Tuesday, January 23, 2024: Happy 76th Birthday James! Breakfast w/ girls is fun, On to Disneyland, Lola & I go to Pirates, J & R To Rise of the Resistance, busy, crowded day, exhausted

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:1-19

Come Follow Me

1 Nephi 11 God sent Jesus Christ as an expression of His love.

October General Conference

"Our Constant Companion" by President Henry B. Eyring

Happy 76th Birthday!

Such a privilege to spend the day with

such great people!

We all went down to breakfast together. James and I both had made-to-order omelets. Mine had bacon and cheese. James's had lots of greens. He thought one of those greens was bell pepper but it was actually jalapeno so it was a little warm.

The girls had waffles and Lola also had sausage and bacon. I had strawberry-kiwi flavored water. Lola had apple juice and Ruby and James had guava-passion fruit. 

Back in the room we brushed our teeth and got ready to leave for Disneyland. I said the family prayer. 

We drove up Harbor Blvd. and we were directed to park in a parking lot on Convention Way. We were in the Woody 9A section and after having our bags searched and James "wanded down" we rode the bus over to the Disney plaza between Disneyland and California Adventure.

James and Ruby headed for the Star Wars ride "The Rise of the Resistance". Lola did not want to go. We were in Adventureland so we went on "Pirates of the Caribbean." 

"Haunted Mansion" and "Splash Mountain" were both close for refurbishment so we went on the "Winnie-the-Pooh" ride. It was better than I remembered. The hard part for me was folding myself into the seat where there was very little leg room and then getting out again. 

We were waiting for Ruby and James and so we walked back towards the entrance of Adventureland where we parted ways. Lola climbed up to the tree house as seen in the movie "Swiss Family Robinson." She was supposed to climb to the top but I never saw her make it. I got this picture:

Where is Lola?

When Ruby and James finally finished their ride and caught up with us, they opened the Jungle Book ride and we decided to go on it. Lola was disappointed that the Indiana Jones ride was closed. I was relieved. I do not like that ride. 

After Jungle Book we walked over to Tomorrowland. Lola, Ruby, and James all went on the Star Tours ride. While I was waiting I got a churro. Churros, in my opinion, are the best food at Disneyland.

Next Ruby wanted to go on Space Mountain. Since it's a roller coaster Lola didn't want to go. James went with her while Lola and I rode the Buzz Lightyear ride and then Autotopia. Lola drove our blue car. She kept hitting the bumper and moving the car back and forth and laughing. I think she had a fun time.

We were hungry so we ate at the Pizza Planet restaurant in Tomorrowland. We got three pieces of pizza, James said it was too expensive so he didn't a piece. The pieces were $9 each. Everything in Disneyland is so expensive!

After lunch we decided to walk down to ToonTown.  There is a new ride and Ruby and Trina both thought we, especially Lola and I, would like it. When we first arrived, the ride, called Runaway Railway was closed. We walked around and took some pictures and a few minutes later they opened the ride.  James, Ruby and Lola got in line after James bought me a drink and settled me in a chair to wait for them. I do enjoy watching people and there are plenty here to watch. I have never seen so many strollers in all of my life. All lined up in the underpass as you come down into ToonTown.

Lola loved the ride so much she wanted to go in again. Ruby wanted to go on the Toon Town roller coaster. Just as Lola and I got in line she decided she wanted to join Ruby on the roller coaster. My phone was dead so we couldn't text her and we didn't see her in line. I told Lola I didn't want to go on the roller coaster so we went back and got in the Runaway Railway line. James was sitting at a table watching my purse. I forgot to bring my Clutch charger so my phone was useless.

I have never waited in a line as long as we waited in the Runaway Railway line. It was well over an hour. The ride was fun and Lola deemed it her favorite. I was trying to decided if it was worth the wait. I really don't think so.

We were all pretty exhausted so we decided to head home for the day. It's a long walk from ToonTown to the entrance. 

I stopped at the Emporium to do some shopping. I brought some hot chocolate to drink at night in our hotel room. I picked out a mug for myself and for James and then had Ruby and Lola each pick out a mug of their own. Here is what we got:

Grandpa's on the left

Grandma's on the right

Lola's 100 years with the ears

Ruby's Alice in Wonderland

One the way back to the hotel it took awhile because we got caught in traffic and also stopped for gas. Ruby had a churro before leaving Disneyland and she and Lola ate chips in the backseat of the car as we were driving around. I asked Lola what kind of chips they had: Ruffles, Lay's regular, and all of the itoes. Itoes? You know blue and red Doritoes, Tostitoes, and Fritos. 

In honor of James's birthday I asked if he wanted to go to Cheesecake Factory or order room service at the hotel. He picked room service and ordered chicken marsala. Ruby ordered a Caesar salad, I ordered a chicken, strawberry, spinach salad, and Lola ordered Kraft mac & cheese. While we were waiting for our food to be delivered James went to Target to get some water. Ruby got a little sick to her stomach. Lola took a bath. She sings when she is in the bathroom. When she was finished she and Ruby went outside on the balcony and sang until our food came. 

The food was quite pricey but it was delicious. Ruby only ate about half of her salad. She said she will eat the rest tomorrow.

We made our hot chocolate with marshmallows and drank it.

My new pajamas have cartoon sheep all over the bottoms. There is lazy sheep, singing sheep, geek sheep, hungry sheep, and happy sheep.

I showed the girls my pajamas and they read the names of the sheep. I told them to make up their own sheep, and they went to work. Each one of them made three different sheep, I made one. I picked Ruby and Lola's best and here is what we came up with:

Mine:

Ruby's:

Super Sheep

Ninja Sheep

Lola's:

Workout Sheep

We had family prayer and scriptures before bed. Ruby offered the prayer.

Our ward RS President

In the Adventureland Store

Toon Town Jail

I love the flowers and plants at Disneyland

 

Monday, January 22, 2024: Left Vernon @ 7am, Globe way, Sheri, Ben, Michael, Infusion, Elmer's, Barbershop, Armando, Lois & Dawn, Stacy's, Costco, Pickup Ruby & Lola @ 3:30 on to California

 

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 12

10 And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And, behold, they are righteous forever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood.

Come Follow Me

1 Nephi 11-15 "Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God"

October General Conference

"More Than a Hero" Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

We left Vernon at 7 a.m., going the Salt River Canyon way. No rocks fell upon us which was a relief to me. 

When we arrived in the valley the first place we went to was Chandler Eye Care. I took Sheri her puzzle. She came out to the car to say hi to James and to give him his birthday card. Ben gave me a hug and while in the parking lot we saw Michael who works across the parking lot from Sheri and Ben. 

I can't remember if I have mentioned this before, but Sheri's surgery has been postponed. It had been scheduled for February 28th but now the doctor is saying because of the complications of Sheri's case he wants a specific assistant who is not available on that day. Sheri told them that she has to be healed by June because she is going to Europe. She said she just spent $11,000 buying tickets. They, Ian, Sheri, Alex, Ben, Max, and Evan are going with Ian's mom Betty who grew up in Scotland. I am sure Betty is paying for most of the trip as she told Alex he could go to England, Scotland, Germany, Prague and Vienna.

James dropped me off at my infusion a little before 10:45 for my 11:00 infusion. Frances took me back and Amanda put my infusion in. I asked if she was going to draw blood but she said she did not have any orders. That's funny because my doctor wanted my blood to be drawn again because my liver count was low. Oh well. 

James needed to go by the job he has on Ray and Alma School. He met Armando there and Armando and I had a little chat while James was on the phone. This is the barbershop job for a man with the first name of Daryl. We are still waiting for payment from Daryl. If payment is not received by tomorrow, the job will come to a screeching halt. I told him I did not want him to do this job and Armando told him he thinks the guy is a little shady.

We went to Elmer's Tacos for lunch. We both ordered a machaca burro, two drinks, they serve Coke now instead of Pepsi, and a large order of strips. James finished his burro but I could only eat about half of mine and we left half the strips. What a waste. Next time it's going to be a taco instead of a burro. Elmer's is celebrating 50 years of business. James had an office just a few doors down from them when they opened and he remembers walking over for lunch most days before the high school crowd hit.

Our next stop was in Tempe at Lois & Dawn's. Dawn called and made sure we were coming by our next trip down and was happy to learn it was today. They have birthday gifts for James.

These are the gifts James came away with: Amazon gift card, a plaid shirt, and one with writing on the front, and some socks like he really likes. From Sheri's family a card for Cheesecake Factory.

We had some orange cheesecake and had a nice visit and then we were on our way. Stacy texted earlier and said that she and Joshua were sick and would not be able to take us to lunch. She left a big package of batteries at our house. We dropped them off and left them on her door knob. 

Next stop the Gilbert Costco. My friend Sue told me that Costco has Disney gift cards worth $50 on sale for $35. We looked through all of the gift cards and there were none for Disney. I guess they are all gone. We didn't even do any other shopping because we were due at Darrel & Trina's at 3:30 to pick up Lola and Ruby and it was after 3.

When we ring the doorbell, Lola lets out a yell. I guess she is excited. 

Addy and Trina were also home. I told Addy that I had found an LDS tour of some of the Christmas marketplaces in Europe. She asked me how much it was. $3795. She said, wow, that seems like a lot. Trina asked her how much she thought it was going to be. I told her that I really couldn't afford it either since we were making two trips to Disneyland this year. She says she only works one day a week. I suggested that we wait until she graduates and celebrate by going to Europe. She loved the idea. That gives us at least 2 1/2 more years. 

We loaded Ruby and Lola's things in the car, including a case of Gatorade and a box of assorted chips. I said a prayer before we left. James took the 202 south behind South Mountain to avoid the traffic in central Phoenix. 

We stopped in Quartzite at McDonald's for dinner. We told the girls that people come here in their travel trailers and motorhomes to spend the winter looking for rocks and playing with their ATV's in the desert.  We couldn't believe our bill was over $43 for McDonald's. From Quartzite to Orange we played a podcast game called Family Trivia. The girls loved it. Some of our categories were grocery shopping, Disney movies, and kinds of candy. 

We got in to some rain around Palm Springs and it rained pretty hard until we go to Riverside. James hydroplaned a couple of times but nothing too serious.

We checked in to the Embassy Suites in Orange around 9:30 California time, 10:30 Arizona time. I thought this was a newer hotel but the popcorn ceiling and no exhaust fan in the bathroom tells me otherwise. 

The two room suite is smaller than the ones at the Embassy Suites on Harbor. I'm now regretting cancelling my room there. It is so much nicer. 

Some perks are the small balcony off the room where Lola goes to sing and watch the traffic. Our room number is 406, our PO Box number, I told the girls. This motel is within walking distance of the Block at Orange, the outlet mall in Orange.

Lola was concerned because there was a pink stain on the floor and the lampshade was crooked and broken.

Lola says we were in the car for seven hours. So be it.

Both girls slept on the hideaway bed in the couch in the first room. The second bed in our room was never used. I paid an extra $20 a room for the extra bed. Oh well.

Scarlett & Charlie, best friends forever!

Room 406

 

Sunday, January 21, 2024: BM study and 3 talks for ward conference, foggy but no new snow. Happy Anniversary Jared & Kacey, Primary prelude, YMYW special #, 2nd hour "How to Prepare for the Sacrament" Ready for Cali

 

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11

22 - And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

Come Follow Me

1 Nephi 11-15 Armed with Righteousness and with the Power of God

October General Conference

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

Increase in Learning by Elder David A. Bednar

Chapter 4: Doctrines, Principles and Applications: A Framework for Gospel Learning - A gospel doctrine is a truth of salvation revealed by a loving Heavenly Father.

I woke up from sleeping on the recliner this morning at 4:13 with lots of aches and pains. I eat so I can take two Tramadol. 

After my morning prayers my early morning scripture study included  the Book of Mormon and the three conference talks we were ask to read in preparation for our ward conference today:

1) Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament Meeting by Dallin H. Oaks, October 2008 GC.

2) Behold the Lamb of God by Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2019 GC

3) Jesus Christ is the Treasure by Dale G. Renlund, Oct 2023 GC

 Happy Anniversary Jared & Kacey, #7!

Love this family!

Charlie lost her first tooth yesterday.

Thank goodness the tooth fairy came last night!

It is foggy outside this morning but there isn't any new snow. 

We were asked to be at least 15 minutes early today for sacrament meeting. We were there early. The Primary sang prelude music for us the last 15 minutes before sacrament meeting started. It was so good. It was one of the songs from the Primary program, "My Own Sacred Grove." The Beals family came back from Snowflake. Alec and his sister sang solos and Brother Beals played the guitar. 

Sister Jameson played some beautiful prelude music on the piano. Earlier Sister Hipps played prelude on the organ.

Bishop Hunsaker spoke to us first. He expressed his love to us as a ward. He said there isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't think of us. He spoke on the role of the Holy Ghost. We renew our covenants with Christ and if we come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit and repent of our sins and strive to keep the commandments we are told we can always have the Spirit, or the Holy Ghost with us. He said we have all been touched by the Holy Ghost in ways we can never deny. Bishop spoke about the gifts of the Spirit as recorded in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering are all gifts of the Spirit. Gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. 

We need to cherish what we have and how we feel as we live the gospel and hang on to what we know to be true. Make the Savior a part of every day.

The Young Men and Young Women and their leaders sang, "I Can Do All Things with Christ." It was beautiful.

President Beeler was the next speaker. 

He commented on the song that the Primary sang regarding finding our own sacred grove to find answers to prayer. He also commented on the song sang by the youth, "I can do all things with Christ by my side, is the answer for life's problems. 

President Beeler reminded us of how our stake has been focusing on becoming more covenant conscious the last couple of years. He talked about taking up us the name of Jesus Christ and always having His Spirit to be with us. He said, "The Primary children and youth taught us deep doctrine." Here are some more notes that I took:

Remember Christ and feed His sheep.

Lehi's Dream - Fruit - Love of God and covenants we make

Look at symbols and see Christ in everything we do

He chases away the mists of darkness

Yesterday President Beeler was with Elder Stevenson and President Holland for over 5 hours in a training. Alpha and Omega are considered names for Christ. We should begin our day with Christ and end our day with Christ.  Jesus Christ is also the Great I Am, which is in present tense. He can be with us now if we are worthy.

This will bring us great joy. We should invite Christ instead of social media. As we prepare for the sacrament, it becomes more meaningful and not just something we do every week. 

Doing better every day! 3 Nephi 19:25. Smile more!

The second hour discussion was led by President Smithson and Sister Wilcock although Sister Wilcock only made one comment.

RMN: "In coming day it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, . . . influence of the Holy Ghost.

* Do I strive to worthily partake of the sacrament each week?

 Elder Andersen:

1. Until we better engage our time in the foyer, we will not make the needed progress of reverence in the chapel.

2. Rejoice in the foyer. More reverence in the chapel with our focus on the Savior.

3. Prepare in the chapel. Reverence invites revelation.

4. Partaking of the sacrament.

5. Rejoice in the foyer again.

6. Returning Home.

One of the ways we prepare for the sacrament is by repenting of our sins. Another is through prayer and scripture study. Come early and listen to the prelude music. Dress appropriately and express gratitude. Understand the sorrow and agony He suffered for me. 

I love this comment by my friend Karen Gilliland who is the second counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency:

"The deepness of our sorrow increases the magnitude of our joy."

Find joy in the journey. He is always watching over us with tender mercies.

Elder Holland says that mental health issues are one of the plagues of our day.

A great ward conference!

We went home on this cold, overcast day and built a roaring fire to make our home cozy. James also made gravy meat and puts it in the crockpot to tenderize it. I made a big salad. We ate leftover potatoes with meatballs while we are waiting for our gravy meat which we will have for dinner. We took naps, and then worked on my puzzle until the Tignor's came over. Terry (T-Bo) is going to feed Luna and Tom while we are gone to California. 

While Terry was here James called him to be the Service Co-ordinator for the Elders Quorum. Terry accepted and James says he will be set apart in Elders Quorum next Sunday.

This evening James and both spent time packing and getting ready for our trip, first to the valley for my infusion, and then on to California with Ruby and Lola. 

A tender mercy for me today among all of my many blessings was a hug from Karen Gilliland former matriarch of the Phoenix temple. She is such a great example to me.

Sister Sukow, one of our sister missionaries from New Hampshire, has been transferred to Cottonwood. We will miss her.

Happy Sabbath!

Love this girl!

Dedicated today

Such a sweet girl!