James left early for work after we had family prayer together. I got up and did some blog catchup. It seems like I'm always about a week behind. I went to Burger King and got a bacon and egg croissant for breakfast. I also went to Walmart to buy some snacks for our trip and to get some things for girls camp pedicures. When I returned home James was there eating his lunch. I got a text from Trina. She won't be ready to go until afternoon. I told her that was fine. We aren't in a hurry.
Trina got here a little after one. We left around 1:30 for El Paso, Texas where we are going to attend Emmy's baptism. Addy starts out riding with us. The first thing I do is ask her what her favorite Taylor Swift song is. She said "Safe and Sound" from the Hunger Games. I've never heard it, but I download it and play it. I like it. Addy isn't that interested in listening to music because she has a book. It's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6". She is heavily engrossed.
We stopped for a potty break at a Circle K in Marana. It's 109 degrees outside. After our break Rowan joins us in our car. Ruby is very upset because she wants to come with us too. The conversation in our car went something like this: "Are we in New Mexico yet?" Addy and Rowan have both only been in California and Arizona so they are anxious to add two more states to their list. Rowan: "Are we in New Mexico yet?"
We can see dust devils, blowing dust and ominous looking clouds ahead. Because the kids have heard all about the tornadoes in Oklahoma recently they say a prayer that we will make it through this blowing dust. At one point a huge gust blows across and our visibility is 0. Finally we are in New Mexico. The excitement is short lived. Soon Rowan is asking: "Is this still New Mexico?" We stop in Demming for gas and trade Addy for Ruby. Ruby and Rowan are a little more interactive than Rowan and Addy.
Since we are getting close to our destination I download the songs El Paso and El Paso City by Marty Robbins. I also try to download some kids songs and end up with 50 songs. Yikes! Kid song overload.!
I try to increase my storage space and purchase 25GB on icloud. I have no idea what I am doing.
"Are we in Texas yet?" Yes Rowan, we are in Texas. We just missed a huge rainstorm and the weather is cool and the air is fresh and clean as we reach Jared and Tricia's. My camera was too full to get a picture of the gorgeous sunset but I think James got one on his camera.
We are greeted by Lambson's, Wallen's, and Barney's. We all go inside and gather in the living room so Emmy can open her gifts. Again, I got no pictures, but I am sure James did.
James and I cut our visit a little short and head for our hotel room, LaQuinta on Mesa Rd. and Bartlett right next to Chili's and Krispy Kreme. There are already 10 kids and 7 adults at Jared and Tricia's. That's why we opted for a hotel room. James is exhausted from his long days all week and needs a good night's rest.
Before going to bed we find our favorite Texas restaurant, Whataburger, for some dinner.
James has gotten several texts from Zaki's phone which are rather scathing. When he asked if they were Zaki the person answered yes but he is pretty sure they aren't because Zaki would never be this rude. It's probably his wife Ariann.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
I woke up in the middle of the night because I thought I heard a noise. I looked out the window and I swear I saw a herd of elk go running by. I still don't know if it was a dream or if I actually saw them. I guess I will never know. The next morning I went outside to look for tracks. There are plenty of tracks but none are very discernable and I'm not much of a tracker.
I was at the church by 7:45 to take girls to youth conference. Tina Allen came too but since there were only 3 boys and five girls going Brother Diewald and I got everyone in our cars, including the bags. We had a prayer and then we headed for St. Johns where the youth conference is being held. Mary Swift, Trenda Wilhelm, and Maddie Carroll rode with me. I enjoyed visiting with Mary on the way over. We dropped off suitcases at the stake center and then the young women and men went to the St. Johns high school. They will be staying in homes of members tonight and tomorrow night and then Saturday after the testimony meeting it will be time to go home. I hope they have an awesome time!
Before leaving town I stopped at El Cupido's for a mini grand breakfast burrito. This is gas station food at it's best!!
I came home and packed for my trip to the valley and then on to El Paso. I was so tired and I called James to tell him how tired I was. He convinced me to take a nap, which I did. Before leaving I watered all the plants and trees. I couldn't get the water turned off in the front planter and I'm afraid I called and yelled at James. After I said a prayer and calmed down I was able to get the water off. I had to apologize to James.
Drove the Payson way and ate lots of snacks to stay awake. Stopped at Deseret Book on Gilbert and Southern to buy Emmy's scriptures and a tote. It was after seven when I finally got to Chandler.
My siatic nerve in my left butt cheek is killing me and made it very difficult to go to sleep.
Alex and Michale left for the trek today.
I was at the church by 7:45 to take girls to youth conference. Tina Allen came too but since there were only 3 boys and five girls going Brother Diewald and I got everyone in our cars, including the bags. We had a prayer and then we headed for St. Johns where the youth conference is being held. Mary Swift, Trenda Wilhelm, and Maddie Carroll rode with me. I enjoyed visiting with Mary on the way over. We dropped off suitcases at the stake center and then the young women and men went to the St. Johns high school. They will be staying in homes of members tonight and tomorrow night and then Saturday after the testimony meeting it will be time to go home. I hope they have an awesome time!
Before leaving town I stopped at El Cupido's for a mini grand breakfast burrito. This is gas station food at it's best!!
I came home and packed for my trip to the valley and then on to El Paso. I was so tired and I called James to tell him how tired I was. He convinced me to take a nap, which I did. Before leaving I watered all the plants and trees. I couldn't get the water turned off in the front planter and I'm afraid I called and yelled at James. After I said a prayer and calmed down I was able to get the water off. I had to apologize to James.
Drove the Payson way and ate lots of snacks to stay awake. Stopped at Deseret Book on Gilbert and Southern to buy Emmy's scriptures and a tote. It was after seven when I finally got to Chandler.
My siatic nerve in my left butt cheek is killing me and made it very difficult to go to sleep.
Alex and Michale left for the trek today.
A couple of pios.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
After my morning study, which included preparing a talk on the Holy Ghost for Emmy's baptism, I started cleaning, room by room. I am leaving town tomorrow and will be gone until Monday afternoon. Next week I will be involved in girls camp and won't have time to clean. Sheri and Ian's family along with their friends Nate and Mandy are coming next week so I want everything to be ready for them.
I finally finished the wood floor and it doesn't look too bad. I tried buffing in the paste wax but finally ended up using the liquid wax I always use. The brand is called Bona. Funny how the floor looks good until people start to walk on it and then it shows every footprint.
I wrote a letter today to all the parents of the young women about our Book of Mormon retreat to the valley on June 23rd-25th. The girls have to be up on their Book of Mormon reading in order to qualify to go.
Mutual was at 6:00 this evening. The first hour Julie Wilhelm went over the backpacking trip and what to do and not to do on the trail. The next hour Brother J.D. Miller and Brother Covert, a couple of firemen in our ward, taught the girls first aid. When they started talking about how jiggers can get embedded in your skin and lay eggs I left the room and went outside to watch Kaeli Nicoll and Joelle Miller make their camp shirts. I also took a few minutes and met with Brother Applegate and Brother Allen to plan transportation for youth conference. Brother Diewald and I will take them over tomorrow and Brother Smith and Brother Pope will pick them up on Saturday.
I came home and finished putting sheets on beds and cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms. It was quite late when I went to bed.
I finally finished the wood floor and it doesn't look too bad. I tried buffing in the paste wax but finally ended up using the liquid wax I always use. The brand is called Bona. Funny how the floor looks good until people start to walk on it and then it shows every footprint.
I wrote a letter today to all the parents of the young women about our Book of Mormon retreat to the valley on June 23rd-25th. The girls have to be up on their Book of Mormon reading in order to qualify to go.
Mutual was at 6:00 this evening. The first hour Julie Wilhelm went over the backpacking trip and what to do and not to do on the trail. The next hour Brother J.D. Miller and Brother Covert, a couple of firemen in our ward, taught the girls first aid. When they started talking about how jiggers can get embedded in your skin and lay eggs I left the room and went outside to watch Kaeli Nicoll and Joelle Miller make their camp shirts. I also took a few minutes and met with Brother Applegate and Brother Allen to plan transportation for youth conference. Brother Diewald and I will take them over tomorrow and Brother Smith and Brother Pope will pick them up on Saturday.
I came home and finished putting sheets on beds and cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms. It was quite late when I went to bed.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Happy 8th Birthday to Emma Lee Lambson.
Emmy before she was 8.
Love the clouds.
I made a trip to town this morning for cleaning supplies, including wax for the floor, and to get Emmy's birthday presents. I am not sending her gifts to her since we will be there on Friday. On my way to town I saw two cows, a tiny calf that looks like it's way too skinny, two jackrabbits, 5 elk, lot of bicyclers, and beautiful clouds.
Bicyclers and clouds.
Here is a list of things I got Emmy for her birthday: a soccer ball, outdoor dart set, journal, colored pens, mail polish, lip balm, and sunglasses. I also will be getting her scriptures for her baptism.
Came home and worked on finances. I paid Ft. McDowell and White Cap. By paying Ft. McDowell before the 10th I saved over $300.00.
James took the three amigos, Joshua, Evan and Rowan to dinner at Golden Corral today.
Being silly in the backseat.
I guess James tried to get Michael, Alex, and Joe to work today but none of them were interested. I guess they earned all the money they needed and now Michael and Alex are getting ready to go on the Chandler West stake pioneer trek.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
James leaves early and I get up to take a picture of the sunrise.
Sunset.
Never get tired of these sunrises.
As I am doing my morning gospel study at the dining room table I happen to look outside and see three little chipmunks going in and out of the pots I have on the backporch. I try to get some pictures but they didn't turn out too well.
That ball with the tail in the air is Mr. Chipmunk
Mrs. Chipmunk on the wall.
I spent most of the afternoon updating personal and business checkbooks and paying bills. Why are there always so many bills? Thank goodness I have a husband who works hard so we have money to pay the bills. While I am working I watch Pioneer Woman, Trisha Yearwood's cooking show, and The Voice. A couple of times I take a break to chase cows and look at my email.
Michael and Alex worked for James today. Joe didn't get up in time.
I still feel sick but I am feeling a little better. The high here was 80 and in the valley it was 108 again.
I love looking outside at all the views but I am sad when I see we have another dead pine tree. It must be bark beetles. I wish we knew how to stop them.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Well it's official, I am not going to church today. I hate to miss, but I feel miserable. James attends our wards sacrament meeting then goes on over to Show Low to attend the ward there that he works with.
We had prayer together before he left. I stay home and rest and study.
I studied Elder Tad R. Callister's conference address. In his talk he gives some suggestions on things that youth leaders should teach the youth. They are: 1. Teach them how to prepare an agenda. 2. Teach them how to conduct meetings with dignity and warmth. 3. Teach them how to rescue the one. 4. Teach them how to prepare and give an inspired lesson. 5. Teach them how to receive revelation. Such good ideas!
When James got home we broke our fast and he fixed lunch for us, including chocolate covered strawberries. He cleaned up and then he washed off my car and watered the plants.
Later this evening I went with him while he delivered youth conference information to Madalen Carroll, Trenda Wilhelm, Mary Swift, and Jordyn and Shelly Applegate. What would I do without this guy?
We came home and I read to him from The Grecian Princess. It seems like a small price to pay for all that he does for me. Sunday evenings are always a little bittersweet because we know he will be leaving in the morning for the valley.
We had prayer together before he left. I stay home and rest and study.
I studied Elder Tad R. Callister's conference address. In his talk he gives some suggestions on things that youth leaders should teach the youth. They are: 1. Teach them how to prepare an agenda. 2. Teach them how to conduct meetings with dignity and warmth. 3. Teach them how to rescue the one. 4. Teach them how to prepare and give an inspired lesson. 5. Teach them how to receive revelation. Such good ideas!
When James got home we broke our fast and he fixed lunch for us, including chocolate covered strawberries. He cleaned up and then he washed off my car and watered the plants.
Later this evening I went with him while he delivered youth conference information to Madalen Carroll, Trenda Wilhelm, Mary Swift, and Jordyn and Shelly Applegate. What would I do without this guy?
We came home and I read to him from The Grecian Princess. It seems like a small price to pay for all that he does for me. Sunday evenings are always a little bittersweet because we know he will be leaving in the morning for the valley.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Happy 45th Anniversary! Has it really been that long? Sometimes it feels like yes and sometimes it feels like it all went by so quickly. When I think that our family has grown from the two of us to 29 I am amazed. I am so grateful to James for the good husband, father, and grandpa that he is. I couldn't ask for a better companion in life. He means everything to me.
I spent a nice quiet day at home here in Vernon. James went in to town to do a little shopping and he was amazed at the traffic he encountered. I guess lots of people are up here to escape the heat. While in town he bought flowers to plant and then went to Safeway to get steaks and cheesecake. He came home and grilled some filet mignon steaks and made salad and coleslaw. I especially loved the coleslaw, although the steak was delicious too. He gives me strawberry cheesecake to eat while I am talking on the phone to Vickie. She called to wish us a happy anniversary. Next week she and Harold will celebrate their 44th anniversary.
Right after lunch we started our fast. James went outside to plant flowers. I sat on the front porch and read to him from our book The Grecian Princess. After the planting we took a nap. As the cows came later in the day James chased them away. As we were going to bed they came again and he chased them away again. I literally had to do nothing today except prepare a mini Book of Mormon lesson on the house of Israel, the Abrahamic covenant and Jacob 5, to share with the girls tomorrow, if I go to church. Right now I have a cough, head cold, and the chills. I may not be going.
Jared text us to wish us a happy anniversary. So did Michael and Joe. How sweet! This evening before going to bed James and I watched "The Nanny Diaries" starring Scarlett Johansen.
The high here today was 82. In the valley it was 108.
I spent a nice quiet day at home here in Vernon. James went in to town to do a little shopping and he was amazed at the traffic he encountered. I guess lots of people are up here to escape the heat. While in town he bought flowers to plant and then went to Safeway to get steaks and cheesecake. He came home and grilled some filet mignon steaks and made salad and coleslaw. I especially loved the coleslaw, although the steak was delicious too. He gives me strawberry cheesecake to eat while I am talking on the phone to Vickie. She called to wish us a happy anniversary. Next week she and Harold will celebrate their 44th anniversary.
Right after lunch we started our fast. James went outside to plant flowers. I sat on the front porch and read to him from our book The Grecian Princess. After the planting we took a nap. As the cows came later in the day James chased them away. As we were going to bed they came again and he chased them away again. I literally had to do nothing today except prepare a mini Book of Mormon lesson on the house of Israel, the Abrahamic covenant and Jacob 5, to share with the girls tomorrow, if I go to church. Right now I have a cough, head cold, and the chills. I may not be going.
Jared text us to wish us a happy anniversary. So did Michael and Joe. How sweet! This evening before going to bed James and I watched "The Nanny Diaries" starring Scarlett Johansen.
The high here today was 82. In the valley it was 108.
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