Friday, October 14, 2016

3 Nephi 5:1-15

What do these verses teach us about forgiveness?

Answer:

Forgiveness can be a healing balm for the person who has been offended.  Usually those who have gone through the most in regards to trials are also those who have developed empathy and are good listeners and have developed Christlike love.

When we forgive the person who did us wrong we will find liberty in letting go of the resentment which if not dealt with can turn into contention.  Forgiveness is never easy but in the long run will bring peace and contentment.

GC: 'Sharing the Restored Gospel' by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"What we call 'member missionary work' is not a program but an attitude of love and outreach to help those

around us."

This morning for our final breakfast we had pancakes and cinnamon sugar tortilla chips.  The kids liked both.  

Rowan went out and helped grandpa stack wood this morning all on his own.  Evan went out and helped for awhile too.

Thanks Rowan!

I did not get a picture, but Addy went upstairs and cleaned.  Thank you Addy!

Here is a picture of Ruby bringing down her dirty laundry in a very unique way.

Go Ruby!

Ruby was so excited that we finished the donut puzzle this morning.  She told me I needed to take a picture and send it to her mom.

Her favorite donut is decorated in pink with

blue and white swirly lines.

We had everything loaded up and all the kids in the car by ten o'clock.  Addy said the family prayer and we were on our way.  Just a little ways out of Vernon Rowan said he forgot his I-pad.  We told him we would bring it to him on our next trip down and he seemed fine.

Trina texted and said she was going to be a little late.  That was fine.  We got to Payson a little after ten.  We went to the Subway by Basha's and it was packed.  We checked Google and discovered there is another Subway about half a mile away at the Walmart.  We went there and the crowd was much smaller.  

We ordered our food and as we were eating Trina and Lola came in.  At first Lola was a little shy and looked puzzled as to why we were all there but it didn't take her long to warm up.  

She was pretty happy to see her family!

Group picture, including the doll,

Georgette.

When we went outside to exchange cars, it was apparent that Lola was just as happy to see her car as she was her family!  She was a little upset that it had "dirt" on it though.  

About half way home we realized that we forgot to get our garage door opener from Trina.  Guess we will have to get it on the 29th.  

It was so quiet when we got home.  I missed everyone!

We read a few chapters from book 3 in the Millennial Glory series, Apocalypse, the Unveiling.  We both are really getting into these books!

We had a light dinner and then watched three episodes of "Chesapeake Shores."  When we went to bed I was having difficulty breathing and realized I didn't take any of my pills today.  I got up and drank a shake with my pills and listened to Elder Oaks's conference talk.  I went back to bed and went right to sleep.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

So true.

Do you ever feel like a three-headed dragon.  Pulled

in so many different directions you don't know

which one to take?

3 Nephi 4:15-33

What do these verses teach about the importance of being prepared at all times, spiritually, physically, and provisionally?

Answer: The Nephites knew that Zemnarihah and his men couldn't make it for long because they weren't prepared.  Sometimes the battle is just being able to outlast the enemy.  The Nephites had prepared temporally and provisionally and relied on the Lord spiritually to endure and outlast their enemy.

GC: "Be Ambitious for Christ" Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

' We are ambitious for Christ when we serve faithfully, accept humbly, endure nobly, pray fervently, and partake worthily.'

Happy 45th Birthday Kevin!

I miss your Facebook posts.  Come back!

Before breakfast this morning James and Ruby went out to look for elk. James said they would probably be back in about 15 minutes but it ended up to be much longer because they found an elk.  They got out of the Razr and walked for awhile.  James said Ruby was as quiet as a mouse.  Here is the elk they saw. 

Ruby's elk

For breakfast we had pumpkin muffins, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

We took a vote yesterday as to what we should do today.  The choices were: stay at home, go to Green's Peak and Greer, or go to Dairy Queen and the Show Low Park.  Dairy Queen and the Show Low Park won.  Those who wanted to go to Green's Peak and Greer were good sports.  These kids are amazing!

The after breakfast game of Quelf.  Addy looks like she is 
up to something. 

We checked out the Show Low Park and then decided to go to Dairy Queen first and get something to eat.  This is what Ruby's lunch looked like after she finished dousing it in ketchup.

She didn't eat much except the mint Blizzard and
then she said she had a tummy ache.  It didn't stop her from
playing at the park though.

James and Ruby stayed at the playground while the rest of us went on the hiking trail around the park.  Addy said we needed to do something after that unhealthy lunch and I agreed.  It was a beautiful day for a hike.  

Grandpa had to make a trip to Home Depot for more paint.  The kids wanted some bandanas like the ones they used for their play.  James dropped us off at Walgreen's but they didn't have what we wanted so we walked across the street to Walmart.  Walmart had a nice variety.  Everyone got a bandana except Ruby who got a scarf, and Evan who got Haribo gummy bears instead.  

Back at home James caught another squirrel.
Or is it the same one.  I think it is smaller.
What do you think?

The kids put on their new bandanas and played good guys and bad guys again.  When it came time for Ruby to take her bath I ran the bath water and put bubbles in it before she came in.  She was afraid to get in because she thought there might be a snake in the water.  I assured her there wasn't but I could tell she was still very nervous so we let out all the bath water, checked for snakes, and filled up the tub again.  She was totally happy.  I asked her what her favorite part of the day was.  She said: "Finding the elk with grandpa." 

Everyone came in our bedroom and we watched some Looney Tunes with Bugs, Daffy, and Porky.  When it came time to go to bed Ruby was asleep and all the boys wanted to sleep in our room, so Addy was the only one who left.  She had no qualms about sleeping upstairs all by herself.  It was another tiring, but GREAT day!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

I forgot to share something last night as I was helping Ruby get ready for bed.  First she had a bath in our big bathtub and we washed her hair.  She reminded me that I needed to sing her a song before she went to bed.  As I went upstairs with her the first thing she did was say her prayers.  It was a silent prayer, but it was long and as she was praying I looked at her and this overwhelming feeling of love came over me as I realized I was looking at a sweet pure and innocent spirit.  I was reminded of the scripture, "and a little child shall lead them."  I felt honored to be in her presence.  Those were my honest and true feelings. 

After Ruby finished praying she climbed in to bed and we sang her favorite song together, "You Are My Sunshine".  I couldn't help but feel that she was my sunshine at that moment.  When we finished singing, (she sang with me), she said, "oh I forgot, there is one more thing I need to pray for."  As she finished praying she informed me that I needed to turn the bathroom light off and close the bathroom door. 

The bedroom door needed to be open and the light on out in the adjoining room.  As I looked out I could see the antelope on the wall was looking at us.  I thought she would be freaked out by this, but obviously she wasn't.  We said our goodbyes and I left.

Later I told Addy about turning off the bathroom light and closing the door and ask her what that was about.  This was her answer:

"Oh, after we were gone to bed our dad use to watch "The Walking Dead" and Ruby is afraid of zombies.  I ask if zombies hang out in the bathroom and she said yes.  Very interesting. Darrel, no more "Walking Dead"!

3 Nephi 4:1-14

How can you prepare to meet your challenges and adversities with the "strength of the Lord"?

Answer: Faith, repentance, prayer and gospel study, and hard work.  Being gathered together in righteousness with others.  Being prepared to fight against Satan.

GC:  'Abide in My Love' by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"God's love is infinite and it will endure forever, but what it means for each of us depends on how we respond to His love."

Evan slept in our room last night.  At first he couldn't go to sleep because he kept thinking about his mom.  I told him to think good thoughts and that would help him go to sleep.  About five minutes later, he was asleep.

Thumbs up!

Evan and Rowan, and Max all did some driving today.

Right after breakfast, cereal and waffles, the kids headed down to work on The Lounge.  They worked for about five hours, until lunch time.  Grandpa went down with them and helped them set up some tarps and a tent.  Evan made a sign.  

Evan said the wood glue worked well, but it looks

like they could have used a little more.

I love it!

The kids kept coming back and forth to get more supplies.  Addy loves to drive!

That's Evan the Kid riding shotgun.

Here is Max driving.  He was a little hesitant and I am not sure why.

Yes that is Max.

Addy said she had to give Rowan a driving lesson.  He kept using both feet, the left for the brake and the right for the gas.  These kids got along so well.  Ruby did get her feelings hurt this morning.  She wanted to go over and look at some cow bones and the kids told her they didn't want her to go because of the cactus.  Evan said he would go with her and sure enough, he stepped in some cactus.  Addy got a little upset and Evan was hurt so Ruby felt bad.  She came up to us crying and said she wanted her parents.  Trina was at work so we Face Timed Darrel and Lola.  This really cheered Ruby up, especially when Lola said: "What the heck"!

Uncle Kay wanted us to send him a picture of the cane he carved for us, so this is the picture we sent.

Ruby was the only one of the kids to get any watermelon.  This picture was taken right after James cut it up.  He put it in the freezer and forgot about it and it got all mushy and we had to throw it away.  

This is our view of The Lounge from our deck.

The kids have been watching a Looney Tunes Youtube video called, "The Long-Eared Drifter" starring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.  It is done in a western theme and has Bugs as the stranger who is all about eating healthy.  He tried to help Black Bart, (Daffy) who loves to eat 16 tacos at a time.  Bugs snacks on carrot neeblers and filtered water.  It is hilarious.  The kids like it so well they decided to put on a play.  I got a video of it on my phone if anyone wants to watch it.  I don't know how to load videos onto this blog.  Max was the Long-Eared Drifter and Rowan was Black Bart.  Evan was the narrator and instead of one girl like the Youtube video we had two, both Addy and Ruby.

They did an amazing job!

I encourage anyone reading this to watch "The Long-Eared Drifter" on Youtube.  It's good, but it isn't as good as the Lambson-Trezise version.

After the play was over the kids changed their clothes, grabbed the Nerf guns and went outside to play good guys and bad buys.  Grandpa caught a squirrel in one of his traps.

The kids named the squirrel 'Charlie.'

She is the mama.

For dinner tonight we had some tortellini that Sheri left and pork chops, corn and beans.  The kids loved the pork chops that James cooked.

Tonight Addy got to choose the movie.  Since we didn't have "Beauty and the Beast" she chose "Snow White."  Max wasn't going to watch but I reminded him that Addy watched the movie last night and so he stayed.  We all watched together.  We enjoyed the seven dwarfs the most. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

3 Nephi 3:11-26

Why did Lachoneus admonish his people to pray?  After they prayed what did they do to fortify their lands and possessions?

Answer: He wanted them to repent and be right before the Lord so they could receive His blessings.  They gathered together with food and weapons.

GC: 'Look to the Book, Look to the Lord' by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"Can you see the Book of Mormon as your keystone, your spiritual center of strength?"

The kids had a fort up on the hill but when they went up to clean it up they decided they wanted to build a different one, this time out in the flat under one of our "broccoli" trees.  (Alligator juniper).

Addy learned how to drive the Razr today.

Evan and Addy went to town with me because Max told Evan he needed to get some "tools" for the Lounge.  We stopped at Jack-in-the-Box for lunch for Evan.  He got his chicken strips, fries, and drink and brought them over to Taco Bell to eat with Addy and I.  Back at home James fixed grilled cheese sandwiches for Ruby, Max, and Rowan.  

When we got to Walmart we couldn't decide which "tools" Max wanted.

There were at least three aisles of tools.

Evan ended up getting some wood glue.

I also told Addy and Evan they could pick out a game.  Addy wanted the game of Life and Evan wanted Quelf.  Evan talked Addy into getting Quelf. 

The game was a little advanced and a little harsh for Ruby.  She didn't last long and then Rowan was the next to opt out.

 I think the game is for adults.  Addy had to sit on her

hands for part of the game.  

It ceases to be fun when people get their feelings hurt.

Just before dinner Ruby and Grandpa went out looking for elk.

This girl loves to ride the Razr with her grandpa.

For dinner this evening we had mac and cheese and hotdogs.  Afterwards everyone, except Addy, wanted to watch the movie,

"Over the Hedge."  Addy was a good sport.

Monday, October 10, 2016

My nephew's wife Cher hit an elk.  She said the antler went

right through the windshield and would have hit her if not

for her airbag and seatbelt.

Speaking of elk:

Conquering hero.

3 Nephi 3:1-10

Why is it so important to stand guard against the flatteries of men?

So that we stay on the covenant path.  We need to constantly repent and progress and flattery blinds us to our sins and areas we need to improve.  Flattery causes us to be puffed up and vain.

GC: 'Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus' by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"We cannot afford to have our testimonies of the Father and the Son

become confused and complicated by stumblingblocks."

Sheri brought pumpkin mix and I made pumpkin muffins for breakfast.  After breakfast Rowan, Evan and Max went outside to help James paint and do some other odd jobs.  Ruby, Addy, and Ben helped me by washing windows.

I sure do love these girls.

Ruby getting the window over the sink.

Such a sweetie.

Ben and Ruby working together.

Sheri was a little miffed this morning.  She forgot her workout clothes and something is wrong with her phone so she was ready to go home today.  Ben needed to get back to study for the ATC's which he is taking on Saturday.  While James and I went to town for pizza, they left.  

We found out that we really like Dominoes thin crust veggie pizza and the kids like their pepperoni and their cheese pizza.

This afternoon I was doing a Mario puzzle with Evan when Ruby asked if we could do the donut puzzle.  The donut puzzle is 500 pieces but how could I say no to such a cute little girl?

The kids had a poker tournament today.

Addy is losing this round to Rowan.

Such a cute group of kids.

I think Max won the tournament although everyone agreed

that Evan was really good at poker.

While the other kids were playing poker Ruby colored some pictures for me.

Such a good artist for a seven year old.

The boys went out and worked some more for grandpa.  The girls wanted to paint too.  Grandpa told them if they would pick up pinecones for him he would let them paint tomorrow.

We have plenty of pinecones.

For dinner we had hotdogs and hamburgers.  Max says it is one of his favorite cabin meals.  Afterwards we made smores in the fireplace.

Rowan enjoying his smore.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

I love this quote!

3 Nephi 2:1-19

Why do you think forgetting spiritual experiences can make us vulnerable to Satan?  What can we do to insure that we do not forget the spiritual experiences we have had?

Answer: I record spiritual experiences I have had so I will remember and never forget how I felt when I had those experiences.  Keeping a journal has blessed me many times.  I sometimes go back and look at it and reflect on the good times and spiritual experiences I have had, and all that God has blessed me with.  Keeping a journal/blog helps me see God's hand in my life and fills me with gratitude.

Losing a testimony usually happens a little bit at a time.  When we don't record and remember our spiritual experiences they begin to erode and be forgotten.  To guard against erosion, write down spiritual experiences, ponder them, thank the Lord for them, and share them when appropriate.

When we take the sacrament each week we eat and drink in Remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and promise that we will always Remember Him.  Remembering is so important.  When we feel close to Him, we act differently.  When we forget we gradually withdraw ourselves from Him and His Spirit.

GC: 'A Witness of God' Elder Neil L. Andersen

"As you pray often and sincerely for opportunities to 'stand as a witness of God', these opportunities will come."

 Fall in Colorado, posted by Tyler Maxwell.

James and I left for church early so he could set up his classroom before sacrament meeting.  I don't teach today because we are practicing for the Primary program in the chapel.  Darrel, Trina and Lola left this morning in our car for home.  Lola laid down on the floor and cried when Sheri and all of the other kids left for church without her.  She was also upset that we had taken her car.  The kids are staying here with us this week and we need to use Trina's Suburban to get them all back home.  We are meeting her in Payson on Saturday. 

During sacrament meeting I was sitting by Evan and Rowan and Ruby.  I gave Evan and Rowan a notebook and Evan drew this picture:

 I ask him if it was ok if I ate a donut while I

read from my Book of Mormon.  He said that would be ok.

Alice and John Wilhelm spoke in sacrament and so did Brother Thompson.  John forgot to get speakers and there was no written program.  The Giles' were there and sat right behind us.  

Our Primary practice went quite well but many of the children were missing, including two from my class, Braylin and Kacey.  Hopefully they will be here next week.

Sheri had a roast in the crockpot for dinner.  While it was cooking she and I went to Pinetop to winterize John and Betty's mobile home.  We had a hard time getting in but Sheri perservered and finally got the key to work.  As I was there I was reminded of Ian's grandparents who spent their summer's in this home and the time we were there and Ian's grandmother jumped the fence around her garden.  My mom was with me and we were both impressed.

I love this time of year.

These pictures were taken up by Green's Peak.

Sheri's roast and veggies were delicious.  We also had some rolls.  Afterwards we decided to have FHE since Sheri and Ben are leaving for home tomorrow.  First we listened to Elder Nattress's conference talk "No Greater Joy Than to Know That They Know."  He tells of how his mother use to read to him and his siblings from the Book of Mormon every morning at the dinner table and how he ask her why she did it because he wasn't even listening.  Her loving response was a defining moment in his life.  She said, "Son, I was at a meeting where President Marion G. Romney taught about the blessings of scripture reading.  During this meeting, I received a promise that if I would read the Book of Mormon to my children every day, I would not lose them."  She then looked her son straight in the eyes and, with absolute determination, said, "And I will not lose you!"  Elder Nattress asks the question:  " If all that your children knew of the gospel came from you - as their only source - how much would they know?"

After the conference talk we watched the new movie, "Saturday's Warrior."  About half way through, Ruby got up and went upstairs and went to bed because she was crying and she didn't want anyone else to see.  Addy went up and sang her a song.  

Right before the end of the movie Rowan got up and ran upstairs.  When we went up to check on him he was behind the recliner, crying and saying he wanted his mom and dad.  He was upset because Pam had died in the movie and he realized how much he loved his family.  I love that these kids are so sensitive and have such love for family.  We Face Timed Darrel and Trina and after talking to them for awhile he was ok and came down and joined us for family prayer.

  I love the skies and trees in Vernon.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Amen!

3 Nephi 1:15-30

What do you think some of the symbolism is in these verses?  What happened to many of the rising generation?  Is this happening today?

My answer: D&C 6:36 says, "Look unto me in every thought doubt not fear not."  I love our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world.  When He was born into the world there was no darkness for the people on the American continent.  When I have had Christ in my life there definitely has been "no darkness."  We all have to decide if we are going to believe in the Light, follow the Light, and be saved by the Light.

Many of the rising generation chose not to follow the Savior.  Yes it is, even in our own family.

GC: "Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?" Elder Devn Cornish

If you will really try and will not rationalize or rebel - repenting often and pleading for grace - you positively are going to be good enough.'

I just thought this was a beautiful picture.

We are so grateful for Terry and Cathi's hospitality when we are in the valley but we are always so glad to be home!  It was cold and rainy this morning as I sat at my spot at the dining room table and did my gospel study.  I am usually there about 3 1/2 hours and then I move in to my computer to work on my blog and my Primary lesson.  

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby and Lola arrived around 1:30 and that's when the fun began.  Sheri, Ben, Max, and Evan were here around two.  Here is a picture of Dad and Darrel contemplating the weightier things in life.

Sheri coming in from the cold.  James built a fire

inside and it was so cozy.

James took Lola in our bedroom and had a little photo shoot.  Here are the results:

She likes our bed.

This is your place grandpa.

Such a little poser!

Ruby ask grandpa is he would play her in a game of chess.  Remember, Ruby is 7 years old and grandpa is 68.

Grandpa says she understands the game.

Rowan was probably her coach.

Grandpa won but Ruby was a worthy opponent.

Ruby and Max looking at grandma's collection of dice for the game Tenzi.  For some reason we don't play very often.  

Ruby and I made a dice city the last time she was here.

It was a day for relaxing and just enjoying being together.  

Rowan and Evan playing Bounce Off and Trina

trying to avoid the camera.

Evan's turn.

Rowan is amazed about something.

Sheri grilled chicken for dinner and Darrel grilled steak.  I added beans, rice pilaf and corn and Red Lobster biscuits to make a nice dinner.  

Darrel watched the ASU game and so did the rest of the fans.  It was an enjoyable day.