Saturday, December 9, 2023: Black cat on our porch, Where's our Tabby, Beans are good, chicken in crockpot, 16 degrees, new mirror on truck, Study my lesson, Pizza for dinner, "Ashes on the Moor", "Magic in Mistletoe"

 

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 7:1-27

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

#91- 3 Nephi 11:32

And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

Come Follow Me

Revelation 4-5 Only Jesus Christ could make Heavenly Father's plan possible.

October General Conference

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

 James came to get me from the kitchen to look outside our bedroom window onto the deck. There are the "cot" I bought this summer was a dark, long haired cat. She saw us looking at her and ran off. Chuck told James it wasn't there cat, but Kathy said it was. I didn't know she allowed her cats outside.

My face swelled up this morning on the right side and then later my right knee swelled. Just a minor setback.

James and I bought some navy beans when we went to the store the other day. I found a recipe that said to soak the beans for 8-12 hours. 

I started soaking them yesterday and by this morning they were well over the 12 hour deadline. I rinsed them, put them back in the pot and covered them with water and turned the burner on medium high. When they started to boil I turned them down to simmer for about 45 minutes. After the beans were done I seasoned them with garlic, onions, sage, butter, El Pato sauce and tomato sauce. I let them cook for awhile before sampling them and giving some to James. He loved them. I thought they were good but I'm not as crazy about beans as he is.

I put five frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot and seasoned them with my Mexican seasonings and turned them on to cook all day. Later I shredded the chicken and put it back into the pat. It smells and looks delicious. This is the same recipe I use for beef and pork. 

When James saw the finished chicken he reminded me that shredded chicken gets stuck in his teeth. I told him I was going to use it to make chicken tacos with corn tortillas and he seemed to like that idea.

It was very cold today and the high was around 34. It was 16 this morning when we first got up. James built a big fire and sat by it in order to get warmed up before going outside. When he did go outside he pulled his truck into the driveway into the sunlight and began putting on the new mirror he bought. It took a little longer than he expected. Not only did he put on the new mirror, he had to change the trim on the one on the other side to match the new one.

I have been putting ornaments on the tree since Kim left. I couldn't find my white doves but looked under the poinsettia's we put on the tree and there they were. I love them. They are my favorite, along with my crystal snowflakes. The tree now looks beautiful!

Around 5:00 this evening I ordered a pizza from my Domino app. We love their thin crust Pacific veggie pizza. This time I also ordered it with banana peppers. We drove into town and picked it up listening to our book on the way. We picked up our pizza, drove home, listening to our book the entire way. We sat down together at the dining room table and ate together. This was the beginning of our Saturday night date. I told James I needed to finish the outline for my lesson in between walking and watching a Christmas movie, "Magic in Mistletoe" starring Paul Campbell. We turned on the Christmas tree lights and built a fire. This is my favorite kind of evening. I never get tired of my totally normal life.

We had the most wonderful surprise this evening. Kacey sent us a video of Charlie quoting Luke 2. Kacey told us one evening as they were reading from Luke 2 Charlie began reciting it from memory. When they asked where she learned to do that she said at school. What an amazing school! 

Hearing Charlie quote Luke 2 really helped me feel the true meaning of Christmas. It was such a beautiful, amazing experience. Thank you Charlie, Kacey & Jared!

My fire builder

The Jensen Family

Lambson ladies lunch at Mimi's

At least 8 years ago

Friday, December 8, 2023: Oil change & shop @ Wlmrt, prescription, kitty feed, horse feed, pancakes, wash car, screw for mirror, JA repays us, Sheri's surgery, Christmas movies continue

 

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 6:12-30

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

#90 Ether 12:41

And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever.

Come Follow Me

Revelation 4 & 5

October General Conference

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

I woke up this morning around 6. I am learning to sleep on my back so that my arms and hands don't hurt when I get up. 

James and I left a little after 7 for town. We are going to get the oil changed in my car. James dropped me off in front of Walmart to do some shopping while he took the car back to the auto center.

The first thing I bought was fuzzy socks for my ministering sisters and for the sisters I minister to. As I was heading to the grocery section of the store I saw James pass by ahead of me. I looked at my phone. He had tried to call but I missed his call. I called him and told him I was behind him. He was carrying a huge box of canned catfood which he immediately put in my cart. He helped me finish my shopping until we got the notice that the car was ready so we headed up front for the checkout. 

We found a scan and go that takes cash and checked out and headed to the back of the store to the automotive department. When the cashier figured up our total he said it was $83.00. James wanted to know why it was so high. He said they put in a new air filter and James told him he had asked them not to. The guy got the box the air filter came in and subtracted the cost from our total. As we were putting our groceries in the car he came out and removed the air filter. I was a little upset with James because I told him we probably needed a new air filter because of our dusty roads. He said he would blow it out when we got home. Next visit we will get a new one.

That big box of cat food James bought cost $30. I'm not sure how long it is going to last but we also had to stop at Tractor Supply and get some horse feed which cost $47 and will last two weeks. It's expensive feeding animals. James also bought Tom a gallon of whole milk.

I wanted a Happy Meal so we went through McDonald's Drive thru only to discover you can only order from their breakfast menu this early in the day. We ordered a small stack of pancakes with a side of bacon and hashbrowns. It was over $11. We never should have stopped. We did enjoy sharing our order though while waiting at the car wash. 

After the car wash James stopped by Horne Auto to get a nut he needs to install his new mirror. They wanted $12 and he would have to pick it up next week. He got the nut number and went down to O'Reilly Auto and picked up a package of four and it cost under $5.

On the way home we listened to our book, "Ashes on the Manor". I also texted Sheri and asked her when her surgery was going to be. She said she wouldn't know until after the beginning of the year but that it would be sometime in February. 

Kacey and Jared are coming the last weekend of February for a visit and then they are going to take Charlie to Disneyland. We had planned to go with them. Sheri said if she had a choice she would ask for the earliest date possible. She said she could heal at home and I told her no, that Kim was planning on coming up too.

We got a Venmo draft from Jared Ammon. He paid us back $1,000 for the $900 he borrowed. That was nice of him.

When we got home we took naps and then James went outside to work. I finished two blog posts, walked my 10,000 miles and worked on my lesson. 

I made James a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and heated up the beef stew meal he got at Walmart today. He was so happy. Maybe it's because I haven't been fixing many meals lately. After dinner James put up for garland on the fireplace and hung the 24 stockings that represent our grand children, including Palmer. 

We did a little walking and then we watched a Hallmark movie together, "And All a Good Night." We really enjoyed this movie and it was fun watching it together. James put his electric bands on his feet while we watched. It was a nice ending to a beautiful day.

Young Women from 10 years ago:

LeeAnn, Trenda, Kilee, Maddie, Heaven, Jordyn, Alice, Hope,

Shelly. This was at the temple after doing baptisms for the dead.

Thursday, December 7, 2023: My arms & hands hurt from sleeping on them, Inklings Emily & Rio, J does outside cleanup too windy for me, Tom's belly y scratch, T-Bo's Party

 

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 5-6:11

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Alma 37:37

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Come Follow Me

Revelation 2-3 Jesus Christ knows me personally and will help me overcome my challenges.

October General Conference

"Kingdoms of Glory" by President Dallin H. Oaks

My arms and hands hurt this morning when I got up. I think it's because I slept in my bed and laid on my sides during the night. I guess I have to start sleeping on my back only. Boy, that's going to be hard for me.

I listened to Emily and Rio on Inklings this morning discuss Elder Daines' talk, "Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus." I did not take notes but felt the Spirit as I listened to their discussion.

James went outside today to cleanup wood scraps and stack them in the woodpile. He wanted me to come out and work with him. I went outside but it was soo windy I didn't stay. Tom came and laid on his stomach by my feet so I scratched his belly for him.

I worked on decorating the tree, putting up five different colored bulbs at a time. I'm still not done but it looks much better.

I finished two blog posts and spent an hour or so working on my lesson. I also finished 10,000 steps before six when it was time to start getting ready for T-Bo's birthday party which is at seven.

James came in and took a shower. He was covered in sawdust. 

We left a little before 7 and arrived the same time as Brother Hipps. He came by himself because his wife has a migraine. We were the first guests to arrive. Soon the others came. Bishop, Alicia, and Colter. Cope and Amy Reynolds, and Ralph and Cheryl Sedig. 

Bishop gave the blessing on the food and we had dinner. The women were privileged to sit at the dining room table while the men sat around in chairs setup in the living room. We had the choice of hotdogs or Johnsonville Better Cheddar smoked sausage, and T-Bo's homemade chili. I had a hotdog with chili. I thought the chili would be hot, but it wasn't. It was quite good.

We had a nice visit around the dining room table. Alicia told us that LeeAnn and Haley have moved back to Vernon. I think LeeAnn and her husband Cody are separated which is very sad. Haley is dating a non-member boy from Nutrioso and they are worried about her. 

Amy told us about Carol Drymon who breeds, raises and sells cats. Amy used to work for her and she said she stopped counting at 153 cats. Carol sells the cats all over the world and has made alot of money. Amy says you can smell the cats before you get to the house though. Carol has developed a special breed called Cheeto. They have orange stripes.

We also found out from Alicia or Amy that Wendy DeWitt and one of her daughters and her granddaughter went hiking in Europe for 3 weeks. Now Wendy and Collin are getting ready to go on a 3-week cruise, probably to somewhere warm.

After dinner we sang Happy Birthday to T-Bo and then we all had a chocolate ice cream cake from Dairy Queen.  It was good but I couldn't eat all of mine.

Barbara, T-Bo, James

T-Bo opening his gifts

on his 70th birthday

The party was over before 9, several people saying it was passed their bedtime. 

When we got home James walked and I finished watching a Christmas movie I started earlier, "A Tale of Two Christmases".

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Wednesday, December 6, 2023: Kim & Brian are my Christmas Elves, Tom & Brian bond, T-Bo comes, equipment breaks, goodbye K&B, LaCasita, "Ashes on the Moor" James's twinkle toes

 

Payson, Utah

146th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 4:1-19

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 9:18

But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endure the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.

Come Follow Me

Revelation 1 Jesus Christ is the Living Son of the Living God. 

Revelation 3.

October General Conference

"Love Thy Neighbor" by Elder Ian S. Arden

I was up at 6:30. After eating, taking some Tramadol and taking a rest I was ready to face the day. When I ventured out of my room my Christmas elves were already at work. Brian took a break to go outside and spend some time with Tom.

Staring into each others eyes

T-Bo came to help James but didn't stay long because the equipment broke. T-Bo went into town and paid for a new pulley so James wouldn't have to. James paid him back when he paid him for working yesterday.

Kim and Brian originally wanted to leave by noon but stayed until almost 3, decorating the tree further and further down. They wanted to make sure James and I didn't have to get on a ladder.

Love these two!

After Kim and Brian left James and I got ready and went into town. We listened to "Ashes on the Moor" on the way. 

Our first stop was at Walmart where James bought some milk for Tom. I had placed an order for dinner at LaCasita and we picked up that next. On the way home we stopped at Speedway for gas for equipment and for the car. 

After dinner I turned on "A Biltmore Christmas" and watched and walked, listening to Brother Halverson and Emily's conference talk.

James bought some electrical gadgets to help with the neuropathy in his feet. When he wears them I call him twinkle toes.

Twinkle toes

I couldn't resist!

Tiny house

Tuesday, December 5, 2023: T-Bo helps James, Kim & Brian come to put up our tree, Rosa's tamales, Firehouse subs, Tom's new home, DWTS finale

 

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 3:17-28

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 10:25

Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the ternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

Come Follow Me

John's vision teaches about Heavenly Father's plan to save His children.

October General Conference

"The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

T-Bo helped James all day today working on the stable. It made James so happy!

I got a text from Kim this afternoon while I was napping wanting to know if we had our tree up yet. She said, "If not, I am coming right now to work on it." I texted back 30 minutes later: Sorry, i was asleep. No we have not. Are you sure?" Kim: Yes. We are on our way. I can probably only work on it tonight but will get as much done as I can. Especially the top. That way if you have to finish you won't have to get on any ladders. Kim is so thoughtful.

After James and T-Bo finished work James and I went into town. It was around 3:30. We stopped and picked up a dozen tamales from Rosa and then stopped at the post office. Little Nellie Wilhelm said hi to me. We mailed Paul's birthday card and information to American Fidelity Insurance about auto withdrawal from our new account. We picked up my new Book of Mormon guide for next years Come Follow Me lessons. I ordered it from the Redheaded Hostess.

We ordered two medium Hook & Ladder subs from Firehouse and James went in to Home Depot to get a new saw blade. 

After eating dinner at home I was walking around the high table and saw Kim and Brian drive up. 

Brian brings up the tree, the lights, and our two wreaths. Kim starts checking the lights. They brought Tom a new house. When I told Kim that Tabby was gone she said, "Oh I am sure she is living her best life ever, wherever she is."

We watched the DWTS finale. It was really good. I especially enjoyed Mark and Charli's dance, Jason & Danielle's free style and Xochitl & Val's redemption fox trot where Xochitl got to wear the pink polka dot dress. When it go time to announce the winner this is how it went down:

5th place - Alison & Sasha

4th place - Charity & Artem

3rd place - Ariana & Pasha

2nd place - Jason & Danielle

1st place - Xochitl & Val

This is just exactly as I hoped it would be!

My Christmas

Elves

Monday, December 4, 2023: We are feeling better, James works outside, Dump Day, teriyaki chicken chow mien, "Ashes on the Moor", big fire

 

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 3:1-16

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

1 Nephi 8:12

And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

Come Follow Me

Dec 4-10 Revelation 1-5 "Glory, and Power, Be unto . . . the Lamb for Ever" Introduction and Revelation 1

October General Conference

"For the Sake of Your Posterity" by Elder Carlos A. Godoy

James and I both felt better today. He went outside to work and I did some things around the house. He loved working outside because the weather was so nice. The high was around 53 and there was no wind.

This was news from Paul today regarding the death of his sister Trish:

The man who murdered Trish got the maximum sentence. Eight years for negligent homicide and disposal of a corpse.

Kim: That maximum sentence doesn't seem like enough, but it is good he at least got that. Hope you are able to find some peace.

Paul: You're right Kim. We were not happy with the plea agreement but the justice system is not perfect but at least today it worked in our favor.

El Charro in Tucson

It's time to start decorating for Christmas. I brought up, a couple of pieces at a time, our nativity that goes on the high table. I intend on doing a little bit everyday. 

James took a load to the dump today. He's trying to do some cleanup to help make me happy. When he asked me what I wanted for Christmas I told him I wanted the garage cleaned out. He got a little upset and said that wasn't possible unless we got a storage container. I told him to get one then. We shall see.

I got up very early this morning, starving. I made me some fried potatoes and onions which tasted soo good. The only problem is, it shot my blood sugar up very high. It took me most of the day to get it back down into the normal range. 

After work this evening we drove into town to get teriyaki chow mien bowls for dinner. I ate all of my chicken and saved my noodles for tomorrow. James only ate part of his chicken and noodles and put the rest in the frig. I think the chicken gets stuck in his teeth and is difficult for him to eat. 

We started a new book, actually I think it's one we have read before but we don't remember the story. It's a Sarah Eden book, "Ashes on the Moor." We walked around the high table in front of the big beautiful fire that James built.

Not to be forgotten, I watched  a couple of Christmas movies:

"A 5th Avenue Christmas" - one of my favorites from last year

"Jingle Bell Jubilee" ok

"The Christmas Carnival" ok

I also listened to Brother Halverson as part of my "Come Follow Me" study.

I want this book but they are out of

it on Amazon.