Shampoo and Cut

I took Rachel for a haircut. She wants to donate her hair for charity. She also wanted to be free from her long hair, so two good reasons. Eve and Noah thought it would be good for them to get their hair cut, too. So here are the results:










:::::::::::Kindergarten Camp:::::::

I signed Eve up for a 3 day camp to help her get familiar with the school and how the classroom and day are set up. Each day is just 3 hours and she will be attending with a couple of girls from her preschool class. She is pretty excited.

:::::::::::Walking:::::::::::::::::

I walked 5 miles, by myself, yesterday. I listened to a couple of cool Astronomy Cast podcasts. One was about the Asteroid Belt and the other one was about Jupiter. The weather was really nice. Then, I needed to drop some books off at the library and Rachel and Eve jumped at the chance to walk with me. We left about 7pm. and we were stopped by neighbors twice before leaving the subdivision to compliment the girls on their new hair cuts and to chat a second. Then, we reached the crosswalk and as soon as the girls pressed the light to get the signal to cross a minivan pulled up and it was one of Rachel's best friends from school/Girl Scouts. The car erupted with girl squeals since another of Rachel's friends was riding in the car. They loved the hair cuts, too. That was a brief visit because the light changed.
At the library Eve met up with her friend Jayla. They giggled and found books to look at on the couch together. Rachel found a book and I grabbed some information on some possible summer destination sites for next year. Michael wants to take the kids to Yosemite and Joshua Tree. He has promised Eve a return engagement at Carlsbad Caverns to see the bat flights. We also want to go back to Mesa Verde and go to the cliff dwellings. He also talked about going to San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
On the way home from the library we stopped at the pond for the girls to listen to the loud bull frogs and watch the ducks. We saw a lady from church and spoke about our mutual approval of the cool evening and low humidity. The girls noticed the roadkill I had distracted them from on the walk up. They counted 2 squirrels and 2 turtles. They were most upset about the turtles. I think the reasoning is squirrels should be fast enough to get out of the way.

:::::::::::::::::::Computer::::::::::::

My computer is away, right now, and hopefully will return with the files intact. Those files contain some layouts for Noah's baptism album and a couple with their new cousin. I'm borrowing the kids computer to post to my blog.

Take Care! :)

Talking About Yesterday

:::::::::::::::::::Scout Camp::::::

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:::::


<sub>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</sub>


:::::::::::::::::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}

:::::::::::::::::Exciting Summer Adventures::::::::

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.

Smiles! :)

Frustrated Artist and The Lone Dissenter

:::::::::::::::Frustrated Artist:::::::::

This is a layout of another one of my beautiful nieces, Kyra. One of the relaxing activities for our family reunion was to color. Kyra threw me a pout when her colored pencil was worn to a nub and she had a lot more to shade with that color.



_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB SUSANR at The Digichick
Jenna Desai: Whimsical Doodle
Scarletheels Media: Graphtastic, Painty Alpha
Kim de Smet: Newspaper border
Two Sisters Designs: Punch Label date
Tia Bennett: Joined At The Hip
Meredith Fenwick: Circle brush
Emily Merritt: Meshy Brush Add-on
Sausan Designs: Doodle Frame
Kate hadfield: Doodle Tape, Heavy Duty Staples
Font: Trashed}


:::::::::::::::::::::::::Interesting Test::::::::
I saw this test on Jessica Sprague's blog

Jung Typology Test

Here is how I scored:

Your Type is
INFJ
Introverted Intuitive Feeling Judging
Strength of the preferences %
44 50 25 44


INFJ type description by D.Keirsey
INFJ type description by J. Butt and M.M. Heiss
http://typelogic.com/infj.html

INFJ Career Choices Jung Career Indicator?
INFJ Lifestyle Preferences




Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:
moderately expressed introvert

moderately expressed intuitive personality

moderately expressed feeling personality

moderately expressed judging personality

Protrait of the Counselor

The Portait of the Counselor (INFJ)

The Counselor Idealists are abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in reaching their goals, and enterprising and attentive in their interpersonal roles. Counselors focus on human potentials, think in terms of ethical values, and come easily to decisions. The small number of this type (little more than 2 percent) is regrettable, since Counselors have an unusually strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their companions. Although Counsleors tend to be private, sensitive people, and are not generally visible leaders, they nevertheless work quite intensely with those close to them, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes with their families, friends, and colleagues. This type has great depth of personality; they are themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people.

Counselors can be hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not to share their reactions except with those they trust. With their loved ones, certainly, Counselors are not reluctant to express their feelings, their face lighting up with the positive emotions, but darkening like a thunderhead with the negative. Indeed, because of their strong ability to take into themselves the feelings of others, Counselors can be hurt rather easily by those around them, which, perhaps, is one reason why they tend to be private people, mutely withdrawing from human contact. At the same time, friends who have known a Counselor for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that they are inconsistent; Counselors value their integrity a great deal, but they have intricately woven, mysterious personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors have strong empathic abilities and can become aware of another's emotions or intentions -- good or evil -- even before that person is conscious of them. This "mind-reading" can take the form of feeling the hidden distress or illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types to comprehend. Even Counselors can seldom tell how they came to penetrate others' feelings so keenly. Furthermore, the Counselor is most likely of all the types to demonstrate an ability to understand psychic phenomena and to have visions of human events, past, present, or future. What is known as ESP may well be exceptional intuitive ability-in both its forms, projection and introjection. Such supernormal intuition is found frequently in the Counselor, and can extend to people, things, and often events, taking the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to come, as well as uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance.

Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).

Full descriptions of the Counselor and the Idealists are in People Patterns or Please Understand Me II

::::::::::::::::::New Family Reading Book:::::::::::

George's Secret Key To The Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking



The story is perfect for Noah. It has a young boy who owns a pig and the book talks about black holes and other science stuff.

::::::::::::::::::::::Holiday Un-Spirits::::::

this is a new drink that looked tasty for those holiday festivities
I have a 2 liter bottle ready for sampling, so I'll let you know the family verdict on this new drink.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Christmas Gift From Shutterfly::::

Shutterfly and Jen Wilson Designs have teamed up to allow for a free elements and paper pack worth $6.00.

Here is the link to there freebies here

:::::::::::::::::::::College For Kids::::::::

Rachel went through her book ceremony for College for Kids at Mercer University. We really enjoy her stories.


:::::::::::::::::::::Links To The Library Internet Dispute::::

Michael was listed as "The Lone Dissenter" in a news article on the issue. That had quite a ring to it.

Check out Michael's blog for the 411 on the Gwinnett County Library Board meeting.

:::::::::::::::::::::Teacher Conference and Braces Removal:::::::

I will post photos of a de-braced Rachel tomorrow! I won't, however, burden you with photos of the teacher conferences! :)

:::::::::::::::::::::Cherie Call::::::::

I am really enjoying her acoustic style. One of my favorite songs by her is "No"

and "One Good Woman"

"No Ordinary Girl"

Smiles, y'all!

Joan of Arc and Other People Wary of...

incensed citizens.

:::::::::::::::::::Library Board Meeting::::::::

Michael was one of 4 people who spoke before the library board. He was the only one who spoke in favor of the current internet policy. He was able to get throught his prepared message except for two short paragraphs. There were no applause, but I figure the majority of people who choose to follow their conscience against the popular opinion rarely receive any. On the way I compared his effort to Joan of Arc who followed what she knew to be right, but ended up burned at the stake. Michael wasn't really bouyed up by this comparison. It just happened to be on my mind because the kids and I had watched "Bone of Arc"
with the doggie actor Wishbone. There were reporters for Channel 2 and 46 there, as well as, a reporter from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. We gave the AJC reporter Michael's notes when she asked for excerpts of his statement.


This is a layout of a day Rachel played with mischevious glee in the huge puddles left after the brief rainstorm while we were at Niagara Falls.



_{This template was by wyowoman (Kristen Tilley) for the DST Digital Scrapbook Day.
Darcy Baldwin: DJB HeatherG at The Digichick
Scarletheels Media: Papers and Netter Alpha
Misty Mareday: Together brush, Calendar numbers
Kate Hadfield: Weather doodles, Flower Doodles, Stitched Doodle Alpha, Newspaper Doodle Apha, Taped Journal bits, Taped Alpha, Staples, Doodle Alpha, Doodle Tape
Emily Merritt: Tile Alpha
Catrine: Chalk Alpha
Audrey Neal: Alpha for The Lily Pad's Summer Collab kit
Ashley Olsen: Faithfulness Alpha}




::::::::::::::::::::::Current Quick Reads::::::
Zachary Zormer: Shape Transformer

There are little sketches with directions in the back for kids to do what the character in the story creates. This was a clever little book.

The Last Dance by Carmen Deedy

From Publishers Weekly
Despite the precious life lessons knit into the story line ("Every human being has a right to three things: to dance... to sing... to tell stories"), Deedy's fluid prose and flair for imagery ("the moon sat full-bellied on the treetops") turns a potentially trite story into a sweet, sentimental one. Childhood sweethearts Ninny and Bessie make a pact that when one of them dies, the other will come to the graveyard and dance on the grave. The story spans a lifetime, from the young couple's early moonlight dances at Ninny's grandfather's grave through marriage, a war and a last anniversary. In the end, Bessie fulfills her promise and saves the last dance for her beloved Ninny. Santini's impressionistic watercolors, rendered in muted shades of rose, smoke blue, and browns, effectively capture the bittersweet mood of the story. A note: although the subject may be more likely to appeal to beginning readers, the text-set in a decorative scriptface-is a visual stumbling block. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I agree with the note from this review in regards to the type face, but the message was still good.


::::::::::::::::::::::::::Saturday at The Movies::::::
The girls and I went to see "The Rock", Dwayne Johnson, in this movie:


The movie was fun. I have to say The Rock has some of the best set of teeth I have ever seen! The message about a guy who is self-centered learning to love someone was pretty cool.

My mom and Noah went to see "The Bee Movie" with Jerry Seinfeld. They reported a fun movie, too. It worked out that the films were only at slightly different times, so we could go in one car.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Weather Update::::::::::::

My friend Janna asked about the lack of rain in the area. We are experiencing a severe drought. The local pond the kids like to go by is extremely shallow. Michael and Aaron went caving in North Georgia on Saturday and the water fall was not as strong as it has been in the last few years. The Fall leaves are lacking in color...just dull all around. The need for rain gets more dire all the time. Our state of Georgia is at odds with Alabama and Florida over water rights, which doesnt' make for happy government relations either.

Must run off!

Later, gators!

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!

Note To Self...Yesterday was Thursday...

ALL DAY! Hmmm? Have you ever lost a day for some reason? It wasn't like I was in bed. I did the normal routine of getting up, making breakfast for the kids, checking email, reading the virtual news, playing around with digital layouts, working with Aaron on lessons for school. But, all day I thought it was Wednesday, the 15th. I assured Aaron he could go to the library after our classes were over because maintenance to the library wasn't until the 16th. Sooooo, Aaron biked up to the library a mile away and he had to turn around and bike back home without benefit of a drink of water because the water fountain was inside the library. The library, that is, that was closed for maintenance. He came in the house all sweaty went to the fridge and poured a glass of filtered water, drank it, then plopped on the chair. It was only then that I discovered it was Thursday. I started laughing at my complete insanity (surpise about the insanity part!). I called Michael and asked if he would take Aaron to Bruster's ice cream as a tangible and tasty evidence of my apology. So, after a brownie sundae I believe I received forgiveness.

::::::::::::::::Group W Bench::


Text: "Our first day in the truck included the kids demanding to listen to the song "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie. After that song anytime the kids were on a bench together it was referred to as the "Group 'W' Bench."

"This photo is taken next to the garden at Monticello, Virginia. Pic 3 Notice Rachel popping Aaron in the back of the head. Pic 5 Rachel is gloating and Aaron is annoyed. Pic 6 Aaron throws an elbow.

Tell me, do you FEEL the love?"

_{Stitched Frame by Emily Merritt
Paint Stroke by Michelle Coleman
Old Proof Sheet by Christina Renee
Book Plate Alpha by Christina Renee
Wordy Bits by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady
Paint spots from Doodle Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Squiggle Fleurs by Jen Wilson
Doodle Frame by Kate Hadfield
Cardboard Tear by Linda Gil Bildal
Teeny Tiny Tags (stitching) by Jessica Bolton
Grunge Alpha by Birgit
Journal Highlights by Kate Hadfield
Font: DJB Michael / DJB JEANNIE script by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::::::::::Storytelling::::::::::

my daughter Rachel loves to tell stories and is often asked by her friends in her girl scout troop to make something up, or by her little sister who needs a story to fall asleep. I would love for her to meet Carmen Agra Deedy who is a mesmerizing storyteller. I met Carmen Deedy when I was in my early 20s at the home of a friend. I would think she has no memory of that meeting, but she made a lasting impression on me. My mother keeps a collection of her books to read to the children when they are sleeping over at her house. Carmen has a new book out and here is the link to her website: Click ME!

One of my favorite stories retold by her is _{The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark}


:::::::::::::::::::::::Bowling:::::::::::::

Since today, as I understand it, is Friday we will be going to the new season of homeschool bowling. Finding teammates is always interesting.

Anachronism

Main Entry: anach·ro·nism
Pronunciation: &-'na-kr&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: probably from Middle Greek anachronismos, from anachronizesthai to be an anachronism, from Late Greek anachronizein to be late, from Greek ana- + chronos time
1 : an error in chronology; especially : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other
2 : a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place; especially : one from a former age that is incongruous in the present
3 : the state or condition of being chronologically out of place



Text: During our trip to Colonial Williamsburg, in Virgina, Rachel wore a period white muslin dress, with a pale mint sash along with a lace trimmed bonnet. But, our need for modern comfort was included in her ensemble. She also sported her hydration system in her backpack and her Tevas.

_{Clock Brushes by Robyn England
Borderlines by Sande Krieger (flower element also by Sande Krieger found on the Better Homes and Gardens website)
negative strip from Simple Expressions by Jen Wilson
Snap Shot Frame by Rhonna Farrer
Doodle Arrows by Kate Hadfield
Weird is Wonderful pen and ink sketch by Maya
Offical Boxer Alpha by Mo Jackson
Collage birds (modified) by Hope Wallace
Fonts: Another Typewriter, DJB Angela by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::::::::Bridal Shower::::::

I was able to attend a bridal shower for a young girl named Emily that our family thinks is just fabulous! Her fun mom and sisters, sans one, were able to attend, too. They have dispersed around the country, so it was really nice to talk to them and catch up. Most of them love digital scrapbooking, so we talked "shop" for awhile. They are all so creative. I'll miss checking out their homemade gingerbread houses, which are truly works of art. Reconnecting can be so cathartic!

...when I got home Noah informed me that Michael had taken them all out for ice cream and that he had tried to save one of his gummy worms for me, but he got hungry! It's the thought that counts!

:::::::::::::::::::Product Recommendation::::::


The Way Things Work videos we checked out from the library are awesome! Noah loves these 30 minute animated videos that explain such topics as: incline planes, sinking, screws and several other topics. Just a fun way to explain some difficult concepts.

Later, gators!

Quirky stuff I Like:

Mental Floss magazine is one I look for every time I go to the library. It is a mixture of science, history and popular cultural presented in a fun and quirky way. The most recent edition is full of interesting Top 10 lists.
Here is a list, from their website, of what is in this edition:

IssueThe Annual 10 Issue
All the world's most important information presented in convenient list form.

features:
• 10 Songs that Changed the World
• 10 Greatest Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns of All-time
• 10 Massive Screw-ups in Paleontology
• 10 Places to see Before They Die
• 10 Landmark Moments in Animation History
And feel smart about:
• 10 Cats Who Changed Civilization
• 10 Nicknames for Natives
• 10 Not-So-Bright Ideas in Science
• 10 Trailblazing Scientists About to Change Your Future

+ a "Squeaky Clean" scatterbrained, a Know-It-All's look at the letter O, a 25-question quiz to end all quizzes, and more!

This magazine is informative and a fun diversion from say...laundry!


::::::::::::::::Strong Bad:::::::::::




This is probably only funny to Americans...well funny to only a few Americans, but our family happens to consist of 6 folks who find this zany humor funny. Strong Bad has a unique way of answering emails about his life and when the segment is over you can usually hover your mouse over some portion of the image to get an additional joke. The other thing I find hilarious is that when you put the address for the site in your computer the window will list it as "Denny's Menu". Denny's is a family eating place in the U.S. The kids love to eat there when we go on rode trips because they can have breakfast any time of the day. The guys who work on this site are in Dunwoody, Georgia, not too far away from where we live. Here is the entry from wikipedia.


:::::::::::::::::::::::Vacation Update::::::::::::

Michael made reservations for a campsite for two days in the Shenandoahs. We have never camped there before, so it should be an adventure. Then, it is off to Colonial Williamsburg. Stop in Amish country at the Shady Maple, then on to Philadelphia for a couple of days. Then up to Hoboken, New Jersey so we can be across from NYC without driving into the city. Site see for a couple of days, then drive to Niagara Falls.

I have finished packing, except for the last minute odds and ends. I have my medicine box filled with bandaids, ointment, stomach relief stuff, swimmer's ear drops, headache medicine...and that reminds me...I need to get another box of junior chewable tablets for Rachel.

Michael returned a slew of library books for me in the last two days and the rest we extended our holds. The family reading book we borrowed is due back the Monday after we get back and I couldn't extend the hold, but it works out. The kids groan every time I end a chapter because they want to know what happens next. I do too, but I have to get to bed so that I can drift in and out of a fitful slumber.



:::::::::::::::::::Rachel::::::::::

_{Peachy Keen Kit by Rhonna Farrer, Font: DJB MICHELLED}

Text: Rachel, as I watch you interact with the world I see your sensitive nature. Your loyalty to family and friends is strong. The reality of death causes you much heartache and tears. Anyone who makes in impression on your life can be assured for an eternal place in your memories and your emotions. I hope that you are able to keep these memories dear, but that you never stop seeking and finding happiness in something everyday.


::::::::::::::::::Carol is a Card:::::::::::

Carol's newest layout for things that didn't really happen is a classic...like all of her stuff. I get the best laughs! She is so clever!


Smiles!

Elvis is Dead, but I Saw Him Once:

While taking Rachel to her College for Kids class today we were listening to the radio and the I started to think about some of the concerts I attended. There aren't that many because I'm annoyed by how rude people act in a crowd situation, but here are the concerts I recall:

1977 Elvis (I'm not dead, yet...sat in the very back and hated every second of it!)
1985 Amy Grant
1988 INXS (Front row, but they refused to do an encore because the fire marshal made them mad)
1988 Air Supply (free tickets...I repeat...free tickets)
1988 Al Jarreau (Fun concert, but he refused to sing any of his old stuff)
1989 Peter, Paul and Mary (All their stuff is old stuff and fun to sing along)
1990 Crosby, Stills and Nash (Really cool effects on screen for Wooden Ships)
1991 Peter, Paul and Mary
1991 Sting (Michael and I got to usher at the Fox Theatre for free tickets, but had to babysit pot smokers through most of the concert)
1997 Chrissy Hind and the Pretenders/ B52s (Great concert, but sat near silly, balding, drunk guy that kept dancing into Michael)


:::::::::::::::::::College For Kids::::::::

Rachel is through with her second day of her author class. She has made a friend named Kendal. This year we have a parents' response section, so we have homework along with Rachel. YEAH...? Grandpa picked her up for day 1 and Michael gets the honor to hang out with Rachel for the rest of the week.

:::::::::::::::Raingutter Regatta::::::::::
I finally got around to this layout...only 8 months later:






Text: Noah lost all of his heats during his first Raingutter Regatta. He thought that if he blew harder that his boat would go faster, but it forced the sail sideways and thus got no air and it ran into the side of the gutter. Aaron and Michael tried to show him how to angle the straw and blow softer, but he was to excited to listen.

_{Background paper from Oil Paint by Gina Miller, Pipecleaner Arrows, Vehicles 2 doodles by Kate Hadfield, Cluster Frames (modified) by Nancy Comelab, White edge overlay by Meredith Fenwick, Scribbly Doodle Alpha by Sandra Boddington, Teeny Tiny Tags by Jessica Bolton, Small Alpha by Traci Reed, Say It journal blocks by Dani Mogstad, Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman, Label it Alpha by the Powers Sisters, Mo's Medley Two by Mo Jackson, Fonts: Mistral, DJB Michelled, DB Michael, DJB Jen2, Ash94, Backwards staples by Jenn Patrick, Grunge Alpha by Birgit, Date Tag by Taran Conyers, Ribbon by Natalie Braxton}

:::::::::::::::::::::Finished My Current Book:::::::::

Theories For Everything


This was a fascinating read.
Here are the subjects by chapter: Introduction - Bruce Stutz
The Heavens - Andrea Gianopoulos
The Human Body - John Langone
Matter and Energy - Bruce Stutz
Life Itself - Bruce Stutz
Earth and Moon - Andrea Gianopoulos
Mind and Behaviour - John Langone
Here is the book description from Amazon.com: Book Description
"Theories for Everything highlights the rich, compelling stories behind science's greatest discoveries and the minds and methods that made them possible. Authoritative, entertaining, and easy to follow, it provides indispensable information on our current theories about the natural and physical world as well as a concise overview of how those ideas evolved.

Filled with illustrations, topical essays, and sidebars, these fascinating pages cover every major topic imaginable—astronomy, the human body and its inner workings, the nature of matter and energy, genetics and evolution, and the complex relationship between mind and behavior. Broken down by subject, the book provides readers with a thorough examination of each set of related theories as they are tested and refined and introduces all the major figures in the history of science, including Aristotle, Archimedes, Copernicus, Galileo, Descartes, Pascal, Newton, Edison, Pasteur, Darwin, Pavlov, Curie, Einstein, Freud, Feynman, and Hawking. The lives of more than 45 scientists are captured in special time lines that add depth and detail to the running narrative.

Each discovery is presented as a detective story: the narrative focuses on how inquisitive investigators posit, revise, and improve upon their descriptions of nature. And like any first-rate mystery, it entices its readers, inviting them to match wits with the scientific sleuths whose theories for everything have unraveled nature's riddles and reshaped how we see our world."

It is sad that those who truly follow the scientfic method throughout history have been considered as subversive as opposed to beings trying to understand their place in this world and how it works. I, also, found it interesting that there have been so many instantances in time where scientists were jailed, called heretics, killed and driven mad and then years later to have their work taken as common knowledge. I don't know if any of them would say they had the right answers, but they would say this is what I have observed consistently. I'm glad there are people out there striving to learn how this world works and how are bodies work, too.

:::::::::::::::::::::Two New Books On the Agenda:::::::::

I have one I found at the library about the submarine accident of the S-class sub 5 in 1920 off the Atlantic. The second book is the one my mother gave me for my birthday by William Wilberforce.

:::::::::::::::::::::My Skin Hurts:::::::::

must...find...lotion...must...sleep...turn...over...OUCH!...No...rest...for...the...weary!

Smiles! (Atleast my lips aren't sunburned!)

Tagged Tuesday:

I was tagged by my digi pal Julie P., so here goes.
The rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question...
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
Your Name: babyofmine
1. Famous Singer/Band: Vedder, Eddie
2. 4 letter word: Vest
3. Street: Victoria St.
4. Color: Vermillion
5. Gifts/Presents:
6. Vehicle: Buick
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop:
8. Boy Name: Vernon
9. Girl Name: Valerie
10. Movie Title: Vacation
11. Drink: Vermouth
12. Occupation: Veterinarian
13. Flower: Vanilla
14. Celebrity: Viveca Lindfors
15. Magazine: Veterans
16. U.S. City: Valhalla
17. Pro Sports Teams: Vikings
18. Fruit: ?
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Vexed at sleeping in.
20. Something You Throw Away: Vacuum
21. Things You Shout: "Varmint"!
22. Cartoon Character: Veronica (from the Archie and Jughead Comics)


::::::::::::::::Just When You Thought You Were Safe:::::::::

Two more Shutterfly Albums came in yesterday:


<sub>Doodlebird by Meredith Fenwick, Crayon Doodles by Ida, Background paper by Rhonna Farrer, City Limits Doodle by Andrea Burns, Glassy blue brads from Movin' On by Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics, Glitter swirl from Michelle Coleman's Birthday Elements, Weather Doodle and Birthday Girl Doodle by Kate Hadfield, Font: Tk doodle by Taran Conyers, The "rose colored glasses" were from the letter "g" in 2Peas DW Summer Fun, Journal paper From Just Need to Write My Thoughts by Lauren Grier



Papers and brushes from Peachy Keen by Rhonna Farrer, Font: Jane Austen/ Hello Sark</sub>


:::::::::::::::::::My Knight in Shinging Armor:::::::

rode up on his steely grey iron horse and fixed my tire. Aaron, Evey and I went to the library to deal with my crazy dvd requesting situation. We were there about an hour and a half. The librarians were kind enough to explain some nuances of the library system to me. For example, now I know how to use the suspended request and my list functions to delay my requests, while maintaining them in an accessible form. I did end of checking out the collections on religion for kids for a comparative religion study I'm doing today, Inventors, several Eyewitness films, and a series for health on the human body. For Noah I checked out all the movies on the Transformers so we can get steeped in Transformer history for the upcoming movie. For Evey I checked out a couple of My Little Pony movies, Angelina Ballerina and Strawberry Shortcake. Rachel really likes the Eyewitness stuff, so everyone was covered.

Sooooo, we walk out and deposit the 3 plastic grocery bags and one armful of videos into the car and I noticed the front tire was flat. We were already running late for our end of the year party for Homeschool run club, but I didn't want to drive on it and bend the rim. We went back in and the librarians let Aaron call Michael at work. He took the rest of the day off and came to get us. He said I had enough air in the tire to drive the short mile home. We grabbed the stuff for run club from my car and all of us went to the park for the party.

The got to eat pizza and snacks, while the kids had a squirt gun fight on the lawn. Eve, Michael and I stayed dry and ate strawberries and brownies. The squirt gun fight was halted long enough for Aaron and the other children to recieve trophies and awards for participating the the Presidental Fitness program. Then, back to another half hour of maniac squirting.

When we got home Michael found the problem with my tire. I had run over a nasty old screw. He put a plug in the tire and filled it with air. I need two new front tires anyway since my car is front wheel drive the tires loose tread much quicker in the front than the rear.

::::::::::::::::::::A Good Knight's Work::::::::

is never done! Michael took a quick shower then went off to his scheduled apheresis appointment at the Red Cross. They accidentally missed his vein in his right arm and the fluid created a golf ball sized swelling. He called their attention to it and they fixed the problem. OUCH! He watched Mission Impossible 3, which he said was awful, while he gave platelets.

::::::::::::::::::::New Suit:::::::::::

I took the girls to Target and the grocery store, while the boys watched Transformers. Eve informed me that she liked my flip flops and it didn't bother her to have the strap between her toes anymore, and she wanted some right now. Rachel needed another swimsuit, so we picked up one for her. It is a light robin's egg blue and brown with a hibiscus pattern. It is 3 pieces, so she can get to the restroom quickly. She will wear the surf shirt with the bottom piece and the bikini top will stay in the drawer to pair it up when she grows out of it. On Saturday, Michael and I picked up a tankini for Eve. It is pink with a hibiscus pattern. The surf shirt and shorts look adorable.

::::::::::::::::::::This is hilarious::::::::

A great digi-gal, Carol, is participating in an amazing challenge about things that never really happened.Carol's blog. Her layout is so funny. I'm going to have to try this bit of nuttiness!

::::::::::::::::::::Jaw Dropping Amazing::::::::

Dream House post by Sande Krieger is BRILLIANT! She has crafted an intricate home symbolizing some of the wonderful aspects of her family. I am in AWE!

Bridging:

Frame by Kellie Mize.

Rachel has moved up from the rank of Brownie to Junior in the Girl Scouts. Granny and Grandpa came for the the bridging ceremony. The girls were nervous to speak in front of the adults. The only down side to the event was the copious amounts of goose poop on the grounds around the lake where we were holding the ceremony.

We made sure everyone got a bath when we got home, which no one fussed about due to the goose situation.










<sub>Quote by Captain Crewe "I believe that you are...and always will be my Little Princess." from A Little Princess

Live for the Joy kit by Kay Miller Designs,
Ribbon Stitches and rivited ribbon by Natalie Braxton,
Flourish (modified) by Ida,
Faux Jewels by Shabby Princess,
Cluster Frames (modified) by Nancy Comelab</sub>

::::::::::::Aaron's Shutterfly Album::::::::


Frame by Gina Miller,
Book Cover: Space Doodles by Kate Hadfield,
Background paper by Jessica Sprague

::::::::::::::::::::::Spencer::::::::::::

My awesome nephew, Spencer, had his palate surgery a couple of days ago. He is doing well. His folks say he is getting pain reliever every 4 hours, but he needs it every 3.5 hours. Poor little guy!

::::::::::::::::::::::Librarians:::::::::

Do they have a hit list? If they don't, will they make one just for me? I have 179 video and book requests and they are all coming in. The librarians have to separate the dvd and the case until check out due to theft issues. I am surprised how quickly all of my requests came in. Their is a group of videos for earth science, comparative religion, the Middle Ages, Physical Science, and the ones Noah will be so psyched to get...Transformers on dvd. I thought it would be cool to do all the Transformer back history before the movie this summer. For Eve I requested the dvds for Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony. So it seems that I have most of them on hold. I wonder if I should send Michael to pick them up because one of the librarians thinks he is a hottie? Hmmmm...I'll have to weigh my options.

::::::::::::::Passionate Minds:::::::::::



This is my current personal reading book. Here is a synopsis from Amazon.

Big Imagination:

My oldest daughter, Rachel, writes stories every day. There is never just one story because she has so many swimming and around in her head. Some are stuck in a little eddy in her brain and don't get finished. The ones that come out in torrents are mostly spoken to me in a very animated way. Sometimes they are written down. Her stories themes are sometimes Mysteries, Friendship Development, and love for Animals. Rachel, also, loves to illustrate her stories. These sample illustrations are to a story she is developing around the character, "Donna Dustmite". Donna is one of the many dustmites that live in Rachel's house. I think her illustrations are a lot of fun and hope she writes down her story soon. Her is a sample of Rachel's illustrations:

<sub>background paper, doodled font, and painted frame from Sing Spring Collection by Sausan Designs, flower doodle and doodle frame by Sara Carling, Border Line by Sande Krieger, font: GypsySwitch


Red taped frame from Joined at the Hip by Tia Bennett, Doodle Arrows by Kate Hadfield, Border Line by Sande Krieger, Journal cloud and Smile title from Silly Noodle by Summer Simmons</sub>

:::::::::::::::Went Walking:::::::::

to the library and around the park, then back home, yesterday. The weather was in the upper 60s Farenheit. I used my new:
to give me something to sing with while I walked. I found that I really enjoyed listening to "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and "I'm Your Boogie Man" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. I think I will have to walk further next time to see what else picks up my steppin' pace. I took along a bottle of berry flavored Propel, which was a nice taste.

:::::::::::::::Bill Nye, the Science Guy:::::::::

was on the television via VHS tape last night at our abode. The kids laughed and learned for about 2 hours. Evey was trying to explain to me about the homemade pulse counter made using a straw. She was surprisingly accurate. The kids loved the way he illustrated the different concepts. As Bill Nye says, "NOW You knowwwwww!"

:::::::::::::::Mornings at the Taylor house:::::
are always chaos at 7:40a.m., which is ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Noah pretends he can't figure out how to take his shirt off. He is certain it shrank during the night. (This shrinking phenomenon happens almost every night. I might want to call Mythbusters.) Rachel has usually misplaced something, or forgotten to have something signed. She acts like such a space cadet. Not surprisingly, she has pulled reminders about not using time wisely and following directions. I figure she acts that way at home, too, so does that make her a consistent performer?
Noah was very excited to run down stairs to inform Rachel that he, "...almost tied his shoe." Noah's concept of achievement is often set at second place, which is astounding to me. He always wants to be right (that's genetic), but he can except not winning.
This morning as Noah ran down our yard to catch the bus I called out, "I love you! Y'all don't get hit by the bus, or any cars!" Noah yelled (Noah always yells), "BRING IT ON!" In a long drawn out exclamation. What a goof ball!

::::::::::::::::Compliments:::::::::::

When Noah got home from school yesterday he said that his teacher, Ms. Tiller, really liked the outfit he had on for school pictures. Then, he said, "So, thanks for picking them out for me!"

Noah also told Evey she was pretty the minute he saw her after getting home from school. What a cool dude!

He had a time line project of his life to present to his first grade class on a big piece of poster board. The teacher told him that she thought he had been to more places than any other kid in his class. We hope to go up North this Summer and visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York, Niagara Falls, and go over into Canada. Michael and I plan for the best possible scenario by throwing in all the sites we want to see, then we have several back up scenarios, so we at least get to see some of our major sites. I've never been further North than Maryland.


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


is our new family reading time book. Here is a link to the synopsis from Spark Notes. Eve fell asleep, so we stopped reading at the first chapter. I have never read this book, but I'm MEGA excited about it from reading the forward by Maurice Sendak. There was also a film of the book done by Chuck Joneswho did one of my favorites "Rikki Tikki Tavy" about a mongoose. I've never seen this video, so I checked for its availability at Amazon.com and since the video is out of circulation it costs from $42.00 up.

The kids I enjoyed reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It had an interesting message about keeping secrets, so I suppose it will be my secret until you read the book for yourself :).

I look forward to reviewing The Phantom Tollbooth. It looks to be an interesting ride.

Blown Away

Genuine Spirit Kit by Michelle Coleman
Font: DBAnna


Eve was being blown around by the wind during our family vacation to the Grand Canyon. She was determined to climb everything and keep up with her siblings.
:::::::::::::It's A Down Right:::::::

Frog strangler outside! The rain has been going in cycles from light to sheeting all day. Aaron went off on his scooter to the library during a lull in the rain. I was about to go pick him up when a maniac ringing of the door bell sounded. I opened the door to a grinning, soaked 12 year-old. He simply said, "I'm fine. May I have a towel." What a hoot!

Michael took a nap while Aaron watched Noah and Evey. Rachel had a Brownie scout meeting.

Right now Michael is awake and we are watching the Eyewitness show called "Sight". Eyes are fascinating.


::::::::::::::March Madness at:::::::::

Anna Benjamin's site called Paper Moons . Check out her site. She has some Herculean plans!

::::::::::::::Just Finished::::::::::::::

this book:

"In the second to last of O'Brian's wildly popular "Aubrey and Maturin" novels, the seafaring duo are hot on the trail of Napoleon Bonaparte, who has escaped from exile on Elba and is threatening to invade Europe. The plot hinges on a shipment of Islamic gold that must be intercepted at all costs." * excerpt from internet.

I am in awe of Patrick O'brian's brillant character development and flow of information and dialogue! Two characters I had become accustomed to reading about died in this book. One who felt like a trusted friend and all around great guy. I was bummed, but O'brian is true to his creative muse, so I don't arm chair quarterback his writing.

My next read is Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas about William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. I have to hurry it is due in a week.


:::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookie:::::::

pickup is Saturday. I may need to pick them up under armed guard. Michael is already getting a shake down at work with folks demanding the goods. Girl Scout Cookies are addictive!

We're Not Team Players...

because it can get too rough. My husband and I aren't great athletes by any stretch of the imagination. Michael likes mountain biking, camping and rock climbing. I like researching dead people (and live ones, too), gardening and walking. All of these can be achieved with little or no assistance. I played basketball, but if you have ever played church basketball you know it a vicious and rowdy sport (taken all too seriously). I believe you can learn good skills working with a team. We signed Aaron up for soccer for a couple of years and Rachel signed on for one, but the rude parents and the negativity from my own kids made me angry. My motto is "Cheer for your own team and say nothing negative about anyone else".
Our children have grown up not watching sports, but an occasional baseball game. I actually like watching volleyball (collegiate is my favorite), but I don't like when folks start talking nasty about the other team. This layout is one from 2003 when Aaron was trying to get involved with his uncles and cousins in a family game of touch football. His Uncle Reuben was trying to give him the basic lessons of how to play. The sad thing is Aaron never fits in to these games. For one thing he is shady on the rules and strategy, and another thing is he has a very slim build and doesn't like people hitting him. (Bad thing if you plan to play football!) So, inevitably he gets trounced by a bigger kid, or adult and comes over crying and hurt. Michael's response is "that is the point of football and that's why I don't play." I feel really bad for him because he desparately wants to fit into a world that doesn't value his presence and is quite happy to have him not participate. This carries over into his relationship with them in general...he doesn't play rough...he must be a wimp...mentality.
It's kind of funny that I right all of this because I actually thought this layout was fun to make and a cute photo of Aaron trying something different. Atleast, he tries to fit in and make friends. It's just unfortunate that others don't reciprocate.


_{Sketch by Jen Caputo
Papers, alpha and brushes by Tia Bennett (Free Pea Football Kit)
Font: Century Gothic}

Text: Uncle Reuben teaches Aaron some football basics.

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

Rachel has already had a glasses malfunction. The screw came out of her nose piece and she doesn't know when it occurred, so tomorrow after the funeral I have to drive over to the optical department to see if they can do a quick and solid fix.

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

Noah's teacher sent a note home requesting that he work with playdough or clay to help strengthen his fingers for writing. When I told my mother tonight she said, "And who is going to pay to get it out of my carpet!" She is the one that goes to the dollar store and replenishes the dried out and color combined globs of dough every couple of months. She's a trooper with my kids. She, in true granny fashion, ensures the kids have as many paints, crayons, paper and playdough they request...(beg, plead, whine).

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

Only one chapter left of Peter and The Shadow Thieves, but the kids are at my parents' house for Friday sleepover. We will all have to wait until Saturday night for the finale. It has been an amazing book, thus far!

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

I have been in a reading groove lately. I finished The Wine Dark Sea
and the library has sent me a notice that The Commodore
is waiting. Michael keeps telling me, "Victoria, you know they're not real!" I got upset that Capt. Jack Aubrey had a very brief kava induced dalliance with a nicely "scented" Polynesian woman. Patrick O'Brian weaves such a wonder tapestry of words, places and ideas that I feel like the characters just stop in place waiting for me to open the book to start their action again. Totally absorbing reads!


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

I saw this on Janna's blog so I decided to check out my color:

You are Ocean Blue

You're both warm and practical. You're very driven, but you're also very well rounded. You tend to see both sides to every issue, and people consider you a natural diplomat.

What Color Blue Are You?

Moments:

“Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moment we get memories that last a life time...”


_{background papers and fabric templates from Grace Sampler by Katie Pertiet,
Ribbon, long tie fastern and stitches from Magnolia Kit at DST by Katie Pertiet,
Font: TKdoodles
Quote: unknown source
Corner brush: from Gypsy Rose Elements by Michelle Coleman
butterfly from the Dandy Lion Kit by Donna Rafferty}

I really like the perspective of this photo. I enjoyed Michael taking a moment to squat down to Eve's height and place a gentle arm around her, then answer her questions.
::::

We went by the library last night and Rachel checked out 9 books, by the time she went to bed she had read three of them. Aaron checked out 5 books he just might read. He informed me that I could check some books for school out for him, but I couldn't make him read them...nice! Noah found about 3 books and Eve wanted to cart home the entire library!

::::

Primary run-off votes are today. My mother and stepfather are in Cynthia McKinney's district, so they will definitely vote today. They are usually embroiled in campaigns to ouster her from political office.
The unfortunate truth about politics is often people who would do the job best are too busy with their lives and don't want to get down and dirty with the folks who are out their to garner power and have the deep pockets. Realizing the salaries are lower for the political office then what these folks make in the private sector tell you that it is usually a desire for control and power, as opposed to desiring the good for their fellow beings...SAD! But, alas I will attempt to vote for the one least likely to damage our freedoms.

::::

My children will be thrilled with me...I am working on a new chore chart. I will be adding Noah and Eve in for some of the tasks only Aaron and Rachel have been asked to do because the little ones aren't so little any more!