Gwin Springs Ranch

This is the latest, greatest ranch.

We had a lot of fun driving over to look at it.  The Spy Twins drove their own vehicle and we saw some beautiful new country.  We all agree that the volcanic rock pillars are a great sanctuary, and an excellent hideout location.

Imagine!  A valley all to yourself!

That brings a Louis quote to mind, "Isn't that what we're all searching for?  A green valley somewhere?"

Definitely!

Great Grandma Ricks

I used these pictures in my Relief Society lesson several weeks ago.  I wanted an example of a normal person who was also radiant, happy, and full of the love of Christ.

That would be Grandma Ricks.

Here she is in her high school graduation photo.  The story is that Great Grandpa Ricks was visiting Sugar City and found a year book.  He was flipping through it and saw Grandma and decided right then that she was the girl for him.... It still took him awhile to convince her, though.

She was a nurse in World War 2.  "Cherry Ames, student nurse!!"  Any soldier who was lucky enough to come under her care, probably thought that he had died and gone to heaven.  

She sent this picture to Grandpa Ricks while they were dating.  We didn't find it until after she died.  No one had ever seen it before.  She is adorable!

Nova Spy's New Project

Ahhh.  Just when I thought we were getting rid of old cars around the place....

But no.  Projects must continue.

Nova Spy found this old chevy on Craig's list and fell in love.  He and Mr. Bechtel drove down to Blackfoot to check it out, and several hours later I saw the old Suburban, with Mr. Bechtel driving, pulling Nova and "the project" down the lane.

The stated goal is to fix it up, sell it, and make some money.  Since everyone is attached to it already, and we all know Granny Smith's opinions on selling things, all of that remains to be seen.

Right now, Nova is just learning how to rebuild a car.

Sounds fun.

Board of Review

When President Monson had the scouts sing, "Mom, you've earned your Eagle" at the scouting commemoration broadcast, they were not kidding.  It's not that I did the work.  I just STRESSED about the work.  It's not that I did the paperwork.  I just STRESSED about the paperwork.  And since there were 2 sets of everything, I thought I might pull out my hair.

So everyone was very thrilled when the Spy Twins had their board of reviews last week.  (especially me.)  They are absolutely delightful boys, and I really enjoyed reading the letters of recommendation that people had written for them.  They all said the same things; that the boys were honest, very hard working, extremely capable and always kind.  

Big pay day for a mom.

Good job guys.

Goodbye Beloved Manure Spreader

We sold the manure spreader.  This is sad.  What will I use as my backdrop for family pictures now?  Granny Smith was also NOT PLEASED.  He gets quite attached to vehicles and told us, "you have already sold Samson (the tractor - very sad), and the old jeep, and now the manure spreader.  You are NOT selling anything else!"

Granny Smith and Mr. Bechtel took it for it's last trip around the place before we sold it down the river.

It was definitely a very cool old truck.  We shall miss the old beast.  

Palace Digs for the Cats

Granny Smith built a great shelter for the cats (and dogs) this winter out of old straw bales and firewood.

He was out playing with all the critters one afternoon after riding Pepper so I took a few pictures.  This guy is almost 12!  Ahhhhhh!  Where does time fly?  I don't know who's more freaked out about it - him or me!  I sure love him.

Black and White is Best

Nova Spy and Pepper looking good.