OUR FAMILY

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Monday, November 12th, 2018

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Acts 13:23

Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus:

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 27:13-33

*How can we strive to be more like Christ?

- President Ezra Taft Benson said: "The entire ministry of the Master was characterized by His voluntary subordination to His Heavenly Father's will, and in the Savior's own words: 'I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me...for I do always the things that please Him' (John 8:28-29).

Christ was not only perfectly obedient, but maybe even more importantly, perfectly trusting. So if we choose, like Jesus Christ, to trust more completely, to follow more obediently, and to make doing the will of our Father the core motivation behind decision-making, focus, thoughts, actions, and if we make understanding His will our very purpose, what could the ripple effect of that be? Would we become more like the Savior? Would we be cultivating and deepening Christlike virtues such as truth, wisdom, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, godliness, faith, and self-control? Would we be more completely and exactly following the Savior's example? Would we experience deeper peace, happiness, and joy? Elder Maxwell said: 'Only by aligning our wills with God's is full happiness to be found...progression toward submission confers.an enhanced capacity for joy.'"

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 15-17

Old Testament

Ezekiel 41-43

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We achieve that abundant life not by focusing on our own needs or on our own achievements but by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ - by following in His ways and engaging in His work. We find the abundant life by forgetting ourselves and engaging in the great cause of Christ."

For Him

Joy D. Jones

"We realized that we were sincerely striving to serve this family and to serve our bishop, but we had to ask ourselves if we were really serving out of love for the Lord. King Benjamin made clear this distinction when he stated, 'Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.'"

In site of the cold weather, the high was 33 today, I am feeling so much better than I did last week and the week before.

I stayed inside and was nice and cozy because James built a big and and kept the house warm all day.

James moved his office upstairs this morning instead of at the end of the dining room table. He's making phone calls about this job in Mesa that he is supposed to do next week, or the week after.

James came down to fry up some venison for lunch. He gave me the steaks and he took the heart and the liver! I made a salad.

While I was walking this afternoon James left for the Howard's.

Besides walking I also made Trina's Levian Bakery cookies, and worked on our book biz. I learned how to change our shipments from merchant fulfilled to Fulfilled by Amazon. This is supposed to be better but I'm not sure why because it is quite costly.

Oh my gosh! These cookies are delicious! I need to get them out of my sight!

This batch was the best.

While talking on the phone with Sister Howard about our lunch date tomorrow she told me that James fell off a ladder today, hit Tom and they both went tumbling to the ground. James hit a rock.

Funny, when he came in earlier he never mentioned falling off a ladder. When I asked him about it, he admitted he wasn't going to tell me and then proceeded to tell me he thinks he cracked some ribs. I think I might have noticed that he was in such great pain.

I heard from Stacy today and from Sister Price reminding me about card making class tomorrow. I said if she was here I was going but I had to leave early for a lunch date.

Along with Ben's email and his answer, I texted Max today and shared with him Alma 36:3 -"And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." Max texted me back and said, "Thank you, that was awesome." I talked with Ben a little bit about Max and how he is feeling and told him I thought Max needed to have his faith strengthened and would he, Ben, please help. He said he did and wondered why his family was going through such trials. He shared with Max one of his favorite scriptures, Helaman 5:12 - "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which e are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Every week when I email Ben I am going to also send something uplifting to Max.

Tanner is in the hospital with mesenteric adenitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes located in your mesentery. The mesentery is the membrane that attaches your intestines to the inside wall of your abdomen. Lymph nodes are collections of tissue that filter bacteria, viruses, and waste substances from the bloodstream. We said a special prayer for Tanner this evening.

Hate to see this guy down. He is always

so full of life and energy.

For FHE we listened to Sister Jones's conference talk, "For Him," one of my favorites. I love Sister Jones!

Afterwards we watched a new Hallmark movie, "A Veteran's Christmas." Fitting for veterans day.

This shirt is one that I got Scarlett for

her birthday. She looks so cute!

So excited for Kris and Kristine. They are such a

sweet couple!

I have to have my Charlie fix everyday!

Enough cuteness....I've got to take a nap.

Future athletes of America
Lola and Ruby

Sunday, November 11th, 2018

Ft. Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Acts 2:30

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God has sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 27:1-12

*What do you do to take Christ's name upon you each day?

- This answer comes from bofm365 on Instagram. I like what this sister says: "I repent, and try to use the Atonement as much as I can. The sweetness of the Spirit is what motivates me to keep going. I can tell when it's not with me and I miss it's guidance. I become more impatient and harsh. Repentance brings a feeling of peace. The more I repent the more this wonderful feeling is present. As I repent I am able to see others the way the Lord sees them. There is more love and compassion in my heart for my fellowman." Thank you marthadpguitterez

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 13-14

Old Testament

Ezekiel 37-40

General Conference

All Must Take Upon Them the Name Given of the Father

Elder Paul B. Pieper

"In order to access the saving power that comes only through the name of Christ, we must humble ourselves, before God..and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits... and be willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and thereby qualify to be received by baptism into His Church."

I am worried about Sheri and Max. Hopefully they can get through this diabetes debacle together. I wish Sheri would talk to Cathi's daughter Wendy. Her son Colton, who is one day older than Max, has Marfan Syndrome which is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue. It is very rare. There are fewer than 200,000 US cases per year. A person with Marfan has long arms, legs, and fingers. Colton is extremely tall for his age. They also have visual difficulties, they are tall, with a thin frame and have heart problems. When Colton found out he had Marfan he was told he could not play any sports. He was playing and loving basketball at the time. He became angry and was failing in school. Wendy took him out of school and began home schooling and he is doing so much better. He has even started his own online business.

Not only does Colton have health issues but Wendy was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I just want Max and Sheri to see that other people have problems too and they can cope with them. I know Max doesn't want to be defined by his diabetes and he doesn't want his friends to know. I told Sheri people will usually be supportive and it won't be as big a deal to them as Max might think.

I will continue praying for them.

After I read from Alma and said my prayers this morning I felt better. I also read two conference talks, including "Divine Discontent" by Sister Craig. This is the talk that we will discuss today in Relief Society.

The Primary presented their program today, "I Am a Child of God." Many of the children were able to share stories of their favorite prophets from the Old Testament. The singing is my favorite part of the program. These are the songs that were sung today:

"I am a Child of God," "Beautiful World,"(I know this isn't the true name but I can never remember what it is) "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," "Book of Mormon Stories," "Baptism," "Families Can Be Together Forever," "A Child's Prayer," "I Will Be What I Believe." The last song was sung with the young men and young women. It was beautiful!

After sacrament meeting I went into the restroom and pulled off my knee highs which are high enough except they keep rolling down. I guess I will just be "hoseless" today.

The second hour was a special meeting about the new meeting schedule starting in January. We got our manuals, "Come, Follow Me - For Individuals and Families." I love this quote from the manual: "We know that if we can be worthy of the presence of the Holy Ghost, we can also be worthy to live in the presence of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

Sister Skousen was sustained and set apart as a Relief Society teacher in our RS meeting. Afterwards she led the discussion on the conference talk, "Divine Discontent" by Sister Michelle Craig. Becky focused on listening to promptings and acting upon them and shared a personal experience. She finished a little early so I filled in with the C.S. Lewis quote from the talk.

After RS it came to my attention that Sister Halcomb, Kerri's mom, had not heard a thing. She mentioned to her friend Millie that she thought she would quit coming because she can't hear anything. She can hear during sacrament meeting because of the microphone. I told her we would be using a microphone next week.

I also met with Sister Curtis about her lesson in two weeks. Later I texted Sister Grapp about what she would be teaching from next week.

James and I took some cash to Sister Johnson after church. This is the last week for the Vernon food drive and she will be going to the store this week to buy perishable items. We also have the community fast starting this week to raise money for the needy in the Show Low area.

This afternoon James took a nap while I finished watching "The Magic Stocking" and doing more gospel study and working on my blog. When he got up from his nap he wrote a letter to Ben and then watched a new movie, "Love at Christmas." I sketched an outline for Ben's letter and will email him in the morning.

I think she likes her shoes

Looking good for Sunday

Such a doll!

Oops, she's had enough!

They look so small

Friday nights play-off game.

BTW Chandler Won.

Stacy says they will take state.

Monday, November 12, 2018

Saturday, November 10th, 2018

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sept 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Romans1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 26:1-21

*Are we ready to be judged of our works? In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

- Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable. I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us about three years ago. As I watched her saying her prayers one night, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence. I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I knew. Tears come to my eyes when I think of it.

We can truly be taught by children.

How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? They did what Jesus taught them to do. They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration. They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another. They were baptized in the name of Jesus and were called the Church of Christ.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 11-12

Old Testament

Ezekiel 35-37

General Conference

Our Campfire of Faith

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Our campfire of faith can encourage us to find joy in wholesome creativity. There is joy in imagining, learning, doing worthwhile new things. This is especially true as we deepen faith and trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

There are two wildfires in California that continue to rage. Today the town of Malibu was evacuated because of the Woolsley fire. The Camp Fire in Paradise has destroyed most of the town, including an LDS meetinghouse and most all of the members homes except four. It is very sad and my heart goes out to these people. The Campbell family that just moved in to our ward had to rescue a grandmother and daughter from one of the fires, I'm not sure which. The grandmother's home was destroyed and they just got away with the clothes on their backs. Our ward is looking for clothes for the 91 year old grandmother, today is her birthday, and the teenaged daughter of Sister Campbell in our ward.

Darrel was kind enough to give James and I both our flu and pneumonia shots this morning. It's great having doctors' in the family!

James, Lola, and I left for Sheri's this morning around ten. We are meeting up with Darrel at the reunion at Discovery Park after Sheri's. Darrel took Ruby to her volleyball game.

James gave both Sheri and Max a blessing. He gave Sheri a blessing of comfort and peace and encouragement that she would be trained in how to take care of Max.

Max's blessing was one of encouragement too. He was told that his attitude was important and that if he took care of himself he would be able to lead a normal life, serve a mission, and have a family.

I hope they both felt better afterwards. I know I did. I love having someone worthy to give priesthood blessings in my home. I did not grow up with that blessing.

Lola stayed with Sheri and Sheri and the boys will bring her to the reunion.

James and I went to the Fry's Marketplace on Gilbert and Ocotillo to get some fried chicken and cranberry celebration to take for the potluck at the reunion. I also bought potato salad, coleslaw and chicken salad.

Adam texted and said he was at Discovery Park and could not find the Lambson group. He discovered that there are two Discovery Park's, both in Gilbert. We thought it was at the Discovery Park near the temple but Laurie lives in Val Vista Lakes and there is a neighborhood park called Discovery Park in Val Vista Lakes. This is what comes from not looking at the map she sent. Grateful to Adam for steering us in the right direction.

There was quite a small group gathered. I think we had the most family and George's family was represented with four of his four sons and one daughter, Rebecca. Here are some photos:

David, James, Rebecca, Terry, and Gail

Some of the descendants of George Oran Lambson with their spouses. Later, Marin, Rebecca and Brent's daughter-in-law brought her four children, including her baby daughter Addy who is a month older than Charlie. There are three Adalyn's in our family:

Darrel's, Jason and Marin's, and Jasmine's.

The entire group gathered today, descendants of Frank Bates Lambson and Annie Laurie Mangum. Thanks to Laurie Thomas, Uncle Gene's adopted daughter, for organizing this event. She loves family so much!

Some highlights of this gathering:

- The sprinklers came on and Laura got soaked. I got wet too but nothing like Laura.

- Laurie brought a photo quilt and we looked at old family photos.

- I spoke with Lee's daughter Debbie Connolly. She has had cancer in her eye and other health issues.

- Wendy, Cathi's daughter came late. She was just diagnosed with breast cancer as was Cathi's sister Pam. Wendy lives in Gilbert and has two children, Kylie and Colton. She is Stacy's age. My heart goes out to her.

- The boys played football and Ruby and Lola got grandpa to push them on the swings.

- I told Darrel I thought Aaron would be there but he had to work. Thanks for coming anyway Darrel.

- Kit's wife Kristine is expecting their first baby, a girl. She is due on December 5th but is having a c-section on November 20th. How exciting to have a baby for Thanksgiving.

- We loved seeing Gail! He ate almost as much cranberry celebration as James did.

- It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect!

Since Creme de la Chocolat is right around the corner Darrel suggested we go there afterwards, which we did. Addy, Ruby, Lola and I all got ice cream. Darrel and James abstained. James said we could get ice cream at McDonald's and it would be much cheaper. I had an ice cream cone dipped in hazelnut chocolate. It was good! The people who own this place and in Darrel and Trina's old ward. They are from Canada. Glad that Darrel wanted to support them as I know how he feels about Canada. Too bad Trina couldn't be with us as I know she loves this place but she had to work. Rowan went home with Sheri.

When we got back to Darrel's James and I began packing to go home. Addy helped me carry my suitcase downstairs. Somehow I forgot my cosmetic suitcase and left it in Rowan's bedroom which I discovered when we got home to Vernon. Luckily the Dollar Store has makeup, hairspray, and curling irons. I made a trip there as soon as we got home.

James seems so happy to be home. We walk, eat, put stuff away, and watch a new Hallmark movie, "Merry Christmas, Eve," starring Leann Rhimes. Of course she had to sing. She has a good voice and is a pretty good actress, I'm just not a fan of her as a person since she left her newly wed husband for another man. I guess I am a little judgmental.

I love walking by the fire!

The many faces of Charlie:

Scarlett should be a model, she

seems to love to pose!

Friday, November 9th, 2018

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

John 7:42

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6

* What blessings are promised to those who pay their tithing?

- Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God. Obedience to this law brings the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10-12. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithing: "I suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime meber or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings. First, do so for the sake of your children. Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God's rightful due. This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithing and offerings. We should pay them as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. Through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually." (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33-35).

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 9-10

Old Testament

Ezekiel 32-34

General Conference

One in Christ

Elder Ulisses Soares

"My beloved companions in the work of the Lord, I believe we can do much better and should do better in welcoming new friends into the Church."

I woke up around 4 this morning worrying about my tooth. I finally went back to sleep and slept until after 7. I very rarely do this at home.

Trina, Darrel and the kids all leave so James and I are home alone. James is working on the computer. He takes a break and we walk around the block a few times.

At 9:50 I left for my infusion appointment at AARA. James stayed to work on getting ready for his meeting this afternoon about the Quintevero residence.

I got a text from Kacey while I was on the freeway. President Nelson and Elder Bednar are coming to San Antonio on November 18th and Summer gets to go! How exciting! I remember the first time I saw a prophet when I went to MIA conference in Salt Lake when I was about 16. I remember how I felt when President McKay walked into the tabernacle. We had been told that he was too ill to come, but he came and it became so quiet you could hear a pen drop. I remember waiting outside with my friend Clara Lynn for him to leave. When he came outside we all sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet," while he walked to his car. He started to come over to shake hands with the crowd but his bodyguard stopped him. It is a memory I will never forget.

I also remember meeting President Kimball after the Mesa temple was re-dedicated in 1975. Everyone waited for him to come out of the temple for awhile and then people began to leave. I told James we should go around in the back to the underground drive where the black limo was parked. We did and we shook hands with President Kimball. It was us and one other person. We had him all to ourselves. I remember he said, "Thank you."

I am very excited for Summer and wish Jared's kids would go but because of their situation right now it is highly doubtful.

Frances set up my IV. Angie was the other nurse. I guess Frances is becoming a nurse and wants to get lots of practice. My infusion lasted an hour and afterwards James asked me to go to the Jiminez's to pick up the $200 Sal owes us. I did, and then headed back to Darrel and Trina's.

James talked about going to lunch and then changed his mind because he said he had been snacking so much so I heated up my Olive Garden leftovers and then I had one of Trina's delicious cookies before my nap.

When I got up from my nap James was on the phone. It was about 3 o'clock and I knew James had a meeting at 4:30 so I grabbed the keys and told him I would be back by 4. I drove to Walmart to get some card games for Ruby and Lola and I to play.

I ended up buying more than I planned. I bought a couple of pair of cheap canvas shoes and a pair of pants for myself. I bought three card games, War, Crazy Eight's, and Old Maid. I also got some notebooks and pens for James and I. One of my notebooks was a bullet journal. It's red so I am using it for Christmas. I made it back just before James had to leave for his meeting. I planned on working on my blog while I was home alone. The first thing I noticed was my mouse and mouse pad were missing. James took them with him! My computer does not work good without a mouse, especially when I try to download photos, so I went for a walk instead of working on my blog. I walked around the block about 3 times before Trina and the girls got home. Rowan is at Sheri's for Evan's party.

Ruby and I played Old Maid, Crazy 8's, and War. Lola played Old Maid with Trina and Darrel when Darrel got home. That called the Old Maid granny. Lola was happy that her dad got stuck with the granny. When James got home we all loaded up in big Bertha and went to one of Trina's favorite places to eat, "Backyard Taco."

I got the carne asada stuffed quesadilla which was very good but did not have any cheese on it which I thought was weird for a quesadilla. The weather was so nice we all sat outside on the patio.

James was supposed to give Max a blessing and he asked Darrel if he would assist. We all drove over to Sheri's just as they were getting ready to sing Happy Birthday to Evan. He had his favorite cake, the chocolate cake from Costco.

Happy 12th Birthday, Evan!

Alex and Shayna were at Sheri's. Sheri was stressed and had been crying because she doesn't know how much insulin to give Max before going to bed. If she gives him too much she is afraid he will get too low before morning. They really didn't tell her much at the doctor's. They are going back on Tuesday. Eventually Max will be on the pump but they want him to give himself shots for a month. He will have a pump connected to Sheri's phone so she w

ill know if he gets low in the middle of the night. Adam needs one of those!

James asked Max if he wanted a blessing tonight or if he wanted us to come back in the morning. Max said morning so we said our goodbyes and left. I gave Sheri a big hug and told her I loved her.

Rowan stayed until later. Darrel will come back and get him because Darrel and Trina don't like sleepovers for their kids unless they are at grandma's house.

On the way home Darrel told us that Jodi Aries used to live in their neighborhood. He also said that one of their neighbors had disappeared and the police came by the other day and asked Trina if she had seen the neighbor. No she hadn't. Freaky. In spite of all of this news James and I stilled braved it and went outside for a walk before going to bed.