Wednesday, December 11th, 2024: Sammi's gratitude, James better everyday, Attorney's regarding Daryl Johnson job, CC issues, Catherine Halcomb, Dobson cows in the area, trips upstairs until my right heel begins to throb, Walk & Christmas movie

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Moroni 8:1-15

Come Follow Me

Moroni 7:20-48

Because of Jesus Christ, I can "lay hold upon every good thing."

October General Conference

'Ye Are My Friends'

Elder David L. Buckner

"Brothers and sisters, we must stop looking for reasons to divide and instead seek opportunities to 'be one.' He has blessed us with unique gifts and attributes that invite learning from one another and personal growth. I often told my university students that if I do what you do and you do what I do, we don't need each other. But because you don't do what I do and I don't do what you do, we do need each other. And that need brings us together. To divide and conquer is the adversary's plan to destroy friendships, families, and faith. It is the Savior who unites."

Sammi, our outside cat, shows his gratitude for me feeding him by rubbing against my leg. He goes back and forth in front of me, making it difficult for me to walk. I manage to get him fed and watered every morning and evening.

James seems more normal everyday, except he says that tope of his head feels numb. He spent most of the day on the phone with attorneys regarding the Daryl Johnson job. Daryl still owes us $21,000. The latest is they think James can recover some of the money but it's going to cost him $2,500 up front. What to do ... pray about it!

I spent time on the phone resolving some credit card issues and talking to Catherine Halcomb. I was on the phone with Catherine for over 35 minutes. She gets lonely and she loves to talk. 

Kathy Crane called me this morning to see if I needed anything in town. Today is her day to do errands. She is so organized. I told her we went to town yesterday. Kathy started talking about the black cows wandering around our area. She thinks they belong to our neighbors who have some black cows, but James says they are definitely Dobson cows because they have his brand and ear mark. Kathy still thinks she is right. To me it doesn't matter. I am just worried that because everyone has put up fences and they won't be able to find any water to drink. I hope whoever they belong to checks up on them.

After finishing my two blog posts for the day I began making trips upstairs to put towels away and to bring down Christmas blankets. I am wrapping the blankets in our bedroom. Before I completed my task my right knee began to throb. I couldn't make one more trip upstairs. Both of my upper arms hurt too. James said he would bring the rest of the blankets down for me. Thanks Honey. He also did the dishes. James walked while I watched a Christmas movie.

While inside Jim & Karen's

Denise's granddaughter Evie

  

 

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024: 14 this mrng, Sammi's water frozen, Kacey's dad passes away,Scarlett & Charlie, ASU, Ben & Cayli cake & cupcakes, clean entry closet, town w/ J, I drive, bank, Goodwill, Circle K, Wlmrt, HD,

 

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:33-48

Come Follow Me

Moroni 7:12-20

The Light of Christ helps me know truth from error.

Video: Patterns of Light: Discerning Light - David A. Bednar

October General Conference

'Welcome to the Church of Joy' 

Elder Patrick Kearon

"We can all contribute, no matter our age or our calling, to making our sacrament meetings the joy-filled, Christ-focused, welcoming hour they can be, alive with a spirit of joyful reverence. 

Joyful reverence? 'Is that a thing?' you may ask. Well, yes, it is! We deeply love, honor, and respect our God, and our reverence flows from a soul that rejoices in Christ's abundant love, mercy, and salvation! This joyful reverence to the Lord should characterize our sacred sacrament meetings."

The low this morning was 14 degrees. Sammi's water was frozen solid. I have been awake, off and on, since 1 a.m., and I am tired. 

I read from my Max Lucado book, "Experiencing the Heart of Jesus" and then said my prayers. 

We were sad to learn that Kacey's dad passed away and send our love and condolences to Kacey and her family.

I received a bill from Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates for $676. I was shocked and I have never had to pay anything since being on Medicate and Transamerica. I called about the charge and the person I spoke to said it was a mistake, that Transamerica paid for it. Thank goodness!

James worked on the Hatch account today, trying to send the last bill in. 

I finished two blog posts this morning, took a nap, and then cleaned out the entryway cleaning supplies closet. Later I went to town with James. I drove. We made a deposit at Chase Bank and then another one at Goodwill, an old vacuum and carpet cleaner. Circle K for gas, and then on to Walmart and Home Depot. On the way home we stopped at Panda for lunch. I got Beijing Beef and James got Teriyaki Chicken. 

We left Tom in the house, he was so cute when I sat down, he put his head on my chest.  He stayed until bedtime when he decided to go out. James walked while I watched "A Dance in the Snow" which was about a high school girl with autism.

Scarlett & Charlie in their 'jammies

Full Moon

Ben & Cayli cutting their cake

Monday, December 9th, 2024: Feed horses, scriptures & family prayer, James does office work, soup & grilled cheese for lunch, CT scan appt., DG for snacks, "A Cinderella Christmas" James walks and listens to a book

 

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:17-32

Come Follow Me

Moroni 7-9

"May Christ Lift Thee Up" 

Introduction and video of Mormon teaching the peaceable followers of Christ.

October General Conference

'His Hand Ready to Help Us'

Elder Juan Pablo Villar

"If we think celestial, we will receive the confirmation in our hearts that Jesus Christ is indeed our Rescuer, our Advocate with the Father, and our Redeemer. As we exercise faith in Him, He will save us from our fallen state, beyond our challenges, infirmities, and needs in this temporal life, and give us the greatest of all gifts, which is eternal life."

James and I fed the horses together this morning. Now we are having family prayer and scriptures together. I am grateful for a companion who loves the Lord as I do. Part of our study today was to watch a video about Moroni talking to "The Peaceable Followers of Christ."

I had planned on going to Walmart today, but it didn't happen. James did some office work and was up most of the day with the exception of one small nap. He said his head didn't hurt as much.

I made soup and grilled cheese tuna sandwiches for lunch. They were quite tasty. I finished two blog posts this morning, November 6th and 7th. If I do two posts a day I will be caught up by January 9th. 

This afternoon I called Summit and made an appointment for James's CT scan on Saturday, December 14th, at 4 p.m. This is the day the boys will be here working. I also paid November's tithing. I had on my list to organize the cleaning supplies closet but instead James and I went to Dollar General for snacks. Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes, Little Debbie's cherry cordial's, cashews, and a Dr. Pepper Zero. While we were out we decided to drive into Show Low and get Culver's for dinner. 

When we got home I watched "A Cinderella Christmas" starring Danica McKellar while James walked. 

Here are some notes I took today: 

The youth a leading the way in service. - Elder Teixera

"All things which are good cometh of God." - Mormon

A theme in the Book of Mormon is that angels are real.

Saturday's RS Activity

Does James not see where Tom is?

Charlie and Kacey

Chuck & Kathy Crane's family

Sunday, December 8th, 2024:Ben & Cayli wedding photos, Happy Sabbath from Charlie, Feed horses & cats, we miss our meetings, scriptures & prayer, blog, Chuck & Owen bring the sacrament, Alicia & Bishop visit, First Presidency Christmas Devotional

 

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:1-16

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him" Dr. Mark Ogletree

October General Conference

'Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth'

Elder Jose A. Teixeira

"Like salt can lose its essence, we can also lose our spiritual vitality if our faith in Jesus Christ becomes casual. We may look the same on the outside, but without a strong inner faith, we lose our ability to make a difference in the world and bring out the best in those around us."

I got up and took a shower and then feed the horses and the cats. James is not feeling well enough to go to church and I am staying home with him. I don't want to leave him along just yet.

We had breakfast, family prayer, and scripture study. I did some blogging. Around 11:15, after the block Chuck Crane knocked on our door. James had told me earlier he was coming to administer the sacrament. Owen Peeler was right behind him. Two men we love and appreciate so much, and two men who have both given James life-saving blessings.

After Owen and Chuck left we had lunch. James wanted an egg salad sandwich so I hard boiled some eggs. We had egg salad sandwiches along with tomato soup for our lunch. Afterwards we had rest time. 

James's headache is a little better today. 

Later this afternoon we had a visit from Bishop Hunsaker and his wife Alicia. Alicia brought us some sweet potato cornbread which was delicious!

This evening we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Sister Tamara Runia's talk was my favorite, although all of the talks and music were wonderful.

Stacy teaches Primary in her ward. She said she talked about dad during her lesson today. She said he has an independent personality and likes to do things his way, which sometimes gets him in trouble. But when it comes to obedience to the Lord's commandments he is exact and because of that he has been blessed. I think the Lord has spared his life again so he can be here for his family, especially his grandsons.

I did two blog posts today. Yay!

James slept on the recliner and so did I. 

Happy Sabbath 

from Charlie!

Ben & Cayli wedding photos

Saturday, December 7th, 2024: Happy Birthday Paul and T-Bo, ASU wins Big 12 Championship, Tom too fat to fit through railing on deck, Chacon books, "Private Christmas Princess"

 

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 6:5-9

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"We might ask ourselves what we could do to follow this pattern, to 'lay down the weapons of our rebellion,' whatever they may be, and become so 'converted to the Lord' that the stain of sin and the desire for sin are taken from our hearts and we never will fall away."

Happy 54th birthday Paul! Happy 71st birthday T-Bo!

ASU played Iowa for the Big 12 championship and they beat Iowa 45-19. It was a great game and Paul said it was a great birthday present. James was not feeling well and he slept right through it. He still has a bothersome headache.

I went out on the deck and called Tom from our bedroom door. He came running across the field and the lawn and jumped up on the deck and tried to squeeze through the railing, he tried a couple of spots and then gave up and had to run all away around to the end and back. It was funny to watch. Go Tom go! I guess I am feeding him too many Churu treats. 

We stayed home today. James's headache causes him to sleep a lot. He had meatloaf and salad for lunch. He complained about his gums hurting and the salad getting stuck in his teeth. His gums are swollen and hurting on top of all of the other aches and pains he has. I know that gum disease can lead to heart problems.

James and I spent a great deal of time this afternoon working on the Chacon books. We finally figured out how much he has paid us and how much we have spent, and how much he still owes us which is $11,000. 

I watched "Private Christmas Princess" and really like it and I also watched part of "Sugar Plummed Christmas." It was just a little too silly. Tom laid by me the entire time.

My friend Susan Hubbles baptismal

day, December 7, 2019

She was baptized by her son Scott.

Full moon

Can you find Tom in this picture

Friday, December 6th, 2024: Fed horses w/ James, worked on blog, J office work but tires easily, soup & sandwiches for lunch, Pierce's for tooth repair, Stefani & Susan bring dinner, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", Tom falls off my chair

 

Oquirrh, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 6:1-4

Come Follow Me

Moroni 6:4-9

Disciples of Jesus Christ care for each others souls.

October General Conference

'Following Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Book of Mormon frequently declares that Christ is "the light of the world." During His appearance to the Nephites, the risen Lord explained that teaching by telling them: 'I have set an example for you.' 'I am the light which ye shall hold up - that which ye have seen me do.' He is our role model. We learn what He has said and done by studying the scriptures and following prophetic teachings, as President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to do. IN the ordinance of the sacrament, we covenant each Sabbath day that we will 'always remember him and keep his commandments."

I went out this morning with James to feed the horses. Apollo likes to finish his food and then he goes over and tries to take Luna's. Naughty boy.

I worked on my blog most of the morning while James did some office work. James tires easily and doesn't work long before going in to take a nap. 

I opened a can of Campbell's tomato soup and made some grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. 

I wanted to burn some boxes in the fire pit this afternoon but my torch was out of propane. I figured out how to load it and now it works fine. I love my little torch!

This afternoon at 2 p.m. I had an appointment with Pierce Goodman to have my veneer/crown replaced. James was asleep when I left. After Pierce was finished and I had returned home, he called and asked if he could come over because he needed to light-activate the glue. He came over with a light and it took him just a few seconds and he was finished. I guess he wanted to make sure it doesn't come off again.

My ministering sisters, Stefani Hunsaker and Susan Goodman, brought dinner over around 5 p.m. Stefani made a ham and potato soup and some rolls. Susan made a delicious fruit salad and also brought a couple of pieces of pecan pie. James loved the fruit salad because there was no dressing on it. 

James and I both watched the movie, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's life. 

Tom was sitting on the recliner with me. He fell off and got right back up on it.

I'll have a purple Christmas

Our stake presidency with Santa

President Beeler, Santa, President Alder

and President Smithson

Thursday, December 5th, 2024: Kim, Brian & Sheri leave before 6, Tom slept on our bed all night, "Mistletoe Murders", Appt. w/ Dr. Wilson, Kathy's Cafe Rio chicken burros, tooth falls out, Christmas movie w/ James

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 5

Come Follow Me

Moroni 4-5

Taking the sacrament helps me draw closer to Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'Trusting Our Father'

Elder David P. Homer

"We have the scriptures and guidance from living prophets to help us understand God's truth. If clarification beyond what we have is needed, God provides it through His prophets. And He will respond to our sincere prayers through the power of the Holy Ghost as we seek to understand truths we do not yet fully appreciate."

'God Loves All His Children'

Elder Gregorio E. Casillas

" While it's certainly important to prepare yourself to succeed in this very competitive world, one of your crucial missions throughout you life is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and to follow the impressions of the Spirit. As you do this, God will bless your life; He will bless your current or future family; and He will bless the lives of His children who you encounter."

Kim, Brian and Sheri left this morning before 6. I am so grateful to all of them for what they have done for James and I. Brian bought horse feed and cat food and hauled the horse feed to the tack room,.

Tom slept by us all of last night, on our bed. I guess he really did miss us.

King Tom

I called the Chandler Hospital to get the number for Dr. Wilson at Barrow Brain & Spine center. I spoke to the on-call nurse on the 4th floor where James was a patient. She gave me Dr. Wilson's number and then she apologized for yesterday. I told her we were so happy with the care that the nurses gave James but I couldn't understand Dr. Salibri's actions.

James's appointment with Dr. Wilson is on Thursday, December 19th at 9:00 a.m. Before we go we are to go to Summit to get another CT scan. Dr. Wilson's office sent the order there at my request. 

This afternoon I made a run to Dollar General for a drink and some snacks. 

Kathy Crane brought over her Cafe Rio chicken burros for our dinner this evening with cilantro rice. Quite delicious!

I lost another tooth this evening. Not a tooth but either a veneer or a crown. I will have to make another appointment with Pierce.

The cats love Kim

Tom & James

Tom with me

Charlie's piano recital: