Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween everyone!

From the staff at Chandler Eyecare.

3 Nephi 17:1-25

Why do you think Jesus Christ told the people to ponder the things that He taught and to ask Heavenly Father for understanding?

*The dictionary says that ponder means to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, meditate.  Pondering is, in my feeling, a form of prayer.  Pondering the things of God helps to keep us from becoming complacent in our approach to Him.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained the dangers of not regularly internalizing the gospel in our lives: The worshipers at Rameumpton so ritualized their religion that they never spoke of their God again until they had assembled themselves together a week later at the holy stand. (Alma 31:23).  Note the contrast in how Jesus instructed His followers on this hemisphere (3 Nephi 17:3).  See how the Master focuses on the family, on pondering, praying, preparing together!  It should not surprise us, if we routinize our religion and do not assign the highest priority to the kingdom, that our hearts and minds will quite naturally drift to other things."

James and I went to Walmart today where I had three prescriptions waiting for me.  I bought a few groceries and James picked up some paint at Home Depot.  We stopped at KFC and picked up some of the tiniest wings I have ever eaten.  They were good but they were about the size of quail wings.  We read from "Ascension" and then we stopped at the Reynolds' so I could give Marlie her pink CTR ring.  She was so excited!  There has been a change of plans and now instead of Claire going to California she is going to Phoenix.  Marlie is still going to Washington to live with her dad for a few months.

James worked on his shed when we got home.

Allison and Nathan got married at the Justice of the Peace in Phoenix today.

 Congratulations!

There were a couple of birth announcements sent out today:

Bishop and Anne

The Hoose family.

Evan and Joshua went trick-or-treating together

in Joshua's new neighborhood.

Dallin and a friend.

Anna, James and a friend, and Molly as Alice.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

Mad Hatter

Rae

This is a picture of Molly in a school production:

Cutest shark I've ever seen.

I love this picture of Ben and had to include it!

I know this picture is two years old, but I love

that Rowan and Addy are both Harry Potter fans!

My friend Denice who is a bus driver in Lakeside.

James and I had a quiet Halloween.  We stayed home and listened to Elder Renlund's conference talk and watched a Hallmark movie.  

Sunday, October 30, 2016

What temple is this?

3 Nephi 16:1-20

What is the purpose of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon?

* It is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has began to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (3 Nephi 29:1; Ether 4:17).

Who is the House of Israel?  

* "The House of Israel generally refers to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel in the Old Testament (Genesis 32:27-28).  In the Book of Mormon the Savior expanded this definition to include not only the literal descendants of Israel (3 Nephi 20:25-27) but also all Gentiles (other people) who repent, are baptized, and come unto Christ. (3 Nephi 21:6).

The gathering of Israel is taking place in preparation of the Savior's Second Coming.  In recent years it has been accelerated as missionaries are being called at a younger age.  Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants us to be gathered and united when the Savior comes to redeem the world.  

GC:    "No Greater Joy Than To Know That They Know"

Elder Nattress

Today we, along with Jared and Kacey, attended the Galveston 3rd ward Primary Children's Program starring Evan Trezise.

I know this is an old picture of Evan, probably two years ago,

but I thought it was appropriate for today.

This was Evan's part: Nephi taught: "If ye will enter in by the way, through baptism, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things, what ye should do." - 2 Nephi 32:5

We stayed for Sunday School.  Jared and Kacey left after sacrament meeting but they picked us up at Erik's house after Sunday School.  We are leaving my car here so Erik can now replace the roters.  My car was shaking pretty badly when we tried to drive it on the freeway.  We shared our lunch with Jared and Kacey because they forgot to buy food for today.  We got ready to leave for home and they got ready to go visit with James's mom before Jared takes Kacey to the airport and then heads for home.  Our time together was short, but it was wonderful.  We are so excited that Kacey is going to be a part of our family!

I love this picture from last year at Halloween!

On the way home I read to James from our book, "The Ascension."  We got home in time to get ready for our marriage class.  James unloaded the truck and put away all my new dishes and stemware.  I made one of his favorite desserts, the pistachio pudding dessert with pecans.  

Anne was sick this evening so Bishop taught the marriage class for her.  Bishop taught the second lesson in the new manual, "Communicating with Love."  It was great!

Saturday, October 29, 2016

We went here this morning with Jared, Kacey, Brian and Darrel.

Jared and Kacey

A couple of old people who

are very happy together.

3 Nephi 15:1-24

Why is it so important to keep the commandments?  How does keeping the commandments allow us to be a light to others?

*Keeping the commandments can help us avoid a lot of sadness, misery and really hard things.  "If ye love me keep my commandments." (John 14:15).  Every commandment has a promised blessing.  Obedience brings growth, protection, spiritual and temporal blessings, and ultimately Eternal life.  The most important reason is we show our loves, gratitude and devotion when we keep His commandments.

GC:"Lest Thou Forget"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

'I encourage you to recall, especially in times of crises, when you felt the Spirit and your testimony was strong; remember the spiritual foundations you have built.'

After our temple trip Brian suggested we go to the Hen House for breakfast.  It is a small place on the corner of Pecos and Lindsey.

I liked the slogan in the front window: "The rooster may do the crowing, but the hen delivers."  Kacey and I both had chicken and waffles.  The chicken was delicious.  The waffles were average.

When we got back to Cathi's it was time to get ready for Jared's party and our pumpkin carving at Sheri's.  I made 12 pumpkin buckets for the kids with candy and prizes.  I had three or so left after the day was over.   

Halloween buckets

We sang Happy Birthday to Jared:

Jared looks a little contemplative about turning 40.

That is alot of smoke!

It was a fun afternoon and we appreciate Sheri and Ian

allowing us to use their home.

Outside pumpkin carving.

According to Addy she carved her pumpkin on three sides

and didn't like how any of them turned out.

Kim helped Evan with his pumpkin.

Joshua and Rowan carved our pumpkin

I like the eyes, but what about the mouth boys?

Addy is still working.

Lola liked the balloons

Lola and Evan playing with a balloon.

Some people preferred to stay inside.

Michael, Alexis, Shana, Joe, and Alex.

Joe and Shana looking on as Alex does the carving.

Alexis has a nice smile.

Darrel when he sees I am taking a picture.

Watching the ASU game.

Later in the evening Trina and Darrel's ward had their Trunk or Treat.  

Addy as Athena.

Ruby the Egyptian princess.

Group picture.

Back at home in Vernon my little Zemira won his first wrestling

tournament:

Very proud of #1

James and I went by the new Chik-fil-a in south Chandler for some dinner.  I went home and washed my hair while James went to Fry''s to buy some food for tomorrow.  

Jared took Kacey to Cafe Rio and Jester's.  Two places they don't have in Texas. 

Friday, October 28, 2016

3 Nephi 14:1-27

What fundamental truths do we learn from Christ's teachings in these verses?  How will you incorporate these important teachings into your life?

Stop judging, extend love.  Follow the Savior's example.  Verse 7 - Pray for others and for answers.  Verse 12 - Live the Golden Rule.l  Beware of false prophets.  Build our foundation upon the rock of Christ, and when the storm comes we will stand strong.

GC: 'Serve'

"Every member is needed, and every member

needs an opportunity to serve."

James and I stopped at Sonic on the way out to Stacy's.  James had talked to Adam earlier on the phone and he was low, so we got him one too.  Jared Ammon was sleeping on the couch.  I gave him a hug.  We should have brought him a sandwich too.  Adam now has the keys to the Scion.  He will pay the payment tomorrow when he gets paid.  Jared needs a car for work and to move out of his apartment.  He wanted to keep the Scion but James said no, he could keep his truck until next week.  Adam helped James at Bill's construction yard.  James wants to clean everything out before the end of the year so we can stop paying rent.  

I went to Dr. Allen's after leaving Stacy's to get bloodwork done.  Then it was on to Deseret Book for baptismal gifts, Costco for a cake for Jared's birthday, Walmart, and the Dollar Store.

  

James and I had lunch at Pei Wei's.  We shared lettuce wraps and I had my usual Pei Wei spicy chicken salad.  At 3pm we took my car to Erik's for new brakes.  Erik stopped work to take his kids to their ward Trunk or Treat so my car was not ready to be picked up until 8:30 this evening.   

Erik and his family

Tabitha Rose

Oliver

Mabel

Aurora

Since Jared Ammon has the truck and my car was in the shop we borrowed Terry's truck to go to Burger King for some dinner.  

Colin spent the night at Cathi and Terry's and he and Terry carved a pumpkin. 

Colin is looking at the stuff in the Halloween

bucket that I gave him.  The black toothy grin

on the white paper is the pattern Terry uses for the

jack-o-lantern.

 Nathan and Allison came by this evening with a 

surprise announcement.  

They are engaged and will be married on Monday!

Nathan's engagement gift to Cathi and Terry.

Jared arrived this evening and picked up Kacey at the airport.

They made an announcement too:

They are engaged too!

No date has been set at this time.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Which temple is this?

3 Nephi 13:16-34

How can we make sure we are laying up treasures in heaven and not on earth?

Alex: "By living true to the gospel and following the commandments we can be assured that the kingdom of God will be opened to us."  

Kim: "By putting the things of eternal importance FIRST in our lives.  Make service and scriptures and prayer and family the most important."

Sheri: " I think it has to do with the desires of our hearts.  Are we striving every day to be better and to do His will?  We have to start with the desire."

GC: 'The Doctrine of Christ' by Brian K. Ashton

"The doctrine of Christ allows us to access the 

spiritual power that will lift us from our current

spiritual state to a state where we can 

become perfected."

James left this morning around 7 in the truck for the valley.  It was 9:45 when I left.  I stopped by Amy's house to see Claire but she was gone to Flagstaff to get Marlie a Halloween costume.  I left her glass pumpkin with the visiting teaching message on it and Amy told me that Claire and Marlie are moving on November 1st.  Claire is staying in California with her dad and Marlie is going on to Washington to stay with her dad.  Claire will be with Marlie when she gets her tax return in February.  Marlie is 8 years old and is going to be baptized on Sunday.  She is very excited.  Her mom gave her permission to be baptized but her dad would not.  Luckily it only takes one parent's permission.  

I stopped at Taco Bell in Payson for a burrito supreme and then it was on to Big 2 Toyota to get a key made.  James met me there.  We had two keys made.  I went on to shop at the Dollar Store in Chandler and ended up buying dishes, small plates, two sizes of bowls and stemware for 12 people.  I want to use it for my Christmas luncheon for the sisters I visit teach.  They had to open up another register just for me.  When I got to Terry and Cathi's they helped me unload.  James got all of us Burger House burros for dinner.  Yummy!

Valley of the Sun

James and I helped Sheri watch Trina's kids this evening.  The main attraction was watching Evan build his Minecraft city.  Lola was fascinated with Roxy, Alex's pet chinchilla, and she kept calling her "bunny."  Ruby had homework to do so we went upstairs to work at  the dining room table. Sheri got home from visiting teaching and asked who wanted to go to Target.  Of course I was in.  Ruby wanted to go but needed to finish her homework.  I told her I would bring her a surprise.  James came up and helped her finish her homework.  I enjoyed shopping with Addy.  She helped me pick out a bracelet with Ruby.  I got me some Biolage shampoo to use while I am at Cathi's.  

 I love these kids!

When Trina picked up her kids James loaded the shelf unit I got for Rowan to put his Legos in into the back of her car.  I was surprised that it fit.  While James was "loading" I took Ruby and Rowan in to Cathi's to see the dogs.  Rowan loves Indy and Ruby likes them both:

Indy loves anyone who will scratch his tummy.

Double treatment.  He thinks he's at a spa.

Lady was scared and hid under the table.

I visited with Cathi this evening and she told some funny story about making cowpie picture frames to sell when she was a teenager.  She said that after they get hard they don't smell.  She and her girlfriend ask for a corner of her grandpa's barn to start a business and without knowing what they were doing he said yes.  She said her mom didn't know about it until they took the picture frames to a bazaar and were very successful in selling them.  

The last time I was here she told me about piercing her own ears with her girlfriend and then running thread through them because they didn't have any earrings until they got to go to Woolworth's in the "big city."  When you live in the country you have to find creative ways to entertain yourself.

James and Adam went to get Jared Ammon's car.  He was already at work and asked if he could keep it one more night so he would have a ride home at 2 a.m.   Of course James let him.