Cuss words

It is really funny when a three year old lets loose with a cuss word. It is really funny when a seventy-three year old lets loose with a cuss word. Anyone in between, not so much. Having said that, I love the ideas set forth in this blog http://guidetostuffmormonslike.blogspot.com/2008/12/finding-excuses-to-swear-without-it.html#links. If I knew how to link I would but since I don't just type it in. It will be worth your efforts. I personally have very little experience in this area but all you out there who do, will welcome this validation.

Birthdays

AS everyone knows, we around here don't need much of an excuse for a party. A couple of weeks ago we decided to have one last get-together before the start of school. The occasion was to celebrate Meghan, Donald and Grandaddy's birthdays. Food was fabulous as always. Chocolate cake and coconut cake!We held it right after church since there was plenty of room and air conditioning.






Grandaddy is modeling one of his new vests made by Betsy Miller. He had mentioned months ago he would like another vest to wear with his suspenders on Sunday. Then he could still look dressy without wearing a tie and jacket. I searched some stores, then went to Goodwill, but couldn't find anything. When I found out Betsy was working part-time at a local fabric store I asked for her help. She graciously offered to sew Dad a vest. I was overwhelmed when I found out she had made him five new vests. They are so stylish!! She made a couple of heavier ones for colder weather even. Dad was so surprised when we gave them to him. Betsy has always claimed to be one of the Cattell sisters and her place in the family is truly secure.

Tabi and Evan's Wedding

Just a few random shots I took. I am sure everyone has seen the formal pics on facebook. The food was fabulous, great shrimp and bruschetta with pico de gallo. What a cake! Allyson did a terrific job with it. There was only a handleful of Susan's marvelous meatballs left. My gang had such a great time we ended up taking the party back to the compound for swimming and more eating.











I didn't get a pic of the little ones dancing. Gretchen ran and grabbed her"Nate" when the music started and was dragging him around the dance floor. I think he enjoyed the cake eating part better.

How Corny!

When someone gives you beautiful corn already picked, you have to "put it up" Dad came over and saw the proceedings. He mentioned some nifty tool some friend had that makes getting the corn off the cob much easier. He ended up going online to locate a source and off we went to what was called "MSI" This tool is wonderful! We had our corn done by time the purchase was made but the Ritchie's volunteered to try it out. Dad was overjoyed to see it lived up to his expectations. The corn-sheller is available by appointment at the compound. It is slightly messy to use so dress for the occasion.

Let's Salsa!

That is what Eileen said to Ryan the other day. We invited a few other "guest" and had a party. Ended up with over a hundred quarts, pints, half-pints. Kristina Ritchie, Helen and Ryan, Randy, our summer kid(Eileen's nephew), Mallorie(Matt's girlfriend)Jed, and myself all had a great day bonding over tomatoes.

Ordinary Days

Donald trying to reach the top of our huge sunflowers.



I recently watched a Hallmark movie called "The Magic of Ordinary Days" starring Keri Russell. Her life takes an unexpected turn and she ends up, well I won't tell the ending if you happen to ever see it. I think it was filmed in Idaho for all you westerners.
Anyway, that is what I love about summer in spite of the heat and humidity. I love digging into the dirt to plant seeds or walking along and spying a huge cucumber hanging on the vine. I like the boredom of knowing tomorrow I will get on the mower and go round and round in circles. Summer has a kind of predictability that is not present during the school year. Yet it also has a kind of magic as I watch the gardens grow, as long as I don't forget to water them. There is also the way nights are different. Nothing like dodging the horseflies who love to buzz over the pool right at dusk. Heck we even saw fireflies last week!

Memorial Day get-together

Happenings at the compound tend to take on a life of their own. I don't mind because we always end up with great food and good times. Jen and James were coming over to pick up Nate for a few days. Glen Ritchie (who will be put up for sainthood soon) was helping with the new office construction. Ryan was cooking out for Vickie. Sarah was in town to see her mom. We all ended up eating, swimming, and yes working. Ryan cooked the buffalo burgers Carol brough from Wyoming, we had hotdogs for the kids. Eileen did shave ice. I missed a picture of the cube cracking and shooting across the garage toward Aunt Susan.

Through the years

I haven't changed much. Jed is most changed I think. I need to scan from G-dad's books the years he has. I know the first piture is from 2002.

Trying out the new camera

Catch-up

I've decided blogging is no fun without pictures. Rumor is Carol is bringing me a new camera when they come for the reunion. I decide I should update even if you have to just visualize whAT I am talking about.
The new office that Dave, I'll have it done in a week, is building is now entering the fourth week of construction. Granted, he and Donald both work full time jobs. He and Donald also don't always agree on how to build something. The best thing so far about the project is the amount of entertainment it provides the g-parents and Dallin who watch from the safety of the porch. I have done my part and relandscaped the place where the front porch of the new office will face. I also try to keep the weeds from taking over the entire compound. Who decided to do this build just when the grass is growing faster than three people can keep up with it? At least Eileen is done with school and can keep everyone fed or mow depending on the mood she and I are in on the days mowing needs done. Matt has been a big help with doing the ditches and some other areas. Work and the mysterious Mallorie keep him pretty busy. She is coming to the reunion but is pretty scared about meeting all of us.
Jed scored again this year at honor's night. He brought home a plaque for superior honor's, another for biology top student, and a trophy for the tenth grade writing winner. Rumor has it his poem is on display in the mall. I have to check it out.
As Mother's Day approaches I must say how proud I am of all my children,(that includes the ones who have married into the family) I think you all seem to have really moved forward these last few months. You all are doing a great job with my wonderful grandchildren. I appreciate the help with your grandparents. I think it is great the way you all have been involved at the schools your children go to. It was a good moment for me last week at Stella's baptism when Aunt Susan commented on all the little kids and noted how many belonged to me. If I don't do anything else with my life maybe I can create a legacy of good people who know family is more important than anything this world can offer.

I Borrowed Jed's camera

Dallin was worn out from supervising. G-mom is loving the nicer weather. It means she can see the world go by from her front porch again.



The question was asked "are Dave and Eileen planning on living at the compound forever?" The answer is No, only for the next three years or so. The following pictures are all pretty self explanatory if you've read the previous two blogs. Jed with the machete may need some explaining. Some years ago, we transplanted a small cherokee rose bush from the Agrirama. It grew and flourished nicely until G-dad caught it on fire on year while burning some grass along the fence. He thought for sure he had killed it. Oh no. The plant took its revenge and grew and grew into a monster attacking anyone who comes within a few feet of it. The thorns are like pieces of barbed wire. Jed was chosen to hack the creature back to its normal plant persona. We are delighted to say that he won the battle and next year's egg hunt participates will once again be able to hunt free of fear.