Wednesday, November 27th, 2024: Leave Vernon for Chandler Regional Hospital, James is unconscious w/ breathing tube, So many visitors, family & friends, I sleep in James room w/ him. He is never alone.

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:18-31

Come Follow Me

Ether 12:1-9, 25-32

Jesus Christ gives us "a more excellent hope."

"A Perfect Brightness of Hope" by Jeffrey R. Holland

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundations of Faith' 

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The scriptures, combined with spiritual inspiration from the Holy Spirit, continue to be the primary source that facilitates the conversion of those who have broken hearts and contrite spirits and desire to follow Jesus Christ. The scriptures help build a foundation that can withstand the adversary's constant efforts to undermine faith."

I have this written in my daily notebook under 'Notes & Quotes':

Faith allows the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.

I forgot to mention something that happened to Brian on the way up to Vernon last night. I guess in his haste to get here he was going 20 miles over the speed limit through Heber. He got pulled over by an officer. The officer asked how everyone was doing. At first Brian said, "fine." Then he said, no we aren't fine. Kim and Sheri joined in with sobs and told the officer about James and how they were going to Vernon to take me down to the hospital. The officer gave Brian a warning. Going 20 miles over the speed limit is a criminal offense.

Kim, Brian, Sheri and I left at 6:20 this morning. We are going the Globe way and want to beat the road closure for blasting near Superior which starts at 9. 

I had let Tom out earlier before we left and now there was no sign of him. I left a bag of food on the table by our bedroom door for Sammy along with his bowl full of food and his water bowl full. I left Tom's bowl and water on the front porch to get it away from Sammy, who is a little piglet. I told Chuck he might have to show Tom where his water and food was because he's not used to eating on the front porch. Chuck ended up telling me later he never saw Tom, but the food and water was always gone the next day so he figured he was around somewhere. I'm thinking that Sammy could have been eating it.

Sheri drove my car with Brian and Kim following behind in "Bruce", Brian's Bronco. Brian offered a family prayer before we left. We decided to go the Globe way because we will have to stop at least 30 minutes for road construction if we go the Payson way. We can make it the Globe way if we can get past where they are blasting near Superior before 9:00. That was our plan.

We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low on the corner of the 60 and the 260 for gas and snacks. 

At one point, somewhere between Salt River and Globe Sheri mentioned the fact that she didn't see Brian behind her. She called and Kim said because Brian got a warning last night that they are being very careful about obeying the speed limit today. 

As we were going through Globe I guess Sheri realized she was going 50 in a 35 zone just as she saw a police officer parked on the side of the road. Sure enough, he pulled out and came after her. After looking at our registration and insurance card the officer said to her, "Do you know why I stopped you"? She said yes she did and then began to tear up as she told him her dad was in the hospital and she was taking her mom to see him. She said the officer teared up too. He didn't even give her a warning, he just let her go.

We made it through the blasting area with about 12 minutes to spare. We stopped at the Circle K outside of Superior so Sheri could take a potty break. 

We arrived at the Chandler Hospital somewhere between nine or ten. We rode the Tower C elevator to floor 3 and got off outside of the ICU where we had to call to get in to see James in room C325. Dave and Terry were in the room and James was asleep with the breathing machine still in his mouth. We thanked Terry and Dave for staying and they went on their way.

In a few minutes, Brian, Kim and Sheri left the hospital. Brian took Sheri home after Sheri parked my car in the covered parking garage.

James is sedated, so I didn't really get to talk to him. He has a tube with a bulb at the end of it coming out of his head. The tube is draining blood from his brain. He has several stitches on the left front side of his head. There is some kind of a clip covering the stitches that looks like a barrette, and of course the front of his head is shaved.

So many people came to see him today that it is a bit of a blur. I am writing this on Saturday, the 30th, and the last few days since he has been here are kind of blurring together. Here is what I remember:

Sheri brought all of my things in from the car, including my computer and suitcase and large bag. Stacy, Paul, Joshua and Alayna came. Alayna didn't come in the room, she stayed out in the waiting room. Kim, Brian, and Joe came as did Dallin, Michael, and Alex. We had to take turns going in because they only allow two visitors in the room at a time. We filled up the waiting room outside of ICU. Of course doctors and nurses kept coming in and out of his room, so it was a little chaotic. At one point his nurse, Danielle, asked us to please make our comments to him brief as his brain needs to rest. He was unconscious most of the time and still had the breathing tube in. Everyone was just so grateful and relieved that he had come through the surgery safe and sound. Our prayers and Chuck's blessing were heard and answered. Thank you Lord.

Armando came by for a visit but James didn't know he was here and Armando did not want me to try to wake him up. We are grateful for Armando and all he does for us and our company.

James's brother Gail was here visiting family for Thanksgiving. He lives in Oregon. He came by to see James. James never work up while he was here but Gail and I had a nice visit. He used to work with Armando when he lived here in Chandler so I told him about Armando's family leaving him. He was very sad and concerned.

James had nothing to eat or drink today as he was "out" most of the day. He has about 7 IV's and I am sure one of them is giving him some nourishment. 

I got calls from Bishop Hunsaker, Jimmy Applegate who is one of our ministering brothers, and Richard Miller who is our other ministering brother. I talked to Vickie and my cousin Rita and Collin DeWitt. Collin says he and Wendy will probably come by tomorrow as they are down here in the valley for Thanksgiving. I also told my friend Janna Grombach about James.

This evening Kim, Brian and Joe came for a visit and brought me an 'In n Out' cheeseburger. It was delicious!

After everyone was gone I made myself a bed in the recliner next to James's bed. I woke up at 12:30 and couldn't go back to sleep, so I moved to the bench near the window. The back cushion folds out and makes a nice mattress. Much more comfortable.

I am worried about Tom. I wonder if he will stay around the house when we are not there and Sammy is.

James with the breathing tube in

Hospital waiting room

So appropriate for what happened

this week.

 

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024: James doesn't get out of bed, I keep trying to get in touch w/ Dr. Moffat, finally decide on ER, Chuck helps me, Vernon Fire Department, White Mountain Ambulance, Summit Hospital, helicopter ride to Chandler Regional

 

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-17

Come Follow Me

Ether 12

Faith in Jesus Christ can lead to miracles.

"Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains" 

President Russell M. Nelson

October General Conference

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"The Savior is not absent from our mortal journeys. For the past two days we have heard Him speak through His chosen leaders that we might draw closer to Him. Time and again, with His pure love and mercy, He sustains us as we face the drama of life. Nephi describes: 'My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions....He hath filled me with his love."

A day I will never forget. A day of tender mercies and miracles. I got upas I normally do, but James did not. At first I thought he was just sleeping in. I knew he had a headache and he had tole me it felt like a migraine so I decided to call Dr. Moffat's office to see if he would call James in a prescription of Imitrix. Sheri says that is the only thing that works for Ian when he has a migraine.

I called and left two or three messages with Kerry, Dr. Moffat's medical assistant and got no response. Finally, around 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I called Dr. Moffat's cell phone. It went straight to voicemail and then said his mailbox was full and I couldn't leave a message. At this point I decided it was time to take James to the ER. 

I talked to him, telling him we were going to the hospital for his headache. He was unresponsive. He would not move to get up and get dressed. In the meantime Sheri was texting me and telling me I needed to call Chuck Crane and have him come over to help, which I did. James was still pretty much unresponsive. We talked to him and I prodded him until finally he sat at the edge of the bed. I put a shirt on him and a pair of pajama pants. I got socks on his feet and put his camo clogs on over them. Chuck helped him get over to the rocking chair to sit down. I was getting ready to drive him in the car to the ER. My kids, especially Stacy, were texting me to call 911. When Chuck advised me to do the same thing I decided it was a good idea, so I did it, I called 911.

In the meantime, Alicia Hunsaker, the bishop's wife, rang the doorbells. She had come because Sheri had called her. I guess Sheri got her number off my friends list on Facebook. She wanted to know if I wanted her to go with me to the hospital. I told her no, I had already called 911. She left, telling me to call if I needed anything. I thanked her and told her I would.

The Vernon Fire Department paramedics showed up next. They took James's vitals and asked him some questions. They could barely hear his answers. A few minutes later a White Mountain Company ambulance showed up and they asked him even more questions. One of the questions they asked was: "Do you want to go to the hospital?" He shook his head no. I asked if he had to say yes in order for them to take him. Yes, he does. I spoke with James and convinced him to say yes. They loaded him on the stretcher and took him outside into the ambulance. I went out and asked if they were taking him to the ER. Yes, the ER at Summit Hospital in Show Low.

In the middle of all of this the UPS guy came walking down our driveway to deliver a package. I took the package with me in the car. I told Chuck thank you and that he didn't need to come to the hospital and off I went, following the ambulance.

Dr. Gerber, a young guy with big glasses, was the on-call doctor at the ER. He said he was glad I brought Hames in because this was something quite serious and he guaranteed he would not be going home tonight. He ordered several tests, including a CT scan. Trina texted me and said they should have done the CT scan within 10 minutes of him arriving at the hospital. She is an ER nurse at the Gilbert hospital and has lots of experience.

I had only been at the hospital a short time when Chuck showed up and gave James a blessing. In that blessing he told James that he would recover and be made well. I remembered those lines. I thanked James for the blessing. Chuck said he was staying. I told him it wasn't necessary, but he insisted.

After the CT-scan was done the doctor came in and said, I have some news. Your husband has a brain bleed and needs to be flown to the valley to see a neurosurgeon. This is critical, if we do nothing, he probably isn't going to make it. In order for him to be transported he has to have a breathing tube installed in his mouth and throat. I was shocked with this news and had difficulty keeping back the tears. The doctor kept apologizing which did not make me feel any better. I finally told him we had a great deal of faith and would trust in the Lord, no matter what happened. In Chuck's blessing he told James that he would get well, so I am holding on to that.

It took awhile to find a hospital with a bed in ICU. I was so pleased when they said the hospital would be Chandler Regional. Stacy, Sheri, and Kim all live within ten minutes of Chandler Regional. It is a Trauma 1 hospital which means they have all kinds of doctors on call 24/7.

Kim, Brian, and Sheri are on their way to Vernon to get me. Stacy, Paul, Darrel, and Trina left for the hospital so they would be there when James arrives.

I got part way back to Vernon, following Chuck who was in his truck, when the hospital called and said James's heart rate had gone down and they wanted me to come back to the hospital. I phoned Chuck and we both turned around and started back. A few miles back down the road towards Show Low, the hospital called again and said his heart had stabilized and they were getting ready to transport him in the helicopter. On a side note, I had asked earlier while I was still at the hospital if I could go with him in the helicopter and they said no, there wasn't enough room.

I called Chuck, we turned around, and headed back to Vernon. Chuck made sure I got in the house safely before he went home. He is going to take care of the animals while I am gone.

I went in and fed Tom, got myself something to eat . . . the steak sandwich Michael left in the frig, and sat down to watch the DWTS finale. I already know who wins, Joey & Jenna, not Brandon & Chandler, so I am a little disappointed. Tom joined me on the couch. We actually spent the night there in the family room together.

It wasn't too long before Kim, Brian, and Sheri walked in. They all gave me a hug, we talked awhile and then they went to bed. I finished the show and then turned off the lights and TV. As I was dozing off, I heard a bang. I wasn't sure at the time what it was, but I found out later it was my phone hitting the floor.

Around 2:30 Kim came in and said the hospital called Brian. They tried calling me but couldn't get through. They did another CT-scan on dad and the bleed was worse. The neurosurgeon told the kids, Stacy, Paul, Trina & Darrel, that if they didn't perform surgery right away, he would die. Darrel had to sign the papers to give them permission.

The surgery was a success, the surgeon was able to stop the bleeding. Darrel & Trina went home during the surgery. Stacy & Paul stayed until he came in to his room, C325 in the ICU. They actually stayed until about 5 a.m. Dave and Terry came a little later to stay with him until I arrived at 9:30 a.m. with Sheri. I am so grateful for family and great friends like Chuck Crane.

Champions: Joey & Jenna

Monday, November 25th, 2024: Trip to Valley, Tom in the house, Salvador's work, Sam's Club for me, 2U glass for J, dent in truck dilemma, Hatch Dental, Red Lobster, Infusion, Landings, police officer call, J walks, K movie, J bad headache

 

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:21-41

Come Follow Me

Nov 25-Nov 1: "By Faith All Things are Fulfilled"

Ether 12-15 Introduction

October General Conference

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

Elder Takashi Wada

"The prophet Nephi taught us the way: 'Wherefore,... feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.'"

We left a little after 6 this morning for the valley, thinking we had to beat the road closure in Superior, forgetting that they don't work on Monday.

Tom was outside until 4 am. He came in, ate, and plopped down on the bed and fell asleep. I didn't have the heart to wake him up and neither did James, so we left him there. 

We listened to "Follow Him" all of the way.

James drove to the Circle K outside of Superior. He got some gas, a tuna sandwich, and a Polar Pop, diet Dr. Pepper. He asked if I would drive the rest of the way and I said I would. This is highly unusual for him. He rarely asks me to drive, even when we go to Texas.

I drove to Salvador's work so James could pick up some money from him. He owes James $2,900. He only gave us $500. Salvador's work is very close to where James is going to get his windshield fixed, and to the Sam's Club in Chandler, just off the 1-10. I asked James if he would drop me off at Sam's Club so I could do some shopping while he was getting his windshield fixed. He said that he would, and he did.

I had a very successful shopping trip at Sam's. It was so much less hectic than Costco and they had several things that I wanted. 

When James came to pick me up, I went around to the passenger side and tried to open the door, but it was bent and I could barely open it wide enough so I could get in. 

I do not remember this problem before

I said to James: "I think someone ran in to us." James didn't say much, which I thought was weird.

On to Hatch Dental. James spent time walking and talking with Armando about the job while I waited in the truck. When they were finished, we headed for the Red Lobster on Alma School just south of Southern in Mesa. 

It was quiet and relaxing inside of Red Lobster. We had a $75 gift card so James ordered an appetizer that he is especially fond of, stuffed mushrooms to start us off. He tried to order the stuffed flounder but it is no longer on the menu. He got the crunch-fried flounder instead. I had what I always have, Walt's special shrimp. Yum. Of course we also had the cheddar bay biscuits, baked potatoes and broccoli.

After lunch I went to my infusion and James went over to look at some work at the Landings with Armando. 

We went the Payson way home. As we were driving home James got a call from a Chandler police officer asking him is he was at the Sam's Club in Chandler today. He could not hear James talking on the intercom phone so I began talking to him, telling him yes, we were at the Sam's Club and it looked like someone hit the right side of our truck while we were parked. He asked if we had a white Dodge pickup. I told him no, we have a silver Chevy Silverado. When I said someone ran in to us James looked at me and shook his head. The officer said it would be better for him to talk to us when we weren't in the car. He said he would call back sometime tomorrow morning.

After hanging up the phone, I asked James if he had something to tell me. Yes, he did. He had damaged his truck sometime earlier when Jared Ammon was here. When he was parking he hit someone's tire. When he went out to check it, there was no damage done and there was some white paint on the side of the car. By this time I was pretty upset and feeling rather foolish because I had told the police officer a lie. I told James that when he spoke with him tomorrow morning he needed to tell him the entire truth and apologize for me because I had no idea that we already had the damage on our truck. I was upset but James was so repentant I couldn't be too mad. He went to bed after walking when we got home with a bad headache. I watched the Hallmark "Little Women" movie before going to bed. 

Relief Society activities for December

Pre-built is the only way to go

A Tigger car at the AARA

We were a part of this and had to exit the

freeway and take a detour on the way into town.

Sunday, November 24th, 2024: Late leaving because of James, 47 lanterns, Jeff Crane family speaks in church, James's massive headache,

 

Copenhagen Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-20

Come Follow Me

Review 

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" The restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, 'embraces all, and every item of truth.' But that doesn't mean that all truth is of equal value. Some truths are core, essential, at the root of our faith. Others are appendages or branches - valuable, but only when they are connected to the fundamentals."

We were late leaving for church because James was running a little slow this morning. Not late for sacrament meeting, just a little late for me to set up my lesson. 

We have a temple cleaning assignment on December 3rd. I am sure James will want to go.

Eldon Crane (10 Yrs old)

Told about his baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Catalina Crane (13 yrs old)

How the Holy Ghost helps her.

Susan Crane

The Spirit led them to Vernon. They felt peaceful through the Holy Ghost. How do you use the Holy Ghost? Enlighten you mind and heart. Teaches us to do good. The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier and a cleansing agent. Celeste lost in Virginia. The woman who found her worked with autistic children and knew how to care for her. D&C 88:33. The Holy Ghost has changed the trajectory of my life many times. 

Jeff Crane

What the endowment means to me. It is a gift from God. Everything in the Church leads to the temple. The temple prep manual is on the gospel library app on your phone. Endowed from on high. Ordinances when received, help us to return to God. Baptism, confirmation, sacrament, temple - washing & anointings, endowment, sealing. Power of God in our lives. D&C 84:19. Covenants - receive ordinances by covenants. Covenants are an agreement with God that we will serve Him and keep His commandments and we will live certain laws: Obedience, sacrifice, law of the Gospel, chastity and consecration. If we keep our covenants, they will keep us safe. I was a former police officer in southern California. I feel that many times I was keep from evil because of the power of my endowment. Weekly temple attendance changed my life. Remember your covenants which will keep you spiritually safe.

I had 47 lanterns to handout. I needed 17 for YW and Primary. Four of them didn't work so I am down to 43. There were more than 30 sisters in Relief Society so I could not give lanterns to YW and Primary sisters. Next time I will do at least 55 handouts.

We had a good discussion regarding Elder Rasband's talk, "I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up." Cheryl knew the answer to the fill-in question on the board. I had several sisters thank me for the lesson after it was over. Catherine Halcomb was not here today but Kerri took a lantern home for her. Susan Crane came up and thanked me for the birthday gift I gave her. I told her I enjoyed her family's talks today in sacrament meeting. 

I kept waiting for James to come and pick me up but he never came. T-Bo opened the door for me as I was leaving. I could see James out sitting in the car with his head down against the steering wheel. He apologized and said his headache was so bad that he came straight to the car. I asked him how the lesson in Elder's Quorum was and he said he didn't get anything out of it. Brother Jensen was the teacher. He said it wasn't the teachers fault he just felt so miserable that he couldn't focus on the lesson. He should have stayed home today. 

Paul, Michael, and Joe had already left when we got home from sacrament meeting. They remembered to take a picture by the front door. 

Thank you for your help!

At home, I had some lunch of meatloaf and mashed potatoes while James went straight to bed. I was tired and took a nap. I had been yawning all morning. Tom slept by me.

Later I made James something to eat. He was still quite miserable and said he should have stayed home from church today. He went to bed at 8 o'clock this evening. I am very worried about him. We are going to the valley tomorrow for my infusion.

Handouts for my lesson

Elder Quentin L. Cook dedicated the

Casper, Wyoming temple today

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024: Michael, Joe, & Paul here to help, my lesson, Dinner for the Grombach's, Michael's steak sandwiches,

 

Accra Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 11

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

" All of us have family members we love who are being tempted and tried by the seemingly constant forces of Satan, the destroyer, who would make all God's children miserable. For many of us, there have been sleepless nights. We have tried to surround the people who are at risk with every force for good. We have pled in prayer for them. We have loved them. We have set the best example we could."

Michael, Paul and Joe are coming up today to help cut firewood. James went to town early to get what he needed to fix the chainsaw.

When I got up this morning I said my prayers and immediately started typing my lesson and working on my handouts, anticipating the guys arriving sometime this morning.

At 7:25 I got a text from Michael. "On the road, driving through Payson." It was after 11 when they arrived. They stopped in Payson to get stuff for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Here are some photos Paul took. I am grateful somebody took some!

Apollo and Michael getting to know each other.

Apollo butted James in the head and made the top of his nose bleed. James tried to start the chainsaw but it made his head hurt so he stopped. He is still suffering with a bad headache.

This afternoon while the guys were outside working, I began preparing dinner for the Grombach's. I started around two o'clock. I peeled, sliced and put potatoes on to boil, then began mixing up two meatloafs. I had started rolls rising earlier. Once the meatloaves were in the oven, around 4, I made a salad and heated up some green beans. I put most of the food in foil containers that Sheri left here after the wedding. I left the meatloaf in the loaf pan. James helped me deliver to the Grombach's around 6.

Tina and Steve Allen were visiting. They brought Willy a "care" basket with lots of goodies in it. I noticed some beef jerky so it was guy goodies.

We visited for a few minutes with both couples and then we were on our way so the Grombach's could eat dinner. Janna texted me later and said everything was delicious. I am glad they liked the food.

I had left the kitchen clean so Michael could start his dinner. I told him I was going in to work on my lesson, which I did. He said he would let me know when my steak sandwich was ready. I should mention that earlier today after looking at the Safeway receipt I paid Michael $60 for everyone's dinner. James didn't eat a steak sandwich. He had meatloaf and mashed potatoes and green beans.

Little did I know that Michael saved him a steak sandwich in the frig. They were delicious with sliced apple, spinach leaves and a little mayo. 

I went to bed at 9:30 with a plan to get up by 4 to finish my handouts and lesson outline.

Bettylea & her Grandpa Dennis

I love my brother!

Michael's special olive oil and 

basalmic vinegar

Night time activities

Dennis & Denise up against the "Wall"

Sweet sleeping Tom

 

Friday, November 22nd, 2024: 3:30 endowment session w/ Ruth Gale, Eva's, J's headache, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade",

 

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 10

Come Follow Me

Ether 8:7-26

The Lord does not work in darkness.

October General Conference

'O Youth of the Noble Birthright'

Bradley R. Wilcox

"Does your birthright mean you are better than others? No, but it does mean you are expected to help others be better. Does your birthright mean you are chosen? Yes, but not chosen to rule over others; you are chosen to serve them. Is your birthright evidence of God's love? Yes, but more important, it is evidence of His trust."

Tom's was outside until 4 a.m. Naughty boy.

Today I have a temple date with Ruth Gale. James was going to come and we were going to take Virgil Cooper with us. I even texted Ruth and told her about Virgil so she wouldn't think we were trying to set her up. 

I'm working at my desk this morning and James says, "I'm not going to the temple today." I said, "But what about Virgil." He called and said he is not going because he has a cough. Okay. James also said he was not going because he has a headache. I guess it's back to just Ruth and me.

James and I started our day as we normally do with family prayer and scriptures and Come Follow Me. I always say the prayer in the morning and James says it at night. We are so predictable.

I did my scripture books and worked on my blog. i had some lunch, a hotdog and chips and was going to rest until 1:15. James came and sat next to me on the other recliner and we talked. About 1:20 I got up to take my shower. At 2:00 I left for Snowflake.

Every time I pass where my mother's car accident occurred just outside of Taylor I think of her. 

I was early for the session, the 2nd or 3rd sister in the endowment room. I sat in the second row. I got a temple name today, Mabel Clark Dickey. Sister Crandell from the Show Low stake is in this session with her son. Ruth came in about seven minutes before the session started. It was a good session. Ruth and I usually don't stay in the celestial room and today was no different.

We went to Eva's for dinner. Ruth had the taco salad with shredded beef and no shell. I had a cheese enchilada and a shredded beef taco. When we checked out Ruth's salad was over $17.50. She was so surprised that she didn't leave a tip. Mine was $13.99. I left an 18% tip. There was a charge of 46 cents for using a credit card.

It was a little before 7 when I got home. I was so tired all I wanted to do was sit down and watch a Christmas move, which I did. I finished watching one of my all-time favorites, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade," and then watched, "A Cozy Christmas Quilt."

James took my phone and walked.

Rowan

One of Teresa's many Christmas trees

Our good friends Maxine & Gary

I think maybe that year 2015 is a mistake.

I think it should be 1964.

Thursday, November 21st, 2024: 7:40 trip to town, J MRI & CT scan on shoulder, Wlmrt - missionary dinner, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Mtn Mobile Cmpter, Sister missionaries come for diner

 

Brisbane Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:21-35

Come Follow Me

Ether 7-11

I can become a Christlike leader.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Greatest Among You" April 2017 GC

October General Conference

'Days Never to be Forgotten'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"My dear brothers and sister, the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation is resplendent with divine experiences that demonstrate how the Lord has guided His Church. There is one decade in our history, however, that stands strikingly supreme above any other - the decade from 1820 to 1830. Beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove in the spring of 1820, when he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and continuing until April 6, 1830, that decade is unlike any other."

At 7:40 we made a trip to town this morning. James had an appointment to get an MRI and a CT Scan on his left shoulder.  I dropped him off at the medical building in Wagon Wheel and then I went back to Walmart to do some shopping. James walked to Lowe's when he was finished and I picked him up there. I got all of the groceries I need to make a nice dinner for the sister missionaries this evening. I did find out that one of the sisters, Sister Paz is gluten-free. 

After leaving Lowe's we stopped at Tractor Supply for horse feed and then went on to Mountain Mobile Computer to pick up my computer, which cost me $170.00. 

On the way home, on the 60, with James driving a little too close to the car in front of us, a small rock hit our windshield and left a small crack. I was so sad. My new windshield didn't even last a month.

James unloaded the car and I put things away and then I took a nap. 

Around two I started preparing for our dinner guests who will be here at 5:30. James came in and started helping me around 4. He made the salad and set the table after I washed and replaced the tablecloth. 

I cooked two kinds of rice. One is rice pilaf and the other is just plain white rice and is gluten-free. I heated up some green beans and put the croissants in a basket. I made chicken parmesan cutlets while James set the table and filled the water glasses. 

I went in to change my clothes. When I came out Sister Paz and Sister Parker were sitting in front of the fire James had built. I introduced myself and asked them their names and where they were from. Sister Paz is from West Jordan, Utah. She has two brothers, one is older and one is younger. Sister Parker is from New Hampshire. She has six brothers and five sisters. Both are lifetime members. They live in Show Low at Patriarch Crockett's home. 

After dinner they shared at message about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Sister Paz has served in Flagstaff, Eagar and Springerville. Sister Parker has served in Payson and Taylor. We really enjoyed getting to know both of them. I guess the Vernon area is what they call whitewashed and they are starting over with all new people to teach.

Sister Paz and Sister Parker

James and I cleaned the kitchen together after the sisters left. He did all of the dishes. I put food away, wiped down the counters and stove and dried the dishes. Afterwards he walked and I watched (a Christmas movies).

Jenifer's daughter Bettylea and Natalie

James and Tom