Saturday, April 19th, 2025: 6 inches of snow, start rolls, swelling in my face, too many Benadryl, Easter beans, Tom inside, Easton to feed horses, left @ 1:30, Globe way, arrive @ 4:15 @ D & T's, Potluck

 

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:16-29

Come Follow Me

Good Friday

"Forgive Them" Luke 23:34

April General Conference

'The Times of Restitution of All Things'

Elder David A. Bednar

"The most important and glorious "good news" is the message that the Lord Jesus Christ has restored His gospel and Church in the latter days."

I was up early to feed Tom and Sammy, thanks to Tom. Tom goes outside after he eats and wants back inside an hour or so later because it is cold and there is six inches of snow outside. 

I started the rolls early this morning, 24 of them. I had swelling in my face so I took a couple of Benadryl. A big mistake. I should have only taken one. I got really dizzy and had to lie down. I finally felt well enough to go start the Easter beans. 

It took me well over an hour to finish the beans and then I started to get ready to go to o the valley. James was working at his computer. 

It was 1:30 before we were ready to go. We had planned on leaving at noon because James is supposed to meet with Salvador at the burn house for a few minutes. I talked him in to going after our dinner, which he did. We left Tom inside the house. We were afraid if we left him outside Sammy would eat his food. James hired Easton Crane to feed the horses. I left Sammy and Tom plenty of food and a bowl full of water each.

We arrived at Darrel & Trina's at 4:15, two hours and forty-five minutes after leaving our house. Record time. Rowan helped carry our things in and then he had to leave for work. I plugged the beans in so they would get warm before everyone got here. Sheri was the next to arrive. She came by herself. Max and Evan had to work and Ben & Cayli weren't feeling well. Ian just didn't want to come. She says he forgot that this is their anniversary. Sheri brought a veggie tray. Max works at Winco and Evan works at Safeway.

Kim, Brian, and Paul were the next to arrive. Brian smoked some pulled pork and cooked chicken tenders in the air fryer. Kim brought a cinnamon cake, sugar cookies, rice crispy treats, and Cadbury egg cookies. Addy also made a carrot cake so we had plenty of desserts. 

Joshua stayed home to do homework. He works at George & Gather but he didn't work tonight. Darrel & Trina went to George & Gather the other night but didn't stay because there was a two hour wait. Paul told them that they need to make reservations.

James said the blessing on the food. I forgot to mention that Ruby made some of her delicious macaroni and cheese. We had pulled pork, chicken nuggets, rolls, calico beans, macaroni & cheese and veggies. Water to drink and lots of desserts to choose from.  After we started eating the doorbell rang. It was Michael. We were so happy to see him as none of the other boys came. Darrel got off work at six so he was over an hour late but he was here too. Stacy was at work and didn't get to come. She delivers for Amazon most of the late afternoon and into the evening.

After dinner we all sat around and visited. Addy loves working at Chandler Eyecare. We talked about Lola's upcoming dance recital and Sheri showed Lola that she knew some ballet moves. Sheri and the girls say they are starting a club. It is called the "Banshees." Yikes, what a name. 

Sheri said Betty, Ian's mom, is sad because her brother just passed away. He is the one who lives in Scotland and is in a wheel chair. 

Here are some pictures I took:

Addy's carrot cake

The Banshee gang

Ruby and Lola and their Pinewood Derby cars.

The trophy stand is Lola's. The car with the

"best personality."

Addy's bunny. She gave one of these to

Kayla for her birthday.

Ruby photo bombing

Lola's goose pj's

Friday, April 18, 2025: True worship is transformative, 12:30 endowment session, Grumpy Jakes, snow and rain and wind, elk, Tom stays inside

 

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:1-15

Come Follow Me

Good Friday (Luke 23:34)

April General Conference

'Worship'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"What does worshipping God mean for you and me"?

Here are some more quotes from Elder Christofferson's talk:

"Whatever takes precedence over worship of the Father and the Son becomes an idol." "True worship is transformative." "In repenting we are worshipping Him."

Today we went to the 12:30 endowment session at the Snowflake temple with T-Bo and Barbara Tignor. On the way to the temple we could see storm clouds on the horizon. A storm was forecast on Saturday but it may get here a little early. Barbara made the comment, maybe it would be snowing when we came out of our session. It actually was. Just a few scattered small flakes. On the way home we got some sleet and hail. 

We drove to Grumpy Jake's in Lakeside for something to eat. Each couple got the Super BBQ platter with two sides. On the platter we got ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Our sides were sweet potato fries and country beans. The Tignor's got sweet potato fries and green beans. James and I got a piece of the Mrs. Pig pie to share: chocolate with cream cheese and whipped cream and caramel. Delicious.

When we came out of the restaurant there were about 20 elk in the field across the way. James said they probably came off the mountain because of the cold weather. Snow flurries continued all evening. James built a nice fire and Tom decided to stay indoors.

Love this dress

Love the cross with the full moon

Lola on her electric scooter and

Ruby on her bike at

Tempe Town Lake

Ducks in the lake

Javelina

Today is the twins, Alicia & Stefani

Hunsaker's birthday. This is

Alicia with her five daughters.

She also has one son but I guess he wasn't

invited to be in the picture.
Left to right:

LeeAnn, Hailey, Makenzi,

Alicia, Kaylynn & Brielle.

Alicia is our bishop's wife.

Thursday, April 17th, 2025: Inklings - Pres. Nelson - Virtue & Charity, Ministering visits and gifts, James's jobs and trip to town,

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sep 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 10:1-22

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ accomplished a "perfect atonement" for me.

Holy Week: Thursday

April General Conference

'Our Heavenly Guidance System'

Elder Sergio Vargas

"As we focus our lives on Jesus Christ, we will find our way home."

The wind was brutal today. I know because this afternoon I was out in it as Kathy Crane and I made ministering visits. Our first visit was to Janna Grombach at 1:30. Janna had to leave around 2:00 because she has an appointment to get a mammogram. We talked about girls camp coming up the first week in June and if they close the forest where they will camp. Probably on the Wilhelm land near Janna. Kerri Halcomb is the camp director and she and Janna have been working together. She told Janna that hospice was coming in to help her mom. Janna asked us if we knew how Catherine was doing. We said we weren't visiting her until 3:00 today. Kathy gave everyone this beautiful potted hyacinth:

My handouts

This quote was attached to 

a succulent plant

This was attached to 

the snack mix in a bag.

After visiting with Janna we went to Chelsea's. Boone was asleep on the couch and the girls were still in school. I took her the Holy Week packet, the information to sign up for free magazines, and the New Testament scripture reader book. She seemed grateful. Kathy gave her the hyacinth plant and I gave he the succulent and handout and a snack mix for her and one for all of the kids. We went out and looked at the baby chicks which are no longer babies. Kathy is thinking about taking a couple of them as one or two of her chickens made their way to heaven. Chelsea is helping with the ward breakfast tomorrow so we talked about that. It is supposed to snow tonight and she hopes that doesn't keep people from coming. She is in charge of the egg hunt for the kids.

Our last visit was with Catherine Halcomb. Kathy asked her if she had anyone coming to help her and she said no, she didn't need anyone. Kathy was referring to what Janna told us about someone from hospice. She didn't mention hospice which is a good thing because Catherine probably wouldn't want to talk about it. We had a nice visit but we both thought she was a little scattered. She changed topics several times and then repeated herself. She had been busy making a blanket for her 26th great granchild. She and Kerri are going to the valley on Saturday for a baby shower. 

I listened to President Freeman on Inklings this morning talk about President Nelson's conference message for over an hour. She used the scriptures to discuss virtue and charity. I'm still a little miffed I won't be giving his message in Relief Society this year. 

James has so many job opportunities right now. He picked up plans for the Applegate residence, all 23 pages. Usually home plans are about 8 pages. These are the plans that Tim Lambson drew. Salvador has two jobs, the burn house and a warehouse. The other warehouse that Armando has been working on for a Chinese company has been put on hold because of Trump's tariffs against China. Dr. Memon's medical building is on the back burner until they get permits.

James took my car to town and washed it and filled it with gas. Gas was 25cents off a gallon at Circle K. He also made an appointment at Horne to get the body work done on his truck. He got his check from the insurance company. He got a call from Summit. Dr. Wilson's office ordered a CT scan which is scheduled for the 23rd at 3:30.

For some reason Tom was very "lovey" today. He climbed up on me while I was on the recliner and we had a pet and purr session.

Here are a few notes I took from Inklings:

"Confidence in the Presence of God." D&C 121:33-46. Where is my heart? Am I called or do I chose to be chosen. Where is my focus and what is my attitude? 

Am I more interest in the world or the power of Heaven? Look at my life. Do I use my time, talents, etc. to build the kingdom of God? Am I equipped and engaged? Sharpness = exactness. D&C 121:45 - Confidence in charity and virtue. Doctrine of the priesthood distilling as dew gets everywhere softly as the dews of Carmel. The doctrine of the priesthood "settles" on us. Do we have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost? He teaches us what it means to be chosen. We can have confidence before God now! Priesthood ordinances qualify us for the presence of angels. Transformative power - who we may become. God increases our capacity. Charity - Hyrum in Carthage Ether 12:34. Grace that they might have charity. Charity is an outward expression of grace. Moroni 7. Grace leaves rooms for mistakes. The Good Samaritan is a great example of grace and charity. Charity is meeting someone where they are, as they are, and lifting them and caring for them.

Virtue - positive thoughts and strengths. Mark 5:29-30. 

Inklings Mark 5:30 - virtue had gone out of Him. Greek - power or strength. Virtue - valor. Alma 53:20 courage and strength, power from God. Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman. Opposite of virtue is apathy. Choose to be chose is virtuous. List of attributes in Proverbs 31. Wisdom, kindness, reverence for the Lord. NIV study Bible. Think symbolically. "Great & Dreadful Day." Confidence! Approach the Throne of God boldly.

A few years ago. We saw this play too.
Kaitlyn was in it too.

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025: Happy 27th Xander, 7:30 oil change in car, shopping, Matt Hipps's, Cheryl Sedig, Penny the talking cat, RS & EQ pick talks for lessons but not Pres. Nelson's

 

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 9:1-19

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ accomplished a "perfect atonement" for me.

Holy Week: Wednesday

April General Conference

'The Plan of Mercy'

Elder James R. Rasband

"The Lord is merciful and our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation is truly a plan of mercy."

James and I both went to our 7:30 appointment at Walmart to change the oil in the car. I did some shopping. James helped me for a little while until the car was finished. He then drove the car to Lakeside-Pinetop to meet with Brother Hipps's son Matt about doing some work in his yard. Matt Hipps is in our stake and is on the high council. He says he work with the Fort Apache branch and loves it. 

I only waited a few minutes for James to return and pick me up. I bought a couple of small breakfast burritos at Carl's Jr. while I waited, one for me and one for James. I didn't finish mine because I thank it was really bland. James said he really liked it. I wonder if there is something wrong with my taste buds.

After getting home and unloading my groceries I headed to Cheryl Sedig's with the Easter basket I made her. The basket if full of some of my favorite things that I hope she will like too. Cheryl broke her leg in three places and had to stay in bed with her leg elevated. It is in a plaster cast right now. She goes in next week to get a "boot."

We had a nice visit. I felt bad for her because she is a very active person and it must be so difficult for her to have to stay in bed all of the time. It must be hard for Ralph too who isn't use to staying at home. Usually he is with Willy Grombach and they are in Willy's shop or Ralph's. 

After my visit with Cheryl I came home and Tom and I took a nap on the recliner. I listened to Courtney Rich on "Follow Him" and thought she did a great job. I am also addicted to watching Aymie Herman's Penny the Talking Cat videos.

This evening the elder's quorum presidency and the Relief Society presidency met together to choose the conference talks we will use for lessons for the next six months. James was gone less than an hour. He said it was just him and Chuck and Rosie Lauritzen and Kristine Hipps from Relief Society. They chose twelve talks but they did not choose President Nelson's. I was quite upset. The women seemed to think the talk was too short. They also said that they were going to encourage the teachers to mention President Nelson's talk in each lesson. 

I cooked myself a steak this evening. James didn't want one. He walked and listened to our book by Heidi Kimball, "A Guarded Heart."

He also texted with Leigh Ann and Darryl Johnson about the conflict he has with them. He is meeting them on the job next Monday with the Registrar of Contractors.

Tom slept outside again. It was very windy. I think it's blowing in the storm that is supposed to be here this weekend.

Happy 27th Birthday Xander!

Kim made Xander a cake:

Cinnamon bundt cake with a 

cinnamon butter glaze.

Crab apple tree

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025: Tom out all night, sleeping pills, Evan's letter, Lord will open his heart, James bidding another job for Salavador, last check from Beach's, Butter Burger

 

Guayaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 8:1-21

Come Follow Me

Because of Jesus Christ, I will be resurrected.

Holy Week: Tuesday

April General Conference

'Thou Art the Christ'

Amy A. Wright

"We want our children to believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ and His Church through covenant, and strive to become like Jesus Christ."

Tom was out all night. He was anxious to come in when I opened the door around 6 a.m. James and I both had restless nights. He took half a sleeping pill in the middle of the night and I took a whole one. I slept in until 6. 

My main concern right now is touching Evan's heart so he will want to serve a mission. Time is running out. He got a scholarship to ASU and $300 is due by May 1st. I started a letter to him today.

Sheri told him if he would read the Book of Mormon she would pay the $300, otherwise he would have to pay half. He said he would read it.

My letter starts out talking about the Book of Mormon and why his mother wanted him to read it. I am praying that if I open my mouth to Evan, Joshua, and Rowan, that the Lord will open their hearts.

James is bidding another job for Salvador. This one is for work on a warehouse. He picked up his last check from Beach's today and then went in to town to take the insurance check to fix his truck to Horne's. He brought me back a Butter Burger from Culver's.

Tom has been going upstairs to sleep lately instead of sleeping in his chair at the high table.

Michael & Alexis ready for prom

April 15, 2016

April 2025 changing batteries

in the smoke detector.

Monday, April 14th, 2025: Leigh Ann Johnson files a complaint against Lambson Construction w/ the Registrar of Contractors, my ministering sisters visit, bread from Hipps's,

 

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Apr 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:18-33

Come Follow Me

April 14-20 "I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain"

Easter - Introduction and Jesus Christ Lives

Holy Week - Monday, "He Healed Them" (Matthew 21:14)

April General Conference

'And We Talk of Christ'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"Christ is at the center of His Church and should be at the center of our lives."

Well here we go. Leigh Ann Johnson, Darryl Johnson's wife filed a complaint against Lambson Construction to the Registrar of Contractors. James has to meet the Registrar at the job on Monday, April 21st. These people have some nerve. James released the lien when they still owe us $7,000 for the job and $2,600 for a personal loan we gave them to get their car out of hawk. Will this nightmare never end?

I love my new eye mister. I put distilled water in it, it turns to steam and soothes my eyes. Much better than using drops. 

I had a visit this morning from my ministering sisters, Stefani Hunsaker and Susan Goodman. They brought me a treat and a gift. 

Here is a picture of the gift:

Pierce and Susan went to Owen's wedding in Bugaloosa, Louisiana. Susan also told about their trip to Oklahoma to take supplies to Pierce's nephew whose house burned down. On the way home the wind was so bad their trailer blew in to a semi-truck. They had to leave the trailer by the side of the road. Susan told how scary it was. I told about my mom being blown in to a semi-truck on the day she passed away. We also talked about fires. 

Tom had been asleep upstairs when Stefani and Susan arrived. He came down, stretched with his bum facing them and then sharpened his claws on the rug much to Susan's dislike. I told him if he couldn't behave he needed to go outside. He was happy to oblige.

James knew I was having visitors this morning. His way of helping out was to wash the dishes and make the bed. I really do appreciate his thoughtfulness.

I paid bills and worked on my closet this afternoon. I also scheduled an appointment to get the oil changed in my car at Walmart at 7:30 Wednesday morning. 

 Cheryl's basket is finished except for some colored pencils. 

A few of my favorite things

Brother Hipps brought us some bread that his wife made. It was a round "loaf" and tasted of rosemary. Quite warm and delicious and it went well with the asparagus and steak that I made for dinner.

James and I started a new book by Heidi Kimball called, "A Guarded Heart." 

71 degrees was the high, making it a beautiful day.

Bread from our friends Bob & Kristine Hipps

Sunday, April 13th, 2025: Stake Conference, Elder Alfonso presides, sit by Rosie & Rick Lauritzen, choir is beautiful and so are the talks, I felt the Spirit

 

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:8-17

Come Follow Me

Easter Holy Week

Palm Sunday

April General Conference

'By This All Will Know Ye Are My Disciples'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Our love for God and His children is a powerful testimony to the world that this is truly the Savior's Church."

When we arrived at stake conference we sat in the back by our friends Rick & Rosie Lauritzen. There are advantages to sitting in the back. There is a bigger than life screen and we could see everything perfectly. Here are a few notes that I took:

Prelude by the stake men's choir with a solo "Savior, Redeemer."

Women joined in on "Nearer My God to Thee" (members of Vernon ward that I saw in the choir - Sister Jensen and two of her daughters, Ann Johnson and Tamara Applegate, and Pierce Goodman.)

President Beeler - Thank you choir. I am grateful for ministering angels and the Holy Ghost. I am thankful for Elder Alonso, North America Southwest Area President for filling in at the last minute for Elder Bunker. Elder Alonso presides at this meeting.

"He Is Risen"

Invocation: Harper _______________ (Young Woman)

President Alder: Sustainings

Stake Choir: "Behold the Wounded Jesus"

President Beeler - Palm Sunday celebration. "Behold, I have graven thee in the palms of my hands." 

Pres. Beeler told the story of stacking cut palm branches as a child and how thorny they were. He then said that Jesus takes the thorny dead parts of our lives and renews us. We must stay connected to Christ and help others to do likewise. We can't carry our burdens alone. We must make time and a place for scriptures, prayer, and repentance. We must make our connection to Christ meaningful and worshipful. We need to be finishers in His work. "Will ye also go away"? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Who will I be a disciple for? Thirty years ago I decided to serve a mission and it changed the course of my life forever. Make discipleship your highest priority. Jesus carries all of our sins and sorrows. Jesus Christ and His power will lift and carry us.

Young sister - Because of love Jesus Christ was crucified. Thursday of Holy Week. John 15:13-14. What can I do for Him? For the Strength of Youth - Become like Christ. I choose to ____________ because I love Jesus Christ! I want to become like Him. Focus on the why..... Matthew 22:37-39 Two great commandments. Take time to connect with Christ and become more kind and loving. Scriptures, prayer, repent. Do the small and simple things. Repent - an invitation and an act of love by Christ.

Ethan Beeler - Matthew 21:14 ...He healed them. I gave Jesus Christ my focus. Could he heal me? I saw small miracles everyday. Invited a group of friends to go to the temple with me. They called us the "Show Low" boys. We went 30 times. Daily intentional focus on Jesus Christ. Scriptures, Repentance, Prayer. The best place to feel Christ's love is in the temple. Jesus is the great healer. RMN - "Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him ins the temple. (Ethan added: ...and be healed.)

"I Believe in Christ"

Sister ____________ (Either Hawaiian or Native American).

Last week of Jesus's life. He was crucified on Saturday. There was darkness and his friends grieved. John 14:26-27...the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. Peace through the Holy Ghost. 8 year old when asked why she wanted to be baptized: "I want the Holy Ghost to follow me around." The Lord loves youth and the Lord loves effort. The sacrament - filled with His Spirit...Thy will be done. Let God prevail. Turn our lives over to God. He will make a lot more out of our lives than we can. Make desire as a seed working in you. Strong roots in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yesterday's tragedy is tomorrow's triumph.

Choir - "We'll Sing All Hail to Jesus Name"

Elder Jose Alonso - We have some friends here attending for the first time. We want to welcome them. Decide to become children of the covenant, disciples of Jesus Christ. "Here am I, send me." Born in a lowly stable in simplicity and sacredness. I was a physician helping to deliver babies, sometimes 14-15 a day. I used the song, "I am a Child of God" to comfort women in labor. Some would say, "I can't do this, I am done." Then they would feel the power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ helping them. After delivery they would forget the pain. Jesus's life was marked by righteousness and obedience. For three years he went about doing good. He was not here to be ministered to but to minister. He was bruised for our iniquities. From Hosannah to "crucify Him." Into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Center our lives on Christ as President Nelson has asked us to. Return in glory. He came in justice and mercy. Follow Him for eternity. Glorious and promised return. He is the Redeemer of the world who descended below all things. He is the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Great Jehovah. Today is a good day to forgive and forget. Let the Savior heal you. Story of Ted, Sharon, and 4 boys. Stopped attending church. Moved to California. Felt something and moved back to Salt Lake City and started attending church again. Attended the temple once a month. Ted felt to attend more and was going 2-3x a week. Their young some Cooper was killed by a teenage driver. Ted and Sharon embraced him and gave him money for his mission. They were like his second mom & dad. They forgave him so easily because they had the love of the Lord in their lives. They attended his sealing when he got married. Jesus is the Creator, the way, the truth and the life. Blessed is the Risen Lord.

Choir & Congregation - "I Know that My Redeemer Lives"

Benediction - Sister Varga from the Fort Apache branch.

It was in the 70's today but windy. I wore my new dress and new shoes to conference. By the time conference was over I was rubbing a blister on my left (the crooked one) foot. 

I went to the conference looking for how to write a letter to Evan. I definitely got some ideas. I need to finish and send it before May 1st, the deadline for getting the money in to ASU.

We listened to Sister Johnson's conference talk on the way home. It's a good one and I hope it is chosen for one of our lessons. 

James and I both took long naps. James's was longer than mine. I read a chapter from "The Continuous Atonement" and we had scriptures and studied about Palm Sunday. 

I got something caught in my throat after dinner and it took forever to get it to go down. 

He talked to Tim today about Valerie. This is what he said:

Thank you so much for your prayers. Valorie is doing a little better each week. She has another few appointments this coming week. Still on several medications, including two antibiotics, but she should be on the road to recovery. Prayer made a big difference during the whole process.

Also, Sheri texted this morning and said Erik's son Oliver passed out at the end of passing the sacrament when the boys line up. Erik got up and grabbed him and took him out of the chapel. Later Sheri texted Erik and he said they took him to the ER where the doctor recommended that they take him to see a pediatric cardiologist for tests. 

Tom decided he wanted to sleep outside tonight.

Here he is taking his nap

James cleaned out his sock drawer

Sunset from our deck

Stacy, Paul and Joshua were there.

Sunset on the rim

Joshua and Alayna

Joshua, Evan, and a friend