Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

When have I been benefited by a blessing from either your father or another Priesthood holder?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 4:14-32

"Drawing Closer to God" Terence M. Vinson, 10/13

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Ronald A. Rasband

"Stand in holy places. When we stand in holy places - our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples - we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement."

When I woke this morning it was windy and there was a powdered sugar layer of snow on the ground. 

I ordered a gardening book online this morning. I think it will help get me in the mind frame to plant and as a result, to eat better. The only drawback is the fact that I used the credit card, something I don't want to do anymore.

I asked Sheri if she could get tickets to see President Nelson for Addy and Rowan. She called Dave who is in charge of the tickets in the stake and he said they were giving them away tonight at the stake center beginning at 7 p.m. Sheri went down and got two tickets. When she told Trina, Trina said Addy cried because she was so happy.

We listened to the Textbook Money webinar this morning and I actually like some of the things Luke said. "Price spread is important. When pricing books, look at other sellers, price your books based on the market. Price books to move and reprice when necessary. Check daily. You will sell. Buy based on profit, sell based on market. Amazon Prime is our only competitor. 

I made dinner for the Crane's today. Roast with carrots, celery, onions and fingerling potatoes. Rolls and brownies with walnuts. 

Kathy has experienced a great deal of pain. Recently she has been having muscle spasms in her back. Chuck had a bishopric training meeting at the stake center this evening so James took the dinner over at 5:00. Here is the text I got from Kathy:

"Oh my goodness! This looks wonderful. Thank you so very much.

This one from Chuck:

"Jim & Karen, thanks so very much for that wonderfully delicious meal you provided. It's so awesome to have such wonderful neighbors. We enjoyed this meal soooooo much. I actually stuffed myself. Thanks again!!!"

The Crane's are such good neighbors and do so much for us and others in the community and ward, I couldn't let this opportunity to do something for them pass us by.

Today I paid bills and worked on our yearly budget. It took me most of the day but I have a budget set up and a plan of how to implement it. It actually feels good to know I have a plan.

I went to bed thinking about money and how we need to make $2,000 a month in our book business so James can retire from Lambson Construction. 

Today we finished our book, "For a Lady's Favor" by Josi Kilpack and started an audio book, "Miss Snow", by Jennifer Moore.

 That's one way to get her to take a nap.

 Handling the carseat like a boss now.

Memories of Lola

2016 A day that Trina worked, Darrel took the kids

on an outing. 

 Hmmmm a black heart Valentine

 Nothing like pancakes on the patio for dinner.

I love her smile!

 This is the best picture of Maycee's puppy!

 Kate's quilt star

Monday, February 4th, 2019

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 5:7

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-2

How have the American continents been kept sacred?

"We know that as long we keep the commandments and there are more righteous people than evil ones...our country will be a land of liberty, and kept sacred by allowing religious freedom. The question today on how have the American continents been kept sacred...brought another thought...vs-6'None shall come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of God.' The Lord has held others back from settling until the time was right. Then in vs-8 'it is wisdom that this land be kept from the knowledge of other nations ... for behold many nations would overrun the land, and there would be no place for an inheritance.' Gods in charge of everything ... even lands being discovered .. to keep them sacred until their purpose." (sue_heugly)

New Testament

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

"To Draw Closer to God" Henry B. Eyring 4/91

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work"

Steven R. Bangerter

"Every parent faces moments of frustration and varying levels of determination and strength while raising children. However, when parents exercise faith by teaching children candidly, lovingly and doing all they can to help them along the way, they receive greater hope that the seeds being sown will take root within the hearts and minds of their children."

When I got up this morning, Addy, Rowan, and Ruby were all asleep on the couch and the TV screen was lit up. I guess they fell asleep watching a movie. The night before Addy came down because the wind was howling so loudly she got scared.

Rowan was dying to find some elk this morning. Since the Razr has a flat tire, he took out on foot with Ruby. After they were gone for awhile, Darrel and Addy took off in big Bertha towards Elk Hill to look for them. They were gone for awhile. When they returned Darrel said: "When we found them Ruby was wearing Rowan's coat because she got cold." That is how Rowan is, always thinking of others. 

Rowan said they saw lots of elk "sign" but no elk.

Meanwhile back at home after breakfast Lola wanted to watch "The Greatest Showman" and look at pictures of Charlie on my phone. 

For lunch I made the seven layer dip I had planned on making yesterday. It turned out quite well and even James said it was good.

My favorite was Trina's guacamole layer

We finished off the second cheesecake except for one piece. I really like it and it is so easy to make because it is no-bake. 

While Rowan watched "Hunt for the Wilder People" Trina, Darrel, Addy and I played "Five Crowns." Trina and Darrel kept trading in an out. I actually won this time.

It has been so nice to have Darrel and Trina here this weekend. I only wish the weather would have been nice and that the Razr didn't have a flat tire. Here are some of the other games that were popular with the kids. Since we were stuck mostly inside there was an opportunity for lots of games. Uno, match game, Life, Clue, Apples to Apples and Settlers.

I asked Trina if there was a holiday today that I didn't know about and she said no, they were all just taking the day off.

One of the things that I was sad about was that they did not get tickets for Addy and Rowan to see the prophet next week in Phoenix. Darrel said their stake got 800 tickets and there was a long waiting list. Trina said they just weren't part of the "in" group, whatever that is. I told Addy not to give up, she really wants to go, and to keep praying she would be able to go.

Before leaving around 4 pm, we took a picture in front of the fireside because it was too cold outside.

This is the only photo of all that we took

where everyone was smiling.

So the rest of the day we spent at home just puttering, walking, blogging, working, and watching TV. For FHE we listened to President Eyring's talk, "To Draw Closer to God" from the April 1991 general conference.

This is Ben's answer to the email I sent him today:

Part of Ben's email to Sheri:

There is a strong bond between these two.

 Grandpa is so proud, she pinned the dragon.

Lola's Valentine's for Charlie

Sunday, February 3rd, 2019

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 3:11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 22:11-31

What are some things you are looking forward to during the Second Coming and the Millennium?

New Testament 

Review and "Repentance" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, 10/11

General Conference

Lift Up Your Head and Rejoice

M. Joseph Brough

"Forgiving those who may have caused our hard thing and reconciling 'ourselves to the will of God' can be very difficult. It can hurt most when our hard thing is caused by a family member, a close friend, or even ourselves."

I forgot something very important in yesterday's blog. Sheri received a letter from Ben's mission president regarding Ben being chosen as a trainer after only being out five months. Here it is:

So sweet!

I fasted this morning and re-read Ben's January 21st letter about the Savior and I cried. I am so grateful that Ben is having these experiences on his mission and I wish all of my grandchildren could have spiritual experiences like he is having. 

Trina stayed home with Ruby and Lola this morning. It was windy and rainy and cold and she wanted to make sure Ruby was well. Darrel, Addy, and Rowan joined us at fast and testimony meeting. 

It does my heart good to see Andy W. bless the sacrament and Curtis Wilhelm pass the sacrament. Curtis just turned 11 in December. 

I felt the Spirit prompt me to bear my testimony, so I did. I lost control of my emotions as I told about Ben. Somehow I managed to finish and James said I did a good job. I am not so sure but I hope Heavenly Father knows that our family needed Ben right now and we are so grateful. Another blessing and gift our family needed is Charlie. We are so grateful for both of these blessings.

After sacrament meeting James was nervous about downloading a video for his class. While he went to singing time I went to his classroom and downloaded a video of the Savior's baptism for him. I really didn't need to download because he brought our wifi with him but I did anyway. He only had two children today, Andyn and Amaron. 

I went in to Sunday School where Sister Wood was teaching the lessong. I sat by Holly and Charlie Gordon. Pam seemed very organized in teaching the lesson and had the class divided into three groups, one to discuss John the Baptist, one to discuss Luke and one to discuss Mark.

When we got home I went in to change my clothes and hurried into the kitchen. I had told Ruby and Lola that I would make them waffles. I ended up making them for Addy, Rowan, and Darrel too.

I played a game of Five Crowns with Addy and Trina. This time I won!  Ruby felt much better today and asked if I wanted to play the match game. I suggested Uno instead. We played three rounds. I won two and Ruby one. Lola wanted me to play Barbie's so I said I would. We went over by the fireplace and Ruby showed up so I did not have to play too long. I needed a nap. 

I made two no-bake cheesecakes this afternoon using cream cheese and whipped cream with vanilla wafer crusts. They took six hours to set up so while we were waiting for them James and Rowan made a blackberry and cherry cobbler. James is so funny. He has to add almond extract, brown sugar, and oatmeal just to make it a little "fancy." Rowan made a great sou-chef. It turned out delicious!

Putting pats of butter on top of the cake mix.

While Darrel had the Super Bowl on Trina, the girls and I made Valentines. At one time James also joined in the fun. We peaked over and saw the half-time show with Adam Levine with his shirt off showing off his tatooes. I was not impressed. I did think that Gladys Knight to a good job singing the National Anthem. 

The Patriot's ended up beating the Rams 10-3. It was a bit of a boring game if you asked me. We would never have watched it if Darrel and Trina had not been here. This is the sixth Super Bowl win for Tom Brady so everyone is comparing him to Michael Jordan. Oh brother.

Trina put chicken in the crockpot and shredded it and put in bbq sauce for dinner. Darrel made hamburgers and hotdogs and with the desserts we had plenty to eat. The cobbler was delicious and everyone loved it. The cheesecake was mighty fine too. We ate one and left the other for tomorrow.

Sunday cuties

Lovebugs!

 Love the "Heart" Hog Ruby

 Lola made all of her valentines for her
best friend, Charlie.

Trina made this quilling flower with the

quilling ribbon James bought for me.

 Helping Addy with her owl.

All the guys were watching the game and just as 
I decided to take a picture James got up and left.

That is a big mama bear.

Guess who's a Patriot fan.

I thought Cathi was his best friend.