Kids Book Corner

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Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Takin' to Task

*edited after Girl Scouts. :::::::::::LIFE WITH NOAH::::: We, like many people, have a morning routine. Our routine puts us outside about 2 minutes before the school bus arrives. This morning the bus arrived about 7 minutes late. Noah happened to be wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, navy slacks and a tie (he would have you know that it was not clip-on)because his teacher told the students to dress nicely for their field trip to see a play at Georgia Tech. I stood with the kids as they boarded the bus. The bus driver closed the doors, then pulled forward a little and stopped to open the doors. He is an older gentleman and he looked to be laughing. He asked me, "Is the boy dressed up with a tie your kid?" I had to admit it...so I replied, "Yes." Then, he said, "Well he just checked his watch when he got on the bus and asked me why I was late. He looks like a little business man." I asked the driver if he had ever seen the show "Monk"?, and he responded, "Yes". I said, "Well, that is our Monk." We both laughed and off they went. One of the things Noah loves to do is say things really loud. Here is an example:
One other Noah story: We had Pack meeting last Wednesday. Brother Peterson, the Cubmaster, asked the boys, "Do you want to play a game?" To wit,Noah called out, "If it's for being noisy, I'll win." ::::::::::::::::Another Easter Layout:::::::: I'm off to pick up Eve from Daisy Scouts. Take care!

Friday, April 24, 2009

A New Day


Here is one of the Easter Layouts I finished:

I have a bunch of files to transfer, at some point, today. I finally got an external hard drive.
:::::::::::::::Oh, Hail...again:::::::

Michael and the kids sat on the porch and watched the torrential downpour with hail. The lightening received, "ooos and ahhs".

::::::::Readin' and Walkin'::::::
I was able to finish reading Rachel's book and finish the Truman Capote book during my walks at the park this week. I'll review later.

I'm off for my walk, so see ya later!

Monday, March 31, 2008

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!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Down and Derby Time:

Third times the charm
Three Strikes you're out
Hat Trick
Three is a magic number



Noah participated in his Cub Scout pack's Pinewood Derby on Friday night. His car was designed as a melting Creamsicle. Noah's car was consistently 3rd in each heat. After the third heat Michael asked Noah how he was doing and Noah responded, "I came in third all three times. HUGGIES?!"

After the 5th heat coming in last Noah said, "This is embarrassing!" After the 6th heat he told my mom, "I'd rather eat my own poop! HUGGIES!?!" Later awards were given out for different categories and Noah won, "The Best Non-Car" category.




















::::::::::::::::::::Here Is Another Vacation Layout:::::



"The kids thought it was fun to pretend to be in the gaol because they knew that they weren't going to be a resident there for more than a few miniutes. I was happy they didn't resort to trying to figure out how to create their own shanks. I didn't want to contemplate for too long what the smell of these places were like, or the presence of vermin."

"The story of Matilda, by Raold Dahl, is a family favorite. The Trunchbull is always throwing the kids in "the Chokey" for any reason she wants."

Credits: Sausan Designs: Needful Things Book, Christina Renee and Shabby Princess: French Countryside, Rachel Young: Stamped Alpha, Antonio Rafello: Vintage frames, Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL


::::::::::::::::::Out And About:::::::

We went to a Wish Day celebration for our niece, Teresa, who is in remission from leukemia. We were scheduled to go to a petting zoo, but a torrential down pour side-lined us to a nearby church. We had fun with the family and the lovely ladies who arrainged the day.

On the way home Noah struck up the "Category Game" that we started last week. The categories today included: Dr. Who, Cyberman, Yellow, Astronomy, Road Kill, Transformer, and Girl Scout cookies. The funniest one was the last category, which Michael announced as we neared our home. He said, "Photosynthesis". To wit, Rachel responded enthusiastically, "We get to talk about cameras!" Laughing, Michael says, "The next categories are "Cameras" and "Blondes". Rachel, quickly, stated she knew what photosynthesis was then gave the definition.

Off to work on some Easter layouts:

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter!

What a fun weekend with family!

On Saturday, Grandpa Jim and I walked Eve over to the church across the street from their subdivision for an Easter egg hunt. She was in the 2-5 year old group. There were a lot of eggs and a lot of kids. She was able to gather 9 eggs in about 2 minutes. She seemed a little dazed by the swarm of kids and adults, but we told her not to be concerned because there was another hunt to come at Granny Alice and Paw Paw Dennis' house. She accepted that and we walked back to the house, all the while, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.







:::::::::::::::::Noah's Talk::::::::

On Sunday, Noah gave a talk in Primary about the resurrection of the Savior. Here is Noah's talk as dictated to daddy:

"Today I am going to my Granny Alice's house. We are going to have an Easter egg hunt. Easter egg hunts are fun, but what Easter is really about is it is the day that Jesus Christ was resurrected. Thank to Jesus' atonement all of us can be resurrected. I think that Easter eggs represent coming to life again. I am thankful for Easter because Jesus gave us eternal life after we have lost our first life."

:::::::::::::::::::After A Quick Change and:::::

a potty break we hit the road South. When we got to Dad and Alice's house my Martha Stewart like sister, Katherine had made these yummy treats:


My sister, Tracy made homemade macaroni and cheese, my dad smoked some delicious pork tenderloins, we also had potato salad, hot dogs, and beans. Yummy stuff, I tell ya! Before we ate or hunted eggs my dad asked me, non-chalantly (this should have been a clue!) to go get the ice cream from the white freezor in the garage. I obeyed and upon opening the said freezor I was presented with a large, black garbage bag with curved claws extending from the opening. I didn't look past it for any ice cream (it wouldn't have fit, anyway) and went back in the house to find my dad laughing. I asked him what, dead thing, he had in his freezor. He said it was a beaver. I can't say that I was overly surprised. My dad has always been a hunter and fisherman. I'm used to the old deer heads he had on the wall. The beaver is a new one, though. HEE, HEE, dad! :)

:::::::::::::Tradition:::::
There were also some great confetti eggs:



Confetti eggs have become a tradition ever since Katherine walked up to me, 2 years ago, with a Cheshire Cat smile, gave me a big hug, then cracked me on the head with a confetti egg. I bought 4 boxes at the local grocery store to arm all of the children this year. Confetti was all over our hair, clothes and the yard.


The kids had fun hunting in the leaves and trees for the various treats. The metallic eggs had dollar bills. There were 8 of them. The kids shared the money evenly at the end.

Here is Rachel:


Here is Aaron:


My niece, Haley:


My nephew, Tyler:


Silly Evey:


Noah:



:::::::::::::Piano::::::::::::::::

While we were just hanging out and talking. Eve played on the piano. She plays on it every time we visit. We asked if she would like to take lessons and she responded in the affirmative, so after ballet/tap is over she will begin piano lessons.

:::::::::::::The Ride Home::::::::

was pretty silly. We created a Michaelite version of Jeopardy. One person would come up with 2 or 3 categories, then we would shout out which category we wanted to answer the question. Since the person asking the question was in charge they would pick the category they wanted to ask the question from in the first place. Our categories were from various subjects: math, science, U.S. History, Pagan Holidays, Shrubberies, Dr. Who, Transformers, Music, Toilet Paper in Colonial Times, Toothbrushes, "Back To The Future", Scott Toilet Paper (this is a different category, and Rachel was in charge of asking these questions), Chickens (chicken questions are all for Noah's benefit...he has a hang up on all things chicken), the t.v. shows, "My Hero" and "The Vicar of Dibley", and "Red Dwarf". We also had the category, Freezors...as in what will you find in the freezor in my dad's garage? Answer: A dead beaver.


Noah asked the question, "What does "TARDIS" stand for?" Rachel and Aaron were tripping over their tongues to shout out, "Time And Relative Dimension In Space". The funny thing is I didn't already know that. It was at this moment that my children attained superior geek status. I'm so proud! Hey, kids! Let your geek flag fly!

:::::::::::::::::::Now::::::::

...family reading is done, prayers are said, kids are asleep...and husband, so off to bed!

Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bed bugs bite! :)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Weekend is Hopping!

:::::::::::::::::Busy Friday:::::::::

Decorating sugar cookies was a big hit for Eve's preschool class. The kids were so polite. Rachel helped me cut out flower, bunny, and egg shapes for the cookies. I bought some whipped vanilla frosting and I already had a variety of Spring themed sprinkles. Aaron read a really cool book about the Easter Bunny who is an "Artiste"


This is Eve showing me how to swing. "You kick out your feet, mommy!"

"Then, you pull them back!"


In the afternoon I went to help in Noah's class. I got to lead Noah's group on a scavenger hunt for goodies through the school. Then, I poured Sprite for the kids while they made dirt cups.
Noah's painted pail for the scavenger hunt.




In the evening the Girl Scout meeting went pretty well. I remembered the snacks and we talked about In-gathering. I plan to go as a chaperone.

:::::::::::::::::This Girl Has Skillz!

This is a layout of my SIL, Lettitia, helping the twins make a bracelet.



coming soon at sophia sarducci.com
http://sophiasarducci.com/warehouse/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=16&zenid=0246c82678e3f99bd71a76b5bed284e1
Sketch It alpha by Luisa Leandro
Also: Debut kit by Luisa Leandro at Sophia Sarducci
By Dawn Inskip: A Little Sunshine, Guest C.T. mini kit
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
Font: DJB My Dear Marsha, and DJB LENA by by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2
Meredith Fenwick: Arrow from Caution brush set.
Scarletheels Media: Doodle Teeny Alpha
Rhonna Farrer: Snapshot Frames


::::::::::::::::::::::A Crooked Kind of Perfect::::


by Linda Urban was such an enjoyable read. Her short chapter styles keep the book fresh and fast paced. The main character, Zoe Elias, is 10 years-old (almost 11) at the beginning of the book. Zoe has grand dreams to play piano at Carnegie Hall and be the next Vladmir Horowitz. Her dream takes a detour in reality as her father, who has issues with people and flashing lights, buys Zoe a Perfectone D60 organ, instead of a grand piano. Zoe learns to play the organ and enjoy the campy feel of being able to replicate such standard hits as the theme song to Green Acres.
Zoe's father is such an interesting agoraphobic. He buys into every diploma at home you can think up. He finally finds his niche in baking and surprisingly becomes a mentor to Wheeler, a class mate of Zoe's.
The title's meaning comes out, to me, in every facet of the book. Zoe wants to play a grand piano at Carnegie Hall. She gets to play a Perfectone D60 in a hotel conference room with metal folding chairs. Zoe's dad wants to support his daughter and family, but his agoraphobia limits how long he feels he can stay out in public. He compensates by finding a job baking in the morning away from the crowds. Zoe takes toe socks to a party that is filled with girls who like "Brats" apparel and knows that "nobody wears socks!" Zoe learns that with practice you can burp upside down due to her, unlikely, good friend Wheeler. The characters have the great quality of believeability, like "I know that person" type quality.
One of the great messages comes on page p165, "Perfecton itself is imperfection. I attributed to Vladimir Horowitz who went on to explain,...Each note can only be right in one way. A B-flat is a B-flat. A robot can get a B-flat right. But getting the heart right is something only a person can do. And the ways to do it are as many and as different as there are people in the world."

Zoe meets a girl at her Perfectone competition who makes this humorous observation: "Wouldn't that be funny if everybody wore shirts with true stuff on them?..."Like 'No Mind of Myh Own' or 'I Hope This Shirt Makes Me Look Cool."

I recommend this book for all ages. It is a fun refreshing book that is a bit off center...just like I like things!

btw, Thanks, again, Kim! :)

:::::::::::::::Recommendation Friday (on Saturday)::::::::

Dual purpose items that I find really cool are SKORTS and SPORKS. Folks, this REALLY is the best of two worlds colliding for a single great purpose in their respective spheres. (I haven't had much sleep lately...could you tell?)

Evey loves skorts and I love them, too! You get to have a girly fashion thing going on without worrying who in the world can glimpse you underwear. Active miniature fashionistas can be so happy.

Then, there is the spork. I was first introduced to the spork at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Though, I haven't supped from that fine fast food establishment in years I still have fond memories of the spork. Since Aaron needed a new cook kit and utensils Michael went to R.E.I. and picked Aaron up a really nice new cook kit and a spork. Aaron was really happy for both items. So handy and only one utensil to clean. Yippee!

:::::::::::::::::::Bead Socks::::::::::::
Here are the socks I make for the little girls in our family:





Happy Easter, y'all! :)

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Happy Easter!


Sausan's Easter Stickers and Sing Spring Collection, Tiff Brady's Sunshine Felt

:::::::::::::
And on the spiritual side:

Matthew 38:6 "He is not here: for he is risen..."

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

Some quotes that impressed me today:

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.

Dale Carnegie

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.

Helen Keller


A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

Benjamin Franklin



Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

Guillaume Apollinaire

:::::::::::::::::A smattering of photos from our week:





Friday, March 30, 2007

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!

Friday, March 23, 2007

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!