Life in Iowa and beyond

Life in New Mexico

2012-01-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a long time. Time to update. Moved to New Mexico in August, 2011 and then went back to Iowa in September, 2011 for a few days.

Guess the Lord knew what I needed to do...my brother had a tragic accident in October and with me being in NM (300 miles from him, tho) I do get to see him. As of today, he is still paralyzed and is in Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico in Las Cruces. Hope he can move to rehab soon.

I will try to do better to update. Thanks, everyone for your prayers and love. Roberta

Beautiful in Iowa this time of year

2011-06-24T12:04:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures...In the picture is my brother, Robert Spragg, his son Fred Spragg and myself.

New Mexico

2011-03-18T11:26:00.001-07:00

Well, next week starts a new phase. My husband is moving to Tucumcari, NM. I will stay here and continue to work in real estate. He will work at completing our retirement home there. We have leased our home here and I will stay with friends and family.

Witmer

2011-02-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

There is a small subdivison on Cedar River. I have two pending sales. Now "they, the attorney" says there is no road... Yes, it is a private road but there is a road.

209 Pheasant Run

2011-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wonderful open house yesterday. I believe the market is picking up!!! Here are additional pictures of this RANCH house!

Scentsy Candles

2010-12-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried Scentsy Candles...wickless! Check out http://scenty.us/RobertaClarkStackhouse or call me! I have catalogs, samples, etc.

West Branch houses for sale

2010-12-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

109 Pheasant Run and 209 Pheasant Run are both for sale. Please check realtor.com for a complete listing of both. On 109 Pheasant Run, one owner is a licensed realtor in the state of Iowa.

Both are ranch homes; 209 Pheasant Run has 3 bedrooms; 109 Pheasant Run has 4 bedrooms.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Canada trip

2010-11-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of New Brunswick including the families we met there (related to Capt. Thomas Spragg)

109 Pheasant Run Lane West Branch

2010-11-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

New carpet in the lower level and new pictures. House for sale: 109 Phesant Run Lane, West Branch, Iowa
Roberta Stackhouse
319-631-2092
Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS
Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa
One owner is a licensed realtor in the state of Iowa

Canada

2010-10-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Wonderful trip to New Brunswick. Here are some pictures. Capt Thomas Spragg was loyal to the king and was given 2000 acres in this area on the Saint John River. I met cousins who were also decentants of Capt Thomas Spragg. Here are a few of the pictures. Thanks, John and Tanya!

109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch, IA

2010-09-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

My own personal house is for sale. We have removed the hot tub and we have ordered new neutral beige carpet that will be installed mid to late October. Please take a look!

New listing in Iowa City

2010-09-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

This house is in an estate and could be made really cute. Please call me for details. Lot is irregular and the workshop was once a two car garage (just needs doors!) Here is a picture:

Open Houses for Labor Day weekend.

2010-08-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 209 Lemon, Tipton will be open from 2PM to 4PM. This house is priced at 159,900 with three bedrooms, 2 and 3/4 baths and an awesome deck. Sunday will be 1454 Buresh, Iowa City, priced at 244,800. A multi-level and I'll be there from 2PM to 4PM. And Monday, 302 East 4th, Solon priced at 158,995. Three bedroom, a classic cottage that has many, many updates. Here are some pictures.

Open house on August 21 and August 22

2010-08-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Two wonderful listings: 1546 Buresh, Iowa City...Multi level in a secluded area just off North Dodge. Take North Dodge to North Summitt, left on Caroline Avenue, then right on Buresh Avenue. Innovative floor plan with hardwood floors in living room, Anderson windows, large screened deck that is 18 x 11 accessible from the kitchen AND master bedroom. Appliances all new. Check out realtor.com to view pictures. Open on Saturday from 2PM to 4PM August 21.

August 22, 2010...209 Lemon, Tipton, three bedroom, 3 bath home with NEW roof. Two car garage. Open from 2PM to 4PM, Sunday. Here is a picture of Lemon:

Open house August 14 and August 15, 2010

2010-08-10T10:02:00.001-07:00

Here are my open houses this week:

Saturday, August 14 from 2PM to 4PM:

209 Lemon, Tipton, Iowa--Three bedroom with another non-conforming bedroom in lower level. Awesome family room, two car garage. $163,000.

Sunday, August 15 from 2PM to 4PM

302 E. 4th, Solon, Iowa--Great 1930's bungalow with modern colors and updates. Two car garage. $158,995.00

See realtor.com for more pictures of these homes.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

clark.stackhouse@gmail.com

Capitan community school reunion

2010-08-05T18:50:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of this past Friday and Saturday. Enjoy.

Open house July 17 and July 18, 2010

2010-07-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here are my open houses for July 17 and 18 from 2PM to 4PM.

Saturday, July 17; I will be at 209 Lemon, Tipton. And Sunday, July 18; I will be at 110 Sagert, West Branch. Would love to have you join me. Here are pictures of 209 Lemon, Tipton and 110 Sagert, West Branch.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Airstream remodel

2010-06-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

We found a 1967 Airstream; located in Buchanan County. This is our life of restoration and travel. Stay tuned!

Open house June 5, 2010

2010-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Please join me for an open house at 1454 Ivory, Tipton on Saturday, June 5 from 2PM to 4PM. Beautiful multi-level about 4 miles from Tipton just off the Cedar Valley Road.

Open houses May 29, 30 and 31

2010-05-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am planning an open house for three days at the following:

Saturday, May 29...109 Pheasant Run Lane, $279,900

Sunday, May 30...540 Franklin, $299,900

Monday, May 31...down on the Cedar River...151 Witmer just off I80

Open houses May 22 and 23

2010-05-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

May 23, (Sunday) from 2PM to 4PM, I will be at 1454 Ivory. A multi level home, walk-out to back yard, almost 3 acres, built in 2006. Beautifully kept, garage on house for 3 cars, extra garage for three cars/workshop.

On Saturday, May 22 from 2PM to 4PM, I will be at 540 Franklin Road, Tipton. Amazing property, well suited for a 4-H family. House, barn and machine shed. New septic being installed, almost 4 acres, of which two acres is in forest reserve. Open 2PM to 4PM May 22. Call me for a showing.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Check out open houses May 8 and 9

2010-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Check on May blog and also April as May 8 is 151 Witmer, Moscow and May 9 is 109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch, Iowa. Roberta Stackhouse 319-631-2092 Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch open May 9

2010-05-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Very open floor plan, four bedroom, three car attached garage plus one single garage, on over one acre just east of West Branch. Only 10 miles from Iowa City; area convenient and house very convenient. Two lower level family rooms, two lover level bedrooms plus walk-out. Open house May 9 from 2PM to 4PM. One owner is a realtor in the state of Iowa. Please join me! Roberta Stackhouse, 319-631-2092 Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa.

Open house May 8 at 151 Witmer

2010-04-30T07:51:00.001-07:00

Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy the Cedar River from the awesome deck at 151 Witmer with a Moscow address. East out of Iowa City, across Cedar River to X54 (first right), south to little church, right on 320th to Witmer, right on Witmer to #151. Can see Cedar River Bridge/I80 from the deck. Two bedroom, huge living room, awesome view of river, two car garage with bath. Perfect for year round living. May 8th from 2PM to 4PM. Roberta Stackhouse 319-631-2092, Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS, Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Open house May 2, 2010

2010-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is our own house, 109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch, Iowa....Very open floor plan, 4 bedroom, two family rooms, laundry on main level. Open 2PM to 4PM, Sunday, May 2, 2010.

Open house May 1, 2010

2010-04-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

You are invited to an open house in Riverside:

261 West 4th, Riverside from 2PM to 4PM

Great saying that I must quote

2010-04-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

I love this. How I wish I could go back...and not repeat mistakes but this is super! Love, Roberta

New listing near Tipton

2010-04-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

This multi-level home sits on almost 3 acres. It has been meticulously cared for and sellers are ready to sell. Three bedroom, could be four or five, 2 full baths, one half bath, stubbed for another bath in lower level. Three car garage plus 30 x 40 garage. A must see! 1454 Ivory, Tipton, Iowa. Take exit 259 east of Iowa City, north on Garfield, right on Cedar Valley to Mente Subdivison, right on Ivory.

Open house April 25 from 2PM to 4PM

2010-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is our house in West Branch. Many of you know that we are retiring at some point to New Mexico and we have our house and condo for sale in the Iowa City area. I reduced the price on the condo today to 78,000. It is really close to the University of Iowa. Perfect for students.

Our house is at 109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch. I will hold an open house on Sunday, April 25 at 2PM to 4PM. The price is $279,900. Here are some pictures:

Open house on April 24

2010-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

I will have an open house on April 24. This is a wonderful acreage with barn, metal building and house. The time is from 2PM to 4PM. Please come join me. Address is 540 Franklin Road, Tipton, Iowa.

Tim's Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

2010-04-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Tim's Yellow Ribbon Ceremony to welcome them HOME is tomorrow in Albquerque. Welcome home, my son. The picture is when he left last spring.

Manufactured home and lot

2010-04-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

In Atalissa, I have a manufactured home with a oversized three car garage plus an extra lot listed for $120,000. Take a look as it's a great buy for the money.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

151 Witmer, Moscow, Iowa

2010-03-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Don't forget "fun on the Cedar River". Here is a more updated picture. Waterfront property, did not flood in 2008.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

724 NW 4th Avenue, Mt. Vernon, Iowa

2010-03-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Great five bedroom home, near Cornell College. Take a look, huge yard.

New listing in West Liberty

2010-03-23T09:49:00.001-07:00

Here is a new listing in West Liberty. Great older home, three bedrooms, huge lot.

Please give me a call if you know anyone who might be interested.

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Really close to University of Iowa

2010-03-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a condo for sale. It is a loft-style, one bedroom, one bath very, very convienent to the University of Iowa. If you know anyone needing a place close to the dental school, University Hospital or Law school, this is it!

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

One owner is a licensed realtor in the state of Iowa

Life on the river

2010-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just listed this cabin on the Cedar River. What a great view of the river from a 14 x 34 living room. And good news, it did not flood in 2008!

Roberta Stackhouse

319-631-2092

Ambrose and Boyd, REALTORS

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Tyler and Jason as we went shopping

2010-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

Cat was happy Mom was home

2010-01-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Baby, the Siamese had not gotten on our bed while I was gone. When I unpacked suitcase, guess who got in?

January de-casing/welcome home of 10th Mountain

2010-01-25T08:35:00.001-08:00

Wonderful trip. Lots of ice in Moline. Thought that plane was not going to get off ground! Here are the welcome home pictures and some are on facebook also.

Congratulations Dan

2009-12-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

Dan received his MBA on Friday, December 18. Here are some pictures of the event! We are proud of you, Dan.

Baby and Marney...our new family member

2009-11-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

ABQNews: New Mexico National Guard Soldier Dies in Iraq

2009-10-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

ABQNews: New Mexico National Guard Soldier Dies in Iraq

This soldier was part of the 720th New Mexico National Guard. Bless the family of Soldier Gallegos. My son is part of the 720th, from Tucumcari, NM. Bless the soldiers of the 720th, the families and all of our troops overseas.

Thanks, Andrea, in Tucumcari who gave me a heads-up call last night. Thank God for my daughter-in-laws and what they mean to my sons, Tim in Iraq and Terry in Afghanistan.

Sold the farm!!!

2009-09-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Accepted offer, closes December 1. Thank God!

Farm for sale

2009-09-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just listed a farm in Iowa with a great CSR (Corn Suitability Rating) with an average of 89. It is listed at 7000.00 per acre and 149.23 acres. Great farm!

Uncle Bob's visit

2009-08-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple of pictures of my brother. The women were eating in a Sports Restaurant in Guttenberg, Iowa and were surprised to see me and then Bob! Jean was my classmate, Helen was Bob's. The other one was Bob's friend at Western New Mexico University many years ago but David was from Iowa, came back to Iowa and joined us for lunch in Guttenberg.

Dale and his dog

2009-08-17T08:23:00.001-07:00

My husband loves his dog...Scamp. Here is the latest trick:

New price on Julie's house

2009-08-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

I have a client who has a house for sale in Mt. Vernon. The price has been lowered to $140,000. The home has five bedrooms but could be made into four with two of the bedrooms made into one.

Tim arrived safely in Kuwait

2009-07-14T10:19:00.001-07:00

Tim arrived safely in Kuwait. Terry had passed through there just hours before.

Terry is home for R and R

2009-07-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is what happy little boys look like when they are with Dad for the first time in over six months. Welcome home my son. Terry will return in a couple of weeks to his duty station but for now....nothing matters but family.

109 Pheasant Run Lane, West Branch, IA

2009-07-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is our house in West Branch. Note the address and then the "Pheasant" on the wind vane on the roof.

Welcome home, Terry

2009-07-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to know that my son who is in Afghanistan will return for his two weeks of R and R to Ft. Drum, New York next week. He will join his wife and boys, Dylan who is 13, Tyler who is 8 and Jason who is 5. They will vacation in Virginia before he returned to Afghanistan.

Terry, I love you. Bless you my son. Love, Mom

Antique Military Vehicle Tour

2009-06-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

An organization of people who own antique military vehicles passed through our part of Iowa yesterday. Here are some pictures.

Roberta's office picture

2009-06-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

My salute to my sons!

Funny dinner theatre production

2009-06-03T11:47:00.003-07:00

This was Sunday night, May 31. It was so cute and so well done.

Climbing in NM on NM Museum land

2009-06-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Philip and Kathleen Box (my daughter-in-law's parents) took us to their ranch and to land they lease. Here are some pictures....heard rattlesnake, did not see one. No wonder the Tucumcari team is the Rattlers:

Conchas Dam north of Tucumcari

2009-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

While in New Mexico, we look my cousin's to Conchas Dam.

Roberta's office

2009-05-19T09:10:00.001-07:00

I have a yellow wooden ribbon on my office wall. I am proud of my sons.

Tim's Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

2009-05-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Santa Ana Convention Center out of Albuquerque for Tim's yellow ribbon ceremony prior to going to Ft. Stewart, Georgia and then to Iraq. Here are the pictures:

Happy Anniversary, Kellee and Terry

2009-04-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

Eighteen years. Where has the time gone. But love grows more precious every day. Kellee is celebrating in New York where Terry is stationed at Ft. Drum. Terry is somewhere in Afghanistan. Happy anniversary, my loves. Mom (Roberta)

Tulips and wind don't mix

2009-04-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

I had the most beautiful tulips, thanks to my husband. But yesterday's wind just about destroyed them. Before the heavest wind, rain and hail, I picked some so some where saved.

Happy birthday, Kellee

2009-04-14T11:02:00.001-07:00

Kellee, You are so special. This was our car when we were there in November and I know you are so glad most of the snow is gone.

Here are a few pictures of your family. You are holding things together and I give you all the praise in the world. Happy birthday. Pamper yourself and I know Terry would if he were here rather than Afghanistan! Roberta

Sorry about the picture in the parking lot

2009-04-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize the picture of the Golden Labs in the back of the SUV was sooooo dark. I just thought it was so cute and they were soooooo good.

I hope they come back soon and I can take another picture.

Seen in the parking lots

2009-04-01T09:18:00.001-07:00

Two golden labs were sooooo good while their owner was in the business next door. I could not resist taking their pictures. They were so good.

Maple sap gathering for syrup

2009-03-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is close to Hazelton, Iowa where my Spragg family lived since the 1850's. Great Maple tree area.

I hope when I am 90...

2009-03-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is my friend in Arkansas. She will be 90 in November. Amazing lady.

Kitty in the cupboard

2009-03-09T12:17:00.001-07:00

This is what happens if I am cooking and leave a cupboard door open.

A note from a missionary in Iraq

2009-02-23T09:49:00.001-08:00

I follow a blog and today this was posted. I thought it was worth sharing. Thank you, Melissa.
Iraq: A Different Perspective
Posted by bucklesfamily at 08:44 PM on February 17, 2009
comments (1)
For those of you who know my sister, you understand that she is one of the most motivated, caring, spirited individuals you have ever met. She loves missions work and has been to Chile a number of times to build schools and churches and homes. Last fall she told us that she was going to teach English to women at a university in Kurdistan. Well, at the time she told me, I was probably right in the middle of doing laundry, listening to the girls singing, and trying to pay bills, because I didn't really think about the location of Kurdistan. When I talked to my brother a few weeks later, he asked me what I thought about Dee Dee going to Iraq. Wait... WHAT??? I realized at that moment I had not even given it a second thought when she told me. With everything that is going on in Iraq right now, why in the world would my sister want to go there?! O.k., she does have a heart of gold, and she believes in helping people. I am so proud of her and want to support her in everything she does; however, I did have a difficult time supporting her decision to go to Iraq. I mean, there is quite a bit of unrest throughout the entire region, and I truly don't want her to be caught in the middle of it. She continually reassured our family that she would be safe, and of course, in the end, what else could I do but give her my blessing, tell her I love her dearly and remind her to RUN FOREST RUN if she encounters any trouble! She has sent me a few e-mails that I found to be very interesting, and I wanted to share them all with you here. The first e-mail she sent was about the cultural rules for the area that she is in. Again, if you know my sister, you know that she has broken just about every one of them any number of times. She really needs to work on this, as the consequences can be very severe. Anyway, here is the list she sent:
"CULTURAL RULES FOR HERE(Not in any particular order…)1. Women do not look at men.2. Women NEVER touch men.3. Women (like me) must pull our hair back (too seductive if it’s down…)4. Women NEVER walk by themselves.5. Women do not take a taxi by themselves, after dark, or sit in the front seat.6. Women don’t go to the store after dark.7. Women go in a door after a man.8. Women don’t talk or laugh out loud.9. Women must be covered from the neck to the wrists, to the ankles, ESPECIALLY the rear end!!10. If a woman is home alone she must never open the door for a man.11. A woman must never be home alone with a man. At least 2 women must be present.12. If a man comes to a woman’s home, they must all cover themselves immediately.13. NO DATING! 14. When you go out to eat in a restaurant there is a special section for men only.15. If women are walking they must stop to buy something so it doesn’t look like they’re just “sauntering around.”16. If women are out walking they must stay together – like arm in arm or holding hands.17. Women walk behind men.18. Women don’t fix their hair in public – like bend over to make a ponytail!19. Women don’t speak to men unless men specifically speak to them first.20. There is a men’s section and a women’s section of the bazaar. If a woman needs to buy something from the men’s section, like an emergency lantern, EXPECT a lot of stares!21. A woman must never show the soles of her feet, for example, must never cross her legs or put her feet up."
The second e-mail she sent was even more interesting. Now, keep in mind that she is referring to the area of Iraq where she is living. These statements certainly don't represent the entire Iraqi population, but it's nice to hear that some feel this way:
"I just got done having a meeting with the President of the University ofSuleimaniyah, Dr. Alli. He gave me a great history of Iraq and personalinsights from the Kurdish people. I HAVE to pass this on, because thepeople of the United States need to know this! Iraq began as a countryin the 1920s after the Ottoman Empire was overthrown. Kurdistan is thelargest state in the world that doesn't belong to a country, because itbelongs to Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. When Saddaam Hussein tookover in 1979, he wanted to get rid of the Kurds, so started a program ofethnic cleansing. He did this by starting the "no fly zone" that onlywas a few kilometers from the northern and eastern borders. What he didwas to get rid of all the villages within that area. He kept increasingthe area of that zone so by the end he had gotten rid of 4,600villages. The people from those villages got sent to what we would call"concentration camps" where they lived a miserable life. Saddammbrought in Arabs to live within that zone, so the whole demographic ofthe people changed. When Madeline Albright was the Secretary of State,she told Saddaam that he was not allowed to torture the countries aroundhim (Kuwait), the people of Iraq, and especially the Kurds of thenorth. The people of Iraq are especially grateful to the United Statesof America AND George W. Bush for freeing the Iraqi people. Dr. Allisaid that the people of the United States are mistaken for talking badlyabout George W. Bush for not finding weapons of mass destruction,because Saddaam Hussein WAS the weapon of mass destruction!! When theUnited States military took down Saddaam Hussein's regime in 2003, therewas dancing in all of the street in Kurdistan. Still to this day, thepeople tell me "God Bless you, God bless the United States of America,and God Bless George W. Bush!! One of the guys on my team took a taxiyesterday and the taxi driver WOULD NOT take any money from them!! Amazing! He said that he owes the United States a debt of gratitude andthat he would NOT take any money! My friend Mary Jane ran into the samething with a jeweler. She had a bunch of jewelry made for her friendsback in the States, and he wouldn't accept any money from her! WhenPresident Alli was speaking this morning, he kept talking about thegratitude that he had for us, and how he would do anything he could tomake our stay pleasant. He asked about our accommodations and even saidthat he feels guilty for not putting us up at his house! He said thatall of the Iraqi people feel the same way, and that the people of theUnited States should not feel like we "invaded" Iraq, but that we setthem free! He said that there is a long way to go to be a democraticnation, but that it is a start. He knows that Iraq is a developingcountry, but kept talking about how our part in teaching the people ofIraq to speak English will help them get along with the whole world. Myfeelings EXACTLY!! Like I keep saying - I'm helping bring about worldpeace through education!!! I just want everyone to know that the IraqI'm living in is NOT the Iraq you are seeing on TV!!! The Kurds aresuch a warm, loving people and are very eager to please and to learn. ya - the customs and culture are very different from ours, and I'mhaving a little time learning them, but as a whole, what I'm doing hereis probably the most important thing I've done in my life!!"
I just wanted to share these to give a different perspective on Iraq. If you can, please say a little extra prayer for my sister and most especially for all of the military members who are in harms way in that same country.

Life is good

2009-02-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have just finished ready the book about Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Her motto was "Life was Great". What a great way to look at things.

Have you thanked your clients today? Check out www.sendoutcards.com/60613. What a great program.

I will be in Cedar Rapids for a show on March 19 and March 20 for a program at Kirkwood Community College called Beyond Rubies. That should be fun.

Have a GREAT day, everyone.

Sorry, Tim is going to Iraq

2009-02-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Terry is in Afghanistan, Tim is going to Iraq.

If is meant to be

2009-02-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I sent this letter to the Tucumcari School system. As a mother, what more could I do to support our soldiers, my son, Tim and my son, Terry and their families then to teach for one year in Tucumcari and take Tim's class while he is deployed to Afghanistan. Here is the letter:
Good morning. I spoke with Sharon Holmes this morning about employmentwithin the school district.My name is Roberta Clark Stackhouse and I am Tim Clark's mother. I aminterested in working for the school district and taking Tim's class whilehe is deployed in Iraq.I am very familiar with Tucumcari as I worked and lived there from 1977 to1984 on KTNM-KQAY. After leaving Tucumcari, I got a college degree: MassCommunications with an emphasis in radio and television with honors andlacked only one class to have a minor in Sociology. I graduated inDecember, 1988. At the time, Tim was also at Eastern as well as his littlebrother, Troy. I felt I needed to "get a full time" job to assist insupporting my sons in college. While I was in school at Eastern, my other son was also Terry at Eastern prior to joining the Army. Terry is now inAfghanistan since December 26, 2008.I took a job at KBAS-KWST in Bullhead City, Arizona and shortingthereafter took a job as Special Events coordinator and later Director ofMarketing for Aztar Corporation. During that time, I also taught Speech101 at Clark County Community College in Laughlin, NV and took classes andreceived a certificate from Mohave Community College to be certified toteach communications for the Arizona Community School District.In 2002, I married again after many years and moved back to Iowa. Ireceived my salesperson license and now my broker's license in real estatein the state of Iowa. I have been actively selling real estate since thattime but feel that if I could come to Tucumcari, support Tim and supportthe Tucumcari School district by taking his class while he is deployed, Iwant to do that. My husband and I bought a home in Tucumcari about 3years ago on South 1st and continue to remodel that home. It will be our retirement home.I have completed my application through NMREAP and I am on their roster.I will be in Tucumcari May 7 and 8 and on to Albuquerque for Tim's yellowribbon (send-off) ceremony. I would welcome an interview at that time. If you feel it is necessary, I can come at any time prior to that time.I look forward to meeting each one of you and look forward to thepossibility of working for the Tucumcari School District.Sincerely,Roberta Clark Stackhouse319-631-2092109 Pheasant Run LaneWest Branch, Iowa 52358

Welcome Home Task Force 109

2009-02-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Last night the Iowa National Guard; 109th Medical Battalion with 94 soldiers came home to a hearty round of applause at West High School in Iowa City. They have been serving in the Sinai Peninsula. They have been in support of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula. Welcome home, soldiers. And job well done.

I was glad also to see the representation of the Washington delegation. Good job.

Glad we do not have the ice of Arkansas

2009-01-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

My friend, Celeste, has no heat tonight nor electicity. I just want everyone to think about those people there in our prayers. Celeste said the trees are breaking and the roads....well, just stay off of them. She said that she was in bed with her fur coat...I just hope she stays warm enough.

Baby was glad to be home

2009-01-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

Between November 5 and January 4, the cat and the dog were in 14 states and one foreign country. Not bad for our little animal friends. We went to see Troy in Huntsville, Alabama in November, to see Terry and Kellee and boys in Cathage, NY for Thanksgiving, on to Pennsylvania to see Drew and Dorothy and Eric for one day and to New Mexico to see Andrea and Tim and boys for Christmas and to see dear friend Celeste in Arkansas for New Years and to celebrate my birthday. Not bad...14 states and Canada for our animal friends.

Baby came home and got in the dresser drawers as I was putting clothes away!

2009-01-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

This pictures are not very good (I had the camera set wrong!) but these are pictures when Andrea Clark, my daughter-in-law, graduated from Eastern New Mexico University on December 13. Hard to believe I graduated 20 years ago from the same school. Wow.

Christmas in NM

2009-01-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some Christmas photos of Tim, Andrea, Jonathan, Dyson and all the other families that were present.

Back home in Iowa

2009-01-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

I will be posting lots of pictures in the future but for now, it is home and back to work. Things are great here, lots of fog from Hannibal, Mo north to the house but we made it safe. I went back to work today and back to work tomorrow. Keep posted, lots of pictues to come.

Thanks for all the Christmas cards and birthday cards. Special calls from Alaska and Afganistan to NM to Pennsylvania to Iowa. Love those families.

Love, Roberta

New Mexico

2008-12-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

New Mexico weather...well, in some parts of the state is deep snow but here in Tucumcari, it's in the 40's and beautiful.

I'll have pictures to share once we get home. My daughter-in-law and son Terry and Kellee sent a wreath directly to us here and it is hanging on our house here. Just a touch of Christmas.

Talk later, Roberta

One to Afganistan, now one to Iraq

2008-12-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

My middle son, Terry is scheduled to go to Afganistan two days after Christmas. Now my oldest, a school teacher in New Mexico will be deployed in March to go to Iraq by July 6. I am so proud of my sons but this is hard. Very hard for Moms, their wives and their kids. Pray for all of us. Love, Roberta

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2008-12-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

While we were in NY, Terry and Kellee put up their tree for Christmas. Here are pictures that I took.

Jason's fifth birthday

2008-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

While in New York with Terry and Kellee, we were also able to celebrate five year old Jason's birthday. Here are some pictures.

Thanksgiving in New York

2008-12-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to be able to journey to Carthage, NY where Terry, Kellee, Dylan, Tyler and Jason live. It was such a great holiday in spite of snow and loosing power, etc. Here are some snow and family photos!

Crossing Canada

2008-12-04T07:02:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful trip to see Terry and Kellee. This is the first leg of our trip; us entering Canada.

Rental available

2008-11-24T07:38:00.001-08:00

Dale and I purchased a rental; really close to the University of Iowa and in a really desireable location for medical, law and dental students. Here are some "painting pictures". We hope to have the project done by December 10. That contact paper in the kitchen is "awful" in print and "awful" to take off!

Trip for the holidays

2008-11-18T07:45:00.001-08:00

Let's hope that it does not snow during Thanksgiving and Christmas in areas we are visiting. It was 17 here this morning. The cat and dog came to work with me as they have their houses in the car and will be warm as they will be in covered cages. They travel well.

Trip to Alabama to see Troy

2008-11-14T06:06:00.001-08:00

We made a quick trip to Alabama to see Troy who was in school for 6 weeks. We were able to tour the space museum in Huntsville plus see a cousin and her husband who live there. Here are some pictures.

Off to Huntsville, Alabama

2008-11-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

My son, Troy is in Bomb Squad Training in Huntsville, Alabama. It's off to see him...here he is in his police uniform.

Support our troops

2008-11-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

My son, Terry Clark left this morning for pre=deployment to Afganistan. In honor of him, his family, the men and women serving our country, this is my sweater TODAY!

Pumpkin contest for REALTORS

2008-10-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hawkeye Pumpkin

2008-10-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Countrywide Mortgage Bank is having a pumpkin carving contest tomorrow. This is our entry. Two of the staff members did this one....go Hawks!

Again it burned

2008-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Our favorite restaurant in Northeast Iowa went up in flames this morning. It was just 10 months since it burned on Christmas eve. There is no news as to why it burned during the night. All the guns that were saved in the last fire and the antiques burned this time. I am so sorry for our friends, Cindy and Mike and their large family.

Feels like Alaska

2008-10-22T11:49:00.001-07:00

It was warmer in Alaska when I was there then it is here today! Here are a couple more Alaska pictures. See the fresh snow on the mountain.

ENMU graduation

2008-10-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my daughter-in-law; Andrea Clark. She will graduate from Eastern New Mexico University in December and we will be THERE! She has worked so hard and is a mother and wife in the process. Congratulations, Andrea.

Fall flowers are so pretty in Iowa

2008-10-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some fall flowers I took last week.

Gas was 2.50 a gallon

2008-10-17T06:44:00.001-07:00

I showed houses in Wilton, Iowa last night....gas was $2.50 cents. I showed houses there on Tuesday and gas was $2.59. I like that!

Corn is getting ripe

2008-10-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Fall is a beautiful time in Iowa. A farmer near our home has shucked back the husk on several corn plants to reveal beautiful ears of corn. Farmers are combining soybeans but haven't really since the corn being harvested yet. The ears really "need to drop." Today our weather has turned rainy and cooler. It is to be in the 30's on Thursday night but then warm again. I have lots and lots of green tomatoes but not too many red. I sure have enjoyed fresh, great tasting tomatoes this fall.

It is not 17 cents

2008-10-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Well, gas prices have gone down. I paid $3.09 on Friday and they range around Johnson and Cedar Counties from $3.09 to $3.29. I was in Tipton today and they are $3.19 but there are some here in Iowa City/Coralville for $3.09.

This gas pump is at Balltown...inside the Breitback's Balltown, Iowa restaurant. Note 17 cents.

Snow

2008-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was snowing in Alaska when I was there. It was on the mountain tops as you can see from the picture but I never felt a drop. But yesterday I heard there was now in Fairbanks. I was about 200 miles from Fairbanks.

It was in the high 30's overnight here. The trees are just barely turning...and some are really pretty.

Here is the parking lot at Walmart at Wasilla...where have I heard the name of that town before?

Don't judge

2008-09-29T16:44:00.001-07:00

This poem was in the Iowa City Press Citizen in Feb, 2008. It is worth repeating.
DON’T JUDGE
Don’t judge people you hardly know.
You don’t know what their day has been like.
You don’t know what their life has been like.
Don’t judge.
Don’t judge someone who seems
As if she’s overreacting.
You don’t know if she’s lost someone.
Or fighting over nothing.
Don’t judge
Don’t judge someone who’s different
He’s probably one of the nicest people you’ll know.
Or the funniest
Or the smartest.
Take time to get to know people.
Walk with them.
Talk with them.
Share their thoughts and their sorrows.
Maybe they don’t dance through life
As you thought
Don’t judge.
Written by Lealia Xiong, Guilford, Conn. And published Feb. 2008 in Dear Abby.

Alaska State Fair Pumpkin

2008-09-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

When I visited Alaska (Wasilla/Palmer to be exact); my son and his wife and my grandchildren attended the Alaska State Fair. They grow 90 pound cabbages and you can see the huge pumpkin behind the girls.

I will also take pictures next weekend at the Anamosa, Iowa PumpkinFest.

Left to right is Jacob, Emma, Sarah and Katelyn.