Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025: 7:30 Leave for valley, smoke or clouds, AARA, Costco, Kim's, Lien release for DJ, Chili's, Kim home, Burned home in hood w/ Armando, Sheri's - dry cleaning, Salvador, Homeward bound to Tom

 

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 April 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Words of Mormon 1:1-18

Come Follow Me

D&C 29:1-28

Jesus Christ invites me to help gather His people before His Second Coming.

Video: The Gong's

April 2025 General Conference

Talk #2

We left for the valley at 7:30 leaving Tom asleep in his chair and Sammy with plenty of food and water. Of course Tom had food and water too in the house.

We went the Payson way and I noticed the dead trees, so sad. It's because of bark beetles who attack trees who need water.  We also saw what we thought was smoke from a fire but actually only turned out to be clouds, thank goodness.

Looks like smoke but it turned out to be a cloud

We arrived at AARA at 10:53 for my 11:15 appointment. Amanda took me right back. She put in the port and took some blood before Renata, a registered nurse came over and started my Orencia infusion. Ang is in Portugal on vacation. I hope she is having fun. Frances has new glasses. They are big for her small face but she looks cute in them.

James waited for me outside because I was only inside about 35-40 minutes. He walked and read from "The Life of Lucien Maxwell."

When I came out we went across the street to Costco. James needs to get his Acai juice and pomegranate juice. I only had 3 things on my lift: protein waffles, Harry Potter popcorn, and Swiffer duster replacement heads. I was disappointed because I could not find any of these things. I did find a new foam mat for our kitchen and that was it.

After coming out of Costco we headed for Chandler to pick up Kim for lunch. Darryl Johnson kept calling James about releasing the lien now that the money he sent is actually in our account. When we got to Kim's James went in and used their computer to run off the form he needed. Kim and I went with him to the UPS store where someone notorized his signature and he sent the form to Darryl Johnson and to Titan Lien. Now maybe Darryl will leave us alone for awhile. His wife, Leigh Ann is supposed to send us $2,600 for the money we loaned them to get their car out of hawk. Hopefully she will honor her commitment but for some reason I doubt it.

I wanted to go to Chili's for lunch where we could get a protein packed meal. Both Kim and I are on a low-carb diet. We both ordered steaks, Kim got the sirloin and I got a ribeye, with asparagus and plain mashed potatoes. James got the brisket quesadilla.

James took 3 pieces in a takeout box and gave

them to Kim to give to Brian. He also ate

Kim's potatoes and I saved mine for him and he 

had them for breakfast on Thursday with some eggs

in the form of a potato patty.

I got my steak medium well and Kim got

hers well-done.

We took Kim home and then met Armando at a house on Palm Lane that has lots of fire damage. The insurance company had already paid the owner over $200,000. This is a job that Salvador found and he will probably be doing a lot of the work. He needs to use James's contractor's license so that's why James is involved. James says we could make up to $20,000 doing very little work. I suppose any work our company does will be done by Armando.

Sheri was at her house because the AC repairmen were looking at her AC. I guess it's under warranty and they are putting in a new motor. Sheri picked up some dry cleaning for us so we picked it up and said hi to her. James also stopped to talk to Salvador who lives in Gail's old house, about the job on Palm Lane.

We went home the Payson way. There is supposed to be some rain or snow but it was nothing like last time, this time it was a very small amount. 

I was chilled, had a sneezy, runny nose, a sore throat and a cough, I immediately changed my clothes and climbed under my cozy blanket on the bedroom recliner where I can sit up and not cough so much. I finished watching "Wicked" on my phone, took some meds, and went to sleep. I think I may have also had a protein shake.

Tom was happy to see us when we got home. He couldn't decided if he wanted in or out. He finally decides to stay outside. I let him in when I got up to go to the bathroom at 1 a.m.

The perfect addition

So true. I had a dress like the girl in the

front row, far left. Socks with dress shoes too.

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025: So tired, slept in, Beach's, wind blew hard, lunch, town - bloodwork, gas, Taco Bell, Hatch Concrete, clean floor & baseboards, new book, ""This Above All"

 

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:12-30

Come Follow Me

D&C 29

Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children.

Topics & Questions, "Plan of Salvation" Gospel Library

April General Conference

So tired that I slept in until seven. James had to go to Beach's to strip forms. We said family prayer and waited to read from the Book of Mormon and "Come Follow Me" until this evening. 

The wind blew hard today, so hard I decided not to visit my mom's grave. I will do it when the wind quits blowing so hard.

James came home for lunch. I fixed BLT's and heated up some of Brian's pasta fagioli soup without the pasta. After lunch we made a trip to town. We deposited some cash into the business account so James could pay Beach's concrete bills. Johnson's deposit is pending until April 9th. I guess because it is an out of state bank, I don't know, but Daryl is not going to be happy.

I got my bloodwork done at Sonora Quest. This girl, Jeanne MacKey

was so good, I didn't feel a thing. I wish they were that good at Arizona Arthritis. The purpose for the bloodwork is to check my thyroid. 

We got gas for our trip to the valley tomorrow. James also bought me a drink. After being off diet drinks for over a month I felt desperate for one today. It tasted so good on my dry throat. 

We drove through Taco Bell. I got my standard two tacos while James was more adventurous and tried the new steak street chalupas. They were okay. His favorite things was the crispy cheese on the outside of the shell. 

On the way out of town we stopped at Hatch Concrete to pay our bill. We had a difficult time finding someone to pay. James handed the check to a guy with a long beard named Aaron, just for the record. 

Back at home James cleaned out his truck while I cleaned the wood floors and baseboards in the family room. Well, at least I got a start. Every baseboard in the house needs to have Liquid Gold put on it.

We had scriptures and James walked and listened to our new book, "This Above All" by Dana LeCheminant. Tom played with Pinky#2 and pulled his eyes off. I am feeling more energetic after drinking my DPZ.

Notes & Quotes

"In a world filled with contention and division, where civil discourse has been replaced with judgment and scorn, and friendships are defined by -isms and-ites, I have come to know that there is a clear, simple, and divine example we can look to for unity, love, and belonging. That example is Jesus Christ. I testify that He is the great unifier."

Amy Lemmerman's dad

Nita Holta & Pam Giles 2023

Monday, March 31st, 2025: Anniversary of my Mom's death - Stacy always remembers, Kim & Brian leave, James pours concrete, Deposit from DJ's dad, Dr. Brady,

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

Come Follow Me

Mar 31-Apr 6: "Jesus Christ Will Gather His People"

D&C 29 Introduction

October General Conference

'The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again'

President Russell M. Nelson

"The best is yet to come, my dear brothers and sisters, because the Savior is coming again! the best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ."

I dropped my phone under the recliner this morning and I had to wait until James got up to help me get it out. Tom had jumped up on me around 4 for pet and purr. 

James left around 6 to pour concrete at the Beach's. He says T-Bo wants to help him but James says he really doesn't need him but doesn't want to hurt his feelings. So T-Bo came and James ended up being grateful. Some of the forms "blew-out" and T-Bo was there to help him was everyone else was working on getting the concrete out. T-Bo has a heart condition and James sent him home after he was there for a couple of hours. The pour turned out well and Anthony, the finisher who called at 3:45 this morning saying his truck broke down, made it to the Beach's before James did. Chris Pronger and Paul Peeler were also there. 

As important as a concrete pour is, this wasn't the important story of the day. Daryl Johnson's dad is visiting Daryl and says he has the money to pay $14,500 of the $21,000 Daryl owes us. James said he would release the lien if they paid the $14, 500. Daryl's dad wrote the check and Sheri met them, picked it up, and deposited it in James's account. I looked and it is pending. I think they can cancel the deposit for up to three days after the deposit is made so we are not in the clear yet. I guess the reason Daryl had his dad pay us is because the owners finally locked him out of the building. Daryl's wife, LeeAnn says she will pay the $2,600 they borrowed to get their car out of hawk. 

I got a call from Dennis, my brother today. He said he was coming home from seeing his doctor, Dr. Brady, and was wondering if I still wanted to get in to see him? I said yes, both James and I were looking for a new doctor. He said he spoke with Dr. Brady and the doctor said he would take me as a patient, even though the front office says he is not taking any new patients. I called and got an appointment for May 1st. Yay! Thank you Dennis!

As for accomplishments for the day they were nil. My eating was off, I was tired and that translated into being lazy. I was a lazy rebel. On a more exciting note I did get an Amazon package today. I got my new Sunday shoes, which I love, my night cream, and my eye mister. 

Stacy texted me, as she does every year, on the date of my mother's death. She always remembers and I am grateful. I want to visit my mother's grave and I also want to do my mom and dad's temple sealing very soon so I can be sealed to them.

Notes & Quotes

And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

 

March 30th, 2025: Cut J's hair, Prelude - "Consider the Lilies", 3 Waypoint guys, Fast & Testimony meeting I am the last one, 5th Sunday discussion, Cherry pie, Owen's Farewell @ the Crane's

 

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jaron 1:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C 28:8-9

Why was a mission to the Lamanites significant?

October General Conference

'Sons and Daughters of God'

Elder Reuben V. Alliaud

"I testify as with the Apostle Paul that 'the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.' "

'Focus on Jesus Christ and His Gospel'

Elder I. Raymond Egbo

"As we focus on Christ and follow His prophet, we too will be led to Christ and the joy of His gospel. President Nelson has taught: 'Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy bring God's power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, 'who for the joy that was set before him endure the cross' (Hebrews 12:2)."

I cut James's hair this morning before church. It looks so much better! 

We got to church early enough to hear the prelude special number, "Consider the Lilies" sung by Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, Kathy Crane, and Tamara Applegate. It was beautiful.

Three of the guys from Way Point came and sat in front of us. There was Micah and Johnny and the last one I didn't know. We talked to them after the meeting. 

I bore my testimony, I was actually the last person. I had Emily Freeman's book about Easter with me and I knew there was something in there about lilies. I looked it up and wrote it in my journal: "Lilies represent the spiritual meaning of Easter and are sometimes call the 'white-robed apostles of hope.' They symbolize life, purity, hope, faith, renewal, promise, and remembrance. Lilies testify of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of life everlasting. They symbolize a deep and abiding belief in the resurrection of the Lord." I kept reading this throughout the meeting and had a strong feeling that I should get up and bare testimony of the symbolism of lilies. 

I didn't read from what I wrote down from President Freeman's book but I emphasized the fast the lilies were a symbol of faith and of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of life everlasting. I thanked Sister Golly for arranging the musical number and for the sisters who sang it. I mentioned Sister Gillespie's talk from last week about finding Christ in our everyday lives. 

When I sat down James said mine was his favorite testimony. Of course he probably just said that to show his love and support for me. 

Kim and Brian came to the meeting. I wasn't sure they were going to make it when we left the house for church, but they did. We sat in the front and they sat way in the back. I went back to talk with them and Kim said she wasn't feeling well and they were going to go home before the second hour started. 

Before second hour we all got a copy of the following booklet, or one similar to it.

President Sedig and President Crane talked about ministering.

The bishop talked about the Remember Him Initiative, or is it the Hear Him Initiative presented in January. He told about going to the pastor in charge of the summer revival near the Jesus sign and asking him if he could put the cross on his property and he said no and then proceeded to tell Bishop what we believe in, much of what was simply not true. The Bishop set him straight but it didn't do any good. Another part of the initiative is a breakfast at the park on April 19th at 9:00 am. None of the other churches wanted to be involved. The breakfast is for the entire community. Bishop said we may have 600 people show up and we may only have 100 but he is going to prepare for the 600.

Bishop also talked about keeping our covenants and building security. 

I put the cherry crumble pie I bought in the oven when I got home from church. It takes over an hour to bake it and then it is supposed to sit for two hours. It's for Owen Peeler's farewell party which starts at 4 p.m. After baking the pie and setting it out to cool, I went in to the bedroom to take a nap.

James and I left for the party at the Crane's at 3:50. The Hunsaker sisters, Alicia and Stefani were there helping Kathy, and the Kostusiak's, who brought Owen's favorite beans were there, and Owen who looks really great after losing 60 lbs. We had a blessing on the food and more people came throughout the evening. This was what was on the menu:

Chicken and pork on homemade rolls, frog-eye salad, coleslaw, and Dave's beans. For dessert people brought pies because Owen's favorite dessert is pie, any kind. Here is a list of the people who came before we left: Bishop & Alicia Hunsaker, Sean & Stefani Hunsaker, Wes Smith, Dave & Ellen Kostusiak, Cress & Richard Miller and their 3 grandchildren that are living with them, Fred & Barbara Klug, Cope & Amy Reynolds, T-Bo & Barbara Tignor, Josh Harris, Vance & Erin Goodman, Pierce & Susan Goodman, Jimmie & Tamara Applegate, Jeff & Susan Crane, Robert & Kristine Hipps, Rick & Rosie Lauritzen, Chris & Becky Skousen, Chuck & Pam Wood, Sam & Amy Gordon. After we left several other people came:

Ed & Debbie Miller, Dave & Rosa Westbrook, Nadine Singleton, Virgil Cooper, and John & Sandra Wilhelm and their kids. Such a great turn out to have a last supper with Owen.

Owen is standing, wearing the green shirt and talking to Chuck Crane.

The back of Tamara, Susan, Barbara Klug, and on the other side

of the table Wes Smith and Jimmie Applegate.

Back of Amy & Sam Gordon, Pierce talking to his son Vance,

seated at the table left to right: Alicia & Bishop Hunsaker, 

Cress Miller, Rosie & Rick Lauritzen, T-Bo & Barbara Tignor.

To the left: Josh Harris, Owen, Chuck, and Sam Gordon standing,

Kathy behind them, Pam Wood, Stefani Hunsaker, Chuck Wood in 

the kitchen. Dave & Ellen Kostusiak, Barbara Klug, Jeff Crane, Susan Crane and the back of Tamara's head. Susan and Tamara are sisters.

Kim and Brian went on the Christmas Tree Trail loop this evening. When they returned I asked if they saw any wildlife. Kim said, "we saw tons!" Several big herds of elk, probably over 100, and a small herd of deer, which she said she had never seen before. When I told James he was sad that we didn't go with them. He said the elk are probably moving back up to the high country. Sorry they weren't able to get any pictures.

Kim has been working on a puzzle since she has been here and she finished it this evening. It's a good one:

Postage stamps from around the world

Not so Happy Sabbath

Charlie, Jared & Kacey all missed church because

they are battling the stomach flu. Charlie is

outside getting some vitamin D.

Tom in a rare pose of prayer.

One of my all-time favorite actors.

March 29th, 2025: Up @ 4:14, James works @ Beach's, Pizza in air fryer, Brian's pasta fagoli, J & I did some cleaning in the garage, Martha Stewart bars, "Hearts Around the Table - Shari's Second Act"

 

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

Enos 1:11-27

Come Follow Me

D&C 28

Jesus Christ directs His Church through His living prophet.

Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", OCG 2022

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundation of Faith'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The sacred scriptures and living prophets are a major way a loving Heavenly Father makes His plan of happiness available to all His children."

I got up at 4:14 without Tom's help. James put him outside at 2:45. 

James went to work at the Beach's this morning to get ready for his concrete pour on Monday. He came home around lunch time. We heated up leftover pizza in the air fryer and it tasted really good and was crispy just like Elder Selbe said.

I put a roast with some veggies in the crockpot this morning for dinner. I also set out some rolls to rise and told Kim & Brian they were welcome to have dinner with us. Brian made some of his pasta fagoli soup this afternoon and shared it with us.

Tom was in the house this afternoon and looked out the window and saw Kim walking with her headphones on. He didn't recognize her and ran into the bedroom under the bed. Such a scaredy cat.

James and I did some cleaning in the garage this afternoon. He took the seats from the Razr and moved them to the storage building along with the bags of sand that he says he needs for the back patio. 

I started scraping off the dried mud and picking it up. James began helping me and did most of it we me standing by watching or helping him pick up with the dust pan. It looks so much better!

The roast turned out quite delicious. I let the rolls rise too long but they were still good. Kim made Martha Stewart bars for dessert. There goes my diet.

Kim, Brian and I watched the second installment of the series, "Hearts Around the Table." This one was called "Shari's Second Act."

Notes & Quotes

And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.

-D&C 28:16

I Love Babies

They have delicious beans too!

Love this

Friday, March 28th, 2025: Cat Day, Two naps w/ Tom, James hate office work & the computer, Pizza Factory pizza for dinner for us, the Elders, & Kim & Brian

 

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

Jacob 7:21-Enos 1:10

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:15-18

The armor of God helps me stand against evil.

M. Russell Ballard, "Be Strong in the Lord"

Ephesians 6:11-18

Jorge F. Zeballos, "Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary" OGC 2022

October General Conference

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"In our time," President Nelson has said, "a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together (see D&C 128:18). For these sacred purposes, hoy temples now dot the earth. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will."

The Tom Cat woke me up at 4:15 this morning. I fed him and then he went outside. Who needs an alarm clock when you have a Tom Cat.

Today is National Respect Your Cat Day. I respected my cat by taking two naps with him.

I'm there somewhere

James stayed home and did office work today. He is always a little frustrated when he has to spend the day working on the computer. He said he sent three emails that didn't go through and while he was typing a proposal hearts kept coming up at the end of the sentences. I told him his computer was possessed and he needed to get a new one. He agreed but said he couldn't afford one right now. 

We fed the elders in our ward this evening. We gave them the choice between roast and pizza. They said either one would be fine. I chose pizza. Last time we fed the missionaries I remember one of them saying they liked pizza so I've had it in my mind that was what we were going to feed them. And besides I wouldn't have to cook because we would go into town and pick up the pizza.

They said they didn't care where we got the pizza so I chose Pizza Factory because Stacy & Paul always go there when they come. I texted Kim & Brian and they were on their way and would probably arrive around 6, the time we were scheduled to feed the elders. I asked them if they wanted a pizza from Pizza Factory and Kim said they would love a large half pepperoni half pepperoni and sausage so I added it to my order. The elders wanted meat lovers and James & I want a thin crust veggie. All of the pizzas were large. My total cost was $84.78. I didn't tell James. I paid for it online when I ordered.

I made a salad and set it in the frig before we left to pick up the pizzas. We set the table and James filled a pitcher of ice water. I ordered to pick up at 5:15 so we left around 4:45. When we arrived at Pizza Factory very few people were there. We walked right up to the counter and I said, "we are here to pick up an order." The guys says, "Karen"?, and I said, "yes." James grabbed the pizzas and put them in the back of the car and grabbed packets of parmesan cheese and red chili flakes. 

We got home at 5:50. Bruce was parked in front but no sign of the elders truck. Kim was in the family room with Tom and Brian was downstairs. Kim said they wouldn't be joining us because they were exhausted. When the elders came she went downstairs too.

Elder Flores was here last month. The other elder, Elder Selbe, is new. He is from the same area of Washington as Cayli. He says he lives about 45 minutes away from where she lives in Richland. 

I said the blessing on the food and we enjoyed our meal together. The pizza was a little cold so I suggested we could heat it up in the microwave. Elder Selbe said it was so good heated up in the air fryer, which I have sitting out on the counter now because it makes it crispy. We had already used the microwave but will definitely try the air fryer when we have leftovers tomorrow. 

We had a nice visit. Elder Selbe and I did most of the talking as he asked me several questions. James was quiet because he has laryngitis. Elder Flores did an object lesson. He had a cotton ball which he lit on fire and popped into his mouth. He asked if we expected him to do that and of course we said no. He likened it to having faith saying that sometimes the Lord asks us to do difficult things and if we have enough faith we will do them even though at the time we may not understand why. It's kind of like what Sister Hinckley says she always did, obedience first and understanding later. 

Sadly, they aren't really teaching anyone right now except Heather Workman's kids. They want to teach Micah from Waypoint. The guy the were teaching, Noble, graduated from the program and moved away. We told them we would pray for them. 

Elder Selbe and Elder Flores

They took their leftover pizza with them.

Kim & Brian came up and enjoyed their pizza. We visited for awhile and then I said goodnight and went into the bedroom with Tom. James had done the dishes and was now outside walking. He came in a few minutes later and we went to bed together. It was a good day and I'm so glad it is over. It's nice to have Kim & Brian here and it was nice to have the missionaries and the Spirit they bring into our home. 

We had James's birthday dinner here.

My three drinks from left to right:

Water, Koolaid water, and my protein shake.

First birthday since she has been gone.

 

Thursday, March 27th, 2025: Max's text, Inklings, Wlmrt, Circle K, Culvers, Naps, Pink babycakes, Bunco @ Lynda Finnell's, Alicia's cookies are divine

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Jacob 7:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:5-14

The Lord gives His servants priesthood keys to direct His work.

October General Conference

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

Elder Takashi Wada

"Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation. Because He loves us, He prepared the way to return to His presence through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Knowing this incredible plan will help us know we are children of God and we can become like Him. I am grateful for this important truth. I bear you my witness that the words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost will lead us to receive eternal life."

James and I got the sweetest text from Max late last night. I happened to get up and look at my phone during the night and read it. James read it this morning. We both responded and Max responded back. One of the things he said was: "I am looking for a greater purpose and perhaps that is a life guided by God." 

He committed to watch "as much of conference as he could", and to reading the Book of Mormon. I had to share that much with Sheri and she is so happy. 

You never know how you are affecting other people unless they tell you. I never would have guessed Max was so tender-hearted and that he felt the way he does. You just can't judge other people. It is a wonderful thing when they share a little bit of their heart with you.

James and I went to town together this morning. We took the truck because Circle K has gas for 40 cents off a gallon. James got 15 gallons and saved $6.80. I say saved but that's not really true because we spent it somewhere else.

My grocery list was quite long. I am making chicken stir-fry this week so there were lots of veggies on the list. I made a copy of my list and gave it to James and told him to get the veggies, which he did. He got regular lettuce instead of butter lettuce but other than that he did quite well. He got the kitty litter, which is so heavy that I can't lift it. I also made him get the Malt-O-Meal which was on the top shelf pushed back so that I couldn't reach it. I spent more money than I normally do, but we will have groceries for awhile. 

We stopped at Culver's which is so predictable as I am obsessed with their chicken tenders right now. James got his cod fillet sandwich and a waffle cone with chocolate ice cream which cost over $5. We vowed we would give up our Culver's habit after this, at least for awhile. My chicken tenders, his sandwich and ice cream came to a grand total of $22.81 and that's with the senior discount.

After getting home and putting the groceries away, I had to take a nap and so did James. His was short, mine was long. I meant to get up at 3 because I have Bunco tonight and I'm making mini cupcakes. Tom came and climbed up with me and we stayed there until 4.

The missionaries came during this time and visited with James. We are feeding them tomorrow night. James told them we were getting pizza and they seemed quite pleased.

I made strawberry baby cakes and James helped me frost them with pink frosting. I wanted to make them fancy but I ran out of time.

I put the peanut butter and jelly I bought as my years supply gift into a gift bag with some tissue, and James helped me load up the car. I left about 5:35 to go pick up the Hunsaker twins, Stefani and Alicia. I'm driving but I don't know where Lynda Finnell lives so Alicia is the navigator. 

Those attending Bunco tonight: Janna Grombach, Becky Skousen, Amy Reynolds, Tina Allen, Lynda, Oksana, Maddie - Lynn Wallace's sister, Michelle Beckham, Cheryl Sedig, Alicia, Stefani, and I. 

There was some good food tonight. My favorites were the sliders that Lynn sent. She has a sick grandbaby at home so Maddie is taking her place, and the thumb print cookies Alicia made with chopped pecans. I took one home to James and he loved them too.

Bunco news: Tina Allen fell and injured her right shoulder and had to have surgery. A few months ago she had her left shoulder replaced. Stefani got a new turbo-charged Mini-Cooper. Alicia said when Bishop asked other churches in the area about placing the cross on their grounds they turned him down because "we don't believe in the same Jesus as they do." Such non-Christian behavior. One place he asked was the place where the Jesus sign is, where they have the summer revivals. How sad. It's great where it is though, right next to the Kenyon's home. 

Contrary to what it says on her Facebook feed, Becky Skousen is not a bitcoin expert. Someone hacked her accounts, including her bank account. What a mess!

When I left for Bunco I told James he was going to have to cook his own potstickers. When I returned home he told me not to buy pork potstickers because he only likes the chicken ones. I wish he would have told me that when I put the bag of pork ones in our basket at Walmart.

Joshua's track poster

He thinks he's hiding

I don't know what kind of flower this is,

but it is beautiful.

Love this family

Tom trying to figure out how to go outside

without having to deal with Sammy.