Wednesday, November 20, 2013

We've got some rain this morning.  Normally I would be happy because of the rain except for James's job at Horne's. 

Alma 33:11

Thou has turned thy judgments away from me because of thy Son.

From the book "Becoming His':

(Karen Schneider gave it to me)

"Make a conscious choice to know the Lord - through Him you can become more.  Allow

the Lord to change your heart."

James went to the valley today to get some things he needs for his job up here.  Lloyd is fixing a piece of equipment for him, and he is meeting with him today.

Back here at home I watched the modern version of Little Women.  It's called "The March Sister's Christmas."  I think Louisa Mae Alcott may be a little disappointed in some of the liberties that were taken.  By trying to modernize it they took away the sweetness and innocence and goodnes of some of the characters.  I did like the ending though.

It was a dreary, smoky day.  I am worried about James's job, money, and his safe return.  

The Hall's arrived in Provo and safely delivered their missionary, Elder Kendall Hall to the MTC.

 We are going to miss you Elder Hall!

Tonight for Mutual we had a combined activity with the Young Men.  We met at the Applegate's shop to work on pinewood derby cars.  What a shop they have!

Brother Ulmer, Hope, Trenda, Kelly, Sister Curtis,

Jordyn, and Talon.

Coming up with a design for you car is sometimes the hardest part.

Shelly and Daniel.

Shelly did you decide what design you wanted to use?

This shop accommodated about 25 people and wasn't even crowded

Alice Wilhelm using the electric sander.

Brother Ulmer was a great help!

Hope and Heaven are his granddaughters.

Here he is helping Kelly Reynolds.

Watching and learning from Brother Wilhelm.

 Alice is finished sanding her car.

Shelly getting some hot chocolate and donuts.

Thanks to the Young Men for the refreshments!

Brother Diewald is the new Scout leader.

Thanks Brother Applegate for the use

of you awesome shop and tools!

Glenzo making off with a dozen donuts.

James and I watched: "Dear Santa", and "A Country Christmas Story."

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Elder Ballard's talk entitled "Put Your Trust in the Lord" is about missionary work.  I need to be a better member missionary.  I pray that I will have the courage and desire to share the gospel.

Today James and I had lunch at LaCasita.  One of the waitresses there is so warm and friendly.  Last week in an effort to get to know her better I introduced myself and James.  That's when I found out her name was Charlotte.  She is like a ray of sunshine when you wlak in the doors of LaCasita.  I hope we can get to know her better and I will feel comfortable talking about the gospel with her.

After my trip into town which included lunch and a trip to Walmart, I headed for home stopping at Audrey Guerrero's for tamales.  She makes them and sells them.

James gets his Cat fixed and works on our road.  I put groceries and prescriptions away and start a batch of rolls.  When they are finished I wrap them in a linen in baskets and go visiting teaching to Linda Diewald and Rosie Lauritzen.  I give each of them a basket of six rolls.  When I get home it is after dark and James is still working on the road. 

We had tamales, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower for dinner.  I fell asleep watching "Christmas Angel."

Monday, November 18, 2013

This morning I read from Alma and 3rd Nephi.  I also read Pres. Monson's conference address "True Shepherds" and Pres Eyring's "To My Grandchildren."

I am grateful for James.  He goes off to work and to face the world while I stay at home and study the gospel.  I know he will be blessed for this sacrifice he is making.

I studied about three hours and then I watched "Once Upon a Time."  Peter Pan is Rumplestiltskins dad, which means he's Neil's grandpa and Henry's great grandpa.  This story gets crazier by the episode.  It really is a fractured fairy tale.

James came home for lunch and we watched The Mentalist.  I don't think Bertram is Red John.  I am ready for a surprise ending next week.

I worked on my blog while watching "The Christmas Card", one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. 

Stacy and Paul bought the paint to paint the living room and have agreed that they will do the painting.  James is very stressed about the Horne job.  He can't decide when he should schedule the concrete pour because of the weather.  I am constantly praying for him.

We had yummy pork chops and asparagus for dinner.  Castle was freaky.  Leah and Ton went home on Dancing with the Stars.

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!