Rick is busy with leading a family of 11. He works as a composite shop and project manager for a company that makes a small Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). He is in the process of starting a family internet business, building a chicken coop and a cattle shoot for Maia the cow, fighting the unending battle against entropy and keeps things moving in the direction of progress here at PRR. In his spare time (bits and pieces) he enjoys building model airplanes for the two little boys and teaching the big boys to build them as well. We recently all shared in the successful first flight of "Mr. 5" built in honor of Jackson's fifth birthday. Under construction now is "Mr. 4" with a first flight scheduled for November 17, 2007, Harrison's 4th birthday.
Laralee is Rick's helpmeet and logistics manager of the family. Buying groceries, maintaining our water supply, hauling of limestone, and taxi service for trips to Costco, dentist, orthodontics and doctors appointments are all part of her busy life. She keeps up on the budget, does research for info on anything pertaining to the projects here on the ranch, sets up and plans the school curriculum and schedules, is our resident editor and proofreader, and really enjoys the singing and hugs of her little boys.
Ashley enjoys helping Dad, napping with and getting hugs from the little boys : ), baking cookies, fresh whole wheat bread and other sweet breads, reading, history, listening to music, reading, old movies, puzzles, reading, flower gardening and sewing. Did I mention that Ashley enjoys reading? She's been working on an in-depth research project this last year when time allows. Around the house she is the back up for Mom, shares cooking responsibilities with Callan, and keeps an eye on the kids, house and laundry.
Callan has been learning HTML. Hence the journal before you. She enjoys singing, sewing, stamping, scrapbooking, interior decorating, photography, cooking and is learning the art of cake decorating. She enjoys the animals and is responsible for most of their care. Callan is praying for an in-house water source so she can get berry bushes, fruit trees and a vegetable garden planted. She's the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker and does anything else that she sees needs to be done.
Skylar's interests lie in the electronics field. He is very interested in computers and photography. He also enjoys archery, hunting, shooting guns and reading G.A. Henty. He has read the first forty books and can't wait to read the rest. He has a gift for entertaining and playing with the little ones and he loves the babies.
Ryker is learning the art of trapping and skinning. He enjoys hunting, archery and shooting guns. He has a love for the animals, with Darby the dog his special prize : ) He is interested in mechanics and likes fixing and building things with his hands. He is very much the outdoorsman.
Larissa is our arts and crafts person. She likes crocheting, knitting, jewelry making, reading and drawing. She is learning to play the violin and helps the family by doing the dishes. Larissa is our resident expert in chickenese. One chickenese call and the chickens come a-runnin' looking for a special treat.
Delaney is our "Flutterbye." She likes reading Elsie Dinsmore and Millie Keith books. She enjoys doing projects with Larissa and is also learning to play the violin. She helps with the care of our large flock of chickens, is a help to the older girls with many small tasks and with the laundry.
Galilee or "Curly Top" is our "chicken woman". She loves the animals and can regularly be seen carrying a chicken around. She is also learning how to take care of and milk the goats by helping Callan. She is learning to read and apply herself to her schoolwork but would much rather be outside riding her bike. She is most often tasked with entertaining the little boys and keeping them out of trouble. (A very important job!)
Jackson and Harrison, what a bundle of energy they are! It truly is a challenge keeping up with them. They will most likely be found outside digging in the dirt or stomping through a mud puddle. Therefore, they have acquired the nickname "Puddle Jumpers" (nickname courtesy of Mr. Ringer : ). I don't quite understand why dirt fascinates little boys so. During the summer months, the kiddie pool turns their attention to the cleansing and cooling properties of water, which is a refreshing change. They both love to learn and ask quite often for help with their letters and numbers. They love listening to Jonathan Park and can regularly be heard singing parts of hymns they are learning. "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" is a current chorus we enjoy listening too.
