Monday, January 2, 2016

A light in the darkness

1 Nephi 1:16-2:15

What do you admire most about Lehi and his family?

DC 1:11-20
How can we better prepare ourselves to counsel with the ord and then have the courage to do His will?

GC:   The Master Healer by Carole M. Stephens

"Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did; is not this the Christ?"  She had received a witness - she had begun to partake of the living water - and she desired to witness of His divinity to others.  When we come to Him with humble and teachable hearts - even if our hearts are heavy with mistakes, sins, and transgressions - He can change us, "for He is mighty to save."  And with hearts changed, we can, like the Samaritan woman, go into our own cities - our homes, schools, and workplaces - to witness of Him."

I am definitely getting a cold.  I was too tired and miserable to even get up and say goodbye to Michael and his friends before they left.

Thanks to James for this picture.

Michael, Alexis, Daniel, Connor.

Alexis was sick while she was here, but she looks like she is

feeling better.

I did manage to get up and say goodbye to Alex and Shana when they left.

A couple of cuties

Alex took this picture outside of Heber.

I played a game of Five Crowns with Kim, Brian, Max, and James. Max wanted to stay with us even though the rest of his family went home yesterday.  I am afraid I wasn't much fun.  Thank goodness for Kim and Brian!  They played lots of games of Mexican Train with him.

Somewhere in Arizona

As is my habit, I checked our bank accounts on my phone this morning.  There was a charge on James's business account of $105.82l made at a Filiberto's with a debit card.  Very strange.  I am the only one who has a debit card for this account and it is in my wallet.  I immediately called the bank and they will dismiss the charge and send a new debit card.  Thank you Chase Bank.

I love Mother Teresa!

Kim and Brian fixed taquitos and pizza pockets for lunch and I had some.  This afternoon James and I started the last book in the Millennial Glory series, "Adam Ondi Ahman."  

I went to bed before dinner because I felt so lousy.  Kim and Brian fed Max.  I hope he understands how sick I am and I am not just ignoring him.

Cabin memories:

Alex looks so young!

Rockband with Michael, Ian, and

Joe while Evan and Max look on.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy Birthday Kim!

Moroni 10:8-34

GC:  Repentance: A Joyful Choice by Elder Dale G. Renlund

" Changing our behavior and returning to the "right road" are part of repentance, but only part.  Real repentance also includes a turning of our heart and will to God and a renunciation of sin.

Yet even this is an incomplete description.  It does not properly identify the power that makes repentance possible, the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.  Real repentance must involve faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, faith that He can change us, faith that He can forgive us, and faith that He will help us avoid more mistakes.  This kind of faith makes His Atonement effective in our lives."

Happy Birthday!

Kim and Brian got in to a snow storm on their way up today. 

Kim took this picture and wrote underneath:

"Happy Birthday to me!"

James and I went to town again today.  I needed to get some throat lozenges and we also got a snow shovel.  We brought back some cough syrup for Evan who has a cough and congestion.  

I got Kim's Texas sheetcake made before she arrived.  When Kim and Brian arrived our guest list rose to 14.  

We played games

And sang Happy Birthday

And ate birthday cake.

We played games...

And went on Razr rides in the mud

and snow.

Some of us read scriptures.

Kim brought her DoTerra medicine kit.

Even though Lola wasn't here I had to post

some pictures of her and Evan.

Somebody has a crush on Evan.

James and I went to bed early but some people stayed up until midnight, including Kim, Brian, Ian, Alex, Shana, Michael, Alexis, Daniel, Connor, Ben, and Max.  They went outside and built a fire and let off fireworks.  

Happy New Years!

Friday, December 30, 2016

Gilbert, Arizona

Moroni 9:20-10:7

GC:    No Greater Joy Than to Know That They Know by Elder K. Brett Nattress

" President Marion G. Romney taught that if we would read the Book of Mormon everyday to our children,

we would not lose them.

Beautiful Arizona!

I got up and made pancakes for breakfast.  Sheri was going to run this morning but it was too wet.  After breakfast Sheri and I made a trip to Walmart.  I needed some things to make Kim's birthday cake.  She always wants a Texas sheetcake.  I also bought her a card and a card for Taylor Wanlass's wedding.  I ended up sending him $50.  

After shopping at Walmart Sheri ordered pizza from Pizza Factory.  I told her how much Stacy's family loves this place.  I really like their pizza too.  When Stacy's family was here Michael brought James and I a couple of pieces of pizza home.  How sweet!

When we got back from town Michael was here with his friend, Alexis, Connor, and Daniel.  A little later in the day Alex and Shana arrived.  Welcome to games, food, movies, and messes.  Let the party begin!

Sheri in a party mood

Max, Rowan, and Evan playing poker.

Michael teaches Alexis to play Five Crowns

Sheri said it was hilarious!

Sheri and I went in our bedroom and watched "Falling for Christmas."  She had not seen it because she doesn't get the channel it was on.

Rowan with his phone.  Evan wishing he had a phone.

Evan loves to take videos.  He and Rowan spent alot of time

today making bowling videos, etc.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

The Mesa temple at Christmas time.

Moroni 9:1-19

GC: God Shall Wipe Away All Tears by Elder Evan A. Schmutz

"God invites us to respond with faith to our own unique afflictions in order that we may reap blessings and gain knowledge that can be learned in no other way.  We are instructed to keep the commandments in every condition and circumstance, for 'he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.'  And as we read in scripture, 'If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.'" (D&C 136:29)

My morning went something like this: Get up, study for awhile.  Eat something and take some Tramadol and lay down to take a short nap.  Get up, read to James from "Babylon" and then go to work cleaning house and washing sheets.

I cleaned and polished the wood floors even though I am going to have company and will need to do it again when they are gone.  I like my floors to look nice when people come.  

Monument Valley

James helped me clean the kitchen.  We finished just before Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, Evan, and Rowan arrived at 4 pm.  

As soon as Sheri had her car unloaded she began fixing chicken tacos for dinner.  She also brought a huge bag of molasses, gingerbread cookies.  They were delicious and so were her chicken tacos.

While we were in the kitchen the boys were out on the patio.  I heard a thump and figured a bird had hit the window.  Sure enough. He was knocked out and the boys came in to ask grandpa what kind of bird he was.  

A beautiful woodpecker

The bird got up so the boys and grandpa buried him.  How sad that this happens.  My windows are not even that clean.

While Sheri and I and James watched a Rooftop Christmas in the bedroom the boys played Headbandz.

Yes Rowan, you are a toothbrush.

I fixed Ben and Rowan some hot chocolate.  They were the only ones who wanted it.  I think it helped Rowan to sleep soundly.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Moroni 8:1-30

GC:     Lest Thou Forget by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Each of us must first strengthen ourselves spiritually

and then strengthen those around us.  Ponder the scriptures

regularly, and remember the thoughts and feelings you

experience as you read them.  Seek other sources of truth as

well, but heed this caution from the scriptures: 

'But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels

of God.' Attend Church meetings, especially sacrament meeting, and partake of the sacrament and renew covenants, including the promise to always remember the Savior, that His Spirit

may ever be with you."

Elder Bruce D. Porter passed away today.

He was 64 years old.

James and I spent the morning at home studying, blogging, reading, and keeping the fire going.  We had leftover roast and veggies for lunch.  I washed sheets on three beds and then got ready to go to town.  We stopped to get mail.  We got a card from Ruth Gale and a picture, plus a Christmas card picture from the Boles.  We read from "Babylon" and shopped at Walmart and Home Depot.  I got my methotrexate and $200 worth of groceries.  

We had burgers for dinner.  James did some indexing.  Afterwards we watched "When Calls the Heart, the Christmas Special."  

Other news and memories:  

Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher's mother, passed away today.

She said she missed Carrie and wanted to be with her.

They are listing the cause of death as a stroke.

Carrie, Debbie, and Carrie's daughter.

I remember this picture.  Liz Taylor was Debbie's best friend

and Eddie was Debbie's husband.  He left Debbie to be with Liz.

I remember thinking in this picture that his eyes were definitely

on Liz.  I always admired Debbie Reynolds because she forgave them both.

State record elk shot by this girl in

Nebraska.

Hogwarts Legos.  Trina and her kids spent

hours putting this together last Christmas.

The Hobbit house I want James to build.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

I love snow!

Moroni 7:35-48

GC: Serve by Elder Carl B. Cook

"Even if we think that our Church calling was simply our 

priesthood leaders idea or that it came to us because no one else

would accept it, we will be blessed as we serve.  But when

we recognize God's hand in our calling and serve with all

our hearts, additional power comes into our service,

and we become true servants of Jesus Christ."

James used some of one of the roasts I bought to make steak and gravy for Stacy and Paul's family.  He really is pretty amazing!

After breakfast, Stacy, Paul, and Joshua got on the Razr and followed James and I to the Vernon pit, not to be confused with the Swing pit.  There was more snow in that direction.  Although we never actually found the pit, Joshua had a great time!

Being pulled behind the Razr.

Great smile Joshua.

Paul has the right idea.

Paul's two sisters, Trisha and Dorina came for a visit with four kids. 

James and I were in the bedroom just getting up from a nap.  James walked in to the kitchen and Dorina was making lunch for everyone, using our food.  It was fine but I am wondering why no one asked.

They stayed for awhile and played games and then everyone left, including Stacy and Paul's family.

The Group.

In other news today:

Summer and Tanner got their blankets.

Carrie Fisher passed away.

Darrel is trying out a new look.

I love this chart sent out by Ancestry.