Dad's Little Helper

Luke will do almost anything to go outside and help Todd.  The first thing he usually says on Saturday morning after he gets dressed is "boots!"  The means he wants his mud boots on and wants to go outside.  Here a few pics of "Daddy's Little Helper"

 Off to the barn to feed the cows.

 Wait for me Dad!

 Already to work on the farm!

 I will go out to help with chores even during a blizzard.

 Sometimes I try to get dressed myself for work.  It didn't go too well this time.

 I can be Papa's helper in the tractor too.

 Dad and I have to pile the straw that covered the water line this winter.  We will burn it later.

 Can I get as big of a pitch-fork full as Dad?

 Oh, yes I can!

 You pile on the top and I will take care of the bottom.

 This is a big load to carry!

 Sarah even likes to help out in the shop.

 I can steer this tractor if someone would just work the pedals.

 Mom, real farmers don't wear a silly-looking winter hat in the shop.

All this hard work can really tire a little farmer out!

Update!

A LONG OVERDUE UPDATE!  Thanks to my father listening to me as I expressed my frustrations over not being able to load pictures on my blogsite.  I'm glad we figured it out!

Here are some pictures from December and January.  Of course, these are some of the busiest months of the year with programs, concerts, Christmas celebrations near and far and 3 January birthdays! We also were traveling for basketball with two of the three girls.  Needless to say, I was glad to have a few snow days in January.

Sarah and Jordan ready for their Winter Programs.  Sarah was dressed for a Broadway-style show entitled "Snow Biz!" which depicts the joys of winter and snow.  After the winter we have had this year, I'm afraid I picked the wrong one to teach the kids!  Jordan got to wear her pajamas as she told the story "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."  She thought that was really cool!

Jordan dancing away in her PJs!

CHRISTMAS MORNING!

 "I wonder what is under all of this wrapping paper?"

Sarah is ready to open her first gift.

The teenager is actually awake to open presents!

 Hurry up and take the picture.

 YES!  This is a neat present from my sister.

 Once the ground thaws, I'm outta here on my 4-wheeler!

CHURCH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Sarah played the role of "Mary", Rachel was a Narrator and Jordan was an angel (which took quite a bit of acting on her part!)

CHRISTMAS EVE 2013

 All ready for church!

 Celebrating at Grandma and Papa's house.

Making Christmas treats with Cousin Elizabeth.

JANUARY

Sarah and her Basketball Team.

Happy 8th Birthday Jordan!

 Happy 13th Birthday Rachel!  Complete with a basketball cake.

Birthday presents are great!

 It was a great birthday party on Jan. 26...

 ...even if there was a blizzard!

Luke "photo bombing" with mom!

Hey!  I can't move my arms!

Sarah and Mom ready to perform at the Cantata.  Sarah sang in the Children's Choir.

Pictures!

Here is the kids' family portrait for 2013.

 

 

It took some doing because Luke was not cooperative the first time.  I think there were too many people in the studio and too much noise.  The picture gal picked him up and he got scared.  Tears began and didn't stop.  We rescheduled and got a few good pictures of Luke by himself and this nice one of all 4 kids.

Fall Catch-up!

 

Sorry it has been so long since my last post!  When I go back to work and the kids go back to school activities, life gets really busy!  Here are a few pics from the fall!

 

 

 Uncle Andy and Auntie Darla came for a visit over Labor Day weekend.  What fun to have them up here!  They even rode in a combine while Todd was combining some wheat.

 1st Day of School!  Looking sharp for 7th Grade, 4th Grade, 2nd Grade and Daycare.

 He wants his cookie for dessert NOW!

 Ready to go out to the deer shed with Uncle Al.

 Helping Dad check out the day's catch.

 Rachel and her catch of the morning.

 Ready for her first Jr. High Dance!

 Homemade ghost and pumpkin heads.  Very creative, Sarah!

 Happy Halloween from the Vampire Princess, Navy Girl and Mr. Alligator

 Luke loves puppies and refused to take off his sister's puppy shirt.

 This is my big pumpkin!

 Jordan's favorite part - GUTS!

 Sarah isn't sure if she loves it or thinks it's gross.

 Never too old for a pumpkin carving picture (even though she thinks she is)

 Diggin' in for his first pumpkin carving experience!

 Oh boy!  This is really fun!

 Lots of work but we have a great final product.

Spooky!