A Walk Down Memory Lane...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

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


The new installment of the Sisters Grimm stories was a crowd pleaser at our house. We finished reading the last two chapters last night and the kids were cheering and asking questions, eager to find out what happened next. The kids loved having Robin Hood and his Merry Men in this one with their fun lines and action scenes. The two characters that got the biggest laughs were Puck and The Mad Hatter. I thought the kids were going to lose muscle control during the court scenes with The Mad Hatter as the judge. Puck's choice for the body guard contingent to the Grimms is pretty hilarious, too!
If you have young children they would probably be rather frightened by some of the imagery and action in the book. I often was creeped out by the Grimm Fairy tales as a kid, so I find the twisted humor in this series cathartic. Noah noticed one inconsistency in the book that regarded a spell placed around Little Red Riding Hood. I told him that he should work as an editor, which led to...

Noah: What is an editor?

Victoria: Someone who looks for consistency in a book?

Noah: What is consistency?

Rachel, Aaron, Michael: "READ THE BOOK!"

We are so excited that Michael Buckley plans to write another story in the series! WOOT WOOT! I give Tales From The Hood 3 Fairy Godmothers out of 3!




Michael put some new podcasts in the mp3 player for me, yesterday. On my walk, I listened to Astronomy Cast's show on Galaxies.
I also listened to Wait Wait's show from 7/20 that featured John Waters as a guest.

:::::::::::::::::::Today:::::::::::

Rachel is going to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned. Yesterday, the orthodontist said she was looking good and that we didn't need to return until December. He tightened her appliance, we made a schedule, then went to do a little school shopping.

We stopped by Old Navy and Rachel found a cute skort, some cropped shorts with a tailored edge, and a couple of shirts.


Take care!

Are Your Powers For Good...

or for AWESOME?!

This family has such heart and are amazing in so many ways:


Sungha Jung is a music prodigy from Korea. I spent an hour with Michael watching Sungha's music on youtube. Here is one of my jaw dropping, favorites:


:::::::::::::::Michael::::::::::::

Little things mean a lot...

Talking to a couple of parents let me know that these boys and assistant leader were nervous about the exposure going up to this climbing area. They all worked through their fears and climbed each route. These small moments that test us, refine us and I'm glad Michael is a part of that.




:::::::::::::::::Orthodontist:::::::::

Rachel is home from a 2 night sleeper from Chez Sabrina. She was able to go sailing with Sabrina's family a couple of times. She was so tired when we got home, but was able to catch up on 3 chapters she was behind from our family reading book, then we read another chapter. We are off to the orthodontist for a check up on Rachel's progress.

Peace out!

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}

Smile And Say Bye To The Bling!

Rachel was thrilled to have her braces removed! She reported that the removal was quick and painless. The orthodontist, Dr. Cohen, took a strawberry flavored mold of her mouth for the retainer. She chose "Ocean Blue" as the color for the acrylic part of the retainer. Michael took her to Bruster's for a congratulatory "Cotton Candy Explosion". Victoria took her to the grocery store to pick out cornn on the cob. Rachel ate two cobs with great joy and a bit of salt and butter!
_{Darcy Baldwin: Save The Date, DJB Angela, DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Emily Merritt: MSA kit flowers, LDD Background paper, Tile alpha, *Word Toppers modified
Gina Miller: MSA kit
Catrine: Chalked Alpha
Kylie Clark: Spotted Dog Alpha
Kate Hadfield: MSA kit, Knotted stitches, Newspaper doodles
Weeds and Wildflowers: Wire word freebie
Vicki Stegall: Opps banded frame
Nancy Comelab: Paddelights Polaroids
Two Sisters Design: MSA kit
Ida: Crayon Doodles}

:::::::::::::::::::::::::The Verdict Is In::::::::



Has an aftertaste of apples. Not unpleasant, but not spectacular. The color is quite festive, so this would be awesome for parties.

Got to run!

Right Field...It's Important You Know...

:::::::::::::I'm Not The Only Thing Headed For A Break Down::::::::

I sent the kids off to the bus top, then a couple of minutes later Rachel rushed back up to the house to get her terrarium with a worm for school. I said, "Hey, luckily the bus is running late so you were able to run back and get that." Then, 2 minutes later I hear a rush of thundering kid feet and yelling voices. The kids from the bus stop are running to my house. The said the bus was broken down and they needed a ride. So, I loaded 3 of the neighbor kids and my 2 in the car and headed for school. I was third in line and we just had to wait 10 minutes until the school was open. That was a valuable 10 minutes. I used the time to sing with the radio and dance in my car seat to the utter and complete embarrassment of the children. That was a satisfying 10 minutes.

::::::::::::::Almost There:::::::

I took Rachel for her last braces adjustment before their removal next month. She is so happy to be getting so close to the end of her tooth confinement.

:::::::::::::Right Field:::::::::

This is a 2 page layout of my boys playing trap ball at Colonial Williamsburg. It is an English game that was part of the evolution of modern baseball.


Kate Hadfield: http://www.digiscrappingqueen.com/blog/ created the super amazing Dandelion Doodles as a request. Thank you, Kate!
Wordy Bits, Messy Staples, New Home doodles
Jen Wilson: Simple Expressions
Michelle Coleman: Color Me Solid (freebie on her blog)
Amber Clegg: Date Stamp


Font: DJB MISH/ DJB LIZ by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick





::::::::::::::::::Zneet Znatter Zneet:::::::

Rachel has been watching Season 2 of My Hero. The Christmas episode is hilarious...hold your sides, tear up and start laughing like a seal hilarious.


::::::::::::::::::: A "Relatively" Nice Evening:::::

Reuben, Ang, Gabriel and Afton came over for dinner last night. The kids had fun on the computer and making bead watches. Reuben helped roll up the egg rolls, which I can not figure out how he does it. His fingers are like thick sausage links, but he can make quite an attractively rolled egg roll. Michael made some tasty ginger beef soup, breaded chicken cutlets, and rice. The Hmong eggrolls were so delicious!
After dinner we just talked and then Eve wanted to watercolor, so Afton, Reuben, Noah and Rachel were given watercolors and the watercolor paper. They left about 11:00p.m. Noah and Eve were instantly asleep and the rest of us soon followed.

:::::::::::::::::::Always Behind::::::::::

Laundry, a couple of subjects for school with Aaron, homework with Noah and trying to remember where I left my mind. Time to go do a couple of science experiments in kitchen stadium.

Time for the Tooth Fairy Shake Down!

Rachel lost her tooth on Saturday and Noah lost his after church on Sunday. Noah just kept trying to figure out how much money he was going to score from losing his tooth, then calculate how much he would make if he were to lose all of his teeth. I'm not sure what a toothless 7 year-old would bank role, but I believe it wouldn't be a long term investment. Rachel, discreetly, asked if "The Tooth Fairy" had any money. I informed her that The Tooth Fairy would talk to a money broker for an interim loan, but that she could put her tooth under the pillow. So, I went to talk to Aaron "Mr. Ziplock Bag O'Change" Taylor and was able to work out a deal. He loaned me 4 quarters with a deal that I pay him for 3 back teeth he lost a couple of weeks ago and a new scooter for his birthday on Thursday. We shook on the deal, so on Thursday we will head to the store for a new scooter. The machinations of a Tooth Fairy are really weird.

Both Michael and I noticed that Noah's new tooth is coming in too far back, so Michael quipped that when Rachel gets her braces off in November we could keep them and put them on Noah. He was surprised you could do such a thing, then we informed him it was a joke.






::::::::::::::::::::::National Geographic::::


In The Womb- Animals
I watched this with the kids a couple of days ago. They were all fascinated with the development of the animals from conception to delivery. They showed a Golden Retriever, elephant and dolphin. For parents who are disturbed by their children seeing any forms of mating then you would want to skip this because the documentary shows how this whole journey starts out. The kids were a bit grossed out, but since the mating portion is such a small amount of time (especially if your a dolphin) that the more "cool" stuff took up the majority of the film. It was funny to hear Noah explain that sperm are "really just the genetic information from the male". He was so clinical about it. If you have ever met my robot fanatic son you would know that he tends to talk like a old man professor. He put the movie in the other day because he wanted to watch it again.

Our next documentary is Planet Earth. It should be pretty interesting. I'll let you know.

Smiles!

I'm SPACE...tial!

Really, I am! I passed the quiz and everything! Michael showed me this website called Galaxy Zoo.
Here is what they say in their introduction: "Welcome to GalaxyZoo , the project which harnesses the power of the internet - and your brain - to classify a million galaxies. By taking part, you'll not only be contributing to scientific research, but you'll view parts of the Universe that literally no-one has ever seen before and get a sense of the glorious diversity of galaxies that pepper the sky.

Why do we need you?
The simple answer is that the human brain is much better at recognising patterns than a computer can ever be. Any computer program we write to sort our galaxies into categories would do a reasonable job, but it would also inevitably throw out the unusual, the weird and the wonderful. To rescue these interesting systems which have a story to tell, we need you."

Well, I took their quiz. I got 12 out of 15 correct. Michael was looking over my shoulder and said he thought I got a couple of clockwise and anti-clockwise galaxies swapped. He got a 14 out of 15. There is a tutorial before the test, which was really cool, so if you are interested in helping identify this enormous wealth of information into their proper categories give it a go!

::::::::::::::::::::America's Gateway:::::::::::::

I get on a theme and I suppose it must run it's natural course...(like it has it's own will, or something). Anyway, you will see a lot of blending in my next SEVERAL layouts for our vacation album. I have the hardest time trying to tell the story with one photo. It can be done...I did it once! It turned out to garner me several lovely comments, but the single photo layout is really an elusive muse for me so I will revisit it when the prompting comes again. For now, I am pleased to play with such things as "hard light" and "color burn" for blending photos into the background. Here is my first pages from Ellis Island called: "America's Gateway"




<sub>Text: Ellis Island was the first stop in our trip to New York. We got on the ferry in Jersey City, New Jersey. We chose to take the audio tour, which was great for us to go at our own pace and the kids could have control over something at the same time. We were all fascinated with the process and how scary it must have been to come to a new country.


Photo Cluster: Nancy Comelab,
Vintage Background: Nancy Comelab
Alpha by Christina Renee
Fonts: DB Michael /DJB JENB2 by Darcy at the Digichick,
Texas Hero/Jane Austen</sub>


:::::::::::::Ratatouille::::::::::

I forgot to review this movie that we saw last Saturday. The film was such fun. The short film that precedes the main film is hilarious. There are no words, but the foleys sure did an amazing job on sound effects. It has to do with an alien learning to use his tractor beam. It has all the things I like...a crazy plot...funny looking aliens...and great animation.
Ratatouille was great. The characters were all well thought out. Brad Bird is a spring of continously amazing material. I love the character of Gusteau, who is the chef that Remy the rat, reveres, and comes to him as a figment of Remy's imagination. There is a revelation in the movie about another character and Remy asks the figment accusingly why he didn't tell him the information before. The figment responds something to the effect of "I am a figment of your imagination. Since you didn't know it, I didn't know it, either."
Peter O'Toole did a great job voicing the very thin food critic Anton Ego. The scene when Anton eats a dish created by Remy and it reminds him of his childhood is a gem in this film.

I highly recommend a trip to the theater for this one!

::::::::::::::::::Orthodontist Appt>:::::::::::

I need to get the kids up now. Rachel has an early orthodontist appointment. She loves to go. She sees the orthodontist as a place where they put cute multi-colored bands on her braces. I saw it as a house of pain. Interesting how different perceptions and perspectives can be...huh?!

Smiles from me and a cute smile from Rachel and her pretty new bands, later!

How to Dress Up Square Feet:

_{Springtime in Paris kit by Michelle Godin, Scalloped Circle Doodle, Scalloped Edge, and Sparkle Papers by Gina Miller, Vintage frames by Nancy Comelab, Naked Stamps by Meredith Fenwick, Cancellation mark and date stamp (modified) by Amber Clegg, Ribbon by Natalie Braxton, Oh La La Girl by Jenna Lynne, Fonts: French Script, SA Kiss, Franklin Gothic Med., CK Good Point, corner doodle by Jackie Eckles, nail polish photos from the internet}

Text: If there is one thing I'm not it's being a "Girly Girl"! But, an occasional French Manicure makes my very square feet kinda pretty, and that makes me happy!


::::::::::::::Yesterday, Morning:::::::

Eve woke up and she felt very warm to the touch as I carried her down stairs. She said she wasn't sick, but I knew she was quite sick. She requested some orange juice, which I got for her. I, also, knew she would be spewing that same orange juice all over pretty soon. I had Rachel get a towel in readiness for the upcoming event and a cool wet cloth for Eve's forehead. I called Michael and asked him to pick up some Sprite and bring it home during his lunch break. About an hour after getting up and drinking her orange juice she said she felt like she was going to throw up. I got into the catch position with towel in hand. She was a trooper! Rachel stayed with her while I put the towel in the wash and grabbed a replacement. The second time Rachel got a bit of stray stuff in the eye, but she handled with a smile and went to lavage her eye. Michael soon arrived with the Sprite elixir. Right as Michael left to return to work he heard Eve go onto Round Three. Luckily, this was the last round. She was exceedlingly chipper an hour after that and was ready to play Strawberry Shortcake.com Rachel was such a great helper and sister.

:::::::::::::::::Today:::::::::::

Rachel had two more brackets placed on her upper teeth to get them in the right position for the rest of her hardware. She is a little achy, but I gave her some junior strength acetaminahen. She was wearing her violet gaucho pants and sequined top, so she matched her bands to her outfit.

::::::::::::::::Close To Home::::::::

Debbie at my mom's work always looks out for me and when she saw these cartoons she copied them for me:



An interesting denoument for a home schooled kid!




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

So far so good is the word. Michael leaves tonight to go to the camp for the next few days. I refrained from asking him to ask Aaron if he had brushed his teeth and changed his underwear. It's killing me though! I am still a mom no matter the distance.

:::::::::::::::::::History That Never Really Happened:

Carol's site has some of the best layouts. I showed them all to Michael yesterday and he laughed at them all. She is a riot! I have an idea for one and I will try to get it finished by Wednesday.

Smiles!

Remember 9/11

As many Americans today ponder the devastation of the terrorist attacks 5 years ago I would like to remember those who valiantly risked and gave their lives to save all those they could from the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. The words for how I think many of us felt is Blind-sided. I recall watching the news in awe as the towers were burning. Confusion reigned as people tried to get a handle on what was happening and get help where it was needed, which was so many places at once. I cry tears of sadness thinking of the inhumanity of man against one another perpetrated in the name of God. It is a bizarre juxtaposition that from this inhumanity that compassion, charity, sacrifice and love comes like a phoenix from the ashes. I just wish it didn't take such atrocities to see that humanity emerge.

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

I haven't said anything about the death of Steve Irwin from the barb of a sting ray. I've been impressed with his family from the news reports. Steve's father, Bob, is such a straight-forward and level-headed guy. I hope he sticks around for awhile to be able to teach Bindi and Bob. My children and I love to watch Animal Planet when we go to my parent's home. My kids have such an enthusiastic love and respect for animals with the help of Steve's over the top and fun personality. I hope conservation efforts will be maintained by those who must take over in absence of such a dynamic personality. Terri has such an easy going and wonderful personality. My heart goes out to her and all of Steve's family and friends. I feel for the crew that was with him who were powerless to change what had happened. I am not familiar, at all, with Germaine Greer who spoke rather harsh words about Steve and his contact with animals, but I can speak on the positive impression he has given my family on how to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitate. I believe that touching even one person's life for good gives an eternal benefit and for this my family and I are eternally greatful to Steve Irwin and Terri.

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

This is one happy girl who has to wear glasses and braces. Rachel's attitude is "I CAN SEE and I'll have GREAT TEETH!"


_{frame and papers by Sausan Designs, overlay by Shabby Princess in the Studio Chic kit, E alpha by Sande Krieger called French Laundry Alpha, staples by Fhunglie from Soul Searching Kit, Stitch corner, flower, leather rose trim, Hand Stamped Brush by Michelle Coleman form Gypsy Rose, Emma's Sundress, and Birthday Kits. Vintage hand from Maya's Weird is Wonderful, Date Tags by Janel Kretschman. Fonts: Farrah and Artistamp Medium}