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.

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving was marvelous this year - such lovely weather, Golden Delicious home from School, yummy food and great company.

I felt very thankful.

The Word From Leeds, England

Elder Braeburn continues to delight us with his letters.  He keeps us updated on his investigators and the daily work of being a missionary.

This experience is from a few months ago, but I love it.

He says, " Yesterday morning at 9:00 we had 5 investigators confirmed for church.  At 10:00 we had one, and a random former investigator who we hadn't even confirmed showed up, which gave us 2. 

 4 of our investigators we had scheduled for baptism didn't come, which means they'll miss their dates and we'll have to start over again from scratch.  Sunday mornings are always a little depressing. 

 Then we had a great sunday dinner with some members.  Tony (investigator) said he was too busy to have us over that evening, but we sensed that his excuses were a little hollow so we went anyway.  We felt the spirit powerfully as we were able to resolve his concerns and pour out his alcohol again.  I had a pretty impressive experience actually where I taught him doctrine I didn't know.  He asked a question I didn't know the answer to, my mouth opened, and I was able to give him a concise, correct answer to a pretty intense doctrinal question.  We left the appointment feeling exultant -  far, far better than we did that morning waiting for investigators to show up at church.  So, that's the nature of our days."