Saturday, May 17th, 2025: Ready to go to Evan & Joshua's open house at Stacy's, Sheri texts about seminary graduation so we pack our suitcases, open house photos, Rowan tells James he is going on a mission

 

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

D&C

47:4-48

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

April General Conference

'The Times of Restitution of All Things'

Elder David A. Bednar

Another night on the recliner with no sciatic nerve pain. My right knee hurts though. Today is Evan and Joshua's graduation party. We had planned on going down and doing a turn around after the party. 

We have three grad cards one for Evan, Joshua, and Rowan. We gave each of them $100. Sorry it couldn't be more.

James spray painted my tiered dessert tray to match the smaller trays. He also put another coat of paint on the smaller trays. The big try was black and now it is a beautiful white. Stacy used them tonight at the party to put desserts on. 

We were planning on leaving right after noon for the valley. Attending the boys graduation party/open house, and then coming back home so we could attend meetings in our own ward tomorrow. Also because we didn't want to leave Tom and Sammy and the horses.

We got a text from Sheri asking if we were coming to Evan's seminary graduation tomorrow night. We didn't know anything about it. She said Evan was giving the closing prayer and I could tell she really wanted us to come. I talked to James and we changed our plans. We are spending the night so we can attend the graduation tomorrow. I texted Stacy and told her and we packed our overnight bags. 

Just as we were ready to leave Tom decided to come in. James put his food and water and treat bowl outside and gave him his treat outside. When the weather is nice we leave him outside if we are gone overnight. 

On the way out of town we stopped at Bishop Halls 60th birthday party which was held at the Vernon chapel. Bishop Hall was our first bishop when we moved to Vernon in 2012. His grampa, Claude Butler, was my bishop when I was a teenager in Show Low. Also, I dated his uncle Keith Butler during high school.

We know Bishop Hall's kids. We spoke with Kendall and Westin. Westin was there with his kids. His wife just had a baby and the baby was premature and is still in the hospital. They will release her when she is able to breathe on her own. Her name is Shaylyn. We told Westin we would pray for her. He said he had quite a week taking care of kids. He made the comment: "I don't know how you women do it."

We had a taco before we left. Thank you Hall family for your friendship!

Evan and Joshua had lots of friends at the open house. Darrel, Trina, Addy, and Rowan came too. Kim took a picture of the three boys together.

Evan is definitely the tallest!

I have a picture of the three boys in Sunday clothes on my front porch each of them holding up a Book of Mormon. 

See the serving tray with Kim's cupcakes on it.

She also made her divine Rice Krispy treats.

Stacy made sugar cookies, Sheri made brownie bites and

brought Chikfila, and Paul made wings and a brisket.

Stacy telling her Dad about drinking vinegar before eating

and asking him if he wants to try some.

Rowan telling Grampa he is planning

on serving a mission!

Yay!

I got to meet Evan's girlfriend Mia. 

You can't really see her in this photo.

She is very pretty. She gave Sheri flowers for

Mother's Day.

Alayna, Joshua's girlfriend, is taking this picture.

Those are Brian's feet on Stacy's table. I hope he

doesn't mess up her puzzle!

After the party I went upstairs to our bedroom and crashed. James wanted to go to the store so he headed for Fry's where he spent over $50. It's okay. He makes the money, he can spend it if he wants. 

I almost forgot a funny story Michael told us about his last trip home from the cabin. He said the traffic was bad and he was trying to pass several cars after leaving Payson. He got stopped by a state trooper, that's what they now call what they use to call highway patrolmen. 

The officer asked him, and was visibly upset, if he knew how fast he was going. Michael was very polite and said he did not know. He was only trying to pass. The officer said he was going 100 mph. The officer then went back to his car. While he was gone Dallin told Michael to tell the officer that he knew Mark Lamb. When the officer returned Michael mentioned knowing Sheriff Mark Lamb. The officer's demeanor changed and he said, "OH, I love Sheriff Lamb." Michael did not get a ticket. He didn't even get a warning.

Quote & Verse

"Scripture records that 'the song of the righteous is a prayer unto God' in which His soul delights. So let's sing! And praise Him!"

D&C 46:30

He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.

Friday, May 16th, 2025: Slept on recliner in Fmly Rm because of sciatic nerve pain, trip to town Beaches, LaCasita, Wlmrt, Wlgrns, Dollar Tree for six grad cards, nap, chores, broccoli & cabbage for dinner, RS handouts, Jason Wolfe book

 

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

Doctrine & Covenants

46:30-47:3

Come Follow Me

D&C 47 The Holy Ghost can direct me as I fulfill my calling.

April General Conference

'Worship'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Atonement

Matthew 27:18-19

The Infinite Atonement

Forgiving What You Can't Forget

Relief Society Lesson

Right Before Our Eyes

Ronald A. Rasband

Doctor Brady's office called and said my bloodtest came back normal. They said if I was still having chest pains they recommend going to the ER. I told the nurse the chest pains had gone away. 

I slept on the family room recliner last night because of my sciatic nerve pain. I woke up at 3 am with very little sciatic nerve pain but noticed my right knee was beginning to hurt. Tom came in around 3 and laid by me then acted like he wanted to g outside so I let him out. He is always so cautious when he goes out. He stops and looks around before going anywhere and then he usually goes on the deck where he feels safe. The cat is outdoor savvy.

This afternoon James and I went to town. On the way we stopped at the Beach's where James picked up some tools. I had a nice visit with Linda Beach. She was telling me about a calling she just got released from where she served at the Florence prison, teaching women the gospel. She said she enjoyed it except the chaplain at the prison was anti- Mormon and made it very difficult for her and her companion.

We had lunch at LaCasita. James had his usual, a chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. I am trying to cut down on carbs. I ordered a taco salad with shredded beef and did not eat the shell that it came it. I only ate about half the salad and then took the rest home. I didn't have any dressing on it and I can't say I really enjoyed it.

We went to Walmart to get a prescription for James and to pick up some cortisone cream. They didn't have any cortisone cream so we stopped at Walgreen's. Our last stop was at Dollar General where I picked up six graduation cards for 50cents each. While I was in Dollar General James was in the car in front of the store with the window down. There was a girl playing the violin and when I came out he ask me for money to give to her. He said she was really good. He gave her $2.00.

When we got home it was nap time. Tom had slept on our bed while we were gone but he slept with us anyway.

Jeff and Susan Crane have started construction on their home. Right now they are putting in a septic tank and a water tank. James will be doing some work for them, I'm not exactly sure what.

When we got up from our naps, James went outside to work and I did a few inside chores.  We had broccoli and cabbage for dinner. 

I am on the fourth book in the Jason Wolfe book series by Anita Stansfield. 

This is why James uses my phone when he walks. I have the Deseret Book Plus app on my phone. He is listening to the series too.

Shayna, Alex's girl friend, graduated from ASU yesterday with a Masters in Architect. We are very proud of her for accomplishing her goal.

Go maroon & gold!

Paul (wow he looks like Joshua)

Aaron and Gilbert 

The Gonzo Guys

Verse & Quote

Verse:

D&C 46:11

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

Quote:

"Vanity and becoming consumed with one's physique, appearance, or dress cane be a form of rebellion."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

OGC 2024

 

Thursday, May 15th, 2025: James takes Virgil Cooper to the valley to a doctor's appointment at Good Sam Hospital, green chili mixed burro, Dr. Brady EKG test, blood test because of chest pains, Jackie Hall calls about Willis's

 

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:33

D&C

46:22-29

Come Follow Me

D&C 47 The Lord wants His Church to keep a history.

Henry B. Eyring, "O Remember, Remember" OGC 2007

April General Conference

'The Plan of Mercy'

Elder James R. Rasband

'Our Heavenly Guidance System'

Elder Sergio R. Vargas

After scriptures and prayers James kissed me goodbye and off he went to pick up Virgil Cooper at 8:00 a.m. James is taking Virgil to the hospital in the valley for an MRI on his heart. The hospital they are going to is Banner University Medical Center on 11th street and McDowell in Phoenix. I have a bit of a history with this hospital. It was here that I had the surgery on my thyroid when I was 13. I remember the electricity going off and the hospital having to use a backup generator. 

James was in this hospital when he had knee surgery in college. I remember sneaking him in Whataburgers and help him study for biology exams with notecards. 

My grandpa Maxwell was in this hospital before he passed away and I remember visiting him here. Such memories, not all of them fond.

Back to the story at hand. Virgil had heart problems. I guess they have more sophisticated imagery machines at this hospital than they do in Show Low. 

It was almost 8 pm when James got home. He brought me a green chili mixed burro. Thanks honey!

My day was partially spent at the doctor's. I had an appointment at 11 a.m. with Dr. Brady. I was sent to room Cloud 11. Each hallway has a name from nature like River, Trail , Aspen, and I can't remember the others. This is the second time I have been in Cloud 11.

Before the doctor came in I mentioned to his assistant that I had been having chest pains on my left side. All of a sudden I was in the middle of an EKG. The doctor came in and wanted me to go to the ER for more tests but I told him I didn't have time. He ordered a blood test downstairs instead. They were closed for lunch so I did my errands and then came back. My errands included stopping at the UPS store to return the white dress shoes I ordered from Amazon. I made a quick trip to Walmart and then back to get my blood test. The girl who took my blood was so cute in her pink outfit and pink Crocs.

When I got home I took a very long nap. Tom slept on our bed tonight. 

Jackie Hall called me today about the passing of Janis and Reed Willis. I remember when Jackie, Janis, Karen S. and I used to have lunch at Serrano's. Now Serrano's is gone and so is Janis. Janis, Jackie and I always ordered a chili relleno ala carte.

Quote & Verse

"In our families and other personal relationships, let us avoid what is harsh and hateful." - President Dallin H. Oaks

                                      OGC 2024

D&C 46:9

For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts. 

Kyah Westbrook, a former young woman

in the Vernon ward.

I was so excited about this until Darrel

told me it was fake news.

Greer fire

Greer fire from Vernon

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025: Slept a little better, Syracuse, Utah temple 2 baptismal fonts, pickup James's truck, clean the temple, temple cleaners

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:16-32

D&C

46:13-21

Come Follow Me

D&C 46:7-33 Heavenly Father gives me spiritual gifts to bless others.

John C. Pingree, Jr. "I Have a Work for Thee" OGC 2017

Juan Pablo Villar, "Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles," AGC 2019

April General Conference

'Thou Art the Christ'

Sister Amy A. Wright

I slept a little better last night. I am still pretty miserable in the mornings until my meds kick in. 

The Syracuse, Utah temple is making history. It will be the first temple to have two baptismal fonts. The Lord really is hastening his work.

This came from an article in the

Church News

James and I have both been a little discouraged lately because of our health. Neither one of us feel good in the morning. By the time I feel good enough to do anything the day is half over. Reading my scriptures, studying the gospel, preparing my lesson, and writing in my blog are my priorities and some days that is all I do. 

Something that does make me happy is Tom, especially when he gets right in my face and meows or snuggles up next to me. He does bring a lot of joy to both James and me. 

Horne Auto is finally finished with the body work on James's truck. I took him to Show Low this afternoon to pick it up. Afterwards I got gas at Splash and Dash. It is $3.04 if you use a debit card. No gimmicks like Circle K and the gas is cheaper.

James and I signed up to help clean the temple this evening with other members of our ward. The cleaning starts around 8 pm after the temple is closed. We change into our scrubs, pick a cleaning card, have a little devotional and prayer and receive brief instructions and then away we go. Those who were there cleaning with us:

Richard & Cress Miller, our temple cleaning coordinators, Christ & Becky Skousen, Brother Hipps, Kerri Halcomb, Pierce & Susan Goodman, Collin DeWitt, Brother & Sister Gassaway, Jeanie Jameson, Amy & Sam Gordon, and Lynn & Roger Wallace. 

James and I vacuumed the chapel, hallway outside the chapel, the baptistry, the baptistry office, and the confirmation room. We enjoy getting together with other members of our ward and cleaning the temple. 

Quotes & Verses

"Jesus Christ ... didn't simply sympathize with our imperfections. ... No, He went beyond that, infinitely beyond that."

Elder Dale G. Renlund

OGC 2024

D&C 46:8

Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; 

So sad

 

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025: High winds today, trip to Dollar General, we see smoke in the distance in the direction of Greer, fire evacuation, Reed & Janis Willis both pass away, enchiladas, return white shoes, order others, Apollo locked in stable, lesson handout

 

Montreal, Quebec

86th operating temple

Dedicated 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:1-15

D&C

46:6-12

Come Follow Me

D&C 46:1-7 The Savior welcomes all who want to worship in His Church.

Video: Welcome 

Comeuntochrist.org

'And We Talk of Christ'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

There were high winds today which makes it difficult to do anything outside. When James goes outside in the mornings to feed the horses, he feeds Apollo in the stable stall and Luna outside in the watering corral. If he feeds them in the same place, Apollo will take all of Luna's food. After feeding them this morning he came back in the house and didn't think anymore about them. Later he went out in the afternoon and noticed that Apollo was still in the stall. He went over to see what was going on and the gate was shut and locked. He doesn't think Apollo did that by himself. The only other explanation is that someone locked him in. But who and why? Another one of life's mysteries.

I saw on Facebook that Janis Willis passed away on May 4th. She and Reed were in the same nursing home but in different areas. Reed has had alzhiemer's for quite awhile. I texted Sheri because Janis was in her ward and asked if she knew anything about the funeral. She texted back and said that Reed passed away yesterday and the funeral would be joint on June 16th so all of their family could come. It will be at the Del Rio building but she didn't know the time. James worked with Reed in a bishopric and I was Janis's counselor in Relief Society. James has also done some construction work on their home and he built Janis's parents home in east Mesa. We love them both dearly and met them when we first moved to Chandler. 

James and I made a trip to Dollar General for some DPZ. On the way home we noticed a big plume of smoke over by Greer. It was a plume of smoke from a fire. They are calling it the Greer fire and everyone living in Greer and South Fork and surroundings areas is being evacuated. This is so sad. That aren't able to drop chemicals from planes right now because the wind is so high.  Fire season is officially here, a little early. It usually starts around Memorial Day.

I ordered some new white shoes and they came today. They are white dress shoes and they don't fit right, especially on my left foot, the one with the crooked toes. I decided to send them back and get a white pair just like the black Mary Jane's I have. 

I figured out what my Relief Society handout is going to be. Here is a picture of the prototype. The wording will be a little different on the final product.

Janna Grombach and her son Cody 

at the "Daughtry and Disturbed" concert

I guess Dennis & Denise made a trip to

Oklahoma

 

Monday, May 12th, 2025: Slept in because of difficult night, James & Rick Lauritzen help T-Bo, paid bills, worked on blog, James trims my pinon tree, our brush pile is huge

 

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 28:1-20

D&C

46:1-5

Come Follow Me

May 12-18: "Seek Ye Earnestly The Best Gifts"

D&C 46-48 Introduction

April General Conference

"By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I slept in because I was awake during the night with sciatic nerve pain. My night went something like this: I woke up somewhere around 12:30 to go to the bathroom. I was up again at 2:37 with sciatic pain so I took a Tylenol and did some walking for about ten minutes until the pain subsided a little and the Tylenol kicked in. I lie down for awhile and then I'm up again around 4:30. I eat something and take some Tramadol and try to get another hour of sleep. It is pretty miserable and I am tired most of the next day. 

 James and I had prayer, Book of Mormon, and Come Follow Me, and then James went to T-Bo's to help him move a fence to make his garden plot 750 feet bigger. T-Bo asked for help yesterday in priesthood meeting. James and Rick Lauritzen were the only ones who showed up to help so it took longer to finish that they thought it would. James was home around noon.

Tom hung around the house today and took a nap by me and then one by James. I managed to pay some bills today and work on my blog. James trimmed our big pinon tree. The one in the side yard that I can see from my bedroom door. The on I call my Christmas tree. Our brush pile grows bigger as there is still a no-burn policy.

Notes, Quotes & Verses

"Partaking of the bread and water is a weekly reminder of God's power working in you to help you overcome."

-Emily Belle Freeman

1 Oct 2024

D&C 46:7

But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, waling uprightly before me, considering the end of you salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

James & Rick Lauritzen at the Tignor's

I remember this so well.

1967 Coming home to Show Low for 

Christmas break from ASU.

Spring bloom in South Mountain Park

Dennis, Eric, and Muhammed Ali

Sunday, May 11th, 2025: Sciatic nerve pain at night, Happy Mother's Day, Sacrament meeting, Gracie Umphress, Resten Tesarek & the Sandovals, RS treats & talk, James's nice meal, lots of Mother's Day wishes, Beautiful day,

 

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:18-37

April General Conference

'True to the Faith that Our Parents Have Cherished'

Elder Hans T. Boom

The sciatic nerve in my left leg has been giving me grief at night. I have been getting up during the night and taking a Tylenol and doing some walking before I can go back to bed. 

Happy Mother's Day! 

We had two youth speakers in sacrament meeting today, Gracie Umphress and Resten Tesarek. They both spoke about mothers and did an excellent job. The new couple in our ward, The Sandoval's were the main speakers. I really enjoyed both of their talks and especially felt the spirit during Brother Sandoval's talk. Here are just a couple of things he said:

The first gift of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. The first gift of Mother's day is our mortal birth. Mother's saved us by bringing us into the world. Mothers have spiritual gifts to guide the growth of their children. They have the gift of charity.

All the women in the ward, including Primary workers and YW leaders piled in to the Relief Society room where the bishopric had treats waiting for us. We had Dutch oven cobblers with vanilla ice cream. There was no lesson, we just sat, ate and visited. I sat by Catherine and Tamara Applegate. Ellen Kostusiak came and visited with us. I found out from Tamara that Ty is going to BYU. He already has an apartment and Jordyn has taken him thrift shopping.

Jordyn is his sister. 

James made me a nice meal this afternoon. Pork chops, rice pilar and a salad. After our meal we went into the bedroom to take naps. Tom first laid down next to James and then he came over and laid by me. He is an equal opportunity cat. 

I got Mother's day wishes from Armando, Addy, Adam, Autumn, Michael, Joshua, Brian, Darrel, Trina, Jared, Kacey and a beautiful card from Kim and one from Sheri's family. Oh yes, Stacy called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day too. She said Joshua will be getting the Melchizedek priesthood and getting his temple endowments. I asked if that meant he was going on a mission and she said, no necessarily. Darn! Darrel says Rowan is leaning towards going on a mission as most of his friends are going. Evan's graduation announcement says he is going to ASU and majoring in electrical engineering.

The Grombach's Group made it back for church today:

Donna Beckham, Janna Grombach, Tina Allen, Alicia Hunsaker, Lynda Finnell 

Men: Steve Allen, John Finnell, Bishop Hunsaker, Willy Grombach

Gene Beckham

My delicious dinner

Bettylea and Jenifer

James & Tom, napping buddies

Monte & Tasha's family

Autumn's friendship bracelet 

Scarlett, Autumn, and baby Benson