OUR FAMILY

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Bountiful temple

1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

The Nephites understood the importance of their genealogy. How has doing your family history made a difference in your life?

1 Nephi 13-14

Our bishop has ask us to read the Book of Mormon in five months. This is a record of that assignment.

DC 4:1-7

How can we become more committed to serve the Lord?

Talk: Conversion and Commitment

By: W. Mack Lawrence

April 1996

GC: The Soul's Sincere Desire by Carol F. McConkie

President Eyring shared:

"I have had prayers answered. Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to

know what God wanted. It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and be written on the heart."

GC:"A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up" by Elder Craig C. Christensen

"Because Joseph was a prophet, revelations and prophets are no longer a thing of the past. The 'day of miracles' of visions, healings, and ministering of angels has not ceased. Because Joseph was a prophet, each of us has access to the power and blessings of the holy priesthood, including baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament."

I wonder about the direction and the speed

of these two.

A beautiful day for a balloon ride!

James and I missed going to the temple today because we are both sick. We also missed cleaning the Church. The Reidheads did it for us. We traded with them because we thought we would be gone today. So much to do seems so difficult when you don't feel well.

My upper right arm hurt last night until I finally got up and took some Tramadol. Sometimes this happens the night after my infusion.

Should we fast when we are sick?

Cathedral Rock and Heart Rock

I started cleaning out leftovers in our refrigerator. It is a daunting job. I usually love January because it represents a new beginning. Right now my new beginning is off to a slow start. Our Christmas decorations are still up.

Family Memories:

These photos are from three years ago. Addy and Ruby performed at an MCC basketball game. We arrived late and missed their performance but thank goodness we were able to get these photos afterwards:

This was supposed to be a picture of Addy by herself.

Notice the extra legs.

So cute!

So funny!

Love Rowan's eyes in this picture.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Friday, January 6, 2017

Provo City Center temple

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

DC 3:11-20

What testimony do I have that the Lord does keep His promises?

Speech: "The Other Side of Heaven"

By: John Groberg

Dec. 4, 2001

GC: "Come, Follow Me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service by Elder Robert D. Hales

"Our Christian love and service naturally begin in the home. Parents, you are called to be loving teachers and missionaries to your children and youth. They are your investigators. You bear the responsibility to help them become converted. In truth, all of us are seeking to be converted - which means being filled with our Savior's love."

We left for the valley at 5:46 am. in a snow storm with James driving. Because we were running late James suggested that we go the Globe way because he thinks we will get there quicker. I didn't argue because, I mean, after all, he is the one driving. The only thing I was worried about was falling rocks in Salt River Canyon. We hydro-planed on a wet road and then went over a hill and hit some ice just before Timber Camp, and then slid all over the road. Thank goodness no one was coming from the other direction. Prayers really are answered!

We arrived at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Center in Mesa at 9:05, plenty of time for my 9:15 appointment. I was taken right back. My blood pressure was 148/84. I guess I was a little anxious about getting there on time.

Trina's family

We went to Sonic for lunch and then went to see Adam. He insists that the accident was not his fault. At this point it doesn't matter. He has no insurance to fix the car and it is in a towing yard. James will come back down on Tuesday with his trailer and get the car.

We stopped at Costco on the way out to see Trina and the kids so I could pick up some Alpine Valley bread. At Trina's all the kids are there except Addy who is already back in school. We gave Rowan is charger for his drone. Lola said to me: "I like your red shirt." and to James: "I like your black shirt." "Do you like my pink one?"

Monument Valley

We went home again through Globe. We made these stops in Show Low: Walmart, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, and China Buffet for hot and sour soup, and Taco Bell for tacos.

It was wonderful to finally be home! We did go from 63 degrees in the valley to 33 here in Vernon.

We watched a cute movie we had seen before but really loved, "Summer Villa" with Hilare Burton and Victor Webster. I have a little bit of a crush on Victor.

Family Photos:

Soccer game two years ago.

Is that Sheri looking at her phone?

Coach Trina

Addy when she was 10.

5 year old Ruby.

Lola using a tablet.

This was when Joshua, Rowan and Evan all played on the same team.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

I truly believe this.

1 Nephi 4:1-19

Have you ever been "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which you should do?"

DC 3:1-10

How can these verses be a comfort to us that when we fall we know that God will help us up?

GC: How Great the Plan of Our God by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Our mortal life is only temporary and will end with the death of our physical body. But the essence of who you and I are will not be destroyed. Our spirits will continue living and await the Resurrection - a free gift to all by our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. At the Resurrection our spirits and bodies will be reunited free from pain and physical imperfections."

James is feeling sick too now. I probably shared with him. I should probably make us some of my favorite chicken soup, but I am too sick.

Delicious!

I am keeping my infusion appointment tomorrow because they couldn't get me rescheduled until after the 15th and I don't want to wait they long. My appointment is at 9:15 so we will be leaving by 5:30 in the morning and coming home in the afternoon. Thank goodness James is here to drive with me.

I love snow but I am not a fan of driving in it.

I called Lois today and thanked her for all the beautiful Christmas presents. She embroidered a beautiful Christmas table cloth for me and also got me a new nightgown.

Jenifer called today and said she would like to come to Jared's wedding as she only lives three hours away from San Antonio and she has a friend who will drive her. She lives in Del Rio, Texas but is in the San Antonio temple district.

I also talked to Jared today about travel arrangements. James and I are driving and will be spending one night in El Paso at Jared's house both coming and going home. Since it's a 14 hour drive, this is great. El Paso is about six hours from Chandler which is where we will be leaving from.

I read to James from our book "Adam ondi-Ahman today, even though I am sick. While James was working I watched a movie I have seen before, "Honeymoon for One." Is there such a thing as a Natterjack toad? James says he thinks there is. It was mentioned in this movie as living in Ireland.

It was very windy today. I think a storm is blowing in. I am sad I have to go to the valley tomorrow just because I feel so lousy.

Family Photos:

Go Michael!

(On a mission that is)

Addy on a snowboarding trip last January with her

dad and Rowan.

Go Rowan!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

I am so excited that we get to study the life andB
teachings of President Hinckley this year in
Relief Society and Priesthood!

1 Nephi 3:9-31

Why do you think Sam willingly followed Nephi while Laman and Lemuel persecuted him?

DC 1:31-2:3

What great promises in these verses spoke to me today?

*Verses 31 and 32 - Repent and be forgiven.

GC: Fourth Floor, Last Door by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The problem was not a lack of prayers or a shortage of faith. She needed only to understand that, as painful as it might be for our Father in Heaven, He will not force anyone to choose the path of righteousness. God did not force His own children to follow Him in the premortal world. How much less will He force us now as we journey through this mortal life? God will invite, persuade. God will reach out tirelessly with love, inspiration and encouragement. But God will never compel - that would undermine His great plan for our eternal growth."

Today is the day I actually sent out the family email regarding the reading of the Book of Mormon. Each day I will send the reading assignment and a question to Stacy, Paul, Kim, Brian, Sheri, Ian, Jared, Kacey, Darrel, Trina, and Ben. I got positive responses from both Sheri and Kacey. I am excited that our entire family will be reading the Book of Mormon together if everyone will accept the challenge.

Today we had 27 elk in our yard.

Here are just a few.

James is in the valley working for Jerrod Bowen. Today he took Max and Evan to Lois's to do yardwork. Ben would have gone too but he is quite sick. The boys don't go back to school until next week.

Because I am sick I tried to cancel my infusion but no one called me back. Meanwhile, while Adam is driving for Uber he has an accident on the freeway. No one was hurt but the Scion was towed by a company located in Apache Junction. The sad thing is that Adam does not have collision insurance.

Waterfall between Miami and Superior

James came home this afternoon bearing gifts: burros from Burger House, homemade soap from Rebecca, and a Family Proclamation plaque that Darrel and Trina made.

Of course Lola is always right there to assist Trina.

This evening was another evening of movie watching. I am trying to finish up all the Christmas movies.

Family Pictures:

Michael on the run.

Addy, Lola, Ruby, and Rowan.

Some of the cutest kids in the world!!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Castle in the sky

1 Nephi 2:16-3:8

How do you find the faith and courage to do what the Lord asks of you?

DC 1:21-30

How can we prepare ourselves to receive instruction and knowledge from the Lord regarding our missionary efforts?

Why does God choose the "weak things of the world" to do His work?

GC: Rise Up in Strength, Sisters in Zion by Bonnie L. Oscarson

"President Russell M. Nelson told us a year ago: 'Attacks against the Church, its doctrine, and our way of life are going to increase. Because of this, we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use that understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant-keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.'"

James and Max left early this morning and Kim and Brian left later.

I am now officially "home alone."

I love these two!

I thanked both Kim and Brian for spending time with Max yesterday. Kim did not even have time to do a puzzle like she normally does or to watch any Hallmark movies. Thank goodness they did not get sick while they were here. Kim made me a "flu bomb" with her DoTerra oils. We talked about Kacey and Jared's wedding which is now scheduled for January 21st. It seems no one has any money or time to go. James and I may be the only ones representing our family.

I love snow!

My day is spent watching movies and laying around coughing. I am afraid to use the internet because we have very few megabytes left and our cycle doesn't end until January 13th.

The course of study for Relief Society and Priesthood this year

is actually President Gordon B. Hinckley. He is the master of the Jedi order!

I sent out an email and challenged all of our kids and their families to read the Book of Mormon again this year. Each day I will send the reading assignment and a discussion question. Everyone seems to be on board with it, at least I haven't heard any complaints

So true!

James sends me the sweetest texts when he is out of town.

Evan's business goals.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

We took this picture coming home from church.

1 Nephi 1:1-15

What do you love most about the Book of Mormon?

* I love the fact that if we "keep the commandments, we will prosper in the land." I also love the examples of God's power delivering or strengthening the obedient. There are so many things I love about the Book of Mormon. These are just a couple of examples.

DC 1:1-10

How have the words of the prophets been a blessing in my life?

GC: I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home by Jean B. Bingham

"One of the most significant ways we can develop and demonstrate love for our neighbor is through being generous in our thoughts and words. Some years ago a cherished friend noted, 'The greatest form of charity may be to withhold judgment.' That is still true today."

Andy Wilhelm was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. He told about Curtis getting a priesthood blessing when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He also told about Curtis and Johnny both being flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital and how it is a miracle neither of them had spinal meningitis.

Kip Hunsaker was a replacement speaker for Jimmy McNeil who had to go into work today because of the snow. He spoke about baptismal covenants and the importance of teaching our children the importance of the covenants they make when they enter the Kingdom of God. We are changed forever through baptism. It is important to renew our covenants at the sacrament table because we need the Holy Ghost in our lives everyday. His son Colter we just baptized on Friday.

Steve Allen is our elder's quorum president. He spoke about commitment and testimony. He based many of his comments on a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales, "Receiving a Testimony of Jesus Christ and His Restored Gospel." Brother Allen stressed the importance of sharing our testimonies often throughout our lives.

Sheri, Kim, Brian, Ben, Max, Evan, and Rowan attended sacrament meeting with us. Michael had promised me he would come, but I guess he stayed up too late last night. Alex didn't come either which was a disappointment. I was hoping they would want to be missionary examples to their friends.

Sheri, Ian, Ben, Evan, and Rowan went home this afternoon. Evan and Rowan wanted to stay but Evan is sick and Sheri wanted him to come home. Rowan was going to stay with Max until he saw how sad Evan was that he was coming home with him, so he changed his mind and went home. Max stayed. Alex, Shana, Michael, Alexis, Daniel, Connor, and Kim and Brian are all still here.