Oh, The Things I Do To Keep This House Clean!

...Oh, no. I'm not talking about me.



Noah was shocked to find out, on Sunday, that he indeed was added to the Jasper cage cleaning rotation. When Michael reminded him he responded, "I thought dad was joking!" No joke, dude! Noah has since done a pretty good cage cleaning job.

There was yet another breakthrough, of sorts, with our germaphobic 8 year old. Michael had the kids clean their bathroom. Noah got the highly favored job of toilet scrubber. His face looked like he had sucked the juice of the sourest lemon, but he did a job Mr. Clean would be proud. He was so tired after his intense scrubbing that he went to lie down. Aaron came laughing into our bedroom to inform us of the current Noahism, "Oh, the things I do to keep this house clean!" I thought we would all lose bladder control after that statement.
Shortly after this Noah said, "I was pushed to my limits!"

:::::::::::::::::My Funny Nieces::::::::

_{Credits: kit by Cinnamon Designs and JanaM}

I saw this at digishoptalk and I was highly amused:

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

::::::::::::::::::Kindergarten Kamp::::::::
Eve attended the 3 day camp this week and had a really rough time. She cried at every drop off and pick up. The teacher said she was fun in the middle. She has been real clingy at church on Sundays and she has psychosomatic throat problems every Sunday for 2 hours and they magically came back every morning for camp. She is going through a strange transition and I feel so sorry for her. She doesn't throw a tantrum, but quietly turns bright pink and tears roll down her face. She told me she was nervous the first day at drop off. Luckily, her friend Jayla was put in her group and they got to hug every day.

::::::::::::::::::Life Scout:::::::::

Aaron was presented his rank advancement to Life Scout, tonight. He can start working on an Eagle Scout project. I received a lovely "Mom's Pin", too. I helped Michael by putting together a slideshow presentation of the Troop and I got some video and photos from our ward's Venture crew. I gave each group about 10 minutes and everybody seemed to like the outcome. I used some pretty eclectic songs. Here is my playlist:

The Hollow of Your Hand by The Sugarland Run
Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband
Choctaw Hayride by Alison Krauss and Union Station
Never Give UP by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband
Country Boy by Johnny Cash
The Distance by Cake
Head Over Heels by The Gogos

Michael and I laughed because one of our friends that we asked for music suggestions said anything, but The Gogos. The song worked perfectly with the water skiing photos so we felt, artisticly, compelled to go with the song.

:::::::::::::::::::Walking::::::::::

I have been experimenting with double insoles, just the arch support insoles and no arch support insole. My conclusion, I need the double insole that includes the arch support eventhough it makes my right foot roll too much. I have to consciously step differently to keep my foot from rolling to the side. The tendinitis wasn't as bad when I wore the arch support, so good thing. The weather has been hot and humid and I have walked in the heat of the day due to family activites early and late. The nice thing is the lack of foot traffic and I have enjoyed seeing some interesting water bird and a swimming turtle. I have varied my path for a 1/2 mile section that puts me going up a hill twice. Good for the cardio, but my butt has yet to shrink in any noticeable size. I keep feeling like I'll get a call from Sir Mix A Lot saying I'm still in the club. Oh, well. I feel the desire to walk everyday even if my foot aches. A good habit...methinks!


Later, gators! :)

Taste the Rainbow

::::::::::::::::Some Recent Layouts of Family Events:::::



<sub>Credits: Jacque Larsen and Rachel Young: Good Day Sunshine collab
Font: DJB Dawn/ Inspired by Template by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com
Kate Hadfield's Doodle Frames
Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady's Wordy Bits Vacation



Credits: DJB Kira/ Inspired by template by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com

May Collab kit for The Lily Pad featuring Amy Hutchinson, buttons by Kate Hadfield, painted art element by Natalie Braxton.

Emily and Angela Powers "Label It" alpha, and alpha from Art Nation Blossom kit

Date Stamp by Amber Clegg and circles by Jenna Desai


Credits: Jacque Larsen/Amber Clegg's Pocket Full of Sunshine
Jacque Larsen/Rachel Young's Good Day Sunshine
DJB Silje and DJB Sebastian

Credits: Jacque Larsen/Rachel Young's Good Day Sunshine
Jacque Larsen's Home Tweet Home
Natalie Braxton's Hoo Do You Love elements
DJB My Dear Marsha and DJB Sissy</sub>

::::::::::::::Pocketful of Sunshine::::::

I'm really enjoying a recent song by Natasha Bedingfield called "Pocketful of Sunshine".

::::::::::::::Cheeseburger in Paradise:::

I saw this funny thing in our local paper that allows you to dress up Jimmy Buffet. It's pretty funny.

Take Care! :)

Brave Girl

:::::::::::::::::::Dentist::::::

Eve just got back from having a cavity filled at the pediatric dentist. They used orange scented nitrous oxide to prep her for the shot, and they used a mint numbing gel. She looked at me with a hesitant expression and her eyes got that glassy sheen from beginning to tear up. I asked if she was nervous and she nodded yes. She wanted to hold my hand, as opposed to me holding hers. I figure it gave her a small measure of something she could control. She rarely moved during the procedure. Her lip did slip into the little speculum that kept her jaw open and she would point at it with tears in her eyes. I was so proud of her as was the doctor. The novocaine is wearing off and she feels the pain. I can just hug her.


::::::::::::::::Cub Scout Camp:::::::

Noah is at camp for this week. It is a day camp so he goes in the morning and I pick him up in the afternoon. The theme this year is "Cubs in Space". What a perfect theme for my science guy.

::::::::::::::::Fun New Layouts::::::


<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip's "Hush" kit, Embossed Letters (set 2)
Catrine: Laura Alpha
Font: DJB Donnar at www.thedigichick.com


Credits: Dawn Inskip's "Hush" kit, alpha from "Midnight Diamonds"
Font: CK Cursive



Credits: Dawn Inskip's Hush kit, Evitangel collab kit, Cartoon Caper kit, Make Believe kit, Typecast Alpha
Font: DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com</sub>

Take Care! :)

Easter Tales

:::::::::::::::Morning Prayers::::::::::::::::

I try to get Rachel and Noah out with a morning prayer before they jump on the bus for school. We rotate who prays and since Rachel did family prayer last night it was Noah's turn. Rachel and I had to stop ourselves from giggling out loud when Noah said, "...Please bless my book bag not to fall to bits." His back pack has blown a huge hole in the seam on one side and the other side is looking frazzled. I told him we would get a new one soon. School is out in a month and a half. Maybe Red Green will show up and use his handy dandy Duct tape?!

:::::::::::::::Carnival Day at Pre-K::::::::::

Aaron and I will be helping out at Eve's school. I will be making cotton candy and Aaron will be in charge of the sponge and tattoos. Last week when I asked if he would like to be in charge of the tattoos for the little kids he said he didn't know how to draw, so he probably shouldn't. He was relieved when I told him it wasn't that kind of tattoo. It is really chilly this morning, so I hope the sun comes out from behind the clouds for a wee bit of warmth.

:::::::::::::::Do You Like My Hat?::::::::::::


_{My niece, Dakotta, playing with her uncle's hat, then sharing with her twin sister.
Dawn Inskip:
Embossed Alpha
Type Cast Alpha
NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=6f749e8e3eef36755bd930bff3df535c
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=20
SSS
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=43
Darcy Baldwin: DJB KIRA at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2
Kate Hadfield: Glamour Doodles
Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin & Rachel Young: Spring Fling}

:::::::::::::Just A Few Easter Layouts::::::::::::







_{Credits: Lorie Davison: Brownie Collection at Scrapbookgraphics, Jess Gordon: Vintage paper tears, Darcy Baldwin: DJB GAYLE at The Digichick}

Smiles!

Hu (LU) Loves You, Baby?

:::::::::::Recommendation Friday:::::::::

I was listening to Clark Howard, a nationally syndicated consumer talk show host, talk about how cool hulu is, so I checked it out. I am so stoked that they have some of my favorite shows like: Kojak, The Bob Newhart Show, Buck Rogers, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Addams Family, WKRP, Night Gallery, Bewitched, The Rockford Files... YIPPEE. There are a few shows I'm interested in checking out like: My Name is Earl and some National Geographic Channel presentations. There are several more shows on there, but one I was looking for they didn't carry is Barnaby Jones. Maybe some day.


::::::::::::::::::International Folk Dancing:::::::

was the order of the morning. The second grade at Noah's elementary school performed dances from different countries. There were dances from Israel, Ireland, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, England and the U.S.A. Noah's class was the U.S.A. He was so excited to see Evey and me in our seats. Michael felt bad that he was called to a meeting at the same time and couldn't attend. Here are some picks of my happy, dancin' boy:
Noah's normal, big-eyed, psycho look...mom has a camera pose:



Put a fork in him, people. He's done!


::::::::::::::::::C.T. Layouts for the Fresh kit by Dawn Inskip






<sub>Credits: Fresh kit by Dawn Inskip at NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2296
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=20
SSS
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=43
also, gems from "A Little Sunshine" kit.


Fonts: DJB Another MANDY, DJB My Dear Marsha by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2


Alpha: Spring Collab at TLP by Jacque Larsen</sub>

::::::::::::::::Weekend Plans::::::

are up in the air due to the thunderstorms coming in soon.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend!

Smiles!

Doodling Dakotta

Eve decided she wasn't ready to return to school due to her cough and runny nose, so today we played Myst 4 with Aaron and I played around with some doodles created by one of my nieces, Dakotta. Here is what I made with her pictures:



I'll try to do this blogging thing again tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Aaron Informs Me Today Is Thursday!

I figure most of you are up on all of your dates, but I live in a perpetual fog!

:::::::::::::Eve Swimming:::::::::




:::::::::::::A Family Reunion Layout:::::::::



My niece, Dakotta, and her icy stare!



Text: Dakotta and Corinna were having a very busy and messy day. This is only one look in Dakotta's arsenal. She will sternly stare at people of any age or gender, so watch out paparazzi!

_{Photo by: Marcus John Taylor
Darcy Baldwin: Rubbed Out Alpha and DJB GINAM1 at The Digichick
Christina Renee: Dirty notes, Glitter Splats, Label alpha, Bookplate Alpha, Just for Fun Doodle
Catrine: Chalked Alpha
Sausan Designs: flower from Needful Things
Shabby Miss Jenn: frame from Tree Trimmin' Party
Natalie Braxton: Things on Strings
Nancy Comelab: Vintage Frame
Tia Bennett: All Taped Up brush frame
Paint The Moon: Freebie flower}


::::::::::::::::::Good Deed::::::::::::::

Aaron heard me coughing at the computer and he said, "Mom, let me fix you some chicken soup!" So in 15 minutes I had a steaming hot bowl of soup in front of me and a hug from my 13 year-old. What a nice "Hallmark" moment. Thank you, Aaron!

::::::::::::::::::First Aid:::::::::::::::

Our next door neighbor, Kristen, was kind enough to agree to teach a first aid course to the Scouts last night. She had them realize that there is more to administering aid then just attending the victim. She explained about being aware of the scene of the accident and that you don't want to create more victims by just rushing in without accessing the situation. Michael was hightly impressed with all of the information and how she demonstrated everything to the young men.

::::::::::::::::::Reading Book::::::::::::

I am on chapter 3 of Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me) and have already begun to do my classic paper tearing and bookmarking pages to reference when I'm finished. The examples used by the authors are so appropriate. I analyze what I would do in certain situations and realize that the slippery slope of self-justification is quite a busy thoroughfare with a whole lot of casualities at the bottom. Here are a few excerpts that really had me thinking:

"Self-justification has costs and benefits. By itself, it's not necessarily a bad thing. It lets us sleep at night. Without it, we would prolong the awful pangs of embarrassment. We would torture ourselves with regret over the road not taken or over how badly we navigated the road we did take. We would agonize in the aftermath of almost every decision... Yet mindless self-justification, like quicksand, can draw us deeper into disaster. It blocks our abily to even see our errors, let alone correct them."

The chapter of cognitive dissonance was a real eye opener. In the section called "Spirals of Violence-and Virtue the authors explain that the concept of "catharsis" fostered by psychoanayltic beliefs about expressing anger and behaving aggressively gets rid of anger is patently false. They write, "Actually, decades of experimental research have found exactly the opposite: That when people vent their feelings aggressively they often fell worse, pump up their blood pressure, and make themselves angrier." They go onto say, "venting is expecially likely to backfire if a person commits an aggressive act against another person directly, which is exactly what cognitive dissonance theory would predict." What they relate is that once you have harmed someone you must then justify why you would do such a thing, then it creates a need to reduce your dissonance where you blame the victim of your outburst and you are more likely to escalate your next violent outburst.
In regards to the virtous cycle the authors write about how doing something good leads to changing our thinking of others. For example if we don't like someone, but on a whim do something nice for them we may begin to make the connection that that person must not be so bad, or I wouldn't have done something nice for them. That thought leads to the thought that maybe that person is not as bad as I thought.
Later on the book references an experiment by Benjamin Franklin during his time in the Pennsylvania legislature where there was a man who couldn't stand him. Franklin decided to win this guy over. He asked to borrow a rare book from the man's library, which the man agreed to lend. Franklin returned the book within a week with a note of gratitude. After that the man came up to speak to him "with great civility" and they continued from then on to be great friends until the man's death. Franklin wrote, "...the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, 'He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged."

This book is fascinating.


::::::::::::::::::::::We have Advent Calendars Galore::::::::::

There is an advent calendar in the kitchen and in the girls' room, but Rachel still decided to decorate her dry erase board with a Santa Claus and a countdown of the days until Christmas. Oh, the pressure! The kids think I'm not serious when I tell them there are no presents for them in the house...but I'm not. The only day for us to go shopping is today. Michael and Aaron have a campout this weekend and from what the calendar says I'm out of luck come next week. I may be giving the kids my reading book and explaining them the concept of cognitive dissonance during my self-justification speech on why time just got away and...here kids what a bag of Milky Ways...chocolate makes things better...really!

Smiles and Merry Christmas!

Crazy Conversations and Funny Relatives!

I have so many cool nieces and nephews! Here are a couple of layouts using pictures provided by their mom, Melissa.





My niece, Kendall, dressed up as the Wicked Stepmother. She had to remember to stop skipping and singing because she was supposed to be "evil".

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB GINAE, Stickbet Alpha at The Digichick
Sausan Designs: Oogelie Booglie kit, Needful Thing book, brush it alpha
Emily Merritt: Stitched Starburst, Tile Alpha
Weeds and Wildflowers: Layered Alpha doodle frame, Doodled Alpha star paint splatter
Catrine: Chalked Alpha
ELMD: Doodled alpha freebie
Michelle Coleman: Hand Stamped Alpha
Ida: Star Doodle
Mo Jackson: Moodle frame}


::::::::::::::::::::Some One Had A Baby, so...::::

that means LASAGNA, salad and French bread. Well, at our house, anyway! Aaron helped me gather the ingredients at the grocery store. Then, he helped me cook and assemble the meal. He, Michael and Rachel went to visit this very adorable baby to deliver the meal to his parents. I stayed home with my cold and Eve and Noah.

::::::::::::::::::::Dentist Welfare Fund::::::::

has been established. The Taylor Foundation has been asked to fork over their quarterly contribution to the Dentist Welfare Fund of Georgia. It appears that Eve has cavities between two sets of molars. This will require two separate visits, numbing medication and x-rays. Noah, fortunately, had a clean bill of dental health. I figure that .50 cents from the Tooth Fairy was well spent. Michael still has to make the appointment to have Aaron's tooth pulled. YIKES!

Rachel was supposed to get her braces off today, but the orthodonists father passed away and he will be out all week. She took the news in stride. So, next week she gets her braces off, then gets her teeth cleaned the day after. The week afer that she gets her retainer. And for good measure she gets her eyes checked on Friday after school. She says things are getting blurry, again!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::Book Fair:::::::::

is coming to the local school. Noah has supplied me with his list of demands requests. He said they only cost $12.99 each. There is a book about Transformers and a couple of other things. Rachel had one book she was interested in, but I misplaced the slip of paper. She has a great memory so I'm safe.

::::::::::::::::::::::::Conversations with Eve::::::::

I was driving Eve to school this morning and she told me about a girl in her class who kept scooting her floor mat away from the girl next to her. Eve told that she raised her hand and informed the teacher about this situation. So, I said: "You mean you were paying attention to what someone else was doing and not listening to the story?"

Eve: "I was listening to the story."

Mom: "How could you be listening to the story when you were busy paying attention to what everybody else is doing?"

Eve: "I have Two Eyes! I can do both at the same time!"

Well, boy howdy! Thanks for the information update!

Off to get Eveybug!

Later, gators!

Slippery When Wet

My sweet little daughter, Eve, took pity on me as I lay reading my book yesterday evening. She sat on my back and stared at my feet and said, "Mommy there are cracks. Let me get you some lotion." She jumped down and grabbed the Aveeno. In seconds she was back slathering cream on my dry feet and then up my calves. I kept telling her to go easy on the amount of cream, but she was certain she knew just the right amount. She proudly announced her job was complete and needed to go wash her hands. She walked back in with her hands all lathered up and asked if I could help her rinse them. I tried to get up, but left gooey cream marks on the hardwood floor. I told her I was trapped on the bed and could she get daddy to come grab me some socks. She smiled and said she could get them for me. After a lot of pointing she was able to get me the socks I needed to secure a rescue from my little bed island. And you know my feet feel spectacular this morning! Thank you, Eveybug!


::::::::::::::::::::::Skate Night::::::::::::::::

Aaron's friend, Nick, invited him to skate night at the local roller rink. He came home pretty happy eventhough his wrist was aching. He informed me that he loved the in-line skates and just couldn't figure out how people could get around on those skates with 4 wheels. A new boy named Ken from our Church was there and helped Aaron learn how to skate on the in-line kind. The boy who likes to bully Aaron was there too. Luckily, Nick's mom was there and she is always level-headed and nothing got out of hand. When Aaron told Michael the boy was spewing insults, as usual, Michael just told him that the boy must be very unhappy and to feel sorry for him.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Book Review Imminent::::::

I'm close to finishing The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Become Evil by Philip Zimbardo. I have a habit of ripping a single piece of paper into bits and placing them as a bookmark. In this book it looks like the pages have sprouted some crazy torn paper disease. I find gems on almost every page and since the book is library material a highlighter is right out. Human nature is very interesting and can be modified in alarming ways, but one of the best safe guards is taking personal responsibilites for the choices you make. That is my gem for the day from this book. More to come soon!


God Made Dirt, and Dirt Don't Hurt


My twin nieces are happy as pigs in mud when they can find a pile of dirt!

_{Font: DJB Connorbuck by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Background paper from Ultimate Backgrounds Vol. 1 by Nancy Comelab
Ribbon, pail and shovel doodle from Summer Collab kit at The Lily Pad
Stitched Frame and Sparkle Block Letters by Emily Merritt
Crayon Doodles by Ida
Journaling Tape and Rubberbands by Kate Hadfield
Date Stamp from Simply Irresistable kit by Gina Cabrera
Doodle flowers from Chalk Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney
Vintage Frame by Jessica Bolton
Gralpha by Birgit
Staple from Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick}

Let Freedom Ring


My children at The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia as part of our vacation.


_{July blog freebie by Sausan
Altered Artistry frame by Sausan
Messy Staples by Kate Hadfield
Flower from Boho Chic Elements by Michelle Coleman
Handstamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman
Nakedstamps by Meredith Fenwick
Forever Stamp modified from the internet
Label It alpha by The Powers Sisters
Fonts: Randy Described Eternity
Calenar 1 by Misty Mareda
DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}

:::::::::::::::::::::Mathematics and Prediction

I saw this on my husband's blog and it was so cool that I'm passing it along. You will find this amazing...really you will!




Smiles, y'all!

Some Fun and Shabby Comments

My husband saw this comic strip and thought of me:



A little background on this as it relates to being funny to us. When I was a kid my mother would introduce me to people and they would then begin calling me Vicky. My mother would politely correct them that that was not my name. This scenario has been repeated all of my life. My husband, Michael, is a "Michael", so when folks call and ask for Mike I just laugh and tell him that someone we don't know is calling. Once someone who purported to know us well introduced us from the pulpit as "Mike and Vicky". We cringed. Names are important, or else we wouldn't use them and name and classify everything. I try not to be pushy about it, though. Rachel will usually tell people for me. She will say, "My mom likes to be called Victoria."

So, if I have been getting your name wrong let me know...after my little diatribe. ;)


::::::::::::::::::Jim Dale of Harry Potter fame::::::::

I love Jim Dale's voice and he was hilarious on Wait! Wait!. Got to the section called "Not My Job". You get such tidbits as where he got the voice for Dobby.


:::::::::::::::::::::Date Night?::::::

Michael and I are hoping to go on a date night and see The Bourne Ultimatim. We enjoyed the previous two films.

::::::::::::A Shabby Invitation...never looked so good:::::::

Once my dsl was repaired and I opened my email this invitation was waiting for me:


I'm excited to be able to play with her great designs in a few months.
I get to sport this little thing as part of the November Guest C.T.



:::::::::::::::Shopping with my Girly!:::::::






::::::::::::::Book Review::::::::
The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime


Another action packed story from Michael Buckley that kept the kids pleading to, "read ONE MORE CHAPTER! PLEASE!" The action takes place in NYC where the rag tag group led by Granny Grimm go to take the injured Puck. The king of Fairie, Oberon, is murdered and the Grimms, along with ex-sheriff Hamstead (one of the 3 little pigs) and Mr. Canis (The Big Bad Wolf) try to track down the killer. There is even a love interest for Mr. Hamstead. There is also the pungent cocoon that follows Sabrina around that creates a lot of laughs. The Wizard of Oz also plays quite a prominent role as a friend of Veronica Grimm, the girls' mother. Everyone is surprised to find out some information about Veronica that makes Sabrina rethink an important decision. This is a wonderful continuation of the series and we look forward, excitedly, to book 5 that will be coming out in December.

Non Sequitur
Just thought this was funny in light of the whole fairy tale genre book review.



:::::::::::::Aunt Teashy:::::::


This is one of my SIL's with our twin nieces.


Text: When Corinna and Dakotta saw Aunt Teashy they set off running and she scooped them up into her open arms.


_{Midnight in the Garden kit by Kay Miller
Word Art by Bethany Mott
Doodle Journal art, Pipecleaner flowers, doodled photo corner (Color Me Funky combo with Gina Miller) by Kate Hadfield
Doodle Frame by Holly McCaig
Black frame, scalloped border and white tab from Springtime in Paris by Michelle Godin
Doodle Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Proof frame (modified) by Christina Renee
Block Alpha by Natalie Braxton
Font: DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}

::::::::::::::::Next Family Reading Book::::::

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift


Have a happy weekend!

Smiles!

One Hacksaw and Some Free Time...

That is what some malicious fool had near our neighborhood. Some person, or persons hacked through the fiberoptic cable that supplies our neighborhood. We have been down since about 4:00p.m. yesterday. The phone line is now workin, but DSL is down. Michael left me his laptop because I can piggyback on someone's wifi connection.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Family Reunion layout and C.T. assignment from Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick::::

Making Messy Chic Since 2007


Text: Dakotta Rose and her sister Corinna managed to cover themselves from head to toe in dirt during our family reunion.


Summertime Fun Kit Essential by Gina Cabrera
Paper Flowers by Dani Mogstad
Mo Moodles One doodle frame by Mo Jackson
Picture Frame from Springtime in Paris by Michelle Godin
Alpha: Crimped Alpha by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Fonts: DJB LIZ, DJB MICHELLED, DJB WENDYPscript by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick

::::::::::::::::::::::Update on Noah's Check Up:::::::

Noah is in the 60th percentile in weight and 30th in height. He had inflammation in his left ear, probably due to the water conditions in Lake Lanier. So, we picked up some Neomycin drops for his ear. His eyes tested both at 20/30, so I had Michael make Noah an appointment for the eye doctor. We will be doing the official eye testin on Saturday. His jaw ticks are thought to be primarily from his molars coming in and the doctor felt his eye spasms were benign. She said to let her know if the eye doctor saw any issues beyond just the need for glasses. NO SHOTS! That is really what made Noah happy. He Quizzed the nurse and the doctor on the items around the exam room. Then, Noah explained his theories on who the murder of Oberon might be in The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime. He proposed his theories very succinctly. I was giggling in the background, while the doctor tried to follow his logic stream.

:::::::::::::Book Review.....Coming tomorrow....

BTW...I have poison ivy, AGAIN! Luckily the case is a mild one and is around my ankles. I understand, from Michael, that I will EVENTUALLY develop an immunity. At this rate I should acquire that immunity by the end of Summer!


Smiles!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig:

We have arrived home...again! We were a bit soggier and a lot sandier, but none the worse for wear. I, however, did break Rachel's glasses on Friday night and she had to go through Saturday and Sunday a bit blurry. Michael is taking her glasses by Sear's Optical today to see if they can be repaired. I took a slew of photos and some video at one point had filled up my 1 gig card and my batteries had run out. I borrowed my sister-in-law, Laura's, Nikon D40 and played around for a hundred, or so photos. My sister-in-law, Lettitia, had a bunch of fun crafts for the kids to do: puppets, design your own frisbee, bracelet making, and foam photo frames. The children put on a puppet show with their creations on Saturday. My brother-in-law, Reuben, helped the everyone tye dye shirts (onesies for the baby boys). My BIL, Stephen, did a quick tutorial with Reuben on creating spirals, then started helping anyone who wanted that pattern, too.
The weather over the 3 days was mild a sunny. We did have spotty showers, but nothing heavy until time to break camp. Michael and I had our campsite cleared and stowed right after breakfast. Stephen had his family do the same because he had a flight to catch for work. After we were done with our stuff Michael and I helped out by babysitting the cute nieces and nephews. I got to hold the newest addition to the family, baby Elliott. I walked him around in the baby sling, then let him sit in my lap looking at all of the activity until he fell fast asleep for 3 hours. Michael played with Spencer who was absolutely sweet and watching the other kids play in the sand. He never slept and never fussed. Michael, at the same time, held Corinna. She had recieved a bite to the arm by her twin sister, Dakotta, and needed some TLC. Michael held her and she fell asleep for a couple of hours. There was only one tent still set up when the heaviest rains came, so everyone took refuge for about an hour under the tarp in our common family area that was set up on the first day. During a lull the last of the tent was put away. The rain picked up again, but we got the main tarp down and made sure the campsite was clean. On the way out I saw a penny (heads up...good stuff) and at a campsite that wasn't ours, or any one's for that matter, there was a plastic knife on the ground and right next to the knife was a dime. Boy howdy, I was eleven cents richer!

The family reunion was held at Duckett's Mill on a little peninsula jutting out into Lake Lanier. Their was a lot of shore line exposed due to low water levels. The kids spent their time picking up the shells of the fresh water clams and digging in the Georgia red clay. All of the kids loved swimming, even Eve who had to be rescued TWICE! The first time Eve had trouble in the water Michael was on the shore watching the kids. Eve was even wearing a life preserver that had a little bit of bouyancy, but not much. I guess since the shore has a staggered plateau effect she must have stepped down to deep, or a wave hit her. I heard her crying out for daddy. I know the sound of distress in her voice, so I took off running to the shore from our tent. By the time I got to the ridge overlooking the shore Michael was coming up the path with Evey. She had swallowed some water and was scared, but other wise she was okay. Michael was drenched and he was wearing his blackberry phone. I suppose today he will tell work that baptizing his phone was an unfortunate consequence for saving his daughter. Now to the next time.
Eve was brave and excited to return to the water with all of her cousins the next afternoon. My sister-in-law, Shelene, was watching her kids, so I went down to life guard mine. I had been using my SIL's camera at the the time, so I jokingly said, "I better take this off encase I have to go save Eve." I put the camera away and went to a rock on the edge of the shoreline. I think it had been about 15 minutes when Eve gurgled, "Mom" as loudly as she could. I ran in a grabbed her up out of the water. She cried for a bit, and said she was pushed by a girl in a blue swimsuit, but wanted to go back in. My niece, Kyra, grabbed my shoes out of the water. (Did you know that Croc flip flops float?) Eve insisted she would stay in the water right at the shore line and she would be fine. So I perched on the rock and they all played until dinner time.

Rachel and her cousins Afton and Rebecca slept in a tent set up next to ours on Friday night and then Afton said that it was her turn on the air mattress in her parent's tent so she wasn't sleeping over another night. So, on Saturday night Rachel and Rebecca's voices were the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep.

I forgot to tell you how I managed to break Rachel's glasses. The shower facilities at Duckett's Mill have much to be desired. There were no benches on the shower that had the best water pressure and was big enough for the girls to shower together. I also made Aaron shower in the other side (much to his dismay...but hey...there were curtains!). Aaron's side had a shower that would hold a host of Lilliputians, but was entirely inadequate for shower supplies and a change of clean clothes. So with no good place to leave the glasses Aaron and Rachel gave me theirs and I put them in my pocket. I bent over slightly to wash Eve's and I felt a bend. I pulled the glasses out and Rachel's created an L shape. I was so mad! I felt really bad, too because I was projecting how I would feel if I had to go around for days having things blurry. Rachel was really sweet about it. She accepted my apology for breaking her glasses and had a great, yet blurry time.

I will finish uploading photos to the family website when Michael gets home from work. I have a few hundred and I can only upload 4 at a time. I think I've uploaded about 30, so far. FUN!

:::::::::::::::::Book Review:::::::

On Saturday night we finished reading Escape From The Carnivale. The kids and I enjoyed the story. Noah was, especially, eager to read each new chapter. The imagery in the book is written so vividly that it helps you visualize the scenes very well. The book has a mixture of magical creatures, a far away island setting and pirates, so it is great for all ages and genders. The theme of a little girl and her friends getting into trouble because they have delibrately disobeyed is one that everyone can identify with at some point in their lives. How they get out of a terrible fix is a great story. There is also a fun twist in the chapter right before the end of the book. This story is an enjoyable read. If you get the opportunity check it out!

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


The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime. We have already plunged into the first chapter and the story line is moving at its normally quick pace. The kids all groaned when I stopped reading. This one looks to be another great installment!

:::::::::::::::::::Salute to the States:::::::::



_{Background: Alexander by Janel Kretschman,
Journaling Bits and Music Doodles: Kate Hadfield,
Font: DB Michael, Jane Austen,
Painted Alpha: Rachel Young,
Vintage Frame and Cluster Frame: Nancy Comelab,
Alpha: Christina Renee}

There's Nobody Here But Us Chickens!

<sub>Chickens by Studio Sausan at Scrapbookgraphics, Bubbles from Comic Book Junkie by Jan Crowley, Font: DB Michael


Atc people and Television by Janna Billman, "wallpaper" from Dorothy's Kitchen Three by Mo Jackson</sub>



One of my cute and silly nieces, Dakotta Rose.
This is a kit that will be coming out soon in Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics.

Seeing Double

_{Espadrilles kit and Design Essentials pack by Julie Howard at Purescrapability.com}


::::::::::More Doubles:::::::::::::

My dad is almost finished with the double tray ceiling and it simply rocks, people!

Our double oven arrived from California today and Michael is looking sooooo forward to splicing the electrical cord! The ovens look quite handsome!


::::::::::::::Bedtime Reading::::::::::::

We have started Peter Pan in Scarlet and the first chapter has sucked us right in to the story.

By the way, Book the 13 by Lemony Snicket was great! The Chapter about being in "the dark" had me rolling!

2 Peas in a Pod

My twin nieces:



_{Sweet Pea Kit by Colleen Lynch, Green Gingham Ribbons from Gypsy Rose Elements by Michelle Coleman, Fresh stamp from Katie Pertiet, Font: Pea Angedawn, 2 Peas Scrapbook,French Script MT,Old Style 1, Seed Packets from internet}

Another Cousin layout:

_{Doodle Kit freebie by Sundaye, staples, paint brush stroke, stitching by Michelle Coleman's Gypsy Rose Elements, and Emma's Sundress, Brown paper from Michelle Coleman's Good Karma freebie, Font: Jane Austen, Pea Happy Girl}

Text: Aaron has a genuine love for his cousin Dakotta Rose Hardin.. Whenever he sees any of his baby cousins he looks them in the eyes, then gives them a big hug. These photos were taken at Granny Sydney Taylor's house in Social Circle, Georgia during Easter. Uncle Michael Taylor holds Dakotta on his lap.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::

Michael and I were discussing how Eve uses the wrong terminology for things, but describes what is happening perfectly. For example, today she was watching Barbie Fairytopia and there are scratches on the dvd at the images were stuttering on the screen. She yelled up to us and said "The t.v. is running out of gas!" That explained exactly what the images and sound appeared to be doing; such creative thinking!