Monday, November 3rd, 2025: 3:51, Hailey Hunsaker's baptism, CFM baptisms for the dead, mailed Evan's card, "Have a Jesus day", Show Low Cafe, Walmart

 

Natal, Brazil

Construction estimated to be completed

late 2027 to early 2028.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 19:1-29

D&C

125:1-126:3

Come Follow Me

Nov. 3-9: D&C 125-128 "A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead"

Introduction and Voices of the Restoration

October General Conference

'The Lord Looketh on the Heart'

Elder Ronald M. Barcellos

3:51, Tom eats and goes outside. 

This week "Come Follow Me" is all about baptism for the dead. Work for the dead in the Lord's temple is one of the greatest things about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's one of the things that sets us apart from every other church.

James had to have a back rub and the heating pad on this morning before getting out of bed. I also put heat rub on my right hand after putting it on both of James's thumbs. 

James and I had a date today to go to the Show Low Cafe for lunch and then to Walmart to look at new flagpoles for our flag.

On our way to town we stopped at the Vernon post office. James mailed Evan's card and picked up the mail. I got my General Conference journal, yay!

The Show Low Cafe just got a remodel and I don't like it. I had some good times there as a kid. We would come up from the valley and sit on stools at the counter and Grandma Maxwell would bring us the best hamburgers with fries and chocolate or vanilla malts. I always got vanilla. 

I remember Grandpa Maxwell sitting at the counter with his house slippers on watching the money come in. Also have memories of having Christmas dinner not in the cafe but in the dining room and making our own Shirley Temples at the bar with my brothers and cousins, Rita, Randy, Gary, and Arlee. Great memories.

I would say our food was average, nothing to write home about. James had the tuna melt, and I had the crispy chicken salad.

I took James to look at the flagpoles in Walmart, and he decided we don't need a new one because he can fix the old one. Okay honey, can you do that this week?

As we were walking to our car in the Walmart parking lot we passed a guy going in the other direction. He said to us: "Have a wonderful Jesus day!"  James thought it was a little quirky but I thought it was great!

Michael and his friends are coming up this weekend. I should say Michael and the managers of the autism centers he supervises. I need to get cleaning upstairs but I keep putting it off.

We are working on the hardest part of the puzzle, the section that has the most green. I am determined to finish it this week!

I am still reading the book, "A Waltz with Traitors" but I don't know for how much longer. I don't like war stories and although this one has some romance, it is just too depressing.

Tom slept in the house tonight, on our bed.

"Easter allows us to honor both the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the literal and joyous Resurrection of Him"

- Gary E. Stevenson, AGC 2025

D&C 127:3

Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceedingly glad; for Israel's God is their God, and he will mete out a just recompense of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors.

I want to make these!

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025: Daylight savings ended this morning, wear Catherine's dress to church, James's testimony, SS, Tithing Declaration, Cat prison, James works on puzzle, gorgeous day

 

259. Lagos, Nigeria

Groundbreaking ceremony held 10 May 2025;

full-scale construction pending.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 18:15-39

D&C

124:126-143

Come Follow Me

D&C 124:91-92

The Lord can guide me through my patriarchal blessing.

October General Conference

'Tue Your Heart to Jesus Christ: The Sacred Gift of Primary Music'

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

I don't remember what time it was when I got out of bed. 

Daylight savings ended this morning at 2 am, which means Jared & Kacey are only an hour ahead of us instead of two.

After eating I took some Tramadol and laid down to sleep until I feel better. I was awake in time to get ready for church. 

Even though I don't particularly care for the design of the fabric of the dress Catherine gave me, it fits perfectly and is very comfortable. James called it "loud", so I wore it with my black sweater and he said, "Oh, that's so much better."

Steve Allen conducted fast & testimony meeting and announced, rather emotionally, that we would be getting a new bishopric next week. 

Sister Golly was released as ward music director and ward chorister. We will miss her and the special numbers she planned. Sister Jan Rosen will be the ward music director and Alicia Hunsaker will be the ward chorister. Sister Golly was called to the Young Women's and Alicia was just released from Young Women's. 

James bore the last testimony of the day. It was the best and I'm not saying that because I love him, it really was!

Brother Applegate taught gospel doctrine and asked for the class to share temple experiences. James shared one about William Strickland whose name was lost and now found. I shared my experience about being sealed to my parents, again. 

James signed us up for tithing declaration this afternoon and saw Brother Lauritzen in the hall. He told him we would not be attending the parenting class and when Brother Lauritzen tried to talk him in to it James said: "All of our kids are grown and most of our grandkids are grown too."

Brother Peralta pulled James aside after Sunday School and discussed a personal matter with him. He said he has now failed his temple recommend interview 3 times and he doesn't understand why. He said he mentioned in his testimony he used to smoke and drink and maybe they thought he was still doing that be he said he gave it up a long time ago. I told James it seemed weird to me that he didn't know why they wouldn't give him a recommend. James wasn't quite sure what he could do but he encouraged Tom to keep trying.

Amy asked me how I would feel about teaching Relief Society next week as she was going to be out of town. I hated to turn her down, but I did. I have a group of people coming to my house this week and I'm not ready. I told her and she was so nice about it. I feel a little guilty because she taught for me when I needed her. Amy is a little more laid back than I am. I wish I didn't stress so much about teaching. She got Paula Johnson to teach and Paula will do a great job. 

When we got home we broke our fast with leftover roast and potatoes. James fixed the lunch, well he heated it up, and then did the dishes. 

We rested and I finished watching "Christmas in Midnight Clear."

We had tithing declaration at 3:20. Ed & Debbie Miller we ahead of us and when Ed came out he claimed he got a refund. He is such a jokester. 

Sheri texted me and said Elder Barcellos came to their stake conference. She also said Sheri Allen was released as a counselor in Relief Society. She is Sheri's friend. As a result, Sheri asked to be released as a teacher. I didn't know what to say. Sheri says Sundays are hard and she spends a lot of time crying. I feel so bad for her. She is hard for her right now.

I was in cat prison with Tom tonight so I had to watch another Christmas movie. James worked on the puzzle and got quite a bit done. 

Today was a gorgeous day. 75 degree, sunny, and no wind.

"If you ever feel like you don't quite fit in, please know that you are not alone.

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, AGC 2025

D&C 124:113

And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that ahll be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many.

Is this really possible?

Charlie, it says it's a music reward.

Did you get it for playing the piano?

What a girl.

My "granny" dress

Saturday, November 1st, 2025: Raccoon got into the horse feed again, puzzle, laundry, & vacuuming, Catherine's ph call abt Show Low cafe, J fixes Cat, "Christmas in Midnight Clear" Fast

 

Lethbridge, Alberta

Construction estimated to be completed in 

early 2028.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 18:1-14

D&C

124: 98-125

Come Follow Me

D&C 124:45-55

The Lord blesses people who strive to obey His commandments.

October General Conference

'Introduction'

President Dallin H. Oaks

'Blessed Are the Peacemakers'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Tom wakes me at 3:21. He must be awfully hungry. 

The raccoon got into the horse feed again. James put up a block under the door so he can't get in again.

I finished two blogposts today, the Friday and Saturday that we spent in Texas. I put 5 or 6 pieces in the puzzle, did laundry and some vacuuming. I also made our bed and had lunch with James.

I got a call from Catherine Halcomb this afternoon. She asked me if my grandparents use to own the Show Low Cafe. I said yes, they did.  She said, "well, I should probably have stock in it as much as I eat there. Their food is so good."! We want to take you there to eat and James can come too. 

James and I decided we would go "check out" the Show Low Cafe. We set a date for Monday: Lunch at Show Low Cafe, Walmart to look at the flagpoles and get a rake, mail Evan's birthday card. 

James is a little frustrated. He got back two bids out of the 23 requests he sent out for the Memon job. At this rate it's going to take him forever to bid it. He went outside to work. He hates doing office work.

James came in and said: "It was a hard job but I fixed the Cat. I felt like it was inspiration as I lay under the Cat. I prayed about it and figured out how to fix it. Now my back hurts like ____________.

I also cut down a couple of dead pine trees. 

One of the headlines in my daily news feed:

"Millions set to lose food assistance stamps in government shutdown."

I watched a faith-based Great American Family movie today called: "Christmas in Midnight Clear." It was a little slow but had a good message.

Tom snubs me and goes outside while I'm on the recliner. I started a new book and then shared it with James: "A Waltz with Traitors." It takes place in Russia during World War I.

We started our fast this afternoon. We are fasting for Rowan, Evan, and Joshua to have conversion experiences which will inspire them to serve missions. Hey, it's a long shot, but we believe in miracles!

Happy Anniversary Ben & Cayli!

"In order to gain or grow a testimony, sacrifices will have to be made." 

- Elder Hans T. Boom, AGC 2025

D&C 124:106

And in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come.

Scarlett, Benson, and Palmer

Jonah lived in Vernon as a young boy.

He now lives in Oregon. Maybe he will

serve in Vernon while he is on his mission.

He has Alopecia.

Friday, October 31st, 2025: 3:30 took Tramadol & went back to bed. James left for the valley around 8, visits with Kathy Crane to Patsy Tedder and Catherine and Kerri Halcomb, glowsticks and a Christmas movie, James home safely

 

257. Birmingham, England

Construction estimated to be completed

2027 to early 2028.

Book of Mormon

3rd Nephi 17:1-25

D&C

124:82-97

Come Follow Me

D&C 124:25-45, 55

We build temples unto the Lord to receive sacred ordinances.

Video: "What Is A Temple?"

RMN, "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints" OGC 2018

October General Conference

'The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

I got up at 3:30 and felt pretty lousy. I ate something, took some Tramadol and went back to bed. 

James left for the valley around 8 a.m. He has a meeting about a leak in a building they remodeled for Greg Hatch a year or so ago. He then has a meeting about the Dr. Memon job and then the Ravi Gupta job.  Armando didn't make it to all of the meetings because of a prior commitment.

I took a shower after James left and got ready to go visiting with Kathy Crane. Kathy always makes sure we have prayer before we go. I love that about her. She also made a comment that I agreed with:

"They sure know how to ruin a beautiful fall day with these prescribed burns."

Our first visit was with Patsy Tedder. Kathy gave her some white chocolate dipped Oreos, and I gave her a candle. We both love Patsy and enjoy visiting her. Next was Catherine Halcomb and her daughter Kerri although we are not Kerri's ministering sisters, we enjoy visiting with her too. Same gifts for Catherine and Kerri as for Patsy and Cindy. Catherine gave me a dress she bought at Ross that she says doesn't fit her right. I took it but didn't think I would like it because I didn't like the design of the fabric. 

When I got home, I had a little lunch and then went to Wagon Wheel to sign Lambson Construction's quarterly payroll report. It has to be signed today and since James isn't here, Cheri, our accountant said I could sign. I was so tired I almost fell asleep a couple of times. 

Back at home I sit in my bedroom recliner with Tom on my lap, and watch a Christmas movie. This is the life. 

Sheri said Max has a job in Superior as a security guard and EMT. She is not sure what company he is working for. Superior is a ways to travel for work. Sheri is waiting to see what Max and Evan's work schedules are to see if they can come up for Thanksgiving.

James was home by 5:30. Kathy and I never had a chance to visit Chelsea MacArthur. Kathy took her cookies over yesterday and said Ernie, their dog, growled at her and tried to nip her on the wrist. He also jumps up on you. This made me hesitant to go to deliver my candle to Chelsea and glowstick necklaces to the kids. I ask James if he would go with me to deliver them as Chelsea is still not home. She is opening a store, Arizona Meat Market, and is getting it all set up this week. Of course, being the sweetheart he is, he said yes. James actually got out of the car, took the goods, dealt with Ernie, and made the dropoff. Happy Halloween MacArthur's!

When James kissed me when he first got home. I said to him: 

"You had a burger, I can small onions." He admitted he did have a Whopper Jr. in town. 

I didn't buy any candy for Halloween because we never get any trick-or-treaters. I did not decorate for Halloween either. I had 15 glowsticks left from the bag I bought so I hung them in the hallway as my attempt to celebrate Halloween.

This is Halloween, everybody make a scene!

Again, I worked on my blog this evening while watching a Christmas movie. Tom slept inside with us. We were in bed by 8:30.

"God expects us to magify the abilities we have been given, but He does not want us to compare our abilities to those of others."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund, AGC 2025

D&C 124:86

If they live here let them live unto me: and if they die let the die unto me; for they shall rest from all their labors here, and shall continue their works.

Chandler Eyecare Office Staff

Halloween with the Horak's

Love these three!

Halloween with Toto (Lovie) and

Dorothy (Charlie)

I love these two!

Scarlett wants to be a cowgirl.

She makes a cute one!

Scarlett and Baby Bear Benson

I love these two!

Pam's Hospital Halloween

Bash!

Rick & Pam Giles

Thursday, October 30th, 2025: 4:00 Tom gets his treat then goes outside, roast on, Devotional w/ James, Inklings w/ Emily, Wlmrt, Culver's, dinner w/ Elders Leonardson & Perkins

 

256. Antananarivo, Madagascar

Groundbreaking ceremony held on 15 March 2025;

full-scale construction pending

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 16:1-20

D&C

124:56-81

Come Follow Me

124:22-24, 60-61

The Lord wants me to welcome and accept others.

Video: "A Friend to All" & "Inviting Others to Come and Stay"

October General Conference

'The Good News Recipe'

Elder John D. Amos

'The Book of Mormon - An Immeasurable Treasure on Our Journey'

Elder Ozani Farias

Liahona

'My Mother Was Right'

'Why Didn't He Heal Her?'

Tom woke me up at 4 this morning and I'm glad that he did. He's my early morning buddy. He wants his treat and then he goes outside.

I went in around 6 o'clock and put the roast I am making for the missionaries in the crockpot. It needs to cook at least 8 hours. 

James and I had our devotional around 7. Afterwards I listened to Emily and Jenny on Inklings. The discussion was based on Sister Browning's talk: "Turn Your Heart to Jesus Christ: The Sacred Gift of Primary Music." 

After Inklings I got ready and went to town. My main reason for going to town was to mail Ben & Cayli's anniversary card. I also bought James's Christmas gift, a heated throw. He was complaining that the old ones don't work anymore. Personally, I don't think it's that cold. Today was a beautiful day, sunny and in the 60's.

After my Walmart shopping I went through Culver's for lunch. I got James his cod fillet sandwich and I got the chicken cashew salad with Culver's vinaigrette dressing. James and I had lunch together when I got home. 

James got Dr. Memon to agree to cost plus 10 percent on his medical building. James still has to get bids from all of the subcontractors to give Dr. Memon a price. 

James is going to the valley tomorrow to meet with Ravi Gupta about his job. Armando met with them. James was unable to get in touch with Armando for several days. I guess Armando took his dad to Mexico to see his sister, Armando's aunt, who was sick and while they were there she passed away and they had her funeral.

The roast made the house smell so wonderful this afternoon as I was preparing the rest of the meal. I made mashed potatoes, rolls, green beans with bacon and brown sugar, and a salad with BlueBell mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. We also had vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce.

The missionaries, Elder Perkins and Elder Leonardson came for dinner around 4:45 because they have an appointment at Waypoint Addiction Center at 6:00. 

Elder Perkins is from Murango, Illinois south of Chicago. Elder Leonardson is from Dillon, Montana. He said they are in the Helena, Montana temple district but the Rexburg, Idaho temple is closer. 

Elder Leonardson had a saguaro cactus design on his tie. His said his Mom sent it to him. Both he and Elder Perkins are over 6 foot tall.

I ask them if they were teaching anyone in Vernon and he said Ruth Parsons. Sandra Wilhelm referred her.

"Begin today to nurture your relationship with Jesus Christ. Make a commitment to never forsake Him."

- Elder Sandino Roman, AGC 2025

D&C 124:75

And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor and the needy; and let him not fail, neither let his heart faint; and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be mine, saith the Lord.

Thank you note from Judy Hunter for

her birthday card and gift.

Elder Perkins and Elder Leonardson