Far Out! or All Isn't Quiet on the Geek Front!

My dear certified geek hottie hubbie sent me this link to my email yesterday and I thought it cool enough to share with you fine folks.



The Sonic Screwdriver can be found at ThinkGeek.com

:::::::::::::::::::Eve's Tie-Dye::::

_{Luscious Papers by Bren Boone
Doodle Bird by Meredith Fenwick
Doodle Frame, Stitched Alpha and Rubberbands by Kate Hadfield
Block Alpha by Natalie Braxton
Vertical Frame by Nancy Comelab
Crayon Doodles by Ida
Kaleidoscope Papers by Sausan
Font: DJB Janelle by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::::::Shakespeare of the Day:::::

"The Taming of the Shrew" is queued up on the VCR. "The Merchant of Venice" famous for the phrase about exacting a pound of flesh was yesterdays viewing. Aaron and I discussed the conflicts between the Christians and Jews brought out in this play. We also discussed how bonds and laws were important. Aaron was funny when he exclaimed, "these girls are dressing like guys, too!" He thought the cross dressing was odd...I suppose I should point out that that is a lot more common than he thinks.

:::::::::::::::::::::Tonight:::::::::

Medieval Times for dinner and a joust! The kids will probably pick at the meal, but enjoy the entertainment. I'm looking forward to a fun night.

Here's wishing you a great weekend! Smiles!

No, Your Other Left!

I realized that my postings have not included some of the silly snippets from our vacation, so here are two of the boys joining the "Virginia Militia". My kids are the 2nd ones from the ends. You will hear my snickering in the background. I simply couldn't contain my mirth.




:::::::::::::::::::Shakespeare Update:::::::::

well, he is still dead. But, other than that, we watched "As You Like It". Aaron recognized two of the actors. One gentleman, Richard Pasco, played the part of Brutus in "Julius Ceasar" and the part of Jacque in "As You Like It". He also recognized Helen Mirren who played Titania in "A Midsummer's Night Dream" and Rosalind/Ganymede in "As You Like It". These plays were filmed as a part of a BBC production to have all of Shakespeare's dramatic works recorded. It is wonderful to see the wealth of actors still around today.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Pre-school::::

I took Eve to meet her new pre-school teachers, Mrs. Crystal and Ms. Kimmie. She was shy for all of 5 minutes, then she put on a fancy dress-up dress and created some play pizzas. She also hosted a lovely tea party. I signed her up for a combonation ballet/tap class. She is so excited "to be big!"

Off to work on odds and ends! Smiles!

Slippery When Wet

My sweet little daughter, Eve, took pity on me as I lay reading my book yesterday evening. She sat on my back and stared at my feet and said, "Mommy there are cracks. Let me get you some lotion." She jumped down and grabbed the Aveeno. In seconds she was back slathering cream on my dry feet and then up my calves. I kept telling her to go easy on the amount of cream, but she was certain she knew just the right amount. She proudly announced her job was complete and needed to go wash her hands. She walked back in with her hands all lathered up and asked if I could help her rinse them. I tried to get up, but left gooey cream marks on the hardwood floor. I told her I was trapped on the bed and could she get daddy to come grab me some socks. She smiled and said she could get them for me. After a lot of pointing she was able to get me the socks I needed to secure a rescue from my little bed island. And you know my feet feel spectacular this morning! Thank you, Eveybug!


::::::::::::::::::::::Skate Night::::::::::::::::

Aaron's friend, Nick, invited him to skate night at the local roller rink. He came home pretty happy eventhough his wrist was aching. He informed me that he loved the in-line skates and just couldn't figure out how people could get around on those skates with 4 wheels. A new boy named Ken from our Church was there and helped Aaron learn how to skate on the in-line kind. The boy who likes to bully Aaron was there too. Luckily, Nick's mom was there and she is always level-headed and nothing got out of hand. When Aaron told Michael the boy was spewing insults, as usual, Michael just told him that the boy must be very unhappy and to feel sorry for him.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Book Review Imminent::::::

I'm close to finishing The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Become Evil by Philip Zimbardo. I have a habit of ripping a single piece of paper into bits and placing them as a bookmark. In this book it looks like the pages have sprouted some crazy torn paper disease. I find gems on almost every page and since the book is library material a highlighter is right out. Human nature is very interesting and can be modified in alarming ways, but one of the best safe guards is taking personal responsibilites for the choices you make. That is my gem for the day from this book. More to come soon!


God Made Dirt, and Dirt Don't Hurt


My twin nieces are happy as pigs in mud when they can find a pile of dirt!

_{Font: DJB Connorbuck by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Background paper from Ultimate Backgrounds Vol. 1 by Nancy Comelab
Ribbon, pail and shovel doodle from Summer Collab kit at The Lily Pad
Stitched Frame and Sparkle Block Letters by Emily Merritt
Crayon Doodles by Ida
Journaling Tape and Rubberbands by Kate Hadfield
Date Stamp from Simply Irresistable kit by Gina Cabrera
Doodle flowers from Chalk Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney
Vintage Frame by Jessica Bolton
Gralpha by Birgit
Staple from Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick}

Let Freedom Ring


My children at The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia as part of our vacation.


_{July blog freebie by Sausan
Altered Artistry frame by Sausan
Messy Staples by Kate Hadfield
Flower from Boho Chic Elements by Michelle Coleman
Handstamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman
Nakedstamps by Meredith Fenwick
Forever Stamp modified from the internet
Label It alpha by The Powers Sisters
Fonts: Randy Described Eternity
Calenar 1 by Misty Mareda
DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}

:::::::::::::::::::::Mathematics and Prediction

I saw this on my husband's blog and it was so cool that I'm passing it along. You will find this amazing...really you will!




Smiles, y'all!

::::::::::::::::::::::::Romeo and Juliet::::

was the tragedy on our slate of Shakespeare plays, yesterday. It was pretty neat to see Alan Rickman, a.k.a. Professor Snape, as Tybalt. As always, I was doing an English to English translation of the play for Aaron. He asked some good questions. Eve came down towards the end of the play and wanted me to fill her in on the entire plot. I think this has to be where it starts. You know...the folks that come in late to movies, or ones that jump to the back of the book to get the end, but have no clue how the characters came to their conclusions. I certainly hope this isn't a permanent trait!

::::::::::::::::::::::::Eclipse of the Moon:::::::

We promised to wake the kids to watch the eclipse of the moon, but the sky was completely cloudy. They all woke up in distress for having missed the event. I told them my powers to control the weather had been taken away. (However, I did not reveal the reason...and ya know they didn't ask! I think they took my answer statement as sarcastic.)

::::::::::::::::::::::::Vacation Layouts::::::

A layout of one of the shops during our trip to Colonial Williamsburg:





Text: The ladies and gentleman at the Wig Makers shop were very funny when talking to the children. Rachel, along with several other people, told the wig makers about donating hair to Locks of Love where wigs are made for people under going cancer treatment. The wig makers informed us that in Colonial Williamsburg that only hair from European woman were used in their fine wigs. Any hair donated by a girl in the colonies would be used as stuffing. They asked us all to leave the shop by the back door because they didn't want to lose any business due to the poor quality of our "wigs".

_{Background Paper by Gina Cabrera for DST
Piled Higher cluster frame by Christina Renee
Cluster Frame by Nancy Comelab
Doodle Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Messy Staples by Kate Hadfield
Font: DJB Michael/ DJB Messie Amanda by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Font: CK Good Point by C.D. Muckosky
Gralpha by Birgit
Date Stamp by Katie Pertiet}







Here is a layout from our stint in Philadelpha. This is the day we took the ferry over to Camden, New Jersey.


Text: These photos were taken after Rachel and the rest of the family walked over to see if the New Jersey battle ship was still open for a tour. When we arrived it was closed and her feet were aching so much that she wanted to cry. She chose to laugh for a bit instead.


_{Luscious Solids by Bren Boone
Wordy Bits Girls by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Doodle Flame Cluster by Ida
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg}

Until later, amigos!

Bits of This and Bits of That

Miscellaneous vacation layouts:



_{Really Big Bow by Natalie Braxton, Vintage Frame by Nancy Comelab, Background paper from Be Kind by Corina Nielsen, Font by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}



My niece, Rebecca, blowing bubbles during our family reunion.


<sub>***Edited to add: Photo by Marcus J. Taylor
Cool Summer paper by Bren Boone

Star Stitches by Emily Merritt

Journaling papers by Catrine

Doodle by Ida

Going in Circles and Doodle Alphaby Weeds and Wildflowers

MnM Sparkle Blooms by the Powers Sisters

Snapshot frame (recolored) by Rhonna Farrer

Brush from January freebie by Tia Bennett

Punch alpha by Christina Renee
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg

Font: DJB EUROSCRIPT / DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick</sub>

:::::::::::::::::::Friday Nights::::::::::

are always a laugh with the show

Their pop culture references are a riot! The show is so well cast. Rachel loves to watch it with us, too! Rachel is such a cool hippie chick!

:::::::::::::::::::Labor Day Plans::::::::


My mom has already made a reservation for all of us at Medieval Times at Discover Mills. The jousting and other performances should be a lot of fun.


:::::::::::::::::::Busy Day::::::::::

Michael's poison ivy has cleared up and he will be able to go give platelets for his apheresis appointment. I think he goes every three weeks.

Tonight is also curriculum night for the second graders at the elementary school, so I will be running over there to hear about plans for the year from Noah's teacher.

I was able to pick up a few German language books for the library, so we will be checking those out today. BTW, Aaron was accepted into the Georgia Virtual Academy, so we will be receiving the curriculm books soon. I hope this hybrid public/homeschool curriculum will be a success.

I'm sure y'all are busy too, so ciao!

A Bit Verbose!

My daughter and The Statue of Liberty


Antique Garden paper by Bren Boone
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg
Paint Stroke and Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman
Green Ribbon by Micheline Martin
Vintage frame by Nancy Comelab


::::::::::::::::::::::::Sister Wendy::::::

We are using Sister Wendy Beckett for art appreciation class. Aaron has a hard time getting passed her teeth, but I think her enthusiasm and insights won him over. Rachel and Noah watched her episode about the Lascaux cave paintings in the South of France. In that episode she showed The Book of Kells, Greek art on an urn depicting Achilles killing an Amazon woman, paintings uncovered in Pompei, and some Medieval art. I highly recommend her videos!




Here is a great article about her: Click ME!


:::::::::::::::::::HILARIOUS FUN IN A LITTLE BITTY CARD::::::

3x5 card sized in fact. Check out this amazingly clever blog: Click For a Laugh!




::::::::::::::::::::My Hottie Hubbie:::::

had this hilarious video on his blog



:::::::::::::::::::Iguana Invasion:::::::

This is what the kids create when they watch art how-to videos:


_{Font: DJB ANGELA/ DJB KARAHscript by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick, Luscious Papers by Bren Boone, Dear Diary by Erica Hite,
Word Topper dates and Sparkle Block Alpha by Emily Merritt,
Gralpha by Birgit Kerr,
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick,
G-Funk Alpha: Bright by Gina Miller,
Paper Doodle Frame by Sausan,
Word punched alpha by Christina Renee,
Wordy Bit Alpha by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady}



Aaron's version::



_{Dear Diary by Erica Hite,
Luscious Solids by Bren Boone,
Tape Alpha by Kate Hadfield,
Word Toppers numbers by Emily Merritt,
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick,
Wordy Bits dates by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady}

Ignorant in More Than One Language!

::::::::::::::::::::Homeschool:::::::

We are working on a Shakespeare block with The Usborne World of Shakespeare as a great resource. Aaron is amazed at the definition changes of several words he already knows. After discussing how tragedies work in Shakespeare's works we watched the BBC presentation of "Macbeth".


We have also been doing 30 minutes of German each day using the Pimsleur cds. I wasnt' sure what I would think about learning German. I am used to hearing French and Spanish lessons. Happily, we are both enjoying listening and repeating the phrases. I always enjoy learning to say to native speakers that I don't actually understand the rest of their language. I can say I'm ignorant with pride!!!

Aaron likes to don his biking helmet each morning and ride his bike around while Rachel and Noah wait for the big yellow bus. Sometimes he is joined by his friend from up the street who wants something to do instead of just standing at his bus stop. Aaron loves to whiz by without his hands on the bar, or try to go so fast that he doesn't have to pedal to get up our inclined yard.

All of our paperwork is in for Georgia Virtual Academy and we are waiting to see if there is room for him. It doesn't matter either way. We have been working since Gwinnett county started school.


:::::::::::::::::Noahism::::::

It has been awhile since I posted a Noahism I will fill the void a bit, today.

Noah walked up to me yesterday afternoon and said in all seriousness, "Ya know mom, Ben 10 is in its glory days. I mean what will it mean to anyone in 5 to 10 years? What will have replaced it? Robot Boy, or something? I mean really, Ben 10 is in its glory days."

Glory days? For a kid who doesn't particularly enjoy reading he certainly has his ears open. His vocabulary always makes us chuckle. He always seems like such an old soul.

::::::::::Noah's First Day of School Layout::::::




_{Lusious Solids by Bren Boone
W is for Watercolor and Alpha by The Powers Sisters at Scrap Artist
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Heavy Duty Staples by Kate Hadfield
Dear Diary by Erica Hite
Wordy Bits by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady
Basic Alpha Tape and Stitched Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield
Font: DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}



Smiles!

Full of Surprises

My kids never fail to amaze me for good or ill sometimes. I'm pretty sure there must be a rift somewhere in the space-time continuum because Noah (my math enthusiast) asked to read a second book. Noah is assigned, by his teacher, 10 minutes of reading each night. He read a book about an ant, then asked to read the chapter book he had also checked out. I was in shock because he usually gives us such a hard time.

Rachel wrote a really cool poem about herself at school (see below for layout). We are really proud of many of the choices she makes. Unfortunately, kids make missteps sometimes...like us all. The neighbor used Rachel as a positive example to her daughters and when I related this story to Rachel she started patting my arm and crying. She said she had something to tell me. Then related that she had been at a friends house without permission. She was reduced to heaving sobs. She apologized profusely and let the neighbor know of her poor choice. I respect her so much for her sincere apology. She is one of the kids I have high hopes of actually understanding actions and consequences.


Noah at The Met:


Text: Noah stops and stares at this painting the longest.

Text: It is a widely accepted notion among painters that it does not matter what one paints as long as it is well painted. This is the essence of academicism. There is no such thing as good painting about nothing.

Text at the bottom: Mark Rothko, Untitled [No.4],1964, National Gallery of Art, Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc.,1986.43.152
With some exceptions, the darkened palette continued to dominate Rothko's work well into the 1960s. He developed a painstaking technique of overlaying colors until, in the words of art historian Dore Ashton, "his surfaces were velvety as poems of the night."

_{Ultimate Backgrounds Vol. 1
Font: DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


Rachel's Biopoem from 4th Grade Curriculum Night:



_{Luscious Solids by Bren Boone
Curled Edge by Jen Caputo
Watercolor Elements, Paint and Sparkle Blooms by The Powers Sisters at Scrap Artist
Dear Diary by Erica Hite
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Doodled Journal Tape by Kate Hadfield
Magnifying Glass from Who Done It by Mary Fran
Tab Your It by Robin Carlton
Font: DJB TEACHER by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}



:::::::::::::Later a layout of Noah's Drawing...

Smiles!

Another Day, Another Couple of Layouts!

:::::::::::::::Aaron and Elliott::::::

from our family reunion:


:::::::::::The Empire State Building




::::::::::::Eve's Check-up::::::

She passed the hearing and vision test. She even passed the blood pressure test, which means we could go on to the Bonus Round. In the Bonus Round they checked her ears (she complained of pain, but there was no indication of an infection or inflammation) and checked her abdomin. She checked out fine. I asked him about what to do about her seed warts. They are smooth...not your classic bumpy kind. He prescribed Retin-A cream, which will cause her skin to exfoliate more quickly and help remove the wart called mollusca.
No shots were needed and that made her happy. She ended up being in the 25 percentile for height and 33 percentile for weight...or visa versa. Anyway, she is proportional.

:::::::::::::Curriculum Night::::

We were able to hear from Rachel's focus teacher for reading and her classroom teacher. Both teachers seemed excited to be teaching and very qualified for the task. Their personalities seemed to meld well with Rachel's so I hope it will be an exciting and fun learning experience for her this year. She had a sketch and poem about herself waiting for us on her desk. I will scan it and put it up later.

Smiles!

Time Warp

If you have ever seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show and/or a fan of the varied Star Trek show franchises this will get your day off to a rockin' start! Grab your rice and have a great time! Let's Do the Time Warp Again!


::::::::::::::The Order of the Phoenix::::::




Michael, Aaron and I were able to go see the movie on Saturday. We all enjoyed the film. The portrayal of Doris Umbridge was spot on! I have met too many people in my life who subscribe to her way of thinking and procedure and they make my skin crawl. There is that scientific discussion out about how much of our brains that we actually use and under this type of regime you wouldn't need a brain at all. The somber and sinister scenes were appropriately murkey with muddied greens, greys and blacks. Alan Rickman always does a superb job as Severus Snape! The Room of Requirement is such a handy place. I was wondering how mine would be equipped? I imagine it would be a self cleaning library (the kind with shelf after shelf of books and you need a rolling ladder to get to the top shelves) with a comfy chaise and a window seat. Anyway, the movie was very well done and I David Yates direction took a lot of information and presented it rather well.


:::::::::::::::::Doctor's Appointment::::

for Eve today. It's her well-child check up. I don't know if she will be needing shots.

Saturday is a Special Day...

...it's the day we get ready for Sunday!

Just wanted to throw in some primary lyrics.




My nephews and BIL. The little boys were both wearing onesies that said "Monkey Business" and they are such cute little guys.

Monkey Boys:


_{Chalk Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney
Rubberbands, Stitched Alpha, Doodle Alpha, Pirate Doodles, Animal Doodles by Kate Hadfield
Piled Higher by Christina Renee,
Torn Edge template by Jen Caputo
Font: DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Felt flower from TLP's Summer Collab kit (Natalie Braxton's piece)}

::::::::::::::Just When You Thought It Was Safe:::::

Niagara Falls, Layout 1~


_{Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab
Font: Stickybet / DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Travel brush stamp by Sande Krieger at Twopeasinabucket}


:::::::::::::::::::::::Devil's Advocate? ::::::::::::

While reading The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip Zimbardo the author made this observation:

"We had also experienced 'groupthink.' Once I, as leader, believed the rumor to be valid, everyone else accepted it as true. No one played devil's advocate, a figure that every group needs to avoid follish or even disastrous decisions like this." (p. 99)

My husband, Michael, plays devil's advocate in conversations. It often unnerves people because they think he is trying to start an argument. In actuality, he really enjoyed debate club as a teenager and likes to take the opposite position so that what ever topic is being discussed is seen by all possible angles. He doesn't necessarily subscribe to the point of view from which he is speaking. His point is to make the person espousing some particular view point to really understand why they believe what they are saying and be able to back it up. Even with the kids he will preface his responses with "I'm not trying to argue...but why do you think that. Or, what made you come to that conclusion?" He enjoys discussing politics, religion, astronomy, ecology, geology and sewing. He really likes to know what people think and he likes these conversations because it helps him better define what he thinks.

I thought this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon apropos:


:::::::::::::::Movie Today?::::

We are going to try and see the new Harry Potter film today, if possible.

Smiles!

Note To Self...Yesterday was Thursday...

ALL DAY! Hmmm? Have you ever lost a day for some reason? It wasn't like I was in bed. I did the normal routine of getting up, making breakfast for the kids, checking email, reading the virtual news, playing around with digital layouts, working with Aaron on lessons for school. But, all day I thought it was Wednesday, the 15th. I assured Aaron he could go to the library after our classes were over because maintenance to the library wasn't until the 16th. Sooooo, Aaron biked up to the library a mile away and he had to turn around and bike back home without benefit of a drink of water because the water fountain was inside the library. The library, that is, that was closed for maintenance. He came in the house all sweaty went to the fridge and poured a glass of filtered water, drank it, then plopped on the chair. It was only then that I discovered it was Thursday. I started laughing at my complete insanity (surpise about the insanity part!). I called Michael and asked if he would take Aaron to Bruster's ice cream as a tangible and tasty evidence of my apology. So, after a brownie sundae I believe I received forgiveness.

::::::::::::::::Group W Bench::


Text: "Our first day in the truck included the kids demanding to listen to the song "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie. After that song anytime the kids were on a bench together it was referred to as the "Group 'W' Bench."

"This photo is taken next to the garden at Monticello, Virginia. Pic 3 Notice Rachel popping Aaron in the back of the head. Pic 5 Rachel is gloating and Aaron is annoyed. Pic 6 Aaron throws an elbow.

Tell me, do you FEEL the love?"

_{Stitched Frame by Emily Merritt
Paint Stroke by Michelle Coleman
Old Proof Sheet by Christina Renee
Book Plate Alpha by Christina Renee
Wordy Bits by Kate Hadfield and Tiff Brady
Paint spots from Doodle Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Squiggle Fleurs by Jen Wilson
Doodle Frame by Kate Hadfield
Cardboard Tear by Linda Gil Bildal
Teeny Tiny Tags (stitching) by Jessica Bolton
Grunge Alpha by Birgit
Journal Highlights by Kate Hadfield
Font: DJB Michael / DJB JEANNIE script by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::::::::::Storytelling::::::::::

my daughter Rachel loves to tell stories and is often asked by her friends in her girl scout troop to make something up, or by her little sister who needs a story to fall asleep. I would love for her to meet Carmen Agra Deedy who is a mesmerizing storyteller. I met Carmen Deedy when I was in my early 20s at the home of a friend. I would think she has no memory of that meeting, but she made a lasting impression on me. My mother keeps a collection of her books to read to the children when they are sleeping over at her house. Carmen has a new book out and here is the link to her website: Click ME!

One of my favorite stories retold by her is _{The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark}


:::::::::::::::::::::::Bowling:::::::::::::

Since today, as I understand it, is Friday we will be going to the new season of homeschool bowling. Finding teammates is always interesting.

Maid of the Mist

_{Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab
Font: DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Tape by Kate Hadfield
Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton
Grungy Alpha by Birgit
Doodle Alpha and Layered Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick}



::::::::::::I Saw This:::::

quiz on Janna's blog and felt compelled to take it.

Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?

You are Deb and you could drink whole milk if you wanted.
Take this quiz!








Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

::::::::::::::::::::::::::Guitar Lessons?::::

Aaron is interested in taking guitar lessons so I am checking out a place a couple of miles away. He has a friend taking lessons from the same facility. If he decides to follow through with the lessons he might try to learn bass because he always picks out those parts in the songs he likes.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::German Lessons:::::

Aaron and I went over lesson one again before going on to lesson to on the Pimsleur cds. I stopped by the School Box store to see if they had any language workbooks, but they had nothing for any language. I will have to peruse Amazon.com, I guess. If anyone has any workbook suggestions I would appreciate a link. Thanks!

While at the School Box I picked up a lesson book for To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I hope to have this book for discussion with Aaron and Michael said he wanted it to be one of our family reading books.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::Speaking of Family Reading Books:::::

The way Gulliver saved the palace from burning down was so bizarre. The kids were laughing when Gulliver urinated on the fire. Surprisingly enough, the empress refused to ever return to that part of the palace.

Gulliver also learns about the fickle nature of political leaders after he saves Lilliput from invasion by sea. The Emperor is thrilled and bestows Gulliver with the highest title of "Nardac", but quickly becomes angred with Gulliver for trying to help broker peace. The Emperor wanted to make the other country a province overseen by a viceroy a making them a slave population for Lilliput. The Emperor would also command which side of the egg to crack. Gulliver said they were a noble people and should maintain their sovereignty. The Emperor's greed quickly negated the fact that Gulliver had saved his country. The opinion didn't improve after Gulliver's unique fire quenching abilities, either!

:::::::::::::::::::::::The Lucifer Effect::::::::

The study was designed to observe prisoner behavior under conditions were they felt powerless. What was surprising to the researchers was the rapid metamorphosis of those role playing the guards. The struggle for being the alpha male among the guards led to increased abuse towards the prisoners. The night shift, which was supposed to be the less active turned out to be the most active and abusive. The researchers decided to send in an informer, which back fired quickly when the informer identified and sided with the prisoners.

Still reading...will let you know more later.

Hairspray!

_{Arrows from the Cora kit by Amanda Roberts
Font: Journaling Hand/Arial
Comicbook Junkie kit by Jan Crowley
Graphic border by Katie Pertiet
Shimmer Solids by Gina Miller}
This is a layout using one of my mother's photos and I'm sure she will appreciate my homage to the film!


What a fun movie for girls night out with my mom! We laughed and laughed. I almost choked on a Milk Dud when Christopher Walken had a scene with a pile of Whoopie Cushins. The songs, costumes and vibrance of the movie was infectious...in a good way! John Travolta is hilarious as Edna Turnblad and Christopher Walken was my favorite character. Amanda Bynes has some great one-liners referring to her mother, played by Alison Janney. James Marsden was fabulous as Corny Collins, the host of the local dance show, which reminds me I want to see him in the upcoming film this Winter called "Enchanted". I was tapping my toes throughout the film and the message of the movie should never get old. Two thumbs up!

:::::::::::::::::::Dentist Time:::::::::

I'm working on another vacation layout, but I need to run for my teeth cleaning appointment.

Smiles!

Another Day Another Doctor?

No, not really. Just got a call from one though.

::::::::::::::Just Recieved a Phone Call:::::::

Rachel has strep throat. The rapid strep had shown negative, but one should never give up on the microscopic world. She said she was in a little pain this morning, but she felt well enough for school. Since she is on amoxicillan we don't need to do anything different. I just need to give her current toothbrush a heave ho.

::::::::::::::Homeschool::::::::

We have started back to school and Aaron finished his placement tests for Georgia Virtual School. He will be doing a hybrid of schooling at this point. No one has contacted us about official placement, yet. We have started back to our own lessons. Aaron wants to learn German, so after math we started on our first lesson using Pimsleur. We are also watching a movie about Germany.

Yesterday we watched a really cool video on the science of magic hosted by Harry Anderson.
They define the difference between a magician and a charlatan. The movie shows how some of the illusions are created and the psychology behind why humans are so easily duped. The Science of Magic also features Criss Angel and Lance Burton.


:::::::::::::::Gulliver's Travels:::::

In our family reading time we read about the people of Lilliput who were preparing for war. They were asking Gulliver for his assistance in their impending war. They explained that their disagreement came from one verse that stated, "That all true believers shall break their eggs at the convenient end." The character explaining this to Gulliver says, "...and which is the convienient end, seems, in my humble opinion, to be left to every man's conscience, or at least in the power of the chief magistrate to determine." He also explains how many people have died in the disagreement over which end of the egg is the "convenient end". We discussed with our kids the comparison with how disagreements about which scripture to follow has caused bloodshed throughout human history while people, conveniently, forget the part about loving their neighbors. How quickly we turn to anger in our disputes. I know I work on not getting my ire up when I'm offended.

Later!

Back to School!

Homeschool mom has to get busy! Later!

Girl, Work That Hat!

_{Foxy Lady kit by Miss Mint freebie
Doodle Alpha by Weeds and Wildflowers
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Doodle Arrow from Cora by Amanda Roberts
Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman
Font: DJB GINAE by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick(color modified)}

:::::::::::::::::::::The Infinite Mind:::::::::

I really enjoy this show on NPR. They had a really neat program about time this week. To check out the full broadcast click here! They discuss such things as time paradox and worm holes. You can also see other links for some other very interesting topics.

:::::::::::::::::::::School::::::::

starts tomorrow. Rachel is so excited and Noah is his usual mellow self. I had to take Rachel into the after hours care facility at Kaiser Permanente because she was crying during Church and said her throat hurt. We found out she has a middle ear infection. So I think we have covered all the parts of the ear in the last month and a half. I had an inner ear, Noah had inflammation to the lining of the ear and Rachel got the middle. Aaron is currently taking a placement test for a new program called Georgia Virtual Academy. It is an internet form of public school. It looks promising and my sister in law has already started using the program with her kids and is please. The curriculum she showed me included Joy Hakim. I love her writing, so that looked good. After he takes the placement tests we will know better where he stands.

Eve meets her teacher for her preschool class on the 27th and she is thrilled to make new friends and learn. She is attending the same preschool as her older siblings and she thinks that is neat too.


Till later!

Teach a WOman to Fish:

My BIL, Reuben, taught Rachel to fish. He helped her catch two brim. He told her it was traditional to kiss your first fish, so she puckered right up!





Journaling Paper by Catrine
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab
Alpha Tape by Kate Hadfield
Doodle Hardware, Doodle Paper Arrow by Kate Hadfield
Stitched Blooms by Natalie Braxton
Thingz on Strins by Natalie Braxton
Grunge Alpha by Birgit
Curled Page Tear Template and Torn Template by Jen Caputo
Backward Staples by Jenn Patrick
Messy Staples by Kate Hadfield
Paint Stamped Alpha by Rachel Young
Ziggity Zag Stitches and Book Plate Alpha by Christina Renee
Teeny Tiny Tags by Jessica Bolton
Write It Down journal element from Little Dreamer Designs
Date Stamp by Amber Clegg
Going in Circle Doodles by Weeds and Wildflowers
Canvas of Colors by Gina Miller
Ultimate Background Vol. 1 by Nancy Comelab
Pinned letter A by Amy Wolff
Fonts: DJB Michael/DJB LINDSE1 by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick

:::::::::::::::Last Minute Get Togethers:::::
because school starts Monday.



::::::::::::::President Faust::::::::::::::::

has passed away. The most recent Conference talk of his that stands out to me is the one on Forgiveness. He was so tearful and earnest that we follow the example of the Savior. He used the recent killings of young Amish girls and the subsequent forgiveness by the Amish community. He is a sincere soul that will be truly missed.


:::::::::::::Have a wonderful weekend!

Feelin' Loopy

I went to bed early this morning and about 3am Eve walked in and climbed up into bed. Her skin felt cool and clammy and she would sit up and she was just restless. Then, she said she was going to be sick. How true! Poor kid threw up and then it was back and forth to try and lay down on the bed, or get comfortable on the bathroom floor. She is sleeping now and I'm MOM ZOMBIE! I hope she is feeling better when she wakes up!

::::::::::::::::::Puppets 101:::::::::

Here are a couple of layouts from our recent family reunion


My son enjoyed learning how to embellish his puppet with the help of his Aunt Lettitia.

Background paper and Doodle frame from Chalk Full of Fun by Lisa Whitney,
Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton,
Crayon Doodles by Ida,
Messy Glitter Pen by Faith True,
Negative slide from Simples Expressions by Jen Wilson,
Felt Alpha by Designing On The Edge,
Crimped Alpha by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Crimped Playthings by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Font: DJB LINDSE1 by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick


Keeping It Together!



Text: Apparently, the twins had a habit of yanking off their diapers, and sometimes they found creative ways to use what they found in there. So, Melissa resorted to using duct tape to keep the diapers in place. Dakotta Rose gave me a suspicious look as I digitally recorded this bit of practical life.


Duct Tape Frame freebie from Valerie Foster
Midnight in the Garden kit by Kay Miller
Doodle Stitched Alpha, Wordy Bits, Rainbow Tape and Pipecleaner Flowers by Kate Hadfield
Big Boy Buttons by Natalie Braxton
Glitter and Old Proof Frame by Christina Renee
DJB LENA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Holding It Together alpha by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick


:::::::::::::::::::::Cave of the Winds::::::

This is a fun tour we took on the American Falls section of Niagara:


_{Messy Staples by Kate Hadfield,
Glitter from Birthday Kit and HandStamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
Don't Be Negative by Gina Miller,
Font: DJB MICHAEL by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


Must run! Smiles!

Anachronism

Main Entry: anach·ro·nism
Pronunciation: &-'na-kr&-"ni-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: probably from Middle Greek anachronismos, from anachronizesthai to be an anachronism, from Late Greek anachronizein to be late, from Greek ana- + chronos time
1 : an error in chronology; especially : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other
2 : a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place; especially : one from a former age that is incongruous in the present
3 : the state or condition of being chronologically out of place



Text: During our trip to Colonial Williamsburg, in Virgina, Rachel wore a period white muslin dress, with a pale mint sash along with a lace trimmed bonnet. But, our need for modern comfort was included in her ensemble. She also sported her hydration system in her backpack and her Tevas.

_{Clock Brushes by Robyn England
Borderlines by Sande Krieger (flower element also by Sande Krieger found on the Better Homes and Gardens website)
negative strip from Simple Expressions by Jen Wilson
Snap Shot Frame by Rhonna Farrer
Doodle Arrows by Kate Hadfield
Weird is Wonderful pen and ink sketch by Maya
Offical Boxer Alpha by Mo Jackson
Collage birds (modified) by Hope Wallace
Fonts: Another Typewriter, DJB Angela by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::::::::Bridal Shower::::::

I was able to attend a bridal shower for a young girl named Emily that our family thinks is just fabulous! Her fun mom and sisters, sans one, were able to attend, too. They have dispersed around the country, so it was really nice to talk to them and catch up. Most of them love digital scrapbooking, so we talked "shop" for awhile. They are all so creative. I'll miss checking out their homemade gingerbread houses, which are truly works of art. Reconnecting can be so cathartic!

...when I got home Noah informed me that Michael had taken them all out for ice cream and that he had tried to save one of his gummy worms for me, but he got hungry! It's the thought that counts!

:::::::::::::::::::Product Recommendation::::::


The Way Things Work videos we checked out from the library are awesome! Noah loves these 30 minute animated videos that explain such topics as: incline planes, sinking, screws and several other topics. Just a fun way to explain some difficult concepts.

Later, gators!

...and Now For Something Completely Different:

We like to say our youngest son is a little different. He most likely has dreams of taking over the planet with the use of 6 story tall robots and some cool magnetic devices. He is also fascinated with hammocks and escaping from them, as we discovered during our family reunion in July. So, I present to you (pretend you hear the fanfare playing):

Noah Taylor -- Mindfreak


Text: Noah's idea of a good time had some escape artist overtones. He asked Michael to take a carabiner and clip him into the hammock. After about 20 minutes he couldn't figure out how to escape and he needed to go to the bathroom, so he called for help and Michael released him from his self-requested confinement.

Text on photo: You have to Start Somewhere!

_{Criss Angel logo from the internet (modified)
Background Paper: Oil Paint paper by Gina Miller
Frames: Photo Cluster 5 by Nancy Comelab
Rubberband by Kate Hadfield
Numbers: Old Proof Sheets by Christina Renee
Font: Arial, DJB ANNALIESE, DB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


:::::::::::::::::Cookies:::::::

Today I made several dozen peanut butter cookies. Noah was my taste tester and with his mouth full gave me a thumbs up and walked off with two more clutched in his little hands. I had promised a week ago to make him some peanut butter cookies and I also had an appointment to go visiting teaching, so the whole two birds with one stone analogy worked quite well.

::::::::::::::::::Eye Update...Update::::::

The doctor said the abrasion has healed. I can read to the fifth line down on the eye chart. Things still have a bit of a ghostly doubled effect, but that should be gone soon. And lunch with Michael and the kids was nice.

::::::::::::::::::Right, They're Cleaning:::

The kids have been given the task to clean their rooms. It has been slow going...think continental drift since the time of Pangea. They have assured me that they are on task, and to prove it they have brought me photos of Jasper, or very cute ferret, sleeping upside down on a grocery bag in Aaron and Noah's room. They are trying to prevail on me with cute furry photos, but I'm not falling for it. Well, he is quite an adorable ferret.



:::::::::::::::::The Best Time of Day:::::::

Here is a great article from Real Simple about what times are best for certain tasks. I thought I started cleaning at 4 p.m. because Michael got home at 4:30 p.m., but now I know it is just the right time to get started. I love that!

Smiles!

So Shines a Good Deed...

in a weary world!

Text: Eve was very timid about going into the surging water on the Hurricane Deck at the American Falls in Niagara, New York. A teenage girl asked if she would like her to take her to her siblings already in the water. Eve shyly took her hand and braved the rushing waters. I appreciated the kindness of the young girl and how brave my little four year-old was that day!

How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
~William Shakespeare


A young teenage girl offered by daughter, Eve, a reassuring hand. Eve was to timid to follow her siblings into the falls, but wanted to go. She was able to overcome her fear with the encouragment of this girl. I really appreciated this young girl for her act good deed and my daughter for being brave.


_{Ceres Spring kit: Jackie Eckles
Cardboard Edge: Amanda Rockwell
Write It Down kit: Little Dreamer Designs
Crimped Alpha: Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Cardboard Frame: Kate Hadfield
Date Stamps: Amber Clegg
Fonts: DJB Juliana in a Hurry, DJB Mandy, DJB DOODLY DOO! by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Journaling Highligts: Jackie Eckles
Brown Punched Alpha: Andrea Cox
Doodle Alpha: Weeds and Wildflowers
Water Doodle: Ida}

:::::::::Eye Update:::::::

The doctor said my eye looks a lot better. I still get don't have clear vision in my left eye. The top row of the eye test is even a ghostly blur, but I'm sure it will improve soon. Another perk of my injury is getting to have lunch with my husband after my check up today! (I'm sure there are a gazillion better ways to get a lunch date, though!)

My dad has cataract surgery on Tuesday, so maybe I will be more empathetic. Best wishes, dad!


::::::::::::::::Songbird Avenue::::::

This beautiful kit was designed by Robin Carlton, Meredith Fenwick and Jan Crowley.
This month’s proceeds will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation! Check out their amazing work!




Smiles!