What is Made from 100% Girl Scouts?

If you answered Girl Scout cookies you are correct. I got Rachel to smile for this shot by making her say, "SAMOAS!" What an instant response of joy with visions of caramel, chocolate and coconut!



Please let me know if you Georgia folks would like any!

_{credits: Sausan Designs: My Little Heart collection
Darcy Baldwin: DJB PASTOR DAVE at The Digichick
Sande Krieger: Borderlines
Miscellanous font: Another Typewriter}

Here is a Girl Scout cookie quiz from the AJC
:::::::::::::::::::::"Is That a Euphemism?::::
That is an oft heard question in our house. We have taught our kids the correct terms for things, but the kids hear parts of the body called other things by family and friends so they started to try to figure out as many euphemisms as they could. They realized the process is endless and here is an Indexed Card as evidence of that:



::::::::::::::::::::Recommendation Friday:::::::

Jessica Hagy has completed a book of her hilarious graphs called Indexed. It's for sale for $8.80 at Amazon and they are taking pre-orders.


I would like this idea to become a weekly thing, but we shall see.

I have layouts to post later, but Shabby Miss Jenn wants us to wait a tad bit more.

I hope your weekend is fantastic! Michael and Aaron are running off to hike and camp. They were going to go to Blood Mountain, but changed their mind due to the recent hiker murder. Michael decided to hike there with the kids another time.

Smiles!

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!

Who Loves Ya Baby?!:

I used to watch a lot of television as a kid and the ones that drew me in the most were the detective shows. My kids think I'm weird because if we are watching t.v. at my mom's house (satellite dish) I choose shows like Forensic Files, Mystery Diagnosis, Investigative Reports or Cold Case Files. Since the new version of Nancy Drew was out I started thinking about what guy detective shows I liked growing up. Here are a few:



I love the way Columbo would fluster people as he asked them questions. I wanted a huge car like Cannon. I always thought Kojak was ultra cool because of the lollipop.


Raymond Burr was always sharply dressed and spoke directly and to the point. Barbara Hale as his girl Friday added sharp wit, intelligence, and loyalty.


The good guys were always fun to watch, too. I really loved Barnaby Jones and I wanted to be Lee Meriwether. Barnaby was always seemed like the nicest guy. The Hardy Boys was another fav. I was enamored with Parker Stevenson. I thought Shaun Cassiday was cute, but that his adam's apple needed its own zip code. One day when Michael and I were driving somewhere I asked him if he knew who had the biggest adam's apple in the entire world and he answered immediately...Shaun Cassiday. I was in awe of his quick response and like thinking. It is weird to say that somehow I knew this guy could think like me with my quirky sense of humor. We have been married for almost 18 years and he tells people he can speak "Wife". He says that he speaks the "Victoria" dialect of "Wife", so it doesn't apply to all women...just to me. He can try to translate what other women are really saying, but he tells people it won't be as accurate. So, when I think of the Shaun Cassiday's adam's apple story I just laugh a goofy laugh and think of my wonderful husband's quick wit.


I almost forgot one of my favorites and that is James Garner as Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files. He has a mix of intelligence, charisma and downright good looks. He is still quite handsome in his old age.



_{Borderline Frames by Sande Krieger at TwoPeas, Arrow by Holly McCaig, Doodle Circle by Erica Hite}

Have a great day! Smiles!

Waxing Nostalgic...Cartoon Style:

Michael and I will often spontaneously break into snippets of old television shows from our memories of Saturday Morning cartoons. One of our favorites is Super Chicken, which was taken off the air because he became Super Chicken by drinking a concoction called the "Super Sauce". The network or pressures from outside saw the drink as having a negative drug example for kids. I have fond memories of times watching Henry Cabot Henhouse III and his faithful sidekick, Fred.

I have listed several other theme songs and their shows. I had fun as a kid watching them and I wonder if you had similar favorites.


Artist: Lyrics
Song: Super Chicken Lyrics
When you find youself in danger,
When you're threatened by a stranger,
When it looks like you will take a lickin', (puk, puk, puk)
There is someone waiting,
Who will hurry up and rescue you,
Just Call for Super Chicken! (puk, ack!)

Fred, if you're afraid you'll have to overlook it,
Besides you knew the job was dangerous when you took it (puk, ack!)

He will drink his super sauce
And throw the bad guys for a loss
And he will bring them in alive and kickin' (puk, puk, puk)
There is one thing you should learn
When there is no one else to turn to
Call for Super Chicken! (puk, puk, puk)
Call for Super Chicken! (puk, ack!)



Lyrics
Song: Tom Slick Lyrics
Tom Slick.
Tom Slick.
Let me tell you why,
He's the best of all the guys.

Tom Slick
Tom Slick
In the thunder boat grease slapper once he's on your tail.
He won't quit because you know there's no such word as fail to
Tom Slick
Tom Slick!


Artist: Lyrics
Song: George of the Jungle Lyrics
George, George
George of the Jungle,
Strong as he can be.
(Ahhhhhhhh)
Watch out for that tree.

George, George,
George of the Jungle,
Lives a life that's free.
(Ahhhhhhhh)
Watch out for that tree.

When he gets in a scrape,
he makes his escape
with the help of his friend,
an ape named Ape.
Then away he'll schlep
on his elephant Shep
While Fella and Ursula
Stay in step.

Well....George, George
George of the Jungle,
Friend to you and me.

Watch out for that tree.

***I still laugh when he hits the tree!


Battle of the Planets

I loved watching this cartoon. I thought all the characters were cool. I, especially, wanted to fly the ship.



Artist: Lyrics
Song: The Bugaloos Lyrics
The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're in the air and everywhere
Flying high, flying loose
Flying free as a summer breeze

The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're climbing high and diving low
Through the sky, 'cross the land
Straight to you
With a helping hand
Ready with a helping hand

We're friends indeed
Should you need
If you ever need

The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos
We're in the air and everywhere
Flying high, flying loose
Flying free like we all could be....



Artist: Lyrics
Song: Land of the Lost Lyrics
Marshall, Will, and Holly
On a routine expedition
Met the greatest earthquake ever known.
High on the rapids
It struck their tiny raft.
And plunged them down a thousand feet below.

To the Land of the Lost.
To the Land of the Lost.
To the Land of the Lost.


I loved the Sleestacks!


Artist: Lyrics
Song: Fat Albert Lyrics
Hey, hey, hey!
Here's Fat Albert
And I'm gonna sing a song for you
And this is gonna show you
A thing or two
You'll have some fun now
With me and the gang
Learning from each other
While we do our ???
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!

This is Bill Cosby coming out with music and fun
If you're not careful, you may run something before it's done!
Hey, hey, hey!

Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!
Na, na, na
Gonna have a good time
Hey, hey, hey!

I was partial to Dumb Donald and Mushmouth.

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl


Dr. Shrinker


Wonder Bug:





Come on and Zoom, Come on and Zoom,
Come on and Zoom, Come on and Zoom,
Come on and Zoom, Zoom, Zoom-a, ZOOM!
ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM!
Come on and Zoom, You call the tune,
Come on and Zoom, We're starting soon,
Come and Zoom-a, Zoom-a, Zoom-a, ZOOM!
ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM,

I loved to do the experiments I saw on Zoom. Unfortunately, those experiments were messy and I had to do a quick clean up before my mom found out. If she doesn't know about them, now, I figure I was successful!

Space Giants:



Boy howdy, I thought it would be cool to transform into a robot. That is one reason I am looking forward to the new movie Transformers. Weird. I know. I'm cool with that!

:::::::::::::::::Bouldering on Memorial Day:::::





Text: Noah and Rachel were keen to try bouldering. They smeared, clung, and grasped the course rock face. Eve tried to conquer a few rock faces, too. They searched for good hand holds and foot holds in the cracks. Noah and Rachel get very serious and concentrate on what they are doing. The weather was warm and the kids were able to gain more confidence.

_{Chalk Full of Fun kit and Add-on by Lisa Whitney, Scribbly Alpha by Studio Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics, Cluster Frames by Nancy Comelab, Cardboard flowers by Amanda Rockwell, Animal Doodles and Bows (Pirate Doodles) by Kate Hadfield, Baby Bead Alpha by Mo Jackson, Nessa Font by Erica Hite, Backwards Staples by Jenn Patrick, Journal paper by Catrine, Font: DB Michael}


:::::::::::::::::::::::My Nice Family::::::

Let me take a nap, yesterday. I am on the last legs of this yucky cold.

::::::::::::::::::::::Sande Krieger::::::::

is so talented and she sent me these:

I was one of a few folks who had their name pulled for her new stamps.

Smiles!

Being Neighborly:

Here is a drawing created by one of Rachel's friends. Lydia is also a neighbor. Rachel has hat tacked this drawing to her bedroom door with much pride. Luckily, no siblings have tried to remove and or destroy the art work.




_{Black background from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, Crayon Doodles by Ida, Faux Jewels by Shabby Princess, Artistic Borderlines 4 by Sande Krieger, Font: Jane Austen/ Taylor Mackenzie.}

:::::::::::::::::::::::Gladiator::::::::



We watched the edited for television version and I continue to marvel at the cinematography and excellent performances of the cast. Russell Crowe is wonderful in leadership roles. I really loved his performance in "Master and Commander" as Capt. Jack Aubrey. Crowe's ability to show strength of character in these roles is captivating. Derek Jacobi has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager watching Public Television. He played the monk, Cadfael, in the mystery series based on the books by Ellis Peters. Jacobi's role as the senator from Rome, Graccus, is superb. Connie Nielsen as the daughter of the murdered Marcus Aurelius and forced to marry her brother, Commodus, plays the role with the perfect blend of strength and repulsion. She is strong for her son and is revolted by her brother/husband and must work behind the scenes to keep her son alive and have her brother killed.
The cinematography for the dream sequences and death are fantastic. The use of the mulitple 360 degree spin works dizzingly well for the the coliseum scenes.

One of the messages of the movie about giving the people a diversion, so you can run the country as you wish is quite deep. The other message of maintaining your integrity was a thread throughout.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::Pirates of the Caribbean::::::::

I plan to take Aaron to see that today. Should be a rip roaring time!

Mementos:

Noah created this artwork just for me! He was very protective of the painting and was upset when I glanced at it before Mother's Day. After several minutes of consoling his tender feelings I was able to convince him that I could forget what it looked like exactly. I was, Happily, surprised on Sunday when my sweet son gave me this painting of a clown. The hands are extra special because they are his traced hands. The hands are also his and my favorite color, green.
Thank you, Noah, for my Mother's Day present!

_{Sande Krieger's French Laundry Papers, Coasters, and Alpha, Borderlines 2 Rhonna Farrer's Snapshot Frames and Paint Strokes, Tia Bennett's Joined at the Hip kit. Font: Mia's Scribblings}

::::::::::::::::Epcot Bands::::::::

We really enjoyed the music at Epcot, especially Off Kilter in the Canadian Pavillion. Some of our other highly recommended music stops are Mo Rocka, the Mariachi band is fabulous, and Mazuriza (or Masuriza).



_{Doodle Frame and Music Doodles by Kate Hadfield, Font: DB Michael}

::::::::::::::::::::Insight::::::::::

Michael's blog can give you a little insight on our family and our particular weirdness.


:::::::::::::::::::It's Shaping Up:::::::::

to be a buzy weekend. Aaron has the end of the season bowling party this Friday. It will be 9 pins, no tap, which means if you knock down 9 pins it counts as a strike. We are taking Noah Cosmic Bowling for his birthday. Sunday is a big Family Home Evening with Michael's family. It is supposed to be a picnic outside with lots of different salads.

Now, to run and rustle up the children for some grub! *( just had to share this quirky thought: If I was a beetle and I had to wake my kids, then I would be rustling up the grub for some food....Hmmm?!?)

BACK TO YOUR LIVES, CITIZENS!

Tagged Tuesday:

I was tagged by my digi pal Julie P., so here goes.
The rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following...They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question...
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
Your Name: babyofmine
1. Famous Singer/Band: Vedder, Eddie
2. 4 letter word: Vest
3. Street: Victoria St.
4. Color: Vermillion
5. Gifts/Presents:
6. Vehicle: Buick
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop:
8. Boy Name: Vernon
9. Girl Name: Valerie
10. Movie Title: Vacation
11. Drink: Vermouth
12. Occupation: Veterinarian
13. Flower: Vanilla
14. Celebrity: Viveca Lindfors
15. Magazine: Veterans
16. U.S. City: Valhalla
17. Pro Sports Teams: Vikings
18. Fruit: ?
19. Reason for Being Late for Work: Vexed at sleeping in.
20. Something You Throw Away: Vacuum
21. Things You Shout: "Varmint"!
22. Cartoon Character: Veronica (from the Archie and Jughead Comics)


::::::::::::::::Just When You Thought You Were Safe:::::::::

Two more Shutterfly Albums came in yesterday:


<sub>Doodlebird by Meredith Fenwick, Crayon Doodles by Ida, Background paper by Rhonna Farrer, City Limits Doodle by Andrea Burns, Glassy blue brads from Movin' On by Sandra Boddington at Scrapbookgraphics, Glitter swirl from Michelle Coleman's Birthday Elements, Weather Doodle and Birthday Girl Doodle by Kate Hadfield, Font: Tk doodle by Taran Conyers, The "rose colored glasses" were from the letter "g" in 2Peas DW Summer Fun, Journal paper From Just Need to Write My Thoughts by Lauren Grier



Papers and brushes from Peachy Keen by Rhonna Farrer, Font: Jane Austen/ Hello Sark</sub>


:::::::::::::::::::My Knight in Shinging Armor:::::::

rode up on his steely grey iron horse and fixed my tire. Aaron, Evey and I went to the library to deal with my crazy dvd requesting situation. We were there about an hour and a half. The librarians were kind enough to explain some nuances of the library system to me. For example, now I know how to use the suspended request and my list functions to delay my requests, while maintaining them in an accessible form. I did end of checking out the collections on religion for kids for a comparative religion study I'm doing today, Inventors, several Eyewitness films, and a series for health on the human body. For Noah I checked out all the movies on the Transformers so we can get steeped in Transformer history for the upcoming movie. For Evey I checked out a couple of My Little Pony movies, Angelina Ballerina and Strawberry Shortcake. Rachel really likes the Eyewitness stuff, so everyone was covered.

Sooooo, we walk out and deposit the 3 plastic grocery bags and one armful of videos into the car and I noticed the front tire was flat. We were already running late for our end of the year party for Homeschool run club, but I didn't want to drive on it and bend the rim. We went back in and the librarians let Aaron call Michael at work. He took the rest of the day off and came to get us. He said I had enough air in the tire to drive the short mile home. We grabbed the stuff for run club from my car and all of us went to the park for the party.

The got to eat pizza and snacks, while the kids had a squirt gun fight on the lawn. Eve, Michael and I stayed dry and ate strawberries and brownies. The squirt gun fight was halted long enough for Aaron and the other children to recieve trophies and awards for participating the the Presidental Fitness program. Then, back to another half hour of maniac squirting.

When we got home Michael found the problem with my tire. I had run over a nasty old screw. He put a plug in the tire and filled it with air. I need two new front tires anyway since my car is front wheel drive the tires loose tread much quicker in the front than the rear.

::::::::::::::::::::A Good Knight's Work::::::::

is never done! Michael took a quick shower then went off to his scheduled apheresis appointment at the Red Cross. They accidentally missed his vein in his right arm and the fluid created a golf ball sized swelling. He called their attention to it and they fixed the problem. OUCH! He watched Mission Impossible 3, which he said was awful, while he gave platelets.

::::::::::::::::::::New Suit:::::::::::

I took the girls to Target and the grocery store, while the boys watched Transformers. Eve informed me that she liked my flip flops and it didn't bother her to have the strap between her toes anymore, and she wanted some right now. Rachel needed another swimsuit, so we picked up one for her. It is a light robin's egg blue and brown with a hibiscus pattern. It is 3 pieces, so she can get to the restroom quickly. She will wear the surf shirt with the bottom piece and the bikini top will stay in the drawer to pair it up when she grows out of it. On Saturday, Michael and I picked up a tankini for Eve. It is pink with a hibiscus pattern. The surf shirt and shorts look adorable.

::::::::::::::::::::This is hilarious::::::::

A great digi-gal, Carol, is participating in an amazing challenge about things that never really happened.Carol's blog. Her layout is so funny. I'm going to have to try this bit of nuttiness!

::::::::::::::::::::Jaw Dropping Amazing::::::::

Dream House post by Sande Krieger is BRILLIANT! She has crafted an intricate home symbolizing some of the wonderful aspects of her family. I am in AWE!

It Finally Came!

I finally received Rachel's book that was misrouted to New Jersey:




_{Photo frame by Erica Hite, Doodles by Maya, Susan Long and Lisa Dozier. Background paper and journal block from Tiffany kit by Misty Mareda, Alpha by Rhonna Farrer, Borderlines by Sande Krieger, Crown by CBaumann, Whimsical word blocks by Hope Wallace}

The joke about the cover of this vacation book is that we usually get pulled over:


_{Vehicle Doodles and Stitched Alpha by Kate Hadfield, Houses (modied with paint) are Kritzels by Sausan, Journaling block by Lauren Grier}

Here is one of the tadfrogs in Rachel's hand (I like to call it the hand of death, but don't tell Rachel!)



::::::::::::::::Frozen Lettuce:::::::::

Michael decided to do an impromptu experiment with the lettuce I froze to feed the tadpoles. He grabbed the lettuce and invited Rachel and Noah watch him lob the lettuce into the air. The lettuce, thanks to gravity, came smashing in lots of pieces all over the concrete. Done repeatedly it creates lots of little pieces of lettuce. AHHH! The joy of science!


::::::::::::::::::Good For Some Laughs::::::::

Here is a link to a crazy cartoon site Web Cartoon

Friday...

not a clever title, but I'm using my creativity elsewhere.


<sub>Dear Diary kit by Erica Hite, paw doodle by Rhonna Farrer, Borderlines by Sande Krieger, Negative Stripes by Gina Miller

Be Trusting by Kim Christensen, Font: Misproject

Spring Break by Dani Mogstad, Nancy Comelab's Cluster Frames, Doodle Arrows and Weather Doodles by Kate Hadfield, Sneakers by Anna Benjamin, Date Stamp by Amber Clegg

Cluster Frame by Nancy Comelab, Journal paper by Lauren Grier, Font: DB Michael</sub>





Here are some other titles we have watched an by this group that we enjoyed:
Othello, Macbeth, King Lear
Titus Andronicus, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet
Learn Nutrition
Writing Basics
Biology
Sociology
Grammar For All 1 and 2
American Government 1 and 2
Finance: the basics
French 1 and 2
Learn Personal Finance


:::::::::::::::::::::Ali Edwards::::::::

Interview with Ali Edwards found in the Scrap Girls Newsletter:
(Excerpt):

8. If you could change anything about scrapbooking, what would it be?
I think what I would really like to change is the misconception that the people who do this are the ones with tons of time on their hands. Come on! Everyone is busy; everyone has stuff going on in their lives. Creating is really a lifestyle choice.


:::::::::::::::::Experiment:::::::::
Michael, Noah and Rachel did an experiment on Thursday night and I am making a layout of their experience. I will try to post it tomorrow. They were so excited.


::::::::::::::::When I Am Old:::::

If that isn't already a loaded statement from an adult I'm not sure what would qualify. My mom set herself up last week by asking the question, "When I am old can Granny come live with you?" All four of the children were in the room at the time and Aaron, Rachel and Eve gave Granny Sue a quick reply of, "Of course, Granny you can come live with us." Eve added that she could sleep in her room because she had two beds. Noah on the other hand replied, "Why would you want to do that?"
If I got that last line wrong send me a correction, mom!

Big Imagination:

My oldest daughter, Rachel, writes stories every day. There is never just one story because she has so many swimming and around in her head. Some are stuck in a little eddy in her brain and don't get finished. The ones that come out in torrents are mostly spoken to me in a very animated way. Sometimes they are written down. Her stories themes are sometimes Mysteries, Friendship Development, and love for Animals. Rachel, also, loves to illustrate her stories. These sample illustrations are to a story she is developing around the character, "Donna Dustmite". Donna is one of the many dustmites that live in Rachel's house. I think her illustrations are a lot of fun and hope she writes down her story soon. Her is a sample of Rachel's illustrations:

<sub>background paper, doodled font, and painted frame from Sing Spring Collection by Sausan Designs, flower doodle and doodle frame by Sara Carling, Border Line by Sande Krieger, font: GypsySwitch


Red taped frame from Joined at the Hip by Tia Bennett, Doodle Arrows by Kate Hadfield, Border Line by Sande Krieger, Journal cloud and Smile title from Silly Noodle by Summer Simmons</sub>

:::::::::::::::Went Walking:::::::::

to the library and around the park, then back home, yesterday. The weather was in the upper 60s Farenheit. I used my new:
to give me something to sing with while I walked. I found that I really enjoyed listening to "Last Dance" by Donna Summer and "I'm Your Boogie Man" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. I think I will have to walk further next time to see what else picks up my steppin' pace. I took along a bottle of berry flavored Propel, which was a nice taste.

:::::::::::::::Bill Nye, the Science Guy:::::::::

was on the television via VHS tape last night at our abode. The kids laughed and learned for about 2 hours. Evey was trying to explain to me about the homemade pulse counter made using a straw. She was surprisingly accurate. The kids loved the way he illustrated the different concepts. As Bill Nye says, "NOW You knowwwwww!"

:::::::::::::::Mornings at the Taylor house:::::
are always chaos at 7:40a.m., which is ten minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Noah pretends he can't figure out how to take his shirt off. He is certain it shrank during the night. (This shrinking phenomenon happens almost every night. I might want to call Mythbusters.) Rachel has usually misplaced something, or forgotten to have something signed. She acts like such a space cadet. Not surprisingly, she has pulled reminders about not using time wisely and following directions. I figure she acts that way at home, too, so does that make her a consistent performer?
Noah was very excited to run down stairs to inform Rachel that he, "...almost tied his shoe." Noah's concept of achievement is often set at second place, which is astounding to me. He always wants to be right (that's genetic), but he can except not winning.
This morning as Noah ran down our yard to catch the bus I called out, "I love you! Y'all don't get hit by the bus, or any cars!" Noah yelled (Noah always yells), "BRING IT ON!" In a long drawn out exclamation. What a goof ball!

::::::::::::::::Compliments:::::::::::

When Noah got home from school yesterday he said that his teacher, Ms. Tiller, really liked the outfit he had on for school pictures. Then, he said, "So, thanks for picking them out for me!"

Noah also told Evey she was pretty the minute he saw her after getting home from school. What a cool dude!

He had a time line project of his life to present to his first grade class on a big piece of poster board. The teacher told him that she thought he had been to more places than any other kid in his class. We hope to go up North this Summer and visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York, Niagara Falls, and go over into Canada. Michael and I plan for the best possible scenario by throwing in all the sites we want to see, then we have several back up scenarios, so we at least get to see some of our major sites. I've never been further North than Maryland.


:::::::::::::The Phantom Tollbooth::::::::


is our new family reading time book. Here is a link to the synopsis from Spark Notes. Eve fell asleep, so we stopped reading at the first chapter. I have never read this book, but I'm MEGA excited about it from reading the forward by Maurice Sendak. There was also a film of the book done by Chuck Joneswho did one of my favorites "Rikki Tikki Tavy" about a mongoose. I've never seen this video, so I checked for its availability at Amazon.com and since the video is out of circulation it costs from $42.00 up.

The kids I enjoyed reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It had an interesting message about keeping secrets, so I suppose it will be my secret until you read the book for yourself :).

I look forward to reviewing The Phantom Tollbooth. It looks to be an interesting ride.

A Posthumus Happy Birthday:

to Theodore Geisel.


At this point it is also a belated Happy Birthday!

_{Doodle font from the Spring Collection by Sausan Designs, Border Lines by Sande Krieger, Fonts: Wishebone, Gypsy Switch}
I was just thinking about all the fun books I read as a kid. His books may have been the start of my quirky sense of humor. I'm not sure I've met anyone unable to quote a portion of Green Eggs and Ham. My kids enjoy that one, but Eve is especially fond of The Cat in The Hat. I loved The Eye Book. I can't count the number of times I've read Wacky Wednesday. What a great introduction for experimenting with words and ideas. I hope you all have fond memories of reading. Oh, The Thinks You Can Think... if only you try!

Let a Sleeping Dog Lie?

Naaa! I was playing around with some photos of the kids that I have already used in layouts. Here are a few:






_{Kits and elements used were from Janel Kretshman, Kate Hadfield, Jackie Eckles, Steph Krush, Nancy Comelab, Sande Krieger, Michelle Coleman, Christine Smith and Jen Wilson}


:::::::::::::Camping for Michael's Birthday:::::::

We will be off camping to celebrate with my dear hubby. The kids want to eat ramen noodles and more ramen noodles. Hey, cheap and easy...but in a good way!

Noah should be happy because I'm getting s'more fixins! It may get a bit of snow where we are going, so I'm washing the kids clothes and jackets up tonight.

Have a lovely day!