Monday, July 13th, 2020

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

DC 76:21

And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 32; "Book of Mormon Central"

April General Conference

"A Good Foundation Against the Time to Come"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

As I contemplate the next four years of the life of this beautiful, noble, exalted, and awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple, I envision it more as a time of renewal rather than a time of closure. In a similar way, we might ask ourselves, "How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization, or restoration?"

 The first thing I did this morning was to work on my blog. I finished everything except downloading pictures when James told me he wanted to leave for town before 9:00 because he had "lots to do today." I  hear that phrase quite often. I got up and got ready to go. We left for town with my two boxes of books, and a load to take to Goodwill.  

After dropping off our donations at Goodwill, James always makes me take the donation slip to fill out, James dropped me off at Walmart. He went to Home Depot to get light bulbs and then across the street to Circle K to get gas and a car wash. I was finished with most of the shopping when James returned to Walmart. His assignment was to pick up my prescriptions and pick out a watermelon. He was so funny picking out the watermelon, thumping and holding his ear close. He made several choices before he finally decided on the "best watermelon in the bunch."

Walmart is refusing to take cash at most registers. I guess there is a coin shortage. I heard of a woman who only had cash and was not able to get her groceries. I think someone should have volunteered to put her purchases on their card and then taken her cash. What is the world coming to?

After finishing at the scan and go we headed for Taco Bell for some lunch. While I was eating my tacos James went to Harbor Freight to do an exchange. Next it was Tractor Supply for supplies for the fence. Finally we were on our way home. I looked at my watch as we left Show Low, 11:45. I told James we should have stopped at the post office on our way to town because now by the time we got back to Vernon it would be closed. He said it was okay he would come back and get the mail. I knew I would have books, which I did, seven of them.

I got some throw pillow for the couch upstairs. When I went to put them on the couch I made a quick run-thru of all the rooms. It's a good thing I did because there were more dead ants in Ian and Sheri's room. 

When things finally settled down I finished my blog post and was going to buy a few books. I need to buy 50 more books before the end of the month and in order for them to get to Amazon before textbook season, they need to be mailed this week or at the latest the beginning of next. 

I heard from Laura today. She got the book, "Grace Where You Are", that I sent to her for her birthday. Her birthday is Wednesday. She seemed excited to read it.

I checked to see how Summer was doing and Kacey said she was fine, just a little tired. I just figured she would get the virus because her boyfriend tested positive.

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Joshua, Rowan, Ollie, and Ziggie arrived around 6 p.m. That had brought dinner with them, three pizzas and some breadsticks from Little Caesar's. So much stuff unloaded in the kitchen. Alex and Joe are coming up tomorrow so Sheri brought lots of food. I bet we still go to Walmart tomorrow though. 

James tried to get the boys to ride Luna but no one seemed interested. Sheri, the dogs, Ian and I went out to watch James ride. He was kind of "showing off" but running her and then stopping quickly. It's okay. I am just grateful that he loves to ride her.

We had scripture and prayer together, reading Alma 32. Sheri made sure of it.

 Idaho Falls Temple

From Book of Mormon Central

 I love how Max and Evan have their legs up and spread out and

Joshua is sandwiched in between them with his legs

straight out. They are all sitting together on the

broken chair. Maybe I should get an updated picture today.

Friday, March 8th, 2019

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

I am a little overwhelmed with life right now and have decided that I need to simplify my blog so that I have time to do other important things, such as, family history and our book business. I will continue to read and study the gospel as before but will not be posting so much of my gospel study on here. I will continue to post the temple pictures. 

"Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice"

Bishop Dean M. Davies

"The chief cornerstone and building block of the Church and for our lives is Jesus Christ. This is His Church. President Nelson is His prophet. President Nelson's teachings witness and reveal for our benefit the life and character of Jesus Christ. He speaks lovingly and knowingly of the Savior's nature and of His mission. He has also borne frequent and fervent testimony of the divine calling of the living prophets - the Presidents of the Church - under whom he has served."

James, Rowan and I left the house around 6:45. No one inside was awake. As we were sitting in the car getting ready to go Trina came running up. I guess she had been outside running. It was nice that Rowan got to see his mom before we left. She made my day because she said to me, "Oh Karen, you look pretty." It was probably surprising to her to see me with my hair done and makeup on.

We had to drop off something in Mesa at James's jobsite before heading to Chandler to pick up Max, Evan, and Joshua.  We got to Sheri's before 8 and she and the boys weren't there. I told James they probably went to get gas and drinks. I was right. While we were waiting for Stacy to show up with Joshua, Ollie got out and ran down the street. Sheri, Evan and I hurried after him. Of course he went straight to Cathi's and Sheri was able to get him. It was a little scary for a minute because when he was running down the street the garbage truck was headed right for him.

I went for a walk and when I got back Stacy was there with Joshua and their three dogs in the car. I went over to say high to the dogs and they went crazy in the car. 

We are trading cars with Sheri for the week because all of the boys won't fit in our car. Rowan forgot his Sunday clothes so Sheri got some of Evan's for him to wear. 

After we left Payson Rowan said he had to go to the bathroom. He had to wait until we got to Heber. It rained from Heber until we got to Show Low. In Show Low we went to Subway for Evan and to KFC for everyone else. We just ordered the chicken to take home with us. 

After we got home and everything was unloaded I headed back for town to do some grocery shopping and to pick up the Razr tire at Center Tire. I ran into the tire store and got soaking wet just to find out that it won't be ready until Monday. 

I bought groceries at Walmart to feed these boys until next Wednesday. I bought bacon, pork chops, steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken. I also bought chicken tenders and pizza rollups, cereal and milk, and snacks. I think I would rather have too much food than not enough.

James grilled hamburgers and hotdogs outside for dinner. I made corn and beans to go with them.

The boys wanted to play ball on the driveway so

they swept it off. It started raining before they could play.

 Quilt

I think that puppy is real. All they need 

is Lola in the mix.

 I read this today as part of the "Come

Follow Me" lesson for the week.

Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

When have I been benefited by a blessing from either your father or another Priesthood holder?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 4:14-32

"Drawing Closer to God" Terence M. Vinson, 10/13

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Ronald A. Rasband

"Stand in holy places. When we stand in holy places - our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples - we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement."

When I woke this morning it was windy and there was a powdered sugar layer of snow on the ground. 

I ordered a gardening book online this morning. I think it will help get me in the mind frame to plant and as a result, to eat better. The only drawback is the fact that I used the credit card, something I don't want to do anymore.

I asked Sheri if she could get tickets to see President Nelson for Addy and Rowan. She called Dave who is in charge of the tickets in the stake and he said they were giving them away tonight at the stake center beginning at 7 p.m. Sheri went down and got two tickets. When she told Trina, Trina said Addy cried because she was so happy.

We listened to the Textbook Money webinar this morning and I actually like some of the things Luke said. "Price spread is important. When pricing books, look at other sellers, price your books based on the market. Price books to move and reprice when necessary. Check daily. You will sell. Buy based on profit, sell based on market. Amazon Prime is our only competitor. 

I made dinner for the Crane's today. Roast with carrots, celery, onions and fingerling potatoes. Rolls and brownies with walnuts. 

Kathy has experienced a great deal of pain. Recently she has been having muscle spasms in her back. Chuck had a bishopric training meeting at the stake center this evening so James took the dinner over at 5:00. Here is the text I got from Kathy:

"Oh my goodness! This looks wonderful. Thank you so very much.

This one from Chuck:

"Jim & Karen, thanks so very much for that wonderfully delicious meal you provided. It's so awesome to have such wonderful neighbors. We enjoyed this meal soooooo much. I actually stuffed myself. Thanks again!!!"

The Crane's are such good neighbors and do so much for us and others in the community and ward, I couldn't let this opportunity to do something for them pass us by.

Today I paid bills and worked on our yearly budget. It took me most of the day but I have a budget set up and a plan of how to implement it. It actually feels good to know I have a plan.

I went to bed thinking about money and how we need to make $2,000 a month in our book business so James can retire from Lambson Construction. 

Today we finished our book, "For a Lady's Favor" by Josi Kilpack and started an audio book, "Miss Snow", by Jennifer Moore.

 That's one way to get her to take a nap.

 Handling the carseat like a boss now.

Memories of Lola

2016 A day that Trina worked, Darrel took the kids

on an outing. 

 Hmmmm a black heart Valentine

 Nothing like pancakes on the patio for dinner.

I love her smile!

 This is the best picture of Maycee's puppy!

 Kate's quilt star