Friday, January 4th, 2019

Bountiful, Utah

47th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Jan 1995

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ, Death of

DC 20:23

He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 3:9-31

Why do you think Sam willingly followed Nephi while Laman and Lemuel persecuted him?

New Testament

John 7:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; James 1:5-6, 22; 2:17

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Consistent, wholesome family traditions that include prayer, scripture reading, family home evening, and attendance at Church meetings, though seemingly small and simple create a culture of love, respect, unity, and security. In the spirit that accompanies these efforts, our children become protected from the fiery darts of the adversary so embedded in the worldly culture of our day."

I got up at 3:36 this morning to take a shower. I went back to bed and James and I lay their talking, trying to decide if we were going to our appointments in the valley today. James finally said, "Yes we are. We can do hard things." We left around 5 a.m.

James drives. The hardest part is getting out of the garage because of the snow piled up in our driveway. Away we go! No stopping. We drive directly to James's appointment on Dobson just south of Frye. 

I leave the keys in the car and text him that I am walking north on Dobson Rd. My infusion appointment is at 10:30 and it's around 8:45, on Baseline and Arizona Avenue. I only walk a short ways before he picks me up and drives to the Chandler mall. The only place open is Wildflower Bakery. I ordered some lemon ricotta pancakes and James has some orange juice. I eat two of my pancakes. They are delicious. What is it with me and lemon these days?

Two of my favorites are in the infusion center, Angie who puts in my drip, and Frances who makes the appointments. I got 640 mg of Actemra. My blood pressure was 108/64. I think my walking is helping me to stay a little more healthy although my weight is up about four lbs for last month.

 At 11:30 I am finished. James is outside waiting. I drive this time to QuikTrip to check the air in our tires and to get some gas. 

Our next stop is the Olive Garden on Gilbert and Germann. I have the Ravioli di portabello:

My favorite OG dish right now.

This is what James ordered:

Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken

I liked mine better.

Our waiters name was Jesse. I really liked him so he got a good tip.  

We were going to go to Darrel and Trina's just to say hi but Trina was taking the younger girls to Sodalicious and the older two were gone somewhere else. Rowan was with the Trezise's bowling.
 We said goodbye and that we would be back Monday and Tuesday, and headed home.

 Evan, Joshua, Rowan, and Max

 The winners!

Alex and Ian

I drove until we got to the Circle K in Superior. When we got out to trade places I realized what a beautiful, sunny day it is. 

Our ride was pretty uneventful until we got to the Safeway in Show Low where James stopped to get me some Dr. Pepper 10. As he was carrying it to the car he realized that it weighed more than the 5 lbs that he is supposed to be lifting. Sorry honey.

As we got to our hill in Vernon we made a running start and kept it going until we rounded the road into our driveway and garage. We almost got stuck in the driveway!

I walked and worked on my computer this evening doing my blog. I am a little sad because I have watched all the Christmas movies I had recorded, all 126 of them.

 I love Sister Hinckley!

 The Wanlass Family

Posting ideas for Valentine cards

 I took a picture of this when I was at the 

Chandler mall this morning.

My favorite temple, I couldn't resist posting

 In Arkansas at Kacey's mom's

70th birthday. Charlie loves her

brother Tanner.

Monday, June 19th 2017

Rome, Italy

Estimated completion date:

Mid 2018

John 17:19 

Atonement

3Nephi 13

Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord's Prayer; They are to lay up treasures in heaven; The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things.

Alma 19:1-11

King Lamoni and many of his people repent and are baptized.

*Ammon's missionary efforts caused a ripple effect: Ammon, King Lamoni, the queen, Lamoni's servants, Abish, and many other Lamanites.

*What can we learn about the queen in Alma 19:7-11?

DC 88:99-110

95-102, Angelic trumps call forth the dead in their order; 103-16, Angelic trumps proclaim the restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the great God;
What things will be revealed?
* All things will be revealed!
General Conference

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course; to put at defense the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every bond, to stand in the presence of God, to do all things according to His will, according to His command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from the foundation of the world." (Joseph Smith)

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today?

I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety."

James left for the Howard's around 6 a.m. to work. While he was gone I did my gospel study and then started to get ready to go to the valley. I am spending the week at our timeshare in Scottsdale.

Today I am picking up Darrel and Trina's girls to stay with me.

Before I left I made a green chili stew for James.  It is one of his favorite meals and I was going to fix it for him for Father's Day but James told me he would rather I didn't fix it on Sunday.  It was a good idea because he isn't coming down to the valley until Wednesday and now he will have something to eat in my absence.

I was able to say goodbye to James before I left at 1:45.  I stopped in Show Low at the McDonald's for an ice cream cone. I ended up getting a Happy Meal to go along with my cone because they were giving away Beanie Babies with their Happy Meals, or so I thought. Instead of a Beanie Baby I got a Smurf cup that I ended up throwing away.  What a waste and the food wasn't even that good.

I felt like I was falling asleep between Salt River Canyon and Globe so I stopped a few minutes to rest.  I also stopped in Globe to get gas and then at Walmart to get some earrings because I realize I forgot to wear any and if I don't put some in the holes in my ears will grow back together again. I get some earrings and put them in. I also got some cheese sticks and some cherries to eat on the way.  I do better about staying awake when I eat. This is why I should never drive on long trips.

I arrive at Darrel and Trina's around six. Rowan opens the door and gives me a big hug.  Trina is at work and Lola is asleep. Addy and Ruby are ready to go.

These headphones are her favorite birthday gift!

That's what I call a loaded backpack.

I wonder what's in there?

Addy's bag looks a little less full.

Our first stop was the Chandler mall where we had some

dinner and then took Ruby shopping. She must have spent an hour

in this store and came out with one fake pair of glasses!

Addy did a little decorating once we arrived at the timeshare.

Our timeshare is Sheraton Desert Oasis on

1770 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. We were assigned

units 1023 and 1024 this stay. I was happy to get downstairs units!

Someone's sleeping in my bed!

Yikes! An alien in the bathroom!

Bambi's going to do a little reading.

Cream staring at his reflection.

I think Flower wants a drink.

Right by the front door to welcome us as we come in.

Now I know what Ruby had in her backpack!

Addy watched "Beauty and the Beast" while I went in to put Ruby to be.  Michael had slept in the bed she was sleeping in the night before and she wanted to know if there were any bedbugs.  I assured her there weren't but we had to check anyway.  We sang, "I Am a Child of God", "Nephi's Courage," and "You Are My Sunshine." You Are My Sunshine is Ruby's signature song.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Ether 2:1-12

Ether 2:8-11 states what Moroni called "the everlasting decree of God." (v.10) concerning this land of promise.  Stated three or four times, this decree is that "whatsoever nation shall possess this land shall serve God, or they shall be swept off" (v.9).  President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) taught that obedience is essential if the promised land is to keep its promised blessings: "Great are the promises concerning this land of America.  We are told unequivocally that it 'is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.' (Ether 2:12).  This is the crux of the entire matter - obedience to the commandments of God." (In Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 89).  Compare Ether 2:7-12 with Nephi 1:6-10.  List the promises and the warning given to the inhabitants of America.

GC:     The Master Healer by Carole M. Stephens

"Our faith in Jesus Christ enables us to meet any challenge.  We, in fact, often find our faith deepened and our relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son refined in adversity."

For breakfast this morning I had a chocolate Slim Fast shake and a croissant.  Quite good.  James left this morning to go work at the yard.  I left for my infusion a little before ten so I could go through Sonic and get 1/2 off drink.  I got to my infusion early and this time I did not have to wait long.  My friend Francis was home with sick kids but Kahwanda was there.  She drew my blood and started my Actemra.  

I was finished before noon and met James at Discount Tire to get my tires rotated.  I read from "United We Stand."  Of course he brought it with him.  He loves me to read to him!

James wanted chicken wings for lunch.  I had told him they were in the refrigerator.  He couldn't find them.  He made this comment: "They aren't in there.  Cathi can't find them either so maybe she has man's disease too."  When I dropped my car off at Discount I looked in the back and there were the wings, along with a package of uncooked bacon and a box of Toaster Strudels.  Oh dear.  Everything was still good because the weather was so nice and cool.

I am amazed and confused by this picture.

Such talent, but really, how long is it going to last?

This afternoon I went to lunch at Zupas with Sheri, Alex, and Kim.  Kim bought my lunch in honor of the Light the World challenge.  Thanks Kim!

After lunch we went Christmas shopping at the Chandler Mall.  We went to Just Sports so Sheri could get Evan a Kansas City Chief's hat.  I guess that is his favorite football team.  Max loves the Cardinal's, Ben the Vikings, and Alex the Patriot's.

It would have been fun if Trina could have come with us but she and Darrel are taking the kids to see Santa at the North Pole set up in Williams.

Here they are in their motel room.  Rowan is so

excited that he is dancing on the bed.

I ended up getting a Harry Potter chess set for Rowan, Star Wars bionicles for Evan and Joshua and a monkey for Lola.  It is the monkey from Claire's that she loved the night Ruby and I got our ears pierced.  

James and Cocoa.

After hitting Claire's, Barnes and Noble, and a short trip to the Disney store, we were busy for the day.  I went home and took a nap with James.  

While Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura were delivering cookies around the neighborhood James and I were going to fix dinner for them.  Laura came in and mentioned she thought she saw my car at Sheri's and we suddenly realized that we had never picked up our car from Discount Tire.  It was after five when we left to pick it up and they close at six.  

We grilled steaks left from last night and I heated up mashed potatoes and green beans.  We also still had some rolls and croissants and cranberry celebration and some cheesecake for dessert.  The six of us enjoyed our dinner and visit.  Laura told us about Thanksgiving at Kevin's and how the neighbors love Kevin!

Cathi loved the green beans I made and said they were the best she had ever tasted.  I enjoyed my steak tonight more than I did the one I had last night.  It was a fun evening.  The guys did the dishes.

This is Braylin from my Primary class.

He stopped coming a couple of months ago and

I really miss him.  He is handicapped, but a voracious

reader.  I pray everyday he will come back to Primary.

August 1, 2013

Today is September 20, 2013 and I am just now doing this post,  I can't believe I am this far behind.  Thank goodness I take good notes.  My goal is to be all caught up before we go to Disneyland in November.

This morning I was able to get up and read my scriptures before we left for the valley at 7:ll.  We stopped at McDonald's in Show Low for breakfast but we didn't have time to go through the carwash.  We also made a pitstop at the McDonald's in Payson for me.  We made it to James's doctors appointment three minutes late but no one noticed.  The PA, Brittany, apologizes because they were running late.  We told it there was no problem!  She took James's stitches out and she told us there would be no more need for anymore blood thinner shots.  Yah hoo!  She gave James a band for exercising, and a prescription for physical therapy and a new hydrocodone prescription.  His next appointment is August 29th.

We went to Live Garden on Chandler Blvd. for lunch.  Sheri wanted to join us but she had to take Alex to get his cast off.  My lunch looked like this:

Chicken scampi is delicious!

James had his favorite dish, chicken stuffed marsala.  I am sorry I didn't get a picture.  It's funny to have good pictures on the same post as James's injured leg!

After lunch I took James to Zaki's to check the guys who were laying block and then to the house.  He was supposed to meet with the realtor, but he never showed.  In the meantime I went to the mall to get Molly a different Tinkerball doll.  Now instead of two "Barbie" style Tinkerbell's, one is a larg stuffed one.  I also got two books for Kaeli's baby at Barnes & Noble.  The first is "Time for Bed", Sheri's kids favorite bedtime story when they were litt, and a "Toot & Puddle" book.  I love the illustrations for Toot & PUddle, who are two little pigs.  This particular one is called, "Charming Opal."  My next stop was the Lego Store for Rowan's Ninjago.  He wanted something with the gold Ninjago.  I got him a set with a cool gold dragon.

Rowan's Birthday Gift

When I got back to the house, James was ready to go home.  We said our goodbyes to Dallin, Josh, and Jared,  I never even saw Stacy.

When we got to Show Low we stopped at CVS to fill James's hydrocodone prescription.  They said it would take about thirty minutes so I decided to drive up to the Show Low cemetery where I took these pictures.

 My Grandma & Grandpa Maxwell

My Dad needs a headstone!

Arrived home in time to see a beautiful sunset!

Monday, June 24, 2013

I made an early morning run to Fry's this morning for donuts, milk, and orange juice.  When I got back the girls were anxious to go swimming with Kaeli.  Shelly was excited to try out her snorkeling equipment in the pool.  I took this picture by the pool:

 

 

Feeling the baby bump.

 

Wow I forgot how much primping teenage girls do.  It took almost two hours for them to get ready to go to lunch.  James let us use the Chili's gift cards he got for father's day for lunch.  He had $80 worth and we used every bit of them and then some.  I had to borrow $5 from Shelly for the tip.  We had a great time at lunch.

 

Kilee and her rootbeer.

Trenda and her "root"beer.

Trenda, LeeAnn, Kilee

LeeAnn is saying down with the beer!

 

When we were finished at Chili's we headed for the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.  We practically had the entire place to ourselves.  Here are some of the things we saw and did: Shelly loved the miniature, interactive display of the city of Jerusalem.  We watched a movie about the Savior and some of the miracles he performed.  We watched a presentation about the family that was very touching.  We played with the Mormon Moments display and we sat and enjoyed the Christus.  I think the girls had a good time. 

 

Our next stop was at Sweetie's in Chandler.  Sweetie's is the largest candy store in Arizona. 

 





Shelly at Sweeties.

Shelly is a Sweetie!

 

Shelly can make any place fun and Sweetie's was no different.  She loved the gummy fried eggs and gummy army guys just to name a few.  The other girls joined us and we had a great time shopping here but soon it was time to get on to bigger and better things... the Chandler Mall.

 

 

When we got to the mall we told all the girls to stick together because Trenda was the only one with a phone.  While they went shopping Kaeli and I went to McDonald's, Build-a-Bear and Barnes and Nobles.  We met up with the girls outside of Barnes and Nobles and I took these pictures:

 

LeeAnn, Shelly, Trenda, Kilee, the

happy shoppers.

Sis. Nicoll in the middle with her Build-a-Bear box.

 

 

We stopped at Wetzel Pretzel on our way out of the mall for a snack.  Trenda, Kilee, LeeAnn and I headed back to the resort while Shelly went with Sister Nicoll across the street to Target to register for Sister Nicoll's baby shower.  She is having a girl and they are naming her Natalie Joe.  (She dressed her Build-a-Bear like a cowgirl).

 

When we got back to the resort Kilee realized the pair of shoes she bought only had one shoe in the box,  We took a picture of the shoe, shoebox, and receipt and sent it to Sis. Nicoll.  She and Shelly went to the mall and retrieved the other shoe.  Thanks girls!

 

Kilee, LeeAnn, Trenda and I play a game of Five Crowns.  It was the first time Trenda ever played and she won!

 

No passing cards under the table with your

toes Trenda.

Beginner's luck.

 

It was after 10:30 when Sis Nicoll and Shelly got back.  Since the pool is open until midnight the girls wanted to go swimming.  Thank goodness Kaeli wanted to go too.  I was so tired that I went to bed.