Saturday, September 27th, 2025: Up @ 3:33. Thanks Tom, flooding in Phoenix and major flooding in Globe, Scottie's game was cancelled, mail Scarlett's bday pkg, errands, stake conference, Pres. Nelson passes away

 

Yorba Linda, California

Major construction nearly completed; 

finalizing interior and landscaping;

temple president and matron called;

construction estimated to be completed

in late 2025.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 11:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 107:27-31, 85-89

The Lord accomplishes His work through councils.

M. Russell Ballard, "Family Councils", AGC 2016

April General Conference

'Beware the Second Temptation'

Elder Scott D. Whiting

Other

A.S.K.

'Behold the Man'

'Beloved Emma'

At 3:33 Tom woke me up. Thanks Tom. 

Everything outside is still wet. I think we finally have the rain we need. There has been flooding on some of the roads in Phoenix and major flooding in Globe with lots of destruction and the loss of lives. Paul has asked us to pray for the people of Globe. It's his mom, Mary's, home town.

Scottie's game was cancelled right after I texted Chelsea to tell her we wouldn't be going because James is having bad stomach pains. He took some soda and asked me to say a prayer for him. He went back to bed and slept another hour. When he got up he felt much better. 

I have got to finish the tropical bird puzzle and move on. Today I was blogging September 10th when I realized I didn't have the picture of Sue and I in front of the temple. James took the picture with his phone and never sent it to me. By the time I discovered this we were leaving for the Saturday evening session of stake conference. We left at 3:40 because we were running errands before the meeting at six. 

Our first stop was at the UPS store to mail Scarlett's birthday package. Next James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Lowe's. I've walked to Walmart before from the UPS store but today I had on Sunday clothes so I made him wait and drop me off at the front door. 

Here are some of the things that I bought at Walmart: a knee brace, spices, my turkey links, lunchmeat, cream cheese, kitty treats, cornbread and pumpkin bread mixes, AWZ & DPZ, green olives, pecans, dishwasher soap and rinse, and a few other items. When I was finished at Walmart James picked me up and we went to Circle K to wash the car and get gas. 

When we walked into the chapel at stake conference the Tignor's were sitting on the row I call "Vernon Row." It's the very back row in the chapel. Barbara stood up and took me by the hand and said my dress was very pretty. She always makes me feel good. Cheryl Sedig was on the back row too. The Halcomb's would be there but Kerri texted me earlier and said they wouldn't be coming because her mom was having problems with her blood sugar. We sat on the right side of the chapel about three rows back. 

We were welcomed this evening by the new counselor in the stake presidency, President Larsen. 

Matt Greer the stake patriarch was the first speaker. He was invited to speak for five or six minutes, which is quite a challenge. He has given over 200 patriarchal blessings. Here are a few notes:

God is a real Father, Jesus Christ is a very real Savior. I came tonight to know what I need to do to become more like them. 

I need a wakeup call. You are going to hear the Spirit prompt you to do something, then you will have a choice. He quoted President Nelson and then ended with a quote from D&C 97 ... my glory and my presence are in the temple.

Sister Miller, the matron of the Snowflake temple was the next speaker. She grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and always thought that Arizona was some wonderful, exotic place. And now, here she is. How do we gain unwavering faith as a mustard seed. Told story of a young woman in the Gallup stake who wanted her parents to be sealed in the temple. She was able to see this happen and was able to be sealed to them after serving a mission.

President Miller, president of the Snowflake temple. Expressed his gratitude for the 45 temple workers in our stake. He compared the ancient tabernacle to our temples today. The children of Israel were ask to build a tabernacle in their poverty just as the early saints in this dispensation built the Kirtland and Nauvoo temple in their poverty. D&C 97 ...not defiled, pure in heart shall see God in my house.

President Larsen, Is an institute teacher. He talked about confidence before God and spiritual momentum, both messages from President Nelson. D&C 6:32 - where 2 or 3 are gathered there will I be in the midst of them...even so I am in the midst of you. You learn more when you share. The theme of our conference is taken from D&C 88:119-26. We were asked to study these verses before coming to conference. 

How do we build Zion?

How do we develop a relationship with Christ?

How can I have a Christlike relationship with others?

President Beeler, Thanked the speakers, his counselors, and the music people. The Miller's drove from Salt Lake City early this morning to be here and he said how much he appreciated their sacrifice. Daily walk with Jesus. To we come to know the voice of God. Does he know our voice? 1 Nephi 7:21...Nephi regarding his brothers, "I did frankly forgive them." President Beeler and his twin brother gave a blessing to their estranged father. All feelings of animosity and anger just melted away. (Like my experience when I was sealed to my parents). Law of the gospel covenant. The pivot point is love. Read letter from 5 years ago regarding the Rawlings tragedy. There was so much contention and hate in our community and even in the Church. "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." Alma 60 Moroni's letter to Pahoran and Pahoran's reaction. Do I act or re-act? Replace offensiveness with humility. All men shall know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.

Love has to define us.

I love you and God loves you.

We must bury our bitterness.

We will not be attending stake conference tomorrow as we are going to Chandler to hear Stacy and Paul speak in their ward. 

President Nelson passed away this evening. We mourn the life of a great man and a prophet of God.

"Every week many are responding to the Savior's invitation by returning to discipleship and Church activity, quietly and humbly seeking the healing that Jesus promises."

- Elder S. Mark Palmer, AGC 2025

D&C 107:100

He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so, Amen.

Donna Peeler and her friend, 

Stefani & Alicia's Mom

August on the bench, Winter to the left,

Ander and Eden

Presidents: Smithson, Beeler, Larsen

Friday, September 26th, 2025: Up @ 2:24, President Nelson has lost his eyesight, more rain - lots!, Kate Hahn going to live w/ parents, calico beans, rolls, green beans, chicken strips, hazelnut bars, missionaries for dinner. We have our first fire, in the fireplace.

 

Lindon, Utah

Major construction completed;

applying finishing touches;

temple president and matron called.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 10:1-19

Come Follow Me

D&C 107:23-24, 33-35, 38, 91-92

Prophets and apostles testify of Jesus Christ.

David A. Bednar, "Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name", OGC 2015

April General Conference

'Charity, a Sign of True Discipleship'

Elder Michael B. Strong

A.S.K.

'Your Great Adventure'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2019

Other

Liahona

Beloved Emma

Behold, the Man

Up at 2:24. President Nelson has lost his eyesight. I doubt he will be at conference. So sad. I will miss him.

We got more rain today, and lots of it. 

Kate Hahn posted today on Facebook. She will not be coming back to her home in Vernon. She will be going to her parent's home with her husband and dog. She is not going to make it. I will miss her.

I worked on my bird puzzle and finished two blog posts before preparing dinner for the missionaries. We are having them over this evening. I started rolls, made calico beans, green beans, and hazelnut bars. This evening I made some thin chicken strips. They weren't the best and I am determined to come up with a better recipe. The same with the green beans. 

We have a new elder in our ward. His name is Elder Leonardson and he is from Montana. Elder Perkins who is from Illinois is still with us. 

Elder Leonardson loves to play tennis and is musically inclined. He leaves us a message before leaving. We sent the extra rolls home with the elders and the extra hazel nut bars.

We had the first fire of the season in the fireplace tonight to get rid of the chill left by the rain.

"I am forever grateful that holders of the Aaronic priesthood, with its powers, ordinances and duties, do bless all of us."

- President Steven J. Lund, AGC 2025

D&C 107:99

Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office to which he is appointed, in all diligence.

Elder Perkins on the left and

Elder Leonardson on the right.

Benson the happy bather

More rain!

Our first fire

Thursday, September 25th, 2025: Tom woke me @ 3:30, Inklings, Kathy Crane and I visit Cindy Brown at her beautiful home near the Whiting Ranch, rain, carne asada taco, bird puzzle, walk, blog, Beloved Emma, J's computer back

 

Freetown Sierra Leone

Exterior cladding underway;

construction estimated to be completed

in late 2026 to early 2027.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:18-41

Come Follow Me

D&C 107:22

The Lord's servants are "upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the Church"

D&C

107:69-108:2

April General Conference

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Elder Ulisses Soares

A.S.K.

'Your Great Adventure'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Liahona

The Church in Mongolia

Inklings

Talk: 'Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty', Elder Sandino Roman

Scripture: JS-H 1:25

Word: faith 

Phrase: 'Pray to your Heavenly Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and always, under all circumstances, by the very nature of your lives show your loyalty and love.'

Affirmation: "I am building my faith in the Lord, one drop of oil at a time. I am loyal to Him, and I trust Him to strengthen me and protect me. I know He lives and loves me.

Tom woke me up at 3:30. Thanks Tom. 

Kathy Crane and I went on an adventure this morning. We have been called to be ministering sisters to Cindy Brown. I arranged for us to visit her today. She lives up in the forest near the Whiting ranch. There is a road that turns off the 60 that we are supposed to take but neither Kathy nor I are sure how far it is from the Vernon turnoff towards Springerville. We do know that it is past Montoso mountain. I thought it was called the 3123 and Kathy says it's the 17. It's over ten miles from the Vernon turnoff and we had to wait for road work. The road is the 3123 and the 117. I turn on to it and follow Cindy's directions from here. Stay on the road that goes to the Whiting homestead and their house will be on the left about a quarter mile from the homestead. We passed a house on the right but I said to Kathy, no, she said it was on the left. A few minutes later a white house with a red roof on the left came in to view. We stopped in front of the house and it looked empty. I texted Cindy but got no response. 

Kathy said, let's go back to that house we saw earlier. I agreed and off we went. Sure enough, that was the right house. I should have taken a picture because on the outside it looked like an old log cabin with plaster or cement between the logs.

Cindy greeted us and we walked in and we were in awe. I felt like I was in a model home. I took pictures. The focal point is the big table with the beautiful center piece.

Large windows all along the wall with

no window coverings and great views.

I should have taken a picture of the windows.

This is a barn doo and leads up to the theater room.

Very high ceilings.

Cindy's husband is 6'8"

Kathy and side view of Cindy

The theater room

Movie posters

Brother Brown is a retired attorney. This poster is

a joke about attorneys:

Dewey, Cheatem & Howe

I brought my clipboard with my "Getting to Know You" form and I asked Cindy some of the questions and here is what I found out:

*Cindy met her husband Doug at BYU-Hawaii where she was roommates with his sister. They then went to BYU-Provo and on to ASU law school.

*In her leisure time Cindy helps her husband Doug with his investment company. She also loves to travel, she takes pictures on trips, she loves photography, and she does scrapbooking. One of her favorite places to visit was Israel and Jordan. 

*Her favorite color is pink. She loves to walk outside and her favorite animal is a cow. (Her husband and his brothers run a cattle ranch).

*She loves to read and her favorite book is "Pride and Prejudice."

She told me about the BBC 7 episode series of "Pride and Prejudice" and how good it is.

*Cindy's family loves to play games. Favorites are Yahtzee and Ticket to Ride.

*Cindy plays the organ in our ward and she also loves to quilt.

*Another project Cindy is working on is going through the letters her grandparents wrote to each other when they were apart. She is "mining" them, look for nuggets or treasures to share with the family.

*Here are some things that make Cindy happy: her family, the gospel, and teaching in China. 

*One last entry. Lavell Edwards, BYU's famous retired football coach is her uncle.

Finally it was time for us to leave, just as the sprinkles started to come. It rained on us on the way home but it had not yet rained at home. Later we got a downpour and it stayed wet most of the day. 

Some of my other highlights of this day:

James bought me a carne asada taco, I worked on my bird puzzle, I walked, blogged, at soup, and read from "Beloved Emma."

James got his computer back today and he says it is so much faster, and no more popups. 

"When a woman and a man are in such a fragile time,...our words, our hands, our hearts - spiritually, emotionally, and financially - can bless them."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, AGC 2025

Wednesday, September 24th, 2025: Up before 3, left for valley around 7:15, "Follow Him" w/ Brent Top, Payson Circle K for gas, AARA, Costco, Stacy's, Deseret Book in Gilbert, Circle K in Show Low, home again

 

Bacolod Philippines

Construction fence removed; exterior lighting system and monument sign installed; landscaping and interior work well underway;

construction estimated to be completed in early 2026.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:1-17

Come Follow Me

D&C 107:1-4, 18-20

The priesthood is "after the Order of the Son of God."

D&C

107:30-68

April General Conference

'Divine Helps for Mortality'

President Dallin H. Oaks

A.S.K.

'Your Great Adventure'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2019

I got up before 3 this morning to get some things done, mainly prayers, scriptures and gospel study before leaving for the valley. I started a blog post but didn't get to finish. We left around 7:15, after prayer. On the way we listened to "Follow Him" with Brent Top.

We stopped in Payson at Circle K for gas. We got ten cents off a gallon. We arrived at AARA a little early. Frances called me back. Amanda with a ponytail put my infusion in. After 30 minutes I am finished. James is outside walking. We hope in the car and go across to Costco.

I have a $221.00 rewards check from Costco to spend along with $100 bill. We still went over about $26. I had my Costco dog at the Costco food bar and James had the chicken stick. I don't think that's what it's called but I can't remember what it's called. 

We went by Stacy's and dropped off the information I ran off the Church's website regarding patriarchal blessings. Now she can help Adam research where to get a copy of his blessing.

Our next stop was at Deseret Book in Gilbert where I returned the temple slippers I accidentally bought and purchased 4 new garment tops. James got a new temple robe and hat.

We headed for home going the Globe way. It was a nice day but there weren't many clouds. There are almost as many dead trees going this way as there are the Payson way. We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low for gas and we were home around 5.

I had left Tom and his food outside today. He did not eat any of it but as soon as I let him and his food inside, he gobbled it down. I made the mistake of opening the bottom desk drawer where his treats are kept and had to give him one. 

After putting all of our purchases away I walked, worked on my bird puzzle and did some blogging while watching the Robles YouTube channel and Rise Zion. I was excited to discover that the size small pants I bought at Costco fit!

"Every child of Heavenly Father who has chosen to enter through the gate of baptism is under covenant to be a witness of the Savior."

- President Henry B. Eyring, AGC 2025

D&C 107:4

But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Bring, to avoid the too frequent repetition of HIs name, they, the Church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Sweet baby Benson

Supply closet after our trip to Costco

My new soup pot

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025: Up @ 2?57 prayed, BM, CFM, D&C, Blog, pumpkin muffins, straighten up beds upstairs, clean bathrm, dress, hair & makeup, action figures from garage, Trenda, Sandra, Emmett, Elden, and Emerson are here

Pago Pago American Samoa

Construction fence removed; exterior lighting system operating; stained-glass windows installed; landscaping and interior work well underway; construction estimated to be completed in late 2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 8:11-28

Come Follow Me

D&C 106; 108

The Lord supports me when He calls me to serve.

D&C

107:7-29

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A.S.K.

'Your Great Adventure'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2019

Liahona

"I God Had a Church on Earth"

Other

'Come Unto Me'

'Beloved Emma'

'Follow Him'

Up at 2:57 - Prayed, Book of Mormon, Come Follow Me journal, D&C, and then my blog.

Sandra Wilhelm and her married daughter Trenda came over for a visit today. Trenda has three little boys and she is one of my former young women, and a mighty fine one at that. Trenda's last name is Ellsworth and all of her boys' first names start with E as does Trenda's husband Emery's. It is a family thing. The oldest boy is Emmett. He will be 6 on December 19th. Elden is 3 and will be 4 in November and Emerson just turned 1 on August 29th. 

Trenda Wilhelm Ellsworth is pretty amazing, excelling in just about everything she does. She seems to be a very patient and kind mother. Her boys played quietly with the toys for awhile but Emmett and Elden wanted to go outside, which they did. 

When I told Trenda she lived in my old house, she said, "are you sure?" I told her I had gone by and seen their name on the mailbox in front of the house. We talked about all of the changes that have been made. Trenda told me that any time I was in town I should come by and she would give me a tour.

I asked Sandra how her missionary, Zemira was doing and she said he was doing great and that he loved his mission. Elder Zemira Wilhelm is serving in the California, Newport Beach mission. I had him in my Primary class when I taught Primary a long with his brother Curtis. 

Sandra also told me about how Ruthie got the pencil stuck in her eye. She had to have surgery and is lucky she didn't lose her eyesight. She and another student were "horsing around" when he threw a pencil at her and it stuck in her eye.

James went in to town while I had company and brought me back a carne asada taco from Aliberto's. That was my lunch. For dinner I made lasagna soup only instead of the lasagna noodles I put in a can of green beans. James loved it and so did I.

I am so sad that I didn't get a picture of Trenda and her boys before they left. I guess they are going to have to come  back.

This evening I went out to water my flowers even though they didn't really need it but I knew I would be gone tomorrow. I also picked up about 130 pinecones and put them in my pinecone place.

All in all this was a good day.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the means established by Heavenly Father to access covenants that enable us to return home."

- Elder Ricardo P. Giminez, AGC 2025

D&C 106:5

Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.

Sleeping Benson

Zemira, now Elder Wilhelm and

Jesse, now Sister Pronger.

Beautiful Vernon sunset

Ruthie is the girl on the left. She has her

eye shield off. Hurray!

 

Monday, September 22nd, 2025: Up @ 2:12, I need eye mist, James burns branches, $16, 510 check a surprise! Smash burger lunch, deliver Jesus & the Lamb to Halcomb's, "Downton Abbey" w/ Janna & Pat, drop J's computer off to be fixed, Pat's adventure, walk, bed by 8:30

 

Phnom Penh Cambodia

Major construction completed;

applying finishing touches;

hiring for positions

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:13-8:10

Come Follow Me

Sep. 22-28:"The Order of the Son of God" D&C 106-108 Introduction

D&C

106:1-107:6

April General Conference

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

A.S.K.

'Your Great Adventure', Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2019

Liahona

'You've Made Your Grandmother Happy'

Other

"Follow Him"

"Come Unto Me"

"Beloved Emma"

Up at 2:12. My eyes were blurry so I cleaned my glasses and used my eye mist gadget to moisten my dry eyes.

We got some rain today but it didn't keep James from burning more branches. 

We got a nice surprise in the mail today, a check for $16, 510.00. It was for the Tempe warehouse project that is being built by the Chinese government. James had billed them but he wasn't sure they would come through but they did. OH happy day!

I made a smash burger with grilled onions for James for lunch. I had a date with Janna and Pat to see the Downton Abbey movie so I knew I probably wouldn't be fixing any other meals. On the way to meet Janna at Pat's house I stopped at the Halcomb's and gave them the painting of Jesus with the lamb, the one that is my favorite. Catherine saw it at my last lesson and wanted one. She was very happy and she and Kerri found a place to hang it in their hallway. 

I also gave Pat a copy of the book, "Beloved Emma." I handed it to her as she was walking out the door to go to the movie. I would like to come back and sign it and talk to her about it. I guess I will have to visit soon.

Pat paid for my ticket to the movie and Janna paid for my drink. The movie would have been good except for two things, the breaking of the law of chastity and a gay couple. This is why I only watch Hallmark movies.

I dropped James computer off for him at Mountain Mobile Computer. Hopefully they can fix it for him. 

Janna went to Safeway after the movie to pick up a prescription and to buy some fried chicken for Willy's dinner. 

Pat has been driving which is against the rules for her. She and Maxine Thompson made a trip to the Taylor Walmart. Janna was not very happy with her. She also got low at church after Relief Society and was wandering outside looking for her car when Andy Wilhelm walked up and helped her. 

I was so tired when I got home from the movie I walked, took a shower and then went to bed.

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides hope and light at a time that for many seems dark and dreary.

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2025

D&C 106:4

And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night.

Benson turned two months old

yesterday.

He looks so "grownup" 

in these pictures!

 Such a handsome guy!

Sunday, September 21st, 2025: Up @ 2:40 Happy Birthday Denise! new teal dress, Cindy Brown, Jensen's speak, Bishop visits Kate Hahn, goodbye to our company, home alone again

 

Neiafu, Tonga

Installing stained-glass windows;

landscaping and interior work progressing;

construction estimated to be completed

in early to mid 2026.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:1-12

D&C

105:16-41

April General Conference

'Compensating Blessings'

Bishop Gerald Causse

A.S.K.

'Spiritual Treasures'

President Russell M. Nelson

Liahona

'I Want To Be Like You'

I was up by 2:40 this morning.

Happy Birthday Denise! I hope it's a great day for you!

I am determined to make two blogposts everyday. I have re-done my schedule so I work on my blog from 5:30-9:30 in the mornings. Of course that time is not without interruption, but it is better than waiting until later in the day when I am tired and there are more interruptions. I finished one post this morning and I'm determined to do another one this afternoon.

James and I left for church at 8:30, everyone else was still asleep or at least had not made an appearance. I wore my new teal dress. It's more of a summer dress. I'm glad the weather would still allow me to wear it. 

I talked with Cindy Brown before the meeting started and arranged to visit sometime on Thursday. Later I invited Kathy Crane to go with me. She wanted to take her car thinking the roads might be bad and that my car wouldn't make it. I assured her it would.

Scott and Debra Jensen and their 9 year old son Caleb spoke in sacrament meeting today. Here are some notes that I took:

Caleb Jensen - Caleb is nine years old and did an excellent job. He told about his experience of being in the production of "Messiah in America" and how it increased his testimony of the Savior. He said it changed his life and prepared him for his upcoming baptism. At the end he said, "I love Jesus. Amen."

Debra Jensen - The theme for Debra's talk can be found in the first part of Jacob 4:11 - Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son,...

The Fallen world became alienated from God and was restored through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through our faith and trust in Christ we can become peacemakers and we can also experience a rebirth into a new way of life. God's nature transforms us. She then lost me because she started talking about the Jewish holidays celebrated this time of year. She did speak about the Resurrection of Christ and how He is the Rock of our salvation. She made this comment: "Do you want to shine like Moses, then cling to the Rock, the Rock of Jesus." 

Although she took up most of the time she sang a song before her husband got up to speak. The song was "Rock of Ages." It was a bit high for me.

Scott Jensen - He spoke about Jonah and how his story is symbolic of the suffering Messiah and reconciling ourselves to God. Exodus 34:6-9. 13 divine attributes of God all signifying His mercy. There was a lot of symbolism in his talk which I found interesting but he ran out of time and had to end early.

Bishop Hunsaker and Alicia were not a church today. They went to visit Kate Hahn at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Kate's dad says she hasn't eaten in two weeks and they don't expect her to make it through this. When she leaves the hospital she will be going home to live with her parents, along with her husband and their dog Apollo.

It is so sad.

Wes Smith taught Sunday School. Kerri Halcomb wasn't here today to hook up the microphones, she is home with a cough. As a result of no microphones I could hear very few of the comments that were made. I could hear Brother Smith fine. Brother Smith based the lesson on overcoming adversity and how to change our negative reactions to adversity. I made the comment that we needed to trust in the Lord. The lesson was okay but I was hoping he would focus on something a little more positive.

Our marriage class was a little sparse today. I guess a lot of people are out of town. We talked about triangulation and its adverse affects. Here is an example. A couple are having a disagreement and the wife talks the daughter into being on her side. That is triangulation. Nothing good can come from it. 

Xander and Carter left before we got home but they took a selfie because Xander knows how much the photos mean to me. 

Carter and Xander

I guess it's not a selfie.

Alex said he had to get back earlier than planned because of a test he didn't realize he had tomorrow in one of his classes.

I asked James what that "dead" thing was in the side yard so he went out to look. He came back and said it was a kangaroo rat which is indigenous to the Sonoran desert and that they are on the rare and endangered species list. He couldn't figure out how it got in our backyard. We figure one of the cats probably killed it. James and Joe got their heads together and decided that the rat may have been in one of the three cars that came up from the valley and escaped when they unloaded their suitcases the night they got here. I guess we will never know.

Soon everyone was ready to go. Sami left me the rest of her protein bars which was very nice of her.

Joe, Sami, Dallin, Namira, Michael

Sami & Dallin

Joe and Michael

"The temple opens the way to the highest blessings our Father in Heaven has for each one of us."

- Ronald A. Rasband, AGC 2025

D&C 105:12

For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.