Tales from a Panamá-mama

Sundays in My City: Park Day

2012-01-29T19:12:00.001-06:00

Today at Burn's Park!

Together and still for one picture

Wooden Bridge

The Yellow Trail (Like the Yellow Brick Road?)

Jumping a Train

Rocketship Park

Come join the fun here:

With Ten Minutes and $1

2012-01-28T11:33:00.001-06:00

What can you do with a ten minutes and about $1 (or so?)

Make 12 quarts of laundry detergent

and

1 quart of *tub scrub!

*Today I deviated from my "Rub a Dub 3 Men in the Tub Scrub" recipe and added Citric Acid instead of True Lemon (because that's what I had) and added Bergamot essential oil drops (about 4) to make a nice citrusy smell. Smells lovely!

So easy I didn't even have to get out of my PJ's!

On Customer Service

2012-01-25T20:15:00.001-06:00

What the heck has happened to customer service in this country?

I try to be nice. I've worked in every role in the restaurant business so I understand bad days. But still, I get so annoyed I've ended up walking out of several places (and maybe I should walk out of even more.)

Today for example...
We went to a "froo froo" cupcake shop in town. We had 30 minutes before girl had dance so I thought I'd treat the kids to an overpriced cupcake (which I'm willing to do for a local place.)
We weren't greeted or acknowledged AT ALL.
Honestly, how hard is it to say "Hi! We'll be right with you!" There was a woman in front of us that was ordering cupcakes for her son's birthday next month. NEXT MONTH. She didn't have a clue what she wanted and would have gladly looked at the book of ideas while the lady waited on the line- that was by now six people deep. Instead of smiling at us or waving to the people behind us coming in the saleslady picked up the phone and called another store to see how many cupcakes a day they could bake in FEBRUARY. That's when I noticed there was ANOTHER worker in the back that could have been called up front. Well, after ten minutes we walked out (at minimum a $20 loss.) If the people behind us ended up walking out that was at least another $20 or more out the door. In a small business that can be a lot. Being nice PAYS people. Literally.

Where do I shop?

I try to shop local first. And then, where people treat me with respect even if I'm in my gym clothes (which I wasn't) and where they at least act like they are happy to get my business. I'll go way out of the way to get a coffee at a local place where I feel welcomed even if it means spending a little more. Remember you have a choice where you spend your money.

No more Picniks?

2012-01-21T12:06:00.002-06:00

OH NO!

I just found out that my favorite website Picnik will be closing in April!

I adore Picnik (an online editing site-think photoshop) and have made some neat things with it, like my blog headers,

and these:

Collage for November 2010

Before and After - Book Organizing

My "Balance" picture

Before and After- Kitchen Clean out

Header for Recipe (Recetas) Page

Easter Card- Outside

Not sure why they are closing, but they said they will refund my premium membership which makes me feel no better honestly...

The only good news is that they are giving everyone Premium Membership for free until they close in April. So, if you haven't tried Picnik, get on over and make some fun before it's gone forever!

(I am going to be busy! Think I'm gonna make a month collage for the past few years at least!)

On Day Trippin'

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-06:00

Sunday we drove up to N.W. Arkansas to check out Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It's a pretty drive through the Boston Mountains so no one complained about the 3 hrs each way in the car...(not too much anyway.)

Crystal Bridges Museum

We planned on meeting my grandpa (aka Popie), mom, and aunt there but were really late getting on the road so we imagined they would be done by the time we got there. Funny thing was as I was calling them to see where in the museum they were we happened to look across the pond and see them looking out the window of another gallery!

Ceiling is a work of art

My "artsy" guys

The grounds and building alone are enough to warrant a trip to Bentonville to see the museum. But the collection inside is also amazing. One of the most comprehensive American art collections in the world. Here are some highlights:

Can you imagine the dinner conversations with this family?

Hi, George!

Mary Cassatt is my favorite

This reminded us of Scott's grandma

Maxfield Parrish's "The Lantern Bearers" is so dreamy

We met up with some friends for dinner in Fayetteville and drove the kids around on a mini- tour that sounded like this:

"See that- that's where I had geography." (Dad)
"That's the dorm I used to live in." (Mom)
"That's the dorm I used to live in." (Dad)
"They didn't have this cool stuff when we went here." (both of us)
"That's where Grammy and your grandpa lived" (mom)
"That's where mom and dad met." (Mom)
"That's where I took your mom on our first date." (Dad)
"That's where I used to eat tacos." (Dad)

Don't know if they heard us but it was fun anyway!

On a Girl's Road Trip

2012-01-17T13:53:00.001-06:00

Weekend before last my girl and I went on a fast and furious trip to Dallas.
She had an audition for an ABT summer dance intensive and we thought we'd just make a "girl's trip" out of it! (We had never been on a trip without the boys!)
We stopped by my grandma's before checking into our hotel and had a fast but nice visit with Grandma, my aunt and uncle and "little" cousin. I gauge the age of my marriage by how old he is because he learned to walk at our wedding! Let's just say he's mid-way through college and a handsome fellow so I remembered our 20th anniversary is coming up this year...

Emily and my idea of a good time always involves really good food so we went to Zorba's, our favorite Greek restaurant, and had a truly marvelous meal. I might have embarrassed Emily a bit when I asked the waiter how to say avgolemono a few times. Divine soup it is. We topped it off by getting some baklava to take back to the hotel for breakfast!

Greek Heaven

Before the auditions we walked a mall to work off some nervous energy, and then had to head to Coppell. It was a great studio. There were so many trying out (including several of her friends from here) that they ended up starting an hour late so we didn't get out until five. On the way home we found another great restaurant called Tiramisu's in Coppell. Great food and we had the place to ourselves. Then it was on the road again for home. (Only a five hour drive home...)

It was our first "girl's only" trip and it was so much fun to do what we wanted to. Hope to take a longer one soon! NYC maybe?

On Beginnning

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-06:00

I am not making resolutions but...
I do feel the need to make a new beginning in 2012.
What is it about the New Year that makes us feel the urge to change?

A few changes around here:

I have four "new" chickens we inherited from a friend. They lay the biggest eggs!

(They're picking on my sweet chicken so not sure I like them yet. Mom is going to take a few once she has a coop to put them in, so I think I'll give her "Meany" or "Big Red" as the kids call her. Then maybe my old girl will come out from under the deck.) You learn what "pecking order" means when you have chickens!

"Big Red", "Spotty" and "Special" begging

The Girls Pecking (Pillow is under the deck of course)

I've only gotten one parking ticket this year! (Oh, it's only been 13 days?) Well, I'm making a pact to get a roll of quarters today so I'll maybe avoid another (before February anyway.)

I want to lose the baby weight. It's only been 2 months so I'm not pushing it, but watching what I eat- doing "Lose It" again (iPhone app) and have lost one pound already. Yesterday I used practically half of my calories eating a bowl of oatmeal- did you know there are 500 calories in a cup of Scottish Steel Cut Oats? Yikes. Gave the chickens the leftover Christmas cookies to get them out of my reach. Need to go back to yoga.

After getting the estimate to add on to this house I've decided to purge. In this market I don't know if it's worth adding up, and we can't find anything we like that isn't a fixer-upper or crazy expensive. I started on my desk area yesterday and ended up making a much bigger mess but I figure it's a start. If I can do one drawer or shelf each day it shouldn't be too bad...

Desk (Mid way done)

Yikes! All this fit on the bookshelf?

Going to attempt stick to a budget and menu AND use my coupons. (We'll see how long that lasts.)

Want to start something creative this year

What plans do you have for 2012?

Happy Friday the 13th!

Oh.... Tannenbaum

2011-12-21T23:43:00.002-06:00

Oh!

Christmas Tree?

Oh...

Christmas Tree!


My strong boys and their tree

The kids did all but the lights this year!

We finally managed to make it to the tree farm on Sunday.

They did mention that was their last day to be open, so we just squeaked in!

The kids talked us into two trees since the big ones were all gone.

I just got the boxes back up today so it doesn't look so much like a disaster area

(at least in the rooms that company will see.)

I've been feeling grinchy.

("Bah, humbug" says Mama Scrooge.)

Trying to get in the spirit, so tomorrow we are getting together with friends

to make care packages

for men in a Sober Living facility.

Birthday cake to make for J.

He's requested:

3 tiers,

fondant covered with cookie crumb dirt,

and cookies and cream filling,

with (guess who) Indiana Jones running down the hill and a

giant ball rolling down after him.

Someone's been watching too much Cake Boss on Netfllix.

Speaking of yummy cakes,

My mom made this beauty for me for my birthday!

Local Gift Giving

2011-12-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

Christmas always stresses me out.
Seems like our society has become so materialistic with people rushing to max out credit cards at the malls. I can't abide shopping on a normal day, let alone the holidays!

So, if you live in central AR (or are visiting) and want to avoid crowds and the usual holiday hoo-hah, I've made a list of 10 local places with neat (some homemade) gifts that you might enjoy.

1. Box Turtle

This is an awesome store! Top floor is really cool clothing (albeit a bit pricey, but check out the sale rack by the front door for great bargains) Middle floor has the coolest gifts and jewelry (most of it is handmade and local.) In the basement you'll find a cute little toy store called "Cheeky Marshmallow" which has some of the most unique candy and toys you'll find in LR.

2. Heights Toy Center

Cool toy store with lots of unique gifts. Out of the way of the mall crowds too! Next door is another great bookstore with cool gifts (Wordsworth books.)

This weekend ride the trolley for FREE to these places:

3. RiverMarket Books and Gifts

Run by the friends of the Central AR library system (and in the Rivermarket district) this store not only sells gently used library and donated books, but also some quite unique gifts for readers and thinkers. Also some fantastic art galleries (with some for sale.) Get a cup of coffee or a cookie at the cute counter inside.

4. Arkansas Institute Studies Art Gallery

Another gem in the Rivermarket district- you might not have realized that this is a free art gallery with much of the work being for sale (by Arkansas artists!) Stempunk Jewelry, hand turned woodwork, books, hand knitted scarves, pottery- they've got it!

5. Historic Arkansas Museum Gift Shop

Looking for handmade gifts or unique historical toys and gifts? This is the place! You don't have to pay admission to the museum to go inside the store.

6. Clinton Museum Store

No matter what your political affiliation, the Clinton museum store has something for you! Tom's Shoes, handmade jewelery, recycled presents, and more. Not actually inside the museum, but in the Rivermarket district. (More great museum gift shops in the area include- Museum of Discovery, MacArthur Military Musuem gift shop, Old Statehouse Museum gift shop, and the Arkansas Arts Center gift shop.)

7. Heifer Project Gift Shop

The Heifer project is not only a cool place to visit, but houses a wonderful gift shop. I got a fantastic book on beekeeping (for myself) and they have lovely gifts and neat things from around the world. While you are there tour the center and think about getting a gift that keeps on giving- animal donations for people in need around the world. Great organization. Our family registers online now and gives animals instead of gifts to ourselves.

8. Ten Thousand Villages

I adore this store and secretly wish they would come decorate my house. A non-profit, fair trade store with items from around the world. What more could you wish for! ALSO- ALL holiday items are 25% off on the 19th!

9. Argenta Bead Company

Across the river in North Little Rock (but also on the trolley line...)
Not just for the avid beader, Argenta Bead company also showcases work by local beaders and jewelry makers. You can special order almost anything you want made.

10. Argenta Market

This quaint local grocery store showcases many yummy gifts for foodies. Arkansas jellies and jams, as well as great cheese and meat trays.

Wishing you happy, stress-free holiday shopping!

On Nutcracker Withdrawl

2011-12-14T08:33:00.003-06:00

Nutcracker Season 2011 is officially over.

It's strange not having to be at rehearsals.

Ballet Arkansas did a fantastic job this year!


Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince (by Stacy Kinzler Photography)

My 3 cuties were: J- trumpeter angel, M- cannon soldier and one of the dragon's feet, E- lead rat and lead angel (she changed it to angel and mouse sitter because she lead the tiny mice and angels out on stage and around! They were so precious!)

My rat scaring Clara

My little cannon soldier (photo by Paul Henry)

Mine is the trumpeter on the right and E is big angel in middle

My angel (behind the pretty Sugar Plum Fairy)

One of the tiny feet is Max

On Nutty Fun

2011-12-06T13:53:00.001-06:00

Nutcracker is in full swing this week.

Performances are this weekend (10th and 11th.)

We had the cast party for Ballet Arkansas and the kids this past Saturday.

Mom, Emily and I made 11 dozen cupcakes!

Set up in Studio (can't see the royal mice very well but they are peeking out!)

Snowflakes and Flowers

We tried to do something from each scene in the Nutcracker. Ended up with Gumdrops for Land of Sweets, Flowers, Snow, Dragon (from Chinese Tea because Max is in the dragon this year,) Soldiers, and some fondant mice and royal mice.

Fondant Snowflakes with Sprinkle Snow

Fondant Flowers with Sugar snow

Soldiers, Nutcracker, Flowers, Dragon

Dragon's Head (by Emily)

Soldier with Blue Disco Dust

On Being Quiet and Thankful

2011-12-02T09:32:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving the kids begged us to go to "the cabin" again.

Of course, all the (2) cabins where we'd gone before were taken already

BUT,

the owner said "I do have one new one I don't rent much you can have."

The kids were out the entire Thanksgiving week (something to be thankful for!)

so we took off into the mountains!

Reality Ridge Cabin in Murray Community

Pretty Field on the Drive Up

Road to Cabin

Neat Gulley with Lots of Fossils

Table Set for Thanksgiving

Misty View from Wrap-Around Deck

Thankful for:

Seeing lots of deer and hearing elk
The kids hiking, hunting for ancient sea fossils, playing games together, making zombie movies...
Our dog, Cole was thankful for- No Leash!
Don't think any of us wanted to come home.
No internet, TV reception, or cell service (which was WONDERFUL. We love these kinds of peaceful trips. You realize how much you DON'T need and what is important. The hardest part is learning to be quiet and relax.)
Outings to Jasper to eat, buy a puzzle, and visit Emma's Junk Museum (a great junk store!)
Hiking Lost Valley to the waterfall.
Living in Arkansas-such a beautiful state!
Painting together on a rainy day
My kids and my wonderful guy

On Fall Fun

2011-11-13T19:33:00.001-06:00

Falling Leaves...


Trails with Trees,

Racing for the Cure,


A few dancing zombies,


And La Niña y la Pinta,

= fall fun!

On the Seventh Angel

2011-11-04T14:37:00.004-05:00

Over one third of a year
inside me...
never
to see him smile
or
laugh
or
breathe,
my seventh
tiny
angel
flies away.

Three weeks ago we lost our tiny baby.
At 18 weeks he was born quietly, without the joyous celebration we had expected and wanted for him.
My pregnancy had been uneventful and smooth. There wasn't a reason why he died the doctor said. Just another victim of my exaggerated immune system I imagine. When I think I don't have any more tears they seem to find me.
In the car,

in the grocery store when I see the baby aisle,
when talking with someone as pregnant as I would be now,
when a friend calls to ask how the pregnancy is going...
Most recently at breakfast in a restaurant-
at the table next to us with two beautiful baby boys that looked like mine would have,
like his brothers did at that age, with beautiful fat baby cheeks and sweet blonde wisps of hair...

Grief is a strange animal.

Quick Trip to St. Louis

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

We went to St. Louis for Fall Break-

The kids really only wanted to go to play in the City Museum

(and we got our money's worth- we played for about four hours, then went to the hotel for a break and back again until after midnight!)

City Museum

If you make it to St. Louis you HAVE to visit this museum (no matter how old/young you are.)

A fantastic old shoe factory that was converted into an art gallery/playground that is next to nothing you've ever seen before. They take recycling to a new extreme. Our kids were old enough this time for me to not panic when they disappeared into a tunnel. I trusted that they would stay together and they did for the most part. Since we were there last time they've added so much. A whole middle section that goes up at least ten stories with slides that span the entire building and a rooftop garden complete with ferris wheel! Where else can you watch a circus, be a human skateboard, see the world's largest pencil, slide down ten stories, climb in an airplane hanging on a crane, enter the belly of a whale, and more?? Bring your walking shoes!

Dragon Friend on Patio

It was a crazy weekend in St. Louis, as many in the summer/early fall are. Make sure you try and get a room booked ahead of time. I had one for the first night and we just lucked into one the second night (thank goodness.) There was a college football game, professional football game, Food Festival (which was so much fun,) and a Cardinals game all that weekend! Downtown St. Louis has really boomed since we visited a year or two ago. I was amazed at all the new bars, shops, and restaurants downtown as well as the neat lofts and condos in the old factory district. Very cool.

Gateway Arch (great free museum underneath!)

View from Arch (Only 3 of the 6 of us were brave enough) See the Cards game in Busch Stadium?

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour is another fun (and free) thing to do. It takes about an hour if you catch it at the right time. The architecture and artwork is phenomenal and the kids love seeing the Clydesdales and the bottling plant. (Free drinks and pretzels at the end of the tour!)

Scott the Clydesdale

Hops Chandelier in Mash Room at A.B.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

On the way home we stopped at the Mastodon State Park. Not as grand as I'd imagined, but a nice break with some fun information that the kids enjoyed. (And we learned the difference between mastodons and woolly mammoths!)

On Fall Fair Fun

2011-10-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a beautiful day in the Natural State!

We started the morning at Pinnacle Mountain for Rendezvous
(a Mountain-Man/Native American celebration)

Campers at Rendezvous

Blacksmith's Shoppe

Then we went home for a "break"

(where the boys showed me their newly learned bicycling skills)

and then off to the Arkansas State Fair!

Ferris Wheel Night Light

Yum?

Fun House!

9 X's On A Tilt-A-Whirl = World Peace

Ozark Mountain Fun

2011-09-06T14:44:00.000-05:00

We decided to take a day trip to Mountain View on Sunday...

(We really wanted to stay the night but after calling everywhere realized planning a Labor Day trip isn't possible on Labor day weekend!)

the weather was gorgeous. It's been over 100 here for so long, and then

suddenly I think it was about 70 (maybe cooler.) Lovely and sunny.

Mountain View is about 2 1/2 hours from North Little Rock, and it's a beautiful scenic drive.

First we went to Blanchard Springs Caverns. We went on the longer tour, which I haven't been on since Scott and I were dating. (They close that trail when it rains a lot or in the fall/winter when the bats are hibernating.) It was a fantastic tour, I enjoyed it much more than the Dripstone Tour we usually get to take. My oldest now wants to do the Wild Cave tour! (She might have to do that one with her grandma, as I am a bit claustrophobic.)

My phone doesn't take good cave pics!

After the caves we wandered down into the park to the springs. It was very crowded due to Labor Day weekend and a wedding, so we didn't stay long. *Note: with your cave tickets you get access to the picnic area, swimming hole, and springs for the day!

Horseback riding was next on the agenda. I had a horse that was due for retirement in a day, and I think she knew it. She was just not into the ride! :) There were wild boar and deer on the trail!

We tried to make it in time to visit the Ozark Folk Center, but would have had only 30 minutes for that. Next time. There is a new ropes course on the grounds of the Folk Center called Locoropes. We did manage to squeeze in time for some of that...

Emily Almost to the Top

All the kids (even my man and mom-in-law) made it up the rock walls and down the zip line. I was really proud of Max because he is afraid of heights but managed to make it down the zip line! There was an awesome agility/tree course that scared me to look at. You go from tree to tree on these swings, bridges, ladders... Very cool. I know we'll be back up there.


Jac- Zipping


Sharon on the Zip Line

Can you find Max?

After that adventure we were starved and had to go to our favorite pizza joint in all of Arkansas, Tommy's Famous Pizza. We have made special drives the 2 1/2 hours just for their pizza.

Yes, it's that good. (Make sure you take cash though, Tommy's doesn't take plastic!)

Kids and Their Gran-Gran

After dinner we strolled over to the town square to listen to music. Mountain View is famous for it's music jams on the weekends. There are little gazebos and stages everywhere with people just setting up and jamming all night. Bluegrass, gospel, folk, country...

And, in case you didn't get enough pizza there are snack places open all night!

Nighttime Fun in Mt. View

A wonderful Sunday!

Terra Road Trip

2011-08-22T08:29:00.001-05:00

I'm so behind on everything lately...

School started for my kids back in early July. Then, my oldest

decided she wanted to try a private girl's school so we had another first

day of high school last Monday. And of course, I took pictures of none. (Bad, bad, mommy.)

I will have to make pretend ones and pose them this week...

Thought I'd show you some pictures of a road trip my honey and I took to Fayetteville in July.

We met in Fayetteville at the good old U of A many moons ago. (Where my parents also met.)

It was a fast and furious business trip but we managed to have fun!

Sculpture Gardens at Terra Studios

There is a place called Terra Studios on the way down the "Pig Trail" that I'd always wanted to go to when I was in college, so we went. They make those little "Blue Birds of Happiness" out of blown glass? It was set up as an artist colony long ago and has a ceramic, metal, and glass studios, along with a really fun store and cafe. In the store you can watch them blow the glass bluebirds. I think it was 115 degrees the day we went and the poor guy was out there blowing glass!

I Think I Want To Live Here

With This Guy

Troll Family We Met

Fat & Happy Dragon

Fancy Fountain

It's Hard to Take a Picture of Butterflies

Scuba Tanks Into Chimes

Lovely Lady

My Friend the Trash Troll

My kids would love this place!

Sick Chicken

2011-07-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well, sad news in our house...

Dinner, Max's pet chicken, went to the great scratching ground in the sky.

Dinner as a Youngster

She had been sick for over a month. I tried EVERYTHING to get her well.

(My family really thought I was nuts, believe me.) It was so strange. At first she started acting weak, then in a week or so acted like she'd hurt her foot. Then, a few weeks later both feet totally didn't work. My theory is that she had a genetic disorder where she was TOO GOOD of a layer (she would lay two eggs a day on average) and it leached all the calcium from her body. Even with me giving them enriched food, veggies, and oyster shell... I tried home remedies (spoon feeding yogurt, shredded apples, oats,) tetracycline just in case, vitamins. Her sisters didn't pick on her or bother her much. They were only a little jealous that she got to be spoon fed. I swear they have been singing a little dirge at night in her memory. Very sweet.

Cole Looking at Dinner

R.I.P. Dinner the chicken

Sundays in My City

2011-07-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

New Murals On the River Trail

Max on the "Secret Trail" He Found- We met the artist that designed the mural above while exploring!

One of The Many Monsters in Town

You Never Know Who's Looking

Rock Monster

Pretty Cliffs

Mimosa In Bloom (They remind me of Panama)

My Guys By the Arkansas River

On Ballgames and Hot Nights

2011-07-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's hot in Arkansas.

We have tried to stay inside but couldn't stand it any longer

and ventured out to see our local team, The Arkansas Travelers, play Frisco last night.

Go Travs!

Here are a few shots of my over-heated kids all sugared up on cotton candy

(which they aren't supposed to have,)

frozen lemonade, popcorn, and peanuts...

Enjoying the forbidden

Ice Rings

Cracking up at Dad's Heckling

Arrows to Show Us The Way to the Car (Chalk is a Handy Thing)

When we came out of the game it was probably 9 PM (almost dark) and the car thermometer said 104!

School starts this week and we are all in mourning.

Run for the Border

2011-07-05T12:33:00.000-05:00

Missouri border, that is.

We hadn't taken a vacation this summer and school starts next week so we decided to

take the kids to Branson on a whim.

Leaving at 8:30, we got to see fireworks almost the entire drive up because we follow a country highway from Little Rock to Branson (3 hour drive.) Sort of cool to see people celebrating the holiday (even if it was premature.)

We checked into the hotel and crashed, got up early and headed to Silver Dollar City. It was really a fun day. Silver Dollar City has a lot of wonderful landscaping and lots of trees so we never felt hot, despite the crazy summer temperatures.

Max getting kissed by a pretty cowgirl before the saloon show

Target Shooting!

Even though it was busy it didn't feel like it and we only had to wait in one line for awhile, and that was due to a technical problem. They have some great roller-coasters which hubby enjoyed! The boys loved the Dog Show that was part of the Kid's Fest they have going on now.

Scott Ready to Ride

Not Even Half of This Ride!

Do you think they'd sell me this?

We left when they closed and went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede for dinner.

I thought the kids would like the rodeo type show and cowboy dinner, which they did.

Super Cheesy- Branson style. The 6 year old's quote when we left.

"Wow, that was SUPER cheesy and funny."

Their favorite part was getting to see the horses up close on the way in and out.

My favorite part was watching the buffalos roll in the dirt like puppies.

Dixie Stampede

Long day and we made it home by midnight.

Think the kids might forgive us now for no "real" vacation...

Off to Oz?

2011-06-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

Tornado Damage in Clarksville

My grandpa's property was devestated by a tornado a last month.

He lives in Clarksville, Arkansas- up on a ridge overlooking the town.

The tornado came from close to the river and made it's way up along a country road- destroying the country club, some homes, new car wash, and more. It continued across the interstate and over the creek and up the hill to my grandpa's house.

Backyard

The crazy thing was this...

After tearing up the electrical posts across from his house and splitting them in 3-4 parts it circled his house- taking up EVERY TREE in his yard except for one. He had huge oaks, buckeyes, walnuts, pecans that were torn up by the roots like daisies and thrown. His HAM radio antenna (about 40 ft tall) was twisted like a cherry stem.

HAM antenna

NONE of those many trees hit his house. His garage and sheds (except for one) were destroyed, some just gone. There were shingles embedded in tree trunks.

Craziness.

A pine tree was thrown through one of his kitchen windows and sucked out again.

(He doesn't even have pine trees and neither do his neighbors!)

Through the kindness of strangers they had all the trees chopped up very quickly.

(I believe they said it was the local football team and the Arkansas Baptist Association.)

My mom and uncle are still up there helping with the mess.

Emily's favorite Pin Oak (Was about 3.5 ft. in diameter)

After sucking all the siding off the house, the tornado went back into a neighbor's field and took 100 of her trees from a pasture. It then went to my aunt's house and crashed her garage and took some trees. Then it decided to hop up into the air again and destroyed an apartment complex and a few new homes before heading out of town. I think the death toll was five.

Storms have been so bad this year.

To me it's a sign that global warming is VERY real. Weather patterns are changing.

Mother nature is not happy.

On Angels Watching Over Us...

2011-06-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

We had a beautiful day at Lake Ouachita on Sunday,

Boating, Picnicking, Swimming, Exploring...

Boys Swimming

Driftwood

Pretty Cove

Until Max fell off a rocky hill about 15 feet down

and hit the rocks ALL THE WAY DOWN into 50 feet of water.

I've never seen so much blood.

Waiting on Stitches (Cleaned up Version)

And we had to high-tail it to the marina and then to the ER.

5 hours, 5 Stitches, 1.5" laceration (to the bone), lots of scratches,

and a mom on the table with him, later we made it home.

Angels definitely involved in this one.

On Crossing Bridges

2011-06-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

My life has been full of bridges lately-

J bridged from Kindergarten to First Grade,

E "bridged" from 8th grade to High School...

So I thought I'd share some summer sunset bridge pics.

Sunset View from the "Big Dam Bridge"

Lights on Bridge

My Boys Being Nice to Each Other!

The kids got out of school the second week of June, so we have been swimming and swimming. School starts back in three weeks so I'm trying to plan a quick mini-vacation.

Lake Ouachita, Silver Dollar City, or Chattanooga?