Monday, December 15th, 2025: Call to Sam's Club, appt @ Pierce's - Gene Beckham, black Israelites, James working on railings, 60 & sunny, special prayers for Scott & Tanner, wrap & watch, walk & listen Tibbetts & Tanner, my text to Max,

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; final plot approval;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:17-34

Come Follow Me

Dec. 15-21: "The Family Is Central to the Creator's Plan"

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Introduction

October General Conference

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

'Remembering the Sheep'

Elder William K. Jackson

I spent about an hour today on the phone with Sam's Club. I got a notice that I owed over $120 and I couldn't figure out why. I discovered I was registered as a plus member and the annual fee is $110 plus tax which came to $120.32. I told them I did not want to be a plus member and please change my membership back to regular. The fee is $60 a month for regular members. After an hour of talking to at least four different people I was successful. I guess you could say I made $60 an hour this morning.

Our "Come Follow Me" lesson this week is on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The more I learn about it the more I realize what an inspired document it is. 

At 10:00 this morning I had an appointment with Pierce Goodman to get my chipped tooth fixed. When I arrived he was working on another patient. It was Gene Beckham. Brother Beckham has cancer in his mouth and he is having surgery tomorrow. Pierce was working on four of the teeth Gene has to have pulled as a result of his cancer. Cancer in your mouth must be one of the worst types of cancer. Brother Beckham, his wife Donna, and their daughter Michelle are all on my temple prayer roll list. Michelle has cancer of the thyroid and also is having a second surgery on her right shoulder today. She is a friend of mine as is her mom. We all play Bunco together. Michelle is actually a substitute for Bunco but she is one of the better players. She says it's because she plays lots of Yahtzee. 

Before Pierce started with me, I said: "You just thought you were retired." He said he is getting busier and busier and then he asked me if I had heard of the black Israelites who live way out past the Bowen's. I told him I had not. He said they originally came from a country in Africa close to Egypt. They are searching for truth, and they believe in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon but are not members of the Church. I asked how long they had been there and he said about 15 years. Wow! That's a long time. He said they are like the united order and pretty much stick to themselves. They have homes and are in the business of cattle production. I was intrigued and a little amazed to hear about this group of people. 

Pierce said someone had told them about him and many of them have become patients. He said he has enjoyed getting to know them as they are very gentle and kind. 

As I thought about Pierce's situation, I realized how much he lives, and loves, to serve others. 

My tooth was an easy fix. He built a cusp to replace the one I lost. The entire process took about 30 minutes. Susan came in to help and she was also surprised at how quickly my problem was remedied. 

The entire process, along with an x-ray of another tooth cost me $50. Thank you, Pierce.

When I returned home James was outside working on the railings. I fixed myself some lunch and went to the recliner in the family room to rest. I put on a new Hallmark Christmas/Hannukah movie, "Oy to the World" starring Brooke D'Orsay and Jacob Epstein. I fell asleep watching the movie, so I had to rewind and watch again. It was a good movie, and I enjoyed watching it.

It was another beautiful day here in Vernon with lots of sunshine and the high around 60. Pierce said a storm is coming in about six days. I do hope we get some snow for Christmas.

This afternoon I blogged and wrapped Kim's, Cayli's, and Ben's Christmas blankets. It seems like I get a Cardinals blanket for Max every year. I texted him and asked if instead of a Cardinals blanket, would he like a different one. This was his answer:

"I'm fine with whatever you choose! You always do great with my blankets, I still have them."

A simple comment, but it meant everything to me! Such a sweet and thoughtful guy.

Besides blogging and wrapping I also did some walking while listening to my book, "A Casualty of the Heart." 

This evening I watched the finale of the holiday baking show on Hallmark that I have been watching. There are three couples left in the finale and my least favorite duo, Rosa and Rosanna, mother and daughter, won. Mary Berry was there as a guest judge.

UPS delivered the chimney sweep I ordered for James. I didn't want him to see it, but he was actually outside on the front porch when they made the delivery. I am so scared for him to get up on the roof to clean the chimney. 

UPS also delivered my Sunday journal for next year and six of my monthly notebooks. 

Kacey texted and asked us to pray for Tanner, which we did. Hopefully he will get the help he needs to overcome his drug addiction. 

"Trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund, AGC 2025

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Kim made these for a friend of Darrel's

Gonzales Christmas gifts

Monte & Tasha's kids:

Quentin, Kaytlynn, Madison, Zachary

Marvin was loved by so many!

Sunday, December 14th, 2025: Ministering interview w/ Rosie, High Council Sunday, Amy's lesson on "Cheering Each Other On," Rest, Christmas movies, blog, wrap 3 gifts, time w/ James & Tom

 

Lehi, Utah

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

erecting construction fence; building soil nail retaining wall; 

earthworks underway; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:1-16

October General Conference

'Cheering Each Other On'

Sister J. Anette Dennis

On the way into sacrament meeting Rosie Lauritzen stopped me for a ministering interview. James went on in and was wondering what was taking me so long, so I told him.

Today is high council week. The high councilman assigned to our ward, Brother Chris Knight, was the last speaker. His speaking companion was Sister Cherilyn Halls, the Stake Young Women's President. The theme for both of their talks was: "Becoming lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ." 

I enjoyed both talks. We are to seek, remember and become more like our Savior. Earnestly seeking Him requires effort. We need to be intentional and consistent. 

Brother Knight presented this question: "When was the last time we felt close to the Savior?"

We seek Him through prayer, scripture study, service, and temple worship. 

We become like Him by aligning our goals with His goals. Choose one Christlike attribute a month and work on developing it. Some of His attributes are humility, charity, patience, forgiveness, peacemaker.

Always remember Him. What did I do today to draw closer to Jesus? Whisper the Savior's name when we feel overwhelmed. Keep a small Jesus in your pocket and touch it often. 

 Brother Knight's testimony was so sweet as he expressed his love for the Savior: 

"He shows me love and forgives me every day. I am so grateful for Him."

Pam Woods invited me to sit by her in Relief Society. I love Pam. She is such a kind, positive person. I miss Catherine. We always sat together in Relief Society.

The lesson was on Sister Dennis's talk, "Cheering Each Other On" and was given by Amy Reynolds. Amy is someone else I love. She is so genuine, and I love her laugh! 

Since James now has the same calling as I do, he wants to teach the same week that I do. My next lesson is on the 28th. Ron Hall is scheduled to teach that week in Elder's Quorum. James is going to see if he will trade with him. President Sandoval set James apart as an instructor in the Elder's Quorum today. He, President Sandoval, also gave the lesson. James said it was very good.

After lunch I settled down with Tom on my lap, and we watched a Christmas movie. James came and joined us after his nap. It was a quiet, peaceful afternoon. Maybe that's one of the reasons I love Sunday so much. James is more attentive and isn't working outside or upstairs in his office. 

James says he is going to write a Christmas letter to each one of our kids and their spouses. Tonight, he wrote one to Paul and Stacy. I worked on my blog and wrapped three gifts. 

This evening James and I watched a movie together, "A Royal Christmas Tail."

We have a new U.S. Southwest area Presidency:

President Michael A. Dunn, 1st counselor - Jonathan S. Schmitt, and 2nd counselor - Steven C. Barlow. Assistant - Eduardo F. Ortega (probably an interpreter for Spanish speaking).

For the first time a new temple was announced outside of General Conference. It will be built in Portland, Maine, the first temple in Maine. It was announced at the Maine Stake Christmas Devotional.

'God cherishes life. It is His work and His glory to bring immortality and eternal life to His children."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:13

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Addy's memory

Still at work

Love!

Saturday, December 13th, 2025: James meets w/ Applegate's, and Ravi Gupta, beautiful day, James works on railing, I blog, do laundry, and wrap 3 presents, fasting for Scott, Ward Christmas Party

 

West Jordan, Utah

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; seeking approval for 

preliminary site plan from local government;

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:23-35

Commentary

859-860

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 2

Ahmad Corbitt parts 1 & 2

October General Conference

'Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning'

Elder Patrick Kearon

What can I say about today? I woke up hurting in my arms, hands, and knees. I am counting the days until my next cortisone injections.

James went over to the Applegate's this morning to see how Jimmie is doing on the grading in preparation for digging the footings for the basement floor. This is the only part of the project that will probably get done this winter. James has decided he is going to get a crew together and pour the concrete for the basement. We need the money, and he says he can save Applegate's some money. I told him not to sell himself too cheap.

While James was gone to the Applegate's, Chuck took our garbage to the dump. James still has the $20 I gave him to give to Chuck.

James also had a meeting with Ravi Gupta, via the phone, today. He says he thinks he has convinced Ravi that he knows what he is doing and that they can begin doing some work on the house starting in the New Year. 

I told James I was frustrated that we had these two "big" jobs and we were not making any money. Maybe that's what motivated him to have these two meetings.

James replaced a post today on his work on the railing, It was quite an endeavor, as the post was quite heavy. I always marvel at him and what he can accomplish. 

Sometimes my life sounds like a broken record, playing the same song over and over again. Today I did laundry, I blogged, and wrapped gifts for Joe, Paul, and Adam. I tripled the recipe for green bean casserole and sent the casserole to the church with James. I had asked him earlier if he minded if we didn't go to the party and he said that was fine. When he got home from delivering the green beans he was singing a different tune. He commented on the beautiful decorations, the people, and the delicious looking food, including chicken, brisket, and pulled pork. I told him he was making me feel guilty and reminded him that we had decided earlier not to go. I guess being there even for just a few minutes helped him to feel the Christmas spirit.

Tom and I watched the newest Hallmark movie this evening, "A Suite Holiday Romance," starring Jesse Schram. I'm usually not a fan of hers but I actually liked her in this movie.

Snowflake Temple

Oksana and Stefani

Friday, December 12th, 2025: Marvin Johnson passed away this morning, James & I have a serious talk about our future on the way to town, return corsett, Wlmrt, Taco Bell, Tractor Sply, Razr, bad news, Scott Tibbetts, chipped tooth

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:1-22

Commentary

857-58

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 2

I can trust in the Lord, even when I do not have a perfect understanding.

October General Conference

'The Lord Is Hastening His Work'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

Marvin Johnson passed away this morning. He was 88 years old. Paul shared this on our family Facebook thread:'

Dad was mostly unresponsive yesterday until my mom played Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, and Richie Valens. They used to love to dance to La Bamba and he lit up. He also gave her a tender kiss.

Marvin was totally devoted to his family and the Gospel. He took Mary wherever she needed to go, as she doesn't drive. He worked for her in her salon and did just about anything and everything she wanted. He had a strong testimony of the Savior and was a wonderful dad and grandpa and disciple of Jesus Christ. His mission will continue in the Spirit World where loved ones will be there to meet him.

James and I had a talk about our current situation and our future. I told him what my concerns are and what I see happening and things that we need to prepare for. I am concerned that there is so much upkeep at the cabin and we just can't do it all. I am concerned about cashflow and that James still has to work. Before we decide if we are going to sell the cabin, we need to talk to Kim and Brian and see what their plans are. There are just so many things up in the air. I feel very unsettled right now.

We made a trip to town to return my Amazon package, the corset I ordered that is way too small, and to get a pole for James's work on the deck. James stood in line at UPS to return my package. There were 8 people ahead of him. In the meantime, I walked over to Walmart. My main reason for coming to Walmart was to get a couple of bags of my favorite salad, sunflower, bacon, and cabbage with delicious, sweet onion dressing. There were only two bags left and I took both of them. I picked up several other items and James came in and picked up a prescription and met me at the front registers. 

On our way home we stopped at Taco Bell. I really wanted to go to Persnikkity's, but didn't want to spend that much money so Taco Bell it is. I got a taco supreme, and James got a chicken quesadilla. I ate my taco and took a bite of his quesadilla while he went into Tractor Supply for horse feed and a pole. He said it took longer than expected because most of the poles were crooked and he had to find a straight one. 

The weather is unseasonably warm and beautiful for this time of year. The high was around 60 with lots of sunshine and no wind. Although we need more moisture, we are certainly enjoying this sunshine.

James called Erik this evening to ask him about the Razr. He said that before he can put the engine in there is a piece of aluminum to be welded. None of the welders that he knows want to deal with aluminum, so he is at a stalmate. I wish he would have called us. I am ready to give up, send the engine back, and get out $2500 refund. James says no, he is going to call Willy and see if he knows anyone that welds aluminum. So be it. It's been three years, and I am giving up. 

I wrapped three gifts, Dallin's, Jared Ammon's, and Stacy's. I also watched the Friday night series, "12 Dates Before Christmas," and walked 10,000 steps for the first time in December.

I chipped one of my back teeth or at least knocked out a filling. It was probably those Jordan almonds I got at Bunco. Darn!

Time for bed. Tom sleeps with us tonight.

"Our adulation, appreciation, and worship should be centered on the Savior of the world and His atoning sacrifice."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:10

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

Autumn Reeser and Niall Mater

Thursday, December 11th, 2025: James's early trip to town, Inklings, caught up on my blog! wrapped 3 presents, meatballs for Bunco, Bunco at Stefani's, love her decorations!

 

Savai'i, Samoa

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

Commentary

855-56

Come Follow Me

Official Declaration 1

The work of God must move forward.

October General Conference

'Simplicity in Christ'

Elder Michael Cziesla

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

Inklings

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

James left for town around 6:30 this morning after family prayer. '

He is going into town to get a sledgehammer and some antifreeze, and he is also getting me Icebreakers and Mento gum.

I listened to Inklings this morning with Emily and Shima. It was about being peacemakers and they each told a personal story. They both were so good. Emily says when dealing with people who believe differently than we do we, number one, leave our differences at the door, and two, try to learn something from them. I like this way of thinking.

I wrapped three gifts today, Lola's, Joshua's, and Michael's. I also blogged for yesterday, which means I am all caught up. It is a good feeling. I hope it lasts!

I made James some lunch before he left for a service project this afternoon.  He took his Cat and helped T-Bo, Brother Stevens, Brother Sandoval, and the two missionaries, clean out "junk" from someone's backyard. These people are not members of our ward. It is someone that Amy Reynolds works for. James said that without the Cat it would have taken hours to finish. 

Brother Sandoval, who is the elder's quorum president, issued James a new calling today. He is going to be one of the two elder's quorum instructors and will teach the same week that I do. Now that is a tender mercy!

Tonight is Bunco and I am assigned to bring food. I got some chicken meatballs at Costco. I heated them up and James and I had a couple for lunch they are good, but not good enough for Bunco. I took the frozen bag of meatballs I bought at Walmart and stuck them in the crockpot. I got a recipe for garlic honey meatballs off the internet. It only has five ingredients, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic. I pour the sauce over the meatballs and set the temperature on low. They should be ready around 5:30, just a few minutes before I need to leave.

When I walked into the kitchen from the bedroom after getting ready to go, James said to me: "The sisters are going to love these meatballs!" I hope he's right.

When I arrived at Stefani's she came out and carried in my crockpot full of meatballs. I love her red front door and tell her so. I have a new appreciation for Stefani's artistic/decorating abilities. Her house looked beautiful, including the $75 tree she got at Goodwill. It was decorated in gold and white bulbs, white lights, and a giant bow with ribbons artfully hanging down the tree. Also love her cute little dog Max. 

My Bunco friends are the best. I guess we were supposed to wear Christmas sweaters, but I missed the memo.  All of our group was here except Lynn who was at a wedding in the valley. Her sister, Maddie, took her place. 

After eating I suggested we take a picture in front of the tree. Alicia called Colter to come and take the picture for us. Here it is:

Left to right:

Tina Allen, Janna Grombach, 

Donna Beckham (back), Alicia Hunsaker,

Becky Skousen (back), me, Maddie Sedig (back),

Stefani Hunsaker, Amy Reynolds (back),

Cheryl Sedig, Lynda Finnell, Oksana

and Max, the dog.

Some things about tonight: We had two different kinds of meatballs, it was Donna Beckham's 72nd birthday, I got three Buncos and got a gift for getting the last Bunco. For my gift I go a mini-frother, a Christmas mug, chocolate -peppermint hot cocoa, and several candy bars all given by Tina Allen. Thank you Tina, especially for the frother!

Three of the sisters gave Christmas gifts. From Alicia Hunsaker we got "firecrackers", saltine crackers with peppers, from Oksana a fabric casserole dish carrier, and from Stefani a festive potholder and dish towel. Thank you for the gifts!

It was a fun night. I always think I want to quit Bunco until I interact with my friends and then I am so glad I am a part of this group.

The Bunco men now have a texting thread. Everyone was invited to go out to dinner. I think they went to the El Charro in Pinetop. James didn't go although he was invited.

"Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:9

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Gingerbread party

Max and Vader

Joe and Joshua

Joe, Joshua, Vader, Max

Michael, Sophie, Joe, Joshua

Kim's house. I love the shingles, actually

I love the entire house!

Mrs. & Mr. Christmas

Michael and Joe

Love these two!!

Michael looks like Mario

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025: Articles of Faith, trip to Snowflake temple by myself, temple friends, Walmart, beautiful weather, talk to Kerri, James hits wellhouse with Cat, James stomachache

 

Osaka, Japan

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking

not announced.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:1-17

Commentary

Official Declaration 1, pages 853-54

Come Follow Me

Article of Faith 1:9; Official Declaration 1 & 2

The Church of Jesus Christ is guided by revelation

October General Conference

'The Eternal Gift of Testimony'

Elder Kevin G. Brown

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

James and I read all of the Articles of Faith for "Come Follow Me."

It brought back memories of Primary where we had to memorize the Articles of Faith to graduate from Primary. On the way to the temple I was listening to "Follow Him" where Brother Thom Reed, who is African American, did an Articles of Faith rap. Hank and John said it was the first rap on "Follow Him."

I went to the temple by myself. I wanted to go with James on Friday but there is a chance he may need to go to the valley on Friday. When I made my appointment for Wednesday, I asked James if he could go with me. He said he was getting further and further behind and he better not go.  Although I love going with James, I don't mind going by myself. This will be my 30th endowment session this year. It was a milestone session for me. As I looked at the calendar, I realized that today was the best day for me to go. 

Such a beautiful sunny day and I could see the mountains near Vernon clearly from the parking lot. My friend from Vernon, Shanna Penrod, was the sister temple worker in our session. I gave her a hug. A friend from high school, Charlie Patterson, was in the session. Brandon Crane, a service missionary from our ward, helped at the veil. After the session I saw my friend January Smith Stratton and spoke with her and gave her a hug. She asked if James was with me and I said he had come on Friday but today I was by myself. She told me how great I looked and said it was great to see me. 

I needed to stop at the Taylor Walmart to get some gum and Icebreakers and a few other items. I normally don't get my gum and Icebreakers until I check out. Today I forgot. I couldn't believe it when I realized what I had done. I decided I would stop at Maverick and pick them up. I stopped but they had no Mento gum and the wrong flavor of Icebreakers. I will just have to make do until I go to town again.

I did get a new pair of sweats and was happy when they fit. They are a size 4-6. I just gave a size 16 pair of jeans to Goodwill. To keep me humble, the corset I ordered from Amazon came today. It is a medium and way too small. I will have to return it. Do I need to order at extra large?

This afternoon I could hear James outside using the Cat in the backyard. He got rid of an ugly stump and scraped away some weeds. He came in later and asked me, "do you love me?" I told him that I did. He said, "I hit the roof of the wellhouse with the Cat and now I have to fix it." I asked him how this happened. He said he was thinking ahead of what he needed to do and wasn't paying attention. Hmmm, I've heard this story before.

I spoke with Kerri Halcomb on the phone this evening. I wanted to make sure everything went well when she took her mom to the senior care center in Mesa. She said she wasn't allowed to leave her until after 3 so she was still on the road, in Payson. She said her mom's roommate seemed nice. Catherine loves to visit so it's good she has a rommmate. Kerri was a little miffed because she said the cost was more than she originally thought. I'm not sure what she is going to do.

James had a terrible stomachache and went to bed early. He is blaming it on the turkey taco he ate so I doubt he will eat any more. 

I did reach two of my goals this year. Not only did I attend the temple 30 times, but I lost 30 lbs., and a little bit more. So, why am I so sad and almost in tears. Maybe I am allowing the wrong influence in my thoughts. I need an attitude adjustment.

"I know all this to be true and bear witness ... in the name of the most loyal and humble of all God's sons."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:5

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

These are the shirts the Bunco girls ordered

for their husbands. I ordered one too, but

not before telling James about the joke.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025: 28 but feels like 15? James's heat rub, Construction stop but no workers, Goodwill, Circle K, carwash, Walmart, Culver's, Halcomb's to see Catherine, beautiful, sunny day, blogged Sat & Sun, pd tithing, Marvin took a turn for the worse

 

Book of Mormon

Ether 7:1-27

Commentary

851-852

Come Follow Me

The Articles of Faith

The Articles of Faith contain foundational truths of the restored gospel.

October General Conference

'Humble Souls at Altars Kneel'

Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi

Lesson

"Lovest Thou Me?"

Elder Steven C. Barlow

What does it mean when it says the temperature is 28 but feels like 15? I don't get it.

James's neck and shoulders hurt from the work he did yesterday, I gave him a heat rub and then he put the heating pad on. Mornings are a struggle for both of us, especially for James if he's worked hard the day before. 

We left for town around 10 o'clock this morning. We took a load of clothes to Goodwill and our next item of business was to wash the car. We went to Circle K to get gas and to wash the car but the carwash was closed for repairs. James dropped me off at Walmart while he went back to the "big" carwash to wash the car. He got back to Walmart in time to pick up his blood pressure meds and to help me check out. 

On the way home we stopped at Culver's for lunch. I had my chicken cashew salad and James had the cod fillet meal with a side of cheese curds and coleslaw. Those cheese curds are good, and the coleslaw wasn't bad either.

Before going home we stopped at the Halcomb's to say goodbye to Catherine who is going down tomorrow to stay in a senior living home in Mesa, Brooksdale North.

Catherine seemed in good spirits today and talked about the home she was going to. Kerri was running around packing things in boxes. Catherine said her dog, the great Dane, knew something was going on and kept laying her head in Catherine's lap. Part of me is sad this is happening and part of me thinks she will get better care and it is for the best. I wanted to take Catherine's picture, but she had a bruise on her face and her hair was affright. I promised her that when I was in the valley I would come and visit her. 

Back at home I blogged Saturday and Sunday. I am so close to finally catching up! I paid our tithing and made an appointment to go to the temple tomorrow to do my 30th endowment session of the year. James says he won't be able to go with me.

I ordered heart-shaped ornaments for my Relief Society lesson and made a schedule for wrapping gifts. If I wrap two a day, I will be finished by the 18th. 

I am worried about finances right now. Although James has two jobs we have not seen any income from either job.

Marvin Johnson has taken a turn for the worse and Paul is asking for continued prayers.

I want my Razr for Christmas.

"Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with virtue. Virtue makes everything better and happier."

- President Russell M. Nelson, AGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:4

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Show Low Christmas

Light Parade

Chandler's traditional

tumbleweed Christmas tree