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

Saturday, April 12, 2014

"Christ loves us more 

than Satan wants us."

At 7am I went upstairs to start the scalloped potatoes for today's potluck dinner.  I also worked on filling the eggs with candy and money for the Easter egg hunt.  At 9am I stopped and took Evan to his flag football game.  Joshua didn't go because he lost his mouth piece and Rowan missed because of his ward's fathers and sons outing.  I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of Evan.  At one point during the game when he was out on the sideline he came running over to me and asked: "Are you watching me?"  So sweet, I  was glad I was there.  

On the way home from the game Evan and I stopped at CVS to get some candy and a treat because Evan didn't get one after his game.  He picked out a Dr.Pepper and twinkies and cupcakes.  The twinkies were for Max. 

Back at home it was time to get ready for the Boles' sealing.  Sheri picked us up at 11:50.  The sealing is at 12:45 but we were asked to be there at 12:15.  We gathered in a huge room on the third floor of the temple.  It was amazing and wonderful to be with so many former friends and members of the Del Rio 2nd ward.  Here is a list of those attending: Chris and Melissa Brogan, Bishop and Tammy Wilson, Jared and Diana Dowdle, Eric and Christy Wanlass, Dixie and Jeff Chubbs, Dave and Bunny Miner, Karen Schneider, Karin Gonda, Kyle and Nicole Tolman, Wes and Jill Lueck, Dave and Laura Lambson, Hilary Jiminez, Sheri, Adrienne Ellsworth, Curtis and Hilary Whalen, Jen Coffey, Chris and Val McCray, Robyn Rogers, Mike and Jen Baxter, Kerry and Robin Finlinson, Cory and Lynette Braddock, Jannie St. Onge Butler, and Drea's sister, Annie Critchfield, and of course, Drea and Jason.  It was such a wonderful blessing to see baby Benjamin sealed to this couple who have tried for ten years to have a baby.  It is a tender mercy and a miracle.  I am so glad we got to be there.

Also there: Bishop and Cindy Lewis, and the Price's. James served with Brother Price on the high council. Bishop Lewis is the bishop for the Boles' now. He's also Sheri and Stacy's bishop.

Jason, Drea's friend Chelsi

holding Benjamin, and

Drea.

As we came out of the elevator after the sealing I saw Brother Oakley, a missionary who serves in our ward in Vernon.  He was there for a sealing.  It was fun to see him.  

Back at home from 2-4pm it was a mad dash to get ready for the potluck/egg hunt.  Ben came down and helped James hide the eggs.  Since he wouldn't get to look for eggs now, I had Ian hide him an egg with $10.  

Ben with his $10 egg.

Max and Addy each found one of the $5 eggs.

Oops, that's not Addy's egg.

After the egg hunt the kids got to each chose a Disney baby

thanks to my friend Karen Schneider who gave me her collection.

Huey, Dewey, and Louie

Such a cutie!  Addy misses her

cousins Anna and Emmy.

Ruby needs some sunglasses.
Kimmy sent me these pictures that she took:

 Ready for the hunt.

Joshua's stash.

Love that intense smile.

Sweet Addy.

Max and his find.

Ruby stopping for a bite to eat.

Kimmy got a picture of Adam!

After the fun and games we settle down to eat.  Here was what was on the menu: Baked ham, Easter Calico beans, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole,chips,  Sheri's homemade rolls, and poke cake, lemon bites, and mini cupcakes, and of course candy and ice water.

 Delish!

We were sorry Stacy and Paul couldn't be here with us.  They were gone to see Michael run in the Sun Angel Classic where he beat his own record in the 800.  He got under a minute.  Alex and Joe were on a choir trip in California and were at Disneyland today.  Alex was very sick and they were concerned because he took them a long time to get his 102 temperature down.  Trina had to work, and of course, we always miss Jared's family.  It was nice to have Adam with us although I didn't actually get a picture of him.

Adam and Skittles

After everyone else was gone Sheri stayed and helped me clean up.  James helped too but then he left for home around 6:30.  Sheri loaded up my car and didn't leave until everything was done.  I so much appreciated her thoughtful help.  It meant so much to me.  I left for home around 7:15.  James told me to set my speedomoter so we could compare how long it was the Payson way and how long the Globe way.  His speedomoter registered 180 miles and mine registered 197.  Next time I'm in a hurry I guess I will have to go the Globe way.  

I got home around 10:30.  James was already in bed because he has a high council meeting in Show Low at 6am tomorrow morning.  I spent an hour unloading my car and then went to bed around midnight.

Next year's Easter idea:

  A shepherd in Scotland does this to his
sheep at Easter time for people
driving past his farm.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

I got a call this morning from my visiting teachers at 9:05 right after I got out of the shower this morning.  They wanted to come by for a visit at 9:30.  My visiting teachers are Alicia Hunsaker and Linda Price.  I love both of them.  Sheri, Adrienne, and Christy were working out upstairs to Jillian Michael during our visit.  Afterwards while the other girls went to take a shower I introduced Linda and Alicia to Christy and Robyn.
Most of the day we watched Downton Abbey, ate, and took catnaps.  Adrienne's carmel corn was a BIG hit.  This bowl was totally empty by the time the morning was over.

At least she didn't drool!

 James had a doctor's appointment in Show Low today.  He brought home some Pappa John's pizza, a BBQ chicken and a supreme.  It was delicious.  After lunch we had to finish  Downton Abbey season two.  James took Adrienne and Christy on a Ranger ride down Christmas Tree Trail.  I took Robyn and Drea yesterday but we didn't have enough gas to go very far.  It was sad when everyone left.

Goodbye to the Del Rio 2nd Besties, until next time!