FROM OUR FAVORITE MISSIONARY!     

 

Serving a mission is such a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning.  It can stretch our patience with ourselves and with others, and can teach us to love as the Savior does.  Paul has been in Long Beach, WA for two months now, working hard and learning that sharing the gospel can change lives and help others find peace and comfort in this crazy world.  

Transfers came out last week, and though Paul didn't get transferred, he did get a new companion and they have been working hard at finding people to share their faith with.  In his last letter he wrote, "Unfortunately there is some bad too, our recent convert really really does not like me. It is ok because he us starting to come around but long story short he is very prideful and struggles with people so for some reason he either loves you or really doesn't, hopefully this next week he comes around especially because he came to church after 3 weeks of missing." 

He always closes his letters with a spiritual thought and this one was so great, "I loved the talk from Elder Rasband and when he quoted Elder Monson who said "never let a problem become more important than a person who can be loved" I think this is a super important reminder to not let our differences be something to complain about rather let our differences be something to celebrate."

Who could have guessed this Cheeto loving cutie would grow to be such an amazing young man!  (Actually, I knew it all along 😃)

AND

SPEAKING OF AMAZING MEN . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAPA THIS PAST FRIDAY!

Papa & Emma

 He loved our Mom, he loved us, and he loved and was always so excited to see the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (and my Mom would add that he loved the cows😊) 

"Trouble" & Blythe

I hope everyone celebrated on Friday with a big bowl of ice cream! You could even have "seconds" if one bowl wasn't quite enough. When we were visiting he would always ask me for a couple more scoops, and then he would say, "but don't let your Mom know" 😆.

NOTHING IS BETTER THAN FAMILY!

We were blessed with some special visitors over the last couple of weeks.  Kim and Chris came into town for a long weekend (Kim had Columbus Day off) and we had such a wonderful visit.  Saturday we went to Adam's soccer game at Liberty (his boys won) and it was a beautiful day to be outside, and in the evening we met for dinner.  We had a fun waiter who offered to take a photo for us, but then took one of himself too. 

Believe it or not, Kim and I didn't do any shopping, not even a trip to Target! But it was so nice just to spend some time together.  

She made some of Amelia's famous cinnamon bread (I observed) and it was so delicious.  I have the recipe so I may give it a try this week. 

Sendai also thought Chris was the best thing ever! Saturday morning, he took her for a long walk up the path and through the trails by the dog park. Thanks Chris, for spending some time with our girl! She loved it!!

This past weekend Max and Amelia drove over for a short couple of days. It was so fun to see them and wish they could have stayed longer.  Friday morning, we thought we would go to the Academy and do some grocery shopping - which we don't do very often -and they have new procedures now for taking non-ID card holders onto the base.  There were quite a few people waiting and a sign told us the wait would be at least two hours. We decided to try Peterson (which is not an Air Force Base any longer, but a Space Station) and there was only one person in front of us, and Max and Amelia had paperwork completed in just about 10 minutes.  We had a fun time - Dad got some inari sushi, we picked up some of the good Japanese rice they stock, and Max and Amelia got some snacks for their drive back to Utah on Saturday. 

We also got to see Josh and Ben for a few minutes.  They stopped by to see Max and Amelia.  Ben really spices up the visits - he is such a ball of energy, and says the funniest things.  I'm sad that the only photo we took while they were here is when they were leaving Saturday morning, and I still had my pajamas on. 😳

OH, AND JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW . . . BYU WON THEIR GAME YESTERDAY!!!!  

24 - 28 OVER NOTRE DAME 😃

Sayre & his friend

 It's that time of year again, when Sayre gets to visit the pumpkin patch.  The families in North Liberty really know how to celebrate Fall and upcoming Halloween.  I love that everything is so family oriented.  

We are so excited to visit them for Thanksgiving!❤

Ben had his "trunk or treat" last night and it looks like he had a great time, 

and I'm sure he got enough candy to last for at least a month 😳

Yesterday morning, after Max and Amelia left, Dad and I drove up to Monument for Jake's soccer game. He plays defense, and some great saves.  Hopefully, we'll get to see Lily play before her season ends. I do love soccer season!

Thanks to Kate for last week's Sunday Selfie, which

Sayre in the middle of a sneeze 😂 

 Also, I hate to admit that while she was bundled up and freezing at Sayre's soccer practice, 

I was basking in the sun at Jake's game. 🌞 It was such a beautiful Fall day ~

Sadly, I know our days are numbered and we'll soon be facing those cold days and freezing temperatures ourselves ⛄

Have a wonderful week, and remember - Each day is a gift where we can find joy in even the smallest of moments. ❤

 "I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings.  But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us priortize the things that are of greatest value. . . Focus on the Savior.  Seek for the precious gifts His Atonement can impart." 

Elder Renlund, October 2026 General Conference

 HAPPY FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER & HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND

&

HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND!

 After some rainy and cool days last week, this weekend we have had the most beautiful weather - lots of sun, and warm with a cool breeze here and there.  Dad and I were able to watch all of conference and loved it so much, I don't know if I could pick a favorite.  I did pick out a few thoughts that I think are important -

1. The ordinances and covenants we make in the Temple can bring forgiveness, healing and peace.

2. As members of the Church who have covenanted to take upon ourselves the name of Christ we need to share our witness of God and His Son as an important way to keep that covenant.

3. Our lives are carved from the very things that make it hard - the challenges and hardships that happen, and the righteous desires that haven't.

and one of my favorites - from the Primary General President - "Your Heavenly Father sees you. Your Savior Jesus Christ sees you. They know your name, your circumstances, your gifts, and your divine potential. As we learn to see ourselves and one another as They do, our homes, wards, schools, and communities will becomre places of belonging, healing, and love."  

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADAM THIS WEEK❤. We are so thankful for all that Adam brings to our family.  He is such a hard worker - whether at school with the kids, at home with his kids, on the soccer field with his other kids, or working on his truck, organizing family reunions, hunting, 

and in general, just being a fun person to be around.  

 

Hope you have the best birthday ever.  Love you so much!

I forgot about this little gem until I came upon it earlier this week.  I knew I didn't have that kind of wrapping paper 😂

Thanks Adam, for always getting the best of me ❤

FAMILY NEWS

BEN and Angella (and Amos) had some fun adventures yesterday!  Ben is growing so much - each week it seems he's another inch taller 😁

CHRIS was invited by his friend to the BYU football game held in Texas yesterday.  GO COUGARS!!  It was a great win for BYU - 17 - 10.                                                                                                                                     By the way - Air Force also did a great job yesterday of beating Navy 9 - 17.  We didn't get to see the B2 flyover, but we sure could hear it. 

GO AIR FORCE!  

While Chris was away at the game, BLYTHE found out her mom would be alone for the weekend (Grant was also away from home), so she put herself on the standby list and flew home to keep her mom company.  

What a great daughter! Thanks, Blythe for taking such good care of your sweet Mom ❤

 This is LILY'S version of watching conference today

and ADAM and JAKE have work tirelessly on Adam's truck and I think it is looking pretty good!

SPEAKING of cars - why am I suddenly seeing so many pink and white cars around town???

OUR FAVORITE MISSIONARY -

We usually get our letter from Paul on Mondays, so since the last blog was last Monday, I don't have any new information to report other than he is amazing, and he is learning so many good things.  I'll have more to share next week.  

AND finally, the sweetest love story ever . . .

  

 I knew my Mom and Dad met at a dance, but I didn't remember many details so tonight I called and when he didn't answer, I call Ruthie, and luckily they were together.  Mike had gone to Salt Lake for conference.  Ruthie shared that Mom had gone to the dance at Beale Air Force Base (back then it was an army base called Camp Beale) with a date, but I guess Dad had gone alone. In the end, Mom left the dance with Dad, and I'm not sure what happened to her date.  Mike said Dad was always so proud to share that piece of information.  Then Mike was telling us that shortly after Mom had her stroke (when Kate got married), she would occasionally have spells where she couldn't speak.  It happened one evening and Mike was home with both Mom and Dad so they took her to the emergency room, where she was given some medication which seemed to help. Mike said they were starting for home when it happened again, so they turned around and went back to the hospital.  Dad was in the room with Mom, and Mike had gone to the nurse's desk to check on the doctor, and when he came back to the room he could see Dad leaning over Mom talking to her quietly, then he kissed her on the lips, and said that "after you there was no one else."  Mike said it was a really private moment for them, but I am so glad he was there to tell the story. ❤

Have a great week, and send me news about all of your adventures, and photos!  Love you all so much ❤

 Almost hot chocolate weather for us this week - highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's and 50's. The leaves are starting to change and I have pulled out all of my hoodies - I love this, especially when we still get some sunshine during the day.  This is what the sky looked like one evening when I was walking Sendai, and to top it off - this weekend we have had huge harvest moon that makes night look like day.

Wow! Isn't the beauty of our earth just amazing ❤

Between work, school, Church, and various other commitments, is there anyone in the family who isn't busy???

Hollie just let me know that she will be working 54 hours this week at The Broadmoor, including an event for the CIAB (Council for Insurance Agents and Brokers). One of her shifts is from 3pm until 1am, and another is 3pm until 3am.  

She says they make everything from scratch and you know it has to be delicious.  I wish I was learning what she is learning.  How fun to be a pastry chef! 

 Until soccer season is over next month Adam's day starts with early morning soccer practice, and then there are the soccer games - Liberty's, Jakes, and Lily's, and watching over the IEP and 504 kids at school, and being a husband to Cory, a dad to Jake, Lily, Paul, Sammi, and Milo, and then working on his truck(with Jake's help) - not always in that order 😁. He  has a super good helper with Jake when he finds time to spend on the truck.  In this photo, Jake drilled 100+ holes in the steel. I would love to have even 1/8 of his energy and stamina.  😊

Does anyone have any Provo connections?  Sammi is looking for a new job this week - filling out applications and hoping for interviews.  Extra prayers for you this week, Sammi!

I think she could always go into the cookie business - she makes the most delicious chocolate chip cookies.  Remember SPL?  Samantha, Paul, and Lily had a little cookie business going in their neighborhood - Samantha made the cookies, and Paul and Lily did the marketing.  This was years ago, and they went door-too-door drumming up business, and of course, who could say no to those cute faces? 😁 ❤

 Blythe and her friend, Warren, were the only two freshman selected to join a fraternity for students interested in a medical field,  They were among 14 who were selected out of 150 hopeful students.  

 So happy for you Blythe!❤

This has also been a great week for sports!

 Dad showed his Iowa spirit today.  The Hawkeyes beat Michigan 20-19 on Saturday.  With that score, it had to be a great game!

 Speaking of Iowa . . . Jonathan, Kate, and Sayre spent part of the week, including the weekend, feeling lousy due to a nasty cold.  Hope they at least got to enjoy the game.  

AND Chris and Spencer were in the stands at Wrigley Field when the Chicago Cubs beat the Marlins and secured a spot in the playoffs. 

I love going to a good baseball game and have the fondest memories of going to the Oakland A's games with my mom and dad when I was in high school - even made it to a World Series game one year. 😃

OUR FAVORITE MISSIONARY

I loved this letter from Paul this week and hope he won't mind if I share it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet -

Hello everyone! A lot happened this week so here are some highlights. First, we got to go to the temple on Friday and do baptisms. It was super special the members who took us had us do the baptism for one of their twin brothers who had just passed away. We also got to attend a baptism. It was their ward's first convert baptism in two years, so a ton of people came to support.

We had exchanges too, which was so much fun. I got to exchange with Elder Romney, our zone leader, and he had me lead out the area. We saw so many small miracles that day. One of them was getting to fly kites with the youth! It was my first time ever flying one and it was pretty sick.

The last big one we finally got one of our friends to church! This has been a struggling area, so we basically started from scratch in a place that isn't known for baptizing much. So that was a huge blessing. We also had some really good lessons last week and have a lot of faith going into this week!

Spiritual thought: Specific prayers bring specific blessings. On exchanges we prayed for a cool experience before companionship study and I kind of forgot about it. While we were walking to our study, a lady came up behind us and started asking us questions. We ended up walking and talking with her for like 30 minutes, and at the end we got to invite her to church. So pray for specific things and then go make them happen! The Lord will help and guide you along the way, not just do it for you.

Thank you for sending Photos this week, and thank you for the texts and phone calls.  We love you all so much and hope that in the week ahead you will do something that brings you joy! ❤