Tuesday, January 1st, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mormon 9:13

And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

New Testament

We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

My breakfast consisted of lemon cake, banana nut bread, which Sheri and I made yesterday, and biscuits and gravy. In my defense I didn't know the biscuits and gravy were coming but I couldn't pass them up when they did. Brian brought an elk roast and he cut it up and James made the gravy and Brian made the best biscuits, Pillsbury frozen.

Looks a mess but tastes great!

Kim is working on her puzzle, Sheri is watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, and Ian is upstairs reading a book. It looks and feels like we are snowed in. We got more snow during the night but we really don't care. I was trying to blog for December 24th but something was wrong with blogger or my internet connection so I finally gave up and sat down and watched Sheri's movie. 

Michael built a fire this morning and kept it going throughout the day. I think he might have been a little cold. The boys played video games, football, and went sledding. Kim, Brian, and Sheri shoveled snow on the decks and there was a ton! Thanks guys! Kim had a backache the rest of the day and that made me sad.

Kerri H. brought the birthday cards for the sisters having birthdays in January for me to sign. She got stuck two times. I hated to ask him but I did ask James if he would help her. 

Our neighbor Pierre had his tractor out clearing the road and he helped get her "unstuck" the first time. She came up to turn around in our driveway and got stuck again.  This time James got her out. I think she thought her four-wheel drive truck was invincible but she found out that it wasn't.

The boys went sledding but I think the snow got the best of them too.

 Instead of putting their wet clothes in front

of the fire I had them go directly to the 

laundry room and then I dried the clothes

for them.

The first thing they wanted when they came in was some hot chocolate. Here is Joshua putting an icicle in his hot chocolate to cool it down.

Michael and Max playing a game of chess.

Max won.

I made sub sandwiches for lunch. One for James, Ian, Kim, Brian, and myself.

James, Michael, and Max went to Dave Elkins to check on his water to see if it was frozen. The snow was so deep they couldn't find the shut-off valve.

 Who is that masked man?

Max

Michael

Sorry Mr. Elkin, but everything is covered with snow. It's a marshmallow world in the winter time.

I found one of my old dream journals from 2010 in the cupboard today. I had written down for several days some of the dreams that I had. I shared them with Kim and we had a good laugh. I am writing from Darrel and Trina's right now so I don't have the journal with me. One of the funniest was Trisha Yearwood leaving Garth Brooks for Ryan Seacrest. I will share more when I get home.

Sheri made shrimp and tilapia for dinner. I had been snacking all day so I did not eat much dinner. James, and Michael made another cobbler. This time Max assisted. We took a vote and decided on blueberry and peach. 

The kitchen is a gathering place and everyone

adds their opinion. Sheri loved this one better

than the blueberry-apple. I preferred the

blueberry-apple, but this one was good too.

Kim loved the fact that it had peaches in it.

Sheri and I were watching a movie in the bedroom and realized we

should invite Kim even though she was working on her puzzle.

She declined but said she was glad that we thought of her.

A daily dose of Charlie makes everything better.

As I set goals for the new year here are some
things to consider:

I love Mother Teresa!

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

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