Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Windy day, Tom indoors, Appt for steroid injection 2/26 @ 1 pm., Sheri's plumbing problems, Finish Valentines for ministering, tomorrow MIlky Ranch Stories, Notes & Quotes

 

Mendoza, Argentina

197th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Sep 2024

By: Ronald A. Rasband

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:28-5:9

Come Follow Me

D&C 10:1-33

God "will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design."

October General Conference

"Ye Are My Friends"

Elder David L. Buckner

"We must live our life so that the world does not see us but sees Him through us. This does not take place only on Sundays. It takes place at the grocery store, the gas pump, the school meeting, the neighborhood gathering - all places where baptized and unbaptized members of our family work and live."

Tom slept most of the night by James. I think he's tired of me getting up several times during the night. Very windy today so Tom spent most of his time sleeping indoors. 

My feet are swollen as well as my left hand ring finger. My knees, especially my right one still catch and pop when I try to bend them.

I got a call from AARA after calling them again. My right knee on the left side is bone on bone, severe osteoarthritis. I am going in on February 26th to get a steroid shot. Hopefully this will help me and not be too painful. 

I watched a movie I've seen before, a movie which was made in 2010, called "Leap Year" starring Amy Adams. The language was a little rough in spots but I actually enjoyed it.

Sheri's got plumbing problems, a leak in the basement, something to do with the sump pump. Hopefully Ian will be able to fix it.

James loves the beans I made. He's had three helpings! I have yet to try them. I'm still eating on the enchiladas. 

I am waiting to work on my Valentines. I work in the bedroom. First Tom was asleep on the bed where I was going to work, and then James came in to take a nap. I finally got them finished though, all 8 of them. I have lots of candy left, mostly chocolates.

Tomorrow I am going to start putting Milky Ranch stories on my blog. 

Notes & Quotes

"If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong."

- Howard W. Hunter

Sister Mary Ellen Smoot, pictured in the middle here, former

General Relief Society President, passed away today. She was

the General President when I was the Stake Relief Society President.

Every six months for five years I attended the Relief Society training in Salt Lake City. Her counselors were Virginia U. Jensen and Sheri Dew, pictured here with her. I learned so much from them by attending these training meetings.

My finished Valentines

Top photo is my favorite of James and Tom.

Lola tackling a Wendy's burger on the way home

from Disneyland last year.

Cute photo of Charlie

Fiero doesn't look like a scarecrow here.

Monday, February 10th, 2025: My xray, J's trip to town, Lightblbs, trimming trees, Valentines, Inklings, Beans, more vitamins ordered,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

196th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Sep 2024

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:1-27

Come Follow Me

Feb 10-16:

"That You May Come Off Conquerer"

D&C 10-11

October General Conference

'Welcome to the Church of Joy'

Elder Patrick Kearon

"The glorious focal point of our services is the blessing and receiving of the sacrament itself, the bread and the water representing the atoning gift of our Lord and the whole purpose of our gathering. This is 'a sacred time of spiritual renewal' when we witness anew that we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and make again the covenant to always remember the Savior and keep His commandments."

I called AARA this morning and asked about my x-ray results and what treatments they had in mind for me. They sent me a link through the patient portal so I could see the x-ray report. It looks like a severe case of osteoarthritis with bone on bone on the left side of my right  knee. I still wanted to see what my treatment was going to be but no one ever called me. Thank goodness I'm feeling a little better today.

James made a trip to town to get something at Home Depot. He also picked up my Tramadol and bought himself some shoes at Walmart. We got another order of lightbulbs. James is taking out all the yellow ones and replacing them with white ones. He finished the dining room, family room and fireplace room and started in our bedroom. It looks like we are going to need another order of bulbs.

James trimmed more trees and I got a little upset. I told him there were already too many dried branches waiting to be burned and he should wait until there is a burn day. He was hurt that I said anything and I felt bad afterwards. 

I finally finished cleaning the living room, family room floor and it looks nice. I also baked the refrigerator cookies I bought, ate a couple warm from the oven and put the rest in the freezer. I also started a pot of beans in the slow cooker. They will cook all night and then go in the refrigerator tomorrow to marinate and will be ready for dinner tomorrow night. 

I worked on my ministering Valentine's. I finished a couple and will finish the rest tomorrow, 

I watched a new Hallmark movie and listened to Emily and Michelle Craig on Inklings discuss "Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion." I got several ideas to use in my lesson that I am excited about. 

I talked to Rowan about his letter but he did not have too much to say. He did say that he loves me. 

I ordered Bright Naturals Thyroid Renew Supplement which has Zinc, selenium, and copper in it. These are supposed to be critical to thyroid health, according to the "expert" I listened to.

Notes & Quotes

"Coming together in sacrament meeting should be a time for us to praise and adore our God in a way that transforms us."

-Elder Patrick Kearon

Miss Lola out for a walk

enjoying her ice cream.

Thinking about ordering these

For the sisters

For the kids

 

 

Sunday, February 9th, 2025: Up @ 5 Tom in my face, Sheri's text, I go back to bed, James attends mtgs, sacrament, Tyler Finnegan's farewell, Waypoint guys, Addy's text, Michael's text, D snowboards in Wyoming

 

Layton, Utah

195th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2024

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 3:6-25

Come Follow Me

Follow Him

D&C 10-11

October General Conference

'His Hand Ready to Help Us'

Elder Juan Pablo Villar

"The scriptures immortalize the symbol and significance of the Savior's hands. In His atoning sacrifice, His hands were pierced by nails to affix Him to the cross. After His Resurrection. He appeared to HIs disciples in a perfect body, but the prints in His hands remain as a reminder of His infinite sacrifice. His hand will always be there for us, even if we cannot see it or feel it at first, because He was chosen by our Heavenly Father to be our Savior, the Redeemer of all humankind."

I woke up at 5 am with Tom staring in my face. He knows this is my time to get up and he wants something to eat. 

While I was in the kitchen getting something to eat, I noticed a text from Sheri. She wanted to know how dad's CT scan went and how my knee was doing. I told her we didn't hear from the doctor so we figured everything was okay with dad. My knee is still hurting. I am getting some medicine and then I'm going back to sleep, which I did with Tom beside me. 

I slept without interruption until 8 am. James was getting ready for church. It is apparent that I am not going. My ring finger is swollen about twice its size and my right knee doesn't bed without me physically moving it with my hands and waiting for it to pop. 

James had four ministering interviews scheduled today so he left a little early. Three of the people he had interviews with were no-shows. 

I missed Tyler Finnegan's talk before he leaves on his mission. Steve and Tina Allen also spoke. Steve talked about addiction recovery within Tina's family. Three or four guys from Waypoint attended, They sit in our spot. Should I be offended?

James administers the sacrament to me and brings me lunch. I listen to "Follow Him" and watch "When Calls the Heart." I finally did all of my gospel reading this afternoon.

Addy texted to see how we were doing. I told her we were struggling and she said school was hard right now. I told her I would pray for her and I asked if she would pray for us. Of course!

Michael also texted and said it wouldn't be able to come up in February because he has something every weekend and the last weekend he is going to Rome. 

Darrel went snowboarding in Wyoming this weekend with friends. They stayed in Idaho. Darrel sent James a picture of hundreds of elk lined up alongside a lake.

Notes & Quotes

"Consider this: 'As we treat our bodies as temples, our bodies will radiate the light and love of Jesus Christ and we will receive 'His image in our countenances,'"

- President Russell M, Nelson

Love those back legs

My swollen finger

Former missionaries in 

our mission who got

married.

Johnson & Johnson

Sorry Charlie

Saturday, February 8th, 2025: Stacy's 53rd birthday, Kim makes her an almond cake, J's CT scan, my morning routine, Chuck's news, Rotel Enchiladas, Mail Trina's bday card,

Salta, Argentina

194th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:22-3:6

Come Follow Me

D&C 6-7; 9:3, 7-14

"Even as you desire of me so it shall be."

D&C 11:8

"Desire" DHO AGC 2011

October General Conference

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

Elder Jose A. Teixeira

James and I both wake up in the mornings, most anyway, feeling miserable. We feed the animals, I do the cats, he does the horses, have some breakfast, have family prayer, read from the Book of Mormon and do "Come Follow Me", and then we take naps. Let me back up a little bit ... I get up at 5. I take my thyroid pill then take my blood pressure and then take my blood pressure pill, Losartan. I also take two Memoforce pills for my memory. I study a few lines from "The Living Christ", look up one of my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures then say my prayers and listen for answers to my concerns.

Today I finished Rowan's missionary letter which I will also send to Joshua and Evan. I then read from The Easter Connection, Forgiving What You Can't Forget, Heart of the Matter, this month's Liahona, and worked on my Atonement paper which I am studying from "True to the Faith." I also worked on "Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion" my RS lesson, and read D&C 9. Somewhere in there I had some breakfast.

I am so tired when I am finished with family prayer & scriptures that I take a nap. James took a short one but he had to get up and get ready for his CT Scan appointment at the Show Low hospital. He left around 11:45. He took Trina's birthday card and mailed it. 

After his scan James went to Culver's and got a fish sandwich. He had some cash from our trip to the valley on Wednesday. Also, Chuck took our trash to the dump and he may have given some cash to him too. I wasn't aware of this cash stash.

When he gets home we both take naps again. He gets up and goes outside to work. I do some sweeping and vacuuming on the stairs, in the hall and entry and then the living and family room. I go back in the bedroom to do some work on my blog. I'm taking a rest on the recliner when I hear Chuck talking in the other room. I was going to go in and start dinner but I'm going to wait until Chuck is gone. He stays for over 30 minutes.

He's telling James about a problem in the ward. On January 26th 8 or 9 of the guys from Waypoint Addiction Center came to our ward. One of the sisters in our ward is upset about them coming and their appearance saying it's going to affect the youth. She says as long as they come, she is not coming to church. What makes this difficult is that her husband is the ward mission leader and he is in charge of making arrangements for transportation when they want to attend. 

This brother is very distraught and feels like he needs to be released as the ward mission leader. The bishop and stake president are aware of the situation and they have agreed that if this sister continues to act in this manner, she won't be able to go to the temple. 

Both the brother and sister in this situation are friends of ours and we are praying that she will be able to have a change of heart. (James does not want me to mention any names).

I got up and made the new Rotel enchilada recipe that Lois gave me. She and Dawn like this recipe better than her old enchilada recipe. James and I liked it, but we still like the old recipe better.

My leg was hurting so James said he would do the dishes and clean the kitchen. Thanks Honey!

Notes & Quotes

"Jesus Christ ... has the power to help us out of every miserable condition or adverse situation."

Elder Juan Pablo Villar

Stacy with the Almond cake

that Kim made her for

her birthday.

Good News Brand:

I am so impressed with this girl!

They look delicious Charlie!

 

Friday, February 7th, 2025: No temple today, Patsy no water since Jan 23rd, J a CTScan tomorrow, Beach's, 2025 Budget book, more protein, Gluco Bio capsules, "The Way Home"

Coban, Guatemala

193rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 June 2024

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:11-21

Come Follow Me

D&C 6:29-37

"Fear not to do good."

October General Conference

'Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"In the end, burying our weapons of rebellion against God simply means yielding to the enticing of the Holy Spirit, putting off the natural man, and becoming "a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." 

I talked to Janna Grombach this morning about going to the temple. I invited them last Sunday and Janna had said Willy had a couple of blood clots and it would depend on how he was feeling. I told her I would make appointments and could cancel if we needed to. I texted Janna and she called me back. She said she totally forgot about going to the temple and that it has been a crazy week. 

Janna's mother, Patsy Tedder has not had any water since January 23rd. She and Willy have been hauling water. Because of Willy's bad should it's been difficult so Janna asked her mom to come and stay with them for a few days until the problem gets resolved. 

Willy also had some metal in his eye that he had to have removed. It's been a busy week for Janna. We won't be going to the temple today. I told her that when they were ready to go to the temple to let me know and I would schedule it. 

I had decided if the Grombach's weren't going I wouldn't be going either because of my knee. It is so hard to walk on it and my knee won't bend until it pops while I'm pushing on it. James is also suffering from neuropathy in his feet. We both took long naps this afternoon. 

I scheduled James a CT Scan for tomorrow at 1:00. Kim and Sheri were both happy about it. 

James had a meeting with Brother Beach at his house. They got it laid out. James says he is a very nice guy. I could actually tell that he was when I spoke with him the other day. 

I worked on getting my 2025 budget book set up and organized and paid our tithing and fast offerings for January. I also worked on my missionary letters to the boys.

I ate around 100 grams of protein but also ate quite a few carbs. I need to work on eating more veggies. I got my Gluco Bio capsules from Barbara O'Neil who says they will regulate my blood pressure. I certainly hope so.

James and I watched "The Way Home" together. It was a little convoluted and I didn't really enjoy this episode.

Notes & Quotes

"The Savior's healing ministry is a divine prelude and promise of the lasting physical and emotional healing that will come to each of us in the Resurrection."

- "I Will Heal Them"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

February Liahona

All 5 of my amarylis are blooming

Gluco Bio

My friends had Betsy Wetsy dolls but

I had a Tiny Tears. You could actually

make tears come out of her eyes.

 

Thursday, February 6th, 2025: Xray report, right knee, Kim & Sheri are concerned abt Dad, CT scan on 17th, - get one sooner!, Wlmart, HD, gas, GScookies, dinner,

 

Taylorsville, Utah

192nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 2024

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:30-2:10

Come Follow Me

Doubt Not, Fear Not

"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought of Jesus Christ"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

AGC 2023

October General Conference

'Following Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

"What should followers of Christ teach and do in this time of toxic communications? What were His teachings and examples? It is significant that among the first principles Jesus taught when He appeared to the Nephites was to avoid contention. While He taught this in the context of disputes over religious doctrine, the reasons He gave clearly apply to communications and relationships in politics, public policy, and family relationships, Jesus taught: 

'He that hath  the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

'Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.'"

Still taking my morning nap which always puts me a little behind. 

I saw my x-ray report on my right knee. It says, what I could make of it, that I have minimal osteoarthritis. I wonder what Rana is going to recommend for treatment.

James is pretty miserable this morning. His back hurts and he has a headache. 

Yesterday at lunch with Sheri and Cayli James told them about his fall and now his headaches. Today I got these texts from Sheri:

Sh: How's dad? Did he get a CT scan?

Me: We called the doctor but they haven't called back. She was going to see if the doctor wanted to order one and get back with us. After scriptures I'm going to call.

Sh: Ok. How is he feeling?

Me: Lousy and grouchy

Sh: How are you feeling?

I'm really worried about both of you. 

Me: I'm ok, except for my knee 

Sh: I'm so sorry you are in pain. Let me know what the doctor says about dad. I think he needs to in sooner rather than later.

Me: Yes, but the doctor has to order the CT scan.

Sh: You have to be a squeaky wheel. Keep calling until they order it.

Me: I am calling right now.

Me: The doctor hasn't responded to my message and he is in clinic all day. I called the hospital and the order they have from Dr. Wilson isn't to be done until after February 17th. I told Emery at Dr. Wilson's that he's having headaches and she said she would tell Dr. Wilson. I am a little frustrated! It's a waiting on the doctor game.

Sh: I think you should just go. If he's having symptoms insurance should pay for it. Especially because of his history.

Me: Yeah, I thought of that.

Sh: Please go.

Me: I just told him we should go and he said, if they get worse I will. I really think part of the reason he had the brain bleed in the first place is because of the Plavix and he is not on it now.

Sh: Yes but he fell on concrete!! And he has had a horrible headache since. Please go!! Don't let him talk you out of it. Make him.

Me: His headache's aren't horrible. I don't know how to make him. You should text him.

Sh: I will but he never replies to my texts.

Me: It's nothing like last time, I promise.

And these from Kim:

Kim: Just checking in. Sheri told me that dad fell and hit his head last week and had a headache the last couple of days. I wanted to make sure that you guys have gone to the doctor to get a CT scan and check it out! No waiting until it is worst case scenario. Please!

Me: I'm working on it. I think the brain bleed was because he was on Plavix and he is not on it right now.

Kim: "It doesn't matter if he is on Plavix or not. With what happened last time it is ridiculous to wait and see if it gets worse. If there is a problem and they catch it early then it doesn't end up being a worse case scenario where he almost dies and has to spend almost 2 weeks in the hospital. It's ridiculous to not at least get it checked out. If it's nothing, you've wasted a few hours, but if it is something then you catch it before it turns into an emergency. I know dad is stubborn, but please - if he won't do it for himself then have him do it for those who love him and care about what happens to him. Life has a way of making you repeat lessons you don't learn the first time."

Me: I do have a CT scan scheduled.

Kim: When? Joe said dad told him he had one in March. That is too long to wait.

Me: It's not until the 17th. The girl at the hospital is calling Dr. Wilson to see if he needs one earlier. I am doing everything I can but I promise you his symptoms are nothing like last time. Give dad a call and talk to him. I can't force him to go and Chuck isn't available.

Kim: If I call dad I may end up yelling. I am pretty upset. After what happened last time you think he would take things a little more seriously. His family loves him. We were there for him around the clock,. Visits from everyone in the hospital. That should tell him how much we all want him around. Also - the symptoms that were so bad last time only got that way because he ignored all the lesser symptoms along the way and it got to a crisis point. Is that what he's wanting for again? Ok. I'm done. Just frustrated and want dad to take care of himself.

Me: I know. I understand. We appreciate your concern and the love and support. Hopefully we will hear back from his doctor sometime today.

The doctor did call and would like for him to get a CT scan. Stacy at his office is calling the hospital and will request one so I can call tomorrow morning and schedule one sooner than the 17th. We didn't hear from them until about 5 p.m.

I am grateful for Kim and Sheri's concern but I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all of the texts.

James and I went to town this afternoon. I needed a few things at Walmart and James needed something at Home Depot. James dropped me off and then went to Circle K to get gas in my car. We are planning on going to the temple tomorrow and we want to have enough gas to get us there.

James forgot to put the orange chicken we got from Costco in the freezer, he just put it in the frig so I opened one of the bags and cooked it for today. We also had a stew I made for dinner. I bought Greek yogurt, tuna and roast beef lunch meet to "beef" up my protein intake. The only kind of cottage cheese I like is Shamrock lowfat and Walmart doesn't carry it anymore. I also got cat supplies, treats, food, and litter. This cat is more expensive than the horses. I also bought another box of Girl Scout cookies, the Samoas. I should have just gotten the lemon ones, as they are out favorite.

I am writing down ideas of what I am going to say to Evan about serving a mission. 

Notes & Quotes

"There are things in our lives that may be neutral or even inherently good but that used in the wrong way become 'weapons of rebellion.'"

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Oh Tom, you're the Bomb!

What a cute grandma she makes!!

She posted this picture of the Gilbert temple

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025: Up @ 5 after being up several X during the night, left for the valley @ 7, Payson way, 60 closed, AARA, OG w/Sheri & Cayli, Xray, Clnrs, Stacy's, Costco, Home

 

Pueblo, Mexico

191st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2024

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

Come Follow Me

D&C 6:18-21, 29-37

Look unto Christ in every thought.

"Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."

RMN,  AGC 2017

Video with Elder Uchtdorf

October General Conference

'Trusting Our Father'

Elder David P. Homer

"As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf encouraged us to do: 'Please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.'"

'God Loves All His Children'

Elder Gregorio E. Casillas

"Please remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is your Savior and understands you personally. He knows what it is to have to fulfill a calling and leave things behind to help the children of God. He has the power to bless you in everything if you believe in Him and do not doubt."

Up at 5 after being up several times during the night. Tom finally got tired of me getting up and left earlier. We left for the valley at 7 and went the Payson way. I saw a Reel on Facebook that showed them doing some blasting and then saying some of the rocks were unstable and they were going to close and have everyone use the detours for a couple of days.

We stopped and got our tuna sandwiches. James got two and then dropped half of his so I gave him half of mine. I only wanted half in the first place. 

He dropped me off at AARA at 10:30 for my infusion and an appointment with Rana. He went to see Armando on the job at The Landings and pick up the last money from Chacon, $2,500.

Rana wants me to get x-rays of my knees but I couldn't make an appointment until 2pm. I left around noon and we went to Sheri's office to pick her and Cayli up for lunch. We went to Olive Garden. Cayli and Sheri ordered soup, salad and breadsticks, I ordered the cheese ravioli on the lunch specials menu, and James had the salmon and broccoli. 

The breadsticks were a little dry and tough, overcooked. James happened to mention to Sheri about his fall and hitting his head on concrete and how he has a headache today. Sheri immediately went in to worry mode. It was so nice of her to buy lunch for everyone. Ian is home sick today and she ordered him some soup, salad and breadsticks. We had to hurry back to Mesa in order for me to keep my x-ray appointment. 

After my x-rays we went to the cleaners back in Chandler and then took Stacy's birthday card to her house and gave it to Paul. James called his Aunt Faye and we rescheduled to see her on the 25th when we come down for James's next appointment. 

We went home going up Country Club and stopped at the Costco on Baseline across from AARA. I wanted toilet paper and James wanted Pom juice, which was $3 off a bottle. We also bought orange chicken and James bought some kind of a snack. 

We got home a little after 8:00. Tom was left in the house all day. He ran outside when James opened the door. When I called to him about having a treat, he ran back into the house. I gave him his treat and he wanted to go back outside. 

Some news about Sheri. The doctor has told her that her Cortisol levels are too high and she needs to eat more protein, 120 mg a day.

The doctor also said she should cut her exercising down to two or three times a week. She says she eats lots of Greek yogurt and tuna. 

We asked about Evan going on a mission and she said she didn't think he would go. He got a job at Safeway and was accepted at ASU. I told her I thought Rowan was going to go and she said if Joshua went Evan might go too. Don't worry, I'm not giving up!

Notes & Quotes

"The commandments of God provide the guiding and steadying force in our lives."

-President Dallin H. Oaks

This week's breakfast

Ten years ago a herd of elk

Instead of knee surgery