Sunday, June 17th, 2018

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 18:1-11

*How was Ammon's reaction to adversity an act of faith?

- He went fearlessly to teach the gospel to the Lamanites. When he is faced with adversity he fearlessly fights them off. Ammon had confidence in the Lord and His work. Faith and fear cannot exist at the same time. When we have faith and confidence in the Lord we can be great missionaries like Ammon.

Old Testament

2 Kings 21-22

21 Manasseh turns Judah to idolatry, even sacrificing a son to a heathen god - Prophets foretell the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem - Wickedness continues under Amon

22 Josiah reigns in righteousness in Judah - Hilkiah repairs the temple and finds the book of the law - Josiah sorrows because of the wickedness of his fathers - Huldah prophesies wrath upon the people but blessings upon Josiah.

General Conference

With One Accord

Sister Reyna I. Aburto

"Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of unity with His Father. They are one in purpose in love, and in works, with 'the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.'"

The last weigh-in for the Chunky Monkey Weight Loss Challenge.

I lost 1.8 lbs and James lost 3. He is at 137 and a woman never reveals her weight unless she is forced to. Darrel concedes that dad beat him but we still have to wait for Tristyn to report and she is five hours behind us so it will be this afternoon.

James and I made green chili stew using the beef stew meat I had in the refrigerator. We will have the stew after church. I also made some banana nut muffins for breakfast. 

I got James a new drinking container for Father's Day.

Prettier than the red one.

In sacrament meeting this morning several people gave reports on the Stake Youth Trek which was held this week in the hills near Vernon. 
Jace loved his family and had a great experience. They even had a family cheer as they gathered in a circle and put their families in the middle and shouted, "Go family!"

Ty was pioneer Peter McBride and told about his experiences. His said his family was chaotic. Peter McBride was a 6 year old when he crossed the plains and his father died. 

Macy was impressed with one of the girls on the trek who got run over by a cart and kept going and never complained. 

Brother Nichols was a pa. He said he was proud of the youth in this stake. Holly, from our ward, got blisters on her feet the first day and never complained. He said that the wagon master, Brother John W., was brutal. He called one of the more difficult hills, John's Revenge.

Brother Wilhelm said that this is indeed a choice generation.

Sister Nichols said they walked 30 miles and she loved when they sang, "Nearer My God to Thee."

Layne H. said he learned that working together makes work easier.

Finally it was time for the high councilman, Brother Wright to speak. He reminded us that the gospel does matter in our lives. He told the story of his parents who came from broken families and did not grow up with the gospel. When the missionaries taught them they embraced it. We need to strengthen and unify our families and all members. He said an indication of unity was seen on the trek this week among the 170 youth who participated. 

Brother Smith taught Sunday School. The lesson was Old Testament #23, "The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever."
It was the story of Jonathan, David and Saul. Brother Smith focused on how the gospel helps us in our relationships. It was a great lesson.

Sister Grapp taught Relief Society. The lesson was based on Elder Cook's conference address, "Prepared to Meet God." I felt like the lesson went very well and we had a good discussion. Elder Cook says that the Church's three-fold mission is based on Moses, Elias, and Elijah visiting the Kirtland Temple.

First Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which is missionary work.

Second, Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the purpose of the covenants keys is to prepare members for the kingdom of God. He said: "We know who we are and we know what God expects of us."

Third, Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead.

There are, under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, three executive councils at Church headquarters that oversee these divinely appointed responsibilities based on the keys that were restored in the Kirtland Temple. They are the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and the Temple and Family History Executive Council.

After sacrament meeting we had the youth help us distribute the cookies to all of the men in the congregation. We had plenty so we let the young men have some too.

On the way home from church I went with James to take bless the sacrament for Sister Peeler. Brother and Sister Peeler and Brother and Sister Smith were waiting for us when we got there. Brother Smith blessed the bread and James blessed the water. It was a very sacred and spiritual experience. We all gave Sister Peeler a hug and she had tears in her eyes. She is in an extreme amount of pain from bulging disks in her back and a compression fracture in her back.
I miss seeing her at church so much.

Darrel, Trina and the kids only stayed for sacrament meeting. 

I love this family with all my heart!

After lunch and a couple of Razr rides, we went over to the Howard's to see their horses. Ruby wanted to say hello to Pepper, the pony she rode last year. Pepper was in a pen with his wife and one other Shetland pony. His wife is expecting.

There were two baby filly's, one two weeks old and one six days old. They were so cute. Another mare, Mirage, Moai's mom, is due any day.

Bull was walking around with us, Chocolate, and the twins, Solo and Eyore were in a pen next to Pepper and the girls. Moai was down at the other barn and a new mare was in a pen by herself. 

I think Rowan enjoyed the dogs, Molly and Mya, as much as he did the horses. Ruby spent most of her time with Pepper.

Ruby renewing her friendship with Pepper

while the girls look on.

Brother Howard and the gang visiting

Chocolate, Eyore, and Solo.

Rowan and Kreed felt bad that the dogs were

in cage. They liked Molly, the shaggy one

the best. Mya, the Alaskan Husky, was a

little more spirited and I think a little jealous

that the boys were giving Molly so much attention.

Bull and Lola saying hello to one of the babies.

I guess Molly renamed Bull, Oreo when she was

here last year. Brother Howard says the horses don't

get named right away. They have to earn their names.

The kids all wanted to know what the babies' names

were.

Grandpa and Lola visiting Mirage who is about

to deliver any day now.

Mirage loved all of the attention. When the girls

would stop petting her, she would stick her head

through the bars and look at them. She especially

liked Kayla.

So cute. I want one!

Is this an acceptible Sunday activity?

We had strawberry cake and brownies for dinner. Lola and I played bowling and some people watched TV or played games. Uno seems to be a favorite on this trip. 

James helped Rowan to set a trap to catch one of the bunnies.

We all had family prayer together.

Those are Darrel's feet you see on the back of

the couch. 

Lola wanted to make sure that grandpa knew that

grandma is the boss of the cabin.

I made cookies for Talon who

is going to Washington to work

for the summer.

The Allen family children at the 

Cardston, Alberta temple.

Jackson, who is in our ward and

getting ready to serve a mission in

the Philippines, got his endowments

on Saturday. His sister lives in Alberta.

Saturday, June 16th, 2018

Laie, Hawaii
5th operating temple
Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919
By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 Nephi 11:16

And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

Book of Mormon

Alma 17:18-39

*Has service ever enabled me to do missionary work?

Old Testament

2 Kings 19-20

19 Hezekiah seeks counsel from Isaiah to save Jerusalem - Isaiah prophesies the defeat of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib - Hezekiah prays for deliverance - Sennacherib sends a blasphemous letter - Isaiah prophesies that the Assyrians will be destroyed and that a remnant of Judah will flourish - An angel slays 185,000 Assyrians - Sennacherib is slain by his sons.

General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Sometimes we can't hear heaven's signal because we are not worthy. Repentance and obedience are the way to achieve clear communication again. The Old Testament word for repent means 'to turn' or 'turn around.' When you feel far from God, you need only make the decision to turn from sin and face the Savior, where you will find Him waiting for you, His arms outstretched. He is eager to guide you, and you are just one prayer away from receiving that guidance again."

Russell M. Nelson 4/17 #69 "Draw the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives"

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power which is available to every earnestly seeking daughter or son of God."

In my prayers this morning I prayed that Darrel and Trina and their kids would arrive safely today. It rained most of the night and is still raining off and on this morning. The rain looks like it is throughout the state of Arizona. Our prayers for rain have been heard. Thank you Heavenly Father.

I read this today in the Old Testament Student Manual for 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37:

One of the most remarkable stories in scriptural history. The Lord answered the prayers of  Hezekiah through Isaiah. The Lord defended the city of Jerusalem. A plague struck the Assyrians surrounding Jerusalem and 185,000 Assyrians lay dead. The Northern Kingdom had already fallen, all of Judah except Jerusalem itself was in Assyrian hands. Hezekiah had been a righteous king and now he trusted in God again. In deep and pleading prayer he asked for the Lord to extend his life. In 2 Kings 20 The Lord changes time to preserve Hezekiahs life for 15 years.

This morning I wrapped Ruby's birthday gifts and cleaned upstairs. Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Kayla and Kreed got here around 2:15. They said it was raining in Show Low and they had experienced rain and fog most of the way. It was not raining here in Vernon when they arrived. It was cool, and Trina had on Darrel's big ASU sweatshirt. 

Trina and I went to Walmart soon after they arrived. Walmart was a circus but we managed to get our shopping done. As we were coming home up our hill we saw all the kids walking down the road. They stopped and stuck out their thumbs as if they were hitchhiking. 

Lola is one of the big kids now.

They told us they were going to walk to the Village. Trina wanted Lola to come with us but she insisted she was going even though it was going to be a long walk.

As soon as the guys got the groceries carried in and Darrel sat down to watch some TV, Trina asked him if he would go check on the kids. They were happy that he came when he did. Lola had fallen down and had a cut on her forehead and they had been trying to call their mom. Rowan had just said a prayer when Darrel showed up. After Darrel showed up, Rowan said a thank you prayer. This was reported to us by Ruby. Later I saw Rowan with a piece of cake and he had stopped to say a blessing over the cake. I love that kid!

Lola was pretty upset about her owie but seemed better when I gave her a Minion bandaid.

Doesn't she look worried?

 She wanted to make sure I got

a good picture.

Tamara, the Relief Society President, came over and the two of us bagged up all of the cookies for tomorrow. The cookies are our treats for the men in our ward for Father's Day.

Tamara made the largest cookies.

I should have gotten a photo.

This is the last night of the Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge.

I wonder if James will win. I told Darrel he should let dad win for father's day. He said, "I don't have to, he's winning on his own. Tristan is his next competitor after Darrel.

Rowan understands this principle.

Friday, June 15th, 2018

Salt Lake, Utah

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 April 1893

By: Wilford Woodruff

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 John 5:6

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 17:1-17

*Through the experiences of Mosiah's four sons we learn the priceless secret of how ordinary members of the Church, who will apply themselves, can grow spiritually to the point where they can have the gift of prophecy and revelation. What are three things they did to qualify for this gift? (vs. 2-3)?

Old Testament

2 Kings 17-18

17 Hoshea reigns in Israel and is subject to the Assyrians - The Israelites forsake the Lord, worship idols, serve Baal, and reject all that the Lord has given them - The ten tribes are carried away captive by the kings of Assyria - The land of Israel (Samaria) is repopulated by other people - Many forms of false worship are found among the Samaritans.

18 Hezekiah reigns in righteousness in Judah - He destroys idolatry and breaks the brazen serpent made by Moses because the children of Israel burn incense to it - Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Juday - In a blasphemous speech, Rabshakeh asks Jerusalem to surrender to the Assyrians.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

Dallin H. Oaks

President Joseph F. Smith:

"We are laboring for the salvation of souls, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us. Therefore, we should feel willing to sacrifice everything, if need be, for the love of God, the salvation of men, and the triumph of the kingdom of God upon the earth."

Russell M. Nelson 10/16 #68 Joy and Spiritual Survival

 "When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening - or not happening - in our lives."

James went to the Howard's this morning to help unload the furniture they brought up from the valley. They sold their house in Chandler. James said they were giving away a heavy oak couch that is very beautiful. I said I would like it for the porch by our bedroom door so he told Tom and Tom said we could have it. 

When James got home we made a trip to town. He had to pick up something and go to the lumber store and I needed to go to Walmart to get some gifts for Ruby. While James was doing his business I walked and got almost 4,000 steps. 

While I was at Walmart James went to Home Depot to get some flowers. I got Ruby several little gifts at Walmart but couldn't find a croquet set so we stopped at Big 5 Sports and picked one up. 

When we got home I was resting in my regular spot on the recliner when Tamara called and said the Burton's needed help cleaning tomorrow. She said some of the women in our ward were involved in the Trek that our stake youth are on and were not available. Finally Kathy Crane and I decided we could go over this afternoon while the Burton's were there, at 3 in the afternoon. I guess the ward is pretty desperate when two 70 year old women are sent to help clean.

The Burton's have been living in a fifth wheel, a small travel trailer and then there is a storage shed to clean also. Kathy cleaned the storage shed and I cleaned the small travel trailer. We started on the fifth wheel but Kathy had an accident with the vacuum when she tried to empty it, it spilled out all over the floor. We had to clean up the mess and leave because it was six o'clock and I am babysitting for the Grapp's this evening. 

While the Grapp kids watched the Spirit dvd this evening I continued making cookies. I ended up making 6 dozen cookies. 
Liana says she misses me as her Primary teacher and I told her that I missed her too. 

When Thomas and Cammy returned home Cammy asked if I could watch Tildy and Emsley when she went into the hospital to have her baby. I said of course, that they could sleep on the recliners in our bedroom if they stayed overnight. 

When the Grapp's went home James wanted  me to read to him from "Rider's of the Orphan Train", which I did. Afterwards he wanted to go to bed but I told him I had to finish my cookies and clean the kitchen, which I did. My feet hurt when I was finished and finally was able to go to bed,  with plenty of steps by the way.

I hope I quit soon enough

Alex took this photo and posted it on Instagram

How would you like to have a life size

painting of yourself in your home?

Nice Name

than three miles to the nearest watering hole.

Thursday, June 14th, 2018

Manti, Utah
3rd operating temple
Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888
By: Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Book of Mormon

Alma 16:1-21

*In your opinion, if the people of America would obey God, how might the Lord ward off enemy attacks for us as He did for the people of Zarahemla?

*The Book of Mormon provides the people of America (and all nations) with a foreign policy that is guaranteed to make them free from "all other nations under heaven." According to Ether 2:11-12, what is this policy?

Old Testament

2 Kings 15-16

15 Many kings reign in Israel and in Judah - Their wickedness, wars, conspiracies, and evils are described - Much of Israel is carried captive to Assyria by Tiglath-pileser.

16 Ahaz reigns in wickedness in Judah - He offers his son in heathen sacrifice - He makes a new altar, destroys the brazen sea, and changes the method for sacrificing in the temple.

General Conference

Inspired Ministering

Henry B. Eyring

A young boy speaking in sacrament meeting:

"The Lord is telling us it's our responsibility to not only care for the Church but to also care for the people within the Church the way that Christ would because this is His Church. If we are trying to keep the commandments, be kind to each other, be honest, be good friends, and enjoy being together, then we will be able to have the Spirit with us and know what Heavenly Father wants us to do. If we don't, then we can't fulfill our calling."

Russell M. Nelson 4/16 #67 The Price of Priesthood Power

"Are we willing to pray, fast, study, seek, worship, and serve as men of God so we can have priesthood power?"

Ensign:  "the Long-Promised Day"; "Finding Answers for Family Caregivers"

Elder Cook's conference talk, "Preparing to Meet God", is the talk we will be studying in Relief Society this week. I began to study and read it today and I have decided that it is one of my favorites from this last conference.

Elder Bernecker is the name of the new elder in our ward taking Elder Macy's place. I wonder where he is from.

We have lots of clouds again today and according to the radar on our weather app, rain is very close. It smells, looks, and feels like rain outside, there just aren't any raindrops.

I wrote a thank you note to Rosie who taught the Relief Society lesson last week. I so appreciate her willingness to teach and she did a great job.

James and I picked up Kerri and Catherine this afternoon and the four of us attended the endowment sealing for Sister Brewer, a convert of about 4 years from our ward.

There were 20 ward members in the session with Sister Brewer. This includes Kathy C. who was the 1st follower in the session.

Here is a list of all of those who were there: Kathy and Chuck C., Bishop Miller and Anne, Ed and Debbie the bishop's parents, Lorraine V., Judy H. Teresa S., the Thompson's, the Diewald's, Stefani and Tyler, Sister Reynolds who was Deborah's escort, Kerri, Catherine, James and I. Sister Brewer was glowing when she got to the celestial room. I am so grateful that we went because her attitude made it all worthwhile.

We had a little rain on the way home, and it did rain a little earlier in Vernon. I guess the big rain is coming on Saturday.

When I returned home I finished my steps and read from Children Learning to Read.

Flowers at the temple

Castles of Arizona

Castle Trezise

My sheep hear my voice.

I wonder if this is in Elder Allen's

mission.

Queen E. and Meghan on tour together.

Something to think about.

Val from DWTS proposes to Jenna from Utah,

and DWTS.

I guess Jenna won't have a temple marriage.

Val is Jewish Catholic.

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

* What did Amulek give up by choosing to live the gospel and seve as a missionary? (see Alma 15:16)

-His wealth, family, and friends.

* What did he gain? (Alma 34:8; Ether 12:12-13)

- A testimony of the Savior, and eternal life.

Old Testament

2 Kings 13-14

13 Jehoahaz and his successors reign in wickedness in Israel - Elisha prophesies that Joash will defeat Syria - Elisha dies - A dead Israelite is restored to life after touching Elisha's bones.

14 Amaziah reigns well in Judah - Israel defeats Judah in battle - Jeroboam reigns in wickedness in Israel.

General Conference

Behold! A Royal Army

Ronald A. Rasband

"Changes in organizations and functions of the Church are not uncommon. In 1883 the Lord said to President John Taylor: 

'Concerning the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood ... I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom.'"

Russell M. Nelson 10/15, #66. A Plea to My Sisters

"We need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices."

Ensign: - 1. Four Ways to Serve Families with Disabilities

2. Extending the Blessings of the Priesthood

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood: Summaries of Chapters.

James returned two dead trees to Home Depot this morning and got store credit for them. 

I sent another text to Laurann today to tell her I hope I had not offended her. I did not, she is just weighed down with concerns. Here is her text back to me:

Thiessen is now sick. Charlie is working 80 plus hours a week, and Amaron's birth father decided to make contact using Amaron's cousins that he has never met before. Now Amaron is very confused and he is having behavioral issues because of it. 

My dad's sister is in the hospital and she needs to be able to die so she can be out of misery. Also so her dying husband can pass as well. He's waiting on her. My dad's upset waiting on his sister to be able to pass on and not be in pain.

Our new house is taking forever to get finished and we are stuck in packing mode. We are always running out of water because Charles is always working. 

I'm sorry, it's just really busy here and very chaotic. I will get your text read and make a decision soon. I'm not mad, I promise.

I texted the company I ordered James's Smart Watch from and told them I wanted to return it. So far I have not heard back from them.

I ordered Addy's birthday presents and it cost me nothing because of points I had on my credit card. Now I need to get something for Ruby.

The audio clips that came with Children Learning Reading didn't work. I emailed, Jim, the writer of the program, and within a few minutes he had sent me all the audio clips via email and reloaded them onto my computer. I wish all companies had this kind of customer service. 

Ben has his mission papers completed. He has an interview with the bishop this week and then will need to see the stake president. Hopefully he can get his papers sent off before he leaves for Europe.! So proud! The first missionary from our family since Darrel returned about 18 years ago!

Ian got his birthday card today and Sheri said he was super excited!

I stripped polish off the wood floor for about three hours today. It is hard work, but an added bonus is I had over 10,000 steps when I was finished for the day.

The clouds looked like rain today, but nothing came out.

So promising

Such a shame they didn't deliver

I had a presidency meeting at the church this evening and James had an appointment with Brother Thompson of the bishopric.

My meeting went well. We planned lessons for July and I need to ask a sister to teach the 2nd week and the 3rd week. Also, I am leading the council meeting on the 1st week. 

We talked about partners for young women in ministering and Tamara gave us a copy of all the partnerships. She is going to go home to her "board" and revise the partnerships as needed.

I am in charge of displays at our upcoming ward activity. Tables will be setup Friday night and we are going down on Saturday at 4 to set up. I would go earlier but I am working in the temple that day.

James has a new calling. Brother Thompson asked if he would be a Primary teacher. He does not know what class he will be teaching or who he will be working with. 

I got two thank you notes today. One from the bishopric for my talk on May 20th,  and one from Diana Curtis for teaching her lesson last month.

Go-cart fun in Lakeside a few years ago.

Pondering the word of God.

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877

By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:23-15:4

*How does your faith in Christ give you strength?

- It gives me strength because I know he is always there for me and will take care of me if I do my part. It is a very comforting thing.

Old Testament

2 Kings 11-12

11 Ahthaliah destroys the royal family in Judah and reigns herself in Judah - Joash is preserved and crowned king when seven years old - Jehoiada the priest destroys the house of Baal.

12 Jehoash (Joash) reigns in righteousness - The breaches in the temple are repaired - The safety of Jerusalem is purchased with the hallowed things in the temple - Joash is slain and Amaziah reigns.

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that 'the priesthood is greater thann any of its offices. ...The priesthood is not divisible, An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See DC 20:38.)

When a man has the priesthood conferred upon him, he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood - divisions of authority and responsibility. ... Sometimes one office is spoken of as being 'higher than' or 'lower than' another office. Rather than higher or lower, offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood represent different areas of service."  Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer speak in terms of being 'advanced' to another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Russell M. Nelson 4/15 #65. The Sabbath is a Delight.

"How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing.?"

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood. Chapter 24

Conclusion

James started out this morning to help Brother Howard's neighbor. Brother Howard caught him and asked if he could fix his waterline as they have no water so he did that first and then went to the neighbors with Big Cat and did some grading for $50.

Your ward's youth trek starts today. Sister Allen said they would be coming by our house. I will look for them.

I actually caught up on my blog today after several weeks of being behind. It is a good feeling!

I texted Amaron's mother Laurann today. Here is the text I sent.

Hi Laurann. I wanted to talk to you about Amaron. Initially the reason I wanted to help him with his reading was because he struggled reading in our Primary class and lacked confidence in his ability. I know you have not asked for my help and if you would rather I didn't, just tell me. I will not be offended. I have realized I can't do much good just seeing him once a week. If I am going to continue, I will need to give him things to do and read at home to you on a daily basis. He needs to practice everyday. I can reserve a room at the library on Thursday evenings where I can meet and work with him. He is such a sweet boy and I want him to feel the excitement and success of being a good reader. I am afraid if we don't help him he is going to get further and further behind. Please let me know how you feel about this. We could start next week as I am going to the temple at 4:30 this Thursday with Deborah Brewer. Think about it and let me know. Your friend, Karen.

I never heard back from Laurann today and I thought maybe I had offended her. I thought about it until I finally went to sleep tonight.

I decided that tomorrow I would text her again.

This afternoon I finally got the Whitecap account username and password straightened out so that I could pay that bill. James made several calls about returning our phones and when I went to town to get groceries he stopped by the Verizon store and they contacted Verizon and they are sending us labels to return our old phones.

On the way to town I drank my green smoothie because I knew I couldn't go shopping on an empty stomach. I picked up the Treewax floor polish remover I ordered. I thought I had ordered six bottles but it ended up being 12 because two bottles are wrapped together. They cost $76.

I'm going to be busy the next few weeks.

After putting my groceries away this evening I walked over 10,000 steps. It feels good to be able to walk my steps again!

I also spent 25 minutes reading from Children Learning Reading, then practiced with my caligraphy pen by writing my ancestors names on a family tree I found while cleaning.

I had to make it extra large so you could see the names.

We went to bed with open windows and turned the AC off. We are supposed to have rain on Friday and Saturday which is highly unusual for this time of year. We can hardly wait!

Happy 46th Birthday Ian!

If you think Ian looks young in this photo it's

because this photo was taken last year.

I sent his card yesterday. He didn't get it today.