Christmas 2010

 Jason and I started our family tradition of Christmas light viewing on Christamas Eve 19 years ago. 

 We heard Marshall, TX was the place to be so we drove over.  Their display was partially unlit but their downtown is charming.

Brittany checking out her stocking stuffings.

 Christmas morning was wonderful.  We have all been sick and I thought what a blessing to be home while many are in hospitals.

 Derek collects coins  This is a big one.

The box is winning but Jenelle did prevail and got it open. 

I thought of all the homes that would experience violence this Christmas.  What a blessing to live in a home of peace. 

Candy Making Fun

Many thanks to my new friend Melissa Martinez for hosting this candy making day!  Her home is  comfortable, beautifully decorated and welcoming.  Don't you love her hat?

The younger kids enjoyed the wii.

Yummy Chocolate

Sweet baby was able to sleep during all the chaos.

Candy must be tasted to ensure quality.

Peppermint bark is one of my favorites.

Melissa's lovely tree.

These kids are great confectioners.

Arrow Of Light and Growing Up

 My tiger cub not too many years ago.

Derek's last time to post the colors as a Webelos.

 Dad giving Derek his Arrow of Light-the highest award in Cub Scouts.  Derek earned all 20 Webelos pins.

 One Proud Mama!

 Waiting to crossover the bridge to Boy Scouts.

 He didn't waste any time.  Why must they hurry to grow up?

Dad crossed over also while Derek received his Boy Scout loops on his shirt.  Mama was weepy and so proud of Derek's accomplishment.

Diamond Fever

Saturday we went diamond mining at Crater of Diamonds State Park.  The weather was gorgeous with highs in the 70s and sunny.  The process is digging a bucketful of dirt, panning the dirt in water and hoping you have a diamond.  We panned along side fellow prospectors from Yellow Stone Park, Montana, Oklahoma and of course Arkansas.  At the end of the day we were wet, dirty and happy.  I do believe those attributes are signs of a day well spent.  And next time I am sure we will find a 40 carat diamond!

Thanksgiving

This is what the day before Thanksgiving looked like at our home in Texarkana.

 Thanksgiving morning in NW AR was cold and icy.

 We were thankful for the snow while we were there.

 Jason and his uncle braved the weather for Coca Cola...my hero.

 Brothers

 Aunt Nancy working her magic in the kitchen.

 The kids enjoyed the snow.

Thanksgiving evening we went to my parents and ate again.  Good food and dominoes completed our evening.  We are so thankful for our family.  The next morning Jason and I worked over the black friday sales then headed back south. 

 

Holy War

I was sent an email the other day telling me which stores to boycott because they don't include the words "Merry Christmas" in their sale ads.  This is amusing to me because I am sure that Christians boycotting them will not bring them closer to salvation.  I know many Christians who seclude themselves from the "world".  They don't allow their children to socialize with people who don't believe the way they do (even different denominations).  They only do business with people who proclaim to be Christians.  They noisely protest anyone who doesn't believe the way they do and boycott.  The sad thing is that less people are being reached for Christ.  Church attendance is declining and I can't blame the non Christians.  First it is ludicrous to expect a non Christian to act like a Christian.  If someone doesn't believe in Jesus how can I expect them to wish Merry Christmas?  How does my demanding them to do so encourage them to accept God's grace.  Jesus is a gentleman.  He stands at the door and knocks but never stands at the door banging and hollaring to be let in.  How can I extend an invitation to non believer telling them that Jesus accepts them no matter what but I won't allow them to go to the park with our family?  How are we different from other religions with their Holy Wars?  Just because we are not shedding blood doesn't mean that we are not taking lives.  The eternal lives of many people depend upon our acceptance of them, grace to them, hospitality to them and yet we protest, shout, boycott and exclude.  God have mercy on us when we are asked in heaven how we showed His love to the world. 

Big Snakes, Pumpkins and Corn Maze

Last month we went to the Dixie Maze in northwest Lousiana.

They had a pillow jump.

                               Big Snake

Not so big snake.  Derek took my photo...didn't he do a great job?

 And Pumpkins.

It is hard to pick out the perfect pumpkin.

They also had pig races, corn bin, corn launchers and a make your own home made ice cream kit.  The ice cream kit was a let down and big mess.  Next time we will stop by DQ on the way home.  Overall it was a great time! 

Historic Washington State Park

In the fall of 1863, the Confederate Government of Arkansas fled to Washington after the Union Army captured Little Rock. The 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse in Washington became the new capitol building from 1863 to 1865.  The chandelier you see above is in the courthouse and made from cast iron. 

This little town is preserved and has great historical significance.  You can watch the blacksmith forge David Bowie knives, take a carriage ride, see the many demonstrations and look at the largest, oldest Magnolia tree in the nation.

The kids are at her trunk.  The tree spills over a city block and I can't wait to see her in full bloom.

If you are ever in southwest Arkansas stop by.  It is a neat little town and after you do come by the house! 

Scary Pumpkins

We have been enjoying our fireplace this year.  I love watching the fire while reading in the evening.  Our jack o lanterns have overextended our stay with us so we decided to light a fire under them.  How do you dispose of your jack o lanterns?
 

Are There Any Honest Contractors left?

Well, we are here in Texarkana.  I would like to settle in and relax but the matter of our home in Rogers is a never ending nightmare.  The relocation company hired inspectors for our home and the dishonesty is staggering.  First the septic company reported our tank to be undersized for our home.  We went to the county and pulled the records and the tank is bigger than reported.  Of course the septic company recommends a new system which we are disputing with our new evidence.  Not to mention they destroyed our yard in the process but that is a different story.  The Heating and Air company found issues with our burner boxes.  They also recommended new systems at the price of $15,000.   Jason contacted them and they admitted the units are under warranty and gave us a quote of $1400 to replace the boxes.  Two other contractors have given us quotes under $400.  We are fighting the original company's report that the units must be replaced with the relocation company.  The inspector reported that the roof line siding was leaking and had wood rot, the gas lines were rusted and needed replaced and the roof is 15 years old.  We have had contractors come out and all these things are false.  The roof is 4 years old.  We were there when it was put on!  Unfortunately this does seem to be the norm with inspectors and companies in NW AR.  They assume that the relocation companies will do what they recommend and we are the unusual ones that are fighting the system.  It makes me very sad that people are so dishonest.  Thanks for listening. 

New Beginnings and Old Friends

Texarkana has been delightful so far.  When I get too stressed I seek out hiking trails.  The above pic is from Atlanta State Park about 20 minutes west of here. God always meets me in the woods.  I am so blessed.  Our home has been grand central station.  Many people have dropped in from the church down the street to welcome us and a neighbor brought over a bowl of fruit.  The homeschool group here is great and has many kids the same age as mine.  There are lots of boys so Derek is in heaven.

I found a local supplier of grassfed meat for us.  Tracy Youngblood is a gem.  I look forward to getting to know her and her family better and eating their yummy meat. 

I miss my clients!  I am starting to think about how to reach people who are interested in natural health here. I need to take a continuing ed class to keep my certification and the year is running out.  YIKES!

Thanks to all my friends up north who pray for us.  This has not always been an easy move and I feel your prayers.  Love you all.