Who Needs Low Flow When You Can Get...

,No FLOW?!


Family vacations often take us to interesting places and some a bit more mundane. The kids thought the "No Flow" toilet at the public gaol in Williamsburg, VA was pretty fascinating. Aaron did the classic "man pose" of reading while sitting. You would think Eve was doing an Olan Mills photo shoot. I think she was bit confused. So this is my, tongue-in-cheek, rendering of our silly, historical stop.:)


_{Credits: Background by Christina Renee,
Book and pressed flower from Needful Things by Sausan Designs, Vintage frames by Nancy Comelab and Christina Renee, Numbers by Vanilla Hush for CR, Sassy glitter by CR,
Overlay by Lorie Davison from her Brownie Collection, black brush frame from O.N. Designs for CR, Catrine's Laura alpha, Michelle Coleman's HandStamped Alpha, Star Bazaar by Linda Gill Bildal, Font: DJB LIZ by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick}


::::::::::::::::Vimeo:::::::::::
I saw a link to them at Heather Ann Melzer's site. They are a great video site with family-friendly rules for uploading and sharing. Here is one of Noah working on his Pinewood Derby popsicle car:


Untitled from Victoria Taylor on Vimeo.

::::::::::::::::::::::Up Early::::::::::::

this morning and already been to the vet for Jasper. Jasper is old in ferret years. We found him as a stray, so can't determine his actual age. He is, at least, 4 years old and is suffering from a common ferret problem. He has adrenal disease. He had a shot of Lupron to see if it might help. Aaron and Eve played with him until he went back for his shot between the shoulder blades. It was funny at check out because the thumbnail of Jasper on the vet records is a cute photo of Aaron and Jasper cheek to cheek.

::::::::::::::::::::::Art Show and Book Fair::::

It was the Book Fair Shake Down by my kids. They know I love books and I love them to read, so the begging commenced quite early. I bought several books and one that had to be put on order. I'll have to look up the title and list it here. It looked like a really cool book. Then, we went to the gymnasium and purchased Rachel and Noah's paintings with a portion of the proceeds to the art department. My kids love Mr. Mazzata, the art teacher, so it was a good investment on two levels. We listened to the violin class play a short recital, then home for homework, chicken soup (homemade by Michael) and baths.

:::::::::::::::::Platelets:::::::::

Michael came home and made, aforementioned, chicken soup after giving a triple product of blood for The Red Cross. There are never many folks when he goes to donate. It is so wonderful that he makes it a matter of habit and unselfish love for his fellow man.

Later, gators! :)

Ear We Come To Save The Day...

...mighty pediatrician on the way!

Eve is complaining that her right ear hurts. This happens to be the same ear that is infected on Noah. I wondered if it was a sympathy pain, but as Michael was washing her hair she cried in pain. I'll be calling to make a sick child appointment this morning. :(

I didn't reach my goal of having our Summer vacation pictures completed by the first, but I did create another layout:


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MANDY at The Digichick
Shabby Miss Jenn: Trashed Brackets and Folded Paper, staple from Old Letters lil kit
Birgit: Summer Foliage
Jenna Desai: Brick stickers
Linda Gil Billdal: Torn cardboard
Natalie Braxton: Things on Stringz
Alpha is from "Promises" a freebie by the Shabby Princess
Kate Hadfield: Black Doodle Alpha
Nancy Comelab: Cluster frame

:::::::::::::Laptop Update::::::::::::::::

We went to an electronic store called Fry's and found a Gateway notebook with 3 Gigabytes of RAM and a 250G Hard Drive for $50 less than the one we were looking for, so we bought the better one instead. Success, me thinks!

:::::::::::::My Husband?::::::::::::



My husband, Michael, blogged about this cartoon. It really is how he answers stuff and how some people perceive his responses.

:::::::::::::One of My Favorite Photos::::::



I love this photo and I have it scrapped in Noah's album, but I enjoyed playing with a sepia tone for this layout.

This is a scraplift of Omega021 (Monika)http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=279759&cat=fav


Credits:


Darcy Baldwin's DJB CHLOE, DJB CHRISTINEC at The Digichick
Catscrap's: Primavera Collab and Come Out To Play
Catrine's: Doodle flourish
:::::::::::::Library Books::::::::::

I had a slew of books due today, but I turned in several last night. I can't find a book Eve checked out, so I'm off to seek out her different reading spots to see if I can find it.

Twisted Sense of Humor

::::::::::::::::::An Enjoyable Read:::::::

My friend, Kim, has some of the best book suggestions. One of the books she suggested is The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.
This book is about an orphaned boy who finds himself quite hungry and in charge of maintaining the clocks in a French train station. He has been stealing toys from the toy merchant and is caught by the merchant one day. The story moves at a fast pace and kept my interest throughout. The black and white sketches with a smattering of old photos are a wonderful and integral part of the story. I highly recommend this book!
:::::::::::::::::::Another Vacation Layout:::::::::

I really liked the history prompts along the footbridge at Colonial Williamsburg. I, especially, liked the stone that asked about what difference you could make and that Rachel's shadow was cast on the stone.



_{Shabby Princess: Harvest Spice Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MESSIE AMANDA and DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Additional Font: Jefferson}

:::::::::::::::::Funny T-Shirts::::::::::
Michael recieves a funny t-shirt from my mom every Christmas. This year it happens to be one with his favorite quip, "I'm no rocket surgeon!"


_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB FOR ANNIE at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Space Doodles, Christmas Flowers doodle, Doodle Journal papers
Jacque Larsen: Make Believe It paper pieces
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Lisa Whitney: Painted Star sticker
Kim Christensen: Tag alpha
Weeds and Wildflowers: Cherish Alpha
Shabby Miss Jenn: staples from Old Letters Lil kit
Catrine: Chalked Alpha
Shabby Princess: inked edge from Studio Chic
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids}

::::::::::::::::::::::::Twisted Humor:::::::::

Michael sent me the link to this site yesterday, Despair.com

This is just one of several hilarious offerings at this site and I identify with this one, especially:
My sides were hurting from laughing at some and others were definitly "WHOA!...that was insightful...in a twisted way!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::National Treasure 2, Book of Secrets:::::::::


We went to see this flick on Christmas Eve. It was a fast paced, implausible race for the city of gold. The best thing was sitting by Rachel during the movie. She would excitedly explain to me the historical aspects of the movie that she had learned from history or her reading class. She was so excited to explain there are 3 Statue of Liberty statues in the world and were they are located at the same time the actors were doing so on screen. Later she explained about Cibolla or The City of Gold. I nudged Michael so he could be in on the explanation. We brought up our family joke with her about "reading too much" and "listening in class" will rot your brain and that boys don't like smart girls. Then we patted her head and laughed saying, "You know we are joking and we are so happy that you love to learn." I certainly hope she never gets hooked up with any one who doesn't appreciate her joy in learning!
The kids and I like Riley's character in the film because he is the clever patsy and has the funny quips throughout the movie. The running gag about Riley's book that almost no one has read is quite funny. Overall, the movie isn't high cinema, but is fun for a matinee.

:::::::::::::::::::Spiral Frog:::::::::::

I had fun downloading several sketches from the comedy genre by Bill Cosby. That man is a riot. Now that I have kids his sketch titled "The Grandparents" is side-splittingly hilarious. I also downloaded a few Jerry Seinfeld sketches. He and Bill Cosby are great with the jokes regarding sports were the understanding is you go out there realizing that other people are going to try and hurt you. These guys are so clever!

::::::::::::::::::::Much Needed Rain:::::::::

We have been deluged with rain this week and more is coming. Thankful!

I hope y'all have a lovely weekend!

Remember...You are Allowed To Breath!

This is what Eve's swim instructor kept trying to get her to remember while swimming across the pool. Eve looked like a cute polly wog swimming under the water, but she didn't want to come up for air until she hit a person, or the wall. She was super lung girl. We all just laughed and shook our heads in disbelief.

When we got home all the kids got a bath and Eve sounded pretty horse. She seems to have gotten what ever Aaron has and hers has taken the form of laryngitis and a cold. Aaron is feeling a bit better, but he gets a cold sore every time he gets sick.

::::::::::::::::::Fun & Games:::::::

A fun time at Colonial Williamsburg on the Fourth of July.








The Wooden Hoop and Stick were considered great fun, as well as, exercise. Aaron, Noah, Rachel and Eve were all "game" for playing with the 18th Century toys. Rachel was able to get a good run on the hoop a couple of times. Eve tried valiantly, but couldn't keep the hoop up for long. Both Noah and Aaron had a good time playing...a stick was involved. That was a good enough start for them.



Shabby Miss Jenn Designs: Old Letter Lil Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Lindy at The Digichick
Jen Caputo: Paper tear template

This kit was provided by Shabby Miss Jenn as part of my November Guest appearance on her team. Thank you, Miss Jenn!

::::::::::::::::::::::::Time Out:::::::

Tomorrow I get to go to Time Out. I really like the concept for adults. I am actually going to her some uplifting speakers talk to the women of our Church. My mom and I are looking forward to hanging out together for a few hours!

::::::::::::::::::::::Christmas is Coming:::

and my mom is doing the coolest thing for me! She is paying for a basic cake decorating class at Cake Art. They use the Wilton cake stuff. It should be fun and the kids are looking forward to the samples when I practice. I'll probably start the class in January.

::::::::::::::::::::The Bourne Ultimate:::::

This book had more twists and turns then Wisteria on chain-link fence! The book completely different from the movie, but I enjoyed them both. The mind games of trying to out guess each other were mentally fatiguing! The interesting character difference that is brought out repeatedly in the book from that in the movie is Bourne's height. In the book he stands out for his tall athletic physic. In the movie, Matt Damon, is average height and build. Not a big deal, just different. The most interesting characters were ones that found a bit of humanity and redemption for their evil ways, but never completely changed their spots. There was an interesting paragraph were Ludlum made the statement about people who ask for forgiveness through their religion for something that they know they are going to turn around and do all over again. That was food for thought...sounds like Mardi Gras.

All in all, the Bourne trilogy by Ludlum (a Fourth book has been written with approval by another author) are suspenceful books. They give a bit of insight into the minds of men who fought during Vietnam and the aftermath of world relations from the eyes of an injured man...mind, body and soul.

:::::::::::::::::::::::Digital Scrapbook Day::::

is November 3rd, so check out some of my links if you are interested in getting some great deals!

I hope y'all have a great weekend!

Happy Halloween!

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Halloween Doodles
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Halloween Wordy Bits
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Nancy Comelab: Freebie frame October
Emily Merritt: Meshy Brush Add-on, Meshy Glitter Brush
Font: Blackadder ITC}




Eve wore her Wicked Witch of the East costume with panache! Michael repurposed Aaron's old Dracula cape, stitched up some black & grey yarn for hair, a $ 1.00 hat, black tights, Rachel's old velvet dress and old ruby slippers.


_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB Michael at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Halloween Doodles, Doodled Alpha and Doodled Frame
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Halloween Wordy Bits, Basic Wordy Alpha
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids}
Noah was excited to lose his second tooth so quickly! Now he has lost both central incisors.





_{Darcy Baldwin: Rubbed Out Alpha, Save The Date, DJB AMANDAG, DJB SUSANR all at The Digichick
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Kate Hadfield: Stitched Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples, Journal Doodles, Rainbow Tape, Doodle Borders, Pipe Cleaner Stars, Rainbow Rubberbands
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Wordy Bits Alpha
Rhonna Farrer: Peachy Keen paper
Emily Merritt: Going Home Add-On
Natalie Braxton: Boy Buttons, Stitched Cut-Outs
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Christina Renee: Punch Label Alpha
Catrine: Journal Paper}

:::::::::::Color Test:::::::
I saw this test on Julie P.' site and I scored 88% the first time and 100% the second time. The retake used the same word and color matches. I always find the tests that throw in a new batch of variables to be the best, but this one is fun.

Color Test
:::::::::::::::::::::Field Day Photos::::::

coming tomorrow. Aaron is sick so I need to tend to him!

Have a Sweet night!

::::::::::::::::James Geddy Foundry Layout:::::::

Rachel surprised us by wanting to linger for the longest time at the foundry. She was mesmerized by the molten pewter being poured in the mold and quickly hardening to become a spoon. She was fascinated by the ability of the man to bend the spoon shortly after hardening, then he would throw it back in to remelt. We finally had to coax her out so we could see other places.



_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB RITA2 at The Digichick
Nancy Comelab: Cluster Frame freebie
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Arrows, Heavy Duty Staples, metal flowers
Meredith Fenwick: Seasons of Life kit
Sophia Sarducci: vintage paper
Christina Renee: Glitter Splats, Book Plate Alpha
Emily Merritt: Word Toppers (modified)
Tammy Bankston: Dirty Alpha}



::::::::::::::::::::::Y'all Might Want to Take This Quiz:::::

I particularly enjoyed this quiz because it asked the question about the word "pin" and "Pen". Michael hears a distinction and often makes me repeat what I asked for because he knows I use the words interchangeably. It drives him a bit batty. I suppose it explains why I call so many things "who hahs" now. Serves him right for making me enunciate!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland   "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The South
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Northeast
The West
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

:::::::::::::::::::::::Cool Informative New Site::::::

I was reading Jen Caputo's blog and the information on the new Digital Scrapbooking TV. She has two tutorials now, but will be adding more. Check it out if you get a chance.

Going to try to find a caterpillar description on line for one Rachel found on the mailbox.

Smiles!

Coal In Your Stocking?

Text: Aaron, Noah and Rachel failed to read the sign "Please Keep Off Coal" outside the Blacksmith's building at Colonial Williamsburg. They were very curious what it was, so we informed them it was what they deserved in their stockings every Christmas. The children were incredulous! They began defending their behavior. I, on the other hand, made a mental note, about the location of this stocking stuffer emporium.

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB LIZ at The Digichick
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids
Michelle Coleman: Handstamped Alpha, Glitter Stockings
Jenn Patrick: Backward Staples
Kate Hadfield: Doodled Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples
Tiff Brady and Kate Hadfield: Wordy Bits Date
Weeds and Wildflowers: Layered Alpha
Natalie Braxton: Cutouts II, Really Big Bows
Katie Pertiet: Vintage Curled Frame 4
Nancy Comelab: Vintage Frames
Meredith Fenwick: Caution Stamp
Font: Jane Austen}

::::::::::::::::::What Do you Do When There Is A Teacher Work Day?::::

Well, I scheduled check-ups for Aaron and Rachel. Rachel asked that I cancel the appointment and reschedule for a time during school, so I could check her out. I told her no. When we were called into the back office the nurse informed Aaron that he would be getting the meningitis vaccine. Aaron suffers...and we along with him...from anxiety. He started to cry. He was able to calm down for a bit while the other regular check up stuff was happening. The doctor asked about the kids diets. I told him Rachel was a pretty diverse eater, and that Aaron accidently eats vegetables every once in a while. Aaron was in 40th percentile in height and 20th in weight. Rachel was 14th in height and 38th in weight. She was scheduled for a chicken pox booster, but the vaccine availibility was too low and she was healthy, so they skipped her shot. As Napolean Dynamite would declare..."LUCKY!"
Aaron, on the other hand, was not so lucky. He came to get me when the nurse was ready for the shot. He tensed up and cried. I told him to squeeze my hand, instead he clawed the cr@p out of my right forearm. Note to self...wear Kevlar long sleeve shirt when going to doctor appointments with Aaron. He flinched and grabbed for his upper arm and made the nurse drop the syringe to the ground after giving Aaron a nice scratch across his arm. Aaron apologized profusely while shaking. The nurse came back with a new syringe and prepped the other arm. This time I took hold of Aaron's hands and the nurse quickly gave the shot. Aaron was surprised that it happened so quickly and he was fine. Like...every other time. ARGH!


***WARNING...Not A Fluff Light-Hearted Entry::::

Michael has been asked to speak at the next meeting library board meeting. He is apprehensive because he dislikes confrontation, but he ,with a bit encouragment, decided that supporting The Bill of Rights would override his apprehension. The issue before the board is the libraries internet policy.
There is a pernicious problem in the world in regards to pornography and their are many who would like to censor what people view at the public library. I know from talking it over with Michael that he feels like people will see him as supporting those who make evil choices. In actuality, he is supporting their right to choose between good and evil. If we force or compel people against their will to make the choices we want we are no better than regimes throughout the world and throughout history that we have fled or fought to find a place for freedom. That very freedom is being chipped away in small ways here and there and I don't think it is of any small consequence that he has an opportunity to speak up for those freedoms that are penned in our Constitution.

::::::::::::::::Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program:::::

Just because I saw it on the shelf at the library and wanted to read it. I grabbed The Twits by Roald Dahl.
The book was a short read and the kids were eager to hear the story. At one point I think I had 3 kids laying around me to see the illustrations. The story was bizarre, but the moral of how you look and your attitude can determine how people perceive you was great.

We then went back to our regular reading book. Rachel says she doesn't get the book, yet. She doesn't particularly like the story, but we are only on the 6th chapter, so I told her to stick it out with me. I like the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

:::::::::::::::::::Costume Ideas::::::::

Rachel: A Lollipop...I will have to find a set of white sweats for the "stick" part and Michael will come up with something clever for the candy bit.

Noah: Ben 10...he just needs a t-shirt designed like the cartoon.

Aaron: The Black Knight...Michael is sewing a black tunic and Stephen made the chain mail last year, so he is pretty much covered.

Eve: I'm not sure about her. I'm trying to talk her out of being a fairy...just tired of that idea.

Check ya later!

Put Away the Lighter Fluid and Matches

and read a book!

::::::::::::Banned Books::::::::
I was reading a friend's blog and she talked about Banned Book Week. I was eager to see if some of my favorites, or family reads were on the list. Here are a few:

Coming in at number 22: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
(We listened to her read it on tape, too. How racy!)

Coming in at number 41: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
(Sputter, cough of disbelief...!)

Coming in at number 52: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
(I was amazed by this book during high school...deep stuff.)

Coming in at number 70: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
(If you don't think this tale isn't useful just see how often it is referenced in The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo.

First Amendment Links


::::::::::::::::::Good Segue...?:::



Text: Eve, Michael, Rachel, Aaron and Noah were eager to try out the stocks.

<sub>Jen Wilson: Simple Expressions
Emily Merritt: Messy Brush Add on
Michelle Coleman: Label Brushes
Rachel Young: Stamp Stamp Alpha
Christina Renee: Book Plate Alpha
Kate Hadfield: Messy Staples
Rhonna Farrer: Snapshot Frames
Robyn England: Clock Brush
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick

Font: Jugend WF</sub>

Smiles, until later!

Right Field...It's Important You Know...

:::::::::::::I'm Not The Only Thing Headed For A Break Down::::::::

I sent the kids off to the bus top, then a couple of minutes later Rachel rushed back up to the house to get her terrarium with a worm for school. I said, "Hey, luckily the bus is running late so you were able to run back and get that." Then, 2 minutes later I hear a rush of thundering kid feet and yelling voices. The kids from the bus stop are running to my house. The said the bus was broken down and they needed a ride. So, I loaded 3 of the neighbor kids and my 2 in the car and headed for school. I was third in line and we just had to wait 10 minutes until the school was open. That was a valuable 10 minutes. I used the time to sing with the radio and dance in my car seat to the utter and complete embarrassment of the children. That was a satisfying 10 minutes.

::::::::::::::Almost There:::::::

I took Rachel for her last braces adjustment before their removal next month. She is so happy to be getting so close to the end of her tooth confinement.

:::::::::::::Right Field:::::::::

This is a 2 page layout of my boys playing trap ball at Colonial Williamsburg. It is an English game that was part of the evolution of modern baseball.


Kate Hadfield: http://www.digiscrappingqueen.com/blog/ created the super amazing Dandelion Doodles as a request. Thank you, Kate!
Wordy Bits, Messy Staples, New Home doodles
Jen Wilson: Simple Expressions
Michelle Coleman: Color Me Solid (freebie on her blog)
Amber Clegg: Date Stamp


Font: DJB MISH/ DJB LIZ by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick





::::::::::::::::::Zneet Znatter Zneet:::::::

Rachel has been watching Season 2 of My Hero. The Christmas episode is hilarious...hold your sides, tear up and start laughing like a seal hilarious.


::::::::::::::::::: A "Relatively" Nice Evening:::::

Reuben, Ang, Gabriel and Afton came over for dinner last night. The kids had fun on the computer and making bead watches. Reuben helped roll up the egg rolls, which I can not figure out how he does it. His fingers are like thick sausage links, but he can make quite an attractively rolled egg roll. Michael made some tasty ginger beef soup, breaded chicken cutlets, and rice. The Hmong eggrolls were so delicious!
After dinner we just talked and then Eve wanted to watercolor, so Afton, Reuben, Noah and Rachel were given watercolors and the watercolor paper. They left about 11:00p.m. Noah and Eve were instantly asleep and the rest of us soon followed.

:::::::::::::::::::Always Behind::::::::::

Laundry, a couple of subjects for school with Aaron, homework with Noah and trying to remember where I left my mind. Time to go do a couple of science experiments in kitchen stadium.

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!

::::::::::::::::::::::::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!

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!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig:

We have arrived home...again! We were a bit soggier and a lot sandier, but none the worse for wear. I, however, did break Rachel's glasses on Friday night and she had to go through Saturday and Sunday a bit blurry. Michael is taking her glasses by Sear's Optical today to see if they can be repaired. I took a slew of photos and some video at one point had filled up my 1 gig card and my batteries had run out. I borrowed my sister-in-law, Laura's, Nikon D40 and played around for a hundred, or so photos. My sister-in-law, Lettitia, had a bunch of fun crafts for the kids to do: puppets, design your own frisbee, bracelet making, and foam photo frames. The children put on a puppet show with their creations on Saturday. My brother-in-law, Reuben, helped the everyone tye dye shirts (onesies for the baby boys). My BIL, Stephen, did a quick tutorial with Reuben on creating spirals, then started helping anyone who wanted that pattern, too.
The weather over the 3 days was mild a sunny. We did have spotty showers, but nothing heavy until time to break camp. Michael and I had our campsite cleared and stowed right after breakfast. Stephen had his family do the same because he had a flight to catch for work. After we were done with our stuff Michael and I helped out by babysitting the cute nieces and nephews. I got to hold the newest addition to the family, baby Elliott. I walked him around in the baby sling, then let him sit in my lap looking at all of the activity until he fell fast asleep for 3 hours. Michael played with Spencer who was absolutely sweet and watching the other kids play in the sand. He never slept and never fussed. Michael, at the same time, held Corinna. She had recieved a bite to the arm by her twin sister, Dakotta, and needed some TLC. Michael held her and she fell asleep for a couple of hours. There was only one tent still set up when the heaviest rains came, so everyone took refuge for about an hour under the tarp in our common family area that was set up on the first day. During a lull the last of the tent was put away. The rain picked up again, but we got the main tarp down and made sure the campsite was clean. On the way out I saw a penny (heads up...good stuff) and at a campsite that wasn't ours, or any one's for that matter, there was a plastic knife on the ground and right next to the knife was a dime. Boy howdy, I was eleven cents richer!

The family reunion was held at Duckett's Mill on a little peninsula jutting out into Lake Lanier. Their was a lot of shore line exposed due to low water levels. The kids spent their time picking up the shells of the fresh water clams and digging in the Georgia red clay. All of the kids loved swimming, even Eve who had to be rescued TWICE! The first time Eve had trouble in the water Michael was on the shore watching the kids. Eve was even wearing a life preserver that had a little bit of bouyancy, but not much. I guess since the shore has a staggered plateau effect she must have stepped down to deep, or a wave hit her. I heard her crying out for daddy. I know the sound of distress in her voice, so I took off running to the shore from our tent. By the time I got to the ridge overlooking the shore Michael was coming up the path with Evey. She had swallowed some water and was scared, but other wise she was okay. Michael was drenched and he was wearing his blackberry phone. I suppose today he will tell work that baptizing his phone was an unfortunate consequence for saving his daughter. Now to the next time.
Eve was brave and excited to return to the water with all of her cousins the next afternoon. My sister-in-law, Shelene, was watching her kids, so I went down to life guard mine. I had been using my SIL's camera at the the time, so I jokingly said, "I better take this off encase I have to go save Eve." I put the camera away and went to a rock on the edge of the shoreline. I think it had been about 15 minutes when Eve gurgled, "Mom" as loudly as she could. I ran in a grabbed her up out of the water. She cried for a bit, and said she was pushed by a girl in a blue swimsuit, but wanted to go back in. My niece, Kyra, grabbed my shoes out of the water. (Did you know that Croc flip flops float?) Eve insisted she would stay in the water right at the shore line and she would be fine. So I perched on the rock and they all played until dinner time.

Rachel and her cousins Afton and Rebecca slept in a tent set up next to ours on Friday night and then Afton said that it was her turn on the air mattress in her parent's tent so she wasn't sleeping over another night. So, on Saturday night Rachel and Rebecca's voices were the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep.

I forgot to tell you how I managed to break Rachel's glasses. The shower facilities at Duckett's Mill have much to be desired. There were no benches on the shower that had the best water pressure and was big enough for the girls to shower together. I also made Aaron shower in the other side (much to his dismay...but hey...there were curtains!). Aaron's side had a shower that would hold a host of Lilliputians, but was entirely inadequate for shower supplies and a change of clean clothes. So with no good place to leave the glasses Aaron and Rachel gave me theirs and I put them in my pocket. I bent over slightly to wash Eve's and I felt a bend. I pulled the glasses out and Rachel's created an L shape. I was so mad! I felt really bad, too because I was projecting how I would feel if I had to go around for days having things blurry. Rachel was really sweet about it. She accepted my apology for breaking her glasses and had a great, yet blurry time.

I will finish uploading photos to the family website when Michael gets home from work. I have a few hundred and I can only upload 4 at a time. I think I've uploaded about 30, so far. FUN!

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

On Saturday night we finished reading Escape From The Carnivale. The kids and I enjoyed the story. Noah was, especially, eager to read each new chapter. The imagery in the book is written so vividly that it helps you visualize the scenes very well. The book has a mixture of magical creatures, a far away island setting and pirates, so it is great for all ages and genders. The theme of a little girl and her friends getting into trouble because they have delibrately disobeyed is one that everyone can identify with at some point in their lives. How they get out of a terrible fix is a great story. There is also a fun twist in the chapter right before the end of the book. This story is an enjoyable read. If you get the opportunity check it out!

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


The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime. We have already plunged into the first chapter and the story line is moving at its normally quick pace. The kids all groaned when I stopped reading. This one looks to be another great installment!

:::::::::::::::::::Salute to the States:::::::::



_{Background: Alexander by Janel Kretschman,
Journaling Bits and Music Doodles: Kate Hadfield,
Font: DB Michael, Jane Austen,
Painted Alpha: Rachel Young,
Vintage Frame and Cluster Frame: Nancy Comelab,
Alpha: Christina Renee}

A Bit of Silliness!

***Edited to add a new layout.

Aaron
Noah
Rachel
Eve
Michael
Me

Here is a Simpsonesque family portrait of both Michael's side of the family and mine:


Hey...they already thought I was weird!

:::::::::::::On Another Note:::::::::

My mom gave me her coupons for a new music website called Connect . I redeemed the 4 song credits for songs by Electric Light Orchestra or better known as E.L.O.
I downloaded "Mr. Bluesky", "Evil Woman", "Telephone Line" and "Hold On Tight". A wonderful part of growing up was listening to the radio on the many drives to visit my grandparents in Phenix City, Alabama and I remember singing along with these songs and several other E.L.O. songs. Such fun stuff. Check them out!

::::::::::New Layouts:::::::::
are in the works. I have tons of photos, so I hope to get a vacation book created by start of school, so the kids can show their teachers and classmates. Rachel recieved a sweet postcard from her new teacher. The teacher asked her about the specific places Rachel said she was planning to visit over the Summer. We grabbed a selection of different postcards from the trip and Rachel wrote her a letter, so we will pop that in the mail tomorrow.


***New Layout: "Where 2 First?


_{Borderlines and Traveling Stamp by Sande Krieger, background paper from Full of Life by Kay Miller, Teeny Tags by Jessica Bolton, Chippy Alpha by Audrey Neal from the Summer Collab kit at TLP, Cluster frame by Nancy Comelab, Date Stamp by Amber Clegg, Alpha sticker by the Powers Sisters, Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield and Font: DB Michael by Darcy}

Reading time!!!
Ciao for now!

Drivin' All Night, My Hands Wet On The Wheel:

Yes, that is a line from the song "Radar Love" by Golden Earring. Michael drove from Niagara, New York to Cleveland, Ohio, then I took the figurative reins. We took 77 South to 85 South as our route. I got to beep the horn in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. We only had one emergency pit stop on the way. Poor Eve had a tummy upset and held on valiantly until we located a Wendy's at exit 65 in Ohio. The siblings were trying to comfort her and told her she was so brave. Once we pulled in I through the car in park and grabbed her from the back and rushed in. We made it and with that out of the way she chatted and colored in her coloring book for the next couple of states. Before giving her the crayons I had to go over the "No Coloring On Dad's Truck Rule". A few days before she decided to do some modern art using her crayons on the back of Michael's seat. She said the coloring book just kept moving.

We arrived safely this morning. We went to bed about 3:30am. I got up at 9:15am and Michael ran to the grocery store for breakfast fixin's and made the kids french toast. I started the laundry and paid some bills on-line. The kids wanted to go to the library, so Michael loaded them up and instructed me to take another nap and a refreshing shower.

I slept about an hour and when I woke up Rachel was excited to show me a new series of books she found that are based on Colonial Williamsburg. I had Noah read a book from the reading list his teacher sent home at the end of the year. He enjoyed the book and his fluency gets better every time.

We went to my mom's house so the kids could get hugs and kisses, eat Granny's cheese grits, watch cartoons and pick up Jasper. My mother is very good with her "grand ferret". We watched the new season shows for Monk and Psych. The writers of Psych had similar likes and upbring because their one liners are warped. Tonight's episode included a line about Viger and Stephen Collins from Star Trek. It was hilarious. Tim Curry was on the season premiere and he was at his biting best. I love his condescending attitude. It is so tongue in cheek. One of the lines attributed to him in tonight's episode was, "He said we were a curious cocktail of inbreeding and type 2 diabetes!" Crazy hilarious!

:::::::::::::::::Next Week:::::

Is our family reunion at the lake. So I hope to get some scrap booking done about the trip before we leave, but the kids are clamoring for computer time. I also need to get the photos from Michael's computer so I can start. There is also a photo scavenger hunt we are supposed to have ready for the reunion so I need to print the list and keep it with me for photo ops.

:::::::::::::Saturday:::::::::

We plan to see the movie "Ratatouille" it looks fun and the kids were looking forward to seeing the movie with my mom.


I saw these quizzes on Janna's blog and they seemed a perfect quirky fit for me:

$5375.00The Cadaver Calculator - Find out how much your body is worth. From Mingle2 - Free Online Dating

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

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I also printed an avatar of myself as if I'm a character from the Simpsons, but I want to create one of the whole family before I post.

Later gators!

Wicked Awesome!

That is what Noah said about the 4th of July fireworks at Colonial Williamsburg. The fireworks display started at 9:15pm and Noah was falling asleep at 9:00pm., so I promised to wake him up. I started at 9:13pm. and he grumbled and cried that he just couldn't open his eyes. I got him to sit up a bit, then the first firework went off and he was wide awake and exclaiming his excitement with every burst of the rocket. We had such great seats on the Palace lawn that we were infrequently getting pelted with ash from the fireworks. The kids thought that was cool. We were close to the Wythe (pronounced with) House. There was music leading up to the fireworks, but none during the fireworks themselves. The kids thanked both Michael and I for bringing them.

...

Earlier in the day we got to tour the Governor's Palace, the Wythe House, the courthouse, the shoemakers and the forgery (again...Rachel's hangout). We went to the Capitol for the reading of The Declaration of Independence. After that we went back to the Brickyard to muck about in the clay, again. We took the kids costumes off so they wouldn't get dirtier...since they were already somewhat of a dingy mess. Eve in her zealousness to get into the pit didn't wait for me to undo the last tie on her dress and went to step out and ripped the front of the dress. I was furious because I had told her to wait and there was an additional fifty dollar deposit we would forfeit on the dress. I put her in timeout and went into the brickyard with the others. Aaron decided to act like a teenage and mumble a smart remark, so he was sent to timeout.

Eve was penitent and asked to say sorry and give me a hug and she was super sweet about it. So we let her play in the clay, too. We did this for about 20 minutes, then washed up.




Rachel and I wanted to go to the dancing lessons back at the Wythe House, so we parted ways with the others who went back to start swimming in the hotel pool. The lady who was teaching the lessons actually has her all girl dance class learning some of the dances while she is teaching the crowd.
We sat in the front parlor and watched her explain some of the different routines. The dances were all partner dances. Rachel was able to participate in three different styles of dance. After we were done we walked back along the foot bridge.

...Swimming...

Everyone got to swim and when Rachel and I arrived Eve was kicking and flapping her arms while Michael supported her back. The boys were dunking each other. I still can't get my ear wet, but I seem to have a little more hearing in it so I must be mending! Yeah!

::::::::::::::::::::Monitcello::::::::::::

I forgot to mention our trip to Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello, Virginia. The grounds were amazing with the great vegetable garden, vineyard and flower garden. The weather was warm, but not hot. The kids had a great time stopping at the visitor's center. They all wrote with a quill pen. What was funny was when other children would come sit down at the table Eve would explain to them exactly how to do everything like she was the one in charge. She was polite, but firm. The boys got into the strategy game of Fox and Geese. They even played it a second time so they could switch sides.

The tour of Monitcello was very interesting and what Rachel and I liked best were the alcove beds that Jefferson put around the house because he had seen them in France and really liked them. The writing chair and the copy machine were pretty cool. Jefferson also had a model of the solar system with all "6" planets. Noah and Eve really liked the gravity fed clock that had a cable that went across the wall and down into the basement. The ice house and the other rooms beneath the house were fascinating.

So, another postitive recommendation.

:::::::::::Today:::::::::::

We are heading to Philadelphia today. We have to stop for a new tire, so I hope all goes well. We also plan to go through Amish country and take a buggy ride.

I hope to check pack with you soon!