Sunday, September 16, 2012

James's alarm went off at 5am.  That's 5am in El Paso, but 4am Arizona time.  I tried to go back to sleep but it was no use. I normally get up at 4am at home, but not on a trip when I've stayed up late the night before watching a movie.  Thanks honey, I am glad I am not driving home.

Jared and Tricia belong to the Mt. Franklin 5th ward in El Paso.  Their block started at 9am.  The theme of the meeting was "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn."  A couple on a family history mission spoke and a high councilman spoke.  The highlight of the meeting was Tricia singing "Through His Name."  It was beautiful and James said it was the highlight of his trip  (He got a little teary-eyed).  She sounded beautiful and it was a touching song about the Savior.  The lesson in Sunday School was taken from Helaman 13-16 about Samuel the Lamanite. Sister Bowden, the teacher made the lesson interesting.  She had one of the Primary boys dress up like Samuel the Lamanite and another boy in the audience as one of the hostile Nephites.  We also played $10,000 pyramid.  The title of the lesson was: "Repent and Return unto the Lord."

James's ordination took place during the 3rd hour.  We all gathered in the classroom where the Deacons meet and Jared ordained James and gave a wonderful blessing.  He talked about the importance of serving.
Afterwards we all went to our classes, including Max and Ben.  Tricia went with Jeanie and I to Relief Society.  The lesson was taught by Sister Geneice Ford.  It was on faith.  I can tell that there is a special bond among the sisters of this ward.  It was a good meeting. 

 The most handsome deacon in the Mt. Franklin 5th ward.

The bishop wants all of the deacons to wear suits.

Tricia made the ASU tie from one of Jared's old ties.

 Jared made a delicious breakfast and for lunch we had homemade chili.  We have been treated so well on this trip by both Jared and Tricia!  The kids were awesome too.  Anna begged us to stay longer and I wished we could have but we needed to get the boys home for school tomorrow.

We left for home a little before one and decided to take the boys directly home to Chandler.  We arrived around 7pm and stayed less than 5 minutes and then we were on our way back to Vernon.  We arrived a little before 11.  Thanks James for getting us safely home!  It was a wonderful weekend!!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Happy 12th Birthday to James Hayden Lambson!!

This is one of the greatest 12 year old boys I know.  (The other one is his cousin Ben).
James is fun-loving and serious all at the same time.  He loves to play football but when it comes to choosing between football and going to do baptisms for the dead, he will miss the football game.  He has a desire to please and to do the right thing.  He has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and tomorrow he will receive the priesthood, something he has been looking forward to for a long time. He is a good student, good brother to his three sisters, and an obedient son.  One of his goals is to go to West Point Military Academy and he watches military documentaries. I know that when the time comes he will be prepared and ready to serve a mission.  He has a kind heart and is always ready to give hugs.  I am so proud to be his grandmother.  I Love You James!! 

James's birthday gift, a mountain bike.

James and I had errands to do this morning.  First we found a Chase Bank and made a deposit.  On the way here the check engine light on my car came on.  I had not realized it had been 5000 miles since my last oil change.  We found a Sears at the Cielo Vista Mall clear acroos town where we went to get an oil change and the tires rotated.  While we were there we had lunch at Subway.  Thanks to Jared and Tricia for letting Ben and Max stay at there house and for feeding them.  We got back just in time to follow Jared over to James's football game.  Tricia had already left with Emmy who cheers  for the minor league team.  The Wallen's, Tricia's parents came in this morning from Gilbert.  It was great to see them.

The name of James's team is The Tribe.  Their jerseys are red and James is #33.  Anna cheers for his team. 

Molly likes to cheer too.  

Tricia and her Mom made a shirt for Molly that says Tribe Cheer.

Molly and Emmy ready to cheer.

Molly and I made a couple of trips to the bathroom.

Afterwards she had to play on the playground.

Molly stretching out with Anna and her cheer team.

Although James's team won I noticed when we got home that he was a little sad.  When I asked him why he said because he missed the only pass that was thrown to him.  I told him that the ball went way over his head and there was no way he could have caught it and he said: "Yes, but Grandma, I ran the wrong pattern."  At that moment I was proud of James for admitting his mistake and not trying to make excuses.  I love this kid.

Tricia had a wonderful meal prepared for us when we got home.  She has six extra people in her home and she fed us all everyday.  Thanks so much Tricia and Jared for your wonderful hospitality.  I know I speak for Ben and Max when I say they had a blast!

My two favorite 12 year olds a few years back on one of

our trips to Disneyland. 

Two of the cutest faces I have ever seen.  I just want to pinch those cheeks!

We ended the day singing happy birthday to James.  When the kids had gone to bed Jared, Tricia, James, Jeanie, Mike (the Wallen's) and I watched the movie "Bernie" starring Jack Black.  It was based on a true story, a little bizarre, but I liked it.

Friday, September 14, 2012

It's was around 7:40 when we left for Texas.  We had a prayer and read Alma 8 in the car.  After scriptures we listened to an audio book the boys brought with them called "Peter and the Starcatchers."  It is the prelude to Peter Pan and is very good.  We stopped in Springerville at McDonald's and got the boys something to eat at McDonald's.  Max got pancakes and Ben got three orders of hash browns. 

We took the 180 through Silver City, New Mexico and stopped there for some lunch at Taco Bell.  We drove on in to Demming and stopped to see James's Dad.  Cindy came out and gave the boys a hug.  She said, "Oh these are Sheri's boys."  When I asked her how she knew she said she had seen pictures.  While James and his Dad visited the boys went outside to throw the football around and to pick some apples.  We stayed about an hour and then we were on our way.  It's only another 90 minutes to El Paso from Demming.  Molly called.  She is excited for us to get there.  When we arrived at Jared and Tricia's it had just rained and was around 60 degrees. 

Unloading at Jared and Tricia's. Molly greet Max and Ben.

Our home away from home.

Fun in the backyard.

60 degrees and the boys wanted to swim.  

Jared turned on the jacuzzi but it took awhile to heat up.

Molly jumped right in.

The jacuzzi finally warmed up.

After swimming Tricia fixed us a nice dinner.  After the kids went to bed we had a nice visit with Jared and Tricia.  It was a fun day.  James was so happy to see Ben and Max!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Today would have been my Mom's 82nd birthday.  I still miss her everyday.  In celebration of Mom's birthday I made chocolate chip cookies.  We can take them with us on our trip to Texas tomorrow.

James and I left for town a little after 4.  We stopped and made a deposit at Chase bank and then went to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription.  The prescription wasn't ready so we went to LaCasita to get something to eat then went back to get the prescription.  We also stopped to get gas and then drove to the Show Low Park to read until we got the call from Sheri that she was leaving for Payson.  We are meeting her there to pick up Ben and Max.

We picked up Ben and Max and turned right back around and came home.  It was almost 11pm when we got here so we went straight to bed.  Ben and Max are excited to be at the cabin even if it is for such a short time.  They both slept on the family room couch.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

No walk again today.  I just haven't got my groove back yet.
  James and I are really enjoying our new book, "The Captive."
 The insurance on our vehicles expires today so James spent the day getting us new insurance.  We leave for El Paso on Friday and we definitely need insurance before we leave.

This evening for Mutual we had another session at Angel Wings Assisted Living.  This time Brother Allen and Brother Hunsaker put the beams up and the rest of us mostly stood around. I wish we could have had a planning meeting with the girls instead.  Hopefully we won't do this again next week.  I was not happy because I felt like it was a waste of time for most of us, especially the girls.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The 11th anniversary of 9/11.  The U.S. Embassy in Libya was attacked today and 3 Americans were killed.  There is so much unrest in the world today.  I am so grateful for the gospel and the happiness it brings.  I worked on Personal Progress today and wrote my thoughts on faith and prayer. 
It was overcast today but I was too tired to go for a walk.  I am recuperating from our trip to the valley, but this afternoon I had to get in gear and go to Walmart to do some shopping.  James invited one of his home teaching families over for a BBQ this evening.  The family is Sean and Stephanie Hunsaker and their kids Tyler, Kilee and Holly.  I love driving into town because I love the clouds and beautiful scenery. 

The sky on the way back from the store.

James cooked steaks, hamburgers, and chicken on the grill.  I made my strawberry, spinach, poppy seed dressing salad, rice pilaf, corn, and rolls.  I think you could say a good time was had by everyone except maybe Holly who was sick.  James gave the First Presidency message on missionary work and told about his experiences yesterday with Zaki. 
James and I cleaned the kitchen together after everyone left.  It was a fun evening.

Monday, September 10, 2012

I pulled weeds for two hours this morning outside on the south side of the house under the mulberry and silk 

oak trees.  

Before.  I forgot to take an after picture but all the grass,

weeds and leaves were gone when I was finished

At 10 am I had an appointment at Dr. Douglas's with Jackie to have my teeth cleaned and to have xrays taken.Things went well until Dr. Douglas came in and told me I had to have another crown and a cavity filled.  I told her I would be back in October. 

Laura and Cathi took me to lunch at Chompie's for my birthday.  What a fun place to eat.  Laura and I had the Asian chicken salad and Cathi had a chicken quesadilla.  The food was yummy.  I so enjoyed my visit with two of my besties. 

James went to see the pain doctor and to look at the results of his MRI.  While I was at Dr. Douglas's she said he needed to get permission from his cardiologist to get his teeth cleaned so I reminded him.

This afternoon I had an appointment with Tiffany at the Arizona Arthritis and Reumatology Center.  I like Tiffany.  She gave me another card to get my Enbrel for free for six months. 

On our way back to Vernon we stopped at the Bass Pro Shop so James could get some shoes with the $75 gift certificate the Braddock's gave him.  He was disappointed because they didn't have any in his size.
I bought some butter pecan syrup and a pancake mix.  We were home by around 9pm.