Friday, September 18, 2015

Sheri's quote of the day:

Pres Uchtdorf said:

"If you feel small and weak, please simply come unto Christ,

who makes weak things become strong."

Phillipians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me.

This scripture, along with prayer and Norman Vincent Peale's book, The Power of Positive Thinking, got me through a very difficult time when I first came down with arthritis in 1982. I am so grateful for the scriptures and living prophets!

 I bought this hat for Lola from Shelly Kaufman,

Elliot Kaufman's wife.  I am so excited to give it to her.

Sheri and Alex both texted me this morning to check and see if the house passed inspection yesterday and if the buyers still wanted it.  I told them we had several items to fix, but yes, the buyers still wanted it.  Thank goodness!

James left early this morning to pick up Adam so both of them could go to the construction yard to work.  Thanks to Bill Valentic we still have a place to call a construction yard.  They also worked downstairs pulling things out of the years supply room.  It is amazing to me how much stuff we still have in this house.

After work James and I took Adam to lunch at Nello's and then we took him home.  I must say Adam is fun to be around.  He and James talked about animals for the longest time.  James told Pete the Crow stories and Adam told about an orangutan who kept breaking out of his cage at the San Diego zoo during the night. He was making pick locks!  They thought they got them all but he still got out at night.  He had hid one in his mouth behind his teeth.  Talk about a smart animal!  Isn't that called deductive reasoning?

 Those are some big hands!

After my nap and some blogging, I went to get a drink at Sonic and then picked up Sheri to take her to Trina's.  Trina, Sheri, Lexy - Trina's sister-in-law, and Tristyn, Trina's sister, are hiking the Grand Canyon.  They are leaving tonight and hiking from the south rim to the north rim tomorrow and then from the north rim to the south rim on Sunday.  

I took the minion hat to give to Lola but she wasn't there.  Trina had already left to take her kids to her mom's.  Darrel doesn't get off work until 8pm.  He will pick up the kids and take them home, except for Rowan who is coming to our house so I can take him to his soccer game tomorrow.  

I am here to help Sheri and Trina as much as I can.  I took Max to his football practice at Tumbleweed park.  I sat and waited through the practice and then brought him home.  

Sandra, baby George, Trenda, Alice, Zemira, and Curtis Wilhelm were in the valley today because Curtis had a doctor's appointment.  Curtis is 7 years old and they discovered he had cancer when he was 4.  He has been in and out of the hospital for the last three years but right now he is in remission and only has to come down for checkups every other month.  They called and asked if they could come swimming tonight and of course we said yes.  Alice and the two boys enjoyed swimming and Joshua and Evan joined in the fun.  

John Wilhelm's sister, Hazel McClaws lives in Chandler and she came by to see Sandra and the kids.  John is Sandra's husband btw.

Rowan got here around 9 or so and now the Three Musketeers are together.  They set up a "boy cave" in the living room.  They watched the move "Monster House" before going to bed.

"Boy Cave", minus the blankets and legos.

Old TV from the bedroom and 

"Monster House."

 

 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

He looks like a tree.  How does an elk with antlers this big hold up his head?

Sheri's quote of  the day:

Elder Ochoa: "... if you ever come across anything that causes you to question your testimony of the gospel, I plead with you to look up.  Look to the Source of all wisdom and truth.  Nourish your faith and testimony with the word of God.  there are those in the world who seek to undermine your faith by mixing lies with half-truths.  This is why it is absolutely critical that you remain constantly worthy of the Spirit  The companionship of the Holy Ghost is not just a pleasant convenience - it is essential to your spiritual survival.  If you will not treasure up the words of Christ and listen closely to the promptings of the Spirit, you will be deceived."

I was up at 6 a.m. to do my blog.  At 8:30 I left for the valley.  I stopped at the Sonic in Show Low for my diet cherry coke.  

As I am traveling between Show Low and Globe I pass so many motorcycles.  A big group was stopped in Salt River Canyon.  

There is probably a law against taking pictures while driving.  Those are two motocyclists traveling together.  I wished I would have counted how many groups I passed.

This motocycle parked at the McDonald's in Globe where I stopped for a potty break, was my favorite.

Purple with orange flames

Probably a Phoenix Suns fan

As I was leaving McDonald's an older Indian woman came up to my car so I rolled my window down.  She asked me if I had any change, which I didn't, and then said she and her family were looking for work.  When I told her I didn't carry cash she was very polite and said, "God bless you."  I wished her good luck and asked her name so I could pray for her.  Her name was Holly.  As I think back on this experience I wish I would have offered to take her and those with her inside McDonald's and bought them something to eat.

It seems funny to pass up Burger House without stopping.  I made it through the blasting area without having to stop, but then I have to stop between Superior and Apache Junction for about 10 minutes.  

 I arrived in Chandler around 12:30.  The home inspection was scheduled to start at one, but the inspector, Leon Vogel, came a little early.  He starts his inspection in the kitchen.  

James and I went to Olive Garden for lunch.  I had the soup, pasta fagoli, salad and breadsticks.  James tried a new chicken dish, and for dessert we shared a piece of pumpkin cheesecake.

It was delicious but my favorite is still the lemon meringue cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory.

After lunch we went to see this movie:

 A true story!

Back at home the inspection is still going on and it lasts for over six hours.  Jennifer, our realtor is there, and introduces us to the family buying the house.  There are the parents, Zach and Jennifer and their children Ashley a girl who is 15, Hayden a 13 year old boy, and Orion a 10 year old boy.  Orion and Joshua play together but Stacy is concerned because she says the boy uses bad language.  Darn!  I didn't need to hear that.

A VA loan requires a thorough inspection and because the house is older, I am sure we will have quite a few items to take care of.

For dinner we go to Taco Bell and then we watch Cinderella on my computer.

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Sheri's quote:

Elder Vinson's talk in the October 2013 conference called 'Drawing Closer to God' was all about adversity and just what I needed to hear today.  He says:

"The Lord gives us ways to help remember Him and His sustaining powers.  One way is through that common lot we all share - adversity (see Alma 32:6).  As I look back at the trials I have faced, it is clear that they have resulted in my growth, understanding, and empathy.  They have drawn me closer to my Heavenly Father and His Son with experiences and refining engraved into my heart."

I read to James from our new book, "The Baron's Honourable Daughter" before he left for the valley.  We also had family prayer.  He will listen to his scriptures in the car and I will read mine at home. We are in 3rd Nephi and 2 Corinthians.  Goodbye Honey, I will see you tomorrow!

  New author for us

Today I worked on my blog, read from "Jesus the Christ", and listened to two conference talks from the priesthood session, Elder Gibson and President Uchtdorf.  I also watched an episode of "Chopped", a "Garage Sale Mystery: The Wedding Dress", and "Here Comes the Nanny", starring Cameron Mathison.  I saved the Garage Sale Mystery for James to watch because I liked it so much and thought he would too.

I did several loads of laundry and almost decided to go to Chandler because I was so lonely.  I also talked to Laura and told her that we sold the house.  I hope the inspection goes well tomorrow.

I called all the sisters I visit teach and only Hailey Chafin called me back.  I have an appointment to visit her next Tuesday with James.  My partner, Lorraine Tieman will be out of town.  

Terry had his 8th heart stint put in.  He seems to be doing very well.  Dave says he always has a proceedure done right before they go hunting.

The elk are lonely tonight because James is not here calling to them.

 

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Happy Birthday to this handsome guy!

James Hayden turns 15 today.

 Another reason to be excited for today!

I have been waiting for this movie to come out on blu-ray since I saw it in the theatre in March.

James got a 4am phone call from Gail's friend Paul who is here in Arizona with his wife Janelle who is elk hunting with a guide.  Paul said he was bored and was wondering if James would take him out on the Razr to look for elk.   James thought he meant at four in the afternoon!  

James went out and promised he would be back by 9am to take me into town to get "Cinderella" and to take flowers to my mother's grave.  

Our stop at Walmart was quite productive. We got Cinderella, a beautiful potted mum plant, and chicken wings.  When we got back to the car I reminded James that we weren't allowed to eat out chicken wings.  On the way to the graveyard in Lakeside, we stopped at the Maverick station and while James was inside getting me a drink, I sat at the picnic table outside with the chicken wings.  It was a cool, windy and overcast, but I persevered!  James is full of surprises.  Not only did he get my drink but he also got each of us our own package of almond M&M's.  (No wonder I can't lose any weight!)

Someone is taking good care of my mom's grave, and I am pretty sure I know who it is....my sister-in-law Vickie who loved my Mom almost as much as I did.

  There are two statues of children between the headstone and

my mums.  You can see one of them in this picture.

On the way home we stop at Denny's for brunch.  James has an omelet and I have two pancakes and some bacon.  The pancakes weren't very good so I don't finish them.  James finishes his omelet.

yummmmmm

After my nap I watch last night's DWTS. I wasn't going to watch this season but Sheri told me how good Bindi Erwin was dancing with Derek Hough.  She was right, she is only 17 but she is very good!

I also watched Gabby win on the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance."

I watched Cinderella and then a Hallmark movie with James called "The Gourmet Detective."

Every morning and every evening during elk "season", James goes out on the porch and blows his elk call.  I think this guy heard him this evening.

 Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

 

Monday, September 14, 2015

Bull Fever is in full swing

in Vernon, Arizona.

Sheri's quote of the day:

"Belief and testimony and faith are not passive principles.  They do not just happen to us.  Belief is something we choose - we hope for it, we work for it, and we sacrifice for it.  

We will not accidentally come to believe in the Savior and His Gospel any more than we will accidentally pray or pay tithing.  We actively choose to believe just like we choose to keep other commandments."

-Elder Whitney Clayton

We spent the morning communicating with our realtor, Jen, regarding the buyers offer and our counter-offer.  We finally agreed on a price, and then it took over two hours to fax all of the paperwork to Jen.  It's one of the liabilities of living in the country - slow internet.

After the ordeal of waiting two hours we took a break and went to the Stanford store to get gas, a drink for me, and some peanut M&M's.  

We went on a Razr ride and saw a big bull elk in a clearing across from "the Pit."  We forgot the camera so we didn't get any pictures.  James is pretty good with his elk call.  He's made alot of friends in the forest.

Speaking of the pit, this is Jared on the swing

above the pit.  This picture was taken

on September 5, 2015.

This evening we watched a Hallmark movie called, "The Backyard Wedding."  The annoying, red-haired lispy girl that I don't like starred in this one.

A very alarming thing is going on in our world right now.  Refugees in Syrian,  Christians, are fleeing their country by the millions because of ISIS.

Merilee Bogle Cameron is baking cookies to raise money for

these refugees.  Leave it to a Bogle to take action and do something for someone else.  They take after their mom, Betty, one of the most kind and compassionate people I know.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mom!

I got a  message from Veleda Penrod Willis who was my

mom's best friend in high school.  She said:

"Thinking about your Mom today! I made such wonderful memories with her.  She was such a big part of my life.  She would have been 85 today.  I am sure she is happy where she is!!!

Hug to you."

Kim attended sacrament meeting with us today.  It was high councilman day.  Paul Wyatt, who was just released from the high council today, was the speaker along with his wife Pandora.  Pandora is an avid family history researcher and she spoke about the importance of doing family history work and connecting with our ancestors.  Paul spoke about his family and Pandora.  You can tell he is really proud of her.  She has two passions: horses, and family history.  

Alice Wilhelm was the youth speaker and do a great job speaking about gospel standards. 

My lesson in Primary today was on the day of Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  My class included: Braylin, Zemira, Kasey, Ashten, and Talena.

I gave Patsy Tedder a hug today and told her how sorry I was about her grandson Tyler who passed away a couple of weeks ago.

Today was a beautiful overcast day with a little bit of rain.  I think the rain was for Kim.  She loves it almost as much as I do. 

  Rainy days and Sunday

This afternoon after naptime and lunch I did some more coloring in my new book.  I had a nice visit with Kim before she left for home around 4pm. 

Sweet Kimmy

James and Brother Rick Lauritzen went home teaching to the Wallace's today.  Sister Ruth Wallace has had some serious health issues recently.  One of the things that she deals with is severe anxiety.  George, her husband, has heart problems and has been in and out of the hospital.  That may be what she has anxiety about.

This evening we watched a Hallmark movie called "A Wish Come True." 

Back in Chandler Stacy and Paul attended Nicole's baby blessing.  Nicole is Paul's sister.  They are in the same ward as Karen Schneider.

The baby's name is Max Fielding Schaub

Boy #4 

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Sheri posted this for grandparents day.

Sheri's quote of the day:

"A person cannot give a crust to the Lord without

receiving a loaf in return."

-Melvin J. Ballard

James left to be at the church by 5am.  He takes the missionaries in his car to the temple.  They travel about 45 minutes to the Snowflake temple with other leaders and the youth of the Vernon ward.  

 Holly

 Alice

Heaven

 LeeAnn

Shelly also went to the temple but she left before James could get her picture.  Lane Hall and Ty Applegate were the boys who attended.  I guess James would rather take pictures of girls than boys.

After returned from the temple James loaded up his CAT SkidSteer and left to help gather wood for the single sisters in our ward.  The youth were supposed to help, but only the young women and Ty and Jace showed up.  

Elder White  and Holly in the background.

 Kyah and Ty. James says they spent the whole time together.

Some of the wood was black from the burn and the kids,

and adults got it on their faces.

Jace and Heaven

These kids are not afraid to get dirty.

Shelly and Kip Hunsaker.

Brother Blain Curtis

Unknown helper and Ty

Unknown helper and Ty

LeeAnn and Shelly

The group cut, loaded, hauled, and unloaded 14 cords of wood for the widows of Vernon, not just the LDS sisters but others in our community as well.

James arrived home this afternoon just before our daughter Kim arrived here from Chandler.  She needed a break from the remodeling project they are doing in their house.  This is the first time she has ever come up by herself. 

Kim and I went on a Razr ride together.  It's one of the things she loves to do when she comes up.  We got into a little rain, a little dust, and got hit by a few bugs.  We made the Christmas tree trail circle so we were gone about an hour.  

I bought Kim a stress relieving coloring book just like mine.  When we got back from our Razr ride we colored in our coloring books.  

I made spaghetti for dinner.  Kim had some but she also had her mixed green chili burro from Burger House.  James likes the spaghetti sauce, but he doesn't care for the noodles.  

Kim helped me clean the kitchen and then because all three of us were tired, we went to bed early.

I got a text before going to bed from Jen, our realtor.  We got an offer on the house in Chandler.  She said we will talk on Monday.

  
Stacy posted this picture of Michael and Alexis: