We'll Miss You Samuel

For those of you who have been out here to visit us I'm sure you will remember Samuel. He is one of our young men at church. He grew up Amish. He has a very thick dutch accent. He left the Amish when he was a teenager and then by the grace of God came to our church a year and a half ago and was saved. He's been a blessing to the church, always willing to do whatever needed done. He is moving to Colorado to work on a 400 acre ranch. We're going to miss him around here. Samuel would always make us laugh with some of the crazy things he would say. He has a different outlook on a lot of things having grown up Amish. Matt really had a fun time when he took him to an amusement park, Worlds of Fun, last summer. Samuel went on all the rides including the roller coasters. Afterwards, he said it should be called Buckets of Fun instead of World's of Fun. Last night we had a going away party (or as Ezra mistakenly calls it, a get away party) for Samuel. Of course, I wanted pictures of him but it is very hard for him to have his picture taken being Amish all his life. He kept saying "you'll make me an idol." I promised him I wouldn't and he finally let us take some pictures. The best pictures are the ones I would snap before he realized it.

Samuel with some of the men of our church.

Samuel with some of the kids of the church. The kids always enjoyed Samuel and he enjoyed them.

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Feels Like Spring

We're doing cartwheels!!! It was 55 degrees today!! And the sun was out!! The children took advantage of the nice weather by going outside. Yes there was mud, but it didn't keep us from enjoying the day.

Cassidy began preparing the ground so she can plant sunflowers this spring.

Naomi had to get in on the action as well.

Naomi also enjoyed the trampoline today.

It even got warm enough to take our coats off.

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3

What's Wrong With This Picture?

I'll tell you what's wrong...Naomi's learning Daddy's bad habits. :)

The can is empty but still....

She knows when Daddy wants a Mountain Dew and will run into the kitchen, ask me to open the refrigerator door, and she'll get out a can and take it right back to Dad.

He thinks it's great.

Daniel Boone and an Indian

We've been studying Daniel Boone in history so naturally the boys decided they would act it out. Daniel Boone is on the left (he didn't wear a coonskin cap) and the Indian is on the right with his war paint on his face.

"Mom, get a picture of me trying to kill him."

"Ok, but you have to make up in the end," says Mom.

That's better.

Good boys.

Odds & Ends

With the chilly weather we've been having, I'm glad someone gave Naomi this warm coat to wear.

I love this shot of Naomi looking at herself in the mirror.

Snow

Last night we got 10 -12 inches of snow!! This winter has been crazy. When I saw the mailman today I asked him if he was having fun yet. He said, "HA! This is the worst winter since '79 and I've seen a lot of them. I'm ready for July!!"

Unlike the mailman, the boys enjoyed the snow.

So did Sky!


Of course there was shoveling to do and lots of it.



Naomi stayed inside...she might have gotten lost out there!

Fog

Monday morning we had some serious fog. I had to run out to the garage so, along the way, I took this picture.

Naomi's Lesson On Sharing

Yesterday I helped a friend by watching her children while she did a little shopping. The children played well together. Naomi had fun sharing her dollhouse with Josiah. At least for a little while. Pay special attention to the small doll she has in her hand.

She's having a grand time. Here she's putting the doll to bed.


Oh no. Disaster. The doll is no longer in it's bed. Take notice to the piano in Josiah's hand. It will come into play later.

Maybe if Josiah does the "hand behind the back trick" she'll think it disappeared.

Ok, maybe if he gives her the piano. Nope...she pushes that to the floor. It's the doll or nothing.

Josiah got his gun for protection. This could get ugly.

Upon further thought, he decides it's not worth the blood shed and gives up the doll.

Peace is resumed.

I know I called this post "Naomi's Lesson On Sharing" and you probably thought she was learning how to share. Actually, she was teaching Josiah. Don't mess with this hot-headed girl.

What A Difference 2 Days Make!

You may remember the picture on the left from last Saturday. Two short days later the temperature got to 62. What do you get when you combine snow and 60 degree weather?....MUD! So, picture on the left I call "A Walk In The Snow". Picture on the right "A Walk In The Mud".

Here's an up-close shot so you can get the full effect.