KEEPING BUSY IN THE WINTERTIME

This has been a cold and snowy winter so far. It has been so beautiful to look at...

A few nights, we had sub-zero wind chills, so the dogs came inside to sleep. Their fur has sure thickened with the cold weather.
One wintertime activity that is a particular favorite for our family is ice skating with friends.

Ice skating is one way to burn off a LOT of energy...Samuel is even exhausted!
Dan and Esther at the ice rink

After shopping, Rebecca and I joined the others at the ice rink, but we only observed. (No need to kill ourselves!)

Another winter activity that our family loves to do is play board and card games, as well as puzzles and art. Here, Chris tries to figure out a wood cube puzzle.

Charity got a "foil art kit" for Christmas, and is trying her hand at foils.

Samuel got the extensions and expansions for the game "Settlers of Catan" for Christmas. In this game, they make settlements, build communities, grow crops and raise livestock.

Charity somehow is still able to get her brothers and sisters to play Candyland with her.

Chris' favorite game is scrabble. He got the deluxe version for his birthday.

This is our newest winter activity. Samuel and Hannah bought "dog sled harnesses" for each other for Christmas this year.

The Dogs actually loved pulling the sled. It gave them a chance to get out and run hard for a while, as well as interact with the kids.

The extra snow has made it possible to sled...but finding a hill in Kansas is not an easy task!

click here to watch some sledding fun.

"Daniel, is there a sled underneath you?"

click to watch a clip of Charity and Chris sledding.


Coming back up the hill is how they get most of their exercise!

click to watch Hannah sledding.

click to see another clip. The kids enjoy taking video...just in case they get a good one!

Just so you don't think all we do is play games and have fun during the winter months, here's evidence that we can work as well.

It was a cold, snowy day out at the farm...Actually, it was Rebecca's birthday! When asked what she'd like, she told us..."Work on my new house!" A large group of friends descended upon their farmhouse, to do renovation work of all kinds!
Chris scouted out the area for the upstairs furnace, air conditioner, duct work and vents, which he will be able to install for them.

Jeff textured the walls of the living room...which took him all day. He also made a great "trash receptacle" when we removed the tape from the woodwork!

Krista and James primed and painted the dark wood panelling in the living room.

Anna assisted in the task. Hannah painted trim...
but in her spare time, did a little art-work in one of the bedrooms!OK, it was a joint effort! (I think she and Sara were getting bored with plain white primer)

Daniel and Amanda worked together on the stairway... And did their own share of artwork in the parlor...
Samuel was helpful in many of the rooms.And everyone took a turn at keeping Esther occupied and off of the wet walls!

Dan and Rebecca provided pizza and pop for the whole crew.
Cleanup

It was a profitable day. There is much more to do, but they have an enormous head-start.

OTHER WINTERTIME ACTIVITIES

Another thing that keeps us busy in the wintertime is spending time with our beautiful grand babies. They are growing so fast!

Esther

Jonathan

Ethan

Our family enjoys fellowshipping with other families.
We had the privilege of spending some time with the Briscoe and Gerlach families recently. We were all able to share about God's work in our lives. We were all greatly encouraged in the Lord.

One project that is keeping Chris and the boys busy this winter, is finishing the basement bathroom. Chris has finished the plumbing and electrical work, the vent and lights, and the boys are currently working on taping and mudding the sheetrock.

We'll share more on this project as it progresses.We hope to have it done before the spring rush hits.

Well, that's what we've been doing this winter. I hope your winter is profitable and enjoyable as well.

Baby Ruthy Elizabeth Busenitz, born January 13, 2010

This was certainly a busy day! Ruthy made her appearance at 11:30 Wednesday evening. We really didn't think she would come that fast, since she wasn't induced until after supper. So when we received a phone call at 12:30 a.m., I just assumed that meant Rebecca had finally gone into labor...but much to my surprise, Rebecca was on the line, and exclaimed, "I've already had the baby!" God was good to give her a speedy and safe delivery.

But the story starts the day before...when "big sister Esther" came to Grandpa and Grandma's house for a visit...

OOOOOOH! Look what I found!!!

Ruth Elizabeth weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 20 1/2". She's just beautiful!

Daddy is so proud of her.

She's such a good baby, very content and quiet. She rarely made a peep while we were there...but of course, she wasn't awake much of the time either.

Grandma arrived on the scene the next morning...

A precious little girl...

Aunt Sarah enjoying her new niece...
Esther isn't sure what to think! This is a little different than the dolls she has at home!
Aunt Hannah takes her turn welcoming the little newcomer... Her grandmother made a beautiful quilt for little Ruthy. Grandpa was anxious to welcome this little girl as well. Esther eventually warmed up to her a little more; she gave her some kisses... a sleepy moment. Uncle Samuel enjoys his first moments with his new niece... She finally woke up and opened her eyes for a while. Her eyes look a little darker than Esther's, I think. Charity was pleased to be allowed into the El Dorado Hospital. Most hospitals require they be 13 or older. But most new mothers don't have a 9 year old sister! Hannah has a special moment with her 2 nieces.Daniel really enjoys playing with his nieces and nephews, and can't wait for this one to get old enough to tease...it's the ornery streak in him.
Esther had a long day without her naps, and eventually joined her mom for a time of rest in the hospital bed.

Tomorrow we all go home with our new baby!