A Flood of Pixel Proportions!!!

A few different things have been fixed on my computer. It isn't completely up to snuff, but we will keep fixing things as we go. Before it went on a hiatus I had several layouts to share of different events:


::::::::::::::Our New Niece, Holly::::::::










:::::::::::::::::::Noah's Baptism Album::::::::









::::::::::::::::::::Rachel's College for Kids:::::::


::::::::::::::::::::Christmas Layout from 2007:::::::::





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



Something else I did on the computer hiatus was read New Moon. I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The Romeo and Juliet theme ran through this as an updated work using vampires, humans and werewolves. Classic themes work anywhere. I thought the ideas of what it is to be human are explored and the concept of choosing to have your humanity taken by choice and another thrust upon you was intriguing. Bella's newly discovered abilities that mean very little as a human, but would make her a rather formidable vampire were very cool aspects to her character. It gives her more of a caterpillar wanting to become a butterfly kind of metaphor. Maybe in book 3 with the werewolves running in their pack and the Cullens back in town it will be West Side Story set in Forks? I look forward to finding out!


Later gators! :)

Brave Girl

:::::::::::::::::::Dentist::::::

Eve just got back from having a cavity filled at the pediatric dentist. They used orange scented nitrous oxide to prep her for the shot, and they used a mint numbing gel. She looked at me with a hesitant expression and her eyes got that glassy sheen from beginning to tear up. I asked if she was nervous and she nodded yes. She wanted to hold my hand, as opposed to me holding hers. I figure it gave her a small measure of something she could control. She rarely moved during the procedure. Her lip did slip into the little speculum that kept her jaw open and she would point at it with tears in her eyes. I was so proud of her as was the doctor. The novocaine is wearing off and she feels the pain. I can just hug her.


::::::::::::::::Cub Scout Camp:::::::

Noah is at camp for this week. It is a day camp so he goes in the morning and I pick him up in the afternoon. The theme this year is "Cubs in Space". What a perfect theme for my science guy.

::::::::::::::::Fun New Layouts::::::


<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip's "Hush" kit, Embossed Letters (set 2)
Catrine: Laura Alpha
Font: DJB Donnar at www.thedigichick.com


Credits: Dawn Inskip's "Hush" kit, alpha from "Midnight Diamonds"
Font: CK Cursive



Credits: Dawn Inskip's Hush kit, Evitangel collab kit, Cartoon Caper kit, Make Believe kit, Typecast Alpha
Font: DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at www.thedigichick.com</sub>

Take Care! :)

Summertime, Summertime...Sum...Sum...

Summertime... is time for Poison Ivy! Yes, I have it for the 4th year in a row. No matter how "clever" I was scouting my yard for the nasty things they snuck up and got the back of my left knee. It was probably when I was traipsing through the yard with the poison ivy killer spraying their kind. The irony isn't lost on me, neither is the itching pain. Alas, I'm a bit of an oozy mess on that one knee. Sorry, too much information, I know. On to more fun updates:

:::::::::::::::Cousin Esther:::::::
came to Georgia for a 2 week visit from Utah. She was so fun! She brought flower hair clips for all of the little girls. They were thrilled. We also got to have dinner with her, yesterday. We met up with some of the siblings, spouses and Michael's mom at the Olive Garden. I wasn't feeling too well, but the meal went very well and we got to talk guitars, food, vacations, and work with our brother-in-law, Matthew. Here is a layout with Esther and a few of the girls who were wearing the clips:



<sub>Credits:

Block template by Emily Merritt from Momtourage
painted doodles and papers by Kitty Chen from Momtourage
background paper by Mossa from Primavera kit
Birgit's orange paper from the Primavera kit
button flower by Kate Hadfield from May's BYOC
Emily Powers elements and papers from Momtourage and Art Nation Blossom
Weeds and Wildflowers freebie by Gina Marie Huff "Thank you"</sub>

::::::::::::::::::Beep Beep::::::
Karen Lewis has an adorable new kit at digital freebies this week...



My youngest DS, Noah, and his Pinewood Derby car.

Beep Beep by Karen
http://digitalfreebies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2713


_{Beep Beep Chipboard Cutouts by Karen
http://digitalfreebies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2714
A Month at a Time date stamp by Karen Lewis http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17720&cat=0&page=1
Curly Swirly Alpha by Karen Lewis at The Digichick http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17723&cat=0&page=2
Font: DJB SISSY and DJB MANDY by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick:
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=18195&cat=266&page=1
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=16434&cat=0&page=1}
:::::::::::::::::::Rec Room:::::

Anna Benjamin has a blue and brown themed kit at scrapbookgraphics...

<sub>Credits:A cherished photograph of my grandaddy and his older siblings.

Credits: Anna Benjamin's Rec Room kit and Preppy kit.
http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/xcart/product.php?productid=21162&cat=0&page=1
Font: DJB My Dear Marsha by Darcy Baldwin at thedigichick.com

Template by Cindy Schneider at the Sweet Shoppe.</sub>


::::::::::::::::::Just for Fun Pages:::::

using Lorie Davison's "Moonlight Kit" from Scrapbookgraphics...

Misc. Credits: Dawn Inskip's clock parts from Weather Station.




:::::::::::::::::::Drama Camp:::::::

Rachel started her 4 day drama camp, today. She was exhausted when I picked her up from the school. She also ran off the neighbor's house who is attending the same class so they could create a prop for their play. The theme is "spies".

:::::::::::::::::::Outdoor Pool:::::

Michael took the kids to the outdoor pool near our house and they had a blast going down the water slides. Eve was just tall enough to take part. I stayed home with Aaron so he could finish up his last school assignments. He has a final draft and an assessment, then he will be finished for the year.

Take care!

A Bit of This and That

:::::::::::::::Home School Article::::::::

Here is an excellent blog article by Bob Barr, here in Georgia. He attempts to rally parents to encourage state legislators and other leaders to speak out against the debacle created by the California court rulings that nullified the parents' rights and, effectively made each child a ward of the state.

:::::::::::::::Freshly Squeezed:::::::::::



My daughter and her cousin, Isabell having a great big hug!
<sub>Credits: Luisa Leandro: Buttons
'Buttons' Kit by Luisa Leandro (aka Dawn Inskip) available at www.sophiasarducci.com from 7 April
Dawn Inskip: Embossed Alpha (set 2)
Fresh Kit
flowers from Guest C.t. kit
NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=6f749e8e3eef36755bd930bff3df535c
TTS
http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=20
SSS
http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=43

Catrine: Explore Solids

Darcy Baldwin: DJB Messie Amanda at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2</sub>

::::::::::::::Anna Benjamin:::::::::
is interning as a designer at Scrapbookgraphics and she was so kind as to send some of her new designs for me to create some layouts. Here are a few:








::::::::::::::::::Pride and Prescience:::::::


This book appealed to me to me in two ways when I saw it on the library table. One, it is written about two of my favorite characters, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and second, it is a mystery. I have been reading it off and on for a couple of days and I'm enjoying, so far. I'll give you a review when I'm done.

:::::::::::::::::::An Oldie, But A Goodie:::::::

Rachel was in her room giggling and she got up to show me what was so funny. She had grabbed one of my old books off the shelf and was enjoying it, thoroughly.
This photo is not from the book she was reading, but it was the only one I saw that worked on google. I picked this paperback up at a place that allowed you to trade in your old books and buy others. The last copyright date listed is 1973. Rachel loved reading about the antics of Hi and Lois' family. I think it is such a great thing to share a sense of humor with my kids...twisted as it may be!


Smiles!

Samoas...Close to My Heart...

...but even closer to my bottom! ;)


::::::::::::Noahism of the Weekend::::::

Noah wanted, desperately, to open a box of samoas and devour the contents, but I was having to make sure the inventory I received was accurate. He asked if he could help, so he could get the cookies faster. He was an enthusiastic helper. As we were sitting down counting cookies, sorting, rubber banding and putting labels on the boxes with the recipients name Noah jubilantly, "I Can't believe it's Girl Scout season. I LOVE GIRL SCOUT SEASON!" Shortly after he was rewarded with his heart's desire.

::::::::::::::::Layouts for Dawn Inskip's C.T.






This is my daughter doing her "happy dance" and her brother in the background completely ignoring her.

Credits:
Dawn Inskip: A Little Sunshine at TTS, NDISB, SSS
Darcy Baldwin: DJB DONNAR, DJB SANDRAK, "My Own Outline" at The Digichick




My sweet niece, Isabell

Credits: "A Little Sunshine" by Dawn Inskip at NDISB, TTS, and SSS


Font: DJB SILJE by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick


:::::::::::::::::Saturday Build::::::::

Grandpa Jim took Eve to Home Depot for their monthly build. She built and decorated a Nascar style vehicle. She was SOOO proud. Building and crafting are Eve's comfort zone.

:::::::::::::::::Japanese Food:::::::::

Michael and I went to Brandsmart to find a replacement for our microwave that died last month. After our purchase we went over to grab a bite of Japanese food. Michael chose katsu curry and I had tempura. The tempura came with shrimp, sweet potatoes, zucchini and Japanese pumpkin (which kinda of looked like an acorn squash). Tasty eats, I say!

::::::::::::::::El Presidente Taylor:::

Aaron was called to be the President of the Deacon's Quorum at Church. He chose requested his 2 counselors and secretary. He gave us several hugs and was the least embarrassed to show affection in front of the other boys. I don't know how long that will last, but I think it's pretty cool. Michael said Aaron did a good job at his first presidency meeting by showing concern for others not just in the ward family.

:::::::::::::::::On-line Conference::::

Aaron and I have an on-line chat with his teacher this morning I hope their are no glitches. Should be interesting. I'll let you know later.

Smiles! :)

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired...

says Evey!

One sick little girl can really put a wrench in my blogging schedule! :) Eve is in my lap chattering right now. She is begging for me to play the Myst series with her again. She loved the characters and the "spooky music". Due to her high fever, cough and general lethargy she was forced to miss "Dessert with Dad" at her preschool. Michael told her he would take her for ice cream at Bruster's. Not only was Eve sick, but I had my final Wilton decorating class for Course 1. I was able to get my cake baked, iced and smoothed with all of the decorator icing prepared. Unfortunately, I left 2 of the tips I needed in the dishwasher due to being distracted. While I was getting ready to leave and taking care of Eveybug Michael was repairing my brakes. I told him on Sunday that they were hashed and having to stop quickly and pull over for an ambulance to pass did them in. He drove the car to work on Monday and agreed that they were bad. He has been working 50 hour weeks, getting ready for scouts, helping with homework, cuddling a sick Eveybug and getting no sleep because he is in our full size bed with a sick toddler. All of these factors combined he still was able to run to the auto parts store and get new pads and rotors for my car and fix the brakes. He drove my car to work this morning and said he thinks all is well.

Eve has had her bath, her fever is gone, but not her runny nose and cough, so she is staying home again. She will be by cake decorating trainer for my push to finish my last cake decorating assignment. My roses came out ruffled because my icing is too stiff. I think they look "Shabby Chic".

::::::::::::::::Please Take a Second to Check Out::::::::

my new "Humanitarian" section. I have links to Free Rice and a new one for a 20 minute video called "Story of Stuff". I found that 20 minutes incredibly informative and thought it very worthy to share.

::::::::::::::::Finished and on Order::::::::::

I finally finished my SIL's Christmas present and ordered it today. I sent her the Shutterfly link so she could check for errors. She said she really liked it, so that make me happy. Here is the Front and Back Cover:



Credits: Font: Grinched, Kay Miller's Lagoon Kit, Kate Hadfield's Vehicle, Pirate and Animal Doodles, also Summer Collab Kit from TLP, Susan Long's castle doodle, Erica Hite's Dear Diary Doodle for the banner.

Here are a few layouts:

I will update the credits for this one soon.



This is one of my sweet nieces, Isabell.


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Doodle E Doo at The Digichick
Designs by Angelica E.: Happy Doodles
Kate Hadfield: Lovebirds, Chipboard Doodled Hearts
Ida: Heart Doodle Alpha
Natalie Braxton: Strings from the February B.Y.O.C.
Kristin Cronan-Barrow: Lovedovey glitter

A couple of nieces and a nephew playing in the leaves.


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Ida: Fall leaves doodles, Crayon Doodles
Catrine: Explore Solids
Katie Pertiet: Taped frames

::::::::::::::::::::::::::Dawn Inskip Layouts::::::

I made these as part of a tryout for a guest c.t. spot using her freebie::


Eve likes to imagine she is a flower fairy when the azaleas bloom in our front yard.


Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Guest C.T. Mini Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB Connorbuck at The Digichick


Aaron and Rachel are like a couple of lizards on a wall when it comes to climbing.
Credits:
Dawn Inskip: Guest C.T. Mini Kit
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MISH at The Digichick

I will update tomorrow, as Eve should be back to school. I have been tagged by Carol and also need to hand out my blog awards. Later today is the teacher conferences for Rachel and Noah...should be interesting!

Smiles!

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!