Memory Lane Kit and Paper Clips

_{Memory Lane kit by Sandra Boddington Designs at The Sweet Shoppe Designs, "E" by Rhonna Farrer, FOnt: Marcie's Skinny Script, Artistamp Medium}

Today we watched Paper Clips a movie about a class project done in Whitwell, Tennessee. The children and teachers were trying to wrap their minds about the 6,000,000 Jews killed in the Holocaust. The ended up receiving over 20,000,000 paper clips and setting up a memorial using a German boxcar.

I did some research about the paper clip idea and came across this site: Holocaust Education. The history of the paper clip used to start the project in Tennessee was erroneous, but the outcome was amazing non the less.


::::::::::::::::::::Child Study Center:::::::::::::

Evey got to wear a yellow cap with leads on it to study her brain waves. She was being used as a "normal" control for a study on Autism. The students working with her were really nice and Eve told me she had a fun time. She also picked out a new magnet puzzle with fish on it as a reward from center.

Ex-Ter-Mi-Nate!

Eve is a very silly girl who loves to watch Dr. Who. She also loves to pretend to be a Dalek:


_{Simple Expressions by Jen Wilson, Arrows by Kate Hadfield, Staples Michelle Coleman, Brushed Messy Frames by Jen Wilson, tape and stitching by Tia Bennett, Borderlines and Borderlines 2 by Sande Krieger, Check by Mirranda Reinhardt, paint stroke and Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman, Font: Pea Jane, Stans Hand, Artistamp Medium, Century Gothic}

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



This is a book by Kate DiCamillo who also wrote Because of Winn Dixie. Here is a link to her site:
Kate DiCamillo's site

We finished up Peter Pan in Scarlet last Friday. The kids enjoyed the book and I felt it stayed true to the characters created by J.M. Barrie. I recommend the read.



::::::::::::::::::Weekend::::::::::::::::::::

Saturday my mother and I were taken to lunch at The Atlanta Bread Company by our friend Carol. Half Chicken salad sandwich on nine grain bread with a bowl of chunky Potato soup was super tasty. Then, we grabbed a few sale items for my kids at Belks. We also checked out the new Trader Joe's grocery store and it seemed pretty cool.

I got a phone call from Aaron's Sunday School teacher telling me that Aaron was misbehaving in class. She asked if I would sit in with him. I told her I was in charge of leading music for the primary, but I asked her to talk to Michael. Michael said he would sit in with the class. He also explained to her that Sunday School was really the only hour Aaron isn't supervised by one of us, so it was frustrating that we were being called to sit in. He told her that Michael was has been Aaron's Cub Master and is now the Scout Master and that Aaron is home schooled. The poor lady was in tears. Michael told her he appreciated her calling, but just wanted to explain some background with Aaron. I told the Primary pianist all this, too. She has a lot of experience with children and behavior and she offered a great listening ear. The weird part about it all was that Michael went to bed feeling awful on Saturday and so did Aaron. So, neither of them went to Church on Sunday. I hope she had a nice reprieve.

::::::::::::::::Berlin Wall:::::::::

Aaron and I just finished watch the footage of the Berlin Wall going up and then being torn down. The wall came down the year I was married. The footage is so moving!

Almost time for Running Club. Aaron is actually doing biking and running with the club, today.

Queen of Hearts in Training:

_{Be Mine Kit by Jen Wilson, Doodle Arrows and Hearts by Kate Hadfield, Castle doodle (Modified) by Susan Long for Scrap Artist Round 4, Font: Crowns and Coronets,Sf_JWoodbury, Queen of Hearts by Traci Sims, Ribbon by Natalie Braxton, star doodle by Ida, Real Buttons by Lisa Whitney, Letter T from Michelle Underwood, Glitter Kiss by Michelle Coleman, lipstick from Girly Girl kit by Christina Dudley, Doodle border line by Sande Krieger, Glitter border by Michelle Coleman from Sweet Evangeline}



*******House Painting Prep has begun!!!*******

Highly Recommended:

The children have really enjoyed learning American Sign Language using these videos:






Hopefully the library will get the rest of the series. It has been so funny having the kids run in the room after every new sign to show me they know a new word. Rachel and Noah were quizzing each other on some of the signs during dinner time. The theme song is a bit too repetitive, but super catchy and upbeat.

:::::::Yummy Hmong Eggrolls::::::::
I finally got around to making some Hmong Eggrolls. I need to modify the recipe I found on line because the amount of eggrolls the recipe says you make from the listed ingredients is 25. In actuality I was able to make 75 and I could have made 100. Since the pork is not precooked you only put the amount you can fit in a plastic spoon, which is about a tablespoon. I remembered to use the bean threads this time, too. The bean threads come in a 8.5 oz. pack, but within the bag there are 8 or 10 bundles. You only need about use 6 of the bundles to really extend the amount of filling. Michael's family really enjoyed the eggrolls that were made without the bean threads, so they aren't necessary for a tasty eggroll. So here is my modified Hmong recipe:

This recipe makes 75 Spring roll sized eggrolls:

3 packs of spring or eggroll wrappers
1 lb. Ground Pork
1 bag Coleslaw (cabbage and carrot mix)
1 Medium yellow onion (minced)
Cilantro (Chop about 2 tbs. spoons worth)
1 egg for mix *this is optional *** an additional egg is needed to seal the end of the eggroll wrapper
2 tbs. Oyster Sauce
2 tbs. Fish Sauce
2 tbs. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. black pepper

Soak noodles for 10 minutes in hot water, then drain and rinse in cold. Then cut into smaller links and set aside. The dryer the better when it comes to deep frying.

Mix the the pork, coleslaw onion, cilantro, egg (if desired), sauces and spices using your clean hands, then add the noodles into the mixture and incorporate all with your hands.

Using a spoon, scoop up about a tbs of the mixture, then roll up and seal.

The eggrolls take about 3 minutes to cook in a deep fryer.

Dipping sauce: you can find red pepper dipping sauces, soy sauce or tempura dipping sauces. Whatever works to your taste.


:::::::::::::Teresa::::::::::

My little niece, Teresa, is in the maintenace phase of her chemo treatment for Leukemia. She is spending her time this week quarantined with the flu, but that isn't her only issue. She also has a broken leg and a double ear infection. OUCH! My brother and sister-in-law are amazing with her and how they try to stay upbeat with all of the health issues. It mentally tires me out thinking of all they have to do with Miss Teresa, let alone the 6 other children. When I think about heros I sure don't think about any Marvel action heros. I think it is wonderful to realize that heros are so much closer to home and heart. (((HUGS))) to all of them and hopefully good health will come soon!

Pinewood Derby

Noah enjoyed the Pinewood Derby, especially coming in second in one of the heats. I have yet to see the overall results for the day, but Noah had fun, so that's a winner.


_{background paper is Jaided, arrows and hardware by Kate Hadfield, Journal papers by Catrine, Frame by Rhonna Farrer, staples from Circus Kit by Sandra Boddington at Sweet Shoppe Designs, stars from A Beautiful Mess by Lisa Whitney, Date Stamp by Katie Pertiet, Font: Thoughts/Minya Nouvelle/Ash 94/Simon Script}

Michael sent this to me and I thought it was hilarious:Click me!

Daddy Daughter Bowling:

_{background paper from Sassy kit by KSharonK, Arrows and doodle hardware by Kate Hadfield from her blog, paint stroke by Christine Smith, Bowling title and image from the Bowling kit by Ronnie McCray, Borderlines by Sande Krieger, Inked edge by Shabby Princess from Studio Chic, Font: Amelie by Sara Carling/Belisa plumilla manual}

They both had a great time!

Now onto Noah's Pinewood Derby pics.

Over The Weekend

Michael, Aaron and the scouts from their troop went camping overnight at Stone Mountain. The boys enjoyed a venison roast. In the morning Bro. Heaton drove over and made the boys pancakes, which Aaron claimed to eat 5.

The next event of Saturday morning was Noah's first Pinewood Derby. He was hilarious when on one heat he joyously yelled, "I GOT SECOND PLACE! WOO HOO!" We were laughing because he was so excited about just finishing. The results were taking so long that we left before finding out Noah's placement in the race. I will upload the photos later today.

Our neighbor Karen loaned us this movie:



Michael and I really enjoyed the film. We both cried and laughed. I have enjoyed Jim Garner's performances since The Rockford Files and occasionally I get to see his older show Maverick, which is great, too. He was wonderful in Victor/Victoria. He has a great mixture of charisma, wisecracking and intelligence. He has always been easy on the eyes, too. In the film The Notebook his interaction with Gena Rowlands on all levels is amazing. I also liked Ryan Gosling's scene in the movie when he argues with Rachel McAdam's character, Ali, about why they belong together and how much he loves her. It has so much energy and honesty about how hard relationships can be and, at the same time, how much all the effort is worth.
We also borrowed Lady in the Water by M. Night Shamaylan. Michael liked it a bit better than I did. The concept I got out of it was that it was important to find out what is important about you and develop it. That everyone has something important to offer, but it isn't easy to figure out.

Time to start school for the day. See ya later!

Daddy's Girl

Just a fun photo of my niece, Makayla, and her daddy.



_{Paisley Passion Kit by Sandra Boddington, Paper tears by Fhung Lie, I Love you stamp and film strip by Jen Wilson, Baby beads by Mo Jackson, Mindy Wade date stamp, Black font by Shabby Princess, frame by Tia Bennett, Font: Farrah}

Cookie Time!

_{papers by Heather Roselli, Arrows by Shawna Clingerman, frame by Tia Bennett,Font: Authentic D}

One of the girls in Rachel's troop has a brother being deployed to Iraq out of Fort Benning, Georgia, so the girls agreed that it would be great to send his brigade some Girl Scout cookies. So, if any one is on a diet or hates cookies they could still order for the troops.
The Girl Scout cookies are part of the anti- Transfats movement in the food industry. So, I suppose you can enjoy them more with the 0 Transfats, but I don't think, scientifically, they have jumped on the O calorie band wagon. If they did I think they could start selling Girl Scout bottles of water...you know...water collected by "REAL" Girl Scouts at an EPA tested and approved crystal spring. I think it would sell. On the other hand I don't think the Boy Scouts would have a chance with the same idea because of their rugged...I can drink dirty water and live persona. As a consumer you would think what did this boy put in this bottle. I know, I'm just projecting!

::::::::::::::::Noah Neutron, Boy Genius::::::::::
Check out this cute blog and photo from my stepdad:


Have a great weekend!CLICK ME!

Recommendations

This was done for a fun Vintage Postage Stamp altered/collage challenge at Scrap Artist:
Gallery


_{Ephemera from Fiddlette's Fabulous Flea Market by Christine Honsinger
Postage stamp modified from Return To My Roots by Robyn England
Glitter Kiss by Michelle Coleman
Clock: Round 4 brush by Robyn England
Fonts: Pottery Barn/Porcelain/Powell Antique/Dead Letter Office}

Here are some excellent dvds I have used with Aaron for Homeschool:

Will Schermerhorn's site




Annenberg Classroom site
Key Constitutional Concepts
This documentary begins by introducing the Constitution and why it was created. It then examines key Constitutional concepts - separation of powers and individual rights - by focusing on two landmark cases: Youngstown v. Sawyer, a challenge to President Truman’s decision to put the steel mills under government control, and Gideon v. Wainwright, in which the Supreme Court establishes the right to be represented by an attorney. Produced by PJ Productions.
Format: Widescreen, Length: 62 min.

Race to the Moon





Amazon.com review

Analogies and Metaphors:

My friend Kristen sent this to me and I couldn't stop laughing, so I wanted to share these hilarious ones with you:

Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year for the amusement of teachers across the country.
Here are last year's winners...
1. Her face was a perfect oval. Like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room - temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six foot, three inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 PM, instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain, like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 PM traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 PM at a speed of 35 mph.
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds that had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart were a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law, Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck, and not the proverbial lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.


Here was my response to Kristen's email:

I'm rollin' here...tears flowin' like a pregnant woman who couldn't stiffle a sneeze!


Have a great day!

70's Girl

If you were a little girl in the 70'S

I saw this at DST:

You had that Fisher Price Doctor 's Kit with a stethoscope that actually
worked.
You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with
flowers on it.
You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had
metal wheels.
You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)
You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island.
You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days. YEAH!
You owned a "Slip-n-Slide",on which you injured yourself on a
sprinkler head more than once.
You owned "Klick-Klacks" and smacked yourself in the face more than
once.
You had either a "bowl cut" or "pixie," not to mention the "Dorothy
Hamill". People sometimes thought you were a boy.
Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.
You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.
You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.
You had the Donnie and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny
shredded outfits.
You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the
trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once.
You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!)
You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the
buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals. (is this an east
coast thing??)
You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little
House on the Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in
at least one school picture; and you despised Nellie Olson!
You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink.!
Your hairstyle was described as having "wings" or "feathers" and you
> >>kept it "pretty" with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
When you walked, the "wings" flapped up and down, looked like you were
gonna "take off"
You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry
Muffin and Huckleberry Pie.
You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
With the thermos inside!
You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard
was your boyfriend.
YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!
It was a big event in your household each year when the "Wizard of Oz"
would come on TV. Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping
bags!
You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: "Who will I marry. Shaun
Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy..?"
You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame
soundtrack record album.
You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick
God's eyes, decoupage, or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.
You made Shrinky-Dinks and put iron-on kittens on your t-shirts!
You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your
portable tape player up to the speaker.
You had subscriptions to Dynamite and Tiger Beat.
You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy
Blume books (Are you there God, It's me, Margaret.)
You thought Olivia Newton John's song "Physical" was about aerobics.
You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart
or rainbow designs.
You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.
You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first "real"
perfume you ever owned .. .
you glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip gloss till it almost
dripped off.

To this list I need to add:

If you had a CB Radio and had your own "handle". (My handle was "Moonbeam" or "Ladybug" dependent upon my whim).
If you owned a satin disco jacket with matching “short shorts”.






frames by Lisa Whitney

Happy Birthday, DENNY!

My big brother's birthday is today! Yeah for Denny!


::::::Introducing King Spencer:


_{background from Bohochic by Michelle Coleman, Felt crown from Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady, Frame from Snapshot Frames by Rhonna Farrer, doodle scepter by Tia Bennett, Lable Brush by Michelle Coleman, sun doodle from the internet, Font: Black Adder ITC, Times New Roman, Porcelain}

My nephew, Spencer, is so adorable. He had a double ear infection last night, but he has such a mello personality we didn't realize he was sick. What a tough little dude!

The kids had fun playing with their cousins. They are all growing up so quickly and it is fascinating and bewildering to watch the process.

I really like how the children are, usually, unsuccessful at playing the aunts and uncles off against their respective parents. Every one respects the rules set up by the individual families, so if a child asks an adult, or an older child to help them with something from another family that person makes sure it is okay with the child's parents first. For example, we are trying to make sure Eve says please when she would like something. She wanted a brownie last night and I had related a story to my sister-in-laws about Eve's refusal to say please at home for a treat she wanted, which she never got because of her stubbornness. The other part to them keeping her from having the brownie was their positive encouragement to all the other children and adults who asked politely. Eve finally caved to the positive peer pressure and said please and Aunt Laura happily gave her a big brownie, while Aunt Shelene and I congratulated Eve on her good choice.

I'm off...to pick up Aaron from his friend Jacob's house, then on to Denny's party.

Another Disney Layout:

_{Monochromatic Challenge by Jackie Eckles, ricrac and staples by Michelle Coleman, journaling strip by Catrine, Bent Frame by Kim Lizzy from Dip Divas, Hinges by Paula Duncan, clock stamp by Robyn England, Fading days element and Winter Blues Element by Jen Wilson, Border Lines by Sande Krieger, Date Stamp by Katie Pertiet, Frame by Rhonna Farrer, Fonts: Waltograph, Pea Melissa, Simon Script}

:::::::::::::::::Animal Control::::::::

Noah got attacked by a cat from around the corner who likes to frequent a house across the street. He used to come to our house until he attacked each one of us and Michael got tired of calling the owners to pick him up, so he sprayed it with our garden hose. Michael called Animal Control and the neighbor whose house he frequents trapped him in her garage. Animal Control will quarantine the cat for observation. I don't think he has rabies, but I do think he is a bit loonie. When I was Noah's age I was hospitalized with Cat Scratch Fever, so we know these attacks can cause serious medical problems.

::::::::::::::::Family Night:::::::::::
Off to family night with Michael's side of the family, then the kids get to spend the night at a recently healthy Granny's house. Fun, Fun, Fun abounds!

Dorothy took the Yellow Brick Road:

while I chose the Psycho Path!

This turn of a phrase had Michael and the kids laughing on the way home from a nice family dinner out. We only had to tell Eve and Noah to get out from under the table once. The waitress was very friendly. Michael spent the time waiting for our main course by showing the kids how to "bend" their forks, pretend to stick straws up their nose, and how to "push" the salt shaker through the table. They all tried their hand at the fork bending and straw tricks.

::::::::::::First Basketball Game:::::::::

Aaron enjoyed his first game. He wants to learn how to play better and his coach was very encouraging. (Aaron is the kid in the middle with glasses, white t-shirt and blue jersey)

::::::::::::Daddy Daughter Bowling:::::::::

Rachel and Michael had a blast at the Girl Scout sponsored event at the local bowling alley. They took pictures of all the dads with their girls and the one of Rachel and Michael is marvelous! I need to reconnect my scanner, so I can post it here. Rachel snapped a few crazy photos of Michael.
Michael took a photo of Rachel sending it right down the center heading for a strike: Here is there final score:
Rachel: 98 and Michael 142

Yeah for a great day!

Visions of Cookies Dancing in Your Head?

_{bedding and sleepware from "Twas the Night" by Mo Jackson, Girl Scout ribbon and paper by Heather Roselli, Font: Ash 94}

Paws for Thought:

here is the other character from Disney World who put their paw on Rachel's face and made her laugh. This picture was taken the day after the one with Stitch.


_{Echoes of Asia kit from Jessica Sprague, fortune by Holly McCaig, frayed edges by Erica Hite, Date Stamp by Jenn Star, frame doodle by Jackie Eckles, Font: Wonton}

::::::::::::::Weekend Plans:::::::::

Aaron is going to play in his Church basketball game on Saturday. It should be interesting, so I'll report back on this one. Later in the afternoon Rachel and Michael have a Daddy Daughter Bowling Party. I have a baby shower and lost the invitation at Church right after I glanced over it, so I have to call for the time. The shower is for a new girl baby, so I will make some little crocheted edge bead socks. In the evening their is a wedding reception for a young man I taught when he was a Sunbeam (age 3-4) and his dad is our Bishop now. But above all of these today is Friday and that is sleepover night at Granny and Grandpa's house...this always reigns supreme in the kids "date books"!

***EDITED---
This just in: Granny Sue has been invaded by the insidious virus that has plagued the rest of us!!! We all send our love at a bit of a distance. Get WELL soon! We love you!

"Excuse ME!

You have a CUSTOMER HERE!" This is what Eve said to me last night at dinner when I didn't get her orange juice poured fast enough. I asked the other kids where Eve came up with that phrase. They said it was from Spongebob. Luckily, we don't have dvds of the old t.v. show Alice. She would probably tell me to "Kiss my grits"!

::::::::::Good News:::::::
We are currently healthy and the kids have caught up with their missed school work! Laundry is under control, which, as defined in this house, means all children and adults have, at least, 2 pairs of matched socks!

::::::::::::A Disney Layout::::::::::::

The Disney Characters, particularly, liked to put their hands (paws) over Rachel's face, which sent her into peals of laughter. I'll have to find and scrap the photo with the dragon Mushu doing the same thing Stitch was doing.



_{background paper by Leah Riordan, Overlay from DD Fontchat, Amelie Alpha by Sara Carling, film strip from Primitive Photography by Mo Jackson, Disney brad by JLR, Date Stamp by Katie Pertiet, arrow doodles by Ida, staples by C Wyckoff, Font:Walt Disney Script, SA_Apricots/Mimi}

Aaron's year in review:

_{background: glow paper pack by Michelle Coleman, Paint Strokes from Gypsy Rose Kit by Michelle Coleman, felt hat is Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady, Label Brush by MCO, Journaling paper by Catrine, staples by Michelle Coleman, Photograph borders from Primitive Photography by Mo Jackson, prongs from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, Fonts: Mr. B/An Unfortunate Event/Another Typewriter, doodle corners from DD Font Chat freebie, hand doodle from Weird is Wonderful by Maya}

Fate Rears Its Ugly Head:

...and sends Rachel running to give obeiance to the Porcelain god. (If this keeps up were going to have to build a bigger shrine)! I told Rachel that I felt like we had bonded as sorority sisters. Michael and I went on to explain the concept of heavy drinking in college and a "Rite of Passage" is to become so smashed from drinking that you throw up, while someone else holds your hair out of your face. She agreed with us that the concept of that becoming a fun experience was completely flawed! Rachel, before getting sick, was working on her school report on the goddess Hera. I located several sites for her to do some research, so as she was sick I was running with this whole Porcelain god theme and wondered, out loud, what this god's symbol would be. Michael figured it would be a horseshoe, but upside down, of course! We apologized to Rachel for taking her situation so light-heartedly, but explained that we had been going through this with each kid, or ourselves for 3 weeks, so we were getting rather "punchy" from prolonged lack of sleep (and probably some lost electrolights).


:::::::::::and Now for Something Completely Different::::::::::

Here is Michael's synopsis of the service project he went on with a few of his Scouts:
PLEASE CLICK ME!

:::::::::::Now::::::::

off to wake up Noah for his breakfast and sending him solo to the bus stop. Luckily, there are some great dads that go to the stop with their kids and I can keep watch from the porch.

Wonder:

_{Butterflies and Buttons by Sandra Boddington at Sweet Shoppe Designs,
Also by Sandra Boddington: paint stroke from Florist Kit, A lot of Sequins, envelope tie from Mulberry Memories, Arrow from the Funky Mood Kit, String element from Paisley Passion Kit, Font: Oldstyle Italic/My Nerd
Paper Tears from Fhung Lie's Ultimate Torn Pack}

::::::::::::For Homeschool today::::::::


Quite an interesting film.

Separated at Birth:

Sophistication Kit and Wishing You kit by KSharonK, quote from Maya's Lootbag, Snap Frame by Rhonna Farrer, arrow doodles from Ida at Catscraps, Font: Typical Writer and Wunderbach

This photo was from Halloween and I just got around to scrapping it today.

Bug Catcher:

Here is a layout of Eveybug:

_{background paper 9th Avenue by IOD, Princess hat from Hollie Hats and Sun felt from the Sunshine kit by Tiff Brady, Easel doodle by Lisa Dozier, Make up doodles from Girly Girl by Christina Dudley, Dandelion from Donna Rafferty, Chalkboard element from Dinner Party by Sara Carling and Shabby Princess, Star Doodle by Ida, Blue Bird by Keri Schueller called Christmas Whimsy, Fairy by C Bender, Cat doodle by CBaumann, Real Buttons by Lisa Whitney, Note paper from Note This by Gina Miller, Font: Typical Writer}

Text:
Eve had a very busy year in 2006. She participated in Homeschool Run club with Aaron. We visited Disney World with all of the Taylor cousins, aunts, uncles thanks to Granny Sydney Taylor. Every Friday was sleepover night at Granny & Grandpa Jim Towheys house.
Some of Eve's favorite things are the color yellow, eating grits and making biscuits at Granny Sue's house. Eve also loves to do "make overs" with eyeshadow, lipstick, powder and nail polish supplied by Granny Sue. She loves Playing with her cousins Tyler Morgan, Isabell Taylor and Kendall Hardin.
One of Eve's quirkiest things is she actually enjoys being tickled under her armpits. Her favorite snacks are fresh strawberries, raw carrot sticks, and vanilla ice cream with Hershey's syrup. We still call her silly nicknames like "Chugger Bugs" and "Evey Buglet" Granny Sue likes to call her "Evealicious". Her favorite t.v. show for the year was Dr. Who. She likes to pretend she is an animal, like a cat, dog, or pony. Her current aspiration is to grow up and be like her big sister, Rachel.
::::::::::::I GOT CAUGHT::::::::

by the virus going around our family. I was in bed all day. Michael came home early from work to check on me. Aaron was a trooper and held down the fort. Eve was still below par so we hung out together...in and out of sleep. Noah stayed home from school because his stomach hurt. I wasn't about to send him to school with the possibility of a blow out. Aaron cooked Ramon noodles for Eve's lunch and I think Noah only wanted Sprite. Food is not a high demand item when folks are sick, which is kind of a positive trade off on being miserable.

:::::::::::Service Project::::::

Michael and Aaron will be doing a service project at a local bouldering area called Boat Rock. Clean up and mulching are the order of the day.

:::::::::::New Calling::::::

I am the new music leader for the children in primary. I am completely out of my depth here. I don't sing well... Michael says "Pick a note...any note and stay with it", but I can't. I don't play any musical instruments. (I tried piano, but trying to learn staccato did me in. My left hand never seemed to get into following the right.) I don't know how to conduct music either...HMMMM...Crazy, me thinks! My game plan is to know all the words to the songs, teach the kids so they know them, too and tell them to sing louder, so no one hears me. We had a meet your teacher night, so the kids would be comfortable come Sunday in their new classes. I introduced the theme for the year, but first we did "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". I had Michael and another sister that knows Japanese to come up and help me teach the kids. The words are fun and short in Japanese. I had another couple of folks do the same song in Spanish. I was tripping over the words because there were so many more syllables for every body part. This should be an interesting year. I told the Bishop that all I can do is improve...that's a positive attitude...I think!

Noah's Year in Review:

_{A Beautiful Mess kit by Lisa Whitney, Felt hat from Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady, brush hand from Weird is Wonderful by Maya, Amelie alpha by Sara Carling, Journaling paper by Catrine, "why?" brush by Jackie Eckles, "Brillant" stamp by Katie Pertiet, photo reel by Mandabean, flourished doodle by Ida at Catscraps, Arrow by Mirranda Reinhardt, doodle frame from New Growth Kit by Tia Bennett, paper tear by Fhung Lie in her Ultimate Tear kit, Dymo Label by Andrea Cox, Fonts: Blueprint/Pea Lis/Ash94/Waltograph/Pea Friend}

::::::::::Pine Wood Derby:::::::::::

Noah and Michael are going to work on Noah's car design tonight at one of the other Tiger cub's house.

::::::::::Great Recipe Book:::::::::



I love Paula's personality and her Southern recipes are divine!

Thanks 4 the Memories:

_{French Laundry Numbers, French Laundry Papers & Borderline by Sande Krieger, Hollie Hats by Tiff Brady, Staples from Celebrate kit by Ksharonk, Happy New Year element by Rhonna Farrer, Thanks doodle & Joined at The Hip frame by Tia Bennett, filmstrip by Jen Wilson. Fonts: Amienne/Brown Bear Funk/Another Typewriter/Minya Nouvelle}

VIRUS ALERT- WASH IN HOT:

I'm taking a brief moment to give "props" to my husband, children, Amana Washing Machine, Gain (Simple Pleasures w/ Mango and apple scent), and my Amana Clothes dryer. They have all been priceless today and useful. Evey bug has a bug...AGAIN! She started vomiting at 5:00a.m. right after she walked around our full size bed looking for me. Rachel's face threw Eve's powers of discernment off. Rachel had come in to our room about 2 hours earlier saying she had had a nightmare, so I cuddled with her. Once Eve located me she said she had wet and needed to change. (This is very unusual for her). I got Michael up since Rachel was sound asleep on my arm. He promptly got up and cleaned Evey up and cuddled with her. All of us were laying on our sides to fit. He quickly rushed her to the bathroom shortly after. When Rachel found out that Eve was sick she was eager to help. Since Michael was at work the kids all helped me with Eve. They all wanted to replace towels and get anything she needed to drink. Aaron and Rachel watched her briefly when I would run up to do a load of laundry. Rachel actually took out the dry clothes and made sure the lint filter was cleaned and then Aaron put the newly washed load into the dryer for me.
Michael ran by the store and picked up a few more liters of Sprite for this current round of sickness. He also had to get off work an hour early to take Rachel to her orthodontist appointment. Eve had a respite of about 2 hours and then threw up again. Michael is now cuddling her sleeping form on the couch.

School starts back tomorrow and Rachel just informed me that her stomach hurts. HHMMM?!? I think it's time to wash another load of towels!!!




::::::::::::::::::::ON A NICER NOTE::::::::::::

We had a lovely time at my mom and Jim's house for New Year's Day. The food was yummy and Jim's mother taught my mom and me how to play a dice game called Chicken. I won...woot woot! No money, or course...just fun.

My brother is byooki, too! Byooki is a Japanese word for sick...just like Evey.

:::::::::::::::SICK KIDS::::::::::::::

Noah really likes the new Mucinex melt aways for kids. It really seems to help his coughing be more productive and looser.

Aaron had gastrointeritis. Towels...lots of towels. Michael Lysoled the bathroom.

I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea to set up a small curtained entry way that acts just like one of those decontamination barriers you see on all the sci-fi flicks!

Wishing you HEALTH and HAPPINESS for the new year!