You Never Know What The Day Will Bring

***Post of a personal nature...not scrapbook related...will post normal fluff and stuff tomorrow.

::::::::::::Phone Call:::::::::::::

Michael received a phone call from his mom that his brother is at the hospital with chest pains, but no definitive diagnosis. We will call tomorrow and find out more.

:::::::::::::Primary:::::::::::::::

Eve gave a talk in Primary, today. She was so proud that Michael and I were there to listen. Michael went up to help her give the talk and Rachel had helped her write what she wanted down. A great team effort! Eve was so funny giving the "Royal Wave" from her seat behind the podium.


::::::::::::Mixed Feelings:::::::::

In the afternoon we drove down to one of Michael's brother's home to celebrate his daughter's 2nd birthday. We packaged the bead socks I made her in a little Chinese Take Out box with a purple ribbon. The kids were excited to see and play with their cousins and aunts and uncles. After being there for about a half an hour Michael's sister noticed that the grill was spitting flames out the back. I went over and saw that a paper towel had caught fire, so I grabbed it off and stomped out the flames. Michael's brother came over and took care of the hamburgers that had been a bit charred. The smaller kids were occupied playing with a small sized bounce house for jumping. Aaron walked up to me with a sad look on his face. I asked him what the problem was and he said that no one would talk to him. He said that he tried to talk about things that had interested his cousins in their past meetings, but they weren't interested. Then, he tried to figure out what they were discussing and talk about what ever they wanted. Neither thing worked. He went outside and saw one of the cousins from the other side of the family, a young boy, get shoved over with the rambunctious play. He went to help and was leaning over the jump house to extricate the boy when a high pitched, "Aaron is pushing us over and won't stop it!" sounded out. Aaron stepped away in utter dejection and huge tears rolling down his face and said, "I can't do anything right!" I told him he didn't have to put up with being treated like this at a family gathering and that we would leave. I, quietly, thanked our SIL for inviting us and told her we needed to leave. I then placed a call to my stepmother, Alice who was delighted that we were so close and said that we were definitely welcome to stop by.
The sad part about this situation is that it isn't an isolated event. Unfortunately, it has occurred since we moved back from Utah when Aaron was 4. His cousins have never included him, willingly, in any conversations or activities. In fact, on several occasions one of his cousins would proudly and promptly announce to him that their parents said they didn't have to do anything with him. It is with this type of welcome, or being completely ignored at every family event for 9 years gets more than a bit wearing. It reminds me of the comedy films where the guy doesn't seem to be able to catch a break, but since it is real I'm not laughing. I know that the seed for our family get togethers was started in the purest and for the most loving reasons by my late father-in-law, and I know for a fact he would unreservedly have hugged Aaron and told him he loved him every time. I miss you Rog, and so does Aaron.

Pleased As Punch...

with the children in Primary! They all sang so well for their families on Sunday. The sister playing the piano did a marvelous job making eye contact with me and had just the right subtle gestures. We were perfectly in sync. My anxiety was, happily, unfounded. Mom and Jim came and sat with us so they could hear the children. They were so pleased to get hugs and kisses from granny and grandpa. Afterwards, my mom ran home to do some things, then graciously came back to pick the kids up after Church. They love to ride around in granny's P.T. Cruiser.

When we went to pick the kids up from my folk's house one of our cult classic movies was on. When we told the kids who were in the back bedroom watching something on Disney or Nickelodeon that Murder By Death was on they rushed into the room and plopped on the couch asking granny to bring their lunch trays in so they could watch the film. (They are a bit pampered by my mom!) We all laughed and did lines from the movie. Aaron was the only one that didn't watch because he was playing on the computer in the bedroom.

My mom made some delicious tacos for dinner. She was shocked Aaron wanted some because he had eaten a lot just a few minutes before. He is a growing boy!

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

Yesterday, Michael did his routine platelet donation. The person who sticks in the needles was much more gentle than the one last time. He came home with another t-shirt from the Red Cross showing that he was a platelet donor. He joked that if this kept up his entire wardrobe would be from The Red Cross.

:::::::::::::::::::::Field Day:::::::::::

Today, Noah had Field Day at school. He knew I could only come near the end because I had an appointment for the Fall teacher conference with Eve's teacher. It took me 10 minutes to find him and I only stayed another 10 to take his photo. He was doing a great job from the things he had signed off on his card. I got to watch him do a sack race, sit-ups, and somersault before I had to run off. Aaron had to be at the dentist for a cleaning appointment and it is 45 minutes from the house.

:::::::::::::::::::::Eve's Conference::::::

The teacher said Eve spoke very softly in her class and her favorite thing is "Dramatic Play". In dramatic play Eve is only appeased as long as she is "the" Princess. There is one little boy in her class that will pretty much do whatever she says. My mom, jokingly, said, "She should marry him now! You never know if you will find another one like that!" :) The teacher said that Eve has difficulty recognizing D'nealian font, but not regular letters. My response surprised her. I told her that D'nealian is an archaic lettering form used by those teaching children to write with their quill pens, so that their letters didn't smear when they wrote with ink. I continued that I figured she would figure it out pretty quickly...not to worry. She laughed and said, "You know our county uses D'nealian." I said my husband has an engineering job where he writes in all caps and most people use typed media. Either way it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

:::::::::::::::::::::Dentist Appointment::::::::

Aaron has no cavities, but a stubborn baby molar. His permanent tooth behind the non moving tooth is at an angle, so it isn't pushing the tooth enough to dissolve the roots. To the tune of $500.00+ he will pull that offending tooth. Part of that fee is $100.00 dollars for the nitrous oxide to help calm his anxiety. I offered a rubber mallet, but the doctor didn't think it was funny. He will also put sealants on the back molars at the same time.

::::::::::::::::::::::Noah:::::::::::::

lost his second tooth. I am working on a layout with the photo I took of the momentous occasion. But, Aaron has some school work to do on my computer now!

Smiles!

And So It Begins...

:::::::::::Halloween Costumes for 2007::::



Lollipop Rachel

The Wicked Witch of The East Eve

Ben 10 Noah

The Black Knight Aaron

Michael looked up the Boar Standard and chalked the outline on the fabric, then did a free hand embroidery using the sewing machine. It turned out so cool!




:::::::::::::::::Noah's Black Hole Project:::::

Michael is helping Noah with a project on space due on Monday. It is made up of a 2-liter bottle, cardboard and paint. Tomorrow they will look up information for the report part.






::::::::::::Another New York Layout::::::






Darcy Baldwin: DJB LENA, DJB Pookie Poo, SAVE THE DATE (coming soon) at The Digichick
Kay Miller: Organic Kit background paper
Ida: Crayon Doodle, Fall Leaves
Mary Fran: Spider and web
Kate Hadfield: turtle

:::::::::::::::::Tomorrow is the Program:::::::::

I'm a bit nervous and I hope all goes well!

Later, gators!

Does Hallmark Have an Official Listing for...

"Teacher Conference Month"? I think they pretty much have a set aside holiday for everything...well, except for "Hug A Septic Sucker" month, but I bet if the fans of the Red Green Show would unite that could all be rectified! Anyway, it is, indeed, time for teacher conferences. I had the first one via phone with our virtual teacher for Georgia Virtual Academy. She said it appeared as if Aaron was on track. She talked to Aaron and asked him how he was doing and what he liked. He said he really liked the history sections. He is particularly happy because the readings and lessons are on the ancient Egyptians. Next week is Eve. I know another teacher sent a reminder home, but I need to find where I put it so I will actually show up.

:::::::::::::::::and Sew ON, and Sew On::::::



My husband teaching Eve how to do a simple running stitch. He likes to sew, cook and bake. He is the best wife I ever had!


_{Darcy Baldwin: Pookie Doo/ Doodl E Doo, DJB CHERE/ DJB MICHAEL
Syrin: Silly Butterflies
Emily Merritt: Glittery Mesh Brushes
Lisa Whitney: Chalk Full of Fun Alpha
Bren Boone: Luscious Solids
Mary Fran: Scalloped edge from Can I Be Frank
Natali: Stitches
Scrap Artist: Invogue Kit
Ida: Crayon Doodle
Nancy Comelab: Freebie Cluster from Blog
Weeds and Wildflowers: Paint spatters from Doodle Alpha, Circle and zigzag stitch
Jessica Bolton: Big crossed stitch
Amy Martin: Cloth clothespin
Natalie Braxton: Butterfly}

::::::::::::::::Colonial Williamsburg Layout:::::


Text: The blacksmith was creating a rolling pin by request from the Governor's kitchen. The kitchen folks wanted to see if it would be a feasible way to make their own chocolate. They needed the heavy duty rolling pin to crack through the tough cocoa beans. This is a one of a kind creation and they quipped that they will probably not make another one.

Rachel and Noah were especially interested in the blacksmith shop and Aaron thought it was interesting.

_{Darcy Baldwin: DJB MICHAEL, DJB KENNAscript
Emily Merritt: Word Toppers Date
Birgit: Gralpha
Christina Renee: Book Plate Alpha
Kate Hadfield: Journal Tape, Doodle Alpha, Heavy Duty Staples, Paper Swirls
Nancy Comelab: Vintage Frames
Michelle Coleman: Hand Stamped Alpha, Color Me Solid
Weeds and Wildflowers: Stars, Layered Alpha}

:::::::::::::::::::The Dalai Lama:::::::

is in town and Aaron asked Michael about going to see him, so Michael took a half day off from work and they are currently in the front row of the crowd. Michael called me to check in. He related the story of a lady who was trying to save a spot for herself and a friend, but she needed to go find her friend first. She left a very nicely embroidered jacket on the damp grass and asked if Aaron would mind watching it for her. He said sure. After a bit of time she didn't come back and the crowd had increased. He spotted her pass by and realized she didn't know where she had left her jacket, so he grabbed the jacket and tracked her down through the crowd. She came back and thanked him for being so nice. They will get back some time this evening and we plan to go for a family swim at our local pool.

::::::::::::::::::::Primary Program:::::::

Last Sunday was our final practice before the actual program on this Sunday. The children did pretty well. There are a couple of songs where words are switched around or mumbled, but hopefully I will have my nerves enough on end that I won't miss any ques and the adrenaline will keep me going. I have to stand out about 5 rows back so the pianist can see and the kids. I thought about selling advertising space on my rear end. You see I really hate the idea of standing up knowing that rows of folks have to look at my butt. I don't like looking at it and I just feel like I should apologize for others that have to be back there. I know they will get over it, but all of us might need therapy after this!

Afterwards I am going to bring Noah's huge Mr. Potato Head and put some songs in it for the kids to pull out and dress the Potato Head. It will just be fun to be silly.

:::::::::::::::::::Costume Change:::::::::

Eve is going to be a witch instead of a blue fairy. I went to the store and grabbed her some black tights and a simple witch hat. She already has black shoes and a black velvet dress. I also grabbed a skein of black yarn and grey, so Michael could create a wig with highlights. He said he probably would have grabbed green with purple for the highlights. That is what I get for usurping the costume creator position in our house.

Smiles!

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!

Happy Birthday, Noah!

_{Yellow background by Amy Wolff, doodles by Kate Hadfield, staple by Michelle Coleman, and tag from Welli Designs at wedoscrap}

::::::::::::Ocean's of Fun::::::::::





Text: A Tuna Fish that can't carry a tune? A Star Fish that can't get an acting job? A seven-legged Octopus? A Zebra Fish with spots? Join in the aquatic fun as little Tiger Shark and his unique collection of friends discover how their differences make them each special.

STAY BACK! STAY BACK!
STAY BACK from Great White! We guard him all day! We guard him all night!

Noah was a swordfish guard in his First grade production of Oceans of Fun". Dad, Aaron, Eve and Mom were in attendance.

Song: "We're Sharks! Leaving our marks!"

Summer Collab Kit at The Lily Pad,
Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab,
Pirate Doodles and Musical Doodles by Kate Hadfield,
Thought bubble, arrow doodle and wave doodle from Dear Diary By Erica Hite,
Orange fish doodle by Pascaline,
Font: Farrah/ Mia's Scribbling/ Susie's Hand




Mom, Michael, the kids and I went to see the first showing of the morning for Shrek 3 on Saturday. The animation was spectacular. My favorite part, visually, was the wet fur on Puss and Donkey. The sub plots are always a lot of fun giving layers on meaning to this humorous adventure. I think my right and left lobes of my brain got all twisted up during a scene with Pinocchio! I think the visual homage to The Bionic Man with "Gingy" the Gingerbread Man was a hilarious! Prince Charming in his 80's leg warmers made me think of Fame. Eric Idle voicing a Birkenstock wearing Merlin was so perfect. The writers and artists seem like they grew up with me and watched the same shows, so the jokes seem crafted for me, but my kids got it on the physical comedy level. The soundtrack for the film also reminded me of some of my favorite 70's and 80's artists. The kids loved Snow White's sweet singing changing to the primal scream of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song".

Since we joke about Noah being all thumbs we will use a Noah rating system for the film today and give it 10 THUMBS UP!

::::::::::::::::::::Noah's Bowling Party::::::::::

We took Noah Cosmic bowling for his party. Noah, Granny Alice, Rachel, Carson, James, and Hayden played on the bumper lanes, while Michael, Aaron and I bowled on a regular lane. Aaron beat us both times. Noah's favorite gift was an "Omnitrix" from Granny and Grandpa Towhey, which is from the show Ben 10 on Cartoonnetwork. The Omnitrix allows the wearer to turn into one of 10 different aliens. Michael and I bought him a digital camera that we found on clearance at Wolf camera. It is a Canon with large controls, so we thought that would be easier for his little hands. He got a couple of Ben 10 action figures and some fun planet stickers for his walls. Granny Alice got him a voice changer, little pump rocket, a swimsuit and beach towel. We had a cookie cake with an alien on it that Noah didn't want to eat. He just wasn't interested. Everyone else enjoyed their pieces of cake (Eve licked the icing off her).

:::::::::::::::::::::Ninja Warrior:::::::

After the party we went to my parent's house and watched t.v. The one show we all liked was Ninja Warrior. The obstacles were pretty cool and each contestant had us rooting for them because we were amazed that they would try this stuff. The most dizzying was a barrel roll down an incline. The other interesting aspect to the show was that no one actually has to win. Another thing is the number of people who keep trying.

:::::::::::::::::::::Sunday:::::::::

Leading music was kinda crazy on Sunday. Michael made the comment that it was like all of the kids were on crack. They were all squirmy and chattery, and the older boys were literally bouncing off the walls.

We went to my Dad's house after Church and showed them my Shutterfly books and had a yummy lunch. Alice had made sweet potatoes, pinto beans with okra, cornbread, sliced tomatoes, turkey breast. My dad just got back from his second trip to Liberia on a mission trip for his church. He leaves today for North Carolina where he will be helping re-build a house for a blind lady. Later on in the Summer he and Alice will both go to Montana to help out with service there and to do some sight-seeing.

Then, we had family home evening on the opposite side of the highway in McDonough...(pronounced "McDonna" *thanks for the translation Donny and Kim :). Again, I showed off my various Shutterfly books. The kids were thoroughly filthy from playing with the dogs in the back yard and just playing around. They had a lot of fun playing with their cousins.

The kids were exhausted when we got home, but they were dirty so they all got a bath. I thought Rachel was going to disintegrate into a puddle of estrogen because she was so tired. I helped her wash her hair while she soaped herself up and rinsed. No time to read just prayers and sleep.

:::::::::::::::::::Finishing Slideshow today:::::::::

I'm finishing up the slideshow project today. I have to design the cd cover and burn it with the lightscribe printer, then create the dvd cover. Unfortunately, my color ink is running out and I can't find a replacement. I need to check a couple more stores today.

Smiles!

Monday, Monday...

so good to me. (Mamas & the Papas).

I hope y'all had a marvelous Mother's Day! I started the day nervous because I had to lead the Primary Children singing in the Chapel for all the moms and grandmas. The pianist started a bit early because she couldn't see her own granddaughter walking along the front. There were too many tall kids in her line of sight to me, but we were only a couple of beats behind and caught up. The second song about grandmother was adorable and the kids remembered to pause. I must have been a bit distracting because I was on the middle pew four rows back, so the kids would be able to see me. I was swayin' and gesticulating (some people who lead music call it "conducting" from what I hear)! All in all...SUCCESS!

After Church we watched a Disney movie called "Hot Lead and Cold Feet" with Jim Dale who also narrates the Harry Potter book series. Then, I went and fell asleep for a 2 hour nap. BLISS!

During the movie I created this layout:



_{background paper from Little Day (QOTC) by Sausan, Mixed flower element from Collectibles 1 by Sausan, Squiggle Fleurs by Jen Wilson, Cardboard border by Amanda Rockwell, Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield}

::::::::::::::::Vacation Plans:::::::::

Coming together. We have a gentlemen in our ward who lived in Pennsylvania and told us to go the Shady Maple when we get to Lancaster for a wonderful Amish experience.

I have to go feed the Thundering Heard!

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!

{Some Recent Layouts}

_{Window and collage birds by Katie Pertiet, Paper from Ali Folindore's Granny Smith Papers, glittery swirl and paper from Seasonal Scraps by Jen Wilson, tree art from Tia Bennett's New Growth Kit}

This is one of Evey's favorite songs, so I thought it appropriate to scrap it with her face.

-----------------------------------


_{Kit by Mindy Terasawa "Sonoran Sunrise", Background paper by Holly McCaig "Spring is Coming" and inked overlay (modified) by Clara Wallace. Font: Susie's Hand and A Yummy Apology"}

Text:"I absolutely love to stare into those beautiful, big blue eyes. I remember that those big round eyes were the first things I noticed about you when you were born. You are a voracious reader and an extremely creative writer. The characters you have created based on the grandparents who you adore, "Strong Grandpa and Lovely Granny" were so hilarious. You made us all proud. I truly believe you have so much to offer the world!"
----------------------------------

Text: Kendall and Eve are the Yin and Yang cousins. Kendall is the brunette with beautiful brown eyes and Eve is the Blonde with Blue eyes. Their personalites compliment each other (usually). They are 5 months apart in age with Eve being the younger cousin. The girls enjoy getting together at family events. Eve often asks when she will get to see, "My Kendall". It is nice to live close enough so the cousins can form a, hopefully, lasting friendship!
_{Kits: Gina Cabrera's Quirky_Q and A November Background paper, twill tape and tab. Swirl black and white frames from Aqua Dreams Kit. Curved template from Gina Miller
Program Used:
: Photoshop 6.0
Fonts Used
: TeacherKim
Elements/Extras
: Gina Cabrera's pear freebie}

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