Level One - Check!

Joe met a personal goal yesterday and he was VERY excited!

He has been practicing his ball handling skills since Basketball Factory started.

He set up a timer on his Kindle and gets his paper out nearly every night.

DH and I glance at each other as the pounding starts, but we wouldn't

change a thing!

He had ISTEP yesterday and he was a bit keyed up for that, but he was pumped 

for his chance at clearing Level 1 skills - and he did it on his first try.

His friend Emmett was right by his side!

He got a shout out from the LHS Head Coach on Twitter!

Look at that intensity.

Love his determination.

Golf Resilience

We were able to catch another LMS golf meet at Springs Valley.

Sam received a few lessons for his birthday this year

and this is the course where his golf instructor teaches.

It was a cold and wet evening.

It drizzled for a big portion of the evening, pants were wet up to the calves

and fingers were ice cold.

I did enjoy watching Sam's hint of resilience during this meet.

He started off rough and frustrated.  One of those 'you just like to fix it for 

them' times -

Getting a little encouragement from dad after he took double par on a hole.

And he came back on the next hole and did SO much better, getting one over par.

I kept reminding DH that he is 12, I love watching him mature!

His team finished 2nd this time, it was a rough round all around.

But, plenty of experience and I kept learning, ha!

Did you know golf shoes are waterproof, I wish I had golf shoes this night, ha!

Love him something fierce!

A Life Well Lived

Grandpa Great finished his Earthly Journey on 4.21.18

He was 1 month shy of 91 years young,

and we just know he was welcomed into heaven 

by Jesus and Grandma Ida saying, "Come In, Come In, Come In!"

That was her standard greeting no matter who had arrived at the farm.

Grandpa lived for farming season year after year and his family.

He will be greatly missed on the home place this planting season

and that Gator won't make as many trips to the field watching the action this year.

We had a nice day of visitation and a day to celebrate Grandpa Great's life

the day of the funeral.

This boy was looking extra handsome.

Grandma Jean made his bow tie!

Sam has passed me up.

It's pretty darn official.

Sam likes to tease Ms. Shaylee

My guys looking handsome.

The original Graber cousins.

And the Graber Great Grands!

What a legacy Grandpa Ezra and Grandpa Ida created!

Thankful for that!

I'd prefer to remember Grandpa Great

sitting in this seat. This was one of his last times in a tractor (2013?).

His last harvest in the combine was 2012.

But, he still was ever present poking a fixing where needed - 

Fall 2017

And directing from the sidelines

in the Gator (with Joe)

We are rejoicing that Grandpa Great has reached his eternal resting place!

Darth Vader

We purchased a new van this past week.

It was a family affair.  We went on a rainy Saturday a week ago

and looked over all the options and they called us Monday with an option

and met our price on our trade in Vanzilla.

We will miss the good ol boy as we had a lot of fun times in the white van.

We are thankful for the miles of safety it provided us!

But, onward to Darth Vader - per Sam.

I said Darth Vandor.  

We will probably call it "The Van" - ha!

Boys were pretty excited and I am happy for the 8th seat,

come on and ride along!

LMS Golf || First Meet

Sam played with the LMS golf team at Paoli

in their first meet last week.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meet

and watching the progress

as we moved from hole to hole.

Had to catch his swing on the first shot!

I learned and will continue to learn at each meet

I can attend.  The rules and scoring and etiquette.

Yes, this is his look of patience at my 404th question.

He's gonna see if I can ride someone else's cart next time.

Overall, LMS golfers did great as a team.

Sam's score also counted toward the team total and win!

Supporting Each Other!

Spring has been full of family and we wouldn't have it any other way!

We've caught a couple of Jaelyn's softball games.

It's one of my favorite sports, love to watch!

This game she got some varsity tie and then hit 2 doubles

in the JV game!

The super duper cold fans.  Loyal and loud.

There is a video.

It is hilarious as she avoided a tag at 2nd base.  

And the next weekend our niece Blake rededicated her life to Jesus

and was baptized at her church.

we loved being there to support her.

Love her heart!

Cole might have been holding a pink purse.

All of our family was gathered there to support Blake!

These guys!

Trivial Pursuit Champ

Sam was our first winner of Play Nine,

Fun Game with big smiles.

Worth it!

He has really enjoyed Junior Youth

making friends with Brayten and Matt and also Isaac, Drew and cousin Tyson.

He looks forward to Sunday School and Wednesday night Youth Class

They had Sunday night service a few weeks ago..

They did a reverse bible drill with the audience.

It was fun and interactive!

And then they did a painting set to a nice praise and worship song.

It was very fun to see them lead service

and create a great depiction of our Jesus!

 Spring golf is in swing and Dad got new clubs in the mail.

This sweet photo came up on my FB memories.

Precious.

 Sam won a round of Trivial Pursuit *always* No wonder he always wants to play!

Sam's first official swing in Jr High Golf!