Count Your Blessings

Tagged!!!

2012-01-27T11:19:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged by Blythe!

Here are the guidelines:

1) Post these rules
2) You must post 11 random things about yourself
3) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post
4) Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
5) Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged

11 random things about me:

1. I play the piano and want to learn the harp.

2. I love horses.

3. I like photography.

4. I prefer snail-mail over email.

5. I want to learn Hebrew and go to Israel.

6. I go to Orwell Bible Church.

7. I enjoy baseball and football.

8. I love chocolate and peanut brittle.

9. I enjoy blogging.

10. I like Peniel Bible Camp.

11. I love art of all types.

Here are the questions:

1. Do you like doing tags?

Yes.

2. Skirts or pants?

Skirts.

3. Boots or sandals?

Sandals.

4. Do you like your hair all up,half down,or all down?

Half down.

5. Bare feet,socks or slippers?

Bare feet.

6. McDonald's or Wendy's?

I have never been to Wendy's, so McDonald's it is.

7. What movie type is your favorite action,inspirational,comedy or romance?

Comedy :)

8. Disney or Pixar?

Disney.

9. Cookie or Cake?

Cookies!

10. Meat,Veggies,or Pasta?

Veggies.

11. Do you like your nails painted or not painted?

Not sure... I think not painted.

Here are the questions for the people I tag:

1. What is you favorite animal?

2. Do you prefer icecream or chocolate?

3. Homemade pizza or Pizza Hut?

4. Straight or curly, long or short hair?

5. Dogs or cats?

6.Books-Biography or fiction?

7. Where would you like to travel someday?

8. Pen or pencil?

9. What season is your favorite?

10. Old Testament or New Testament?

11. What is you favorite verse?

I tag Hannah Ring, Hannah Greenfield, Esther Ring at our blog, and the first 5 people who comment. That way people who want to can do it.

Here is a random picture of the Ashtabula River.

Posted By: ~Sarah~

Poems...

2012-01-23T17:54:00.001-05:00

Here are some poems that I had to work with in my school. I hope you enjoy them!

My Gift

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I'd give Him a lamb;

If I were a wise man ,

I would do my part;

But what can I give Him?

I'll give Him my heart.

-Christina Rossetti-

A Wise Old Owl

A wise old owl

lived in an oak;

the more he saw,

The less he spoke;
the less he spoke,

the more he heard.

Why can't we all

be like that bird?

- Edward Hersey Richards -

Hay Making

It was late in May,

We were making some hay.

It was hot and dry.

Just like July.

-Lydia and Sarah Ring-

We Need Revival

2012-01-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

We Need Revival

We need revival,

To change the hearts of men.

How we need revival,

To turn away all sin.

God, send revival,

And wash our hearts so clean.

Please send revival,

Until your face we've seen.

Use us for revival,

That through us men are saved.

Bless those that turn to You,

And Your word they have craved.

-Anna Ring-

Here is another poem I wrote. I want to write one at least once a week. See you all later!!

Posted by -Anna Ring-

Happy Birthday to...

2012-01-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

...Hannah Joy!

Today she is turning--at 4:29 P.M. to be exact--TWENTY YEARS OLD!!!!!!!

No longer a teenager...rather scary, isn't it? :)

Hannah is a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend--I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed our lives with her!

Happy birthday wishes and bunches of love to you, Hannah, from your family!

Posted by -Esther-

Every Season

2012-01-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

Every Season

Snowflakes are falling,

Down to the ground.

I love every season,

All year around.

And when springtime comes,

A blossom is found.

I love every season,

All year around.

Summer is my favorite,

We jump in the hay mound.

I love every season,

All year around.

Fall evenings are peaceful,

The crickets make their sound.

I love every season,

All year around.

-Anna Ring-

This a poem I wrote. I hope you all enjoyed it.

See you later.

-Posted by Anna Ring-

Photo Contest

2012-01-11T16:57:00.001-05:00

Sarah's entry in a photo contest

Cheese making, part of our life every once in a while.

These pictures are for the photo contest at
Blessings Through Life's Raindrops.

http://asimplefarmgirl.blogspot.com/

By Sarah

Happy 15th Birthday Micah!!!

2011-12-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

Micah on his 14th birthday

Goofy Gica being a little corny : )

Swinging at Grandpa and Grandma Ring's

Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Caleb!!!

2011-12-03T18:57:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, Caleb turned 18. (Gulp) ; )

We love you, Caleb!

Parental Rights

2011-11-29T19:22:00.002-05:00

Go take a look at my blog where I posted some things about ParentalRights.org

What Have We Been Doing? (Warning: Contains graphic pictures :) )

2011-11-04T18:05:00.001-04:00

Well, to start(in October), Dad and Mom went to Couples Retreat at Peniel Bible Camp on October 7th and 8th.

The Covered Bridge Festival was the 8th and 9th, and we walked down to the bridge on Saturday

The sign for the bridge

They have these Indian things, and some of the younger ones had their pictures taken. I think this one of Simeon is hilarious!

On the 6th, I had stepped on something and my foot hurt pretty bad, so I sat a lot for a little while and this is what I did while I sat...

Dried Apples!

I really like dried apple!

Then, we did chickens. Some of our Amish neighbors raised and butchered them, then we cut off the legs, thighs, and breasts. We had a lot of fun.

Micah cut the legs and thighs off, I cut the breasts, Dad took apart the carcasses for soup, Simeon and Lydia bagged, and Esther took pictures(and helped Dad).

Micah with his "purse." Can you see his weapon?

Lydia going to hit us with a thigh and drumstick. : )

Esther and I in our matching skirts and camp shirts

A couple Sundays ago, we played Telephone after we had our snack.

It is so much fun, especially if you have a big family!

Micah trying to tell Anna the message, but laughing too hard.

Esther telling Simeon. I think this was the first time Simeon really played. You can tell he was having fun!

Last week we went shopping(at our favorite Amish country store), and after the twins were done shopping for Christmas presents, I took them back out to the van, and we looked at my picture books and took pictures.

"There is Hannah cooking at camp"

Anna, Mercy, Hannah, and Grace

I really like this picture!

Well, we have been doing a lot more, and I have more pictures to post, but this is all for now.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100

Last Month...

2011-10-12T14:54:00.001-04:00

Some of us went to the Albion Area Fair in Albion PA.

It is a small fair, but our favorite. Bethany's birthday was almost always the same week as the fair, so when we were younger, we would go to the fair for her birthday.

The pictures in the collage are- left to right- A group picture of all but Katherine and I, a silhouette of Esther and Simeon on the carousel, Simeon "driving" a vehicle on display(we were having a discussion on what it is called), Anna on the carousel, Sarah on the carousel, and Lydia on the carousel.
You can click on the picture to see it better.

We have great memories from this fair!

The collage was made using MyMemories software.

I will be hosting a giveaway for one copy on my blog soon.

So, yesterday was Lydia's Birthday...

2011-09-30T17:01:00.001-04:00

And we didn't post about it!

Lydia trying not to laugh

How do I describe her?

Well, she is hard to photograph because she won't smile naturally : )

Has beautiful red hair and dark brown eyes

She just started piano lessons this month

She loves to be outside

Likes to climb trees

She loves dogs

She doesn't like school

She is very good at math

She and Sarah used to have some amazing (and crazy : ) plans

Her nickname is Lydy Lou

There is so much more, too!

Happy 10th birthday,

Lydia Faith!

Wedding, Work, and Watermelon!

2011-09-16T10:38:00.001-04:00

Wedding...
(You can click on the pictures to see them bigger)

Bethany's Wedding

September 3, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beers!

Work...

This is what we did on Labor Day.

Peaches!

On a different day...

Applesauce!

Over one hundred quarts of applesauce! Praise the Lord!

Watermelon!

This is Simeon's watermelon. It was 32 pounds of yumminess!

Just a Farmer

2011-09-13T11:26:00.000-04:00

Just a Farmer

"Just a Farmer", you said

And I laughed 'cause I knew

All the things that farmers

Must be able to do.

They must study the land,

Then watch the sky

And figure just when

Is the right time and why -

To sow and to plant

To buy and to sell

To go to the market

With cattle and well -

You know the books

That farmers must keep

To pay all those taxes

And be able to sleep.

And you know the fixin'

That farmers must do

When machines like mad monsters

Blow a gasket or two.

I guess when God needed

Folks to care for His earth

He chose "just farmers"

'Cause He knew their true worth.

Anonymous

Serving Where You Are

2011-09-07T21:38:00.000-04:00

He will direct your path...

I longed to walk along an easy road,

And leave behind the dull routine of home,

Thinking in other fields to serve my God;

But Jesus said, “My time has not yet come.”

I longed to sow the seed in other soil,

To be unfettered in the work, and free,

To join with other labourers in their toil;

But Jesus said, “‘Tis not My choice for thee.”

I longed to leave the desert, and be led

To work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,

That I might win them; but the Master said,

“I have not called thee, publish here My name.”

I longed to fight the battles of my King,

Lift high His standards in the thickest strife;

But my great Captain bade me wait and sing

Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.

I longed to leave the uncongenial sphere,

Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,

To feel I had some human helper near,

But Jesus bade me guard one lonely gate.

I longed to leave the round of daily toil,

Where no one seemed to understand or care;

But Jesus said, “I choose for thee this soil,

That thou might’st raise for Me some blossoms rare.”

And now I have no longing but to do

At home, or else afar, His blessed will,

To work amid the many or the few;

Thus, “choosing not to choose,” my heart is still.

–Selected

Taken from Streams in the Desert, Sept. 5

Large Family Mothering

Slideshow!

2011-08-15T19:16:00.000-04:00

Hello All!

This is Hannah posting.

Thank you all for your prayers these past weeks. I had a wonderful time cooking at camp!

I just wanted to let you know that I put a slideshow of some pictures from this summer up on the side bar.

Hopefully, I will be adding more, and updating the individual pictures!

Looking forward to what the Lord has in store!

Hannah

Hello... :)

2011-08-09T21:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, yes, we haven't posted for awhile, but there are pretty good reasons.

One is that for the past five weeks at least one of our family has been gone. Last week I was at Peniel Bible Camp. The week before Micah was, the week before that Anna and Sarah were, and the one before that Lydia was there! So it was packing, goodbyes, unpacking, more packing, more goodbyes...

Hannah has been cooking for the past five weeks at that camp, and this sixth week is her last! It will be so wonderful to have everyone home again like normal!! A few of the weekends she came home, but the three hour drive can get long. :) Anywho, it will be nice to share my room with my sister again! :)

Lately we have been getting fresh vegetables from the garden! We froze yellow beans and broccoli yesterday for the first time this year. Today we made our first pickles of the year. We have been blessed with how well our cucumbers are doing! Many times they are attacked by beetles and produce little. The cabbage is almost ready, and recently we pulled the garlic. Yellow squash and zucchini are also "bursting off the vines" if you know what I mean. :) The tomatoes will be ready soon (we are enjoying cherry tomatoes right now though), and we've had lettuce for quite awhile. We have had sweet corn a couple of times, but that was from Grandpa and Grandma Ring--they always plant way more than they will use, so they are a "supply station" for their children and grandchildren(for other things like strawberries, too).

Thank the Lord for gardens--they are such a blessing--all the work is worth it!

Posted by -Esther-

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-17T19:20:00.003-04:00

To Esther Rebekah!

She is 16 today!

Have a wonderful day, Esther!

Anna's Birthday!

2011-07-11T20:24:00.000-04:00

...And she's a teenager!!

Happy 13th Birthday, Anna! We love you!

On the side, just for an "update"--Lydia has gone to Peniel Bible Camp for a week! She has already made some friends and is probably glad that Meagan (from church) is her counselor! Hannah is a cook for the next several weeks at camp. Next week Anna and Sarah leave us for camp, then the next week Micah goes, then the next week I go! This is an interesting summer! :) But that 's got nothing to do with the reason why I posted so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNA again!

Posted by -Esther-

Another Birthday!

2011-07-06T16:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Mommy!!

We hope you have had a wonderful day so far!

We are so privileged to have you as ours!

With much love,

~Your family~

Birthday and Anniversary!

2011-07-04T18:09:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DANIEL!! (belated :)

Daniel turned 21 on July 2nd.

AND........

HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY TO JOSIAH AND ERIN!!

Sometimes it seems shorter than 2 years since Josiah and Erin's wedding...sometimes it seems like a long time ago!

Posted by -Esther-

Brown and Green Jewels

2011-06-25T18:32:00.000-04:00

Our beautiful horse, Star.

Eating 'HIS' hay.

He has rain rot on his head, so he has a

pony-tail to hold back his mane.

He looks pretty all groomed, and his winter

coat shed.

'Posing' for the camera!

Look at his mouth! It looks like he's smiling.

When he stopped eating his hay, I started taking more pictures.

He perked up his ears and 'posed.'

Every morning I look under our light on the barn to see if there

are any moths, because they like to sleep under them.

This morning there were two Luna moths. They are a rare moth

so I left them.

'Sleepy heads.'

I hope you all enjoy the pictures.

See you later.

~Posted by Anna Ring~

Strawberries Galore!

2011-06-18T21:19:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! This week we picked A LOT of strawberries from Grandpa and Grandma Ring's. On Monday Hannah, Anna, Sarah, Lydia, Simeon, and I went. (Bethany and Katherine were also there.) On Tuesday Hannah and I went and picked for about three hours! I was sore after that! :) I thought I'd post some pictures.

So here goes...

Sneaker... :)

There was much more than that by the time we finished!

Simeon... :) :)

Stained hands--proof that they were picking!

Hannah found this bird's nest on the ground in the strawberries! (On Tuesday)

What Hannah and I picked. (Both halves of our large roaster, and a foil cake pan full; also that box partly full.)

We froze strawberries individually before putting them in bags--keeps them from getting squished. :)

And strawberry jam! We also made strubarb jam (Strawberry rhubarb :)

Wow that was A LOT of work; and I was strawberried out even though they're my favorite fruit, but it will be worth it this winter!! It is quite a blessing.

On a little different note--we finally have our oats and corn in the ground! Praise the Lord! (Dad said the corn is already sprouting, and he planted it this week!) Also, we've gotten just about everything in the garden! Ahh...farm life is so rewarding! I love it! And to have an all-knowing Creator in control of it all...WONDERFUL!!!!!

Posted by -Esther- (Pictures by Simeon, Hannah and Katherine Ring :)

Recital!

2011-06-03T22:30:00.000-04:00

Esther, Sarah, and I have our piano/voice recital tomorrow at 1:30.

Esther and Sarah are playing the piano, Esther and I are playing a duet, and I am singing a solo.

We would appreciate your prayers, that we would do our best, and that the Lord would be glorified.

If you happen to have the afternoon free and live near Ashtabula, Ohio, the recital is at:

2929 Carpenter Road

Ashtabula, OH 44004-9237

Happy Birthday to our Twins!

2011-05-29T10:00:00.002-04:00

THREE YEARS OLD ALREADY!!!!!!!!!

The two pianists... :)

Don't they look quite alike?

This is not the best-quality picture--but that's okay--they are so cute!

Miss Mercy Hope Ring

Miss Grace Eliana Ring

Awww...

These girls are bright spots in our life! What would we do without them? Oh yes, they are a challenge at times...but I think it is worth it. They can be sweet, silly, polite, etc. etc.

WE LOVE YOU MERCY AND GRACE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The Cows Are Out!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-18T19:13:00.014-04:00

In the fence, of course!
Here are some pictures of when we let the cows out for the first time this year (about a week ago). That is always an exciting event for us. :)

Actually, first I will post pictures of the concrete we laid where the cows leave the barn.

Part of the form

The twins running back and forth on the partially laid pad!

Grace

Mercy

This is what the finished pad looks like.

NOW for the cows...

Yay! An enthusiastic little girl (Mercy)!

Lydia, Sarah, and Grace wanted a picture in front of the cows, but there is only part of one in this picture! :)

Many of us went out to watch as the cows happily went out to pasture. Fun! :)

We have been busy baking and baking! This Saturday we are going to have a booth at our library's lawn sale, and we decided to do baked goods and fudge. So we may do a post about that. :) This is a way to earn some money for camp this summer!

Have a good evening!

Posted by -Esther-

Happy Mother's Day to Our Mom

2011-05-09T13:54:00.001-04:00

I posted pictures of Mommy on my blog.

We love her very much and thank the Lord for her.

Simeon, Simeon, Simeon...

2011-04-28T14:51:00.000-04:00

The other night, we took a walk down to the covered bridge, and Simeon and some of the girls ran a little ways. After they stopped, Simeon said

"My side has a headache!"

Simeon in the hole in one of our trees

His Robes for Mine

2011-04-21T21:15:00.005-04:00

By Chris Anderson

His robes for mine: O wonderful exchange!

Clothed in my sin, Christ suffered ‘neath God’s rage.

Draped in His righteousness, I’m justified.

In Christ I live, for in my place He died.

Chorus:

I cling to Christ, and marvel at the cost:

Jesus forsaken, God estranged from God.
Bought by such love, my life is not my own.
My praise-my all-shall be for Christ alone.

His robes for mine: what cause have I for dread?

God’s daunting Law Christ mastered in my stead.

Faultless I stand with righteous works not mine,

Saved by my Lord’s vicarious death and life.

His robes for mine: God’s justice is appeased.

Jesus is crushed, and thus the Father’s pleased.

Christ drank God’s wrath on sin, then cried “‘Tis done!”

Sin’s wage is paid; propitiation won.

His robes for mine: such anguish none can know.

Christ, God’s beloved, condemned as though His foe.

He, as though I, accursed and left alone;

I, as though He, embraced and welcomed home!

This is an appropriate hymn for the event of Christ's sacrifice we are remembering this week. We sang it several Sundays in a row for afternoon service. The tune (by Greg Habegger) is beautiful as well as the words!

How undeserving we are of such love and grace that God showed to us (and still does)!! May we all seek to glorify Him through faithful service until He comes!

Family Update!

2011-04-05T17:22:00.004-04:00

Howdy, ya'll! Sorry we haven't been posting lately. Blogging isn't a top priority for us, because there are so many more important things to do!

Let's see...

Most of you (but not all) know that Bethany went Minnesota to help Aunt Kara and Uncle Philip out, as they were expecting their fourth child. Now we have a new little cousin--Levi Philip! Bethany will be returning a week from tomorrow (we have missed her)!

Josiah and Erin are now living in Indiana. Our cousin, Scott, needed another hand in his work of renovating houses and handyman business (Scott's business is called Unlimited Home Construction.), so he hired Josiah. They have been there for a few weeks now, and will be coming for a visit soon!

We enjoy having Daniel and Katherine right down the road from us. We get to see them quite often. Starting this month, Katherine will not be working regularly, so we get to see her even more! Daniel is working at a large dairy farm (He went from working for Dad to working on another dairy farm! :), feeding and milking cows.

We have all been keeping busy primarily with school. :) School is starting to "slack off" for some already. (Anna has only two subjects left!) Summer is coming! It will be a little difficult for me, though, since I am doing school through the summer. But this is my last one! In one year from this month, Lord willing, I will be graduating! It will be so wonderful to have more time to sew, spend time with Star, help Mom and Dad out, and do many other things that I just don't have time to do! Anyway...

There are some events marking our calendar for this summer that we are looking forward to. Lydia, Sarah, Anna, Micah, and I are all going to Peniel Bible Camp for the Youth Camps. :) :) Lydia is going to Junior I the second full week of July; Sarah and Anna are attending Junior II the third week of July; the fourth week of July, Micah will be at Teen I; and I will go to Teen II the first week of August. We are all excited! Peniel Bible Camp is in a beautiful location (near Columbus, OH), with woods and two lakes. It is refreshing to go there--I know so because Mom and we girls went there for the Mother/Daughter Retreat last year. :) They strive to center Christ in this ministry.

Speaking of camp, Hannah will be "leaving" us for at least six weeks during the summer to cook there. She enjoys serving the Lord in that way. She will come home for at least some of the weekends, though.

Isn't it exciting to see the appearance of spring? Even when it is cold, you can feel spring. You see several inches of snow fall one day (like it did last Wednesday), and the next day it diminishes! Yesterday it was sixty-one degrees and stormy; today it is in the thirties and has been sunny for a good part of the day!

With spring comes gardening! We have started some seeds here in the house and they are popping up! I am excited for lasting warm weather and then actual work outside in the garden!

And with spring and warm weather we will be able to work with Star more--including riding! Since Katherine won't be working very often, she'll be around to help us and teach us more! Soon we are going to make a horse-proof fence where the goats formerly went out to pasture. It will be connected to Star's pen, so he can go out as he pleases (most of the time :). Then we won't need to walk him all the way to the cow pasture!

I have a hen that set all on her own this spring and there is at least one chick right now! I am not sure when or if the other eggs will hatch. That is because I believe for a couple days some of my other hens shoved into the nest after "Mama" began setting and laid eggs there. So the chicks are at different stages of development. (I hope you can understand that--I didn't state that too clearly :) Also, some of the eggs may not be fertile.

Well, that is all for now! I will probably think of other things that I could write about, but I really ought to go! :)

Have a good evening!

Posted by -Esther-

More Wedding Pictures!!!

2011-03-23T14:47:00.000-04:00

Here are more wedding pictures (finally!).

Daniel and Katherine had the mothers light the candles after Katherine came down the aisle, and Esther played the song, My Prayer for You.

Here are the words:

So Silently, the seed is sown,

The tender branch appears it blossoms and it grows.

Such is the love you've come to know.

Two hearts unite in this holy bond,

Two single hearts are joined to carry on as one.

Through-out the many years to come,

Chorus:

May peace fill your house,

May joy fill your hearts,

May love shine through everything you do!

And may God pour His blessing upon your lives.

This is my prayer for you.

Exchange of rings.

Lighting of the unity candle.

They had Daddy pray for them.

The kiss

I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ring!

Waiting as the pastor gives instructions. They then dismissed the people instead of having a receiving line.

That is all for now!

Maybe I will post more pictures soon, but please be patient.

Happy Birthday to "Naomi"!

2011-03-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

Sarah!!!

Christmas 2010

Daniel and Katherine's wedding day.

Smile!

Anna and Sarah

Silly Sisters!

Silly, sweet, sister, star-watcher, smiley

Amazing, animal lover

Reader, radiant,

Avid reader, active

Hilarious, happy

Happy 11th birthday Sarah Naomi!!

Finally...

2011-02-16T17:30:00.000-05:00

Wedding Pictures!!

Here are a few pictures of the getting-ready...

Grace

Simeon

The Beautiful Bride and her friend

I thought this was really funny! Katherine's screen saver started to play- Ducks Vs. Wind!

Katherine and Mercy

Here are SOME ceremony pictures.

Katherine's brother, Jesse.

I lightened this, but it wouldn't upload the lightened one.

I really wish that these weren't blurry. :(
I bought a flash for my camera (the expensive attachable kind), but I forgot to use it! :(

That is all I have time for today. Hopefully more soon!!!

A Random Post...

2011-02-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I decided that since we haven't been posting lately, I would do a random post. Right now I am really looking forward to spring and summer, and I am not feeling very warm, so I decided to post pictures that make me think of sunshine, and summer, and--you get the point right?

Gerbera daisies...

Day lily

Sunflower, sunshine, blue sky, green grass...

Obviously this was quite awhile ago (since the twins will turn three this year)!

The sun!

That was a beautiful sunset!

Well, I hope you enjoyed! Have a good afternoon!

Posted by -Esther-

Simeon...

2011-02-02T18:31:00.000-05:00

Simeon: "I'm not feeling well today."

Mom: "Oh, no"

Simeon: "Because I have hiccups!"

Another Happy Birthday!!

2011-01-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to our dear Daddy!

We are all so thankful for you, Daddy! For your leadership, your loving care, your protection, and your desire to see us all living for the Lord! May He bless you with many more years to come!

~Your family~

Happy Birthday To...

2011-01-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hannah Joy!!!!!

The following pictures are from a party we had last night for her. (We had it then so Daniel and Katherine could be there.)

Bethany made this BEAUTIFUL cake!!

Love this picture!

Dear Hannah...what would we do without her?

It is hard to believe that Hannah is now 19! Hannah is a great help to Mom, Dad, and all her siblings. She is seeking the Lord's leading in her future. We are all realizing that we might not have our sister permanently here for too much longer. :( She IS nineteen now, you know. :)

Hannah Joy, WE LOVE SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<3 ~Your Family~ <3

Pictures of Wedding Preparations

2011-01-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

Finally, here are some pictures of wedding preparations at our house!

First are pictures of when we made rolls the Monday before Daniel and Katherine's wedding.

Kneading!

Smile!

Hannah and I split the kneading time. :)

See all the helpers we had? Some didn't last too long. :)

Some done rolls. In the background Hannah is kneading another batch of dough.

Hannah

My turn...

I like how Hannah did this.

Yummy! Just seeing these pictures makes my stomach growl!

You can see in this picture that I finally sat down. It was tiring doing all those rolls. :) And Sarah was a very good helper.

In the foreground are rising rolls, and in the background are baked ones.

The finished product(s) - 184 to be exact!

Next are pictures of chili. We made that on the Friday before the wedding.

Mmmm...this also makes me hungry!

The week before the wedding was very busy! We went out somewhere or did some major cooking every day.

Daniel and Katherine will be married two weeks on Saturday!

Posted by -Esther-

Our Christmas Day

2011-01-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

This is rather late (since Christmas was over a week ago), but that's okay!

A ball of German Sour Cream Twist dough

Ready to be baked

Fresh German Sour Cream Twists for breakfast--yummy! These goodies are a traditional Christmas breakfast in our family, along with oranges, hot chocolate, eggnog, and eggs.

Before digging into the many gifts spilling from under our tree, we gathered in the living room to focus on the true reason of Christmas. We read Luke's and Matthew's accounts of Christ's birth. It was nice spending that time together with Grandpa and Grandma, Daniel and Katherine, and Bethany and Dan included in our group. (Josiah and Erin came down later on Christmas Day, but they enjoyed celebrating "their own" Christmas--just the two of them.:)

Now here are some pictures of opening gifts:

Grace

Mercy

Simeon (It was hard finding a clear picture of him--he was just tearing through his presents :)

Lydia

There was not a light enough picture of Lydia opening presents. :(

Sarah

Anna

Micah

Esther (me :)

Caleb

Hannah

Daniel (Katherine also opened hers then too)

Don't you love Daniel's hair bow and ribbon? :)

Bethany (and Dan)

Mommy

The pictures we have of Dad opening gifts are blurry, so... :(

For lunch we had a whole bunch of snack foods--crackers, cheeses, dip, chips, vegetables...aren't we blessed to be provided with such an abundance of food?

It was nice just being at home on Christmas and remembering the Lord's birth!

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! May we all strive to glorify God throughout the year of 2011!

Posted by -Esther-

Announcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

I will be very straightforward--Bethany and Dan are engaged!!!! It is hard to believe, and in some ways sad (because I am "losing" a sister--though I will be gaining a brother). But I think I am more happy than sad!! :) :)

Bethany's engagement ring. Isn't it pretty?

The couple!

So, here comes another wedding to get ready for! :)

We have been busy getting ready for Daniel and Katherine's wedding. Hannah and I are sewing and sewing, and I also have been practicing a whole bunch of music (I am to be the wedding pianist). Next week we will be doing a lot food for the wedding. It surely is coming fast (one week and two days)! By the way, we never did a post about Daniel and Katherine being engaged. Sorry about that--but I guess most of you know about it--it was way back in October.

We will be posting soon about our Christmas Day (hopefully! :).

Have a good evening!

Posted by -Esther-

Happy Birthday...

2010-12-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Micah Joel!!!!!

We love you!

By the way, he is 14!!

More About Star!

2010-12-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

I decided to update you all on our new horse, Star.

He's fun and full of mischief, and sometimes has a mind of his own. :) He's a good boy though.

In his pen.

Smile big for the camera!!

He just loves when I brush his mane. He'll turn around for me so that I can brush his tail too.

(Sorry the picture is fuzzy.)

I tried to get a picture of us together, but it's sort of hard when he keeps moving. :)

P.S. Sorry the post is so short.

-Anna Ring-

Happy Birthday To...

2010-12-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

Caleb Ezra Ring!!!!

Today he is SEVENTEEN!

He USED to be my little brother, but he is now bigger (in height, anyway) :)

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

We love you!

Thanksgiving to the Lord

2010-11-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

Another Thanksgiving Day is here (and almost gone). But really, Thanksgiving should be every day--not just one day a year, right? It's not always easy to be thankful, but it is right to be.

"My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh

bless his holy name forever and ever." Psalm 145:21

"So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever:

we will shew forth thy praise to all generations." Psalm 79:13

There are so many verses in the Bible--both Old Testament and New Testament--that speak of thanksgiving, blessing, praising, etc.! Here are a couple from the New Testament (since I have already shared two from the Old Testament).

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thess. 5:18

Well, here is a list of some (note some) of the things I am thankful for.

-The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord

-The Word of God

-The privilege to go before God in prayer

-God's sovereignty

-My dear Daddy and Mommy

-My brothers and sisters--without them, my life would be dull!

-My church

-Friends

-Air to breath

-The heat in our (Hannah's and mine) bedroom, provided by the new Heatmore outdoor wood burner

-Snowflakes

-All the harvest

-God's order and laws in His Creation

-Water

-Our horse, Star

-Chickens and goats (I wish I still had goats, but...)

-Sunshine

-Flowers

-The seasons

-Our piano

-Music

-The privilege of being homeschooled

-The moon

-Trees

-Our farm

Now there are many, many other that I just can't think of right now--this would be long if I wrote everything I'm thankful for! And all the things in the list above are not in order of importance, though some are.

One point before I close this post. Who am I thankful to? I can't just 'be thankful.'

I am thankful to God--the Creator, Sustainer--and He is so much more (all His attributes and characteristics are a good thing to thank Him for too!). The Infinite God is the only One worthy of our praise and thanksgiving!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11

"...Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might be unto our God forever and ever. Amen." Rev. 7:12

Posted by -Esther-

We Would Like to Introduce...

2010-11-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

STAR!

He is a three year-old Morgan gelding.

We got it from an Amish neighbor and Katherine(who will become our sister-in-law on January 8th!) rode him home today.

He is trained to pull a buggy and has been ridden some, but needs more training.

Katherine is very good with horses (she went to school for a year for equestrian management), so she will be helping us.

Hopefully, we will have more and better pictures up soon!

Posted by Hannah for all

"Borrowed"

2010-10-30T20:54:00.003-04:00

Following is a poem I found in the book Poems For Memorization. It gives no author, so I don't know who wrote this.

"BORROWED"

They borrowed a bed to lay His head,

When Christ the Lord came down;

They borrowed an ass in the mountains pass

For Him to ride to town;

But the crown that He wore

And the cross that He bore

Were His own.

He borrowed the bread when the crowd He fed

On the grassy mountainside;

He borrowed the dish of broken fish

With which He satisfied;

But the crown that He wore

And the cross that He bore

Were His own.

He borrowed the ship in which to sit

To teach the multitude;

He borrowed the nest in which to rest,

He had never a home as rude;

But the crown that He wore

And the cross that He bore

Were His own.

He borrowed a room in the way to the tomb

The passover lamb to eat.

They borrowed a cave, for Him a grave,

They borrowed a winding street;

But the crown that He wore

And the cross that He bore

Were His own.

The thorns on His head were worn in my stead;

For me the Saviour died;

For the guilt of my sins the nails drove in

When Him they crucified;

Though the crown that He wore

And the cross that He bore

Were His own,

They rightly were mine--instead.

Wonderful, isn't it? I thought so!!

Posted by -Esther-

Last Day in Russia...

2010-10-25T04:46:00.000-04:00

Today and tomorrow will be very sad, yet happy.

I will be leaving my friends here, but will be returning to my friends and family in Ohio.

Tomorrow, we fly out of Arkhangelsk at 7:00 in the morning, Russia time, and will be getting in to Pittsburgh about 6:30 that time zone. It will be the longest day of my life, so far. I will be very tired as it will be about 2:30 AM in the time I am used to.

I can hardly wait to see my family and friends, but I don't want to leave here.

Please pray for us as we travel.

Here is a picture from Saturday and two from Yesterday.

The bride and groom. Andrey and Nastya

Andrey's ordination

Grandma, Uncle Sam, Me and Grandpa in the church building.

Those were two full days! Especially for Andrew and Nastya. First, the Christian wedding, then the ordination. The ordination was very emotional, especially for those who have been part of this Church body from its beginnings.

Thank you all for your prayers this last month!

Please continue to pray for me as I seek the Lord's will in my life.

Also pray for all the other young people that you know as we are at a critical time in our lives.

Keep up the fight, run the race, looking to Jesus at all times.

Lots of pictures!

2010-10-19T17:53:00.000-04:00

Be prepared--I hope I don't bore you with all these pictures! Take a deep breath! :)

These pictures I took during a walk in the pasture.

Yarrow

Curious cow

Grazing at the foot of the hill.

I love this--the sun over the top of the hill.

A little wild aster

Beautiful view

I like adding the fence to my pictures.

I don't know exactly what this little fluff ball is.

Another beautiful view!

Some animal's hole

Up the tree

A path in the little cluster of trees near the woods.

While I was in this cluster of trees, I saw a cute little chipmunk. He sat in a nearby bush for a couple minutes! I tried to get a picture of him, but he wouldn't show up on the camera. :(

The same path, just closer to the ground.

Lone tree...

I love these reflections on the stream!

The following five were taken on Friday morning (I think).

The fog was VERY thick!

You can see the lower strip of fog in front of the trees. It was very thick!

The harvested corn field.

I love silhouettes!

Upside-down silos (reflection in a mud puddle)

Now these last ones are so exciting!! This was found in tree by one of our fences!

HONEY BEES!!

This is in the trunk of the tree--pretty far from the nest or hive or whatever. :)

Micah being Micah! :) Soon after I took this picture, he decided to come down. Not a good idea to bother bees. :)

So there it is! Heave a long sigh. :)

Posted by -Esther-

Self Explanatory...

2010-10-18T10:09:00.001-04:00

Introducing...

2010-10-15T08:39:00.000-04:00

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ivshin!

They went to the Wedding Palace and were married today.

Their Christian marriage will take place on the 23rd.

They left with two different last names and came back with one!!

Hello!

2010-10-13T11:08:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures!

These flowers are Grandma's. Her birthday was the first Sunday we were here, and the Russians celebrated it.

There are three flowers in the bouquet. If it is a happy occasion, you give an odd number of flowers, a sad, an even number.

This leaf was beautiful!

Grandpa and Grandma walking home from school. It was snowing on the way. Beautiful!!!

Andrew and Nastya

I have had a good time here. Yesterday, we went to a school and talked to two of the English classes. Grandpa was able to talk to them about God, so we are praying that God will work in their lives.

I am now Grandpa and Grandma's "secretary". On Monday, we knew someone was coming, but didn't remember who, and 5 people came. :)

Please pray for the people here. Some of them have a very good testimony, but some are doubting. Also, there are some family problems. Please pray!

I shared my testimony on the 3rd, and I mentioned that I had read 1 John and that it had helped me very much, and last Sunday an older woman came up and said she went home and read it, and asked about my spiritual life and the spiritual life of the young people in my home church. It was very encouraging!

Andrew has asked me to help take pictures for their wedding, but I think there are several other people doing it too.

It has snowed here, but it melted when it hit the ground. It was beautiful! I wish I could have gotten pictures.

I will try to post again!

Beautiful Day--Beautiful Fall!

2010-10-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Sorry we haven't posted for awhile (well, we in the USA, though Hannah has been posting in Russia:)

I am so thankful that the Lord gave us a beautiful sunny day and a clear blue sky today! I decided today that fall is my favorite season--on clear days, not dreary, rainy days. :) The radiant leaves add to all the beauty.

Here are some pictures:

Yum...marinated tomatoes!

We bought two crates of apples from Kiraly's Orchard (you can see that someone had

already bought apples from us before I took the picture). They are Golden Delicious.

Cute blushing apple :)

Another one.

And more apples! Yummy!

A couple days ago we bought a five gallon bucket of honey from someone we know.

These pictures were taken when Dad was filling quart jars.

Ooohhh....

Drizzle, drizzle, yum, yum!

Lots and lots of honey!

Filling jars

Pouring out the last of the honey.

Two of the jars of honey!

Now, you can't go through fall without having apple cider!

I should have put these two apple pictures up top with the others--but oh well.

The rest of the pictures I took this morning as the sun was rising. (The first sunrise we've seen in a while :)

Nasturtium

I love the dew droplets on the nasturtium leaf.

Another one!

I love how the rays filter through the trees!

Well, that's it for now!

I took a walk in the pasture this afternoon and hope to post some pictures of that sometime.

Anna also has some pictures that she'd like to post.

So you can be expecting lots of pictures! :)

Posted by -Esther-

Here I Am Lord

2010-10-06T05:55:00.001-04:00

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin,

My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear My light to them?

Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have born my peoples pain.

I have wept for love of them, They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,

Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak My word to them,

Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,

I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them,

My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide,

Till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give My life to them,

Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if You lead me.

I will hold Your people in my heart.

Words: Daniel L Schutte

Pictures from Russia

2010-10-02T13:08:00.019-04:00

Here are pictures of Malye Karely, an outdoor museum in Arkhangelsk.

It is a collection old wooden buildings, such as churches, windmills, peasant houses and such.

It is very interesting.

This picture is inside a windmill.

Alexey and I in front of the windmill( he is the one who drove)

An old Bell Tower

Me on the church steps

The beautiful view!

It is fall here. The temperature is in the 40's.

A field

We went down the valley, and back up.

It was very, very beautiful

A lot of aspens here

A house

Churches

On a wooden swing

A view of the Northern Dvina River

Well, I need to go to bed!

Posted by -Hannah-
P.S. Alexi took all the pictures of me.

It is 12:00 pm, but 4:00 am...

2010-10-01T06:28:00.006-04:00

HELLO FROM RUSSIA!

I made it safely, praise the Lord!

Here are some pictures...

These pictures are from the plane on the way to JFK Airport from the Pittsburg Airport.

The clouds were BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

You can see a river in this picture.

Here was the first plane I ever rode on.

I didn't get any pictures of the plane we took from New York to Moscow because I was in a middle seat, and it was evening/night.
The plane was a Boeing 767.
That stretch of the trip took about 9 hours, and that was because of a tail wind. It was going to take about 10 hours.

Here are some picture of the flight from Moscow to Arkangelsk.

Me, after about 26 hours of traveling.
I only slept about an hour or so on the whole trip, and that was in the Moscow Airport while waiting for our flight to leave.
I slept till about noon the next day.

Here is a picture of a train from my bedroom window.

This picture is for my coffee loving friends.

Yuck!

The milk truck was just here. We do not get milk from it, but was neat to see.

-Hannah-

Lydia Faith Ring

2010-09-28T20:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Lydia!! I just can't believe you are now NINE!! Last single digit year! :)

Following are pictures of Lydia in the past (of course :)

I believe she's washing dishes here.

Up a tree!

Smile pretty!

Little "pianist" (I think she should really learn to play!)

Dear little Lydia. (not so little any more):
May you grow up to love the Lord with all your heart!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy once again!!

Posted by -Esther-

What Is Going On In My Life

2010-09-21T18:21:00.002-04:00

Hello!

This is Hannah.

I thought I would update you on what I am doing.

Last some of you knew, I was heading for Texas, but the Lord had other plans.

On the 28th, I am leaving for a month in Arkhanglsk, Russia with my Grandpa and Grandma Ring. They are visiting the church that they started several years ago.

I would very much appreciate your prayers for us as we travel, that we will be used by the Lord, and that we will grow in the Lord..

Also, please pray for the rest of the family, that the Lord will be working in their lives during this time while we are apart.

Thank you!!!

Here is a link to our church's website, where you can download a Gospel presentation/summary.

Memories...

2010-09-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

The other day I was sitting at my desk doing school when I heard Simeon comment, " I remember when I was a little baby, I was standing on the table with my diaper on, and I was smashing sauerkraut." When I heard that, I thought, "He remembers that?" Apparently he had seen the twins playing with the "smasher" and it had reminded him of that. Whether he just remembers the pictures we have of him or he really remembers the event, I don't know. Anywho...

I thought I would share that. :) When I was looking for the pictures above, I saw a whole bunch of others when Simeon was little. So cute!!

Posted by -Esther-

Romans 8:26

2010-08-31T17:21:00.000-04:00

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what

we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings

which cannot be uttered."

-Romans 8:26

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Simeon Matthias Ring

2010-08-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

Today is Simeon's 5th birthday!

Already!!!! Time really flies!

He is a farm boy at heart, but he also really likes trains.

He does not like sweeping his floors, but that is part of getting older. :)

He wants to go to India to visit a native missionary who came to church and stayed at our house.

Simeon and his friend, Jonathan, in July

"Thias"

Simeon stabbing me in our sword fight with rhubarb.

Working in his garden

Our little brother, who isn't so little anymore.

Happy Birthday, Simeon!

We love you!

May you come to know the Lord as your Saviour and follow Him all of your days!

Posted by -Hannah-

Stop Big Government's takeover of your family.

2010-08-13T12:29:00.001-04:00

Please sign this!

Stop Big Government's takeover of your family.

Goats and Cat

2010-08-09T18:51:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Sorry we haven't posted for awhile!

Now since you all had to wait so long, here is an extra l...o...n...g post for you! :) (Hopefully it doesn't bore you :)

First I am posting pictures in memory of my goats. I sold all but one of them. :( It is sad...

Susanna. She's the Mama and Grandmama of all the goats that *used to be mine.*

Azalea. She is so sweet! She is Susanna's first-born(of this year).

Johnny. He is quite a boy! He is Susanna's second-born.

Timothy. He is so pretty! He is Susanna's third-born.

Viola Hope--she is the one I haven't sold.

Mohawk (Viola Hope's son). He is the youngest of all the goats, yet he is the biggest!

Rhoda. She has quite a personality! (Even if she isn't mine anymore!):

Lavender. She was my special baby! (She is Rhoda's girl)

Shy little Huron. He is Rhoda's first son and, of course, Lavender's twin!

After introducing all the goats to you, here are some extras.

Huron.

Viola Hope and Rhoda peeking over the gate. :)

Rhoda again!

And Viola Hope again!

AND Lavender again! :)

Curious...or mischievous?

Hmmm, this button might taste good! (I don't think so, Johnny! :)

Silly Lavender...peeking her head out from under my dress.

Brother and sister (Azalea and Timothy)

Beautiful Timothy.

Susanna's triplets!

Rhoda's twins!

Mother and daughter!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Now here are some pictures of our hilarious kitty named Cloud. She is SOOO playful, and, I found, the perfect object for a camera! :)

What would this be?

I really like this picture!

If I remember correctly, I think she about to crouch and then pounce at something. :)

The same as the previous, but closer (obvious :).

"You're not leaving, are you?"

Hope you enjoyed all the pictures!

And hopefully we will post again soon!

Posted by -Esther-

Cousin's Wedding in June

2010-07-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the pictures from our trip to Indiana the beginning of June for my cousin, Tim's, wedding.

Leaving Ohio

Mercy

She really likes her pacifiers!

Playing

Mercy

Bethany decorated sheet cakes for the wedding.

They were really pretty!

The flower girls with their little brother. (They are our second cousins)

Ryan

Bekah

Esther played the piano for the wedding and did a very good job!

Esther's dream piano :)

The family of the groom.

Cutie pie Caleb

Bekah playing peek-a-boo around Grandma's arm (my Aunt).

Micah and Caleb

Sarah

Simeon looking at the wedding cake

Esther and Sarah in their colonial dresses.

Daniel and Katherine

Tim with his brother Scott, and two of Scott's children.

Esther and I

Anna

My dear Daddy and Mommy!

Josiah and Erin(we love and miss you!)

Ryan and I

Hi-five!

Cousins wrestling before we all leave.

Simeon on the way home.

Sleepy little girl.

Hope to post more soon!

Posted by -Hannah-

Esther's 15th Birthday!

2010-07-17T20:07:00.000-04:00

Today is Esther's 15th birthday!

I took these pictures of Esther as a birthday present.

This one was not posed for. :)

Hope you had a very happy birthday, Esther!

P.S. I hope to do a regular post soon!

Posted by -Hannah-

Happy Birthday to Anna!!!

2010-07-11T13:11:00.008-04:00

Anna is now 12!

Happy 12th Birthday Anna!!!

Happy 1st Anniversary, Josiah & Erin!

2010-07-05T19:04:00.000-04:00

July 4th, 2009, Josiah Ring and Erin Hulley became Mr. and Mrs. Josiah David Ring! Now, in July of 2010, they have been married for one year! How special it is to celebrate the union of a man and a woman (especially Josiah & Erin) on Independence Day!

(This is late, I know...but I didn't have time to post yesterday on Josiah & Erin's first wedding anniversary.)

Here are some pictures from Josiah and Erin's wedding.

Lighting the candles

Mr. & Mrs. Ring

Cutting the cake

I love this picture!

And this one!

The happy couple!

Josiah and Erin, we love you so very much! May the Lord continue to bless your marriage as He has in the past year, and may your hearts grow closer to the each other and the Lord!

Posted by -Esther-

First of the July Birthdays!

2010-07-02T01:05:00.011-04:00

Happy 20th Birthday, Daniel!

Daniel Fulton was born on July 2, 1990, at 1:05 P.M.

Now that he is 20 years old, we have one less teenager. :( :)

Following are some pictures of Daniel's birthdays in the past.

As you can see from his giant cookie, this is Daniel's 15th birthday.

Daniel and his new brother Simeon (this was about a month after he turned 15).

I believe this is Daniel's 16th birthday.

I can't tell which birthday this is, but I think it's his 17th.

Daniel and Grace (in '08)

18 years old

Daniel & Katherine

Daniel

We all love you and hope your day is very special!

The Goings on Around Here...

2010-06-19T17:53:00.004-04:00

Hello, everyone! Sorry we haven't been posting lately, but it has been very busy!
The weather has finally permitted us to do the first baling of the year this week, so that's good! We have planted all kinds of things in our gardens--tomatoes, beans, squash, carrots, potatoes, eggplant, onions, peas, etc. Right now we've been getting a lot of peas from a mere two rows! YUM!!!

As many of you know, we went to Indiana for my cousin's wedding(which was on June 5th).
We had a wonderful weekend there, visiting with family who came for the wedding. I just wish we could have stayed longer!

On May 29th, one of my goats, Susanna, had triplets! I named them Azalea, Johnny, and Timothy.
The first day I was gone (in Indiana), June 3, Rhoda had her first kids. There was one girl, Lavender, and one boy, Huron. Viola Hope had one boy, Mohawk, on my cousin's wedding day! As you can see, I named the last two boys with Indian tribe names(Huron & Mohawk). Hey, I literally have six kids! :) They won't be mine much longer because REALLY soon all my goats are going to be sold (so we can get a horse :). I believe we have found a horse, but we need to check it out! YAY, YAY, YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, yes, there are puppies here if anyone wants any!

I was trying to post some videos of the baby goats and puppies, but the computer was taking A LONG TIME!!!!!!! We'll see about some other time, but if not, we'll post some pictures.

Don't forget that tomorrow is Father's Day! Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there, especially my Dad!

Posted by -Esther-

Today is...

2010-05-29T19:18:00.001-04:00

Mercy Hope and Grace Eliana's 2nd birthday!!!

Mercy

Grace

Two already!

Happy birthday girls!

Today is also Grandpa and Grandma's 58th anniversary!

P.S. Susanna just had triplets!!!!

Viola Hope's 2nd birthday is today, too! A lot of birthday celebrations!

Posted by -Hannah-

"He Was Wounded"

2010-05-24T18:01:00.000-04:00

This song has been an encouragement to me lately.

Verse 1:

Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-3
Can it be? Who would believe? Our promised Prince lacked majesty:
Stricken hard, grotesquely scarred—no face was e’er so cruelly marred.
Ostracized, He was despised, as one from whom men hide their eyes.
Beauty free—a brittle tree—yet through Him God’s strong arm we see!

Refrain — Isaiah 53:5
He was wounded, He was wounded! Praise our Servant Sacrifice!
Hallelujah, Hallelujah! We are healed by Jesus’ stripes!

Verse2:

Isaiah 53:4-6
Though He groaned with pain His own, our griefs and tears He bore alone.
He was scourged as scoffers urged, and by His blood our guilt was purged.
Soldiers done, God hid the sun, then struck and crushed His precious Son;
For the sin of sheep-like men God chastened God, our peace to win.

Verse 3:

Isaiah 53:7-9
Though distressed—by men oppressed—He uttered ne’er a mild protest;
Like a lamb, the great “I AM” said naught to those He might have damned.
Innocent, His soul was rent; eternal wrath on Him was spent!
In a cave, a borrowed grave, He lay for those He came to save.

Verse 4:

Isaiah 53:10-12
As God willed His blood was spilled: the guilty spared, the guiltless killed.
Heaven’s King bore Heaven’s sting, was poured out as an offering.
Jesus died, was satisfied, thus many shall be justified.
Throne restored, His prayers outpoured; soon all shall bow to Christ the Lord!

By Chris Anderson

The music(by Greg Habegger) can be found here.

Church Works Media

Posted by -Hannah-

Sunset at the Lake

2010-05-12T19:31:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Here are some pictures that I took of the sunset at the lake on Sunday night.

Isn't this beautiful?

The waves

A splash

The sand, the waves, and the sunset.

A splash and the sun.

The bubbles

A close-up of the sand.

The lighthouse

I hope you have enjoyed the pictures!

Posted By ~Sarah~

Tag From Bethany Anderson!

2010-05-07T18:39:00.001-04:00

Well, this is the first tag ever on this blog! I was tagged by Bethany Anderson.

Rules: First, if you have been tagged, you must write your answers in your own LJ and replace any questions that you dislike with a new question.

Second, tag eight people. Don't refuse to do this! Do not tag the person who tagged you.

What song are you currently listening to a lot?
My arrangement of "Be Still My Soul" that I have memorized for the recital. :) :)

What books are you currently reading?
My Bible and Pilgrim's Progress

What did you do today that was really fun?
Finished school for the week :)

Do you sing a lot?
I don't know if I'd say a lot, but I do love to sing

Sweet or Salty?
Both

What is your current obsession/addiction?
Thinking about the setting hens and the chicks that will be hatching soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

What books have you read at least 3 times?
Oh, my...I not the kind of person that likes to read a book more than once. All I can think of is my Bible.
I have read Only a Servant and Scout twice. I'll probably think of more when I get off the computer! :)

What site do you always visit when you are online?
I usually visit our blogger dashboard, and other blogs, but not always.

What was the last thing you bought?
Some clothes from Salvation Army! :)

List 6 things you love about summer
1. sunshine
2. picnics
3. camping
4. swimming
5. thunderstorms
6. field work (usually baling in the summer)

Favorite earliest memory?
Well, I remember when Micah was born, and I saw the midwife weigh him and get his footprint...and I thought she was being very mean to him. :)

What do you do to change your mood?
Take a walk (especially in the woods), pray, sit in the sunshine and think, or sit and play the piano

What was the last thing you ate?
Well I drank tomato juice, but the last thing I ate was a banana

Do you want to learn another language?
YES! YES! YES! I want to learn Spanish, Greek, and Hebrew. :) It would be neat to learn other languages, too.

Five things you can't live without:
1. Jesus
2. my Bible
3. my family
4. my friends (and church)
5. the country (specifically farms:)

Find the closest book currently sitting near you, and flip to page 54. What is the 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph?
"Listen for the vowel sound in these words." That is from Sarah's spelling book! :)

What are you looking forward to?
My cousin Tim and his fiancee Jane's wedding! (though I'm nervous about playing in the wedding:) And I 'm looking forward to seeing Josiah and Erin around the wedding time!!!!!!!!!

Well, I need to go! Thanks for tagging me Bethany!

Posted by -Esther-