Tuesday, May 19th, 2026: Joshua 3 sanctify yourselves..., 12 stones, 17 dead trees, praying for rain, 8 names for baptisms, cards rdy to mail oops Amelia instd of Aurora, 20 handouts, James chips a tooth, Alex, Jazmin, Betty, JA - Razr

 

Memphis, Tennessee

Temple #80

Joshua 3:5 - And Joshua said unto the people, sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. The Lord stops the River Jordan.

Joshua 4 - Twelve stones are placed on dry ground so the people will remember the miracle of the parting of the Jordan River. The people passed over on the first day of passover. Joshua was magnified before the people as was Moses.

James went out and did a head count. We have 17 dead trees in the front and more in the back and some we can't even see from the house. This makes me so sad. I am praying for rain.

James is now working on the railing on the balcony on Sheri and Ian's room. This process is taking soo long.

I got 8 names for baptism, 4 females and 4 males, and printed off the cards. I told Shanna I would bring them by today, but I didn't make it. She doesn't need them until Saturday so I still have some time.

I finished all the thank you cards and they are ready to mail. I also have Cayli and Mason's birthday cards ready to mail and Curtis and Aurora's graduation cards. I made a big mistake on Aurora's card so I had to cut it open to remedy the mistake. I put Amelia's name instead of Aurora's. I happened to look at the grad announcement on the frig and realized my mistake before mailing. Whew! 

I did finish 20 handouts today but I didn't blog or work on my lesson. James chipped a tooth so we both need to see Pierce but not this week.

Jared Ammon is coming up next Monday. He is going to look for a used Razr for us. Hopefully we can afford one. Still no word from the surveyor so we still don't have the money from the sale of the land. Dave Elkin is putting up a fence around the property he bought from us. 

I got my Amazon order, a new water thermos which I love, my fruit and veggie supplements, and a casual purple dress.

Kathy visited our sisters today to take them salsa. I told her I couldn't got next week but she needed to go this week because of the fresh salsa.

Elder Bassett's funeral was today.

"Your origin story is divine, and so is your destiny. You left heaven to come here, but heaven has never left you!"

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

My lunch and Emma M. Lion

volume 2

Jesus walking on the water

Look at how nice our backyard looks,

thanks to James.

Evan in Italy looking for Joshua?

It keeps cold things cold and

hot things hot. How do it know?

Monday, May 18th, 2026: Entering the promised land, unwavering leadership, Tom's nap companion, trip to town by myself, Ross, DT, UPS return, Wlmrt, R&R, EML, miss Peyton & Scotty's ballgame, windy, fundraiser earned $9,000, Shanna's call

Medford, Oregon

Temple #79

Started the book of Joshua. The Israelites are entering the promised land. Joshua is faithful, prepared, and courageous. He trusts the Lord through every challenge. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I love the story of Rahab in chapter 2. 

Tom needed a nap companion this morning so I obliged him for about an hour. 

James was upset when I got ready to go to town. He knew we were planning on going to the ballgame in Lakeside this evening at 5 and thought we should only make on trip to town. I told him I was sorry but I was going now. Later he told me he wanted to go with me but at this moment he certainly didn't seem like he did. I was happy to go by myself this time.

The first thing I did was stop at the UPS store to return one of the dresses I bought on Amazon. I love how easy it is to make an Amazon return. I picked up a few things at Walmart then went to Ross to look for a purse. I found a black one I liked for $20 so I got it. I found a dark green one on Amazon I liked but it was $40. Sometimes I do economize. 

I also went to Dollar Tree to get some cards, birthday and graduation. I got birthday cards for Cayli, Mason, Emmy, and Ruby. I got graduation cards for Curtis Wilhelm and Aurora Lambson. 

When I returned home I cooked myself a burger with onions and cheese and had some salsa and ketchup as well. Kathy's salsa is very good but it is a little hot. I had a side of carrots with the Peruvian green sauce for dipping. Yum. I offered to fix the same thing for James but he declined. 

I sat down to rest and read from Emma M. Lion volume 2.

I asked James if he wanted to go to the ballgame this evening. He said, "Not particularly, we've already been to two." It was so windy today I just didn't feel like going, so I texted Chelsea and told her. I never got an answer. I hope that isn't an indication that she is upset with me. 

I finished the book I was reading, "Miss Adeline's Match." James and I both really liked it. I started "No Match for Love", one that I have read before. Karen Thornell is the author. 

Tom went outside for the evening. No sign of Scooter or Sammy.

Shanna Penrod called me today and asked if I had any names for the youth to take to the temple on Saturday for baptisms. I told her I would get online and find some and get back to her.

The youth raised $9,000 Saturday night.

Some photos from yesterday in Snowflake

I did not take any pictures in the actual tabernacle.

 

Sunday, May 17th, 2026: Deuteronomy 34 Moses taken unto his fathers, scriptures & prayer before church, Bro. Rosen missed us, Cole Flake blesses the sacrament, Peacemakers high councilman & stake Primary president, Linger Longer, Bro. Jensen's SS lesson, Collin here by himself, cookies in air fryer, chipped tooth bothering me, Snowflake Tabernacle in the Wilderness,

 

Fresno, California

Temple #78

Deuteronomy 34 - Moses was taken unto his fathers. He was translated so later he could appear on the Mount of Transfiguration and the Kirtland temple.

James and I had our scriptures and prayers before church. I also had my personal prayers and scripture study early this morning, the best time of day for it.

Brother Rosen always sits in front of us at sacrament meeting. He says he's been worried about us because he hasn't seen us for a couple of weeks. We explained to him why we had been gone and he and James continued to visit until the meeting started. 

James and I both went over to give Millie a hug. She said she had fallen and hurt her toe and was in a great deal of pain, but she was here. Millie is also now on oxygen. I didn't see my friend Pat. She is on oxygen too.

I was happy to see Cole Flake at the sacrament table today. He is rarely there. He blessed the bread and Resten Tesarek blessed the water.

Our two speakers in sacrament meeting today were from the stake.

Sister Kaelyn Larson, the stake Primary president, and Brother Brian Whatcott from the high council. The topic was being peacemakers. 

Here are a few quotes:

* Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

* "Contention is destroying the testimonies of many in our stake." - President Beeler

* Please be kind. People remember our unkind words.

* We each need to strive to be more Christlike.

* Avoid what is harsh and hateful.

* Strive for inner peace and joy.

* In the temple we feel the presence of the Savior who is the Prince of Peace.

* How to minimize contention: "What would Jesus do?"

* A soft answer turneth away wrath.

* We need to show grace and forgive one another.

* Love and serve Christ.

Brother Jensen taught Sunday School today. The Applegate's are not here. Sister Jensen did his powerpoint and she did a great job. He gave a very interesting lesson and James and I both enoyed it. 

I noticed that Collin is here by himself and Don & Debbie Schwarz are back. We had Linger Longer after church but we didn't stay.

We went home and had leftover chicken and salad for lunch and then I made four refrigerated cookie dough cookies in the air fryer for dessert. After lunch I read from Emma M. Lion and played a little Match Factory.

I got Keith Butler's phone number and texted him about our 60th high school reunion. I ate some pistachios and chipped a tooth which is giving me a little grief. I think it's one Pierce filled before and the filling came out. A sharp edge is scraping the inside of my mouth. I need to see Pierce, but not this week.

At 3:00 James and I left for Snowflake to see the replica of Moses tabernacle. There was quite a few people. We went inside where displays were set up and then we took the tour of the tabernacle, first the outside court, the inner court, and then the holy of holies. 

Kerri announced today in Sunday School that the tabernacle will be at the White Mountain Youth Camp here in Vernon and they need people to help set it up next Friday and Saturday. It sounds like she's in charge. 

Kathy Crane brought us salsa and chips while we were gone. 

Michael told us before he left he wants to organize a "family reunion" where people come up and work on the cabin.

Greg Anderson told us that he sold his house and will be moving to the valley soon.

Tom was inside all day and he went out this evening and stayed out. I haven't seen the other two. I worked on my blog, the thank yous I am doing, and my handouts for my lesson next week.

In bed by 9.

Brother Jensen's class. That's Brother Rosen in 

front of us, just like in sacrament meeting.

Saturday, May 16th, 2026:Deuteronomy 30 - Remember the Lord, from biscuits to Benadryl, James makes breakfast, Michael shares "their" story, Michael, April, Namira leave for home, Peruvian chicken for dinner, miss Navajo Taco fundraiser dinner, Boone's game, Wlmrt, gas, new Hannah Swensen Mystery,

Palmyra, New York

Temple #77

James asked if we had biscuit mix and then later he came in and asked if we had Benadryl. I guess Michael wanted biscuits for breakfast forgetting that they had purchased some in town yesterday, the kit for making Red Lobster cheddar biscuit. Michael was worried because Namira's face had a little swelling. 

Deuteronomy 30 - Remember the Lord. The Hebrew word zakar, 'to remember,' is used no fewer than 169 times in the Old Testament. Often called the Deuteronomic imperative, the call to remember could be appropriately identified as the Eleventh commandment. Scattered Israel is to be gathered through the Book of Mormon. (See 2 Nephi 25:17-18.) My favorite verses in Deuteronomy 30: 6, 8, 10, 16, 20.

James spent the morning with Michael and April instead of working. He made omelets for them for breakfast along with the Red Lobster cheddar biscuits. Michael made bacon. I'm going to miss the coffee smell in the morning.

King of the Kitchen

I read my scriptures, worked on my journal, took a shower and washed my hair before coming out to socialize. As everyone else was enjoying breakfast, I started the marinate for the Peruvian chicken recipe I got from Trina. It needs to marinate for at least 8 hours. Michael and April are leaving this morning. I am sad they won't be here to try the chicken. 

Michael told the story of how he and April met two years ago on May 20th. He was in Tucson for work and was out running. He saw a hawk drinking from a puddle of water and stopped to watch. April was out running/walking and saw the same thing and she stopped to watch. She was actually worried that something was wrong with the hawk as it was on the ground for so long. When Michael saw April he thought: Now that's a beautiful woman!. I'm not sure what April thought when Michael approached her and asked if she could take a picture of the hawk for him and send it to him since he didn't have his phone with him. Sly way to get her number Michael. Michael asked her out that evening but it was a busy time of year for April, the end of the school year, and she had to decline. That summer April went back to Wisconsin so they had no contact for quite some time. Michael was quite persistent and now they are together. When Michael texted me about bringing her up her he said, "I think she's the one."

James made April a ramp for her bearded dragon and he got her a huge "dowel" to put in her sliding glass door for protection. James and I both liked April and thought she seemed very nice. 

After saying goodbye and taking pictures they headed for home. April's car is parked at Michael's in Tempe and then she has another couple of hours to get home to Tucson. Michael texted me when they arrived in Tempe.

Cute couple

Namira wanted a picture by herself

After saying goodbye to Michael & April, we left for Boone

MacArthur's T-ball game in Show Low. It was at the Show Low

Stake Center on the other end of town. I sat my Chelsea and we had a nice visit. She told me she had to work this afternoon and then they were going to go camping by Big Lake. Peyton said they had 3 1/2 more days of school. Peyton's teacher is giving the kids in her class snails the last day of school. I'm not sure why but I guess to kids that age snails are pretty cool. I remember our kids looking at the snails in Mrs. Larkins yard when they went to piano lessons.

Scotty likes to pitch and Peyton likes to play catcher like her cousin Gracie who played on the Show Low High School team and now has to have knee surgery. 

Chelsea's mom, Elizabeth, had to work today but Jarred's parents are here. Chelsea's sister, Ashley Umphress, is starting a home school called Heritage and Peyton and Scotty will go there next year along with the Wilhelm and Dobson kids. Boone will go to the preschool at the Vernon School. 

I talked to Chelsea about Scooter maybe being their cat and she said they would like to come over and see him sometime. 

After the game we said our goodbyes and James and I headed for Walmart. I got the ingredient to make calico beans sometime this week. 

When we got home James went outside to work and I baked the Peruvian chicken in the oven. The directions call for major overcooking. I need to remember that next time. James loved the chicken but didn't care for the green sauce. I liked them both and there was plenty of green sauce left for tomorrow. 

The evening James and I watched the newest Hanna Swensen mystery on Hallmark, "Best Served Cold." I did manage to get my 10,000 steps today.

"Partaking of the sacrament each week helps us remember Jesus Christ throughout the week."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Deuteronomy 30:16

In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

That's Jarred helping to coach.

Boone is on 1st with the yellow glove.

We forgot

 

Friday, May 15th, 2026: Evan & Joshua leave for Italy, Deuteronomy 29 - Keep the Covenant, Tom & Namira, I smell coffee, Grace & Trenton NY, fire danger, no rain, new Amazon order, M&A Pizza Factory, Scrabble, cuddle w/ Tom, 7 pm temple session,

 

Louisville, Kentucky

Temple #76

Evan and Joshua are on their way to Italy. Two babies gone to explore the world!

Are they going to Italy because of

their love of pizza? idk

I read Deuteronomy 29 today about keeping the Covenant!

Tom wants in when he see Namira in the yard. 

I smell coffee... I like that smell. I think it's for April, and probably Michael too. 

Big Reveal: Grace and Trenton are going to New York City, Grace's dream since she was 15.

Lots of sunshine today and some wind. The sun is beautiful, but we need rain. There is a fire in Alpine, Wickenberg, and Buckeye...those are only the ones I know of.

My Amazon shipment came today: 3 dresses, I'm sending one back and two Emma M. Lion books. I placed a new Amazon order and really overdid it. I ordered a water thermos like Michael's, a girdle, fruit and vegetable supplements, baking soda, and two more dresses. Yikes! No more dresses for me until at least my birthday. I already have some picked out in the que.

Michael and April go to town and leave Namira downstairs. The went to Pizza Factory, a Gonzales tradition. I told them it had gone corporate but they went anyway. While they are gone, I cuddle with Tom for awhile. When Michael & April got back they played a long game of Scrabble.

At 4:30 I start getting ready for the temple. We left at 5:30. On the way I got a text from Rita saying she missed us at her Friday morning session this morning. I told her we were going this evening because I waited to long to make appointments and all of the morning sessions were filled. 

I session was quite full, but not totally full as you would expect on a Friday evening. President Shumway, Elder Shumway's brother, the one on the high council who spoke in our ward, took me through the veil.

James was hungry but I wasn't. I told him I would be happy for him to stop and get something to eat, but he declined. I thought it was too late for Eva's but a drive-thru would be fine. Now would be a good time for him to have chosen Arby's since I despise the place.

Tom had been in the bedroom and Namira was in the house. Somehow Tom got out of the bedroom and went to sleep on one of the chairs. Namira saw him and came towards him, which scared Tom to death. James carried him back into the bedroom but he immediately wanted outside and did not come back in for the night.

""Moral agency" can be understood as the ability and privilege to choose and act for ourselves in ways that are good, honest, virtuous and true."

- Elder David A. Bednar

Deuteronomy 30:3

That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee.

Dave & Rosa Westbrook's daughter

Monte, Vickie, Brian

My friend Cindy in the middle

Doug & Cindy Brown and some of the kids
 

Thursday, May 14th, 2026: James's 7:15 appt. @ Virtuous Pain Center, Mosiah & Deuteronomy 18, Inklings, Grace's big reveal, gospel quote, April & Michael, AI, trip to Peru,

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

Temple #75

James had an appointment this morning at 7:15 at the Virtuous Pain Center. They are doing injections in his hands today. I hope they work!

The talk for Inklings today was Elder Bednar's "All Who Have Endured Valiantly (D&C 121:29)"

Emily used Proverbs 31:10-31 to discuss the talk. Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. Emily says this woman of virtue is also a woman of valor.

Invitation: For the disciples of the Savior, charity encompasses both what we do and what we can become.

Promise: All throne and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ. (D&C 121:29)

Favorite Quote: "The Redeemer of the world turned outward in love and service when He faced spiritual adversity or physical pain."

Affirmation: I am becoming a new creature in Christ. Through His grace, I am being changed - little by little - into someone filled with greater love, faith, and charity. I do not simply endure life; I joyfully walk with Jesus Christ as He shapes my heart to become more like Him. 

I finished the book, "Within the Dark Hills." I started a new book that I've never read before: "Miss Adeline's Match" by Joanna Barker. "As is done in London, we marched into dinner according to the rank."

From Emma M. Lion volume 1 page 100 - April 27th: "Don't bother our new tenant. He's a busy man and has no need for women flocking about his personal business. (Archibald to Emma).

Emma: "What a disappointment," I answered. "I was going to hen peck him until he cried."

"The purpose of the gospel is to transform us."

Michael and April arrived around 1 o'clock this afternoon, about an hour after I finished cleaning and I had my hair in rollers and was resting in the bedroom. It took me a few minutes to make myself presentable. 

April is quite pretty and I can see why Michael is smitten with her. Michael is so very thoughtful. He brought me purple cut tulips. 

Michael, April and Namira went on a long walk this afternoon. It was quite windy. Here are some things I learned about April:

* She moved here from Wisconsin a couple of years ago. She lives in Tucson. She likes Tucson because it is a little cooler than Phoenix.

* April likes to knit but she doesn't like to crochet. She was knitting something and I ask her what it was. She said oh, this is going over a ramp for my lizard. She has a bearded dragon who name is Mango.

* She also has a coon hound named Bear who goes walking with her. Sometimes she walks other people's dogs.

* She taught school a year in Wisconsin and a year in Tucson. She is now Nannie to two children, Lottie who is 3 (everyone calls her snail), and Charlie who is almost 1. 

Some things Michael and I talked about this evening. I asked him about Chatgpt. He said he has to use AI for work only they use Clyde. He, Alex, Jazmin, Max, Joe, Dallin and Sammi are planning a trip to Peru in October and Michael says that Ai will do most of the planning as long as they feed "Clyde" the right information.

This evening Michael and April had a frozen pizza so I decided James and I would have one too. I put in the over the Bettergoods thin crust veggie pizza I bought at Walmart. I had one piece and so did James. It was not good. Soggy zucchini is not good on a pizza!

"When we continue to have faith in Jesus Christ - even when things might feel impossible to us at the moment - we become spiritually stronger."

- President Henry B. Eyring

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

That Darn Cat!

More of Autumn's cookies

My view of feeding the outdoor kitties,

Sammy on the left and Scooter on the right

"Happy Sabbath"

 

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026: Deuteronomy 15 - the Sabbatical year, Sammy not here for a couple of day, James fixes my tire, Walmart, taxes, gas & drink, Peruvian chicken ingredients, Taco Bell, sleeping Tom, swept & mopped, Peyton & Scotty's gamelogs, 60yh high school reunion, "Follow Him" ordered 3 dresses, 2 Emma M. Lion books w/ my Amazon gift cards

 

Oaxaca, Mexico

Temple #74

Today my personal scripture study included Deuteronomy 15. Here is the heading for this chapter: Every seven years, all debts are to be released - The people are admonished to care for the poor - Hebrew servants are to be released and give gifts during the seventh year - The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's.

I love this concept of forgiving debts in the seventh year, especially personal debt. Could we do this in today's world? I'm not sure.

I haven't seen Sammy for a couple of days. I think I said this yesterday but I'm saying it again today.

James put air in my tire and he used "green goop" also. Afterwards we drove into town. James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to our accountant, Cheri Witt, to hand in our income taxes. They are only a month late. I told James he had a free Polar Pop so he went to Circle K and got gas and a drink. The drink was free but he paid $4.60 gal for gas instead of $4.47 at White Mountain Carwash. 

At Walmart I got all the ingredients for the recipe for the Peruvian chicken with green sauce. James picked up a prescription while we were there. We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch and we were home before noon. Tom had stayed inside and slept.

This afternoon I swept and mopped the kitchen, dining room, hall, bathroom, entry floors, as well as the wood floors in the family-living area. Because I use vinegar in the water, much of the old wax on the kitchen tile came off. 

This evening James and I went to watch Peyton who is 10, and Scotty who is 7, play softball. We left around 6:20 and didn't return home until around 10. Scotty started out pitching. She is one of the youngest girls playing but she is going to be a great pitcher. She has great form!  

This game is all about the catcher and pitcher. I think there was one hit the entire game. Many, many walks and who knows what the score was. The game goes almost two hours. 

I sat by Chelsea's mom, Elizabeth Nix. She told me all about the family. The coaches for the other team and her twin granddaughters. One of them is married the other was on a mission in England and had to come home for surgery on her achilles. The missionaries name is Brooklyn. Elizabeth said Brooklyn was able to care for the grandparents while she was here. Her grandmother, Elizabeth's mother, passed away on March 15th.  Elizabeth said it was a gift to have Brooklyn here at this tender time in their family. 

Chelsea and Jarred are the coaches for this team. Boone came around once in awhile and I gave him a piece of gum. 

Here are some other things that happened today:

* I ordered three dress and 2 Emma M. Lion books with my Amazon gift cards.

* Rita called about our 60th high school reunion which will be on July 24th at the Snowflake senior center.

* James worked on the logs.

April 20, 2025

I love this picture!

This one too!

Peyton up to bat