There have been so many good things to celebrate in our family over the past 10 days, and each day I think I could have said, "it was the best day ever"!

 ❤ Max and Amelia were sealed in the Provo City Center Temple on Friday, Aug 7.  The Temple was beautiful inside and out, and it was such a wonderful experience to be in the sealing room with so many friends and family members who mean so much to us.  It was an absolutely beautiful day and we are so happy for them. 

 Kate did a great job of taking photos for them, and we are all looking forward to when they can be shared.  This picture was taken by the father of Bishop LaBaron (Kim and Chris' former Bishop).

❤ On Wednesday, Aug 12th, we were blessed to say good-by to Paul at the MTC.  

He has such a special spirit about him, and that combined with his smile and positive attitude, the Vancouver Washington Mission is getting on really great missionary. 
On the Tuesday before we went to Provo, Ruthie took us to a new exhibit/tour on Temple Square called, Inside a Temple. It was a tour that took us through exact replicas of rooms in the temple - the foyer where you show your temple recommend, an instruction or endowment room, the celestial room, and a sealing room.  What a really loved was that there were several non-members in our group with really insightful questions they asked our missionary tour guide. 

 After we left Temple Square, we drove down to the Draper Temple, where we met Ken and were able to go through a session there.  Wednesday morning we wanted to go out for breakfast and Keon's farewell gift to Paul was to let him drive his fancy, shmancy car to the Pancake House. 

 Before he left, Ruthie gave Paul and envelope full of names that were ready to take to the temple and needed a variety of ordinances done. Today I got a text from Ruthie and she said , "Elder Paul and his Elder friends completed 17 of the ordinances for these family names". I am so excited for him and looking forward to weekly updates on his mission adventures. 

❤ Before we left for Salt Lake, Kate and Sayre celebrated her birthday with us.  

We had a fun day of shopping in Castle Rock, and then dinner at Longhorn Steak House, and then her favorite Chantilly cream cake from Whole Foods.

 ❤ This week we celebrated Josh's birthday on Friday. 

We didn't get to celebrate too much because our flight was so delayed getting into Denver, but I thought of him all day and I am so grateful he is a part of our family.  

  ❤ We also got to celebrate Mike's July birthday, August 6th.  He had spent the week in Salt Lake with Ruthie so we went to the Red Iguana for lunch and presented him with a book that Kate put together for us. Inside were thoughts, memories, and birthday wishes from family.  It is always fun to spend time with him, and he has been so faithful in attending family events - baptisms, weddings, etc. 

Other fun photos from the past week -

 Grant, Blythe, and Cora sharing a bunkbed in the airbnb 😁

 Kim protecting herself from the Chicago mosquitos 😟

Angella was in Virginia last week and got to go to the National  Cemetery.  She also got some beautiful photos of the girls and Ben. 

Blythe, Chris, & Kim

What to do when you didn't make your flight and you are hanging around the airport for hours . . . 

You find the Delta terminal and pretend you are someone really important😂

 Kim and her best friend, Miles at Max & Amelia's reception.

Ken and Ruthie had 16 family photos where this picture is now.  Ruthie was NOT happy that Ken took down the pictures and added this screen on which you can display art, and photos from your devices.  Ken wanted to take our photo by it to show Ruthie that this was a really great purchase.  😄 (I liked her photos much better)

  Anyone in the market for a car?  Chris and Grant are getting Blythe's car ready to sell.  She will be leaving for Florida next week 😢

Last (but beautiful) Sunday Selfie for awhile ❤

 As we have had so much to celebrate lately, I find it to be a little bittersweet that our kids are off on their own adventures, and yet I know they are doing good things, they are learning to be independent and accountable for their choices, they are gaining knowledge at school and work, and they are touching the lives of others through their thoughtfulness, kindness, and in how they care for others.  PLEASE, PLEASE keep us updated on how you are doing, what your work is like, what adventures you are having at school or work(good and not-so-good), what mission life is like, and if you are in need of a prayer, a letter, or a care package. 

Also, please remember that we pray for you everyday, and know that Heavenly Father loves you and is watching over you always.

  Happy August everyone!  It's that in-between time when summer is coming to a close and kids (and parents involved in education) are headed back to school and work. 

Saying good-by to July, we also said good-by to some hot, HOT days, and some monsoon afternoons.  However, back are a scattering of dandelions (😈) and a few other obnoxious weeds I can't wait to be rid of. 

FEATURED this week is Uncle Mike 🌟🌟🌟

Mike is a self-taught musician, who I think, began teaching himself hymns from our church song book while he was on his mission.  He says it is a challenge for him to read music while trying to play at the same time so he taught himself to play by ear, and though I haven't had the opportunity it hear him play, he has established himself as a star pianist in the Marysville Ward.  

 He said a few weeks ago, a sister in their ward who happens to be in charge of the music, overheard him practicing in the chapel so she insisted that he play in their Sacrament Meeting and wouldn't leave until he scheduled a date (which was last Sunday).  Worried that I might be a little skeptical of his musical abilities, he sent me the ward program with his name in it. 😁 I would never be skeptical of Mike's abilities to do anything he set his heart on - He is an amazing brother, husband, father, Papa, and friend to so many.  For those reasons I told him I would feature him on our family blog this week and make him famous ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'll expect a concert the next time you are in town ❤ 😃

LESS THAN A WEEK!  Yes, we are down to less than a week, before Max and Amelia will be married and sealed for forever in the Provo City Center Temple. 

Max said while they were in the Temple this week, a Temple worker told them they were "glowing".  Of course, they were glowing - they are so happy, they love each other so much, they have fun together, and make everyone around them happy!  We are so excited to see you in just a few short days ~

KATE AND SAYRE have been here this week, and we have had such a fun time together.  Friday, we went to the new visitors center at the Air Force Academy - the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are beautiful, and Sayre was able to pick up a couple of souvenirs to take home with him. 

Santa's Workshop at the North Pole was our adventure yesterday.  We met Angella and Ben there, and I think all of us had a great time.  The weather was perfect and we definitely got all of our steps in for the walking we did.  Sayre's favorite ride was the tilt-a-whirl, and Ben loved the cars and the train.  Sayre says he is coming back next year so we can go again!  Yay!!! 

  

I got my first-ever bite of a funnel cake - YUM!

After we got home, the boys a grand old time playing in the hammock, and "sailing the seven seas".  

And then went downstairs for some Minecraft time.

IT WILL BE ELDER HOPKINS NOW FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS ~

 ENDED this week in the best possible way.  Paul gave a wonderful talk today in Sacrament Meeting, and was then set apart by President Rogers as a missionary. He has so many talents, kindness, and compassion.  I know he will be a blessing to the many people in his mission area. 

PICTURES OF THE WEEK - 

 What your face looks like after you have gone backpacking for several miles, only to end up in the rain, and then a quick decision to return home. 😁

What your face looks like when you are taking a break on the soccer field - making  plans for your next move 😆

 

What your face looks like when you own the world 😎

MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE   

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

I love the phrase, "a perfect brightness of hope".  We noticed today how many fires are currently spread across the United States, and even the world. Can you believe parts of Spokane are having to evacuate, as well as in Logan, and Fillmore, Utah.  Typhoons and flooding, and the shooting in Boise (at an In-N-Out of all places).  I could be easy to become overwhelmed by what we see everyday in our lives,  and I love this advice from Elder Holland.  This is one of my favorite messages - Don't give up, there are good things to come. ❤

  

 Thanks to Kevin for being the best husband ever!  Does that mean he spoils me? Absolutely!

 He has happily supported me through 4 years of school assignments (some that last late into the night), 5 years of Primary lessons, 3.5 years of planning and writing the blog every Sunday, many dinner plans that didn't happen, and he doesn't bat an eye when I tell him I'm going shopping, or even when I have gone shopping and tell him after the fact 😁.  He has been great to go along with my travel plans, great to put together last minute meals, and doesn't complain a bit when I change the TV from the documentary he is watching to Master Chef.  THANKS KEVIN - YOU'RE THE BEST!

School is going well - only three more weeks to go.  I am going to start back at Liberty this week, on a temporary basis, until Courtney is able to come back. It is actually working out well, because the time I spend there counts as hours for my last project.  I know I have spent too much time in the office when I can't stand looking in the closet any longer, and completely pull everything out. So I have spent the majority of my time since Monday, sorting, storing, and throwing away bags of papers and odds and ends that I no longer need or want.  It feels so good, however, the rest of the house has been ignored, so I guess I will have to throw all of my effort into the next room on my list. 

One of my favorite things I found when going through one of the storage containers is the booklet Ruthie made for Mom when she turned 90, "90 Reasons To Be Thankful for Grammie".  In case you have forgotten, here are some of your responses:

"She lets us rake her carpet" (Kim)

"For always buying real butter when Holly and I came to town (Kevin)

"She remembered me a called on our anniversary" (Kate)

"Grammie always let me be the "cook"" (Adam)

"For keeping Papa in line" (Josh)

"Sending carrots and Ranch Dressing to the "farm" with me each day" (Adam)

"For making her special fruit that I could get into when we were there visiting" (Josh)

"She was there when I was born" (Kate)

"She had her grandchildren do a nativity play for Christmas" (Kim)

"She takes me to Taco Bell" (Everyone) 

There were so many fun things listed that were so typical of my Mom.  Such a fun thing to look at this week. 

 Hollie called me yesterday and was so excited because she had just been to a job fair and was offered a job at the Broadmoor making pastries.  I am so happy for her because and it looks like her culinary classes are paying off.  

  Way to go, Hollie!  We'll be down for a visit 😁🍰

Jonathan is off to Latvia on Tuesday for the International Trombone Festival. We are excited for him and know he will do well in his performance.  Safe Travels, Jonathan ❤

While he is heading east, Kate and Sayre will be heading west.  We are really looking forward to spending some time with them which of course will include, Rumikub, fishing, baking, shopping, and a morning at Santa's Workshop (weather permitting). 

Also, I am wanting to learn some Spanish so I am hoping Sayre will give me some lessons on using Duolingo 😃

I hope you all had a wonderful Sabbath Day! On the news this week is that the Church is starting construction on the Temple here. The date for the groundbreaking still hasn't been announced but we are told it is coming soon. Literally, I can't wait!!!

Thank you Kim and Chris for the Sunday Selfie! I know this is such a busy time for you, so love you for taking the time to send this.  

 We are looking forward to a busy but good week ahead. I hope you all have the same. Don't forget to send me photos and let me know how and what you are doing.  

You are all loved so very much!

This week has been full of family, and we love it! ❤ 

Joshua was helping Emma with her big move, so we got to spend some time with Ben.  He was patient while I finished some yard work, but after I got cleaned up, he was more than ready to "do something more fun" 😃.  It was just a little after lunch time, so I asked if he would like to get something to eat, and he didn't hesitate to suggest IHOP.  I couldn't remember the last time I had been there so that's where we went, and I have to say that I had a delicious omelet filled with spinach, mushrooms, and diced tomatoes. 

Ben, on the other hand, had 2 chicken strips, 2 eggs, and 4 slices of bacon, and he ate every bite!

He also loved dipping his bacon into maple syrup - does anyone else do that?  It was new to me 😀. After we ate he asked if we could go to the mall to look for a new astronaut t-shirt. I told him we would probably have better luck at Old Navy - but we didn't - so he asked again if we could go to the mall.  Once we got there, he made a beeline for Baskin Robbins.  So he got a little ice cream, and a small toy from the toy store, and then we headed back to the house where Angella had stopped on her way home from working in Denver. We weren't home for more than 5 minutes when he pulled out the Rummikub game and we taught Angella how to play.  Josh and Emma stopped by to pick him up shortly after, and it was so nice to visit with them for a few minutes also.  A great way to start the week, and yes, I went to bed early that night -

TIP OF THE WEEK ~

Also came from Ben - As I was finishing the yard work, Kim called so I sat down on the steps in the garage to talk to her, and Ben opened the door so he could lean over my shoulder and see Kim.  She was trying to decide the best way to dye her white dress pink, and Ben very seriously told her the best way to dye her dress pink would be to put it into the washing machine with a red shirt, and just like that, it would come out pink! 😂  Thanks, Ben - I think we have probably all done that before (by mistake, of course).

I LOVE 8-YEAR-OLDS!

 Sayre has been learning Spanish on Duolingo. Hoping he can teach me some when he is here in a couple of weeks. 

 

AND - he invented "brulunchder." Brunch is a combination of Breakfast and Lunch.  Sayer made his own meal and it had food from every meal - therefore, brulunchder.  Wouldn't it be great if we could just cook and eat once a day????

 Thursday, Angella and I went to the Temple.  We had the nicest time - no traffic going or coming home, just a relaxed time to be there - to focus and ponder on those things that are most important to us. Paul had gone with some friends and we just happened to be in the same session, so I got a Celestial Room hug from him. I am so happy that he likes to be there too -

  Lily was my partner on Friday.  She went with me to help clean out Helma's bedroom closets.  Wow! The majority of her clothes we left hanging because they are really high quality (though maybe a little outdated) and Donna wants to take them to a consignment shop.  In spite of that, we still filled up two huge leaf and lawn sized bags with sweaters, shirts, more sweaters, fuzzy pants and tops, and bathrobes. We filled up another bag with shoes. Donna's boys loaded them in the back of our car, and Lily and I took them to a Catholic thrift store that uses their profits to support retired nuns. After we dropped the clothes off, we had to do a little shopping of course.  We both came home with some fun things and stopped at Dutch Bros for a lemonade (one energy, and one not) and might just make a repeat of it this coming week.  Actually, Lily was a great help in sorting and bagging up the clothes, and Donna needs all of the help she can get. She has such a hard time breathing here and the sooner they can get the house cleaned out, the sooner she can moved back to Tennessee, and a lower elevation.

Adam brought his crew over yesterday, and they worked so hard pulling weeks, putting down some weed barrier, and covering it with mulch. Thanks so Paul who spent time during the Summer with his friends working in the landscape business.  They all worked so hard, and even Jake didn't stop after hauling bags of mulch to the backyard.

Thanks so much for all of your hard work! We love it so much ❤

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MIKE THIS WEEK!

 He is such an amazing brother, husband, father, papa, uncle, and friend.  We love you Mike!

SUNDAY SELFIE ~

 This is Ben, before and after Church (notice where the tie is 😁)

REMEMBER GRAMMIE CAMP? 

Cory sent me this photo when she was over yesterday - How I miss those days . . .

AND FINALLY - I think this might be me 😊

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!  PLEASE SEND ME PHOTOS AND STORIES OF YOUR ADVENTURES AND MIRACLES THIS WEEK ❤