Weekend Events

It was a sleuthing weekend. Friday night on a classic movie channel they showed the original Nancy Drew movies from 1938-1939 with Bonita Granville. I was able to watch the first two, but Michael had to work the next morning so we went home. Rachel watched the remaining two movies and especially liked the final film called "The Hidden Staircase".








Emma Roberts did a great job as the new Nancy Drew. The story line could have been better, but it was a good start. Maybe they will do more. I really wanted her to solve a mystery along side her chums George and Bess. I'm glad they made sure she had a roadster...so cool!


My mom took Noah and Evey to see the new Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. She reported that they were very chatty during the movie, but that they enjoyed the film. Noah was very animated while trying to explain the story line, which always makes me laugh.
:::::::::::::::::Father's Day::::::::::

I made Michael a slideshow of photos from 2006-2007 of him doing things with the kids. We went to hear Reuben speak in sacrament meeting, then we were invited over to Stephen and Shelene's house for lunch. The Stephenites know how to feed a crowd. There were pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and omelets to order. The kids loved playing with their cousins.

I called my dad to wish him a happy Father's Day and my stepmother, Alice, invited the kids to stay a couple of days. We went by our house and grabbed some clothes for the kids, then stopped by mom and Jim's to give him his shutterfly book. His eyes are coming along great.

Then, to my dad's. My niece and nephew were happy to see their cousins, too. Tyler ended up wanting to go home with his mom, so Tracy took Haley, Tyler, Rachel and Eve to her house, while Noah and Aaron stayed with Paw Paw and Granny. They hope to go to a bounce house today.

Michael and I came home to a quiet and messy house, so I guess I will take this break from the kids being home to clean up after them.

I hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!

Look Into My Eyes!

***Edited to add...I won the contest at Jen Caputo's site! I am so excited she liked my layout! What a nice way to start the day! Thanks, Jen!




Text: My husband always throws a crazy-eyed look on his face when anyone takes his picture. The kids think it's hilarious, so they have started doing the same thing. Noah is now a "Duffuss Apprentice", but Michael is the "Duffuss Master"!

_{Background paper from Oil Paints by Gina Miller, Stitched Alpha Doodle and Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield, Circle Borderlines from Borderlines 4 by Sande Krieger, Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick, Notebook Alpha by Ashley Olson, Punch Label by Christina Renee, Google Eyes by Katie Pertiet, Waxy Doodles by Lauren Reid, Cardboard overlay by Linda Gil Bildal, Grunge Alpha by Birgit, Font: DB Michael by Darcy}

...My mom figures that our ancestors will think Michael had some congenital eye problem due to all the goofy eyed photos everyone has snapped of him. Now with the children pulling the same faces it will be added evidence to think just that! Well, I suppose I'm culpable too, because I create layouts of their zany faces!

:::::::::::::::::::Curriculum::::::::::

I've already started to look through curriculum ideas for next year for Aaron. I am looking for a Logic and Rhetoric course manual. It should be a rather pertinent course considering the election debates are heating up all over. It will make a very glaring case for the amount of illogical discussions that exist in politics. I will be including lessons on the law and using the government website to update on the politicians and bills.

I will, also, include merit badge focused lessons that interest Aaron. There are so many different areas that are covered by the BSA merit badges.

As far as, languages Aaron expressed interest in learning German, which is completely out of my depth. I only can recognize the word for I and tell someone gesundheit (sp?) when they sneeze. Michael speaks Japanese and I have taken enough Spanish and French to muddle through those languages. We will still be working with Latin, but the declensions are a bit confusing. Michael's brother Marcus speaks German, but he lives to far away to be of much help with the teaching part of things. So I'm not sure what to do. There are some great language cds from Pimsleur at the library, so I'll probably grab those for study.

:::::::::::::::::::::Sunburn Update:::::::::

Everyone is peeling and the kids all report feeling just fine. I can, now, raise my arms above my head without wincing in extreme pain. YEAH! Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

I hope y'all have a happy and productive...or laid back...weekend!

Smiles!

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

Text: Eve and Noah are like most siblings. They love each other one minute and then they're fighting the next. When asked what she likes about Noah Eve answered, "He's so funny!"
When I asked Noah what he liked about Eve he replied, "Because she is part of my family and she's cutsey wootsey!"

_{Background paper from Soda Popp by Meredith Fenwick, Photo negative brush from Simple Expressions by Jen Wilson, Font: Typical Writer, Brushes from Retro Vintage by Little Dreamer Designs, Heart frame by Vera Lim, Teeny Tiny Alpha by Jessica Bolton, Date Stamp by Amber Clegg}


:::::::::::::::::Finished::::::::::::


If you like true story drama and suspense this book is for you! The heroism of the submariners aboard the S Five is amazing. I think we have all had a moment in our lives that we knew exactly what to do, were capable of doing it and got distracted and bloughed it! The combination of a poorly engineered valve that closed the main induction valve and human distraction due to multi-tasking caused a test crash dive to send 37 men to the bottom of the ocean. The story of how everyone worked together in the sub and those who worked to get them out on the outside is riveting. The author interweaves explanations of submarine history and personal histories superbly. I highly recommend this book.

:::::::::::::::::::::Current Read::::::::::::::


The author of this book worked on the film that was released earlier in the year titled "Amazing Grace". William Wilberforce became an advocate to end slavery. He had a conversion to Christianity and thought he should leave politics because he felt he would be unable to combine the two parts of his life. John Newton who pinned the words to the song "Amazing Grace" encouraged Wilberforce to remain in politics to be able to change the world for the better.

In this book, which has been edited with modern words and phrases, is William Wilberforce's call to people to live Christianity as the Bible teaches and live as the Savior taught. He disdains the idea of cultural Christianity where people just say they are Christian without doing anything about it.

I will do a review of the book when I've finished reading it.

:::::::::::::::::::::::A Cut Above The Rest:::::::

Grandpa Jim got his eyes carved on today. He had an PRK procedure done.
He says he feels okay, so far.

I would like to get some form of corrective surgery on my eyes some day, too. My FIL used to always ask me what I was smokin' when he would see me because my pupils are always very dilated. This makes me wonder if I would be a good candidate for surgery.

:::::::::::::::::::Rachel's Story::::::::::

Day 4 is completed and Rachel has a cool story about wasps to rewrite for Friday. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with for her final draft.

Smiles!

Farewell, Mr. Wizard!

I'm Not Such A Bad Egg!

I dislike deviled eggs, but Rachel loves to make them and eat them. Granny Sue is more than willing to boil some red potatoes and eggs for Rachel to get her fix.



My daughter, Rachel, loves to make Deviled Eggs with her Granny Sue Towhey.

Little Day kit by Studio Sausan,
Flower from Collectibles 1 by Studio Sausan,
Easter Sticker by Studio Sausan,
Altered Artistry Frame by Studio Sausan,
Ripped and Torn Template by Jen Caputo,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
Label it Alpha by the Powers Sisters
Really Big Bow by Natalie Braxton,
Felt Devil Horn's from Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady,
Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield,
Point it Out Ribbon by Natalie Braxton,
Extra Stitches by Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics,
Fancy Alpha by Michelle Underwood,
Torn old frames by Linda Gil Bildal,
Font: DJB Michelled, Susie's Hand
Joined at the Hip Stitches by Tia Bennett,
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg


My daughter, Rachel, loves to make Deviled Eggs with her Granny Sue Towhey. They both look forward to creating this together whenever they get the chance!


Little Day kit by Studio Sausan,
Ripped and Torn Template by Jen Caputo,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
beauty mark blog freebie by the Powers Sisters,
Font: DJB Michelled


:::::::::::::::::::::::Under Pressure::::::::::

is the story I'm reading now. It is a quick read, so far. The story flows really well interwoven with the history of submarine development. I find it fascinating.

Under Pressure


::::::::::::::::::Just Got Back::::::::

from dropping Rachel off for day 3 of class. The car started acting up. I think the transmission is going wonky. Michael met me in the parking lot and we drove back to his office. The car didn't have a problem for him. He is going to keep it to pick up Rachel and see what happens.

Later, gators!

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!)

Nancy Drew...Take Notes!

Just kidding! I know Nancy Drew has me scattered, smothered and covered when it comes to detective work, but I had a question from Monet in my comments section that needed a bit of research. She wanted to know where to find "Bee Good Designs". I checked my files and found there were no T.O.U.s, so I checked at Digishoptalk and found that the designer's name is Bethany Mott and her work can be found here: Digiscrapshak . The files I have were freebies, so maybe if you email her she will let you know how to get them.

B.T.W. I really enjoyed reading my mom's 1955 versions of Nancy Drew when I was growing up and I desperately wanted a car with a rumble seat. I plan to take Rachel and Aaron to see the new Nancy Drew movie starring Emma Roberts this weekend.

Smiles!

There's Even More Where That Came From:

Surprised that I had yet another bunch of climbing layouts? I think I'm done now.



Text:
Even though Noah was nervous he roped up for his second climb of the year on this same wall. Michael belayed and gave encouragement. Noah was able to get higher than he had before.

_{Naked Stamps by Meredith Fenwick, Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton, Font: DB Michael, Tasty Tattoo used as an overlay, background paper from Chalked Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney, "U Shine" doodle by Bee Good Designs, doodle arrow by Kate Hadfield, backward staples by Jenn Patrick}

Text: Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
---- Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)

_{Background papers from Chalked Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney, Grunge Alpha by Birgit, black bunch Alpha by The Powers Sisters, Naked Stamp Sheet by Meredith Fenwick, Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton, Font: DB Michael,Dalyhand, Cold Coffee, Ripped and Torn template by Jen Caputo, Tasty Tattoo used as the two corner overlays, date stamps by Amber Clegg, backward staples by Jenn Patrick}

Tree Castle Island is our current family reading book. The story takes place in the Okefenokee Swamp. The kids like the different terms they are learning about in the story. For example, there are islands called "blow ups" that are made of peat moss which appear like a normal island, but when you step on them you sink. Another term is "hammock" which, in this context, means an area in the swamp with hardwoods like oak and sweet gum. We have only completed 3 chapters, so I will give my review when we complete the book.

:::::::::::::::::::::It's Midnight::::::::

and Rachel is creating collage faces using my digital scrapbooking magazine. The faces are very quirky and she's having fun. What a great combination!



::::::::::::::::More Lidocaine, Please!::::::

The family has been applying periodic doses of lidocaine to our red skin. Hopefully we will be better in a couple of days.

::::::::::::::::College for Kids::::::::

Today Rachel begins her third Summer in the College for Kids program. She is involved in their future authors class. She loves creative writing and the program is to help expand her ideas for writing. The school has a vanity press, so all of the participating students will have their finished writing piece printed. Grandpa plans to pick Rachel up tomorrow, so they can talk about her first day. Michael will then pick her up the rest of the week. Michael can't go Monday because he has his regularly scheduled apheresis appointment at the Red Cross.

:::::::::::::::Discover Magazine::::::::

has an article on Autism in their April 2007 issue. "Autism: It's Just Not In Your Head"

::::::::::::::::Fuzzy Math:::::::::

Discover Magazine had an interesting math question, which I posed to Michael and he answered it immediately, then went on to explain how he came by that answer. Here is the question from the magazine: Heavy Eggs.

What interested me more about this question happened at our family swimming over at Stephen's house. I had Michael ask two of his brother's the question and they thought about it and gave their answers. They were close. Noah, in a very brief stint out of the pool, came up and began explaining how to get the answer. Michael and I listened as he explained the process correctly using his hands to mimic how to go about weighing the eggs. He didn't mimic the words Michael had used, but used his own ideas. We didn't realize he had been paying attention. What a funny dude!

Here is another funny Noah story on Grandpa Jim's blog.

:::::::::::::::::Christmas 1974

My mom found these photos and I remembered having such a blast for years with these toys:

Text: I'm not sure if there was anything left on the shelves for other kids in 1974. Some of my presents included a doctor's kit, playdoh, View Master, a make-up and hairstyling set, Barbie's Jet, Barbie clothes, new pajamas and a Baby of Mine. I went to get the kids who were spending the night with my mom and on the floor was the red leather Barbie jacket which is the one in the photo.

_{Background paper from by Kay Miller, Beauty Mark blog freebie by the Powers Sisters, Handpainted Alpha and Holiday Label by Michelle Coleman, Really Big Ribbons by Natalie Braxton, Vintage frames by Nancy Comelab, Font: Dalyhand/Jane Austen}


Smiles...and OUCH!...off to apply lidocaine!

Shearing Time:

Having some more fun with these un-Historical layouts:



Gracie Belle's face was full of enthusiasm as she entered the room, but the sad fact soon came out that it was shearing time again and the coat she had worked on all winter would be gone!


Vintage Floral by Shabby Princess,
Shear from internet,
Font: Another Typewriter,
Ripped and Torn by Jen Caputo,
Say It journaling block by Dani Mogstad,
photo from art-e-zine


And...check out Carol's newest post: Poor Julie!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::SPF 50:::::::

has little great effect on my melanily challenged skin tone. I am a bit crispy after yesterdays swim. We also stayed out in the pool for about 4 hours. The water was cool and salty and the kids were like a little school of fish. There were aunts, uncles and cousins, oh my! The kids barely ever got out of the water. Noah is so close to being able to make it across the length of the pool. Rachel was bravely scooting around in all directions and Aaron showed off what he had time to learn in his swimming class. They all need to learn technique, so I will need to sign them up for that type of class. Eve took a couple of dunks under when she fell off her noodle, but she desperately wanted, "to be like everybody else". She wanted to take off her floaty suit and be a big kid.

On the way home we stopped for ice cream. Eve looked like she was attacked by a chocolate ice cream monster, since that substance covered her in spots from nose to toe.

The kids were invited to spend the night with my parents, so after a bath for the whole tribe we loaded up for the short drive. My mother made the kids some grits for dinner. All of them, save Aaron, will eat grits any time of the day if granny makes it.
Jim was able to acquire a target, arrows and bows for the kids to practice archery which is going to be such fun.
Michael and I stayed to watch "The African Queen" with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. Jim said he saw that it was on and set it on the channel for our arrival. How sweet! I am so impressed by the acting of those two characters. They are brave, stubborn, inventive and loving. The leech scene gets me everytime! If you haven't seen this film I highly recommend it!

I'm off to apply more aloe with lidocaine...or is that lidocaine with aloe?

Smiles!

Oh No, Godzilla!

Here are a couple of layouts with some fine dinosaur doodles:


This is Michael on his mission in Sapporo. As he stated, "When I was thin and had hair!" (He is still a HOTTIE!)

_{Chalk Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney,
City Doodle by Andrea Burns,
Dinosaur Doodle, Vehicles 1 & 2 Doodles by Kate Hadfield,
Torn and Ripped Template by Jen Caputo,
Alpha Label by The Powers Sisters,
Frame by (modified) by Nancy Comelab,
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick,
Grunge Alpha by Birgit,
Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman
Font: DB Michael, Texas Hero}


The kids and I enjoyed the dinosaur exhibits. There were a few hands on displays. The main exhibit was about chocolate, which was pretty neat. After we walked through that exhibit the kids and I got to touch an African Millipede. The exhibit on the senses is amazing, too. The giant bubble making is always a hit!

Dinosaur Doodles, Birthday Boy Doodle and Alpha Doodles by Kate Hadfield,
Ripped and Torn by Jen Caputo,
Chalked Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney,
date stamp by Amber Clegg,
Mardi Gras frame by Summer Simmons

:::::::::::::::Aaron::::::::::::

is recovering from his dehydration, but the shoes have yet to be fixed.

::::::::::::::Swimming::::::::::

We are supposed to meet at Stephen's house for Family Home Evening, and swim. He has a salt water pool, which is so wonderful. The kids feel so much better after swimming in that solution as opposed to chlorine.

::::::::::::::Just Hung Out::::::

last night with the family eating Chinese food and watching "The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again". Eve really loved picking all the bamboo shoots out of the take out box and she cleaned her plate of chicken fried rice. Rachel picked all the shrimp from the Happy Family. Noah just picked at his food, while Aaron made a mild ham and swiss sandwich.

::::::::::::::A Real Frog-Strangler:::::

last night when I went to pick up the Chinese food. We have needed rain desperatley. Yeah for rain. I don't know if the percipitation has made its way to the Okefenokee area, but I hope so!


We just were eating breakfast and Aaron was pouting, so Michael told him to knock it off or he would get permanent frown lines in his forehead. Noah piped up and said, "Yeah! You'll end up looking like Squidword and dad!" We all busted out laughing, except for Aaron who kept pouting. Squidword is the clarinet playing, cashier octopus from Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Later gators! Smiles!

They're Back!

_{Created using the Einstein generator http://www.hetemeel.com/einsteinform.php}

Michael and Aaron came home around 2 pm., yesterday. The original plan had been for Michael to come home late Thursday night and Aaron on Saturday morning. However, Aaron ended up getting dehydrated and ill because he was extremely reluctant to use the foul smelling facilities. Michael had taken him into town to hang out in some air conditioning that had clean bathrooms, while sipping on a beverage. Aaron picked some red Gatorade (atleast, I think that is what Michael said). I talked to them both while they were at the store and Noah and Eve got to tell Aaron they loved him, too. When I got the phone back Aaron said, "Here's dad. I've got to go!" Michael said he would call me later with an update. Instead, two hours later they walked through the door. Aaron was wearing one of Michael's work shirts over his own shorts and he was bare foot. He immediately went up stairs and got in the tub. Michael came in to inform me that Aaron had thrown up the moment he got in the truck. He was able to cover himself, Michael and the dashboard. JOY!
I went up to double check on Aaron who lay miserably floating in the tub of tepid water. Then, I went out to see what I could do to help clean up. Michael gave me the trash bag full of fouled clothing which I put in a hot water and detergent soak. Unfortunately, I have a pair of really nice suede sneakers that I don't know how to remove vomit from the surface. I suppose I'll look up Hints from Heloise? Michael said he would tackle the truck clean up on his own and with the help of Febreeze after the disinfecting was completed.
Aaron immediately laid down after getting washed and dressed. He napped for hours while Michael relaxed in front of the last few episodes of "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan. Aaron ended up coming upstairs around 10:15pm. and listened to the last chapters of the family book reading.
This morning around 4 am. I heard, "MOM!" and Aaron was in the bathroom. This occured two more times. At 7:30 am Aaron plopped himself beside me in my room and pronounced himself well again. I said, "Good deal!"

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

The guys at Michael's office are having fun with this game Aaron showed Michael that allows you to create your own super heros. The joke in the office is that Michael is a tree hugger, so Michael's friend, Ed, created a super hero called Sargeant Nature using Hero Machine:
:


I thought it was hilarious, so I decided to play along with some of my digital supplies and this is what I came up with:
Rachel came up with her own moniker!

_{Mo Jackson's Pixie Coutour One and Two, Man outline by Robyn England, Font: DB Michael}

:::::::::::::::::::::::::The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspects



As Daphne repeats a few time in the book, "That's so punk rock!" The book was a fast paced fight to the finish to stop the evil Rumpelstiltskein and his minions. The underlying theme of this, second, installment of the Sisters Grimm was the horrible toll prejudice and hate can take on the person who is letting those emotions fester. I thought the deeper meaning was excellent and put forth very creatively. The books, again, are not for the young, or who tend to have nightmares. Scary things happen in this series and folks don't always come out alive. The characters aren't one note characters, which always helps a plot. Snow White adds a little bit of Feminism and action hero bits to liven up the story line. She is definitely no "Woe is me!" shrinking violet type. She holds her own against several of Ferryport Landings ne'er do well Everafters. This book leaves with a very interesting psychological cliff hanger. Off to put in a request for book 3.

Smiles!

Just When You Thought it was Safe!

I post, yet another, Memorial Day layout!



Text: Michael was able to climb a 5.10 route at Sand Rock, Alabama during Memorial Day.

Text in the background: Spiderman, Spiderman
Friendly neighborhood Spiderman
Wealth and fame
He's ingnored
Action is his reward.

To him, life is a great big bang up
Whenever there's a hang up
You'll find the Spider man.


_{Scraplift of Kewl_jive, aka Beth, Background is Oil Paint paper by Gina Miller,
Don't Be Negative slides by Gina Miller,
Paint Strokes by Michelle Coleman,
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick,
Date Stamp (modified) by Amber Clegg,
Fonts: SF Movie Poster, Jane Austen, DB Michael}


::::::::::::::::::::This Must be Inherited:::::::

As we were driving the other day Fleetwood Mac's song "Edge of Seventeen" was playing and Rachel looked at me at the stop light and said, "Yeah know, I think it sounds like a 'one-winged dove' too!"

This refers to my inability to hear correct lyrics, which I have posted about before. Here is a layout I did on the subject, a while back: What I Hear.

:::::::::::::::::::::Summer Free Movies::::::::::

We went to see:


The kids kept giggling through the movie. Noah and Eve kept turning around and chastizing the loud children behind us (remember it is a free movie and people tend to be more disrespectful). I had visions of my mother as they turned around. It made me laugh.

I love Jack Johnson's sound it makes my toes tap and my heart happy!



One of the songs from the soundtrack that reminds me of what I like to do is called "People Watching".

"People Watching" by Jack Johnson

Well I'm just people watching
The other people watching me
And we're all people watching
The other people watching we
We're as lonely as we wanted to be
We're all as lonely as we wanted to be
Just as lonely as we wanted to be
I'm just you, you're just me
But it's only true if we believe
Well there really ain't no use in stopping
What nobody never told me not to do
So I'll keep people watching, watching me now
Finding my way back to you
We're as lonely as we wanted to be
We're all as lonely as we wanted to be
I'm just as lonely as I wanted to be
I'm just you, you're just me
But it's only true if we believe
I see so many feet going so many ways
People passing by, they got nothing to say
All on our own, just watching and confused
Nobody told me what to do
I can't stop breaking all the rules
And I'm just people watching
The other people watching me
We're all people watching
The other people watching we
We're as lonely as we wanted to be
We're not so lonely as we wanted to be
I'm just as lonely as I wanted to be
Not so lonely
Lonely, lonely, lonely


:::::::::::::::Sleep Over::::::::::::::::

Rachel is next door at a neighbor's house for a sleep over, so Noah suggested he and Eve snuggle with me. I said o.k., but Eve is my little starfish and she was already asleep when Noah made the suggestion. I put her on one side and Noah said I was supposed to get the middle. I felt bad trying to get comfortable between the two kids in my full size bed. I elbowed Eve's hair. I tried to move around and got kicked in the head by both kids. We finally settled in about midnight.

I hope the rest of you had a good nights rest! Smiles!

Things That Never Really Happened...

Here are a couple of layouts I posted to Designer Digitals with the theme of "Things That Never Really Happened":



Always known as an inventor, Georgia designed a dress that would allow women to fly around enabling them to get errands done more quickly. Her hot-air balloon inspired sleeves would inflate to bowling ball size and then the wearer's arms were used for attitude control.
Right as this picture was taken Georgia exclaimed, “Look mom! No hands!”


Invogue kit from Scrap Artist, A Traveling We Will Go brush by Sande Krieger, Curled Edge by Anna Aspnes, Font: DJB Michelled

As the photographer stared at Isabelle she realized her obsession for smuggling watermelons across the border had to stop.


Christmas papers by IOD, notepaper, Fresh stamp, string by Katie Pertiet (Magnolia Kit), cardboard tear by Linda Gil Bildal, postcard by Christine Honsinger, staple from Softly Softly by KSharonK, Curled edge by Anna Aspnes, Font: DJB Michelled and Taylor Mackenzie.


::::::::::::::::::::::::::Scout Camp Update:::::::

Michael drove through a hail storm, but got to the camp in safety. He is going to check the truck when he gets a chance because he said the hail was pretty large.
He said Aaron seems to be making friends from the different troops. Michael said that he was constantly saying "hi!" and waving to other kids. This is where Aaron takes after my mother. My kids are, all, really good about trying to be friends with new people. (Long-term relationships...that's another thing).
Aaron was the most excited to tell Michael he could now float. Aaron can swim, but has not learned any technique. He won't listen to either Michael or I when we try to teach him, but we figured working with a new instructor and boys with similar issues that he could resolve the problems. I'm very happy to hear that it is looking like he will.

::::::::::::::::::::::Reading Ahead:::::::::

that is a pet peave of mine. I never read ahead in a book because I really enjoy having stories unfold. Rachel told me that she read the end of the book we are using for our family reading. I couldn't believe it! I gave her quite a stern look and told her how unhappy I was and that she has really messed up the whole experience. She keeps getting upset with me for stopping at each chapter because she says they are each cliff hangers. Well, duh! (That phrase is more than trite, but it is how I feel about that statement)! Oh, I am ranting!


:::::::::::::::::::::Interesting Science Fact::::::

I have always wondered why Americans used the Farenheit scale over the Celsius scale and in the book I'm reading, Theories for Everything it gave this information:

"In 1708, Polish-born Dutch instrument maker Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit visited Romer. He returned to the Netherlands and porduced his own version of an alcohol thermometer, setting 0 degrees as the temperature at which beer freezes and 100 degrees as the temperature of the human body."

After reading this I was able to see the bizarre loyalty some people had in this reasoning. I wonder if I should shoot an email off to Coors and ask them if they are going to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Fahrenheit "beer" scale with promotional thermometers?!?

Smiles!

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!

I Want To Ride the Pony:

Horse photos remind me of the mean kid Sid, who exclaims, in his sleep, "I want to ride the pony!". Weird, I know! Here is a layout with two of the photos Michael took:



Paisley Passion Kit and Ornate alpha, brush from Funky Mood, and Heart Stitches by Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics,
Frayed Edges by Erica Hite,
Twig Frame by Carol Abram,
Tag (modified) by Welli Designs,
Leather on tag from Giddy Up by Mary Fran,
Fonts: Too Many Secrets/ Susie's Hand


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

Aaron is off to Boy Scout camp for a week. He is signed up for Indian Lore, Rifleman, Swimming, Archery and the last I don't recall.
I woke up at 4:00am. and made him a buttermilk waffle to start his morning on a full stomach. He looked so handsome in his full Scout uniform!

::::::::::::::::Yammer::::::::::::

Yammer: verb...meaning a stituation that occurs when you let a 4 1/2 year-old take a late nap, then they proceed to talk non-stop when they wake up. This talking will, usually, last until the wee hours of the morning.

This is the situation with Eve in the wee hours of this morning.


Smiles!

Waxing Nostalgic...Cartoon Style:

Michael and I will often spontaneously break into snippets of old television shows from our memories of Saturday Morning cartoons. One of our favorites is Super Chicken, which was taken off the air because he became Super Chicken by drinking a concoction called the "Super Sauce". The network or pressures from outside saw the drink as having a negative drug example for kids. I have fond memories of times watching Henry Cabot Henhouse III and his faithful sidekick, Fred.

I have listed several other theme songs and their shows. I had fun as a kid watching them and I wonder if you had similar favorites.


Artist: Lyrics
Song: Super Chicken Lyrics
When you find youself in danger,
When you're threatened by a stranger,
When it looks like you will take a lickin', (puk, puk, puk)
There is someone waiting,
Who will hurry up and rescue you,
Just Call for Super Chicken! (puk, ack!)

Fred, if you're afraid you'll have to overlook it,
Besides you knew the job was dangerous when you took it (puk, ack!)

He will drink his super sauce
And throw the bad guys for a loss
And he will bring them in alive and kickin' (puk, puk, puk)
There is one thing you should learn
When there is no one else to turn to
Call for Super Chicken! (puk, puk, puk)
Call for Super Chicken! (puk, ack!)



Lyrics
Song: Tom Slick Lyrics
Tom Slick.
Tom Slick.
Let me tell you why,
He's the best of all the guys.

Tom Slick
Tom Slick
In the thunder boat grease slapper once he's on your tail.
He won't quit because you know there's no such word as fail to
Tom Slick
Tom Slick!


Artist: Lyrics
Song: George of the Jungle Lyrics
George, George
George of the Jungle,
Strong as he can be.
(Ahhhhhhhh)
Watch out for that tree.

George, George,
George of the Jungle,
Lives a life that's free.
(Ahhhhhhhh)
Watch out for that tree.

When he gets in a scrape,
he makes his escape
with the help of his friend,
an ape named Ape.
Then away he'll schlep
on his elephant Shep
While Fella and Ursula
Stay in step.

Well....George, George
George of the Jungle,
Friend to you and me.

Watch out for that tree.

***I still laugh when he hits the tree!


Battle of the Planets

I loved watching this cartoon. I thought all the characters were cool. I, especially, wanted to fly the ship.



Artist: Lyrics
Song: The Bugaloos Lyrics
The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're in the air and everywhere
Flying high, flying loose
Flying free as a summer breeze

The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're climbing high and diving low
Through the sky, 'cross the land
Straight to you
With a helping hand
Ready with a helping hand

We're friends indeed
Should you need
If you ever need

The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're in the air and everywhere
Flying high, flying loose
Flying free like we all could be....



Artist: Lyrics
Song: Land of the Lost Lyrics
Marshall, Will, and Holly
On a routine expedition
Met the greatest earthquake ever known.
High on the rapids
It struck their tiny raft.
And plunged them down a thousand feet below.

To the Land of the Lost.
To the Land of the Lost.
To the Land of the Lost.


I loved the Sleestacks!


Artist: Lyrics
Song: Fat Albert Lyrics
Hey, hey, hey!
Here's Fat Albert
And I'm gonna sing a song for you
And this is gonna show you
A thing or two
You'll have some fun now
With me and the gang
Learning from each other
While we do our ???
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!

This is Bill Cosby coming out with music and fun
If you're not careful, you may run something before it's done!
Hey, hey, hey!

Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!

I was partial to Dumb Donald and Mushmouth.

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl


Dr. Shrinker


Wonder Bug:





Come on and Zoom, Come on and Zoom,
Come on and Zoom, Come on and Zoom,
Come on and Zoom, Zoom, Zoom-a, ZOOM!
ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM!
Come on and Zoom, You call the tune,
Come on and Zoom, We're starting soon,
Come and Zoom-a, Zoom-a, Zoom-a, ZOOM!
ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM,

I loved to do the experiments I saw on Zoom. Unfortunately, those experiments were messy and I had to do a quick clean up before my mom found out. If she doesn't know about them, now, I figure I was successful!

Space Giants:



Boy howdy, I thought it would be cool to transform into a robot. That is one reason I am looking forward to the new movie Transformers. Weird. I know. I'm cool with that!

:::::::::::::::::Bouldering on Memorial Day:::::





Text: Noah and Rachel were keen to try bouldering. They smeared, clung, and grasped the course rock face. Eve tried to conquer a few rock faces, too. They searched for good hand holds and foot holds in the cracks. Noah and Rachel get very serious and concentrate on what they are doing. The weather was warm and the kids were able to gain more confidence.

_{Chalk Full of Fun kit and Add-on by Lisa Whitney, Scribbly Alpha by Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics, Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab, Cardboard flowers by Amanda Rockwell, Animal Doodles and Bows (Pirate Doodles) by Kate Hadfield, Baby Bead Alpha by Mo Jackson, Nessa Font by Erica Hite, Backwards Staples by Jenn Patrick, Journal paper by Catrine, Font: DB Michael}


:::::::::::::::::::::::My Nice Family::::::

Let me take a nap, yesterday. I am on the last legs of this yucky cold.

::::::::::::::::::::::Sande Krieger::::::::

is so talented and she sent me these:

I was one of a few folks who had their name pulled for her new stamps.

Smiles!

Being Neighborly:

Here is a drawing created by one of Rachel's friends. Lydia is also a neighbor. Rachel has hat tacked this drawing to her bedroom door with much pride. Luckily, no siblings have tried to remove and or destroy the art work.




_{Black background from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, Crayon Doodles by Ida, Faux Jewels by Shabby Princess, Artistic Borderlines 4 by Sande Krieger, Font: Jane Austen/ Taylor Mackenzie.}

:::::::::::::::::::::::Gladiator::::::::



We watched the edited for television version and I continue to marvel at the cinematography and excellent performances of the cast. Russell Crowe is wonderful in leadership roles. I really loved his performance in "Master and Commander" as Capt. Jack Aubrey. Crowe's ability to show strength of character in these roles is captivating. Derek Jacobi has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager watching Public Television. He played the monk, Cadfael, in the mystery series based on the books by Ellis Peters. Jacobi's role as the senator from Rome, Graccus, is superb. Connie Nielsen as the daughter of the murdered Marcus Aurelius and forced to marry her brother, Commodus, plays the role with the perfect blend of strength and repulsion. She is strong for her son and is revolted by her brother/husband and must work behind the scenes to keep her son alive and have her brother killed.
The cinematography for the dream sequences and death are fantastic. The use of the mulitple 360 degree spin works dizzingly well for the the coliseum scenes.

One of the messages of the movie about giving the people a diversion, so you can run the country as you wish is quite deep. The other message of maintaining your integrity was a thread throughout.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::Pirates of the Caribbean::::::::

I plan to take Aaron to see that today. Should be a rip roaring time!

Get A Grip!

Rachel sticks her hand into her colorful chalk bag (made by her dad, Michael) and prepares to try her hands at bouldering. Sand Rock, Alabama is great for all levels of climbing. Aaron left his chalked up hand print on the rock face.

Another layout in the rock climbing series of my families Memorial Day activities.

_{Crayon alpha by Ida, Grungy Alpha by Birgit, Backward staples by Jenn Patrick, Paper Tears by Grace Bennett, Joined at the Hip by Tia Bennett, photo edges by Katie Pertiet, Black paper from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, Kaliedoscope paper by Sausan, Hand print by Jessica Bolton, Fonts: DB Michael and Arial Narrow.}

::::::::::::::::::Just a Regular Old:::::::

cold! Now I just have a regular old annoying cold. I suppose a couple more days will find me healthy again.

::::::::::::::::::The Elegant Universe::::::::

written by Brian Greene was the video of choice last night. It introduced the concepts of String Theory as the link between General Relativity theory of Albert Einstein and the Standard Model of Quantum Mechanics. General Relativity explains how the world of large ojects works, while Quantum Mechanics explains the world of the very small, but the math just doesn't jive to give a unified theory. The problem with String Theory is that, at this point, is untestable, thus it is more a philosophy than a theory. One of the interesting parts of the String Theory was the number of dimensions that would be necessary to have the math work. Eleven dimensions was what I understood from the video. The other interesting things was the concept that their are different membranes, or branes and that our world is on one of these and since the fabric of space is flexible sometimes our brane collides with that of another, theoretically, or (Philosophically). I think String Theory will ultimately explain such mundane problems as what happens to the other socks that go into the dryer and never come out. My guess is that someone from one of the additional dimensions is doing laundry at the same time and are wondering, too, what happened to their sock! It reminds me of the .Star Trek episode when Captain Kirk gets stuck in the anti-matter universe with the evil Spock. I really loved evil Spocks Van Dyck mustache and his cool uniform. Anyway, I think I'm on to something here (or is it...I think I'm on something?). I wonder if my anti-matter Victoria has facial hair, really great clothes, is a natural blonde, wears a size 2 clothes and a size 5 shoe, and hates chocolate? I'm off to test my sock theory!

Smiles!