BLUE SKIES SMILIN'

"BLUE SKIES SMILIN' AT ME

NOTHIN' BUT BLUE SKIES DO I SEE..." 

TUESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2016

It is an absolutely beautiful blue skies smilin' at me day in Edmond OK today.  We did have enough rain over the weekend to show that Grandpa Arthur got most of the leak fixed in the other corner of the cave.  The roof above our bedroom still has a leak that Grandpa is trying to find now...almost there...never ending, but we have been blessed with perfect weather to enjoy as we repair the cave.

"Peek a boo" up there Grandpa Arthur, how's it going?

We had a lovely Sabbath last Sunday and enjoyed spending time with our daughter and her family.  They leave for the Dominican Republic tomorrow afternoon.  We hope they have the best mission ever.

Meanwhile we are going to care for the animals while they go take care of other peoples teeth!  Mia is already whining at me in the mornings.  Ha.  I guess I need to get her another ham bone to chew on since her family is leaving her behind.  

As we were driving to Seminary on Monday morning a white tailed buck ran across the road in front of us.  Yes, it frightened the buck and us but we did not make contact...as we were going to do The Lord's errand. Ooh Rah!

Our lesson this morning was kind of enlightening.  We finally started taking the Israelites over the Jordan River into the Promised Land!   "And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." Joshua 3: 5.  As the priests stepped into the water, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the spring flooded waters parted and the people walked over dry ground to the other side!   Then the waters, in the river, returned to its course!  Joshua showed he now had the keys that Moses had held.  They built a memorial out of the stones collected at the bottom of the river to remind them of this great event.  No more Manna for this group.  I asked the youth if I should quit bringing them treats now...Abby said, "till next year perhaps".  Ha, they only have three days left of classes in 2015...they are so witty!  

So while we wait for this ol' world to get better remember: "You better watch out. You better not cry.  Better not pout.  I'm telling you why.  Santa Claus is coming to town".

The Israelites experienced a Christmas Gift from The Lord, but boy they had to be good before they earned it.

Tomorrow we march around Jericho with the Ark and 40 thousand soldiers...and blow rams trumpets and shout!  Don't you wish you could be in our class?  We will discuss taking all the lands and the spoils of the people.  Joshua 6: 24 "And they burnt the city with fire and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord."   We will discuss Achan and how he took "presents" for himself instead of giving all silver, gold, brass & iron into the treasury of The Lord.  His quest for The Promised Land was stopped short for his family because of his greed.  Joshua 7: 24-26  

So milk and honey was not the only thing that the promised land flowed with. 

"The Lord God of Israel fought for Israel".

So the council Joshua gave his people is the same President Monson gives us today:

Stay on The Lord's side and you will be blessed, in this the Promised Land.

"BLUE SKIES SMILIN'"

We have been receiving lots of beautiful notes and cards from family and friends this season.  Thank you to each of you for remembering us this time of year.  Merry Christmas to all!

Grandpa Arthur and I decided to go for a walk because it is so beautiful this afternoon.

There are still a few persimmons hanging on to this tree.

Luke and Leif came over after school looking for snacks.  Luke decided the raindeer would make a good chair!  "Giddy up" reindeer!

WEDNESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2016
JOSHUA FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF JERICHO
Chorus:
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
and the walls came a-tumbling down

You may talk about your men of Gideon
You may talk about the men of Saul
But there's none like good old Joshua
at the battle of Jericho (that mornin')

(Chorus)

Up to the walls of Jericho
They marched with spears in hand
"Come blow them ram horns," Joshua said
"'Cause the battle is in our hands."

(Chorus)

Then the lamb ram sheep horns began to blow
The trumpets began to sound
Joshua commanded the children to shout
and the walls came a-tumblin' down (that mornin')

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
and the walls came a-tumbling down

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
and the walls came a-tumbling down.
African-American Spiritual Copyrighted By Jay Roberts 1865
We read Joshua 6-10 today.  We discussed how Joshua 10 had the soldiers put the Kings on the ground and put their foot on their necks. This was done to show the stiff necked Kings who was in charge....then off with their heads.  This was an "R" rated lesson if we showed the graphics....we just read of the take over and that was gory enough.
Sh..We walked around the tables 6 times and blew our rams horns 6 times.

Sh...everyone remained quiet and we carried the Ark seven more times around the tables and the 7th time blew the rams horns and shouted.  Pretty soon people from the other classes were coming in to see what all the shouting was about.  Today, the Freshman Class of Edmond,  defeated the Canaanites and entered The Promised Land.  Harrah for Israel!  Off they all went to conquer their exams at school!  We are the triumphant  teachers of the mighty, mighty freshmen! We are blessed by The Lord. BLUE SKIES SMILIN' today.

I drove my grandsons to the Elementary School for their mother today.  We were early and sat in the car for 10 minutes...that is 10 minutes too long with these two energetic souls!

Grandma Gene can we just go in the school now?

SATURDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2016
We are just about ready to watch BYU play Utah in Vegas football game...Hoot, hoot!
BYU basketball team beat Central Michigan last night 85-98!  Grandpa Arthur was very pleased with the outcome!  But, he was hoarse after the BYU vs. Utah game.  BYU lost 35-28...great game even if there were tears for Bronco and his former sons.  Thanks for the memories Coach Mendenhall.


It is another BLUE SKIES SMILIN' day in Edmond OK.  So Grandpa Arthur decided we best cut limbs off four more huge broken branches.  So Grandma Gene cut through a ton of brambles and made a new path to the gully.  I felt like I was cutting into Sleeping Beauties forest.  The vines ripped at my wrists and pant legs, but I finally got a path cut.  I had fun seeing if I could toss the limbs across the gully to the other side.

Can you see all the thorny brambles that grow among the trees behind Grandpa Arthur...that is what I had to cut through to get a path to the gully.  It definitely is like the brambles in the Sleeping Beauty story...yawn.

Grandpa Arthur cuts the limbs up so I can haul them to the gully.  He had to take the bigger ones, I'm such a weakling!  He can haul twice as much as I can.

Grandpa Cleaning up the last of the limbs...we took about three truck loads into the gully again.  We only have about four more big broken branches left.  I keep thinking of "The Sacred Grove" as we clean up our own grove forest around the property.  They leave the Sacred Grove natural.  Anything that falls remains in place...yes, our yard has a lot of fallen trees, branches and brambles...Oh well.

Our daughter and her family are now in the Dominican Republic.  The children are having a mission Christmas helping the people of that country with their dentist dad.  This should be a very educational Christmas for their children.  Our love and prayers are with them all as they share their time and talents with these great people.

Our Son, Ryan, and his family on an outing in downtown OKC.

So yesterday I received a call from Dr. Hennebry's nurse.  Our Humana insurance denied my final surgery.  The nurse said that Dr. Hennebry wants to see me at the end of February and take another echo of the back of my right leg and see how the Phlebitis is doing?  If it is still bad then they will resubmit the request.  Do you think the Phlebitis will heal on its own?  We shall see.  I was very relieved that I don't have to have another surgery this month, but distressed that not having the final surgery may prevent my leg from healing after all.  Isn't life fun?  If I didn't know better I would think someone from my government insurance reads this blog..ha.  I suppose lugging downed trees isn't that good on the legs...maybe if I called it exercise instead of work?  Toot, Toot, Hurrah for Israel!  It sure would be nice if Grandpa Arthur could give me a healing blessing and I could be done with this...insurance business...Ha...a Christmas present from the Christ Child Birthday Boy?
I'm sure my present is that I have veins, air and life!  I am grateful to Our Savior, Jesus Christ for this earthly experience.  "Star Wars" began showing two days ago...will the heavens ever be safe again?

 He is Comfort, Hope Peace and Joy!  Merry Christmas.
BLUE SKIES SMILIN' TODAY

SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2016
It is the official week of Christmas!  BLUE SKIES SMILIN' is not happenin' in Oklahoma today.  The clouds are covering the sun.  It's an Oklahoma Christmas Everyone!  May you all enjoy this week and bring the message of The Christ Child into this important Holiday.  Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.  We are thankful this week for Angels in fields,  Rooms in Inn's, Kings born in Stables and raised in Caves!  Children who come home for Christmas. Children who choose to serve their families instead of being home.  May we all, "with one accord, sing praises to Our Heavenly Lord".  We remember a Donkey spoke to Balaam and Joshua held the same keys of the Priesthood as Moses...and led his people into The Promised Land.  May we feel the peace of The Redeemer as He prepares to have those keys returned to Him.  Blessings upon those who hold these keys this Christmas.  He is the Gatekeeper!  Yes, we believe.
Let us be kind to our family's and teach them of this great love through our examples.  Hug's to each of you.
Always,
Grandpa Arthur & Grandma Gene
Arthur & Gene

WARM DECEMBER

It is a Warm December in Oklahoma!  We love the sunshine.  We needed the sunshine so we could clean up all the branches from our ice storm.

MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2015 
After Seminary I went straight to the temple to do some paper work for The Temple Presidency.  The temple is closed for cleaning for two weeks, so it was a great morning in the quiet of the temple.

We spent the evening with The Hutto's and Mary Newman.  Karen fixed chicken noodle soup...and of course she made the noodles...it was to die for...so yummy.  We had warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  We studied Elder Anderson's last two conference talks.  Then we watched the movie "Once I Was A Beehive".  I think they all liked the movie, but Karen said our Brenna would probably be disappointed when she attends camp after watching this fun movie!  Karen does not let me take pictures of her, so I took a picture of her table decoration.  Thank you Hutto's for the fun evening.  Mary gave us some chocolate mice...they were yummy, thanks for those too Mary!

TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2015
I am teaching Seminary this morning.  We are studying about Moses striking the rock to bring forth water.  I had a stick and hit the table with it and I even freaked out Grandpa Arthur!  Of course you know that Moses took credit and The Lord chastised he and Aaron.  It was a good lesson for all of us to remember.  My favorite part of the lesson was Numbers 21:16  "They went to "Beer", the well and The Lord said, "I will give them water".  I jokingly told the youth when someone offers them Beer to make sure they tell their friends, "The Lord has given us water instead".  I just love the symbolism in that well!
After this lesson I accompanied Heather to Dr. Hennebry's office for her check up.  He said she was doing well.  He wants her to have an echo as soon as her family returns from their Christmas excursion.  Heather was relieved she is doing good.  She is bruising all over though because of the blood thinner she is on.  Dr. Hennebry told her that she should try and stay on it for 6 months.  That made her a little sad.  She also has a cold so is not feeling well.  He also told me to call his office tomorrow if his assistant didn't call to schedule my last surgery.
Grandpa Arthur went over and helped Kenneth Hutto cut up tree branches most of the day.  They about got his yard looking good again.
WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2015
We discussed the grumpy Prophet Balaam this morning.  It is fun that at Christmas we speak of an Angel appearing to a donkey!  Numbers 22:21-36  Balaam got so so mad at that donkey, and the students were surprised that Balaam just answered the donkey when he spoke to him.  Emma said, "What do you think a donkey voice sounds like"?  Grandpa Arthur tried to make a donkey sound like his Grandpa Tanner used to make.  We all had a good laugh and pondered this interesting Old Testament Story.  We also pondered how The Lord taught His Prophet Balaam to do what He requests!  So many things to think about...brain ache.

There was the most beautiful sunrise when we exited the Church this morning after Seminary.  We just pulled the truck over and sat and watched it till the colors began to fade.

GRANDPA ARTHUR DUG UP THE ROOF AGAIN.  He dug it up in the corner by our bedroom.
He is a trooper.  The corner seam was so open...he pounded a stick into the seam.

He did not have to dig up as much dirt, but it was enough.  A gopher dug into the hole during the night.  Dumb, or I should say smart, gophers.  They are a pain!

This is how it looks now that Grandpa Arthur filled in the hole and patched it.  He is letting it dry out tonight.  Bring on the rain!

Brother Sharp painted our garage for us today.  We now have a clean garage for the Christmas Season.  Thank you, Brother Sharp, our garage walls were disgusting.  I believe if our cars could talk, like Balaam's donkey, they would thank you for making their home so lovely!  We certainly thank you!  It was a WARM DECEMBER day and a perfect day to paint a new coat on the walls.  We have some cupboards that Brother Sharp suggested we put handles on to make them easier to open.  We have lived in this cave for over 30 years and never even thought of putting knobs on those cupboards.  Silly us.  Thank's to Brother Sharp our cupboards are getting a Christmas present this year.  See how nice and clean these garage cupboards look!


I served in the temple office again today.  It sure is a lot easier to get letters written when the temple is closed.  I about got the office caught up with their correspondence.  The temple is starting to look ready to open next week.  Nothing like a winter cleaning to bring the angels in!  Thank's, President and Sister Roberts for inviting me to serve this week.  The temple carries the best Christmas Spirit even when it is getting spruced up for the next six months.  The Nativity looks like it is displayed in
a Spring setting.  Merry Christmas to all who go to The House of The Lord during this Glorious Season! I asked the donkey if he talked but he just kept staring at the ground and didn't answer.

BYU Basketball team is playing Utah State this evening.  Grandpa Arthur is excited!  Go sons of Rose! BYU Cougars 80 - Utah State Aggies 68!

THURSDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2015
CUPBOARD knobs: It's still a WARM DECEMBER, and a Merry Christmas to our cupboards.

Heather invited me to Lukes Christmas luncheon and chior.  Yah...he was a cute as a bugs ear...no lunch for me...just him and the noise level was torture...loved being there!

How could we get into the Christmas Spirit if it weren't for our Grandchildren?  Leif and Luke like
designing their own holiday attire!

SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2016
Our Friday Seminary Program for the Junior and Senior Class went on without a hitch.  Our students read the class a story, Emma played "Greenleaves" on her violin, each student spoke of what Christmas means to them ( They had me crying as they shared their thoughts).  We left their upper classmen with donuts and farewells from the fantastic Freshman class.  When I got home, from our teaching, The Book of Deuteronomy,  I realized I forgot to take any pictures... maybe next time.

Our Ward Christmas Party:
It was last evening and was well organized, tasty and great program.  Thank's OKC 7th Ward for bringing on the Christmas Holiday.

 The Bishopric and Young Men sang for us!

 Luke licking off the ice cream...got to get it all!

Jake went back for seconds, thirds, fourths...to think he used to not eat?

The Primary children sang for us.  We also had a quartet by some Relief Society Sisters that was fantastic and a sister played the harp.  Bishop told a Christmas Story about his dad and some pet geese.  It was a great evening.  Thank's to all who made it possible.

My wonderful son, Ryan, came over this morning and helped his dad hang a tv in our bedroom.  Now I too have a good tv to watch when the many ballgames are on in the family room.  Yay!  Thank you Ryan.  He and Sarah have been making a stocking holder for their mantle...such talent!
I got to spend some time with Rachel today while her daddy was helping Grandpa Art.  Thank's for going grocery shopping with me Rachel.

Our two granddaughters in Austin are cheerleaders and their team won today.  They travel to Houston & play Katy next week to see if their school can take State...pretty impressive for a small Texas school!  We believe our beautiful granddaughters already make this school a winner!  Go Lake Travis!
Cecily and her dad Eric!

Lauren!

And that is what is happening in our neck of the woods...we hope each of you are having a good week.  Our friends Dee and Laurie stopped by yesterday...thanks!  Friends are such a blessing.  We hope each of you have family around you this Holiday Season.  Remember to tell your children you love them.  We adore our family and are so thankful for each of you!
Merry, Merry Christmas friends and family.
From a WARM DECEMBER in Oklahoma we wish you a peaceful Sabbath and a joyful week.
Blessings to each of you.
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene

DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY,  2 DECEMBER 2015

The sun is shinning again!  Who would have thought this skiff of ice could wear us out this week?

This is day two of dragging broken branches to the gully.  Boy, we could use a gully washer again.  We have totally filled the gully, by the house, with tree limbs.  This was the first branch we tossed in.  Since then there have been over 100!

Day two, Grandpa Arthur sawing limbs so Grandma Gene can drag them to the gully.  We do pretty good work together for an old couple.

This is our recently trimmed lilac bush.  We left the little branches so it can still get some nutrient and I will cut them out when the leaves reappear.  The poor little bush is probably in shock since a huge branch about smashed it flat in the ice storm.   I read, on the internet, that it may take three years for it to bloom again after trimming it.  My oldest granddaughter, Cecily, will almost be finished with college by then!  I hope that this lilac tree perks up and flowers this summer and proves all the trimmers wrong.  We shall see.  I suppose I should just hope it gets leaves this spring and doesn't die of ice shock.   

We attended Charles Devol's funeral in the afternoon. He passed away on Thanksgiving.   They also included a memorial for his wife, Evelyn, who passed away in September.  Grandpa Arthur and I were assigned to give the prayers at the service.  It was fun to see all their family and visit with many of them.  Their son, Kevin, was one of my first seminary students in OKC 3rd Ward...in about 1979...or so.  There has been a lot happen since then.  Kevin gave a great tribute to his dad.  Evelyn and Charles were both buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Our love and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.  Charles was born on Valentines Day and his last name spelled backwards is Loved!

We returned home just as Grandpa Arthur's brother Jeff and his wife Wendy drove up to the cave.  They are finished with their New York Mission and headed home to Boise, Idaho via visiting us, their daughter Alona in Texas, and some families in Joseph City, Arizona.  It was a great evening of visiting with them.  We took them up to visit with Heather and family and then over to visit Ryan and family.Great Job Wendy and Jeff!  Thank's for stopping and visiting us.  They are excited to be able to spend Christmas with their family in Boise!  Thank's for driving through Oklahoma.

THURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2015
Elder Jeffrey Bushman agreed to teach our Seminary students for us this morning...so we talked him in to getting up with us at 5:00 AM...They have been teaching institute on their mission.
Elder Bushman taught the students about symbol
           Understanding Scriptural Symbols

"What are we to do with all of the symbolic language in the Bible—the imagery, figurative expressions, parables, allegories, types, shadows, similes, and hyperbole? Sometimes this imagery is clear and powerful, but often it seems baffling and strange."

He used an Ensign article written by Gerald N. Lund, director of the Curriculum and Instruction Division of the Church Educational System, who lives in a Bountiful, Utah, ward. The article was in the October 1986 Ensign.  I think you would find it very interesting to add to your studies.  The youth could relate many of the symbols to Jesus Christ and His teachings.  Thank's for teaching us this morning, Elder Bushman, we will be looking for symbolism in our every day lives now, thank's to your handout on symbols.

Tonight is the Christmas party for Mike's dental practice, so the children will be visiting Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene. We are preparing ourselves for a noisy evening!  Pizza and "Rio" movie and homework was our evening with the grandchildren.  Whew..I think we all survived intact!

FRIDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2015
Today, in Seminary we talked about the spies that Moses sent into the promised land.  While our lesson was in progress the Band class surprised us with a Christmas Devotional and donuts.  They challenged us to do the same for another class.  This was a great way to think about Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.  Thank you to Sister Knowles and her Band Class!  Our students thank you for the donuts too!

 
Day three of trees.  I tore a big gash in my right arm dragging branches today...I'm such a clutz!  Grandpa Arthur throws the trees in the gully after I drag them there...only 10 trees to go...or 20...yawn.

This one and the one next to it must wait for day 4..we are exhausted.

Ryan came over to borrow our pick up & trailer so he could help people in his Ward that needed trees cut.  We had three trees fall on our trailer, so we had to pull them off and move them so he could go help others...Ha!  At least those trees are behind the shed waiting for us to cut them up.
SATURDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2015
We learned, this DECEMBER, that Yes, Bronco, there really is a Santa.
Marc Bronco Clay Mendenhall (born February 21, 1966) is the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football team at the University of Virginia.
He just changed hats!

Heather and Mike had a Christmas party for some of their friends this evening.  So I went over to watch movies with their children, in their basement, while Grandpa Arthur watched ballgames in the cave.  We had to get them over to visit 
with Santa before the party began.

My son, Eric, sent this photo of his son Brandt and daughter Lauren at one of her middle school games...they are looking good!

It was just a beautiful day in the South, compared to last weekend!
SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2015
Elder Southward was in our 7th Ward Sacrament Meeting today.  It was great seeing him and listening to his testimony.  Thank's to all who bore their testimonies today.  We were so thankful that we were in our meetings today.  We came home strengthened and ready to "Carry On".
Our three grandson's rode to church with us this morning.  They were still sleepy from our movie watching last evening!

Lily rode home with us and she was a delight to travel with.

We went up to the Hansen's to share dinner with them.  Ryan, Sarah and their children were not able to visit with us today.  We missed this family as we broke bread together.  We love the Hansen's.

This evening we will watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
We hope you can listen this evening also.
Enjoy the month of December and remember to tell your children you love them. " We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet"
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene
P.S. If you miss this devotional...watch on LDS. org.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus of the season. We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth. At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowmen.

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior. And may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas.

Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Ucthdorf