Hu (LU) Loves You, Baby?

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

I was listening to Clark Howard, a nationally syndicated consumer talk show host, talk about how cool hulu is, so I checked it out. I am so stoked that they have some of my favorite shows like: Kojak, The Bob Newhart Show, Buck Rogers, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Addams Family, WKRP, Night Gallery, Bewitched, The Rockford Files... YIPPEE. There are a few shows I'm interested in checking out like: My Name is Earl and some National Geographic Channel presentations. There are several more shows on there, but one I was looking for they didn't carry is Barnaby Jones. Maybe some day.


::::::::::::::::::International Folk Dancing:::::::

was the order of the morning. The second grade at Noah's elementary school performed dances from different countries. There were dances from Israel, Ireland, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, England and the U.S.A. Noah's class was the U.S.A. He was so excited to see Evey and me in our seats. Michael felt bad that he was called to a meeting at the same time and couldn't attend. Here are some picks of my happy, dancin' boy:
Noah's normal, big-eyed, psycho look...mom has a camera pose:



Put a fork in him, people. He's done!


::::::::::::::::::C.T. Layouts for the Fresh kit by Dawn Inskip






<sub>Credits: Fresh kit by Dawn Inskip at NDISB
http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2296
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
also, gems from "A Little Sunshine" kit.


Fonts: DJB Another MANDY, DJB My Dear Marsha by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17789&cat=273&page=2


Alpha: Spring Collab at TLP by Jacque Larsen</sub>

::::::::::::::::Weekend Plans::::::

are up in the air due to the thunderstorms coming in soon.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend!

Smiles!

Another Day, Another Copay...

:::::::::::::::Medical Update::::::::::

Eve has a middle ear infection and sinus infection on the right side. She was thrilled to hear she would be taking the same kind of medicine as Noah. Crazy kids!
Eve and I saw a nurse practioner instead of her primary care because he was booked up. He did walk by as we were leaving and we told him that Eve wanted to be just like her big brother, except we didn't find any eraser in the left ear. He laughed.

Michael told Noah he was an amoxicillan sommelier because he stood there appearing to discern the bouquet and color of his 2 tsp dose. Noah finished up his last dose this morning. Fortunately he stood up well to the news.

::::::::::::::Fresh:::::::::::::::::

This is a layout from Dawn Inskip's newest kit. The colors are a perfect for Spring and the elements are super fun.




Here are links to a few of her sites:

http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2296

http://digistore.treasurestoscrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1151

http://shop.scrapscandistyle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1381

The font: Font: DJB Another Mandy by Darcy Baldwin
http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/product.php?productid=17769


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

Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton



I just finished reading this one to the kids. My paperback version is actually the 1971 printing. I edited the swear words as I read. The kids were mostly interested in the baby that is found in the story. They were also curious about how the Andromeda Strain worked and how viruses spread. The animal experimentation caused them a lot of concern. The book had them nervous, but interested. This is a book for older kids due to the nature of death, which is a scary subject for most of them.

::::::::::::::::::::::Our Next Family Reading Book::::::::

The Ordinary Princess



This book was recommended by my friend, Kim. She has impeccable taste in books. Michael groaned to find out that we were reading "another princess story", but he is persevering and I'm sure he will end up liking the book.

:::::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookies:::::::

have swept through the house like wildfire. The boxes we ordered have been eaten. Rachel made a secondary goal of selling 275 boxes, so THANK YOU to all who supported her...and sorry for any caloric intake that decided to take up residence in your hips!

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.

What Does Noah and a Tillandsia Have in Common?

First you might ask what is a Tillandsia? It is a member of the Bromeliad family and gathers its moisture and nutrients from the air. Since Noah is so picky my guess is that he is actually a bromeliad that looks like a kid. Tricky little fellow! He refused to eat any breakfast because I was out of the thick slice bread, he has approved, for French toast. He did greedily gulp down 2 tablespoons of amoxicillian (creamsicle flavored...Rachel told me). My supposition of his true nature will one day be proven by a call from Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or a Call from The Discovery Channel.

::::::::::::::Iron Butterfly::::::::::

Many of you have heard of Iron Butterfly well, Noah made one:





Technically, it would be a magnetic butterfly.

It was really funny watching him fly his butterfly around the room. So simple and, yet, clever!

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


This is my son sailing on a nasty piece of styrofoam found floating in the lake. He had a slight contact rash shortly afterward...go figure!


<sub>Credits: Dawn Inskip: Oh Boy kit at
NDISB http://www.ndisb.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=58&zenid=8433f041edf1f83bc895ef3f24ea2ebc
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


Darcy Baldwin: DJB JAMIE, DJB LIZ, DJB CINDA at The Digichick http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=21


Jan Crowley: Comic Book Junkie



These are some tasty treats from my son's Pinewood Derby a few years ago. I just came across the photos. My daughter was a great helper putting things together.


Credits: Dawn Inskip: "Oh Boy" Kit NDISB, TTS, SSS
Luisa Leandro: at Sophia Sarducci.com
Darcy Baldwin: DJB DAWN at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Alpha
Miscellanous Font: CK Cursive</sub>

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

Butter
(image from internet)

Alton Brown, from the Food Network, did a hilarious show making a case for the use of butter.
I have gone to only purchasing butter in the last 3 years. I prefer the tast and texture, and it doesn't make my lips breakout like margarine. Paula Deen might give me a big old hug for agreeing with her. I don't need a hug Paula...just pass a biscuit and a butter knife! ;)

::::::::::::Tomorrow IS.....

buy a new laptop for Michael day! His 'puter has a short and the batter won't keep a charge. I must also mention that Noah flung an unopened package with a toothbrush at Michael, so he would open it for him. The stiff packaging snapped off the key for the letter "a". Noah was in time out for 5 minutes for the throwing incident, then Michael went to type something and realized the damage to the laptop. Noah was in for another round of time out. I'm going to have to get that boy a bell like they use for a prize fight.

Y'all have a great weekend!

I Need A New Perspective

_{Credits: Photos by Marcus John Taylor
DJB TANYA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Come Out and Play collab by Kate Hadfield, Catrine and Birgit
Primaveria Collaboration at Catscraps.
Swirl Therapy by Jofia Designs at The Digichick
Font: CK Ali's writing}

This layout is true on more than one level. It has been a hard year schooling Aaron, and an exceptionally difficult week. I took a break for most of the day, yesterday.

:::::::::::::Indexed::::::

This is another hilarious card from Indexed:




Michael would whole heartedly agree.

::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookie.......

deliveries are going pretty well. I took Rachel to Michael's work so she could hand out cookies and collect the money. Michael's associates were very friendly, especially Keith. They appreciated that a "real" Girl Scout was behind the form that dad brought to work. Rachel was very polite and warmed up quickly to her giddy self.

::::::::::::::::Forgot to Mention::::::::

This is Grandpa Jim's version of the weekend with grandkids. He always makes me laugh about their antics...it's that or cry...or maybe scream. Laughing is far superior.

::::::::::::::::Food:::::::::::::

Yesterday, Michael made his awesome chicken soup. Aaron, Rachel and I always want the noodles, Eve wants EXTRA carrots and all the kids want dad to throw in some alphabet noodles for fun. Noah just wonders when we are going to serve him something with ketchup.

I made Granny Sydney's recipe for "Funeral Potatoes" just for fun. She told me to use hashbrown style potatoes in the frozen foods, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 small tub of sour cream and a tablespoon of grated onion. Sprinkle the top with cheese and melt to finish. Her outcome was better, but mine passed with a B.

::::::::Time to Wake up the kids and dose Noah with his meds.

Later!

:::::::::::::::

That Was Unexpected!

If you guessed that title had to do with Noah you have read my blog a few times. If you didn't know let me tell you about our trip to the doctor's office yesterday with a short regression, to clarify, to Sunday. Noah's substitute Primary teacher noticed he kept fiddling with his right ear. She said I needed to check that out. I asked Noah if it was bothering him and he replied that it was just itching. On Monday morning he came downstairs with a bit of a whimper saying his ear did hurt. I sent him to school with a note to inform the teacher I was going to make a doctor's appointment as soon as they opened and to keep him out of any activity that might hurt his ear, like physical education. I was able to make a sick visit appointment for 2:15pm. Since Michael had a dental cleaning appointment he got off work early and said he would pick Noah up at school. I called at 2:00pm. to have them notify the teacher. When Michael got to school Noah was at the neighboring high school watching a performance by the drama class. He wasn't back until 1:50pm and it takes a full 30 minutes, on a good day, to reach the clinic. I called and was able to get a new appointment at 5:15pm.

...at the doctor's office...

Noah had no fever, but when the doctor put the (*edited)otoscope in the ear canal Noah quickly, but gently moved the doctor's hand away. We new that his ear must be pretty sensitive. It appeared to be a middle ear infection and he asked if Noah had been swimming lately, but he had not.

...Now the LEFT ear...

the doctor said there appeared to be something SQUARE in Noah's ear canal. We asked him if it was a Lego and the doctor said a Lego would be too large. Noah denied having stuck anything in his ear. MIND YOU...this comes from a kid who stuck a rubber band up his nose (both nostrils) to see if it would fit. One side was fine, but it got stuck in the other...and GUESS WHAT...not even a Lego sword could pry it out. GO FIGURE. This is also the same kid who wrapped a cord from the wood blinds around his neck when he was 3 and jumped off the couch because he was being Superman. Luckily the blinds gave way and he was left with a slight rope burn for a couple of weeks.

...back to our story...

So the nurse is sent in to irrigate the ear canal. AH, the 3rd time was the charm. A little white square shaped object came out. The doctor returned to check what it was. He took wooden tongue depressor and mashed it. He said this is definitely not wax. It feels like rubber.

...The CONFESSION...MAYBE...

Noah then has an EPIPHANY..."Maybe it happened when I had an eraser stuck to my finger nail and I scratched my ear. Maybe."

The doctor said there appeared to be little bits of the eraser still in the ear, so he gave me a homemade recipe of water and baking soda to squirt in the ear each day to wash it out.

...Positive Outcome...

1. Noah can still hear...listening is different (as we all know)
2. We got to see Dr. Pugel's get photographs of his trip to the Mediterranean and some with his new macro lens hanging on the wall.
3. Noah gets to take amoxicillan in his favorite flavor...(this one is kind of weird)
4. Though our wallet is depleted by 45 dollars from the doctor visit and cost of pharmaceuticals we have a priceless Noah story to share. :)


:::::::::::::::Old Pictures...New Layout::::



Credits: Dawn Inskip at NDISB, TTS, SSS
Luisa Leandro at Sophia Sarducci

Darcy Baldwin: DJB DAWN at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Alpha
miscellanous font: CK Cursive

:::::::::::::::Ballet:::::::

Eve's recital is quickly approaching. She is very excited! If you are interested in attending please let me know and I will email the particulars. It is an evening performance, no cost.

Later gators...I must make waffles.

* This is too funny. Someone pointed out my error in using the term "Oscilloscope" for what was stuck in Noah's ear, when it should have been "Otoscope". Thanks for pointing that out and I won't show Noah because he might just want to stick that in his ear when we get the rest of the eraser bits out! :) Oh, and YOU do realize I'm NUTS! :)

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! :)

Bagpipe Playing Grannies ROCK!

My dear cyber pal, Carol, inspired me to use Eve's photo all by itself, so this is the outcome:


_{Credits: Spring Fling Collab: Kate Hadfield, Rachel Young, and Michelle Godin, Swirl Therapy by Jofia Designs, Font: CK ALI}
Eve is glancing back at me taking and wanting me to catch up and walk with her.

:::::::::::::::Dawn Inskip::::::::::

Carol also inquired about Dawn Inskip. She is a designer who sells funky and doodly styled designs at 5 stores. She also sells at one store under a pseudonym, Luisa Leandro. It is a quirky thing one of the sites does with all its designers. Here are some links to her designs:

NDISB
TTS
Sophia Sarducci's as Luisa Leandro
Scrap Scandi Style



:::::::::::::::::::Pre-School Week::::::

Eve has had two of her favorite beings visit her pre-school class. On Wednesday, Aaron and I took Jasper, the ferret, to school for "Pet Day". Eve's teacher gave everyone a time for their pet so that no horrific pet disasters occurred due to incompatibility. Aaron red the children a little bit about what a ferret is and how they were domesticated. Eve was proud to have Jasper in her lap some of the time. The teachers were a bit creeped out by the concept and appearance of a ferret, while the school director and music teacher thought he was adorable. Most of the kids were excited to pet him and Jasper was well behaved. We took him in a newspaper lined hamper and he was so anxious to explore, but we had to keep him contained.

......Day 2, today, was "Grandparent's Day"
I had already told the teacher about the bagpipe playing granny. Crystal, the lead teacher, was also excited to meet the famous and mysterious "Granny with the Yellow hair". My mom showed up with her Georgia Tartan (a regional one for the state)scarf. She brought her shuttle pipes and played a few tunes: "Amazing Grace", Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney, and "When the Battles Over". She played some with the drones off so the kids could hear the melody. She also gave the history of the pipes and when they are used. The teachers were so receptive and the kids did really well. She played for 4 different classes at once in the sanctuary. After 20 minutes or so the 3 other classes went back to their rooms and Eve's class stayed. Each of the kids got to get their photo taken with the practice pipes she brought. The kids were a little timid, but Eve was beaming. BAGPIPES ROCK!...and so do Grannies who play bagpipes for their grandkids. My mom has played for each of the kids at the preschool, I think. It has been a few years between each child and all have attended the same preschool.

........Afterwards my mom and I ran over to Zaxby's for a quick lunch. Grandpa Jim met us their for an impromtu meal. I had their yummy grilled chicken salad. My mom went for the hot wings with "hot" sauce. She was happy, but I just see wings as an unnecessary anatomy lesson. Grandpa Jim got the chicken fingers. Good stuff. My mom drove me back to the school to my car and to give Eve a hug and kiss.

:::::::::::::::::::::::How Are You Doing?:::::::

Is a polite question everyone asks when they call. I have been answering, politely, and truthfully that I'm very frustrated with my son. He is given a math assignment that he takes the entire day to finish...often late into the evening. He doesn't listen to the instruction...says he understands...does the problem wrong...reworks the problem after getting more instruction....works the problem wrong. This is an every day occurrence. The only thing he likes to do is the history and science, but puts the minimum amount of effort into the work. This has been a pattern of his all of his life and we can give no incentive of punishment that modifies the behavior. We don't want to give him medication because we think the side effects are equally disturbing. I really worry about him long term. He does himself a great disservice and I think I getting an ulcer over the whole situation. If not I just am extremely frustrated 5 days out of every week.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::What Do You Do When Your Child Is Taking FOREVER to do Math?:
You don't really have to tell me, but I chose to finally work on Federal and State Taxes. We only get a little back, which is pretty good considering Michael has us down for 15 exemptions at work. He would be happy if we weren't getting anything back, or paying because the balance would be great. I took the opportunity to explain to Aaron some of the taxes his dad has to pay from his job, such as:

Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Medicare Taxes
Social Security (HE WON'T SEE A DIME OF THIS!)
Real Estate Taxes
Automobile Tags

Someone on the radio said that folks in the U.S. pay 38% of their income in taxes, which takes most people from January to May for taxes alone.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::Another Layout from my SIL's Album:::::



:::::::::::::::::::::::::Girl Scout Cookies::::::::

I'm picking the cookies up on Saturday, so the folks at Michael's work will be appeased. Thank you to all who purchased from Rachel. She was able to make her personal goal. I plan to take her to deliver the cookies and thank folks. I usually can make it to Michael's work right after school, but not to my mom's work which I'll try to work out both places. Thanks, Again!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::Check Out Michael's Blog::::

His wiretapping topic is really interesting.

Later, y'all! :)

Losing My Mind, Among Other Things.

:::::::::::::I Was Invited::::::::::

to be a guest creative team member for March/April for Dawn Inskip. She has a fun doodle style and I look forward to using the elements for my family photos.

:::::::::::::Vacation Layout::::::::

I really like the photo Michael took at Monticello, so I scrapped it. What a surprise.




::::::::::::::::::::Cool Font:::
Great FREE font of Ali Edward's handwriting, which is really cool.

::::::::::::::::::::Forgetful::::::

Rachel informed me, in the pouring rain as the bus pulled up, that she had forgotten a book that she needed first thing in the morning. So, I went back home and grabbed the book and met the bus at the final bus stop and handed the book to Ms. Becky, the driver. Rachel informed me when she got home from school that she forgot 2 homework pages. ARGH!

Later, Gators!

Princess Stories and Science Fiction

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale was a wonderful tale from beginning to end. After the boys overcame the..."WHAT?! ANOTHER PRINCESS STORY!!"...syndrome they were sucked into the story of Crown Princess Ani. This book has several intense scenes, so a light and fluffy princess story it isn't. The characters are interesting and the imagery is amazing. Ani's character has many layers and she is extremely uncertain of her self through most of the book. She meets a young woman who believes in Ani more than Ani believes in herself. The relationship Ani has with animals is strange, but comforting for her and disturbing to those who find out about this ability. Shannon Hale's stories grab you quickly and take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and after a long ride she lets you catch your breath.

Overall, if you are looking for a great story this is one. If you want a light and happy princess story...skip it. Rachel and I, especially, are more and more becoming fans of Shannon Hale's work. She wins more props from us with each book. I give this book 10 out of 10 Princess Crowns...with little emeralds.

::::::::::::::::::::::The Next Family Book:::::::

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton. Science fiction at it's really cool and kinda creepy best.

::::::::::::::::::::::Loose Teeth:::::::::::

Rachel lost one of her molars today. She came home from a friend's house and said, "Dad, I need you to pull my tooth." 30 seconds later she had a molar in her hand, a rag in her mouth and a big grin.

Aaron lost one of his molars this week too. He had Michael pull it, as well. The dentist wanted to charge $500.00 to pull the tooth in November. I said that the price was too high and I would see if it would come out on its own. Aaron decided that the tooth was bugging him enough to want to finally get it out. He used the Power Bar and Starburst method. He chewed those tough items on the side with the loose tooth and was able to get it ready to pull. He was so excited that we didn't have to pay the big bucks and that he wouldn't be getting any Valium and Nitrous Oxide this time. He gets anxiety about the anxiety medicine. So good thing.

::::::::::::::::::::Birthdays::::::::::

It was fun to hang out with my mom for her birthday. She wanted some barbeque, so I took her to lunch at The Hickory House. Michael came along as another birthday celebrant. The evening was capped off by a spaghetti dinner fund raiser at my mom's ward. The young women did a great job serving and there was a dance at the end. Michael and I had a good time cutting up and dancing together.

::::::::::::::::::::Merit Badge:::::::

Aaron and 3 other scouts were able to achieve their Chemisty Merit Badge for Scouts during a day long class at Georgia Tech University. He had a great time learning and was proud to be able to answer some questions because he had recently read about what they were asking in some books on electricity he was researching.

Well, I'm off to read! Smiles!

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Smiles!

Palmyra

:::::::::::::::More Vacation Layouts:::::::




Here is a layout of my family walking in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, NY.


Credits:


Cursive font DJB GISELLA and journaling font: DJB LENA by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick
Masked Doodle Frame: Jenna Desai
Funky Junky Spring Collaboration: Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin and Rachel Young
Swirl Therapy: Jofia Devoe
Backward Staples: Jenn Patrick
Stamped Alpha: Rachel Young






::::::::::::::School Work and Home Work:::::::

and kids who don't want to do either are on my nerves today. I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Lunar Eclipse Pages

Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MISH and DJB MICHAEL at The Digichick
Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin and Rachel Young's Spring Collab kit at TLP.
Katie Pertiet: Taped Frame
Nancy Comelab: Cluster Frame
Font: Cheapskate Outline
Ida: Moon Doodle
Amber Clegg: Date Stamp

Smiles!

Let's Play, Spot The "LUNE"E!

I can't speak for Michael (though I have tried on a few occassions), but yesterday was really fun. We were able to meet for a birthday lunch at a cool little restaurant called Crescent Moon. I had forgotten that we agreed to meet at his office, so Aaron and I drove to the restaurant to wait. Michael was worried that my serpentine belt had come off completely and we were worried he was in an accident. Aaron asked the waiter where to find a pay phone so I could call Michael. He said there was one somewhere in the connecting mall, but that I could use his personal cell phone. I was surprised, but thankful that he was so kind to offer. I called Michael and realized my error right away. He said not to worry that he would be to the restaurant right away. In 5 minutes he came in the door. He ordered a tuna melt with a side of black beans, I got the chicken salad on a croissant with a side of fried green tomatoes and Aaron got the tradtional breakfast of 2 eggs, bacon and a huge slice of French toast. We had a pleasant time talking and we were all too full for dessert.

When we arrived home Aaron got a call from one of his church friends who is home schooled. He asked Aaron to ride in the park with him, so I gave him the okay. Aaron's bike was still in Michael's truck, so he grabbed his scooter, instead. The boys met at the library and then rode their bike/scooter to our house to play a history themed computer game.

I decided to make Michael a cookie cake to celebrate and grabbed a recipe off the internet. Michael was going to work until 6p.m., but the server crashed at work, so he came on home by 4:30pm. I wasn't ready with the cake at all. I kept joking with him as I mixed the ingredients and but the cookie into bake that, "my husband will really be surprised about the cookie when he gets home at 6:00pm., because if he was home now it sure wouldn't be a surprise!" Michael took the teasing in stride. The cookie cake turned out okay and was eaten, completely, within 20 minutes.

For our fun family activity we went out to observe the Lunar Eclipse. Noah and I would run out and check the progress of the eclipse, then run in and tell the next person to take a bath. In the photos you will notice wet haired girls in their pajamas because they had just finished their baths. We stayed out from 9:30pm. to about 10:00pm. We went in and read a chapter of our family reading book. Only Rachel was awake at 10:30pm. when Michael called us out to look at the moon again. It looked gorgeous with the stars around.



Michael telling the kids to point in different directions.


Now, point at the moon.







I'll post a layout I'm working on of us, later.

Smiles!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Smiles!

It's Here:

:::::::::::::::::::::::Album Cover::::::::

This is the album for my SIL. I really love how it turned out. I wanted to capture a Dr. Seussian feel.





::::::::::::::::::Pride and Prejudice::::::::

I had a fantastic time cuddled in my fleece blanket watching the mini-series, yesterday. Michael came home in time to watch a couple of hours of the show. We had to leave to pick up the kids from my stepmother's house. They would love to have stayed longer, but they had school today. The mini-series version is wonderfully crafted and a great period piece. The movie had a more refined air, then the movie version. The country gentry seemed more polished. That isn't to say that I preferred one to the other because of this. The gulf between the two world's seemed larger in the movie version due to the farm/old rambling house of the Bennett's. Both Elizabeth Bennett's had quick wit, clever tongue and captivating eyes that would temp and vex the Mr. Darcys. Both Colin Firth and Matthew MacFayden did marvelous jobs with a character who has lost his trust and patience with people in general. The movie version had to compress a lot of information about the cad, Mr. Wickham, that is more detailed in the series. The portrayal of the father in both versions is hilarious, but given more time for dialogue in the series.

Overall, the cinematography in the movie had me from the beginning, but made my heart race during the dance scene with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth where everyone else seems to disappear from the room. I thoroughly recommend both versions. Romantic stuff, indeed.



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

I am polished and flossed after a trip to the dentist office today. They said the choppers look lovely, but I have tartar below the surface that needs to be scaled. Yum! The kids all go to the dentist in May...should be fun! :)

Smiles...a bright and shiny one...at that!

Help A Brother Out...

Text: Aaron has two things he really loves, one is having his back scratched and the second is to have his head scratched. Mom is usually called on for this primal bonding task, but on this day Eve was happy to help a brother out.

Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: DJB MANDY at The Digichick
Michelle Coleman: Wild Sorbet

::::::::::::::::::::::::From My SIL's Album::::::

one of my cute nephews, Alfredo:


Credits:
Darcy Baldwin: Doodl E Doo at The Digichick
Background paper from Scrap Girls freebie
Kate Hadfield: Doodle Tape, Back to School Collab kit, Word Doodles
Tia Bennett: Joined at The Hip
Ida: Crayon Doodles


::::::::::::::::::::Adventures in Driving:::::

All is well, but ever eventful. Yesterday we went to Michael's sister's house for Family Home Evening. Before we left, his other sister called and asked for a ride. We said certaintly and instead of using Michael's truck we used my minivan due to needing the seventh seat belt. Not long into the hour journey I hear and feel a loud thumping under the hood. The man driving next to me had this surprised look on his face as he passed. I pulled over to a wedge of asphalt between the on ramp and the highway for Michael to take a peek. He said it was my serpentine belt, again. The belt had feathered and was coming apart. He told me to drive it off the highway no matter what I heard under the car. So, I started her back up and kept driving (thump, thwack, thump) until the belt tore free from it's shredded brother. I pulled into a motel parking lot for Michael's next inspection. He decided that the remain portion of belt would serve just fine. We got to our destination spot on time.

After having some yummy barbeque, vegetables and funeral potatoes the family sang Happy Birthday to Michael and Christopher. We then, ate some brownies and cup cakes. Our trip home was made exciting due to sheeting rain and standing water. We say one truck that was totaled due to hitting a tree. We made it home and switched vehicles for the hour ride to my stepmother's house for the kids to spend the night and day with her and my niece, Haley. Then, back in the car for an hour home. Ah, to sleep, perchance to dream!

Have a great day!

Sunday Happenings

:::::::::::::::::::::My Product Recommendation for Friday on Sunday:::::

I must give major props to PUFFS because their tissues allow for minimal damage on a repeatedly blown nose. I have tried other and somewhat cheaper products and I have yet to find anything superior. I don't buy the lotion version because, invariably, the lotion gets wiped on my eyeglasses and that drives me bananas.


Aaron has caught Eve's cold, as well. He and Michael went on a 30 mile bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail in Marietta with a couple of other scouts and Donnie Hall, the Merit Badge Counselor for Cycling. He persevered through his illness, but he had to stay home from church today due exhaustion and a bad cold and throbbing headache. I made him a chili-flavored ramen for him and he had a hot bath. He says he is feeling much better.

::::::::::::::What? Another Layout From the Family Reunion::::


Credits: DJB Michael by Darcy Baldwin at The Digichick, Kaleidoscope Papers, My Little Heart by Sausan Designs, Tape Doodle Alpha, Black Doodle Alpha, Doodle Alpha by Kate Hadfield, Funky Junky Spring Collab kit by Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin and Rachel Young

::::::::::::::::::::::Layouts From Our Summer Vacation::::::

I get around to things when I get around to them. That sounds like a tautology I think. But, I finally scrapped the photos from our last official site seeing stop, which was the Kirtland Temple in Ohio. I used some different blending methods to bring out colors or just to play with the photos.






My goal for scrapping the Summer Vacation from 2007 is March 1st. Wow, 6 months. More like, YIKES!

::::::::::::::::::::Family Home Evening:::::::::

We are about to run off for F.H.E. at Michael's sister's house. The kid's love their aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cough, sneeze and Smiles!