Friday, October 23, 2015

Sheri's quote:

"Sometimes progress in spiritual things can seem slow or intermediate.  Sometimes we may feel that we have lost ground, that we have made mistakes, or that our best efforts to find the Savior are not working.  If you feel this way please do not give up - ever.  Go right on believing in Him and in His gospel and in His Church.  Align your actions with that belief.  In those moments when the light of your faith has dimmed, let your hope for the Savior's love and grace, found in His gospel and in His Church, overcome your doubt.  I promise that He is ready to receive you."

-Elder Whitney Clayton

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn was not that great  I had a Belgian waffle that was not that good and James said the eggs were very rubbery.  To me the eggs looked like silver dollar pancakes.  

Paul had lots of help moving today.  He rented a U-Haul from Central Self Storage and Adam, Kristofor, and Adam's friend Kyle all came to help.  Paul bought them breakfast burritos from El Sol.  Adam always says he will work for food.  They moved all their big stuff our including the washer, dryer, and even the Christmas tree.  There are still some things left that Paul can take in the Montero.

We had Blue Sky Pest Control come today and spray for insects and scorpions.  

James and I picked up Alex from school and then took him to Jersey Mike's for lunch.

 

I am still working downstairs.  

 All of these cupboards had to be emptied.

Sheri came and carried all of the things I got out of these cupboards upstairs for me. James would have helped me but he was fixing the floor in Dallin's closet.  After we finished working Sheri and I went to Sonic for a drink.  

Later this afternoon James and I went back to the Comfort Inn for a little R&R.  I took a shower and even washed my hair.  We both took a nap.  We went back this evening and worked a little longer.  

Stacy and Paul bought us a pizza from Peter Piper.  Our favorite, thin crust veggie.  

Michael did well at his Cross Country meet today.  He got fourth.

 

 

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Food for Thought.

Sonic, scriptures, prayers and then most of the rest of the day in the basement. 

Alex and Ben came over and helped move furniture, including our bed.  Ben scared me when I was walking down the hall and he jumped out of my bedroom.  I certainly wasn't expecting that.  

For lunch we got sandwiches from Jimmy John's delivered to our house.  Dallin was there so we invited him to order a sandwich too. Dallin moved all of his things out today, except his mattress.  I guess he is going to live with Jared Ammon and another friend who came and helped him.  
After Dallin moved out Paul discovered buckled wood on his closet floor.  One more thing for James to do.  Plus, Dallin's room also needs to be painted which became apparent when all the furniture was moved out.  
I went with Stacy to her new place.  The bedrooms are all upstairs and are a good size.  The downstairs family room and kitchen are quite small.  There is no grass in the front or back which may be a problem for Holly and for Joshua.

The roofers came today and fixed the patio roof which was leaking like crazy on Sunday evening.

James and I spent the night at the Comfort Inn on Chandler Blvd. and the I-10.  We stayed in room 305.  The water pressure isn't very good on the 3rd floor.

One of the fun things about going through things in storage

is finding old pictures.  I love these five boys!

My obsession with Tiny Houses continues. 

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Sonic for breakfast.  On the way back we saw Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura getting ready to leave for their hunting trip to Kaibab.  James would love to go with them, but this just isn't the time.  

We read our scriptures and then read from our book, "Bonds of Loyalty".

James mowed the lawn and fixed things in Stacy's bathroom that needed to be fixed

 Upkeep is an ongoing affair.

I cleaned out the Christmas closet downstairs.  It took me most of the day.  I carried a few things up, but I need help carrying the rest.  James can't help right now because he's working on the storage room outside.  

We got lunch from Arby's and took a short nap.  I also picked up Alex at the seminary building at 11:45.  

I finished the Christmas closet and started on the downstairs cupboards.  Yikes!  So many things are in these cupboards.  

Stacy got the keys for her new place.  She started moving things over.  We had a little fun with Holly this afternoon amidst all the moving.

Pretty little Holly.

Joshua had soccer practice this evening along with Evan and Rowan.  Michael had a pasta party and then went to Mutual to hear a recording by The Piano Guys.  

Stacy and I got dinner at In-N-Out Burger.

Tuesday, October 20 2015

The Oakland temple

James filled all my tires with air before he left this morning for the valley.  Such service!  He left around 6am.  I got ready and left by 9:30am.  In Show Low I stopped for gas, and at Sonic for a burrito and a diet cherry coke.  I went the Payson way.  

It is a gorgeous day!  55 in Vernon when I left and 70 degrees in the valley.  

James and I had lunch at Cheesecake Factory because I still had some left on a couple of gift cards.  We had the fried zucchini, I had Baja tacos, and James had chicken marsala.  I took home a piece of lemon meringue cheesecake.

Yummy, but almost too rich for me this time.

Back at home I began packing up my Precious Moments statues and the animals from my big Noah's Ark.  

At 5 o'clock I went with Sheri to take Evan and Joshua to soccer practice.  I had ulterior motives.  I wanted to see Darrel and Trina's kids.  I was disappointed that Addy wasn't there but I got to spend some time with Ruby and Lola and Rowan gave me a hug.  Ruby was sick today with the stomach flu but she was feeling better this evening.  I took this picture of Lola.

 I have never seen a cuter little girl!

Sheri and Ian came down and took the living room furniture today.

One room empty and a few more to go!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Six jars of jalapeno jelly, one jar of

green salsa and one jar of red salsa

all made by Kathy Crane and Ruth Wallace.

The Crane's needed a potato peeler to help peel apples today.  They also used a drill which makes for fast peeling.  They used our potato peeler so we got a free jar of green salsa.

James picked some pinons today.  I think he loves the idea that he can go out and pick them anytime.  

For lunch we had sandwiches made at the Stanford Store.  I had ham and cheese and James had a Reuben.  I loved mine and he hated his.  He said he thought the meat was bad and threw half of it away.

Half of my sandwich and my drink

James gave a great FHE lesson using some ideas from his Sunday School lesson for this week.  Although this wasn't a quote from his lesson it was a quote from General Conference.

 I called my friend Charlotte Mattice today for her birthday.  She is 10 years and two months older than I am.  She said she had heard from friends but not from her family.  How sad.

James's sister Carmen makes some awesome cakes!  Everyone is so excited about the new Star Wars movie coming out in December.  (Everyone except me that is).  Here is a Yoda cake she made.

Amazing!

This evening I watched DWTS.  He was amazing dance songs night.  My favorite was Derek and Bindi dancing to "I've Had the Time of My Life" from "Dirty Dancing."  

James and I also watched "On the Air", a Hallmark movie

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Still a little elk fever going on here.

James got up early and after going out on the porch and blowing his elk call, he went in to study for his lesson.  I don't have a lesson today because we are practicing for the Primary program.

 We took separate cars to church because James wanted to get there early to see if there was a chalkboard in his room.

Ty Applegate was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  Gary Thompson from this bishopric spoke about stake conference, and Mel Wilhelm told a story for the Primary children.  Bishop Miller finished up the meeting.  The next two hours were spent practicing for the Primary program which is next week.

James said his lesson went well and he felt good about it.  As soon as he got home from church he started studying for next week's lesson.  

For lunch we had Kim and Brian's leftover spaghetti.  I made some lemon and some pistachio pudding for dessert.  We both took a nap and then while James was working on his lesson I worked on my blog.  

We watched the new Hallmark movie, "October Kiss."  It was really cute.

Back in the valley Jared made lots of visits with Molly and Ruby.  They went to see Lois and Dawn.  I am so glad!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Molly and I went to Walmart this morning to get some cereal, milk, bagels, and cream cheese.  Molly insisted on pushing the cart and didn't like it when I tried to guide her a certain direction.  She chose coco puffs for her cereal and when we got home Jared said that was a no-no cereal.  Oh well.  I am only the grandma and I didn't know.

I watched Molly another couple of hours while Jared went on a date.  As soon as he returned he and Molly left to pick up Ruby and Cassie for their fun time together.

I had to say goodbye because James and I are returning to Vernon for Sunday responsibilities.

I think they went to Extreme Air and

then to a corn maize.

Cute cousins!

James went through Globe and I went through Payson.  I stopped at the Bashas in Payson for some snacks and a potty break.  I get home about 10 minutes after James.  After unloading he settles down to study his Sunday School lesson and I watch a Hallmark movie.

 Tucson temple

President Uchtdorf was in Tucson today for the groundbreaking of the Tucson temple,  which will be the sixth temple in Arizona.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Another Sonic breakfast burrito and diet coke.  I think I am in a rut.  

At 11:45 James and I picked up Alex at the seminary building.  Afterwards we went to pickup Adam and then stopped by Erik's to get my car.  My new brakes cost $130.  

Alex and Adam took the truck to get gas, then to pick up a bed for Adam and afterwards they went to lunch at Serrano's.

I had lunch at Zupa's with Sheri.  James decided not to come.  Kim was going to meet us but she was too late getting back from her fieldtrip on the other side of Apache Junction. 

Sheri tasting my hazlenut creme brulee

A big Haboob heading our way and afterwards some rain!

I go to Walmart to pick up my methotrexate and folic acid.  I also get some treats for tonight.  I looked for Peep ghosts for a Halloween treat but they didn't have any.

Back at home I ordered pizzas for FHE from Peter Piper Pizza.  James and I went to pick them up.  Those attending FHE:

Adam, Michael, and Joshua.  Kim, Brian, and Joseph, Sheri, Ian, Alex, Ben, Max and Evan, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola.  

Jared Ammon and Dallin were on the Mogollon Rim shooting a music video with Dallin's band Harrison Fjiord.  

A great looking bunch of grandkids

 

A handsome bunch!

We sang "As I Have Loved You" and Ben offered the opening prayer.  I gave a short lesson on the five points of a testimony of the gospel and then I bore my testimony.  

Next we all shared memories of fun times we have had in this home.  Here are some of the things we remembered:

Stacy remembers when we would go out on Friday nights and the kids was stay home and watch "Dukes of Hazzard", and play records and sing.  
Stacy says she also remembers that our house was the one where all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to come.

Sheri remembers when the Christmas tree was by the stairs and they would try to peak from the hallway to see if they could see any presents.  We had the presents lined up according to child and Darrel's were the closest.

Adam remembers coming down and playing Star Wars Monopoly with his Dad.

Evan remembers the "White Elephant" gift exchange.

Ruby said everytime she comes here she makes a good memory.

Addy remembers when she was little and they lived with us for awhile and she would sit on grandpa's lap in the mornings and eat his cereal. 

Trina says she likes how we always have our door open and anyone can come in.

I said I remember kneeling around the coffee table having family prayer and reading from the scriptures together.  I also remember Kim practicing the piano at 5 o'clock in the morning.

Alex remembers our house as the gathering place for Christmas, Easter, the 4th of July, and monthly FHE's.  He remembers how the pit would always be full of presents at Christmas time.  On Christmas Eve everyone would come over and open a gift and enjoy food from Chikfila and Someburros.  

On Christmas morning we would gather in the living room and read Luke 2 and have family prayer before going in to open gifts.  Adam says it seemed like to him that we would read less and less every year but that really wasn't true.

Joseph remembers the time he stepped on a toothpick and went to get it take out at the doctor.  The doctor thought he got it all but later at Thanksgiving he complained about his foot hurting.  He wanted to show Darian where he sore was.  He took his shoe off and a huge piece of toothpick came out of his foot.

When Darrel and Jon were toddlers they would hide in the closet and pee.

The kids would hide in the closet and hope I wouldn't remember it was their piano lesson day.

Movie nights with friends when our kids were younger.

Haunted House in the basement and Ian being Dracula and coming out of a coffin.

Dad bringing home a live Christmas tree and then planting it in the orchard.

Joe and Dallin riding their bikes with helmets up and down the hallway.

Jared Ammon when he was two sitting in front of the computer.

Dallin, Joseph, Michael and Alex wearing only their underwear so I bought the sweats to wear.

James remembers me painting the house when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with Jared.

Kim remembers dad making Banquet chicken for Sunday dinner and fighting with Darrel over the spot near the wall.

Darrel laying in the family room to watch TV with his hand gripping a PBJ in the kitchen.

Michael coming down early in the mornings with his Batman cap and mask.

Dallin coming down early in the mornings to visit.

Once Thomas Gale came down at 6am and said: " I want to play with anyone."

Jared said Darrel up on the roof setting fires with non-dairy creamer.

The playhouse.

The swimming pool.

Croquet in the backyard.

The trampoline.
For 39 years this home has been a part of our family.  It has become a part of us and we are going to miss it dearly as we open up a new chapter in our lives.  We are sad but also excited for the future.

Molly and Jared arrived shortly after 9pm.

These two were so happy to see each other!

Jared looks a little tired after working all

day and then driving here from El Paso.

Both of these girls love Holly!

She was very patient with them.

Jared told Stacy and I a story about how and when he decided to go on his mission.  He had gotten a scholarship to Yale and was going to go there for a year before his mission,  until he read 2 Nephi 9:28,  which says:

"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the

frailties, and the foolishness of men!

When they are learned they think they are wise and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside,

supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.  And they shall perish."

 After reading this scripture Jared decided he would go on his mission before going to school.

 

 

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Fall is here!

  

Alma 34:32

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God;

yea behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform 

their labors

I listened to conference talks by Elder Cook and Elder Ballard today.  Both of then talked about planning and preparing, and how choices maters.  

For breakfast this morning I had a breakfast burrito and diet Coke from Sonic.  I love the flavor of jalapenos but wish they weren't quite so hot.  

James and I drove to Tempe to the office of Oliver & Spencer to sign our tax papers for 2011.  We had a nice visit with Rick Oliver.  One year down, and three more to go.  

On the way home we went by James's job on McClintock and Chandler Blvd.  I wrote down the names of four hotels between McClintock and Price on Chandler Blvd.  We will need a place to stay while James comes down to work.  Lois said we could stay with them and Cathi said we could stay with her and Terry which we really appreciate.  We will see what happens.  

I had lunch with Laura and Cathi today at Oreganos.  They will be gone next week hunting at the Kaibab with Terry and Dave.  While at Oreganos I saw my dear friend Maxine Ballard.  I had to stop and give her a hug!

Today it was cloudy and overcast.  A very pleasant day except for the humidity. 

This afternoon we went for a short visit with Trina and her kids.  Lola does like me!

She even gave me a kiss!

Of course grandpa is the fun one.

When I told Ruby about going to Disneyland she said: "I hope it's okay, I told grandpa he could go too.

We picked up James's truck at Erik's and dropped off my car.  His truck is going to cost over $900. The auxiliary cooling fan didn't work and the water pump was leaking.

For dinner we took home tacos from Del Taco.  We like them better than Taco Bell's but prefer Taco Bell's mild sauce.

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

A favorite movie from the 80's.

Sheri's quote for the day:

Elder Holland said:

"However late you think you are, however many chances

you think you missed, however many mistakes you feel you

have made or talents you think you don't have, or 

however far from home and family and God you feel you have

traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the 

reach of divine love.""

I had scriptures and prayer with James before he left for the valley around 7 this morning.  

I pay some bills and get ready to go.  It's around noon when I leave.

 Goodbyes are never easy.

James told me to check the tire in Show Low but I didn't.  I got something to eat at McDonald's and got gas and my car washed.  Luckily the tire was fine.  I went the Payson way.  I enjoyed it so much more than the Globe way.  I don't care if it takes a little longer, it's worth it!

I stopped in Star Valley at the Circle K for a potty break and some snacks.  I got peanut M&M's and Junior Mints.  

I arrived in Chandler a little before 4pm.  

I unpacked my car and put in an order at Mimi's.  We are taking dinner to Lois and Dawn.  On the way to Tempe we dropped James's truck off at Erik's.  It's been heating up.  We are so grateful for Erik.  He saves us alot in car repairs!

We picked up the food at Mimi's and arrived at Lois' just as Dawn got home from work.  The four of us enjoyed a nice quiet dinner together.  I am a little disappointed because I forgot Dawn's Book of Mormon.  

Stacy and Paul finally found a place.  They don't sign the papers until next week though.  Next week is our final week to move everything out.  I am not looking forward to it.  I hate to move!

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

I love this picture of the prophets of this

dispensation.

 

Sheri's quote:

Richard G. Scott's talk in the April 2013 conference

is the bomb  He says:

"When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God - power to do more than we can do by ourselves.  Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength

and power from the Lord  His power is a fundamental component to establishing a home filled with peace."

I want that power!

 

This morning I read from "Jesus the Christ", the New Testament Student Manual, all of the October church magazines, a Sunday School lesson, the Book of Mormon and the New Testament and a conference talk.  I am ready to face the day!

 

James worked on taxes and his Sunday School lesson today.  He is so nervous about this new calling.  He says he's never taught adults before.  

I unloaded two boxes today that were full of my books I had taken to Chandler.  I found the Book of Mormon I had written my testimony in for Dawn.  I would like to give it to her while I am down in the valley this week.

 

We went out to go to the post office this afternoon only to see that my car had a flat tire.  James puts air in it but it definitely has a leak so he put in a plug.  Hopefully this will work!

 

Kilee Hunsaker was supposed to call today about washing windows.  She called around 3pm and by then I wasn't feeling like doing windows so I postponed until November 7th.  She wants to raise money to pay her phone bill and to buy a car.

 

I made chicken tacos for dinner.  They were very good, one of our favorite meals, except the cheese was a little old. 

 

We read from our new book, "A Heart's Rebellion."  We love being together in our beautiful mountain home!

Facebook finds:

I want these!

 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Food for Thought

James and I left for Silver City, New Mexico this morning at 6am for a 9am meeting.  James forgot about the hour time difference so the people he was meeting had waited an hour for him.  The Taco Bell where we met didn't even open until 10 am.

Papers were signed, a deed was delivered, and we went home with a pocket full of cash.  We celebrated by eating at one of the finer restaurants in Silver City, Taco Bell!

James and I read our scriptures and then I read to him from our new book, "A Hearts Rebellion."

 Why do so many women choose the wrong man?

We made several stops on the way home.  This one was the first:

I didn't realize I was taking a selfie.

We stopped here to use the restrooms and then felt like we should buy something.  We settled on the Plain Jane fudge instead of the Lavender fudge and two chocolate truffles, one with raspberry and the other with chili.  I thought the fudge was the best that I've ever had.  I don't normally like fudge.  

We also took a little side trip which was about 15 miles out of the way.  It's one of those little places with just a main drag and not much else.  I got a kick out of "Wild Bill's Bar."  There use to be a Bill's Bar in Show Low but it wasn't "Wild Bill's."

When we got to Springerville I mentioned that sometime I would like to go into the Western Drugstore and look around.  To my surprise James stopped.  It was your typical small town store with some unique features, like a place in the back where you can by woodworking products.  They also really cater to hunter's and outdoorsman.  I also found a very interesting assortment of cookie cutters.  

When we returned home to Vernon we took a nap.  For some reason I was feeling a little sad and depressed.  I spent the afternoon and evening watching three Hallmark movies.  "Before You Say I Do", "Growing the Big One" (pumpkins that is), and "Bridal Fever."  I also watched most of "Dancing with the Stars."

It was not a day of great accomplishment for me.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

On top of Green's Peak

James and I attended stake conference in Show Low this morning.  We invited Kim and Brian to come with us but they declined.

Wendell Allen, a friend of ours from high school was the translator for Elder Pino.  He did an outstanding job.  Elder Pino is the first general authority from Venezuela.  He is a member of the first quorum of the Seventy.  He spoke about relationships and traditions and how our traditions, such as temple attendance, scripture study, and prayer can protect us and our families.  It was a good meeting.

Before Kim and Brian left for home I played a game of Five Crowns with them.  James was taking a nap.  I talked Kim into leaving a couple of her gluten free chocolate chip pumpkin muffins.  They are very tasty.  

Two of my very favorite people in the world!

Brian really wants to build a home on part of our property and he and James talked about putting in water lines and electrical lines.  Now that they are "empty nesters" they are planning their future.

Our Hallmark movie this evening: "Your Love Never Fails."

 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Last years fall colors, aren't quite to this point this year.

Sheri's quote:

"We need not worry if we can't simultaneously do all of the things

that the Lord has counseled us to do.  He has spoken of a time and a

season for all things.  In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life.  We can learn, grow, and become like Him one

consistent step at a time."

-Elder Richard G. Scott

The one thing I miss about being here in Vernon is the soccer games.

Kruby is the nickname for these two.

Soccer buddies forever!

Kruby's cheerleaders!

Ivy and Lola.

 So proud of you Addy!

Love this girl!

 Miss Molly, the soccer star!

I love this story Jared posted and couldn't help sharing it!

The pictures to go with the story.

We had to go into town today to get a new printer because the one we have here bit the dust and James needs to scan and send some tax papers to our accountant.  On the way home we stopped to talk to Kathy and Chuck Crane who were out walking their dog.  Chuck had a broken arm.  Something about pushing an ATV too hard.  They won't be going to stake conference because he can't get his shirts on over his cast.

We missed the evening session of stake conference for the first time since I can remember.  We wanted to spend the time with Kim and Brian.  Kim and I watched "A Country Wedding" starring Autumn Reeser and Jesse Metcalf.  The four us watched "Harvest Moon."  James loved it!