OUR FAMILY

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Monday, December 31st, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 11:2

And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Finished!

#2 - Finished!

Old Testament

Finished!

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."

Happy 45th Birthday Kim!

Kim and her Guys

Sheri and I got ready and left for town this morning around 8 a.m. before Kim and Brian got here. Sheri was going to go running at 7 but it was just too cold and windy. It looks like we are going to get some more snow. We are worried about Kim and Brian making it up over the rim in Chloe (their car). We did not know that they saw Chris Cameron, Merrilee Bogle's husband, at the temple yesterday and he loaned them his truck. Brian said it was a tender mercy that he was not going to accept until he felt prompted that he should.

Sheri and I need to get some groceries, propane so we can use our smoker, and gas for the Razr. Our first stop was at the Maverick station in Show Low to get drinks. Sheri wanted to know why we were going to the Show Low Walmart and I told her because I needed to pick up my thyroid prescription, Levothyroxin. I ended up forgetting to do this so I will have to come back later in the week.

I wanted to get either a brisket or some ribs to cook in the smoker tomorrow. The briskets were huge and cost almost $50 so I got ribs instead. Probably not enough for everyone for a meal but this is an experiment. I got two racks of baby backs because that's all they had and one rack of beef. Sheri got more sub rolls for sandwiches.

Our next stop after Walmart was Stanford. Sheri stayed at the gas pump and was trying to get gas for the Razr but the credit/debit wasn't working so I took her card inside. It is freezing and windy by the way. I had to wait in line but had the clerk run the card. I went back to Sheri and it still wasn't working. This time she went in and I got in the line outside for propane. Propane is a hot commodity in this community where many rely on it for their heat. When it was finally my turn the guy filled my tanks and I lifted them and put them in the back of my car. No easy feat for me, especially in the cold but he did not offer to help.

Next I went inside and ordered some lunchmeat and cheese from the deli. When I finally checked out, which took about ten minutes because the guy was so slow, it cost me over $65 for propane and lunchmeat and cheese. Oh dear. I did get quite a bit of meat and cheese so I guess we will be having sub sandwiches for awhile.

When we got home Michael carried in most of the groceries. Finding a place to put all of our stuff is tricky, especially in the refrigerator.

We know that Kim and Brian are on their way. It is snowing again so we are praying for their safe arrival.

While Sheri and I were gone to town the boys and Ian helped James get some wood in. Ian and Michael helped James with the woodsplitter and the boys carried it over to the porch in the Razr and stacked. We now have wood to last for awhile. Thanks guys!

Ok, so it's not stacked neatly, at least it's dry.

I forgot to mention that Sheri bought a big bucket of chicken for everyone at KFC on the way home. It lasted about 10 minutes before it was all gone. I guess chopping and hauling wood makes you hungry. Ian and James each got a container of coleslaw, there were also biscuits and potato wedges.

We were so happy when Kim and Brian got here. It was a great blessing that Chris allowed them to bring his truck. I'm not sure they would have made it up our hill without it. Later in the day they closed all the roads north of Payson because of snow. Many people were stranded in Payson.

We had steak for dinner again. James cooked ours and Michael did everyone else's. He used the cast iron skillet and cooked them with butter and garlic like before. Sheri had enough steaks to feed Kim and Brian. They were going to stop at Safeway for food for tonight but they came straight here instead.

Michael cooking steak

We sang Happy Birthday to Kim. Brian brought up a cake and I got some ice cream at the store today.

After the celebration Kim worked on the new Dowdle puzzle we got her.

We had more sledding, fires, and movies today. They boys stayed up to celebrate the new year but I'm not sure that anyone else did.

This sweet baby is reason to celebrate!

Instant replay of the latest sledding adventure.

45 candles is a lot!

There she blows!

Kim trying on the hooded coat blanket

Ian got for Christmas from his mom.

Joshua ready for some snow

Putting their wet clothes by the fire.

Wisemen

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Sunday, December 30th, 2018

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 9:22
Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have take it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.
Book of Mormon
#1 - Finished!
#2 - Finished!
General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The Savior showed by example what it means to minister as He served out of love. ...He...taught, prayed for, comforted, and blessed those around Him, inviting all to follow Him.... As Church members minister in a higher and holier way, they prayerfully seek to serve as He would - to 'watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,' 'visit the house of each member,' and help each become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.'"

Stacy was going to take her car to church but decided to ride with us instead. Sheri complained that dad followed her too closely and it made her nervous. I think she was nervous because she is not used to driving in the snow.

The last week to sing Christmas carols for awhile. Today we sang: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Away in a Manger."

Ty A. was the youth speaker today. He spoke on the 4th verse of "I Am a Child of God." He focused on the phrase that says, "His promises are sure." In Mosiah 29:20 it says the people were delivered out of bondage because they cried mightily to God. He talked about Christ's enduring to the end and if He had not we would not have the Atonement. He ended by bearing his testimony.

Anne Miller spoke about how the Book of Mormon has blessed her life and some of the promises President Nelson made to the women of the Church if they would read it again. He said the heavens would be opened and we would have increased inspiration and revelation. "Be still and know that I am God." Take time to feel the joy. Follow the prophet, come unto Christ, experience redemption through repentance and the Holy Messiah.

Bishop Miller also spoke. He talked about the 2,000 stripling warriors and how they were taught by their mothers and the increased emphasis today of the importance of mothers and fathers teaching in the home. Sometimes in the midst of our trials we don't see that we "are doing it." Example of Anne giving birth to Uriah and saying, "I can't do this."

During the second hour Brother Scott gave the Sunday School lesson. Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Michael, and Joshua all went home after sacrament meeting. Stacy stayed and went to Sunday School with me and then Michael came and got her. On the way back to the cabin they slid off in the snow because of cross country skiers. It's okay because the skiers helped them get back on the road.

During the third hour Bishop Miller conducted and we had a discussion about the upcoming year and the new church schedule.
He talked about who is responsible for temple and family history work in the ward now and missionary work. Sean Hunsaker and Kerri Halcomb are over missionary work and Blain Curtis and myself are responsible for temple and family history work. Bishop said, "Family history has helped me as a bishop help people with addictions. Family stories change our lives. Temple and family hisotyr work is vital in helping people feel the Spirit and change their lives." It was a good meeting. Brother Skousen said that he is excited for the changes because change means growth.

I blogged and watched Christmas movies this afternoon. Michael and Max watched the Seahawks and Cardinals game. The Seahawks, Michael's team, won. Max was not too upset because now the Cardinal's get a first round draft pick.

Sheri fixed roast, potatoes, and carrots and rolls for dinner. Another delicious roast.

Stacy came home from church and took a nap and then she left for home. It's supposed to snow some more tonight and she does not want to take the chance that she won't be able to get out. Shipley and Vader went home with her but Michael and Joshua stayed here and will came home with the Trezise's on Thursday.

Kim and Brian are coming up tomorrow. They had a temple wedding to go to today.

This evening we had a gospel discussion based on part of the first lesson in the family and individual "Come Follow Me" manual. We read Matthew 13:1-23, the parable of the sower and discussed it. I felt like we had a good discussion and Ian participated a lot. I like it when we have family here and we study the gospel together.

I emailed Ben and told him about it. I guess he studied the same thing today.

Scarlett, already to go

These are some of the clothes we gave

Charlie when we went to Texas. She

looks so cute!

Playing Apples to Apples and watching TV

Not sure what is happening in this picture.

Back in Chandler it looks like Alex is

thinking about something and G-pa is

demonstrating something with his fingers.

G-pa says they were talking about truth and

philosophy.

Now that's a good piece of advice from a

wise philospher.

Stacy posted this on Facebook

Saturday, December 29th, 2018

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28-30 1987 Aug

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 6:20

And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.

Book of Mormon
#1 - Moroni 9:1-19
#2 - Moroni 8-10
General Conference

Now Is The Time

Elder Jack N. Gerard

"Unless we take the time to reflect, we may not realize the impact of this fast-paced environment on our daily lives and the choices we make. We may find our lives consumed with bursts of information packaged in memes, videos, and glaring headlines. Although interesting and entertaining, most of these have little to do with our eternal progress, and yet they shape the way we view our mortal experience."

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and the frosting (snow) is falling off the trees. Michael ran four miles this morning. I'm so proud of Joshua for shoveling the snow off the front porch in preparation for the Trezise's coming today.

James made biscuits and gravy for lunch. It was a little early because Stacy, who fasts most of the morning, was starving and she says this is her favorite meal.

This afternoon Michael and I met Sheri at Maverick. Ian drove Max and Evan to the cabin in the van and Sheri, Michael and I went shopping at the Walmart in Taylor. I saw Brother Hatch, one of the temple recorders doing his shopping.

Brrrr...It is sun shiny but windy and cold today. I got gas at the Circle K next to Walmart and was going to wash my windshield but the water was frozen.

Things are getting a little crowded in our kitchen with Stacy and Sheri setting their food out on the counter and everyone sharing the frig and freezer. Luckily Sheri brought an ice chest and we put that in the garage.

I cooked the other roast I bought in the crockpot and we had it for dinner with leftover mashed potatoes. It was delicious.

Stacy watched Galaxy Quest this evening and then Michael found the Maverick DVD and everyone watched that while Sheri and I were in the bedroom watching Christmas movies. Michael wanted to watch Ratouille. I realized I didn't have it so I ordered one...oops I accidentally ordered two. I guess I can give it to Michael for his birthday.

Michael and James made a blueberry, apple cobbler this evening. It was delicious! We didn't have any 7-Up so they used red cream soda and it turned out pink.

Michael staring at the pink with white

polka dots cobbler.

It's the taste that matters and it

was delicious!

2018 pictures of Palmer, Autumn

and Scarlett

I think Charlie might be looking

for her teeth.

She looks so cute in the dress Lois made her.

Of course, she looks cute in anything.

Ready to play in the snow. Michael pulled

them around on our sled behind the Razr.

They had a blast, except the snow does fly

back in the face of whomever is riding.

Ian showing me his wireless ear phones.

He loves reading and listening to Brandon

Sanderson books on his Audible account.

The Umphresses got hover boards for

Christmas

This happened a few days later.

Friday, January 4, 2019

Friday, December 28th, 2018

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-28 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Death of

Helaman 14:14

And behold, again, another sign I give unto you yea, a sign of his death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 8:1-30

#2 - Moroni 5-7

General Conference

Choose You This Day

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Christ's advocacy is, at least in part, to remind us that He has paid for our sins and that no one is excluded from the reach of God's mercy. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized, and endure to the end - a process that leads to reconciliation - the Savior forgives, heals, and advocates. He is our helper, consoler, and intercessor - attesting to and vouching for our reconciliation with God."

We got more snow during the night. Now there is 8". Joshua went out and shoveled snow off the sidewalk.

Michael put on his workout clothes and even though it was very cold outside he went for a run.

I like the purple Mikey, especially the shoes!

Shipley and Vader love the snow, especially Vader.

I worked on my 2019 budget today.

Michael and Joshua went for a Razr ride but it was snowing so much they had to come back.

I had leftover steak and a roll for lunch. James made steak, eggs, potatoes, and toast.

Stacy worked on the Starry Night puzzle and watched the movie, "I Walk the Line." The movie is a little depressing for me but Stacy loves it and says it is about redemption. It is but I just don't think it's a good movie to watch with your kids.

Stacy's car is covered with snow and she was afraid it was going to be stuck so James moved it for her. He almost got it stuck but was able to park it on the driveway. We now have 13" of snow. Are we snowed in?