Tuesday, April 29, 2025: Help James put his right sock on, heat rub & heating pad, 3 vultures, some rain, Stacy's text,

 

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:1-24

Come Follow Me

D&C 41

'He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple.'

D&C 42:1-29

April General Conference

'Harden Not Your Heart'

Christopher H. Kim

"I joyfully witness that the Savior Jesus Christ is the love of God. His love for us is perfect, personal, and perpetual."

James needs help in the morning putting his right sock on. This is a result of his fall from Apollo. I am happy to help him but it frustrates him. Another part of our morning routine is before he gets dressed. I put Icy-Hot on his backside and then he puts the heating pad on high for about 20 minutes. This helps him get going in the morning.

As James and I were in the kitchen we looked out the dining room window. There were three vultures out by the horse corral. James went out to see why they were there. It seems that a squirrel fell into the horses watering trough and drowned. James felt bad when he saw how bad I felt and said he was going to put a branch in the water so the next squirrel could climb out. I guess this isn't the first time this has happened. 

We got some rain this evening, not enough to do any good but it certainly smelled great. 

Stacy texted me this afternoon and this is how it went:

Stacy: I really wish you could come support Joshua. In 4 years and 11 performances you have never been able to come.

Me: We were planning on coming when you said it was on Wednesday and driving home afterwards. I have an appointment with a new doctor Thursday morning up here. It has taken me a month and a half to get in to see him or else I would have cancelled. I guess we could turn around and drive back down on Thursday afternoon if dad is will. I really would like to come.

Stacy: It's ok, I understand it isn't easy. It's just that you have not come to any of them. He was excited. The first thing he said when he told me he got the date wrong was, "tell Gramma it's Thursday not Wednesday."

Me: I'm going to talk to dad when he gets up from his nap. If it wasn't a new doctor and I didn't have problems with my blood pressure I would cancel and stay down there Wednesday night.

Stacy: Your health is important, I get it.

Me: Well we went down and back two days in a row for your Easter celebration, I guess we can do it again if dad is willing.

Stacy: That's a lot. Not sure I could do that.

Me: I can't do it without dad.

Stacy: Not sure it's great for dad either.

We ended up going even though James had a very difficult time sitting for that long in the car. He is pretty amazing.

We are leaving tomorrow at 6 a.m. so James can be at Bama Barbershop by 9:20.

 

Monday, April 28, 2025: Our aches & pains are getting us down, naps this morning for the 3 of us, Trip to town, Sonic corndogs, Arby's, Autumn's card, Wlmrt, Circle K, PO, Computer glitz re-do Friday's post, Sammy finds Tom and brings him back

 

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

Come Follow Me

Apr 28-May 4 "My Law to Govern My Church"

D&C 41-44 Introduction

April General Conference

'Harden Not Your Heart'

Christopher H. Kim

"If we sincerely repent, humble ourselves, and trust and rely on the Lord, our hearts will be softened."

'Receive His Gift'

Patrick Kearon

"You are a beloved daughter of God, you are a cherished son of God, and He has gifted you His perfect, holy Son.

James let Tom out at 1:30 this morning. I wonder what's so exciting outside for him.

James and I both have so many aches and pains and they are getting us down, especially in the mornings. This morning Tom came back in and the three of us took naps together. Mine was longer than James's because Tom was next to me. I watched two episodes of BBC's "The Coroner." Afterwards I got ready to go to town.

I got a notice that Sonic had 99 cent corndogs today. We each ordered one and agreed that they weren't worth any more than 99 cents. I can't help but think of the wonderful corn dogs at Disneyland and California Adventure. James went to Arby's and got a turkey Reuben. We went to the post office in Show Low and mailed Autumn's birthday card. I did some shopping at Walmart while James went to Circle K to get gas and wash the car. He came to Walmart and got a prescription. We listened to "The Sound of Rain" on the way home and then stopped at the post office in Vernon. 

James got his response from the Registrar of Contractors regarding Bama Barbershop. There are a few things he has to do, and his license is suspended until they get done. This means he can't bid any more jobs.

I am so frustrated with my computer. I had finished my blog post for Friday and had to re-do it because it disappeared. So frustrating!

I took a break and ended up watching this weeks episode of "When Hope Calls." James walked with my phone and then it was time for bed. Tom was outside. I told Sammy to go find him and he took off running. A few minutes later he was back with Tom. I love Sammy for that.

Notes & Quotes

Quote of the Day:

"Christ's charity ... persisted and continues to persist, not just through the easy and comfortable days but especially through the darkest and most difficult ones." - Jeffrey R. Holland

Verse of the day:

D&C 42:61

If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things - that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. 

The rest of Ellie's pictures

 

Sunday, April 27, 2025: Finish lesson, Max is up early, wind is fierce, RS door locked, Primary, YW handouts, setup, Sacrament meeting, Skousens speak, Montgomery's & Beach's, new sisters Ingrid & Sister Sandoval, Peyton's baptism, J's bruise

 

Kona, Hawaii

70th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-24 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:1-16

Come Follow Me

'The Scriptures are Real'

Kerry Muhlstein  and Stephen Harper

April General Conference

'Charity - A Sign of True Discipleship'

Michael B. Strong

"The real destination of discipleship is literally to become as Jesus Christ is."

'Beware the Second Temptaion'

Elder Scott D. whiting

"Don't hide from those who will love and support you; rather, run to them."

I got up early and finished my lesson outline. I typed out the quotes but forgot to run them off and take them with me. So frustrating. Now I have to read the quotes instead of having the sisters read them. 

I had over 50 friendship bracelets to handout which includes the sisters in Primary and Young Women.

The wind was fierce today and the Relief Society door is locked. James had to go around while I waited in the car. James helped me set up my room and then away we went to sacrament meeting. We sat in row three because Brother Robles was in row two with his boys. Natalie and Makenzi weren't there. 

Rod & Linda Beach attended our ward today and sat with us during sacrament meeting. Dave & Tammy Montgomery are back from their mission in Houston. Tammy gave me a hug and said, "This hug is from your friend Cid Elmer." Cid now lives in Houston.

The Skousen's, Chris and Becky, were the speakers in sacrament meeting. Becky spoke about the resurrection and the atonement of Jesus Christ. They have a son who has spina bifida, a club foot, and no control over his bowels or bladder. He is an adult and is married but is not able to have children. He walks with a cane. Becky says she has hope that someday because of the resurrection her son will have a perfectly normal body. She is so grateful for the Savior for this great gift. The Savior will also take away our sins as we repent. She used the phrase, "Behold the Man." The more we "Behold the Man" the better disciples we become. The Lord wants us to see others as He sees them. 

Brother Chris Skousen spoke about preparing for Easter. "We need to do more to make the meaning of Easter more celebratory. "Remember Him" initiative. Brother Skousen helped the bishop put up the cross and the "He has Risen" sign. We need to be more focused on the Savior in talks, His teachings, miracles and forgiveness. We need to be witnesses of the resurrected Christ.

Sister Beach attended Relief Society and participated. The lesson was on friendship and being one with each other and with the Savior so we had lots of good discussion. We had two new sisters, Ingrid, whose sister attends our ward in the summer, and Sister Sandoval. Both of them participated in the lesson. I also met Tom Peralta's daughter and Chloe's mom, Lenore. 

A few people came up to me and asked me if I made the friendship bracelets. No, I didn't. Also I spoke with Theresa Hein and she is not moving. She changed her mind. I am so glad because I feel like she belongs here.

The boys left for home early this afternoon. I guess they wanted to go to Pizza Factory for lunch. 

After a light lunch James, Tom and I napped and then we went to Peyton MacArthur's baptism at the church. I gave her the three white dresses card and my mustard seed necklace with an explanation as to what the Savior said about the mustard seed. 

After the baptism there was a meal served in the kitchen/Relief Society room. Subs, macaroni and potato salad, chips, cookies, candy and sodas. Jarred and Chelsea went all out. 

I found out that not only does Chelsea have four nieces on the Show Low girls softball team but her dad is the head coach and two of her sisters, including Ashley are coaches. They are the division champs and have their first playoff game next Saturday. I told Chelsea I would like to go but we will see.

I was shocked with how big James's dark purple bruise is. He says it hurts to sit and he is quite miserable. Darn horse!

Tom slept with us tonight. He played with his motor mouse which he drug out from under our bed. It's my favorite of his toys.

Happy Sabbath!

Dallin, Michael, Joe, Max and Namira

Pictures that Ellie took:

Green's Peak view

Tom tolerates Sammy if he

keeps his distance.

My favorite picture. This one is

at Deseret Book, framed for $899.

Saturday, April 26th, 2025: Both cats are skittish because of our company, especially Namira, Max helps James all day, Michael & Joe helped a couple of hours, Michael's roast, Max's singing and his journal writing, MIchael takes JA & Ellie to Greens Peak, Calico beans

St. Paul, Minnesota

Dedicated: 9 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:39; 39-40

Heavenly Father wants to give me the riches of eternity.

Video: "Ye are Called to Bring to Pass the Gathering"

D&C 40

April General Conference

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Ulisses Soares

"Reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives."

Neither cats were outside this morning at 6. Tom returned around 8:30. I don't know where Sammy was, he was gone all day. Max saw a coyote this morning by the stable so I was pretty worried about him. No need to worry. He came home this evening.

Max helped James most of the day. When I thanked him he said it didn't feel like work, it just felt like spending quality time with his grandpa. James asked him how many pushups he does. He says he does sets of 150. James was impressed, he says most people do around 30. 

Michael, Dallin, and Joe went shopping this morning. I guess Safeway didn't have the type of roast Michael wanted. I asked Michael to bring me back a pound of bacon. I was planning on fixing calico beans and would be frying a pound of bacon for them. I felt like I needed to fry another pound for the guys to eat. Dallin was especially happy.

Michael took Jared Ammon and Ellie to Green's Peak when he got back from town. It was Ellie's first time. She enjoyed the view but it was very windy.  Michael and Joe worked for James a couple of hours before they came in to start the roast. So much for having it done by 5. I told Michael it would be better to cook too long than not long enough but to no avail. He says the recipe calls for it to be cooker three hours in the oven. This is a 4 lb roast and I thought to myself that wasn't nearly long enough but I let him do his thing. 

Max sang and sang and sang this afternoon then this evening he wrote in his journal. He says that journaling brings him great peace. The better I get to know Max the more impressed I am with him.

I finished my handouts and spent time finishing up the lesson. I have the outline and all of the quotes but now need to come up with some good questions. 

I made cornbread to go with the beans I made. The boys ate it with the roast which wasn't done until around 8:00. It had a good flavor but was not tender. 

I felt sorry for Namira. She was stuck in the house most of the day. A dog like her needs to be outside. I wish our back fence was dog proof.

To bed early so I can get up early to finish up my lesson.

Ellie & Jared Ammon left for home this afternoon.

Ellie works at 7 in the morning.

Where is kitty?

55 of these friendship bracelets

 

Friday, April 25th, 2025: JA & Ellie go shopping, new PO Box #703, stew meat & gravy, new cat food, Horse riding debacle between Apollo & James, Michael, Dallin, Namira, Joe, Max arrive late

Raleigh, North Carolina

68th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C38:24-27

God wants us to "be one."

Video: "A Friend to All"

Video: "Love in Our Hearts"

"The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity", Dale G. Renlund, OGC 2021

"Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity", Quentin L. Cook, OGC 2020

April General Conference

'Divine Helps for Mortality'

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Our Heavenly Father's plan provides helps to guide us through our mortal journeys."

Jared Ammon's girlfriend Ellie is vegan so she and Jared went shopping this morning. 

James went to the post office this morning. The Tignor's told us that because the post office doesn't deliver to their home that they get their post office box for free. They don't deliver to our home but we pay $160 a year for our box. James went in this morning to talk to John the postmaster here in Vernon. He gave him our address to prove we were out of the delivery area. We have to get a new box, a smaller one, but we won't be paying the $160 which is due the end of April. We got new keys and had to turn our old ones in. The new ones cost $10. Hurray for free mail boxes. 

James picked up the mail. I got my new white cardigan sweater which wasn't due to come until Monday. Now I can wear it with my new dress on Sunday. 

This afternoon Jared Ammon and Ellie wanted to ride the horses. James saddled Apollo and Jared saddled Luna. Jared wanted to ride Apollo because he heard that Joshua rode him when he was up here in December. I don't think either horse has been ridden since December. Jared rode for awhile but Apollo wouldn't mind him and kept going back to the stable. James said, "Let me ride him." This is when the real trouble began.

James got on Apollo and the bucking began. He had the reins wrapped around his right hand and thought he was going to hurt his hand so he unwrapped the reins. Also he didn't adjust the stirrups from when Jared had ridden so he didn't have that anchor. As soon as he let go of the reins Apollo bucked James's hit the saddle horn and off he went. He landed hard on the ground on his backside, using his right arm to break his fall. In spite of this fall he got back on Apollo and made him mind. 

I have never seen a bruise as big as the one on James's backside. The bruise on his rear end is as big as a volleyball. He injured his leg and knee and his right arm. This on top of all of his other aches and pains. If we are going to have horses to ride they need to be ridden more often so they are not so wild. Who is to ride them now. James won't be getting on for quite awhile. 

I made some beef with gravy out of the stew meat I had in the frig. Jared and I ate it over noodles and James ate his over a slice of bread. It was quite good. 

This afternoon James and I made a trip to Dollar General to get some different dog food. Sammy and Tom don't like the flavor I last bought. It is beef and salmon. I don't think they like the beef. James got a big bag of chicken, turkey, salmon, and fish. I hope they like it because this bag is going to last for awhile.

I worked on my lesson for awhile this afternoon and put scripture references on the friendship bracelets I bought for handouts. 

James and I are listening to a new book. It is by Anita Stansfield and is a 3 book series. This one is called, "The Sound of Rain" vol. 1.

Tom slept outside again tonight. We went to bed before Michael, Dallin, Namira, Joe, and Max arrived. Jared waited up for them and they stayed up until about 1 a.m.

This is Midnight. She has four new kittens,

two black and two gray. Kathy says at least

one of them has a ringtail like Sammy's.

She thinks Sammy is the dad.

Penny the talking cat has more than 

5 million followers.

Cat beds

Cat couch

 

Thursday, April 24th, 2025: Inklings, Circle K 40 cents off a gallon, James's trip to Chandler via Winkleman, Kearny, & Ray, brings home Chik-fila, JA & Ellie coming tonight

 

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:30

If I am prepared, I don't need to be afraid.

"We Will Prove Them Herewith" Elder David A.Bednar, OGC 2020

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder John A. McCune

"As we bind ourselves to act as covenant disciples, our relationship with the Father and Son is enriched, our joy enhanced, and our eternal perspective expanded."

I listened to Emily and Tanna talk about Elder Renlund's conference address this morning, "Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior." 

Here are some notes from Emily and then some from me:

Two words stood out to me on the day of Elder Renlund's talk.

Distinguishing characteristics. It made me want to look at each parable individually and see what was the distinguishing characteristic of each. There are several we could choose. 

In the parable of the ten virgins perhaps it is wisdom.

In the talents it seems to be capacity for growth.

In the sheep and goats it is service in His behalf.

Wisdom. Capacity. Service. 

I am wondering how these distinguishing characteristics look in my own life, and how they might prepare me to welcome Him. 

Faith and wise. The Holy Ghost as guide. Lamps burning. Lots to consider.

My notes:

Deceivers or Disciples.

Acquiring spiritual knowledge. 

How well am I coming to know Him along the way?

Avoid deception, worship in the temple, develop the gift of discernment. 

Tender mercy journal - where I saw the hand of the Lord in my life. 

Journal - a place to store oil. Oil = knowing Him.

Are my concerns more about me or others?

My invitation to you is to see the Holy Ghost as a cherished friend.

Learn to listen to the Spirit and write down my encounters with Him.

James left around 8:30 this morning for his appointment with Dr. Memon in Chandler. He forgot that there is blasting in Superior Canyon on Thursdays and he was re-routed through Winkelman, Kearney, and Ray. It took him an extra 45 minutes to get to the valley. He did manage to get gas before noon and qualified for the 40 cents off a gallon. 

After his appointment with Dr. Memon they discussed Dr. Memon's building project. His next stop was at Chandler Eyecare where he gave Sheri the letter I wrote to Evan. Sheri decided he needed an eye appointment so she called me. I made him one for Friday May 9th at noon, the day before Lola's dance recital. 

James stopped at the burn house to give Salvador a check. This was definitely a business trip so Lambson Construction will pay for gas and food. James got home around 6:30 with Chik-fila strips and cranberry celebration from Fry's. He helped me put sheets on the bed downstairs and in Sheri's room. We checked all of the bathrooms and did some vacuuming. The upstairs looks good. 

Jared Ammon texted me at 6:10 this evening saying that he and Ellie were just now leaving downtown Phoenix and wouldn't be here until somewhere between 9:30-10:30. We waited up until 10 and then turned on the porch lights, unlocked the front door, and went to bed.

Tom sleeps outside again tonight. 

Memories:

Stacy's wedding

Critters in our very green grass

My priesthood advisor when I was Primary President

in the Chandler 2nd ward.

After James's brain surgery

My friend Ruth Gale with her

granddaughter, Bailey

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025: Tom sleeps in his chair, 2:45 left for town Tom still asleep, James's CT Scan I shop @ Walmart, Culvers, "A Guarded Heart", Evan's letter

 

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14:1-15:9

Come Follow Me

D&C 38:22

"Hear my voice and follow me."

See also 2 Nephi 2:26-27

April General Conference

'Eternity's Great Gifts: Jesus Christ's Atonement, Resurrection, Restoration" Elder Gerrit W. Gong

After being outside all night Tom came in, ate, and then fell asleep on his chair at the high table for several hours. When he got up he ate some more and then climbed up on our bed and slept some more. Around 2:45 we left for town. Tom was still sleeping on our bed. 

James has his CT scan at the hospital at 3:30. He dropped me off at Walmart to do a little shopping.

The first thing I bought was two pineapples. Stacy told me that they clean the plaque out of your arteries. 

After James's CT scan was finished he came to pick me up. On the way home we stopped at Culver's for a fish sandwich and a burger. We listened to our book, "A Guarded Heart". We finished it when we got home. 

I made appointments for James and I at the 3:30 endowment session of the temple on Friday and ran off two family names for us to do. It's a busy week but the temple is a priority. This will be my 10th time and James's 9th.

Tom was still asleep when we got home. He woke up when I called for him. 

James is leaving at 5:30 tomorrow morning for his appointment with Dr. Memon in Chandler. 

Colorado elk

A good friend from Chandler

Easter card from Carmen