The "Daddy of the Day" Award Goes to...

Michael! Yes, folks he wins the prize for two astounding feats of love and talent.



Michael felt bad that Rachel was having to go around with everything blurry, so he ran over to the opticians on his lunch break with her broken glasses. The glasses were still under warranty, so the manager popped the lenses into a similar frame. Michael decided to take them right home rather than wait until after work, so Rachel could do what she loves best...read!
You will also notice in the photo that Rachel is popping a piece of fudge in her mouth, but it isn't just any fudge folks! NO! It is PERFECT FUDGE! Michael promised the kids that on Family Home Evening he would make fudge. True to his promise this confectionary miracle was brought forth! This morning Noah said..."Mom, you've got to try these! But ya' know his brownies are just as good!"





_{paper frame by Sausan, arrow doodles by Kate Hadfield}

:::::::::::::::Rachel Got Caught::::::::

reading that is! A little while after Michael went back to work and I was putting away laundry I saw that Aaron's bedroom door was closed. I wondered if the kids had taken Jasper the ferret into play. I cautiously opened the door and Rachel was lying on the floor next to the bedroom window. She gave me a guilty look. I laughed at her when I realized she was reading ahead in our family reading book. I told her she could continue reading if she promised not to tell anyone what she read, didn't look board during reading time and didn't read the ending first. With her word given I went to call my mom and Michael to quiz them what they thought Rachel might be caught doing. My mom just laughed and Michael said reading right away. I love that bookish girly!

::::::::::::::Will Try Again:::::::

today to upload vacation photos to our family website. The photos are on Michael's laptop and he takes it with him to work and by the time he got home I had to run off to the store and buy school supplies, then home for family time and there is this thing called "SLEEP" calling my name. So, perhaps today will be the day?!?!



****Warning: Serious post ahead!

::::::::::::::The Lucifer Effect::::::::

I have only been able to finish the first chapter, so far, but I am so impressed with the well thought out and expertly presented material in this book. Phillip Zimbardo ask two questions that he wants the reader to ask themselves in the first chapter. The first question is: "Am I capable of Evil?". The second question comes at the end of the chapter: "Are you capable of becoming a hero?".

Zimbardo used M.C. Esher's "Circle Limit IV also titled "Devils and Angels" to illustrate the point that there are good and evil co-exist.
He also makes the point with the illustration that angels can become devils and that devils can become angels. He looks at the world through a situational lens as opposed to a dispositional one. He sees the dispositional lens limiting because it looks for the root cause within an individual instead of looking at the situational variables that act on someone that inturn creates behaviors.

He pointed out that using the word "animal" to describe another human being effectively dehumanizes them and then what what happens to them by your own hand, or that of another is of no consequence. And disturbingly a person only has to over hear someone else make a reference to a person or group as an "animal" for it to change their mindset. Zimbardo uses examples from the atrocities in Rwanda and the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq to explain how quickly murder, rape and humilitating another human can change our outlook to cold calculating depravity.

Zimbardo promises to offer ways to guard ourselves against making the choice to do evil at the end of the book. He states, "we can become wise and wily consumers instead of being easily influenced by authorities, group dynamics, persuasive appeals, and compliance strategies." (p.21). He believes we can all be heros in the right situational moment.

One of the strongest impressions I recieved from this first chapter was that inaction is evil just as an action. I was also touched by the excerpt from Paradise Lost John Milton that was used in the beginning: "The mind is its own place, and in it can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven."

There is so much to think about and my heart is heavy with the dark parts of humanity...if you can call it humanity when we act so horribly to one another. I like to remember the admonition of the Savior recorded in John 13:34 " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another".

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jig:

We have arrived home...again! We were a bit soggier and a lot sandier, but none the worse for wear. I, however, did break Rachel's glasses on Friday night and she had to go through Saturday and Sunday a bit blurry. Michael is taking her glasses by Sear's Optical today to see if they can be repaired. I took a slew of photos and some video at one point had filled up my 1 gig card and my batteries had run out. I borrowed my sister-in-law, Laura's, Nikon D40 and played around for a hundred, or so photos. My sister-in-law, Lettitia, had a bunch of fun crafts for the kids to do: puppets, design your own frisbee, bracelet making, and foam photo frames. The children put on a puppet show with their creations on Saturday. My brother-in-law, Reuben, helped the everyone tye dye shirts (onesies for the baby boys). My BIL, Stephen, did a quick tutorial with Reuben on creating spirals, then started helping anyone who wanted that pattern, too.
The weather over the 3 days was mild a sunny. We did have spotty showers, but nothing heavy until time to break camp. Michael and I had our campsite cleared and stowed right after breakfast. Stephen had his family do the same because he had a flight to catch for work. After we were done with our stuff Michael and I helped out by babysitting the cute nieces and nephews. I got to hold the newest addition to the family, baby Elliott. I walked him around in the baby sling, then let him sit in my lap looking at all of the activity until he fell fast asleep for 3 hours. Michael played with Spencer who was absolutely sweet and watching the other kids play in the sand. He never slept and never fussed. Michael, at the same time, held Corinna. She had recieved a bite to the arm by her twin sister, Dakotta, and needed some TLC. Michael held her and she fell asleep for a couple of hours. There was only one tent still set up when the heaviest rains came, so everyone took refuge for about an hour under the tarp in our common family area that was set up on the first day. During a lull the last of the tent was put away. The rain picked up again, but we got the main tarp down and made sure the campsite was clean. On the way out I saw a penny (heads up...good stuff) and at a campsite that wasn't ours, or any one's for that matter, there was a plastic knife on the ground and right next to the knife was a dime. Boy howdy, I was eleven cents richer!

The family reunion was held at Duckett's Mill on a little peninsula jutting out into Lake Lanier. Their was a lot of shore line exposed due to low water levels. The kids spent their time picking up the shells of the fresh water clams and digging in the Georgia red clay. All of the kids loved swimming, even Eve who had to be rescued TWICE! The first time Eve had trouble in the water Michael was on the shore watching the kids. Eve was even wearing a life preserver that had a little bit of bouyancy, but not much. I guess since the shore has a staggered plateau effect she must have stepped down to deep, or a wave hit her. I heard her crying out for daddy. I know the sound of distress in her voice, so I took off running to the shore from our tent. By the time I got to the ridge overlooking the shore Michael was coming up the path with Evey. She had swallowed some water and was scared, but other wise she was okay. Michael was drenched and he was wearing his blackberry phone. I suppose today he will tell work that baptizing his phone was an unfortunate consequence for saving his daughter. Now to the next time.
Eve was brave and excited to return to the water with all of her cousins the next afternoon. My sister-in-law, Shelene, was watching her kids, so I went down to life guard mine. I had been using my SIL's camera at the the time, so I jokingly said, "I better take this off encase I have to go save Eve." I put the camera away and went to a rock on the edge of the shoreline. I think it had been about 15 minutes when Eve gurgled, "Mom" as loudly as she could. I ran in a grabbed her up out of the water. She cried for a bit, and said she was pushed by a girl in a blue swimsuit, but wanted to go back in. My niece, Kyra, grabbed my shoes out of the water. (Did you know that Croc flip flops float?) Eve insisted she would stay in the water right at the shore line and she would be fine. So I perched on the rock and they all played until dinner time.

Rachel and her cousins Afton and Rebecca slept in a tent set up next to ours on Friday night and then Afton said that it was her turn on the air mattress in her parent's tent so she wasn't sleeping over another night. So, on Saturday night Rachel and Rebecca's voices were the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep.

I forgot to tell you how I managed to break Rachel's glasses. The shower facilities at Duckett's Mill have much to be desired. There were no benches on the shower that had the best water pressure and was big enough for the girls to shower together. I also made Aaron shower in the other side (much to his dismay...but hey...there were curtains!). Aaron's side had a shower that would hold a host of Lilliputians, but was entirely inadequate for shower supplies and a change of clean clothes. So with no good place to leave the glasses Aaron and Rachel gave me theirs and I put them in my pocket. I bent over slightly to wash Eve's and I felt a bend. I pulled the glasses out and Rachel's created an L shape. I was so mad! I felt really bad, too because I was projecting how I would feel if I had to go around for days having things blurry. Rachel was really sweet about it. She accepted my apology for breaking her glasses and had a great, yet blurry time.

I will finish uploading photos to the family website when Michael gets home from work. I have a few hundred and I can only upload 4 at a time. I think I've uploaded about 30, so far. FUN!

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

On Saturday night we finished reading Escape From The Carnivale. The kids and I enjoyed the story. Noah was, especially, eager to read each new chapter. The imagery in the book is written so vividly that it helps you visualize the scenes very well. The book has a mixture of magical creatures, a far away island setting and pirates, so it is great for all ages and genders. The theme of a little girl and her friends getting into trouble because they have delibrately disobeyed is one that everyone can identify with at some point in their lives. How they get out of a terrible fix is a great story. There is also a fun twist in the chapter right before the end of the book. This story is an enjoyable read. If you get the opportunity check it out!

::::::::::::::::New Family Reading Book:::::::


The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime. We have already plunged into the first chapter and the story line is moving at its normally quick pace. The kids all groaned when I stopped reading. This one looks to be another great installment!

:::::::::::::::::::Salute to the States:::::::::



_{Background: Alexander by Janel Kretschman,
Journaling Bits and Music Doodles: Kate Hadfield,
Font: DB Michael, Jane Austen,
Painted Alpha: Rachel Young,
Vintage Frame and Cluster Frame: Nancy Comelab,
Alpha: Christina Renee}

Remember 9/11

As many Americans today ponder the devastation of the terrorist attacks 5 years ago I would like to remember those who valiantly risked and gave their lives to save all those they could from the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. The words for how I think many of us felt is Blind-sided. I recall watching the news in awe as the towers were burning. Confusion reigned as people tried to get a handle on what was happening and get help where it was needed, which was so many places at once. I cry tears of sadness thinking of the inhumanity of man against one another perpetrated in the name of God. It is a bizarre juxtaposition that from this inhumanity that compassion, charity, sacrifice and love comes like a phoenix from the ashes. I just wish it didn't take such atrocities to see that humanity emerge.

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I haven't said anything about the death of Steve Irwin from the barb of a sting ray. I've been impressed with his family from the news reports. Steve's father, Bob, is such a straight-forward and level-headed guy. I hope he sticks around for awhile to be able to teach Bindi and Bob. My children and I love to watch Animal Planet when we go to my parent's home. My kids have such an enthusiastic love and respect for animals with the help of Steve's over the top and fun personality. I hope conservation efforts will be maintained by those who must take over in absence of such a dynamic personality. Terri has such an easy going and wonderful personality. My heart goes out to her and all of Steve's family and friends. I feel for the crew that was with him who were powerless to change what had happened. I am not familiar, at all, with Germaine Greer who spoke rather harsh words about Steve and his contact with animals, but I can speak on the positive impression he has given my family on how to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitate. I believe that touching even one person's life for good gives an eternal benefit and for this my family and I are eternally greatful to Steve Irwin and Terri.

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This is one happy girl who has to wear glasses and braces. Rachel's attitude is "I CAN SEE and I'll have GREAT TEETH!"


_{frame and papers by Sausan Designs, overlay by Shabby Princess in the Studio Chic kit, E alpha by Sande Krieger called French Laundry Alpha, staples by Fhunglie from Soul Searching Kit, Stitch corner, flower, leather rose trim, Hand Stamped Brush by Michelle Coleman form Gypsy Rose, Emma's Sundress, and Birthday Kits. Vintage hand from Maya's Weird is Wonderful, Date Tags by Janel Kretschman. Fonts: Farrah and Artistamp Medium}

We're Not Team Players...

because it can get too rough. My husband and I aren't great athletes by any stretch of the imagination. Michael likes mountain biking, camping and rock climbing. I like researching dead people (and live ones, too), gardening and walking. All of these can be achieved with little or no assistance. I played basketball, but if you have ever played church basketball you know it a vicious and rowdy sport (taken all too seriously). I believe you can learn good skills working with a team. We signed Aaron up for soccer for a couple of years and Rachel signed on for one, but the rude parents and the negativity from my own kids made me angry. My motto is "Cheer for your own team and say nothing negative about anyone else".
Our children have grown up not watching sports, but an occasional baseball game. I actually like watching volleyball (collegiate is my favorite), but I don't like when folks start talking nasty about the other team. This layout is one from 2003 when Aaron was trying to get involved with his uncles and cousins in a family game of touch football. His Uncle Reuben was trying to give him the basic lessons of how to play. The sad thing is Aaron never fits in to these games. For one thing he is shady on the rules and strategy, and another thing is he has a very slim build and doesn't like people hitting him. (Bad thing if you plan to play football!) So, inevitably he gets trounced by a bigger kid, or adult and comes over crying and hurt. Michael's response is "that is the point of football and that's why I don't play." I feel really bad for him because he desparately wants to fit into a world that doesn't value his presence and is quite happy to have him not participate. This carries over into his relationship with them in general...he doesn't play rough...he must be a wimp...mentality.
It's kind of funny that I right all of this because I actually thought this layout was fun to make and a cute photo of Aaron trying something different. Atleast, he tries to fit in and make friends. It's just unfortunate that others don't reciprocate.


_{Sketch by Jen Caputo
Papers, alpha and brushes by Tia Bennett (Free Pea Football Kit)
Font: Century Gothic}

Text: Uncle Reuben teaches Aaron some football basics.

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Rachel has already had a glasses malfunction. The screw came out of her nose piece and she doesn't know when it occurred, so tomorrow after the funeral I have to drive over to the optical department to see if they can do a quick and solid fix.

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Noah's teacher sent a note home requesting that he work with playdough or clay to help strengthen his fingers for writing. When I told my mother tonight she said, "And who is going to pay to get it out of my carpet!" She is the one that goes to the dollar store and replenishes the dried out and color combined globs of dough every couple of months. She's a trooper with my kids. She, in true granny fashion, ensures the kids have as many paints, crayons, paper and playdough they request...(beg, plead, whine).

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Only one chapter left of Peter and The Shadow Thieves, but the kids are at my parents' house for Friday sleepover. We will all have to wait until Saturday night for the finale. It has been an amazing book, thus far!

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I have been in a reading groove lately. I finished The Wine Dark Sea
and the library has sent me a notice that The Commodore
is waiting. Michael keeps telling me, "Victoria, you know they're not real!" I got upset that Capt. Jack Aubrey had a very brief kava induced dalliance with a nicely "scented" Polynesian woman. Patrick O'Brian weaves such a wonder tapestry of words, places and ideas that I feel like the characters just stop in place waiting for me to open the book to start their action again. Totally absorbing reads!


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I saw this on Janna's blog so I decided to check out my color:

You are Ocean Blue

You're both warm and practical. You're very driven, but you're also very well rounded. You tend to see both sides to every issue, and people consider you a natural diplomat.

What Color Blue Are You?

Don't Make a Spectacle of Yourself...

...just wear them! Rachel is officially nearsighted (20/175). Genetics at their finest! She has completed her new chrysalis phase of her transformation. She will now enter the very delicate phase of morphing into a beautiful butterfly. This transformation will take time and, I believe, a large quantity of estrogen! She was so excited to show of her new specs that we drove over to show them off to Grandpa Towhey. On the short drive Michael said Rachel was reading every license plate and street sign. Happily, Grandpa Jim was home and he was excited to see Rachel's new look. Here is Grandpa's blog comments and photo: Click Me!

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My husband suggested this oxymoron so this is what I did. I kept thinking about the new "Grillz" in the news (the braces with all the bling).

_{Tire Swing, Shirt collar and die from Stockexchange photos
Jewels and Monogram Alpha by Shabby Princess
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz
Leather Alpha by Christie Lyle
Background paper from Monkey Doodle Doo by Christie Lyle and Robin Carlton (modified with a dry brush filter)
Braces a web freebie (modified with jewels by S.P.)
Monkey from Monkey See kit freebie on the web
Sunglasses by Dani B.
Grunge frame by Jessica Sprague}

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Good news: Noah is beginning to read better everyday! The school identified him for a special reading program and he comes home everyday and reads a book to us! YEAH!


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There will be a viewing for our little friend Tommy who passed away. Michael and I read his obituary and thought it would be appropriate for Michael and the boys to wear these:



Tommy's parents listed that he loved Spongebob, so we felt it was a simple gesture to let his family know we loved Tommy, too!

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I mowed the lawn...front, back and sides today. My stepdad, Jim, gave me his old push mower because he wanted to get a new one. I suppose he felt sorry for our needing a mower EVERY YEAR! I think the mowers we get are really made by some cretin in the pantyhose industry that moonlights in mower parts for a cheap thrill. In a bit of a pleading tone and in a bit of a snit I asked that my birthday gift, which doesn't come until May, be a self-propelled, easy start motor. I would like either a Honda or a Toro. I think I'm leaning toward a Toro (But don't tell that cretin in the pantyhose industry. He just get a promotion, or a job moonlighting in the Toro factory).

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Tiger Cubs and Girl Scouts are starting in the next week, so I will put on my chauffers hat and gas up the Queen Victoria Family Truckster. Gas prices have moved down to $2.46. When we use our local grocery store loyalty card and spend at least $100, they take an additional .10 off per gallon.

Fall Homeschool Bowling league starts soon too. Aaron looks forward to seeing his friends again.

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SMILES!