Happy Thanksgiving! Thursday, November 27th, 2025: Inklings, turkey in roaster, Macy's parade, KC-Dallas game, mashed potatoes, green beans, Kim does yams, corn, stuffing, eat @ 4, "Light the World"

 

Bakersfield, California

Planning and approval phase; site location

announced; exterior rendering released; 

seeking a zoning modification to accommodate

building height; environmental impact study

conducted; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:12-25

D&C

136:11-39

Come Follow Me

Joseph Smith was a prophet and witness of Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'Taking On the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Happy Thanksgiving!

I came across this in my gospel study this morning. 

What is true spirituality?

- It is knowledge, intellect, academic learning? Perhaps more than anything else it is an ongoing, purifying condition of the heart. It is an eye single to God. It is a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (Gene R. Cook, "Spiritual Guides," Ensign, May 1982, 27).

Emily did Inklings today even though it is Thanksgiving. She talked about Elder Uchtdorf's talk, "Do Your Part with All Your Heart."

Here was today's affirmation about talents:

"I accept and use the gifts God has placed within me. With trust in the Savior and steady discipleship, I commit my efforts wholeheartedly - knowing I am gifted, I am capable, and I am becoming."  Do I really believe these things about myself?

I am not sure. Perfection vs. Practice - Practice allows us to get better. Perfection can be discouraging. Just keep practicing. 

What is my gifting? Emily says hers is faith. I want that to be one of my gifts too. 

Kim and I decided yesterday that we would eat around 4 p.m. I got the turkey in the roaster plenty early, around 10:30. I want to make sure it gets done and has plenty of time to rest before we dig in.

It was very tender and delicious!

I turned the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on and I watched for a little while. It just seems like the right thing to do on Thanksgiving. I then turned it to football. Kansas City is playing Dallas. I am not sure who won, but for Kacey's sake, I hope it was Kansas City.

I made mashed potatoes, and green beans and was going to do the pecan, brown sugar sweet potatoes and Kim volunteered to help so she ended up doing them along with the stuffing and corn. 

We were ready to eat just a little before 4. I got out the china and the stemware and the good flatware, although none of us dressed up, it made it a little more special.  

Our menu: Turkey, a honey baked ham that Kim & Brian brought, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry celebration, green beans, corn, stuffing, and rolls. Everything was delicious!

For dessert, pumpkin delight with lots of Coolwhip and pecan pie.

The guys did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen and then we all jumped in "Bruce" and went to the giving machines at "The Light the World" exhibit in Show Low.

I'm not sure what donation Brian & Kim made but James & I bought bedding and babysitting for a domestic violence shelter. I wanted to buy a sheep but he was just a little too pricey.

The lights are green but they look white.

We came home and watched a Hallmark Christmas movie, "We Met in December," starring Autumn Reeser and Niall Mater. Autumn is my favorite. It was a cute movie. 

Autumn, Palmer,

Benson & Scarlett

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Turkey Trot

Addy, Ruby, and Sheri

Wednesday, November 26th, 2025: Cat heaven on the recliner, turkey brine, 2 dozen rolls, Kim's pumpkin delight, James meeting w/ Applegates, carbon monoxide tester, Hallmark movie, notes from CFM

 

Book of Mormon

Mormon 7:1-8:11

D&C

136:1-11

Come Follow Me

D&C 135:3

Joseph Smith was a prophet and witness of Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'Forsake Not Your Own Mercy'

Elder Matthew S. Holland

'Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts'

Elder Carlos A. Godoy

I'm not sure what time I got up. I was sleeping on the recliner when Tom came up and slept in my arms like a baby. Cat heaven.

Something I loved about my study of "Come Follow Me" this morning is how the pioneers took care of the poor. Their policy was one of inclusion. No one was left behind. President Oaks gave a talk several years ago about the importance of caring for the poor and how the pioneers were such a great example.

Kim and Brian got here last night before we did. Here is a picture of Brian with Tom.

Tom looks a little "put out" to me, but

he does love Brian when we aren't at home.

I made brine for our turkey this morning and put it in a 21 quart container. I had to bring everything to a boil and then let it cool. It took way too long to cool. James finally put the container in the sink and then filled the sink with ice water in order to get it to cool down so we could put the turkey in and then put everything in the refrigerator out in the garage. The turkey is supposed to be in the brine for 24 hours before you roast it. If that is true, we won't be roasting the turkey until after 12 p.m. tomorrow. 

I also baked two dozen rolls today. Kim made her pumpkin delight desert. Brian also brought a ginormous pecan pie from Costco as he always does. The pumpkin delight and pie will be our dessert tomorrow. 

Last night was the finale for "DWTS." Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson won. I am glad. 

He really was the best.

James had a meeting with the Applegate's this morning. He wants to make sure they have enough money to pour their basement floor since their loan has not gone through yet. Jimmie says, "no worries" he has the money.

Brian went to the store today. Kim thought she "smelled something funny" in the house last night so she had him buy a carbon monoxide tester and put it downstairs. He also got me some more kosher salt. 

As James normally does in the afternoon, he worked outside on the railing. This evening while Kim, Brian, and I were watching our Christmas movie, he was walking. The movie we watched was: "Melt My Heart for Christmas." 

James working on the railings

And the mess

Little Benson

Tuesday, November 25th, 2025: James walks the neighborhood, rdy to go to the Gilbert temple, Sheri picks us up for 10 am session, afterwards we go to George & Gaither for lunch with Sheri & Xander, their treat, a beautiful day in the Valley of the Sun, James to Gupta's while I shop temple dress, ornaments, Walmart charger cord for car, Walgreen's gift & card for Nathan's open house, Fry's cranberry celebration, pick up James's suit, Nathan & Lily's open house, trip home

 

Oslo, Norway

Planning and approval phase; site location

announced; exterior rendering released;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 6:6-22

D&C

135:4-7

Come Follow Me

D&C 135; 136:37-39

Joseph and Hyrum Smith sealed their testimonies with their blood.

October General Conference

'The Name By Which Ye Are Called'

Elder B. Corey Cuvelier

I got up early and had my prayers and studied downstairs at the kitchen table. When James got up he took a walk around the neighborhood before showering and getting ready to go to the Gilbert temple with Sheri. We are going to the 10 a.m. session. Sheri picked us up around 9:10. 

The Gilbert temple is so different than the Snowflake temple. It is so big and it is very beautiful. The Snowflake temple is beautiful too, but not as grandiose as the Gilbert temple. 

The session was quite full but with 10-12 stations at the veil, you go through quickly. The chandelier in the celestial room is the most big and beautiful that I have ever seen. 

After the temple we met Xander at George & Gaither in Chandler for lunch. Such a beautiful sunny day with the high around 73. 

Sheri and I ordered a beet salad with chicken and the pulled pork sandwich to share. James and Xander shared a burger and the sourdough goat cheese with honey appetizer. The food was delicious, the portions a little small and the prices high. We shared a piece of apricot infused cheesecake topped with fresh whipping cream and graham cracker crust. It was delicious! 

Xander and Sheri insisted on paying the bill. I happen to see it came to $100. They got $20 off because Evan works here. I was surprised at the cost. The place was busy, I wonder how long that will last. Chandler doesn't have as many wealthy people as Scottsdale.

Xander said he would like to come up to the cabin after Christmas. I told him that would be great but that was the busiest time of the year. 

Sheri took us back to Stacy's. Paul was home. When I asked where Stacy was, he said that she and Joshua had gone to the mall to look for a book that Joshua wanted. I love going to the mall at Christmas time just to look around. 

I dropped James off at Gupta's and went to do some errands. First stop, Circle K for a Polar Pop, then on to Deseret Book. I bought several "joy" ornaments to give as gifts and then went back to get the first dress I tried on yesterday. Paul's idea of tying a ribbon to the zipper to pull it up really made sense to me and I think it will work. 

Items may be prettier than they look

I broke off the tip of the phone charger we have in the car so I went to the local Walmart and bought a real Apple charger, not one like the fake pink glittery one we had.

Back to Chandler to pick up James's suit at the cleaners and then to the Walgreen's next door to get a gift card and card for Nathan & Lily. Across the street to Fry's to pick up cranberry celebration for Thanksgiving and then back to Stacy's. She is gone to work.  I guess I won't get to see her anymore this trip.

We had some of our leftover steak and then we got ready to go to Nathan's open house and then home. We said goodbye and thanks to Paul. (Why didn't I give him a hug?)

Off we go to Rebecca & Brent's at 4639 E. Grandview in north Mesa. It is east of Greenfield and north of McKellips, much further north than we thought. 

The reception/open house is in Rebecca & Brent's backyard. It is decorated beautifully with lights and tables and chairs. We see Brent first and then Nathan and Lily. Lily says to me: "You are beautiful."

I told her that she was a beautiful bride. I liked her instantly. I asked Nathan what he was getting his doctorate in. He said, "computer science." We also had a nice visit with Scott who, although he is quite sick looks really good.

We spent more of our time in the living room visiting with Lois, Dawn, Cathi, and Laura. Lois took Tramadol on an empty stomach and had an upset stomach, that is the reason for the bowl in her lap. 

Notice James's green shirt. It

suddenly appeared today,

after I asked him yesterday if

he had one.

Cathi was worried about Brian, Terry's son, who had a panic attack that Terry thought was a heart attack. This happened after Cathi, Lois, Laura, and Dawn left. Terry called 911 and everyone now seems to be okay.

We didn't stay long, leaving a little after 7. We were home around 10:30. I took a shower and was in bed by 11:30.

Charlie has been sick

Lunch @ George & Gaithers

Monday, November 24th, 2025: Prayer, gospel study, leave at 8:30 for the valley, James mtg w/ Ravi Gupta, "Wicked for Good" tonight w/ Sheri, Addy, Cayli, Ben, Kim, Brian & Joe, Darrel starts his job in Farmington, April 5th

 

Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Planning and approval phase; site location

announced; exterior rendering released;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:13-6:5

D&C

135:1-4

Come Follow Me

Nov. 24-30: D&C 135-136 He "Has Sealed His Mission And His Works With His Own Blood"

Introduction

October General Conference

'They Are Their Own Judges'

Elder David A. Bednar

"Follow Him"

Dr. Keith Erikson

It was around 5 when I got up this morning. After my prayers I worked on finishing my blogpost for the day of Ruby's cross-country race. I read from the Book of Mormon and sent out today's reading assignment. At 7 I started getting ready for our trip to the valley. James wants to leave at 8:30 because he has a meeting with Dr. Gupta at 12:30. It was around 8:40 when we left. We left Tom in the house with plenty of food. Kim & Brian will be here tomorrow sometime.

The first thing we did was drop James's brown suit off at the cleaners on Germann and Alma School. We then went to the fancy part of Fulton Ranch where I dropped James off at the Gupta's. We got in the gate right behind Dr. Gupta, or Ravi, as James calls him.

His address is 531 W. Sunshine Blvd. This neighborhood is pristine with beautiful homes and landscaping. The Gupta's house is a bit of an eyesore with a leaning construction fence around the property. 

It is a gorgeous day and people are outside walking. I am a little jealous. I love it down here in the winter.

The first place I go is to Cobblestone Carwash just south of the Sonic on Germann and Arizona Avenue. After my car is presentable I hop on the 202 and head for San Tan Blvd. to Costco and Deseret Book. 

At Costco I bought some shakes, steaks, and Perk. I also got a hotdog, drink and a salad from the food court. 

At Deseret Book I bought a joy ornament for Pam Giles and tried on a couple of temple dresses. One had a long zipper in the back and the other was way too long and I didn't like the big ruffles at the end of the sleeves, so I didn't buy either one of them. 

Next stop, Stacy & Pauls' to put the steaks in the refrigerator. Paul is going to cook them for us for dinner and we are sharing with him and Joshua. Stacy said she did not want one. She and Joshua went to lunch at George & Gaither and she had salmon and a salad for lunch, he one meal of the day. Joshua also had an appointment at Chandler Eyecare. I gave him a big hug when he got home.

Paul worked in his office at home today. Adam was gone to work and didn't get back before James and I left for the movie so we never saw him. 

Stacy and I visited until about 4 when she left for work. She delivers for Amazon using her own car. 

James got a ride home from Gupta's with Armando. He was hungry and it wasn't yet dinner time so I gave him the chef's salad I got at Costco. He ate all of it. 

Paul cooked our steaks before we had to leave and they were delicious. He also made squash and zucchini. Thank you Paul. Neither James nor I ate all of our steak. Paul put it in the frig for us.

I wore my pink sweater, sandals and jeans to the movie. I asked James if he could wear something green and he said he didn't have anything. I should have checked because he did. More to come later.

We went to the same Harkins we saw the first Wicked at, the one on Germann and Gilbert Rd. Kim complained because she said Brian's back was hurting and the theater at Chandler mall has reclining seats and we should have gone there. Sheri, who got everyone's tickets says she was thinking of Addy going home afterwards. This theater is seven miles closer to home for her. Here is a picture of our group:

Brian is hiding behind his popcorn and Sheri is 

taking the picture.

James, Sheri, and I did not like the movie as well as the first one. At least that was our initial reaction. Kim and Joe loved it. We asked Addy and she said, "I liked the colors." She also said she like Fiero's arm. Such a sense of humor she has. She reminds me so much of Darrel.

I did not like the fact that Fiero and Elphaba spend the night together. I would not recommend this one to young children.

Back at Stacy's she is decorating her Christmas tree. We visit for awhile. She has some information about who really murdered Charlie Kirk. I let her tell me, but I just don't want to repeat it. It is just to much to take in.

The big news of the day is that Darrel begins his new job in New Mexico on April 5th. This is real.

This happened Saturday

Did I already post it?

Can you imagine?

James walking to the Gupta's

My dinner.

Yum!

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025: lesson prep, lesson setup, Sacrament meeting, lesson presentation, Bobby & Linda Stevens new members, dedication of temple in Brazil by Elder Soares

 

Maceio, Brazil

Planning and approval phase; site location announced; 

exterior rendering released; 

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:1-12

D&C

134:11-to the end

October General Conference

'Proved and Strengthened in Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

Up a little after 3 and working on my lesson around 4. I typed my outline and then went to lay down for a few minutes, thinking Tom was on his chair at the high table. As soon as I sat down he was on my lap.  Cat prison and I only have 20 minutes.

James is always such a big help on my lesson day. He always carries in all of my "stuff" for me.  He delivered the handouts to Primary and Young Women and one to Barbara Tignor in the library, who was so excited that we didn't forget her.

Bishop Crane conducted sacrament meeting again today. Ruthie Wilhelm was the youth speaker. She told how being a disciple of Jesus Christ helped her during wrestling season. She prayed before every match asking that she would do her best and not be hurt. 

Lynn Wallace spoke on the importance of Primary songs in helping children develop their testimonies. She told of a hardened criminal in prison who grew up in the Church and sang "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" to prove he was LDS.

Roger Wallace spoke about doing our part with all of our heart from Elder Uchtdorf's talk. He told about the shock when he was called as a bishop He says it was a time he gave his all in his calling. 

We sang one of my favorite hymns, "Because I Have Been Given Much".

Linda Stevens, the new sister in our ward, participated in the Relief Society lesson. I feel the lesson went well. I really wanted to focus on the Lord's mercy, hence the quote on my handout. 

Tom is becoming an indoor car. I am going to hate leaving him tomorrow when we go to the valley.

Elder Soares dedicated a temple in Brazil today.

I know, I'm obsessed!

Sheri's gingersnaps

Tom taking it easy

My new dish drainer

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025: Spent the day inside where it's cozy & warm, James went to a service project helping the Stevens family move in to the ward, caught in cat prison/heaven, James works on raily and places a new log, Kim's post about Jonah,

 

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4:1-22

D&C

134:4-10

October General Conference

'Prophets of God'

Sister Spannaus

Rain seems to be in the forecast and snow in the high country. Both ski runs will be open soon. I spent the day inside where it is cozy and warm. 

James went to a service project today, helping a new family move into the ward, the Stevens' family. James said 15 people showed up to help. He couldn't say enough about 8 year old Eli Robles. He said he never stopped working, carrying a box and then going back for another, non-stop. 

I got caught in cat prison/heaven this morning. Finally I, escaped. 

My focus today was preparing my Relief Society lesson for tomorrow. I made my handouts, all 50 of them. Whew! 

James worked on the railing outside this afternoon. He set a new post, a log weighing about 120 lbs. His back is going to hurt tomorrow. He never stops.

I told Kim that I was having a difficult time identifying with Jonah and here is what she wrote to me:

Mom, I was thinking about how you said you were having a hard time connecting to Jonah. And while I certainly can't relate to being swallowed by a whale, I can relate to feeling like I am in a deep dark place and I am miserable and want to be rescued.

I can relate to god wanting me to do something and me not wanting to and maybe ignoring it or running away.

I can relate to being in a mess because of my own doing and not feeling worthy to call out for help but absolutely needing to.

I can even relate to going back and doing the right thing and then feeling resentment or anger that God blessed or forgave someone that maybe I don't think he should have.

I guess I like Jonah's story because I CAN relate to it. He seems very human. He lets his emotions get in the way; fear, guilt, remorse, trying to do the right thing but then not quite getting it right or feeling resentment when someone else gets a blessing or feeling like they don't deserve it, but still calling on God to help him out in the messy situations he gets himself in.

Sometimes the prophets seem so perfect it's hard to live up to (think Nephi - did he ever get anything wrong?). But Jonah is a lesson for those who make mistakes and try to fix them but often do it imperfectly and a God who is so good that he doesn't hold those mistakes against us and lets us keep trying and trying and He still shows up for us.

Yes, God asks us to do hard things. Things we may not understand or want to do. But he is there with us every step of the way.

To me Jonah is a story of hope and help and a God who never gives up on us and wants us to keep trying.

I love this picture!