History Lesson for the Franks

Yes, we went to another location of interesting history, but this time the Civil War was not involved. How strange is that? We visited the Etowah mounds, named for the Etowah Indians that the Spanish explorer De Soto encountered in approximately 1592. At least I think that was the date. De Soto brought 1,000 men with him to explore and subdue the land. After landing in Florida he traveled all over the southeastern United States as far north as Kentucky, then over through Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. He had a major battle not far from where my dad grew up in Caddo Gap, Arkansas.

So De Soto and his 1,000 subduers visited the Etowah Indians and recorded what they found. The location is interesting because the Indians made huge mounds for their chief and other leaders to live on, atop a plaza where the rest of the tribe would play and work and make their own living quarters. We went on top of the mounds and we were impressed by how much it reminded us of what the Incas did in South America - steps built in to a man-made mountain/pyramid structure. The largest mound is over 65 feet high with entire trees buried inside the thing. They lived in a mud-hut type house made in a manner called Waddle and Daub. It looks like something an African tribesman would build, not like American Indians.

It turns out that De Soto and his crew infected the Etowah Indians with all their new fangled diseases and decimated the tribe. Whatever was left of these Indians was soaked up by the Creeks or the Cherokees, probably Cherokees. The location was truly interesting and very well done, and it was a gorgeous afternoon to experience something new.

Cookie Monster

Seen: Cookie Monster selling cookies, disguised as a Brownie. Thanks to Josh and the car wash for a beautiful sale (and a beautiful car, too.)

Lights, Camera, Church Party

Before Saturday, I had never attended a film festival. But now I have.

Our church hosted the Backlot Film Festival and everyone was invited. Church members made movies to premiere at the Festival, and about 200 people from church came all dressed up - lots of tuxes, prom dresses, and funky attire. The youth contingent was quite large. My kids were so excited about going. They wore $5 dresses from the Kohl's clearance rack and I fixed their hair pretty and they walked the red carpet.

The movies were interesting and some were even entertaining. There were a few art films that I am still trying to interpret, but the funny ones were great. We even saw a 3D film that was very creative and cool (anything using "She's Going the Distance" is cool, isn't it?)

Our Life group made a film (produced by moi) and it was well received. I am working on getting it posted to my blog this week, but the file is enormous and my drive space is muy poquito. Very fun night and the food and decorations were outstanding.

The Franks' News Flash

Today was a completely random day, but there were a few items of note:

-Scott became an uncle (again) when Garrick Archer was born just after 12 noon today. He is healthy and everyone seems fine so far. My main question has been answered - no, they did not get the Basso afro hair that graced my children. We asked if they are calling him Garrick and Ty said something like, "We'll call him Garrick, Gary, whatever." I believe Scott suggested that we call him Ick. Nice - a baby with a sarcastic nickname on day one.

-Today is Grandpa Garret's birthday. A happy day for two Franks' men whose names will always be tongue-tied together.

-Part of downtown Bozeman blew up today. We checked out the news online and I am happy to know that my favorite places are still standing. When we go there this summer, we will definitely be checking out the huge hole in downtown.

-Roxy has named all of her fingers and toes. I cannot comprehend why she has done this, but it entertained her during her bath.

You Can't Handle the Truth

Age six is such a radical year of change. There is the ability to learn combined with a lengthened attention span. Things like reading and math start clicking together rapidly. There is the social aspect of life - knowing what everyone else does, trying to top your friends or compete for "coolness". There is the loss of baby fat and the maturing of facial features. At six, you look less like a baby when you are asleep. And what could be the most tragic sign of aging - the questioning of standard myths.

Roxy confronted me last night about the tooth fairy. There has been rampant tooth loss at Due West Elementary these days, and the debate is hot among the six year old demographic. In all honesty, Roxy has not been particularly fascinated by the tooth fairy. She prefers to carry around her tooth in a baggy to show her friends and she could care less whether she gets any money. But now, the little boy from her class, the one that makes bad choices, is telling her about the parent role in the whole thing and she wants the truth.

I asked her if it was fun for the parents to be the tooth fairy, and she said no. I encouraged her to keep it fun, because getting money is fun and who cares how you get it. She is not pleased with my answer. I just don't want her to grow up anymore...

Everything Old is Retro New

We had small group at our house on Sunday and I found these little treasures left on the floor. I bought these retro paper dolls for my girls after visiting the FDR Little White House a few weeks back. What makes a person want to buy her daughters paper dolls - from the 1930s? I still don't know, but I felt sentimental when I saw the dolls in the antique swim suits. There is a picture of my Grandpa and Grandma Oller swimming at some unknown lake, wearing suits very much like these. I think my Grandma even had a bathing cap, too. I think it would have been interesting to know them way back when. So, my kids will not have the latest and greatest toys - I will make them relive a past about which I am curious. I am mother - see me rule.

A Beautiful Surprise

My house looked really pretty in the snow that came yesterday morning. We got almost two inches of big fluffy flakes before it turned back to rain. Darby was so excited to have snow again - something we have missed out on here in Georgia.