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?