Marshall Arkansas was not only home to gorgeous valley views but also a world class furniture store with an owner of equal caliber. We had the great opportunity to meet with Bob Roten, owner of Bob Roten Furniture Co. He and his sweet wife made a generous donation to the Granite Mountain Hotshot Families in the name of their business.
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| Ryder, Bob, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, and Tate |
Even though they have no children of their own, Bob welcomed our four little rugrats into his office and showed them around his massive furniture store. They were fascinated by the display of recliners and each found one they wanted to claim as their own. Thankfully their piggy banks aren't equipped for such purchases because we don't have that kind of room on our bus. However, we did take one piece of this beautiful store home with us as a reminder of our wonderful visit today.
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| Juliann and Bob |
Bob gave us this sign as a gift. I was so inspired by his generosity and kindness. He was truly a man with a pure heart.
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| Tate, Ryder, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, and Bob |
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| Ryder, Bob, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, and Tate |
Bob shared with us why he felt compelled to reach out to the families effected by the Yarnell Hill blaze. He has lived in Arkansas all of his life, however, he and his wife had taken an interest in Prescott, AZ while passing through there on one of their many travels. They wound up purchasing a piece of property to utilize as a second homestead. Although they are yet to develop a living quarters there, they still felt a connection to the area when they learned of the tragedy that befell the crew. This connection motivated them to reach out and do whatever they could to assist in the aftermath. It was this assistance to allowed my family and I to stay afloat during those dark days. God bless you Bob for following the promptings in your heart to bless our lives.
Outside of the obvious discussion of his initial involvement with our family, we were able to talk about other aspects of our lives. It turns out that Bob and I share a common passion for travel. He has several magnet boards hanging in his office to display all of the places he has visited over the years. We were all amazed at the colorful travel-log he has collected. He understands the words uttered by the great orator, Abraham Lincoln,
"It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
We were grateful to be able to share Be Better bands with Bob as well as thank-you cards made for him by the kiddos.
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| Ryder, Juliann, Bob and Shiloh |
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| Shiloh, Tate, and Bob |
We made our way out of the furniture store with smiles on our faces and lasting memories, as well as information for where we could find magnet boards of our own to duplicate his brilliant idea of capturing the essence of our travels.
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| Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, and Tate |
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| Tate, Shiloh, Juliann, Ryder, and Choice |
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Juliann, Tate, and Choice |
Bob walked us out so he could take a quick glimpse at our home on wheels. Hearing the rumbling of the kids tummies, he recommended a coffee shop up the road where we could purchase some delicious homemade food. Immediately from Bob's office, we made our way to Rock-N-Java.
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Juliann, Tate, and Choice |
The food and atmosphere at Rock-N-Java were outstanding. However, the best part about it for me was the gorgeous views of the valley below.
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| Choice, Juliann, and Tate at Rock-N-Java |
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| Rock-N-Java |
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| Juliann |
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| Rusty |
Thanks again Bob for teaching by example the importance of being there for others in their time of need.
From Marshall we ventured to Hot Springs, AR.
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| Be Better Bus - Hot Springs AR |
This was a special treat as all I had requested for my birthday was a little rest and relaxation. The neat thing about Hot Springs is how rich it is in history. They make a very concerted effort to hold onto the individuality that sculpted their town.
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| Hot Springs, AR |
We did a bit of window shopping...
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| Shiloh, Ryder, Choice, and Tate |
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| Tate, Choice, Shiloh, and Ryder |
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| Choice and Tate |
However it was extremely difficult to get around downtown as we happened to be there on their annual biker's weekend. If you didn't know any better, you may think Harley Davidson was the founder of their town.
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| Shiloh, Tate, and Ryder |
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| Tate, Juliann, Choice, Shiloh, and Ryder |
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| Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, and Tate |
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| Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, and Tate |
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| Ryder, Tate, and Choice |
We met one such biker who was a part of a Christian Biker Organization. They were standing on street corners handing out cold glasses of water to whomever needed some. The kids were thrilled to partake. He also gave each of them a penny stamped with a cross. He is definitely doing his part to spread the better.
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| Christian Biker with Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, and Choice |
We made our way over to the natural hot springs. It is so crazy how hot this natural water really is.
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| Ryder, Jason,Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, and Tate |
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| Tate, Ryder, Choice, Shiloh, and Juliann |
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| Ryder and Juliann |
We had a great time scaling the rocks and climbing all over. It was a great way for the kids to get their wiggles out.
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| Jason, Tate, Choice and Ryder |
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| Choice |
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| Choice |
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| Choice |
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| Ryder, Tate, and Choice |
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| Juliann and Shiloh |
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| Shiloh and Juliann |
Then it was time for the real rest and relaxation I was seeking. We went to the old fashioned bath house. There are still several old bath houses in operation in Hot Springs. We toured The Fordyce Bath House.
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| Shiloh, Juliann, Ryder, Choice, and Tate |
Much as a fitness center, these bath houses are divided into men's and women's locker rooms. It was interesting to me that the men's locker room was decked out with statues, fountains, and stained glass.
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| Men's Lockerroom |
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| Ryder |
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| Tate |
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| Jason |
While the women's locker room was exceptionally plain. Times have sure changed.
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| Juliann |
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| Juliann and Jason |
The service Includes Thermal Mineral Bath, Whirlpool, Swedish Massage, and Loofa mitt. Needless to say, I was a tad excited!
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| Juliann |
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| Juliann |
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| Juliann and Shiloh |
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| Juliann and Shiloh |
Their bakery has even been highlighted on the Food Network's, Cupcake Wars. YES, they are THAT delicious!
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| Juliann and Jason |
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| Juliann and Jason |
For my birthday treat we went with the Ooey Gooey cupcake and a Sea Salt and Caramel. YUMMMM!
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| Choice, Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, and Juliann |
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| Choice, Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Jason and Juliann |
Too much fun can be exhausting. Within moments of returning to the bus and getting into pajamas the kiddos were fast asleep.
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| Rusty and Choice |
I wasn't too far behind them.
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| Rusty and Juliann |
Goodbye Hot Springs. Thank you for a remarkable day. And so long birthday...thank you for helping me beat my personal record of consecutive years lived.
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| Be Better Bus |
We had the great opportunity to meet with Bob Roten, owner of Bob Roten Furniture Co. He and his sweet wife made a generous donation to ... ibobsfurniture.blogspot.com
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