Saturday, May 3rd, 2025: Another home recovery day, rain never came, blood sugar & pressure under control, James miserable, delicious pork chops, YMYW dinner, finished "Heart of the Matter"

 

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

Come Follow Me

People, Places, Events

D&C 44

April General Conference

'Right Before Our Eyes'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"We are grateful to be on earth when the Church is increasing in numbers and influence, but more importantly in the hearts and lives of its members. We are known as disciples of Jesus Christ. We share our testimonies of Him, His Church, His ways, and His covenant path. We are His people, and He is our Savior."

Another day spent at home. Another day that looked like rain but it never came. 

I seem to have gotten my blood sugar and blood pressure under control for the most part today. It takes effort and constant recording. 

James felt miserable today. Stacy thinks he needs to go to the doctor sooner than later. I told her he has an appointment next Thursday. Stacy is worried about internal bleeding. 

Sheri called her dad this morning. A clog in one of their water lines is causing flooding in the basement. James told her what to have Ian do. So many problems. 

James and I took a couple of naps today. It was one of those kind of days. I made pork chops for lunch and they were delicious. I tenderized them with baking soda for about 10 minutes before washing it off and baking them. 

Tonight was the YM/YW fundraiser dinner. We paid for tickets but didn't end up going. I wanted James to go pick up feed but he said he didn't feel like it so we missed out on Navajo tacos. The main part of the fundraiser is the dessert auction where people bid on desserts and pay mega bucks for them. Kathy Crane said she thought for sure I would bring one of my cakes. Now I am feeling guilty.

We finished "The Sound of Rain" and started the second book, "A Distant Thunder." I also finished President Nelson's book, "Heart of the Matter."

Notes & Quotes

 

"As you fulfill your birthright responsibilities, you are never alone. The Lord of the vineyard labors with you." 

-Bradley R. Wilcox

OGC 2024

D&C 43:20

Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free, saying: Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.

7x at the temple this year

Joshua

Friday, May 2nd, 2025: Slept in until 8, prayer, BM, CFM with James, upper arms aching, clouds & promise of rain, I am exhausted & stayed home all day, High blood sugar, "Someone Like You", Apollos misfortune, Tom sleeps with us again

 

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:9-27

Come Follow Me

D&C 42:61, 65-68; 43:1-16 God gives revelation to guide His Church - and to guide me.

"Hear Him" - President Henry B. Eyring

"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", President Russell M. Nelson, OGC 2018

"All Things Must Be Done in Order" Revelations in Context, 50-53.

D&C 43:1-34

April General Conference

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

Sister Camille Johnson

James and I slept in this morning. He was up before I was which is highly unusual. I slept until 8:00, something I rarely do, of course I rarely go to bed at midnight.

This first thing we did this morning was have our prayers, Book of Mormon study, and "Come Follow Me" study. I noticed my upper arms were especially sore and achy this morning. I was reminded of the fact that Dr. Kumar said I could call and schedule cortisone shots and that gave me some comfort.

We had clouds and promise of rain but we actually got very little, rain that is. We had planned on going to the temple today but I cancelled our appointment. I was just too tired and needed a day just to stay home and rest. I told James we would go next Tuesday or Wednesday. 

I haven't taken my blood sugar for a very long time. My monitor broke and the new one I ordered doesn't fit my phone so I had to order another one. I used it for the first time today and was shocked. My blood sugar was 195!! That is way to high. Of course it might be because I ate two pieces of garlic toast this afternoon. I took some Berberine and waited an hour and took it again. This time it was 124, almost in normal range. James took his, it was 86 which is just about perfect. I must cut back on my carbs. I also had ice cream today and that wrecks havoc on blood sugar if you are pre-diabetic. I didn't have anything to eat after 4 o'clock today so hopefully I am back to normal in the morning. 

I had stomach cramps this evening so instead of working on my blog I sat down and watched a movie called "Someone Like You." James joined me about half way through. We both loved it. 

When James feeds the horses in the morning he feeds Apollo first and then Luna. Apollo hurries and finishes his food and then goes over and takes the rest of Luna's on a typical day. Today James locked him in the stable and left thinking he would go back in a few minutes and let him out. He forgot and it was passed noon we he let him out. So sad...but he deserves to be taken down a notch the naughty horse!

Tom slept on James's side of the bed tonight.

Joshua's graduation announcement

The many naps of Tom

Thursday, May 1st, 2025: Appt. w/ Dr. Brady, new prescrip @ Walmart, J & Chuck visit Sandoval's, Leave for valley, Sheri's water heater, HD, Wlmrt, K&B's, Joshua's performance, home to Vernon

 

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

Come Follow Me

D&C 42:30-42 "Remember the poor."

Sharon Eubank: "I Pray He'll Use Us" OGC 2021

"The Law" Revelations in Context 93-95

D&C 42:53-93

April General Conference

'As a Little Child'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I had an appointment with Dr. Brady this morning. He will be my new primary care physician. Because of Dennis I was able to get in to see Dr. Brady. 

Dr. Brady put me on a new blood pressure regimen. 10 mg of Amlodipine instead of 5, 50 mg of Metoprolol instead of 100 and 350 mg of Valsartan instead of 100 of Losartan. I will come back in two weeks to check how I am doing. 

The doctor is very friendly and proactive. I think I am going to like him. His brother lives in Sheri's ward in Chandler although she says she doesn't know him. 

I went to Walmart and got my new prescription and then headed home. When I got home James was gone with Chuck to visit a new couple in the ward, the Sandoval's. When he got home we got ready and left for the valley. It was 12:30.

We stopped at the Burger King in Show Low for lunch and then at my request James turned onto the 260 to go through Payson. The other side of Heber we had to stop for road construction for a few minutes. We also stopped at the Circle K in Payson for gas and a free Polar Pop and Gatorade. 

The first place we stopped in the valley was Sheri's. James realized he needed something at Home Depot. I went with him to the one in south Chandler. Back at Sheri's I dropped James off and headed for the Chandler Walmart on Arizona Avenue. I returned the jeans I bought in Show Low and tried to find a size larger in this Walmart but they didn't even have Levi capri jeans at this one. I bought some black sweats and a pair of cheap black tennis shoes. 

Sheri called and asked if Dad and I wanted In n Out Burgers and I said yes. She took my order and when I drove up to her house James was outside chomping on his burger. Sheri brought mine out to me. We finished eating in the car. James wanted to drive past the "burn house" which we did. All that is left of the house are the outside walls. On to Kim & Brian's.

I refreshed myself in Joe's bathroom and then the four of us were on our way to Joshua's performance at Chandler Center for the Arts. 

The show starts at 6:30 and we were just a few minutes early. We met up with Stacy & Paul and we all sat together. 

I'm not sure what to say about the show. I guess the parts were written by the seniors themselves. The performances were "raw." 

It was a takeoff on "The Wizard of Oz." Joshua was the scarecrow who wanted to sing but was told he couldn't by Dorothy. I really thought his performance was the best with the wicked witch of the west a distant second. 

No scenery, minimal costumes, just

dialogue. 

Stephanie Likes is the drama teacher at Chandler High. Her mother was Stacy's fifth grade teacher and Stephanie was a year behind. Mrs. Likes and her husband were at the performance too. A blast from the past.

We left at intermission and so did Kim and Brian. Joshua's part  was over and we are driving home tonight. It was 7:30 when we left. The weather is absolutely gorgeous this time of night in Chandler. We enjoyed the walk back to our car. 

James had a difficult time sitting but somehow he did it and we made it home at 11:00. Tom was happy to see us. He was outside since we left. He came in and ran through the house. He slept at the foot of our bed. James is hurting. We make it to bed around midnight. 

I got a text from Joshua. Basically he thanked us for coming and said he knew it was a sacrifice and he really appreciated it and that he loves us. It was sweet and I texted him back telling him I thought his performance was the best and that we loved him too.

Such a handsome guy!

Such a sleepy guy!

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025: Leave @ 6 for valley, Burger King - taste buds off, Payson way, some construction, "Follow Him", :20 - no one there, AARA, Darryl meets James, Costco, Sheri's hot water heater replaced, Jersey Mike's, "The Scriptures are Real", James's mtg, "Sound of Rain", "The Coroner", Kathy has pneumonia, Chuck food poisoning

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

Come Follow Me

D&C 42

The Lord gives me commandments because He loves me.

Video: "The Prayer of Faith" Elder David A. Bednar

D&C 42:30-52

April General Conference

'Confidence in the Presence of God'

President Russell M. Nelson

"As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase."

We left for the valley at 6:00 for the valley this morning. James stopped in Show Low at Burger King to get a Whopper, Jr. He got me a chicken wrap and some onion rings. The onion rings didn't even compare to Burger House's. 

We went the Payson way at my request. We did run in to some construction and had to stop awhile but were soon on our way again. 

The line of traffic going up the mountain was the longest I have ever seen. We listened to "Follow Him" most of the way. 

We were running a little late. James has an appointment at Bama Barbershop on Ray & Alma School at 9:20 with Leigh Ann Johnson, or at least he thought he did. The construction up Alma School from the 202 was at a crawl and he was there a couple of minutes after 9:20 only to find that Leigh Ann was not there. He checked his phone and saw that she left a message earlier this morning saying she wouldn't be there. She did say Darryl would be there in an hour or so. James dropped me off at AARA and then headed back to the barbershop. 

I was early but Frances came and took me right back for my infusion. A few minutes later a girl came and got me for my appointment with Dr. Kumar. When Dr. Kumar came in I didn't recognize her and had to ask to make sure it was her. She is a tiny little thing and doesn't look much older than 25. When had a nice talk, she looked at my joints and I told her about the constant pain in my upper arms. She said if they continued to bother me I could come in and get cortisone shots. I liked that idea. 

When my appointment was over I called James. He was with Darryl at the barbershop and said he would leave in 10 minutes. I told him I was going to walk across the street to Costco, which I did. 

Here is a list of the things I bought: Some tan capri pants, two tops, another kitchen mat, and sheets for the beds we sleep on when we stay at Stacy's. James got here just about the time I was ready to check out. He asked if I had gotten him any pomegranate juice. When I told him no he hurried to the back to get a bottle. We checked out and headed for Sheri's house. Her hot water heater went out and she asked James if he could put the new one in. 

James needed a blow torch so Sheri and I walked down to Terry & Cathi's to borrow one. Leaving Sheri and Max there to help James I got in the car and drove over to the Deseret Book in Gilbert. I wanted to see if the General Conference journals were out yet. They aren't, but the sister working there said I could order one. I said I was going to order one to be sent to my house but I didn't want to pay for postage. She said if I had it delivered to the store there would be no postage, so that's what I did. It will be here in a couple of weeks. 

Max and James were still working on the hot water heater when I got back to Sheri's. She came out and asked if I wanted something from Jersey Mike's. I added my order to everyone else's and then went to pick up the order. The Jersey Mike's in south Chandler is very close to Ziggi's Coffee. (Just a funny little side note since Sheri's family has a dog named Ziggi.)

James was walking away from Sheri's when I returned. He was finished and said he could not have done it without Max's help. He had to take the old water heater out and it still had water in it. He said it weighed about 400 lbs. and he and Max lifted it together. 

James had one more little thing to do to the water heater but won't be doing it until we come back tomorrow because he needs a part.

James has an elders quorum presidency meeting this evening. We headed for home a little after 2 eating our sandwiches on the way. Now my car smells like a sub shop. We listened to Kerry Muhlstein and Stephen Harper on "The Scriptures are Real." We also listened to "The Sound of Rain" the book we are reading. 

We got home right at 5:30. James brought the stuff in and then got ready for his meeting and left. I had a couple of blueberry Eggos and watched an episode of "The Coroner." 

James came home with the news that Chuck wasn't feeling well because of what he said was food poisoning and he said that Kathy has been in bed all week with pneumonia. Oh dear and I don't even have time to take her a meal.

A couple of heroes

 

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.