"So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it."

A weekend packed with activites was had by all!

1. Michael taught the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge with Aaron in attendance.
(This badge has an overnight requirement, so the guys built lean-tos from bamboo and a tarp, then slept in them.)

2. Victoria and Rachel attended In-Gathering for Girl Scouts from Friday to Sunday morning.

3. Noah and Rachel hung out with Granny and Grandpa on Friday night and Saturday. They attended a birthday party for a friend of ours, then Granny Sue took them to see the new flick, "Iron Man".

4. Sunday, I realized Noah had a project on Australia due TODAY. So at 7pm. Michael and I asked Noah what he wanted to talk about in his project. He loves kangaroos, so he did his project on the Red Kangaroo. He used a drawing Michael had made a few months ago as the back drop, then Michael gave him the pastels and Noah made two kangaroo puppets and the shrubbery and rocks. Then, Noah typed up his report on Michael's laptop, while I printed out some Red Kangaroo photos from the internet on one sheet of paper. Those kangaroos were pasted into the scenery. Noah then grabbed the scissors and cut off the paper excess and pasted his report to the shoe box lid. He plans to ask for a volunteer to help be his other kangaroo puppet as he gives his report. He was so excited with the outcome that he said, "Mom, you want to see me practice!" I love that enthusiasm. Michael was game to be the first volunteer and they hammed it up for the camera:



Untitled from Victoria Taylor on Vimeo.






::::::::::::::::::::::::Karen Lewis/Darcy Baldwin C.T.::::


My dd, Eve, playing with her Granny's hair pieces.


<sub>Credits:

Fairtale Dreams by Karen Lewis http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17901&cat=0&page=2

Font: DJB SISSY by Darcy Baldwin http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17989&cat=0&page=1

also DJB Doodl E Doo by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick</sub>

::::::::::::::::More Stuff Later:::::

I'll have Girl Scout photos, tomorrow, that will include "Carl" the frog that Rachel rescued from the pool. I will also provide details from the fantastic skit the girls and I pulled together with 1 hours notice. These are such drama queens and they put it to good use.

::::::::::::::::Eve is Sick:::::::::

Eve complained of a sore throat last night while creating puppets alongside her brother. Michael and I checked her throat and her tonsils are swollen. She refused a lozenge and liquid medicine. Around 3 she woke me up with a bad coughing fit. I laid down with her for a bit, then went down and located medicine that fit her symptoms. I took her in to our room to administer the liquid, so she wouldn't wake her siblings. Then daddy gave her a big hug for being brave and I took her back to bed and slept with her until Michael left for work.

She will skip preschool today, but go to her ballet lesson at lunch time. She has her recital next week and she is a bit nervous and a lot excited.

Take care!

Update

Hey all! Thanks for those who called and emailed about my dad. I just spoke with my stepmom for another follow-up. My dad is home. The doctors found that he was negative for cardiac enzymes, which indicate a heart attack. He passed his stress test and blood work. They are uncertain what caused his excruciating pain. He woke up with his jaw numb and his left arm completely numb, the other day. He has been in pain for about 2 months, but doesn't complain about things. He is a worker and is always up early to do things and for him to complain it has to be pretty horrible. My sister, Katherine, has made an appointment for further tests with another physician. They will try to determine what could be causing his symptoms.

Thanks again, I really appreciate your prayers and kind words!

:::::::::::::A Walk in the Park x 2:::::

I did my 4 mile walk, yesterday with a little bit of sprinkling rain. The clouds blew away and the sun came out shortly before I finished. Then, when Michael came home from work he invited me to walk with him. I wasn't going to pass on a chance to walk and talk with my sweetheart, so I donned my shoes again (my fabulous 7eeee's of joy!) We had a 4 mile walk to the park, around and back. We discussed the podcast of the wave/particle duality from Astronomy cast and extrapolated that to a comparison on evolution and creationism. Light walking topics, indeed!

For today's walk I listened to Astronomy Cast discussing "Space Junk" and "Detectors". I don't only listen to podcasts; I also love a bit of Earth, Wind and Fire to get the feet going. :)


::::::::::::::Another Layout for Karen Lewis' C.T.:::::




My daughter using her hands to eat her potato salad because she didn't want to bother any one to get her a fork.

Total "Mom"-Sense Collaboration Kit by Karen Lewis & Danielle Engbretson

http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17958&cat=0&page=4

Curly Swirly Alpha by Karen Lewis: http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17723&cat=0&page=2

Font: DJB KIRA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=21
additional font: Another Typewriter, CK Double Mou

:::::::::::::::Getting Ready::::::

The overnight Zoo trip is tomorrow and the weekend has In-Gathering for Rachel. Michael will be teaching a Wilderness Survival class for the Boy Scout merit badge. My mom is such a blessing for helping out with Noah and Eve while I'm gone! Thanks, MOM!

:::::::::::::::NSD::::::::::::::::

National Scrapbook Day is May 3rd and there are going to be amazing sales and freebies around the digital community. Check out www.digishoptalk.com forum for some great information. Dawn Inskip has made an amazing collaboration kit with Heather Manning that will be coming out for NSD. Y'all will love it! Anna Benjamin will be having a new gorgeous kit at scrapbookgraphics, Darcy Baldwin and Karen Lewis will be having some AWEsome stuff at The Digichick. Keep your eyes peeled for all of the cool designs for preserving your memories, or just an exciting creative outlet!

Take care and smiles!

Phone Call

Scary news this morning: I received a call from my niece, Jessica, to tell me that my dad was at the hospital due to a heart attack. She gave me the cell number to reach my stepmom, Alice. She answered and she was in such a flustered state that she had just missed the exit for the emergency room. She said she would call me, as soon as, she knew anything more. I called Michael and my mom to let them know about what was going on. I went ahead and took Eve to school, then took a walk to the park. When I returned Alice had left a message to return her call. She said that the doctor's are uncertain if it was, in fact, a heart attack. He was still in emergency, but would be admitted for more tests. She said she didn't need anything, but to call her later. My dad is a tough old rooster.

:::::::::::::::News of a Different Sort:::::::

Karen Lewis has invited me to her creative team and I have been working with some of her colorful and clever designs. Here are a couple:




<sub>This is the start of a Mother's Day Album of things I do with my children. I love the retro look!


Total "Mom"-Sense Collaboration Kit by Karen Lewis & Danielle Engbretson


http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17958&cat=0&page=4

Curly Swirly Alpha by Karen Lewis: http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17723&cat=0&page=2

Font: DJB DAWN by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick

http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=21

additional font: Another Typewriter


My daughter playing with one of her cousins!



A Month At A Time Date Stamps by Karen Lewis at The Digichick

Lil’Miss Kit
http://digitalfreebies.com/store/ind...737333c6b75b1e

DJB JENNA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick</sub>

All catch up with the weekend information later.

Take care!

Take A Guess...

I saw this photo quiz on The Sweet Shoppe and decided to take it:

GuessTheSpot

You correctly answered 12 out of 16. You score is 80%
I was incorrect on #s 5,6,8,16

::::::::::::::::::Books on C.D.::::::::::

For car rides I checked out a few books on c.d. from the library. The one Noah wanted to listen to first was Indian In The Cupboard by Lynn Reid Banks. The author also reads the book. Rachel stated to me that she really likes it when the authors read their own works because the emphasis and feeling are presented the way the author intended. We are on the last disk of the 4 for this book and I really enjoy listening to Banks read her work. If you are looking for something to do in the car consider a book on c.d. I would warn you if you have small children that the "D" word is used in this work a few times.

:::::::::::::::::::The Black Hole::::

We finished reading my old copy of this book Monday. Rachel and Aaron were asking a lot of questions trying to follow characters and asking about the science of what was going on. Noah was usually falling asleep half way through and Eve wanted me to tickle her arm pit, while I was reading. (She likes to have her arms tickled...strange.)

The book is about a small group of explorers from Earth that include astronauts, a reporter and a robot. This group aboard the Palomino happen upon the missing ship Cygnus as they are about to make a turn that would take them back to Earth. They do a fly by of the Cygnus, but get caught in the gravitational pull of a black hole that appears to not have any effect on the Cygnus. The Palomino is able to escape the pull of the black hole and dock with the Cygnus. The greeting on board and the crews meeting with the famous and infamous Dr. Reinhardt is a cold and confusing one for the crew. The sinister nature of Dr. Reinhardt unfolds to the crew slowly, but is an interesting story. The mystery of what the black hole is and where it leads is fascinating even in any inaccuracies. This is science fiction, so we did not put stock in the actual book explanations behind the science. The ending to the book left the kids pondering about the state of souls, which was pretty interesting to discuss. Light reading it isn't, but thought-provoking it is.

::::::::::::::::::Swim Suit Season:::::::::::

Has rolled around again to the delight of the children. Rachel had grown out of her tankini, so we went to the mall and looked around for a new one. Our Church recommends and usually requires one piece bathing suits to activities, but many of those suits expose just as much skin as bikinis. The point, in this directive, is to cover the front of the body and rear-end. I have always hated one pieces and find bikinis equally unattractive, so I was thrilled by the solution of the tankini. Our family is very prone to sunburn,even with lotion, so the surfer type shirts and shorts work great. The shoulders and back get covered and all the other extra bits and, BONUS, when you have to go relieve yourself you can simply drop your drawers without all the twisting and dropping over your wet suit to the yucky floor. We found Rachel's suit at Land's End at Sears.


















::::::::::::::::::Homemade Chicken Soup::::::::

Michael made a double batch of homemade chicken soup with egg noodles. Half of his soup he took to our neighbor who is sick. Aaron is glad we have leftovers because he woke up with a horrible cold, actually he states he didn't really get any sleep. Since Jasper, the ferret, shares a similar immune system he is also the recipient of this nasty cold virus, but his hit yesterday. He was snuffling and whistling much of the day.

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

Noah is signed up for Cub Scout Day Camp. He wasn't excited to go and I wasn't going to force him. I did, however, talk up the things he would get to do and he saw that maybe Day Camp would be fun, so he said he would go. He even followed up with me when he got into the car when I went to pick him asking me, "Did you remember to give her the check, mommy?" I was glad to see he was covering his bases.

I hope y'all have a great day! :)

Another Day, Another Copay...

:::::::::::::::Medical Update::::::::::

Eve has a middle ear infection and sinus infection on the right side. She was thrilled to hear she would be taking the same kind of medicine as Noah. Crazy kids!
Eve and I saw a nurse practioner instead of her primary care because he was booked up. He did walk by as we were leaving and we told him that Eve wanted to be just like her big brother, except we didn't find any eraser in the left ear. He laughed.

Michael told Noah he was an amoxicillan sommelier because he stood there appearing to discern the bouquet and color of his 2 tsp dose. Noah finished up his last dose this morning. Fortunately he stood up well to the news.

::::::::::::::Fresh:::::::::::::::::

This is a layout from Dawn Inskip's newest kit. The colors are a perfect for Spring and the elements are super fun.




Here are links to a few of her sites:

http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2296

http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1151

http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1381

The font: Font: DJB Another Mandy by Darcy Baldwin
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17769


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

Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton



I just finished reading this one to the kids. My paperback version is actually the 1971 printing. I edited the swear words as I read. The kids were mostly interested in the baby that is found in the story. They were also curious about how the Andromeda Strain worked and how viruses spread. The animal experimentation caused them a lot of concern. The book had them nervous, but interested. This is a book for older kids due to the nature of death, which is a scary subject for most of them.

::::::::::::::::::::::Our Next Family Reading Book::::::::

The Ordinary Princess



This book was recommended by my friend, Kim. She has impeccable taste in books. Michael groaned to find out that we were reading "another princess story", but he is persevering and I'm sure he will end up liking the book.

:::::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookies:::::::

have swept through the house like wildfire. The boxes we ordered have been eaten. Rachel made a secondary goal of selling 275 boxes, so THANK YOU to all who supported her...and sorry for any caloric intake that decided to take up residence in your hips!

Later, gators! :)

Ear We Come To Save The Day...

...mighty pediatrician on the way!

Eve is complaining that her right ear hurts. This happens to be the same ear that is infected on Noah. I wondered if it was a sympathy pain, but as Michael was washing her hair she cried in pain. I'll be calling to make a sick child appointment this morning. :(

I didn't reach my goal of having our Summer vacation pictures completed by the first, but I did create another layout:


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MANDY at The Digichick
Shabby Miss Jenn: Trashed Brackets and Folded Paper, staple from Old Letters lil kit
Birgit: Summer Foliage
Jenna Desai: Brick stickers
Linda Gil Billdal: Torn cardboard
Natalie Braxton: Things on Stringz
Alpha is from "Promises" a freebie by the Shabby Princess
Kate Hadfield: Black Doodle Alpha
Nancy Comelab: Cluster frame

:::::::::::::Laptop Update::::::::::::::::

We went to an electronic store called Fry's and found a Gateway notebook with 3 Gigabytes of RAM and a 250G Hard Drive for $50 less than the one we were looking for, so we bought the better one instead. Success, me thinks!

:::::::::::::My Husband?::::::::::::



My husband, Michael, blogged about this cartoon. It really is how he answers stuff and how some people perceive his responses.

:::::::::::::One of My Favorite Photos::::::



I love this photo and I have it scrapped in Noah's album, but I enjoyed playing with a sepia tone for this layout.

This is a scraplift of Omega021 (Monika)http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=279759&cat=fav


Credits:


Darcy Baldwin's DJB CHLOE, DJB CHRISTINEC at The Digichick
Catscrap's: Primavera Collab and Come Out To Play
Catrine's: Doodle flourish
:::::::::::::Library Books::::::::::

I had a slew of books due today, but I turned in several last night. I can't find a book Eve checked out, so I'm off to seek out her different reading spots to see if I can find it.

What Does Noah and a Tillandsia Have in Common?

First you might ask what is a Tillandsia? It is a member of the Bromeliad family and gathers its moisture and nutrients from the air. Since Noah is so picky my guess is that he is actually a bromeliad that looks like a kid. Tricky little fellow! He refused to eat any breakfast because I was out of the thick slice bread, he has approved, for French toast. He did greedily gulp down 2 tablespoons of amoxicillian (creamsicle flavored...Rachel told me). My supposition of his true nature will one day be proven by a call from Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or a Call from The Discovery Channel.

::::::::::::::Iron Butterfly::::::::::

Many of you have heard of Iron Butterfly well, Noah made one:





Technically, it would be a magnetic butterfly.

It was really funny watching him fly his butterfly around the room. So simple and, yet, clever!

:::::::::::::::::::::::Some Layouts for Dawn Inskip's C.T.:::


This is my son sailing on a nasty piece of styrofoam found floating in the lake. He had a slight contact rash shortly afterward...go figure!


<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip: Oh Boy kit at
NDISB http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=8433f041edf1f83bc895ef3f24ea2ebc
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 JAMIE, DJB LIZ, DJB CINDA at The Digichick http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=21


Jan Crowley: Comic Book Junkie



These are some tasty treats from my son's Pinewood Derby a few years ago. I just came across the photos. My daughter was a great helper putting things together.


Credits: Dawn Inskip: "Oh Boy" Kit NDISB, TTS, SSS
Luisa Leandro: at Sophia Sarducci.com
Darcy Baldwin: DJB DAWN at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Alpha
Miscellanous Font: CK Cursive</sub>

:::::::::::::::::::Recommendation Friday:::::::

Butter
(image from internet)

Alton Brown, from the Food Network, did a hilarious show making a case for the use of butter.
I have gone to only purchasing butter in the last 3 years. I prefer the tast and texture, and it doesn't make my lips breakout like margarine. Paula Deen might give me a big old hug for agreeing with her. I don't need a hug Paula...just pass a biscuit and a butter knife! ;)

::::::::::::Tomorrow IS.....

buy a new laptop for Michael day! His 'puter has a short and the batter won't keep a charge. I must also mention that Noah flung an unopened package with a toothbrush at Michael, so he would open it for him. The stiff packaging snapped off the key for the letter "a". Noah was in time out for 5 minutes for the throwing incident, then Michael went to type something and realized the damage to the laptop. Noah was in for another round of time out. I'm going to have to get that boy a bell like they use for a prize fight.

Y'all have a great weekend!

That Was Unexpected!

If you guessed that title had to do with Noah you have read my blog a few times. If you didn't know let me tell you about our trip to the doctor's office yesterday with a short regression, to clarify, to Sunday. Noah's substitute Primary teacher noticed he kept fiddling with his right ear. She said I needed to check that out. I asked Noah if it was bothering him and he replied that it was just itching. On Monday morning he came downstairs with a bit of a whimper saying his ear did hurt. I sent him to school with a note to inform the teacher I was going to make a doctor's appointment as soon as they opened and to keep him out of any activity that might hurt his ear, like physical education. I was able to make a sick visit appointment for 2:15pm. Since Michael had a dental cleaning appointment he got off work early and said he would pick Noah up at school. I called at 2:00pm. to have them notify the teacher. When Michael got to school Noah was at the neighboring high school watching a performance by the drama class. He wasn't back until 1:50pm and it takes a full 30 minutes, on a good day, to reach the clinic. I called and was able to get a new appointment at 5:15pm.

...at the doctor's office...

Noah had no fever, but when the doctor put the (*edited)otoscope in the ear canal Noah quickly, but gently moved the doctor's hand away. We new that his ear must be pretty sensitive. It appeared to be a middle ear infection and he asked if Noah had been swimming lately, but he had not.

...Now the LEFT ear...

the doctor said there appeared to be something SQUARE in Noah's ear canal. We asked him if it was a Lego and the doctor said a Lego would be too large. Noah denied having stuck anything in his ear. MIND YOU...this comes from a kid who stuck a rubber band up his nose (both nostrils) to see if it would fit. One side was fine, but it got stuck in the other...and GUESS WHAT...not even a Lego sword could pry it out. GO FIGURE. This is also the same kid who wrapped a cord from the wood blinds around his neck when he was 3 and jumped off the couch because he was being Superman. Luckily the blinds gave way and he was left with a slight rope burn for a couple of weeks.

...back to our story...

So the nurse is sent in to irrigate the ear canal. AH, the 3rd time was the charm. A little white square shaped object came out. The doctor returned to check what it was. He took wooden tongue depressor and mashed it. He said this is definitely not wax. It feels like rubber.

...The CONFESSION...MAYBE...

Noah then has an EPIPHANY..."Maybe it happened when I had an eraser stuck to my finger nail and I scratched my ear. Maybe."

The doctor said there appeared to be little bits of the eraser still in the ear, so he gave me a homemade recipe of water and baking soda to squirt in the ear each day to wash it out.

...Positive Outcome...

1. Noah can still hear...listening is different (as we all know)
2. We got to see Dr. Pugel's get photographs of his trip to the Mediterranean and some with his new macro lens hanging on the wall.
3. Noah gets to take amoxicillan in his favorite flavor...(this one is kind of weird)
4. Though our wallet is depleted by 45 dollars from the doctor visit and cost of pharmaceuticals we have a priceless Noah story to share. :)


:::::::::::::::Old Pictures...New Layout::::



Credits: Dawn Inskip at NDISB, TTS, SSS
Luisa Leandro at Sophia Sarducci

Darcy Baldwin: DJB DAWN at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Alpha
miscellanous font: CK Cursive

:::::::::::::::Ballet:::::::

Eve's recital is quickly approaching. She is very excited! If you are interested in attending please let me know and I will email the particulars. It is an evening performance, no cost.

Later gators...I must make waffles.

* This is too funny. Someone pointed out my error in using the term "Oscilloscope" for what was stuck in Noah's ear, when it should have been "Otoscope". Thanks for pointing that out and I won't show Noah because he might just want to stick that in his ear when we get the rest of the eraser bits out! :) Oh, and YOU do realize I'm NUTS! :)

Let Them Eat Cake...

because I need to get rid of my class project! :)


Credits: Font by Darcy Baldwin called DJB KIRA at The Digichick, Background paper by Jen Wilson from Nostalgia #4, Jenna Desai's Doodle Mask Frame, Cluster frame by Nancy Comelab.

:::::::::::::::::::Grab A Fleece Blanket and Some Popcorn:::::

My dear spouse speaks wife. To be more exact he speaks the dialect of wife called Victoria. It is a specific dialect and very hard to translate. He also reads my blog and knew I wanted to watch this version of "Pride and Prejudice". What is even cooler is that he wants to watch it with me. This is such a cool Valentine's Day gift. Good Stuff, I tell ya!

We went together to our local Mexican restaurant, Sangria's for Valentine's Day dinner. Rachel scarfed down 3 helpings of refried black beans. She assured us she was safe for closed in spaces, so we agreed to drive her home after the meal. I'm an enchilada supreme gal. Michael loves the fish tacos. Noah orders chicken strips and fries. What a nut! Aaron went for chicken and rice soup with two soft beef tacos...NO lettuce. Eve is a simple girl. She likes refried beans and Mexican rice. The restaurant gave me a red carnation for Valentine's and Eve proudly held it all the way home.

::::::::::::::::Another Layout in My SIL's Album:::::::

My niece, Teresa, on a trip to San Francisco sponsored by AFLAC Cancer Center. She "acquired" the tour guides beret and having fun hamming it up for the camera.


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB KIRA at The Digichick
Michelle Godin: Springtime in Paris kit (I think that is the name)
Catrine: Explore Solids and Laura Alpha
Christina Renee: Book Plate Alpha


::::::::::::::::::::I've Been Tagged:::::::::::::
Carol has tagged me to divulge 7 random facts about myself that would astound and amaze you! LOL Or just stuff you don't already know.

THE RULES:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

1.I'll start with a weird fact. I can't stand flies in a room with me. I turn it into a seek and destroy mission. I have perfected how to come up behind them and steady the book, or magazine and...THWAP!. Michael says I get an insane glint in my eye when I'm doing this.
2. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was sit near the window while the sun streamed in so I could catch the light just right in my eyes and look at the blood vessels, eye lashes and floatie things.
3. I love manual transmission cars, but I don't have one. I know, grab a violin to play for my pity party.
4. I prefer to go barefoot pretty much in any weather, but snow on the ground and I hate the feel of my barefoot on the car accelerator or brake. So, there are exceptions.
5. I love to dance with my husband, but I always want to lead. I have had some rudimentary dance lessons, but I can't seem to just let go and let someone else lead. Type A personality, did you say?
6. My favorite ride at an amusement park is the bumper cars. I could stay there all day smelling the ozone and crashing into folks. Pure glee, I tell you!
7. I can't sleep past about 7:30am even when I have no where to go. I also prefer to stay up late, then complain about not getting enough sleep. Self-fulfilling prophecies are marvelous, don't ya think?!

If you want to play...No PRESSURE...

Michael...cause I'm sure after 18 years there is still things I can learn.
My SIL, Melissa,
My neighbor, Kristen
My friend, Kim...she has the best reading lists for me to check out.
My stepdad, Jim...he's a riot!
My BIL, Marcus, an amazing photographer.
Mariquita...an amazing scrapbook artist

::::::::::::::::::::::Well, My head Says::::::::

go take a decongestant, so I will away now. I would like to quickly thank Eve for coughing in my face while I held her in my loving and protective arms. Please folks, remember to cough into the crook of your arm. This PUBLIC SERVICE announcement and pity party is over...FOR NOW! :)

Doodling Dakotta

Eve decided she wasn't ready to return to school due to her cough and runny nose, so today we played Myst 4 with Aaron and I played around with some doodles created by one of my nieces, Dakotta. Here is what I made with her pictures:



I'll try to do this blogging thing again tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired...

says Evey!

One sick little girl can really put a wrench in my blogging schedule! :) Eve is in my lap chattering right now. She is begging for me to play the Myst series with her again. She loved the characters and the "spooky music". Due to her high fever, cough and general lethargy she was forced to miss "Dessert with Dad" at her preschool. Michael told her he would take her for ice cream at Bruster's. Not only was Eve sick, but I had my final Wilton decorating class for Course 1. I was able to get my cake baked, iced and smoothed with all of the decorator icing prepared. Unfortunately, I left 2 of the tips I needed in the dishwasher due to being distracted. While I was getting ready to leave and taking care of Eveybug Michael was repairing my brakes. I told him on Sunday that they were hashed and having to stop quickly and pull over for an ambulance to pass did them in. He drove the car to work on Monday and agreed that they were bad. He has been working 50 hour weeks, getting ready for scouts, helping with homework, cuddling a sick Eveybug and getting no sleep because he is in our full size bed with a sick toddler. All of these factors combined he still was able to run to the auto parts store and get new pads and rotors for my car and fix the brakes. He drove my car to work this morning and said he thinks all is well.

Eve has had her bath, her fever is gone, but not her runny nose and cough, so she is staying home again. She will be by cake decorating trainer for my push to finish my last cake decorating assignment. My roses came out ruffled because my icing is too stiff. I think they look "Shabby Chic".

::::::::::::::::Please Take a Second to Check Out::::::::

my new "Humanitarian" section. I have links to Free Rice and a new one for a 20 minute video called "Story of Stuff". I found that 20 minutes incredibly informative and thought it very worthy to share.

::::::::::::::::Finished and on Order::::::::::

I finally finished my SIL's Christmas present and ordered it today. I sent her the Shutterfly link so she could check for errors. She said she really liked it, so that make me happy. Here is the Front and Back Cover:



Credits: Font: Grinched, Kay Miller's Lagoon Kit, Kate Hadfield's Vehicle, Pirate and Animal Doodles, also Summer Collab Kit from TLP, Susan Long's castle doodle, Erica Hite's Dear Diary Doodle for the banner.

Here are a few layouts:

I will update the credits for this one soon.



This is one of my sweet nieces, Isabell.


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Doodle E Doo at The Digichick
Designs by Angelica E.: Happy Doodles
Kate Hadfield: Lovebirds, Chipboard Doodled Hearts
Ida: Heart Doodle Alpha
Natalie Braxton: Strings from the February B.Y.O.C.
Kristin Cronan-Barrow: Lovedovey glitter

A couple of nieces and a nephew playing in the leaves.


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Ida: Fall leaves doodles, Crayon Doodles
Catrine: Explore Solids
Katie Pertiet: Taped frames

::::::::::::::::::::::::::Dawn Inskip Layouts::::::

I made these as part of a tryout for a guest c.t. spot using her freebie::


Eve likes to imagine she is a flower fairy when the azaleas bloom in our front yard.


Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Guest C.T. Mini Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Connorbuck at The Digichick


Aaron and Rachel are like a couple of lizards on a wall when it comes to climbing.
Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Guest C.T. Mini Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MISH at The Digichick

I will update tomorrow, as Eve should be back to school. I have been tagged by Carol and also need to hand out my blog awards. Later today is the teacher conferences for Rachel and Noah...should be interesting!

Smiles!

"I Don't Believe In Ghosts...

...I don't believe in monsters. I believe in ponies!", proclaimed Eve after a triumphant and uneventful trip to the bathroom. Potty safety is always important, but obviously is a big psychological barrier for 5 year-olds who think their are things lurking up the stairs. I don't know how ponies are helpful, but in Eve's mind they are some kind of patronus.

::::::::::::::::::A Little Fun With Elvis, or::::

Elvis is in the building! This one is for my mom...who loves Elvis. She took me to an Elvis concert for my birthday. He died shortly after...I had nothing to do with it! I didn't enjoy the concert and my mom regrets taking me instead of her neighbor, Donna.

This is created from a freebie at Christina Renee's blog called Authentic Artistry
I thought it would be fun to play along with the challenge at Christina Renee's blog. http://www.christinareneedesigns.com/authenticartistry/?p=59
Velvet Elvis paintings are not just for the Ramada Inn Showrooms they have gone digital.


Credits: Christina Renee: Art Gallery I and II freebies
Paintings from the internet

::::::::::::::::::::::::Spiral Frog Download of the Week::::::

"Work That" by Mary J. Blige

I liked the song, so I looked up the lyrics: Work your thing out
Work your thing out
Work your thing out
Work your thing out

Theres so many-a girls
I hear you been running
From the beautiful queen
That you could be becoming
You can look at my palm
And see the storm coming
Read the book of my life
And see I've overcome it
Just because the length of your hair ain't long
And they often criticize you for your skin tone
Wanna hold your head high
Cause you're a pretty woman
Get your runway stride home
And keep going
Girl live ya life

I just wanna be myself
Don't sweat girl be yourself
Follow me
Follow me
Follow me
Girl be yourself
That's why I be myself
And I'm gonna love it

Let em get mad
They gonna hate anyway
Don't you get that?
Doesn't matter if you're going on with their plan
They'll never be happy
Cause they're not happy with themselves

Na na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got

Feelin great because the light's on me
Celebrating the things that everyone told me
Would never happen but God has put his hands on me
And aint a man alive could ever take it from me
Working with what I got I gotta keep on
Taking care of myself I wanna live long
Aint never ashamed what life did to me
[Work That lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

Wasn't afraid to change cause it was good for me
I wanna...

I just wanna be myself
Don't sweat girl be yourself
Follow me
Follow me
Follow me
Girl be yourself
That's why I be myself
And I'm gonna love it

Let em get mad
They gonna hate anyway
Don't you get that?
Doesn't matter if you're going on with their plan
They'll never be happy
Cause they're not happy with themselves

Na na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got

Work that
Work that
Work that
Girl don't hold back
You just be yourself

Na na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got

Work that
Work that
Work that
Girl don't hold back
You just be yourself

Work that thing out
Work that thing out
Work what you got

::::::::::::::::::::Recommendation Friday::::::::::::



These are the best paper towels. I have been buying these for a couple of years now. I can clean up with one towel what takes most towels 3 to 5 sheets of other brands. I thought it was pretty cool that my cake decorating instructor told our class that other decorators swear by Viva for helping them smooth out the frosting on their cakes. They take a brand new roll of Viva and put it in a ziploc to keep lint off, then when their cake frosting has crusted a bit they put the paper towel on the cake. Then, they use the heat of their hand to smooth the cake and since their is no design on the Viva it's perfect for the task.
As my favorite science guru, Bill Nye, says: "Now YOU know!"

:::::::::::::::::::Health update:::::::

My throat is feeling better. Michael hopes to get a good night sleep some time early next week. It appears my snoring, tossing and turning has been a bit of a problem for him, as well.

Smiles!

Feeling Puny

Howdy folks! I am feeling a bit under the weather today. My tonsils are swollen, but I don't have a fever, so who knows what I'm harboring.

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

was a busy one. The sister missionaries from our church came over for dinner. We prepared breakfast for dinner. We had bacon, french toast and scrambled eggs. The sisters were adventurous and poured Pomegranate 7Up into their orange juice. The kids were their usually rowdy selves. At one point, we got on the subject of animals who run in front of cars like opossums and deer. This sequed into Noah wanting to tell the missionaries one of his favorite jokes which starts out like this: What is the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts? At this point Michael and I frantically call him off before he can give the punch line. The sister missionaries just looked at me and laughed because I couldn't stop laughing and had turned beet red. So, the kids started telling more benign jokes. Rachel new several blonde jokes and their were a couple from the show The Vicar of Dibley that the kids could share.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Wilton Cake Art I:::::::

I ran off to take my first cake decorating class and got there with 5 minutes to spare. We learned about the recipes and uses for the different consistencies of icing and some basic frosting methods. My homework assignment is to bake a cake and have it frosted and ready for decorating next week.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Court of Honor::::::::

Aaron and Michael have a Court of Honor tonight for Scouts. Michael took the day off because he has been run ragged at work and home for a couple of weeks and needed to slow down. Unfortunately, he has to run to Lawrenceville to pick up the badges because the person that said they could pick them up Sunday has a meeting downtown and can't make it out there. Typical.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Weekend Update:::::::::::::::

I almost forgot to talk about our fun trip to Shakespeare's Tavern. The night was frigid, but it was just fine inside the tavern. We had balcony seats, which was great to see all parts of the stage at once. The play for the evening was "Twelfth Night". The actors did a marvelous job. Michael and I took his mom and my mother to see the play. The music for the play was just perfect, too. We ate at the tavern and the food was rather tasty. I had the sheperd's pie, Michael had the Hearty Lentil soup, Sydney had the Cornish Pasty and my mom opted for the Salmon and Leek pie. YUM! During intermission Michael had a apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. So, we were well fed and the play was awesome. When we left the downtown Atlanta night scene was just getting started and the some homeless people were outside the door.

Michael and I want to bring Aaron and Rachel back to the tavern to see "A Midsummer's Night Dream". We thought it would be fun to have Michael's family and my mom to return during the holidays at the end of the year to see "A Christmas Carol". We will have to see if any of them are interested.

I'm going to go take a lie down and read.

Smiles!

Snow...in Georgia...Yes,

it can happen! Rachel came home and said, "Mom, doesn't snow make you giggle?" She had just gotten home from her retainer appointment and had stopped to catch snowflakes on her tongue. The other kids just watched from the windows content to be warm. Unfortunately, most of the snow melted by morning, but we got some more needed rain. So positive news all around.

:::::::::::::::::Thumb Update::::::

Noah's thumb infection appears to be responding well to the sulfa medication and the topical ointment. He informs me that the medicine, "...isn't that bad!" He informed me last night when it was time to take his medicine, "Let's just get this over with!" I really appreciate not having to beg him to take it or chase him around the house and having to hold him down. How, strangly, refreshing!


::::::::::::::::I'm Taller Than You Are!:



The elements in this collection, My Little Heart, were a gift for gallery comments at Sausan Designs. What a fun task because the kit is so whimsical and happy. I loved looking at all the different perspectives with the design.

Additional credits: Darcy Baldwin: DJB Writes A Lot at The Digichick
Emily Merritt: Word Toppers dates

:::::::::::::::::::::::Ramen Noodles:::::::::::

My kids love to eat Ramen noodles. Their favorites are the Maruchan brand "Roasted Chicken" and when they want to go a little wild they combine it with a "Chili" flavored Ramen. I know, we live on the edge. This allows me to spend a little bit for these delicious little things:

I LURVE me some chocolate covered marshmallows!

::::::::::::::::::::::::Mystery Reader::::::::

Aaron got to be the Mystery Reader for Eve's pre-k class today. He read Fox in Socks. By the time it got to the tweedle beetle battle he was getting a tongue cramp, which was pretty funny. Eve was so proud of having her brother read that she kept wanting to hug him...he was so embarrassed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::Copernicus' Secret:::::::


This book is fascinating. I also like learning about Regiomontanus.

::::::::::::::::::::::::Activity Day Girls:::::::::

At church my new calling is to be a leader for the Activity Day Girls. There are already 2 leaders, so I help with what ever they need. The girls are really a fabulous bunch. Last night we created a mock runway for the girls to walk down. They were asked to wear their favorite modest outfit and tell why they felt it was modest. The girls loved struting down the catwalk we created using white Christmas lights after they came out from behind a white bed sheet where they created a silhoutte from a yard light. Then we separated them into 3 groups and let them discuss ways to be modest in dress and be good examples to their friends. The girls were thrilled to run out and play in the first snow of the year...and maybe the only snow of the year here in Georgia.

Smiles!

Noah 9...

that is what you get when Ben 10's #1 fan gets a nasty infection on his thumb.

Last week during sacrament meeting I noticed Noah's cuticle was pink a puffy. I asked him to remind me to look at when we got home from church. He forgot. I forgot. BAD THING! So, sacrament meeting rolled around again Sunday and I looked at Noah's hand. CRIMINEA (sp?)and YIKES! It was a hot pink, swollen, oozing mess! Why hasn't he said anything? Well, you just have to know Noah the Stoic and shirker of things painful. Michael and I let our friend, Paola, know that we were taking Noah home during Sunday School to clean and treat the thumb.
The first course of action was to numb the skin, so Michael could check out the damage. Our neighbor, Kristen, is also an EMT and suggested keeping Anbesol in the first aid kit to be used as a topical anesthetic. Michael, then, wiped off the Anbesol and used the twizzers to clean off the dead skin and crusty stuff. Then he squeezed out a lot of infection while Noah screamed and cried, while I held him and cried. Michael then put some tincture of Benzoin on the thumb. Noah told him to hurry up because he was missing Sunday School and he wanted to get back right away.

We watched it for a day and it looked like it might get better with just a bit of antibotic cream and changes of band-aids. I decided to check on him during his lunch period at school to determine if I needed to call the doctor. The finger looked worse so I called and made an appointment while I was at the school for 2:30pm. When I went back to school to pick him up after retrieving Eve from preschool the school nurse came up to me to thank me for a fleece blanket I made her two years ago. She had gotten very sick right after I gave it to her and she said she cuddled in the blanket for warmth every day she was out sick. She told me she also cuddles in it for a nap, most days, after school. Boy, that made my heart warm. She takes care of kids when I'm not there, so I'm glad I can return some measure of comfort to her!

Noah saw the nurse practioner and she said that he had a bacterial infection and prescribed bactrim (sp), or rather, the generic sulfatrim. He will take 14ml twice a day for 10 days. She said they are using this medication as a first line of drug because of the antibiotic resistant MRSA. If his thumb doesn't show improvement in 2 days we go back for another drug they have found useful against MRSA resistant strains.

Last night, while playing the Simpson version of Clue Noah was wondering what would happen if his thumb didn't get better. Michael told him we would get it cut off and replace it with a bionic thumb (while he was doing the Bionic Man theme song). Then, Michael did this slow motion thumb wrestling with his "Bionic" thumb and told Noah that with a Bionic thumb he could challenge everyone and win. Noah LOVED this idea.

::::::::::::::::::::Double 0 Noah::::::::

On the way to the doctor's appointment Noah was wondering what it would be like to have a car with a harpoon gun. He theorized that if you shot a harpoon gun at a truck going the opposite way would rip the door right off. I suppose that would be true...STRANGE, but true! I told him that Granny Sue would love him to design and build her just such an equipped vehicle because she hates traffic.

I have my own ideas about how to get annoying drivers out of my way. I think really hard things like, "Don't you need to turn right here and get bread?" "Don't you need to stop for gas?" "Pull in right here and go to the bathroom?" "TURN NOW!" I have found that I am 100% ineffective.

::::::::::::::::::::Givin' Out Some PROPS:::::

I really enjoy reading my husband's blog, Free Philosophical Discussions .

::::::::::::::::Working on layouts...

I'm creating a Shutterfly album for my sister-in-law for her Christmas gift. We set down and selected photos and she looked at some of my digital supplies and let me know what style she liked. So, now I'm working on the album of her wonderful family.

Later!

Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men...

often go awry.

The Christmas tree is still bare of any lights and ornaments. Both Michael and Eveybug have been sick. Poor little Evey was heaving her wee guts out the other night, but she was so brave! She would just pat me on the arm and that meant it was time to make a run for it. I had Michael sleep on Rachel's trundle so if he needed to get to the bathroom we wouldn't be in each other's way. Michael and Eve stayed home yesterday and she had fallen asleep by the time I got home from running the kids around. So, I don't know if she will be going to school today.


:::::::::::::::::Wednesday::::::::
Yesterday, I checked Rachel out of school to get her retainer. She picked one in an ocean blue color.

The appointment to a little over an hour because they stack the kids like cord wood with their scheduling. I suppose these folks could easily get a job in traffic control at Hartsfield...they have such similar...should it be called...skills? She was instructed to wear to only remove the retainer to eat and brush. I maintained the tradition of taking Rachel to Bruster's for a scoop of Cotton Candy Explosion. I had turtle ice cream in a waffle cone. The pecans were perfection itself...mmm good!

Noah and Aaron had scouts. Michael was supposed to go, but was too sick. The cub scouts conducted a flag retirement ceremony and they did a fantastic job. They were very respectful and reverent during the ceremony and the boys did a, mostly, good job of listening. Afterwards the boys were treated to hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies.
Aaron was supposed to have his board of review for advancement, but his dad, the Scout Master, was sick and the Committee Chairman had to leave because his son's stitches came out during a game the scout's were playing, so he will have to wait a few more days for the review.

::::::::::::::::George's Secret Key To The Universe:::::::::



This book written by Lucy and Stephen Hawking sucked the kids in like the black hole that is discussed in the book. The stories title character, George, is a boy who wants to learn about technology, but his parents are extreme environmentalists. George meets his young next door neighbor, Annie and the adventure begins. Annie's dad is a scientist who uses a sleek looking laptop named Cosmos to research the universe for an earth-like planet for us to inhabit after we have depleted our own world. George has a couple of thrilling space adventures, which kept the kids wanting me to read the next chapter...and the next. Interspersed throughout the book are photos and facts about space. The book has information, as recent as, 2006. In the part of the story, specifically, about the black hole the theory of Hawking Radiation is explained. What was really cool about it was Michael had read about it and was animatedly explaining how it worked to the children and me.
The moral of the story is that we need to take care of the planet we have, while looking for another habitable planet. The story was a fun and informational read. I recommend it if you have kids who enjoy space and science adventures.


::::::::::::::::::::::Magic And Other Misdemeanors



by Michael Buckley is the next book in the series of stories about the Sisters Grimm. My kids were so anxious to get this book started and see what the girls and the crazy town of Everafters were up to in Ferryport Landing. The first chapter was packed with excitement with the zany character, Puck and his chimpanzee army. This should be a wild adventure!

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



_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL, SAVE THE DATE at The Digichick,
Gina Miller: Canvas of Color
Catrine: Journaling papers
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Kate Hadfield: Rainbow Rubberbands, Heavy Duty Staples
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frames
Ida: Crayon doodles
Amy Wolff: Chalked Swirls}

The Flower That Blooms...

in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. The Emperor in Mulan.


This is a photo of one of my sweet nieces, Teresa. She is currently in remission from leukemia. She has been such a trooper through her many rounds of treatments and a few broken bones. We are so proud of her! I was thinking about this right as I was coming out of a fitful sleep this morning, so I went down to work on the layout. I came up with this:


_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB Mandy, DJB LauraTscript at The Digichick
Katie Pertiet: Taped frame
Nancy Comelab: background paper
Emily Merritt: Glitter Bubble Wrap
Kate Hadfield: In The Pink freebie
Shabby Miss Jenn: staple from the Old Letters lil kit
Catrine: Black chalked alpha
Birgit: Gralpha2}


:::::::::::::::::::This Too, Shall Pass...:::

on to another member of my family. Eve and I have been infected with whatever virus Aaron has. We felt yucky, but went to Church because Eve was chipper enough to go. When we got home I went up for a nap, then got up and took some Ibuprophen, then went back to nap a bit more. Eve came up and cuddled with me and would touch my face and forehead with the palm, then the back of her hand mimicking the way I check her temperature. She is such a little nurse.

:::::::::::::::::::The Real Thing::::::

This music site is a bit of a pain to navigate, but the songs you download are free. You just have to register and watch ads to download. I am registered for 30 days to begin with, then I haven't read about reregistration.
Spiral Frog

So far, I have downloaded:
"Stand" by Rascal Flatts
"I Go Walking" by Patsy Cline
Elvis Costello's
"Angel Want To Wear My Red Shoes"
"Pump It Up"
"What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" (Elvis Costello and the Attractions)

"Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat
"I'm Like a Bird" Nelly Furtado

Counting Crows:
"Mr. Jones"
"Accidentally In Love"

Barry White:
"Can't Get Enough of Your Love Babe"
"You're The First, My Last, My Everything"

Ramones
"Blitzkrieg Bop"
"Spiderman"
"I Don't Want to Grow Up"

Olivia Newton-John
"Little More Love"
"Magic"

I'm off to check out more music!

Smiles and a sniffle!

Happy Halloween!

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Halloween Doodles
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Halloween Wordy Bits
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Nancy Comelab: Freebie frame October
Emily Merritt: Meshy Brush Add-on, Meshy Glitter Brush
Font: Blackadder ITC}




Eve wore her Wicked Witch of the East costume with panache! Michael repurposed Aaron's old Dracula cape, stitched up some black & grey yarn for hair, a $ 1.00 hat, black tights, Rachel's old velvet dress and old ruby slippers.


_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB Michael at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Halloween Doodles, Doodled Alpha and Doodled Frame
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Halloween Wordy Bits, Basic Wordy Alpha
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids}
Noah was excited to lose his second tooth so quickly! Now he has lost both central incisors.





_{Darcy Baldwin: Rubbed Out Alpha, Save The Date, DJB AMANDAG, DJB SUSANR all at The Digichick
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Kate Hadfield: Stitched Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples, Journal Doodles, Rainbow Tape, Doodle Borders, Pipe Cleaner Stars, Rainbow Rubberbands
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Wordy Bits Alpha
Rhonna Farrer: Peachy Keen paper
Emily Merritt: Going Home Add-On
Natalie Braxton: Boy Buttons, Stitched Cut-Outs
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Christina Renee: Punch Label Alpha
Catrine: Journal Paper}

:::::::::::Color Test:::::::
I saw this test on Julie P.' site and I scored 88% the first time and 100% the second time. The retake used the same word and color matches. I always find the tests that throw in a new batch of variables to be the best, but this one is fun.

Color Test
:::::::::::::::::::::Field Day Photos::::::

coming tomorrow. Aaron is sick so I need to tend to him!

Have a Sweet night!

Coal In Your Stocking?

Text: Aaron, Noah and Rachel failed to read the sign "Please Keep Off Coal" outside the Blacksmith's building at Colonial Williamsburg. They were very curious what it was, so we informed them it was what they deserved in their stockings every Christmas. The children were incredulous! They began defending their behavior. I, on the other hand, made a mental note, about the location of this stocking stuffer emporium.

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB LIZ at The Digichick
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids
Michelle Coleman: Handstamped Alpha, Glitter Stockings
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Kate Hadfield: Doodled Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Wordy Bits Date
Weeds and Wildflowers: Layered Alpha
Natalie Braxton: Cutouts II, Really Big Bows
Katie Pertiet: Vintage Curled Frame 4
Nancy Comelab: Vintage Frames
Meredith Fenwick: Caution Stamp
Font: Jane Austen}

::::::::::::::::::What Do you Do When There Is A Teacher Work Day?::::

Well, I scheduled check-ups for Aaron and Rachel. Rachel asked that I cancel the appointment and reschedule for a time during school, so I could check her out. I told her no. When we were called into the back office the nurse informed Aaron that he would be getting the meningitis vaccine. Aaron suffers...and we along with him...from anxiety. He started to cry. He was able to calm down for a bit while the other regular check up stuff was happening. The doctor asked about the kids diets. I told him Rachel was a pretty diverse eater, and that Aaron accidently eats vegetables every once in a while. Aaron was in 40th percentile in height and 20th in weight. Rachel was 14th in height and 38th in weight. She was scheduled for a chicken pox booster, but the vaccine availibility was too low and she was healthy, so they skipped her shot. As Napolean Dynamite would declare..."LUCKY!"
Aaron, on the other hand, was not so lucky. He came to get me when the nurse was ready for the shot. He tensed up and cried. I told him to squeeze my hand, instead he clawed the cr@p out of my right forearm. Note to self...wear Kevlar long sleeve shirt when going to doctor appointments with Aaron. He flinched and grabbed for his upper arm and made the nurse drop the syringe to the ground after giving Aaron a nice scratch across his arm. Aaron apologized profusely while shaking. The nurse came back with a new syringe and prepped the other arm. This time I took hold of Aaron's hands and the nurse quickly gave the shot. Aaron was surprised that it happened so quickly and he was fine. Like...every other time. ARGH!


***WARNING...Not A Fluff Light-Hearted Entry::::

Michael has been asked to speak at the next meeting library board meeting. He is apprehensive because he dislikes confrontation, but he ,with a bit encouragment, decided that supporting The Bill of Rights would override his apprehension. The issue before the board is the libraries internet policy.
There is a pernicious problem in the world in regards to pornography and their are many who would like to censor what people view at the public library. I know from talking it over with Michael that he feels like people will see him as supporting those who make evil choices. In actuality, he is supporting their right to choose between good and evil. If we force or compel people against their will to make the choices we want we are no better than regimes throughout the world and throughout history that we have fled or fought to find a place for freedom. That very freedom is being chipped away in small ways here and there and I don't think it is of any small consequence that he has an opportunity to speak up for those freedoms that are penned in our Constitution.

::::::::::::::::Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program:::::

Just because I saw it on the shelf at the library and wanted to read it. I grabbed The Twits by Roald Dahl.
The book was a short read and the kids were eager to hear the story. At one point I think I had 3 kids laying around me to see the illustrations. The story was bizarre, but the moral of how you look and your attitude can determine how people perceive you was great.

We then went back to our regular reading book. Rachel says she doesn't get the book, yet. She doesn't particularly like the story, but we are only on the 6th chapter, so I told her to stick it out with me. I like the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

:::::::::::::::::::Costume Ideas::::::::

Rachel: A Lollipop...I will have to find a set of white sweats for the "stick" part and Michael will come up with something clever for the candy bit.

Noah: Ben 10...he just needs a t-shirt designed like the cartoon.

Aaron: The Black Knight...Michael is sewing a black tunic and Stephen made the chain mail last year, so he is pretty much covered.

Eve: I'm not sure about her. I'm trying to talk her out of being a fairy...just tired of that idea.

Check ya later!

The Only Reason She Can Find Her Head...

is that it is attached to her shoulders! Mornings with Rachel are like living in a Where's Waldo book. I try to curtail that problem with making sure everything is signed, homework is completed, clothes for the morning are laid out, but as Gilda Radner quipped, "It's Always Something!" Yesterday, it was a frantic search for her ear drops before school. (Rolled under Aaron's bed...Rachel located them 2 minutes before the bus pulled up). This morning it was her glasses. She couldn't remember where she placed them when she took them off. I found them in a tub of toys next to her bed...after 15 minutes of searching. I really am kinda stressing what I need to cover for tonight to forgo such morning dramatics!

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


Eve's First Day at Preschool:


She made a new friend named Fiona. Her only bad experience was another child getting to the swing before she did, so she couldn't swing next to her new pal.

A Taylor Tradition:



Eve completes the Taylor tradition of attending Harmony Grove Preschool. The other tradition is pulling the church bell after class. A loud a fun thing to do!


:::::::::::::::::Rachel's Ear Saga::::::::

Ding! Ding! Ding! Round 3!

In this corner weighing in at 67 lbs. is Rachel Taylor and in the other corner is... Otitis Externa weighing in at nothing much, but packing quite a punch!

From what the doctor said Rachel's Inner Ear infection and Strep are all gone, but she has developed an infection in the ear canal. She winces when she has to put on or remover her glasses and if you touch her ear lobe are. She has drops for before and after school, then before bed.

:::::::::::::::::Hairspray:::::::::::

I forgot to mention that Michael and I watched the version of "Hairspray" with Ricki Lake at Tracy Turnblad. Since I had the newer version for comparison it was interesting to see the few differences in the films. I enjoyed the recent film portrayals better in the recent adaptation. I love the additional film time for Tracy's parents played by John Travolta and Christopher Walken. Queen Latifya did an on par job with the original actress. Overall excellent recasting of the film.

:::::::::::::::GVA:::::::

of Georgia Virtual Academy is going okay. There is a learning curve for both of us with the new curriculum, but it isn't bad. I need to figure out how to add German language lessons into the plan. The biggest thing to work with is Aaron reading and following directions, but this isn't new. He read an African folktale yesterday, grungingly. He just doesn't enjoy reading like Rachel does, but the funny thing is he ended up with a great attitude after the story was over. He could explain to me all of the nuisances of the story and moral lesson. He was able to take two different tests without rereading anything. I was glad that he had a positive attitude about the assignment...at the end.

::::::::::::::Making Treats::::::

Luckily, Michael came home to eat some of my oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies. He walked five miles today, so he said he could have a treat. I keep eating them, so I'm glad he is running some caloric interference! I gave some to the neighbor for kindly letting me borrow some baking powder. I made them for a lady I see from Church once a month. Last month was peanut butter cookies. Before I leave her house we determine the treat for the following month. Next month is lemon bars. December is always pre-determined as Southern Baklava month. Talk about just rub them on your thighs because they are gonna end up their anyway kinda food, but they are waaaaayyy to tasty to bypass the taste buds! I'll share photos come Christmas time...(not my thighs...I'm not that cruel!)

Smiles!