Pankratz Family

2012-01-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

2012-01-20T10:29:00.000-06:00

I found this one on Facebook but the credit comes from how to be a dad. I haven't looked at the site but this picture says it all! I do know that the days of our little ones in bed are now numbered. But I sure am excited about being a grandma!

2012-01-17T23:33:00.001-06:00

Tonight I made homemade graham crackers.

The kids thought they were great!
I decided to make the round with a cutter, which made it a little quicker.

2012-01-17T23:17:00.000-06:00

Thought I would show you the inside of the B & B we stayed at. It was so beautiful that the pictures just don't show the real beauty. This is our room.

2012-01-13T18:40:00.000-06:00

The art gallery we went to.

Thought this was awesome to see. It was displayed right when you enter the conservatory.

Here is us at the conservatory, not very flattering but we got it LOL

How nice to see flowers in January and the warmth was refreshing.

PRETTY!!!!

Here is Van's Sushi lunch and we laughed at the green stuff there on the plate. If you seen Cars 2 you might have a laugh too. Van said yep it is HOT.

As we at our lunch we were able to view the ice rink, great set up!

2012-01-13T18:25:00.000-06:00

Here is Quentin. He is in Texas right now staying at the ALERT Academy. He was able to meet up with a friend of our family that lives down there. Looks like they had great time!

2012-01-13T18:18:00.000-06:00

Here is our first treat coming into Canada.. it is Italian ice cream called gelanto. YUM it is a heavy ice cream that is dreamy!

I can see Winnipeg!

Here is our Bed and Breakfast place. Our window is on the second floor on the left. Oh my it is breath taking here! Interested in more info, here is the website I might add our first breakfast was elegant and tasty. Here are few houses in the neighborhood. Enjoy!

2011-12-29T10:42:00.000-06:00

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth. Genesis 1:1

2011-12-27T12:11:00.000-06:00

2011-12-25T17:24:00.001-06:00

http://180movie.com/ I am not quite sure how to get this 33 minute movie up loaded so I will just share the link. It is 33 minutes that will rock your world, please watch!

2011-12-25T17:18:00.000-06:00

This is amazing!!

2011-12-25T17:13:00.000-06:00

So many people think that God will only give you what you can handle and that is so untrue and not biblical. The one place where God wants us to be is on our knees with a need for Him. God does not tempt us with evil as God is pure and holy. God does allow things to happen to us for a good example read Job. We live in a fallen world because of Adam's sin. But PRAISE be to God for giving us His son Jesus Christ that we can have salvation and some day live in a world that is perfect with out sin.

2011-12-25T17:01:00.000-06:00

Brandon took these pictures with his Ipod. Hard to believe that it is Christmas!

It was 43 degrees today!! Love it! I know that January will make up for it.

2011-12-25T13:34:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken by Brandon with his Ipod.

Karron is enjoying her 4th birthday!

2011-12-25T13:25:00.000-06:00

I made this picture with a Facebook application...

I think it is just too cute not to share.

Oh yeah it is one of my 16 year old boys

2011-12-25T11:01:00.000-06:00

Here is my new little niece. She was born August 26 and weighed 3lbs 9oz. She was born close to full term she had growth restriction. She is a true miracle from God!!


Here is Ella Grace with her sister Anna Faith! Ella now weighs	over 11 pounds	God is good!!

2011-12-25T02:09:00.000-06:00


JoyAnn & Karron

Joy and Caleb

Anna and Karron

Amazing cake!

Beautiful!

I just love this! Caleb is an amazing young man, who indeed is worthy of my daughter. To see JoyAnn walk off with her new husband was just so right! God is just awesome. Thank you God for bringing Caleb and Joy together!!

2011-12-25T01:36:00.000-06:00

Aren't these the best pictures of a father and daughter you have ever seen.. ok well maybe not to you but to me that is for sure..

2011-12-25T01:32:00.000-06:00

I decided to start blogging again.. if there really is any one out there that reads this LOL
Have a Merry Christmas!!!

2011-10-18T20:18:00.001-05:00

When Tony was fighting cancer, he is now 17 and cancer free.

When Grandpa great Pankratz was still alive!

2011-10-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

Finding some old pictures on an old computer is fun!! Here is Van holding Magdalyn who is now 11, Tristan is next to him Tristan is now 14, Quentin, now 16, is in front, Levin in red, he is 13, Then JoyAnn who is MARRIED now!! and Vonn now 21!!

The Kiss!!

2011-10-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

JoyAnn and Caleb's very first kiss was right here on there wedding day!! It was so beautiful!!

God is Good, All the Time!!!

We are so proud of you Caleb and JoyAnn!!

Few More pictures of JoyAnn and Caleb's Wedding!

2011-10-03T15:36:00.001-05:00

Wedding!!

2011-10-02T18:15:00.001-05:00

I haven't see any of the professional pictures yet but I "borrowed" this one from a guest at the wedding. I am sure I will tons and tons of pictures coming but here is one of the newlyweds!

Caleb and JoyAnn Stromquist!!!

Troubles with Fun

2011-09-27T10:16:00.001-05:00

Seems everything is an adventure for these two love birds! What an amazing courtship they have had. Truly putting God first in their relationship has blessed so many. Saving their first kiss and even first hug for this Saturday, their wedding date!! It has been just amazing to be able to witness such purity in a relationship. I know that our Savior will bless them for their faithfulness!

After the Rain

2011-09-27T10:11:00.000-05:00

Little Wet???

2011-09-27T10:10:00.001-05:00

singing and dancing in the rain

2011-09-27T10:09:00.001-05:00

playing in the rain

2011-09-27T10:07:00.001-05:00

Harvest time

2011-09-27T10:06:00.001-05:00

Joy's new camera

2011-09-27T10:04:00.001-05:00

JoyAnn purchased a professional quality camera. The pictures from this camera are just amazing. She also said I could share some with you! Enjoy

caught having fun

2011-09-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Here is my future son in law, Caleb, and JoyAnn having a good time.

Corn Maze

2011-09-26T13:46:00.000-05:00

While I was down in the cities helping out my brother in law and his family when they had their new little blessing, some of my family went to the corn maze. Looks like they had an awesome time.

a couple more of Ella Grace

2011-09-26T13:38:00.001-05:00

Here is a few more pictures.. she is so very tiny but so full of personality.

Ella Grace

2011-09-26T13:37:00.001-05:00

This is the newest addition to our family. This is my niece. She was born in late Aug weighing only 3.9 lbs. She was born at 37 weeks and we are praising God because she was born healthy! Ella Grace still needs lots of prayers as she is having a hard time gaining weight. Her family plans to make the trip up this weekend for the big wedding. Please pray for them.

2011-09-26T13:33:00.000-05:00

Here is Karron's first professional hair cut.. it is so cute!!

another broken bone

2011-08-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

Well we had another mishap here at the Pankratz home.. ok it wasn't at home it was at the park in Karlstad. SuZenn was sliding down one of those old type slide that go round and round and somehow she got her little toe caught on a ridge. She had her toe ripped to the side with a HUGE cut in it. When I saw it flopping to the side, I thought for sure she was going to loose the toe so I clamped my hand over her toe to hold it on!! With a few screams across the park and a few people running here and there.. we were able to get in the van and rush to the emergency room. The doctor in the ER was so thankful that I was the one putting the joint back in!! After x-rays and cleaning and bandages she is on the mends. She is doing very good she sure is a trooper! She can't swim for a week till the cut heals up. On the way to the ER she was so thankful that it wasn't her finger that it was her toe, who precious is that from a child in pain!! I am so thankful to my creator that He has made our bodies to heal!

Dress Rehearsal for Oliver

2011-07-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

This is the second year that my family has been involved with the Stephen Arts. This year Van, Quentin, Magdalyn, Aaron, and SuZenn did an Oliver play. We had great fun and here are a few pictures that were taken on rehearsal. The performance was just wonderful. I wonder what they will do next year!!

Karron

2011-07-25T20:49:00.001-05:00

ok sorry if your sick of Karron's pictures but after all she is my "baby" I am really enjoying JoyAnn's new camera and her pictures. Her computer is having problems so guess who gets the fun of looking at pictures and sharing them.

My Candy Girl

2011-07-25T16:47:00.001-05:00

Sad to say that this girl is just way to much like her mom.... here she is caught in the act of eating all the crème out of the cookies.. that is something that I would do (blush)

JoyAnn in El Paso

2011-07-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

lawn decor

2011-07-19T23:09:00.001-05:00

Here is my lawn decoration.. seriously this has been very handy with all our projects. It is OLD but still very good working order.

JoyAnn and Caleb

2011-07-11T18:33:00.000-05:00

I did a little fun in www.picnik.com with one of JoyAnn and Caleb's engagement picture

Fair time

2011-07-08T16:43:00.000-05:00

It is again that time of the year when it brings the county fair. This year Van will be playing on Sunday with his group Popple Ridge Pickers. They sing old fashion gospel hymns. Should be a lot of fun.

Tonight my older children that are in 4-H are working on the food booth. This year we have 3 or 4 adults able to work in there with my kids!! I remember first starting 4-H, quite a few years back' thinking.. I will never have THAT many adults to help out (as many groups had) HA! Now I wonder if someone is thinking of that of us this year. So I sent them all off to to the fair to work and my and the little kids (ok there is now only 2) are hanging out here. We just made buns for our picnic we are attending tomorrow and we are going to swim in the pool and watch a fun kiddy movie. Sounds like a nice time, hey? I really do wonder what families of only 2 children do, I would most certainly be bored LOL Seriously though, I only had one sister so I do know how that family unit does work.

I hope all is well with you. I have been inspired by a close friend to keep blogging so.. blogging it is.

let's play ball!

2011-07-06T18:01:00.001-05:00

Here is a great pictures of Quentin playing football with some guys!

Fireworks!!

2011-07-06T17:53:00.000-05:00

Here are some firework pictures. I didn't make to see the show but JoyAnn took some pictures for us to see.

Karron

2011-07-06T17:45:00.001-05:00

Here is Karron posing at the lake.

boys?

2011-07-06T17:43:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture (left to right) Vonn, Caleb, and Levin

4th of July

2011-07-05T11:44:00.001-05:00

The kids took in some special activities on the 4th in Grand Forks. Karron so enjoyed her beautiful roses that I had to take them off after she fell asleep.

We had a picnic with Auntie Susie and some friends, it was great. Super hot but great fun!

Reuben and his "dragon" flies!

2011-07-05T11:41:00.001-05:00

Reuben had dragonflies painted on his arm, we could not convince him they were butterflies.. Nope they were DRAGONFLIES!! He was very proud of his dragonflies LOL

Susan had her face painted

2011-07-05T11:39:00.001-05:00

Here is SuZenn all painted up!

How the Apostles Died

2011-07-02T10:50:00.001-05:00

1 Matthew
Suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

2 Mark
Died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead. 3 [Image] Luke
Was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

4 John
Faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge Basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos .

He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

5 Peter
He was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross. According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

6 James
The leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple* when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.

*This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

7 James the Great
Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem.

The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

8 Bartholomew
Also known as Nathaniel, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed for our Lord in present day Turkey.

Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

9 Andrew
Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece .
After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it."

He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.

10 Thomas
Was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church on the sub-continent.

11 Jude
Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

12 Matthias
The apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded. 13 Paul
Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67.

Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.
Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings here are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cruelty faced by the apostles and disciples during their times for the sake of the Faith.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake:
But he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 10:22

JoyAnn & Caleb's Engagement pictures!

2011-06-28T10:24:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to tell you all that my oldest daughter, JoyAnn, is getting married!! She is engaged to a wonderful Christian young man. He has been homeschooled and grew up about 50 miles from us!! His name is Caleb Stromquist.

They are so in love! I will share their meeting and courting stories with you when I get them from JoyAnn. The wedding date is October 1st, 2011!!

Engagement Pictures of JoyAnn and Caleb!!

2011-06-28T10:07:00.001-05:00

Engagement Pictures

2011-06-28T10:06:00.001-05:00

working

2011-06-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

Most of my family is gone to family camp this weekend but I like to stay home and catch up on things that need to be done.

Here is Reuben's new room, it use to be the girls closet.. ok before that it was a bedroom but I have tried to put Reuben, who just turned 6, upstairs with all the boys bedrooms are but.. well he would not stay up there. So now he has a room right across for the girls room and close to mine. At least he as a place for his stuff and it is out of our bedroom. Will he sleep there?? Good question. I will have to let you know but I am guessing no he won't .

my future son in law, the kids faces say it all!!

2011-06-26T15:08:00.001-05:00

I sure have a great son in law coming up. October 1st is the big wedding day. I had to share this picture because Reuben and Karron's faces are just priceless. The whole family is pretty excited to be adding him to our family, well I think that JoyAnn is the most excited

2011-06-26T15:05:00.002-05:00

Van and his brother took their father on a fishing trip up to Lake of the Woods for a memory trip. It was right before father's day so they called it a Father's Day gift.. but reality.. they all longed to fish and they had a great time. Here are a few pictures to prove it!!

Stand

2011-06-23T22:41:00.001-05:00

Taking care of babies in Haiti

2011-06-05T21:23:00.001-05:00

Here is Quentin and JoyAnn taking care of little ones at the orphanage.

Haiti

2011-06-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of us getting to go to the beach in Haiti, wow it was breath taking!

Haiti

2011-06-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

Pool

2011-06-02T21:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a bit more progress... as you can see it will be RIGHT out my door!!

setting up pool

2011-06-02T20:06:00.001-05:00

Here is the crew setting up the pool!! We are working on having decking!! Yeah!!

Flooding

2011-04-13T21:12:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a local person named LouAnn Rux who sent this picture into www.wiktel.com where we have our internet service. This is Interstate 29, well I am pretty sure by the signs.

Ice cream puzzle

2011-04-03T01:51:00.001-05:00

Here is the puzzle we did, sure was fun! We could not do the jelly bean one though it was too tough for us. We are now working on a Light House one.

2011-03-26T23:10:00.003-05:00

One message you never want to get....

2011-03-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

amazing!!

2011-03-17T14:22:00.001-05:00

Isn't this amazing!! I found it at www.VermontWoodStove.com but sadly for almost 7000 dollars it is out of our price range. Just amazing.. Wonder if my husband can make one!!

2011-03-08T10:58:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of the Loving the Lord group that Joy had this year. There are a few girls missing usually there was about 14 that attended. What a great program Amy Vest has put together.
JoyAnn also taugh the girls to crochet and they made a blanket, that they are going to give to someone at the nursing home.
Thanks Joy for all your dedication in this!

New wallpaper and couches

2011-03-03T21:01:00.000-06:00

The couches are a little smaller than what I was expecting but since we have another TV room that we put the big couch in, I think this will work out good. Now I have to find some picture frames for above the couches.

Benjamin singing in Church today!!

2011-02-27T18:47:00.001-06:00

Our son, Benjamin, who is living in a foster home because of his special needs sang today in church! He sings so wonderful it is just amazing! His foster parents do such an awesome job with him.

Ice Fishing

2011-02-22T11:29:00.000-06:00

Lake Bronson State Park had a "Take a Kid Fishing" day. They had an awesome FREE program! The kids and Van enjoyed it very much! They even had fishing houses for them to fish in!!! One of the mishaps was that SuZenn stepped in the hole! Each child received a fishing pole!

Aaron was the one that caught the fish!! No one would hold it though but Van LOL

Puzzles

2011-02-15T17:05:00.001-06:00

I gave the children puzzles for Valentine's Day, one for Vonn's house, one for Caleb's house, and two for this house. Here is Vonn's puzzle. He was able to get it apart and back together. I will have to get some pictures of the other ones too!!

2011-02-12T17:43:00.001-06:00

We are excited to share that our old daughter is courting.. here is her story.

Enjoy!!

How JoyAnn met Caleb

"Well, if he doesn't stand up straight you can forget it". I replied to Mom when she told me about a young man that was going to be attending the youth group at the neighbors house that night.
"What do you mean by that?".
"I'm looking for a man of character, and if he is one to slouch around he isn't on my list!"
So went our conversation as I prepared for another day of work at the nursing home in Hallock. It was true, I was on the hunt for a man who had character, one that was truthful, honest, pure, serving others, and most of all, one who loved the Lord with his WHOLE heart! Why go for second best? Yet, my being had been struggling the past year with the fact that there isn't many people on this earth who portray themselves in that way. In fact, I could only think of a handful, but they were already taken -that wouldn't do any good!
"What about that one?" my mom would say about this man or another. "No, do you see the way he reacts with children? Who would want a guy that doesn't take the time of day to look down on a precious life?"
When I got home that night from work and my mom had met and made a short conclusion of the new guy, Caleb (by the way, that is one awesome name!).
"JOOOOOOOOOOYYYYY" in a sing-sang whine. "He has potential!!! He does stand tall and by our conversation and his reaction to your little sister, he likes children!" That night, mom made friends with him on Facebook (gotta love that site! lol) and instant chatted with him, also inviting him to an old fashion dance next Saturday. She would be down in Iowa at a MOMYs retreat, therefore unable to attend, but Joy and Vonn could pick him up since it would be on the way. Caleb hesitated at first, but in the end agreed that he would like to come. They planned to be more in contact when it got closer to the day for further details. Of course, during this time I wouldn't be so rude to read and examine EVERY word on their chat over Mom's shoulder, would I? HA! Who and what was this person like? My curiosity had aroused. That night, Mom and I SCOURGED (well....mostly I, mom more in deep pleasure) his Facebook page in order to find something that would put a red check in my mind. Caleb's page DID have potential! Some of his favorite quotes caught me eye, inspiring words to face what you fear, become one with character, and verses saying to run with perseverance. WHOA. Who was this person?? Now I WAS curious to meet him! and not blow him off!
Friday came and the phone rang. I answered :) quite a handsome yet very nervous sounding voice on the other end introduced himself as Caleb Stromquist and called about Saturday. We organized to pick him up around 5 at his apartment and then travel to Grand Forks afterward. The next day came and the moment arrived! My stomach was in knots. Nervous? Excited? for what? "Dear Lord, please control my emotions, make them pure in your sight and not become a flirt. I give you this evening and all of my actions".
This could just be another person passing by in life.The last thing I needed was to have things go in the wrong direction.
When Caleb hopped in the van, I stuck out my hand right away and introduced myself along with the rest of the gang. Caleb had a nice smile and we talked about the basics in our lives. Names, schooling, ages of each individual in the van (Brandon was SO flustered at the thought of Caleb and I being the same age!! His actions were noticeable and slightly embarrassing, I was PRAYING that Caleb did not notice his crazy behavior. Thankfully, for my sake, he didn't!) just because our ages matched it didn't mean anything out of the ordinary.
The dance went very well that night. Our whole family enjoys the time spent together and dancing to jubilant music. During that night, I was examining Caleb and his actions the entire time. The way he spoke, walked, treated others, ect.
After the dance, my family and several friends have a tradition to eat out at Taco bell's for a treat. Each person settled down at a table of their own preference. Choosing tall stools or short benches to talk with friends and relate the previous jubilee. Rachel, a dear friend of mine, asked what I thought. (I had previously explained to her that others were looking forward to what my approval was of the new guy) I had spent the past 6 hours thoroughly watching, studying, and gave a simple response; "I like him".
Nothing with fireworks or romance, but decided that I indeed found Caleb attractive. On the ride home, my conversation with Caleb was a different story with the night sky above and a quiet, sleeping crew in the back. We talked about our parents, how wonderful it is in life to have someone to share life's dreams with. How to hear the Lords voice in our life, and the deep question, "How do you KNOW, you're going to Heaven?". And also discussed answered prayers. Caleb then related his most recent answered prayer, "Meeting you and your family!" - Did I get that straight????
ME and my family??? Or was he just being nice?? I really got the impression that he meant more than just having manners by the direction our talk had turned to

Much to soon, we arrived at Caleb's apartment saying our adieus. Assuring him that he was welcome to come over any time. (what was I saying? I barely KNOW him!) Practically the moment we got home I called Mom to let her in on the scoop.
"Yes, I think he is very nice, but need to get to know him more before I let my heart go". I could hear the other MOMYS saying words and hums in agreement as they listened to my voice on speaker phone, giving me the impression of a bunch of black mamas all huddled around a fireplace in their rockers.
The next two and a half months I studied, prayed, and kept all actions pure with a friend relationship. Barely passing a day without Caleb on my mind. Dinner, movies, games, stories, and gifts were exchanged in that time. Slowly at times and rapidly at other times, my heart fell for him. "Dear Lord" I prayed, "Is he the one? Is he one that You have for me? If not, I'm falling fast!"
The setting was Christmas eve, with the invitation extended to Caleb to join us in celebration. The weather outside was delightful with God's snow giving a blanket of innocents on the earth. Inside our home was brimmed with joyous laughs of young ones filled with holiday cheer, a low light in the evening and Christmas lights spreading their glow.
Looking into those amazing eyes, I had discovered that he truly was a man of God, and said within my heart that I want to spend the rest of my days with him. This person whom I have come to honor, not only in character, someone I found so much common ground in our views and style and personality, almost as if we had known each other always. Someone I find it very easy to talk to, and shared more with him about things that I held back from many others, excluding my closest friends.
I did indeed find that love was real, and dreams do come true.
Only the beginning.......................May the Lord be glorified!

How Caleb asked JoyAnn to Court second part of the story

Close your eyes and reminiscence the most beautiful winter scene that has crossed your path. With thick frost patterns covering every angled twig of the tallest pine to the blades of the prairie grass. A sky so blue, it's brilliance enlightens the sparkling snow with even more glamour.
That day describes perfectly the moment of my life that God answered my prayers.
It was Thursday night and we invited Caleb over for dinner and a movie at our home. There seemed to be something special in the atmosphere that everyone could feel. After a pleasant meal of leftovers from the fridge ( I must explain, Dad and most of the children were leaving Friday morning to attend a family camp for the weekend, so all extra food needed to be eaten up!)
and chores accomplished, the predestinated movie rolled on. Afterwards, Othello, the board game, was brought out onto the table for a good time to be shared by Mom and I. Caleb had previously mentioned that it would be a good plan to leave at eleven in order to get a decent amount of sleep. But by that time had come, our game was almost over and Caleb offered to play the winner. (yes, Mom lost the game on purpose! lol )
Caleb and I settled down for a game together and time slipped by rapidly. One by one, each family member departed from the area. Dad did come back to show off an old gun to Caleb, describing the intricate work on the mechanical object (Looking back, I wonder if Dad was trying to give Caleb a hint of some sort! LOL). Eventually, I looked around and noticed that it was just Caleb and I and although our conversations almost always have deep topics, this one tonight held more depth. It went from life and how forgiving others is so essential, to courtship, keeping oneself pure for their future spouse, dating in the world's view, love in Christ's form, how God can use our mistakes, the desires in our heart, spending ones life with another, ect.
The 'good-bye' room found it's purpose, we stayed up until 1:30 am, talking. At one point Quentin did enter the room and try to blend in the wall to no avail. His presence stood out like a sore thumb and so awkwardly that he didn't stay long. We didn't push Quentin out, in fact we involved him in the conversation. Yet, he didn't fit in like a correct puzzle piece and left abruptly.
Eventually, Caleb did make his way to the entry where Angel, our Saint Bernard dog, had laid herself down in a lazy fashion. "Yeah, I'm going to go the courtship route" said Caleb as he kneeled down to pet Angel. The moment was clearly very tender and momentous- I also knelt down to rub Angel's soft fur, explaining that we plan to have courtship also and I can speak for almost every young lady, that we desire a prince charming -looking straight in the eyes of my future prince :)
I can't quote the dialogue, but Caleb proceeded to ask if he could get to know me more with courting in mind, and wished to talk with my Dad, I responded that my parents have been waiting to grasp the chance to talk with him already. Caleb's eyes seemed to dilate more right then and wasn't quite sure of what he would say to them! I assured him there wasn't anything to worry about, but I'm not sure if either of us slept that night due to excitement!
After Caleb left our house, I rushed to Mom to share the much anticipated news! "He asked to court me!!!!", I said gleefully. Mom rejoiced in my enthusiastic news just as much and ran to her bedroom to pile on my sleeping dad and with a "Your future son-in-law wants to talk with you!!"
"Now?!"
"No, no, another time, you can go to sleep."
I think the news digested in my Dad later after he awoke, but I'm not sure because they left early the next morning for a fun filled weekend with other homeschoolers. During the weekend, Caleb and I were FILLED to the brim with happiness making the few days go by fast. I wanted to shout to the WORLD, but really needed to wait for my Dads blessing before the next approach, yet he wouldn't be back until Sunday night!! So long of a wait!! Between working and visiting Caleb, the few days were like a dream come true, was it for real???
Sunday night finally came and my family arrived safe at home. While the young children prepared for nighttime ritual and went to bed, Dad, Mom, me, and a few of the older children gathered on and around Moms bed to exchange stories about the trip. I learned that the speaker, Israel Wayne, taught about the values of homeschool and <span>courtship</span>!! WOW! Israel explained what courting is and the real meaning was and the difference between that and dating. He also relayed sad stories of failed courtships in people that he knew. A young man man came into this one family's life and after capturing the daughters heart by courting, left and abandoned them without a second thought.
I saw a different look in my Dad's eyes as he repeated the messages, he had a spark that wasn't there before. Dad is usually an easy going man and naturally isn't the commanding personality. As I examined this change, I noticed he seem to stand straighter and prepared to give a talking to with Caleb. Ready to fight if necessary for what was his.
Now, I do NOT believe in coincidence! God sent the information to my dad about courting when he needed it. And prepared dad for the next step in his life as a father. Brand new ground for us! How cool is that?!?
On Monday Mom and I went to Grand Forks because we were so hyped, it may not have been sane for the rest of the family to bear our giggles. lol! Dad called Caleb and let him know he was welcome over to 'talk' :)
I knew Dad would give his blessing, but the suspense was still HANGING in the air!! Were they talking? Have they finished the conversation? How did it go? What happened??? WELL!!!????????
Dad relieved us of our anxiety while we were in Wal-mart. And maybe it was a little odd to see two woman huddled around a cell phone on speaker phone then shout out in the midst of several people who gave looks of concern at our crazy actions. But WHO cared what they thought?! Dad gave his blessings and consent!!
When Dad questioned Caleb, he inquired of what it meant by asking for permission to court his daughter, Caleb's reply was "To get to know her with the intent and pursuit of marriage" This was for real! YIPEEEE!
Since Mom and I were quite the distance from home, I did not see Caleb that night. By the next afternoon, we had exchanged text messages and inquired with each other for permission to shout to the world the glorious news about our courtship. We were BURSTING with this new joy and found it unbearable to keep it contained!! Needless to say from the expressions our faces showed, we were pretty happy and told EVERYONE we meet in our path that day and more to come.
We really wanted to see one another ASAP and my shift ended at 8pm, so I invited Caleb to come over to our house that night. He gladly accepted and when I did arrive home, Caleb was in the living room with my parents and 4 of the older boys. Greetings with radiant smiles were exchanged, followed with small talk by various people. Finally, Caleb inquired if there was a place we could converse and I suggested the empty dining room. We agreed and made our way in that direction and as I looked back, I noticed a gang of tall rangy brothers were following suit. If you have ever seen the movie, 'Seven brides for Seven Brothers', you can imagine this description perfectly! The though of being alone was a hopeless case and in defeat, I drew my hands in my pockets. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a pair of dentures that I had forgotten to return in its rightful place! Many inquired about my burst of laughter and showed their horror when I revealed the lost treasure. I called the nursing home and explained the dilemma, also informing them that I would bring it by tomorrow. Then Caleb suggested the BEST idea, "How about returning it now?" What a grand idea! Why, it almost appeared that the dentures were 'forgotten' in my pocket on purpose in order to go for a drive!!
Mom and Dad gave us permission to go, only if we sat down for a picture of us in our "official" courtship. It took several attempts to get a decent picture without either of us laughing or smiling to big for our own good. LOL
Our slow drive to Hallock was a moment in time that I find difficult to describe and tell about. Beautiful, eminent, significant, precious, special, and priceless. Caleb and I shared our dreams in life, the desires of our heart, how God works all things for His glory and how our mission is to serve Him ALWAYS. Upon getting to that point in our talk, we decided it would be a very good thing to pray to the Lord together before going any farther in our relationship. We drove off the main highway onto a gravel road upon the open prairie. The brilliant stars gave a radiance that dazzled us with God's power and grace. The still night air seemed to hold our prayers as Caleb and I got on our knees to thank God for His superior love and giving us each other.
Suddenly filled to capacity with blissful delight!
(I must share the dictionary definition of bliss: 1. complete happiness 2. paradise, heaven. and delight means: 1. a high degree of gratification : joy : extreme satisfaction 2. something that gives great pleasure )
We RAN, just for the fun of it! Who noticed the 10 below temperature? Not us!!
God is so good.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Saturday Fun!

2011-02-12T17:41:00.000-06:00

The older children are going out to a contour dance, which is like a square dancing but you don't have to know how to do it cuz they teach you there!!

So, the big plan is that they are meeting Caleb's parents for supper and then go to the dance. We had to take some pictures of all of them!

2011-02-11T00:40:00.001-06:00

Rolaun played the piano and JoyAnn sang I Love You Lord and Give Thanks.
They did a great job! Oh and this is the first time Rolaun played at church. I am so proud of him!!

mmm summer memories!!

2011-02-10T16:11:00.000-06:00

Having a grill out at some friends... nice memories on a day that it is -20!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-05T15:39:00.001-06:00

Brandon is 16 today!!

2011-02-04T17:06:00.000-06:00

It is the calm before the storm! LOL well really we are just waiting for our guest to arrive for the big birthday party! Today Brandon is 16!! Unreal how time flies! Brandon is now over 6 feet tall!!

We are going to have a spaghetti party! Should be fun. I think the cakes look yummy!

Happy Birthday Brandon, I love you!!

Exciting News!!

2011-02-02T16:42:00.001-06:00

It is official!! My daughter JoyAnn is courting a wonderful, godly, young man, name Caleb Stromquist. Caleb talked to Van about have permission to court his daughter with intent of marriage! So now they are courting!! They are such a sweet couple and both have a heart for serving the Lord with their lives! May God be praise in their lives always!!

We love you both!!

Making biscuits

2011-01-30T23:14:00.001-06:00

The family, that was home, made biscuits to go with our soup.. mmmm they sure were good!

Angel

2011-01-30T23:12:00.001-06:00

Here a picture of my pup, she will be a year next month!

mmmmmmm yummy coffee

2011-01-30T23:08:00.001-06:00

Kid Cam

2011-01-30T23:02:00.001-06:00

Once again I let the little kids loose with the camera, I thought this was pretty cool.

Bowling

2011-01-30T22:58:00.000-06:00

We went bowling today! It sure was lots of fun!

Bowling

2011-01-30T22:57:00.001-06:00

Hanging out at the bowling alley

Bowling

2011-01-30T22:56:00.001-06:00

Magdalyn bowling

Bowling

2011-01-30T22:54:00.000-06:00

Karron and Reuben

a cute one!

2011-01-29T01:44:00.001-06:00

MOSES AND THE RED SEA

Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.

'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt . When he got to the Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.'

'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked.

'Well, no, Mom� But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'

(me, having so many boys really got a kick out of this!)

getting warm twice LOL

2011-01-27T17:06:00.001-06:00

Here is an amazing picture that Tristan took along with some others.

beautiful frost

2011-01-27T17:04:00.001-06:00

This is one of the MANY reasons I live up north.. it was sooooo amazingly beautiful this morning, it was just one of God's way of showing all his Glory!!

so this is Van about 25 years ago

2011-01-24T17:30:00.001-06:00

So now here is a picture of Van and I about 25 years ago.... now.... has he changed much LOL

Pretty pictures

2011-01-23T18:33:00.001-06:00

Gee I am going through pictures and found this.. Not sure why they made these pictures or what they are but look at these faces!! Aren't they just a beaming?

Beth

making cookies

2011-01-23T18:26:00.001-06:00

yummy!!

The man of my dreams???

2011-01-23T18:25:00.001-06:00

It is kind of humors when you give a little child a camera LOL Got ya Van

Cousins

2011-01-18T22:10:00.001-06:00

What a great looking bunch!! These other 3 children are my cousin's children! Boy time sure flies, they are all getting so grown up!

visiting

2011-01-18T22:08:00.000-06:00

Today we went and visited Helen Johnson, AKA Grandma Helen. She Is going to be 97 next month. Unbelievable!! We love you!!!

Blue Moon

2011-01-18T10:37:00.001-06:00

Last night we had Blue Moon ice cream!! It is only marketed and sold in this part of the United States.. the taste... is like milk left over in fruit looks hahaaaa

Beautiful!

2011-01-18T10:35:00.002-06:00