Wednesday, December 3, 2014

"Tonight I would like to consider two important responsibilities we carry: first, consistently adding gospel light and truth to our lives, and second, sharing that light and truth with others."

-Sister Neill F. Marriott

James took the kids down to breakfast and they brought my breakfast back to me.  I had an omelet with some cantaloupe, toast, and yogurt.   Disneyland here we come!

 Nightmare before Christmas Uno in our room.

 Addy took tons of pictures with her Ipod.

 These two were so fun!

We let Max choose the first ride and he chose Star Tours.  James went on it with them while I went to Buzz's Astro Blasters.  Max and James went on Space Mountain and Addy and I went on Astro Blasters.  We saw Bae Max over behind the Star Traders store.

 Addy bought a princess crown necklace in Star Traders.  I told Max I would buy him a souvenir but he couldn't decide just now.

There was a light rain this morning and then it stopped and was overcast as we made our way over to the Haunted Mansion and Pirates.  While the guys went on Thunder Mountain Addy and I walked over to the Village Haus restaurant in Fantasyland and got something to eat.  Max really wanted her to go on Thunder Mountain but she didn't want to.  Max didn't want anything at Village Haus so while everyone else went on Star Tours again I went to the Corn Dog Wagon and got corn dogs for Max and James.  James and Max went on Matterhorn and Max finally talked Addy into going on Thunder Mountain, and she loved it!  She said it was her favorite ride.  

By this time it was raining really hard.  Max had wanted to go on Splash Mountain but decided no because of the rain.

 I love this picture!

We bought umbrellas while we were in Adventureland but Max only kept his for a few minutes.  I think he didn't want grandpa to think he was a wimp.  Believe me, grandpa would never think that about Max!

 Jack Sparrow grandpa style.

 Autotopia with Max driving.  Addy gets to drive in

Carsland tomorrow.

We stopped at Village Haus again, this time for

hot chocolate and churros.

Addy wanted to go on Small World but Max didn't so he and grandpa went back to Star Tours.  Space Mountain was too busy.

Decorated for Christmas

I think this was my favorite ride today!

We rode the train back to the front of Main Street.  James helped me get off the train and Addy asked him to help her but he didn't hear her so Max helped.  What a gentleman!

 We got back to Main Street just in time for the tree lighting.  I was the only one who saw it because everyone else was in the restroom.  We shopped at the Emporium and again Max couldn't find anything.  We had shopped at New Orleans Square for a pirates gun but they were all out.  Unbeknownst to Max I ordered him one on the internet and will give it to him for Christmas.

Addy and I got charm bracelets.  She got a Minnie Cupcake on hers and I got Minnie Mouse and we both got Tinkerbell.  They are so cute!

We went to the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney but Max still couldn't find anything.  Addy tried on some hats.

 She looks good in anything!

We found a Pizza Hut on the way home and ordered a couple of pizzas.  James dropped us off at the hotel and went back to pick up the pizzas.  Max and Addy love taking the stairs instead of the elevator.  As soon as we got in the room they changed into their swim suits and went down to the pool.  

I noticed as Addy was eating her pizza a big pile of cheese on the side of her plate.  When I asked her about it she said: "I always take the cheese off my pizza."  Maybe next time we should just order crust or breadsticks.

Even though it rained today we all decided it was a fun day and we had a great time!  It certainly wasn't as crowded as it normally is so that was a plus.

My feet hurt and I was exhausted.  James and I finished "For Elise".  Mr. Cane, the accountant was the murderer.

 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, "As temples are prepared for the people, the people need to prepare themselves for the temple."

James went to work and I studied my scriptures this morning.  Around noon we too Lexy to Sears to have the oil changed.  We walked over to the mall and had lunch at Hibachi San.  I also had one chocolate covered strawberry.  I took a picture at the mall and and put it on Facebook and labeled it as "the great and spacious building."

 It was cool and overcast today.  We picked up Max and then went to pick up Addy but had to have some Lola time before we left.

 Lola is so lovable!

We had a prayer and were on our way after 2pm.  We stopped to go potty and get a snack in Quartzite.  I told Max and Addy that alot of the people who come here in the winter are "rock hounds."  The thought that term was funny. 

 As we continued into California it began to rain.  We stopped at the Sizzler in Banning for dinner and it was raining like crazy.  

Max didn't know they had shrimp until we were leaving.  It is one of his favorite foods!

We got off the I-10 onto the 60 and then went south on the 57 to Orangewood and over to the Embassy Suites on Harbor Blvd.  

There was a large group from Japan but the guy at the desk assured me they weren't anywhere near us.  Our room number is 1023.  This is a great hotel but they need more elevators.  Addy and Max played Jack the Pumpking King Uno most of the way here and played again when we got into the room.  

They are dying to know who the murderer is in our book "For Elise".  I was reading it on the way here and they were interested.  

Although there are two beds in our bedroom Addy and Max both stayed in the "living" room and slept on the hideaway bed.

Max's mom took him to lunch before we left town.

 

 

Monday, December 1, 2014

Beautiful trees!

James's truck is still not fixed.  Robert, the guy who we got to work on it said the fuel pump cracked when he tried to put it in so James had to order a new one.  Hopefully it will be in this week.

We were up early and left for the valley a little before 6.  I read to James from "For Elise" until the road got to windy before Salt River Canyon.  We made it to the Chandler airport by 9:10 with one stop along the way.  James took me to breakfast at Burger King and then dropped me off at the house while he went back to the airport to work.  I pay bills.  

We had lunch at one of my favorite places, Pei Wei.  I love their lettuce wraps and spicy chicken salad.

I went on an errand with James this afternoon to look for something he needed for the job.  We tried two different place, one in Tempe and one in Phoenix to find a lid for piping that goes through the asphalt.  Most of them say water on them and he needs one that doesn't but we couldn't find one.  

Adam did an errand for James in Paul's Monterro but Stacy says no more because she is worried about Adam driving when he is low.  I guess Adam is no longer working for us and will have to rely on his new internet job.  The only problem is that he only gets paid once a month.

I took advantage of "Cyber Monday" deals and ordered some Christmas presents on the internet and afterwards we went to Jersey Mike's for dinner.

Max and Evan sent me their Christmas lists.

 Evan's list

 Max's list

 Evan finally got his desk.  He is so happy!

Sunday, November 30, 2014

I worked on my Book of Mormon journal this morning before going to church. 

Morning sunrise.

 Talon Wilhelm was the youth speaker.  He spoke on a talk given by President Hinckley entitled: "Be Slow to Anger."

Bishop Miller performed a small miracle.  He got Deana McNeil to speak in sacrament meeting and she did a great job.  She spoke on "Faith."  'Faith is about feeling and believing and relying on Jesus Christ.  Faith is about listening for answers and then acting on promptings we receive.'

 Jimmy McNeil spoke on the attributes of Christ: Charity, diligence, faith, hope, humility, knowledge, obedience, patience, and virtue.  The gospel is easy to understand but sometimes hard to follow.

In Sunday School we studied the life of Jeremiah.  James said the prayer although he told Brother Wilhelm that he had laringitis.  

Here are some notes from the third hour which was led by Bishop Miller.  He spoke on three things:

1.) Recognizing and living up to our privileges. We need to learn what our privileges are from the scriptures and through our prayers.  I need to do better in at least one thing in my life.  I chose temple attendance.

 2.) Serve today.  Don't procrastinate.  You don't know how many days you will have. 

3.) Seek for and accept correction.  We must be teachable and humble.

Be where we need to be.  There are expiration dates on every opportunity.  Choose the Lord today and everyday.  

The Holy Ghost is the great sanctifier.  He purifies us.  There is a time and a season for all things.  The Lord expects us to serve today, no matter what stage of life we are in.

After lunch and a nap James and I read from "For Elise" and then watched one of the best Christmas movies of the season: "Signed, Sealed and Delivered."  

Darrel joined us for dinner.  I made gravy with turkey and stuffing.  It was quite tasty.

This is what I am wishing for, Snow!

 

 

Saturday, November 29, 2014

James, Alex and James went out coyote hunting again this morning and came back empty handed. It is colder and windy today.  The last two days have been perfect with the high around 65-66.

 I made breakfast burritos for brealfast.  They were quite delicious with potatoes, onions, eggs, sausage, and green chilies and cheese.

James, with the help of Brian brought in the fireplace insert.

It weighs over 450 lbs.

Thank goodness Brian was here to help.

Now, how to get it in that hole.

James Hayden told us all the problems going on at his junior high in El Paso.  He said two girls were pregnant, and the ice cream man sold cocaine, just to name a couple.  I asked him if he liked living in El Paso and he said yes.  I just hope he has some good friends.

This afternoon Brian and the boys watched the movie "Big Fish."  It's a Tim Burton movie so it's a little weird but had a good message.  

Before leaving the boys cleaned up and did the dishes from the lunch they made.

Before leaving I had everyone pose on the front porch as is my tradition.

James is going home with them and Tricia will pick him up

tomorrow in Chandler.  I hope he had a good time here.

Anna and Jared had a great time at the Hunter Hayes concert!

  James and I read from "For Elise" and watched "Christmas Under Wraps."

Darrel was here this evening and will be here until Tuesday.

Friday, November 28, 2014

"We need unequivocal commitment to the commandments and strict adherence to sacred covenants.  When we allow rationalizations to prevent us from temple endowments, worthy missions and temple marriage, they are particularly harmful.  It is heartbreaking when we profess belief in these goals yet neglect the everyday conduct required to achieve them."

-Elder Quentin L. Cook

James, Alex, and James Hayden get up erly to go fishing at Silver Creek.

 James Hayden caught the most fish, 3.

 I think grandpa's was the biggest.

Alex helped James Hayden but was still able to catch one of his own.

 It was a relaxing day around the house.  Kim did my Christmas puzzle, Kim, Joe, Alex and James Hayden played Hearts, and there were a few games of Five Crowns.  I played Settlers with James H. and Alex.  Alex won of course.  I forgot how much fun the game is.

Brian and the boys watched "Heaven is Real."  Joe played his guitar, I read to James from "For Elise" and Kim made her famous homemade macaroni and Cheese.  It didn't last long and we could have eaten more.

This evening James, Alex, and James H. went hunting for coyotes.  

They got back in time to watch Chandler win the state championship football game against Hamilton, 28-7.  It kind of makes up for ASU losing to UofA.

Chandler has celebrated it's 100th year in style.  They were just named the number one school district in Arizona and now Chandler high wins the state football championship for the first time since 1949.

Go Wolves!

Facebook finds:

 Anna is having a great time visiting friends in

Frisco.

 Friends today and Hunter Hayes concert tomorrow.

 

Joshua practicing baseball with Michael.

  Queen Lola on her throne.

Some of her loyal subjects attend her.