Thursday, October 31st, 2024: James's feet so bad he can barely walk, Kim decorating cakes @ church, Brian & Paul here, Tarbert's big breakfast, wash sheets, chair scare, Ruth's chairs, Michael's dinner he & Joe here too, Grombach's RV

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July, 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4

Come Follow Me

Mormon 2:10-15

Godly sorrow leads me to Christ and to lasting change.

"Divine Discontent" by Michelle D. Craig

October General Conference

'The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again' President Russell M. Nelson

"Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ."

Five girls and Cayli's dad spent the night last night as well as Ben, Cayli, Cari, Kim, James and I. One of the five girls was a friend named Mabel. I liked Mabel immediately because she had an ASU shirt on. Here are the names of Cayli's sisters: Gracelyn, Emmeline, Abigail, and Rosabella. Rosabella or Rosie as they call her, is the youngest, she is seven. She was so excited to drink out of James's Disneyland mug. Cayli's dad drove these five girls all the way down from Washington state. I wonder if he wore earplugs.

James has neuropathy so badly in his feet today he can barely walk and is using a cane. I hope he is better by tomorrow.

I missed Inklings this morning. I will have to watch it later. 

The Tarbert's made a big breakfast this morning for all of the girls. Also, Cari made an announcement: "I stripped all of the sheets on the bed." Of course she did, that would be the right thing to do. Then why did my heart sink? Because now I have to do several loads of laundry and put all of the sheets back on the beds. 

I took Kim to the church this morning to frost the cake and the cupcakes. I think she just wanted to get out of the house and be where she could have some peace and quiet. She also said she wanted to put the cake together at the church and didn't want to transport it once it was all put together. While I was still at the church Brian and Paul showed up. Brian will be a big support to Kim.

One of my big concerns and responsibilities today was to get all of the chairs here so we could set them up and put the black covers on them. James had Paul Peeler pick up the chairs from the Hunsaker's. There was supposed to be 60 chairs but there were only 35 there. I guess Sean Hunsaker, bishop's brother, told John Finnell he could use 25 of them for a Halloween party they are having tonight. I have had these chairs reserved for over a month but I guess no one told Sean. Bishop said he would see that they got them to us by tomorrow morning. Not great, but ok. I arranged to pick up chairs from my friend Ruth Gale in Snowflake at 2:00 this afternoon. She has 14. We need 74 chairs so we will be 25 short until tomorrow morning.

Sheri arrived with all of the food for the dinner tomorrow night. Sheri and I go to the church too leave some of the food there since we couldn't get it all in our refrigerators at home. Kim was working on frosting the cupcakes, they look amazing! The Tarbert's were setting up and decorating the room for the family dinner. It looks amazing! They are doing a great job. It seems like they have done this before. 

I texted Lynda Finnell around 4 o'clock this afternoon and asked: "Do you know how many Hunsaker chairs you have?"

L: We have about 15 or 18 you can use.

We don't need them until tomorrow but we need as many as you have.

L: I'm using 7 now. They will be ready for tomorrow.

Are you bringing them to our house?

L: Wasn't planning on it. I have company. We will return them to Hunsaker's tomorrow.

I reserved them a month or so ago and went to pick them up today but 25 of them weren't there. We have a wedding at our house, but we will pick them up if we need to. What time?

L: John will deliver tomorrow. When do you need them?

Could we have them by 9? We are putting covers on them and that takes awhile. Thanks Lynda, sorry if I was rude, I am just a little stressed.

John ended up bring all 25 of them to our house about 30 minutes after I finished texting Lynda. 

Later Sheri and I went to the Grombach's and got four more chairs, just to be safe. Willy & Janna were dressed up for the Finnell's Halloween party as Fiona and Shrek.

Love!!

Back at home I shared the mixed green chili burro Brian got me at Burger House with Sheri. We watched "Holiday Crashers" while Sheri ironed. Kim and Brian are still at the church. 

Michael made steak sandwiches for dinner for himself, Joe, and Paul. He gave me some steak and it was delicious!

Kim texts me after I am in bed in a panic that the refrigerator has a leak and is going to ruin the cake. She wanted me to text someone close by to see if I could find another refrigerator. It was 10:30 at night. I texted Judy Hunter who lives across the street but she didn't answer. I called Kim back and she said Brian fixed it so the drip wasn't going on the cake. All's well that ends satisfactorily.

Love this picture

My Tom Boy relaxing

Superstition on a cloudy day

Our sweet friend who came for a visit

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024: Kim bakes cake & cupcakes, Ben, Cayli, Cari, & Gracie shopped and filled the frig in the garage where Kim was going to put the cakes & cupcakes, 13 people spend the night

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mormon 3

Come Follow Me

Mormon 1-6

I can follow Jesus Christ regardless of what other people do.

October General Conference

'Sons and Daughters of God' Elder Ruben V. Alliaud

"We truly believe that we are all literally the children of God, and because of that, we have the potential to become like Him."

'Focus on Jesus Christ and His Gospel' Elder J. Raymond Egbo

"When we ignore the distractions of the world and focus on Christ and His gospel we are guaranteed success."

Another crazy day at the Lambson lodge. Kim took over the kitchen to bake the wedding cake and 90 cupcakes. Ben, Cayli, Cari, and Grace made a trip to town this morning. When they returned they filled the garage refrigerator with food. This is contrary to Kim's plan. She was planning on using this refrigerator for her cakes. She was a little stressed. Also, Ben began making breakfast, bacon, sausage, eggs and toast to add more to Kim's distraction and stress.

James and I wanted to go to town but he ask me to wait until this evening so he could continue working outside. 22 cubic yards of red cinders were delivered this morning for the backyard. The truck couldn't get through the gate to the backyard, so he dumped his huge load in front of the house. James will have to take it around to the back in the bucket of the Cat. The cinders are going to look nice with big rocks between the cinders and the grass. 

Cayli and Ben put together the wedding arch. The corkboard project is going well. Gracie is painting it white and the bookmarks Cayli made for everyone will be placed on it. Each guest gets a bookmark with their name on it. 

Ben, Cayli, Grace, Cari and I worked outside in the backyard raking pine needles, sweeping and burning pine needles. It was a sunny day, but a little chilly. 

Back inside. One of Kim's cake layers failed to come out of the pan without crumbling so she had to redo it. James and I each got to try one of her apple biscoff cupcakes. Oh my word, it was divine.

James and Paul Peeler worked on spreading cinders and finishing cleanup in the backyard. I came inside to take a nap. I woke up to loud talking. 

I peeked out into the entryway and saw a man I didn't recognize. Cayli's dad and a carload of girls has arrived. I know they have an airbnb rented in Pinetop-Lakeside, but apparently they are staying here tonight. Five girls and Cayli's dad. A total of 13 of us tonight. This was not part of the plan or if it was, no one told me.

Cayli has five sisters and they also brought a friend. I was introduced to everyone but I can't remember all of their names. Cayli is the oldest and her youngest is 7. 

James and I finally made our trip to town this evening. We got gas, went to Walmart, got something to eat at Culver's and mailed Jared's birthday card. We actually ate our Culver's dinner in the post office parking lot. So romantic. 

Back at our home in Vernon there are girls everywhere and lots of noise. They are definitely making themselves at home. I am grateful they feel so comfortable. James, Tom, and I went to bed early.

Tom enjoying the space heater

Pompei

Paula Johnson and crew.

Thanks for picking up trash ladies!

  

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Janna & Stefani help me clean upstairs, I clean J's office, clean kitchen, J picks up apples from Wilhelm's, Ben, Cayli, Carri & Grace arrive, Ben's breakfast burritos

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:16-29

Come Follow Me

Introduction & Videos

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundation of Faith' Elder Quentin L. Cook

" We cannot underestimate the significance of sacred scriptures both in conversions and in remaining faithful in the gospel."

An extremely busy day for me. My friends Janna Grombach and Stefani Hunsaker came at 9 a.m. to help me clean upstairs and basically do whatever I asked them to do. They are amazing!

We boxed up all the toys and stacked them in the garage. They vacuumed and dusted, put up new shower curtains and cleaned the bathrooms. 

James and I both noticed major smudge marks on the windows in the family room. I texted Michelle Tesarek and she said Resten would take care of them on Friday.

It was afternoon when Janna and Stefani left. I gave each of them a bottle of my favorite body wash, Honey Suckle, Orange Burst by Soft Soap. After they left I had some lunch and took a nap.

Every room upstairs was cleaned except James's office. James wasn't happy I was going to clean it but he said he couldn't get to it until later tonight and Ben, Cayli, Carri, and Gracie will be here at 5 p.m.

I cleaned as best I could and even made a space in the closet to hang clothes. 

Next I went downstairs and swept and mopped the kitchen floor using Mop N Glo. I swept the wood floors and was getting ready to apply some cleaner when I saw a blue truck drive up. I told Kim they were here and texted James, although he was outside on the Cat picking up rocks. I ran in to take a shower. 

When I got out of the shower Kim told me that it was the sister missionaries in the blue truck coming by for a visit. Sorry I missed them but this wasn't a good time. 

I had just finished getting ready and walked out the bedroom door when Ben and Cayli arrived. They introduced Cayli's mom Cari and her sister Gracie. They began bringing all of your stuff in and Ben assigned them to rooms. He assigned Gracie to James's office so I am glad I cleaned it, and Cari to my office. Cayli is in Sheri's room and Ben must be in Darrel & Trina's.

While the "girls" were making things for the wedding, Ben said he would make breakfast burritos for dinner. He said he forgot the hashbrowns so I told him I would make some for him, which I did. 

The burritos were very tasty and we all enjoyed them. Ben also did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.

After dinner and Ben cleaning the kitchen, Kim went in and began "setting up" for tomorrow's baking. 

Lots of piles of "stuff" around the house. It's okay because they are "piles with a purpose." I'm not sure why I didn't take some photos.

James picked up our half box of Apple Crisp apples from the Wilhelm's today. They are huge and they are delicious, straight from the Wilhelm apple orchard in Washington.

 

Monday, October 28th, 2024: Valley by myself so James can "catchup", Orencia infusion & Prednisone refill, Costco, lip beginning to swell, nice to have Kim here,

 

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2: 1-15

Come Follow Me

Oct 28-Nov 3: Mormon 1-6 "I Would That I Could Persuade All ... to Repent. Introduction

October General Conference

'Behold, I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" We hold up the Lord's light when we hold fast to our covenants and when we support our living prophet."

I left for the valley at 6:37 this morning, by myself. I am on my way to my first Orencia infusion and Prednisone refill. James said is would help him so much if he could stay home and do some "catchup." He has an audit and he needs to get that out of the way so he can complete the landscaping before the wedding on Friday.

After my infusion I did some shopping at Costco. First I filled up with gas @ $2.99 a gallon. I got a hotdog and drink at Costco for lunch for $1.50. I ate about half the hotdog. Here are the things I bought at Costco:

A $20 bag of Halloween candy almost too heavy to lift. A dark blue blanket, Pom and acai juice, walnuts, pecans, green dish towels with Christmas trees on them. Swiffer duster refills, vanilla and four fire starter sticks. 

From Costco I head north on Country Club towards Payson. I notice as I am driving that my lip is beginning to swell on the upper right side. It started out small, but kept growing. When I got home my upper lip was completely swollen. 

I stopped in Payson at the Culver's for a nap. While I was resting outside in my car, James called. He was checking on me. I told him where I was and about the swelling in my face. At this point I was quite sure that the swelling was caused by my infusion medication.

At home Kim was sad to see my swollen face and so was James. I visited a few minutes and then went to bed, swollen face and all, in my own bed. I had a Prednisone prescription that James had filled and I took the first pill before going to sleep.

Sweet Scarlett

I am so thankful to Autumn for sending me these photos

and giving me an update on what Scarlett is doing!

Mason

Sunday, October 27th, 2024: Up @ 2:30, leave for church @ 8:37, Primary Program, MIller's take row 2, Sister Gassaway ill, my lesson, visit Halcomb's, Peralts's, Family History, Blog

 

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 1

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth'

Elder Takashi Wada

"Knowing this incredible plan will help us know we are children of God and can become like Him."

I got up at 2:30 and finished up my lesson, including handouts. 

We left for the church at little late, 8:37 which gave me less time to set up the Relief Society room. I still finished before sacrament meeting. 

The Miller's sat in our spot in row two. I guess it's first come, first serve. Never take anything for granted.

Today is our Primary Program and while we are watching our program we are missing sweet little Charlie's. Sister Gassaway, the Primary president, has been diagnosed with cancer. Today in Relief Society we were asked to fast for her next Sunday. We will be happy to do so. Aubrey Harris, Pierce's daughter, was the Primary person up in front helping the children and leading the children.

We loved the Primary program and all of the new songs the children sang. 

The Primary program went over quite a bit and then they did a counsel session in Relief Society. I had less than 30 minutes for my lesson. I focused on five points from President Nelson's talk, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again." Here are the five points:

1.) Hasten the work 2.) New Jerusalem 3.) Atonement of Jesus Christ 4.) Devout Disciples. I ran out of time and I had to skip several scriptures I wanted to read.

When I was finished I sat down by Barbara Tignor. She said to me: 

"I wish the brothers could hear your lessons." She is so sweet.

Afterwards I spoke to Tamara Applegate and Natalie Robles. Natalie said she really enjoyed my lesson and Tamara and I had a good conversation. I also spoke to Kerri about her mom who was not here today. She was tired from the trip they took to the valley yesterday and decided to stay home.

We have chicken, cabbage, and rice for lunch. I loved it. James says it was okay. And he says he's not picky.

We visited Catherine and Kerri this afternoon. I took Catherine some of my favorite body wash. We had a nice visit. They had a quilting frame set up in their living room. Catherine is going to tie a quilt for Lynda Finnell. Kerri had a new Brick em' set, the Gilbert temple. This is one of Kerri's hobbies.

After saying our goodbyes James and I left to go on to Tom Peralta's. We can't remember the way so Tom's granddaughter Chloe and her best friend Ruthie Wilhelm drive down to meet us and lead us to Tom's. 

The purpose of our visit is to bring Tom a family group sheet and a pedigree chart. He doesn't have a computer and Sister Jordan is trying to help him get his family history recorded. 

The first thing Tom did when we got there was to take us in to say hello to his handicapped son who is always so sweet and friendly. He has a tube in his throat and Tom says he has been having difficulty when he eats and is aspirating his food. Tom says they can fix the aspirating but it will result in his son losing his voice. Tom went on to say, "we don't want that to happen because he has such a sweet voice. 

Chloe says she has the family history app on her phone. I asked her if she has been able to be baptized for any of her relatives and she said no. Hopefully Sister Jordan will be able to help her.

As we were leaving Tom offered to give us something to eat or drink. He said he wished he had some elk meat to offer and then he started teasing Ruthie about never bringing him any meat. Ruthie's family are avid hunters and I'm sure they have a freezer full of food. Ruthie said he never asked and he said, "well, I'm asking now." Tom is quite a character. I really like him.

Home again so I can work on my blog before going to bed.

The most perfect rainbow I have ever seen.

These pictures don't do them justice.

Tom loves to lay by the heater on a cold day.

Happy Sabbath!

Saturday, October 26th, 2024: Miserable, achy all over, eat, Tramadol, back to bed, postpone Janna until Tuesday, Mallory Towers, J, Armando, two of his boys, & Paul install turf, J fixes them lunch, work on my lesson, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again"

 

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

4 Nephi 1:24-49

Come Follow Me

"Sustainable Societies" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, October 2020 General Conference

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The branches of your testimony will draw strength from your deepening faith in Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son."

 

I felt miserable this morning. I am achy all over. I got up, ate something, took some Tramadol and laid down on the recliner to rest until I felt better.

Janna Grombach is supposed to come over today to help me clean upstairs. At 9:20 I called her and told her that I wasn't feeling well and could she come on Tuesday instead. Of course. She said Stefani was coming too.

I continue to rest and while I am resting I watch "Malory Towers" on my phone. This is a series on BYUTV about girls in England at a boarding school. It's a cute show.

James asked me if I was going to get up because Janna was coming. I told him that I postponed until Tuesday because I wasn't feeling well. 

Armando is here with two of his boys. He brought up the turf for the "grass patch." Paul Peeler is here too, to help. James fixed them lunch. He said he came in to ask for my help but I was asleep. He made sandwiches and heated up the last bit of chili. Paul loved the chili. 

After feeling a little better, I got up this afternoon and began working on my lesson which I am giving tomorrow. The lesson is based on President Nelson's conference address, "The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again." I worked until 9:30 and then I went to bed with the plan I would get up at 2:30 and finish my preparations. 

Joshua, Evan, and Max

Charlie's 4th Birthday