Thursday, April 26, 2012

I read this sobering thought during my gospel study this morning. 
"We are one generation removed from apostacy.  All we need to do to slide back into the Dark Ages is to refrain from teaching the gospel to the rising generation.  All that is necessary for us to raise up a group of Latter-day Saints who are fully humanistic in character - who trust in their own genius and accomplishments - is to fail to teach Jesus Christ and him crucified."

It rained today for a short time.  Just enough to give James some grief on his concrete pour at Dobson Ranch.  I started trimming the bushes by the pool and got the big one done before the rain got here.  These bushes attract bees and we don't want that while the kids are swimming this summer.

We were supposed to go to the temple with Geoffrey Dowdle this evening but for some reason they postponed his session until tomorrow evening.  It worked out for us because we were then able to go to Alex and Michael's track meet.  Alex ran hurdles and both of them ran in the 4x400.  Michael also ran the 800 and won. 

James is still working on trying to get the pool back to normal.  It has algae.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Today I went to lunch with my friend Karen Schneider.  James has been using my car on the Dobson Ranch job because his truck is at Chandler Auto Body getting some body work done.  Karen picked me up.  We went to one of our favorite restaurants, Firebirds.  We love their sour dough bread, coconut shrimp and ice cream with hot fudge sauce.  Afterwards we did a little shopping at Barnes and Nobles.  Karen watched this series on PBS called "Downton Abbey" that she says is fabulous and I must watch.  I had heard about it from Christy Wanlass and Katy Glemser so I was game.  Also it takes place in England on a big estate and that's right up my alley.  I bought season one and two.  The third season hasn't come out yet.  I also bought a cupcake puzzle for Stacy.  Karen is such a good friend and we had a wonderful time together. I felt guilty all afternoon for spending money. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Tonite we attended a program at Addy's school.  It was the story of "Tikki Tikki Tembo".  Addy sang and she also had a speaking part.  She said it so quickly I didn't have time to take her picture. 

There was also some guy in front of me who kept standing up too.  Addy is in the second grade at Val Vista Lakes Elementary School. 
After the program we went to Ocean Blue for yogurt.  It was such a fun evening.  Ruby kept racing down the sidewalk and then coming back to me and saying: "Do it again?"  Soon Rowan and Addy were joining in the fun.  We also played hide and go seek. 
When Darrel's family went home James and I had dinner at Costa Vida.  Yummy!  It was such a fun evening.

Before going to Addy's play this evening I went shopping at Costco.  It's Dallin's girlfriends birthday and she want a huge teddy bear at Costco.  Since Stacy doesn't have a Costco card, I was elected to go get it.  I am so sorry I didn't get a picture.  This bear is 54" tall  and is huge.  Evan and Joshua giggled and laughed and rolled around on it when I brought it home.  It's bigger than Dallin but I guess he will take it to school tomorrow to give it to Laura.

Monday, April 23, 2012

I love these two boys, Joshua and Evan.  That had so much fun playing together today.  Joshua built a "Snake Castle" with the blocks.  In the next picture they are watching Ninjago season one on the computer.

The problem with going back and forth between two houses is you forget what you have where.  This morning James informed me that we were out of toilet paper.  I also noticed we had no ketchup but I have three huge bottles at the cabin so I refused to buy anymore. No one should ever be without either of these things.

I wanted to wash my car today at Sam's Club but their car wash wasn't working.  I ended up at Cobblestone and spent over $25 which included getting my mats shampooed.  My car looks beautiful!

We heard the news that Jen and Michael Baxter are moving.  They had there house on the market two days and got 32 offers.  They are moving to the Val Vista and Riggs area.  Michael was a ward clerk when James was the bishop. 

We had dinner at Black Angus this evening because we had a coupon that expired today.  We still spent $50.

Paid property taxes today.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

We attended the Vernon ward today and then had a meeting with Bishop Ron Hall in the afternoon.  He seems like such a nice guy.  I am a little nervous about attending a new ward.  This is the first time that I've moved in over 40 years. 
Even though it wasn't fast Sunday James and I fasted for family members.  We may fast every Sunday. 
We finished our Victoria Holt book "Snare of Serpents" and then I made an apple cobbler.  It was delicious.  We were a little sad to come back to Chandler just because it was so beautiful this afternoon.  The clouds were beautiful and it looked like it was going to rain.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

You would think that cleaning off one's driveway would not be a difficult job...not so.  This driveway was caked with huge chunks of mud.  I had to use a shovel to scrap some of it off and then sweep, sweep, and sweep some more.  Now comes the fun part, trying to hose it off.  The slope goes towards the middle of the driveway to a drain but the drain was packed with mud so we have to take the grates off and clean out the mud.  After hours of spraying I finally had to have James come out and spray while I swept the excess water into the drain.  The driveway looks great but the next time it rains the fun will start all over again.  Mud is one of the things I don't like about living here, but I must say the good things usually far out weigh the bad.

I finished putting away all the canned goods we brought up.  Our pantry looks beautiful, but there are still 3 big boxes sitting in the dining area with stuff in them waiting for someone to unload and put away.

We made a trip in to town to dump garbage, do a little shopping, get some lunch and gas for the trip home tomorrow.  We got another BBQ chicken pizza at Pappa John's and we each had two pieces before we started our fast.

It was a nice day and we are both sad that the week is coming to an end.  We are going back to Chandler tomorrow after Church.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Today we took our first Ranger ride of the season down what I call "Christmas Tree Trail."
It is so beautiful and refreshing especially when you think that it might hit 100 in the valley.

I have been working on cleaning all the mud off the driveway since I got here last week.  It is a bigger job than I first anticipated.  Once I swept and scraped the mud off I tried to spray the rest off but the hose we have is so bad I told James we had to get a new hose the next time we went into town. 

We are loving our time here and almost feel like we are on vacation. 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Today James and I took a ride to Greer.  He hasn't been there since the Wallow Fire last summer.
I love Greer.  It is one of our favorite places to go when our kids and grandkids visit us at the cabin in the summer.  We go down and play in the water and afterwards we almost alway stop to get an ice cream.  Today we stopped to get an ice cream but the place wasn't open yet so we had to go to the Dairy Queen in Springerville so I could get a cherry dip cone. 

I had a nice visit on the phone with our neighbor in Vernon, Kathy Crane.  I had to call and find out when we could dump our garbage at the little dump between here and Show Low.  I also ask if this Sunday was fast Sunday and she said no but it didn't matter to her because she fasts every Sunday for a family member.  I told her that we were fasting for members of our family also and I liked the idea of fasting once a week.  We had a nice visit.  She wanted to know when we would be here permanently and I had to tell her not until the last week in May.

James and I are really getting in to our Victoria Holt book "Snare of Serpents."  I am afraid we are spending too much time reading and not enough time unpacking. 

James went out on the Ranger this evening looking for elk horns.  He said he walked about 5 miles. 
I stayed home and watched Chopped and American Idol.

Happy 16th Anniversary to Sheri and Ian.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Here is a picture of our cabin taken from the Ranger as we are coming up our road.  This picture really doesn't do it justice.  I have loved being here this week.  It has almost seemed like a vacation.  I was a little upset when the electricity went off for about an hour on Monday morning.  Note to self and James: "Get a generator for backup."

For scripture study this morning James and I read from Alma 44.  We were reminded that the Lord will defend the righteous. 

For the first time this season James and I went on a Ranger ride.  We didn't go clear to Christmas Tree Trail because we both got cold.  The high in Vernon today was 70.  It's hard to believe that it is getting in to the 90's already in the valley.

Spent time texting and talking to Trina and Stacy about the big move.  I certainly hope every thing works out. 

Watched American Idol this evening.  My favorite was Holly singing "Rolling in the Deep."

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Nice looking elk.  I wonder how James got close enough to take this picture.  One of his favorite things to do is look for elk.  Every morning when he gets up he goes to what I call his "lookouts", the upstairs balcony's and glasses for elk.  Usually if he sees any he comes downstairs and give me the report.  This is the time of year when he, Terry and Dave saw about 300 elk, last year.  They are coming up in a week or so to look for elk horns.  They use them for handles for the knives they make. 

We went in to Show Low again today and got the tire for the Ranger.  We also shopped again at Walmart and Home Depot.  I bought an enamel coated cast iron pot and came home and made meatball stew.  I got the receipe on "Giada at Home" on the Foodnetwork.  We both loved the receipe. 

This evening while James was on the computer I took a trip down memory lane and watched "Gidget Goes Hawaiian."  This movie was made in 1961 when I was 13.  I loved all the Gidget movies and I especially like James Darren.  Afterwards I watched the DWTS results show.  Gavin DeGraw, Karina's partner went home. 

I finally got all my dolls put in the doll cabinet and all of the dolls stored downstairs. 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Happy 14th Birthday to Alexander!  For his birthday we took Alex to dinner.  He had asked to go to Nello's Pizza although Grandpa tried to influence him to go to Golden Corral.  I am glad Alex stayed strong and we went to Nello's.  My pizza was the best I've ever had.  James also loved his crab pizza with whole wheat extra thin crust.  Alex is probably more like his Grandpa than any of the other grandkids except maybe James.  He loves to fish, hunt and be out in nature.  He is a great kid and we love him very much.

When we woke up this morning we had about 13 elk in our side yard.  I didn't get a picture but I will post a picture of some elk tomorrow.  We went in to town today to get the tire for the Ranger but the shop was closed.  It wasn't a total waste though. I got a BBQ chicken pizza at Pappa John's for lunch, we washed my car, and we did a little shopping at Walmart and Home Depot, our two favorite stores up here in Show Low. 

This evening for FHE we read an article from the Ensign entitled, "Receiving and Retaining a Mighty Change".  It was excellent.  Afterwards I watched Dancing With the Stars and James came in afterwards and we both watched Castle.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Object is actually muddier than it appears in this picture. This is a picture of Lexy after driving on our roads to get to stake conference in Show Low.

There was a good spirit at the conference. The theme was "Living up to Our Privileges." We heard from the President of the Snowflake temple and his wife, and the President of the Arizona Tempe mission and his wife, the Johnson's and the Hansen's. There were a couple of speakers who were converts and then the stake presidency all spoke. Pres. Williams spoke last. He talked about the importance of family and encouraged us to study and memorize the Family Proclomation. He quoted from Sister Julie Beck and said that those who are anit-family are actually anti-Christ.

On the way out we saw an old friend from high school, Leon DeWitt. We saw several people from the Vernon ward but no one else we knew. This doesn't feel like home yet.

James grilled us steaks for dinner. We read from our latest Victoria Holt book and then took naps. This evening I worked on my blog and did some indexing. James watched a movie on BYU TV and then we did some more reading. It was a good sabbath day, but I miss my family. I sent out a family email, something I want to do on a weekly basis.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

This is what we woke up to this morning and it was pretty much like this all day long. It was a nice day to stay in by the fire, which we did. We unloaded boxes today and moved boxes in closets so people wouldn't see them if we per chance we had any visitors. In spite of the unpacking it feels a little like we are on vacation. We enjoyed sitting down and watching tv this evening. We watched several episodes of "Harry's Law."

James called our neighbor Chuck Crane and found out that tomorrow we have stake conference in Show Low at 10 am, which means we need to leave here around nine. We talked on the phone today but never saw another human being except for each other. Wow, am I going to be able to get used to this?

Friday, April 13, 2012

Today Sheri went on a fieldtrip with Ben to Wickenburg. They did some scientific experiements and had a great time. Can I just say something about Ben. He is the most kind hearted kid I know. He is thoughtful and considerate of others and a great babysitter for Evan and a great friend for Alex and Max. He is also a good athlete. This kid can really catch and throw the football. He favorite team is the Vikings and his favorite color is purple. So far in our family these are the people that I know of who have purple as their favorite color: Addy, Ben, Joe, Anna and Grandma (me).

Well it's Friday the 13th and we are headed north. James is driving the truck and pulling a rickety old trailer with our stuff loaded and tied down on it. I drove my Lexus and it was filled both front and back. We stopped in Payson for some mexican food at El Rancho but their green chili burro couldn't even compare with the one at the Burger House in Miami. We spent the afternoon unloading both vehicles. I must have had about 10-12 boxes full of stuff from our hall closet. I moved things around a little and parked Lexy in the garage. There is a storm coming tonight or tomorrow and I don't want to see her covered with snow. It's good to finally be here. Is this my home now. A part of me will always be in Chandler, my home for 41 years.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Alex and Michael had their first track meet today. This was Alex's first track meet ever and he was a little apprehensive to say the least. He ran the hurdles and got 3rd out of about 27 participants. I would say that is pretty darn good and Sheri says he's hooked now. He and Michael ran the 4x4 relay and got 3rd. Michael was the anchor and when he got the baton they were in last place. He past two guys to come in 3rd. Michael got first in the 800. He was 20 seconds ahead of everyone else. He also ran the 4x1 sprint. I am very proud of these boys.

This is a more recent picture of Joe than the last ones I posted. I am so proud of Joe. Since before Christmas he has had no sugar and he has lost 25 lbs.! What an example he is to the rest of us!!

I finished cleaning out the hall closet today. I cannot believe how much stuff we had crammed in there. We had planned on leaving for Vernon today but it just didn't happened. I did get my car in to Discount Tire and got a new tire.

Spiritual Thought from Alma 38 - We should bear all thing in patience and put our trust in the Lord. The Lord delivers those who put their trust in Him.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

This is a picture of Joshua on a preschool fieldtrip with Adam as his chaperone. Adam is a handsome guy and he loves his brother Joshua and Joshua loves him.

Today I mowed the back yard and then took my car in to Lexus to get it lubed. They say it also need new back brakes but we will save that for Erik to do on another day. James also took his truck in to Sear's to be lubed. Tomorrow we are taking my car to get a new tire.

I also met with Dave and Laura this morning regarding our trip to Texas in May. They both wanted to know where James was. He is madly scurrying around trying to get ready to leave for Vernon. Originally we were going on Tuesday now it has been pushed back until Thursday.

Stacy and Joshua went to Dallin's track meet this afternoon. She kept texting me to come but I was in the middle of cleaning out the hall closet. There is more stuff in there than I ever imagined.

For dinner James and I went to Jersey Mike's. We brought Adam back a meatball sub.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

This is a picture of my handsome grandson, Jared Ammon, and his girl Danielle. We don't get to see these two very often as they are both students at ASU. Jared also runs track and Danielle works. Jared and Danielle, we love you!

James and I went to the Mesa Temple today to do a session. James went in without his recommend. He lost it the last time we went to the temple. We had to wait at the front desk for someone for the recorders office to come up and take down his information. A few minutes later he was cleared to go in. Thank goodness for computers and scan codes. My friend Jacque Hatch was one of the ordinance workers in our session and she was actually my helper at the veil. After our session we had lunch in the cafeteria. I had the vegetable soup, 1/2 an egg salad sandwich and a piece of coconut cream pie. Yummy!

Watched Evan this afternoon while Sheri worked at Chandler Eyecare. I am going to close with a quote from Brother Jeff Chubbs as spoken in our gospel doctrine class on Sunday:
"Our hearts need to be pricked so they can be filled. We can't level out or quit trying in the gospel. We have to keep climbing and moving forward."

Monday, April 9, 2012

Today I am posting pictures of Dallin and Joe Here Dallin is running relay for Chandler High.

I stole this picture from Kim. She took it a couple of years ago.

This picture was taken on a super activity with the Teachers and Priests in our ward. These are the falls at Havasupai in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It looks like Dallin has no fear.

Dallin singing while Joe plays the guitar at FHE.

Joe and Dallin performing at our Christmas party in the Del Rio 2nd ward, December 2011. Dallin is singing an original song he composed and wrote the lyrics to. It's called "Christmas Don't Go."

Dallin and Joe in San Diego summer of 2011. The guitar and singing attracted a group of girls.

Dallin is a talented and handsome 16 year old. He is a junior at Chandler High. He can sing, play the guitar and play the piano. He has never had a piano lesson. He can listen to a song and then play it which to me is incredible. Joe is a freshman at Hamilton High. He write his own songs and loves to play guitar. He is also very talented, sweet, and handsome.

Today we had dinner at Rudy's with Kim, Brian and Joe. We wanted to treat Brian because he helped James move his office furniture. Instead Brian ended up treating us. He said it was for letting them stay at the cabin. Thanks Brian. Joe and I loved the pulled pork. Kim did not like it but she liked the brisket. James and Brian liked everything. It was a fun evening. I sat by Joe.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Today's spiritual thought is by Pres. Thomas S. Monson:

"Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place - the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.

The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job's question, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth.... My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: "He is not here; for He is risen."

James and I drove separately to Church today because he left after sacrament meeting to go hear Trina speak in her ward. I couldn't go because Adrienne had ask me to say a few words of goodbye in Relief Society. This is our last Sunday to be official members of this ward.

Paula Casto sat by me in Sacrament meeting. My nickname for her is Tinkerbell because she is so tiny and cute. I was sad because none of the Trezise's were at any of the meetings. I enjoyed Bro Chubbs's Sunday School class. I got to sit by Paula for all three of our meetings. I teased her about Bro. Stermetz and said he had a nice profile and didn't she think he was cute. Cathi gave the lesson in Relief Society on the immortality of the soul. How appropriate since the passing of her mother last month. Laura and Dave are back in town. They just got back from Idaho and Utah.

We had FHE this evening but the only ones here were Stacy, Adam, Dallin, Michael, Joshua, Alex, Ben, Max, Evan, and James and I. Using pictures from the Gospel Art Packet, we talked about the last week of the Savior's life. Everyone participated. Evan helped James hold up a picture but then he left early. I bore my testimony at the end. These are the pictures we used: 1. The Triumphal Entry, 2. Cleansing the Temple, 3. Sermon on the Mount 4. The Last Supper 5. Jesus washing the Apostles feet 6. In the Garden of Gethsemane 7. The Betrayal 8. Peter's Denial 9. The Crucifixion 10. The Burial 11. Christ's appearance to Mary 12. Christ's appearance to his Apostles 13. The Ascension 14. The Second Coming. Stacy said she really felt the Spirit and she told Paul he missed a good lesson.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Today's spiritual thought taken from Elder Bednar's talk on the atonement:

"King Benjamin teaches about the journey of mortality and the role of the Atonement in navigating successfully that journey: 'For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord' (Mosiah 3:19). I draw your attention to two specific phrases. First - "putteth off the natural man." The journey from bad to good is the process of putting off the natural man or the natural woman in each of us. In mortality we all are tempted by the flesh. The very elements out of which our bodies were created are by nature fallen and ever subject to the pull of sin, corruption, and death. But we can increase our capacity to overcome the desires of the flesh and temptations "through the atonement of Christ." When we make mistakes, as we transgress and sin, we can repent and become clean through the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I was up at my normal time, 4 am but instead of studying the gospel I was cooking. I started out making my Calico Easter beans. After I got them in the crockpot I started mixing up a batch of sugar cookies to replace Stacy's that got eaten yesterday. Next came Marci Lamoreaux's strawberry cupcakes, then the cheesy potatoes and the ham. Thank goodness for Sheri. She picked up Darrel's girls, frosted the cupcakes and the cookies for me so I could take a shower.

Oh yes, she also hid the Easter eggs, and made delicious homemade rolls. Kim brought two desserts and with the cookies and cupcakes I made we had four desserts. I also had cranberry celebration from Fry's because it is a family favorite. After eating the kids went out to find the Easter eggs. Everyone had two eggs with their names on them. Each egg had a dollar in it. Most of the rest of the eggs (there were 110) had quarters, and a few had either gum or candy. Ian hid the two $5 eggs, one for the kids 8 and under and one for the kids over 8. Max found the one for the younger kids and Dallin found the one for the older in a drain pipe and his $5 was all wet.

Sheri was the lifeguard for the kids who wanted to go swimming. James did the dishes so I could go lie down. Darrel offered to but I knew he was tired from camping and his feet really hurt from his arthritis.

James and I went to Costco this afternoon to get some of their yummy filet mignon steaks to cook for dinner tomorrow. We also got some Alpine Valley bread. I spent a relaxing evening in front of the tv just vegging out. I watched Pioneer Woman and American Idol while the Gonzo's were gone to Rudy's.

Friday, April 6, 2012

In this month's Ensign there is an article by Elder David A. Bednar entitled: "The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality." I learned so much from this article and I will be sharing excerpts from it for the next few days.
"President David O. McKay said: 'The purpose of the gospel is . . . to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature.' Thus the journey of mortality is to progress from bad to good to better and to experience the mighty change of heart - to have our fallen natures changed (see Mosiah 5:2). The Book of Mormon is our handbook of instructions as we travel the pathway from bad to good to better and strive to have our hearts changed.''

I spent several hours this morning spraying off the porch, patio and deck in preparation for Easter. This afternoon Kim, Joe, Sheri, Alex, Ben, Max, Evan, Trina, Addy, Rowan, and Ruby came over to dye Easter eggs. Joshua joined in the fun too but he only did one egg. He wanted it to be red so he left it in the dye a good long time. It turned out to be a beautiful dark pink.
Tomorrow is our egg hunt and potluck. I spent the evening filling plastic eggs with money while I watche Person of Interest with James. I have decided this show is too violent for me.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

No walk to Walmart this morning. Sheri and I went to the grand opening of Rudy's BBQ on 54th Street and Chandler Blvd. We got there around 6:30 am for a 7:00 opening. We had said if there was a large crowd we wouldn't stay. There were 12 people ahead of us in line. When the doors were opened we were greeted by a row of friendly people and one of them handed us a gift card worth $20 in Rudy's BBQ Bucks. The first 100 people all got one. Sheri and I bought ready made breakfast tacos (burritos). I bought a bacon, potato, sausage, and a brisket. James said the brisket was really good. On the way home we stopped at Circle K and got diet Dr. Pepper. It was our lucky day!
For lunch Karen Schneider asked me to go to the mall with her. When I went to pick her up she had lamps, a clock, candler holder and a huge comforter and some pillows she wanted to give me for the cabin. Thank you Karen. You have such good taste and nice hand-me-downs. We had lunch at Paradise Bakery. I had a salad and chicken noodle soup. Karen is a good friend and I am going to miss her.
I got my grocery shopping done at Fry's and Walmart before Sheri called me to go to north Scottsdale to visit a new confectionary shop there called Sweet Tooth Fairy. They have one in Provo, Utah and now this one in Scottsdale. They sell cupcakes and a delectable little treat called cake bites. I bought a baker's dozen of cake bites. I almost went in to a food coma on the way home. Very sweet and delicious. My fav was the fairy fetti. I did save some for Kim to try. Boy, it's a good thing it's in north Scottsdale because I shouldn't go there very often.
This was a day for eating out. Something I won't get to do nearly so often when I move to Vernon. James and I took Alexander to Nello's for his birthday date. We went there last year too. I forgot how good their pizza is!! First we got a pizza crust as an appetizer at Alex's request. Yummy deli-iscious! I had the individual bbq chicken pizza and let me tell you it was a little bit of heaven. I was going to save some for tomorrow but I couldn't stop eating it. James got a thin whole wheat crust crab pizza that he loved. It's Alex's favorite restaurant and now it's one of mine too!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Walked to Walmart, worked in the yard, and began packing up the hall closet.
James had a meeting with the homeowner's association at Dobson Ranch today. He is getting ready to do some work there on April 23rd after all of the snowbirds go back to Canada. Thank goodness we have some work on the horizon.
I ate lots of cookies today and I am ashamed of myself. Sheri made oatmeal scotchies and I have a weakness for them. I ate many. Stacy made sugar cookies and I had one. It was a big one. I think I need to go off sugar. I am so proud of Joe for going off sugar and losing 25 lbs.
For dinner James and I went to Chili's because I had a gift card with a $10 balance on it. I made a good choice for dinner. I had the carribean salad with grilled shrimp. It was very tasty. James raved about the ribs and the broccoli he had.
James and I started a new Victoria Holt book this evening. This one is called Judas's Kiss. James says Victoria paints pictures with her words. I think we have somewhat replaced TV watching with reading.
Evan is so excited about our Easter egg hunt on Saturday. He can hardly wait and everyday he tells me how many more days until the Easter egg hunt.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

When Jared's family was getting ready to leave for Texas James Hayden told me that they were moving to tornado alley. Jared said, "Oh there hasn't been one touch down since 1981." I guess they were overdue. Today in Dallas county 15 tornadoes touched down wrecking havoc and destruction in the area and throwing trucks into the air. In Frisco the siren went off. Tricia was very nervous so she went to the school to pick up her kids. The school was on lock down and the kids were in "duck and cover" which means they were all in the bathrooms hunkered down. Tricia thought Anna would be scared and upset but she was actually very calm. When she went to get Emmy, Emmy burst in to tears. She wasn't upset about the tornado warning she was upset because she knew this would mean that her first softball game would be cancelled! I was glad when Tricia called to report that everyone was okay! We never get weather like that here in Chandler. Some times we get windstorms in the summer but nothing like 15 tornadoes.
I walked to Walmart again this morning and then worked in the yard. We got another check fro the US treasury today. This one was for 1626.00. Thank goodness James initiated this. It couldn't have come at a better time!
Watched Castle this evening with James. I am annoyed by the whole Castle and Beckett cat and mouse game.

Monday, April 2, 2012

The excitement at family search is the 1940 census is available online today to be digitized.
I walked to Walmart this morning. I wasn't going to wear a jacket but as soon as I went outside I could see that I needed one. It was windy! The high today was suppose to be in the 80's but it never got passed 75.
After my walk I loaded up most of the leftovers from our garage sale, at least everything that would fit in my car and dumped it at Goodwill. James will have to take the big stuff that was left in his truck.
James and I are in another money crunch and I wasn't sure how we were going to make our biggest credit card payment which is due tomorrow. I went online to check my account and there was a $1793.00 deposit from the U.S. Treasury. James applied for his social security and this is my share for February and March. I conside it an answer to prayer and am so grateful for tender mercies.
This evening James and I had dinner at one of our favorite places, Elmer's Tacos. We each had two machaca tacos and they were delicious. Later Alex brought me down some homemade mac and cheese that Sheri had made. It was delicious!! No wonder I'm finding it so difficult to lose weight. I just love food too much.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

It was nice to spend a leisurely morning at home studying and baking cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We watched conference at 9 am and again at 1pm. It was so good. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Family time is sacred and should be respected." - Pres. Boyd K. Packer
"Our faith in Jesus Christ keeps us from crumbling under our trials and adversities." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring
"In the kingdom of God there are no second class citizens." - Elder David S. Baxter
"Praying with our children may be more important than any other thing." - Elder Quentin L. Cook
"Following the Savior is the defining test of mortality." - Elder Quentin L. Cook
"Contention, resentment, and revenge are undesirable in followers of Christ." - Pres. Uchtdorf
"The creation did not come about by a big bang. Could an explosion in a printing press produce a dictionary?" - Elder Russell M. Nelson
"Our doctrine is clear. We teach the doctrine of Christ. We invite all to receive it." - D. Todd Christofferson
"The Book of Mormon is filled with stories of deliverance. 1 Nephi 1:20: "The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." - Elder L. Tom Perry
"The Church is the scaffolding to build eternal families." - Elder M. Russell Ballard
"What does Christ think of me?" - Elder Neil L. Andersen
"Let there be no disputations among you. I invoke a blessing upon all of you." - Pres. Thomas S. Monson.
I love General Conference!!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Wow I can't believe it's the last day of March. It was 13 years ago today that my Mom died. I will always have such fond memories of her and look forward to seeing her again. I am still wondering if I should have her sealed to my Dad. I must ask Karen Schneider's advice on this issue.
Tiffany and Lisa and Lisa's sister were here this morning at 6:30 to take my victorian furniture. Sheri told her about it yesterday. I sold them the couch, loveseat, two chairs and the entryway table for $150.00. I through in a picture that Lisa liked for free. What a steal for them!
Things were slow for the first hour or so. I decided to go to Walmart and get stuff to make a neon sign. I put the sign on top of a bush across from our subdivision entry and it seemed to do the trick. We were busy for the rest of the morning. We sold all of the big stuff and took in $330.00. I felt bad for Sheri as she didn't sell anything. I was too tired to take the leftovers to Goodwill. That will have to be on Monday's list.
Our leather sectional couch from downstairs went for $30. Wow I am glad this day is over. Now on to the next project, cleaning the yard for the Easter Egg hunt next week.
James sat by Darrel, Ian and his boys at the priesthood session of General Conference this evening. Afterwards James, Ian, Alex and Ben went to Jersey Mike's. James brought me back a sub. I love Jersey Mike's.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Instead of going for a walk this morning and went back to bed for about 30 minutes. I did work in the yard. I spent most of the rest of the day getting ready for our "Moving" sale which we are having tomorrow.
I moved all the furniture out of the living room except the piano and everything out of the entry way. Joe and Alex came over and said how it was really sad how I was taking away all of their memories. Sorry guys, it's just furniture and we can make new memories.
Sheri came over and helped. She went through all my CD's while I cleaned out the game closet and we started setting things out in the garage. James and I put up signs but when Stacy and Paul got home they said they couldn't even see the signs. I may have to put up some more tomorrow. Darrel and Trina and their kids came over this evening. Darrel helped James move the sectional out of the basement. Ruby and I sat on it in the carport and looked at the stars. I was exhausted by the time I got in bed. I hope we are ready for our first garage (Moving) sale.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

"Miracles are wrought and hearts softened by the power of love and righteousness."

Walk to Walmart. Work in the yard.

This afternoon I had an appointment at Dr. Hillary Douglas's office to get my crown put in. For those of you who are dental savy, the crown is on tooth number 14. This appointment was not nearly as grueling as the last one when they did all the prep work and took out the old crown. I told Dr. Douglas this appointment wasn't nearly as much fun as the last one. She just laughed. She is from Jamaica and is very layed back and has a great sense of humor. She brings her little boy to work and has since he was a baby. He is now 5 years old and his name is Evan.

After my appointment I was going to go see Lynn Ritz but when I called her she said she was at the hospital emergency room with severe stomach cramps. They finally saw her and gave her some morphine and sent her home. Lynn has so many health issues my heart really goes out to her.

James went home teaching this evening. He visited Beverly Mendoza and Edonna and Sarah Wells. Edonna's granddaughter Megan who is 8 went back to live with her Mom. Her Mom is in and out of the hospital and Megan is running wild and ditching school. I wouldn't be surprised if she was taken by CPS and put in a foster home. She was better off when she was living with Edonna and Sarah.