Friday, September 8, 2023: J&JA valley - J concrete pour at CGA, "Rescuing Wayward Children", cleaned floors, Snack Treats puzzle, J brings me a green mixed burro,

 

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 April 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 63:1-17

Come Follow Me

1 Corinthians 15:35-54 Resurrected bodies are different from mortal bodies.

April General Conference

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

James was up and ready to go to the valley for the concrete pour at Casa Grand airport by 4 a.m. I got up and had prayer with him before he left. I decided to stay up but needed something to sustain me so I could take my Tramadol. I ate some breakfast and then took the Tramadol. 

I read from my book, "Rescuing Wayward Children." I have read this book before but I keep coming back to it because it resonates with me. I read this on p. 11:

"We partner with God by means of our covenants, and He allows us to vitalize His plan of salvation for our wayward children by means of our personal sanctification. The highest level of sanctification comes through temple worship, and this is where we receive many of our answers. The more we learn about covenants, the priesthood, and the ordinances of that priesthood, the more His power is infused into our lives. Then the gospel becomes a tool rather than a culture. The power of the temple ordinances is greater than any of us understands. Eventually, such power will bring a wayward child home."

Some of the things I did today: Read from the Book of Mormon and the New Testament and worked on my blog. I swept and cleaned the wood floors in the family room and living room. I worked on my Snack Treats puzzle and did some laundry.

For lunch I had a grilled cheese sandwich on rye bread and some of the hamburger soup I made. I also did some walking.

James and Jared Ammon got home around 2:30. They brought home two burros for me, a green mixed burro and a green chili burro. I had the mixed burro.

This evening I made some dinner for the guys, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and peas.

James got a ticket coming home near the Y. I felt bad for him but wasn't too surprised. He use to get them all of the time and it's been awhile. 

Jared Ammon went off on the Razr to look for elk. James sealed the log up by Darrel and Trina's room, the last place a swarm of bees was spotted. James and I walked and listened to "In Search of Heaven".

Aaron's birthday was on the 4th.

I was too lazy to go back.

Happy Birthday Aaron.

   

Thursday, September 7, 2023: Eggs & pork chops, budget updates, J & JA fix water leak and clean BBQ grill, Trip to town, Goodwill, Walmart, HD, Circle K, 88 and dry, hamburger stew

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 March 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

Come Follow Me

1 Corinthians 15:1-34, 53-58

Jesus Christ gained victory over death.

April General Conference

"Finding Personal Peace" by President Henry B. Eyring

I made eggs and pork chops for breakfast and the guys were most appreciative.

I made some budget updates and figured how much money we spent on our trip. We spent less than $500 because we didn't rent a car and we didn't get a hotel room. This was the cheapest trip we have made to Texas. I even added some extras that I would have ordinarily taken out of my discretionary budget.

I tried to register with our new car insurance, National General but there was some kind of a glitz in the system and I wasn't successful. I will try again another time. 

I listened to Emily and Sharmin on Inklings. It was a discussion about ministering and was very good.

James and Jared Ammon fixed the leak in the sprinklers, or at least they thought they did, and Jared began cleaning out the BBQ grill which has become a rat village with nests in almost every drawer. James bought Jared a good mask to wear while cleaning.

After a nap and a shower we made a trip to town in my car. James wasn't going to go but at the last minute he decided he would. We dropped off a big load at Goodwill, including a Graco someone left here. While I did a little shopping at Walmart, including picking up a prescription, James went to Home Depot and to Circle K to get gas and wash the car.

On the way home we listened to "In Search of Home". I decided I wanted James to read this book with me. 

It was 88 degrees today and very dry. It almost feels like July weather. 

After putting the groceries away I began making a hamburger soup with lots of veggies. It tasted a little bland to me so I "spiced it up."

James and Jared Ammon both seemed to really like it.

This evening I worked on my puzzle and then James and I walked and listened to our book. He and Jared Ammon are leaving early in the morning for the valley.

First night of NFL football

 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023: Happy Birthday Aaron, breakfast, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, D&T-I don't need to come, James breaks a water line, Dump, Joe Vaal's, Sweat bees, Kyah W. mission call

 

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

Come Follow Me

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

How does the statement about women in these verses apply today?

April General Conference

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

I made scrambled eggs and hashbrowns for Jared Ammon's breakfast. I asked him whose ice cream was in the freezer and he said Dallin left it and said I could have it. Well, I certainly don't need it, but I will take it. It's Ben & Jerry's, my favorite ice cream, and the flavor is strawberry cheesecake with graham cracker swirls. Yummy!

I finally finished blogging for August today. I always get behind when I'm out of town for awhile. I will get caught up, I always do.

James broke another waterline with the Cat today. He is also concerned because he lost his hearing aid somewhere between here and Texas. He and Jared Ammon went to town but they forgot to go to Dennis's to get the rest of the lawn blankets. 

James went to the dump and then to Joe Vaal's. Joe can't sell his property until he puts up a privacy fence. James has told him he will help design plans for him and will help him put the fence up. 

Most of the killer bees are gone but now we have sweat bees. Jared and I watched them out on the deck crawling around eating honey residue, and it seemed to us, each other.

We had grilled chicken, rice and green beans for dinner. 

James and I finished "The Art of Love and Lies". I'm reading "In Search of Heaven". I watched the latest episode of "When Calls the Heart." I received the book I ordered in the mail today. It is an old book I use to have but gave to Kim, "Unlocking the Powers of Heaven." 

I worked on my "Snack Treats" puzzle. We also got part of our insurance money on my car today but only $2,674.00.

Kyah Westbrook, Joe and Corinna's daughter got her mission call today. She is going to Billings, Montana. Joe & Corinna are no longer in our ward but I saw Corinna's post on Facebook.

A wolf in Vernon

My mom use to sing this song

Trina, Lexy, Tristin, Lacey in Seattle with Suzy,

Trina's mom

Evan memory

Tuesday, September 5, 2023: 4:30 time to leave, goodbye to Jared, pray before we leave, Weatherford - gas & Jack in the Box, lunch in Roswell, Socorro, Home again!

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:1-18

Come Follow Me

1 Corinthians 14 

I can seek the gift of prophecy.

April General Conference

"Safely Gathered Home" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

We left Jared's at 4:30 a.m. Texas time. It's only 2:30 in Arizona so we are going to gain two hours. Jared told me to wake him up when we left, which I did. I gave him a hug and thanked him for everything. We had prayer and found our way in the dark to our car. 

Off we go towards Arizona and home. We felt a bit of home while we were here with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, Autumn and Scarlett. They are home to us as much as actually being at home. Home is family. 

It seemed like it took forever to get passed Dallas/Ft. Worth and it was so busy even early in the morning.  We had scriptures in the car and listened to our book which helps the time pass quicker.

We stopped in Weatherford for gas and some food. We ate at the Jack in the Box across from the gas station.

Several things I see in this photo: The sunrise, the Jack in the box sign, and the gas sign,(gas is cheaper in Texas), and I believe that is my new car. 

When I look at this photo it makes me think of the pioneers and all that they endured on their journey to the Salt Lake valley. They had none of the comforts we have. What would they think if they saw a gas station and a Jack in the Box sign while they were walking, traveling by horseback or in a covered wagon. They knew the Lord loved them and would care for them in spite of the trials they suffered. They had such great faith.

We had two more gas stops before we stopped for lunch in Roswell, New Mexico. Again we stopped at Whataburger. James got me a regular Whataburger with green chilies and a Whataburger Jr. with green chilies for himself. He should have gotten me a junior because I could not eat all of mine. Again, we dine in because I don't want the mess and the smell of food in my car.

Our next stop was for gas at the Circle K in Socorro. Along with gas James got me a drink and a Snickers. I drove for awhile so he could rest. We are now getting in to the prettiest part of the trip besides the area around Tyler and Longview. We go through Lincoln county, New Mexico, the home of Billy the Kid and Smokey the Bear. It's green with wild flowers and rolling hills, and big satellites. We left the alien country of Roswell.

It is in the 70's, but very dry in Vernon. Jared is on the couch with his tablet or computer playing a new video game. Dallin and his girlfriend went home yesterday. 

I was tired, and didn't feel like walking. I will get started back up again tomorrow. I took a shower and went to bed with James not far behind.

My youngest is 45 today!

Happy Birthday Darrel!
 

 

Monday, September 4, 2023: James indexes, Kacey's avocado boiled eggs, J & J swingset, trip to Tyler for Charlie's zoo class, Torchey's Tacos, Ollie's, Hobby Lobby, Scarlett is so good, bosses

 

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 61:6-21

Come Follow Me

1 Corinthians 14-16 "God is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace."

April General Conference

"Ministering" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

When I woke up at 6:45 James was already gone. I figured he probably went outside for a walk but this was not the case. He was in the kitchen indexing. 

Kacey tried a new recipe today for using avocados with hard boiled eggs. I am not an egg eater but James tried one and said they were very tasty. I'm assuming they would be good for you too. I really do wish I liked eggs because they are a healthy food source, especially for breakfast.

Charlie has a class at the zoo in Tyler today. Kacey explained to her that none of us including Scarlett, could go with her. She said Charlie wouldn't know anyone except one of her friends but she would be able to make some new friends. Charlie still wanted to go so we all piled into Kacey's Honda Odyssey van and headed for Tyler. The first route we took we got stopped by a train. It was such a long train that Charlie said, "This is getting boring." Kacey turned around and we too another route. 

We dropped Charlie off at the zoo around 12:30. We spoke with the girl whose class she will be in and Kacey had to fill out some paper work. Charlie had no qualms about getting out of the car and heading over to where the other kids were waiting. Charlie's friend greeted her and the friends older sister picked her up and gave her a hug. We will be back to pick her up at 3:30.

Jared & Kacey took us to lunch at Torchy's Tacos. Torchy is a little devil and I asked Jared if he was friends with Sparky, the ASU mascot. Jared said he didn't know but he likes both of them. 

You go through a line to order your food, Kacey ordered two pork green chili tacos and I ordered the same. She said the tacos were small hence the reason for ordering two. We found a place to sit, a booth and a table pushed up against the booth so we had room for everyone: Jared, Kacey, James, myself, Autumn, and Scarlett. Scarlett had eaten lunch before we left home so she didn't get anything. She spent her time coloring. Can I just say how well behaved she was everywhere we went today. It couldn't have been much fun for her but I never once heard her complain.

Jared paid for our lunch for my birthday, which was very nice of him. The tacos were delicious but I only ate one of mine, giving the other one to Autumn because she only got one. We also had chips with two kinds of dip. Jared had jerk chicken tacos with mango salsa. I think this is one of his favorite places to eat. It was casual and noisy but the food was great. James got an avocado tostado and a chicken fajita taco. 

When we were all finished eating we had some time to kill before going back over to pick up Charlie. We were close to a store called Ollie's so we walked over to check it out. Autumn and Kacey had been to Ollie's before. I think Autumn likes it more than Kacey.

Ollie's reminded me of Big Lots. They had a good book section and Autumn bought some books. James bought some treat and that was about it. I'm not sure if Kacey bought anything or not.

We still had more time so we went to the Hobby Lobby. It seemed like a Saturday because the store was so busy and then I remembered that this is a holiday and everyone is out looking for something fun to do. I bought two puzzles, a cereal one and a Christmas donut one. I almost bought a "Christmas Carols" one but I figured two was enough. 

When we were finished at Hobby Lobby it was time to go back and pick up Charlie. While we were waiting in the very long line that snaked back to the zoo Jared ordered us drinks at the nearby Sonic and he and James walked over and picked them up. 

Charlie seemed happy when she got back in the car and she was carry a paper alligator or crocodile she had made. I guess they studied about the animals in the North American section because she didn't get to see the penguins. She was not upset though. 

On the way back to Longview I wrote down some of the signs I saw, with the emphasis on donut shops: Star Donuts, Gentry Donuts, Donut Delight, Donut Palace, Same Good Donut, East Texas Donuts and back in Longview Dunkin' Donuts. We passed a Civil War POW camp and several churches with unusual names: New Days Community Church, Miracle Inter Church, New Beginning Church, just to name a few. Oh yes, there was a taco shop called Damn Good Tacos. These are some things you don't see in Arizona, except for Dunkin' Donuts.

Kacey and Autumn went to work. Kacey has a part-time job cleaning a wedding venue once a week. I think she said it would take 14 hours. They left right after we got home and were still gone when we went to bed. We are leaving at 4:30 a.m. so we probably won't see them again before we leave. We took a nap and then we had some dinner. Hamburgers left from yesterday. Charlie and Scarlett were sitting at the dining room table and Charlie wanted me to sit by her. I'm not very graceful climbing over benches so I went to the other side of the table and told her I wanted to look at her. She seemed sad. If I had it to do over again I would have gone around and jumped over that bench and given her and Scarlett a big hug. I missed an opportunity I won't have again for a long time. Sweet Charlie, I love you.

After dinner Charlie grabbed the tablet off the kitchen counter and spilled a glass of water. I think she thought I was going to be upset and I told her it was okay, accidents happen. She went over to the couch to play and video game and Scarlett joined her. Charlie knew how to play the game but Scarlett didn't so Charlie was trying to explain to her how to play, saying things like, "Scarlett, don't hit the laser. Oh Scarlett, you hit the laser. Scarlett, it's my turn now." "Scarlett, I know how to play this game and I will help you." "Yeah, that's right Scarlett. Good job."

Such intensity

Soon Scarlett got tired of the video games and wanted to go outside and swing. Charlie was still engrossed in her game. James and Jared were working on the swing set and Jared was telling dad he was doing something wrong and he needed to follow the directions. It reminded me of Charlie and Scarlett. So funny. James wants to dive in and figure things out without reading directions and Jared follows each detailed step.

Torchy's and Ollie's in Tyler

Where is Scarlett

Jared gave Charlie a bath, read both girls a story and put them both to bed. Tomorrow is a school day. I'm not sure when Autumn and Kacey got home but I think it was quite late.

 

Sunday, September 3, 2023: I can't raise my left arm w/o being in pain, I miss church, Sorry w/ Charlie & Scarlett, J's grilled burgers and toppings, Kacey's super veggie tray

 

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:29-61:5

Come Follow Me

Spiritual Gifts

April General Conference

"Just Keep Going with Faith" by Elder Carl B. Cook

This morning I had a difficult time getting out of bed. I couldn't move my left arm without feeling a lot of pain. I had to keep it by my side. I had something to eat so I could take my pain pills. I laid back down hoping I would feel better soon so I could get ready for church.  It didn't happen. 

While James was getting ready he discovered he had forgotten to bring his white shirt and had to borrow one from Jared. They are no where near the same size but somehow with a suit jacket on, it looked fine. James asked me if I was going and I told him I didn't think so because I still couldn't move my arm. At this point I was lying on the bed. Kacey came by to check on me and I just laid there like a lump on a log. How embarrassing for this to happen when I am visiting and want to go to church with everyone else. I was pretty miserable. Maybe if church had been a little later in the day I could have been over this pain but it just wasn't going to happen at 9 a.m. 

After everyone left I got up and took a hot shower holding my arm close to my body. It felt good to have the warm water run over my left arm. My arm seemed to be a little better when I got out of the shower. When James got home he rubbed my arm with something called Biofreeze that he got from Jared. This definitely gave me some relief. 

I felt good enough to play a game of Sorry with Charlie, Scarlett, and James. We played by Charlie's rules, which were a little different than the written rules that came with the game.  I won the game, Charlie came in second, James third and then Scarlett.

"Sorry"

James brought home a spiritual gifts handout from Sunday School which I filled out. Since I didn't get to go to Sunday School I wanted some spiritual influence.

Jared gave Autumn a blessing this afternoon. It was beautiful. Jared also played the piano for us which both James and I enjoyed. Scarlett and Charlie played nicely in the house because it is the Sabbath. Charlie even left her Sunday clothes on.

Little mermaid dolls and babies dressed as animals

Jared playing "Praise to the Man"

James and I had a nap before dinner which was served at 5. Jared grilled burgers outside, we had beans and load potato salad from Sam's Club. Jared carmelized onions and Kacey smashed an avocado for toppings. We also had chips and veggies. It was a delicious dinner. Kacey and Autumn are both doing intermitten fasting and it makes me want to get started again. 

Tomorrow is a holiday, Labor Day. Charlie is starting a zoo group activity that will be once a month on the first Monday of the month. 

She is excited about going to the zoo. The penguins are her favorite animals. 

I realize that Kacey has the gift of writing and expressing herself with words. Her brother got a divorce and she wrote a poem for him. It was so beautiful.

I got a text from Molly asking me to donate to her basketball program. 

James and I had scriptures together in our room.

Jared had a t-shirt on with this scripture, which is the theme for the Young Man and Young Women. I asked him about the pile of rocks and he explained that it was a cairn and told me why they use it.

Raspberry cake