HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF OUR OCTOBER BIRTHDAY PEOPLE!

 We will be celebrating Jonathan on Tuesday, Oct 21st.  We love how you love your family.  You are an amazing husband to Kate, and dad to Sayre.  A wonderful and thoughtful son-in-law.  

 We love you and hope you have a fabulous day ❤

 Happy Birthday to my sister, Francie, on Friday, Oct 24th.  She is fun and funny, and I always wished that we lived closer.  One of my favorite stories of Francie happened when we were meeting Ruthie and Ken in Napa.   

On our way to dinner one night, Francie and I were sitting in the back seat of our 2-door rental car (I think it was a Mustang), and when Francie started to get out of the car, for some reason she put both her feet out first and then, of course, the rest of her slid to the floor of the car and she was totally stuck.  None of us could help her because we were laughing so hard. 

This past Thursday, we celebrated my Dad's birthday.  He loved his ice cream every night - sometimes asking for a second scoop if Mom wasn't listening 😄.  He loved his cowboy movies, John Wayne, a good steak and a good hamburger, his lemon trees, and most of all, he loved our Mom.  It makes me a little sad that he didn't get to meet all of our grandchildren.  I know he would have loved you all so, so. much!  His mother was killed in an automobile accident when he was just 8 years-old, and his youngest brother, D'rr,  died just six months later when he rode his scooter down a hill and couldn't stop it before went into the street and he was hit by a car. 

  My aunt, Arthell,  told me a story one day about my dad and how much he and D'rr loved to play cars (like matchbox cars only they were wooden) and would spend hours lining them up and playing with them.  Arthell said that after D'rr died my Dad lined up the cars in the room where they would play, and then never touched them again 😥.  

I wish I had more stories of their younger years, but I am so grateful for the memories of times we had together. 

  Speaking of a walk down "memory lane" . . . Blythe reminded me this week of our first Grammie Camp.  We had such a fun time!  I remember the yard sale we had to make money for Santa's Workshop, our service project, and swimming at Villa Sport.  

I am sad that Grammie Camp only lasted for 2 years - next week I will post some photos of our second time around 😁

FAMILY NEWS ~

Paul has a new job, working at Lifetime Fitness as a Lifeguard. He is also in the process of college applications as well as finishing up his mission paperwork.  I think this week he is applying for a visa.

Kim and I finished our classes for this term and have a week break! Yay!!!

Mike and Barbi's grandson Hunter was baptized this week.

Blythe spent Saturday testing (ACT/SAT).  She is finishing up her college applications also.  She sent me these cute photos of she and her mom

Adam and Cory took Dad and I on a wonderful ride up in the mountains this week.  Adam wanted to look at some property for the Hopkins Family Compound.  The property was amazing with a small pond, a dock that was just the right size for someone who wanted to sit outside in the sun and read a book, and some beautiful rock formations.

I could just see Jake having the time of his life riding his dirtbike over and around all of the rocks.

  Hollie spent the night with us last night, and this afternoon, Angella dropped Ben off for a little bit while she ran to the ER to have her knee checked.  While Ben was here, he went outside in the backyard and had the best time raking up our leaves, and then jumping in them.  I think he may be back later this week, and I know exactly what I am going to have him help me with 😃. (Angella is looking at knee surgery in the future but has to have some physical therapy before the doctors will schedule anything.)

Dad is doing well.  He is driving!!! and working on his computer again.  He will be teaching an Institute class that starts in another week.

LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK ❤

  IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR  AGAIN WHEN:

     The kids are playing soccer - 

    Lily, Jake, and Sayre all had games this weekend -   Sayre scored his 1st goal of the year⚽!   Way to go, Sayre!!  And he did that all while having a very loose front tooth (that  looks like it will be gone in a couple of days 😁)

Jake has been playing goalie for his team this year, and yesterday was his last game of the season.  He didn't have school this past week on Thursday and Friday, so he came down and spent the night with us.  We spent tons of time with the soccer ball.  I would throw it or kick it to him, and he practiced his goalie skills by keeping me from scoring.  Whew!! I'll just say I earned my ice cream this week.  

Also, he brought his dirt bike and had no problem touring the neighborhood, jumping off rocks, and doing "wheelies" down off the rocks in the front yard.

 I think I mentioned to Cory that it will be a miracle if he doesn't have a broken bone before he turns ten in January. 😳

  

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, WHEN:  

 Adam begins planning his annual elk hunting expedition with his good friend, Chris.   If these two could ever have a get-together and not turn it into an adventure, that would be another miracle.  Last week, they took one of the ATVs down to Canon City, where Chris' dad has some property.  On their way home, they hit a deer.  Adam called Colorado Wildlife Services (because the deer died), and they told him they could "dress" the deer and keep the meat.  So they had to drive back to Canon City, process the meat, pack it, and then start for home again.  They will reunite in November for the actual Elk hunt, so hold onto your hats until then!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, WHEN: 

Halloween costumes come out 

I love that they still love to dress up!

FAMILY HAPPENINGS ~

Josh stopped by yesterday, and we had a short but good visit.  I put him to work while he was here, changing some light bulbs we couldn't reach, and got a little IT assistance.  

  

 I stopped by to see Shannon after Church this afternoon.  We hadn't been able to go during the week, and the one day we did go, she was so sleepy she didn't know who we were.  Because she has had a couple of falls over the last couple of weeks, plus a couple of incidents when she has been aggressive towards another resident, Hospice is providing a companion for her.  I'm not sure how long that will last, but when I went today the lady was very nice and Shannon seemed to be doing well.  

WEEK 7!!!  We made it!  It's the last week of classes for Kim and I.  When this term first started, I wasn't sure I was going to make through this class, but with lots of prayer and tutoring, I think I think I did it 😃

 Kim and Chris are in Paris this week for a short getaway.  Kim said they are having a wonderful time and scouting out the good places to go - just in case I can talk Dad into another well-deserved vacation next summer. 😊

Isn't it wonderful that wherever you are in the world, you can always find a Church service to attend,  and nowadays a Temple as well.

Be safe coming home!

Kate and Jonathan always take the best family photos ❤

Between work, Sayre, and Clementine, their days are busy.  Just a heads-up - Sayre will be getting baptized in February. 

This week I have been blessed to talk with all of my siblings - It

doesn't happen often enough, but I had a great visit with each of them.  Ruthie called to report on her visit with Francie.  They took time to go through lots of photos.  Francie's memory is leaving her a little at a time, and it makes me so sad.  But she is always happy when I call and does her best to share her thoughts.  Ruthie and Ken are doing well.  Heather's Travis is getting married next month, I think Ruthie said, and she thought Cameron won't be too far behind.  

Mike called to tell me where I could find some good Family history stories that I was hoping to add to the blog tonight, but I have had a crazy week and haven't had time to look at the information he shared.  Stay tuned for next week -

Dad is healing - just tired of being tired and hurting, but his physical therapy is going well.  This week, he is going to get some lessons in Skyjo (a fun card game), and I'm sure that will speed up the healing process.😄

 This week, I have thought a lot about how, at times, when we are in the midst of a trial or challenge, it is so easy to focus on just the negative aspect and lose sight of the fact that it isn't going to last forever, that better days are ahead.  

 The Savior is real, and He loves us.  He will be there to help us through any storm or challenge that we might face. 

      HAVE A REALLY GREAT WEEK ❤

 

 

  HELLO OCTOBER . . . and Happy General Conference Weekend. The talks were all so good, but to me, the overall theme was that we need to strengthen our faith and testimonies in Heavenly Father, in our Savior, and in the restoration of the gospel, AND we need to strengthen our families.  

 Jonathan and Kate mentioned  Elder Brown's talk from Saturday morning.  This was one of my favorite talks also. His enthusiasm was catching, and he inspired me to be a better missionary.  I love this thought from him, "Take charge of your testimony... I bear witness that the power is within you.  No one can choose for you. No one can take this gift away. You can choose to believe."

Cory pointed out Elder Stevenson's talk about being a peacemaker.  That couldn't have been more timely, considering what our country has and is experiencing right now. Elder Stevenon said, "Peacemaking in communities grows by seeing one another as children of God. All are invited to take part in a one-week, three-step peacemaker plan: 1. A contention-free home zone. When contention starts, pause and reboot with kind words and deeds.  2. Digital bridge building: Before posting, replying, or commenting online, ask, 'Will this build a bridge? If not, stop. Do not send. Instead, share goodness. Publish peace in the place of hate.' 3. Repair and reunite: Each family member could seek out a strained relationship in order to apologize, minister, repair, and reunite."

Kim mentioned Elder Amos' talk from this afternoon.  I loved his southern drawl and that he started his talk referencing recipes.  In closing, he said,

When someone needs to invite Jesus Christ into their life, they can follow the steps that President Nelson taught about receiving personal revelation: find a quiet place they can regularly go to, humble themselves before God, pour out their hearts in prayer, and turn to Heavenly Father for answers and comfort.  Thanks to Jonathan for the visual effects! 😂

Chris commented on Elder Matthew Holland's talk about the mercy the Savior offers us when we repent. He used Jonah as an example of someone who resisted a call to serve, his willingness to help others, surviving a storm, being swallowed by a fish, accepting a call to preach, and saving a city, but he resented the mercy shown to his enemies.  As Elder Holland said, "God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all of His children.

Adam said he really enjoyed Elder Johnson today, and also. Elder Godoy.  Elder Godoy has always been one of my favorites.  He came to Colorado Springs on one of his first assignments as a General Authority, with Elder Holland, when they reorganized our Stake.  I loved his depiction of the Saints in South Africa.  They are humble, faithful, and willing to sacrifice so much for the gospel. He said, "They find joy despite their challenges. They have learned that our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts."

Dad said one of his favorite talks was by Elder Kearon.  He talked about new beginnings -"To each leper, blind man and adulterous woman; to the lame, the deaf and the dumb, to every grieving mother, desperate father and mourning widow; to the condemned, the shamed and the suffering; to the dead in body and the dead in spirit, what He did was offer a new beginning."  

Earlier in the week, Angella forwarded this post that is so true - 

Looking back at the succession of prophets, we can see how the Lord truly calls men who are prepared both spiritually and professionally for the unique challenges of our time.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1995–2008) was a master communicator. In a time when the Church needed to expand its voice to a global audience, he oversaw a dramatic increase in temples worldwide and used media to share the gospel like never before. His skills in communication were exactly what the world and the Church needed.

President Thomas S. Monson (2008–2018) was a veteran and a man of compassion. At a time when the world was facing wars, displacement, and humanitarian crises, he taught service, kindness, and ministering to the one, reminding us that charity and love heal the wounds of conflict.

President Russell M. Nelson (2018–2025) was a world-renowned heart surgeon. At a time when the world would endure the COVID-19 pandemic and rising health crises, the Lord raised up a prophet who understood life, healing, and the power of both physical and spiritual wellness. He even lived a hundred and 1 before he died!

President Dallin H. Oaks, next in line of succession, is a distinguished judge. In a world filled with political divisions, moral debates, and questions of justice, the Lord has prepared a leader who is skilled in discernment, fairness, and standing firmly for truth.

The pattern is clear: God is at the helm of His Church. He prepares and calls prophets who can meet the world’s challenges—not by chance, but by divine design.

I love the gospel, and it is amazing to be living during these times, even though some days it can be very difficult.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADAM this week!  Adam will turn 40-something on Tuesday, and can I just say that he has brought 40-something years' worth of joy and fun into our lives.  

   We love you Adam ❤

KIM AND I made it to Week 6 of our classes!

  Only two more weeks to go 😀

                                            YAY!!!

WEEKLY UPDATE; 

This has been a busy but good week.  Dad continues to heal from his surgery.  He is finished with the first phase of his physical therapy, and starting tomorrow, he will be going to the Colorado Springs Center for Orthopedic Excellence for the remainder of his PT.  

Ken and Ruthie were in Modesto this week to visit Francie.  Ruthis said she was so happy to have company.  They looked through lots of old photographs, and Ruthie sent these.  Jenny said her speech and memory are declining, which makes me so sad.  Dad and I are planning for a November trip to see her -

This is a photo of Francie at a skating competition. She is on the right.  Mom had all of us girls take roller skating lessons 😃

 And this is a photo of me (notice President and Sister Kimball in the left part of the picture).  I think this was taken not long after Kim was born, and we went to a convention in Sun Valley. 

Shannon will be staying at Lark Springs despite having had a couple of incidents last week.  They have adjusted her medication again, and even though she was super sleepy when we went to visit her yesterday, the workers there said she had a really good morning, and she had eaten all of her lunch. I will keep you all updated ~

Jake kept us occupied (and entertained) all day on Friday.  He didn't have school, so he brought his soccer ball and tested him on his "goalkeeper skills".  He showed me how to open our garage door because I was having trouble with it.  I love it when he says, " Grammie, you just aren't doing right - I help my Dad all of the time - see, this is how you do it 😃.  And of course,  it worked for him, so I obviously was doing something wrong.  We met Sammi at Jimmy John's for lunch (that is his favorite place now), and then came home, and he patiently waited for me to take an exam for my class, and then we went outside for more soccer practice.  I couldn't help but think how nice it is to spend unhurried time with these wonderful grandchildren I love so very much!  

Sammi came by twice this week for lunch and a nap, and one day for just a nap. She is such a busy girl - but doing great things!

Hollie called me Friday evening to check on us to see how we were doing.  What a sweetheart!  We are hoping to get together next weekend.

I also talked to Emma, and we are going to have lunch this week.  It has been such a long time since we have seen her 😢.

Max called earlier in the week - he was driving home from work, and he looked so handsome!!!  He sent me some photos that he took while in Chicago last weekend.  He was able get a close-up view of an aircraft with a friend who is a United Pilot.

COLORADO SPRINGS IS BEAUTIFUL THIS TIME OF YEAR!  Dad was a little sad we didn't get to go up in the mountains to see the changing leaves, but I saw so much beauty in our neighborhood, I don't think we needed the mountain visit. 

LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!❤