Old Faithful-with Eve and Aaron

The photo with my two kids has a shadow falling across them, but it is so cool to see Eve's reaction to the geyser going off!

_{Kit from Scrapartist Anniversary Bash
Meter stick by Rikki
Paint brush stroke by Michelle Coleman
Font: Artistamp Medium/sketchy/Ash94}

Remembering when:

Eve was a tiny toddler and Lettitia was a teenager and most favored Auntie for all the Taylor kids. This was taken at my mother-in-law's home in Social Circle during a Family Home Evening. We try to get together around the first of the month. It is fun to look at the older photos that I'm finally getting around to scrapbooking and see how we all have changed.


_{Background paper from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, papers and elements from Ellie's World by Nancy Rowe Janitz, Font: Farrah}

Rachel in 2004 and 2005

A couple of pictures of Rachel just for fun:


“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.” Jiddu Krishnamurti


_{Background paper by Sandra Boddington and elements from her Persimmons in Summer kit, staples and Paint Brush Stroke by Michelle Coleman, Font: Milk & Cereal}

Rachel's painting of the 4 seasons for Kindergarten:

_{Background paper from Sandra Boddington's blog, paint font modified from Mo Jackson's Primitive Art kit, Paint spot modified from Brush strokes by Rhonna Farrer, Font: Milk & Cereal.}


Quote: “Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress.” Charles Dickens

The Music Genome Project:

Pandora.com. This site is so cool! My brother-in-law, Marcus, told everybody on our family site about this music site that can let you put in you favorite song, or artist, then it gives you similar songs to the style you chose. The site will tell you about the qualities of the songs that it is comparing, or using as part of its search. We were playing around on the site last night, too fun!

Camp out at Blood Mtn:

_{Background paper from Worn Comforts by Jen Wilson, Bark Alpha by Mo Jackson, Staple from Emma's Sundress by Michelle Coleman, leather stitch from Authentic by Sara Carling, Paint Brush Stroke by Michelle Coleman, Font: Marcieshand}

Michael and Aaron went with their scout troop last weekend. They slept in the shelter instead of the tents they brought. From what they tell me the rain was coming down rather relentlessly for a while and the boys were grateful for the shelter and not having to worry about setting up the tents they brought.
:::

We had Court of Honor last night and Michael, as the Scout Master, asked Aaron to do a CPR demonstration. He had just gone over Emergency Preparedness with his leader and he PAID ATTENTION! Their was a huge crowd in the Primary Room for the meeting and Aaron spoke clearly and audibly, while using a large stuffed dog as his dummy for the demonstration. His leader, Bro. Kotter was visibly pleased with Aaron's accurate demonstration. Aaron received his Cooking and Environmental Science Merit Badges, and his 2nd Class Scout rank.

:::

I presented the video slideshow presentation for the Court of Honor. One resource I used for just a couple of funny sound bites was: Daily Wav. Rachel and I kept playing one by Paula Deen about gaining weight. She just had us giggling. I used her sound bite for the beginning of the section showing the boys working on their cooking merit badge.

I've learned to keep the presentations around 10-12 minutes because that is pretty much the extent of anyone's attention length.

:::

Noah recieved 2 letters this week, one from his new first grade teacher, Mrs. Tiller, and one from his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Barclay. I am so impressed that each would take the time to send him a welcoming letter to him, especially that his former teacher sent him an invitation for him to drop by and see her and to have a great year with his new teacher.

:::

We finished Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH last night. My kids liked the book much better than the movie. The movie used some weird magic hocus pocus that had nothing to do with the story. Such a wonderful book. The book for family reading is now Peter and the Shadow Thievesby Dave Barry. I'm stoked to read this one and so are the kids. I will give my critique of the book as we get into it.

:::

Eve wants to play www.pbskids.org, so I will sign off now!

Painted Turtle(Chrysemys Picta)

_{Primitive Scrapbooking and Primitive Art by Mo Jackson, background from Arti-bytes (Hunibuni), note paper from BYOBB Kit by Gina Miller, Painted Alpha by Rhonna Farrer, Arrow by Katie Pertiet, Date Stamp by Jenn Star, Dragonfly by Jen Wilson, Fonts: Pea Girly Girl Script, Pea Lis, Artistamp Medium, Pea Jenny Script.}



Identification: Shell hard, smooth, somewhat flattened; bright yellow lines on head and limbs; lower shell orange or reddish, with dark markings (most conspicuous in juveniles); upper shell often with narrow yellow lines (less yellow in larger individuals), less often with network of dark lines; upper jaw notched at tip; upper shell of female up to about 25 cm (9.8 inches), though rarely more than 21 cm (8 inches); males much smaller.

Mature male: Vent located beyond rear edge of upper shell carapace when tail is extended; claws on front feet very long; lower shell flat.


Habitat: Permanent ponds, reservoirs, marshes, river backwaters, slow-moving streams, and nearby temporary waters such as those that are seasonally flooded. Favors waters with a soft bottom, abundant aquatic vegetation, and partially submerged logs or other places for basking. Often many bask on a single log.

:::

We had a hot, yet nice time at a lake near my parent's home. I took the kids out in the canoe, while Grandpa Jim and Michael took the kayaks. Their was hardly a breeze to be had, so we got uncomfortably hot pretty fast. We got to see some really cool painted turtles sunning themselves on a protruding tree branch. We got home just as the rain started pouring down in torrents.

I looked up information on the turtle I saw and found out that it was a male. I also noticed from my photo that he had a reddish plastron, which keeps it from being an Eastern Painted Turtle because, as I understand it, they have yellow plastons. Anyway, he was quite handsome!

:::

Good News for Aaron. Thanks to a great family in our ward, the Frost family, Aaron will be able to achieve his Second Class scout rank. He was afraid to swim the required length of the pool. He will jump in the 10 foot section off of the diving board, but rushes instantly to the side, so he didn't have the freestyle stroke techinique. Karen Frost and one of her sons, Mark, helped Aaron work on the stroke he needed and to work up to the requirement in increments. Karen used to be Aaron's Den leader and he really trusts her. Michael had mentioned Aaron's need of help to the Frosts at our ward Luau just last Saturday, and on Monday afternoon I got a call from Mark setting up a time at our local pool. This family is such a blessing for Aaron, and us!

Trust Me!

Text: We stayed at the Best Western Cavern Inn during our stop at Carlsbad Caverns. We were only a few yards from the road to the Caverns. To cool off before we left we swam in their pool and Michael worked with Eve to get her to trust him and learn to kick and float. She preferred to hug his neck.

_{Layout Credits: Sketch template by Jen Caputo, Alpha by Shabby Princess, date stamp by DebF, papers from Jen Wilson's Worn Comfort Collection
Fonts Used: Pea Alisha}

Our stay at the Best Western Inn in Carlsbad Caverns was surprisingly pleasant for what I thought would be a hole in the wall place at the entrance to the National Park. The place was clean, efficient and the vouchers they gave for breakfast provided us with quite a big, delicious meal. So, if you are heading out to National Parks Carlsbad is a must see. I do offer you a word of warning...DO NOT GO 1 mile over the posted speed limit. I was pulled over after having driven about a mile into the park. The very gruff officer demanded to know why I was speeding. I told him honestly, "This place is so cool, it looks like Dr. Suess decorated it! I wasn't paying attention to my speed I was looking at all the cool stuff!" He kinda glared at me and went to run my tag and license information. Apparently he got a call up at the main facility because he gave me all of my stuff back and told me to watch my speed, and that the didn't have time to give me warning.

Later in the evening when we went to see the bat flight he was there telling everyone that if they took any flash photography he would remove them from the park. It is at this point that we christened him with the nickname: "THE ENFORCER". So, don't say I didn't warn you!

DE- STRESS:

I got this link from Jenn Star's blog and felt it imperative to pass it on:

BUBBLE WRAP

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It's Homeschool League bowling day at Brunswick Lanes so we will be running off in a little while for some bowling action!

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_{Enlighten papers, and tag (from Seasonal Scraps-Rain Shower) by Jen Wilson, Staples by Michelle Coleman, Frame by Rhonna Farrer, Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz, Fonts: Pea Lis, another typewriter, century, Distress. Scrabble alpha from a freebie (unknown maker)}

Michael and Lettitia allowed me to take a few shots of them during Makayla's blessing get together after Church. Lettitia has joined the ranks of us old married folk!

Another Cousin layout:

_{Doodle Kit freebie by Sundaye, staples, paint brush stroke, stitching by Michelle Coleman's Gypsy Rose Elements, and Emma's Sundress, Brown paper from Michelle Coleman's Good Karma freebie, Font: Jane Austen, Pea Happy Girl}

Text: Aaron has a genuine love for his cousin Dakotta Rose Hardin.. Whenever he sees any of his baby cousins he looks them in the eyes, then gives them a big hug. These photos were taken at Granny Sydney Taylor's house in Social Circle, Georgia during Easter. Uncle Michael Taylor holds Dakotta on his lap.

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Michael and I were discussing how Eve uses the wrong terminology for things, but describes what is happening perfectly. For example, today she was watching Barbie Fairytopia and there are scratches on the dvd at the images were stuttering on the screen. She yelled up to us and said "The t.v. is running out of gas!" That explained exactly what the images and sound appeared to be doing; such creative thinking!

READY?

_{Mo Jackson's Novel Paperbacks, Birthday Candles, Board Book Alpha & Bits, Ledger paper by Kellie Mize, Fonts: Pea Angedawn, Punch Label, Pea Happy Girl, starter pistol clip art from internet.}

My kids love to get together with their cousins. The Hardin girls are very competitive and fast. Rebecca gave us all the biggest laugh to watch her get down into that super low crouch and get ready to run! She won, of course!

Navy Man

This is my dad when he was in the Navy:


_{Mo Jackson's kits used: Boxer 11, Official Boxer Alpha, Birthday Candles and Primitive Scrapbooking, flag patch by Hunibuni, Font: Stan's Hand, anchor from www.sxc.hu}

Playin' in the Sand can be so much Fun:

...just ask Eve!


Text: Eve's favorite place to play at the park is in the sand box. Swings are a close second. She loves to repeatedly bury her feet in the sand.
When she finishes playing she wants every grain of sand removed, PRONTO!


_{Background paper and small alpha from Havana Kit by Jan Crowley, Beachy Alpha by Monica McClain, filmstrip by Jen Wilson, leather rose element, paper strip, hang tag and woven cloth by Michelle Coleman, fonts: Pea Angedawn, Susie's Hand.}

I'm not sure if there is any kid who has ever existed who doesn't like playing in the sand, making forts, sand castles, and burying their toes only to have their toes suddenly escape their sandy prison to reappear and have to be subdued over and over again! Their is a limit to where I put sand, though! I was DISTANTLY acquainted with a little boy in preschool who would run behind the tree at recess and scoop handfuls of dirt up and eat it. I was highly disturbed by this behavior. In my later years I learned of the disorder called PICA where people actually crave dirt because they lack minerals. UGH! From start to finish that is just a bad deal! I suppose you could eat Wheaties or something, but hey, I won't eat Wheaties either. I'm a Rice Krispies (original...thank you) with not too much milk. I say that because I do NOT like to drink the milk left over after I have finished eating my cereal. Disgusting stuff in my mind! When I was a kid and we got the extra cool junkie sugary cereal like Sugar Smacks, Captain Crunch Berry, or Fruit Loops I would eat those with NO milk because the syrupy sugar mess it created was too much. I ended up with raw skin on the roof of my mouth from eating my cereal commando, but I found this a better alternative to heaving up some nasty sugar milk. Oh, the diatribe we do weave we we type to...(no deceiving here).

Have a great weekend! We plan to go canoeing in the lake near my folks house!

More Frig. Art:

_{Ali Folendore's Geisha Girl papers, Willow Haiku papers, Jen Wilson Lamour papers, Font: CAC Shishoni Brush}

Godzilla gets licked!

_{Mo Jackson's Hot Candy and Aunt Laura's kits, Fonts: Courier, Code3x and Pea Jenny Script}
This is part of a scraplift challenge at Mo Jackson's site. We were to do some tinting and leaving a portion of the picture in color. I thought Noah's picture of him devouring Godzilla would work nicely for this challenge. Miyuki, the candy artist at the Japan section of the World Showcase at EPCOT, made Noah this great Godzilla candy seated atop a blue ocean wave. Noah had asked for a T-Rex, but in true Japanese fashion he came away with a way cooler likeness of Godzilla!

The World Showcase at EPCOT was really an amazing place! I need to scrap the photos of the GINORMOUS chips from the great fish and chips place we ate a couple of times.

Granny Used to Belly Dance?!?!!!

These pictures were so disturbing to my 11 year-old son! I don't think my children realized their grandmother had a life before her human "planet" came to revolve around them. My mother had a lot of fun belly dancing in the 70s. She taught me how to roll a coin up and down my stomach (which, sadly, I haven't been able to do since I was about 10). I loved everything about belly dancing, the music, the veils, the finger cymbals, the coin head pieces, jeweled belly button pieces, and the bra with bells that jingled with every movement. I also liked the metal snake arm band that was an upper arm cuff.

Obituary and Books:

My mother directed me to this obituary that she heard about from Neal Boortz:


Clark, Frederic Arthur (Fred)

Frederic Arthur (Fred) Clark, who had tired of reading obituaries noting other's courageous battles with this or that disease, wanted it known that he lost his battle as a result of an automobile accident on June 18, 2006. True to Fred's personal style, his final hours were spent joking with medical personnel while he whimpered, cussed, begged for narcotics and bargained with God to look over his wife and kids. He loved his family. His heart beat faster when his wife of 37 years Alice Rennie Clark entered the room and saddened a little when she left. His legacy was the good works performed by his sons, Frederic Arthur Clark III and Andrew Douglas Clark MD, PhD., along with Andy's wife, Sara Morgan Clark. Fred's back straightened and chest puffed out when he heard the Star Spangled Banner and his eyes teared when he heard Amazing Grace. He wouldn't abide self important tight *censored*. Always an interested observer of politics, particularly what the process does to its participants, he was amused by politician's outrage when we lie to them and amazed at what the voters would tolerate. His final wishes were "throw the bums out and don't elect lawyers" (though it seems to make little difference). During his life he excelled at mediocrity. He loved to hear and tell jokes, especially short ones due to his limited attention span. He had a life long love affair with bacon, butter, cigars and bourbon. You always knew what Fred was thinking much to the dismay of his friend and family. His sons said of Fred, "he was often wrong, but never in doubt". When his family was asked what they remembered about Fred, they fondly recalled how Fred never peed in the shower - on purpose. He died at MCV Hospital and sadly was deprived of his final wish which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a double date to include his wife, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter to crash an ACLU cocktail party. In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that you make a sizable purchase at your local ABC store or Virginia winery (please, nothing French - the *censored*) and get rip roaring drunk at home with someone you love or hope to make love to. Word of caution though, don't go out in public to drink because of the alcohol related laws our elected officials have passed due to their inexplicable terror at the sight of a MADD lobbyist and overwhelming compulsion to meddle in our lives. No funeral or service is planned. However, a party will be held to celebrate Fred's life. It will be held in Midlothian, Va. Email fredsmemory@yahoo.com for more information. Fred's ashes will be fired from his favorite cannon at a private party on the Great Wicomico River where he had a home for 25 years. Additionally, all of Fred's friend (sic) will be asked to gather in a phone booth, to be designated in the future, to have a drink and wonder, "Fred who?"
Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 7/9/2006.

.......I am already thinking of great things to list about my life of unfamous mediocrity. I really love dark humor!



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We just finished reading How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell.
This is a book I read in middle school and since there is a movie adaptation coming soon I thought it would make it more fun to read the book first.
Our current book is Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'brien
The book is much better than the movie adaptation, but the kids have already watched the movie, so they are making the comparisons in reverse to what I prefer.

Road Trips:

_{Black paper from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, arrow (re-colored) by alb52 (Amy Martin), date stamp by DebFfont: Pea Dalovely Damanda, Blue Highway D type, Baby Kruffy}

Road trips can be amazingly fun and interesting, while some of them can turn into down right sagas akeen to Ulysses' odyssey trying to return to his dear Penelope. In 2003, we had a great adventure marred only by a series of problems with the tires on the trailer we were towing. Since the tires were under-inflated we blew all the spares we carried with us and we were lucky to happen upon a co-op in Wyoming that sold us the one and only tire that would fit the trailer for ten dollars. Michael was very pragmatic and calm every time he had to go out and change the tire. He was surprised I was so unflustered. I figured that crying, screaming or swearing would not magically fix the tire so why give my self a headache on top of the situation. The kids were really good and Michael was able to change the tires rather efficiently. Our positive attitude allowed us to enjoy our trip inspite of the flat tires.

We All Scream for Ice Cream:

_{paper by Michelle Coleman from "Good Karma", Alpha by Carrie Stephens, computer paper from Gina Miller's Note This, chip board arrow by Dani Mogstad, Fonts: Pea Martha, Walt Disney Script, Pea Beth, Pea Becky, Pea Angedawn, Pea Nancy}

If you get a small fortune and can go to Disney World The Flights of Wonder bird show in Animal Kingdom is extremely well done. The birds are amazing and the keepers are great with the birds and the crowd. My husband loves eagles, falcons and hawks, so this exhibit was right up his alley.
They have a gorgeous owl who can not fly at the entrance to the exhibit to greet the visitors. Even though owls look quite heavy they weigh almost nothing.

Michael and I were quite tight on our budget when we went to Disney World, but we let the kids have ice cream treats. They were thrilled and it perked them right up in the middle of a hot day. We went in February, which is an off season time for the park. The lines were long, but manageable. I seriously can not fathom crowds during peak season. I don't have the patience to stand in lines more than about 30 minutes, but we met with little to no lines or maximum of 15 minutes of wait time. I must tell you that I think the Fast Pass Idea was great. We would get an extra fass pass using Eve's card on rides she couldn't pass the height requirement. This allowed us to ride things more often and quicker.

I was thinking, as I looked at the kids eating ice cream, that most people eat treats that are animal shaped ears first. Mickey Mouse lost his ears first during our ice cream break. This treatment, I believe, would extend to animal crackers and peeps. Just an observation on the human psyche.

The Year of the Watermelon:

_{Gypsy Rose Paper (melon) and tag (Summer Whimsy kit) by Michelle Coleman, paint strokes by Rhonna Farrer, black prong by the Shabby Princess, Grunge frame by Jessica Sprague, Fonts: Artistamp Medium, Bored Schoolboy, Pea Alisha, Pumpkinseed Medium, CAC Shishoni Brush, Mailart Rubberstamp, Stamped DSG, Sketchy}

2006 is really the year of the watermelon. Every seedless watermelon my mother has purchased is ripe, sweet, and juicy! Totally high on the Yum-O-Meter! My daughters are loving the process of cutting into the watermelon and then munching down on large chunks of juicy, ripe goodness and allowing their chins to drip the stick nectar of the gods...that would be the Southern Greek gods, I believe (maybe Zeus' cousin Cletis or Bubba?).





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I'm sporting a lovely blister on my heel from walking in a, mostly new, pair of sneakers. The kids were mashing on it in sacrament meeting. I was told it was "COOL and WEIRD". I just laughed and thought about how weird my kids are. Michael and I are trying to do a lot more walking at the local park. We took the kids by there last night to check out the bullfrogs and the ducks.

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Aaron and I went to see The Pirates of the Caribbean II: The Dead Man's Chest. I thought it was an interesting romp. I, especially, loved the sword fighting scenes. There is a great scene with Johnny Depp and fruit that I found hilarious. I suppose everyone of the cast has resigned for another sequel because this movie ends with a cliff hanger of what happens to Cap't Jack Sparrow. My favorite characters were the guy with the wooden eye and his companion. They were used to explain things that would, otherwise, have taken too long. The other thing I found about macabre, yet funny, was the running gag with shooting the immortal monkey.

Reminiscing about 2003

_{Felt flower add on by Holly McCaig, Font: Pea Nancy, and everything else is from Jen Wilson's Delighted papers, and elements kits.}

This is a photo of my family taken on 4th of July 2003. We were at my Mother-in-law's house to take a group photo of all of her children, their spouses and the grandkids. This was the first family photo without Rog. I miss that guy a lot! He never missed a hugging opportunity with anyone and he loved his grandkids. He loved to discuss topics of all types, but especially religion and philosophy. Michael has followed his father down this path, but I find it frustrating Rog isn't around to be a better sounding board and discussion partcipant that Michael could really use. BTW, the link to Michael's blog is on the right hand side of the screen entitled: "Free Philosophical Discussions". This title is an homage to Rog's page of the same title that we had for our family website.

It is so cool to see how the kids have grown in the last 3 years. In the picture Eve's hair was just hinting at a bit of curl. Since then she has had a mass of beautiful blonde curls and then, found my crafting scissors and cut them all off. Now her hair has a soft lilt to it, but no mass o' curls. Aaron still has glasses, but he has lost some of those teeth, he's facial features are more chisled and has some cool blue metallic, rectangular frames. Rachel has long hair, braces and a much goofier smile. Noah looks ever more like my granddaddy Bill Harris. He is built like a little square linebacker with beautiful eyes and big ear lobes.

I told Noah that he was built like a "truck" and he told be very seriously, "I'm not built like a truck, God doesn't build like that!"

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Back to present day. Eve was sick yesterday, but since she started this spewing business before eating breakfast it was a very manageable experience. No having to scream "Clean Up on Aisle 6!" I just had Aaron run and grab fresh towels when I needed them. The only unfortunate experience was after a tummy full of water and a severe episode of reverse peristaltis. I think Spew is the perfect word for that episode. I believe it was somewhat akin to a whale surfacing because it was mostly water, but just a wee bit gross.

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I'm going on a lunch date with my husband, so y'all have a lovely weekend!

Weeds or Not?

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered."


Ralph Waldo Emerson



_{Grass Stain paper by Iron Orchid Designs, Fonts: Marignal Px, janellescript, carolynsprint, Al Sandra, oldstyle Italic...background text about the medicinal use of dandelions from botanical.com}

Text: Eve was elated to find such a plentiful crop of "flowers" to share!

These pictures are from the day at Homeschool Run Club that Eve picked a beautiful bouquet of Dandelions for Coach Donna! Eve was beaming with pride for such a clever idea!

I am fortunate, in my humble opinion, to not live an a covenant community...and I'm sure they feel equally fortunate if they read what I'm about to "pen" here! I don't mind dandelions! For centuries they have offered a source of food and a rather simple, yet bitter, medicinal diuretic. In one form they offer an unending supply of wishes for anyone who picks them and purses their lips together and blows...REMEMBER...NO TELLING...YOUR WISH! (Won't work if you do! It's in the botanical book of facts...I'm sure)! I, as a child, held firm to the notion of the dandelion's magical powers as do my children. And you know what, even if the dandelions aren't magical they are still the coolest seed producing kid toy and the only seed that even comes close is the "helicopters". IT'S A FACT, I tell you! (As they say...consider the source :)
So as Kevin Neyland used to say..."That's news to me!"

Wave Your Hands:

Text: Reuben and Gabriel kept their arms raised for the entire ride from MGM back to our hotel at Pop Century. They couldn't stop laughing and their humor was rather infectious!



_{Papers: Tia Bennett's "Dude Totally", Rhonna Farrer's Rockstar, Chris Ford's paper strip, Mickey Mouse eyelet and brad by jlr,
Date Stamp by Jenn Star on her blog
Font: SA Apricots/Carnivalee Freakshow/Walt Disney Script}

I have a few silly watermelon eating pictures I will post when Michael drags them over to my shared file this evening. Rachel is making her usual goofy faces. Eve is wearing the watermelon as much as eating it. Aaron doesn't do fruit, so he isn't in any of the photos, and Noah only likes apples and bananas...so no Noah either!

Happy 4th of July---Independence Day!

_{Uncle Sam poster from internet (modified---a bit), Glitter doodles by Dani Mogstad from her blog}

Happy 4th of July!

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"the boy who can make fireworks is revered above all others as a boy belonging to a superior order of beings. "

The Second Thoughts of an Idle Fellow

These photos were taken from the perspective of my son, Noah, and one of his cousins. They were so full of awe and enthusiasm watching the fireworks that they made the whole experience more fun.

_{Kit name: Rockstar by Rhonna Farrer
Available at: Digital Scrapbooking Talk Radio
Fonts: Dirty Ego}

Fun with Grandpa

_{Paper, words and elements from Meredith Fenwick's "Just for Fun", Date Stamp by Jenn Star from her blog, and overlay by Nancie Rowe Janitz, font: Pea Angedawn}

Grandpa Jim Towhey and Rachel are great pals. They love The Three Stooges and working on motorcycles and cars. Grandpa loves to teach Rachel simple magic tricks...no Criss Angel--MindFreak stuff here. Grandpa likes to read Junie B. Jones books with Rachel too, but if you like to read about irreverant elementary school kids you would like it too.









It's fun to have someone around who likes to share real learning experiences and a lot of fun times, too!

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More Refrigerator Artwork--- this one is Rachel's version of the elementary school mascot. She created this one in first grade:


_{Orange background paper by me, Clip Its by Gina Miller also the paper from Note This, blue border paper by Jen Wilson "Feeling Blue" papers, Parenthesis from Kristy Ann Nerness' Colorful Spring, paw print (modified) by Rhonna Farrer, font: Amanda's Hand}

That's My Noah

I am relating a story that happened just a bit earlier today. I was drawing bath water for my daughter Eve when Noah came up stairs to ask if he could have a brownie. I must digress here for a moment and discuss the phrase "drawing bath water". This term starts Michael on a diatribe of asking how do you "draw water? Do you use a crayon, a marker, how do you do it?" HARDY HAR HAR! This phrase of drawing bath water was used by my grandmother from Alabama, then my mother and now me. I suppose the phrase comes from when people physically had to draw water for the baths from the backyard well. Sometimes I sprinkle in the phrases, "Run the bath water", or "Turn on the bath water", but these phrases don't suit me as much. I feel like run the bath sounds like something you do in Barcelona. Turn on the bath sounds a bit risque (I don't get out much, obviously!).

Back to the original reason of this post: Noah wants a brownie.
Noah: "Mom, may I have a brownie?"
Mom: "No, your father said you couldn't have another one."
Noah: "But dad is not in charge of you. You can do what ever you want to do."
Mom: "That is true, but your dad has made a decision and you aren't going to play me against him. So, if you want a brownie you are going to have to talk to him."

At this point Noah walks past me and emphatically states: "Well that STINKS!"

That's my Noah!

{Pay it Forward}

After Michael and I finished helping his oldest sister and her husband move into their new abode her husband made the observation that Michael and I were the first to arrive and the last to leave. They thanked us for our help, we talked for a bit, then we went to my mom's house to pick up our kids. It brought to mind the concept of the film Pay it Forward. I was thinking that whenever you do a good deed for someone they are more apt to do something good for someone in return (and not necessarily to the person who was initially kind to you). Also, I like to think of myself as someone who is reliable, and Michael, as well. If I commit to something I'm there all the way. I have a hard time with people who don't value reliability as much as I do. I also appreciate my mom and stepdad for taking care of our 4 kids so we could be helpful and focused for the move. My parents are very reliable and care deeply for my kids.
Another nice pay it forward story is about my mother-in-law who paid for the meal of two service man at Longhorn Steakhouse the other day. The waitress happily obliged to ring the two service mens' order on her bill. She frequently does this (she eats out A LOT) and it is a good deed...she's happy, they're happy and both feel appreciated.
There is a commercial that shows the concept of pay it forward and for the life of me I can't remember who is advertising, but what stands out is the series of random acts of kindness. Too cool and very inspiring!

Smiles...have a lovely Sunday!

I Present: Refrigerator Artwork!

I will be posting artwork my kids have brought home for the last couple of years because today I finally got around to scanning them into the computer. Now there won't be a flood of artwork because much of it, (PLEASE DON'T TELL MY KIDS) resides in a landfill in the great state of Georgia! But the few pieces that passed the "Awww that is cool!" Mommy criteria (I am Inspector 12)...I will post. I present two pieces of artwork today. One is Aaron's and the other Rachel's:



<sub>Painted Alpha by Rhonna Farrer

Layout Credits: Shabby Fall Kit by Shabby Princess, Indian Summer in Seasonal Scraps, button (Delightful element) and blanket stitching by JenWilson, leather roses from Michelle Coleman's Gypsy Rose Elements, Overlay from Carefree Kit by the ScrapArtists
Fonts Used: Stitched font by MoJackson
Special thanks to...: Alb52 for torn circle</sub>