OUR FAMILY

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Tuesday, December 25th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 11:42

Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 6:1-7:19

#2 - Ether 10-12

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"During mortality, Heavenly Father provides us with the conditions we need to progress within His plan. The Father begot Jesus Christ in the flesh and provided Him with divine help to fulfill His mortal mission. Heavenly Father will likewise help each of us if we will strive to keep His commandments. The Father gives us agency. Our lives are in His hands, and our 'days are known' and 'shall not be numbered less.' And He ensures that eventually all things work for the good of those who love Him."

Merry Christmas!

We got up around 6:30. Alex took a shower and then the boys "opened the Christmas room."

After all the gifts are unwrapped, James, Sheri, and I start breakfast. James and I are making biscuits and gravy with venison and Sheri is making bacon. Stacy brought bacon too, Trina brought eggs and German pancakes, and Kim and Brian brought juice. There was plenty of food. Those attending this Christmas extravaganza: Sheri, Ian, Alex, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Joe, Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Michael, Dallin, Sarah, and Adam, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola. Those were the people. The dogs included: Ollie, Shipley, Vader, and Dallin and Sarah's dog, Charlie.

Christmas Day in the morning: Chandler

Whitehouse, Texas

After breakfast in Chandler:

Some people went outside to play in the backyard

and others lounged around on the couch.

Sarah, Dallin, Charlie, and Joe. Stacy by the door.

After everyone had left we cleaned up and waited for Ben's phone call. The minute I saw he face on Sheri's phone screen I began to tear up. We talked to him for a few minutes but the Trezise's talked for an hour.

Ben and Elder Nelson in the same sweater.

Before leaving Sheri's Gail came down and visited with James. I think he was in town for Christmas and to see Kit's baby. He wanted to make sure James was ok after his back surgery.

I packed up our car and we said our goodbye's and headed for Darrel and Trina's. We wanted to see their Christmas presents and visit for a few minutes.

Here we are in Mesa at Darrel and Trina's new house. They are in the drywall phase. Hopefully they will be able to move in sometime in March or early April.

At their rental where they now live:

Ruby got a robe, slippers, and a bunny mug.

Lola on the move. Notice that she is barefooted.

Lots of things to ride this year.

I don't think she ever got it out of the driveway.

So fun!

I drove to the McDonald's in Globe, which was open by the way, and James drove the rest of the way home. He had said we would be home by 4:30 but it was actually 4:36.

I begin unpacking and putting everything away. Although we had a great time celebrating with family, it is nice to be home. Here is a list of the Christmas gifts I received:

From Lois and Dawn - An Amazon gift card for $30, a runner for the table and three aprons that Lois made. President Nelson's book, The Teachings of Russell M. Nelson and a DVD about his life from Kim and Brian. A loopy case for my phone, a family photo, and an Olive Garden gift card from Sheri and Ian. Scotch mellows and a $50 Cheesecake Factory card from Darrel and Trina. Family photos and serving at the Salvation Army from Jared and Kacey. A beautiful garnet/diamond necklace from James. It was a wonderful Christmas and has been a great year.

Such a sweet family!

I love this picture!

Christmas wouldn't be complete without sweet Charlie!

Merry Christmas from some of our friends:

The Harding's

The Morrison's and Johnson's

Pam's dad and the Grinch

The Wilhelm's and Ellsworth's

Bishop Miller and family

Monday, December 24th, 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-25 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 7:12

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.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 1-5

#2 - Ether 7-9

Old Testament

Finished

General Conference

Try, Try, Try

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, described a way we might build upon the Rock of our Redeemer and put the Lord's name upon our hearts to guide us through our trials. He said:

'You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that "with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. You can qualify to speak in the sacred name of God (see DC 1:20)."

Sheri, Darrel and Trina have had a tradition of taking their kids to hike A mountain on Christmas Eve. This morning Sheri took Alex, Max, and Evan. Michael and Joshua met them there. Trina waited until this afternoon when Darrel was off work.

The hiking crew

Pondering the future

This is the group that went a few years ago.

After the hike they normally go for lunch at the Mellow Mushroom on Mill Avenue. This year it was closed so Sheri took them to Steaks and Shakes. She didn't want anything but later went to Elmer's in Chandler. She called and asked if we wanted anything. I told her two machaca burros for tomorrow's dinner. Thanks Sheri!

James and I went shopping at the Gilbert Costco to look for the socks that Paul took home as part of his gift from the Christmas party. Adam wanted a pair for Kaitlin and I told him I would look at the Costco where I bought them but they were probably all gone. Sheri looked at the Costco in Chandler and we had no luck. Here is what they look like. There are actually two pairs one with faces and one without.

They remind me of Lamb Chop

This afternoon Sheri took Max, Evan, and Joshua to see the new animated Spiderman movie. Both Alex and Michael had to work this afternoon. While they were gone to the movie Cathi came over to bring us our Christmas present. Ollie was so excited to see her. He was sad when she left so I went out in the back yard with him to play. It was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature around 70.

Ian had to work today but he got home before dark. Sheri, James, Max, Evan, Ollie and I went for a mile walk across the street in the subdivision. Sheri asked us if we wanted to see the "leg" lamp like the one in the movie "The Christmas Story." Of course we said yes. It was bigger than I thought it would be.

Ian fixed us chicken legs for dinner. He made them in the "cooker" outside that his mom gave him. They were delicious.

Tonight Sheri, Ian, Max, and Evan opened their blankets from us and Max and Evan opened their pajamas from their parents. Ian also got pajamas for Sheri. Afterwards we watched most of the movie "Elf" before going to bed.

Evan wanted Sheri to wrap the living room but the paper kept falling and she gave up. Ian took over and used masking tape and did a great job.