Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 49:26

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the might One of Jacob.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

"Come Follow Me"

Introduction and Title of the Book of Mormon

Oct General Conference

Closing Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, for just a moment, I would like to speak to our youth. We encourage you to qualify for limited use temple recommends. You will be asked only those questions applicable to you in your preparation for the ordinances of proxy baptism and confirmation. We are very grateful for your worthiness and willingness to participate in that sacred temple work. We thank you!"

Today is Kim's 46th birthday. Usually she is up here celebrating, but because the 31st is in the middle of the week, Brian has to work on the day after New Year which would cut their time short. We know she had a great birthday because Brian got tickets for them to go see Brian Regan.

Ben was made an A.P. this transfer. It is a little bittersweet for him because he will not be able to proselyte nearly as much as he is now. While Sheri was talking on the telephone to him, Ziggie had a "serious accident" on the rug by the door going outside. When I told Sheri she immediately cleaned it up even though she was still on the phone with Ben. Elder Brown, one of Ben's companions recently, and a thorn in his side because of his lack of desire to do the work, is going home because his time is up. Elder Clark who spent hours in the bathroom, and refused to go out unless he was forced to,  was sent home. How sad that missionaries come out and are not really interested in sharing the gospel with others.

Shayna and Alex went home this morning. They also have tickets to go see Brian Regan. 

Sheri took the picture for me. I was in the

kitchen making lasagna soup.

It's a little blurry I noticed. Shayna is such a tiny thing.

She weighs less than 90 lbs.

James and I had chicken tacos for lunch. I made lasagna soup and Sheri made rolls and a ham and chocolate chip cookies. Michael made another cobbler. This one was cherry and we had Bluebell Homemade vanilla ice cream to go with it. What is it about the holidays that makes everyone want to eat?

James and I made a trip to Dollar General. I gave Rowan a Hershey bar and a Mug rootbeer. Sheri brought plenty of snacks for her boys and Michael was taking care of Joshua. I thought Rowan might need a little TLC.

I did a little work today. I made our first mortgage payment and did all of my ministering interviews except for one.  I also got all of my steps and spent some of the Relief Society money we had left in our account. It won't roll over to the new year. I bought items from Walmart online and paid with my credit card. Hopefully I will get a receipt dated December 31st.

Today the kids got in to "The Twilight Zone." They taped episodes and watched it most of the day while Sheri and I were in the bedroom watching Hallmark movies. We should have invited Alexis in to watch with us. She said it would have been much better than "The Twilight Zone."

Michael and Alexis went to eat at Licano's again and to look for fireworks. They didn't find any fireworks to speak of. Michael brought tacos back for Joshua. Michael loves Licano's carne asada burros.

Christmas movies we watched: 

"The Christmas Jars" 

Kim asks me every time we talk if I watched it yet. It was really good and of course was about doing service.

"Two Turtle Doves"

"A Merry Liddle Christmas"

Happy New Year!

 Last year's visit

Monday, December 30th, 2019

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

"Come Follow Me"

Title Page of the Book of Mormon

Oct General Conference

"Fruit"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In our world today, the adversary's construction crews are working overtime, hastily inflating the large and spacious building. The expansion has spread across the river, hoping to envelop our homes, while the pointers and the scoffers wail day and night on their internet megaphones. President Nelson explained, 'The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord.' Let us remember Lehi's words: 'We heeded them not.'"

Sheri ran in 15 degree weather this morning. She is a real trooper. James and I went to help take down Christmas decorations at the church along with Chuck and Kathy Crane. Soon others came to help, Stefani, Alicia, and Holly Hunsaker, and Michelle Tesarek and a friend. We were through within the hour. James helped Chuck carry the boxes out to the shed where they are stored until next Christmas.

When we returned to the house I helped Sheri fix breakfast. We have eggs, bacon, and biscuits. 

After breakfast Sheri and I went into town. We stopped at Maverick for gas and Sheri also got a drink. It was difficult, but I told her no, I didn't want one. I did buy a Mug rootbeer later at Walmart. 

While at Walmart I wanted to buy a Red Baron pepperoni pizza for the boys but they were all out. Instead I got Tombstone pizza. When we got home I told Max and he said, "If it's Tombstone I don't want any." Oh well, I tried.

Sheri and I watched "Mistletoe and Menorahs." She liked it almost as much as I did. Ziggie is a big distraction for Sheri. She is constantly worried that she is going to have an "accident." I think she has had a couple but we won't tell James.

After my nap I worked on running off  the Redheaded Hostess Book of Mormon lesson for this week. I am so glad I subscribed because she offers so much material for all ages. I also have the study book which is pretty amazing.

Michael and Alexis went for a run. I think they are struggling because of the high altitude.

Michael made a peach/blueberry cobbler this evening. Sheri and I ate ours while watching, "Christmas in Angel Falls."

I got my 10,000 steps but I am getting further behind on my blog. 

We wanted to take the boys to the pit this afternoon to go sledding but no one wanted to go except Rowan and he didn't want to go by himself. He has not been sledding since he got here.

Everyone stayed home and played video games, Trivial Pursuit, Settlers of Catan, and light sabers.

Sheri made chicken tacos for dinner. They were delicious. 

Joshua, Michael, Alexis, Alex, and Shayna went to Licano's for lunch and brought food back for Ian. James, Sheri, and I ate the tacos. I think Max and Evan had ham sandwiches.

About seven years ago

 Settlers

 Trivial Pursuit

 Five Crowns

Sheri's post

 Ziggie and Shayna

 I wonder if Evan is wounded

Friday, December 29th, 2017

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 October 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 13:28
And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:1-19

*Elder David E. Sorensen of the Presidency of the Seventy explained how a loss of love can happen in our homes: "In much of today's popular culture, the virtues of forgiveness and kindness are belittled, while ridicule, anger, and harsh criticism are encouraged. If we are not careful, we can fall prey to these habits within our own homes and families and soon find ourselves criticizing our spouse, our children, our extended family members. Let us not hurt the ones we love the most by selfish criticism! In our families, small arguments and petty criticisms, if allowed to go unchecked, can poison relationships and escalate into estrangement, even abuse and divorce. Instead, ... we must make full haste to reduce arguments, eliminate ridicule, do away with criticism, and remove resentment and anger. We cannot afford to let such dangerous passions ruminate, not even one day."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:24

And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Ardern

"Zeezrom's actions and words were 'a snare of the adversary, which he...laid to catch the people, that he might bring them into subjection unto him, that he might encircle them about with his chains' (Alma 12:6). Those same snares exist today, and unless we are spiritually vigilant and build a sure foundation on our Redeemer, we may find ourselves bound with Satan's chains and being led carefully down the forbidden paths spoken of in the Book of Mormon."

Sheri went out for a run this morning and it is obvious that Ollie misses her. We had cinnamon rolls and pumpkin bread for breakfast.

Sheri, Alex, Shayna and I went to the Walmart in Taylor this morning. Sheri always likes to go there because it is less crowded than the one in Show Low.  Afterwards we went to El Cupido so I could get a Big Jake burrito. While there we saw Ruth Gale, Shelly, Valeen and Valeen's husband and son. It was fun to visit with them. I had just mentioned to Sheri how I see Ruth quite often.

While we were gone shopping James paid a visit to Dr. Moffat who referred him to four specialists. It's obvious Dr. Moffat doesn't think he can help him anymore so he's turning James over to someone else.

Sheri and I played Five Crowns with Ben. It seems like every time we play with him he wins. That was true again today.

Alex and Shayna went on a Razr ride up to Green's Peak. They were gone three or four hours. Shayna has never been before. They came back looking like this:

I need to have a wall of shame for everyone

who comes back looking like this.

It was 64 degrees today. After the sun goes down it cools off. We built a fire in the firepit and roasted marshmallows and made Smores. Ian cooked us hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner. 

Michael, Alexis, Conner and Joshua arrived this afternoon. 

The Trezise family likes to watch Family Feud so it was on in the background most of the day. The boys also spent time upstairs playing video games.  

James and I watched the season 4 finale of Heartland. Lou had her baby and Tim finds out he has a son. The finales are always quite dramatic.

Sheri and her baby.

Fun around the firepit.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Our bedroom at the villa.

The bed and pillows are very comfortable!

The bath is a whirlpool.

 

Alma 12:28-13:9

29 - He sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of His glory.

30 - . . . God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption . . . and this He made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.

31-32 - He gave commandments unto men, after having made nown the plan of redemption.

33 - . . . If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through min Only Begotten Son;

34 - . . . unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.

Alma 13

1-9 - Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works.

 

James left early for work.  I got up and did some gospel study.  

When the boys got up they played Tenzi while they ate their breakfast.  

After breakfast they wanted to go to swim around 9:30.  They like to be there at 10 when they turn the waterfall on.  

They swam for a couple of hours and probably would have swam longer but Max chipped his tooth and skinned his face at the bottom of the pool, so we went back to the room, but not before getting snow cones for Max, Evan, and I.  Joshua did not want one.

Evan ordered sour apple, hence the face.

At first I thought he had a brain freeze.

A picture of Max with his wounds.  I guess he didn't want to

show his chipped tooth.

I fixed the boys each their own Totino's pizza for lunch.  Joshua's got a little burnt on the bottom so I went down and got him a hamburger with fries and Evan a cheeseburger and fries at the grill.  I can't believe that Evan at the pizza and the cheeseburger and fries.  That boy has an appetite!

James came home for a quick lunch and then left again to go back to work. 

 

We just hung out in the suite until Sheri got here with Rowan, Ben, and Brian Ross.  Now it was swim time again.

I am not sure why the hot pool is such an attraction

when it's over 100 degrees outside.

 Joshua swam better this year than he ever has!

 

When the boys were finished swimming we had Ben be in charge while Sheri and I went to Sprouts on north Scottsdale Road to get these goodies.

 Lemon cream almonds.

Absolutely delicious.

This could be a binge food for me.  I am glad they don't have 

a Spouts in Show Low.

After our trip to Sprouts we came back to the resort and took orders for dinner.  We went to Taco Bell and In'n'Out Burger.  Sheri left with Brian after getting dinner for the boys.

 

I went to Firehouse Subs to get dinner for James, Michael, and myself.  Michael here tonight because he is going to work with James in the morning.

 

The big boys took the little boys swimming.  When the little boys came back: Evan, Rowan, Max, and Joshua they said: "Ben and Michael were throwing us around."  They got ready for bed and watched Animal Planet because there wasn't anything else on that they wanted to watch.

Four boys in a bed.

 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!

It was pretty quiet around here this morning when I got up.  I finished reading the General Conference talks for the third time and I finished reading the December Ensign and New Era.  

May I share with you some of the meals that were served while we had company:  Brian did much of the cooking: Homemade macaroni and cheese, sausage gravy and biscuits, chicken fettucini alfredo, breakfast casserole, chili dogs, appetizers galore.  Darrel made tacos and some of the best steaks I have ever tasted. 

 

Darrel and Addy played Five Crowns and Darrel won.  Then Addy played Kim and I and she beat us both.

The older boys watched episodes of The Office and played Rockband.

Michael loves playing the drums.

Rockin in the New Year with Rockband.

Alex, Joe, and Michael were trying to think of a name for their band.  I told them that I liked A King and Two Jokers.  Who will be the King?

 

Darrel and his kids were the first to leave.  I was sorry to see them go.  Darrel says he won't be able to come back for another five months because of rotations and work.

Rowan and his great smile!

While Darrel was here he read from his Jim Gaffigan book: "Dad is Fat."  One in awhile we would here him chuckling and then he would share what he just read with us.  Darrel helped Rowan put this together at one point when Rowan was bored.

I can't find the Mario that goes to this.

As Addy is getting ready to leave she tells me that she wants to read her scriptures more this year.  I told her if she just reads a page and a half of the Book of Mormon each day that she can read it in a year.  I am so excited that she has set this goal for herself.  Darrel and I also tried to encourage Rowan to read the Book of Mormon before he is baptized.  He will be 8 in August.

Before Kim and Brian leave Kim plays a couple of games of Hearts with the boys.  

A rousing round of Hearts.

After everyone leaves it seems so quiet.  James and I are home alone again.  We watched two Christmas movies: "Naughty and Nice" and "Fallen Angel."  James really liked Fallen Angel.  We also started reading the Book of Mormon again.  We are reading a chapter a day and discussing what principals we learn.  I really enjoyed the discussion we had today.

 Facebook finds:

Christy and Sheri took their kids on

a hike.

The Snowflake Temple

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy 40th Birthday to Kim!

Playing Rockband with the guys.

Brian fixed breakfast casserole for Kim's birthday breakfast.  Instead of using ham he used sausage and bacon and green chilies.  It was very yummy!  He showered Kim with gifts and in my estimation is a very thoughtful husband.  We gave her a giftcard to Cheesecake Factory.

James took Darrel's kids back to Chocolate Lake.  This time he takes the Razr, pulling a sled behind, onto the lake.  

Ruby getting ready to go.

Rowan, ready for some action.

Razr on ice.

Addy going for a ride.

Can I just say how grateful I am to James for taking these kids out and showing them a good time.  He also took the older boys up to Negro Knoll and they saw 60 elk and then he took them riding down the pit in the snow.  He has spent so much time with grandkids this week and I am so grateful to him!

 

While James was gone with the kids I worked on my blog and caught up on some of my 2013 reading.  I finsihed Our Heritage, the Lorenzo Snow manual, and the Book of Mormon for the 8th time this year.

For most of the day we just hung out with family and relaxed.

Doing puzzles.

Watching a movie.

Addy and Rowan wanted to watch Iron Giant but Ruby wanted to watch Despicable Me2 again.  Addy and Rowan won so Ruby carried her movie upstairs, climbed up on her bed and went to sleep with her arm around it.  She missed all of the New Year's celebrations but at least she got a good night's sleep.

This evening around 6 pm. James and I went to a potluck New Year's Eve party at Collin and Wendy Dewitt's.  I took sausage stuffed mushrooms and some cheese bread.  The mushrooms were a hit, especially with Jimmie Applegate who asked for the recipe.  After a delicious potluck dinner everyone was directed to write the name of a famous person on a slip of paper and Wendy put them all in a bowl.  It was men against the women and we took turns drawing names and giving hints as to who we were.  The best was Mel Wilhelm who put James's name in the pot.  He acted like he was using a walker and said:  This guy hangs around Vernon and is on the high council.  

Those attending the party: Us, the Dewitts, Mel and Ruth Wilhelm, Bishop and Denice Hall, Dave and Rosa Westbrook, Jimmie and Tamara Allegate, Blain and Diana Curtis, Brother and Sister Mayfield, Sean and Stefani Hunsaker, and Kip and Alicia Hunsaker, April Allen, Audrey Guerrero, Julie Wilhelm, the Vaughts, the Woods', the Peeler's, and Elder Boyer and Elder Westover.  It was a fun evening but we left early to get back to celebrating with Kim.

Wendy Dewitt sitting by her gorgeous

Christmas tree.

Back at home we played Five Crowns, ate cake and ice cream, and watched Darrel's fireworks show.

Happy New Year!

Facebook finds:

Samuel Jack Lambson

7lbs 2oz

19 inches long

Parents: Tim & Becca Lambson

Tim is James's brother

Gail's son.