Tuesday, August 8, 2023:Happy Birthday Molly, Leave for Walmart at 6, Home by 7:30 roasts on, Start rolls, Tree removal, Tabby missing, Rain drenches her, Curtis Wilhelm my hero, Deliver food to Sue, Maverick for gas

 

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:1-19

Come Follow Me

Romans 2 & What are the Epistles and how are they organized?

AprGenCon

"Accessing God's Power through Covenants" by Elder Dale G. Renlund

Up at 5. Leave for town with James in the truck at 6. 

I'm going shopping for the dinner I am fixing for Sue Hubble's this evening and James is going to look for a new tire. 

I'm making roast, mashed potatoes and rolls. Sandara Wilhelm is doing a salad and a dessert. 

We were home by 7:30 which is some kind of record. James had no luck in the tire department. The first thing I did when I got home was get the two roasts I bought into the crockpots. 

James picked out birthday cards for Rowan and Joshua and we were going to mail them as we left Walmart but we forgot. Darn! I had a plan but I didn't work the plan. 

After getting the roasts started I put the rolls out to rise. I took a break and went out on the deck where Tom was laying on the couch. I asked him where Tabby was but he didn't know. I asked James if he had seen her and he hadn't seen her since feeding time this morning around 6. He called and searched all around the house and no Tabby. I was so worried and so was he. He even said maybe a red hawk came down and got her. I protested that big time and said no that did not happen on my watch! I went inside and prayed and prayed explaining to Heavenly Father how we needed Tabby and how Tom needs her too. Two cats are so much cuter than one, but seriously, I was heartbroken that something may have happened to Tabby. 

Meanwhile James and Greg Anderson were trying to cut down the pine tree on our deck. James was up in the tree and he got drenched. A few minutes later Tabby shows up drenched. She had been up on the hill exploring or hunting. We were so happy and grateful. I had to thank Heavenly Father.

Cutting down a tree is a big project. Greg fell and smashed his foot into the side of the house and now we have to replace siding. There are tree branches everywhere, on the ground, on the deck and on the roof. There is also a huge stump still in the ground. It's about six or seven feet tall.

Meanwhile I'm creating my own mess inside in the kitchen. I've got roasts in two crockpots and another crockpot filled with mashed potatoes. I shredded the roasts and put everything into disposable containers and left the house around 5 to deliver to Sue. As I was driving down the road it felt like I was dragging something under my car. I stopped by the graveyard but I couldn't bend down enough to see under the car. I drove on to the Vernon church where Curtis Wilhelm was waiting for me to pick up the salad and dessert that his mother made. I asked him if he could look under my car to see if anything was hanging down. He got almost underneath the car and came out with this:

  

My undercarriage

I thanked Curtis but I should have given him a hug. He saved the day.

 

I arrived at the Dollar General parking lot right at 5:30 when I was to meet Sue. I waited a few minutes before she arrived. She had a baseball cap on and I almost didn't recognize her. When she saw the mashed potatoes she thought it was a cake. For a moment I wished it was a cake because she seemed so excited. Sue gave me an update and then we hugged and she left. 

I decided to drive in to town to the Maverick to get gas. My gas gauge says low fuel. All the way in to town I was second guessing the meal I prepared. It's ridiculous but it's something I do every time.

I listened to a Church News interview with Emily Belle Freeman that Kacey sent me. It was really good. She said there were three things she wants the young women in the Church to know:

1. You are a child of God and He loves you.

2. Jesus Christ can be your greatest strength.

3. The Holy Ghost will never let you down.

James offered to help me clean the kitchen but he fell asleep so I did it myself. It took me awhile but I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was finished. 

I got a text from Adam today wanting to know if he could bring up 5-8 friends on November 10th. I told him five, but not eight.

I managed to get 12,000 steps today. My knee is much better.

Pierce & Susan Goodman

Serving a mission in Tonga right now

It looks like a war zone outside our

house right now.

Monday, August 7, 2023: Trip to valley w/ J&JA, Can't bend knee w/o pain, Flat tire, AARA, Kim & Brian, Brian goes to Costco for us, Red Lobster, Home again, Rain!

 

B

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

1 Corinthians 11:24

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 46:29-41

Come Follow Me

Romans 1-6 "The Power of God unto Salvation" 

Introduction & Romans 1

AprGenCon

"Finding Personal Peace" by President Henry B. Eyring

It was a little after 5 when I crawled out of bed this morning. I had breakfast so I could take some Tramadol, said my prayers and got ready to go to the valley. I couldn't bend my knee when I started out this morning so when I said my prayers I asked if I would be able to bend my knee so my ride to the valley would be more comfortable.

As I got into the front seat of the truck, I went slowly, but I was able to bend my knee. I was so grateful.

Jared was in the backseat and James asked him if he would mind if we listened to our scriptures. Of course we can.

Listened to our music. We gave Jared a chance to play his music but he declined. We played John Mayer, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, and several other artists that were famous a while back. 

We stopped in Payson for gas. We were making good time and swept right through the land of Desolation. 

As we came in to Mesa I was on time to arrive at the AARA at 10:30, fifteen minutes ahead of my appointment. We stopped on the corner of Main and Country Club and when we started up to go through the intersection we heard a loud pop! A flat tire. We made it across the intersection and drove right in to the parking lot of a small hotel on the corner, under the shade of a tree. A little over 3 miles from AARA.

There was some problems with the jack but about 15 minutes later we were on our way again. I called AARA and told them what happened and that I would be a few minutes late. They understood.

Later James said Jared said this to him:

If we were going to have a flat tire that's the best place we could have had it. James said: Yes, someone is looking after me.

The infusion center was not nearly as busy as it normally is on a Monday morning. Frances was not here today. It's her birthday and I guess she got the day off. Nicole brought me back, Amanda put in the port and medication. 

I texted Kim and told her about being late but that I should be finished a few minutes before noon.

I had a little difficulty getting in the backseat of the Bronco but I made it. Kim & Brian are going over to get chiropractic adjustments and need to be there before 1. I went inside with them and we waited about 15 minutes or so before both Kim and Brian went back. It took ten minutes or so and we were on our way.

James was waiting for us when we got back to Chandler.

We had planned on going to Costco but I told James I just couldn't do it with my knee. At that point Brian asked if he could go for us. At first we objected but the more he insisted the more we thought it was a good idea. I texted him our list. James and I were hungry. We invited Kim to come to lunch with us but she said her blood sugar was too high. When we left I thought we were going to go to Olive Garden but at the last minute James decided he wanted to go to Red Lobster. Red Lobster is very quiet this time in the afternoon so we had a peaceful lunch. I ordered Walt's shrimp and James ordered crab legs. I was surprised he didn't get scallops. I had two of their biscuits, shame on me.

Brian texted several times asking questions about my Costco list. He got me two more of their totes but this time instead of $7.99 they were $10.49. Thank you Brian, you are so thoughtful!

After picking up our Costco order at Kim's we headed home. James went the Payson way just for me. My friend and ministering sister, Stefani Hunsaker posted on Facebook that she was so glad she washed her car today because after she was done it rained, hard!

If it rained at Stefani's it probably rained at our house.

Somewhere near the land of Desolation we saw a huge plume of smoke. Soon we came upon a vehicle ablaze. You could still see the shell but most of it was gone. The brush on both sides of the road had caught on fire. We saw people nearby and assumed they had called the authorities. James said we were lucky we got here when we did because he was sure they were going to close the road as soon as the authorities arrived. He said it brought back memories of when his truck caught on fire and he was up on the side of the hill putting out flames.

It's good to be home. We miss JA but James will be going down on Friday for a concrete pour and will pick him up before coming back.

We listened to our book on the way home and then again this evening. James walked. I didn't because of my knee.

Love this kid!

  

 

 

Sunday, August 6, 2023: Fast & Testimony meeting, Bro. Applegate's SS class, JA's early mrng ride, Testimonies I loved: Bro. Peeler, Terry Tignor, John Price

 

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 46:11-28

Come Follow Me

Sunday School and "Don't Miss This"

AprGenCon

"A Living Prophet for the Latter-Days" by Elder Allen D. Haynie

About 4:30 this morning I heard the Razr start up. I mentioned it to James and he heard it too. When I got up and went into the kitchen I found JA left a note: Gone to Green's Peak to catch the sunrise. 

I had a text from Dallin this morning that went something like this:

Hi Grandma! I was wondering if anyone had plans to come visit you at the cabin on Labor Day weekend. If not, and if it wouldn't be a hassle, I'd love to come visit with Michael and my girlfriend Samii. We'd also probably bring our dog if that's okay. The time we have off is something like 9/1-9/4. Let me know if that's a reasonable time to visit and I'd love to come see you!

I told Dallin we would be gone but they were welcome to come. 

Are you sure that's okay? I'd be sure to be very respectful of your home. I'd be sad to miss you but still very grateful to get away and stay at the cabin.

Yes, I trust you Dallin. We will miss seeing you but youare welcome to stay.

Thank you, that'd be really awesome. Do you need us to do anything to take care of Luna?

Grampa may ask you to feed her and his kitties.

Would love to.

Thank you.

Of course, thank you! I'll reach out closer to that date to figure things out with you guys. Love you!

Sounds good. I love you too!

I think JA (short for Jared Ammon), has been posting pictures and stuff online for his brothers to see.

James and I are fasting for our grandchildren again this month.

Sue Hubble wasn't at our meetings today. Her daughter is in a coma and not expected to live more than a few days. Family has gathered and she is with them.

One of my favorite testimonies today was the last one given by Brother John Price. Jesus is the Christ and Heavenly Father loves us. I know God knows us. I know God is in control. Our testimonies can influence and help others both living and the dead. 

After Sunday School today I went over to give Donna Peeler a hug. She was in good spirits. She started her chemo treatment this week and she looked so frail I was almost afraid to hug her. We pray for her everyday. 

James had a ministering interview with Collin DeWitt today. He told Collin that he was no longer our ministering brother and Collin was pretty disappointed. He also told him he went to the temple Tuesday night to help clean and found out his recommend had expired. 

He told the attendant he wouldn't do any ordinances, he and his wife were just there to clean but they wouldn't let him in. James told him he realized his recommend had expired and we didn't go. Brother Miller said they would have had 30 people if Collin, Wendy, James, and I had shown up. That means they had 26 people which is way more than required. I love our ward!

James went to Warren Crane's baptism this afternoon so he could ask the bishop to sign his recommend. Warren is Todd & Jessica Crane's eight year old son. The bishop gladly gave James an interview. Now he needs to see a member of the stake presidency.

James talked to Brother Hipps at the baptism. He told him that Kristine chased a bear out of their trash yesterday. She had to yell at him twice because after the first time he came back. That's within a mile or two of our place.

We leave for the valley tomorrow morning at 7. Jared is going with us to move his stuff out of the apartment he has been renting. James wants to go to the Casa Grand Airport while I'm in my infusion to see if the guys are almost ready to pour concrete. My infusion takes an hour and he won't be back for an hour and a half. Last time he did this I walked to Costco which is just across the street. This time my knee hurts too much to walk that far. I texted Kim to see if she or Brian could pick me up and I could wait at there house for James. She said they would be happy to pick us up but they were going to Mesa to get a chiropractic adjustment and needed to be there sometime between 12-1. I told her I would be happy to go with them. It was a bit of a stretch getting in and out of Brian's Bronco but I managed to do it with Brian's help.

We went to bed before nine this evening. James says he wants to get up early so he can work a couple of hours before we leave.

1 year difference

Barbara's son and his family are hear.

Older daughter is moved on. The second

daughter is on a mission in Lima, Peru.

Mom, Dad, and Linden are in Vernon.

Should have posted this yesterday.

Paula does more community service than

anyone I know.

 

Saturday, August 5, 2023: Saturday is different, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, Cookies for Vernon Days, CVS, HD, Firehouse Subs, Beef Tips & Noodles for dinner

 

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

 23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Mark 16:2

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

Come Follow Me

Acts 27:1-44 Paul on a ship to Rome Acts 27:39-28:9 Paul shipwrecked

AprGenCon

"Safely Gathered Home" by Quentin L. Cook

Liahona

Guiding Children toward the Savior

Up at 5:11 this morning. During the week it's hard to tell Tuesday from Wednesday or Thursday from Friday, but Saturday is different. 

I want to do something different on Saturday, something fun.

I made breakfast this morning; bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. I love feeding my boys. Jared has been so sweet since he has been here. He even unloaded the dishwasher without being asked. Stacy says he is not good about cleaning up after himself but I haven't seen that since he has been here.

With all of the eggs we have been using we are down to one egg. James took an empty egg carton to put in his truck so he would remember to get some eggs from the Crane's. 

James worked outside with Jared until about 10:30. He came in and got ready and we left for town. On the way we stopped at the park and I gave Paula the cookies I had made. It looks like they had a good turn out for Vernon Day.

James needed to pick up a prescription at CVS so that was our first stop. I stayed outside in the truck. He wanted to stop at Kay's for some more bits but they are closed on Saturday. He went in Tractor Supply for some horse feed, Home Depot, and then we went through the drive-thru at Firehouse for lunch. We ordered three regular Hook & Ladders taking one home to JA. 

When we got home I put some beef tips/stew meat in the oven for three hours. We had beef tips and noodles for dinner. 

James put up the hummingbird feeders and the hummingbirds are going crazy. They love sugar water.

My knee is hurting but I was able to walk this evening. I also started a Hallmark movie although I didn't finish it. "Aloha Heart" starring Taylor Cole and some new Hawaiian guy that's ten years younger than she is.

Even though I didn't do anything different today than I do any other day, it was Saturday so it just seemed like it was more fun!

August 8, 2003

These are the cookies I made for

Vernon Day

These two

One of Rowan's famous faces

Scarlett

Aunt Barbara with Skyler and Kaitlyn

Evie & Rachel on the first day of school.

Rachel teaches at the school where Evie goes.

Friday, August 4, 2023: It's fried egg day, cowboy cookies for Vernon Day, deck mess, fajitas a big hit, favorite time of day, bees still here,

 

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Mark 14:22

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:16-45:14

Come Follow Me

Acts 25:1-27 Festus & Paul, Acts 25:23-26:1-32 Paul before Agrippa

AprGenCon

"Ministering" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Liahona

Welcome: "Moving Forward with Faith in Christ" Brian J. Willoughby

I went to sleep at 11 last night and got up at 6 this morning. The guys get up early to work on the deck, around 5 and then come in for breakfast around 8. All of the old deck is gone. The thing that drives me crazy is it's laying all over the ground. James has been burning it, but it's a long process.

As part of our scripture study today we listened to Elder Neil L. Andersen's October 2020 General Conference, "We Talk of Christ." 

"It is not so difficult to choose faith in Jesus Christ when we feel spiritually energized, but we must also choose faith when life becomes difficult." Elder Andersen goes on to say that in the last decade over 30 million people in the United States have stepped away from Christianity and the belief that Jesus Christ is divine.

In my studies today I found this quote by Ezra Taft Benson:

"The great test of life is obedience to God. The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and do it. The great commandment of life is to love the Lord."

I stuck two frozen pizzas in the oven for lunch not realizing that Jared had already made himself a couple of sandwiches and was downstairs taking a nap. 

James doesn't like pepperoni pizza so I should have gotten one pepperoni and one cheese pizza. He ate a piece but picked most of the pepperoni's off. I ate a piece too. Red Baron pizza is pretty darn good. It would have been better if I hadn't overcooked it.

I marinate the meat and veggies in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice and spices. I saved some to put on the meat and veggies while they are cooking. 

Tasha and Monte got their RV out of Fool's Hollow and are on their way to Lake Havasu for a vacation with their kids and Tasha's sister. I hope they have a great time before parting for their separate lives.

It seems like most of my time is spent in the kitchen. Today I made "Cowboy cookies" for Vernon Day, which is tomorrow. Paula Johnson, a friend of mine in our ward is in charge of Vernon Day. It is the fund raiser for the park. I made two dozen cookies for the park and the rest James, Jared and I ate. Everybody loved them!

The fajitas were delicious. Earlier in the week when I ask Jared what he liked to eat he told me he would eat anything. He said he didn't inherit the "picky" gene from him Mom.

My favorite time of day, besides scripture study time in the morning is in the evening when James comes in to walk. We walk in our bedroom and listen to our book. It is actually something we do together and is a nice ending to our day.

Monte & Tasha's kids:

Zach, Madison, Quentin, Kaitlynn

Bear in Vernon

Brother & sister and best friends