OUR FAMILY

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026: RMN 2022 to YA, Moses 1 is so amazing! Timeshare, Town by myself TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree, Goodwill, ordered "granny pants", 12,000 steps, James's beans

President Eyring has served as a counselor

in the First Presidency to four different presidents.

As part of our "Come Follow Me" study this morning we read President Nelson's talk to the young adults in 2022 where he told them their most important identities were:

* A child of God

* A child of the covenant

* A disciples of Jesus Christ

Moses 1 is so amazing. The experience Moses has with God and all that he sees.

I went to town by myself this morning. I told James awhile back that I loved going to T.J. Maxx. He said I should make a weekly visit. This was my first stop. I bought two rolls of discounted Christmas wrapping paper, and that was it. I did enjoy looking at the women's clothes, but most everything, except the clearance rack, was too expensive.

I dropped off a load at Goodwill then went across the street to Dollar Tree. I found some 3x5 notebooks and pencils to use as handouts for my RS lesson. The talk is Elder Kearon's on new beginnings and I'm giving the sisters notebooks to write their "new beginnings" or goals for the new year in. I also bought January's greeting cards. Birthday cards for: Anna, Aunt Faye, and James, and an anniversary card for Jared & Kacey. I also bought six pieces of Cellos chocolate covered cherries, three for me and three for James, and a small bag of jerky for myself.

When I got home I ordered a pair of "granny" pants from Amazon and did two blog posts. I also walked 12,000 steps. I'm really getting in to the groove.

I asked Sheri if she wanted to go to the Gilbert temple on the 15th and she said yes and that she would make our appointments. My infusion is on the 14th and we will stay overnight at Stacy & Paul's.

I also made a reservation at our timeshare for the week of May31-June 6.

During our living trust meeting this evening James found the deed to the land here in Vernon, but still no deed to the cabin. He is going to talk to Rocket Mortgage, the company we have our mortgage with and see if they have it.

James is enjoying the homemade beans I made for him.

I love this quote!

My new dress

James's new shirt

Lovie looks like she is really listening!

Monday, January 5th, 2026: Brian's rib is better, they leave for home, Rana Mortensen @ Nexa Lending, Culver's for my salad, "Follow Him", Walmart - boxes & file folders to get organized, Bert Carpenter, walked 11,600 steps

We will miss them

Do I feel God's love today?

Brian's rib is much better this morning. Before leaving for home Brian gave me the name of their friend Rana Mortensen who works at Nexa Lending. She sent me the name of a loan officer, Bert Carpenter, who does reverse mortgages. Kim says Rana is one of her all-time favorite people and when Rana emailed me information, she said the same thing about Kim.

I decided I wanted to talk to Janna about quitting Bunco. She was very understanding and said she would find someone to take my place. A few minutes later she texted and said Mattie Sedig was happy to take my place. Thank you Janna.

James was very sweet today. He knows I am struggling and wants to help. I asked if we could go to town and get my salad and he said yes. I gave him a big hug.

On our way to town we listened to "Follow Him." It always helps me to feel better. We shopped at Walmart together, something we rarely do. We bought storage boxes and file folders as part of our goal to get organized.

Next stop was Culver's for my cashew chicken salad. James ordered shrimp and it was delicious. While we were eating Bert Carpenter from Nexa Lending called. James told him that we wanted to see about getting a reverse mortgage on our home. Bert said he would send us some information to get us started.

This afternoon James was going to call Vistana about our timeshare commitment. We can't find where to pay our maintenance fees and they are always due the first part of January. He wanted to talk to someone in the real estate department, but instead of making the call he went outside to split wood. He would much rather do something physical than to talk on the phone. It's supposed to be cold on Thursday and Friday and maybe even snow and he wants to have some wood stacked up ready to build fires.

This evening we went over our living trust, reading it and taking notes. We want Kim & Brian to be the executor's of our will. We have changes to make and are committed to make this a priority for 2026.

Kacey sent me photos of Charlie's Christmas morning, and more of Nauvoo. I am so excited to post them.

I walked 11,600 steps today.

"Living the gospel of Jesus Christ includes making room for all in His restored Church."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, OGC 2025

James

Anna

Emmy

Molly

Looking back

Lola & Evan had a thing

for each other

Ruby or Lola

(I think it's Lola)

Ruby for sure

Jared, Charlie & Kacey

at Stacy & Paul's

Monday, January 12, 2026

Sunday, January 4th, 2026: Fast & Testimony meeting, "The Power of Fasting" by Shayne M. Bowen, Brian & Kim, chiropractic adjustment in Snowflake, Tarwater's & Montgomery's,

Names of Jesus Christ

One of Brian's gifts to Kim

I need an attitude adjustment. I read "The Power of Fasting" and felt the power. I fasted this morning.

Brian's rib still hurts from yesterday. We didn't think he would make it to church, but he did. We sat in the back row as we always do when Kim and Brian come. Some of our friends, Willy Grombach, Brother Hipps, and Roger Wallace, all came back to say hello. Brian & Kim's friends, Neil & Kim Tarwater were here and Brian spoke with Neil while Kim came back to talk to Kim, and us. The Montgomery's, Dave & Tammy were here too.

I talked with Susan Crane as Tina Allen asked me to. Their family will clean on Saturday while James & I will clean on Thursday. Saturday is Aunt Faye's 90th birthday party.

Brother Dobson conducted the meeting. He made one mistake, he called Alicia Hunsaker, who led the music, Sister Golly.

I loved Kristine Hipps' testimony. I was also touched by Brother Brown's testimony about how he learned to treat a difficult child with patience, love, and kindness. He then bore testimony that Heavenly Father does the same thing for us.

I am struggling mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Being at church is helping. I didn't feel like going to Sunday School, but I went anyway. Kim & Brian left after sacrament meeting to go to Snowflake where someone named Rod is going to do a chiropractic adjustment for Brian.

Brother Applegate's lesson on an introduction to the Old Testament was good. He was very prepared with lots of discussion questions and power point slides. Did I feel the Spirit? I am not sure, but I am glad that I stayed.

At home we broke our fast. We are fasting for better health, work, and personal peace. I will pay our fast offerings this week when I pay our tithing so our fast will be complete.

I had a 1:30 appointment with Brother Tesarek to get my temple recommend renewed. James drove me. My friend Pat Tedder was there too for a temple recommend interview. Her interview was with Brother Dobson.

Brother Tesarek said I was his first ever adult recommend interview and he hoped I wouldn't mind if he read the questions. Of course not.

I passed! Now on to the stake. Next week is our ward conference and hopefully I can get my recommend signed by the stake after the block.

I saw a Christmas post by Jeanne Wallen on Facebook messenger where she sent snowman hats to all of her kids and grandkids. There were pictures of James & Sadie, Anna & Shaun, Emmy & her boyfriend, and Molly. I decided I was going to ask Jeanne if she would send me addresses for all of the kids. She was happy to do it. Now I can send them birthday cards. Anna's birthday is the 17th of January so she will be first.

James heard that his friend Greg Anderson had suffered a stroke. Greg called him back while we were out on a Sunday drive. It was a mini-stroke and he is okay.

This evening Kim and I watched the latest Hallmark movie starring Lacey Chabert & Ian Harding, "Lost in Paradise." We really enjoyed it and decided that Ian Harding is one of our new favorites.

I went to bed around 8, taking two of our purple sleeping pills. I have stomach pains and a sense of not belonging in this world. What am I looking for? James is so supportive and such a sweetheart.

The only one in the world?

These are Tim Lambson's twins and their

big sister Mel.

He-man Brian

I heard Elder Soares collects mini-nativities.

I think I want to do that too, beginning with

this one.

Saturday, January 3rd, 2026: Cathi's birthday, timeshare frustrations, ordered kitchen lights, Darrel's elk video, Goodbye Ben & Cayli, Christmas decor is gone, James log splitter & the dump, Kacey's Mom's day at the temple

Ben & Cayli

"As we make and honor our covenants, we bind ourselves to the Savior, gaining greater access to His mercy, protection, sanctification, healing and rest."

Happy Birthday Cathi Lambson. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Something is going on with our timeshare. I went online to see about paying our maintenance fees and there was no balance shown. I was able to make our reservation the week of our anniversary without paying the fees, something that couldn't be done in the past. I did notice that they are now charging $30 a day per car for parking. I guess that's okay if there is no maintenance fee to pay. I later found out, through James, who is trying to find out who he can talk to about selling, that Sheraton Desert Oasis is being audited.

Darrel & Trina made a quick trip to Farmington, New Mexico to look around. On the way they saw a huge herd of elk and Darrel sent James the video. If I could post videos on here, I would, but they never seem to work.

My feelings of hope for the future are slipping. I am suffering from a little anxiety and depression. I want James to be able to retire, but if he does, how will we survive? I think the answer is a reverse mortgage. We need to get the ball rolling!

Kim made a comment today about Adam being stuck in adolescence. I think she is right and I am so concerned for him.

Ben and Cayli left this morning. I can honestly say we enjoyed their visit. I told them to come back this summer and we would take them to Greer.

I texted with Sheri a little today, telling her that I missed her. I told her that Kim and I had talked about doing a family party before Darrel & Trina leave. She thought that was a good idea. It will probably be sometime in March.

I swept and mopped our bathroom floor and cleaned out the bathtub. It's amazing how much dust we get in this house!

I did my walking today and worked on my blog. Kim got all the lights off the tree. Brian took it apart and put it away. Christmas is gone except for the wreath on the front door.

Later this evening Kim, Brian, and I were watching a Christmas movie, "A Suite Holiday Romance." When it was over, Brian got up and heard something pop on his right side. He thinks he hurt his rib when he took the tree downstairs. He was pretty miserable and went to bed.

James fixed the log splitter today and made a trip to the dump with the entire back of his truck filled with our garbage and the two Crane families. I didn't see much of him today.

Today was Kacey's mom's 77th birthday. She has not been to the temple for 25 years. Today she went, surrounded my her family, and was sealed to her parents. Afterwards, they all did a session together.

Congratulations! 77th birthdays are the best!

What a wonderful day!

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Friday, January 2nd, 2026: Goals for 2026, "The Everlasting Covenant," trip to town for kitchen lights, K&B on the way! Paula Dean's mac & cheese, Sheri's Kentucky butter cake, taking the tree down,

At 7 a.m. I arose from my bed for the day. I guess my new year's schedule starts on Monday.

James and I had our family prayer, read from the Book of Mormon and listened to President Nelson's talk, "The Everlasting Covenant" as part of our "Come Follow Me" study. What a powerful talk! I have a notebook which I am filling with all of President Nelson's conference talks from the time he was called as a prophet. I also have a talk that he gave at a BYU devotion in 1988, "Thanks for the Covenant," Covenant making and keeping has been a theme of his talks since he was called as an apostle in 1984. As I read the Old Testament this year I will be doing it through the lens of covenants.

We took a trip to town again today, this time for kitchen lights, the ones over the sink which seem to be burned out. I texted Ben to see if they wanted anything in town. He said they would like to make 'smores on one of grandpa's fires. I told him I would get the ingredients.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot and then Lowe's. While I was waiting for him I ordered a small cheeseburger from Carl's Jr. and ate half of it, saving the other half for James.

Kim & Brian are coming, they left their place in Chandler at 12:12! Yay! The fix was easy, something to do with something coming loose in the exhaust system.

When Kim and Brian get here, things begin to happen. Kim brought the Kentucky butter cake that Sheri made her for her birthday. Brian makes and heats up some butter sauce to go over it. It was quite tasty! Kim also brought two sugar cookies, one for James unfrosted, and one for me, frosted. She also brought Ben some Chi cookies.

James discovered that the lights over the sink were not burned out, just a loose connection. He went to return the lights and try to find some new ones for the next row of lights in the kitchen. He can't find what he wants so we decide to order them on Amazon

Kim made Paula Dean's macaroni and cheese. It is labor intensive, including bacon, which Brian baked in the oven, several different kinds of cheeses, and a crusted panko topping. Kim also made garlic bread and a salad. We all sat down together, all six of us, and I blessed the food. A delicious meal. Thank you Kim, and Brian for being the sous chef. Brian and I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.

Next Kim, with help from Brian on the higher branches, took all of the decorations off the tree. She started on the lights, but they will take awhile. I offered to help but she as a system and likes doing it on her own,.

Tom was happy to see Kim & Brian. He followed Kim around outside while she was walking. I did 11,000 steps for the second day in a row. Woohoo.

Elder Wilhelm, the short one.

Goodbye tree

Cousin Rita & family in Rome

Charlie

Thursday, January 1, 2026: Cleaned the Vernon chapel w/ the Allen's, Wlmrt: Tramadol, protein bars, Culver's and gas, BM & CFM, James cuts pinetree for widows woodpile, Inklings, txtd Rowan & Evan,

It's a new year and I have a new format for my blog. It's going to be more like a journal and more simplified. I need to organize and simplify my life and this is one way I am doing it.

We cleaned the Vernon chapel this morning at 9 a.m. with Steve & Tina Allen. I told them what a privilege it was for us to clean the chapel with them every January.

I vacuumed classrooms and the Relief Society room, which took a long time. James cleaned the chapel. He is very thorough. Tina emptied the trash and cleaned the windows. Steve vacuumed the halls, overflow, and cultural hall. He made sure the rooms in the opposite hallway, the Primary, YW's and classrooms were all clean. We were done in an hour. Bishop Crane's family will do the kitchen and all of the bathrooms.

Instead of going back home, James and I made a trip to town to pick up my Tramadol prescription and a few other items, such as protein bars, kitty treats, and DPZ. We also got gas and went through Culver's drive-thru so I could get my cashew chicken salad.

We listened to the Book of Mormon, we started over today, and the "Come Follow Me" lesson on the way home from town.

After a little R&R at home James went outside to load up the pine tree he cut up to take to the widow's woodpile. He delivered three loads.

While James was splitting logs today a couple of pens fell out of the log splitter. He found them on the ground with a magnet and hopefully will be able to fix it tomorrow.

I listened to Inklings and worked on my blog this afternoon. I also watched President Jeffrey R. Holland's funeral. I loved the talks by his three children.

We didn't see much of Ben & Cayli until later this afternoon when they began fixing dinner. Kim and Brian were on their way up. Cayli said she and Ben were fixing dinner tonight and then Kim was going to fix her macaroni and cheese tomorrow night. Kim texted when they got to Payson and said their car "Bruce" (Brian's Bronco) was making a funny noise so they were going home to have their mechanic take a look at it. We are sad they had to turn around but we are praying it will be an easy and inexpensive fix and they will be able to come up tomorrow.

We had dinner with Ben & Cayli. Cayli made chicken enchiladas with flour tortillas and red sauce and Ben made his famous salsa. We also had rice and beans. It was all very tasty. Since Ben & Cayli did the cooking, James and I cleaned the kitchen.

Sammy came in when I opened the outside door in our bedroom. Tom does not like it when he comes in and grabbed him by the neck. I yelled at Tom and he let go and Sammy ran back outside. Tom is so mean to him!

Today I felt the Lord was with us as we cleaned the church. I felt His love as we read from the Book of Mormon and "Come Follow Me." and during Inklings and President Holland's funeral. Also, sharing a meal that someone else cooked helped me to feel His tender mercies. While praying for Kim & Brian I also felt the Spirit.

Dennis, Denise, Rachel, Sammy, and Rachel's two kids

Kacey, Charlie, Jared

Friday, January 9, 2026

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025: Happy 52nd b-day Kim! sleepless night, new hymns, Colter Hunsaker, SRCanyon, dropoff Colter, Costco, AARA, Cheesecake Factory w/ B&K, Reverse mortgage, Home thru Globe, Evan & Rowan gone, Ben & Cayli on their way, arrive safely

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

Come Follow Me

'Jesus Christ is Jehovah in the Old Testament.'

"The Teachings of Jesus Christ" DHO

October General Conference

'The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

Lesson

'Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Inklings

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Happy 52nd Birthday Kim!

These two make everything better!

I couldn't sleep last night because of pain in my shoulders. At about 1:30 I got up and went to the recliner. I took my phone so I would have a clock and ended up playing Match Factory. I thought it might help me fall asleep. It did not. Next I went too the Gospel Library app and listened to the new hymns. That lifted my spirits, as part of my reason for not being able to sleep is worrying about family, James, and our future. Finally I got up at 3:30 and took a shower. I felt better.

Next I downloaded photos onto my computer, including more temples. This takes awhile. I said my prayers and did a little catching up on my journal notes.

James got up at 5:30 or so, and went out to feed the horses. As I started to get dresses for our trip to the valley, I heard him say as he was going down the ha, "I have a real problem." Because he says this quite a bit and I was getting ready to go, I didn't say anything.

I guess he chopped a pine tree down yesterday up on the hill and he left the gate open. The horses have radar for an open gate.

Apollo showed up and James closed the gate. He knew Luna was somewhere close by. Whew! Crisis averted.

We left at 6:30 and picked up Colter Hunsaker. We are giving him a ride down to his sister, Bryelle. We are meeting her on Ironwood south of the 60 in Apache Junction.

Colter slept most of the way until we got to a Shell station in Globe for a potty break. When we get to Superior, Colter calls Bryelle so she can leave her house for our meeting point at the Chevron station she designated.

When we arrived at the Chevron station Colter pointed out Bryelle's tan mini-van. When we drove up I said to her, "We have a special delivery for you." Colter thanked us and jumped out of our car and into her van. We said our goodbyes and wished them a Happy New Year.

We are early so we are going to go to Costco before my injections. They were out of Fairlife shakes and they said the Santan Costco was almost out too. Oh dear. We got an off brand along with the shakes James likes. James said if I didn't like the off brand, he would drink them. Gas was $2.79 so we filled our tank. We also get Pom and Perk and James talked to someone about a new phone. It sounds like they would make him a really good deal, but we were running out of time as my injection appointment is drawing closer. I was starving so while James was putting our purchases in the car, I got a hotdog at the food court.

Dr. Kumar gave me 4 injections. One in each knee and one in each shoulder. I'm not gonna lie, they hurt a little, but they will be so worth it if they work like they did last time. Dr. Kumar said I could make my appointment for my next injections when I come in on January 14th for my infusion.

After my infections we picked up Kim & Brian for lunch. We are using the gift card we got from Darrel & Trina for Christmas to help pay for their lunch. So grateful we can take Kim to lunch on her birthday! She loves Cheesecake Factory. We had invited Joe to go too but he was sick with the flu. OH, by the way, it was overcast and cool today, just the kind of day Kim likes.

James had two appetizers for his lunch, stuffed mushrooms and crab bites. I had the steak medallions with mashed potatoes, tomatoes and asparagus in a Madeira wine sauce. I went crazy over this dish and the portion was small so I didn't feel guilty about eating the mashed potatoes.

Brian had peach lemonade and the Cuban sandwich. Kim had the chicken parmesan with noodles and fettucini sauce. Brian ordered, on a separate order that he paid for, the same thing to take home to Joe.

While we were enjoying our meal we spoke with Brian about doing a reverse mortgage on the cabin. He encouraged us and said he could put us in touch with someone that he really trusts. I already feel better!

Kim & Brian wanted to make a trip to the Costco close by so we went with them and I found my Fairlife shakes. I bought a case and so did Kim. Mission accomplished!

Back at Kim & Brian's Kim gave us some pumpkin delight and Coolwhip for the road.

Before leaving for home we stop at Deseret Book where I spent my $100 gift card and a little bit more. I bought three books to help me study the Old Testament along with the study guide I already purchased, and Brother Valletta's study guide for the New Testament so I now have one of his study guides for all of the standard works, except the Pearl of Great Price.

We went home the Globe way because James insists it's faster and we want to get there before Ben & Cayli so we can do a little cleaning. Evan & Rowan stayed in the room Ben & Cayli will be staying in and I want to make sure it is clean and that they put the sheets in the washer as I ask them to.

I slept until we got to Salt River Canyon. I don't like the curves and I caution James to slow down. "Do you have a need for speed?" He says no, but I wonder.

We got home around 5:30. Rowan & Evan put the sheets in the washer along with the comforter on the twin bed in Sheri's room, the sheets from the large bed, and two towels. Talk about crammed in. We don't need to wash comforters!

The boys did clean their bathroom and emptied the trash in their room and the TV room. It actually looks quite good upstairs. James helped me put the sheets on the two beds in Sheri's room.

After unloading the car James and I did a little cleaning. James cleaned the stove top and I swept floors. James was going to build a fire but I told him there was no need. It was warm enough in here.

Ben & Cayli arrived around 8:15. They had stopped at Safeway to do a little shopping. Ben told us thank you for the blankets and showed us the coat he got for Cayli which has a temperature control device on it. Ben got lots of materials and a book on how to draw Medieval maps. It looks like fun and something that I remember Adam used to do. Ben also brought his TV and X-Box so they can set up for movies in their room.

While Cayli was fixing some finger foods for them to enjoy later this evening Ben told about their flight to Washington where they spent Christmas with Cayli's family in Richmond. He also told about taking Evan to lunch for his birthday and Evan telling him his Christmas wish list: Air freshener for his car, basketball shoes, and a new mattress. Ben thought that was a funny Christmas list and so do I. James and I and Ben also shared funny stories of when Max was little and the hilarious things he would say like what he said to James once when Grandpa was going to be him a dollar over something. "Grandpa, I don't have a dollar to waste." And to Sheri when she was potty training him: "Mom, I don't want this conversation to turn in to an argument." Such a wise little guy.

We sat goodnight around 9:30 and wished Ben & Cayli a Happy New Year. It's been a long day, especially for me.

My right knee hurts. I sleep on the recliner with heat rub and the heating pad on it while I elevate it. I take some Tylenol and again I have a difficult time going to sleep until after 12:30.