Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Wanted to Share Pics of New Home



Randy and I were surprised to see the footing poured today when we drove out to Maumelle. I've got a picture of our huge front yard, the front door, and Randy inspecting the whole scene. We need a lot of prayers now for our house to sell quickly when we put it on the market at the beginning of April. They're moving pretty fast on the new place. Looks ready to move in, doesn't it? Love to everyone.



Karen

Sunday, March 9, 2008

News Today

The builders broke ground on our townhome today. Jeremy and Meredith came by while we were there. Maybe they'll find a home they like in Maumelle. Jeremy seems to think I'll be cooking for him. He's planning a tv for the kitchen while I cook. Our home will probably be finished in 4.5-5 months. Our repairs on this house should be completed by the end of March. Hopefully, we'll sell it with perfect timing to move into the new place. I guess that's asking a lot.
Randy's taking Travis' jeep to Bale Chevrolet tomorrow for them to sell. I made a picture today after we went for a long drive. I know Trav will understand that we do not need three vehicles. We're keeping the two newest ones.
I went to the movies last night with Jess and Hartford while Randy was at a leadership meeting in Searcy. We saw Fool's Gold. It was really a cute movie. I enjoyed their company at dinner and the movie. It was great to spend time with them. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like. Randy spoke with Brad this evening. He ran the half marathon in 2 hours and 1 minute. We didn't see him that day while we were there. He had already finished and gone home. Sorry we didn't go to cheer him on as well as the rest of the gang. Love to everyone.
Karen

Friday, March 7, 2008

Trav's Wisdom


Travis wrote the following in his journal for a composition class at UALR on April 13, 2006. I've treasured his writings and been amazed at the extent of his wisdom. I wanted to share his words with our friends.

"You can achieve anything in life that your heart desires. There is nothing that you can't do, just obstacles to get around. You may have to try a little harder or even sacrifice things that are important to you. You may have to give them up for good but most likely temporarily. It depends ultimately on how bad you want to reach your goal whether you are willing. Willingness is a better term than can or can't because that is exactly what it is. It's not that you can't do it, it's that you are not willing to try."

Trav, I'm willing to face each day without you here. Knowing that our family will be together for eternity is my only consolation. Dad and I are so glad to have the messages you left behind for us. Your journal has not only given us a reminder of your feelings for each of us, but a look into your thoughts about life and your journey. We will always love you, son, and keep you alive in our hearts forever.

So True

Poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips".
It was read at her funeral years later.
For attractive lips,
speak words of kindness...
For lovely eyes,
seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored,
renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;
never throw out anyone.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Important Message to All




Slow Dance




Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply.

When the day is done do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift...
Thrown away...

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl in a New York Hospital. Please take her advice and enjoy every moment of each day. Love to you all,
Karen

Sunday, March 2, 2008

LR Marathon 2008

Laura, Jess, Billy, and Andy, (THEIR DADS) ran the relay and did a great job. Then we went to the finish line to watch Jeremy and Darin finish the 26.2 miles.
Jeremy's thighs were cramping after mile 17 and he was obviously hurting. We are so proud of all of you for preparing and completing such a fantastic goal! You are ALL AWESOME!
Hope you enjoy the pics. WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Full Weekend

Randy and I have enjoyed the company of some of our friends this weekend. We were able to visit with Larry and Marlyn Mohme on Friday evening. We went to the Macaroni Grill for the first time and it was delicious. Afterwards, they came back to the house for a while so we could spend a little more time visiting. It is always fun to be with them. Today we ran some errands and then went to the Valentine Restaurant downtown with Caralee and Neil. We've been trying to get together for their anniversary dinner since January. We've not been able to get our schedules together until tonight. It was so wonderful to spend time with them. We haven't been able to spend as much time together as we'd like. Tomorrow we plan to check out the end of the marathon to cheer on Jeremy, Darin, Jess, and Laura. She called today to tell us they should be finishing around 12:00 or 12:30. I can't imagine being fit enough to run all of those miles. They've all been working hard to prepare for the marathon and I'm sure they'll all accomplish their goals of finishing in a very good time. I know Trav will be watching and will be there with each of them. I believe that he's here with us and watching over all of us as we go through each day. We love you, son.