Prowell Family

Made it to MONTANA

2010-07-06T19:28:00.001-07:00

We finally made it to Montana and worked at Beartooth Mountain Christian Ranch this June. It is such beautiful country, and we truly enjoyed the chance to work at a busy summer camp. Scott did painting and various repairs. Cynthia, Sadie and Emma worked in the kitchen.

Fun in North Carolina

2010-04-09T09:11:00.001-07:00

We stayed with friends Darlene and David Bone, from Murphy, North Carolina. They have a lovely mountain home and took us sight-seeing to the Nantahala National Forest, and Fields of the Wood. Darlene set up 2 concerts for us at nearby churches. We had a great time there.

Sweet Home Alabama

2010-03-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

Calera, Alabama, just 30 miles south of Birmingham was where we spent February, 2010. We made several trips to the city for fun and sightseeing. Below is the world's largest cast iron statue: The Vulcan. Created for the 1904 World's Fair. From the observation deck, we got a great panoramic view of the city.

On another day, we took a homeschool field trip with the Gober family and went to American Village. One of the buildings featured an exact replica of the Oval Office. Here's Emma on the Eagle rug.

....and Sadie at the executive desk!!
We had a great time rollerskating twice while in Alabama.

Christmas 2009

2010-02-07T16:25:00.001-08:00

While at New Start Church, Cynthia sang with the choir in the Christmas program.

At the church Christmas party, here are Ernest and Dale, and Rose and Jerry Davidson. Walking behind them is Emma and Sadie's friend Caitlin. This is the church fellowship hall, where we enjoyed many lunches during work weeks, and a bluegrass music jam one Friday night.

Chris, Crystal and Tara at the Christmas party.Emma participated in the children's Christmas program and played the part of Mary. She sang a solo in "Isn't He?"

One evening we went to Karen and Bobby's house for food, fellowship and music. Here are sisters Karen and Donna showing us some hot licks.

Washington D.C.

2010-01-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here we are standing between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Monument.

We visited our nation's capitol in late October, 2009. We were in awe of the magnificent buildings and monuments - and didn't have nearly enough time to see all that we wanted.We toured 4 of the Smithsonian museums - entrance is free, but parking is not - and that was a hassle. The museums are great - and we can't wait to get a chance to go back.

We took a guided tour of the Library of Congress. A truly magnificent building - and I hardly saw any actual books inside! We couldn't go in the reading rooms!

GOD BLESS AMERICA - the LAND OF THE FREE!

New York City ! ! ! !

2009-11-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Our first trip turned out to be a cloudy day - but we enjoyed the train ride down from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Station. Then we rode a city bus down to Battery Park. After 2 security checks, we were allowed aboard the ferry that took us to Liberty Island. There she is...We walked around the base, then inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. It was quite a view of Manhattan from just the pedestal balcony.On our second visit to "the city". We met up with our friends from Kansas, the Hanson family. We toured Central Park, and the Natural History Museum. There are a lot of bones in that place!! Then a subway ride over to the Astor Theater for a matinee performance of the Blue Man Group. It exceeded our expectations - we were thoroughly entertained!!

After that - a trip to Times Square and then to a famous Pizza place.

If I weren't such a country girl, I'd move here. :-)

We made it to the BIG APPLE!

Made it to Maine

2009-10-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

One Saturday we headed out in the car from Windsor, New Hampshire and drove all the way to the Atlantic coast in the state of Maine. Sounds far - but it was just over an hour's drive.
Below is the Nubble Lighthouse.

A little too chilly to swim - but warm enough to enjoy a walk along the beach in Maine.

As we drove through Ogunquit, Maine, we saw this beautiful stone library. Just had to take a picture.

Niagara Falls

2009-10-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

The Prowell family had a fantastic time exploring the Niagara Falls area. We are so glad we could make it up there for a few days of R&R before heading to the next work project.

Exploring around Pittsburgh

2009-09-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

From Mt. Chestnut outside of Butler, we drove 30 miles to downtown Pittsburgh, PA. There we spent time on the campus of University of Pittsburgh. Here is the Carnegie Libr ary. It's just part of a massive structure also housing a history museum and art gallery.Here is the impressive Cathedral of Learning. Tallest schoolroom in the world. It looks like a medieval castle inside and around the perimeter are rooms depicting education in other countries around the world. This was awesome.

For fun one weekend, we attended the Butler Farm Show with Dr. Steve and Glenda Dillman. We looked at all the farm animals, tractors, and rode some rides.

Visiting Cade & Vicki in Ohio

2009-09-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

After we left Indiana, we drove through Columbus, OH and to Cade & Vicki's house on the East side of town. We had a great weekend together. One day we drove downtown to visit the sights. First we visited a huge book store called The Book Loft. Room after room on several floors - we got lost for hours.
Then down by the river to see a replica of The Santa Maria. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus got this far inland - so they named the city after him. I'm skeptical about thatBack home, Cade gave Emma some archery pointers in the back yard. You should have seen their awesome garden, too!

Trip to Downtown Indianapolis

2009-08-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

One Friday in July, Emma and I drove to downtown Indianapolis and had some fun. Here is the war memorial that is the centerpiece. It is a masterpiece.

On the circle around the monument sits one of the oldest churches in the city. We went inside and heard the noontime pipe organ recital.

There is an amazing glass structure called Artsgarden that connects the shopping mall to an office building and hotel.We went to the food court and ordered sandwiches at Chick Fil A - then went to the Artsgarden to eat -with traffic driving right beneath on the city street.While we ate, a jazz ensemble entertained us - isn't this a cool stage?

Camper Registration

2009-07-22T09:57:00.001-07:00

On Monday another week of children's camp started here at Camp Camby. My job was to collect the money campers brought to spend at Snack Shack. I love that job. The table next to mine was the camp nurse. Kids brought in medications for her safekeeping, and also got their heads examined. . . . For lice. During slow spells at the snack sales table, I would watch the nurse at work.
We'd only been at our stations for 30 minutes when an adult rushed through the doors carrying a young boy on his back. The boys legs stuck out straight on either side of the counselor. One foot had a flip flop on it, the other had a bloody napkin. Following close behind were 8 nervous-looking boys. They swarmed the nurse's table and the boy was placed in a chair. After initial examination, the nurse assured everyone that the boy wouldn't require stitches OR amputation (big sigh from the patient's friends). He just needed the wound cleaned and bandaged. I motioned to one of the witnesses to come over to my table to tell me what had happened. With great
animation, he explained that their group had gone out front to pose for a picture, and then on the way back, just happened to find a parked trailer and decided to high jump over the hitch. All had passed this feat - except for the boy now crying at the nurse's station.

At this point, children waiting for their lice inspection were piling up. I scratched my head wondering what to do (just the mention of head lice makes me itch). I had observed the nurse doing this job and felt I could help out. I moved over to that end of the table and announced to the first camper in line - I'll check you for lice. This went well for several heads - I was feeling confident. I would look at the child's nametag, and chat with them casually as I ran my fingers through their hair looking for unwanted guests. As I was checking Tommy's head, I mentioned to him I was just looking around for "bugs". He replied, "Oh, I haven't had any bugs for a LONG
time." Thanks, Tommy. Define "LONG". I passed Tommy anyway and let the next child sit down. He had a buzz haircut. That's the best kind for lice checks, in my opinion. I went over his whole head and didn't find lice, just some crumbs leftover from the cookie eaten on the way here. I noticed he wasn't wearing his nametag, so I said, "Hey, kid - you'll want to stop by the front table and find your nametag.". . . . "Oh, I'm not going to camp, we're just here to bring my brother." "Oh really", I replied- "well consider this your complimentary scalp massage. Have a nice day."

4th of July in Louisville

2009-07-13T06:40:00.001-07:00

We spent 4th of July weekend in Louisville, KY visiting friends Steve and Lisa. They live right by the Ohio river, and keep their sailboat docked just a short walk from their home. It was a cloudy day, but the rain held off and we went for a nice ride.

This is Sadie and Emma with Amelia, Steve & Lisa's granddaughter.Captain Steve at the helm.Back at the house for a music jam. Here is Lisa, Amelia, and Sarah. Joel was playing blues guitar, and Steve was playing harmonica. Scott was playing mandolin. I'm putting the video on facebook.

If we got thirsty or hungry for pretzels, Emma and grandson Caleb were ready at the Tiki Bar.

Scott and Steve playing music outside beside the pool and Tiki Bar.

Visiting Shut-ins - as Everyone SHOULD

2009-06-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

We went to a place called "Johnson's Shut-Ins" near Arcadia, Missouri. Don't get hung up on the name-- this is a state park with a shallow river you can swim in. Absolutely loved the place. It was 95 on the thermometer and the water was clean and cool. Because of the rocks creating little "rapids", there are great places to sit against boulders and just let the water rush by you - SOOO refreshing.But back to the name.
I thought the term "shut-ins" meant someone who is homebound -due to infirmity or illness. Someone who needs phone calls from the prayer chain, meals on wheels, and a real live visitor now and then, to sit and chat. What genius some Missouri geologist had in naming this nifty outdoor playplace. Imagine the next time his mother-in-law called to see if he could get her toilet unclogged: "Oh, Mildred, I can't come over right now - I've got to visit shut-ins!" Or when his neighbor asks if he'd like to come over and watch tapes 4-9 of his recent trip to Indiana: "Hey, Dwight, I really appreciate the invite, but I've committed to spending more time with shut-ins this week". What a brilliant (and truthful) excuse! Reminds me of the time a guy in our town wanted to open a tavern. He named his bar "The Office" and the place was always busy (so I'm told). A friend of ours was home with the kids and wondered why his wife wasn't home from work yet. Called her cell phone: "Hi, honey - where you at?" "Oh, I'm still at "The Office", dear- be home in an hour or two". These unusual names for places has inspired me to give a new name to my bed. Its new name is "the word" (small w, of course). Friend on phone: "Hi, what have you been doing this afternoon?" Me: "Oh, just spending some time in "the word". Friend: "You sure inspire me. etc. etc."

Here's us spending more quality time with the shut-ins:I could go on - but I'd really rather go get in "the word".

Attack of the Killer Golf Cart

2009-06-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Most of you probably think of a golf cart as a harmless, somewhat slow-moving vehicle. I encountered the exception to this rule - a bright red golf cart that I attempted to drive. Pinecrest's gardener was leaving for the day and told Scott and I we could borrow his cart to run errand around camp.

The cart- "Christine" we'll call her, was parked in front of the gardener's home. I sat down and switched the key on and lightly touched the gas pedal. It's still called a "gas" pedal even when the unit is battery-operated - like this one. I was unprepared for the sudden jump to light speed. I didn't know golf carts can rear up with front tires off the ground like that. We covered the first 50 feet in "wheelie" mode. Once the front wheels settled back down to the pavement, I attempted to decelerate by pushing on the brake pedal. No change. Press harder. No change. Use BOTH feet and stand up on the brake. No change. By this time, we began to gather more speed down a slight hill. Unfortunately, at the bottom of the hill is the new pump house, where Scott is inside working.

My next thought - is "Oh no, I'm going to crash into the new pump house - this is awful". But just then I had a revelation: THERE'S a STEERING WHEEL gripped in my hands - this could be useful. At least I could choose my crash site. To the left was a steeper hill sloping down to dense woods - a tree could stop the cart eventually and I would probably be ejected. Might result in a trip to the hospital. To the right the road levels out and I could even try to turn the thing UP hill and slow it down, perhaps even get it stopped. I chose this path.

I steered past the pump house without taking any of the siding off. But my speed was still substantial. That's when I had a 2nd Revelation: THIS THING CAN BE TURNED OFF!" As I reached down to find the key and turn it off - I looked at the "gas" pedal, which was all the way down. Mind you, I had not touched the pedal since that intial tap in the beginning. Perhaps if I got my foot under it and pulled it back up.... Ahh HA! The little devil cart came to halt with the combination "key off - pedal back" move. I considered leaving it right there and walking home, but something my parents taught me echoed in my brain: "always return things where you found them." So with great trepidation, I turned the key on, but instead of engaging the gas pedal with my foot, I used one hand and operated it like a joystick - forward-GO, back-SLOW. The other hand steered, and I ignored the brake pedal altogether. I was able to get the cart back to the gardener's driveway - although it faced "in" instead of "out". I figured that was close enough.

Elephant Rocks State Park

2009-06-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Elephant Rocks State Park near Ironton, Missouri. We had a picnic there and hiked the trail to see the giant granite rocks. It was a beautiful day.Can you believe how big this one below is? It's nicknamed "Dumbo".

As a tree gets bigger, it starts to grow "around" the boulder - like it's trying to eat it!

Graduation Time

2009-05-27T09:05:00.001-07:00

My niece graduated from SNU in Bethany, Oklahoma. Here we are in the gym waiting for the ceremony to start.
Gabrielle with Cynthia's folks: Myrna and Charles Lucas.

After graduation, we all went to Swadley's BBQ and pigged out. Then back to Kathy's house to relax and have her famous Chocolate TRIFLE for dessert. Here's the whole gang:

Turner Falls

2009-05-04T12:53:00.001-07:00

We visited Turner Falls in south central Oklahoma. It was a chilly day and there were very few other people. In the summer, many folks come here to hike and swim.

Below are the remains of a stone "castle" - someone's exotic summer retreat 70 years ago.

Dinosaur World

2009-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Over spring break, Sadie and Emma and Cynthia went to Dinosaur World in Glen Rose, Texas. We had a fun time walking through the park with life-size models of dinosaurs. Not nearly as scary as Jurassic Park.

Singing in Scottsville

2009-03-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

We gave a concert for the worship service at Scottsville Community Church on February 22. Here we are outside the chapel.Below is a picture during one of our songs.

On previous Sundays, we enjoyed working with Rev. Phillip Phelps, Donna Hamiter and Johnnie (sorry forgot last name!!) singing and playing for the worship service.

Valentines Fun

2009-02-22T18:10:00.001-08:00

We helped serve at a Valentine's Banquet at Scottsville Camp.
Below is Donna and Dan Hamiter - who is serving as Interim Camp Manager.

Next is Phillip and Alice Bough, who are ROAM volunteers.

Here we are setting up the hot serving line with Brenda Harwick, Heather, and Alice.

Volunteers got together the night before and had a little party of our own in Yocum Center.

Emma found some time to go fishing in the camp's pond. The big one got away, however.

One evening after work, Sue and Bill Ponder built a campfire and invited us all to enjoy it's warmth.

Homeschooling on the Road

2009-02-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

We are in our second year of homeschooling. Sadie is a 5th grader, and Emma is in 3rd grade. We start our day around 9 am. and finish up by 3 or 4 pm. Our curriculum is a combination of textbooks and computer-guided learning. The girls are doing very well in their lessons!

Sometimes we take our books down to the dining hall and work at one of the tables there.
Our homeschool history group. We are studying the Revolutionary War and reading the biography of Betsy Ross.
Emma and Glory Harwick serving at lunchtime.

Sadie and Grace Harwick enjoying a cup of tea after our Boston Tea Party history lesson. To Nina: we still enjoy PG Tips tea!!

Bluegrass Jam in Arizona

2009-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

During our stay in Phoenix, we went to a coffee house bluegrass jam. There we met Lou Ann, who invited us to her home the following Saturday for a Christmas party and music jam. We had a great time making new friends and playing songs all evening.

Scott is playing with a family of musicians - Mom, Dad, and 2 teenage daughters. They are very talented and give concerts all around the area.

Below, I'm singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot with Lou Ann and her friend.

What a camp!!

2009-01-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Our friend Jeff Gillis is the chef at a new camp in Texas. It is called Allaso Ranch and was built for Fellowship Church of Dallas. Jeff and his culinary team (which sometimes includes wife Peggy Sue and daughters Shalen, Sarah, Scarlett, and Shelby) create menus with healthy, wholesome foods. It is so awesome. There is an equestrian center (read: barn with horses) and water park (read: neat swimming hole) on the property. The office and lodge are very impressive. They've just been open about 8 months. It's quite a place- makes going to camp more of a resort vacation!!!

Christmas Remembered

2009-01-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a fantastic Christmas with Scott's folks, his sister Pam and niece Kalyn. They drove all the way from Kansas City to be with us in Phoenix. They stayed at the Residence Inn and we enjoyed all the amenities -like pool and hot tub, hot breakfasts, and evening meals! For Christmas dinner, we shopped at the local grocery store and prepared a meal in the suite. Talk about low stress!!!

Surprise

2008-12-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

The ROAM volunteers got together to have game night again. This time they surprised me with a birthday cake. Sadie and Emma had secretly been working with Alice Baugh to make the cake and decorate the table. What fun!!! We called it the Grand Canyon cake. It was a yummy chocolate cake that mysteriously split down the middle as it was being brought to the party.

Game Night at Orangewood

2008-12-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

Here we are playing table games in the foyer of Orangewood Church. There are 3 other ROAM couples here in Phoenix with us. Jerry & Dorine Nichols, Phillip & Alice Baugh, and George and Vi Henry. Dorine taught us a card game called "Under Where?"

Farewell to San Bernardino

2008-12-02T18:01:00.001-08:00

We say good-bye to San Bernardino. One thing I remember is all the different palm trees and all the "pencil trees". They probably have another name - but I've never seen them in other parts of the country. This picture shows palms on the left and the pencil trees in center and right. In the background are the mountains that encircle the Inland Valley where San Bernardino, Redlands, and Highland are - where we spent our time in November.

Trip to Downtown LA

2008-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we rode the Metrolink train from San Bernardino to Union Station, LA. It took about 90 minutes - stopping for other passengers along the way. It was so much easier than driving down there in our car! Below are the pictures I took - click on one and it will take you to the album page - then you can select slideshow to see all the photos larger.

San Juan Capistrano

2008-11-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a lovely day at the mission San Juan Capistrano, established in 1776. It's just over an hour's drive from San Bernardino.
This is Nina and Belinda beside the rose garden in the center courtyard of the mission.
Several lovely fountains were found at the mission. Many varieties of cactus and blooming flowers abounded.
Here are the ruins of the Great Stone Church. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812.
Here are Andrew, Lauren, Emma and Sadie in front of a giant pumpking and traditional Indian home.

Newport Beach

2008-11-09T18:49:00.001-08:00

Sadie and Emma running from the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Can you believe we're swimming and it's NOVEMBER!

Here we are showering off and preparing to leave.

Emma standing by the entrance to the pier. Beautiful palm trees are everywhere.

Here we are enjoying the sunshine and the soft sand. Multi-million dollar houses line the sidewalk in the background.

Working at Cornerstone

2008-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

We've been busy at Cornerstone. We usually are in the Ministry/Education building, which is behind the church. It has several rooms that open into the courtyard. Almost like an old motel.
On the south end of the building were 2 rooms that will be remodeled and combined into one room. This will be for the children - as a Sunday school and Children's church room. This is Scott and Steve working in the room.

Valentina and Andrea came with their mother Carmen to work on the clothes closet. The girls took a break to play Littlest Pet Shop. We're so glad there are some friends to play with.

Cornerstone Church

2008-11-05T19:52:00.001-08:00

Here's Cornerstone Church in San Bernardino, California. Every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, free food and clothes are made available to the community.

Halloween 08

2008-11-02T08:56:00.001-08:00

No tricks - just TREATS

2008-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with the Deans on Halloween. The kids carved pumpkins, decorated spooky cupcakes, then dressed up in costumes to head out in the neighborhood and gather a bucketful of candy. This morning, the kids - Sadie, Emma, Lauren and Andrew spread all their candy out on the dining table and sorted it - generously sharing with the parents! We now have enough sweets to last us until Christmas.

What a blessing Belinda, Robert, Nina, Lauren and Andrew have been to us this week. As we leave today to report to the work project, we are comforted by the fact that we will be just 10 minutes away and look forward to getting together throughout November as we work at Cornerstone Church.

My Cousins

2008-10-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is Sadie writing.
I have 2 cousins in Idaho. Their names are Gretta, who is 5, and Lydia, who turned 2 on October 1. We got to be there for her birthday party. Their mom is Danae, my mom's niece.

Here I am with my baby cousin Darby. She just turned 1. She lives in Kansas.

Living the good life

2008-10-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

We've been having such an enjoyable week here at the Dean house. The kids love playing together - inside and out. I've gone shopping with Belinda and Nina, Belinda's mom. Sunday we took the girls to see High School Musical 3. Tuesday Scott installed cabinets at Robert's office. In the evening we've grilled outside, or cooked inside and ate out on the patio. One night we all relaxed in the hot tub before going to bed. Next post I'll add photos of our time here and report on Halloween in Highland.

check out the new slide show

2008-10-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

I've just added some photos from our stay in Idaho. Click on the slideshow at the left. I hope you enjoy!

sunny southern cal

2008-10-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Highland, CA at the home of Robert and Belinda Dean. Belinda gave me a tutorial on setting up a blog - so here we go!
We drove here after visiting Sequoiah National Park and Yosemite National Park earlier this week - I will be posting the pictures soon!