Sunday, October 19th, 2025: Benson's blessing, Family Dinner, Back in Vernon - leaves, turkeys, and Tom, Grand Junction, Colorado temple dedicated

245. Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

Steeple frame in place; exterior cladding underway; 

construction estimated to be completed in 

late 2026 to early 2027.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 8:5-25

October General Conference

'And Now I See'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

Today is Benson's baby blessing. We left for Tyler at 7:40 because we wanted to get there around 8:40. Since there is not much traffic on Sunday we arrived at 8:25, ahead of everyone else in the family. 

A brother was out in the foyer and began talking to Kacey, asking where she was from. He then spoke to us and asked where we were from. He had never heard of Vernon but he said he had heard of Show Low. When he left to go into the chapel I told Kacey that he had to be related to Ron Freeman. He spoke like him and had some of his same mannerisms. Sure enough, his name was Webb Freeman, Ron's brother. The rest of the family arrived and we took pictures with Benson.

Christina, Isaac, Loren and Macy were here also along with Palmer's family. 

We sat on the second row so we could hear Palmer give the blessing as they could not get the extended microphone work. 

The bishopric and the youth are still gone so the Melchizedek priesthood took care of the sacrament. Ron Freeman, the elder's quorum president, presided at the meeting and his brother Webb, whose hair isn't as suave as Ron's, conducted and was the last speaker. 

Even though Palmer didn't have a microphone I could hear every word and he gave a beautiful blessing.

The first speaker, Brother Stanley, is an engineer in the oil industry and spoke on obedience. Brother Freeman spoke on the law of tithing and after going 10 minutes over his brother Ron got up to tell him he was running over. Webb looked at him and said, "Sit down." When Webb realized what he had down he apologized profusely. We sang one verse of the closing song.

The foyer was crowded as the members of the ward that meets next were waiting to get in.

Summer and JB held Benson during sacrament meeting. I even saw JB feeding him. Sweet.

Jared & Kacey's ward starts at one and since he is in the bishopric Jared is going to attend their sacrament meeting.  We did not stay for the second hour in Tyler but headed back to Longview. On the way Jared told us about the clinic where he works. It's owned by the Catholic church and is called Christus Trinity Clinic. Before it opened they sprinkled water on everything, instruments, etc., and gave everything a blessing. I like that idea.

Back at Jared and Kacey's after having some lunch, I tried to blog but I could not make my computer work. James was off walking or taking a nap. 

At noon Kacey turned on the Kansas City Chiefs game. They are playing the Las Vegas Raiders who evidently aren't very good. 

Charlie asks me about my notebook. I show it to her and how I do 5 pages a day with a different color of pen for every day. Monday is orange, Tuesday green, Wednesday blue, Thursday pink, Friday sky blue, Saturday red, and Sunday purple. She says to me, "sometimes it can be fun to write." She went and got herself a notebook with three different colored pencils and explained to me how she was going to write in the notebook with the different colors. I love this girl! She also did some roller skating and played the piano. 

Before 2:00 Kacey and Charlie leave for Primary. Kacey is the Primary president and next week is the Primary program so today is their last Sunday practice. Charlie has a speaking part about why she wants a temple closer to their home. She is also in a small singing group and they are practicing after Primary for a few minutes. The Chiefs were winning 21-0 when Kacey left. They ended up beating the Raiders, 31-0. 

Tanner has been staying in the other guest bedroom. He got up and left somewhere around 2:30. He wanted to know where everyone was so I told him. He then got in his truck and left. A little after 3 Kate drove up in front of the house with Mason. She was here a little early. Kacey babysits Mason on Sunday evenings while Kate is at work. She has to be there at 4. I told her I would be happy to watch Mason until Kacey got home but he was not having it. Jared showed up and Mason interacted with him a little, at least it was someone he knew. Soon Kacey and Charlie arrived and all was well. Kate was able to leave for work on time. I told her she just missed Tanner and she asked if he stayed here last night and I told her he had. That was all that was said. 

Mason is a very active, curious little guy and someone needs to watch him at all times. Kacey seemed up for the task. 

Family dinner is at 5:30 and it is time to start preparing. Jared is in charge. I help him by peeling potatoes, cutting up zucchini, and other small tasks. Jared has a mandoline for slicing potatoes and it is pretty darn handy. Now I want one for when I make scalloped potatoes. We added more cheese and some onions to the potatoes. Jared turns the Trager to over 400 and puts them inside to cook so they will have a smoked flavor. These are called potatoes au gratin.

Jared had Gordon Ramsey's pan and it is big and impressive. He loves it. We cooked the zucchini and onions in this pan. Jared prepared the garlic bread and stuck it in the oven, they have two ovens. Nice. Next was to put the steak bites on the Blackstone and let them "fry." Summer made two salads to add to our feast of steak, potatoes, zucchini & onions, and garlic brea.

Those attending this week's family dinner: Jared, Kacey, Charlie, Summer, JB, Tanner for awhile, Palmer, Autumn, Scarlett, Benson, Mason and James and me. 

For dessert we had the Tuxedo cake we bought and two kinds of Bluebell ice cream, pecan or vanilla.  Palmer and Autumn did the dishes. James walks with his headphones on and Jared and I think he is anti-social. Kacey defended him as said: "I think he is not feeling well." I thought that was so nice of her. 

The evening was a bit chaotic, but I loved it. We visited awhile in the family room. I talked with Summer about her cat Juniper and we showed each other photos. James got in on it too, finding pictures of Tom. Scarlett and Charlie secluded themselves in Charlie's room. Mason "kept busy" until everyone left and Kacey tried to put him to sleep. Jared was with Charlie and they were going to watch a movie. It was time for James and I to go to bed. We are getting up early in the morning to leave. I am sad that I didn't take more photos from this evening, but here are a few:

Charlie, Benson, and Mason

Scarlett joins the group

Jared, Benson, Palmer

Back in Vernon, Kim & Brian went to Christmas tree trail to see the fall leaves and some wildlife.

I love this picture!

In other news, President Jeffrey R. Holland dedicated the Grand Junction, Colorado temple. It is dedicated temple #210. I believe my grandma Maxwell was from Grand Junction. I know Aunt Rita lived there.

 

 

Saturday, October 18th, 2025: Trip to Sam's w/ Jared & James, Walmart by myself, James sneaks in, Scarlett's baptism, dinner @ Abuelo's, BYU vs. UofU,

 

244. Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Sheathing and exterior cladding underway; windows installed; 

construction estimated to be completed

in 2027.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:15-8:4

D&C

119-120

October General Conference

'The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

It was 8:00 Texas time when James and I got out of bed. That bed and pillow are just too completely!

Breakfast, journal, and prayer. Jared's going to Sam's Club. I told James I wanted to go and he said he would go too. 

We followed Jared's red Toyota to Sam's Club because we wanted to go to Walmart afterwards. We got Fairlife shakes. James got a new brand of shakes called Raw. These shakes have stevia instead of sucrose and they taste good. I hope they have them in Arizona. I got some Snap dill pickles for myself, and a tuxedo cake for tomorrow's family dinner desert. I also got some crackers called Catalina Crunch which are low carb with protein. Jared is doing steak bites for tomorrow Sunday dinner so he bought several steaks. He's also doing smoked potatoes au gratin and vegetables. We said goodbye and James and I headed next door to Walmart. He dropped me off at the door while he went to get gas. 

I went specifically to get some Beddar Cheddar smoked turkey links but they didn't have turkey so I had to get the sausage. They were just as delicious but maybe not as healthy. I got some cheese, pastrami lunchmeat and AWZ. I went out and unbeknownst to me, James went in. He figured I would forget to get him some cereal so he went in to get some cereal and oat milk. He actually left his personal credit card and didn't realize it. After our dinner at Abuelo's this evening he realized it was missing and he looked everywhere for it. He came back to Walmart Sunday afternoon and someone had turned it in. There are still some honest people left in the world!

Back at Jared & Kacey's we had a short rest and then it was time to get ready for the baptism and leave for Tyler. We are supposed to go early for pictures and it takes about an hour to get there, so we left around 1:45.

Autumn & Palmer are members of the Tyler 1st ward and attend church in the Shiloh building, an older building. Kacey's sisters, Loren, April, and Christina were there along with Mo, April's husband and their son, Macy, Loren's daughter, and Isaac, Christina's son. They all came from Arkansas. Christina's older son Tristan, just left for a mission in Ohio, and Kacey & Jared went to his farewell so I guess the family support goes both ways.

Summer and her fiance, JB came, and with us and Jared & Kacey and Charlie that rounded out Autumn's family. Oops, I almost forgot. Taylor, Autumn's half sister from her dad and Taylor's twin teenaged daughter were here too. Palmer's family included his parents and two sisters, one is single, and the other brought her kids, I'm not sure if her husband was with her. 

The opening was in the chapel. The bishopric is out of town on a youth outing so the elder's quorum president, Ron Freeman conducted the meeting. His name represented him well. Not only is he a Freeman he is also a free-spirit. He did have nice hair though. Later Palmer said he and his wife are both hairdressers. 

The opening song was "I Will Walk with Jesus". Autumn gave the opening prayer and then Kacey gave the talk on Baptism. It was a great talk. Kacey had given things for Scarlett to study this week regarding the covenant promises she will make at baptism and the promises Heavenly Father makes to her. She also gave her a bracelet representing those promises. (Later Kacey Scarlett her own pink scripture quad.)

We all went to the baptismal font to witness Scarlett being baptized by her dad, Palmer Child. 

Back in the chapel Charlie and Scarlett sang their song accompanied by Jared on the piano. The song: "When I Am Baptized." They did a very good job. Charlie is a little shy but she sang out and so did Scarlett.

Palmer's mother, Malinda Child, gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. Scarlett calls her Grammy and Scarlett calls Kacey, Lolli.

Palmer's mom told a story about a pack of dogs following her and her children when they were walking to a neighbors. She was prompted to pick up a big stick and yell at the dog. She said she knew that was a prompting from the Holy Ghost. She also talked about Scarlett's favorite stuffed animal, Nosey. Scarlett loves Nosey and wants to take him everywhere. He is a small stuffed black, orange, and white dog. Palmer's mom then said that the Holy Ghost is a friend that we can take everywhere. 

The Primary presidency gave Scarlett a keepsake box. It has the promises made at baptism in the front and then you open it and put in all of the memorabilia from the baptism. So nice, I loved it!

Scarlett also got a stuffed bear so she can remember the 3 bears:

1. Bear the name of Christ

2. Bear others burdens

3. Bear your testimony

After the closing song, "Baptism", there were refreshments which Autumn had made.

She made these for Charlie's birthday:

After refreshments most of the family members went to Abuelo's for dinner. I had a grilled chicken salad with golden raisins, almonds, and one piece of avocado. James had mahi-mahi without sauce - it was dry. He used some of my honey mustard dressing on it. I got to sit by Benson and across from Kacey. Benson was so good. He fell asleep in his carseat. 

After Abuelo's, which means Grampa's by the way, we went to Autumn & Palmer's for a short visit. Lore, Macy, Christina and Isaac are staying there but I'm not sure where because their house is small. I was impressed with how Autumn had made this house their home. 

We didn't stay long, soon we were back in Longview. Jared needed to go shopping and Kacey was going to go with him because she was going to make a salad for tomorrow night. Instead she called Summer and ask her to bring a salad tomorrow night. Jared went to the store to get French bread, zucchini, squash, and ice cream, Bluebell of course. They were out of squash so he bought extra zucchini. 

Jared had the TV on going between the Dodgers game and the BYU vs. UofU game. The Dodgers and BYU both won. Jared & Kacey had "Come Follow Me" with Charlie, the children's section which was a story of Jane Manning walking 800 miles to Nauvoo. Family prayer and then off to bed for James and I. 

 

Friday, October 17th, 2025: Up before 6 or 4 Az time, problems w/ cmptr & can't connect phone to internet, Allswell pillows, Wlmrt-pain pills, Dr. Oldham never called, J&K go shopping for dryer, Charlie & I skate, walk, play w/ Lovie, Jucy, Piney Park

 

243. Teton River, Idaho

Structural framing underway; construction

estimated to be completed in late 2027

to early 2028.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:1-14

Come Follow Me

D&C 119-20

My tithing helps build the kingdom of God.

October General Conference

'Remembering the Sheep'

Elder William K. Jackson

I was up before 6, which is 4 Arizona time. I'm still having problems with my computer, but I did read my scriptures and visit with Kacey and Jared. Another thing, whenever I go to someone else's house my phone will not connect to their internet. It happened at Stacy & Paul's and now it is happening here. Kacey tried to help me but nothing worked.

James told me this morning that he got the best nights sleep he has had in a longtime, last night. We both loved our pillows. Kacey gave me the brand name of the pillow, Allswell, and told me I could get them at Walmart. Love the name and the store is convenient for me. The mattress on the bed is nice and cozy too. I finally convinced James that we need a new mattress on our bed. 

James went to Walmart to see if they could request his pain meds but Dr. Oldham never switched them from Western Drug to the Walmart in Show Low so he is out of luck. Next time I say he go to Dr. Oldham in his Show Low office so no Western Drug will be involved. 

Jared and Kacey went shopping for a new dryer at Lowe's. Charlie didn't want to go so she stayed here with me. I walked around the dining room, kitchen, family room, piano room loop and Charlie roller skated, passing me at least twice each loop. Lovie got in on the action and was so tired afterward she just plopped down on the rug, exhausted.

For dinner we went to a burger joint called Jucy. James ordered a burger with blue cheese on it and I got a grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. They have free beans. Jared said that sometimes the missionaries come here and just eat the beans. I'm not sure how they get away with it but I thought it was funny. Charlie had her cheeseburger with mustard and tomato. Kacey had a salad and Jared had a burger. The food was really good.

We spent the evening at Piney Park in Marshall, Texas. Jared paid for our tickets. Thank you Jared. This was family fun, east Texas style. A giant slide with Charlie & Jared went down a couple of times. A Cow-Bee ride that Jared, James and Charlie rode and a jump zone that Charlie enjoyed. We all went through the outdoor spook alley. The weather this evening was perfect for being outside. I brought my sweater but never ended up wearing it. I was able to get all of my 12,000 steps for the day. Charlie had a great time. We all did, in spite of our ailments. Kacey has plantar fasciitis in her left foot and pain in her right hip, Jared and I have arthritic pain and so does James.

Back home in Longview we visited for awhile and then James and I were tired so we went to bed. 

Some other things I remember about today. 

*Jared practicing the song, "When I Am Baptized" on the piano. He is playing tomorrow at the baptism while Charlie and Scarlett sing.

*Charlie practicing piano, roller skating and taking a break by reading a book.

*Jared says best all-time baseball player is the Dodger's pitcher, Ohtani from Japan. Tonight he hits three homeruns and 10 strikeouts.

*College and pro-football with no sound.

*Charlie reading "Little House on the Prairie" or "Pioneer Sisters."

*Kacey is now Primary President, she has already been Young Women's President, and now there are rumors she may be called as the Relief Society President.

*Kim fed Tom his regular food, but he wanted a treat. He kept staring at the drawer where I keep them.

I love how she sits on her feet when she plays

Where is Charlie

Jared's the one with his arms in the air

Grampa and Charlie in their 

Bee car.

Jared was a little uncomfortable in the Cow car. 

Jared and Charlie having a little

discussion as to which way to go

in the light maze.

Charlie with her new friends

A cameo of Grampa

Charlie was a good sport to sit on the

big spider even when she didn't want to.

Thursday, October 16th, 2025: Up @ 2:47, after 5 when we leave for Longview, Texas, Arby's steak nuggets in Socorro, "Winterset", James drives the entire way, Charlie, Jared & Kacey wait up for us, we arrive around 10:15 Texas time, 2 hours ahead of Arizona time

 

242. Cleveland, Ohio

Awaiting installation of cupola; landscaping and interior 

finish work nearly completed; temple president

and matron called; construction estimated to be

completed in late 2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6:15-30

October General Conference

'Lovest Thou Me'

Elder Steven C. Barlow

I got up at 2:47. I said my prayers and drank my Perk and then made final preparations to leave on our trip to Longview, Texas. James wanted to leave at 4 but it was after 5 when we pulled out. We were passed Hunsaker's when I remembered to ask James if he got my lunchmeat and cheese and put it in the ice chest. No, he didn't, so back we went. It was 5:30 when we pulled away this time.

It was 8:30 Arizona time, 9:30 New Mexico time when we stopped at the Circle K and then Arby's in Socorro. Arby's has a new item on their menu, steak nuggets or steak bites as I call them. They are yummy and made a great brunch. 

There is an M on a mountain in the town and we asked the boy who works there what the M stood for. He said it is called M mountain. He says it turns to a W at night when the high school Warriors play and an M when the college Miners play. He said it is really quite amazing. I guess you have to see it actually happen to appreciate it.

We stopped for gas a few more times and potty breaks. We listened to scriptures and did "Come Follow Me." I missed Inklings this morning but will listen to it when I get home next Tuesday. 

We are now listening to a new book called, "Winterset." 

James drove the entire time. I wanted to stop at a sunflower field we saw but he said they looked droopy because it was late in the day and we would stop on the way home and take some pictures. 

We lost two hours because Longview, Texas is two hours ahead of us. It was around 10:30 when we arrived at Jared & Kacey's at 1613 Pineland Drive. It was 8:30 Arizona time so it took us about 15 hours. Charlie was waiting up for us along with Jared & Kacey. I am glad because I got to give her a big hug before going to bed.

Tender and delicious!

Wednesday, October 15th, 2025: Up @ 2:24, Max passes National EMT test, White Mountain Regional Medical Center in Springerville, James's trigger-release procedure on his left hand, middle finger, Dr. Oldham, Amber & Chelsea, McDonald's, Safeway, pain med mixup

 

241. San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Lettering painted on monument sign and inscription stones;

exterior lighting adjustments underway; finalizing

the interior, including gold leafing, door hardware,

and marble floor polishing; temple president and matron called;

construction estimated to be completed in

late 2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

D&C

117:1-13

Come Follow Me

D&C 115:5-6

Zion and her stakes offer "refuge from the storm."

October General Conference

'Cheering Each Other On'

J. Anette Dennis

Liahona

Becoming More Christlike Through Temple Service

A.S.K.

'The Lord Looketh on the Heart'

Elder Barcellos

I was up at 2:42 this morning. I wonder how much longer I can do this. 

Sheri texted me this morning. Max passed his National EMT test today. Hurray! Good job Max!

James and I felt for Springerville at 9:45 this morning. James has surgery on his left hand middle finger at noon. Amber, one of the surgical nurses had told us that we needed to be there at 10 but we got a text on my phone that said 10:40 so that's what we were shooting for. As we were waiting for road construction we got a call from Amber wondering where we were. By this time it was about 10:15. We explained to her what had happened and she said to just get there as soon as we safely could. 

Amber told us that if we ever get another one of those automated texts to ignore it. Amber and Chelsea prepped James for surgery. Amber is LDS. She said her in-laws are going to serve a mission in the Phillipines in the same mission her husband served in and they are going to visit them. Chelsea was really cute and nice but I don't think she is LDS because she has a nose ring. I could be wrong though.

Dr. Oldham, the doctor who will be performing the surgery is friends with James's other orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ellsworth who gave him the cortisone shot in his other hand and did surgery on his thumb a couple of years ago, Dr. Oldham is in our stake and we found out that he also practices in Show Low and we could have gone there for the surgery which would have been much more convenient.

They took James back a little before noon and before 12:30 Dr. Oldham (who is really quite young), came out to speak with me and tell me that the surgery went well and that the nurses should be coming out to get me anytime. 

We left the hospital around 1. We went to McDonald's for lunch and I was shocked how much it cost. We either need to look for their "deals" or never come back. Four chicken nuggets was $5.49.

Since we are leaving for Texas early in the morning James wanted to go to Safeway and get some snacks to eat on the road. He got some crackers and I got some cheese and lunchmeat. We got home around 2:40.

One of the nurses asked us what our pharmacy was and we said the Walmart in Show Low. We got a call from Western Drug in Springerville saying James's prescription was ready. It was too late for us to go back and pick it up there and it was after hours for the doctors so I guess we will have to see if we can do anything tomorrow while we are on the road. The Walmart in Show Low never received it. 

James waters to flowers and yard and even washed the car. We went through a carwash in Eagar but it was lame and really didn't do anything. He is doing so much and the nurse told him to go home and watch a movie and relax. Ha! No chance. 

Tom took a nap on my lap for one hour and then I made him get up. I walked and started packing and getting ready for our trip. James wants to leave at 4 am. We shall see.

I made some spinach for dinner and then did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen and started the dishwasher. I also finished the laundry. We were in bed before 9.

"As followers of Jesus Christ, we should seek to emulate the way our Master demonstrates His pure love for others."

- Elder Michael B. Strong, AGC 2025

D&C 117:4

Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.

My cousin Rita taking some of her kids

and grandkids to Europe.

Rick Solomon was a friend of Jared's.

He is on the left in this picture, on Rita's

right.

I love Elder Callister and I am reading his 

book, "The Infinite Atonement."

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025: Up @ 3:13, no more rain, sunny but windy, James feels better tDoday, hazelnut cookie bars, "Villa Amore" w/ Catherine, Pat & Janna, Catherine brought me a journal, New 1st Presidency, TJ Maxx and Book Barn for Scarlett & Benson, Julie Wilhelm's roof

Knoxville, Tennessee

Stone cladding underway; cupola frame staged

on site; visitors' center trailer removed;

construction estimated to be completed

in late 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:1-19

D&C

115:16-116

Come Follow Me

D&C 115:3-6

The name of the Church is important to the Lord.

RMN, "The Correct Name of the Church", OGC 2018

October General Conference

'Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Other

Liahona

A.S.K.

Up @ 3:13. 

No more rain, sunny but windy.

James feels so much better this morning. The cortisone shot in his finger is really helping.

I made hazelnut bars this morning on a cookie sheet. I doubled the recipe. They are easy to make but it takes forever to roll out the dough on the bottom and the top of the Nutella. I baked them a little too long but James liked them that way, he said they weren't "doughy." 

I cleaned the kitchen, the hall bathroom and dusted the family room. I mopped the floors in preparation for my friends coming to watch a movie with me. 

Pat, Janna, and Catherine got here a little before 10 a.m. to watch the movie, "Villa Amore." I am grateful to Janna and Pat for picking up Catherine. 

I tried to watch the movie on Hallmark Plus because I was trying to avoid commercials but it kept buffering so I changed over to the recording on Dish. I had to fast forward commercials. 

James made a fire and Catherine brought me a journal because she knows I am always taking notes. On the front it says: "Think positive, Feel positive, Live positive. Thank you Catherine, that was very thoughtful of you. Thank you James for building a fire and helping us feel cozy.

Catherine didn't want a blanket and did not want to recline even when she fell asleep and Janna reclined her a little. 

I am so glad that Pat felt comfortable enough to bring her oxygen.

Pat and Janna really liked the movie. Catherine didn't say much about the movie. She did look around and said, "how do you keep this place clean?" 

After we said our goodbyes I remembered that I had made hazelnut bars to share and forgot to share them. We said our goodbyes around 11:30. 

Janna and Pat picked Catherine up and took her home so Kerri would have time to clean Catherine's bathroom. Kerri said her mother would not allow her to do it if she was at home and thanked me for inviting her to the movie.

At noon today there was a news broadcast about the re-organization of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. James and I watched it together. 

Elder Gary E. Stevenson conducted the meeting and accidentally called President Oaks, Dallas H. Oaks. No one mentioned it online that I could see. I would have missed it if Stacy hadn't pointed it out. 

Our new First Presidency:

I was pretty confident that President Oaks would choose President Eyring as one of his counselors because of the close bond they have formed working together in the First Presidency under the direction of President Nelson. I love President Christofferson but was not expecting him to be called. I thought of Elder Bednar or Elder Uchtdorf. I am sure President Christofferson will do an outstanding job.

James has sanded one of the two railings he got from Cope. It looks pretty good although the spindles are a little small. James will use it on the end of the deck but first has to find a new post as the one standing now is rotten.

Sorry if I showed this before.

James went over to look at Julie Wilhelm's roof which she says is leaking. He told her he was going to be gone but advised her as to what she should do. She said that she would before she leaves town on Saturday to go back to Utah.

This afternoon I went shopping in Show Low by myself. My goal was to find a gift for Scarlett for her baptism and something for Benson.

I went to the new TJ Maxx store first and was quite impressed. I think it is the nicest store in Show Low. I bought some onsies and little sweat pants for Benson and I also bought a blanket for my Christmas stash. On to the Book Barn to look for something for Scarlett.

I found a necklace that I liked and a card and got to visit with my friend Donna Lundgren who works at the store. When I got home I took over an hour rest time with Tom. I am going to miss him while I am gone but I am so grateful that Kim & Brian are coming up on Friday to watch over him and Sammy and our horses.

I didn't finish my blog post but I did finish my steps. We were in bed by 8:30.

 "Showing reverence for sacred things gives meaning to much of what we do every day and strengthens our feeling of gratitude."

- Elder Ulisses Soares

D&C 115:5

Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that they light may be a standard for the nations;

Monday, October 13th, 2025: Up @ 3:22, another rainy day, Dr. Ellsworth for J and Walmart for me, J walks in rain, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, Tractor Supply, Ross - pink heart blanket, Culver's & Aliberto's, 2 blogposts, 12,000 steps in bed by 8:24

 

 239. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Steeple frame installed; roofs added to ancillary buildings; 

construction estimated to be completed in

early to mid - 2027.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:15-33

D&C

115:1-15

Come Follow Me

 D&C 115-120

"His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred to Me Than His Increase." 

Introduction

October General Conference

'The Lord Is Hastening His Work'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Liahona

'Temple Covenants Altered the Course of My Life' 

A.S.K.

'The Lord Looketh on The Heart'

Elder Barcellos

Other

'Know Brother Joseph'

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers"

"Look Unto Christ in Every Thought"

I got up at 3:22 this morning. Today is going to be another rainy day.

James had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Curtis Ellsworth at 8:30 this morning to see about getting a cortisone shot in one of his fingers on his right hand. I dropped James off at the hospital complex where Dr. Ellsworth's office is and then I drove across the street to Walmart to do some shopping. 

I bought kitty treats and lots of shakes for our trip. James walked in the rain to Walmart while I was out looking for him. He didn't answer his phone so I wasn't sure where he was. I found him in the Walmart parking lot and drove him over to Home Depot. Someone called while he was still in the car reminding him of his surgery on Wednesday morning at the White Mountain Regional Medical center in Springerville. 

While James was in Home Depot I read from my book, "Look Unto Christ in Every Thought." I finished my chapter for today.

After Home Depot James dropped me off at Dollar Tree while he went to Tractor Supply to get some horse feed. The thing that James needed at Home Depot was a latch to keep Apollo out of the tack room where the horse feed is kept. 

While I was at Dollar Tree I got some birthday cards and a cute glass bottle to put on the ledge above our bathtub. (It looks great. Now I need to come back and get another one.) I also went to Ross and found the cutest pink heart blanket for Lola for Christmas.

James picked me up and we drove through Culver's for his cod fillet sandwich. He drove through Aliberto's for my carne asada taco. 

It had been raining in Show Low. The rain in Vernon came a little later but it rained pretty solidly the rest of the day. Our road is full of mudholes, 

I consider it a successful day. I finished two blogposts and walked 12,000 steps. We were in bed by 8:24.

"Commandments define the path our Heavenly Father has marked out for us to progress toward eternal life."

- President Dallin H. Oaks, AGC 2025

D&C 115:4

For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The 60 close to Globe. The road is

obviously closed.

Happy Birthday

Kevin!

Kate Hahn and her brothers

Alex in Oregon