Saturday, June 2nd, 2018

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Condenscension 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 10:1-16

* Have you encountered someone who has tried to contradict your testimony?
Talk: Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

By: L. Tom Perry

Oct. 2011

Old Testament

1 Kings 13-14

13 Jeroboam is smitten and then healed by a prophet from Judah - The prophet delivers his message, is led astray by a prophet from Bethel, and is slain by a lion for his disobedience - Jeroboam continues false worship in Israel.

14 Ahijah foretells the ruin of Jeroboam's house, the death of his child, and the scattering of the Israelites because of their idolatry - Jeroboam dies and Nadab reigns - Judah, under Rehoboam, turns to wickedness - Shishak of Egypt takes treasures from the temple - Rehoboam dies and Abijam reigns.

General Conference

Am I A Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"Christ felt my pains, my sorrows, my guilt." Jen concludes. "I felt God's pure love and had never experienced anything so powerful! Knowing I am a child of God is the most powerful knowledge I possess!"

Russell M. Nelson 10/11 #58. Covenants.

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 19, Principle 11: A Priesthood Holder Works Effectively in Councils

Today was Uncle Delbert's funeral. James was going to go and then turn around and come back in time for our anniversary party at 5 pm. this afternoon but he decided not to go. He said he wanted to spend the day with me instead. How sweet.

Uncle Delbert's four sons: Neal, Marshall, Delbert, and Curtis.

The first thing James did was go to the store and get the boys some donuts for breakfast. They also had ice cream and scrambled eggs. What a breakfast!

They just hung out in their room until Sheri came to pick them up around 11.  Sheri was going to give us money for her boys but we asked her to pick up James's dry cleaning instead, which cost $34.

We spent a relaxing day at the condo and James made us green smoothies before we start our fast. The entire state of Arizona has been asked to fast for moisture by the Area Seventies. 

At 4 o'clock this afternoon we left for Chandler. First we had to pick up James's prescription at CVS and then we went to get gas. When we got to the church on McQueen around 5 Kim and Stacy were there setting up and Sheri and her family had just arrived. 

Everyone brought their own food and ate before the actual party started. When the party starts, everyone is here except Joe and Jared Ammon, and of course, Jared's family. We had some extra people here too, Sarah with Dallin, Kaitlin with Adam, and Alexis with Michael.

Adam and Michael performed a Good Ole War song, "Not Quite Happiness."

The song should be called "Just Love."

After the song Stacy asked us to bring our chairs to the front, sit back to back, take our shoes off, and give the other person one of our shoes, so we have one of our shoes and one of their's.

She asked us questions and if the answer was Karen we held up my shoes, if it was James we held up his shoes. We couldn't see what the other person was answering.

Lola put the red nose on me.

Trina had a questionnaire for everyone to fill out regarding answers I had given and James had given. Everyone got to choose if they were on my team or James's team and the right answer would be whatever each of us had said. Team James took James's answers and Team Karen took my answers as the right one.

Kim decorated a bulletin board and we stood in front of it, twice.

We look alike!

Ruby dressed us. She said grandpa had to be

the girl and I had to be the boy.

We had lots of goodies. Sheri brought two cakes and Trina made

chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch rice krispy treats, and brownies.

This cake was like strawberry shortcake and

was delicious!

James seems to like it

Setting up for the party

Dinner time

Not much to eat on this table.

Ahh, Chik-fil-a

 Rowan can be very entertaining

Ruby trying to put a headband on Evan

Love these boys!

Kaitlin playing with Lola

Miss Lola

Such a cutie

Playtime

Michael got us these roses, one

for every ten years.

The rest of the evening we watched videos and looked at photos and read statements by loved ones. It was a great celebration. We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family both here and in Texas.

Friday, June 1st, 2018

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalms 113:6

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

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:19-34

*Why does the Lord always use two or more witnesses to testify of the truth of His gospel?

Talk: The Many Witnesses of Jesus Christ and His Work

By: James M. Paramore

Oct. 1990

Old Testament

1 Kings 11-12

11 Solomon marries non-Israelite woe, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods - The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat - Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the King of the ten tribes - Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

12 Rehoboam seeks to impose greater burdens upon the people - The ten tribes revolt and turn to Jeroboam - Jeroboam turns to idolatry and worships false gods.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

M. Russell Ballard

"After Jesus's Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, 'Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.' Notice a twofold action - God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants - mortal men and women - to accomplish Their work."

Russell M. Nelson 4/11 #57. Face the Future with Faith.

Happy Anniversary!

50 Years 

We look so young!

Jared, Kacey, and Stacy all posted about us on Facebook. We feel loved. James and I celebrated this morning by me cutting his hair. He looks so handsome!

Jared reminded us that this is our Family Birthday! We used to celebrate by buying the kids gifts.

Stacy's post.

I bet he couldn't do this now.

I look like I am blind.

So sweet. Thank you Jared.

The day started out with gospel study and blogging and family prayer with the boys,  then at 10 o'clock I left for my infusion at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology in Mesa. 

The nurse who sets up my infusion asked me if I had lost weight. Yes I said, and to myself, thank you for noticing. 

When I returned to the resort in Scottsdale James had taken the boys swimming and fed them lunch from the Splash Grill. 

James and I were both hungry so we headed to a nearby Outback to use up our last restaurant gift card. I had a 6 ounce Victoria steak with a salad and baked potato soup. I shared my soup with James. He got salmon and broccoli and he said it was delicious. I had no desire for a bite of his food. 

James had a doctor's appointment this afternoon with an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) specialist in Scottsdale. The doctor told him he needs two surgeries. One for his adnoids which have grown back, and another for the hernia in his stomach. The doctor is convinced that these two things are what is causing James's laryngitis.

I think he needs to have these surgeries as soon as possible. This is coming from me who hates the thought of surgery.

Rowan and Joshua came into our room this afternoon and watched "Peter Rabbit", and ate cantaloupe and ice cream. Joshua loves mint chocolate chip ice cream as does Max, Rowan loves Rocky Road, and Evan likes vanilla.

Soon Evan joined them and he ate some vanilla ice cream while they watched the movie, "Coco." Joshua says that he and his dad love this movie! Max is still sleeping in the other room. I think that's because they have been going to be so late.

This evening the boys wanted to order NYPD pizza. Evan says that it is a condo tradition. I ordered them a large pepperoni pizza and 12 garlic knots. They ate every bite and then waited a little while before going night swimming. James and I had our green smoothies.

We had family prayer again and then everyone went down to the pool, except James, around 8 pm. James came down and joined us a little later. 

I read from "Riders of the Orphan Train" to James while the boys swam with their one "donut" tube. I kept taking breaks to walk around the pool.

After the boys went in James and I took a 30 minute walk around the resort. 

The real celebration for our anniversary is tomorrow night.

Watching a movie. Notice how Rowan is

laying in the tube.

Eating pizza and garlic knots.

Flowers from James

More flowers from James.

Summer fun for Ruby, roller blading

in her swimsuit. I hope she doesn't

fall and skin her knees.

Ollie saving a spot for Sheri.

Today was also National Donut Day.

This is Kyra Lambson's 
ex-husband. The family he is
threatening is Kyra's family.
Kyra's father, Curtis has her children and 
recently they had to move from their home in
Flagstaff to an undisclosed location.
Delbert's funeral is tomorrow in St. Johns.
Delbert is Kyra's grandfather.
This man has a history of violence.

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