Monday, May 19, 2014

Patriotic sunrise

"Love is the very

essence of the Gospel and

Jesus Christ is our

Examplar."

James has a bee in his bonnet about getting solar powered.  This morning he asked me to get all the electric bills for the past year.  I told him the 2013 bills were filed in a box upstairs in his office closet and could he please go get the box.  He came back down and said the box wasn't there so I looked downstairs, and in my office and in Darrel & Trina's closet.  Out of frustration and curiosity I decided to check his office closet where I had originally told him to look.  The first thing I saw when I opened the door was a pile of boxes and right on top is one labeled 2013.  Sometimes I worry.  Why couldn't he see those boxes?  Anyway, I was able to find the bills and he scanned them and sent them to the company he's working with.

Later this morning we went to Audrey Guerrero's to pick up the generator James bought from her.  It was a struggle but the three of us loaded it into the back of the truck.  Thank goodness she had a dolly.  

This afternoon I started working on the young women's lesson I am giving on Sunday about scripture study.  I listened to two BYU devotionals.  

For dinner I made chicken stuffing casserole with ingredients in our years supply.  It is so good and easy to make. 

The boys, Michael, Alex, and Joe, had a choir concert this evening.  I am sorry I missed it.  Sheri said it was awesome!

 

James and I watched The Mentalist finale.  Jane finally professes his love for Lisbon and she for him.  It's about time!

Sunset in Spain

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Show Low downtown chapel where I first gained my

testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

My testimony led me to the temple and my own eternal family.

Gilbert temple

I had scriptures and prayers with James before he left to give his talk in the Clay Springs ward.  I prayed that through his faith and dedication he would have his voice to give his talk so the people would receive the message the Lord would want them to hear.

Wayne Todd Mayfield went as his speaking companion.  I continued to pray for him throughout the morning.

I got a text last night from Sean Hunsaker asking me if I would teach his Book of Mormon class tomorrow.  I said I would.  I will have to prepare for it this afternoon.

I went to my meetings by myself this morning.  Mel West and Jason Owens from our stake were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Jason serves on the high council.  Brother West posed these two questions to us in his talk: 1.) Are we carrying the right load for our salvation? and 2.) Are we helping others with their loads?. 

Brother Owens said that the Savior helps us pull our load. 

In Sunday School we learned about the prophet Balaam and his double mindedness.  I am reminded of a quote from Elder Ridd's talk in the priesthood session of general conference: "If you chase two rabbits, you won't catch either one."

We have a new 2nd counselor in Young Women's, Ruth Wilhelm.  We have needed someone for awhile and we are happy to welcome our 4th Wilhelm into Young Women's.  Oh yes, and our priesthood advisor is Brother John Wilhelm.

Today Sandra Wilhelm gave the lesson on prayer.  We had six girls who stayed for the entire lesson: Jordyn and Shelly Applegate, Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, and Alice and Trenda Wilhelm.  Coty Iannoli was here for a few minutes but then she left.  Coty's dad lives in Show Low and she goes back and forth between Show Low and Vernon.  

After the block I attended BYC with LeeAnn, Shelly and Jordyn and the bishopric and young men leaders along with Talon Wilhelm and Jace Applegate.  The bishop wants you class presidents to call every young woman before every activity.  We haven't been calling Hunter, Alex, or Arizona but we will from this point on.

When I got home James had a delicious lunch of steak and gravy prepared for me.  Afterwards we had a nap and then I prepared to teach the Book of Mormon class.  We studied 2 Nephi 5-6.  The class went well.  We read five verses at a time and then we discuss them.  Those attending: Lorraine Vaught, Audrey Guerrero, Ellen Kustusiak, Paula Johnson, Elder Russel and Elder Scott, James, Lorraine Tieman, Nadine Singleton and her daughter, Robert who is an investigator, and Analee Hunsaker.  Ellen is also an investigator and wants to get baptized but has some habits she is having a hard time overcoming.  We need to pray for her.

James and I had FHE from Preach My Gospel and then we read from The Book Thief in front of the fire.

I forgot to mention that James did great on his talk.  Brother Mayfield says he is a "masterful orator."

 

 

 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Medievil Castle, Dawyck, Scotland

Alma 2:1-18

How has the Lord strengthened me in my personal battles?

James and I slept on the recliners last night.  James was hoping if he slept in an upright position it would help with his laringytis.  I slept like a baby, it was so comfy!

It was a beautiful day here.  It's nice enough to start sitting on the deck to read again.  James finished writing his talk while I studied.  Afterwards he washed my car while I typed his talk.  A nice trade off.

Max had two playoff flag football games today.  His team won them both and Max was a big contributor.  They qualified to play in the championship game and it was played too.

They won the championship!

Way to go Saints!!

 Max with his trophy

This afternoon James and I attended Dennis's 60th birthday party and Denise's daughter Rachel's Masters in Special Education party.  It was a combined event held at Dennis and Denise's.  By the way, Dennis's yard is beautiful.  It puts alot of effort into taking care of it.  The food was deliciously prepared by Cowboy Campfire restaurant owner and chef, Gene Coon.  Gene was my boyfriend in the 8th grade.  At that time he worked as a cook at the Malapai Inn restaurant in Show Low. We had pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw and chips.  For dessert we had Denise's special rice crispy cookies and Peg's Scotch cake. (Alot like Texas sheetcake).  Both were yummy.  It was so fun to see Peg, Denise's mom.  We always talk about the fun time we had when we went to New York with Dennis and Denise.  Those attending: Jeff and Barb Caruthers, Dennis's good friends, Dennis, Denise, Peg, Rachel and Rachel's boyfriend Thor and his mother Karen, Jenifer, Harold, Vickie, Brian, Cher, Tasha, Kaytlynn, Madison, Zachary and Quentin.  The weather was so nice and we were able to eat out on the patio.  

Because James was trying to save any voice that he has for his talk tomorrow and couldn't really visit, we left a little early, but not before we sang to Dennis.

The birthday boy, Dennis and seated beside him, Cher.

I had a good time and was grateful to spend some time with my extended family.

 

 

 

Friday, May 16, 2014

Oxaca, Mexico

The trunk of this tree is 33 feet in diameter.

Reminds me of the Tree of Life.

"In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed.  The courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right." - President Monson

I got my teeth cleaned today and then Dr. Douglas prepped me for a new crown.  Her assistant put in a temporary crown and I was on my way.  

Sheri and I visited Max's class today.  Each child had prepared a report on a character from Arizona history and then dressed up like that character.  It was called The Arizona Living History Museum.

Max was Wyatt Earp, and a handsome one at that.

Wyatt Earp:

Good guy or bad guy?

Max says good.

Max is in the fourth grade at Bright Beginnings school and he has an awesome teacher.  Her name is Mrs. Saurio.  Max has developed a good work ethic being in her class, and they do so many fun and interesting things!  This was one of them, and here is another:

 Book report characters

 After the living museum experience Sheri, Max and I had lunch at Peter Piper Pizza.  Sheri gave me a coupon so my lunch was free.  We were there with about 30 athletes from Chandler High.  It was crowded but the buffet was still good.

James was anxious to get back to Vernon so he left before I did.  I went home and took a nap and left around 3:15, which means I was in Chandler for about 24 hours.  It was 104 degrees when I left and when I got home to Vernon it was 70 degrees.  James unloaded my car and then watched Person of Interest while I did some catchup on my Book of Mormon journal.

Colby got male athlete of the year

at Show Low High School.

Congratulations Colby!

 

 

 

 

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Fire in the sky

Moroni 7:12

"All things which are good cometh of God."

This morning I studied, prayed, paid some personal bills and got ready to leave for the valley.  I left at 11:15.  I went the Globe way because I was trying to get there before 3 when James had a dental appointment. I was bringing him some pants.  I didn't make it but it was ok because James washed his work pants and went on his way.

Stacy is discouraged because the kitchen sink is not working so she can't do dishes.  James did fix the sink this evening.  I do appreciate him so much.

Sheri and Kim took James and I do dinner at Carrabas this evening as part of my Mother's Day "package."  We started out with four baskets of sourdough bread and then I ordered bruschetta with goat cheese and marinara sauce.  For dinner I had the Harvest chicken salad.  The chicken was delicous and moist.  Everyone agreed, although Sheri didn't really want to come here, that the food was delicious.  Kim presented me with another gift, this picture:

 A reminder of a wonderful event.

Thank you so much Kim, I will treasure it always!

The hand of the Lord in my life today: My safe arrival in the valley.  Kim recognizing that all good things come from God.  James being so happy to see me.  The above picture of the boys at the temple cultural celebration.  Sheri being so sweet and loving.  Joshua being so positive.  Evan's sweetness and Dallin's singing.

I am truly blessed!

 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Alma 7:12

"And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

Today was a day of celebration

Three of my favorite people in the world.

Colee and her parents Nancy and Kyle Tolman

at Colee's graduation from ASU.  She now

officially has her teaching degree!

She will be an awesome teacher!!

 James's dad's 87th birthday would

have been today.  I have learned

to appreciate his goodnes and forgive 

him for the mistakes he made.

Randa Covert (on the left) and her

sister-in-law.  Randa is our sweet

Beehive advisor.  She turned 23 today.

 Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton at their

wedding three years ago.

I have become somewhat of a Blake Shelton

fan since watching "The Voice."

I learned some interesting things at Mutual tonight not only about the young women but about Diana and Analee.  Here are some things I learned:

Diana was a distance runner and almost always took either first, second, or third place.  She was also a fast pitch softball pitcher on an all-star team.  Wow!  I never would have guessed.  Dynamite comes in small packages.

Analee and her husband served a service mission in Argentina to build church building during the early 60's.  Analee was 7 months pregnant when they arrived to the surprise of their church leaders.

We had a mini-miracle this evening.  We couldn't get a DVD to work so Coty Iannoli suggested we say a prayer.  Coty offered the prayer and then she and Randa Covert got the DVD to work.

I asked the girls what is a talent they would like to develop and here are the responses I got:

Shelly - learn to play the piano.

Jordyn - would like to learn to play the violin.

Coty - wants to learn a second language.

LeeAnn - wants to become a good public speaker.

Alice - wants to learn sign language.

Hope - wants to learn to play the guitar.

Heaven - wants to take piano lessons.

I love these young women and young women leaders!

I got some sweet texts from my hubby today!

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

1 Samuel 15:22

"To obey is better than sacrifice"

1 Samuel 16:7

"...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; 

for man looketh on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looketh on the heart."

James left for the valley and the Hatch job this morning.  I struggle here at home to stay awake because I got up at 3am.  I relaxed and watched a couple of BYU Devotionals.

I am a little lonely here thinking about my family and how I can help them.  I did two blog posts and wrote a letter to Adam.  

 I love these two!

While I was paying bills this afternoon I watched, or rather listened to "The Voice" and a Hallmark movie.  I never went outside today but I did enjoy the views out my window.  I am praying for rain.  It is so dry here and real fire danger is here because so many people will be coming up for Memorial Day and other camping excursions.

I got these pictures off Facebook.  I love beautiful pictures.

 That is one scary looking storm cloud!

 Somewhere in Switzerland

 What a gorgeous setting.

 Spring forest, Tennessee

James took him Mom her Mother's day card and dinner from Elmer's this evening.  He said they had a nice visit. I wish I could have been there.

 This boy got 100% on his cumulative

spelling text.  Way to go Evan!