On Monday, I checked my driver's side mirror for a spider web. There had been a web, most every day, for 3 weeks. When I first saw the orb weaver working on its intricate circular web I thought to flick it off with a stick. My fascination for the hard work and natural beauty of the web won out, though. The fastidious little brown, orb-weaver would create a web about 6 p.m., then have the web eaten and the window left clean the next morning. Talented and tidy...such a great combination. There was a night, last week, when I needed to make a run to the grocery store and I saw the busily moving body diligently at work for the evening. I just smiled and jumped in Michael's truck for the trip. The poor spider did have to make a few 40 mile an hour rides to my mom's house and home. The kids would worry all the way if the spider would be okay. I found myself hoping to get a stop light so the little one would have the time to scurry back to the safety of the side mirror housing. Sometimes it would, sometimes it would just set about repairing the strands that kept it tied to the car. Well, on Monday I came out of the grocery store and pulled out of the parking lot and the spider's little body tumbled from the mirror housing. Since I was in the middle of the road I needed to keep moving to avoid an accident. I watched as the silk thread snapped and my little spider companion blew away. I figured it had died a few days before, so I wasn't surprised. I just felt an overwhelming feeling of melancholy for this little, natural artist that put a pretty web for us to be dazzled by, then clean it up so we didn't look like trail trash driving around town. So long, my eight-legged pal!
::::::::::::::::::Picture Day:::::::::::
I'm going to help at the elementary school for picture day. It should be a day of organized chaos. I hope to come out smiling in the end, too!
::::::::::::::Another Layout for Noah's Baptism Book:::::: This is a photo of Uncle Benjamin trying to help Rebecca depress the spring on the pogostick, but she was just too light. He tried jumping on the pogostick, but the 80 lb. weight limit kept him from having any fun. Credits: Jacque Larsen's Frog Legs, Fonts: DJB LIZ and DJB Julianna in a Hurry Darcy Baldwin, Kate Hadfield's Doodle Frame
::::::::::::::::::::::Yearbook::::::::
I've been working on learning the program for the school yearbook. The learning curve isn't too bad. There is some functions that I would like to work differently, but it is okay, so far. I have been asking around for some one with a better camera to take the 5th grade photo, or let me borrow, but no luck, yet. I have about 3 weeks, so I hope to have it figured out soon.
Rainbow Kit by Karen Lewis at www.thedigichick.com Fonts: DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin, Artistamp Medium
School house freebie and background paper by Jacque Larsen, Doodle frame by Kate Hadfield, Krafty Alpha by Edeline Designs, Font: DJB Mandy by Darcy Baldwin, Word art by Emily Merritt Studio Paris by Debra Tope, Evitangel freebie by Cinnamon Designs, Bus doodle by Kate Hadfield, Font: DJB Julianna In a Hurry, and DJB Mandy by Darcy Baldwin @ The Sweet Shoppe, Distressed frame overlay by Something Blue Studios, Krafty Alpha by Edeline Designs
Yesterday, I took out some stuff to recycle, started a load of dishes, then laid down to read my book (Mrs. Dalloway)while waiting the last 30 minutes for the kids to come home on the bus. I set my glasses down for a minute, then I heard banging on the door. Apparently, I can fall asleep! I don't think I have had proper sleep in 14 years and since my short cat nap doesn't really count my record is secure. ;) It is nice to know my body still can sleep okay, if given the chance. I think I must have the need for spontaneous napping because I'm pretty sure if I set out to nap someone would have called, or I would have a thousand things going through my mind that would have distracted me.
:::::::::::::::::::::Jonas Brothers:::::::::
Rachel was invited to go with a friend to see the Jonas Brothers in concert. She called me all giddy around 11:00pm to tell me she was on the way home. She plopped into bed a little after 12:00am. Surprisingly, she was hard to wake up today. I hope she blogs about the concert. She said Demi Lavato was the opening act and it was Demi's birthday, as well. Brynna was so kind to invite Rachel.
::::::::::::::::::::Speaking of Kind::::::::
My neighbor, Kristen, needed some vinegar for a marinade, so I gave her a few tablespoons. In return her daughter brought over two delicious slices of steak. The taste was delightful. I'm hoping for the recipe!
Off to go walking and help in the school library! :)
Though the acrid smoke has past the smell lingers. Think...burnt popcorn smell. My dear oldest, son, Aaron, is sustained by Ramen noodles. I think he would wither and die were it not for these little wavy dried bits of carbohydrates. Oh, and let us not forgot the load of sodium. His current favorites are Chili, Chicken and Roast Chicken. When he is feeling a bit wild he mixes them together. Yes, he can take a walk on the wild side. So, why you may or may not ask, did he burn said wavy treasure? I'm sure it had nothing to do with staying up until the wee hours of the morning to play the computer and watch Dr. Who. He was a bit distracted getting ready to go mow the neighbor's grass. He wanted to grab a quick small meal, so he grabbed the Ramens like he does most every day, placed them in a bowl and popped them in the microwave. He ran to the bathroom. I had my back turned trying to put 2 boxes of frozen pizza into our freezor. After a few seconds I jokingly called out, "Aaron what are you burning?" The smell was getting worse by the second. I turned to look at the microwave and saw billowing smoke. I grabbed the door and looked at the smoldering ramen noodles sans water. I grabbed the bowl and stuck it in the sink and turned on the water. AHHH! More smoke!
I sit here with the windows open, the air conditioner off, and the door open praying the mosquitos are too confused by the burnt carbon to find my legs and arms.
Aaron opted for a bowl of Breyer's chocolate ice cream with Hershey's syrup to hold him over while he mows the grass. One must always have back up plans if you should, per chance, burn your first choice.
We finally got to go to family swim time at our local pool. The kids tired themselves out and drank abit of chlorine. Rachel would like to warn against embibing chlorine. She said it made her stomach hurt.
During our last 20 minutes at the pool I was playing with Eve in a smaller circular pool inside the lazy river set up. I was on the other side of the circle and she said, "Come and get me!" So, I went underwater to grab her and she surprised me by swimming past me to the other side. She and I found this to be quite a fun game. She got so much more confidence to use her swimming skills and stick her face in and swim across. She was so proud to play and be able to swim. I am so proud of her, too!
:::::::::::::Walking::::::::::
I did my 5 mile walk and it was another situation where it took 2 miles for my foot to feel okay. Surprisingly, my foot hasn't hurt as much after the fact as it has in the past couple of weeks. Maybe my foot is getting better, or I have permanent nerve damage? Hmmm? I'm going to check the store for those Ace Bandage thingies and look for one for arch support.
There are a couple of new regular walkers at the park that smile when I pass. I call them "The Double Mint Twins". They appear to be in their early twenties, shaved heads and about 6 feet tall.
:::::::::::::Family Reading:::::
The kids and I got a kick out of last night's chapter of Tales From the Hood. Puck has an allergy that is so too funny. The Ferryport Landing librarian is great and the razzing Puck gives him is hilarious, too!
:::::::::::::Today:::::::::::
I'm taking Aaron to the store to spend a few of his hard earned dollars, I have a Yearbook meeting and the guys are leaving for a rock climbing trip/camp out.
:::::::::::::::New Layouts From the Botanical Garden::::: 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
::::::::::::::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.
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
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:::::::::
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
::::::::::::::::::::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! :)
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:::::
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
:::::::::::::::::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
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.
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!
This declaration was rather compelling coming from my 10 year-old who thinks the phrase "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is someone's idea of twisted humor. She thinks layering your clothes means to drop them on one another when she takes them off, but that might make one assume that she leaves them in one pile. She is much more random them that. I think Chaos Theory started in her bedroom (my mom reads this blog, so I'm going to go ahead and stick in here that she would say it started in my room). Rachel found a book titled, Science in a Bottle by Sandra Markle and on pg. 53 the chapter is "Raise Sea Monkeys". This chapter has lit an ember of excitement, so intense that she begs, frequently, for sea monkeys and cleaned her room. I'm just wondering if the room will stay clean. I'll give it a week to decide if she will be able to get these little guys.
::::::::::::::::Layouts with Eve:::::::::
This page is a scraplift of Christine's page I saw on the Catscrap blog.
Credits: Birgit's Retro Paper and Leaves kit, Birgit's alpha for the April Collab at Catscrap Catrine's alpha "Pauline" Font: Another Typewriter, Kate Hadfield's Doodle Frame Jofia Devoe's Swirly Birds
My daughter, Eve, had her hair gelled back for her ballet recital, which made her eyes really stand out. I told her she had such lovely eyes, so she opened them big and wide for a silly photo.
Credits: Emily Powers "Art Nation" found on the Memory Makers website,
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Another Mandy at www.thedigichick.com
Text: Rachel is a 10 year-old that loves earth colors, Prairie skirts, and flip-flops (No Shoes Required is best). She worries about the feelings of others and befriending the underdog. No Gossiping! She believes in recycling and being kind to animals. She loves to write and illustrate her stories that often involve mysteries solved by intelligent and witty girls. (Caricature was drawn by her art teacher) Credits: Darcy Baldwin: DJB Kira at The Digichick Holly McCaig: Pop Alpha Jenna Desai: Bracket doodles Jen Beschinski: Aunt Karens Kitschyn Anne DeJong: paper strip from MSA free kit Kate Hadfield/Tiff Brady: Wordybits, baby word doodles and chick doodles. Vanilla Hush: Frame from Dress Me Up freebie Audrey Neal: black and white notepaper alpha
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
::::::::::::::::::LOST::::::::::::AND FOUND!:::: The only real excitement this weekend was losing my keys. My mom located them where they had fallen out of my pocket. Thanks, Mom!
:::::::::::::::::Noah's International Folk Dance::::::::::
Credits: Darcy Baldwin's font: DJB DONNAR at The Digichick Mary Fran's "Giddy Up" kit Nancy Comelab's Cluster frames Kate Hadfield's Heavy Duty Staples, Journaling paper, and Black Doodle Alpha
::::::::::::::::College Road Trip::::::::::
Michael and I took Rachel and Aaron to see College Road Trip with Raven, Martin Lawrence and Donny Osmond. We laughed a lot. The movie was really fun and Donny Osmond was hilarious. If you want some laughs without worrying about foul language and folks breaking into song this would foot the bill.
My mom took Noah and Eve to see Horton Hears A Who. They reported that that was a fun movie, too!
Credits: Photos by Marcus John Taylor DJB TANYA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick Come Out and Play collab by Kate Hadfield, Catrine and Birgit Primaveria Collaboration at Catscraps. Swirl Therapy by Jofia Designs at The Digichick Font: CK Ali's writing
This layout is true on more than one level. It has been a hard year schooling Aaron, and an exceptionally difficult week. I took a break for most of the day, yesterday.
deliveries are going pretty well. I took Rachel to Michael's work so she could hand out cookies and collect the money. Michael's associates were very friendly, especially Keith. They appreciated that a "real" Girl Scout was behind the form that dad brought to work. Rachel was very polite and warmed up quickly to her giddy self.
::::::::::::::::Forgot to Mention::::::::
This is Grandpa Jim's version of the weekend with grandkids. He always makes me laugh about their antics...it's that or cry...or maybe scream. Laughing is far superior.
::::::::::::::::Food:::::::::::::
Yesterday, Michael made his awesome chicken soup. Aaron, Rachel and I always want the noodles, Eve wants EXTRA carrots and all the kids want dad to throw in some alphabet noodles for fun. Noah just wonders when we are going to serve him something with ketchup.
I made Granny Sydney's recipe for "Funeral Potatoes" just for fun. She told me to use hashbrown style potatoes in the frozen foods, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 small tub of sour cream and a tablespoon of grated onion. Sprinkle the top with cheese and melt to finish. Her outcome was better, but mine passed with a B.
::::::::Time to Wake up the kids and dose Noah with his meds.
:::::::::::::I'm Not The Only Thing Headed For A Break Down::::::::
I sent the kids off to the bus top, then a couple of minutes later Rachel rushed back up to the house to get her terrarium with a worm for school. I said, "Hey, luckily the bus is running late so you were able to run back and get that." Then, 2 minutes later I hear a rush of thundering kid feet and yelling voices. The kids from the bus stop are running to my house. The said the bus was broken down and they needed a ride. So, I loaded 3 of the neighbor kids and my 2 in the car and headed for school. I was third in line and we just had to wait 10 minutes until the school was open. That was a valuable 10 minutes. I used the time to sing with the radio and dance in my car seat to the utter and complete embarrassment of the children. That was a satisfying 10 minutes.
::::::::::::::Almost There:::::::
I took Rachel for her last braces adjustment before their removal next month. She is so happy to be getting so close to the end of her tooth confinement.
:::::::::::::Right Field:::::::::
This is a 2 page layout of my boys playing trap ball at Colonial Williamsburg. It is an English game that was part of the evolution of modern baseball.
Kate Hadfield: http://www.digiscrappingqueen.com/blog/ created the super amazing Dandelion Doodles as a request. Thank you, Kate! Wordy Bits, Messy Staples, New Home doodles Jen Wilson: Simple Expressions Michelle Coleman: Color Me Solid (freebie on her blog) Amber Clegg: Date Stamp
Font: DJB MISH/ DJB LIZ by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
::::::::::::::::::Zneet Znatter Zneet:::::::
Rachel has been watching Season 2 of My Hero. The Christmas episode is hilarious...hold your sides, tear up and start laughing like a seal hilarious.
::::::::::::::::::: A "Relatively" Nice Evening:::::
Reuben, Ang, Gabriel and Afton came over for dinner last night. The kids had fun on the computer and making bead watches. Reuben helped roll up the egg rolls, which I can not figure out how he does it. His fingers are like thick sausage links, but he can make quite an attractively rolled egg roll. Michael made some tasty ginger beef soup, breaded chicken cutlets, and rice. The Hmong eggrolls were so delicious! After dinner we just talked and then Eve wanted to watercolor, so Afton, Reuben, Noah and Rachel were given watercolors and the watercolor paper. They left about 11:00p.m. Noah and Eve were instantly asleep and the rest of us soon followed.
:::::::::::::::::::Always Behind::::::::::
Laundry, a couple of subjects for school with Aaron, homework with Noah and trying to remember where I left my mind. Time to go do a couple of science experiments in kitchen stadium.
I like looking at check designs in the mailers. It is always fun to have cute backgrounds to display the amount of money leaving my bank account. Here is a design I came up with to celebrate or semi-cultish following of Doctor Who:
Speaking of Doctor Who fans the dear Kate Hadfield fulfilled a doodle request for me. She created some awesome dandelions for me. I am currently working on a few layouts and hope to have them finished by this evening.
:::::::::::::This weekend::::::::
I baked lemon squares for a couple of sister's at Church and Michael agreed to be my taste tester. I passed with flying colors, so I packaged some up and took them to Church on Sunday.
We took the kids to the Buford Highway Farmer's Market. The store always has little taste testing kiosks. The first one we came across was one making our kids favorite meal. There was a triumphant and spontaneous chorus of "TOFU!!!" from the children. They were so excited! We grabbed 4 boxes of tofu and 4 boxes of Mabu Tofu sauce. We did the obligatory stop at the crabs and eels cases.
:::::::::::::Roller Skating:::::::
Rachel was invited to a roller skating party for a girl in her scout troop. The little girl's mother was kind enough to include the rest of our kids. Aaron chose to use in-line skates instead of the traditional style. He is much more confident with the in-line. I dropped my socks on the way out of the house, so I had to watch on the side-lines for a little bit while Michael skated with the kids. Eve was able to do really well after we traded her skates in for a bigger size and then noticed that the wheels barely turned. She thought she was really skating well when she was actually walking on 4 stuck wheels. Noah had a hard time and decided to give up after 30 minutes and the boots caused soars on the front of his ankles. Rachel was really funny because she stuck her hind end out as a counter balance and remarked that her lower back was getting sore. I was able to skate when Michael offered me is boots. Michael ended up loaning me his socks, too. They were rather sweaty, but I didn't have any so I wasn't about to complain. After skating for a couple of hours might feet weren't sore at all and they didn't feel sweaty. My ever techinical gear oriented spouse explained it was the merino wool of the R.E.I. socks I was wearing.
::::::::::::::::Swimming Lessons:::::
Round One: Noah and Eve Round Two: Aaron and Rachel
A young lady from our Church is the swim instructor for all of the kids. She was great with all of them. Her hardest obstacle was getting Noah to listen. He is a little story teller. She also would correct them firmly, but nicely when they did something wrong. She was trying to make sure their mechanices were sound before moving on to anything else. Michael and I were super impressed with Eve for her positive attitude. She would do what she was asked and put her face in the water for as long as she could and then come up sputtering. She would flash us a thumbs up sign to let us know she was fine. They were all happy to get into the water and learn.
The kicker was the fees to get into the pool for each lesson would be $27.00 and if we wanted to get in and swim with the other kids times the basic 8 weeks of lessons was a tall order. We bit the proverbial bullet and bought a year pass. Someone in the M.L.E.U. called our house and talked to the dryer. What is the M.L.E.U. you may ask...even if you don't I'll tell you anyway...it is the Murphy's Law Enforcement Unit. The dryer blew the thermal fuse, AGAIN! I hate doing laundry, but I hate more piled up dirty laundry. Michael is scattered, covered and smothered with things to do this week. His brother and family are invited to dinner tomorrow, so hopefully he will be able to get home in time to inspect the dryer's element to see if that might be the culprit and then go downstairs to cook a great dinner.
This was the little page I turned into Rachel's pre-school teacher for a class book on everyone's families. She was so complimentary saying this was the best page she had ever seen and wanted to know if she could give me a stack of family photos to make an album for her. I blushed. DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick Kate Hadfield: Doodle Frames, Stitched Arrows, Stitched Alpha Kate Hadfield and Ashley Olson: First Day Jitters Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady: Wordy Bits: Vacation Mo Jackson: Art Moodles, Moodles Alpha Julie Mead: Some Bunny doodle
::::::::::::A Couple of Met Layouts:::::::: Thank you to Sausan Designs for these Spunky Quickpages:
:::::::::::Another Big Thanks to Sausan Designs:::::
This is so out of this world cool, creepy and fun! Halloween is such a fun thing for our crazy kids and it will be fun to scrap with this amazing kit.
:::::::::::::The Great Inca Rebellion:::::: This show was fascinating. The forensics were incredible.
Product Description from Amazon.com History reports that the mighty Inca were swiftly wiped out by a small band of Conquistadors. But, new evidence is being unearthed that may help re-write history. Remains of those who died in battle have been discovered, and for the first time physical evidence is suggesting that Spain's conquest of the Incan Empire may have actually taken twenty years. Brought to life through CGI reconstruction and reenactments, the untold epic saga of decades of guerilla warfare and rebellion are finally revealed as National Geographic uncovers the truth behind the Inca's last stand.
:::::::::::::Prop of the Day::::::
goes to customer service at Amazon.com. The post office had said they delivered a package to me yesterday. Alas, no package. So, I put a note out to the postman and put in a email to Amazon. I had an immediate and professional response to reorder at no charge. This afternoon the package was open, but the contents were still shrink wrapped. I got on Amazon's site and they have a feature that calls their representative for you. I love this! I talked to a nice guy who took care of the cancellation right away. I am St oked...Stoked to get Rachel's "Electric Company" dvds! Woohoo!
:::::::::::::Cub Pack Meeting Tonight:::::
The leaders have planned a make-up bike rodeo. It should be fun and the weather looks like it will cooperate this time.
:::::::::::::Lunch Break Fun and Games:::::
Granny Sydney stopped by yesterday and brought some belated birthday gifts for the kids. One gift was the game Clue (the Simpson version). Aaron asked if we could play at lunch today. It ended up being Marge in the Nuclear Power Plant with a sling shot. I won. My character was Krusty (Colonel Mustard).
Smiles...and if you are playing Simpson's Clue watch out for the poisoned donut!
Mo Jackson: Birthday Candles, Party Kate Hadfield: Birthday Boy doodles Sande Krieger: Borderlines Font: DJB DOODL E Doo! / DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
:::::::::::::Sande Krieger Inspired Layout:::: for our Central Park Zoo visit:
Sande Krieger: Borderline and A Traveling We Will Go Kate Hadfield: Animal Doodles Shawna Clingerman: The Grass is Greener doodle Amber Clegg: Date Stamps Fonts: DJB CHERE/ DJB DOODL E DOO! by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
