Friday, October 4th, 2019

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Genesis 49:24

But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

New Testament: Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians 5

General Conference

The Joy of the Saints

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Joy comes from keeping Christ's commandments, from overcoming sorrow and weakness through Him, and from serving as He served."

Sold two books today. One was a merchant fulfilled Victoria Holt book, "Lord of the Far Island." I was introduced to Victoria Holt by my "Nannie." She gave me "The Mistress of Mellyn" to read when I was a teenager. I think I have read most all of her books. 

We left the house at 9:30 this morning. I was reading to James and he missed his turn off the freeway so we had to do a little back-tracking. It happens every time.

He dropped me off at 10 o'clock at AARA for my 10:45 infusion appointment. I was only there a few minutes when Frances came and got me. I lost 4 lbs since last month! 

James dropped me off early because he had an appointment at Sonoran Spine on Rio Salado Parkway. He said the woman who check him in is a 6'2" Russian named Jelena. She makes him feel like a midget.

After my infusion James picked me up and we drove to Olive Garden again for lunch. We had three gift cards and we are just about to use them all up. Today I had soup, salad, and asiago tortellini. It was delicious and the lunch portions are the perfect size. Our waitress, April, was very friendly. When I told her we had a long drive home she gave us extra mints and a glass of water and a glass of ice. James had his ASU shirt on so she struck up a conversation saying she was an ASU graduate. She practiced criminal law but didn't really like it so now she's waiting tables again, just like she did in college. It is a good job for her because she is so friendly.

We stopped at the Walmart in Show Low before going home to get bananas, herbal tea, cream, and some markers. 

On the way through Vernon we some members of the Hunsaker family walking away from the graveyard after Analee's burial. Here are some photos that I got from Instagram and Facebook:

 Kip's girls: Kaylynn, Brielle, Hailey, Makenzi, LeeAnn

Analee's favorite color was purple

 Sean's daughter Camrie and her children

A young Analee

The Analee I knew and loved.

When we got home and my stuff was all put away I grabbed a Dilly bar and watched the season finale of Chesapeake Shores. James made me some BBQ pork leftovers. It was delicious with some Sweet Baby Ray's sauce rather than the sauce it was cooked in because I thought the sauce it was cooked in was too hot. 

I walked and did some blogging while watching a movie on the Up channel. James watched it too.

 I'm going to post this on the door to my pantry to
inspire me to do this again!

The Price's just got back from their mission.
I think they went to Martin's Cove.

I taught these two in Primary. Such great kids!!

 The woman is a police officer. She shot this man's
brother and killed him. She thought he was in her
apartment but she was in the wrong apartment.
She has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Rowan was chosen from his football team to go to this
leadership conference. He said it was boring.

Monday, December 24th, 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-25 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 7:12

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 1-5

#2 - Ether 7-9

Old Testament  

Finished

General Conference

Try, Try, Try

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, described a way we might build upon the Rock of our Redeemer and put the Lord's name upon our hearts to guide us through our trials. He said:

'You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that "with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. You can qualify to speak in the sacred name of God (see DC 1:20)."

Sheri, Darrel and Trina have had a tradition of taking their kids to hike A mountain on Christmas Eve. This morning Sheri took Alex, Max, and Evan. Michael and Joshua met them there. Trina waited until this afternoon when Darrel was off work. 

 The hiking crew

Pondering the future

This is the group that went a few years ago.

After the hike they normally go for lunch at the Mellow Mushroom on Mill Avenue. This year it was closed so Sheri took them to Steaks and Shakes. She didn't want anything but later went to Elmer's in Chandler. She called and asked if we wanted anything. I told her two machaca burros for tomorrow's dinner. Thanks Sheri!

James and I went shopping at the Gilbert Costco to look for the socks that Paul took home as part of his gift from the Christmas party. Adam wanted a pair for Kaitlin and I told him I would look at the Costco where I bought them but they were probably all gone. Sheri looked at the Costco in Chandler and we had no luck. Here is what they look like. There are actually two pairs one with faces and one without.

They remind me of Lamb Chop

This afternoon Sheri took Max, Evan, and Joshua to see the new animated Spiderman movie. Both Alex and Michael had to work this afternoon. While they were gone to the movie Cathi came over to bring us our Christmas present. Ollie was so excited to see her. He was sad when she left so I went out in the back yard with him to play. It was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature around 70.

Ian had to work today but he got home before dark. Sheri, James, Max, Evan, Ollie and I went for a mile walk across the street in the subdivision. Sheri asked us if we wanted to see the "leg" lamp like the one in the movie "The Christmas Story." Of course we said yes. It was bigger than I thought it would be.

Ian fixed us chicken legs for dinner. He made them in the "cooker" outside that his mom gave him. They were delicious.

Tonight Sheri, Ian, Max, and Evan opened their blankets from us and Max and Evan opened their pajamas from their parents. Ian also got pajamas for Sheri. Afterwards we watched most of the movie "Elf" before going to bed. 

Evan wanted Sheri to wrap the living room but the paper kept falling and she gave up. Ian took over and used masking tape and did a great job.

 PJ's and blankets

 Watching Elf

Christmas morning and the wrapped room

 Dave made a knife for Jack for

Christmas.

Jared and his family served lunch at the Salvation

Army today. It was a great way to celebrate Christmas.

I love that she points

The local news even interviewed Jared about the experience. It was pretty neat!

Ben having lunch with other missionaries

Tyler and his family