HAPPY SEPTEMBER!  It was interesting this morning, to look at our weather forecast and see our projected temperatures slip from the 80's to the 70's and even 60's over the next couple of weeks. I love a long Indian Summer where the temps stay warm into October, but it looks like I'm out of luck on that one.  (However, I do love pulling out my sweatshirts and hoodies. 😁)

  In case you didn't notice, the blog was closed for Labor Day 😀 - it was so nice to have an extra day to do some house cleaning, and take Sendai to the dog park.  Our Saturday morning started like this, when we came out of the bedroom and found Sendai asleep on the couch, breaking all of the house rules - thankfully I had covered the couch with a sheet the night before because she has been a little sneaky lately. 😕   Josh popped in for a visit on Saturday, which was nice because we hadn't seen him for  quite awhile.  

And then Lily, Jake, and Cory stopped in on their ways to Sam's Club.  They had been to the Mall where they have an RC store which has a scale crawler course that Jake loves.  He's pretty good at it too -

 We worked in the yard and got the lawn mowed.  Can you believe I have these flowers that started growing in our flower bed in the front yard at the beginning of the Summer.  

We finally figured out that this is what is called Phlox.  I'm not sure where it came from, I didn't plant it, and in spite of me, it's still alive - in fact this is the second time in two months that it has had blossoms.  I hope it spreads so maybe I will have more next summer. 

I got some Labor Day selfies from last week -

 Monday, we met Adam, Cory, Jake, Lily, and Milo at the Bear Creek Dog Park.  Sendai loves it there.  She and Milo ran so much they both ended up in the water to cool off.  

 We all got in a little walking exercise, and Jake found something to climb 😄

On the way home, we ran into some pretty heavy traffic, so Dad got off the freeway and there you go - right in front of us was a Dairy Queen😍.  I got my baby blizzard, Dad got a large vanilla ice cream cone, and Sendai got a pup cup and she was sooooooo happy

What a fun day we had - and always so great to spend time with family. 

Fun stories that made me chuckle (and laugh out loud) this week!  

Ji-Chan had asked Max last week if he would go to a funeral and write a note in the guest book for a friend we knew on our mission and also while we were stationed at Yokota, who just recently passed away.  Max, being the wonderful grandson that he is, walked into the funeral home only to find himself totally surrounded by Japanese people. He said he felt really awkward, but eventually found the guest book and was trying to write the note that Ji-Chan had sent him, when he noticed a long line starting to form behind him.  He hurried and finished and then two granddaughters of our friend escorted him into the service and down to the front row.😂.  Oh my goodness!  I would have loved to have seen this!!  He managed to stay for the opening song and prayer, but when the person giving the obituary stood up to speak, Max said he stood up and made a quick exit to freedom.  I always love getting a Max story!

Last night Angella and Ben were coming over to have dinner with us, but when the girls heard Ji-Chan was grilling they wanted to come too.  The girls brought their boyfriends so we had quite a houseful (except we were missing Emma 😢). While the meat was cooking we were sitting outside around the table visiting.    

We were laughing at Eilis because she really is the instigator of teasing Ben and always has been - who would have thought this could come from quiet, sweet, Eilis???? Then Hollie brought up a time she could remember when she got in trouble because of Emma and Eilis.

They were making "potions" and told Hollie to fill the kitchen sink all the way to the top - so Hollie did what they told her to do, but then got in BIG trouble by Angella.  Then Angella was telling us about the time she had asked Emma to clean the bedroom she shared with Eilis and Hollie. Apparently, Emma wasn't in the mood for cleaning so she paid Eilis a couple of dollars from the birthday money to do the cleaning. I guess Eilis didn't feel like cleaning either (and she didn't give the money back) so when Angella checked on the progress of the bedroom and discovered it hadn't been cleaned, she grounded Emma for a week.  So . . .Emma cut all of the hair off of Eilis' favorite doll. 😂  I love that these girls are such good friends today ❤

This week, I decided with Labor Day over I would put away my red, white, and blue and pull out some of my fall decorations.  I decided to order fall lights for the my tree on the front porch, so I got on Amazon, ordered the lights, but forgot to change the shipping address - 

so Blythe ended up with my Fall leaves and lights (in Florida, where they probably don't even have Fall).  She Facetimed me this week and had hung them over her sink.

AND, then there was Dad, who one afternoon, sat down on our coffee table and broke the glass on top - Ooops . . .  So since we needed to find a new coffee table, I decided we might as well get new carpets also.  The one we had in the living room had every corner chewed on by Sendai when she was a puppy.  The carpets and the coffee table came on Friday, so Dad and I worked yesterday to get rid of the old, and celebrate the new.  I love the new carpets - the quality is great, but sadly the coffee table had a huge crack in the side, so it will need to be replaced.  

Kate spent the first two weeks of students returning to the photo department by 

wearing a different "photo" t-shirt every day.  

Wish I could be so creative ❤

    THE COLORADO SPRINGS TEMPLE  

The groundbreaking was held yesterday for the Colorado Springs Temple. Throughout the years, President Nelson suggested 15 ways that the Temple can bless our lives.  I thought I would share one each week - 

1. "The temple is a place of peace and power, and spending time there will literally change a person's life."

I think this is so true! Attending the Temple strengthens our relationship with Jesus Christ.  I always leave with thoughts of how I can improve my relationships with family and friends, and an understanding of goals that will help me get there.  And I absolutely agree, that the peace I find in the Temple is often difficult to experience anywhere else.  Below is the link from a local news station that reported on the Church and the Temple groundbreaking. 

https://youtu.be/_FiQQdQC7Xc?si=y3NsqVZIhrWRFnLW

I love you all so much!  Let us know if there is anything you need - a hug, phone call, email, care package, shirt, shoes, or advice from life-experienced older person, etc., etc., etc.,  We are always here for you ❤

 Our last Sunday in August!  Where did our Summer go???? It seems our summer days were filled with doctor and dentist appointments, school work, yard work, Kevin's Institute classes, not to mention, 7 birthdays, 1 wedding and reception, and 1 amazing missionary delivered to the MTC!  

 Some happy news from Paul - his first missionary assignment is in Long Beach, Washington - population, 1,792 people, and I'm thinking before he is transferred he will have met all 1,792 of them. 

His address is -  808 Washington Ave North

Long Beach, WA 98631

I am sure he would love to hear from anyone who has time to drop him a note, send an email, or care package.  Hopefully, Adam and Cory will be able to talk to him tomorrow. ❤

TIME FOR TWO APOLOGIES!

 These two cute boys just started life in 3rd Grade, NOT 2nd grade as I posted last week.  Maybe it was wishful thinking, or I'm in denial, but I am sad not to have any "littles" around making messes, digging for bugs in the backyard, and giving me hugs without having to be reminded. 😁

 Even though they are growing up so quickly, I love that they are still like to come visit, eat pancakes, make cookies, and play games with me. 

 (And my Mom would be so happy that they love to play Rumikub) 😊

Apology #2 is the forgotten pancake recipe.  I mentioned that Kate gave me a recipe for protein pancakes that we loved.  You all know that Kevin is a "picky" pancake eater, and they got two 👍👍 thumbs up from him - so here you go: 

Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Prep Time: 10 mins  | Cook Time: 10 mins  | Servings: Servings 8 pancakes 

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup Stonyfield Greek yogurt

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple syrup and berries, for serving

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another larger bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Then whisk in the Greek yogurt, milk and vanilla extract.

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over mix; a few lumps are okay.

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, pour 3-4 circles of batter into the pan. Cook until the pancakes are puffed on top and golden brown on the bottom, 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side until risen and cooked through, 1-2 minutes more.

Serve with maple syrup, and fresh fruit, as desired. (or peanut butter for more protein) 😋

Nutrition:

Calories: 108kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 49mg, Sodium: 331mg, Potassium: 86mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 81IU, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 1mg

Enjoy!

A PHONE THAT ISN'T ACTUALLY A PHONE (To quote Kate)😀

 This is Sayre with his new phone, that isn't actually a phone.  He loves to listen to music and audiobooks, especially when overwhelmed.  He had an MP3 player, but it stopped working with Apple Music, so Kate and Jonathan found a refurbished iPhone SE with no phone number and no sim.  He is so proud that he has a phone, even though it functions like an iPod.  I loved that he Facetimed me yesterday so he could show it to me.  

SUNDAY (OR SATURDAY) SELFIES 

 We got to see Angella, Ben, and Hollie for a few minutes this morning before we left for Church.  Angella had a little bit of a cold and wasn't feeling her best, but Ben was pretty happy and Hollie is getting anxious, excited, and nervous about starting her new job.  Over the next couple of weeks she will be training, and then we'll have to hit the Broadmoor and find her pastries.  

 Can you remember when she was this little? 

SAD NEWS OF THE WEEK - 

Helma's daughter, Donna passed away Thursday morning.  It was a sweet experience to be there but also very hard.  Her son, Grant, texted me early Thursday morning and said they had taken her back to the hospital.  I went up around 10:00 and her three children, and her sister Diana, were surrounding her bed singing to her.  Piper, her little service dog was nuzzled up against her side when she passed away about an hour later.  I am so grateful we have the Gospel perspective of knowing she is reunited with her Mom and her son that passed away several years ago.  She was such a wonderful person and it was a blessing to know her.  She will definitely be missed! 😥

 I have stayed busy the last few weeks, helping out at Liberty, and trying to get things done around the house,  So much that needs to be done and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish it all.  There has been a couple of days when I have felt discouraged that I am not able to do everything on my list - that happens when you have a bazillion things on your to-do list - so what I am learning (again) that I need to be more patient, and I can't make everything a priority.  My favorite quote this week - COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT! (thank you Elder Wirthlin)

Have a great week, and send me photos!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LILY AND TO KEVIN THIS WEEK ❤
 

On Wednesday, Aug. 19th, this former make-up artists turned into a 15 year-old with her driver's permit. 

 WATCH OUT WORLD!

  She stopped by yesterday with her mom to pick up Milo, and was so happy she had driven the whole way from Monument to our house.  

   Way to go, Lily!  We love you so, so much!

*A great student *Kind *Thoughtful *Amazing soccer player and team member *Loves the chocolate in my candy dish *Beautiful inside and out *A smile that lights up the room *Fun *A wonderful granddaughter - Lily is all of this and more.  Hope you had a wonderful birthday week ❤

 Kevin turned &%#@ on Friday Aug. 21st.  His special day got off to a start with Kate's delicious protein pancakes (recipe to follow), and a fairly lazy morning.  He took Sendai to her vet appointment, and then picked up some fly fishing tools he bought on Marketplace from a friend who had been in our Ward when we lived on the Academy. 

  He got home just in time to get back in the car again and meet Adam and Cory, and family at Texas Roadhouse for birthday dinners (Kevin and Lily).  Samantha and her friend, Leo came over from Provo to help celebrate.  We finished the day at Scheels where he picked out a fly tying vice for his special birthday gift.

 *An amazing husband *A wonderful father *Thoughtful *Loves his family *Always has kind words to share *Loves a good nap *Shares my joy of ice cream *Patient with the long hours I spent working on school assignments *Answers all of my gospel questions *A proud and dedicated military officer *Loves the Temple *Sentimental *Doesn't complain when I say we are going to Italy for two weeks, or to Provo for ten days - Kevin has been all of this and much more over the last 51 years.  Love you so much ❤

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???? Are these two still in cahoots, planning something sneaky???

Of course they are 😎

How convenient that Max works at the MTC, and then surprisingly a two-week supply of Monster drinks show up in Paul's closet. . .

 Am I the only one that thinks these might be thought of as contraband at the MTC? 

 Love these two handsome guys so, so much! 😍

VACATION TIME IS OVER FOR THIS CREW . . .  🏫

 Adam and Cory are back to work at Timberview Middle School - Cory, teaching 6th graders the secrets of math, and Adam, keeping track of middle school student with special needs - and IEP or 504 plan.  They were so tired on Friday when we had dinner, Cory said what made her happiest was knowing she could sleep-in on Saturday.  They both work so hard to help these kids learn and move forward through some of the toughest "growing-up" years they will face.  

 

Kate and Johnathan started another school year at the University of Iowa. Johnathan, helping students learn the intricacies of playing the trombone, and Kate, teaching photography, and managing and instructing students using the art department's complex photo equipment.  

And, Kim, running the Roosevelt Elementary School office, and teaching the parents of her elementary school students that yes, you need to call ahead if you are checking out your student, and, no, your student will not be immediately called down to the office because you are dropping of their forgotten homework, Stanley, or lunch.  

AND for those kids going back to school, Grant, Samantha, Blythe, Lily, Jake, Sayre, and Ben - Have a wonderful year, and work hard!

 

Kim sent me this photo of Blythe yesterday, when they arrived in Tampa with her 6 pieces of checked baggage.  I'm sure there was probably some minor heart damage done, because Chris NEVER checks a bag 😬 

THESE GIRLS ARE TAKING A LITTLE BREAK from school, but believe me, there is no grass growing under their feet! They have been taught well the principle of hard work, and saving their money.  Hollie will be putting on her chef's hat and starting her new job at the Broadmoor in September  - making pastries.  You know we'll be down to test them out 😀

 MAX and AMELIA are home from their honeymoon and I'm thinking they will both be back in school also.  

and I believce Max's was wanting to transfer to UVU and Amelia was in the Dental Hygiene program there.  (if this is not true I just made up a great plan for them, right?)❤❤❤

YESTERDAY I WAS QUITE SURPRISED when I went downstairs see if there were eggs in the refrigerator and ran into some of Sayre's artwork (I haven't been downstairs much since we have been back so I didn't notice it earlier)  These are directions to Sayre's Art Gallery, and there are 12 pieces of artwork covering the refrigerator 

  

Sayre and Ben meet again

  Sayre and Ben on a hamic

There are 10 more pages depicting the fun they had together this summer. I hope they will have a chance to get-together every year and grow to be cousins that are best friends!

 

Not only is Sayre artistic he is loving soccer and was just placed in a new league that is a little more competitive.  He will be starting 2nd grade this week!

Also, yesterday, I was just finishing a dinner I was taking to Donna (Helma's daughter who has lung cancer) her two sons, and her sister Diana, when Angella stopped by with Ben.  They went with me and Ben helped me carry the food into the house, and then made himself completely at home (I had no control) - he asked Diana why the house was a mess (they are packing and moving), and if he could see what was downstairs, and if they had a bathroom.  I can't even begin to describe his vocabulary and his presentation is so adult-like.  He was so funny  (though I did try not to laugh).  Donna had just come home from the hospital but she insisted on taking a selfie with Ben because she said he reminded her of her oldest son Brendon, who passed away several years ago.  It was a really sweet time. 

I'm going to let Paul's words be my parting words this week.  Just know we love you all so much!  There are wonderful days ahead - enjoy each one! ❤

OUR MISSIONARY - 

We finally got a note from Paul this week.  It sounds like he is loving the MTC, and the other elders and sisters in his District.  I think he will be off to Washington this week.  Send him an email if you have a free minute!

Paul Hopkins <paul.hopkins@missionary.org>	Fri, Aug 21, 11:44 AM (2 days ago)
to bcc: me

Hey everyone!

First week in the MTC is done and I'm really enjoying it here. I have to start with the best part of our room - we share a room with 4 Polish Elders and they are awesome. They've been teaching us some important Polish phrases, my favorite being moya zona. One of the sisters in our district has been hearing that one a lot from me this week. I will let you all find out what that means on your own. 

My district is awesome and our teachers are great. I'm with Elder Webb and we've had a really good first week  getting into the groove of everything.

The biggest thing that has stuck with me this week was what Elder Bednar said about being outward. He said the focus is not about you anymore. We are just the Lord's servants. That really hit me and has changed the way I'm trying to approach everything here, just focusing outward instead of worrying about myself. We also had a really cool experience this week where we got to give our teacher Sister Cluff a priesthood blessing. Being in that circle and feeling the Spirit so strong was super cool.

I leave next Wednesday for Washington and I'm very excited to get out there and I'm excited to update you all once I get there! After this week my emails will be on Mondays. I linked my Google Photos album to this email. It has photos from this past week and it's where I'll be posting photos for the rest of my mission as well. Please join the album if you can! And please write me emails about whatever you're doing, what's going on at home, work, school, anything. Missionaries love getting emails.

Love you all!

Love, Elder Hopkins

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9WMGTv9rvacYGPwg6