Thursday, May 31st, 2018

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: President Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Birth of

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:7-18

*How does having the knowledge of the gospel make us more accountable for our own actions?

Talk: Light and Knowledge to the World

By: Joseph Anderson

Oct. 1972

Old Testament

1 Kings 9-10

9 The Lord again appears to Solomon - The Lord promises great blessings if the Israelites are obedient and great cursings if they forsake Him - Solomon reigns in splendor, levies tribute upon the non-Israelites, and builds a navy of ships.

10 The queen of Sheba visits Solomon - His wealth and wisdom exceed that of all the kings of the earth.

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

" I exhort you to study the messages of this conference frequently - even repeatedly - during the next six months. Conscientiously look for ways to incorporate these messages in your family home evenings, your gospel teaching, your conversations with family and friends, and even you discussions with those not of our faith. Many good people will respond to the truths taught in this conference when offered in love. And your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days."

James went on his early morning walk, went to the grocery store, then on to Chandler to the doctor, and then to pick up the boys. The girls went home with Darrel last night and now it's the boys turn to come to the condo. 

I called the Snowflake temple to put Sister Dye's name on the prayer roll. She found out this week that she has lung cancer. 

"Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions..." Joseph B. Wirthlin

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 18, Principle #10 A Priesthood Holder Delegates and Accepts Delegated Responsibility.

I stayed home today. After James picked up Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan he took them to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch. When they got here I took them swimming. While we were at the pool Michael and Alexis showed up. Connor came a little later. Michael said I could go back to the room and he would keep an eye on the boys. 

When the boys came in I fixed dinner for them. Ham and cheese sandwiches with apple slices. 

I got a text from my niece Jenifer today. Her daughter, Bettylea, is going to the tempe on Saturday and needs a family name. I gave her Mary Strickland, the one I was going to have Addy do. 

James cooking breakfast

Good eats

Famous line from the show "Chopped."

After family prayer the boys went in their room

to play video games. This is what they looked

like when I went in to say good night.

Poster for our ward activity

Can they see to drive?

That is some load!

Wednesday, May 30th, 2018

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of
Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Book of Mormon
Alma 8:18-9:6
*Who was blessed because of Amulek's obedience?
Old Testament
No reading today
General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Quentin L. Cook

" The divine manifestations that occurred in the Kirtland Temple were foundational to the purpose of the restored Church of Jesus Christ to bring to pass the salvation and exaltation of our Heavenly Father's children. As we prepare to meet God, we can know what our divinely appointed responsibilities are by reviewing the sacred keys restored in the Kirtland Temple."

I went to Fry's around 7 a.m. to get cereal and M&M's, etc. for the girls. Ruby asked for Fruit Loops, my least favorite cereal. 

I've decided that this Fry's caters to old rich people. I could not find No More Tangles for Lola's hair. I got her a detangler hair brush instead. I also bought Cheerios, Cracklin Oat Bran, strawberries whipped cream, popcorn, and apples, and rocky road ice cream.

I dropped off the groceries at the resort, James came down and took them in. I didn't even get out of the car. I had a dentist appointment in Chandler at 9 a.m. 

Jackie cleaned my teeth while a girl who wants to become a hygeneist looked on. We talked about Stacy's family. Jackie always asks about her. I showed them the video of Michael playing the ukelele and Joshua singing. Michael was in yesterday so Doctor Douglas met him and she knows Joshua too. When I told her about Joshua befriending the sad boy who has no friends her eyes teared up. I am a proud grandma.

I paid my bill, made my next appointment and headed back to Scottsdale. Everyone was still in the room. I thought James would take the girls swimming but no such luck. We all went to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch. James got upset with me because I ordered him a drink and the lunch buffet. As a result, he gave his drink to Lola and took several pieces of pizza home with him. 

The girls had a fun time playing games and getting their prizes. James said Lola was putting one coin in each machine, even if they needed two, and saying they were broken. He showed her how to play.

Back at the resort I took the girls down to go swimming. The girls swam, sat in the hot tub and played foozball. Lola played in the splash pad. Addy heard they were giving free ice cream if you had an owner's wristband so she went over to check it out. She came back with a strawberry cone. Of course Lola and Ruby wanted one too.

This boy came over and started playing 

with Ruby.

Ruby beat him 10-9!

Mint chocolate chip.

Mmmmmm Chocolate!

On our walk back to our room.

After showers and baths the girls turned on the Disney channel.

We mainly just "hung out" until it was time to go to Ben's graduation party. Sheri and Ian went to the graduation held at the ASU activity center at 230 this afternoon.

We are proud of you Ben!

When we arrived at the party Sheri said their air conditioner was broken. It really did not seem too warm in their house. It was just our family that came to congratulate Ben on his graduation. Those attending: Paul, Stacy, Michael, Joshua, Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, and Ben. Alex had to work. Kim, Darrel, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola and James and I. Oh yes, and Ollie!

Ollie watching Sheri

He is obsessed!

Ben has had some glitches in filling out his mission papers but hopefully he will continue to move forward.

After telling Ben we loved him and were proud of him, (we gave him his card and money last week) we left to go visit James's mom and sister, Dawn.

Lois now has a hearing aid which she says helps a person from getting dementia or alzheimers. She also has new glasses that Sheri help her get.

She ,of course, fed us and she also had an anniversary gift for us.

It lights up 

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!