Friday, December 5th, 2025: Temple w/ James & Virgil, Virgil misses session and does initiatory, Eva's, Elder Wilhelm's email, 80,000 Somalians being deported, movie instead of walking, Tom & Sam getting fat

 

Fairview, Texas

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; final plat approved;

legal action ongoing; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:17-28

D&C

138:38-60

Come Follow Me

D&C 138:25-60

The Savior's work continues on the other side of the veil.

October General Conference

'Be Reconciled to God'

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

Today would have been Nannie's 120th birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven, Nannie!

James and I left the house at 8 a.m. to pick up Virgil Cooper and go to the temple. This will be my 29th endowment session this year.

When we got to Virgil's, he was not outside waiting like he normally is. James called him and he said he would be right out. We waited for over ten minutes. We were going to give him until 8:30 which was about five more minutes when he came out. I hope we are not late.

Virgil asked us how we liked Brother Lauritzen's presentation on Sunday. We told him we went home after the first hour because we had company. He said the presentation was about the family and he quoted some statistics. He said that the country of Japan is going bankrupt because they have an aging work force and since very few people are having children, there is no one to take their place. They are becoming a consumer rather than a producer society. China is going down the same track with their one child only policy. Brother Lauritzen said the statistics in the U.S. show the birth rate going down, even in the LDS community. Brother Lauritzen has a bag full of statistics. He was the same way in our marriage class. I remember somewhere hearing that someday it would only be LDS women that would be having children. It looks like the world is slowly going in that direction.

When we got to the temple we had to wait for Virgil to find his recommend and get it out before going upstairs. James and I both made the session, but Virgil did not. He was able to do initiatories though.

We had lunch at Eva's. I decided I was going to try the poblano relleno, the dish that Kim likes so well. I was disappointed. I did not like the rice and black beans, and the stuffed poblano was okay. I wasn't a big fan of the red sauce or the cream sauce. I took most of it home. Next time it will be a chile relleno.

Virgil is an interesting conversationalist. He talked about the ill-effects of LED lights. He also talked about majoring in music in college and changing his major to business. He played the trombone and found the only really good job he could get would be playing in a bar late at night and he didn't want that lifestyle.

On the way to the temple James started telling me about 80,000 Somalian's in Minneapolis who Trump is trying to deport for fraud. He said they collected money for charities and then used the money to support themselves. I asked him if we could listen to a conference talk instead. We listened to Elder Kelly Johnson's talk, "Be Reconciled to God."

We stopped at the distribution center in Snowflake but they don't open until 1 on Friday and it was noon when we were on our way home. I told Kerri I would try to pick up some garments for her mother. Sorry I couldn't help.

I did not wear my new temple dress today because it is still too hard to zip. I need to do more practicing at home. 

I did two blogposts today and wrapped two gifts. I also noticed that Tom and Sam are getting fat. I guess I am feeding them too much. 

I am not really in to decorating for Christmas this year. The only other thing I want to put up besides the tree is my nativity set.

This place was advertised at Eva's.

It's actually located in Clay Springs.

My lunch

My favorite winter handsoap.

It smells like Christmas!

Love this!

Thursday, December 4th, 2025: Love seeing Sammy in his little house, Inklings, "Holiday for Love," Texas Christmas boxes packed and mailed, Walmart for Tramadol, etc., McDonald's, Kim's text, full moon, "The Snow Must Go On," wrapped Trina's blanket, Kerri's call

 

Toluca, Mexico

Planning & approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:1-16

D&C

138:18-37

Come Follow Me

D&C 138:1-11, 25-30

Reading and pondering the scriptures prepares me to receive revelation.

October General Conference

'Know Who You Really Are'

Elder Brik V. Eyre

Inklings

'Look to God and Live'

D. Todd Christofferson

I love seeing Sammy in his little house. I thought I took a picture but I can't seem to find it. 

I listened to Inklings this morning. The talk was "Look Unto God and Live" by D. Todd Christofferson. Here are a few notes:

"Prosper means enjoying the guidance and blessings of heaven in their lives."

I am firmly rooted in God's light. When I 'look to God,' I receive His Spirit, find peace in my challenges, and grow in faith even in time of doubt.

What does it mean to have a wise/willing heart?

What does prosper mean? The opposite is being cutoff from the presence of the Lord.

The Holy Ghost enhances and refines ones native abilities.

Cast your eyes and begin to believe.

Prosperity is knowing that God will show up.

Practice prosperity daily.

I watched an old Christmas movie, "A Holiday for Love" starring a quite a bit younger Melissa Gilbert. I rather enjoyed it.

James packed the two Texas Christmas boxes and we took them into UPS to mail them. It cost much less than I expected, which was great. 

We went to Walmart and picked up my Tramadol and a few groceries, including a leave-in hair conditioner that cost $28.97 or $5.17 an ounce. I wasn't going to get it because it was so pricey but James encouraged me, saying if I wanted it, I should get it, so I did.

We went through McDonald's and ordered a Quarter Pounder with cheese to share. We asked if they would cut it in half. The girl who delivered it to our car gave us a plastic knife and said the knife was to cut the burger in half because they couldn't do it. Interesting and weird.  This little burger cost $8.89. I gave James the biggest half. It was good, but needed salt.

I sent Kim a text showing her our snow. She Brian and Joe are at Disneyland and I asked how it was going. She said it was busy, but fun. She asked me to save her some snow. I told her it was melting fast!

We had the most gorgeous full moon tonight, made brighter by the reflection off the snow.

I finished blogging for Thanksgiving Day and wrapped Trina's gift while watching "The Snow Must Go On." I enjoyed it. Hallmark has some good Christmas movies this year.

Kerri Halcomb called me this evening. She has made arrangements for her mom to go into a care facility in north Mesa. She will take her down next Wednesday. The place is called Brookstone North. I know this is probably the best thing for both Kerri and Catherine, but I can't help but be a little sad. I will miss Catherine. I will definitely visit when I am in the valley.

"Your worth isn't tied to obedience. Your worth is constant. It never changes. It was given to you by God."

-Sister Tamara W. Runia, AGC 2025

D&C 138:36

Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;

Quarter Pounder

Nap Time

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025: Left for the valley @ 7:30, Gupta's a little after 11 for James & Armando's meeting with an engineer, I go to Stacy's, Costco, and Chandler Fashion Center, Pei Wei, and home again to Vernon

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 2:13-25

D&C

138:1-17

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

October General Conference

'The Lord Looketh on the Heart'

Elder Ronald M. Barcellos

James has a meeting at Gupta's with an engineer and Armando today. I decided I wanted to go with him and do a little shopping while he was having his meeting. He told me I needed to be ready to leave somewhere between 7:15 - 7:30. I was ready at 7:30. I did not know that he was meeting with Armando at 10:30. He should have figured out that if there was road construction, which there was, we should have left earlier. Not only was their construction we had to wait for, but instead of hitting the 101 to the 202, he went down Country Club in Mesa and we stopped at almost every light. We arrived at 11:15, the same time as the engineer, hence there was no pre-meeting with Armando. Oh well, better luck next time.

On a side note, someone hit an elk on the 60 just outside of Vernon. The front of the truck was destroyed, and a couple of guys were skinning the elk out on the side of the road. Luckily I didn't see the skinning part, James just told me. We stopped at Circle K and got 30 cents off a gallon on gas. A one time deal for today. We had to go the Payson way because there is blasting the Globe way on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m. 

After dropping James off and getting in to the car seat I couldn't believe how gorgeous the weather is. It is sunny and 65 degrees, perfect!

I dropped by Stacy's house to take her some Perk, leave Paul's birthday card, some Tramadol, and Stacy's butter mints I bought for her last week. Sophie was upstairs so there was no barking when I came in. Stacy paid me $20 for the Perk as some of it was gone.

I drove over to the Chandler Costco near the 101 to get James some Pom juice and to see if they have any Perk. No Perk but I got two bottles of Pom juice and some of James's favorite Crunch Master crackers. When I showed my receipt at the door the girl noticed that I had been charged for the crackers twice. She sent someone back to get my refund. Now I'm glad they check your receipt at the door!

After Costco I went across the street to the Chandler mall. The mall has three anchor stores, I did not go in any of them, but maybe I should have because the rest of the mall was not very Christmasy. The three anchor stores are Dillard's, Macy's, and Scheels. Lots of things have changed. Lot of specialty stores for younger people and quite an Asian influence. No more Cinnabon, Bobo Tea instead. I didn't see Pottery Barn either, but it's downstairs in the corner and I may have missed it. I was walking back to my car when James called and said he was ready for me to come and pick him up. I thought going down Price Rd. would be quick, but boy was I wrong. It was super slow because of construction.

James was outside the gated area of the neighborhood, walking. When he saw me he stopped and I picked him up. For lunch I wanted to go to Pei Wei. Again, I was disappointed. They use to have a chicken salad that I loved but it was not on the menu. I ordered shrimp with veggies and fried rice. James ordered Mongolian beef with broccoli over fried rice. I also got a drink. Our lunch cost over $36. Wow, it wasn't worth it. James said his Crunch Master crackers tasted better. 

We went home the Globe way and began listening to a new book:

"A Casualty of the Heart". On the way we listened to all of the "Follow Him" podcast. I love sections 137-138 of the Doctrine & Covenants and what they teach about life after death and temple work for the dead. They are some of my favorite sections.

It began snowing on us as we came in to Show Low. There was about 2-3 inches at our house. Our first snowstorm of the season.

There was snow all over the deck and Sammy's couch.  His water was frozen. I put a new blanket in his little domed house and he spent the night in it. Tom was left inside all day so he wanted to go out, but it was too cold for him so he came back in.

James walked while I watched a Christmas movie, "Christmas Spark". I really liked it, one of the better Great American Family movies.

Dallas temple

Kacey took this picture

One of my many loves: Tom

I want one

Pei Wei Mongolian beef

and Spicy shrimp

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025: "Bringing Christmas Home," time with Tom, cold & windy, James splits & stacks firewood, discouraged about rotting railings, Dr. Brady thyroid pills, Walmart, Taco Bell, "DWTHolidays"

 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Planning and approval phase; site location announced; 

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not

announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 2:1-12

D&C

137:10-138 Introduction

Come Follow Me

D&C 137; 138:30-37, 57-60

All of Heavenly Father's children will have the opportunity to choose eternal life.

October General Conference

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

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

Up at 4 for Tramadol. On the recliner for a great Jill Wagner, Paul Greene movie, "Bringing Christmas Home." Time with Tom.

It is cold and windy today.

James split and stacked enough firewood which, according to him, will last until the middle of January. He is discouraged about the old railings. They don't make them anymore. He may have to buy a lathe to make some new ones.

I blogged two days and brought all of the Texas gifts downstairs to measure for boxes to send them off. I did some laundry, rested a lot and watched a couple of movies and tried to keep myself from being depressed.

Around 5:30 after James was finished working outside, we went to tow to pick up my three month supply of my thyroid meds, Levothyroxin. It was last filled by Dr. Moffat. Since I don't see him anymore, I had to call Dr. Brady's office and asked them to call in a refill for me, which they did. 

While I was picking up my prescription, and a few other items, James was at Home Depot getting a couple of boxes for our shipments to Texas. We stopped at Taco Bell on the way home for a bite to eat. I was disappointed in my tacos that barely had any meat in them. Taco Bell isn't what it used to be. 

We noticed that the wire-framed tree at the Light the World exhibit was lit up. Today was the last day for the Giving Machines. I guess they are moving them to Show Low.  

I felt a little better after our little excursion. I think it's good for me to get out and be around other people. 

Tom watches "Dancing with the Holidays," a "DWTS" special with me and then he sleeps with us on the end of our bed.

"Those who reject God as the source of truth, or disavow any accountability to Him, in effect substitute themselves as their god."

- Elder D, Todd Christofferson, AGC 2025

D&C 137:9

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

Monday, December 1st, 2025: What will I do today that will make a difference? Visit Catherine & Kathy, Catherine seems better, town w/ James, Culver's, Walmart, order caulking online, 2 blogposts, love our tree, "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe"

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 1:1-43

D&C

137:1-9

Come Follow Me

Dec 1-7: 'The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

D&C 137-138

Introduction

October General Conference

'Introductory Remarks'

President Dallin H. Oaks

'Blessed Are the Peacemakers'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

What will I do today that will make a difference in someone's life?

I visited Catherine Halcomb this morning. Kerri was gone to town. Kathy Crane was staying with Catherine. I am afraid to stay with her alone because I don't think I can lift her to help her go to the bathroom. Kathy is confident because she says she took care of her mom, grandma and aunt. She knows how to hold and plant her feet. I went over hoping I could learn from her, but the occasion never arose while I was there.

Catherine seemed better this morning. She seemed happier and more positive. She was watching the TV show, "Reba." I sat and watched with her for awhile. I could only stay for about an hour because I was going to town with James and he wanted to leave by 11:20, because he has to pick something up at the printers before noon. Kathy brought her mending to do. She is always so busy and is such a good example to me in many ways.

After picking up James's plans at the printers we went to Culver's for our usual lunch, cod fillet sandwich and cashew chicken salad.

Yum!

On to Walmart for a little shopping. James couldn't find a birthday card appropriate for Paul, so we made a stop at Dollar Tree where I got my cards for December. Plenty of sunshine today with the highs in the 50's. 

James was resting in the bedroom and I was on the recliner in the family room. He came in all frustrated saying he was trying to order some caulking from a log home supplies site and couldn't make it work. I was able to figure it out and ordered for him which seemed to calm him down a little.

I paid James's credit card, our mortgage, and did two blogposts. 

What else did I do? Who knows,

I love our tree. Even if I don't get anything else up, except for the nativity set, I will be happy. I'm just not in to it this year.

How do we make our Christmas more Christ-centered? 

James is going to the valley on Wednesday and I am toying with the idea of going with him. I love the weather in the valley right now.

Tom played with Lambie this evening. 

Movie: "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe."

"We want our children to believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ and His Church through covenant, and stive to become like Jesus Christ." 

- Amy A. Wright, AGC 2025

D&C 137:7

Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

Charlie

Jared, Mason, Charlie

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!