Happy New Year 2014 - almost through

Lots of changes for the Earley household in 2014.

2013 was alternately a wonderful year for us (it brought us grandbaby #2, among other great things) and a bit of a difficult year.

Work was really difficult for me this last year, and I had to make some really tough decisions.  I am proud and honored to have helped build the company, Phoenix Chemical Technologies, during my time there, and I wish them all the best as they continue to grow.  A part of me is incredibly sad that I won't be a part of it as it continues to grow.  But I do believe it is what is best for them, and best for me and my family.

The good news is that with our current plan, I have become a partial WAHM again.  I'm working part-time with a remodeler and custom home builder, Superior Custom Builders, which is an awesome company!  I plan to pick up the pace on my fiction and non-fiction writing - to include blogging again (yeah!), AND launch a family business (No Time 4 DIY).  I have also started with dōTERRA, and am learning tons about essential oils and their uses!  I'll be experimenting with a more sustainable lifestyle, including vegetable gardening, flower gardening (for the photography business, and well, just because it's pretty), more home cooking (which means some recipes, especially the copycat-style recipes which I need to try many of), and more (which you'll read about, and see through photography and video on here).  All of this means more time for the things I love!!

The bad news is not necessarily all bad, but it does mean a reduction to one income until I can get a steady-ish income from my photography and writing, and as we build our family business.  That's scary, but a decision we did not make lightly. 

So, here's to a new chapter in our lives...  Hopefully we'll be seeing each other here for a while.  :)  Please feel free to share my posts, send your friends to check us out, and all advice from seasoned photographers, writers, recipe adventurers, and more is incredibly welcome!  (I'm close to begging).  :)

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Today was a late game, so we decided to go to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in nearby Republic, Missouri.  We've been sticking pretty close to our little area in Springfield, so getting out on the highway was a reminder of what beautiful country we are in. 

We began our tour at the Visitor's Center.  You must start here, because it's a driving tour, and you have to purchase a token.  I had researched pricing ahead of time, so I was not surprised - but was happy to find - that it's very affordable.  $5 per person over 15, with a $10 per car maximum.  So for our group of 9 (in 2 cars), it was $20.  Can't get much better than that!  :)

We were given two options for a pre-trip education about what we were about to see.  One was a 30-minute long movie giving the history of the battles.  Another was a 7 minute long interactive map about the battles. Due to the fact that 7 of the 9 people in our group were under 18, we opted for the seven minute version.  We were directed to a darkened room and a recording started.