Wednesday, July 29, 2015

National Cheesecake Day 1

Looks delicious!

 

Ian's half brother from England and his family have been here visiting.  Sheri, Ian, and the boys absolutely love them.  Ian's brothers name is Michael, his wife is Alyson, their two boys are Eli who is 8 and Fraser who is 5.  Their last name is McMillian.  Alyson has a son Sam who is 13 from a previous marriage who was also here with them.  His last name is Crisp-McMillian.  Here are some pictures:

The cousins, except Fraser who was taking a nap.

That is Mattea in the middle.  She is Sean and Megan's little girl.

Here is a picture of Fraser

Max teaching Eli and Fraser how to play

America football.

Aly, Sheri, Ian, Sean, Betty, Michael

Michael had an amazing story to tell of how he found Betty.  He was visiting the hospital where he was born.  He was told the room where he was born but had to ask permission to go in because there was a woman in the room about to have a baby.  When he walked in, the woman in the room said, "You're Michael."  It was Betty's sister.  I think the Lord may have had a hand in leading him there at that particular time. 

Because he grew up on the streets and had a troubled childhood, he helps guide troubled youth now.  Sheri thinks he is one of the neatest people she has ever met. They would like to move to the states but Alyson share custody with Sam's dad so she can't leave England.

 

Brad MacLay took pictures of our house today and put them on an online MLS listing and then sent us the link so we could look at them.  There are 21 pictures.

 

I went shopping today for Molly's birthday.  I got her the same thing I got Ruby, a twirling Cinderella Barbie, a Cinderella coach, and a Cinderella dress.  I also got her a Cinderella wig. 

 

For dinner James and I had soup and sandwiches. 



 We love this soup!

They sell it at Target.



 

 

 

 



 





Tuesday, July 28, 2015



Pioneers An Anchor For Today

July 2015 Ensign, p. 50

Three ways pioneers can become an anchor for us today:

1.  Remember the Pioneers - Remember the pioneers, their stories, and the sustaining, saving, delivering power of God that came as a result of their faith and hope.

2.  Remember their Unity - The pioneers had a sense of community and mutually shared responsibility which produced a unified effort to follow God's prophet.  That is a major reason the pioneers succeeded as they did, and it is an important part of the legacy they pass to us.

3.  Pass on the Pioneer Spirit - When we consistently exercise faith in the Lord and anchor our souls with hope in Him, we become "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4).

"Avoiding the temptations and evils of the world requires the faith and fortitude of a real modern-day pioneer." -Elder M. Russell Ballard.

To be a pioneer means that we "be not weary in well-doing" (D&C 64:33).

As we live the gospel, follow the prophet, choose faith over doubt, and do the little things that grow faith and produce soul-anchoring hope, each of us will be a pioneer, preparing the way for others to follow.

 

We picked up Adam for work and on the way over I read from "The Curiosity Keeper."  We also took him home and then stopped at Elmer's to pick up lunch.

We love their strips, cheese, and hot sauce!

I also had a machaca taco

 

After lunch I left for my doctor's appointment with Dr. Allen on Power and Baseline.  He says my hormones look good, but I need more thyroid. 

After my appointment I went shopping for the tea party I am having at the cabin for the girls.  I went to Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  I struck it rich at Hobby Lobby! 

 

This evening Stacy went for a walk with Janny Butler.  I a glad they are good friends.

 

Michael, Joe, and Alex get to meet the guys and "hang out" with the guys from Good Ole War.

A great day for Michael, Alex, and Joe!



 





 



Monday, July 27, 2015



Roxy giving Evan a kiss

Roxy is Alex's pet chinchilla he has had for 9 years.

 

Joshua and Holly

 

I polished the wood floors today before our appointment with Jen MacLay, our realtor. Before I could finish though I had to make a trip to Walmart for more floor polish.  While I was there I saw and spoke to Diana Dowdle, Karen Payne, and Michelle Thompson.

 

The meeting with Jen went well.  She wanted her husband to come and take pictures of the house but I told her we weren't quite ready for that yet.  He is going to come on Thursday.

 

After our meeting with Jen we went out for a late lunch/early dinner at Olive Garden.  FYI, their fried zucchini is not nearly as good as Cheesecake Factory's,  

 

We started a new book this evening, "The Curiosity Keeper" by Sarah E. Ladd.

I love having a husband who enjoys reading my books with me!

 

Kim, Brian, Joe, Alex, and Michael left for L.A. this afternoon.  They are going to a Good Ole War concert.  Michael and Joe got backstage passes for Christmas.  This time they rented a bigger car.

 

This sign went up in our yard today.



   

 

 

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Home Sweet Home

 

 

James said he would help with my Primary lesson today.  Alex looked nice in his Sunday clothes.  Seth looked more like he was prepared to go to church in the country.  We had family prayer and then made our way to the Vernon ward.

 

It was announced that Brother Bruce Tieman passed away and his funeral will be in Phoenix on Friday.  I received my new visiting teaching beat.  Lorraine Tieman is my partner and we are to visit Hailey Chafin, Elida Pope, and Sister Howard.  When I left Vernon seven months ago Hailey and Elida were my visiting teachers.  They live way out the other side of the Stanford store closer to Taylor than to Vernon.

 

Today was Sadie Westbrook's homecoming.  She just returned from her mission to Mexico.  She took most of the time, but the bishop got up after she was finished and said a few words.  I quote:

"You cannot measure the effect of one worthy missionary.

The impact is felt throughout eternity."

I think he was quoting President Hinckley

 

I am glad James was there to help me in Primary.  We ended up teaching two classes.  My class: Ashten Hall, Isabelle Miller, Kasey Westbrook, Braylin Chafin, Talina Singleton, and Zemira Whilem.  We also had the 8 and 9 year olds: Jace Singleton, Curtis Wilhelm, and visitors, Bentley, Jack, and Taylor.

 

We had a little extra time so I asked some of the kids what their favorite foods were.  Isabelle said hers was mussels.  I was quite surprised by that response.  What 9 year old girl likes mussels?

 

Brielle Hunsaker Rohner gave the lesson in Relief Society based on Elder Bednar's talk: "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears."  I visited with Brooklyn Carroll before class.  She is Sadie's niece and best friend.

Brooklyn and Sadie



 

Back at home we had chili for lunch and then played Hearts.  James ran it two or three times and lived up to his bragging about being the champ.

 

On the way back to Chandler we stopped at Monte's and Tasha's to pick up a piano they gave to Sheri.



 



James, Alex, and Seth struggling to get the piano

on the trailer.

I failed to get a picture of the police officer who came

over and helped by picking up one end of the piano and walking

up on the trailer with it. 

He saved the day, and James's back.

 

Monte was in California with the Show Low High School football team for a training camp along with Brian, Harold and Dennis.  Here are the coaches having a little fun.



Can you spot the Maxwell's

 

Home Sweet Home





Saturday, July 25 2015

View from our porch

 

The boys went on an early morning Razr ride with James.  When they returned James made steak, gravy and biscuits for everyone.  This is one of Alex's favorite meals!  I think Seth liked it too but he may have had a difficult time chewing because of his wisdom teeth being pulled this week.

 

I got a call from Becky Skousen this morning asking if I could teach the 9-10 year olds in Primary tomorrow.  I told her I would be glad to so she delivered the manual to me.  The lesson is entitled: "The Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper."

While I was doing the dishes and laundry, the boys and James went to Stanford's store to get gas for the Razr and passion fruit punch sherbet for dessert.  James loves this sherbet as much as I do.

 

This afternoon while sitting on the porch we saw a double rainbow.  It was raining and the sun was shining at the same time.

I posted this picture on Facebook.

When our neighbor Donna Peeler saw it she commented:

"You see everything on your porch."

 

Seth and Alex took a drive to the top of Green's Peak this afternoon.  When James checked his wildlife camera this picture came up:

I call this:

"The gathering of the bulls"

 

The guys went out coyote hunting this evening.  When they returned I fixed pancakes and sausage for dinner. 

 

James and I finished our book "The Tutor's Daughter" today.  I liked the heroine, Emma Smallwood.  She likes to make lists, read, collect books, and write in her journal.  I love these things too!

 

One more picture from our porch.

 

Back at home in Chandler, Michael gets a much needed haircut.  Joe promised he would cut his hair after Michael got his cut.  When we reminded him of this, he said: "I didn't say how long after."  Tricky Joe, tricky.  We were all disappointed, including Amanda.









 



Friday, July 24, 2015

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The role of the family in God's plan is 'to bring us happiness, to help us learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and to prepare us for eternal life.' 

The beautiful traditions of religious observance in the home need to be embedded in the hearts of our children."

"Like the young sunflower, when we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us.

He truly is our light and life."

 

I spent the morning getting ready to go to the cabin.  We are taking Alex and Seth with us.  They have been wanting to go all summer but James has been too busy working on the house to take them. 

I picked up Alex at the Chandler seminary building around 11:45.  Seth was waiting at our house.  He just had all of his wisdom teeth pulled so he was lying down on the couch.  Alex helped load the trailer.  We are taking a saw and our BBQ. 

Of course we stopped at Burger House for burros.  (We should call it Burro House).  I ordered a green mixed burro and a red burro.  I ate the red burro on the way.  It was good, but I still prefer the green burros. 

 

The boys stopped at the Safeway in Show Low to do some shopping.  Since this is the 24th of July weekend and there is a big pioneer celebration and rodeo in Snowflake, the Safeway parking lot was packed and the boys said it was crazy inside the store.

We stopped at Show Low Motors and bought a new gas cap for the Razr.  It cost around $20. 

As we came into Vernon the guys had seen some antelope out in the field across from the post office.  They wanted to take the Razr in and get a closer look.  They got about half way down our road and it sputtered and died.  Water in the gas tank.  While they were trying to get it started Seth looked down on the ground and found the original gas cap.  Well, now we have two. 

James spent the next hour or so trying to syphon gas out of the Razr.  He finally got it to run but it was too late to go looking for the antelope.  Now he smells like gas.

 

James and I watched a Hallmark movie called "Novel Romance."  They boys watched "Shrek."

 

I took a picture of our backporch view and posted it on Facebook.

 



 



Thursday, July 23, 2015



 

James picked up Adam for work this morning around 6am.  Adam hauled granite, mowed and edged the yard, and helped James take down the trampoline.  James rented a power sprayer and Adam started to spray off the porches and sidewalks but had to leave because he had a job interview at Rositas restaurant by his house.  James finished using the sprayer which really didn't do the job we wanted it to. I took Adam home and picked up lunch at In-N-Out Burger on the way back home.

 

Louise and Heather cleaned this afternoon and Ron Cherington cleaned the carpet in the three bedrooms and the pit.  I think James is going to have him come back later to do the downstairs

 

Evan invented a board game and brought it over this afternoon.  Joshua and I played with him.  At one point I had to answer any question that Evan asked me.  His question was: "What is the square root of 64.  I answered wrong and he corrected me.  I wonder how many 8 year old kids know the answer to this question.  I was surprised that Evan knew.  Joshua ended up winning the game.

Evan's board game

I didn't stand a chance against these two.

 

For dinner tonight James and I went to Carrabas.  Here is what I had.



 Pasta with tomatoes, cheese, peppers, and chicken.

It was delicious!



Wednesday, July 22, 2015

As part of my gospel study today I read this article in the

July 2015 Ensign by Randal A. Wright.

I quote:

"As a new General Authority, Elder Marion G. Romney (1897-1988) felt inadequate in fulfilling his important calling, so he sought advice from his friend Elder Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The counsel offered that day both surprised and motivated Elder Romney, Elder Lee said:

'If you are to be successful as a General Authority, you will need to be inspired.  You will need to receive revelation.  I will give you one piece of advice: Go to bed early and get up early.  If you do, your body and mind will become rested and then in the quiet of those early morning hours, you will receive more flashes of inspiration and insight than at any other time of the day.'

Years later, reflecting back on that experience, then President Romney said: "From that day on, I put that counsel into practice, and I know it works.  Whenever I have a serious problem, or some assignment of a creative nature with which I hope to receive the influence of the Spirit, I always receive more assistance in the early morning hours than at any other time of the day."

Brother Wright goes on to say:

"Great leaders in our day also use the early-morning hours to receive revelation.  Some time ago I heard a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy mention in a stake conference talk that he was an early riser.  After the meeting, I spoke to him briefly about his early-morning ritual, then asked how many of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve kept a similar schedule.  He replied, 'They all do!'  It was a powerful moment, and the Spirit testified to me that going to bed early and getting up early can be indeed connected to receiving revelation."  (See D& C 88:124)

Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said,

"To those who feel defeated and downtrodden, look to the early hours of the day for your rescue."

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave related to gaining wisdom:

"I counsel our children to do their critical studying in the early hours of the morning when they're fresh and alert, rather than to fight physical weariness and mental exhaustion at night.  I've learned the power of the dictum, 'Early to bed, early to rise.'"

President Hinckley:

"If you go to bed at 10:00 and get up by 6:00 a.m. things will work out for you."

As a person who has been an early riser for years, I can attest to the fact that the best time for me to get inspiration is in those early morning hours.

 

James went downstairs this morning and pulled a bunch of stuff out of the Christmas closet and then asked me to come down and go through it.  I did and then Adam, Kyle, and Seth helped me carry everything upstairs.  Later, James and I took those things were are going to keep and stored them in our unit at Central Self Storage.

Sheri with the Detman family who

are on their way back to Bejing, China

where they live.

Nate was Ian's best friend in high school.

 



 

 

 

 

 





Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Gilbert temple

 

This morning I listened to Elder D. Todd Christofferson's conference address: "Why Marriage, Why Family."  Here are some notes I took:

"Marriage is a post of responsibility.  Marriage comes from God.  We must live a celestial law and bridle the flesh.  We overcome physical and spiritual death through the Redeemer.  We must be born again and reconciled to God.  Marriage is the order of heaven.  Successful marriages are vital for society to survive.  It's never just been about the happiness of two adults.  Marriage is about children and family.  Satan teaches that self-fulfillment is more important than marriage."

 

I also read an article in the online addition of Meridian magazine entitled "Seven Mistakes LDS Parents Make:"

1.  Not teaching children how to work effectively. WORK BESIDE YOUR CHILDREN.

2.  Teaching children that obedience is optional.  HAVE CHILDREN HELP CREATE FAMILY RULES.

3.  Protecting children from anything they don't want to do, or anything hard, uncomfortable, or inconvenient.  ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO DO HARD THINGS.

4.  Teaching children that agency means freedom.  TEACH AGENCY AS TAUGHT IN 2 NEPHI 2:27.

5.  Teaching children you will be there to solve every problem.  Solution: ASK INSTEAD OF TELL.  WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?

6.  Sheltering children from rejection and disappointment.  DON'T CUSHION CHILDREN FROM EVERY CHALLENGE AND TRIAL.

7.  Teaching your children they don't need a testimony right now - it can wait until they are older.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO ALWAYS BE WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSED T BE DOING WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING.

 

Seth showed up for work this morning, but Adam didn't.  Alex is in school so he won't be working for awhile.

We got a Jimmy John delivery for lunch. 

I took a nap because my knees were hurting and stiff.  When I woke up I cleaned out the hall closet. 

Stacy and Paul's dresser was finally moved out of the entryway and back into their bedroom.

 

Dave and Laura made it home from Boise today.  They have been gone since the first of July.

 

James fixed the fan in the dining room and installed a new one in the family room and the living room. 

 

James didn't get the 108th Avenue job but they are sending him $1000 for all his trips over there and getting bids from subcontractors.

 

Before going to bed we read from "The Tutor's Daughter."  I really like Julie Klassen as an author.  Her characters are always God-fearing and religious.





Monday, July 20, 2015

First Day of School

Chandler, Arizona

Joshua is in the 3rd grade

Evan is in the 3rd grade and Max is in the 5th grade

Brooklyn's first day of kindergarten.

I couldn't resist.

Brooklyn was in our Primary class.

Not pictured: Ben who is a sophomore, and Alex and Michael who are seniors this year. 

 

I was up before 5 this morning to get ready to go back to the valley.  We left at 518 a.m.  We stopped at Burger House and got the Tony's Special breakfast burrito.  It was my first time and it did not disappoint!  We were home in Chandler by 8:29. 

 

James and Joel finished putting up the crown molding in the mater bedroom.  It looks very nice. 

 

News flash:  Because of flooding in California there is a bridge out on the 1-10.  For right now all traffic is being re-routed through San Diego. 

 

I visited the bank and the carwash today.  My car was very muddy from driving on Vernon roads.  For lunch I had peanut M&M's and diet Pepsi from Circle K.  I stayed in my room most of the day napping and working on my blog. 

 

For dinner James and I went to Pei Wei and shared lettuce wraps and a Pei Wei spicy chicken salad.  It was very enjoyable.

 

This evening we read from "The Tutor's Daughter" and listened to two conference talks: "Why Marriage and Family Matter" by Elder L. Tom Perry, and "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar.

 

 



Sunday, July 19, 2015

 

I am grateful to be in this beautiful place today.  I wish we could move back completely but we have to wait until we sell our house.

The view out our bedroom window and porch is so beautiful and green right now.



View from the porch

 

James put a new shower head on our shower and it is wonderful!



This shower head is the bomb-diggity!

 

James made me breakfast this morning.  His eggs are almost as good as mine!

Today in sacrament meeting we had a high councilman speak.  His name was Mike Hall.  He is Harry Lynn Hall and Geraldine Nikolaus's son.  I told James he looked like a Nikolaus.

 

Sadie Westbrook is back from her mission and will be speaking next week.  I can hardly wait!  In Sunday School today the lesson was on the Savior and the last things he said while he was on the cross.

 

The Crane's were just released from working at the cannery in Snowflake and now they have been called to work at the Snowflake temple.  That trip to Snowflake is about 40 miles one way.

 

The Ezra Taft Benson lesson in Relief Society was on marriage and family and was taught by Pam Wood.

 

For lunch we had pork chops, salad and watermelon and then we took a nice long nap. 

 

This evening we read scriptures, had a light dinner and watched Hallmark movie.  We had no internet or phone service today. We had to drive clear down to AC3148 off of Highway 60 to call Stacy and tell her that we weren't coming home until tomorrow morning. 

We had some more rain tonight while the sun was shining and we had a double rainbow.



 

 

 



Saturday, July 18, 2015

Jack and Elizabeth from

"When Calls the Heart"

 

Even though the cabin bed is very comfy, I had a restless night.  When I got up this morning I had strawberries and cherries for breakfast while reading from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon with James. 

 

James went on a Razr ride this morning even though he could not find the gas cap.  When he came back he left the Razr outside and it rained and water got into the gas tank.  While he was out for his drive he saw Jimmy Brookbank who was up in the hills for a family reunion.

 

We took a drive to the Stanford Store so I could show James the shed I want to get for the kids to use for a clubhouse.  I am not sure why I didn't take a picture.  It is painted red with white trim and a white door and two windows in the front.  He liked it but said we couldn't buy it because it cost too much and he could build one much cheaper. Somehow he talked me into driving into Show Low with him to get ant killer at Home Depot.  We stopped at Sonic for some refreshments and then I waited outside of Home Depot while James does his shopping.  

 

When we got back from town the entire house was filled with smoke.  Before we left James had put some eggs on to boil and he forgot to turn them off.  The pan was burnt to a crisp and so were the eggs.  It took awhile to get rid of the smell and the smoke.

 

It was a beautiful day today but it didn't rain until after dark.  James and I watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart."  Of course they always make the finale a cliff hanger and this show was no different.  I really do think it is the best show on T.V. 

 

I got a good start on cleaning the main floor of the cabin and James put several boxes of stuff away.  He got a call from Joel who is in Chandler trying to put up the last piece of crown molding in the master bedroom.  It sounds like he messed up.  When James hung up he told me I was right, he shouldn't have left Joel to do something he had no experience with. 

 

We finished The Secret of Pembrooke Park before going to bed tonight.  It just started to rain as we went to bed.

 

Sheri posted this picture of Lola to make me jealous.

It worked.

 



 

  

 





Friday, July 17, 2015

Ensign article:

"Preparing to Enter the House of the Lord"

by

Elder Kent F. Richards

"Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection..."

"...If we will enter into our covenants without reservation or apology, the Lord will protect us.  We will receive inspiration sufficient for the challenges of life...."

"So come to the temple - come and claim your blessings."

 

Joel painted the master bedroom today.  Stacy and I picked out the color.  It is a pale lavender.  James worked on putting up crown molding but didn't finish before we left for the cabin.

Such an improvement!

The crown molding looks good with the blinds.

Ben came down today and spread granite.  Evan came down and vacuumed the family room for another dollar.

Adam and Kyle rode the bus and got here late after Ben had gone home.  They also worked on putting granite in the planters.

 

We took the car to the cabin, loaded down with boxes, etc.  Somehow Adam and Kyle squeezed in and begged a ride back to Adams. 

This week we were able to stop at Burger House for our mexican food fix.  We both ordered two green mixed burros and ate one on the road and saved the other one for later.

 





  We also stopped at Safeway for a few groceries.  It was dark when we got to Vernon.  We were anxious to watch the next episode of "When Calls the Heart."

Happy 60th Birthday Disneyland!





 



 

 

 

Thursday, July 16, 2015

James and I had lunch here today using the giftcards

James got from Kim and Brian for Father's Day.

 

Today for part of our scripture study we read Acts 20:1-16.  The apostle Paul preaches until midnight when someone in the congregation falls out of the 3rd story balcony and lands on the floor dead.  Paul falls upon him and says a prayer and brings him back to life.  I am sorry, but this is one of the funniest stories I have ever read in the scriptures, and one of the most amazing miracles!

 

Joel and James worked on texturing the walls in the master bedroom.  Joel had worked last night so he was tired and only stayed a couple of hours. James was also the fastest stripper...., of wallpaper that is. 



 James and I went on a lunch break to Cheesecake Factory.  I ordered fried zucchini (their's is the best!), Romano crusted chicken, and lemon meringue cheesecake, my new favorite.  Of course I couldn't eat it all, except for the zucchini, and had to take it home for later.  James had the chicken madeira.

 

Evan came down today to see Joshua who was still asleep when Evan got here so he visited with me.  He said he was trying to earn money so his family could get an Xbox One.  He said all of the kids have to earn $75 a piece to help pay for it.  He has $66 right now.  I told him I would give him a dollar if he would vacuum my bedroom. 



Evan vacuuming our bedroom

We had to rob my Hello Kitty bank to get a dollar bill out.  It wasn't easy.  We had to use an ice pick. 

 

Joel only worked a couple of hours texturing walls in the master bedroom.  James had to finish.  Adam and Michael helped. 

 

We took a lunch break to Cheesecake Factory.  I had fried zucchini, Romano crusted chicken, and lemon meringue cheesecake.  Delicious!  James had the chicken madeira.

 

While we are working on our house and enduring the heat Trina and Darrel are on vacation at the beach in California with Trina's family.

  

 

Ruby is excited to eat at Ruby's