Tuesday, December 9, 2014

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents.  But there is a difference between presents and gifts.  The true gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart and mind - and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."

-James E. Faust

Lots of gospel study and I try to finish the Old Testament, keep up on my Book of Mormon reading and journal, conference talks, and church magazines.  I also did four blog posts.  

Stacy has a new job.   Her friend Penny Dolata who works at Chandler Eye needs someone to help with her mother -in-law.  Her main responsibility will be to take her on errands.  She called and told me about her first experience.  I guess she took her to the doctor and then Mrs. Dolata wanted to go to Walmart for just a few minutes.  Stacy said she spent 2 1/2 hours wandering around every aisle in Walmart and the woman ended up buying frosting and grape soda.  It was quite an experience.  

I went into town to pick up Nerf guns I ordered at Walmart but they weren't ready for pickup.  I picked up lunch at Aliberto's, by the way their bean burros can't even compare to Burger House's, and washed my car.  Came home and watched Christmas movies while doing work at my desk and computer.

This evening I attended the Relief Society activity at the church. Teresa Smith taught us line danceing.  It was fun.  The theme was Angels and sisters shared stories about times they were helped by the "angel" visiting teachers.  We had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.  I visited with Joel Miller and Amy Reynolds.  Kelly and Shelly babysat and I definitely think they deserve an award.

Joyce Malone made these boxes for everyone.

Inside was candy and a small angel ornament.

Robert came by tonight and fixed the truck.  Darrel was here again tonight.

 

Monday, December 8, 2014

"He was born, a long time ago - nearly Two Thousand years ago - at a place called Bethlehem. ...And then the Angel told the Shepherds to go to that Stable, and look at that little child in the Manger. Which they did; and they kneeled down by it in its lseep, and said 'God bless this child!'"

-Charles Dickens

Sunrise

Darrel left for work around 7.  James and I left shortly after to go to Hatch's so James could rent a car. We saw two nice bull elk just standing by the side of the road.   I dropped James off and drove through the fog to Walmart. The fog went from Show Low to the church in Vernon and from there to our house it was clear.  

I got home and put groceries away and took a couple of aspirin.  I worked on General Conference "catchup" most of the day and watched Christmas movies.  I also fixed a chicken pot pie for dinner using a recipe I found in one of my "Food Nanny" cookbooks.  

Jared texted today and said he is going to have to rent a van or truck to come for Christmas.  I immediately got a card with some money in it and sent it to him.  

Robert did not show up to fix the truck today.  I am beginning to think we can't believe anything he says.  He certainly is dragging his feet.  

James had to fix a broken water line under the asphalt at work.  He acted like it was no big deal.  He never ceases to amaze me.

Sheri is worried about her boys and frankly, so am I.

Max is a tough kid.  He plays football with the big boys and comes out looking like this:

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

 

"The message of this season that is applicable throughout the year lies not in the receiving of earthly presents and treasures but in the forsaking of selfishness and greed and in going forward, seeking and enjoying the gifts of the Spirit, which Paul said are 'love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law' (Gal. 5:22-23)

-James E. Faust

 Happy Birthday to our son-in-law Paul who has been a part of our family for 25 years.

 

Ruby rode with us to and from church.  James let her "drive" home.  No wonder she likes to come with us.  

Today was our fast and testimony meeting.  We had five youth who bore their testimonies.  It was a good meeting.  I am fasting for the Fab Five: Joseph, Michael, Alex, Ben and James.  I am fasting that they will prepare themselves to serve missions.  

Trina, Lola and I learn about how to be good shepherds in Brother Wilhelm's Sunday School class.  James attended another class since part of his calling is to work with the Sunday School.

Ruth Wilhelm gave the lesson in Young Women's on building the kingdom of God.  Winna Ulmer is back in the hospital, this time for gall bladder surgery.  Alice, Trenda, LeeAnn, Maddie, Shelly, Jordyn, and Kyah attended.  

To break out fast we had roast with carrots, potatoes, and celery.  Afterwards I beat Addy and Trina in a game of Five Crowns.  

The kids watched the Christmas Dragon while Ed and Debbie Miller came to fix our heater.  The heater now works and we had a nice visit with Debbie and Ed.

James attended titihing settlement without me.  The Miller's were in my closet working on the heater so I couldn't change clothes.   

Trina and the kids left for home this afternoon.

Trina and the gang 

This evening we watched the First Presidency Devotional and then "Christmas at Cartwright's".

Robert came to work on the truck after dark but didn't stay long because a clip is missing.  He said he would get one and come back tomorrow.

Darrel stayed here again tonight.