GOOD, GOOD times

First good times ----- We had good, good times tonight at the Detention Center.  Only 6 kids --- but they listened so good and sang so good and participated so good.  Our lesson was on Enoch who walked and talked with God and.....God took him.   We had a good time of questions and answers -- Review Questions and then some more questions for some of the kids.  Lots of laughs too because we took a hula hoop along tonight.  It was to play a game with for starters and then, of course, we had to see if anyone could actually do the "real thing".  And guess what ---- one of the boys was a star hula hooper  :)  :)  One of the girls got it going but she was so embarrassed that she quit right away.  Good bunch of kids.  Keep them in your prayers because one of the boys is questioning.....thinks he wants to go the "Lakota Way" -- because there is no heaven or hell....he especially (of course) doesn't like the hell part. He doesn't want any family member to go to hell.  I told him then he should be sharing Christ and the Good News with them.  He is learning the "Lakota Way" from his Grandpa --- so who can argue with an "elder". According to him = you just come back over and over again.    But :)  :)  :)  tonight this young man said he was trying to find the story of David and Goliath in his Bible but "it isn't in there".  So I told him -- and showed him -- I Samuel 17.  "got it"  So - glory be - he is still reading the Bible!!!!!  HURRAH!

Also, at the Alcohol Recovery group tonight......  When we get there --- the kids have had at least 3 hours of "instruction"....... they are NOT happy campers!!!  Heads are down --- they look totally wasted --- they want to go home!!!!  So tonight we started with that same hula hoop game (too long to explain it....) and then we also had them see who (2 teams) could build the tallest tower....the lesson was on the Tower of Babel.  One boy would NOT play the hula hoop game but as we got going he looked up (head was down on the table) and got a smile on his face (probably wished he was playing).....  The towers didn't get too tall - but toward the end Gary and I stepped in and did a little helping and got some smiles and laughs.  They just needed to get that heavy load off their shoulders.....  Then they participated pretty good.

Second good times ----  We were invited to Prairey Walkling and Jameson Brennans wedding on this past Saturday evening.  We just about didn't go because I was also asked to give a Childrens' Message in Rosebud at a Community Service.  But we decided we had about 40 minutes that we could be at the wedding.  The wedding was on the prairies out in a pasture just south of the family home.  WHAT AN AWESOME location.  God's nature is so beautiful if you just stop and take notice.  Oh! I did hear something about Prairey making sure that dad had all the prickly pear cactus chopped out. Pastor Utecht did such a nice job of connecting the prairies with the Walkling family and then, of course, with Prairey.....and how God is faithful (as he has been to the Walkling family these 100 years) and that there are hard times on the prairies and there will be hard times in a marriage.....and much more. We had to leave before the wedding was completely over ---- but Gary and I got in the car and looked at each other and said we will never look at a church wedding in the same way.  The only decorations that we could see was a hand made cross right by the minister and the bride and groom.  I have some pictures to share but they really don't do it all justice.

 The old wooden cross...... made by  Pastor Utechts family.  Pastor Utecht is an old (he's younger than we are!!!) family friend.  And then add that windmill in the foreground .......

 There was some seating as you can see.....there was even a "middle aisle" for the bridal party to walk down.  And then --- there were tail gates  :)

 The bridal party ----- seven attendants.....

 The flower "niece and nephews"...

 Prairey and her dad, Vern.......

 Don't you just love the blue sky and the clouds.......  It was a splendid day......

 Then, of course,  the team to take the bridal party back to the reception - held at the Walkling home.

I LOVE simple things and what a sweetly simple way to give directions to the wedding!!

The third good, good time ----- It was at the Community Service on that same Saturday night.    I had the Childrens message on "The Fall" (Adam and Eve in the Garden).  There were about 10 little kids and 4 teenagers (and then the adults)....... Native kids don't always sit still for a lengthy message.  But I had flannel figures and I think it made a big difference --- the kids were great and sat quietly.  Then we had some Review Questions and WOW --- they had really listened!!!  They knew the answers....and the teenagers answered some too. 

And then the good, good times of watching our Banty hen and her seven little chicks.  She has given us a "variety package"......it looks like we might have one banty chick, 2 pure white chicks, 2 red rocks and 2 white sussex chicks.....time will tell.  She is a GOOD mama ---- fun to watch her take care of them and show them how and what to eat.

And the last good, good times is that Gary is staying busy with helping the neighbors.....repair of a hay hauler, a dining room chair, a hay rake, a " back up" baler (for when the other one breaks down), the pheasant business, and now a generator. Keeps him tired - but happy.....and me too   :)

OH YEAH!--- Happy Birthday to Tim Sparling (our son-in-law) July 2, and Rick Peters (our son) July 3

All these things put a smile on our face and a song in our hearts!!  God is so good!!

Gary and Barb

Elk has a new home

In 2002, Gary shot a BIG elk - a 6 x 6....in Wyoming.  We had it mounted by a man in Fennville, Michigan.  He has an idea of how he wanted to do it and we let him have his way......the elk is bugling.  Gar built an oak "box" for the elk to set on and we put a "road kill" fox in the bottom portion.  And he "lived" in the Elk Room ever since.  You HAD to call it the "Elk Room" because it took up most of the room.  When Holly and Dennis and Clayton and Sawyer bought our home......the elk stayed.....he had no other place to go.  And so --- the Kroeze family put up with him in their home for 5 - yes!-- FIVE years.  I think he had some Christmas bells hanging from his rack sometimes.......

 Well --- it was TIME - past time - to move that big guy to a new home!!!  We checked with Cabelas - but they said "No" (their loss).  So in May when we took our trip to Michigan to visit our family -- we moved him to South Dakota.  Don Schelhaas ok'd him for residence in his hunting lodge.  Thank you, Don!  (And I bet that goes DOUBLE from Holly and family!!!) Below you see Jerry making sure the big guy was safe over our bumpy roads.

Then came the task of hanging him on the wall ---- jeepers we wish the lodge had a little bit higher ceiling.......  But we got a fit ---- barely!!!!----- one of the points just touches the wall.....couldn't have been an 1/8 of an inch longer (the taxidermist had done his job well!!!!)

We all sat back and looked him over ------ I guess he's happy in his new home.....just so the Schelhaas family remains happy with him..... If not --- I don't know what will happen.  We aren't too concerned!  :)
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Had a good visit with the Alcohol Recovery Group on Wednesday afternoon...... It's so neat when the kids listen attentively (as they just about always do).  Last Wednesday evening we were blown away by the boys at the JDC --- EVERYONE of them (8 boys) were ALL singing - every song.  It was WONDERFUL!!  Those times are such a blessing to us --- sometimes we get to wondering if we are doing anything good......We thank God when He sends us those encouraging times!!!!  Thank you for remembering the young people in your prayers. 

We are gearing up for Prairie Light Youth Camp!  July 15-19.  We are beginning our phone calls and sending out Registration Forms to families.  Please keep camp in your prayers also.

Our garden needs some warmer weather - but the Greenhouse is LUSH!!!  

Gary and Barb

A fun tip to Michigan to visit with family and friends - May 2013

Wow - what a trip!    Our truck needed new spark plugs before we set off down the road......and we could tell by the good gas mileage that it was a good thing to have done.  We had a good trip out - no problems and that is always a wonderful thing!!

Our first stop was in Kalamazoo to see our new grandson - Keller.  What a sweet, sweet, little boy!!!

Oliver just blows us away......we gave Tim that name plaque with his credentials on it....Oliver took on look at it and said "that's my daddy's name".  That from a 2 1/2 year old.  We decided that the Kindergarten teacher was going to have to challenge him --- or have a challenge herself.  He can count to 30, knows all of his numbers and letters by sight and all his colors.  Day Care works with the kids daily and it shows.   :)  Plus he's got all those good genes in him   :)  :)  :)

If you remember -- we gave Oliver a "box" for his birthday back on Dec. 31, 2012.  That box is still in use.  As you can see - it is covered with stickers ---given by Gpa and Gma Sparling.  Oh Yeah -- it is upside down now ---- easier to get in it that way.    So - grandparents -- if you are ever in a tizzy about what gift to give that little kid who "has everything".....give a box!!!  :)

Our next stop was a track meet with our two oldest grandkids - Trenton and Austin.....Mike and Julies kids.

 Gary thought he'd get a good shot of the hand off.....well it is -----but what about his head?!?!?  Anyway -- that IS Austin .......

His team went on to take 3rd place out of 15 schools present.  Way to go Austin!!!!

This is Trenton in one of his races.  His time was really good for Hamilton School ---- just happens that there are some faster runners.  Good job Trenton!!   Keep it up!

Next stop ---- a ball game with Clayton.  He enjoys baseball -- and that makes this gramma happy -- that is one game I like - AND understand.  I'm always glad when football season is done-----don't have a clue what is going on.

Clayton is at the age where they have a pitching machine --- or if you have too many tries --- you get the tee.  Clayton never had to have the tee......Way to go Clayton!!!  That was a fun game!

Clayton and Sawyer will be enjoying a new pool this summer ------ but Mike and Julies kids will be missing theirs.......  They have made the move to the farm -- the place where Julie grew up.  They are loving it in their new home.........

Uncle Stony (Dennis' brother) came and filled it up.....but  :(  it was too cold to go for a swim - and then of course ----- all those "ph factors" have to be dealt with.  But I'm sure they will be enjoying it soon!!

We went to visit Linda --- Ethel came out from Wisconsin for a few days too.   So all three of us went for a SHORT! ride in Dad's old truck.  There are a few things to tweek yet -- but it is coming along nicely. 

 I have to share this .....Linda and I were given little "slips" of a cactus plant from Isa Pavelka many years ago.  Mine did VERY poorly and I finally just gave up on it.  This is Linda's --- it is just fantastic....from one little slip she gets this magnificent plant ---- you can tell who has the green thumb in this family!!!!!

Tim had a plan ---- "can I steal dad for a few days for a re-do of the laundry room".....sure - Gary loves staying busy....they talked over the plans and there was "an agreement" --- so on Tues and Wed. we went back to Kalamazoo and  Gary, Ron (Tim's dad - who seemed to be missing when this photo was taken) and Tim GOT 'R DONE!  I don't know exactly what all had to be done but I don know that plumbling had to be moved and a couple of electrical outlets had to be moved.....drywall was removed and replaced.....all in 2 short days.

 And, of course, that meant there was more "bonding" time with little Keller.

 We used rocks to make Olivers name....... and Grandma Sparling helped make fun by cleaning out the pool.

Then there were those things that we didn't get recorded.....taking the old '67 Chevy truck down the road to Mikes house......a hot dog roast with Trenton, Austin, Sidney, Colton, Brennan, Halle, Mike and Julie.....playing battleship with Sawyer and Clayton.......loading lots and lots of chicken waterers to take back to Todd County for Don Schelhaas for the pheasants.....playing Farkle and Ripple with Ken and Sally, Bruce and Glenda and John and Margo....breakfast with Dale and Barb......a couple of trips to Lake Michigan beach..... Chicken Lick'n with Brother Bill......putting flowers on the cemetery lots of our parents....... and on and on. Our days were filled.  Thank you Lord, for all our family and friends - you have blessed us mightily!!!!

I had been in the hospital a few days before we left ---- but hopefully that is a thing of the past and I pray it won't be a repeat!!!  Travel wasn't exactly fun on the way home.......my sciatic nerve - or is my hip the problem......maybe it's old age.....anyway ---   We are home and the grass is GREEN --- and we have had more rain since getting back ---- 1 1/2 inches last night.  So life is good!!!

Gary and Barb

Hospitals................

Well,  it is way past time to update.  I won't use my stay in the hospital for an excuse.....but for those of you who don't know..........I had a perforated diverticuli (don't really know what the right term or spelling is)....but it's in the intestines.  It could have been much worse - so we are very thankful for what it WASN'T.  I appreciated the surgeon that was assigned to me - rather than my family practitioner.  He wanted to go "slow and let it heal itself".  And it did.  So after a 3 day stay - I am back at home and doing just about all I please.  I now will be doing without popcorn along with a few other things like coconut and peanuts and seedy fruits (strawberries).....but popcorn I WILL MISS!!!

The other hospital story is that our daughter Marti was in the hospital the very same day I was - May 3.  Her stay produced our 10th grandson -- Keller Ronald Sparling.......7.7 pounds and 19 inches long.  We can't wait to see him.  We hope to leave Tuesday morning.

Release Time is done for this school year.  We seemed to have a lot of days that we missed.....snow days....parent / teacher conferences....and more snow days.  But all in all it was a very good year.  We are already looking forward to next year.

We continue with the JDC program.  Some days we go home thinking postive thoughts ---- other days like today ....we just shake our heads.  Please continue to pray for these young people.  Our God is greater than anything!!! And so we have to remain faithful to sharing his Good News and not dwell on the "small stuff".

Gary has had a few good projects this spring....but now our big thing is the garden / greenhouse.  We have the greenhouse full.  Potatoes, beets, carrots, radish and onions.....everything that is "in the ground".  We discovered that it just gets too hot for beans, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and so on.  So they are in the outside garden --- which we also have full.   We are already eating our radish --- YUM!!

Well --- I will try to have some cute pictures of Keller (grandson) when we get back.....in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement!
Gary and Barb

Prayer Request

Today we went to the Detention Center to visit one on one with some of the kids.   No one had asked for a visit ----- so we could have just stayed home and relaxed -- but that just didn't feel right - so we went.  We met with Taylor .... a gal who had prayed with us back in February, 2012.     We just want to ask you to please pray for Taylor.  In February she told us that she had been reading in the Native "Book of Hope",  which is a book that we have used for Bible Lessons so we are familiar with it.  She wanted her mom to start going to church -- oh! how she wanted to make changes in her life.

Taylor cried and cried today. She shared a lot of "stuff" that has been happening in her life......she has gone through SO MUCH!!!   We wish we could share these things with your but there are restrictions........   We assured Taylor that God cares and He promises never to leave those who trust in Him.  We believe that Taylor does trust in Him!

We also had a very special visit with Sara. 

Thank you for all your support and prayers --- especially for the young people like Taylor and Sara.  God knows each one of these girls --- we all know that --- and so even though you don' t know their needs --- God does.  Thanks again.

Gary and Barb

April Snow and Rain

This past week we had over a foot of snow and now last night there are reports of an inch of rain.  We could hear it during the night----also could hear some hail/sleet (pea sized stuff).  So we are so very thankful for all the moisture God has sent this way!!!!  And actually the roads weren't too bad this morning.   They needed to get a bulldozer in to clear some of the snow off the roads .....our east/west road.....the school road all the way past Matthew Walkling....and possibly more.  I wouldn' want to meet anyone on parts of it but we can at least get out.

So we are planning on JDC this afternoon and tonight we will have a service also.   We haven't been able to finish the Easter Story with all the "weather" ---- so tonight is the Resurrection Story.  It's never too late to give that wonderful lesson!!

The blog wouldn't be "up to date" without some good ole snow pictures........

Not real sure if the video will work but I'm going to try it.   It's pretty long.........    Gary and I went out yesterday late afternoon and walked all over these huge snow drifts.  They are in the trees to the east of us.   Toby had a lot of fun too as you can see.

It's supposed to be real windy today ---- and warm --- right now it's in the upper 40's.  So the snow will disappear fast! 

Gary and Barb

Snow Storm Fun

Spring is here but winter just caught up with us.  We've gotten at least a foot of the white stuff.   We called our neighbors (Rick and Kitty Vander Wey) to see if they had seen the snow plow yet....."nope".  So we are pretty sure that we are not able to get out.  So there will be no meeting at the Detention Center tonight.  We are unhappy about that .....!  But we are very thankful for all the moisture that is coming -- yes it is still snowing --- has been since about midnight Monday night. 

 The poor birds were really struggling to hang on at the feeder.

Seeing as how Gary was bored ---- too nasty to work outside .......  sssoooo --- a project was in order.   I had all the "workings" for a floor lamp, so we went to work.  The pole is a Diamond Willow that I had cleaned up several years ago.    I guess our only thought for changing anything on it - would be to make the base a little darker.  Right now it only has a coating of oil. 

Well ---- now we need another project - so I have my thinking cap on - but Gary is watching the weather channel on TV.    Guess he is hoping for a change in the weather.

Gary and Barb