Recommendations

This was done for a fun Vintage Postage Stamp altered/collage challenge at Scrap Artist:
Gallery


_{Ephemera from Fiddlette's Fabulous Flea Market by Christine Honsinger
Postage stamp modified from Return To My Roots by Robyn England
Glitter Kiss by Michelle Coleman
Clock: Round 4 brush by Robyn England
Fonts: Pottery Barn/Porcelain/Powell Antique/Dead Letter Office}

Here are some excellent dvds I have used with Aaron for Homeschool:

Will Schermerhorn's site




Annenberg Classroom site
Key Constitutional Concepts
This documentary begins by introducing the Constitution and why it was created. It then examines key Constitutional concepts - separation of powers and individual rights - by focusing on two landmark cases: Youngstown v. Sawyer, a challenge to President Truman’s decision to put the steel mills under government control, and Gideon v. Wainwright, in which the Supreme Court establishes the right to be represented by an attorney. Produced by PJ Productions.
Format: Widescreen, Length: 62 min.

Race to the Moon





Amazon.com review

Another Quirky ATC:

This is a challenge I completed using Sandra Evertson's artwork. Here is a link to her designs:>Click me!




_{Cookie:Agnes Lahur's Life is Sweet
Many elements from Susan Long's Crimson Christmas,
doll legs from Scrap Artist doll freebie,
Sparkly Red Alpha Freebie from Julie Howard,
Michelle Coleman's glitter stocking freebie,
Christine Honsinger's Fiddlette's Fabulous Fleamarket,
Christmas tree, doodles, presents and crystals from Michelle Coleman's Sweet Evangeline,
Soldier from Mo Jackson's Oak Knoll,
Pram from Flickr,
Face and arm doodles from http://www.alteredsouls.com/free.htm
beard and wig from the web,
Egg from Mary Fran,
Santa hat by Robyn Gough,
metal slide from Lisa Dozier's Just Dreamy Kit.}


:::::::::::::::Progress?:::::::::::::::

My dad showed up again today and was able to do a 1/4 of the siding on the back of the house and when Michael got home he finished drilling the holes and putting in the carriage bolts to properly connect the upper deck to the house. (You might think the people we bought the house from who built the deck might have attached it properly, but you would be so WRONG!). No, I'm not bitter...REALLY! Anyhoo, there is progress. Michael and I have made the financial decision to forgo the 10 x 10 addition and put our efforts in making the square footage we have better. I hold out hope for the future that we can add-on when we have paid this loan off. No use in being greedy!

Two Fun Kids:

Noah's pet, Oinkey, is a nice furry companion that we don't have to clean up after:


_{Paisley Passion Kit by Sandra Boddington at Sweet Shoppe Designs,
Staple from Circus Train by Sandra Boddington,
Tea Overlay from Scrap Artist's Carefree kit,
Font: Ash 94}
Text: "When mom and dad are sleeping in their bed and I'm trying to go to sleep I have a fearless friend who keeps two watchful eyes open for me all night. He is soft and cuddly too! He doesn't make a fuss when I throw him over my arm and he lets me pick the movie and never complains about my choice. I made him a bed out of mom's tissue box, but he prefers to sleep by my side. When I go to school I give him to my mom so he will be safe from my big brother, Aaron and my little sister, Eve. Did I forget to tell you that my friend's name is Oinkey? He is very friendly! You can pet him, but you can't keep him.


Noah"




_{Paisley Passion Kit by Sandra Boddington at Sweet Shoppe Designs,
Paper Tears from Fhunglie's Ultimate Torn Pack,
Scrap fabric template from the Grace Sampler by Katie Pertiet,
Font: Marcishand/Patchanka Px}
Text: "What does a 4 year-old think about?
What makes you cross, joyful, or sad? What stops you in mid exploration to stare and marvel? So much to learn, so much to experience! Eve, one of the greatest joys in my life is watching you grow! Love, Mom"


::::::::::::::::Noah Loves Math:::::::::::::

Noah had us laughing again! As we were driving to Granny Sydney's house for her annual "Pagan Harvest Fest" Noah told us about a math program he was working on at school. He said, "There were 101 math questions on this new math program in the computer lab and I got 100 of them correct. I would have gotten them all correct, but I hit the wrong key and exited the program. I was going to type in 10 as the square root of 100, though." I started laughing because I'm certain I had no clue what a square root was in first grade. As usual, I had to tell him I wasn't laughing at him, but was simply amazed that he understood the concept.


:::::::::::::::::Costumes:::::::::::::

I helped Rachel create her rag doll costume with some funky horizontially striped tights, an old dress, a white apron, some pink blush, dark brown eye liner, and some pink lipstick. The only purchase was a braided yarn head piece from Jo Ann's. She looked adorable. She also wore her black boots from last year. I'll post pictures tomorrow, me thinks!

Michael will be sewing the boys' stuff tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to seeing Noah as Patrick Star!

Breathings of Your Heart:

This is another one of my ATCs for the Altered/Collage challenge section at Scrap Artist:



_{wired-eyelet: Day Gallery by Robyn England,
Heart: Noni by Debra Tope
Rose Queen: Fairy Tales by Liza Dozier
Postcard: Letters Home by dbmiller
Vintage Tag: Charming Curiosity by Poppy Andrews
Vintage Journaling block: Autumn Splendor by PSpringmann
Paper: The Pembroke Collection by Ashalee Wall
Inked edge: Freebie from Nancie Rowe Janitz}

Text: Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

Writing is both mask and unveiling. ~E.B. White

Postcard says: Dear, You are always (in my thoughts)!


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This morning Eve and I are going to the Emory University Department of Child Psychology. One of the students is doing a study on how children categorize objects. Hopefully Eve will be up to going. I think she may be getting the Croup. Her cough was rather chunky, but not to the barking stage. She also has a husky voice when she speaks. She was miserable, but refused to take any medicine, so we both ended up rather sticky with Tylenol Nighttime cold medicine. So far, Rachel is my healthy one...Yeah, for small miracles! Hopefully I'll have something cool to tell you about Eve's experience at the Child Study Center later on today!

Here are a few layouts I've Done Lately:

I tried to get his taped effect. This is very different, but it is always fun to try new things. Thank you ladies!

_{Photo from Flickr
tape and crumpled overlay from Mo Jackson's Primitive Scrapbook
Fonts: Nail Scratch, Dirty Ego, and Misproject
Inked Edge by Nancy Rowe Janitz}





This is a scraplift of Dagmar's http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/s...;ppuser=3 319

This is a photo of my nephew, Alfredo, who was recently adopted into the family!

_{Fonts: Mouser Outline/ Pea Martha
Kits/Papers/Elements: Michelle Coleman's Art Papers II, Leather Rose Trim and paper from Gypsy Rose Kit, country wire from Indian Summer Elements Kit by Jen WIlson, Stitched Frame from Emma's Sundress by Michelle Coleman, Leather stitch from Authentic by Sara Carling
Extras: Stamp from Gina Cabrera's Lucky Star Kit, Grunge frame by Jessica Sprague, Tag from Dream for you elements by Jen Wilson}




This is one of my new nieces. She was adopted last month, along with her 3 siblings. She was diagnosed with A.L.L. right after Halloween last year. She has 2 more years of chemo, at least. She is a brave girl!

Text:
Teresa and Mama Shelene have their photo taken by a group called "Flashes of Hope". The photographers take professional photos for the sick children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

_{Family Ties Kit by Sandra Boddington and Suzy Nunes at Sweet Shoppe Designs
Fonts Used: Oldstyle Italic}

Aaron's Homeschool and a Werewolf

This is for the homeschool challenge at 2Peas:


<sub>Seventies kit by Tia Bennett, Dinner Party Kit by Sara Carling and Shabby Princess, Textured Notebook paper from New Growth Kit by Tia Bennett Torn Paper from The Ultimate Torn Paper pack by Fhung Lie Font: Angedawn/Artistamp Medium/Chalkdust Key by KimL


Paint Brush, Snap Frames, Rockstar Kit, staples and "explore" sign by Rhonna Farrer French Laundry Alpha by Sande Kreiger Seventies paper by Tia Bennett Inked Edge by Shabby Princess Fonts: Ash 94, School Script Dashed</sub>






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This is another idea for the Outrageous Lyrics Challenge at Scrap Artist:


_{paper from Wicked Garden by Iron Orchid Designs, photos from the internet}


Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon

I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
walkin through the streets of Soho in the rain.
He was lookin for the place called Lee Ho Fooks, gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein.

Chorus:
Aaahoo, werewolves of London
Aaahoo(2x)

Ya hear him howlin around your kitchen door, ya better not let him in.
Little old lady got mutilated late last night, werewolves of London again.

Chorus 2x

He's the hairy, hairy gent, who ran amok in Kent.
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair.
You better stay away from him, he'll rip your lungs out Jim.
Huh, I'd like to meet his tailor.

Chorus 2x

Well, I saw Lon Chaney walkin with the queen, doing the werewolves of London.
I saw Lon Chaney Jr. walkin with the queen, doin the werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinkin a pina colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect.

ahhhooooo, werewolves of London
Draw blood

Sam Taylor We Will Miss You:

An old family friend died last week of a massive coronary. His name was Sam Taylor. He could remember the call letters of my stepfather's C.B. He could remember verbatim conversations that you had with him. Sam's memory was astounding, but his limitation was autism. My brother, Denny, is perpetually hovering around 4 years-old in communication and understanding (from what we can tell). Sam functioned on a genius level. Sam had high aspirations, but being the U.S. President would always elude him. He loved to meet politicians and he was honest. So being autistic and honest would have always kept him from the inner circle of politics. He loved to shake hands with the governors of Georgia. This layout shows Sam, his grandmother, my mother, and brother with the, then, Governor George Busbee.


_{Papers and elements from Fee Jardine's Cool Denim Baby Kit, Font: OldgateLaneOutline, Barbara Hane. Overlay freebie Designs by Lauren at DSP}

Wes Sarginson has done news features about Sam Taylor a few times and he did a final tribute to Sam in this:
News Article and Video Link.


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In Rhonna Farrer's interview in Creative Keepsakes she mentioned one of her new favorite font's called >Newcastle. I went on to check the website called CHANK and found some other wonderful free fonts. The Halloween Font pak by B.J. Harvey was pretty cool. I also liked Cowboy Rumbahut by Matt Frost. There are several neat fonts so see what you think!

Also check Rhonna'sblog she has a link to 5 png files that are awesome for some Halloween fun on cards or layouts. Her link is not only for digital folks. If you paperscrap she has stuff for them too!

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This is my "creation" for the Outrageous Lyric challenge at Scrap Artist. I chose the B 52's song "Love Shack". I figured being from Georgia and having driven down the Atlanta Highway was a good enough reason. So here it is:




_{background photo and sign from Stockexchange Photos, Glitter on the road and front porch by Jen Wilson, Fairies and word blocks by Hope Wallace, Toy Chrysler from Mo Jackson's Party Favors, Jukebox photo from the web, road by Cherie, Daydreamer doodle by nancy Rowe Janitz, Glitter Kiss by Michelle Coleman, glitter heart and the word love by Emily Powers, Fuzzy heart by Kim Christensen and one by Scrapabyte, Font: Minya Nouvelle and paintball, notebook paper from Gina Miller's Note This, pattern paper from Michelle Coleman's Boho Chic, glitter swirl from Michelle Coleman's Birthday Elements, paper man from Maya's Jumping Jacks}

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Noah has his first pack meeting tonight with his Tiger Cub pack. He is excited. Michael just called from the scout office to pick up the missing uniform pieces. Michael had all of Aaron's old patches removed rather quickly. He will have them sewed on in no time.

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I need to go throw some chicken into the slow cooker. I think chicken enchiladas might be good for today!

Smiles!

Trying My Hand at a few ATCs:

These were done for the Altered/Collage section at Scrapartist. The idea seemed pretty cool so I've joined in. See what ya think?



_{Jumping Jack doll parts from Maya
Background paper is "Lola" form IOD's Room at San Salvatore
Font: Hello Sark
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz}

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_{Background paper and alpha made from Savage Florals by IOD
Slide holder frame by Sandra Boddington from her blog
Doll Charm Parts by ScrapArtist
Flower Charm by Michelle Coleman
Mirror by Bri Ryan
Font: Century}


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I thought this one with the fairy listening to the bird would be cool!

_{Background paper: "Adelaide's Letter" by IOD
Frame: Rhonna Farrer
Fairy and bird banner: Hope Wallace
Font: French Script MT}

"When I Grow UP"...

I promised to scrapbook some of my favorite Shel Silverstein quotes, so here is the first one:




_{Background paper: IOD Grass Stain
Notepaper: Lemon Grass by IOD
Torn note paper: Gina Miller "bbyob Kit"
Pointing finger: Weird is wonderful by Maya
Bust Cream, Magnifying glass, fingerprint and microscope from the internet
Staple: Scrap Artist
Font: Pea Lis, Ash94
Alpha: Board Book Alpha by Mo Jackson, Surprise Alpha by Carrie Stephens, Boho Chic alpha by Michelle Coleman, Crepe paper alpha by Mo Jackson
Measuring tape and journal: Mo Jackson
Doodles: Angie Briggs and Amy Martin}

Quote by Shel Silverstein: “Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”


Some Things I want to be:
1.I want to be a detective like Nancy Drew when I grow and catch the bad guys!
2.It would cool to be a scientist. I could look at wiggly stuff in a microscope.
3.Maybe I could be a vet!
Some things I don't want:
I don't want b@@bs! They look uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep on my stomach any more!


::::::::::::::::::::::::
Speaking of Shel Silverstein...Sister Hall from Church suggested I check out his cd of Where the Sidewalk Ends that has him reading his poetry. The girls were especially excited to hear them read aloud by the author. I pass on the suggestion to listen to Shel read his stuff aloud. He is hilarious...he even cracks himself up!

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After orientation day at school for Rachel and Noah we went and picked up my mother for a trip to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Fernbank is currently running a special exhibit on Chocolate. While we were there we got to have a creature encounter with 1 of their 4 millipedes. The thick little dude was kind of cool...and BONUS...he wasn't crawling around my house! We got to touch his back and legs. We found out he was a detravore...which means eats dead and decaying things and they have 2 legs on each side of their segments. This particular millipede had 400 legs. They are not venomous like centipedes.
The kids had a blast on the upper level where they keep an interactive room with sensory games that use optical illusions, creating your own giant bubbles, sound pipes that you put your ear to and listen for the movement of air like when you listen to a sea shell. You also get to pretend to be doing a weather report in front of a green screen.

We then traveled to Zestos, a cool diner establishment, for lunch. They have kickin' chocolate malts! So yummy! During the meal my mom tried to pick up Noah's styrofoam cup, and preceded to stick her thumb right through the bottom of the thin side and douse herself with cold Sprite! After a ton of napkins I had helped her clean it up...and her dress soaked up most of the drink (nothing like those absorbent gauze summer dresses to clean up any spills) Noah demanded a new Sprite. The other kids were willing to let him sip theirs, but Noah had listened to Dr. Lamb's lesson on GERMS in Kindergarten at the end of last year, and would have none of the sharing business. My mom asked if he would drink the Sprite if she gave him a new straw, but he said if Rachel drank out of it it had germs. My mom relented and bought him a new Sprite and that is when Noah informed us, "I am germ free!"...
"I am working to make everyone germ free!" This little germ free moment included a demonstration, for my mother, on the proper two handed method of gently picking up a styrofoam cup! We were laughing so hard people were looking at us!

On the drive home Rachel and Noah were arguing in the back of the minivan and Rachel yells..."Mom, Noah said he hates me!"
Noah immediately responds,..."I meant I hate you in a GOOD way!"
Well, now that is cleared up your a bizarre little twit (Just my thoughts...though I hear they can condemn you...drat!)

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In digital scrapping news...I was selected at random from the gallery posts during the Iron Orchid Design chat to receive 4 free packs their designs of my choosing. I'm just waiting for the password to be able to download the files. I had a good time discussing different topics, none of them scrapping related. If you look at my layout above you will see the denim jacket that everyone thought was groovy during the evening chat.

Shel Silverstein:

This book was one that was a highlight of my day during 4th grade. My teacher, whose name I don't recall, would read a few of the poems, but I was always eager for more. My mother consented to buying Where the Sidewalk Ends and it has been one of my favorites ever since. I am considering doing several layouts that use some of my favorite Shel Silverstein poems from this book. Some of my favorites are: Bandaid, Sick, Spaghetti, Hug o' War, Sarah Sylvia Cynthia Stout and Warning. If you need a hearty belly laugh and want to put a smile on your kids face, I suggest reading these poems with them. Of course, you don't have to read them from about 2 to 3 a.m. while making bead socks for a baby shower at 10:30am and your darling daughter can't sleep...but if the occasion does arrive I say go with it!
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Dave Barry has done it again!!! Our family, especially Rachel (and I), are sucked into this book! We are only on chapter 9, much to Rachel's chagrin. Their is already great suspense and character development! The book is long so I'm hoping for great plot development. I'll keep you posted, but warn if their is any plot spoiling on my part, which is not cool!
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Another Scrap Artist layout:



I'm kind of concerned about the future of America if my two sons get involved with politics, but maybe there is hope for the future. (Most of the time I wish they would just get along...similar to the needs of the world...me thinks!)

_{Red Velvet paper from All American papers by Michelle Coleman
Swirly glitter from Birthday Elements by Michelle Coleman
All American Cowboy paper and white overlay, Quote from Ellie's World by Nancie Rowe Janitz
Blue Ric Rac From SA Splash Kit by Jomi
Butterfly from SA Team kit by L. Howell
Crossed staples by C. Wyckoff from SA Summer Whimsy Kit
Font: Jane Austen}

My Scrap Artist Challenge Layouts:

I often do not hear the correct lyrics when listening to songs, and my husband points out the expletives on songs while we are listening to the radio. I often hear him asking me, "what did you just sing?" I'm not deaf, they just need to annunciate! Hear is my layout for all of us folks who are lyrically impaired!

<sub>Fonts: Mr. B, Sketchy, Matisse, Pea Lis, Perpetua
Background from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess,
Fairies and wings (altered) by Hope Wallace
#4 from Official Boxer Alpha by Mo Jackson
Title Alpha-Phunky Phresh by Jennifer Pebbles
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz,
b&w images from Weird is Wonderful by Maya
Internet photos of earmuffs and otoscope diagram
Stock Exchange photo of the pink highlighter



Summer Whimsy Kit: Alpha, stamps and paper,
Gypsy Rose Elements: by Michelle Coleman
Fonts: Distress, CAC Shishoni Brush, Cold Coffee, Pea Beth, Jane Austen, Pea Happy Girl</sub>