Friday, September 21, 2012

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Denise.  We love you!

I got up this morning and did my hair and makeup in an attempt to look better but it didn't do much good.

I promise this is the last picture I will post.

I had whole wheat pecan cinnamon waffles for breakfast with butter pecan syrup.  So much for my diet. I just love food a little too much. I got the mix at Bass Pro Shop.

 James even loved these waffles.

I talked to several people on the phone today.  I called Vickie and told her about the accident and told her to wish Colby good luck in the football game tonight.  They are still undefeated after a nail biter last week with Snowflake.  Show Low won in the last 11 seconds of the game 24-23.

I called Eileen Duggins my visiting teaching companion and told her what happened.  We may just have to do phone visits this month.  Sheri called again today to see how I was.  She checks on me almost everyday.

I finished reading Ardeth Kapp's book "Doing What We came To Do, LIving a Life of Love."  It was wonderful.  I love Sister Kapp so much.  She is 80 years old and is a Mia Maid advisor.  If she can do it maybe I can do it to!

I just want to share a few lines from Sister Kapp's book: "Is it possible to be dead spiritually while we are still alive physically?  When we take control of our lives, our schedules, our plans, and our appointments, prioritizing according to our values and our goals, we will experience things we would have otherwise missed.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gives us this inspiring counsel: "Let us simplify our lives a little.l  Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship - the path that leads always toward a life of meaning , gladness, and peace."

We went to town today and picked up James's prescription and went through the drive-thru at Taco Bell for lunch.  I'm still not ready to see people but I needed to get out of the house. 

James has the flu so we are quite a pair.  We had to call the Crane's and tell them we couldn't make it to the BBQ.  I was sad.  I did get a card from the YW, YM wishing me well.  It was nice and made me feel better.

This picture of Evan going on a safari at school certainly made me feel better.

Thank goodness Kim was there to take the picture.

Jack Hannah's future assistant.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Everyday the swelling in my face goes down but it turns more purple.  I have a purple circle around my eye and then shades of purple all the way down to my chin.  I know it's my favorite color, but this is ridiculous.  

My only real accomplishments today were writing on my blog and doing some laundry.  No sense in doing my hair or makeup.  James and I read Alma 12 and then I did say our family prayer.  The highlight of my day was when Sheri called to see how I was.  She is so sweet and thoughtful.

James went in to town today to pick up his blood thinner meds and forgot his wallet.  Walgreen's has a policy they have to swipe your card.  We found that out when he asked if I could call in my debit card number.  I guess that means another trip to town tomorrow.  So much for our one trip to town a week policy.

Tonight James watched three episodes of The Mentalist with me. 

I am beginning to get cabin fever.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

James left for the valley this morning.  He has an appointment to get a new C-Pap machine and then a Medicare appointment.  He also talked to Judy Pargetter about buying our house in Chandler, met with the Yoshimine's about doing some remodeling and with Jerod Bowen about a project for him at one of his offices.  Whew!  He had a busy day.  I stayed home and watched Reba and The Mentalist.  Reba for laughs and The Mentalist to test my skills of observation.  I didn't use to like The Mentalist and now it is one of my favorite shows.  I like it better than Castle, which by the way, the new Castle season starts next week.

James was going to stay in Chandler over night but since he accomplished all of his goals in one day, he decided to come home.  One the way he stopped at The Burger House and got me two green chili burros.One for tonight and one for tomorrow's lunch. 

Kathy Crane called again today and invited James and I to a bbq at their house on Friday night.  I am afraid I still won't look like going out in public although I would really like to go to this bbq.  She is inviting Collin and Wendy DeWitt and I would love to get to know them better. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

My face looks worse today but I am not going to post any pictures.  Kathy Crane called this morning and said she was going in to town and did I need anything at the store.  I am grateful for good neighbors. 
Instead of pictures of myself I will post a picture Alex sent me of a fish he caught at Discovery Park.

 The kid is a fishing genius.

He used bread for bait because he knows that's what the fish are fed.

Remember how I said yesterday was a recovery day.  Well it looks like I am going to have alot of recovery days this week.  The side of my face is so swollen that I can't see out of my right eye.  It is nearly impossible to read, but watching television is okay.  Today I sat at my favorite place on the couch and watched the finale for "America's Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance."  Who knew that America's greatest talent would be a bunch of jumping dogs.  I was very happy with the SYTYCD finale.  Eliana and Chehon were my favorites.  Two ballet dancers!!  I like Chehon  as much as my favorite dancer of all-time, Danny Tidwell from season 2.

James went in to town again today and brought me a green chili burro from LaCasita.  Yummy!! 

James also finished reading our Victoria Holt book "The Captive" to me.

On a side note, James is hilarious with Suri on iphone.  The other day he said to her: "I don't need your help."  I think she is getting a little tired of his sarcasm because she said back to him: "Who said I wanted to help you?"

Monday, September 17, 2012

This day started out pretty normal.  I am not yet back on my schedule of getting up at 4am, studying and then going for a walk.  Today is what I call a "recovery" day.  I got up and did some reading and started a load of laundry.  James got up and after scriptures he decided to go into town and get his truck registered in Apache county.  He went to Desert Title which is located in the old bank building in Show Low and is the building where he had his carbon monoxide episode in July.  He also went to Walmart and got some ink for our printer and then came home. 

I did some chores around the house and watched a little television.  By evening we decided to go for a Ranger ride.  It was after 6 when we left.  James had his elk call with him and every once in awhile he would stop and blow on it.  He did have a couple of elk answer him.  We started out on 61 which goes to Green's Peak and then turned on to Porter Springs road.  We saw a guy hunting in a white pickup.  As we rounded a curve I thought we were going a little fast and then we began to slide and before I knew it we were tipping over.  James went flying over me and landed on the ground.  I hit the right side of my face on the roll bar.  It hurt bad.  Within five minutes the side of my face swelled up to the size of a baseball.

I call myself "two-face."  

The swelling and purple around the eye got much worse.

After walking 3 miles in the dark I suggested to James that we needed to call our neighbors the Cranes since I didn't feel like walking another 7 miles in the dark.  I think he was embarrassed to call, but he did.  Cathy said Chuck wasn't home but she would come and pick us up.  About 30 minutes later she came with Brother Peeler.  Brother Peeler and James gave me a blessing.  When we got home I sent out a text to all my kids and attached this picture.  Before I could sent it Sheri called.  She has good timing.  She was helping Evan to do an assignment for school.  He asked both James and I what we like to do.  We both said we liked spending time with our grandkids.  I told Sheri about the accident and then sent out the text.  I heard from all of my kids except Stacy.  I don't even know if she received the text and picture.  Went to bed and slept soundly.  It is a bit of a shock to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself.

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.