HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY!!!

Mom,

Because Kari and I couldn't be with you on your birthday or at your party, here is a collection of anecdotes, stories, photos, memories, and well-wishes that we have collected to send you off into your next fifty years. Thank you for always being there for me, for always being supportive--no matter how neurotic I am being, for loving me so much, for being so much fun and so easy to be around. You are the best houseguest ever, and I can't wait for you to come back in the summer and spend extended time with us. I love you super much, and I am so lucky to be your daughter.

Happy Birthday!

Love

Erin

Smarty-Pants

Written by Laura's Mom Carolyn:

Laura was a very bright and a very very energetic child and by the time she was four she was more than ready for school. The school district,however, had a December 1st cutoff date for turning five. Despite my pleading, begging, whining I could not convince the superintendent to make an exception. She spent that year home schooling herself in reading. By the time she reached first grade, I fully expected to be called to school frequently to deal with her self directed energy. But she fooled me and I discovered that by the simple expedient of writing 'silence' on the chalkboard, the teacher was pretty well able to control the entire class, Luara included. When she entered the Milwaukee Public School system she advanced one semester and became a January student. At a later date MPS decided to end its mid-year program and Laura was moved ahead another half grade--ending up where she should have been in the first place.

Birthday Wishes from Linda Bjella

My friend Laura and I share...
...a love of books (especially good novels)
...a penchant for seeking out great recipes (although she can work more magic in the kitchen with them)
...a rabid left-leaning political persuasion
...an enjoyment of a good sauvignon blanc and strong coffee
...a love of laughter, especially when peppered with witty sarcasm

I'm so glad Laura came in to my life and I wish her many good books, great food, democratic majorities, aromatic wine and coffee, and hearty laughs that I hope to share with her for many years to come. Welcome to the other side of the century mark!!

Proust! Skol! Cheers!

mom,

happy 50th birthday - here's a toast to 50 more!
thanks for always backing me up, thanks for teaching me to be proud of my weirdness/heritage/laughter/cooking/gardening/music/dance/art/athletics, thanks for showing me how to make creamed spinach, thanks for pushing me to get better grades, thanks for teaching me the importance of dignity, thanks for the excellent genes, and most of all, thanks for pushing me out of your womb (and giving me a warm home for 9 months, and 18 years following). i love you so much and i am so grateful to you for so much.

all the best, health and love,


kari

Birthday Wishes from Erin's College Roomate Steph

Favorite Memories of Laura:

Laura and the Fake ID

My favorite story occured on a visit from Erin's Mom to Macalester where we were pretending to, er I mean, diligently spending our formative college years. We had just attended a soccer game and decide to go out for a drink. I, was not yet 21, did not have a valid ID - an issue which I brought up to Laura. She laughed. And after much cajoling (from her, not Erin, I might add), we headed to O'Gara's where she convinced me to use a fake ID to gain entrance to the bar and to order a drink (alcoholic of course). Not saying she's a bad influence or anything...more of a guaranteed good time.

I also remember sitting in her house in Waukesha eating amazing German pancakes that Laura made. And there was the trip to Cafe Latte - with erin, kari, and laura - their back and forth banter cracked me up - all the while each protesting that the other one was more like their mom. In any case, just wanted to say happy birthday to an excellent all around person - one of my favorites. I sorta always wanted her to be my mom (no offense to Judy Aldock).

From Laura's very dear friend, the woman she always refers to as, "My Good Friend Patty Schlafer"

My friend Laura (in more professional circles I refer to her as Professor Lo Lo), Happy Birthday! We met decades ago as young band directors and now we sit in our fifties as friends. A true friend is someone who will make you a better person and Laura has been that friend for me. Our days in Mount Hammond with Peggy will always be memorable.
Best wishes,
Love
Patty

Birthday Wishes from Bob and Char Sigman

Dear Laura,

Bob and I are using this secret Blog to wish you a Very Happy 40 + 10!!! So sorry we were not able to join you for your wonderful Happy 50 Party as we had a conflict. We can imagine how very surprised you were and wish we had been there to share in the fun. It has been great knowing you and having lunches together as well as working on the Obama campaign this fall. Hope to see you soon. Again, all good wishes for a most Happy Birthday and many many more wonderful ones.

Fondly,

Char and Bob Sigman

Birthday Wishes from Rick Bjella

I first knew Laura as a member of the CMP team. Since then I have had the honor to know her as a colleague at Lawrence and as a friend. Besides being a lot smarter than moi, she is so damn funny and just sassy! Happy 50th -- can't wait to see you at 100 when you grow up!

Love,
Rick

Musical Vocabulary

I owe my mom a debt of gratitude for teaching me so much about music. Today I got 10% off my hot cocoa at Caribou because I knew the answer to the trivia question, "What is the Italian word for kettle drum?"

Take that, Starbucks!!!!

One of the Girls

I met Laura when she married Gary and I immediately knew she was one of the girls. She bought pink boots at Zappos, drank cosmos, and was in love with Project Runway...Who could ask for more.. It's been delightful knowing her.

Fondly, Sherry Taylor

First Lady

Written by Laura's Mom, Carolyn:

As a high school freshman Laura aspired to play in the Jazz Ensemble. That it was made up entirely of senior boys seemed not to have any effect on her at all. Intimidating was not in her vocabulary. S he showed up at the the right time and place, tried out and made a place for herself as the first girl and the first freshman to play in the Jazz Ensemble.

More on Moving Laura

Bremen to Sherman...I remember helping on that move. A lot of family from both sides and the family barbecue recipe for lunch. (1 lb ground beef, 1 can of Campbell's tomato soup, 3 tbps each of vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Brown and drain the ground beef, then mix everything together and heat through) Was the upper east side apartment that Andrew mentions the place you had on Pierce?

Happy Birthday! Brad

To my sister Laura. How do I love thee, let me count the moves...

62nd street to the east side (small upper flat)~
Upper east side apt to lower on Breman (Milwaukee)~
Lower on Breman to upper on Sherman Blvd.~
Sherman Blvd. to first house on 58th Street (Milwaukee)~
House on 58th Street to house on Charles street (Waukesha, Wi)~
I got a pass on the Charles house to Appleton condo~Back at it moving only the music instruments and other delicate items from the Appleton Condo to house on Park Street~
Items from Wi location (s) to first Evanston (Il) apartment~
Evanston apt.1 to Evanston apt. 2~
Loaded truck at Evanston apt.2 for trip to Park Street in Appleton.

That is brotherly love. And, I would do it again if Laura asked.

Written by Laura's brother Andy.

Learning to Ride a Bike: An Older Sibling's Memory

We were living in Menomonee Falls in the early 60’s … the exact year escapes me. Our older sister, Paula, was helping Laura and I in learning to ride a bike without training wheels - and without immediately crashing. I don’t recall what training we had received prior to this historical moment. We were in the back yard, which had a gentle slope from one side to the other. Laura was on the bike…Paula held her up and then let go…and Laura balanced all the way down the slope! Given that I am 16 months older and had not learned this skill seeing Laura succeed was all the motivation I needed. On my next turn I made it down the hill too.

Congratulations and Happy 50th Birthday!

Love, Brad

Birthday Wishes from Andrew Mast

I've only known Laura for a few years now but value her so much as a friend and colleague. I love how she is passionate about her profession but is also a great person to have lunch and/or coffee with. Time with her is always full of laughs, even when the topic isn't funny, which is a testament to her positive outlook and love of life. I look forward to working with her for many many years. Happy Birthday, Laura!!!!

Birthday Wishes from Robin Kautz

I didn't have the pleasure of sharing your big brother's 50th celebration, Laura, but I'm glad to be a part of this one! I hope you have a fantastic fiftieth birthday and many more to follow. Enjoy every minute of the celebration and of the people who obviously love you very much.

Happy Birthday!

Robin

my birthday cake

when i was 7, my mom made me the best birthday cake EVER. laura made the cake itself and then molded each piece to make one big minnie mouse head. then, she covered it in brown, white and pink frosting, to make the face of minnie mouse!!! needless to say, i was a very happy little girl.

laura has always been good at making our birthdays and holidays extra special. i'll always remember those times. thanks mom!!!!

New Horizons

Written by Laura's mom, Carolyn:

During Laura's tenure at Central Middle school she reconnected with a former UWM professor, Scott Emmons. Scott was (and is) directing a New Horizons band for mature adults. In an effort to promote the philosophy that music is for life, Laura incorporated the New Horizons band into one middle school concert each year. She encouraged me to attend one such performance and then nudged me into calling Scott and joining the band. That I could play nothing didn't seem to matter. Laura helped me select an instrument and I joined the band and learned to play. I am still in the band and am still learning to play and I am ever grateful to Laura for adding such a significant dimension to my life. Over the years that the New Horizons band performed with the Central Middle school band, Laura promised an A to any of her students who could identify her mom. Those performances were always a highlight for the New Horizons band and we still miss them.

Matching Plaids

Written by Laura's mom, Carolyn:

When she was eleven, Laura wore a new skirt and vest to school. ( I had worked hard to make it look perfect.) But she was glum when she came home from school and complained that everyone knew that her clothes were homemade. I asked her how; "The plaids match."

The Great Donut Caper

Written by Laura's mom, Carolyn:

I think it was during her junior year in high school when Laura came home one day in a grumpy mood. She had been suspended from school. Laura, her friend Jackie, and Jackie's boyfriend, Pat had decided during a free period that they could use some donuts. Fortunately Jackie had driven to school that day so off they went in the car to Dunkin Donuts. When they returned they found that someone else had taken Jackie's parking space. As they were cruising around looking for a new space, they were accosted by MR. JANKOWSKI (the assistant principal) who was out beating the bushes looking for skippers, truants, and other evil doers. He took the miscreants into custody and he confiscated the donuts. Laura reported these events to me and received zero sympathy . . . until she added that as they were walking down the hall, Mr. Jankowski called after them saying "It's students like you who give this school a bad name." That turned the tables! Three students who supported their school in many ways didn't have to put up with that kind of put down. S o the following morning, I went in angry lioness mode to defend my cub. When I got in to see Mr. Jankowski I found a humble and apologetic vice-principal who had just been visited by Pat's father, a big fellow who showed up in his full police uniform. The suspension was cancelled. I wonder who ate the donuts.

Laura's First Meet-and-Greet: Birth

Written by Laura's Mom, Carolyn:

The first time I met Laura she announced herself with a great flourish. My friend, Beverly, and I were on our way home from a visit to a new baby when suddenly I was soaking wet. Beverly changed direction and drove to the hospital. There I was invited to have a seat and wait my turn but Laura would have none of that. I conveyed her message to the admitting clerk and was immediately taken to the maternity ward. The staff managed to get me into a hospital gown and into the delivery room when Laura, as we might expect, showed her determination to get the job done. No waiting around, no delays, no doctor--she was ready to be born and so she did it. All these years I've seen that same focus and determination over and over again. When she wants something, she finds a way and does what she has to do to accomplish it. What an admirable trait.

excited

i love that when Laura is especially excited about something, she can energize an entire room of people (or annoy). that energy is infectious and i hope to be able to bring the same to groups of people around me. the excitement is also usually accompanied by laughter, which i have gratefully inherited as well. laura is not afraid to show her positive emotions, even in public venues.

this is not to say that laura does not have a serious side. i have seen it many times as a child and teenager. but i am always amazed at the energy she can bring into a room and i am thankful that i have learned to do the same (without embarrassment).

Skillz

Because of my mom, I have some mad skillz in the areas of cooking, bargain shopping, and laughing. Laura has a well-developed sense of humor (see post entitled "Strange Brew" below) and it has always given me great joy to make her laugh. (fortunately, because I am her child, this is easy to do) Our constant forays to TJ Maxx gave me the taste for the hunt and the talent to find good deals. And growing up with mostly good, nutritious, homecooked food (see post entitled "Chocolate Spread") made it natural that I too would learn my way around a kitchen. Thanks Mom for giving me the abilities to feed, clothe, and humor myself.

A special memory

I only wish I had known Laura sooner in my life. We first met through a music conference in Milwaukee. Laura was bright, articulate and passionate and of course beautiful. I had a few chances to talk with her alone, and came away very impressed with her as a person, educator, and musician. I have watched her grow in so many ways these past precious years, and I am very proud of all that she has accomplished and love her more each day. Love, Gary

good genes

thanks mom!!!

Chocolate Spread

Most of the time, my mom cooked us good food. She did Chinese, German, African, hearty soups--heck, she even got us to love spinach. One day at daycare, I pulled out my homemade, likely-to-be-delicious lunch and got a big surprise. My mom, heeding absolutely no nutritional recommendations, had made me a chocolate spread sandwich for lunch. For those of you less fortunate than I, chocolate spread is a grainy "spread" made of cocoa powder, white sugar, vanilla, and milk. It is best enjoyed on white, preferably Wonder, bread. It is really disgusting, except that it has sugar in it and that makes it good. When I traveled to Ireland, I discovered Nutella--the real chocolate spread. I guess Mom was just trying to warm up my taste buds at a young age.

strange brew

As I get older, I realize that it isn't necessarily considered "normal" to know much about 80s hit flick, "Strange Brew."

I can remember being well under the age of 10 and watching this movie with Laura. Repeating words like "hoser" and "'take off, eh" was part of everyday, normal life for me. Now I understand that this is special. She loves me so much that she wanted to share the joy and hilarity of Canadian beer-drinking, hockey-loving brothers with me from a young age. I have discovered other young people who know of this film classic, but it always seems as though this case is exceptional. Thanks, you hoser!