Thursday, November 13, 2014

"The work to assist Jesus Christ in saving souls, is never too demanding."

-Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong

Jared sent me this text today about doing temple work.

"We went to the temple last night with our youth and had them and their families provide all the names.  We did over 500 baptisms and all were names provided by our ward.  It was pretty cool.  Our ward just called three youth as assistant ward family history consultants, and they are wizards at this.  Twice a month they have people bring their laptops to Sunday School and the youth are teaching the adults."

Today I spent at home by myself.  It was wonderful!  I made Kempton goulash for dinner for myself and Darrel although we didn't eat together since he didn't get home until 10:30 after I was in bed.

Kempton goulash

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Sweet Lola

"The sacrament becomes a spiritually strengthening experience when we listen to the sacrament prayers and recommit to our covenants." 

-Cheryl A. Esplin

We left the motel before daylight and missed the breakfast buffet.  Oh well.  I am fasting anyway because I have to go into Dr. Allen's and get my bloodwork done.

We finished our book "Courting Miss Lancaster."  We also discovered there is a gas station at Chiracio Summit between Coachella and Blythe.

Once we reached Chandler I said goodbye to James as he dropped me off at the house.  He took the tank to the job and I went to get bloodwork done at Dr. Allen's.  After I was finished I decided I wanted to take a treat to Trina's kids because they were all home from school sick.  I stopped at a Sonic on Baseline road but their credit card machine was down so I went to Fry's and bought popsicles, jello, and sherbert. The kids seemed grateful.  They didn't seem to sick either.

 Rowan doing his math homework.

Addy played some Christmas tunes on the guitar.

Rowan playing Christmas songs on the piano.

Ruby swinging Lola and

looking cute.

 I finally said goodbye and left for home. It was a gorgeous day.  I went the Globe way and it was actually quite pleasant because there was no traffic.  I stopped at Burger House in Miami and got three bean burros and one mixed burro, two beans for me and a bean ad a mixed for Darrel.  I got home around 4:30.  I needed some rest and relaxation so I sat down to watch "DWTS."  

I was at the church before seven.  Tonight is our YW/YM combined activity with the YM in charge and we are going to the aquatic center in Show Low.  It was a fun evening and after swimming Brother DeWitt had donuts and hot chocolate waiting for everyone outside.

Those who attended this activity:

LeeAnn and Kilee, although they didn't swim.  Maddie, Kelly, Hope, Heaven, Kyah, Holly and Ashten, Shelly, Trenda, Weston, Tyler, Jackson, Talon, Jace, Daniel (Trenda's friend), and Sister Hunaker, myself, Sister Curtis, Brother DeWitt, Brother McNeil, and Bishop Miller.  Oh yes, and Colton, Maddie's brother who rode in my car. 

 

 

 

 

-

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Happy 113th Birthday to my grandpa, Arlee Maxwell.  He looks too serious here, I always remember him with a smile on his face.

That's my grandma, Verdie Rea Robinson Maxwell with him.

Also, since today is veteran's day I want to thank all the veteran's out there and those now serving in the military who put their lives on the line to keep our country safe.  Thank You!

We left before 5am Arizona time pulling a twenty two foot trailer behind us.  As is my usual activity when James is driving I slept and read, outloud to James of course.  

We stopped in Ehrenberg on the Arizona/California border at the Love Gas Station.  While James got gas I went in and ordered breakfast from Wendy's: a bacon, egg biscuit for each of us and a diet coke for me.  

Bakersfield is 500 miles from Phoenix.  MapQuest took us there but once we got to Bakersfield it sent us on a wild goose chase.  We finally had to call the company we are getting the tank from, Containment Solutions,  for directions.  

 It's loaded!

 Making sure it is secure.

Now for the trip home.  We head south on the I-5 and then east on the 210 back to the 10.  We stop in Banning at the Sizzler for dinner.  It took us a few minutes to find a parking space big enough to park this rig!  

We ordered Malibu chicken to share and the salad bar.  I forgot how good their Malibu chicken is.  This was so much better than fast food!

 Yummy!

We were headed towards Blythe and realized we forgot to get gas so we turned around and headed back to Coachella.  James decided he was tired and we were going to spend the night in Coachella.  We stayed at the Quality Inn, room 120.  It was nothing fancy but the sheets were clean and comfy, I had a nice pillow and the air was cool.  I am looking forward to a shower in the morning!

Monday, November 10, 2014

I want my road to look like this.

"Decisions of character are made by remembering the right order of the first and second great commandments."

-Matthew 22:37-39

Elder Lynn G. Robins

We left at 5:30 this morning for the valley and I was ready on time!  We went the Globe way because James says it is faster, and I am beginning to agree with him.  I had my red neck pillow and our book so I slept and read most of the way.  Pinky pillow is leaking and must be tossed.  We stopped at the Circle K on Signal Butte in Apache Junction for a potty break and some snacks: a diet Dr. Pepper and a tuna sandwich to share with James.

I took James to Chandler and we unloaded the car and then I drove back to Power & Baseline for my appointment with Dr. Allen.  I have to come back fasting so they can take my bloodwork.  Hopefully I can do that this week before we go home.

Back to Chandler.  We have a lunch date with Sheri to go to Carolina's mexican food in Phoenix because we have heard how good it is.  When Sheri got off work she went straight to Urgent Care because she has an ear ache.  We waited because when we go with Sheri she does all the driving.  Here we are at Carolina's:

   It's definitely in the hood so it must be authentic.

 Waiting to place our order.

Sheri enjoying her lunch.

James doing what he does best...talking on the phone.

 I had a taco that was good but a little greasy.  I also had a bean burro that was delicious.  James liked his mixed green burro.  We also got some tortillas to take home but I didn't think they were any better than El Sol's in Chandler.

This evening I went to see the new Disney movie Big Hero Six with Darrel and Trina and all the kids.  Lola was great!  I got to sit by Ruby and Addy.

 Lola is ready for the movie.

James was going to come too but he had to go home and get the truck and trailer ready for our trip to Bakersfield, California tomorrow to pick up an underground storage tank for the Hatch job.

After the movie was over Darrel's family gave me a ride home.  The only sad thing was that Addy said she felt sick, otherwise it was a fun evening.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Unique view of the Gilbert temple.

"We preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write

according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

-2 Nephi 25:26

It was on this day 25 years ago that the Berlin wall came down.  I can still remember.  We lived in Chandler and Ray Heyman was our bishop.  It was a miraculous day!

Today was our fast and testimony meeting.  President Williams attended our ward and reminded us of the community fast coming up on November 16-22.  

James and I came home and broke our fast and then laid down to take a nap.  I slept an hour or so and then got up to make some pumpkin bread for John Wilhelm.  When I made a loaf for his family the kids didn't save him any so now he gets his own loaf.  James slept for 3 1/2 hours.  I guess he needed it.  

This evening we watched our Hallmark Christmas movie.  This one was called: "The Nine Lives of Christmas."  

 I love this picture!

Just a reminder to all the youth:

Saturday, November 8, 2014inet and the

This is a picture of the barn that we want to build.

"Trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ; keep His laws and commandments.  In other words - live the gospel joyful."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Every night I want the heater and the fan on.  I think I drive James a little crazy!  We are having an indian summer right now.  The high today was 65 degrees!

For breakfast we had potatoes, onions, peppers, eggs and ham.  Darrel joined us.  CVS's pharmacy doesn't open until 9am on Saturday.  

We finished our book, "Courting Miss Lancaster"  and will soon be starting "Friend or Foe."  We are addicted!

James spent the day working on fixing my doll cabinet and the hole he made in the wall when he fell off the ladder last year.  

 Garage workshop will someday be replaced

by a workshop in our big barn.

I got a little nervous when he starts climbing up a ladder.

I was glad when he was finished and back on the ground!

While James was doing his remodeling project I was working on my self-reliance lesson for Young Women's tomorrow and blogging.

We started our fast this afternoon for Fast Sunday and then this evening we watched "Hats Off to Christmas" starring Haylie Duff.

 

 

Friday, November 7, 2014

"We must stand firm in our faith and lift our voices to proclaim true doctrine."

-Neill F. Marriott

James and Adam went to work for awhile this morning.  I stayed home and visited with Stacy and packed to get ready to go home.  

One the way home we went back to the airport job, then on to the Wallen's to drop off the helmets Jared left at our place this summer.  We had lunch at Firehouse Subs:

James waiting for his sub.

Notice the dalmation table.

A friend from Chandler, Tim Glemser came in and we visited with him for a few minutes.  He has a Christmas album out.  He plays the piano and is very good.  

We went next door to Deseret Book and bought 3 more Sarah M. Eden books:

This is the one that we will be reading first:

 This book is about Philip Jonquil and 

Sorrel Kendrick, two characters we have

already been introduced to.

We got gas at Costco and then drove out to Dan Taylor's cabinet workshop.  He is making some drawer covers for two of the drawers in our Chandler kitchen.  Finally, on to Burger House in Miami where we picked up burros.  My favorite are the bean burros and James's are the green mixed.  We were in Show Low by 4pm.  We stopped at Chase bank and made a deposit for the Maple Chase house in Queen Creek that we sold.  We also made a deposit at National bank and then finally, home!!  

After unpacking I read to James and did some Book of Mormon study.  This evening we watched "Snow Bride", one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.  

We went to bed and left two burros for Darrel, one bean and one mixed.

Evan had his birthday party today.  

His party was at Flipside.  

Addy and Ruby are the two girls.

At Flipside the kids got to bowl, play laser tag and arcade games and there is also a play area.

Evan loved the art supplies that Kimmy gave him.

Paul and Sheri both posted pictures of their family during scripture study.  I can't help but smile at the contrast.

Gonzales family scripture study.

Trezise family scripture study.

 

 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Happy 8th Birthday to Evan William Trezise!

I left around 11:30 today for the valley.  Today is Evan's birthday but it is also Ian's brother, J.D.'s funeral.  I arrived around 3:30.  My lunch was a tuna sandwich and a Hershey bar from Circle K with a diet Dr. Pepper to drink.  

The funeral is at 5 in Mesa and Adam and James don't get home from work until after 4, but somehow we still make it in time.  

The funeral is at Meldrum Mortuary with an open casket.  I didn't think I was going to like the open casket but it actually was okay.  There was a slide show of pictures from J.D.'s life with some of his favorite music playing.  Ian and his brother Sean both spoke. Ian bore his testimony which was very sweet.

 I agree with Ian's father, no one should ever have to bury one of their children.

Those attending from our family: Stacy, Paul, Adam, Jared Ammon, Michael, Joshua, Sheri & Ian's family, and James and I.  The flowers Sheri ordered for the casket were beautiful.

Max and Ben are really struggling.  Max does not like the fact that J.D. is being cremated.  He is worried about him being resurrected.  Ben is just a sensitive guy and shows his emotions.

After the service James, Adam, and I and Sheri's family went to Matta's for dinner.  

 Alex is missing because he was at our table.

Ben must have brought a change of clothes.

When Adam gets home Paul and Stacy sit him down to have a talk about his diabetes.

Something I found fascinating on Facebook today:

I know for a fact that Joe has a hobbit hole

in his back yard.

 

 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Gorgeous sunrise!

"We preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

-2 Nephi 25:26

The high today was 55 degrees.  I got a morning text from James.  I always looks forward to these when he his out of town.  

Evan's baptism, which Sheri had said would be in December has now been changed to November 15th, the day I signed up to feed the missionaries.  

Here are some of the things I did today: I typed stake conference notes for Analee Hunsaker, at her request.  I worked on my Young Women's lesson on self-reliance, and I made a beef stew.  It was delicious!  

At 5:30 pm I attended a Young Women's presidency meeting.  Afterwards at Young Women's the girls made crowns and invitations for our Young Women in Excellence scheduled for the 19th.  It was a fun evening.

 

I came home and ate stew for dinner and then watched "Mrs. Miracle and Finley's Department Store", and Master Chef Junior for kids 8-13.  These kids are amazing!  I was in bed before Darrel got home around 10:30.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Happy 38th birthday to Jared!

Jared, I love you and I am so grateful to be

your mother.  You are an amazing person!

 

Today was election day.  It was a landslide win for the republicans in congress and the senate.  People are tired of Obama and his agenda.

I started typing my mom's personal history today for the grandkids.  I am so grateful that I met with her before she passed away and she shared her life story with me.  

James had a doctor's appointment today with an ear, nose and throat specialist in the valley.  Here's hoping he can get some relief.  After the appointment he complained about his ear hurting because the doctor tried to clean it out and James was miserable the rest of the day.

I went to town today and washed my car, went grocery shopping at Walmart, and went by Licano's to get carne asada burros for Darrel and I only to find out that Darrel won't be up here until tomorrow.  

A couple from our ward, Robert and Kambri Westbrook and their son Porter, were sealed in the temple today.  

Congratulations to the Westbrooks!

This evening I watched "Christmas with Mrs. Miracle."

Monday, November 3, 2014

Take time to ponder the wonders of life.

Panda Pondering.

"Success" according to Greg Trimble:

"Ones ability to make a lasting positive impact on the people and situations they come in contact with throughout the duration of their life."

Seven Simple Things to Teach Your Kids About Success:

1.  Leave Your Comfort Zone Everyday

Don't become complacent - Do something awkward or that scares you.

2.  Be So Good That People Can't Ignore You

Work so hard that you can't be overlooked or denied.

3.  Be 15 minutes Early

Late and success are never used together.

It's disrespectful to be late.

4.  Don't Spend Time, Invest Time

Find joy in accomplishments.

TV is a time waster.

5.  Always Reply To People You Know

Indifference ruins relationships.

Respond early and often.

6.  Become A Great Reader and Great Writer

Companies are looking for writers.

Reading is the key to education.

7.  Be Passionate About Life

Be enthusiastic, be happy, and 

smile...and people will love you for it!

I was up at 4am to study and plan.  It's nice to have James here.  We are enjoying our book, "Drops of Gold."

My husband is such a romantic!

 Also, he fixed my breakfast while I read to him.

I caught up on "Once Upon a Time" during my nap.  It's such a weird show but I am addicted to it.

This afternoon I spent time working on the never ending chore: bills and checkbook updating.   We made a trip to town because our printer was our of ink.  When I got home I realized I bought two colored cartridges instead of black.  Thank goodness I found an old black cartridge that still had some ink in it. 

I cooked some cabbage for dinner. We weren't too hungry because we had burgers at Sonic when we were in town.  The cabbage was very tasty and it's something that James asks for.

We watched a Hallmark movie: "Recipe for Love."

I love Hallmark movies, especially at Christmas time!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Clouds and Rain!

"I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in

thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have

ever made in extending to someone to anyone the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

For stake conference we had to go no further than the Vernon building.  The conference was broadcast to all 96 stakes in Arizona.  Here are some quotes from my notes:

President Williams:

"Unless it is kind, true or necessary, don't say it!" 

Bradley D. Foster

"Our life has an eternal purpose.  Mark Twain said: 'The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."

"Our inner strength should not be effected by what happens around us.  We must keep an eternal perspective."

Carol F. McConkie

"Serve one another, don't contend one with another, make home a place of peace and harmony.  Keep your commitments.  The family unit is under attack.  Stand strong for truth and righteousness.  Establish homes centered in Jesus Christ.  Be true.  Repent and forgive.  Daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly FHE.  Listen to uplifting music.  Engage in the service of God.  Love, joy, peace, gentleness and goodness.  Make home a place of peace and holiness.  In the temple we receive instruction.  Our Father promises peace in this life and blessings.  Feast on his words.  Set not your heart on riches."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The law of God needs to be written on our hearts.  The Gospel needs to become the heart of our very being.  Does what I am govern what I do?  Do I have the courage of my convictions?  Know needs to be transformed to do."

Alma to his son Shiblon:

1.  Be obedient and keep the commandments.

2.  Put your trust in God through your trials and afflictions.

3.  Cry out to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy and for a remission of sins.

4.  Be diligent in keeping the word and teaching the commandments.

5.  Be careful of pride.  Do not pursue your own glory.  The branch cannot bear fruit of itself. 

6.  Bridle all your passions.  Control brings blessings.

7.  Refrain from idleness.  Spend time doing His will.

8.  Acknowledge your unworthiness before God.  Be humble and seek for forgiveness and mercy.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Temples are a direct result of the Saints willingness to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.  Temples are visited by beings of

glory and light from another realm."

"The greatest honor we can attain to is to be called disciples of Jesus Christ."

"Whosoever is chief among you, let him be your servant.  Everyone must feel valued and loved.  Value the wisdom of women."

"Use For the Strength of Youth.  Study it and make it a part of your daily lives.  Always have it with you."

"If you seek, you surely will find.  Allow the seed of faith to grow."

"Become sanctified, radiate peace and joy."

More awesome clouds!

Kim posted this picture on Facebook.  Joe, Amanda, Cash and Carter having fun around the fire pit.

This afternoon I made more pumpkin bread and we dropped it off at Julie Wilhelm's.  The one we left her last week seems to have disappeared.  

I had a nice visit with Jared on the phone today.  Physically he is doing much better now that he is on medication.  James is having some struggles right now and they had to make him quit football.  

Jared sent me 24 female temple cards.  Anna did the baptisms and I need to do the initiatories and endowments.  Jared said they have three youth in their ward who are wizards at family history and are getting others excited about it too.

Here is a blast from the past from me.  When I was a teenager I loved Rick Nelson.  I had this picture of him taken from Photoplay magazine on my bedroom wall.

The Hallmark Christmas movies are here.  Tonight James and I watched a new one called, "One Starry Christmas."  Thank you Hallmark!