Tuesday, June 30th, 2020

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 24 with James; 

Lambson Study Group

God is Merciful

Inklings

Healthy benefits of beans

We left for the valley at 5:15 this morning. Our first stop was in Globe to get gas and then in Miami to pick up a Tony's Special breakfast burrito at Burger House. Masks are required, no public restrooms, only three customers in the building at a time. Such a downer.

Burger House Heist

One taste of this breakfast burrito we shared and we

knew it was worth any hardship. Delicious!

James's two houses failed inspections again. There are three contractors that are supposed to come back and deal with problems. None of them came. James has to reschedule an inspection for the third time. 

I dropped James off at Sheri's to work while I went to my infusion. Stacy came by to pickup some pills from me and ended up taking me to my appointment. James needed to keep the car to pick up some materials at Home Depot. We both wore our masks in case she is still contagious although by this time she should not be. It's been almost a month since she came down with it. 

My infusion went quickly. They called me back and I got started at 10:30. My appointment wasn't until 10:45 but I was early. I was done by 11:30. I can't call while I'm in the infusion center so I kept texting James but he never answered me. I went outside and called when I was finished and he said he had not seen my texts. I told him I was going to walk across the street to Freddy's and he could pick me up there. The only thing open at Freddy's was the drive-thru window so I waited outside in front on a bench sitting in the shade until James got there. We drove back to Sheri's and I picked up Max and Evan and took them to Jersey Mike's to order some lunch. We had to wear masks and the dining area was not open so we took our sandwiches home to eat them. I love the Jersey Shore Special, Mike's Way. Max and Evan were thankful that I bought them some lunch. We also saw Alex when we got back to the house. He said he is taking Max fishing near Saguaro Lake on the Salt River tomorrow morning for his birthday. 

James didn't quite finish at Sheri's. He tried to call Sal and Greg Hatch but could not get a hold of either one of them for a meeting. He said he had to go to Peoria to meet with someone whose job he and Sal are starting this week. We drove 45 miles across town so James could meet with this guy for about 10 minutes. He lives in a nice neighborhood and has retired at a young age. James was impressed with him. Aaron is the guys name and he had requested to meet James. 

Next stop was at Dobson Ranch where James has done lots of work. Some guy named Don wanted James to look at something that might be a potential problem. James took a look and told him what to do and that was it. 

My friend Barbara had surgery on her shoulder yesterday. I texted her and ask if I could pick up anything for her at Costco. She wanted sweet plums, Barbacoa beef, and Quaker granola cereal. Before going to the Gilbert Costco we stopped in at Deseret Book which is right behind Costco. I got a new Book of Mormon, triple combination.

I have my reasons

James helped me shop at Costco. We thought Barbara wanted fresh plums so we picked up a bag. I got the last package of Barbacoa Beef, and then we easily found the Quaker's granola. After we had checked out I looked at my phone and realized these are the plums Barbara wanted. 

I texted this picture to Sheri. She is going to get these plums and bring them up when she comes up on the 13th. In the meantime Pierce and Barbara will have fresh plums to eat. 

Our best deal at Costco was a big bag of walnuts for twelve dollars. From Costco we drove to Darrel and Trina's. No one is home. Darrel is on his way but he is a long ways away. I got the garage code from Darrel and we broke in and left Lola's birthday present on the table. I also stole (I asked) one of Darrel's caramel protein shakes.

Loved it!

From Darrel's we headed for home. We didn't roll into our driveway until 9 p.m. James's first concern was feeding Luna. I helped him unload the car and we got the Barbacoa beef and some green chili pork into the refrigerator. It felt so good to be home! 

I took a shower and changed in to my comfy clothes. I did not get all of my steps today but I will make it up the rest of the week. We will deliver to the Goodman's tomorrow. James made a spinach, pineapple, banana smoothie and shared some of it with me. I forgot how much I love them!

Somewhere near St. George, Utah 

Friday, September 6th, 2019

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 March 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

2 Peter 1:17

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

New Testament "God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace" 1 Corinthians 14-16

Today: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

General Conference

A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells

President Henry B. Eyring

"I know that the priesthood keys restored to Joseph Smith were passed on in an unbroken line to President Russell M. Nelson. Those keys make possible the sealing of families today. I know that Heavenly Father loves us His spirit children, with a perfect love. I know that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent, be cleansed, and become worthy to live in loving families forever with our Heavenly Father and with His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I had cake for breakfast. What a way to start the day. 

We went to see James's mom this morning before my infusion. She seems to be feeling much better than the last time we saw her. She and Rebecca have been making Christmas ornaments. Here is a photo of Lois with Jack, Teresa's son. 

The round bulbs are the Christmas

ornaments.

This package was from Dawn. It contained 

a set of wind chimes.

 The table runner Lois made for me

A beautiful box with a purple necklace and

earrings, a leather journal, a card and a

$50 Amazon gift card.

The outside of the beautiful box.

Lois always showers her family with gifts and I am most grateful.

We had a nice visit and then we left around 10:15. James took me to my infusion and then he drove to Phoenix to have a meeting with Salvador and someone who wants him to build a house.

I was finished with my infusion by noon and James was waiting for me. We drove to the Olive Garden on Chandler Blvd. and the 101 for lunch. Darrel and Trina, and Kim and Brian both gave me Olive Garden gift cards for my birthday plus I ordered one with my credit card points.

I wanted tortellini but there was none on the menu so I ordered chicken and shrimp scampi. James got the stuffed chicken marsalla. I couldn't eat all of mine so I took it and gave it to Sheri. 

We dropped Stacy's cake plate off at her house. She was not there. Afterwards we drove over to Target. I wanted to look for a bag of Harkin's popcorn but they didn't have any. Brian probably got his at the Target Greatland over on Gilbert Rd. 

After Target we went to Sheri's to visit with her. Ollie barked a little at us but not like he used to. We said hi to Max and Alex and sat down to talk with Sheri. Max and Alex went to the gym and when they left James gave Sheri a blessing. It was a really good blessing and I hope it helps her. After the blessing we said goodbye and headed for home. The heat has been stifling and I can hardly wait to get back up north. We went the Payson way at my request.

When we got home the entire Vernon valley was filled with smoke. I guess there was a fire started by lightning while we were gone. It is called the Telephone Fire and started near Lake Mountain. So far about 230 acres have burned.

Our house smelled like garbage that we had forgotten to carry out. On the plus side we did catch Jif in the pantry and another mouse in the garage. We unpacked and put things away. I finished walking my 10,000 steps and then James and I watched a Hallmark movie.

It's good to be home!

 Tonight was his celebration, Monday

is his birthday.

 Arizona Highways 1948

Saturday, December 22nd, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:1-17

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 1-2

Old Testament

Malachi 3-4

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."

We delivered banana bread to the Woods's and the Grapp's this morning. We left Anthony's bread at the Grapp's because James doesn't want to take our car out to his place and the truck is in the valley. 

The Grapp's gave us homemade Reese's and they were delicious. I told James we should save them for the family party tonight, but they didn't stand a chance because we both loved them.

When we got home I finished wrapping James's gifts. I put the little gifts for Darrel's kids in some stockings I had. 

I brought wood in because it's going to snow, and I made some chili for tonight, We are taking it down already made in the crockpot. We also took down six bags of frozen venison, canned milk, and bisquick for Christmas morning. 

Our goal was to leave by noon but by the time we got everything done, I did some cleaning and packed the car, it was 3 pm. We had to stop in Show Low at Sister Dye's grandson's house. She is staying there recovering from her stroke so that's where we delivered her banana nut bread. They had a macaw on the front porch.

He must have his wings clipped.

We leave, going the Globe way. I haven't driven more than 10 minutes when I start falling asleep. I asked James if he would drive until Globe and then I would take over again. He did, and I got a short nap.

At Globe we stopped at Walmart because I wanted to get an ugly sweater. They didn't have a very good selection but I found a black one with Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho on the front. Sorry that I didn't get a good picture. I also bought some paper bowls for the chili, Belvita crackers, and some Slimfast for James. James came in and ordered himself some wings. I walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell and got a couple of tacos. It's hard to eat tacos while you are driving, but I managed.

I can barely keep up.

We made it to Sheri's before the party started at 7 p.m. Thanks to Max agreeing to bunk with Evan, we are staying in Ben's old room. The first thing Sheri did was take a picture of me with my Sheri holding Ollie with his Christmas sweater.

An old woman and her granddog

We had Chik-fil-a, chili, Panera cookies, and a yummy popcorn mixture. After snacking, we sat down for some entertainment. We asked each family to participate. Michael played the ukelele and sang "Silent Night" with Joshua. Stacy was sick and didn't come. I am sorry she missed them because they were really good.

These two really harmonize together

Kim and Brian were next. Brian told the story, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas." Kim passed out copies of the story for everyone and then an envelope for each family. Inside our envelope there was a note that said that they had provided items for refugees in Arizona. Sheri's said they had donated to the juvenile diabetes fund and the missionary fund. I'm not sure what Darrel's or Paul's said, but Paul was crying. These simple acts of service are how Kim and Brian celebrated Christmas. They truly brought the Spirit to our party tonight. Thank you!

 Taking a video of Michael and Joshua

 Kim wanted the lambie socks I brought

I showed which gift Paul bought so Rowan

wouldn't pick it. He knows that Paul got the

Taylor Lautner poster.

Ian picked Paul's gift and got the

Taylor Lautner poster to take home

for a year.

 I wanted to get this shirt for James

 Sweet little gingerbread girl!

 All the gifts I had to pack in the car.

 Cute little Scarlett

 Grandpa, Ruby, and Addy

Joshua entered the ugly sweater contest.

He borrowed this one from Kim.