Saturday, December 24, 2022: AJ's brkfst, Brkfst @ Sheri's, Sheri's fmly gifts, San Marcos, rest & wrap, Deliver gifts, Lois, Dawn, Tibbetts, Aunt Faye, Uncle Paul

 

Ft. Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Spirit of

Philippians 1:19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 1-5

"Come Follow Me"

"His name shall be called wonderful" Light & Peace

Jesus's Name

Chief Cornerstone - Ephesians 2:20

OctGenCon

Legacy of Encouragement

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Mormon begins in the first verses of Moroni 7 with a testimony of Jesus Christ, of angels, and of the Spirit of Christ, which allows us to know good from evil and so be able to choose the right. 

Brian bought us breakfast along with two nights in the San Marcos. Even though we are scheduled for breakfast at Sheri's at nine, James wanted to have breakfast here first. I stayed up late last night wrapping and watching movies and walking so I was very "perky" this morning. I wanted to stay in the room and take a shower and get ready to go to Sheri's. He sent me the menu and I picked out what I wanted, stuffed French toast with fresh strawberries. It was delicious. I couldn't finish it all so James helped. He also brought orange juice but there just wasn't any room for it. 

We were a little late getting to Sheri's. She actually texted just as we turned into the neighborhood and said she had all of this food but nothing to serve it on. I told her we would be there in less than a minute. 

Sheri's house smelled so good when we walked in. I guess it was the bacon.  She was cooking bacon and making scrambled eggs. Brian and Kim brought sausage gravy and biscuits. Darrel's family was late but when they came they brought a big batch of cinnamon rolls. Stacy sent orange juice with Paul and the boys. We got to see Alex and Dallin for the first, and last time. Alex ate and left and so did Dallin. We got to visit with Michael before he left on his motorcycle. James brought in the Trezise gifts without letting the dogs out. That was quite a challenge. All of Sheri's family was at the breakfast, Kim, Brian, Paul, Adam, Dallin, Michael, Joshua, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola and James and I rounded out the group. I love this tradition we normally do on Christmas day but changed to Christmas Eve because Christmas is on Sunday.

Michael ready to leave.

This is the only picture I took this morning.

It is a beautiful sun shiny day in Chandler, Arizona. I am grateful to be here when the weather is this nice. After breakfast Ian went to work and the rest of the family, including Joshua, went to A mountain for their traditional Christmas Eve hike. Trina and Darrel's family have this tradition too and they also went. Here are some pictures. 

While these guys were hiking, James and I were napping. I had to build up some energy to finish wrapping all of those gifts before going to see James's mom and Dawn. 

My nap was short because I just kept thinking of all of those gifts I had to wrap. I wrapped and watched movies on my phone most of the afternoon. Finally I was finished and it was time to make deliveries. Our first stop was Kim and Brian's. I always like to see their tree. Kim & Brian's gifts are always service to others and I am grateful for that. Sheri left our gifts from their family at Kim's.

Kim's tree

Next it was Stacy and Paul's. Of course we were greeted by yapping dogs, especially Sophie. For such a small dog she has a big bark. We stopped at Sonic after Stacy's and got Slingers and I got a drink. 

When we got to Tempe Rebecca and Brent, Nathan and Scott were there so we got to visit with them. I put Lois and Dawn's gifts under the tree. We visited for awhile before Rebecca and family left. Of course Dawn tried to feed us. She had some good bean dip and she gave me the recipe. As we got ready to leave, Aunt Faye and Uncle Paul arrived. Paul is 93, Faye 87 and Lois is 95. 

Back at room 101 I set up a place for our gifts. I know that one of the ones from Lois is a quilt and I am so excited! James went to bed while I wrapped his gifts. I am finally finished!

Kacey & Jared rented a cabin in Arkansas to be

close to family Christmas activities.

They were there from the 21st-24th

Friday, December 23, 2022: Wrap Lola under tree, gym, nap, San Marcos, J's call w/ surgeon, Pei Wei order in, David Archuleta concert,

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sep 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 130:15

Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:18-34

"Come Follow Me"

Branch & Holy One

Names of Christ

MEDIATOR - Hebrews 9:15

OctGenCon

Overcome The World And Find Rest

President Russell M. Nelson

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

The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power - power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way. Those who live the higher laws of Jesus Christ have access to His higher power. Thus, covenant keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their covenantal relationship with God.

James got up and went downstairs before I did. I think he might be indexing. I got up and got dressed and went outside to get Darrel's family's gifts out of the car. I took them upstairs to wrap them in Rowan's room. Trina's is already wrapped and under the tree. I took them downstairs to put the bows on and then Lola put them under the tree for me. I took a little break and then went to the car to get more gifts. Next is Sheri's family. I got most of their gifts wrapped but no bows. Around 2:30 it was time to load up the car and get going over to the San Marcos. James was taking a nap so I loaded the car with Lola as my helper. She really was a big help. James has a call from his surgeon at 3:30. We left and checked in and I had to carry all of those gifts back in to the hotel room, Room 101, to put the bows on and to finish wrapping. Whew....

After James's call I asked him if he would go to Pei Wei to get some food. He said he wasn't hungry but I knew if I didn't get him anything he would decide he wanted something. I ordered some lettuce wraps and sesame chicken with fried rice. The lettuce wraps were delicious but the sesame chicken was mushy and meh. I was very disappointed. I used to love the spicy chicken salad but they don't have it anymore. 

At 7:00 Brian and Kim picked us up to go to the Chandler Center for the Arts for the David Archuleta Christmas concert. We could have walked but it was fun to be with Kim and Brian. We waited for Stacy and Sheri outside. When they arrived we all went in together. Our tickets are in like the second row. Some of the best seats in the house.

Instead of "Silent Night" at the end David sang, "O Holy

Night" which is my favorite Christmas song. He also sang "The Prayer" and "Hallelujah." Lots of other good songs. Such a great voice and a sweet personality. You just can't help but love him.

Thursday, December 22, 2022: Unwrapped gifts loaded & head to valley, stop in Globe, Owen & Paul, Frys, Sonic, prblms, carwsh, Wlmrt, Fry's, Someburros, Party

 

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 122:8

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

"Come Follow Me"

Brass Serpent & Rock

Christ's Names

Judge - Acts 10:42

OctGenCon

Put On Thy Strength, O Zion

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

People invited from the highways to attend the wedding would not have had the time or means to procure appropriate attire in preparation for the event. Consequently, the king likely gave guests the garments from his own wardrobe. Everyone was given the opportunity to clothe themselves in garments of royalty.

We loaded up the unwrapped gifts, giftwrap and bows and our clothes, etc., and headed for the Valley of the Sun. We did have to make a stop at Peeler's in Globe where Owen and Paul were waiting for James to help them put in the stove top and oven. Owen showed me around the house and then I left to go to Fry's and Sonic. After I had been gone for awhile James called me and said they were having problems getting the stove top to work and they couldn't get the door on the oven. He told me to give him 30 minutes so I did. They finally got the door on the oven but the stove top is an induction and requires a special kind of cookware. Owen is so upset and frustrated. He just wants to go home and sit on it for awhile. I feel so sorry for him.

We headed on to the valley and the first stop we made was at the Cobblestone on Signal Butte to wash our car. After the carwash we headed to Darrel & Trina's. After unloading James took a nap and I headed out to get some paper goods. I got some for the breakfast on Saturday but I realized I needed to get some for the party tonight too. I went to Walmart and got what I needed but stopped at Fry's to get some monthly notebooks for next year. Last stop was Someburros to pick up the order I made yesterday. 

Addy made a chocolate cake with ganache and cherries on top. Sheri brought a tray of Chik-fila, Kim and Brian brought meatballs with sauce. We snacked and visited before starting our game. Stacy did a fun Christmas movie trivia game before we started the white elephant gift exchange. Darrel and Trina were a little late but they both made it in time to play the game. Trina played but Darrel didn't. 

Those attending: James and I, Stacy, Paul, Adam, Kaitlyn, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Joe, Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Darrel & Trina.

I got a frisbee at the end of the game and left it at Darrel & Trina's. James got a rubics cube and he left it there too. One of the favorite items was one Trina bought and also ended up with: a Darth Vader bop it. Max got the nice backpack that James brought. Ben got the Flying Nova and Shasibo that I brought. Lola got the other Flying Nova but she says Rowan threw it on the ground and now it won't work. She was pretty sad. Her mom said she would get her another one. Sheri got some tiny hands from Addy and she gave me a pair. She says she's going to have fun with them at work. Kaitlyn went home with a set of mini waffle makers and was happy. All in all, it was a fun evening. Before we started the game I challenged everyone to read the Book of Mormon and to study the Come Follow Me lesson to learn more about the Savior and why we need Him.

After everyone left James and I went for a walk outside. The weather down here is beautiful and it wasn't too cold to walk.

Lola showing G-pa the pool before

the party.

Darrel hates to have his picture taken

but I caught him when he wasn't looking.

I think we should make this an ugly

sweater party too.

Guess who got the Taylor Lautner poster.

Rowan had it disguised in a small box with

some other gifts.

Kim & Ruby playing with Bop-it Vader.

The neighborhood is very festive.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022: Car oil changed, deliver more Vernon gifts, Anthony, James's blessing, walk and warp and watch

 

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 109:5

For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation; and out of or poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.

Book of Mormon

Ether 14:8-31

"Come Follow Me"

Symbols can help me remember Jesus Christ. Manna & Water.

Names of Jesus

Mediator - Hebrews 9:15

OctGenCon

Patterns Of Discipleship

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Emeritus Member of the Seventy

By submitting to baptism to fulfill all righteousness, even though He was righteous and holy, Jesus Christ demonstrated that humility before God is a foundational attribute of His disciples.

Lasting Discipleship

President Steven J. Lund

Young Men General President

Experiences like FSY conferences, camps, sacrament meetings, and missions can help to burnish our testimonies, taking us through arcs of growth and spiritual discovery to places of relative peace. But what must we do to stay there and continue to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) rather than slipping backward? We must continue to do those things that brought us there in the first place, like praying often, drenching ourselves in scripture, and serving sincerely.

James took my car in to get the oil changed this morning. He was going to take the tire off his trailer but he couldn't get it off because it was parked in the snow. I was so grateful that James took my car in because I have so many other things to do. While he was gone I finished getting the rest of the Vernon gifts ready for delivery.

This afternoon James and I delivered gifts again. First we went to the Halcomb's. Of course we had to go in for a short visit. Catherine had a gift for me and a bottle of Martinelli's for James. Just as we were leaving the DeWitt's drove up. They had homemade Artisan bread for the Halcomb's and for us. Collin is the ministering brother for both of our families. 

We left the Halcomb's and headed for the post office. James went in while I waited in the car. He was gone quite awhile and I was getting worried until I saw Anthony walk out the door. He came straight over to me and gave me the biggest, longest hug I've had for awhile. He was in a happy mood to the point I thought he was drunk. After we left I mentioned it to James and he said he was probably high on marijuana. He can't afford to buy it for medicinal purposes so he grows his own. 

We drove all the way out to the Thompson's only to find that they weren't home. We left their gift on the front porch. Their new home looks very nice and I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to see the inside today.

On our way home we stopped at the Goodman's, Peeler's and Barbara Bartels. When James was carrying the Peeler's gifts he slipped and fell in the ice. I was looking for him and he disappeared and I looked down from my seat in the car and saw him on the ground. Donna came out and I was afraid she was going to fall but she didn't. She came over and I got out of the car so she could give me a hug. 

We didn't take Anthony's gift with us so we still have it at home and we also have the Anderson's. I guess they will have to get them after Christmas as we are leaving for the valley tomorrow.

When we got home I made some parmesan crusted chicken for dinner. It was delicious but the smell lingers and our ministering brothers are coming over tonight to give James a blessing. 

Collin sneezed a couple of times when he got here and I apologized and turned the fan on. Brother Robles walked in and asked if our Christmas tree was real. James and Collin talked about James's wrestling in his college days and then Jacob, or Brother Robles anointed James and Collin gave him a blessing. It was a wonderful blessing and I think James felt better afterwards. We said our goodbyes and when Collin left he forgot to take the walker that he loaned James.

Today's Christmas movies:

Eclectic Christmas

Sappy Holiday . . . I liked this one.