Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Today I had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants with one of

my favorite people, Karen Schneider.  We are celebrating her birthday.  She will be 68th next Tuesday.  We both got the coconut shrimp and a hot fudge sundae for dessert.  We also love their sourdough bread.

I gave Karen a book by Eric Huntsman called

"The Miracles of Jesus."

 

After my nap this afternoon I picked up kids from school, first Ben at the Hamilton seminary building and then on to the park by Hancock Elementary for Max, Evan, and Joshua so they wouldn't have to ride the school bus.

 

I worked in Joshua's room by myself.  Stacy had to take Dorothy to the doctor.

 

Joshua and Evan had Scouts tonight.  Evan looked so cute in his Cub Scout shirt.  I wanted to get a picture of him but my camera was in the other room and they were running late.  

 

James and I started to watch "The Mentalist" finale but it got interrupted so we will have to finish at another time.  

Facebook finds:

  Max and Lola at soccer practice.

Everyone loves Lola!

 

 

 

 





Tuesday, February 17, 2015

These are our friends from Vernon,

Wendy and Collin DeWitt.

They just received their mission call to the Carribbean and

will be leaving in May.  Collin was our home teacher.  He and I lived on the same street in Phoenix when we were in grade school.

He was the fire chief in Gilbert until he retired in 2013.  She is an expert in food storage and has spoken with Glenn Beck and been on BYU TV.  We are very excited for them!

 

 

I started my new gospel study journal today.  I think I am going to love it!

 

I had an appointment at Dr. Douglas's this morning to get my teeth cleaned by the hygienist, Jackie.  What a relief, I don't have any cavities and don't need to come back until August if I promise to floss everyday.  Because the new insurance we have isn't very good I had to pay $136 for a cleaning and x-rays.

 

After my appointment James and I took the giftcard he got me for Valentine's Day and went to The Cheesecake Factory.  We tried two new things on the menu: The French Country salad and the Bellagio chicken.  James also got come crab cakes.  

One of our new favorite meals! 

 

 

Stacy and I worked on Joshua's room together this afternoon.  Stacy is feeling sad that none of her boys so far have served a mission and she wonders why.  I am not sure why but part of it is that the pull of the world is so strong. Also I told her that they must love the Savior and really appreciate why we need Him and what He has done for us. 

 

This evening James had to check something out at the Chandler Airport for Greg Hatch, so I went with him.  I walked around while he "checked things out."  We came home and read from "Trouble in Store." 

 

Facebook finds:

 

Lola Coca Cola!

 

This girl is going places!



 

 

 

 

 



Monday, February 16, 2015

While we are enjoying spring-like weather here in Chandler, this sister missionary from our ward, Sister Dahlia Dowdle is shoveling snow.  It seems that she has a good attitude about it though.  Sheis one of my heroes!

Today is president's day and there was no school.  I celebrated by going shopping.  I went to Sam's Club, Deseret Book, and Walmart.  When I returned James had bought me a Whataburger which was in the frig.  Stacy and Michael helped me unload my car.  We had a roomful of guests: Joe, Amanda, Connor, Alex, and Seth. 

After putting away my groceries I updated both checkbooks and paid some bills.  James replaced a piece of baseboard in Joshua's room that had warped and textured the window sill.  I did some blue touchup paint and painted the inside door casing of the closet. 

For FHE we did some studying from the JST of the New Testament.

This evening we read from our new book, "Trouble in Store."

  Sunset

Sunday, February 15, 2015

A beautiful day in Arizona!

 

"Sometimes in the harbors of our homes, we can't see that by the simple, consistent acts - including family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening - great things are brought to pass.  But I testify that these very acts carry eternal significance.  Great joy comes when those little boats - our children - grow into mighty seafaring vessels filled with gospel light and ready to embark in the service of God."

-Sister Neill F. Marriott

 

I studied and rested this morning before my meetings.  I messed up on my blog and had to re-do a post which is not fun when you are already behind. 

My study desk.

 

The theme for sacrament meeting today was Scouting.  I guess February is the Friend's of Scouting month.  Chris Braddock was the youth speaker and did a wonderful job.  He is so grownup from when we had him in Primary about five years ago.  Ryan Yardley, the Young Men's President was the next speaker.  He took up most of the time and then he and his wife sang "I am a Child of God."  It was beautiful.  Jon Hirt was the last speaker.  He spoke about eternal families and although his talk was short, he did a great job. 

 

James and I missed attending Sunday School today.  The lesson was on the miracles of Jesus.  We had an appointment with Bishop Lewis.  He issued a calling to us.  He called us to team teach the four year old Primary class  We are grateful for the opportunity to serve. 

 

During Relief Society I sat by Stacy, who leaves early to do singing time in the nursery, and Cathi.  It was so good to visit with Cathi. 

 

After church we had leftovers for lunch and took a nap.  James started reading from his Jon Huntsman book and is sharing things he reads with me.  What an amazing man Jon Huntsman is!

 

I spent most of the afternoon getting ready for FHE and making a notebook like this one for all of our kids and their families.

 

Boyd K. Packer told seminary teachers they should always start with a lesson on the Plan of Salvation; when they are teaching the Book of Mormon.  This next page is a partial index of the Book of Mormon.  I want each family to share something they learned from each book, a favorite scripture or their testimony, and draw some illustrations to go along with it.  I have given them some ideas but if they don't like mine they can choose their own. 

Darrel did a wonderful job of sharing stories from his mission and he told how the Book of Mormon was what really converted people.  Thank you Darrel!

 As you can see, Lola is a big attraction.

Listening to Darrel tell about his mission to Honduras.

Ben, Sheri, Stacy, Michael, and Joshua all got $20 for

reading through Mosiah 13 which is about 1/3 of the

Book of Mormon.  The goal is to finish by Easter, April 5th.

This girl steals the show!

Joshua wanted to hold her, but she was a little too wiggily.

I sure do love this family!

 











Saturday, February 14, 2015

Happy Valentines Day

Since it is Valentines Day there were no soccer games this morning.  Here is Joshua reading his scriptures.  He wants to finish through Mosiah 13 before FHE on Sunday so he can earn $20.

 

 I just had to share these posts from Sheri!

Stacy and I finished taping in Joshua's room and Paul came in and put a second coat of blue paint on the walls.  It looks really good!

 

 

Kim came by with Valentine gifts.  Stacy and I each got socks and a sugar cookie.  She also had something for Joshua and mini Martnelli's for Michael and Alexis.  Michael and Alexis had just returned from an 80 minute run.

 

Sheri came by and brought candy for James and I from See's.  I got a scotch mallow and he got dark chocolate covered almonds.

 

For dinner Stacy and Paul used the gift certificate I got Stacy for her birthday and went to Longhorn Steakhouse.  Dallin watched Joshua.  James and I used a gift card for Whataburgers and I had a green chili cheeseburger for dinner

 

. 

 



Friday, February 13, 2015

 

"In a world threatened by a famine of righteousness and spiritual starvation, we have bee commanded to sustain the prophet.

As we give heed to, uphold, and affirm prophetic word,

we witness that we have the faith to humbly submit to the will, the wisdom, and the timing of the Lord."

-Carol F. McConkie

 

The four hours in the morning, from 4am-8am, that I spend in gospel study is my favorite part of the day, but it goes by too quickly.

 

I got a call last night from Nadine Moses.  Nadine bought Adam's PT Cruiser from the guy Adam sold it to.  She needs to get the title in her name and my name is still on the title so she asked me to meet her at the DMV this morning at 10am.  She paid $2,300 for the car only to find out it had many expensive problems.  The guy who sold it to her was not honest.  Now she wants to sell it. She has a buyer but is selling it much less than what she paid for it.  She is 25 years old, has three children and lives in Globe with her husband.  The were driving an old beat up pickup and I felt sorry for her.  Hopefully she learned a lesson about buying a car on Craig's List.

 

On the way home I stopped at the Dollar Store in Tempe but they had no bubbles.  I also stopped at Costco and got some new sheets.  James said they could be our Valentine's gift to each other.  I also got some chocolate covered strawberries, Honey Crisp apples, fudgsicles, and some delicious frozen burritos that I got to sample. 

 

I went home for lunch and then went to the bank to get some cash for FHE on Sunday. 

 

I wanted to paint this afternoon but instead Stacy and I mainly did prep work for painting.  I finished getting all the wallpaper out of the window well. 

 

James bought me a Valentine's Day surprise:



Along with the flowers and sweet card there was a gift card for

Cheesecake Factory.  I am so grateful for such a dear sweet husband.

 

This evening on the way to Sozo to listen to Michael, Joe, and Dallin sing, we stopped at Carl's Jr. to get a Santa Fe chicken sandwich.  Chicken, cheese, and green chili, these sandwiches are delicious.  Oh yes and bacon too.

 

The Scuba Steves and Affinity, Dallin's barbershop quartet:

Joe's solo

Michael + Joe=Scuba Steves

Affinity

They are great together!

 







Thursday, February 12, 2015

Happy Birthday Trina!

 

I agree with Sheri on this one!

 

I took Trina a journal, a dozen brownies from Kneaders, and gift certificates from one of her favorite restaurants, Chopshop and one of her favorite stores, Hobby Lobby.



Lola really wanted to try a brownie!

Such a cutie.  None of the other kids were home from school yet when I went to see Trina.

When I left Trina and Darrel's I noticed that

Brownie, their bunny was at the neighbors house trying

to dig a hole to cool off in.  He is a long haired bunny.

 

Chandler schools had early dismissal today for parent-teacher conferences.  I took Joshua, Evan and Max to Peter Piper Pizza.  The one on Queen Creek Rd. was too busy so we went to the newly remodeled one on Chandler Blvd. and Dobson.  The kids weren't happy with the fact that they no longer had their playground.

 

Crazy Kids!

 

I made stuffing and pork chops for dinner tonight.  They were quite tasty.  Of course I had to have some applesauce to go with my pork chops. 

 

James erased files from his computer today and accidentally erased some of his pictures.  He has a love/hate relationship with his computer.

 

I wonder, did I live my religion today?









Wednesday, February 11, 2015

 

"Let thy  bowels also be full of charity

towards all men, and to the household of faith,

and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly;

then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence

of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil

upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion."

-D&C 121:45-46

 

Last night I took some Nyquil because it felt like I might be coming down with a cold.  As a result, I didn't get up until after 5am.  James was already up writing a letter.  James and I did our scripture reading by the fire. 

 

We left the cabin around 10am making stops at Analee Hunsaker's to take her some Young Women's materials, and the post office.

 

Thanks James for the picture, scary as it is.

No mail, it has all been forwarded to Chandler.

We also went by Mike and Joyce Malone's.  I gave them a January and a February Ensign and told them they would be receiving it from now on in the mail.  Joyce was very grateful.  Goodbye Vernon, I am not sure when we will be back.

We stopped to get gas in Show Low.  We finished our book "Flight of Fancy" about Cassandra Bainbridge. 

 

We were home by 1:30.  After unloading the car James took a nap.  I worked on my blog until the Sear's dishwasher repairman came.  I really liked the guy.  He said the only thing wrong was the dishwasher mounts had come out so he remounted it was some blocks of wood he had and charged us the minimal amount.  It was actually refreshing to work with someone who was totally honest.

 

James, Kim and I went to the 6:15 session at the Gilbert temple.  We are all fasting for Jared.  After our session James and I visited with Steve and Nancy Brimhall, old friends from Snowflake High, and now temple workers.



Two of my favorite people.

 

We invited Kim to go get something to eat with us but she wanted to go home.  James and I broke our fast at Olive Garden.

I had one of my favorite dishes, chicken scampi.

 

I went to bed with my left foot hurting.

 



 









Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Vernon friends:

Ruth & George Wallace

In spite of several health issues, George Wallace gives an amazing amount of service in our ward.  He especially watches over widows and single sisters.  Ruth is a dedicated Relief Society sister.  She is the Relief Society secretary and will call and remind each sister in the ward when there is a Relief Society activity or service project.  She is most known for her family history research.  She provides our ward with hundreds of names to take to the temple on a regular basis.  I love and appreciate them so much!  We have had many activities at their property.  They have a zip line, volley ball court, outdoor BBQ with a remade and benches, a beautiful garden and playground and George is now building a baseball diamond.  They give new meaning to the word "retire."

 

This morning I was able to do my gospel study and pay some bills before we left for Show Low.  We left around 11 and James has a doctor's appointment across from Walmart at 2.  We made sandwiches and ate them on the way.  There were no stops and we made it to the doctor's right on time. 

While James was in Dr. Memon's I sat in the car and put on my makeup and tried to do my hair.  When we left the house this morning Dallin was in the bathroom so I didn't have a chance to "primp."

 

I went to Walmart and did some shopping.  I saw Mary Swift and gave her a big hug.  She was one of my young women and then I was her visiting teacher. 

I went back to wait for James and was getting a little worried because it was taking so long.  I was worried the results of his stress test might not be good.  He came out in a good mood and said the physicians assistant explained a lot of things to him.  His test results showed no problems.  Good news!

On the way home we stopped at both National Bank and Chase Bank to make deposits.  The weather is gorgeous today, around 63 degrees.  It was 58 degrees in the house so we had to warm it up a little. 

 

I laid back in my recliner and finished watching the Hallmark movie I started the last time I was here, "Love Letters."  James watched "The Mentalist".  I sat at the end of the dining room table and looked on while working on my blog. 

 

For dinner we had some veggies and the roasted chicken I bought at Walmart.  Afterwards we had a prayer and began our fast for Jared per his request.  He has an important decision to make and wanted his families support.  Trina, Sheri, Kim, and Stacy fasted too. 

 

Before going to bed we read "Flight of Fancy" by the fire.



Monday, February 9, 2015

 

"When we maintain our personal purity and honor our priesthood, we become righteous examples for others to follow...

Providing an example of righteousness can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world."

-President Thomas S. Monson

 

This morning I went visiting teaching with my partner, Bunny Miner.  The lesson was focused on the Savior and on how He was without sin and offered His life as a sacrifice for us.

This was the handout I used:





 

We visited Karen Payne and Gerri Price.  Karen is Rebecca Silva's mother.  I knew Rebecca when we were in Del Rio 2nd ward.  Karen loves to index and does thousands of names a month. She also plays the organ for our sacrament meetings. Her husband is in the bishopric. 

Our visit with Gerri Price was quite short.  She was getting ready to visit a friend who has terminal cancer.  Gerri asked me if I would offer a prayer for her friend which I did.  We were finished and I was back home in less than an hour.  It almost felt like we were "cheating."

 

James and I had lunch at Pei Wei.  I love their lettuce wraps, which James and I share, and their spicy chicken salad. 

 

This afternoon I spent 3-4 hours painting in Joshua's room.  I like the blue color I picked.

 



Sunday, February 8, 2015

Happy Birthday Stacy!

 

The Galveston third ward is the ward we are attending right now with Stacy and Sheri's families.  Kim and Stacy Hamilton were the speakers in sacrament meeting today.  Brother Kim Hamilton spoke on the Plan of Salvation.  His was a good talk, but Sister Hamilton's was amazing!  She spoke on D&C 138, Joseph F. Smith's vision of the Spirit World.  Alex and I agreed with James when he said she could be a seminary teacher.  Here is a quote from her talk:

"The Atonement was the first vicarious ordinance performed for the living and the dead." 

"And Straightway They Left Their Nets" was the title of the Sunday School lesson today.  Jesus announces He is the Messiah and He chooses His 12 Apostles.  In Relief Society the lesson was taught by Marion Chase.  It was the third lesson in the Ezra Taft Benson manual and was on "Agency and Accountability."  Stacy loved the lesson and so did I.  

James and I had leftover stew again for lunch.  Paul's leftover tritip was missing from the refrigerator.  I think they thought James ate it, but I realized I threw it away.  It was wrapped in foil and I thought it was part of an onion.  I apologized profusely.  How embarrassing!

 

Sheri brought by a gift and card for Stacy on her way to The Priesthood Preview with Max.  Max will be turning 12 in July.

Kim and Joe came by too and Adam was here for dinner.  We all had a nice visit.  I would say that Adam is an expert on all things Disney and Joe is his understudy.

 

Paul made dinner for Stacy and invited James and I to eat with them.  It was quite delicious.

Pork chops, apples, asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Dallin was here for awhile, but didn't stay for dinner.

 

I think Stacy had a Happy Birthday.  She seemed to like her puzzle and I also got her a restaurant gift card and Church magazine subscriptions.



 

According to Stacy the only problem with this puzzle is that it's

only 500 pieces.