The huge tree is pretty well gone now. The trunk still needs to be removed, but it is down...it was a HUGE project, and one I know several people are glad is finished!
at the very beginning...
in the middle...
nearing the end...
The end....
Sandy
Ethan had to write a paragraph about someone that he knows that has made a difference in his life. Here is his paragraph.
"My dad has made a big difference in my life. He is my pastor, so he teaches me about God. He teaches me how to pray. As my dad he teaches me a lot of stuff, too. My dad teaches me how to take care of our dog, and how to play games. My dad rocks!"
(I think Ethan's dad rocks, too!)
Sandy
This was the first "regular" track meet and Cameron did really well! He's had a couple more since then, where he hasn't performed as well, but this one...he ROCKED! It was fun to watch him, and also fun for him to run with Aunt Martha, and Grandma and Grandpa Koch watch him run!
Cameron is usually easy to spot 'cause he's the one with all the hair! :-)
Cameron and Josh often go back and forth between which one has the fastest time. This night, Cameron beat Josh. Josh has beaten him a couple of times since then.
Go get 'em, Cameron!
The big tree is almost gone, and that in itself was a huge job. We've been picking up sticks and raking leaves and brush and such and burning some of it in our Weber grill! (Hey...we live in town..we have to get rid of it any way we can, LOL!)
Lester was a huge help in getting the yard cleaned up!
There were lots of conversations on exactly how things should be done. :-)
and some tree climbing, too!
my brother-in-law, Bill got some supervising in during Confirmation weekend.
Ron cleared away a lot of brush.
lots was burned.
and stacked! That's a lot of campfires right there!
And daffodil's still bloom..isn't it pretty?
Look how Rachel looks up to Caleb!
I enjoy watching and listening to them interact!
Ethan had a science fair at school last week. His experiment involved trying to get his hamsters to quit running in their hamster wheel all night long. He changed their food...he covered their cage with a blanket...he tried all kinds of things. His experiment was a success, grade wise. BUT...those hamsters STILL run in their wheel ALL night LONG!
here are some "coloring Easter Egg" photos. They sponge painted them this year. Both have decided that they like just plain ole "dying" the eggs better.
Lovely!
We've had the joy and pleasure of having Grandpa and Grandma K here for two whole weeks! We love it when they visit, and love it even more when they can stay for a while!
Today is Grandpa's 75th birthday! We're so blessed to have been able to share the day with him!
We had a yummy pineapple upside down cake for his birthday treat!
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
By: Charles Wesley
"Christ the Lord is risen today!"
All on earth with angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Sing, ye heavens; and earth, reply.
Love’s redeeming work is done,
Fought the fight, the battle won;
Lo! Our sun’s eclipse is over.
Lo! He sets in blood no more.
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;
Christ has burst the gates of hell.
Death in vain forbids his rise;
Christ has opened paradise.
Lives again our glorious king!
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save;
Where the victory, O grave?
Hail the Lord of earth and heaven!
Praise to thee by both be given.
Thee we greet triumphant now;
Hail, the resurrection, thou!
King of glory, soul of bliss,
Everlasting life is this:
Thee to know, thy power to prove,
Thus to sing, and thus to love!
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
By: Latin carol, 14th cent.
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Notes
Author: Lyra Davidica
Tune: Easter Hymn
1st Published in: 1708
Rachel got lots of wonderful gifts for her Confirmation. This is one she will always treasure! Grandma cross stitched her Confirmation verse for her!
OK, I got a wonderful, BEAUTIFUL, AWESOME surprise on Saturday. I knew that our long time family friends Steve and Kathy were coming for Confirmation weekend, but I didn't know they were bringing their daughter Kasey and HER baby, Autumn! I was talking to someone on the phone when they walked in, and I basically hung up on her! (Sorry, Lisa!) OH, I was thrilled and excited to see the whole bunch, but extra excited to meet Autumn, who was just born in Feb.
Just look at that cutie! She was SUCH a good baby all weekend! I got lots of getting acquainted time in! Don't ya just want to PINCH those cheeks? (HERS...not mine!)
I did have to share her with others occasionally :)
She and her Grandpa, Steve, are good buddies!
Yes, other people attended, too. Grandma Marge and Grandma Dorothy.
Our friends' little boy, Connor. He gives GREAT hugs...and is growing up way fast! (His mom and dad were there, too, but...they managed to avoid the camera that day!)
My brother-in-law, Bill, Kathy, Steve, Kasey and Autumn.
Rachel has some wonderful friends who came for the lunch. Alexis, Katelyn, Rachel and Bridget. I couldn't have chosen better friends for her!
Rachel's "Iowa Grandparents" Grandma Marge and Grandpa Richard.
Grandpa Richard, Grandpa K and Aunt Martha.
Grandma Marge, Betty F. Grandma Dorothy and Grandpa M.
We also were thrilled to have Pastor and Marge Arp as special guests for the day. I didn't get a good picture of them, sadly. Pastor Arp baptized Rachel almost 14 years ago, and were able to attend the confirmation celebration, in spite of near white out and blizzard like conditions! We're glad they were here!
Adam and Kelly were here, too. I can't believe I don't have a photo of Kelly! I guess I was too "focused" on those cute little ones :)
but I just couldn't help myself!
Rachel publicly confessed her faith at her Confirmation on Palm Sunday, along with 3 other 8th graders. After years of midweek and confirmation classes, they successfully answered all of Ron's questions at the public questioning on Wednesday, April 1 in front of the congregation of St. Paul's. The confirmation service was perfect and we are so proud of Rachel. We look forward to watching what God has planned for her!
Ron's folks arrived on Tuesday, and were here for questioning on Wednesday night. We are thrilled that they were able to come and stay!
Their gift to Rachel was a lovely gold watch!
(We got her a camera!)
Isn't she lovely?
Rachel and her daddy.
Rachel and her mom and dad.
The whole family!
Rachel and her grandparents. They all came all the way from Ohio!
Rachel and her Godmother, Aunt Martha. She came all the way from Ohio, too!
My side of the family. My dad and Dorothy, SueAnn, Bill, Jordan and Madi and our own clan. What a crew!
fruit trays
Ron sliced and served the baked potatoes. The potato bar was a pretty big hit with foks!
The cake, part 1
The cake, part 2
