Life is Random...

:::::::::::::::New Layouts From the Botanical Garden:::::

<sub>My dd, Rachel, was in awe of the gorgeous flowers at the botanical gardens.

Brand new Blossoms by Dawn Inskip
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php...e=products_new
ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...oducts_id=1504
Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...oducts_id=1615
also by Dawn: Frame from New Beginnings kit, flowers and dragonfly from Evitangel Collab, Embossed Alpha set 2, word art from Life's Expressions
ScarletHeels Media: Doodle Teeny Alpha
Font: DJB Sissy by Darcy Baldwin @ www.thedigichick.com




Spring Collection by Natalie Braxton and Kate Hadfield from TLP, Background paper by Jacque Larsen</sub>

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

I listened to Astronomy Cast episodes about what it would take to create a colony on Mars. I didn't realize that Mars' pressure was only 1% of ours. You also get the recommended minimum of safe radiation exposure in 1 week. We would have to live underground, so the dirt could act as a radiation shield. If there were any solar flares you would be a crispy critter. I'm thinking if there is a manned Mars mission I won't be yelling, "Pick Me!".

Michael went for his apheresis appointment, then came home and took us out for Mexican food. The boys misbehaved, so Michael told them the next time we go out they can pay.

:::::::::::::Today::::::::

is voting day for some local leadership. Once the kids wake up and I get breakfast for them I'll go over and vote.

The tendonitis in my right foot makes me feel old. The tendon stretches out pretty quickly, but each time I initially stand up it hurts a lot.


:::::::::::::::::::Michael's Album:::::::::
This is the title page for my husband's album when he went to Japan for his mission.



<sub>Credits: Geisha Template by Kirsty Wiseman at http://limegreenbogiegirl.blogspot.com/2008/07/turning-japanese.html (I modified the kimono to be straight at the bottom).


I used the burn tool on the papers and hair for definition.
Background paper: Explore Solids by Catrine

Kimono: Jen Wilson's Yori papers

Geisha's Hair: Birgit's Retro papers

Doodle Border by Jenna Desai

Cherry Blossom branch (modified) by J.McCarthy

Font: CAC Shishoni Brush</sub>

Later gators! :)

It's Really Nice...

when others who love to do what you do say that something you created stands out. I got a sweet message from Lauren Pieters that my layout of Eve made it to her blog called "Gallery Standouts".

<sub>Brand new today Blossoms by Dawn Inskip
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php...e=products_new
ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...oducts_id=1504
Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...oducts_id=1615
also caterpillar and butterfly from Fresh kit, painted circle from Balance is Beautiful, filmstrip from A Little Sunshine, Embossed Alpha set 1, flower from Evitangel Collab

Block template by Emily Merritt
Font: CK Cursive</sub>

::::::::::::::::::Poor Little Creatures::::::

It must have been a rough night near the park on Sunday. I went for my 5 mile walk to the park and back and there was a dead snake and a dead chipmunk. The skate park was covered in fresh graffiti. It was a bit of a downer. I didn't see any of the park regulars that are particularly smiley. I don't talk to them much, but they usually have a sincere smile to offer. I have names for them in my mind, so here are the names of my park pals:

1. Smiley, sweaty red-head lady
2. guy who leans right when he runs
3. Sweaty smiley guy
4. Samuel L. Jackson (no, it isn't really the actor...but he sure looks like him!)
5. Fishing hat guys (2 older guys who always walk together)
6. Hoss jogging chick (she laps me constantly)
7. Pretty pony tail, jogger girl
8. Cranky guy with the dog (He hasn't smiled...yet)
9. Roller Reed (I actually know him through church members, but he is to busy flying by on his roller blades to do much, but wave and smile

Now I suppose I would be: Sweaty lady with mp3 and a ball cap.

Well, I'm showered now and I need to organize my utensil drawer...Will the excitement ever end??????

Take care!

In Your Face!

Apparently that is the phrase you hear when playing a "friendly" game of cards with my children. Noah found my travel version of Mille Bornes when I cleaned out my desk. My parents have the 1971 version that I loved to play when I was a teenager. So, when Noah asked to play I said sure. Rachel was game too. So, I shuffled the cards like my grandfather taught me when he was trying to teach me Poker and Blackjack. (I wasn't a good student of those games because he always let me win. By the end of the Summer I would often have some serious spending money...$13.00).

I explained the rules to the kids. The trash talking from the kids began immediately. Noah and Rachel were exceptionally aggressive with handing out stop cards of different kinds. Another favorite thing for the kids was having the card the other player needed to proceed and with a coy look they would put the card in the discard pile and say, "Oh, did you need that?" I won the first game, then let the two play together now they knew the rules. I was worried that their loud calls of "IN YOUR FACE!" would coming flying around the corner and knock me down. They would alternate their hurt feelings with, "Why did you give me that card?" as if they hadn't deserved it or been playing like a mercenary the entire game.

When Michael got home Noah and I had just finished a game and roped him into play with us. Noah was his more, toned down, trash talking self. Noah couldn't believe Michael won the game. Noah had given Michael a flat tire card right after Michael had put down his green light card to be able to begin putting down mileage on his next turn. Noah's face of disbelief was a riot.

::::::::::::::::::::::Cool Email:::::::::::

I recieved a message from Shutterfly: "Your photo book, ‘2007 Summer Family Vacation’, is so special that I have decided to feature it in our Shutterfly Gallery home page, Digital Scrapbooking, and Travel U.S. categories."

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/home/start.sfly?

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/browse/start.sfly?occasion=Digital%20Scrapbooking

http://community.shutterfly.com/gallery/browse/start.sfly?occasion=Travel%20U.S.

What a neat surprise!

::::::::::::::::::::::A couple of Layouts:::::::::::




Credits:

Balance is Beautiful by dawn inskip - this weeks featured designer on evitangels blog http://evitangel.blogspot.com/

this kit is only available by this link at TTS http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...oducts_id=1598

Fonts: DJB Sissy by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com

Krafty Alpha by Edeline Marta


:::::::::::::::::Boy Scouts:::::::::::

Aaron joined my stepfather's Scout Troop last night, so now he is in two troops. Michael is Scoutmaster to one and will be doing something else in the new troop, but I don't know what. He and Aaron are helping Edmund, a young man in the troop, on his Eagle Scout Project. This is the second time, I think, that Aaron has helped Edmund with the project. Hopefully, this will give Aaron several more opportunites to learn things and go to some new places. There was a Scout representative talking about the World Jamboree that is to be held in Sweden and Aaron really wants to go. I can't fathom the number of lawns that would take to earn the money.


I'm off to walk! I'm looking forward to the Astronomy Cast about Saturn's Moons! :)

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! :)

Prepare for Awesomeness...

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

These photos are from last year, but I just finished the page. Here are Spencer and his parents:


_{Credits: Catrine's Explore Solids and doodles, Kate Hadfield's Doodle Frames and Heavy Duty Staples, and Spring Fling Collab (retired), Meredith Fenwick's Caution brushes, Something Blue Studios Teeny Tiny Alpha, Jenna Desai's Calendar brush, Font: Trashed}

:::::::::::::::Some Fun With Expressions of Life:::::::::





<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip's Expressions of Life

New Beginnings

Weather Station

NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php...oducts_id=2864
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...oducts_id=1552
Scrapin Scandi Style
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...acturers_id=43
Font: DJB DAWN by Darcy Baldwin @ www.thedigichick.com</sub>

::::::::::::::::::::Kung Fu Panda:::::


Michael and I took Aaron to see Kung Fu Panda on Saturday. What a goofy movie. I giggled and guffawed a lot. The scene with Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman's characters with the dumplings and chopsticks was hilarious. The opening monologue is a riot, too! Mantis and the acupuncture scene hurt my sides. Funny stuff! I enjoyed the message of the movie that there is no secret ingredient, but to believe in yourself.

Jack Black's timing makes me laugh. He reminds me of Robert Downey, Jr. with that wonderful bit of sarcastic wit that makes them endearing and clever. As Po says in the movie, "There is no charge for awesomeness." Oh, but they will make you pay to see the film, sorry!

:::::::::::::::Errands:::::::::::

I have a few things to do today, so take care, peeps! :)

Talking About Yesterday

:::::::::::::::::::Scout Camp::::::

I was thrilled to see that Michael got a chance to blog about the goings on at Scout Camp. Here is a link to his blog, and he included some good photos of Aaron in his role as waiter. I have given Michael some photo suggestions so I can scrap them when he gets home. A new record high was set at 98 degrees Farenheit for yesterday in Atlanta. It made me nervous to think the boys were out in that heat. I know they have been taught the skills to stay safe. I also hope they emplement that knowledge, as well.

:::::::::::::::::::A Couple More Album Layouts:::::


<sub>Catrine's Explore Solids, Ida's Weathered Journaling, Font: DJB DONNAR by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com, Nancy Comelab Cluster frame modified, Misc. Font: CK Good Point

Credits: Catrine's Explore Solids, Dawn Inskip's Doodle from her guest c.t. mini kit, Kate Hadfield's Black Doodle Alpha and Doodle Music notes</sub>


:::::::::::::::::Noah and Sammy::::::
are great friends. Here is the artwork Noah did during school this past year when he was given the theme of "Friend":

_{Credits: Spring Fling Collaboration by Kate Hadfield, Rachel Young, and Michelle Godin, Background paper from June BOYC at TLP by Jacque Larsen, Doodle frame by Kate Hadfield, Clear brackets by Emily Powers' from Art Nation Blossom, Kate Hadfield's Alpha and Tag from First Day Jitter's Collab}

:::::::::::::::::Exciting Summer Adventures::::::::

Since it was so hot, yesterday, I took the kids about 8:00p.m. to the library. The 2 minutes I was in the "Quiet Reading Room" looking to see if there were any new magazines I heard a NOT whispering, happy voice. I went out so see an older man scowling at Eve who was chattering with a little that looked to be her age. Eve was using a step stool to touch a large, fake butterfly on the shelves. I quieted her down and told the girls to play over in the children's section. Eve, promptly, informed me this little girl was her new friend. The other girl, equally as promptly, agreed. I walked around looking for books Rachel might like, while keeping an eye on the new friends. They hopped on the library rug, looked at a couple of books, then they marched to the Teen Reading section. There they found a magnetic board with little magnetic words you could rearrange. They decided to set this board on a high table like Eve had sat in at a local restaurant. When Eve put the board down the stand popped out from under it and the board slammed over scattering word pieces everywhere. One of the male librarians was right there and said not to worry he would clean it up, but Eve, cheerfully, told him that she and her friend could get them. They got down, immediately, and cleaned up the pieces. They played with the word that neither could read, and had a comical conversation that eavesdropped on as I sat on the adjacent couch. Here is a snippet of things I overheard:

Eve: "I saw my friend's cat, today."

Danisha: "I have a lion in my backyard!"

Eve: "You have brown skin. My skin is yellow. My mom's skin is yellow. Your skin is brown. Why are you called black?"

Danisha: "I don't know. My mom's skin has polka dots. My dad has yellow skin."

***"Danisha, it's time to go!"...stated her older sister.

Eve: "Your sister said it was time for you to leave."

Danisha: "I know, I don't listen to her."

Shortly after that Danisha's mom came up to get her and the girls said their goodbyes after Danisha introduced her friend Eve to her family. I had such a blast being a fly on the wall and listening to the chatter of two, instant friends. Their stories were fantasy mixed with reality and told with such animation it really made my day. What a great ability to have to see someone, say "Hi", and consider them your friend. What a better world this would be if it was that easy for everyone.

Smiles! :)

The Guitar Man

What occupies your time? This is what Michael has been doing lately. He opens up his laptop, pulls up the tablature to a song he wants to learn and sits down for a spell. He is glad he can read music because it allows him to concentrate on the fingering. He is proud of his calluses, too.




::::::::::::::::Working on Noah's Baptism Book::::

here is the cover to the book:


_{MSA NSD kit for 2008 with items from Kate Hadfield, Emily Merrit and Jacque Larsen,
Explore Solids by Catrine,
May BOYC bee trail by Jenna Desai, Kate Hadfield's New House Doodles,
Cindy Schneider's Sweet Shoppe template for the tree, Dawn Inskip and Heather Manning's collab Evitangel for the flowers and bird nest, Alpha from Art Nation Blossom by Emily Powers (modified with white paper by Jacque Larsen), Wordy Bits alpha by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady}


::::::::::Weird Questions of the Day:::::

1. Have you ever laundred money?

2. Yes! If they leave it in their pockets, and I have to wash them, it's their own fault.

::::::::::Cub Scouts:::::

I'm helping out today for Cub Scout Day Camp. Noah is a bit miffed that I won't be with his group, but he is glad I'm coming. Yesterday, Noah made a really cool marshmallow gun that had a chamber for minature marshmallows so you don't have to reload after each one. He was hot and sweaty at the end of the day, but said he had a great time.

I've got to run and finish gathering the Day Camp Accoutrement: bug spray, sun screen, blankets, cooler and lunch!

Later, gators and 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! :)

Summertime, Summertime...Sum...Sum...

Summertime... is time for Poison Ivy! Yes, I have it for the 4th year in a row. No matter how "clever" I was scouting my yard for the nasty things they snuck up and got the back of my left knee. It was probably when I was traipsing through the yard with the poison ivy killer spraying their kind. The irony isn't lost on me, neither is the itching pain. Alas, I'm a bit of an oozy mess on that one knee. Sorry, too much information, I know. On to more fun updates:

:::::::::::::::Cousin Esther:::::::
came to Georgia for a 2 week visit from Utah. She was so fun! She brought flower hair clips for all of the little girls. They were thrilled. We also got to have dinner with her, yesterday. We met up with some of the siblings, spouses and Michael's mom at the Olive Garden. I wasn't feeling too well, but the meal went very well and we got to talk guitars, food, vacations, and work with our brother-in-law, Matthew. Here is a layout with Esther and a few of the girls who were wearing the clips:



<sub>Credits:

Block template by Emily Merritt from Momtourage
painted doodles and papers by Kitty Chen from Momtourage
background paper by Mossa from Primavera kit
Birgit's orange paper from the Primavera kit
button flower by Kate Hadfield from May's BYOC
Emily Powers elements and papers from Momtourage and Art Nation Blossom
Weeds and Wildflowers freebie by Gina Marie Huff "Thank you"</sub>

::::::::::::::::::Beep Beep::::::
Karen Lewis has an adorable new kit at digital freebies this week...



My youngest DS, Noah, and his Pinewood Derby car.

Beep Beep by Karen
http://digitalfreebies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2713


_{Beep Beep Chipboard Cutouts by Karen
http://digitalfreebies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2714
A Month at a Time date stamp by Karen Lewis http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17720&cat=0&page=1
Curly Swirly Alpha by Karen Lewis at The Digichick http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17723&cat=0&page=2
Font: DJB SISSY and DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick:
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=18195&cat=266&page=1
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=16434&cat=0&page=1}
:::::::::::::::::::Rec Room:::::

Anna Benjamin has a blue and brown themed kit at scrapbookgraphics...

<sub>Credits:A cherished photograph of my grandaddy and his older siblings.

Credits: Anna Benjamin's Rec Room kit and Preppy kit.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21162&cat=0&page=1
Font: DJB My Dear Marsha by Darcy Baldwin at thedigichick.com

Template by Cindy Schneider at the Sweet Shoppe.</sub>


::::::::::::::::::Just for Fun Pages:::::

using Lorie Davison's "Moonlight Kit" from Scrapbookgraphics...

Misc. Credits: Dawn Inskip's clock parts from Weather Station.




:::::::::::::::::::Drama Camp:::::::

Rachel started her 4 day drama camp, today. She was exhausted when I picked her up from the school. She also ran off the neighbor's house who is attending the same class so they could create a prop for their play. The theme is "spies".

:::::::::::::::::::Outdoor Pool:::::

Michael took the kids to the outdoor pool near our house and they had a blast going down the water slides. Eve was just tall enough to take part. I stayed home with Aaron so he could finish up his last school assignments. He has a final draft and an assessment, then he will be finished for the year.

Take care!

The Sea Monkeys Have Landed!

...well, they have begun to hatch. Rachel is ecstatic. I will try to grab a photo of the joyous...mother?!

Here are a couple of layouts with Dawn Inskip's new Puppy Love doodles that are so cool:


A scraplift of Holly Griego's "Unlock Your Dreams" http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=269276&cat=all&ppuser=4297

_{Credits: Dawn Inskip's Puppy Love, Embossed Alpha Set 1, Weather Station, Oh Boy
Heather Manning and Dawn Inskip's Collaboration "Evitangel",
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58
Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=20
ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=43
Emily Powers' Art Nation Blossom
Jofia Devoe's Swirl Therapy
Jenna Desai's Spring Doodles}



::::::::::::::::::Busy With Projects::::::::::

I have been occupied with projects around the house and trying to help the kids with all of their school functions and work. Noah's birthday is tomorrow, so they, all, will be on a sugar high throughout the week. His baptism is scheduled for this Sunday, too, and he is so excited.

Take care!

Mighty Casey Has Struck Out...

My darling Rachel had no joy in Mudville (aka Science Olympiad). She came home very sad because she had lost in all three of the categories she had entered. She was the most upset because she was unable to win any of the prizes, which she hoped to use for a birthday gift for Noah, next week. She wanted to get the gift through her own efforts. Last week she lost her coin purse that contained all of her money, so she so this as her last chance for a gift. I told her that I was proud of her for trying and that I could take her to the store to find Noah something and she could give it with her name.

She was happy about her art class where they studied Michaelangelo's "David". Here is Rachel's version:




:::::::::::::::::I Love You Bunches::::::



<sub>Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Love You Loads and Typecast Alpha
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1556

http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2406

also at Treasures to Scrap and
SSS
Catrine: Explore Solids

Darcy Baldwin: DJB My Dear Marsha, DJB MISH www.thedigichick.com

extra font: CK Cursive</sub>
:::::::::::::::::Playful Monster::::::



<sub>My youngest DS was sneaking up on my oldest DS.


Karen Lewis: Monster Mess Page Kit by Karen

http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/pro...273&page=3

Monster Mess Alpha: http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/pro...273&page=3

Darcy Baldwin: Blister Pack Date Tag

http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/pro...t=0&page=1


Font: DJB SISSY by Darcy Baldwin

http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/man...on=&page=5</sub>

::::::::::::::::Yard Work ::::::::

I worked in the yard a lot, yesterday. Eve "helped" me clip weeds and avoid poison ivy. I have located several no places with poison ivy has cropped up, so I dread my next round of Caladryl, but the rains came and put off my need to self-medicate for a few more days.

Take care! :)

The Little Red Hen:

...or rather, the Lazy Cat:

Eve got to play the part of the Lazy Cat in her preschool production of the classic story of "The Little Red Hen". She loved that she got a soft costume, a cool beanbag, and she got to pretend to lick her arm. Good stuff, all!

She was so excited Michael could take his lunch hour off to see her. She was a bit perturbed that we weren't the first parents in the hall, but she forgave us with a hug later. I sat on the floor between the chairs to film some snippets. Aaron also came along to see his little sister.


*
Untitled from Victoria Taylor on Vimeo.
After the performance we all went back to the classroom where Eve, gleefully, presented me a plant and an awesome Mother's Day card. I love her little people, too cool!





Eve's friend Ethan drew a picture of them:




:::::::::::::::::Say Cheese::::::::::

<sub>My daughter and her cheesy grin.

Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Cat and Mouse
Fresh
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=e614c611a6d03cae2b306fb4e15b27ae
Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...acturers_id=20
ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...acturers_id=43
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Katie http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=18099
Jacque Larsen and Kate Hadfield: Toothy Doodles</sub>


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


This book, by Phillip Done (pronounced Doan) was such a fun read. It is a compilation of things he has learned in his 20 years of teaching. The vignettes bring back memories of being in school and an opportunity to look at my own kids and see if they fit any of the descriptions. I think Eve is the "Barbara Walters" type that is able to give the teacher the low down on all the class activites and who isn't following the rules. The rest of the kids were a bit of this or that personality. His section on "Teaching Moments" brought me to tears when a child who was having trouble reading learned to love reading and he found out that the books he had sent home to this child's mother inspired her to go to night school to learn to read herself.
The book group was lively, today, sharing stories of being a parent, a student,and/or a teacher and identifying with several of the stories. It was so funny to hear these stories that, at the time, don't seem as humorous. Marci, our book leader for this book, met the author during his two year teaching stint in Budapest, Hungary and said he really loves kids.

This book is great for parents of children not yet school age and will give them a bit of a heads up to what is coming and how the children and parents are perceived by the teachers. For those who have children in school, you will laugh, cry and laugh again reading the antics of a year in third grade. For everyone it will jog your memory of going to school, be that good, or bad. This is such a fabulous book!

::::::::::::::::::::::Product Recommendation::::::::::

At our book group, today, I was admiring the photo book of the home owner. The book was purchased from Blurb. The quality was excellent and the options look really flexible. I'll look into a book of my own.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Picnic:::::::::

The final get together of the year is here. We will be meeting at the park for a pizza and snacks. The girls will be getting their last badges for the year, too.

Take Care!

Meet "Carl" The Frog:

::::::::::In-Gathering Photo Excerpts::::

It's not the brass ring, but it will have to do. Rachel in her new swimming duds:




Rachel would like you to meet "Carl" the frog. She rescued him from an untimely chlorine related pool death:


This is an item from "Drama-In-A-Bag" where you have to create a skit with items found in a box or bag:


Rachel stated she was a "Wood Bee". She found this a very exciting thing:


Tie Dyeing T-shirt time:




This gorgeous hawk was hunting next to where we were canoeing:




:::::::::::::::::::::::Dawn Inskip C.T.::::::

Such fun new doodles created by Dawn:



My daughter, Eve, likes to dress up in her princess nightgown and mop my mother's floor. My mom thinks that is a grand idea, but Eve uses up all the cleaner in one mopping.
<sub>Credits:

Dawn Inskip: Cat and Mouse
Evitangel Collab
A Little Sunshine
Weather Station
Midnight Diamonds
Land of Make Believe
Typecast Alpha
NDISB: http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=e614c611a6d03cae2b306fb4e15b27ae

Treasures to Scrap: http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.co...acturers_id=20

ScrapScandiStyle: http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/ind...acturers_id=43

digiscrapping.net

Darcy Baldwin: DJB SISSY and DJB Another Mandy at www.thedigichick.com</sub>

::::::::::::::::::::Summer Camp Sign-Up:::::

I am close to being finished with signing up the kids for things they wanted to do during the Summer.

Rachel: 1 week introduction to Drama
3 day Beginners Tennis to see if she wants lessons
1 week Budding Authors at Mercer University

Aaron: Scout Camp

Noah: Cub Scout Day Camp

Eve: Still up in the air, but maybe ballet?

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



I, thoroughly, enjoyed going on this adventure with the Darcy's. Bebris continues her ability to weave a story that Jane Austen would be proud of, I think. Elizabeth is with child in this book and looking forward with joy and anxious anticipation to the new Darcy. The threads of the story include finding a doctor to attend Elizabeth, or use the local midwife, which is a fabulous story in itself. Another thread is finding a letter from Darcy's departed mother and it's suggestion of a missing artifact important to her. Another thread is deceit brought about for an unknown reason. Yet, another thread is a story of friendship of two woman. There is also a revealing look at the relationship of Darcy's parents.

I found this third installment my favorite, so far. If you are unwilling to let the Darcy's stay fixed in time, and yearn for another peek into their lives as they progress through time give this book a try.

::::::::::::::::::::Next Reading Book:::::::::::
This is the book I'm reading for our Friday Book Group. Every page has made my chuckle. I have never been an, official, teacher, but I have 4 kids and home schooled one of them. There is also the homework tutoring and kids at church. I was also a kid once and I remember doing some of those things or seeing other kids do what he describes. This is such a fun read.


:::::::::::::::Dentist Week::::::::

Aaron visited the dentist, yesterday. The outcome was no cavities! YEAH! But, he wants to put braces on Aaron because of the wide spacing between his teeth. BOO! Michael doesn't think Aaron needs braces. He stated that he and all of his siblings have the same spacing and they are all good looking. I did have to agree. We will still get a second opinion from Rachel's orthodontist.

Noah and Eve have appointments tomorrow. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

Take care!