Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I slept in until almost 6 am. We read our scriptures, said our prayers and went to work. After her morning run Sheri and James moved all of the office furniture upstairs into Jared and Tricia's bedroom which will now be James's office. I moved boxes around to get them out of the middle of the room and did some cleaning. Sheri helped me clean the glass on my doll cabinet and we put the glass shelves in. I also cleaned my secretary. I didn't get any dolls put away, I took a nap instead. Evan was so good. He sat on the couch and watched all the Thundercat shows that were taped on the TV. We saw a bunny outside and named him Easter. Also grandpa showed him the woodpecker that keeps trying to drill a hole in the flashing around the fireplace chimney.
We left for home around 12:30 hoping to get home in time for Sheri to pick Xander up from school. This time we went the Payson way. Our first stop was at the Safeway in Show Low to pick up four boxes of lemon creme filled Twinkies for Brian. Next stop Circle K for Thirstbuster Dr. Pepper's for Sheri and I. Next stop a potty stop for Sheri and a gas stop in Payson. We made it safely home.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Brian took a little time off work this morning to help James load his office furniture into the U-Haul truck we are driving to the cabin today. On the last piece of furniture he hurt his back. Brian we are thankful for your help and glad you have a hot tub to soak in tonight.
I loaded all my dolls into the truck and by the time we were finished the truck was full. We left around noon for Vernon. This truck has to be on Harold's lot by this evening. Sheri and Evan came with me in the pickup and we pulled the trailer. James drove the truck. He talked us into going through Globe with the promise that he would by us green chili burros for lunch at The Burger House. It was worth it because they are delicious!
We arrived in Show Low a little after 4pm. We stopped at Safeway to pick up a few groceries. I wanted to fix fried chicken for dinner for everyone. Harold and Vickie met us in Vernon and helped unload the truck. Dennis and Denise were close behind. Evan even helped unload my dolls. I told everyone I was making fried chicken but no one could stay. Vickie said they had home teacher's coming. The dinner wasn't finished until after 8 but we(James, Sheri and I) had fried chicken, the Pioneer woman's creamy mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits. Evan wouldn't eat anything but Sheri really enjoyed everything. We watched Castle and then fell in to bed exhausted.

Monday, March 26, 2012

I took one of the sisters I visit teach to lunch today. Her name is Lynne Ritz. We went to Firebird's Grill. I love their coconut shrimp sampler plater which is what I always order. Lynne is allergic to seafood so she ordered the cilantro chicken. We enjoyed our loaf of hot sourdough bread and butter. Lynne is from San Francisco so she loves sourdough bread. For dessert we had the creme brulee. Yummy delicious! I let Lynne take all the leftovers home with her.
Lynne told me she was abused as a child by her mother. She has been married 4 times and has been abused by others in her past. I was upset by some of the things she told me. My heart goes out to her and I realize how very blessed I have been in my life. What can I do to help other sisters know that the Lord loves them in spite of their circumstances and how they are treated by others?
Harold, Vickie and Dennis came to our house this evening with three U-Hauls, two trucks, and a trailer. They helped us load one of the trucks with the things we are taking to the cabin this week and then they drove the other truck home. I am grateful to them and their help. The truck we are driving will not cost us anything and it is even filled with gas. Thanks so much Harold!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

I came across this quote in my morning studies:
"Attempting to give up one specific sin while cling tenaciously to others can be characterized as 'fragmentary forsaking', which is antithetical to the forsaking required of the Lord for one to be totally forgiven." (Doctrinal Book of Mormon Commentary, Vol 4.)
Today was the Del Rio 2nd ward conference. The theme was prophetic priorities: 1) Family Home Evening 2) Family Prayer 3) Family Scripture Study. Adrienne Ellsworth, Bishop Wilson, and President Johansen were the speakers in sacrament meeting. It was a great meeting. A sister that I visit teach, Lynne Ritz, was here today and sat by us.
Mike Ellsworth taught Sunday School. The lesson was on Jacob 5-7, The Allegory of the Olive Tree.
Morgan Skeen taught Relief Society. The lesson was based on Sister Barbara Thompson's general conference address on personal revelation and testimony. President Johansen took the last few minutes and told how when he was called to be the stake president he was given ten minutes to choose his counselors. He said, Elder Pearson, the presiding authority told him that the Lord would help him, and he did.
Mine and Stacy's visiting teacher, Janny St. Onge, came by for her last visit today. Janny is going through a very difficult time right now. Her sister and best friend just passed away and she recently separated from her husband. In spite of these trials she continues to be an inspiration to all of us!
I called Harold today and he said he could arrange for us to have a U-Haul truck this week. Thanks Harold!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

This is a picture of my dear sister-in-law Cathi with her sisters Pam and Lynne taken at their mother, Evelyn Mae Curtis's, funeral in Chandler at the Del Rio building. One of the things I will always remember about the funeral is that my phone began "reading scriptures" in the middle of Pres. Randall Jones's talk and I panicked and it took me a few seconds to get it turned off. How embarrassing!

Jared sent me these pictures today from Texas. This is James at his baseball game, Anna playing volleyball and Molly cheering them on. Soon I will also have pictures of Emmy playing softball.

Dallin and Jared both had track meets today but I am sorry to say that I missed both of them. I was helping with the funeral luncheon for Cathi's family and then James and I helped clean the Church. (We did it for Cathi and Terry as it was their turn).

After our big day James and I came home and took naps then we went out to eat. We were going to go to Chandler's Bbq fest at A.J. Chandler Park but it cost $10 to get in so we went to Famous Dave's instead. Their brisket was very tasty. It was a relaxing way to end the day.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Here is a picture of what James has been working on at the San Carlos School administration building. He calls it a monument.Grr, I just lost everything I posted, now I have to do it again.
I went to the temple this morning by myself. I could tell it was a busy day so I didn't even try to find a spot in the temple parking lot. I went straight to the church lot across the street. I love walking up to the front door this time of year because the flowers are so beautiful! I missed the 10 o'clock session so I sat in the assembly room and read several chapters from the Book of Mormon. I sat towards the back next to the wall in a totally packed session. I am ashamed to say I was a bobble head. I slept all through the film. After the session as I was folding my clothes in the dressing room I saw Hillary Brady Whalen and her family but she didn't see me. Her brother is getting married today. I had some vegetable soup and an egg salad sandwich in the temple cafeteria before leaving. As I came in to the foyer the first person I saw was little 5 year old Eden Whalen in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers. She said, "Hey I know you. Are you here for the wedding?" I said, "No, I am just visiting the temple." I introduced myself to Hillary's mom and she said she had heard of the Lambson's and what a wonderful family we are. I told her I thought her family was pretty wonderful too.
Got my car washed at Cobblestone today. The best it's looked in a long time. I will be picking up Lois for the funeral tomorrow and I wanted it to be nice for her.
Stacy and Paul went to watch Dallin run in the Chandler Rotary Track meet today. He ran the mile in 4.49 and got 4th place out of about 50 runners. Way to go Dallin! Now he's on his way to the Fun Concert in Tucson with Kim, Brian, Joe, and Cody. Sheri, Ian, and Ben are also going.
James just got back from San Carlos. He stopped at Burger House and brought me a green chili burro so I am going to eat it right now!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Today my friend Karen Schneider planned a "Bon Voyage" luncheon for me at Olive Garden. She invited friends that I have made throughout my years in Chandler. Here are some of the people who came: Diana Dowdle, Adrienne Ellsworth, Drea Boles, Jean Lamoreaux, Jacque Hatch, Terry Farnsworth and her Mom Marcia Lambson, Jackie Hall, Charlotte Mattice, Karen Schneider, and Sheri. Cathi was invited but didn't come because she is planning her Mom's funeral. Laura is out of town and Cid Elmer is helping Cathi plan her Mom's funeral. Karen had a cupcake cake that said Bon Voyage and a basket of goodies and a book by Ardeth Kapp. Jacque Hatch brought me red tulips and Drea took pictures of me with everyone to put in a book that everyone signed. Karen went around the table and made everyone say something about me. Although I don't like being the center of attention, I was touched and it was alot of fun. I do appreciate Karen and her grand ideas! Drea had to take lots of extra photos because I kept closing my eyes. Those darn camera flashed do it to me every time.
Sheri and I had a heart to heart with Stacy about moving this afternoon. James worked in San Carlos today and this evening he went on visits with the stake as part of our ward conference.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I know my days of walking to Walmart are coming to an end so I am going to enjoy them while I can. I bought some 'shock it' and threw it in the pool when I got back home because it was starting to look a little green. With James leaving before daybreak and getting back late he hasn't had time to do the pool.
I had visiting teaching appointments today with Christy Wanlass and Bev Hermann. I said goodbye to Bev and told her this would be my last visit before moving. She seemed sad and gave me a hug. I have really enjoyed getting to know her. Christy made me cupcakes! I gave Christy a hug too but I am pretty sure I will see her again. She and Sheri are good friends, in fact they are hiking Camelback Mountain together this afternoon. I invited her to the cabin and told her I would give her a Ranger ride down Christmas Tree Trail.
I got a call from Laura today who is in Utah. She said that Evelyn, Cathi's mother passed away this morning. I talked to Cathi who was crying and told her I wanted to come and see her as soon as she got home. Adrienne Ellsworth and I went over at 3 pm and stayed well over an hour. We helped Cathi figure out when and where the funeral would be and Cathi called President Randall Jones and asked him to conduct. He was Evelyn's first bishop. The funeral will be Saturday morning while Cathi's sisters are in town. I guess I will have to postpone my garage sale a week. I am going to my last Relief Society Presidency meeting this evening to train Drea Boles who is going to be the new education counselor. I love Drea. Robyn Rogers will be the secretary.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

James left early for San Carlos this morning with Drea and Lado. I studied and prayed, went for my walk to Walmart, did some yardwork and then cleaned baseboard and walls in the hall way and the floor and cabinets in the bathroom. This was all done before noon.
This afternoon I went around looking for books to sell at the garage sale I plan on having this weekend. I decided I can't part with any of my church books but I can part with just about all of my diet books. This evening I had a temple recommend interview with the stake. My interview was with our former bishop, Randall Jones. He is one of my favorite ex-bishops with the last name of Jones.
Kim and Brian had a stressful day at the cabin. Because of the snow the propane truck got stuck in one of the ditches James dug to drain the water off the road. He couldn't get out and finally ended up calling a tow truck. Consequently he did not deliver any propane. He said he would come back tomorrow when the ground was frozen. Kim said there is no gas left and they will either freeze or starve tonite. I told her to get all the space heaters and set up camp in our bedroom. She said she has no bread so pbj's are out and the can opener doesn't work so they will be having cereal for dinner. Hopefully they will survive until tomorrow.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Omni 1:26
"And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved." This is one of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon. Here are some thoughts on sacrifice:
"Sacrifice is an amazing principle. As we willingl give our time and talents and all that we possess, it becomes one of our truest forms of worship. It can develop within us a profound love for each other and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through sacrifice our hearts can be changed; we live closer to the Spirit and have less of an appetite for things of the world." (Carol B. Thomas, "Sacrifice: An Eternal Investment." Ensign, May 2001, 63).
The high today was 55 degrees. James got a call on his way to San Carlos from the superintendent telling him not to come because it is too muddy to work. He came home and instead of going for my walk he convinced me to go lay day for awhile. It wasn't too hard to convince me since I have been awake since 2:30 am. Today was the day I was going to take my dolls to the cabin but there is just too much snow. Also, I found out that highway 87 to Payson was closed.
This morning at 4:47 a fire truck and a paramedics truck stopped in front of Cathi and Terry's. They think Evelyn might have a blood clot in her leg so they are taking her to the hospital. Usually Dave and Laura are up but they missed this one. Laura was upset that she heard about it from Jackie Hall instead of me. Dave and Laura are leaving for Utah and Idaho tomorrow so I went over to say goodbye to Laura this afternoon. We will probably be moved when they get back.
James cooked us yummy steaks from Costco today. They were better than the ones we had at Black Angus the other night and half as cheap.
I cleaned out my sock drawer today. One person should not have this many socks. Wow all shapes, sizes and colors. I got rid of about half of them.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

One of the reasons I get up so early in the morning (4 am) is because I love spending quiet time to think, ponder, study and pray. Today I listened to it rain in the background. I didn't mind the interruption at all.

James had an early meeting so he took his truck to Church. I got a text from Sheri asking me if I would take her boys because she wasn't feeling well. I was hoping it would be all four of them but I guess Evan slept late and had just gotten up. I love Alex, Ben and Max. I asked Ben and Alex how they did on their 30 mile hike. They said it was alot of fun but they got really cold the first night. Funny, James said the same thing about his campout.

Just when I got to Church James grabbed me and said the bishop wanted to see us in his office. I knew it was coming but I'm not sure I was ready for it, at least not today. Bishop Wilson thanked us for our service and then released James as the 1st counselor in the Young Men's presidency and he released me as 1st counselor in the Relief Society. That's it. The last callings we will have in this ward. I am a little sad. No one has been called yet to take our places.

Halle Wilson was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting and Rachel and Greg Hill were the main speakers. The theme was "The Living Christ."

During Brother Chubbs's Book of Mormon lesson in Sunday School I sat by Karen Schneider and we looked up the scripture readings on our iphones. Have I mentioned how much I love my new phone. I think James is jealous. I want to get him one too.

Julie Johansen gave the lesson in Relief Society on sustaining our leaders. It was a good lesson to have right before stake and general conference.

While we were in Relief Society it hailed really hard outside. The only indication I saw of it was a picture Janet Anderson posted on Fasebook and Stacy telling me that the ground was covered in white. Brian sent me a picture of the snow at the cabin. Kim says it's been snowing 13 hours straight and shows no signs of stopping. Hope they don't run out of propane and get snowed in.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

In an article in this month's Ensign by Elder Dallin H. Oaks I found the following quote: "I affirm the great truth that our Heavenly Father loves all His children. This is an immensely powerful idea that children can begin to understand through the love and sacrifice of their earthly parents. Love is the most powerful force in the world. I pray that every parent is providing the kind of loving example that encourages the rising generation to understand the love of God toward them and the great desire of our Heavenly Father that all of His children on earth do what is necessary to qualify for the choicest blessings of eternity."
I worked in the yard this morning. A storm is supposed to be moving in so I wasn't sure if I needed to water, but I did anyway. While working I wore by bright green shirt I bought at Walmart for $4.48. I certainly didn't want to get pinched by anyone passing by.
James, Joe and Michael were home by 3pm. James was wearing is Mountain Man outfit which included his coon skin cap and the shirt that I made him. He looked so cool, but boy did he small like a campfire! They all had a great time and I guess the fried chicken was a big hit. Now comes the fun part of unpacking and putting everything away.
Kim, Brian, Joe and Michael left for the cabin this evening. I am a little worred and hope they make it before the storm hits.
James and I had dinner at Black Angus this evening. I had some coupons but I left them at home. We ended up spending about $60 and I felt guilty. It was nice to spend some time together. We really missed each other!

Friday, March 16, 2012

I read an article in this month's Ensign about President Monson. The following is a quote from that article: "He learned Christlike living at home, where charity - the pure love of Christ - compassion, and a desire to lift and bless the lives of others were the standard and where, though his parents did not read him the scriptures, they lived them." Another quote from the same article, this one by President Boyd K. Packer: "President Monson is more Christlike than the rest of us."

Ben and Alex are gone on a Scout hike until tomorrow evening. Sheri had to work today and since it is spring break both Max and Evan came to our house. Max wanted to go home after being here only an hour. I was trying to stall him so I offered to make him my homemade buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. I was sure he would love it. He tasted it and I asked: "How is it?" He said: "It's okay." I was crushed. As a consolation Stacy, Dallin, and Adam all loved them.

I had lunch today with Drea Boles at a place called Jimmie John's subs. Drea invited me when she heard how much I love Jersey Mike's. I must say the bread on the sub was delicious, and I love both Mike's and Jimmie's for different reasons.

This afternoon Sheri invited me to go see the Dr. Suess movie "The Lorax" with her, Max, Evan and Joshua. Evan refused to wear his glasses. Sheri is going to have to think of something to motivate him. It was a cute movie and I really enjoyed being with Sheri and the boys.

Went to bed early. I miss James.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Mountain Man Rendezvous Day is finally here. I was up at 4:30 finishing James's shirt. He realized at the last minute that the boys medical release forms were not complete so he spent the morning running them off the computer so he could have the parents fill them out and sign them. After I finished the shirt I started packing food. I got the chicken all ready and Kim helped me load it into the truck. When they, James, Joe, and Michael, finally left to go pick up the boys an hour late, Stacy made the comment: "Boy, that was stressful." That is so true but now it is peaceful and my life can get back to normal . . . until they return on Saturday and we start to unload and do laundry.
At 11:00 this morning Karen Schneider picked me up and we went to Serranos to have our birthday lunch with Janis Willis and Jackie Hall. This month we are celebrating Karen's and Janis's birthdays. We also discussed the visiting teaching message. Jackie and Karen are Janis's visiting teachers and I am Karen's.
This afternoon Trina and her kids were here. I had Stacy tell her that they probably wouldn't be ready to move out by the end of the month. Trina acted like it was no big deal but I could tell she was upset and disappointed. I feel bad but don't know what I can do. Stacy should be getting some work with a temp agency next week and hopefully they can get enough money to move out by the middle of April. If not, Trina and Darrel may move in anyway.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

This morning I digressed from my normal schedule and spent the morning working on a mountain man shirt for James to wear to his Mountain Man Rendezvous. I cut, cut, cut and I sewed, sewed, sewed, until about noon. I had to stop, eat some lunch, take a shower and short nap before my dentist appointment at 2 pm at Dr. Hillary Douglas's office.
Today I got a crown replaced. It's worse than just getting a crown because it takes some pullin and yankin to get that old crown out. The two shots were bad enough but the worst was the tapping, pulling, yanking and grinding. It was not my favorite way to spend two hours even though I got to sit in a comfy chair the entire time. Dentists truly are the Masters of Torture!
When it was all over I was starving but since the entire left side of my mouth was numb making it difficult to chew I went to McDonald's and got a mint shake. It was tasty.
This evening at 7:30 I had a presidency meeting at Adrienne's. When I got home around 9:30 the house was a disaster. Mountain Man Rendezvous has taken over our lives and our home. My sewing mess is still on the dining room table and now added to it are scraps of leather that James has added. Camping equipment on the floor and food for the trip sitting out on the table. I quickly left the room, and covered up my head in bed. Hopefully this will be over soon.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Happy Birthday Terry!
What a busy day I had today. I did lots of errands, most of them to help James get ready for his Mountain Man Rendezvous trip on Thursday. I went to Cracker Barrel and bought a cast iron skillet with a lid so James will be able to make fried chicken one night. I went to Joann's Fabrics and bought material and a pattern to make a shirt for him. I went to Walmart and bought all the stuff for fried chicken so we can try out the receipe James wants to make. I also bought diet coke and Hershey's kisses with almonds for Terry's birthday and then I stopped at Sweet Daddy's and got him a 'Mother Lode' chocolate cupcake because Cathi says he's a chocoholic.
Before James got home from work I soaked his chicken in a water and salt brine for two hours. Then I coated it with flour, cornmeal, spices, buttermilk and eggs, set it on a wire rack and let it sit in the refrigerator for two hours before cooking it. James actually cooked it in the cast iron skillet I bought and in my cast iron dutch oven. It turned out delicious! It was juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. I think it will be a big hit! We shared with Stacy's family and they liked it too.

Monday, March 12, 2012

James left early this morning for the San Carlos Indian Reservation. I was walking down Willis Rd. He stopped and gave me a kiss. Drea Taylor was with him and she said, "I wish someone cared for me like that." James said, "That is the person I love more than anyone else in the world." I am truly blessed.
Evan came over this morning even though Sheri didn't have work. She took Max to the doctor though. Evan was in a sugar cookie mood. Several weeks ago he brought over a mix for me to make and for one reason or another I never got around to making them. He said: "Remember that time you were going to make them and you had to take a long shower and wash your hair?" Sorry Evan I don't remember but I will make your cookies today. When I got them made he ate one and I asked if he wanted to take a plate full home. He said no.
I didn't get much packing done today because I paid bills, and there were alot of them. James had planned on going to the cabin after work and wasn't due to come home until tomorrow evening. I decided to go to Jersey Mike's for dinner. It was kind of lonely. I went home and watched Pioneer Woman's cooking show, did a little blogging and was in bed by 8:30. I was surprised when at 9:00 someone was kissing me goodnight. He went to the cabin and came home early! He said he almost rolled his truck when a cage someone was pulling broke loose and hit his truck. He swerved and almost rolled. I know Heavenly Father heard my prayers of safety for him and he was protected.

Sunday March 11, 2012

I put a roast in the oven yesterday afternoon around 4:30 and let it cook on 200 for 12 hours. This morning I shredded it and added green chilies, onions, Sheri's homemade salsa and some bottled green chili salsa and mixed it all together. I will shred some cheese and heat up some tortilla's and walla, dinner is served. Yes, it was just as delicious as it sounds.
Today was (dry) oops, I mean high council Sunday. We got lucky. We had two great speakers, Alex Tolman and Bob Kaufman. They both talked about the Savior and the Atonement.
I sat by Paula Casto during Brother Ellsworth's Sunday School lesson. She is upset because the bishop just told her she couldn't have her temple sealing cancelled until she gets remarried. Her husband is now married to someone else. I told her that things would work out and she wasn't going to be with anyone she didn't want to be with.
Cathi gave the lesson in Relief Society on the Priesthood. Terry went home to stay with her Mom. She has to have someone with her at all times now. She can't really do anything for herself anymore. Hospice is going to come in several times a week and help with her.
Stacy didn't go to Church today because she wasn't feeling well. Joshua sat with us and was very good. Michael and Dallin sat in front by themselves.
James went home teaching to the Baxter's this afternoon. It was his last visit with them and they are very sad to be losing him as their home teacher.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

James has been getting ready for his Mountain Man Rendezvous for the past couple of weeks. Today he wanted me to go with him to an army surplus store. It was tiny, it looked like it use to be a convenience store but it was packed full of some interesting things. He bought a wool blanket, a coonskin cap and a shirt that I think is going to be too small. I wanted to buy a cast iron skillet but the ones they had were either too big or too little. I want a 12" one.

We hurried home because Darrel was at our house with his kids. Sheri and I took Ruby shopping at Walmart. When we drove in to the parking lot she said, "What is this place?' When I said Walmart, she said, "Oh, it's not Sprouts." On the way out I bought her a Happy Meal because My Little Pony was the toy. She got a pink one, one of her favorite colors.

Addy is excited because her cousins Kiley and Kayla get to spend the night tomorrow night. Rowan was happy to play Legos with his cousins Max and Evan.

This evening while James was busy making a medicine pouch out of leather for his 'rendezvous' I went to the Pleasant building to help Dave and Laura serve the food at Kiley Booth's wedding reception. Adam is good friends with the Booth's so he was there too. He looked very handsome in his suit. He and Dave were the runners. They took the food in to the refreshement tables while Laura and I stayed in the Primary room cutting brownies, lemon squares, and putting the other goodies on plates. My favorite goodies were the thumb print cookies Gary Booth's sister made. It's funny because I don't usually like thumb print cookies so I wasn't even going to try them. I am glad they did. They were flavored with almond extract and they were yumdelicious!

It was almost 10:30 when I got home.

Friday March 9, 2012

Sheri went on a fieldtrip today with Ben. They went to Pueblo Grande in Phoenix. Funny, I remeber going there when I was in the 6th grade in Phoenix. I went to Creighton School on east McDowell.
I picked up Joshua and Evan from preschool and took them to Burger King for lunch. Sheri gave me money for gas and for Evan's lunch. She was back before 3pm.
James went to San Carlos Indian Reservatin today with Lado and Drea to work on a job for S.D. Crane. They were back quite early this evening.
I love the shrimp tacos at Del Taco. I wonder how many calories they have.
I have lost 10 lbs. since the beginning of January!
Joshua ask James if he was going to have a baby. When James said no, why? Josh said because you look like you are. Poor James!!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

"When righteousness predominates the lives of parents, their children are more likely to follow the same pattern."

Stacy had a procedure done this morning on her face to remove the scar between her nose and her mouth that she got last July when she fell on the asphalt at Walmart in Show Low. It only took a little over an hour to put in 15 stitches and make her look like she has a fat lip. She came home feeling miserable and complaining about how much pain she was in. I decided I should probably plan to make dinner for her family.

I got on Marci Coombs's blog and found a receipe for baked ziti. I made one batch of ziti and one batch of noodles and sauce for Michael and Joshua. Also got some french bread, green beans, and stuff for salad, and some sugar cookies.

Lift was the theme for our Relief Society party. Lift stands for "Laugh, inspiration, friends, testimony." For dinner we had homemade soups, Lion House rolls, and cupcakes made by Judy Pargetter and Michelle Thompson. We played a getting to know you game and then Marcia Carol was our guest speaker. It was a fun evening. I stayed after and helped clean up.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Today for scripture study James and I read Mosiah 25. I am reading a book called "The Essential Book of Mormon Companion" which is like a commentary on the Book of Mormon. The author says the major concept for this chapter is: "The kingdom of God is built by righteous and faithful people who teach repentance and administer the ordinances of the gospel with proper authority."

James walked with me again today to Walmart. After being in the mid 80"s yesterday the high today was 63. I love feeling the cool air in my face as we walk. I bought a dozen donuts to take back to the kids.

Josh and Evan had a field trip to the science museum in Phoenix. Sheri and Stacy both went with them. Joshua says he liked playing on the playground.

Evan had an eye exam this week. His left eye is 2400. The doctor says is is so bad they may have to put a patch on it. He will be wearing sports goggle because those are the glasses he picked.

James had mutual in David and Laura's carport. Dave and Terry helped the boys make leather accessories for their mountain man outing.

We didn't have RS presidency meeting tonite because we are having our Relief Society birthday celebration tomorrow evening.

Super Tuesday and Soup Tuesday

Ten states held their Republican primaries today. Mitt Romney came out on top but it's still a close race. He has 217 delegates and he needs 1, 144 to get the nomination. Rick Santorum is his closest contender.

It was soup day for me. I made homemade chicken noodle soup for two families in our ward who have been dealing with sickness. Bev Hermann has a grandson in the hospital and she has been babysitting all week spending much of her time at the hospital. James delivered soup and rolls to them this afternoon. I made a double batch and we took it over to Cathi and Terry's. Terry has been sick and Cathi has had a difficult time with her mother lately.

It was a "souper" Tuesday

Monday, March 5, 2012

James walked with me to Walmart. We had fun walking and shopping together. James took his chain saw in to Bingham Equipment and told them it didn't work. They pointed out to him that he put the gas and the oil in the wrong tank. He was embarrassed but glad to know there was a solution to the problem. He went to his Mom's and chopped down her tree.

I called one of the sisters I visit teach, Bev Hermann, to see how she was doing. She said her 18 month old grandson that she is babysitting is in the hospital with an ear infection and respitory problems. I asked her if she would like Brother Lambson to come and give him a blessing. She said she would so this evening James and Kyle Tolman went to Banner Desert Children's Hospital and gave Sebastian Turner a blessing of health. James his also the home teacher for the Hermann's. I hope he is able to come home soon.

Some of the things I did today: Packed a box of clothes from our closet, paid bills, read from Victoria Holt's "The Black Opal" to James, fixed broccoli for dinner and then James and I went to Sonic to get burgers because we had a buy one get one free coupon.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Josh came a little late to our FHE and looked a little disappointed that we started without him.

Kim shared a story about twin girls in her ward who are on their school's cheer squad. They stood up for the dress standards in "For The Strength of Youth" and changed the entire team from wearing "booty" shorts to something much more appropriate.

Alex shared a goal from "Duty to God" that he is working on.

Ben read Pres. Monson's message from The Friend: "Decide Right Now" A message about keeping the commandments 100% of the time.

Evan talked about Choosing the Right.

Addy shared one of her favorite scripture stores: Joseph Smith's First Vision.

Ruby gave a talk on things

that are close to her heart.

Max talked about the covenants

we make at baptism.

Rowan needed a little encouragement from his Mom. He recited the 3rd Article of Faith.

Darrel, Sheri, Brian, Joe, Adam and Stacy were good listeners, Michael and Dallin not so much. Grandpa told a story from "The Friend".

Grandma talked about preparing for General Conference and shared "I remember.... from last year in March. It was a fun evening. We really missed Ian, Paul, Jared Ammon, Jared, Tricia, James, Anna, Emmy and Molly!

Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

James and I were on the schedule to clean the Church this morning. Dave, Laura, and Jackie Hall were our co-workers. There is alot to do but I think we were very thorough and did a nice job. It makes me appreciate more all the times that Paul took his boys down to clean.
Afterward James took Joseph and Alex over to his Mom's to help him cut down a tree in her backyard. Things did not go well. The new chain saw he bought with the money his Mom gave him for chopping down the tree did not work. The boys did haul some branches and Lois paid them. James will have to come back on Monday to finish the tree off.
This afternoon James took Joshua, Alex and Michael to The Bass Pro Shop. Joshua also went with him this morning to Lois's. James and Michael were looking for stuff to wear to their Mountain Man outing later in the month but they had no luck. Later James went to Savers and bought some pants.
I did some shopping today too, at Walmart, Sam's Club and Home Depot. I bought some lavender, white and purple petunias to plant by our mailbox. James helped me plant them in between all of his business. He also had a meeting this afternoon about building Saki's house.
We started our Fast around 3 pm. We are fasting for someone in our family.
I spent the evening working on my lesson. We went to bed early.

Friday, March 2, 2012

The fun today began after 5 pm. James and I had dinner at Elmer's. That's always fun! I had my usual, the machaca burro. James had two machaca tacos and we shared a small order of strips. Funny but when I'm inside of Elmer's I feel like I really could be in old Mexico.
After dinner we drove over to the Freestone Park Rec Center where Addy takes her dance classes. Addy's teacher invited parents and whoever else wanted to come to watch the girls perform their dance. Addy looked so cute. She had a fun hairdo, and she had on a lavender tutu. She had the biggest smile which revealed the fact that she has lost one of her front teeth and the other one is very loose. The dance was done to a Rihanna song and it was fun to watch the girls perform.
After the performance, we took Addy, Rowan, and Ruby home with us so Trina and Darrel could go out with Aaron and his new wife Kary. We stopped at Sonic and got the kids some dinner. When we got home Ruby wanted to watch the "Boots" movie so I borrowed Joshua's "Puss and Boots" and put it on in our bedroom. I made the kids some popcorn and then added some candy. A few minutes in to the movie Ruby was totally disinterested. I found out later that the "Boots" movie she wanted was "Dora and Boots." Sorry Ruby. I went in to the kitchen for something and Addy came in and said she had lost her other front tooth and she didn't know where it was. We looked on the bed and when we couldn't find it Granpa went out in the care and found it on the floor of the backseat. I guess it came out while Addy was eating her corndog. Addy looks so cute with both front teeth missing!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Quote: "Our exaltation depends on our repentance and obedience. Satan has power over those who persist in their sins. Those who persist in their sins and refuse to repent are enemies to God."

My early morning study time this week has been devoted to my Relief Society lesson which I will give Sunday. It is based on a talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson from the January Ensign entitled" Recognizing God's Hand in Our Lives."
On the days James walks with me to Walmart we read our Book of Mormon and then I fix us an omlet for breakfast and then we go on our walk leaving around 6:30 am. It's a nice way to start the day.
I finally finished cleaning out the back planter on the north side of the pool. It was so bad it took me several weeks. Now I can get ready to plant some flowers in the mailbox planter.
James had Scout Roundtable this evening. I wrote on my blog and watched The Pioneer Woman cooking show. He was home a little after 8.
Reylene Luke is having surgery tomorrow to put in a filter in the vein where the clot is. Hopefully she will get to go home tomorrow evening. She did get to eat and drink today.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

James walked to Walmart with me yesterday and he says he's also coming on Thursday and Saturday. I love having his company. Today I walked it alone. I see at least one Metro-Link bus a day when I walk. Most of them are empty or have one or two people on them. How much is this costing the taxpayers of Maricopa county.

Joe had a half day today so I picked him up at 10:45. We stopped at Jersey Mike's and picked up some subs for lunch. I had my one and only favorite, Jersey Shore's Favorite, Joe had a chicken parmesan on white bread, James order his on wheat, and Darrel had a Jersey Mike's Famous Philly. I dropped my sub off at home, took Joe home and then met Adrienne Ellsworth at the Chandler Hospital. We visited Reylene Luke. She just had a baby last week. She had a bloodclot through part of her pregnancy so she had been on heprin. Now she is hemorraghing. It is a difficult situation to be in and they are waiting for the results of an MRI and a decision from the doctors. She has had nothing to eat for 36 hours. She will definitely be in our prayers.

After visiting Reylene I went home and enjoyed my sub and took a nap. This afternoon I did some packing. This evening I went with Diana Dowdle to visit my friend Charlotte Mattice. Charlotte took a bad fall recently and has a beautiful black eye. She stayed pretty positive during our visit in spite of all of her health issues.

Dallin had a track meet today. He ran the 4x800 relay with a time faster than anyone else. He also beat Jared Ammon's time when he was a sophmore. Way to go Dallin! (Oh, by the way, Dallin is a junior).

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Quote:
"Our observance or nonobservance of the Sabbath is an unerring measure of our attitude toward the Lord personally and toward his suffering in Gethsemane, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the dead. It is a sign of whether our conversion is so shallow that commemoration of his atoning sacrifice means little or nothing to us." -Mark E. Petersen (former Apostle)
It is critical that we teach our children in truth and righteousness, setting a proper example for them.
Republican Primary in Arizona and Michigan. Romney won in both states. Stacy acts like she likes Rick Santorum better but when it came right down to it, she voted for Romney.
For dinner we went back to Golden Corral because of the grilled tilapia. Mine wasn't as good this time. We decided we can't come again for awhile because James says he always overeats.
We went home and watched Castle before going to bed.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Walk to Walmart.

For his birthday Adam asked for a bookshelf. I gave him one that I had downstairs filled with old photo albums and journals. I spent some time this morning going through some of those photo albums. It's fun to take a stroll down memory lane once in awhile. I saw pictures of Darrel and Jared as they were preparing for their missions. There were pictures of Adam, Jared Ammon, Dallin, Michael, Joe, and Alex when they were little. Some old albums of Sheri's with some pretty wild looking hairdos. I forgot how crazy the 80's were. It was a fun way to spend the morning.

Michael had his last baseball game as part of the Hamilton Prep team today. Stacy went and said it was cold and windy. Speaking of cold, Show Low had no school today because of snow. Anyway, back to Michael's game. It was one of the only games they actually won. I think Michael is glad the season is over and he's moving on to track.

James sold the last two of our lots in the Third Estate last week. One is going to Wes Lueck, a friend from our ward, and the other to Nathan Lambson, Terry's son. We are getting $11,000 as a down payment on Nathan's lot and then he will pay us $500 a month until it is paid for. When James get's Wes's lot cleaned up we will get $57,000. We feel like Heavenly Father is really watching over us.