Arizona Trip Part 1

Several months ago my cousin, Roxanne invited me and Mom to come visit her when her Mom (my Aunt Sandy) was going to visit. Mom didn't think she was up for that trip but I was. My cousin moved to Arizona from Missouri 3 years ago this fall.

Our first evening on Roxanne's patio. Beautiful sunset and the weather was perfect! She also offered us homemade lemonade made from freshly squeezed lemons from the neighbor's lemon tree! Delightful!

Roxanne had some fun activities planned for us. We started the next morning (Wednesday April 22nd) with some freshly made orange juice made from oranges also from her neighbor's tree! Oh...my....goodness....I am ruined forever! It was so good!

She then took us to a local scrapbook store! It is the largest I have ever been in! Walking through looking at all the product brought back a flood of memories of when I worked at the store here in Mineral Wells. I took a few pictures to share with my friend who owned the store I worked in. Ten years ago I would have dropped a lot of money there but I have so much that I bought when our store was open that I don't need anything! Plus it would have to fit in my suitcase to take home on the plane!

This is inside the front door.

In the forefront is where the register for checkout is. My Aunt Sandy looking at product. If you click on the picture to enlarge it you can see in the back of the photo on the wall says "classroom". Then out of the photo to the left of Aunt Sandy is a doorway into another large room with more product! Behind me is product too as I'm standing in the middle of the store.

This little area is behind the checkout counter in the center of the store. I was amazed at the selection of inks, stamp pads, stencils and more!

Their sale product was in a whole other space!

Later in the day we drive to Rock Springs.

View of Arizona terrain.

This place is known for their pies.

Front door up close.

The pies are written on the chalkboard in the middle of the photo on the back wall.

The pies were good but I wouldn't describe them as "world famous".😉

After dinner Roxanne took us to Sunset Point Rest Area. This is a great area that is a rest stop with lots of look out points, picnic tables. It's really nice. We had hoped to watch the sunset but the sun had just gone behind the mountains when we arrived. We still enjoyed the view!

Roxanne and Aunt Sandy at one of the look out points.

The sunlight was shining on the mountains on the other side of the highway. I waited to long to get this picture. The mountains almost looked like they were glowing!

It was a great day.

I'll share more on the trip in the next blog.

Have a good one!

Mom's Visit

 Keannon (my SIL) is an insurance adjuster. In late March he was deployed to Missouri in the area my

Aunt Sandy lives in to inspect storm damage. Vanessa (my daughter) had the idea to ask Mom if she would like to ride with him and spend some time with her sister. Vanessa told her to stay as long as she wanted and when she was ready to come home she would meet Keannon half-way to get her home. She couldn't pack fast enough! They left Friday, March 27th. 

My Aunt kept mom pretty busy.

They played cards.

They visited family. 

This is my Aunt Mae (on the right). 

Mae and her youngest son Gary.

Mom stayed for 2 weeks. Keannon ended up coming home before Mom was ready. Aunt Sandy was planning a trip to visit her son, Andy and family in Arkansas. Keannon picked up Mom at their house.

Terry, Sandy, Mom and Andy.

Mom had a great time although it took her a few days to recover.

Have a good one!

Seeing Family 040326

 If you follow me you saw a post I made previously containing my step-mother's obituary. This created a trip to Missouri for the services and a few days to visit family.

I saw my favorite uncle at the service on Good Friday (April 3, 2026).

Me and Philip at the luncheon held after the service. Not the best back ground for these white headed people! 

Philip and his wife Mary Ann were visiting their daughter and son-in-law for Easter in Memphis, TN. He drove in for the service and left after lunch to go back! He and my other uncle Alan sang at Barbara's service. Andrew, Alan's son accompanied them on piano.

Wayne also came to the service. He drove from Colorado. I saw more family than I got pictures of but one I managed to get was with my cousin Stephanie (daughter of my Uncle Bill and Aunt Beverly {my dad's sister}she lives in the suburbs of St. Louis).

After lunch, Alan and Lyndie invited Wayne and I over to their house. Last we were there they were remodeling the old farmhouse.

We had a really good visit. 

Wayne planned to head home on Saturday morning so he followed me to my Aunt Sandy's to visit her and our Mom who was staying with her.

Aunt Sandy remembered to get a picture but we failed to get a picture with her in it! 

Saturday April 4th I went with Aunt Sandy to have brunch at her step-son's home. The food was wonderful and so was the company! Mom didn't go as they have a lot of stairs.

Mom and Aunt Sandy taught me a card game they know how to play. 

Sunday April 5th was Easter. Mom and I went with Aunt Sandy to her church. 

Since it was Easter we knew restaurants would be busy so we decided to order take-out and had pizza! Mother had been wanting pizza. It hit the spot! While waiting for the pizza, Aunt Sandy had her great-grandson take a picture before we changed our clothes.

That evening, Aunt Sandy and Mom taught me another card game while Aunt Sandy's granddaughter (Katie) made dinner for us.

I left Monday, April 6th to head home. Short but fun visit.

Have a good one!

Nature Excursion 032326

I was long overdue for a nature experience. I had a friend give me an annual pass to Clark Gardens so I
choose to use it. Clark Gardens is a botanical garden located just about 15 minutes from my house.

Duck bathing.

Showing off.

So many beautiful flowers!

And they had my beloved Bluebonnets!

I was excited to find some almost albino Bluebonnets in the mix.

I was even more excited to see the White Striped Sphinx Moth! They remind me of hummingbirds. They are almost as big as hummingbirds. I remember the first time I saw them in my flower bed several years ago I thought that's what they were.

 I think they are so cool!

The trip to Clark Gardens was just what I needed.

It was good for my soul.

Have a good one!

Baseball 032126

I was able to attend one of Kashton's baseball games March 21st. Kashton plays "select" baseball and none of his games are local. They are all an hour or more away. He usually plays 1st base but he also pitches some.

He didn't have his best game but at least I got to watch him.

Have a good one!

Barbara Louise Shelton Curp Stephens

 

Barbara Louise Shelton Curp Stephens

October 22, 1936 ~ March 30, 2026

Barbara Stephens, age 89 of Polo, Missouri passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, surrounded by her family as they sang “In the Garden.” After a long and quiet journey with Alzheimer’s and a stroke, she is now whole and at peace in the presence of the Lord.

Barbara was born in Pomona, California on October 22, 1936, to James T. and Frieda (Hemry) Shelton and was the oldest of five siblings. As a farm girl (and later a farm wife), Barbara learned first-hand the value of diligence and determination, resilience and resourcefulness, and grit combined with gratitude. She embodied these character traits every day of her life and instilled them in her children and grandchildren.

In 1954, she graduated as the salutatorian of her senior class at Polo High School. Barbara was united in marriage to Donald Lee Curp on December 24, 1954 and together they raised a family of six children. He preceded her in death on September 25, 1988. God never leaves nor forsakes us. He graciously provided a faithful servant to walk with her into and through the golden years through Warren Stephens.  Barbara and Warren were married on June 30, 1995. Together they spent nearly three decades proclaiming the love of Jesus in churches they served, in their community, and to family and friends. He preceded her in death on August 26, 2023.

Barbara was an avid gardener and the fruit (and vegetables) of her labor provided countless meals to family and friends. Her waffles and homemade syrup were the perfect breakfast for family deer hunters, and her dinner rolls rivaled Lamberts! She loved Jesus and spent her life serving others with kindness and compassion.

Survivors include her children: Karen (Curt) Shonk, Breckenridge, MO, Mark (Teri) Curp, Lee’s Summit, MO, Sheryl (Brian) Franke, Lee’s Summit, MO, Darla (Mark) Moberly, Liberty, MO, Brian (Natalie) Curp, Kansas City, MO, Daughter-in love: Rebecca Goncalves, Ludlow MA, Bonus-Daughter Valerie (Doyle) Light, Mineral Wells, TX, Bonus-Son Wayne (Kelley) Stephens, Weatherford, TX, 16 grandchildren, 4 bonus grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way, and 8 bonus great-grandchildren. Siblings: Shirley (Houston) Rushing, Great Falls, MT, (Chuck) Sams, Cincinnati, OH, Sharon (Duane) Tindall, Lawson, MO, and (Barbara) Shelton, San Antonio, TX. She was also proceeded in death by her parents, son Brad Curp, sister Betty Sams, brother Jim Shelton and granddaughter Kelsey Shonk.

Note from Barbara’s kids:  We deeply thank all those who came alongside us the past couple of years to help provide care and companionship to mom, including Lynette Goll, John & Mary Duncan, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Duane and Connie, the Lawson Manor’s kindhearted staff, & Michelle Gibson (our Lawson Manor sister from another mother), Liberty Hospital seventh floor (penthouse…IYKYK) and second floor staff, and Ascend Hospice. What a blessing you were to mom and to us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to SBC International Mission Board (IMB). Checks can be mailed to Barbara Stephens Family in care of Stith Family Funeral Home, 301 E. Elm Street, Polo, MO 64671.

A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Polo First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call from 11 AM to 5 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo. (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

Number 13!

Kashton turned 13 on March 5th. Due to some scheduling conflicts Vanessa hosted the family dinner for him on Monday, March 2nd.

A close up of the card I made him.

All Kashton wanted for his birthday was money. Money he got. He is proud of his loot!

My cake that is requested by everyone in the family.

Kashton poses with Grammer.

Thirteen got here really fast!

Have a good one!