Thursday, June 13, 2013

Sheri, Ian, Nate, and Mandy and all the kids leave for Greer and Sheeps Crossing this morning.  Alex wants to do some fishing and of course Evan wants to go to Greer to get ice cream.

Fishing at Sheep's Crossing

Evan enjoys his ice cream with Maddox and Griffin.

Back at home I do some baking before heading back up to camp.  I use a couple of recipes I got off of Facebook.  The first is a double chocolate Coca Cola cake and the second if four ingredient lemon cookies.  

I arrived back at camp around 1:30.  Brother Wes Smith was teaching the girls how to tie knots.  He use to be a sea captain so he knows what he is doing.  

Hope practicing her knot tying.

Brother Smith giving some pointers and Sister Smith

looking on.

 Sister Nicoll and the girls.

 Jordyn striking a pose.

Shelly and Trenda.

Mary and Maddie.  Maddie loved the lemon cookies.

Alex Jones.

Kaeli Nicoll helped the girls make lanterns to put their glow sticks in for the testimony meeting this evening.  LeeAnn made one for me.  I wanted to take a picture but it got broken last night when James was taking the garbage out. 

Brother John Wilhelm taught archery this afternoon.  He was very good and so was his daughter Trenda.  Karla came back and loved shooting the bow.

Getting ready for archery.

Left to right: Kelly, Hope, Alex, Shelly, Maddie, Kilee, Jordyn, LeeAnn, Mary, and Trenda.

Determining if they are right or left eye dominant.

 Brother Wilhelm in the red shirt  Getting ready to shoot.

The guy on the end is Brother Stepp.  He and his wife are in charge of the camp during the summer.

He was very interested in the archery.  I guess his son has won several awards.

Half the girls shot while the others waited.

Trenda was the best shot.

This afternoon was the 1st Annual Vernon Ward Hunger Games.  Julie dressed up in a pink wig but I didn't get a picture because my camera ran out of batteries.  She had people at six different stations and the girls had to figure out quardrants with their compass to know which station to go to next.  They got different colored clothes pins depending on how well they did at the stations.  Purple was the best, and black the worst.  When the girls were in the center of the "stations" circle they could steal each others clothespins but as long as they were at a station they were safe.  Here were the six stations: At Randa Covert's station they had to eat fire hot Cheetos because after all they are girls on fire.  Denise Hall was in charge of the tent setup station, Brother Justin Covert did the 1st Aid, Brother Smith did the knot tying, Tamara Applegate the scripture station where she asked them questions about scriptures that had to do with fire, such as, who saw the burning bush?  And Julie did the orienteering station.  Trenda and Jordyn tied for the most points.

Back at the cabin Sheri and Mandy had a cookie contest.  Sheri made her delicious chocolate chip cookies.  I have never tasted Mandy's so I don't know how they were. 

Of course these kids voted for their mom's cookies.

 

 

Back to more girls camp news.  The bishopric cooked a nice steak dinner for all of us.  After dinner we sat around the flag pole in the dark since no campfires are allowed, and had a testimony meeting.  All of the girls, including Alex, bore their testimonies except Hope who is a little shy.  I was a great evening.

When I got home James had come home.  He wanted me to try some of the pork chops that Nate had cooked so in spite of the fact that I had already eaten a steak dinner, I had a pork chop.  They were delicious.  Nate is known for his culinary skills.

 



Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I made a camp bag for Alex Jones this morning.  It's pink.  I hope she likes it.  The other girls made theirs on May 22nd with the Relief Society. 
I made another trip to town this morning for my prescriptions and some last minute stuff for the pedicures.  Kaeli got some cheap flip flops for the girls to wear around camp after they get their pedicures.  I picked her up and we rode up to camp together.  We got there in the early afternoon just about 20 minutes or so before the girls arrived from their hike.  Brother Curtis and Brother Skousen filled up our wading pool and had it ready for the girls when they arrived.  They loved soaking their sore feet!

Kilee says thumbs up!

More girls join in the fun.

Kilee likes the camera.

This little pool served it's purpose.

That's Jordyn in the background painting her toenails.

After the spa treatment, it was time for lunch.  Sister Theresa Smith, Diana Curtis, and Judy Hunter had made chicken salad for us served on croissants.  We also had chips and watermelon, grape salad.  It was quite a yummy lunch.

After lunch Karla and Brother Reynolds left.  We wanted Karla to stay but couldn't convince her.  

Sister Sherry Swansey helped the girls make leather bracelets.  Julie Wilhelm had ordered the mocking jay symbol from The Hunger Games for the girls to put on their bracelets.  

Working on bracelets.

LeeAnn made a bracelet for me.

Trenda forgot her sleeping bag so after she made her bracelet I took her home to get it.  The girls camp is only 8 miles from Vernon.  We had a nice visit.  According to Trenda the hike was a little too long and she thinks we should have prepared for it by doing some hikes before camp.  She also got very cold sleeping on the ground last night.

When we got back it was time to set up the two tents the girls will be sleeping in.  It took awhile for Julie, Kaeli, Brother Applegate, and I to determine what the tent assignments would be.  Because Alex Jones is openly gay it was decided that two leaders should be in the tent with her.  Here is what we finally came up with: Tent #1: The leaders - Julie Wilhelm, and Kaeli Nicoll, Alex Jones, Jordyn Applegate, Madalen Carroll, and Trenda Wilhelm.  Tent #2: Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, Hope Lootans, Kelly Reynolds, Shelly Applegate, and Mary Swift.  

I am exhausted and anxious to see if Sheri, Ian, Nate and Mandy have arrived at my house so I leave a little before 5.  I miss dinner and Judy Hunter's history of the camp.  I think I pretty much hear the history the day Judy brought us up to show us where the camp was.  

Back at home my guests have arrived.  I go shopping with Mandy and Sheri at Safeway in Show Low.  Since today is Ian's birthday I left him a card on the counter with a gift card inside.  I also bought him two pieces of cheesecake at Safeway, one with cherries, and one plain.  When we return home Ian and Nate have already fixed dinner.  Grilled shrimp, and chicken and some other goodies.  Sheri had brought me a green chili burro from Burger House so that's what I ate for dinner.  We watched Master Chef.  I fell asleep.  I guess I should tell a little about Nate and Mandy.  Nate speaks Mandarin Chinese and works for the government.  Their family has been living in Indonesia the past two years and now they are going to live in Bejing, China for the next two years.  They have 5 children who are very well behaved.  They have 3 girls who are the oldest, and 2 boys, just like we did.  Their oldest is 12 and the youngest 5.  The two boys love Evan.  The names of the Detman children are: Bryn, Rhiannon, Aderyn, Maddox, and Griffin.

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.