All week, I was wondering what picture I would use to start the blog today, leaning towards the beautiful Fall tree just across the street (because I am so obsessed with the changing colors on the leaves now), but then I woke up this morning to the news that President Nelson had passed away, and the horrible and tragic shooting at an LDS church builidng in Michigan, I felt like this would be more appropriate.  

 Recently, it seems that each day our faith is tested in some way.  We've experienced health issues, struggles within family relationships, financial worries - I could go on and on.  I don't know that times will get any easier - it is the society we live in now, but I do know that we can not only survive, but we can thrive through these challenges if we renew and strengthen our faith in Christ.  

Steve and Terri Jenkins, our good friends from Japan, have been serving as senior missionaries to the Air Force Cadets here in Colorado Springs.  They recently requested a change to their mission assignment so they could help their daughter, Christina, who lives in Oklahoma.  I think Christina is maybe around Kate's age, but her husband was just diagnosed with a malignant tumor located on the back of his heart. They left their four children at home with Steve and Terri and are currently receiving medical care at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I am sharing this only because Christina has written some very poignant thoughts about faith that I think we can all learn from. 

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared an experience about receiving a blessing from President Nelson before undergoing surgery. Elder Holland said, "I was moved to tears under his hands. That is what came through. It was not Dr. Nelson who would have known anything and everything about whatever was going on with a few bones and joints . . .it was Prophet, Seer, and Revelator Nelson.  The language of that blessing wasn't a medical opinion.  It was faith." 

Christina went on to say, "that pierced me- that contrast. Depending on medical opinions or focusing on faith.  That is the choice that makes the difference between enduring and being refined by this process or buckling under fear and crumbling in despair.  We know that God didn't give RJ this cancer, but in His loving wisdom, He gave us His Son to provide the way for dealing with it, whatever the outcome may be.  It's how we are still feeling peace and joy in the midst of this terrible storm, not knowing when or how it will end".  

Maybe this is why "Faith in Every Footstep" is one of my favorite hymns. I know this is something I am trying to work on, and I would encourage all of us to find hope and peace through our Savior.  One of the things that President Nelson asked us to do was to pray more often - so let's do that!  Let's all look for some rays of sunshine this week ❤ 🌞!

THANKS to these beautiful ladies who stopped by to visit this week.  We love seeing you! 

Sammi brought me some beautiful Hydrangeas!  LET ME KNOW WHEN ANY OF YOU ARE FREE FOR LUNCH 😀

  

THE PATIENT IS DOING BETTER!

  Dad is doing great. In fact, the physical therapist who comes to the house said h

e was exceeding all expectations and has a greater range of motion than most patients in this phase of recovery.  There is not a lot he can do since the surgery was on his right shoulder, but he's being a trooper.  My next hurdle is talking him into letting me shave his face.  He is pretty furry right now 😳.

 The other night we were watching TV together and he was so sweet and asked if I wanted to watch an episode of Call the Midwife.  I didn't want to turn that down, but after the show was over, I told him he could watch something else, but instead left it on Sister Monica Joan and her cohorts, and we ended up watching two more episodes.  Guess who also has now become a BIG fan of Call the Midwife. 

I think one of the reasons we like the show so much is because it brings back memories - the first couple of seasons, there was a nurse who reminded me so much of my Mom, and in the later episodes, they deal with polio, thalidomide, which caused babies to be born with deformities, and the measles epidemic.  I can vividly remember when those were the headlines of the day.

TO CHICAGO    

Because of Dad's surgery, we were not able to make it to our Hans Zimmer concert in Chicago.  Kate and Jonathan went in our place and had a great visit with Kim, Chris, and family.  Kate took family photos for them, and Sayre got to visit the Lego store (his Heaven on Earth).  Kate said the concert was good but LOUD - 

Why do concerts have to be soooo loud now? (or am I just getting old???)

  So sorry we missed Hans Zimmer, but looking forward now to March when Phantom of the Opera will be in Denver❤

BEING A SENIOR (in high school) is hard work! There is always an abundance of activities, classes, and credits to keep up with, and then, of course, looking forward to graduation.  

This week, Blythe participated in Maine South's Powder Puff game.

I don't know when I've seen someone so cute with black smudges all over their face.

SIBLING NEWS ~

Shannon had a couple of rough days this past week, and Dad got a phone call from PACE that she would not be able to stay at Lark Springs.  We are not quite sure what that means, but I will keep you all updated when we know more. 

Jenny sent a message to us on Friday, saying that Francie is declining - sleeping a lot during the day and not eating well. Ruthie is going this week for a visit, and I'm hoping Dad and I can go for a week in late October or early November.  I will keep you all updated on news from California.  

THANK YOU, CHRIS, KIM, AND BLYTHE, for the Sunday Selfie!  

You make my heart happy! 😊

I love our family so much!  I think of each of you every day and you are always in my prayers.  Have a safe and joyful week ❤

 

 Another beautiful Fall week in   Colorado - lots of sun, cooler temps,   and an occasional raindrop - just enough to keep the grass green and my flowers alive. 

 It has been a busy week, and I am so grateful for a Sunday, a day of a little bit of rest.  This just might be the reason why the blog is a little late today 😊. 

We had our Primary Program today, and our kids were so great!  They said the opening and closing prayers in Sacrament Meeting and led the music.  I loved the songs we sang and love my class.  One of my little girls gave me this note after class. (her Mom said she loves to write notes)  ❤

I think it has been a busy week for everyone - Lily and Hollie participated in their high school  homecoming celebrations - Lily at Palmer Ridge, and Hollie at Fountain-Ft Carson High School.

Such beautiful girls and I love them so,so, so much!!!😍

WATCH OUT COLORADO . . . Hollie has her driving permit!

I am 100% confident that she will be an amazing driver (I learned this in my Statistics class 😊)

North Liberty, Iowa, finds Kate and Jonathan busy with work and Sayre being a fantastic 2nd grader!  Tonight, he wanted eggs for dinner, so he prepared them himself.  

  AND we have ANOTHER Goal Keeper in the making - Sayre is following in the steps of Adam and Jake, defending their goal ⚽ - 

 I know Adams decided not to coach soccer this year because he and Cory have such a busy family with kids going in every direction, but I do miss those chilly Fall nights cheering for Liberty.  

Adam shared a sweet story with me this week that involved the Liberty Soccer Team.  Liberty's current Registrar, Courtney, has a son, David in 6th grade at Timberview (he happens to be in one of Cory's Math classes). David has been diagnosed with brain cancer, and his parents are currently at the stage where they are hoping he can be part of a trial test.  This past week, the Liberty Boys Soccer Team honored David by making him part of their team and included him in their game.  

Adam got to be there and took these photos.  It is always so heartwarming to hear of young people going out of their way to give someone less fortunate than they are a happy moment and reason to smile.

WAY TO GO LIBERTY BOY'S SOCCER TEAM! ❤❤❤

Kim and I made it through week #3 of our classes!  Only 4 more weeks to go!!!

Kim and Chris are doing their best to keep up with Blythe, Spencer, Grant, and Max. Blythe is busy with school, college applications, and preparing for Homecoming next weekend.  Grant is on the go with work and his college classes.  Spencer is looking for a new apartment in the City, which would be exciting for him, but he made it over to help Kim make banana bread this week.
Rumor has it that Max is going back to Chicago next week for a few days and then he might find his way to the Air Force Academy for a football game😃

GO AIR FORCE!

DAD is going to be as good as new, according to his doctor, after his surgery on Friday.  

 Everything went well, and he had the best nurses who took such good care of him.  He spent Friday night in the hospital, and I brought him home early Saturday afternoon.  They sent him home with oxygen because his levels were low, but they are much better today.  One of his nurses told us that the anesthesia is metabolized through the lungs, so it is not uncommon to have a low oxygen level after surgery. 

 Thanks so much to all of you who called multiple times to check on us 💖 

 And to those who stopped by for a visit.  Thanks so Adam and Chris for giving Dad a blessing before his surgery.  Thank you to Samantha (who looks so cute in her scrubs) who came over on Friday with her lunch, Eilis who stopped by to check on Sendai, and Paul, who was at the house when I got home from the hospital Friday night. You all are amazing! 

THINGS THAT MADE ME SMILE THIS WEEK 😁

THEN there was my favorite video of the week 😂

YESTERDAY, when I was on my way to pick up Dad from the hospital, I was listening to Sister Runia's talk from last April's General Conference.  I always love going back, rereading, or listening to them again because I find there are always things that I miss the first time around. These are just a couple of thoughts that I thought were so important - 

"It saddens me to admit this, but I used to measure my relationship with the Savior by how perfectly I was living. I thought an obedient life meant I would never need to repent. And when I made mistakes, which was every single day, I distanced myself, thinking, "He must be so disappointed in me."

"That's just not true."

"I've learned that if you wait until you're clean enough or perfect enough to go to the Savior, you've missed the whole point.  I testify that while God cares about our mistakes, He cares more about what happens after we make a mistake."

"In Alma's soliloquy,"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of my heart and cry repentance", he wasn't trying to shame us by pointing out our mistakes. He wanted to cry repentance so that you and I could avoid suffering in the world. One reason Alma hated sin is because it causes us pain.

"Your worth isn't tied to obedience. Your worth is constant; it never changes. It was given to you by God, and there's nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. Obedience brings blessings; that is true. But worth isn't one of them. Your worth is always "great in the sight of God"; no matter where your decsions have taken you."

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK AND REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED ❤

 

 The trees don't quite look like this yet, but we are getting closer.  Fall has certainly overtaken any thoughts that warm summer temperatures might return.  Our days have definitely become cooler, but they make for great dog-walking weather.

 Speaking of dogs . . . I took a really good walk with Sendai last Sunday, and of course, when we got back to the house, she made a direct escape out the back door (which she always does) to make sure she didn't miss anything going on over the back fence.  When she came back into the house, we noticed she was limping, so we checked her paws for cuts, thorns, or any other kind of scrapes or bruises, but couldn't find anything.  We were able to get her into the vet on Monday, and it turned out she just had a good sprain, so poor thing has been confined to the house - no walks, and no responding to or antagonizing the dogs on the other side of the fence.  She was prescribed medications to take through today and is doing much better. It's a good thing God made our pets with cute faces, otherwise, their mischief-making might land them in a heap of trouble. 

 Clementine told Kate she needed to go outside yesterday, and then didn't even make it out of the front yard before collapsing on the grass, refusing to go any further 😀.  It looks like she made herself super comfy in a very short time.

 

Ralphie keeps everyone in Chicago on their toes.  Apparently, he escaped from the backyard to the front of the house this week and was running races in the middle of the street!  And, it also looks like he loves Grant! (but then who wouldn't???)

    

 And then there are the Monument cats - Lily just sent me a new photo of Danno -  I love that Adam has resorted to putting bells on all of their cats to curb their enthusiasm for bringing mice into the house.🔔  The bells warn the mice to get out of harm's way before they become cat toys. 😳 WE DO LOVE OUR PET FRIENDS! ❤

📚Kim and I made it through week 2 of classes.  Only 5 more weeks to go!!! And I should also mention that Grant, Samantha, and Max are also busy with college classes (they are just so much younger and can still remember how to draw, add, and subtract 😃)

 This week, Dad and I took friends to the full-scale replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle.  It was fascinating, from the detail used on the fabric that created the tabernacle walls, to the specific features of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies.  

I realize how much I lack in my knowledge of the Old Testament, so I am looking forward to setting aside some time for extra reading. I'll keep you posted on what I learn! 😊. Oh, and by the way, we took our friends to our favorite Gelato shop afterwards. . . YUM!!! A scoop of chocolate hazelnut, and a scoop of almond cheesecake = a little bit of Heaven 🍨

Tuesday evening, the Deacons came over to pull weeds in our backyard.  I made a batch of cookies for them and they ate all of them except for three, which I left on a plate in the kitchen for Kevin.  (you know who made quick work of them, and it wasn't Kevin 🐕 😃

THANKS so much for the Sunday Selfies today ~ 

The background in Sayre's photo doesn't look real, but it really is real!

DOES THIS REMIND YOU OF ANYONE YOU MIGHT KNOW??? 

  Yep, it's a 2025 version of Adam, named Jake 😁. I love that he wants to be a goalie, just like his Dad.

AND, couldn't pass this one up -

Sayre is already getting ready for Halloween!  I am glad he's getting a head start because I love Halloween too ~

(You have to look carefully to find his cute face)

My video pick this week is actually a current one that Ben sent me - He is such a sweetie!

I'm guessing for everyone, this past week has been a struggle in one way or another.  I felt overwhelmed with my class, thinking about Dad and his surgery, the tragedy at UVU, and then a school shooting in Evergreen (just west of Denver).  I don't know how many times I have ended this blog with the words that "we need to have faith", "we need to trust in the Lord," "we all have hard days, weeks, sometimes years".  All of these things are true, but more than anything, I think, to get through the discouraging times, we need to pray. There is an indescribable peace that can come into our hearts when we pray.  That, I know.  I am so glad we are family!  That we can talk to each other, vent, cry, and laugh.  We may not always agree, but we love each other.  I am so thankful to have you as amazing sons, daughters, grandchildren, siblings, oh, and Kevin 😁 ❤  Love you

 Happy Labor Day and Happy September! 

 We had a really busy week, so it was nice to start off with a slower-paced Monday and do only what we wanted to do. 😀 

First of all, after all of our rain last week, it was so nice to have a week of sun and warmer weather.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I am so much more motivated to stay busy and get things done when the sun is out - even if it's cold outside, but still sunny, I'm good.  Maybe that comes from being a California (former) girl. 

I don't know why I feel the need to start with a weather report - but it reminds me of our time in Hawaii, and Sister Williamson, who was president of our Sunday School class (something they don't do anymore). She was elderly and came to Church each week wearing a giant, wide-brimmed straw hat, carrying a large bag of avocados.  At the beginning of our class, she would stand up and give us a weather report - high tide, low tide, wind speed, and surf conditions, and then she would pass around her bag of avocados for anyone who wanted some (grown in her backyard).   

 Monday afternoon, we spent some time with Shannon.  She doesn't try to say too much anymore, but likes to walk, so we walked around the facility and then outside. They have a lovely outdoor area for walking, so we took advantage of that.  After leaving Shannon, we drove over to see Angella, the girls, and Ben.  Angella had to go to Denver this week for work, and she had asked if we could pick up Ben from his bus stop after school.  Dad was on his own on Tuesday because I had a doctor's appointment, so we decided to do a "test run" so he would know where the bus stop was. It was a good thing we decided to do this, because I misunderstood Angella when she told me where the bus stop was, and I would have totally sent Dad to the wrong place! Yikes!! We all went over to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard and a short visit before heading home.  

 Paul went camping with his friends over the Labor Day weekend. He has the nicest group of friends, and it seems they are always doing fun things together. He reminds me a little of Adam when we lived in Okinawa. Most of his good friends were not members of the Church, but he was always a great example to them. 

 WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

 Thanks to the heroic actions of Lily and Samantha, the Monument branch of the family have a new kitten!  As Lily was telling me the story, I could just hear Adam's eyes roll 😳!  Apparently, Lily witnessed a man throwing the kitten out of a car and then driving off, so they rescued him and took him home. After much persuasion (which may have included tears and bribes) Cory and Adam said they could keep him.  Lily named him Danno (yes, after Hawaii 5-0).

Speaking of Lily . . . We got to take her to her soccer game Saturday morning, which was fun because it had been such a long time since we had seen her play.  She was amazing, and the weather was perfect for sitting outside.  After her game we came home and she took a nap while I worked in the yard, and then we went to Trader Joe's, and Costco to pick up a couple of things.  On the way home, we stopped at Circle K so she could get a blue Gatorade.  She and Adam have a tradition that before or after each of her games they stop and get a blue Gatorade.  Lily said it's her "good luck" charm as her team has won 9 games straight.  

 Kim and Chris found time for a date night on Friday ❤  Kim said they took Ralphie for a walk and then came home and fixed dinner.  They couldn't go anywhere because the kids had the cars!  Love it! 😁

 

 

I know by now everyone is settled into routines of school and work, and this is what I am hearing, "I'm hanging in there", "It's going great", "I can't wait for it to be over", "It's fun", "I love it" . . . JUST REMEMBER - every day is a gift - don't waste your time on things that have little value - stay busy with things that bring you joy and help you feel peace.  That being said, we must endure the hard times, and we all face challenges; however, we can know that with prayer, Heavenly Father will always be there to help us.  

I am taking a Statistics class this term, and I am not even sure what a lot of the words mean! I met with a tutor once and actually made it through the first week.  I know when I study hard, stay humble, read my scriptures, and pray, Heavenly Father helps me each day.  Additionally, I have an appointment to meet with a tutor tomorrow (BYU-I offers tutoring through Teams), have ordered Statistics for Dummies, and just found out today that my Relief Society President took and received an A in Statistics not too long ago, and has offered to help.  

Dad and I made it to the Temple on Friday morning.  The traffic wasn't bad, we saw good friends, and it is always a comfort to my soul to be there.  Still no word yet on a groundbreaking date for the Colorado Springs Temple, but hopefully it will be announced before the end of the year.

LOVE these two 7-year-olds!

 In Sayre's Primary class today, the kids built Temples. 

 And Ben just picked out some new glasses. 

🌻Kate, Jonathan, and Sayre visited a Sunflower Farm and came home

Yes, they are real!

with these - 

  

FINALLY, one of my favorite stories of the week ~

 Ben has a small Book of Mormon that is pretty tattered.  The pages look like they might have gotten wet at some point as the book is about twice the size that it should be.  However, he keeps it in his backpack and everyday on the school bus he has it open and "reads" from it.  It was so cute this week when we picked him up at the bus stop - every day he had his Book of Mormon in his hands.  What a sweetheart, and what a great example!

AND a favorite video from the past - 

   Oh Gracie . . .

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK AND MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN 

❤