An Arkansas Gem

On January 3, I started my new job with U.S. Senator John Boozman.  I love my job, love working for Senator Boozman--love it all.  My title is Project Director, and my region consists of the Third and Fourth Congressional Districts of Arkansas (give or take a county or two for practical purposes).  We have all hit the ground running, and my 2004 SAAB is racking up the mileage.  Today I met with the County Judges in both Polk and Scott Counties.  I've lived in AR most of my life and was raised in Union County (South AR), but I don't remember ever traveling to Mena, AR.  I think I might have gone there--maybe for a swim meet--but I really don't remember.  As I drove from Little Rock this morning, I passed Hot Springs, Mt. Ida, Royal, Pencil Bluff and finally made it to Mena.  The drive was beautiful--truly beautiful!!  Much of the drive was through National Forest, and there were Ranger Stations and Camping/Hiking/Canoeing markers throughout my drive.  I did a little research when I got home, and they also offer cycling trails, great fishing, and ATV trails (much if not all through the National Forest).  I think in another life I was a mountain woman!!  I would love nothing more than to head back to Mena, AR this summer and take advantage of this beautiful Arkansas gem.

For more information (and easy access for John to plan our summer weekend adventure), the link is below.
 
 http://www.gomenaarkansas.com/

A sweet post from Tracy's big sister Kerry

http://americanmajority.org/majority-2/blame-dutch-and-tracy/

Happy Birthday, Dad!

After an epic snowstorm in Little Rock, we made a break for Shreveport to celebrate Dad's belated birthday.  It was mid-60s and amazing.  The weather, company, and delicious meal after delicious meal was just what the doctor ordered.  What a way to get out of the winter fog!  We ate our weight in Mexican food with dinner at Cantina Laredo on Friday night, Superior Mexican Grill on Saturday for lunch (worth the indigestion), and Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant on Saturday for dinner.  If that wasn't enough to clog the arteries, we had King Cake for breakfast on Sunday morning.  We definitely got our fill of good cuisine.  Thanks Dad and Suzanne for a great visit! 

On Sunday, the weather was so amazing that John requested we drive through the old neighborhoods of Shreveport to look at houses.  Houses are our hobby, and since we have seen EVERY house in Little Rock and Northern Virginia, John wanted to conquer new territory.  Dad was our driver and off we went.  We took pictures of some of our favorites.  Hopefully, one day we will sell our house and build--it may be years from now, but we are planning!  Must have features include but are not limited to:  columns, BIG front porch, screened in side porch, ceiling fans on the porch, mature trees, and shudders that are size appropriate for the windows!  Below are some of our favorite finds of the day (There are actually some good ones for porch examples, but the photos did not turn out as great.).

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

On this day in 1858, Our Lady appeared to 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France.  Today, Lourdes is a popular pilgrimage for Catholics who are seeking the Blessed Mother's intercession--especially for the sick.  This is a special place for us because we planned to take Mom there when she was ill.  We were part of the pilgrimage organized by the Knights and Ladies of Malta who are a lay religious group dedicated to praying for and helping the sick go to Lourdes.  Mom decided not to go at the last minute, but Kerry/Clay and John/I went ahead.  It was an awesome trip--one of prayer, faith and hope--and LOTS of Lourdes water :).  Below are a few pictures of us at Lourdes.  One story that I think about often is that when we were lighting a candle for Mom, a stranger came up to my sister and said, "You know, that candle will be lit forever."  When Kerry looked at him confused, he told her that the wax drippings from all of the candles are what they use to make fresh candles, so our candle and prayer will be lit forever.  I think he could tell we weren't there for general prayer but for a very personal intention.  These photos are from our trip in 2007.

The Grotto

John and I outside the original church

Mom's candle--the straight one in the middle

Kerry and I in front of the grotto on the last day.

Stations of the Cross

To my Favorite Valentine! Love John!

Late to the Party!

As with Facebook, I am behind the trend in regards to a family blog! Once I jumped on the facebook bandwagon, I soon realized that I loved being connected to all of my friends and family--those close by or miles and miles away. I think I am going to enjoy blogging about our life-kind of like a modern journal. My hope is to chronicle the exciting and everyday happenngs of our life. Thank you for being a part of our adventure!