Easter Sunday

We woke up Easter morning to a beautiful white covering outside our windows.  We had 3 1/2 inches of snow in the early morning hours.  A WHITE EASTER!  How fitting.  This song kept playing over and over in my head all day long as I thought of the snow, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of my Savior....

I hear the Savior say, Thy strength indeed is small;

Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe'

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone,

Can change the leper's spots and melt the heart of stone.

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, 

Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

And the stone was rolled back, and he was no longer there.  Death could not hold Him.  The grave could not keep Him from rising again!  He is ALIVE! Risen!  And, will be coming back for all of those who believe in Him, repent of their sins, and follow after him.  He will take them to be with Him forever in paradise.  That is something to smile about!  Praise God!  Thank you Jesus for loving each one of us THIS much!

After church the kids each received a bucket with some Easter surprises from us.... books, a game, a shirt, a toy, candy, and a few other odds and ends.

Then we went to Hesston to gather with family for lunch, visiting, a candy hunt for the kids, and some game-playing.

Below, were the candy hunters this year, top row- left to right - Phoebe Hayley, Jackson, Austin, Sarah, and Weston.  Front row, left to right - Silas, Zach, Wrangler, and Jordan.

There was a LOT of chocolate to be found and eaten!

After the hunt, some gathered around tables to play games.

Happy Easter!

Baseball Time

**GUEST BLOGGER**

 ~ Eric Hendrickson ~

First Practice - March 7th

Silas started a baseball teaching class called Blast Ball that is being conducted by our local Rec Center.

I have worked very little with Silas on baseball.  When he first walked out with the group, he had his glove on the wrong hand.  Above, he is playing first base.  Frank, with Silas above, heads up baseball/softball for the rec center.  I interacted with Frank last year as a coach, and will again this year.

Silas's friend from church, Abigail, is also in the class.

Stance looks alright.

Extend those arms.

Silas listens well, plays with high energy, and is fearless.  I like it.

Second Practice - March 14th

 Each kid gets an opportunity to field the ball and throw it to first base.

Each kid gets 2-3 opportunities to hit the ball off of the tee and run the bases.

Silas likes to run to 1st base because the base makes a squeaking noise when you step on it.  He also likes to jump up and down on it while he waits "patiently" for the next batter to hit so that he can run to 2nd base.

Our "Diamond Thief" is running hard to second.  He loves wearing his "baseball shirts" as he calls them, and frequently wants Mommy to buy him a new one.

The teachers asked for two volunteers to help with directing the kids around the bases.  I helped on 2nd base (above) and am instructing Silas to run to 3rd when the ball is hit.

End of practice team huddle.

GO TEAM!

Third Practice - March 21st

I had to pry Silas off my leg tonight for the start of practice, but he soon got out of that funk.

Silas swung the bat with a lot more power this evening.

Silas played first base for awhile.

Team Huddle

GO TEAM!

Popee and Nanee came to watch Silas.  He did a good job.  Too bad when we were leaving, Silas's fingers got caught and smashed in the heavy metal door at the Rec Center.  We got an ice pack on it right away, and after some tears he seemed okay.  I think his fingers will be alright...bruised and sore for awhile but okay.

Fourth Practice - March 28th

Silas swung the bat a lot harder tonight, but his contact with the ball wasn't the best.

Silas likes being teamed up with his friend Abigail.

Silas played first base and enjoyed making the base squeak.

Silas had some trouble listening and paying attention at this practice, which was not an issue at any of the other practices.  Overall, he did a good job of listening, paying attention, and playing with enthusiasm.

Silas posed for an end of the season picture and was very excited to receive a wiffle type ball and bat for a parting gift.  Good job this year, Silas.