only problem being that they tend to spill paint all over their clothes.  This even after the younger set were told to strip off their outer layer.  I guess I should have checked up on them if I really expected them to follow instructions. They were subsequently banned from the studio after the last session.

For my own sanity I needed to figure out a way for them to regain their basement privileges.  Turns out I like it when they are underfoot, one floor underfoot that is.  My sewing machines are right above the studio space and I can keep tabs on them by listening through the HVAC registers.

Today as I was sorting through some unused clothing I got a bright idea.  Easy no sew smocks! Everyone is happy once again...

I will not incriminate our household by indicating how many denim shirts we have or how long we have had them.  Two of the shirts were missing all their buttons as I dug them out of the discard bag. I sewed the front of them back together before I started cutting. We scalp all buttons before clothes are thrown out.  Yes, one day I will be that crazy old lady with the mason jars full of buttons!

Cut the back off the shirt.  If you are lucky enough to have a loop on the bottom of the yoke seam leave it intact so your progeny can throw the smock on the floor and you can remind them to hang it up.

Cut away the sleeve leaving it intact at the armpit.

The strip you have left becomes the tie.

2 minutes after you started you have a smock!

My adorable model in what looks like a dress...

From the look of his pants I just might have to make him an outdoor smock as well...

Proof I Did Get Something Accomplished Last Summer...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just spinning my wheels.  I have to continually remind myself that my husband and 6 dear children are daily on the top of my to do list.  Those of you who know me best know that I occasionally obsess over a project idea.  There is even an acquaintance of mine, with whom I shared many years of lodging even letting her use the same womb in which I was nourished for 9 months, who declares subjects taboo after I have dwelled on them overlong. One of the reasons I take so many photographs is that I need to review where I have been visually.

Upon reviewing the over 1,000 pictures I took over the summer months I came across a project that I especially enjoyed creating.  It is a quilt I made for a friend's new baby.  Those of you who have recently reproduced know that in my heart your sweet babe is already wrapped in something I have created just for them.  My mind is so far ahead of my hands!  If it makes you feel any better I put this particular project on the front burner as this was my dear friend's 9th baby!!  I think that number nine deserves something especially fine!

For Fletcher Kale.

His name and some blocks are in brown and green minkee on the herd of turtles.  The mint green blocks are ribbed minkee.  The brown blocks are dot minkee.

Psalm 145:3 is quilted in the sashing around the herd of turtles block in the middle.

Here is the quilt from the back. I like to use a dark color fabric so I can see the quilting.

Side view of the pinwheel blocks.

I had such fun making the pinwheels!  To make them I took the same 6'' blocks I used throughout and folded them in half diagonally to make a triangle and then folded them in half again to make a smaller triangle.  I then cut a 6'' block in half horizontally and vertically to make four squares.  I sewed the triangles (I think they are called prairie points when all folded up) to the squares and the squares back together again.  Then I was rebellious and randomly placed them throughout the quilt.

 With some coordinating fabric I made him some little tie shirts.

I ironed wonder under to the back of the tie then ironed the tie to the shirt.

If you don't have any commercial stabilizer on hand use a coffee filter to keep the fabric from stretching.

Tear off your improvised stabilizer.

Here is the finished product!  My friend uses cloth diapers and I've found all my old standby snap crotch onesies  don't work as well as shirts with cloth diapers.  Just in case you were wondering why I didn't use snap crotch onesies :)

Welcome to the planet Fletcher!!