Thursday, January 4th, 2018

St. George, Utah
1st operating temple
Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877
By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ Atonement through

3 Nephi 11:14

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormonn

1 Nephi 3:9-31

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

Old Testament/P.G.P.

Genesis 7-8; Moses 7-8

O.T./P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Genesis 1:26-27

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

General Conference

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"No, following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you. God will be with you. He will direct your steps. He will walk beside you and even carry you when your need is greatest."

I called the arthritis infusion center and cancelled my appointment for tomorrow. I still have a cough and I am exhausted and just don't want to make a trip to the valley. James was a little leary but I am glad I did it.

I set a date, time and place for James's birthday party with the kids. It is going to be on Saturday, January 20th, at 3 p.m. at Darrel and Trina's. 

This evening James and I took a little drive. We picked up a box at the post office which was c-pap supplies for James. We also got a picture and family letter from the Dowdle's. We drove on to the Standford store where we got Schwan's Passion Punch and Tangerine sherbet. We've had it before so we know we like it. It puts a smile on our faces. 

We drove home and I read from "Life Everlasting," we are still waiting for our next Renee Ryan novel. 

For dinner we had sherbet, grilled ribeye steak, mashed potatoes (leftover from last week), and broccoli, in that order. Life is short, eat dessert first.

We watched "A Christmas Visitor," starring William Devane, and  

Meredith Baxter. We also watched an episode of Heartland called "The Natural." Mallory is jealous of Georgie.

I read in the local newspaper today that Round Valley is asking everyone in their community to fast and pray for moisture. That's the same thing our stake president asked us to do in the White Mountain Stake.

Our beloved sherbet

One last photo of our tree.

I love it!

Think Snow!

New York, New York

Savannah, Georgia got 1.2" this week.

There is even snow on the Superstition Mountain,

although this photo wasn't taken this year.

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Helaman 5:9

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atonig blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 2:16-3:8

*How do I find the faith and courage to do what the Lord asks of me?

Through prayer, scripture study, and reading the words of the living prophets.

Old Testament/PGP Reading

Genesis 5-6; Moses 5-6

Old Testament/PGP Scripture Mastery

Abraham 3:22-23

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chose before thou wast born.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The third sister represents the authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. She did something that is extremely hard to do: she trusted God even in the face of ridicule and hardship. Somehow she maintained her faith and hope, despite the scorn and cynicism around her. She lived joyfully not because her circumstances were joyful but because she was joyful."

I woke up to the news this morning that President Monson passed away last night in his home surrounded by family around 10 p.m.

The first thing I did was run in to tell James, who was still in bed.

August 21, 1927-January 2, 2018

Today is Cathi's 69th birthday and I hope it's a happy one. She is one of my very favorite people!

I spent the day working on my blog and studying. I also managed to mop the kitchen floor. James made a trip to the dump. We had lots of bags of garbage due to our company. It cost him a whopping $5 instead of the usual $3.

This afternoon while blogging I watched the movie "The American President" starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. It was made in 1995 so it's been awhile since I've seen it. I must say that I miss my cheesy and squeaky clean Hallmark movies. 

James had a High Priests Group Leadership meeting this evening. We watched an episode of Heartland when he got home.

I hope they wait for the wee one.

I can hardly wait for next Wednesday!

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: Nov 19, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:16-2:15

*What do you admire most about Lehi and his family?

Their sacrifice of their worldly possessions to obey the Lord.

Old Testament/P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Moses 7:18

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

Old Testament/P.G.P Reading

Genesis 3-4; Moses 3-4.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. We can stop comparing our worst to someone else's best."

James got a call from Cody Birch this morning. Cody wants James to build him a house. The problem is he doesn't even have a lot yet. 

Cody is an anethesiologist and he says he makes alot more money now that he works for himself.

I started reading about The Sheperd's Diet today. It focuses on healthy fats and proteins, and low carbs.

We made a trip to town this morning. James got an xray done at the hospital and then went to Sonoran lab to get bloodwork done. Before he did those two things we took Lexy to Walmart to get the oil changed. They said it would take about an hour and a half but it was actually over two hours. I shopped and then when I was finished I went to McDonald's and got a diet coke and an ice cream cone. I also opened the Dorito Salsa Verde chips I bought. Michael had some when he was up here and I became addicted.

James joined me and ordered a couple of burgers because they were on sale 2/$5. I ate part of one and then gave the rest to him.

We were excited when we stopped at the post office to see that our order of Heartland season 5 had arrived. We watched two episodes this evening. 

On the way home from town the check engine light and several other lights came on. James thinks it's nothing to worry about that they just messed something up when they were changing the oil.

James and I both still have a lingering cough, and no energy.

Cute picture of Shayna

I think she left her boots her. She's the only

one that could fit in these tiny boots.

Love those eyes!

Our place a couple of years ago.

Mrs. Snow and her two little ones

I miss the snow!

Monday, January 1st, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: Aug 13, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 34:8

And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoke it.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

*In what language characters did Nephi write?

Reformed Egyptian

Old Testament, PGP Scripture Mastery

Moses 1:39

For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Old Testament, PGP Reading

Genesis 1-2; Moses 1-2

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

"The restored gospel is recognizably well defined. But we have to be distinct about how we follow it. Just as Jessica practiced swimming, we need to practice living the gospel before the emergency so that, unafraid, we will be strong enough to help when others are being swept away by the current."

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Neill F. Marriott

"Sacrifice of our personal agendas is required to make room for the eternal plans of God. The Savior, who speaks for the Father, pleads with us, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.' Drawing near unto the Father can mean learning of His truth through the scriptures, following prophetic counsel, and striving to do His will more completely. Do we understand that Christ has the power to bring us into loving fellowship with the Father and with one another He, by the power of the Holy Ghost, can give us needed insight into relationships."

James made potato egg patties and biscuits for breakfast. He said everyone ate except Alexis. 

Michael and his friends were the first to leave. It was a little after noon.

These kids are great and we would love to have

them back anytime.

Charlie saying goodbye to Michael

Dallin, Sarah and Charlie left a few minutes

after Michael and friends.

By 1:30 this afternoon we were home along again. James fixed us some lunch and we finished watching "My One Christmas Wish" starring Amber Riley. I did a little cleaning and tried to keep the laundry going. I think every towel in the house was in the laundry room and a couple of sets of sheets.

I blogged for December 21st and 22nd and got my steps. I also started reading the Old Testament and the book of Moses.

There was a beautiful full moon tonight. There will be another one at the end of the month. 

This evening we watched a couple of old Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan movies, "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail."

Sunday, December 31st, 2017

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 7:11

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

*What blessings did Moroni teach would come to those who have faith, hope, and charity? 

What spiritual gifts should we seek?

Elder Gene R. Cook discussed the strength of discovering and using the spiritual gifts given to each person: 

"One of the greatest processes you go through in life is to discover yourself. to find those gifts and capacities God has given you. He has given you great talents, the smallest part of which you have just begun to utilize. Trust the Lord to assist you in unlocking the door to those gifts. Some of us have created imaginary limits in our minds. There is literally a genius locked up inside each of us. Don't ever let anyone convince you otherwise" (Trust in the Lord, In Hope, 1988, 90-91).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:42

And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"I promise you that as you prepare your spirit and come with the anticipation that you will hear the voice of the Lord, thoughts and feelings will come into your mind that are customized especially for you. You have already felt them in this conference, or you will as you study the messages in the weeks ahead."

Happy Birthday Kim!

Kim and Brian were sick this year and not

able to come up to celebrate her birthday with us at the cabin.

We really missed them. We are so grateful for them and

there example of love and service.

Next year Kim, and there better be snow!!

Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Michael and Joshua all joined us at sacrament meeting this morning. The Applegate family spoke about the "Light the World" initiative. It was enjoyable. I especially liked Jimmy telling about how Shelly has been able to visit his brother, who is a non-member, on her mission. She asked her dad, Jimmy, to send him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it.

I had both classes today in Primary. The lesson was on tithing and testimony.  These are the kids who attended: Colter, Curtis, Chism, (Bishop Miller's nephew), Zemira, and Talena. 

James had a bad coughing spell during Sunday School and had to go outside so we went home after the second hour.  

When we got home Sheri was cooking bacon, and lots of it. I had some bacon and frozen waffles for "brunch."  After we ate James and I went in to take a nap. Sheri knocked on our door and said they were leaving so I got up to take a picture. Joshua was going to go with them but he wanted to stay and since he was feeling better I told him he could.

 Alex and Shayna left first.

James seems to be photo bombing this picture.

This one too. Max is hiding behind Ollie.

I made a chocolate bundt cake for Brother Wilhelm's birthday, which was yesterday but he was gone to Prescott to a wrestling match. James gave it to one of the kids because John and Sandra were still asleep.

Drop off at the Wilhelm's

I made Joshua some chicken noodle soup and a peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk for dinner.  James and I just snacked.

We watched a new Hallmark movie this evening, "A Royal New Year's Eve" and then we said goodnight to everyone and went to bed.  Happy New Year!

An enjoyable hedgehog massage.

The Elmer Family

Jillie and her family had their baby blessed today.

They came from Houston to visit.

I wish I could remember the baby's name.

It is a girl.

Saturday, December 30th, 2017

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 14:10

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

*Moroni concludes his writings by discussing three important principles with his readers. The first focuses on the need to learn and have a witness of the truths found in this sacred record. The second is a charge to understand and acquire the spiritual gifts available to us. Finally, he pleads with each of us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

President Boyd K. Packer: "Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory 'and they knew it not'(3 Nephi 9:20)." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:39

And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

General Conference

Love One Another As He Has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

"Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of Gods love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love for God and fellowman is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ."

James made steak, gravy and biscuits for breakfast this morning at Alex's request because it is his favorite. I helped by doing the dishes. 

Joshua got four lazer guns for Christmas and brought them up with him. The older boys had a lazer fight that started in the house until grandpa told them to take it outside.  They did, and then they went on a Razr ride. As they were coming back up towards the house it looked like a dog was sitting in the drivers seat. Michael was driving and the Crane's dog Anya was sitting in his lap. The Crane's left this morning for the valley to take their broken down car to be fixed. I guess she tried to follow them. James told her to go get in the kennel, which she did, for awhile. 

Joshua has a bit of a fever and is not feeling well so I gave him some children's Tylenol that Sheri brought. I also fixed him some lunch. He and Evan played some quiet games for awhile.

They love Uno

Dallin, Sarah and their dog Charlie arrived this afternoon. It's going to be a little tight tonight but Sheri's family will be going home tomorrow so there will be plenty of room after that.

Sheri loves the movie Moana. She made Shayna watch it with her today. 

Ian sanded and varnished the upstairs railings on the outside of his and Sheri's bedroom. He ran out of varnish or he would have finished. Thanks Ian for your help!

Alex went with James to take a load of wood to Sister Dye. The widow's woodpile is located over by the Hunsaker turnoff. Sister Dye has been in the hospital in the valley with pneumonia and the spanish flu.

Evan and I made a trip to Wallmart this afternoon. I needed to pick up some prescriptions and get something for Colter for his birthday. I kind of told Evan what I wanted for him and he picked it out. A Monster Jam car and a light sabre. Evan also pushed the cart around the store. Of course I had to reward him with a Sprite and Sour Patch Kids. I enjoyed his company. He told me about the colored pencils he got for Christmas called Prismacolor. They are just like mine only he has twice as many colors. He loves to draw and asked me to use a ruler to make the Star Wars logo.

Sheri and I made dinner for everyone tonight. We had ham, mashed potatoes, chili, broccoli, and rolls. Everyone complimented us on the food. Joshua seems to be feeling better.

Gathering for dinner.

While Evan and Josh were kicking back at the

cabin Rowan was climbing Camelback Mountain 

with his mom.  He would have come up to the cabin

but he's taking down Christmas lights at the Mesa

temple.

This picture was painted by James's sister Rebecca.

It hangs in the Mesa visitor's center.

Such a cutie!