Wednesday, March 18th, 2026: Tom 3:36, I hide under covers until 5, My not so happy day, trip to Dollar General for catfood, struggling with my lesson, James is a trooper

 

Tokyo, Japan

18th temple

Tom tried to wake me up at 3:36 but I hid under the covers until 5 and he ignored me. 

Another bleak day for me. I'm not sure what it is. I am no longer happy here in Vernon. I miss my family.

On our trip to Dollar General to get cat food I barely said a word. I am not very pleasant to be around. James knows I am struggling. He wants to help and is very sweet about it, but he doesn't really know how.

I know the Savior loves me but for some reason I am not feeling that love like I want to. One positive thing I am doing since Sunday is spending the first hour I get up with the Lord, praying and studying the scriptures. I have always prayed and read my scriptures but not always the first thing when I get up. It is something I am doing to put the Lord first in my life. 

I am struggling with preparing for my lesson. The word judge  has a negative connotation even though Moroni calls the Final Judgment coming before "the pleasing bar of God." The lesson is entitled, "They Are Their Own Judges". I am afraid of my own judgment more than I am the Lord's.

"We have been instructed by prophets past and prophets present - and by the pattern set by our Savior - how to minister." 

- Elder William K. Jackson

Genesis 46:3

And he sai, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

Tom in the snow January 8, 2024

Snow storm, November 4, 2024

So many innocent people are killed

in senseless wars. Such a tragedy.

A house that I like the looks of

Tuesday, March 17th, 2026: Left for valley around 8, Sinclair gas $3.99, Costco $4.04, Payson, Dr. Raia at Core Institute, Deseret Bk, Chikfila, Costco Santan, Costco Ariz Ave., Circle K, Vernon, talk to Sheri, James is my hero

 

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Temple #17

We left a little late for the valley. James's appointment with Dr. Raia at the Core Institute in Gilbert is at 11:50.  We went the Payson way as the other way will be closed for blasting. As we went through Show Low we noticed that gas at Circle K was $4.19 and at Sinclair is was $3.99. We should have stopped but as we were running late and passed before we noticed the price, we went on.

Traffic was congested along the Rim and we were glad to break free as we came down to the double lanes. The restrooms at the Star Valley Circle K were closed for cleaning so we went on to the other Circle K on the other end of Payson. The men's bathroom was closed so James had to go across the street to Speedy. he did buy a drink at Circle K. 

James made it to his appointment right on time. I dropped him off and went to find a bathroom. I ended up at Deseret Book because I know their bathrooms are clean. While there I bought a container of butter mints. I didn't want to spend any money and then found out when I went to check out that I had $29.00 credit coming. I paid the $5 for the mints and now have about $24 left. 

As I went out and got in the car James called and said he was finished and would be waiting outside. I was surprised that he was finished so soon. He said the doctor only does surgery and James does not want to have another surgery. James said the appointment was a waste of time. I told him that it wasn't necessarily because in the process of elimination, one more option had been eliminated.

We were both hungry so we drove down Market St. to see what would catch our eye. I originally wanted to go to Cafe Rio and James wanted to go to Red Lobster and because we couldn't agree, we drove down Market St. Chikfila caught our eye so away we went. 

Luckily I found a table right by the door as we went in as the place was packed. James placed our order. An order of chicken strips for me and a chicken sandwich for him. He ordered 4 strips because he thought he might like one and that I would only eat three. I ended up eating all four, the first two initially and the last two on the way home. Just call me Miss Piggy. 

We went to the Costco here near Deseret Book. I wanted to buy some steaks. We picked up a package of five steaks for $80. Further down there was someone giving samples of beef burnt ends. They were so delicious we decided to take the steaks back and buy a package of the burnt ends. I also bought some short ribs and egg bites. James bought candy, Pom juice and a pineapple. Our purchases came to $103.91. This Costco's gas station is closed for remodeling so we drove over to the one on Arizona Avenue and Baseline. The line was long but it only took us about 15 minutes to get our gas and be gone. We went home the Payson way.

We stopped at the Circle K in Show Low for a drink and some gas. 

It was around 5:30 when we returned home. 

I told Sheri if we come down this winter that I wanted to be in her ward. She said that would make her happy because she doesn't feel like she belongs. I told her that she belongs to Jesus and to me.

Monday, March 16th, 2026: Land sales earnest money agreement, cant asked to be released, Walmart to give elders cash, James's ice cream, Culvers Drive-Thru, Applegate's bid Jimmie no time to meet, Stacy's call, new book "The Pharaoh's Daughter

 

Washington D.C.

Temple #16

I typed up an agreement that James devised for the earnest money Dave Elkins is going to give us this week in the amount of $24,000.

We are selling him 23 acres instead of 22.

I have come to the conclusion that I cannot asked to be released. In my mind I wouldn't be living up to my covenants if I did. When I am feeling like I just can't handle things I've got to put greater trust in the Lord. He will help me to do the things that He wants me to do. I told James not to talk to the bishop.

James made an appointment with the missionaries who serve in Vernon to meet them at Walmart around noon. We signed up to feed them tomorrow but we are going to the valley to James's doctor appointment. We gave the two elders $40 and they were very pleased saying that was more than enough for them to buy a nice meal.

James bought some of his yogurt bars at Walmart. There are four of them. I eat one and he eats the other three. I wanted to stop at Culver's for lunch but because we couldn't finish our treat before going in and knowing they would melt if we left them in the car, we went through the drive-thru. We both ordered the same salad only James ordered bleu cheese dressing to go with his.

I ate most of mine on the way home while James waited until we got home to eat his.

James wanted to meet with the Applegate's this evening about the cost of their home and the bid he has been working on. Jimmie said he was too busy to meet for several day. James is a little discouraged about this entire project and how long it has taken to get anything done. They got their permits last April.

I started a new book this evening, the 2nd in the Isabelle Webb series by N.C. Allen. This one is called, "The Pharaoh's Daughter." James is starting the first book in the series.

"No matter where we live in the world, no matter our age, it is a basic human need ... to feel a sense of belonging."

- Sister J. Anette Dennis, OGC 2025

Genesis 45:5

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Chad, Cannon's wife, Cannon and Nicole

Bobby Noel

 

Sunday, March 15th, 2026: The passing of Bobby Noel, Beach's called to serve in Zimbabwe, Blackie/Scooter is missing, high council week - Elder Shumway's brother, new Stake RS president, Linda Stevens teaches Gospel Doctrine, planning of Easter Potluck

 

Provo, Utah Rock Canyon

Temple #15

I learned this morning on Facebook that our dear friend Bobby Noel passed away. When we first moved to Chandler, I was in my 20's and was called at the Primary president. Brother Noel was my priesthood advisor and he was a great one. He was the baseball coach at Chandler High School for years before he moved to Orem, Utah.

I forgot to mention that yesterday Paul's sister Nicole's oldest son, Cannon was sealed in the Gilbert temple. President Ray Hayman was the sealer. It was a surprise to Nicole and she got a little teary eyed. 

Brother Beach texted James this morning and told him they received their mission call. They are going to Zimbabwe and they are very excited. The last dedicated temple on March 1st was in Zimbabwe.

Blackie, or as James calls him was missing this morning. He is always there waiting for his breakfast, but not this morning. James and I are both a little sad. 

Today was high council sacrament meeting. Our new Stake Relief Society president, Kacie Flake was our first speaker. The high councilman was President Shane Shumway, Elder Steven Shumway's brother. I guess he is the stake young men's president. 

Linda Stevens taught gospel doctrine class although Jimmie Applegate was present. Sister Stevens did a great job with power point slides and everything. I guess she has taught gospel doctrine before. 

I had the take aways from todays meeting. From Sister Flake's talk: I need to start looking for daily tender mercies and recording them in my tender mercies journal. I did this for awhile but quit some time ago. 

From President Shumway's talk. Spend the first hour of the day in prayer and scripture study, getting close to the Lord. It is the first hour of the day that I need to work on.

From Sunday School. Joseph came to know that the Lord was with him and what his purpose was. I need to find out what my purpose is at this time in my life. I should know, but I don't. 

I planned the Easter potluck with Darrel, Trina, Kim, Sheri, and Stacy. Darrel is making tritip, and the rest of us will bring sides and desserts. It will be on the 28th at 5 p.m. at Darrel & Trina's.

James wrote a letter to our grandchildren and wants me to type it and proof read it for him. I will be happy to.

James also found Scooter this evening. He was sitting at the dining room table and heard a meowing noise. He went outside and found the cat in the garage. He carried him back to the porch and gave him his dinner. We are both so relieved that we found him.

I feel the love

"This is the church of new beginnings! This is the church of fresh starts !"

- Elder Patrick Kearon, OGC 2025

Genesis 41:44

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

Ziggie

Newest picture of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 Alex and his latest girl

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