Saturday, March 14th, 2026: CFM, Chuck goes to the dump, my breakdown, Dave Elkins will pay 10% down, "Nelly Knows Mysteries" w/ Kavan Smith & Pascale Hutton

 

Ogden, Utah

Temple #14

As part of the "Come Follow Me" lesson we listened to a talk by Elder Bednar given in 2020, "We Will Prove Them Herewith." Here are a few notes that I took: 

The importance of tests to determine what we have learned and what we need to know. 

Prepare every needful thing. D&C 88:119

Are we hearers only, or doers of the word.

Preparation precedes preparing.

Am I all in?

Stand in holy places and be not moved.

Proving ourselves.

Press forward. Well done.

Chuck surprises everyone by going to the dump this morning. James was getting ready to go and gave him $5.

I had a breakdown today and asked James how he would feel if I asked to be released from my calling. He said he thought it was a good idea. I was surprised, but felt validated. I asked about the covenant make in the temple where we consecrate all our time, talents, and means to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said, you have lived it all of your life. But my life isn't over, I have to endure to the end. Sometimes we have to take time to fill our own well before we can fill others. This is the advice my dear friend Janis Willis gave me a long time ago. James said he would talk to the bishop. I told him he could. I still want to minister and go to the temple and of course attend all of my meetings. I'm just a little broken right now. Hopefully my Savior will fix me.

Dave Elkins will give us $24,000 as earnest money on our land before the end of March, probably next Saturday. This is a big relief. I told James we needed money before the end of March. Yay!

James and I watched and enjoyed Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith in a new episode of "Nelly Knows Mysteries - All Manners of Murder". 

Love this sister of mine!

Caroling at grandmothers a long time ago:

Sweet Ruby

Friday, March 13th, 2026: 10am temple session in Snowflake, Taco Bell, home @ 12:41 - record time, James's meeting w/ Builders First Source, walking, blogging, watching & listening

 

Oakland, California

Temple #13

James and I attended the 10 am session at the Snowflake temple this morning. We left later than usual and on the way James realized his temple recommend was missing. He always puts it in his shirt pocket and has lost it before. This time he says he put his phone in the same pocket and it must have fallen out when he pulled his phone out. We found it when we got home after the session in the garage. Even though he had to wait for approval from upstairs he still beat me into the session. The line for the new name in the women's dressing room was very long. I still was able to sit in my favorite seat!

As we were leaving the temple, Danny Seymore, someone we knew in high school was at the desk. We talked to him a few minutes and he told me I was just as pretty as I was in high school. I told him thank you and when we were outside I thought he might need glasses, but it was kind of him to say.

James and I didn't want to spend $30 for lunch so we went to Taco Bell and each of us got a soft chicken taco. James also stopped at Circle K for a drink. No gas, we have a full tank, and gas here is $4.19 today. 

We were home by 12:41, only four hours since we left. That is a record. I had rest time while James prepared for a meeting he has with Builders First Source. He left in the truck. He returned a couple of hours later very happy. He said the meeting went very well. Not only did they bid all of the lumber but they also gave prices for cabinets, countertops, windows, doors, and door hardware and everything was within reason. They even gave him plans with color coding of everything they bid. He was sooo happy!!

I listened to Inklings today with Emily and Elaine. I love these two women and their wise counsel! Follow the Prophet!

Memories:

Ruby and Molly

The day Ruby and I got our ears pierced.

Love this girl!

Thanksgiving at Sheri's a few

years ago.

James, Saria, Cayli, Sheri
 

Thursday, March 12th, 2026: Tom out @ 3:30, James went to Virtuous Pain Center today their plans to help him, Inklings w/ Emily & Elaine, Stacy's questions about Jerusalem temple, Applegate's bid, new book, "Isabelle Webb, Legend of the Jewel"

 

London, England

Temple #12

Tom wanted out at 3:30 this morning. Thanks Tom.

I went to bed last night with my upper left arm in a lot of pain. James got me a couple of Tylenol and I was able to sleep. When I woke this morning I was still in some pain. 

James went to the Virtuous Pain Center today at the recommendation of Dr. Smithson. They outlined a treatment plan for his shoulders, lower back, and his hands. They did nothing today as they want to consult with the doctor first, but James was quite excited about the plan. Now he is not sure if he wants to go to the doctor that Dr. Smithson wants him to see about his hands. The doctor is located in Gilbert and James thinks maybe he has seen him before. I was planning on him going and we were going to go to Costco to get steaks. His appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th, the day we are supposed to feed the missionaries. Instead of trading with someone, if we are gone on Tuesday, I will give the elders some money so they can go out to eat.  

I seem to have low spirits tonight. I wish I could have stayed in the valley.

I started a new book: "Isabelle Webb, Legend of the Jewel." The author is N.C. Allen.

"Today those invited to the supper of the Lord come from every place and culture."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong, OGC 2025

Genesis 39:21

But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Molly's soccer team

Lola memory

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026: Leave for the valley @ 7:30, Payson, 11 AARA, James D.I., Costco, Stacy's, Cathi & Terry's, Trip home thru Payson, "Follow Him" & "The Dreaming Beauty"

 

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th Temple

We left for the valley around 7:30 this morning. We went the Payson way because honestly, I still don't like going through Salt River Canyon. 

We forgot to get gas at Splash n Dash and ended up paying more. Gas keeps going up everyday. 

We got to AARA at 11 and my appointment for my infusion isn't until 11:30. Hopefully they can take me a little early. Frances came and got me and weighed me because it has been awhile. I weighed 120. She made a comment about how much weight I had lost. 

James made a trip to Deseret Industries while I was getting my infusion. He brought the container of clothes we keep in the closet, and put it in the back seat of the car on top of the jacket he brought. Somehow the clothes spilled out and when he picked them up he also picked up his jacket and gave it away along with our castaways. He was quite distraught because it was his favorite jacket, the one we bought in December at Costco that has snaps instead of buttons. James has a hard time doing up buttons because of the pain in his hands. I tried to console him that we could get another one but it probably won't be until next winter.

Costco was our next stop. We got exactly six items: 2 cases of Fairlife shakes, one container of Perk, a container of dark chocolate caramels, some protein bars, and another bag of candy. Both bags of candy were for James although I did sample the caramels. They were very tasty. We both had hotdogs and a drink at the food court. The total cost for lunch was $3.25.

Sheri said she couldn't go to lunch with us because she had things going on at work. I really wanted to take Sheri to lunch to thank her for paying for my glasses. I should take her probably at least ten times. 

We went on to Stacy's to take her the blue dress she left at our house and asked us to bring down. Nicole, Paul's sister's son Cannon is getting married on Saturday and I think she wants to wear it to the wedding. 

We got to visit with Paul and Stacy, Joshua and Evan. Joshua, Evan, and two friends were playing video  games. I gave both Joshua and Evan hugs. It was so nice to see them. Paul told me that he is now taking Sempia Aria, a medicine I was on before I went on Orencia.

Stacy told us that Vader needs surgery on his hind leg and also needs his teeth cleaned. The surgery would be $4,000 and the teeth cleaning, $1,600. I think they need some doggie insurance.

We left Stacy's and drove to Cathi & Terry's. As we came in Dawn was leaving to spend the afternoon with her friend Heather and her children and then spend the night with them. She gave us a hug and said she was sorry she wouldn't get to visit, but she seemed so excited to go. Cathi told us what a good friend Heather has turned out to be and such a help with Dawn. She helped clean out Dawn's classroom and bedroom at the Tempe house. Dawn thinks of her as a daughter but Heather knows she will not be inheriting the Tempe house.

James visited with Terry and I visited with Cathi and Mom. Cathi has new medication that hopefully will help with her "sweating" problem. Lois just got two new blouses from Amazon and she opened them. We talked a little about Dawn and I asked Mom how she was feeling. She says she is okay but she still has the "belching" problem. It was a nice visit and we were grateful we were able to visit.

We went home the Payson way. We didn't stop for gas. Gas was $3.95 at Circle K, $3.85 at Speedway and $3.73 at the Splash and Dash in Show Low where we finally stopped with our low gas light on for the last 20 miles. Splash & Dash was lower than Costco at $3.79. Little did we know that tomorrow would be 40 cents off day at Circle K.

The rest of Kacey's story

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026: Compare Joseph & Juday, Kacey's homeless story, pay tithing - Downwind case has a claim #, Tina, Adam, Kim, MIchael, Trina, Stacy, Harry Potter, Murdoch Mysteries, The Dreaming Beauty

Los Angeles, California

Temple #10

Genesis 38 is about Joseph's brother, Judah. I think this chapter was included to provide a contrast between Joseph and Judah. As far is righteousness is concerned, there is no comparison.

I paid tithing today. I also called JoNell in Tom Thompson's office to see if she had any news about our Downwind cancer filing. She made a phone call to Washington D.C. and called me back. As of March 6th we have a claim number. We just need to fill out some paperwork saying we have not received compensation for cancer from any other source. JoNell says it is usually about 3-4 weeks before the money is received. Yay!

Kacey read the story I shared about Tina Allen helping a man outside of Ross and then she shared this story with me:

Thank you Kacey for sharing

Michael wants to bring three friends up the weekend of the 28th when we will be in the valley for our family Easter Potluck. James told him we would like to see him at the potluck but Michael said he had already made arrangements with his friends. He promised they would leave everything clean and I would not have to do a thing.

We shall see.

Tina and I made plans to go walking together one day next week. I am excited about this!

Right now I am reading Harry Potter, The Dreaming Beauty and watching Murdoch Mysteries. I read Harry Potter 20 minutes, walk and listen to "The Dreaming Beauty", and watch Murdoch Mysteries while working on my blog, all in 20 minutes increments. It makes life a little more interesting.

"The sacrament table and temple altars symbolize the sacrifice of esus Christ and His infinite Atonement."

- Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, OGC 2025

Genesis 39:5

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Saturday, March 7th

Ben & Cayli

Sunday, March 8th

 

Monday, March 9th, 2026: A walk in the Show Low Park, gas, Culvers, Walmart, Home Depot, new book: "The Dreaming Beauty" and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone w/ Charlie

 

Temple #9

Bern, Switzerland

Here is a little introduction to this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson:

This week's chapters unveil Joseph's journey from favored son to slave, prisoner, and eventually, a leader in Egypt. His unwavering faith amidst betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment exemplifies resilience. Through Joseph's story, we witness how God orchestrates events for a greater purpose, turning trials into triumphs. Reflect on how challenges in your life might be shaping you for future blessings.

James and I made a trip to town today. We left before 10 and drove to the Show Low park walking trail. We walked for around 40 minutes. It felt good to be outside in the fresh air and not having to worry about tripping over rocks or cinders. We had lunch at Culver's where I had my chicken cashew salad and James had a pot roast sandwich and a chocolate ice cream cone. He meant to get a waffle cone but made the mistake of saying cake cone. I told him to go get another one. This time he came back with vanilla custard/ice cream and a waffle cone. I had a few licks of both cones. They were both delicious. I lick and James bites. I'm not in to biting ice cream.

I texted Tina Allen while we were at Culver's to tell her James said he would go with me to walk in the park. I also told her I loved the story she shared in Relief Society yesterday and that it was the highlight of the lesson for me. Here is the text that I got back from her:  "Karen, if Jim can't make it and you want to go, let me know. I thought about it yesterday and I would like to walk with you. Maybe once a week. It would be great to spend some time with you."

I said: "I would love that too Tina, you are one of my favorite people!"

She said: "As you are one of mine."

James is still working on the bid for Applegate's. He has not received back all the information he needs so he is going to go to Home Depot and do some figuring on his own. He dropped me off at Walmart. I did some shopping and tried to pick up his time-release Tramadol. The attendant said they hadn't filled the prescription because the insurance wasn't covering the cost. I ask how much it was and he said $58. Never mind. He said he would send it back to the doctor and tell him of the problem and see if he had another prescription to use in it's place.

Charlie is kicking my bootie when it comes to reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It has 17 chapters and she finished the entire book today. I am still on chapter 6. I must read faster!

Having a picnic with her babies and reading

Harry Potter.

She finished!

I think she is a speed reader!

James said there was a cat fight out on the porch this evening. He said Tom walked up and slapped Blackie/Scooter in the face. Scooter, that's what James calls him, never backs away nor does he fight back, he just stands there and takes it. Sammy came over to get in on the action and that's when James broke it up because Sammy goes for the neck and he is worried about Scooter not being able to breathe. James likes Scooter because he is more friendly than Sammy.

Our A.S.K. talk for this week is one by President D. Todd Christofferson, "Our Relationship with God" from the April 2022 General Conference.

"It can change the course of our lives to see our circumstances through the lens of God's eternal plan."

- Brother Chad H. Webb, OGC 2025

Genesis 39:2

And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Sunday, March 8th, 2026: Millie & Jerry Scott, Amy Reynolds lesson, goodbye Ben & Cayli, Facetime w/ Jared, Kacey, & Charlie, "When Calls the Heart", LeeAnn's card to Stefani

 

Temple #8

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Kitty care first, then back to bed for awhile.

James and I finished our Book of Mormon reading and the last section of the "Come Follow Me" lesson before church. 

Millie and Jerry Scott were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Love on another was the topic of the day. Millie spoke from the heart and it was a great talk. Jerry said Millie was the love of his life and they had been together for 64 years. He also talked about the Second Coming and ended with the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

Amy Reynolds taught Relief Society based on Elder Gong's conference talk, "No One Sits Alone." Tina Allen shared a story that affected me deeply. It was about helping a man in front of Ross who was asking for money. Tina had no cash but she went and got some. The man asked if she were a Christian and she said yes. He asked her to pray for him and gave her his name. He asked if he could hug her and she hesitated but said yes. She said when she hugged him she felt as if she were hugging the Savior. I love Tina, she is such a compassionate person. 

At the end of the lesson Amy gave everyone a fortune cookie as Elder Gong talked about fortune cookies in his talk. I texted Amy later and told her what a great job she did in getting the sisters to share experiences. This is what I said:

"Great job today. So many good comments, and thanks for the fortune cookies. You have a way of getting people to talk. I think it is because you are so approachable and they see you as someone they can easily share things with, a dear friend. That's what you are Amy, a dear friend."

I gave LeeAnn's card and gift card to her aunt Stefani because I couldn't find Alicia. 

I asked Tina Allen about walking at the Show Low Park with her. She asked if I could go early and I said yes, I get up at 5. She is going to text me and we will make plans. When I told this to James on the way home he said, "Let me go to the park and walk with you." I was elated and told him that made me so happy! I will talk to Tina later.

We said goodbye to Ben & Cayli before we left for church because we knew they would be gone before we got back. I gave them each a hug and reminded them to take a picture/selfie before they left. James had invited them to go to church with us earlier but they declined, saying they wanted to get home early so they would have some time to relax before going back to work tomorrow. 

Ben & Cayli left lunch meat, mango salsa and some guacamole. We added these items to our salad and that was our lunch. That mango salsa was quite tasty.

This afternoon I worked on my blog and reported on Elder Eyre's conference talk to Addy, Sheri, and Kim. Kim is choosing the talk for next week and it will go along with the "Come Follow Me" lesson, 

Trina texted a barndominium house plan this afternoon and asked James if he could build it for them. He looked at it and said, "Of course." How exciting if this actually happens.

James was outside watering plants when Jared, Kacey, and Charlie called via FaceTime. I went out and told him that Texas was on the phone. They are now two hours ahead of us as daylight savings time starts today. 

Kacey and Charlie have been sick and they both still have rosy cheeks. Charlie is feeling better and we had a nice visit. She showed me her purple glasses and said she was reading Harry Potter, book one, "The Sorcerer's Stone." I said I wanted to read it with her and we could start tomorrow. It's been awhile since I've read Harry Potter. 

In other news, Summer & JB are getting married on June 15th, in Oregon because they think it is beautiful. They want Jared to marry him. He has mixed feelings about the request. He is honored they want him but he doesn't like the idea that he has to be certified in another church. We told him his dad felt the same way when he was asked to marry Ben & Cayli but it ended up being a good experience.

Autumn, Palmer, Scarlett, and Benson have all moved from Tyler to Gilmer. Gilmer is where Palmer is from. Kacey and Jared are a little concerned because they live out in the middle of the country with no yard for the kids and quite a distance from shopping, doctors and other amenities. They moved in to a manufactured home that needs a lot of work. I am confident that Autumn will have it shipshape in no time.

They want to go to the San Diego temple open house this summer. It is Kacey's favorite temple. Oh yes, one more bit of information. Jared's hair is going gray. It happens to the best of us. We are always so grateful to get to see and talk with Jared and his family. We love them so much!

James and I watched the latest episode of "When Calls the Heart."

Here is a quote I liked: "Don't let your past steal your future."

"The teachings of the family proclamation were revealed by our Lord Jesus Christ to His Apostles then and now."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Genesis 33:11

Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.

Temple Dedication, March 1st,

Zimbabwe by Elder Gong

Elder and Sister Gong

Sweet Boy Benson