Arkansas Weather.

Spring is here with tornadoes and weather to prove it. Mena got hit pretty hard last night. We had the TV on to keep an eye on things. It looked like it was coming pretty close. This made Sarah panic. We don't normally head for the bathroom but Sarah insisted. The worst of it went north of Saline County. We have come close many times but Praise God not too close. We spent about 30 minutes in the bathroom. The puppies were thrilled. They barked at the sirens and nuzzled the people. Hopefully we are done with all that. This morning Sarah's easel art depicts a car driving into a very large tornado. It is very scary for someone her age. Thank goodness Daddy was here. That always helps.

New Toy.

My 40D has spoiled me completely. However, it is so big and bulky I can't possibly carry it everywhere. Many times I sigh and wish for my good camera as I pull the pink Sony out. I decided to replace my "purse camera" with a worthy candidate. This required ebaying several items. Other family members are thrilled to use a camera that is not pink. I am in love. This little thing is AWESOME. It is ridiculous how good technology can be. I have just begun to play with it. There are many easy access features I wish were on the big camera. It's just fabulous. It will be interesting to see if you can tell which camera took what pictures. There is a cool movie feature Mike has been playing with. He has made some clips of his 4x4 adventures. For the price it competes very nicely with the SLR. Cons include the sensor size and lens. It has more megapixels than the 40D but sensor size matters more in that area. Zoom doesn't really compare with a good glass lens. The point being, even with that it still holds its own. The G10 is a great camera and I am thrilled to have it.

Social Commentary.

I looked at Sarah's easel the other day and saw this. I had to stop and read and take it all in. I don't quite follow her thinking. Apparently we need to be turning things off around here. Where has she seen rabbit ears on a TV? We have enough satellites here to launch the shuttle. I am not quite sure where the green influence is coming from, must be school. My husband will tell you we are so not green. I expect Ashton and Demi to knock on my door any day now and complain. I think I will put Sarah in charge of a home improvement project.

We went to see Knowing the other day. I saw it advertised on several Christian websites. I wanted to check it out. This is Nicholas Cage's new film. It is not a serious religious film but it raises lots of questions. Definitely a good conversation starter for your atheist friends. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The movie is action packed and a very intense 2 hours. I thought it was great and have recommended it to others.

Facebook.

Just wanted to say how cool it is. I am amazed with the connections I have made. How cool is it to talk with a friend you have not seen since Junior high who now lives in another country. I love to be logged on during American Idol. You get instant feedback on others thoughts. Several scrapbook geniuses have been generous enough to add me. I now get creative insights all over the place. All things in moderation, I don't send out alerts with every move. I just love it.

Mighty Minds.

The 3rd grade program was all about Benchmark testing. Next week is the BIG week at Benton public schools. It's all about the test scores. Sarah does not need anybody to push her to perfection. She does that all by herself. I just facilitate the process. The play was cute. The picture with the hands up is the kids screaming with test anxiety. This really does bother me. I get a new note every day about the tests. I need to send food, snacks, and personal notes of encouragement. Mrs. Beggs needs help prepping some things. Can I come in early? Not to mention a good breakfast, 8 hours sleep and a calm living environment. I will not be subbing at all next week. Only certified teachers are allowed near the test. The answer sheets do not leave their sight. If necessary, they go to the bathroom with them.

I am more than glad to volunteer and help. It makes Sarah happy and that alone is reason enough for me. I just feel the pressure and I am not even taking the test. Even Jamie, who notices NOTHING will tell you the teachers are stressing. They will both do well because they are good students. I will do everything on my end possible to smooth it out. Pray for a peaceful week in my house. I will try to relax.

Easter Egg Hunt.

We had great weather for our church egg hunt. the best part was praise and worship time. They blasted Big, Big House and other songs from speakers on the front porch. The kids were all doing the hand motions. It was very cute. Jamie is a bit big for the basket thing. Sarah hit the jackpot. We all enjoyed the candy. Then we proceeded to run all over town.

Aunt Pat and Uncle Ben visited this week. This shot is Pat helping Sarah with a Webkins game. We always enjoy spending time with them. Pat also helped Sarah work some Soduku puzzles.

I subbed for an art teacher 2 days this week. Their art work was very impressive. The only issue I had was keeping them quiet. Man, they love to talk. I finally started reading to them. That seems to be the best trick I have as a sub. Read a chapter from a really great book and you suddenly have their complete attention.

The Book Thief.

I just finished this fabulous book. It was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. The story is about Nazi Germany. The story is told by Death. Death uses a third person narrative. He is trying to understand humans who kill and love at the same time. He is haunted by human behavior. He observes the life experiences of Liesel a young German girl is sent to live with foster parents. Hunger, hatred, abandonment, and homelessness are just a few of the themes. And that is just the Germans, never mind the Jews. Death uses colors to illustrate what he sees. The writing is incredible. The characters are strong. I will be reading this one again very slowly.