Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 36:18

Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

"Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." - Gordon B. Hinckley

*What are ways that you live after the manner of happiness?

- "Living after the manner of happiness means to see the good. There is a lot in this world that is hard or bad. Focus on the good. Choose joy. Choose happiness. Choose to stay on the covenant path. Find the blessing in the trial." - jlandersen78, Instagram

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 2:11; 3:7; 4:14

"Receiving and Retaining a Might Change" Wilford W. Anderson, Ensign, April 2012

Ensign

"Overcoming the Plague of Addiction" Kevin S. Theriot

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The scriptures reveal that the more we love God and His children, the happier we become. The love God speaks of is the kind that enters our hearts when we awake in the morning, stays with us throughout the day, and swells in our hearts as we give voice to our prayers of gratitude at evening's end. It is this endless compassion that allows us to more clearly see others for who they are. Through the lens of pure love, we see immortal beings of infinite potential and worth and beloved sons and daughters of Almighty God."

"When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God..." Robert D. Hales

Cloudy days make me and Kim happy!

We sold our first merchant fulfilled book today, "American Jubilee." This was one of my books. We made about $3.00. Woohoo.

We got the scanner James ordered and now he is trying to figure out how to use it. I am afraid the scanner won round one. 

Although I have frosted sugar cookies in the freezer I decided to make some more for tomorrow, Valentine's Day. While the cookies were setting up in the refrigerator, I made some Valentines.

These are for the Catherine, Kerri, Cammy,

Thomas and the Wilhelm's.

I still have to make some for the four Grapp kids.

While I baked cookies this evening James went to the church to take Sister Wilson a copy of the "Come Follow Me" manual. Her daughter is supposed to be in James's Primary class but she doesn't come very often.

Somehow I walked over 15,000 steps today. James is still working on the scanner. Now he says we need an app that comes with a monthly fee. 

I called my ministering companion, Marie Robertson, to see if she would be able to go on visits with me tomorrow. She had walking pneumonia in January and is still not feeling well. I wished her a happy Valentine's day and tole her I would do the visits myself.

I set up something with Catherine and Cammy. Jean is out of town closing on the house they bought in the valley.

While working today I had an old Hallmark movie on, "Sand, Sun, and Romance" starring Tricia Helfer and Paul Campbell.

Another happily ever after

 Just a girl and her giraffe

 Stacy said they ate this much 3x over.

Joshua is going to name his kids Peter and Piper.

 Our friends Chuck and Pam are always on

an adventure.

After seeing the dentist it is treat time.

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

Saturday, March 31, 2018

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 49:5

Thus said the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned -

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

* Why is it important to keep records of your family?

* Why should we keep a journal?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 29-31

29 The children of Israel make a covenant with the Lord under which they will be blessed if they are obedient, and cursed if they are disobedient - If they are disobedient, their land will be as brimstone and salt.

30 The scattered Israelites will be gathered from all nations when they remember the covenant - Moses places life or death, blessing or cursing, before the people.

31 Moses counsels Joshua and all Israel to be strong and of good courage - The law is to be read to all Israel every seven years - The children of Israel will follow false gods and corrupt themselves.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

" There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of general conference. The test for each of us is how we respond to what we hear, what we read, and what we feel."

I slept in until 7:19 a.m. I never woke up once last night which is unheard of for me. James was out taking a walk. I took a shower and washed my hair, sent out the BM and Easter texts and then got to work. I put the ham in the crockpot and started boiling potatoes. 

I made mashed potatoes, and scalloped potatoes, and a glaze for the ham although I think I overcooked it. I had intended to be finished by 11:00 so I could go by and see Aunt Gene but I ran out of time. 

Conference was on the television and I participated in the Solemn Assembly where we voted to sustain President Russell M. Nelson as the 17th prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church. It was awesome!

James and I arrived at Sheri's right at noon. Everyone was there except Darrel and Trina who were waiting for Trina's mom and dad to bring their kids home. 

This is the food we had: Stacy's chicken tenders made by Adam - they were way too hot. Ham, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, Easter beans, Sheri's rolls, Kim and Brian's rice krispy treats, and a coconut cake, Lexy's macaroni and cheese made by Trina, and water to drink. 

These are the people who attended: Paul, Adam, Michael, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Ian, Sheri, Alex, Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola, James and I. We miss Jared's family. Wish they were here.

After lunch Shayna, Alex, and James went out in the backyard and hid the Easter eggs. Max, Addy, Rowan, Joshua, Evan, Ruby, and Lola looked for the eggs in 90 degree weather. I am melting!

Ollie, Shipley, and Vader joined in the fun. I did not have time or presence of mind to take pictures. Here are the two I took:

Separating the candy from the money

She prefers the candy.

Shayna, Alex, Ben

I texted Rita and told her why I didn't make it to Aunt Gene's party but I never heard back from her. 

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's it to awhile to wash the dishes and put all the food away. I am afraid that Trina and Darrel did most of the work. 

Two new apostles:

Elder Soares and Elder Gong

We missed most of the afternoon session of conference but here is how the morning session went:

Solemn Assembly - President Eyring

1."Precious Gifts from God - M. Russell Ballard

2. "Am I a Child of God"?

Brian K Taylor

3."Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye"

Larry J. Echo Hawk

4. "The Heart of a Prophet"

Gary E. Stevenson

5. "Until Seventy Time Seven"

Lynn G. Robbins

6. "The Prophet of God"

Neil L. Andersen

Quotes from the morning session

Afternoon Session

7.  "Meek and Lowly of Heart:
David A. Bednar
8. "One More Day"
Taylor G. Godoy
9. "Young Women in the Work"
Bonnie L. Oscarson
10. "Saving Ordinances Will Bring 
Us Marvelous Light"
Taniela B Wakolo
11. "Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and
Sacred Responsibility"
Devin G. Durrant
12  "Family History and Temple Work:
Sealing and Healing"
Dale G. Renlund

Afternoon Session Quotes

Priesthood Session

13. "What Every Aaronic
Priesthood Holder Needs to
Understand"
Douglas D. Holmes
 14. "Introductory Remarks"
Russell M. Nelson
15. "The Elders Quorum
D. Todd Christofferson
16. "Behold! A Royal Army"
Ronald A. Rasband
17. "Inspired Ministering"
Henry B. Eyring
18. "The Powers of the Priesthood"
Dallin H. Oaks
19. "Ministering with the Power
and Authority of God"
Russell M. Nelson

Priesthood Session Quotes

All the high priest groups in the wards have been dissolved and
the high priests are now part of the elder's quorum.
Darrel sent this to us.

While James and Darrel were at the priesthood session of conference, Addy and I went shopping. I promised her I would take her to Dollar Tree to look for things to use for April Fool's jokes. She found a For Rent sign and a Garage Sale sign she is going to put on her house tomorrow morning with her mom's phone number on the For Rent sign.

Hobby Lobby was right next door to Dollar Tree. I told Addy I just couldn't be this close and not go in. Here are a few of the things I found:

I got this puzzle for Stacy

This was Addy's favorite.

I love both of these.

I just couldn't justify buying them right now.

A gigantic Easter egg with 

nesting eggs inside.

Cost too much even with the discount.

James watched conference at the church by Darrel and Trina's house. Addy went to meet him when it was over on her roller blades.

Darrel went to Trina's parents house. Afterwards Darrel, Trina's dad, and Bryce went out to eat at The Keg. James was invited but he opted not to go. He and I took Addy and Ruby to IHOP for dinner. Rowan wasn't here. He spent the day at Sheri's.

The four of us each got different flavored pancakes. James got harvest nut and grain, Addy got blueberry, Ruby chocolate chip, and I got just plain buttermilk with warm maple syrup, my favorite.

Talk about having cake for dinner!

This girl loves whipped cream and chocolate!

Almost done.

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's James and I walked around the block a couple of times. I came in after two and James kept walking.