Tuesday, May 20th, 2025: Mom (Lois) in the hospital (see Cathi's text), Show Low to mail Cayli's & Mason's bday cards, Wlmrt, chkn ench, prescrp, supplements, BK fiasco, 2 new dresses & white shoes, sweet potato for dinner, James does yrdwrk, prayers for Mom

 

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:1-19

D&C

49:1-21

Come Follow Me

D&C 49; 50:24 Jesus Christ wants me to embrace the truths of His gospel. Leman Copley and the Shakers in 'Revelations in Context'

April General Conference

'Compensating Blessings'

Bishop Gerald Causse

"My dear friends, if you ever feel limited or disadvantaged by the circumstances of your life, I want you to know this: 'The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you no matter the challenges you face.'"

We received word today that James's mom is in the hospital. Cathi texted: Just a note to let you know that Mom is in the ER at Banner Desert. We don't have any information yet. 3:38 pm.

5:18 - Dr. Shields came in and they are keeping Mom overnight. She has fluid in her lung which is indicative of congestive heart failure. They want to get the fluid taken care of using medication. All of the rest of the tests they took came back good.

Rebecca, who is out of town in Missouri, wrote:

Dawn, what happened that you felt to take her in to the ER?

Dawn: Since last night she has been coughing and belching and felt like she was going to throw up. Since that was what she was dealing with years ago when we took her to the hospital, I decided I should take her there this morning and she said yes, she would go. I took her to the emergency center here near our house and they did tests, and then they called an ambulance to take her to the emergency room here at Banner Desert in Mesa.

Cathi spent the night with mom in the hospital. Here is what Cathi wrote: We are still waiting for a room for Mom. She is as feisty as ever. They are giving her antibiotic as a preventative measure. I am staying here tonight and for as many nights as needed. When we get in a regular room, I will let you know. We are playing the wait and wait some more game.

Cathi: Mom is resting well now that she is upstairs on the 3rd floor in Observation #4. 

Carmen: Wish I was there to help. 

Rebecca and Laura are out of town so it's Dawn, Cathi, and Terry there to care for Mom. I wish we were there. 

James and I went to Show Low again today. We mailed Cayli and Mason's birthday cards at the Show Low post office. We went back to Walmart where we picked up yet another prescription and where I got all of the ingredients to make chicken enchiladas. I am taking said enchiladas to Bunco on Thursday night. Now we only have to take food or a gift not both. We ended up spending over $138 because we bought more health supplements, some socks, and took our $40 cash for birthdays. 

All of that shopping made James hungry so after going through the drive-thru at the Show Low post office, he went through the drive-thru at Burger King and ordered a fish sandwich and an order of four mozzarella sticks. Both orders were meh. He said the fish sandwich couldn't compare to the one at Culver's and the mozzarella sticks were teeny tiny compared to the ones at Sonic. Never again. I think Burger King is a place of the past in our lives.

We stopped at the Vernon post office and there were three packages for me, two new dresses and a pair of white dress shoes. I think my Sunday wardrobe has been sufficiently replenished. I now have six new outfits which can be rotated over six weeks.

The weather was beautiful today and Tom decided to spend the night outside. We had sweet potatoes for dinner. James did some yardwork, raking up pine cones and needles and then mowing the lawn. I am still working on my lesson handouts. Hopefully I can finish them up tomorrow or early on Thursday.

We prayed for Mom this evening.

Quote & Verse

"Our Heavenly Father and Savior see you. They know your heart. They care about what you care about, including those you love."

-Sister Kristin Yee

OGC 2024

D&C 49:26

Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and you shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Sorry I missed posting this on Mother's Day

Anna 

Max

White Mountain Bighorn Sheep

A fan bed

Monday, May 19th, 2025: The most unproductive day, sciatic nerve pain is getting me down, LeighAnn Johnson sends $500 towards car loan, Dr. Brady appt, Circle K, Wlmrt - new prescrip, Culvers, lesson week & blog, I'm sinking

 

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:19-38

Come Follow Me

"That Which Is Of God Is Light" D&C 49-50

Introduction

April General Conference

'Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy'

Sister Tamara W. Runia

"Today I want to speak to those of us who sometimes feel, 'Repentance and forgiveness seem to be working for everyone but me.' Those who privately wonder, 'Since I keep making the same mistakes, maybe this is the way I am.' Those who, like me, have days when the covenant path feels so steep, it's almost a covenant hike!"

This was a most unproductive day for me because I did not feel well. My sciatic nerve pain is getting me down. I slept on the recliner. Tom comes up and lays by me. When I get up he goes in and lays by James. He is a little clingy today because we left him this weekend. The weather was cooler and it was windy today, another reason Tom likes to stay in the house.

Leigh Ann Johnson, Darryl Johnson's wife sent us $500 today for the money they borrowed from us to keep their car out of hawk. She said she is separated from Darryl. She said he is bi-polar and difficult to get along with. She has six kids to care for but she said she would continue to make payments until she had paid us off. We appreciate that. The balance is now $1,800.00.

I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon at 3:20 with Dr. Brady. He wanted to make sure my heart was okay. I told him I was no longer having any chest pains. He said my blood work came back normal. My appointment was short. James went to Circle K and Walmart to pickup new prescriptions. We had to go back to Walmart because one of the prescriptions wasn't ready. On the way home we stopped at Culver's for a bite to eat. James had his cod fillet sandwich and I had my chicken tenders.

Back at home I feel like I am sinking. Because I am not feeling well I am getting further and further behind. My lesson is this Sunday so most of my week will be spent getting ready. I am also behind on my blog and probably won't have much time to work on it. 

I started watching a series on Hallmark Plus called "Private Eyes" starring Jason Priestly. I liked it and watched the first few episodes until it started to become inappropriate....way inappropriate, so I quit watching it.

One of our friends from Chandler

Look at those bunny "paws"

My heart goes out to August and to

Christina

Sunday, May 18th, 2025: Attended our meeting with Sheri in the Galveston 3rd ward along with the other Lambson's in Chandler, rest at Stacy's, dinner at Sheri's, and Seminary graduation then home to Vernon

 

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

"President Nelson said in general conference: 'Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.' When President Nelson said this, the Spirit taught me that as we participate in God's work, we prepare ourselves and others for Christ's return. The Lord's promise is compelling that callings, ministering, temple worship, following promptings, and other ways we embark in God's work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior."

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward with Sheri this morning. This is the ward where all of the Chandler Lambson's attend: Sheri, although her last name is Trezise, she is a Lambson, Cathi & Terry, Dave & Laura (although Dave & Laura aren't here this week, they are in Idaho attending Jonathan's daughter Lexi's graduation), Erik & Amelia and their kids, and Kristophor and Kristine and their kids. Well I guess there are more Lambson's in Chandler, Stacy and Kim, but they are in the other stake. They are in the same ward. 

Evan didn't go with us today. He went to Joshua's ward where one of their friends, Austin, was having his mission farewell. 

We also stayed for the gospel doctrine class. The lesson was on spiritual gifts and was taught by a Sister Webb. We said hello to some of our Chandler friends: Jackie Hall, Lynda Cull, Laurie Jensen, Paula Casto, Erik, Cathi & Terry and the Jiminez's. 

We said goodbye to Sheri and headed back to Stacy's for our Sunday naps. Sheri invited us to dinner at 5 at her house. Sheri is a sweetie. She brought me two DPZ's and some blueberry muffins. 

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua's ward meets at 10:30 so they weren't home when we got there. We had a light lunch and then went upstairs to take naps. We slept most of the afternoon. When we woke up we listened to a couple of conference talks and then we packed up to go home because we aren't coming back here after seminary graduation, and left around 4:30 to go to Sheri's for dinner. We never got to see Stacy. I think she worked this afternoon because she had yesterday off. Joshua was somewhere with Alayna but we talked to Paul a little bit before we left, thanking him for letting us stay. He said, "Any time." We talked to Paul a little bit about Joshua and his future plans. Joshua wants to go to school at NAU because that is where Alayna is going. Paul tried to sit down and talk to him about how expensive that was going to be and even gave him some numbers and then tried to encourage him to stay home and go to school here. I guess that didn't sound too exciting to Joshua. Paul has talked about Joshua getting the Melchizedek priesthood and going to the temple and Joshua has agreed that he would do that. 

James told Joshua he was concerned that he wasn't going to go on a mission and Joshua said, "You have a right to be concerned grampa because I don't think I am going." James then talked to him and encouraged him some more. We shall see. 

Sheri had pulled pork and rolls for dinner and it was delicious. Max came home from work to eat so we got to see him before going to seminary graduation with Sheri and Evan. We actually drove separate cars because we are going home afterwards.

We saw our Chandler friends the Luke's and the Lueck's at the graduation and the Finlinson's. There were only 12 graduates from the entire stake. I enjoyed the stake president's talk. His name is President Shkaphch and is from the Ukraine. He said that our success in life is more determined by our habits than it is our goals. 

Evan said the closing prayer and it was a sweet, thoughtful prayer. Cayli and Ben came to support Evan and we took pictures afterwards. Why didn't we get one of Sheri?

James and I look like 

"shrinky dinks."

We left for home going the Payson way at my request. We were home by 11, almost exactly three hours later. Tom was so happy to see us, he went running through the house.

Elder Soares dedicated the temple in Nairobi, Kenya today, #203.

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