I got a MAC!

I sure did! I'm tired of viruses and was very intrigued by the apple not contracting viruses...in fact, they don't even have spyware on the computers. I was at the Apple store for 4 hours!!! I know I will love my little Mac Book. Now to get my computer data back on the computer and learn a new computer...wow...not what I really was wanting to do. But, I'm already in like with this computer. YAY! Thanks honey!

Off to Arkansas

Today, Joy, the kids, and I set out for Arkansas! My computer crashed last week so headed home to get my software and get my computer fixed. Oh for the love of computers. I actually have a love-hate relationship. In the last 8 years Nathan and I have been married, I have had 6 computer crashes - 1 of which was related to hardware. The rest...viruses. Thankfully, I have learned to back up some on my external drive. Now, if I could learn how to back up more frequently. The drive took us about 12 1/2 hours. The GPS told us 9 1/2 but with kids and stops it added a few hours. Not bad, I say! Thanks, momma, for coming with me. What fun we had...good visits and good laughs!

Quite a Laugh

What a fun time with my momma-in-law! We had just finished a scalp treatment which includes a scalp massage with certain essential oils. Then you cover your head with hot towels. Quite scrumptious. The two of us started laughing just looking at one another and decided on pictures! I still laugh and remember the fun we had that late night after kids and hubby were in bed! Doesn't laughing add life to your years or years to your life?

Sweet Loves

Mariah loves her baby and carries it every where she goes. She gives it lots of kisses but at times the baby gets some 'pow-pows'. She disciplines her baby then tells baby how much she loves her! So sweet to watch her little mother instincts!

Saying Good-Bye

Just plain sweet!

A storm is rolling in and Poppa and Tia have to get home. Nana is staying! Yay. She'll ride home with me later this week.

Time Together

Touring Raton - A Very Old Town

Raton was founded as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. In the late 1800's the town developed as a railroad, mining, and ranching center for NE New Mexico. It is a very poor town now due to no mining here. The population is about 6500 and almost at 7000 ft above sea level. Talk about a challenge for cooking. Nathan's grandparents ranched in this part of the country. In fact the Solano's boot shop pictured above is where Nathan got some of his cowboy boots as a young kid. Nathan went to kindergarten in Springer, 30 mins south, before his family moved to Arkansas. He remembers Raton as a child...pretty amazing how life can bring you full circle.

A Sobering Plaque

A Raton Photo Shoot

Black bears are very common here starting in the spring. Around town are these fiberglass bears that local artist paint and local shops buy to support the town. Pretty neat!

Trinidad for the Afternoon

A memorial to the coal miners

"Early coal mines did not feature ventilation systems, so miners would routinely bring a caged canary into new coal seams. Canaries are especially sensitive to methane and carbon monoxide, which made them ideal for detecting any dangerous gas build-ups. As long as the canary in a coal mine kept singing, the miners knew their air supply was safe. A dead canary in a coal mine signalled an immediate evacuation."

Lots of cool antiques!

Photo Shoot in Trinidad

Erin having fun!

Daddy and Mariah

Nana and Poppa come to visit!

James and Joy came to see us in Raton on Saturday (3/20). James and Erin left Tuesday (3/23) and Joy stayed and drove home with me to AR on Friday (3/26). We had an awesome time together and I feel so blessed to have in-laws like them...they truly are a mom and dad to me!

Quote for the Day

"I can go on my knees where I cannot go on my feet."

Quote for the Day

"God can work with our nature but not against our will."

The Before Pictures - Raton, NM

The Kids Bedroom The laundry, play area, office

Mud Room More Kitchen Pics

Looking from mud room into kitchen, dining, and living room

Our Bedroom

Sitting area next to kitchen table

Living Area

A surprise visit!

Darren and Alvaro (from Mexico) have been staying with us a few days. They had lunch plans and then brought back Helen and Richard from Texas for a surprise visit! Good to see some Texas blood. They are headed up to go skiing this week!

Quote for the Day

It's not 'him' or 'her' that needs to change...it's ME! We often try to find fault with others instead of looking at ourselves...I want more of the attitude of, "I'm the one who needs to change and I am willing to change whatever God reveals to me." Now to have some honesty of heart and true willingness.

Two Peas in a Pod

Antanella came to stay part of a day with us. Her grandpa comes to our meeting and we've been getting to know Antanella and her mom, Rheeannon! Glad for some young ones in the area for Mariah and Kaleb.

Another Puzzle Done

Kaleb has gotten so good at these 100 piece puzzles. Still working on the 300 piece and really need to find something in between!

Quote for the Day

"People only see what they are prepared to and want to see." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote for the Day

Good thought from yesterday..."God will give the final judgement and God will give the final reward. Why burden our spirit and our hearts with judging others? We need to stand individually in His judgement everyday so His final judgement won't come as a surprise...this takes honesty of heart."

First Sunday in Des Moines

Lots of pillars in this picture. This is our meeting every first Sunday in Des Moines, NM. Special people! Bettye Barnett; Bud and Rose Brown; Bill and Shirley McFetridge; Jim and Marge Atwater; Anna Brown.

Shooting Range

We have a NRA (Nat'l Rifle Assoc.) Center near Raton. It's a huge ranch with many acres of shooting ranges. We spent an afternoon out here driving around seeing the sights and the wildlife. The kids had a great time 'sighting' in dad's gun!