Saturday, November 11, 2023: Early mrng study, James builds a fire, Myra's comment, Kim, Myra, A, D, and G doing puzzles, James gets wood and helps Beals family move, Goodbyes

 

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 27:1-12

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Mosiah 4:30

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 12 & 13

October General Conference

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

Again I got up early to study my lesson for Sunday which is Sister Wright's talk, "Abide the Day in Christ." 

James did something this morning that made me happy. He built a fire, I believe it is the first one of the season. I asked Myra if she saw the fire. She said: "Yes and I warmed my hands by it. Well, I warmed this hand, (she holds up one of her hands to show me)." So funny!

One of the kids got the puzzles out and when I came in Myra and Adeline were working on one of the fairy puzzles, Kim was helping Genevieve do the other fairy puzzle and Dawson was working on the Solar System puzzle. All of these puzzles have 100 pieces and each one of these kids needed help. I began helping Dawson. Myra soon got bored and left so Adeline was doing her puzzle alone and it was probably the hardest one. When Kim was finished helping Genevieve she went over to help Adeline. 

Kim helping Genevieve, Adeline, and Myra

Myra doing her own thing while Adeline works on

the puzzle

Dawson with Genevieve in the background

Genevieve

Adeline finished!

I'm not sure where the kids dad Jordan was while we were doing puzzles. Probably playing a board game with Adam. 

James gathered and chopped wood this morning and then a couple of hours this afternoon he joined some of the other priesthood holders at the Beals to help them move. They are moving to Taylor to be closer to Brother Beals work.

I spent most of the day working on my lesson and printing out wordstrips. At lunch time I heated up the green chili. Brian and Kim both love it and so do James and I. James didn't like his first taste last night but today it is so much better. I'm not sure why.

Originally Adam said they were going to stay until Sunday before going home. For some reason everyone decided to go home tonight. 

I talked to Kristina about it. She said the reason they were going home was that their kids sleep better at home and also Kristofor has a job interview at work on Monday morning that he wants to prepare for. It would mean a raise for him. I also found out that Kristofor works at a different branch office than Adam does because they are related and that Jordan is Adam's boss. They all work at a credit union.

Before everyone left in the late afternoon, after dark, I had them pose in the entryway. We called for Adam but he was upstairs doing something. We took the picture since all of the kids were ready.

Kristina, Nathaniel, Kristofor, Myra, Genevieve, Adeline,

Jordan, and Dawson

Dawson got in the picture 

with Adam

As I walked today, about 13,400 steps, I finished the book I was reading by Rachelle J. Christensen, "Veils and Vengeance."

James read while he was walking and had my phone with me. It looks like I got over 21,000 steps but only 13,400 steps were mine.

This evening Kim, Brian and I watched "Christmas Keepsake". It's a GAF movie starring Daniel Lissing. The best thing about this movie is that Daniel got to use his Australian accent!

Genevieve

Myra

My steps 13,400

Friday, November 10, 2023: Lesson prep, Auto-owners autopay, clean upstairs, company here early afternoon, Panda, pinion pickers, 13 people here, lemon water benefits

 

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Moroni 7:15-16

For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 11

October General Conference

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

I woke up early and spent an hour working on my lesson for Sunday. 

James called Auto-Owners and told them about our new bank account. They were able to take out this months billing and then sent us a form to fill out for autopay. We filled it out and they told us it was the wrong one and we had to do it again. Grrr.

We still have to call NRA for James's travel insurance, my life insurance, and Verizon. 

While Kim was baking her chocolate cake for Brian, I was cleaning upstairs. James brought up the vacuum, vacuumed in the common area, and vacuumed my office and cleaned off Darrel & Trina's balcony. I cleaned the bedrooms and bathrooms and made sure all of the beds were made. When I was finished I hurried downstairs to take a shower.

I missed a card making Zoom meeting with Dawn, Rebecca, Lois, Carmen, Connie, Cathi, and Laura this morning. I told Dawn I would have company and probably wouldn't make it.

I had just finished getting dressed and doing my hair and makeup when Kim texted and said Kit and Kristina were here. I came out and gave them hugs and was introduced to their two kids, Myra who is four turning five in a week or so and Nathanial who is almost two. Two cute, blond-headed kids. Kim was trying to finish up her puzzle and Myra climbed up to help her. I tried to distract her but nothing worked until I grabbed the Dora 24 piece puzzle and asked her to help me with it. In the mean time Kim was able to finish her puzzle.

I really like this puzzle and almost bought it when I was in Texas. I decided to order one for my collection. It won't be here until next week.

Adam, Jordan, and Jordan three kids arrived about 10 minutes after Kit and Kristina. These are Jordan's kids: Adeline 7, Dawson 5, and Genevieve 4. They are so cute with dark almost black hair and big brown eyes. I asked Adeline where she went to school and she said Edu-Prize. I said, "Oh, Adam went to that school for awhile when he was little." 

The kids wanted to go outside to see the cats but the cats were afraid of them and ran off. James was outside cutting wood and they ran over near him. He did come in to see Kit, Kristina and their kids.

I wanted to go into town to get Panda yet again and Kim was going to go with me but decided to stay home to make the frosting for Brian's cake. He would be here in about an hour or so. I went in to town by myself. James wants me to get him a Panda bowl too. 

As I drove through Vernon there were three cars parked by the side of the road near the cemetery. These are the cars of people picking pinons. The trees on this stretch of the road must be filled with them.

Stefani said the Indian people take them to McNary and sell them to people coming through on the Highway. 

When I got back to the house Brian had arrived. Kim was in the kitchen making frosting and he was with her. Adam was outside cooking burgers and brats on the grill. All in all there are 13 people staying in this house right now.

Here is a picture of the cake Kim made:

This evening Brian joined Kim and I for our Christmas movie. It's a Hallmark movie starring one of our least favorite Hallmark stars, Cindy Busby. The name of the movie is "Christmas Everything."

I actually liked this movie more than I thought I would and so did Kim. There were a few times Brian made a joking comment and we all laughed. These movies are helping me to have the Christmas spirit!

 I have slowed down on my drinking of lemon water in the morning. What I read today is encouraging me to start up again.

Lemon water can: help lower your blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, is good for your skin and digestion and can help you lose weight.

Adeline doing the "easy" Dora puzzle

Kim and her Christmas Carol puzzle

A row of ice chests 

I'm excited that there is going to be one in

Snowflake this year!

My friend Amy posts some funny things!

Thursday, November 9, 2023: J feeds me and his animals before going to the temple, Inklings, Pierce's 2 pickleball courts, mtg @ bank, Wlmrt, Panda, "Mystery at Mistletoe Manor"

 

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Ether 12:27

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 10 and Hebrews 11 Faith requires trusting in God's promises

October General Conference

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

Before leaving for the temple this morning James brought me breakfast and fed all of the animals. He took four of my family names with him. He left at 7:45 to pick up T-Bo and Barbara Tignor and Virgil Cooper. James ministering brother to both of these families. Virgil said it has been a year and a half since he has been to the temple. I told James he should take him once a month and he agreed.

I listened to Rio and Michelle Craig on Inkling this morning discussing President Oaks' talk, "Kingdoms of Glory." Emily is on her way to Nigeria.

Here are some notes that I took:

The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something

Are we allowing mortality to shape us into disciples of Jesus Christ?

Distraction is one of Satan's greatest tools

Being more and becoming doesn't mean we do more

Be still - feel the Spirit

Some things will go by the wayside

What matters most are things I will take with me

1. Character - who I have become

2. Covenants/Ordinances

3. Relationships w/ family, etc.

Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith

Lift and build together

Agency: the weight of our choices

Correcting moments refine and define us.

Direction is more important than speed

JRH: "This world is not our home."

We are here to grow

Focus on Jesus Christ

How do I spend my time?

My becoming and my desire

I went upstairs this morning to decide if I needed to wash sheets. I decided just to watch the pillow cases and washed about half of them today. 

I put a pork loin in the crockpot this morning and seasoned it using my Mexican meat mix. It cooked all day and the house smelled delicious.

James was gone from 7:45 to about 2:45. After the temple session T-Bo paid for everyone to have lunch at Street's in Snowflake. When he dropped T-Bo and Barbara off at home he stopped and looked at the two pickleball courts Pierce is building for his wife Barbara. Pierce and Barbara are still on a mission so his kids are arranging for the work. These pickleball courts will be inside a huge metal building. This is Pierce's third metal storage building on his property. 

James changed his clothes and he and I went into town to Chase bank to take the list of auto-payments which come out of his business account. We met with Amy who updated the withdrawals from our account. She helped James apply for a debit card and arranged an appointment for us to meet with a banker named Dan next week to get me as a signer on his account. I told her I wrote most of the checks and the bank always accepted them. She said they shouldn't because I was not listed as a signer. Lambson Construction is a sole proprietor so if anything happens to James I may not be able to get in to his account. In order for me to be an owner on the account we have to change how James registered the business with the Arizona Cooperation Commission. That means he needs to call them and make those changes.

After we were finished at the bank we did a little shopping at Walmart. I bought some groceries as well as a kitty bed I thought for sure Tom and Tabby would like.

The cats don't like their cat house

After Walmart we went to Panda where I got a teriyaki chicken bowl with chow mien.  I forgot about the pork loin slow cooking in the crockpot at home. James said he wasn't hungry. 

Kim made the cream cheese filling for the cake she is making for Brian. She put it in the frig and will finish the cake tomorrow. After she was finished she and I watched our nightly Christmas movie. The movie we watched tonight: "Mystery at Mistletoe Manor." Victor Webster was the male lead. Kim said she doesn't usually care for him but she liked him in this movie. It was a good one!

I started a new Rachelle J. Christensen book. This one is called "Veils and Vengeance."

One of our sister missionaries went home

to Idaho.

Rowan & Evan at California Adventure

Sweet Charlie memory

The breakfast James makes me.

 

 

Wednesday, November 8, 2023: Sheri's appt woes, DWTS, pending charge of $5,000, New business acct after 51 yrs, "The Santa Summit"

 

Copenhagen, Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 23:1-14

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 9:13

O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of god must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 9; 10:1-22 Ancient and modern ordinances point to Jesus.

October General Conference

"Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven" by Elder Neil L. Andersen

Sheri can't get an appointment with her OB because the scheduler is off until Friday. In the mean time she is miserable. She is so frustrated!

Kim and I watched "Dancing with the Stars" this morning.  This is music video week. I'm not a fan of music videos as they weren't a thing for my generation. My favorite dance, and I think it was Kim's was Alison and Sasha's quickstep to "Candyman." Candyman sounded like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and the dance had that vibe. I think it was a take on Christina Aguilera's music video. Alison is not the greatest dancer but she did a great job on this dance. Like I said, it was my favorite.

We were surprised that Lele was sent home. Another example of how people are voting on a popularity basis and not on talent. Harry or Barry should have gone home. Bring back the judges save!

This afternoon James asked me to send a payment for a surety bond. When I went online to update the checkbook there was a pending charge from a Gemini for $5,000. I thought it was strange because James had told me we paid all of the subcontractors for his last job. 

James went outside and I tried to call him on the phone. He didn't answer as he normally doesn't. I texted, no answer. I went outside and called, at first nothing. I saw him near the corral and called again. I asked him to please come in because I needed to ask him something. 

Just as I thought, James had no idea who Gemini was. James called the bank and the person he spoke with said he needed to go in to the local Chase bank and close out his account and open a new one. He was a little sad about this because he has had this account for 51 years. It was after three but the bank is open until five. He changed his clothes and left. I found another $5,000 withdrawal from Gemini on Friday, November 3rd. We have been robbed of $10,000 right under our noses. I guess I need to check my accounts more than once a week.

James got home just in time to attend his Elder's Quorum Presidency meeting. Chuck picked him up. He said he would eat when he returned home. 

While James was gone Kim and I watched our nightly Christmas movie.  Tonight it was a Hallmark movie called, "The Santa Summit." I liked it much better than I thought I would. It was a comedy but whoever wrote the script had a great sense of what it funny. We laughed so hard and it helped me to relieve some of the stress from our bank debacle. Very therapeutic.

James came home with some news. He said as they were leaving their meeting Kerri Halcomb was in the hall and as he, Collin, and Chuck were talking with her she said that she had kidney cancer. This came as a shock to me. She just had a kidney transplant a little less than two years ago. They told her they would pray for her and James said she got a little teary eyed.

James also told a story about Joann Patrick who we have been praying for, for months. She has heart problems and recently had a pacemaker put in. In an effort to get some exercise they bought some equipment and set it up in their bedroom. Joann got up in the middle of the night, tripped over a piece of equipment and is now bedridden again. So sad.

Disney memory: Rowan & Evan

So sad. She can stay with us.

 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Recliner, heating pad, Christmas movie, Kim's pasta chicken & broccoli, J cuts wood, Sheri's ongoing saga, Halloween puzzle, Sam Gordon,"A Dash of Christmas"

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 22:1-17

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Alma 37:6

But behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 7 and The Melchizedek Priesthood points me to Jesus Christ. Also, Hebrews 8.

October General Conference

"Kingdoms of Glory" by President Dallin H. Oaks

I spent most of the morning on the recliner in my bedroom with a heating pad on my hand, watching a Christmas movie. Kim came in and gave me a hug and told me if I needed anything to let her know.

While I work on my lesson during the day she listened to Come Follow Me podcasts and takes note for her Gospel Doctrine class. 

A couple of hours later I finally made it out of the bedroom. 

Kim made a chicken, pasta and broccoli casserole for our lunch. It was quite delicious. 

James cut wood this afternoon. Sheri had an appointment at the obgyn. They tried to remove her IUD but were unsuccessful and she said she was supposed to come back tomorrow. 

I worked on my Halloween puzzle today. Kim has a new Christmas puzzle she is going to do called "Christmas Carols." We were both in the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. Thankfully James was here to answer. It was Sam Gordon. He and Amy had been out in the forest today looking for logs to use for James's siding on the stable. He talked with James for awhile. They will get together soon to get the logs and cut them with Sam's sawmill. I invited him to come in and sit down but he declined. 

While Kim and I watched our Christmas movie, "A Dash of Christmas" from GAF starring Christopher Russell and Laura Osnes, James walked. Kim told me about Brian's mom who is in a rehab center. She fell and fractured her leg. She is not happy in the rehab center. Brian visited her and he doesn't like the place either. They don't seem to be doing any rehab exercises. He's going to see about getting her in another place.

 

Monday, November 6, 2023: Leave for valley @ 7, construction slowdowns, Hug JA, Infusion, J drops JA off, Sheri's call Lorene Lamb, Culvers,

  

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

3 Nephi 21:1-29

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Mosiah 18:8-9 Baptismal Covenant

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are williing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.

Come Follow Me

Hebrews 7-13 "An High Priest of Good Things to Come." Introduction and Hebrews 7.

October General Conference

"Love Thy Neighbor" by Ian S. Arden

We left for the valley this morning a little after 7 am. My infusion is at 11 but they want me to be there 30 minutes early. We went the Payson way and ran into a little construction the other side of Heber, and a single lane for awhile after Payson. The worst was when we got into Mesa and were going south on Country Club to Arizona Arthritis. Not only a traffic light every block but traffic was limited to one lane and was at a crawl. We finally arrived at 10:40. As I got out of the car Jared got out to get in the front seat and I gave him a hug and told him I would miss him and to please come back and visit. He said he would.

During our ride I forgot to mention that we got a call from Sheri. She said the nurse who gave her the endoscopy was Loreen Lamb who grew up in Chandler. Sheri discovered who Loreen was when Loreen said to her, "you look familiar to me." They got to talking and realized the Loreen had been a friend of Stacy's and even came to Stacy's infamous 12th birthday party. James was her family's home teacher and Loreen remembered him. She said he was the best home teacher ever.  Loreen's mom, LaVern, was a single mom with two girls to raise. LaVern is the sister of Dan and Darwin Petersen who were also in our ward. Jared might remember Dan's daughter Liberty Petersen. LaVern, Dan, and Darwin's dad is the Brother Petersen who saved James life as a baby when his house was on fire. 

 Loreen told Sheri how lucky she was to have Brother Lambson as her dad. She said one year her mom had very little money for Christmas and Brother Lambson got their family an Atari gaming system. You can tell how long ago this was. 

James seemed so happy to get this phone call from Sheri. It's always nice to know how something that you did affected someone else.

Back at Arizona Arthritis, Ang called me right back. I got weighed and then went back to the infusion room and picked out a seat. Amanda came over and took my blood pressure and temperature and then set up my infusion in my lower left arm. Once the infusion is in, it takes one hour for the liquid to all become "infused" into me.

James took Jared Ammon home and then came back to pick me up. 

We were both hungry. Last time James was here he got two coupons for free meals at Culver's because their service was so slow. He also got coupons for two free ice cream cones, so that's where we went for lunch. It's on the corner of Arizona Avenue and Willis, within walking distance of our old neighborhood. I had a small cheeseburger with fries and a drink. James had fish, coleslaw and cheese curds. We each had a chocolate ice cream cone.

Sheri was on her way home from the hospital and happen to see us come out of Culver's. She called and asked if we would come over so James could give her a Father's blessing. James gave Sheri a beautiful blessing and we were on our way. She is making an appointment with her OBGYN for tomorrow. She still hasn't gotten to the bottom of what is causing her nausea. 

From Sheri's we hopped on the freeway to go see Lois and Dawn. 

Some things we talked about: Dawn ate some old kale and fainted and scared Lois. She almost called 911. Connie, Gail, and maybe Carmen are coming for Thanksgiving. I think Lois is a little overwhelmed. Somehow we got on the topic of living in Ramah. Lois hated it and doesn't like very many of the Lambsons. One she did like was George's mother, Annie Laurie Mangum Lambson. I told her that was because she was not a Lambson, except by marriage. She was a Mangum and her sister, Lydia Ellen Mangum, was my sweet great-grandmother. 

Lois told us some of the ways she felt the Lambson family took advantage of her. She mentioned Hilda, Maxine and Delbert, and Alden and Dorothy. They would show up at her house and expect her to feed them. George told her his brothers were most important to him and she felt like she was not as important. It was a little sad and I think it was hard for James to hear.

On the way back to Chandler from Tempe we stopped at Costco to get James's pomegranate juice, my pistachios, and some blankets for Christmas.

We texted Alex because we wanted to go see him. He said he was going over to his mom's house to see Evan for his birthday at 3:00. Today is Evan's 17th birthday. We told him we would meet him there, which we did. We got to see Alex, Max, Evan, Joshua and Sheri.  I think Ben was still at work. Alex is feeling much better but still has some pain. He seemed pretty normal and he and James had a nice talk, planning their next fishing trip on the Black River. That few minutes he spent with Alex he talked to him more than the entire trip from Vernon with Jared Ammon. 

James also had about a ten minute visit with Zaki who is Sheri's next door neighbor. James built his house and they are good friends. The first thing Zaki asked him was if he had any spiritual experiences to share. James told him of being healed of cancer. Zaki is not a member of the Church but he is very spiritual. 

We gave everyone a hug, wished Evan a happy birthday. His card from us was sitting on top of the one present he had. He also had a package of Costco chocolate cupcakes that looked delicious. We didn't wait for the party because we are due to pick up Kim at her house. She is coming back to Vernon with us.

Kim is in the middle of putting up her Christmas tree which she will put on hold until the end of this week or next week. Brian loaded her things in our car and he told James to be careful on the curves. I offered to sit in the back seat but Kim said no. Of course we went through Payson. James and I stopped at Subway for some dinner but Kim said she didn't want anything. We talked part of the way home and the rest of the way we listened to music. Keane, Good Old War, The Avett Brothers, and Guster. 

The first thing James did when we got home was feed his babies, the kitties and Luna. He then carried in the 8 blankets I bought at Costco and the rest of our Costco items. He also helped Kim carry in her things. After we got all settled in Kim and I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie starring Tyler Hynes called "Never Been Chris'd."

It wasn't great, but we both liked it better than we thought we would.

James walked and listened to "Diamonds are Deadly Things."

Goodbye Jared Ammon

The cutest Halloween pictures that I missed!

Lois's Birthday Calendar

Bush by Kim's house

This is the kind of register I used when

I worked at my parent's store,

Double M Market in Show Low

Grrrr

We love Vernon except during the "burn" season