Death By Chocolate

Life without chocolate

is like a beach without water.

CRABS RESTAURANT

on Pensacola Beach

 That's right I had dessert!  More than once!
On our last outing in Pensacola we not only had dinner,
but shared some

Key Lime Pie

and

Death by Chocolate

And yes, I gained weight this month!  Since I've been home I've started riding my stationary bike again.  Having something to read helps.  I just finished The Hunger Games  by Suzanne Collins.  So I'll keep biking and reading and see what happens because I know I'm having some pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.  So forget that dessert idea, but Janna has been hanging in there (no dessert) and she's losing more weight.  She doesn't even need to lose weight, but she's doing it.  Here I go again.  Reporting in 30 days - December 19th.

We're Home!

No matter what happens,

travel gives you a story to tell.

-- Jewish Proverb 

3 AM, November 9th
Giddy to get out of town!
Heading to LAX

Picked up by the grandkids at Pensacola Airport.
We haven't seen them since July 2010.
Evelyn and Will know who we are,
but you can see Eddie's thinking,
"Who are these people?"

The Reunion - Sam and Carson
"Reservations for 12, PLEASE!"
California Blair's, Floribama Blair's, and North Carolina Lockhart's
Hugh scouted out this restaurant with rave reviews.
We were not disappointed.

Sam, Hugh, Evelyn, Eddie, Rick, and Will
The next morning, we all had breakfast at WAFFLE HOUSE.

A round of disc golf before the air show.

Dave, Carson, Beth, and Jessica
After a bazillion mile walk we made it from our car to the air show.
My sister and family joined us in celebrating
100 years of Naval Aviation

THE  BLUE  ANGELS

The Night Show

Saturday - Deep Sea Fishing Trip On The Gulf
Everyone came home a winner!
That night we had fish tacos and the next night more fish.

Will and Evelyn ready for the Primary Presentation
On Sunday, we watched Will and Evelyn participate with the other
Perdido Ward Primary kids,
singing and saying their parts:
"I Know the Scriptures Are True".

Monday - Blue Angel Sam
Checking things out at the air museum.

Rick, Wendy, and the kids
Our last night in town
Hang'n at Pensacola Beach

Hope we can come again soon!

WE'RE OUTTA HERE!

Hugh, Sam, and I are off to Florida to see the grandkids and more.  To say the least, "We're excited!"

The other kids (Becky, Tom, and Jan) are holding down the fort while we're gone. They'll also be available if our caregiver needs any help with Poppy. They have school, work, etc. to attend to.  We do to, but we're taking a break. I'll report later with the details.  Have a good one!

"Find what brings you joy

and go there." 

Jan Phillips

A Witness of Jesus Christ

In the media last month, the "eternal rumor" as I refer to it, has once again reared its ugly head. "Mormons aren't Christian" - "Mormons don't believe in Christ" - etc., etc., etc. It's mind boggling to me. I am a Mormon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Someone will say to me, "You don't believe in Christ."  And I respond, "Yes, I do."  And then the conversation goes, "No you don't, you don't know."  What can you say to such talk?  I continue,  "Yes, I do know."  And through it all, even with more explanation, in spite of my testimony of truth (meaning a witness of the Spirit).  I'm considered a liar or in a softer tone, a person who has been deceived, or doesn't know what I'm talking about.  It's beyond belief.  This kind of colloquy I am well use to.  You just move on and hope someone will get it someday.

I'm not writing this today because of the recent media hype, instead I'm writing this because I'm inspired by a man's testimony.  Testimonies give credence to truth.  Just as The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ to the Bible, so are the testimonies of people.  They are a witnesses of truth.  This is one of the latest Mormon Messages to view on the Mormon Channel:  A Book of Mormon Story.



Let me add another testimony, another witness.  Here are the words of Elder Tad Callister during out latest general conference, October 2011, "The Book of Mormon -- a Book from God":

Why is the Book of Mormon so essential if we already have the Bible to teach us about Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church. This is not a condition the Lord desires, for the Apostle Paul declared that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). To help bring this oneness about, the Lord established a divine law of witnesses. Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).

 The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.

What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.

Again and again the Book of Mormon acts as a confirming, clarifying, unifying witness of the doctrines taught in the Bible so that there is only “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

I add my testimony.  The Book of Mormon is true.  I have read it and the Spirit has testified - Jesus is the Christ.  He lives.  He is my Savior and my Redeemer.  We too will live again because of HIM.  He is the author and finisher of my faith.

The New Teenager

 

Sammy woke up this morning and said he actually felt different.  He lives in a household of adults.  He's happy to be growing up.  Today is his 13th birthday.

Happy Birthday Sam.  Love, Becky

Sammy specifically requested a stocking cap like the one Becky had made for herself.  She was happy to accommodate him.

Sam ready for winter.

Birthday Sam and big brother, Tom

Young men of the Aaronic Priesthood,
you have been born at this time
for a sacred and glorious purpose.
It is not by chance that you have been reserved
to come to earth in this last dispensation
of the fulness of times.
Your birth at this particular time
was foreordained in the eternities.

You are to be the royal army
of the Lord in the last days.
You are “youth of the noble birthright.”
(Hymns, 1985, no. 255.)

President Ezra Taft Benson
Youth of the Noble Birthright, Ensign, May 1986

HAVE A GOOD ONE!

We had Halloween parties this weekend.  Chili and Trunk or Treat at the church, plus Tom and Janna had a party and dance to go to.  We've had our share of candy and fun!  Hope you have a good one tonight!

Sam the Army Man

Becky the Pumpkin

"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Janna as Sally

Tommy as Wolverine

Heading out for the dance

Janna and Tom
Summer's Halloween Birthday Party
Hippie and Wolverine

"Trick or Treat!"

40-Year Reunion

Time Marches On

I graduated from Antelope Valley High School in 1971.  Our 40-year reunion was last weekend. I didn't attend, but some friends were intown and came over to our house that morning for a little brunch. It was so nice to see everyone.

The Girls

Anita, Me, Marilyn, Susee, Kree, and Robin

You know you're getting old when

you have a party

and the neighbors don't even realize it.

The Author and Finisher of Our Faith

In studying Hebrews, Paul once again, is teaching that the Mosaic Law does not bring salvation. Only through Jesus Christ are we saved. Following the teachings of Christ can NEVER disappoint. We show our faith by our works. We are continually blessed.

Our beloved President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness. He said: "I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments."

President Monson continued: "My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

Russell M. Nelson,
"Face the Future with Faith"
Ensign, May 2011

Janna - On The Program?

Janna set a goal - no dessert for a month. It's been three weeks and she's lost six pounds. Me, well, let's not do the math. I'll be reporting in again in 30 days (November 19th).  I'm following Janna's lead.  I'm not eating any dessert. I guess that will keep me out of the Halloween candy, but hopefully I'll get some pumpkin pie.  I'm sure it will take more than dessert for me. (Oh to have the metabolism of a 20 year old.)  Anyway, it's a start.  And how many times have I started?  I don't want to do the math to answer that question either.  Here I go again!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst,

for they are sticking to their diets.

~Author Unknown

Back to the Scriptures

We had Stake Conference last month.  Our stake has emphasized what they call the BIG 5:

PRAYER - Individual, Couple, Family

SCRIPTURE STUDY - Individual, Family

FAMILY HOME EVENING

TEMPLE WORSHIP

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

I want to comment on scripture study as a family.  This has gone to the wayside lately and we started back up again and are being successful.  We have a hard time corralling everyone with their different schedules.  I just don't get crazy anymore if someone can't be a part of it one day.  I already got over that with prayer. But for some reason if someone is missing during scripture study that bothered me, to the point, that we wouldn't have it.  I was always hoping for that special moment which obviously doesn't  exist at this house.  Anyway, with having set this in motion it seems that we've been having everyone together more often than I thought possible.  I'm so pleased.  Here's hoping to keep it up.

"There is a knowledge and there are spiritual experiences to be gained from reading, pondering, and praying about the scriptures, which can be gained in no other way.  No matter how devoted and active members of the Church are in administrative matters, they will never gain the great blessings which come from scriptural study unless they pay the price of that study and thus make the written word a part of their lives."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Church Sunday School Department in 1977

quoted from Teaching No Greater Call, 8

Apple Cider Syrup

Last week I made french toast.  Nothing new there, we usually do french toast, pancakes, or waffles at least once a week.  It's usually on the weekend or a holiday when we have a little time when we're not quickly out the door for work or school.  Anyway, I made a syrup I found on the Internet, but I tweaked it enough to call it my own.  It's a keeper at our house and I thought I'd share it:

Martha's Apple Cider Syrup

 2 cups apple cider or apple juice (I use apple juice.)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Mix together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a clear glass bowl.  Stir in juices and place in a microwave oven.  Cook on high (I start with five minutes).  Stop and stir periodically.  Keep cooking, (I don't have a definitive time.) mixture will start to thicken and boil.  Boil hard for 1 minute.  Remove, stir, and add butter.  When butter has melted serve with pancakes, waffles, or french toast.

This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups.  It easily doubles if you have a really big group to serve.  It has a very mild apple flavor. A warm great taste with the cooling fall weather.  Our family really enjoyed it.  Hope you like it too.

"The belly rules the mind." 

~Spanish proverb

Australia or BUST!

 My niece, Annie, and her family came by for a visit last week. It was nice seeing them even though it was for just a little bit. They saw Poppy too. They left on Tuesday for Australia. They reported all went well even with three kids in tow. I'd like to visit them. Wouldn't that be cool if I could go to Australia, but then I claimed I'd visit Rick and fam in Okinawa and didn't make it the three years they were there. Here's hoping and wishing the Spiels the BEST on an adventure of a lifetime.

The Spiels - off to Australia

They all left wearing BYU t-shirts.  I told their 5-year old son Ryan, "Someone is going to come up to you and say, 'Ya Mormon, mate?'"  They left prepared with pass-along cards too.  Can't wait to hear more updates on their doings.

"G'day Mate!

Slip an extra shrimp

on the barbie for me!"

ARIZONA

Dani Jo and Grandma

I got to hang in Arizona for one week.  I mostly held Dani Jo (my latest grandbaby, #9) and cooked food for her family.  We also went out a few times:  the park, the store, the library, the temple, and a walk in the neighborhood.  It was nice being there with Billy, Chelsea, and their two little girls.  I haven't always gotten to see my grandchildren when they were so tiny.  It was hot, but still a very nice week.

Ryan on the Mesa Temple grounds.
 

I told Ryan, "I love to see the temple."
She said, "I love to see the temple too."

Dani Jo wide awake.

Janna claims they should have named her Janna.
She thinks Dani is her clone.  She does look like her.

Ryan peddling in the neighborhood.

 

A hot Arizona sunset.

"Grandchildren are God's way

of compensating us for growing old."

Mary H. Waldrip

FEELING STIFLED

I've got lots to blog about, but my computer isn't working very well and I need help downloading some pictures because of all the weirdness. OHHHHH! I'm feeling stifled!  Hopefully Santa will be good to us and bring a new computer for Christmas.  We'll see, I better be good.

My niece, Annie, was visiting earlier this week with her family.  She said my posts about the gospel doctrine class I teach made her want to be in my class.  I haven't posted about my lessons for a long time.  We had a power outage at church one Sunday so I didn't get to teach my scheduled class.  I had to double up the next week and for some reason, again, I was stifled.  I haven't posted anything since about it.  I was going to just forget it because I was so far behind on my weekly lesson posts.  I figured I'd just get back into the swing next year when we start the Book of Mormon, but Annie's encouraging words made me want to make it all up.  So I'll back pedal and gradually put some posts up about my lessons, along with a report about my trip to Arizona last week, and a bit about my niece moving to Australia.  More to come.

Today's lesson was titled "Be Ye Reconciled to God". The principles covered were from II Corinthians.  Paul's letters are loaded with "golden nuggets" as I called them - feeling godly sorrow, forgiving others, becoming reconciled to God, and overcoming tribulation. He's inspired to direct the saints.  I compared these writings to our last weekend of general conference.  Our prophet and other general authorities, again - inspired, share with us direction for our day. Here's a favorite quote from conference:

"Where is your faith?"

Elder Neil L. Andersen, October 2011 Address - Children

I'm always quick to use a one-liner to make a point around here and I found one that I'm all about with Elder Andersen's talk, Children.  He quoted Spencer W. Kimball,  "Where is your faith?"  These are words that I will incorporate in my everyday conversation at home and especially to myself every time I recognize me balking at living a principle of the gospel, "Where is your faith?"  It's such a simple question and hearing those words makes me self-evaluate.  I can live the gospel, with Christ all things are possible.  This is just one of the many "golden nuggets" from general conference.  Again, "Where is your faith?"