Monday, February 24th, 2025: Beautiful 65 degree day, Appt. w/ Dr. Moffat, James at the ER for CT Scan, Wlmrt, J works @ Beach's w/ Greg Anderson, Picked up tools

 

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 16-17:25

Come Follow Me

Feb 24-March 2: "The Worth of Souls is Great" Introduction

October General Conference

'O Youth of the Noble Birthright'

Bradley R. Wilcox

"Think of it! God trusts you - of all the people on the earth, the children of the covenant, His crew members - to help with his work of bringing all His children safely home to Him. No wonder President Brigham Young once said, 'All the angels in heaven are looking at this little handful of people.'"

A beautiful sunny day, no wind and the high around 65 degrees. Wendy, you are missing out!

I had an appointment with Dr. Moffat this morning about my blood pressure. For the last week or so my morning blood pressure has been 160/90. The one exception is my last visit to AARA when I took one of James's Nifedipines before going in. My blood pressure was 117/63. Dr. Moffat, for some reason doesn't want me to be on Nifedipine. He wrote me a prescription for a new drub, Amlodipine. I have to continue taking Metoprolol and Losartan. I'm going to try it for a few week to see how it works before asking to  be on Nifedipine, which I know works. 

While I was at my appointment James went to the ER to get a CT Scan. He said his head hurt and was feeling numb. I encouraged him to go. The CT scan came back normal which made him feel alot better.

I did some shopping at Walmart and picked up my new prescription. Thank goodness the pills are tiny. 

James worked at the Beach's this afternoon with Greg Anderson, laying out the house. He came home, we ate dinner and he asked me to go back over to Beach's with him because he left his tools there. It doesn't surprise me. I agreed to go. It took over an hour and when we got home I was ready for bed. We are leaving for the valley in the early a.m.

Notes & Quotes

"Your potential is divine. With you diligent seeking, God will give you glimpses of who you may become."

Cody and Dallin awhile ago

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025: Up @ 4:30 thx Tom, Study time, set up, Sacrament meeting, RS, Owen Peeler's news, Collin's news,

 

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 15:1-30

Come Follow Me

Witnesses of the Restoration

October General Conference

'Days Never To Be Forgotten'

Gary E. Stevenson

"This will be a decade never to be forgotten. But it will be doubly so if you actively strive to become a light unto the world of how the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ can enrich and enhance not only your lives but also those of your family, friends, and social media followers."

I got up at 4:30 thanks to Tom. I spent 2-3 hours studying, finishing up with my lesson. 

When we got to the church ward council was just getting over and Owen Peeler came over to talk to us. He said he had something to share with us that he has shared with most of his other friends. He looked at us and said: "I am getting married." I was shocked and asked when he met her. He said, "I met her 65 years ago on my mission." Not only is he getting married but he is moving to Louisiana. We love Owen and although we are very happy for him, we will miss him so much. We formed a lasting friendship during Covid when we met together to study "Come Follow Me." 

Did I mention that Owen is 85 years old. His sweet wife Donna had been gone almost a year.

Back to setting up for my lesson. Kerri took the handouts to the YW and Primary. Thank you Kerri. On to sacrament meeting.

Axel Golly  was the youth speaker. I think it was his first time. 

Jesus lives and has restored His gospel. He talked about the Restoration. All are invited to come to Church. Axel told about being sealed in the temple when he was six and how important that was. 

Kristine Hipps - The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. This is Kristine's favorite parable. The son who left 'came to himself.' He humbled himself and mustered the courage he needed to return home. The father loved both of his sons. He welcomed his son home. Kristine told about her "Celestial" parents and their unconditional love. She then went on to talk about her children. She and Bob have 13 children between them, they have both been married before. Two of their children have left the church, which is heartbreaking for them. Their story is not finished. We love and include them in everything. The older brother in the parable was upset. The father told him it was not about comparing, but about healing and return.

Robert Hipps - The Sermon on the Mount. 3 things from the Sermon:

Matt 5:22/3 Nephi 12:22 - Whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of judgment. 25 - Agree with thine adversary quickly.

27 - Think pure thoughts. 44 - love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. 

Time for Relief Society. Announcements and council question before my lesson, "Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion."

The council meeting was about making people feel welcome in our meetings which in a way, fit right in to the lesson. 

I feel like the lesson went well. I'm already looking forward to next month's lesson with President Freeman's talk.

Today was a beautiful day. Sunny, no wind, a little cool. I'm just wishing we had some rain or snow to look forward to.

We cleaned out the frig and had the last of the enchiladas for lunch along with some other leftovers. After lunch it was time for naps.

Up from my nap I tried to catch up on my blog. Thursday and Friday went okay but the computer is frozen and I'm about to give up. James and I both need new computers. 

Tom is driving me crazy. He keeps going in and out like he doesn't know what he wants. He finally steps out and stays out. 

James talked to Collin DeWitt this evening. James texted him and said that we missed him and Wendy at our meetings today. Collin said they were in the valley visiting his sick uncle. He also said that Wendy has been complaining of the cold so he rented her an apartment in the valley. Interesting. 

Colling is exciting about the guy they are teaching at WayPoint. He says he has no religious background and when Collin takes him home they talk for a long time about the gospel. Collin says he feels like a missionary again.

I fed Harry, formerly known as Bob. Sammy is afraid of this cat and won't eat when he is around. Harry ate all of Sammy's food.

I sent my letter to Evan this evening about serving a mission. 

Notes & Quotes

"If our love of God and our determination to serve Him with all our might, mind, and strength become the touchstone by which we judge all things and make all our decisions, we will have buried our weapons of rebellion."

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Happy Sabbath!

Another one blooms

Joe's birthday cake, a few days early

Yellow cake with blueberry compote

and blueberry frosting

Really?

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025: James has a mtg. at Applegate's cute pic of deer, Working on my lesson, Fixed James's lunch, Barrow Brain & Spine cancels James's appointment, Sheri got her card, Alex takes Sheri to lunch @ Jinga's,

 

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 13:6-14:6

Come Follow Me

D&C 17

The Lord uses witnesses to establish His word.

October General Conference

'Seek Him with All Your Heart'

Bishop L. Todd Budge

"When our focus is less on doing and more on strengthening our covenant connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I testify that each of these sacred moments will be enriched, and we will receive the guidance needed in our personal lives."

We watched a Church video as part of "Come Follow Me" this morning. It was about the witnesses of the Book of Mormon and the organization of the Church in the Peter Whitmer home. I am always so impressed with the quality of the videos the Church makes.

James had a meeting at the Applegate's this morning regarding their house. While he was there the Applegate's dog sniffed out a deer. James got a video of the deer chasing the dog away. He also got this picture:

A dog chasing deer

I spent most of the day working on my lesson. I never know if I have enough information or too much. Unlike Sunday School I don't think very many of the sisters actually read the lesson ahead of time. 

James did not feel well today. He was complaining about his head feeling numb. Stacy from Barrow Brain & Spine called yesterday and cancelled James's appointment on Tuesday. She said his last scan looked good and the doctor wants to see him every three months. I asked her about going back on Plavix and she said she would ask the doctor and get back with me. 

James and I had lunch together. I made him a ham and cheese sandwich with chicken gumbo soup. I had a piece of sourdough toast with butter and my leftover salad from Streets.

Sheri got her birthday card today. Finally! Alex took Sheri to lunch at a place in downtown Chandler called Jinga. She said she had ramen and it was delicious!

Notes & Quotes

"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.'"

Gladys Denham in the blue was my

friend in high school. She goes by

Buni now.

These are the Terra Cotta soldiers.

I saw them when I was in China

Sweet Barbara & T-Bo

Friday, February 21st, 2025: Lesson handouts day, Kathy Crane's birthday - gift forthcoming, Tom gets locked downstairs, Applegate's house plans, rubber cement, "The Way Home"

 

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 12:1-13:5

Come Follow Me

D&C 15-16

Bringing Souls unto Christ is of great worth.

October General Conference

'Mortality Works'

Elder Brook P. Hales

I spent most of the day working on the handouts for my lesson. At the end of the day I had completed 55. After doing some figuring, 40 for Relief Society, 11 for Primary, and 6 for Young Women I realized I needed to make two more. I will do that in the morning. The rest of the day tomorrow will be spent on preparing for my lesson. 

Today is Kathy Crane's birthday. I think she turns 77. I sent her a text and wished her a happy birthday. I have a card for her and some fancy hand soap that I will give her on Sunday. 

I did my blog for Wednesday  but I'm still a day behind. I hate it when that happens, but it's because I've been spending so much time on my lesson.

This morning I sat my plastic container of matches and fire starters on the steps going downstairs. Tom was asleep on his chair under the high table. I did not see him jump down and sneak past the downstairs door when I closed it. Later I asked James if he had let Tom outside and he said no. I knew I hadn't, so I went around the house calling him. No answer. James checked upstairs, he wasn't there. He said, did you close a door recently that he could be behind. I said no initially but then I remembered the downstairs door. I opened it and Tom wasn't there. When I called his name he came running up the stairs. Oh Tom, I am so sorry. I can see how curiosity really could kill a cat.

James got the preliminary plans for Applegate's mansion/home. He showed them to me. The house is huge but I do not care for the outside front view. It just looks more like an office than a home to me. But, what do I know?

Sheri still hasn't received her birthday card. I mailed it at the UPS store on Tuesday, plenty of time for it to have arrived in Chandler. 

James and I watched "The Way Home" this evening. Now we know Cole is a time traveler. Del is having a difficult time with this, especially regarding the disappearance of Jacob as a child.

James went to town today. I mentioned to him I might run out of rubber cement. I was using it to do my handouts. He brought some back for me. He is very thoughtful. 

Notes & Quotes

"Planting a seed today is to believe in tomorrow."

Sheri's desk on her birthday.

On their way to snowboarding,

March 8, 2022

More flowers for Sheri

Sheri's favorite pizza joint

Thursday, February 20th, 2025: Sheri's 50th bday, temple w/ the Tignor's, Streets on Main, nap, Bunco w/ Stefani & Michelle, 4 subs tonight, mini corndogs, years supply gifts, leave early

Salt Lake City, Utah

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 Apr 1893

By: Wilford Woodruff

Book of Mormon

2nd Nephi 10:18-11:8

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:66-75

Ordinances give me access to God's power.

DAB: "With the Power of God in Great Glory" OGC 2021

October General Conference

'Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions'

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

"One key principle taught throughout the Book of Mormon is when God's children choose to demonstrate obedience and keep their covenants, they receive continual spiritual guidance and direction. The Lord has told us that through our obedience and diligence, we may gain knowledge and intelligence. God's laws and commandments are not designed to be an obstacle in our life but a powerful gateway to personal revelation and spiritual education."

Happy 50th Birthday Sheri!

She asked Kim for Rice Krispy treats

instead of a cake. Kim's are

the best, extra creamy!

I had a slow morning because of last night's interrupted sleep. 

Tom 'kissed' me this morning. He put his face right on mine for just a quick second. Just before he's ready to get up he lays on my chest and I scratch behind his ears as he purrs like a locomotive. It's our 'special time.'

I started getting ready for the temple at 8:45 and we left at 9:30 for the Tignor's and then the temple. 

The Tignor's lost one of their kittens. Now they only have Hope instead of Faith & Hope. 

I was very tired during the session and had a difficult time staying awake. The Tignor's always participate in the prayer circle. James usually looks at me to see if I want to go up, but this time he didn't. I wondered if something was wrong. 

After the session T-Bo wanted to go to Streets for lunch. James and I aren't crazy about it, but we didn't say anything. We went Dutch treat. Barbara got the Western burger, and T-Bo got the green chili cheeseburger. Neither of them ate their buns. James got fish and chips because I wanted 'just a few' fries. I ordered the crispy chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. My salad was okay and James's fish & chips were okay. It ended up costing us $39.68 with the tip. Prices are so high!

After we dropped the Tignor's off at home James reminded me that he doesn't really like "Streets." It's not my favorite either, but I reminded him that it was T-Bo's choice and next time we would get to choose which means Eva's, unless the Tignor's want to go to Grumpy Jake's in Lakeside. I know they love it because T-Bo mentioned it. 

It was after 3 when I laid down for a nap. I got up at 4:30 to get ready for Bunco. I decided to give a 4-pk of green beans and a 30-pk box of hot chocolate for my 'years supply' gift. I warmed up my mini corndogs, grabbed the ketchup and mustard and was on my way. I did kiss James goodbye. 

I met Stefani Hunsaker at the church. She was dropping off dinner for the elders. We transferred my stuff to her car and we were on our way with one more stop. Michelle Beckham, who just had knee surgery on Monday, is subbing for her mom who is in Snowflake babysitting for grandkids. I was surprised that Michelle felt up to coming. What a trouper. 

We were the first ones to arrive at Cheryl Sedigs. Lots of comments on my rectangular crockpot. The mini corndogs were yummy. We had four subs tonight: Michelle for Donna, Heidi, Tina's daughter subbed for Becky. Maddie, Lynn Wallace's sister subbed for Janna, and Bertie subbed for Alicia who is in the valley babysitting. I really liked all of the subs. Enjoyed Oksana tonight who had on a pink top. Lynda Finnell teased her that she looked like a girlie girl. Oksana has been a prison guard for 26 years. She works at the prison in St. Johns right now. 

I also enjoyed visiting with Amy Reynolds, one of my favorites, and Cheryl Sedig. I was telling them about James locking me out of the house one night and they told me a story about Rosie Lauritzen. 

Not only did Rick lock her out of the house but he also locked the gate around their property. He had gone to bed and was not answering the phone. Rosie didn't have her phone but Cheryl kept calling on hers. Finally Rosie climbed the fence and knocked on the window to wake Rick up. The great thing about this story is, according to Cheryl, that Rosie remained calm and never got upset. Rosie is a saint!

I came home with matches and lighters in a plastic container for my years supply gift. We only played two rounds of Bunco instead of three because Michelle's knee was really bothering her. 

I know I said I would post a Milky Ranch story every Thursday, but things have changed. Not sure when the next one will come, but it will be soon.

Not sure what year, but it was awhile ago!

Sheri's roses from Ben & Cayli

Soleil Hoose

John Wilhelm before heart surgery

Sandra & John Wilhelm's wedding

Sleepy Time

 

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025: Tom the Bomb, Lesson handouts, Homemade chicken noodle soup fixed & delivered to the Grombach's, Herd of elk, Hot & Sour soup, J does dishes, blog & handouts

 

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888

By Lorenzo Snow

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

Come Follow Me

What are priesthood keys?

October General Conference

'I Am He'

Jeffrey R. Holland

"Whom seek ye?" With all our hearts we answer, "Jesus of Nazareth." When He says, "I am he," we bow our knee and confess with our tongue that He is the living Christ, that He alone atoned for our sins, that He was carrying us even when we thought He had abandoned us. When we stand before Him and see the wounds in His hands and feet, we will begin to comprehend what it meant for Him to bear our sins and be acquainted with grief, to be completely obedient to the will of His Father - all out of pure love for us.\

Tom loves to lay by me, or on my early in the morning, then he wants me to feed him and let him outside.

I started my handouts for my lesson today. I've got 12 out of 55 done. Here is a picture:

The bottom lines are for the sisters

to write down their "weapons

of rebellion" they are going to bury

My main accomplishment today was fixing homemade chicken noodle soup for the Grombach's. Janna has strep throat and Willy doesn't feel well.

Kathy Crane picked up popsicles, ice cream, and Italian ice in town today for dessert. She is also bringing homemade rolls. She picked me up at 5:15 and off we went. 

Janna said because she is contagious and to just put the food on the table on the porch. As we were getting out of the car Willy came out of the house. He's cheeks were flushed and he said he thought he might be getting what Janna has. As we were giving him the food Kathy had to explain all of the desserts. Willy was so grateful, it was sweet. Janna texted us thank you and said they loved us both.

As Kathy turned on to 3261 she saw some elk and backed up to show me just as I looked up and saw more elk on the other side of the road. There were about 10-12 of them. They were all cows but some of them looked like they had beards with their long neck hair.

James was eating hot & sour soup when I got home. He ended up dong the dishes for me. I finished up my blog, made a few handouts, and watched a movie while doing my journal prep for tomorrow and writing about today.

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025: Roustabout Tom, Alma 17-27, James works @ Beach's, Armando pours @ Landings, J&I UPS, Wlmrt, Harbor Freight, Hot & Sour soup & KFC, Janna has strep, taking her soup tomorrow

 

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:31-49

Come Follow Me

D&C 19

Jesus Christ sent John the Baptist to restore the Aaronic Priesthood.

October General Conference

'In the Space of Not Many Years'

Elder David A. Bednar

"As we pridefully focus upon ourselves, we also are afflicted with spiritual blindness and miss much, most, or perhaps all that is occurring within and around us. We cannot look to and focus upon Jesus Christ as the 'mark' if we only see ourselves."

Tom came in at 11:30 last night and left again at 4:30 this morning. I wonder where he goes.

I studied from the Book of Mormon for my Relief Society lesson, Alma 17-27, the conversion of the Lamanites. I wanted to get the back story fresh in my mind.

James left this morning to take supplies over to the Beach job and to pick up steel at White Mountain Steel. He said he so enjoyed being outside and working on a job. It was a nice day today, no wind, a great day for being outside. Also, Armando poured concrete for another little job at the Landings. 

When James got home this afternoon he took a nap with Tom. Here is a picture. I couldn't resist.

I love that James has his arm around Tom.

James went outside to work after his nap. When I got ready to make my trip to town I asked him if he wanted to go. He said he shouldn't because he had so much today, but he wanted to, and so he did. I was so happy!

We stopped and picked up a package and some other mail at the post office and then were on our way to Show Low. Our first stop was the UPS store where I returned the pillow cases I ordered and then cancelled. The package, with two pillow cases in it, cost me $14.95 to mail back to the company. If I hadn't opened it, it would not have cost anything. I actually thought it was one of my Amazon orders. I also mailed Sheri's birthday card.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to wash the car and pick up some saw blades at Harbor Freight. He picked up some hot and sour soup next door at the China Buffet and then headed to Circle K to wash the car. 

One of the reason I needed to go shopping was to get the ingredients for chicken noodle soup. My friend Janna Grombach has strep throat and since I'm her ministering sister I am taking her chicken noodle soup tomorrow. Kathy Crane is my partner and she is bringing dessert and some homemade rolls.

James loves fried chicken and I never make it so I suggested we stop at KFC on the way home. We got the deal of the day, 8 pieces of chicken with all of the sides for $20. 

Another reason I went shopping was to get treats for Tom. He was so happy to get his treat this evening. 

I just realized that not only are we going to the temple on Thursday but I have Bunco Thursday night. I got a bag of mini corndogs for my snack. 

Notes & Quotes

"For Heavenly Father's purposes to be accomplished, Christ's atoning power needs to be made available to God's children. The priesthood delivers these opportunities."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

I love how James's arm is around Tom

He's looking at me and knows he's

in trouble.