Happy May to my favorite people! There are so many things to celebrate this month—Eilis and Samantha's high school graduation, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, the last day of school, and Paul's birthday.  Not to mention, Kim and I are starting Term 3 tomorrow.  I have to admit that while I am busy working on school assignments, I can think of 101 things I plan to do when I get done with the class and the term is over, but then I actually have a hard time feeling motivated and am usually anxious for classes to start again.  

 This week, we celebrated Hollie's 17th birthday with dinner that included gyoza, rice, salad, and a chocolate Texas sheet cake.  She is counting down the days until the end of school, when she will then become a full-fledged Senior. Hollie is such a blessing to our family.  She is so kind, patient with Ben, and always offering and willing to help.   Love you Hollie!

Ben has definitely inserted himself as the life of the party.  He wanted Emma to teach him how to use chopsticks but I think he gave up on her and just decided to learn by himself.  He did finally manage to get the food to his mouth 😂

 

 Blythe had her last game of Badminton for the season this week.  She earned 3rd place in her Doubles competition.  Way to go Blythe!  I love playing Badmiinton because it doesn't hurt like volleyball, or tennis.  Maybe we can set up a badminton net in our backyard this summer . . .  

AND maybe Blythe, Cora, and Kim will come for a visit this summer ~

AND maybe Chris will come - I know where there is this great bug museum . . .

 Here you go - Herkimer, the World's largest beetle at the John May Natural History Museum in Colorado Springs 😃

 This week I did take time to get a manicure, took Sendai on lots of walks, had the missionaries over for a visit, dropped off a trunk load of "stuff" to Goodwill, and went to the Temple.  (We are still waiting to hear about progress on the Colorado Springs Temple, but no news yet.  

 Got to see this handsome face today - Max Facetimed us this afternoon and then sent me these photos he took on a recent trip to Chicago with some friends.  

 This photo was taken on a glass elevator downtown 😩

 I love that they took time to visit the Chicago Temple ❤

Max just finished his 2nd term at BYU and is taking time off to travel and work until the Fall.  Who Knows?  We may even see him in Colorado!

I am not the only one who got beautiful (my nails) at a salon this week - it looks like Ben also got a new "do".  I am so looking forward to Summer and the opportunity to see and spend time with all of my kids and these adorable grandchildren.  

 I think Adam's idea of a Hopkins Family Compound isn't such a bad idea.

Or even just a family get-together in Phoenix (such a fun time!)

Yesterday, Samantha called and wanted to know if we wanted to go to Costco with her - Dad was busy with his Institute class, but I could never turn her down.  Any time with Sammi is fun!  We hopped in her car and the first thing I noticed was this megaphone situated beside me.  

She said she uses it when she wants people to get out of her way 😂 I am so grateful that Dad didn't get an idea like that!

On our way back from Costco we stopped at Sam's Club to pick up some Skinny Pop for Adam, and then decided to get gas.  While Sammi was putting gas in her car, I noticed this girl, in a beautiful formal, doing the same thing.

Who dresses up in a formal dress, with fancy shoes, makeup and hair done and then heads to the gas station?????  I loved her dress but hope she didn't smell like gasoline all night 😊

 Kate and Jonathan are official soccer parents.  Sayre is loving the sport and Kate has signed him up to play again in the Fall.        

    

When he isn't playing soccer, Sayre is building Lego cities - this one even includes an Aldi Semi-truck and store - love this guy ❤        

 

 Thank you, Kate and Jonathan, for this great Sunday Selfie!

I wanted to post this video again of the "soccer grandma" - it makes me laugh every time I watch it.

 

 Kate, could this be you? 😊 (click on the link)

soccer grandma

In closing - 

If you are thinking life is hard - you are right!  and Clementine would agree.  BUT nothing is so hard that it can't or won't get better.  Last Sunday I watched Ephraim's Rescue again, and was reminded about what faith did for the early pioneers and especially the handcart companies. 

Preach My Gospel teaches: “As we rely on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Love you and have a really great week! ❤