The Game of Life...or SEEMINGLY UNENDING TORTURE

Michael blogged about our Family Home Evening experience with playing Life. We started by rereading the rules, which, apparently, were being played fast and loose by Rachel and Noah. Playing by the rules and correcting misconceptions of the rules took up most of the game. Rachel was the banker and was consistently overwhelmed by her nagging customers. It reminded me of the scene in "Its a Wonderful Life", when Jimmy Stewart was trying to convince everybody to calm down and not make a run on the bank. I am all for changing the name of the game Life to something like "EPIC", or "ETERNITY"...or better yet..."PIT OF HADES".
My mom would say I deserve these moments because of my intensly competitive nature as a kid that made games no fun to play. I'm thinking my debt has been sufficiently paid and we should stick to the game CLUE or SCRABBLE, which I enjoy infinitely better. Though it was funny to see Noah getting hit with a lawsuit every few turns. He chose to be a doctor and we explained that it was par for the course. Eve was such a good mom to her plastic brood. She wept when she lost her "teaching" career, and found little solace in becoming an "accountant", but she felt better after her first raise. Aaron was kind of giggly throughout the game and his people kept falling out of his car.

::::::::::::::Teacher Conference for Eve:::

I met with Eve's Kindergarten teacher. I really like her and think she has Eve's interests at heart. She sees Eve struggling with some letter identification. Eve sees "u" as "n" and visa versa, as well as, "d" as "p", "m" as "w". The teacher is working on several strategies at school and had some great suggestions for reinforcement at home. I pulled out the cards I made for Aaron in Kindergarten and Rachel and Noah went to work helping their sister. Then, Eve brought me a work book and I was proud she recognized the letters and their sounds. I'm going to pop in Electric Company videos, this week to start reinforcing, as well. I love the show, too, so that helps.

::::::::::::::Freakishly Cold Day


It was 20 degrees colder today, than at the same time last year. When I was walking in the park the temperature was at 37 degrees Farenheit with a strong wind. I wore Aaron's cool glow-in-the-dark gloves to add some warmth. My lips are in the beginning stages of chapping and my skin is feeling a little tight. I did get my six miles in, so far, 12 for this week. I saw some bluebird playing in one section of the park and they make me smile. I love bluebirds!


:::::::::::::::Turkey Cake:::::::::



This is one of my favorite recipes. Michael, Rachel, and I made this recipe design a few years ago and it turned out soooo cool! These photos are from 2004 and Family Fun Magazine is rerunning the recipe on their blog:




I just thought someone might want to make that as a part of their feast. Fun stuff!

Well, take care and stay warm! :)

Vote!

:::::::::::Non Sequitor::::


::::::::::::Indexed.blogspot.com



::::::::::::Christmas Tree Fundraiser


Aaron's new troop does a fundraiser each year by selling Christmas trees. Tonight our family will sign up for a shift. I love the smell of Christmas trees and Aaron likes helping people pick one out. We have been buying from the troop for a few years, so this year it will be fun to help on the other end, too.

::::::::::::::::Family Home Evening Dessert Time


Eve chose to go to Bruster's ice cream store after Family Home Evening. There was a cute, young guy behind the counter and we kept teasing Rachel about him. She was actually oblivious to him, which made us laugh more. I'm glad she was only interested in her Cotton Candy Explosion ice cream.
I had a chocolate malt to ensure that my 6 mile walk and 4 mile bike ride exercise effects were completely negated in one yummy, calorie-filled drink. Michael and Aaron had a huge brownie sundae. Noah had a dirt sundae and Eve went for chocolate with candy eyes.

:::::::::::::Cotton Candy Party:::::::::

I'm holding a Cotton Candy party for the class in each grade level that purchased the most yearbooks. I bumped into Eve's preschool teacher, from last year, and she offered to help me. I need all the help I can get because two of the grades tied for top sells. Michael tested the machine and gave the procedes to the kids. They were quite thrilled. The weather should be good and hopefully people will behave after the election returns tonight.

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! :)

You Never Know What The Day Will Bring

***Post of a personal nature...not scrapbook related...will post normal fluff and stuff tomorrow.

::::::::::::Phone Call:::::::::::::

Michael received a phone call from his mom that his brother is at the hospital with chest pains, but no definitive diagnosis. We will call tomorrow and find out more.

:::::::::::::Primary:::::::::::::::

Eve gave a talk in Primary, today. She was so proud that Michael and I were there to listen. Michael went up to help her give the talk and Rachel had helped her write what she wanted down. A great team effort! Eve was so funny giving the "Royal Wave" from her seat behind the podium.


::::::::::::Mixed Feelings:::::::::

In the afternoon we drove down to one of Michael's brother's home to celebrate his daughter's 2nd birthday. We packaged the bead socks I made her in a little Chinese Take Out box with a purple ribbon. The kids were excited to see and play with their cousins and aunts and uncles. After being there for about a half an hour Michael's sister noticed that the grill was spitting flames out the back. I went over and saw that a paper towel had caught fire, so I grabbed it off and stomped out the flames. Michael's brother came over and took care of the hamburgers that had been a bit charred. The smaller kids were occupied playing with a small sized bounce house for jumping. Aaron walked up to me with a sad look on his face. I asked him what the problem was and he said that no one would talk to him. He said that he tried to talk about things that had interested his cousins in their past meetings, but they weren't interested. Then, he tried to figure out what they were discussing and talk about what ever they wanted. Neither thing worked. He went outside and saw one of the cousins from the other side of the family, a young boy, get shoved over with the rambunctious play. He went to help and was leaning over the jump house to extricate the boy when a high pitched, "Aaron is pushing us over and won't stop it!" sounded out. Aaron stepped away in utter dejection and huge tears rolling down his face and said, "I can't do anything right!" I told him he didn't have to put up with being treated like this at a family gathering and that we would leave. I, quietly, thanked our SIL for inviting us and told her we needed to leave. I then placed a call to my stepmother, Alice who was delighted that we were so close and said that we were definitely welcome to stop by.
The sad part about this situation is that it isn't an isolated event. Unfortunately, it has occurred since we moved back from Utah when Aaron was 4. His cousins have never included him, willingly, in any conversations or activities. In fact, on several occasions one of his cousins would proudly and promptly announce to him that their parents said they didn't have to do anything with him. It is with this type of welcome, or being completely ignored at every family event for 9 years gets more than a bit wearing. It reminds me of the comedy films where the guy doesn't seem to be able to catch a break, but since it is real I'm not laughing. I know that the seed for our family get togethers was started in the purest and for the most loving reasons by my late father-in-law, and I know for a fact he would unreservedly have hugged Aaron and told him he loved him every time. I miss you Rog, and so does Aaron.

Help A Brother Out...

Text: Aaron has two things he really loves, one is having his back scratched and the second is to have his head scratched. Mom is usually called on for this primal bonding task, but on this day Eve was happy to help a brother out.

Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MANDY at The Digichick
Michelle Coleman: Wild Sorbet

::::::::::::::::::::::::From My SIL's Album::::::

one of my cute nephews, Alfredo:


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: Doodl E Doo at The Digichick
Background paper from Scrap Girls freebie
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Tape, Back to School Collab kit, Word Doodles
Tia Bennett: Joined at The Hip
Ida: Crayon Doodles


::::::::::::::::::::Adventures in Driving:::::

All is well, but ever eventful. Yesterday we went to Michael's sister's house for Family Home Evening. Before we left, his other sister called and asked for a ride. We said certaintly and instead of using Michael's truck we used my minivan due to needing the seventh seat belt. Not long into the hour journey I hear and feel a loud thumping under the hood. The man driving next to me had this surprised look on his face as he passed. I pulled over to a wedge of asphalt between the on ramp and the highway for Michael to take a peek. He said it was my serpentine belt, again. The belt had feathered and was coming apart. He told me to drive it off the highway no matter what I heard under the car. So, I started her back up and kept driving (thump, thwack, thump) until the belt tore free from it's shredded brother. I pulled into a motel parking lot for Michael's next inspection. He decided that the remain portion of belt would serve just fine. We got to our destination spot on time.

After having some yummy barbeque, vegetables and funeral potatoes the family sang Happy Birthday to Michael and Christopher. We then, ate some brownies and cup cakes. Our trip home was made exciting due to sheeting rain and standing water. We say one truck that was totaled due to hitting a tree. We made it home and switched vehicles for the hour ride to my stepmother's house for the kids to spend the night and day with her and my niece, Haley. Then, back in the car for an hour home. Ah, to sleep, perchance to dream!

Have a great day!

Sunday Happenings

:::::::::::::::::::::My Product Recommendation for Friday on Sunday:::::

I must give major props to PUFFS because their tissues allow for minimal damage on a repeatedly blown nose. I have tried other and somewhat cheaper products and I have yet to find anything superior. I don't buy the lotion version because, invariably, the lotion gets wiped on my eyeglasses and that drives me bananas.


Aaron has caught Eve's cold, as well. He and Michael went on a 30 mile bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail in Marietta with a couple of other scouts and Donnie Hall, the Merit Badge Counselor for Cycling. He persevered through his illness, but he had to stay home from church today due exhaustion and a bad cold and throbbing headache. I made him a chili-flavored ramen for him and he had a hot bath. He says he is feeling much better.

::::::::::::::What? Another Layout From the Family Reunion::::


Credits: DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick, Kaleidoscope Papers, My Little Heart by Sausan Designs, Tape Doodle Alpha, Black Doodle Alpha, Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield, Funky Junky Spring Collab kit by Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin and Rachel Young

::::::::::::::::::::::Layouts From Our Summer Vacation::::::

I get around to things when I get around to them. That sounds like a tautology I think. But, I finally scrapped the photos from our last official site seeing stop, which was the Kirtland Temple in Ohio. I used some different blending methods to bring out colors or just to play with the photos.






My goal for scrapping the Summer Vacation from 2007 is March 1st. Wow, 6 months. More like, YIKES!

::::::::::::::::::::Family Home Evening:::::::::

We are about to run off for F.H.E. at Michael's sister's house. The kid's love their aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cough, sneeze and Smiles!

Feeling Loquacious

Text: Eve found this use of the hammock far superior to relaxing int its web!

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB LORRAINE1/ DJB Doodl E Doo/ DJB A Bit of Flaire at The Digichick
Kay Miller: Organic Kit
Kate Hadfield: Heavy Duty Staple
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Birgit: Gralpha
Jessica Bolton: Teeny Tiny Alpha (Using Organic kit paper)
Weeds and Wildflowers: Layered Alpha (graph paper)}


:::::::::::::Water Heater::::::::::::

Michael and I spent Saturday installing a new 40 gallon water heater. We have a small house and the 15 to 20 year window to recoup the cost of a tankless system had us replace our old one with the same system albeit more efficient. I was the gopher girl for odds and ends needed to finish the task. After Michael dropped molton solder on his finger he related this fact: Your wound self-cauterizes...isn't that neat?! He accidently got some molton solder on my exposed toe (yes, he advised me to put on more than my Croc sandals for this activity...but NOOOOO! I hate shoes...so confining.). There was standing water from a previous test on the sweated pipe that failed and the molton solder hit the water and popped off like grease in a frying pan and landing on the third toe of my right foot. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as Michael's finger. There is a bit of a leak in the cold water side of the connection to the water heater. To fix it we would have to shut off the cold and hot water at the valves and drain the new tank, cut the pipe to the cold, tighten it down, make a new connection and sweat the pipe, again. Michael is so thrilled with this perspective that he is in a "Let's just watch it for a bit and see how bad the leak is." I translate that into, "My finger really hurts and I really don't want to do this again, but I know I'll have to fix it soon!" It's nice to have such a handy guy around! He showed my how to cut pipe with the cutting tool, how to turn off the main gas to the house, the main water cut off and explained along the way what the different pipes did and how the water heater works. We even took the opportunity to clean the part of the duct system Michael knocked off wall trying to solder the cold water pipe. Nasty dust...just NASTY!

:::::::::::::Blogger Silliness:::::::

Your Karaoke Theme Song is "Baby Got Back"

You're a total show off who is willing to risk looking like a fool to get a few laughs. In fact, you'll go for the cheap laugh if you need to... because it's better than no reaction! Your friends can count on you to get a party started, and you'll party hard until you can't remember their names. You're charismatic, charming, and a total character. With or without a few drinks in you. You might also sing: "I Touch Myself," "Oops I Did it Again," or "My Humps" Stay away from people who sing: "Candle in the Wind"

What's Your Karaoke Theme Song?

You Are Banana Pocky

Your attitude: fun and lighthearted Unique and unforgettable You are cutie everyone falls for

What Flavor Pocky Are You?

Your Driving Is is: 48% Male, 52% Female

According to studies, you drive both like a guy and a girl. This means you're a pretty average driver, with typical quirks. Occasionally you're frustrated and or a little reckless, but that's the exception - not the norm.

Do You Drive Like a Guy or a Girl?

::::::::::Really Cool:::::::

I saw this on Julie P.'s site and took the test twice. My first score was 42% bionic. The great thing about this test is that the five tests are the same, but the questions with in the test are different, so when you retest you aren't repeating what you've already seen. There is one test, now I think about, on reflexes that is the same, so 4 out of 5 are different.

See What You're Made Of - Visit The Official Site


::::::::::::::::Sunday Family Fun::::::::

For our joint Family Home Evening we went to Stephen and Shelene's house. The kids really look forward to playing with their cousins. The food for the evening was soups and stews. Michael made homemade chicken soup with noodles. Our kids kept asking for more of daddy's chicken soup. Eve even wants the left over soup for breakfast. What a compliment for Michael! There was also a savory and spicy chili by Marcus and Laura, Stephen made a delicious crab chowder, Melissa brought some yummy potato soup, Christopher made "George" a concoction of chicken and rice soup all his own...and quite tasty. Benjamin and Missy made stewed cabbage. Shelene supplied one of my favorites, cornbread...rub the tummy good stuff! There was also some very good sourdough bread. Noah at Ritz crackers...what a nut!
The lesson for the evening had us write positive traits about the others in the room. Stephen shared how his positive attitude often creates an atmosphere that allows and prompts people to be positive in return. He encouraged to look at the cards that had what people said about us and build on those and add to them.

::::::::::::::::::What You Hear While Making Soup:::::::

Michael called me downstairs while he was working on the chicken soup and said I've got to tell you what Noah said before I forget it. (Noah and Aaron were playing some game with their Legos at the time).

Noah: "Suppose I were to go back in time and bump into my kid self and my kid self would probably say, "Who are you?" and I would have to say, "Let's just say we're related."

Michael and I just laughed and Rachel was listening to this too and shaking her head.

So, What is The Tooth Fairy Exchange Rate?

This was a question that was left out of the many financial queries Noah had a couple of weeks ago when he lost his first tooth. I just got around to creating a layout about this rite of passage:



_{Darcy Baldwin: font called DJB AMANDAG at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Big Staple, Doodle Alpha, journal tape, glitter tape
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Wordy Bits
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Natalie Braxton: Boy Buttons
Katie Pertiet: frame
Emily Merritt: Messy Brush Add-on, word toppers
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids
Font: CK Good Point/ Trashed
Weeds and Wildflowers: "smile" from Gina's blog freebie (modified)
Ashley Olsen: Thought Bubble
Meredith Fenwick: Naked Stamp
Catrine: Journal arrow
Rachael Young: Stamp Stamp Alpha}


Noah was crunching some crazy numbers trying to figure out how wealthy he would be if he lost all of his teeth at once. This isn't a Noah only thing. I've heard other kids ask the same question.
I was in a half sleep pondering things like...do you think shark mothers leave her egg casings and swim off because she knows that her brood will loose teeth constantly throughout their lives and she doesn't want to be debt to some "Loan Shark" for the Tooth Fairy money? I did preface that sentence with the admission that I was in a kind of twilight sleep:)


::::::::::::::::::::Music Practice:::::::

For Family Home Evening I had the kids practice the songs for our Church's children's program. They swayed like the old classic Coke Christmas commercial. I wanted to give them candles...but hey, my kids and hand held fire...not a great idea. Rachel was the best at remembering the words, Noah was the best at turning sideways and grabbing Rachel and knocking her on the couch, and Eve was best at turning to face her sprawled, half-singing siblings and trying to lead the music. We went through the entire list of songs and were able to massacre them all. Noah was the classic mumble mumble, then sing the chorus clearly and loud kid. I get to lead all of the kids at Church this Sunday in a practice for next week.

For some reason I remember fondly and with a bit of silliness the classis Kumbaya. This simple song was one I sang along with at the Baptist Summer camp my Stepmom sent us to as kids one year.

::::::::::::::::::::::In The Womb::::::



The kids watched this with Michael and thought it was pretty cool.

:::::::::::::::::::Cave of The Dark Wind


Another wild romp with The Lost Boys and their friends Shining Pearl and Little Scallop! The kids were always eager for me to keep reading. They loved the tale of pirate treasure and the children exploring the lava tubes. If your family likes adventure tales this one will fit the bill.

:::::::::::::::::::The Aurora County All-Stars::

This is our new book for tonight.

::::::::::::::::::Swimming:::::::::

Aaron are going to try and get in a swim for physical education today after he finishes his math lesson. I just wish the pool was a salt pool and not chlorine.

Smiles!

A, Mostly, Clean House

::::::::::::A Toe Tappin' Great Movie:::::::

I spent the Saturday cleaning while Rachel was at a sleepover, Michael and Aaron were out doing a clean-up day and rock climbing at Sand Rock, and Noah and Eve were at my mom's house. I'm one who likes background noise, so I had popped in "Murder By Death" and listened to it as I moved around the house. When that movies was over I grabbed Strictly Ballroom.
This movie is so quirky and fabulous! Michael and Aaron came home near the end of the movie and Michael was excited...yes, excited to see I had that movie playing. When it was over he rewound it and played it again. He told the kids to clean in the living room and that they would enjoy watching the movie while they cleaned. There were a couple of times we sent Rachel to do something and she would plead to, "let me just watch this scene, then I'll go!"
I think Michael and I are in agreement that our favorite character is Doug Hastings who is the father to the main character, Scott. This mild mannered geeky guy is a closet innovator and amazing dancer. All of the characters are like a caricature...a little bigger and more colorful, than in most movies. This movie is enjoyable from beginning to end! I highly recommend this film!


::::::::::::::Dryer:::::

Michael was able to fix our dryer that was broken for three days. I have the Mount Everest O' Laundry to clean. The thermal fuse died and I looked up a schematic on-line and looked for information on our type of dryer and diagnosed the problem. Michael took the information and hot-wired the dryer to test the theory and sure enough I was right. He was able to get the part and fix it pretty quickly. What a handy guy!



:::::::::::::Fly On The Wall...Perhaps?::::

Again, this cartoonist has captured one of the quirks in our family. This cartoon depicts how Michael reads books to the children:


If the kids want the book read "right" they give the book to me. If they need a bit of silliness they give the book to Michael. Sometimes when the books are short we will do the readings on the same day. I love Michael's "intrepretations" they are always funny and fairly bizarre.

:::::::::::::::::Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins...Oh, my!::::

Michael's family came over for family home evening and we had French bread pizzas and salad. Michael's mom brought cupcakes and a cake to celebrate the September birthdays, which were Aaron, Rachel and Eve. After everyone left Eve asked, "So why didn't anyone bring me presents?" I told her that it wasn't a birthday party for her, but everyone was wishing her a happy birthday. She, surprisingly, accepted my explanation. The kids love to play with all of their cousins and the kids are really polite. I have some amazing nieces and nephews!

:::::::::::::::::Ballet and Tap:::::::::

Eve begins her ballet and tap classes today. She is chomping at the bit to get started. She keeps wanting to take her outfit and shoes out to try them on.

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

Noah starts back to Cub Scouts today. He seemed accepting, but not excited.

::::::::::::::::Layouts::::::::::

...they are simply ideas floating in my head. Maybe later today I can create one!

Smiles, fine folks!

Happy Birthday, Noah!

_{Yellow background by Amy Wolff, doodles by Kate Hadfield, staple by Michelle Coleman, and tag from Welli Designs at wedoscrap}

::::::::::::Ocean's of Fun::::::::::





Text: A Tuna Fish that can't carry a tune? A Star Fish that can't get an acting job? A seven-legged Octopus? A Zebra Fish with spots? Join in the aquatic fun as little Tiger Shark and his unique collection of friends discover how their differences make them each special.

STAY BACK! STAY BACK!
STAY BACK from Great White! We guard him all day! We guard him all night!

Noah was a swordfish guard in his First grade production of Oceans of Fun". Dad, Aaron, Eve and Mom were in attendance.

Song: "We're Sharks! Leaving our marks!"

Summer Collab Kit at The Lily Pad,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
Pirate Doodles and Musical Doodles by Kate Hadfield,
Thought bubble, arrow doodle and wave doodle from Dear Diary By Erica Hite,
Orange fish doodle by Pascaline,
Font: Farrah/ Mia's Scribbling/ Susie's Hand




Mom, Michael, the kids and I went to see the first showing of the morning for Shrek 3 on Saturday. The animation was spectacular. My favorite part, visually, was the wet fur on Puss and Donkey. The sub plots are always a lot of fun giving layers on meaning to this humorous adventure. I think my right and left lobes of my brain got all twisted up during a scene with Pinocchio! I think the visual homage to The Bionic Man with "Gingy" the Gingerbread Man was a hilarious! Prince Charming in his 80's leg warmers made me think of Fame. Eric Idle voicing a Birkenstock wearing Merlin was so perfect. The writers and artists seem like they grew up with me and watched the same shows, so the jokes seem crafted for me, but my kids got it on the physical comedy level. The soundtrack for the film also reminded me of some of my favorite 70's and 80's artists. The kids loved Snow White's sweet singing changing to the primal scream of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song".

Since we joke about Noah being all thumbs we will use a Noah rating system for the film today and give it 10 THUMBS UP!

::::::::::::::::::::Noah's Bowling Party::::::::::

We took Noah Cosmic bowling for his party. Noah, Granny Alice, Rachel, Carson, James, and Hayden played on the bumper lanes, while Michael, Aaron and I bowled on a regular lane. Aaron beat us both times. Noah's favorite gift was an "Omnitrix" from Granny and Grandpa Towhey, which is from the show Ben 10 on Cartoonnetwork. The Omnitrix allows the wearer to turn into one of 10 different aliens. Michael and I bought him a digital camera that we found on clearance at Wolf camera. It is a Canon with large controls, so we thought that would be easier for his little hands. He got a couple of Ben 10 action figures and some fun planet stickers for his walls. Granny Alice got him a voice changer, little pump rocket, a swimsuit and beach towel. We had a cookie cake with an alien on it that Noah didn't want to eat. He just wasn't interested. Everyone else enjoyed their pieces of cake (Eve licked the icing off her).

:::::::::::::::::::::Ninja Warrior:::::::

After the party we went to my parent's house and watched t.v. The one show we all liked was Ninja Warrior. The obstacles were pretty cool and each contestant had us rooting for them because we were amazed that they would try this stuff. The most dizzying was a barrel roll down an incline. The other interesting aspect to the show was that no one actually has to win. Another thing is the number of people who keep trying.

:::::::::::::::::::::Sunday:::::::::

Leading music was kinda crazy on Sunday. Michael made the comment that it was like all of the kids were on crack. They were all squirmy and chattery, and the older boys were literally bouncing off the walls.

We went to my Dad's house after Church and showed them my Shutterfly books and had a yummy lunch. Alice had made sweet potatoes, pinto beans with okra, cornbread, sliced tomatoes, turkey breast. My dad just got back from his second trip to Liberia on a mission trip for his church. He leaves today for North Carolina where he will be helping re-build a house for a blind lady. Later on in the Summer he and Alice will both go to Montana to help out with service there and to do some sight-seeing.

Then, we had family home evening on the opposite side of the highway in McDonough...(pronounced "McDonna" *thanks for the translation Donny and Kim :). Again, I showed off my various Shutterfly books. The kids were thoroughly filthy from playing with the dogs in the back yard and just playing around. They had a lot of fun playing with their cousins.

The kids were exhausted when we got home, but they were dirty so they all got a bath. I thought Rachel was going to disintegrate into a puddle of estrogen because she was so tired. I helped her wash her hair while she soaped herself up and rinsed. No time to read just prayers and sleep.

:::::::::::::::::::Finishing Slideshow today:::::::::

I'm finishing up the slideshow project today. I have to design the cd cover and burn it with the lightscribe printer, then create the dvd cover. Unfortunately, my color ink is running out and I can't find a replacement. I need to check a couple more stores today.

Smiles!

Mementos:

Noah created this artwork just for me! He was very protective of the painting and was upset when I glanced at it before Mother's Day. After several minutes of consoling his tender feelings I was able to convince him that I could forget what it looked like exactly. I was, Happily, surprised on Sunday when my sweet son gave me this painting of a clown. The hands are extra special because they are his traced hands. The hands are also his and my favorite color, green.
Thank you, Noah, for my Mother's Day present!

_{Sande Krieger's French Laundry Papers, Coasters, and Alpha, Borderlines 2 Rhonna Farrer's Snapshot Frames and Paint Strokes, Tia Bennett's Joined at the Hip kit. Font: Mia's Scribblings}

::::::::::::::::Epcot Bands::::::::

We really enjoyed the music at Epcot, especially Off Kilter in the Canadian Pavillion. Some of our other highly recommended music stops are Mo Rocka, the Mariachi band is fabulous, and Mazuriza (or Masuriza).



_{Doodle Frame and Music Doodles by Kate Hadfield, Font: DB Michael}

::::::::::::::::::::Insight::::::::::

Michael's blog can give you a little insight on our family and our particular weirdness.


:::::::::::::::::::It's Shaping Up:::::::::

to be a buzy weekend. Aaron has the end of the season bowling party this Friday. It will be 9 pins, no tap, which means if you knock down 9 pins it counts as a strike. We are taking Noah Cosmic Bowling for his birthday. Sunday is a big Family Home Evening with Michael's family. It is supposed to be a picnic outside with lots of different salads.

Now, to run and rustle up the children for some grub! *( just had to share this quirky thought: If I was a beetle and I had to wake my kids, then I would be rustling up the grub for some food....Hmmm?!?)

BACK TO YOUR LIVES, CITIZENS!

100 Years:

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








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

My dad with Aunt Wilma:


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



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


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


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


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


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

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

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

Let a Sleeping Dog Lie?

Naaa! I was playing around with some photos of the kids that I have already used in layouts. Here are a few:






_{Kits and elements used were from Janel Kretshman, Kate Hadfield, Jackie Eckles, Steph Krush, Nancy Comelab, Sande Krieger, Michelle Coleman, Christine Smith and Jen Wilson}


:::::::::::::Camping for Michael's Birthday:::::::

We will be off camping to celebrate with my dear hubby. The kids want to eat ramen noodles and more ramen noodles. Hey, cheap and easy...but in a good way!

Noah should be happy because I'm getting s'more fixins! It may get a bit of snow where we are going, so I'm washing the kids clothes and jackets up tonight.

Have a lovely day!