Tuesday, October 8, 2013

We were up early this morning to leave for the valley.  We are going in James's truck and he is driving.  We didn't make any stops until the McDonald's in Fountain Hills where we stopped for some breakfast.  From there we went on to Smile Imaging where James gets his x-rays done.  After the x-rays I dropped James off at Dr. Ortegas while I went to CVS to get cards for Dawn and Lois and then to Chase bank for some cash to put in the cards.  I made it back to Dr. Ortega's just as James was coming out.  He actually got to see the doctor this time.  He said when James comes back for his appointment on November 26th, he should be walking without a walker.  A cane is the next mode of assistance.

I called Dr. Caldron's and found out that he was in the Paradise Valley office today.  James drove me there and I went in and got his signature on my Encourage Foundation papers.  I hope this works because I have been out of Enbrel for about two weeks now. 

James stopped at Lake Park Village to look at a little job they want him to do.  I got to meet Don and Tom.
Our next stop was Elmer's in Chandler where we picked up lunch for us and Dawn and Lois.  They were both at home when we arrived so we got to have lunch with both of them and enjoy their company.  When we left I told Lois that she was my hero.

At 2:00 James had an appointment to get his teeth cleaned at Dr. Douglas's.  While he was there I went shopping at Target and Sam's. 

We are staying at Darrel & Trina's but Trina has to work tonight so we made sure we got over there before she had to leave so we could visit with her a little while.  She told us about how their chickens all died while they were transporting them to their new home.  She tried to revive one of them and was almost successful.  After the kids stopped screaming she told them that the chickens had definitely gone to a better place. 

We had to go back to Chandler because James had a short meeting at the Chandler Airport regarding the project he is doing for Pres. Greg Hatch.  I stayed and visited with Sheri while he was gone. 

On the way back to Darrel's we stopped at Target and got the kids some personal pan pizzas.  Here is a picture I took at the dinner table.

Ruby, James, Addy, and Rowan

Here are some of the things we did this evening while at Darrel's:  I played Addy a game of Five Crowns.  She beat me 71-70.  James made us some chocolate covered strawberries.  Rowan and Addy are so excited to teach me about their Minecraft game.  I got stereo instructions while Ruby was sitting on my lap and I was trying to read her a story.  

Thanks to Ruby and Addy for giving up their beds for us.  They slept on the floor in their parents room.

Stacy and Paul went to a Depeche Mode concert with Tara and Jared Ammon this evening.  I guess they had a good time.  Stacy said it was the best concert she has ever been to.

Monday, October 7, 2013

My insurance company for my Enbrel, Right Source, has just informed me that my co-pay is $873.94.  When I told the agent I couldn't afford that she put me in touch with the Encourage Foundation.  I filled out all the forms, now I have to get Dr. Caldron's signature whne we go to the valley tomorrow.

James and I went in to town to get his truck washed since we are taking it to the valley tomorrow.  As we drove up to the High Country Carwash which is owned by Jim Brookbank, Jim walked up to us and asked us to go in the other wash stall because he had just installed new brushes.  I have known Jim (better known as Jimmy in high school) since his family moved to Show Low back in the 60's.  I spent many hours at his parents house because his older sister Polly was my best friend in high school.  Any way, back to my carwash story:
We went through and Jim was waiting at the other end when the dryer started blowing trash and leaves out of the back of our truck.  How embarrassing.!! Oh, did I mention that Jim is the stake executive secretary and works very closely with James on the high council. When we finished he said: "Well, I didn't know that was going to happen."  James just smiled.

After the carwash we went to Subway to get something to eat.  I tried their chopped chicken salad because Marci Coombs said it was delicious.  She was right, I loved it! 

On the way home James discovered that his phone was missing.  On the way to town we had dropped off garbage at the dump and he had leaned over the back of the truck to toss the garbage.  We figured that was where it was so we stopped there on the way home.  When we got to the dump we explained to the attendant what we were doing and he wished us luck.  As soon as James got out of the truck he noticed a metal sign in the back of the truck.  He picked it up and there was his phone, no worse for the wear.  Thank goodness!  At least this time if something had happened to it we have insurance.

This evening we watched The Voice and Dancing with the Stars.  Julianne Hough was the guest judge as Len was gone this week.

Aaron Lambson posted this beautiful picture on Facebook today:

Sunday, October 6, 2013

I made some delicious pecan cinnamon roll pancakes this morning to eat while we were watching conference.  It's an Archer's Farm mix that I got at Target and these pancakes were delicious!  James loved them, which is surprising because he doesn't usually like cinnamon rolls.

 Delicious!

This morning's session of conference:

21.  President Henry B. Eyring - 'To My Grandchildren' - " There is one overarching commandment that will help us to meet the challenges and lead to the heart of a happy family life."
22.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks - 'No Other Gods' - " Are we serving priorities or gods ahead of the God we profess to worship?"
23.  Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson - 'Be Ye Converted' - "True conversion occurs as you continue to act upon the doctrines you know are true and keep the commandments, day after day, month after month."
24.  Elder Richard J. Maynes - 'The Strength to Endure' - " Our ability to endure to the end in righteousness will be in direct proportion to the strength of our testimony and the depth of our conversion."
25.  Elder Richard G. Scott - 'Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ' - "Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, each of us can become clean and the burden of our rebellion will be lifted."
26.  President Thomas S. Monson - 'I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee' - " Our Heavenly Father . . . knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass."

Those pancakes were so delicious I had to have another one for lunch.

Here is the lineup for the afternoon session of conference:
27.  Elder Quentin L. Cook - 'Lamentations of Jeremiah: Beware of Bondage' - " Our challenge is to avoid bondage of any kind, help the Lord gather His elect, and sacrifice for the rising generation."
28.  Elder Neil L. Andersen - ' Power in the Priesthood' - " A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings."
29.  David M. McConkie - 'Teaching with the Power and Authority of God' - "The Lord has provided the way for every worthy Latter-day Sait to teach in the Savior's way."
 30.  Elder Kevin S. Hamilton - 'Continually Holding Fast' - " May we continually hold fast to the iron rod that leads to the presence of our Heavenly Father."
30.  Elder Adrian Ochoa - ' Look Up' - " Today is the time to look to the Source of truth and ensure that our testimonies are strong."
31.  Elder Terence M. Vinson - 'Drawing Closer to God' - "Our Savior wants us to really love Him to the point that we want to align our will with His."
32.  Elder Russell M. Nelson - 'Decisions for Eternity' - "The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity."
 33.  President Thomas S. Monson - 'Till We Meet Again' - "May we show increased kindness toward one another, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord."

I am doing some experiments with steak since I am in charge of the steak dinner for the Young Women's in Excellence program.  Tonight we cooked top sirloin that had been marinated in Pepsi.  It was more tender than those last night but still not nearly as good as the fillets we had last week.  We just can't afford the fillets for our dinner.

After conference we took a ride in the Lexus to see the fall leaves.  James offered to take his truck but I said I would rather go in my car.  We went to check out the view from the top of Green's Peak.  It was great but not all of the leaves have changed yet.

I got a call from our 13 year old grandson James Hayden Lambson this evening.  He interviewed me about my life for almost an hour.  It was a very sweet experience for me because he seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.


  

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