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Last updated: 04 Jul : 07:41 Details |
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First off, I would like to thank you for supporting our website and I apologize for not updating the site this year.
2006 has been a very rough year for our family and I haven't had the time nor (to be honest) the inclination to do a lot of website work. Fortunately, this is starting to change.
I would like to give you just a little bit of what's been going on so that maybe you'll understand why this site - which I love greatly - was pushed to the back burner.
In January, my father-in-law called to tell us that his health had become worse and that doctors had only given him a few months to live.
In February, my mother became ill and was taken to the hospital with Pneumonia.
In March, I flew back to see my Mom and go with her to the doctor's appointment where she was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable Lung Cancer.
In April, my dear friend, "Cowboy" Bob Yuma, became very ill.
On May 23, Bob passed away at the age of 55.
In June, I went to see my mom again as her health was starting to slip again. During this time, my 15 year-old nephew, Jacob Thomas Compton, passed out in front of his home injuring himself.
In July, it was discovered that my nephew (who had a heart transplant as a baby) had suffered a heart attack. Because of this, doctors installed a defibrillator/pacemaker.
On the morning of August 3, Jacob passed away. Again I flew to Virginia to be with my family. I was honored to serve as a pallbearer at my nephew's funeral.
In September, my father-in-law's health took a turn for the worse and he was flown down to Phoenix (from Northern Arizona) and admitted to a local hospital. When it became clear that his condition was terminal, he was transferred from the hospital to Hospice of the Valley.
On October 1, my father-in-law (L. Hollis Gillett) passed away. His wife, one of his daughters and I were with him when he passed. That month, we took his ashes to his family farm in Colorado for the memorial service.
As you can see, this year has been full of events to say the least. It's very easy, at times like these, to become distracted and to allow things to fall by the wayside and that's just exactly what I did.
Now, having said that, I do want you to know that I have some plans for this website that will help it to be updated on a more regular basis. Look for a total overhaul in the coming weeks.
Until then, Happy Thanksgiving and our best to you and your family during this holiday season. God bless.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Monday 20 November 2006 - 00:45:21
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Well, the big day is finally upon us. I hope that you are having the best Christmas ever.
As we enjoy the traditions that make the season great, please take a moment to remember those who are away from home and the loved ones that they have left behind. In particular, please remember our soldiers who are defending our freedoms on foreign lands. May God watch over them and keep them safe.
On this glorious day, I enjoy remembering the real reason that we celebrate Christmas. Sometimes, when we feel down, or that we just don't matter much, it's nice to remember that we are loved. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to be our teacher and advocate and to carry our burden and pay a debt that we could never pay. All of this was done so that we could be redeemed and walk in fellowship with our Lord. When you consider the grand scheme of things, that lime green necktie you opened this morning just doesn't seem as important.
I pray that you are with the ones you love and cherish. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may the Lord bless you each and every day.
Tim, Cindy, Kevin and Philip.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Sunday 25 December 2005 - 07:48:57
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We've all had the dream where we could celebrate Christmas 365 days a year, but here's a chap in England who is doing just that.
Can you imagine the decorations, Christmas dinner, gifts all-year-long. As much as I love Christmas, I'm not sure that I could keep up with that, but this story is an interesting read.
Check it out: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051129/lf_afp/afplifestylebritain_051129163907
Posted by Tim Hicks on Tuesday 29 November 2005 - 14:30:43
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Santa to Star in Macy's Ad!
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Hey gang. Well, it's really starting to look like Christmas. Halloween is just two days away and then it's a short slide to Thanksgiving.
I apologize for not posting on the site much over the past couple of weeks. We're recovering from a burglary and that is taking up a lot of our time.
On Monday, October 10, my wife and I arrived home to find that our front door was open, our kitchen window had been bashed in and about ,000 worth of stuff was gone.
Thieves had broken in through the kitchen window and stolen all of my wife's prescription medicines, our son's high school class ring, his video game console and all of his games, and a bunch of other stuff. It really makes you wonder how someone could treat a fellow human being like that.
Fortunately, we have insurance. Now, it's just the matter of getting that settled and getting stuff replaced. Thank the Lord that our medical insurance came through and replaced the prescription drugs. That was the most important part.
Well, my friends, I just wanted to let you know that the site hadn't been abandoned and that we were still here and getting geared up for a great holiday season.
God bless you all.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 29 October 2005 - 13:33:45
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It's Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!!
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I know, I know. Halloween isn't even here yet, but I can't help it. The signs of Christms are starting to pop up everywhere. Just this morning, I walked into the local Fry's Grocery store only to see an impressive display of Santas, snowmen and nutcrackers in the front of the store.
Now, I don't know about you, but that was all it took to get me going. Ok, so I was already full of the Christmas spirit, but seeing this display really kicked it into high gear.
As I sit here at my trusty ol pc, I've just added a Christmas theme to Windows XP, and I have a vintage Jim Reeves Christmas CD playing ("O Come All Ye Faithful" is playing right now.
The other day, my son and I were flipping channels only to find an animated version of "A Christmas Carol" playing on one of the cable stations. Man, am I ever ready to get this holiday season started!!
Best of all, I've already got a good portion of my holiday gift shopping done. Maybe this year, I'll actually meet my goal of having the presents that need to be shipped back east ready to go by Thanksgiving. That would be so cool. Last year, I spent almost 0 on freight charges. This year, I'm going to ship early and save a bundle.
Sorry to ramble, but the little kid in me is really starting to get excited.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 15 October 2005 - 09:38:36
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You're In Our Thoughts And Prayers!
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Looking at the TV news, it breaks my heart to think of the people of the mid-south region going through the horror that Hurricane Katrina has brought. The death and distruction is just beyon belief.
Today, it struck me that a friend of mine lives in La Place, Louisiana and I had not heard from him in several days. I wrote to him and was very much relieved to get a reply today.
He told me that his area was hit hard, but not as hard as New Orleans. He said he was without power, water or phone service for several days and that the heat and humidity almost did him in. The food spoiled and he was living on can foods for a while.
My friend went on to write that gas lines were several blocks long and that there was looting and shootings. The banks were closed so there was no way of getting cash. Little things that we all take for granted suddenly become a very big deal.
When you consider that this was from someone who wasn't in the area hardest hit, it amplifies just how bad things must be for those who were directly under the hammer.
My friend, Phil, did tell me that he praises the Lord for bringing him through this. I, too, thank our Heavenly Father for bringing Phil and everyone else through this terrible struggle. I pray that the Lord will watch over them and bless them and keep them in his tender care.
If you would like to donate to help the victims of this tragedy, please contact the Salvation Army. I'm sure that every donation will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 03 September 2005 - 16:20:00
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The Dollhouse and Miniatures Industry Prepares for Promising Holiday Season
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(PRWEB) August 22, 2005 -- The Dollhouse and Miniatures Industry was once dominated by European firms. In the late 1800's, American toy companies began to produce similar products. But, unlike the European companies, American dollhouse builders and miniaturists typically designed houses relevant to American architecture.
The industry was simply no longer just a European hobby, it became the "Cottage Industries," with its own distinct revenue stream in what was the modern economy. Dollhouse companies popped up everywhere. Retailers built complete sections for the retailing of miniature products. Dollhouses became so popular in the 1940s, that what was once a section in a store, became a complete retail store environment, with miniatures and dollhouses stacked to the ceiling. Hence, the birth of the complete miniature store began.
The holiday season was the busiest time of year, producing the greatest amount of gross for any miniatures store. Modern day miniatures stores are almost entirely online. With the majority of miniatures sales happening in the virtual environment. One of the most prominent online retailers, www.dollproperties.com, told us what it's like to prepare for the holiday season.
In our discussion with their President, Charles Rhodes, we had the opportunity to grasp a general sense of the preparation process. Charles stated that the holiday season preparation is the organization of current assets and the acquisition of the proper mix of houses and miniatures for the season. Charles's preparation is marked by trips to Germany and China for a small portion of www.dollproperties.com's stock. He is proud to say that much of his inventory is produced by U.S. firms. Some of the U.S. firms include, Duracraft (Dura-Craft) Dollhouses, Corona Concepts, Real Good Toys, and Greenleaf Dollhouses.
Charles also stated that the preparation for the holiday season is met with much labor and preparation. During August and September, www.dollproperties.com hires some ten artisans to create and build dollhouses for the holiday season. Www.dollproperties.com calls these dollhouses "pre-builts." The dollhouse industry is still thriving in its current status, but much of the product has gone overseas to Southeast Asia. But, Charles takes great pride in saying that over 75% of his houses in stock are made in the U.S.A.
With the holiday season coming, there is always great risk in what to stock in a company's inventory. A buyer for a company such as www.dollproperties.com must understand what their clientele will be looking for. Luckily, Charles is very experienced in this fashion, and much of the responsibility lays with the actual manufacturer themselves. As we discussed things further, Charles stated that he believes Duracraft Dollhouses will sell very well this year. He thinks that people will be attracted to their rarity and small distribution channel. With the main corporation of Duracraft going out of business in 2005, their remaining stock is highly valuable on the collector market, and Charles's company owns 100% of their stock, as well as production rights. He's also happy to say that he has parts and service for all of his current customers on the Duracraft product.
www.dollproperties.com had one of its strongest seasons last year. Charles believes his sales will grow by almost 25% in 2005. Why? Because his company has web presence, great warranty standards, and they are more than just a virtual company, which is important in this industry (statement by Charles). Based on statistics, Charles believes the economy is stronger than it was a year ago, which will also help to boost sales in general. Lastly, he believes the season will be strong, because Internet security has boosted the confidence of first time buyers online, making it easier to shop for products not held at brick and mortar stores. This is Case Mansar with Dollhouses and Miniatures Monthly.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 27 August 2005 - 03:42:37
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Plumpstocking.com Gears Up for the Holiday Season
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(PRWEB) August 22, 2005 -- In preparation for Christmas 2005, Plumpstocking.com plans to add over one hundred new products this month to their already extensive catalog of stocking stuffers for men, women, kids and pets.
"Based on last year's successful holiday season, we are anticipating tremendous growth this year," says Kathleen Vignos, President of Plumpstocking.com. "We're adding new items in almost every category we sell."
In addition to expanding the product catalog, Plumpstocking.com has also has relocated its inventory to a warehouse in Hayward, California. "We outgrew our original basement space, so it was time to move on," says Vignos. "Our new facility has plenty of room for our increased inventory projections, and enough staff to manage sales in a tight seasonal window. We're excited that we will be able to handle much higher volumes this year."
About Plumpstocking.com:
Plumpstocking.com is an online retailer of small specialty gifts that make great stocking stuffers and gift assortments. Plumpstocking.com is the one-stop-shop for stocking stuffers and unique small gifts for everyone on your list -- men, women, kids, and pets. Plumpstocking.com, the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Store, can be found at www.plumpstocking.com.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 27 August 2005 - 03:38:08
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Sims celebrates 'Christmas in July'
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Sims celebrates 'Christmas in July'
By JESSICA DAVIS Daily Light intern
 A sunny, hot day with not even a chance of snow made the perfect background for Christmas in July at Sims Library on Thursday morning.
The elves from Santa's Workshop would have been proud of the rows of children who worked to create ornaments and snowmen.
A mouse holding a Christmas tree in its paws was a popular choice for the kids, who glued on pipe-cleaner whiskers and googly eyes.
"What are you going to name him?" a mom asked her daughter, who had just put the finishing touches on her mouse. "You don't name Christmas ornaments," the girl said in reply, but eventually chose Mouse I for her artwork.
The wooden-stick snowmen were decorated with happy faces and detailed warm-weather apparel. Some wore earmuffs and scarves while others had on hats.
Parents, grandparents and older siblings helped the young kids make their ornaments for about 30 minutes and then it was on to storytime.
Wearing a Christmas vest, youth services librarian Connie Colston took center stage as she read two Christmas-themed books to the captive audience.
First up was "A Rocking Horse Christmas," which told the tale of a rocking horse whose boy grew up and left him behind.
Many years later the boy returned on Christmas with a son of his own and rediscovered his old friend.
"Where Does Joe Go?" let the imagination of the kids go wild as they heard about a man named Joe who disappeared every winter and never told the townspeople where he went.
The townspeople suggested reason after reason why Joe was never there, but the kids shouted, "no" after each suggestion until it was finally revealed that Joe was Santa Claus.
Christmas in July wrapped up with a screening of the movie, "A Christmas Gift," leaving the children to wait just a few more months until the real event comes around.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Sunday 24 July 2005 - 17:07:01
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The Blobbies Receive TOY OF THE YEAR AWARD for 2005
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The Blobbies® series has received the "Toy of the Year Award" for 2005. The companion Blobbiemorphers™ line of transforming plush toys received a "Preferred Choice Award."
 Santa Clara, Calif. (PRWEB) July 23, 2005 -- Pers® is proud to announce that its first book in the Blobbies® series has received the "Toy of the Year Award" in the Storybook with Characters category at the 2005 Creative Toy Awards, by Creative Child Magazine. The companion Blobbiemorphers™ line of transforming plush toys received a "Preferred Choice Award" in the Plush Toys for Kids category.
"Here Come The Blobbies," the first book in the series, introduces the reader to the fantastic world of the Blobbies. This 40-page, full-color hardcover picture book includes bonus educational pages and "The Blobbie’s Personality Chart," a color-based personality system created to help children learn about themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and understand others. The included CD-ROM for Windows® and Macintosh® contains exciting games, educational activities and fun songs to complete the Blobbie experience.
The amazing Blobbiemorphers toy line takes "Here Come The Blobbies" to the next level by introducing unique plush toys that morph from Blobbie shape into a colorful animal shape, just like the stories in the books. Each Blobbiemorpher box includes a Limited Edition Trading Card and fun educational animal facts. The first set of Blobbiemorphers includes seven fun animal shapes: Red Reindeer, Orange Eagle, Yellow Dolphin, Green Rabbit, Blue Llama, Indigo Angelfish, and Violet Dragonfly.
About Pers®
Pers Corporation is committed to using the latest developments in technology to create unique and inspiring entertainment of the highest quality. For more information, please visit: www.pers.com
Here Come The Blobbies® by Jorge
First edition, 40 pages, Full Color, 10" x 10", Hardcover, Free game/audio CD-ROM
$15.89 Suggested Retail Price, Ages 5 and Up
ISBN 1-932179-32-1 LCC 2002111938
Blobbiemorphers™ Animal Shapes Set I
9"x9"x10" Full Color Box with Limited Edition Trading Card
$19.99 Suggested Retail Price, Ages 3 and Up
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 23 July 2005 - 02:09:59
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We've been busier than Santa's elves during the first week of December. Phew! One good thing that has come out of all of this activity is the opening of our message boards. Please feel free to stop on by and post your thoughts, views, etc.
You must be a registered member to participate in the message forums. Since registering is easy and FREE, do it today! 
Posted by Tim Hicks on Saturday 02 July 2005 - 15:54:11
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Diabetics need not miss out on holiday goodies!
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 As a diabetic, I understand how hard it is around the holidays. Everywhere you look there are tons of tasty and tempting goodies. It's hard to remain on a diabetic eating plan when you want to dig in. After all, who wouldn't want a piece of pie or some egg nog at Christmas time?
Well, diabetics (and those who love them) take heart. We've found a great new collection of recipes made just for diabetics. This collection features 500 tongue-tickling recipes that everyone will love. It includes recipes for main courses, side dishes and desserts (like cake, pies and cheesecake). Yum. There is even a recipe in there for diabetic egg nog. Yippee. Best of all, this collection features recipes that are good year round, not just at the holidays. If you are a diabetic, or if you know someone who is, check out this collection by going to the following website:
www.Delicious-Diabetic-Recipes.com
I've been reading over the collection and there are tons of recipes that I'm dying to try. As you may have guessed, I am especially jazzed about the egg nog. That is one of my favorite Christmas treats and I thought I would have to give it up forever when I was diagnosed with Diabetes last year. Now, I don't have to give it up and neither do you.
Posted by Tim Hicks on Sunday 26 June 2005 - 15:31:20
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Teddy Ruxpin Returns to Enchant a New Generation of Children
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BackPack Toys Offers Exclusive Online Pre-Sale Opportunity to Reserve Limited Edition Teddy Ruxpins Starting July 1st.
Milford, NH (PRWEB) June 23, 2005 -- Teddy Ruxpin®, the world’s first animated storytelling toy, will once again captivate children with his love of adventure, learning, imagination, and friendship. To mark Teddy Ruxpin’s return, parents, collectors and gift-givers can reserve their very own Limited Edition Teddy Ruxpin, starting July 1, through an exclusive pre-sale opportunity at www.teddyruxpin.com. During the pre-sale event, 100 lucky participants will also be randomly selected to receive a special autographed Teddy Ruxpin by the toy’s original creator, Ken Forsse.
“We are proud to offer Teddy fans the opportunity to be one of the first to receive this endearing toy,” says Ed Hames, president of BackPack Toys International, Ltd. “Although there are other interactive toys on the market, there is no substitute for Teddy Ruxpin and his library of songs and adventures. In fact, we’ve already received countless emails from people anxiously awaiting Teddy’s return and we’re excited about providing them the opportunity to secure a Teddy this holiday season.”
Hailed as a timeless toy that has helped shape today’s playthings due to its intuitive design and outstanding play value, Teddy Ruxpin came to life as his eyes and mouth moved in perfect sync with every adventure he told. Today, Teddy Ruxpin boasts the latest technology and easy-to-use controls that have been perfectly designed to accommodate small hands. Teddy Ruxpin will come packaged with three adventures programmed on a child-friendly, durable, Adventure/Song Cartridge that enables Teddy to come to life. Also new and included with Teddy Ruxpin are three beautifully illustrated storybooks and accompanying read-along/story-songbooks. Four additional Adventure Packages, to be sold separately, will also be released this September.
Fans, parents, gift-givers and friends are invited to reserve their Limited Edition Teddy Ruxpin starting July 1 on www.teddyruxpin.com during this exclusive presale event. Teddy Ruxpin will be available for the same price that he was sold for in 1985 – $ 69.99 (MSRP).
About BackPack Toys International Limited
BackPack Toys International Limited, founded by Ed Hames in 2002, is a Hong Kong company with US offices in Milford, New Hampshire. BackPack Toys core focus is the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of Teddy Ruxpin® and related products covered under a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement with Alchemy II. For more information, visit www.teddyruxpin.com
Posted by Tim Hicks on Thursday 23 June 2005 - 01:33:14
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Priest Legally Changes His Name to Santa Claus . . .
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 Santa Claus lives at Lake Tahoe and has the requisite twinkle in his eyes, spirit of giving, naturally white beard, belly, glasses, and red suspenders.
Incline Village, Nevada (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) June 21, 2005 -- A United Catholic Church priest and monk in the Order of Anam Cara has legally changed his name to Santa Claus. He lives at Lake Tahoe and has the requisite twinkle in his eyes, spirit of giving, naturally white beard, belly, glasses, red suspenders, and now the official name: Santa Claus.
Even the U.S. Transportation Security Administration is satisfied that this Santa Claus is who he says he is. His passport and driver’s license and social security and Screen Actors Guild cards are issued to Santa Claus.
Unlike Santa’s helpers, this genuine Santa publishes his “Naughty and Nice Top Ten” lists on his website, updated weekly and geared to parents.
Currently, Santa is addressing the issue of obesity in America and setting a good example for children by losing a little weight, eating healthier foods than before, and exercising moderately. Santa notes that St. Nicholas, upon whom many believe the spirit of Santa Claus is based, was a thin fellow.
“The Santa Diet,” a complete diet for physical, emotional, and spiritual health, is slated for publication late this summer. Santa’s new advice column, Santa Says, will be available this fall.
Santa reminds us that, for many centuries, people have celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th and Christmas on December 25th. When the Dutch settled New York, they managed to combine both celebrations.
Being a priest and a monk, just as St. Nicholas was, Santa emphasizes that Christmas is and should be a celebration of Christ’s birth and that he is not responsible for the celebration’s commercialization.
For additional information and to view Santa’s “naughty and nice” lists, visit www.SantasLink.net.
Contact:
Santa Claus
775-833-5908
www.SantasLink.net
Posted by Tim Hicks on Tuesday 21 June 2005 - 01:28:24
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Christmas 2007
Is Now !
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Poll: What is your favorite movie version of Scrooge/A Christmas Carol?
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Great Deals on Great Gifts |
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