Monday, December 31st, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 11:2

And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Finished!

#2 - Finished!

Old Testament

Finished!

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."

Happy 45th Birthday Kim!

Kim and her Guys

Sheri and I got ready and left for town this morning around 8 a.m. before Kim and Brian got here. Sheri was going to go running at 7 but it was just too cold and windy. It looks like we are going to get some more snow. We are worried about Kim and Brian making it up over the rim in Chloe (their car). We did not know that they saw Chris Cameron, Merrilee Bogle's husband, at the temple yesterday and he loaned them his truck. Brian said it was a tender mercy that he was not going to accept until he felt prompted that he should.

Sheri and I need to get some groceries, propane so we can use our smoker, and gas for the Razr. Our first stop was at the Maverick station in Show Low to get drinks. Sheri wanted to know why we were going to the Show Low Walmart and I told her because I needed to pick up my thyroid prescription, Levothyroxin. I ended up forgetting to do this so I will have to come back later in the week.

I wanted to get either a brisket or some ribs to cook in the smoker tomorrow. The briskets were huge and cost almost $50 so I got ribs instead. Probably not enough for everyone for a meal but this is an experiment. I got two racks of baby backs because that's all they had and one rack of beef. Sheri got more sub rolls for sandwiches.

Our next stop after Walmart was Stanford. Sheri stayed at the gas pump and was trying to get gas for the Razr but the credit/debit wasn't working so I took her card inside. It is freezing and windy by the way. I had to wait in line but had the clerk run the card. I went back to Sheri and it still wasn't working. This time she went in and I got in the line outside for propane. Propane is a hot commodity in this community where many rely on it for their heat. When it was finally my turn the guy filled my tanks and I lifted them and put them in the back of my car. No easy feat for me, especially in the cold but he did not offer to help.

Next I went inside and ordered some lunchmeat and cheese from the deli. When I finally checked out, which took about ten minutes because the guy was so slow, it cost me over $65 for propane and lunchmeat and cheese. Oh dear. I did get quite a bit of meat and cheese so I guess we will be having sub sandwiches for awhile.

When we got home Michael carried in most of the groceries. Finding a place to put all of our stuff is tricky, especially in the refrigerator. 

We know that Kim and Brian are on their way. It is snowing again so we are praying for their safe arrival. 

While Sheri and I were gone to town the boys and Ian helped James get some wood in. Ian and Michael helped James with the woodsplitter and the boys carried it over to the porch in the Razr and stacked. We now have wood to last for awhile. Thanks guys!

Ok, so it's not stacked neatly, at least it's dry.

I forgot to mention that Sheri bought a big bucket of chicken for everyone at KFC on the way home. It lasted about 10 minutes before it was all gone. I guess chopping and hauling wood makes you hungry.  Ian and James each got a container of coleslaw, there were also biscuits and potato wedges.

We were so happy when Kim and Brian got here. It was a great blessing that Chris allowed them to bring his truck. I'm not sure they would have made it up our hill without it. Later in the day they closed all the roads north of Payson because of snow. Many people were stranded in Payson.

We had steak for dinner again. James cooked ours and Michael did everyone else's. He used the cast iron skillet and cooked them with butter and garlic like before. Sheri had enough steaks to feed Kim and Brian. They were going to stop at Safeway for food for tonight but they came straight here instead. 

Michael cooking steak

We sang Happy Birthday to Kim. Brian brought up a cake and I got some ice cream at the store today. 

After the celebration Kim worked on the new Dowdle puzzle we got her.

We had more sledding, fires, and movies today. They boys stayed up to celebrate the new year but I'm not sure that anyone else did.

 This sweet baby is reason to celebrate!

Instant replay of the latest sledding adventure.

 45 candles is a lot!

 There she blows!

 Kim trying on the hooded coat blanket

Ian got for Christmas from his mom.

 Joshua ready for some snow

 Putting their wet clothes by the fire.

 Wisemen

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Helaman 14:12

And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.
Book of Mormon
Alma 38:1-15
* How does one use boldness, but not overbearance?
- Using boldness is teaching the word of God without fear. Being overbearing is the manner in which we teach. Are we pushy, loud, insensitve? Or are we tolerant, friendly and neighborly while sharing our beliefs? While it seems that Shiblon is one of the good sons, commended for his good work and ability too withstand persecution well it seems Alma is trying to curb Shiblon's tendency to be prideful and to be overbearing. If we discuss the gospel with someone making them feel that we think we are better than them or they are ignorant to the truth, making others feel like they have to defend, argue their position then perhaps we are overbearing. Shiblon had personality flaws like all of us. Alma was reminding Shiblon that he needed to trust the Lord instead of his own strength, and that it's Christ who does the saving, and builds testimony.
Old Testimony
Nehemiah 7-9
7 Provision is made to protect Jerusalem - The genealogy is given of the Jews who returned from Babylon - Priests without genealogical records are denied the priesthood.
8 Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people - They keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
9 The Jews fast and confess their sins - The Levites bless and praise the Lord and recite His goodness toward Israel. 
General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Ulisses Soares

"Isn't it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. I have learned that through my personal experiences."

From my morning browsing of Meridian Magazine:

The Problem with Bribing Kids: "Rewards can sometimes buy compliance, but they don't build character. Research underscores the long term negative consequences of using rewards to motivate children. An astute child will become a mercenary. 'I shouldn't do anything without a reward.' Children don't learn the oy of goodness but the value of resistance."

From the book "Covenant Hearts" by Bruce C. Hafen: 

"Our homes are laboratories where we test and develop our religion."

I remember that one of the things Elder Bernecker mentioned in his talk Sunday was his seminary teacher telling him to be mindful of the tender mercies of the Lord in his life. He said that doing that helped prepare him to serve a mission. I have decided I would like to do that too. Here goes...in my patriarchal blessing I am told that I will never want for the necessities of life and that the way will be open for me and my companion to help others who are not so fortunate as ourselves. This has been true in my life and I am so grateful to the Lord for this tender mercy.

I talked to Elder Bernecker about Kylie Long today. She is 14 and my friend Pam says she is interested in the church and was going to go last week with her friends the Westbrook girls, Joe and Corrina's daughters. I told Elder Bernecker about her and that she has a brain tumor and that he should speak with the Westbrook's and see if they could meet her at the Westbrook's home.

Happy Pioneer day. On Family Search Sunday one of my pioneer ancestors was featured. Her name is Martha Jane Mathias. She was married to William Bailey Maxwell, my great, great grandfather.
Martha traveled with the Uriah Curtis Company. They departed Kanesville, Iowa in June 1852 at which time Martha was 7. They traveled for 93 days before reaching their destination.

I also learned today that Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is the great, great grandson of Heber C. Kimball.

James is doing backbreaking work at the Howard's and he is pretty miserable. The good news is they were able to find floor covering in the valley that they can bring home with them. Ordering from Home Depot was going to take two weeks. 

James tracked dust all through the house from the grinding he is doing at the Howard's. I cleaned floors this afternoon.

I am gathering all framed family photos and trying to find places to hang them on our walls. Some of the glass in the frames got broken and I either have to replace the glass or get new frames. Sad that the glass in this frame got broken. One of my favorite family photos.

James is holding the photo and it's

a little crooked. Probably taken in 1994.

June, July centerpiece

August/Sept will feature sunflowers

Thursday, February 15th, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me along; for I do always those things that please him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 8:1-25

*God will gather his saints and comfort Zion. 

*Why do you think so many people put so much trust in the things of men instead of trying to get close to the Lord?

- They feel like they have more control over the things of the world and they see the results quicker. Trusting in the Lord takes desire, dedication and lots of faith and patience. It is so worth it though.

Old Testament

Leviticus 8-9

8 Aaron and his sons are washed, anointed, clothed in their priesthood robes, and consecrated before all Israel - Moses and Aaron offer sacrifices to make reconciliation and atonement with the Lord.

9 Aaron makes an atonement by sacrifice for himself and all Israel - He and his sons offer sacrifices - The glory of the Lord appears to all - Fire from the Lord consumes the offerings on the altar.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 7:5

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

Elder David F. Evans

" Patient covenant keeping brings the blessings of heaven into our lives. I have found great comfort in the Lord's promise that 'by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.' Without knowing everything, we can know the truth. We can now that the Book of Mormon is true. In fact, as President Russell M. Nelson taught this afternoon, we can 'feel, deep in the inmost part of our hearts that the Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God.' We can feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it."

I got up at 3 a.m. to bake sugar cookies and it was raining!  I am determined to get the cookies baked, frosted, and put in individual bags to distribute to family members as we go to the valley today. 

Thankfully James changed his meeting from 10:30 to 1:00 which means instead of leaving at 6:45 we are leaving at 9:15. I even had time to lie down for awhile on the couch and also to do some laundry. 

I am frosting cookies and watching it snow and I am loving it!

We left at 9:20. It was so hard to leaving while it was snowing. 

The road through Salt River Canyon were clear even so the electronic sign in Show Low said there would be rocks on the road.

We stopped at Burger House for two green chili burros. James said he didn't want one but I ordered him one anyway because I knew he would eat it, which he did. 

Our first stop was at an apartment complex at 3250 S. Arizona Avenue just south of Queen Creek Rd.  James is meeting with Dr. Memon's business partner. They met in the reception room. James was a little surprised when this man allowed his 3 year old daughter to drink coffee. 

While James was in his meeting I went shopping at Target. I got a Red Lobster gift card for Joe's birthday and a black placemat to put under my dining room table centerpiece. I was disappointed that they had nothing left in their Valentine's department. I wanted to pick up a couple of items. No notebooks that I liked either. I must say Target was a bit of a disappointment.

My next stop was to deliver cookies to the Gonzales's. I was lucky to find that Evan was there to so I left his family's cookies too. I guess today was a half day for he and Joshua. I quickly made a trip to the Walgreen's by Stacy's house to pick up a couple of Amazon gift cards for Sheri and Trina so Evan could also take Sheri's birthday card to her. 

I picked up James to take him to Salvador's in our old neighborhood just a couple of miles from where he had his meeting. He said the meeting went really well. Salvador is taking James to look at a job to bid in Glendale. After I dropped James off I should have gone to visit Ben who had his wisdom teeth out today but I had to hurry to deliver cookies and Joe's birthday card to Kim because she was waiting for me. She was on her way to the church to decorate for the Blue and Gold Banquet tonight when I called. 

In regards to Ben, Sheri says he is doing very well, much better than Alex did.

I gave Kim cookies for her, Brian and Joe, and Joe's birthday card. She gave me some cake bites from the Sweet Tooth Fairy and also gave me some for Trina. I noticed they had both cars parked at their house and Brian was waiting for her in the other car. I guess he is helping her decorate. 

Next I drove to the Fry's by Darrel and Trina's to pick up the ingredients I needed to make Trina's birthday cake. While I am working on Trina's cake Darrel, who is home from work to see Ruby's program tonight, picks up James at Sal's for me. Thank you Darrel!  

The cake finished just in time before we all had to leave for Ruby's play. We all went together in Trina's car, except for Addy who had a babysitting job. 

The name of the third grade program at Ruby and Rowan's school was called "School House Rock" based on a children's educational television program. Ruby sang and danced and when it was time for her to say her part she did it loud and clear. This school auditorium was packed. Trina says the school is overcrowded. Here are some pictures of Ruby I took off a video that Trina made.

 The balls represent planets.

Notice the blue paper pinned to Ruby's dress.

It says: "I am Pluto." She was chosen to be Pluto

because she is the shortest in her class.

Dancing planets.

Saying her part:

"I am Pluto."

After the program James, Trina, Lola, Rowan and I left. We thought Darrel was going to get Ruby but he thought we had her. He was visiting with an old friend from Chandler high, Justin Porter. Thank goodness Trina's parents were there. They brought Ruby out with them. 

Back at home with have sugar cookies, and chocolate cake while Trina opens her birthday card. She says the Amazon card amount is too much and do I want some of it back. That's just Trina.

Addy spent the rest of the evening working on homework. She always has so much. I told her I would make a sign "Down with Homework" and picket her school if she wanted me to which made her laugh. Last time she was doing a paper on The Cold War. This time her paper was on Eisenhower and Kennedy. Darrel read the paper and was helping correct it for her. 

Trina puts Lola in her stroller and Darrel, Trina, Lola, Ruby, Rowan, James and I take a walk around the block. Ruby and Rowan were quite entertaining. They wanted to see how fast they could run so I was timing them with the stopwatch on my phone. 

Darrel comes home and watches the ASU vs. UofA basketball game. For the first time in a long time they are both in the top 25 college teams. Darrel was a little disappointed because UofA ended up winning.

Time for bed. Goodnight everyone.

I bonded with Rowan tonight. He showed me the fort he made in his room and the Goggle device he has where he can ask it to play a song and it does. He also is very excited about his upcoming oceanography trip to San Diego this week. Darrel is going with him.

I need to show this to Darrel. He

is all about getting your flu shot.

Maybe it's because he gets a bonus

for every shot he gives.

Four Peaks

So beautiful!