Movies in the woods

Our little Honda generator is a wonder. It is so quiet we can watch a movie with it running right behind the screen and it powers the projector, laptop and sound system... Awesome fun times!

Burning can be a good thing

It was the perfect day for a controlled burn. It had rained and cooled somewhat but the leaf litter was very easy to catch on fire. There are lots of invasive honeysuckle and this helps clean things up significantly. We should have lots if green grass sprouting up in the coming weeks. The kids get to have a camp out and we get to sleep in our beds after washing all of the smoke in a nice warm shower.

The 4 wheeler has been a blast. It used to be so thick here we could not get a tractor through and now we easily stroll through the trees. We imagine that we can hear them breathing a sigh of relief because they have room to spread their branches.

The trees are spiritual. They were created in spirit before they were created here. I love knowing that. I love being out here. It's my little corner of heaven, even though we hear the pack of coyotes yipping and howling as the sun goes down.

Let the water flow...

Ok this is the spot. We will drill the well here. The house will have the feel of growing out of the hillside.

Picking a spot to drill the well

We have long dreamed of building and are just so slow to make any decisions! Today we are going to steak out the place to drill a well. Water is the key to everything, including having animals up here. Once we have access to water, we can start on the other projects.

So, the boys will be boys and Barry and I will do the fun work of making long held dreams come true.

Bryce's Big Day

Bryce has been counting down the days for months. He wanted to be a Deacon, hold the priesthood and pass the sacrament. He was also the last one in his primary class to turn 12 by a few months so that also had him wishing his birthday had come sooner. Nevertheless , he patiently prepared and today he was introduced as the ward's final addition to the quorum for 2012. Bishop said he was impressed with his preparation and that he had not seen another deacon so excited and well prepared as Bryce was. We love our kids, and joy in their goodness.

Bryce had a solo in the primary program

Dear Family
The primary had their program yesterday and both boys did fantastic in it. Jeff has a strong voice and sang out on every song. Bryce was the narrator and also had a short solo. We were very proud of our little guys that are not so little any more! We enjoyed so many years of firsts and now are experiencing many lasts. Next year will be our last year of having kids in Primary and I love what it has taught our children.
Love
Mom

A Birthday Tribute to my Mom

I notice things
the sunset
a flower
unique pottery shapes and glazes
remembering images from my youth.

You filled our home
with beauty
learning
smells of baking bread and dinner
homemaking skills are mine now

life is hard
but joy
radiates
it comes from deep inside and shows
that peace and love will overcome

I see you
in me
inheritance
is not something with price,
I see it's what I have become

My job now
as mother
teacher
is to give to my children
what you have given to me. Jewels.

Happy Birthday Mom

Love

Mechel