Thursday, July 6th, 2017

Spokane, Washington,

59th operating temple.

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 1999 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 24

The Lord's messenger will prepare the way for the Second Coming - Christ will sit in judgment - Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings - A book of remembrance is kept - Compare Malachi 3.

Alma 28:8-29:7

*How does knowledge of the plan of salvation change the perspective of those whose loved ones have died?

*Read 28:1-3. What price did the Nephites pay to help the people of Ammon keep their covenant?

*Read 28:4-6. How did so much death affect the Nephites?

*Read 28:11-12. Why do some people experience fear when loved ones die? Why do some people feel hope?

*When we have faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of the Lord, we can have hope and joy in times of death.

*At the end of chapter 28 how would you explain the resurrection to help someone have hope in the face of death?

*Read 29:1-3. What would Alma do if he had the wish of his heart? Why did Alma desire this?

*Read 29:4-5. What does the Lord grant unto those who have righteous desires?

DC 98:11-22

11-15, Those who lay down their lives in the Lord's cause will have eternal life; 16-18, Renounce war and proclaim peace, 19-22, The Saints in Kirtland are reproved and commanded to repent;

What promises are available to us if we stay faithful and endure well?

*Eternal life.

General Conference

His Daily Guiding Hand

M. Joseph Brough

" I thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings and happiness  found through the scriptures, prayer, the Holy Ghost, and a worthy earthly father who embraced his role as the principal gospel teacher of his children. They were leading me, guiding me, and even walking beside me to help me find the was, especially when I had to do something difficult."

At 8 am the kitchen was a buzz with activity.  Everyone making lunches for our day horseback riding. 

Lola had to try on her new birthday trinkets.

 Before 9 we had four vehicles caravaning to the Howard's. It is very nice of them to allow us to use their horses and we are so grateful. Here are some of the pictures we took.

Ruby on her favorite horse Pepper

Lola on Bull

Once she saw the other kids on the big horses

she didn't want to ride the little ones anymore.

I love this picture!

Ruby and grandpa on the trail ride.

Addy

Rowan

Ruby

Little Lola

Pepper ran away with Ruby but she hung on.

He was going to see his girlfriends

Daisy and Minnie.

Lola on Daisy

Before she decided to ride the big horse.

Evan

James and Evan

Ruby just loves Pepper

Addy

Rowan

Molly and Ruby

Joshua

Adam

James

Molly on her favorite horse, Bull.

Trina doing the spider dance

Fun and games

Tanner and Summer

Tanner

Molly and Bull

Group ride

Anna was a little frustrated with her horse.

I love this picture:

James, Joshua, Rowan, Summer, Tanner.

One thing about this day, we got some great pictures!

Adam, Ben, Max, and James decided they didn't want to ride horses. They went into town and got some lunch at KFC instead.

I marinated over 40 pieces of chicken for dinner this evening. We also had rice and green beans and garlic bread. It was a great meal.

Elk were seen and then the Razr got a flat tire.  This evening the kids watched Nacho Libre after family scriptures. We also played Five Crowns.  

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 27:16-28:8

What helps you to keep your covenants?

*Partaking of the sacrament.

DC 98:1-10

1-3, The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good; 4-8, The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land; 9-10, Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government;

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

" I bear testimony that Elijah did come. The hearts of the children-you and me-have turned to our fathers, our ancestors. The affection you feel for your ancestors is part of the fulfillment of that prophecy. It is deeply seated in your sense of who you are."

Brian and Kim left for home this morning. We were sad to see them go.

We love you B and K!

Around 8:30 Trina, Anna, Summer and I left for Walmart. Trina and I both need to buy something for Lola's birthday and I needed to buy chicken for tomorrow night's dinner. I think Summer and Anna came for makeup. They finished way before we did and waited in the car.  I think I bought all the chicken thighs that Walmart had. I also bought Lola a Baby Alive with ponytails and blonde hair just like hers. A pink piggy stuffed animal. a purse and some jewelry and sunglasses. She loves jewelry.

I also bought a card and got some cash for Summer's birthday which is the 23rd. 

When we returned home Jared was a little stressed about Anna and Summer getting back so late because he wanted to go to Sunrise. It was awhile before we actually left.

Grandpa James said he was too busy to go so I took Joshua, Rowan, and Evan. Max and Ben and James and Adam did not want to go. I think James and Ben stayed home and worked for grandpa. 

Evan got car sick on the way so we stopped at Sonic in Springerville and got some lunch. He felt much better and was happy the rest of the way.  He, Joshua, and Rowan had a blast with all the activities at Sunrise. There was the lift ride to the top which they loved the most, the air bag jump, the rock wall, the tubing slide, and bungie jump.  It was a gorgeous day and we all enjoyed being together. Everyone was here except for grandpa and the boys who stayed home.  I wish I had taken more pictures.

This year it cost an extra $8 to jump off the top

so no one did.

Ruby looks annoyed.

Joshua on the rock wall.

Evan and Rowan.

Tanner riding the lift to the top

of the tube slide.

Darrel took Lola on the slide.

He guess he was just resting his eyes

in this picture.

Rowan on the bungie jump.

Joshua

Evan had a blast!

Love this family!

I love this family too!

Jared loves Kacey

Enjoying the Indian fry bread.

Such a beautiful day to be outside.

On the way home Evan fell asleep and Joshua and Rowan sang my favorite Primary songs to me: "Nephi's Courage", and "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus."

I took a nap when I got home. I was exhausted.  Darrel and Trina fixed white chili for dinner. It was delicious!  After dinner we celebrated Lola's birthday. Trina made a chocolate cake and we had several flavors of ice cream.

Gathering for the party

I love the look on Lola's face.

Molly is so attentive

Razr goggles.

We had family scriptures and the kids went out to play Gray Wolf. It looks like Tanner is going to play tonight.

Good news for Kyra's kids. Their Grandpa Curtis and his fiance Joie have custody of them for now along with four other kids.

This sign was outside of the court house in St. Johns.