Flourish in Carrollton

I did something this week that definitely took me past my comfort zone.  I found a friend, Janie and we drove to Carrollton Texas for a Women's Conference.   Once the registration was done, I thought more times than I care to admit about backing out.  It was stretching those stinkin 'hermit' tendencie.

We drove down on Wednesday afternoon and checked in at the Marriott at the Gallaria.  Had a bit of a challenge in the traffic, construction and the GPS which obviously is out of date.  We found the hotel just in time to check in, use the bathroom and arrive maybe 30 minutes late to a very large packed crowd, extremely loud praise music, light sticks waving and balls bouncing throughout the auditorium and the big lighted words across the front saying "MOVE".    We had to sit at the very back. 

Thursday was the first full day.  The theme MOVED to" LOVE"  and we had much better seats.  The morning sesson was Pastor Kathy and she tought about growing your garden,  IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SOIL.  

Then Dr Carolyn Leaf spoke twice on Thursday.  A scientist from South Africe, she has a keen insite to the brain and God and how science is catching up with the Bible.

There was an abundance of thanksgiving, praise and worship.

I introduced Janie to Sam Moon as she was looking for a new purse.  She found her purse and we played pretend with the hats.  Silly us.   It was Janies birthday tomorrow.

So on Saturday we drove home and had lunch at Petes Place in Krebs or McAlester.  The service was all family style, and way too pricie for the quality of the food, the ambiance of the old home and old decor was a lot of fun and we were placed in a tiny private room all to ourselves.  Happy Birthday Janie.  Thanks for going with me.

Each day we received little gifts.  This candle was very special.

Branson For the Fourth Time

Can not remember ever going to Branson four  times in one year.  But that is what happened in 2012. 

We did not go at all last year so must  have been making up time.  It was my bright idea to take the Oklahoma Grandkids to Silver Dollar City this summer without their parents.   It started in March with a boy trip.  And the girl trip was not until August.  In between that, I purchased a groupon at a bed and breakfast for our wedding anniversary so that was trip three.

Then, there is the issue with our time shares.  We had a week which was use it or loose it this month.  So Ken booked it for Branson.   We tried to sell it without any success.  Could have really used the money for Christmas but instead, we decided to go for a few days alone.

The kids are in school still, the parents are all working and we don't have any guest passes to Silver Dollar City for November.   So off to Branson we went on Saturday, November 24th.  We were at the Marriette Willow Ridge.  It is a lovely place.  The perfect plact to take your family or grandkids to.  It was also a very restful and quiet time for just the two of us.   The resort is  on Green Mountain Road which runs along the back of the 76 strip.  So we could see across to the Raddisson where we stayed in August.



The Raddisson where we stayed in August.



View from our balcony

    

Fun Projects in Asheville

We are in Asheville.  Dan and Sommer are in Hawaii.  But we are having a blast with Ava and Carson.

Maui

Ava at Home in Asheville

Today is Sunday and we're getting ready for Church at C3.

 Sommer has their home decorated all pretty.

Decorataed for Christmas

Today, we are having an "early birthday party" because we will not see Ava or Carson on their Birthdays.

Carson, whose birthday is not until February, got a 'claw arcade machine'

Ava got the Apples to Apples game and a couple videos.

 

The Rain Forrest  in Maui