Honesty

     

     The following true story was related to me by my great-uncle, Roy Rains. I have been trying to put his memoirs into a book, but for now, they will be blog posts! I have started a blog just for his stories, and it needs some followers! www.sharecropperslife.blogspot.com 

"In 1939, when I was 9 years old, we moved to the "Pugh Place," less than a mile north from where I live today. We called it the Pugh Place because a man named Mr. Pugh owned it. He lived in Muskogee and worked at the Federal Court House. 

     My dad didn't own any land of his own at the time, but he loved to farm, and the Pugh Place had 130 acres. This was 50 acres more than what we farmed before, back at the Rains' place where I was born. I guess Dad figured that his kids were getting bigger, and could handle 50 more acres. 

     Mr. Pugh came down twice per year - when the strawberries were ripe, because we had a beautiful strawberry patch, and when we started picking cotton, because ¼ of the cotton would be his, and 1/3 of the grain would be his. As a sharecropper, my dad would sell the cotton, and give the landlord ¼ of what the cotton brought. When we gathered the grain, we would take 10 rows and leave 5 for the landlord, all the way across the field. This was how we paid the rent for the house and land.

     My dad would always call his landlord, and tell him to come and look at the field to make sure Dad had left him his third. I remember once when the landlord came down, I walked out to the field with him and Dad to count the rows. After Mr. Pugh finished counting, he said, “That’s exactly the way it's supposed to be.” 

     And if you knew my dad, you would know that’s the only way it was going to be. I don’t remember the landlord ever coming back to count the corn again. He knew my dad was an honest man and would give him what he had coming."

Life Lesson: Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Honesty - Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.

The Allison Times, January 2012

Editors: Herb and Kim Allison,

Subject Matter: Caleb 23, Bethany 21, Timothy 19, Joseph 16, Hannah Grace 15, Jubilee 6 (ages as of Jan. 2012)

Knee-Jerk Reaction

We scheduled Joseph’s knee surgery for late January 2011, not realizing, of course, that the following week would bring that record-breaking snowfall. Poor Joseph, propped up on the couch, doped up on pain pills, unable to go sledding with his friends. But wait! Was that Joseph being pulled behind the truck on homemade skis? Down the middle of the road? Too many pain pills make Joseph a crazy boy. While Mom hummed about in the kitchen making hot chocolate, Joseph made his escape to join in the fun. And he wonders why his knee still hurts one year later.

Snow Business

That same hill which provided all the sledding fun, also created an impossible uphill drive out from the Allison house. Bethany, however, thought she could make it. A few hours later, our neighbor stopped to inform us that Bethany's empty car was parked horizontally about half way up the hill (she had abandoned the car, walked to Nan’s house, and gone to bed). He shared that he and a friend had tried to pull it out and could not, due to the bumper structure. Someone, he asserted, would have to tie it to a tractor and yank it free, or else it would cause all kinds of mayhem to anyone else who tried to go up or down - blocking the way, as it was. Many a neighbor walked around it, sadly shaking their heads at the tires and bumpers, wondering how to move it. After a few days, the snow melted enough to allow the car to slide into a direction more parallel to the road. From there, the pit crew was able to back it down the hill and get a running start back up, and out to freedom. We haven’t seen Bethany since.

World Traveler

Timothy made another month-long trip to the other side of the planet in May, 2011. He taught children’s seminars in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia (with a little sight-seeing thrown in). He missed us terribly. This time we made sure that he “toxed out” before he came home. He stopped off in Wyoming for a week to do some rock climbing with friend Josh, who had just graduated from school.

Oh, Deer!

Hannah shot her first deer this year (with a muzzle-loader)! Why is it the newbies always shoot at dusk and need a search party of 4 to find the deer? Weight and rack mattered not to Hannah. What mattered was the picture with the deer on Facebook. Technically, her first deer was shot the week before (she claimed), but no trace could be found of the big one that got away. This “phantom-deer” had to be sought during an electrical storm, with the search party finally running for cover – fearing life and limb.

Tourist Attraction

Upon graduation from his paralegal course, History Buff Caleb was treated to a Reformation Tour: Germany, Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands. He was able to see all the places he had always dreamed of seeing – Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle – not to mention eat all the food he had always dreamed of eating! As with most of our family travelers, he plans to return as soon as time and money afford. In the words of an old sage: “How ya gonna keep ‘em down on the farm, after they’ve seen Paree?”

25 Years and Holding

State Farm is so proud that Herb has been with the company for 25 years (Feb ‘12). Herb says he can’t retire till the kids leave home. The kids say they won’t leave home till he retires. $$

Better Late than Never

Bethany was only slightly late to receive her certificate at the Presidential Honor Roll recognition ceremony. She was on time, however, for her graduation from Connors State College last May and was the only one to stand when they announced “4.0 GPA” (wild applause!). Bethany says there were other 4 points besides herself - but maybe they were just late.

Way Cool Mission Trip

Herb, Timothy, Joseph, and Hannah went with the church to help clean up the tornado aftermath in Joplin. They were sobered to see the devastation and honored to clear out 5 home-sites while they were there. If the homeowners did not clear their lot in 30 days, they would be fined $3000 for the city to bulldoze the debris. After 4 days of hard work, they visited Silver Dollar City for a day of fun.

Traffic Report

Bethany and Timothy both survived some pretty nasty collisions last year. Bethany totaled her car when she pulled out in front of someone behind the library where she works. They must have been flying, because her car was towed to the scrap heap. Thankfully, Bethany walked away without a scratch – well, no big ones anyway.

Timothy ruined his motorcycle when a deer pulled out in front of him on his way home from Gore. The deer must have been flying, because it sent Timothy and his motorcycle into a heap in the ditch. The bike is still out of commission (thankfully), and Timothy walked away without a scratch – well, no big ones anyway.

No More Football

Joseph bid adieu to his football team when he hurt his “good” knee during a game last fall. He decided that if his only hope to play football involved another surgery, he was out. His latest hobby is washing his newly acquired Triumph Daytona 955i motorcycle (“fast”). Any dirt on the bike would slow it down considerably.

Half a Century!

The whole family (plus a few more) pitched in to give Nan & Pa (Price) a 50th Anniversary Party last October. The big hit was the picture DVD made by cousin Suzy – not a dry eye in the house! If anyone was unable to attend and would like to see the DVD, let us know and we can get you a copy. Have Kleenex handy!

Hunting Report

Herb spent 2 weeks of vacation at James Collins wildlife reserve near Quinton, OK, where Timothy was also drawn for a special hunt. Herb’s abode was a box trailer and his food came from cans, with no facilities for miles. His suffering paid off (doesn’t it always?) when he bagged a 9 point and a doe – his first with a bow. He hauled them home, along with Timothy’s doe that he killed as he ran through camp on his way back from a volleyball tournament in OK City. Timothy also shot a 7 point before he was ready to come home. Joseph added to the bounty with a doe and a spike (be it known that Joseph thought the spike was a doe).

No Hunter Left Behind

On one very fateful day of hunting season, Joseph begged to cancel his after school physical therapy appointment so he could hunt. Herb gave Joseph no choice – “It’s your duty, son. You made the appointment. To therapy you must go.” Joseph was dismissed with a snappy salute and sent down the driveway. But as soon as Joseph cleared the mailbox, Herb scrambled up in Joseph’s deer stand and shot an 8 point. This still makes Joseph mad. He claims he would have shot it if only he had been here! When Timothy came home, he said he would have shot it if he had been here! Hannah Grace contended she would have shot it, if she hadn’t had to babysit! The truth is, when all 4 of them clamored up in the stand together, it would have crashed to the ground, sending all the local deer running to the Arkansas River.

Join the Club…

Hannah boarded a van full of girls for a 2 week trip to Michigan in November. Her “Journey to the Heart” summit was dusted with 7 inches of snow (snowball fight!), and the lake was frigid, but she just had to jump in. A last minute volleyball game sent her to the floor with …guess what…a dislocated knee! She is now wearing Joseph’s old knee brace (we have them in every size). Kids will do anything to get their name in the paper.

Treasures in Heaven

Herb and Timothy (with his flexible job at Rapid Repair) took off for a week and headed to North Dakota to do some flood relief “mudding out” with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team. It was a smelly job, but somebody had to do it. Just another reminder that all of one’s earthly possessions can be wiped away in a moment of time. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

To Cap it off…

Timothy decided life wasn’t dangerous enough, so he took a flying leap from an airplane – just for fun. Skydiving has been checked off his list, and kite-surfing is next.

Hannah returned to CYIA last summer to teach children’s Bible clubs in the Tulsa area. Jubilee is always sad to see her siblings leave for any length of time, especially Hannah Grace. Jubilee says she likes to have everyone in the nest (just like mama).

Timothy had his wisdom teeth removed last year – we hope this doesn’t bring him up short on any wisdom later in life.

2011 brought 2 new cousins to the Allison children! Kim’s sister, Kristen, had her 5th child, a boy, in January, and Herb’s sister, Lea, had her 1st child, a girl, in November. Names: Charles Matthew and Hedy Lamarr, respectively.

Kim, Timothy, Hannah, and Jubilee traveled to Big Sandy, TX for our annual homeschool conference. Jubilee invited herself to many a campfire and made lots of new friends.

Kim attended her 30-year class reunion in 2011. She couldn’t imagine how everyone had changed except her!

How could we forget to mention the ducks, geese, and turkeys killed by the great Allison hunters? Numbers elude us, but once again, the freezer is full. Out of necessity, Joseph has become a mighty fine duck chef. You’re all invited!

Timothy and Hannah continued to teach a few Kids for Christ lessons at Creek Elementary School. It is amazing that they are able to work together without killing one another, while they teach about love.
Herb brought home a dozen new baby chicks, and as many baby wild turkeys, which Jubilee was thrilled to play with, until they began to jump from her hands! Yike! Of course, the chickens are for eggs, and the turkeys… you’ll have to ask Herb.

Hannah attended an Ultimate Quest conference in OK City last summer (very awesome!), while Mom and Jubilee took in the OK City zoo. The “zoo pair” nearly melted in the 100+ heat, when they got stranded at the back part of the zoo with the gazelles. African plains. Miles of wasteland. Not a shade tree in sight. But thanks to the tram, they were able to make it out alive. Jubilee will not want to go again for a long time.

Once again, the family made Mom proud when they all showed up for caroling at the Stigler Wal-Mart. Stigler? It seems the phone book didn’t specify a town with the Wal-Mart listing, and Mom thought she was making arrangements with the Checotah Wal-Mart. Good thing they called to confirm. Oh well, it wasn’t that much farther.
*Herb says Kim should be thankful that he doesn’t write a newsletter! Oh, the tales he would tell!
Timothy finally got his antelope mount which now adorns our living room. It has been decorated with necklaces, sunglasses, and finally Christmas decorations.

Herb's 9 point.                                              
                                                                                                                                         Nan & Pa's 50th

Timothy, Joseph, and Caleb on duty.                                                         

                                                                                                                                     
                                                               

Tribute to a Veteran

                 (Uncle Roy)

Did God know, in that war long ago,

That we would need you so much?

Did his mighty hand lead you to land,

And protect you from the enemy’s touch?

Were you sheltered for a purpose

While other ships were torn?

Did His plans include a heritage

To children yet unborn?

Were little boys with B-B guns

And girls with pony tails

Included in your destiny

When all the ships set sail?

Yes, an unseen hand was guiding.

He knew what lay in store.

He knew that we would need you,

            So, He carried you to shore.

   
                              - Kim Allison

*I wrote this poem a few years ago when I suddenly realized it was Veteran's Day and I didn't have a card for Uncle Roy! The inspiration came from an old drawing of a ship at sea with a giant hand under the water protecting it. And of course, the real-life inspiration came from Uncle Roy's influence on my kids. Like the time when Uncle Roy killed a snake, left it in the road, came and picked up the kids with BB guns, and went back "snake hunting." Lo and behold, there was a snake to be killed! Or the many times he gathered them up to clean out the barn, paint a fence, or bottle feed a baby calf. And who could forget the daily rounds of the "government land" to count the cows? Every time they pulled out of the driveway, he would have them call back to me, "Don't cry, mama!" :) The work ethic and character qualities he instilled in them have, thank God, lingered on. God knew I would need some help raising my crew, so He planted us right down the road from one of the "Greatest Generation." What a blessing!

AllisonTimes 2011!

New Beginnings

Caleb graduated from Connors State College last May and enrolled in a Paralegal Course in September through Oak Brook College of Law. He is really enjoying the subjects, and the late-night study sessions (as he continues to work for Uncle Curt during the day) are right up his alley. Kim listens to his law lectures while cleaning up the kitchen every evening, as well as critiques his essays, so they should graduate at about the same time.

Timothy started an Accelerated Distance degree program last October which allows him to test out of college subjects (with CLEP and DANTES tests) as quickly as he can digest the information. He will then turn in all his test scores to Thomas Edison State College for a BS in Business/Computers. True to form, Timothy has a personal goal of completing his 4 year degree in 1 year. At the time of this writing, he has tested out of 66 hours in 3 months. Will he make it? Stay tuned.

Joseph enrolled as a freshman in Warner High School last fall to play football. It was quite a reality check for homework-hating Joseph. And after an X-ray of his ribs and knee, and an MRI and knee braces, he wasn’t in any shape to play football. However, he is determined to stay in the game and plans to finish out the school year, at least.

Hannah Grace enrolled as a 1st year student in Child Evangelism Fellowship last summer. She stayed most of the summer with the Kohen family, teaching 5-Day Clubs for children in the Tulsa area. She is still doing her school studies on the fast track at home.

Bethany still works at the Muskogee Public Library part time, while attending CSC full time. She is planning on transferring to NSU upon graduation from CSC.

Jubilee began K-4 school at home, and wakes up with a new beginning every day!

Among My Souveniers

Timothy took a little 4 week jaunt to Taiwan and Hong Kong last January to teach children’s Bible seminars (plus do a little sight-seeing!). The TSA and the Taiwanese food were the most difficult parts to adjust to. The Taiwanese will fry anything, including chicken feet, and people eat it! However, the night market made up for all the discomforts. Timothy brought home lots of souvenirs, such as chop sticks and … chicken pox. Timothy’s case of pox was relatively mild, compared to all the other big kids, who succumbed 2 weeks later. Joseph’s case was the worst, lasting an entire month. Like Job, he took a pot shard and “scraped himself withal.” He came dangerously close to the “bright light.” The only solace for the sick ones was in the shower. We went through 2 tanks full of propane that month – ours and Uncle Curt’s. Many sins were confessed and long-standing family mysteries were cleared up in their quest for healing. I guess there’s a bright side to everything.

No Reservations

Herb, Timothy, Joseph and Hannah boarded the bus for the annual church mission trip again. Destination 2010: the Indian Reservation of South Dakota. “Culture shock” is not quite adequate to describe their reaction. In Herb’s words, “I could stay here the rest of my life and not make a dent.” But, like that one starfish thrown back into the ocean, there were a few families at the reservation who were very grateful for the work that was done. The church crew remodeled some trailer houses and helped with a VBS for the reservation kids. They were very glad to get back to the comforts of home. Be it ever so humble….

Home School Adventures

Most of the Allisons attended the annual home school camp out/conference at Big Sandy, Texas in May. This year, Hannah Grace attended the student sessions, while Joseph marched with the ALERT Cadets. Timothy chose to teach in the Children’s Institute, where Jubilee was supposed to be stationed. She decided right away that the C.I. was not for her. But Mom decided it was. It took some heavy persuasion, but Jubilee finally surrendered to her fate – and decided it wasn’t so bad after all.

Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone'...

     Bethany and Timothy drove each other to Houston last August for Bethany to compete in the American Idol tryouts. She failed to warn Timothy about standing in line all night to get a ticket number. Oh well, at least Timothy would be able to watch the auditions. But wait! He was underage, and was not allowed in the building! Oh well, he got a nice long nap in the hotel room, and at least Bethany would come out with a win. But wait! The judges obviously were not looking for raw talent that day, and Bethany was politely excused. Oh well, they could redeem the trip by a visit to the Alamo. But wait! It was closed! Oh well, it made a good back-drop for pictures. Maybe they could visit some old friends in San Antonio, the Sangalis. But wait! They weren't at home! However, the Sangalis did eventually arrive home, and treated Bethany and Timothy to an evening of .... Bowling!

Spring Fling!

Last March, Kim dragged Hannah Grace to Oklahoma City for the 3 day Mother/Daughter Commit conference (what fun they had!). They then met Herb, Timothy, and Pa at the Cowboy Hall of Fame for the Safari Club dinner and auction. We were invited for the purpose of receiving Timothy’s plaque for his winning essay. The other attendees were actually bidding on rhino hunts in Africa, and polar bear hunts at the pole. We were clearly out of our league. The Allison family sat low in their chairs and refused to lift their forks for fear of winning a zebra hunt in the Congo.

No Stomach for It

Joseph was drawn for a special turkey hunt in Cookson which yielded no turkeys, and Herb was drawn for a special deer hunt in Pushmataha, which yielded no deer. Joseph was also treated to a special deer hunt in Pushmataha, but this time Joseph packed his own food (remember the sugar cookies in the tin can?). However, it didn’t help him much when he got sick in his tree stand. Joseph came down and the food came up. The trip was cut short with no deer in the truck, and they all came dragging home.

Rifle Rivalry

Herb took a truck load of young’uns, including Hannah Grace, to their hunter safety course in 2010. Hannah plans to outshoot the guys and win the family deer slayer contest. From last year’s hunting report, it shouldn’t be that hard. The deer count in 2010 was a disappointing: 1 spike for Joseph and 2 does for Herb.
Folks, there’s a fine line between hunting, and sitting in a deer stand looking ridiculous.

“Break an Egg”

When a position opened to lead the “Kids for Christ” devotionals at Creek Elementary School, Kim volunteered Hannah Grace and Timothy. They have learned that one must talk fast and loud to keep 200 kids’ attention in a very packed room. They also learned not to do the “egg skit.” This skit involves having a volunteer (Timothy) try to hold 10 eggs without breaking them to illustrate the impossibility of keeping the 10 Commandments. The eggs get broken, and the only remedy is to be covered with the blood of Christ (a red robe).

Things went awry when eggs started smashing and kids started screaming (and screaming). Then the little hooligans had the nerve to volunteer to die for Timothy. “No,” Kim calmly explained, “In order to die for someone else’s sins, you have to be sinless, yourself.” They maintained that they were. It was surprising how many of them had never disobeyed, never stolen anything and never told a lie! It was hard to convince them they needed a Savior. However, after the skit, one little girl came up to say she knew she had broken those commandments, and how could she get to Heaven? Timothy was glad to explain to her about the free gift of salvation, and share with her how to receive Christ. Luke 5:32: “I (Christ) came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Photo Man

Timothy attended another Institute in Photographic Studies last summer in picturesque Colorado, thus increasing his marketability as a photographer. He is now in great demand for weddings and senior pictures (not great pay, but great demand).

A Starlet is Born

Jubilee received rave reviews for her role of “Mary” in the church Christmas play. Her acting debut contained no speaking parts, but we were nonetheless impressed with her ability to stand perfectly still and silent through 3 songs. Stage fright probably played a part in that!

Keep Shooting

In August, Timothy and Herb embarked on the long awaited antelope hunt! Based on the accounts of the previous years’ hunters, Timothy would need but to sit for 5 minutes, the guide would whistle for the antelope, and then, lights out! But, due to a deadly winter, the antelope were scarce and didn’t come when called. 5 minutes turned into 5 hours, and so on, until at the end of 2 hard days of hunting and lots of bullets, Timothy finally connected with a buck at 350 yards. After 3 hits and a wild chase through the desert, he brought it down. They all learned a new hunting lesson: “if it’s still kicking - keep shooting!”

Jubilee’s Turn

With all the big kids going here and there, Jubilee gets stuck at home with mom a lot. To even the score, Herb took Kim and Jubilee to the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Shawnee. The big kids (who went everywhere in a pack of 5 when they were small) were concerned Jubilee wouldn’t enjoy the outing, being an only child. Jubilee, however, didn’t seem to mind having her parents all to herself to do her bidding at her beck and call. In fact, she seemed a natural for the part.

Footnotes

*Bethany and Caleb received President’s and Vice-President’s Honor Roll recognition at a special reception at Connors. Of course, they were only following in their mother’s and grandfather’s (and don’t forget Uncle Curt’s) footsteps who received the same award at Connors over 25 years ago. (Has it been that long?!)
*…About those chicken pox … Timothy came close to the "bright light," too, but only from the death threats he received from his siblings. They held him personally responsible for bringing home the virus.
*Turkey count for the year was Joseph and Herb – 2 each; Timothy – 1.  However, Timothy does contend that his turkey was the biggest.
*Hannah Grace got her upper braces off in 2010, revealing a dazzling smile, and the lower braces will come off in Jan ’11. In other tooth related news, she had 4 teeth extracted last year. However, none of this dental work has even slowed down her incessant talking.
*Bethany keeps racking up scholarships to further her education as a Criminal Justice major. Her latest scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa –“Leaders of Tomorrow”- warranted a write up in the newspaper.
*Timothy, Joseph, Uncle Curt, and Uncle Scott took a motorcycle trip to Waco, TX to celebrate Scott’s new motorcycle, and Joseph’s new motorcycle license. After several laps around a traffic circle, they managed to stay ahead of the rain and have a fun trip!
*Hannah Grace was given a Shih-Tzu mix named Candy which sleeps 24/7 (nickname: Doggie Doo-Little). She lives under a table in our school room/garage and appears to be quite content. Jubilee helps feed her and smother her with hugs and kisses.
*Our old faithful Suburban gave up the ghost after serving us for many years. We are still waiting for a replacement that will hold the whole family. The kids say this is not necessary, since they would rather not be seen riding with their parents, anyway.
*In December 2010, Timothy invited himself on a ski trip with the Harlin family to New Mexico. He made quite an impression rolling down the mountain in his camouflage hunting apparel. After a little deep snow hiking, which he didn’t really intend to do, he made his way back to the slopes to try the jumps again.

How hot was it?

Jubilee came in from playing last summer and announced: “It’s so hot, I’m sweating like a hypocrite!”

I Am A Woman

The following is not original with me, but I just had to help spread this encouraging thought around the world!

WOMAN

My willingness to carry life is the revenge, the antidote, the great rebuttal of every murder, every abortion, and every genocide.

Allison Times 2010 !


January, 2010
Editors: Herb and Kim Allison
Staff: Caleb (21), Bethany (19), Timothy (17), Joseph (14), Hannah (13), Jubilee (4)

Why did the Chicken Cross the Highway?
A chicken was sighted running crazy in the parking lot of Rapid Repair (the appliance repair shop where Caleb and Timothy are employed). It seems that, unbeknownst to Caleb, one of our hens had hatched a ride with him to town. How it stayed in the back of the truck going 65 mph down the highway is a mystery. When Caleb went in to work, the chicken hopped out (The truck driver next door was an eye-witness). Timothy drove up some time later and was amazed so see that this wild chicken zipping between the vehicles looked remarkably similar to the poultry he had left at home. The testimony of the truck driver convinced him that it was, indeed, his bird. They cornered it behind the shop and corralled it into a washing machine for safe-keeping. It stayed in the shop all day, eventually being relocated to a washing machine box. Timothy fed it some sunflower seeds, and it laid an egg. After being cooped up together all day, Timothy and the hen (now affectionately called Buddy) are best friends.
The chickens, by the way, are a result of Timothy and Joseph’s latest money making adventure. However, after figuring the cost of feed, equipment and labor, the eggs will have to sell for $1.00 each to break even in 45 years.

Getting the Cart Before the Horse
Joseph saved up his money to buy Timothy’s motorcycle and then began to study for the motorcycle test. He passed the automobile driver’s permit test, but after 2 unsuccessful attempts, is still studying for the motorcycle test. This is really a good thing. He can only ride from here to Nan’s house without a license. If you see him out and about on the roads, call the highway patrol. Turn him in.

Spotlight on Deer!
Joseph and Timothy were drawn for special hunts this past year. Joseph won a youth deer hunt at Sequoyah Park. Herb packed the food for this 3 day hunt all by himself. Joseph reports that he never dreamed he would get sick of eating sugar cookies out of a tin can, but when that’s all you have to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, by the 3rd day…you lose your appetite. Joseph was also drawn for a turkey hunt next year at Cookson Hills.
Timothy won a guided antelope hunt in New Mexico via an essay contest. Since his mom edited the grammar and structure of his winning essay, it is only fair that she accompany him on this trip. The hunt will be next August, so mom will have plenty of time to pack. (This kind of talk makes Timothy very nervous.)
Prizes were awarded as follows:
Most Deer in a Single Year: Joseph – 4!
First Deer with a Bow: Joseph - a doe on the first day of bow season!
Most Big Bucks Missed: Joseph! too many!
Biggest Rack Award: Timothy. His 10 point gross scored 148, breaking every Allison record to date.
Most Frustrated Hunter: Herb – only a spike and a doe!
Total Deer for the season: 9

Roofin’ It

Herb and the guys put a new roof on the house during the hottest part of the summer. But they really couldn’t help it. All the nice days in the spring and fall are taken up with hunting something. (Speaking of hunting, Herb, Timothy, and Joseph killed one turkey each last spring.)


Say Cheese!
The high-dollar camera and the high-dollar photography course were supposed to pay for themselves in one year’s time when Timothy started taking all the kids’ portraits. He did take Bethany’s senior pictures which turned out really nice, but he says in order to take better pictures, he will need a flash and a backdrop and a reflector. However, he says, to take even better pictures, he will need about 10 more items. We finally agreed to just start taking pictures and pray that they turn out good.

Keefeton "Idols"
Bethany entered a songwriting contest and was chosen to perform her song as one of the top 10 finalists at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Although she did not win first place, her rendition of "Jericho" really ... brought down the house. The experience was ... over the top.

Following in her big sister's footsteps, Jubilee has taken to the stage (brick hearth), and loves to entertain. Whenever company arrives, she quickly dons one of her dress-up costumes, finds a make-shift microphone, and delivers a free concert. Her selections include old favorites such as “I’ll Fly Away” and “Victory in Jesus”, as well as new compositions she makes up on the spot. One evening, she serenaded her family with the following ballad, sung in an intense, slow, country style (I quickly dictated):
“A truck ran over my sister,
And I was so sad.
Nobody got my heart.
Then she came back to life,
And came down the road.
Me and My sister came back to the house.
It happened so quickly…”


Graduating with Honors
Bethany graduated from homeschool last May, and Timothy (our youngest graduate at 16) graduated in December. They both finished #1 in their class, as did Caleb 2 years ago. Yes, they were the only ones in their class, but still a tremendous honor!
Bethany is, as of now, a straight-A student majoring in Criminal Justice at Connors State College while working part time at the Muskogee Library. She received 2 scholarships which cover all her school expenses. Praise God!
Timothy is planning on working a lot while deciding on a vocation. He has narrowed it down to either: taxidermist, appliance or auto repairman, businessman, pro volleyball or football player, photographer, or hunting video producer (anything but roofing). It’s hard to decide when you’re good at everything, right?
Caleb stays very busy taking classes at Connors and working for Uncle Curt. So busy, in fact, that he waited until the last minute to do his required 15 hours of community service for his Cherokee Nation Scholarship. Nevertheless, he says he actually enjoyed working Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at the Gospel Rescue Mission.

Sports Heroes
Timothy, Joseph, and Hannah ran in the home school track meet again last year, with Timothy receiving the best all around male athlete medal.
Hannah graced the soccer field for both the fall and spring seasons and went all year undefeated!
Timothy and Joseph were unceremoniously kicked off Warner’s football team when the new principal discovered that OSSAA does not view homeschoolers as private school students. Although disappointed, they began immediately to hone their volleyball skills by canvassing the state for the most competitive church volleyball teams, with no regard to denomination.


The Longest Summer

Bethany spent the whole summer working at Falls Creek Church Camp, serving in the staff kitchen. She shared a cabin with 8 other young staffers who very graciously shared their hair products, extension cords, and life histories with each other. That is, until they began to wear on each other’s nerves. We did say all summer. Falls Creek had a falling out in the staffers cabin, the likes of which they had never seen before. On the up side, Bethany came home looking slimmer than she had in a long time. Apparently, there was little time to eat between feeding 250 people 3 meals a day plus cleaning up and doing dishes. Furthermore, she insists that the 1.5 mile walk from her cabin to the cafeteria was uphill both ways!

Take Me Away!
Everyone seemed to be going in a different direction last year for their personal vacations. Hannah Grace spent a rip-roaring week at Camp Good News in Mannford, where she managed to stay awake 5 nights in a row.
Caleb and Timothy drove to a 10-day conference in the North Woods of Chicago. After they left, I found all of Timothy’s clothes laid out neatly on his bed. Thankfully, they hadn’t gone far. But the next day, I discovered his tennis shoes packed up in a plastic bag. Too late to turn around, they had to stop on the way and buy a pair.
Herb, Joseph, and Hannah Grace traveled to Alabama for a construction project with the church mission trip the same week that Caleb and Timothy (and Bethany) were gone. This left "Kimberella" at home to sweep the hearth.
Six Allisons attended the annual ATI conference in Big Sandy, TX last spring. As usual, we made lots of new friends, and enjoyed sharing a very large cookout with the Duggars!
Herb and Kim ran off together for a weekend in Tulsa at the “Love and Laughter Marriage Get Away” with Gary Smalley. We laughed ourselves silly, and the kids totally cleaned house before we came home– no trace of the big party they had while we were away!

Footnotes
Joseph and Hannah played in two of Miss Honey’s piano recitals last year. Timothy, who never practices, sat this one out, but promised to keep up his piano skills without taking lessons. We’ll see.
* * * *
Jubilee was the only one who wanted to visit the zoo with Mom, so off they went. It took Jubilee half a day to warm up to the animals. After 2 rides on the Merry-Go-Round, and 2 trips on the train, Mom was ready to go home.

* * * *

Timothy and Hannah competed in the first ever National Bible Bee last September, with the local level being held in Tulsa. Neither of them advanced to the finals in DC, but Timothy came in second in his age division and took home a nice consolation prize.
* * * *
Herb and Caleb attended the state Republican convention in OKC with Uncle Curt, and now they are being hounded by every aspiring politician in the state for money. It feels good to be wanted.
* * * *
Timothy’s 48 Plymouth refurb is coming along, dollar by dollar. He is currently fiber glassing both bumpers, and continues to order and apply parts to the beast. Someday, somehow, he claims it will run.
* * * *
The whole family (minus one) went caroling in the mall again in ‘09. This is the highlight of Kim’s Christmas season. All of the old carols tell of the birth of the Savior, and most include His death on the cross and resurrection, as well as eternity in Heaven! That’s what Christmas is all about!

___________________________________________________________________

Remember Folks, It Didn't Come to Stay, It Came to Pass!

Watch and Wait

In the early years of my marriage, my husband did some traveling with his job. I remember waiting for him at the airport terminal (before the days of 911, when you could watch the planes taxi up to the concourse) on one particularly memorable occasion.