Friday, October 11th, 2019

Fortaleza, Brazil

164th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 2019

By: Ulisses Soares

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:11-26

New Testament: Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

General Conference

Adjustments to Strengthen Youth

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"More young men and young women will rise to the challenge and stay on the covenant path because of this laser-like focus on our youth."

We said goodbye to Alex, Max, and Joshua this morning as they left for home. I helped them pack up all of the food that Sheri left for them. I even taped up the cereal boxes so they wouldn't spill in the back of Alex's car.

Alex says they are going the Globe way so they

can stop at Burger House.

I boxed up and labeled 11 books to ship today while James went over to the Kostusiaks to help build a ramp for Dave. He came home a little after noon and we headed for town.  

While James was taking the box of books into the UPS store I walked over to Walmart to do some shopping. James's next stop was Sonoram lab to get his bloodwork done for his surgery. He picked me up at Walmart and we went to LaCasita for lunch. 

On the way home I finished reading "Aunt Dimity's Good Deed" to James. While we were gone Adam, Chris, and Kaitlyn went for a hike to the cinder pit at Elk Hill. 

I watched TV in my bedroom while working on the computer. Stacy had me watch a business presentation about selling books. It turns out it was the guy who own Book Profits, the business I am in. His name is Luke Sample and he is a good salesman but his presentation was not exactly typical. He was showing how you could buy a book for $10 and then resell it for $400. I have yet to see that happen.

I like the pink curls!

This is how my refrigerator has looked this week.
At least I won't run out of sour cream.

Ollie stayed at Cathi's while his family
was in Vernon. He loves it over there!

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: Nov 19, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:16-2:15

*What do you admire most about Lehi and his family?

Their sacrifice of their worldly possessions to obey the Lord.

Old Testament/P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Moses 7:18

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

Old Testament/P.G.P Reading

Genesis 3-4; Moses 3-4.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. We can stop comparing our worst to someone else's best."

James got a call from Cody Birch this morning. Cody wants James to build him a house. The problem is he doesn't even have a lot yet. 

Cody is an anethesiologist and he says he makes alot more money now that he works for himself.

I started reading about The Sheperd's Diet today. It focuses on healthy fats and proteins, and low carbs.

We made a trip to town this morning. James got an xray done at the hospital and then went to Sonoran lab to get bloodwork done. Before he did those two things we took Lexy to Walmart to get the oil changed. They said it would take about an hour and a half but it was actually over two hours. I shopped and then when I was finished I went to McDonald's and got a diet coke and an ice cream cone. I also opened the Dorito Salsa Verde chips I bought. Michael had some when he was up here and I became addicted.

James joined me and ordered a couple of burgers because they were on sale 2/$5. I ate part of one and then gave the rest to him.

We were excited when we stopped at the post office to see that our order of Heartland season 5 had arrived. We watched two episodes this evening. 

On the way home from town the check engine light and several other lights came on. James thinks it's nothing to worry about that they just messed something up when they were changing the oil.

James and I both still have a lingering cough, and no energy.

Cute picture of Shayna

I think she left her boots her. She's the only

one that could fit in these tiny boots.

Love those eyes!

Our place a couple of years ago.

Mrs. Snow and her two little ones

I miss the snow!

Monday, November 13th, 2017

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Ascension of

Alma 40:20

Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 28:1-24

*Does anyone have any questions about these verses?

James and I had a discussion about the difference between transfigured and translated beings and there was some confusion so I looked up the definitions in the Guide to the Scriptures on my Gospel Library app. 

"Translated": Persons who are changed so they don't experience pain or death until their resurrection to immortality. This was the state the 3 Nephites were and are in now.

"Transfigured": Temporarily changed in appearance and nature. Lifted to a higher spiritual level so that they can endure the presence and glory of heavenly beings. This is the state of Joseph Smith when he saw the First Vision. For more examples of both of these states, see the Topical Guide in your scriptures or Guide to the Scriptures on the Gospel Library app.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:20

Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

"They chose to be baptized. This was not a choice without personal cost. Their decision and baptism carried with them a high price. They lost employment, they sacrificed social standing, important friendships dissolved, and the support, love, and respect of family were withdrawn. They now walked to church each Sunday, exchanging awkward glances with friends and neighbors who were walking in the opposite direction. This good brother was asked how he felt about their decision to join the Church. His simple reply was, 'It is true, isn't it? Our choice was clear.'"

James asked me to read from "Once an Heiress" before I went to town this morning to have blood drawn for my thyroid check. 

I went to Sonoran Lab where Armando was smooth with a large needle. I didn't feel a thing. Next stop was Aliberto's for my two tacos. I ate them there and watched TV. After lunch I went to Walmart to pick up two prescriptions and to pick up a few groceries. My few groceries ended up costing over $180.  It's ridiculous that a bell pepper costs $1.28. Everything is so high!

It was smoky again on the way home. Will we ever have a day without smoke?
When I returned home and got everything put away I started working on my blog and getting my steps in. James worked outside on the patio.

Cutting bricks for the edge around the patio

 Of course while blogging and stepping I watched Christmas movies: "Baby's First Christmas," "'Tis the Season for Love," and this evening with James the new movie, "Engaging Father Christmas," starring Erin Krakow.

We also watched the season 2 finale of Heartland where Caleb is hurt riding a bronco in a rodeo and the family at Heartland watches is happen on television.

Chuck came over today and left a copy of the letter he wrote to the school board regarding the outrageous rising school taxes. He and James will both be going to the schoolboard meeting tomorrow night.

For FHE we listened to President Nelson's "The Book of Mormon: What Would our Life Be Like Without It?"

James got a call from Brother Curtis, the high priest group leader, regarding the Carroll family in the ward. It seems Brother Carroll was arrested this evening and the family is being evicted from their home. Brother Curtis is rounding up the priesthood to help move the family tomorrow morning. James is taking his truck and trailer.
This is so sad. The Carroll's still have four small children at home.

DWTS Semifinalists

Lindsey and Mark

Jordan and Lindsay

Frankie and Witney

Emma and Drew

Val and Victoria

I was disappointed that Victoria went home, it should have been Drew. I love what Tom Bergeron said to her. "You have been such an inspiration to so many people which is so much more important than any mirror ball trophy." She has been an inspiration when you think that a year ago her legs were paralyzed. The doctor's said she would never walk again.

Darn, I missed it!

Fall in Arizona

Kim and Brian's tree

I took this photo and sent it to a friend who

wanted to know about the plates.

Desert sunset

Ocean sunset

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

"Everyone makes mistakes in life;

but that doesn't mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life.

Sometimes good people make bad choices,

it doesn't mean they are bad.

It means they are human."

-Author unknown

Mesa temple

One of the first things I do when I get up in the morning is look outside all of the windows for any sign of wildlife.  This morning it paid off, I saw a lone antelope crossing going towards Vernon.  

 He's looking at me, and then he disappears

when I move away from the window just for a minute.

James says he is trying to teach Adam about concrete work.  The first thing he had to do was get him to take out his earphones.  He isn't really very interested.  Adam could have worked more hours today but he chose not to. 

 In other Gonzales new, Paul posted this picture of Holly and said: "My girlfriend of twelve years."

Holly: 84 in dog years.

I went into Show Low this morning and had a nice visit with my Aunt Gene who is 86 years old in human years.  She talked to me about my grandparents, Arlee and Verdie Maxwell and great grandparents, Archibald and Lydia Maxwell and Walter and Lena Robinson. I feel like I have more insight into their lives and the people they were. Life was so very hard for most of them.  It was a very enjoyable visit but I am sad to say she talked me out of taking her picture.  Aunt Gene is a delightful person to talk to and she has a great memory.  Our next visit is going to be at the Nutrioso and Eagar cemeteries.

After leaving Aunt Gene's I had some more errands to run.  My first was to Taco Bell to get some lunch.  After lunch I spent an hour or so at Verizon trying to get another MiFi device.  It almost takes an act of Congress to get anything done at Verizon.  Finally I left to do my other errands and came back.  Just as I left it started to rain.  I'm glad I had my umbrella. 

I went to Sonoran Lab to get bloodwork done for Dr. Moffat.  It's for my thyroid.  The girl used a large needle and just jabbed in into my arm with no finesse.  Next time I'm asking for a butterfly needle like they use at the arthritis center.  Just across from the lab was Walmart so I went there to pick up my folic acid prescription and a few other items.  I also stopped at Panda Express and picked up some dinner.  Back at Verizon Trevor Flake had my order ready.  Thank goodness.  I only had to sign my name three times and I didn't even have to use blood.

Back home I was exhausted and sat down to watch one of the Christmas movies Kim taped.  Luckily I had seen it before because I slept through most of it.  A different version of Pollyanna was playing on the BYU channel so I watched it while I was working on  catching up my Sunday journal.  It was very good.  I am going to tape it for when Jared's kids are here.

Sheri texted me these pictures.  I think she's trying to make me jealous, and it's working.

 Ian's first time with Lola.

I love the picture of Addy and Darrel in the background.