I sing a song for you

Hi friend. I made a song for you. Listen to it here.

Richman Family Sleepover '08

Every summer, just before the grand kids go back to school, my mom hosts a family sleepover in her backyard. The kids look forward to it all summer and it's fast becoming a favorite family tradition. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Richman gathering without good food, enough to feed the small militia we call family. And it certainly wouldn't be a Richman family gathering without chocolate cake and my mom's fresh strawberry-rhubarb pie with homemade ice cream. It tastes as good as it looks. Trust me. Around midnight we throw down a huge tarp and let everyone squabble over where is the best place to lay down their sleeping bag. Some of the weaker ones choose to sleep indoors. Only the strong can survive all night outside, braving the elements and the possibility of werewolf attacks under a full August moon. Meet KJ and Matt, best buds. We found them moments before they were about to embark on a great adventure donning dark hooded sweatshirts, head lamps, and wielding flashlights. At about 1:00 am.

Hey guys, where you goin'?

KJ: We're going out DISCOVERING.

Discovering, so we were told, is most successful in the wee early morning hours. So, like any responsible authority figure we sent them merrily on their way. Report from the field: among other very important findings from the remote wilderness of my mom's suburban neighborhood, they brought back...bones (human or animal, the boys could not determine) unearthed from a suspicious vacant lot.
In the morning the kids love to pile all the blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, and mats under the swing...and jump off! It's a simple pleasure; we are but simple people. This is a favorite past-time of mine and I love seeing my nieces and nephews enjoying the same backyard games I did as a youngster.

Introducing...the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swing-Jumping TeamThanks Richman's for yet another great family sleepover!

freshly

Baking more brownies!

wearing Goldrush

sneaking Skinny Cows google-ing Michael Phelpslistening Vampire Weekend
(check out Oxford Comma)
stealing Axe Phoenixdreaming Hawaiiconsidering 2008 votewaiting patiently Pushing Daises

We Be Jammin'

It's that time of year at my mom's house. Apricots are falling from her tree faster than we can pick them, faster than the birds can eat them, and faster than she can give them away. And for possibly the first time in my life I am excited about reaping the bounty of home grown fruit. Brad and I picked several bushels of apricots last week to make freezer jam. Mom's apricots are bright, beautiful, and terribly delicious!With all these apricots I needed some recruits. Fortunately, Liz and Lisa were up for some good old fashioned jam-making. Liz was really getting into her job of washing and pitting.
Lisa was kind enough to offer her beautiful new kitchen for our jam session. We broke it in (or broke it?) by creating a gigantic apricot mess. It was glorious. Epic. And then we cleaned it up.We even made a few batches with all organic ingredients. Yes, we are that hip and progressive. You should take notes if you haven't started already.
The final product was sweet! Literally, sweet, delicious and tastes great with peanut butter on toast or pancakes or even your finger. But I think it tastes better because we made it with our own blood, sweat, and tears. (Note: if I have given you a jar of apricot jam, you should know that absolutely no blood, sweat, or tears actually fell into the jam. We were careful about that.)
Thanks girls for spending an entire evening being domestic with me! I just love it when we get domestic.

Family Pics

We had Duncan family pictures taken before Russ left. I LOVE how they turned out. My friend Jessie is simply fabulous at what she does. Check 'em out here, here, and here. My only regret is that I wish we had them taken after our vacation so that I would be somewhat tan and not my usual pasty white. Oh well. I still love them. And I love being pasty white.

Au Revior Elder Duncan!

Little bil Rusty, er, Elder Duncan is officially a missionary for our Church. On Wednesday he became the last missionary of his generation on both sides of the family. No matter how ready you think you are to see them go, you're not. It redefines gut-wrenching. I love this kid. He's one of those salt of the earth kind of people. Times 10. Russ was ready, prepared, excited, nervous, and humble. And probably scared to death. I know he'll do good things in Australia. We couldn't be more proud.

Excuse me, Sir...

Is it just me, or has decency and civility been banished from planet earth? Are we being invaded by narcissists? Seriously, Driver's of Utah, take a freakin' chill pill, we're all in this together. I'd suggest taking a trip to Hawaii if you weren't busy ignoring my attempt to merge. I know you can see me.
I can't get enough of these simple but darling yet witty PSA's. Post them everywhere.

I am really on one today. Good thing it's Friday! Found 'em here.

So true.

So very very true.Thanks Mindi! I'm falling behind on my blogging, I hate falling behind. It makes me itchy. Planning to play catch-up this weekend. That is, if I'm home for more that 5 minutes at a time. I miss being home. Where the piles and piles of laundry roam.