Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I got up somewhere between 5 and 5:30 to study and have some breakfast.  At 9am I meet the young women and the people going on the hike today at the church.  I am a little concerned about this hike.  These girls don't have alot of hiking experience yet they are hiking 6.5 miles today, and 6.5 miles tomorrow, carrying backpacks.  They will also be sleeping on the ground tonight.  Kaeli Nicoll, the other Young Women's counselor, who is six months pregnant is going.  The bishopric said she could come if her husband Chris came, which he did.  Julie Wilhelm the camp director, wants me to be the "backup" for the hike.  She will text me if there is a problem and I will come to help.  First I had to run to Show Low and fill up my car with gas.  I forgot to do it yesterday.  Girls going on the hike and to girls camp: Mary Swift, Jordyn Applegate, Alex Jones, Trenda Wilhelm, Shelly Applegate, Madalen Carroll, Kilee Hunsaker, LeeAnn Hunsaker, Hope Lootans, and Kelly Reynolds.  Brother Reynolds went on the hike with the girls and so did his daughter Karla who is here visiting from New Mexico.
Julie Wilhelm, our camp director, gave me a map and directions to Bear Wallow Tank where the girls will be camping tonight.  They are scheduled to arrive there around 3 o'clock this afternoon at which time I will be there with ice and Tampico pops. 
I go home and study and pay bills until about 2 o'clock at which time I load the ice chest with ice and Tampico pops and head for the hills.  Bear Wallow Tank is just beyond where the girls camp is, just off the Vernon, McNary road which is county road 3140.  I drive up there and wait for over an hour before anyone shows up.  It's a little boring because my phone doesn't work so I can't listen to music or look on Facebook.  I should have brought something to read.
Finally I hear the girls coming, and just as I figured, Shelly is in the lead.  The Tampico pops were a bir hit and so was the ice but I wish I had brought water.  Julie didn't ask me to bring water.  The plan was to filter the water out of Bear Wallow Tank.  Gross!  It's a murky green color.  Brother Applegate and I head down to girls camp and bring back a cooler full of water and one with watermelon and other snacks in it.

Bear Wallow Tank

Girls resting and enjoying Tampico pops.

I brought 100 and there were 4 left when the girls were finished.

I am proud of these girls for making it this far!

Digging for ice before I leave.

More ice diggers.

I felt a little guilty going home to a nice warm bed when I knew these girls would be sleeping on the cold hard ground.  Hiking and backpacking are Julie Wilhelm's passion and she is sharing that love with these girls.  I hope they enjoy it.

Monday, June 10, 2013

James went to work early.  I get up and study.  At 9:30 I left to go shopping at Sam's Club and Walmart.  I am assigned to bring croissants, hamburger buns, and pita bread to girls camp.  Oh yes, and Otter Pops.  Some other things I bought: a years supply meal which includes chicken, cream of mushroom soup, corn, green chilesi, onion flakes, and rice.  I still need to buy more rice and green chilies.  I also bought an ASU shirt for James, and a hose. 
I am back at the house by 11 to meet Kim for our lunch date at Kneaders Bakery. I say my goodbyes to James and the Gonzos before leaving.  Kim and I drive separately.  Kneaders is on Higley and Baseline so after lunch I am hoping on the 60 freeway and heading for home. 
Kneaders is alot like Paradise Bakery.  It is very popular right now and was packed.  We waited in line and ordered our food.  Kim got a french dip sandwich and a sugar cookie and a piece of carrot cake to take Brian.  I had a turkey, cranberry croissant sandwich and a slice of carrot cake.  The carrot cake is huge and I could not eat even half of it   I took the leftovers with me.  Very tasty.  I said my goodbyes to Kim and headed home.
James always says the Globe way is faster, but not today.  They are doing road work and I got behind construction equipment two times which put me at a crawls pace.  Since I had just eaten I did not stop at Burger House.
I stopped at McDonald's in Show Low for 3 bags of ice to take with my "knock off" Otter pops.  I couldn't find Otter brand so I got Tampico brand at the Walmart in Chandler.
It was almost 90 degrees when I got home.  One of the first things I did was turn on the AC.  After unloading the car I watered all the flowers and trees. Finally I could sit down and relax.  I watched: The Next Foodnetwork Star, the Walton's, and The Voice.  I sure do love Danielle Bradbery on The Voice.  She is only sixteen but what a powerful voice!

Sunday, June 9, 2013

We spent a leisurely few hours in our hotel room, room 302 at the LaQuinta Inn and Suites.  James went downstairs and brought back some muffins.  We also had some protein shakes.  I studied significant journeys in the Book of Mormon between Nephi and Zarahemla.
Around 11 we went over to Jared and Tricia's.  They had already had breakfast but got some out for us anyway.  I am afraid we indulged.  They had made two breakfast casseroles, one with ham, potatoes and cheese, and another with sausage and bread, kind of like french toast with sausage.  Very yummy!
Ruby asked is she could have a donut.  When someone said they were all gone she said there was one in the garbage.  Needless to say she didn't have one.
We wanted to go to church with Jared and Tricia but today is there stake conference and it doesn't start until this afternoon.  We don't like to miss church but felt like we needed to get home.  Before stake conference, James was doing science experiments.  Here he is making a volcano.  The other kids were all gathered round sitting in lawn chairs watching the show. 

 Jared was a little stressed when he saw the mess and

told Tricia not to come out.

We said our goodbyes and left for home around 12 o'clock Texas time, 11 Arizona time.  Ruby and Addy started out riding with us.  Addy finished her book so now she has nothing to read on the way home.  We make pretty good time on the freeway and stop at The Thing Gift Shop in Arizona.  Rowan got a piece of fools gold, Ruby got a bag of magnet rocks, and Addy got a crystal rock that looks kind of like a temple or castle.  Trina bought some serapes for her friends.  James and I didn't buy anything because it is Sunday.  Rowan and Ruby are now riding with us.  We did have to stop and get gas in Tucson.
Ruby made us laugh on the way home.  She was talking about who is in charge.  She said Addy is always in charge in their family and she has all the fun!  Hilarious coming from a 3 year old.
When we got to Chandler we said goodbye to Trina and the kids.  We unloaded our car as we are spending the night in Chandler.  I asked Michael how he liked trek and he said he didn't.  I guess he got really sick.

 Alex and Michael's trek family.

Michael and Adrienne Ellsworth were their Pa and Ma.

Sheri and the boys after trek.

We went to bed early because we were exhausted from our trip. 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

I got up this morning and read scriptures and finalized my talk on the Holy Ghost.  James went down to the hotel's breakfast and got me a waffle.  I ate it but it wasn't that great.  He took Krispy Kreme donuts over to Jared and Tricia's.  I should have had one of them instead.  He said Ruby took a bite out of at least three donuts before she decided on the one she liked.

The baptism is at 11.  We were at Jared and Tricia's before 10:30 so we could follow Tricia over.  Jared and Jerry went early to fill the font.  We all got in our cars, Tricia, the Wallen's, Trina, and us, and caravaned over to the church.  The church is at Love and Rosemont.

Emmy and her dad.

 Emmy and her Mom and Dad.

Emmy and Addy.

James, Trina and Rowan in the background.

 Our five granddaughters, Ruby, Emmy, Addy, Molly and Anna.

 

Ruby made some new friends.

Emmy and friends.

Emmy and Anna.

The Lambson and Barney cousins.

Mike Wallen gave the talk on baptism and I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  Tricia sang, Emmy's Primary teacher presented her with a Faith in God book and then Brother McDonald, a member of the bishopric, welcomed her in to the ward.  After the baptism we all went back to Jared & Tricia's for lunch and to swim.

James was not feeling well so we ate lunch and then left just as the kids were getting in the pool to swim.  

Emmy opening the gifts she received at her baptism.

This one was a dog hand puppet.

She also got eight one dollar bills that we all stuck together.

They almost didn't look real.

This long hallway is good for playing soccer.

The spa was very popular.

This bulletin board was in the hallway by the Primary room.

Love Anna's response.

Emmy is taking piano lessons.

Molly also likes to sing.

Tricia gave James some Vicadon which really helped the pain in his back.  He had a nice long nap and then we went back to Jared and Tricia's this evening to visit.

Telling stories, mostly about James and his mishaps.

We also played Five Crowns.

Molly was tired and wanted to "snuckle" with James Hayden.

The perfect way to end the day.

Friday, June 7, 2013

James left early for work after we had family prayer together.  I got up and did some blog catchup.  It seems like I'm always about a week behind.  I went to Burger King and got a bacon and egg croissant for breakfast.  I also went to Walmart to buy some snacks for our trip and to get some things for girls camp pedicures.  When I returned home James was there eating his lunch.  I got a text from Trina.  She won't be ready to go until afternoon.  I told her that was fine.  We aren't in a hurry.

Trina got here a little after one.  We left around 1:30 for El Paso, Texas where we are going to attend Emmy's baptism.  Addy starts out riding with us.  The first thing I do is ask her what her favorite Taylor Swift song is.  She said "Safe and Sound" from the Hunger Games.  I've never heard it, but I download it and play it.  I like it.  Addy isn't that interested in listening to music because she has a book.  It's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6".  She is heavily engrossed. 

We stopped for a potty break at a Circle K in Marana.  It's 109 degrees outside.  After our break Rowan joins us in our car.  Ruby is very upset because she wants to come with us too.  The conversation in our car went something like this:  "Are we in New Mexico yet?"  Addy and Rowan have both only been in California and Arizona so they are anxious to add two more states to their list.  Rowan: "Are we in New Mexico yet?" 
We can see dust devils, blowing dust and ominous looking clouds ahead.  Because the kids have heard all about the tornadoes in Oklahoma recently they say a prayer that we will make it through this blowing dust.  At one point a huge gust blows across and our visibility is 0.  Finally we are in New Mexico.  The excitement is short lived.  Soon Rowan is asking: "Is this still New Mexico?"  We stop in Demming for gas and trade Addy for Ruby.  Ruby and Rowan are a little more interactive than Rowan and Addy. 

Since we are getting close to our destination I download the songs El Paso and El Paso City by Marty Robbins.  I also try to download some kids songs and end up with 50 songs.  Yikes!  Kid song overload.!
I try to increase my storage space and purchase 25GB on icloud.  I have no idea what I am doing.

"Are we in Texas yet?"  Yes Rowan, we are in Texas.  We just missed a huge rainstorm and the weather is cool and the air is fresh and clean as we reach Jared and Tricia's.  My camera was too full to get a picture of the gorgeous sunset but I think James got one on his camera.

We are greeted by Lambson's, Wallen's, and Barney's.  We all go inside and gather in the living room so Emmy can open her gifts.  Again, I got no pictures, but I am sure James did. 

James and I cut our visit a little short and head for our hotel room, LaQuinta on Mesa Rd. and Bartlett right next to Chili's and Krispy Kreme.  There are already 10 kids and 7 adults at Jared and Tricia's.  That's why we opted for a hotel room.  James is exhausted from his long days all week and needs a good night's rest.
Before going to bed we find our favorite Texas restaurant, Whataburger, for some dinner. 

James has gotten several texts from Zaki's phone which are rather scathing.  When he asked if they were Zaki the person answered yes but he is pretty sure they aren't because Zaki would never be this rude.  It's probably his wife Ariann.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

I woke up in the middle of the night because I thought I heard a noise.  I looked out the window and I swear I saw a herd of elk go running by.  I still don't know if it was a dream or if I actually saw them.  I guess I will never know. The next morning I went outside to look for tracks.  There are plenty of tracks but none are very discernable and I'm not much of a tracker.

I was at the church by 7:45 to take girls to youth conference.  Tina Allen came too but since there were only 3 boys and five girls going Brother Diewald and I got everyone in our cars, including the bags.  We had a prayer and then we headed for St. Johns where the youth conference is being held.  Mary Swift, Trenda Wilhelm, and Maddie Carroll rode with me.  I enjoyed visiting with Mary on the way over.  We dropped off suitcases at the stake center and then the young women and men went to the St. Johns high school.  They will be staying in homes of members tonight and tomorrow night and then Saturday after the testimony meeting it will be time to go home.  I hope they have an awesome time!

Before leaving town I stopped at El Cupido's for a mini grand breakfast burrito.  This is gas station food at it's best!!

I came home and packed for my trip to the valley and then on to El Paso.  I was so tired and I called James to tell him how tired I was.  He convinced me to take a nap, which I did.  Before leaving I watered all the plants and trees.  I couldn't get the water turned off in the front planter and I'm afraid I called and yelled at James.  After I said a prayer and calmed down I was able to get the water off.  I had to apologize to James.

Drove the Payson way and ate lots of snacks to stay awake.  Stopped at Deseret Book on Gilbert and Southern to buy Emmy's scriptures and a tote.  It was after seven when I finally got to Chandler.
My siatic nerve in my left butt cheek is killing me and made it very difficult to go to sleep.

Alex and Michale left for the trek today.

 A couple of pios.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

After my morning study, which included preparing a talk on the Holy Ghost for Emmy's baptism,  I started cleaning, room by room.  I am leaving town tomorrow and will be gone until Monday afternoon.  Next week I will be involved in girls camp and won't have time to clean.  Sheri and Ian's family along with their friends Nate and Mandy are coming next week so I want everything to be ready for them. 

I finally finished the wood floor and it doesn't look too bad.  I tried buffing in the paste wax but finally ended up using the liquid wax I always use.  The brand is called Bona.  Funny how the floor looks good until people start to walk on it and then it shows every footprint.

I wrote a letter today to all the parents of the young women about our Book of Mormon retreat to the valley on June 23rd-25th.  The girls have to be up on their Book of Mormon reading in order to qualify to go.

Mutual was at 6:00 this evening.  The first hour Julie Wilhelm went over the backpacking trip and what to do and not to do on the trail.  The next hour Brother J.D. Miller and Brother Covert, a couple of firemen in our ward, taught the girls first aid.  When they started talking about how jiggers can get embedded in your skin and lay eggs I left the room and went outside to watch Kaeli Nicoll and Joelle Miller make their camp shirts. I also took a few minutes and met with Brother Applegate and Brother Allen to plan transportation for youth conference.  Brother Diewald and I will take them over tomorrow and Brother Smith and Brother Pope will pick them up on Saturday.

I came home and finished putting sheets on beds and cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms.  It was quite late when I went to bed.