In memory...

Moments ago, my Dad called to say that my Grandmother passed away last night. She passed in her sleep, so she didn't feel any pain. I know she is in a better place now, where she will no longer suffer. For that, we are thankful. She was a wonderful person, loved us all very much, and will be terribly missed by all.
A while back I wrote a post about going to visit her in the nursing home. I even posted an old picture of her with Katie that was taken at her home one Christmas. Katie and I made a trip to see her, but not having seen her since, I feel guilty. Things like this happen, though, and I know she wouldn't want me to feel this way.

I am thankful for all the wonderful things she did for me during my life thus far. I will forever cherish her memory.

Please keep us in your prayers as we lay her to reset this coming week.

The Moore Family

My visit to prison

Most of you know that I am studying Criminal Justice. As a requirement for a Corrections class, I visited two prisons Friday, Oct. 17th. I got the chance to visit both the Cummins and Varner units in Grady, Arkansas. I chose this tour because these units house the only death chamber in our state and because Varner houses death row inmates. For many of you, I imagine that sounds scary. I have to admit I was nervous when we got there, but soon realized there was no need to be. On our first tour, my class was accompanied by not only correction officers but 5 inmates as well. Much to our surprise, we later learned that 4 of the 5 men had committed murder....and 1 man had killed 3 times. These men were nothing but courteous to us. They generally had good attitudes. One man admitted to us that he was guilty and seemed to have taken responsibility for what he had done. All of these men served on a board that talked to people, including kids, about making the right life choices. They seemed very smart and had I met them on the street, I would have never thought they were capable of such a horrible act. You always hear such negative things about prison, but being there was a totally different experience all together. It was clean, the staff was accommodating to us and respectful to the inmates. Though I can't say what happens behind closed doors, I only speak of what I saw. At the Varner unit, we learned about educating the inmates. Our state requires that they get their GED if they don't already have it. I believe we were told that 43 graduated this past year (though I'm not sure if that's the correct figure). The inmates are also trained in vocational skills and trades. It seems there are good aspects, but I also know there are bad. I had a chance to see that up close. I'm not stupid...there are people there that have done horrible things. Yes, they deserve to be there, but there are probably those there who are not. I was lucky enough to see a man I honestly believe is not guilty of his charges. He is currently on death row at Varner. If you don't know who I'm talking about, I am referring to Damien Echols. He, along with two others, were charged and convicted of brutally killing three 8 year-old boys in West Memphis....they were later dubbed (by the press) as the "West Memphis Three". I don't expect you to agree with me on whether or not they are guilty. Along with God, there are the only ones who know with 100% certainty if there are innocent or guilty. I myself have looked into the case (as best as possible) and don't think they are. But the biggest part of my learning experience was to meet these people (though I didn't meet Damien), talk to them, and realize that they are people, too. Well...DUH!! Of course they're people!! They, too, have lost out on life...a good life....and the simple things we take for granted every day. Every time we went from one building to another, I realized how lucky I was to feel the sun and the cool breeze on my face. As we left, I turned back to look at several men in the windows, looking outside. The only thing I could do for them was pray!!
I pray that God works through me when I enter into this field!! Our system is suppose to be the best in the world, but YES...it has flaws. I want this world to be a safe place for my children, but I want it to be done with honesty and integrity!! I hope I can be one of many to do that.

Fall Weather

All depending on where you live, it's beginning to get cool outside!! Fall is my favorite season for several reasons:
* the leaves start changing colors (reds and oranges are my favorites)
* it's CAMPING SEASON!!!
* taking the scenic route is always more interesting
* it gives me a good excuse to go to Fayetteville
* you get to play in piles of leaves
* football is on &
* Halloween and Thanksgiving are around the corner!!

So, has anyone stepped outside? It's nice and cool!! What's the weather like where you are?

Pictures over the weeks

So here are ome pictures from over the past
few weeks....last weekend we joined my mom
for a picnic hosted by the UAMS Surgery Dept.
We ate great food, saw a magic show, and visited
with my mom and her co-workers that normally get to
see the girls, but haven't in a while. These were some of the adventurous
things we did....

Aeris sizing up a Great Dane...
We told her a puppy was there and this is what we
ran into!! HAHA : )



After the magic show, the kids all got
balloon animals. Here is Aeris checking hers
out....



Katie and I went down this slide a few times...
although she did a few more times than I did. I
gave up after I got rubber burns on my elbows..
You know if you've done it before!!

And this is a picture of Katie at gymnastics. She's doing really great!!
Her teacher says she might move up already!! YAY!!


And...my favorite...Aeris getting in position for
Daddy to clean her "backside". Why she does this, I don't know...
but it's hilarious!!! Kids...gotta love 'em!!