OUR FAMILY

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Saturday, March 31, 2018

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 49:5

Thus said the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned -

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

* Why is it important to keep records of your family?

* Why should we keep a journal?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 29-31

29 The children of Israel make a covenant with the Lord under which they will be blessed if they are obedient, and cursed if they are disobedient - If they are disobedient, their land will be as brimstone and salt.

30 The scattered Israelites will be gathered from all nations when they remember the covenant - Moses places life or death, blessing or cursing, before the people.

31 Moses counsels Joshua and all Israel to be strong and of good courage - The law is to be read to all Israel every seven years - The children of Israel will follow false gods and corrupt themselves.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

" There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of general conference. The test for each of us is how we respond to what we hear, what we read, and what we feel."

I slept in until 7:19 a.m. I never woke up once last night which is unheard of for me. James was out taking a walk. I took a shower and washed my hair, sent out the BM and Easter texts and then got to work. I put the ham in the crockpot and started boiling potatoes.

I made mashed potatoes, and scalloped potatoes, and a glaze for the ham although I think I overcooked it. I had intended to be finished by 11:00 so I could go by and see Aunt Gene but I ran out of time.

Conference was on the television and I participated in the Solemn Assembly where we voted to sustain President Russell M. Nelson as the 17th prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church. It was awesome!

James and I arrived at Sheri's right at noon. Everyone was there except Darrel and Trina who were waiting for Trina's mom and dad to bring their kids home.

This is the food we had: Stacy's chicken tenders made by Adam - they were way too hot. Ham, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, Easter beans, Sheri's rolls, Kim and Brian's rice krispy treats, and a coconut cake, Lexy's macaroni and cheese made by Trina, and water to drink.

These are the people who attended: Paul, Adam, Michael, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Ian, Sheri, Alex, Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola, James and I. We miss Jared's family. Wish they were here.

After lunch Shayna, Alex, and James went out in the backyard and hid the Easter eggs. Max, Addy, Rowan, Joshua, Evan, Ruby, and Lola looked for the eggs in 90 degree weather. I am melting!

Ollie, Shipley, and Vader joined in the fun. I did not have time or presence of mind to take pictures. Here are the two I took:

Separating the candy from the money

She prefers the candy.

Shayna, Alex, Ben

I texted Rita and told her why I didn't make it to Aunt Gene's party but I never heard back from her.

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's it to awhile to wash the dishes and put all the food away. I am afraid that Trina and Darrel did most of the work.

Two new apostles:

Elder Soares and Elder Gong

We missed most of the afternoon session of conference but here is how the morning session went:

Solemn Assembly - President Eyring

1."Precious Gifts from God - M. Russell Ballard

2. "Am I a Child of God"?

Brian K Taylor

3."Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye"

Larry J. Echo Hawk

4. "The Heart of a Prophet"

Gary E. Stevenson

5. "Until Seventy Time Seven"

Lynn G. Robbins

6. "The Prophet of God"

Neil L. Andersen

Quotes from the morning session

Afternoon Session

7. "Meek and Lowly of Heart:
David A. Bednar
8. "One More Day"
Taylor G. Godoy
9. "Young Women in the Work"
Bonnie L. Oscarson
10. "Saving Ordinances Will Bring
Us Marvelous Light"
Taniela B Wakolo
11. "Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and
Sacred Responsibility"
Devin G. Durrant
12 "Family History and Temple Work:
Sealing and Healing"
Dale G. Renlund

Afternoon Session Quotes

Priesthood Session

13. "What Every Aaronic
Priesthood Holder Needs to
Understand"
Douglas D. Holmes
14. "Introductory Remarks"
Russell M. Nelson
15. "The Elders Quorum
D. Todd Christofferson
16. "Behold! A Royal Army"
Ronald A. Rasband
17. "Inspired Ministering"
Henry B. Eyring
18. "The Powers of the Priesthood"
Dallin H. Oaks
19. "Ministering with the Power
and Authority of God"
Russell M. Nelson

Priesthood Session Quotes

All the high priest groups in the wards have been dissolved and
the high priests are now part of the elder's quorum.
Darrel sent this to us.

While James and Darrel were at the priesthood session of conference, Addy and I went shopping. I promised her I would take her to Dollar Tree to look for things to use for April Fool's jokes. She found a For Rent sign and a Garage Sale sign she is going to put on her house tomorrow morning with her mom's phone number on the For Rent sign.

Hobby Lobby was right next door to Dollar Tree. I told Addy I just couldn't be this close and not go in. Here are a few of the things I found:

I got this puzzle for Stacy

This was Addy's favorite.

I love both of these.

I just couldn't justify buying them right now.

A gigantic Easter egg with

nesting eggs inside.

Cost too much even with the discount.

James watched conference at the church by Darrel and Trina's house. Addy went to meet him when it was over on her roller blades.

Darrel went to Trina's parents house. Afterwards Darrel, Trina's dad, and Bryce went out to eat at The Keg. James was invited but he opted not to go. He and I took Addy and Ruby to IHOP for dinner. Rowan wasn't here. He spent the day at Sheri's.

The four of us each got different flavored pancakes. James got harvest nut and grain, Addy got blueberry, Ruby chocolate chip, and I got just plain buttermilk with warm maple syrup, my favorite.

Talk about having cake for dinner!

This girl loves whipped cream and chocolate!

Almost done.

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's James and I walked around the block a couple of times. I came in after two and James kept walking.

Friday, March 30th, 2018

Montreal, Quebec

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Ether 3:14

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem y people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

Book of Mormon

Jarom 1:1-15

* How can we stay out of the pride cycle, even when we are prosperous?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 27-28

27 The children of Israel are to cross the Jordan, build an altar, and worship the Lord - They are the Lord's people but will be cursed if they do not obey Him.

28 If the children of Israel are obedient, they will be blessed temporally and spiritually - If they are disobedient, they will be cursed, smitten, and destroyed; diseases, plagues, and oppression will come upon them; they will serve false gods and become a byword among all nations; fierce nations will enslave them; and they will eat their own children and be scattered among all nations.

General Conference

Love One Another as He Has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

" President Thomas S. Monson has counseled us, saying, 'Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior's example by being kind, loving, and charitable.'"

Today is Good Friday. I wonder why it is called Good Friday when this is the day that the Savior suffered on the cross.

Rowan and Ruby went with us this morning while Addy, Trina and Lola went on a walk. Actually, Addy roller bladed, Trina jogged and Lola rode in the jogging stroller.

The first thing we did on our drive was stop at the bank to get some cash to pay Erik for fixing the shocks on our car. I brought my checkbook but I was all out of checks. We got $400 and paid him $380. James took Lexy from Erik's to Chandler Auto Body while I went to Stacy's to pick up Joshua and take him to Sheri's. James finished before we did so he started walking south on Arizona Avenue. We picked him up by Ray Rd.

Kim took Stacy to the surgery center earlier this morning to have surgery on her foot. Paul will pick her up and take her home.

After picking up James we drove to Tempe to see Lois and Dawn. Lois had cataracts removed from her left eye yesterday. It is the eye she can't see out of anyway so I'm not sure why they felt the need to remove cataracts. Dawn and Lois were both happy to see us and to see Rowan and Ruby as well.

Lois fed us lunch. Ruby and I had a turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, and pineapple upside down cake. Rowan had some cake and cantaloupe. I think James had a little of everything.

On our way back to Chandler we stopped at Dollar Tree to pick up some goodies we thought we might put in the Easter eggs. We stopped at Sheri's for the egg coloring activity. Joshua's egg spinner was a big hit especially with Darrel and Trina's kids. Sheri was making rolls while we were there.

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's James and I went upstairs to take a nap. While we were napping Suzy came to pick up the kids. They are having a cousin sleepover at her house tonight. Lola said to her: "Do you want to go upstairs and see my grandma and grandpa sleeping?" I am glad she declined.

Trina and I went shopping this evening. Darrel was at work and James went for a walk. Trina had planned on using the massage coupon Darrel got her for her birthday tonight at Massage Envy but they wouldn't let her because even though she had the confirmation number she didn't have the original email. She was pretty upset and so was Darrel. When he got home he sent her the email. I think she will be going back very soon.

James and I were up until midnight making a double batch of Easter beans. Tomorrow I will make the ham and two kinds of potatoes.

I was walking and it turned midnight before

I reached 10,000.

I think this is what James was doing when

he wrecked my car.

Winter or "Winnie" as her family calls her.

I saw this picture at Lois's and I had to copy it.

I love it!

Sheri's baby

Egg coloring at Sheri's:

Patiently waiting for her turn using

the egg spinner.

I think I need to get him one next year.

An artist at work.

Ruby showing off her egg.

Ollie is the photo bumber.

Monday, April 2, 2018

Thursday, March 29th, 2018

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 9:15

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

Book of Mormon

Enos 1:11-27

Have you ever prayed for an enemy?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 24-26

24 Laws given concerning divorce, newly married persons, making merchandise of men, taking of pledges, leprosy, oppression of servants, and leaving gleanings of crops.

25 Judges prescribe punishment for wicked - Marriage law provides for brother's widow - Just weights and measures required - Israel commanded to blot out Amalekites from under heaven.

26 Israel shall offer to the Lord a basket of firstfruits of Canaan - They are commanded to keep law of tithing - Israel covenants to keep commandments, and the Lord promises to make them a holy people and a great nation.

General Conference

"Seek Ye Out of the Best Books"

Elder Ian S. Arden

" It is the very essence of religion not to have a sure answer to every question, for this is one of the purposes of faith. In that regard, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught us that 'when those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.'"

We had about 20 elk walk across our yard this morning between 8-8:30. They were walking back up the hill to bed down for the day.

After my gospel study this morning I began getting ready to go to the valley. I got out my red pot, two crockpots, the ham roaster, utensils, the ricer and the food I need to take with us. I also boiled some eggs for coloring. I watered my plants, packed a box with snacks, and finished up Stacy's basket. It looked like this:

Pink little Lambie!

We left at 11:47 and James already has 10,000 steps. He worked outside and sprayed off the car and the garage.

It is a beautiful day, no wind, sunny, and 50 degrees. We stopped at Burger House and got a couple of burros. James needs some Biotene so we stopped at the Walgreen's in Apache Junction.

I got two Tofifay's, one for Stacy and one for us, and some Biotene although they didn't have the little spray bottle.

From Walgreen's we went on to Darrel's to unload. It is 85 degrees. Yikes! As soon as we got unloaded we drove over to Chandler to the Enterprise on north Arizona Avenue. We had pre-registered and we were signed up at the one in south Chandler so we drove to the one on Germann and Alma School inside Cobblestone Carwash.

We were there for over an hour. The service was so slow. Finally we came away with a Toyota Camry. James drove Lexy to Erik's and I drove the rental to pick him up.

Our next stop was at Stacy's. We gave her the basket and she loved it. James had to make an egg with Joshua's egg spinner.

Such concentration.

Can you find his egg?

Since Stacy is going in the morning to have surgery Paul and James gave her a priesthood blessing. Paul anointed and James gave the blessing. It was sweet.

We got back on the 202 and headed east to Darrel and Trina's. We stopped at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. and had some dinner.

I had asked the kids to help me fill my Easter eggs. I had seven different colored plastic eggs and I originally was going to assign a color to each kid. Ruby picked the sparkly ones and that made Lola cry. We gave a couple to Lola and then Ruby got upset about something and laid over on the couch the rest of the evening. I felt bad but didn't know what to do. I did everything I could think of to make her happy. I think she was tired. Rowan and Addy and I had fun filling the eggs. Rowan is hilarious. He put a small amount of candy in one egg with a note that said: "I bet you wish there was more."