More adventures in Texas, and Photos!

Below is the next email I sent out to friends and family updating them on the life journey God has us on. I'll try to include pictures that were sent with the email at the end of this post. I am really enjoying rereading these posts and 'reliving' some of the interesting things that have taken place since we've arrived here. I'll be caught up soon with these updates and being posting some of the more recent activity here on the 'ranch/farm whatever you call it'. The couple I mention below is Tom and Debbi Cutrell and are so very precious to us. As it turns out they live one street away from us and we can see each others properties from our homes. They help make our adjustment to Paris so pleasant and we really love them! The two couples they had to dinner that week are Tony & Kathy Corso and Dave & Norma Dillon. Both of these couples hold very special places in our heart and we continue to enjoy fellowship with them regularly. God's people are EVERYWHERE and we are thankful for those He brings into our lives. Read on.....

Hi all - 

It's been a few weeks since I've sent an email letting you know what's going on with us in Powderly Texas, so here you go. I've attached some photos too. 

In previous emails I've sent photos of Josh&  Noah fishing in the pond....well finally Scott was able to fish and I've included a photo of his first catch. He doesn't really enjoy it or have the patience for it, but humored me none the less. 

Scott and Josh rode in the Tour de Paris bike race last month, and here if a pic of Josh before the race. I think they rode 37 miles this time, since the Tour de Rock last year 100 mile took a lot out of them. 

A few weeks ago a couple that lives a street past ours came over and asked if they could put their 2 horses on our pasture for a few weeks. Apparently the prior owners of the property allowed them to do this. Ronnie and Beverly take care of them each day, riding over here on their four-wheeler to feed them and check on them. One is a 'paint' and one is white. Scott and I took a few apples out to the pasture yesterday to feed them. They walked up to our fence and ate them from Scott's hand. I tried with the white one and did okay, but am a little timid around them. We were looking into having the pasture cut, but with the horses eating the grass and the lack of rain we have been able to put that off for a while. I've included some photos of Scott feeding the 'paint'. We had an egret and a heron spending time in our pond until the horses showed up....but haven't seen them since. 

Recently we were at the 'farm and ranch' store.....apparently a place we will be frequenting (Let me know if you think this is out of my element or what?) We were shopping for something to help control the moss in the pond. Scott picked up a flier for an auction in Hugo Oklahoma. The following Saturday he went to the auction....called me on the way home excited about his purchases. Since he didn't have the trailer we had to go back the next day to pick up his goodies! He bought a fire box (small wood burning stove), some fence posts and a......get this.....a go cart. Apparently the go cart was supposed to be in working order, as it started up when he was there. He told me about what a good deal he got on it, excited that we could share it with the boys and others who come to visit. (I've attached a picture of Scott in the go cart before it whipped him into shape!) 

When we got it home he began to work on it and get it in good running order. Suffice it to say it got the best of him. After trying several ways to get the accelerator to work properly it went around in circles with him holding on and he ended up on the ground. Needless to say it is in a ATV shop getting the much needed work done to it. (Scott on go-cart....Scott laying on ground next to go-cart after 'incident')

Scott's mom and her husband, Dan and Sue, made a trip to see us a couple of weeks ago. They were a tremendous help getting some much needed landscaping work done and helping with some other honey-dos. We are thankful they took the time to come and see us and help us with these tasks. We so enjoyed their visit. 

We visited the Cowboy Church several weeks ago....it was really nice. The second church we visited was Calvary Chapel. We really like it and have been 2 weeks in a row, Sunday mornings and for Bible Study Sunday evenings. A precious couple introduced themselves to us the first Sunday evening and come to find out they live on the street before ours. He is a pediatrician in Paris. They asked us to their home for dinner last Saturday along with 2 other couples they wanted to introduce us to. It ended up being quite encouraging and such a blessing. We got along beautifully with the couples and so enjoyed the time we spent with them. We are going to visit a small group tomorrow night. Looks like we've found a church home! Yea! 

Last week Noah turned 19. I went to Fayetteville to visit Josh and Noah and was able to stay with Betsy and her family while I was there. I'm thankful that they open their home to us when we go to NW Arkansas.  Scott came up on Friday and we all went out to lunch to celebrate Noah's birthday. Scott was able to help Josh move into his house too. 

Still no pictures on the wall, but we are close to doing that. Found out from our next door neighbor that one of our trees in the back yard is a pecan tree. We have a pear tree behind the barn which is full of pears. 

Scott has ordered 15 chicks (3 roosters and 12 hens). They are due to arrive when he returns from a trip next week. He has been working on a place to put them as they get old enough for a regular coop. Not up my alley, but I'm sure I will enjoy the fresh eggs.....the actual chickens, NOT SO MUCH! I'll send photos my next update so that you can see his project.

Okay, get ready....Next post? CHICKENS! You won't want to miss reading and seeing the amazing adventure we have gone through....and continue to go through, with our CHICKENS! Love to you all! M

Next update from last summer including pics!

Below is the next letter in my series of updates last summer. I'm looking back on on this with y'all and am again totally amazed at what God is doing in our lives. Within 3 years I lost a job I loved, Joshua graduated and left for college, my parents both went to be with the Lord, Scott retired from the Air Force, Noah graduated and left for college, as well as lots of sickness and stress. Here we are today.....Joshua has a restored relationship with the Lord~ an AMAZING MIRACLE. He is growing in the Lord daily and totally sold out. We are so excited to watch this transition from a life of self pleasure to a life for his CREATOR! Noah, finishing his 2nd year of college, heading out on a 7 week missions trip over seas.....growing daily in the Lord and full of excitement. Scott working at job he loves and enjoying the property God has blessed us with. God provided a church and friends that embraced us and encouraged us immediately and we feel totally at home there. Scout is doing well and it's hard to believe he is 13 years old this summer. Freckles will be 15 this summer and still going strong. We have added a new 'outside' dog to the family....Snow. I'll include a picture at the bottom of this post. So much to be thankful for. I ask the Lord often to pull back the curtains of heaven and let Daddy and Mom peek at what is going on. 

Hi all - 

We just walked in the house from meeting our neighbor across the street. His name is Bill and it was such a joy to meet him and get a feel for the property around here. He has 17 acres and raises longhorn cattle, emus, miniature horses, donkeys, chickens....he has dogs and cats too. There are about 75 canadian geese that travel around these properties, and we've seen up to a dozen on our pond lately. Yesterday and today there was a great blue heron on our pond and he shared information about those with us too. Although we didn't get to meet his wife Bobbie, he shared lots of information about his property with us and introduced us to this new way of life. 

He introduced us to many of the animals and shared stories about their births, geneology, and ways of life. He frequently sees deer around as well as wild hogs (razorbacks). Our neighbor to the north of us apparently sees many of these hogs. Bill's longhorns chase the hogs away when they come in his pasture. 

We had a lovely visit and are thankful for the opportunity to get to know him. He is a retired police officer from Garland Texas. 

We are settled in for the most part by now, as far as the house goes. Still no pictures on the walls, but everything else mostly in place. Enjoying the large kitchen, the patio and the pond a lot. The fishing in the pond was excellent for the first two weeks or so, but it has become covered with moss over a large part. We are working on aerating it and using fish safe treatments to get rid of it. We'll have to wait until Josh and Noah come back to see if there is significant improvement. They each caught many fish when they were here. 

Noah was with us when we first moved in. He was a huge help getting our things from Little Rock to Texas, and moving them around the the right locations. After he had to go to Fayetteville to Summer School Josh came. He and Scott were able to clear the island in the middle of the pond which was so overgrown you couldn't walk out there very much. He was also helpful with the design for the loft in the barn with Scott. I'll attach pics if my computer will allow. 

Scott's sister Amy, and her children blessed us a couple of weeks ago in a big way. They live in Dallas, but made a trip up here for one night in order to bless us. In fact her words were to be a blessing not a burden. Well, that is an understatement. She brought all the food for the main two meals so that we weren't concerned with that part of the visit. They all chipped in and helped on the property....clearing out weeds and overgrown areas, cleaning around the pond, sweeping and in general just cleaning up. The previous owner had left several areas in really bad shape but after their visit it was much improved. 

Scott bought a small used four wheeler to get around the property and it has been enjoyed by all the visitors as well as himself, Josh and Noah. He also bought a riding lawn mower and has put that to good use already several times. 

Scott's step-sister's husband Stephen and his mother came for a day visit last weekend too. We enjoyed sharing the property with them and Stephen helped Scott clear some of the moss from the pond to improve the fishing conditions too. 

My sister Betsy and her daughter Bep came last weekend for a couple of nights too. We enjoyed their visit so much and look forward to more. Bep got her driver's license today! MeMe and PawPaw would be so proud, wouldn't they? 

Josh and Noah are both in Fayetteville now. It can get pretty lonely if I let it, but trying to keep busy. Scout has completely adjusted and has gone from being a sissy dog, or lap dog to a POND DOG! He seems to think I enjoy hosing him off after he gets in the pond and is full of mucky moss on his hair. So much for poodle grooming at $30 a pop, hugh? 

Freckles has taken a little longer to get adjusted. Just in the last few days has she branched out to the pasture some and tonight even followed us across the street. She seems to be loosing weight and I am going to start supplementing with some canned food to see if that helps. It didn't keep her from climbing the tree across the street when Bill's dogs came out though. She was pretty quick on her feet then. 

Would love to hear from you all.....Don't let out of sight be out of mind! 

Margie 

Thanks for reading....More to come! I want to fill you in on some of the precious people God has put in our lives this past year.  (Below~ We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies when we arrived in Paris TX last June! Paris France gave the town of Paris this gift many years ago. It's a favorite photo spot for those visiting the area. Scout after one of his excursions in the pond! YUCK!)

Reflections from about a year ago~

Below is an update letter I sent out last June after moving into our new home. It is really neat to look back and see what was going on in our lives and know how God was working through each of these details in our lives for His GLORY! Praise Him for all His blessings. I'll keep updating this blog with these reflections until we are up to date. WOW I'm amazed at what has transpired.

Hi Ladies (and gentlemen) - I apologize for waiting so long to let everyone know what it up with us. If you text, I have probably let you know a little already, but if I don't text with you, here is the scoop - 

We are now in Texas and in our home: 

It has been quite a roller coaster the past two weeks. The closing on our LR home was delayed by our buyer's buyer and threw the whole time line off by over a week. Our movers took 3 days to pack and move us, then it all went onto trucks for 2 weeks until we finally got in this house on the 16th. We closed on the 15th, but the sellers here didn't want to give it up for some odd reason. We had a lot of problems dealing with them on the exchange and our belongings had to be put into the barn for a few days while we waiting it out at the laQuinta Inn in Paris Texas with Scout and Freckles. Both proved to be great travelers, and Freckles got very used to the air conditioned environment with all the pillows and comfort. She seemed to settle in easily, but haven't seen her today, so pray that she is just catting around and will be back soon. 

The sellers left this house in horrible shape and we are having to work through that as well. Lots of stains on the carpet from their move out and other problems I won't mention. Scott was great and lined up a housekeeper to help get it into the best shape possible before we bringing all our stuff in. God provided 2 young men Scott hired to help move the 2 truck loads from the barn into the house where we are now unpacking and putting everything away. 

Scott's father's day presents? A small 4 wheeler to get around the property and a riding lawn mower ("Bad Boy" Zero turn radius)...since the home part of our acreage is over 2 acres. 

Scott leaves tomorrow for Washington D.C. until Thursday. Although I have plenty to do, we have no television service until he gets back, which means I will be going through Fox News withdrawals....please let me know if anything significant happens, as I'll be out of the loop except for the daily (except Saturdays) Paris News afternoon newspaper.....At least I'll know what happens at the local Dairy Queen, right? 

Looking forward to Noah coming to see us and lend a capable hand with getting some things done next week after Scott's return. Can't wait for him to see the property, as neither he nor Josh has been here yet. Josh will stay about 10 days with us the first part of July as he transitions from Little Rock back to Fayetteville and the University. 

Josh and Noah joined us in Fairfield Bay during the 1st week out of our house while we were at Kuzin's Kamp. It was a great and relaxing week. One of our family members was so gracious and allowed us to stay with them the 2 extra nights we needed, since we couldn't get the house down hear when expected. Then, our LR realtor, Roddy McCaskill and his wife put us up in the Embassy Suites in Little Rock for 2 more nights before we were able to leave for Texas. We are truly blessed! 

Please pray for several things: 

1-for me as Scott is away and I try to get the house in order 

2-for those we have dealt with on selling in LR and buying in Powderly.....we want to reflect Christ to them and have tried to do the right thing 

3-Josh and Noah as they travel to and from Powderly, LR and Fayetteville 

4-Scott as he makes the trip to DC this week, that he will find some rest and relaxation and have a productive trip. 

5-our new neighbors and forming relationships with them as well as finding a good church home 

Our love to you all.....We'll send and update as needed. Thanks for being a part of our lives!

Stay TUNED! Next update will be about our precious new neighbors and people! My favorite part of God's creation. Will of course include pictures.

My love to you all! 

Letter/Photos of 1st visit to Paris to look for property

A letter written on 5/21/11.

Scott and I went to Paris Texas last Friday for a 2 day trip looking for houses/land. We were supposed to leave today and be gone for 10 days going around Texas, but thought we would get one town out of the way last weekend. 

We contacted a realtor ahead of time....and gave her a list of MLS numbers of homes we wanted to see....that were in our price range and seemed to have the other things we wanted as well. When we arrived she had them all numbered out to go see on Friday and the rest on Saturday. But rather than start with one we mentioned, she wanted to show us another one she had found, a little higher than our range, but she knew they would negotiate. 

That was our first stop and nothing the rest of the weekend measured up. The property has about 9 1/2 acres, a well, a large pond with lots of fish in it (Crappie, Florida bass, blue grill bream and channel catfish), a barn, lots of yard and land and a lovely home, although a little larger than we were looking for. Only 3 bedrooms, but one will need to be Scott's office since he works at home. We will have a guest room, and a bed in the office for when guests come to see us, HINT, HINT! 

We thought about making an offer before we left but wanted to wait and see what direction the Lord would take us. Since our home here sold in 3 1/2 weeks and we have to close on it the 3rd...we had options of places to stay, very kindly, but we were really drawn to this property. We prayed fervently, asking God to show us what to do, and if we were to make an offer, what should it be and when to close. The property has been on the market for about 2 years, tied up in a divorce. 

Scott and I decided to make an offer, a low offer to see what would happen. We negotiated for several days until settling on a price and closing date today. We close here (LR) on the 3rd.....go to Kuzins Kamp in Fairfield Bay with Scott's Mom and family until the 9th. We will close long distance on the new property on the 6th and move in on the 9th. 

I'm exhausted just writing this and know that only God can work the details out and will with our faithfulness and obedience. North Texas is not Scott's first choice to live, but it will be 3 1/2 hours from Little Rock, 4 hours from the boys in Fayetteville and 2 do Dallas, where Scott's sister lives. Not our will, but His. 

Before we made the offer we spent a couple of evenings looking at property in other parts of Texas online....and nothing met the same criteria and interest as what we selected. We will have room for animals, a large garden and green house, it has 2 small outstorage buildings and completely fenced with seperate pens in places behind the barn. I'm going to include some pics below for you to see. 

Please pray for several things: 

First our safety as we drive to the property early in the morning to be there for an inspection and return tomorrow night. 

Second, for Noah and Josh....Josh seems to be handling our move okay, but Noah is really having a difficult time knowing that he won't be in Little Rock during the summer as he had planned, close to his friends and the area. 

Third, that the inspection would go well and that everything would go through as planned, with the exception being of course if God shuts the door. 

Fourth, for me as I struggle with leaving all of you and the place I call home. Knowing that I won't be so very far away is comforting. 

Fifth, that God would give Scott peace and comfort as he handles all the financial affairs, moving planning and everything else.....he is so good at trying to protect me from difficulties and I appreciate that. Leaving this house with all the great memories of my parents is going to be tough! I was honored to be with them and care for them for several years here and I cherish that so much. 

In case you wondered.....I'll be okay. There are 3 sonics in the area, a Walgreens, Super Wal-Mart, lots of hotels, a community college, lots of restaurants and even a Sears and Pennys, all less than 10 minutes from our property. No Dillards or Chic-fil-A, but maybe that will arrive next? 

Love you all, Margie 


Front of barn

Update coming....It's about time!

Well I've finally taken the time to look back at the last year or so and have realized that I have failed miserably at blogging.

Because it would be impossible to write the details of what has transpired I've decided to cut and paste some email updates I sent out over the past year. Look for them soon. I'm eager to share! Until then, here are a couple of photos of me with Joshua and Noah on Resurrection Day 2012.

Great Quote I'd love to share.

"I've learned that
people will forget
what you said,
people will forget
what you did, but
people will never
forget how you
made them feel."

~Maya Angelou

Photos of Scott's Dad, Dick Brinker

Here are some photos of Richard (Dick) Brinker, Scott's Dad two weeks before he went to be with the Lord.

New York City with Betsy & Annabeth, can you say FUN?!?

Annabeth posing.....we saw Mary Poppins later that day in New York City on our vacation.

Our favorite show was Wicked....what else can you say?

The three of us after the show....later we got photos of Bep with the main characters....will post later.

We took a tour of the city including Zephyr boat tour of the water.....

Kuzins Kamp Silver Dollar City, Branson Missouri

Left to Right: Kimberly, Jennifer, Rachael and Melissa with GiGi.....begging me to ride a roller coaster with them. It worked and I left with an upset stomach! Yuck.

Foot of Golden Gate Bridge

Family vacation to San Francisco in March.....here we are at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Empty Nest?

It happened.....Noah (Prince 2) graduated from High School Friday night. I think I'm supposed to have some type of emotions regarding this, yet I feel numb. I'm so proud of him, his accomplishments, his choice of friends and the Godly man he has allowed the Lord to create in him. He is wise, sensitive and caring....and yet wants to move to the next step very strongly. I want that for him too, it is what is right. Yet I wonder when I will get over telling him to pick up something, say 'thank you', and so many other things. He is still my child, yet an young adult. I pray for his future, just as I do Josh's (Prince 1), I pray that God will hold them in His mighty hand and protect them from the evil in the world. I pray that God will give me the wisdom to be the 'mom' and help me release them into His care and protection.

Mom's been gone just over a year and Daddy two. How I wish they could share this moment with us. On this Memorial Day weekend, I just ask God to tell them hello for me and let them know just how much their service means to me and so many others. I feel like I'm rambling now, so here are some recent photos. Take care. M

Location:Little Rock Arkansas

The Cat in the Garage

As I was praying recently God shared with me an example of his protection. Freckles, our cat happens to be an outside cat. I say that with the exception of the garage. You see Freckles 'lives' in our garage but goes in and outside when the garage door opens and closes. We keep her food, water and bed in the garage, so that is home to her. When she comes into the garage, she constantly looks behind her until the door is completely closed. We have decided that she doesn't fully let her guard down and feel safe until the door is closed. You see there are some other cats in the neighborhood and we frequently hear cat fights out side our window. There is one particular neighborhood cat we have appropriately named "Bad Cat" who frequents our yard and deck. We believe that Bad Cat is the one that comes into our yard and provokes Freckles, and often drives Freckles up a tree for safety.

As I was thinking about Freckles and her 'safe place' I realized that we are much like Freckles. If we live in the safety of God's will, our garage, we need not look behind us contstantly wondering what will happen to us. If we make the garage our daily place we are not haunted by the unknown. We know that God is our provision and safety. When the opportunity comes for us to go out of the garage.....our daily lives, we must always be aware of Satan and what he wants to do to us and lead us into. We must NOT let our guard down, expose our weakness as Satan, like Bad Cat will take each opportunity to jump on our insecurities or short comings. God is our provider, the water, food and lodging for our soul. Rest in your garage and be aware that there is a Bad Cat that wants to harm us. Praying that God fills your garage with all you need. You are loved!

December 2009

New Photos and news

This Saturday marks a huge milestone in Scott's career....his Air Force retirement. The ceremony is at 10:30, family will be here as well as friends. It will be an adjustment, but since he is already busy with his new job not quite as difficult. Christmas was somewhat flat without Mom and Dad, but we all made the best of it. We took a short trip to Dallas to see family and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great spending the holiday with both boys and extended family. Photos next.....

New Job

My new job as the Office Manager of Arkansas Destinations has proved to be challenging, but fulfilling. I am able to put my organizational skills to use and make the office more efficient. The rest of the staff is encouraging and fun to work with. We manage a 25 passenger and 12 passenger bus as well as 3 trolleys, Dolly, Polly and Wally, all as cute as can be. These are chartered through our business, as well as used for various tours and events that we plan. Arkansas Destinations manages events, meetings, tours, transportation and weddings.....and even more. I would encourage anyone in need of one of these services to give us a call.

Our Josh

Prince 1 came home for the Thanksgiving break and I finally got a decent photo of him. Those eyes just melt my heart!

The Princes

Prince 1 came home for the weekend....he and Prince 2 played Ping Pong and I (being the Queen) demanded a photo......so here they are and I adore them!

2 Big Moves

Within days of each other, Queen and King both have new jobs. Scott will experience the biggest change of his lifetime outside of becoming a Christ follower. He is officially retiring from the Air Force. He has been offered and accepted a job with the Federal Government as a Labor Relations Specialist with the National Guard Bureau in Washington DC. The wonderful thing about it is they are allowing him to telework (work from our home in Little Rock). We are busy cleaning out the office to make it an official work place for his new job. We are so excited about this job change and the opportunity he has. I also was offered a job with Jana Cohen and Arkansas Destinations. She is the owner/manager of this business she began 10 years ago. It is an even management company that plans weddings, large and small events. She owns the 2 trolleys in Little Rock and several buses. In the past she has been the even manager for the Little Rock Marathon and the Big Dam Bridge Race and so much more. I'm thrilled with the opportunity to work with somebody that I can help build their business.

Prince 2 and the Little Rock Christian Tennis Team made it to the State Tournament in Hot Springs. Noah won his conference match and proceeded to State the following week. He lost in the first round, but it was an exciting experience and really neat to have happen during his Senior year. Prince 1 is working hard on his architecture program at University of Arkansas. More later.......

Football MANIA weekend

Okay, so Scott and Noah get this bright idea to go to three football games in one weekend. Friday night we all went to the LRCA High School football game in Jacksonville. Then the two of them drove to Dallas, slept and Saturday drove College Station to see an Aggie Game that night, then drove back to Dallas, slept and went to the Inaugural Jerry's World Dallas Cowboy Stadium, Cowboys vs. the NY Giants in Dallas. Here are some pics....And yes, they were totally exhausted.

A pic after all - Enjoy Prince 2, our Senior