OUR FAMILY

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 March 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

DC 107:49

And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated. (Enoch)

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:1-14

*How can you prepare to meet your challenges and adversities with "the strength of the Lord?"

-Faith, repentance, prayer and gospel study and hard work. Being gathered together in righteousness with others. Being prepared to fight against Satan.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 64:9-11

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remained in him the greater sin.

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

11 And ye ought to say in your hearts - let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

"Even though the widow's two mites were a meager contribution, to the Savior her gift was of supreme value, because she gave everything. In that moment, the Savior fully knew the widow, for her gift showed Him her heart. The quality and depth of her love and faith were such that she gave knowing that her 'want' would be supplied."

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life

Be Like Witout It?

President Russell M. Nelson

"... I opened the Book of Mormon to 3rd Nephi 11, and together the king and I read the Savior's sermon to the Nephites. I then presented the copy of the Book of Mormon to him. His response lodged in my mind and heart forever. 'You could have given me diamonds or rubies, but nothing is more precious to me than this additional knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ."

At the end of President Nelson's talk, which I printed of lds.org, he includes his Book of Mormon lists. Wow! I'm so excited to study them!

James went on some errands this morning and Darrel and his kids headed for Tonto Creek. Trina was at work, which means I was home alone this morning. Darrel and Trina's house has lots of room to walk in quite a few steps. I did the dishes and cleaned up before sitting down to study and work on my blog. I found this bowl.

Every cereal bowl should have a built-in straw!

I took a few photos of the kids before they left:

Addy is always reading a book!

Rowan won a ball last night at PPP and

gave it to a little girl he didn't even know

because she wanted it. He is so kind-hearted!

Lola and her case. Darrel says she takes it everywhere.

Ruby with her vampire smile.

This makes a mother proud!

Good job Darrel!

We left Darrel and Trina's around 12:30. Our first stop was Deseret Book where I bought a Book of Mormon for Jean Howard. We tried to take it by to her but she wasn't home. We gave it to her husband. I was texting her the reading assignments for the day until I found out her grandson Dustin has her phone.

We went by Cathi's and picked up a big box full of stuff that belongs to us. We also went by Sheri's and got my Legos.

I bought this for Evan but he already has it.

On to see Lois. Of course she offered us something to eat. I couldn't resist the carrot cake. She also showed us her new chair. It is very nice. Dawn came before we left so we got to visit with her too.

We left Lois's around 4pm and went directly to check in to our hotel. We stayed at the Extended Stay America on Chandler Blvd. right next to the I-10 in Ahwatukee. It was a dive but I got it through Expedia and had already paid so we stayed. I found a cockroach in our room. I kicked it outside onto the walkway. Here is a picture.

When I told it to the girl who brought up a remote for the TV she said: "Oh, that's Arizona for you." Yikes!

We were on the second floor in room 258 and there was not even an elevator. Also the rooms open up outside. We feel like we are in the ghetto. Although there is no smoking we saw lots of cigarette buts and smokers outside.

For dinner we went to Olive Garden. A young guy named Ben was our waiter. This is my new favorite meal:

Beef and tortellini

Everything about this dish is great!

James decided to eat healthy.

When we returned to the "Roach" motel I didn't have all my steps in so we walked across the street to the Circle K. I got me a drink for tomorrow and James got us a gallon of water.

The bed was comfortable and there is a full frig and a microwave,

a sink, and a tiny dishwasher. The microwave was tiny too.

October 12, 2017

Our friend Corley passed away in Chandler. He was 94 years old.

He was one of the nicest and fun people we met when

we first moved to Chandler.

Rachel, Peg, Evie, Denise

Four Generations

I love this picture of Dennis and Evie!

"The Summons"

October 12, 2016 Photo File:

Ruby's elk

Walk tall and carry a big stick.

This one was made by Uncle Kay.

Grandpa's squirrel

"The Lounge"

There are certain rules.

Addy picked up a hitchhiker.

He looks a little suspicious.

October 12, 2015 file:

On our way back from El Paso.

Trick photography.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 March 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Ether 9:22

And after he had anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead he lived four years, and he saw peace in the land; yea, and he even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day; and he died in peace. (Emer)

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:11-26

*Why did Lachoneus admonish his people to pray? After they prayed what did they do to fortify their lands and possessions?

-He wanted them to repent and be right before the Lord so they could receive His blessings. They gathered together with food and weapons."

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 59:9-10

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

General Conference

By Divine Design
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
"Elder Neal A. Maxwell once explained: 'None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You ad I may call these intersectings coincidence. This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by coincidence but ... by divine design.'"

James went out this morning to pick up his wildlife camera. This time he had pictures of elk on it. I won't be sharing them here because they really aren't that great. Right now he is unloading the 20 bags of concrete we bought yesterday.

Three people so far, have dropped out of our temple cleaning cre for Saturday night.

We left for the valley around one and I only have around 5,000 steps so far today. Our first stop was the dump where we got rid of a weeks worth of garbage. There is always a little more when we have company.

James was hungry so we went through Arby's in Show Low so he could get a turkey Reuben sandwich. We also stopped at Burger House but we didn't get anything for ourselves. We got two green burros and two green mixed for Darrel and Trina.

When we got to the valley our first stop was Darrel and Trina's. We are staying with them tonight. Darrel said Lola has been so excited that we were coming that she just sat in front of the window for the longest time watching for us. Darrel, Rowan and a friend, and Lola were the only ones home when we arrived. Addy was down the street babysitting and Ruby was down the street with a friend.

When Darrel told her we were sleeping upstairs in her room, she said, you mean cabin grandma and grandpa? When he said yes, she wanted to know how we were going to get upstairs. I guess she thinks we are so feeble we can't climb.

Soon after Ruby and Addy got home we all got in Darrel and Trina's car and went to Peter Piper Pizza for dinner. I ordered an extra large half cheese half pepperoni pizza for the kids, and a large California veggie for the adults. I also ordered a large cinnamon pizza. It was the most popular. Darrel got some wings. The kids had a great time playing. James and I went outside and got some steps but still not enough so we walked part of the way home with Addy and Ruby. Lola fell asleep.

Trina got home from work a little after eight and Rowan helped me do an object lesson for F.H.E. Afterwards we watched "When Calls the Heart." It was the episode with Andrew Walker. He is a con artist after Elizabeth and her family's money.

Trina just heard from her aunt in California. She and her partner lost their house. It is near Napa Valley.

I was sitting on the couch with Ruby. She had her Ipad and was asking Suiri to find things for her. One of her requests was "show me lots of baby animals." Suiri thought she said, "Show me butts of baby animals."

Lola wanted to make sure grandpa slept in her bed but that was fine with me because Ruby's bed was much more comfortable!

October 11, 2017

I did it!

Looks like a nice place to live.

From my tree photos collection.

October 11, 2016

The Long-Eared Drifter

Max told us to get tools when we went to the

store. He wants them to work on the Lounge.

Addy was a little overwhelmed.

Evan wanted me to buy Quelf. It started out

fun but it didn't turn out fun for Ruby.

There is some kind of debate going on here.

Ruby had more fun riding the Razr with Grandpa.

After a hard day playing the boys relax to

watch some TV.

Our friends the Curtis's and some of their grandkids

on top of Green's Peak. It was windy and cold.

Not sure what year this is but it's not 2016

although it was in my 2016 photo file.

They are playing the match game.

Not sure what year this was. Its at Thanksgiving

and Joe is helping his mom make her pumpkin,

pecan dessert.

October 11, 2015 Photo File:

I want one!

Ding dong the witch is dead.

Kim and Brian

The Schneider's

Pinions

He loves them. To me they are too much work

and not enough reward.

Tuesday, October 10th, 2017

Oaxaca, Mexico
74th operating temple
Dedicated: 11 Mar. 2000
By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Ether 3:20

Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:1-10

*Why is it so important to stand guard against the flatteries of men?

-So that we stay on the covenant path. We need to constantly repent and progress and flattery blinds us to our sins and areas we need to improve. Flattery causes us to be puffed up and vain.
Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Mastery
DC 58:42-43
42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins - behold, he will confess them and forsake them.
General Conference

Repentance Is Always Positive

Stephen W. Owen

"Too often we think of repentance as something miserable and depressing. But God's plan is the plan of happiness, not the plan of misery! Repentance is uplifting and ennobling. It's sin that brings unhappiness."

The Eternal Everyday

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"We are all equal before God. His doctrine is clear. In the Book of Mormon, we read, "All are alike unto God," including "black and white, bond and free, male and female." Accordingly, all are invited to come to the Lord."

I made blueberry muffins while Sheri was out running this morning. When she returned she made some bacon and eggs.

James left this morning with Chuck Crane with the Land Lease Agreement I typed. They are going to Cary Dobson's to get his signature and then on to the county offices in St. John's.

He got back just as Sheri, Ian, and the boys were leaving. We all said our goodbyes and of course took a picture.

Thanks for coming!

Goodbye Ollie!

After our company left we almost didn't know what to do with ourselves. We had a little lunch, leftover roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, and rolls. Afterwards we took a nap. Sleeping and eating have always been my talents.

James needed to take a trip to town. I should have stayed home and got some things done, but I decided to go with him. He bought 20 bags of concrete at Home Depot. He was going to order concrete but instead of costing $220 they were going to charge him $500 for a shortload. This is, of course, for the patio he is building.

We went through Aliberto's drive thru and got a taco and an Arizona burro. I read from Petticoat Spy the way there and the way home. Hopefully they will be finished with the road construction by Maverick soon. It is getting on everyone's nerves!

James and Chuck were going to go to the school board meeting this evening which is always scheduled the second Tuesday of the month. Since they raised everyone's taxes they decided to meet the first week to avoid the protestors. At least that's what we think.

I blogged for the 3rd and 4th of October and then we watched a couple of episodes of Heartland, "Starstruck," and "Divorce Horse."

Thankfully Sheri and Ian made it home safely. I told Pam we would have to take a raincheck on dinner for Friday evening because Kim and Brian are coming up.

October 10, 2017