Saturday, September 21st, 2024: Happy Birthday Denise! lightning & thunder, James quits working on fence, lesson, painting rocks, etc., James buys more paint

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7

Come Follow Me

3 Nephi 2:11-12; 3:1-26

When I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, I don't need to fear.

April General Conference

"God's Intent Is To Bring You Home" Elder Patrick Kearon

Happy Birthday Denise! She is spending the day with Dennis, her daughter Rachel, and Rachel's two little girls.

A loud clash of thunder and lightning less than 200 yards away led James to say to Paul: "I think it's time for us to stop working on this fence." He said that if lightning struck the fence, they could both be dead if they were touching the wires.

I am knee deep in my lesson today, after doing scriptures and my two blog posts. I worked on my outline and cut out handouts and began getting my river rocks ready to paint. I took them outside on the table on the deck outside of our bedroom and started spray painting. It is taking more paint and longer to dry than I had thought. 

James went into town and got more spray paint. Some of what we have here is not working. He bought white, gold and clear, paying over $34. The gold and clear were not used so he paid much more than he needed to.

It's starting to get dark and the paint is not dry. James goes into action. He brings the rocks into the house. By bedtime the rocks were still not dry. Some needed to be re-painted. I can't put lettering on them yet. 

James went to bed around 10. I took a shower and stayed up working on my lesson until 11:30 vowing that I will get up at 3:30 to finish my preparations and to put lettering on the rocks.

Notes & Quotes

"The intent of the Father's plan of mercy is to extend mercy as you turn back to Him and honor your covenant of fidelity to Him. It is not to deny mercy and inflict pain and sorrow.

The intent of the Father's plan of salvation is in fact your salvation in the celestial kingdom of glory as you receive 'the testimony of Jesus' and offer your whole soul to Him. It is not to keep you out."

- Elder Patrick Kearon

' God's Intent is to Bring You Home'

Rowan, where are you?

Tonight he wants to be by me.

Friday, September 20, 2024: Happy Birthday Kacey! Lots to do for my lesson, whole wheat pancakes for breakfast, James bends Pierce's auger, Marinating chicken tenders in dill pickle juice, 12,000 of my own steps, "Not Match for Love" Map to our house for wedding invitations

 

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6

Come Follow Me

3 Nephi 1:4-15; 5:12-26; 6:10-15; 7:15-26

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

April General Conference

"Trust in the Lord" Elder Paul B. Pieper

Happy Birthday Kacey! 

It feels a little chilly this morning, especially in the bathroom. I'm going to turn the bathroom space heater on. 

All of James's elk calls need new reeds or e would be outside, on the deck, before daylight, in his underwear, calling elk.

I always say I am not going to leave my Relief Society lesson until the last minute but it seems like I always do. I've got prayer rocks to paint, handouts to cutout and a lesson to fine tune.

I made whole wheat pancakes for breakfast this morning. James has been hinting that he wanted some for a while now. I put pecans and walnuts in them as he asked, and I also put fresh blueberries in mine. They were delicious. I think this is James's favorite breakfast.

James and Paul worked on the fence again today. James had borrowed Pierce's auger attachment to dig post holes. Something broke and James had to make a trip to town to get a screw. It wasn't the right size so he has to go back to town again tomorrow. It seems like he has to go to town almost every day. 

I have a copycat recipe for Chik-fil-a chicken tenders.  The first thing it says to do is to marinate the chicken in dill pickle juice over night, if possible. I just happen to have enough pickle juice to do this. 

I walked all of my 12,000 steps today while listening to the book, "No Match for Love." 

Sheri asked me if we had finished the map to our house. I told her no, and ask if she needed it soon. She said they did because they want to put it inside the wedding invitations. I told her we would work on it this weekend.

Michael got a new Subaru Crosstrek. Sheri says it's beautiful.

Notes & Quotes

"Notwithstanding God's trust in us, our relationship with Him will grow only to the degree we are willing to place our trust in Him. The challenge is that we live in a fallen world and have all experienced a betrayal of trust as the result of dishonesty, manipulation, coercion, or other circumstances. Once betrayed, we may struggle to trust again. These negative trust experiences with imperfect mortals may even impact our willingness to trust in a perfect Heavenly Father."

- Elder Paul B. Pieper

'Trust in the Lord'

Happy Birthday!

Fall in Arizona

What? We go from not letting him in the

house to this??

Getting his bed ready

His pushes his paws down and up and it looks

like he's kneading bread. It is commonly called 

"Making Biscuits."

Thursday, September 19, 2024: Elk bugles, Tom "comes back when he's hungry", Text with Rita, Called Dawn, "Chicken Sisters' dumped, James goes to town & gets mail

 

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5

Come Follow Me

3 Nephi 1:4-21; 5:1-3

The Lord will fulfill all His words in His time.

April General Conference

"The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ" Elder Dale G. Renlund

 James heard an elk bugle for the first time this year. He is bumbed that the reed in his elk call is broken.

When I let Tom out this morning I said to him: "Come back when you are hungry." Five minutes later when James went out to feed the horses he came back in the door from the family room, came in, and sat by his dish. I fed him and he went back outside. I just thought it was funny that he was back in, in such a short time. Did he understand what I said?

 I texted with my cousin Rita today. Yesterday was her 76th birthday and I forgot to wish her a Happy Birthday. We had a nice visit. I'm glad I texted her.

I also called Dawn to check up on her. She said she does not have a new doctor yet but she is working on it. She also said that she and her mom are doing fine. She also said she had been going to a physical therapist who has been helping her with her back pain. She said it has disappeared.

I started watching a new episode of "Chicken Sisters". The new episodes come out on Thursday and this is episode #3. When Amanda kissed someone who wasn't her husband, I turned off the TV and dumped the show into the "No watch" file. 

James got the mail and went into Show Low today. He brought back the garlic peeler I ordered, and it is amazing! I love it!

James was not in a good mood. He said he had waited 47 minutes in the Panda line and he was never doing it again. I apologized as he was getting food for me.  I thought he was going to get something for himself too, but he didn't. The only thing he craves is the cod fillet at Culver's and there is nothing there that I ever crave.

James also got diesel for the Cat tomorrow and several bags of concrete. 

Naomi Whittel sent me three bottles of Berberine. Thank you Naomi.

Jared Ammon texted a few days ago about staying here with us three weeks out of the month. I answered him today telling him he needed to come up so we could talk to him about it and work out details.

I listened to "Follow Him" today as part of my "Come Follow Me' study.

Kacey texted and thanked us for the birthday card and cash. I'm so glad she got it before her birthday. 

Notes & Quotes

"We do need all our compassion, empathy, and love as we interact with those around us. Those who are struggling 'need to experience the pure love of Jesus Christ reflected in our words and actions.' As we minister, we encourage others frequently and offer help. Even if someone is not receptive, we continue to minister as they allow. The Savior taught that 'unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.' The Savior's job is to heal. Our job is to love - to love and minister in such a way that others are drawn to Jesus Christ. This is one of the fruits of the powerful, virtuous cycle of the doctrine of Christ."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

'The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle Of The Doctrine of Christ'

Tom is too big for this chair unless

he curls up.

Clouds

2019

Lola makes a cute little kitty

Tom makes a cute big kitty

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024: Up @ 6 scriptures & prayers, runoff lesson handouts, Unshaken Saints, new Chili recipe, fence work, James to town, Tom's treat, watches me walk, 10,000 steps

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4

Come Follow Me

3 Nephi 1:1-23

Because of Jesus Christ I can "be of good cheer."

"Joy & Spiritual Survival" President Russell M. Nelson

April General Conference

"Pray, He Is There" Sister Susan H. Porter

Up at six this morning. Prayer and scriptures with James before he goes out to work on the fence with Paul. 

I ran off handouts for my lesson and decided I definitely want to use the prayer rocks but I want to paint them white so the lettering will show up better. 

I listened to "Unshaken Saints" while working this morning. I tried out a new chili recipe today. When I finished and tasted it, it seemed a little meh, so I added some of my own ingredients and it turned out quite good. I'm looking for the right recipe to take to our ward chili cookoff in October. I will probably use one of my copycat Wendy's recipes or a combination of the two. BTW, how can there be two copycat chili recipes?

Paul and Willy both came to help with the fence. James pays Paul, but Willy, who is doing the welding, refuses to be paid. The horses are nowhere in sight. James whistles for them to come and eat and they come out of nowhere. 

James went to town this evening. He asked me to go but I need to walk and finish my two blog posts, so I stay home. 

I lost one of the coverings on one of my "false" teeth. It's my eye tooth on the side and is barely noticeable but reminded me that I need to be careful on what I bite with my front "false" teeth for the next two weeks. 

Tom loves to relax on the couch on the deck outside. He also loves to come in for his evening treat. He is frisky at night and loves running through the house, and watching me walk. I did get 10,000 steps today in spite of my bad knee. 

Notes & Quotes

"I invite you to pray to know Heavenly Father is there, pray to grow to become like Him, and pray to show His love to others. I know He lives and loves you. Pray, he is there. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

- Sister Susan H. Porter

' Pray, He Is There'

DWTS

Looking forward to this one

What a cutie!

Scripture Central KnowWhys

I wish it had something

besides bats.

Tuesday, September 17th, 2024: It's raining, Fall is here with rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, Dental appt. w/ the Goodman's, Crane's service project, Razr woes, Town, prayer rocks, James is marriage officiant

 

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3

Come Follow Me

3 Nephi 1-7

Becoming converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ requires patience and effort.

April General Conference

"Words Matter" Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Fall is here with rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, 

I had an appointment with Pierce & Susan this morning at 9am. Pierce bumped it up from 10am so he would be able to make it to the Crane service project at noon.

Pierce worked on my six top front teeth today. Three shots and lots of drilling until my front teeth are tiny teeth. He did two sets of impressions, one is temporary and one is permanent. I wore the temps home. They are beautiful! I can hardly wait to get the permanent ones and for my bottom teeth to be done too. 

When I told Pierce about Ben & Cayli's wedding in our backyard he volunteered his building in case of inclement weather. He said that's why he built it, to accommodate family gatherings. I thanked him. He is such a nice guy.

I fixed some lunch for James and I when I got home. Last night we ate some of the heart shaped ravioli that Cayli & Ben left. Today we finished it off. When lunch was over it was time for James to go help out at the service project. I had a nap with Tom.

James got a prescription of Tramadol from Dr. Ellsworth and was anxious to go to town to pick it up. I went with him and shopped for ingredients for a new chili recipe I am trying out. After we were finished at Walmart we were going to go through the line at Panda Express but it was way too long. It was only 4:22. We went to Taco Bell instead. I got a crunch taco supreme for now and a burrito supreme for tomorrow. 

We also went by to check on the Razr since no one has ever called us back. When James went inside the was one guy working at the desk. He asked about our Razr and the guy knew nothing about it. He said he had been gone to the valley having hip surgery and while he was gone his employees were fixing machines and keeping the money for themselves so he fired all 8 of them. He said he was hiring a couple of new people and would let us know about our Razr. This is not good. It has been almost a year since it has been broken.

James walked this evening and finished "The Nobleman's Daughter" and started the book I am reading, "No Match for Love."

The rocks I ordered for my RS lesson are here. I am using them for "prayer" rocks and writing "Pray Always" on them. Also, James's marriage officiant certificate is here. I wish I could say he was excited about it.

The premier of this seasons DWTS was tonight. There are so many athletes and I barely know any of them.

Notes & Quotes

"The night before the dedication of the Thailand temple, I was awakened from my sleep with an unsettled, urgent feeling about the dedicatory prayer, which I was to offer. I tried to set aside the prompting, thinking the prayer was in place. But the Spirit would not leave me alone. I sensed certain words were missing, and by divine design they came to me in revelation, and I inserted these words in the prayer near the end: 'May we think celestial, letting Thy Spirit prevail in our lives, and strive to be peacemakers always.' The Lord was reminding me to heed the words of our living prophet: "Think celestial," "let the Spirit prevail," "strive to be peacemakers." Words of the prophet matter to the Lord and to us."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

'Words Matter'

Pierce & Susan Goodman

I love these two!!

He always looks like he's half asleep

Chairs for the wedding.

Hey! They're free!

James's Green's Peak hike

Such a naughty kitty!

Another pretty patio

Daniella is 5'3" and her partner is 6'11"

Tom's treats

Brother Doug Brown from our ward.

He is 6'5"

Monday, September 16th, 2024: Rain most of the night, Jeff Crane & family here, DRM crisis, J & P work on fence, "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ", "TWP"

 

Mt. Timpanogos, Utah

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Oct 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 2

Come Follow Me

Sept. 16-22: "Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer"

3 Nephi 1-7

April General Conference

"A Higher Joy" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It rained most of the night and smelled so good this morning when I opened the outside door. The Crane's son Jeff and his family have arrived from Virginia.  They have two huge Penske trucks parked by the two conex containers in the field in front of the Crane's home. They are unloading things now. Tomorrow the ward will come and help them unload. 

James got the call from Desert Ready Mix regarding the first batch of concrete which they couldn't place. This is when he found out that he has to pay $2,300 for it. He is so upset with himself I am a little worried about him. He is also frustrated with the pumping company who normally calls the concrete company and make sure they know that the concrete needs to be pumpable.

James and Paul worked on the fence again today. The horses followed them around then take off towards Elkins. James gets them back with oats and whistling. 

I feel sluggish today. My left knee is still bothering me. I continued listening to Ben Wilcox, "Teaching with Power." He suggest that if you are teaching a class you should decorate it for Christmas as we are discussing the birth of Jesus.

Notes & Quotes

"My dear sisters, dear friends, as you search the word of God for a deeper understanding of God's eternal plan, accept these invitations, and strive to walk in His Way, you will experience 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,' even in the midst of sorrows. You will feel a greater measure of God's unsurpassable love swelling within your heart. The dawn of celestial light will penetrate the shadows of your trials, and you will begin to taste the unspeakable glories and wonders of the unseen, perfect, heavenly sphere. You will feel your spirit lifting away from the gravity of this world."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

'A Higher Joy'

My mums are loving the rain

I love how he curls his back feet

Charlie was so excited when she read 3 Nephi 5:13 where Mormon says, "I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ"... she said she had been looking for it and wanted to mark it.

This is Nimbus. I feel like doing this after a

hard day.

Ander is happy for Eden

Look at those prices!