The Mysterious Land of . . . . . .

SNOW! Our family traveled from Florida and Arkansas at Christmas time to "Arkasouri", that Mysterious Land of Snow. Some of the Florida babies have never seen snow (even some 18 year olds), so we thank the Master of the Wind and Waves for His bountiful provision! Enter with us . . .

This picture took my mind in the direction of mysterious places. You can almost imagine the "Spare Oom" just around the corner from the "Lamp Post". Instead we found enchanting . . .

. . . snow covered haybales in the pasture. All you poor, cold snow-sufferers, please bear with us. It was lovely! In this mysterious land we found many enchanting scenes . . .

Angels in the snow! Rachel (with friend Buddy watching from above.)

Snow Angel Rosie, with Jake wondering what all the excitement is about.

You would find lovely babushkas waiting to lead you from one exciting scene to the next.
Kitty . . .

And Sarah, who got up early to be the first out in the snow.

You would find exciting adventures, instigated by Uncle Jay, who provided equipment and scraps for boys to turn into fun!

Snow Angels Rosie and Rachel enjoy the result of creativity -- an improvised toboggan pulled by the 4-wheeler.

What a great time for fun with cousins you don't get to see too often! Daniel and Sarah see what the 4 wheeler does on the snow. Obviously, Floridians did not have snow equipment to bring along (especially since we didn't really expect snow!). BUT BEWARE!! Who knows what lurks in the snows of Arkasouri . . .

Is it?? The Yeti, the Abominable Snowman?? A lost terrorist?? Oh, it's just Uncle Jay, who has lived here a few months and is prepared for working outdoors. Hmmm, what is he getting ready to do???

ACCKKKK!! Poor Sarah!! That throwing arm was more powerful than I remembered!! Actually, Granddaddy took the picture just as she ducked! Well-played, Sarah!

Indiana-born Danny hasn't forgot his snowball-fighting form! No one wanted to be the recipient of Granddaddy's hardball!

Oh, yes. One more thing Granddaddy doesn't miss about snow country! It will take the Lord God Almighty to move him out of Florida!!

Yes, another beware! Sisters sneaking up behind you with snowballs! Oh, well, there's always a lovely roaring fire in the house!

. . . or in the pasture! I'm afraid there is a bit of pyromaniac in the Frodge genes, and it has been passed on. Of course, what better occasion for a bonfire than a cold day playing in the snows of "Arkasouri"! Well, thanks for visiting our mysterious land -- come back anytime!

God's Providential Timing . . .

What a wonderful heavenly Father we have! Jason and Ashley were expecting a baby boy earlier in December, but the Lord knew how special it would be for him to be born when the whole family was there. On December 23, Jason Clay Frodge Jr. came into a cold, cold world but was greeted warmly by his loving family. He makes the 24th grandchild and evens up the genders -- 12 girls and 12 boys. What a precious little boy he is!

Ashley was blessed to have a (relatively) short labor with the midwife in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and be home shortly after. There were lots and lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents on hand to watch Savannah and assure her that her little brother was coming home soon!

Grandmother and Granddaddy adore the newest addition -- and one of only two actual Frodges!

Jason with his little son on Christmas day. We remarked over and over how much he looks like Jason when Jason was first born. Below is a picture of Jason when he was 2 months old -- it will be interesting to compare baby Clay with his daddy in another month or so!


Jason Clay Frodge, the Original 1972

Ashley with her little boy, a couple of days old. She looks so contented and pleased. God is merciful and gracious to our family.

Aunt Katie, loving this little nephew. Our family loves babies!

Aunt Ashley introducing Clay to his cousin, Paul. I predict they will be great pals and grow up to be faithful men of God together. Thank you, Lord, for your abundant blessing of children!

We love you, baby Clay.

Christmas in Arkasouri

Well, this year, the Lord graciously allowed the WHOLE family to be together for Christmas -- in Missouri! What a whirlwind month it has been! The Discher family sold their little house here in Florida and moved in with us until they leave in Feb. for Missouri, so we had a few days here before taking off together for two weeks in Missouri. The sweet Stricklen family set out at about the same time from Florida, and we would join the Millers and "other" Frodges when we got to Arkasouri.

What an adventure we had! A little unorthodox, heading OUT of Florida in the winter, but we wanted to have the family together for the first time in years, so . . .




Sweet Discher girls dressed in Christmas finery. Sarah, Kitty, and Gracie (with a little Emma Jane head!)

Gracie with her mother.

Sarah with her mother. You know by now what a pitiful photographer I am. The Stricklens were at the same Sunday service, but I never pay attention to whose picture I have and whose I don't have. Visit here www.thedischerfamily.blogspot.com and here www.thestricklenfamilyblog.blogspot.com for much, much better variety of photos. These children do not miss a chance to play paparazzi!

Then on to Missouri! I believe this is the only picture I have of the trip! We caravanned -- the RV, our Durango, and Eddie driving his yellow service truck -- so we could rotate drivers and stop together. Here, Sarah Beth and little Paul get a nice nap in the RV.

So, we make it to Missouri for Christmas together. The children are such a blessing with their musical talents, always willing to fill the air with hymns, carols, bluegrass. Here, Kitty on guitar, Peter on banjo, and RG's arm on the upright bass make Christmas day a sweet time. Notice the bare house. The Dischers have hauled some things up, but most of their household is still here in Florida until Feb. So we made the most of what was available. It was all in good fun.

Callie on the dobro, Gracie on the mandolin, and Mary on the fiddle add their instruments to the good music. In the right background is a friend of daughter Katie's. Her name is Maria, and she joined the family for the day. Good to meet you, Maria!

Here is Peter on the banjo again, Sarah takes up the bass, and RG fiddles, while Grandmother just basks in it all! I love it when the Country Cousins are back together, even for just a few hours.

The girls blessed us with a rendition of "Then Love Came Down". Beautiful. Thank you, Lord, for giving your Son.

Papa Eddie and baby Paul enjoy.

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"HERDING CATS"

Ever try to get 34 various people to pose for a rare family photo? It's like . . . well, you know.

Joey: "I wanna go outside in the snow! What?? I don't need shoes, Mama . . .!"

Matthew: "TURKEYS!! Well, anything to get me outta this!"

Sarah: "Will you people co-OPERATE!!"

Rachel: "I'm still smiling. Pleeze, take the picture!"

William: "I don't want to get my pickchur taken!"

Matthew: "It worked! I'm outta here!"

Savannah: "What's the matter, William?"

Peter: "I don't care if I'm not smiling. This is the best your gonna get!"

RG: "If I lean just right, I can finally take a nap!"

Rachel: "I'm still smiling . . ."

William: "No! I don't want my pickchur taken!"

Almost . . .

Ashley: "Come on, people. I just gave birth 2 days ago! How much longer do you think this smile can last??"

Robert: "I got home early for this??"

Matthew: "If I can get a little head start, I can be outta here . . ."

Rachel: "Now I got the front row smiling!"

William: "Stop looking at me, Mary! I don't want my pickchur taken!"

William: "Okay, take it!"

Grandmother: "A-h-h-h-h-h......! What a beautiful family! Thank you, Lord."

Next: Snow!