Tea Party

While we were in NY my sisters planned a special luncheon/tea party for the ladies.

Beautiful bouquets were the focal point on each table.

The citrus mint tea was so refreshing!

Fresh strawberries dipped in bittersweet chocolate were delectable.

What is more nutritious and delicious than a platter of fresh, crisp veggies served with dip?

The "mothers" sat together.....

The "teens" at another table...........

And then there was the table for the "littles".

Ruth and Sarah, thank-you for this time to enjoy great food, make great memories, and to celebrate our femininity.  

At Grandpa and Grandmas' House

We have been enjoying every minute of our time in NY with my parents, my sisters, and their families.  Here are a few snapshots of life at Grandpa's.

Grandma's collection of farm animals, fence, barn, and blocks provided hours of fun for our "farm" boys.

Foos ball is another favorite.

 

Their flower gardens are a sight for the eyes.  The yellow flowers are evening primrose which we hope to watch as they open up this evening.

We have been eating peas, green onions, raspberries, strawberries, and lettuce from this lovely vegetable garden.

Last winter Grandma quilted this beautiful quilt made with blocks that Chelsy cross stitched.  

Grandpa and Elizabeth served this lively breakfast of worms to the bluebirds that live in the bluebird house that Grandpa built.

The sight of these worms is not for the weak stomach!!

And here is the grateful bluebird ready to enjoy his feast.

On the Road Again

If you are wondering why we have posted so few times in the past month, it's because we have been busy getting our household, the gardens, and the farm in order for our 3 1/2 week tour to the east.

Now that we are on the road, we will post as we have wireless access.

When God brings us to your mind, please pray that we will be His ministers of grace, love, and truth.  We see that as this world is darker, we need to shine our lights brighter.  The only way to do this is to be connected to the only source of truth, Jesus Christ.  Sometimes in the busyness of ministry and life on the road, we get distracted by all the "doing" and forget that the most important work is spending time with God.

Put On the Whole Armour of God

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

Above all , taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"  Ephesians 6:10-18

Niagara Falls, NY

On July 1, we went to Niagara Falls to view one of God's most spectacular creations.

I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise;

That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained, the sun to rule the day;

The moon shines full at His command, and all the stars obey.

The Maid of the Mist boat ride is the best way to see the falls up close.

The reason for the rain coats is because as we arrived at the bottom of the falls there was a lot of wind and "rain" (the mist from the falls).

We all loved this adventurous ride except for Rebecca.  She was not impressed with the raincoats nor was she thrilled to get wet!

We loved this family day which ended at grandpa and grandmas' house in Dundee, NY.

More on that later!

And the twins are.....

Wayne & Wanda!! (the two on the far right) To all of you who guessed wrong.....you are not alone! They are never guessed to be twins as they are the tallest and the shortest in the family. 

(this picture turned out very unique.  It gave us grandchildren a taste of what all Grandma went through with such goofy children! :))

Bontrager Family Reunion

These are the 8 "original" Bontrager children, in order of age.  Can anyone guess which two are the twins?  (if you know the family you may not guess)

Grandma with the 36 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren

All 61 of the Bontrager Tribe!  Don't we look like a huge, noisy bunch?! (we are.....)

How thankful I am for a godly heritage and the blessing of a grandma who loves the Lord, loves her children and grandchildren, and is the world's best cook!  I am also so thankful for the dear grandpa that I never knew who loved Jesus and his family and I look forward to meeting him in heaven someday.  How rich is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!