Monday, February 9th, 2026: New budget, HECM (Reverse Mortgage) counseling with Langford Manning in N.C.,we are a little discouraged, walked 15,000 steps, "Lady Anna's Favor", James @ Applegate's, updated checkbooks

 

Addy, Ruby, Lola, Rowan

at California Adventure

Darrel & Trina took a trip to Disneyland with their kids. They are trying to get in as much family time as possible before the move. Rowan had already moved out of the house and Addy is making plans. Darrel will be gone the first part of April while Trina stays in Mesa with Ruby and Lola until they are out of school in May.

Tom got me up around 4:22. I'm glad because I had a lot to do to get ready for our reverse mortgage counseling meeting at 7:30 our time. Our counselor, Langford Manning, is calling from North Carolina.

After our counseling meeting James and I were both quite discouraged. So many unexpected charges. We are still going through with it. I told James we should get the reverse mortgage now  because we need the money but we could consider selling down the road a ways if it looks like the money is not going to last.

James has to go into town and wants me to go. He said he would buy me lunch even though he's driving the truck with the trailer. I declined going. I had just eaten a pork chop and wasn't hungry. I also had just washed my hair and didn't feel like getting ready. 

I walked 15,000 steps today and finished my book, "If You'll Have Me" by Esther Hatch. I started reading "Lady Anna's Favor" by Karen Tuft. James just recently finished reading it and said he really liked it. 

I updated both checkbooks today.

James was at Applegate's most of the day but did not bring home any money. Bo Taylor's guys are working on the basement footings, getting ready to pour concrete. They made a mistake and will now have to work longer to make it right. James is quite frustrated. 

I offered to make James dinner. He said he was happy to do it himself. He squeezed the oranges he got at church on Sunday from Brother Rosen, He also cooked some fresh broccoli which has quite a smell that permeates the house. After eating, James did all of the dishes. As of late we have not been using the dishwasher but we have been washing the dishes by hand. 

James and I both walked then went to bed between 9-10 with Tom laying at our feet on our bed and on his blanket. 

Sunday, February 8th, 2026: Happy Birthday Stacy, Up a little before 4 to finish my outline, sacrament meeting: Steve Rosen, Pierce Goodman, missionary work & gathering Israel, A.S.K. on faith, the Super Bowl was today, I think

 

A great choice!

Happy Birthday Stacy!

I wished her a happy birthday. She has not yet received the

card we sent. Kim made her sugar cookies and Dallin brought

her a piece of carrot cake from George & Gather.

Up a little before four to work on my outline for today's Relief Society discussion. I'm glad we don't have church until 10, that gives me an extra hour to prepare.

I used our family picture taken when Adam and Jared Ammon were little and Paul was our only son-in-law, no daughter-in-laws where we are all in white as a display item, a picture of the Savior and a picture of the Snowflake temple.

James wore his black suit with his red heart tie. I wore a black skirt and top with my new red/black heart sweater. I got lots of compliments on the sweater. I said, "Yeah, sometimes they have some good finds at Walmart."

While I was setting up Kerri Halcomb was in the Relief Society room setting up the microphone system. I talked to her about her mom. She says she has seen a steady decline since she was put in memory care. I told her I would be going down this coming week to see her mom.

I put this on the whiteboard: 

"The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ"

     By: President Dallin H. Oaks

Recreation                             Life Skills                Gospel Truths

Easton Crane was asked today if he would speak on preparing for a mission in sacrament meeting. Since his dad is the bishop he couldn't say no and he did a great job.

Steven Rosen and Pierce Goodman were the main speakers in sacrament meeting. 

Brother Rosen told about before he was a member of the church and his house burned down on a Saturday night. He said friends showed up in white shirts and ties. His friends also took his kids to church so he could work on his house. Because of his friends example he finally joined the church.

Pierce spoke about the gathering of Israel and how it is the greatest work going on in the world today. He said he loves the Vernon ward and that he has been here for 10 years. I can't believe it's been that long! He said there is an urgency to the work as we develop Christlike love and learn to serve one another. Our lives are a gift from God. Love, Share, Invite.

My friend Janna conducted RS for the first time today. Her mom Pat came for the first time since she has been on oxygen all of the day. 

I felt like the discussion on the family went well today. I especially loved Kristine Hipps's story about when the Family Proclamation came out she had just become a single mom because of a divorce. She and her children wrote their own family proclamation and hung it by the Church one. She said as they looked back over the years all of the things wrote down came to pass. It was a heartfelt story and I was grateful she was willing to share. 

This afternoon Sheri, Kim, and I discussed President Nelson's talk on faith. It was a good discussion. Addy is on her way to California with the rest of her family. They are going to Disneyland tomorrow.

Today was the Super Bowl. The Sea Hawks beat the Patriots. This should make Michael happy.

"Following Christ requires constant effort and continual change."

- Elder Michael Oziesla, OGC 2025

This boy could be a model!

He is so handsome!

Sweet Charlie with her glasses!

My Dinner

Saturday, February 7th, 2026: "Grace', overcast, James works @ Applegate's, lesson handouts finished, walk, Guthrie case updates, Taco Bell, Pres. Beeler's letter to pray for moisture, Apollo feeling his oats

 

Scarlett, Charlie, Mason

"Grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient." (See Bible Dictionary, 'Grace')

It was overcast today. It looked like it might rain today but it never did. This afternoon the clouds cleared and the sun came out. 

James worked at Applegate's most of the day. He has a crew there who cleaned out all the footings and then did most of the forming for the basement footings.

I stayed at home today and worked on my lesson handouts, walked, and watched updates on Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. 

James had to take a rented compactor back to town today. After washing it off he left early this evening. He brought me back a taco from Taco Bell. It was not exactly the one I normally order, but it was chicken and had cheese on it. 

The weather got increasingly warm today. If we don't get some moisture soon the fire hazard this summer will  be extremely high. Our stake president, President Beeler, sent out a letter via Facebook asking us to pray for moisture and to increase our temple attendance. There will be a special stake fast on March 1st.

I finished my 48 handouts and spent an hour or so working on my lesson outline. The lesson is based on President Oaks's talk from October conference: "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ."

James gave Apollo some oats to keep him out of the yard while he replaced the barbed wire on the fence. He pointed out to me that Apollo was running through the field kicking up his heels and he said: "Look, Apollo is feeling his oats."

"Everywhere, record numbers of converts are finding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, OGC 2025

Moses 7:66

But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked.

Mason

Charlie 7, Scarlett 8

Kacey and Benson

Friday, February 6th, 2026: Temple w/ Tignor's, Stefani a temple worker, Arby's is gross, Millie's new car, Applegate's, wooden hearts & quotes, trip to town,

Snowflake temple with

Barbara and T-Bo Tignor

As we were leaving we saw our friend Stefani Hunsaker. She is a new temple worker and she has the Friday morning shift. Barbara and I each gave her a hug. She said: "I'm a Friday girl." We said, "So are we!"

The Tignor's wanted to do fast food because they have to be back in Taylor at 4:00. T-Bo mentioned Arby's, so that's where we went. 

I ordered the chicken fingers but they were gross and crusty so I ordered a roast beef slider, which is what Barbara got. It was okay but I've decided I don't like Arby's since they did away with their steak bites. Even their peach cobble dessert was meh. Barbara thinks she needs to lost 20 lbs. I told her I didn't think so and that she looks great to me!

We stopped at the Vernon post office and got to visit with Millie Scott. She has a new car. A white Toyota Rav4 and it is nice! Millie says she will like it better when it is paid for. 

James called about getting a transmission for the Razr. They are supposed to call him back in a few days as they have nothing available right now but something may come in.

Between Applegate's job, getting rid of the timeshare, fixing the Razr and working on this reverse mortgage, he's got his hands full. He has not had time to work on the deck railings for quite some time now.

James needed to go in to town tonight to get something for the Applegate job that he needs in the morning so we headed for Show Low a little after six, knowing we have to make it to the pharmacy before seven to pick up a prescription. James got there just as they were starting to close up. 

I worked on my wooden hearts and quotes some more tonight. I only have six more to go. 

 

 

Thursday, February 5th, 2026: How can I simplify my life and become more sanctified? Mailed Stacy's card, pickup Pat & Janna for lunch @ Sal & Theresa's, The Joyful Covenant Path

 

Is this real? 

How do I simplify and sanctify my life?

I left my house around 10am to mail Stacy's birthday card at the Vernon post office (She didn't receive it until the 10th) and then on to Pat Tedder's house to pickup Pat and her daughter Janna for lunch. 

I gave Pat her birthday gifts when I got to her house. The gift bag included: Inner Angel body cream by Bath & Body, SoftSoap Honeysuckle and Orange Burst body wash and a purple scrubber, Scent Theory, Barry Brilliant handsoup (they were out of Winter Solstice) and Lindor's strawberry cream candy and a birthday card.

Janna hooked up Pat's oxygen tube into the cigarette lighter in my car and off we go with Janna in the backseat and Pat in the front passenger seat. 

Sal & Teresa's is located off Woodland Rd. in Lakeside. When I turn onto Woodland Rd. it always reminds me of going to Nannie's house.

After we are seated and place our orders, we all got a taco and an enchilada, Janna excuses herself to use the little girls room. I think nothing of it, but she was on a secret mission to pay the bill before I got a chance to, She has such a big heart!

After lunch I need to us the little girls room. When I return I ask if our bill came while I was gone and Janna said, "I paid it awhile ago." 

It is a beautiful, sunny day today. I'm not outside enjoying it as I am captivated by the Nancy Guthrie disappearance story. 

I walked and worked on my wooden hearts. I am getting bogged down and further behind on my blog.

The Joyful Covenant Path

"The wonder and grandeur of family members bound together in the presence of the Father and the Son bring surpassing awe and joy to my soul and fills me with a spirit of gratitude."

- Elder Patrick Kearon

"The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach us to worship the Son of God at altars."

- Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, OGC 2025

Moses 7:62

And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gether out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.

James feeding Sammy, whom he says

he doesn't like. 

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026: Email from Bert, visit from Stefani & Susan, El Rancho lunch w. HV,DD,J for Harold's 76th birthday, counseling appt. Monday morning, Kathy Crane has pneumonia

 

Instead of saying cheese, I should have said:

"Eyes open!"

A conversation with Bert Carpenter via text this morning. He was happy to hear that we have a counseling appointment on Monday morning. One more thing to cross off our list.

My ministering sisters, Susan Goodman and Stefani Hunsaker, came for a visit this morning and brought me a Valentine treat. We had a nice visit and I showed them the wooden hearts I was painting for my RS handouts. They are also Kathy Crane's ministering sisters and I told them she had pneumonia. They said they would take her dinner. Susan said she has the very best recipe for a healing chicken soup. I asked her if I could have the recipe.

We had lunch today with Harold, Vickie, Denise, and Dennis at El Rancho for Harold's 76th birthday. It's not our favorite restaurant, but it was Harold's choice and we wanted to be with him. 

We enjoyed hearing Dennis tell Deryk Morgan stories and find out that Monte is teaching at ASU Prep near the Gateway Airport. 

I guess the most interesting bit of information to come out of this luncheon was to find out that when Harold was in junior high he went to a party at a friends house where they used a ouiji board. By the way, this was before high school, where he met Vickie. When it was Harold's turn, his question was: "Who will I marry." He said his hands were led to V-i-c-k-i-e. He said he didn't think anything of it until he started dating Vickie and then married her. 

I started a new book today by Esther Hatch: "If You'll Have Me."

"As we apply gospel principles, the Spirit ... bears witness of their truthfulness."

- Brother Chad H. Webb, OGC 2025

Moses 7:47

And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me.

These violets that Michael bought me

just keep blooming!

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026: Nancy Guthrie story, James reaches out to Bert Carpenter, Elder Shumway's BYU Devotional, heart handouts, Burn Slim, Willy can't fix Razr, 82 in Phoenix

 

So excited about this!

I am caught up in the Nancy Guthrie story. She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie who is a host on The Today Show. She lives in Tucson. She is 84 years old with health issues. She was taken from her home on Saturday night and the entire country is hearing about it on the news. the FBI is coming in on the case.

James reached out to Bert Carpenter today, our agent at Nexa Lending. He told him we had our Social Security cards. James also said that based on the information we received yesterday we wonder if there is a way we may get more money from the reverse mortgage because the estimate on what our house is worth was low. We want an appraisal done. Bert says that is possible but first we have to go through reverse mortgage counseling. We need to call and set up an appointment from the information sent in the packet yesterday. We will this week.

Elder Shumway was amazing today. He asked his wife Heidi to bear her testimony and she was amazing too. Elder Shumway talked about simplifying our lives, bringing balance, and connecting to the Savior. I would encourage anyone and everyone to listen to his message on his YouTube page.

I worked on my handouts today. My goal is to finish six everyday. 

I have been receiving so many "commercials" about the gelatin diet and how it is the best way to lose weight. I listened to a video today which says you cannot use grocery store gelatin. This doctor, Jennifer Ashton, says these pills she is selling are the way Kelly Clarkson lost her weight. They have GLP-1 & GIP, ginger extract and turmeric with piperine which helps to reduce inflammation. (Is that what they are calling fat now days? JK)

I ended up ordering 9 bottle for half price. We shall see. I mainly just want to get rid of my "belly" and to improve my metabolism. I don't really need to lose weight. I can always send them back if I'm not happy.

James brought the Razr back from Willy's today. He can't fix it. It needs a new transmission casing which translates in to a new transmission. Do we want to spend more money or try to get our money back from the engine we bought. I'm leaving that up to James.

I dusted and vacuumed the family room today as my ministering sisters are coming tomorrow. It really needed it.

"Everyone belongs to a family, whether you are a mother, father, daughter, son, grandchild, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or cousin."

Moses 7:18

And the LOrd called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

I'm making 48 of these painted wooden hearts,

4 pieces of candy in a cellophane bag with

a quote on the outside of the bag.

Kacey's post