Good-Bye Rink

This was last week. The grass really wasn’t that long, but Ben just wanted to say he had mowed in February. I think he needs more to do.

Flurry’s favorite spot in the barn.

With forecasts in the 50s and 60s for 10 days, and the *extremely* rare possibility of a week of 25* needed to freeze the rink, it was time for the rink to end.

That’s called a digger ride around here. Although I really don’t know why.

Jewel’s just the right size for the kids to have her step on their backs for a nice massage.

And she’s also one of the most talented readers I know. Occasionally she’s been seen reading while she’s walking.

Today was a good day for monster cookies.

More rink dismantling.

Josh wanted to show me the lilac is starting to put on leaves.

Working together, these two can get ‘er done.

And thus ends February 2017!

 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Cold Weekend

Friday this crew drove to Chicago then flew out to Oregon for a friend’s baptism.

Saturday was really cold & windy (woke up to snow flurries); I kept at this all day (in addition to a few kitchen projects and of course laundry) and got ‘er done. Ready for batting and backing.

Jewel finished this too. Her squares are 3”x3” so finished project is about 18”x24”. I think she did a great job!

Totally forgot to get out the camera Saturday night when U. Mike’s came for pizza. Kids had a great time with cousins, and we had a good time catching up with U. Mike & A. Jan. And we parents enjoyed (or not) the beauteous concert from the basement: toy trap set, ice cream bucket drums, guitar, and lots of harmonicas.  Quite the joyful noise!

Thankful the older kids had a great weekend and got home safely this morning.

And that’s it for now – got to keep moving this morning!

Decision

The comforter on the left is the one A. Joyce started several years ago. It’s a nice size for a throw. Thus, I decided to lengthen the other one so it could be used as a twin bed cover. It’s been hard to make progress with these 70* days, but with today being cooler/cloudy and 38* forecasted for tomorrow, I hope to get it close to finished. So - - - gotta keep moving!

Thanks everyone for advice!

More Spring Rink Fun

I was doing school with Josh this morning when I saw this through his bedroom window. He was off like a shot, so I quick took this picture (from his window)

before the kids got there.

Good thing God made dirt not to hurt!

Spring Rink Fun

Still More Spring

It’s been an amazing week. Sunny and 70s much (not all) of the time.  I’ll take that for February! Although I’m ready for cold weather again so the fruit trees don’t start to come out. Coming out and putting on early buds is not the problem. The later frost is. We’ve lost more than one crop this way and this is how it starts…

Nothing we can do about it though so we’ll sure enjoy the weather while we have it.

Monday -

Yes. Grandpa really did plant the garden on Monday, February 20. Spinach and radishes are in, for better or worse.

As of Tuesday, the volleyball net is up and going again too.

Snake #1 has a home in the 2017 zoo – its name is 360. Why 360? Do not know. It was Jonathan at first, then was changed. Don’t know why the change either. Sometimes I really don’t know why kids do things they do. At any rate, yesterday marked the beginning of the zoo’s annual spring cleaning.

Now today is cooler and gray with a little drizzle mixed in there too; I knew the day was coming when it would be easier to get this blog caught up. Hard to do when it’s 70 and sunny!

And that’s about it for this time around.

Spring Weekend

Nathan and Todd rolled in late Friday night; while we worked in the kitchen Saturday morning we were treated to a pretty good jam session. By 10:30 then a vanload of boys was heading to IA for an Invite-A-Friend weekend. While they were heading west, Tori and Laura were heading east to an Invite-A-Friend in OH. Thankful for the friendships they’re making, for the fellowship they enjoyed, and for the safe trips on all accounts.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, it’s pruning season. Got a huge amount done Saturday even with the big kid crew gone. And what a beautiful day to do it - 70* & sunny. Not bad for an IL February!

Just one more sign that spring for real is coming - - -

Work done, time for fun.

Loved having Kiowa here for a little while Saturday night.

There were so many TakeAways from church yesterday. I can’t possibly hit them all but here are a few thoughts to remember -

First, thinking about fellowship – reading God’s Word is how we fellowship with Jesus Christ. Kind of basic, I know, but I had never thought of it that way before. And I want that fellowship. More and more all the time.

Another thought about the Bible – the entire Bible points to Jesus and His family; it is the story of God preparing a bride for His Son. How awesome that when we Kneel At The Cross, we are part of that bride; and when we do that, we are filled with all joy and peace in believing and abound in hope, which means we are extra full of this hope. So full of joy, energy, hope, peace, etc. inside us that everyone can tell. I want that too.

Another thought from the day – hope is like an adrenalin shot to the believer.

Last one – I can’t remember exactly how this was said, but it went something like this: by faith, we are chosen by God, purchased by Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit.

Much to ponder and praise.

Besides the full course meal that came from the pulpit, there were the usual side dishes of fellowship and singing. And snuggles with a sweet Ceci during afternoon church were a highlight too.

Then home to enjoy another springtime afternoon; with sunshine and 70* again, everyone got kicked outside after church. Horse riding, 4wheeling, walking, Catch, trampoline-ing, etc. - - -

Nice. Very nice.

Find a monkey in the tree - - -

Ben & Micah had a grand time on a gorgeous afternoon.

Then after supper we headed to the FH where we appreciated Alan Roth’s presentation on the work HarvestCall is doing in Jamaica. Very informative and interesting. Also encouraging to see what God is doing in the lives of His children there.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13