Wednesday, December 20, 2023: "Seven Seals", Tamara's for Jordyn's socks, Walmart, Youth come Christmas caroling, Cocoa and Cookies, Trenda & boys,

 

Concepcion, Chile

160th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2018

By: Russell M. Nelson

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:19-14:7

Come Follow Me

Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20 Jesus Christ condescended to be born among us on earth.

October General Conference

"Bearing Witness of Jesus Christ in Words and Actions" by Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

I read a couple of chapters from "Opening the Seven Seals." 

I got a text from my friend Tamara Applegate. I had asked her if her daughter Jordyn, who lives in Orem, was coming home for Christmas. She said she works retail and can't come but she is going to send her a package. I told her I had a pair of fuzzy socks for her. Tamara said she would be home this morning if I wanted to bring the socks by. 

I wasn't dressed but I took care of that in a short time. I did my hair and makeup and was on my way. I gave Jordyn one of the cutest pair of socks and wrote a little note to her. Tamara thanked me and handed me a wrapped box of chocolates. (I could tell). We hugged each other and I left, looking at their long-haired pigs as I left.

I went into town heading straight to Walmart. I bought five more pair of fuzzy socks. They had a Christmas tree decorated with pairs of socks. I wanted a pair just like the one I gave to Jordyn but they were too high on the tree. I had a roll of wrapping paper in my cart and tried to reach the socks with the roll, but the tree began to sway so I backed off. 

I bought some Scotch tape and a couple of gifts for James and a few grocery items. As I was buying paper goods for the family Christmas party I ran in to Trenda Ellsworth with her two little boys. We had a nice visit and a couple of hugs. Trenda was one of my young women here in Vernon. She is a Wilhelm. 

Trenda and her family. Her husband's name

is Emery and the oldest little boy is Emmett.

I can't remember the youngest boys name, but

it starts with an E. Ellsworth family tradition.

(That is the fireplace in the house I grew up in).

As I was waiting in line to check out, the electricity went out in the entire store. The store was packed and it looked like everyone was in line to check out. 

After the electricity came back on, it took another 10 or 15 minutes for the computers to boot up. I was first in line, but my computer never booted up so I had to choose another line. A cashier just opened another line and I was able to get in second place. 

After spending so long in Walmart I was ready to go home not even interested in stopping for lunch. When I got home I put the groceries away and then headed for the bedroom for some rest and recuperation. 

As I was relaxing on my recliner, I got a call from Alicia Hunsaker, the Bishop's wife. Alicia serves in the Young Women while the bishop serves as the Yong Men's president. Alicia said that the youth would like to come caroling at our house this evening. I told her that would be great and asked her what time. She said they were meeting at their house to put lights on the wagon around 6:00 so it would probably be around 7:00. 

I immediately got up and went to the kitchen to make some snickerdoodle cookies. I texted James and told him about the youth coming. He was working outside. He came in after six and after changing his clothes he came into the kitchen and began heating up the water for hot chocolate. We were ready when the door bell rang around 7 p.m. 

The trailer had Christmas lights around it

which aren't on right now.

Here are the youth that came: Buddy, Abigail, and Georgia Jameson, Cole and Lily Flake, Jesse Pronger, Bailey Umphress, Colter Hunsaker, Resten Tesarek, Tyler and McKyla Finnegan, and Logan Robles. Adults: Janna Grombach, Becky and Christ Skousen, Bishop and Alicia Hunsaker, Brother Hipps, and Brother Robles.

We enjoyed having the group in our home and I think they enjoyed the hot chocolate and cookies. Oh yes, they sang, "Away in a Manger" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

When everyone was gone James and I talked about how much we enjoyed the visit. We then finished up our walking by listening to our new audio book, "Havencross." We also watched "Dial S for Santa."

A couple of logs James used for the siding

on the stable.

Sheri, that is

This years Christmas card

Tuesday, December 19, 2023: 6:40 leave for AARA, no one is up, left my water bottle, AARA Frances, Ang, Amanda, J's appt @ Chandler Eyecare, Ben, Nancy, Sheri, Hilary, Cayli, IHOP, Payson way, home, Michael's 26th bday

 

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 13:1-18

Come Follow Me

Dec 18-24 Christmas: Jesus Christ condescended to be born among us on earth.

October General Conference

"Waling in Covenant Relationship with Christ" by Emily Belle Freeman

We left Darrel's house around 6:40 this morning for AARA. No one was awake or out and about, so we left without saying goodbye. 

The regular team was in the infusion center, Frances, Ang, and Amanda. These are my girls and I'm not about to go to the Gilbert office even if it is closer to Darrel's. 

James had an appointment at Chandler Eyecare right after my appointment. Dr. Carpenter is looking at his eye to see if there is any metal in it. I visited with Sheri, and Nancy while I was waiting for him. Sheri ordered some safety glasses with his prescription in them so next time he will have safety glasses on.

James and I were both hungry and it wasn't lunch time yet so we went to IHOP because James has been craving their harvest nut and grain pancakes. We went to the one in south Chandler. 

Imagine James's disappointment when he couldn't find his pancakes on the menu. We asked our waitress and she said they had been discontinued and replaced with protein pancakes, three selections. James was pretty upset. He almost wanted to leave but instead he ordered a mushroom and spinach omelet. I ordered pumpkin spice pancakes with bacon and scrambled eggs and hashbrowns. 

I couldn't finish all of my eggs or pancakes but James ate all of his omelet and said it was delicious. He's still upset about the pancakes. I told him I would make him some whole wheat pancakes with nuts at home and he seemed happier.

We were going to go to Costco and Deseret Book but I was not feeling well, so we headed for home, the Payson way. I was feeling better when we got to Payson and we stopped at Culver's for a double decker waffle ice cream cone, one scoop of chocolate and one of vanilla. Again, James helped me eat it. He loves waffle cones.

They are still working on the road going in to Heber. It is going to be so nice once they are done. The old one was rough and full of potholes.

We put out stuff away, finished walking while listening to "Skye Fall" and then watched a Christmas movie.

Happy 26th Birthday Michael!

Jenifer and her kids

Bettylea, Elizabeth, Jenifer, Amanda, Sam

High School for me 

James gave me this sweater for Christmas

Dennis 6 years younger and Harold 1 1/2 years younger

Monday, December 18, 2023: Wrap and ready to go to the valley, leave at 12:30, Snow, Snow, Sun, Sun, Wendy's Biggie Bag, Globe way, D&T's, Sheri's, Organ Stop pizza

 

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 12:22-41

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

#100 - Moroni 10:3-5

Behold, I would exhort you that when you shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of te Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. 

Come Follow Me

Dec 18-24 Christmas "Good Tidings of Great Joy" Introduction

October General Conference

"Praise to the Man" by President M. Russell Ballard

 

I was up at 6:30 this morning. I still have several gifts to wrap and Janna Grombach is coming over at 9:30. 

It snowed and it was beautiful for a short time before the sun came out. As much as I love the snow, I was worried about traveling if it was snowing so I was a little relieved when it quit. 

Janna arrived at 9:30 as planned and Kathy Crane came over too. Janna was going to bring us cinnamon rolls but she said she would need to bring them over later. She brought gifts instead. So very nice. Kathy thanked me for my gift but said she missed the calendar I normally give them. I guess I will go back to calendars for friends next year.

James and I left for the valley around 12:30. We went to Walmart first to pick up his prescription for his eye from Jared and to pick up three prescriptions for me. We went through Wendy's and ordered a Biggie Bag for lunch. We went the Globe way and stopped in Globe for gas. James also got a tuna sub. I guess the chicken nuggets from the Biggie Bag weren't enough for him. 

We stopped at Darrel and Trina's first and dropped off their Christmas presents. We visited with Addy, Rowan, and Ruby, the only ones who were home. Darrel was at work and Trina and Lola were at an escape game. 

After saying our goodbyes we headed for Sheri's house. Sheri was at home and so were Evan and Ben. James gave both Evan and Ben blessings. Ben for health issues and Evan for other issues. James forgot his oil so he borrowed some from Terry. James gave sweet blessings to both boys.

We said dropped off gifts, said our goodbyes and headed for Organ Stop pizza. We were a little early so instead of having pizza we went to a nearby Whataburger and each got a Whataburger Jr. 

Sheri, Max, and Evan were the first ones to arrive at Organ stop.  They saved a spot upstairs for everyone else. Ben didn't come because he still has a headache. Dallin and Sami arrived at the same time we did so we got to finally meet her. Michael came a little later. This use to be Michael's birthday celebration but he said he doesn't want it to be that anymore. He will be 26 tomorrow. 

Visiting with Joe and Michael

at Organ Stop.

Kim, Brian and Joe came and Kim had baked Michael a strawberry lemonade cake:

Yummy and pretty too!

Paul, Adam, Joshua, and Alayna also came. I asked where Stacy was

and Paul said her shoulder was really bothering her so she stayed at home. She had shoulder surgery last Friday. 

I had James request "Phantom of the Opera" and someone else requested "Star Wars." The organ is awesome sounding but a little too loud for my ears.

We went back to Darrel and Trina's where Addy was having a party. Darrel was home so we visited with him, Ruby, and Lola. Rowan was also gone to a party. Lola gave her report on the Wampanoag Indian tribe in early America. It was a power point presentation and she did a great job!

James and I walked around the center green belt of Darrel & Trina's neighborhood and then we walked to Safeway to get some Tums. 

I ordered the Thanksgiving Feast today from Mimi's for our Christmas dinner at Dawn and Lois's. It includes a turkey and ham and all of the sides except rolls.

Newest store in the Chandler mall

Gigantic deer spotted in D's neighborhood.

Lola's outing

Sunday, December 17, 2023: Full sacrament mtg even Pres. Beeler, Ty's mission report, Sis Golly sings, Teach Council Mtg, Visit Peeler's and Tamara Applegate, Joy D. Jones

 

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

#99 - 3 Nephi 18:20

And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

Come Follow Me

Review Revelation 5-14

October General Conference

"Brothers and Sisters in Christ" by Elder Ulisses Soares

Inklings

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

and Doctrine and Covenants 25.

drbarbaramorgangardner

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

Our sacrament meeting was extra full today, including our stake president, President Beeler, who was on the stand.

Ty Applegate, our return missionary, took the entire meeting. President Beeler told him that was all right. Brother Gardener was going to speak but didn't have to. Jennifer Golly sang the closing song and it was amazing!! I'm not sure of the name, maybe, "The King of Love and Light." The chorus was "Oh come let us adore Him." I love anything that Jennifer sings!

A high councilman, Brother Gardener, was supposed to speak also but Ty took the entire time. President Beeler told him he could. 

Here are some notes that I took:

I had some personal experiences with Christ that are too personal to share. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Choices - don't eat from the tree but multiply and replenish the earth. Seems contrary but essential. Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy. 2 Nephi 9:51 Do not spend money for that which has no worth ... magic cards ... transfer... became district leader. Repent and come with full purpose of heart unto God. Made a sacrifice by throwing away over $100's worth of magic cards. How can I train when I am new?

God is in control and all powerful. Began reading the Book of Mormon. The Deliverer is all powerful. Carl: "I want to get baptized." Smoked for over 50 years. One year later still had smoking problem but was going to keep trying. Got cancer and passed away. "As in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Carl will have another chance to accept the gospel and I will have the privilege of seeing him again. 

The greatest gift I have been given is a relationship with Jesus Christ. I was the sheep on His shoulders. Gethsemane, Calvary, and the Garden tomb. Isaiah 53:4.

(I wonder how Ty and Addy would get along?)

Second hour James attended gospel doctrine and I attended the teachers council meeting. Others attending the class led by John Wilhelm: Sandra Wilhelm, Mel Wilhelm, Jeff McCamy, Brother Pronger, Christine Brady, Kate Hahn, Bishop Hunsaker and Alicia, Rebecca Skousen, Aubrey Harris, Michelle Tesarek, Cheryl Sedig, Natalie Robles, Rosie Lauritzen.

Genuine interest, get to know individuals, 343 members of our ward and only half are active. Primary made a list of inactives over 8 and gave them to the sister missionaries. Invite others to activities, challenge class members and checkup the next month like Wendy DeWitt. What can we do to help someone else. Reverence in meetings, pray for them by name, ponder about each person, are we seeing what God sees? He knows our hearts, build others up, positive reinforcement. Why am I here" Focus on inactives, issue challenges, don't be too timid.

We had stew for lunch and then it was nap time. After taking a nap I read from my book by Dr. Richard Draper, "Opening the Seven Seals." 

I made some pretzel turtles for the Peeler's, put them in a cardboard gingerbread house along with a pair of fuzzy socks for each of them, and we went over for a visit.

Donna did not look well. Her cancer has now gone in to her bones. She is not eating very much but she still has her cute personality. I put her fuzzy socks on her feet for her. As we were leaving I thanked Owen for taking such good care of her.

We also dropped a Christmas gift off at the Applegate's. It's a Christmas postage stamp puzzle and a pair of fuzzy socks for Tamara and Shelly. Tamara said one time she wanted a Christmas postage stamp puzzle so that's why this particular puzzle. 

James made ham sandwiches for dinner. They were yummy. I listened to Joy D. Jones on "Follow Him" while working on my blog. She is one of my favorites and her message was sooo good!!

Sweet Scarlett

Revolving bookshelf, I want one!

Christmas caroling at Grandmother's