Thursday, December 11th, 2025: James's early trip to town, Inklings, caught up on my blog! wrapped 3 presents, meatballs for Bunco, Bunco at Stefani's, love her decorations!

 

Savai'i, Samoa

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

Commentary

855-56

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 1

The work of God must move forward.

October General Conference

'Simplicity in Christ'

Elder Michael Cziesla

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

Inklings

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

James left for town around 6:30 this morning after family prayer. '

He is going into town to get a sledgehammer and some antifreeze, and he is also getting me Icebreakers and Mento gum.

I listened to Inklings this morning with Emily and Shima. It was about being peacemakers and they each told a personal story. They both were so good. Emily says when dealing with people who believe differently than we do we, number one, leave our differences at the door, and two, try to learn something from them. I like this way of thinking.

I wrapped three gifts today, Lola's, Joshua's, and Michael's. I also blogged for yesterday, which means I am all caught up. It is a good feeling. I hope it lasts!

I made James some lunch before he left for a service project this afternoon.  He took his Cat and helped T-Bo, Brother Stevens, Brother Sandoval, and the two missionaries, clean out "junk" from someone's backyard. These people are not members of our ward. It is someone that Amy Reynolds works for. James said that without the Cat it would have taken hours to finish. 

Brother Sandoval, who is the elder's quorum president, issued James a new calling today. He is going to be one of the two elder's quorum instructors and will teach the same week that I do. Now that is a tender mercy!

Tonight is Bunco and I am assigned to bring food. I got some chicken meatballs at Costco. I heated them up and James and I had a couple for lunch they are good, but not good enough for Bunco. I took the frozen bag of meatballs I bought at Walmart and stuck them in the crockpot. I got a recipe for garlic honey meatballs off the internet. It only has five ingredients, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic. I pour the sauce over the meatballs and set the temperature on low. They should be ready around 5:30, just a few minutes before I need to leave.

When I walked into the kitchen from the bedroom after getting ready to go, James said to me: "The sisters are going to love these meatballs!" I hope he's right.

When I arrived at Stefani's she came out and carried in my crockpot full of meatballs. I love her red front door and tell her so. I have a new appreciation for Stefani's artistic/decorating abilities. Her house looked beautiful, including the $75 tree she got at Goodwill. It was decorated in gold and white bulbs, white lights, and a giant bow with ribbons artfully hanging down the tree. Also love her cute little dog Max. 

My Bunco friends are the best. I guess we were supposed to wear Christmas sweaters, but I missed the memo.  All of our group was here except Lynn who was at a wedding in the valley. Her sister, Maddie, took her place. 

After eating I suggested we take a picture in front of the tree. Alicia called Colter to come and take the picture for us. Here it is:

Left to right:

Tina Allen, Janna Grombach, 

Donna Beckham (back), Alicia Hunsaker,

Becky Skousen (back), me, Maddie Sedig (back),

Stefani Hunsaker, Amy Reynolds (back),

Cheryl Sedig, Lynda Finnell, Oksana

and Max, the dog.

Some things about tonight: We had two different kinds of meatballs, it was Donna Beckham's 72nd birthday, I got three Buncos and got a gift for getting the last Bunco. For my gift I go a mini-frother, a Christmas mug, chocolate -peppermint hot cocoa, and several candy bars all given by Tina Allen. Thank you Tina, especially for the frother!

Three of the sisters gave Christmas gifts. From Alicia Hunsaker we got "firecrackers", saltine crackers with peppers, from Oksana a fabric casserole dish carrier, and from Stefani a festive potholder and dish towel. Thank you for the gifts!

It was a fun night. I always think I want to quit Bunco until I interact with my friends and then I am so glad I am a part of this group.

The Bunco men now have a texting thread. Everyone was invited to go out to dinner. I think they went to the El Charro in Pinetop. James didn't go although he was invited.

"Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:9

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Gingerbread party

Max and Vader

Joe and Joshua

Joe, Joshua, Vader, Max

Michael, Sophie, Joe, Joshua

Kim's house. I love the shingles, actually

I love the entire house!

Mrs. & Mr. Christmas

Michael and Joe

Love these two!!

Michael looks like Mario

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025: Articles of Faith, trip to Snowflake temple by myself, temple friends, Walmart, beautiful weather, talk to Kerri, James hits wellhouse with Cat, James stomachache

 

Osaka, Japan

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:1-17

Commentary

Official Declaration 1, pages 853-54

Come Follow Me

Article of Faith 1:9; Official Declaration 1 & 2

The Church of Jesus Christ is guided by revelation

October General Conference

'The Eternal Gift of Testimony'

Elder Kevin G. Brown

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

James and I read all of the Articles of Faith for "Come Follow Me."

It brought back memories of Primary where we had to memorize the Articles of Faith to graduate from Primary. On the way to the temple I was listening to "Follow Him" where Brother Thom Reed, who is African American, did an Articles of Faith rap. Hank and John said it was the first rap on "Follow Him."

I went to the temple by myself. I wanted to go with James on Friday but there is a chance he may need to go to the valley on Friday. When I made my appointment for Wednesday, I asked James if he could go with me. He said he was getting further and further behind and he better not go.  Although I love going with James, I don't mind going by myself. This will be my 30th endowment session this year. It was a milestone session for me. As I looked at the calendar, I realized that today was the best day for me to go. 

Such a beautiful sunny day and I could see the mountains near Vernon clearly from the parking lot. My friend from Vernon, Shanna Penrod, was the sister temple worker in our session. I gave her a hug. A friend from high school, Charlie Patterson, was in the session. Brandon Crane, a service missionary from our ward, helped at the veil. After the session I saw my friend January Smith Stratton and spoke with her and gave her a hug. She asked if James was with me and I said he had come on Friday but today I was by myself. She told me how great I looked and said it was great to see me. 

I needed to stop at the Taylor Walmart to get some gum and Icebreakers and a few other items. I normally don't get my gum and Icebreakers until I check out. Today I forgot. I couldn't believe it when I realized what I had done. I decided I would stop at Maverick and pick them up. I stopped but they had no Mento gum and the wrong flavor of Icebreakers. I will just have to make do until I go to town again.

I did get a new pair of sweats and was happy when they fit. They are a size 4-6. I just gave a size 16 pair of jeans to Goodwill. To keep me humble, the corset I ordered from Amazon came today. It is a medium and way too small. I will have to return it. Do I need to order at extra large?

This afternoon I could hear James outside using the Cat in the backyard. He got rid of an ugly stump and scraped away some weeds. He came in later and asked me, "do you love me?" I told him that I did. He said, "I hit the roof of the wellhouse with the Cat and now I have to fix it." I asked him how this happened. He said he was thinking ahead of what he needed to do and wasn't paying attention. Hmmm, I've heard this story before.

I spoke with Kerri Halcomb on the phone this evening. I wanted to make sure everything went well when she took her mom to the senior care center in Mesa. She said she wasn't allowed to leave her until after 3 so she was still on the road, in Payson. She said her mom's roommate seemed nice. Catherine loves to visit so it's good she has a rommmate. Kerri was a little miffed because she said the cost was more than she originally thought. I'm not sure what she is going to do.

James had a terrible stomachache and went to bed early. He is blaming it on the turkey taco he ate so I doubt he will eat any more. 

I did reach two of my goals this year. Not only did I attend the temple 30 times, but I lost 30 lbs., and a little bit more. So, why am I so sad and almost in tears. Maybe I am allowing the wrong influence in my thoughts. I need an attitude adjustment.

"I know all this to be true and bear witness ... in the name of the most loyal and humble of all God's sons."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:5

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

These are the shirts the Bunco girls ordered

for their husbands. I ordered one too, but

not before telling James about the joke.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025: 28 but feels like 15? James's heat rub, Construction stop but no workers, Goodwill, Circle K, carwash, Walmart, Culver's, Halcomb's to see Catherine, beautiful, sunny day, blogged Sat & Sun, pd tithing, Marvin took a turn for the worse

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 7:1-27

Commentary

851-852

Come Follow Me

The Articles of Faith

The Articles of Faith contain foundational truths of the restored gospel.

October General Conference

'Humble Souls at Altars Kneel'

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

What does it mean when it says the temperature is 28 but feels like 15? I don't get it.

James's neck and shoulders hurt from the work he did yesterday, I gave him a heat rub and then he put the heating pad on. Mornings are a struggle for both of us, especially for James if he's worked hard the day before. 

We left for town around 10 o'clock this morning. We took a load of clothes to Goodwill and our next item of business was to wash the car. We went to Circle K to get gas and to wash the car but the carwash was closed for repairs. James dropped me off at Walmart while he went back to the "big" carwash to wash the car. He got back to Walmart in time to pick up his blood pressure meds and to help me check out. 

On the way home we stopped at Culver's for lunch. I had my chicken cashew salad and James had the cod fillet meal with a side of cheese curds and coleslaw. Those cheese curds are good, and the coleslaw wasn't bad either.

Before going home we stopped at the Halcomb's to say goodbye to Catherine who is going down tomorrow to stay in a senior living home in Mesa, Brooksdale North.

Catherine seemed in good spirits today and talked about the home she was going to. Kerri was running around packing things in boxes. Catherine said her dog, the great Dane, knew something was going on and kept laying her head in Catherine's lap. Part of me is sad this is happening and part of me thinks she will get better care and it is for the best. I wanted to take Catherine's picture, but she had a bruise on her face and her hair was affright. I promised her that when I was in the valley I would come and visit her. 

Back at home I blogged Saturday and Sunday. I am so close to finally catching up! I paid our tithing and made an appointment to go to the temple tomorrow to do my 30th endowment session of the year. James says he won't be able to go with me.

I ordered heart-shaped ornaments for my Relief Society lesson and made a schedule for wrapping gifts. If I wrap two a day, I will be finished by the 18th. 

I am worried about finances right now. Although James has two jobs we have not seen any income from either job.

Marvin Johnson has taken a turn for the worse and Paul is asking for continued prayers.

I want my Razr for Christmas.

"Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with virtue. Virtue makes everything better and happier."

- President Russell M. Nelson, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:4

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Show Low Christmas

Light Parade

Chandler's traditional

tumbleweed Christmas tree

Monday, December 8th, 2025: I'm in bed, Tom wants me up, he gets a little too playful and scratches my arm, missing bag of cat feed, Downwind update, finished 1st Pres. Devotional, Kim's gingerbread house

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

Come Follow Me

Dec 8-14: "We Believe"

The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2

Introduction

D&C Commentary

pages 848-850

October General Conference

'That All May Be Edified'

Chad H. Webb

I was still in bed trying to get a little extra sleep when Tom climbed up on me. He wanted me to get up. He started playing and got a little carried away, scratching and biting me on the arm. He drew blood. I was pretty upset and he knew it. No treat for him this morning.

Someone or something took one of the bags of cat food I had on the porch by Sammy's food bowl. James looked for it outside but never found it. He says he only remembers two bags and I assured him that there were three. I texted Kim and she confirmed there were 3 and that she had seen them on the porch before she left. Needless to say, I brought the other two boys inside. So, the mystery remains, where is the missing bag?

I called the attorney's office to speak with JoNell regarding our "Downwind" cancer case in New Mexico. JoNell wasn't in, but I spoke to the actual attorney, Tommy Thompson. He said things were slowed down because of the government shutdown and new personnel and because New Mexico is a new area. Basically the same thing JoNell told me. He said first, we needed to be assigned a claim number and that should take another three weeks or so. After we are assigned a claim number, our case needs to be approved and that should take another three weeks or so. He said then it will be another three weeks or so for payout. So I guess we are looking at another 9 weeks or more. A little disappointing since we have had the information in since August.

I was working on my blog when I got a text from one of my ministering sisters, Susan Goodman. She asked if she could come by and bring me some Christmas goodies. I texted back, "certainly." 

She only lives a couple of miles away, so I hurried to make myself presentable. I told her that she made my day by texting and coming by because it was nice to know that someone was thinking about me.

She gave me a bag of candy, a mini jar of Vaseline, and some cute Christmas spatulas. She said Pierce was out in the car waiting for her as they were going to town, so we didn't talk long. She loved our tree and I told how Kim had been decorating our Christmas tree for years and that the tree had almost 5,000 lights. 

I did two blogposts and wrapped Darrel's Christmas present. I would have wrapped Lola's too, but Tom was asleep and I didn't want to turn on the light and wake him up. Afterwards I decided I wasn't going to give him that much consideration anymore because he is keeping me from reaching my goals and besides, he bit me, even if he did think we were playing.

We finished watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this evening. We listened to President Holland and President Eyring. I think out of the four talks I liked Brother Farnes's and President Eyring's the best.

I forgot to post about the gingerbread house party at Stacy's tonight. Kim was the only one who actually made a house, but there were pictures of others who were there. Pictures of the party will be on Thursday's post.

"The Holy Spirit can bear witness to your heart that you are indeed a child of the Most High.

- Elder Patrick Kearon, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:3

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Best of Buddies

My tree, again

Love!

Susan's Christmas goodies

Autumn's tree

The Bear Family is from Kacey

Autumn said she got out package today

and thanked me for wrapping the gifts

so nicely. 

Sunday, December 7th, 2025: Pearl Harbor Day, Happy Birthday Paul, Fast & Testimony meeting, I teach Primary w/ Ashley Umphress, turkey tacos, a blogging I will go, 1st Presidency Devotional, Addy's cookie party,

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 5:1-6:11

October General Conference

'The Family Proclamation - Words from God'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Happy 55th Birthday Paul!

Collin DeWitt was at sacrament meeting today, by himself. He came up to install cameras at his house. He is sad because he had to give his horses away. He said he came up for his "Vernon Fix". He misses Vernon and he misses the ward. Chuck asked if Wendy was with him and he said, "Oh no, you won't find her here in the winter."

Steve Allen was called as a high councilman today. He got up and said how grateful he was for the new calling. He also had a beard. Since our high councilman, Brother Knight, has a beard, I guess it's okay.

Brother Tesarek conducted the meeting and bore his testimony. He talked about when he was on the road driving a truck for weeks at a time and feeling like he was going to die. He realized that he was dying spiritually because he wasn't reading his scriptures, etc., and was only able to attend church once a month. He got a new job and began attending church, reading scriptures, and he got a calling, and he could tell the difference in his life.

After Mikki Gilbert bore a sweet and simple testimony, she was walking back to her seat, and she gave me the biggest hug. It was so sweet. I am grateful for her friendship.

Brother Tesarek announced that beginning in January our meetings would begin at 10 a.m. I have been hoping and praying for this for years! Yay!

Pierce taught gospel doctrine today but I wasn't there. Lynn Wallace, the Primary secretary, came in and asked for some help in Primary. Linda Price, Ashley Umphress and I all volunteered. 

Ashley and I taught the 9 and 10 year olds. Her son Cooper was in the class as well as George Wilhelm, and Parker Harris, her friend Amber, and Cheryl Sedig's grandson Jonathan, who was visiting. 

Class time is only 20 minutes. Crystal Flake is the Primary music leader and she did a great job, making things funny and interesting for the kids. Finding ornaments, and hanging them on a tree and spinning a wheel to choose a song. 

Ashley started the lesson by having the kids watch a video from the children's section of the "Come Follow Me" lesson. We talked about Joseph Smith's brother Alvin and how the preacher told the family he would be going to hell because he wasn't baptized. Can you imagine the joy that Joseph and his family felt when Joseph saw the vision of Alvin in the Celestial kingdom and work for the dead was revealed?

Such a glorious doctrine. We also talked about missionary work in the Spirit World and asked the kids how they could be good missionaries. It was really a good experience for me. I forgot how much I love Primary!

After the block James was talking to Brother Price and so I walked out to the car by myself. As I was walking down the hallway Collin was ahead of me, so I called to him. He came back and gave me a hug. We talked and he asked me how I was feeling. I said I was doing good and he said, "well, you look gorgeous." "Collin, you are so sweet." "Yes I am." He is a good friend and he made me feel good. I have known him since I lived in Phoenix and was in grade school. 

After breaking our fast, James and I made turkey tacos together. I didn't have one. I really do not like turkey very well. I did have a couple of corn tortillas with cheese.

This evening we watched part of The First Presidency Christmas Devotional. We listened to Sister Porter and Brother Farnes and enjoyed the choir. We will watch the rest tomorrow evening.

We also watched two Hallmark movies, "She's Making a List" and "Single on the 25th." They were both great.

"Reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives."

- Elder Ulisses Soares, AGC 2025

D&C 138:57

I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

James washed the car before church.

He wanted to make sure I didn't get

my dress dirty getting out of the car.

Young Women memory, over

10 years ago

Bunco girls are ordering these shirts for our

husbands. 

They will walk into our potluck party and

will all have the same shirt on.

Sunday picture of Scarlett & Benson

Now I just need one of Charlie!

Cute baby alert!

Addy's Cookie - Sweater Party

Ruby and Lola

Yum!

Addy's Batman Christmas sweater

Thanks for the pictures, Kim!

Saturday, December 6th, 2025: Trash to the dump, Kathy & Chuck in Flagstaff, Susan & Jeff @ temple w/ youth, James checks on Elden & Celeste, washed sheets, "The Christmas Ring", fasting for better health

 

Cuernavaca, Mexico

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; temple site cleared; 

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 4:1-19

October General Conference

'Do Your Part with All Your Heart'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Lesson

'Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven Barlow

I am wasting too much time in the morning waiting to feel better. I do wish I felt better though.

James took the trash to the dump early today, trying to beat Chuck only to find out that Chuck took Kathy to Flagstaff for their yearly anniversary trip. It was a privilege to take Chuck's garbage to the dump as he has taken ours so many times.

Susan and Bishop went with the youth this afternoon. They are meeting at the church at 1 and won't be back until 4 or 5. Susan asked James if he would check in on Elden, their 11 year old son, and Celeste, the 18-year-old daughter with downs syndrome. James was happy to do. He went over around 3 and Elden told him that everything was okay.

James worked on the railings this afternoon reshaping 16 spindles to match the ones that Cope Reynolds gave him. He is still probably going to have to buy a lathe to make some more.

I vacuumed the bedroom this morning where James tracked in sawdust. I should have waited because he tracked it in two more times. I love Miuzzy, my cordless vacuum. I had to clean the hair out of it before it would work properly. Some of the hair is white gray, and some is kitty gray. James helped me get it cleaned out and I vacuumed one last time.

I washed the sheets on the bed this morning and was going to wait to put them on this evening when James could help me. I fell asleep watching a movie and he had put them on himself. I love this guy, even if he does track in sawdust.

James and I watched a GAF movie this evening. I chose this one because Jill Wagner is in it and James really likes her. Like many of the GAF movies, it was slow, extremely slow and even Jill Wagner couldn't make it interesting. It was called, "The Christmas Inn."

I did watch a good one on my phone this afternoon, "The Christmas Ring," starring Jana Kramer and Ben Hollingsworth. It was really good and I wish James would have watched it with me. 

Kim sent me her chai cookie recipe and the quote from the book that talks about quantum physics.

James would like to fast for better health.

"Under God's plan, His highest blessings are given to those who promise in advance to keep certain commandments and who keep those promises."

- President Dallin H, Oaks, AGC 2025

D&C 138:58

The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God.

Family Saturday at Serranos

Kim is taking the picture

Cookie recipe

Actual cookies