Thursday, June 13th, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Examplar

Luke 9:23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 26:31-46 Mark 14:27-42 Luke 22:39-46

General Conference

Your Priesthood Playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you. Have you created a personal game plan and playbook so that you will know how to respond when faced with opposition?"

This was the question I asked the kids during our "Come Follow Me" scripture study this morning: "What do you do to help you think about Jesus during the sacrament?" 

We discussed how we could read the words to a sacrament hymn. The sacrament hymns start on page 169. I also told them they could look up the word sacrament in the topical guide in their hymn book if they forgot the page number. We also talked about the scriptures and the topical guide and Rowan said he has used the topical scripture guide.

I then had Rowan and Ruby read the sacrament prayers and we talked about them. We also read Luke 22:50-51 and talked about the kind of person Jesus was to heal the ear of one of his enemies.

While they were eating breakfast I read to them from the Book of Mormon and then we had family prayer. 

James left for the valley this morning so we all said goodbye to him. He is putting in a door at Stacy's house and then one at Hatch Dental in Tempe.

I went upstairs after dinner with the kids and helped them clean. We thought that Jason and his family were coming today and we wanted everything to look nice for them. Lola is very excited to meet Lila.

I needed to go to Dollar General to get some cash to mail Dallin's birthday card. The kids went with me. I told Rowan and Lola they could each pick out something for themselves and something for Ruby for her birthday. We are going to have a party for her tomorrow. Lola found a jewelry set right away that she liked and then she found a pink purse. She wanted both but I told her she had to decide. Right after she chose the purse she found a fuzzy pink diary with a key and a feather pen. This is what she ended up with. She picked a blue stuffed elephant for Ruby saying it was the "cutest thing she had ever seen." She was a little jealous it wasn't her birthday. She said she was going to invite Charlie to her birthday in July.

Rowan picked out a Just Friends Lego set for Ruby and said because it was so expensive he wasn't going to get anything for himself. He is such a thoughtful kid. I also got Ruby a Just Friends set with a girl with brown hair and glasses that I thought looked like her.

On the way home we mailed Dallin's card and picked up some books. While I was fixing lunch Rowan grabbed the paper towels and windex and went outside to clean off my windshield. I love this kid!

Lola watched "Beauty and the Beast". The other two joined in because they didn't want to scare the antelope away outside. We have LaVerne and Shirley and Elvis who has a nice set of antlers.

Finally I told the kids it was too nice a day to stay inside so they went out. They said the antelope ran away and they think they saw a baby with them but it could have been a big jack rabbit. I had to hold back a laugh.

Rowan asked James if he could borrow his rabbit squealer and he and Ruby went outside to try to call up some coyotes. Lola decided to stay with me. She played with my Hello Kitty bank and James's Snoopy bank while I worked on the computer. 

When it was dark and the kids weren't back I walked outside and shouted their names. They came in a few minutes later.

We had bean burritos for dinner and cantaloupe and corn. I was surprised that Lola doesn't like corn or cantaloupe and Ruby doesn't like corn but loves cantaloupe. I cut up a tomato for Lola to eat.

We watched the movie "Private Eyes", Ruby's choice and then I read a story to Lola while she was in bed with Ruby looking on.

Lola was a little sad that Lila and her family didn't come.

 Arizona Highways

 Danica is now a Hallmark star.

 One of James's former Teachers

 TBT: Boy these guys have changed!

 Sisterly love

Friday, September 8th, 2017

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 63:1-17

The Book of Mormon prophets were commanded to keep sacred records. Why is it still important for each of us to keep our own records today?

*They help us remember! We can see patterns in our lives as we go back and review our records kept in our journals, such as the receiving mercy of the Lord. I am hoping that my posterity will better understand me and my motives and my heart by the records I keep. Hopefully my testimony is being kept there. My story is unique. There have been times that I have been strengthened or taught by my own words as I remember all the Lord has done for me.

DC 131 1-8

What is meant by eternal increase?

*"Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. (History of the Church)

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life. We will be enabled to subdue negative impulses, and we will develop the capacity to overcome even what appear to be overwhelming obstacles. This was what enabled King Limhi's people to make a spectacular escape from their Lamanite captivity."

We are on our way to San Antonio! We left Vernon at 5:30 a.m. Arizona time, praying in the car before we left. Because San Antonio is two hours ahead of us, we will lose two hours time on our trip. It will take us about 13 hours but it will be 15 hours on the clock. We are driving a silver 2017 Toyota Corolla. Sorry I didn't get a picture. 

Although there are no fires in Arizona at this time, the sky is hazy from the fires all over the west coast and in Idaho and Montana.

Fire Map

Instead of going through Silver City and Deming, I talked James into going through Pie Town and Socorro to get to the I-10 Freeway in El Paso. I wanted to take a picture of Pie Town but I must have blinked and missed it. I only saw one little building which was probably where they sell their pies.

We read several chapters from our book, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor."  We stopped and got gas at the Rudy's in El Paso. I never knew they were a gas station. After getting gas we found a Whataburger where we had lunch, and then it was on to Van Horn, Fort Stockton, and Ozona where we stopped again for gas. 

We got in to San Antonio around 9 p.m. Texas time. Jared and Kacey waited up until we got there to eat their dinner. We had some yummy beef stroganoff.  Summer was gone to the Ronald Reagan Rattlers football game. That is the name of her school and the Rattlers are their mascot. 

We appreciate having a place to stay with family. We stayed in Tanner's room which is right next to Summer's. The bed was very comfy and we have our own bathroom.

Along with the fires and hurricanes, Mexico had an 8.1 earthquake hit yesterday. 2.5 million people are in need of aid and 96 people have been killed. Officials rush to get food and water to stricken communities in the poor south.

Photos:

 Kristen turned 18! I remember when she

was in our Primary class!

The Chandler flood of 2014

This is unheard of!

This is what it looks like when it floods 

in Vernon.

Paul's blended family, a few years ago.

Sweet and talented Carmen.

Elder Andersen and Dr. Crowe, President

of ASU. Look at Elder Andersen's tie.

Friday, March 31, 2017

Fresno, California
78th operating temple

Bettylea Maxwell
Sept. 13, 1930 - March 31, 1999

Today is the 18th anniversary of my mother's death.  When she died she was 68 years old, the same age as I am now.  I still miss her.  Up until my marriage, she was the most important person in my life.  She was kind, non-judgmental, and she loved country music.  Her favorites were Marty Robbins, Charlie Pride, and Vince Gill.  She was a great Pepsi lover until her grandson Brian went to work delivering for Coca-Cola at which time she drank coke to support him.  She always returned the shopping cart to it's proper place.  She was very thoughtful and caring.  I want to be like her. I love you Mom.

Omni 1:1-11

Why is it important to keep family records and journals?

Alma 58

Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the city of Manti by a strtagem - The Lamanites withdraw - The sons of the people of Ammon are preserved as they stand fast in defense of their liberty and faith.

DC 50:1-12

"That which doth not edify is not of God."

1-5, Many false spirits are abroad in the earth; 6-9, Wo unto the hypocrites and those who are cut off from the Church; 10-14, Elders are to preach the gospel by the Spirit;

How can we remain humble so that when we ask of God, we are prepared to receive His help?

General Conference

Repentance:A Joyful Choice

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Even as we feel godly sorrow for our actions, when we choose to repent, we immediately invite the Savior into our lives."

I usually get up before sunrise.  When it starts becoming light outside I open the blinds.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the window and it was a winter wonderland outside.  It snowed off and on for a few hours and accumulated 2 inches of snow.  By afternoon, the snow was all gone.  So weird.

It might be my last chance this year to

take pictures of snow.

James made the bed this morning.  It was a

sweet gesture and he did a great job,

except for the pillows. 

This afternoon James and I went in to town.  He needed to get his truck lubed and I needed to get some things for our dinner tomorrow night.  The Giles's are coming over for the priesthood session of conference tomorrow and then afterwards we are having dinner.  While we were waiting for James's truck we sat in McDonald's and read from our book.  I also had an ice cream. I just can't seem to resist.  

I made shredded beef tacos for dinner.  They were good, but James liked the beef better in a sandwich with mustard and pickles.

After dinner we watched the last two episodes of "When Calls The Heart."  When Elizabeth sang "O Danny Boy" it really got to James.  He loves that song.  It really was beautiful.

Fun Photos

Fossil Creek with:

Darrel, Trina, Lexy, Bryce, Lacey, Westley.

Sheri looks so sweet and I was proud of her

for being brave enough to stand under that goat.

James and his bear.

Vernon, June, 2014

A day at the beach.

James, working on his tan.

Anna working on her tan.

I am not sure what Emmy is doing.

Molly and Emmy at an Angel's game.

Emmy, James, Anna, Molly

I wonder if James forgot his sunglasses.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Phoenix temple.

Christlike attribute:

"Diligence"

 I work effectively, even when I'm not under

pressure or supervised."

D&C 58:26-27

I focus my efforts on the

most important things.

Matthew 23:23

I was up at 4 am to study.  I missed going to the temple with the youth this morning.  They met at the church at 5:30am.  

At 8am I started pumpkin bread for James's home teaching families: John & Sandra Wilhelm, Owen & Donna Peeler, Sean & Stefani Hunsaker, and John & Lorraine Vaught.  I didn't have enough eggs for four loaves so James had to make a trip to the Stanford store for some eggs.  We have a bit of a misunderstanding and don't speak for awhile.  Finally I tell him what he has done to hurt my feelings and he is very sweet the rest of the day.

After making four loaves of pumpkin bread I ask myself the question: "Why is there that big dent in the middle of each loaf of bread?".  I start to Google this question but realize it's getting late and I will have to find my answer another time.  I start getting ready for my week long trip to the valley.

I have some empty storage boxes upstairs that I break down to take with us.  Part of my plan is to finish emptying the cupboards downstairs in Chandler and bring stuff home or give it or throw it away. I call and tell Sheri I won't be making it to the Trunk or Treat.  She is sad but understands and sends me some pictures.

All four of her boys are in this picture and

one extra guy.

 Joshua and Evan.  Star Wars buddies.

Trina and Darrel's ward also had their trunk or treat tonight.

 Lola was an ASU cheerleader

 Elsa, Hermoine, and Harry join Lola.

We arrived at the house in Chandler after dark, around 6:30.  We unloaded the truck and then went grocery shopping at Fry's.  It's still 87 degrees outside!  

We visited with Joshua, Michael and Stacy and Paul a little while before going downstairs to go to bed.  We had to move Adam's bird Lukesy out of the basement.  

James still has laringitis and now he can't hear.  He pokes around in his ear with pens and other sharp objects and now it is infected.  He's never been able to hear very well out of his other ear which is cauliflowered from his years of wrestling.

 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

When we all went down to breakfast this morning the boys were disappointed that there weren't any pancakes.  The disappointment didn't last long when they saw all the cereals they had.  They both had cold cereal and Rowan had a donut.  A great way to start the day.  James and I both had omelets.

After breakfast we head to California Adventure.  They boys and James wait for quite awhile in front of California Adventure while I buy our tickets.  Their computer is down so it takes longer than usual.  Finally we get our tickets and mass migrate into California Adventure.  James takes the boys on Soaring Over California and they love it!

In the meantime I walk all the way back to Cars Land to get fast passes only to find out that the Radiator Springs ride is closed for maintenance.  Next time I come here I am going to check online to see what rides are open before I come!

While James and Evan go on the Grizzly Rapids ride Rowan and I do a little window shopping.  I have $137.00 in Disney dollars so I told Ro and Evan I would buy each of them something, plus Trina gave me $40 so I let each one of them have $20.  Rowan saw some things he liked but we didn't buy anything.
 Evan did not like getting wet on the Grizzly Rapids ride!

James talks Evan into going on the Pacific Palisades roller coaster, it's the big one in Cali Adventure, and then afterwards Evan said he would go on Tower of Terror  Rowan and I went on the ferris wheel but he insisted that we get a basket that doesn't swing.  He also does not like roller coasters.  A kid after my own heart.  

 After the roller coaster Evan decided he did not want to go on Tower of Terror. His face was white as a sheet and had a look of fear on it.    We opted to go to lunch instead. 

We went over where the McDonald's use to be but it wasn't there any more.  Right next to where it was there was an italian restaurant.  The boys all had pizza and I have five cheese ravioli with pesto sauce and pine nuts.  It was delicious! 

My lunch.  James was jealous.

My Disney Rewards credit card go us in to a private meeting with some of the Disney characters.  The boys thought that sounded fun so we headed over to the backlot near the Monsters Inc. ride.  On the way over James and the boys went on the Mater ride in Carsland.  

We waited in line to see one Disney character, Minnie Mouse.  Next to Daisy Duck she is the boys least favorite character.  I was imagining that there would be several characters there for them to meet.  Minnie was hugging on them and I could tell Rowan was really uncomfortable.  When she asked for a kiss on the cheek, that's where the boys drew the line!  Afterwards Rowan said: "Man, I hated that!"

Later while we were on the Monsters, Inc. ride we saw Stitch go over and take Minnie's place.  The rules were one visit per day so we couldn't go back.  At the end of the Monsters, Inc. ride Roz says to Evan: "Hey, nice glasses, kid!"  They thought that was funny.

James was exhausted and his leg was really hurting, so we went back to the hotel for a break.  I told the boys I would bring them back later if they wanted to come.  They decided they wanted to go swimming so we went down.  We waited in the lobby for the lion to roar.  We asked the lady at the desk and she said he roared every half hour.  Well we waited well past the half hour and nothing, so we went on out to the pool.  

These boys are awesome swimmers.

They were racing laps across the length of the pool!

Back in our room the boys were having so much fun, we decided not to go back to Disneyland.  I went out to get us something to eat and to do a little shopping at Target.  I left the boys with James.  There was a little excitement while I was gone.  The boys went out in the hall to see if the lion was roaring and got locked out of the room.  They knocked and knocked but James didn't hear them.  Instead of crying or panicking they went down on the elevator and told the attendant at the front desk.  They luckily knew we were in room 526 so the girl called and told James.  It makes a funny story but it could have been dangerous. 

I brought back 40 chicken nuggets and some fries from McDonald's for our dinner.  A fine dining experience.  We had family prayer and the boys watched some TV and played before going to bed.

 I got a call from Adam about when they arrived at the hotel.  He, Joe, and Alex wanted to come by for a visit but I told him the boys had already gone to sleep.  We will see them tomorrow at breakfast.