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“We saw bald eagles from our houseboat on Mountain Harbor,” she explains. An arrangement of tall, dried stalks of some curious and beautiful water-reed plant stands in one corner, prompting the question: Did she find those while hiking the nearby woods? Candice replies with a straight face, “Yes – Mom got those out hiking.” She stares fixedly at Serethia’s dainty feet, sheathed in a pair of bright red, strappy heels, and then mother and daughter burst into peals of laughter.

The living room’s ample fireplace is flanked by a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that houses a flatscreen television as well as books and collectibles – small oak chests and several glass-enclosed sculptures of wild birds – not ceramic figurines at all, but something entirely unique. “We got these when we used to vacation with the girls in Branson,” Serethia says. Each intricate bird is composed of natural materials – small seeds and husks, dried blossoms, tiny twigs and driftwood – handcrafted by folk artist Dwight Nesmith, “The Bird Man.” From a distance they appear motionless and alive -- an altogether enchanting effect. Another glass globe holds two pocket watches – one from Serethia’s father, the other from her grandfather.

“My Dad worked for International Paper,” says Serethia, who was born and raised in Pine Bluff. “He always said he was going to do so many things and had made plans for after retirement. But Dad died at the age of 58 – he never made it to retirement.” This tragedy impelled her to treasure each day and not take anything for granted. “I believe in enjoying life and having fun,” she adds with a sunny smile. As we step outside to the courtyard, green and lush from the heavy spring rains, she points out a garden along the back wall where tomatoes, peppers, herbs and potatoes are beginning to sprout. “Dad always had a garden,” she says. Japanese maples, dogwoods, hostas and lilies outline the path; a waterfall sends a little stream toward the gazebo. Todd’s brother Brad built the fountain and waterfall, which sparkles at night with colored lighting. “I gave up the lake – I had to have the sound and sight of water!” Serethia says, adding that Todd and a friend designed and constructed the tall, sturdy gazebo that shelters the outdoor kitchen and grilling area. “It was their first – and LAST – gazebo,” she states.

The Crawfords love the time-saving, indoor/outdoor aspects of their garden home, where maintaining the lawn is a breeze and the landscaped courtyard is easily kept picture-perfect for the next opportunity to grill out. “The main thing for us is having more time for ourselves,” muses Serethia. “My children are the highlight of my life – but we’re enjoying our time together.” Today Todd is out of town and Chrystal has just moved into her first apartment, which means that Candice now has a sitting room next to her bedroom and the cute jack-and-jill bathroom in between doesn’t have to be shared. Candice’s room, done in muted tones with the palest of green accents, features a wooden screen painted with vines and berries that works perfectly as a headboard. A classic desk with rows of stationery compartments and pigeonholes provides a convenient workspace. Both girls are on full academic and band scholarships at their respective universities and the Crawfords are rightfully proud. Photographs throughout the home picture the two, smiling and suntanned in Lake Hamilton cheerleading uniforms; grinning in Halloween costumes, and generally looking as near to twins as possible for sisters born 17 months apart.

The master bedroom has an expansive feel, thanks to the high ceilings and a bank of windows overlooking the length of the courtyard. Plantation blinds frame the view, while the faint sound of the nearby waterfall soothes. The master bath continues a neutral color scheme accented by dramatic, boldly veined granite countertops. A mural of a bamboo forest, painted by local artist Becky Crewes, provides a splash of color as well as an organic focal point to the room. The last room on the tour is an intimate home theatre with deep olive-toned walls and a semicircular couch that invites one to slide the pocket doors closed and sink into the cool comfort of a double feature. “It’s great for when the girls are here with friends,” says Serethia.

For years, Serethia gladly put her career on hold to be a stay-at-home mother, active on the Lake Hamilton school board and president of the PTO. She’s currently the managing broker of Coldwell Banker Rector Phillips Morse Real Estate Company. “Home sales are up,” she says. “We’ve been busy – I feel it is the best time in years to buy a home or investment property and Hot Springs is a great place to do it!” Todd, a retired store manager for Wal-Mart, joins her in her roles as volunteer for the American Heart Association (where she co-chaired this year’s Heart Ball that netted $92,000 for charity) and supporter of Relay For Life. During Todd’s decades with Wal-Mart, the family moved 11 times, mostly in Louisiana. Having vacationed in Hot Springs, they decided that if a situation ever presented itself, the Spa City was where they wanted to settle. As the girls were entering their elementary years, the Crawfords relocated here and Todd became the manager of the Airport Road Wal-Mart. “Hot Springs is near both of our families,” Serethia says as we conclude the tour. “We love Hot Springs.” A small painted sign tucked away on a shelf seems to sum up the Crawfords’ approach to appreciating their new shared phase in life as well as the teamwork that brought them here: “Live – Laugh – Love” the sign says.