Friday, November 29, 2013

James and I had Burger King ham croissants for breakfast.  They are quite delicious, better than McDonald's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit.  I read my scriptures and worked on my blog this morning.  We had Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch.

Around 1pm I took Ben, Evan, Joshua and Rowan to Peter Piper Pizza.  Rowan had spent the night at Evan's house last night.  Trina had told Addy they would do something fun today since she didn't get to go to Utah so she chose Peter Piper.  We met Darrel, Trina, Addy, and Ruby at the Peter Piper near their house on Gilbert and Baseline.  Sheri gave me some money so Ben could get the buffet and I bought a pizza and drinks for Joshua and Evan.  Darrel bought a pizza too so there was plenty of leftovers.  The kids played while the adults visited.  I took this picture of Ruby.  She said she was an eyeball.

Ruby at Peter Piper.

I had to leave at 2 because James and I are going to a movie with Kim and Sheri.  We all rode together in Sheri's van over to Ahwatukee to see the movie "The Christmas Candle."  While we are waiting in line James gives a couple who say they are homeless some money.  He also went up to someone with a purple purse and asked her where she bought it because he knew I liked it.  She said Target.  I should have known a purple purse would be at my favorite store.  

We loved the movie!  It was moving and inspirational.  While we were waiting in the foyer afterwards there was music playing on the loudspeaker.  I thought it sounded like Keane but I didn't recognize the song.  When Kim came out of the restroom I asked her and she said yes, it was their new song, "Higher than the Sun."  I was proud of myself for recognizing Keane and downloaded the song on my phone.  

James and I snacked on leftovers when we got home and then went to Tempe to visit his Mom.  While we were there we told her about Darrel and Trina's baby.  As we were talking, I received this text from Trina: 

"Well we told the kids tonight about the baby just because we wanted to be the ones who told them.  Ruby and Rowan could care less and Addy cried because Rowan and Ruby are so annoying and she doesn't want another one to annoy her.  Did not go as planned."  Sad, but kind of funny.  I am sure Addy will change her mind.

When we returned to Chandler Stacy told us an experience she had while taking Joshua to Hobby Lobby.  She said as she was pulling out in to traffic she saw in her minds eye a silver car coming towards them.  She immediately pulled over, and sure enough a silver car went by and would have hit them if she had not pulled over.  She started to cry and when Joshua asked her what was wrong she told him what had happened.  He response was: "Oh Mom, that was the Holy Ghost!"  When they got out of the car she noticed Joshua with his arms folded saying a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for sending the Holy Ghost to save them." 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wrote notes to all my kids and grandkids expressing my gratitude for them, and they all got delivered!  Adam even told me thank you!  

In the way of Thanksgiving dinner I am responsible for turkey, gravy, stuffing, corn, corn casserole, yams, and pumpkin dessert and banana cream pie. (Thank's Marie Callender for your help with the pie.)

I got up early to get started on my preparations so as to not interfere with Stacy and Paul's cooking.  They are having all their boys over, and Tara and Trisha.  Paul had to work but he prepped the turkey and then came back on his lunch hour and put it in the oven.  

I cooked our turkey in my roaster oven and it turned out beautiful.  We took everything down to Sheri's a little after noon as dinner was scheduled for 1.  Darrel and Trina were late so it was almost 2 when we ate.  Their kids missed going to Utah with their other grandma so they were a little sad for awhile.  Trina brought cranberry celebration, green bean casserole and Japanese water to drink.  (I loved it!).  Sheri made homemade rolls which were a huge hit, and mashed potatoes.  Everything was delicious!

Last minute preparations.

 Enjoying the feast.

After dinner James, Addy and I started a game of Five Crowns.  We weren't able to finish before it was time to go to see the latest Disney animated movie, "Frozen."  We did finish after the movie  James won and Addy got 66 points and I got 65.    We all enjoyed the movie, even Alex.  James sat by Ruby and had to comfort her when she was afraid of the snow monster!

We came back home and had dessert, and watched David Blaine on TV.  It was a wonderful day spent with family and the weather was gorgeous!

Celebrating Tara's birthday on Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

I ran errands this morning.  I picked up James's suit, washed my car, and headed to Walmart to finish shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.  Afterwards I met Sheri at the mall for lunch.  I had a teriyaki chicken hibachi bowl at Hibachi San - It was delicious!   We did a little shopping at Barnes and Noble.  I found the Diane Setterfield book I was looking for, The Bellman and Black, but decided to get The Book Thief instead because Kim says it's one of her favorite books.  Sheri says she doesn't want to read it because she heard it was sad.  

James is in Show Low pouring concrete in 21 degree weather.  Kip Hunsaker showed up to help and James says he was awesome.  When he offered to pay him, Kip said no, he enjoyed doing it.  Sometimes he reminds me of Gail.  

Since Darrel and Trina's kids may be going to Utah, Westley's wife Lacey is being baptized, I decided to go over this evening and visit with them.  I take the ingredient to make my pumpkin dessert, and Addy ends up making it for me.  

 Addy loves to bake.  Help from Trina.

James makes it back from Show Low and he brings burros from Burger House!  Here are some fun pictures I took of the evening.

 Ruby made two turkeys in her preschool.

 Rowan made me a friendship bracelet.

He asked me what my favorite color was so the bracelet has lots of purple in it.

We played restaurant.  The kids took ornaments off the Christmas tree 

and served them to me as treats.  They are so fun!!

Addy showing her crabs to Grandpa.

Addy won a prize at school for her

patriotic turkey.

Tonight's sunset in Chandler.

Found this on Facebook.

I want James to build us one!

Trina and Darrel had some news to share with us.  Trina is expecting and is due in early July.  That is the best news I've heard in a long time!  Also, Darrel had a job with CVS when he graduates at the end of May.  He will start out making $130,000 a year.  That will help pay off those student loans! 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

James and I went to McDonald's for breakfast.  Afterwards I took one of his Sunday suits to the dry cleaners.  It will cost me $5.70 and will be ready this afternoon.  I can't help but compare this with the dry cleaners I went to in Show Low.  It cost $15.00 and took two weeks!

I went with James to get xrays at SMLE and then to his doctor's appointment with Dr. Ortega.  We waitied such a long time at Dr. Ortega's that we were almost ready to leave when he came in.  Because of the swelling in his leg the doctor wants him to get a cats scan to rule out a blood clot.  He say he doesn't have time today but will do it in Show Low.

On our way home we stopped at Olive Garden and used part of the $100 gift card I have.  I had the chicken parmigean and pumpkin cheesecake.  The cheesecake was delicious.

After lunch James leave for home.  Alicia Hunsaker needs a ride back to Vernon so he stopped and picked her up. 

Stacy and Kim meet to finish planning the family events for December.  I meet Sheri at Barnes and Nobles at the mall.  I buy her and Kim a puzzle.  I bought one for Stacy a while back.  We go in my car to pick up Ben and Ian Wanlass from school and then after dropping them off at home we go back to Sears to pick up Sheri's car.  They say something is wrong with the car but Sheri tells them she will take it to her cousin to have it checked out. 

Back at home I watch some Rabbit TV on my computer.  I miss James.  I decided to go to Target to look for Diane Setterfield's book "Bellman and Black" but when I can't find it I buy a book about Anne M. Lindbergh instead.  I found these pants while I was shopping.

Cats in Space.

I stopped by to give Kim her puzzle and stayed to visit with her and Brian and Joe.  I love their Christmas tree!

Kim and Brian's tree.

Monday, November 25, 2013

'Small and Simple Things'

-Elder Arnulfo Valenquela

"As members of the Church, we are able, through our own small and simple things, to convince many of the error of their ways and help bring them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls." 

(see Alma 37:8)

'Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?'

- Elder Timothy J. Dyches

"As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away."

I got a funny text from my friend in Chandler, Karen Schneider, this morning.  It went like this: 

"I had a dream about us.  We stole 2 paintings from an old farmer's truck and were on our way in your car to Las Vegas to try to sell them.  I had a giant chocolate bar but only shared a little.  Interpretation?  I am a crook and stingy?  You are just a crook. :) "

Here was my response: "Partners in crime.  I want more of that chocolate bar so I am covetous too.  I love your dreams!"

Karen S.: "Maybe a positive spin is we are partners in creative endeavors and you go forward and I have more to give!!"

James gets back from working on the Horne Auto job around 11 and he helps me load my car for my trip to the valley.  I am taking half the kitchen, plus a turkey to prepare Thanksgiving dinner.  We wanted to watch The Mentalist, this is the one where Red John is revealed, but there just wasn't time.  I have to make it to Chandler in time to go to the So You Think You Can Dance live concert with Brian and Kim and they are leaving a little after six this evening.  I left for the valley right at 1 pm.  I arrived in Chandler at 5 pm.  James went back in to the job in Show Low.  He is coming down to Chandler later tonight.  After I unload the car and go get ready for the concert.  Chelsea Elmer Pace is my date.  We ride together in the back seat of Brian and Kim's car.  Sheri and Ian are coming in their car.

We had a blast at the concert.  We were right down in front.  We saw Addy, Trina, Trina's Mom, Lexy, Kilee, and Kayla.  Here is a picture I took when we went to visit them during intermission.

Kilee, Addy, Kayla

Addy and Trina at SYTYCD concert

Got this picture off Facebook.  It was taken

at Sheri's wards Trunk or Treat.  The businessman

and the angel look like the bride and groom.

Sad football news in the state's high school semi-finals.  Hamilton beats Chandler 21-17 and Blue Ridge beat Show Low 14-7.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

'The Moral Force of Women'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Women bring with them into the world a certain virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures."

'Hastening the Lord's Game Plan!'

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen

"First, specifically pray to bring someone closer to the Savior and His gospel every day.

Second, pray for the missionaries serving in your area and their investigators by name every day.

Third, invite a friend to an activity in or out of your home."

James left for high council around 5:20 this morning.  He comes back in time to take me to church.  While he is gone I take some gorgeous pictures of the snow.

 All of these pictures were taken on our property.

He says my car won't make it up our hill so we take the truck.  I can't wait until we get some cinders on our road.  Brother Mayfield greets us at the door of the church. Brother Brown is our usual greeter.  I hope he is okay.  He is older and has had some health problems.  

Brother Owen Peeler and high councilman Cameron Crandall were the speakers today in sacrament meeting.  The topic was the two great commandments.

The lesson ins Sunday School was on prophets and continuing revelation.  In Young Women's we had a lesson on the Word of Wisdom.  Sandra Wilhelm, the teacher, is a great example of someone who lives the Word of Wisdom.  

It is snowing when we come out of church but the snow on the ground is already starting to melt.  I am glad I got up early this morning to take pictures.  

For lunch we had sloppy joe's and corn.  After lunch James got a phone call from Chuck Crane, who is an assistant in the High Priest Group.  Lunda Tanner's husband committed suicide and they want James to go over to see her with Jimmy Applegate.  He was dying of cancer, and I guess he just couldn't take it anymore.   That is a tough visit to make, but I am glad James was able to go.  Lynda gave him a hug and a kiss while he was there.  She is doing ok and her girls are on their way up.  Lorraine Vaught will stay with her until the girls arrive.

James went to the ward missionary fireside this evening while I stayed home and worked on my blog and wrote Thanksgiving notes to family members.  When he got home we watched two Christmas movies:

"Window Wonderland", and "The Christmas Tree Lot."

Saturday, November 23, 2013

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Are we lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God?

"The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection."
-President Boyd K. Packer

I studied this morning and worked on my blog, then I made rolls for Lannie Gillespie.  James worked on our road.

We left for the temple a little after 2 this afternoon, in a snow storm.  

 Looks like rain, but it's snow!

Our session was small, seven brothers, and seven sisters which means everyone was in the prayer circle.  Mel and Ruth Wilhelm from our ward were the witness couple.  I love the small sessions.  They don't take as long and they are more personal.  

It was snowing in Snowflake when we came out.  That's a little unusual because they are usually about 10 degrees warmer than we are in Vernon.  We stopped at El Cupidos for food.  We can't come to Snowflake without stopping here.  I ate a bean burro and saved a green burro for tomorrow.  

We stopped by Lannie's to deliver her rolls and a note with the visiting teaching message.  James gets out so I don't have to get out in the snow.  I should have worn my boot.  He didn't even use his cane today.  

We come home, get into our cozy clothes before James makes treats and we watch a Christmas movie.

Chocolate dipped banana slices, strawberries, and

walnuts.