Saturday, March 17th, 2018

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 20:14

And the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you this land, for your inheritance.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

*Why is it important to remember that all our blessings come from our Heavenly Father?

Old Testament

Numbers 35-36

35 Levites to possess their own cities - Cities of refuge established for those guilty of manslaughter - Murderers shall be executed by the revenger of blood.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Richard J. Maynes

" It is my prayer this evening that we might all first place our trust in the Lord, as Nephi exemplified, and then, through the integrity of our hearts, earn the trust of the Lord, as well as the trust of our wives and children. As we understand and apply this sacred principle of trust built on integrity, we will be true to our sacred covenants. We will also succeed in presiding in our families with love and righteousness, providing the necessities of life and protecting our families from the evils of the world. Of these truths I humbly testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

There were 20 or so elk in the yard this morning but I was the only one who saw them. Everyone else was still in bed. I tried to wake James but I guess he didn't hear me. 

Today is St. Patrick's day. I don't really have any green clothes to wear, so I wore a green CTR wristband. 

We had bacon and waffles for breakfast. Afterwards we read Jacob 2. 

I worked on cutting out Abraham's tents for each of the kids in my Primary class. 

Lot, Abraham and Sarah, and

baby Isaac.

I got a text from Kim today about a video she wants me to watch for Primary sharing time. It is 18 minutes long and she wants my opinion on whether she should use it tomorrow for her Primary sharing time assignment. I watched the video and loved it. It features three songs, The Miracle, Gethsemane, and I Know that My Redeemer Lives. I think the kids will really like it. Kim was worried that she was coping out by using a video. I said know, this one was special for Easter. The video is on youtube, "Laura Nielson Sharing Time."

I started rolls this morning and cooked two dozen in time for lunch. I made spaghetti for the boys. We are taking them later this afternoon to Heber to meet Sheri.

I watched "Upstairs/Downstairs" on my phone while I finished cutting out Abraham's tents. 

Michael had a track meet at UofA today and Paul posted these pictures.

He did really well until the last 300. He is really frustrated. He ran 4 seconds faster at his timed trial. That time would have gotten him 1st place.

The boys are upstairs and James is gone to Charles Gordon's baptism. I take a nap and work on Primary some more. 

When James gets home from the baptism we load up the car and get ready to take the boys to Heber to meet Sheri. 

Our timing was great, we got to the Circle K in Heber a couple of minutes after Sheri, at 5:30. We went inside and got some snacks before saying our goodbyes. I got hot chocolate and James got a Special Dark Hershey bar. Sheri paid for them both. 

Sheri and the boys head home to the valley and we head back to Vernon.

I am grateful James came because he did all the driving. I read some and then took a nap. 

We were back at home in time to watch the new Hallmark movie. Afterwards we went to bed.

Wilhelm wrestlers. Three first place medals.

Tomlinson's in D.C. for Spring Break.

Horseshoe Bend

Our dead tree before it fell over.

It wasn't dead when we bought this property.

In fact, James says this tree is one of the

reasons he bought the place.

Amazing!

So long, farewell!

Sunday, March 4th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4-5 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

1Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

*How do you talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?

Old Testament

Numbers 10-11

10 Silver trumpets are used to call assemblies and to blow alarms - The cloud is taken from the tabernacle, and the children of Israel march forth in their prescribed order - The ark of the covenant goes before them in their journeyings.

11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel - Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna - Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone - He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him - The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites - The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp -Israel is provided with quail - The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die. 

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:12

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There may be many things about life that are beyond your control. But in the end, you have the power to choose both your destination and many of your experiences along the way. It is not so much your abilities but your choices that make the difference in life."

The following people bore their testimonies in our fast and testimony sacrament meeting this morning: Bishop Miller, Stefani H., Sister Miller, Sister Allen, Brother Allen, Sister Beard, Brother Scott, Brother Reynolds, Brother Secard, Jace A., Sister Goodman, Sister Crane, Brother Peeler, Jackson A., and children from Primary: Colter, Benson, Liana, unknown boy, Brooks, Chloe.

Attending my Primary class today: Colter, Liana, and Andyn. Missing: Amaron, Gracie who is sick, and Jace. My goal is to visit Jace this week and give him an assignment for next week.

Our lesson today was:"Jehovah makes Covenants with Abraham."

Colter said he read about Abraham and Isaac in his Old Testament Scripture Stories book so I let him tell the story although it is not included in our lesson today. 

Liana and Andyn both did their newsletters and got to choose a prize but they didn't want anything I have. Liana asked me to bring the old prizes I used to have in the bigger basket. I will and I will get some new ones when I go shopping at Walmart this week.

Colter really wants the Rubiks Cube but he does not want to do his paper. He wants me to give him the Rubis Cube and then he will do the paper. I told him it didn't work that way. 

Sister Skousen did singing time today. Sister Hall was not here. The first song we sang is a golden oldie, "Give Said the Little Stream."

We also sang, "I Am a Child of God," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and of course, "Once There Was a Snowman."  

During Sister Hunsaker's sharing time we sang, "Do As I'm Doing." Sister Analee chose the closing song, "Search, Ponder, and Pray."

We only had six children in sharing time. It is much less noisy but I miss the little children in junior Primary. Children in senior Primary: Zemira, Curtis, Christian who is Sister Skousen's grandson visiting from Lakeside, Colter, Andyn, and Liana.

Andyn and Liana help me carry my things to the car. Colter is still begging for the Rubiks Cube. I told him if he finished his paper at home he could call me and I would bring it to him. That did not happen.

It was so windy today. My hair was blowing straight up in the air. 

We broke our fast about 45 minutes early at my request. I had a cheese crisp, cereal and yogurt. James had a cheese crisp and Hormel chili with a hotdog. 

We took our naps and then I got up and got dressed because bishop is coming home teaching around 3. I listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "Three Sisters." I was working on my blog when the doorbell rang.

The bishop brought Andyn with him. We talked a little bit about our Primary lesson today so I asked her what three of the things were that we inherit from Abraham. She said, Priesthood, Promised Land, and Posterity. I love this girl!

The bishop read 2 Nephi 31:13 and we discussed what it means to be a hypocrite. We talked about the story Elder Holland told in his conference talk about the priest who wasn't living all that he believed. We decided we were all hypocrites in one way or another but what makes the difference is if we are repenting and trying to do better and how we feel in our hearts.

I got Andyn a bag and told her to take some candy home to her family, which she did. 

Our Book of Mormon reading today was: 2 Nephi 25:14-26. Along with this reading I also read to James Elder Bruce R. McConkie's talk: "What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace." 

Sheri made arrangements for her boys to come home with James when he goes down on March 14th.

We read by the fire from "Life Everlasting". James is tired and hurts and wants to go to bed but I am trying to do my weekly planning. I finally cave. He won't go to bed without me.

Cathi embracing her short, curly hair.

One of those old houses I would love

to explore.

I would like to explore this castle but

I'm not sure how to get there. Do

you see a road?

What's left of our beautiful tree.

Monday, August 5, 2013

I love getting up in time to see the sunrise!

I get up and study and get myself something to eat then I take James his pills and protein shake and then I fix his breakfast.  Afterwards we go outside and read from the scriptures and our book in the gorgeous weather.  It was overcast and rainy all day and we even had a little hail.

I mailed Molly's birthday package today.  Afterwards I went to see if the sunflower field is blooming yet.  Just a few more days and I'm sure it will be in full bloom.

Okay, it's official, I love The Walton's.  James says it reminds him of his family when he was growing up in Ramah.  There is always a lesson to be taught by their good old fashion family values.  They always eat dinner together and discuss what happened to them during the day.  Grandpa is my favorite character.  In the episode we watched today John Boy goes to NYC to see if Hastings House received the manuscript for his first book.  I got a little teary-eyed and had to save the episode.  John Boy reminds me of Adam.

There was a dead bat on Sheri's bed today almost lying with his little head on the pillow.  It was freaky because Tara had just stayed in that room.  I was going to call Chuck Crane to come and remove him for me but James wouldn't hear of it.  He climbed up the stairs, put the bat in a Walmart bag and scooted back downstairs on his backside.  I love this man!

There was lots of loud thunder tonight as I sat at the end of the dining room table with the window open so I could feel the cool breeze on my back, feet, and legs.  It is raining hard!  Suddenly there is a loud crash of thunder.  I jump up and close the window!

 Rain on Mt. Vernon

Our dead tree.

Bishop Wilson and Tammy's Wedding Picture

Clouds at Sunset.