Monday, December 10th, 2018

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 8:1-17

*Why are secret combinations so dangerous when they are established in societies?

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 4-6

Old Testament

Zephaniah 2-3

General Conference

Our Campfire of Faith

Elder Gerritt W. Gong

"Second, our campfire of faith can encourage us to minister in new, higher, and holier Spirit-filled ways. Such ministering brings miracles and the blessings of covenant belonging - where we feel God's love and seek to minister to others in that spirit."

I woke up at 7 this morning, a little later than I had planned. I'm glad I took my shower last night. I read scriptures, said my prayers, began packing and getting myself ready to go. Kim gave me a plate of yummy cookies to take with me. The sugar cookies are my favorite!

I went to Circle K and got gas and then dropped Wendy's basket off at Cathi's house. I should have taken a picture but with everything else going on, I forgot. Oh, and btw, Cathi is soooo skinny!

James called to ask me where I was and said that they were releasing him. I told him I would get there as quickly as I could but it's over 28 miles. I also asked him if it was ok if I stopped at Marshall's to pick up the bunny mugs (shown earlier) for Ruby and Lola. He said yes!

After Marshall's I parked my car in valet parking at the hospital. I hope these guys don't expect tips because I never have any cash with me. Oh well. 

When I get to his room James is dressed, except for his shoes which I help him put on. I got there just before the physical therapist came to take him for a walk. When he got back from a spin around the hall he said he was sore. Just about everything is ready for him to go but they will not give him a pain pill before he goes or allow us to take any with them. I complained and asked Ryan, the nurse, if he would call Dr. Caldron's office and ask for some pain pills. I think the problem is they called his prescriptions in to the CVS in Show Low. He will be on the anti-biotic, oxycodone, Lyrica, and a stool softener.

Ryan came in a few minutes later with a 15mg oxycodone. James's prescription is only 5mg a does. I guess that will get him through the 3 hour drive home.

Ryan read us all the release forms and Gabriel pushed him in the wheelchair downstairs. I went ahead to have the valet guys get the car. We said goodbye to Gabriel, Honor Health, and room 5306. Honestly, I hope we never have to come back.

I drove out Shea Blvd to the old Beeline Highway to Payson. In Payson we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. James did pretty well, considering we didn't even take his walker in.

 James did stay in the car while I went in to Basha's to pick up some things. He wanted a watermelon and some cantaloupe, I told him they were out of season but I would get some. They turned out lousy, both of them.

Next stop, CVS in Show Low and then on home to Vernon. We actually got home before dark. I got James settled in and then began unloading the car and putting things away. It took a few hours before I finished and was able to sit down and relax. 

We watched a new Christmas movie, called "Once Upon a Christmas Miracle," about a girl with liver disease and the guy who gives her part of his liver. It was actually based on a true story.

Coming back from the well and turning the water

on. I actually had to twist the handle because James

couldn't bend over. I'm beginning to appreciate

all the things he does that go unnoticed. I need to

appreciate him more.

Picture of Charlie always make us happy

and make our day so much better!

 She will be such a great missionary!

 Arizona Highways and snow on the dessert,

something you don't see very often.

Friday, March 22, 2013

I slept sitting up half the night because of my cough.  James left early this morning.  He is so busy running two jobs, plus he is looking at a truck in north Phoenix today. 

I went to Sears today to get my car lubed.  I left it at 11:30 and went to the mall.  By 2:30 they still had not called me to say it was ready so I called them.  Yes it was ready, they forgot to call.  What did I do at the mall for 3 hours.  I bought a teriyaki chicken with chow mein noodle bowl at Panda Express and I read my two magazines and listened to my scriptures and did some people watching.  I was a little discouraged when I picked up my car.  The guy says it needs a 120,000 mile checkup which he estimated would cost somewhere between 400 and 500 dollars.  I also need Erik to check the brakes.  It's always something.

Dallin and Michael are participating in the Chandler Rotary Track Meet.  It is one of the biggest track meets in the southwest and all the schools in Arizona are invited along with many from other states.  Chandler has the number one track team in the nation for both boys and girls.

James left to take his rental truck back to Tempe around 3:30.  I followed him.  Alex, Ben and Max are all with me as they want to go back to the cabin.  After turning the rental truck in we all drove to north Phoenix where James picked up the truck he bought.  I had gone by Chase bank and got a cashier's check for $16,000.  The truck is a 2010 Dodge Ram crew cab 4x4 that only has 71,000 miles.  The boys made jokes about how something must be wrong with it for grandpa to get it at that price.  Well there was something wrong.  Whenever he hit a bump at high speed it would start massive vibrations and he found it hard to hold it on the road.  He said it happened four or five times.  Hopefully it will be something minor to fix.  Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Brian, Kim and Joe were waiting for us at the cabin.  It's good to be home.