The One and Only Southern Iowa Fair

Well our first year as fair participants is well underway and Jaren has done such an super job and is having a ton of fun at the same time.  He brought his exhibits in on Saturday and walked away with 3 blue ribbons and 1 Outstanding 4th Grade Achievement ribbon (comparable to a purple state fair ribbon but 4th graders can not go to the state fair).  His club also made a couple of benches which Jaren was involved with and did the write up for and that received a purple ribbon and got selected to go to the state fair.  Can you tell why he might be so excited!?!
Today he was able to participate for the first time in the hog show.  He admitted that he was nervous, but afterwards he told me that it wasn't bad at all and he's looking forward to next year.  He won 2 purple ribbons and 1 blue ribbon and also came home with 5th,4th & 2nd place trophies for derby swine and was the Grand Reserve Champion Derby class.  I really have no idea what I'm talking about but I'm trying to sound impressive! :)  Now he has it easy by just making sure his pigs are fed, watered and the pen is clean.  Thursday 2 will go on the truck to market and on Saturday he will auction one off.

One of the 2 benches Jaren helped work on.

They had great help in getting the hogs to where they needed to be and keeping them cool with water.

Cory, a fellow 4-H member was kind enough to show one of Jaren's hogs since he had 2 in the same class.

Getting his first trophy

The lineup of trophy winners.

 Proud moment showing off his new trophies and ribbons (the girls were very proud also). :)

Look at those cute "little" things!

And I don't want to leave the girls out.  They each brought 4 projects to the fair this year in the open class which was also a new thing for us.  I believe the got lots of blue ribbons and 1 red ribbon. 

 The girls with their refurbished frames - painted and added a little bling.  These can hold pictures and have already been changed out several times. :)

Erica showing her hand knitted scarf that she brought.

And I believe this is Bethany's pot holder that she made.

 

We're having a great time so far and are looking forward to the rest of the week watching the other shows.  We tried to watch the chicken show tonight, and no offense, but we just couldn't handle it for too long. :)  Good luck to Jaren's friends and fellow club members that are showing!

Happy 40th Anniversary Dad & Mom

Today my parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.  They are currently on a mission trip in Uganda with some great friends of theirs so we had a wonderful anniversary party a couple weeks early.

The yummy lemon/raspberry, chocolate & white cupcakes along with the other delicious food. :)

A photo collage of my parents throughout their years together.

Their 12 biggest blessings in order by age - Jaren (10), Luke (9), Bethany (8), Reagan (7), Erica (6) Drew (5), Lauren (5), Hailey (4), Brynn (4), Kate (2), Klayton (2) & Makayla (8 months)

The happy couple - the pink and green hearts behind them were decorated by the grandkids.

A great day with lots of fellowship and catching up.

 

Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom!  Praying that God blesses you with many more years together!

Spring Happenings

Well, I really should be cleaning up around the house, but instead I'm enjoying listening to the birds chirping and the sound of all kids sleeping.
Spring activities are in full swing over here with field work, baseball/t-ball and just everyday life.  Jaren informed me yesterday that they are on the downhill slide for school, which made me stop and think about what I'm going to do with the kids this summer to keep us all sane. :)  Enjoy the pictures!

Jaren is raising hogs for the county fair.  They are the biggest rascals and enjoy chewing on your shoes and pants while feeding them.

Jaren's class lead chapel for the month of April.  They did a terrific job.

Erica (in maroon shirt) singing during the k-4th spring program at school.

Bethany (in orange) - same program

Jaren played the roll of Jesus in the program.

We just got two little kittens to add to our family.  The kids are spoiling them like crazy!

Trashbag is the brown one and Mittens is the gray one. (we did not name them, but the sweet kids that tamed them did). :)

Baseball is in full swing (haha).  Jaren has played a couple of games already and Erica is just starting practices.  Most weeks we have ball 4 nights a week.  Thankfully their is a cheap concession stand for quick suppers. :)

 

A few years ago, Kurtis had an Easter egg hunt in his livestock trailer for the kids.  He decided to do another hunt again this year since the kids keep telling him how much fun it was - closer to May Day than Easter, but they didn't mind.

 

Kate & I hanging out on the porch after lunch.

 The kids participated in the K-4th track meet this week.  Even though they are not the fastest runners, they had a great time and tried their best.

Of course, I had to dress Kate up in a Dutch costume for Tulip Time.

Kate & Aubrey - best friends!

Easter Egg Hunt

The kids enjoyed their annual Easter egg hunt again this year with their cousins.  Now that there are 12 of them we were very thankful that the chaos could be outside. :)

Here's a picture of Aubrey & Kate after their Easter Egg hunt at our house.

The crew ready to go hunting

Lauren, Drew, Hailey, Brynn, Klayton, Kate

Jaren, Bethany, Reagan, Erica, Makayla with Grandpa & Luke

The adults helping those that can't read...everyone can only pick up eggs with their names on them. :)

Bethany spotting one of her eggs

Jaren still on the hunt (they asked for us to make it harder this year and I think we succeeded)

Daddy helping Kate

Kate was very proud of her basket

Kate, Jaren, Erica & Bethany after the hunt.