Wednesday, February 26th, 2025: Happy Birthday Adam & Joe, James mtgs w/ Armando, Landings, Chinese warehouse, I sleep in until 9:30, Hi to Addy, Trina, Costco, AARA, Pickup trailer, Buni Denham passes away, Burger House, Home to Tom

 

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 March 1956

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 19-20:11

Come Follow Me

D&C 18:10-13

"The worth of souls is great in the sight of God"

Joy D. Joes, "Value Beyond Measure" OGC 2017

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Matter to Him," OGC 2011

October General Conference

'Nourish the Root and the Branches will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Strong faith in Jesus Christ doesn't happen overnight. No, in this mortal world, it's the thorns and thistles of doubt that grow spontaneously. The healthy, fruitful tree of faith requires intentional effort. And a vital part of that effort is making sure we are firmly rooted in Christ."

'The Words of Christ And The Holy Ghost Will Lea Us To The Truth'

Elder Takashi Wada

"President Russell M. Nelson has aid, 'The way you think about who you ,. are affects ... every decision you will ever make.'"

James left around 8 this morning for some work meetings. He and Armando met with people at the Landings and at the Chinese warehouse. He also went to Burnham's and got some citrus fruit. 

I stayed home, took some pain meds and slept in until 9:30. I got up and dressed and went downstairs to work on my blog. First I had to get on the new wifi. 

I got to see Addy. Her hair has pink tips. She offered me some of her Butter Beer E.L. Fudgies and her Butter Beer Goldfish. I liked the cookies, they taste like butterscotch but not the Goldfish. Trina was just the opposite. 

Trina took some Benadryl and slept in this morning too. She seems to feel a little better and decided she would go for a run. Addy left for school. 

James got back from his morning meetings after 11. We eat the rest of the blackberries James bought and then we left. We had lunch at the Whataburger on Signal Butte right near where we needed to get on the freeway. We both got Whataburger Juniors and they were delicious. 

While we were driving on the freeway Armando called James and James passed up our exit on Country Club. We are going to Costco and then to Arizona Arthritis. I had a coupon for $61.52 at Costco. We spent about twice that much. We bought pistachios, walnuts, me a pair of black pants, protein shakes, acai juice, two Pom juices and toilet paper. 

James dropped me off at Arizona Arthritis while he went back to get gas at Costco. He paid $3.34 a gallon which was good for down here where most places it is $3.69. It's $3.19 in Globe, Payson and Show Low so we really didn't save any money on gas.

Rana gave me a cortisone shot in both of my knees with Julia assisting. I asked her if it was going to hurt and she said, "Only if you were a man." HaHa. It hurt a little for a few seconds in each knee and then the knees felt great. I should have done this a long time ago. 

Now we are ready to go home except we have to go back to Erik's school and pick up the trailer. We picked it up and headed home the Globe way. We got to Superior after 2:30 but traffic was still stopped, which slowed us down a little. 

We stopped in Miami at Burger House to celebrate my new knees and to get some dinner. While James was ordering I looked at a message I got from Kim Anderson who is a member of our ward. She is married to Greg Anderson. She works at Walter Denham's dental office in Pinetop and knows my high school friend Gladys Denham, Walter's sister. Gladys now goes by Buni Denham. Kim said that Buni got pneumonia in October and never really got over it. She had COPD and sometimes her oxygen levels were down in the lower 70's. She passed away last Friday. Kim was letting me know about the funeral on Saturday, March 8th in Pinedale at 11:00. I told her we wanted to go and she said we could carpool. 

I have some funny memories with Gladys. When we were seniors she talked me into taking earth science instead of chemistry because it would be so much easier. We were the only two seniors in a sea of freshman.

The next day after driving for her driver's license I asked if she passed. She said no, "I ran in to the instructor's car trying to parallel park. 

Back to Burger House. Ben had told me how good their onion rings were so I had James get some. They were the absolute best onion rings I have ever eaten and the only ones I will ever eat again. So yummy! I also had a green mixed burro which I couldn't finish at the restaurant but did manage to finish on the way home. James had a chicken enchilada and of course helped me eat the onion rings. 

Tom was so excited when we got home. As soon as James opened the front door he ran outside on to the front porch. When he saw me go in, he ran back in. I fed him and he wanted out again, then he wanted back in. So crazy. James went to an elder's quorum presidency meeting so I unloaded about half of the stuff from the car and put it away. 

James had some news about Wendy DeWitt from the meeting. When Collin left for his missionary meeting Chuck told James that the apartment in the valley where Wendy is staying was rented for 18 months. Wow...that sort of sounds like a separation if Wendy doesn't come back for 18 months.

Tom slept by James, then he slept by me, then James, and then me. 

We had our purr and pet session before he went to sleep. 

Notes & Quotes

How can we look unto the Savior in every thought?  (D&C 6:36). Sister Joy D. Jones explained:

"The Lord counseled, 'Look unto me in every thought.' And each week we covenant to do just that - to 'always remember Him. Can such a godly focus apply in everything we do? Can performing even a menial task become an opportunity to demonstrate our love and devotion to Him? I believe it can and will.

"We can make each item on our to do list become a way to glorify Him. We can see each task as a privilege and opportunity to serve Him, even when we are in the midst of deadlines, duties or diapers ...

"When serving our Lord becomes our main priority in life, we lose ourselves, and in due course, we find ourselves." ("For Him" OGC 2018).

Gladys "Buni" Denham

On the left is how I remember her.

Happy 28th Birthday Joe!

Kim made brownies for Adam but

she didn't get a picture.

Happy 35th Birthday Adam

Tired Tom

 

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025: Leave for valley arnd 8, Tom stays inside, Erik @ ALA leave Razr, Sheri Cafe Rio, Kim&Brian, Stacy, Lois, Rebecca, Dawn, Aunt Faye's, Darrel & Trinas

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 18:1-22

Come Follow Me

D&C 18:1-5

"Build up my church."

October General Conference

'Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

"As we do our best to teach those we love about the doctrine of Jesus Christ, some may still not respond. Doubts may creep into your ind. You might question whether you know the Savior's doctrine well enough to teach it effectively. And if you've already made attempts to teach it, you may wonder why the positive effects aren't more visible. Don't give in to those doubts. Turn to God for help. 'Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; ... let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.'"

Up at 4:17 thanks to Tom. We are leaving for the valley around 7:30. It was actually closer to 8 when we left. James went back to get some consecrated oil because Sheri asked for a blessing and he wasn't sure if it was for a health blessing or not. 

Tom was asleep on his chair at the high table so we left him in the house with lots of food. I also left lots of food for Sammy. Harry hasn't been back since James too food away from him. 

We met Erik at American Leadership Academy high school, applied technologies on Pecos and Sossaman. We dropped off the trailer and Razr. Thanks Erik for letting us park the trailer here.

From Erik's we went to Sheri's work to pick her up and take her to lunch. We took her car, which is so nice and clean, and went to Cafe Rio. Sheri wanted to try Pear Bistro but she thought it looked too busy. 

It's taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio, which means tacos are $2.69 instead of $5.29, almost half price. Sheri saved us a table while James and I got in line. It was quite a long line. Sheri and I both ordered sweet pork tacos. Sheri also asked for a large drink and chips with queso, which she shared with us. James ordered a fire-grilled chicken tostado. We both got lemonade drinks, James flavored with mango and mine with strawberry. 

Sheri told us about Dallin's company, Clear, merging with TSA and as a result, Dallin losing his job. She said it wasn't really his fault but company politics. 

Sheri, Ben, Cayli, Max, Michael, and Joe are leaving for Italy on Thursday. 

We went back to Sheri's office, which was closed for lunch. We went into one of the exam rooms and James gave Sheri a blessing. She said the problem is she just feels empty inside and hopeless about her kids every living the gospel. I could not hear James's blessing but Sheri seemed happy with it afterwards as she gave him a hug. 

As we were leaving the parking lot we saw Ben & Cayli coming back from lunch so we stopped to talk with them for a few minutes and wished them a fun and exciting trip.

Our next stop was Kim & Brian's where we dropped off Joe's birthday card and picked up a piece of his birthday cake. Mmmm, delicious! 

After Kim & Brian's we went to Stacy's to drop off Adam's birthday card, get a piece of her birthday cake and to give her some Tramadol for her back. 

Stacy's cake is a vanilla cake with almond frosting and it was my favorite. James liked the frosting too. The nice thing about going to Stacy's is the dogs did not bark at us. Maybe they remembered us staying with them back in December and were a little more tolerant of us.

On to Lois and Dawn's. Dawn was gone teaching and Rebecca was there with her mom and Rebecca answered the door. Did I mention that it's 90 degrees here in the Valley of the Sun on this beautiful February day?

Lois told us about Tim's 15 year old daughter Valerie. Sheri had already told us most of it as she and Kim visited with Lois on Sunday. Valerie got a bad case of strep throat. The she got septis and her organs began to shut down. They immediately air-vacked her to a bigger hospital. James texted Tim and this is what he said:

"Thanks for checking Jim. They took her off the ventilator today and are in the process of trying to wake her up, She is still delirious and on some oxygen, but this has been a huge step forward."

We are praying for her. I can't imagine something like this happening to our Ruby who is 15. 

Dawn came home from teaching and we got to visit with her a few minutes. She told us how to get to Aunt Faye's. Aunt Faye lives at Fellowship Square on Main in Mesa just east of Power on the south side of the road. We met Aunt Faye in the lobby around 4:15. We went back to the dining room and ordered our food and gave our orders to our waitress whose name was Darlyn. We all got the brisket on Texas toast with peas, mashed potatoes, and a salad with Italian dressing. We all had lemon water to drink and Aunt Faye had iced tea. For dessert lemon cake with ice cream. 

After dinner we went up to Aunt Faye's apartment in building 4, the third floor, room 4372. Her dog Toby had his head sticking between the balcony railing watching us come from the dining area across the patio to come upstairs. Aunt Faye was on her scooter, James, myself, and the security guard walking. He had to unlock doors for us because Aunt Faye forgot her key. 

Toby is a very energetic 4 year old part poodle, the rest of him a mixture, dog. We visited for awhile as James played with Toby. 

Aunt Faye's favorite color is red. Red drapes, a red wall in the dining area and in her bedroom. She showed us family pictures, one with Lois as a teenager that I would love to have a copy of. 

We gave Aunt Faye a hug and said goodbye to Toby. Aunt Faye is lonely in spite of having friends here. I am so glad we made this visit. On to Darrel & Trina's where we are staying. 

Darrel, Trina, Ruby and Lola were at home and helped us to bring in our stuff. They were just finishing up dinner. I sat down and visited. Ruby was working on her chemistry homework. Darrel wasn't much help because he said he couldn't remember the concept she was working on. He had a sore shoulder and was using the Tenzi on it. I mentioned YouTube. Darrel said to Google the answer and you may find out how to work it. Ruby is getting ready for track season to start this week. She can run a mile at 5.36.

Trina told a story about Lola. She said when she was little she didn't like to go to church and she would say, "I don't want to go to church, I don't want to go to church,...sorry Jesus."

Lola also had a lot of warts on her hands. I told her when I was in high school I had 17 warts on my hand that the doctor burned off. Trina said they had already tried that. Poor Lola. Lola takes dance classes and her recitals are coming up. 

Rowan got home from work where he was washing bouncy houses and balls. He also went to see a friend open his missionary calling. Rowan has 16 Suns jerseys hanging from his bedroom wall and three guitars. I picked out my two favorite jerseys but forgot to take pictures of them. Thank you Rowan for letting us stay in your room. 

Darrel had drained their pool and Trina is afraid the plaster is going to crack. Darrel says it's fine and he will fill the pool up on Saturday. He told about the last time Rowan took the truck to the cabin something was wrong when he got back. They took the truck in and the mechanic said it looked like some kind of an animal had chewed some wires in two. That's what happens when you bring your car/truck to the country. At least there is a chance of it happening. 

Trina had a stuffy nose and she kept apologizing for being sick and not knowing she was sick. I told her I have stuffy noses all of the time. She was doing her homework to finish her bachelor's of nursing degree so she can become a nurse practitioner.

James walked to Safeway and spent $52.00. I can't complain because half of what he got was for me. He went up to bed when he got home. This was before 10. I wanted to wait for Addy to get home from work at Firehouse Sub. I thought she would be home a little after 10. When I mentioned this to Trina she said she wouldn't be home until 10:45. I went to bed without seeing Addy hoping I would see her in the morning. 

Darrel turned on the AC for us because it was 86 degrees. Once it cooled down the AC went off. I turned on the fan in Rowan's room and the room temp was very comfortable. 

We met all of these incredible family members today and I got no pictures. I'm just too forgetful!

Notes & Quotes

"If the love we feel for the Savior and what He did for us is greater than the energy we give to weaknesses, self-doubts, or bad habits, then He will help us overcome the things which cause suffering in our lives. He saves us from ourselves. 

Let me reemphasize: if the pull of the world is stronger than the faith and trust we have in the Savior, then the pull of the world will prevail every time. If we choose to focus on our negative thoughts and doubt our worth instead of clinging to the Savior, it becomes more difficult to feel the impressions of the Holy Ghost."

- Sister Joy D. Jones

I see Ruby

 

 

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