Sunday, May 10th, 2026: Happy Mother's Day! Where have all the mothers gone? Point Twenty-Two ward, Ruth Wallace, Drea Boles, RS w/ Ruby & Trina, Birdie Speirs, lunch, pictures, home to Vernon

 

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Temple #71

Happy Mother's Day! James bought me gifts when he went shopping at Fry's last night. Big strawberries in a heart-shaped container, a salad, cheesecake, yellow orchid with purple centers and a $50 Amazon card.

The Point Twenty Two ward starts at 9:00. James and I were on time, a little early. I had time to speak to my friend Ruth Wallace and wish her a Happy Mother's Day. 

Darrel & Trina came in after the meeting started. Ruby came after sacrament meeting. Lola didn't come. She stayed home and cleaned the house for Mother's Day.

Darrel's very best friend in the ward, J.J. Hansen, was called as the second counselor in the bishopric. The bishop is Bishop Palmer and the stake president is a Udall. Brother Hansen was asked to bear his testimony. 

Benjamin Boles, Drea & Jason's son, passed the sacrament. I can't believe he's that old. 

The first speaker was a young sister leaving on a mission for London, England. Her name, Adalyn Rowe. Here are just a few notes that I took:

"I have a strong love for my best friend, my Mom. I want to be a Mom someday, the best version of me that I can be. 

Why I believe? My Mother taught me how to feel the Spirit. I love serving in the temple. 

Musical # - "Love Is Spoken Here" Primary children, YM & YW. 

Brother Richardson was the final speaker. He taught the outgoing missionaries. 

"It takes courage to go on a mission and leave the world behind. Mother's encourage and correct. Bowling alley shoes story. 

God's divinity is found in mothers. What mothers do is an essential balance to Christ's work. Christ's mother was there for Him and with Him throughout His life. 

Heavenly Father has a plan for us and it is centered around Jesus Christ. 

Trina, Ruby and I went to Relief Society together. I got to talk to Drea Boles and Birdie Speirs. Drea loves Lola and is so sad she is moving. We had refreshments and a lesson. The lesson was based on two questions the RS president gave to everyone. 1.) How have you seen the hand of the Lord in your life? I don't remember what the second question was. 

Trina got up and left during the lesson and didn't come back. I guess she was emotional and needed a moment. She was all right when we got back to the house.

Bishop Palmer owns Chunk Cookie and they were part of our refreshments. 

Trina's parents flew to Seattle yesterday where Trina's sister Tristan lives. They are all going on an Alaskan cruise. 

When we returned to Darrel & Trina's we packed up and got ready to go home. We took some photos before we left. 

Darrel is my baby

I love these sweet people!

We left around 12:30 for home and arrived around 3:10. We went the Globe way and there was very little traffic. We listen to "Follow Him" on the way home. Camey Andersen, Elder Andersen's daughter is the guest.

As we came up the hill I was shocked at the grove of dead pine trees right in front of our property. James says we have lost 11 new ones and most of them are close to the house. My heart hurts. We need rain!

I call for Tom on the deck. He cautiously comes around the corner. When he sees me, he runs to me. I scratch his back and we go inside and I give him a treat. He sits by the recliner in the family room waiting for me to sit down. James lays down on the bed instead and Tom gets his full body massage. Later he lays with me on our chair. He is so happy and dirty! 

After putting all of our stuff away we read from the Book of Mormon. 

My Mother's Day gifts:

Strawberries, salad, cheesecake, orchids and Amazon gift card from James.

Darrel & Trina - a card and an Amazon gift card

Sheri & Ian - card and lunch at Moreno's Mexican Grill

Kim & Brian - card, Emma B. Lion journal, Amazon gift card

Jared & Kacey - book about Eve and a very nice note from Jared

Stacy - a sweet phone call. 

Stacy said she got a set of weights from Adam. She had mentioned to Paul awhile back that she would like to have some small weights. Adam loves to give thoughtful gifts.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Autumn and her sweet kids:

Scarlett and Benson

Saturday, May 9th, 2026: Scott Capper Tibbetts funeral, lunch w/ Sheri, Ian, Kim & Brian @ Moreno's Mexican Grill, the Invaders, Ruby's state track meet @ Shadow Mountain High School, Chikfila w/ Lola

 

Kona, Hawaii

Temple #70

James and I were early enough for Scott's funeral to attend the family prayer, which was offered by Brent. I sat by Laurie Lambson Thomas. I am so impressed with this woman. She is Uncle Gene's adopted daughter and she is the most loyal and faithful Lambson that I know. She goes to every family reunion and knows all about the various members of the Lambson family. She shared with me that she had been in charge of public relations for the Easter Pageant for many, many years. She told them that next year would be her last year. She just retired from a demanding job in the medical industry and is thinking about serving a mission. I am grateful I got to sit by Laurie and get to know her a little better.

There was no casket at the funeral. I am sure it was to save money.

Honestly I didn't even notice until James said something afterwards.

Nathan was the first speaker. He told about Scott's gifts, interests, and amazing faith. Scott's 6th grade science project was on nuclear fusion. Scott explained it so well even his doubtful teacher understood. Scott loved to serve, especially his family. He did serve a mission in Thailand and graduated from BYU with a degree in electrical engineering. In some areas Scott was almost genius but he had social anxiety. His faith in Jesus Christ grew stronger throughout the past three years of his illness.

Brent also spoke. I commend him for it. It must be so difficult to speak about a child that you have loved and lost. Brent is a very spiritual person and his talk reflected this. He spoke about one morning when he awoke very early. He sat down and began recording his thoughts and revelations. 

As hard as this funeral was, it is heartening to see the spiritual strength of this family. 

We did not go to the graveside or the luncheon. Stacy and Paul were here as was Carmen and Sydney, Dave and Laura, and Cathi and Terry. 

Here are some photos that Christina took at the cemetery.

Brent talking to his bishop

Marin, Jason's wife, and Lily,

Nathan's wife.

Jason in the white shirt

Brent and his oldest grandson, Jason's

oldest.

After the funeral James and I hopped on the freeway and went back to Darrel & Trina's to change our clothes. Sheri invited us to lunch for Mother's Day. Brian & Kim are coming too. Stacy & Paul were invited but couldn't come. I invited Darrel & Trina but Darrel said he had to go give blood. He has some kind of a blood condition where he has too many red blood cells and he has to give blood every 8 weeks.

We went to the Morena Grill on Gilbert & Germann. Sheri & Ian bought everyone's lunch. I had the delicious shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa.'

Sheri, you are too kind.

Back to Darrel & Trina's for a nap. We had to be out of the house by 3 for the buyers. They want to come in and measure for new flooring. We took a nap and cleared out. Darrel, Trina, Ruby, and Lola headed out first and then we were right behind them.

The state track meet is at Shadow Mountain High School on Shea Blvd. clear over in Phoenix. We stopped at Circle K and got drinks but the bathrooms were closed so we went to Bashas. James was able to get in the men's bathroom but the women's was locked with no attendant around. On to the track meet. We parked a block or so away and walked, paid, and I was able to find the women's bathroom and there wasn't even a line. 

It's warm today, around 105, but the bleachers are in the shade and it is quite comfortable. Ruby ran the 1600 first. It was so sad. She was neck and neck with first and second place, a sold third until the last lap. Two girls pass her so she gets 5th, which means she didn't place. She is the best runner on her team and she knows they depend on her. She feels like she let everyone down.  She collapsed on the track and laid there for the longest time. It was so sad. Trina says she has never done anything like this before. 

Finally she moved off the track and sat on the grass talking to her coach with a cold compress on her forehead. Trina told the coach to please get her out of the sun, which he did. 

I was worried Ruby might be so disheartened that she wouldn't want to run the 800. Trina and Darrel went down to talk to her and I think she felt better. When it was time to run the 800, she was right there.

She made a comeback in this race. She was in first place the entire race right until the very end. She lost by a split second!

We are very proud of Ruby and her comeback and she seems happy too!

We left after the 800. Eastmark is also running in the relay which Ruby is a part of, but we aren't staying. Lola is not happy about being her and we took her home with us. We stopped at Chikfila on the way home and feasted once we got home. Lola would have stayed home today if the buyers had not come. Lola and I call them the "Invaders."

Something I forgot to share. We saw Debbie Goodman, a dear friend from our years in Chandler at the track meet. She was there watching her grandson.  We also saw President Steve Williams, our stake president when we lived in Show Low. James served on the high council and they were both wrestlers so they have a bond. It was so great to see both of these dear friends!

Scott's last post

Scott's friends

Trina's map of Farmington

Friday, May 8th, 2026: Gilbert temple see Rita & James sees Kathy Jones, Olive Garden, Target, Susan Goodman, R&R, Deseret Bk, Costco, D off 2 hrs early, Lola's recital, Darrel home - blood condition, cauliflower crusted pizza

St. Paul, Minnesota

Temple #69

Numbers 22:12 - And God said unto Balaam, thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed. Balaam's donkey sees an angel which Balaam doesn't see. When the donkey refuses to go forward, Balaam beats him three times. Finally the donkey asks Balaam why he has beaten him three times. Balaam finally sees the angel. The angel speaks with Balaam. Numbers 23:8 - How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed? verse 12 - Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?

James and I went to the 10 o'clock session at the Gilbert temple. James forgot his temple bag so he had to rent some clothes. Kathy Jones was the temple worker who helped him. 

I was upstairs in the waiting room where everyone gathers before the session waiting for James to join me. I looked across the aisle and up a couple of rows and saw my cousin, Rita Tenney Solomon. I went over to say hello and asked her if she was alone. She said she was there with her ward Relief Society. When James came in he went over and gave Rita a hug too.

The session was full with about 60 people. There were 9-10 couples in the prayer circle and there were 7-8 spots for sisters at the veil so we went through the veil without waiting too long. We talked to Rita afterwards. She was meeting Katy Rogers (Cher Maxwell's Mom) for lunch at Cane's so off she went. After she left I thought we should have taken a picture together but I didn't catch her in time.

A gorgeous sunny day 

I love the temple!

We had lunch at the Olive Garden on Gilbert just north of Germann. 

We had the cutest little waitress. Her name was Kylee. She had a tiny nose ring, three butterfly tatoos and the cutest curly hair. James ordered his favorite, stuffed Marsala chicken. I decided to go healthy and ordered the chicken Margarita. Here is a picture.

That's enough broccoli and chicken for

at least two meals.

After lunch we went across the street to Target. While driving I got a call from one of my friends who also happens to be one of my ministering sisters, Susan Goodman. We had a nice visit. She told me about visiting her granddaughter and helping her with her new baby, Mabel. We laughed about the name Mabel remembering the jump rope rhyme, "Mabel, Mabel set the table." I told Susan that James's nephew has a daughter named Mabel and we have learned to like the name because we like Mabel so well. She said it was going to take her awhile. I love Susan and I am so grateful for her call. I told her we went to the Gilbert temple this morning and she said when she lived in Globe she worked at the temple for seven years. She also said one of her granddaughters going on a mission took out her endowments recently in the Gilbert temple. This granddaughter is going to Philadelphia on her mission. I thought of our grandson James who lives in Philly.

I forgot how much I love shopping at Target. The aisles are so wide and clean and it is such a pleasant experience. We bought a bouquet of pink roses to give Lola at her dance recital this evening. We got a beautiful purple orchid for Trina for Mother's Day. I got a package of Havariti cheese because I love it and they don't have it at Walmart in Show Low. I got a mini Zaro (famous New York bakery) carrot cake, and some water. We were going to go to Hobby Lobby but we were too tried and went back to Darrel & Trina's for a nap. 

After our nap we headed out on one more shopping trip. This time we went to Deseret Book where I got my conference journal.

Then next door to Costco to get some of the chicken like Trina fed us last night with salad.

After shopping we went back to Darrel & Trina's. Trina had picked up a couple of cauliflower crusted pizzas on her trip to Costco and that's what she fixed for dinner. James and I had some and we both really liked it. We will get some on our next trip down. 

Darrel is on his way home. RFK, Jr. let him off two hours early today. He says RFK is his boss. He just missed making it to Lola's recital.

We rode with Trina and Lola to the recital so we wouldn't have to worry about parking. One of the highlights of the show was the daddy dance. They are such good sports and always a big hit!

Cute one of Lola. I look like a

deer in headlights.

Ballerina sans the ballet shoes

Trina's parents were at Kylee's graduation

Laurie Lambson Thomas

(Public Relations specialist for the 

Mesa Easter Pageant for many, many years)

 

Thursday, May 7th, 2026: Exodus 20, left for valley around 7:50, "Follow Him" Numbers 22 the talking donkey, AARA, Red Lobster, Green Acres Memorial, Mera Chandler for over 55, Costco, D&t's,

 

Raleigh, North Carolina

Temple #68

Exodus 20 - People murmur because there is no water. Vs. 6 - Moses and Aaron went to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and fall upon their faces and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. 

Moses didn't sanctify the Lord in the smiting of the rock for water, therefore he was not allowed to enter the promised land.

Instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord told him too, Moses struck it twice with his staff. Moses and Aaron failed to give credit to the Lord for the miracle. "Must we fetch you rebels water out of this rock"? At the end of his life the Lord did take Moses unto Himself. He appeared on the Mt. of Transfiguration and to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland temple.

Aaron dies and people mourn 30 days. Miriam dies also. 

Exodus 21:9 - We don't earn blessings, but we do qualify for them.

We left for the valley a little before 8 this morning. I felt so sorry for Tom. He wanted to come in the house. We had prayer and scriptures in the car and then listened to "Follow Him." In Numbers 22 there is the story of Balaam, an angel that his donkey sees but he doesn't, and the donkey talking to Balaam. Good stuff.

Today is 40 cents off of gas per gallon day at Circle K. We ended up paying $4.57. Costco was cheaper at $4.49.  James dropped me off at AARA where I got my infusion given to me by Tanelle. (Ang says, "You remember, Captain and Tanelle.") Ang and I remember but Tanelle is way too young to remember. Frances was there but I didn't even get to speak to her. My next infusion is scheduled for June 3rd.

From AARA we drove a few miles to the Red Lobster north of Baseline on Alma School, across from what use to be Fiesta Mall. It's so sad they just tore down this mall. I remember when it first opened and the excitement surrounding it.

While we were at Red Lobster Trina texted me to see when we would be at their place. She said she just flew in from Farmington. She left with Darrel on Sunday and spent a few days there looking at houses. Here are a couple they liked:

Trina and I both like the second one best, although the first one is on a golf course, it only has two bathrooms.

Back to our lunch at Red Lobster. There were only two people working with about four tables to serve. We were there longer than usual. James has been wanting to go to Red Lobster for awhile. I thought for sure he would order scallops, but he didn't, he ordered two kinds of shrimp, Walt's and grilled on a skewer. I had steak with asparagus along with a biscuit and some salad. 

When we were finished with lunch James wanted to go over to Green Acres Memorial Gardens to look at our cemetery plots. When we arrived James got out and tried to figure out where our plots were but since nothing was labeled on the map it was difficult. We do have 5 plots so we have three more than we need. It's a warm day with the high around 105.

From Hayden and McKellips we drove south on the 101 to Chandler. I wanted to look at the over 55 apartment complex on Dobson and Pecos. It is called Mera Chandler and I will definitely be calling them. 

On the way to Darrel & Trina's we stopped at the Costco in Gilbert. I wanted some chocolate covered strawberries and James needs some more Pom juice. 

Addy stayed with the girls this week and she was at the house when we got there. She left her trademark chocolate chip cookies all over the kitchen. Her boyfriend, McKay Crockett helped her move out and Trina said he was pretty amazing. Lola was there, getting ready for dance practice. Ruby told me about her invitation to run in a race in Eugene, Oregon on June 19th, the day after her birthday. Lola has girls camp June 18th and then there is the Case family trip to California which means they won't be going to New Mexico until July. 

Trina made us salad with chicken for dinner. She got the chicken at Costco. I have to go back and get a bag. 

We settled in upstairs taking over Lola's bathroom and "school" room. I hope she doesn't mind too much. I watched the finale of "Hope Valley" and was pretty miffed when Joy Beth Lenz got arrested and the show was over. I even had to call Kim. Now I have to wait six months of so to see what happens!

Ari & Kylee's wedding in Sedona

All  I can say is Wow!

Curtis Wilhelm's 

Grad announcement