Sunday, November 30th, 2025: Sacrament meeting w/ Kim & Brian, family the topic for the day, Goodbye to Kim & Brian, they get home safely, visit w/ Catherine & Kerri Halcomb, I am sad

San Jose, California

Planning and approval phase; site location

announced; exterior rendering released;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:22-37

October General Conference

'The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

Kim and Brian attended our sacrament meeting with us. We sat in the back of the overflow with the "posse" - those who carry guns - T-Bo and Cope. 

The Applegate's were the speakers in sacrament meeting, and the topic was the family. Tamara's talk was good, but long. Here was one of my favorite quotes from her talk:

"Families are divinely connected and families are here to heal and strengthen each other."

Jimmie didn't have much time, so he seemed a little rushed. James loved his talk and asked Kim how she enjoyed it. She said she didn't really get anything out of either talks because she was not feeling well. I could tell that James was disappointed. Favorite quote from Jimmie's talk:

Why are families connected? To turn selfishness into sacrifice. Families are the primary vehicle in which God's strength flows into our lives."

Today is the fifth Sunday, which means the bishopric is in charge. I wanted to see what our bishopric would come up with to discuss but Kim and Brian were leaving, so we left too. I guess Brother Lauritzen led the discussion on the family. 

Before we left church today Kerri said her mom was becoming too difficult for her to take care of and she was going to have to put her in a care facility. She is looking at one in the valley where she will have more family that can come and visit her. I will be sad to see my friend go but I think it will be for the best.

Before Kim and Brian left we got a picture of them by our beautiful tree.

Thank you for coming, and for

everything you did while you were here!

Before Kim and Brian left I was stressing about what to do with all of the leftover turkey. Brian suggested making turkey noodle soup for someone and James suggested turkey tacos. Thanks for the good ideas!

Kim and Brian made it home safely around 3 p.m. today. Around 4, James and I went to visit the Halcomb's. Kerri answered the door. Catherine was in her hospital bed in the family room. Since her two falls this past week, she is not able to walk on her own. James visited with Kerri while I went over and sat by Catherine to talk to her.

Catherine seemed lethargic and like she is what I would call "fading." I was very worried about her when I left. She was talking about her husband coming to get her, he passed away over 10 years ago. She seemed resigned that she is dying. The one thing that did cheer Catherine up was the collection of Santa's that Kerri had set out for her to look at. 

I couldn't think of much else except Catherine when I got home and how many things we have done together. I have been her ministering sister since she moved her to Vernon when Kaeli Nicoll was the Relief Society President. I'm not sure how many years ago that was because I lose track of time. I will have to ask Kerri how long they have lived here.

We have been encouraged to move to a 

higher and holier celebration of Easter."

- Gary E. Stevenson, AGC 2025

D&C 136:30

Fear not thine enemies, for they are in mine hands and I will do my pleasure with them.

Downtown Show Low

Tree lights

Dave, Kevin, Bremen, Luca

4 generations

Charlie's letter to Santa

Beautiful sky

 

Saturday, November 29th, 2025: Text from Chelsea about Jared's lift, new missionaries, Gupta's, 2 gifts, 2 blogspots, tree finished, "Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry", quantum physics

 

Teresina, Brazil

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not 

announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:1-21

October General Conference

'The Book of Mormon - an Immeasurable Treasure On Our Journey'

Elder Ozani Farias

I got a text from Chelsea MacArthur saying that Jared's lift bucket would be at their house is we needed to use it. I told James and he texted Jarred. Jarred and Chelsea brought it over this morning before taking their kids to find a Christmas tree.

James is using the bucket to sand and stain the ends of the logs on the roof so they don't rot. He couldn't reach the very highest one.

Better than being on a ladder

I found the names of the new missionaries assigned to our ward on the Church website. Elder Jarekhi James Fronk and Elder Benjamin Talcott. I have yet to meet them.

I watched a movie on YouTube, "A Cowboy Christmas" while working on my blog. Speaking of Cowboy Christmas, that's the them for our ward Christmas party. 

James had a phone meeting with Ravi Gupta. James said his wife joined them and Ravi could barely get a word in edge wise. Both of the Gupta's are doctors. James is frustrated because it is taking so long to start the job because of Ravi's lawsuit with the previous contractor.

I blogged two days and wrapped two gifts, one for Summer and one for Autumn. 

Kim finished the tree and it looks beautiful!

My only regret is that our star

doesn't light up.

James and I had ham and green beans for dinner. 

Kim and I watched the newest Hallmark movie, "Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry". We both really liked it. The Opry is soon to celebrate its' one hundredth birthday.

After the movie Kim and I got into a discussion about quantum physics and she shared something from a book she has. I asked her for the name of the book. She didn't give it to me but she said she had an extra one and would give it to me. 

"Light the World"

Giving machines

I love this!

Friday, November 28th, 2025: Stacy's transmission, Kim starts our Christmas tree, she's been doing my tree for about 35 years, James makes a log post, K&B Christmas tree trail, movie "The More the Merrier" about babies born on Christmas

 

285. LaPaz, Bolivia

Planning and approval phase; site location 

announced; exterior rendering released;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:26-41

D&C

136:39 - end

Come Follow Me

D&C 136

I can help accomplish the Lord's will as I follow His counsel.

October General Conference

'The Good News Recipe'

Elder John D. Amos

I got a text from Stacy last night. She says the transmission just went out on their car. Such sad news since she uses it every day for work.

The most exciting thing happening today is Kim is putting the lights on our Christmas tree. She has been decorating our house and doing our tree since she was about 15 years old. She is now 51, almost 52. Thank you, Kim. You deserve the Lifetime Achievement Award!

It's quite a project since Kim uses so many lights. She bought more lights this year so there will be even more. She has 7,700 lights on her tree to a measly 5,000 on ours doesn't seem like so many, but they are beautiful. 

James needed another post so he went up on the hill to cut down a log. Brian went with him to supervise. Thanks Brian.

My husband the lumberjack

At 4:00 Kim and Brian took off for a ride in Bruce. They headed for Christmas tree trail and made the loop. They saw a herd of deer and Brian saw a squirrel. They also saw lots of snow. 

Around 7:00 every evening while Kim is here it is movie night. Tonight we watched Rachel Boston and Brendan Penny in "The More the Merrier." Rachel and Brendan are doctors working at the hospital on Christmas day and several babies are born, including a set of twins.

Tom slept in my lap while I watched the movie. When the movie was over and it was time to go to bed I said, "Tom, it's time to go to bed." He doesn't move. James had to come in and help. 

I did two blogposts and wrapped Jared's gift. 

Some of the carbs I ate today: One roll, sweet potatoes, cranberry celebration and pumpkin delight with Cool Whip. Whoa! Slow down Karen or you won't fit into that new temple dress.

Molly and friend

Kim working on the tree, the top

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