Thursday, March 17th, 2016

I like this!

Happy St Patrick's Day

from these four cuties:

Eli, Ethan, Edmund and baby

Ephraim.

These are Erik & Elida Pope's boys.

I sure do miss Eli and Ethan in Primary!

So much for the theory of the new pillow helping me sleep better.  I had to leave the bedroom and sleep on the couch because after going to bed around 9:30 I woke James up twice telling him someone was outside looking at us through the window.  He reminded me that the blinds were closed, but I was not in a rational state.  I left for the couch in the family room around 11:30.  At least there are no windows that I can see from there.  

I read two chapters from "The Blueprint of Christ's Church".  I read about God's Health Law and God's Moral Law.  
 I also studied the Howard W. Hunter lesson on the Resurrection and the Atonement.  How appropriate to be reminded of these miracles right before Easter.  

James and I read Jacob 2:1-16.  I love Jacob because he tells it like it is and doesn't beat around the bush or try to tippy toe around the issues.  More on this subject tomorrow as I finish Jacob 2.

I listened to two conference talks from the Priesthood session, one by President Eyring called" You Are Not Alone in the Work."  While these talks were geared for the priesthood brethren, I think they can apply to all members of the Church.  Here is a quote from President Eyring's talk:

"When you do your part the Lord adds

 His power to your efforts."

 I also listened to President Monson's talk, "Keep the Commandments."  Here is a quote from his talk:

"He who created us and who loves us

perfectly knows just how we need to live our

lives in order to obtain the 

greatest happiness possible."

In the March Ensign there is a copy of the last talk Bruce R. McConkie gave before his death two weeks later.  I still remember how I felt the Spirit so strongly as he bore his testimony.  The talk is called: "The Three Gardens".  Here is Brother McConkie's last testimony before his death.  This is from the April 1985 General Conference:

"I am one of His witnesses, and in a coming day I

shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears.  

But I shall not know any better then than I know now that He is God's Almighty Son, that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way.

God grant  that  all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son will cleanse us from all sin."

So much has been said about the Sabbath lately and there are two talks in the Ensign about the Sabbath.  Here is a quote from Elder Quentin L. Cook:

"For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness.  The Sabbath can help separate us from that which is frivolous, inappropriate, or immoral.  It allows us to be in the world but not of the world.

"... Truly keeping the Sabbath day holy is a refuge from the storms of this life.  It is also a sign of our devotion to our 

Father in Heaven."

I noticed on Sunday morning that my left eye was bloodshot.  I texted Jared and he said it was probably because of a temporary increase in blood pressure and ask me if I took aspirin.  I had been taking one aspirin a day, but now have reduced it to a low dosage aspirin.  He ask for a picture so I sent him one today.  He said it was like a bruise and would go away on its own but might turn brown or purple before it does.  He said not to worry unless I keep getting them on a regular basis.  Dare I post this picture?  Here it is:

Gross, I know.

This afternoon I went with my friend and the ward Relief Society president, Kaeli Nicoll to visit a sister in our ward to ask her to be my visiting teaching companion.  Kaeli had tried to call but got no answer so we went without an appointment, something I don't like to do.  When we got to the sister's house her husband told us she had injured her eye while working in the yard and she was taking a nap.  We visited with her husband, Mel Bell, and then left.  I guess I will go visiting teaching this month by myself.  Here is a picture of Kaeli and her husband Chris.

Kaeli and Chris

Let me tell you about Kaeli and how amazing I think she is.  I worked with her in Young Women's for awhile and really did enjoy that experience.  She joined the Church just a few years ago.  Two years ago she was called as the ward Relief Society president, at the age of 27.  Her husband Chris had accepted a job with the Tempe Fire Department and would be in the valley most of the time for training.  She also had a baby born the same year.  When she accepted this Relief Society position I thought, this is not going to work.  She will need to be released.  I was wrong.  She has perservered and she told me how hard it has been.  Now Chris works 5 days and is off 4.  They are eventually going to move closer to his work because the drive up here is just too long.  Kaeli loves it here and would like to rent out her house and retire here but doesn't think that will happen.  They will probably end up in Payson because she does not want to live in the valley inspite of graduating from Highland High School.

 Kaeli feeding the cows on the Nicoll ranch.

I got many of my posts from Facebook, and here is one for today, posted by Christina Tibbetts Hoose.

Christina's mother is James's sister Rebecca,

and I agree, she is pretty awesome.

This evening James and I watched a Hallmark movie called "Helping Hands" about a guy who is a janitor who has healing powers.  He can heal others, but each time he heals someone he becomes sick.  It was a little unrealistic but still a good story.

I guess they changed the movie's name:

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Our friends The Whalen's visiting the San Diego temple.

One of the first items of business after gospel study was to cut James's hair.  I have been mentioning that he needs a haircut for several days now, but it will only happen when he is ready.  I gave a good one this time, no nicks, and not too short.

 As part of my gospel study this morning, along with reading from "The Blueprint of Christ's Church", I read the Sunday School lesson for this week, "Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God".  It is based on Jacob 1-4 and the purpose is to: Help class members feel a greater desire to magnify their callings, be chaste, and invite others to come unto Christ.  

I also listened to two talks from the last General Conference, both from the priesthood session.  "Your Next Step" by Randall K. Bennett and "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.  As I listened, I was ironing.  After the conference talks I listened to two articles from this month's Ensign: "Caring for the Needy in Our Families", and "When One Needs Care, Two Need Help."  As I listened, I went about doing my chores, emptying the dish washer, making my bed and carrying in boxes to be put away.  

One of the reason I am sharing my gospel study is because of something I learned from Nephi.  When he gave the small plates to Jacob he had a special commandment for him: "And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; ...And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of our people." ( Jacob 1: 2, 4)

I want those who read this record to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most precious thing in my life.  Therefore, I must include the things of the Lord in this record.

This afternoon James and I made another trip to town.  James wasn't going to come but I told him I would read to him and that I really enjoyed his company.  He caved.  

I needed to get some things at Walmart for my diet.  I needed fruits, veggies, nonfat salad dressing, some Lean Cuisine dinners, yogurt, shakes for James, and black ink for the printer.  I also got both of us new pillows.  Maybe a new pillow will help me sleep better.

I bought tickets online today to see Kaitlin Booth in "Legally Blonde" at Mesa Community College.  Karen and I were going to go together but she couldn't go until the 16th and I will be down there on the 8th so James is going to go with me.   Kaitlin will play the part of Elle Wood, the star of the show.

I love the picture of Kaitlin, but I think her dog,

Bruiser, was a chihuahua.

For dinner tonight I substituted my Nutrisystem meatballs, which I was suppose to eat with a small wheat roll, for Lean Cuisine spaghetti and meatballs.  

Delicious, especially the meatballs.

I was supposed to have a cup of cooked broccoli, but James made cooked cabbage and mushrooms with onions and bell peppers instead.  It was all wonderful.  He is so supportive!

We watched another movie about firemen tonight.  This one was called "For the Love of Grace" and starred Mark Consuelo and Chandra West.  We both liked it.  James may have liked Chandra a little too much.

 They never even kissed.  I wonder of Kelly Ripla had

anything to do with that.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

It's suppose to say Hillary in the background but

some of the letters got blocked to reveal the truth.

We finished 2 Nephi today.  I am a little sad to be coming to the end of Nephi's life.  He passes the responsibility of keeping the records on to his brother Jacob.

I am really enjoying Tad R. Callister's book:

In some ways it is very basic but it also gives the background for thinks such as baptism by sprinkling that I didn't know. 

I listened to Elder James B. Martino's conference talk today entitled, "Turn to Him and Answers Will Come."  This is one of my favorite talks from the last General Conference.  Let me just share a couple of quotes:

"If ye will

 not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things will be made known unto you." 

"We must make scripture study a daily part of our lives, as this will open doors of revelation."

"These personal religious habits -- obedience, scripture study, prayers and fasting --strengthened the sons of Mosiah.  The lack of these same personal religious habits was a major reason that Laman and Lemuel were left vunerable to the temptation to murmur and doubt."

Today is the first day of my Nutrisystem diet and it was a tough one.  I had a chocolate muffin for breakfast which was pretty decent but the lasagna I had for dinner was somewhat lacking.  My favorite things were the granola bar and popcorn that I had for snacks.

As I was watching television last night I caught the end of a Lean Cuisine commercial for white cheddar macaroni and cheese and it looked so delicious.  Lean Cuisine here I come!

James was out doing some work on his Cat today and accidentally backed over his chainsaw.  He came in with a pretty sad face.

We can't live here in the mountains without a good chainsaw to cut wood.  Hopefully he can order a new casing for it.

Another Super Tuesday and although Kasich took all 66 delegates from Ohio, Trump got all the delegates from Florida, Rubio's home state.  Rubio is no longer in the race.

Darrel called me today to see if I was in town and could watch Lola while he and Trina took the kids to see the new Disney movie, Zootopia.  I was sad to say I wasn't in town but recommended either Kim or Sheri.  Sheri won the prize.

Her hair is getting long and she looks so grown up!

Michael had to go to Urgent Care for strep throat tonight.  He ask the doctor when he would be well and when he said Thursday, Michael was relieved.  This Saturday is the big Chandler Rotary track meet.

Poor Mikey!

 I couldn't resist posting this picture of our friend Brooklyn

taking a nap in a basket.

This evening James and I watched a movie on UpTV.  It was called "A Girl's Best Friend."  James liked this one better than "Smooch" but I am not sure.  They were both great.  This one was more realistic and was sad because the little girls mother dies. 

It does have a happy ending though!

(If it didn't, I wouldn't like it.)

Monday, March 14, 2016

Happy Pi Day!

I got off to a slow start this morning because I wasn't feeling well.  I sat down to rest and ended up watching a movie called "Second Chances" about a wounded fireman and his landlord who fall in love.

James and I went to Show Low a little after noon.  Our first stop was Licano's where I had a tamale and a taco.  I want to eat well today because I am starting a diet tomorrow.  James wants to go to our class reunion in July and I have got to lose some weight if I am going to go.

After lunch James dropped me off at Walmart to do a little shopping.  I bought two 5-day boxes of Nutrisystem diet food.  I thought James might use one, but he turned his nose up at it and said he would "fend for himself."  I am grateful that he doesn't expect me to cook while I am dieting.

We also went to CVS to pick up a couple of prescriptions for James and then on to Sonic to get my large diet Coke with regular cherry flavoring.  I won't be getting one of these for awhile either.  

On the way home we read the first short story in our new book by Sarah Eden.

 The story we are reading is called

"A Friend Indeed."

Before going home we stopped at the Wilhelm's to take Johnny a birthday present.  He is four years old.  While James was getting his gift out of the back of the car, Johnny came over to my window to tell me his dad got him a handsaw for his birthday.  He seemed quite happy.  An interesting gift for a 4 year old.

This evening for FHE we listened to Elder Oaks's talk on the Atonement.  It was wonderful.  Afterwards we watched the movie "Smooch" which is a modern day take on the movie the Frog Prince.  We both really enjoyed it.

 I would like for my granddaughters to see this one.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Happy Birthday Terry!

 Terry with two of his favorite people,

Colin and Cathi.

Something happened in our sacrament meeting that I have never seen happen before.  Brother Wilhelm got up and announced that because people were leaving right after the sacrament, we were going to have the talks first today and then the sacrament.  He then said he was joking and the real reason the sacrament would be last was because there were no cups and someone had to go get some.

Hailey Hunsaker was the youth speaker.  She is the newest Beehive and you could barely see her above the podium.  She said she was going to talk about her favorite bible story, Abraham and Isaac.  She shared the story, read scriptures, related it to the Savior, and bore her testimony.  According to James it was the perfect talk.  She really did do a great job and her mother said she wrote it herself.

Pam Wood and Rick Lauritzen were the other speakers.  Pam spoke about friendship and Rick, at the bishop's request, spoke about doctrines, policies, and traditions.  Did you know that taking the sacrament with your right hand is only a tradition.

Kacey, Curtis and Zemira were in my Primary class today.  Our lesson was on Abinadi and King Noah.  The first thing I had them do after the opening prayer was guess how many coins were in this jar.

 The coins in the jar represent how many people left to flee into

the wilderness with Alma.  Do you know how many there are?

The person who guessed the closest got an extra piece of candy from the candy basket.

 This candy basket was much fuller before Primary.

Curtis guessed 350 and he was the closest.  The answer, of course, was 450.  More about Alma next week.

In sharing time today Sister Chaffin taught about King Noah and Adinadi.  I noticed that my kids knew most of the answers, except Zemira couldn't remember Abinadi's name.

Good News!  James was able to teach his Sunday School class this week.  I had called Ed Miller earlier in the week so he was prepared to step in any time if needed.  

After lunch and naps James went home teaching with Brother Lauritzen to the Scott's and the Hunsaker's.  I stayed home and watched a movie starring Alexis Bleddell, (Rory from Gilmore Girls), "Remember Sunday".  The movie was about a guy who was a genius and then he had an anuresym and lost his short-term memory every night when he slept.  It was a touching story in keeping with the Hallmark tradition.  

This evening I spent a couple of hours studying from the Book of Mormon Religion 121-22 manual in connection with my reading of the Book of Mormon.  James studied his Sunday School lesson.

Before going to bed we watched this week's episode of "When Calls the Heart."  

Last year on this day, I took my five oldest granddaughter's to see the new Cinderella movie.  We had a great time!

Ruby, Emmy, Molly, Anna, and Addy

 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

I finally got to watch Rowan and Evan play soccer
this season.

Although they didn't win, Rowan scored the two 
goals they did make.

 Ruby loves to photo bomb!

I am not crazy about this picture of me, but I 
couldn't pass posting this picture.

Some of the other perks of going to the soccer game.
Her eyes look so blue, and look at those lips!

 These two love snacks!

After cleaning our room and bathroom and washing sheets, etc. at Cathi's I left for the soccer game, following Sheri.  I am so glad I went.  James came too, but he came late and left right after the game was over.  I guess he was anxious to get home.  He made the mistake of going the Globe way and got in the traffic going to the Renaissance Festival so it took him a little longer than usual.

Of course I went through Payson and made one stop at the McDonald's.  I got home about ten minutes after James did.  It is good to be home and get things in order before Sunday.  We worked on our lessons for awhile and then watched a movie.  It was a little racy for a Hallmark movie and I was disappointed.  It was on the Hallmark Mystery movie channel.  It was made in 2003 and starred Kristen Bell as a teenager who spends the summer in Lake Havasu, Arizona with her dad whom she hasn't seen since she was 6.  It could have been good but their was sex, drinking and bad language.  Definitely not what I want from my Hallmark movies.

Jared posted this picture of James and Molly today.  I am always grateful to get pictures of my Texas grandkids!

 James really is a sweet boy!

Friday, March 11, 2016

I think it's great Sheri takes her boys for hikes!

While Sheri was taking her boys on a hike I was having my infusion at the arthritis center and then a birthday lunch with Karen Schneider at Firebirds.

 Karen looks good for being a little older than I am.

Back at home at Cathi's Indy and Lady are a little depressed with their mom and dad gone all day, five days a week.  Mostly they just lay around and sleep.  Indy came in for me to scratch his belly.

 Lady on her purple "burrito" bed.

 Indy giving me "the look."

Waiting for me to scratch his belly.

 

This evening we had a "girls night in" at Kim's house.  Trina couldn't make it because she had other plans.  We ate Oregano's and watched a Hallmark movie and mostly just talked and laughed.

This picture was taken last year

at Sheri's birthday lunch at

Liberty Market.

 Thanks Brian and Kim for letting us invade your space!

 

 Trenda W. took this picture of the sunset

in Vernon.