Wednesday, May 29, 2024: James goes to Temple to work on his mom's shower, Stacy ,Paul, Joshua, & dogs here, Joshua sings to Apollo, Smores, Tom safe inside, James home finishes walking

 

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:22-39

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 26:6-39

God's faithful servants seek to do His will.

April General Conference

"Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth" by Elder Neil L. Andersen

D&C 109:22

And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; 

James left early this morning for his mom's house in Tempe. He is going to work on her shower. I had to call him because I got a Chase fraud alert for a charge on the credit card he uses for $155.90. The charge was made yesterday. The name of the company is DiscountsOutpostGloss.com. I looked it up. It is a skin care company. When I told James he said, "I don't do skin care." I said, "Obviously." Ouch! He knew I was joking, sort of.

I reported it as a fraudulent charge and now they will cancel my card and we have to wait a week or so for a new one. 

I still have some swelling along my jawline making me look like I have a square jaw. Hopefully I will soon be back to normal.

I put a roast in the crockpot with some BBQ sauce for dinner. I also made baked potatoes. Stacy, Paul, Joshua and the dogs are coming today. They usually stop for pizza in Show Low but, just in case.

Also, I'm not sure when James will be home and if he will be hungry. 

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua arrived around 5 p.m. They did stop at their favorite pizza parlor in Show Low, Pizza Factory.

 

Joshua did the cutest thing when he got here. He took his guitar out in the field where Apollo was and sang to him. Apollo just stood there and listened. Stacy got a picture. I asked her to send it to me. If she does, I will post it. 

Stacy went on a walk by herself. I should have gone with her but I just wasn't feeling up to it. I've been in a bit of a slump lately. 

It was nice outside this evening so we all went outside and sat around the fire pit. Jared Ammon had a roaring fire going.  We waited for the flames to die down and then we, Stacy, Joshua, and I roasted our marshmallows for Smores. 

Vader saw Tom and try to chase him down but of course Tom was too quick for him. I think Shipley, Sophie, and Vader love it here, especially when they get to go outside.

Tom comes in. He was a little unsettled and looked tired so I turned off all the lights and got in bed. I was watching "A Peach Cobbler Mystery" on my phone. When James got home from the valley he said he had to walk. He went into the other room and came back about 45 minutes later. I didn't get all of my steps and for some reason I don't even care.

Eden with her little sister Soleil

Soleil Hoose

Ian's family

Tuesday, May 28, 2024: My face is swollen, James deliveries Janna's birthday goodies, cancel temple with Ruth, J brings me food, etc., Stacy's call, leftover day

 

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 26:1-6

I can help others come unto Jesus Christ.

April General Conference

"Opposition in All Things: Elder Mathias Held

D&C 109:21

And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house. 

I woke up this morning with swelling in my lips and cheeks. It makes me look rather freakish. I have an appointment with Janna G. today to deliver her birthday gifts. I asked James if he would go for me. Of course he will. He made the delivery and left my cake carrier for Janna to use. Janna told him I was one of her favorite people and she thought of me as a second mother. That was very sweet.

I also had to cancel my temple appointment with Ruth Gale.  I took several naps today and pretty much stayed in my bedroom. I did speak with Stacy on the phone. She and Paul are coming up tomorrow.

 I listened to part of "Follow Him" today with Dr. Jenet Erickson.

Here are some of my notes:

Remember your covenants

Society benefits when people are accountable to God.

Don't listen to the chatter, listen to the data.

The theme of the Book of Mormon is Deliverance.

I also started working on my Relief Society lesson for next month. It's Elder Renlund's talk, "The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ." 

The swelling has gone down in my face but I still have a square jaw. 

James and I walked this evening and listened to our book. 

Laura and her sisters

Monday, May 27, 2024: Memorial Day, a day of remembrance & gratitude, I sleep in, J & JA go to town J forgets wallet, LC bills, Food Trucks in Vernon, Walmart, Safeway, HD, blog, walk-listen

 

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:14-24

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 25-28

"They Were Called the People of God" 

Introduction

April General Conference

"Bridging the Two Great Commandments" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Walk with Him

"Be Still and Know that I Am God" Elder David A. Bednar

I slept in this morning as I only got five hours of sleep the night before. 

I listened to Barb and Elaine discuss Elder Bednar's talk on "Walk with Him." A little late to help with my lesson but it was still quite good.

James and Jared Ammon made a trip into town to get some kind of a part but were back too quickly. Jared wanted to stop a Maverick so James decided to get gas but when he reached into his pocket to get his wallet it wasn't there. The trip was a waste and they returned home. 

I worked on paying Lambson Construction bills this afternoon. Afterwards I got ready to go to town. As I was getting ready Paula Johnson posted something about the food trucks that are in town today. She said she had the best burrito she has ever eaten. The three of us hopped in the car and drove down to the old Midway station on the 60. There were five food trucks. I went around and looked at all of them before deciding on what I wanted to get. Mike Chlarson and his wife Margaret were sitting in front of the Mexican food truck. We went to high school with Mike. I ordered what Margaret had thinking I was ordering beef tacos. There were four of them with a little bit of beef in them, but mostly white cheese. I wish I could tell you what they were called so you won't order them. They were disappointing because I was looking forward to beef tacos. 

Jared Ammon got a big juicy hamburger and James got five small crab cakes. Everything was overpriced. We saw Cress and Richard Miller with three of their grandchildren just as we were leaving. I should have warned them how costly the food was but I guess they found out for themselves.

We took Jared home and then James and I headed for town. This time he brought his wallet. He dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot. I am shopping for Janna Grombach's birthday, which is tomorrow. Last year I made her a small red velvet cake. They had no red velvet cakes at Walmart but they did have four red velvet cupcakes which I bought. I will check at Safeway before going home and if they don't have a red velvet cake I will give her the cupcakes.

I also bought her a lavender journal with colored pens. I'm also going to give her a tube of my favorite Bath & Body body cream, Sensual Amber. I like the old name better, Amber Romance.

I told James I wanted to go to Safeway and why I needed to go. He was good with it. We found a cute little red velvet cake that was reasonably priced so we bought it. Why didn't I take a picture? I am so forgetful.

We walked this evening and listened to our book, "By Any Other Name."

Lola & Ruby going for a ride

What a lucky little boy!

Sunday, May 26, 2024: Up @ 4:30 to study, Our ward attendance doubles in size this weekend, The Brown's speak they are going to China, Ruby & Trina come to my lesson, lunch, nap goodbyes, delicious roast

 

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:1-13

Come Follow Me

Review

April General Conference

"Call, Don't Fall" by Elder Taylor G. Godoy

D&C 109:21-24

21 And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house.

22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days. 

24 We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations and for eternity.

I was up at 4:30 to finish preparing my lesson. It seems funny not to have a printed copy of notes but instead be looking at my hand writing. 

There is one line that Elder Bednar repeats six times in the lesson: "God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior."

We went early enough for James and I to set up the Relief Society room before sacrament meeting. 

We sat in the overflow with Darrel, Trina, Ruby, and Lola. Our numbers always double on Memorial Day weekend and today is no different. 

Cyndy and Doug Brown were the speakers in sacrament meeting. They are leaving soon for China to teach English. I guess they have done this before. Brother Brown's talk was especially touching. 

They have five children and he said that they all have mental health problems and some of them have left the Church. He said it broke his heart when his son made the decision to leave the Church and was afraid to tell him. He said that they are in a good place now although his son has not returned to Church.  You could tell how much he loves his children and how tenderly he cares about them and their problems. 

There were lots of visitors in Relief Society including Trina and Ruby who sat on the front row.  We had a good discussion and I felt like things went well. I am always so relieved when the lesson is over. 

Darrel had taken Lola home because they had promised her she wouldn't have to stay to go to Primary so Trina and Ruby rode home with us. I introduced them to Catherine and Kerri Halcomb. Rowan is friends with Catherine's great grandson Spencer Halcomb which gave us something to talk about. I also introduced them to the newly weds, T-Bo and Barbara who will celebrate their first anniversary tomorrow. 

When I walked in the door at home I could smell the roast that Darrel had put on early this morning. It smelled delicious. I knew it wasn't going to be ready for lunch so I made some hamburgers and hotdogs. Trina cut up an avocado. I also put out some chips and salsa because I know how much Ruby loves them. 

A bottle of sesame oil spilled out onto one of the shelves in the refrigerator and Trina took it out and started cleaning it. I am grateful to her for her help in the kitchen. She always volunteers to do the dishes and Darrel helps her. 

Before leaving today she washed the sheets on all of the beds they used and put them back on and vacuumed and made sure everything was clean.

Darrel & Trina bought half a beef and want to buy another one. James called Dave Westbrook and arranged it. 

When they left, Darrel & Trina did not take their roast with them. They left it for us. It was delicious. 

Ruby and Rowan are going to EFY in Safford/Thatcher tomorrow. That's why they had to leave today, so Ruby could get ready.

The evening was beautiful and James and I went outside and sat on the front porch for awhile. Tom came in the house with us and as I was brushing him I noticed the hair all over my pants. I guess he is shedding for the first time.

The wood that Jared Ammon stacked

Cayli's birthday was this past week

Lola memory

Saturday, May 25, 2024: Windy, Trina & Ruby run, Breakfast burritos, lesson, Razr to Willy, Horses hide, floor in stable, garage sale, sheep puzzle, Scattergories, SYTYCD season 2, chicken enchiladas

 

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 23:21-24; 24:8-17

I can trust the Lord.

April General Conference

"The Testimony of Jesus" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

D&C 109:20

And that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it;

James and I started breakfast around 7:30. I asked him to help me make breakfast burritos. I set everything up and asked him to be in charge of the sausage and the eggs. I made hashbrowns with a couple of potatoes and chopped and sauteed some onions. I turned the oven on to 200 degrees to heat up the tortillas. We also had cheese, salsa, Taco Bell sauce and ketchup. Darrel wanted hot sauce but I didn't have anything to offer him except El Pato. Before eating anything Trina and Ruby went for a run. It was a fun breakfast and I think/hope everyone enjoyed it. Again, Trina volunteered to clean the kitchen. 

When I was finished in the kitchen I started a load of laundry and went in to the bedroom to work on my lesson for tomorrow for a few minutes. The talk we are discussing is by Elder Bednar: "Be Still and Know That I Am God."

It was a very windy day and I think Darrel & Trina were a little disappointed. Also, the Razr wasn't available. James and Jared Ammon took it to Willy's so he could look at it and see if he could fix it.

Darrel & Trina decided to go to the Vernon garage sale at the park. They got there a little late and everyone was beginning to clean up, so they came back home. 

The wind never stopped James. He and Jared Ammon worked on the stable floor during this windy day. They also caught and rode the horses and let the girls ride them too. 

I bought a wiffle ball and bat for the kids to use. Ruby asked her dad to play with her. I wanted them to be able to use it on the grass but James said it was too wet. 

Darrel started the sheep puzzle. He worked on it but said it was too hard. It is hard because the patterns are repeated over and over again.

More pictures of baby Mason Griffin Templeton. He really is cute.

I love this picture of Tanner. I don't know

why it is so blurry here. 

I tried to post some more pictures but they were just too blurry. I don't know what is wrong with the photo app but it is not working right which is very sad to me as I consider this blog my personal and family history and the photos are what make it so special.

This evening Trina got down the old So You Think You Can Dance DVD's. We watched the final 14 of season 2. Somehow Darrel knew that Benji Schwimmer was going to be the winner and Travis the runner-up. Everyone looks so young because this was filmed in 2006.

Trina made a salad and I made chicken enchiladas for dinner. Darrel, James, Jared Ammon, and Ruby loved the enchiladas.

I went to bed after 11 and will be getting up at 4:30.

Friday, May 24, 2024: Trip to town TV, lumber for stable, Ready for D's family, JA stacks wood, I clean upstairs, Horses, Tom, Dinner, Walk, Fire for smores

 

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 23

Come Follow Me

Mosiah 21-24

God helps me carry my burdens

April General Conference

"Covenants and Responsibilities" by President Dallin H. Oaks

D&C 109:19

And that all their salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with holy hands, uplifted to the Most High;

 After breakfast this morning we made a trip to town with the intent of getting a new TV for upstairs and lumber for the stable. I'm not sure what's going on at the stable, I think they are working on a floor.

We all went in to Walmart to pick out a TV. I'm glad Jared Ammon was there. He led us towards an LG TV which we ended up buying. We saw a bigger TV but the brand was an unknown, at least to us. 

The guys hefted the TV into my basket and then left for Home Depot. 

I did a little shopping and went upfront to check out. The girl who checked me out asked me if I wanted the four year protection plan on the TV. I said no, and then afterwards wondered if I should have said yes. I am so undecisive.

I did decide to go to Carl's Jr. and order something so I could sit in one of their booths until the guys came back for me. I got a small order of hashbrowns and a medium drink. While I was waiting for my hashbrowns the guy who took my order started talking to me.

He noticed the LG TV in my basket and said, "LG's are the best, I wouldn't have anything else." He then proceeded to tell me about his experience. I told him if It wasn't for our grandson who was with us we probably would have chosen another brand.  It was a nice interaction and I'm counting it as my missionary experience for today.

 When we got home Jared Ammon installed the TV upstairs and burned the box in the fire pit outside. Jared also stacked all of the kindling firewood outside. It looks great. 

I cleaned upstairs and James cleaned his office, with my help. The upstairs looks very nice and I am tired. I finished in time to take a shower before they came. They got here around 4 p.m. They would have been here sooner but traffic was backed up the other side of Payson. Rowan and Addy didn't come. Addy had to work and Rowan is gone to California with friends. We will miss them but they are at the age where they have become more independent.

The big news of the day is the birth of Tanner's baby. Kacey posted on Facebook and seemed so happy. 

Mason Griffin Templeton

The girls were interested in the horses so after James and Jared Ammon rode they led the girls around. They also wanted to see Tom but he was afraid of everyone and went and hid.  

I made melt in your mouth chicken for dinner, rice pilaf, and green beans. Darrel & Trina had orange chicken and chicken nuggets from Costco that tasted alot like Chik-fila so we had plenty to eat for dinner. Afterwards James made a fire in the fire pit and those who wanted them had smores. The weather was a little windy today. I hope it's better tomorrow.