Allison Times 2020!

Reporters: Caleb (32) Bethany (30) Timothy (28) Joseph (25) Hannah Grace (24) Jubilee (15)

Pinning It Down

   Hannah Grace graduated first in her class from OU Nursing School with her BSN in May of 2020. She had asked the department head if she could be pinned by her Nan (Kim’s mom, also a nurse); request denied. 😞 Then came Covid, forcing graduation and pinning ceremonies to go virtual. 😊 With family gathered around her apartment TV screen, Hannah Grace got her wish. Not only did Nan do the pinning, but Aunt Betty, via facetime, asked a special blessing on Han’s future nursing career. Not a dry eye in the house. Hannah Grace admitted she was bummed when the pandemic hit, because it cancelled so many graduation traditions, but as always, God has a way of working things out for good. And what better time to be entering the medical field? “For such a time as this.” Esther 4:14

Learn as You Go

   Jubilee continued in Warner Public School throughout 2020 (her freshman and sophomore years), despite periodic shut downs. The Covid restrictions (no hugging friends, no hobnobing with the teachers, no lunch-time gossip) finally got the best of her, and she opted to do virtual school at home. Not the same as “homeschool,” but getting closer.  Our compromise: mom gets 2 hours per day to tell Jubilee everything she knows, then Jubilee gets the rest of the day to do her school assignments. With a little motivation, she could graduate early. Or not. 😊

Covid Conquerors!

    Herb, Kim, and Caleb were hit by Covid-19 last October. Herb and Caleb probably snagged it because they are diabetic, and Kim because she’s mean. There’s no other explanation. BUT, we were ready with our tonic syrup (with quinine), vitamin powders, and zinc; all mixed with half-fermented apple cider. With Kim’s potion, we only had one really bad day, then 3 days of head-cold symptoms, then back in business! Caleb didn’t get as sick, but he didn’t get as well, either. To be fair, he hardly ever runs at full throttle, so he slogged miserably along for nearly 2 weeks. Now we can all say, been there, done that (and Caleb even got the T-shirt!).

Laying Down the Law

   Bethany tried out as hostage negotiator for the SWAT team (now called Crisis Negotiation Team) with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. She placed first in shooting and obstacle course scores and demonstrated an uncanny ability to “negotiate” with the criminal in the crisis simulation. She credits her siblings for years of fine-tuning her negotiation skills. She won the spot (of course!) and will attend the FBI certification training as soon as it is reopened post-Covid; but for now, she trains at Tulsa County once a month.

  Smoke Trail

   We know 2020 was stressful, but Caleb has taken it to a whole new level. His new-found stress relief is smoking cigars and pipes! But not just any cigars and pipes. There is a science and much research involved in the process, and with the right tobacco, he is in the distinguished company of Holmes, Shakespeare, and Tolkien. The perfect cigar puts him on the southern veranda of a bygone era, very similar to Uncle Nub’s front porch (where Caleb resides as caretaker- not on the front porch, but in the house). Since there is no drawing room at his current residence, he must blow his smoke rings outside, weather permitting. But he is very dignified in his shorts and flip-flops. Very dignified, indeed.

Deerly Beloved

   In her quest for autonomy, Hannah Grace shot her own deer to put her own meat on her own table. She did use Herb’s no-fail scope, which she considered almost cheating.

   Timothy had his eye on a non-typical 12 point deer that showed up on the trail camera. After several fruitless bow hunts, Timothy claimed the best deer stand for opening day of rifle season. Herb acquiesced, but at the last minute, Timothy had to fly out of state.  Herb took over the deer stand, dropped the 12-point, and sent a picture to Timothy to seal the deal. Being a member of the Jet-Set has its disadvantages.

   Joseph shot an 8 point in Muskogee over Thanksgiving break, then invited his dad to Tennessee to hunt. Herb shot a big 10 point, which ran off. As Herb began to track the deer, he heard a shot in the distance, followed by a picture text from Joseph of a big 10-point, which happened to be the same big 10-point that Herb shot. J This is the first joint-kill that we have on record for the Allison team.

   Next, follow Herb to Texas where he brought home the biggest deer of his career. These record years don’t make him very popular among his children, who would all like to bag one of their own. The hunters have finally outnumbered the deer stands available, and will have to be drawn out for hunts next year on the family land. You snooze, you lose!

Finishing Touches

 Joseph and Shaelee supplied our first granddaughter, Bella Jane, in July 2020. The boys enjoy making their little sister laugh, Shaelee enjoys putting bows on her head, and Joseph enjoys crossing the finish line at last! Mission accomplished!

 Grandparent Adventures

 The grandchildren (and their parents) are currently living in Nashville, where Joseph is doing airport construction as crane operator. This is an 8 hour drive from Mimi, and it's a smidge too far for the little ones to spend the night without their mama. We found this out. So don’t try that.

    Distance aside, the “Allison Lite” (Kim, Jubilee and Herbert) still managed to work in some grand adventures with the grands. We found an alligator farm in Texas where the boys waded in a pond and held some baby alligators! While the hotel swimming pool, full of chlorine, was closed due to Covid, the alligator pond, full of gators and people, was open and doing a booming business! The Houston Zoo, and every adventure from then on, was actually a step down from the gator hole, but where else can you go from the top?

   Back at the ranch, the boys tilled, planted, and harvested sweet potatoes;  target practiced with bows, arrows, BB guns, and more; put up deer stands and fences; did some hunting and fishing, climbed  trees and propane tanks, smashed pumpkins, made cookies, hiked mountains, drove tractors and 4-wheelers, and wore out two good grandparents.

   During one of their visits, Mimi mentioned, "I was wanting to go to the park one day while you were here." 

   Brantley replied, "I don't want to go to the park! I want to stay at your house! It's funner!" 

World’s Most Eligible Bachelor!

   Timothy has a fleet of planes, a corvette, and a house or two. He is a charter pilot, qualified to fly turbine engines, and gives student flight lessons.  He probably has a gym membership, and thinks about eating keto on occasion. He does stand-up comedy, repairs home appliances, and his mama says he is very handsome!

   But he has no wife! This guy has to eat dinner at a different house every night! Ladies, let’s get those applications mailed in! Don’t miss this opportunity! Deadlines are approaching, so hurry and email your stats and picture to WhyAin’tHeMarried.com (No entry fee required).

Foot Notes 

   Hannah Grace got a Great Pyrenees (perfect apartment dog) to keep her company and to keep her in shape. Three flights of stairs! Both ways! Every time she takes the dog out!

   Jubilee had the opportunity to sing and play at several talent concerts at Connors State College, as well as in the band at church. Post-Covid, she is hoping for more open doors to share her musical gifts.

   Bethany is in a new apartment starting a new college major; this time Business. She is also sporting a new body! Bethany has dropped over 100 pounds since last year! If you haven’t seen her in a while, you won’t recognize her! Way to go, Bethany! 😊   

   Kim is excited about becoming a certified Set Free Prayer Minister! It means she is still doing what she has always been doing (getting in other people’s business praying with people!), only now, it's more official. 😁  For more info, go to www.tradingpain.com  

   Uncle Curt has been busy bringing loads of gravel to our driveway, where they get swallowed up by giant holes. He's sure the holes go all the way to China, and we don't know what they are doing with all that gravel. Stay tuned!  

Making Sense of it All 

   Isaiah 24 and 25 seem to be a detailed description of the events of 2020. The entire chapters are worth reading and studying, but for lack of space, we’ve picked a few verses that stand out:

Verse 1: The Lord makes the earth empty, … and turns it upside down…

Verse 3: The land shall be… plundered (looted, vandalized?), For the  LORD  has spoken this word.

Verse 5: The earth is also defiled …because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

Verse 6: The curse (disease?) has devoured the earth, and those who dwell in it are desolate.

Verses 7 – 9: (summarized) No more drinking parties; bars closed.

Verse 10: The city of confusion is broken down; every house is shut up (quarantine?), so that none may go in.

Verse 11: There is a cry for wine in the streets, all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

Verse 19: The earth is violently broken…(20) Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, and it will fall, and not rise again.

Isaiah 25, verse 7: … he will remove the veil of grief covering all people and the mask (there it is!) covering all nations.

Verse 8: He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people he will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken.

   Since the prophesies in these two chapters so closely parallel the events of 2020, it gives a measure of peace; knowing that God has already seen this, and has already been here. He is not surprised. And since the cataclysmic chain of events in these chapters leads to GOD wiping away all our tears, I believe He’s giving us a hint of what’s coming next. 😉 Friends, it’s time to make certain of where you will spend eternity. If you are not 100% sure, give us a call and we will be glad to share the Word and prayer.  Herb: 918 351-9777; Kim 918 869-0851     

The Christmas Wise Guy

   Ever since Caleb was a baby, we wanted something different for Christmas. Something besides the gift-grabbing Santa-thing that normal people do (Kim has never been normal). So instead of Christmas stockings for Santa to fill, we had "camel packs" that the wise men would surely have used to bring gifts to Jesus. Anything put inside the camel packs had to connect to the Nativity in some way. Included were candy canes (shepherd staff), star-shaped cereal (which they don't make anymore, but was a real hit on Christmas morning, since sugar was verboten any other day of the year), gold-wrapped chocolate (to represent real gold), cologne (for frankincense), lip balm (for myrrh), shredded wheat (for hay in the manger), candles or flashlights (Jesus is the light of the world), you get the point. One year, Herb bought chocolate covered almonds and labeled them "camel poop." 

   To complete the narrative, we convinced Uncle Curt to dress as a wise man and make an appearance Christmas morning, pretending to be following the star. Awesome! The wise man would also bring tokens for the camel packs (within regulations, of course!). One year, we all joined in the vibe and dressed up as nativity characters, but mostly, we just watched him be the wiseman. He added a stop on his route from the East when Kim's sister started her family. Every year, Kim took a picture of the kids with Uncle Curt the Wiseman. If only we could locate those pictures! But 2020, for the first time, Shaelee took the picture, and Kim got to pose with the family! And that, children, is the story of the cover picture and Uncle Curt the Wiseman.  😊 

Editor's Note

    If you are a faithful reader of the Allison Times, you know that I (Kim, the mom, the author) use humor liberally, and have always tried to insert some levity into otherwise somber events in the family newsletter - with the intention of bringing a smile. You might have noticed that Covid was mentioned in nearly every article because it has impacted all of our lives. Please don't confuse the humor with a mockery of the disease. Our extended family has witnessed its deadly force.

   While Covid is a mysterious illness (the Bible speaks of plagues in the latter days), we do not live in fear. Why? Because the testimonies in Scripture bear out the fact that we (and everyone else on this planet) are indestructible until our purpose on this planet is finished. God's plans for us cannot be thwarted by the whims (or viruses) of the enemy. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.

   However, there is a day appointed for each of us to meet our Maker, and it could be very soon. Live Ready! I don't pretend to know why some people live 100 years and some only 5 days; or why some pass from diseases, some from accidents or evil intents, and some pass quietly in their sleep. But we can live in victory and peace, trusting in the power of His Word, His love, and His plan. Everything else has to stand down. 💗 

Allison Times 2019 Year-End Newsletter!

December 2019

Herb and Kim Allison, editors

Contributors: Caleb (31), Bethany (28), Timothy (26), Joseph (24), Hannah Grace (22), Jubilee (13)

Lucy and Ethel go to Cuba

   Kim and Jubilee took off on a mission trip to Cuba with only 3 weeks’ notice. They knew no one on the trip, no one at the destination, and no Spanish; unless “Casa Bonita” counts. It was Kim’s first time out of the country, and Jubilee’s first airplane ride, so they were both very nervous (maybe crying?) when they left Florida behind. Before every Cuban customs official, Kim would grab Jubilee, point to herself, and say, “Mama.” She assumed it was universal and would keep them together.

   They traveled with Pastor Juan, their host, to jungle churches with thatched roofs and a variety of animals coming and going. Some walls were concrete, some woven fabric, and some had no walls at all! Kim spoke and Jubilee played her violin at every church. The violin was a real hit because of the scarcity of instruments (other than gourds) and the islanders were spellbound. 

   The trip went 3 days longer than planned, because a tornado tore up the airport! Thankfully, the Lord blessed the tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer that Kim brought from home to make it the extra days (Believe me, you don’t want to run out!).

   It was a dream-come-true; like living out all the missionary books they had read aloud over the years! They fell in love with the Cuban people, and even though Jubilee got sick on the trip, they were very sad (maybe crying?) when it was time to go home.  Just like the other Allison family members who always want to go back, Kim and Jubilee would love to make a return trip! Every single detail of the trip was amazing, so if you have a few hours, Kim and Jubilee will show you pictures and talk non-stop. Have your popcorn ready!

Girls Gone West

   Bethany and Hannah Grace flew to California last summer to visit with Herb’s sister, Lea, and do some beach-bumming and bungee-jumping. They felt right at home, since Auntie Lea instructed them constantly about healthy eating and high achieving (just like mom!). She believed it was her duty. J

Uncle Roy’s Promotion

   How many days while homeschooling did we hear the rumble of the tractor coming down the hill, the excited squeal from the kids, and the mad scramble for rubber boots and work gloves? By the time Uncle Roy pulled up in the yard, they were ready for adventure! As they learned to work in his shadow and walk in his steps, Uncle helped shape them into the capable, confident people they are today. The Allison kids know they can tackle anything put before them, in part because of the character qualities Uncle Roy instilled in their hearts. That era of our lives ended August 12, 2019, and the loss is at times crushing, but because of his commitment to Christ, we know we will see Uncle Roy again. As Uncle Curt says, if there are cows in Heaven, we know they aren’t his – his were too crazy! “This is life eternal, to know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” John 17:3

Greener Pastures

   Bethany has put in 7 years with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s office, and (according to her) that’s long enough. She is anxious to try her hand at just about anything, as long as it pays enough to stay alive.

   Her side hustle is working church event security, which gets rather nasty at times! She has had to sling more than one would-be “line cutter” across the parking lot while shouting Bible verses in their face. “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first!” is one of her favorites.

The Legend Has Retired!

   Herb broke free on September 15 after 33 years with State Farm. Then he and Caleb celebrated freedom and their respective September birthdays with a trip down south. They visited Joseph and toured the Lexington, an aircraft carrier at Corpus Christi.

   Herb’s retirement plans are to coast through deer season (the entire 3 ½ month hunting period!) then start scouting, planning, and preparing for the next deer season. If you don’t understand that, you’ve obviously never had to put in a whole day of checking trail cameras! It’s hard work, y’all!

Two Peas in a Pod

   Caleb landed his dream job in April of 2019 when he was hired as a live-in caretaker for Kim’s 86-year-old uncle. From what we understand, they drink coffee, watch old westerns, and talk politics while they ponder which yard varmint to trap or shoot next. The best part: Caleb doesn’t even have to do the dishes (there are house-helpers for that!).

Tools on the ground; Wings in the Air

   Timothy is now a Certified Flight Instructor and loving it! So far, all of his students have passed his class with flying colors! J He is still the humble appliance repairman on stormy days, but when the sun comes out, he takes to the sky in one of his many planes to do some superman skydiver-dropping and hair-raising flying lessons! Sign me up!

Bibles for Cuba

   Kim’s latest hobby is collecting donations for Spanish Bibles for Cuba. She has connections now and makes sure, to the best of her abilities, that the money is used for Bibles only. The Bibles can’t be shipped in – they would be confiscated, as would any money for that purpose. Regulations are constantly changing in regard to Western Union: who can send to whom; so the logistics are tricky! Plus, the Bibles (King James only) can be legally purchased nowhere but Havana, which causes a dire shortage in the outlying areas. If you would like more info, or to donate, contact Kim.

Moving and Shaking!

   Hannah Grace changed jobs in April and is now at Brookdale in Broken Arrow. She also changed apartments in November so she resides in the same complex as Bethany! Work and school won’t allow them to see each other much, but no matter - Han is already planning another move when she graduates in May. She won’t tell us where, for fear of being followed! Hannah likes her space!

Cruisin’

   Shaelee was treated to a tropical cruise for her 21^st birthday, so the “Allison Lite” (Herbert, Kim, and Jubilee) traveled to Louisiana to watch the boys while Joseph worked. Shaelee had a great time, and the family back home enjoyed parks and alligator swamps, but Baylor was a little grumpy about being weaned on such short notice!

 Back to Class!

  

   Jubilee couldn’t stand being the only birdie in the nest, so she opted for public school in Warner last August. The Princess has to rise and shine much earlier than previously, but she says it’s worth it to be able to interact with so many new friends! She makes the rounds of lunch tables, chattering as she goes, and brings her lunch home untouched. Popularity has a price! 

Joseph’s Castle

   Joseph and Shaelee bought their dream-house and 15 acres in the Keefeton area last March, just 7 minutes from Mimi! It needed some carpentry and cosmetic work, which Joseph was happy to do. Then, he finished up his Louisiana job and dragged his trailer to Texas to work on an ethane cracker plant.  But no one likes the separation. L Especially now, since there is another wee one on the way. Yes, you heard it right, folks. Baby #3 is due in July 2020!

   Let’s take an informal poll on their next move: 1. Keep the dream home and drive back and forth to Texas every 2 weeks? 2. Sell the home and all live in the one bedroom trailer? 3. Buy a house in Texas (far from Mimi)? 4. Pray with Kim that Joseph gets a job in Oklahoma! Option #4 is the correct answer! J Time will tell how close Kim is to God…

Hunting Heritage

   The old man won the family contest with the biggest deer he ever shot (plus a few more). But he claims the highlight of the season was sitting 1 day in a deer stand with Timothy and 1 day with Joseph, just like old times. He was also on hand to witness Brantley drop his first duck (with a little help from Joseph!)     

A Basket Case

   Kim (Mimi) took Brantley (4) and Baylor (2) on many outings to pick green beans, berries, and pears, and gather pecans from various farms and gardens. Kim’s little bushel baskets came in very handy for teaching endurance and diligence: “We can leave when the basket is full!” They also learned teamwork when they decided to pool their pickings for 1 full basket!   

   The highlight of Kim’s summer was getting both boys to sleep for naps in the hammock at the same time! Victory!

2018 Year-End Newsletter!

This one should be called the "Rear-End" Newsletter, because that's what I feel like, posting it so late! However, this year I received a thank-you note regarding a gift I had given over 2 years ago! It inspired me to go ahead and post the newsletter, which had been sitting in my computer a loooong time (which I hadn't posted simply because of embarrassment!). So for all of you die-hard fans, here it is!

THE ALLISON TIMES

Written May, 2019

Editors: Herb and Kim Allison

Reporters: Caleb 30, Bethany 28, Timothy 26, Joseph 23, Hannah Grace 22, Jubilee 13

The Allisons are deadline challenged!

The Long, Long Trailer

  

   Joseph and Shaelee pulled out last March hauling a 37.5 foot mansion on wheels! Joseph took a job as a rigger at a power plant in Louisiana where he is the grill king of his trailer park, and he is lovin’ it! The only problem:  37.5 feet seemed plenty big when they left, but with two preschool boys and lots of rain, the trailer has shrunk! The only solution: look for a “home base” in the Keefeton area for the boys to have a yard and beds of their own (and be close to Mimi), and let Joseph stay in Louisiana! They can only look and dream for now, because the bank won’t help them until Joseph has worked one year on his job. In the meantime, Shaelee and boys keep the road hot, spending about 2 weeks with Okies and 2 weeks with Cajuns. By October, Joseph had his crane operator’s license and plans to basically work till he dies.

Family Camp

   Shaelee and the boys joined Kim and Jubilee at Family Camp in Big Sandy last October. They were blessed with unprecedented freezing rain every day. The bright side: in lieu of the forecast, they opted to stay in one of the 8 X 10 cabins instead of the tent. Jubilee and Kim were sure it would be a bummer without a tent, but Shaelee said anyplace with anyone was better than the trailer by herself. The boys enjoyed the stick-horse rodeo with Mimi’s homemade stick-horses, and we all enjoyed the…rain! It’s all good, and another family camp is in the books!

In Good Graces

   Hannah Grace squeezed all the action out of 2018 that it would cough up: 5-K run, mud run (where she twisted her ankle), 911 calls, road trips to Florida, Illinois, Florida again, and finally to Africa last summer before she landed her new job at the OSU Medical Center’s new Nephrology clinic in Tulsa! Whew! New job deserves a  new apartment, right? She also got accepted to OU’s RN program, causing a slight conflict of interest! Will she wear orange and black or crimson and cream?!?

Music that Soothes the Soul

   Jubilee’s beloved music teacher, Miss Rebekah, moved to Alabama in August 2018, but “The Princess” is adapting to her new local violin and piano teachers quite well. She still hates to read notes, but when she plays the violin by ear at the nursing home, you can hear a pin drop. Staff and residents alike stop and stare at Jubilee as she fiddles away. The nursing home’s piano is out of tune, so the Princess will have none of it. However, she has taught herself the guitar, which she uses to accompany the church ladies who sing there once a month.     

   After one musical visit, a therapist approached us and said, “For weeks, I have tried to get [a young resident] to open her fist, and she would not. But today, while she was listening to your music, she relaxed her hand, and her face showed a positive response for the first time, ever.”  The power of peaceful music!

Deer Report

   Herbert won the unofficial deer contest this year, hands down! Never mind that he was the only family member who even took a shot at a deer! In his words: “The blind, grey-haired old man got two Texas deer and two Oklahoma deer – all keepers!” Joseph would like to add that the biggest one, a 10-point for the wall, was shot from Joseph’s personal deer stand. This does not bring him happiness.

 Amazon Delivers!

   Timothy joined a group of adventurers in 2018 to drill a “Jesus well” deep in the interior of the Amazon River area. Unfortunately, Timothy’s baggage, containing the large pipes needed for the drilling operation, did not arrive with Timothy. A runner was charged with waiting and watching for the strange-looking baggage to arrive from American Airlines, while the team continued 24 more hours by boat – the only way to access their off-grid jungle destination. Many prayers were going up for the pipes to arrive, and five days later…at the last crucial moment…the runner found the team…just in time to slide the pipes in place! Now, an entire village has clean water, which should reduce their disease by 80%. J James 2:18: “I will show you the faith by my actions.”

Stuck in the Middle

   Caleb and his uncle Curt escorted Cousin Sarah on her Senior trip to Florida in June 2018. While Sarah visited her friend, Caleb and Uncle Curt visited the battleship Alabama, toured the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, took in the Air Force Armament Museum, and explored Fort Pickens (the largest brick structure on the Gulf of Mexico at the time of its construction). A history-lover’s dream, the trip was only complicated by Caleb’s situation between Sarah (the most organized person in the world) and Curt (the most disorganized person in the world). Caleb mourned they were equally polarized in their music tastes. He returned with only a slight nervous twitch but we are hopeful for a complete recovery.

Cat Hair Blues

   Due to working two jobs, Bethany had no fun whatsoever in 2018. Every month or so, Herbert, Kimberly, and Jubilee (the Allison Lite) would visit Tulsa to make sure she was still alive. After professional removal of the cat hair and fur balls, she would always be found somewhere in her apartment. Kim’s job would be to vacuum Bethany (and the carpet) while the rest of the pit crew performed other maintenance operations. After being fed and watered, she should be good to go for another two months or 50,000 furballs, whichever comes first.

Footnotes:🦶

   Besides recitals, Jubilee is also playing and singing in the youth group on Wednesday nights, as well as the church band on Sunday mornings. She totally believes she was born for the stage!
   Hannah Grace's take-away from Africa? "Gratefulness. Naked people living in huts, birthing on a 2' X 2' concrete slab, having no possibility of anything different in their lives - it makes you wonder why you have so much when others have so little."

   Herb & Kim spent a few days at Branson and Ft. Smith, Arkansas, where they discovered their ideas of the perfect vacation were incompatible! 

   The “kids” enjoyed hiking around the Illinois River with Uncle Tommy and Cousins Jason and Jessie. We only wish our out-of-state family lived a little closer!

   The Allison Lite spent Easter in Louisiana at the zoo with the trailer-dwellers. Joseph said it was his first trip to the zoo that he didn’t completely hate.  

   Hannah-Grace and Mom ran another 5-K in 2018, where they were both decorated with medals! As the mom ages, it’s rare to have more than 3 runners in her category, so a medal is in the bag!

   Timothy passed a number of flight tests throughout 2018 and started Allison Aviation, where he is the boss and TV star. RSG Appliance Repair is still his bread and butter, so until further notice, he remains “Tim the Tool Man” to his many fans.

   Hannah Grace’s friend, Zenny, flew in from Illinois and joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner at Nan’s house. The more, the merrier!

   Brantley received a new 4 wheeler for Christmas 2018 and took off fast and furious! When Mimi wanted a ride, he dutifully drove very slowly. But at his first opportunity, he let Mimi off and opted for braver passengers.

   Guess who got a new Ford F250 in 2018? (Hint: starts with a “Joseph” and ends with a $)!

  Baylor needs few words, and says fewer words, but our favorite is ”Dah!” – his word for “yes.” 😄

Very Belated 2017 Year-End Newsletter!

Allison Times

Reporters: Caleb 29, Bethany 27, Timothy 25, Joseph 22, Hannah Grace 21, Jubilee 12

See You Later

   Scripture says there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh” (Ecc 3:4).  The first few months of 2018 were certainly a time to weep as we walked through the passing of Kim’s dad, Herb’s sister, and a dear friend (not to mention saying farewell to Joseph’s little family as they moved to Louisiana in March!). We do mourn the losses, but not as those who have no hope. Goodbye is not forever! It’s just for a little while.

Brantley’s Baby Brother Baylor Bruce

   Say that three times fast! J Brantley is happy to announce the arrival of his little brother, Baylor Bruce on July 3, 2017! Baylor tipped the scales at 8 lbs, 9 oz, and just keeps getting bigger and cuter! We were more than a little concerned that Brantley would be jealous, but he seems to enjoy keeping Baylor happy. Stay tuned for what happens when little brother starts getting into Brantley’s toys!

The Hunt

   Our boys were nothing but happy in regard to 2017 antlers! All 3 hunters were drawn out for a special hunt at James Collins, where Joseph and Timothy both killed 7 points (Timothy was the winner here). Joseph and Herb both got to hunt in Texas, where they each shot a 9 point (Herb won that contest with a trip to the taxidermist. Joseph just came home with antlers). Back at the ranch, Joseph and Herb each took an 8 point (Joseph won the taxi trip, while Herb, sadly, did not make the cut). Joseph and his friends had a separate Big Buck competition, and Joseph used that same 8 point to win. Lest anyone accuse Joseph (Hunter of the Year) with being gone all season, he wisely arranged to take the little woman hunting once or twice for some “bonding time.” His mama didn’t raise no fool!

Herb’s Hurricane Help

   Herb got called for hurricane duty and was stationed in Georgia for 40 days through September and October. If he wasn’t ready to retire before he went, he certainly was by the time he returned home! Hang in there, Herb! Only six years left till you can start on your “honey-do” list for your wife! Wifey, by the way, has been saving up projects for years to match Herb’s saved-up vacation days, waiting for him to cash in! There’s no way for Herb to win in this retirement game, unless he just disappears off the face of the earth, at which time Kimberly will be forced to hire The Locater. You can run, but you can’t hide. He is keeping his retirement date a secret for this very reason.

Timothy the Tool Man

     Timothy found a steal of a deal on a house and 5 acres in McClain which needed just a little fixin’ up. Surely, he will eventually learn that remodeling always involves more money than meets the eye. Surely.

   But for now, Tycoon Timothy has two houses (town and country) in which to lose his wallet, keys, and appliance parts. Bless his heart.

    

From Jailhouse to Church house

     After years of fervent prayer on her mother’s part, Deputy Bethany was finally moved to a day shift with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department! Her new shift allows for holidays and weekends off! Wild applause and fanfare! But before her mother could throw the confetti, Bethany took a part-time job working security for Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. Goodbye, holidays and weekends! But at least she can listen to inspiring sermons while on duty – a far cry from what she listens to at the jail! 

It’s off to Work We Go!

     Joseph finally got a release from the doctor regarding his back injury from the tower fall last year. He worked for a short time with Timothy where they learned, among other things, that RSG doesn’t generate enough income for two families. When Joseph started working at Captive-Aire, he began cranking out fans so quickly, he was promoted after one month to foreman! Still not satisfied, he left for Louisiana in March 2018 to be a rigger on a construction crew working on an oil company. Two weeks in, he passed his rigging test and got a hefty raise. This job lasts till January 2019, and the only question is: will Mimi last that long without seeing the grands? tune in next year... 

Love the Night Life!

     Hannah Grace graduated from Connors State College with her Associates Degree in December 2017, while working nights as an LPN at Eastgate Nursing Home. Since no one would be quiet enough for her to sleep during the day, she was forced to get her own apartment just to function. She will be taking a year off school and working ‘round the clock to put herself through a Bachelor RN program in the near future.

Tourist Attractions

   Kim’s cousins, Jason and Jessee Greene, came to visit Oklahoma last spring. The California boys were amazed that Robber’s Cave and Honor Heights Park were free and not crowded!

Arkansas, Y’all

     Amid homeschooling, helping babysit her favorite nephews, and watching Pa, Jubilee was excited to start piano and violin lessons in Arkansas. The weekly drive gives them almost five hours of uninterrupted study (or talk) time. She loves her teacher, Miss Rebekah, who works with Jubilee’s “gift” of playing by ear, while gently nudging her hatred of note reading. They are best buddies and it is definitely worth the trip.

Biscuit, the Big White Dog

     Our new white puppy (part Pyrenees, part mystery) has grown into a 200 pound  Marmaduke with ADHD. If only we could train her to do something useful! Kim’s goal is to stick her head out the door and tell Biscuit to go get some wood for the wood stove, which Biscuit could easily pick up with her big mouth. Herbert has obviously trained her to help him take apart his junk, because she was seen shaking a vehicle air bag in the front yard. She drags deer carcasses, wild boar heads, and old car parts from all over the country and decorates the yard (a real junk yard dog!). Why not wood for the stove?

     It appears Biscuit and Herbert are in cahoots to see what will happen when Kimberly cracks from the strain of all the junk. It won’t be pretty, but at least Biscuit and Herbert will have each other to keep warm.

Run, Forrest, Run!

      Caleb grew up believing “the cows are more scared of you than you are of them.” But not so with Uncle Roy’s wild calf rodeo. The half-grown calf ran over Caleb, stick and all. He saw sky! Ground! Sky! Thud! In too much pain to be dead, Caleb thought something was surely broken and lay there like a slug. Herb and Joseph scrambled to the top rung of nearby gates and shouted for Caleb to run! As soon as he could tell up from down, he flat-footed over the fence. With everyone safe, Shaelee and the rest of the gang laughed themselves sick, but still wouldn’t come down from the gates.

 A Whole Lot of Bull

   After all these years at the home place, Herbert has decided to try his hand at raising cattle. Paper and time do not permit the stories of cattle disasters experienced this year alone, but one stands out above the others and must be told.

   Herb started his disappearing herd with 2 cows he bought from Uncle Roy. Then he lost one and bought 2 more. Then he sold one, lost one, and bought 2 more. Enter “Duke” – a huge Angus bull supplied from Big Herb’s Wagon Wheel Ranch (WW for short). Duke lumbered out of the trailer and took charge.

     About this time, Herbert (aka “Little Herb” -not Big Herb) left for hurricane duty. The next day, Duke left for bigger pastures. He walked right through the fence, up the hill, across a cattle guard, and into a fresh supply of cattle, as if guided by GPS. They just happened to belong to Uncle Roy. That evening, Joseph and Cary Lee (aka: The Cowboys) cut Duke from the herd with 4-wheelers and secured him in a corral until the sale barn opened in a few days, at which time he would be hauled off.

   But during the night, Duke put the “WW Smackdown” on Uncle Roy’s steel gate, bent it double, and walked right over it (“First bull in fifty years…,” Uncle says.). But this time, Duke was wise to 4-wheelers, and refused to be penned by The Cowboys. The safest plan at this point was to let Duke have the whole pasture and anything else he wanted.

   Unsatisfied, Duke found a weak spot in the fence by Uncle Curt’s house and proceeded to lead the herd to Kansas, via highway 64. Uncle Roy and Aunt Betty ran from gate to gate, crawling through barbed wire, chasing cattle, and wiring things shut behind them. It wasn’t good for their hearts, and by the end of the day, all they could do was shake their heads and stare at the floor, disheveled and speechless.

    Experts from far and near were brought in, and a new strategy was proposed. A crowd of locals gathered to watch. The idea was to chase the whole herd into the corral, then sneak the cows out until Duke was the last man standing. Then haul him off, sale or no sale.

   The plan worked, and Duke brought enough money at the stockyard to pay out his debt. But, by next fall, every animal in this section line will be half Angus.

Footnotes:

     Bethany’s wild furballs weighed in at 12 pounds each, and due to their long, long hair, they have to be professionally shaved and groomed on a regular basis. These animals truly are million dollar cats!
   Jubilee enjoyed a variety of field trips with her Mom last year, including standing in line for a few hours at the Pioneer Woman restaurant and mercantile in Pawhuska. It's the latest fad for old ladies, and Jubilee is ahead of the game. She can now just smile and wave, knowing it's already checked off her bucket list. 

    Joseph rescued Uncle Roy’s Dodge from the pasture and got it up and running. He finally has the diesel he has always wanted, and Shaelee was blessed with a big family Armada. It will hold 4 more kids, so Joseph should be set with that for a while to come.

   Hannah Grace can’t sit still and took two weekend jaunts last year to South Carolina and Illinois. She also spent a week in Phoenix visiting Aunt Judy, and a week in Oregon visiting Uncle Tommy’s family at the beach. When the “beach-savvy” family ran for higher ground, Han decided to bravely face the waves. For this act of courage, she was tossed to the shore in a humiliating heap, like a rag doll (a phoneless rag doll). We live and learn. 😉 

   Timothy passed his instrument rating test (Yea!)! But he sold his beloved Mooney airplane (Awww!). But he used the money to buy his house (Yea!). But he spends so much time working on the house [and RSG] that he has little time to fly (Awww!), even in the club plane (double Awww!). But the vision of being a flight instructor keeps him going, and he is anxious for the day he can toss the appliance parts aside and fly every day, all day long (Yea!). The sky is calling!
   Shaelee had to learn to hang on or get left behind when Joseph bought a new/used motorcycle last year. He says the "little lady" loves to ride, and he really bought it for her.😨

   Caleb maintained his night and day vigil over “Pa” (Kim’s dad), while also keeping his Uncle Curt supplied with appliance parts and bookwork. Pa, with his mental decline, kept Caleb supplied with humorous anecdotes; most of which, according to Caleb, cannot be discussed in polite company. J

 

Where Does the Sun Go at Night?

   When I was a kid, one of the best ways to spend an evening in the country was poking sticks in the trash fire. Once the tip of the stick was glowing hot (or flaming), you could swing your stick around, making patterns in the air. How is it that no one ever got burned?

   I vividly remember walking outside with my dad one evening as he carried out a sack of trash to burn. With childlike curiosity, I asked, “Where does the sun go at night?”

   My dad set the sack down, took a knee, and began to enthusiastically describe our solar system, using his hands to demonstrate the earth’s rotation around the sun. The sun was still shining, he explained, I just couldn’t see it. When he was sure I understood, we continued with our project. My dad always had the answers I needed, and he wasn’t too busy for me. I was important, and he loved me.

   Years later, as a young mother, I was shaken to learn that the twin towers had fallen, and terror had entered our secure little world. Knowing my Dad would have the answers, I found him and asked, “Why would anyone do such a thing? What could they possibly hope to gain?”

   I remember listening to his carefully worded answer as he explained the religious beliefs and motivations involved. Still deeply troubled, at least I understood the method behind the madness. The world had gone crazy, but Dad was wise and steady, and he loved me.

   One day I brought my dad a new challenge. I had some marriage issues (who doesn’t?) that I couldn’t work out. I needed his advice. I remember his answer, delivered in his slow, thoughtful style. “Kim,… men …are like… bulls…”

   I had been raised around cattle, so I had a reference point here. He cautiously continued, “When there’s a bull on the place, it tears down the fences, damages the property, etcetera, etcetera. But…,” he shrugged his shoulders and trailed off, “you’ve got to have ‘em…”

   His analogy had played itself out, and both of us thought it best to leave it alone. Let it die a natural death. We walked away laughing and pondering the purpose of humanity in general.  As it turns out, he was spot-on. Dad had the answers, and he loved me.

   When Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I had plenty of questions, but this time, he didn’t have the answers. That sweet, brilliant mind was confused. And the worst part: he knew it.

   While that evil disease slowly destroyed his mind and body, Dad’s spirit remained intact. As long as he could utter sounds, he would sing along with the hymns we sang for him. Often, throughout the day, he would remove an imaginary cap and bow his head to speak to his God.

   On January 15, at the young age of 75, Dad’s spirit exited his worn-out body and appeared immediately in the presence of his Savior (“…absent from the body…present with the Lord.” 2 Cor 5:8). In that instant, all of his questions were answered. His suffering was rewarded. His mind was restored.

   “Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).  Like the sun that never stops shining, my dad is still alive. He just moved to the other side.  And that’s a good place to be.💗

The New Baby!

   The new baby is here! The book that took 20 years to write is finally finished! At this rate, I won't live long enough to write another one, so I really need to figure out how to market this one! It would help if I had a kid with a marketing degree - wait! I DO have a kid with a marketing degree! I might post the link of where to purchase the book if I just had a kid who knew about computers... maybe A-1 certified... Wait! I DO have a kid who is A-1 certified! Man! Maybe I could bait him to the house with some hot Chai tea! That's it...Oh, no, that won't work...he already drank it all...

So, since I am computer inept, just go to Amazon and look it up!

This might be the link - click here and try it!

Allison Times Year-End Newsletter

Allison Times

 

January, 2017

Editors: Herb and Kim Allison

 Reporters: Caleb (28), Bethany (26), Timothy (24), Joseph (21), Hannah Grace (20), Jubilee (11)

Congratulations!

   After 6 months of pre-marital counseling, Joseph and Shaelee Miller decided to tie the knot anyway, with a beautiful turquoise and tan wedding. They took a 4-day honeymoon trip to Florida, and it’s been nothing but marital bliss ever since! :o But with baby #2 on the way, their one-bedroom apartment is getting a little cramped.  If anyone knows of a nice little rent house, please let them know.  We like to keep everyone happy, happy, happy!

School Bells

   Jubilee had a reality check this year when she had to leave her comfy little nest and enroll in a small Christian school in Ft. Gibson. She found out most kids her age have to get up at a particular time and don’t do school in their PJ’s! Mom had these same jolts of reality as she volunteered at the school to work off Jubilee’s tuition and books. The verdict: A great school, but it wasn’t their cup of tea. They left their cup of tea, in fact, by the front porch rockers, where they last enjoyed life – watching the buffalo roam and the antelope play. Jubilee, of course, excelled in formal education (chip off the old block), but enough is enough. By Christmas break, they were ready to utilize their newfound skills of time management, concentration, and goal setting to homeschool at Nan and Pa’s house. That way, they are available if anyone needs a helping hand, and they can still have their cup of tea!

Wonder Woman

  Hannah Grace has taken on so many responsibilities this year, she requires her own pit crew to keep her on the road to work or school. After graduating (with honors!) from ICTC as an LPN in June, she launched into 19 hours of classes at Connors State College in August to prepare for her RN-BSN. This wasn’t enough, so she started working nights at East Gate Nursing Home (all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA). Timothy and Herb keep at least 2 cars ready for her to drive at all times. When one goes down, she just calls dad, and someone meets her with a new ride. Sleeping at Tim’s house in town gives her a little more shut-eye, and a little better attitude, which we all appreciate.

Just Sharing

    Timothy didn’t realize that by leaving his keys in his truck overnight, he was agreeing to the terms and conditions of the community Share-

A-Ride program. Participants may drive such vehicles until they are out of state, or out of gas, whichever comes first. Since Timothy never has much gas in his truck, it was easy to find - a few blocks away. The truck was unharmed, and 

other than the $200.00 towing bill, no harm done. However, by storing all his tools and appliance parts in said truck, he also unintentionally enrolled in the Share-A-Tool program. The major problem here was that many of the tools were Herb’s, and Herb doesn’t share well with others.

Tumbling Towers

   When Joseph fell 35 feet from a cell tower last August, he was pleased and surprised to open his eyes to planet earth. A compression fracture to a lumbar vertebra kept him home with Shaelee and Brantley through the end of 2016 – doctor’s orders.

   To supplement his slashed income, Joseph is accepting bids to name the new baby (due in June!). Bidding starts at 5 grand, and every name will be considered. Joseph will be in charge of bid collecting, and any questions should be directed to him. We repeat: Do not bother Shaelee with these details. Joseph does not want to stress the little mama with any major decisions at this time.

Deer to my Hart

   Timothy and Herb each killed an 8-point on the same day in Texas, so the score was tied from the get-go. Timothy went home, but Herb stayed to secure a victory with a 7 point.  Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Joseph checked trail camera cards every day and memorized the feeding patterns of every buck in the county. This allowed him to shoot an 8 point with his bow, and a 7 point with a muzzleloader. Then, out of the kindness of his heart, he told Herb where to sit on opening day of rifle season, and Big Daddy shamelessly bagged another 7-point at 250 yards. To wrap it up, he shot an 8 point with a bow and couldn’t find it. The boys threatened to take his bow away if the deer wasn’t found, and Herb was sweating. Finally, with 4 people tracking an hour and a half in the dark, someone stumbled across it, and Herb’s “Deer Slayer” title was reinstated. 

    

Up, up, and away!

   If you signed up for the baby naming auction, you can go ahead and sign up for prepaid airplane rides. Timothy needed access to a faster airplane (airplanes should be fast, right?). He is now the proud owner of a Mooney M20, but spends so much time working to pay for the maintenance and the fuel, he gets very little time in the air.  But he smiles on Facebook, smug in the knowledge that, in theory, he could be anywhere within 500 nautical miles in 3 hours or less;  assuming he had the money, and the weather was perfect, and the plane wasn’t being  inspected or repaired … you get the picture. He has also confirmed that he still plans to be a commercial pilot; however, the target date on that has been moved back to 2050, due to budget cuts.

Change of Plans

   Kim’s Dad (“Pa”) suffered a stroke last November, which, coupled with his previous diagnosis of dementia, has altered the life of everyone in the immediate and extended family. His 24/7 supervision and intense care-taking has drawn in every able-bodied relative for miles, and thankfully, there are many who are willing to pitch in!

   Cousin Cary helps with physical therapy. Kristen and her girls supply meals. Other relatives take shifts throughout the day. The night shift (headed by Curt and Caleb, with occasional help from the other kids and in-laws) deserves special recognition, because nights are anything but restful! Pa rarely sleeps and tends to run his watchmen ragged!

   No doubt, his body is declining; but his spirit stays strong. Pa doesn’t always recognize us, but he still knows all the words of the old hymns, and still prays of his own initiative. “We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2Cor 4:16).  “My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73:26).

Lace Up!

   Timothy, Hannah Grace, and Red ran a half marathon in March, and the Hanster beat the other two like step-children. Red-headed ones. Story submitted by Hannah Grace.

A New Vision

  Shaelee and Brantley joined Herb, Kim and Jubilee for our annual homeschool conference in Big Sandy, Texas. When Shaelee saw all the big homeschool families walking around campus like so many ducklings in a row, she was sold. “Twelve Kids or Bust!” Joseph? Not so much. He thinks “2” is a nice, round, even number that’s easy to leave with a babysitter. Only time will tell.

Run Like a Girl!

   Hannah Grace and Mom tackled two 5K runs last year while Jubilee slept. Both of our Lady Runners finished 1^st in their age brackets in the Hero Run through Honor Heights. Fortunately, Mom has finally aged into the run bracket with bathroom breaks figured in. After one such mid-race delay, mom rejoined the race and finished neck and neck with her peers. At least that’s how she remembers it.

That Grandbaby!

   Brantley’s first year has been full of the usual firsts, only better and faster than any other kid’s first year! We could brag a lot right here, but we’ll just say: he stayed with his Mimi and Grandpappy enough to learn to love deer, books, 4-wheelers, cats, and veggies. He cut his teeth on bell pepper and celery sticks, and now devours most anything put before him: broccoli and cauliflower being his Mimi’s crowning achievements! He so enjoyed picking tomatoes at the neighbor’s garden that he had to eat them before we got home!

Have Cats, Will Travel

   Bethany is still working nights and keeping her boys, Jethro and LeRoy, (the cats) company, but she is missing her human family terribly.  Since she passed her CLEET and Field Training, her career options look good if she decides to move back from T- Town. However, her housing options are a little more limited. She and the cats are a package deal, and she refuses to let them set even a paw outside, for fear they would revert back to the wild. In her mother’s opinion, it wouldn’t be a big leap.

I Can’t Believe It Has Come to This…

   Something was eating the cat food at Nan’s Café. Since it only came at night, there were no positive identifications. Shaelee (one of the few eye-witnesses) believed it was a giant rat (like The Rat that ate Minnesota). Others thought it was a wild boar. Desperate measures had to be taken. An armed posse was deputized, and an ambush planned. Deputy Fife (Uncle Curt) was the first to take a shot and riddled the back porch with holes, with no hide taken. Next up: the Great Hunter himself! Herbert was handed a “loaded” gun, but it only clicked as the lucky thief once again scurried away into the darkness. It was 0 and 2 when Quick Draw McGraw (Caleb) moseyed into the Café for his usual midnight meal. One shot from Quick Draw ended the career of the World’s Largest Opossum, and we are kicking ourselves for not taking a picture! It was as big as Caleb, and just to be sure he received the proper recognition, he left the carcass, feet up, by the back porch for 3 days. With the temperatures below freezing, its size was preserved for all visitors to admire. Sorry, folks, but it’s been a tough year for news.

A Really Good Bargain

   Hannah Grace found some cheap season tickets to Six Flags. Yes, but what season? These tickets can only be used in the dead of winter, with special discounts for Christmas and New Year’s Eve! So Han and Santa Clause were the only ones shivering on the roller coaster; the screams frozen in her throat. But she saved so much money! That’s my girl.

Foot Notes

   With a little one on the way, Joseph decided to trade in his Big Dog Truck with the Big Dog Payment for a responsible family car. Shaelee had no idea that a Camaro qualified as a family car! Joseph claimed the salesman convinced him it would hold plenty of kids. J

     Jubilee cut off 10 inches of her beautiful curly hair to donate for cancer patients’ wigs. We all suffered cutter’s remorse with that first snip! But it will grow back, right?

   Some strange excruciating pain in the Mom’s foot had her in urgent care last fall and on crutches for a week. Tests ruled out gout, so it was probably an infection of some sort. Maybe she just needed to sit down for a while. J

   Jubilee performed in two piano recitals last year, but had to convince her long-suffering teacher, Ms. Honey, to let her create her own arrangements, composed and played by ear. Those notes on the pages really stifle her creativity.

   Herbert ran in a 5K with Mom and Jubilee! He planned to make this a new habit but, well,  um… duty calls! That’s it! Too busy!

  Hannah Grace ran off to Chicago and Kansas City during the holidays. Just for fun.

   Last summer, Jubilee took 2 weeks of swimming lessons, walked for cystic fibrosis, explored a cave in Arkansas, and rocked the church mission trip with her dad. But by far the best part of her summer was spent playing with her favorite nephew, Brantley Drew! People always guess him to be older than he is, due to his height, verbal skills, and superior intelligence (no doubt inherited from his Mimi). J

“These are the children God has given me….

God has been good to me.” Genesis 33:5