Wednesday, January 9th, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Acts 13:33

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:16-8:15

After being beaten, mocked, and persecuted by his brothers, Nephi did "frankly forgive them." How can we find it in ourselves to forgive those who have hurt us?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:28-35

Why did the Savior need to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father?

President Russell M. Nelson explained that the Atonement of Jesus Christ "required a personal sacrifice by an immortal being not subject to death. Yet He must die and take up His own body again. The Savior was the only one who could accomplish this. From His mother He inherited power to die. From His Father He obtained power over death."

General Conference

One in Christ

Elder Ulisses Soares

"We have long been taught how we can help our new friends to feel welcome and loved in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. They need three things so they may remain strong and faithful throughout their lives: First, the need brothers and sisters in the Church who are sincerely interested in them, true and loyal friends to whom they can constantly turn, who will walk beside them, and who will answer their questions. As members, we should always be attentive and look for new faces when attending Church activities and meetings, regardless of the responsibilities, assignments, or concerns we may have. We can do simple things to help these new friends feel embraced and welcome in the Church, such as giving a warm greeting, smiling sincerely at them, sitting together to sing and worship, introducing them to other members, and so forth. As we open our hearts to our new friends in some of these ways, we are acting in the spirit of ministering. When we minister to them like the Savior did, they won't feel like 'strangers within our gates.' They will feel like they can fit in and make new friends, and most importantly, they will feel the Savior's love through our genuine care."

My life consists right now of remembering when to take what pill and finding soft foods to eat. I am taking amoxicillin as my antibiotic, and 600 mg of ibrupropen and 5 mg of hydrocodone for pain. I've stopped taking my tramadol for the time being.

These are some of the foods I ate today: yogurt, applesauce, pudding, refried beans with sour cream, a shake, tomato soup, and chocolate milk. I don't think I am going to starve.

James and I are reading "The Captain's Daughter" by Jennifer Delamere. The chapters are quite long so I am holding it down to two chapters a day although James asks for more.

James and I both made calls to Amazon sellers help line today. One of the books I ordered is not sellable on Amazon and I wanted to know why. I never got a straight answer. I also wanted to know why the last shipment of books I sent in was still labeled out-of-stock on our inventory page. The man I spoke to said they just received it and when they get them all processed that will change to active. I hope so. When James called about something they referred to the seller page where he could send an email. I don't think we are any longer going to be able to speak to an actual person to get sellers help. This is frustrating to me because half the time I can't figure out how to communicate in the help section.

Our next box of books is now ready to go.

Chuck came over and took our garbage to the dump for us today. We didn't have much but it sure is nice to have such a thoughtful neighbor looking out for us.

Did I mention that I am not supposed to sneeze or blow my nose because my implant is very close to my sinuses. That is a very hard thing to do and I have had a couple of "accidents." At least I don't have a sinus infection like James does.

I spoke to my friend Tamara who is the librarian at the Vernon library. I asked her if they ever have book sales. She says all the time. They have $1.00 books and a room full of books for ten cents. I told her we would be coming by to check it out and that our goal was to put 100 books a month online to sell.

This evening we watched one of the movies we have owned for awhile and never watched. It's called, "The Longest Ride." Scott Eastwood, Clint's son is one of the stars. He is a bull rider. Alan Alda is also in the moving and plays an older man who tells about his "long ride" with the love of his life, his wife Ruth. There was one risque part, that was totally unnecessary because otherwise it would have been a very enjoyable movie. I guess that's why I like Hallmark movies because you know they are not going to be risque. You are excited when the couple finally has their first kiss!

 She has the cutest laugh!

Peek-a-boo

 I love this quilt!

 Books, books, books everywhere!

 So many views of the Idaho Falls temple

Tuesday, January 8th, 2019

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Psalms 2:7

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

* The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi. Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

New Testament

Matthew 1; Luke 1; Who were Matthew and Luke?

General Conference

Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"A husband and wife who have consistently and happily followed the counsel of the Brethren in their lives were grieved by the difficulty they experienced in having children. They expended substantial funds working with competent medical professionals, and, after a time, they were blessed with a son. Tragically, however, after only about a year, the baby was the victim of an accident that we no one's fault but that left him semicomatose, with significant brain damage. He has received the best of care, but doctors cannot predict how things will unfold going forward. The child this couple worked and prayed so hard to bring into the world has in a sense been taken away, and they don't know if he will be returned to them. They struggle now to care for the baby's critical needs while meeting their other responsibilities. In this supremely difficult moment, they have turned to the Lord. They rely on the daily bread they receive from Him. They are aided by compassionate friends and family and strengthened by priesthood blessings. They have drawn closer to one another, their union perhaps now deeper and more complete than might otherwise have been possible."

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Bishop Dean M. Davies

" As with the early Saints, so it is with us today: the Lord has revealed and continues to reveal to the President of the Church the patterns by which the kingdom of God is to be directed in our day. And, at a personal level, he provides guidance as to how each of us should direct our lives, such that our conduct may likewise be acceptable to the Lord."

Nothing to eat or drink since midnight, not even an Icebreaker. 

Trina was juicing celery this morning in the kitchen for Darrel to take to work with him. I told the story of how when I first got arthritis a friend convinced me that if I drank fresh carrot juice it would help my arthritis. I drank so much carrot juice I turned orange. I told Ruby if she turned green like the Grinch I would know it was because she drank too much celery juice. 

We arrived at Dr. Shah's office right on time at 8:50. The first thing the receptionist asked me was for payment. I told her I had registered for Care Credit and was accepted so she ask for my card. I went out to the car and got the information I had but there was no card. This is becoming an embarrassing situation. The girl behind Dr. Shah's desk got Care credit on the line. I guess they had tried to send my card but they sent it to our physical address instead of our mailing address. They took the block off my account and everything was okay. 

My surgery was over before I knew it. I remember them taking me back and hooking me up to everything and Dr. Shah and the girls talking about snow because I told them there was two foot of snow where I live. The next thing I heard was, "Karen, we're all done." One of the girls took me back for an x-ray and then I was leaving with James. On the way out the doctors says, we got close to your sinus so no sneezing or blowing your nose until you two week appointment. I laughed and he said, no, I am serious.

We got back to Trina's and I realized my glass case had fallen out of my purse. James turned around and went back to get them, about 30 miles round trip. He also bought me mashed potatoes from Boston Market. I am supposed to be eating soft foods. I also had some yogurt, ice cream, a shake, and some pudding. 

I accidentally sneezed and it started some bleeding at the sight. Trina gave me some gauze and told me to bite down on it for 30 minutes which I did, and the bleeding stopped. 

James took a nap and we were on our way home. We stopped at McDonald's in Globe for ice cream but their ice cream machine is still broken.

We stopped to pick up Lyrica at the CVS in Show Low for James. The clerk said $406.27 and James handed him the credit card. I said, you do know what he said don't you? He says yes, $4.27. No, the clerk said, "$406.27. James says, "Oh, never mind." 

I sure hope he is ok without it.

So much of the snow has melted. Now we have mud and big puddles. Two bull elk run in front of us just before we turn to go up our hill. 

Once we get everything unloaded and put away James works on the book business while I work on my blog. We picked up a book James had ordered from the post office. Our goal is to post 100 books a month.

 Showing a little shoulder while she sleeps.

 Ruby almost ready for school.

She needs her shoes and her unicorn backpack.

Lola is almost ready too. She loves to walk

around brushing her teeth.

 Jackson's friend got a coatimundi.

Very rare in Arizona.

 James accidentally bought an ebook.

Thank goodness they refunded our money.

Cathi loves the beasts and the children.

Monday, January 7th, 2019

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Colossians 1:22

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

* Lehi was filled with the Spirit as he began to read the plates. Which scripture really teaches you and why?

* The Nephites understood the importance of their genealogy. How has doing your family history made a difference in your life?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 1; Luke 1; "Be it unto Me according to Thy Word"

General Conference

Truth and the Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks

" We honor individual agency. Second, we are a missionary people. We esteem all mortals as children of God and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone. Mortal life is sacred to us. Some are troubled by some of our Church's positions on marriage and children. Our knowledge of God's revealed plan of salvation requires us to oppose current social and legal pressures to retreat from traditional marriage and to make changes that confuse or alter gender or homogenize the differences between men and women. 

We also have a distinctive perspective on children. We look on the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God's plan and a joyful and sacred duty of those given the power to participate in it. In our view, the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity. Therefore, we must teach and contend for principles and practices that provide the best conditions for the development and happiness of children - all children."

I sent an email to Ben this morning on our way in to Show Low. We left the house at 9 o'clock. James dropped me off at Walmart to get my prescriptions filled for my post-implant surgery. There are four of them; amoxicillin, 600 mg ibruprofen, and 5 mg hydrocodone, plus a mouthwash. 

While I was in Walmart James went to the gas station to get the car washed, something we normally do before going to the valley.

As James drove away the card was making a load rubbing sound as it does when the wheel wells are full of mud. I guess at the carwash James had to cut the plastic cover for the gas tank off because it was dragging on the ground. I guess we are going to have to order a new one.

Our first stop once we got to the valley was at Darrel and Trina's. All of the kids and Darrel were gone, except Rowan who had an orthodontist appointment today. Lola had dance earlier and now she is at a friend's house and Ruby and Addy are at school. Rowan helped us unload our car. We visited with Trina and Rowan a little. Darrel had texted me earlier and told me that Rowan was the new deacon's quorum president in their ward. I guess lots of those 29 deacons moved up and are now in the teacher's quorum.

I asked him if I should call him

President Lambson and he said no,

he prefers Rowan.

We left for James's doctor's appointment a little after two. It's not until 2:45 but it is clear on the other side of Tempe near Rio Salado and Riverton way. While James was in his appointment I did some walking down Beck St. This is where old meets new in Tempe. New modern apartment buildings and old houses and a corner grocery store. 

I walked for about an hour and a half. Because this area is close to ASU, I had a view of A mountain, there were motorized scooters all along the sidewalk. I was tempted to jump on one but I didn't. I should have got a picture though.

I did a little shopping at Rollins Market. I needed a snack. A diet A&W rootbeer and some miniature powdered donuts. What's the point of walking if you eat donuts afterwards?

We used our Cheesecake Factory gift card for an early dinner. We were both craving crab cakes. Now all they have is little bite-sized ones as an appetizer. We ordered one to share. We also enjoyed the bread basket with the sourdough and whole grain bread. I ordered steak medallions with mashed potatoes with tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus. James had salmon but he said it was not as good as Olive Garden's. No room for dessert. (The donuts were my dessert).

We got back to Trina's around 5:30, just in time to go with her and the kids to the movies. We had planned on seeing "Mary Poppins Returns." James and Rowan ended up going to see the new spiderman movie, "Spider-Verse." (Not sure if that's right, but close enough).

As we were leaving the movies I was walking behind Trina and Addy and realized how much they look alike, especially from the back. During the movie I had the privilege of sitting by Lola and Ruby and sharing my popcorn with them. Lola and I both liked the bathtub scene the most in the movie. Ruby liked at the end when the people were hanging on to balloons and floating in the air.

When Darrel got home from work he and James gave me a priesthood blessing because I am a little nervous about my implant tomorrow.

Helping mom clean the car.

 Christmas lights linger at this house.

Sunday, January 6th, 2019

Mount Timpanogos, Utah

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 October 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Jonah 1:17

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

New Testament

Lesson 2 - Matthew 1; Luke 1; "Be it unto me according to Thy Word."

General Conference

Gather Together in One All Things in Christ

Elder David A. Bednar

""The purpose and purification, the happiness and joy, and the continuing conversion and protection that come from 'yielding our hearts unto God' and 'receiving his image in our countenances' cannot be obtained merely by performing and checking off all the spiritual things we are supposed to do. Rather, the power of the Savior's gospel to transform and bless us flows from discerning and applying the interrelatedness of its doctrine, principles, and practices. Only as we gather together in one all things in Christ, with firm focus upon Him, can gospel truths synergistically enable us to become what God desires us to become and endure valiantly to the end."

Stacy shared that Jared Ammon recently gave her a hug. This is a huge improvement over how he has treated her in the past year. Prayers really are answered.

I stopped my studies this morning to help James with his Primary lesson. I told him I would help him give it if he still had laringitis. I think he is going to be able to give it though. The steroids are finally kicking in. 

During sacrament meeting today I pondered on what my goals should be this year in the following areas: 1) Health, eating and exercise, 2) Finances, budgeting, less spending, pay down loan, 3) Family History and Temple work, weekly research and temple attendance, and daily blog 4) Family unity and relationships, less criticism, more praise, patient and kind, 5) Clean and organize my home, 6) Create: cards, table runners, caligraphy 7) Book Business 8) Relief Society 9) Gospel study. Just a rough draft of some of my goals for the year.

Fast and testimony meeting was good and it lasted only an hour. There were more people in second hour than I have ever seen in the Vernon ward. If this continues we may have to move into the chapel. Sister Wood led the discussion on how we are responsible for our own learning. Lots of good scriptures and discussion.

After our meetings James and I went to the Peeler's so James and Owen could administer the sacrament to Donna. Kathy Crane was there too.  Donna is suffering from nerve pain and she can't be on Lyrica because of her diabetes. She has an appointment later in the month with her nerve doctor and then with Dr. Crandall, James's doctor.

 It was Mr. Toad's wild ride up our hill and our driveway again. 
Before we broke our fast we expressed our desire for greater family unity in living the gospel in our home and each of our children's homes. 

I made roast beef and swiss subs for lunch. They were delicious. James went down for a nap after lunch. We got some more snow but none of it is sticking. Later we got some sunshine which helped to melt some of the snow. 

This evening we read from the Book of Mormon together and studied the second "Come Follow Me" lesson. James emailed Ben. I will email him in the morning. 

I finally finished my blog for 2018. I got a text from Sheri asking if we could stay at Darrel or Trina's or Cathi's when we come down tomorrow. I guess Max doesn't want to give up his room. She apologized for his selfishness but I told her it was okay and that I didn't want him to resent us. I was sure we could stay with Darrel and Trina.