Saturday, October 14, 2023: Up @ 5:46, J goes to Lamb service project, Sheri ran, Sheri & I finish puzzle, Breakfast and then Sheri & boys leave, "Think Celestial", Kim & Brian not coming

 

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 5:1-19

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Jacob 4:6

Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a nope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Come Follow Me

Colossians 3:1-17 "Disciples of Jesus Christ become 'new' as they live His gospel."

October General Conference

"God Knows and Loves You" by Elder Alan T. Phillip

"How Great Will Be Your Joy" by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

I got up at 5:46 this morning. Hey, at least it was before 6!

Sheri was out running, Jared was out working, the boys were asleep and James left for the Lamb service project. He came a little while later to get the Cat because he said they could get rid of trash faster with it. He says it's a bit overwhelming. As he was driving out of the gate the Cat was sitting too high and even though Jared was trying to direct him, James knocked it down. I heard a loud noise and looked outside and realized immediately what had happened. One more thing to fix.

When Sheri got back from running and after her shower, we finished the Cereal puzzle. I would never had finished so quickly without Sheri. She is a pro.

What made this puzzle hard was there were two spots for

several of the cereal types.

Sheri fixed bacon and scrambled eggs while I fixed the pancakes. Everyone came to eat except Joshua, so I made some eggs for him.

Sheri and the boys left around 10:30 while James was still gone. I'm so glad they came. We had a great time!

Joshua 17, Evan 16, Sheri 48, Max 20

 The house seemed so quiet with everyone gone except Jared who was outside. 

When James returned from Jasmine Lamb's he said he wasn't sure they could finish today. They took three truckloads of trash to St. Johns and there is more that needs to be done. It is critical they get this family's place cleaned up. Jasmine's teenage son said if they didn't get their place clean he was going to commit suicide. That is a call for help!

I blogged, watched movies, and listened to "Think Celestial" today along with five other conference talks. My Relief Society lesson is next week featuring President Nelson's talk "Think Celestial."  Am I a celestial person? Not yet.

I had told Jared Ammon that Kim & Brian were coming tomorrow so he would need to move upstairs while they were here. He agreed.

Well, this evening I got a text from Kim saying they were not coming. She said Brian needed to work. I was really disappointed and I could tell Kim was too. Brian is speaking in church tomorrow and both Kim and Sheri will be there. When I asked Sheri if Evan goes to church she said yes, every week and he never complains. Hey, that's a bit of a bright spot.

I told her about Berberine and how it worked for lowering my blood sugar. She said she had used it for two months and it had no helped. That is so frustrating. She said she thinks her high blood sugars are caused by cortisol.

It was such a beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona!

Chris McNally & Julie Gonzalo

Is their baby a boy or girl?

Sheri's run

The cutest scarecrow & Batman I've ever seen!

One of Kacey's YW dancing with Charlie

Joshua and I don't know who or where

Friday, October 13, 2023: It's cold in here, please close the window!, Trip to the Catwalk in Glenwood, NM, my music, Sonic, Mr. Black Bull visits & tramples new grass, pork chops & applesauce

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 4:15-33

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Alma 7:23

And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering: being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto god for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Come Follow Me

Philippians 4:1-13 "I can find joy in Christ, regardless of my circumstances."

October General Conference

"Do You Want to Be Happy?" by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

These were my thoughts when I got up this morning: "It's cold in here, please close the window!"

After Sheri's run and a breakfast of gingerbread muffins we left for the Catwalk on the Gila National Forest in Glennwood, New Mexico. James, Jared Ammon and I led in our car and Sheri, Max, Evan and Joshua followed in Sheri's car. We stopped at the gas station across from the Circle K in Eagar, the Circle K was having repairs done, for gas and snacks. It took us a couple of hours to arrive at our destination. Here we are!

Sheri insisted on taking this picture and

refused to let me take one with her in it.

The first part of the hike was quite easy. It was the perfect day for a hike, and we were in the shade most of the time with water either running beside or underneath where we were hiking. We came to a fork and inadvertently took the most difficult way. The steep climb and loose rocks were difficult for me and I don't think I could have done it without James by my side. Everyone else went ahead. 

As we were walking along I looked up and saw friends from Vernon coming down the mountain. Winna Ulmer and her husband and great grandson Densen, who is six. Densen took my hand and helped me over a rock. What a sweet kid. He stepped back next to his grandparents and said, "Hey I know you guys from a restaurant or something." Winna said, "You know them from church." 

I stopped, as James later said, 100 yards short of the end. I sat on a rock and told James to go ahead. I got tired of waiting him to get back so I started back on my own. Soon the boys came along and then James and Sheri. Sheri went on ahead and James and I went back the other way which was much easier than the way we went up. Sheri, Max, Evan, and Joshua all left before we got back to the parking lot. Sheri invited Jared to go with them but he opted to wait for us. Such loyalty. 

We stopped at the Sonic in Springerville for a little something to eat. I ordered a green chili cheeseburger, Jared got a cheeseburger and James got a Slinger and mozarella sticks. So much for not eating in the car.  I played my music on the way home as Jared retired as our DJ. 

When we got home there was a big black bull in our backyard making holes in the new grass. We chased him off but I have a feeling he will be back.

Sheri and I worked on the puzzle and made dinner. She made hotdogs and hamburgers and I cooked some pork chops, applesauce, and green beans. I had one pork chops. They were delicious.

Sheri and I watched the latest Curious Caterer. This episode was called Fatal Vows. This series stars Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker.

Where is Jared

I love the sound of running water

Evan and Joshua

Wish they would have had these walkways

all of the way.

Max

Joshua and Max

Evan

Max, Joshua, and Sheri

Gramp & Gramma

Our friends the Ulmer's with their

great grandson Densen.

Charlie and Scarlett enjoying the day

in Texas.

 

Thursday, October 12, 2023: Kitties go to Pet Allies and are scared to death, Sheri ran 6.5 miles, big breakfast, choc chip cookies, "grease pit", 3 Bed, 2Baths, 1 Ghost, "DWTS, "Golden Bachelor""

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 4:1-14

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 4:15-16

For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them. . .  Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

Come Follow Me

Philippians 3:4-14 The gospel of Jesus Christ is worth every sacrifice.

October General Conference

"Promptings of the Spirit" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

James rounded up Tabby and Tom this morning and put them in a cage he had. He put two cushions inside for them to lay on. He is taking them to a place called Pet Allies where they will spayed and neuter them. When James arrived at Pet Allies he looked in the cage and couldn't find either one of them. He lifted the cushions and there they were hiding and shaking. After dropping them off he did a couple of errands and came home. He will pick them up this afternoon. 

Sheri now works in the Primary nursery. 

She ran 6 1/2 miles this morning, came home and took a shower, and fixed a breakfast of bacon and eggs while I made pancakes. Sheri cooks bacon on the grill so we cleaned the tray that catches the grease under the grill. 

 After breakfast Sheri made some chocolate chip cookie dough and put it in the frig to bake a little later. 

Max, Evan, and Joshua went on a long Razr ride with Max driving. Max's face was covered with dirt when he returned.

Sheri and I watched one of the latest Hallmark movies "Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, and One Ghost" starring real life couple Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally. One of my favorite Hallmark movies in awhile.

We also watched the third episode of "Dancing with the Stars." Sheri and I both like the same three couples, Jason & Daniella, Pasha & Ariana, and Xochitl & Val. 

This afternoon Sheri baked her cookies and then put together a pan full of baked ziti to be baked later. 

 James and Jared Ammon went to town to pick up the kitties and some supplies. Tom seems pretty normal although his eyes look tired. He drank some milk. Tabby was a different story. She ran and hid in the garage and we couldn't find her for the longest time. Finally Joshua found her under the smoker. She wouldn't come out and did not want any milk. Eventually we left her alone hoping she would be all right in the morning.

Sheri went into town to get the tires on her car rotated and balanced. Her appointment was at 4:45. When she got home she baked the ziti and we had it for dinner along with broccoli and French bread. 

Max made smores on the fire outside. I'm not sure if anyone else made any. Sheri and I worked on my puzzle and then we watched "The Golder Bachelor."

Scarlett's birthday card from us.

 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023: Up @ 5:24, so windy the guys can't work, J & I clean upstrs, Sheri, Max, Evan, Joshua here after 1, trip to town for nothing,boys like cats

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 3:11-26

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Jacob 2:18-19

But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

Come Follow Me

Philippians 2:12-13 Do we "work out our own salvation"?

Philippians 4

October General Conference

"The Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Every Day" by Elder Joaquin E. Costa

I was up at 5:24 this morning. My face was swollen on the left side when I got up. I guess those four aspirins I took on Monday evening are rearing there ugly heads. Soon I had swelling on the right side too.

 Sheri is coming today. It was so windy this morning that James and Jared Ammon couldn't work.

James helped me clean upstairs. He vacuumed up dead bees while I made beds and dusted. I was just finishing up cleaning Darrel & Trina's bathroom when Max walked upstairs. Sheri and the boys have arrived. In spite of my swollen face I gave everyone a hug. I'm so glad they came.

Sheri's car was shaking and she wants to get her tires balanced and rotated at Discount Tire. She wanted me to follow her into town to pick her up. James told her she needed an appointment but she didn't think she did. As soon as I pulled up into the Discount parking lot Sheri was waiting for me. She said there was a four hour wait today so she made an appointment for tomorrow at 4:45. She was going to go shopping at Walmart and asked if I wanted to come. My face is swollen so I said no. My trip was really for nothing.

Sheri brought Little Caesar's Pizza back with her. Three pizzas and breadsticks. 

The boys really like the cats.

Sheri made chicken tenders for dinner and I made a chicken and stuffing casserole which is one of Jared Ammon's favorite meals. Sheri liked it too and so did James. I would have liked it except for the paprika. This is the third recipe I have tried and there is something I like about each one. Maybe I will combine what I like and make up my own recipe. 

Sheri also made corn muffins which were a big hit with James. He had three with butter and honey. Funny, when I make cornbread he doesn't eat it. Instead of making cornbread I am going to make corn muffins from now on.

Sheri helped me with my cereal puzzle. She can create order from chaos and is a very good puzzle doer. 

Sheri and I went in the bedroom and watched Mystery Island. I fell in and out of sleep and so did Sheri. When it was over I asked Sheri if she like it. She said, "Yea, it was great." I knew she hadn't see most of it. She didn't know who was the murderer. She admitted to this and said she needed to watch it again. 

 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023: Still can't lift my right arm, guys fix their own breakfast, HMM catchup, looking in to a mission, meatloaf & then trip to town w J, DWTS

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 3:1-10

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Mosiah 2:9

My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak to you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.

Come Follow Me

Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:12-23 My faith is founded on Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

"The Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Every Day" by Elder Joaquin E. Costa

I still can't lift my right arm but at least it's not throbbing. The guys fixed their own breakfast. They are getting good at doing that.

I caught up on some Hallmark movies but still haven't watched "When Calls the Heart" because I know Elizabeth breaks up with Lucas. Maybe later.

James and I are looking in to going on a mission in spite of our health and financial situation. What convinced us? Jared's text during Elder Rasband's conference address and the lessons on Sunday in our ward.

I made a meatloaf this afternoon and stuck it in the oven. James wanted me to go to town with him so I asked Jared to take the meatloaf out when the center reached 145 degrees, in about an hour.

He said he would. 

On the way to town we listened to "Educating Elizabeth". We stopped at Kay's Lumber right at closing time, 5 p.m., so James could place his order. When he came back to the truck I told him my mom would have been upset if someone came in our grocery store right at closing. His comment was: "Oh, with the order I placed for $1,600 they don't mind."

We went out to Linden behind Dennis's house to return the lawn blankets James borrowed. I felt funny not going in and saying hi to Dennis but James was in a hurry and I wasn't really groomed to see any one.

We went to Firehouse Subs and split a medium Hook & Ladder. We figured Jared was at home eating meatloaf so we didn't get one for him. James went in to Home Depot while I ate my sandwich and then we stopped at Tractor Supply to get horse feed.

Jared too the meatloaf out, ate a little, and then went downstairs. I felt bad. I told James we need to plan on being home for dinner so we can spend that time together.

James walked and listened to "Educating Elizabeth" while I watched "Dancing with the Stars."

The Chases' live in Chandler in

Sheri's ward

Sister Yee drew this picture of the Savior.

It looks like a photograph

Stacy ran in to this guy delivering

Grub Hub

Who are the girls Rowan?

 

Monday, October 9, 2023: Visit w/Aunt Gene & Rita, My infusion, Elmer's bean & cheese, Costco, Lois and Dawn, Trip home thrgh Payson, Ben's girlfriend, flareup in my arm

 

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 2:1-19

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 4:35

Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

Come Follow Me

Philippians; Colossians: "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me."

October General Conference

"Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation" by Brother Jan E. Newman

We left Darrel and Trina's a little after 8 this morning. We said goodbye to Trina, Ruby, and Addy. Everyone else was either asleep or gone. Before we left James and Trina talked about the big crack running across the floor in the living room. 

Rita texted me the address to where Aunt Gene is staying and we were supposed to meet here there at 9. This is the address she texted: 

 25597 N. Bandolier Dr., San Tan Valley, Az. 85142. 

Map Quest took us to the 35000 block but we could not find the 25000 block. We called Rita and she said she might have given us the wrong address. She just had surgery on her eyes and has a hole in her retina and can't see to full potential. We planned to meet her at the nearby Circle K so she could take us to the right address.

I went inside and got James and I each a breakfast sandwich and we were sitting in the car eating when Rita walked up and said, "Boo!"

Rita is thin and she wears a wig.

She rode in the backseat with us to Aunt Gene's. It's just a small house and the address was 35597 N. Bandolier Dr. 

The visit with Aunt Gene was both rewarding and sad. 

Aunt Gene was happy to see us and I gave her a hug and a kiss. She can't get out of bed and she weighs very little, but she is still my Aunt Gene. Aunt Gene and I talked while Rita and James visited.

She talked about my dad and how she thinks he never like her and how he threw a knife at her once. I told her that when she saw him again I thought things would be different. She then started talking about Randy and how hard it was to lose him.  She told me how Randy started buying up businesses and got in financial trouble. She had put away some money from some stocks she cashed out away and she gave him $100,000 of that. She was going to save the rest but Randy needed it and she said he started crying and that's all it took for her to give him the money. 

Aunt Gene then said she thought James was somehow related to her dad's family. I told her that his grandma and her dad's mother were sisters. Grandpa Arlee, her dad, was James's dad's first cousin. I told her and Rita that grandma told me that we would have idiots. Rita was shocked that grandma would say that to me. 

Rita brought up the time Sarah Slim shoved me after playing basketball in P.E. and telling me that I thought I was the best player on the team. Rita reminded me that she had a little talk with Sarah afterwards and told her she better leave me alone. I'm grateful she stood up for me as we were not really close in high school. 

 We left about a quarter until 10 for my infusion. I need to be there by 10:30 and it's quite a ways away. I got there right at 10:30. James is going to do some errands and pick up some lunch while I am at my appointment.

Along with an infusion I saw Dr. Kumar today. I told her I was not feeling as good as I would like. She said my bloodwork looked great. She asked me if I wanted to do some tests and I said no. She was very sympathetic and supportive but I told her I wanted to leave things as they are for at least another month. Jeanne put in my infusion. I like her.

I had to wait for James for about 20 minutes. He went to Home Depot and then the cleaners, and Sheri's work. He got to meet Ben's girlfriend Kayli. I didn't even know he had a girlfriend. Sheri says she is a member but not super active. 

I forgave James for being late because he picked up a drink and a bean and cheese burro for me from Elmer's.  We ate our lunch in the Costco parking lot across the street from AARA where I get my infusion. 

I have a $151.39 rewards check to use at Costco. They had lots of samples today. I think our favorite was the BBQ almonds even though we didn't end up buying them. We bought pistachios, paper towels, Acai and pomegranate juice, chocolates for James, facial towelettes, six throws and three spools of Christmas ribbon. I went about $50 over the $151 but that's okay because that will come out of my Christmas budget. Next stop, Lois and Dawn's.

When we arrived at Lois and Dawn's my right shoulder began to hurt. Dawn gave me an ice pack and I kept it on the entire time we were there and ended up taking it with me. I got to taste the cake Kim made for their birthdays. It was delicious. Lois had to tell me about Gail driving all the way down from Oregon, working on her yard for a couple of days and then driving back. She wanted to pay for his gas but he refused. He said the reason he is here on earth is to help other people.

I was pretty miserable on the drive home even though we went my favorite way, through Payson. My arm got so bad I took two aspirin. Later when I got home it was throbbing so bad I took two more aspirin. I may regret this later. I went straight to my recliner in the bedroom while James carried everything in. 

Elmer's got a makeover

I love this view

I love this girl!

Scarlett and her new boots