Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I was on my early morning trip to Fry's to get drinking water when I got a call from the new Young Women's president.  She said she wanted me to be her first counselor and wanted Kaeli to be her second.  Then she proceeded to ask me questions about several sisters in the ward she was considering for advisors and secretary.  Before hanging up she swore me to secrecy.  I am so excited that a president has finally been called and I am excited about the choice that was made.

The girls and Kaeli (Sis Nicoll) went for one last swim this morning before we left.  Kaeli said a prayer and a blessing on the food as we are going to IHOP on our way home.  My treat.  Here is the only picture I got:

 

Left to right: Kaeli, LeeAnn, Shelly's arm

Kilee and Trenda.

 

Shelly and Kilee rode home with me.  We listened to music.  Kilee was the deejay.  Shelly especially liked the song by Carrie Underwood "Two Black Cadillacs" until I told her what it was about then she didn't want to listen to it anymore.  I think she fell asleep for most of the rest of the ride home. 

 

I bought a big Sugar Daddy at Sweetie's yesterday.  I was going to save it for Julie Wilhelm but I ate it on the way home so I could stay awake.  As a result, I lost a filling.  I am sure I will have to have a crown. 

 

Kilee and I got a drink at the Sonic in Payson but Shelly was still asleep. 

 

I got the girls home before dark and after unpacking and making myself mac&cheese for dinner I sat down to watch the latest episode of "The Next Foodnetwork Star."  Lovely went home tonight. 

 

James is still at the resort in Scottsdale.  Alex, Joe and Michael spent the night.  He took them to IHOP for dinner. 

 









Monday, June 24, 2013

I made an early morning run to Fry's this morning for donuts, milk, and orange juice.  When I got back the girls were anxious to go swimming with Kaeli.  Shelly was excited to try out her snorkeling equipment in the pool.  I took this picture by the pool:

 

 

Feeling the baby bump.

 

Wow I forgot how much primping teenage girls do.  It took almost two hours for them to get ready to go to lunch.  James let us use the Chili's gift cards he got for father's day for lunch.  He had $80 worth and we used every bit of them and then some.  I had to borrow $5 from Shelly for the tip.  We had a great time at lunch.

 

Kilee and her rootbeer.

Trenda and her "root"beer.

Trenda, LeeAnn, Kilee

LeeAnn is saying down with the beer!

 

When we were finished at Chili's we headed for the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.  We practically had the entire place to ourselves.  Here are some of the things we saw and did: Shelly loved the miniature, interactive display of the city of Jerusalem.  We watched a movie about the Savior and some of the miracles he performed.  We watched a presentation about the family that was very touching.  We played with the Mormon Moments display and we sat and enjoyed the Christus.  I think the girls had a good time. 

 

Our next stop was at Sweetie's in Chandler.  Sweetie's is the largest candy store in Arizona. 

 





Shelly at Sweeties.

Shelly is a Sweetie!

 

Shelly can make any place fun and Sweetie's was no different.  She loved the gummy fried eggs and gummy army guys just to name a few.  The other girls joined us and we had a great time shopping here but soon it was time to get on to bigger and better things... the Chandler Mall.

 

 

When we got to the mall we told all the girls to stick together because Trenda was the only one with a phone.  While they went shopping Kaeli and I went to McDonald's, Build-a-Bear and Barnes and Nobles.  We met up with the girls outside of Barnes and Nobles and I took these pictures:

 

LeeAnn, Shelly, Trenda, Kilee, the

happy shoppers.

Sis. Nicoll in the middle with her Build-a-Bear box.

 

 

We stopped at Wetzel Pretzel on our way out of the mall for a snack.  Trenda, Kilee, LeeAnn and I headed back to the resort while Shelly went with Sister Nicoll across the street to Target to register for Sister Nicoll's baby shower.  She is having a girl and they are naming her Natalie Joe.  (She dressed her Build-a-Bear like a cowgirl).

 

When we got back to the resort Kilee realized the pair of shoes she bought only had one shoe in the box,  We took a picture of the shoe, shoebox, and receipt and sent it to Sis. Nicoll.  She and Shelly went to the mall and retrieved the other shoe.  Thanks girls!

 

Kilee, LeeAnn, Trenda and I play a game of Five Crowns.  It was the first time Trenda ever played and she won!

 

No passing cards under the table with your

toes Trenda.

Beginner's luck.

 

It was after 10:30 when Sis Nicoll and Shelly got back.  Since the pool is open until midnight the girls wanted to go swimming.  Thank goodness Kaeli wanted to go too.  I was so tired that I went to bed.



 







Sunday, June 23, 2013

James left this morning around 5:30 am for his high council meeting in Show Low.  Afterwards he spoke in the Linden ward sacrament meeting.  He got home around 1 pm.  I was invited to give the spiritual thought in our ward council meeting this morning at 7 am.  My thought was on the Book of Mormon and my testimony of it.  I love testifying of the Book of Mormon.

There will be the full block today contrary to what was announced last week in Sacrament meeting. There is a special missionary broadcast this afternoon. As a result neither Kaeli or I are prepared to give a lesson today in Young Women's.  I did a review of 1st and 2nd Nephi with the girls which had to suffice.  We had some visitors today.  Maddie brought her friend Jamie, who is a non-member, and there were two girls from the valley, Aubrey and Sara.  They were obviously members because they participated in the lesson. 

James and I had a short nap this afternoon and then we got ready for our trip to the valley.  He is going down for a job that starts at Troon North and I am taking girls who are up to date on their Book of Mormon reading to stay at our timeshare, Sheraton Desert Oasis.  Kaeli Nicoll is also going.  We met the young women at the Church.  After a prayer Trenda and LeeAnn rode with Kaeli and Kilee and Shelly rode with me. Jordyn, Shelly's sister qualified to go with us but she has to stay home because of an online class. James drove alone in his truck.  He took the food with him and went the Globe way because he was picking up equipment in Chandler. 

We arrived at Sheraton Desert Oasis around 7pm and checked into rooms 1115 & 1116. The first thing Shelly wanted to do was scuba dive in the bath tub.  

 

 

We spent the evening playing Monopoly and Five Crowns.  We ate chili dogs and read our Book of Mormon and had prayers before going to bed.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

I went shopping at Target this morning with Sheri, Max and Evan.  This is what Evan likes to do when we are at Target:

Evan playing video games.

 

The boys wanted pizza and breadsticks at the snack bar when we were finished shopping so I bought some for them.  What are grandma's for anyway?

 

Brian, Kim, Joe, and Michael have been in San Diego all week.  Here is a picture of Michael that Kim posted:

 

When Paul posted this on Facebook this was his caption:

Michael is cougar bait.

 

This afternoon James and I went to Addy's dance concert in east Mesa at Skyline High School.

Trina's family was there because Kayla was also in the recital.  Here are some pictures:

 

Two cuties!

Best Friends!

So grown up!

 

After the recital James and I headed home to Vernon.  Of course we made our routine stop at Burger House in Miami.  When we got home we unpacked and watched an episode of the Walton's before going to bed.



























June 21, 2013

James left early to go to work but he was back by 8:30 a.m.  I went to Walmart and Sam's to get gas and wash my car.  I bought a little car vacuum at Walmart and came home and vacuumed out my car and cleaned the leather.  I was getting ready for my lunch date with Karen Schneider and Charlotte Mattice.  I picked up Karen and then Charlotte and we drove to one of our favorite restaurants, Firebirds, for lunch.  Karen had also invited Jackie Hall but Jackie couldn't come because she was helping with a funeral.  I wonder if it was Glenn Huish's. 
For lunch we ordered our favorite meal: coconut shrimp with salsa and coleslaw.  It's actually an appetizer but we make it our main course.  It goes wonderfully with their delicious sour dough bread and a chocolate sundae for dessert.  Karen just got back from Paris and London.  She brought me an oilcloth bag from Harrods.



 When Karen and I went to England we each bought one of these bags so now I have two.  I enjoyed my time with these two friends and look forward to seeing them again soon.
I went back home in Chandler after lunch and took a nap.  After my nap I took a little shopping trip to Target.  When James got home this evening we went to dinner at Mimi's.  Isn't it interesting that many of my posts are about eating. Maybe that's because I enjoy it so much.  I had ravioli for dinner at Mimi's and it was delicious.  James talked to Gail on the phone.  Gail is here in town visiting.  He brought Seth down to Flagstaff to go to EFY. 
It was only 106 here today.





Thursday, June 20, 2013

All I can say is Alex is a beast when it comes to winning Five Crowns.  We are leaving for the valley today but before we leave I have to clean.  We didn't leave until about 5pm and then I stopped in Show Low for gas  and to wash my car.  We also made a pit stop at the Circle K in Star Valley and then we stopped at Sonic in Payson so Alex could get something to eat. 

We saw the smoke from the Doce fire in Prescott.  There are also huge fires in Colorado. 

We arrive in Chandler around 9pm.  Dave and Laura left for Idaho today.  They will be gone about four weeks.  They love spending the 4th of July with Jon's family in Boise.

It was June 18, 2002 that the Rodeo fire started.  It is the fire that joined with the Chediski fire which started June 20, 2002, and burned down 460 homes, including our cabin in Pinedale. 

Everything in our state is so dry right now.  We really need some rain!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Happy Birthday Tricia!

James left early for the valley this morning.  I always miss him when he is gone.  I fixed breakfast for Dallin and his friends before they left for home.  I made sausage, eggs, and heated up some of Sister Schubert's rolls I had in the freezer.  They seemed very appreciative. 

John, Mario, Kevin, and Dallin

These boys sing in a barbership quartet and they

serenaded me before they left.

 

I washed sheets and towels and played Five Crowns with Alex throughout the day.  This afternoon I made brownies, cheddar biscuits, and coleslaw to take to the fish fry tonight for Mutual.

I made a trip to the Stanifird store to get some cheddar cheese. 

 Alex came with me to Mutual and while the girls had their camp awards ceremony he made James's punch in the kitchen.  I missed some of the awards because I went to the park to take the punch and food.  I know that Trenda got the Katniss award. 

The fish was the bass the boys caught at Lake Powell and was very tasty.  I am glad I brought some food because the only other thing they had as a side dish was potato chips. 

 

There will be four girls going on the Book of Mormon retreat this Sunday.  They are: Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, Trenda Wilhelm, and Shelly Applegate.  Jordyn Applegate qualified to go but she has to stay home and do summer school. 

 

Came home and watched Master Chef.

 









Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Today is Ruby's fourth birthday but Darrel says they aren't telling her because we aren't celebrating until next week.
I woke up feeling tired and dizzy. James made me take my blood pressure.  It was 149/89 after taking blood pressure meds. One of my meds says: may cause high blood pressure. How does that make sense?
James and I made a trip to town today. He had an appointment with Dr Me on. The doctor says he is in good health and took him off his blood thinner, Plavix.  Now James can schedule his back surgery with Dr. Lieberman.
While in town we went to CalRanch, Walmart, Home Depot, Safeway, the Cat equipment store, Show Low Motor sports, and to get gas.
James put some oil in the Ranger and got it running so the boys, (Dallin, Alex, and friends), could drive it. They took it to the pit and swing.
I took a nap this afternoon then watched The Waltons. I marinated some chicken for dinner. We had dinner with the boys. Kevin made baked ziti and we made chicken, rice, corn, and salad.
This evening I watched SYTYCD choose the top20 and The Voice finale. Danielle Bradbery wins!!!
The boys took another hike after dark.
James's aunt Faye just got married for the first time in February, (she's in her 80's) and she just found out her husband has two leaky heart valves and only has a short time to live. So sad.

Monday, June 17, 2013

As soon as I left my room this morning Alex asked me if I wanted to play Five Crowns.  James and I played with him and I won.  A rare occurrence.  Yesterday we played a game where Alex only got six points.  Dallin and his friends are still asleep.

I cut James's hair this morning and I must admit I did a good job!  Afterwards he and I and Alex left for town.  It was around 10:30.  James has his white shirt and tie and suit jacket on with jeans and tennis shoes.  He's getting his picture taken at Lofgreen's as part of the Show Low High Council.  The rest of the high council already had their picture taken.  They will photoshop James's picture in.  While James was in Lofgreen's Alex and I went through the Sonic drive-thru.  Because it took them so long they gave us our drinks for free.  Next was a stop at Licano's for lunch.  I had my usual, a carne asada burro with green sauce.  We went to Show Low Motorsports and stared through the fence at the ATV's.  They are closed on Monday.  We saw a red four passenger Razr 800 that we really liked.  Alex says that is the one that we will get.

When we got back home it was nap time for James and I.  After my nap I watched an episode of the Walton's, one of the best shows ever on TV.  Talk about family values!!  Beat Alex and James in Five Crowns for the second time today.

Tonight while James and  I watched the final performances on The Voice, Dallin, Kevin, John, Mario, and Alex all went for a hike to Chocolate Lake and then to the old Boy Scout camp.  Alex found a tree frog, 

Finalists on The Voice:  The Swon Brother, Michelle Shamuel, and Danielle Bardbery.  Danielle is only 16 but I want her to win!!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day to all those awesome Dad's out there.  James is an awesome husband, father, and grandpa.  He loved his gifts that I got him:  An ASU Shirt, a Superman watch, and three books from the Church bookstore.

For Young Women today I prepared a review of 1st Nephi.  Since I was busy preparing for a lesson, James took the chocolate chip cookies that Sheri made to the church for the goodie plates the Relief Society is making for the men today.

Erin Windsor, Lorraine Tieman, and Rick Laurtizen were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Erin is a priest and an awesome young man.  He bore a powerful testimony of the Savior a few months back that I will not soon forget. He spoke on how families are ordained of God and that we should all love and care for each other. Lorraine's talk on the restoration and temples was quite lengthy so Rick only had a few minutes to talk about the Atonement of the Savior.
 It was nice to have Sheri, Ian, and all their boys with us today in Sacrament meeting.  After the meeting all of them except Alex went back to the cabin.  Alex stayed with us for the entire block.

In Sunday School we had a lesson on the 2nd Coming entitled: Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord."  My review of 1st Nephi in Young Women's went quite well.  Next week Kaeli Nicoll and I are taking the girls who have read through Alma 1 to our timeshare in Scottsdale.  So far five girls, Jordyn, Trenda, Shelly, Kilee and LeeAnn say they are on track.

After the block Kaeli, Julie and I had a short meeting to discuss camp awards.  James and Alex waited in the car for me. 

When we returned to the cabin Sheri, Ian, Max, and Ben were in a heated game of 5 Crowns.  Ben was losing and wanted to quit.  I know how he feels.  I have felt that way many times.

For Dinner we had steak, 3 bean salad, and broccoli and coleslaw.  Quite delicious.  Sheri and Ian left this afternoon with Ben, Max, and Evan.  Alex stayed here with us in spite of the fact that his right wrist is still bothering him.  I think he wanted to stay for the Mutual fish fry on Wednesday.

I took a nap after our early dinner or late lunch, whichever you want to call it.  After my nap I decided to clean the wood floor which always looks so terrible after a lot of traffic.  I swept, mopped and waxed it.  Now it looks beautiful!

Alex made up a card game called "Tricks"  which he and I played.  Interesting.  He also made a trap outside to catch a critter.  He was aiming for a chipmunk but no such luck.  He did catch a little
mouse.

James and Alex enjoyed watching the show "North America."  We waited around for Dallin and his friends to arrive.  James and I went to bed around 10:30.  About five minutes later we heard them arrive.  There are four of them; Dallin, Kevin, John, and Mario.  They are all singers and musicians.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

The Dettman's left yesterday so now it's just us and the Trezise's.  Sheri went running this morning and met Julie Wilhelm.  Sheri, Alex and I went in to town to see about getting Sheri's tire fixed.  We took my car.  The tire was torn with a rock and is not fixable so they have to buy a new tire.  We mixed business with pleasure and the three of us had breakfast/brunch at Persnikkity's.  I had a chicken salad sandwich, Alex had French toast, and Sheri had oatmeal.  We also got lemon squares, cheesecake, and German chocolate brownies.  Everything was delicious. 
Sheri bought gas for the Ranger and we made a quick trip to Walmart so I could get James a watch.  He mentioned yesterday afternoon that he needed a watch to wear for work. I got him a Superman watch because he is known as Superman in some circles.

I came home and took a nap.  When I woke up it was hailing.  It lasted less than ten minutes. 
This afternoon we played Five Crowns and Sheri and I watched a Hallmark movie called, "Smart Cookies."  Ian fixed us a delicious dinner of fish, wild rice, mango salsa, salad and broccoli.   It was delicious!!

I fixed Alex's shorts and Sheri made cookies for me.  The Relief Society is making goodie plates for all the men tomorrow for Father's Day.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Today is Brian's and Dallin's birthday.  Happy Birthday to both of them.  Brian is in San Diego and Dallin is doing a concert tonight at Sozo Coffee House so I guess they both will have a great birthday.

I was up at 5am to make a trip to Walmart to buy the fixin's for a pancake breakfast for girls camp.  The cooks left bagels and cream cheese for the girls but last night Shelly mentioned the pancake breakfast in the morning and I didn't have the heart to tell her there wasn't going to be one.
James came with me to help.  Thank you honey.  Kaeli was there and so was Millie Scott.  Millie did most of the cooking.  After breakfast we spent about three house cleaning the camp.  Sister Stepp, the camp supervisor, was there every step of the way making sure we did everything we were suppose to.
Those helping to clean and to take the girls and their equipment home:  Julie Wilhelm, Brother Scott and Brother Smith, and James and I.  James and I took Mary, Maddie, and Kilee to the church, and then we took Maddie and Kilee home.  We were all exhausted.  It has been an event filled week!

When I got home instead of taking a nap like I should have, I went to town with Sheri and Alex.  We did some father's day shopping at Walmart.  When we got home Sheri's tire went flat on her van.  This is the third bad thing to happen since they have been here.  Max chipped his tooth on a Ranger ride, and Alex hurt his wrist.

Evan helped Grandpa do some reloading today.

 

 

 

 

 

He really was a big help!

 

Ben learned how to drive the Ranger.

Ian and his boys.

Trezise and Dettman children.

 

 

This evening we played Five Crowns and watched a movie.  I was exhausted when I went to bed.