Sunday, April 20th, 2025: Easter Sunday, Galveston 3rd ward, Lunch @ Lois & Dawn's, naps, Case family dinner,

 

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

Come Follow Me

Sunday

"He Is Risen"

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

"Callings and other ways we embark in God's work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior."

James forgot his white shirt and had to make a trip to Walmart this morning before church. We went to church in Chandler with Sheri to Galveston 3rd ward. Evan, and Ben & Cayli went too. Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, Erik & Amelia, and Kit & Kristine are in this ward too.

Their meeting started at 9 so we left about 8:20. 

We arrived before Sheri did and we sat in the back where she sits. Many people in this ward were in our ward when James was the bishop. So many people came up and spoke with us. Lynda Cull, Sharon Lynn, Dave Miner, the Dowdle's, Bill Valentic, Christa Moreno, Kurt & Laurie Jensen, the Tolman's Kyle, Nancy, Alex, Colee and their spouses and kids. The Gunther's, Dave & Laura, Cathi & Terry, and Erik. Steven & Michelle Menlove, and the Chipman's are also in this ward. It felt a little like home.

We took a picture after the meeting.

The program was all music and scriptures. We enjoyed

the Primary singing "Gethsemane" and "I Stand All Amazed."

Also enjoyed Evan and the other YM & YW singing "As I Have Loved You."

We went back to Darrel & Trina's for a short visit and to change our clothes. Darrel's family was concerned because Trina's brother Westley's oldest daughter had run away from home after getting into a fight with her sister. Darrel said they may have to miss church to go out and look for Emma. A few minutes later Trina got a call that Emma had been found. Their prayers had been answered. No need to miss church. 

We left for Tempe to join Lois, Dawn, Aunt Faye, David, Laura, Cathi & Terry for Easter dinner. We had ham, pineapple, rolls, Laura's green beans, and Cathi's funeral potatoes. For dessert we had white cake, brownies, and lemon pie. The food was delicious and the company was great. I have a nice visit with Laura and enjoyed Cathi telling us about their new dog Wally. Wally came to them while Ladybug was still alive and now comforts them since she is gone. 

Good food and great company

Around 2:00 the doorbell rang. It was Terry's boys, Nathan and Christ and Nathan's girl friend Kate. They had come by to see their grandmother. 

Aunt Faye, James & I left at the same time. We went back to Darrel & Trina's. They were home from church. They all attended together. 

Trina said everyone was together and happy. I'm wondering why Darrel, Trina, and Rowan are the only ones with even a hint of a smile.

I love all of these people!

James and I took quite a long nap. When we woke up the Case family Easter dinner was in full swing downstairs. James went down and brought me up some of Darrel's smoked TriTip. It was delicious. He said Trina wanted me to come down and visit. I told him to tell her I was in my comfy clothes and wasn't presentable. Trina told James she was put on her sweats so I would feel more comfortable. I decided I better go down and say hello lest I was labeled as standoffish. 

James and I both went down. Lexy greeted me and so did Trina's mom. We talked to Trina's mom for a few minutes. I had a piece of cake and then we went back upstairs. I didn't see Ruby, Rowan or Addy but Lola was hanging out with several of her girl cousins. Suzy, Trina's mom, was starting to play some kind of game with them with some plastic eggs. No one noticed when we left.

Sleeping in Rowan's bed is comfortable for me. We slept with the window open and the fan going. Rowan has 16 Suns jerseys on his wall, four guitars, and the coolest Lego pirate ship that I wanted to take a picture of. Thank you Rowan for giving up your room for us.

Our ward sponsored this breakfast for

the entire community.

Easter in Texas

Our friends

Ander Hoose

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.