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It is in very tiny font: Older Posts} Week ofJANUARY 5-11, 2026...
On this blog I share with family and friends my daily thoughts, doings, what interests me, and--at times--tributes to my eternal sweetheart, Walt, who graduated to heaven on 8-21-2020.
On this blog I share with family and friends my daily thoughts, doings, what interests me, and--at times--tributes to my eternal sweetheart, Walt, who graduated to heaven on 8-21-2020.
Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen, their spouses, our 39 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and posterity to come.
Day Length - 9:21:43Happy 2026May we all feel more KICKS
in 2026...
Dedicated to our seven children--Janie, Gary, Steve, David, Julie, Brian, Jen, their spouses, our 39 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and posterity to come.
May we all feel more KICKS
in 2026...
THIS WEEK-
THIS WEEK-
JANUARY 5-11, 2026
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
Family is Everything... Sunrise: 7: a.m. Sunset: 5: p.m.
Thank you to our cleaning gals...SONIA AND TINA
Podiatrist day...
Dr. Scott Rogers
Sharon drove me to Home Goodsto get a prize for Bunco
Kimble & Maddie are herefrom Hawaii...
He has been in theCoast Guard for 7 years now.
Their baby girl is dueApril 2.
Maddie's family is flying herefrom New Jersey tomorrow.Tuesday, her birthday
When John told RiggyKimble was here,he came rushing in...
...to give his hero cousina big hug.
*** *** *************************** *** *** *** *** *** ***
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
Family is Everything…Day of the Three Kings
Also known as Epiphany
During the 9 1/2 years on ourfour missions together in Mexico,Central and South America,we knew it as:
Walt first learned about it during his 2 1/2 years serving in theUruguay-Paraguay Mission as a youngman Aug 1954 to Mar 1957.
Photo that same day -August 17, 1954 when he receivedhis endowment at the Salt Lake Temple with histwo grandmothers who wentthrough the temple with him.Left: Mary Carlson Petersen,age 72 {Oct 1881- Sep 1972}and Maria Smith Prescottage 72 {Dec 1882- Sep 1970}Walt's Dad & Mom alsowent through the templewith him.
Photo--Year before mission - Walt a sophomore at Boise Jr. College by his home in Wendell with Grama Rie, age 71. Dale, his brother, Dale, was a freshman at Wendell High School.
Three Kings’ Day Celebration: History And Traditions Behind ‘El Día De Los Reyes’
By Carolina Moreno Santa Claus may have gone back to the North Pole to rest, but it doesn’t mean the gift-giving (and receiving) is over — at least not for the thousands of children in Latin America and Spain anxiously awaiting “El Día de los Reyes” Celebration on January 6th.
For many Christians, the holiday season doesn’t officially end until the 12th day of Christmas known as the
“Feast of the Epiphany” or
“Three Kings’ Day”
The holiday marks the biblical adoration of baby Jesus by the three Kings, also referred to as three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the men found the divine child by following a star across the desert for twelve days to Bethlehem. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar — representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa respectively — travelled by horse, camel, and elephant in order to present baby Jesus with three symbolic gifts.
The gold offered by one of the wise men is a symbolic acknowledgment of Jesus’ royal standing as “King of the Jews,” while the frankincense manifests the divine nature of the baby’s existence, since he is not an earthly king but the Son of God. And finally the myrrh, often used to embalm the dead, was gifted to the newborn as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality — foreshadowing his death as a means to cleanse humanity of its sins.
Reyes festivities come in different shapes and sizes across the globe from community parades to three-day celebrations at Disneyland. In Mexico, thousands gather every year to taste a mile-long “Rosca de Reyes” (Kings’ Bread) while others simply make the holiday staple at home honoring the tradition to hide a tiny baby Jesus figurine within the bread — the person whose slice has the figurine must prepare tamales for everyone on the Day of the Candles on Feb. 2.
(End of this article, the following two paragraphs are more information.)
Rosca de Reyes or King's Cake
During Día de Los Reyes, Mexicans serve Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. “Rosca” means wreath and “reyes” means kings. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside which represents baby Jesus. The doll figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Traditionally roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria on February 2.
Children in Latin America and Spain receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas. Before going to bed, the
children place their old shoes with a wish list on top for the Three Kings. In the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.
***
"Where
and how should we begin this search for Jesus?The formula for finding Jesus has always been and ever will be the same—the earnest and sincere prayer
of a
humble and pure heart. The Lord told the prophet Jeremiah,
History And Traditions Behind ‘El Día De Los Reyes’
By Carolina Moreno Santa Claus may have gone back to the North Pole to rest, but it doesn’t mean the gift-giving (and receiving) is over — at least not for the thousands of children in Latin America and Spain anxiously awaiting “El Día de los Reyes” Celebration on January 6th.
For many Christians, the holiday season doesn’t officially end until the 12th day of Christmas known as the
“Feast of the Epiphany” or
“Three Kings’ Day”
The holiday marks the biblical adoration of baby Jesus by the three Kings, also referred to as three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the men found the divine child by following a star across the desert for twelve days to Bethlehem. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar — representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa respectively — travelled by horse, camel, and elephant in order to present baby Jesus with three symbolic gifts.
The gold offered by one of the wise men is a symbolic acknowledgment of Jesus’ royal standing as “King of the Jews,” while the frankincense manifests the divine nature of the baby’s existence, since he is not an earthly king but the Son of God. And finally the myrrh, often used to embalm the dead, was gifted to the newborn as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality — foreshadowing his death as a means to cleanse humanity of its sins.
Reyes festivities come in different shapes and sizes across the globe from community parades to three-day celebrations at Disneyland. In Mexico, thousands gather every year to taste a mile-long “Rosca de Reyes” (Kings’ Bread) while others simply make the holiday staple at home honoring the tradition to hide a tiny baby Jesus figurine within the bread — the person whose slice has the figurine must prepare tamales for everyone on the Day of the Candles on Feb. 2.
(End of this article, the following two paragraphs are more information.)
Rosca de Reyes or King's Cake
During Día de Los Reyes, Mexicans serve Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake. “Rosca” means wreath and “reyes” means kings. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and has a small doll inside which represents baby Jesus. The doll figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod’s troops. Traditionally roscas are adorned with dried and candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels that a crown would have. The person who gets the slice with the doll must host a party on Día de la Candelaria on February 2.
Children in Latin America and Spain receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas. Before going to bed, the
children place their old shoes with a wish list on top for the Three Kings. In the morning, the shoes are filled with toys and gifts from the Three Kings.
***
"Where and how should we begin this search for Jesus?The formula for finding Jesus has always been and ever will be the same—the earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart. The Lord told the prophet Jeremiah,
“Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).
And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures?
They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves:
“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34)."--President Monson
*** *** ***
*** ***
*** *** *** *** *** Our Tuesday night movie was: 
Moana 2 - from 2024Released in November
Budget $150 million Box office $1.059 billion
I forgot to take a photo of us.This is from the last movie night we had on Dec. 16.
Thanks for coming, Gary.I always enjoy our movie nights.*** *** *** *** ****** *** *****WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
*** *** ***
| Budget | $150 million |
|---|---|
| Box office | $1.059 billion |
Family is
Everything… January - Hope you have a wonderful,
fantastic birthday!
Happy Birthday today, Maddie...
...baby girl due April 2.
Kimble & Maddie got to be in Utah...
so great to be with them!
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Lunch Bunch was at
Avenue Bakery
SORTING DUPLICATES
12 COULD COME...
Sheri, Diane's daughter
Still receiving
Christmas gifts...
Natalie came to cut my hair today...
Thank you so much.
She told me it is Maddie's
birthday today.
Bunco tonight at Diane's...
Still sorting the
duplicate photos.
at Diane's
Bunco
Diane with her daughter
Diane's birthday...
**
*** *** *** *** ***
Diane's birthday...
THURSDAY,
JANUARY 8, 2026
Family is
Everything…
*** *** ***
"Jesus
alone bore his responsibility as the Son of God—
the
Only Begotten Son of the Father (see John 1:14, 18; 3:16).
Jesus was literally “the Son of the Highest”
(Luke 1:32, 35).
In
more than a dozen verses of scripture, the solemn word of
God
the Father bears testimony that Jesus was truly his Beloved Son.
That
solemn testimony was often coupled with God’s pleading for
mankind
to hear and obey the voice of his revered Son
(see
Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35;
2
Peter 1:17; 2 Nephi 31:11; 3 Nephi 11:7; 21:20; D&C 93:15;
Moses
4:2; JS–H 1:17). Through the condescension of God,
that
most unlikely prophecy of Isaiah had become reality."
President
Nelson
*** *** ***
FRIDAY,
JANUARY 9, 2026
"Jesus
alone bore his responsibility as the Son of God—
the
Only Begotten Son of the Father (see John 1:14, 18; 3:16).
Jesus was literally “the Son of the Highest”
(Luke 1:32, 35).
In
more than a dozen verses of scripture, the solemn word of
God
the Father bears testimony that Jesus was truly his Beloved Son.
That
solemn testimony was often coupled with God’s pleading for
mankind
to hear and obey the voice of his revered Son
(see
Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35;
2
Peter 1:17; 2 Nephi 31:11; 3 Nephi 11:7; 21:20; D&C 93:15;
Moses
4:2; JS–H 1:17). Through the condescension of God,
that
most unlikely prophecy of Isaiah had become reality."
President
Nelson
JANUARY 9, 2026
Family is
Everything…
The announcement we've
been waiting to see for a long time...
Church Newsroom...
Just announced: Jan 9, 2026:
“Prophet and President
Dallin H. Oaks
of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints will dedicate
the Burley Idaho Temple on
Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The dedication ceremony
will take place at 10 a.m. MST
and will be broadcast to all
congregations [of the 8 Stakes]
within the temple district.”
*** *** ***Stakes
Burley
Burley West
Burley Central
Oakley
Declo
Rupert Rupert West
Paul
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Condolences to our
Prescott cousin,
Linda Jensen Prescott
on the passing of
her father.
Burke Jensen Obituary - Father of Linda Jensen Prescott
Richard Burke Jensen passed away peacefully, surrounded by
loved ones, on January 2, 2026, at the age of 97...
His full obituary lists many great
things about him...he retired as a
Colonel in the Air Force...
This part is also
a record of Ed & Linda
Prescott's posterity:
...Burke is survived by his loving daughter Linda Joyce
(Ed)
Prescott; six cherished grandchildren: Rachelle (Tyler) Price, Kristin (Chris)
Gritton, Nathan (Alyssa) Prescott, Brian (Allie) Prescott, David (Jordan)
Prescott and Chris Jensen, daughter-in-law Barbara Dalley (Buck). 21
adored Great- Grandchildren: Aubrey (Jackson) Clark, Andrew, Katelyn, Megan,
and Matthew Price, Joshua, Samantha, Jacob and Michael Gritton, Bentley,
Paxton, Sawyer, Indi, and Kai Prescott, Lincoln, Lilly, and Louie Prescott,
Burke, Nora, Millie and Wells Prescott and one great-great-grandchild expected
in March. He is now joyfully reunited with his beloved wife Joyce; his son
David (Barbara); his infant children; his parents; and his siblings.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at
11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 350 E. 2950 N.,
Provo, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:15 to
10:45 am. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the American Fork City
Cemetery.
The
family has asked that in lieu of flowers you share a chocolate milk shake with
a loved one in his honor.
What a unique and fun "in lieu of
flowers" that everyone can do with
a friend with gladness and not much
expense!
*** *** ***
I was having a leisurely
morning, looking at the
snow as I worked
on my blog...
...then I looked in my
planner at 11:05 -- the day's
schedule showed:
"11:20 A.M.
DENTAL APPOINTMENT"
...I was still in
Declo
Burke Jensen Obituary - Father of Linda Jensen Prescott
Richard Burke Jensen passed away peacefully, surrounded by
loved ones, on January 2, 2026, at the age of 97...
...Burke is survived by his loving daughter Linda Joyce
(Ed)
Prescott; six cherished grandchildren: Rachelle (Tyler) Price, Kristin (Chris)
Gritton, Nathan (Alyssa) Prescott, Brian (Allie) Prescott, David (Jordan)
Prescott and Chris Jensen, daughter-in-law Barbara Dalley (Buck). 21
adored Great- Grandchildren: Aubrey (Jackson) Clark, Andrew, Katelyn, Megan,
and Matthew Price, Joshua, Samantha, Jacob and Michael Gritton, Bentley,
Paxton, Sawyer, Indi, and Kai Prescott, Lincoln, Lilly, and Louie Prescott,
Burke, Nora, Millie and Wells Prescott and one great-great-grandchild expected
in March. He is now joyfully reunited with his beloved wife Joyce; his son
David (Barbara); his infant children; his parents; and his siblings.
What a unique and fun "in lieu of
flowers" that everyone can do with
a friend with gladness and not much
expense!
*** *** ***
I was having a leisurely
morning, looking at the
snow as I worked
on my blog...
...then I looked in my
planner at 11:05 -- the day's
schedule showed:
"11:20 A.M.
DENTAL APPOINTMENT"
...I was still in
my pajamas!
That's the fastest I've gotten
dressed in ages.
They let me come 19 minutes late.
Tiffany cleaned my teeth.
Dr. Brian Greenwood
checked my teeth.
She scheduled me for
next July 17, 12:10 noon.
Kristi took the payment...
I'm so thankful they let me come.
The snow is lovely...
and luckily not on the roads.
SATURDAY,
JANUARY 10, 2026
Family is
Everything…
Sunrise - 7:50 a.m.
Sunset - 5:21 P.M.
JAN 10 -
Happy Birthday
Abbey - "26"
*** *** ***
I love
how gently this
portrays
the choices of our
Heavenly
Father's children,
as
well as how inspiring it is
for
those who choose to have
more
courage, take risks,
be
humble and fight for
an
increase of freedom,
and save God's children.”
Here is an " AMAZING quote from Joseph Smith with me this morning about
the SPIRIT WORLD!! — Why did we come to this earth, and not a different earth?
What did we risk to come to the Earth that we did? Ithe purpose of this earth
to create Gods, devils, and the servants of both? 
"We said to him [Joseph Smith]; 'what about the
creation of the world; how was it inhabited?' Joseph answered and said; 'I will
tell you how it was. You and I were in the spirit world at the grand council,
and there we were spirits together. We saw and heard that council, and heard
them talk of formation of the world and we were among those when the morning
stars sang together and when the sons of God shouted for joy. We were among
those who had more courage than others and therefore we came down here and took
bodies. Some who did not have the courage said, 'Father, we have fought Satan
face to face here in the spirit world and helped to cast him down there and now
to go down and fight him again face to face, we are afraid we shall never
return to thy presence and would prefer a less degree of glory and go some
other of your creations where we are sure of -returning.' 'Yes, you and I had
more courage and came down here of our own agency and choice.'" (Anson
Call account, 'Reflections of John M. Whitaker B.Y.U. Lib. Call # Mar. M270.1
W58r)
#mormon #josephsmith #spiritworld #premortallife
SUNDAY,
JANUARY 11, 2026
Family is
Everything…
Rendezvousing with
David and his Julie,
and me to drive
to the...
Dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple
...where we rendezvoused with Jen
who had driven from Rexburg where
she had driven the day before--after
flying in from Rochester, Minnesota--
to take Josh to pick up Ben's car.
{When they drove it there in
December for Ben's Winter Semester
at BYU-Idaho, they did not know he
would be immobile for so long from
his foot surgery and be doing classes
on line.}
"It was a special privilege for my wife Kristen and me to be
in Burley, Idaho today as I officiated in the dedication of the Burley Idaho
Temple.
We are living in a glorious season of temple building. This
temple is our 212th dedicated temple worldwide. More than 150 other temples are
in design or under construction.
Temples are essential to our Heavenly Father’s plan for His
children. In these houses of the Lord, we are taught the most important things
we can learn and do in mortality.
The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts
will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of
their standing in holy places, and not being moved. Surely the times ahead will
call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings
promised to us.
I rejoice with you in the dedication of this Burley Temple.
The temple is the House of the Lord, a House built for the
sacred work of the Lord God of Israel, our Savior and our Redeemer, to prepare
us for exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."
The three Senior Church leaders who
accompanied President & Sister Oaks
to Burley for the dedication of the Temple
were: ...
President Oaks was joined at the dedicatory service
in Burley by his wife, Kristen, and several Church
leaders: Elder Steven R. Bangerter, Executive
Director of the Temple Department, and his wife,
Susan; Elder José A. Teixeira, United States
Central Area President, and his wife, Filomena;
and Elder K. Brett Nattress, General Authority
Seventy, and his wife, Shawna. 
*** *** ***
David and his Julie picked me
up in Saratoga Springs at
5:50 a.m. and we headed to Burley--a 3-
hour drive. We passed the "barn" at
7:30, which is exactly 100 miles from
Burley.
We headed home at 11:40 a.m...
with a stop at Snowville
for gas...
where Jen had also stopped
on her way to the
Salt Lake Airport for
her 5pm flight back
to Minnesota.
I texted to see if she
wanted to have a stop-over
at her favorite Rattlesnake Pass--
which she thinks they would
name that if anyone wanted
to bury treasure there,
because no one would
ever go to a place
named for Rattlesnakes!
...we arrived at
David & Julie's home
in Draper at 2:40.
David & Julie had prepared a delicious
Sunday dinner to be eaten at 5;00 after
a special stake meeting with Will.
David & Julie had gone with Will to a
4:00 meeting for "Hope of Israel" which
is their stakes replacement for Trek.
Will represents their ward on the youth
stake committee for this.
David & Julie had prepared a delicious
Sunday dinner of shredded beef on a
special bun, with fresh fruit of grapes,
strawberries, and pineapple, along
with a lettuce salad that had fruit in it.
I chose Lays potato chips for the
crunchy side.
Josh, Anna, Spencer, and Sam had set
the table and gotten final preparations
done.
Dessert was
SATURDAY,
I love
how gently this
portrays
the choices of our
Heavenly
Father's children,
as
well as how inspiring it is
for
those who choose to have
more
courage, take risks,
be
humble and fight for
an
increase of freedom,
and save God's children.”
Here is an " AMAZING quote from Joseph Smith with me this morning about the SPIRIT WORLD!! — Why did we come to this earth, and not a different earth? What did we risk to come to the Earth that we did? Ithe purpose of this earth to create Gods, devils, and the servants of both? 
"We said to him [Joseph Smith]; 'what about the
creation of the world; how was it inhabited?' Joseph answered and said; 'I will
tell you how it was. You and I were in the spirit world at the grand council,
and there we were spirits together. We saw and heard that council, and heard
them talk of formation of the world and we were among those when the morning
stars sang together and when the sons of God shouted for joy. We were among
those who had more courage than others and therefore we came down here and took
bodies. Some who did not have the courage said, 'Father, we have fought Satan
face to face here in the spirit world and helped to cast him down there and now
to go down and fight him again face to face, we are afraid we shall never
return to thy presence and would prefer a less degree of glory and go some
other of your creations where we are sure of -returning.' 'Yes, you and I had
more courage and came down here of our own agency and choice.'" (Anson
Call account, 'Reflections of John M. Whitaker B.Y.U. Lib. Call # Mar. M270.1
W58r)
#mormon #josephsmith #spiritworld #premortallife
"It was a special privilege for my wife Kristen and me to be
in Burley, Idaho today as I officiated in the dedication of the Burley Idaho
Temple.
We are living in a glorious season of temple building. This
temple is our 212th dedicated temple worldwide. More than 150 other temples are
in design or under construction.
Temples are essential to our Heavenly Father’s plan for His
children. In these houses of the Lord, we are taught the most important things
we can learn and do in mortality.
The scriptures speak of perilous times, when men’s hearts
will fail them. They also speak of worthy disciples escaping these things, of
their standing in holy places, and not being moved. Surely the times ahead will
call for us to remember our temple covenants and to rely on the blessings
promised to us.
I rejoice with you in the dedication of this Burley Temple.
The temple is the House of the Lord, a House built for the
sacred work of the Lord God of Israel, our Savior and our Redeemer, to prepare
us for exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."
Great Plan operational.
At the end of this January 11th, 2025I pray you have had a restful, peaceful, and spiritual Sabbath Day...
I share these truths as my testimony to you...
Heavenly Father lives and knows us each by name. He loves us and wants us to return to Him and Heavenly Mother when we leave this mortal existence. He loves us just as we are at this very moment.
*** *** ***
Jesus Christ came to earth as The Only Begotten of the Father and fulfilled the Atonement. He is the Redeemer of all.
“An omnicompetent God leaves all mortals free to choose, but how grateful we should be that God chose long, long ago to rescue and to resurrect all His children through the Atonement of His Son. Nevertheless, some reject and many are indifferent to these and other divine beckonings, mostly because they are too caught up in the cares of the world. They are strangers to the Savior, who is far from the thoughts and intents of their hearts.”Neal A Maxwell
How Choice a Seer!
Revelation 19:16: -- "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS".
*** *** ****** *** ***I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as the third member of the Godhead. Walt said to me once: "I look forward to thanking the Holy Ghost in person when I get to Heaven. I don't think we give Him enough credit for all He does."
*** *** *** *** ***
Joseph Smith was foreordained to be the Prophet of the Restoration. He is the Restorer of all things.*** *** ***President Dallin H. Oaks is the Living Prophet today for all the world. 
*** *** *** *** *** ***
The Bible is "the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly" and is a Testament of the Divinity of Jesus Christ.*** *** ***The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most correct book of any book on earth.*** *** ***The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the True Church on the earth today. Because of the restored Priesthood Temple Ordinances families can be sealed for eternity.
PRIESTHOODAARONIC AND MELCHIZEDEK
*** *** *** *** ***
*** *** ***Of these truths I testify in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.Eileen PetersenJanuary 11, 2026
I pray you have had a restful, peaceful, and spiritual Sabbath Day...
I share these truths as my testimony to you...
Neal A Maxwell
How Choice a Seer!
