Saturday, July 4th, 2026: Happy 12th Birthday Lola!! Popcorn mess in the kitchen, Michael apologizes and cleans up, D & L feed the horses, biscuits, eggs, bacon, fruit - Trina & Jazmin help, Addy goes on a run, Paula will take expired pantry food, Rowan stains logs, well house work continues, dump closed, Darrel installs smoke detector & does some power washing, Greens Peak for M,X,J, Dinner & they do the dishes

 

Curitiba, Brazil

Temple #126.

Happy 250th Birthday America 

&

Happy 12th Birthday Lola!

I got up to a popcorn mess in the kitchen. When Michael got up he apologized and cleaned it up so we could start breakfast.

I am so grateful for Darrel & Lola. They fed the horses for me. Lola absolutely loves the horses and wanted to go for a ride, but it never happened. So sad.

I love that Lola loves the horses!

Trina and Jazmin helped me fix breakfast. We had the same thing as yesterday only we substituted ham for bacon. Addy went on a run while everyone else was eating. Smart girl.

Something happened while I was taking a nap yesterday. Trina and the girls were looking for something to do, so they went to Michael who is sort of spearheading the project. Michael told them to go through the pantry and get rid of everything that had expired. James is against this, but he didn't know. He says a can is good, no matter the date, as long as it isn't bulging. Anyway, I was bothered by the waste because there were a lot of cans, so I got an idea during the night. I think I remember Paula Johnson, a friend who runs the community food bank, that they would take expired canned goods. I called Paula and sure enough she said they would love to have my expired food. I had Trina and the girls box up the cans and put them in the back of my car. After church tomorrow I am meeting Paula at the food pantry which is located in the same building as the library, just down from the church.

Lola had a birthday party this morning and opened the pile of gifts that her mom brought for her. 

Darrel is saying, "Don't take my picture"!

Sorry Darrel.

Ready for the Sock Hop

The girls washed windows today. Jazmin and Trina included. We even found a couple more little Jesus figures. Lola kept asking to watch "Iron Giant" and I wasn't sure why. I knew there was a Jesus behind the movie. Rowan even went outside and got the one out of the tree.

Darrel put new brakes on Addy's car for her today.

I fixed lunch. Hamburgers and hotdogs. We ran out of hamburgers and Lola wanted one. I felt bad but Trina found a can of tomato soup and asked if she could have it instead. Of course. Lola was totally happy because she loves anything with tomatoes. She ate so much tomato soup when she was here. After lunch I went into the bedroom to rest with Tom. 

Michael and Xander finished up in the well house and loaded up James's truck with a huge pile of stuff to take to the dump. Too bad it isn't open today. I guess Kim and I will have to go on Monday. 

Darrel installed the smoke detector downstairs so Kim will be happy. Aunt Faye and Dennis both checked in on James.

After work and before dinner Michael and Xander too Jazmin for a ride up to Green's Peak. They saw lots of wildlife and Jazmin thought the view from on top was beautiful. We saved dinner for them, pork chops, beans, and corn and they agreed to do the dishes. 

Addy made a blueberry loaf cake and Lola made a strawberry cake for her birthday, so we had lots of sweets.

It was a great day and I think James was happy about the progress that was made.

For those of us who were up and in the dining

room, we got to see a deer drinking from the

horses water. James missed it.

He refused to wear the harness we bought.

Trina was a little stressed.

My new plants

The Lambson family 4th of July firecracker,

Lola!

She started out as a little sparkler.

President Oaks

Friday, July 3rd, 2026: big breakfast, Home Depot to get supplies, Walmart - J waits in car, lots of mail, Millie a hug & kiss, D's family arrives, nap while Trina cleans pantry, Darrel meets a Lambson, Corn Hoe, Dinner, Smores

 

Rexburg, Idaho

Temple #125.

Jazmin helped me fix breakfast this morning. We made biscuits, scrambled eggs and ham, and set out some fruit. After breakfast Michael and Xander were ready to work. James wants them to start in the well house. The garage has been set on the back burner. After assessing the situation a bit,  Xander asked if we could get some large bins to put things in. I told him I would make a trip to town.

James came with me to town. Our first stop was Home Depot where I got six bins and lids. We also got masks, gloves, paint, primer and some drywall mud. This is all for cleaning out the moldy well house.

James was tired so while I went in Walmart he stayed in the car. I only had a few things to get: a meat thermometer, labels, fruit, salad, burgers, and cheese. 

We had lots of mail waiting for us at the Vernon post office. I got to see my friend Millie Scott at the post office and give her a hug and kiss. She was so concerned about James and offered to help. She is so sweet!

Darrel, Trina, Ruby, and Lola arrived around 3pm, and Addy and Rowan a little later. Addy needs new brakes, and we forgot the smoke detector for downstairs, and we want plants for the backporch, and since there is a parade in town in the morning, Darrel, James, and Addy made a trip into town. 

Rowan and Lola played Trina and Ruby in a game of Corn Hole. I believe Trina and Ruby won.

So glad someone is using this game I bought!

For dinner we had roast beef, mashed potatoes, rolls, green beans with bacon, and for dessert an apple cake made by Addy, or if you preferred, Smores by the fire.  I was exhausted and was so grateful when Darrel stepped in to do the dishes. He told me about meeting someone in a store and they got to talking. This guy has kids the same age as Ruby and Lola. When Darrel asked the guy his name, he said, "oh I'm a Lambson." Darrel doesn't remember his first name.

This is what happens when you move to a small town in New Mexico.

Smore making

More cornhole

Addy and Ruby planting flowers. That looks like Michael's water

bottle on the table and some of the tools he and Xander are using

in the well house. I didn't get any pictures of him and Xander working today, but they worked hard. There was more to do in

that tiny well house than meets the eye.

Ruby and Lola working on their miniature bakery and tea house

with some help from Trina. Looks like the guys left some tools

on this table too.

Two beautiful people, inside and out!

  

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026: 3 sugar cookies today - I'm not proud, Kim & Brian go home, James's appt. w/ Dr. Ellsworth, Amazon returns, Wlmrt, Carl's Jr., Ruby's brownies, "House of David"

 

Helsinki, Finland

Temple #124

James is looking forward to his doctor's appointment in spite of complaining when I made it. Malt-O-Meal for James's breakfast. I had 3 sugar cookies today. I am not proud. I also had a sourdough Havarti

 cheese sandwich and then steak for dinner.

Kim & Brian left today because they thought our family members would be coming up today. Sheri, Ian, Ben, and Cayli are no longer coming. It's just Xander, Jazmin, and Michael, and all of Darrel's family. Xander, Jazmin, and Michael may come up tonight but Darrel's family won't be here until tomorrow. Kim will be back Sunday afternoon after everyone has gone home.

James and I left for town around noon. I took back the shop vacuum I ordered and ordered a better one. I also returned the last dress I ordered, which is way to big. Also mailed Palmer's birthday card. After leaving my returns at the UPS store we went to the Summit Healthcare Out Patient facility where Dr. Ellsworth's office is located on the second floor. My doctor, Dr. Brady, is on the 3rd floor. I dropped James off at the front door while I went to find a parking space. He was checking in upstairs when made my entrance. He was assigned to room Squirrel 6. I told him when I go see Dr. Brady I am always assigned Cloud 11. They give all of their hallway's names from nature. 

One of the girls that works for Dr. Ellsworth came in and took James for a leg x-ray. Dr. Ellsworth showed us the x-ray. James's leg is healing properly and all of the bones look straight. James was so relieved that he didn't do any damage to it when he fell that day at Circle K. Another girl came in and re-wrapped James's leg and put on a small leg brace he is supposed to wear at night. Dr. Ellsworth told him to hold off on weight-bearing for 2-4 more weeks. We have another appointment in four weeks, July 27th. I got permission to apply for a six-month handicap sign. 

Next stop, Walmart. I left James at Carl's Jr. where he ordered a green chili chicken sandwich. Walmart is insane today. We picked up James's Tramadol prescription and I did some shopping. We were both very exhausted when we got home. 

Kim made brownies for Ruby for her birthday and sugar cookies for Lola for her birthday. She put them in containers and labeled them, Happy Birthday Ruby, and Happy Birthday Lola so no one would eat them. She also made snickerdoodles for the "worker bees."

That's the reason people are coming up. To help us with things we need to do around here.

James opened Ruby's container and took a brownie. I told him that those were for Ruby's birthday. He said he didn't see the sign.

What's not to see?

James watches "House of David" before going to bed. I can't decide if I like it or not. Sometimes it's a little too violent for me.

Xander, Jaz, and Michael arrive after we are in bed. 

Kim & Brian 

Patrick's family 

minus Hunter

 

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026: Happy 23rd Birthday Max! Leave for the valley by myself for my infusion @11, Ang moved to Canada, Cafe Rio salad, Super Cleaners, Stacy's to pick up pkgs, Costco, back home @ 6, K&B here, flareup in right shoulder

 

Sacramento, California

Temple #123.

I left Vernon @ 7:15 this morning. I stopped in Show Low at White Mountain Car Wash to get my car washed. I decided to go the Payson way, making a stop at the Circle K in Star Valley. I got into a bit of road construction. I arrived at AARA at 10:51 for my 11:00 appointment. They no longer have a clock. Frances came to get me.

My blood pressure was 107/70. There were two new nurses in the infusion center. I asked Frances where Ang was because she is always here and she said that Ang moved to Canada. Well, that was a surprise. I think I heard her say that Amanda is in Ireland on vacation. 

After my infusion I left for Cafe Rio to get some lunch. This time I had a tortilla with my salad. I didn't eat all of it, the tortilla that is. One of the fun things about coming to Cafe Rio is watching them making the tortilla on their huge round, rotating pan. 

My next stop was at the Super Cleaners on Alma School just north of Queen Creek in the strip mall on the west side of Alma School Rd. James used to take pants here all of the time to be hemmed. I left two dresses to be hemmed and it cost me $48.00. What? I could almost have bought two more dresses on Amazon for that! Never again. Stacy knows a place that is much cheaper. She is going to pick my dresses up for me after July 9th. I went to her house to get the things I ordered from Amazon that were sent to her house. She helped me load my things in the car, one was a shop vacuum that Paul said was not very good. I am going to return this one and order another. It's for vacuuming out my car. I gave Stacy a hug and said goodbye. 

On to Costco where I got gas for $3.49. Gas is Show Low is over $4.00. I Costco I bought: a huge roast that will not fit in one crockpot. It's a good thing that I have two. I big package of thick pork chops, Kirkland hotdogs, cheese, sourdough bread, hotdog buns, mashed potatoes, Bush beans, canned green beans and canned corn, paper plates and plastic cups, and a brownie mix. What a load. I'm glad I had Brian get Pom juice, Fairlife shakes, laundry detergent, and toilet paper.

Away I go up the 101 out of Costco to the 202 and then the 87 on to Payson. In Payson I turned onto the 260 towards Show Low, stopping at Star Valley Circle K for a potty break and a Polar Pop. Today was 25 cent Polar Pop day instead of 85 cents.

In Show Low I noticed chairs, awning frames and yellow tape all along the 4th of July parade route. It is so funny to me how much stock people put in this small-town parade. 

On to Vernon and home, arriving at 6 and making a run for the bathroom. Kim and Brian helped me unload my car. James had already had dinner and was watching an episode of "House of David." My right should hurt so badly. I tried to relax in my recliner but was too miserable to stay too long. James & I said goodnight to Kim & Brian and went to bed around 8. I was so miserable in bed, I slept on the recliner in the bedroom.

Happy 23rd Birthday Max!!

Tom & James together again

The Case/Lambson family made their yearly

drive to Newport Beach for fun and games.

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026: Happy Anniversary Stacy & Paul, food for the workers coming this weekend, Bank, LaCasita to drop off tip for Candace, Home Depot, Circle K, Walmart, Bishops visit, water for lawn fixed, upstairs cleaned, new HMM, Christmas in July, House of David

 

Newport Beach, California

Temple #122.

I used paraffin wax on my hands this morning. It felt good!

I woke up thinking I should fix breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday for our family workers. James says only dinner. There are two reasons I don't want people bringing a bunch of food. Number 1, we don't have room for lots of food. Number 2, people are coming to help us for free, shouldn't we be willing to feed them?

I made a trip to town today. My first stop was the bank where I got cash to pay Kat & Larry and to pay the tip I owe Candace at LaCasita. LaCasita was so busy. I gave $10 to Candace's sister to give to Candace who wasn't there. She said she remembered me and would make sure her sister got the money. 

I went to Circle K and got gas for 40 cents off a gallon. Woohoo!

At Home Depot I returned the harness I bought for a refund. 

At Walmart I bought a TV try with long legs for James to use while he is sitting on the couch watching "House of David." I think he will like it!

Kim is helping James fix the waterline. This was her comment to me, "he doesn't listen." I just laughed! 

Larry wore the harness today while working on the high logs. I hope Rowan will wear it when he comes this weekend. 

Kim cleaned all of the rooms upstairs except James's office and my office, I cleaned them.

Bishop Crane came by for a visit this afternoon. James was taking a nap but Kim and I spoke with him. He was checking on James. He said James was spotted at Home Depot and he wanted to make sure he was okay. I wonder who it was that saw him at Home Depot and didn't speak with us.

Christmas in July movies are starting on Hallmark this week. Kim and I are totally into it.

 

Happy Anniversary!

 

Monday, June 29th, 2026: My high school best friend Polly has terminal cancer, James loves "House of David", Kim cleans upstairs, J @ well house, I feel lousy, Dr. Ellsworth appt on Thursday - James upset, Angel programming, Rita sends old photos.

 

Abba, Nigeria

Temple #121

Vickie called me today to tell me about my best friend from high school, whom I haven't seen in years, Polly Brookbank Cluff. Harold & Vickie are good friends with Jimmy Brookbank and they received the news from him. Polly has terminal colon cancer. I knew she had breast cancer years ago, but this is new. I guess Jimmy was in tears when he told Harold and Harold was so upset he asked Vickie to call me. 

I texted Rita to tell her, but she already knew. Her son Chris is married to Jimmy Brookbank's daughter. She said Polly can't come to our high school reunion but Rita is going to take pictures and then she and I are going to take them to show Polly.

James is really into the series "House of David" on Prime. He watches an episode or two every day. There are only two seasons right now so it will come to an end soon. 

Kim was busy today. She started out by feeding the horses and then she cleaned upstairs and helped James in the well house.

I felt really lousy today. I guess my injections aren't really working anymore. My hands, left knee, shoulders and feet hurt. The honeymoon is over.

I made an appointment for James with Dr. Ellsworth, an orthopedic surgeon that he's seen before. The appointment is on Thursday. James complained but I feel like this is the best thing since Dr. Smithson is not available. Janna said she would go with us and help with the wheelchair.

I bought a subscription to Angel programming so we could watch the movie, "Seeking Persephone." I can get it on my phone but not sure how to get it on the TV. May Brian can help when he comes.

Dr. Brady's office called. I am taking too much thyroid. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I should only take a half a pill.

Rita, Me, and Harold

Aunt Gene w/ Rita, My mom w/ me

not sure who the guy and baby in

the middle are.

I love them too!

 

 

Sunday, June 28th, 2026: Another missed sacrament mtg, prayer, scriptures, Lily Andersen on "Follow Him", lunch, Barbara, T-Bo, Pierce visit and bring the sacrament, Kim with us, Willy & Janna, Rosa & Dave Westbrook,

 

San Antonio, Texas

Temple #120

Another missed sacrament meeting. James and I had prayer and scriptures and then began listening to Lily Anderson on "Follow Him." She is good. We listened to part 1 and then took a.

We had lunch. I made James a tuna sandwich with avocado. I had a turkey link and some salad. After lunch we had company. James had asked someone from the elder's quorum presidency if they would send someone over to bring us the sacrament. Pierce and T-Bo blessed and administered the sacrament to James, Kim, and I. Barbara was here too as an added bonus. We had a nice visit. Kim was able to meet Pierce; someone she has heard so much about. 

Later while Kim was napping, Willy and Janna came for a visit. Janna said I was her second mom when her mom was alive, and now that her mom is gone, she says she has lots of free time if I need help. She said, "Please let me help you." Willy and Janna didn't stay long because they had a youth fireside to go to.

We had a bit of a quiet time before the doorbell rang again. This was unexpected. James was asleep in the bedroom. I opened the door to see our friends Rosa & Dave Westbrook. I invited them in to sit down while I went to wake James. It's funny, Dave is James's ministering companion, and he is never available to go, but here he is visiting James. James just got called as an elders quorum instructor. Rosa & Dave's visit was short and sweet. We are grateful for the many wonderful friends we have here in Vernon.

James and I listened to more of "Follow Him" before going to bed.

Janna's shoes that were her mom's

She says they are very comfortable!

Kim spends time everyday reading from her

Book of Mormon in this chair.