Lillys Travels

A Wonderful start for the new year.

2010-03-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

I've been in Mesa for most of the last three months and have loved it here. You would think for a old gal like me that i should be setting at home in the rocking chair remembering the good old days. But I still reflect on the old days but I'm enjoying learning and experiencing new adventures.I'm so grateful for my health and the fact that I'm still able to do any of the things I want to do. I'm still thinking of my bucket list and the things I want to still get done in this life.

My biggest joy at this time is getting ready for the opening of the new Gila Velley Temple. Open house is April 23 -15th of may Deditication is the 23rd of May

2010 What will this year bring??

2010-01-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Dec was a very busy month as the family had lots of act ivies. On the 10 of Dec Bo was operated to correct a curve in his back and the Doc put a long rod in his back he was in the hospital about 15 days and is home now recovering well he won't be able to be very active for about a year. On the 17 I traveled down to Mesa to help Decorate for Shannon's Wedding. It was beautiful and Uncle Henry was the person doing the sealing so that was special. She was married on the 18th and had the reception that night. I also made 66 aprons for my girls grandchild and great grandchildren,25 Marshmallow gun's and a calender for each of the family. On the 26 we had a family reunion at Rhonda's ward in Gilbert and then on the 27th we were invited to attend Tony's home coming report to the High Council. It was a wonderful meeting and then Tony gave his home coming report and the spirit was very strong. He is a very good speaker and you could tell he really loved his mission. On the 31th Pam was operate on for a knee problem and Seems to be doing fine if we can just keep her from doing to much. I believe everyone in the family has now had the flu and I pray that our family can all be healthy for a while. The family all seems to be well and happy and we are so grateful to a kind Heaven Father for the many blessing we have all received this year.

Trip to Portland

2009-11-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Pam and I flew up to Portland for Morgan baby shower. The weather turned out as it all ways does when I go there,cold & rainy But at the same time it was so enjoyable because we had not seen rain for a while here in Arizona. . The leaves were all in full fall colors and it just made you want to find a rake and put them all in a big bunch to jump in, like when you were a kid. Brandon & Morgan have a beautiful hill top apt in Beaveraton .

Cape Cod home again.

2009-07-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday Pam and I flew into Philadelphia and then had to set on the tar mack for 3 hours because of storms in the area. Then we flu into Boston and rented a car and drove to Cape Cod and spent the night at a really nice Motel near the Bourne bridge. The next day we went to Buzzards Bay and visited the towns of Sandwich where we used to live and then on to Falmouth and found the Branch that Paris was the Branch President in about 1962-64. at that time the members of the ward raised half of the money to build the ward building . The small ward worked very hard to get the money and bought a beautiful piece of land that was on a hill overlooking the water. When we had raised enough money by selling 140 dozen eggs a week and cleaning houses on base. We contacted church headquarters and they told us we had to get other land as the place we had was too small to build a 3 phase building on. The people of the ward were really up set by this and Paris was really worried about the church being built in the right place. We found a beautiful spot and we had at least 3 different trips where we took the mission president, the official from Salt Lake and each time as we traveled the road to see the property, the property was not recognized and then they would go look again and it was the same spot that had been looked at before but not recognized. What I'm trying to say is that when we are asked to do something by the church leaders and we do our best to follow the Lord will guide us to the right place. The building was built on that piece of property and its a beautiful building.We went to church there last Sunday.

Mexico I'm checking out town after town.

2009-07-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

This trip was to Cancun and we arrived there on Tuesday and then on Wed. we traveled by bus to visit the Maya Temple Runs and we were so blessed to have an LDS Guide and he told us about the area as we know of the area from the Book of Mormon. It is beautiful there and we had a wonderful day it sets on the ocean and if you know you bring your bathing suit and have a wonderful swim. We were able to go to a all inclusive resort and it was a great time . Loved my Tan

Miss Arizona what a fun time

2009-07-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the 18th picked up our new cars from Nissan that they loaned us (Rhonda & I) to pick up the judges and take them around for the week of the pageant . What fun. We took them out to breakfast each morning about 9 and then out to dinner about 4:30 as we had to be at the pageant by 6PM. And they picked a beautiful Miss Arizona ( Savanna Troupe Miss Maricopa County. For those who don't know the judges pay their own way here and are not payed for their hard job of finding the right girl. The pageant could not take place with out all the volunteers and their work. I'm so proud of my family who do so much. The gifts for the judges made by Pam, the Decorating by Pam and Vanessa, The Goodies made by Chef Devon, and his crew of servers for the VIP reception, who where my Grandchildren and their husbands. In this picture the 3 young girls are daughters of the judges. Can't wait till next time.

Cusmal Mexico

2009-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful busy week I have really enjoyed so much. Pam, David ,Shannon and I left early morning and flew to Mexico it is so beautiful and green . We went to a very nice all inclusive resort called Reu on Wed we went by bus to the MiaanRuins We were very blessed to be able to get as our guide a man that is LDS and he was able to tell us the LDS versoion of the people and the lives they lived. It was a great day and we were able to get many pictures .

A few weeks in Mesa

2009-06-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

pictures jace,judd,Chelsey, JD, Jace

Went down to Mesa to be with Vanessa and Joey as he was so sick and I arrived on Thursday and he died early Friday morning. As most of you know by now that Joe had cancer and he was a very brave man who always thought of others and even in the last 5 weeks he was still thinking of others and helping them through his Illness. What a strong man he was. His Funeral was on May 23rd and he will be missed by many as we set at the funeral Vanessa and there Children did a wonderful job of showing love for Joey and also to the people that had come to honor him.There was 500 people at the viewing and 1000 people at the funeral. Now comes the hard part and that is learning how to live with out him and what it is that is the waiting for Vanessa to do. She is strong but will miss him like crazy.. I stayed and tried to help but I felt she needed some time to grieve. She is back at work and work will help. One day I felt that Vanessa need to get away and I kidnapped her and we went to Sedona and Jerome. I drove and we were on a high mountain and had to turn around . So as I pulled forward a high drop off was in front of the car so Vanessa screamed, then I had to back up with another drop of behind us and she screamed again and she said the trip did her a lot of good because she found out she could not cry and scream at the same time.

Rachel and CJ and family have now moved into my house and will probably live here for a while . CJ is hoping to get a job for the Border patrol . They will live here while he does his training. The children all love living next to there cousins Ron's family)This is working out so well as I'm spending a lot of time in Mesa and other places. I have more traveling to do.

This last week end we had a sisters reunion and we stated at a nice Inn in Tempe and played cards and went out to dinner and then played more games. Mostly we talk and laughed about the past memories. We were loud with all the stories that can't be repeated (what was said in that room must remain there.) Our room was at the very back of the place , maybe because when they saw 8 sisters going into the rooms they decided they we should be isolated. We never did receive the usual (be quite call ). Of course much Chocolate and diet coke was consumed.

Womans Conference in Salt Lake City

2009-05-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Rhonda Christal and I flew into Salt Lake on Tue night. and then met with friends and were able to go to a friends home and spend the night.

Wed we toured Salt Lake City and had a wonderful day. Rhonda's friend Tami and Christal's friend joined us and we spent the night in Lehi at Tami's sister home and Thursday Morning the conference started. It is really remarkable to see 22,000 sisters in one spot. As we traveled from one class to another it looked like a group of ants going along the sidewalks. I loved the talks and the spirit that was there. On Thursday night we went to a concert and I loved the Music. There was seven of us and we had a great time together. Came back home on Saturday

March & April 2009

2009-05-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

the Month of March ended with a trip to the Mountain Man rendezvous up by Payson. Joey had invited me up an;d since the word "man" was In the title I decided to make the trip. Now I had never been to a get to gather before and when got up there it was boys, boys and more boys or I guess they would like to be called young men. Here and there were a few older men but they all looked so strange because they were mountain men and had Long hair cared tomahawks and black power guns. It looked like a dangers place to be. Really it was a great time and I'm glad I got to go and spend those few days in the mountain with Joey and Vanessa. Little did we know at that time that our wonderful Joey was sick with cancer..He is loved by so many and I guess Heavenly Father needs Trader Joe to help him on the other side.

Then in April the Ashcroft reunion was held and there was about 120 of us there. It was really nice just needed more time to renew are love for one another. After the reunion Shannon, David ,Pam and I were going to Paris but because of the spring break we could not all go together on stand by we were forced to go to Maui its the first time for me to go to Hawaii we had a wonderful time and stayed right on the beach. As we got off the plane I told the pilot that it was the bumpiest ride I had ever been on and he said" That's OK honey we don't charge extra for that.

Lehi Days and Santa Barbara California

2009-03-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just spent a few days with Rachels boys while Rachel, Chelsey and CJ went to the dunes to play for a few day

We all had a good time and Rhonda and her boys came and helped me with the little onces. Then on Monday the 2nd Florene, Glenna, Rita & Myself went up to the dam and then on to Payson for lunch and back home. It was a beautiful day.

I went to Mesa early Thursday morning March 8th and visited with the kids. Went to Vanessa and we went to the Church early in the evening and a group of ladys were at the church filling small BBQ Cups for the BBQ. At the BBQ they feed 2,500 people. This event was so much fun. I went with Vanessa & Joeys family and I spent most of the day with Lance we had a great time. They had a life band there that night and the music was great. Sunday went to meeting with Vanessa family and then the family got together for dinner and then games.

New Gila Valley Temple

2009-02-19T22:00:00.001-08:00

Gila Valley Temple Groundbreaking

2009-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Eastern Arizona Courier

New LDS temple breaks ground
By Jon Johnson Assistant Editor

Construction for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple officially began Saturday when local and world leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints overturned the ceremonial first shovel of dirt.
With a snow-capped Mount Graham serving as a picturesque background, the leaders, including Safford Arizona Stake President Mark Herrington and Pima Arizona Stake President Mark Bryce, struck their golden spades into the ground. Bryce also conducted the ceremony.
More than 1,700 people braved the crisp morning air and attended the event, while another 1,530 viewed an Internet simulcast at various stake centers throughout southern Arizona and western New Mexico.
Temples are sacred buildings to members of the church and differ greatly from the church's meeting houses.
Elder Neil L. Andersen, the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy, was the featured speaker at the ceremony and gave a dedicatory prayer.
Andersen said it was fitting the ceremony was taking place on Valentine's Day due to the special link with God members receive inside the temple, allowing them to be with their wives and families forever.
"What does Valentine's Day mean when we think of these great words of the Savior to Peter, and again said in our day, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven," Andersen said.
Temple Department Executive Director Elder William R. Walker said the temple is scheduled to become the 137th operating LDS temple in the world. Construction is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
According to Walker, the temple will have two sealing rooms, one large and one small, and will be set up for a progressive presentation of the temple ceremony.
"It will be a magnificent, beautiful temple, just perfect for this part of the Lord's vineyard," Walker said.
According to a news release from the LDS Church, the temple will be 18,561 square feet and will feature steel and concrete, architectural precast stone and cherry and natural maple woods. The temple will serve approximately 32,000 members, according to the release.
Elder Andersen told the Courier that temples are a positive addition to any community. Whenever a temple is put in place, good things happen<” he said. I’ve seen it around the world. It will be a good thing for all people whether they are members of our faith. or not.” Saturday Feb 13. The grand day is here and I have just returned from the groundbreaking of the soon to be the Gila Valley Arizona Temple. My Granddaughter Shannon was here and we dressed up nice and warm and walked over to the Stake Ball park where the temple will be built and we were able to set up front and really see all that was going on. Seventy Elder Neil L Andersen cam and shook our hands and even though it was cold and we could not feel our feet this handshake was warm and his smile was great. It was so beautiful there with the Eastern Arizona Collage Choir singing and the snow on the Mountain. I’m so happy I was there on the spot and was able to feel the great Sprite that was there. Something that was really great was we were able to look up a prophesy that had been spoken in 18978 by the Apostle John W Taylor when he was at a stake conference e here in the valley and he prophesied that one of the most beautiful temples ever to be built among the saints in the Rocky Mountains would be built in the Gila Valley. That just give me chills? What a wonderful blessing comes from the Lord. I can still fell the presents of all those good people who have gone on before cheering the fact that the temple is coming.’ I'm happy to be living in this wonderful valley. Just a little personal note about 6 months after Paris passed away I had decided this place was to much ;work and I should sell. I put the place up for sale and showed it to a few people and one night I had a dream that I could here Paris talking on the phone. He was saying Lilly should not sell this is our home and we have worked hard for it. .I thought about the dream all morning and could not get it out of my head about noon that day a couple from Tucson came to give me an offer and I had to tell them it was no longer for sale. What a wise man Paris is. Looking out for his family from above.

Jan 1 Happy New Year

2009-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful time at Pam's for Christmas with first visiting with Rachel's family and watching the kids open there gifts. So much fun then drove to Mesa and visited with Pam. Rhonda Tom and kids and Nita & Dale came over to play games. 6AM on Christmas morning went to Jennifer's and Jason for breakfast and watch those kids open there gifts. Then back to Pam to make pies and pick up the missionary so they could call there folks and have dinner with Pam's family. Brandon came in about 1pm as he had not been able to make the flight home the day before because of weather. Came back home and stayed home until new Years morning and went to Mesa. Vanessa and Royd's son had planed a nice new year Eva party and we played came ate and had a really good time. About 12 PM we drove around and watch all the legal fireworks going off and Joey help with that. Came home and play games with Vanessa family. New Years day visited and stared upholstering some of Vanessa chairs and that night had dinner and games with Royd. All in all we had a good time and I came home on Friday.

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

I'll take a few minutes to bring this up to date. Life is so different for me now. With out my love. It's hard to explain until you are in my place. You keep as busy as you can and that helps a lot. The family and friends are all ways near by . But for the first time in my life I'm alone and it is not fun. I miss my man like crazy. I have tryed going out a few times and it is so different than when I was young and did not have a family. So what this next year will bring is a ?? unanswered as it always is. So now it's time to stop feeling sorry for my self and get on with life. I Love my family and I am happy working with the Family History Center and we are looking forward to the new LDS temple that is coming here to Central. We are all trying to get ready to be Temple workers and I'm find great joy in doing Indexing . If you also want to get involved in this it is a great service to others and I'm sure that The Good Lord will bless us for this work.

Wedding !!! Not mine!!!!

2008-12-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Oct 1st Pam David and I flew to Fort Lauderdael Florida to take pictures and help with Julies wedding. What a busy few days we had, it was so much fun. We were able to visit with all the family. and get to met John and his parents. We liked them at first sight and thought John is really a great guy. The day before the wedding was a beautiful day and we were in hopes that it would not rain on the wedding day. But it rained most of the day so no pictures on the beach. But all went well and they are such a cute couple. Fred and Lucy where wonderful and my Sister Nita and her daughter Tina where there helping out so it was great to be together and a beautiful day.

North to Alaska

2008-08-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday July 27 11;00 Am and I'm getting on the Star Princess Its a beautiful day here in Seattle and I'm looking the boat over. So far Mary and Martha have not arrived. So I like to look over the ship and see where everything is. It's exciting to see how it's layed out. The girls arrived around three and at 4;00 we had the lifeboat drill. Then 150 LDS saints meet with John Bytheway for Church service. We had a wonderful Sacrament meeting we also were able to visit with John and Joan and Joan's brother Chuck and his wife Judy. Then we meet for Group Dinning at 5;30. On Monday meeting with John Bytheway at 10.00 Am and also at 4:pm These meeting were held while we were sailing to Ketchikan. On Tuesday we tour the Totem Heritage Center which is a collection of ancient totem poles. Some of the these totem poles are 42 feet tall they each tell a story of ravens, eagles, whales, and the legends of the land and its people. We were able to go into the clan house where we could view how the natives actually lived in the 1800s. We went through the rain forest where the roots of the trees were standing on top of the ground. It was something to behold. Wed. 30 of July Now we are in Juneau and this is where we went on a 4 hour excurson whale watching small boat to watch where the wales were feeding. We were able to see about 10 different whales but found it very hard to get a picture as they played in the water. Thursday 31 We went to Skagway and went on the White Pass and Yukon narrow gage railway and it travels up to the White Pass Summit the international boundary between Canada & the US. It was beautiful and we were able to see a 3000' waterfall It was a foggy day and everything looked fresh and beautiful. Friday was another day on the water, 2 meeting with John, shuffleboard the hot tub. and of coarse every night was the show time performances and they were great we usually went to two shows a night. I loved it. On Saturday night we arrived a shore about 4 and then traveled by bus to the Butchart Gardens and they were the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen and there is know wasy to tell you how beautiful they are. Also they had the most beautiful fireworks you have ever seen. I hope you enjoy my trip. We then had to be back on ship by 11;30P.M. and up and off the ship by 8AM on Sunday Morning.

Tuesday19 Trip to Oregeon

2008-08-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday the 19 Pam, David and I flu to Portland and meet up with Brandon and had breakfast. Then he went back to bed has he works nights. We stared looking for water falls,covered bridges and light houses. The first Covered bridge was the Hannah bridge and is still in use today it was built in 1912 and in the summer months the bridge is a popular spot for swimmers who jump from the bridge into the deep pool beneath. We visited about 12 covered bridges. Next was Salmon falls which is a large fall that had people 18 people jumping from the cliff. The weather is beautiful and the temperature is about 70. The falls looks like it falls for about 300 feet. The water at the bottom is so clear & clean. We went to about 10 water fallls they are so big and prowerfull. On Tuesday night July 22 We stayed at this beautiful Inn over looking the ocean. It was nice and cool as we sleep with the door to the patio open we could hear the waves crashing against the shore. It was so nice and relaxing. We saw lots of beautiful country and then spent Sat. in Seattle and visited Pike Place Market, there were so many people there that you could hardly move. We then went up in the space needle. looked at the large city from every side and relly enjoyed it. Stayed for a big parade in down town Seattle. The next day Pam and David droped me at the ship and is was on my way to Alasha.

Trip to San Francisco July 8

2008-08-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Pam and I flu to San Francisco for the day. It was a beautiful day about 65 and just perfect for a day of sight seeing. China town was really busy with the smell of fish every where . I don't like fish so we did not stay very long. But there was a lot of little people there. We went to Pier 49 and we could easily see Beacon Hill the picture is of me standing on the pier with beacon hill in the back ground. . Also the picture of me setting on the pier where we had wonderful clam chowder in bread bowls and Alcatraz ifs in the back ground and I was afraid to go take a look for myself I thought they might keep me. Just didn't want to take the Chance. It was a fun day. It was fun going with Pam.

Trip of a life time.

2008-06-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

This is the Capernaum where Jesus lived for three years.

I hope you enjoy my trip as much as I did. Mary White, Vanessa Mortensen and 85 others from around here or friends from all over made this trip together. I Hope you enjoy my blog.

Cairo

2008-06-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

This ist he step pyramid.This is the bus we traveled in.

Here we see the some of the pyramids. We are about ready to visit the Mohammad Ali Mosque We have all ready visited the Cairo Museum where the discoveries from King Tut's Tomb are on display

Day 3 Monday May 26. Were in Egypt!!. Can you believe it.? Here we travel back in time over 3,500 years to when Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers and married anEgyptian woman named Asanath. You remember the two sons of Joseph and Asanath were Manasseh and Ephraim and we have heard theses names many time in Church History. Here we see the giant pyramids, temples and tombs of ancient Egypt. These people were very knowledgeable and a lot of our beliefs and ideals come from them . They recorded
records, they knew geometry, science of astronomy, medical science, methods of surgery they sought meaning and beauty from life. They had a firm belief in the after life. Most of the people about 95 present live in or around the Nile river which is the worlds longest river and flows the entire length of the country, the rest of Egypt is windswept Sahara Desert. The weather here is warm and they seldom have rain. None in 5 years now. The official language is Arabic. There are more than 80 pyramids in Egypt . As we enter the gates to the Cairo Museum we see papyrus growing and it is believed that was the material used to form the little basket that carried Moses into the the Pharaoh's family. We are able to see an illustration of how the stems were placed together in layers and then crushed under pressure to form a rough paper . The paper was originally white but age turned it brown. I guess that's what is happening to me. We were also told about the Lotus blossoms, which is in a lot of the art work done here. As we go into the rotunda we see three large statues of Ramses 11 . It is believed that he was the Pharaoh at the time of Moses.

Luxor &-Cairo

2008-06-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here we see the spectacular 135 foot long solar boat. Constructed over 4500 years ago with the lumber from the cedars of Lebanon

Day 5- Wed. May 28 To day we fly back to Cairo and our first visit to the Giza Pyramids where we were able to ride the camels. They are tall and hard to ride.
And you think with every step they take we are all going to fall off.The Gisa pyramids are classified among the Seven Wonders of the World.

We are now at the Sphinx and are now going to a Papyrus factory where they show us how the papyrus is made. And of coarse we fell we must buy one or more. Then we will see the very large statue of Rameses !! And the Alabaster Sphinx. Now the very large step pyramid of Zoser

Jerusalem, The Gates

2008-06-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

On the road where Jesus walked caring the cross

Day 7-Friday May 30 Jerusalem Today is our first sight of the Old City through the south Gate which is called the Dung Gate, because in the days of old all the dung , garbage, etc, was thrown out of the gate, I think our way is much better.
The gate that is three closest to the hotel is the largest of the city called the Damascus gate. Because Jerusalem has undergone so many destruction the wall has been built,destroyed, many times In Many places you can see three different eras in the present wall. The first stones are called Herodian because they are of the King Herod the Great time. about 3/4 of the way up are the Crusaders. the top 1/3 is of the Ottoman-Turks in the 1700's but the old part 1s 2000YEARS OLD.At the Davidson Central we see the archaeological remains at the ancient Ophel and the southern steps of the "Temple Mount.

Judean Wilderness, Jordan River

2008-06-23T16:59:00.000-07:00

Day 8- Saturday May 31. This is also called the Mt. of Temptation We now travel about 20 mintues on the bus and come to a ancient site on the Jordan river that has been devloped by the Jeswish has a christian the baptised here.and my or may not be the place but it is a realistic type of site. Beging a couple of miles from Jordan river where he was baptized .
The monastery has housed monks for abnout 1400 years. From up here we can see the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho, amd in the hase Mt. Mebo to the east.

We are told this is the place where Jesus was tempted by the Davel for 40 days & he was told he could have evertthing in his sight. as you look out over the country it is pretty dry and hot, and I'm not sure I would want it, but our host told us in Jesus's day,the whole area was a thriving trade area . Anyway right now they have a monistary up here for visitors & a place to eat, and they have people trying to sell us something . Now this is a very deleste county but our guide told s in the days of Jesus it was a very flurshing busy place. with farms and trees but with the changes over the years it is now desert. It is dry, rocky, and no vegetation. We can look down from here and see some of the old water irigation system.

Western Wall, Jerusalem Center,

2008-06-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Day 8-Saturday May 31, The scriptural Sabbath was Saturday and as we observed last night at the Western Wall the Jewish people had began to arrive.around 5PM as the sun set on Friday Afternoon, There Sabbath will end as the sun sets on this Saturday. This is the Jewish Sabbath and 7th Day Adventists and in Israel it has been designated at the LDS Sabbath Day by the 1st Presidency. The Muslims observe in a special way on Friday's with special focus at noon prayers and then taking Friday afternoon off for family time.

This day we check out of the Olive Tree Hotel and go to the Orson Hyde Memorial Park on the Mount of Olives. Apostle Orson Hyde was sent be our Prophet Joseph Smith to Jerusalem in 1840 on Oct.24, 1841 Brother Hyde left the city early in the morning as the gates to the walled city opened and went to the Mount of Olives and prayed a revealed prayer of dedication. Another thing that President Lee set in motion in 1972 was to find a place where a memorial for Brother Hyde could be established in Jerusalem. It took 7 years to make all the arrangements but in 1979 Pres Kimball came and dedicated the park. We do not own the land or the park but the LDS building program built it in the name of Orson Hyde . We walk and talk and sing and bare testimony here in this beautiful quite place. Much of the talk centered on the ascension into heaven from the Mt. Of Olives. And that "He will yet come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven ' to the Mt of Olives

Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount od Beautitudes

2008-06-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

Day 9-Sunday June 1 This morning took a nice walk along the beach at the Sea of Galilee. We got on a Galilee boat for a ride from Ein Gev to the north shore at Nof Cinosar As we ride along on the boat we stopped about the middle for some devotional thoughts, singing and meditation. This is where we recall many stories we have heard of Christ walking on water, the fisherman and we sing the song "Peace Be Still" it was beautiful. Years ago there was discovered a very old fishing boat sticking out of the mud. It had been sunk into mud for hundreds of years. The restoration process was very technical and now the boat that is called the Jesus Boat is in a very nice museum close to the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Later on we visit Capernaum where Jesus lived for three years. Then the Mount of Beatitudes and later see the movie The Galilee Experience.

Tiberias,LDS Chaple, Nazareth Village

2008-06-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Day 10 Monday June 2 of our trip Today our journey will take us through Cana the famous site of Jesus miracle of turning the water into wine.
Today we well visit the Tiberias LDS Branch building it was a previously built home that the church has remodeled The only building plus land that the church owns.The small Nazareth Village which is a beautiful setting, to see the village life of Nazareth when Christ lived here. It is a place where people learn to live like Jesus did. They make there only olive oil and and harvest wheat by pulling a board that has sharp rock attached to it and pulling it across the grain. They raise there own sheep and then cut the wool and then weave it and then make there on cloths. And grow Olive tree and press the Olive oil for there own use.

Nazareth, the Jezreel Valley

2008-06-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

Day 10 =Monday June 2. Today we learn more about the Transfiguration or story of Christ. As we go to the top of the mountain we find that our prayer are greatly enhanced as we whisk to the top of Mt Tabor. there are Catholic monastic convent and church sites at the top . The Transfiguration occurs about 6 mounts before the Passover where Jesus will give up his life. The event occurs with Jesus, Peter, James, and John. It allows for the apostles to receive the keys of the kingdom. They would recieve them from angelic ministrants, Elijah and Moses, the keys to bind on earth and it would be bound in heaven or to loose on earth and it would be loosed in heaven The church is very beautiful with two smaller chapels adjacent to the larger chapel dedicated to each of Moses and Elijah.
This is kind of the backyard of the boy Jesus as he passed this way as he went to Jerusalem. The symbol of the Transfiguration is the reality of the power of God to present, create, solidify ordinances and covenants that pertain to exaltation in God's Kingdom. As our prayers become answered to allow us to safely descend Mt. Tabor in a road-race style. We now go to Gan Ha Shelosha for fun, mostly to swim in the natural spring ponds that are there. The name means garden of Three. There is lots of trees and grass in the park around the ponds. It is fun to swim with the fish, as occasionally one will come and start sucking at the hairs on your legs. Our return to En Gev will take us thought the country side of Galilee that is on the west side of the Sea of Galilee We stoped at the newly acquired and dedicated Tiberias Chapel. There are only 2 branches of the Church in Israel Today we also visit the Nazareth Village which is make to represent the life and times of Christ.

Mount. of Beatitudes

2008-06-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 3 Day 11 Today we do much traveling This is the land of Deborah and Barak in the story in Judges. Allthoug we don't have time to stop there has been found many interesting artifacts dating back to Abraham and Ham. We continue North of Hazor through the valley surrounded by Lebanese mountains on the west and the Golan Heights on the right. We are heading toward the headwaters of the Jordan River.
On our left is the Israeli/ Lebanese border.

Te Dan- Banias - Golden Hieghts,Jordan River

2008-06-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Day 11 Tuesday June 3
Today we are traveling to the ancient Canaanite city of Hazor and then continue north to visit the natur reserves of Tel Dan and the cooling springs of water that create the Jordan River. Where we all took off our shoes and found it so refershing. Near here was where John the Batisth babtised Jesus.The site that we go to today is a site developed by a Jewish Kibbutz as a Christian Baptism site at the Jordan river. It's really a beautiful site and hunders of people are rebaptize. In fact Brother Halverson had baptised a couple of men from Africa who were foreign laborers there in Israel. into the church when he was the Jerusalem Branch President it is called Yardenit. on the way back we stoped along the cliff where the evil spirits were turned loose on the swine of the Gardarenes . Another day of beauty and adventure in Christ's homeland.

Megoddo, Haifa, Caesarea

2008-06-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

June 4 Day 12 we woke up this morning and are all packed to leave the beach resort Een Gev. "All good things come to an end."Today we will travel a lot we are going to the Migiddo. At Megiddo at one time or another the Egyptians, the Canaanites , the Israelites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Persians all had control of Megiddo. Each group fighting for nearly 4500 years to control this Pass. Another name is Armageddon if you have seen the movie The Source it tells much about the water system We are walking through the water supply tunnel which is now dry it's 180 steps down and 80 steps up. It is so hard to believe the things these people have been able to build and it still stands.
This is also the Palestine area and the Missionaries of the Church have been serving here since 1886. How ever they can not talk about the church even if asked as it is against the law. Very hard to do but they do have members who have gone other places and joined the church. We visited the graves of two young missionaries that died there. One of smallpox and one from typhus because of the Turkish law which declared that those who died of infectious disease had to be buried the same day . So there bodies are here.
Now we are going to Caesarea Maritima which is where we are going swimming in the Mediterranean. This aqueduct provided fresh water. It runs 6 miles to the seaport city of Caesarea. In Caesarea is the location of Herod's Theater it was built 20 BC and seats about 4000 and is still in use today. A small dungeon like room in Herod's palace. The apostle Paul may have been impriseoned in one of these rooms. read Acts 23-26

Holy Mount-old City of Jerusalem

2008-06-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Day 13 Thursday June 5 Today we are back in Jerusalem and we will focus on the Old City of Jerusalem , The city of David of old Testament and Book of Mormon times. We entered the Dung Gate of the Old City and walk to the Temple Mount. This is where Isaiah and Jesus taught his disciples and large multitudes of others The Muslims do not allow visits inside of the mosques We do not open our scriptures on this mount The Dome of the rock is 8 sided ancient building with beautiful architecture. The Muslims say that this is where Abraham brought their relative Ishmael to be sacrificed to the Lord. the Jews and Christians say this is where Abraham brought Isaac to be sacrificed The dome has about $8 million of gold on it. Here also is the Western wall where 12 year old boys experience their Bar Mitzva(becoming a son of the law) The boys will be carrying and reading from large Torah scrolls. the men are divided away from the women,but the woman are allowed to look over the dividing fence and shrill and clap and throw candy onto the plaza this kind of reminds of of the story of the 12 year old Jesus being presented at the Temple however he was the one that stayed on to teach the priests and scribes there at the time.The Bar Mitzvah's are very happy and celebrated atmosphere. There are many sites that have been uncovered there in the old city , old road that take us back 700 hundred years before Christ. Hezekiah Tunnel
Far below the old David town
lies Hezekiahs tunnel which runs underground.
After 2000 years the water is cold and clear.
As we wade thru it, it's up to our ankles now to our rear.
It's a major work of engineering, inspiring to see.
I have clausterphobia I just want to flee.
It's 3/4 of a mile long, very narrow, dark and wet.
You must go on ahead you can't get out yet.
44 people are doing there best not to slip
Down into the bowels of the earth ,I dare not trip.
If an earthquick should happen
and I die in here today , Don't look for my body , I'm here to stay. By Lilly

Masada- Ein Gedi, Qumran,

2008-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

June 6 Happy Birthday Paris Day 14
Masada-- to reach the Masada Fortress we went by cable cars. I was sick at my stomach and had to stay at the museum but could watch the others. This place was the last group of Jewish freedom fighters against the Romans it was built by King Herod the king of the Jews . It is located in the Desert near the shore of the Dead Sea.Herod ruled from about 27 BCE to 4 BCE. there was 980 men and there wives and children inside the fort. 8000 roman troops camped around the base. The Romans built a large ramp and used a battering ram to knock down the walls. IN the meantime Elezar Benn Yan gave a speech to his people and they said we will die rather than become slaves to the Romans. So they took there own lives. Only 2 women and 5 children lived to tell what had happened. Next it's Ein Gedi where David and Saul confronted each other. It is a stream running thru with large hills on each side and it's easy to see how they could communate with each other as the voices would carry well.

Last hours of the Savior's Ministry

2008-06-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is Sheperds Field and I loved it. we sing ,told of the Shepherds and how they must have felt.

Day 15 June 7 This special Sabbath Day began with a visit to the Upper Room to commemorate the Last Supper.We had a testimony meeting here and Brother Halverson said it is not really known where the real upper room was but it is close. Left here and went to the BYU Jerusalem Center that over looks the dome of the rock, It was beautiful listing to the organ and it sounds like a wonderful choir. It was fast Sunday and we loved it. This was the Day to commemorate the last 24 hours of Jesus Life and then his resurrection. So we are now at the Garden of Gethsemane. With the sweet spirit here the songs we sang, the testimonies that were given and being able to go inside and be in the tomb room. Next we visited St. Peter's in Gallicantu, the site of Christ's judgment by Caiphas the high priest. This is the picture of the whole where it is thought that Jesus was thrown or lowered into for his night at Caiphas there are holes carved into the sealing where it is thought Jesus hands were placed while he was scourged. Later we went to a sacrement meeting at the Garden Tomb and then walked through the Damascus Gate and walked down the street where Jesus was thought to have carried the Cross.

Jerusalem- Model City, Yad Vashem

2008-06-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

this is Day 16 Sunday June 8 Today is a very busy day when you are in Jerusalem Sunday is Saturday it starts at 5 Pm on Friday night and ends Saturday night at 6 P.mm. So under direction from Salt Lake we had Sunday on Sat. dose that confuse you as much as it does me. So on our Sunday June 8th we visit some important sites in the new City of Jerusalem. First the Israel Museum The part of Jerusalem, that we visited today is the new Jerusalem that has been under Jewish control since 1948 this is it's 60 anniversary. It is the largest city in Israel and is the capital. It is a modern city yet many of the building date pre 1917. There is a German colony, a British Colony, a French colony , and now we are driving through the Israeli parliament. an Americanh Colony and a Russian Compound. Now we are going to the Israel Museum and the part we are to visit is the Shrine of the Book where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed were able to few the Israel Scrolls which are on display. The first time ever we as the general people can view them.They will only be there for 2 more weeks. We then visited the Holcaust Memorial. We had about 1 hour talk from a jewish guide giving her feeling about this part of there history. Very hard to see. From there we visited the Elm Kerem the traditional home of Elisabeth and Zacharias. Then a trip to Ben Yehuda Street ( a famous shopping area of modern Jerusalem.

home again, home again

2008-06-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today is day number 17 Monday June 9 We got up at 2;30 Am and left for the Jerusalem airport because with 88 of us we knew it was going to take hours to get thought customs. By 8;AM we were on our flight to the London Airport traveled for 5 hours and had a 3 hour wait at the London airport but it is so hugh that you need about that much time. The plane is full and I set in the very last row. My complain is a young man who really likes his wine. About 2 hours into the flight after two bottles and has gone to sleep. we have 10 hours to go. Think I had better take a nap. Arrived home on Monday the same day we left at 5;05 how ever it is because of time changes and we have been up 23 hours and its the longest day of our lives. Happy to be back. Here is Joey to pick us up. Goodto see the family

Weekend at Canon City Colorado.

2008-05-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Rhonda and I flew up to see Randy's family on Friday 2nd of May and arrived at his home which is a new home to us as they have moved from their mountain home. It's really a nice home and almost down town, very close to there work. Saturday morning we went out to the local airport and they had a full breakfast for a fly in and old car show. Randy sang for a couple of hours and did a good job. Kathy and Tiffany were busy with 3 mile run and Tanessa was busy with getting the float ready for the parade which started at 1:00 and was 2 1/2 hours long. Tessie looked beautiful. That afternoon we went to Pueblo and bought the marterial to make some drapes for their home. We attended church there and had a nice quite day. Left Monday morning to arrive in Phoenix around noon. It was a fun weekend.

California here we come.with Rachels family

2008-04-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

March 30th we left about 5PM and arrived about 1PM weary from the freeways and byways of California. Everyone was excited to run out on the beach and check out the sand and the waves. Oh the water was cold!!! the temperature was only 60 but no wind so it was not bad. That night the older kids and myself found the hot tub and it was wonderful.The next day it was Disneyland and we spent the whole day there. We visited everything the triplets were frightend at first but soon were enjoying them selves. The next day was the zoo and the triplets loved the petting zoo.
The next day was Sea world and the boys really loved that. Bo seemed to enjoy the Mime, Chelsey loved the Dolphins and Shamu and she would have loved to stay with them all day. We also enjoyed Pets Rule . As far as JD I think he loved it all. I liked the simulated jet helicopter. By Thursday we were on our way home. Its been a good week.

Ronald's family

2008-03-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ron & Shani live near us and I call on him all the time. Ron fix my computer! Start my lawn mower fix the toilet. Poor boy he has to go far way in an airplane so I won't bother him so much. Now he lives closer than ever so Watch out Ron. Five children 2 boys and 3 girls. As you can see their all beautiful and love good times. I think going to Mexico in the boat called the Royal Caribbean was so much fun for them. They all love to swim. We went for 5 days and had a wonderful time. On day two we arrived in San Diego and I really enjoyed seeing and Turing the ship the Midway and seeing the larger tan life statues of the sailor kissing the nurse. I do not know how those men lived on that ship as you can see the beds are so close together I wonder how some could even get in the bunks. Of course I guess they were all thin and in god shape. On day two or Wed we visited Catalina Island and the boys just had to go in the water but if was freezing and by the time they got out the boys were freezing also. On Thursday we were in Ensenado Mexico .Its a small town and we enjoyed just walking and looking at everything. We had a good time and arrived home on Thursday night.

Lake Powellwith Bonnie's family

2008-03-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Aug 2007 Amy & Dave ,Kyla & Sadee and Bonnie and Kyle and I went to Lake Powell. I was really worried about being on a house boat out in the middle of all that water but the whole trip was wonderful. At night as we tied up on shore I slept on the top of the house boat and it was wonderful. The stars and moon and the beautiful setting it was great. We had such a great time. Thanks for all the fun and a good nights sleep.

My first boat Cruise

2008-03-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ronald and all his family and I Left on Sunday afternoon around 3 and spent the night at Vanessas and left the next morning for San Pedro . We arrived around noon and got on the Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas around 1PM. We spent some time going to our rooms and looking over the ship . We had the early dinner and were able to go to the nights entertainment . The first night it was Bobby Arvon who wrote the Happy Days theme. It was a great. We traveled at night and arrived to San Diego at about 7 AM and got off the ship and took Harbor tour and the USS midway. It was about a 4 hour tour and very interesting. Then back aboard ship for Lunch and seating by the pool watching ice sculptering games and etc. The next day was Catalina Island a beautiful island. Beautiful day but the water was cold. Had a great walk around and enjoyed the Island. Durning the entertainment that night the Children came in dressed as pirates. Lead by a helper they came in and the man said " what did the captain say ".. The small pirates said "be quite." What are you going to do? Were going to riot. When we went back to the room I said did you have fun? Rulon said," no they would not let us throw anyone over the side." On Thursday we went to Ensenada mexico and had a nice day. the Kids wanted to go back to the boat as there was much to do there. We ate and played cards and that night at 12 went to the chocolate
buffet. It was beautiful and we (Rulon & I) enjoyed it. Came home on Friday it was great.

Trip to Puerto Vallarta

2008-03-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Pam, David ,Shannon and I arrived at Puerto Vallarta at 1:45 in the afternoon took a taxie to our hotel .It was on the beach. A really beautiful old hotel and Shannon and I shared a room. We walked along the beach and really enjoyed the sand sculptures. They were so well done. I loved the white building red tile roofs and flowers. Many people were walking along trying to sale every thing you can think of. We spent every evening in the hot tub and enjoyed the beautiful sun sets and visiting with the other people in the hot tub. We were able to talk about the book of mormon and it was fun. On the second day there we took a tour to Las Animas where many went snorkeling. Then on to Vallarta where we had lunch and then to Quimixto where we took a 45 min horse ride to cascada Quimixto which is a water fall in the forest. So much fun. It was an all day tour and I never saw so many people get into the small boats that faired us out to the ocean.

Tyson White & Family

2008-03-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Went to Oregan to visit with Tyson and Lori and had a great few days . The kids are growing so fast and we had a great time together and also were able to go and Cut down the family Christmas tree. The whole week was very cloudy and much Fog . The family is very busy with school , church, and Tyson has an old truck that he is fixing up. Their home is in a very nice part of Beavertion Or.

Trip to Oregan with the White Family girls

2008-03-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

All of Paris's Sister & Sister in Laws went to Oregon to Visit with Marlene and her family. We had a great time although it was raining cats and dogs and of course the Arizona girls really don't remember what rain & fog is like . We had all flown in at different times of the day so the first afternoon was at the airport. We took a tram and went to our hotel which was in the heart of Portland if I remember right it was on the 9th floor. Nice rooms but small with all of us and Rod and Marlene and Kim and Raymond (Marlenes daughter and son in law.) They were our official tour guides,and car driver which was a big 12 passager van, it should have been a 15 passenger. Because Mary and I only were able to have 1/2 a seat each. HA. We were able to travel to the coast a Hag's cove or something like that and took the picture of the ocean. It is so beautiful and had great small shops. We went to a beautiful water fall that is a mile high near Portland. It was a cold day. Great visiting ,paying cards and laughing at all the memories we were able to share.

Visit to Dougs

2008-03-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Picture of Nita,Corkey,Jennifer & Lilly at Bridal falls

After conference Mary & Pam; Pam went home and Nita arrived. Doug and Corkie met us at the airport and we enjoyed our visit with them in their beautiful home in the mountains. We were able to see deer and Elk in his back yard and we made many sightseeing tours. We had breakfast at Sundance and the trees were changing color also snow on the mountains, it was beautiful . We visited Park City where the winter games had been held. Flew back to Mesa and Dave and Pam picked me up.

Oct general conference in Utah

2008-03-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Pam, Mary and I went to conference in Salt Lake . We arrived there on Friday and were able to do a lot of sight seeing. We went to the Joseph Smith building. Had lunch at the Lion House and the bread was really good. On Sat we went to the Joseph Smith building for Morning Conference and the after noon sessi0n at the Tab. Friday night we went to the Joseph Smith building for the movie on Brother Joseph. It was great. We stayed at Bob & Carols and had a wonderful time with them on Sunday we were able to attend conference at the Conference Center.

Missouri trip

2008-03-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

In Sept. Pam and I flew into Kansas City Missouri rented a car and went to Aunt Allin's and Uncle Earls in Odessa. Odessa is very near where I was born, in fact we were able to visit the land where I was born. We visited the grave yard where many of our family have their graves and I did not know where Grandfather was buried and when I was at the grave yard looking everywhere with Aunt Aline and Uncle Earl
and Pam all of a sudden it was as if some one was leading me up the hill and across a small road. I stopped and was in front of Grandpa and Grandmas grave. Just another example of how the good Lord helps us with the work he has commanded us to do for our dead. I'm so thankful for inspiration. We were able to go to Independence Mo . and go to the visitors center and also to the Liberty jail . It is so wonderful that these things have been preserved for us to experience the way things our Prophet and the leaders of the church have had to go through for us.