Friday, March 22, 2013

I slept sitting up half the night because of my cough.  James left early this morning.  He is so busy running two jobs, plus he is looking at a truck in north Phoenix today. 

I went to Sears today to get my car lubed.  I left it at 11:30 and went to the mall.  By 2:30 they still had not called me to say it was ready so I called them.  Yes it was ready, they forgot to call.  What did I do at the mall for 3 hours.  I bought a teriyaki chicken with chow mein noodle bowl at Panda Express and I read my two magazines and listened to my scriptures and did some people watching.  I was a little discouraged when I picked up my car.  The guy says it needs a 120,000 mile checkup which he estimated would cost somewhere between 400 and 500 dollars.  I also need Erik to check the brakes.  It's always something.

Dallin and Michael are participating in the Chandler Rotary Track Meet.  It is one of the biggest track meets in the southwest and all the schools in Arizona are invited along with many from other states.  Chandler has the number one track team in the nation for both boys and girls.

James left to take his rental truck back to Tempe around 3:30.  I followed him.  Alex, Ben and Max are all with me as they want to go back to the cabin.  After turning the rental truck in we all drove to north Phoenix where James picked up the truck he bought.  I had gone by Chase bank and got a cashier's check for $16,000.  The truck is a 2010 Dodge Ram crew cab 4x4 that only has 71,000 miles.  The boys made jokes about how something must be wrong with it for grandpa to get it at that price.  Well there was something wrong.  Whenever he hit a bump at high speed it would start massive vibrations and he found it hard to hold it on the road.  He said it happened four or five times.  Hopefully it will be something minor to fix.  Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Brian, Kim and Joe were waiting for us at the cabin.  It's good to be home.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

I coughed and snored most of the night.  James told me I snored and I remember the coughing.  I was actually glad to get out of bed this morning.
I finished all of the wallpaper removal in the living room except for above the window where I can't reach.  Paul said he would do that for me. 
There is mold on the outside wall where the roof leaks that we need to take care of.  Now I will be waiting for James to mud-in the walls and sand them so I can paint.
James got his $16,000 check from the insurance company today for his truck.  I deposited it in the bank this afternoon and then went to Target.  I made these cute little Easter "buckets":

Peeps for my peeps.

The buckets were in Target's dollar spot.

This afternoon John Usher from Usher and Sons Lawn Care came by and did an estimate on cleaning up our yard.  He's going to do everything except trim the dead branches off the trees in the front.  James wants to do that.  John seems like such a nice guy and his price was good.  I can hardly wait to get it done!

Dallin had a visitor today.  Her name is Alexis Mitchell.  She is James & Lisa Mitchell's daughter and she and Dallin used to be next door neighbors and play together.  She saw Dallin singing on youtube and called and said she would like to come over.  She is a very cute girl, she looks alot like her mother.

This evening I went to Panda Express for dinner and then went to Sam's Club for gas and a free carwash.  J I took this picture on the freeway:

Sunset in the city.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Well I am going to miss the Young Men fixing dinner for the Young Women this evening.  I was really looking forward to it. They are having biscuits and gravy.
I borrowed some CD's from Kim because I knew the boys would want to listen to music and they wouldn't like mine that well.  We borrowed Good Ole War, Guster, Keane, Cold Play, and Travis.  The boys wanted to stop at Sonic in Payson for lunch.  I stopped for them and got myself a drink. 
We met James at the Whataburger on 90th St. and Shea in Scottsdale.  He bought me a Whataburger with green chili.  I gave him his pills and then headed for Chandler to take the boys home. 
Stacy and Michael had a student research team from ASU come over to ask them some questions.  They each got $40 for their time.  One of the students was Jeffrey Maxwell but he did not have time to visit.  He was all business so I left him alone and went downstairs.
I did some shopping at Walmart and bought their last bottle of Krud Kutter.  It's a good thing that's all I need.  I also went in and visited with Josh who was playing video games with Skittles on his shoulder.

Josh and his lovebird.

When James got home we went to dinner at Si Senor's.  We got the gorditas.  I did not like them.  I don't go here often enough to know what I like at this restaurant.  Afterwards we drove down Arizona Ave. looking at trucks.  When we got home I got on Craig's List and found a couple of trucks that James is going to call on. 

I bought a Rabbit TV USB so James and I watched Body of Proof on the computer.  It was really good but is continued next week.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I took some cold medicine this morning and went back to bed.  After Sheri's run she came in and we watched a Hallmark movie called "Chasing Lepruchens."  We both liked it. 
The boys have been dying to ride the Ranger but it has a low tire.  I tried using the air pump but couldn't figure out how to put it together so I went in to Vernon and got a couple of cans of Fix-a-Flat.  It cost me $20. 
While the boys were out riding it the Ranger broke down.  I went and tried to drive it back but although the engine comes on the tires aren't moving.  It's probably a belt.  At least the boys pushed it off the road.
Kim and Sheri worked on a puzzle most of the afternoon.  Ben got a huge rubber ball at the store yesterday and the boys played with it.
Around 5 pm Sheri and Evan left for Chandler.  I forgot to give Sheri James's breathing machine and now he calls and tells me his pills are in there too and he hasn't taken them since Sunday.  Alex, Ben and Max stayed here and were going to go back with me on Thursday but now it looks like I'm going down tomorrow instead.
Ben didn't want anything for dinner.  I fixed Max a hotdog, and Alex and I had chicken fried steaks that Kim brought. 
Kim and I watched a recap of Dancing with the Stars.

Monday, March 18, 2013

As is his custom, James left for the valley early this morning.  I woke up with the chills and really not feeling very well.  I wrote on my blog, read from the Book of Mormon, and laid back down for a nap.  After Sheri got back from her run and took a shower she wanted to go into town.  I managed to get dressed and go with her but not before taking some cold medicine. 
We did our shopping at Walmart and then stopped at Circle K for drinks and Little Cesars for pizza.  I felt pretty good until my cold medicine started to wear off. 
Kim and Joe arrived in the late afternoon, early evening.  Kim missed watching Hallmark movies with Sheri and I.  We watched "Tom, Dick, and Harriet", and "Perfect Partners."  This evening  Kim and Sheri did watch the debut of season 16 of "Dancing With the Stars" with me.  Sheri wanted to see Sean Lowe from the Bachelor.  I went outside and made a fire but no one was interested so I let it go out.  The boys are mainly interested in playing video games, except for Joe and Evan.  We all watched Castle.  Afterwards I felt bad we didn't have FHE so I prepared a lesson for the boys.  I'm not sure when I will have a chance to give it.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Today's sunrise.

I got up to study and then I took a nap.  James left quite early to go to our ward's P.E.C.  I sat on a row by myself until Wendy DeWitt and one of her daughters came in with 3 kids looking for a place to sit.  I moved over and shared my row with them.
Ann Miller was the first speaker in sacrament meeting.  She spoke about mothers and their place in the home.  James spoke on the priesthood in the Church and in the home.  Both talks were very good.  Bishop Hall told James he could listen to him speak all day.  What a nice thing to say.
Tina Allen gave the lesson in Young Women on how the Atonement can help us through our trials.  We watched a video on my tablet about a young girl who cannot eat solid foods and how it has affected her life.  She enjoys doing service for children in the hospital by making them sock monkeys.  It was very inspirational.
James and I came home and watched a Hallmark movie and then he took a nap while I made cookies for tonight's fireside at Brother Smith's home.  Westin Hall requested chocolate chip cookies and Jackson Allen requested oatmeal with walnuts and raisins.  Since Shelly is making chocolate chip I am making the oatmeal with raisins and walnuts.
I picked up Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker and Trenda Wilhelm.  The fireside was really good.  The three members of the bishopric all spoke.  The bishop assigned the topic of resisting temptation.  Each talk was so good and each took a different perspective.  I think the youth really felt the Spirit and learned alot.
Back at home I helped James set up our old bed from Chandler downstairs for Kim and Brian.  They are coming this week.  Afterwards we watched my new favorite show: "Once Upon a Time."  Sheri got here around 9pm.  James went to bed while Sheri and I watched the latest episode of "The Mentalist."
Jared and Tricia sent this picture from Cloud Croft, New Mexico where they are spending a few days.  This picture was taken from inside the cabin where they are staying.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

James went to Adalyn Soderquist's baptism this morning.

The Soderquist family: Natalie, Adalyn, Hans, and Jonah.

 I am still not feeling well.  I stayed home and took a nap and then made some chicken enchiladas for lunch and dinner. 
I called Kathy Crane this afternoon and told her I didn't think I would be going to the stake Relief Society event in Show Low this evening.  We were going to car pool together.  She was on her way home from the cannery and said she didn't think she would be going either.
I worked on my Sunday journal.  I read the Sunday School lesson, the Relief Society lesson, and watched some videos for Young Women. 
James worked on his talk and when he was finsihed I typed it for him.  It's from a talk given by Dallin H. Oaks on Priesthood Authority. 
In other news, all of the snow and the mud are all gone. 

Friday, March 15, 2013

James works at Zaki's and then goes to Troy Andersen's. 
Dallin says he really misses the piano.  Here is a picture of him and Kevin practicing.

Looks like Dallin's telling Kevin what to do.

I worked from about 8-12:30pm.  I ran out of Krud Kutter and since I felt like crud I decided to pack up and go home.  I stopped at El Sol and got a green chili burro and a side of guacamole.  I didn't like the green chili very much but I love their homemade tortillas and their guacamole.  

I didn't make any more stops all the way home.  I got home around 4:30, unpacked and tried to relax a little. I finished watching "Suddenly Last Summer" which had a really dumb ending.  Some old movies just aren't worth it.  

Last night one of the sisters in our ward, someone I don't know, was riding her bicycle down town when the peddle fell off and she crashed.  She cracked her skull and had to be air lifted to the hospital in Flagstaff.  The helicopter landed right in Vernon by the library.  That doesn't happen very often.

When James got home we watched Elementary.  It was really good.

 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Well I got up this morning not feeling so well and pondered for awhile whether I should go to Chandler or not.  I got a call from Karen Schneider and she tried to convince me to stay at home and take care of myself.  When I called James and told him I didn't think I would be coming he seemed sad.  I ate some breakfast and watched part of the movie "Suddenly Last Summer" starring a young Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn and decided I would take a shower and see how I felt.  The movie was boring me.
After my shower I felt better so I decided to get ready and go.  Because the weather is warmer I don't have to winterize.
I stopped at Arby's in Show Low for lunch and then on to Safeway for gas at 3.69.  I had a coupon for 10 cents off a gallon.  My next stop was the Walmart in Payson for some Krud Kutter and a few other things and then on to Circle K for a drink. 
It was after 4 when I got to Chandler.  James was happy to see me.  He wanted me to do errands with him.  We went to Erik's work to look at a truck Erik's friend has for sale for $7,000.  The problem is it's a 1996 and James just doesn't want one that old.  We stopped by Sweet Tomatoes for some dinner but they were closed for remodeling so we had dinner at Outback.  I had the 6oz. Victoria steak which was a little dry. Also, my baked potato was overcooked.  The salad with honey mustard dressing was good though. 
James is still looking for something he needs  for his ammo reloader so we went to Dick's and then to Sportman's Warehouse.  Sportman's Warehouse said they got some in at 2pm but they were all sold out by 2:30.  Not good.
James had a doctor's appointment today to get something for his sinus infection so we stopped by CVS to get his prescription filled.  Also he had to pick up something at Home Depot.  Back at home I went to bed and James went to Terry's to have a meeting about his Dad's estate.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Sunrise.

Joe went on the pioneer trek with his ward and stake today.  Kim said they went somewhere outside of Globe.  

Doesn't look too excited does he?

I'm sure he will have a great time!

My major accomplishment for the day was washing my car and getting the mud out of the garage.  I finished spraying off about half the driveway and then got tired and quit.  Because I am sick I just don't have much energy.

This evening before Mutual I had a visiting teaching interview with sweet little Rosie Westbrook.  She is hispanic and talks so fast in english that I find it difficult to understand her.  She has lived in Vernon for over 30 years and raised 7 boys and 2 girls.  One of her daughters, "Sadie" is getting ready to go on a mission.

We also, Natalie, Kaeli, and I had a short presidency meeting before Mutual.  We discussed each girl and individual needs.  Our main concern right now is Hailey Lootans.  She should be having an interview with the bishop very soon as she turns 16 on April 1st.

For Mutual Natalie talked to the girls about making skirts.  She had several patterns for them to choose from and told them to go home and get on the Hobby Lobby website to pick out material.  Her Mom works at Hobby Lobby and can get a discount on fabric.  We measured the girls and let them pick out which pattern they wanted so we would know how much fabric to order.

Came home and went to bed.  I want to get a good nights sleep as I go to the valley tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sunrise:

The sunrise is a little earlier each day.

Well I definitely have a sore throat and a cough. I wonder if its from breathing the fumes of that Krud Kutter I use to take off the wallpaper. 

In other exciting new Joe got his drivers license today:

Way to go Joe.

James is having a hard time trying to run two jobs.  It's times like this that he really misses Owen.  Good help is hard to find and half the time the help he does have doesn't show up.  He is trying to finish Troy Andersen's before the end of the month and is getting ready for a big concrete pour at Zaki's.  

You may ask what I did of value today.  I did some gospel study, took a nap instead of going for a walk, brought up some books and put them on the bookshelves, wrote on my blog, and prepared Kristy Thomas's grandparents names to be sealed.  That's about it.  Oh yes, I watched some old movies: "Smooch", "The Picnic" with Kim Novak and William Holden.  Wow! When James's dad was young he looked alot like William Holden.  I called James to tell him and he said, "I know."  I also watched Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart in "The Bell, Book, and Candle."  It must be Kim Novak week on TCM.

James got some money today so I can pay this weeks bills.  That's always a good thing.

Monday, March 12, 2013

Thought for the day: "If we properly prepare for the sacrament we can transform our lives." - Elder Don R. Clarke of the Seventy.  Some more thoughts on the sacrament from Elder Clarke's latest General Conference address: 1.Have a feeling of gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  2. Remember that you are renewing your baptismal covenants.  3. During the sacrament we can feel forgiven of our sins.  "The sacrament renews the process of forgiveness." - Boyd K. Packer.  4. We can receive inspiration for solutions to our problems.  5. Partaking of the sacrament worthily will help us be filled with the Holy Ghost.

 Today's sunrise picture.

The guys, James, Joshua, and Evan left early this morning around 5.  I thought the boys would sleep on the way home but James said they didn't.  He stopped for breakfast at McDonald's and Evan loved the pancakes!
This is what the boys did when they got home.  Remember, yesterday they were in the snow.

Fun in the Sun.

It has been determined by 20/20 that "I Love Lucy" is the most popular TV show of all time.  For some reason that doesn't surprise me too much.

I think I am getting sick.  I have a sore throat and a slight cough.  I pretty much took it was this afternoon.  I did get some housework done this morning and I paid a few bills.  I watched a Hallmark move, "The Wishing Well" and watched the finale of the Bachelor with Sean Lowe.  He picked Katherine instead of Lindsay.

James called and said he got heat rub in his eye.  I called Stacy and had her check on him.  I guess he's ok.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Happy Daylight Savings time.  James got up at 3:15 instead of 4:15 because his phone changed to daylight savings time.  Luckily mine didn't.  I think daylight savings time is silly.

James had a high council meeting this morning so he left a little after five.  I got up and decided to wash all the mud off my car with a bottle of watered down Windex and a whole roll of paper towels.  It was clean when I left for church but was twice as dirty when I got back home.  Maybe I should do what Brother Applegate says he does.  He waits until spring to wash his truck.
I made blueberry muffins for breakfast because Evan says he loves them.  Between the two of them, Josh and Evan they ate 10 muffins with Josh, who didn't really want them, eating the most.
LeeAnn Hunsaker gave a talk in church on the 13th Article of Faith and she did an awesome job!  The other talks were on FHE and were given by Ruth Wallace and Jerry Scott.  It was a good sacrament meeting.  The boys were a little whinny and wanted to go home instead of going to Primary.  I reminded them of their promise that they would go and when that was convincing them I gave this little speech.  "Evan, how many hours are in a day.  Evan: 24.  We are only at church for 3 hours so how many hours does that give us to play and do what we want?  21.  Wow!  That's alot!"  They went to Primary without complaining any more.
Two elk crossed the road in front of us on the way to church and there were about 30 or so more by the side of the road.  James only saw the two.  Also, I saw backyard bunny this morning and had to take a picture:

Close up.

Far away.

Kaeli Nicoll gave the lesson in Young Women's on forgiveness.  It was really good.  There was a video of a man who lost his wife and two of his kids in a car accident caused by a teenage drunk driver.  Because of his faith in the Savior and the Atonement the man was able to forgive the teenager and help him turn his life around.  

James insisted that I drive his truck home and he would drive my car.  The mud was so bad I almost got sturck.  I drove as close as I could to the front door and carried the boys to the porch.  I got mud on my Sunday shoes.  The boys were so happy to be home.  They play so well together.  James is doing an audit at our ward so he wasn't home for another two hours.

When he got home we had roast, carrots, peas, biscuits, and salad for lunch. I tried to convince Evan that roast was just like steak.  He ate a little with some ketchup.  Later for a treat we had ice cream and Sprite.  

While the boys were playing James and I watched one of my favorite Hallmark movies, "Straight From the Heart."  Joshua borrowed my camera and took some pictures.  I had to edit them.  They took one picture of a naked Barbie.

Grandpa built a fire and the boys had a great time. After the boys went outside for awhile to play in the snow.  Here are some random pictures.  When it came time to go to bed they wanted to watch Chip and Dale.  I showed them how to turn it off when they were finisihed.  James and I went to bed.  I woke up an hour or so later and they were both fast asleep in bed.

 Lighting the fire.

The snow is melting quickly.

After a bath.

Horsing around.

A race for the bed?

Ready to watch a movie.

Gotta have some popcorn.

Fast asleep.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

It's snowing in the mountains so when it came time for us to leave I followed James going the Globe way.  He had Evan and Joshua with him.  They are spending the weekend with us at the cabin.  I had my car full of boxes.  There was snow all over even before we got to Superior.  I wished I would have stopped and taken a picture but I wanted to keep up with James.  We stopped at Irene's Mexican Food in Globe for lunch.  Evan said he didn't want to go in because he didn't speak spanish but we told him they would speak english too.  He and Josh ate alot of chips and Evan had salsa with us.  Josh ordered a taco and Evan ordered a cheese crisp but neither one of them ate much.  James and I both had enchiladas with green chili sauce.  They were delicious.  Oh did I mention that James got stopped for going to fast.  Luckily the officer only gave him a warning.

Our weekend guests.

I stopped at the Safeway in Show Low to get a roast for dinner tomorrow.  I am afraid I was not dressed for how cold and snowy it was.  James called and warned me that he got stuck going in to our place and he was sure I was going to get stuck.  Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, I did not get stuck, although it was touch and go there for awhile.  What a mess!  Snow and mud.  

Lexy is becoming a country car.

The boys having dinner with grandpa.

Friday, March 8, 2013

We woke up this morning to rain.  James had to cancel his concrete at Zaki's. 
I went shopping again this morning.  I need ink for our computer printer and Walmart was out.  I went to another Walmart and they were out too so I ended up getting it at Staples.  I also went to the bank and deposited a check from Zaki.  I stopped for lunch at In n Out Burger. 

I stripped wallpaper until 10pm and only got half of the room done.  I guess I will finish next week.
James finally got his gun reloader.  He doesn't have all the components he needs to reload though.  Cabellas says they run out as soon as they get them in.  I guess everyone has the same idea about reloading and buying ammo.  James says George Saros owns most of the ammo manufacturing plants and he will only sell to the government. 

Dallin and Kevin were rehearsing to play at the Ostrich Festival this evening when they got a call that their show was cancelled because of rain.  How sad.

Random post.  My friend Jani Huso from my days growing up in Show Low posted a picture of the old McNary General Store.  We use to do most of our shopping at this store which is no longer there.  It's sad going to McNary now because everything I remember is gone since the lumber mill closed down. 

My brother Harold was born in McNary.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

I got a wake up call from James at 6:30.  I guess I stayed up too late last night watching my movie.
I got up in time to see this sunrise:

I showered, packed, winterized and was ready to leave for the valley by 9am.  I stopped at the bank and the gas station in Show Low.  I also stopped at Horne Auto Dealers to take a picture of a truck for James. 

In Payson I had lunch at Taco Bell.  I enjoyed seeing the wildflowers on the desert just outside Fountain Hills:

The first thing I did when I got to Chandler was visit Dave.  He is helping me learn how to download videos onto my tablet.  I guess part of the problem is that I don't have a wifi at home and downloading using my data card takes way too much space and costs too much.  Thanks Dave for the continued computer training.

I am amazed at how many weeds have grown in the yard.  It's pretty overwhelming.  I think I may have to hire some help to do a major cleanup in our yard.

I made a trip to Walmart to get a few groceries and some Krud Kutter.  I did some wallpaper stripping and watered the front lawn at the same time.  

When James got home we went to see a movie with Kim and Brian.  They actually paid our way.  Kim said she has lots of free movie tickets.  Thanks guys.  We saw Safe Haven and we all really liked it.  Josh Dummael and Julieanne Hough were the stars.  

Stacy worked on an art project for Joshua today.  It was a green alligator kite.  Why didn't I get a picture?  It turned out really cute.

I saw this picture of a restaurant in Georgia on Facebook and thought it was cool.

I wonder what it looks like inside.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

"If strong and securely attached to the rock of our Redeemer, faith will help us to safely climb the gospel path, overcome every challenge of mortality and return to the majestic presence of our Heavenly Father.  All things are fulfilled by faith." Elder Marcus B. Nash of the Seventy

My morning sunrise pictures.

I went on a walk today for the first time in a long time.  I walked 25 minutes, went one miles, and burned 107 calories.  Hey, it's a start!

I cleaned and listened to the Book of Mormon on my phone.  I also studied about faith this morning.  

Several months ago Kristy Thomas asked me to prepare her grandparents names so they can be sealed.  I told her she needed to get permission from her dad and his brothers before I could move forward.  She assured me they would be fine with it so by next week I should have them ready.  I also decided I needed to do some of my own family history.  I remember Karen Schneider saying to put one name on a post-it card and put it by your computer.  I chose my grandpa Strickland's mother, Mary Eliza Lewis.  I need to find her parents.  I am taking baby steps today in two areas of my life, exercising, and family history.

Natalie, Kaeli, Brother Smith and I had a young women's presidency meeting this evening before Mutual.  After opening exercises Natalie went home and asked me to take her girls.  We were suppose to have a song practice with the choir director Stephanie Hunsaker but she cancelled at the last minute.  The only other things we had planned was to visit Alex Jones and take her a sock cupcake.  All the Mia Maids and Laurels and I walked to Alex's house.  We knocked several times but it was evident that she wasn't home.  We walked back to the Church.  Now what do we do for the next 30 minutes.  The girls wanted to play a game so we played Truth or Dare off Trenda's phone.  I didn't like it and will not go unprepared for Mutual again!

I came home and watched a Hallmark movie, "Personally Yours" which was filmed in Alaska.  Beautiful scenery and a cute story.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

"God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds using time and pressure.  He's working on you too."

This past Sunday in fast and testimony meeting Brother Applegate talked about the importance of patriarchal blessings.  He says he carries his with him in his scriptures.  I got mine out and typed it today and put it in my scriptures.  I am going to read it every fast Sunday.

Today I read some awesome scriptures in the Book of Mormon.  First I read Alma 5 and then Helaman 3.  I love Helaman 3:35 where it says: "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."  I am going to share this with my girls as a followup to our lesson on repentance.  As we repent and exercise faith in Christ and yield our hearts unto God we are sanctified and made clean before him.

Here is a picture of today's sunrise.

I am grateful for the sunrise each day.

One of my friends from Chandler, Michelle Thompson posted this picture of the Gilbert Temple.

We are so looking forward to the completion of this temple.

While cleaning today I listened to I-Heart radio.  The first song they played is one of my favorites, "Arms" by Christina Perri!  I was fun to clean and dance in the kitchen.

Today Trina posted a picture of matches on Instagram.  She said she came home from work the other day and found a match in Ruby's hair.  Ruby said they only burned a little hole in the trampoline, and she blew out the one they lit in the grass and the one on the sidewalk went out by itself.  I guess the kids played with matches while Darrel was watching them.  Well really, I guess instead of watching them, he was watching TV.

James took Joshua on a date to his Mom's house in Tempe and to Taco Bell.  Joshua had fun playing in Dawn's incredible room.

Monday, March 4, 2013

I read this today:  "If an individual has had 5 or more consecutive flu shots his/her chances of getting alzheimer's is 10x higher than if they had 1, 2 or not shots."  The reason is that there is mercury and aluminum in every flu shot. - Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, world's leading immuno-geneticist.

I said goodbye to James early this morning.  I studied, put books on my bookshelves and admired my piano.  I think the piano and bookshelves make the living room and family room look more homey.  I also waxed the floor, paid some bills and worked on my blog. 

I got a call from James this afternoon.  The insurance says it will cost more to fix his truck than it is worth which means they are totaling it and giving him $16,000.  Now he's got to find a new truck. 

This evening I watched a Hallmark movie, "Loving Leah", and "Castle."  I actually watched the two episodes of Castle where is daughter Alexus gets kidnapped.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

I was up at 3:45 am to finish preparing my lesson on repentance.  During the time before church I also fixed my skirt where the hem was coming out and put on a pot of beans.
James bore his testimony during fast and testimony meeting and thanked the members of our ward for helping us this past week.
During Sunday School we had a lesson on the restoration of the priesthood.  I feel like my lesson on repentance went quite well. We did most of the reading requirements for Virture value experience 4.Here is a picture of the handout I gave the girls:

 Before class started LeeAnn Hunsaker said I had some chalk or something on my blouse  I made an attempt to brush it off and thought nothing more of it.  When I got home and looked in the mirror I realized I had a big blob of toothpast right on the front of my stomach.  I guess that's why I had James install a full length mirror in our bathroom so I could check myself before I leave, not after.
It was overcast and cool today.  We spent a relaxing afternoon resting and watching a Hallmark movie before breaking out fast.  Around sundown we drove into Vernon to get our mail.

I took this picture of the sunset.

On the way home we saw a herd of about 40 elk on the side of the road near our house.  Going into town is always an adventure.  You never know what your are going to see.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Before leaving for home this morning I took a few minutes to clean my empty office downstairs in our Chandler house.
James drove the U-Haul and towed my car. I drove his rental truck.  Of course he went the Salt River way and I went through Payson.  I made it to Show Low first but stopped at Safeway to do some shopping which means James had to turn on the water and heaters.
We had helpers here from our ward thanks to our neighbor Chuck Crane.  Blaine Curtis, Rick Lauritzen, Robert ___________, and Chuck and James unloaded the truck and put everything in place except for my desk which is sitting in the entryway.
After the truck was unloaded we returned it to Harold's place in Linden.  On the way home we stopped at Pappa John's for pizza.  I love their BBQ chicken and James loves the veggie pizza.
Back at home we did a little relazing.  We watched Elementary and Body of Proof.
It was a gorgeous day in Vernon with the high around 61.
Jared put this picture of Anna on Facebook.  I guess they went for a daddy-daughter breakfast date this morning and Anna got red velvet pancakes.

Such a sweetie!

Friday, March 1, 2013

I started out March with a shamrock shake from McDonald's.  You can only get them during March and I wanted to make sure I got mine early.
Max stayed home from school today with a slight fever.  I checked on him a couple of times and then took him to lunch at the place of his choice: Subway.

Does this boy look sick to you?

This afternoon I picked up Darrel and while I was out his house I got to see this two:

Ruby and Creed are cousins and best friends.

Darrel and I drove to Apache Junction to pick up the U-Haul truck Harold arranged for us to use this weekend to move furniture to the cabin.  We had a difficult time finding the place until we called 1-800 UHaul.  We got a 17 foot truck and a car hauler.

Thanks Harold for the U-Haul truck.

Paul, Darrel, and James did most all of the moving of furniture.  It was most impressive that the three of them moved the piano by themselves.  To show my gratitude for their help I bought dinner for Paul, Darrel, and James at Elmer's.

This evening The Oxford Clerics (Dallin and Kevin) played at a little coffee house in Chandler called SoZo.

Two very talented guys.

In other news ASU has come out with a new Sparky that no one seems to like, including me.

I think he looks evil.

He he is with Jeffrey Maxwell.