Saturday, September 29, 2012

Happy 17th Anniversary to Kim and Brian.  Brian is always so thoughtful.  Here are the flowers he got for Kim.  They also went out to The Keg for a steak dinner.

Bob, the cat, thinks they are for him.

Alex got to go fishing at Power Ranch today and boy did he make a haul.  He said he caught 35 fish.  Many of them were albino talapia.  Here is a picture of his biggest fish.

The Big One.

The Albino.

I told Sheri that he should start a fishing blog.  He could probably even get people to advertise on it and make some money.  Alex wrote an essay for English about going fishing on the Black River with his grandpa (James).  The teacher never gives 100% on essays because she says there is always room for improvement, but she gave Alex 100%.  Sheri is going to copy it and send us a copy.  One of the things he said in the essay is that he knows that his grandpa loves him even though he has never told him.  Sheri and Ian were both teary-eyed when they read it.

James and I started our fast today a little after noon.  We are fasting for Mitt Romney.  We are fasting that he will do well in the debates and that he will be elected president.  Nobama!

James took this picture from our backporch this evening.

Friday, September 28, 2012

I actually got dressed, did my hair and put on makeup today, all for my visiting teacher, Alicia Hunsaker.
She brought me flowers.

Adding a little color to our monochromatic scheme.

Alicia stayed for about an hour to visit.  It was so nice to have some company.  She is the Relief Society President so she knows all the ward "business."  

I knew James was coming home today but I was surprised when the doorbell rang and it was him.  I had texted him and asked that he call me when he got to Show Low.  He said he didn't see the text.  I couldn't be too upset because he brought me a green chili burro from Burger House.

I signed up for Enbrel support recently which will save us $100 a month. They called today to ask me if I had any questions about Enbrel.  I didn't.  James and I went in to Vernon to get the mail and to get me a couple of drinks at the Vernon Store.  

I have a dilemma since talking to Laura last week.  Now I'm not so sure we are suppose to sell our house.  Maybe it's the cabin we should sell.  If we sell the cabin we can get completely out of debt and James could retire.  James wants to go ahead and sell the house, and then sell the cabin if we have to.  I do not want to sell them both.  Oh, dear.  What shall we do?  I told him we have to make it a matter of prayer.  We have to make sure we are doing the right thing and the thing the Lord wants us to do.  Our goal is to go on a mission.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

     I got a call from my visiting teaching, Alicia Hunsaker, this morning.  She is coming by for a visit tomorrow morning. 
     I cleaned and waxed the wood floor today.  It looks so beautiful when it is newly waxed.

Can you see the shine?

     I also worked downstairs unloading boxes and cleaning.  I didn't take any pictures.

I "talked" to Laura today via texting and she thinks James and I should sell the cabin instead of the house and then we would have more money to retire on.  I mentioned it to James but he didn't seem too keen on the idea.  We will talk more when he gets home.  I don't want to sell the cabin either but I do want to get out of debt.

     In the way of gospel study I read Alma chapters 18 and 19 and 1 Nephi 2.  I also began writing a message about how faith has helped me to live the law of tithing for Personal Progress.  In the book I am reading, "Rescuing Wayward Children" I read about the importance of personal righteousness and sanctification as a means of saving our children.  How did Jesus sanctify himself?  We can find the answer in the context of John 17.  He sanctified himself through strict obedience, partaking of the sacrament, fasting, making a sacrifice, and offering mighty prayer.  In the process He saved us, all of His children.  We can help save our children through our obedience, sacrifice and mighty prayer.

 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

James left for the valley early this morning.  He had a doctor's appointment at 9:00 to get help with his sinus infection.  This afternoon he showed our house to Michelle and Ross Thompson.  He also is getting materials together to start a driveway and fence for the Yoshimini's, and he also has a small project he's doing for Jared Bowen.

I stayed home alone and stared at this and the TV most of the day.

This is where I sit to study, drink, and do my nails.

I read an article in this month's Ensign and would like to share some of the highlights. The name of the article was: "Repentance That Brings Conversion" by Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy.

Brother Martino talks about the Lamanite converts who became the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's.  When these Lamanites recognized that their traditions were wrong, they realized they had to change.  They decided to take their weapons of rebellion and "bury them up deep in the earth" (Alma 24:17).  In other words, they took away their temptation and placed it where it could not get to them.  What about us?  Do we likewise remove "the temptations and the sins which do so easily best us"?  

Key Points

Lasting repentance requires that we

*Replace bad habits with good habits.

*Remove temptations from our lives.

*Remain faithful to our covenants.

     The converted Lamanites' hearts were changed, which moved them to action.  They remained faithful to their covenants.  And what was the result?  Their righteous traditions helped the rising generation become righteous; in fact, their sons became a legend of faithfulness. (See Alma 53:15-21.)

     For both new and old members of the Church, here are five practices that can change our lives.  These are commandments of God and will help us remain faithful, even in the face of trials and temptations.  If we follow them, these practices will allow the Holy Spirit to continue to strive with us and strengthen us as our testimonies grow:

 1.  Hold personal and family scripture study.

2.  Hold personal and family prayer.

3.  Hold family home evening.

4.  Pay an honest tithe.

5.  Serve others by fulfilling Church callings.

     

     If we establish the traditions of a righteous people, we will overcome our weaknesses, progress in our faith, and not fall away.  

     Repentance is the process of changing and doing and becoming what He wants us to be so that we can return to His presence.  (My FHE message for the week!)

I got this card from the Young Women and some of the Young Men in our ward.  It made me happy.

I still have a big purple bump under my eye.  It is the most prominent feature on my face right now.

 

Tuesday, Setember 25, 2012

I've decided I didn't like the Castle season opener.  It's so hard to find TV shows that adhere to gospel standards.

I started the day out by drinking some herbal tea.  I really did feel like Christmas!

Yummy and delicious!

 Reminded me of Kim & Brian.

I told Sheri I was going to get an x-ray today.  Before we went James talked to Trina and then Sheri.  Sheri happened to be with Karin Gonda, a friend of ours who is a physicians assistant and has worked for a plastic surgeon.  When Sheri told her we were concerned because I still had a golf ball size knot on the cheek bone, Karin said that was pretty normal.  She said to wait another week or so and see if it goes down before becoming too concerned.  Since I was all dressed and ready to go to town I went in with James.   He's going to be gone for the next couple of days so we got a supply of food (BBQ chicken pizza and green chili burros) to last me while he is gone. I saw this sign and took a picture.

Kyle Thomas was a member of the Del Rio 2nd ward when James was bishop.

I wondered where he went.  

Before going in to town I texted a couple of pictures and asked Sheri if I should venture in to Walmart today.  

She looked at the pictures and said I looked better than 75% of the people in Walmart and to go for it.  Thanks Sheri!

Thank goodness for sunglasses!

Looking a little less like a "battered" wife.

James and I are reading a new Victoria Holt novel.  It's called the India Fan.

Tricia sent me two recordings via a text of Molly singing first "I Am A Child of God" and the "I Love To See The Temple."  Her little voice is so sweet and she is very talented!!

Monday, September 24, 2012

This dessert may not look like much now, but it is lethal.  I can't stop eating it.  It's dutch oven cherry cobbler with yellow cake mix, a stick of butter and chopped pecans.  Instead of my protein shake, I had this for breakfast.

One of my all time favorite desserts.  It's especially good with a

big dollop of Coolwhip!

My face looks a little better but I still have a knot the size of a golf ball on my left cheek bone.  Dr. James thinks I should quit applying ice and try heat instead.  Maybe he thinks the heat has a better chance of melting this growth.  I was going to go to the hospital and get an x-ray but I talked myself out of it.  Sheri wasn't too happy with me.  

The new season of Castle and Dancing with the Stars began tonight.  I taped Castle but somehow missed DWTS but now the dvr is set.  Our favorite show right now is still the re-runs of "The Mentalist."  Love the Patrick Jane character even though he wears the same worn out suit and shoes every episode.

TexyTricia (Tricia) texted me these pictures of Molly at my request.  Performing is in this girl's blood.

Keep those arms in the air Molly!

Practice makes perfect.

Speaking of performances, Ben had his first band concert this evening.  I am sorry I couldn't attend.  

He plays the bells and they xylophone.  He's working his way up to the drums.

Not sure which one is Ben.

There he is one the far left.  That's Ian Wanlass on

the far right. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

For the first time since I can remember James and I both missed our Sunday meetings.  I did spend several hours in gospel study but it's just not the same.  I miss seeing my young women.  In Chandler they had their Primary Children's Program.  Sheri said Evan and Max did fine on their speaking parts but when Joshua got up he accidentally turned off the microphone.

For dinner we had grilled honey lime chicken with spanish rice and broiled asparagus.  Quite tasty.  After dinner I wanted something sweet besides the chocolate chip cookies I made Friday so I made a dutch oven cherry cobbler.  A big mistake for my diet, but it was so delicious!!  I put pecans in the crust so James had to have some too.

It was a quiet, peaceful Sunday.  The bump on the side of my face is still very large.  It doesn't seem to be going down.  I may have to go in and get an xray.  I am tired of being sequestered.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Fall is here with the high's in the low 70's.  This is James's favorite time of year in Vernon.  Every night he steps outside on the porch and bugles for elk.

This has been one of the laziest weeks of my life. I think I'm going to get something done and then I look in the mirror and lose all my steam.  I have been studying my scriptures and working on Personal Progress.  I feel so sad that I can't participate in Young Women's or go visiting teaching. 

Stacy and Paul put a down payment on an apartment today.  She said they would pay October and November's rent and be out by December 1st unless we sold the house before that.  It still makes me sad to think about selling it.

Ruby had a soccer game this morning.  Sheri went and took some pictures.  Here they are.

Warm up with her coach.

This is about as aggressive as she got.

"I've had enough, and besides, I don't like how Dad did my hair."

Ben went over and mowed Ian's parents lawn.  It's his job.  When Sheri went to get him Ian's Mom had bought Evan a pirates costume.  He loved it!!

Ahoy Mates!

I talked James in to taking me into town this afternoon.  We washed my car.  It still had squished bugs all over the front of it from our trip to Texas.  We also stopped at Circle K and I got a Dr. Pepper and James and I shared a tuna sandwich.  These little jaunts in to town are my only escape. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Denise.  We love you!

I got up this morning and did my hair and makeup in an attempt to look better but it didn't do much good.

I promise this is the last picture I will post.

I had whole wheat pecan cinnamon waffles for breakfast with butter pecan syrup.  So much for my diet. I just love food a little too much. I got the mix at Bass Pro Shop.

 James even loved these waffles.

I talked to several people on the phone today.  I called Vickie and told her about the accident and told her to wish Colby good luck in the football game tonight.  They are still undefeated after a nail biter last week with Snowflake.  Show Low won in the last 11 seconds of the game 24-23.

I called Eileen Duggins my visiting teaching companion and told her what happened.  We may just have to do phone visits this month.  Sheri called again today to see how I was.  She checks on me almost everyday.

I finished reading Ardeth Kapp's book "Doing What We came To Do, LIving a Life of Love."  It was wonderful.  I love Sister Kapp so much.  She is 80 years old and is a Mia Maid advisor.  If she can do it maybe I can do it to!

I just want to share a few lines from Sister Kapp's book: "Is it possible to be dead spiritually while we are still alive physically?  When we take control of our lives, our schedules, our plans, and our appointments, prioritizing according to our values and our goals, we will experience things we would have otherwise missed.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gives us this inspiring counsel: "Let us simplify our lives a little.l  Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship - the path that leads always toward a life of meaning , gladness, and peace."

We went to town today and picked up James's prescription and went through the drive-thru at Taco Bell for lunch.  I'm still not ready to see people but I needed to get out of the house. 

James has the flu so we are quite a pair.  We had to call the Crane's and tell them we couldn't make it to the BBQ.  I was sad.  I did get a card from the YW, YM wishing me well.  It was nice and made me feel better.

This picture of Evan going on a safari at school certainly made me feel better.

Thank goodness Kim was there to take the picture.

Jack Hannah's future assistant.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Everyday the swelling in my face goes down but it turns more purple.  I have a purple circle around my eye and then shades of purple all the way down to my chin.  I know it's my favorite color, but this is ridiculous.  

My only real accomplishments today were writing on my blog and doing some laundry.  No sense in doing my hair or makeup.  James and I read Alma 12 and then I did say our family prayer.  The highlight of my day was when Sheri called to see how I was.  She is so sweet and thoughtful.

James went in to town today to pick up his blood thinner meds and forgot his wallet.  Walgreen's has a policy they have to swipe your card.  We found that out when he asked if I could call in my debit card number.  I guess that means another trip to town tomorrow.  So much for our one trip to town a week policy.

Tonight James watched three episodes of The Mentalist with me. 

I am beginning to get cabin fever.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

James left for the valley this morning.  He has an appointment to get a new C-Pap machine and then a Medicare appointment.  He also talked to Judy Pargetter about buying our house in Chandler, met with the Yoshimine's about doing some remodeling and with Jerod Bowen about a project for him at one of his offices.  Whew!  He had a busy day.  I stayed home and watched Reba and The Mentalist.  Reba for laughs and The Mentalist to test my skills of observation.  I didn't use to like The Mentalist and now it is one of my favorite shows.  I like it better than Castle, which by the way, the new Castle season starts next week.

James was going to stay in Chandler over night but since he accomplished all of his goals in one day, he decided to come home.  One the way he stopped at The Burger House and got me two green chili burros.One for tonight and one for tomorrow's lunch. 

Kathy Crane called again today and invited James and I to a bbq at their house on Friday night.  I am afraid I still won't look like going out in public although I would really like to go to this bbq.  She is inviting Collin and Wendy DeWitt and I would love to get to know them better. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

My face looks worse today but I am not going to post any pictures.  Kathy Crane called this morning and said she was going in to town and did I need anything at the store.  I am grateful for good neighbors. 
Instead of pictures of myself I will post a picture Alex sent me of a fish he caught at Discovery Park.

 The kid is a fishing genius.

He used bread for bait because he knows that's what the fish are fed.

Remember how I said yesterday was a recovery day.  Well it looks like I am going to have alot of recovery days this week.  The side of my face is so swollen that I can't see out of my right eye.  It is nearly impossible to read, but watching television is okay.  Today I sat at my favorite place on the couch and watched the finale for "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance."  Who knew that America's greatest talent would be a bunch of jumping dogs.  I was very happy with the SYTYCD finale.  Eliana and Chehon were my favorites.  Two ballet dancers!!  I like Chehon  as much as my favorite dancer of all-time, Danny Tidwell from season 2.

James went in to town again today and brought me a green chili burro from LaCasita.  Yummy!! 

James also finished reading our Victoria Holt book "The Captive" to me.

On a side note, James is hilarious with Suri on iphone.  The other day he said to her: "I don't need your help."  I think she is getting a little tired of his sarcasm because she said back to him: "Who said I wanted to help you?"

Monday, September 17, 2012

This day started out pretty normal.  I am not yet back on my schedule of getting up at 4am, studying and then going for a walk.  Today is what I call a "recovery" day.  I got up and did some reading and started a load of laundry.  James got up and after scriptures he decided to go into town and get his truck registered in Apache county.  He went to Desert Title which is located in the old bank building in Show Low and is the building where he had his carbon monoxide episode in July.  He also went to Walmart and got some ink for our printer and then came home. 

I did some chores around the house and watched a little television.  By evening we decided to go for a Ranger ride.  It was after 6 when we left.  James had his elk call with him and every once in awhile he would stop and blow on it.  He did have a couple of elk answer him.  We started out on 61 which goes to Green's Peak and then turned on to Porter Springs road.  We saw a guy hunting in a white pickup.  As we rounded a curve I thought we were going a little fast and then we began to slide and before I knew it we were tipping over.  James went flying over me and landed on the ground.  I hit the right side of my face on the roll bar.  It hurt bad.  Within five minutes the side of my face swelled up to the size of a baseball.

I call myself "two-face."  

The swelling and purple around the eye got much worse.

After walking 3 miles in the dark I suggested to James that we needed to call our neighbors the Cranes since I didn't feel like walking another 7 miles in the dark.  I think he was embarrassed to call, but he did.  Cathy said Chuck wasn't home but she would come and pick us up.  About 30 minutes later she came with Brother Peeler.  Brother Peeler and James gave me a blessing.  When we got home I sent out a text to all my kids and attached this picture.  Before I could sent it Sheri called.  She has good timing.  She was helping Evan to do an assignment for school.  He asked both James and I what we like to do.  We both said we liked spending time with our grandkids.  I told Sheri about the accident and then sent out the text.  I heard from all of my kids except Stacy.  I don't even know if she received the text and picture.  Went to bed and slept soundly.  It is a bit of a shock to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

James's alarm went off at 5am.  That's 5am in El Paso, but 4am Arizona time.  I tried to go back to sleep but it was no use. I normally get up at 4am at home, but not on a trip when I've stayed up late the night before watching a movie.  Thanks honey, I am glad I am not driving home.

Jared and Tricia belong to the Mt. Franklin 5th ward in El Paso.  Their block started at 9am.  The theme of the meeting was "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn."  A couple on a family history mission spoke and a high councilman spoke.  The highlight of the meeting was Tricia singing "Through His Name."  It was beautiful and James said it was the highlight of his trip  (He got a little teary-eyed).  She sounded beautiful and it was a touching song about the Savior.  The lesson in Sunday School was taken from Helaman 13-16 about Samuel the Lamanite. Sister Bowden, the teacher made the lesson interesting.  She had one of the Primary boys dress up like Samuel the Lamanite and another boy in the audience as one of the hostile Nephites.  We also played $10,000 pyramid.  The title of the lesson was: "Repent and Return unto the Lord."

James's ordination took place during the 3rd hour.  We all gathered in the classroom where the Deacons meet and Jared ordained James and gave a wonderful blessing.  He talked about the importance of serving.
Afterwards we all went to our classes, including Max and Ben.  Tricia went with Jeanie and I to Relief Society.  The lesson was taught by Sister Geneice Ford.  It was on faith.  I can tell that there is a special bond among the sisters of this ward.  It was a good meeting. 

 The most handsome deacon in the Mt. Franklin 5th ward.

The bishop wants all of the deacons to wear suits.

Tricia made the ASU tie from one of Jared's old ties.

 Jared made a delicious breakfast and for lunch we had homemade chili.  We have been treated so well on this trip by both Jared and Tricia!  The kids were awesome too.  Anna begged us to stay longer and I wished we could have but we needed to get the boys home for school tomorrow.

We left for home a little before one and decided to take the boys directly home to Chandler.  We arrived around 7pm and stayed less than 5 minutes and then we were on our way back to Vernon.  We arrived a little before 11.  Thanks James for getting us safely home!  It was a wonderful weekend!!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Happy 12th Birthday to James Hayden Lambson!!

This is one of the greatest 12 year old boys I know.  (The other one is his cousin Ben).
James is fun-loving and serious all at the same time.  He loves to play football but when it comes to choosing between football and going to do baptisms for the dead, he will miss the football game.  He has a desire to please and to do the right thing.  He has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and tomorrow he will receive the priesthood, something he has been looking forward to for a long time. He is a good student, good brother to his three sisters, and an obedient son.  One of his goals is to go to West Point Military Academy and he watches military documentaries. I know that when the time comes he will be prepared and ready to serve a mission.  He has a kind heart and is always ready to give hugs.  I am so proud to be his grandmother.  I Love You James!! 

James's birthday gift, a mountain bike.

James and I had errands to do this morning.  First we found a Chase Bank and made a deposit.  On the way here the check engine light on my car came on.  I had not realized it had been 5000 miles since my last oil change.  We found a Sears at the Cielo Vista Mall clear acroos town where we went to get an oil change and the tires rotated.  While we were there we had lunch at Subway.  Thanks to Jared and Tricia for letting Ben and Max stay at there house and for feeding them.  We got back just in time to follow Jared over to James's football game.  Tricia had already left with Emmy who cheers  for the minor league team.  The Wallen's, Tricia's parents came in this morning from Gilbert.  It was great to see them.

The name of James's team is The Tribe.  Their jerseys are red and James is #33.  Anna cheers for his team. 

Molly likes to cheer too.  

Tricia and her Mom made a shirt for Molly that says Tribe Cheer.

Molly and Emmy ready to cheer.

Molly and I made a couple of trips to the bathroom.

Afterwards she had to play on the playground.

Molly stretching out with Anna and her cheer team.

Although James's team won I noticed when we got home that he was a little sad.  When I asked him why he said because he missed the only pass that was thrown to him.  I told him that the ball went way over his head and there was no way he could have caught it and he said: "Yes, but Grandma, I ran the wrong pattern."  At that moment I was proud of James for admitting his mistake and not trying to make excuses.  I love this kid.

Tricia had a wonderful meal prepared for us when we got home.  She has six extra people in her home and she fed us all everyday.  Thanks so much Tricia and Jared for your wonderful hospitality.  I know I speak for Ben and Max when I say they had a blast!

My two favorite 12 year olds a few years back on one of

our trips to Disneyland. 

Two of the cutest faces I have ever seen.  I just want to pinch those cheeks!

We ended the day singing happy birthday to James.  When the kids had gone to bed Jared, Tricia, James, Jeanie, Mike (the Wallen's) and I watched the movie "Bernie" starring Jack Black.  It was based on a true story, a little bizarre, but I liked it.

Friday, September 14, 2012

It's was around 7:40 when we left for Texas.  We had a prayer and read Alma 8 in the car.  After scriptures we listened to an audio book the boys brought with them called "Peter and the Starcatchers."  It is the prelude to Peter Pan and is very good.  We stopped in Springerville at McDonald's and got the boys something to eat at McDonald's.  Max got pancakes and Ben got three orders of hash browns. 

We took the 180 through Silver City, New Mexico and stopped there for some lunch at Taco Bell.  We drove on in to Demming and stopped to see James's Dad.  Cindy came out and gave the boys a hug.  She said, "Oh these are Sheri's boys."  When I asked her how she knew she said she had seen pictures.  While James and his Dad visited the boys went outside to throw the football around and to pick some apples.  We stayed about an hour and then we were on our way.  It's only another 90 minutes to El Paso from Demming.  Molly called.  She is excited for us to get there.  When we arrived at Jared and Tricia's it had just rained and was around 60 degrees. 

Unloading at Jared and Tricia's. Molly greet Max and Ben.

Our home away from home.

Fun in the backyard.

60 degrees and the boys wanted to swim.  

Jared turned on the jacuzzi but it took awhile to heat up.

Molly jumped right in.

The jacuzzi finally warmed up.

After swimming Tricia fixed us a nice dinner.  After the kids went to bed we had a nice visit with Jared and Tricia.  It was a fun day.  James was so happy to see Ben and Max!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Today would have been my Mom's 82nd birthday.  I still miss her everyday.  In celebration of Mom's birthday I made chocolate chip cookies.  We can take them with us on our trip to Texas tomorrow.

James and I left for town a little after 4.  We stopped and made a deposit at Chase bank and then went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription.  The prescription wasn't ready so we went to LaCasita to get something to eat then went back to get the prescription.  We also stopped to get gas and then drove to the Show Low Park to read until we got the call from Sheri that she was leaving for Payson.  We are meeting her there to pick up Ben and Max.

We picked up Ben and Max and turned right back around and came home.  It was almost 11pm when we got here so we went straight to bed.  Ben and Max are excited to be at the cabin even if it is for such a short time.  They both slept on the family room couch.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

No walk again today.  I just haven't got my groove back yet.
  James and I are really enjoying our new book, "The Captive."
 The insurance on our vehicles expires today so James spent the day getting us new insurance.  We leave for El Paso on Friday and we definitely need insurance before we leave.

This evening for Mutual we had another session at Angel Wings Assisted Living.  This time Brother Allen and Brother Hunsaker put the beams up and the rest of us mostly stood around. I wish we could have had a planning meeting with the girls instead.  Hopefully we won't do this again next week.  I was not happy because I felt like it was a waste of time for most of us, especially the girls.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The 11th anniversary of 9/11.  The U.S. Embassy in Libya was attacked today and 3 Americans were killed.  There is so much unrest in the world today.  I am so grateful for the gospel and the happiness it brings.  I worked on Personal Progress today and wrote my thoughts on faith and prayer. 
It was overcast today but I was too tired to go for a walk.  I am recuperating from our trip to the valley, but this afternoon I had to get in gear and go to Walmart to do some shopping.  James invited one of his home teaching families over for a BBQ this evening.  The family is Sean and Stephanie Hunsaker and their kids Tyler, Kilee and Holly.  I love driving into town because I love the clouds and beautiful scenery. 

The sky on the way back from the store.

James cooked steaks, hamburgers, and chicken on the grill.  I made my strawberry, spinach, poppy seed dressing salad, rice pilaf, corn, and rolls.  I think you could say a good time was had by everyone except maybe Holly who was sick.  James gave the First Presidency message on missionary work and told about his experiences yesterday with Zaki. 
James and I cleaned the kitchen together after everyone left.  It was a fun evening.

Monday, September 10, 2012

I pulled weeds for two hours this morning outside on the south side of the house under the mulberry and silk 

oak trees.  

Before.  I forgot to take an after picture but all the grass,

weeds and leaves were gone when I was finished

At 10 am I had an appointment at Dr. Douglas's with Jackie to have my teeth cleaned and to have xrays taken.Things went well until Dr. Douglas came in and told me I had to have another crown and a cavity filled.  I told her I would be back in October. 

Laura and Cathi took me to lunch at Chompie's for my birthday.  What a fun place to eat.  Laura and I had the Asian chicken salad and Cathi had a chicken quesadilla.  The food was yummy.  I so enjoyed my visit with two of my besties. 

James went to see the pain doctor and to look at the results of his MRI.  While I was at Dr. Douglas's she said he needed to get permission from his cardiologist to get his teeth cleaned so I reminded him.

This afternoon I had an appointment with Tiffany at the Arizona Arthritis and Reumatology Center.  I like Tiffany.  She gave me another card to get my Enbrel for free for six months. 

On our way back to Vernon we stopped at the Bass Pro Shop so James could get some shoes with the $75 gift certificate the Braddock's gave him.  He was disappointed because they didn't have any in his size.
I bought some butter pecan syrup and a pancake mix.  We were home by around 9pm.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Today the Chandler West Stake had what they called a special stake conference.  Yesterday a priesthood leadership conference was held in Tempe and the two visiting authorities were Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy.  Elder Andersen visited a stake in the area and Elder Gonzalez visited the Chandler West Stake. 
Before conference began we visited with some of our friends from the Del Rio 2nd ward; The Tolman's, the Lueck's, Adrienne Ellsworth, and Charlotte Mattice.  We sat by Charlotte and her ex-husband Roland Mattice.  The following people spoke in the conference: President Johansen, Lisa Johansen, Sister House of the Tempe, Az. Mission, President House, Mission President of the Tempe Mission, President Porter, President of the Mesa temple, and Elder Walter F. Gonzalez.  Here are some notes from Elder Gonzalez's message: "The gospel helps with life's challenges."  He quoted scriptures from Matthew 11 such as the one that says come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and find rest unto your souls.  He talked about the importance of our personal prayers and keeping our covenants.  He said if we are willing to follow Christ, our wayward children will return.  Everyone's burdens will eventually be removed.  We all will be healed.  He said the Book of Mormon is the greatest tool to convert to the Lord.

We went home and had lunch and then headed to Mesa to attend sacrament meeting in the Emerald Bay ward with Darrel and Trina.  Addy was presented for baptism and stood up on the stand.  She looked so small.  After sacrament meeting we said our goodbyes and went back to Chandler to take naps.

Sheri and Evan came down for a visit this afternoon.  I gave Sheri season 2 of Downton Abbey to lend to Christy Wanlass.  We talked a little about our trip to Texas next week.  Ben and Max are coming with us.  We are meeting Sheri in Payson Thursday evening to pick them up.

For dinner James grilled the chicken I marinated last night.  Stacy said she really liked it.  Dallin and Michael liked it ok but Joshua wouldn't eat it because we didn't have any A-1 steak sauce.

I downloaded LDS tools on James's phone for him.  Later he went to call someone and all of his contacts were gone.  He has the worst luck.  We called both Verizon and Apple and neither of them could help.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

We headed to the valley this morning.  Addy's baptism is scheduled for 3:00.  Our first stop was at Elmer's Tacos in Chandler for lunch.  We were both excited to get machaca burros, our favorite!  James also got a machaca taco.  Yummy!
I dropped James off at the house so he could fix the leak in the pool pump while I went to do a little shopping.  I went to Deseret Book to get an Ardeth Kapp book to give Laura for her birthday then I went to Target to get Addy a Barbie suitcase and some chips for her party after the baptism.  Made it home just in time to get ready. 
One of the things that I love about the gospel is who it brings families together for special occasions like this.  Tricia was here from Texas with her four kids.  Jared had to stay home and work.  Also there from our family: Paul, Stacy, Adam, Dallin, Michael, Joshua, Kim and Joe.  Brian was in Denver this weekend.  Ian, Sheri, Alex, Ben, Max and Evan, Darrel's family, James and I, and Trina's family except for Westley. 
Darrel did a great job with the confirmation and special blessing and Addy was beautiful and glowing!

Before Baptism.

After Baptism.

She loved her scriptures.

Addy with her family.

After the baptism we all went back to Darrel & Trina's for fun and food.  We had BBQ with rolls, veggies, watermelon, chips, and yummy desserts.  The kids had a great time playing together.

Addy was so happy to see her cousins Anna and Emmy.

These two (Molly & Ruby) made friends with each other.

Love that Rowan smile.

It was a fun and special day.  Molly entertained us by doing some cheers.  She learned them from Anna and Emmy who are cheerleaders for James's football team.  She was hilarious and really quite good.  She knew the words and all the moves.  I am grateful for these family times together.

Ben and Max were so happy to see their cousin James.