The Currant:

Chickens Feel Exploited Withhold Egg Production:


Chickens are withholding egg production in a show of solidarity against what the spokes-chicken says, is the unfair credit that the Easter Bunny receives on the commercial end of this Christian holiday.


The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, **American Egg Board, **USAPEEC, was worried about the effect on the economy, not just the effects on the upcoming holiday festivities. Our hardest hit state will be Ohio, which is our top producer and here in Georgia, the number 10 producer of the top ten we have heard grumblings from Gov. Sonny Perdue’s administration worrying about shortfalls in the state coffers from lack of revenue. PAAS™ thoughts on the subject are dour indeed. Their spokes person said that if we can’t get those hens to stop their protest we could be bankrupt at the end of the month. You can’t dye plastic eggs with our product, our only hope would be that teenagers would stop using Kool-aid™ to dye their hair and switch to our product at extremely low prices! White House spokesman, Tony Snow, was contacted asking how the First Lady, Laura Bush, feels about the upcoming annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House Lawn. Mr. Snow, stated, “The First Lady is very concerned that the children and parents will be disappointed if a real egg is not used in this event due to the long held tradition. She also feels that replacing a real egg with a plastic egg cheapens the whole thing.”


Some children are unconcerned with the decision made by the chickens’:
A nine year-old, Rachel Taylor, from Georgia said in today’s interview, “Yeah! I mean who eats those dyed eggs anyway after they’ve been sitting in the hot sun and had bugs crawl on them. I prefer the plastic eggs because you can put chocolate or Starbursts™ in them. I even have my baby teeth in a plastic Easter egg!” Manufacturers of plastic eggs agree. Their sales are through the proverbial roof and they have increased production this week. The manufacturers are considering having the chickens start an ad campaign using their plastic egg products. This campaign would be similar to the Chick-Fil-A™ campaign, which employs cows to have people eat more chicken. When the spokes-chicken heard about this possible ad campaign she clucked her approval and laughed. She stated, “It would be nice to get some equal air time with those crazy cows!”



When asked where this revolutionary idea came to her the spokes-chicken said, “I was inspired when the farmer’s daughter came to feed us and she was listening to that new song by Beyonce Knowles called “Irreplaceable”. When she got to the chorus singing, “You must not know about me. I could get another you in a minute.” “It was so empowering! I was thinking why does the “Easter Bunny” get all the credit for the cute dyed eggs and the holiday effigy of him in your choices of milk, dark or rice crisped chocolate! Even the cartoons have such tales about an “Easter Beagle”. I know about this because the goat was watching television through the farmer’s window, while eating some washing off the line. The other hens clucked in approval and huddled closer together and began to chant and rock in unison singing, “You must not know about me.”



At the barnyard the situtation is tense where the animals have taken sides on this contentous issue. The pigs have chosen the rabbit’s side and the goats are behind the chickens. The local Easter Bunny Guild representative was on hand for comments in the barnyard. He stated that being an Easter Bunny was a noble and time honored position from, as far back as, the 1500s in Germany. “Our contract with these companies is honorable and not exploitive of the chickens at all. I mean aren’t they getting fed? Don’t they have a warm bed of straw to sleep on? What more do they want! This is a load of chicken$#!%” “You might want to say, ‘Hogwash’”, volunteered his friend the pig sitting next to him. A local pig was willing to speak to us in aninimoty to keep his, already tenuous, relationship amiable with the chickens. He stated, “I think this can be resolved quickly and fairly if the chickens were given a more promonite roll in the commercial end of things. They really are a bunch of nice peeps.”


The government has decided to send in its top negoitator in the morning. Many adults will remember him fondly and as a bit quirky. He has been in several films, a successful television show, and had his own chicken act. He is none other than, The Great Gonzo.


We can only watch and wait.


------------
Apple Computer’s and Pixar’s co-founder, Steve Jobs announced his newest venture today, PEAR. The Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif. was filled to capacity with women being the clear majority. The atmosphere in the room was electric and there was a hint of “Juicy Peach” tart fragrance wafting through the air as Jobs took the stage. Jobs spoke of the earlier success of Apple products and as soon as he mentioned the Mac the crowd clapped loudly and hooted and hollered showing their affection and approval of the design quality of the Mac.


Pear is designed for the world of digital scrapbooking. The billion dollar paper scrapbooking industry has garnered attention from all corners, and now the sun is shining on the burgeoning digital industry. The new Pear will allow digital scrappers to easily locate the different “Papers” and “Elements” they use to create their layouts digitally.
The software will allow for creating text on a path, advanced and customizable paint tools palette and drawing brushes. The Pear user will also be able to upload photos, create photo books, download songs, create slideshows, calendars, podcasts and music videos. The woman in the crowd got very excited when Jobs explained that the package included exclusive “Blinkie” making software. There will also be an instant messaging system. The crowd was sent into peals of laughter when job presented a large variety of new “smilies” created just for the new software.
The news of the Pear will, no doubt, spread quickly to the entire digital scrapbooking community thanks to the internet. Due to the Law of Unintended Consequences the unofficial tagline is: Haven’t you always wanted to have a nice Pear?!?



----------------


Lilburn GA. Mother of 4 reluctantly admits that her 6-year old son really does know everything.


Noah Taylor, a first grader at Camp Creek Elementary, was brought to the attention of International researchers after a series of cognitive tests including the Stanine (Standard Nine). He also received a perfect score on the CRCT. His teachers were astounded and immediately contacted his mother who though amazed at Noah’s test scores was quick to quip, “Yeah, he thinks he knows everything.” After more discussion his mother allowed for further testing, which was conducted at the Child Study Center at Emory University.


Scientists from Germany, Switzerland, Japan and France flew to Georgia to review data and do personal interviews with Noah. Members of the NIA (National Institute on Aging) have also been working with Noah hoping for a break through with such pressing issues as Alzheimer’s disease.


Noah’s vocabulary is littered with such words as “actually, perhaps, and technically”. Many of the interviews were administered while the little boy was putting together a robot from various discarded parts in his grandfather’s garage.


After weeks of testing and interviews with the local first grader his mother had to admit her son did, in fact, know everything.

_{Additional Credits: Glitter Pear a freebie by Gina Cabrera, Currant from the internet, Font: Century
Scrapbookgraphics Products Used: From Studio Sausan: Sing Spring kit and Happy Easter Stickers}


This was in response to a funny idea by Sylvie Wagner of Sausan Designs at Scrapbookgraphics. I had fun thinking up the articles. Michael gave me the great prompt for Noah's article.

Enjoy a bit of silliness today!

Do you suffer from...

Photo Anxiety Disorder Or Photograph Avoidance Syndrome?


Do you suffer from
P.A.D., or P.A.S.?
Don't be discouraged! Millions of people have experienced pronounced episodes of the same problem. Photograph Anxiety Disorder and its close relative, Photograph Avoidance Syndrome can be overcome.
Here are a few ways to relieve some of the stress:
1. Relax...at least the person taking the picture thinks you are interesting enough to photograph.
2. before going in public make sure that you aren't wearing anything you would find embarrasing.
3. check your face for any stray bits and things.
4. if the feelings of anxiety become to intense point out any nearby "adorable" children, which usually will distract the photographer long enough for a get away.
5. Buy your own camera and don't be afraid to use it!


Side-effects: You might end up with a really cool picture you like, Family members that live far away will get to put a name to a face, you might end up laughing or smiling. You might find your self looking through scrapbooks for pictures of yourself, not just your cute nieces, nephews, cousins, grandkids and others.
_{Papers and Inked edge from Studio Chic by the Shabby Princess, Polariod by Canay, Arrow dooles from Brushy Sketched Arrows by Cindy Irvine, Designer Digitals chat freebie by sketched corners, Question mark by Jack Eckles, Paper Curls by Anna Aspnes, Doodle line by Amy Martin, Font: DB Michael}

:::::::The person in the layout is one of my brother-in-laws, Reuben. All of my BILs are funny guys. Reuben and I are the same age and have needled each other since Sunday School.


:::::::::::::Art Show and Book Fair:::::::::
Michael and I took Rachel, Noah and Eve to the school art show and book fair last night. Aaron was playing with his friend Jacob after running club. We purchased the framed artwork created by Rachel and Noah, then went to the chaotic book event. I made a list of books to purchase on Wednesday because our neighbor will be working the book fair and can get us 10% discount. The kids also want to each donate a book to their class, so I included those extra books on my list.

::::::::::::::Excerpt from The Phantom Tollbooth::::

..."There were great crowds of people rushing along with their heads down, and they all appeared to know exactley where they were going as they darted down and around the nonexistent streets and in and out of the missing buildings.
"I don't see any city," said Milo very softly.
"Neither do they," Alec remarked sadly, "but it hardly matters, for they don't miss it at all."
...
"Many years ago, on this very spot, there was a beautiful city of fine housed and inviting spaces, and no one who lived here was ever in a hurry. The streets were full of wonderful things to see and the people would often stop to look at them."
"Didn't they have any place to go?" asked Milo.
"To be sure," continued Alec; "but, as you know, the most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between, and they took great pleasure in doing just that. Then one day someone discovered that if you walked as fast as possible and looked at nothing but you shoes yhou would arrive at your destination much more quickly. Soon everyone was doing it. They all rushed down the avenues and hurried along the boulevards seeing nothing of the wonder and beauties of their city as they went."...
"No one paid any attention to how things looked, and as they moved faster and faster everything grew uglier and dirtier, and as everything grew uglier and dirtier they moved faster and faster, and at last a very strange thing began to happen. Because nobody cared, the city slowly began to disappear. Day by day the buildings grew fainter and fainter, and the streets faded away, until at last it was entirerly invisible. There was nothing to see at all."


::::::::I'm Off:::::
(there never was a truer statement!)...to work on a last minute request for a 10 minute slideshow for the Boy Scout Court of Honor tomorrow. A 10 Minute video takes awhile to make. I'm hoping for some inspiration on a song to use with the canoe pictures. So far I'm using 2 Jack Johnson songs: The 3'Rs (for a clean-up service project) and Upside Down (A love the Calypso rhythmn). I'm also going to grab a portion of Elevation by U2 for several pictures of the boys on top of Mount Yonah in North Georgia. I'm taking about a 10 second sample of the song Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Knight for one of the scouts who loves to show his arm "muscles". He loves to take of his shirt and is a super ham.

See ya later alligators!

Back to the Future:

<sub>Simply Irresistable Kit by Gina Cabrera, Font: Jayne Print


Background paper from an Ad Challenge Freebie by Katie Pertiet, A Day at the Zoo Monogram (Modified) by The Shabby Princess, Vintage Frame by Katie Pertiet, Leather rose trim from Gypsy Rose Elements by Michelle Coleman, Font: Jane Austen/ DB Michael, Cardboard element by Linda Gil Bildal, Staple from Softly Softly by KSharonK</sub>

:::::::::::::::Excerpts of things:::::
that struck me as HILARIOUS in my reading, so far:

The Phantom Tollbooth
pp. 104 & 105

"Well," said the boy, "in my family everyone is born in the air, with his head at exactly the height it's going to be when he's an adult, and then we all grow toward the ground. When we're fully grown up or, as you can see, grown down, our feet finally touch. Of course, there are a few of us whose feet never reach the ground no matter how old we get, but I suppose it's the same in every family."
He hopped a few steps in the air, skipped back to where he started, and then began again.
"You certainly must be very old to have reached the ground already."
"Oh no," said Milo seriously. "In my family we all start on the ground and grow up, and we never know how far until we actually get there."
"What a silly system." The boy laughed. "Then your head keeps changing height and you always see things in a different way? Why, when you're fifteen things won't look al all the way they did when you were ten, and at twenty everything will change again."


:::::::::::::::::Back to the Future:::::::::
The kids watched the all three Back to the Future movies. Michael and I would interject with the fads we participated in during the 80's. They also thought it was cool that Michael J. Fox was the voice of Stuart Little in the movies and that Christopher Lloyd was the voice of Hacker from Noah's favorite educational cartoon, Cyberchase.

Saturday Movies:

Aaron, Rachel, Michael and I went to see this movie:


The Last Mimzy

This is from imdb.com:
The future is trying to tell us something.
Plot Outline:Two siblings begin to develop special talents after they find a mysterious box of toys. Soon the kids, their parents, and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and sometimes terrifying world.


We love SciFi stuff and this was right up our alley. The plot was really cool and the flow of the story went well. The actors were likeable. I especially liked the father, played by Timothy Hutton, who though busy, was quick to take time off for his family. The children did a great job with showing wonder and just being a regular pair of siblings. Joely Richardson, as their mom, was a woman who was genuinely worried about her kids and didn't no what to do. The addition of Nepalese mysticism was fun. This is a great movie for all ages.


My mother took Noah and Evey to see this:


My mother said that Noah and Eve laughed a lot, especially at some scene where one of the turtles skateboards. I was told that there was a kissing scene at the end, but luckily Noah and Eve had their eyes covered!

::::::::::::::::::Camping::::::::::
Michael, Aaron and the Scouts went camping at Mount Yonah in North Georgia. They had a great time and I hope to post pictures tomorrow.

ARGH!

Bullying is a specific type of aggression in which 1) the behaviour is intended to harm or disturb, 2) the behaviour occurs repeatedly over time, and 3) there is an imbalance of power, with a more powerful person or group attacking a less powerful one (Mayo Clinic, 2001).

Delwyn Tattum and Eva Tattum (1992) proposed the following definition: "Bullying" is the willful, conscious desire to hurt another and put him/her under stress."

Wikipedia Definition
Aaron is being bullied by a boy in the neighborhood. The boy is Aaron's age and visits his father who lives in the same neighborhood with his ex-wife. This boy has gotten in Aaron's face and said, "Wanna fight?!" while Aaron tried to shy away and get into the house. I caught this boy doing it as I was coming down my driveway about 6 months ago. This boy is friends with the boy right next door and they pal around together. A couple of months ago they threw rocks at Aaron as he rode his bike home. Michael told the boys that hitting Aaron with rocks constituted assault and that police would be called next time. Soooooo, just yesterday Aaron was came in the house and said that another boy, who he didn't know, was walking with the neighbor boys shoved him and called him the "F*** word and they would kick his a**!" I immediately went outside and saw the main bullies dad standing on the porch. There is only one house separating us, so I called over asking if there was a friend over with his son and he said yes. I told him what happened. In a cocky tone he said that the boys said Aaron had shoved one of them and tried to pick a fight. (Keep in mind Aaron is skinny as a rail with no muscle tone!!! AND there were three boys walking in a pack together!!!) I told the boys father that in fact several months ago it was his son that I witnessed with my own eyes and ears try to pick a fight with Aaron while Aaron was just trying to walk home. This "man's" response was inane! He said, "Well, I heard about stuff your son did in Elementary school!" WHAT????????!!!!!! As soon as, he saw Michael drive up from work he scurried into his house for a few minutes only to come out and talk to a neighbor across the street. It is interesting that this "man" has no problem with his son bullying my son, nor talking trash to me, but the moment my husband arrives he shows his true stripes. I suppose I will spend a lot of the summer in the yard monitoring the goings on. Unfortunately, this bully's mother lives at the other end of our large subdivision, so it offers quite a large territory for Aaron to have to deal with as he goes back and forth to other friend's homes and the library.

On a side note: Aaron has to deal with a young man at Church who has anger management problems and tried to pick a fight with him all through Sunday School. I got a phone call from the teacher who praised Aaron for the way he handled the constant needling. Aaron let it roll off his back and kept participating with the class.

Aaron has his faults, as we all do, and he drives me crazy with some of the things he does, but he doesn't deserve the junk he has to deal with from this neighbor boy, his equally childish father and the rude kids that follow suit.

::::::::::::::Camping:::::::
Michael and Aaron went camping shortly after the bullying incident and I received an e-mail that they got to the camp safely. I talked to both of them this morning and Michael said Aaron's back was sore from the hike and we should look into getting him an internal frame pack because Michael's old external frame pack was just inadequate for comfortable hiking.

::::::::::::TMNT::::::::::
This stands for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles are right up there with Ben 10 on Noah's scale of way cool heros. They both often sport Noah's favorite color, green. BONUS! Eve often thinks whatever Noah likes is cool, so she will probably go to the new TMNT today with Noah and Granny Sue.

:::::::::::::Another Zoo Atlanta layout::::::



_{Background papers by Jen Wilson (Meaningful Bonus papers),
Fonts: Jayne Print/ DB Michael,
Stitched Blooms by Natalie Braxton,
A Day at the Zoo Monogram (modified) by Shabby Princess,
Staples from Softly Softly by KSharonK,
Bent frames by Nancy Comelab,
Giraffe doodle by Kate Hadfield,
Cardboard flip by Linda Gil Bildal
Scalloped ribbon from Simply Irresistable by Gina Cabrera}

Welcome, Elliott!

Text: Aaron, Rachel, Noah and Eve were excited to welcome their newest cousin, Elliott. Aaron was especially good holding him. Elliott's mom, Melissa, looked great after her Cesearean section, but was experiencing a lot of itchiness due to her pain medication. Matthew, Elliot's dad, was suffering from a bad back and allergies. Elliott fussed only slightly and after a few good burps settled right down and fell asleep. Welcome Baby Elliott!

_{Mo Jackson's Boxer Thirteen,
Gina Cabrera's Simply Irresistable Mega kit,
Baby chipboard on ribbon by Shabby Miss Jenn,
Don't Be Negative by Gina Miller,
Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman,
Fonts: Jayne Print, House Sitter's Club}

Noah took the visit to see baby Elliott as an opportunity to quiz Matthew on, pretty much, everything. Well as Monty Pythoners say: "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" Noah wanted to no what part Matthew took in helping bring Elliott into the world. Matthew told him he had helped by giving support to his wife and various other things. Noah told him that wasn't good enough. Yep, this is Noah in his normal form. He also was certain about the directions for getting out of the hospital, which was opposite of the posted signs. To Noah those signs were wrong and he was right. What a troll, sometimes, but cute.

Here is a layout of my niece Haley:

Haley enjoyed hunting the Easter eggs at Granny Alice McClure's house. Aunt Katherine made and dyed a dozen hard-boiled eggs for the kids to hunt, but the kids refused to eat any of them! Uncle Michael liked hiding the eggs in the trees.



Spring Basics Plain Paper by Cindy Irvine at Elemental Scraps
Sketchy Brushes Painted Flowers by Cindy Irvine at Elemental Scraps
Doodle Border by Kate Hadfield,
Template freebie from Janet Phillips,
Bunny and Cracked Easter Egg by Mary Fran,
Fonts: DB Michael at blueflombingo, Jodishand


::::::::::::::Still Reading:::::::
The Phantom Tollbooth. I will post some of the quotes from the book because they are so profound, but I have to finish the taxes and do some cleaning.

Smiles!

Mei Lan:

The kids enjoyed seeing Mei Lan curled up in a little ball as she took one of her many naps. They also liked the Panda hand stamps.
_{Background paper and ribbon from Genuine Spirit by Michelle Coleman,
Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman,
Don't Be Negative strip by Gina Miller,
Cloud 9 brush, staple and tack from Cloud 9 by Fhunglie,
Flip Cardboard Overlay, Star paper, Prong, by Linda Gil Bildal (Star Bazar kit),
Cluster Frame (modified) by Nancy Comelab,
paper flower from Timeless Beauty by Angie Miner,
Brush from Extraordinary Everyday by Jen Wilson,
Font: Wonton}


::::::::::::::::::Rachel's Country Kitchen:::
Opened this morning. Rachel took pre-orders last night. She asked me to wake her up at 6:30am, so she could cook for everyone. I patted her head and told her it was time to start, about 5 minutes later she came down. She had a great time pouring and flipping pancakes. She also made me a fried egg. Rachel made sure everyone had the drink they ordered and she finally sat down to eat her own breakfast.
Now that Aaron and Rachel are becoming more proficient cooks we are going to have to open up our own Kitchen Stadium and have some chef battles!

:::::::::::::::::Elliott Glenn::::::::
arrives today! Elliott is our newest nephew. He is being delivered by scheduled Cesarean and I hope all goes well. He joins four beautiful sisters. His parents are good picture takers, so I'm hoping for pictures soon!

::::::::::::::::Spring is Here::::::
I can tell because of my sinus headache. The flowers are gorgeous and the weather is nice, so I suppose I'll just take some pain-reliever and enjoy the day!

All Tied Up:

Hooray for Noah! He learned to tie his shoes! I'm so proud of him!


Amber Clegg: Date Stamp
Nancy Comelab: Cluster Frame
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Alpha, Doodle Border, Birthday Boy
Doris Castle: School ALpha
Fhunglie: Cloud Nine clip element
Natalie Braxton: bead Element, Get the Point arrow
Linda Gil Bildal: Arrow Element
Font: Ash94, Teacher Kim
Gina Cabrera: Background paper and heart element from Simply Irresistable
Summer Simmons: Mardi Party border element

I will edit to add more photos later.

Pretty in Pink:

Aaron, Rachel, Noah & Eve enjoyed a day at Zoo Atlanta. We learned that the dark pink band that we thought was the flamingo's knee is actually their ankle.


_{Ribbon and flower doodle by Rhonna Farrer,
Flamingo Doodle from Wild One by Kate Hadfield,
Doodle Frame by Holly McCaig,
Staple from Xmas Magic by KSharonK,
Doodle Alpha from Sing Spring by Sausan Designs,
Font: DBMichael by Darcy at Blueflombingo,
background paper from Shabby Baby Bumpers by Christine Honsinger}


The kids and I went to the Zoo Atlanta, yesterday. The teachers were having a work day. The weather was gorgeous. We stayed until 30 minutes before closing. I got the kids an unlimited ride pass and I could ride with them for free. We rode the train twice and the carousel three times. We also got to see Mei Lan napping on her little tree curled up like a ball. Wow, she's a cutie! I will post photos later.

Today was burn leaves and twigs day. We have reclaimed some of the backyard and cleaned up some a lot of the construction mess. So, we are heading off for some Mexican food for dinner.

On Belay!

Belay On! Climbing! Climb On!

These calls are familiar to all rock climbers. Rachel and Noah got to use them on the climbing wall at R.E.I. on Saturday. Noah only got up about 10 feet, but Rachel climbed and tagged the top. She was very scared, but bribery went far. I told her I would get her the new Barbie movie if she got to the top and Noah said he would give her .30 cents. It may have been the Noah's pennies that did the job?! We were all proud of her and Noah and Eve thought she was cool.

The initial reason for going to R.E.I was to get Michael's belated birthday present. He picked out a new down sleeping bag. My parent's paid for half and we got a 20% sales discount from a mailer. Now Michael can be a little bit more comfortable when he goes camping.

Here is a layout of my ultra silly husband:



_{Frame by Nancy Comelab,
background paper is Artsy Fartsy by Lisa Whitney,
Doodle Circle and staples from A Beautiful Mess by Lisa Whitney,
Doodle Arrow and Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield,
Cardboard Overlay by Linda Gil Bildal,
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg,
Doodle Corner from Designer Digital Font Challenge,
Note paper heart from Simply Irresistable by Gina Cabrera
Font: DBMichael from Darcy at Blueflombingo}

Happy St. Patrick's Day:

_{background paper is Harriet's Parlor from Paper-Moon designs by Anna Benjamin, Frame from Mardi Party by Summer Simmons, Shamrock Swag by Doris Castle, Water colors by Carrie Bombria, Journaling blocks from Say It by Dani Mogstad, font: DW Michael by Darcy at Blueflombingo}

Have a fun holiday!

Easter Egg Hunt Confusion:

This is a kit called Somewhat Daisical by Cindy Irvine over at Elemental Scraps, the folded template is by Karah Fredericks, the alpha is from Sing Spring by Sausan Designs at Scrapbookgraphics, Vintage frame by Nancy Comelab, the font is DW Bunny Hop from 2Peas

Rachel went around re-hiding the Easter eggs she found and looked at us like we were seriously disturbed for laughing. She was so adorable. She loves to hear about what a serious kid she was. She never laughed out loud, but she would suffer a smile now and then. I think she was trying to determine the best course of escape or trying to determine if Pi actually has an ending number. I guess we will never know!

:::::::::::::::Aaron::::::::::::
is feeling much better today. After his friends got home from school he went and played pool.


:::::::::::::::Blue at the Mizzen::::
I finished the reading this book today. I am starting to have mild anxiety realizing there is only one book left, 21. The book only has 3 chapters, which was what was left on Patrick O'Brian's desk when he died. Argh, I feel like a group of my rowdy sailing buddys are about to die. Almost like they are a group of dear friends who moved away, but never write. I'm sure there is a name for this form of psychosis. There maybe many writers out there that can illicite such feelings of intimacy, where you feel like the proverbial fly on the wall, but I have found few. O'Brian wrote using my love of history and wove in the tales of the sea that I am completely ignorant. If feel like the character, Dr. Stephen Maturin, when he has sailed with Capt. Jack Aubrey for years and years, but can't get the hang of sea terms, or parts of the ship. It has been a wild ride and I have looked forward to each turn of the page.

:::::::::They're after Me Lucky Charms::::::

I will try and post a couple of photos of Noah in his cool Leprechan mask. The mask is comes complete with a buckled hat and a curled red beard!

I've Been Invited:

by Cindy Irvine at Elemental Scraps to be part of her Guest Creative Team. Cindy was very complementary.


_{Sunlit Whispers kit by Cindy Irvine at Elemental Scraps, Cardboard Flip by Linda Gil Bildal, Rusty staple from Softly Softly by KSharonK, Font: Powell Antique, Hello Sark}

This photo has my mom standing in the front yard of the house built by her father. She and I both loved to wander around and collect rocks. She told me she had quite a quartz collection, but her mother disposed of it on a day of thorough cleaning. The street that fronts the house is named Doris Street after my grandmother.
The house is still there, but with a subdivision all around it. I practiced driving whenever I got a chance when I would visit my grandmother. I loved the way the pebbles and the sand would sound as they ground under the tires. It was an interesting crunching and sliding sound.

::::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookies Aftermath::::::

Mom, Michael, Rachel and I combined to sell 220 Girl Scout Cookies. The cookies we purchased were gone in 4 days because Michael put them up high and told the kids they had to slow it down. I went to the credit union to exchange small bills for larger ones so that the "Cookie Mom" wouldn't have to count $770.00 in ones, fives and tens. I also had to allow time for the checks written to me to clear the bank.
When I presented the money to exchange to the teller she said I could count it out to her however I wished, but that she would have to re-count it. I counted everything into piles of $100.00 for convenience. When she did her count she came up $20.00 less than my total. I just stood their without saying anything and allowed her to re-count. She came up $20.00 less, again. I just kept standing there (I had counted that money 7 times, so I know what I had given her). On her third count she caught her mistake. I smiled, politely.
The money is now in the hands of the Cookie Mom and I am left with 35 boxes of cookies to send to the troops. Now I wait to find out the address of where the brigade is to be deployed so we can send the boxes.

***After all of the fundraising my mother does for my children...EVERY YEAR...I jokingly told her that when she passes on the title of the obituary should by "Death of a Saleswoman". She laughed and hardly agreed.

:::::::::::::::::::Sick::::::::

Aaron felt yucky all day yesterday. When I returned from Girl Scouts he leapt from the couch and ran passed me screaming, "Mom, I don't want to throw up!" I dropped everything on my desk and ran up the stairs after him. Unfortunately, his lack of desire to throw up was unconvincing to his stomach. He was able to relax enough to lay down and go to sleep. He fell asleep in his glasses, but I left them on encase he needed to be sick again and I didn't want him running head long into the wall, or kill himself on the mound of Legos on the floor.


:::::::::::::::::Spring Weather:::
is here and I need to put down some pre-emergent on the lawn. I also would like to get a gas trimmer, so I can get the weeds in all the areas of the yard.

:::::::::::::::::Cuba:::

My dad should be coming back from his mission trip from Cuba soon. He usually gets some good photos and he always has a great story. He has been all over the world doing service.

:::::::::::::::::Tie Shoes:::
One day it is exciting and new and the very next day it is common place. Amazing!

My days with Aaron:

are a lot like this:




::::::::::::::Stupendous News:::::::::::

Noah learned to tie his shoes! I had to use the word stupendous because if you are a Calvin and Hobbes fan you are aware of Stupendous Man!
Back to the subject...I took Rachel to get her bangs trimmed, so while Noah, Eve and I waited the time was spent in lacing practice. Noah was born with sausage shaped fingers, so his dexterity is minimal. He has always loved to tie things together with multiple knots. One day he, accidently, tied a bowline on a bight successfully attaching the rocking chair to another chair in the room. Unfortunately, shoe tying has alluded him until yesterday. Noah practiced with his flat laces, which are the best in staying still and tied. I abhor the round laces, which were probably designed by the same heathen who created pantie hose and dark meat chicken...Oh, the rant...
Calm down, Bessie!!!
Noah told me his teacher would have a party the day he figured out how to tie his shoes. He asked me this morning if he should go to school with his shoes untied, so he would be ready to surprise her. I said no. I explained he would end up like his favorite robot, Iron Giant, with a big dent in his head from tripping over untied laces and then he would forget how to tie his shoes. He agreed with this line of logic and happily tied his shoes.

My Aunt Wilma:

Singing:



and Playing Harmonica at her 100 Birthday Party:

Noah Wisdom of the Day:

"It’s sort of okay to spread germs to your own family."

This piece of medical wisdom was in response to me saying it was okay for Noah to go to school with the start of his cold. I told him to make sure he washed his hands and coughed into the crook of his arm to keep germs from the other kids and the teacher, while at school. He said he should probably stay home because it isn't nice to spread germs to other people. Rachel and I laughed and told Noah that we appreciated his willingness to share germs with us, exclusively! If you are infectious and you know it clap your hands! (Then, wash them, of course!)


I got this envelope from Anna Benjamin's site: Paper-moons

I got these blog quizzes from Janna's blog

Your Vocabulary Score: A

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

Your Element Is Water

A bit of a contradiction, you can seem both lighthearted and serious. That's because you're good at going with the flow - but you also are deep. Highly intuitive, you tune in to people's emotions and moods easily. You are able to tap into deep emotional connections and connect with others. You prefer a smooth, harmonious life - but you can navigate your way around waves. You have a knack for getting people to get along and making life a little more peaceful.

What's Your Element?

100 Years:

for my Great Aunt Wilma! Congratulations to her and to her family for a wonderful party in Phenix City, Alabama.








Wilma's daughter and her friends belong to a Hula group. They perform at retirement homes. They were simply awesome!

My dad with Aunt Wilma:


My cousin Lisa, Aunt Diann, my step mother Alice, Aunt Peggy, and Aunt Pat:



After the party the my kids went for a walk along the river with their cousin, Haley, and Granny Alice McClure. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Michael and Aaron looked for a couple of Geocaches, but couldn't find them. One area had some hypodermic needles, so that was a pass.


Here are some layouts I made with photos I took on Saturday when we attended Family Home Evening at Michael's sister's house. These layout show 2 of her 4 daughters.


<sub>Background paper and Soldiered Alpha by Jen Wilson, frame by Rhonna Farrer, Stitched Blooms by Natalie BraxtonButterflies by Syrin, stitching from Genuine Spirit, fabric, Hand Stamped Alpha and paint by Michelle Coleman, Font: Jane Austen


Text: Corinna and Uncle Michael had fun singing during Family Home Evening!


Cluster Frames No.4 by Nancy Comelab,
Cardboard flowers "Little Lauren Lalas"by Amanda Rockwell,
Feltyflies by Dani Mogstad,
Fun Frames by Traci Murphy,
Musical Doodles, Hand-Stitched Alpha, Doodled and Stitched Flowers, Doodled Paper Borders,
Doodled and Stitched Arrows by Kate Hadfield,
Background paper from Nosalgia No. 4 by Jen Wilson,
Font: Pea Johanna Script</sub>

::::::::::::::The Phantom Tollbooth::::

I haven't even finished this book and it has me enthralled. I love the constant word play with the characters and their conversation. Some of the characters are the "Whether Man", "The Which" and King Azaz the Unabridged. You have to watch what you say there because you often have to "eat your words". There is also a half-bakery in the Kingdom of Dictionopolis because where else would you get half-baked ideas like, "The world is flat." Just wanted to share the enthusiam of a good book!

Case of The Broken Gourd:

_{Who Done It kit by Mary Fran, Font: DBMichael, White photo frames by Canay}
The suspect, Kendall Hardin described the incident as "an accident", while she was playing with her cousin, "Eveybug" Taylor. The gourd was hand-painted by Kendall's mother to resemble a beehive. Though the suspect has a long rap sheet for getting into trouble, the prosecutor felt that this quick confession and sad countenance deserved leniency.

My niece, Kendall, kindly allowed me to photograph her in this time of penance.


:::::::::::::::::::Great Aunt Wilma's Birthday::::::::

I will post photos tomorrow and maybe I will figure out how to get the video I took to work on this blogizzle. She sang us a song and played her harmonica. So cool!

My Aunt Loly followed by a Bit of Silliness:

This is from a beautiful new kit coming out very soon from Sandra Boddington! The curled edges are by Anna Aspnes.



My kids all wanted to be dressed as pirates when they saw Kate's doodles, so I went a little overboard, so to speak. The Survivor title uses the words: Outfly, Outwit and Out Imagine.


The crocodile says," Pardon me, but I heard I might find an old friend here! Did you hear that ticking sound?


Kits by Kate Hadfield: Doodle Pirates, Doodle Paper Frames, Doodle Paper Borders and Doodle Wild Animals.
Paper from Janel Kretschman's Country Chic and Alexander Kits,
Word box by Vicki Stegall,
Clock brush by Robyn England,
Small brown background from Good Karma by Michelle Coleman,
Fonts: DBMICHAEL by Darcy at Blueflombingo.com, Survivor and Dark Ages.

Big Imagination:

My oldest daughter, Rachel, writes stories every day. There is never just one story because she has so many swimming and around in her head. Some are stuck in a little eddy in her brain and don't get finished. The ones that come out in torrents are mostly spoken to me in a very animated way. Sometimes they are written down. Her stories themes are sometimes Mysteries, Friendship Development, and love for Animals. Rachel, also, loves to illustrate her stories. These sample illustrations are to a story she is developing around the character, "Donna Dustmite". Donna is one of the many dustmites that live in Rachel's house. I think her illustrations are a lot of fun and hope she writes down her story soon. Her is a sample of Rachel's illustrations:

<sub>background paper, doodled font, and painted frame from Sing Spring Collection by Sausan Designs, flower doodle and doodle frame by Sara Carling, Border Line by Sande Krieger, font: GypsySwitch


Red taped frame from Joined at the Hip by Tia Bennett, Doodle Arrows by Kate Hadfield, Border Line by Sande Krieger, Journal cloud and Smile title from Silly Noodle by Summer Simmons</sub>

:::::::::::::::Went Walking:::::::::

to the library and around the park, then back home, yesterday. The weather was in the upper 60s Farenheit. I used my new:
to give me something to sing with while I walked. I found that I really enjoyed listening to "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and "I'm Your Boogie Man" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. I think I will have to walk further next time to see what else picks up my steppin' pace. I took along a bottle of berry flavored Propel, which was a nice taste.

:::::::::::::::Bill Nye, the Science Guy:::::::::

was on the television via VHS tape last night at our abode. The kids laughed and learned for about 2 hours. Evey was trying to explain to me about the homemade pulse counter made using a straw. She was surprisingly accurate. The kids loved the way he illustrated the different concepts. As Bill Nye says, "NOW You knowwwwww!"

:::::::::::::::Mornings at the Taylor house:::::
are always chaos at 7:40a.m., which is ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Noah pretends he can't figure out how to take his shirt off. He is certain it shrank during the night. (This shrinking phenomenon happens almost every night. I might want to call Mythbusters.) Rachel has usually misplaced something, or forgotten to have something signed. She acts like such a space cadet. Not surprisingly, she has pulled reminders about not using time wisely and following directions. I figure she acts that way at home, too, so does that make her a consistent performer?
Noah was very excited to run down stairs to inform Rachel that he, "...almost tied his shoe." Noah's concept of achievement is often set at second place, which is astounding to me. He always wants to be right (that's genetic), but he can except not winning.
This morning as Noah ran down our yard to catch the bus I called out, "I love you! Y'all don't get hit by the bus, or any cars!" Noah yelled (Noah always yells), "BRING IT ON!" In a long drawn out exclamation. What a goof ball!

::::::::::::::::Compliments:::::::::::

When Noah got home from school yesterday he said that his teacher, Ms. Tiller, really liked the outfit he had on for school pictures. Then, he said, "So, thanks for picking them out for me!"

Noah also told Evey she was pretty the minute he saw her after getting home from school. What a cool dude!

He had a time line project of his life to present to his first grade class on a big piece of poster board. The teacher told him that she thought he had been to more places than any other kid in his class. We hope to go up North this Summer and visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York, Niagara Falls, and go over into Canada. Michael and I plan for the best possible scenario by throwing in all the sites we want to see, then we have several back up scenarios, so we at least get to see some of our major sites. I've never been further North than Maryland.


:::::::::::::The Phantom Tollbooth::::::::


is our new family reading time book. Here is a link to the synopsis from Spark Notes. Eve fell asleep, so we stopped reading at the first chapter. I have never read this book, but I'm MEGA excited about it from reading the forward by Maurice Sendak. There was also a film of the book done by Chuck Joneswho did one of my favorites "Rikki Tikki Tavy" about a mongoose. I've never seen this video, so I checked for its availability at Amazon.com and since the video is out of circulation it costs from $42.00 up.

The kids I enjoyed reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It had an interesting message about keeping secrets, so I suppose it will be my secret until you read the book for yourself :).

I look forward to reviewing The Phantom Tollbooth. It looks to be an interesting ride.

Girls on Film...

SOOOOO, do I have you humming that famous Duran Duran tune? I know I am! Anyway, this post has nothing to do with Duran Duran, but a Japanese animator. Michael and I have had several conversations about Hayao Miyazaki and his use of strong, young, female characters. This morning before school starts Aaron and Eve are watching "Castle in the Sky". I know I've posted about Miyazaki before, but I'm continually impressed by his work. When we watch the movies the boys enjoy the stories, as much as, the girls. Alongside the female lead is often a faithful and honorable young man. The stories are fantastical (is that a word?), but speak to common struggles and choices. I read this and found it interesting:
Midnight Eye interview with Hayao Miyazaki. Here is an excerpt from one of the Q & A portions: "With that very personal connection you have with your characters, how do you explain that the main characters in most of your films are young girls?

That would be far too complicated and lengthy an answer to state here, so I'll just suffice by saying that it's because I love women very much (laughs)."

Here are some of the films we enjoy as a family:






I took Eve and Aaron for hair cuts, yesterday, so here are the results:

One well accessorized pirate!


Eat your heart out, Jack Sparrow!



<sub>Doodle Pirates and Doodle Frames by Kate Hadfield


doodle frame and doodle bird by Holly McCaig</sub>
::::::::::::::::Centenarian::::::

My great Aunt Wilma turns 100 years-old this week! She doesn't have a great short-term memory, so she never remembers who I am, but she can give you a complete history for last 80 odd years. She is doing a far cry better in the memory department than me and I don't have as much to remember. Happy Birthday, Aunt Wilma!!!!

:::::::::::::::::The Handwriting is on the...::::::::
wall! No, not really, but it is in the computer.

Amazing Grace:

how sweet the sound...

My mother and I went to see Amazing Grace, the movie, last night. It was also free popcorn Tuesday...so Bonus there! The film was very well put together. I could make some comparisons with the book I'm reading (but haven't finished)and the film adaptation. Ioan Gruffudd as the title character of William Wilberforce did a superb job of bringing out the turmoil of someone who had recieved a spark of religious feeling as young child, then was encouraged to live a life of frivolity. This life of frivolity tormented him as wasted time in his middle age and acted as an engine that kept him moving forward in his desire to perpetuate good in his society.
Benedict Cumberbatch, as William Pitt, the Younger, was superb. He has an easiness on the screen that seemed to allow you in to the strong bond of friendship that Pitt and Wilberforce shared throughout their lives.
Politics does make interesting bedfellows as in the case of Charles Fox coming over to support William Wilberforce in parliament. Michael Gambon is fabulous as Lord Fox. There was also the components of clergy and other religious people who had their strong anti-slavery stance, but disagreed on which avenues to take to end the trade.
Albert Finney strikes a sympathetic cord for viewers as a man on a road of life-long repentance as a former slave boat captain. He says that he lives with the ghost of 20,000 souls whom he did not help.
Mixed into the politics in Britain is the revolutionary zeal of the Americans, which left a bad taste in the mouth of the British and just as things looked up for the anti-slavery bill before Parliament France had its own revolution. During the war with France anything that was said negatively against how the British government operated was considered seditious.
From beginning to end I felt the film kept the thread woven through that time wasn't stopping for those being stolen and sold into slavery while people were debating whether they were human enough to deserve being free. The anguish of being defeated year after year was shown in the dark circles and lines of the characters' faces. I am greatful that my children can not fathom why people would treat others that way.

This is a wonderful film! If you have children it would be a good history lesson, as well.

Thank You:

_{background paper from Mary Quite Contrary and Border Line by Sande Krieger, Taped frame from Joined at the Hip by Tia Bennett, Arrow Doodles by Kate Hadfield, Font: Ash 94}



::::::::::::::Local Skeptic is Converted to::::

.
Propel.
Among my grocery store coupons was an offer for a free bottle of Propel. Michael thought it was some highly caffeinated drink that I had mistakenly purchased. I told him no, that it was a vitamin enriched water drink. I got the grape version because that seemed a universal flavor favorite. He decided he really likes it and Aaron and Eve think it tastes great, too. So, if you wondered about this new product it's tasty and healthy. Their didnt' happen to be a chocolate with caramel version for me, but you know those researchers are always hard at work, so you never know!

Barefoot in the Spring:

Text: “If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.”

_{Sing Spring kit by Sausan Designs at Scrapbookgraphics, Curled Edges by Anna Aspnes, Font: Jane Austen}

This layout uses an excerpt from this poem:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax, I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live
sensibly and sanely hour after hour,
day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments,
And if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after another,
instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.
If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

Nadine Stair,
85 years old.


:::::::::::::::::Paint, Caulk and Sheetrock::::

Oh, my! Michael, Aaron and I went to help Reu and Ang work on their house to ready it for sale. The taupe wall color Ang picked looked great. Michael spent his time working on taping the sheetrock and sanding the walls. Michael's hands were cracked and painful from being dried out by the sheetrock dust. He used my watermelon scented Shea butter. He is now a shea butter convert.


:::::::::::::::::My Hero::::::::::::
Granny Sue bought this for Rachel:



Here is a synopsis that I found on Amazon.com: George Sunday's life took an unexpected turn when he met and fell in love with Janet Dawkins, a nurse from Earth. The thing is, George is also Thermoman, from the planet Ultron, who dashes from one catastrophe to another as he juggles his two jobs: superhero and health food shop owner. Keeping George's identity secret is very difficult for the young couple, but luckily Janet's parents and colleagues just think he is an idiot.

A Posthumus Happy Birthday:

to Theodore Geisel.


At this point it is also a belated Happy Birthday!

_{Doodle font from the Spring Collection by Sausan Designs, Border Lines by Sande Krieger, Fonts: Wishebone, Gypsy Switch}
I was just thinking about all the fun books I read as a kid. His books may have been the start of my quirky sense of humor. I'm not sure I've met anyone unable to quote a portion of Green Eggs and Ham. My kids enjoy that one, but Eve is especially fond of The Cat in The Hat. I loved The Eye Book. I can't count the number of times I've read Wacky Wednesday. What a great introduction for experimenting with words and ideas. I hope you all have fond memories of reading. Oh, The Thinks You Can Think... if only you try!