Ready for Spring

It seems that it has been so cloudy and dreary this winter.
We are sooo ready for spring! As it has stayed pretty cold,
wet, and then muddy, the children have kept busy doing many things.

House building....
writing Class....(which Krista teaches)
games with friends....
cookie Baking....
lessons....
more games with friends...
more lessons
sword fights....box fun...

Baptism Celebration!

Many of us enjoyed the afternoon at the Loewen family's

home. The children, as well as some of the parents played
charades, as well as other games.

Anna & Heather "falling out of a boat"
Timothy, enjoying the "show"
In the other room, Sam & Krista were
deep in thought..
while they played "Animal Upon Animal"
Nicole & Sarah doing I'm not sure what. :-)

Anna & Heather continued their dramatic
presentations...
...with the day ending at Berean Baptist Church,
witnessing the baptisms of Tyler & Heather.
What a blessing to hear the testimony of these
dear young people. To hear how God continues
to work in their lives, and of their desire to
follow Him in baptism.

"Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Valentine's Banquets

The girls were able to minister at 2 different Valentine Banquets

this past weekend. The 1st one, at Metro East Baptist Church,
went smoothly, and the girls met some old friends that Jeff & I
had not seen in years.

The 2nd banquet on Monday evening was at Kidron Village,
an assisted and independent living facility.

The program went beautifully, with the guests very much
enjoying the hymns and classical string arrangements.
They were however, surprised to see the girls playing
the music. Somehow many of them had thought
that the group was a bunch of "old geezers". :-)
I'm not sure where that came from.......

One woman was particularly blessed by the music. She had
found out recently that her sister in Minnesota had been diagnosed
with cancer, and she was not going to be able to make it up to
see her before she passed away.
The Lord used several of the old hymn arrangements to
minister to her during this difficult grieving time.

Of course, ice cream was in order after the banquet

We are grateful for the opportunities the Lord
gives the children to be a light in a dark world.

Angel's Adventure

Sara put together this short movie clip about a dog named Angel who has run away from her master to live in the wilderness. She must survive many frightening experiences, one of which is an attack from a wild dog...

(See below for preview.)

(I think Sara needs more to do) ;-)

Sara's Senior Pictures

Before the snow hit, we did get some senior pictures.

"turn the camera this way Hannah"

oops....wrong girl.......and wrong dog. :-)

Good work Hannah!

February Fun

Once again the snow came. It was beautiful outside!

And once again some snowman building,
(so there's my broom!!!)
and dogsled pulling.....Justin and Joey especially enjoy the dogsled pulling!

Music Weekend

This last weekend began with a Friends Community Orchestra concert, in which both Krista and Anna played. It was a wonderful concert, featuring 2 different piano soloists.
The next day was a cello master class in which Anna played. She played in a quartet that has been practicing this school year.

Game night with Chaneys and Gerlachs

We enjoyed a wonderful time of games and fellowship Sunday night with some friends. While the older ones played "Phase Ten" upstairs, the younger kids braved the cold and played outside till they got soaked and then came in and played in the warm basement.

Dad didn't feel a thing!