ANDREW GINGERICH

OCTOBER 29, 1911-FEBRUARY 21-2010

Born to farmers in Ontario, Canada. At the age of twelve moved to the United States to Crogan, NY to continue farming. He was told at a young age to stop attending school so that he could help out on the farm.

May 12, 1944, marries a young lady by the name of Esther Zimmerman from Lancaster, PA.

Andrew's parents Jacob and Lydia Gingerich

Andrew was chosen by lot to be a minister, which he took as a life calling from God, ordained as a Bishop. Andrew preformed many marriage ceremonies (including my own), preached many Biblical based sermons, all while farming and raising 4 children. Years later he now has many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grandpa reading to two great grandchildren.

Andrew is Ben's maternal grandpa. Many of Ben's childhood memories include his grandparents. They lived close by and Ben spent a lot of time at his grandparents house. Grandpa's birthday was 2 days later than Ben's, so the birthday parties were combined. As we gather together, I would like to gather more details and record them here for memories sake. I remember Grandpa's stories, but forget many of the important details so I will add them on after this weekend.

Enjoying snow once more!

The children are once more getting a chance to enjoy the beautiful snow. However, it is taking a bit more encouraging to get them out there! Jacob and Rachel have been my snow children this time. Ashley has been dealing with high fevers and not feeling well. So, Jacob is enjoying this new sled!

Rachel, outside, smiling and enjoying herself.

So cute! I was able to go outside and took some beautiful snow pictures.

Ashley has been so brave and strong as she struggles to feel better. I just wish I could take the sickness myself instead of seeing her struggle and be so fatigued, and still able to smile as a camera is aimed at her. I have made a bed on the couch to keep her close to me during the day and night. Often I am on the other couch at night to help her as needed. Today, she is feeling a little more like herself, although she still has a low grade temp.

And little Violet, asleep in her crib, as I wander around with my camera. It was so nice to get outside for a bit while she slept. Oh, I needed some fresh air!! I smile as I notice one sock on and one sock off. A Violet trait!

Saturday our electricity was off from 8:15 to 4:30pm. Now, I thought for sure we were going to be out for days!! Which I believe made the whole experience a little worse for me. I learned how many things we take for granted. The wood stove provided us with warm heat, and we read books, and played in the basement. I did not realize how much I am used to praise music playing in the background, how many times I glance at the electrical clocks, and the joy of running water. I would say I missed the running water the most. Washing our hands, flushing toilets, even cleaning the house! It pretty much put a stop to most things. Even the coffee maker!!!!!! We were melting buckets of snow so we could flush toilets! The kids thought it was a wonderful adventure and after electricity was restored, the kids were playing a game called No Electricity! I was walking around thanking God for the electricity we had. Even woke up this morning expressing my thankfulness for the electricity.

More Snow!

January is nearing an end already! Where did this month go? As I think back about the month I think of snow days, getting rid of a pacifier, Jacob's birthday, dealing with a cold, stress, and I can't think of any more. Sometimes the days merge into each other. With this snow fall, the children haven't been too excited to go outside. I guess the thrill of snow is over. So we have been playing games, cleaning, reading books, playing in the basement, and I think they have been having fun. Rachel is running around with a bit of a blackened eye due to an encounter with a light saber. And really, she didn't even cry that much, so I was surprised this morning to see how dark her eye looks! Church was cancelled this morning so we have an enjoyed a laid back, relaxed morning. Hopefully the day will continue on that relaxation note. At 11:00 in the morning I still have a child to get dressed and hair to do. Very unusual for me to be such a procrastinator.

Milestones

We're moving on to another stage in our lives. This morning Rachel was walking around with her pacifier in her mouth. Ben told her to go put it away. Rachel came back running saying she threw her pacey in the trashcan. Ben said "no way, show me" They went to the trashcan and with a flashlight saw the pacey way down in the trash can. Rachel went running to Ashley "come see my pacey!" Ashley and Jacob both looked into the trash can and saw the pacey. Then Rachel started saying "I'm ready for my birthday!" (we have been telling her that when she turns 3, no more pacey.) We were so proud of her, I told her I would take her to the store and buy her something to go to sleep with tonight. And we did. We took a trip and bought a new baby doll. Of course, then tonight there were quite a few tears and she no longer wanted that baby doll, her pacey instead. She did settle down in Ashley's room, with her doll, after I did a lot of talking and convincing. But the pacey is GONE!!!!!

I walked around this evening capturing the events of the evening. What a beautiful smile, showing off 6 teeth!!!

Playing Battleship

Rachel and her new doll.

Ashley playing with her Christmas gift from Grandma Bast, and a new tiara that Ashley spent her own money on.

A sight I often see, followed by mass destruction. Emptying out a basket seems to be quite a lot fun!!!

One other story about Rachel. Rachel was put in time out (for some reason). Time out means you sit on the steps, you are quiet and you are to think about what you have done, and what was the right thing you should have done. (something like that, I'm not sure exactly how I say it) So, Rachel is sitting on the steps, whimpering a little and talking. Ben tells her to be quiet and Rachel replies, "I'm talking to Jesus"! Well, that made us pause and go hmm.... what do we say to that? Yes, she's breaking the rules, but we don't want to tell her not to do that! Boy is she smart. Got out of that one. Sometimes, it is really hard to discipline, not to deviate from the rules and to keep a straight face!! So many times I feel like cracking up and laughing in the middle of enforcing manners, rules, etc..... So, I guess my new outlet is blogging. Hope you enjoy it and are able to smile.