Monday, August 10th, 2026: Happy 20th Rowan! Hike Wear shoes for free - I love them! new mattress and memory foam from our guardian angels, Willy & Janna Grombach, lots of rain, trade lessons w/ Amy in Sept, Charlie finishes the Book of Mormon, washer woes, nerve pills are great, Kim's shoulder hurts from painting, geo-thermal energy, Lola & Ruby start school, "Next Stop, Christmas!"

 

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Temple #163.

Happy 20th Birthday Rowan! We love you and hope you have a wonderful day and great year!

Remember our dates at the mall, Rowan?

Trina's post

Ruby's post

Addy's post

I received the Hike Wear shoes I ordered after cancelling my order and getting a refund. I figured I would mark the package return to sender and send it back in the mail. I emailed the company to ask what I should do, and I immediately received a response that I should keep the shoes or give them away. I wrote back thanking them and telling them that they have great customer service. I now have a free pair of shoes that would have cost me $77, and I love them because they are so lightweight and comfortable!

Our guardian angels, Janna and Willy Grombach brought us a new mattress today. It is one they just bought for Janna's mom, Pat, before she passed away. They brought the new mattress over, set it up, after taking our old one off, and then Janna went back and got her mom's memory foam and gave it to us. They are so kind and generous and we love them so much. I offered to pay for the mattress but they would not let me. I will think of them and Pat every time I sleep on it.

The mattress got dusty on the way over so they 

are vacuuming it off.

Luckily we did the great mattress exchange before the downpour came, and I mean downpour. It rained hard for over an our. We absolutely loved it! 

It looks like the first time we are going to be able to visit Darrel & Trina is the weekend of September 19th. I'm glad we have that settled. We will be missing stake conference for the third time in a row, which I am a little sad about because I love our stake president, President Joshua Beeler. 

The best news of this wonderful day is that Charlie finished reading the Book of Mormon. We are so proud of her and as I have said before, she is a Super Star!!

What an accomplishment for an

8 year old!

Kim painted today but her arm is hurting so she will probably take the day off tomorrow. 

We love the new color!

While Kim was indoors painting, James was outside doing this.

I know it doesn't look good, but at least he isn't on a ladder.

He's at it again

While Kim and James were working, I was enjoying my lunch.

Chicken with Swiss cheese, Bush beans,

steamed snap peas, and Chik-fila sauce.

Yummy!

Finally it rained and James had to take a break. Thank goodness!

We are so grateful for this rain!

Today was the first day of school for Lola and Ruby. New schools,

new grade, and new state.

Lola is in the 7th grade

You go girl!

Ruby is a senior!

Ruby is so cool

Such a sweetheart!

Our Christmas movie tonight starred one of our favorites, Lindsay

Fonseca, "Next Stop, Christmas." It was made in 2021. 

Sunday, August 9th, 2026: Evans Farnsworth passes away, Rita sends me Polly's funeral announcement, Khloe's saddle, We sit in front, Kim in back, Elaina Jensen, the Brown's, RS, grilled chicken, ADHD podcast, Sabbath takeaway

 

Rome, Italy

Temple #162.

Evans Farnsworth passed away today. His wife, Terry, was my secretary when I served in the stake Relief Society presidency. I love her. Evans was also our stake president in our early Chandler days.

Rita sent me Polly's funeral announcement today.

We had to bring a saddle for Khloe to borrow to church today. Somehow I forgot the handouts I was going to give to Teresa smith and Debbie Schwarz, and Teresa was waiting for me in the foyer when we came in. 

We sat in front in our normal spot because we can hear better and Kim sat in the back because that's where she is comfortable. 

Elaina Jensen was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting. She spoke about joy in Christ. Doug & Cindy Brown, recently back from teaching in China, were the other speakers. 

We finally have a couple of Gospel Doctrine teachers, Cope Reynolds, and Doug Brown. I think they will both do well.

Amy Reynolds taught Relief Society today. We studied Brother Wunderli's talk, "Jesus Christ is Not Our Burden, He Is Our Relief."

She gave each of us a small picture of the Savior to carry with us everywhere, just as Brother Wunderli's six year old son did. (It is warm in the Relief Society room).

Pam Wood sat by Kim and I. We sat in the front row. 

When we got home from church Kim was tired and went downstairs to take a nap. James and I made grilled chicken. I made a chipotle rub and James grilled the chicken breasts on the outside grill. We both thought the chili was a little too spicy. I ate mine with Chik-fila sauce and it was actually quite good. I have enough to eat it all week.

I got a text from Rita about Polly and we ended up talking about our health issues. Rita has leukemia from taking Methotrexate. Her numbers are very good right now. She says because of the leukemia, she can't do an infusion for her arthritis. Maybe that's why her doctor will let her take 1 mg of Prednisone everyday. 

While I was working on my blog this afternoon James decided he needed another "fix" from Pierce, paste for his mouth. Pierce gave him a treatment and sent him home with two more. 

These are my takeaways from today's meetings:

Elaina Jensen - Infuse a diffuser with oil and it purifies and cleanses the air. Infuse our hearts with the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ's pure love and joy is the result.

Alma 19:6 - Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness - yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God- The light of Christ, or the Holy Spirit, had infused such joy. I love that.

Cindy & Doug Brown - They asked if there were any members of the Church they could serve. They were told there were two African women who had not been visited since coming to China to go to school. The took a three hour train ride to visit these two women, Emma and Flora. The women were so grateful they came as Brother Brown administered the sacrament to them. They had not partaken of the sacrament for over a year. This was a great story because the Brown's wanted to serve and asked what they could do. They were willing to travel three hours to visit these women and Brother Brown was worthy to administer the sacrament to them.

Amy Reynolds - Take Jesus with you, everywhere you go and when the Spirit prompts you, act upon it.

I am grateful for these takeaways, and I am going to try to apply them in my life.

"I witness that a spiritual power and direction...will come into our lives as we keep the law of obedience and sacrifice."

- Author Unknown

Alma 5:28

Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.

Khloe Mack as a kindergartener.

She is even cuter as a teenager.

I always love encouragement from President Holland

Saturday, August 8th, 2026: Up @ 3:30 to start MacArthur's cinnamon rolls, "Christmas on the Bayou", Kim begins painting bathroom - Tom goes outside, J & I go to town, dump, mail Ro's card and D&T's, Culver's, Circle K, H.D., a little rain,

 

Barranquilla, Colombia

Temple #161.

I got up at 3:30 this morning to start some cinnamon rolls for MacArthur's. Instead of going back to bed, I went over to the family room recliner and watched "Christmas on the Bayou."

Kim began painting the bathroom today. Tom was laying on the bed. He didn't like all the noise and moving the ladder in the bathroom, so he went outside. 

James and I made a trip to town. The first thing we did was mail Rowan's birthday card, and Darrel & Trina's anniversary card. 

James needed to go to Home Depot. I asked if he would stop at Culver's and get me a salad so I would have something to do while he was in Home Depot. He did. I had my delicious salad while James was shopping. We had ordered six shrimp for him. He ate five and I ate one. Yummy.

We got a little rain on the way home but nothing too exciting. 

James used the earwax cleaner I bought the other day. Now he says his hearing is worse, and I would have to agree to him. 

The wall Kim painted looks so good! We have waited a long time to get this room painted. It may take several days, but that's okay. Kim does a great job. 

James worked on sanding the railing on the balcony outside of his office. He also cleaned up the two dead trees he cut down. He is making a burn pile in the back where I can't see it. We have lots more to go. 

I am so happy I am about to catch up on my blog. This two posts a day thing really works when I am consistent. This is the one thing I feel a little bit of success with in my life. My blog. I would like to change it up a bit and share my testimony more and somehow reach more family members.

James did the dishes while Kim and I watched the latest Hallmark movie, "Absolutely Devoted To You" starring Kimberly Sustad and Jesse Metcalf. We actually really liked it. I didn't think I would like Kimberly and Jesse together, but I did and so did Kim.

"Through our example and service to others, they will feel the Savior's love for them."

- Elder Michael John U. Teh

Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Happy 17th Birthday

Molly!

Happy Anniversary!

I remember this day so well!

Rose tree

So many wildfires

Friday, August 7th, 2026: Talk w/ James @ 5:45 am, James selling timeshare for $35,000, Kim & I go to town, August cards, Walmart busy but enjoy Kim's company, hot today, flies on the horses, "The Christmas Contract"

 

Concepcion, Chile

Temple #160.

I ask James if we can talk at 5:45 am. That's when we worked out all of our problems from yesterday. We really do love each other and this is just one of those things that couples do who have been together for a long time. Sometimes we need a reset, we need to remember the good times, and to repent and say we are sorry. If feels good.

James has been dealing with a realtor on the internet and he says he is selling for timeshare for $35,000. He says he feels like it is a legitimate deal. Someone from Mexico is buying it. I told him I was onboard as long as we did not have to put forth any money. 

Kim and I took a trip to town to finish our shopping trip from yesterday. There were some essential things I forgot to get. We bought birthday cards for August and an anniversary card for Darrel & Trina. Walmart is very busy, but I enjoy Kim's company. 

I bought two new pair of capri sweats, some lemon meringue Built bars, Caramello squares, cherries, lemon and Dove dark chocolate pudding for James. I also bought peanut butter for my celery sticks, and some whole canned green chilis so I can make green chili cheeseburgers. 

We got no rain today and it's hot, around 90. Flies are bothering the horses so James put their masks on. Kim happened to go outside and the horses get excited when they see her because she feeds them oats, and carrots on top of their regular food. She went in and got some carrots for them. Kim said she could see Apollo's eyes through his mask so she knew he could see. She said Luna acted like she couldn't see through her mask as she slowing backed up out of her stall. The horses ended up in the field, Luna's tail swishing the flies off Apollo's face and him doing the same for her. Luna's mask ended up on the ground under a tree.

Our movie tonight was starred two of our favorites, Hilarie Burton and Robert Buckley, in "The Christmas Contract." Hilarie has made several Christmas movies where she goes home to Louisiana for Christmas. I wonder if she is from Louisiana. They have some interesting traditions. Instead of Santa Claus there is Papa Noel who arrives on a boat in the river pulled by alligators. The people light bonfires on the shore to help him find the way. Anyway, this was a great movie. We loved it.

"For disciples of the Savior, charity encompasses both what we do and what we can become as this spiritual gift ultimately possesses us."

- Elder David A. Bednar

Esther 9:28

And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

Emmy in Glacier National Park

We need this in Vernon!

Go Benson!

Thursday, August 6th, 2026: Best Day - Knee seems better, Inklings, oil changed in car, rain in Sholo, J does dishes & puts sheets on bed, Christmas movie; Worst Day - James interrupts Inklings, cuts tree, my spending,

 

Cedar City, Utah

Temple #159.

Today was a Best Day, Worst Day.

Best Day:

Because my knee is feeling better. Inklings was great today. We got the oil changed in our car. It rained in Show Low. James did the dishes and put the clean sheets on the bed. I enjoyed watching "The Christmas Cup" with James. I enjoyed reading from the Book of Mormon and the Come Follow Me lesson. Kim cleaned the floors in the kitchen, dining area, hall, hall bath, laundry room, and entryway.

Worst Day:

James interrupted me during Inklings and got upset because I wasn't listening to him. I reminded him that I listen to Inklings every Thursday morning from 7:30 - 8:00. He cut down two trees and I thought he was using the pull cord chainsaw. Kim and I worried because that's how he got his brain bleed. Luckily, he was using the electric chainsaw. He was curt with me on the way to town and Kim said, "Do you even like Mom?" He is upset with me about spending money and I refuse to say night prayers with him. 

What can I do about these worst day experiences? Well, the next morning I ask James if we could talk. We did. We made a deal that before buying anything "big" we will talk to the other person. Oh, by the way, James spent $177.63 online for supplements, so I'm not the only one who spends money. I told him I didn't like his angry outbursts, even if he is just yelling at his computer. I especially do not want to argue in front of other people, including Kim. We must try to have the Spirit in our home and with us at all times. We both vowed to do better. It was a good conversation. Our best days are ahead of us!

Here are some other things that happened today:

James got another treatment from Pierce and brought one home to do for himself.

Kim and I watched episode three of "Paris Is Always a Good Idea."

On the way to Walmart to get the oil changed in the car James snapped at me about something and Kim said from the backseat:

"Do you even like Mom?"

While the oil was getting changed in the car, the three of us went shopping. Kim pushed me in the wheelchair while James pushed the shopping cart. The car was ready in less than 30 minutes and James was anxious to go so we cut our shopping short. 

As we drove home there was rain all around but none in Vernon. 

I did my two blog posts this afternoon and then this evening James and I watched our Christmas movie. Tonight's feature: "The Christmas Cup" starring Rhinnon Fish and Ben Rosenbaum. It was about a 6, but we still enjoyed our time together. While we were watching the movie James did the dishes and put the sheets on the bed. I told him how much I appreciated his efforts. 

I talked to Janna today and we are doing the "Great Mattress Exchange" on Monday at 2. She is giving us her mom's new mattress that they bought for her at Costco not too long ago.

I talked to Rita today and she sent me more photos from the reunion.

It's funny because I asked her if she recognized the guy sitting next to Loretta Smithson Willis at the luncheon and she said she didn't. She called me the next day and said she woke up really early and remembered his name: Jerry Dunaway. Yes, Rita! You are inspired. Mystery solved. Also, I forgot to mention Eric Frost as a reunion attendee.

"We all struggle. We need patience, service, and love from others."

- Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Esther:9:22

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. 

More Reunion Photos:

 

Richard Farabee, Ladon Warner, Sharon McCleve Beck,

Eric Frost

Sharon McCleve Beck, Ladon Warner

Sharon McCleve, Loretta Smithson Willis

Robert Freeze

Deon Whipple

Richard Farabee and Loretta

Smithson Willis on the Class of 1966

float in the Snowflake Pioneer Parade

Paul & Dianne Reynolds

Deanne & Marion Hatch, Rita

Rita with Pete & Chris Whipple

Deanne & Rita riding in the parade

Marion Hatch and Michael Chlarson

Blake Sherwood and Alan Frost

friends forever

Rita with her eyes closed,

maybe she is meditating

Blake Sherwood, Alan & Delci Frost

Deon Whipple and his wife