Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sunrise

After getting up to take a picture of the sunrise I laid back down but was soon awake when I received a text from James that said: "Good morning sweetheart.  I miss my morning kisses."  My response: Me too.

More on Jodi Arias: "The jury in the Jodi Arias murder trial cannot agree on whether to sentence Arias to death or life in prison.  If the jury cannot agree on a sentence for Arias, new jurors will be selected and the penalty phase will begin again.  If a second jury cannot decide unanimously on a penalty, Arias would be sentenced to either life in prison without parole, or life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

I agree with what I posted yesterday as found in D&C 42:18-19.

I talked to Sheri today.  I finally got her to watch Kellie Pickler's and Derel Hough's contemporary dance.  She said that both she and Ian loved it and would like to see Derek choreograph on So You Think You Can Dance.  I agreed.  I miss seeing and talking to Sheri.

Tonight for Mutual we had a combined activity with the Relief Society.  The Relief Society sisters, under the direction of Diana Curtis helped the girls make bandana bags for camp.  They turned out really cute!

 My orange camp bag.  They didn't have purple.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

A small herd of antelope went through the back yard this morning.  They looked something like this:

"Hey, where's everybody going?"

The cows got lucky until the antelope passed through.  I chased the cows away once and then I look outside and I see this:

Cows laying under what I call the "broccoli" tree.  I consider this tree the boundary and I think these cows know it.  It's like they are taunting me.  Maybe they are smarter than I think.

James had ordered six trucks of concrete today for his job at Dobson Ranch.  When he realized most of his help was not showing up he cancelled all but two trucks.  He and Manual poured the trucks by themselves.  Normally it would take six people.  Yes, I am married to Superman but I am afraid he is beginning to feel the effects of kryptonite.

I saw this deck on Facebook.  What a novel idea:

 Love this!

Couldn't resist posting these four guys:

Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael

In regards to Jodi Arias:

D&C 42:18-19

Thou shalt not kill; and he/she that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come

And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Gorgeous sunrise.

I chased 20 cows out of our "yard" today.  

I missed Evan's kindergarten graduation today.  Here he is with his teacher.

Go Evan!

Alex cut his own hair today.  Looks like he did a good job.

A tornado has taken at least 24 lives today in Moore, Oklahoma, 10 of them children.  The tornado was categorized as an EF 5, the most powerful, and was 2 miles wide with winds at 200 mph.  It left a path of destruction approximately 20 miles long.  19,000 people have been displaced.

Tonight I watched the Dancing with the Stars finale.  Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler's supersized freestyle was one of the best dances I have ever seen.  It was a contemporary work of art.  Up until now I wasn't sure who I wanted to win, but this dance sealed the deal.  Definitely Kellie.

These two built a "fort" and then fell asleep in it.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

"If you are struggling financially, pay your tithing and the Lord becomes your partner."

-D&C 119:3-4

-Malachi 3:8-9, 10-12

James left early for Clay Springs to give his talk on the Book of Mormon.  I got up early to finish preparing my lesson on the importance of scripture study.

Garrett Perkins, a recently returned missionary and Brother Redmond the Show Low seminary teacher and a high councilman were the speakers in our sacrament meeting.  They both gave excellent talks.  Brother Redmond is one of my favorite speakers.  Our Sunday School lesson was one paying tithes and offerings.  

We had two visitors in Young Women, Sierra and Sonja.  As part of the lesson we started Choice & Accountability value experience #1.  I challenged the girls to go home and finish the experience and write about it in their journal.

For dinner we had roast with all the fixings and then I made a cherry cobbler for dessert.  

I am sorry I missed Dallin sing "Come Thou Fount" at seminary graduation tonight.  Stacy said he did an amazing job.  

James and I watched a true story about a school teacher who taught homeless kids in Salt Lake City.  It was so inspirational!  Thank goodness for Hallmark movies.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The first thing I did this morning was chase cows.  They have a short memory.
I read Elder Ballard's conference address, "This Is My Work and Glory."
James and I left for the temple around 9 am.  We made it in time for the 10 o'clock session.  We found out that every 1st and 3rd Saturday the 10'oclock session is in Navajo.  James used earphones and I just read the closed captioning.  The session was packed and only about 1/3 of the people or less were Navajo.
After our session I convinced James we had to stop at El Cupido's for lunch.  It's inside a gas station which he thought was a little weird.  While we were there we saw Rusty and Steve Allen.  They were looking at a motorcycle to buy Rusty but decided his mom would be quite upset so they are going to look at trucks instead.  I had the Big Jake burro and James had a chicken pizza.
Before we left this morning I put a roast in the crockpot.  When we got home I added some carrots, potatoes, and onions.  We had a very delicious dinner.
We got this picture from Jared today.

"James caught this carp today in a muddy canal with a net then he and his friend made a afire and cooked it and ate it for dinner.  James said it was hillbilly fishing."

I typed James's talk he is giving tomorrow on the Book of Mormon.  I also finished preparing for my lesson on scripture study.  James worked on sales taxes which are due on Monday.

I chased cows three times today.
Apparently Sheri took Michael shopping at Target and wore him out.

 

Friday, May 17, 2013

This morning's sunrise.

Hummingbird's at our feeder.

Well I just thought the cows were getting the message.  I started chasing them away at 6 am.

It was nice to have scripture and prayers with James this morning.  I also read Elder Craig Cardon's conference talk: "The Savior Wants to Forgive."  

Sad news today for President Monson and his family.  His wife, Frances Monson, passed away this morning.  She was 85 years old.

James and I went to Show Low today.  He had a meeting with Aaron and Andrew Horne at Horne Automotive.  While he was meeting I went over to KMart to look around.  I bought a few items and waited in line at least ten minutes.  Of course James had to go to C-A-L to buy more primers.  We looked at the baby chicks while we were there.  

James wants some of these. 

We had lunch at LaCasita and then I went to Walmart while James went to Home Depot and Lowes looking for light bulbs.  

On the way back to Vernon I took a picture of this awesome tree.  Thanks James for stopping!

We read from "The Grecian Princess" and took a nap when we got home.  I got a call from Stacy.  Dallin is singing at seminary graduation this Sunday.  He is singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

Sunset

Thursday, May 16, 2013

I only chased cows twice today.  I think they might be getting the message. 
I had a visit today from my visiting teacher Alicia Hunsaker and her four year old son Colter.  I always get the toys out for Colter.  He loves the cars and trucks the most but today he was excited to find Mickey Mouse.

Alicia and Colter.

One of the things I did today was clean off the patio table we brought from Chandler.  Now we have a nice place to sit while I read to James, when he is here.

James poured concrete at Bob and Betty Bogle's today.  He is pouring them a new courtyard.  The original courtyard was made out of large smooth rocks but was very difficult to walk on.  Jamie Bogle worked with James on the project.  He is back in Chandler.  He is a retired Colonel from the army.

James called.  He's coming home!  He brought me a bean burro and green burro from Burger House.

He was so tired, his knees and back hurt, all he wanted to do was relax and watch some T when he got here.  I had him watch my two Amish movies, "The Shunning", and "The Confession" and then we watched the season finale of Elementary where Moriarty is revealed.  A real twist to this ending.

It was also the season finale of American Idol although we didn't watch it.  Candace Glover won and Krees Harrison was the runner-up.

In other random news:  

The Soderquist's are very disappointed.  The girl who was giving up her baby to them for adoption has changed her mind.  Now she wants to keep the baby.

Lloyd Lambson is in New York where he is getting remarried.

That's all for today.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Today I read from D&C 13.  It is about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood which occurred on May 15, 1829.  Good timing.
I also read 2 Nephi 5-9, 2 Nephi 16-18, and Alma 18-21.
I am on cow watch at all times.  I moved cattle three times today.  Some of them just don't get the hint.
I made a trip to town today to get the ingredients I need to make an apple cobbler for tonight's Young Men, Young Women activity.  My first stop was to get gas then I had lunch at Taco Bell.  While in the car I called Alicia Hunsaker and asked if she would have LeeAnn call Kelly Reynolds and tell her about tonight's activity.  Kelly is new and she wasn't here on Sunday to here the announcement.
Obama is dealing with two scandals right now.  The one in Bengahzi and the IRS targeting tea party members.  I wonder if his presidency will survive these scandals.
Well, things are heating up in tornado alley.  There was a tornado today in Granbury, Texas.  It must not have been a very big one because I didn't hear too much about it.  I am sure glad that Jared & Tricia moved out of that part of Texas.  According to James Hayden they were right in the middle of tornado alley.
Mutual activities at the park were suppose to start at 6pm.  But when I got there nothing much was happening and no one was there except Mary and Glenzo. The Young Men are in charge and the original plan was that they would cook hotdogs for us to eat while the dutch oven desserts were cooking.  The young men were suppose to bring two desserts and the young women two.  Brother Hunsaker has said the fires needed to be started by 5.  It was obvious that didn't happen.
Finally Brother Diewald, Brother Dewitt, and Brother Hunsaker showed up and started the fire.  Brother Dewitt was the only one from the young men's who brought a dessert.  The young women had two.  My apple cobbler and a peach cobbler made by Tina Allen.  There was no water so I shared what I had in the back of my car.  No paper goods so when Kaeli went to the church to go to the bathroom I asked her to bring back plates and forks.  In spite of how ill-prepared the Young Men were we had an enjoyable evening.  My favorite dessert was the peach cobbler.  Those who attended.  We had some of the 11 year old scouts and their leaders too: Collin Dewitt, Jim Diewald, Sean Hunsaker, Jimmy Applegate, Wes Smith, Brother Mayfield, Ann Miller, Tina Allen, Kaeli Nicoll and myself.  Young Women: Trenda Wilhelm, Jordyn and Shelly Applegate, Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, Maddie Carroll, Hope and Heaven Lootans, Kelly Reynolds, and Mary Swift. I don't know the names of all the Young Men so I am not going to list them. Mary went home and got some hotdogs to cook because some people were starving.  Expectant mother Kaeli Nicoll had four. 
Kim had a fieldtrip today and posted this picture on Facebook.  I am re-posting it here.

Sunset at the park.

Darn light pole.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

"I am encircled about eternally in the arms of His love."

2 Nephi 1:15

I went visiting teaching this morning to Linda Diewald.  Linda is about my age and lived in the valley before she and her husband retired and moved to the valley.  Her husband's mother just past away so they were gone a couple of weeks.  We had a nice visit.  I gave the message from Elder Richard G. Scott's talk entitled "Peace at Home."  Here are a few quotes from Elder Scott's talk:

"One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a 

Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught,

covenants are kept,

and love abounds."

"Invite the Holy Ghost's influence and act obediently on promptings."

"Have daily personal and family prayer, 

daily personal and family scripture study,

and weekly family home evening."

"Make decisions based on 

what the Lord would have you do."

"Be wise in how you embrace technology."

"Be a worthy example."

"Recognize the good in others."

"Be a true friend."

When I asked Linda if they had any plans for the summer she said they always take their travel trailer up to Delores, Colorado and camp on the river for some fishing and relaxation.  Sounds like a good idea.

She also wanted to know how she could get a copy of her patriarchal blessing.  I told her to look on lds.org.

I chased cows today several times.  It's my new hobby.   The sky was overcast today and the high was around 70.  It's 101 in the valley.  Sure glad I'm here.  I wish James could be here too.

I watched two Amish movies today, "The Shunning" and "The Confession."  I am saving them so James can watch them too.  I also watched the results show for "Dancing with the Stars."  Ingo went home.  The four finalists will be: Kellie Pickler, Zendaya Coleman, Aly Raisman, and Jacoby Jones.  Not sure who I wat to win.  Also the first episode of the tryouts for So You Think You Can Dance was on tonight.

James is preparing for his talk on the Book of Mormon by reading President Benson's 1988 Conference address, "Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon."

I talked to my friend Karen Schneider today.  She is going to London this weekend and is excited about eating at Harrod's like she and I did when we were there.  I remember the food was good but very pricey.  In other news she said our friend Charlotte Mattice had a stroke and was in the hospital.  The good news is that her girls seem to have stepped up and are taking care of her.  Karen and I are going to take Charlotte out to eat when she gets out of the hospital and Karen gets back from her world travels.

Tonight's sunset:

 Ominous sky.  I thought for sure it would rain.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Today's sunrise

Gorgeous!

Woke up to some wildlife in the yard.

Elk!

Where are the bulls?

I have a new hobby.  It's called chasing cows Ranger style.  I am protecting James's trees that he planted.  

James started his job at Dobson Ranch today.  He is excited for the work but a little concerned because most of his help is in California.  Today James knocked down a thousand feet of wall by himself.  

While working on the computer I watched the move "Doc Hollywood" starring Michael J. Fox.  I can see why Sheri had a crush on Michael when she was younger.

Those darn cows! They came back just after dark.  I don't like chasing cows in the dark.

I saw a bright light in the sky while I was outside.  At first I thought it was an airplane but it wasn't moving.  I went to get James's binoculars for a closer look.  While I was trying to get them focused it just disappeared.  

Later on Facebook there was a post from someone in the valley who claims to have seen the biggest and brightest meteor he has ever seen at the Badad Dw'ag vista point.  He said it traveled 10 seconds across the sky and then broke up right over a saguaro cactus. 

Meteor.

Back in Vernon, here is what the sunset looked like:

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

I am grateful to all the mother's who have influenced my life,

especially my own sweet mother whom I miss everyday.

I am grateful to my grandmother's and my wonderful mother-in-law.

I am grateful to have daughters who love being mothers and who

do it so well. 

I found this beautiful card on the table when I got up this morning.

Thanks Honey!

Before Church this morning I cut James's hair and colored mine.  On our way to church James asked me a strange question.  He said if he got up in church and declared his love for me would that embarass me.  I told him yes it would, and please don't do it.  Well, he did it anyway.  He had to take care of stake business in sacrament meeting and then he did a tribute to me.  It was sweet but I was very uncomfortable.  Afterwards several people mentioned to me how much they enjoyed it.  

Westin Hall was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  He started out by saying, "Do you know what the definition of awesome is?"  "It's Mothers!"  He also said mothers brought us in to the world and they can take us out!  I love that kid.  He is so funny.

Analee Hunsaker and Sean Hunsaker were the other speakers.  It was a good meeting.  Afterwards all the women received a letter from the bishopric.  Nice, but I was hoping for chocolate. (How rude of me!)

In Sunday School we talked about keeping the sabbath day holy.  In Young Women Tina Allen gave the lesson on the importance of living Prophets and revelation.  

James fixed a wonderful lunch for us.  Grilled filet mignon, corn on the cob, and a salad.  Afterwards we watched the movie "Meet My Mom" starring Laurie Laughlin and Stephanie Powers.  Appropriate for Mothers Day. 

Around 5pm we took dinner to Bishop Hall and his family: Roast with carrots and potatoes, salad, rolls,and chocolate chip cookies.  We only got lost once on the way there.

We drove up to the girls camp site and then we went home and James made chocolate covered strawberries for me.  

I got a call from Jared and his kids,and a book by one of my favorite LDS author's, Wendy Watson Nelson.  Darrel & Trina gave me two Chili's gift cards and I got a very sweet message from Stacy.  It was a nice mother's day.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

I decided to get something done this morning, so I went in to clean the small bathroom off of the room that Adam stayed in.  It was quite dirty and had to use a pumice stone to get the ring out of the toilet.  I guess no one uses it since Adam left.  Well now it's mine so I moved my stuff in.
Once I was finished I began getting ready for my breakfast date with Kim and Sheri.  We are going to Mimi's.  I love their carrot cake muffins.  Sheri is buying my breakfast as my Mother's Day gift.  Kim gave me the movie Safe Haven and some chocolate covered pretzels.
At Mimi's I had an omlet with avocado, cheese, spinach and tomato with a side of bacon and potatoes, and of course a carrot cake muffin which I shared with Kim and Sheri.  I always love being with my sweet daughters!
After breakfast I packed up to get ready to go home.  James was already there getting ready.  We are missing Rowan and Evan's soccer game, which I now regret, and Dallin running the 800 at the state track meet.  James has been here all week and he is so anxious to get back to Vernon I just couldn't ask him to stay any longer.  On my way out I stopped at Paradise Bakery and got a dozen chocolate chip cookies to take to the Hall's with their dinner tomorrow.
James stopped at Burger House and picked up some burros for dinner.  I stopped at Safeway in Show Low
to get the ingredients for a salad to fix tomorrow.  I also got some corn on the cob and steaks for James and I for our Mother's Day dinner  I met Dennis & Denise there and gave them their Five Crowns game.  They seemed excited to get it.
At home we unloaded and sat down to relax.  We watched Elementary and Person of Interest before going to bed.

Friday, May 10, 2013

"To be prepared for war is one of the most

effectual means of preserving peace."

-George Washingtom

This morning I studied 1Nephi 17-18, 2 Nephi 12, Alma 9-10, and D&C 11.  I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment at 11:15 but the office called and cancelled.  My appointment was with Tiffany, one of Dr. Caldron's assistants and she has a son home sick today.  I am re-scheduled for Friday, May 31st.

James and I had lunch together today at one of his favorite fast food places, Quizno's.  I had the chicken pesto sandwich.  It was pretty good.  Afterwards he went back to work and I went shopping for Mother's Day and graduation.  

I got a call from Wendy DeWitt, the compassionate service leader in our ward.  She wants me to take dinner to Bishop Hall's family on Sunday because the bishop is in the hospital.  While I was out shopping I picked up some rolls at Deseret Book.  I have a roast at home with veggies that I was going to fix for us but we can have something else and we will take the roast to the Hall's.

I went in to "Things Remembered" and bought birthstone necklaces for Mary Swift and MaKenzi Hunsaker for graduation.  I wanted to get something for Lois for Mother's Day but nothing seemed quite right.  I finally gave Dawn a call and she said she would like to have James Patterson's new book "The Twelveth of Never" so I went to Barnes & Noble and picked it up.  I am sure glad I called.  

This evening we picked up machaca burros and tacos at Elmers and headed for Tempe.  We spent the evening with Lois.  We ate dinner and played Five Crowns.  She loved her flowers and book.  It was a nice relaxing evening.  I told Lois she was the most talented person I know and one of the nicest.  I really do have a wonderful Mother-in-law.

Lois and James.

The flowers we got Lois.

In other news, Jeffrey Maxwell, Brian's oldest, graduated from ASU this week.

Colby, Brian, and Jeffrey, the graduate.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Here is a picture of Sheri at work.  She works at Chandler Eye Care.  The little girl is Alexus Coffey, a little girl in her ward.  I remember Alexus when she was in nursery.  She was quite the character.

 Sheri the Optical Engineer.

I couldn't resist this picture that Jared posted on Facebook of Molly holding a bunny.

 I don't think the bunny is nearly as happy as Molly is.

This next picture is of Kaeli Nicoll, the other counselor in the Young Women's. 

22 weeks.

I made a trip to the valley this morning.  I stopped in Show Low for gas and a drink at Circle K.  I went this Payson way this time because I really do prefer it, although I don't mind the Globe way as much as I used to.

I got to Dr. Douglas's office in Chandler a few minutes before 1pm for my 1pm appointment to get my teeth cleaned.  Jackie, the hygenist, asked all about Stacy and wanted to see pictures of our cabin.  Wouldn't you know it that I couldn't find pictures of either one on my phone.  

After my appointment I went home and unpacked.  James arrived shortly and because we were both hungry we went to Olive Garden to get something to eat.  I had their chicken scampi which is delicious!

Afterwards we went to Target and then Barnes & Noble to look for the game of Five Crowns for Dennis and Denise.  Denise said she couldn't find it in Show Low.  Target didn't have it but they had some flowers.  We got a bouquet for Lois and then bought Five Crowns at Barnes & Noble.  I also bought myself a purple leather journal and a nice pen.  Just what I need, another journal.

Back at home James and I played a game of Five Crowns using our old worn out cards.  I wasn't about to open the new ones I got for Dennis and Denise.

Laura called this evening and invited me to her house for quilting club.  Karen Schneider and Adrienne Ellsworth, two of my good friends were going to be there.  I had to decline because I was already in my comfy clothes watching T.V.  I was sorry to see Angie leave American Idol this evening.  James and I watched Body of Proof and Castle on our computer downstairs via Hulu Plus.

James is so happy to have me here with him. 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Another beautiful sunrise.

 I love it when there are clouds.

I had to post this picture of Dennis's granddaughter, Kyle's oldest, Bridell.  She was student of the month at her school in Colorado.

 Bridell looks alot like her aunt Jenifer.

The next two pictures are just a couple of things I found on Facebook that I thought were cute and funny.

President Monson's message to youth in this month's New Era included the following advice:

1.  Search the scriptures with diligence.

2.  Plan your life with purpose

3.  Teach the truth with testimony

4.  Serve the Lord with love.

I made a trip to K-Mart and then Walmart today.  Tonight the YW are decorating t-shirts for camp and I needed to find a t-shirt.  I found what I needed at K-Mart and then went to Walmart to do some grocery shopping.  I got a brownie mix to make for tonight.  The girls were so grateful.  Those who attended Mutual: Shelly, Alex Jones, Caitlin Cordova, and Arizona Hill.  Shelly made sure these girls were invited!!  Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, Jordyn Applegate, Trenda Wilhelm, and Mary Swift.  After putting "Girl on Fire" on their shirts with stencils and bleach spray, we had a camp meal planning meeting with these leaders: 

Audrey Guerrero, our food specialist and her assistants, Diana Curtis, and Teresa Smith, our camp director Julie Wilhelm and her assistant Randa Covert, and of course Kaeli Nicoll and myself.  It was a long evening beginning at 6 and ending around 8:30 but we got alot accomplished.

Jodi Aria was found guilty of first degree murder today by a jury here in Phoenix.  She killed her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander.  Both families are LDS.  This trial has received lots of national attention.

 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

This morning's sunrise.

Jani Huso Johnson posted an article about all of the LDS canneries west of the Mississippi closing because of tighter government restrictions.  I re-posted onto my Facebook timeline and got a call from my neighbor, Kathy Crane.  Jared had already commented on my post and said he had read an article in the Deseret News that the article was wrong.  Some changes are being made at the canneries, but they are not closing, so I was prepared for Kathy's call.  Kathy and her husband Chuck are the managers at the Snowflake cannery.  She said that something like this may cause people to panic and there would be a big "run" at the cannery.  Although she was very nice I could tell she was a little upset that I had posted the article so when she asked me to come over and take a picture of her lilac bush to post on Facebook I agreed.  Here is the picture I posted.  Sorry Kathy.  I hope we are still friends.

The smell was divine!

In the way of gospel study today I read 1 Nephi 7-10 (YW), Mosiah 20 (Individual study), Alma 2-4 (James), D&C 8 (Sunday School Course of Study) and President Monson's welcome address for conference and President Packer's address "These Things I Know."

I finally planted the dahlia bulbs I ordered from Holland.  I should have opened them right away.  I hope I didn't wait too late.  They are weird looking bulbs and I hope I planted them right.  Time will tell. Where is Carmen when you need her?  It was nice to be outside working.

I did 30 minutes on my mini trampoline today in 3 minute increments.  I watched Dancing with the Stars, the results and paid bills this evening.  I actually didn't go to bed until midnight.  I am developing some poor habits while I am here by myself.  That's all for today folks.

Monday, May 6, 2013

I got to have scriptures and prayer with James this morning before he left for the valley.  We are on the 2nd round of reading the Book of Mormon  for 2013. 
After James left I spent a couple of hours looking for an activity for the Young Women to do with the Relief Society sisters on May 22nd.  I jotted down some ideas I found online and then I gave Diana Curtis a call.  She had been looking too.  She found an activity of using bandanas for making bags and we decided that's what we wanted to do.  I am so glad to have that decision made.
Nothing like having left overs for lunch: enchiladas, refried beans, and banana cream pie. 
Around 2:30 I met Teresa Smith, Audrey Guerrero, and Diana Curtis, at Judy Hunter's house.  We all went in Audrey's car up to the girl's camp site.  The property was donated to the Church by one of Judy's relatives so she was our guide.  The camp is on the Vernon-McNary road and is in a beautiful spot.  We didn't go inside the gate because it looked like guys were working there.  We will have a ramada with tables, bathrooms, showers, and electricity!!  Judy also took us to a spot her family still owns where they have their family reunions. 

Diana, Audrey, and Judy pointing something out.

Diana and Audrey watching Judy move a log.

Teresa heading back to the car.

This part of the property still belongs to the Neagle family.

They use it for family reunions.

Zaki's wife is causing James so much stress and she is delaying paying us what they owe on their house in the process.  He is trying to meet her every demand but it is apparent that she does not trust James and it is causing him to want to resign from the job.  Hopefully James and Zaki can work something out.

In national news today three women who have been missing for ten years were found today in Ohio.  They were held prisoner in a small house by a very evil man.  It is amazing that they are still alive.

Tonight I watched Dancing With the Stars and Castle, by myself. I can't decide who is my favorite out of: Kelly Pickler, Aly Raisman, Zendaya, or Jacoby Jones.

 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sheri posted these pictures on Facebook this morning:

I love this picture!

Typical boys.

A member of our ward, Marcy Westbrook, bore her testimony today because she and her family are moving to New Mexico.  In her testimony she mentioned being Wade Butler's daughter.  Wade & Jackie Butler went to high school with my parents and they lived across the street from us when we lived in Show Low.  Jackie was my Beehive advisor and I was friends with their daughter Leann.  I talked to Marcy afterwards and told her of the connection I have with her family.  It's fun living in a place where I know so many people.

In Sunday School we talked about spiritual gifts, the greatest of which is charity.

Kaeli Nicoll gave the lesson in Young Women's on patriarchal blessings.  

After church I took a short nap and began preparing for tonight's dinner with Dennis & Denise, and Harold & Vickie.  Today is Dennis's 59th birthday.  

We had Lois's enchilada's which Denise said were to die for, Dennis's spanish rice, Mary Johnson's refired beans, and a nice salad.  For dessert we had pie, lemon meringue, Dennis's favorite, chocolate cream, Harold's favorite, and banana cream, my favorite.  

We also taught them how to play Five Crown's.  It was alot of fun.  We had to stop after the Jack round because Denise has to get up at 4:30 and go to work.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

D&C 6:7

Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. 

Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

D&C 6:20

...Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, 

and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

I wanted James to watch "The Magic of Ordinary Days" with me this morning and he did.  He loved it almost as much as I did.  I am saving it for when Kim and Sheri come up so they can watch it too.  

We had to make a trip to town this morning to make a deposit for Francesco.  He is working in California and is out of money.  James owes him some money so we stopped at Bank of America and made a deposit in his account.  Of course if we are in town we have to go to lunch.  The waitress at La Casita knows us now.  After lunch James went to C-A-L to get more primers for reloading.  This time they were out.  While he was in there I walked across the street to CVS to get some chocolate.  While there I also found a bag of cinnamon fire stix which they don't have at Walmart.  

James reloaded 50 bullets and says he saved $40.  Considering how much the reloader cost he really hasn't saved anything yet.  The reloading table he built:

Last week James planted two aspen trees and three apple trees.  Elk came in and ate the aspen trees but the apple trees are still ok.  I guess that's why people build electric fences (the Cranes) around their place.

James is really complaining about his back hurting.  I feel so bad for him.  Hopefully he can get something done that will give him some relief.  He also came in frustrated because he wanted to do some work around the place and he can't get the tractor started.

I want James to build some benches like this to go around our fire pit.

 

We started our fast this afternoon.  We are fasting for Dallin.

Friday, May 3, 2012

Sheri took Max and Evan to the zoo this morning.  They were so excited.

Here they are at the sting ray pool.

Jared posted this picture of Molly this morning on Facebook.  I guess she is giving her morning concert.

I wonder what she's singing?

Alex Tolman had surgery today.  He now has 3 metal plates and 15 screws in his leg.

He had a bad motorcycle accident.

He's still smiling though.

Our Vernon ward priest quorum spent the weekend fishing and having fun at Lake Powell.  Here is a picture of Rusty Allen with a fish he caught.

Rusty is such a nice boy!

James had to send some more invoices to satisfy Ariann Shakir before he left for New Mexico this morning.  That woman is really stressing him out.  How can Zaki be so nice and his wife be so unreasonable and unkind?

James left around 9am to visit with Cindy in Demming about his Dad's estate.  Afterwards he is going on to meet Jared and James at the Priesthood Commemoration Outing at Lake Robert's in New Mexico just outside of Silver City about 30 miles.  James spent the evening fishing and having dinner with James Hayden and Jared and then he decided to come home so he could sleep in his comfy bed.  It was after 1 am when he got home.  I was happy to see him, even if he did wake me up.
What was my day like?  I did errands in town.  I got gas and my carwashed, stopped at Book Barn to get a book my N.C. Allen that James wanted called "The Grecian Princess."  Went shopping at Walmart for the stuff for Dennis's birthday dinner on Sunday, picked up prescriptions at Walgreen's, and mailed Natalie Soderquist's package of seed potatoes.  I also watched two really good Hallmark movies: "Little John", and "The Magic of Ordinary Days."