Wednesday, November 13, 2013

A room with a view.

Sunrise over Mt. Vernon.

One of the first things I do when I get up in the morning is open the dining room blinds so I can see the sunrise.  This morning it was especially beautiful.

I got up early to make more rolls and then I finished spraying the roll baskets black. 

Chuck and Kathy Crane brought over their 2 roaster ovens and I got mine out of the cupboard.  Two will be filled with potatoes and the other will be used to heat up rolls.  

Around noon Blain and Diana Curtis come and take everything to the church except the rols, potatoes, and black baskets.  James came home early from work.  We both needed and took a nap.

I got up from my nap and began writing the talk I am giving tonight on the Virtue value project, which is reading the Book of Mormon.  I found a couple of good talks, one by Sharon Larsen and the other by President Faust.  The talk only needs to be about five minutes long so I have plenty of information.  I hurried to get ready to go so I could be at the church at 5.  Let the fun begin!

Trenda came early to help.  She is the best help.  Analee and Diana were also a great help in the kitchen.  The young men were our servers and James, Blaine Curtis, and John Wilhelm cooked the steaks.  There weren't as many people as we had planned for so we had tons of food left over.

Here are some of the photos I took.

"Stand Ye in Holy Places"

 Diana did the decorating, I did the dinner, and Kaeli did a slide show

of the girls at camp.  The girls loved the slide show!

Tyler Hunsaker and Brother Ulmer.

Alice Wilhelm and Hope Lootans.

Two of our servers, Kendall Hall, and Glenzo Swift.

Kendall, Jace Applegate, Glenzo, and Tyler.

Others who served: Westin Hall, Rusty Allen, and Talon Wilhelm.

They did an awesome job!

For dinner we had steaks cooked in the dark that were delicious, baked potatoes, salad, rolls, and cheesecake for dessert.  I got lots of compliments on the salad.  I think it was the Olive Garden dressing.

It was a fun everning, but I am so glad it is over.  Again Trenda stayed until the kitchen was completely clean.  I appreciate her so much!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

I made more rolls again today.  I am making them for the Young Women in Excellence dinner on Wednesday evening. 

James started his job a Horne's in Show Low today.  He is trying to tear out the concrete but he is having trouble with his equipment.  Francisco and Reuben are here helping. 

I went shopping at Walmart today to get salad stuff and other last minute items for tomorrow night's dinner. While I am loading things in the back of my car I drop the chocolate covered ice cream I just got a McDonald's.  Boo Hoo!!
 On the way home I stop at Bell Mart to get propane tanks filled for our grill since we are using it to cook the steaks on tomorrow night.  The clerk inside was super friendly.  I really liked her.

On the way back to Vernon this is what I see.  Kathy Crane said she actually saw the flames.

  Yikes!

This fire is a little to close!

There is no room in my refrigerator or freezer for much of anything except food for tomorrow night's dinner.  I had to sample the dessert just to make sure it was going to be okay.

It was delicious!!

Kathy Crane called and offered to let us use her two roaster ovens to cook with tomorrow night.  She really is a very thoughtful neighbor.

Monday, November 11, 2013

 Happy Veteran's Day!

I am trying a new simpler roll recipe which only makes a dozen or so at a time.  My other recipe makes about five or six dozen and takes most of the day to make.   This recipe takes a little over an hour, and it is a good one if you are in a hurry for a dozen rolls.

I couldn't sleep this morning, so I got up at 4am and watched "Once Upon a Time."  It's a show that James doesn't really care for so I don't have to wait for him to watch it. 

James worked on the road for awhile today and then we watched "The Mentalist."  The Red John suspects are down to three.  I don't think it's any of them, I think they are all accomplices. 

I watched the finale of "Master Chef, Jr."  A thirteen year old boy from New York names Alexander won.  It is such a good show.  It is amazing to see these kids cook!

I also watched "The Voice" top 12 perform and then James and I watched a Christmas movie. 

For FHE James worked on his talk on the two great commandments.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

As much fun as our trip was, it feels good to be back home again.  I've missed the Vernon skies.

This sky in on fire.

James leaves early for his high council meeting and while I am in the bathroom getting ready for church, he walks in and scares me to death!  We do get to go to church together.

Jordyn Applegate was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  She spoke on repentance.  Sandra Wilhelm and Judy Hunter both spoke on keeping the sabbath day holy.

In Sunday School the lesson was on the joy of doing family history and temple work.  Of course Ruth Wallace's name came up.  She is a sister in our ward who has submitted thousands of names for temple work.  Everyone in our ward who goes to the temple has taken at least one of Ruth's names.

Sandra Wilhelm taught all of the young women today instead of just the Mia Maids because none of the other teachers were prepared.  Shelly, Trenda and Jordyn all shared why going to seminary is important.

At home James and I had our Burger House burros for lunch.  Afterwards we took a short nap and then James went home teaching to the Peeler's and the Hunsaker's.

When James returned home from home teaching we read our scriptures and two conference talks.  Afterwards we watched a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Something really sad happened in the world this week.  While we were spending an enjoyable vacation in California, the people in the Philipines we being hit by a deadly typhoon.  Thousands are dead and thousands are without the homes or any worldly possessions.  Thank goodness all the missionaries are safe and accounted for.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

James and the boys went down for breakfast while I was getting ready.  By the time I got ready to go down there was a broken elevator and the other one was so busy, I got tired of waiting.  We get ready and leave for home. 

While we were driving home, Brian, Kim, Joe, Alex and Adam were enjoying a day at California Adventure:

Kim's favorite things: 

Brian, Joe, and Tower of Terror!

Santa really is coming!

The Radiator Springs ride.

Radiator Springs was open today and Kim said it was awesome and that Evan and Rowan would have loved it! 

The boys were hungry and needed to go potty so we stopped at a Jack in the Box in Indio.  Our next stop was at a Burger King in west Phoenix.

Two kingly guys.

Goofy, kingly guys!

We arrived at Sheri's somewhere between 4 and 4:30.  Trina came to pick up Rowan and took him to her parents house.  Addy and Ruby and Kayla, Kylie, and Kreed are already there.  Her parents are keeping them this weekend while Bryce and Lexy are in Texas.

As soon as Evan got home he had someone help him build his Lego set.  Sheri sent me this picture.

Evan loves Legos!

James leaves in his truck pulling a trailer with a piece of equipment on it that he is going to use on the Horne job.  I go shopping at Sam's Club for cheesecakes, etc., for our Young Women in Excellence dinner which is this coming Wednesday night.  After I do my shopping I go back to the house and load up my steaks, and other goodies, and leave.  I decide to go the Globe way to make James happy.  Since he couldn't stop at Burger House because he was pulling a trailer, I stop and pick up four burros for us.  

As soon as we get home we unload and go to bed.  James has an early high council meeting in the morning.  We had alot of fun with Rowan and Evan on our trip, but now it's back to work!

Friday, November 8, 2013

When James took the boys down to breakfast that were excited to find that this morning they had pancakes!

I went down a little later and had breakfast with Kim, Brian, Joe, and Adam. 

James didn't go with us to Disneyland today.  He stayed in the room to recuperate from yesterday.  The boys and I left a little before Brian and Kim, Joe, Adam and Alex. 

Welcome to Disneyland!

As we were walking down main street Evan wanted to know where the rides were.  I told him he would see them soon enough.  Rowan wanted to go on Star Tours so we headed for Tomorrowland.  The three of us went on Star Tours and then Astro Blaster.  Evan did not like looking at the big talking Buzz.  We didn't go on the Toy Story ride in California Adventure yesterday because he didn't like the big talking Mr. Potato Head whose eyes follow you.  

Kim and Brian had to go on Space Mountain first because that is their tradition.  We met them and the older boys in front of Astro Blaster which they all went on together.   

Evan and Alex.

Kim took this picture.

They all went on Star Tours because Evan and Rowan wanted to.  Thank goodness I didn't have to go!  After the ride the older boys left and we did some shopping in the Star Traders store.  Both boys picked out Mickey Obi's for their souvenir gift.

Next we the five of us, Kim, Brian, Evan, Rowan and myself, made our way over to the Haunted Mansion.  On the way the boys wanted to climb up to Tarzan's tree house ( it used to be Swiss Family Robinson's),

so Kim took them while Brian bought me a drink.

In front of Tarzan's tree.

Rowan on the Tarzan rope swing.

We mentioned going on the Jungle Cruise but Rowan said it was boring.

The boys loved the Haunted Mansion.  They went through twice.  It's all decorated for Halloween and is so much fun!

 In front of Jack Skellington's Haunted Mansion.

Kim loves going on the Winnie the Pooh ride and the boys and I agreed that it was great!

Are we really on the Winnie the Pooh ride?

We didn't have time to do Pirates because we were scheduled to meet the older boys back on main street for lunch.  No one even mentioned doing Indiana Jones.  That's ok with me because I don't really like it anyway.

I took Evan and Rowan to the Pizza Port while Brian and Kim buy me a corn dog at The Little Red Wagon on Main street.  Marci Coombs says they have the best corn dogs ever and I would have to agree with her!

We all eat our lunch at the Pizza Port and Adam talks Evan into going on the Matterhorn.  He tells him it was Joshua's favorite ride.  (I'm not sure about that.)  When Evan gets off his face is pale and he looks scared, but he did it!  

Brian, Evan, Adam and Rowan ride on the teacups.

I couldn't do this, especially after eating a corn dog.

 Evan, Kim, and Rowan on the teacup

picture spot.

While in Fantasyland they boys rode on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.  After the Peter Pan ride Evan said: "That's all there is after that long line we waited in?"  I agree Evan.

We needed a flavor break so we went to the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main street.  (Another suggestion by Marci Coombs.)  I had the 101 Dalmation sundae which is mint chocolate chip ice cream with hot duge sauce and whipped cream in a waffle cone.  It was delicious!

Well the boys wanted to go on Star Tours and the Astro Blaster again.  Thank goodness for Kim and Brian.  I did some people watching while they took the boys on the rides.  Afterwards we said goodbye and the boys and I headed to the Legos Store in downtown Disney.

 The Hulk and friends.

Evan picked out his birthday present and Rowan got a little something too.  

Back at the hotel we picked up grandpa and went to IHOP for dinner so Rowan could get some chocolate chip pancakes.  It was a fun day!

 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

When we all went down to breakfast this morning the boys were disappointed that there weren't any pancakes.  The disappointment didn't last long when they saw all the cereals they had.  They both had cold cereal and Rowan had a donut.  A great way to start the day.  James and I both had omelets.

After breakfast we head to California Adventure.  They boys and James wait for quite awhile in front of California Adventure while I buy our tickets.  Their computer is down so it takes longer than usual.  Finally we get our tickets and mass migrate into California Adventure.  James takes the boys on Soaring Over California and they love it!

In the meantime I walk all the way back to Cars Land to get fast passes only to find out that the Radiator Springs ride is closed for maintenance.  Next time I come here I am going to check online to see what rides are open before I come!

While James and Evan go on the Grizzly Rapids ride Rowan and I do a little window shopping.  I have $137.00 in Disney dollars so I told Ro and Evan I would buy each of them something, plus Trina gave me $40 so I let each one of them have $20.  Rowan saw some things he liked but we didn't buy anything.
 Evan did not like getting wet on the Grizzly Rapids ride!

James talks Evan into going on the Pacific Palisades roller coaster, it's the big one in Cali Adventure, and then afterwards Evan said he would go on Tower of Terror  Rowan and I went on the ferris wheel but he insisted that we get a basket that doesn't swing.  He also does not like roller coasters.  A kid after my own heart.  

 After the roller coaster Evan decided he did not want to go on Tower of Terror. His face was white as a sheet and had a look of fear on it.    We opted to go to lunch instead. 

We went over where the McDonald's use to be but it wasn't there any more.  Right next to where it was there was an italian restaurant.  The boys all had pizza and I have five cheese ravioli with pesto sauce and pine nuts.  It was delicious! 

My lunch.  James was jealous.

My Disney Rewards credit card go us in to a private meeting with some of the Disney characters.  The boys thought that sounded fun so we headed over to the backlot near the Monsters Inc. ride.  On the way over James and the boys went on the Mater ride in Carsland.  

We waited in line to see one Disney character, Minnie Mouse.  Next to Daisy Duck she is the boys least favorite character.  I was imagining that there would be several characters there for them to meet.  Minnie was hugging on them and I could tell Rowan was really uncomfortable.  When she asked for a kiss on the cheek, that's where the boys drew the line!  Afterwards Rowan said: "Man, I hated that!"

Later while we were on the Monsters, Inc. ride we saw Stitch go over and take Minnie's place.  The rules were one visit per day so we couldn't go back.  At the end of the Monsters, Inc. ride Roz says to Evan: "Hey, nice glasses, kid!"  They thought that was funny.

James was exhausted and his leg was really hurting, so we went back to the hotel for a break.  I told the boys I would bring them back later if they wanted to come.  They decided they wanted to go swimming so we went down.  We waited in the lobby for the lion to roar.  We asked the lady at the desk and she said he roared every half hour.  Well we waited well past the half hour and nothing, so we went on out to the pool.  

These boys are awesome swimmers.

They were racing laps across the length of the pool!

Back in our room the boys were having so much fun, we decided not to go back to Disneyland.  I went out to get us something to eat and to do a little shopping at Target.  I left the boys with James.  There was a little excitement while I was gone.  The boys went out in the hall to see if the lion was roaring and got locked out of the room.  They knocked and knocked but James didn't hear them.  Instead of crying or panicking they went down on the elevator and told the attendant at the front desk.  They luckily knew we were in room 526 so the girl called and told James.  It makes a funny story but it could have been dangerous. 

I brought back 40 chicken nuggets and some fries from McDonald's for our dinner.  A fine dining experience.  We had family prayer and the boys watched some TV and played before going to bed.

 I got a call from Adam about when they arrived at the hotel.  He, Joe, and Alex wanted to come by for a visit but I told him the boys had already gone to sleep.  We will see them tomorrow at breakfast.