Friday, July 25, 2014efore

3 Nephi 27:6

"And whoso taketh upon him my name,

and endureth to the end,

the same shall be saved.

Evan and Max love to play a little Minecraft on the XBox before going to school in the mornings.  When Evan asked yesterday if he could play Sheri reminded him that he was grounded because of the 'monster' tantrum he threw last night.  He face fell and he walked away.  Soon he was back and asked her, "Do you have a paper bag?' When she said she didn't but asked why he needed one he said: "Because I want to cut holes in it and put it over my head and write Loser on it."  Sheri and Ian had to hold in their laughs because Evan hates it when people laugh at him.

 Brothers and friends.

On a more positive note Max is liking school a little more.  He and Joshua are going to be 'study buddies.'

Chuck Lewis came to fix the hot water heater this morning.  It took him less than five minutes.  He had to bypass the thermostat to the pilot to get it to work.  His cost was $75 but it will be worth it if it fixes our problem.  Well, it fixed one problem but caused another.  When James went down to the basement later it had flooded again.  The thermostat on the relief valve failed and the relief valve stayed open and the hot water ran through the relief valve, down the pipe and on the floor.  James had insisted the water leak could not have been from the water heater, but it was.  I said all along that it was.  There isn't much satisfaction in being right because we have another flood and this one is worse than the last.  We probably vacuumed up 150 gallons of water before leaving for town to get a part to fix the problem.  

James tried to install the new part but it's not the right one so we will have to go back to town tomorrow.  This has been quite an ordeal and I am so thankful that James was here.  He has washed all the blankets, etc. that were on the floor in the closet that got wet.  While he was taking care of this problem I typed his talk for Sunday.  It was around 11pm when we finally went to bed.

 This looks dangerous but he assures

me that the gas is off.

Before we were aware our downstairs was being flooded I gave James a haircut.  Before and after pictures:

Working on his talk,

six pages, front and back.

Sheri, Brian and Kim went to the food trucks in Gilbert this evening and had a great time.

Kim got a quesadilla with green chili

beef that was amazing!

Can you see Brian in the background.

He's getting something for Sheri.

Sheri got deep fried mac and cheese balls that she

said were wonderful.  She also got delicious steak tacos and sliders and a cheesesteak sandwich for Ian.

I will be in the valley next Friday night and we are

definitely going!

 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 Is there anything more beautiful than a sleeping baby?

I spent some time this morning cleaning off the front porch.  I noticed a pile of bones at the bottom of the steps and realized they were gathered by Darrel's kids when they were here.  Maybe we need to make a bone graveyard.

I went into town this morning to get my car washed and to vacuum it out in preparation for this afternoon's temple trip.  By the time I got back home dust had already collected on the back window.  It's a good thing I carry a duster in my car.

I took a nap, and then got ready to go to the temple.  Our stake is having the youth do baptisms in honor of pioneer day so all of the wards in our stake are participating.  Our group met at the church in Vernon at 2:30.  We are scheduled for a chapel session at 3:30 and then baptisms at 4.  Those who attended: Melchizedek Priesthood holders: Our new bishopric, Bishop Miller, Brother Wilhelm, and Brother Thompson.  Bishop Miller's dad Ed and Brother Wilhelm's dad Mel and Elder's Stott and Knight were our seven priesthood representatives.  We had two young men, Jace and Ty Applegate and five young women, Jordyn and Shelly Applegate, Hope and Heaven Lootans, and Alice Wilhelm.  For young women leaders it was Diana, Ruth and I.  

It was after 4 before we went in to the chapel session.  We are the last group and they were running a little behind.  Bishop Miller spoke to the youth.  He is going to be a good bishop.  Once we started the baptisms it didn't take long to finish.  Afterwards the girls took us up behind the temple for these pictures.

 

The gardener took this one.

I was trying to get the Angel Moroni

into this picture but you can't see him.

Afterwards, as is our tradition, we went to eat at El Cupido's.

Diana and I rode home together and had a nice visit.  I am so grateful that I have been able to get to work with her and get to know her better.  I consider her a good friend.

I got home around 7:45 and watched the rest of last night's "So You Think You Can Dance."  James was home from valley when I went to bed around 9pm.  He is so happy to be here.

 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Moroni 7:47-48

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.

Amen.

 Our Mutual theme for this year.

Two more planes were shot down over Russia today.  These were two Ukrainian fighter jets.  The one last week was a civilian airplane from Malaysia.  180 innocent people were killed.

We had some wonderful rain today.  So grateful for this beautiful place that I live.  It was 65 and raining here and 114 in the valley.

I feel guilty because James is down there working.

I made cookies today for Mutual.  We are cleaning the building and I thought it would be nice to reward the girls afterwards.  When I called Kelly Reynolds to tell her about our activity tonight and about going to the temple tomorrow for pioneer day she said she couldn't make it either time.  She said she had a doctor's appointment tomorrow, which sounded legitimate but then when she said she couldn't come tonight because she had to go see the doctor I began to wonder if her entire story was fabricated.  

Rusty Allen and Aaron Windsor left today for the MTC.

Rusty being brave as he gives his brother

Jackson one last hug at the Phoenix airport.

Jackson wasn't quite as brave.

Aaron saying goodbye to his brother's family.

These two young men are such a great example to all of us.  They will be missed in our ward be we know they are where the Lord wants them to be.  Rusty will be in Guadalajara, Mexico and Aaron in Reno, Nevada.

James enjoys taking his grandkids on date to Golden Corral.  This week was Rowan's turn.  Rowan loves steak.

He can cut it all by himself.

That's also a piece of pizza on his plate.

First things first, back for more steak.

It helps if you make a face.

For dessert oranges and watermelon.

He also had a chocolate dipped marshmallow,

and a piece of cake.

I am proud of the Young Women who helped Diana, Ruth, Analee and I clean the church this evening.  They were: Shelly and Jordyn Applegate, Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, Hope and Heaven Lootans, and Alice Wilhelm. We worked hard and were able to finish in a little over an hour.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I know it's not inspirational,

but you have to admit it's funny!

 This picture could have been

taken in Vernon.

Sheri told me a sweet story about her co-worker Nancy VanVleet and how she was a answer to Sheri's prayer.  Nancy has Monday's off and so Sheri has to work until closing which is around 5 or 6.  On the other days of the week she gets off earlier in the afternoon to be with her kids.  She was worried and stressed about the kids, it being the first day of school and had prayed that she could find a way to be home earlier on Monday's.  Nancy came up to her at work and said she woke up in the middle of the night with the strong impression that she should have Friday as her day off instead of Monday so Sheri could go home early and be with her kids.  The Lord really does answer our prayers through other people.  I am so glad Nancy was in tune and listened and acted upon the prompting she received.  No wonder Sheri loves working with her.

It was overcast and breezy most of the day and rained this evening.  While I am enjoying the nice weather James poured 33 yards of concrete in the heat.  

Darrel took the second half of his licensing exam today.  Trina says he is stressing and we should pray for him.  He won't find out for a couple of days if he passed or not.

Stacy called and asked me to send out a group text to everyone that Joshua's baptism date is August 16th at 10am.  James responded to the group text with this text: "Good night sweetheart.  I just finished work for the day.  Have sweet dreams. (About being with me I hope.)  Kim wrote: "Awwwww....dad is so sweet.  Did you not realize this is a group text?  Sheri: "Umm did you know you texted this to all of us?  I hope I'm your sweetheart too! James's reply: "No I didn't know, but it's OK because everyone already knows I'm crazy about Mom!"

Brian finally talked Kim into going to a D-Backs game with him.

 Looks like they're having a great time.

Brian got to meet Dan Marjele.

That would have made my night!

Where was Kim?

How tall is Dan?  He makes Brian look so small and

Brian is over six feet tall.

 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Esther 4:14-16

Mordecai to Esther:

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Sunrise over Sierra Mentosa

Max and Evan's first day of school at 

Hancock Elementary in Chandler.

 Ben's first day of high school 

at Hamilton High in Chandler.

James has been working all weekend trying to dry out the carpet downstairs with a fan and a heater.  He loaded up his equipement this morning and left for the valley.  He is starting another job tomorrow at Sun Lakes golf course.  It's always hard to see him go.

Darrel and his family are still here.  Darrel took Trina and the kids for a ride to the pit while I stayed home and watched Lola.  She slept the entire time while I watched The Next Food Network Star.  My favorite, Emma, went home in this challenge.  Now I'm not sure who I am going to cheer for.

Nice shades Darrel.

Ruby loves to ride in the front.

When I got up this morning I was determined I was going to finish the Princess puzzle for Addy.  After all, Sheri did it twice while she was here.  Proof that I accomplished my goal.

Trina, Addy, Rowan and Ruby all helped.

Addy, Rowan and I made a trip to the clubhouse with a notebook and pen so we got make a list for grandpa of things he needs to get to fix the clubhouse up.  Here is Addy's list:

 James's "Honey Do" list when he gets home.

Addy was sitting on the bed in my office upstairs and accidentally sat on a wasp and got stung.  Rowan was determined he was going to kill that wasp for stinging his sister.  He was so protective of her. 

 It's fun to see what good friends they are.

A rousing game of Chutes and Ladders.

Finally it was time to say goodbye.  As is my tradition, (if I remember), I had everyone stand out on the front porch for a goodbye picture.  

Love this family!

This evening I went into town and picked up my thyroid prescription.  I came home and watched Master Chef and part of a Hallmark movie called "For Better or Worse."  I kept falling asleep so I will have to finish the movie tomorrow.

 

Sunday, July 20, 2014

How true!

 Sabbath sunrise.

Today was an exciting day to be in the Vernon ward.  We got there just before the meeting started so we sat in the cultural hall with Darrel and his kids.  The chapel was packed.  The entire stake presidency is on the stand along with our bishopric, Bishop Hall, Brother Wilhelm, and Brother Applegate.  

Rusty Allen is the first speaker.  He will leaving for his mission this coming Wednesday along with Aaron Windsor and Brett VanWinkle.  Brett's farewell will be later today in the Paloma ward.  Rusty spoke on the plan of salvation and did a great job.

Rusty on the right, Brett VanWinkle on the left.

Rusty and his mom Tina at a BBQ at the park yesterday.

Bishop Hall spoke after Rusty and he said now young man was better prepared to serve a mission than Rusty.  

In my experience, Rusty is one of the nicest, kindest, young men I have ever met!

After the bihop's remarks President VanWinkle got up and released our bishoprice with a vote of thanks for the service they have given.  Because of Bishop Hall's new out of town job it has become necessary to release him.  He was a great bishop and was loved by the Vernon ward members.  Our new bishopric: Bishop - Wes Miller, 1st counselor - John Wilhelm, 2nd counselor - Gary Thompson.  Here is a picture of Bishop Miller, his wife Ann and their son Hyrum.  They also have two daughters, Andyn and Catherine.

 This was taken off Ann's Facebook page.

The other man in the picture is a family member.

Bishop Hall, Bishop Miller, and President Williams all spoke, and then the meeting was over.  Bishop Miller is a very dedicated servant of the Lord and will be, I believe, a wonderful bishop.  I went to school with his mother Debbie, and her sister Janice Nikolaus.  His grandpa Leland who is in his nineties was at the meeting.  I used to shop at his store, Nick's Department store in Show Low as a teenager.  Brings back fond memories.  I got to hug Janice and speak with her for a few minutes.  Janice was the last person to see my mother alive as she had gone to the doctor's in Snowflake where Janice worked.

 Sunday School started out with few in attendance.  Brother Wilhelm and others were at the setting apart of the new bishopric.  Brother Diewald took over the lesson on the Psalms and did a good job.

Ruth Wilhelm gave her first lesson in Young Women's on baptism and did a wonderful job.  The grandma's rule in Young Women's.  There are four of us in the presidency: Diana, myself, Ruth, and Analee.  We had two visitors, Hailey Miller and Addy, Analee's granddaughter.  Girls attending: Shelly, Jordyn, Kilee, and Alice.

Bishop Miller postponed BYC so I got to go home right after the block.  

Here are some of the things we did with Darrel's family this afternoon: James and I took the kids on a Razr ride to chase jack rabbits.  Addy asked us to stop because she got part of a tree down her pants.  We also went to Chocolate Lake or what's left of it.  

The kids put together some Lego pets I had: a turtle, a squirrel, and a kitty.  I read to them from one of my favorite children's books, Miss Suzy. 

Rowan found my Harry Potter journal from my trip to England and asked if he could have it so I tore out the pages I needed and gave it to him.

 Rowan writing in his new HP journal.

We hold Lola.

We also just enjoyed looking at Lola.

 I should have turned this picture around.  Oh well,

you can still see how cute she is.

Addy, James, Darrel and I played Five Crowns.  Darrel won, James came in second, I was third, and Addy was last, but she was a good sport about it.

Ruby enjoyed eating spaghetti.

 Spaghetti as a finger food.

Rowan is the best at the matching game.

I watched Enchanted and held Lola most of the time.

 We also had FHE.  We did the same lesson with did last week with Sheri's family and Joshua, "Don't Get Mixed Up" which I got from this month's New Era.  

It was a nice relaxing sabbath day.  There was no rain but it was overcast and cool.  Darrel and Trina enjoyed sitting on the front porch in the rocking chairs with the baby.