Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020

Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

Isaiah 5:16

But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31:13-21

I love Sister Dalton!

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 31

The Shattered Threads of Life

October 2019 GenCon

Be Faithful, Not Faithless

Stephen W. Owen

"Brothers and sisters, I testify that Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church. He is inspiring our leaders and guiding us to the spiritual nourishment we need to survive and thrive in the latter days. That spiritual nourishment will help us be faithful and not faithless. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We left the house around 7 o'clock this morning and drove to the Walmart on Baseline and Signal Butte. James bought a pair of shoes. I got caught up in buying a basket and gifts for Sandra Wilhelm. Yesterday was her birthday. I want to get her something nice because she is such an amazing person. She is raising 10 children in a teeny tiny house. I almost made us late for our session at the temple. Also, I told James to turn the wrong way getting off the freeway and that cost us an extra five minutes. 

When we arrived at the temple it was a little past 8. The session starts at 8:30. I am sure Sheri is already here. The first thing I did was go to the records office and ask them to print off a family name for me. We were able to do this because I have the family tree app on my phone. We could have done this for James too but instead he just used a temple name.

We dressed and went upstairs to the chapel. We were the last two they let in. As the company got up to walk to the FaceTime room Sheri turned around and when she saw us she had the biggest smile on her face. That smile was worth any effort we had to make to be here.

Sheri saved me a place by her. I love going to the temple with family members. Kim couldn't make it this morning. She goes to work at 10. 

There were 112 brothers and sisters in our session. That's over twice as many as we can handle in a session in Snowflake. 

The session went smoothly and efficiently. Each row has 8 seats and the two sisters each took a side of the room and did four sisters in each row.

There are 12 veils in the Gilbert temple, twice as many as we have in Snowflake. They moved us through quickly and effectively. Sheri and I visited in the Celestial room for a few minutes. She told me a story Ben told her about a girl named Lucy on his mission. The family name I went through for was Lucy Skinner. I wanted Sheri to wait for James but she said she had to get to work so we said our goodbyes. James wasn't too upset that she left without saying goodbye to him. I think he understands the demands of work.

After the session James took me to the Hobby Lobby on Gilbert Rd. I wanted to get some decorations for St. Patrick's day. Yesterday Lola had a leprechaun trap she had made. It was a shoebox decorated with a Skittles rainbow and several Rollos stacked up to look like a pile of gold. She was taking it to school for an activity.

After I finished shopping at Hobby Lobby, we drove across the street and down half a block to Olive Garden. We were the first one in the door at 11.  James ordered zoodles primavera which consists of zucchini noodles and other vegetables with grilled chicken. So healthy. I ordered chicken scampi with sauce, onions, bell peppers and noodles. Not so healthy but very delicious.

We had breadsticks and salad and for dessert we shared a chocolate lasagna brownie. Thank goodness for gift cards or we would never order dessert.

Brownie layered with cream cheese.

It was good but my favorite dessert here is

the strawberry cheesecake.

I left the brownie we didn't eat and my leftover chicken scampi in Darrel and Trina's frig. 

We went back to Darrel's and both took a nap. As I got up from my nap I began looking for the card I bought for Tanner and the one I bought for Sandra. They were in the same Walmart bag. I could not find them. James looked in the car and I looked everywhere inside. Have we done it again? Did I leave the bag in the cart or on the counter at Walmart? 

We got ready to go. No one was there to say goodbye to. Our first stop before leaving town was Walmart.  I wanted to get Tanner and Sandra another card so we could send Tanner's today and deliver Sandra's on our way home.

While I was looking for cards James was at the service counter with my morning receipt. He came over to me and gave me a gift card. He said, not only did you leave the cards but you left some Easter grass and other items totaling around $15. I used the gift card to check out. Sometimes James is on the right track, especially when it comes to matters of money.

We mailed Tanner's card before leaving town and delivered Sandra's basket on the way home. Why didn't I take  picture? The basket was a cute pink basket with a stuffed cow you can play peek-a-boo with. There were two bags of mini Cadberry chocolate eggs, Sandra's favorite. I put in my favorite lotion, Jergen's Original and my favorite bodywash Soft Soap Honeysuckle and Orange. There was a pedicure brush, body scrubbers, purple and yellow and Sister Nelson's book. Sandra was very grateful and so was Lanel, her little two year old girl.

I forgot to mention that we stopped at Burger House on the way home. James got a green chili burro and I got a bean and cheese. Mine was delicious and so was his. 

We FaceTimed in the car with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. We had a REALLY good visit!

When we got home and got everything unloaded and put away, we watched a Hallmark movie starring Jesse Metcalf. It's the Martha's Vineyard Mystery Series, episode two.

I did not get my steps on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday. I have some catching up to do this week.

Trenda's birthday is March 1st and her mom's is

March 2nd.

 Trina with Tristan and Tristan's 3 kids

James says even though she is blonde, she

is a black bear. This picture was taken in

British Colombia.

  

Friday, February 1st, 2019

Tuxtla, Gutuirrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Matthew 14:33

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 21:1-21

When have you had the chance to be an everyday missionary?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Jesus Christ was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness"

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

I got up at five o'clock this morning excited to write down some goals for our book business. I am determined that we are going to make it work!

I had my personal prayers and studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson segment on the baptism of Jesus. 

I had a shake and a cinnamon roll for breakfast and before we left for the valley James gave me a diet Dr. Pepper. We left at 6:45 after having our family prayer. 

There was some rain in Globe. We arrived at the Arizona Arithritis and Rheumatology Associates at 10 and my appointment is at 10:30. I had to wait a little while before Frances called me back. 

It's Frances and Angie today like it has been the last several times I have been there. 

Angie had a hard time finding the vein in my left arm this time. When she did she took four viles of blood before putting in the Actemra infusion. 

The infusion takes about an hour. When the timer went off and Angie came over to take out the tube she said, "Oh, you have a tire." I looked at my arm and it was swollen around the infusion site. She told me to keep the tape on until about 2 or 3 this afternoon. She also said that next time we are going to have to choose another vein. 

James was outside walking when I was finished. We got in the car and he took me directly to Dr. Shah's on Ray between Dobson and Price. The doctor looked at my implant and said the tissue looked pink and healthy and that he would see me back at my next appointment around the first of May. He also told me to keep the incision site clean by using the mouth rinse 2x a week. When he left the nurse told me not to use it everyday. It is great at killing bacteria but it also turns your teeth brown. Well I certainly don't need my teeth to be brown!

James went to Kim and Brian's before they left for the Guster concert in California. They had a birthday card for him and a $40 Amazon card. Thanks Kim and Brian. Be safe on your trip.

I texted Stacy to see if we could come by and drop off Joshua's charger that he left at the cabin. She said she was upstairs and in a lot of pain. I told her we would just drop it off and that I was sorry she was in so much pain.

Our next stop was Hobby Lobby to look for stuff for Valentine cards. James loves this store too. While I was looking at the card stuff he found a quilling kit he bought for me. Quilling is the art of taking ribbon and wrapping it tight around a quilling pen to make designs. The set he got came with directions on how to make quilling flowers.

On to Joe's BBQ in Gilbert for lunch. James has been wanting to use the gift card he got for his birthday and today is the day. 

I ordered sliced brisket because I remember how moist and delicious the sliced brisket was that Brian got for me at Dickie's. I also ordered coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. 

James ordered chopped brisket, scalloped potatoes and beans. His lunch, every dish, was better than mine. The sliced brisket was dry and tough, the coleslaw had to much mayo, and the macaroni and cheese was just average. 

The chopped brisket was moist, and the beans and potatoes were delicious. James had to finish my brisket for me.

We stopped at a Shell station with a McDonald's in Apache Junction. While I used the restroom James bought us ice cream. A cone for me and a cup for him. His cost 3x more than mine and that upset him.

We made it home with no incidents. I slept part of the way and read to James part of the way. It's always good to be home.

I had quite a bit of walking to do this evening since I was in the car or a doctor's office most of the day.

Way to go Alice!

Ideas for Valentines for Darrel's kids

 I told Darrel and he said he would never have to do this.

 So cute!

Best friends...Happy Birthday Drea and Adrienne

Such a sweetie!

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan

11 June 2000

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

*Just like the Nephites we are continually marching to battle. How do you remain humble and refrain from pride?

- By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 15-17

General Conference

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"It is my prayer that we follow Him, that we believe Him, that we love Him, and that we feel the love demonstrated by His sacrifice every time we have the opportunity to live one more day."

What a day! As James and I were leaving Darrel and Trina's we did something to trigger the alarm and it started blaring both outside and inside. Everyone else was already gone. I called Trina to ask her what the code was but she didn't know. She had to call her cousin the landlord. She left the gym early to come home. Her cousin had already turned it off and gave her the code in case it happens again. I'm glad she ran six miles this morning because she didn't get to workout at the gym. 

James and I just left the alarm blaring because we were running a little late for grandparents day at Joshua's school. We made it just in time.

Joshua is in the sixth grad and I wasn't sure he would

want his grandparents to come, but he was

happy to see us!

Joshua and some of his friends asked us questions. I am glad we went. It was fun. Joshua went home and told his mom that my nickname was the blonde bomber and that grandpa talked about Pete the crow.

James took me to Hobby Lobby again and then drove me to the AARA infusion center before he headed to Ruby's school for grandparents day.

James went to lunch with Ruby although he didn't eat,

and played tetherball with her on the playground.

They went to the book fair and James bought her

a Lemony Snickets book and a squishy unicorn.

I finished my infusion and appointment with Dr. Caldron before James returned so I walked across the street to Freddie's. I got a chocolate/vanilla custard cone and a drink. I loved the custard!

After James picked me up we went to Red Lobster to use our gift card. We had a nice lunch and then left for home. 

It always takes time to unpack and put things away. We went to bed fairly early because we have to leave for the temple by 5:45 a.m.

Charlie Mae is out and about

Ty A. participated in a Crossfit competition.

Here he is pulling 90 lbs.

Raised in Chandler

Old Photos:

Chandler Hospital where Jared had his

appendix out.

Rocket slide at Arrowhead Park.

The old Valley National Bank where we used 

to bank.

The Bayless store at Ray and Arizona

Avenue in North Park Plaza.

Those were the days!

Thursday, September 6th, 2018

San Jose, Costa Rico

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Luke 23:23

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voice of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

*Has the Lord ever relieved you from a great burden? How did it feel to no longer carry that weight?

-Some burdens are relived just by being over. But some become strengths to us. Some burdens aren't lifted quickly but the Lord is mindful of us and know what we need to carry them longer.

Old Testament

Proverbs 11-14

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

"Meekness is an attribute developed through desire, the righteous exercise of moral agency, and striving always to retain a remission of our sins. It also is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. We should remember, however, the purposes for which such a blessing is given, even to benefit and serve the children of God."

We had a bit of a scare thinking Ruby had pink eye but it looks like she doesn't. Lola wouldn't touch Darrel's birthday balloons because Ruby touched them with her pinkeye. 

Trina and Lola left taking Ruby and Rowan to school and then going on to the gym. After the gym Lola had preschool. She cried about going but once she gets there she likes it. 

James and I were home alone a few hours. It was relaxing and I was able to do some catch up on my blog. James left around 11:30 to drop Tramadol by to Stacy and pick up our ice chest and then on to a meeting with Bill Valentic and then Armando Perez.

He spoke with Bill Valentic about getting paid for the Phoenician job and what the legal ramifications are. He ended up borrowing some money from him to pay off White Cap and Desert Ready Mix. 

James enjoyed his visit with Armando. He has five children that he adores. He lost his license for a year and James made him an offer about using his license.

Because Carmen Chavez and Tom Howard paid us some money I was able to pay the Verizon bill and James's line of credit. 

When James returned we headed out. First we were going to go to Red Lobster to eat but I forgot the gift cards, leaving them at Darrel and Trina's in my other purse. We got quarter pounders at McDonald's instead and then did some shopping at Hobby Lobby and then on to Costco for the Grapp's. 

It was fun shopping for the Grapp's, I sent James in one direction while I went in another. When we were finished we headed back to Darrel and Trina's. 

The kids wanted to make more cards which we did. It was fun. 

Trina is training for a sprint triatholon. She will run, ride a bike, and swim. The event is on September 29th. 

We went with Trina to pick up Rowan at the bus stop. So did Ruby. She showed us the lot for their new house. Across the street the house being built is just like theirs so we took a tour. 

Each of the kids will have their own rooms

and Trina says they are putting a bed in the

den for us.

Trina made pancakes for dinner. They were yummy.

Mom is great she makes us chocolate cake!

While I was at the kitchen table working on my blog, Rowan layed down on the couch. He kept talking to his Google Play. Google, play "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Carry On," "Top of the World," and "Freesion."

Addy is so disciplined. She comes home from cross country, does her homework, showers, and then goes to bed because she has to get up at 5:30 and do it all over again tomorrow.

 Nap after a long day at the gym and school

Reading Harry Potter

 Scarlett

 Charlie

 Last summer, Ruby and Pepper