Tuesday, May 29th. 2018

Payson, Utah

146th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalm 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

*What does it mean to labor in the spirit?

Old Testament

1 Kings 7-8

7 Solomon builds himself a house - Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple - The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

8 The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies - The glory of the Lord fills the temple - Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer - He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel - The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

" The definition of the Church might be derived from a passage in the Book of Mormon that states, 'And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the church of Christ.' In other words, the Church is all about people. It is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them by covenant."

Russell M. Nelson 4/10, #55. Generations Linked in Love

Our first order of business this morning was to go to Costco and get my new phone. Why Costco you asked? Because James checked out the phones at the Verizon store and Costco is quite a bit cheaper. We were there for almost two hours. Why do you have to sign your life away to buy a phone. It's almost as tedious as buying a new car. I got the gold rose 8 plus phone and James decided to get one too. He got the black 8 plus. We also got protective screen guards and a cheapy case that comes with them. 

We get to do the transferring from the old phone to the new by downloading a Verizon app. We left Costco and went across Chandler Blvd to Olive Garden for lunch. I had chicken marsala and James had some other chicken dish.  I started transferring from my old phone to the new and wasn't finished when it was time to leave. I sent James ahead to go to the dry cleaners and bank while I finished. 

Before James got back I walked over to Hobby Lobby and bought myself a caligraphy set and then walked out to meet him as he drove up.  

We hurry out to Trina's to pick up the girls to go back to the condo with us. We are also supposed to be at Hancock school by 2 pm because Joshua is singing in their talent show. 

It takes a few minutes at Trina's because she wasn't going to let Lola go. Lola and I talked her into it. We got to Joshua's school a few acts before he and Michael went on. Michael plays the ukelele while Joshua sings. They were great, the best act of the entire show, according to some, I am sure it's true, I just didn't see all the acts. 

Paul was there and he posted a video of the song on Facebook. Kim, Stacy, and Adam were also there besides James and I and the girls.

After the show we drove to north Scottsdale to get the girls settled in at the resort. I helped James start the transfer on his phone and then I took the girls down to go swimming. Of course Lola has floaties on. Last year she wouldn't go near the water. Addy watches her in the pool. We stayed 2-3 hours. They went back and forth from the pool with cool water to the hot tub with warm water. I ordered dinner from the Splash Grill and while we were waiting for our food they all played foozball. Addy had a strawberry smoothie and some fries. Ruby had fries, lemonade and a grilled cheese sandwich. Lola had a hot dog, which she did not touch, fries, and apple juice. 

Lola loves the splash pad and played in it by herself for a long time. She can play by herself for hours. She even talks to herself. This is how Kim was when she was little.

Back at the room Addy takes a shower and the two younger girls take a bath in our big whirpool bathtub. Lola bumps her head and cries for Addy but it didn't take her long to stop crying.

We made the couch into a bed and the girls watched two movies: "Lion King" and "Peter Rabbit." Addy loves the movie Lion King. That's why I brought it.

They had popcorn and Lola wanted M&M's. I promised I would get some tomorrow. Lola fell asleep and Addy carried in to go to bed in their bed. 

I called the post office today and asked them to hold our mail until next Monday.

Stars of the show!

"Count on Me"

In the hot tub

foozball

Addy gets in on the action

Lola circles the pool

Shoes

Movie watching

Monday, May 28th, 2018

Cardoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

Moses 5:57

For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:14-27

*Verse 23 shares with us the attributes one must have to come unto Christ. 

Why do you think these attributes are so important?

Talk: Come unto Christ

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Oct. 1987

Old Testament

1 Kings 5-6

5 Solomon solicits and gains Hiram's help in getting timber to build the temple - The Israelites hew stones and cut timber for the temple.

6 Solomon builds the temple - The Lord promises to dwell among the Israelites if they are obedient - The ornaments of the temple are described.

General Conference

Behold! The Man

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"I am deeply humbled and very happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where millions of men, women, and children are willing to lift where they stand - in whatever capacity or calling - and strive with all their hearts to serve God and His children, building the kingdom of God."

Christlike Parenting

"When faced with a perplexing family dilemma, I find that the best hope for resolution is found in the answer to the question, 'What would Jesus do?' His path was a straight path marked by perfect love and persuasion, by gentleness and meekness, by kindness, and pure knowedge. He was full of patience and long-suffering. If everyone would parent as Christ would parent, there would be no need for the hundreds of parenting books published over the years."

James went to the Legacy Golf Clubhouse this morning to pick up his check. Since we were going to be out of town all week he asked them to not mail it but to hold it and he would pick it up on Monday. Obviously he and the superintendent forgot that Monday was a holiday. After driving 30 miles from the timeshare, when the superintendent wasn't there, he realized it was memorial Day and probably no one would be in the office, but he went in anyway and asked the golf pro for the check. No one knew what he was talking about and the accountant wasn't in. He explained that he was told he could pick up a check today by the superintendent. They called the superintendent who told them he forgot it was a holiday and directed them to an individual who happened to be there. This individual wrote the check out by hand, saving James another trip. What a great company to work for!

When James returned to Scottsdale it was time for lunch. Since we had a gift card for Chili's we headed for the nearest Chili's on Shea Blvd. The only problem was, this Chili's is no longer in this location. Next stop, Chili's on Chandler Blvd. near the Chandler mall. 

I had my favorite, Caribbean salad with shrimp. James had salmon and broccoli. After lunch we headed for Costco to get new phones. The only problem is, Costco is closed for the holiday. No new phones today. Next stop, the Super Cleaners on Alma School so James can get his suit cleaned and some pants hemmed. They are closed to. What next? Walmart. They are always open, unless it's Christmas.

I bought some clothes, a new curling iron, and a DVD. I ended up spending over $200. Yikes!

Back to the condo only James takes the long way. I-10 to the 51. Oh well, it's nice to know there is another way to get here.

James takes a long nap. I am going to work on my blog and watch a movie, "Peter Rabbit." I can't get the dvd player to work so I call the front desk and they send up a repairman. A nice looking young man named Jared shows up at my doorstep. He says the dvd player is not hooked up so he goes to get a hookup. It still doesn't work so he goes to get a new dvd player. 

The Peter Rabbit movie is pretty much what you would expect. It does have a good ending. By the time the movie is finished James is up and it is time to go for a walk. We walk around the resort and James decides he needs to go back for pain meds. I continue walking. 

When I return to the room I ask James if he want to watch the movie "Wonder" for FHE. He does and we do. He loves it and so do I.

 Pool at Sheraton Desert Oasis

Gary B. as a marine when he was 18.

I remember when he enrolled. My friend

Polly, his girlfriend, was so upset.

Near Forest Lakes, this fire was quickly contained.

We so nothing on our way to the valley.

Ben and Ollie, best friends forever.

Amazing wing-span on this Heron.

In memory of those who died to 

maintain our freedoms.

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov, 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of
DC 93:4
The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle and dwelt among the sons of men.
Book of Mormon
Alma 7:1-13
* What does Alma prophesy about the Savior?
-He shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers...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. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Old Testament
1 Kings 3-4
3 Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments - The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart - He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.
4 The officers in Solomon's court are listed - Solomon reigns in peace and prosperity over a large kingdom - His wisdom and understanding exceed that of all men.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

" Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well - individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry."

I was up before five this morning. The first thing I did was weigh myself. I lost 1.2 lbs. this week so I had chocolate cream pie for breakfast.

I spent the morning getting ready for my Relief Society lesson on ministering until it was time to get ready to go.

James loads, the small table I have my family display set up on and a box of photos, my old sewing machine, and two baskets into the car.

We have family prayer in the car. 
The church is packed because it is Memorial Day weekend. The Howard's saved us a place next to them. So nice. On the way in we say hi to the Montgomery's. Dave used to work for James and Tammy grew up in Chandler. We have known her family, the Cluff's, for years. 

The rumor was that the bishopric had asked certain people to bear their testimonies and then if there was any time left they would call people up out of the audience. We were a little nervous but I was confident I wouldn't be called up because I spoke in sacrament meeting last week.

It was nice to have three priests at the sacrament table, Jace, Talon, and Jackson. Talon and Jackson both have suits on and look like missionaries. Jackson has received his mission call to the Philippines and will be leaving in September.

The oldest brother Wilhelm was asked to bear his testimony on the Teaching in the Savior's Way program. He was supposed to take 5 minutes but it ended up taking 10 or more. This is good, less time to call people up out of the audience.

Talon was asked to bear his testimony and did a nice job. 

There was a men's chorus. They sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy."

Bishop Miller's wife bore her testimony about the Pathway program and then Brother Peeler, who loves to speak, bore his testimony on temple and family history work. He took at least 15 minutes. 

When Brother Peeler finished there was some time left so Brother Greer, our high councilman was asked to bear his testimony. I love Brother Greer. He is a former mission president and is just a friendly, happy, cheerful person. His testimony was great. At the end he said that Heavenly Father wants  us to return to Him, that we are His chubby little babies. That made me smile.

Last, but certainly not least, Bishop Miller bore his testimony. In regards to the Savior he said; "I have never seen Him, but I know Him." I felt the Spirit when he said that.

The closing hymn was "Count Your Many Blessings." Afterwards I turned to Jean and told her she was one of my blessings. She gave me a hug.

During Sunday School I was setting up for my lesson. James brought all of my things in for me and then he went to the gospel doctrine class taught by Brother Smith. I really wanted to hear the gospel doctrine lesson and thought maybe I would go in late, but my setup took the entire time. 

First I set up my family history table. Then I was going to put up pictures from the gospel art packet of the Savior ministering but I couldn't get the pictures to stay on the wall. Tamara told me we were allowed to use blue painters tape on the walls, which I had but it does not work. Heather Bowen came in and was trying to help me.

I finally settled on six photos to put up near the chalkboard. By this time Sunday School was out and sisters were coming in to the room.

We had six visitors in Relief Society and one of them played the piano for us. They were great participants in the lesson. It was an easy lesson to teach because everyone has examples of ministering in their lives. Sister Scott even shared something that I never knew. She said they had a son that died and she had a poem about tears that she memorized that helps her. One of the visiting sisters also had a son who had passed away.

After church we went home, ate and took a nap and then began getting ready for our trip to the valley. We left for our timeshare, Sheraton Desert Oasis around 4 and arrived somewhere between 7:30 and 8 o'clock. James checked in with Chrissy and got our owners packet. We are in rooms 2047 and 2048 in Spring Court, building 6 around in the back. Next time I am asking for a downstairs room.

After lugging all of our stuff upstairs, James doing most of the lugging, including an ice chest, we were able to sit down and relax for awhile. 

Very proud of Summer for earning her Young Women's medallion.

Congratulations!

Christina's baby

I just thought this was funny.

Dallin right after graduation.

Kim at Chandler High

This dog is obsessed with Sheri!

Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 76:41

That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

How can we make the word of God available to all?

-Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.

Use social media to bear testimony, live the gospel, love the gospel, stand as a witness at all times and in all places.

Old Testament

1 Kings 1-2

1 Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age - Adonijah aspires to be king - Bathsheba and Nathan advise David of Adonijah's plotting - David names Solomon as king, and he is anointed by Zadok - Adonijah's cause fails.

2 David charges Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the ways of the Lord - King David dies and Solomon reigns - Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei are put to death, and Abiathar is rejected as high priest - The kingdom is established with Solomon.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors."

I was up at 4:24 a.m. I ate, and then got ready to go to the temple. 

We said a prayer before we left and then had scriptures and a general conference talk on the way. 

Sister Wenhardt and her daughter are gone to Hawaii so that leaves Sister Cochran in charge.

The Palmer's conducted the preparation meeting. We saw films on temple clothing. 

I have the same schedule that I have had for the past month which is ok with me. I start out in initiatory then go to the celestial room and then I have a break with James. 

During our break with visit with Sister Humphreys from St. Johns who knew Uncle Delbert and Sister LundrAfen whose husband is from Vernon. We tell them about our weight loss challenge and our "green" smoothies.

There is an own endowment couple in our session. I say our session because James led the prayer circle and gave one of the best prayers that I have ever heard given in the temple. 

After the endowment session the couple have their four month old baby girl sealed to them. Sister Bower got to be in the sealing and she told me all about it. She said that to her the sealing of a family is the culminating ordinance in the temple and I would certainly agree with her. 

After the session I went back to initiatory for 30 minutes, was the baptismal greeter and then last I was in charge of assigning lockers in the women's dressing room. 

Tyler, from our ward was here this week. He said he felt bad about missing last time but his phone was doing an update and his alarm didn't work. He said he came and did a session because he felt so guilty.

Our friends from Chandler, the Vance's were not here this week. We miss seeing them when they aren't here.

When we got home James took a quick nap and then went over to the Howard's to help Brother Howard clear trees. He was gone from about 4-6:30.

While James was gone I did some walking and then I went upstairs to find some things to put together for a family history display tomorrow. I am in charge of the displays at our ward activity on June 23rd. I was specifically looking for the picture of my "Nannie" in a big hat when she was about five years old. I found lots of other photos, but never did find the one I was looking for. I found plenty to make a display using old photos, an old sewing machine, some personal documents of my dad's and his Book of Remembrance. I found a family photo of myself as a baby with my mom and dad and a family photo of my dad with his parents, Aunt Gene, and Uncle Jerry. Uncle Jerry was not dad's brother he was my grandma Verdie's brother but she raised him as her own.

I called Charlotte this afternoon to see how she was doing. She got new glasses and she can see! She seemed pretty positive and said I could take her off of my worry list. This is great news!

I took a bath and went to bed quite early with the intention of getting up early and finishing up the lesson I am giving for Relief Society tomorrow.

Sunrise

Uncle Delbert at the 

Lambson Family Reunion

Aunt Luella and Uncle Delbert

One of my favorite pictures of Emmy

Addy and Emmy

Such cuties!

Anna

James Hayden

My mom and I

Ollie enjoying the 3-day weekend.

Friday, May 25th, 2018

 Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 March 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 20:1

The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April-

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

*How did Alma receive his knowledge of the gospel?

- verse 46 - By the Holy Spirit of God. I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by His Holy Spirit, and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 23-24

23 David speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost - Rulers must be just, ruling in the fear of God - David's mighty men are named and their deeds extolled.

24 David sins in numbering Israel and Judah - The men of war total 1,300,000 - The Lord destroys 70,000 men by pestilence - David sees an angel, offers sacrifice, and the plague is stayed.

General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

"Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord?

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:11-12; see also verse 10).

  

Russel M. Nelson 4/09 #53. Lessons from the Lord's Prayer

" Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught us how to pray."

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 17, Principle #9 - A Priesthood Holder Fulfills His Duty

I invited Chelsea M. and Laurann over this morning for a tour of our house. Chelsea said she wanted to come the last time we visited her and Laurann is my companion so I invited her. Laurann didn't come because her husband, Charlie wanted to go to the lake instead. Chelsea came by herself. Her nieces Gracie and Bailey and babysitting her little girl Peyton. 

I gave Chelsea the grand tour. She has lived in Alaska and has always wanted a log home. She loved ours. James told her about climbing up to put the logs in and how no one else would do it.

When Chelsea got ready to leave I gave her a dozen chocolate chip muffins to give to the kids. Later she thanked me for the delicious muffins and the tour of our beautiful home.

I started some rolls to take to the temple tomorrow for potluck and James went to see Brother Howard. James offered to give Brother Howard his tractor and Cat and Brother Howard said no, he didn't want anything. He said it was an accident and didn't expect James to pay for it. James couldn't accept that. Brother Howard finally said that he would accept using the tractor and Cat but he would not take ownership. James was so grateful that he stopped on the way home and sent him a text. We are grateful to have such a wonderful friend.

This evening we were invited to have dinner with the Woods' and the missionaries. The Woods' are a retired couple about our age. As I was getting ready I realized that my curling iron was not working. After dinner I mentioned it to Pam and she insisted that I take hers home with me, which I did.

We had a healthy, delicious dinner. Salad, grilled chicken, broccoli, and corn. For dessert there was fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Pam and I did not have any dessert. Elder Macy and Elder Smith were the missionaries. They shared a message about family history and encouraged the Woods' to do their family history. I told James on the way home that he should offer to help them since he was/is their home teacher and also a family history consultant.

After the elders left we sat on the porch and talked for awhile. It was such a nice evening but we had to leave quite early because we have to leave for the temple in the morning at 5:30.

Back at home I finished walking and worked on my blog before going to bed.

We are a happy family...a least for awhile.

Me, as a baby.

High School

Honeymoon in Hawaii

 James in high school

College wrestling at ASU

Hawaii on our honeymoon

I had these photos on my phone in preparation for
our anniversary party on June 2nd.