Saturday, October 31, 2009

Babies . . . . . . .

Since we were down Peoria way recently, we headed a bit further to visit the Stanford Clan. After going to church together, Paul and Kathy had us all over for lunch. Nothing like being together with long time friends. Sure wish we could have stayed longer.

We got to meet their newest clan member Mr. Eric. What a cheerful little sparkler!

You knew by looking that he had Bluedorn blood. I kept seeing Harvey's face looking out from his.

And yep, he sure does have Laurie's red hair. "grin"


Paul has acquired that "Grandpa touch". He sure enough put Eric to sleep while holding him. Where are you Paul at 3 o'clock in the morning. "wink"

After a bit we headed over to see Adam and Johannah's house. The last time we saw it they were not able to live in it yet and had been doing more demolition than building. Even at that time I couldn't believe how much work they had done!

Before

Now
You can really enjoy Johanna's artistic abilities and tastes as you see their accomplishments.

Before

Now



They had set up the cutest baby nook off of their bedroom.

Adam had built in this wonderful changing area.

Although it's not very clear you can see the scripture that Johanna's painted on the wall above the crib.A window where there is none! It's darling.

Johanna and Eric
Thanks Adam and Johanna for letting us get a peek at your home.

This picture makes me smile . . . . . .


If you want to see more before pictures of their house go to June '08 "Adam and Johanna's Country House"

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Feast of the Hunter's Moon

We launched our history study this year with a wonderful field trip. Here Matthew and Haley are dressed in the colonial style.

Matthew represents a minute man. Please note that he doesn't have his knives, hatchet or skins in this picture. We didn't want to take them to this public event. (Oh where, oh where can we get a muzzle loading long rifle. . . . ha.)


Haley's dress is absolutely stunning. She didn't just follow a pattern. She studied books on fashion history, looked at paintings of Americans from this time period and copied the beautiful hand work and techniques they used!



We trekked south to Indiana with the Barnards. Here the kids are ready for the day! Abby too made her dress! She did a wonderful job.

You just can't get the full impact of this event if you're not dressed for it. Walking around with them made it so much more fun. People actually stopped the kids and asked them questions. "smile"

Feast of the Hunter's Moon

Fort Ouiatenon was the first fortified European settlement in what is now Indiana. It was established by the French in 1717 . (Could you have guessed that from the spelling of it's name??)

This is a replica of the blockhouse where we gathered for the opening ceremonies.


Anna is wearing a dress that Haley wore when we last studied this time period.

Over 7000 reenactors make this event come to life. There is an opening ceremony where many of them or their groups come marching to the blockhouse yard.


Most groups had musicians as well as soldiers. Above you see flags that name who they represent and where they are from.



Loved these bagpipers!


Indians met and traded at the fort. Their loyalties generally remained with the French.




A side note. It was interesting to me to see the worldview of the reenactors blatantly coming through in what they displayed and shared about history. One lady said that people didn't first come for religious freedom, but for gold. hum Wonder who taught her history??? She also emphasized some negative and immoral behaviors. We've had some very interesting discussions at home after attending.

Gathering to watch the canoe race.



The sights, sounds, smells and tastes surrounded us. Here the kids are standing in the smokey air. Fires were burning throughout the camp for cooking and warmth.

Boy these things are loud!

Gretchen this picture is a greeting for you! Ray on the right used to play in the Zion Chamber Orchestra with Gretchen. He's been a reenactor for many years. Ray says hello. (I got to show he and his wife pictures of Gretchen, Kyle and Alaina. Of course I had them with me!! "wink")

Take a look at this instrument. It's called the Serpent and was in vogue during the 1700s. It is played like a woodwind by covering holes rather than with valves, but has the mouthpiece of a brass instrument. That mouthpiece was wooden though!

Here they are as General Webb's band. Bob Mason, one of our relatives, is playing the french horn on the far left. It was so good to see him. By the way their coats were the same colors as the regiment that they were assigned to ---- except opposite. That means that the soldiers connected with these musicians had red coats and yellow lapels. Ya learn somethin' new every day!

Matthew's been honing his axe throwing skills ever since we got home. Ahhhh what a way to study!!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Quote for me today


"Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers."

Sidlow Baxter

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Quilt

Thought you'd like to see the baby quilt I'm finishing up. The machine quilting is all done and I just have to bind the edges.


It's for a sweet little red headed baby boy whose mother enjoys Pooh as much as Gretchen. I hope to deliver it in person this weekend and smooch that little guy.
Now you understand why I haven't been blogging. "grin"

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Our Precious Visitor

A couple of weeks ago . . . . . . .


Alaina and her Granddaddy.

Playing in the kitchen with measuring cups.

She tries to stand up on everything. smile

She loves cats and dogs.

Especially when they tickle her toes!

Today's Wisdom

Don't double the recipe when you are trying an experiment . . . . . even if that is the amount your family usually eats! "smile"