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

Wednesday, July 17th, 2019

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:1-16

New Testament "The Word of God Grew and Multiplied"

Acts 13

General Conference

Where Will This Lead?

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Where will this lead?" is also important in choosing how we label or think of ourselves. Most important, each of us is a child of God with a potential destiny of eternal life. Every other label, even including occupation, race, physical characteristics, or honors, is temporary or trivial in eternal terms. Don't choose to label yourselves or think of yourselves in terms that put a limit on a goal for which you might strive."

Sold a book this morning.

James left early this morning to pick up his friend Anthony. A while back Anthony bought a cat that he thought was a girl and he named her Clare. Well, it turns out that Clare is a boy and has been renamed Clarence. Clarence had an appointment to be "fixed" at the vets today at 7 a.m. Anthony needed a ride so James took him. I guess Clarence was quite vocal about not wanting to be at the vets. He only knows Anthony and his personality is more like a dog than a cat. For example, at home while Anthony is on the computer Clarence will bring a ball in his mouth and sit on the computer and look at Anthony. Anthony throws the ball and Clarence retrieves it.

I picked up my friend Catherine this morning and took her to the Compass Medical Center in Snowflake. Catherine is 85 years old and has diabetes. She has experienced severe neuropathy in her feet and was told if she didn't do something she may face amputations. 

She began doing treatments on her feet about 3-4 months ago. Today was her checkup to see how the treatments had been working. I guess the results were amazing! The doctor said he had never seen anyone make so much improvement. Before she had very little feeling in her feet and now she said when the doctor touched her feet it really tickled. They asked her to write a testimonial and when she came up front to check out a big cheer went up. 

While Catherine was at her appointment I went shopping at Walmart for the dinner I am fixing for the Nicoll family on Thursday. I finished just a few minutes before Catherine. 

Catherine bought me lunch at Sonic. We both had the hotdog, Catherine had tater tots with hers and I had french fries with mine, and a diet cherry limeade. 

They are painting the lines on the highway and we were slowed down for a bit. I really do enjoy visiting with Catherine, she has a lot of personality and is quite talented as a seamstress and she loves to cook. She said she has a list that says, "I'm dead, now what?" She is going to add me on that list to inherit her recipes.

I forgot to mention some news that happened yesterday. Sheri texted me and said that she was just promoted to office manager. I guess Chris, the current office manager, took a job with Shamir to be a lens rep. He and Sheri are good friends and I am sure that he recommended Sheri for office manager. I told Sheri that now she knew how Ben feels and that the advice she gave him regarding getting help from the Lord, also applied to her. She said she never thought of that but it was true. I am very proud of Sheri and know she will do a great job.

This afternoon I took a break from books and fixed dinner. I tried out the goulash recipe I am going to fix for the Nicoll's tomorrow night. James loved it and so did I. I also made green beans and they fit right in with the goulash. The recipe calls for Rotel which is a little spicy. Tomorrow I am going to use diced tomatoes instead and add some Prego sauce. 

I alternated walking with working on books and ended up walking 15,000 steps. I also read several chapters from our book, "Love Unscripted," to James and watched Christmas movies. 

"Mingle All the Way"

"A Gift to Remember"

"The Perfect Christmas Gift"

James has finished taking his prednisone and now he is miserable again. The doctor who did his swallow test said he needed to go in and get a kenolog shot and I have been trying to convince him to do that.

 Michael is unique

 Next best step to being there is these daily photos

 This girl loves berries!