Sunday, April 1st, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 76:42

That through Him all might be saved whom the Father had put into His power and made by Him;

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:12-30

*What's your favorite part of Omni 1:26?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 32-33

32 Israel will sing the song of Moses and acclaim: God speaks to heaven and earth; the children of Israel were known in the premortal life; God chose them in this life; they forgot the Rock of their salvation; He sent terror, a sword, and vengeance upon them; there is no God beside Him - Moses will be gathered to his people.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Deuteronomy 4:29-31

29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

31 (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

President M. Russell Ballard

" Life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ."

Happy Easter

The Easter bunny came for Darrel and Trina's kids this morning. They all got swim suits, towels, and either sandals or flipflops, and lots of candy. 

Yesterday I learned that Addy does not like flamingos. Luckily the flamingo bathing suit belongs to Lola and the flamingo towel belongs to Ruby. Addy got a towel with pineapples on it. She loves pineapples. I couldn't resist showing her this picture:

On Instagram their heads were moving.

They do have weird heads and beaks.

Before conference started Darrel fixed us a big breakfast: French toast, fresh strawberries, biscuits, and eggs. It was a great way to start the day!

A birds eye view.

Conference began at 9:00 a.m. Here are a few photos I took and a brief summary of the speakers:

188th Annual General Conference

Sunday Morning Session

20. "Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide"

Larry Y. Wilson

21. "With One Accord"

Reyna I. Aburto

22. "Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True

Disciple of Jesus Christ"

Massimo De Feo

23. "He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same 

Shall Be Saved"

Claudio D. Zivic

24. "His Spirit to Be with You"

Henry B. Eyring

25. "Small and Simple Things"

Dallin H. Oaks

26. "Revelation for the Church,

Revelation for Our Lives"

Russell M. Nelson

During the first session the kids played with Legos. Darrel made them put them away before the second session. Also, as part of their Easter gifts they got a web swing which Darrel hung between sessions. I loved what Rowan made with the Legos. It helped me to know that he was thinking about the Savior. 

Such a sweet boy!

Addy is trying to re-construct Hogwarts.

James dressed in his Sunday clothes,

taking notes.

It looks like he lost his concentration.

Checking the new swing out.

Peppa pig and her family. Dad needs a shave.

Lola with her new swimsuit and goggles.

One of Addy's April Fool's pranks.

Smiley faces with mustaches on all the faces in

all the family photos.

Sunday Afternoon Session

27. "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"

Gerrit W. Gong

28. "Prophets Speak by the

Power of the Holy Spirit"

Ulisses Soares

29. "Ministering"

Russell M. Nelson

30. "Be With and Strengthen Them"

Jeffrey R. Holland

31. "Ministering as the Savior Does"

Jean B. Bingham

32. "Behold the Man!"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

33. "It Is All about People"

Gerald Causse

34. "Prepare to Meet God"

35. "Let Us All Press On"

Russell M. Nelson

In President Nelson's last talk he announced 7 new temples to be built around the world: 1.) Salta, Argentina; 2.) Bengalurio, India;

3.) Mangua, Nicaragua; 4.) Cagayan de Ore, Philippines; 5.) Layton, Utah; 6.) Richmond, Virginia; 7.) and a major city in Russia.

Quotes from the afternoon session

After the last session of conference we left for home.

But not before saying goodbye to these cuties.

Memories of President Nelson

Tears of joy

Waving goodbye with his sweet wife Wendy

at the end of conference.

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.