January 22, 26

 I have been working on transferring my banking from RBC to Scotiabank. When HSBC sold to RBC I was automatically changed to RBC but with Eric and Sheri, our financial planners now working with Scotia Wealth, I decided that it would be helpful for them and for me to be connected to the same banking institution. They have helped me make the change and my USD finally arrived into their accounts along with my other Canadian funds. I have a new SDB with them and I am feeling more settled. I have maintained a checking account with RBC to insure that everything is paid for that may come thru and I want to try to use my avion points with them. Always things needing to be done and taken care of. Without Tom I am on my own and having to take care of things we would have discussed together and he would have largely shouldered. I never feel alone though and I am certain he is supporting me with his prayers and love and at times input.

We had an atmospheric river system go thru and now we have had a lengthy cold spell with clear skies, which is a nice change, making for cool but sunny walks with the dog.

Our Tessy from Nigeria had a baby boy on New Years and I took dinner to their family. I went over to Bela’s townshouse to help her hang pictures. I took the flower arrangement, I had previously given her and recently redone for her, over with me. They have moved to Alberta but are maintaining their townhouse here. They will be back and forth. I have been baking and preparing for book club next week, the Mike Walker family one night stay, Jennifer’s visit just after the Walkers and then Tessy’s baby shower. We are planning an LOW training meeting for February, a Ministering Conference and then Cindy and I are going to fly to Lethbridge the end of February, beginning of March for a visit with Joanne and family and Jack. I am trying to keep everything straight and taking one step and one event at a time.

The children are all settling back into school and their activities. Cindy is working hard at her schooling and trying to keep up with her calling, her Temple service, her family and this week she agreed to substitute for two days. Needless to say I am not hearing from her as much but that is okay. I am praying for everyone.

January, 7 2026

 2026 has begun. This year will mark four years since Tom’s passing which is hard to comprehend. We celebrated family moments during those years, the children and I have traveled, we have had one family reunion, I have made some home and yard changes, served in several different callings, continue to serve in the Temple, added Kona to our family, along with three great grandsons Aksel, Hansen and Jaxon, one new granddaughter in law Monica, had two grandson’s return from missions - Jack and Bryson, bought a new car on my own, changed banks twice, conducted business affairs on my own and missed Tom at every step. I have felt peace and been carried in ways I never could have imagined. I acknowledge the Lord’s hand all along the way and Tom’s love ever present.

The lead up to Christmas was busy with baking, ward party, Bryson’s return from his mission, visit to see Jeff, flowers arriving, treats from neighbors and friends such as Frank and Donna, Liza’s family’s arrival on the 23rd, a visit to the Giving Machine and the Mill’s mall with the Burgess and Hardy family, shepherds’ dinner (made by Cindy) here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and family dinner here on Christmas Day. Breya had been skiing with friends and so arrived a few days later than her family but it was so great having them here. The Burgess family left on December 26 and we watched Bryson’s homecoming talk to on zoom December 28. Paul set Jack apart as a HP to serve on the YSA High Council in Lethbridge. I went to the movie Wicked and to eat at Wabi Sabi on New Years Eve with the Hardy family

and then I took Cindy, Paul and Jack out for dinner New Year’s Day. Sam was sick. We have had some sickness over the holidays. Jack is back to school in Lethbridge, Bryson is starting at BYU, Breya back at UofA, Sam and Jadyn continuing their schooling and Cindy taking a leave of absence from her work to complete her degree with BYUI. I am praying for everyone in their school, work, families and challenges.

Heartbreak entered into the holiday season as well. The Carlton’s lost another little girl, Molly, while visiting in Arizona, in similar fashion to their older daughter Abi. She passed suddenly on Christmas Day. Rubie’s husband Jaram Arnold was killed in a snowmobile accident in Wyoming on New Year’s Day. They have four children. Elder Holland passed away a couple of days after Christmas. Our hearts are hurting and our prayers are with them.

Christmas has been put away, two birthdays celebrated and we begin anew. I pray for my family and for those who are hurting. Life is a challenge but the Lord is always there to lift and sometimes carry.