Saturday, November 22nd, 2025: Spent the day inside where it's cozy & warm, James went to a service project helping the Stevens family move in to the ward, caught in cat prison/heaven, James works on raily and places a new log, Kim's post about Jonah,

 

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4:1-22

D&C

134:4-10

October General Conference

'Prophets of God'

Sister Spannaus

Rain seems to be in the forecast and snow in the high country. Both ski runs will be open soon. I spent the day inside where it is cozy and warm. 

James went to a service project today, helping a new family move into the ward, the Stevens' family. James said 15 people showed up to help. He couldn't say enough about 8 year old Eli Robles. He said he never stopped working, carrying a box and then going back for another, non-stop. 

I got caught in cat prison/heaven this morning. Finally I, escaped. 

My focus today was preparing my Relief Society lesson for tomorrow. I made my handouts, all 50 of them. Whew! 

James worked on the railing outside this afternoon. He set a new post, a log weighing about 120 lbs. His back is going to hurt tomorrow. He never stops.

I told Kim that I was having a difficult time identifying with Jonah and here is what she wrote to me:

Mom, I was thinking about how you said you were having a hard time connecting to Jonah. And while I certainly can't relate to being swallowed by a whale, I can relate to feeling like I am in a deep dark place and I am miserable and want to be rescued.

I can relate to god wanting me to do something and me not wanting to and maybe ignoring it or running away.

I can relate to being in a mess because of my own doing and not feeling worthy to call out for help but absolutely needing to.

I can even relate to going back and doing the right thing and then feeling resentment or anger that God blessed or forgave someone that maybe I don't think he should have.

I guess I like Jonah's story because I CAN relate to it. He seems very human. He lets his emotions get in the way; fear, guilt, remorse, trying to do the right thing but then not quite getting it right or feeling resentment when someone else gets a blessing or feeling like they don't deserve it, but still calling on God to help him out in the messy situations he gets himself in.

Sometimes the prophets seem so perfect it's hard to live up to (think Nephi - did he ever get anything wrong?). But Jonah is a lesson for those who make mistakes and try to fix them but often do it imperfectly and a God who is so good that he doesn't hold those mistakes against us and lets us keep trying and trying and He still shows up for us.

Yes, God asks us to do hard things. Things we may not understand or want to do. But he is there with us every step of the way.

To me Jonah is a story of hope and help and a God who never gives up on us and wants us to keep trying.

I love this picture!

Friday, November 21st, 2025: Benson is 4 months old, my goal is to learn more about Jonah the Prophet, visit Pat and Halcomb's with Kathy Crane, James Applegate's plans, trip to town, Circle K gives me $4.80, Walmart - new dishdrainer, construction stop, fell asleep on recliner watching a Christmas movie

Barcelona, Spain

Temple site cleared; obtaining local 

government approval; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 3:1-22

D&C

133:63-134:3

Come Follow Me

D&C 134

Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man.

October General Conference

'Look to God and Live'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I'm not sure when it was when Tom and I were nose to nose and he woke me up. Of course, he is hungry.

One of my goals today is to learn more about the prophet Jonah. 

This morning I went ministering with Kathy Crane. We visited Patsy Tedder and then Catherine and Kerri Halcomb. Kathy gave them mini-loaves of pumpkin bread and an acorn squash. I gave them each a Thanksgiving card. Cindy Brown is in Vermon visiting her son and Chelsea is on her way to Williams for a family reunion so we didn't get to visit them.

I went home for lunch. James was working on Applegate's plans. I waited for him and we went to town together. 

James dropped me off at TJ Maxx to look for a solid-colored green blanket while he went to Circle K to show them our receipt. I did find a green blanket and also got some dark chocolate pistachio truffles. (I think I posted the picture yesterday). 

James came back with $4.80 from Circle K. I also wanted to go to Walmart because I am obsessed with a dish-drainer I saw there. I got the drainer and we went home. Again, we had to stop for road construction. 

When I get home I work on my lesson. I think I am beginning to understand the prophet Jonah. His story is really about forgiveness, God's mercy and love for His children. Now I need to figure out what quote I am going to use for my handouts.

I fell asleep on the recliner watching a Christmas movie, yet again.

"Children love so easily, they forgive so readily, they laugh so delightfully that even the coldest, hardest heart can melt."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland, AGC 2025

D&C 133:62

And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life.

Benson is 4 months old today

Green and red blankets.

This red blanket is my favorite this year.

I'm not sure who I'm giving it to.

 

Thursday, November 20th, 2025: Only 4 sessions of GC, Inklings, Circle K, TJ Maxx, Arby's, Walmart, Bunco at Cheryl's, I ride with Stefani and Alicia

 

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:17-29

D&C

133:47-62

Come Follow Me

D&C 133:19-62

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be joyful for the righteous.

October General Conference

'The Power of Ministering to the One'

Elder Peter M. Johnson

Tom woke me up a little before 5. 

The First Presidency of the Church has decided that beginning in April 2026, General Conference will no longer include a Saturday evening session. These were the headlines in the Church News today.

I watched Emily and Michelle Craig on Inklings today. The discussion was on President Eyring's talk, "Proved and Strengthened in Christ." Here are some one-liners from the discussion:

To prove is to test and to strengthen.

Peace and joy are not synonymous with ease.

How am I being enhanced and what is being revealed?

Submitting, not resigning. 

Find that centering place.

Pray for an increase of the Spirit. 

It's cold and rainy today, the high is in the 50's. We made a trip to town to get gas at Circle K for 40 cents off a gallon. First, we went to Arby's to steak nuggets. Then to TJ Maxx for a blanket for Summer. I got a red one and then I found out her favorite color is green. I got a patterned green and white one at Walmart but I think I will go back to TJ Maxx tomorrow to see if they have a solid green one.

While I was at Walmart I also shopped for the ingredients for the brine for our Thanksgiving turkey, and the rest of the stuff for the Thanksgiving sides I am making. James was over at Circle K. He came back to help me check out and dropped the news that Circle K is out of gas. It figures. Cheez, now we have to go to the one on the other end of town where we just were. 

The other Circle K has gas and it says on our receipt that we got 40cents off but on the drive home I check a little closer and we only got 5 cents off a gallon instead of 40. James will be coming back tomorrow with the receipt. 

At home I work on my blog until it's time to get ready for Bunco. This time I get to bring a gift instead of food. A cute snowman mixing bowl with accessories. I park my car and drive over with the twins, Stefani and Alicia Hunsaker. It's at Cheryl Sedig's house.

Those who are here tonight: Cheryl, Lynn, Amy, Alicia, Stefani, Becky and I were the regulars. The subs were: Sally Sedig, Maddie Jo Sedig, Pat Tedder, and Michelle Beckham. Pat was here for Janna who is in Flagstaff with Willy for his gastric bypass surgery. Others who weren't here: Lynda Finnell, Oksana, and Tina Allen.

Michelle Beckham got my gift. I did well with 226 points but I came in second to Michelle who had 240 points. I thought I was going to tell Cheryl that December would be my last time, but now I'm not sure. I love all of these women so much and it really is fun. Especially when I am doing well and Lynn sings: "This girl is on fire" at the top of her lungs.

"To help others feel God's love, we need to cultivate in ourselves Christlike attributes such as humility, charity, compassion, and patience."

- Benjamin M.Z. Tai, AGC 2025

D&C 133:56

And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever.

Charlie's Thanksgiving Program

This was a video of her singing along with

her classmates.

Candy I found at TJ Maxx

Sheri's post

Sent this to my friend Lynn Wallace

who has a white pet turkey named,

Snow White.

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025: 7:30 left for my infusion, Payson way 2 cars slid off road on rim, rainy and wet, AARA infusion, Costco & hotdogs, temple dress to Stacy, Deseret Bk, Costco, Sam's, "Follow Him", go see "Light the World," Home, skunk eating Sammy's food

 

Mexico City Benemerito, Mexico

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not

announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:1-16

D&C

133:27-46

Come Follow Me

D&C 133:1-19, 37-39

I can prepare now for the Savior's Second Coming.

October General Conference

"Adorned with the Virtue of Temperance"

Elder Ulisses Soares

We left for the valley at 7:30. Tom was on his chair at the high table. We are leaving him there as we will be back this evening. The state has had widespread rain and Flagstaff even has snow. 

The road coming down from Heber to Payson, the Rim, was wet and slippery. It's foggy too. Two cars are off the road, one is tipped over. It looks like it happened just a little while ago because the ambulance is not there yet. We saw it coming as we travled further. 

I hope there are no serious injuries. 

We stopped at Circle K for gas. We get a notice that tomorrow is 40 cents off a gallon day. Good to know when you are traveling. 

James drops me off at AARA right at 11 for my 11:15 appointment. 

Kayla calls me right back. By 11:10 was started and I am finished by 11:40. James is outside walking. He can't believe how quick that was. 

We drove across to Costco for protein shakes, Pom juice, and Perk. They have Perk! I buy two containers. I text Trina and tell her. 

On the way out we stop at the food court and buy the hotdogs and drinks. The total cost is $4.84. Armando is outside waiting for James so they can have a meeting. That's why we bought three. I stay inside and eat my dog while James goes outside to meet Armando. 

While James and Armando are outside meeting in the parking lot, I get in the car to wait. It starts to rain pretty hard, and the meeting is over.

We drove out to Stacy's to drop off the temple dress I am giving her. She was in her car getting ready to take Michael a bean burro for lunch. I gave her the dress so we wouldn't have to disturb the doggies. Stacy texted later and said she loves the dress. I am glad. I hope she still loves it when she goes to the temple and sees that she will need help zipping it up. Paul did come up with the idea of using a ribbon or wire to pull the zipper up. Great idea Paul!

Next stop, Deseret Book, one of my very favorite stores. They have all of their nativity sets on display and it is breathtaking.

James's favorite is the large white one on top. It is exquisite.

I spent some money here. I bought Brother Valletta's Old Testament Study Guide, the "Come Follow Me Old Testament" journal edition, "A Christ-Centered Christmas," Emily Belle Freeman, and "The Holy Sealing" by Anthony and Cindy Sweat. I also renewed my platinum membership.

Costco is next door and I need three more blankets so we took a look. I found one I liked and also bought James some Crunch Master crackers, his favorite and they are about half price what they are at Walmart. 

On to Sam's Club for the blanket search. I found three that I loved. I think I should be about finished buying blankets.

We left for home going the Globe way around 2:30. The clouds over the mountain are so beautiful! Here is PicketPost mountain just outside of Superior.

Thank goodness there were no rocks on the road. We saw some big ones by the side of the road though. We listened to "Follow Him" on the way to the valley this morning. Going home we listened to "The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Ann Bessey. 

I asked James if we could go by and see the "Light the World" exhibit since it was after 5:30 and dark when we got to Show Low. 

James is the first one in the house when we get home. While he is in the bathroom Tom is meowing excitedly at him. Not only is he happy to see him but now he has someone to let him outside for a few minutes.

I feed Sammy and then look outside and Pepe Le Pew, our resident skunk is chomping down on Sammy's food. James goes out and stomps his foot at him. The skunk stomps back, hisses, and then runs off. 

I fell asleep watching a movie. Tom sleeps with us tonight.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025: Up @ 3 fed Tom, had my Perk & protein bar, Tramadol and slept on recliner, finished watching a 2018 Christmas movie, "Romance @ Reindeer Lodge," James works on railings, blogged & wrapped gifts, semi-finals DWTS, Whitney & Mark voted off,

 

Book of Mormon

Mormon 1:1-19

D&C

133:9-26

Come Follow Me

D&C 133:4-14

Jesus Christ calls me to reject Babylon and come to Zion.

October General Conference

'Go and Do Likewise'

Elder James E. Evanson

I got up at 3, fed Tom, had my Perk and protein bar, two Tramadol and laid down on the recliner. I finished watching a 2018 Christmas movie, "Romance at Reindeer Lodge." It's a classic.

James and I had our devotional and I watched "A Couples Christmas" while working on my computer.

I made a salad for lunch. I worked on my journal while James and Tom took a nap. I made a list of what I need for the brine for the turkey. Kim and I talked about our Thanksgiving meal and who is doing what. I'm feeling a little better. 

James had a phone meeting with Ravi Gupta. They are supposed to actually start work on his house tomorrow while we are down there. 

James also worked on the railings. It was cold outside so he was all bundled up with his heavy jacket and fur lined hat with the ear flaps like Ralphie's in "A Christmas Story." I know, I should have gotten a picture. 

I blogged and wrapped two Texas Christmas gifts. 

This evening I watched the semi-finals of "Dancing with the Stars." 

There are six couples left: 1) Robert Irwin & Whitney Carson, 2) Dylan Efron & Daniella, 3) Alix Earle & Val, 4) Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas, 5) Elaine Hendrix & Allen, 6) Jordon Chiles & Ezra Sousa. 

I like Robert, Dylan, and Aliz. I did like Whitney but recently I like Alix better. During Wendy's last interview with Julianne she said something that had to be bleeped. She was eliminated tonight and I don't think it was because of her dancing. Kim is probably going to be upset. She loves Mark's choreography and likes Whitney too.

It was after 9 when James went to bed. Tom and I were already in bed.

"In our daily lives, we can choose to do the things that invite the Lord's Spirit to come into and dwell in our hearts."

- Elder Christopher H. Kim, AGC 2025

D&C 133:45

For since the beginning of the world have not men heard nor perceived by the ear, neither hath any eye seen, O God, besides thee, how great things thou hast prepared for him that waiteth for thee.

Nathan & Lily

Benson

Rowan & Evan

Charlie & Mason

Turkey's runnning to hid

Tom on his lookout

James & I with Charlie last

December.

Monday, November 17th, 2025: 3:45 Hands & back hurt, new presiding bishopric, new dress and little Jesus', Walmart w/ James, catfood & turkey, Culver's, Natalie cancels going to temple tomorrow and so do I

 

275. Jacksonville, Florida

Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony;

Preliminary construction underway;

Groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday,

24 Jan 2026

Book of Mormon

4 Nephi 1:23-49

D&C

133:1-8

Come Follow Me

D&C 133-134 

"Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom"

Introduction

October General Conference

'And Now I See'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

Up at 3:45. My hands and my back hurt. 

We have a new Presiding Bishopric in the Church.

In spite of not feeling well, I managed to do my gospel study and then some laundry and a shower so I could go to town with James.

I love it when he goes with me. We are both going to Walmart. James is picking up his Tramadol prescription and he helped me heft the 20lb bag of catfood and the 16lb turkey into our cart. He also does his own shopping when he comes with me. He bought health supplements and protein shakes. The shakes he bought were 24 carbs and 10 grams of proten. They are great tasting but not enough protein. 

On the way home we stopped at Culver's. I got the chicken cashew salad and James got his cod filet sandwich. Their food really is much better than the other fast food places in this area. 

They are working on the Light the World display where the Giving machines will be set up. The big opening is tomorrow at 5:30. 

I spend too much time resting in the afternoon and that's why I don't get much done. I think my body needs the rest though. l

I worked on my blog but I didn't quite finish two posts. 

Tomorrow I am supposed to go to the temple with Natalie Robles and Cheryl Sedig. I wanted to cancel but kept thinking of reasons I shouldn't. I am just not feeling well. When Natalie cancelled, I cancelled too. We had to tell Cheryl so she wouldn't show up by herself. We are the only Relief Society sisters who signed up to go.

Lots going on this week, including my infusion and my Relief Society lesson. 

"Each of us must foster a culture of belonging in the Church that is loving, accepting, and encouraging."

' Elder Scott D. Whiting, AGC 2025

D&C 133:5

Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.

Ollie

The Frost family in our ward

Their son is deaf

Sunday, November 16th, 2025: 3:51 Tom "nips" me on the wrist, prayer, gospel study & devotional with James, food for the food bank & missionary Christmas cards, missionaries speak, they will be tranferred this week, Aaron Webb from the high council, SS, Kim Tarwater, Tammy Montgomery, rainy & windy, Home Sweet Home

•  
  
  Brussels, Belgium
• Preparing for groundbreaking;
• Groundbreaking scheduled for
• 22 November 2025

Book of Mormon

4 Nephi 11-22

October General Conference

'The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Up at 3:51. Tom "nips" me on the wrist. I had prayer and gospel study, James and I had our devotional all before church.

We took two bags of food for the Vernon food bank and the Christmas cards we wrote to the missionaries to church with us. 

Bishop Crane conducted sacrament meeting. He told about how his daughter asked him last night if he was going to do that 'conducting thing'. When he told her yes she said, "Do you know how?"

The Miller's who have served over five years as temple cleaning co-ordinators, were released and Chuck & Kathy Crane were called. 

Bishop also recognized the two 8-year-olds who were baptized yesterday, Eli Robles and Densyn Ulmer. 

During the sacrament I read scriptures I had put in my journal about Jesus being our Savior and Deliverer. 

Elder Leonardson, one of our missionaries was the first speaker. He said that both he and Elder Perkins would be transferred this Wednesday, so I guess this is his goodbye speech to the Vernon ward. He spoke about the "Light the World" initiative and the giving machines that will be in Show Low this year. 

Who needs my light today?

Elder Perkins spoke on Love, Share, Invite. 

Love others as Christ loved. Share knowledge of Christ's redemption.

Invite others to church, FHE, a ward party or a service project. 

By simply trying to follow these three principles we will bless others and draw closer to Christ. 

Aaron Webb - "Always Remember Him" initiative. President Oaks and Elder Rasband spoke on "The Family Proclamation." Husband and wives are a team, each with different responsibilities. Example of Jesus Christ. John 8 - woman taken in adultery. "He that is without sin let him cast the first stone." 

Brother Webb bore his testimony that the family is ordained of God. Grandparents in this ward have stepped up and helped with their families. (I am thinking of Winna Ulmer).

Brother Knight was in charge of the second hour. He spoke about the Always Remember Him initiative. How do we help our family to remember Jesus Christ? Ideas:

Day of service, White Christmas - going to the temple, church videos, help a family, talk about Him, Christmas hymns.

3 Nephi 11:1-2 What were these saints doing that invited the Savior to join them? They were gathered, they marveled, they were wondering, conversed about the Savior.

Invitation:

1. Consider someone to invite to sacrament meeting this season.

2. Take a friend to the Giving machine.

Part of today's presentation was to add 'activity sharing' to Tools. Now I can invite anyone to any activity in our ward or area. 

Kim & Neil Tarwater and Dave & Tammy Montgomery attended our ward today. Kim came up and spoke to me and I said to her, "you are Kim's friend." (Brian served as a counselor to her husband when he was the bishop of their ward). She said, "Yes, and now Stacy's since she came to Joey's sealing in the temple, we are sisters." She and her husband Neil are building a house here in Vernon. 

I went to the back of the chapel to see Tammy. She was talking with Susan Goodman. They worked in the Gilbert temple together. I spoke with them both for a few minutes. Tammy grew up in our ward in Chandler and I was good friends with her mother Florence. I asked when they were going to move up here. She said, "Soon, we are building a home in Snowflake." They have a daughter who lives in Snowflake and they want to be close to the temple. Tammy says they will keep their home in Vernon. 

"As we become more like our Master, our desire to help our brothers and sisters along the covenant path will naturally increase."

- Elder Michael B. Strong, AGC 2025

D&C 132:22

For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

Scarlett 8, Benson almost 4 months

So adorable!

Weddings:

Nathan & Lily

Rebecca & Brent's youngest son

Holly Hunsaker

Jacob Dowdle

Sheri

My favorite antelope picture

Annie