Tuesday, October 31, 2023: James loves his electric comforter, my new conference journal, Trip to town to mail Jared's card, Text from Kacey, Alex in the hospital

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 17:1-25

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

3 Nephi 19:9

And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

Come Follow Me

Who wrote the epistle to the Hebrews?

October General Conference

"Think Celestial!" by President Russell M. Nelson

James really likes his electric heated comforter. I like my two new Halloween puzzles and my new conference journal. 

I finished a Christmas movies I had seen before called, "A Jolly Good Christmas," starring Will Kemp. Will's character is a New Yorker now in England and they nixed his British accent which is part of his charm. All in all, it was still a good movie.

I was going to mail Jared's birthday card yesterday but because of the lateness of my shopping trip, it didn't happen and then I forgot it when we went to Cattleman's in the evening. I had James sign it this morning and then I signed it and decided to go to town to drop it off at the Show Low post office which is a little faster than the Vernon post office. Before leaving home I asked James to go with me. He said he better stay here to work with Jared. I ordered a Slinger and fried pickles from Sonic for lunch. My Slinger was especially good and the chicken was juicy and not overcooked and there is just something about fried pickles that is so satisfying!

I got a text from Kacey this afternoon about Tricia and Jeremy moving to the Bahamas next summer and, of course, taking Molly with them. Jared got an attorney to try to prevent it but they are claiming a work transfer so there is nothing he can do. Jared then got a letter from the attorney general stating that Tricia has requested a hearing for change in child support. After looking in to it, they are pretty certain that Jared's child support will go up almost $500 a month. There was a change in the state of TX in 2019 that raised the cap for child support on one child. She is almost guaranteed to get it. 

He just finished paying Tricia alimony and now this. 

Jared is of course discouraged and sickened by all of this, but he will be okay. He and Kacey talked about how Tricia may be able to take a lot, but that she could never take Charlie or Kacey. She can never take away the sealing to his children. They are his for eternity and they will do their best to live worthy of that. Kacey reminded him what was told to him when James ordained him a high priest: "Your children will rise up and call you blessed." They will. Kacey and Jared believe that, and they also know that all things will be made right, in the Lord's timing and in His way. But it is still very hard and raw in the moment.

When I went in to the bedroom James was laying on the bed and he said: "I should have gone with you. Jared wasn't ready to go back to work until after 3 anyway."  I then told him about Kacey's text and he said, everything will work out in the end. I know that, but it is still sad.

I then got a call from Sheri. Alex is in the hospital with an inflamed appendix. They are doing surgery later this evening. I put Alex's name on the Snowflake temple prayer roll. 

For dinner I had some fried pork chops, rice pilaf and broccoli. 

The D-Backs lose again so now the series is 3-1. They only have one more game to see if they can stay alive. 

It was Monster Night on "DWTS." Also, James and I walked while listening to "A Lady's Promise" and I got all of my own 12,000 or so steps.

The staff at Chandler Eyecare

"DWTS" judges table

Today's smoke

Sedona

Cayli and Ben

Scarlett wanted to be a kitty for

Halloween.

This woman is bedridden. Her husband

made this Halloween costume for her.

Monday, October 30, 2023: Trip to town to buy groceries, Cattleman's for dinner, DBacks lose, Finish "Windsong Manor", A roll of foil $12.98!

 

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 16:1-20

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 27:26

Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 1-6; Jesus Christ, "the Author of Eternal Salvation"

Hebrews 1

October General Conference

"We Are His Children" by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier

The low today was 21 and the high was in the 50's. Colder weather is definitely here, at least for awhile.

I finished watching Joyeux Noel and really liked it. 

Read Hebrews 1, 3 Nephi 16, and the introduction to this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson with James.

I needed to go grocery shopping today. I put it off as long as I could, leaving for town around 1:30. James and Jared Ammon had already left for Taylor to get more steel for the roof of the stable. Even though James was pulling a trailer he stopped and picked up the mail. I got two Halloween puzzles and he got a pair of jeans. 

Walmart was a bit of a disappointment today. They had no decent birthday cards. I mean none, okay, maybe one or two but that's all, and I bought them. Next time I need cards I'm either going to Dollar Tree or Walgreens. 

Another disappointment was the price of kitty litter. James asked me to get kitty boxes for Tom and Tab to put in the garage so when it is really cold or snowing, they have a place to go inside. One bag of kitty litter was over $27 and I bought two, plus the containers. 

A roll of tin foil was $12.98. I didn't realize this until I got home and was looking at my receipt. This is the last week that I will need to buy meat for every dinner as Jared is going home next Monday. This week I bought meat for green chili stew, hamburger soup, pork chops, chicken parmesan, pepper steak, and stew or beef tips. I also got everything I need to make a chocolate cake for Donna Peeler's birthday this week. 

I got home at 4:40 which was a little late since we are all 3 planning on going to dinner at Cattleman's. The guys carried in the groceries and I hurried and put the perishable items away. We were ready to leave around 5. We got to Cattleman's in time to order off the 4-6 menu which is a little cheaper. Jared and I both ordered strip steaks and James ordered the cod. The D-Backs game was on so I put Dish Anywhere on my phone and we watched while we were waiting for our food. The game wasn't all that good and the Backs lost, again. The series is now 2-1 Rangers.  

My steak was delicious and I think Jared enjoyed his, although he did order it rare, which is a little too red for me. James's cod was okay. It looked a lot like what he gets at Culver's.

Back at home James walked and listened to "Windsong Manor."

Affirmation for this week's "Come Follow Me":

"As a child of God, I am

dedicated to following Christ's

teachings and example.

With the promise of eternal

salvation in my heart, I move

forward with faith and assurance."

Charlie is a Texas girl and a Rangers fan

Can't decide if I like it or not.

This prescribed burn is too big!

 

 

Sunday, October 29, 2023: A beautiful Sabbath Day, Sat by Sue, Kaylynn & Sky, Pres. Beeler presiding, Shanna Penrod, Lindsay Shaw, Collin called as EQ counselor, 2nd Hour: Parent's Counsel

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 15:1-24

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Mormon 8:22

For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all the promises shall be fulfilled.

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

"Love is Spoken Here" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

A beautiful Sabbath morning, although it was a little chilly. The weather is cooling down.

Instead of sitting in the second row, left side, facing the podium by Bridgett Jordan, James and I sat a few rows back with Sue Hubble, Sky, and Kaylynn. 

Bishop Hunsaker and his family were out of town today but President Beeler was visiting and presided at the meetings. 

Brother Knight, the high councilman over our ward, took care of stake business. Collin DeWitt was called and sustained as the first counselor in the Elder's Quorum and Tim Bartels was released.  

Shanna Penrod and Lindsay Shaw were the speakers in sacrament meeting.
Shanna Penrod spoke on a talk by Elder Soares in the October 2020 General Conference, "Seek Christ in Every Thought." Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness. Please know the Lord is ready to assist us. We need to align our mind and desires with His. Stand fast in the Lord. Continually conduct our lives in harmony with the gospel. "Hear Him." Resist little temptations to avoid serious transgressions. Keep eternity in mind. To be spiritually minded is life eternal. (2 Nephi 9:39). Hear Him in every thought.

Lindsay Shaw  Linday's talk was based on Henry B. Eyring's Oct General Conference 2020 talk, "Sisters in Zion." You sisters will be an essential force in the gathering of Israel and in the creation of a Zion people." . . . but my people will I preserve; . . . Each of you is a daughter of God, endowed with a divine birthright. President Nelson says you will prepare a people to receive the Lord. Pray to be an instrument in God's hand. Find joy. Jesus Christ brings joy. 

 Today is the 5th Sunday so the bishopric is in charge of second hour. Today we are discussing parent's council, a new concept mentioned in Brother Jan E. Newman's conference address, "Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation." Brother John Wilhelm, our ward's Sunday School president, conducted the meeting. Here are some notes that I took:

One of our most sacred responsibilities is to help our children come to know deeply and specifically that Jesus is the Christ.

-As the covenant people of God. now can we instill within the hearts of our children a desire to make and keep covenants with Him? 

-Everybody can make a difference.

-Sis Runia's talk - God's Overview

-2 Nephi 25:26

-Ron Hall - Family Proclamation

-Bridgett Jordan talked about writing letters to her children bearing her testimony so they know I know.

-Stefani - Family Council and PPI's

-Tina Allen - Be approachable to your kids.

-Lorrain Vaught - Be a good listener.

Brother Wilhelm assigned several of the youth to talk about ways their parents have influenced them and ways they would like their parents to be an influence: Resten, Zemira, Jesse, Gracie, Tyler, Deven Crane, Georgia Jameson.

After the youth, Brother Wilhelm asked President Beeler to take the remainder of the time. President Beeler talked about three adults who influenced him as a youth. He then gave us this counsel:

1. Always start with doctrine when teaching.

2. Counsel about application. 

3. Give opportunities to stretch.

4. Teach by example.

5. Discussions, not lectures.

The dinner table is a sacred altar. Teach about Christ!

We had burgers, Jared and I, and stew, James, and then it was rest time. 

Mr. Black Bull came back this afternoon and Jared Ammon chased him away. 

I worked on my blog and then watched a Christmas movie.

Scarlett Jane

Charlie Mae and Lovie

Darrel memory

 

 

Saturday, October 28, 2023: Nothing is scheduled! Mr. Black Bull came and left 50 holes for J to fill, Razr ride, stew in crockpot, "Bringing Christmas Home", Vernon Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat

 

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 14:1-27

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 25:26

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Come Follow Me

Philemon "Disciples of Jesus Christ treat one another like brothers and sisters."

October General Conference

"The Savior's Healing Power upon the Isles of the Sea." by Elder J. Kimo Esplin

A Saturday where nothing is scheduled! Mr. Black Bull came during the night and according to James, made 50 holes in the yard that he has to fill in.

Jared took a Razr ride, only working part of the day, which frustrated James a little because he needed his help lifting plywood.

I put a stew in the crockpot for dinner, worked on my blog and this evening I watched two new Christmas movies: "Bringing Christmas Home", starring Paul Greene and Jill Wagner. It was a great movie and James came in while I was watching it and joined me. He likes Paul Greene and Jill Wagner just about as much as I do. The second one, "Mystic Christmas" was not as good. The real star of this movie was the seal named Peppermint and the little girl who played Patti Murin's daughter. 

Jared asked James if he could borrow the car this evening to go into town and have dinner at Cattleman's Steakhouse. James didn't answer right away but came in to ask me what I thought. I came up with an idea. Ask him if he can wait until Monday night and we will go with him. James liked the idea and Jared accepted it.

James tried to order siding from Kay's Building Supply from some samples he picked up. The person he spoke to said they no longer carry that siding. James was upset and asked why they would carry samples of something that did not have to sell. He picked one they did carry and asked the cost. It was $65. James was told it was $22. Mad again. He will not be buying any siding from Kay's. He's not going to spend $4,000 for siding for a horse stable.

The D-Backs win game 2 of the World Series.

Kaylynn and Sky,

Sue's granddaughters at the Vernon Halloween Party

Kim & Brian's Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 27, 2023: James & JA head to the valley, Alex Braddock sealing, Heyman, Kempton, Jones, Burger House, Full Moon

 

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 13:16-34

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Ether 4:18-19

Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. . . . And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.

Come Follow Me

Who was Philemon?

October General Conference

"Divine Parenting Lessons" by Elder Valeri V. Cordon

James and Jared Ammon left for the valley this morning around 7. James is going to Alex Braddock's sealing in the Gilbert temple. James wanted me to go, but, although my knee is better I just wasn't feeling up to a trip to the valley. We had prayer and James left me sitting on the recliner in the bedroom watching a Christmas movie. 

After the movie was over I finished watching "The Golden Bachelor." There are now three women left, Faith, Teresa, and Leslie. I like Faith but I know she doesn't win. 

I rested until afternoon. At 3:00 I got up and swept, vacuumed, and dusted in the family room. I also did some walking. 

James and Jared Ammon got home around 5 with burros from Burger House for dinner. I ate my delicious mixed green burro for dinner in the bedroom while watching a movie. 

Jared Ammon went on a short Razr ride because there was a full moon tonight. He wasn't gone long because it got dark and there are still no lights on the Razr. 

James walks while I work on my blog.

Jean Howard, Hunter, Dakotah, Deana

Jean and Dakotah have both passed

Full Moon

President, a Mission President, and the Area Authority assigned to our area.

Alex's mom Lynette dancing with him