Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ Authority of

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 16:17-39
*What are some examples that prove "that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."
*How can we liken the scriptures unto the Liahona given to Lehi's family?
Old Testament
Genesis 50
Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of

divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes. Thus, on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indication of our love for Him."

Happy 70th Birthday James!

An amazing wrestler

A great fisherman

A great kisser

He is so strong

A great sense of humor

A great partner

He has great taste in cars

A great eternal companion

An awesome dad and family man!

I made my man a nice breakfast this morning. It is usually him that cooks in the mornings.

David told James that when he turned 70 he no longer has to pay for a hunting and fishing license. You are considered a "Pioneer" and it covers everything!  I guess sometimes it pays to get old! Of course we had to take a drive up to Pinetop to the Game and Fish department to pick one up. This brought back fond memories for James because this is where he worked a couple of summers when we were first married. He actually helped stock fish in the various streams and lakes in the White Mountain area. At the end of the day he reported back to this office.

We got to Darbi's after 2 o'clock and it was closed so we ate at LaCasita. Here's what James's late lunch looked like:

A green chili burro, enchilada style

We got gas and went through the carwash next to McDonald's as we were leaving we noticed that instead of cows in the Adams's field there was a huge flock of Canadian geese.  I am not sure where the cows were.

When we got home James had an Eagle Brand pie waiting for him. I doubled the filling so we were both anxious to try it. It was pretty delicious. This is the only thing he asked for, for his birthday. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it.

James's mom called and asked when his party was...uh oh. I texted Sheri and she said she told her the date and time so now I don't feel so bad. She wasn't upset but said she had made a cheesecake for him and that she would put it in the freezer until we came by to pick it up. We will be down on the 1st and 2nd of February.

Sheri posted this on Facebook today.

Stacy's post:

I cut James's hair today and I must say that I did a good job.

This evening we watched an episode of "Heartland." The question is, will Georgie lose her horse, Phoenix?

It was a great day spent with the one I love the most.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:1-16

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

*How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Exodus 1-2
1 The children of Israel multiply-They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians-Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.
2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh's daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and Marries Zipporah-Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: "healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

We left for the Howard's house a little before ten this morning. It was 14 degrees last night and our kitchen faucet was frozen up.

When we got to the Howard's they had the same problem only they didn't have any water in their house. 

Jean and I are planning on going to lunch, but first she and Tom wanted to show James some work they need done on their house. Jean's closet rod with all of her clothes on it fell off the wall and she needs it fixed. Also they have some big cracks in their walls and across their floor. Jean designed the house and her cousin built it. They have had a couple of add-ons and that might be what the problem is. There is settling which is causing the cracks.

Jean gave me a tour while Tom and James were talking about the problems. The house is bigger than it looks, probably bigger or as big as ours, but it needs some work.

James and Tom gave Jean a blessing before we left for town. She is having another back and neck surgery on Thursday. 

James, Jean, and I headed into town after Jean's blessing.  Tom had to stay at home because Wayne Todd is coming out to shoe the horses.

We tried to stop for lunch at Persnikkity's but it was too crowded. Brother Applegate stuck his head out the door and waved at us as we left.

We went up to Darby's. Here is what we ordered: Jean had the chicken salad sandwich on ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. James had the Reuben sandwich with a side of potato salad, and I had the roast beef sandwich with green chili and cheese with a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. Of course James finished his but both Jean and I took some of ours home.

We made a stop at Home Depot where James got a new hose for our hot water heater. Jean looked for a new latch for her front door but she wasn't sure what the brand was so she is going to have to come back. 

Tom met us at the bottom of their hill. We said our goodbyes and I promised Jean we would pray for her. 

When we got home I took a nap and then blogged and did some walking. We listened to a conference talk for FHE and then watched the new Hallmark movie, "One Winter Weekend" starring Taylor Cole, James's favorite because she is gorgeous and Jack Turner.

They look so sad.

They look so happy.

Tyler H., on the left, and friends.

I plead guilty

White Tank Mountains,

somewhere in Arizona.

This is the little dog we met and fell in love

with at the Howard's. It belongs to their daughter

Deana. She is half blue heeler and half corgi,

and she doesn't bark. Her name is Nally.

Our dear friends Martin and Sue Kempton.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

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"?

* How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Genesis 50

Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes.

Thus on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him."

I got up at 4:30 this morning and got ready for church. We left for home around 5:15. The roads were fine until Timber Camp where there was ice and snow. We hit ice and snow again as we were coming into Show Low. There is more snow at our house than there is in the actual town of Vernon. We probably got 2-3 inches.

Photos taken from the car.

Rowan asked me to send him pictures of snow.

When we got to Vernon we were going to go straight to the church but we had enough time to go home and make some toast and then head back to the church.

Tyler H. spoke about his mission. It is so good to have him back and he is a changed man! He definitely went away a boy and came back a man with a powerful testimony and confidence in expressing himself. Bishop Miller also spoke.

All six of my children, Andyn, Amaron, Colter, Gracie, Jace, and Liana were in class today. Our lesson was on The Creation. Jace gave some good answers. During sharing/singing time I sat by Amaron. The Primary presidency had given himm a CTR ring and he was so proud of it. He asked Lannie where The Tree of Life was during her sharing time presentation. He told me he was sorry I had arthritis as he looked at the bumps on my hands. 

After sharing time Liana came back to the classroom and helped me clean up and carry my stuff back to the car. 

Back at home we had leftover enchiladas and rice for lunch then we took a nap and started getting ready for the fireside at our house tonight. I cleaned the kitchen floor and countertops. James shines the stainless steel and cleans the snow off the front steps and lights a fire. 

Two recently returned missionaries, Tyler and Weston H., were the featured speakers. They were amazing! Here are some of the notes I took:

Weston - DC 82:10 and 1Nephi 3:7 and his two favorite scriptures. There is always a way to keep the commandments. The Lord will always bless you when you keep the commandments. He bore his testimony in spanish.

Tyler - The Spirit has its' own language. The gospel is not very convenient. It wasn't convenient for the Savior. DC....the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. The Father's plan is in place. Whatever can be done for us has already been done. The burdens that we carry, really carry us. In our spiritual backpack sins are loaded on us every day, every week. We can unload our sins each week as we partake of the sacrament. You cannot convert someone passed your own conversion. Don't tell people you are a latter-day saint, show them. Ways to prepare for a mission. 1) Create a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father. 2) Have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Joy is the motivating factor in our quest for eternal life.

These are the people who attended the fireside: Weston, Tyler, Bishop, Anne, and baby Sophia, Gary T. and Maxine's cookies, Jimmy, Tamara, Jace, Ty A., Sean, Stefani, Holly, Kilee, LeeAnn, Hailey, Kip, Colter H., Ashley R., Amy, Kelly R., 3 new kids in the ward, John, Sandra, Talon, Alice, Andy W. Ashten and Madison came with Weston, and James and I. It was a great evening and the cookies were delicious.

Saturday, January 20th, 2018

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct-2 Nov 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 15:1-18

*Has there ever been anything in my life that is 'hard to be understood' until I made sure to 'inquire of the Lord'?

*Why is it important to avoid the spirit of contention?

Old Testament

Genesis 48-49

48 Jacob tells of the appearance of God to him in Luz-He adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own children-Jacob blesses Joseph-He puts Ephraim before Manasseh-The seed of Ephraim will become a multitude of nations-The children of Israel will come again into the land of their fathers.

49 Jacob blesses his sons and their seed-Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are chastened-Judah will rule until Shiloh (Christ) comes-Joseph is a fruitful bough by a well-His branches (the Nephites and Lamanites) will run over the wall-The Shepherd and Stone of Israel (Christ) will bless Joseph temporally and spiritually-Jacob chooses to be buried with his fathers in Canaan-He yeilds up the ghost and is gathered to his people.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

General Conference

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

"Elder David A. Bednar once asked a young man who had requested a priesthood blessing, 'If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in you youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?'

Do we have the faith 'not to be healed' from our earthly afflictions so we might be healed eternally?"

It rained during the night and was cold and windy this morning. James and I left to go get breakfast at IHOP. I wanted to take some of the kids with us but I hated to wake them up because Saturday is really the only day they get to sleep in.

After a yummy breakfast of bacon, eggs, and buttermilk pancakes, we headed for Ruby's soccer game. Ruby was on the field and Lola and Darrel were waiting for us. Darrel even brought me a chair, as I asked him to!

Ruby's on the purple team! 

Lola is cold so we take her home.

The rest of the family went to a baptism while James, Lola and I went to Fry's to do some shopping for James's party.

It is raining here in the valley and snowing in Vernon. Our prayers are answered again.  

James leaves to go see Salvador and then Steve Allen who is in the hospital in Phoenix. 

Lola and I start to make spanish rice and Lois's enchiladas, James's request for his birthday dinner. 

The party was supposed to start at four o'clock this afternoon but Stacy had some technical difficulties and was a little late. We started out with a blessing on the food and then everyone enjoyed some favorite family recipes: Lois's enchiladas, Mary's refried beans as made by Paul, Dennis's spanish rice, Sheri's salsa with chips, Trina's salad, and James's punch as made by Darrel. Kim proved the birthday cake and candles. We had family favorite flavors of ice cream to go with the cake: Stacy asked for pistachio almond, Sheri-mint chocolate chip, Evan - vanilla, James - butter pecan, Addy and me - cookies and cream, and Rowan - Rocky Road. Bluebell was on sale at Fry's, 2/$8.

After we were finished eating we watched some old 8mm film converted to digital on Darrel's TV. The best was when James, Tom Meeks, and Terry were fishing in Mexico. James runs out into the ocean and comes back carrying a fish as big as he is that he caught with his bare hands. The kids loved it! There was also one of Gail spearing a fish in a creek with a knife and bringing it up out of the water. 

Next was the power point presentation with some of the photos, there were so many Stacy ran out of time to use the all. Also on the power point were quote about things each person has learned or appreciated about James. 

When we were finished with the power point, we each shared a memory and then we had cake and ice cream. 

I think everyone had a great time!  We did miss having Jared's family here.

Helping her mom fix the salad

Addy sweeping the floor before the big event.

The cake is afire!

Getting ready to blow.

There he blows!

Enjoying the show.

Grandpa telling Addy about Pete the Crow.

James and one of his girls.

I love these two!

Two more girls!

Those missing:

Friday, January 19th, 2018

Washington D.C. 

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 14:9-30

*What does "armed with righteousness and with the power of God" mean to me?

*What are the characteristics of the Church of the Lamb of God vs. the Church of the Devil?

Old Testament

Genesis 46-47

46 The Lord sends Jacob and his family of seventy souls to Egypt-The descendants of Jacob are named-Joseph meets Jacob.

47 The Israelites settle in Goshen-Jacob blesses Pharaoh-Joseph sells grain to the Egyptians-Pharaoh receives the Egyptians' cattle and lands-Jacob desires to be buried with his fathers in Canaan.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Psalms 24:3-4

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Sister Jean B. Bingham

"No matter what we have suffered, He is the source of healing. Those who have experienced any manner of abuse, devastating loss, chronic illness or disabling affliction, untrue accusations, vicious persecution, or spiritual damage from sin or misunderstandings can all be made whole by the Redeemer of the world. However, He will not enter without invitation We must come unto Him and allow Him to work His miracles."

We left for the valley a little after 9 this morning. James had to turn the water off because it is going to get down below freezing while we are gone. 

Our first stop on the road was at Burger House where we got three burros for lunch, one for each of us, and one to share only James ended up eating all of the third one because I was full. 

We arrived at Trina and Darrel's around 12:40. James passed up the Signal Butte exit because I was reading to him and he wasn't paying attention. Trina and Lola were waiting for us. 

We unloaded the car and James went to take a quick shower because we are supposed to meet Sheri at the temple at 1:30. We leave late because I am visiting with Lola and don't arrive at the temple until 1:40. Sheri is nowhere to be found. I hurry and get dressed and go upstairs. There is only one patron in the chapel so I ask a worker about the 2 o'clock session. He says it started at 1:45. I would have made it had it been at 2 so it is partly Sheri's fault for telling me the wrong time and partly my fault for being late. I wait in the chapel for the 2:30 session wondering where James is. I just figured he made it to Sheri's session. Sheri said she was going to go to the 2 o'clock session no matter what, she wasn't waiting for us. I guess she is stressed about time because she also said she couldn't come with us to the movie tonight.

After my session I go out to the car and talk to James. He did not attend any session because he forgot his pants and the temple did not have any in his size.

He felt so bad. I felt bad for him. We go through Panda Express before going back to Darrel and Trina's. Trina is leaving to take friends of the kids home when we get back. We just meet her later at the Crossroads theater at Germann and Gilbert because we thought Kim and Brian and maybe Stacy were coming to see "The Greatest Showman" with us.  They didn't end up coming and we could have gone to a theater closer to Trina's because she and her kids were the only ones who came with us.

We loved the movie! Afterwards we had a quick visit with Brother and Sister Tomlinson. He was the young men's president when James was our bishop and now he is a bishop.

Darrel is home when we get there and Trina tells him that her brakes are very loud and need to be replaced.

Lola falls asleep but earlier she told me she wanted me to sleep in her bed, because I was a girl. James beat me to it.

A great family movie!

Too dark. Look at Ruby at the top.

Too bad James didn't get to do a session.

Trina and Darrel's new couch from Costco  is

just like the one Sheri and Ian got.

They are couch twins.

Jackson's match. That's his sister filming it to 

show his dad who is in the hospital.

Of course he got first.

Tina's post. Tina is Jackson's mom and

Steve is his dad.

For the first time this year Talon got first too!!