Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1-5 June 1997 by:

Gordon B. Hinckley

My scriptures about the Savior:

3 Nephi 15

Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him; The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem; Because of iniquity, the Lord's people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.

Alma 20:1-18

*Alma 20:8-13. What feelings would you have if you were in Ammon's position and someone accused your of being a liar and a robber?

*Alma 20:14-16. What lessons can we learn from Lamoni's response to his father?

*Conclusion:

We can bear our testimonies by word and example even when others try to persuade us to do what is wrong.

DC 89:1-21

The use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks is proscribed; Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

What evidence is there today of "evils and designs" in the hearts of conspiring men?

*In the advertising of tobacco, tea, coffee, liquors, beer and wine. Take a cigarette instead of a sweet to reduce weight are just a few examples.

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Remember the Lord's promise:

'I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.'

I love that assurance. Joy that fills our souls brings with it an eternal perspective in contrast to day-to-day living. That joy comes as peace amidst hardship or heartache. It provides comfort and courage, unfolds the truths of the gospel, and expands our love for the Lord and all of God's children. Although the need for such blessings s so great, in many ways the world has forgotten and forsaken them."

James went down to the pool with Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan just before Darrel arrived with Addy, Ruby, and Lola.  I sent Addy down with Ruby and Lola and I came shortly afterwards. 

This is where I found Lola when I arrived at the pool.

This is the hot tub. James is here with Addy and Max.

Addy is trying to coax Lola into the water.

Addy picks her up and takes her into the water.

Oh, there is Ruby with her new goggles.

Lola lasts a few minutes in the water but is scared to death

even with her floaties.

She would rather sit in the chair and watch.

Grandpa making sure she is ok.

Lola and I watched the other kids swim for awhile and then we went back to the room to watch "Moana."

She requested the peanut M&M's.

That takes care of that bag.

When everyone else gets back from the pool we load up in my car and grandpa's truck and head for Peter Piper Pizza. I made the mistake of calling James grandpa and Lola corrected me. She said:

"I call him grandpa, you call him James." 

The kids had a blast at Peter Piper. At least I think they did. We didn't even notice that Joshua wore no shoes.  Evidentally he left them at the pool and didn't bother to tell us. Stacy called me after everyone had left and asked me if I had found Joshua's shoes. I sent James to the pool and the front desk and a few minutes after he returned someone brought them to us. What kind of grandparents let their kids go out with no shoes in 120 degree weather.  Next time there will be a lineup to check for shoes!

Luckily it was not crowded and we pretty much

had the place to ourselves.

No Shoes Gonzo and friends.

Ruby with her "fake" glasses.

Proof of "no shoes."

Lola's favorite was shooting these ducks with the 

squirt gun.

She loves Max.

Back to the resort.  We just "hung out" the rest of the day until Trina picked everyone up a little before 9 p.m. She even took Max, Evan, and Joshua home. We are grateful!

Lola gets alot of attention from these boys.

The kids played "Uno" and finished watching "Moana."

Lola and I played hide and go seek in the park.

Her hair is about to come undone.

Grandpa had fidget spinner races with the boys.

The red one was the fastest.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Jordan River Utah Temple

1 Nephi 17:17-30

 What are some worldly pleasures that might be hard to give up, only trusting that the Lord has something better in store?

2 Nephi 25

DC 11:22-30

How can we overcome our fears and prepare to receive revelation even if it is not what we want to hear?

GC:  "If Ye Had Known Me" by Elder David A. Bednar

"We becomeacquainted with Him and His voice as we study and feast upon His word in the scriptures, pray to the Father in His name with real intent, and seek for the constant companionship

of the Holy Fhost  Learning and applying in our lives the doctrine of Christ is a prerequisite to receiving the gift of faith in Him.  Exercising faith in the Lord is a necessary preparation for following Him."

This morning after bringing me breakfast again, James left for work, Terry left for the ROC, and I left for Darrel and Trina's.  I got to their house a little after eight.  Darrel was gone taking kids to school.  When he and Lola returned, she ran into my arms and gave me a big hug.  Boy, that felt good!  It has been awhile since I have seen her and I wasn't sure how she would accept me.  Darrel ask me a few weeks ago to babysit this day.  He was called in to work and Trina was already scheduled to work.  After Darrel show me how to operate the TV, Lola and I settle down on the couch to watch "We Bare Bears," and "Home."  We also went upstairs and had a tea party, colored with my markers and ate Goldfish, and played hide-and-go seek.

Lola was very careful with the markers.

Kim came around 10:30 or so to visit and help.  At first Lola was shy around her, but it didn't take her long to warm up.

Such an affectionate little girl.

I ask her if Evan was her boyfriend and she said, "Yes!"

Rowan and Ruby had early release time from school.  They were out before noon and someone from Trina's carpool delivered them at home.  We were waiting for them to go to Peter Piper Pizza.

On the way Ruby says, "Kimmy" and Lola says, "No, it's Emmy!"

Of course we had to correct her.  It was an honest mistake.  

Lola ate more than Rowan and Ruby but I think maybe they had already had something to eat for lunch.  We took most of the pizza home with us.  It's just too fun to play while you are at the restaurant.  Lola and I played skee ball together.  Lola wanted another pink ball, and so Rowan won one for her.  He is such a good brother!  What would I have done here without Kim?  She is awesome and the kids love her!

The only thing missing was Addy.  Darrel got off work at 3 and picked her up at Kayla's.  I was so happy to see her!

Showing off her Golden Snitch necklace.

Being silly.

Everyone loves Kimmy!

One of Lola's favorite things to say is: "Whatcha doin?"  When Kim came one of the first things she said to Lola was: "Whatcha doin?"  What a coincidence.  

Darrel was telling me that the past weekend they left their car at Trina's mom's house and someone slashed the tires and broke the windshield.  Walmart said they had several cars in the same condition from that neighborhood.  It cost them over $500 to get everything fixed.  

I helped Ruby with her homework.

Rowan and his phone.

Lost Dutchman Park

Darrel and Trina have a beautiful view of the Superstition Mountains, especially from their upstairs window.

Mary Tyler Moore passed away today.  I watched her in the Dick Van Dyke Show and the Mary Tyler Moore Show.  She was great. 

She had juvenille diabetes and her death was caused by complications because of this disease.  

She will be missed.

This evening James and I took my car to Sears for another oil change.  Afterwards we used James's gift certificate and went to Olive Garden for dinner.  I had chicken and shrimp carbonara.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Sheri's quote:

"Sometimes progress in spiritual things can seem slow or intermediate.  Sometimes we may feel that we have lost ground, that we have made mistakes, or that our best efforts to find the Savior are not working.  If you feel this way please do not give up - ever.  Go right on believing in Him and in His gospel and in His Church.  Align your actions with that belief.  In those moments when the light of your faith has dimmed, let your hope for the Savior's love and grace, found in His gospel and in His Church, overcome your doubt.  I promise that He is ready to receive you."

-Elder Whitney Clayton

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn was not that great  I had a Belgian waffle that was not that good and James said the eggs were very rubbery.  To me the eggs looked like silver dollar pancakes.  

Paul had lots of help moving today.  He rented a U-Haul from Central Self Storage and Adam, Kristofor, and Adam's friend Kyle all came to help.  Paul bought them breakfast burritos from El Sol.  Adam always says he will work for food.  They moved all their big stuff our including the washer, dryer, and even the Christmas tree.  There are still some things left that Paul can take in the Montero.

We had Blue Sky Pest Control come today and spray for insects and scorpions.  

James and I picked up Alex from school and then took him to Jersey Mike's for lunch.

 

I am still working downstairs.  

 All of these cupboards had to be emptied.

Sheri came and carried all of the things I got out of these cupboards upstairs for me. James would have helped me but he was fixing the floor in Dallin's closet.  After we finished working Sheri and I went to Sonic for a drink.  

Later this afternoon James and I went back to the Comfort Inn for a little R&R.  I took a shower and even washed my hair.  We both took a nap.  We went back this evening and worked a little longer.  

Stacy and Paul bought us a pizza from Peter Piper.  Our favorite, thin crust veggie.  

Michael did well at his Cross Country meet today.  He got fourth.

 

 

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Happy 12th Birthday Max!!



 

This young man is smart, witty, and an amazing football player... just to mention a few of his many fine attributes!

 

 

I think I overdosed on hydrocodone last night and had to sleep it off this morning.  I started on prednisone today and felt better this afternoon than I have felt in a long time.  I got out of bed and did some cleaning and vacuuming and went shopping to get Max a card and some cash.

 

At 4pm this afternoon the Wallen's, Tricia's parents, brought Jared's kids over.  This evening for dinner James and I took the girls to Peter Piper for dinner.  James stayed to hang out with Ben and Max. 

 

Later Trina came by with her kids for a visit.  It got a little crazy for awhile.  Jared got here somewhere between 9 and 10 from El Paso. 

 

Evan was here too, to make it even more fun.

 

I learned the difference today between goats and sheep in the Lord's kingdom.  The main difference is whom they choose to follow and the service they give.  Goats do their own thing while sheep follow the good shepherd and try to emulate Him.  



Friday, March 13, 2015

Anna's Artwork

What animal do you see?

 

Emmy and Molly spent the night at Trina's and James spent the night at Sheri's.  I guess James and Alex are having a little chess tournament.  It was just Jared and Anna here.  Anna "slept in" until almost 10 and then an hour or so to get ready to go to lunch with Jared and James Hayden.  They went to Red Brick Pizza for lunch, just for old times sake.  Anna says they used to go there when they lived here. 

While they were gone I went to get candy at Walmart for the movie.  I also got another bathroom rug, cinnamon rolls and ranch dressing. 

At 1pm Kim came over and she, Anna and I drove to the Harkins at Santan Village mall.  I bought tickets for everyone, including Molly, Ruby, Addy, and Emmy.  (Trina later insisted on paying for her girls). Trina dropped the four girls off and then Rowan decided he wanted to come too. This is the movie we saw:

Cinderella was played by Lily James from Downton Abbey.  In Downton she plays Lady Rose.

Helen Bonham Carter was hilarious as the Fairy Godmother and I loved Richard Madden as Prince Charming.  Kate Blanchett did a good job as the evil stepmother and Anastasia and Drisella were ridiculous.  Sophie McShera who plays Daisy on Downton Abbey was Drisella. 

We loved it!

Rowan did not want to be in the picture.

James and I watched Emmy and Molly this evening while Jared, James, and Anna went to The Box Escape with these crazy people:



Jared said it was a lot of fun and he would do it again!

 

After Peter Piper Pizza Emmy, Molly, and I came home and watched Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb.  Molly fell asleep so James put her to bed. 

It was after 10pm when Stacy, Paul, and Joshua got home from Michael's track meet.  Stacy insisted that Emmy go to bed.  I went to bed too.  Jared got home around 11pm.  They went to Oregano's after The Box Escape.

 

It was a fun, but long day.







Saturday, February 21, 2015

 

"There are very few big and spectacular miracles in most of our lives.  But it is a quiet multitude of little miracles that makes life sweet and adds to our testimonies."

Majorie P. Hinckley

 

James and I left at 7:15 to pick up Addy, Rowan, and Ruby at Bryce and Lexy's.  Trina is gone to Colorado with her mom, dad, Bryce, and Westley to see Tristan's baby blessed.  Darrel is at work.  We picked them up and went immediately to the soccer game.  

 

The Three Musketeers: Evan, Joshua, and Rowan.

Paul and Sheri are already there.  Stacy had a dental hygiene job with her friend Janice today.  Taylor's dad was the substitute coach for Trina.  Rowan stopped several goals as goalie.  Sheri and I thought he should be the MVP.  Evan worked hard and Joshua is learning the game. 

These two really do love each other.

A random picture of Addy since I didn't get one of her at the game.

I think there is a story behind this picture.  Addy spent the night with Kayla last night and instead of going to sleep they took "selfies."

 

Trina took a picture of Lola and Tristan's baby Ria.  I guess Lola "dirtied" all of her clothes and this was the result.



She is cute with or without clothes!

We came home after the game and I made bacon and waffles.  Addy and Ruby don't like bacon but Rowan does.  They all loved the waffes.  Grandpa enjoyed both the bacon and waffles.

 

For lunch I took Rowan, Addy, Ruby, Joshua, and Evan to Peter Piper Pizza.  Sheri, Alex, Ben, Max, and Seth joined us later.

The boys got Ruby a princess crown with some of their tickets.

James was reading from his Jon Huntsman book when I got home from Peter Piper.  I asked him if he would watch the kids while I went to find a movie.  He only lasted about an hour and he was ready to go back to work fixing his tractor.

 

I got the movie "The Box Trolls."  It actually turned out to be a pretty good movie. 

 

Ruby and Addy loved snacking on my Honey Crisp apples before Darrel got here to pick them up.  Rowan, Evan, and Joshua loved playing together.  I didn't fix dinner the kids dinner because Darrel promised he would take them out to eat.  Addy wants to go to Cheesecake Factory.

 

This evening Ian took Sheri out to eat at the Thirsty Lion.  As a surprise some of her friends were there.  Kim and Brian didn't get to go because Brian was very sick.  Kim bought Sheri "the" Costco chocolate cake and we all went down, along with Chelsea Elmer to sing to her.  Sheri got three cakes for her birthday.

Can you see the disco ball in the background?

For dinner at our house James made steak and gravy and I made biscuits.  Stacy, Paul, and Alex enjoyed it with us.