Hello Sir...

::::::::Another Noahism:::::::

We took Rachel to Fernbank Natural History Museum to do a memory study for Emory University's Bauer Research Center. Since we had a family pass we took the rest of the kids. I went up to the Member Service counter and presented my identification to the young man behind the counter to get our tickets. Noah came up to stand next to me and asked the the man, "Hello Sir, but could you tell me if your necklace is metamorphic, igneous or sedimentary rock?" The poor guy looked shocked and befuddled, then he said, "It's a citrine." So Noah asked, "So what is a citrine?" The guy responded, "I don't know. It's just a citrine."


Michael took Aaron, Noah and Eve around to the different exhibits, while I went with Rachel and the researcher around Fernbank. Rachel was given a digital camera to take different photographs of things in the facility. She was assigned some specific items to photograph and sometimes she was allowed to take some of her choice. She had to take 3 photos of each thing because they said the image would process in her memory better that way. She kept commenting on the dead bird exhibits and that she wouldn't photograph any animals private parts. She believes in "Privacy".
After the researcher was finished with Rachel we joined the others to play in the hands on exhibits. The kids really love to make giant bubbles.

Rachel went to the research lab on Tuesday and they put the cap on her head that would allow them to monitor her brain waves. They put her in a room and gave her a thing that was like a computer game controller because they figured that apparatus would be easiest for computer savvy kids to operate. She was having a little bit of a learning. So they took a little more time to explain how to use it to her. Michael said he explained that she didn't play computer games much, that she liked to read a lot. They asked what she was reading. She told them, Pride and Prejudice, also Johnny Tremain. The researchers then put her in a dark room and displayed photographs, some were hers and some not, to see how and where her brain responded. We love science!

:::::::::::::::Parent/Teacher Conferences Begin::::::::

Michael and I went tonight to conferences for Rachel and Noah. I don't think I've walked away so at ease for the progress of two of my kids. The best news is that Rachel's teacher is now cancer free!!! All the parents clapped and cried for her. We really are pleased at the rapport she has with the her class. She is such a fantastic teacher and she tries to keep the bar raised, so the kids really achieve and stretch. Rachel scored well on all of her tests, but could use some help with fractions.


I had to run up after 10 minutes to make my appointment with Noah's teacher. I was surprised that all she had to say was good stuff. She said he has matured and really works hard to turn in assignments on time. His reading tests for the accelerated reader program are showing he is reading at grade level. His other tests show he needs improvement in punctuation, capitalization and another grammar area. He was outstanding in every other area, so my little man with poor fine motor skills is really coming along.

:::::::::::This Morning::::::::


Another Noah story. Noah decided he didn't want to watch morning programs on PBS, or play on the computer. He wanted to create circuit that he had made with Michael before. He said it wouldn't take long because there were only 11 steps. He called me in after a few minutes because he said he couldn't find the right resistor. He had a code that listed the color he needed. We went through all of the resistors, but couldn't find the one he said he needed. I grabbed the phone and called Michael at work. After talking to Noah for a couple of minutes he realized that Noah confused the resistor for the integrated circuit he actually needed. We thanked Michael and got only a few steps into the circuit before he had to run off and get on the bus. Interesting morning for an 8 year-old.



I hope y'all have a happy Valentine's Day! I will be baking sugar cookies for Eve's Kindergarten class to decorate tomorrow. I will be using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, of course. (((HUGS))) to all!

Oh No! Look at That the Bag Broke Open...

I have taught my daughter a bad habit. SOMETIMES when I buy a bag of candy it ACCIDENTLY breaks open in the car on the ride home, or right after I pull it out of the grocery bag. I put a mortified or annoyed look on my face, then unwrap one of those little treats and pop them in my mouth. Well, Rachel got off the bus on Friday completely miffed with a boy that said she was yelling and popped her in the hands. She said she was just sitting there doing nothing. She was extremely frustrated and cried. Nothing witty, comforting or sarcastic on my part made anything better. Then, she stood up with purpose walked into the kitchen and grabbed a Russell Stover's chocolate covered marshmallow heart that she had chosen for her friend and tore open the bag and said with a teary laugh, "Oh darn, the bag broke!" She popped it into her mouth and laughed. She went on to say that there may be a time in the near future that the other two hearts might have something happen to them. I suppose I'll wait until Thursday to replace the treats for her good friends.

::::::::::::::::Here is a Layout for Rachel's Book:::::::::


Rachel recieved a letter from school letting her know she was nominated for Jr. Beta Club. It is an academic, leadership and service club. She wasn't sure exactly what it was at first, or why it was important. I told her it was for kids who worked hard and wanted to also give service to the community. When I told her she would be giving service she was on board. She works diligently on her school work. I know there are folks out there that things come to easily, but I think with Rachel she has enough smarts to know what she doesn't know and has to work hard to get the information. I respect her work ethic with learning.

:::::::::::::::Indexed.blogspot.com::::::::
I love this website. This index card really made me laugh. It reminds me of the silly conversation you have to have with your kids about chicken fingers. No, chicken's don't have fingers. Why do they call them that, then? So forth...ad nauseum.

I think if that Noah would waste away if chicken fingers didn't exist. Well, that and ketchup.

::::::::::Speaking of Noah::::::::::::
He was tested for the FOCUS program at school last week. I don't know what the outcome will be, but he said the test was a bunch of yes, or no questions that he responded "no" to a lot. He is still creating things out of cardboard boxes and Scotch tape. A couple of weeks ago I let him have carte blanche with scissors and cardboard and he created a plane for he and Eve to seat in with some toys. It was pretty cool. I felt bad tossing it, but our house is too small. When I left my Mom's last night he had a roll of Scotch tape. I'm curious to wait he makes today.

::::::::::::Something I agree with:::::::


::::::::::::Paid Off::::::::::
These are the sofa and chairs we bought for the den. They are so comfortable. Michael is napping on the sofa now. We wanted something that all of us could flop on and be comfortable. The pillow like covers on the armrests are ideal. The kid's like that their body heat warms up the chair pretty quickly. No buyers remorse is a good thing.



:::::::::::::Aaron:::::::::
and Michael had a lock in at Atlanta Rocks climbing gym with Aaron's scout troop. Then, this morning, Michael drove Aaron to a merit badge clinic to learn about electronics with his other troop.

:::::::::::::Eve:::::::::::
had an early morning trip to Home Depot with Grampa Jim planned. She loves to build, create and craft.

Well, I've got to wake up the napper in a moment to get on with the rest of the day. Take care! :-)

Monday, Monday...

I just took a drizzly walk in the park. Only a couple of regulars on, at first, but about an hour later more folks showed up. I love watching the bluebirds swoop and skitter.



For those of you who have read The Poisonwood Bible the flair would remind you of Adah in her youth, so I thought it was perfect to begin my review. This was another one of those books that I found something quotable on many pages. I filled the book with my trademark torn pieces of paper, so I could go back and reference the ideas. The characters are a evangelical preacher, his wife, and 4 daughters who go to the Belgian Congo, which later becomes Zaire. The story starts in the early 50's and ends in the late 1980's. The setting moves back and forth a few times between Georgia and Africa. There are so many things the author brings into this book, which is written from the viewpoint of the wife and daughters. The story is politically and religiously charged. Our book group was polarized by how they felt about the book. I had not finished at the time of the group meeting, but was one that liked the book quite a lot.
The story has concepts of sin, redemption, forgiveness, hate, ethno-centricism, political systems versus economic systems, and what home really means. It is stated more than once in the book that, "...there are Christians and then there are Christians." The family that goes to the Congo are Christians in name but not actions.
The four daughters have very distinct voice and personality in the book, so without reading the chapter heading you would know who was speaking. Rachel is the vapid, oldest daughter, Leah is the follower, Adah is the reclusive one and Ruth May is ready to take on the world.
My favorite character, Adah, says this line on page 34, "It is true I do not speak as well as I can think. But that is true of most people, as nearly as I can tell." She later describes her mother as having a "...pagan's appreciation for the Bible..." That made me laugh.
The story of Methusaleh, the bird, added a bit of levity to the serious situation the family was in and acted as a metaphor in the book, as well. The book is laden with messages and metaphors. Saying I enjoyed the book would be the wrong characterization. I found it powerful on many levels. Though the woman in the book were often in positions were they felt powerless, they learned to work with the system, or to get rid of the parts that didn't work. This book can be used as an opportunity to access, or own level of ethno-centrism and true Christ-like actions. I highly recommend this book.


:::::::::::::::Another Page for Eve's Book:::::


There is actually journaling that includes the student names, but I didn't include them for the blog post.

::::::::::::::Aaron and Grampa:::

They worked on a Eagle Scout Project this Saturday. Grampa Jim blogged with photos.

Take care! :)

What Was Your Favorite Color When You Were a Kid?

:::::::::::::Eve's School Yearbook:::::::::
Here is a layout for Eve's book for Kindergarten. I'm also going to work on one for Noah and Rachel.




I have been quizzed, daily, by Eve about my favorite things when I was a kid. So, here are some of my answers:

My favorite Things, When I Was a Kid:

1. favorite color- Blue
2. Gum- Chiclets, Bubble Yum & Fruit Stripe Gum


3. Favorite game on the playground- Chinese Jump Rope

4. Favorite flower- Dandelions
5. Favorite thing to collect- Stamps, coins & rocks.
6. Favorite thing to play with in the woods- acorn caps & moss.
7. Favorite activity- bike riding and going to Sparkle skating rink with my sister, Tracy.
8. Favorite book collection- Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries.

::::::::::


It is a rainy day outside. Aaron and Grampa are off working on another scout's Eagle Scout project.


Take care! :)

Back By Popular Demand...

...Yes, Suzanne, you are popular!




I have removed my head from the proverbial sand and I am ready to reenter the blog world.





The yearbook is close to being finished. So...yeah!

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

Trick or Treatment was a book that thoroughly researched the subject of alternative medicines. I was fascinated with the information on acupuncture, the history of homeopathy, chiropactors and herbal medicines. The explanations of the placebo effect and why it can be both useful and harmful. I will also NEVER let anyone do an adjustment to my neck. I suppose I will claim confirmation biase on this point because I already don't like people touching my neck. This book gave me further reasons to keep it off limits. There was so much fact checking in this book and insight that I highly recommend anyone interested in learning more on these issues to read it.
The book, as I understand it, was written in response to Prince Charles' support of alternative medicine for the citizens in the U.K. The information gathered was to help protect the citizens from those who could harm others through there practices and advice.
I found it most alarming that those who would honestly wish to support the environment are creating the deforestation and destruction of delicate species to go "natural". I think many people want to do the right thing and don't realize the consequences. My interest was piqued when they mentioned an oil used for eczema and I found that it didn't live up to its tauting. I'm always on the look out for stuff to help Evey.

:::::::::::::::Current Reading Book:::::

The first chapter was rather weird, but every chapter since has sucked me into the world of a missionary family from Bethlehem, Georgia. They are on a mission to the Belgian Congo at the time of the Congo's independence. The chapters are written as the characters might speak. There are idiom errors by the different young daughters of the minister and his wife. I am familiar, to an extent, with Southern Baptist preachers and I'm from Georgia, so I am extra fascinated by these characters. I will let you know more when I finish.


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

These is what we are reading together. I am only doing one chapter at a time because the Old English is a bit tongue tying to read out loud, for me anyway. The kids are familiar with the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by way of "Monty Python and The Holy Grail", so they get some of the references. My favorite chapter, so far, is number 13. The Yankee rails on the ideas of 6 people being in charge of everyone else because of birth. It is an amazing chapter and I recommend it to everyone.

:::::::::::::::::::::This story is from Michael's Blog:::::
So the kids are all excited about having Martin Luther King's birthday off tomorrow. Eve was bouncing around the house and wanted to get some brown frosting so we could make cookies that look like Dr. King. I was a little concerned that she was more excited about having the day off from school and the prospect of cookies than she was Dr. King's accomplishments. So I asked her, "Eve, do you remember what Dr. King did for us." She didn't hesitate to answer and her response really brought it down to earth and convinced me that she really understood his accomplishments, "He changed the laws and made it so Selena and I could sit together."

I am so happy that Eve is concerned with color as it has to do with her nail polish.

Well, smiles...! :-) Take care!

The New Year Begins...

Yes, folks! The time of year for Girl Scouts selling their cookie wares has arrived:


If anyone is interested in placing an order, please email me. This is the first year that Daisy Girl Scouts are selling, so Eve is included in this Public Service Announcement.

Being Rachel

That is a common description around our house and it is defined as: Someone who goes directly to their room, grabs a book and precedes to read for hours. The only time one stops reading is for a quick bathroom break and to force food down one's gullet, then run back up stairs to complete the book.

This phrase came about a couple of months ago and like Webster's Dictionary it became so commonplace that everyone new the definition and could apply it to others in the family not just Rachel. Rachel is very pleased that she has her own definition in the family annals. So, if you get bored today and need something to do why don't you try "Being Rachel".
(This lap desk is a gift from Laura and Marcus):



Rachel is in complete disagreement on this bit o'Flair. She thinks Time Lords and vampires coexist on an equal plane. The kids have enjoyed watching Dr. Who Season Four
and The Sarah Jane Adventures
. Eve was so excited to get her own K9
My mother feeds the childrens' science fiction fetishes.

::::::::::::My Own Time Lord in Miniature...

asked his almost daily query: "Mom, why does space exist? Why does time exist and why do we exist?"
He was asking me this while promising not to blow up the his electronics learning lab that Michael bought him for Christmas. Those photos are still on the camera. I'll try to pull these photos on to show you. Did I mention I need an external hard drive?

*Take care...I'm going to try and take a walk and hope the kids don't kill each other while I'm gone.

*post edited to say the walk was successful and the children are ALIVE! (I also added the pics of Rachel).

A Couple of Funny Things:

:::::::::Indexed is too cool:






::::::::::::My Crazy Kids:::::::

Breakfast with the Taylor kids on school mornings is loud, and usually includes an argument between Aaron and Noah. On Friday it was no different at the beginning, then Rachel started crying. I heard snippets of Aaron and Noah's banter, so I figured out what upset her so much. Aaron was trying to determine how easy it would be to throw a grappling hook and grab Noah's arm, then use the hook to rip his arm off. Rachel was absolutely disgusted and came running to me with tears streaming down her face. Since she declared she could no longer eat I sent her to brush her teeth. Eve joined her sister, while I told the boys they were using inappropriate conversation at the table. A few minutes later Eve and Rachel came back down stairs where upon Eve declared:

"I lost my appetite because of them! (complete with hands on hips).

Then, she did a slight turn of her head and asked, "Does anyone know what appetite is?"

Rachel and I got a good laugh out of that question.

Merry Christmas...soon!

Fleece Navidad

Rachel participated in a 5th grade tradition at her school called "Snow Village". Her take on the project was to create "The Out Inn". She loved her play on words and her inn looked very cozy and inviting.


Eve created a graham cracker gingerbread house after eating a lot of frosting.


Rachel made this cool fish mosaic in her art class last month.


My sister-in-law, Melissa, gave this hoodie to me for my Christmas present. The hoodie says "Smile. Here comes the yearbook lady". So funny.



::::::::::::::The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Perilous Journey

This continuation of The Mysterious Benedict Society was quite a romp around the world with the children trying to find a kidnapped Mr. Benedict. I want let any more of the plot out, but we enjoyed the story.

:::::::::::::::::Attack of the Volcano Monkeys

The story is a fast-paced tale about Basil and Louise's adventures on Monkey Island. The kids hate when I stop reading, especially Noah. The illustrations are fantastic and a couple are creepy cool. We are half way through and enjoying the story unfold.

:::::::I still need to get some photos from Michael about Rachel's performance. Hopefully tonight.

Smiles and take care!

What You Will Find My Mom Doing in A Few Years...

:::::::::::Santa's Frosty Follies

Rachel performed with her 5th grade class, today. She had such fun and I will post pictures soon. Eve was able to watch her performance.

I have a great time visiting the Rachel's class. The boys and girls are polite and love to tell me what is going on with their day.


I'm off to finish several tasks! Smiles and hugs to all of you! :)

I Don't Know If I Like Them...

I think I'll have to eat another few boxes, just to be sure. Thanks to my friend, Carol, in Australia my family has been converted to the love of Tim Tams. I purchased the originals and the caramel centered ones. Noah has declared his love for the Tim Tam on a couple of occassions. Rachel says the caramel ones are her favorite. Michael says he thinks he doesn't like them, but to be sure I need to buy him several more boxes of each. I think the caramel ones are my favorites, too. The caramel is not runny like on the package photo, but firm and chewy. Chocolate and caramel are a heavenly mix. I want to have an Australian themed food night when I buy more of the Tim Tams and start off with a Shepherd's Pie, which approximates a Meat Pie. Thanks, Carol for the calories, I mean, the recommendation!

::::::::::::
I saw this on Marcus' blog, so here is my outcome:

Your rainbow is shaded violet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

:::::::::::::Snacks

My neighbor, Kristen, invited us over for snacks. It was a ploy for her to get her tasty, high calorie treats out of her house. I am now experiencing the sugar rush that comes from partaking of bar treats.

:::::::::::::Brisk and Breezy

I did 6 miles at the park this morning. The wind was so cold. The Canada Geese have left copious amounts of ecoli mines around the lake. I avoid those.
Yesterday, Michael used a vacation day to help at the elementary school, so he went for a walk before we had to leave. I'm used to listening to Mara Davis, so I'm surprised I didn't try to make him come up with songs to a particular theme while we were walking. Maybe next time.

:::::::::::::Snow Village

Michael got to use exacto knives to cut out house from cardboard with Rachel's class. I got to be hot glue girl with our neighbor Kristen. Kristen's daughter, Lydia, is in Rachel's class. Michael took some photos for me, too. I got hugs from a couple of the kids. They tell me I'm just like Rachel. HMMM...


:::::::::::::I Still have Christmas presents to get, so maybe I will be able to do this like Buddy the Elf:

Take care! :)

Good to the Last Drop...

Another Tag--6 Random Things About Me

The rules are:


* Link to the person who tagged you (Kim)
*Post the rules on your blog
*Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself
* Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
* Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog
* Let the tagger know when your entry is posted


(I could do more than 6... I guess we are all quirky!)




1. The title of the blog, "Good to the Last Drop", isn't about coffee, but how I am with liquid products. When most of the bottle is used up and most folks may throw it out. I prop bottles upside down to make sure I get the last drop out. This habit goes for detergent, hand soap, oil, o.j., and honey.

2. I roll my eyes a lot. There is usually something, daily, that I find ludicrous. It is so ingrained that I don't notice it much, but everyone does feel the need to tell me to stop it. I would...if they would stop being ludicrous.

3. I mix my food. I think why not use the mashed potatoes to collect other food bits...it makes things a bit more simple to gather. One of my favorite treats to "Mix Up" is vanilla bean ice cream, a little bit of milk and a generous spoonful of malt. Ample stirring and voila...a cold, creamy treat.

4. I like to read 2 to 3 books during the same time period. It is part of my scattered-random nature.

5. When I'm hungry I ask Michael to think of places to go eat. I shoot them down, one by one, until he comes up with that my stomach seems to agree on. It's one of those things that I don't know what I want exactly, until I hear it. He still gets miffed that I do this, but I have learned to tell him up front that I'm doing this, so it seems to ameliorate him a tad.

6. There is a huge bag of socks hanging by the dryer. I have this insane notion that I will find mates to each of them. I have this guilt about some poor person suffering because I was so wasteful as to throw away a perfectly good single sock because I couldn't find its mate.



That is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Take care! :)