Monday, September 10th, 2018

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 1:18-34

*When situations in your life get hard what do you do to keep your faith alive?

- "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 

I also calm my thoughts through prayer. Quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. Reunite my light with the Savior's light. Study my scriptures and listen to conference talks. Go to the temple and think of Him during the sacrament.

Old Testament

Proverbs 24-26

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

President Russel M. Nelson cautioned:

"We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves." 

He continued, "I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice - preferably a sacrifice of time - you can make to do more temple and family history work." As you accept President Nelson's invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing.

FHE:  What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

"Aaronic Priesthood holders, we have the privilege and duty to be fellow servants with John the Baptist. John was sent as an authorized messenger to bear witness of Christ and invite all to repent and be baptized - that is, he exercised the Aaronic Priesthood keys we have discussed. John then declared, 'I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I...:he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."

My first order of business for the day was to have James drive me into ADOT in Show Low so I could get my driver's license renewed. Of course the line was almost out the door but I persevered and eventually made it to the front. The worst part was getting my picture taken. I look like a scared rabbit.

After success at ADOT James and I celebrated by going to lunch at Aliberto's. LaCasita is closed on Mondays. We each had a toastado and a taco.

After lunch we went out separate ways, me to Walmart and James to Home Depot. As I was leaving the car James says, "Get me a watermelon, please." He knows I hate to pick them out, but of course I did. It turned out to be a good one!

During my rest time I watched last night's episode of "Chesapeake Shores." I then did some walking and started hanging some more family photos in the hallway. James could see I was having some trouble pounding the nails into the wall, so he came over with bigger nails and did it for me. We put up four more family photos.

The rest of the afternoon I spent finishing up my card kits for tomorrow's card making class while watching a Debbie Gibson movie on Hallmark. James went for a Razr ride.

Thank goodness for Cathi and her card!

For F.H.E. we listened to Brother Holmes's talk about the Aaronic Priesthood and then wrote emails to Ben.

Heading straight for the Carolina's where Steve and Elise 

moved too. They expect Category 3 or 4.

So excited for Jackson!

Love those leg lifts!

Sunday, September 9th, 2018

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 19:16
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 1:1-17
*What causes anger and contention and how can you avoid it?
- Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing your dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ is what we all should be striving for.
Old Testament
Proverbs 21-23
General Conference

Teaching in the Home, a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

Elder D. Todd Christofferson counsels: 

"We have may avenues for teaching the...rising generation, and we should devote our best thinking and effort to taking full advantage of them. Above all, we must continue to encourage and help parents be better and more consistent teachers...especially by example."

That's how the Savior teaches.

James and I left early for church today so we could go to the Bannion Springs rest home to pick up Brother Secard. 

Since I was at sacrament meeting early I was able to hand out most of the rest of my ministering assignments. I introduced myself to a sister I did not know who was sitting by herself and she ended up being Marie R., my ministering companion. I was glad that I spoke with her.

The Reynolds' spoke in sacrament meeting today. She spoke on service and he spoke on being careful with our words. The bishop said a few words and asked brother Umphress to come up and bear his testimony. It was a good meeting.

Brother Smith taught gospel doctrine. The lesson was on Joel and how important prophets are. I thought this was appropriate for President Nelson's birthday, as was the discussion in Relief Society led by Sister Smith. We studied Elder Stevenson's and Elder Andersen's conference talks on the prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

I sat by Sister Lundgren. I called her Debbie instead of Donna and later apologized.

After the block we took Brother Secard home. I mentioned to him that he looked like a detective in his trench coat. He said, "Did you say I looked defective?" He is quite the jokster for an older guy.

We had ribs and salad for lunch and then it was nap time. I wanted to get up at 3 but didn't make it until 4. James slept until after 5 so he didn't have much free time this evening. He left for the stake general priesthood meeting at 6:15. He came back saying that it was wonderful. All of the priesthood holders were asked to memorize these verses from DC 121 before stake conference in six weeks:

While James was gone I worked on my blog and watched the newest Hallmark movie starring Autumn Reeser. 

Jared texted everyone and invited them to Charlie's blessing on October 14th. He got quite the response. He heard from most everyone and I said we were coming and Darrel and Trina are coming and maybe Stacy and Paul. How exciting!

Charlie's first real bath

She likes having her head rubbed

Nice and clean! For a minute I thought that

was an earring glistening from her ear.

 Baby Sweetpea

Snuggles with Daddy

Saturday, September 8th, 2018

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 15:15

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Alma 63:1-17

*Just like the Nephites, we are continually marching to battle. How do I remain humble and refrain from pride?

-By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 18-20

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute. I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you'll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship."

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"I invite each of us to ask ourselves, 'What ordinances, including the sacrament, do I need to receive, and what covenants do I need to make, keep, and honor?' I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

We did our scriptures and conference talks on the way to the Snowflake temple this morning. 

The Palmer's were our instructor's and officiator's. We watched a couple of films on the new name and the first name of the individual on the card. 

My first assignment was at the top of the stairs to greet people as they came in for the 8 am session. Next I was greeter 3 behind the recommend desk. A new wooden handmade vase was on top of the credenza and Sister Sauwen and Brother Farr and I were admiring it and wondering how it was made. The brother who made it is a temple worker here in Snowflake. His name is Brother Rowell.

I worked in initiatory and then had my break with Sister Bowers. I found out that she is from east Texas and she has a daughter named Samantha Cumoux who lives in Tyler, Texas. It's a small world.

I was assistant sealing director under the stairs for an hour, working with Sister Flake in the sealing room, helping prepare people's names that they want to seal today. I helped the Lofgreen's, the Fish's, and a Sister Fulton.

I was greeter 1 and 3, did initiatory again and my last assignment was in the Celestial room. 

For potluck we took the loaf of whole wheat bread Sister Grapp made us along with some cream cheese, butter, and Sister Crane's jalapeno jelly. The Bradshaw's loved the jelly and Sister Bradshaw begged James to get the recipe for her. I'm not sure Kathy will give it out since she sells the jelly.

We spent a quiet afternoon and evening at home after stopping at El Cupido's for lunch. My Big Jake burrito will last me at least 24 hours. I put a rack of baby back ribs in the crockpot to cook. Tomorrow I will put them on the grill or under the broiler to finish them off. They won't be smoked but they will be good.

 Family Search sent me this information on my

great, great grandfather. When I looked him up,

someone had also posted his life story.

I am grateful to know I have a Nauvoo pioneer in

my ancestry.

 Time passes so quickly! This was Addy's

baptism day.

Charlie Mae:

Dressed and ready to go

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan

11 June 2000

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

*Just like the Nephites we are continually marching to battle. How do you remain humble and refrain from pride?

- By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 15-17

General Conference

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"It is my prayer that we follow Him, that we believe Him, that we love Him, and that we feel the love demonstrated by His sacrifice every time we have the opportunity to live one more day."

What a day! As James and I were leaving Darrel and Trina's we did something to trigger the alarm and it started blaring both outside and inside. Everyone else was already gone. I called Trina to ask her what the code was but she didn't know. She had to call her cousin the landlord. She left the gym early to come home. Her cousin had already turned it off and gave her the code in case it happens again. I'm glad she ran six miles this morning because she didn't get to workout at the gym. 

James and I just left the alarm blaring because we were running a little late for grandparents day at Joshua's school. We made it just in time.

Joshua is in the sixth grad and I wasn't sure he would

want his grandparents to come, but he was

happy to see us!

Joshua and some of his friends asked us questions. I am glad we went. It was fun. Joshua went home and told his mom that my nickname was the blonde bomber and that grandpa talked about Pete the crow.

James took me to Hobby Lobby again and then drove me to the AARA infusion center before he headed to Ruby's school for grandparents day.

James went to lunch with Ruby although he didn't eat,

and played tetherball with her on the playground.

They went to the book fair and James bought her

a Lemony Snickets book and a squishy unicorn.

I finished my infusion and appointment with Dr. Caldron before James returned so I walked across the street to Freddie's. I got a chocolate/vanilla custard cone and a drink. I loved the custard!

After James picked me up we went to Red Lobster to use our gift card. We had a nice lunch and then left for home. 

It always takes time to unpack and put things away. We went to bed fairly early because we have to leave for the temple by 5:45 a.m.

Charlie Mae is out and about

Ty A. participated in a Crossfit competition.

Here he is pulling 90 lbs.

Raised in Chandler

Old Photos:

Chandler Hospital where Jared had his

appendix out.

Rocket slide at Arrowhead Park.

The old Valley National Bank where we used 

to bank.

The Bayless store at Ray and Arizona

Avenue in North Park Plaza.

Those were the days!

Thursday, September 6th, 2018

San Jose, Costa Rico

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Luke 23:23

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voice of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

*Has the Lord ever relieved you from a great burden? How did it feel to no longer carry that weight?

-Some burdens are relived just by being over. But some become strengths to us. Some burdens aren't lifted quickly but the Lord is mindful of us and know what we need to carry them longer.

Old Testament

Proverbs 11-14

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

"Meekness is an attribute developed through desire, the righteous exercise of moral agency, and striving always to retain a remission of our sins. It also is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. We should remember, however, the purposes for which such a blessing is given, even to benefit and serve the children of God."

We had a bit of a scare thinking Ruby had pink eye but it looks like she doesn't. Lola wouldn't touch Darrel's birthday balloons because Ruby touched them with her pinkeye. 

Trina and Lola left taking Ruby and Rowan to school and then going on to the gym. After the gym Lola had preschool. She cried about going but once she gets there she likes it. 

James and I were home alone a few hours. It was relaxing and I was able to do some catch up on my blog. James left around 11:30 to drop Tramadol by to Stacy and pick up our ice chest and then on to a meeting with Bill Valentic and then Armando Perez.

He spoke with Bill Valentic about getting paid for the Phoenician job and what the legal ramifications are. He ended up borrowing some money from him to pay off White Cap and Desert Ready Mix. 

James enjoyed his visit with Armando. He has five children that he adores. He lost his license for a year and James made him an offer about using his license.

Because Carmen Chavez and Tom Howard paid us some money I was able to pay the Verizon bill and James's line of credit. 

When James returned we headed out. First we were going to go to Red Lobster to eat but I forgot the gift cards, leaving them at Darrel and Trina's in my other purse. We got quarter pounders at McDonald's instead and then did some shopping at Hobby Lobby and then on to Costco for the Grapp's. 

It was fun shopping for the Grapp's, I sent James in one direction while I went in another. When we were finished we headed back to Darrel and Trina's. 

The kids wanted to make more cards which we did. It was fun. 

Trina is training for a sprint triatholon. She will run, ride a bike, and swim. The event is on September 29th. 

We went with Trina to pick up Rowan at the bus stop. So did Ruby. She showed us the lot for their new house. Across the street the house being built is just like theirs so we took a tour. 

Each of the kids will have their own rooms

and Trina says they are putting a bed in the

den for us.

Trina made pancakes for dinner. They were yummy.

Mom is great she makes us chocolate cake!

While I was at the kitchen table working on my blog, Rowan layed down on the couch. He kept talking to his Google Play. Google, play "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Carry On," "Top of the World," and "Freesion."

Addy is so disciplined. She comes home from cross country, does her homework, showers, and then goes to bed because she has to get up at 5:30 and do it all over again tomorrow.

 Nap after a long day at the gym and school

Reading Harry Potter

 Scarlett

 Charlie

 Last summer, Ruby and Pepper