Happy Birthday, Dad

Happy birthday Dad!!

We are so thankful for you...

Wow, there are so many things to be grateful for, there is not enough space to write them all!  I am so thankful for all the years we have had together. Also, for your Godly wisdom and direction as you lead our family, for your wise decision making, and your love for God, me and all the children.  You are a dependable and dedicated worker and faithful to your calling as a Godly man, husband and father. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for us, as you have sought the Lord regarding our family and for all your hard work to provide and take care of us for so many years.  Have a wonderful Birthday! I love you. Dana

Thank you for your example and advice. Thank you for taking us hunting on early winter mornings and helping me work on my tractors. I love you, Jonathan

Dad, thank you for your hard work, for teaching me different skills, how to work, raise our own food, and for reading books to us. I love you -Samuel

Dad, thank you for all you do for us and for working hard. Thank you for  teaching us to love God, protecting us, and cultivating godly desires in us. I love you, Rachael

Happy birthday! Thank you for helping us with all our farming, for good advice, and for being a godly example. I love you-Nathan

Dad, happy birthday blessings! I am so thankful for your godliness and unwavering convictions. Thank you for teaching us Biblical principles, encouraging and challenging us, giving us a vision for the duties we must fill in the future, and loving us unconditionally. I love you! -Sarah

"Behold, that thus shall the 

man be blessed that feareth the LORD."

{Psalm 128:4}

Summer Camping

Dad always makes delicious breakfast eggs on the Coleman stove when we camp - our favorite!

Last week, we decided to go camping at a local lake. We were blessed with beautiful, cool weather and really enjoyed the camping area. It was fun to spend some time together as a family.

Mom shooing the bugs away with our homemade bug spray

 Horse shoe throwing: we made sure everyone stood out of the way
of the person throwing the horse shoes since some of us were better tossers than others...

Playing volleyball..or something that resembled  it

We had a wonderfully cool day, cool enough for jackets in August!

Nathan working on feeding everyone a very healthy lunch

S'mores - this was a first time treat.  Mom could not figure out how to make them healthy...
but she will come up with something for our next camping trip!

Everyone had fun biking on the hiking trails - lots of good exercise

Swimming or lounging, as the case may be...

Dad trying out the little digger

Nathan and Samuel reading their Bibles before bed. They are all doing the
Summer Pursuit again this summer with their buddies

Lots of fun in the tent!

"They that know thy name will put their trust in thee:

 for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

{Psalm 9:10}

Happy Summer Days

An evening campfire

This summer has been beautiful in Kansas. We have been busy with various summer farm activities but have enjoyed fun family time at the same time.

Sweet brothers helping make homemade bread

At the playground...

 

Lunch with friends

Sewing pennants for a celebration...

...finished product

Last week we celebrated the one year anniversary of the purchase of our new home. We are so thankful for the farm and community God has provided for our family.

Mom made us a very special treat in celebration - fried chicken!

Samuel serving his delicious dessert with fresh cream

We all agreed that this new dessert recipe is one of our favorites!

Writing down things we are grateful for

Family games

"I will remember the works of the LORD: 

surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all thy work, 
and talk of thy doings."
{Psalm 77:11-12}