Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Canada in the Fall

Sheri's Thought:

I listened to a talk by L. Tom Perry where he powerfully spoke about obedience.  He admonished, "Disobedience to the Lord's commandments will always deprive us of His blessings.  The world changes constantly and dramatically, but God, His commandments, and promised blessings do not change.  They are immutable and unchanging.  Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.  As Alma counseled his errant son Corianton, "Wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10)

 I slept in this morning.  It was difficult to get out of bed because my feet hurt.  I took some Tramadol and settled into my place on the couch to watch last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."

As I was getting ready for our lunch date with Dennis, Denise, Harold, and Vickie, my visiting teaching companion, Lorraine Tieman called and said she had appointments for today starting at 11 am.  I reminded her that I couldn't go this morning so she said she would try to change them to Thursday.  She can't go tomorrow.  

We met my brothers and their wives at Persnikkity's around 11 am.  We so enjoyed our lunch and visit with them. James said his Philly cheesesteak was the best he's ever had! I am so frustrated that I didn't take a picture!  James brought the big picture of my dad roping a calf with Mr. Yellowhair, painted by Yellowhair.  James wanted to give it to Harold or Dennis.  Dennis ended up taking it.  He thought Kyle might like it or he would find a place for it in his house.  We said our goodbye's and headed for home.  I saw Gail Butler as we were leaving and she gave me a hug.  She is someone I knew in high school and is married to Gary Butler.  She is also Chris Butler's mother.  Chris is married to Janny St. Onge.
While we were in town we went to the bank and then to Walmart to pick up a few groceries.

Back at home James works on his lesson while I watch more TV and rest.  It is a gorgeous day, with the high around 72.  
I got a text this afternoon from our realtor, Jen MacLay.  The house closed today, a day early!  It really is happening.  I am happy and a little sad at the same time.

I really needed this relaxing down day!
A Hallmark movie this evening with James.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Vermont in the Fall

Sheri's Thought for the Day:

"I love those who can smile in trouble, who gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection.  Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death."

-Leonardo da Vinci

At 4:30 am. we left for Chandler.  We arrived at the house at 7:36 am.  Louise, the house cleaner, and her son were already there.  Stacy drove up and then Maggie Hirt from the ward who could only stay 45 minutes.  We had her wipe down the shelves and walls in the master bedroom closet.  Soon after Maggie arrived Lynette Braddock, Donna, and Katy from the Galveston 3rd ward arrived.  Later Rochelle James and Christy Wanlass came.  Thank goodness for the Relief Society sisters.  They saved the day.  Lynette Braddock took a lunch break but basically she stayed all day.  

I worked most of the day in the kitchen.  I cleaned the refrigerator out, cleaned the pantry, and helped Stacy clean out the rest of the cupboards.  She kept saying: "Mom, we're not going to make it.  I think you need to call and change the walk-thru until tomorrow.  I told her I wasn't going to do that, and we would make it!  My feet hurt though.

James and Alex worked in Dallin's room painting and cleaning up.  James had a good visit with Alex. 

At 3:30 James and I met Jen at Security Title to sign all of the papers.  Jennifer Glavan, the buyer, had already been there.  While I was gone Kim came and swept the wood floors and dusted the fireplace.  Stacy vacuumed the family room floor.  Kim also helped me take a load of stuff to Central Self Storage.  The house is empty and completely clean for the walk-thru at 5pm.  We made it!

James took Zack around and showed him all of the potential problems.  We don't want them to have any surprises.  I sat in the family room with Jen and Jennifer.  Jennifer didn't sit, she kept walking around looking in cupboards and smiling.  You can tell how happy she is with the house.  She wrote me a check for $1,200 for the dining room furniture and for the rest of the roofing bill.

Orion, their 11 year old son, kept running up and down the steps and around the pit.  Jen also gave me a check for $632 for the new hot water heater.  

After they had left we took the rest of our stuff outside to Central Self Storage and drove back to Vernon.  It was 11:30 when we got home.

Facebook finds:

  A little boy from Idaho sent Ben Carson a picture of

Flat Stanley.  Both Joshua and Evan had to send Flat Stanly somewhere in the world.  They both sent him to England.  Evan to his Uncle Michael's family, and Joshua to his Aunt Tara.

How many times have I felt this way?!

 

 

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Today we had our 

Children's Sacrament Meeting Program

It went something like this:

Theme:  I Know My Savior Live - Introduction by Becky Skousen

Song: I Know my Savior Loves Me

Sunbeam class comes to the pulpit

Lannie: We believe in God the Eternal Father and in his Son Jesus Christ.

* Catherine: God is the father of my spirit.

* Eli: Jesus Christ is the son of God.

* Traven: Heavenly Father Loves me.

* Khole: Jesus Christ loves me

* Johnnie: I love Jesus and Heavenly Father

Sister Westbrook's class comes to the pulpit with Braylin Chafin

Lannie: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He is a God of Miracles

* Colter: 2 Nephi 27:23 "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."

*Taylor: Jesus can heal the sick.

* Curtis: Tells his story of being healed of leukemia

* Braylin: Tell a story about a miracle in your life.

* Jace: Miracles come to those who have faith.

Song: When Faith Endures

Sister Berry's class comes to the pulpit

Lannie: Jesus Christ is My Savior and Redeemer

*Andyn: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

*Arizona: Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

*Ethan: Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved.

*Ruthie: Jesus died so that I can live with my Heavenly Father again.

*Stratton: Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too.

Song: He Sent His Son

Sister Lambson's class comes to the pulpit

Lannie: God speaks through Prophets

* Ashten: Prophets are called of God.  In Luke 1:70 it says: "He spake by the mouth of the holy prophets, which have been since the world began.

* Zemira: Prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

* Talena: nephi testified of Jesus Christ in 2 Nephi 25:13 "Behold they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall be saved in the kingdom of God.  Wherefore my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth magnify his holy name."

* Joely: There is safety in following the prophet.

* Kacey: Adam and Enoch were prophets that listened to Heavenly Father.

Song: Follow the Prophet

Sister Hall's class comes to the pulpit

Lannie: Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith.

* Haley: Article of Faith 6 - We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

* Macy: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.  Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

* Tana: The fullness of the gospel has been restored and is on the earth today.

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ

Sister Berry's class comes to the pulpit.

Lannie: Principles and ordinances of the gospel led me to Jesus Christ.

* Arizona: My faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened when I obey.

* Andyn: I can repent when I make a mistake or hurt someone.

* Ethan: When I am baptized I will make a covenant with God.

* Ruthie: When I am baptized Heavenly Father will covenant that I can always have His spirit to be with me.

* Stratton: When I am confirmed I will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Song: 4th Article of Faith

Sister Sadie Westbrook's class comes to the pulpit.

Lannie: The Holy Ghost testifies the truth of all things

* Taylor: The Holy Ghost is the thrid member of the Godhead.

* Colter: The Holy Ghost speaks in a still small voice.

* Jace: The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us.

* Curtis: By the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things.

Song: The Holy Ghost

Sister Lambson's class comes to the pulpit.

Lannie: I can Follow Jesus Christ's example.

* Braylin: Jesus Christ always obeyed Heavenly Father.

* Ashten: jesus Christ told His Father "not my will but thine be done."

* Talena: Jesus Christ went about doing good.

* Joely: Jesus Christ's example teaches me how to live.

* Zemira: I obey Jesus Christ because I love him.

* Kacey: Jesus Christ said "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

*Joely: The mission of the church is to invite all to come unto Christ.  We invite all of you to come unto Christ.

Song: Come Follow Me vs. 1

Closing Remarks: Bishop Miller

Closing Song: Come Follow Me - 2nd thre 4th verses congregation

After the program I still had to teach Primary and we still had sharing time and singing time.  The children we exhausted and so were the leaders.  Those attending my class today:
Ashten, Joely, Kacey, Zemira, Talena, and Braylin.  Our lesson was about the Godhead.

James went home teaching today with Rick Lauritzen.  James visited Kip Hunsaker's family by himself and then he and Rick went to see the Scott's.

We watched a Hallmark movie this evening and then went to bed.

 

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Sheri's Though for the Day:

"I woke up with a troubled heart and mind.  On my morning run I listened to a conference talk by Pres. Uchtdorf.  In it he talks about letting light in our life.  He explains, 

"Spiritual light rarely comes to those who merely sit in darkness waiting for someone to flip a switch.  It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the Light of Christ.  Spiritual light cannot be discerned by carnal eyes.  Jesus Christ Himself taught, 'I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.' For 'the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.'"

James left for the cabin this morning with a trailer full of furniture.  Dennis and Harold met James at the cabin and helped him unload the furniture.  James gave them each a burro from Burger House.  

I left for Vernon a short time after James.  I saw Harold and Dennis just as I was turning into Vernon from Highway 60.  They didn't see me.  

James unloaded boxes on the front porch so when I got home I moved them to the garage.  I have our TV in my car.  James unloaded it and it sits on the stand in the entryway until we can get it upstairs.  

After getting both cars unloaded we sat down to watch a movie.  We watched "Moondance Alexander" about a young girl and a horse she comes to love.  It was a good one.

Back in Chandler Evan, Rowan, and Joshua attended Galveston 3rd ward Trunk or Treat.  The zipper in Evan's Baemax costume broke so he had to wear his costume from last year.

 

Master Chief putting on his gear.

 I had to post this sweet picture of Alex and Michael

taken a few years back.  These two will graduate from

high school this year.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Sheri's quote:

"Sometimes progress in spiritual things can seem slow or intermediate.  Sometimes we may feel that we have lost ground, that we have made mistakes, or that our best efforts to find the Savior are not working.  If you feel this way please do not give up - ever.  Go right on believing in Him and in His gospel and in His Church.  Align your actions with that belief.  In those moments when the light of your faith has dimmed, let your hope for the Savior's love and grace, found in His gospel and in His Church, overcome your doubt.  I promise that He is ready to receive you."

-Elder Whitney Clayton

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn was not that great  I had a Belgian waffle that was not that good and James said the eggs were very rubbery.  To me the eggs looked like silver dollar pancakes.  

Paul had lots of help moving today.  He rented a U-Haul from Central Self Storage and Adam, Kristofor, and Adam's friend Kyle all came to help.  Paul bought them breakfast burritos from El Sol.  Adam always says he will work for food.  They moved all their big stuff our including the washer, dryer, and even the Christmas tree.  There are still some things left that Paul can take in the Montero.

We had Blue Sky Pest Control come today and spray for insects and scorpions.  

James and I picked up Alex from school and then took him to Jersey Mike's for lunch.

 

I am still working downstairs.  

 All of these cupboards had to be emptied.

Sheri came and carried all of the things I got out of these cupboards upstairs for me. James would have helped me but he was fixing the floor in Dallin's closet.  After we finished working Sheri and I went to Sonic for a drink.  

Later this afternoon James and I went back to the Comfort Inn for a little R&R.  I took a shower and even washed my hair.  We both took a nap.  We went back this evening and worked a little longer.  

Stacy and Paul bought us a pizza from Peter Piper.  Our favorite, thin crust veggie.  

Michael did well at his Cross Country meet today.  He got fourth.

 

 

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Food for Thought.

Sonic, scriptures, prayers and then most of the rest of the day in the basement. 

Alex and Ben came over and helped move furniture, including our bed.  Ben scared me when I was walking down the hall and he jumped out of my bedroom.  I certainly wasn't expecting that.  

For lunch we got sandwiches from Jimmy John's delivered to our house.  Dallin was there so we invited him to order a sandwich too. Dallin moved all of his things out today, except his mattress.  I guess he is going to live with Jared Ammon and another friend who came and helped him.  
After Dallin moved out Paul discovered buckled wood on his closet floor.  One more thing for James to do.  Plus, Dallin's room also needs to be painted which became apparent when all the furniture was moved out.  
I went with Stacy to her new place.  The bedrooms are all upstairs and are a good size.  The downstairs family room and kitchen are quite small.  There is no grass in the front or back which may be a problem for Holly and for Joshua.

The roofers came today and fixed the patio roof which was leaking like crazy on Sunday evening.

James and I spent the night at the Comfort Inn on Chandler Blvd. and the I-10.  We stayed in room 305.  The water pressure isn't very good on the 3rd floor.

One of the fun things about going through things in storage

is finding old pictures.  I love these five boys!

My obsession with Tiny Houses continues. 

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Sonic for breakfast.  On the way back we saw Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura getting ready to leave for their hunting trip to Kaibab.  James would love to go with them, but this just isn't the time.  

We read our scriptures and then read from our book, "Bonds of Loyalty".

James mowed the lawn and fixed things in Stacy's bathroom that needed to be fixed

 Upkeep is an ongoing affair.

I cleaned out the Christmas closet downstairs.  It took me most of the day.  I carried a few things up, but I need help carrying the rest.  James can't help right now because he's working on the storage room outside.  

We got lunch from Arby's and took a short nap.  I also picked up Alex at the seminary building at 11:45.  

I finished the Christmas closet and started on the downstairs cupboards.  Yikes!  So many things are in these cupboards.  

Stacy got the keys for her new place.  She started moving things over.  We had a little fun with Holly this afternoon amidst all the moving.

Pretty little Holly.

Joshua had soccer practice this evening along with Evan and Rowan.  Michael had a pasta party and then went to Mutual to hear a recording by The Piano Guys.  

Stacy and I got dinner at In-N-Out Burger.