OUR FAMILY

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Friday, January 5, 2024: Up @ 4 Yay! BM, Your Endowment, Big brkfst for Ro & friends, Call frm Jared Cali trip, New family name for temple, J office in bedrm, taking down Christmas, broken lantern chimney by me, Amazon orders, books, Card from Connie, new dust mop

San Juan, Puerto Rico

176th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Jan 2023

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Testimony of Joseph Smith

Come Follow Me

"The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith" The coming forth of the Book of Mormon was a Miracle.

October General Conference

"The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I was up at 4 am. Yay! That's my goal, not somewhere in the 4's.

I prayed and read from the Book of Mormon and my book about the temple, "Your Endowment."

Here are a few notes I took from "Your Endowment."

p. 166 New Names Prefiguring of Covenant Blessings * Michael literally means "who is like God." I didn't know this when I gave Michael his birthday card. I wrote in it that he was a very Christlike person. Interesting.

James told the boys last night that we were going to fix breakfast for them in the morning and that it would be ready at 8 am.

I cooked biscuits, fried bacon, and made homemade hashbrowns while James made scrambled eggs. As I was in the middle of making hashbrowns Jared called. I asked if I could call him back in 15 minutes and he said yes. They were on their way to the Dallas temple in the middle of a rainstorm. Jared is a member of the high council and in conjunction with their stake conference on Sunday, the high councilmen and their wives are going to a temple session today.

I got things under control in the kitchen and excused myself as the boys came in to eat. They were all very appreciative for the meal.

Jared wanted to talk about our trip to Disneyland March 2nd - 6th.

We discussed things and finally came up with a plan. We will be staying at the Embassy Suites on Harbor Blvd. Jared & Kacey will pay for our room for three nights. We will rent a car and drive from Arizona to California. Jared will pay for the gas. We will drive over on Saturday, visit Newport Beach and temple grounds on Sunday, go to Disneyland on Monday, California Adventure on Tuesday, and drive them to the airport on Wednesday and then drive home. I hope that's right. Let me know Kacey if it isn't.

Wow. I just realized I need to plan our trip on January 23rd with Lola and Ruby.

One of my goals for the new year is to take family names to the temple by doing more family history research. I got on Family Search and there was already a name ready for me. I feel blessed. This was a tender mercy.

James can't work outside today because of the snow. He does office work, working at the table in the bedroom I set up for him. This evening he helped me start taking down and putting away Christmas decorations.

For some reason James was in the back somewhere when the boys were ready to leave. They hung out until about 11 playing games and riding the Razr.

Eric, Rowan, Tannen, Graham

Such nice boys!

Some pictures they took today:

As I was working around the Christmas tree I broke one of the chimney's on one of our kerosene lamps. James broke one when we were putting decorations are up so I guess we are even. It cost $20 to buy a new one. I guess I need to have a budget just for lamp chimneys.

I have a couple of quilts I would like to display so with the $50 Amazon gift card Lois and Dawn gave me, I ordered a quilt rack.

I'm excited for it to get here.

James says he needs a new Sunday journal so with the $50 Amazon gift card he got from Kim and Brian, we ordered him a new leather bound journal.

While walking I downloaded a book I have read before but don't remember much about. It is called, "Lily of the Manor" by Anita Stansfield.

James and I listened to "A Hopeful Christmas."

Kim & Brian couldn't come until February.

James wouldn't wait that long to take the tree down.

Thursday, January 4, 2024: Up @5 to 6" of snow, it is beautiful! James shovels snow for hours, packed snow for Ro and friends, Janna cancelled lunch date, cleaned upstrs for Ro & friends from 12:30-4:30, pizza, games, smores,

Quito, Ecuador

175th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

Testimony of Eight Witnesses

Come Follow Me

"This Day" by Elder Ronal A. Rasband, October 2022 General Conference

October General Conference

"For the Sake of Your Posterity" by Elder Carlos Godoy

I was up at 5 am. When I looked outside, everything was covered with snow. James says we got six inches. It is so beautiful!

While I listened to Rio and Shima on Inklings, James shoveled snow from the porches, walkways, and driveway. It took him hours. If he doesn't shovel off the snow he says it melts and re-freezes and then we are walking on ice.

The talk and topic today for Inklings:

"The Prodigal and the Road that Leads Home" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Luke 15

Word: Worthy

We all know what it's like to be a prodigal.

Words: Submission, surrender, yielding, give way

Luke 15 was taught to the Publicans, sinners, and Pharisees by the Savior. He is a Master teacher.

Justice & Mercy

A Certain Man had Two Sons

The Great Adventure

The Famine

The Return

The Celebration

A Parable for our Time

Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory

*Am I a judge, or am I a friend?

Shima - Lost Sheep - Isaiah 53:6

James also packed down the snow on the road coming in to our place for Rowan and his friends who will be staying here tonight. They are snowboarding at Sunrise today. It closes at 4 pm so they will arrive sometime in the early evening.

I had a lunch date with Janna Grombach and Patsy Tedder. Janna called around 7 this morning and asked if it would be all right if we postponed until next week because of the weather. I told her I was happy to stay home with a warm fire on a day like today.

I was hungry around 9:30 and tired. I had an early lunch and then took some Tramadol and a nap. By 12:30 I was ready to go to work upstairs in preparation for Rowan and his friends. I finished around 4:30. James helped in the last room by making the bed and vacuuming. I dusted because he always forgets too. He is so sweet to help me though after his tiring day.

It was after six when Rowan and his friends arrive. Rowan introduced us to Eric, Tannen, and Graham. They seem like such nice boys! They kept thanking us for letting them stay here.

After changing and taking showers they put a pizza in the oven for their dinner. They ate pizza, played games, and made smores, roasting their marshmallows in the fire James had built for them.

James and I went in the bedroom to walk and listen to "Breaking the Rules". It started getting inappropriate so I stopped it and deleted Google Play from my phone. That's why we listen to books from Deseret Book!

We were in bed by 8:10.

James writing out his New Years goals

Let It Snow!

Rowan and friends

Friends of Rowan and Ruby

Love this photo!

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Up @ 5:21, Must go to bed by 8:30 & stop eating by 6pm, blog, temple w J, Barbara & T-Bo, La Casita our treat, saw people know, restored DBS app!, Jared's new calling, Disneyland plans

Belem, Brazil

174th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

Testimony of Three Witnesses

Come Follow Me

Introduction; Testimony of Three Witnesses; Testimony of Eight Witnesses: I can bear testimony of Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

"Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus" by Elder Robert M. Daines

I didn't get up until 5:21 this morning. If I want to get up at 4am for prayer and scripture study, I am going to have to go to bed by 8:30. James likes to talk after we are in bed so that gives him a few minutes so I can be to sleep by 9. I also need to stop eating by 6 p.m.

I worked on my blog about an hour this morning before it was time to get ready to go to the temple. Barbara Tignor called and wants us to be at their house by 9:20. We are going to the 11:00 session.

James and I were able to take two of my family names through the session. I was doing work for Lois Mock and he did the endowment for Paul Helms Miller.

We left the Tignor's place around 9:30 with T-Bo driving Barbara's new Subaru. The ride to Snowflake was uneventful. T-Bo is a careful driver. It took him a little longer than it would have if James had been driving, but that's okay.

T-Bo and Barbara dropped us off in front of the temple at 10:20 before they went to find a parking place. We waited upstairs in the gathering room for them. I spoke to Jo Brookbank, Jim Brookbank's wife. Jim was Harold's best friend in high school and his sister Polly was mine. Jo doesn't really know me but she remembered James from when he was a high councilman in the Show Low stake.

A friend from high school, Kathy Hunt Brewer issued me my new name. When I walked into the endowment room I sat in the second row, right across from James and T-Bo. Barbara sat next to me.

The Shelton's and the Scott's were in our session. We worked with the Shelton's when we were temple workers. They are in their 80's.

Sister Shelton told me that when she was released from being a temple worker she was going to dye her hair purple. She did it. Today she has purple hair.

Brother Scott was in the temple presidency when we were called as temple workers. He was the one who called us. James said he is a retired rancher from Young. His wife is very pretty, she's probably my age, and has beautiful red hair cut in a pixie. She sat right in front of me.

The Tignor's joined us in the prayer circle. I stood next to Chet Adams, my high school friend Beverly's brother. His wife Caroline was with him.

Blaine Stratton, who is married to our high school friend January Smith, was an assistant at the veil. I didn't see January.

James loaded up the prayer roll with family names.

We should have taken a picture outside with the Tignor's, but we didn't. I must remember to do that. Here are some pictures Google sent to me:

I should have worn sunglasses in that last one.

As we left the temple the discussion was, where do we go to lunch. We decided against Ava's and Street's. James convinced us to go to LaCasita in Show Low, so off we went.

James and I ordered what we always order, chicken enchiladas, mine with red sauce and his with green. Barbara had a chicken taco salad and T-Bo had a chimichanga with sauce on the top and guacamole and sour cream. Barbara loves their refried beans and she thought there would be some in her salad. She was a little disappointed to find there wasn't.

After lunch T-Bo decided he needed to get some gas so we stopped at the Splash and Dash for gas. As we were leaving town there were a couple of trucks loaded down selling firewood across from the Maverick station. He stopped and made a deal to buy some firewood from one of the sellers. I thought we would be home by 2:30 when I planned my day, even if we went to lunch. It was more like 4.

James said this is going to be the last day to work outside because it's supposed to snow tomorrow. He went out about 4:30 and worked for an hour.

It is 4:30 in the afternoon and I have 1,700 steps. Yikes! I better get walking, but first some Tramadol and rest.

I restored by Deseret Bookshelf app with the help of one of their technical people. It is great to have it back. We listened to "Breaking the Rules" on Google Play in anticipation of finishing this book before we go back to our other one on Deseret Bookshelf.

Jared has a new calling. He has been called to be the first counselor in the bishopric of his ward. We are very proud of him! His main concern is raising and lower the pulpit. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie are members of the Pine Tree 1st Ward, Longview Texas Stake.

We are planning a trip to Disneyland with Lola and Ruby the week of James's birthday. We have never taken Lola so I am looking forward to it. We are also going to Disneyland the first of March with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie.

Christmas Cards

From Blain & Diana Curtis

Lois & Dawn (handmade)

Cathi & Terry

Chuck & Kathy Crane

Monday, January 8, 2024

Tuesday, January 2, 2024: Up @ 4am, study, pray, ponder, 9 left for town w/ J, Wlmrt & HD, Tractor Sply, Panda, nap, cln kitchen put away Christmas, Barb & Elaine, contention w J, I apologize, "Breaking the Rules"

Praia Cabo Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

Introduction - What is the purpose of the Book of Mormon

Come Follow Me

Title page of Book of Mormon - Studying the Book of Mormon can strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

"Abide the Day in Christ" by Amy a. Wright

Up at 4 a.m. to plan, pray, and study.

This morning I also read from 1 Nephi 8:1-19 and looked at my Book of Mormon blog, trying to decide if I am going to continue it.

I also read from the Liahona and "Rescuing Wayward Children." The article in the Liahona was by President Eyring , "Our Light in the Wilderness." I also listened to Brother Halverson on "Unshaken Saints."

At 9:00 I left for town with James. It was his idea to go early because he needed something at Home Depot.

The weather is clear, cold and gratefully, no wind.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot.

We finish at the same time and I don't have to wait for him to pick me up. Next stop is Tractor Supply where James buys two bags of horse feed for Luna. I wan a Panda chicken teriyaki chow mien bowl. It's a little before 11 so we go back. I was surprised that James didn't get anything. He said that we had plenty of food at home and that he would eat there.

My chicken is cold so I wait until I get home to eat so I can heat it up in the microwave. This bowl has around 800 calories so this is my big meal of the day. I will have veggies and a side for dinner.

I took a nap. Afterwards I went in to clean the kitchen counters, and floor and take down all of the kitchen Christmas decorations. While I worked I listened to Barbara Morgan Gardener and Elaine Dalton discuss two conference talks, Elder Koch's and Sister Runia's. I also continued to wash and dry and fold clothes.

As I was listening to my podcast James said: "Boy, I bet they make a lot of money." He thought he heard one of them say, "walk with us in Rome." I didn't hear it. I got upset by his comment and there was a little contention between us. I realized later that I was wrong and I apologized. I have a goal of no contention but I am weak. It's going to take some time.

Noodles and veggies for my dinner while James had a HLT, ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich. After doing the dishes and mopping the floor James and I walk and listen again to our less than stellar book, "Breaking the Rules." We were in bed by 9.

My friends Patsy and Janna. We are going

to lunch on Thursday.

Ian and Evan's snowman

Every yard on this block in Colorado was

filled with elk.

Luna now has a house!

Monday, January 1, 2024: Happy New Year! Chandler Eyecare broken into sunglasses stolen, Sheri's breakfast: French toast, bacon, eggs, cleanup & leave, loads of laundry to do, blog, walk, movie, rest, pay bills, nice weather, earthquake in Japan, "Breaking the Rules" steak for dinner, bed by 9:11

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Title Page

Come Follow Me

Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon

October General Conference

"In the Path of Their Duty" by Elder David A. Bednar

Happy New Year! I hope it's a good one for all of my family and friends.

Chandler Eyecare was broken into last night. Whoever did it got lots of designer sunglasses. The alarm didn't go off but they saw a picture of one man on the camera. He was heavily disguised.

A messy robber

Sheri ran this morning, came home and showered and fixed a big breakfast as she normally does when she is here. Today it was French toast, eggs, and bacon. I helped by frying the bacon. She used the rest of her eggs in the French toast and then all of ours for the scrambled eggs. She wasn't going to fix eggs but Ian doesn't like French toast.

After breakfast and the kitchen was cleaned Sheri asked Ben to empty all of the garbages upsairs and told him to have everyone bring their sheets and towels down. She did the same downstairs.

Soon they were all packed up and ready to go. I have been giving Ollie and Ziggie doggie treats everyday. Today was their last one.

Ollie seems to be more at ease around me, but he still barks at James. When Shipley was here she bit James when he tried to pet her.

Michael made scrambled eggs for he and Joe using one of my stainless steel saucepans. Lots of egg residue which he cleaned off.

Michael and Joe left before Sheri and company.

Joe and Michael

Off they go with Michael driving

Joe's car, Clyde. Joe hates to drive.

Cayli, Ben, Sheri, Ian, Evan, Max

Ziggie and Ollie

Goodbye, drive safe, and let us

know when you get home.

I didn't get a picture of Ben's car.

It's a Nissan Altima.

My laundry room is filled with sheets, towels, and blankets to wash. That's okay, I have all day.

I blogged, walked, did laundry and folded laundry, and paid bills: Vistana, TD Finance - James's truck is now paid off. Tithing and my Sam's Club card. Also Rocket Mortgage and my credit card.

Much to James's satisfaction, this was another one of those nice weather to work outside in days.

We walked and listened to "Breaking the Rules."

I had the last of Michael's steaks for dinner and the mashed potatoes he left, which were delicious!

We were in bed by 9:11. One of my goals is to go to bed earlier and get up at 4.