ibmom & gma

Goood morning and you've helped my day. Yesterday and last week have been bummers. First of all, Happy Birthday to Dale Gary Marler who was born Dec. 29, 1949. I think that would make him 59 years old. I've missed him for all that time.

My cold kept getting worse, so I went to the Pulmonologist (sp). She gave me a shot of steroid, increased my prednisone and put me on oxygen 24/7. She gave me 5- $6.00 anti biotic pills. I couldn't go to Church and had no energy. I was so discouraged last night and dad had to wait on me and he definitely doesn't feel good either. When I said my prayer, I told Father, I was discouraged and asked him to make the burdon lighter. Then I started thinking of all the positive things I have in my life. I found out they were much more numerous. Then the blogs from you all really lightened my day. Oh, did I tell you our furnace went out on us on the coldest day of the year. A new furnace costs $6,000 and they are installing it right now. In the meantime, they loaned us two space heaters which does keep two rooms at about 65.

Thanks, Jodi for your most interesting and descriptive letter about the life of first time parents. The miracle of birth is awesome. Ryan, we hope your family will be on the mends. I enjoy hearing about the progress of your new house. And Bryn, I'm so glad you're through with school. And Gary, I just love you talking about "Our Blessings" Well today, is a new day. I love you all and look forward to a good health week. All my love, GMA and ibmom

A few firsts

So it seems I am doing things, I didn't really think I would be doing this time of year. So its funny when I do them...at least it amuses me.

So here are some things

1. Getting up at 3am and not being mad at the person who woke me up.
2. Made a fish and chips dinner for Matt and I today. He even hates fish and I don't cook, especially fish...but it was really good! (I'm such a homemaker)
3. Filled out and returned one of those pass it along e-mails. That's funny just to me, but I never pass on that stuff like that...so the extra time on my hands is interesting to me.
4. Played Nintendo in my house. I never thought we would have a game console in our house, but Matt got the Wii for Christmas, and we had some friends over and had the time of our lives. (ok, maybe not the time of our LIVES, but definitely had fun.)
5. Have had everyone in my entire family (except ryans family) stop by my house in the same month...and most have come several times. Wow, who knew?
6. Called Matt to tell him a long story about how I got Carson to burb and how much he ate of his bottle. Funny how your conversations change.
7. Watched daytime television. Ok, I only watched it for about 5 minutes, but now I know that is NOT one of the items that will be filling up my days!
8. Send enough Text Messages that Matt is making us change our plan to include unlimited. I guess we really are moving into the new age. I help back on that for so long, but it really is a good way to communicate...as long as you are not breaking up with someone over text messaging. (Well, it just happened to one of my girls, and I thought it was rude)

Well I did not go to church today. Matt and I usually trade off, but Carson was really fussy today...first time every, so being the first time parent that I am, I had to stay with him and make sure he was OK. But he is doing great now...I guess he may get fussy from time to time no matter what we do! He is sure a fun kid. Thanks to my family for all your support. We are still planning to keep him only in the house for a while, so it nice that you have all made the effort to come see him. Ryan thanks for knowing that sick kids are hard to have around. We still can't wait for the cousins to meet, but you and Kath are so nice and I know you will know when it is the right time to come and we can't wait!

Love you all family, hope you are doing well. Hope you all have some great new year's party's planned and know that we are missing and loving you all!

With love,
Jodi

Bringing on 2008

Good Sunday morning to you all!! I'm home from church today with Spencer and Abby. Spencer has had quite a week with the croup. As you all know, he's had respiratory problems in the past and when he gets sick with similar types of problems, then we have to be extra careful. He has enjoyed taking long showers with his father though as it's a great way to clear up those lungs a little bit.
Abby woke up feeling sick this morning and it looks as though she might have a touch of what Spencer has. Hopefully, we'll be able to get through all of this sooner than later as we enter into a new year.
Santa Claus made it to our place on Christmas day. Abby and Spencer received a new motorized Jeep. Because of the extreme cold, we haven't taken it outside yet to try it out, but that will come in due time.
Our main Christmas gift is this new house that we're building. It's really going up fast as we look to be in by the 1st of April. It's fun to drive by to see the progression each day.
Yesterday day I spent 3 hours receiving a golf lesson from one of my clients. He comes from a golfing family and has two brothers that play on the professional golf tour. Needless to say, I've re-created my golf swing and it could take time before I'm ready to roll with it. This past year, I realized that I need to do something different if my golf game is ever going to improve. It's plateaued over the past 10 years and so it will be interesting to see if I can ever get a little better.
Thanks to everyone with how well you treat our two kids. They simply love each of you and appreciate how much they are loved and treated when they're with you.
Congrats again to the Holbrook family. I hope little Carson is doing well and is giving you at least a couple of good hours of sleep. Seeing those pictures, it doesn't seem that long ago that Abby and Spencer were that size. But that size they aren't now!! Abby will be a Sunbeam next week and loves to play board games. I've played hours and hours of games with her over the past couple of weeks. Spencer likes to wrestle with me as he loves to jump on top of me and try to take me down. He usually does a pretty good job.
Wishing all of you the very best in 2008!! 2007 was great and anxious to be a part of all of the good things coming up. Like Dad said, we are truly a blessed people!!
rp

December 27, 2007

This could be my last blog of the year. I started work today on my annual, "poor excuse for a daily journal" end of the year summary. I would appreciate it if each of you would send me a little reminder of the most significant events of your year. This month of December has been exceedingly eventful. Thanks to all for your contributions and participation in our five days at Wolf Creek for Christmas event. I love to be with my family! Jodi, Matt and Carson set a new world's record for the best excuse for missing a you'd better not miss this event. Jodi, could you post the Carson Blog pictures and stuff on two blogs and save us from having to look at 2?
I have spent a little time the past few days thinking about the hand of the Lord in the life of our family. I am so thankful for his tender mercies in our behalf. I want my family to know that I know that He lives and loves and allows us to have experiences which, with His help, can turn out to be the very things that will help us grow in ways we really need, but never would have chosen on our own. May we all remember to be grateful.
DAD

1 Week, 2 days

Well it has been one week and 2 days since Carson was born. Our lives are dramatically different for sure, but we love every minute of it. We have created a blog just for Carson. Its so we can post and show our friends pictures of Carson without sending them to this blog. When I update it, I'll post the link on this blog so you can check it out if you want.

So the first one is posted now...

http://lilholbrookfam.blogspot.com/

Can't beat it

well, I can't beat the last post but i do want to say that it is nice to have school done. Thanks to everyone for coming to my Extremely Huge party. I had fun and I appreciate everyone's support. We have such a good and supportive family. Congrats to the new parents. You will be so great, and that perfect baby couldn't go to a more deserving couple. I will also have a lul with stuff from my ward as our sub for santa project is over. I think we helped a lot of people and especially those who contributed, a lot of neat things came out of a lot of time and work. Work is going well right now, with a small break until the new year. Wow, life couldn't be better. I love you all and am anxious to see everyone this weekend for the Christmas holiday, what a special time of year.

Carson Lee Holbrook

We are happy to announce Carson Lee Holbrook was born today at 2:43 pm. He weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. and is 18 1/2 inches long. He scored a 9 on his apgar score and we really have never been happier. It is now real to us, but we are no longer scared, just excited. Lori our birthmom did a fantastic job and in 4 pushes he was delivered. I never thought I would be bias, but it is the cutest kid in the world...ever.

He is already a happy baby and we are praying it will stick! We are home now after a long day at the hospital waiting then holding and cuddling our baby. Lori is so great an makes sure we all have time to hold him, she calls us a team, which indeed we are and always will be.

We have an open adoption with Lori as you can see we know her well by now. Open means will will send her letters and updates his whole life and make sure she knows that her baby is safe and happy. We love her kids already and she really is a good mom, so we are blessed to have her in our lives.

Carson is so beautiful with a full head of hair and long eyelashes. He only cried a few times and ate a lot of his bottle. He pooped well and responds to light and sound. He is so heatly from what we can tell and feel so blessed to have him.

I know this was sudden news, and we cannot express all the support we have felt from our family and friends. We love you all so much, thanks for being the best family in the world.

Here is Carson!

Whew!

Um, I'm done with school :)

ibmom & gma

Dear Family,

You all got together last night so there are no new blogs this mornong. I'll offer mine now. It's not quite 60 degrees out there, but that new Poinsettia got frozen or nipped two nights ago. I put blankets on them last night. The older one looks clean and pure. The new one has withered leaves. I'm feeling fine and just have a little time getting around. Dad drove me to the Beauty shop Sat. and we went out to Gunnell Jewelry and got the diamonds checked on my ring and bought me the Christmas ear rings that Brynley tried to get me three years ago. Wow they are beautiful. They are definitely not costume jewelery. How did Brynley's party go? Got the furnace man here today and he's giving us the run around. Trying to sell us stuff we don't need, such as a maintenance policy on the Furnace. NOPE. We miss Jill being here and appreciate everything she got done. Love, ibmom and gma

Steping Stones

Sorry to lead you down a path, but we still don't really know more than we did yesterday. We did meet with a birth mom and she is due any time. She was very cute and loves her baby very much. She is meeting we lots of adoptive parents, so we were one of them...
We liked here...she was nervous. She likes the Utes so we think that is in our corner...however that is all we know. So it was interesting to see the process...but after the last 24 hours, I'm plum tuckerd out. Thanks for all caring about us. We love you all. Can't wait for Bryn's big party...it will be one to talk about for years to come I'm sure!

Troy

Almost Over
Well my last final will be over tomorrow by 11:30! I will be officially have my VP position as of this friday morning when I will be trained and given all the responsibilities of the office. Friday night I am excited to be there for Brynley's party, at least for the first part of it. I do haveto leave that early because my Institute committee will be throwing an after game party after the WSU basketball game. On Saturday when it is all over I will be headed down to St. George with some buddies to celebrate the end of this semester. I am excited to be care free for just a little while and also excited to be in a not so cold weather.
It was fun to spend some time with my Dad, Matt, and Jodi on Sunday. I am most excited to hear the news as I am sure we all are. Best news of the day, by a long shot. I am looking forward to Christmas and spending some more time with each of you. Love Yall.

Troy

What a week of blogs

Man, after reading the past couple of blogs, I almost can help but "refresh" the blog every hour or so, just to see what's new with the family.

Grandma, it broke my heart to hear of the extreme suffering that you had to deal with over the past week or so. I'm so thrilled to hear that there has been improvement. Keep up the good work with that!!

Jodi and Matt.....Hello!! What a crazy last 24 hours you've had. We're all very excited to hear about what happens next, even if nothing happens at all. Most people have at least 9 months or so to prepare for this....not 9 or less days. Let us know what we can do to help.

As for me, nothing like that to report. Tomorrow is our annual Holiday Open House. I'm excited for it, and also excited to have it over with so I can focus on the Christmas time of year. It really does take lot of time and effort to put on. However, it's nice to have the help of my assistant Debbie, who carries a lot of the load.

I'm also excited for the Brynley Poll celebration on Friday night. Congrats to Bryn for your diligence in getting to this point of your life. It's quite an accomplishment for sure.

Our home has the first floor framed and hope to have it all framed by the end of next week. It's kind of exciting to watch as it goes up piece by piece. Well, I'll stay glued to this blog and wishing my family only the very best.

rp

Babies????

Jodi & Matt

So I'll just get strait to the point, because time is a 'wastin! Matt and I decided to put our papers into an adoption agency...just to test the waters...see what there is out there and all that. We requested paperwork and found an agency that we both feel good about. We finally set up and appointment and went in on Tuesday night to meet with Issac. As we walked in Kathy the owner of the agency came in just to say hi. Then she started right in at asking us questions about what type of baby we wanted, if we had the money, what our preferences were, how open we wanted...Wow...such questions. We answered and she suddenly said. Lori needs to meet these people. Lori is apparently a birth mom who is due in a week and still needs to find some parents for her child. Did I mention she is due in a week...ok, just checking. So then things started going in fast motion. Issac started getting us more paper work and asking more questions...we answered to the best of our abilities and asked many of our own. Kathy left and said she was going to call Lori. We were driving home and Issac called Matt's cell phone. Hi, can you meet with Lori tomorrow at 6pm? Um...let me check my schedule...yup, sure can. So last night we filled out more paperwork than it takes to buy a house...just for comparison purposes, and wrote 3 letters...long letters to the birth mom and with more information on ourselves...more than anyone should know...wow...lots of writing. We send in pictures and will fill out a few more papers today and find out details like insurance and do we have a fire extinguisher in our garage. You know the important stuff. Well this is what we know. We are excited, amazed and scared all in one feeling. This may mean nothing at all, there are lots of people for this lady to choose from, but things went pretty fast last night. So I was in be by 2am and woke up to a phone call from work at 6am. I thought I should fill you all in on this because in several of the many questions we answered, it asked about you...yes you reading this blog. So we told them you knew about this and fully supported us. Thanks so much for all your support in this long adoption process we have been suffering through for now more than 12 hours. Oh, the waiting is the hard part and now we know why. Anyways, we are cautiously optimistic and that is all the information we know right now. So don't call today, cuz we only know what we wrote just now...but we'll post again tonight and tell you an update, or call you if we have anything more substantial than what I just wrote. A lot of info...yes I agree. Love you all. Pray for us for so many reasons and well, kinda cool day.

ibmom & gma

Dear Family,

Just a moment to say that we got home safely from the hospital about 2:00 p.m. A miracle happened when I got home. My feet were so painful that it would take two prople to get me into the bathroom and I finally elected to use the porta pottie right by the bed. The Drs. assistant checked me put and to make sure, they took me to x-ray to get a picture. Thank heavens there weren't any breaks. Coming home I was able to get out of the car by myself. I hate being so dependent on people. Any way GPA got his old walker and adjusted it down for me. And with the help of the walker I can get around with little or no pain in my foot. So I had a big rest this afternoon. Jill and I watched Patch Adams this p.m. She won our game of Fink that we had stareeat the hospital. We finished the game as soon as we got home. Love you all so much. Thanks for letting me use your wife and mother to lighten my life.

ibmom & gma

1 week

Yes, you have read correctly. One more week until it is quite official. I will never have another weekend to stress, think, worry, wonder, hate, dislike or dread school or the homework that I should be doing. Thanks to each of you for enduring my countdown, honestly, i don't even know what to title my blog next week. This week week was good. I'm glad that Grandma is recovering well. She is such a trooper, but am sad that it was a rough couple of days. I hope things continue to improve! Love you Grandma!

This was a busy week with church stuff. We wrapped gifts tonight for several families that we are doing a sub-4-santa for. It has been fun to see my ward family get excited and be so generous with time, and money, and gifts etc. We went and visited an African family tonight. They have been here for 6 months and don't speak hardly any English. I walked into their home and felt like I was back on the mission. It was so much fun. Walking into a strange home, they didn't know us, or who we were, or what we wanted, and we didn't know them. We learned their names and had them stand up so we could guess their clothes sizes. We also got their shoe sizes. They were so cute! It was amazing to be there, and the four others with me seemed to enjoy themselves as well. We will take the gifts around to the other 6 families next sunday, and I'm excited to meet the families, but also have this project done. I have enjoyed almost every step of the way.

I promised myself I'd be done with school by now, but I still haven't wrapped up my grant proposal. Hopefully I can get up early tomorrow before I hit the slopes. I'm excited to go skiing tomorrow and am anxious for a good cold day skiing. Work is good, this week will be an all-telling week as to how things go with actual Jr. Jazz basketball games. Life is good, I love every one of you.

Sunday Night

I just finished Mom's letter with the update on Grandma Marler's health. I then listened to Elder Wirthlin's talk on Charity from last General Conference. You may remember that Elder Wirthlin's leg locked up on him and he was in a great deal of pain, but was determined to finish his talk. Elder Nelson, his long time friend and co-worker came up behind Elder Wirthlin and supported him while he finished his talk. It was a great example of the charity that Elder Wirthlin was talking about. I thought of the great love that the Mother of our family has for her mother and for the support that she is able to give. I am so grateful that she was able to be there and give the love and help that she has. While Mom has been gone I have been on the recieving end of lots of love from our children. I so appreciated Kyle calling yesterday and taking me to the BYU-Michigan State game and then Brynley going to the ward party with me even though she didn't know anyone there and had a lot to do and then Jodi and Matt inviting Troy over for dinner this evening and feeding us some wonderful German pancakes. I love my family and appreciate every moment I get to spend with any of you. I'll be praying for our four students as they finish up their semesters in college. Let me know if I can do anything for any of you. I have the time and the Love.
DAD

My Surgery Experience

Hi Family,

I am in the hospital, so obviously I can't get to my normal blogging activities, so I have dictated this to my one and only daughter and here is the update. This was Saturday morning, Dec 8.

From G’ma

All went well with the surgery, but after the surgery all “heck” broke loose. I can hardly get in and out of bed. I don’t have much strength in my legs. This morning at 5am there was a beeping on the machine. I couldn’t find the controls so I tried to yell help, but that only hurt my incision. Then the TV went on by itself and then without getting help, I wet the bed. Then the nurse scolded me because I didn’t have someone to help me here in the hospital. The nurse took all the covers off me and used a cold wash cloth. I started freezing and shaking and she asked if I often shake like that. It was a nightmare in real life. The holy and almighty surgeon who couldn’t leave such a high risk patient last time because it would be unethical can now be gone. Yes, he went out of town after surgery.?%#! Guess I either became a low risk patient or he is being unethical.

But I have such fond memories of Thanksgiving and it comes in my mind all the time, it helps me through times like this. Thanks for helping me have those memories.
Love Gma

********

P.S. I write this as myself now- Jill/Mom/Daughter you get the drift

G'ma got up to the BR and oh what a difference a day makes. She could walk much better, she can almost get out of the bed by herself, she ate a good breakfast, she is making funny wisecracks again, and yes, she is in more pain because the tube that was moving medication to numb the incision area came out, but all in all, she has turned a very big corner. In addition you can see that the 1st day after surgery G'ma is still up for a good game of Rummy! She kicked my trash 350-250. Some things just don't change! Love and miss you all.....

Ramblings from a Sunday Evening

Thanks for coming over family. It was wonderful to have the whole family here in the pivot apartment! We fit! I guess we won't be needing a new home after-all. I am excited for the events coming up. I can hardly wait for Ryan's Open House on Thursday the 13th, Brynley's graduation party at 7 PM on Friday the 14th, the Marler Party on Sunday the 16th, the Poll family party on Saturday the 22nd and now it looks like we'll be heading to Wolf Creek Lodge from Friday the 21st until Wednesday the 26th. We'll be driving down the canyon on the 22nd for the Poll party. I look forward to every opportunity to be with our family. This ward that Mom and I live in is great for offering Service Opportunities. I have had the chance to work at the DI, clean the Salt Lake Temple, work at the Cannery (we did applesauce) and this Tuesday I get to work at the bakery. There seems to be no end to the opportunities. This will be a totally different Christmas this year. I look forward to spending it with the finest people in the world. Best of Luck to our students the next coupled of weeks. Congrats to Mr. Vice President at WSU! and to Master Brynley after only 3 more classes. The Gospel is True! I love the Book of Mormon. I get to teach it next semester and I am already looking forward to spending the next month preparing for it. Best of Luck to Grandma Marler with her upcoming surgery. Let me know if I can do anything for any of you. My calendar is pretty flexible.
DAD

3 days

Well, I must say that I didn't think this time would ever get here. Only three days of class left. In 72 hours, I'll be walking away from the University of Utah only to return to hand in a paper. So, it looks like I really will make it to the end of this road. Then, I think I will be free. Work really took a tol on me this week, it was a busy week, but a good week. The Jr. jazz season is up and running, and there's still a lot to do.
Enough of work and school, Thanksgiving was wonderful, it's always good to be in AZ with grandma and grandpa! I still have this blasted cold and I hope that I haven't spread it on to any of you.
I didn't think I'd admit this, but it was nice to get a good snow storm yesterday. I bought myself some skis, and I'm anxious to go and try them out. Hopefully I'll find some boots, and a good resport to ski this winter.
Well, I got a roommate just before I went to Arizona for Thanksgiving, and I just found out that she's moving out. I guess I'm hard to live with, poor Jessica is stuck here with me.
Christmas is almost here and I'm excited to see how we spend the special day! I'm positive it will be fun wherever we are, mostly because we are fun.
I love you all!
Good luck to everyone who has finals these next couple of weeks!
Grandma our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go in for surgery tomorrow.

Christmast Vote

I vote we go to the Holbrooks home for Christmas.

It will be cheaper and funner and closer and funner :)


Go Jazz!

Christmas Day

Family, its time to decide what the heck we are doing for Christmas.

I have a proposal. So you can comment and we'll decide what is going on for the Holidays.

Also here is a list of things we have...please add to this as we go along.

December 13 1p - 7p Ryan's Open House - Raymond James
December 14 8:30 pm Bryn's Graduation Celebration
December 16 5:00pm Marler Party
December 22 6:00 Poll Party South Weber
December 24 - Christmas Eve

Come celebrate at the Holbrook Lodge
We will have warm hot chocolate for every guest and great food, games and movies for the night. The lodge sleeps 10, but there is one bed for the Mother and Father and then couches for the rest. And trust me...we have a plethora of couches boss.
In the morning there will be sticky buns and presents and perhaps some snowshoeing up the mountain.
You can stay as long as you want. We have looked at several places and its expensive to get a large place...We could keep looking but our home is available and you are all welcome.

Please add any other dates I missed and comment of Christmas Day. Love you all
Jodi

"Gobble, Gobble, Giggle...I wish turkey only cost a Nickle..."

Matt

I agree with Jodi...there really aren't any holidays that I look forward to any more than Thanksgiving. You might not already know this about me, but I really get a kick out of yummy food...and there will be no shortage of comida deliciosa this week!

I also share Dad's excitement for the big football game this Saturday...I'm hoping for another Thanksgiving Miracle---that we will be able to find a tv channel that is broadcasting the game at Gma's. I nearly had a massive heart attack during last year's contest...I'm not sure why I even like watching the rivalry game--it really does thoroughly stress me out each year...honestly, it's a physically taxing experience for me each time I see my Utes play the "team down south". Oh that I could be "luke warm" like RP and claim to have no ties to either team...it must be nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice little game of football like he does each year.

Well, I'm sitting here at work w/ a long list of things to get done before our departure to Mesa, so I better go be productive now. Looking forward to seeing most of you down in sunny Arizona!

Love,

MPH

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, we officially have a hole for our house. I took Abby and Spencer out yesterday and we were able to watch the digger move all the dirt around. As you can imagine Spencer thought it was the coolest thing ever. He kept saying over and over, "Mpom, look digger". They think they might even be doing foundations today. So we might make another trip out there to see what we can watch today.
So, I have been thinking that I would like to set the tradition with my kids of doing a sub for santa or twelve days of Christmas or something for somebody else. If anyone knows of anyone that could use a little help this year, please let me know.
The only thing that I know of for schedules right now is Ryan's Holiday Open House is on Dec. 13th.
I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe trip down.
Love ya,
Katherine

The Eve of Thanksgiving Eve

It is Tuesday Morning. The Eve of Thanksgiving Eve. Today we are going to roll 800 Tennis Balls down the sidewalk at the UofU and some lucky student is going to win a 1/2 price tuitition and books for next Semester and I am going to win a t-shirt or some other valuable prize. Later on my wife and two sons and I are going to brave the roads and go over the river and through the woods. I am looking forward to spending time with the family. I am also looking forward to the Big Football game this Saturday, a little shopping on Wednesday and Friday and the end of the Semester and Brynley's party. Here's a couple of things;
1. The Poll party will be on December 22nd at the South Weber Church at 6 PM. It is the Church across the street from Grandma and Grandpas. I have no other details.
2. Give us some feedback on the Sherwood Hills trip. Does it work for you? Jodi, have you checked to see about a condo somewhere else? Another alternative would be the Poinsetta Bowl in San Diego on December 20th, or maybe St. George.
3. They are framing our new house. It looks really cool. I hear they dug the hole at Spencer and Abby's new home yesterday.
4. I had better get going, it is almost 7 AM-Mom's been gone for 2 hours and I haven't showered yet.

Love
Dad

December Schedule- Keep Checking for Additions

Hi Everyone,
Well as usual, Jodi got me on the ball and so this will be our official place for us to ALL see what is going on from now til end of the year.

Dec. 14th- Friday- BBB- Brynley's Big Bash- 8:00 pm at Mom and Dad's Church Building- 700 S. 500 E. SLC- Food and Activity assignments TBD- Invite everyone you know that wants to come.

Dec 16- Marler Family Party- 6:00 pm- Cory & Ronda's House possibly- Food Assignments TBD

Poll Party- Dec 23rd? No details known but will update

Dec. 27th-29th- Sherwood Hills possibility- Pool, hot tub, (no courts, but now a day spa), snow showing and cross country ski equipment rental, we could possibly use the courts on campus,
Rooms have 2 queens, frig, microwave, TV/Cable and seperate VCRs- $79/ night- skiing at Beaver Mountain possibly-

Thanksgiving Week!!!

Jodi -
I love this week, it is my favorite of the year. I love the time we get to spend in AZ, I love seeing my family all weekend, I love spending so much time with Gma and Pa and I love haveing no obligations for one whole long weekend. So why am I still here at work at 6pm? I don't know...Want to be all caught up for the long weeekend I guess, or just not that productive with so much fun a-waiting.
We went to Barbara's for dinner on Sunday and then went to the Angie's for cake and icecream. Everyone seems to be doing well there...they are all looking forward to Thanksgiving too.
We got Tivo back, so now we have the Ute games back too and I can watch the 10:00 news any time I want!
See you all on Wed. night!!!! Oh yeah...I can't wait.

60K and 3.66 weeks

This was a great week for those in South Salt Lake. I hit 60,000 miles on my little car, I got a new roommate, I worked a lot of hours. I went to a quarter of the U football game, I had a coaches meeting, and today is our big auction for the service committee at church. MMM, I can't hardly wait for Wednesday night. We're going to have so much fun, and it appears that our hostess' are getting everything ready. We had our coaches meeting for Jr. Jazz on Saturday, and I'm feeling good about the coaches that we do have, and I think they're excited too. Life is good, and after today, I only have to sit in this chair two more times. Now that is exciting! I love you all and am anxious to spend the weekend with you. Til then.

Count Down by ibmom and gma

Dear Friends of mine,

We're waiting for the carpet cleaners. They said between 7 a.m. and noon. Then Linda and I are going shopping for stuff. Tomorrow, the cleaning lady willl come and clean my refrigerator and other things. Wed., I get my hair and nails done and then you guys start popping in Yipee. We've got our vcr cabinet about half way cleared up. Got a lot of good movies. The cards are ready any time. Thing have got to get did and so we'll all do them. Love ibmom and gma

Boys Like Girls

I am on short time, but I wanted to say that it was fun to be with some of you this last Sunday at M&D's. Love spending time with the family whenever our schedules allow it. Tomorrow the band, "Boys Like Girls" will be coming to the Dee Events Center for a big concert. We have over $30,000 put into this and so I am hoping we will come close to breaking even on the whole deal. If we don't, I will have some fingers pointed at me, but as of our last ticket count, we are right on pace to sell out. Friday morning I will be going to San Fran for the weekend for a Student Government Conference. Should be good. My stress is eased by trips to the gym and rigorous workouts. Am I looking different to anyone?

-Troy

We're winding down

Well this week was a very good week, and i think a lot of it had to do with a lack of school work that was done. I have had a lot of fun, but didn't get much homework done, and now I will pay for it this week. However, I did present my project to my committee on Thursday morning, and it looks like I may be able to graduate. That is if I can sit in this classroom for three more weeks totalling 9 hours. Oh I have two other classes too, but if i can buckle down these last couple weeks, I will live, and then be oh so happy to be free! I got to go to the Jazz game last Wednesday night, and sit next to Troy in the 4th quarter. However, I left Troy and Labron James with 30 seconds left in the game, and apparently missed an exciting 30 seconds. I also did my best to enjoy the beautiful weather on Saturday, and got on my bike with mom. I also played some racquetball, let mom beat me, played some volleyball, and didn't let anybody beat me, then in the mountain, I think the mountain won. I was tired, but no wreck to report. I went to a game night on Saturday night, and I realized I hadn't been to a social event for some time, it was fun to get out again. I had most of the day off today for veteran's day, and got up hiking with some high school friends. It's great to be alive, and I'm really enjoying the extended fall season. Class is just ending so...4.66 weeks to go, and I'll really be done!!!! Love you all, can't wait to be with you for the holiday

Consistency

Like Matt, I'm happy to be back for the past couple of weeks. It was really nice seeing most of the family last week. Besides Brynley, I was able to see everybody. And Bryn, hopefully, I'll get to see you soon as well.

Last week, I was able to go to 2 college football games and one great college basketball game. That college basketball game was between Weber State and Utah State. I had so much fun, I think I'm going to go more often, especially because our home is so close to the Dee Events Center.

We're supposed to dig a hole tomorrow and we're excited to have that happen. Hopefully we can move quickly on this before the weather gets too bad.

The stock market has had a couple of tough weeks which makes my life a little more interesting. Fortunately, I'm a little consersavative with even my most aggressive investors, which means that we're not hit has hard around here. But it still makes things a little more tense around here.

Kath and I spoke in church yesterday. She was great and I was just average. But that's usually the way it is for us, so nothing too new there.

Have a great week to all,
rp

Three weeks in a row!

--Matt

I know that pride is a sin, but I feel pretty cool for having made a blog three weeks in a row. And, this is the first time that I've ever had two blogs posted in a time span that GMA only had one post... :)

I liked Jodi's blog...I'm happy to see that she posted our Halloween photo. I can't believe she made me where that costume to our Ward Party...I must love her a lot!

It was fun last night to go to dinner at Mom and Dad's...we missed KP and Bryn, but I'm sure we'll see them down in Mesa. Thanks to Ryan and Kath for picking us up and driving us to and from SLC. It was fun to sit back and relax, and playing w/ Abbey and Spencer in the back seat was above average too.

Things at work are going well. I like my job, and I feel fortunate to have my own business. I'm in the process of looking for a new secretary...she's having a baby in January, so I need to start looking for a replacement...so, if any of you have any good referrals, send them on my way...I'm a pretty decent guy to work for...

I guess the only thing I'm not excited about this week is my dental appointment on Thurs. morning. I have to go get a crown put on one of my teeth...guess I should have flossed more.

Love you all!

Next Week

Jodi -

It seems we are all counting down till Thanksgiving, and I have to say this is my favorite holiday. Grandma thanks for being so organized, we all know exactly what to do on Thanksgiving...I love it...However, I'll make pumpkin muffins for everyone if you let me set real plates out for dinner. So I'm a traditionalist, but its Thanksgiving, and I only get to eat off a pewter plate once a year!

Well last week I flew home from Kansas City...my last trip of the year. It was fun, I was able to take my friend Kristie with me, so we had a nice girls weekend eating well, getting massages and well scrapbooking.

I leave you this week with pictures from Halloween. We had a great Halloween this year, with some fun party's and such...so thought I would share the costumes...funny...matt showed up at the ward party...minus that jeans...yup, It was funny.

5.66 weeks

That's right ladies and gentlemen, we are almost onto the one hand countdown. This week was a good week because for the first time I saw a true bright light at the end of the tunnel. I bound my final project/paper and dad turned it in for me this morning. I will defend it on Thursday. Then 1 grant to write, and a couple small projects here and there. This too shall pass. Work is going well. I enjoy everyone I work with and I my assistant started today. There was so much to get done and not a lot of time to train him, but he seems like a go getter and doesn't need constant reminders and is willing to share his insights and work hard. It's going to be great! We'll be going to some elementary schools tomorrow and teaching their p.e. classes, mmmm, I think I can handle that. I went to my ward's FHE tonight, and am going to try harder to get involved there. I looked around the room today and at least knew a couple of people, I guess it just takes 17 months to get to know people. The service committee is doing well, we're having an auction in a couple of weeks and people seem excited. If anyone has anything they want to auction off, let me know, it'll go to a good cause. Anyway, life is good, still looking for a roommate, but I'm in no hurry. Well I love you all. Happy November

Manic Monday

Good Monday afternoon to all,

Life is good for the Ryan/Katherine Poll's. We still haven't dug a hole yet....still waiting for final permits. However, I'd be really suprised if my next blog doesn't have news about the ground breaking.... Of course, it might be another 3 or 4 weeks before I do another blog.

Spencer and Abby are doing well. Spencer's new favorite word is "funny". He'll be watching a show or be drivinging in the car and point to something and say "funny". He then laughs and everybody else laughs because watching him laugh is funny. Got all of that??

Abby loves Pre-school and is quite bright. She likes to play card games with me. Last night, we were going through the numbers with face cards. This was good exercise with her numbers. She's really good but mixes up her 6's and 9's. When we got a face card, she was say "A (Ace)is for Abby, K (king) is for Kyle, and J (Jack) is for Jodi. Sorry mom, we weren't trying to exclude Jill, but for now, all she knows you as is Grandma. However, that soon will change. She knows she's funny, but she'll call Katherine, "Kath", "Muffins", and "Katherine". She'll call me "Ryan" or just "Ry" for short. She'll also talk to Spencer as if Katherine is talking herself. "Are you OK honey?" It's a good reminder for us to watch our P's and Q's as she picks up on just about everything.

Well, I'm pretty excited for the football this week. On Thursday, I get to go to the BYU-TCU game and on Saturday, I get to go to the UTAH/WY game.

Bye for now....
rp

Beautiful Monday!

As Phil Holbrook used to always say on a day like today, "it sure is a beautiful day outside!" Sounds like it's also great weather in Mesa...I hope that keeps up the rest of the month down in sunny Arizona.

I was invited to go to a Jazz game last Saturday night. The Jazz played the Golden State Warriors, and the Jazz beat them convincingly. It was a very entertaining game, and I was feeling pretty good about myself until I got a text message from Jodi that informed me to look for Kyle sitting on the 2nd row. I really have great eye sight, but since we were on row 13 of the upper bowl, I couldn't spot KP. I'm sure that he's jealous that I was able to see the entire court during the game with much more ease...

As Dad mentioned in his blog, I received a new calling last week. I've been called to be the executive secretary in my ward. I had no idea how many "behind the scenes" things that go on in a ward. We have a great Bishopric--they all have a great sense of humor, so that makes the work even more fun. For now, they have left me in as the Priest's Quorum advisor...Bishop said he'll release me in a couple months...And, the last executive secretary had the assistant clerk that was doing half of his job for him (they called the assistant clerk to be the new Wark Clerk, so we now have one less memeber of the bishopric than we did two weeks ago)...so, I kind of have three callings right now. I like them all a lot though, so that makes it easier.

Just two more weeks now till we leave for Mesa! Sometimes my family...mostly my mom...have a hard time understanding why Jodi and I are never around during Thanksgiving. We just tell them that we just have a lot more fun w/ GMA and GPA Marler in Arizon....and, if they want us to stay home in Utah for Turkey day--they need to work on their overall "fun level".

I'd say that our annual trip to Mesa during Thanksgiving is our most treasured Holbrook family tradition. We haven't established very many traditions in our small family, but we always know where we will find ourselves on Thanksgiving....as long and GMA and GPA will let us keep coming :)

Go Jazz!

Another Monday

Happy November 5th family
Here's this weeks top 10!
1) Mom was set apart as the President of the YW in our ward yesterday. She is going to be great.
2) I heard from Ryan today and the little monkey and the little chicken are coming to grandma and grandpa's house at 6 PM today. We are really excited about that. Mom is going to fix the macarroni and cheese. I am furnishing the yesterdays jello salad.
3) They have poured our basement floor in our house in Centerville. It looks smooth, but I can't see the drain for the basement kitchen. I am sure they have it figured out.
4) My tentative plans, (subject to Jill, Troy and Kyle approval) for Thanksgiving weekend is to leave on Tuesday afternoon as soon as everyone can tear themselves away and drive south until we arrive in sunny Mesa. I plan to return in time to be at the UofU-BYU football game at noon on Saturday with Troy and Kyle. Mom will stay in Mesa until Tuesday.
5) I would like to make an appearance at Last Chance on Wednesday and then go looking for suits with Matt and whoever else would like to go on Friday morning.
6) Mom and I went to a play at the Hale Theatre on Friday evening with a really nice and interesting couple who moved to SLC just a couple of months ago. I hope that we can continue our friendship with them. I think we're going to go to another play in Decemgber with them.
7) Grandma Poll's headaches seem to have gone away and her blood pressure is much better. Grandpa was able to attend Sacrament Meeting. I still have hopes that we will be able to go to the temple with him sometime this year.
8) I hit a personal high of 34 on Kyle's "Bopit" game this morning. I was going to get to 100 before I bragged, but I couldn't wait.
9) Mom and I are really enjoying our living downtown lifestyle. It is so nice to not have to worry about I-15 and the commute. We also love our ward. It is so much in need ob able bodies. We are even considering buying a Town House across the street from our current location instead of the Centerville place. (Just considering it)
10) Welcome home to Jodi, congrats to Bryn on having her paper finished on her BIG project, looking forward to hearing from Kyle on his Jazz game on Saturday, anxious to hear about Troy's application for student government for next Semester, anxious to hear how Matt's new Church calling is going, looking forward to Ryan teaching me how to do my Family History, hope Mom's 3 day headache gets better, appreciate Kath's hanging out with her BYU friends this evening so we can play with the world's cutest kids.
Love you all
DAD

ibmom & gma

Hello everyone,

Oh dear, only Troy has posted since I did last, but here I am again. Troy, it's so good hearing about your life at WSU. Keep it up! I too am looking forward to Thanksgiving. In fact last night, I made another list. Here's a revised list of things to do for the meal. Gma furnish the food. Joel, cook turkey and make gravy; Zack will help Joel as well as Stuart in getting table & Christmas things out. Kyle, dressing; Dale, cut the turkey, Ronda and Cory, make the layered jello (at home and bring it up carefully); Matt and Jodi bring in table from outside and chairs, put leafs in both tables (if needed) and set tables. We will use place mats and paper plates and cups unless otherwise voted down. It will be much easier on the clean up and we can get on to games and vcr's etc. (No golf on Thurs.) Brynley on mashed potatoes; Gary, Jill, Troy on vegetable (frozen corn or peas) fruit tray; and organize the cleanup (bomb or whatever you call it); Linda, rolls; GMA cranberries and cranberry sauce and butter paper products etc.; Stuart help Matt & Jodi set table; and bring in table from fr. b.r. after the meal for setting the Christmas tree on; Then everyone help bring in and place the Christmas things. And Jodi will help me get my Christmas Card out. It will be a busy but a fun day and we will appreciate it so so so so much. Anyone left out or you think of things I don't, just remind me. Everyone is coming and going at different times, so the rest is up to you, I have a few things on a list that could take an extra hour or two. Today is a beautiful day out. I have the front door open. It's just about 60 degrees. We haven't had any heat on. In fact the air conditioning will come on later when it gets up to 82 degrees. They are out there in shorts golfing. We love it. It may be different in 2 1/2 weeks, but we will enjoy. You're off daylight savings time, so we are the same time as you for a few months. I go to the dentist at 10: a.m. Things are pretty well finished with my teeth. Just hurts a little, but I can chew pretty well now. Got to go. I will mail a copy of this to those that don't get or dont read the blog. Allison will just bring herself and family including Jocelyn Iris Kerby. Love you all much, ibmom & gma

Halloween Eve

Troy

I don't care about the "guilt trip email". I post it on my own time. I play by my own rules. That having been said, I am sorry it has taken me so long to get on this thing again and I feel really bad about the whole deal. I am going to school at Weber State and I live in Ogden, UT in one of Kyle's houses. All has been going well with school and with my involvement in school. We had our institute dance last friday and that went really well. I went as ed McMann and the Publishers Clearinghouse. There was me, a camera man, and a girl to present the giant check for $10,000,000 and lots of balloons. Photos will be posted soon I hope.
I recently applied for a postition on the Student Fee Reccomendation Committee and just heard that I get the position yesterday. Pretty excited about that opportunity.
It was good to see many of you last night for FHE in the Holbrook home. I love spending time with my family. I was particularly happy to see my favorite little girl and little boy in the world. Those two are a delight!
22 more days till we leave for AZ!

ibmom & GMA

Deae Family,
I don't know what happened to my post this a.m. but see it did not make it, so I will try a shorter version. Stayed home yesterday from Church cause I had flu like symptons and my teeth and mouth hurt a lot. Feel better and the dentist said they are cankers in my mouth. I am just getting ready to take a test on the BYU humanities. Last week, I wrote a couple of essays on Hamlet. Dad is cleaning out our VCR cabinet and found Hamlet by Mel Gibson. We both watched it. It was done very well and helped me on the essay questions. I'm on Lesson 4 of 17. So Brynley, I doubt that I'll finish by 7 weeks. Dad has agreed, he won't golf on Thanksgiving day, and we'll have to see what's on their calendar for Fri. & Sat. The winter people are coming back and it seems good to see the golfers out. The course just opened today after 3 weeks of overseeding. Dad is scheduled for tomorrow. Kyle can work on dressing as well as getting our Christmas things out. We'll have lots of time for movies and cards and golf. Love you all ibmom & gma
2nd post for Oct. 19, 2007

Welcome Family

Well, it was good to hear from some of you. Welcome back. I hope to hear from the rest of you soon. This weekend was big, we had the soccer season end and I'll be honest, I'm glad I don't have to worry about what the weather will be like every Saturday, and it will be nice to have a couple of Saturday's off before Jr. Jazz starts. I am currently sitting in my favorite class (okay that wasn't an honest statement) but There are only 17 hours of this class left, so I am more certain that I will live through it. I am liking work more and more, I just hired two new staff members, so it will be fun to see how things get up and running. I got a call today from a soccer coach telling me that things were so much more organized, and he'd be willing to help with whatever he could in the future. That was most rewarding, and again I'm excited to sink my teeth all the way into this. We'll worry about that in 6.66 weeks. It was good to see most of you at mom and dad's yesterday, i will report that I am now mobile after a full couple of hours. I ate way too much. Well I'm looking for a roommate, if anyone is interested, it's a great room, in a wonderful location, we keep the place really clean, and you really don't even need to lock the doors.
Arizona here I come, in just a couple of weeks, I'm so excited! Love you all!

Three weeks till Mesa!

Hi Fam,


It's been many Mondays since I last posted, so I guess it's time to post again....and, if Katherine is going to be blogging now, I better step up to the plate and contribute too!


Thanks for dinner last night, Ma and Pa. It's always nice to get a free meal on Sundays. It was also fun to play fink until I pulled a major choke job and ended up in third place...now I know how the Cleveland Indians must feel.


Jodi and I are taking the day off tomorrow, so I'm super excited for that. I think we'll go hang out at Ikea for a few hours and maybe go to a movie.

I'm so excited to go to Mesa again! I'm glad that the first day of November is a Thursday...that makes it so we get to go to AZ one week earlier. Yeah! We'll be arriving Wed. night and we'll fly out early Monday morning. I guess I'll have to find a TV somehow to watch the Utes beat the Cougars this year.



MPH

Katherine's in the house!!

The one thing I have always loved about this family is the ability you have to beat around the bush on topics that are of importance. Wow! There was nothing subtle about that email!!! So, here I am on my very first blog afraid of the next email I might have received if I didn't respond quickly.
Things are going great for us. We are hoping to have a hole dug on our house sometime this week. Abby and Spencer are growing up too fast. Everyday it seems like Spencer is saying new words and Abby is loving preschool. Spencer hates to see Abby go to preschool and cries almost everytime I drop her off saying, "Abby back."
We are so sad that we will not be going to Arizona this year for Thanksgiving. We had so much fun last year! Abby is still talking about going to see G.G. and G.G.Pa. Hopefully, we will be able to go in the years to come.

Love ya,
Katherine

Monday, Monday

A note to the family
I had a wonderful weekend. I love my family and appreciate every contact I have had with them. Here's my hi-lights. Not in order.
1. I am teaching a teacher-development class in our ward. I had 20 in attendance yesteday. It is proving to be a great way to get to know some people in the ward.
2. Speaking of our ward, we now have the finest young women president in the Church.
3. Our home now has a firm foundation. I am still predicting a March 6 closing.
4. I am excited for FHE this evening. I am not sure what we'll do. My guess is that we'll go to some cool place and cook hot dogs and have a lesson.
5. I will be disappointed in a major way if I do not get to see a little chicken and a little Monkey this Wednesday1
6. Mom and I went to the dollar movie and spent an arm and a leg on pop corn and pop. The name of the Movie was Hair Spray. My favorite part was when I was holding hands with the lady at my side. It was corny with a capital corn, but fun.
7. We had a wonderful meal at the Pivot Apartment. Thanks to Mom for the cooking and to Jodi, Matt, Kyle and Bryn for coming on over. I love to be with ye.
8. I just discovered that I have 8 days of annual leave to use up before the end of the year. One of them will be the day before Thanksgiving. I will get somebody to cover my class and I would like to leave on Tuesday evening if it is possible.
9. Grandma Poll had a pretty bad week with headaches and high blood pressure. She has always seemed so healthy and is feeling much better now, but keep all of the grandparents in our prayers.
10. Speaking of prayers, I read Ether 2 yesterday and wondered how a man like the Brother of Jared could go 4 years without prayer. I read a commentary that said he probably didn't go four years without prayer, but possibly 4 years without sincere prayer. The pray without all of your heart concerning your people prayer (1 Nephi 1:6). It was a good reminder to me. We all need to pray for all of us.
I love you each and all
DAD

Being called out by Jodi

Well I got back from a nice lunch and found that I'd been called out by my sister to post before anything else. Because I fear what she could do to me, I'm posting now.

The update on our house is that this is the week of a small hole to be dug. It's been a long time coming, but I think everything is ready to go now.

The kids are excited about Halloween. Abby is going to be a chicken and the little dude will be a monkey. They've tried on their costumes many of times already.

I've got a new calling to be the family history Sunday School teacher in the our new ward. That's great, but I've never done any of that before. Well, that shall soon change as my class starts next week. Dad is going to accompany me to the Family History Library on Wednesday. Thanks to Dad to helping his poor, uneducated son with this new challenge.

I'm out.
rp

Oh Canada!

JODI

Another two weeks have gone by since my last post, but its been a busy few weeks. I was in Canada last weekend with my friend Gail. We taught classes and it rained on ou heads the entire trip! Wow that is a lot of rain, the weathermen around here would love that!

This is me and Gail at a restaurant with some waiter...hey we're in Canada!

Classes went well, and we always have really fun with our hosts there. Then this weekend I taught all the way in Draper UT. So I slept at Brynleys house that night. I'll be honest I'm glad she got a great job right here in Utah, cuz I could not handle her moving out of this state!

Friday I'll be going to Kansas City for my last trip of the year. Yeah! That is good news, cuz I'm ready for a break. I most likely won't have to go on a work trip again until Feb. Soooooo, all those going to AZ for Thanksgiving....I can't wait!!! What a fun tradition and thanks Gma and Pa for always having open doors for us to come down...you have not idea how much we all look forward to this. I know Cory and Rhonda can't make it this year:( What about you Joel....any luck we'll see you???

Love you all, must be getting back to work. I'm taking tomorrow of cuz I'll be working again this weekend and a girl need some time off!

School, School, school, I love to school

Indeed, another week to put behind me. In just a couple days I will be able to say there are only 7 weeks of school left. Today I spent almost the whole day finishing up my project that I did back in August. Now I just need to write the paper and on November 8th I'll present it to my committee, and yes, one more thing to check off of the to do list. I give my big presentation in one of my classes tomorrow, and then it will be just weekly assignments there. I have the class from HE double hockey sticks in an hour, but my teacher won't be there today, and as far as I know, there is just one more project to get done in there. But that class is always full of surprises. We'll see how that goes. I am writing a grant for another class, and that has a lot of work to get done on it. I am also using it at work, so for one of the first times, it really needs to be done well. I'm sure that somehow it'll get done, and I hope well. Besides that, there is just one week left of soccer, I"m praying for a sunny day on Saturday, at least no rain or snow, then... bring it on:) It will be good to have the soccer season behind me, it's been fun to learn the ropes of the Sorenson Center and I love working with the kids. I really like my job, and am anxious to focus more time on that. Only 8 more weeks and you won't have to listen to or read a count down. Now that will be a happy day for more than just those reading this blog. Life is good, a couple of big activities are coming up with the Service committee in the Salt Lake University 46th ward. I hope those also go well. I'm looking for a roommate, and it's a little difficult because I don't know very many people that are looking to share a room in South Salt Lake. And I really don't know of very many people looking to share an apartment with Jessica. She's a sweet girl, but I just don't know very many people willing to move into that neat environment. Life is so good, I'm anxious to be in Arizona for the holiday. Love you all.

ibmom & gma

Dear Gang,
A whole week since I've posted and "life keeps happening." A really nice day of Church yesterday. I so appreciate going to church. I wake up some days and just don't feel well enough to go. Our whole Branch is like that. But we are getting winter members back. Talked with Jill a couple of times yesterday and she didn't even say they had talked at Church. I appreciate her as my 'Garue' on the Computer. Something as simple as double spacing. I think I've got it down. I wrote one of my essays on Hamlet, and just one more essay and then I will be a quarter through with the Humanities class. I got to thinking about that Shakespearian Festival we were with you in Cedar City. We saw one of the worst of Shakespeare. Does anyone remember the name of it? Was it "Much Ado About Nothing"? Anyway after reading the Hamlet in the book, about 60 pages, Dad discovered we had Hamlet in our VCR's by Mel Gibson. So we both watched it. It made the whole thing come to life and was that much more interesting. Incidentally, Dad is cleaning out our VCR and DVD cabinets. We find we have a lot of VCR's from early vcr day, when they were so expensive, so we would put as many as 3 on a tape. We left some of the advertising and it's hard to get to the third movie. But we also found out, there's not much swearing or dirty words or nudity. Those with too much or that above, got thrown out. The rest, he's going to see if he can edit them and get the adv. off and only one per vcr. We have a machine that does it, but is not working too well so we may need another one. Anyhow, we found a couple of oldies, but goodies we want to show at Thanksgiving time. One is
"Joseph and the Amazing Coat of Many Colors" with Donnie Osmond. A good Musical from London. The other is "Pollyana" with Haylee Mills. It's a kid's show, but has such a good moral.

Dad and I are going over to our Dr. to get a Flu shot today and then he has an exam. He wants to get off the Lassix if possible. His feet and legs were swollen badly and now thy're just swollen, but not badly. Well as Abbey would say, "I can't talk with you any more cause I'm busy." Got to get back to my studies and redo Dad's medicines.

Kyle can make dressing like he did last year. The golfing is available for nine holes for 3 people. Love ya all lots. ibmom and gma

Visiting Uncle Koggle-

MOM:
Dad and I had the rare opportunity to watch the munkins this weekend and have an overnighter. So we took them to a gazillion parks, one of which had Uncle Koggle playing soccer. We watched him score and he brought over some cool little kid water bottles and they loved that. We then went out to a groovy all-you-can-eat Pizza place with Kareokee! What a treat to have some time with Kyle even tho the time went quickly. The kids love to be with him and we had a great time.

Our favorite Abby story was when she asked me to use my phone to call her mom. So I dialed it for her and she said "I can't talk right now cuz I'm really busy...we're going to go to the park, so bye!"

Dad and I did our "new member duty today and spoke in church and tonight we'll be going to Elder Uchdorf's talk. I think next week is when I get sustained as YW pres and I jumped the gun and went on my first activity. It was at a horse ranch and I was afraid they would need some help so I went.

I love you all and think of you all often. I let g'ma know that Kyle, Troy, Mom and Dad would be leaving on Wed after Dad's class to drive down to Az. It is still up in the air as to when the van will be returning to Utah since the Utes and BYU play that Saturday. I have a flight back the following Tuesday evening, so now I don't have to be a factor in that decision. I hate to be around my ma and pa and not have some good time to stick around. It's not like the good ole days of weekly visits anymore.

Have a beautiful week. Here's an unusual clear morning after the rain in the beautiful Salt Lake City valley.

Love MOM

Landmark Day

Brynley
What a week. I just had a whole week out of school and I was so motivated to get all caught up, and well, here it is Monday night and I don't know how I'm going to get the things done I need to for tomorrow and Wednesday. I believe I have said similar words before, and somehow I'm still alive. I suspect Wednesday will come and I will still be breathing. The break from school was good, and my work schedule was very different. I worked a lot in the evening and had mornings off. I remembered that I really like sleeping in. I did get to go on a small hike and enjoy some lingering leaves, the trip to park city was very fun with Jodi, (thanks for taking the day off) and I even got a work out in and made minimal progress on my homework. Well, it is hard to have my best friend gone, but what a blessing it was to have Jodi here for a couple of months. I'm sure our roommate Jess is having a hard time too. Thanks to those who came to my house last night for brownies and well, just brownies, it was fun to see everyone!
Today was an extra special day because I went to the gym and ran a good hard run, and my legs are a little sore because it's been a while, but just normal sore, not somebody just whacked me with a hammer in the quads sore. So I am happy to report that I am healed from the small endo experience on mom's birthday. Yep, I think it was worth it.
School is probably not on my list of favorite things to do right now, but I think I can make it just 8.33 weeks left. That's doable right? Today I was sitting in class and just couldn't stomach it any more so I took a break. A couple of laps around the building and a few phone calls to some hit men and i was ready to sit in the classroom again. I'm sure I'll see the rewards of this venture one day.
I am enjoying work and it's keeping me plenty busy. I went in today on my day off just because I know this week is going to be extra busy. I am anxious to have a couple of months under my belt and a couple of people working with me. I really enjoy what i do and the people I work with, there is just a lot to do right now. Well, I think that is more than anyone of you want to read, so sorry about that, but I do love you guys! I'm sure excited to make those Arizona mashed potatoes!

ibmom & gma

Dear family,
I didn't get a blog in last night, but neither did anyone else but Jodi. Glad she mentioned Thanksgiving, cause we will need help from you all. I'll give out assignments according to when you are coming.. I'll do the turkey, gravy, and pies. Jodi & Matt will set the tables, including bringing the green table in from outside, if we need it. Brynley can do mashed potatoes or a jello salad. I'll have the ingredients. Linda will do rolls. Jill, Gary, & Troy can do the vegetable (Canned corn) and a fruit tray. Then we all do the cleanup. Allison hopes to be there with a new baby, Jocelyn. They came over last night with our two adorable Greats. Ryan, Kathryn, Abby and Spencer, can you make it????? Sure hope to see you and see how far advanced Spencer is from: "Whas at?" I miss those two little ones. I don't think Cory & Ronda will be here, but I'll keep at them. And I'm sure Troy will be here too. I guess The Diamondbacks lost last night. We had to turn it off cause Allison and the kids had just come over as the Rockies made a home run and brought two others in. The Rockies really have a good team. Got to get busy with breakfast, breathing machine, indexing and BYU, in that order. Love you all more than the sands and stars at Bear Lake, ibmom & gma

Shopping!

Jodi -
Hello family,
Sorry I have not posted since Africa...sometimes after such a fun event like that, it seems lame to write about everyday activities. Put today was sure fun. I took the day off work and Bryn and I went to Park City to go shopping. I got some great new luggage and some fun new outfits. It was fun to hang out with Bryn and spend money too. I have two more trips planned for work this year, and them I am done traveling for work this year. I like to take Nov. and Dec. off from traveling as it is a busy time of the life, so no fun to be away from family at that time! It is a down time for me at work, so I have to keep motiviated to get ahead for next year. Tomorrow I will be at the Utah Home Show demoing stuff for my company...a bit boring really, but if anyone wants a free ticket to the home show, give me a call...cuz I'll be working it:) Conference was good this year. Matt and I found out we actually listen better if we keep ourselves busy, so during the Saturday sessions we began painting the playroom in our house. Boy, Abby and Spencer are really going to love thier new room when we are finished! Its fun updating my house, and our theory proved true, because I can remember all the talks from Sat, but not very many from Sunday...funny how I work sometimes....oh well...guess I'll catch up in the Ensign on some of the talks you guys mentioned. Love you all...

Oh one thing...what are everyones Thanksgiving plans. Now that we are closer, it would be good to know what everyone is doing. Brynley, Matt and I will be flying down on Wed. night very late and leaving on Mon. Morning very early. We may need a ride that night if anyone is driving up, or we may just get a car for the night...we shall see what is going on. That's us...what about everyone else???

I rode a HORSE!!!

MOM:
I went to a friend's 55 acre ranch outside of Kansas City where she let me do everything with this horse. Altho she picked the hooves for rocks, I think I could learn to do that as well. I was in heaven...and I think Flicka really liked me too. It nuzzeled my shoulder and rested his head there. I think we connected. It was soo much fun...I loved it. Thanks for letting me share.

Fall Break rules!

Well, I'm at the city library right ow and have 5 minutes until my session runs out, so this will be quick. Things are really picking up at work. I've spent the last 2 days in orientation, learning about benefits, 501K's and the policies and procedures of SLC. Just one afternoon left. Saturday was crazy with 3 employees that called in sick and 4 coaches that advised me that they would not be available. I can't imagine what I would have done if Dad and Ivan wouldn't have shown up to save the day. School is going better though I am still in the countdown. 9 class weeks left and a lot of work to do in that time. I'm so excited to have more time to be at work and less time to worry about school. Conference weekend was wonderful as always, thanks to Kyle for helping me be a little social on Sunday afternoon and letting me go with him to Park City. It was BEAUTIFUL up there, what an awesome time of year. I love you all, thanks for being my family, it's always fun to spend time with you.
Brynley

Good Monday afternoon family of mine,
I apoligize that the past couple weeks, I haven't posted anything on the blog. The month of September was very busy for me as I was in 5 different states for 5 different functions in the one month. It was really nice this past weekend being home to be with my wife and children and being able to listen to conference.

Our house hasn't started yet. Apparently there were some problems with trying to fit the house on the lot as our lot has several strange requirements that would make it difficult to fit any size of house on it. Fortunately, everything is just fine now and the plans are off to the engineer. Our builder is toying with the idea of entering the home into the Parade of Homes. We're still trying to get more information as to how this will benefit us.

Abby and Spencer are both doing well. They both love being at their grandparents house as it's just another opportunity to get what they want. Abby puts her grandmother Loos to bed every night and then comes racing down to go to bed herself. She's eating very well right now and doesn't have her tummy problems that she had for the first couple years of her life.

The 'Little Dude' has got to be one of the funniest kids I've ever met. He is just so funny and he knows it! Like Abby used to do, he now talks in the third person, but calls himself "dude". However, his eating habits have been awful lately and so we're trying to figure creative ways of getting him to eat something besides Fruit Loops.

I've been released from my Bishopric calling and have received a new calling in our new ward. I'm going to teach the geneology class for the ward as the bishopric is going to call members to attend my class who they'd like to see more active in temple work. Many of the members have let their recommends expire and the hope is to get them more involved in the temple work and help them feel the Spirit, so that they will have the desire to go back to the temple. Of course, up to this point, I haven't done one ounce of temple work. So needless to say, I've got a lot to do before the class starts in a couple of weeks. But I'm excited to learn something new and might use some of you as resources who have had much more experience in this area than I have.

Well gotta run for now. Go Diamondbacks!!

rp

Te Damos Senor Nuestras Gracias

Troy

So wasn't conference awesome? I loved Elder Worthlin's talk about charity and love. What kind of message is so important that literally nothing would keep you from delivering it. Elder Nelson then exemplified that love as he was there to support his dear friend through his talk. How special was that moment?
My favorite talk that got to me and I needed was Elder Oaks talk about Good, Better and Best. I am keeping pretty busy, but for me I need to made sure that I am not just busy for the sake of being busy, but I need to fill my life with those best things that are the most enriching for me. Great message.
I wish that it wasn't conference weekend, but rather conference week sometimes. Until then I guess I will have plenty of time to focus on what they told us, which is nice to know what the priorities of God are for us.
I did enjoy having some good family time this week with Dad, Kyle Bryn, and Jodi. We have a pretty cool family when it comes right down to it. I appreciate all the examples that my family sets for me.
School is going well and I am truly blessed with wonderful opportunities to serve others and share my testimony vocally or otherwise. As most of you know, I am in charge of marketing all the major events we have at Weber. I told them up front that I am unwilling to promote any events that do not uphold high morals and values. They have accomodated my requests and I count it as a blessing from God that I am able to keep my responsibilities despite my stubborn ways and unwillingness to participate in such activities.
Have a great week Fam!

-TroyBoy

That was the week that was

Good Monday Morning Family- This week is our Fall Break at the "U" so I have no excuse for not posting a little message to my family. I have a few Thank you's to pass around.
1. Thanks to our four children who spent Conference Sunday here at Apartment #4. It was so much appreciated. I love Conference Weekend! Nothing strengthens my testimony more than hearing the leaders of the Church share their testimonies. I am determined to continue my study of their words until the next Conference. I loved how I felt in Priesthood Conference while President Eyring was speaking.
2. Thanks to Troy for inviting me to attend the temple with him on Thursday evening. It had been way too long since I have been to an endowment session and way too long since I had a one on one with the T. I am so excited for all of the opportunities opening up for Troy.
3. Thanks to Brynley for calling me on Saturday morning and giving me the opportunity to coach 3 soccer games in one wet and cold morning. No greater complement could come to a parent than to be thought of when one of their children are in need. It was good to get a feel for Brynley's new job. I think it is a great opportunity for the Brynster. Let me know if you need help again.
4. Thanks to Abby for calling me yesterday and inviting me to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. I love to play with Abby and Spencer! It was good to see Ryan and Katherine also.
5. Thanks to the love of my life for watching "24" with me. I look so forward to marvelling at Jack B. while I apply lotion to my 2 favorite feet. We have almost finishesd the entire series. What's next? The Office? - I doubt it. Thanks also for your calls from Kansas City.
6. Congratulations to all fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Yesterday after the morning session of Conference, Jodi, Kyle, Brynley, Troy and I discussed the idea of preserving important family memories. Troy suggested that we each make of list of 10 or so of our most treasured memories-spiritual and otherwise and that we write up our memories and that we print them and bind them. I am making my list this morning and am committed to doing my share and a little more. If we could each take a few minutes every Sunday it wouldn't take long for us to have a significant family journal. President SWKimball said, "What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, you recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?...Maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity." (SWK-Teachings, p. 350-51) This morning I am going to my Mom and Dad's place to try and help them with their histories. I am anxious to help them, partly becauses their history is my history-and each of yours.
I love my family

ibmom & gma

Hello everyone,

There are fewer and fewer blogs on this system. Hey guys, the goal was to post every week. Jill sent me a cute e-mail about a mom's job. But there are only 2 mom's that contribute to this blog so the rest of you must have time. I suggest a subject that each of you can use for your next blog, soon. Conference was so good and it would be good if each of you would speak about your favorite speaker, even if you can't remember his name. This afternoon conference had a Doulglas Callister that talked about service. He talked about his wonderful mother and how she had raised him so well and how she must of been a travel agent for "guilt trips." When she was 60 and was on her death bed, her son asked her if she had anything or any place she might have wished she had gone. She simply said "I wish I had served more." He said she was the epitamy of service. Always had a Church job and a casserole for someone. He then said "What is service and why is it so important?" Then he told of visiting a new chapel in Africa. It was not completed. A little 3 year old child came up and tried to talk to them. His wife had a piece of wrapped butterscotch candy that she took from her purse and gave to him. Then he and his wife went in and toured the building. When they came out, the little boy was there with a few more friencs that also wanted some candy. Sr. Callister had no more. The little boy went to her and asked her to open it for him. Then he gave a lick to a friend, and to another until they all shared the candy. That's what service is helping one another. The temp was just 60 degrees this morning and up to 80 now. We've kept the doors open all day. Hope to hear from more of you. Love ibmom & gma

Love My Family

Mums

I love reading about the goings on of my family. We did get it more regulary with the weekly missionary email, but this also has it's advantages. Nice touch on the heading Jod. I know more about those who have written than I knew even after being with you all several times in the last month. So this is great!!

I've had some huge successes at work. I started a little project where I saw a need. It snowballed to the CIO and now it is the ITS #1 priority for all of the University Healthcare. I've told a lot of you the details (whether you wanted to hear them or not), but the rest, I'll fill you in upon request. I've also trained 12 Fellows, 10 Nurse Practioners, 35 RNs, and 16 Pharmacists and I have 10 out of 14 physicians completed. Pretty good for not being a trainer anymore. I've had to put in CHW-like hours, but I could always see the end of this tunnel.

We had a great time at Cory and Ronda's cook-out.

I finished an amazing mid-term...took all the computer bag-o-tricks that I had for 3 hours.

I hosted a group of about 30 great people from all over the nation and world in a canyon cookout. I figured that they will have come four different times to SLC for this seminar that we have together and all they

know of Utah is downtown SLC? Unforgiveable....so with a ton of Dad's help, we arranged the transportation, food, fire and fun for a great and memorable time. Another story of a miracle when my car overheated, but I was still able to make it up right to the parking lot before it began overheating again. Pretty sure that I had help from Someone upstairs who was talking to me on that one!

I can't wait for November and the great Thanksgiving get-together. It is my favorite holiday, when we have 3-4 whole days together. There is no other opportunity, including Christmas that this happens. I LOVE IT!!!! Joel, it would be sooo cool if you could come. See what you can do.

I love this family!

9 weeks

Kyle, Congratulations, well I'm sitting in my last class for the week. Next week is fall break, that means half way through the semester. Work is coming along. I'm still looking for people to hire. I did get a resume today for someone who has volunteered at more than 2 golf courses, so...there is some type of sports experience, right? I have always made fun of soccer players for choosing to play in the cold rainy weather, and yes, I have found myself on a Saturday morning in a downfall, and snow and let's just say that I'm not looking forward to another rainy/snowy weekend of soccer. Besides that, it has been a great experience already. I've already learned so much, and it's giving me great experience. So I'm anxious to have time to focus on this. I will be looking for Jr. Jazz coaches in a couple of months so if anyone wants to spend some time in Glendale... Okay, it's kind of fun to have something fun like that to worry about these days. School and work is keeping me plenty busy and I'm trying to think of anything noteworthy, so I think that school and work is it. Things are good, but I'm sure looking forward to 9 weeks ahead. I am anxious for a great weekend with some general authorities, thank you all for being wonderful!

Sleeping Bag

Sorry Grandma, I missed out on that one. We had a conference for Investment people from all over the world that weekend, but I have a number of friends who went. So I have a couple of questions:
Number one: Has anyone seen my sleeping bag? It's a green sleeping bag in a red stuff bag.
Number two: Why doesn't anyone write on the blog anymore? I know, I'm kind of a hypocrite because I missed like 3 weeks straight, but honestly, we've really been slackin'.
Number three: Which bear is better?

Love,
Kyle

PS: In case you didn't hear, I accepted my offer with American Express. I'll probably be starting sometime in August. I'll be in New York City for the first year and then I'll probably spend a year abroad. I'm pretty excited for the whole deal.

ibmom & gma

Hello everyone, I don't know what happened to my original. I was nearly through and it wiped everything out. So I will try again. Brynley, you sound as busy as I am with School at least. Keep on at work and miracles will keep happening. Kyle, that was a typing error. I Had the right one on my list. Did you get to see the BYU Homecoming program at the Marriott Center. President Hinckley was a speaker. They had the Mormon Tabernacle perform also. When asked how many of the Choir had attended BYU; There were about 70% who had attended. They were tickled to pieces to get to go back. I hope you're all out to the Marler Reunion at Cory & Ronda's. I enjoyed the Relief Society Conference and am looking forward General Conference next week. I'm taking my final next week and will call tomorrow to get started in another one. Love you all. ibmom & gma

what do you do when you're tired?

Brynley
Hello family. I've got a pretty large assignment due tomorrow right after work, so I couldn't think of a better time to post a quick update on my life. Life is going a lot right now. I just started my new job back at the Sorenson Center and it has been more than a little overwhelming. I did manage to get my 40+ hours last week and I take Monday's off and leave early on Tuesday and Wednesday for class, but...we're making it through. I figure just 10 more weeks and work is all I will know so I better live this time up. A quick rundown of what I do for work. I got thrown into the soccer season. I basically just run the program for the little soccer leagues at the Sorenson Center. I wish it wasn't so unorganized when I started last week. The only girl that works in this department quit after two days of me being there, so if I ever want to know how it was done, or what loose ends I have to tie, I just wait for someone to complain or tell me the way it used to be. But I have to say, right when I don't know how something will get covered, miracles will happen, and someone will come through. I am now hoping to pull off a miracle and get an assignment done for tomorrow. Things are busy, but life is good. I love you all!