Sunday, November 17, 2013

James left early this morning to pick up Collin DeWitt and then go to high council and on to the Pinedale ward where he and Collin are speaking.  I caught this picture of the moon as he was leaving.  This picture does not do it justice.

Much bigger in real life!!

I went over my notes from stake conference and recorded them in my Sunday journal.  I also recorded a promise made by Pres. Marion G. Romney regarding the Book of Mormon. Many people attribute this promise to President Ezra Taft Benson because he quotes it in his book "A Witness and a Warning."

 Here is the promise:

I counsel you, m beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading in the Book of Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice...  I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.  The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.  The spirit of contention will depart.  Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom.  Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel.  Righteousness will increase.  Faith,hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." 

-President Marion G. Romney

Today was Kendall Hall day in the Vernon ward.  First he gave his niece a name and a blessing.  Kendall is James's home teaching companion and I am sorry James wasn't here to hear Kendall speak.  He did an awesome job.  He leaves for the MTC in Provo tomorrow and reports on Wednesday.   He is going to the Salta, Argentina mission.  His dad also went to Argentina.  Kendall said that the greatest influence for good in his life is his dad.  Bishop Hall is a tremendous influence for good in our ward also!  Kendall quoted Christopher Columbus in his talk by saying: "You can't go on a voyage if you are afraid to lose sight of the shore."  He then said: "I am preparing to sail my vessel."  

We had lots of sustainings and releases today.  Collin DeWitt was called as the Young Men's president while he was away speaking with James.

In Sunday School we had a lesson on missionary work.  Brother Wilhelm called himself a dinosaur because he's not internet savvy.  We discussed how missionary work can be done via the internet.

In Young Women Kaeli Nicoll gave a lesson on the ills of gossiping.  I think it really got the girls attention!

James fixed sitrfry again for lunch and I fixed cinnamon pecan pancakes for dinner.  

In world news there was a tornado in Washington, Illinois. 

I love this new Glade scent called:

"Merry Maple in the Morning"

The only problem is that is makes me hungry for waffles!

We watched two Christmas movies this evening: "A Nanny for Christmas", and "Catch a Christmas Star."

Drank some hot chocolate while watching Christmas movies.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Conference Quotes

"Today is the time to look to the source of truth and ensure that our testimonies are strong." 

- Elder Adrian Ochoa

"Regardless of your circumstances, your personal history, or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this Church."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

James continues to have problems on the job at Horne Chevrolet.  The place where the concrete was cut out is filled with water because of the rain.  How is he going to dry it out?  He came home before noon to work on his talk for Sunday.  He left Francisco and Reuben on the job.  He made some stirfry for lunch.  This is the first meal he has had in 24 hours.  I am going to do my fast on Sunday.  This was yummy!

Stirfry Delight!

I gave James a haircut in the dining room so I could watch TV while I was doing it.  Not a good idea.  The light wasn't good enough and there were a couple of nicks in the back.  Hopefully no one will notice.  I also cleaned an ink stain off his suit and ironed his white shirt, and typed his talk.  

The wind is howling outside as we watch our Christmas movies: "The Road to Christmas", and "A Merry Mix-up Christmas."

Friday, November 15, 2013

Looking at these gorgeous sky pictures is a great way for me to start my day!

"I pray that we may prepare ourselves to give whatever service the Lord may set before us on our mortal journey."  - President Henry B. Eyring

"Are we serving priorities or gods ahead of the God we profess to worship?  What is your ultimate priority?"  - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The weather has been in the 60's for the past few days but it turned cold and windy today.  James made potatoes and eggs for breakfast before he left for work.  He went in to the city of Show Low to get permits, and guess who is in charge of plans and permits for the city of Show Low?  Our friend, John Wilhelm.

While he was at the city, James gave them our check for the community fast.  Over 7,000 people participated to help the poor in the city of  Show Low.

 

 It is raining hard and there is also lightning and thunder.  

 

Our Christmas movie this evening was: "Christmas with Holly,"

 

I finally got all of the Halloween decorations taken down!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

James had two people tell him that the steaks at the dinner last night were the best they ever tasted.  The Curtis's like my rolls, so I baked some this morning and took them, along with steak and cheesecake to them. 

After James left for work I wrote a thank you note to Trenda.  I called James about taking his workers to lunch.  He thought it was a great idea so I get ready to go to town.  I dropped off Trenda's note at the post office and take the food to the Curtis's. 

When I picked up James at the job he said Francisco and Reuben turned him down for lunch, so it was just he and I.  LaCasita here we come! 

We introduced ourselves to our waitress, whose name is Charlotte.  She is so warm and friendly and always makes us feel so glad that we came. 

After taking James back to work I get gas and do a little shopping at Walmart.  James called and says he's on his way home.  He actually beat me there. 

I paid some bills and talked to my sister-in-law Cathi on the phone.  I had a funny dream about her and Terry last night so I called to see how they were. 

For dinner James and I have steak, potato, and salad.  I wish I had Analee Hunsaker's self-control.

This evening we watched Person of Interest, Elementary, and a Christmas movie, "Christmas Dance."

Tonight's sunset.

I love this Thanksgiving veggie tray!

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.