Saturday, January 24th, 2026: Snow, RS activity, I'm stressed about my lesson tomorrow, cancel shirt party tonight, Ice storm in Texas and back East, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor,"

 

Mt. Montoso

Why does Tomsy go right out for James and it takes me two or three times?

3-4 inches of snow this morning. James was supposed to go to the church this morning to provide priesthood at a Relief Society activity. He talked with T-Bo and T-Bo said he wasn't needed. 

I was too stressed to go to the activity because I am preparing for my lesson tomorrow. I need to finish my handouts and then finish up my outline and study it. 

Tonight is the Bunco husbands "shirt" party. I said I would make calico beans. Making the beans will take an hour or so and the party will be an hour or two. That is four hours. James is fine if we don't go. 

First I texted Janna and told her. She said she wasn't going either because she has vertigo. So sorry Janna.

The party is at Stefani's so I told her we wouldn't be coming. She said they would miss us. I told her thank you.

I feel so much better! 

A snow/ice storm is blasting across 40 states and affecting 200 million people. Snow in Longview, Tyler, and San Angelo, Texas is affecting our family. Carmen's family is in Pennsylvania and they are expecting about 2 foot of snow. People in Texas aren't used to driving in snow or ice. People are encouraged to stay home and church has been cancelled. Kids are enjoying playing in the snow.

Tanner & Mason

Charlie

Charlie and Lovie

Scarlett & Benson

Carmen & Steve's in York, Pennsylvania

View from Kathy & Chuck's front porch

James's truck

I finished my handouts for tomorrow. 

A notebook that says

New Beginnings on the front,

and a mechanical pencil.

I made 54 of these.

I also finished my lesson outline and ran the lesson off. Next I need to make a copy of the quotes I will handout. There are 10 of them.

While walking today I read a book that I read a few years back:

"The Heir of Brownlie Manor." I remember the book, just not all of the details so I can enjoy reading it again. I managed to walk 14,000 steps.

James cooked my steak this afternoon and also made some corn on the cob. I shared my steak and he shared his corn. We had a delicious meal.

James had an idea that I also used for my lesson. He picked out pictures from our Gospel Art Packet of new beginnings, most of them involving the Savior. We will display the pictures to encourage thoughtful contemplation.

I love my new portable phone charger and "granny" pants.

"When we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we link our name with His. We identify with Him."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund, OGC 2025

Moses 5:8

Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.

Bunco Husband Shirt Party

Cope Reynolds, Gene Beckham, Ralph Sedig, Roger Wallace, Sean Hunsaker, Steven Allen, Willy Grombach, John Finnell, Kip Hunsaker

Cope, Amy, Stefani, Alicia

Ralph, Gene, Sean

Friday, January 23rd, 2026: Happy 78th Birthday James! trip to the temple, Eva's, Wlmrt, lemon pie, squash stirfry for James's dinner, we rob Walmart - oops

 

78 looks good on him!

Happy Birthday Honey! 

I bought James electronic massage pads for his feet. He has neuropathy. I tried to buy him a Greg Olsen calendar of the Savior too, but it still has not been delivered. I gave him two cards, one was funny and the other was romantic and loving. 

Kim & Brian's card had sweet messages and a $50 Amazon gift card, and so did his mother's. 

We left for the temple at 8:30. We stopped at the post office and Sheri's family had sent a sweet card that everyone had signed. 

It was overcast and rainy today and we could see snow on the mountains. As we were driving James got a call that came up as Dawn Lambson. It was Dawn wishing him a Happy Birthday and then Dawn passed the phone to Mom and she wished him a Happy Birthday and then Terry and Cathi. It was nice and I think James felt loved!

Sheri, Jared, Kim and Darrel texted him and Stacy called him. Sheri also did an Instagram story. 

Sessions in the temple are now every hour. Before there was a 9:30 session and then an 11:00 session. We had to wait in the dressing room to get our new names until 9:50 before we went into the endowment room. I guess they can get in more session this way. 

After our session we went to Eva's for lunch. Her prices have gone up. Last time we were here an ala carte chile relleno was $8.99. Today it was $10.99. James's enchilada and refried beans was $15, and the chicken taco we ordered was $3.99. When I go up front to pay Eva calls me "a pretty lady". She's trying to ease the pain of the higher prices. 

My chili relleno

One of his favorite meals

On to Walmart. We had almost finished shopping. James went to check out while I went to get some hairspray. When I got to the register where James was checking out I noticed there were blueberries all over the floor and some near James's feet were smushed into the floor. Two women were trying to clean up the mess. James took off for the men's room to clean his shoes. I checked out the two items I had and thought we were finished. One of the women cleaning up the blueberries told us to get another pack. That was nice of her and we did that very thing on the way out. 

When we got home, James made an observation: "The bag of Hershey kisses and the sausages you bought were not in bags and I don't think we paid for them." I looked at the receipt and he was right, they were not on the receipt and neither was the case of DPZ we had bought. James called Walmart and told them what had happened and asked what we should do. The woman he spoke to told him to take pictures of the scan codes and when we return we could go to customer service and pay for the items. We won't be back in Taylor until the next time we go to the temple, hopefully next week.

James went to Applegate's to work and I made his Eagle Brand lemon pie with the pecan crust we bought at Walmart. He takes a couple of hours to set up in the refrigerator but will be ready for him to eat this evening. 

I walked and worked on my handouts and made James some dinner. I made squash, mushroom, onion, and cheddar sausage stirfry. James said it was delicious.

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026: Tom starts my day @ 4:30, Personal study of Moses 4 & Genesis 4, James @ Applegate's w/ more ABC, Bert needs more information, Inklings "Cheering Each Other On," nervous snacking all day, 12,000 steps, "Mayhem on the Marzipan Express," J sees 35 elk

 

Kacey & Mason

Tom woke me up at 4:30 this morning. I like to get up early but on cold mornings it's also nice to sleep in. Thanks Tom. Is this what you call sleeping in?

I studied Moses 4 and Genesis 4 for my personal scripture study this morning. I learned a little more about why Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable. For one thing, he had been asked to make it by Satan and he lacked faith. His sacrifice was not an animal sacrifice and therefore was not in the similitude of the Only Begotten Son.

James went to Applegate's this morning to meet someone from Hatch Concrete with another load of ABC. Again, the Applegate's are not home. 

We got an email from Bert this morning from Nexa Mortgage. He needs more property tax information and page four of all of the bank statements, even though they are blank. Go figure.

I listened to Emily on Inklings today. The talk was "Cheering Each Other On" by Sister Anette Dennis.

I nervously snacked most of the day today. I tried to keep my protein level up and my carb level down. 

I walked 12,000 steps and finished the book I started yesterday. It was a short one. I worked on my RS handouts while watching a movie, "Random Acts of Christmas" starring Kevin McGarry and Erin Cahill. As a bonus, Jaclyn Smith was the grandma to Erin Cahill's little boy.

James and I are using pictures from our gospel art packet for our lesson on Sunday. Examples of new beginnings that the Savior offers.

James went back to the Applegate's and worked until after dark. In his travels he saw 35 elk. They have come down from the high country because they know it is going to snow and they are more likely to find feed in the Vernon area.

"Whatever the cause or degree of disaster we face, there is always dry ground for hope, healing, and happiness."

- Elder Matthew S. Holland, OGC 2025

Moses 5:1

And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, an to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Even, also, his wife, did labor with him.

Cellos candy display at Dollar Tree.

Small box with 3 chocolate covered cherries.

I buy one every time I go in.

Jared & Mason

I wonder if this is on a Sunday

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026: Jared & Kacey's 9th anniversary, Jared's tribute to Kacey, and Kacey's to Jared, James & I go to town: SSA, BB, Taco Bell, Dollar Tree, Home Depot,

After the sealing

This was another one of those great days Jared!

Not sure why James and Albert are in this

picture but Loren and I aren't. 

Today is Jared & Kacey's 9th anniversary.

Happy Anniversary!

The Flagstaff temple location was announced today. It will be on the southwest corner of Butler Avenue and S. Fourth St. Plans call for an 18, 850 sq. ft. single story temple and an ancillary building. This will be the 9th temple in Arizona.

James went to work at Applegate's this morning. 

He has to be back by 12:30 so we can leave for his 1:10 appointment at the social security office. 

When we get to the social security office I drop James off and head to the Book Barn to look for a Greg Olsen calendar with pictures of the Savior like the one that I ordered from Amazon which has not yet come. It says it is held at the carrier station and they need more information to deliver it. It is not UPS but some carrier I have never heard of and have not been able to contact.

I was hoping Book Barn would have one, but they were out of all of their calendars except one with temples. I was disappointed. I should have bought the calendar at Deseret Book. 

I went back to pick up James. He told me that he would have his card in 5-10 days, sooner than they said mine would come.

We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. I asked for a crunchy chicken taco but the guy behind the counter said they no longer have them and suggested I try the cantina chicken taco, which I did. It was quite tasty and I was glad he suggested it. James ordered a steak burrito and was a little disappointed when it came with rice on it and very little steak. Next stop, Dollar Tree.

I got a birthday card for Jacob Barrett, Cress Miller's grandson who turned 12 yesterday. I texted Cress and asked what his favorite candy bar was ... Hershey's with almonds. Jacob turns 12 and was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood last Sunday. James was happy because he found dark chocolate covered raisins. He says this is the only store around who has them. 

James made a quick trip in to Home Depot to get some wooden stakes for Applegate's. 

I got cards from Jared, Kacey, and Charlie thanking me and expressing their love for me in the mail today. It was just what I needed to feel better. Thank you so much!

I had rest time with Tom and then did some walking. I ended up walking 16,000 steps. I started a new book. Well actually it's a book I read a while back and decided to read again. It is by Anita Stansfield and is called, "Mayhem on the Marzipan Express."

James went back to Applegate's to spread ABC. I worked on my lesson posters and handouts and blogged for last Saturday and Sunday. 

Sammy somehow got locked in the garage. James lets him out.

"Those who take upon themselves the name of Christ become His disciples and witnesses."

- Elder B. Corey Cuvelier, OGC 2025

Moses 4:4

And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.

10 Years Ago

Sealed with a kiss

 

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026: "Seed of the woman," ABC delivered to Applegate's, SS Office, Walmrt, gas & carwash, pickup James go to Culver's, Pierce looks @ my chipped tooth, Karen S. phone call, texting w/ Trina,

 

I think Lola was 3 here because this was

close to James's 70th birthday.

Tom let me sleep in until 5 again. He went out the first time when I took him to the family room door. It usually takes at least two times.

We learned about "the seed of the woman" in Genesis 3. The seed of the woman who crushes Satan's head is Jesus Christ.

James was up at 6:30 instead of 8:00 like yesterday. He seemed to feel much better than he did yesterday. 

James needs to get a copy of his social security card. I tried to order it online like I did mine but I got a message that the information I entered did not match their records. James tried to call and make an appointment at the Show Low office but he could never get through so we decided we would go in this morning and he could wait in line. First we had to meet a driver for Hatch Concrete who was delivering a load of ABC to Applegate's. James needed to show him where to dump it. A black man was the driver and he asked James if he knew the Hunsaker's. When James said yes, the driver told him that they had talked him in to going to church. He said his wife is going to go with him. He lives in Snowflake. Those Hunsaker's are great missionaries!

We parked in front of the Show Low social security office. While James went inside I waited in the car. He came out and told me it would be well over an hour, so if I have shopping to do I should go and do it now. 

I drove to Walmart and did my shopping. Mainly I got the ingredients for calico beans which I am making for our men's shirt party on Saturday. When I was finished at Walmart I drove to White Mountain gas and carwash and got my car washed and filled it with gas. James calls as I am driving back to pick him up. He is finished. I asked him if he got his card and he said no. The guy told him when it was his turn that he needed an appointment to get a new card. Can you imagine waiting for over an hour and to be told it was all in vain. James told him he had tried to make an appointment online but was not able to. The guy said: "Sorry, that's the rule. It would be quicker for me to just get you a new card rather than have you come back for an appointment, but I can't." His appointment is tomorrow at 1:10. Why is the government so inefficient?

We drove back to Culver's for lunch. I always pick out the same booth while James orders our food. Of course I got my chicken cashew salad. James got a double mushroom burger. He really didn't want to make it a double but that's what they brought so he ate it. I had a couple of bites and we both decided that even though it was quite tasty, it would be better with grilled onions.

On the way home I texted Susan Goodman to see if Pierce would have time to look at my chipped tooth this afternoon. She said he would and told me to pick a time. It was 1:20 and we will be home in about 15 minutes so I said 2:00. 

Pierce and Susan were both in the dental office. Pierce looked at the tooth and said it was a porcelain crown that had cracked with a metal center underneath. He said the metal will stay put and the only thing he could do was grind off the rough edge a bit, which he did. I was relieved it was nothing more serious. Thank you Pierce and Susan too. (I wish I had taken their picture. They are such a cute couple!)

Home for some rest & relaxation. My friend Karen Schneider called to tell me about Ralph Lamoreaux's funeral. I told her that I sent Jean a card. She said Jean was tired and looking forward to it being all over so she could rest. She told me about Lance, her husband's failing health and how they spent many hours in the ER over Christmas break.

I texted with Trina today. We scheduled a family party for March 28th before Darrel leaves for Farmington. 

I was tired this evening but forced myself to get my 12,000 steps and two blog posts. 

As Tom lay at the foot of our bed James said to me: "You were so nice to me today and never got angry at me." What does that tell me?

" 'Moral agency' is central in God's plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters."

- Elder David A. Bednar, OGC 2025

Trina texted this to me

Yes, I am obsessed

2015

Those were the days!

Monday, January 19th, 2026: 55 & lots of sunshine, Crane's well water @ 450ft, J sells Deming land, D,T,A,R,L @ Sunrise, MLK Day, Tanner news, DG DPZ, Sammy a scaredy cat,

Yay Darrel!

Tom let me sleep in. I got up at 5 before he did. He eats and then wants out. I have to take him to the family room door because of Blackie at our bedroom door.

Today was a beautiful 55 degrees sunny day, Martin Luther King, Jr. day, a holiday and the perfect day for Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, and Lola to go snowboarding at Sunrise. Ruby had her first day of work at the new Chik-fila on Ellsworth and Warner, so she couldn't come. After 4, when the lift closes, I texted Trina and asked if they wanted to meet in Show Low somewhere for dinner. They were already in Show Low getting gas, on their way home. Trina apologized and I said "next time."

Addy & Rowan

Lola's snowperson

Darrel & Lola riding the lift

See Lola, this is how you do it!

Darrel & Rowan

Trina & Darrel

Lola, where is your snowboard?

Trina & Addy

They are finished drilling the Crane's well. They reached water at 450 feet. Now they have to put in the piping. 

James sold two of our lots in Deming for $4,000 to Molly Quintana. Molly is James's cousin Vivian's daughter. Vivian is Uncle Lovell's daughter. 

Tanner is gone again, Kacey doesn't know where he is. I put his name back on the Snowflake temple prayer roll. 

James and I made a trip to Dollar General today to get some DPZ (Dr. Pepper Zero) and a birthday card for my friend Pat Tedder. 

For my lesson prep today I finished six handouts and one section of the lesson. If I can do this everyday I will be ready for my lesson on Sunday.

For scripture study this week we are reading about the Fall of Adam & Eve in Genesis 3 and Moses 4. We get lots of insight from Moses 4, the JS translation of Genesis 3.

I finished reading "A Hopeful Proposal" while walking today and now I am trying to finish "An Accidental Romance." 

Sheri chose the conference talk for our A.S.K. group. She chose a talk by Elder Kearon from October 2010, "Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You." I can hardly wait to listen to it. Elder Kearon looks so young!

James was asked to go to the two Relief Society activities on Saturday morning to provide priesthood. I told him I wasn't planning on going. He said that was okay that if anyone asked him where I was he would say that I was at home taking care of a family matter.

How sweet of him to cover for me.

"The Lord proves us ... to strengthen us. That proving, ... comes in moments when we feel stretched beyond what we thought we could bear."

- President Henry B. Eyring, OGC 2025

Ralph Lamoreaux's Funeral was Today

Here are some photos of Ralph and his family:

 Ralph's wife Jean was my counselor when I served as the Chandler West Stake Relief Society President. James served with Ralph on the stake high council. We loved both of them. Their daughter Marci (top photo) and her husband Joe were friends with Darrel & Trina in the singles ward a few years back.