This picture of Bruce was taken at 4am.

during my morning devotional.

Ruth 1:16-17

"And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LOrd do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

This morning for scripture study Emmy shared a scripture she learned about in her primary class yesterday.  It was Genesis 39:18-23: 

18 -And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19- And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20-And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

21-But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

22-And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

23-The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."

We talked about how when bad thing happened to Joseph even when he was trying to do good, eventually because of his goodness and obedience, he was blessed.

I went with Jared to take Emmy and Anna to school so I would know the route. Bruce and Penny went with us.

 I am picking up Emmy this afternoon.  She goes to Mitzy Bond Elementary School.  Anna goes to Abraham Lincolm Junior High.  Emmy is in the third grade and Anna is in the sixth.

We hung out with Molly and the dogs while the other girls were gone to school and Jared was at work.

 Penny and Molly

Molly trying to get Bruce to shake hands with her,

but I think he's just too tired.

Penny found the most comfortable spot in the house.

Molly singing her preschool songs for us.

Molly, James and I went shopping at Walmart.  The guy behind us in line was trying to be friendly with Molly.  She told him he had sharp teeth.  Thank goodness he was a good sport about it.  

After shopping we went to lunch at Rudy's.  Molly loved their potato salad and dill pickles.  She also ate a tiny bit of smoked turkey.

Back at home we all laid down to take a nap.  Molly told me I smelled good, just like an old grandma.  I guess I should consider that a compliment.  While she was still sleeping I left to pick up Emmy from school and take her to volleyball practice.  I stayed and watched her practice. 

 Emmy loves sports and she is very athletic.

There were lots of girls all shapes, sizes, and ages practicing volleyball at Stars Haven today.  I guess Anna has practice on Fridays.

On the way home Emmy and I stopped at the local Circle K for some refreshments.  Jared made burgers for dinner.  They were delicious. Anna was very helpful.  She asked everyone what they wanted to drink and then she delivered our drinks to us.

 I played with Molly outside.  I watched her jump on the trampoline and then we played tetherball.

Anna gave a really good lesson for FHE.  She had questions for us to answer and when we were finished she gave what she thought would be a good answer.  I guess she is doing this for Mutual on Wednesday night too.  Anna also made some delicious snickerdoodle cookies for us. Emmy got to chose the game.  We played Apples to Apples.  Molly did the song.

 Maybe we should be glad we lost the remote to the TV.  We spent a nice evening together.   

 

 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

My weekly interview with Heavenly Father:

As I listen to the Sacrament prayers, I can feel like I am having a

  PPI with my Father in Heaven.  President Henry B. Eyring suggests that I think of questions in 3 areas:

1.  What have I done that has pleased God?

2. What do I need to repent of or ask forgiveness for? 

3. What/who would God like me to serve?

"Heavenly Father, I wasn't perfect again this week, but I repent of my sins and reaffirm my commitment to keep all the commandments. I promise to go back and try again with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.  I still want and need the cleansing that comes through faith, repentance and baptism.  Please extend my contract, my covenant of baptism, and grant me the continued blessings of the Atonement and the companionship of the Holy Ghost."

I couldn't sleep so I got up a little after 3am.  I had an idea for the May family letter and I had to write it down.  I am going to share teachings from the Book of Mormon with Adam, Jared Ammon, Dallin, Michael, Joe, Alex, Ben, James, Anna, Max, Addy and Emmy.  Also, I am going to encourage the Primary kids to learn the Articles of Faith.

Today I studied the Book of Mormon, Preach My Gospel, Everyday Missionaries and read from For the Strength of Youth for Personal Progress, Integrity, value experience #1.

James had stake council meeting, and then a couple, the Mills' reported on their mission to Peru, so he didn't get back until after 8:30.  

Talon Wilhelm was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  He spoke on repentance from For the Strength of Youth.  Pam Wood and Gary Thompson spoke on being disciples of Christ.  After sacrament meeting James and I went home so we could pack the car to get ready to go to El Paso.  I made some lunch: leftover ham, potatoes, green beans and stir fry.  I pretty much cleaned out the frig, which was my plan.  We were all ready to go except James wanted to turn off the water and the dishwasher wasn't finished.  I went back to the church to visit teach Lannie Gillespie with my partner, Rosie Lauritzen.  

I went back home and picked up James.  We had a prayer before we left with James driving even though he said he didn't get any sleep last night.  He drove to Silver City while I took naps and then in Silver City I took over the driving.  I got the easy part of the trip with most of my driving on the freeway.  Emmy and Molly called us several times asking why it was taking so long. When we got within a block of their house Emmy and Molly were waiting on the corner.  We picked them up and Jared and Anna were waiting in their driveway.  Anna was all dressed up to go to a fireside.  James is gone with his grandpa Mark.  They are on an adventure.  They went to Silver City and then on to Tombstone.

 

The first thing Molly wanted me to do was paint her nails.  I got grandpa to do it.

Grandpa the manicurist.

Jared fixed us a nice dinner and then we watched some Mormon Messages on the T.V.

 

 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

 A paragraph from my Patriarchal Blessing:

1.  Live near to the Lord

2. Pray daily to be shielded from temptation greater than we are able to withstand thus the righteous desires of my heart can be realized as I live under His divine influence.

 Marissa Ellsworth and Courtney Pannel after doing baptisms for the dead at the Salt Lake Temple.

I made buttermilk syrup this morning for our ward's pancake breakfast.  It was delicious.  James said it tasted like caramel, probably because I used brown sugar.  After the breakfast I came home and made another batch using white sugar and it was just as good, if not better.  
The weather was very fickle today.  It was windy, then it rained, and even snowed for awhile and then I saw the sun shine. Hopefull the rain will lessen the extreme fire danger in the area.

 James and I made a trip to the dump and to the Stanford store to get some gas for our trip to El Paso tomorrow.  After leaving the dump we heard a weird scraping noise, and then it stopped.  We turned around and by the side of the road we saw something that had dropped off from the undercarriage of our car.  James said it was some kind of mud guard.  Luckily it's not that important.  For a few minutes we thought we had another flat tire, but thank goodness we didn't.

This afternoon I paid bills and worked on my blog all while listening to BYU Devotionals.  James took his work in and sat by the fireplace.

   Soon I joined him and we read from The Book Thief.

I have to share a post that Sheri did about Max.  She got some twine and hemp for Ian to make the boys some bracelets.  Ian said: "Hey guys look what mom got so I can make you some bracelets."  Max's response was: "What?  Are we teenage girls?  Do you want us to sit in a circle and braid each others' hair?"

This evening James and I watched a really good Hallmark movie we had seen before called: "Will You Dance at My Wedding?"  RomA Downey and John Schneider were in it.  I should have saved it for Kim and Sheri to watch when they come up.  

 One of my young women, Arizona Hill,

and the results of her turkey hunt.

Prom Night

Joe and his friends in Chandler

 Colby and his date in Show Low

Friday, April 25, 2014

I just learned the name of the mountain:

Sierra Mentosa.  I'm still going to call it

Mt. Vernon.

 My tree and the pink sky.

Goals:

1. Know that the Savior, through His justice and mercy will make all things right until we meet again.

2. Read and study the conference talks.

Sweet Story from the Ensign

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a message to the Relief Society sisters during the 2011 General Relief Society meeting that touched my heart and gave me peace.  He spoke about the tiny forget-me-not flower and how its five petals represent five things we should always remember.

1. First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

2. Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

3. Third, forget not to be happy now.

4. Fourth, forget not the "why" of the gospel.

5. Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

Jessie, who owned a catering business, was asked by her stake Relief Society leaders to make a dessert to serve after the general Relief Society meeting.  Jessie decided to make 250 cupcakes.  The day of the meeting arrived.  The cupcakes were ready, but Jessie had sent a picture of them to a relative who said they were not fancy enough for the meeting.  

Jessie began to doubt herself.  She concluded that the stake RS leaders would be expecting something more elaborate than her simple cupcakes, but there was no time to redecorate them.  Jessie took the cupcakes as they were, feeling that she had let the sisters down - until President Uchtdorf spoke.  

As he spoke about the tiny forget-me-not flower, a picture of the little blue flower appeared on the screen.  It was such a simple flower but so beautiful with its delicately veined petals.  President Uchtdorf's message touched everyone's heart as he pleaded with us not to become so distracted with the large exotic blooms around us that we forget the five simple but important truths he was teaching us.

After the closing prayer, the sisters made their way to the cultural hall.  When Jessie walked in, they found everyone surrounding the dessert table and asking, "How did they know?"

Each cupcake was frosted in plain white frosting and decorated with one simple, beautiful, delicate, five-petaled forget-me-not flower. 

 

The plans for the new American

Revolution Museum to be built in Philadelphia.

The Church donated 1.5 million dollars to the

building of this museum. 

James fixed a delicious breakfast this morning.  We still have some leftover scalloped potatoes and ham from Easter.  He made a egg, potato combination and a slice of ham on the side.  It was very yummy!

After breakfast James left for town.  He had wanted to arrive at Dr. Moffat's at 8 to see if the doctor would see him about his laringitis.  He did not have an appointment and did not call ahead.  Because he was in such a hurry, not only did I pray for his safety in family prayer, but I offered another special prayer for him.  

I was relieved when he called from Dr. Moffat's office to know that he had arrived safely.  The office was closed so he didn't get to see the doctor but when I told him my concerns for him he told me this story.  "Well, I didn't pass anyone.  I followed Brother Applegate all the way because he was going just over the speed limit."

When I heard him say that I felt that because he had 'followed one of his priesthood leaders' he had arrived safely.  I think there is a lesson in that story.

James helped me finish washing the main floor windows.  They look beautiful!

This evening James got all dressed up to make a home teaching visit to the Peeler's.  He always wears his Sunday clothes when he is acting in a priesthood office.  When he got home we read from The Book Thief by the fire.  Afterwards we watched a Hallmark movie and then went to bed.  It was a great day!

Interesting.

 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Sunrise

Goals:

1.  Get rid of unnecessary things in my life.

2.  Through fasting and prayer cultivate the gift of personal revelation.

 Quote:

"Do we see our weekly sacramental service as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?

"With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is."

-Jeffrey R. Holland

April 2014 Ensign, p. 75

We had a herd of 8-10 antelope in our backyard this morning.  Something spooked them and they started to run.  I hope that tiny one in the back can keep up.

James and I made a trip to town this morning to get tires at Discount Tire. They are honoring their guarantee that we got on the tires we bought last January.  While they were putting our new tires on James and I went across the street to KFC for their lunch time buffet.  It was pretty tasty.  I especially liked the coleslaw and their stuffing.  

On the way home I read to James from The Book Thief.  I had him drive over to Bonnie Holladay's to see the fence we painted last Saturday.  The name of her place is Prairie Rose.  I was excited to hear that Bonnie is ready to be baptized!

When we got home we took a nap and then I got up to wash windows.  Look how clean my Norwex cloths and a little water get them:

Amazing!

James came outside and found a huge trail of ants crawling up the side of the house.  He made short work of them.

Sheri posted a song by a band called Jared and the Mill.  They are friends of Jared Ammons.  I downloaded their song "Breathe Me In."

Adam called and said he and some of his friends may be interested in renting our house and would be willing to help fix it up.  I told him I would talk to grandpa.  The only problem is, where would we stay?

Stacy called to talk about Sam, Alex, Caleb, and Jena on American Idol.  I told her I liked Sam, who reminds me of Rick Nelson, and Jesse Meuse.  She also said that Paypal offered Paul a four month job to do some training in Malaysia.  Of the pay is good enough, he may go.

 Our nephew Nathan Tibbetts and

a friend in the MTC.

I did some visiting teaching by myself this afternoon.  I visited with Barbie Shumaker.  Barbie does not come to church but she is such a good person.  Not only has she rescued 46 dogs but she raised her sisters four children.  I admire and respect her and value her friendship.

James worked outside on the tractor this afternoon.  He loves this kind of work.  It is good for the his soul.

I made chili and stirfry veggies for dinner.  Afterwards we watched Castle and The Mentalist. 

Sunset

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

 Goals

1.  Always pray before making important decisions.

2.  Pray to know the truth of all things.

Quote

"Seeking out the poor and ministering to those who suffer is an indispensable part of what it means to be a disciple of Christ."

-April 2014 Ensign, p.69

Mosiah 14-15:9

What does it mean to satisfy the demands of justice?

It is windy again today.  Perhaps the purpose of the wind is to blow in some clouds which will give us some rain.  I certainly hope so.

So far it's just drying everything out.

I finished washing the main floor inside windows today.  I love just using my Norwex rags and water!  

Karen Schneider called me today.  She is desperate to sell her furniture.  She sent me pictures, etc.  Such nice things and good deals.

Stairway to heaven,

Oahu, Hawaii

James surprised me by coming home a day early and bringing a check for the Yoshimine job.  Sorry I had to leave for Mutual as soon as he got here. Tonight is our Standard's Night and Wendy Dewitt is our speaker.  We ask the girls to wear their favorite Sunday outfit, which most of them did.  We had three girls in jeans, but we were glad they were there anyway.  

Wendy did a nice job but as soon as the closing prayer was said she left.  We didn't even have time to invite her for our healthy refreshments which made us a little sad.  We had cucumber sandwiches, veggies and dip, and fruit and dip, and lemon water.  The girls seemed to really like the idea that we went healthy.  It seemed to go along with the theme for the evening. Those attending: Coty, Kelly, Trenda, Alice, LeeAnn, Kilee, Hope, Heaven, Hailey and her friend Dakota.  Leaders: Diana, Analee, and myself.

The Laurels and Priests trip to Lake Powell has been postponed because of cold and windy weather.  Also, the bishops wife, Denice is still in the hospital.

Trenda Wilelm and her prom date, 

Jacob Flake.

 My dear sweet friend,

Analee Hunsaker.

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Mountain village, 

Cortina, Italy

Gospel Goals
1.  Bear witness of God the Father, the Holy Ghost, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.  When I receive inspiration, act on it promptly!

Mosiah 13:5-35

"What does it mean to have the commandments written in our hearts?"

I am finally caught up on my blog/journal and it is a good feeling!  

It was very windy today.  I had planned on working outside in the front planter where I want to plant some ground cover but it was too cold and windy.  I was also going to wash windows.  I washed half of the ones inside and will wait for better weather to venture outside.  James doesn't have that luxury.  He poured concrete at Yoshimine's in 95 degree weather and wind.  

 This sweet young man spoke in the Saturday night session of our Stake Conference.  He will be leaving soon to serve the Lord in

Guadalajara, Mexico.  His name is Rusty Allen and he lives in Vernon.

I used my Shark Sonic Duo to clean the tile in the hallway, entry, guest bathroom and laundry room.  It worked very nicely.  Next time I will polish it too.  I moved 5 boxes from the basement to the upstairs.  This is definitely my workout for the day.

This afternoon I paid some bills and got on family search.  I see that I have more research to do on my maternal grandparents line.  I set a goal to find Mary Eliza Lewis's and John Thomas Rutledge's parents.  Mary is my grandpa Strickland's mother and John Thomas is my nannie's father.  

I felt a little lonely today but resisted the urge to go into town to get a hotdog or corndog at Sonic.  I don't know why I have this craving but I resisted it, for now anyway.

 This evening I called Jordyn, Shelly, Kilee, LeeAnn, Kelly, and Maddie and reminded them to wear Sunday dress for our tomorrow night's Standard Night.  I am very excited because Wendy Dewitt is our speaker.  She is one of my favorite speakers.  Diana said the sister whose name she submitted for 2nd counselor was rejected so she asked me to pray with her about who should be called.  I said I would.

Watched the results for The Voice and the first weekly episode of "Sign, Sealed and Delivered" on the Hallmark channel.

Bibury, Gloucestershire, England 

 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Fisherman's Net

Gospel Goals

1.  Yoke myself, through my covenants, with the Savior so my burdens may be light.

2.  Respond with love and kindness to whatever may come my way.

Quotes

"We win battles with evil through commitment to the Lord, courage to act as we are inspired to do so, and giving the credit to the Lord."

"As we love, lead, and serve others, we can have joy and satisfaction in fulfilling the Lord's plan for us."

I woke up around 3:30 and couldn't go back to sleep so I got up.  It means I got a bit of an early start and so I got down the calendar and did an outline plan for my week.

James left for the valley around 9:30.  He forgot his clothes and to take the garbage, but he stopped in Show Low at Discount Tire and ordered me two new tires.  They were under warranty so we will only have to pay about $130.  

Italy

It was a gorgeous day here.  It was 75 in Show Low and 95 in the valley.  In Vernon is was 70 with scattered showers and overcast skies.  I went to town to the bank, my mom's grave to put some water on the lilies we planted yesterday, and then did some shopping at Walmart.  While at Walmart I saw Stefani Hunsaker and she told me what an awesome job I did yesterday with my talk.  Thank you Stefani.  On the way home I stopped and filled my car with gas.  I will be leaving for El Paso on Saturday.  

Back at home I opened the windows to let some fresh air in while I worked on the computer and listened to General Conference.  I closed out my expenditure ledger for April and decided I can do much better in May.  I emailed Sister Hastings my April family letter.  She was very grateful and asked me to also mail her the one for May. 

Sheri posted on Facebook that Ben has to have surgery on his hand because of torn ligaments and then wear a cast to heal a fracture in the growth plate in his thumb.  She's trying to talk him into another sport besides football.

 Sweet picture!

Jared Ammon wants to come and visit us in May.  How nice.

 

 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

1. Christ the Lord is ris'n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

2. Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the vict'ry won, Alleluia!

Jesus' agony is o'er, Alleluia!

Darkness veils the earth no more, Alleluia!

3. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Gospel Goals

1.  Trust in the Lord.

2.  Stand as a witness of God.

3.  Find peace, comfort, and joy in the Savior.

4.  Hasten the work of salvation by inviting others to 

"Come unto Christ."

My goals for today matched almost perfectly the fact that I was asked to speak in stake conference.  I did not plan it that way.  I take my goals from General Conference addresses and it just worked out that way.

Quotes

"When we are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing, blessings come."

"Women are appointed to be guides and lights in righteousness in the family unit." - Bruce R. McConkie

I read my talk ten times before leaving this morning, just as James suggested.  We arrived early at stake conference and my cousin Rita and her husband Bill sat down in the row in front of us.  I was able to talk to her about her arthritis and about getting histories of grandpa and grandma Maxwell's lives.  She is going to talk to her mom, my Aunt Gene. 

As I sat on the stand there were three other women who joined with me.  Kylie Tregaskas, a Laurel, Ann Williams a mother of young children and President Williams's wife, and Alisa Allen the Relief Society President in the YSA branch.  The stake presidency were the other three speakers.  It was a good meeting but I was so glad when it was over.  The Young Women sand "Come Unto Christ" and sounded beautiful.  I believe their song was my favorite part of the meeting.  People said they enjoyed my talk and two sisters asked me to email my family letter to them.  One was Debbie Holyoak who is the postmistress in Vernon but lives in Clay Springs, and the other was Heidi Hastings, First Counselor in the Young Women Stake Presidency.  James said many people commented to him also.  Although I certainly didn't seek praise it is nice to know that the talk meant something to people and that they got something from listening to it.

On the way home we went to the Lakeside grave yard to plant a blooming Easter lily near my mom's grave. 

At home we prepared our Easter lunch together.  James heated up the ham and potatoes and I did the beans and asparagus.  It was delicious!  We were well fed and needed a nap.

After my nap I finished my gospel study.  I read two conference talks, studied from Preach My Gospel, and read from the Book of Mormon.  Afterwards I read to James from The Book Thief by the fire.  James wrote an Easter message to our children and their spouses and sent it out this evening.  We are so happy.  I am so grateful to my Savior who makes it all possible to have eternal families.  

Six of the 8 Wilhelm children. Trenda and Alice

were at the Young Women's song practice.

James home teaches this family and I have Trenda and Alice in Young Women's.  They are a wonderful family!

For dinner we had brownies and chocolate covered strawberries. It was a wonderful Easter Sunday.

 

 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Sheri's running shoes. She put them

on in the dark.

 Happy 18th Anniversary to Sheri and Ian.

Gospel Quote

D&C 64:8-11

8-My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

9-Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

10-I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is

required to forgive all men.

11-And ye ought to say in your hearts--let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

It was a beautiful day for an outdoor service project.  The Young Men and Young Women of our ward at Bonnie Holland's to paint her fence.  Bonnie is a non-member who has been investigating the Church.  There were also other members of our ward there to help.

 

While working I got a call from Darrel that Addy was in the hospital.  She was bit two times by a scorpion at about 3 am. and had an allergic reaction.  Trina thought she was over-dramatizing until she started to pull her hair out and said she couldn't walk or swallow.  They immediately took her to the hospital.  The doctor's talked about using the anti-venom but decided to wait to see if she got better without it.  Luckily she did.  The cost of the anti-venom is $40,000 and Darrel and Trina's insurance does not cover it.

We love you Addy, and are praying for you! 

 

We had some rain today.  It was a gorgeous day!  I made Easter beans and scalloped potatoes for tonight's meal and for tomorrow.

James caught a ride with Chuck Crane to the leadership session of stake conference.  I was going to offer Kathy a ride but she was leaving an hour early for a song practice.  She and Wendy Dewitt are singing: "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."  It sounded very nice.  For the first time ever Pres. Monson invited 12 years olds and up to this meeting.  My favorite talk was by our stake president, President Williams.  He talked about making our homes MTC's.  He encouraged everyone to invite the missionaries and to use Preach My Gospel as part of our gospel study.

We came home, had a light dinner, and went straight to bed.  I am getting up early to study my talk.

The Trezise's did this today: 

 

Sheri, Max, and Evan visited Addy when she got home from the hospital.  Sheri said she was very groggy and had dark red circles under her eyes.  Hopefully she will be better by tomorrow.