Saturday, June 5th, 2021: Houston Temple - Brkfst for boys, Goodbye as we go home, Fire near Globe, Sees candy to Chuck, "You Had Me At Aloha",

 

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Psalms 118:22

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:21-46

D&C

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2019, 

"Come Follow Me"

Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

AprGenCon

"Room in the Inn"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

First, we come to the Inn as we are, with the foibles and imperfections we each have. Yet we all have something needed to contribute. Our journey to God is often found together. We belong as a united community - whether confronting pandemics, storms, wildfires, droughts or quietly meeting daily needs. We receive inspiration as we counsel together, listening to each person, including each sister, and the Spirit.

Family Proclamation

P3

In the Premortal Realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

Inklings

"I Love to See the Temple"

I am increasing my desire and worthiness to enter the temple - a place where divine revelation awaits and my spirit recognizes God's presence.

James got up, went for a walk, took a shower and then made breakfast for the boys...eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. I got up, took a shower and began packing up to go home, cleaning as I went. Stacy said they were not going to stay tonight because Joshua doesn't want to, so I didn't bother making the bed.

After breakfast I cleaned the kitchen. James packed up most of the food and took all of the suitcases out to the car. We had prayer before we left. I gave each of the boys a hug, except Max, who had gone back to bed. It was 9:00 a.m. when we left the resort. 

We stopped at Walmart to get gas because it was cheaper at $2.91 a gallon than anywhere else. I happened to see Ray's Pizza and it reminded me of being in New York City with Dennis and Denise and eating at Ray's Pizza. I wish I would have remembered that there was one here. Maybe next year.

We left Scottsdale using Shea Blvd. to get to Highway 87 which is the highway going to Payson. We listened to several chapters of "A Banner is Unfurled". When we got to Payson we drove through Taco Bell for lunch. I got a regular crispy taco and a taco supreme. James got a burrito supreme. 

I did quite a bit of napping after Payson. I completely missed Show Low. We were home by 12:30. James unloaded the car. I put most of the stuff away except for his personal items. We both rested and then James took the box of Sees candy over to Chuck. Chuck was appreciative but he did not seem surprised so I guess Kathy told him. I wish I would have told her not to because I wanted to surprise him.

Stacy called. Michael wants to go to the condo and because Michael is going Joshua wants to go. Would I please call and see if she could pick up the key? I did, and she can, and I suppose she did. I reminded her that check out time is 10 a.m. tomorrow morning.

I did a little indexing and blogging but did not finish my 10,000 steps for today. I was just too tired. This evening I watched the newest summer Hallmark movie, "You Had Me at Aloha" starring Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton who play Lee and Rosemary Colter on "When Calls the Heart." They make a great couple and have good chemistry together. I liked the movie. James was indexing and came over towards the end and finished watching it with me.

Friday, June 4th, 2021: Caracas Venezuela Temple - Emmy's 16th Birthday, James cooks for boys, Max & Evan Circle K, Swimming, Indexing, Study, Splash Grill, Errands, Burgers for dinner Addy HP Store,

 

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Psalms 110:4

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:1-20

D&C

62

"Come Follow Me"

62 The Lord wants me to make some decisions "as seemeth me good".

AprGenCon

"Hearts Knit Together"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

   Years later the findings of this experiment still seem influential in the medical community. In recent years, Dr. Kelli Harding published a book titled "The Rabbit Effect" that takes its name from the experiment. Her conclusion: "Take a rabbit with an unhealthy lifestyle. Talk to it. Hold it. Give it affection. . . . The relationship made a difference. . . . Ultimately," she concludes, "what affects our health in the most meaningful ways has as much to do with how we treat one another, how we live, and how we think about what it means to be human."

Family Proclamation

P2 

All Human Beings - male and female - are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

Inklings

Children can be armed with "the shield of faith wherewith they shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

James fixed the boys biscuits and eggs for breakfast. Max and Evan went to Circle K. All of the eggs and biscuits disappeared and then the boys went swimming. I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures of the boys while they were here. James and I indexed and had scriptures and prayers. I had my leftover Mongolian beef and noodles for breakfast. Very tasty! 

I told Addy about the new Harry Potter store in New York which opened yesterday. It is now 10:20. James is taking a nap. The boys are still swimming. My appointment with Stacy is cancelled. For lunch I made Rowan and Joshua each a grilled cheese sandwich. Evan, and Max got burgers and fries from the Splash Grill. I gave Ben the bag of Tostito chips and salsa I bought for Ruby. He ate the chips but left the salsa. I guess he only likes his mom's homemade salsa. James made some chocolate covered strawberries when he got up. Rowan loved them. 

Ben got a job offer today from a mission companion's friend in Utah. He will be helping develop some land with a shooting range and some other outdoor activities. They will pay Ben $20 an hour and he will have free room and board. He is definitely going and will be leaving July 5th.

James and I did some errands this afternoon. We went to Staples to get some drawing supplies for James who is drawing some plans for someone who wants to build some apartments in Mesa. Next we went to Costco to get some walnuts, shakes, and water. After Costco we drove to Phoenix to a Sees candy store to get a box of dark chocolates for Chuck who always feeds Luna when we are gone. A box of dark chocolates costs $30 but Chuck is worth it.

We stopped at a Whataburger for our dinner. Back at the condo the boys were gone swimming. We rested and then headed to Chandler to pick up James's dark suit at the cleaners. It costs a little over $9 to get it cleaned here and $30 in Show Low. The boys contacted us on the way home and placed an order from In n Out Burger. Here was the order: Evan - Double cheeseburger, plain with fries. Joshua - cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup and pickles. Rowan - A double cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes and no pickles. Max - a double cheeseburger plain, and fries. Ben a double cheeseburger with ketchup, onions and pickles and a large chocolate shake. Whew! I said it right and she got it right so we were all happy!

James went to the store to get some eggs, sausage, and bacon for the boys breakfast tomorrow per there request. I walked around the resort for one of my 1,000 steps round. I really do like this place. It feels like our second home. Well maybe our third. I guess Darrel and Trina's is our second.

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021: Oklahoma City Temple - Goodbye to the girls, new glasses, pickup boys, Joshua here too, Ben, Max, Rowan, Evan, swim, NYPD Pizza, NBA playoffs, Index

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Matthew 27:34, 48

They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:17-32

D&C

61:30-39

"Come Follow Me"

61-62 The Lord is all powerful and can preserve me.

AprGenCon

'Teaching in the Savior's Way'

Brother Jan E. Newman

Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

 Emulate the Savior

First and foremost, take it upon yourself to learn all you can about the Master Teacher Himself. How did He show love for others? What did they feel when He taught? What did He teach? What were His expectations of those He taught? After you explore questions like these, evaluate and adjust your way of teaching to be more like His.

Family Proclamation

P1

We, The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

Inklings

"Essential Conversations" and

Mark 8

Discussion with 

Emily and Rio

We had to say goodbye to the girls this morning. James gave each of them a hug before we left the condo. On the way home I stopped at Chandler Eyecare to pick up my glasses and sunglasses and to visit with Sheri a little. Lola had lots of fun trying on glasses while we were there.

We don't know if Lola will need glasses like her brother and sisters.

She really hopes she does. They are a fashion statement for her.

While putting a bag of clothes from Sheri to Addy in my car, we saw Michael outside at his work across the parking lot. He was helping kids get on a bus. We waved and smiled.

I think Lola and Ruby were glad to be home and I know Trina was glad to see them. Olga had mopped the floor and was there cleaning. Trina, Addy, and Rowan were there too. I hugged Ruby and Lola and said goodbye to them. Before I left Trina mentioned that they are building a pool but the builders won't start for another 60 days. Pool in the fall and fireplace in the summer.

 Rowan got in the front seat of the car whereas Ruby and Lola had sat in the back. I think Ruby could have sat in the front but that would have left Lola in the backseat alone and she didn't want to do that. We got about half a mile from the house and Rowan realized he had forgotten his phone, so we went back. None of us can be without our phones these days.

We stopped at Sheri's house to pick up the boys but the only one there was Evan. Max and Ben are coming out later in their own car. Rowan in the front, Evan in the back. We stop at Chikfila on Chandler Blvd. for some lunch. The dining room is closed but the drive-thru is open. The line moved quickly. Evan ordered a spicy chicken sandwich with no pickles, waffle fries, and a rootbeer. Rowan ordered a regular chicken sandwich with pickles and with fries and a Dr. Pepper. I ordered five nuggets with honey mustard sauce.

We got back to the condo around 2 p.m. Joshua arrived around 3:08. Rowan and Evan were already down at the pool. Joshua had been camping and was excited to have the room to himself for a few minutes so he could take a shower. Max and Ben showed up a little later and went right down to go swimming. Because there are five boys and only enough sleeping spots for four, one of them will have to sleep on our couch. Ben volunteered.

After everyone was finished swimming I told James we should order dinner. I told him they would want NYPD pizza. He laughed and went over to ask them. I heard Max say, "NYPD pizza, it's tradition."

When I called NYPD they asked for my phone number and said, "Is this Karen?" When I said yes, the person said, "Do you want two large pepperoni pizzas and an order of garlic knots?" I said yes, only make it two garlic knots. I guess they had my order on file.

James and I wanted Mongolian beef from Pei Wei. I told James we should order ahead but he said it wouldn't be necessary because they were really quick on filling his order on Monday. I guess Monday at lunch is different from Thursday at dinner because I waited about 30 minutes in the car. I counted five people who ordered ahead go in and pick up their orders. As a reward for waiting so long, the employee who waited on James only charged him for one order. I guess my wait was worth it.

We picked up our huge 18" pizzas and two orders of garlic knots. When James gave the food to the boys they thanked him. A few minutes later I went to see if there were any leftovers. There weren't. 

After dinner the boys went swimming again. When they came back they watched the Suns beat the Lakers and eliminate them in the first round of the playoffs. The first time LeBron James has been eliminated in the first round. Go Suns!

I walked, indexed and blogged this evening. We had family prayer with the boys before bed. Ben came in to sleep on our couch. I'm glad I brought my Christmas blankets. He used three of them.

I love this picture!

Coatimundi in Arizona

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021: Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple - Infusion, James's MRI, Kim's house, Pie to die for, O.G., Condo, Swim, Puzzle, Target tubes

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021: Veracruz Mexico Temple - Happy 53rd Anniversary, Ruby, Lola, IHOP, Deseret Book, Walmart, Condo, Color, Swim, Dinner, Puzzle, Chocolate strawberries, Frosty's, Scriptures

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Prophecies about

Psalms 69:9

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:19-34

D&C

61:1-12

"Come Follow Me"

60; 62 The Lord is pleased when I open my mouth to share the gospel.

AprGenCon

Welcome Message

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

my counselors and I have watched through tear-brimmed eyes as the Lord has interceded in extremely challenging circumstances after we had done our best and could do no more. We do indeed stand all amazed.

God Among Us

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of these missionaries filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during these difficult times.

The Living Christ

P10

We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

Inklings

I am preparing the rising generation with love, intention, and patience. I make space for agency and never give up on them because the Lord will never give up on me.

Happy 53rd Anniversary to us!

After scriptures and prayers and breakfast, we went to pick up Ruby and Lola. We left the condo a little after 10. Darrel and Trina were both at work and Addy was in charge. Rowan was there too. We asked the girls if they wanted to go to IHOP for pancakes and they both said yes. Lola had a regular pancake with strawberries and whipped cream and Ruby had the chocolate pancakes with whipped cream. I had an egg with bacon, ham, and sausage and hashbrowns and a couple of pancakes. Lola had one of my pancakes. I think James had eggs and ham and toast. Our waitress gave our bill to someone else and had to get things straightened out before we could leave. It took awhile. 

Playing tic tac toe at IHOP

After IHOP we went to Deseret Book where I spent the gift card Kim gave me for Mother's Day on a large Old and New Testament. I also bought the girls some markers for the Books of Mormon. When we got to Scottsdale we stopped at Walmart to get some food and then we went back to the condo. 

I bought the girls coloring books, a sketch pad and colored pencils at Walmart. We had to do a little coloring before they went swimming. 

Ruby gave me a picture of a horse to color. I also got some glitter markers at Walmart and used them on my horse picture and then realized I didn't like the look it created, but I was determined to finish the picture anyway.

The girls had huge floating toys they use when they go to the river. Ruby's is a dragon and Lola's a unicorn. Lola was never able to get up on hers. They love to go over to the hot tub when the pool gets a little cold and then Lola came and told me you had to be 16 to be in the hot tub without an adult. At this time she was ready to go back to our room because she was cold. 

Back at the room we had dinner and then we read a chapter from the Book of Mormon before we worked on our puzzle and read from our Dr. Seuss book, The Sneetches and Other Stories. 

We read 1st Nephi together and with their new marking pencils I had the girls mark each time a name for Jesus was mentioned. It happened 17 times in 1st Nephi chapter one.

Ruby making us think she's eating a piece of

this candy puzzle.

I read the book to Lola while Ruby was working on the puzzle.

We came to a story called "Too Many Daves." Mrs. McCave had 23 sons and she named them all Dave. That wasn't a smart thing to do. You see, when she wants one and calls out, "Yoo-hoo! Come into the house, Dave!" she doesn't get one. All twenty-three Daves of hers come on the run! This makes things quite difficult at the McCaves'

As you can imagine, with so many Daves. And often she wishes that, when they were born, she had named one of them Bodkin Van Horn 

And one of them Hoos-Foos. And one of them Snimm.

And one of them Hot-Shot. (When I said Hot-Shot, Ruby thought that was so funny and we all laughed.) And one Sunny Jim.

And one of them Shadrack. And one of them Blinkey.

And one of them Stuffy. And one of them Stinkey.

Another one Putt-Putt.  Another one Moon Face.

Another one Marvin O'Gravel Balloon Face.

And one of them Ziggy. And one Soggy Muff.

One Buffalo Bill. And one Biffalo Buff.

And one of them Sneepy. And one Weepy Weed.

And one Paris Garters. And one Harris Tweed.

And one of them Sir Michael Carmichael Zutt

And one of them Oliver Boliver Butt

And one of them Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate . . .

But she didn't do it. And now it's too late.

End of story.

I share this because we laughed so much at these names and it was so much fun.

After I finished all of the stories in the book Lola took the book and began reading. She is a good reader and read with us from the Book of Mormon too.

We also made copycat Frosty's for our dessert after dinner.

Our copycat Frosty's were a little different than

this recipe.

After our bedtime stories it was time for bed. I told the girls we would have time to finish our puzzle tomorrow.

Lola eating her yellow dinner in her

yellow outfit.