A Small Measure of Accomplishment

::::::::::::::::::::FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is a link to your photo book in the Shutterfly Gallery: http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/post/start.sfly?postId=/gallery/1/post/GMGDFg1buGzdwxZjOKhMsA

:::::::::::::::::::::Summer Expressions::::
I was playing around with a couple of my favorite photos and came up with these:



<sub>My dd, Eve, on a trip to Oregon's Ona Beach.


Brand new today EXPRESSIONS "SUMMER" {Wordart}
background paper from Dawn's New Beginnings kit
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_63&products_id=2908

Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1569

ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1497</sub>

::::::::::::::College For Kids:::::::::::

starts for Rachel, today. She attends the writing camp for a week every Summer. Michael enjoys the chance to hang out with her for the ride home after work. Today Michael is giving platelets, so Rachel will tag along and see what daddy does every few weeks.

::::::::::::::Yesterday:::::::::::::::

Noah's tooth finally came out. Michael made Rice Krispie treats and the minute Noah bit into his treat the tooth popped out. Noah informed me that he would be asking the Tooth Fairy for 2 dollars. I explained that the Tooth Fairy didn't have that kind of money. He was curious how I had such inside information since I, nor, his father was the Tooth Fairy. This morning he was pleased with his 1 dollar bill and thought it was funny that the Tooth Fairy forgot to retrieve the tooth in the handy dandy ziplock baggy. What a silly Tooth Fairy!

I also got to walk about 4 miles with Michael in the evening. Their were sprinkles of rain, but nothing stayed and we had a delightfully cool walk.

I had my first official day in the nursery at Church as one of the leaders. I even got a set of keys to the coveted toy closet. The other leader, Kim, and I took the kids for a brief walk around the building. The day was gorgeous and a breath of fresh air is a good thing.

On Saturday we learned of the passing of a wonderful friend of ours, Cathy. My mom wrote a beautiful blog post about Cathy's last visit.

Grampa Jim

blogged

about his day of cleaning and prepping a ceiling fan with Princess Eve that is a hoot. Eve loves to do Fix It stuff with Grampa, she also does so with her own flair.

Here are a couple of pages from the FINISHED Shutterfly album:




Off to deliver the author to camp! Take care! :)

Frustrated Artist and The Lone Dissenter

:::::::::::::::Frustrated Artist:::::::::

This is a layout of another one of my beautiful nieces, Kyra. One of the relaxing activities for our family reunion was to color. Kyra threw me a pout when her colored pencil was worn to a nub and she had a lot more to shade with that color.



_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB SUSANR at The Digichick
Jenna Desai: Whimsical Doodle
Scarletheels Media: Graphtastic, Painty Alpha
Kim de Smet: Newspaper border
Two Sisters Designs: Punch Label date
Tia Bennett: Joined At The Hip
Meredith Fenwick: Circle brush
Emily Merritt: Meshy Brush Add-on
Sausan Designs: Doodle Frame
Kate hadfield: Doodle Tape, Heavy Duty Staples
Font: Trashed}


:::::::::::::::::::::::::Interesting Test::::::::
I saw this test on Jessica Sprague's blog

Jung Typology Test

Here is how I scored:

Your Type is
INFJ
Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging
Strength of the preferences %
44 50 25 44


INFJ type description by D.Keirsey
INFJ type description by J. Butt and M.M. Heiss
http://typelogic.com/infj.html

INFJ Career Choices Jung Career Indicator?
INFJ Lifestyle Preferences




Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:
moderately expressed introvert

moderately expressed intuitive personality

moderately expressed feeling personality

moderately expressed judging personality

Protrait of the Counselor

The Portait of the Counselor (INFJ)

The Counselor Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in reaching their goals, and enterprising and attentive in their interpersonal roles. Counselors focus on human potentials, think in terms of ethical values, and come easily to decisions. The small number of this type (little more than 2 percent) is regrettable, since Counselors have an unusually strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their companions. Although Counsleors tend to be private, sensitive people, and are not generally visible leaders, they nevertheless work quite intensely with those close to them, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes with their families, friends, and colleagues. This type has great depth of personality; they are themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people.

Counselors can be hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not to share their reactions except with those they trust. With their loved ones, certainly, Counselors are not reluctant to express their feelings, their face lighting up with the positive emotions, but darkening like a thunderhead with the negative. Indeed, because of their strong ability to take into themselves the feelings of others, Counselors can be hurt rather easily by those around them, which, perhaps, is one reason why they tend to be private people, mutely withdrawing from human contact. At the same time, friends who have known a Counselor for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that they are inconsistent; Counselors value their integrity a great deal, but they have intricately woven, mysterious personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors have strong empathic abilities and can become aware of another's emotions or intentions -- good or evil -- even before that person is conscious of them. This "mind-reading" can take the form of feeling the hidden distress or illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types to comprehend. Even Counselors can seldom tell how they came to penetrate others' feelings so keenly. Furthermore, the Counselor is most likely of all the types to demonstrate an ability to understand psychic phenomena and to have visions of human events, past, present, or future. What is known as ESP may well be exceptional intuitive ability-in both its forms, projection and introjection. Such supernormal intuition is found frequently in the Counselor, and can extend to people, things, and often events, taking the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to come, as well as uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance.

Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).

Full descriptions of the Counselor and the Idealists are in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II

::::::::::::::::::New Family Reading Book:::::::::::

George's Secret Key To The Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking



The story is perfect for Noah. It has a young boy who owns a pig and the book talks about black holes and other science stuff.

::::::::::::::::::::::Holiday Un-Spirits::::::

this is a new drink that looked tasty for those holiday festivities
I have a 2 liter bottle ready for sampling, so I'll let you know the family verdict on this new drink.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Christmas Gift From Shutterfly::::

Shutterfly and Jen Wilson Designs have teamed up to allow for a free elements and paper pack worth $6.00.

Here is the link to there freebies here

:::::::::::::::::::::College For Kids::::::::

Rachel went through her book ceremony for College for Kids at Mercer University. We really enjoy her stories.


:::::::::::::::::::::Links To The Library Internet Dispute::::

Michael was listed as "The Lone Dissenter" in a news article on the issue. That had quite a ring to it.

Check out Michael's blog for the 411 on the Gwinnett County Library Board meeting.

:::::::::::::::::::::Teacher Conference and Braces Removal:::::::

I will post photos of a de-braced Rachel tomorrow! I won't, however, burden you with photos of the teacher conferences! :)

:::::::::::::::::::::Cherie Call::::::::

I am really enjoying her acoustic style. One of my favorite songs by her is "No"

and "One Good Woman"

"No Ordinary Girl"

Smiles, y'all!

Text: Eve and Noah are like most siblings. They love each other one minute and then they're fighting the next. When asked what she likes about Noah Eve answered, "He's so funny!"
When I asked Noah what he liked about Eve he replied, "Because she is part of my family and she's cutsey wootsey!"

_{Background paper from Soda Popp by Meredith Fenwick, Photo negative brush from Simple Expressions by Jen Wilson, Font: Typical Writer, Brushes from Retro Vintage by Little Dreamer Designs, Heart frame by Vera Lim, Teeny Tiny Alpha by Jessica Bolton, Date Stamp by Amber Clegg}


:::::::::::::::::Finished::::::::::::


If you like true story drama and suspense this book is for you! The heroism of the submariners aboard the S Five is amazing. I think we have all had a moment in our lives that we knew exactly what to do, were capable of doing it and got distracted and bloughed it! The combination of a poorly engineered valve that closed the main induction valve and human distraction due to multi-tasking caused a test crash dive to send 37 men to the bottom of the ocean. The story of how everyone worked together in the sub and those who worked to get them out on the outside is riveting. The author interweaves explanations of submarine history and personal histories superbly. I highly recommend this book.

:::::::::::::::::::::Current Read::::::::::::::


The author of this book worked on the film that was released earlier in the year titled "Amazing Grace". William Wilberforce became an advocate to end slavery. He had a conversion to Christianity and thought he should leave politics because he felt he would be unable to combine the two parts of his life. John Newton who pinned the words to the song "Amazing Grace" encouraged Wilberforce to remain in politics to be able to change the world for the better.

In this book, which has been edited with modern words and phrases, is William Wilberforce's call to people to live Christianity as the Bible teaches and live as the Savior taught. He disdains the idea of cultural Christianity where people just say they are Christian without doing anything about it.

I will do a review of the book when I've finished reading it.

:::::::::::::::::::::::A Cut Above The Rest:::::::

Grandpa Jim got his eyes carved on today. He had an PRK procedure done.
He says he feels okay, so far.

I would like to get some form of corrective surgery on my eyes some day, too. My FIL used to always ask me what I was smokin' when he would see me because my pupils are always very dilated. This makes me wonder if I would be a good candidate for surgery.

:::::::::::::::::::Rachel's Story::::::::::

Day 4 is completed and Rachel has a cool story about wasps to rewrite for Friday. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with for her final draft.

Smiles!

I'm Not Such A Bad Egg!

I dislike deviled eggs, but Rachel loves to make them and eat them. Granny Sue is more than willing to boil some red potatoes and eggs for Rachel to get her fix.



My daughter, Rachel, loves to make Deviled Eggs with her Granny Sue Towhey.

Little Day kit by Studio Sausan,
Flower from Collectibles 1 by Studio Sausan,
Easter Sticker by Studio Sausan,
Altered Artistry Frame by Studio Sausan,
Ripped and Torn Template by Jen Caputo,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
Label it Alpha by the Powers Sisters
Really Big Bow by Natalie Braxton,
Felt Devil Horn's from Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady,
Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield,
Point it Out Ribbon by Natalie Braxton,
Extra Stitches by Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics,
Fancy Alpha by Michelle Underwood,
Torn old frames by Linda Gil Bildal,
Font: DJB Michelled, Susie's Hand
Joined at the Hip Stitches by Tia Bennett,
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg


My daughter, Rachel, loves to make Deviled Eggs with her Granny Sue Towhey. They both look forward to creating this together whenever they get the chance!


Little Day kit by Studio Sausan,
Ripped and Torn Template by Jen Caputo,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
beauty mark blog freebie by the Powers Sisters,
Font: DJB Michelled


:::::::::::::::::::::::Under Pressure::::::::::

is the story I'm reading now. It is a quick read, so far. The story flows really well interwoven with the history of submarine development. I find it fascinating.

Under Pressure


::::::::::::::::::Just Got Back::::::::

from dropping Rachel off for day 3 of class. The car started acting up. I think the transmission is going wonky. Michael met me in the parking lot and we drove back to his office. The car didn't have a problem for him. He is going to keep it to pick up Rachel and see what happens.

Later, gators!

There's Even More Where That Came From:

Surprised that I had yet another bunch of climbing layouts? I think I'm done now.



Text:
Even though Noah was nervous he roped up for his second climb of the year on this same wall. Michael belayed and gave encouragement. Noah was able to get higher than he had before.

_{Naked Stamps by Meredith Fenwick, Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton, Font: DB Michael, Tasty Tattoo used as an overlay, background paper from Chalked Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney, "U Shine" doodle by Bee Good Designs, doodle arrow by Kate Hadfield, backward staples by Jenn Patrick}

Text: Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
---- Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)

_{Background papers from Chalked Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney, Grunge Alpha by Birgit, black bunch Alpha by The Powers Sisters, Naked Stamp Sheet by Meredith Fenwick, Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton, Font: DB Michael,Dalyhand, Cold Coffee, Ripped and Torn template by Jen Caputo, Tasty Tattoo used as the two corner overlays, date stamps by Amber Clegg, backward staples by Jenn Patrick}

Tree Castle Island is our current family reading book. The story takes place in the Okefenokee Swamp. The kids like the different terms they are learning about in the story. For example, there are islands called "blow ups" that are made of peat moss which appear like a normal island, but when you step on them you sink. Another term is "hammock" which, in this context, means an area in the swamp with hardwoods like oak and sweet gum. We have only completed 3 chapters, so I will give my review when we complete the book.

:::::::::::::::::::::It's Midnight::::::::

and Rachel is creating collage faces using my digital scrapbooking magazine. The faces are very quirky and she's having fun. What a great combination!



::::::::::::::::More Lidocaine, Please!::::::

The family has been applying periodic doses of lidocaine to our red skin. Hopefully we will be better in a couple of days.

::::::::::::::::College for Kids::::::::

Today Rachel begins her third Summer in the College for Kids program. She is involved in their future authors class. She loves creative writing and the program is to help expand her ideas for writing. The school has a vanity press, so all of the participating students will have their finished writing piece printed. Grandpa plans to pick Rachel up tomorrow, so they can talk about her first day. Michael will then pick her up the rest of the week. Michael can't go Monday because he has his regularly scheduled apheresis appointment at the Red Cross.

:::::::::::::::Discover Magazine::::::::

has an article on Autism in their April 2007 issue. "Autism: It's Just Not In Your Head"

::::::::::::::::Fuzzy Math:::::::::

Discover Magazine had an interesting math question, which I posed to Michael and he answered it immediately, then went on to explain how he came by that answer. Here is the question from the magazine: Heavy Eggs.

What interested me more about this question happened at our family swimming over at Stephen's house. I had Michael ask two of his brother's the question and they thought about it and gave their answers. They were close. Noah, in a very brief stint out of the pool, came up and began explaining how to get the answer. Michael and I listened as he explained the process correctly using his hands to mimic how to go about weighing the eggs. He didn't mimic the words Michael had used, but used his own ideas. We didn't realize he had been paying attention. What a funny dude!

Here is another funny Noah story on Grandpa Jim's blog.

:::::::::::::::::Christmas 1974

My mom found these photos and I remembered having such a blast for years with these toys:

Text: I'm not sure if there was anything left on the shelves for other kids in 1974. Some of my presents included a doctor's kit, playdoh, View Master, a make-up and hairstyling set, Barbie's Jet, Barbie clothes, new pajamas and a Baby of Mine. I went to get the kids who were spending the night with my mom and on the floor was the red leather Barbie jacket which is the one in the photo.

_{Background paper from by Kay Miller, Beauty Mark blog freebie by the Powers Sisters, Handpainted Alpha and Holiday Label by Michelle Coleman, Really Big Ribbons by Natalie Braxton, Vintage frames by Nancy Comelab, Font: Dalyhand/Jane Austen}


Smiles...and OUCH!...off to apply lidocaine!

Dream Weavers

She dreams about ponies, and dancing like a ballerina, she dreams about playing with Jasper her ferret, being a "Pop Star"and chocolate chip waffles and myriads of other fanciful things!



_{Fonts: Weathered SF, Pea Lis, Chocolate Box Decorative
Kits/Papers/Elements: Mulberry Memories by Sandra Boddington, Collage Fairies and banner by Hope Wallace, Funky Frame by Carrie Stephens
Extras: (Modified) Weaver photo by Valerio at www.sxc.hu, Torn Paper Circle by Traci Murphy and Overlay by Shabby Princess}

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

Rachel started College for Kids today, which is a program for kids who enjoy writing and want to improve. It was really fun to watch her try to make friends with one of the girls in her group. There are only 10 kids, so there can be a lot of interaction with the instructor. Rachel pretended to keep reading the posted class list until she got up enough nerve to say hi to a lovely little girl named Ana maria. They quickly took desks facing one another when they were allowed into the classroom. Rachel loves to write, so I hope this class will be a great experience for her.

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

The summer continues and the children have yet to achieve "Herdman" statis. If you aren't familiar with the name Herdman grab a copy of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and you will quickly understand. Noah has tried to wash a cluster of miniature rubber bands down the sink. Luckily, the trap is to small and they just acted like a stopper in the sink.

Michael, Aaron and I played a game of Risk, which if you have never played, takes a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to play. Our games always end up with Aaron wandering off to do other things and I finally don't really care and Michael is left as the de facto dictator of the entire world. This seems to be a lonely position. The maxim: Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely will be one neither Aaron, nor I will ever have to worry about when playing board games.

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

Aaron is currently watching the movie Stargate, which is the very first movie we took him to see when he was 9 months old. Boy Howdy! You should have seen some of the glares we got from suspicious adults who didn't want to hear a crying baby...completely understandable...I might add. He was asleep when the movie started and less than half way through he woke up, so I nursed him for a about 5 minutes, but the noise made him want to sit up and see what was happening. I thought for sure he would cry and I would have to leave with him, but to our astonishment he just watched in amazement. From then on we took him to the theatre with us. We have not been as fortunate with the other 3 kids, oh well!