Sunday, April 5, 2015

I got a call from Anna and Emmy this morning.  They both told me they had finished reading the Book of Mormon, which made me very happy.  When I asked them to share their favorite scripture,

Emmy shared the one that goes with this picture:

"Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world."

-3 Nephi 11:14

Thank you Emmy for sharing this scripture with me on Easter morning.

 

Entire 185th Annual General Conference

General Women's Session

Cheryl A. Esplin

Carole M. Stephens

Bonnie L. Oscarson

President Henry B. Eyring

Saturday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring

President Boyd K. Packer

Linda K. Burton

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Elder Whitney Clayton

Elder L. Tom Perry

Saturday Afternoon Session

The Sustaining of Church Officers

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Church Auditing Department Report, 2014

Kevin R. Jergensen

Statistical Report, 2014

Brook P. Hales

Elder David A. Bednar

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Wilford W. Andersen

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Elder Michael T. Ringwood

Elder Quentin L. Cook

General Priesthood Session

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Elder Ulisses Soares

Larry M. Gibson

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

President Henry B. Eyring

President Thomas S. Monson

Sunday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson

Rosemary M. Wixom

Elder Jose A. Teixeira

Bishop Gerald Causse

Elder Brent H. Nielson

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday Afternoon Session

Elderk Robert D. Hales

Elder Kevin W. Pearson

Elder Rafael E. Pino

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Elder Russell M. Nelson

 

Elder Richard G. Scott did not attend or speak at any sessions.  He was sick and watched the conference from home.

 



Three new temples were announced: One on the Ivory Coast, one in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and one in Thailand. 

 Joshua and Paul listening to conference.

 

Today was a wonderful Easter for me. In January I invited James, our children and their spouses, and all my grandchildren that can read to finish the Book of Mormon by Easter  The response was greater than I anticipated.  Each of them also shared on of their favorite scriptures: James-Alma 34:32, Michael-Alma 32:32, Joshua-Helaman 5:12, Kim-Ether 12:27, Sheri-Alma 32:27, Alex-Mosiah 4:16-26, Ben-Alma 7:14, Max-2 Nephi 31:20, Evan-Moroni 10:4-5, Jared-Omni 126 & Helaman 3:35, Anna-3 Nephi 27:9, Emmy-3 Nephi 11:14, Addy-Mosiah 2:17, Stacy-3rd Nephi 13:28-32, and myself-Moroni 10:32.

The best Easter I have ever had.  Thank you everyone who participated!!

 

After conference we spent some time cleaning since Darrel and Trina are coming up this weekend.  We left for home around 7 and arrived at 10.

It was a good weekend and I realize how much I have to be grateful for.  I am grateful for the Savior, and His Atonement and His Resurrection.

 

 



 

Saturday, April 4, 2015

We got up early this morning and drove to Lakeside to attend the funeral of my cousin, Carol Anne Heath Seay.

It was held at the Calvary Chapel of the White Mountains in Lakeside, which is also known as the Cornerstone Community Church.  I am not sure if it's related to the Cornerstone church in Chandler or not.

 

 

It was apparent that Carol was well liked because the little church was packed.  I took notes at the service and will share them here.  First of all, it was apparent that Carol was cremated because the urn was at the front of the chapel. 

"Carol was born again to see the Lord God.  She will pass through the portals of glory. 

Nancy Stidham, wife of Pastor Stidham gave a bit of a life history. 

Carol was born January 1, 1952 in Phoenix, Arizona.  When she was a little girl she wanted to be a cowboy.  She graduated from Washington High School in the valley in 1970.  She married Jimmy Seay on April 7, 1972.  They met while they were both working at the J.B.'s restaurant in Show Low. 

In 1993 she gave her life to the Lord.

In 1998 she directed the children's Cornerstone church and ran the vacation Bible school.  She was known for her fun crafts and great cooking.  One summer they had 98 children in the vacation Bible school which meant Carol made 100 snacks a day for five days for these children. 

She loved nature and camping near Sheep's Crossing near lower log.  She also loved her family, especially her husband Jimmy and their children Michelle and Jason, and her four grandchildren.

Her faith never waivered.  She had the ability to show unconditional love and she thought more of herself than she did of others. 

When Carol was nursery director she would prepare every week for children but for two years none came.  When asked why she kept doing it she replied: "They will come, and I want to be ready."

She was a great party planner and was famous for her diaper cakes.

It's a Girl!

It's a Boy!

Carol was also known for her thoughtful cards.  Several people mentioned this as they spoke of her.  Dennis, Harold, and I always received a Christmas card from her every year.  I wish I would have taken the time to get to know her better. 

Carol had a servants heart, a gentle spirit, and loved the Lord and her family.  She now has victory through Jesus Christ.

 

James and I sat by Harold, Dennis, and Denise.  Vickie was sick and wasn't able to come.  After the services there was a luncheon at the Blue Ridge Elementary School.  The chocolate cake I brought from Costco was a big hit and disappeared quickly.

 

Stacy's family colored eggs last night.  We saw them sitting on the table when we left.  They were beautiful.  This picture doesn't really do them justice.





Michael is quite the artist.

 

For the first time ever there was a dissenting vote during the sustaining of Church officers.. 

There is a group called "any opposed" who somehow got tickets into the sustaining session of General Conference.

I am not sure what their beef is, but President Uchtdorf told them

to make an appointment with their stake president

 

Molly had her first soccer game today.  She scored two goals,

one for each team.  Way to go Molly!

 



 James Hayden and Jared went to Red Lobster after the

priesthood session of conference.

James just watched it here at the cabin with me.  Afterwards we watched a couple of Hallmark movies.

 



Friday, April 3, 2015

I am so grateful that my sweet daughter Kim invited me to go to

the temple with her this morning.  It was a wonderful way to start the day and to commemorate Easter!

I love you Kim!

 

We got home in time to have a little lunch and then prepare for our next activity, our family party which included swimming, eating pizza, dyeing eggs and an Easter egg hunt. 

Miss Ruby wanted her egg to be two-toned.

She was very happy with the results!

Rowan checking out one of his eggs

It's always fun to see all of the different colored eggs.

Max's favorite egg

So many choices

 

Rowan and Sheri's favorite eggs

Cash only wanted his eggs to be one colored.

This little girl brightened our day.

I love this baby!

Everyone is an artist at Easter time.

Alex, who hid the eggs, told the kids there was one by a sign in the yard so away they all went.

Joshua, Max, and Evan had a blast playing in this box today.

 

 

Another big part of Easter is the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple.  This year we know the family of the baby who played the baby Jesus.  Meet Brady Whalen.

 





Thursday, April 2, 2015

Vernon ward young women at the

March 2014 General Women's Meeting

re-broadcast at the Show Low stake center.

Kelly, Alice, Shelly, Coty, Trenda,

LeeAnn, Khaya, and Maddie.

I love these girls!

This picture came up on my Facebook newsfeed this morning and it reminded me of how much I miss these girls!

 

Michael did well in the track meet yesterday in Casa Grande.  He got first in the 800 out of about 11 runners.  His time was 1.59.  To automatically qualify for state he needs 1.57.  Way to go Michael!

 

Evan and Joshua are going to play another season of soccer.  Paul took Joshua out and bought him cleats and some fancy socks so he is good to go!

 

This past week Evan has really picked up speed on reading the Book of Mormon.  He is on track to finish by Sunday.  I am so excited for him!

 

I put up new curtains today on the outside back doors of the family room.  They are sheer and it is freaking Stacy out.  She stays up late at night watching TV and doing her jigsaw puzzles and she is afraid someone will be peeking in at her.  I apologized for my thoughtlessness in buying sheer curtains and told her to turn on the outside light, which would scare anyone away that might be tempted.

 

Darrel posted this cute picture of Lola on Facebook today.

This little girl has so much personality!

 

James and I had lunch together at home today and then we did errands together.  First we had to go to Mesa to pick up some part he needed for some piece of equipment and then we got water at Circle K.  He dropped me off at Walmart while he went to the bank.  I got some black ink for the printer to replace the colored ink I accidentally got the other day.

 

While we were gone Kim came by and left us a package of homemade sourdough english muffins from LGO.  Brian actually bought them.  He also got a package for Stacy & Paul, and Sheri & Ian.  They are delicious!  Thanks Brian & Kim!

 

Alex and Seth worked today.  They finally finished painting the fence around the pool.  They are both interested in making money and are talking about these entrepreneur's they are talking to online.

 

Jared Ammon was here this evening and Sheri came to see him.  I told her I was jealous because she never comes to see me.  They talked about working out and music, two things they have in common.  While Sheri was here she said that Alex's behavior has improved by 200% since dad has been here.  That is nice to hear.

 

Stacy took Dorothy shopping today.  They spent 2 1/2 hours shopping in Target and also had to go to Albertson's.  Dorothy bought 8-12 packs of soda and lots of Kleenex.  I think she is OCD.

 

This evening I made a pot of chili for dinner and filled plastic Easter eggs with candy for tomorrow's egg hunt.





 

James had an assignment at the Gilbert temple tonight to clean it.  He was gone from about 9pm to 12:30 am.  He worked with Dave Miner and Kyle Tolman.  He also saw Tim & Karen Bland while he was there.

 

  

 

 

 









Wednesday, April 1, 2015

There is something about water that is so refreshing!

 

Moroni 10:4

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, wit real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

 

Hopefully my children and grandchildren who have read the Book of Mormon are putting this promise to the test.  James and I started in 1 Nephi again today and will finish again in 90 days.  My lifelong quest is to learn all I can about Christ from the Book of Mormon.  I am also studying it on my own verse by verse and "finding" Christ.

 

James left for Jerod Bowen's this morning with Bob and was gone until early evening.  They are laying tile.  I worked on dusting and vacuuming around the fireplace today.  I was reminded how much I love my two Noah's Ark sets.

Most of the animals in this set are "shy"

and are hiding inside.

 

My visiting teacher, Laurie Jeppsen, brought me a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls last night while we were at Darrel's.  They are delicious, and dangerous, for someone who is trying to lose a little weight.

 

Dallin's performance at the Musical Instrument Museum is scheduled for April 23rd and 24th.  I really wanted to go but James says we can't afford it.  The cheap tickets are $35 a piece.  When I told Dallin he said it's because of the venue and the pianist they are performing with.

 

Stacy had bloodwork done this week and got a phone call today regarding the results.  Her sed-rate was high so she needs to go see a rheumatologist.  I feel so sad that my kids have inherited my health issues.

 

Joshua was hungry today....especially for pizza.

He ate all that by himself!

James and I started a new book today, by an author we have never read before.  Actually this is her first book.

And away we go on another adventure.











Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Lilies symbolize belief.

These flowers were the ones I got for my mother's grave.

 

Jesus is the Balm of Gilead.  His is the soothing ointment that heals the wounds of the brokenhearted.

"He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. (Isaiah 53:4)

 

" Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

(Psalm 41:9)

 

James, Terry, and Dave left at 5 this morning to go fishing at Saguaro Lake.  They took the boat that Yoshi gave to Dave.

The lake is so beautiful, especially early in

the morning.

The scenery was nice.  James got several

pictures of this bald eagle.  Terry was the only one

who caught a fish though.

James texted me on his way home so I was ready when he got here for our Taco Tuesday date.  This is where we went:

A very good choice!  The food was delicious!

James actually had three different kinds of tacos:

fish, shredded beef, and carnitas.  They were all great.

He said he didn't think he could find any tacos better than Elmer's,

but these were just as good.

 

Last week when I was looking for some decorative items for the house Trina told me to try Home Goods and she told me there was one by Sprouts, so I went there today.  I found a centerpiece  for the dining room table and one for the coffee table in the living room.

The great thing is they only cost $25 each so I was able to stay within my budget of $50!

 

Did my weekly shopping at Walmart and as is my custom on shopping day I bought a roasted chicken for dinner.  This time I made the mistake of getting a garlic roasted one and it was so strong it's the first thing you notice when you come in.  Next time, no garlic!

 

There was a "gathering" here this afternoon: Michael, Joe, Amanda, and Dallin.  The boys were practicing for an upcoming performance at Sozo.  It was quite noisy.  Amanda sat on the couch and watched cartoons and played with Holly.

 

This evening James and I went to Darrel & Trina's for a FHE.  I prepared a little something from the Friend about the last week of Jesus's life.  The three oldest kids all participated.  James made friends with Lola and I talked to Addy about finishing the Book of Mormon.  She said her favorite scripture is Mosiah 2:17.  I gave all three kids their own Book of Mormon's and both Addy and Rowan are committed to read.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable evening.  Too bad I didn't take more pictures.

 When he first came in Lola didn't want anything to do with James.  By the time we left she was begging to go to him.

 

We finished two books today, "A Lady's Honor", and The Book of Mormon.  Tomorrow we will start reading the Book of Mormon again.

 









Monday, March 30, 2015

I miss Vernon!

I think I took this picture one day at the post office.

 

James worked at Jerod Bowen's this morning. When he got home we went to lunch at Chili's.  I was going to have what I normally have, a Carribean salad with grilled chicken, but I found a steak and salad for less calories so that's what I ordered.  It was delicious.  James had a grilled chicken salad.  We are both trying to eat more healthy.

 

On the way home we stopped to do some shopping at Winco

 

because James hasn't been there yet.  I think he was most impressed with the loose candy although the only kind of dark chocolate covered almonds he could find was the sugar free.  He bought some Jordan almonds to go with them.  We also bought some of these tasty morsels.



 

 





Only 90 calories and they are

a little bit of heaven!

I came home and ordered new curtains for the outside doors in the family room and between the two of us, James and I got our Sam's Club membership renewed.  I also figured out a budget and what I can spend each week and will begin keeping track starting tomorrow. 

 

Joshua had a very good day at school!

You can't do much better than that!

 

This evening I worked on an Easter lesson to take to Darrel & Trina's tomorrow, and talked to James about asking Dawn to read the Book of Mormon with us.  He's still thinking about it.

 

One other thing I did today was reschedule my May infusion appointment so it coincides with an appointment with Tiffany so she can up my dosage of Remicade.  I am going for the maximum I can have because I am tired of hurting.