Tuesday, July 9th, 2024: New walking schedule, lots of listening w/ my airpods, James supervises @ Hipps's, J's trip to town, 2 blog posts, new book, "To Love the Brooding Baron", Abrahamic Covenant,

 

Quito, Ecuador

175th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

Alma 25

Come Follow Me

Alma 24:7-19

Because God is merciful, He forgives me as I repent.

April General Conference

"Jesus Christ at the Center of Our Lives" Elder Jose L. Alonso

D&C 109:45

We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, in the last days - that thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without measure;

I started a new walking schedule today. Starting at 5 a.m. when I get up, I walked ten minutes every hour until I got to 12,000 steps. It was before 6:00 so I was finished when James came home from work. I listened to three conference talks, I was behind, "Unshaken" and finished my book, The Best of Friends.

James worked at Hipps's supervising Paul Peeler, Greg Anderson, and Bob Hipps as they worked on framing the front porch they are building. He is so frustrated that he can't do anything. I think he does too much but I guess he means he's frustrated because he can't sling a hammer. 

James went to town today for some nails and picked up some cat food for Tom because I told him we were almost out. He is taking pain pills every four hours and is almost out and there are no refills on the prescription. He is also taking extra strength Excederin. 

It took me most of the day to do two blog posts. One was for the 4th of July and I posted lots of pictures.

I enjoyed my time with Tom today. I think I like him more than he likes me. I could never get him to sit on my lap.

James walked with my phone after I got my 12,000 steps for today so it looks like I got more steps than I really did. At least I know that I got my 12,000. We started a new book, "To Love the Brooding Baron." 

I studied a talk by Robert Millett about the Abrahamic Covenant and read from my books, "God Will Prevail", and "The Heart of the Matter."

Notes & Quotes:

"As we strive to place Him at the center of our lives, revelations unfold to us, His profound peace envelops us, and His infinite Atonement brings about our forgiveness and healing. It is in Him that we discover the strength to overcome, the courage to persevere, and the  peace that surpasses all understanding. May we strive each day to draw nearer to Him, the source of all that is good, the beacon of hope in our journey back to the presence of our Heavenly Father."

- Elder Jose L. Alonso, "Jesus Christ at the Center of Our Lives."

Sheri's post.

Do the extra o's mean extra flavor?

What kind of a recipe is this?

Sweet baby Lola

Wish I could go to Lolli Camp!

 

Monday, July 8th, 2024: Happy 32nd Birthday Jared Ammon, Trip to valley - Darrel's, AARA, J barbershop, Chikfila, Cheesecake Factory, Costco, Lois & Dawn's home again

 

Belem, Brazil

174th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

Alma 24

Come Follow Me

 Alma 23-25; 27

My conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel will change my life.

April General Conference

"Rise! He Calleth Thee" Elder Massimo De Feo

"A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard" Elder Brent H. Nielson

Happy 32nd Birthday

Jared Ammon

We love you!

We left at 6:30 this morning for the valley. I have my infusion and James is checking on jobs. I drove and I also went the Globe way. What has gotten in to me you may ask. There is method in my madness. I took the "prize" I got at Bunco, a sequined cowboy hat, fake sunglasses and red and blue necklaces, to give to Lola. Going the Salt River/Globe way brings us right by their house. 

I have one more reason not to like going this way. As we were approaching Globe we came up behind a semi-truck who was waving me on to pass him, which I did. My speed got up to over 80.

This is an area I should have known was haunted by Highway patrol. Sure enough a black SUV came up behind me and turned his lights on. I pulled over to the side of the road and stopped. This is the same patrol man who stopped James a few weeks ago. He was very nice and asked James what happened to his hand. James told him and then he asked to see my registration which I gave to him. 

He went back to his car and then came back and said he was giving me a warning and cautioned me to watch my speed when I was passing, as I was going 80. Thank goodness!

It was 10:00 when we stopped at Darrel & Trina's. I had told no one we were coming so I hoped that someone was home. We rang the doorbell several times, but no answer. I texted Darrel and he said Rowan, Ruby, and Lola were home and he would text Rowan. Soon the door opened and there stood Lola and Rowan. I guess Ruby was still asleep. Lola is packing as the family is going to the beach this week. Lola and Ruby are leaving tomorrow with Bryce's family.

I gave Lola her gift and took this picture.

I know I posted this on her birthday,

but here it is again.

James and Rowan held a conversation about fishing. Hopefully they will get to go to the Black River along with Jared Ammon, before the summer is over.

My appointment at AARA is at 11. I arrived around 10:40. I had to fill out several pages of questions about my disease because I am seeing Dr. Kumar today. 

Alicia started my infusion, her first attempt unsuccessful and also filled two vials with blood for testing. The infusion was complete in 30 minutes and no one had come to get me for my appointment with Dr. Kumar, so I waited. Finally someone came and then I waited again in the exam room. Dr. Kumar always surprises me by how young she looks. A sure sign of me getting old. I told her about my face swelling and the pain in my arm. I forgot to tell her about my shortness of breath when I first started on Simponi aria. She said if I had any problems to not hesitate to call her between my appointment. I said I would and I also thought to myself that I would keep a medical journal.

James had been to the barbershop to talk to Armando. I feel sorry for Armando because he has to deal directly with Daryl Johnson and his wife. Hopefully this job will be over with soon!

On the way to Cheesecake Factory we stopped at Chikfila for chicken strips, three for me and three for James. 

At Cheesecake Factory at the Chandler mall we ordered the crab cakes from the appetizer menu and the beet and avocado salad, to share. We also partook of the sourdough bread in the bread basket.

Six little crab "balls" and a very small salad. Both were light and delicious making us feel not guilty for ordering the chicken strips. 

After Cheesecake Factory we went to the nearby Chandler Costco for James's pomegranate and Acai juice, pistachios and walnuts. I had a rewards check for $24.80 that I forgot to use. I'll use it next time. It is good until December 31st.

Saying goodbye to Costco we headed for Tempe first to stop at Hatch Dental so James could look at something to do with work he is doing there and then to see Lois and Dawn. My goal is to see if I can "buy" a quilt from Lois to donate to the silent auction for the Johnson's. I know that her quilts are priceless. If I was to pay her what one was worth it would be closer to a thousand dollars than the $200 I have in my purse. 

I explained to Lois what I wanted and she showed me three quilt tops which were all beautiful. I told her to pick one and I gave her the $200. Dawn called the woman who does the quilting and she said she could have the quilt done by Thursday. We won't be back any time soon but we don't need the quilt until August.

I also confessed to the fact that she had given me three quilts. She was surprised and said she knew she had given me two. I offered to give one back but she said no, I had it, I should keep it. 

Dawn is so kind and good. We are so grateful that she is so attentive to her mother. She fixed us ice water to put in our tumblers and sent me home with a tube of Neosporin to use around my infusion site which was turning red.

As we left for home I am still the driver. Usually I am drowsy in the afternoon but today I am wide awake, thank goodness. 

We went through Payson on the way home. James said if we went to Speedway instead of Circle K he would pay for the gas. While I was inside the store James pumped gas and bought a car wash. We went through the car wash and then headed for home. 

The road work between the Rim and Heber was shut down for the day, but just outside Overgaard we were stopped for about 10 minutes. Traffic was so backed up it was slow going until we got to Show Low. 

Armando called. I don't think he knew I was in the car because he voiced his opinion about what was going on with the Johnson's. He had a talk with Daryl's wife and he told her some of the things Daryl had done to delay the job that she didn't seem to know about. Hopefully this job will be over soon for James's sake and for Armando's too.

It was 90 degrees when we got to Show Low but only 84 in Vernon. I was glad to be home and to see Tom.

Notes & Quotes

Alma 24:6 - Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not,.

Addy in New Zealand

The many poses of the Tomster

Tom stretches as far as he can go when 

I tell him I'm going to brush him.

Tom loves to chew on the strings coming out of the

mouth of this snake.

Tom looking for prey or foe

He is so clean but he always misses the back of his legs.

Duddings Rexall and Chandler Drug were

just down the street.

Johnson & Johnson

Our missionary, Sister Johnson and Elder Johnson

from the same mission got together after their

mission. Do I hear wedding bells?

Sunday, July 7th, 2024: Haircut for James, Fast & Testimony Mtg, Lots of visitors, SS "I will give away all my sins to know Thee," SP, KB wards dissolved, Abrahamic Covenant, Tom loves me & I love him, Alma 23:6

 

Praia Cabo Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

Alma 23

Come Follow Me

July 8-14 

They "Never Did Fall Away"

Alma 23-29 Introduction & Video

April General Conference

"Be Still and Know That I Am God" Elder David A. Bednar

D&C 109:45-48

45 We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, in the last days - that thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without measure;

46 Therefore, O Lord, deliver thy people from the calamity of the wicked; enable thy servants to seal up the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against the day of burning.

47 We ask thee, Holy Father, to remember those who have been driven by the inhabitants of Jackson county, Missouri, from the lands of their inheritance, and break off, O Lord, this yoke of affliction that has been put upon them.

48 Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have been greatly oppressed afflicted by wicked men; and our hearts flow out with sorrow because of their grievous burdens.

Relief Society

"Covenants & Responsibilities" President Dallin H. Oaks

God Will Prevail

Kerry Muhlstein

Heart of the Matter

Russell M. Nelson

I got up around 5:30 this morning. I showered, washed my hair, then cut James's hair and helped him tie a plastic bag around his hand so he could take a shower. I also helped him get ready for church. We couldn't get his suit jacket on over his bandage. I don't think he minded too much.

As we were walking into church we saw that Bishop Miller and his family were here visiting. I gave both Anne and Bishop Miller a hug and spoke with Andyn, who is all grown up and looked beautiful in a green dress.

We had lots of visitors in our fast and testimony meeting and Sunday School. Brother Skousen conducted the meeting so he was the first to bear his testimony. He talked about recognizing miracles in our lives and that seemed to be a bit of a theme for the rest of the meeting.

Here is a list of those who bore their testimonies and a few notes:

Tom Peralta - I bear my testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We need to walk the way our Savior walked with love and kindness.

Sister Rosen (the organist & summer member) - I am a convert of 16 years. My husband is Jewish and he converted also. We need to share the gospel with love.

Steve Rosen - I am here because of the love and sacrifice of wonderful missionaries.

Camrie Hunsaker - Trials, prayed for relief, no peace until after conference when I received comfort. Use trials to grow closer to our God. I carry burdens for my children. Grateful for my eternal companion.

Jennifer Golly (Chorister) - This is the anniversary of my joining the Church. I went through 9 sets of missionaries. From Snowflake, my family had animosity towards the Church. I know Heavenly Father is real and He loves us. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and that the Church is true.

Becky Skousen - Grateful for the opportunity to take the youth to the temple to do baptisms. I am grateful for their strength & worthiness.

Grateful my Savior sacrificed for me and I am grateful for miracles.

Linda McClellan - Temple names with daughter. Shredded trailer tire miracle. We are being watched over. Jesus lives.

David Zimmerman (DeWitt's son-in-law) - Elder Dushku's talk "Pillars and Rays". Asked kids to text him rays and lights in their life for Father's Day. Went to the temple and his twins were the officiators in his session. Grateful for family, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

Paula Johnson - I know the gospel is true. Grateful for this country. What we do today effects where we will be for eternity. 

"Star Spangled Banner"

Benediction - Cheryl Sedig

Brother Applegate's Sunday School class was great and he got lots of participation, even from our visitors, including Bishop Miller who quoted Neal A. Maxwell: "If we are proceeding, we are succeeding."

What is my relationship with God?

Stacy & Paul's ward and Kim & Brian's was dissolved today. Wards will be combined because of the dwindling membership in their area. So sad. In Darrel & Trina's area it is just the opposite. They keep dividing wards to make new ones because they are so overcrowded.

Praying and fasting for James today and his healing. We had ham sandwiches for dinner.

I have decided, unless the Lord tells me otherwise, that I am going to discuss the Abrahamic Covenant for my Relief Society lesson on the 28th. 

Tom makes me happy. He loves it when I brush him. He lays on one side, then on his back, and to the other side all with his eyes closed and purring loudly. Tonight he followed me to the kitchen and jumped up on the counter, I said: "No Tom no" and he jumped down.

When he sleeps on our bed, he curls up in a ball. When we play with the pink "centipede" he jumps so high. Tom makes me laugh.

Notes & Quotes:

Alma 23:6

And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them - yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in the preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.

Sleeping Tom

Sister Skousen's testimony involved

these youth

Lola's party

Scarlett got her hair cut

She looks so grown up!

One of Lois's quilts

Saturday, July 6th, 2024: Lowe's w/J, sling for his arm, BK Whopper Jr.'s, Brushy fire smoke, Sweep garage clean outside frig, no burn for us, Taylor Rodeo-Abby Umphress

 

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Alma 22

Come Follow Me

Alma 20:23; 22:15-18

Knowing God is worth any sacrifice.

April General Conference

"All Will Be Well Because of Temple Covenants" President Henry B. Eyring

D&C 109:44

But thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours.

God Will Prevail

Heart of the Matter

Up at 5. Where's Tom? On the high chair at the high table near the entryway. He stayed in all night and was in no rush to go outside this morning.

After scriptures I had planned on taking a shower and washing my hair and spending a leisurely day at home. James changed my plans by asking me how soon I could be ready to go to town with him. He needs to go to Lowe's for some supplies for Hipps's. 

I took a shower, but didn't wash my hair. I will do that tomorrow morning. I was ready to go in 30 minutes. 

I drove James to Lowe's and went inside with him because he thought I might have to do some lifting for him. We looked at joist hangars. James chose two different types to take back to Brother Hipps to look at. One was over $6, the other around $3. We're hoping Brother Hipps will choose the $3 one...which he did!

James's thumb is really bothering him and he wanted to see if we could find a sling to stabilize it. He asked me to be quick and then followed me inside Walgreen's. I went straight back to where the pharmacy was and picked out the only sling they had which cost $15.99. I went to the front, checked out, and bingo we were done.

I think James was impressed. I helped him put the sling on. I hope he will use it all of the time, but I doubt it. It's too confining.

James was hungry and wanted to get lunch at LaCasita when I reminded him that it was only 10 a.m. He mentioned Burger King, so I took the shortcut over the hill and got in line at Burger King. The line was short, I was number one. I noticed that the Whopper Jr.'s were $4.19 on the menu. I ordered two of them without mayo and the guy said, "that will be $5.42." I reminded him that I wanted two. He said "yes, that will be $5.42." When I got to the window I told him why I was confused and he said, "Oh we have a special today, 2 Whopper Jr.'s for $5. Nice.

We noticed lots of smoke on the way home. I downloaded the fire watch app on my phone and we discovered there was a fire 7 miles out of McNary called the Brushy fire. The smoke is from that fire.

When we got home we took short naps and then while I was working on my blog, James snuck away to the Hipps's and the Tignor's. Brother Hipps chose the $3 joist hangar and James dropped a check off for T-Bo, only to find out that Barbara is not feeling well. James offered help but T-Bo said he was capable of taking care of her. 

This afternoon I worked out in the garage. I swept it out which made it look so much nicer. I straightened some things around and then I tackled the garage refrigerator. There was a rotten bag of salad which James got rid of. I sanitized the entire refrigerator and it looks and smells so much better. It's ready for Kim and Brian to come on the 11th.

James is disappointed because the Vernon Fire station will not allow him to burn his scrap lumber even though the fire restrictions have been lifted. 

He rested this afternoon and then did some walking and listening to his book, with my phone I might add. 

I did some blogging and reading and played with my Tomster.

Betty and her brother

Who is that by Max?

Our friend Lynda

Love!

Love these two so much!!

Evening view from the front porch