Saturday, October 5, 2013

I enjoyed watching the first session of conference with James.  Here's how it went:

1.  President Thomas S. Monson -'Welcome to Conference' - "Church membership reaches 15 million and full-time missionary force jumps to more than 80,000.  It is my prayer that we may be filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we listen and learn."
2.  Elder Robert D. Hales - 'General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony' - " Oh, how we nned general conference!  Through conferences our faith is fortified and our testimonies deepened."
3. Elder Ulisses Soares - 'Be Meek and Lowly of Heart' - " Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness."
4.  Sister Carole M. Stephens - 'Do We Know What We Have?' - "Priesthood ordinances and covenants provide access to the fulness of the blessings promised to us by God, which are made possible by the Savior's Atonement."
5.  Elder Edward Dube - 'Look Ahead and Believe' - "In the sight of the Lord, it is not so much what we have done or where we have been but much more where we are willing to go."
6.   Elder David A. Bednar -The Windows of Heaven' - "Spiritual and temporal blessings come into our lives as we live the law of tithing."
7.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - 'Come, Join with Us' - "Regardless of your circumstances, your personal history, or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this Church."

Before the second session of conference we had some visitors.  Janny St. Onge Butler, Mikey, April, Courtney, Eli, and Janny's new husband, Chris Butler.  The Butler family owns land up near Green's Peak, and they were on their way to a family outing.  Chris said he knew the Maxwell's very well.  Eric, my nephew, was his best friend in high school and he spent alot of time at Dennis's house.  Gary Butler is Chris's dad and he worked in my Dad's store when he was a teenager.  We had a nice visit, took some pictures, and they were on their way.

 James and I with Janny and her kids.

Courtney, Eli, and April

It's official!!  Benjamin Boles is here!

Drea and her sisters Angie and Annie with little

Benjamin.

He has the sweetest smile!

The Saturday afternoon session of conference:

8.  President Boyd K. Packer - 'The Key to Spiritual Protection' - " Peace can be settled in the heart of each who turns to the scriptures and unlocks the promises of protection and redemption."

9.  Elder D. Todd Christofferson - 'The Moral Force of Women' - " Your intuition is to do good and to be good, and as you follow the Holy Spirit, your moral authority and influence will grow."

10.  Elder S. Gifford Nielsen - 'Hastening the Lord's Game Plan!' - "We each must develop and carry out our own personal game plan to serve with enthusiasm alongside the full-time missionaries."

11.  Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela - 'Small and Simple Things' - " Let us reach out to others with faith and with love."

12.  Elder Timothy J. Dyches - 'Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?' - "As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away."

13.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - 'Like a Broken Vessel' = " How do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love?"

14.  Elder M. Russell Ballard - 'Put Your Trust in the Lord' - "Become engaged in doing what you can in sharing the great message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

After this session James fixed us steak for dinner before going to the church to watch the priesthood session of conference.  For the first time ever this session was broadcast live on BYU TV so he could have watched it at home but the bishop encouraged everyone to come to the church so he did.

While he was gone I watched Parenthood because it's a show James isn't really in to.  When he got home he was so excited about President Uchtdorf's talk.  

We watched Cedar Cove and a Hallmark movie before going to bed.

Here is a list of the speakers in the priesthood session:

15.  Elder L. Tom Perry - 'The Doctrines and Principles Contained in the Articles of Faith' - "Each article of faith adds unique value to our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

16.  Elder Bishop Gerald Causse - 'Ye Are No More Strangers' - "In this Church there are no strangers and no outcasts.  There are only brothers and sisters."

17.  Elder Randy D. Funk - 'Called of Him to Declare His Word' - "If you are humble and obedient and hearken to the voice of the Spirit, you will find great happiness in your service as a missionary."

18.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - 'You Can Do It Now!' - " As long as we are willing to rise up again and continue on the path,...we can learn something from failure and become better and happier."

19.  President Henry B. Eyring - 'Bind Up Their Wounds' - "I pray that we may prepare ourselves to give whatever priesthood service the Lord may set before us on our mortal journey."

20.  President Thomas S. Monson - 'True Shepherds' - "Home teaching answers many prayers and permits us to see the transformations which can take place in people's lives."

I love General Conference!

Friday, October 4, 2013

It was 37 degrees this morning.  James and I were going to go on a Razr ride to Greens Peak to see the fall leaves, but it was too cold.  We read our scriptures and two chapters from Crossfire Trail.  I paid bill and we both signed the papers to sell our house to Silver Creek Investment.  If we pass the ten day inspection period the house will close on October 24th.  This is going to be a busy month for us because we have so much to move! For today we are enjoying the peace and quiet so appreciated here in Vernon.

In other exciting news Sheri called this afternoon and said Jason and Drea Boles are adopting a four month old baby boy named Benjamin.  It's on the hush right now until they announce it on Facebook.

Chandler High's football team beat Hamilton 28-18.  It's the first time Chandler has won in the 18 year rivalry.  Go Chandler!

It was Homecoming at Show Low High.  They beat Globe 76-0.  I wonder if Globe even showed up.  Janny St. Onge Butler was at the game.

I beat James at Five Crowns 42-62.

Some random pictures I got off Facebook:

 Happy Anniversary to Janet & Clint Andersen

Ruby lying in the sand at Ro's soccer practice

Addy and Ruby with red hair.

Our back yard.  Not!! 

Autumn in Vermont

The Gilbert temple at night.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Because it sometimes freezes at night the grass has turned brown and the sea of yellow flowers are slowly dying.  The high during the day today was around 70.

James and I went into town again today with the purpose of filling my Enbrel prescription.  I had called CVS earlier in the week and they said they took my Humana insurance and they had some Enbrel on hand.

The first thing we did when we got into town was stop at Sonic for lunch.  I ordered the #1 Sonic cheeseburger and a large diet Coke.  James ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and a New York dog.  The line was long so we grabbed our bag of food and left.  When we opened it up this is what we found: One grilled chicken sandwich, one New York dog and a bag of tater tots.  My cheeseburger was not there.  Note to sell, check you bag before you leave!  We turned around and went back.  I got out of the car while James hopped over the console with his broken leg and took over the driving.  I talked to one of the skating carhops, gave her my receipt and told her I didn't get my cheeseburger.  (She said we could keep the tater tots.)  When she came back out she not only had a cheeseburger but a grilled chicken sandwich and another New York dog.  I offered to pay her for the extra food but she said no, it was her mistake.  We certainly don't need this much food!

I dropped off my prescription at CVS but they didn't fill it.  They called and said there was a problem with the insurance.  It should be resolved by tomorrow. 

This afternoon I visited Alice and Trenda Wilhelm with Analee Hunsaker. 

This evening I feel asleep watching the Doris Day, Cary Grant move, "That Touch of Mink."

I got these pictures off of Facebook:

Tricia mountain biking.

Paul's family when his Mom married Marvin Johnson

Paul is the youngest.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Happy 86th birthday to James's mom Lois.  I call her Super Mom because she really is. 

 Lois with her great grandson Jackson Allen.

I found out today that I forgot to pay one of the concrete invoices for the Desert Highland job which was done in July.  Today I had to write a check to Ft. McDowell Material for $3,227.48.  I don't know how I missed this invoice.

We decided today that we would take the investors offer on the house.  During the 10 day inspection period allowed the buyer we will continue to try to sell.

This morning I read Crossfire Trail and from 1st Nephi with James.  For lunch we had homemade chili and cornbread. 

James had his boot off most of the day and his foot wasn't as swollen tonight.

I had a meeting with Diana Curtis this evening at 5.  She has been called to head up indexing with the young women.  She wants me to be her assistant.  We will serve for 5 months and will have 5 indexers who will serve for 45 days.  We are going to call four young women and James. 

During presidency meeting I was assigned to be in charge of the steak dinner for our Young Women in Excellence on November 13th.  We are planning on 50 people.  Yikes!!

We welcomed Alice Wilhelm into Young Women's  I gave the girls their handouts to encourage them to watch General Conference.

On the back of a Red Vines package.

I picked up Maddie for Young Women's.  She made brownies to share with the other girls.  The Young Women had scheduled to play volleyball tonight.  

The Young Men joined us.

I chased cows for the first time in weeks today.  

Here are some pictures I took off Facebook.

Kreed and Ruby digging for worms.

The Salt Lake Temple

The Arizona Temple

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

I am feeling more energetic and positive than I did yesterday.

James and I re-started the Bok of Mormon on our way to town this morning.  James had an appointment with Dr. Wiltbank, the physical therapist.  I dropped him off and then went to K-mart to do some shopping.
I saw and spoke to Brian Maxwell, my nephew as I was going in.  Brian's son Colby, is the quarterback for Show Low's football team so of course I had to ask how they were doing.  They expect to beat both of the arch rivals, Blue Ridge and Snowflake.

After shopping I drove back to pick up James.  He wasn't finished so I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the 75 degree weather while I waited.  When James was finished, we headed for LaCasita.  I had a chicken enchilada with red sauce and refried beans.  James had a mixed green chili burro with green sauce over the top.  I decided I do like the green sauce better than the red. 

I went to Walmart to get red vines for a Young Women's handout.  James waited in the car.  I also got a fall tablecloth and napkins to go with my centerpiece I got the other day. 

James spent the afternoon working on a bid.  I fell asleep watching the season premiere of "Once Upon a Time."  Together we read from Crossfire Trail.  I worked on my Sunday journale and watched the blind auditions of The Voice.

I took this picture off Facebook.  It is a picture of Gail's son Erik and his family taken on the Oregon coast.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Today is Dawn Lambsons birthday.  We call and wish her a happy birthday.  We will celebrate on our next trip down.

"Commandments are not given to restrict but rather to make possible what we truly desire and what our Heavenly Father, who lose us, wants for us."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

The high today was 75 degrees with no wind.  What some might call a perfect day.  

Stayed at home all day and ate leftovers from last nights meal.  For lunch I made ham, potatoes, onions, eggs and green chilies for James.  It's one of his favorite meals.  I had a baked potato with sour cream.  We both had steak for dinner.  

James rode the Razr to Midway station to get me a drink.  He brought back a diet Pepsi and a diet cherry Dr. Pepper.  We watched the season premier of The Mentalist.  It had a scary ending with Red John capturing Lisbon.  It's to be continued next week.

The electricity went off for a short time this evening.  We went out on the porch with the lantern and read from a Louie L'Amour book, "Crossfire Trail."  We also played a game of Five Crowns.  Thank goodness the electricity was off less than an hour.  

We watched Castle tonight and I watched Hollywood week on Dancing with the Stars.  

I am still anxious about many things: selling the house, Stacy getting a job, grandsons and missions, going to the temple more often, and my children's happiness.  I did finish the Book of Mormon for the sixth time this year.  Oh yes, one more thing to worry about, the government shut down today because of a disagreement about Obamacare.  Can't we all just agree that it is a lousy idea.

Sean Estes got engaged today.  Here is a picture of the happy couple.

The Happy Couple.

Congratulations!

I am going to end this post with a quote by the late and great Elder David B. Haight:

"We must replace uncertainties and doubt with a desire to know more of Jesus."

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Today is Kim and Brian's 18th Anniversary.  Brian gave Kim these flowers.  He is so thoughtful.

Kim's anniversary bouquet

I planted some dahlia bulbs quite awhile ago.  Finally one of them bloomed

Not nearly as full and beautiful as Carmen's.

I saw this quote on Facebook and just had to post it.

A quote by Ronald Reagan.

I got up early to study the Book of Mormon and today's Sunday School lesson.  I am also catching up on my Sunday journal.  James got up late, at 8:15.  We barely make it to Church on time.  We sit in the second row because of James's leg and walker.

Today our ward is fasting for missionary work and reactivation.  I was so proud of Shelly Applegate and Coty Iannoli.  They both bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting.  Donna Stock gives a powerful closing prayer.

In Sunday School the lesson was on the building of the Salt Lake Temple.  Brother Wilhelm loves having me read.  I don't know why.

During the third hour we have a combined meeting on the ward mission plan.  There is a stake youth fireside tonight that I completely forgot about.  I can't go because I am having Harold, Vickie, Dennis and Denise over for Denise's and Vickie's birthdays.  We are having a steak dinner.  

Our home teachers came this afternoon, Collin DeWitt and Chuck Crane.  Wendy DeWitt just returned from a speaking engagement with Glenn Beck.  

James cooked melt in your mouth steaks for our dinner guests this evening.  We also had corn, salad, beans, croissants, and Red Lobster cheddar biscuits, plus German chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert. 

It's always interesting when my brothers and their wives come for dinner.  We got caught up on all the Tenney news.  Chris Butler, the guy who married Janny St. Onge, was married to Randy Tenney's daughter Cori.  Gary Tenney helped Randy and Rita sell some land and then kept most of the profits.  Randy and Debbie lost their house and they are now living in the hotel.  Rita is helping run the hotel.  Vickie and Denise do not like Chris Butler.  Oh dear.