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.

Texarkana

We have arrived in Texarkana with our 4 dogs, 3 rabbits, 2 fish and 1 gecko.  It was quite a trip with all the animals but we are settling in nicely.  We have a nice walking trail down the street from our house and have used it almost everyday.  The kids are liking living in town where they can ride their bikes around.  

We are going to start school today.  The moved delayed our school a few weeks but I am confident we will catch up quickly.  The only problem is our books are packed so it is off to the store to buy a few notebooks and the library.  

Jenelle auditioned for the Texarkana Youth Symphony last week and made 1st Violin 5th chair.  She has her second rehearsal tonight.  They are working on Christmas music so I am in heaven.  Derek will have his first cub scout meeting tonight which challenges me logistically since Jason is out of town.

I am nervous about meeting the home school group this week.  I think I have a few philosophical differences and am worried that I will not fit in.  Hopefully this is unfounded. I can't believe I am so worried.  Perhaps it is because this is a small town with limited home schoolers so I feel like we are either going to make it or break it.  There are two home school groups in the area.  One of the groups bylaws turned me off immediately so all my eggs are in one basket so to speak. 

Texarkana Wins!!

W

We have chosen a home in Texarkana.  It is close to the youth symphony and all the things we are involved in.  We close on our new home September 14th and we are excited to move in and hit the ground running.  Thanks for all the prayers and support during this process.  We know God has a great plan for us and we are excited for our future.  I will post photos soon.