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!❤

 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