Friday, February 14th, 2020

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

Isaiah 51:5

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:27-54

The Atonement saves from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment - The righteous are to be saved in the kingdom of God - Penalties for sins are set forth - The Holy One of Israel is the keeper of the gate. About 559-545 B.C.

"Come Follow Me"

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

"Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord Abide with Me"

Reyna I. Aburto

"As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant with God that we 'are willing to bear one another's burdens' and  'to mourn with those that mourn.' This may include becoming informed about emotional illnesses, finding resources that can help address these struggles, and ultimately bringing ourselves and others to Christ, who is the Master Healer. Even if we do not know how to relate to what others are going through, validating that their pain is real can be an important first step in finding understanding and healing."

Glorious Sunrise

 Happy Birthday Arizona!

 Happy Valentine's Day

 So sweet and I love the purple necklace

and earrings!

 My card to James along with a bag of

black licorce and Reisens

Card for the Grapp family

Peach tea for James and me courtesy of James. I made it until 9 am before I needed a cherry Pepsi. I usually have it first thing in the morning.

I blogged first thing this morning after my prayers and planning. Afterwards I finished up Valentines.

James went to town to get gas for the power washer so he could wash the car. He brought me back a sandwich and chocolate custard from Culver's. Their custard is so smooth and creamy. Thanks honey for the custard, but you can have the sandwich because I already had a frozen burrito for lunch. 

James spent a couple of hours washing the car and spraying off the garage and driveway. This fight with the mud is a constant battle. When James sprays off the sidewalk the runoff goes right in front of the house and creates a mud puddle. As soon as we can afford to we are going to get a load of cinders.

I read to James from "Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea". I also took a break and finished my chapter in "Live Up To Our Privileges" and "Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon."

When I was finished with the Grapp's Valentine box I wrapped Benson's birthday presents and got out Olaf for Leland since I missed his birthday in July. Next on the list, make the Rice Krispy treats, extra gooey using Kim's formula of less cereal and more marshmallow. I bagged them up and got ready to deliver. By this time James was making the cobble for tonight's Valentine party at the church. He made one but didn't treat the pan before he made the cobbler so he made another one too. He put them both in the oven before we headed to the Grapp's which is a good ten miles away.

When we drove up to the Grapp's all of the kids were outside playing and ran to open the gate for us. We handed each of them something to carry and told them we had to get home because we had a cobbler in the oven. 

We went back home and James took the first cobbler out. It looks pretty good. Both are cherry because I like the red color for Valentines day. 

When both cobbler's were finished we grabbed the last one and headed for the church to the ward party. Kerri and Michelle did a great job decorating. The food was provided by Shamrock, bbq meat, rolls and salad and lots of cobblers for dessert. 

James and I sat by the Woods', the Penrods', and the Bradys'. As we were eating I noticed that Celine Dion music was playing in the background. I went over to my friend Sister Finnell and asked if she was in charge of the music. I knew she had just been in Texas and gone to a Celine Dion concert. She said yes. I just said I thought she had a beautiful voice and thanked her for her good taste in music. 

As we were leaving Kerri asked if we wanted our picture taken at the photo booth set up in the Relief Society room. Like I dummy I said no. I hate having my picture taken but now that I think about it I wish I had done it to have a picture of James and I for my blog.

Oh well. Next time.

At home I did some cleanup and mopped the kitchen floor before James and I settled down to watch a movie. I texted Kaitlin and told them to park on the driveway and come in through the garage because the front was so muddy. They won't be here until after we go to bed because they always make a trip to Walmart before coming here.

The movie we watched was from the Gourmet Detective series on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries starring Brooke Burns and Dylan Neal.  This episode was called "Roux the Day." It was good and we both enjoyed it. Afterwards we went to bed. I forgot to walk and ended up with 9,392 steps. If I would have known I was so close to 10,000 I would have walked before going to bed. 

It was a great Valentine's Day! Jared's family got their package and Jared thanked me. He also sent me a video of Debbie receiving Randy's gift and note. I guess it was on Azfamily.

 I love this!

 Why do I like junk food so much. 

Does this count as veggies:

Potatoes and cucumbers?

 Monique and Dave

 Colee and Troy

 The Tomlinson's

The Coomb's

 A delicacy I remember from 

BYU Women's Conference

 Lola and Ivy

Ward Party:

Sean and Michelle running in front of the

bishops camera

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

Psalms 135:14

For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:1-26

Jacob explains that the Jews will be gathered in all their lands of promise - The Atonement ransoms man from the Fall - The bodies of the dead will come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from paradise - They will be judged...

"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 10:20, 23-25 Because of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can "cheer up" my heart.

"Standing By Our Promises and Covenants"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"The gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today, President Nelson has said as he has traveled the world. "When we speak of the gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father's children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."

I prayed this morning that Mario would accept James's contract and that they would be able to start work within the next two weeks. 

James took off $1800 per house, there are two, and submitted it. He still has not heard back. That's the best he can do. He can't work for nothing.

James went to town this morning to look at cabinets and countertops for Mario's job.  He wanted me to go with him but I needed to stay home and finish Valentines for Ben, Stacy, Kim, Sheri, Darrel and families. I am spending a lot of time coloring a Valentine message of love. It is simple but sincere.

To Ben and his fellow missionaries.

On the back it says:

Hurray for Israel, hurray for the gathering,

We love missionaries!

When James returned he came in carrying four books from the post office for me to inventory and sell,  and with my prescription. He made the comment about how muddy the roads were. He said he had tried to go through the carwash but was discouraged at both places, Circle K and Splash and Dash. Splash and Dash told him there was so much mud that the brushes would scratch his car trying to get it off. He forgot to get gas for the power sprayer so he can't wash it at home either.  I listened but didn't really pay much attention to the car outside. 

James came in, had some lunch, and laid down to take a nap.

I continued finishing up my Valentines. I finished everyone's except Kim and Brian's. I will finish theirs and mail it tomorrow morning. Better late than never, right?

I needed to make it to the post office before 4 so I hurried and got ready and went out to the car around 3:30. I don't think I've ever seen Lexy this dirty. 

 There were so many spots on the windshield

it was difficult to see, especially with the

afternoon sun shining directly at me.

I was upset and James could tell I was upset. I made it to the post office and mailed my Valentines and headed for Dollar General to get ingredients to make Rice Krispy treats and to get a birthday gift for Benson Grapp.

The store was a mess. Very few Valentines left and stuff all over the floor and in the aisle. I did find a gift for Benson and a Valentine and some candy for James. Oh yes, I found a receipt from Walmart for $100 in the car. When I asked James what it was for, he said, your Valentine "surprise." Now I really feel guilty for being upset with him. 

When I am stressed I eat and today I ate 3 sugar cookies. I am pretty disgusted with myself. This wasn't my best day ever.

James helped me put sheets on our bed and Kim and Brian's bed downstairs. I finished putting the sheets on the bed in James's office and checked each room because Adam and friends are coming up tomorrow night.

I am sad to say I cleaned up 15 dead wasps in Sheri and Ian's room. That is the room Kaitlyn stays in. I asked James if we had a bug bomb and he said no. No time to go get one either. I picked up one wasp who still had enough life left in him to sting me through the tissue I was holding him with. That hurt!

All I wanted to do this evening was study The Restoration and update my Inklings and Come Follow Me. Instead I walked, and bought three books and worked on "Come Follow Me" for 30 minutes. Where does the time go.

I am listening to "The Saints" volume one. It is a vivid reminder of the sacrifices that were made to restore the gospel by so many, especially Joseph Smith and his family. I am humbled by the sincerity and devotion of so many and shocked by the opposition and how evil some people can be.

James found some old photos and sent

them to me:

 Terry used this photo to advertise for his knives

Camrie: "The perks of being single"

Inklings study of DC 107 

I have Brother Gaskill's book and it
goes along with the one I am reading, 
"Cornerstones of the Restoration"

sweetheart.

This was a video, it was so touching.

I sold this book today and James mailed if for me.

Merchant fulfilled.

Dave and Tammy Montgomery 

Dave worked for James and Tammy was

in our ward, the daughter of my dear friend

Florence Cluff.

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

Psalms 96:10

Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: hew shall judge the people righteously.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 8

Jacob continues reading from Isaiah: In the last days, the Lord will comfort Zion and gather Israel - The redeemed will come to Zion amid great joy - Compare Isaiah 51 and 52:1-2. About 559-545 B.C.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 9:27-54 "I can come unto Christ and receive the glorious blessings of His Atonement

"Remember the things the Lord has

done for you."

"After the Trial of Our Faith"

 Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

"We are blessed with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in our days, which lifts us when we feel discouraged or troubled. We are reassured that our efforts will bear fruit in the Lord's own due time if we press forward through the trials of our faith."

Happy Birthday Trina!

Darrel and Trina have a friend who says that Darrel never

smiles in pictures. I think he's trying to prover

her wrong in this picture.

We got a text this morning reminding us that Jared is in court and would we please pray for him. I offered a prayer directed towards Jared and kept my thoughts on him all morning until we received this text from him:

"FYI. I'm still in court as they are writing up a new order but it looks like I'll get credit for all the extra money I've paid over the last 7 months.. Over $2,400 total. But the bad news is I won't get it back now. It will sit as a credit in my account which means I won't have to pay child support the last few months before Molly turns 18. Not exactly what I wanted as it's frustrating it'll be 8 years before I get that extra money back, but at least I'll get credit for all of it."

James is miserable this morning. His upper back is really hurting. I think it's because he shoveled snow for a couple of hours yesterday. 

James got a text from Chuck this morning cancelling their elders quorum meeting this evening. Chuck said he was at the emergency room all night with Kathy who is having gastrointestinal problems. We will continue to pray for her.

I have an appointment with Dr. Moffat on February 24th.  He had to renew one of my prescriptions and realized I had not been in for awhile. I guess it's about time.

I worked on preparing Valentine's for Jared and Kacey's family and for Autumn, Palmer and Scarlett. James was so kind to mail them for me. Now I'm working on Ben's and Darrel and Trina's, and possibly the girls families too.

I made James a meatloaf with baked potatoes and green beans for lunch. I told him it was a reward for mailing my Valentines. (Ha! I would have made it anyway). 

I watched the snow melt off the trees all day. Although the high was only around 40, it was sunny all day. 

I bought 3 books today, as is my plan, and repriced an entire inventory sheet. It doesn't sound like much but it takes time.

I cleaned the wood floor in the living room and family room today. I just used my Swifer Wet and it looks great. 

This evening I studied 2 Nephi 8 and 2 Nephi 9:27-54. I love Jacob.

2 Nephi 9 is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon.

Ruby's running club

 Go Rube's!

 On the stand to get a ribbon. I'm not sure

what the ribbon is for

Trina's Young Women helped her celebrate

her birthday

 "One who seeks"

 I found this in a box of photos

labeled 1999. I sent it to Jared so

he could show Tanner

 Autumn's Valentine that I forgot

to put in their package

 Valentine workshop

 The Childs' package

Feb 23rd the 7th Season of 

"When Calls the Heart"

premiers