Tuesday, February 27, 2024: My dad's birthday, J's mrng weather report, J not feeling well, nap w/ Tom on recliner, Temple 3:30 session w/ Ruth & James, Ava's for dinner,

 

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 14

Come Follow Me

How can I better understand the teachings of Isaiah?

October General Conference

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

Book

"Your Endowment" Chapter 16

The Works of Abraham

Relief Society Lesson

"Be Peaceable Followers of Christ"

Today would have been my dad's birthday. Happy birthday Dad in heaven.

James almost always gives me the weather report for the day first thing in the morning. Today was no different. I wish I could remember what it was.

Tom's morning time goes something like this: playtime, usually with a pair of socks, eat, then nap time either on the recliner in our bedroom or upstairs.

James is a little concerned because he says it is going to cost $50,000 just to drain the lakes to do the repairs on the Dobson Ranch Landings job. Hopefully the homeowners will agree to that cost.

We left for the temple this afternoon at 2:20. James thought we were leaving way too early but I think he is a little confused because our session starts at 3:30. James sat down in the session at 3:25 so I don't think we left too early. Ruth and I were already in our seats. 

Ruth has some name given her by the temple in a language I have never seen before and is unreadable to either of us. There is a 3 and a 6 in the last name. We think that it might be Russian. I told her next time I would give her one of my names.

Jimmy Ballard, one of James's friends from high school is in our session. He has Parkinson's and needs help with most everything. 

Ruth knows him too. I admire people who come to the temple when they have a disease and it is difficult for them to do a session.

We met Ruth at Ava's for dinner. I ordered a green chili burro and only at half of it. I will save the other half for tomorrow. 

Ruth was telling us about going to Utah for her brother Leon's birthday. She got a really good deal on tickets, $62 roundtrip, with Frontier airlines. They don't allow luggage except for small carry-ons. She leaves March 23rd. The sad thing is she has two great grandchildren in Snowflake being baptized that day. The tickets are non-refundable and you can't exchange them for another time.

When we drove up in our driveway at home I noticed Tom was sitting on one of the steps of the front porch. As soon as I saw him he jumped down and ran around through the planter, around the back of the house and into the garage. James said Tom beat him to the door. He is so fast. He didn't come the open garage door way because he is scared to death of the car. He is happy to see us and we are happy to see him.

Walked and listened to "A Brillant Match."

Anna's boyfriend Sean and her cat

Tom and James take a nap

Monday, February 26, 2024: Adam's 34th & Joe's 27th birthday, My Woovoo, "Walk with Him", Alice Springs Chicken, very windy, Dobson Ranch Landings contract, Still no money from Darryl Johnson, Joe's cake

 

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 13

Come Follow Me

Feb 26-Mar 3: "His Name Shall Be Called ... The Prince of Peace"

2 Nephi 11-19

October General Conference

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

Happy Birthday to Adam who is 34 and Happy Birthday to Joe who is 27. It's hard to believe these guys are that old!

I love my new Woovoo thermos. "A thermos keeps hot thing hot and cold things cold. How do it know?" (A line from the TV show "The Facts of Life").

I can't bend my right knee this morning. It's the pits and strange for a Monday morning after taking it easy on Sunday. 

It is cooler, overcast, with a small amount of rain and way too much wind. Tom was glad to come in this morning to get out of the wind. 

For lunch, with the rest of the chicken in the refrigerator, I made more Alice Springs chicken. I cooked some mixed veggies to go with the chicken and James said this was like a $35 meal at a restaurant. Not sure where he came up with that number, but I will take the compliment. 

Tom loves his nap time and prefers sleeping on my lap or next to James on the bed. He did both today.

James signed the contract for the Dobson Ranch Landing job today. We still have not received any money from Darryl Johnson. I am like Armando, I think he is a little shady and possibly a druggie.

I sent Stacy and Paul six couples to be sealed in the temple. They have an appointment with Jared & Kacey to do sealings on Friday morning.

I listened to Barbara and Elaine today on "Follow Him." 

Tempe sunset

Tom:

Joe's birthday cake

Italian lime soda with blackberries

Sunday, February 25, 2024: Up @ 3:45 to finish preparing lesson, Sacrament meeting Sisters & Elders speak, "The Sealing Power", Tamara helps me, No JA, J & T-Bo adventure, Tom loves tummy rubs & cuddle time,

 

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 11 & 12

Come Follow Me

Review 2 Nephi 6-10

October General Conference

"Eternal Truth" by Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

"Divine Parenting Lessons" by Elder Valeri V. Cordon

I was up at 3:45 motivated by the fact that I didn't feel ready for my Relief Society lesson. I studied most of the morning and when we got to the church James helped me set up the Relief Society room.

The full-time missionaries spoke in sacrament meeting today; Sister Lassen, Sister Johnson, Elder Carranza and Elder Leal. The sisters took most of the time. 

Sister Lassen - Why we are here. Come closer to Christ. When I was deciding on whether I should serve a mission I turned to my patriarchal blessing. I turned to this scripture in Matthew, ...therefore go ye into all the world... and D&C 84:88 - And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face, I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. Jesus Christ is waiting for you.  I felt as if I was being prompted to go and that's when I made my decision. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. 

Ten miracles we experienced while working with Mark, Alice, and Paul. The Lord judges us on our willingness to share the gospel. Keep your covenants. Action is crucial to our spiritual promptings.

Sister Johnson - The Atonement of Jesus Christ. He has felt all of our pains and sorrows. Alma 7:11; 2 Nephi 31:3. Prayed to be sent to a small town and I was sent to Vernon. D&C 18:15-16; 1 Nephi 11 ... most joyous to the soul. 

It takes accountability and humility to be a missionary. Imagine Christ walking with you and it will be easier to introduce yourself to someone new.

Elder Carranza - from Mexico City - Joshua 1 I will not fail thee. I know this Church is true. Be worthy and be obedient.

Elder Leal - from Argentina - Work hard, do your best, never give up. Mosiah 2:41 ... you are happy because you keep the commandments.

I asked James to catch the sisters after sacrament meeting to take their pictures while I went down to get ready for my lesson. He got three pictures and I am very grateful.

Our discussion in Relief Society on "The Sealing Power" went very well. There was lots of participation. Afterwards Tamara Applegate came up and helped me take town my visual aids and pack up my stuff. She told me that Ty goes to the McClintock ward by ASU and I told Addy. I sent Addy a couple of pictures of him and she says he is cute. I said he is not only cute but he is spiritual, fun, and very hard-working. Here are the pictures I sent:

I texted Jared Ammon after church to see if he was still coming up. He said no because his friend Morgan who was coming with him was in the hospital. She was in a car accident and has two broken ribs and kidney problems. I told him I was so sorry to hear that and that I hope she gets well soon.

We couldn't find Tom after church so when I was finished with my lunch and ready to take my nap I had to take it without him.

After James's nap he and T-Bo went out to White Mountain Lake to look for a homeless woman who needs a place to live. Someone is giving her a tent trailer to live in. On the way out they were wondering why the sister missionaries didn't ask someone from the Show Low Creek ward to go out because this is a part of their ward. They soon found out why they asked Terry Tignor to go. 

They found the woman asleep in her truck. When they asked her what her last name was she said, "Tignor." Terry was surprised and said, "That's my last name." She was shocked and said, "I've never met anyone with the last name of Tignor before." They told her someone would be bringing out a tent trailer for her to stay in. She was very appreciative. Terry said on the way home that he guessed the sisters wanted him to meet this woman because of her last name. 

James finally found Tom. He was asleep under the house. He came in and slept an hour or so on the recliner while I worked on my blog. 

When he wakes up he comes over, meows at me, and flops down on the floor so I will scratch his belly. I scratched his belly, went over and sat on the recliner and he jumps up on my lap. It's cuddle time. James quits indexing and comes over to join us. 

My next puzzle

Best friends: Scarlett & Charlie

Saturday, February 24, 2024: James meets w/ Applegates, work on my lesson, J washes Razr, J & I put on sheets upstairs, Go to bed and will get up @ 4 am.

 

Buenes Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 10

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 10:20, 23-25

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ brings me joy/

October General Conference

"Jesus Christ is the Treasure" by Elder Dale G. Renlund

Relief Society

"The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

'The power to validate all priesthood ordinances and make them binding both on earth and in heaven - the sealing power - is crucial for gathering and preparing a covenant people on both sides of the veil.'

James had a meeting with Jimmy and Tamara Applegate about the house they want to build this morning at 9am at their home. They are a little discouraged because they spent so much for their plans and there is not enough detail so they are probably going to have to hire someone else to draw them with the detail. The county requires the details in order to issue permits.

Tom and I are home alone. I walk and work on my lesson. 

James was home before lunch. Meatballs and baked potatoes for lunch.

This afternoon James washes the Razr. Jared Ammon is supposed to come tomorrow with a friend and we know he will want to ride the Razr. It is so dusty and dirty and I am grateful to James for washing it. 

After washing the Razr James came in and helped me put clean sheets on the beds upstairs. He did the downstairs by himself. 

While upstairs we noticed that foam is coming out of the ceiling by the logs near the common area window. We aren't sure why but it is leaving a mess of little pieces of styrofoam all over the floor. Tom likes it upstairs and sometimes he comes down with bits of styrofoam sticking to him.

I asked James if he was going to clean his office before the company came and he said no, his office is off limits. I told him we needed to trade the good bed that's in his office with the no-so-good bed in my office so the good bed would always be available. 

I got over 15,000 steps today. We are reading a new book called, "A Brilliant Match."

I worked on my lesson until I was so tired I had to go to bed. I will get up at 4 am and finish.

Today is Paula Johnson's birthday. We sent her a check for $150 for the park and the food bank. 

James, sophomore in high school

Numara

Cheryl Sedig

Trina and Lexy

Braddock's new home

Superstition Mountain

Friday, February 23, 2024: Slept too late, Finished 2 Nephi 9, Chicken & salad for lunch, DG for candy and bday cards, Bunco night at Cheryl Sedigs

 

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:42-54

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:27-54

I can come unto Christ and follow God's plan.

October General Conference

"Our Constant Companion" by President Henry B. Eyring

I slept too late this morning. We finished reading 2 Nephi 9 today. It is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon.

James worked outside and Tom followed him around this afternoon after spending more of the day sleeping in the house. I heated up chicken from our last night's dinner and dished up some salad for lunch. It was quite delicious.

I mentioned to James that I had forgotten to get birthday cards for Adam and Joe when we went to the store on Wednesday. James suggested that we go to Dollar General and get a couple of cards, which we did. I waited in the car while James went inside. I brought stamps and my address book and two $20 bills so we could mail the cards when we went by the post office on the way home. James bought me a Snickers bar which I was most grateful for.

This afternoon I watched Barbara Morgan Gardener's new "Come Follow Me" podcast. It's called "Grounded" and each week she is going to have a guest on with her. Last week it was Sister Tracy Browning of the General Primary Presidency and this week it is Sister Elaine Dalton who also does Barbara's weekly "Walk with Him" Instagram Live broadcast where they choose a general conference talks from the last conference to discuss.

Elaine made this comment during the Instagram Live: 

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes eternal life possible allowing us to return to the Father and the Son proven, pure, and sealed."

- Sister Elaine Dalton

Janna Grombach invited me to be a part of a Bunco group that she and Cheryl Sedig are putting together. Tonight is the first game at Cheryl's house at 6:00. Janna picked me up at 5:30 and then we drove to her mother's house to pick her up. Patsy Tedder is Janna's mom. Janna and Patsy are both bring a snack to share. I didn't have anything else so I brought a bag of Rollos. Janna said it was optional anyway. When I saw what other people brought I felt a little guilty.

There are twelve people in a Bunco group, three tables with four people at each table, the lead table, the middle table and the losers table. Here are the names of the other women in the group. All of them are from the Vernon ward: Cheryl Sedig, Janna Grombach, Patsy Tedder, Lynn Wallace, Amy Reynolds, Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, Lynda Finnell, Rosie Lauritzen who is a substitute, Becky Skousen, and Donna Beckham, and me.

We played and ate snacks until about 8:30 at which time Cheryl called time and gave out prizes for the winners and the losers. Janna Grombach was the winner with 279 points. I came close with 271 points. We talked about when we would meet again. We decided on March 28th at Janna's house. We will take turns meeting at each persons house. If someone can't arrange to meet at their house Cheryl said we can meet at her house. She said if we can't make it to the next game we are responsible for getting our own sub, otherwise we are out of the group. Seems a little harsh, but that's the way things roll with Cheryl in charge.

 Some notes about Cheryl's home. It has a big porch on the front. Wood paneling on the inside. Cheryl has cabiny decorations with lots of bears, there is even bear fabric on the couch. There is a stone fireplace, a small woodburning stove and a pool table. It is a cute home although the kitchen is rather small. They have been doing quite a big of remodeling since they bought the home and Janna said they are going to start re-doing the outside.

I rode home with Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker because they live closer to me than Janna does. It was a fun evening. James was a little miffed that I was "out so late." I think it was 9:30 when I got home. We did some walking and then James went to bed at 10:30. It took me until 11:30 to get all of my steps.

We filled out our Primary election ballots today. We both vote for Donald Trump.

Electrifying!

Ruby's baptism