Sunday, September 2, 2012

Happy Sabbath Day!
I was up early to finish my soap handouts for young women. I like how they turned out.  I decided to only make 10 instead of 12.  I normally have 7 girls but because it is a holiday weekend I planned for extras.

This side lists the Steps of Repentance

I should have made all 12 because I had 12 girls.

Even though Alex forgot his Sunday clothes and we forgot yesterday to get them from Sheri, he went to sacrament meeting.  I was glad.  It was a wonderful meeting.  The fullest I have ever seen the Vernon ward.  We were clear back into the second overflow.  Spencer, the DeWitt's grandson, and famous from the video "Dayton's Legs", bore his testimony.  He told about carrying his friend Dayton down in to the bottom of the grand canyon.  Last time he took him with him when he did a triathalon. 

Four of my young women bore their testimonies, Shelly, Jordyn, Trenda, and LeAnn, so I bore my testimony too.  

I fasted this afternoon.  James forgot and ate this morning.  We fasted for Dallin and for work.  I heard from my good friend Karen Schneider that Dallin bore a powerful testimony today.  Maybe our prayers for him are being answered.  

For dinner we had grilled steak, corn on the cob, salad, rice pilaf, and Texas toast.  It was wonderful and such good company too.  

After dinner we had FHE.  James told the life history of his grandpa Lambson, Frank Bates Lambson.  The boys were impressed with some of the things he did at their age, like herding sheep 200 miles, moving houses, and shoveling thousands of pounds of coal.  They thought it was funny when he lassoed his future wife, Annie Laurie Mangum, at a party.  And when he proposed to her he told her he already had their "cage" built.  They married and had 13 children, 12 that lived to adulthood.  I remember him having a wooden leg, playing the harmonica, and loving to play chinese checkers.  After the Lambson stories we watched the video "Dayton's Legs."  It was a nice evening.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

We left for the valley around 7:30 this morning.  Before we left Alex went fishing. He caught 4 fish.  This one was not the biggest. 

He rode the Ranger down to Chocolate Lake and found this guy.

  When we arrived in Chandler our first stop was emissions control.  My car passed and I don't have to have it tested for another two years.  Next stop: Sam's Club for some good fillet steaks which we can't get at Walmart in Show Low.  At Walgreen's and Fry's we got a card and gift cards for Kris and Kristina.  On the way to the reception we stopped at Cheesecake Factory and I got a gift card for Darrel's birthday.
At the reception we saw: Cid Elmer, and most all of Gail's family: Heather, Ryan, Cheryl, Luke, Asha, Chloe,
Tim, Becca, Melanie, Val, Micah, Erik, Amelia, Aurora, Mabel, Oliver, Aaron, Kari, Anna, Katy, Sammy, and Beckham, and of course Gail, Jasmine and Seth.  I mostly visited with Cathi, Terry, Laura, Dave, Lois, Dawn, Rebecca, and Brent.  Stacy and Paul and Joshua came and so did Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, and Ruby.

After the reception James and I took Addy shopping for her birthday.  Sheri and Trina dropped Addy and I off at the mall while James went shopping for a new pool pump.  After shopping for awhile we got hungry and went to Paradise Bakery for a cookie.  We finally found something Addy liked at the Justice store, a necklace with a little red guitar.  Addy has a red guitar and she loves it.  Grandpa picked us up from the mall and we all went over to Target Greatland.  It took Addy awhile but she finally picked out a "Target" Barbie.  With a red target bag and everything.

 Grandpa was so happy to be finished shopping.  Now for the important part of the date, "Sweet Tomatoes" for dinner.  James and I love their salads and Addy loves their macaroni and cheese and jello.  What a fun time we had with out sweet little granddaughter for her 8th birthday.  Next week we will be back for her baptism.
Before leaving for home Dallin and Michael serenaded us with the Good 'Ole War song, "Loud Love".

On our way back to Vernon James got stopped just outside of Heber.  The police officer said he was going 58mph in a 45 zone.  Luckily all he got was a warning.  We were home by 10pm.  We both have to give lessons tomorrow so we went straight to bed with a plan to get up by 5:30 to finish preparing.

Friday, August 31, 2012

I didn't walk this morning.  I was too tired.  I watched the Republican National Convention while working on a poster for Young Women's.  The poster said: "The Steps of Repentance" 1. Recognize wrong 2. Promise not to repeat sin 3. Recommit oneself 4. Make restituton 5. Feel true sorrow 6. Allow time 7. Forgive self and others 8. Receive forgiveness from the Lord.
At 10am I visited Lannie Gillespie with my partner Eileen Duggins.  Lannie is the assistant superintendent for all of Navajo county schools and so she is very interesting to talk to.  She is also Trenda Wilhelm's aunt.  We had a nice visit and then I went to the post office and home.
I spent the afternoon cleaning because Brian, Kim, Joe and Alex are due to arrive sometime this evening.  I cleaned the frig, did some vacuuming and cleaning upstairs and then got ready to go to the Show Low High School football game.  James is going with me.  I am so happy!
We stopped at the dollar store so I could get some liquid soap for my young women's lesson on repentance.
We got to the game just before it started.  James thought we were going to be too early and I told him we would be right on time, which we were.  We sat by Vickie, Dennis, Denise, Jeffrey, and Cher.  We had a great time and the Show Low Cougars beat the Florence Gophers 58-0.  Colby is an awesome quarterback.  He is #4.  Also got a picture of Madison playing the french horn in the band.

  Colby

Madison is in front on the right.

Blue moon.  The second full moon of the month.  It won't happen again for about 19 years.

It was after 10pm when Kim, Brian, Joe, and Alex finally arrived.  I guess the traffic to Payson was bumper to bumper for the holiday weekend.

Kim's picture of the blue moon over the cabin.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Walk and Talk.  Elder Ballard: "There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life....The home is what needs reforming."  This was actually a quote Elder Ballard quoted by Joseph F. Smith over 100 years ago.
Here is another one by Elder Ballard: "Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families.  If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all peoples of the earth."
Swept and mopped the floors while listening to last night's session of the Republican National Convention. 
This afternoon around 4pm I left for Show Low to go watch Monte's girls, Madison and Kaitlyn play volleyball.  Two of my young women went with me, MaKenzi Hunsaker and Trenda Wilhelm.  Trenda rode the bus home and I picked her up and took her back.  Show Low is playing Snowflake and I am afraid Snowflake won all three sets, the freshmen, JV, and varsity.  We sat by Monte, Vickie, Harold, Colby, Brian, and Cher.  Kaitlyn and Madison both gave me a hug.  I also saw Quentin and Zach.  After Madison's freshman game I took MaKenzi, Trenda, and Mary Swift to Burger King to get something to eat.  Tasha was coaching the JV team but since I didn't know anyone playing on that team I thought it was a good time to take a break.  We came back and watched Kaitylyn play.  MaKenzi use to play volleyball, Tasha was her coach, back in junior high but she broke her leg and never went back.  She said she wishes she would have.  Snowflake won all three varsity games.  Kaitlyn is a good player though.  Vickie is very proud of both her and Madison.  They are both straight A students.  Madison also played the national anthem on the french horn before the varsity games started.  We didn't get home until 8:30. 

Kaitlyn is to the right of the girl in the green.

Madison is the girl in the black walking behind the Snowflake team.

The Snowflake team's coach was annoying. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

On my 3 mile walk this morning I listened to Elder Nelson's conference address.  Here is a quote from his message: "The attributes by which we shall be judged one day are all spiritual.  These include love, virtue, integrity, compassion, and service to others.  Your spirit, coupled with and housed in your body, is able to develop and manifest these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression.  Spiritual progress is attained through the steps of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, including the endowment and sealing ordinances of the holy temple." The gospel in a nutshell.

Flowers on my walk.

James and I finished watching the first session of the Republican National Convention this morning.  I loved the governor of Ohio, Ann Romney and Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey.  I am amazed at governor's who have established budgets for their states and got government back on track.  Most of all I loved Ann Romney's speech.  She spoke about love, and how important women are, and her love and faith in her husband.  Her most famous line was: "This man will not fail."  After she was finished Mitt came out and hugged and kissed her.  I truly believe that Mitt Romney is the man to get our economy back on track.

Ann Romney shaking hands with people at the Chandler rally.

Mitt Romney just before he shook my hand at the Chandler rally.

This evening I went with our youth group to Fools Hollow Lake to go swimming.  (I thought maybe they were fools for wanting to swim after dark.)  We had 10 girls who attended: Kilee, LeAnn, and MaKenzi Hunsaker.  MaKenzi is the only girl who didn't swim.  Shelly and Jordyn Applegate, Trenda Wilhelm, Mary Swift, Tasha, i don't know Tasha's last name, and Hope and Hailey Lootans.  Sister Soderquist and Brother Allen picked up pizzas on the way and I brought cookies and water.  Brother Allen is the only leader who actually got in the water.  Westin Hall was the first one in.  Other young men who came: Kendall Hall, Jace Applegate, Glenso Swift, Tyler Hunsaker, and Rusty Allen.  Jackson Allen and Talon Wilhelm were playing in a football game in Round Valley.  Here are some random pictures:

Jumping off the Rock was the most fun.

This is Natalie Soderquist, our young women's president.  She looks like one of the girls.  I am the grandma of the group.  Steve Allen, Sean Hunsaker and Jimmie Applegate were the other leaders who attended.
I think you can say a good time was had by all.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Today is Addy's 8th Birthday.  James and I called and talked to her this morning and wished her a Happy Birthday.  I even sang: "You've had a birthday, shout hooray! You're 8 years old today."  I think she thought I was a little crazy.  I love this girl so much.  She is such a blessing in my life. Happy Birthday Addy!

I actually walked three miles this morning, something I have been working up to all month.  I had to stop and take a picture of these flowers:

I had two visiting teachings appointments today with my partner Eileen Duggins.  One appointment with Linda Diewald was this morning at 10am and the 2nd appointment was at 6pm with Rosie Lauritzen.  I enjoyed getting to know all three of these women a little better.  Eileen has worked in the construction business.  She said when she was in Montana she helped her daughter do some framing on her new house.  Her new house is a barn that she is converting into a home.  Right now Eileen has her 4 year old grandson Alex staying with her and they are building birdhouses.  This weekend some more of her grandchildren are coming up and they will paint the bird houses.  Oh yes, Eileen also likes to tole paint.  Not much she can't do.
Linda, Eileen and I are all about the same age so we spent quite a bit of time talking about our grand children.  Linda and her husband are called as service missionaries at the Snowflake cannery so she told us some experiences she has had there.  Right now Linda is helping her husband paint their back fence.
Rosie is a fourth grade school teacher at the Nicholas Homestead School in Show Low.  Her husband is a marriage counselor.  I really enjoy Rosie's testimony and her ability to teach, and her great sense of humor.  Her birthday is on September 15th so I asked her what her favorite treat was.  She said she loves ice cream, so next month we will have an ice cream party with Rosie.  Rosie goes to bed a 7:30 because she gets up at 4.  Hey, maybe I should do that.  My goal is start getting ready for bed by 8.
When I went on to Facebook this morning I noticed that Paul had gotten his promotion at work.  Congratulations Paul!  I hope they give you better hours now.
James and I had lunch at LaCasita today.  Did I ever mention how much I LOVE their green chili burros?
After lunch I gave James a list and he helped me do our shopping at Walmart.  It takes half the time when you have a helper.  We should have done this a long time ago.  The only problem is when I got home and unloaded I noticed that he forgot to get chicken thighs. 
This evening we watched part of the Republican National Convention, but turned it off at 8 so we missed Ann Romney's speech.  That's what I love about DVR, I can watch it tomorrow.

Monday, August 27, 2012

I love this quote by President Uchtdorf:

"Divine blessings are activated by our diligent efforts."

If you want or need a blessing in your life are you putting forth the effort to receive that blessing?

My visiting teachers, Alicia Hunsaker and Linda Price, were a little late coming this morning.  They were suppose to be here at 9:15 but it was more like 9:45.  Alicia gave me a cupcake and Linda a homemade potholder and an electronic air freshener.  I brought out the box of toys for Colter who is Alicia's 3 year old son, which made him very happy. My Young Women's presidency meeting was schedule for 10am and Natalie Soderquist arrived right on time.  She joined in our discussion and then we said our goodbyes to Linda, Alicia, and Colter.  (Colter is the cutest little boy with gorgeous blue eyes!)

Tina Allen, who is the young women's secretary, works at Show Low high school as the pom & cheer coach.  She missed our meeting this morning.  We no longer have a 2nd counselor so that was our first item of business.  Natalie is going to turn in a name to the bishopric this week.  Natalie will be out of town this week so I am teaching again.  Also I was given a couple of assignments that really should belong to the secretary so I am assuming Tina is so overwhelmed with her school job she is finding it difficult to do her Church calling.  That's fine.  I am glad to help.  Our young women's activity this week is swimming at Fools Hollow Lake.  The men say there is no food involved but Natalie and I think the kids are going to be hungry.  Our plan is to bring hot chocolate, we think they are going to be cold too, cookies, and stop at Little Caesars on the way in to town for pizza.  

After presidency meeting James and I had lunch and then it was rest time.  James laid down on the bed 

and I reclined on my favorite couch spot and put "Cupcake Wars" on.  I had a nice nap.  

At 3pm I went with James to visit Brother and Sister Peeler.  He is their home teacher and his partner couldn't go with him.  The Peeler's are an older couple in the ward.  Brother Peeler is the stake Sunday School president and Sister Peeler is the chorister in Relief Society.  The message is on service.  I enjoyed hearing James tell about some of his experiences serving within the Church and I also enjoyed Brother Peeler's story of being the Explorer advisor and taking his Explorer's out on the desert to teach them to drive.  

For FHE we wanted to watch the Republican Convention but it was postponed because of Hurricane Isaac.  We watched a show on BYUTV about Anne of Green Gables.