Monday, September 9th, 2019

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

2 Nephi 1:15

But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 1:1-17

New Testament 2 Corinthians 1-7 "Be Ye Reconciled to God"

2 Corinthians 1-2

General Conference

The Eye of Faith

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Some will say, 'You don't understand my situation.' I may not, but I testify that there is One who does understand. There is One who knows your burdens because of His sacrifice made in the garden and on the cross. As you seek Him and keep His commandments, I promise you that He will bless you and lift the burdens too heavy to bear alone. He will give you eternal friends and opportunities to serve. More important, He will fill you with the powerful Spirit of the Holy Ghost and shine His heavenly approval upon you. No choice, no alternative that denies the companionship of the Holy Ghost or the blessings of eternity is worthy of our consideration."

I listened to David and Emily's YouTube lesson on 2 Corinthians 1-7. It was totally different than the one I listened to last night. They are both good, just two very different approaches. 

I sold a book this morning and was working on my blog when I decided I needed to lie down for awhile. It was only 10:30 in the morning and James and I were both down for the count. 

James finally caught a mouse in his trap. He has a photo but I chose not to post it on my blog. 

James worked on replacing rotting railings, went to the Howard's to see if his tractor needed a tire replaced. It didn't. I guess Brother Howard already replaced it. He also went into Show Low to see if Dodge would do a diagnostics test on his truck. They told him he had to make an appointment and they were backed up for at least two weeks. 

On the way home James picked up a thin crust Pacific veggie pizza from Dominoes. By the time he got home with it it was half way eaten. Boy was it delicious!

He also brought me a new box of cherry Dilly bars. He knows the way to my heart!

I wrote Ben this morning early but I'm not sure he got my email. 

Here is a copy of the letter Ben sent to Sheri:

It's FaceTime!

I got 10,000 steps before 6:30 this evening when the Grapp's came over to watch "When Calls the Heart." They brought left over cake from Charlie Gordon's surprise party at the park. He turned 21 and his mom invited their friends to celebrate with him. We were invited but didn't go.

I made some of my homemade popcorn and everyone loved it. We watched episodes 6 and 7 of season 6, this years season of "When Calls the Heart". All that are left are episodes 8 and 9. I accidentally erased 8 and the Grapp's don't watch to watch 9 until they have watched 8 so they are waiting for the DVD to come out on October 1st.  Sorry guys episode 8 is pretty critical to the entire story about Lucas Buchard.

After the Grapp's went home I read to James and finished my walking.

 Happy 95th!

 Happy 41st to Jon!

 I love this!

 Before they left Tildy wanted me to take a picture of the

belt buckle she won at the rodeo in Star Valley.

I guess the horse she had won the race in her age group.

She wore the buckle on a pink belt around her pretty white

chiffon dress yesterday at church.

I wonder if she sleeps with it.

 Still on the loose. When I had my infusion in the valley

on Friday, one of the nurses was worried because she said

they had been seen in the Gilbert area where she lives.

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeds follishness;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

How can I be more like Samuel the Lamanite?

-I can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. I also should not be afraid of others and their opinions.

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

We had much needed rain most of the day today. I know it also rained and cooled down in the valley too. 

On our trip to Heber on Sunday we noticed all the dead pine trees along the way because of the dryness which causes bark beetles to attack the trees and kill them.

I learned some interesting things about the Creation during my personal gospel study this morning. Here is a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"...the word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos - chaotic matter, which is element, and in which dwells all the glory. Element had an existence from the time He had. The pure principles of elemennt are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and re-organized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end "(TPJS, p. 350-52; see also 28 Truths Taught by the Book of Mormon, p. 42).

I made pancakes for the boys this morning. They each ate one big one and they were done. I had planned on going shopping this morning but ended up paying bills instead. 

James came home because he couldn't work in the rain. The two of us went to town to get pizza and chicken for the boys. I let each boy choose a meal or two. Evan and Max wanted Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, and Evan asked for fried chicken. Max doesn't like Walmart or KFC chicken so we went to Safeway for the chicken before picking up the pizzas. 

James said I shouldn't have gotten two large pizzas, that mediums would have been enough. Those pizzas were gone in five minutes time. 

After lunch and a nap I went back in to town to do some real grocery shopping. Joshua wants spaghetti and burgers, Max wants hot dogs and steak, and Rowan asked for honey lime chicken enchiladas like his mom makes. I bought a lot of groceries and spent double what I normally spend. I did by lots of snacks and plenty of steak and hamburger. 

Since we had pizza for lunch, we had the chicken for dinner. I also made macaroni and cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread and fresh pineapple.

For F.H.E. we watched the video about Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff called, "A Search for Truth." 

After FHE the boys went outside to play with the laser guns.

We heard the news that President Ballard's wife Barbara passed away today. How sad to happen right before he speaks in General Conference.

James and I worked on our book business this evening. By working I mean we did some more training sessions. James said that the more he learns the more he is getting excited about doing this business. I got my Amazon Store Card approval for an extra 5% off of all purchases we make.

Huddled around Max's phone because we couldn't get the

FHE video to work on the computers.

"A Search for Truth."

 Ben and his companion Elder Nelson from

Minnesota who is the zone leader.

Ben does all the driving. Grandpa will give some

pointers about driving in the snow.

Taylor Wanlass took this photo yesterday after

sacrament meeting. Ben is in his sister-in-laws ward.

Taylor's dad is the bishop of the Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Playing Apples to Apples. These boys get

along so well together!

The faces of Charlie. I have got to make 

a photo album!

Skittles misses Joshua. She broke out of her cage

to tell Stacy about it.

Friday, July 20th, 2018

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 93:9

The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:1-24

*In what ways do you relate to Alma's conversion story?

- Brian Horak: "I'm only going to say this; conversion is real, repentance is real, FORGIVENESS IS REAL!! None of us are past forgivenss and the joy of our Redeemer's embrace. All you have to do is want it. I testify that this is true."

Old Testament

Ezra 4-6

4 The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work - The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases.

5 Haggai and Zechariah prophesy - Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple - The Samaritans challenge the Jews' right to continue their building work.

6 Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple - It is finished and dedicated, and sacrifices and feasts commence again.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End

"Attendance at sacrament meetings is one of the key ways we can evaluate our determination to serve Him, our spiritual fortitude, and the growth of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Partaking of the sacrament is the most important things we do on the Sabbath day. The Lord explained this ordinance to His Apostles just before He died. He did the same on the American continent. He tells us that if we participate in this ordinance, it will be a testimony to the Father that we always remember Him,and He promises that, accordingly, we will have His Spirit to be with us."

James worked at the Howard's again today. Brother Howard told him he planned on paying him for his work and to keep track of his hours. James thought he wouldn't be paid but his work would go toward's paying Brother Howard back for destroying his Cat. Now that our Cat is fixed James is going to give it to Brother Howard, along with the tractor which is worth about $16,000 the cost of the tractor that was destroyed.

This is a big week for the Wilhelm family and James is one of their ministering brothers. This evening we went to the temple when their oldest son took out his temple endowments. He doesn't leave for his mission until November 1st but nowadays they have young people work in the temple until it's time for them to leave on their missions.

On the way to the temple we stopped at the Book Barn and picked up the pink journal James picked out for Talon's younger sister Ruthie who is being baptized tomorrow on her birthday. 

We got to the temple a little early and so I read another chapter from "Abby's Crossing." This book is getting good. It takes place in the Utah territory around 1860.

These are the people who were at the temple for Talon:

His parents, his grandparents, his sister Trenda and her husband Emery, Bishop Miller, the Thompson's and the Crane's, Sister Tedder, a cousin and an aunt, and James and I. There may have been more, but those are the friends from our ward.

James spoke to Talon about working in the temple. He said he is going back to his uncle's in Washington to work and he asked if he could work in the temple up there. He was told only if he transferred his membership. He doesn't want to do that. He wants to leave from Vernon. 

It was a great session and a wonderful reunion in the Celestial room. I can hardly wait for Ben to go through the temple. Just two more days and Ben will open his call.

The July 24th celebration has begun in Snowflake and Taylor. There was something going on at the rodeo grounds in Taylor and they were letting off fireworks.

We stopped for pizza at Pizza Hut so it was quite late when we got home. We finished walking and went to bed at 10:30.

 The view from our backyard.

 He has grown a ton in 3 years!

 Freaky!

 I wonder how many castles 

Scotland has?

 Huntleigh is 3 and she already takes pig

showing very seriously!

 Such an awesome 3rd wheel!

 Oh my word!

Just like in my dreams!

Forget the body,

look at that face!

Friday, June 1st, 2018

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:19-34

*Why does the Lord always use two or more witnesses to testify of the truth of His gospel?

Talk: The Many Witnesses of Jesus Christ and His Work

By: James M. Paramore

Oct. 1990

Old Testament

1 Kings 11-12

11 Solomon marries non-Israelite woe, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods - The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat - Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the King of the ten tribes - Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

12 Rehoboam seeks to impose greater burdens upon the people - The ten tribes revolt and turn to Jeroboam - Jeroboam turns to idolatry and worships false gods.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

M. Russell Ballard

"After Jesus's Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, 'Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.' Notice a twofold action - God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants - mortal men and women - to accomplish Their work."

Russell M. Nelson 4/11 #57. Face the Future with Faith.

Happy Anniversary!

50 Years 

We look so young!

Jared, Kacey, and Stacy all posted about us on Facebook. We feel loved. James and I celebrated this morning by me cutting his hair. He looks so handsome!

Jared reminded us that this is our Family Birthday! We used to celebrate by buying the kids gifts.

Stacy's post.

I bet he couldn't do this now.

I look like I am blind.

So sweet. Thank you Jared.

The day started out with gospel study and blogging and family prayer with the boys,  then at 10 o'clock I left for my infusion at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology in Mesa. 

The nurse who sets up my infusion asked me if I had lost weight. Yes I said, and to myself, thank you for noticing. 

When I returned to the resort in Scottsdale James had taken the boys swimming and fed them lunch from the Splash Grill. 

James and I were both hungry so we headed to a nearby Outback to use up our last restaurant gift card. I had a 6 ounce Victoria steak with a salad and baked potato soup. I shared my soup with James. He got salmon and broccoli and he said it was delicious. I had no desire for a bite of his food. 

James had a doctor's appointment this afternoon with an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) specialist in Scottsdale. The doctor told him he needs two surgeries. One for his adnoids which have grown back, and another for the hernia in his stomach. The doctor is convinced that these two things are what is causing James's laryngitis.

I think he needs to have these surgeries as soon as possible. This is coming from me who hates the thought of surgery.

Rowan and Joshua came into our room this afternoon and watched "Peter Rabbit", and ate cantaloupe and ice cream. Joshua loves mint chocolate chip ice cream as does Max, Rowan loves Rocky Road, and Evan likes vanilla.

Soon Evan joined them and he ate some vanilla ice cream while they watched the movie, "Coco." Joshua says that he and his dad love this movie! Max is still sleeping in the other room. I think that's because they have been going to be so late.

This evening the boys wanted to order NYPD pizza. Evan says that it is a condo tradition. I ordered them a large pepperoni pizza and 12 garlic knots. They ate every bite and then waited a little while before going night swimming. James and I had our green smoothies.

We had family prayer again and then everyone went down to the pool, except James, around 8 pm. James came down and joined us a little later. 

I read from "Riders of the Orphan Train" to James while the boys swam with their one "donut" tube. I kept taking breaks to walk around the pool.

After the boys went in James and I took a 30 minute walk around the resort. 

The real celebration for our anniversary is tomorrow night.

Watching a movie. Notice how Rowan is

laying in the tube.

Eating pizza and garlic knots.

Flowers from James

More flowers from James.

Summer fun for Ruby, roller blading

in her swimsuit. I hope she doesn't

fall and skin her knees.

Ollie saving a spot for Sheri.

Today was also National Donut Day.

This is Kyra Lambson's 
ex-husband. The family he is
threatening is Kyra's family.
Kyra's father, Curtis has her children and 
recently they had to move from their home in
Flagstaff to an undisclosed location.
Delbert's funeral is tomorrow in St. Johns.
Delbert is Kyra's grandfather.
This man has a history of violence.