WORKING ON THE DUCK STAMP PAINTINGS

This year we have been having a small art class on Thursday afternoon, and we have spent the last month working on entries to the Junior Duck Stamp contest. Here is Abby Ymker working on her Pintails.



And Abby's picture as it neared completion.

Joy is working on her mallard. I failed to take pictures of my kids drawings before I mailed them off. They turned out nicely, and I will try to get some posted soon (how soon will depend on how well they do in the contest.)

Josiah working on his Green Winged Teal.

THE PERSON WHO MAKES ART CLASS POSSIBLE!

Colleen Ymker has entertained Glory during most of the art classes, with everything from stories and games, to crafts and cooking projects. Thank you Colleen!!

GLORY AT REHEARSAL

Despite the fact that she's not on stage, Glory is one of the biggest hams in the family (and we have rather a pork farm already!)

MORE REHEARSAL PHOTOS

"Drop your sword!" The fight before this is coming along nicely!

Carah Houser and Tess Hamacher

The set continues to progress . . .

but still has a long way to go

PREPARING FOR JOEL'S BIRTHDAY CELERATION

The table is set . . .

The food is prepared . . .

The glasses are filled . . .

AND THE CELEBRATION BEGINS!

Seventeen Candles on an apple pie,
My, how time does fly,
He was such a cute little guy,
and now he swoops through the sky!

This is why I don't write poetry!

UNCONVENTIONAL OPENING OF PACKAGES

"En Garde"

"Touche' "

"Ooh, a 50th anniversary Frisbee"


"And now my next victim!!"

HIS OWN REMOTE CONTOLLED DRAGONFLY

" And look, it has LED eyes!!" Everyone had a great time with this gift from Donna, Margie and Rhonda. It was pretty amazing. They find the most creative gifts, and the wrapping is even more creative! Thanks to such fantastic Aunts!

RIGHT ON TIME!!

The daffodils bloomed on the First Day of Spring! What a glorious sight!

Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. This is how God clothes the grass of the field . . . Luke 12:27

THEY FINALLY ARRIVED

We've been waiting for the swords for our upcoming play for a couple weeks. With some of the flooding, the UPS man was delayed a little, but they are finally here.

God has blessed us with a very large living room, but even so it seemed very full and busy the last few days. And it was a very eclectic busy! Keith and Joel were sword fighting, Adam was on the couch with his laptop working on his Senior Design Project. On the other side of the room, Joy and John were finishing up their Duck Stamp entries, Anna and Nathanael were starting their Rolla Daily News Easter Coloring Contest pictures. Josiah was practicing piano, and Glory was playing with her dolls, while three large dogs slept by the back door. Not your ordinary American living room.

And Joel demonstrates the grip.

SATURDAY'S REHEARSAL

Jacob Hamacher, Zeke Hall, John Nisbett, and Gabe Quakkelaar play games during "The Prince is Coming".

Their first encounter.

The lovely maidens in the market place.

Amanda (Nisbett) Engelke hams it up as Grammer Canty to Adam's John Canty. Jenny Riefer, Carah Houser as Nan and Bet, Belen Hamacher as Mary Canty and John and Tom all look on.

SATURDAY'S REHEARSAL

John Nisbett (the Pauper) and Joe Davidson (Father Andrew).

Kameron Alford on the Spotlight.

Alex Goff, Elise Hamacher, Janessa Martin, Keith Nisbett, and Adam Nisbett (and no the posts will not stay gold and purple. They are left from OAT's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.)

The Prince and The Pauper during "If I Were You". They are the only ones rehearsing in costume, because during this number, they change clothes. Imagine trying to sing, dance, act and change clothes all at the same time in front of an audience!

SHOTS FROM SATURDAY'S REHEARSAL

King Henry (Chad Engelke) passes judgement on the Farmer (Christopher Cureton).

Miles and the Prince. Nathan Brown and Alex Goff.

Tess Hamacher and Meagan Riefer serenading each other.

Part of the "Simple Boy" ensemble

PAINTING CANDIDS

Joel's Toe Art

Alex, "the Prince", gets in on the painting.

Sherwin Williams graciously donated their mistinted paints. We are so Thankful! This is one of our little advertising plugs for them. It really is great paint to use and covers very well. One gallon got all that light brown you see. And if you go to the store, they will mix it for you (unlike using mistinted stuff and mixing your own.)

Don't do this at home. The ladder says so. (Don't look Julie.)