Thursday, December 18th, 2025: Another beautiful, dry day in Az, Kathy and I visit Cindy Brown, Pat Tedder, and Janna Grombach, piano tuner tomorrow and more visits, Shipley dies

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:22-41

October General Conference

'Go and Do Likewise'

Elder James E. Evanson

I ordered a couple of things from Amazon this morning and they were paid for with a gift card. I thought I had used up all my gift cards so I proceeded to ask all of my children if they sent me a gift card. No one had. It was a tender mercy.

Today was another beautiful, dry day in Arizona. We are praying for moisture. 

James worked on the railings today while I went on ministering visits with Kathy Crane. We drove out to see Cindy Brown. It takes about 40 minutes to get to her house, plus we had to stop for road construction. This time we did not pass up the turnoff into her place. 

I always feel like I'm in a model home when I am at Cindy's. Everything is so perfectly in place. She has the most beautiful hand-carved nativity set she bought in Israel. It is gorgeous! No tree because they are leaving on a cruise tomorrow for the Bahamas. This is what they are doing with their kids and grandkids for Christmas. 

This afternoon after we leave Cindy and her husband Doug are attending two basketball games in Eagar, one for a grandson and one for a granddaughter. Cindy's husband Doug is 6'8" so they have a lot of tall grandkids who like basketball.

We got to talking with Cindy about the ward party and somehow the topic got around to the pies that Sister Stevens brought to the party. She brought three pies. One was a banana cream pie and Cindy says it is one of the best pies she has ever eaten because the crust was so delicious. Sister Stevens uses a water whip pie crust recipe. I wonder what makes it so good. The water? Whipped water? I looked up the recipe, and it seems it's been around since our grandmothers were making pies. I made a copy of the recipe and put it in my pie crust folder.

Cindy and Doug are going back to China for training in January and then to teach in February for about four months or so. We will miss them.

Our next visit was with Pat Tedder. Her daughter Janna was there with her and Pat had her oxygen on. Pat seemed a little subdued and I thought it was because of the oxygen. Janna told us the story.  About an hour or so ago she tripped and fell over the tube to her oxygen mask and hurt her shoulder. Janna wants her to go to the doctor but Pat says she doesn't want to go. She did promise Janna she would go tomorrow if her shoulder wasn't better. 

Pat had a gift for each of us. This is what she gave me:

This is the gift I gave to everyone, along with a

Christmas card:

My friend Kerri Halcomb gave me this ornament a year or so ago. I loved it so much that when I saw them hanging in Deseret Book, I had to get some to give to my friends. 

We had a nice visit with both Janna and Pat. Pat's son and granddaughter from Colorado are coming for Christmas. Kathy said a prayer before we left and we all hugged each other. True friendship is the best. 

On the way home Kathy mentioned that she had the piano tuner coming to her house tomorrow. I said I needed my piano tuned and Kathy said she would ask if Deloris, the piano tuner would have time to do our piano too. Thank you Kathy. 

James and I went to town when I returned from my ministering visits. Gas is 40 cents off a gallon at Circle K. Our first stop was at Goodwill where James and I both had a bag of clothes to donate. Next James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot to get some floor samples for Ravi Gupta to look at. He is redoing the floors in his office exam rooms. James made it back to Walmart in time to help me check out.

Back at home I made James a ham sandwich for dinner. He said it was delicious. 

It was another sad day for Stacy's family. Joshua's dog Shipley passed away while she was napping on the couch on a blanket. Joshua found her. I remember when Joshua got Shipley. James and I had taken Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua to go shopping for one of their birthdays at the Chandler mall.  We went to the pet store and Joshua saw Shipley. She reminded him of their dog Holly who had recently passed away. He brought Paul back to the pet store the next day and Shipley was theirs. She had her quirks but she was always sweet to me and followed me around for some attention when we stayed at Stacy & Paul's. She will be missed, especially by Joshua.

Tom spent the evening in the house with us but when it was time for bed, he wanted to go outside.

LeeAnn Hunsaker's 2nd wedding

Bishop & Alicia, LeeAnn & her husband

Stefani and Alicia happy to find DPZ cream soda.

Bryelle is still looking.

LeeAnn with her four sisters: Kaylynn, Hailey, MaKenzi and Bryelle

and two friends that I don't know.

Colter Hunsaker, the last big guy on the left is LeeAnn's only brother.

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025: Flat tire, donut gets us to AARA, Dr. Gupta's office, Kim's cookie plates & decorations, Sheri @ Chandler Eyecare, Costco, Trina, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, new tire @ Walmart,

 

Springfield, Missouri

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; street and sidewalk

improvements underway; installing underground utilities;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-21

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

October General Conference

'And Now I See'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

We planned on leaving for the valley at 7 a.m. for my 11 o'clock appointment at AARA. James came in around 6:45 and said we had a flat tire and he was going to try and fix it. He pulled the screw out that was causing the flat and tried to fix the hole but wasn't sure he was successful. Looking back, he probably should have just left the screw in the tire after adding some air. We had to stop just outside of Pinedale and put the donut on. The tire last less than 60 miles.

I put 11 of the 23 valley gifts in the back of the car and arranged them very carefully. When James stopped and had to get out the donut and jack he piled them on top of each other. 

In Payson I called AARA and told them I may be up to 15 minutes late. James drove full speed, even though we were driving on a "donut" and we arrived right at 11. I was taken right back by Frances and my infusion was started by Amanda at 11:15. My blood pressure was 109/62. 

My infusion was complete at 11:45. James was outside waiting. He is supposed to be at Dr. Gupta's office at noon. Coming from Mesa to south Chandler we were a few minutes late. James went in and I drove over to Kim's. Kim had a cookie plate for me and one for James. Her house is decorated so cute!

These pictures really don't do justice.

7, 700 lights on this tree.

I went back to pick up James and we headed for Chandler Eyecare. Everybody is gone to lunch except Sheri. She took Ben's card and Ben and Cayli's gifts. 

We went across the parking lot to Michael's work, but they must have been gone to lunch too because the door was locked. We texted Michael, but no answer, so we left his birthday card with Sheri. His birthday is on the 19th. 

We headed back north on Arizona Avenue to the Costco on Baseline and Country Club. We bought Pom Juice, apples, three cases of protein shakes, two containers of Perk, a box of crackers, a sticker book for Boone MacArthur, and a coloring book for Scotlyn because they both had birthdays in December, and a shirt-jacket for James. We spent $220. It goes fast!

Next stop, Darrel & Trina's to drop off Christmas gifts. Rowan offered to help James but James ended up bringing the gifts in by himself. He ripped Trina's wrapping paper and had to ask for tape to "fix" it. 

James tried to put air in the flat tire but ended up popping the tire. Also the donut looks like it is losing tread. Trina suggested we go to Walmart and get a new tire.  Good idea. I didn't want to chance driving home on a worn donut. 

Rowan took James to the nearest Walmart to get the tire. They came back to wait and then Rowan took us to pick up the car when it was finished. Thanks Rowan. He drove Trina's car and Trina ended up with a flat tire too!

Trina, Ruby, and Lola were making sugar cookies. I joined in the fun by helping them frost the cookies when they were done baking.

Ruby & Lola with their cookie making hair-dos

I haven't had this much fun in quite a while.

We went home through Globe and Salt River Canyon. It felt like James was in a hurry and I was so glad to arrive safely. We got home around 8:30. Tom had been inside all day so he went outside after James gave him his treat. A little while later he was back inside.

We got Christmas cards today from the Wanlass's, Lueck's, and Sue Hubble.

The kids and grandkids went caroling to Mom, Dawn, Cathi, Terry, and Wendy this evening.

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Michael, Stacy, Paul, Adam, Kit (and baby), Kim, Brian and Joseph.

Paul got this picture of Cathi and Mom's

response to the caroling.

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025: Happy Birthday Ben! Prayers are important! elk @ the Crane's, 13 pairs of socks, Stacy's call, Kacey's text, finished wrapping family gifts, OT, Family Proclamation, Organ Stop

 

Des Moines, Iowa

Planning and approval phase; site location announced; 

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 11:1-23

Come Follow Me

"The family is central to the Creator's plan."

October General Conference

'The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

James wrote this in my notebook under today's date:

Top of the list for today: Kiss my wonderful, amazing husband and give him a big hug. He is so in love with me!

One of the reasons I am still here, besides being a companion to James, is to pray for others and put names on the temple prayer roll, and to teach my RS lesson. 

James saw a bunch of elk over at the Crane's. He went upstairs out on Sheri & Ian's balcony to get a better view, but he said that too many trees were in the way.

James puts his dirty socks on a cubicle container at the end of my dresser so he can take them to the laundry room on his next trip down the hall. He has been complaining that his socks are disappearing and wondered if maybe the washer or dryer was eating them. The other day he happened to move the cubicle and was shocked at what he found. Thirteen pair of dirty socks! Today I washed all 13 pair.

I got a call from Stacy this afternoon to let me know that our deal would not go through before Christmas. She was pretty disappointed. I told her I may need my investment money back because we are running short on cash. Although James has two jobs but neither one of them is paying anything right now. 

I also got a text from Kacey with good news. Tanner went to rehab and the state will pay whatever their insurance doesn't pay.

I finished wrapping all of the family gifts today. Over 30 blankets wrapped and ready to go. We will take half of them down tomorrow to deliver. Of course, the Texas gifts have already been mailed. 

I am getting excited about studying the Old Testament in a couple of weeks. Right now, we are studying The Family: A Proclamation to the World this week in "Come Follow Me."

Tonight is Organ Stop Pizza on the family calendar. Here are some photos:

Happy Birthday Ben!

Organ Stop Pizza 

Ales with his friends Nick & Chelsea

No pictures of Kim & Brian, but they were there! 

Monday, December 15th, 2025: Call to Sam's Club, appt @ Pierce's - Gene Beckham, black Israelites, James working on railings, 60 & sunny, special prayers for Scott & Tanner, wrap & watch, walk & listen Tibbetts & Tanner, my text to Max,

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; final plot approval;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:17-34

Come Follow Me

Dec. 15-21: "The Family Is Central to the Creator's Plan"

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Introduction

October General Conference

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

'Remembering the Sheep'

Elder William K. Jackson

I spent about an hour today on the phone with Sam's Club. I got a notice that I owed over $120 and I couldn't figure out why. I discovered I was registered as a plus member and the annual fee is $110 plus tax which came to $120.32. I told them I did not want to be a plus member and please change my membership back to regular. The fee is $60 a month for regular members. After an hour of talking to at least four different people I was successful. I guess you could say I made $60 an hour this morning.

Our "Come Follow Me" lesson this week is on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The more I learn about it the more I realize what an inspired document it is. 

At 10:00 this morning I had an appointment with Pierce Goodman to get my chipped tooth fixed. When I arrived he was working on another patient. It was Gene Beckham. Brother Beckham has cancer in his mouth and he is having surgery tomorrow. Pierce was working on four of the teeth Gene has to have pulled as a result of his cancer. Cancer in your mouth must be one of the worst types of cancer. Brother Beckham, his wife Donna, and their daughter Michelle are all on my temple prayer roll list. Michelle has cancer of the thyroid and also is having a second surgery on her right shoulder today. She is a friend of mine as is her mom. We all play Bunco together. Michelle is actually a substitute for Bunco but she is one of the better players. She says it's because she plays lots of Yahtzee. 

Before Pierce started with me, I said: "You just thought you were retired." He said he is getting busier and busier and then he asked me if I had heard of the black Israelites who live way out past the Bowen's. I told him I had not. He said they originally came from a country in Africa close to Egypt. They are searching for truth, and they believe in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon but are not members of the Church. I asked how long they had been there and he said about 15 years. Wow! That's a long time. He said they are like the united order and pretty much stick to themselves. They have homes and are in the business of cattle production. I was intrigued and a little amazed to hear about this group of people. 

Pierce said someone had told them about him and many of them have become patients. He said he has enjoyed getting to know them as they are very gentle and kind. 

As I thought about Pierce's situation, I realized how much he lives, and loves, to serve others. 

My tooth was an easy fix. He built a cusp to replace the one I lost. The entire process took about 30 minutes. Susan came in to help and she was also surprised at how quickly my problem was remedied. 

The entire process, along with an x-ray of another tooth cost me $50. Thank you, Pierce.

When I returned home James was outside working on the railings. I fixed myself some lunch and went to the recliner in the family room to rest. I put on a new Hallmark Christmas/Hannukah movie, "Oy to the World" starring Brooke D'Orsay and Jacob Epstein. I fell asleep watching the movie, so I had to rewind and watch again. It was a good movie, and I enjoyed watching it.

It was another beautiful day here in Vernon with lots of sunshine and the high around 60. Pierce said a storm is coming in about six days. I do hope we get some snow for Christmas.

This afternoon I blogged and wrapped Kim's, Cayli's, and Ben's Christmas blankets. It seems like I get a Cardinals blanket for Max every year. I texted him and asked if instead of a Cardinals blanket, would he like a different one. This was his answer:

"I'm fine with whatever you choose! You always do great with my blankets, I still have them."

A simple comment, but it meant everything to me! Such a sweet and thoughtful guy.

Besides blogging and wrapping I also did some walking while listening to my book, "A Casualty of the Heart." 

This evening I watched the finale of the holiday baking show on Hallmark that I have been watching. There are three couples left in the finale and my least favorite duo, Rosa and Rosanna, mother and daughter, won. Mary Berry was there as a guest judge.

UPS delivered the chimney sweep I ordered for James. I didn't want him to see it, but he was actually outside on the front porch when they made the delivery. I am so scared for him to get up on the roof to clean the chimney. 

UPS also delivered my Sunday journal for next year and six of my monthly notebooks. 

Kacey texted and asked us to pray for Tanner, which we did. Hopefully he will get the help he needs to overcome his drug addiction. 

"Trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund, AGC 2025

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Kim made these for a friend of Darrel's

Gonzales Christmas gifts

Monte & Tasha's kids:

Quentin, Kaytlynn, Madison, Zachary

Marvin was loved by so many!

Sunday, December 14th, 2025: Ministering interview w/ Rosie, High Council Sunday, Amy's lesson on "Cheering Each Other On," Rest, Christmas movies, blog, wrap 3 gifts, time w/ James & Tom

 

Lehi, Utah

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

erecting construction fence; building soil nail retaining wall; 

earthworks underway; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:1-16

October General Conference

'Cheering Each Other On'

Sister J. Anette Dennis

On the way into sacrament meeting Rosie Lauritzen stopped me for a ministering interview. James went on in and was wondering what was taking me so long, so I told him.

Today is high council week. The high councilman assigned to our ward, Brother Chris Knight, was the last speaker. His speaking companion was Sister Cherilyn Halls, the Stake Young Women's President. The theme for both of their talks was: "Becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ." 

I enjoyed both talks. We are to seek, remember and become more like our Savior. Earnestly seeking Him requires effort. We need to be intentional and consistent. 

Brother Knight presented this question: "When was the last time we felt close to the Savior?"

We seek Him through prayer, scripture study, service, and temple worship. 

We become like Him by aligning our goals with His goals. Choose one Christlike attribute a month and work on developing it. Some of His attributes are humility, charity, patience, forgiveness, peacemaker.

Always remember Him. What did I do today to draw closer to Jesus? Whisper the Savior's name when we feel overwhelmed. Keep a small Jesus in your pocket and touch it often. 

 Brother Knight's testimony was so sweet as he expressed his love for the Savior: 

"He shows me love and forgives me every day. I am so grateful for Him."

Pam Woods invited me to sit by her in Relief Society. I love Pam. She is such a kind, positive person. I miss Catherine. We always sat together in Relief Society.

The lesson was on Sister Dennis's talk, "Cheering Each Other On" and was given by Amy Reynolds. Amy is someone else I love. She is so genuine, and I love her laugh! 

Since James now has the same calling as I do, he wants to teach the same week that I do. My next lesson is on the 28th. Ron Hall is scheduled to teach that week in Elder's Quorum. James is going to see if he will trade with him. President Sandoval set James apart as an instructor in the Elder's Quorum today. He, President Sandoval, also gave the lesson. James said it was very good.

After lunch I settled down with Tom on my lap, and we watched a Christmas movie. James came and joined us after his nap. It was a quiet, peaceful afternoon. Maybe that's one of the reasons I love Sunday so much. James is more attentive and isn't working outside or upstairs in his office. 

James says he is going to write a Christmas letter to each one of our kids and their spouses. Tonight, he wrote one to Paul and Stacy. I worked on my blog and wrapped three gifts. 

This evening James and I watched a movie together, "A Royal Christmas Tail."

We have a new U.S. Southwest area Presidency:

President Michael A. Dunn, 1st counselor - Jonathan S. Schmitt, and 2nd counselor - Steven C. Barlow. Assistant - Eduardo F. Ortega (probably an interpreter for Spanish speaking).

For the first time a new temple was announced outside of General Conference. It will be built in Portland, Maine, the first temple in Maine. It was announced at the Maine Stake Christmas Devotional.

'God cherishes life. It is His work and His glory to bring immortality and eternal life to His children."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:13

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Addy's memory

Still at work

Love!

Saturday, December 13th, 2025: James meets w/ Applegate's, and Ravi Gupta, beautiful day, James works on railing, I blog, do laundry, and wrap 3 presents, fasting for Scott, Ward Christmas Party

 

West Jordan, Utah

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; seeking approval for 

preliminary site plan from local government;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:23-35

Commentary

859-860

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 2

Ahmad Corbitt parts 1 & 2

October General Conference

'Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning'

Elder Patrick Kearon

What can I say about today? I woke up hurting in my arms, hands, and knees. I am counting the days until my next cortisone injections.

James went over to the Applegate's this morning to see how Jimmie is doing on the grading in preparation for digging the footings for the basement floor. This is the only part of the project that will probably get done this winter. James has decided he is going to get a crew together and pour the concrete for the basement. We need the money, and he says he can save Applegate's some money. I told him not to sell himself too cheap.

While James was gone to the Applegate's, Chuck took our garbage to the dump. James still has the $20 I gave him to give to Chuck.

James also had a meeting with Ravi Gupta, via the phone, today. He says he thinks he has convinced Ravi that he knows what he is doing and that they can begin doing some work on the house starting in the New Year. 

I told James I was frustrated that we had these two "big" jobs and we were not making any money. Maybe that's what motivated him to have these two meetings.

James replaced a post today on his work on the railing, It was quite an endeavor, as the post was quite heavy. I always marvel at him and what he can accomplish. 

Sometimes my life sounds like a broken record, playing the same song over and over again. Today I did laundry, I blogged, and wrapped gifts for Joe, Paul, and Adam. I tripled the recipe for green bean casserole and sent the casserole to the church with James. I had asked him earlier if he minded if we didn't go to the party and he said that was fine. When he got home from delivering the green beans he was singing a different tune. He commented on the beautiful decorations, the people, and the delicious looking food, including chicken, brisket, and pulled pork. I told him he was making me feel guilty and reminded him that we had decided earlier not to go. I guess being there even for just a few minutes helped him to feel the Christmas spirit.

Tom and I watched the newest Hallmark movie this evening, "A Suite Holiday Romance," starring Jesse Schram. I'm usually not a fan of hers but I actually liked her in this movie.

Snowflake Temple

Oksana and Stefani

Friday, December 12th, 2025: Marvin Johnson passed away this morning, James & I have a serious talk about our future on the way to town, return corsett, Wlmrt, Taco Bell, Tractor Sply, Razr, bad news, Scott Tibbetts, chipped tooth

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:1-22

Commentary

857-58

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 2

I can trust in the Lord, even when I do not have a perfect understanding.

October General Conference

'The Lord Is Hastening His Work'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

Marvin Johnson passed away this morning. He was 88 years old. Paul shared this on our family Facebook thread:'

Dad was mostly unresponsive yesterday until my mom played Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, and Richie Valens. They used to love to dance to La Bamba and he lit up. He also gave her a tender kiss.

Marvin was totally devoted to his family and the Gospel. He took Mary wherever she needed to go, as she doesn't drive. He worked for her in her salon and did just about anything and everything she wanted. He had a strong testimony of the Savior and was a wonderful dad and grandpa and disciple of Jesus Christ. His mission will continue in the Spirit World where loved ones will be there to meet him.

James and I had a talk about our current situation and our future. I told him what my concerns are and what I see happening and things that we need to prepare for. I am concerned that there is so much upkeep at the cabin and we just can't do it all. I am concerned about cashflow and that James still has to work. Before we decide if we are going to sell the cabin, we need to talk to Kim and Brian and see what their plans are. There are just so many things up in the air. I feel very unsettled right now.

We made a trip to town to return my Amazon package, the corset I ordered that is way too small, and to get a pole for James's work on the deck. James stood in line at UPS to return my package. There were 8 people ahead of him. In the meantime, I walked over to Walmart. My main reason for coming to Walmart was to get a couple of bags of my favorite salad, sunflower, bacon, and cabbage with delicious, sweet onion dressing. There were only two bags left and I took both of them. I picked up several other items and James came in and picked up a prescription and met me at the front registers. 

On our way home we stopped at Taco Bell. I really wanted to go to Persnikkity's, but didn't want to spend that much money so Taco Bell it is. I got a taco supreme, and James got a chicken quesadilla. I ate my taco and took a bite of his quesadilla while he went into Tractor Supply for horse feed and a pole. He said it took longer than expected because most of the poles were crooked and he had to find a straight one. 

The weather is unseasonably warm and beautiful for this time of year. The high was around 60 with lots of sunshine and no wind. Although we need more moisture, we are certainly enjoying this sunshine.

James called Erik this evening to ask him about the Razr. He said that before he can put the engine in there is a piece of aluminum to be welded. None of the welders that he knows want to deal with aluminum, so he is at a stalmate. I wish he would have called us. I am ready to give up, send the engine back, and get out $2500 refund. James says no, he is going to call Willy and see if he knows anyone that welds aluminum. So be it. It's been three years, and I am giving up. 

I wrapped three gifts, Dallin's, Jared Ammon's, and Stacy's. I also watched the Friday night series, "12 Dates Before Christmas," and walked 10,000 steps for the first time in December.

I chipped one of my back teeth or at least knocked out a filling. It was probably those Jordan almonds I got at Bunco. Darn!

Time for bed. Tom sleeps with us tonight.

"Our adulation, appreciation, and worship should be centered on the Savior of the world and His atoning sacrifice."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:10

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

Autumn Reeser and Niall Mater