Update on Bunkhouse progress

By request, here are some pictures taken last Wed.
This is looking at the Northwest corner.

Front view. These are adobe made on site, from local materials.

Front door

South East corner of courtyard.
The electrician is the one holding the project up
at this point, so I need to get busy!

Two Days in Lund

Bathroom floor.

Kitchen floor.

Adobe blocks made on Thursday.

Block making Machine

Thursday afternoon.

Front View, on Thursday afternoon.

View from kitchen looking towards sitting/bedroom area.

Below is a photo taken Wednesday morning.

My First Post

This is my first try to do my own post. Thank you Meridy, and everyone else that contributed to my blog so far. It is great. I flew over the Lund area this morning, but did not land. It looked a little wet. I did take some pictures though. The top picture is the Historic J.H. Johnston Ranch. The next photo is the site of the new geothermal power plant that is being built north east of Lund, at Thermo, Utah and the bottom picture is the wind and solar research center at the Entre Cimas Ranch.

Leslie's (and Darin's) Father's Day Tribute

I am one to easily take things for granted, so to write a tribute to my father-in-law makes me even more aware of this weakness.

I love Chuck's patience with all men (and women.) I remember asking him once about his hunt for gold. He proceeded to explain a lot of things and even get a map out to try to help me understand everything better. I'm pretty sure he knew I only understood half of it, and pretended the rest. But I love him for taking the time anyway and not caring that his intellect and knowledge far exceeded my own.

My mom always told me before I got married to watch how my boyfriends' fathers treated their mothers. I paid attention, and it paid off. One of my favorite things about Chuck is that he shows such patience and unconditional love for Cheryl. I have appreciated his outward show of affection, and complete respect for her. It has been a blessing in my life because Darin treats me much the same way.

I am amazed at the amount of knowledge Chuck has stored inside him. I've always been impressed with his ability to remember the things he reads and learns. He's very humble about this which is even more impressive. I've never seen or known him to talk down to anyone.

Darin and I are hoping these traits are being passed down to his grandchildren. Logan looks up to his Grandpa Reeve so much. He wants to hear about every project Grandpa Reeve has going. I'm so grateful my children have such a wonderful role model in their Grandpa. I feel very grateful that we live close by, and we are able to spend time with him.

Getting the word out

Hey Dad, here's a supplement to our last conversation about global warming.
What's funny is how some people in the articles seem to think they have it all figured out.
The human condition lends itself to all manner of biases and shortcomings in understanding.

A little light reading for you.

A little more light reading for you.

A little more light reading for you.

A little more light reading for you.

I try to keep my ears on when Dad talks

I’ve thought before that part of the lesson of coming to earth is to learn what it is like to be a parent. As a parent you begin to better understand God’s feelings toward all his children. I have also been fortunate to have an earthly father who helps me know what it is like to be a son of God. I know what it is to ask questions and get solid perspectives. I know what it is to be loved unconditionally and yet be subject to high expectations. I know what sacred things feel like. I know what grace is because Dad comes in and bails me out whenever I need him. I know what it is to be eternally indebted–first he gave me life (he couldn’t have done it without you Mom!), then he gave me good gifts. All he asks in return is for me to be good. If I am good, I get more of the same. I could never break even.
I can also ditto what everyone else has said. There’s a memory, though, that is special to me. One night I was having seizures, and I asked Dad for a blessing. I don’t know what I was expecting, but Dad didn’t bless me that the seizures would go away. He blessed me that I could cope with them. He later explained to me that sometimes you have to just let things happen, be strong, and ride them out. The seizures eventually went away by themselves, but I have retained the lesson. The important thing is not what happens to you-- it’s how you react to it. Dad saw that the seizures wouldn’t really hurt me, but my fear could. I was listening Dad.
I’m fortunate to have a great mom and a great dad.

My Father in Law

I'm very blessed to have Chuck for my father in law. Here are some things that I admire about Chuck:

He has a zest for life. He always has some project that he his working on, either making something from scratch (like building up Lund) or working on improving something (like the yard). Moreover, he maintains a positive attitude while doing it.

If he wants something done, he's not afraid to learn how to do it himself, and he is a good learner because he is humble. Along the same lines, if he wants something he will go get it or find a way to make it happen. I think William gets his "go getter" spirit from his Grandpa Reeve. Chuck is even willing to take care of legal matters by learning how to do it himself. I think this shows that he has moxy.

He doesn't let himself get pushed around and stands up for what he thinks is right. However, at the same time he is incredibly patient and kind. A very good combination.

He knows what each of his children's interests are and takes time to talk with them about those interests and even learns from his children. This makes each of his children feel special.

He is incredibly generous and has a good attitude about money. He and Cheryl know how to maintain a thriving business, but they also are giving to people even when they know that they may not get a return on a loan. I often think that Heavenly Father blesses generous people with money because He knows He can count on them to be selfless and help others. Charles and Cheryl Reeve are no exception.

He also gives his time and talents to those in need at a moments notice. He is often asking Cheryl what he can do to help.

He knows how to laugh at himself, and he just has a good attitude in general. He treats his wife, family, and everyone around him with respect.

Thanks Chuck for all that you do! We love you!

My Hero

My dad is Always willing to help. He stayed up with me countless nights doing lots of homework-mostly math. It wasn’t until after I’d graduated from high school that I found out that he doesn’t actually like math. I always just knew that he loved it because he always jumped in to help me so enthusiastically.

It seems that my dad is constantly helping someone fix something. Whether it’s one of his kids with a leaky toilet or a renter with a broken AC unit, Dad always gets working on the problem as soon as he’s alerted.

I remember lying on Mom and Dad’s bed while he read me stories.

Dad always went to all of my dance recitals, band concerts, and anything else I was ever in. Sometimes I felt bad and tried to talk him out of going if I knew it was going to be boring, but he has always been so supportive.

I know my dad will always take care of me. When the family hiked up the La Verkin hill, I was the last to go down into the caves, and everybody was moving on to the rest of the hike while I lollygagged-taking pictures of spider webs and such. Dad stayed quietly sitting there to make sure I got out safely before he hiked on. It was a small thing, but it really made me feel loved.

I know my dad loves me. I knew growing up that if I ever needed him, he would be there for me. I knew he was just a phone call away. No matter how long the drive, I knew my dad would come and get me if I needed him.

I love my dad so much. There’s not much in this world that makes me feel better than to be in his arms, and there aren’t many wrongs that can’t be righted by his soft shoulder and tender voice. I often wish that I was still little enough to crawl onto his lap.

Thanks, Dad, for being the best dad possible-better than I could have ever hoped to have.

Emily's Father's Day Tribute

When I think of my Father, I'm reminded of:
* You're so fast, you caught a wild rabbit with your bare hands(that was amazing and awesome!)
* You're so strong, you lifted four wheelers into the back of your truck with your bare hands
* You can fix anything around the house (clogged toilets, clogged vacuums, clogged sinks, and many other things we put you through)
* You're so smart, you always know all of the math answers!
* You are giving of your time
* You're always willing to help (soldering bracelets, fixing a van window, helping on house projects when you visit)
* Speaking of house projects, our Michigan house looked 100% better after you came to visit (new tile around the blank space by the oven, new flashing on the door, and the best cookie sheet pan rack I've ever had)
* You were protective of us when we were going through our dating years (something I didn't appreciate until much later, but thanks!)
* You waited up for us countless nights
* You always have a few projects up your sleeve (Lund, Wells out South, Roadster, work, and keeping up with your kids and grandkids demands)
* We all enjoy your guitar playing, and now your karaoke singing (one of my best memories was at the cabin sitting as a family listening to you play your guitar and sing)
* You'll play Rook with us, even when you'd rather go to bed or read a book instead (I can hear you now, "I'll play if you need me.")
* You've always given freely of your services to the church and your callings
* You are very generous
* You're ambitious, and always ready for a challenge (pilots license, well digging certificate, and keeping a business(or 2) going strong)
* You've always shown love and respect to our Mother
* You're willing to jump in and help with dishes, sweeping or cleaning
* You took me hunting even though you knew I'd never kill an innocent deer (I was just along for the fun ride and the snacks)
* Nick was so impressed with your anger management and self control when you sliced your finger with the lawnmower blade and all you said was "Ouch!"
* You've always been supportive, and are willing to listen (like when I have ideas to make some money by inventing or creating something, but never follow through with)
* You are a janitor, a maintenence man, a mechanic, a builder, a teacher, a business man, a pilot, a landscaper, a plumber, an electrician, and you've worn many other hats, but the thing you do very best is being a Father and Grandfather. You are so wonderful and have been there for me always. I love you so much, and am blessed and honored to have you as my Father! Emily

My dad can make anything, but most importantly he...

Makes time for us. The other day Lyf called and needed help with the backhoe to plant a tree. I know my dad had other things to do, but he put them off to help Lyf. He does things like this all the time for us.

Makes everything work, i.e. cars, machines, computers, math equations, tvs etc. Sometimes, magically, just by being there. He has the touch which comes from years of experience and just understanding how things work.

Makes Mom happy. Makes the grandkids happy. He gives them attention, takes them outside, talks to them and calms them down even if it means sharing his cookies and pop or just letting them follow him around.

Makes us feel special and needed. When he is working on something he says “Angie can figure this out”, or “Nathan knows about this kind of thing”. Even though he has already figured it out and it would be easier for him not to get someone else involved, he explains the problem and makes you think that he needs your help. He stretches us by teaching us to work through things.
Makes our lives more fun and exciting, with roadsters and airplanes and tractors and swimming pools and stories and songs.

Makes us better people by following his example. The way he treats Mom, the way he helps Grandpa Reeve, the way he serves the Lord, the way he is honest, the way he works hard, the way he has learned things and continues to learn new things, the way he is patient, and the way that he lives so that everyone around him is better because of the things that he does.

Makes me so happy that he is MY dad. I love you Dad, love Angie.

If I’m being completely honest, I have to say that I fell in love with Chuck and Cheryl before I fell in love with Ryan! Granted, it was a different kind of love, but they were definitely a part of the reason I fell! Each time I was at their house, be it a holiday or simply to play games, I loved every minute of my time with the family (even when I had to pretend that I knew how to play Rook-however, for some reason I think they were very aware of the fact!).
I love the way that Chuck treats Cheryl-as though she is made of gold. It doesn’t matter the day of the week or who is watching, he always treats her as if she is the most important thing in the world. I will forever be grateful for this, because Ryan treats me the same…and I couldn’t ask for better! I know this is because he grew up watching the way his dad treated his mom.
Chuck is a truly genuine person. He tells it how it is and doesn’t worry about what others think of him. He is kind to everyone and so easily forgives others for their shortcomings. It doesn’t matter who it is, he treats everyone as if he or she is someone important to him.
As I have watched Chuck in his most recent church calling, I have seen his devotion to the people he works with. I recall an incident that happened last year that displayed his true devotion. The family was spending time at White Rocks (I believe that is where we were) and the Spanish branch had planned a Cinco de Mayo party (again, the details on this are a bit fuzzy, but I think this was the correct holiday-actually, it may have been Easter. I just remember it was an important holiday!). Because he knew the people were depending on him, Chuck stayed with the family over night and then left early the next morning to go to the party. I know the people in the Spanish branch appreciated it, and I appreciated seeing his true devotion to his calling.
Chuck is always there for his kids. He is always so willing to help them, even though it may not always be at the most convenient time. Ryan absolutely loves to spend time with his dad-and I love that they enjoy being together and have such a great relationship and so much in common . In fact, as I am writing this, they are in Lund together and I know Ryan is in heaven!
I am so lucky to be a member of the Reeve family! Happy Fathers Day Chuck!

Chani