Arkansas Day 1—Saturday

So, we made it.  We drove through the area, checked into our sad hotel with really crappy wireless internet, and set to looking.  Let me tell you all—there's not much to look for, and I think we're going to have to get creative.  There are actually a good many homes in Helena/West Helena area, but Marianna is about 20 minutes north of there, and we'd like to live closer to school and community and everything.  If it doesn't work, then we'll look down here, but we're holding out.  Marianna is a multiple personality kind of town, with some really run down areas, and some beautiful mid-century and older homes that are well maintained and quite amazing.  There is a single fast food place: Sonic, and a grocery store that seems to be not too shabby.  We will, of course, check it out in more detail in the coming days.  I called the Branch President, chatted a bit—what a friendly man—and we went and found the church.  I'll save that description for Sunday, but suffice it to say, you want to tune in tomorrow for the Sunday blog.

Beautiful things

Michael told me this morning that he wants to be a construction worker.  Then he gave me proof.  Apparently he's even mastered decorative embellishments with Lincoln Logs.  Who knew that was possible?

Sorry for the blurry shots—everyone wanted to be a helper today.

Science Rocks!

I think I've decided that science is my favorite subject!  I bet you never thought you would hear me say that.  If it makes you feel better science is only fun when you understand the math behind it, but we get to do fun experiments.  

We recently invested in Magic School Bus books . . . I don't think any school could get those approved as their curriculum, but they are great!  We have learned so much and they are fun!  So, after reading about how a hot air balloon works they showed us way to imitate with a balloon.  Me being the uneducated person I am had never seen this before and was very excited to give it a try.  It was great fun!  Here are some pics to show our successes.    Science rocks! 

There comes a time

Eventually your children will start learning to bargain, barter, and exchange services for goods.  Such was the case this morning when Michael offered Joshua some his prized books if Joshua would allow him to cut his hair.  Joshua, of course, returned the favor.  And there you have it.  Yes, Dad, what goes around certainly does come around ten-fold.  Luckily, they both love their amazing new summer cuts; too bad it's still only 37 degrees.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

With all of the lovely rain we have been getting the boys have been dying to play outside.  So, after some careful consideration and promises not to get mud all over the carpet I gave in.  I thought they might get a little wet but had no idea what I was in for.  They had great fun and really in the end didn't get mud on the carpet.  What good boys!  Enjoy some fun pics!

Ohoi Sinda Rauda Raiska

Last night was my final concert with University Singers at the University of Missouri and I had a dynamite solo, very nontraditional.  Watch the clip and you'll understand.  I'm the one on the right telling the scary story.  Watch it all—it's long, but amazing.

Thursday Video

Have you ever tried to do a culminating, life depends on it kind of studying during weather like this?

Yeah, its a little distracting, but should be over soon enough so I can get back to my real work.  Notice the river of hail—I bet you've never seen one of those before!  I affectionately refer to it as Styx.

OK, bonus points if you get my bad, bad pun.