Alma Chapter 19: Tuning and Tapping In

What was your favorite radio station to tune into as a young teen?  Do you remember?  

Growing up in San Francisco Bay Area, my mother set our dial to A.M. 610 KFRC.  I can hear the jingle now as I type this.  The disc jockey from 6-9 a.m. was Dr. Donald D. Rose — aka; “Dr. Don” or just “The Doctor”.  Between the top 40 hits of the day, Dr. Don would chime in with jokes and one-liners, followed by infamous sound effects.  A favorite memory was feeding his imaginary radio dog, “Roscoe”.   As Dr. Don shared his dinner menu from the previous night, we would listen to Roscoe devour the leftovers.  

“The Doctor”

I decided to do a bit of research on this long ago inspirational figure and was quite surprised to discover 1) he spent a great deal of his life in physical pain 2) had one leg amputated  3) for one month did his radio show from his home hospital bed - while flat on his back, and 4) even suffered a heart attack on those radio airwaves.  All I ever knew is that each morning this jolly man broadcast a contagious, upbeat persona, influencing thousands of listeners in a positive way.  

You know, I have often told others that “I’m a Morning Person” - meaning I love to be up early.  It’s when I’m at my happiest and most productive. There is also a peace I find so much more accessible in the early morning hours.  Perhaps I owe more to Dr. Don then I realize.  He may have had a great deal more impact than just establishing a smiling start to each day.

Although both AM and FM are ways of broadcasting radio signals, presently we are more likely to prefer FM for our favorite songs and AM for News and  talk shows.  This is because FM signal is encoded better for music and AM better for voice.  However, there is an amazing fact about AM transmission.  While FM signals are limited to your immediate area, AM can be broadcast at far greater capacity, increasing to an unlimited mode at night through a phenomenon called “Skywave Propagation”.  Without getting too ‘science-y’, this is because AM radio waves rise above the earth into a layer of the earth’s atmosphere containing great amounts of ions.  As waves reflect off ions they literally reproduce and grow with the ability to bounce about the globe.  Surely you find that fascinating!

Today we have a smorgasbord of media options.  Hundreds of internet apps enable us to enter endless worlds of entertainment with just a ‘tap’ of our finger.  We channel and tune

into countless media sources each day, listening to an array of broadcasters like never before.  We are far more likely to have a favorite YouTube Channel than a radio station.

For the moment, I have tapped into Alma Chapter 19.  Previous chapters familiarized us with Ammon and his..shall we say, astonishing talent with the sword?  As we transition away from the dozens of severed arms and Ammons powerful storytelling and testimony — which has now led to King Lamoni falling to the earth as if dead…Chapter 19 brings us to ‘two days and two nights’ from that moment.  

To Me He Doth Not Stink

As a sepulcher is being prepared for a ‘thought to be dead’ king, we find a loving wife and queen desperately seeking Ammon for the wisdom he has become famous for.  Obviously, many at this point believe the King is dead, some say he is not.  There is pain, fear and confusion in the queen’s earnest plea to Ammon:

“Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulcher; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink.”  (Alma 19:5)

As a youth, coming to the end of this verse in class always brought a little giggle.  Thankfully with time, we dig past mud pies and deeper into meaning.  It may even surprise you today when I say how very significant this ‘stinky’ line is.

Decomposition is not a pretty sight.  The corrupting odor of death is nothing we want to be near.  The servants who witnessed Ammon and his obedience to the King were tuned in enough to know something other than death was occurring.  King Lamoni was not dying and decomposing - quite the opposite was happening!   In this embryonic state, he was being taught the beautiful plan of Eternal Life and Salvation, and literally being cleansed and bathed in the Savior’s redeeming power.  As his spirit was being lifted up into the presence of our Lord - being taught from on high -  he was not dying...he was being Reborn!

In Ammon’s words;

“Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that THE DARK VEIL OF UNBELIEF WAS BEING CAST AWAY FROM HIS MIND, and the LIGHT which did LIGHT UP HIS MIND, which was the LIGHT OF THE GLORY OF GOD, which was a MARVELOUS LIGHT of HIS GOODNESS— yea, this LIGHT HAD INFUSED such JOY INTO HIS SOUL, the CLOUD OF DARKNESS having be DISPELLED, and that the LIGHT OF EVERLASTING LIFE was LIT UP in his SOUL, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was CARRIED AWAY IN GOD—“ (Alma 19:6)

Please excuse my excessive use of capitals, but there is so much love in this verse I feel compelled to accentuate it.  How do you convert an individual, let alone a society that has been indoctrinated with bitter lies and hatred for generations?  The answer is you don’t — but the Spirit does.  The moment Ammon lays eyes on the king, he is spiritually tuned into his conversion.  

“Believest Thou This?”

As Ammon conveys to the Queen that her husband is not dead, he also reassures her that he is only sleeping and will wake up in the morning.  Immediately after his spiritual  assessment of king Lamoni, he poses a simple question of the queen followed by a great compliment.

“And Ammon said unto her:  “Believest thou this? And she said unto him:  I have no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.

And Ammon said unto her:  Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.”  (Alma 19:9-10)

“Woman” in Hebrew language of ancient Israel was an expression of great respect and reverence— think of modern titles such as “my lady” or “Madam”.   Ammon’s sincere dispersal of it upon the queen would have induced her to recognize humility.  This subtlety would have further allowed the queen to understand Ammon was not above her — he wasn’t some crazy witch doctor she needed to fear.  Such meekness is always in tune with our Savior, and I’m sure would have comforted the queen and increased her faith.

It is here I am often prone to shout, “For crying out loud!  She believes...there’s a sepulcher

in the background!  Can’t Ammon just wake her husband up now?”  But he doesn’t.  The queen’s faith is left to brew as she lovingly attends over her husband all through the night. As morning breaks,  the king arises from his spiritual slumber, taking her by the hand exclaiming two significant blessings.

“....Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou.” (Alma 19:12)

Why is he blessing his wife? The next verse clarifies this.

“For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a WOMAN, and he shall redeem all mankind who BELIEVE on his name…”. (Alma 19:13)

The love of Christ, his Gospel and his mission to come to earth to save everyone has encompassed King Lamoni’s entire soul.  Being overcome with the Spirit, this loving couple are overpowered, sinking together to the earth with joy (fainting so it would seem) and igniting a wave of spiritual propagation.

Whose Name was Abish

Recognizing the King and now Queen are favored to continue their slumbering conversions,  Ammon falls to his knees with a prayer of gratitude so full that he too is overcome and sinks to the earth.  With many servants (because that’s what kings and queens have) in attendance to this sight, they are first struck with fear, but find debilitating joy in prayer as all now fall to the earth, overcome by the Spirit.  All except one...

“And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father.”  (Alma 19:16)

Not only is it awesome to discover the Lord was preparing hearts and minds of other Lamanites, but the altruistic nature of this sweet ‘lady in waiting’ , sought an opportunity to expand the spiritual festival that seemed to be taking place. Coincidentally, the name “Abish” means “My father is a wanderer; father of error”. How curious on reflection - as we can assume Abish’s father truly would have been considered to be in error had his family’s earlier conversion been publicized.

“Welcome to Station M-U-R-M-U-R in the Land of Nephi”

One benefit of a car stereo are those private moments when you can crank up a favorite song and sing along with all the power a good set of lungs will lend.  I say private, because I tend to always keep my windows rolled up when participating in such pleasure.  Inevitably there is always “THAT PERSON” who drives along with windows rolled down, blaring music so loud and drowning out everything within a 5 mile radius.  You know what I’m talking about.  On one such occasion as “THAT PERSON’s” Bass found it’s way under my seat and rattling through my windows, I Annoyingly and silently wondered, “What makes you think the whole world wants to listen to your music mister??!!!” 

As Abish runs from house to house, rustling up as many subjects as possible to the royal residence, an eclectic assortment of speculation presents itself.  It is here, in the house of King Laban we find so many tuned into a number of different broadcasts—some louder than others. 

As the crowd descends upon such an unforeseen event, many begin murmuring (that’s Latter-day Saint talk for complaining, whining, and other grownup forms of tantrums).  Others start finger pointing with a judgement here and there - initiating the “blame game”, whilst most are simply just angry, fearful and confused. 

Although Abish had good intentions and believed the climate was right to share, she was caught off guard.  Not everyone wanted to hear this song.  Not everyone wanted to come to the party.  Certainly no one was prepared for it.

Tearful, Abish takes the queen’s hand to awaken her angelic ministry and for a brief moment, we are taken from our subdued and reverent way of worship, to a scene out of an early Christian Revival camp…

“...and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying:  O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell!....speaking many words which were not understood…”. (Alma 29-30)

As the king, queen, Ammon and all the servants awaken in turn and arise from the earth, the king — immediately aware of the contention — begins to teach his people what he now knows;  There is a Blessed Jesus.  There is a plan of salvation with Christ at the head.  He will come and redeem all those who repent and believe on His name.  The record shares with us:

“... as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.

But there were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way.”  (Alma 19:31-32)

When we put our faith in AND BELIEVE in the “Blessed name of Jesus” we allow our hearts to become in tune with His Spirit.  As we do this, the LIGHT of His Spirit can “CAST AWAY THE DARK VEIL OF UNBELIEF”.  It will LIGHT UP OUR MINDS and DISPEL THE CLOUDS OF DARKNESS and misleading traditions.  His light can INFUSE OUR SOULS WITH JOY and we can be CARRIED AWAY IN GOD. 

What will you tap into today?  Anger?  Confusion?  Fear?  Just as importantly, what will you broadcast today— painful, negative plights or positive tones like Dr. Don?  Will you choose to listen and hear His words or will you walk away?

The path to truth has been and always will be through Jesus Christ.  Accessing His station, we will learn his songs, and know His tunes and they will guide us through all the notes of our day.  Hearing Him first enables us to replace anger with understanding, confusion with clarity and fear with faith.  Inviting the presence of the Spirit will enable us to do what we cannot do ourselves.  It will change our minds.  It will change our hearts.  It will change us.  Indeed, embracing His Spirit and living by it can transmit a spiritual propagation extending beyond the boundaries of our world.  

It all begins as we tap into our scriptures each peaceful morning and choose to hear Him first.

~ Chimene Kirkpatrick

Living a Consecrated Life

Visiting Teaching Message August 2017

I was exceptionally touched by the Visiting Teaching Lesson this month.  As I read through the message I couldn't help but think of our Sharing Time Theme in Primary; "I Choose to Fill My Life with Things That Invite the Spirit".  It's always amazing to me how material constructed for children 3-11 years in age, can have such an impact in our lives if we are truly digesting its' meaning. For this reason I have come to the conclusion, that there is no such thing as a "little lesson" when it comes to our Savior's Gospel.

We live in amazing times, and I am so thankful for the many privileges and comforts a modern life gives.  I love shopping online - from groceries to boy scout shirts.  It's awesome creating playlists with fun 60s and Sunday Classics.  I've only to click on a blue and white 'F' and I'm connected with friends past and present, along with the most up-to-date news.  What probably is most enjoyable -- Netflix. There's nothing like a good British Murder Mystery to help one relax and empty the mind from a days busy cares.  It's also quite nostalgic  -- English Gardens, thatched roofs and a myriad of accents take me back to marvelous moments I was so blessed to experience in the 4+ years living in the U.K.  I have to confess, I'm a Netflix Binger at times.  Yes, it's so easy to let that next episode take control -- and I can't help it, I love puzzles and clues and the thrill of guessing the right suspect (Professor Plum in the library)...okay, so it doesn't happen as often as I'd like.

To help teach our Primary children that they should 'read, listen to and look at things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father' I took a lovely silver gift box and filled it with dirt.  From the outside it looked so pleasing, and nearly every hand went up when I asked who would like to open it.  What a disappointment to find it filled with potting soil.  I asked our class what they thought was better to put inside their body; an apple, or some of this dirt...?  Naturally they said the apple, but I played around saying, "But this box is so pretty, surely it would be okay...?"

I then spoke of the one gift I would never want to live without -- the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  We went on to discuss that just as an apple can nourish our bodies -- inappropriate books,  music and media can weaken our spirits.  However, we live in such a time that the innocent act of turning on the radio, can bombard us with sounds that are destructive to our souls.  With so many media platforms it is startling how often we find inappropriate programs packaged in pretty little PG boxes.  If we're not careful, we can find ourselves being enticed into bad choices, eating dirt so to speak, and  binging on things that will eventually lead us to a world of inconvenience and discomfort -- and distancing ourselves from the power and influence of the Holy Ghost.

This took me back to a time in my early 20s when I was learning how to Rock Climb.  I was in Joshua Tree, California on a hot afternoon finding myself repelling down an overhanging cliff.  My climbing partner starred down as I carefully eased a little rope out.  Suddenly the rope was stuck, and as I looked at the carabiners connected to my harnesss, I discovered my 'untucked' t-shirt had somehow threaded it's way through the path, blocking the movement of rope.  I tried using my teeth to pull my shirt out, because if I let go of the rope for just a second (as I was taught in repelling) it would slip though and I would fall and die (and one wouldn't want to take the chance even if it appeared stuck).

As my partner shouted down and learned of the problem, his face turned stern and as hard as the rough rocks we were climbing.  I was in trouble.  I was hanging in mid air and though he tried to pull me up, he just couldn't.  I began to panic.  I mean, really panic.  Instantly my thoughts were, "Oh no. I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die."  Almost as instantly as those alarming thoughts had entered, a peaceful wind blew straight into my heart and whispered, "Not today.  You're not going to die today.  Just breathe and calm down.  Everything will be okay."  Within moments two men appeared from the back of the jutted rock -- and within 10 minutes I was pulled up safely.

I shall always remember that near catastrophe.  It was a time in my life when I was not making the best choices -- yet in that flash, Heavenly Father reminded me that he was always there, He was aware of my life and cared very much for me.

As I began to make time for sincere prayer and scripture study, I was able to feel the companionship of the Holy Ghost often.  I was strengthened with wisdom and insight throughout my day.  Yes, I was also tested, but I learned to keep myself 'tucked in' and prepared for each day's adventure.  Climbing can be an exhilarating exercise.  Reaching the top of a very large piece of granite can give us views only seen by few.  Yet, sometimes the hardest climb can be in the occasion that we kneel down and truly rededicate our lives to Christ.  I found that point in time difficult, but then I remembered these words;  "Just breathe and calm down.  Everything will be okay."

Our Savior loves us through every phase of our life.  He is always there, and with His companionship it is my testimony that the best adventures are found.

~ Chimene

Babies, Bees and Baptism

I am still feeling the quiet, peaceful effects of such a lovely Saturday morning with many good friends and neighbors.  I mentioned a quote that day:  "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good" Its an adage I need to adhere to far more often.  I had planned over the last 2 years to have family members attending Toby's baptism, but the more I planned, the further it was pushed out.  As it ended up, I feel everything fell into place as though it was always meant to be just the way it happened.

The only real annoyance is with myself -- I was so caught up in the wonderful moment of seeing neighbors, friends from Alpharetta and our Baseball Team(s) and Toby's school; all taking time out to be with us, that I completely forgot about taking pictures!  Boo-Hoo!!!  Thankfully, I can still see y'all in memory ;-)

Program Cover

Program

Back of Program

A few of you have asked me to post the talk I gave, so perhaps now my family can get an idea of what the day encompassed.

Babies, Bees and Baptism

As many of you know, for a couple years I ran a sewing business.  I used to make children's clothing, mostly for babies and toddlers.  I was completely in my element, as I adore the little ones.  Being able to use my talent to express my feelings of the innocence, playfulness and carefree moments of childhood took over in my designs and I did all I could to capture that attitude in my work.  As the love I put into my pieces were discovered, I had many return customers.  There is a great satisfaction in being able to put your own 'mark' so to speak on your work.  For example, my mother, husband and even Toby could probably walk into a boutique and pick out my designs -- because they have a way of expressing who I am -- they just seem to say, "Chimene made me."

Renny Clothing Customer Pics

After about 2 years of success and over 400 garments later, my amazing sewing machine stopped working.  It was an expensive machine, and because that meant an expensive fix, I tried my hand at repairiing it. After several failed attempts I became extremely frustrated and I recall, just sitting there staring at the machine and asking, "Why?  Why did you have to break..?"  Now, we all know sewing machines don't talk, however, mine seemed to stare straight back at me and said, "Because if I don't, you will..." 

Renny Clothing, Ginger Giraffe

It was true.  I was working  12-14 hour days.  I was exhausted.  My health was suffering.  It was time to put away the business and get back in touch with my family.  My husband is so supportive of whatever I do, but he and the children were missing my time and attention, and I had to admit, I was not comfortable with the unintentional neglect sewing caused.

So, I packed everything up and closed shop.  I rested and re-cooperated.  I think I lasted about 3 days before cabin fever set in.  I am just a person who likes to be anxiously engaged.  I decided I wanted to get into gardening.  It was something I had always wanted to learn.  I started with the Internet and began to learn the basics in gardening and what would grow in Georgia's red clay soil -- which must be a lot since everything is so green here and the pollen count enormous!

I learned about annuals, and although they die at the end of the season, they are fast growers with brilliant colors --  most quite easy to grow.  I became interested in the perennial, for although they can be more expensive and take up to a year before blooming -- they will reward you by coming back year after year with long lasting blooms.  Perhaps my favorite, is the evergreen.  Especially flowering evergreens.  These plants are just as their name - forever green.  Many can take the harsh heat or the bitter cold, and still they stay beautiful all year long.  Because plants and flowers bloom at different times and seasons, we can enjoy the beauty they lend the earth throughout the entire year.

Once you gain an appreciation for flowers and plants you can't help, but begin to love and appreciate

Nasty Tomato Worm in my garden!

all the elements that help them mature and carry out their life.  The soil, rain and sun all play their roles and follow the laws of nature to help bring a flower to life.  While bad insects might infect a plant, there are always good creatures to combat them - such as spiders and birds.  The bees and butterflies and even the wind carry out their jobs to ensure that each pant can reproduce it's own offspring and live the measure of its creation -- bringing its good to all mankind in the process.

One day I was admiring one of our cone flowers.  I had already known it's roots served as a natural antibiotic, but I had planted it because it was adaptable to most soils, was drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant.  After a heavy rain, I noticed how it's blossoms still stood bright and tall.  So, I began to talk to this lovely creature, telling her how she had brains, brawn and beauty.  It was then I stopped to look at the detailed patterns in her leaves, petals and center bud.  It suddenly dawned on me that I could not deny knowing the artist of this creation.  Every flower is filled with so much beauty, joy and purpose that each one seems to testify that Christ alone is the author of its creation...

Cone Flowers in my garden

So why is mom talking about babies and flowers and bees and butterflies on your baptism day...?  It's coming...hang in there....But first I need to share a story about a boy Emperor in China.  The story is called 'The Greatest Gift', by Demi.

As the story goes, there was a boy Emperor named Ping.  Ping loved to look out of his telescope at the stars and the moon and all the space in between.  He just loved how the heavens seemed to fall into perfect harmony and he wanted the wisest Prime Minister to bring that same harmony to his kingdom.  Ping decided in order to do this he must let the heavens choose the right person.  He gathered all the children in the kingdom and announced that whoever could tell him the greatest power in the world would be his new Prime Minister.  He told the children that a wise leader must be able to see the unseen and know the unknown.

As the children began to carry out their request some of the boys thought it would be easy, because, as they said, "Whoever has the greatest weapons has the greatest power in the world.  For whoever has the greatest weapons can conquer the world."

Some of the girls thought it easy as well, and said,
"Whoever has the greatest beauty has the greatest power in the world.  For whoever has the greatest beauty can command the most powerful commander in the world!"   ;-) 

Some of the more studious children felt that technology was the greatest power in the world - because "whoever has the greatest technology can rule the world."

A group of very practical children saw money as being the greatest power in the world -- because "whoever had the greatest amount of money in the world could buy anything in the world."

There was one little girl named Sing who remembered the Emperor's words.  "A wise person must be able to see the unseen and know the unknown."  Sing sat by a Lotus Pond and pondered about how armies rise and fall, how beauty fades, how money comes and goes, and how ideas are forever changing.  Since none of these things lasted, she didn't see how they could be the Greatest Powers.

Sing noticed the beautiful lotus flowers.  Born from a tiny seed sleeping in the mud, the bud rose through the water on a strong green stem.  It rose above the water to bloom into a glorious flower that faced heaven.  Suddenly Sing knew what the greatest power in the world was.

The day of the parade came, where all the children must present what they felt was the greatest power.  There were many colorful costumes of Dragons, Phoenix's and Money Gods.  All of the children dressed in their finest and paraded around weapons, money, beautiful clothing and technology.  The Emperor then noticed little Sing, just walking quietly and holding something very small in her hands.  "Stop the parade" commanded the boy Emperor and he commanded Sing to come to him.  "What have you got in your hands?" asked the Emperor.

Sing showed the Emperor a tiny lotus seed which she broke in two.

"What is there?" he asked.

"Nothing" said Sing.  "and the greatest power in the world".

"How can nothing be the greatest power in the world?" asked the emperor.

"The nothing in this seed is where life exists," said Sing.  "The nothing in this seed is what makes the seed rise from the earth.  The nothing in this seed is what is fed by water, air, and the fire of the sun to bloom into a glorious flower that turns it's face toward the heavens.  And when the flower sleeps again, it releases new seeds into the earth, which are fed by water, air, and the fire of the sun to bloom into new flowers.  The nothing in this seed is Eternal Life -- it continues from seed to seed, forever and ever in perfect harmony.  Eternal Life is the greatest power in the world."

Lotus Flower

Sing was named the wisest child in all the land and became the new Prime Minister, bringing harmony to the Kingdom.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Today Toby, you are making a choice to follow our Savior and be born again, to take upon you His name and follow in His path.  I want to remind you that actions speak louder than words...

Thanks to Keith Bell

When you make good choices you will have the light of the Son of God to help you grow and blossom in your own time and season.  As your roots grow stronger and deeper, you will be able to share your gifts and talents with mankind.  You will be tempted from time to time -- just remember the insects that eat the flowers -- read your scriptures, say your prayers and keep going to church and you will be able to fight off those temptations.  I hope you'll be like an evergreen, standing tall and strong at all times.  Most importantly, as your faith in Christ emerges, His image will be found in your countenance, bearing testimony of the Author of your creation and helping you to fulfill the measure of your creation.

26 Sept 2015

And I say these things to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

note:  some text quoted directly from book, "The Greatest Power"  (awesome book with awesome art too).

In closing, I'd like to express my gratitude for all those who made it out Saturday, for all the Facebook and txt messages, as well as the wonderful cards and generous gifts that were sent for our little Tobes.

I decided to add this little slide show of Toby.  I originally was going to show it when Toby was getting dried off and dressed -- but Matthew thought it would be nice to just let everyone talk and move around a bit during that time.  I thought it might be cruel to make Everyone suffer through so many family pics -- but in reality, they are mostly of Toby's friends -- you never know, YOU could be in this little slide show ;-)  Btw -- the video is about 10 secs longer than the music -- that's the best I could do ;-)

 God Bless.  My heart is full.

Tango's Alka Rockets Science Project -- Bam!

Need a simple, but great looking science project for school?  Try Tango's Alka Rockets.  We were able to email the slides to his teacher, while Toby (Tango) brought in the rockets to demonstrate.

There are a handful of teachers at school who can make extra homework, or extra hours in school actually feel like a reward.  I applaud their Jedi skills.  Perhaps in time I can learn to have that force with me.  When Toby handed me a pamphlet of 4th grade science projects and exclaimed with pride how he was the Scientist of the Week, I gave him that look, that tries to show you're thrilled for him, but inside you're exploding.  I had a lot on my plate for that coming Friday -- but somehow we made it through.

...And while we're on that subject of exploding, I will point out that "we" chose to make Alka Rockets.  I had hoped to actually make a bottle rocket, like the one I helped Tatum score an A+ with in her Senior year, but with 25 Jumbo Gummy Worm Cupcakes to make - (because having a birthday is what entitles you to be Scientist of the Week) I decided to be logical with myself.

After scouring the web for Alka Rocket Ideas, I just wasn't pleased enough and ended up making my own pattern up -- with Toby's help of course -- it is his project after all ;-)   Here are the end results:

You can print this pattern out here:  https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/31db37a7-f616-4635-b346-4e2c9ebb8950


Did I mention I had to arrive at the school at 6:15 am to take pictures for The Early Birds Club that morning too:
 

By the way, the jumbo gummy worm cupcakes were also a hit.  All it all a great Birthday week for our youngest.  Love you baby boy!  (And I still managed to keep my sanity and my smile -- the real one this time ;-)

Jumbo Gummy Worm Cupcakes

I bought a cheap packet of oreo type cookies at the dollar store and scraped the 'creme' out and crushed the chocolate cookie in a large ziplock bag.  White frosting, green confetti type sprinkles and 3 large gummy worms poking through.  It's pretty self explanatory.  (P.S.  one cake package makes about 12 Jumbo Cakes.)