Monday, January 23, 2017

June 1, 1968

For Time and All Eternity

Karen Maxwell and James Lambson

Happy Birthday James!
You are the love of my life!

This picture was taken 3 years ago on James's birthday

1 Nephi16:17-39

1.  What are some examples that prove "that by small means the Lord can bring about great things?"

2.  How can we liken the scriptures unto the Liahona given to Lehi's family?

2 Nephi 19-20

DC 11:1-10

How can we pray more diligently for opportunities to serve others?

GC:  "The Righteous Judge" by Elder Lynn G. Robbins

'A righteous judge would respond to confessions with

compassion and understanding.  An erring youth should leave

the bishop's office feeling the love of the Savior through

the bishop and enveloped in the joy and healing power of the 

Atonement - never ashamed or held in contempt.

However, compassion doesn't nullify the need for discipline.

To discipline in the Lord's way is to lovingly and patiently teach.'

I started reading a book Jared has at his house this morning.  It's called "The Contrite Spirit" by Bruce and Marie Hafen.  Here are some notes I took:

"SACRAMENT TABLE - Altar of sacrifice.  We bring our hearts to the table.  We unite through covenant our sacrifice with His sacrifice.  As the meaning of Christ's sacrifice sinks deeper into our souls, we can occasionally hear something almost startingly new in those short prayers we thought we knew by heart - something that freshens our resolve to be connected with Him more constantly, more clearly, more meekly.

Sandy's mother passed away this week.

This is a symbol of her family tree.

When I gave James his birthday card, he said it was the nicest he had ever gotten.  Here are a couple of James's favorite things:

When I ask what his favorite animal was he said:

"For a domestic animal I love horses."

Of course we all know that he loves elk.

This picture was taken by my cousin Randy near his house

in Show Low.

As we headed home I began writing down some of the things I saw:

* Border Patrol Museum

* Tent Revivals Nightly (on the side of 

* Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway

*James eats pistachios while I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

*James drinks my drink and then complains about it.

*Inspection Station - A K-9 smelling everyone's trunks.

*Amtrak Train

*Continental Divide 4,585 ft.

*Continental Divide Gift Shop

*Get yer snack here.

*Snow on the mountains, including Mt. Graham.

*Puddles of water on the sides of the highway.

*Sheri says it is raining like crazy in Chandler

*Tucson 141 miles

*Pecans, Walnuts, Wine 

*Jerky

We stopped in Wilcox for something to eat.  We went to Carl's Jr. and I made the mistake of getting a guacamole, bacon burger. It was way too big and greasy.  James got my favorite sandwich and I am not sure why I didn't get one, a green chili, chicken, cheese sandwich.  He gave me a bite.  Delicious.  As we left Carl's Jr.  I reminded him that we needed gas.  He said, we have enough to get to Tucson and it will be cheaper there.  My comment was, "why would you want to stop again?"

*The Thing

*Defacing rocks unlawful

*Brush fire danger extreme

*Bowie, Benson, Tombstone

We were both so engrossed in our book that we zipped right through Tucson without stopping for gas. I looked at the gas gauge that tells how many more miles you can go and it said zero.  I looked up and we were out in the middle of nowhere.  The one thing I did recognize was Picacho Peak.

Picacho Peak

It was raining like crazy and there were no gas stations in sight.  James said we would need to drive at least twenty miles to find one.  He slowed down to 55 mph and stayed to the right.  We did not pray together.  I think he was feeling guilty for not stopping.  I did say a prayer to Heavenly Father and asked Him to please help us even though we didn't really deserve His help.  

Two amazing things happened.  First, the Gila River was running which doesn't happen very often, and second, we drove all the way in to a Circle K on Arizona Avenue and Riggs Road.  We made it!

It really was another tender mercy/miracle!  My heart is bursting with gratitude!

This is how I feel.

We even made it on time for Sheri's delicious birthday dinner she prepared for James.  We had steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli, rolls, dark chocolate brownies with walnuts and ice cream.  Everything was wonderful.  She even knew what her dad's favorite dessert was.

James finishes his dinner.

Oh yes, we also had Martinelli's to drink.

I can't believe Sheri still had time to play on her phone.

May favorite picture of Ian taken the year we did a haunted house because Adam was just diagnosed with diabetes and he wasn't going trick-or-treating.

After dinner the Trezise's have exercise time so James and I disappeared back to Cathi and Terry's.  This is a new piece of exercise equipment that is making Sheri happy.

It's called a spin cycle.

What a wonderful day this was!  To top it off, here is another picture that makes me smile.

It's Dumbledore!

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.