Sunday, January 22, 2017

The Manti temple

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard?'

*When Heavenly Father has asked you to go into your own personal "wilderness" what gifts has He given you to help you succeed?

2 Nephi 15:13-18

DC 10:54-70

So many great verses in today's reading.  Which ones spoke to me?

GC: "The Blessings of Worship" by Bishop Dean M. Davies

'When we worship God, we approach Him with reverent love, humility, and adoration.  We acknowledge and accept Him as our

sovereign King, the Creator of the universe, our beloved and infinitely loving Father.  We respect and revere Him.

We submit ourselves to Him.  We lift our hearts in mighty 

prayer, cherish His word, rejoice in His grace, and commit to follow Him with dedicated loyalty.  Worshipping God

is such an essential element in the life of a disciple of 

Jesus Christ that if we fail to receive Him in our hearts,

we will seek for Him in vain in our councils, churches,

and temples.'

I got up at seven to do a little studying.  Molly was up too.  Jared texted and said the other kids need to be up by nine.  Church is at eleven.  

I had pizza for breakfast and some Dr. Pepper 10.  I am such a health nut.  James also made Molly and I some Starbucks hot chocolate.

The umbrella was from last nights Bahama Bucks.

Not sure why the sour face.

James got the older kids up while Molly and Emmy both got themselves ready to go.  Molly was an angel this morning!  It was a pleasure to be with her.  Even when Emmy got upset with her for taking the case off their phone, she didn't get upset.  She just tried to explain to Emmy that it was hard for her to push the buttons when the case was on.  Very impressed!

Someone posted this on Facebook regarding the women's protest marches this past week.

Yes!

I took a short little rest.  Kacey's bedroom is grand central when it is time to get ready to go somewhere.  

We had to make two trips to the church to get everyone there in our car.  Thank goodness the church is so close.  We could probably have walked but it was way too windy!

We met Kacey and Jared at church and as soon as Molly saw them, I was no longer her sidekick.  It's okay.  I understand.  I sat by Anna who sat next to Summer during sacrament meeting.  

James and I stayed until after Sunday School and then we said goodbye to Kacey and Jared.  The kids were in classes.  Jared gave James two books for his birthday.  

The "Boys in the Boat" will be the next book

James and I read together.

We packed, changed our clothes and had a little something to eat.  James also made us some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the road so we would not have to stop for food on the way home.  Of course we will have to stop for gas.

Grandpa and Anna's birthday cake.

Jared had planned a little party for Anna and Grandpa this afternoon but we needed to get an early start.  We were sorry to have missed it.  I did steal a piece of cake before leaving.  (I asked Jared first!)

We are so grateful that our car is running so well after the scare we had Friday night.  We said a prayer and were on our way.  We made good time going 80 mph.  We gained an hour going back to El Paso and were there by 9 pm.  It feels like home again.  We had some stew and finished reading "Without a Word."  

I left James's birthday present in San Antonio.  Kacey said they would mail it for me tomorrow.  It's a photo stick to back up all of his photos that are on his computer.  I was surprised to see his is 128 GB while mine is only 64 GB.

Fun Photos

The Matterhorn.  Disney did a pretty good job of duplicating this!

Bighorn sheep

January 2016 Photos

Lola

Dawn, Carmen, and Rebecca

Evan hanging out on the couch.

All of his brothers are on a campout.

Such an awesome kid!

Saturday, January 21, 2017

San Antonio Temple

1 Nephi 15:19-36

What does it mean when it says "whoso will hearken unto the word of God, and will hold fast unto it, they will never perish?"

2 Nephi 11:8-15:12

DC 10:44-53

How do you know that the Lord does keep His promises?

Talk: "Remembering the Lord's Love"

By: Kathleen H. Hughes

October 2006

GC:  "To Whom Shall We Go?" by Elder M. Russell Ballard

'Never abandon the great truths revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Never stop reading, pondering, and 

applying the doctrine of Christ found in the 

Book of Mormon.'

Last night Jared and Kacey had pizza for everyone.  This morning it was breakfast tacos from Taco Cabana.  After breakfast Kacey, Molly and I went to the neighborhood Walgreens.  Kacey needed some clear nail polish and I needed a number of things.  Molly came along in hopes that Kacey would buy her some candy.  Kacey said no to the candy, but yes to this:

She named her Lollipop

Kacey said she didn't get much sleep last night because Emmy mumbled all night long. The morning passed quickly and it was time to get ready to go.  The sealing is at one but of course Jared and Kacey have to be there early.  

James did all of the dishes this morning and cleaned the kitchen.  

I hung out with Molly.  Molly and Emmy rode with us to the temple.  There were nine kids who stayed on the temple grounds while the adults went in.  Jenifer. my brother Dennis's daughter, was inside waiting with a friend when we got inside the temple.  They came from Del Rio which is about three hours south of San Antonio.

Brother Smith did the sealing.  He talked about the beautiful stained glass windows in the temple and gave Jared and Kacey a picture of the temple.  It was a beautiful experience to be there with them.  There were only eight of us in attendance.  It wasn't long before we were back outside with the kids.

 The happy couple

Anna and James congratulating their dad.

Here comes Molly

I love their smiles

One big happy family!

In Tanner's words:

"Hey James, we're brothers now!"

"Isn't Jared lucky to have me for a son!"

Kacey and her sisters

Congratulations!

Anna and Summer are good friends

The wedding party

Jenifer on the end next to me.

We all went back to Jared's and Kacey's for lunch.  The Relief Society had set out all the food that Jared had ordered from Rudy's. 

We had bbq meat, three kinds, potato salad, pickles, coleslaw, rolls, beans, and apple cobbler.  Everything was delicious!

After lunch we said goodbye to Jenifer and Candy, Albert, Macy, Michael, and McCoy.  Kacey's sisters are staying in town for a girl's retreat.  Soon they left and so did Jared and Kacey which just left James and I with James, Anna, Summer, Tanner, Emmy, and Molly.  The first thing we did was take orders for drinks at Bahama Bucks.  James, Molly, Emmy, Tanner, and I went to pick them up while James stayed home with Summer and Anna.  

Tanner really admires James.  He wanted to know what drink he ordered and he ordered the same thing.  

Molly is my sidekick when her dad or Kacey aren't here.  We played in the backyard.  The kids also hung out in the hot tub for awhile.  James and Tanner watched Jaws and Jaws 2.  

Molly went to bed pretty early.  The wind was blowing and I was afraid the tree outside Kacey's window was going to blow over.

We have 12 inches of snow in Vernon according to our neighbors the Cranes.

It was a wonderful day!  I am so happy for Jared and Kacey.  They are perfect for each other!

Friday, January 20, 2017

The San Diego temple is Kacey's favorite.

This is a picture she has in her home.

1 Nephi 15:1-18

Why is it important to avoid the spirit of contention?

2 Nephi 9:45-11:7

DC 10:34-43

How can we prepare to receive wisdom or counsel from the Lord?

Talk: "Thou Shalt Receive Revelation"

By: Bruce R. McConkie

October 1978

GC: "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves

'Amulek testified, "I would that ye would come forth and harden

not your hearts any longer;...if ye will repent...

immediately shall the great plan of redemption be

brought about unto you."

Today was Donald Trump's Inauguration as President of the United States.  There were women protest marches all across America.  I am not sure what they are protesting.

In Arizona a huge storm has moved in with lots of rain in the valley and snow in the high country.  Wouldn't you know we would get snow when I am gone.

Sedona

I had an early morning blogging session this morning before James got up.  I don't blame him for sleeping in.  Jared's bed is really comfortable.  Thanks Jared for letting us stay in your cozy house!

We had breakfast, showers, and studied this morning before leaving.  I ironed and decided that not only do I like Jared's bed but I also love his iron!  We left at 9 a.m. for San Antonio.  We hit rush hour traffic going through El Paso and it was a very slow race getting out of town.  

When we went through Van Horn I had to text my friend Hailey because Van Horn is her hometown. 

 I read from "Not a Word" while James drove.  Our friend Stephanie is the author.  Stephanie comes from Mormon Royalty.  Bruce R. McConkie is her grandfather and Joseph Fielding Smith is her great grandfather.  Stephanie and her husband and children were in our ward in Chandler over 20 years ago.  She was the choir director and that is the only time I ever sang in the choir.  You would think Stephanie might write church books, but she writes murder mysteries, the non-gory type.  We are really liking this book.

The speed limit going to El Paso was 75 mph.  From El Paso to San Antonio is has been 80 mph through basically flat, dusty country.

We stopped in Ft. Stockton for lunch at Sonic and Taco Bell, and gas.  We looked for a Whataburger but could not find one.  Funny, because Texas is the home of Whataburgers.  

We stopped again on the outskirts of San Antonio for gas.  When James started up the car again it made a horrible clanging noise.  He called Erik and held the phone up to the engine for Erik to listen.  Erik thought for sure our engine was gone.  James put in a quart of oil and we started back down the freeway sounding like the Beverly Hillbillies.  Kacey was lining up a mechanic that her ward members had suggested.  I said a prayer and talked to Heavenly Father about the fact that we were far from home, attending the temple marriage of our son and we needed His help.  Soon the noise stopped and we have not heard it again.  A tender mercy or a miracle for sure.

James, Anna, James, Tanner, Michael, McCoy, Albert, Lauren,

Christina, Molly, April, Emmy, Summer and Macy.

The two families that will be joined together tomorrow.

As soon as we arrive at Jared's and Kacey's Jared has to go pick up James from work so we go with him but not before Molly tells me all about Rosa Parks.  

Molly and her friend Rosa.

James works at Bill Miller's BBQ where he is in charge of frying the chicken.  He has burns on his arms to prove it. 

We found a Whataburger and stopped there for some dinner.  Kim and Brian gave James a gift card for Christmas.  Back at the house Kacey's family arrives.  Albert invites James to Jared's bachelor party.  He says they are going to Wendy's to get vanilla frosty's and to talk about family history.  

I gave Anna her birthday card, Young Women's necklace, and a hug.  When it came time to go to bed we are sleeping in Kacey's room.  Molly slept in the room to and Emmy was supposed to but she ended up sleeping in Summer's room with Kacey.  Kacey said she talked all night long.  

Kacey's House

 Beautiful piece of furniture

New table minus the chairs.

I love the frig and the things on top of the cabinet.

I also love the guy sneaking food.

Brick'em Young 

San Diego temple.

The backyard had a hot tub which was a big

hit with the kids.

Kacey has four sisters and three brothers.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

The Petrified Forest

1 Nephi 14:9-30

What are the characteristics of the Church of the Lamb of God versus the church of the devil?

2 Nephi 9

DC 10:22-33

How can we prevent Satan from overpowering our testimony?

Talk: " Always Have His Spirit To Be With Us"

By: David A. Bednar

April 20006

GC: 'The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy' by Peter F. Meurs

" The sacrament prayers introduce the covenants with the phrase 'that they are willing' (Moroni 4:3).  This phrase has so much

potential power for us.  Are we willing to serve and participate?

Are we willing to change?  Are we willing to address

our weaknesses?  Are we willing to reach out and

bless others?  Are we willing to trust the Savior?"

James gets up early to go to work.  He is back by 8:30 so we can take the car to Discount to get the tires rotated and balanced.  Before we went to Discount we stopped by Sheri's to take back Ian's slippers that he left at the cabin.  I give Max a hug and James gives Sheri a hug. 

After dropping the car off we went to IHOP for breakfast.  I had an omlet, which I ended up giving to James, soggy hashbrowns, and pancakes.  

We just learned on Facebook today that our friend Brooklyn has juvenille diabetes.

 At least she still has a smile.

Practicing her shot giving skills on her bear.

Ready to go home.

We pick up my car from Discount and take James's truck to Erik's, and then get gas at Sam's Club.  We leave for El Paso around 11:30.

We stayed the night in Jared's house in El Paso and will

continue on to San Antonio tomorrow.  Jared flew out tonight so we didn't even get to see him.  He left us a roast dinner in the crockpot.

It was delicious and we felt like we were at home.

We finished our book, "Adam-Ondi-Ahman" and started a book by a friend of ours called, "Not A Word."

It was a relaxing evening.

Fun Photos

Joshua reading Calvin and Hobbs.

A family tradition.

One of our favorite Vernon families!

Curtis and Zemira are in my Primary class.

This picture of Anna was taken a year ago.

Joe doing what he loves best.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

1 Nephi 13:40-14:8
Why is it so important to hold fast to the plain and precious truths of the gospel?
2 Nephi 7-8
DC 10:11-21
These verses are a powerful reminder that God is in control.  How can this bring you comfort in these perilous times?
Talk: "Abide in My Love"
By: D. Todd Christofferson
October 2016
GC: 'Joy and Spiritual Survival' by President Russell M. Nelson

"When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives."

I spent the morning getting ready to go to Chandler.  I left at noon.  Rolling fog and snow was descending off the Vernon hills.  There was some moisture along the way, but no snow.  The story would have been different if I had come tomorrow.  There is a huge storm coming in.  

Superstition Mountains

In Show Low I stopped at Walmart to pick up prescriptions.  I had to show I.D. for my Tramadol as it is now a controlled substance.  

I drove over to Firehouse Subs to get some lunch and saw Donna Peeler getting in to her Mustang convertible.  She is the coolest grandma on the mountain!  Next I went to the Splash and Dash for gas and a car wash.  James sprayed my car off on Sunday but by the time I reached the Hunsaker's today it was covered in mud again.  I also stopped at the CVS to pick up a prescription for James, and then it was on to Heber.

That's right Dolly!

There were just patches of snow on the Rim.  I stopped at the McDonald's in Payson for an ice cream cone.  There were three highway patrol on the highway just outside of Payson keeping the speed of traffic in check. I was in a race with a car from Minnesota but lost him when I got into the rush hour traffic in the valley.  

I sure do love this girl!

I got to Cathi and Terry's around 5.  James came home and took a shower.  He had been laying tile at his job all day.

That is alot of tile!

Alex and Adam were his worthy assistants.

Nice job!

We took Cathi and Terry to Black Angus for dinner this evening.  James wanted to say thank you to Terry for picking up the tile for his job and we were also celebrating Cathi's birthday.  The food was delicious and the company was great!

Back at home I have to rub Indy's tummy and James has to give Lady a treat before we could read from "Adam-Ondi-Ahman."

Charlotte called so I spent some time on the phone with her.

Fun Photos

I love Joe's hair!

The many faces of Sheri.

Here's another one.

Evan looks a little like Nancy.