A First

Yesterday morning, my younger brother Michael and I decided to give grouse hunting on state land another shot :) Returning to the area which had been productive 2 days earlier, we began systematically combing the woods, flushing one bird about 4-5 times. Finally, after about an hour, we were walking along when Mike stopped me with an excited whisper, "There it is!" He graciously waited for me to get positioned, then we both fired at once. At a range of about 25 ft. that grouse didn't stand a chance. It's a first for both of us.



Dad also posted on his blog about it.

iThink...

...that Apple should develop some new products. Things like:

The iBall

The iSore

Or if they ever make a karaoke machine--the iScream

Just some ideas from a tired Mac supporter... :)

Conviction

So lately I've been visiting Dad and Daniel's blogs and have become convicted of my few-and-far-between posting habits. I'm going to work on that.

As always the first topic must be hunting! ;) Dad, Christopher, Zach and I went to an area near Vancouver Lake with Mr. Hardy Mr. Koch and his daughter. (We're hunting ducks of course :) The weather looked pretty good--cold and foggy, but no ice or wind. There's this long pond we call the "slough" about a half-mile walk from the parking lot. Spreading out into three parties of hunters, we determined to give any available birds some trouble. Dad and I had the dog, and I got a chance to set up my new hunting/photography blind/tent. Wouldn't you know it though...there weren't any ducks flying, and no opportunities to shoot! Christopher, Zach and I wandered around in the nearby fields pursuing C's latest hobby--coyote hunting--which he tries to attract with a call that imitates a dying rabbit or deer. When Mr. Koch heard it he said it was the worst duck calling he'd ever heard :) Anyway, our trio approached a large (and deep!) pond and flushed a pair of beautiful Mallards. Christopher was the only one to shoot since Zach and I were behind him, and he succeeded in injuring the male. You can read about his adventure on Dad's blog. What a duck to shoot on your first hunt in years!

More hunting stuff... :) Michael and I went to some nearby state land after lunch for a bit of grouse hunting--encouraged by Christopher's bird he shot yesterday. I got to use Dad's Winchester lever action .22 rifle, a very nice little gun. After tromping around in the brush for a while, we entered some promising habitat and soon flushed a Ruffed Grouse about 15 feet ahead of us. The trick with these birds is that they are very secretive and camoflauge, and they usually see you before you see them. To kill one with a rifle you need the bird to sit still... Somehow they never do--they must think we're going to hurt them or something :) I flushed it again a few minutes later, and Mike found it again a little later. Unfortunately we never had an opportunity to shoot. Dad posted on Christopher's bird yesterday.

In case you haven't noticed by now, my oldest brother Christopher is now home from his 5 month internship with Vision Forum Ministries in San Antonio Texas. He's happy to have "normal" weather again--like 35 degrees instead of 85. It's great to have him back for the holidays.

Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year everyone!

Best Hunt Ever!

This past Tuesday Dad, Michael and I went duck hunting at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge again. The night before, the rain was coming down in buckets, and we almost didn't go, but by 4:30 a.m. things had calmed down. Just so you know, I would only get up at 4:45 in the morning to go hunting--normally I'm up at a healthier hour :) Even though we got the 13th pick, a few people didn't show up so we were able to secure blind #6 which had always been kind to us in the past. As it turns out we got the hottest blind of the day.

Blind #6 is a pit blind, which puts the hunter at about ground level, and allows 360 o vision--a big plus.

Our lately injured, purebread, black lab, hunting puppy was finally well enough to come with us again. Duchess lives for duck hunting. Whenever we fired, she would whine at us to let her go fetch the ducks we must have hit ;) She was great to have around, finding some birds that we wouldn't have recovered without her.

Ok, so here's what happened. Before shooting time (7:20 a.m.) we had hundreds of ducks flying right over us. Unfortunately, we didn't take some shots that we should have as soon as it was legal to shoot. Dad nailed a Green-winged Teal drake just as it took off out of our decoys, and soon after I knocked down a hen Pintail. (btw the chronology here is probably wrong, but I'll do my best :) I think we got a few more Teal after that, as well as Michael's drake Pintail. At that point we could legally only shoot one more Pintail, and I wanted a drake! But alas, Dad got one, and from that point on we had to pass up probably a dozen shots so we wouldn't exceed the limit. Normally the action really slows down after shooting time, but this was different. We had tons of birds fly over, and I think we really could have done better if one of us was calling.

Dad got a tiny hen Green-winged Teal, and I got my first double--two Shovelers in two shots. The drakes are really beautiful birds.

So with 3 Pintails, 4 Teal, and 2 Shovelers we decided to leave at about 10:30 (I think).

We had never gotten more than 9 ducks in one trip so I was kinda dissapointed we didn't break the record. As we walked back to the truck, Michael and I decided to keep our shotguns loaded just in case. Wouldn't you know it, a huge drake Gadwall dove right down toward us! Mike fired twice, and I joined him on his second shot, both bringing the bird down. We can't determined who actually killed it, so we decided to split the credit :) I still beat Mike with 3 1/2 birds to his 2 1/2. We got our tenth :)

Harvest Time!

When I got home I naturally wanted to take some closeups of such beautiful birds. The artist emerges once again... :)

Green-winged Teal




Green-winged Teal and Northern Pintail



Northern Pintail




Family Enjoyment

This one is priceless! Christianna is coming along fast. She's the one I've taught to shoot rubber duckies in the bathtub! ;)

Yes, Aimee will actually touch a duck! She often talks about those silly boys and their hunting obsession, but she'll come around.

Tonight...

I'm singing in my first Voices of Praise concert! Dad will probably take pictures so later I'll post a few.

And I'm really sorry everyone, for not updating in so long! :O Laziness has kicked in more than usual, but in a few weeks I'll be going down to Texas--that'll sure give me some interesting stuff to post about. Dad has been posting regularly on the family blog so go there for more family news.

Gotta run...more later!

Christmas Lights

I'd like to leave you with a verse I found particularly meaningful as we enter the Christmas season. In I Timothy 4:12 we read Paul exhorting his young disciple Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." You'll notice that the very first thing he tells Timothy to exemplify is speech and then goes on to list conduct, love, faith and purity. Paul is urging Timothy to devote himself to God in all of life, to be consistent. As we enter the season where we celebrate Christ's birth, all of us will struggle with keeping our focus on God's gift. It's very difficult, especially for young people, to appreciate the true meaning of the holiday when we're all caught up with decorating, shopping and measuring boxes to see who has the biggest present. Most of us celebrate "Selfmas" instead of Christmas. Just last week as we celebrated Thanksgiving, I imagine many of us either silently or vocally expressed our thankfulness that Christ came to earth on our behalf. This Christmas season you have the opportunity to live what you say. Make your conduct reflect the true meaning of Christmas, and if that happens you will stand out in the crowd. It may even cause people to come up and ask you, "What are you doing? Isn't X-mas a time to spend lots of money on presents, pie, trees and lights?" What you say and how you live are a witness to a world that's forgotten God and the birth of Christ. "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." Paul is talking to us. Let's be Christmas lights of truth this season.

Happy 10th birthday Zach! I'll add a few pics later :)

First Time in Years

Hey everyone, I'm alive!, but as of yesterday 8 ducks no longer are :) Dad, Zach (his 1st time) and I went out to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge at about 4:15 a.m. yesterday and even though we had to pick our blind almost last, we ended up with a really productive spot. Thankfully the rain was not very intense and the warm temperatures were pleasant. After about 5 hours of hunting, we came away with 5 Northern Shoveler hens, 2 Gadwall (a drake and hen), and Dad's hen mallard :) I'm so glad we decided not to can it because of the weather--I've never shot that much in my life or knocked down 2-3 birds. So yeah, we're pretty happy hunters! ;)

It's The Banjosphere's 1st birthday today! I almost forgot! :)

My links are now updated too. You should visit the Naturescapes.net bird photography forum--it's the best I've ever seen!

Happy 18th birthday Hannah!

Paradise

Sometimes we forget what awaits us in eternity. Revelation 22 provides a beautiful picture.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Happy birthday, Dad and Mom. And happy 20th Christopher! :)

The Zoo

Last week Wednesday, most of our family went to the Oregon Zoo with Grandma. I took about 357 photos :) Here are a few of the best ones (I don't have time to write much, so I'll just post the photos). They have cougars now, but we couldn't see them... :(

Sea Otter

Sun Bear

Peregrine Falcon

American Kestrel (sooo cute!)

Harris Hawk
Golden Eagle

Bald Eagle
Great Horned Owl
Blue Macaw
Peacock
Wood Duck

It actually cost less to buy a year-round pass than to pay for one trip with all the kids! There are many advantages to being in a large family. :)

Here Goes...

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4 and write what it says.

"...gave this advice to the nation: "Of all dispositions and habitats which lead..."" (God and Government, by Gary DeMar--kinda leaves you hanging doesn't it? :)

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What can you touch?

Absolutely nothing. I live in a vacuum! But you probably don't want to hear about that...

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?

Last night, I glanced at the screen when Dad was watching Wheel of Fortune, but I don't really watch TV so...

4. Without looking, guess what time it is.

It's 5:47 p.m.

5. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?

It's actually 5:44, but I was close, right?

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

Grandma playing a hymn on the piano downstairs.

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?

Looking for snacks ;)

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?

Huh? I guess if I'm understanding this right, I looked at my most recent painting--totally cool btw!

9. What are you wearing?

Old black shorts and a shirt that's like half t-shirt and half sweatshirt with the logo of Dad's old company on it--it's a painting shirt :D

10. Did you dream last night?

Nope, but if I had it would have been about caramel apples and beef! (seperate of course :)

11. When did you last laugh?

Earlier today, after butchering chickens at the Cool's, Pete and I were cracking up to the point of lunacy! Somehow everything (I mean EVERYTHING is funny when you're tired :) Of course just looking at Pete's face always makes me laugh! jk :)

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?

Lots of paint, wallpaper and artwork.

13. Seen anything weird lately?

Well, this morning I saw my little brother... Oh wait, I saw Jonathan more recently!

14. What do you think of this quiz?

Umm, it's like the first one I've ever taken the time to fill out, and I don't know--or want to know--what this is communicating about me, but it's entertaining!

15. What is the last film you saw?

The other day the kids turned on Hogan's Heroes, an old WWII show--love 'em!

16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?

I'd probably buy property out here--it can only get more expensive and I really want to be debt-free.

17. Tell me something about you that I don't know.

I'm now a Voices of Praise choir member! (been meaning to announce that)

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

I would love it if every Christian family and father would realize their God-given duty to train their children at home.

19. Do you like to dance?

Yes! Virginia Reel is loads of fun, as well as other faster dances (I'm no good at the waltz or swing, but they can be fun too). Square dancing is enjoyable as well.

20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?

You know, I have no idea. Maybe Jenna? I don't know...

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?

A Biblical name like Timothy--these are all off the top of my head, I'm sure I could think of more.

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?

That's a tough question, but I'd rather live close to my family and have the ability to travel abroad (like Alaska!) It'll be difficult to start out here though, since the land/house prices are so high. But that's why I'm going to be a millionaire! :)

Zach's New Pet

While Jonathan and I were gone in Colville, Zach's last hamster, Checkers (I liked to spell it "Czequerz" :) died for an unknown reason. So a few weeks ago he went shopping for a replacement. He ended up with this cute, short-haired female which he named "Kibbles."


This name has a pretty funny story. Reading the box which served as a temporary cage for the hamster, Aimee found the labels "Food for Dogs," "Natural Choice Puppy Food," and "Puppy Yankee Potroast!" In that same line of thought, Mom suggested he name her Kibbles, after the infamous Kibbles & Bits dog food commercials. Zach's the only one hoping she won't live up to her name! :) Actually, we all like her, and I find her more entertaining (and cuter) than Czequerz used to be.

Birthdays!

Happy 11th birthday Aimee! The weather's just great isn't it? :)

Happy 15th b-day to Daniel (in advance). We're leaving for California tommorrow, so you're birthday will be spent in the car most of the day...what fun! :) Actually we're going to stop at the Oregon Caves and the giant Sequoias on the way, so that will be neat.

Not a lot to report, but I had to post, sooo... I'm sure Christopher wouldn't mind me posting this since most everyone knows it by know. He applied for the Vision Forum internship program, and last week learned that he's been accepted! So he'll be heading down to San Antonio Texas in early August to stay for about 5 months. It's funny to hear Mom briefing him on how and what to buy, what to cook and all that. :) This is a great opportunity for him, and we wish him the best!

Oh, and he also ordered a camera yesterday--a Canon Powershot A620 with a card, batteries and a charger. I'm still saving... :( Well, have a great week, and I'll be sure to post some more before we leave again for Colville on the 22.

Happy 16th birthday Pete!

My Cookie!...hehehe

All you guys think you can make cookies? How 'bout you make it easy and just make one :) Mine turned out about 16 1/2" in diameter! Ya, that's me in the picture--the hat and apron were Christopher's idea :)

At the Evening of the Arts (an event held anually at our church) it turned out to be very popular! Just look at those kids waiting to get a bite of that colossal confection! (never mind the cake-it's obvious the only thing the crowd wants is my cooking :)

But alas! it was demolished in about a half hour...allowing me to stop serving, get some pie and talk to friends. My new cookbook will be published at the end of next year...I know ya'll can't wait ;)

When You Give a Benj a Library Card...

Congratulations Graduates!

The title says it all. Congrats to all the 2006 graduates of WPC!!

In 1492...

You don't know your history until you've read these! Most were made up by my siblings--I won't mention any names. :)

In 1491, Columbus sailed without his gun

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean goo

In 1493, Columbus climbed his first tree

In 1494, Columbus sailed the ocean floor

In 1495, Columbus made his first dive

In 1496, Columbus his first lollipop licks

In 1496, (we had a tie) Columbus discovered trail mix

In 1497, Columbus turned 11!

In 1498, Columbus sailed in a crate

In 1499, Columbus sailed too fast and got a fine

Now go and impress your friends with your new knowledge! They'll believe you...really. :)

3rd Year in a Row

I had my adjudication for music festival this afternoon. They held it at Beacock's, and this time they actually had a nice grand piano for us poor students. :) I was a bit nervous beforehand, but once I started playing, I was much more relaxed and comfortable. The competition is divided into difficulty levels (I think I was in Difficult 1); they have a required peice (there are a few choices) and you're allowed to pick the other. I played "Reverie in F Minor" by Dennis Alexander, and "Venetian Boat Song" by Felix Mendelssohn. The two girls that played before me also did the Reverie, and since I was the last one to play that peice, I kinda' got the last word. :) The judge seemed to prefer my interpretation--very 'romantic'....hmmm.... Anyway, I won't keep you in suspense too long. The judge gave me another Superior--this is my third Superior in a row so I get a gold cup! They have a special recital for gold cup winners, but I probably can't manage it because it's on the same Sunday as my piano teacher's recital and our small group meeting at church. I've got a few more piano performances in the next two months, but the big ones are over. Now I just need to clean off my bed and walls to display all these trophies and ribbons! :) Have a beautiful evening everyone! (by the time you're reading this, it probably won't be evening, but that's why God gave us imaginations ;)

The Big Day!

Last Saturday WPC held a garage sale/bake sale/car wash fundraiser for our church's outreach efforts to the Colville Indian Reservation this summer. Anyway, it was a lot of fun, and overall very sucessful. Following are some pictures for your enjoyment. :)

We set up the garage sale in one of the back theaters-there sure was a lot of stuff! Thankfully, even with all the people, it didn't get out of hand like garage sales often do.

Jonathan Bordwine bought some pretty goofy stuff: a guitar strap for a belt, suspenders, driving gloves, a silver cup (aka. the "Chalice of Malice"), a leafy hat thing, a monstrous pair of toy sunglasses and various other items. Combine all of these and you've got Caesar, interplanetary explorer, Augustus!

Amanda Tuck manning the craft table. That was a boring job, so thanks a million to those who were willing to take a shift!

Doesn't look like Jonathan is too thrilled to be a sign-holder! :)

Brian, Jon and I. The hat was 25 cents, I couldn't resist... :)

Here's the car-washing crew. They estimated that they washed about 60 cars!

What with the spectacular weather, fellowship with friends, plenty of work, and lot's of stuff to rummage through, the day was really fun, and very successful fundraiser. It was my first experience selling my work, and has motivated me to look for other ways to do that this summer.

In other news, I've got about 5 piano performances in the next 2 months... Can't wait for summer break! Oh, and the younger kids (Jeremy, Rebecca, Christianna) are still struggling with whooping cough, so please pray for their recovery--especially the baby. Hope ya'll have a wonderful week!