Thursday, February 28, 2008

Baby, Baby and More Baby

Could he be any cuter? I don't think so and neither does is Grandma:)
Carson slept 8 hours again last night. Thank goodness. He really does like a schedule. If he gets off, we notice at night and in the day. I had Young Womens at my house last night and we decorated cakes. It was really quite fun and short. Good for that. I miss hearing those who don't post on the blog so much. I like to see what is going on in people lives and this is such a good place. Oh well, you can see Carson and really...could he be any cuter? Check our other site for more pics...





This is who posts now?

Monday, February 25, 2008

Life can get soo hard


Well, I'm here thinking about how hard life is. Today I woke up, did my taxes and found a healthy refund. Then I went skiing most of the day, until I had to leave for a volleyball game. We took 3rd place in the tournament, which isn't too bad after taking 7th or 8th in the 6 week season. Well, then I went to the gym and ran a few miles, and now I'm home in my electric blanket. I'm not sure why I deserve this, but I'll try to be grateful and not complain.
Jr. jazz is finally over and now we're on to indoor soccer, that will be a very different challenge for me, but bring it on.
On a more serious note, I just got an e-mail from Brandi Coats telling me that things are not looking good at all for her daughter. She now can only crawl and sees everything double. She went into the doctor today to see if there is anyway to extend he life more than 30 days. I'm sure it's very hard for Brandi, but I am so grateful to have truth! Thanks for the waffles yesterday dad, and congratulations on a new grandioso house. I look forward to having everyone there when it is completed. Life is good, and so is my family. Love you all!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

New Post time

Jodi -
So I have been posting on Carson's site, but then I need to come here and tell you about it so you all can go see. I like having a blog I can just talk to my family on, and another one I can brag about my son on. My friends really like seeing him, and its a good way to communicate. Like ours. Its good to know what's going on in my families lives. Last weekend we hung out with some friends from Brigham City. They have a 18 month old and a 4 year old. They were so cute and fun to hang out with, I'm excited for Carson to be that age, but I'm also loving every minute of the tiny baby age too. He makes these cute cooing noises and is always happy to see me if I leave for a while. He smiles all the time now...espicially on his diaper changing table, its like is favorite place in the house. Funny Baby. I'm lucky, because he enjoys haning out in his swing as much or more than being held all the time and thats good for me and my back and my work. He's next to me right now and I just talk out loud all the time about what I'm doing and he just coo's right back. Its a good system for us.
Last night I was in charge of New Beginnings in Young Women's. Thats the night we welcome the new Beehives for the year. I had our Laurels do talks on each of the values and they did such a good job. It was a neat night and our Bishop talked. While he is the number one jokester of the world, he has a huge heart and really loves each of the members of our ward. He really is a good Bishop and easy to make fun of so its a win, win.
It is a challenge getting all I need to get done for work and still be home all the time. I'm working on systems, but then my house gets to be a mess, or I don't do laundry, or something else. So I'm trying to be more organized, but I'm not really good at it yet.
But we are happy and we love being a family. On our wall before you leave, you see this saying...
Holbrook, together we make a family. I love it because its so true. I love my little family and I love my bigger family too. (that's you guys) Thanks for your never ending support, your phone calls just to see how we are doing and letting me be a part of your lives.
-jph
You can see a little movie of Carson eating his fists in the bath. Its funny for me but may be boring for you. A little live action footage of a 2 month old!
http://www.lilholbrookfam.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Lots going on

Hello family
Let me tell you of some of the things going on in our little life.
1. We plan to move into our new home this Saturday. We did the walk through yesterday. We close on Thursday, we have our closets put in and start on the basement on Friday and I have my four sons on line to help us move our pivot apartment stuff on Saturday. A big week!
2. Tomorrow I start at in my new calling as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple. I was called by President Walker, the Temple President last Thursday. I met with him on Friday and he called and set me apart as an ordinance worker. I will be working on Wednesday evenings from 3:15 until about 9:30 or 10 PM. I am really looking forward to this opportuntity. I love the Salt Lake Temple. The most important event of my life happened there. I have a whole bunch of memorizing to do. I look forward to learning and teaching in the house of the Lord.
3. I have pretty mixed feelings about our move. The new home is really nice. I look forward to having a garage as much as anything. They won't start putting in the yard until Spring, so it is going to be a muddy mess for the next couple of months. I have really loved our ward here in Salt Lake City. I am not looking forward to the long commute from Centerville. Our soon to be finished basement and yard are hopefully going to be a great family gathering place. Today I took what I hope will be my last trip ever to a laundr0-mat.
4. I am loving my teaching at the Institute. I am teaching the Book of Mormon this Semester and enjoy reading that wonderful Book each day. I enjoy Kyle's weekly posts on his Book of Mormon thoughts and hope that each of you are having a good experience in the scriptures each day. I am also teaching a Courtship and Marriage Class this semester and am enjoying that class also.
5. Thanks to each and all of you for being my family. I enjoyed watching the World-wide training session of the Church on the inter-net. It was all about the family. It is a great reminder about what really matters in life. My family matters most to me.
Love
DAD

Monday, February 18, 2008

Why Train?

Hello Family,
I don't know that anythding substantial has happened since the last time I posted, but because it is my duty, I will. So here goes some random thoughts. I have a new roommate (as of 2 weeks ago) and I really like her. She is quite shy around crowds and doesn't get out a whole lot. I'm trying to change that though. She is a very good person, very nice, and has her own sarcastic personality when it is just one on one. My other roommate Jessica was taken to the emergency room two nights ago. i came home to her on the floor. Don't worry, she just hurt her knee, and couldn't walk, was in a lot of pain, and is now at her home where her mother can take care of her.
I played in an all night volleyball tournament on Friday night. It was more fun than should be allowed, and we took 3rd out of 8 teams. Nothing to write home about, and no prizes for third place, but a lot of fun. I decided to go for a little run today, to see how possible the Salt Lake marathon will be, and I'll tell you that I'm not ready. But it is possible if i get going that I can be ready in a couple of months. I ran 17.2 miles and I am feeling every step right now. Mostly a giant blister from my shoes is getting to me. The tournament for the volleyball league that I've been playing in starts tonight, and I don't expect we'll place at all. We haven't played well all season, and my aching joints will not help my game tonight, but it's been fun to play consistantly again.
Jr. jazz season ends this week. (at least it's the last week of games) So this should be a good, busy, fun week at work. i still like my job quite a bit, (especially when parents and players decide to behave). We have started a snowshoeing class for some kids, and it has been so much fun! Most of these kids have never been in the mountains, and none of them have heard of snowshoes. But each time we go, they come down freezing, and reminicing about their experiences.
Well, I guess I found something to write about. Grandpa, you're in my prayers daily, and hope you continue to improve. Thanks for being my family. I love you all.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

GMA Feb. 16, 2008

Dear gang,

Let me get back on my chair. I opened the blog and found you all there but Bryn and Troy. That was amazing and I loved those pictures, I loved to hear of Matt's experience at being a new father. I loved to hear of Kyle's contests and coming in first place. Sorry about the accident in the van. FAMILY'S ARE WONDERFUL AND FOREVER. I'll tell you of Grandpa's progress. He had sort of a back slide yesterday when he noticed the bandage over his incision was bleeding. We got hold of a nurse who works with the Therapist. She came over and looked at the incision. It was swolen in the area. He had a low grade infection. She put a new bandage over it and said not to shower until it is checked again Mon. We put a new bandage on it last night. It's still draining, but the bruise in the area is improving. It's so nice to have Cory here. He's not only helped Grandpa a lot, but he's done 100 other things for me that I can't reach. He's picked grapefruit, and oranges and bought groceries, and banked, and picked up medicine, etc. etc. He was going to leave today, but Joel is coming on the plane tonight, so Cory said he'd stay until tomorrow and pick up Joel tonight at 7:10. So we'll have a blast with movies and so on. But, I'm going to get a manicure and a pedicure in a few minutes, so I'll get relaxed. Guess that's all from here. We love you and appreciate your prayers. Love, GMA

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

California Dreamin...

--Matt

Hi Fam,

It's been quite a while since I've posted...sorry about that. I can honestly say that I haven't experienced more joy in my life than I have these past two months. I always thought that it would be an above average experience to be a father, but it's surpassing all expectations!

Last week I was able to go to California with my brother, Eric, to visit some of our cousins. They live in Palmdale, which is about an hour west (and slightly north) of L.A. The weather was amazing...it was low 70's the whole time. We played a killer game of paintball all day Friday...I still have the welts / bruises / cuts to show for the fun. On Sat. I was able to go golfing at a pretty decent course in Palmdale. That was my first round of golf since July '07...it felt good to take some time off of golfing, and it felt even better to have a club back in my hand. I'm hopeful that all will go well w/ GPA Marler's recovery, so we can play a few rounds with him next Thanksgiving. Other than my quintuple bogey on the 4th hole, I actually played pretty well. It was a nice little getaway...I missed my wife and son a lot though...it was wonderful to come home and find that all was well. Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the little guy for a couple of days!!!

Work is starting to pick up again. November and December were pretty slow, and then things started to pick up again towards the end of January. I've now been an agent for three years. I've definitely seen the Lord's hand in helping me build my business.

I'd like to express my love and gratitude to everyone in our family. The Holbrook family has definitely seen its share of adversity, but with the Lord's help and all of your love and support we're in a great place right now. Just know that I'm eternally grateful for all the praying, fasting and unconditional love.

Go Jazz!

MPH

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Kyle's first front flip...........kind of

I'm back. Kyle's back. This is Kyle. Did I mention it's me, Kyle?



This is KYLE writing. We sometimes forget to do that.

Well, well, well, look who decided to show up on the blog. It's the elusive KP. I don't know if you all remember, but I believe I was the one who decided that we should start the PWW. And now I'm essentially a lost soul in the blogosphere of cyberspace. Don't ask, I don't know what it means either. Anyhow, I’ve had it on my “to do” list for quite some time. You can tell how well I’m doing at getting around to stuff on that list. So let’s play catch up. Let’s try reverse chronological order. That way I can just go back as far as I can remember and then I’ll stop.

Last week I was in Colorado. I was there for an MBA competition called The Daniels Cup. It’s a pretty cool competition because it’s a case competition on Friday and then a Ski Race on Saturday. Well, we put a lot of time into our case and it turned out to be well worth it because we nailed it! We ended up first place by a long shot in the case. Then all we had to worry about was the ski race. Well, we got a little ahead of ourselves because we should have worried about driving to the ski race first. I woke up at 8:30 am on Saturday morning to a van full of screaming passengers and a van sliding into a concrete barrier. Then there was the truck behind us that was heading for my window. I’ll tell you what, I’m glad I brought a change of pantalones. We were okay, the van was okay (after getting it towed and the bumper bent out of the wheel well), and we made it to Vail in time to race. We ended up 4th in the race which was good enough to give us first place overall. Woo hoo!

The week before that was filled with a lot of the boring stuff that makes me not want to post on the blog. i.e. Capital Markets, Advanced Corporate Financial Reporting, Advanced Venture Capital Strategies, MBA Practicum, and Global Negotiations. Thrilling huh.? They sent us the case three weeks before the actual competition so we spent a lot of time preparing for that.

The week before that was actually pretty exciting. I took off on Wednesday morning with Russ Tanner for a little place called Reno, Nevada. What’s in Reno you might ask? The answer is……… nothing really. Just a bunch of casinos and other lame stuff. But right next door, in Sparks, NV is a sweet little home owned by Brody and Jen Barnes (Brody was the WSU SB Pres. when I was VP) (Jen is his wife). We stayed with them Wednesday night and then we headed to the wonderful world of Lake Tahoe. It was amazing. We skied a place called Kirkwood where there was just a ton of snow. The next day we headed to a resort called Heavenly. It lived up to its name. It was a great weekend full of amazing powder. It was also really fun seeing Brody, Jen, and their two cute kids.

Other than that, life is pretty good. It’s nice to have my job all wrapped up. I’m super busy right now and I can’t imagine how it would be if I had to be searching for a job at the same time. I’m currently planning on starting with Amex in August. That would give me about three months of freedom this summer. I’m planning on taking a trip around the world. If any of you would like to join me for all or part of that journey, you’re more than welcome to. I’m excited for Mom and Dad and Ryan and Kat as you guys build your new casitas. I’m excited to have Sunday dinner at a table instead of a loveseat. Not that I don’t love that loveseat. I’m also excited for Dad to have a parking place. It was fun being with all of you a few weeks to get our photos taken. Does someone have all of those saved on their computer? I’ll make sure to bring my computer next time I’m up and I’ll get all of those from you.

Most of all, I love you guys! I thank God for you every morning and night. Thanks for your love, support, and kindness. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys. Especially Mom and Dad. Literally. I really wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. Now that I think about it, neither would you, any of you. Except maybe Matt and Kat. Anyway, enough philosophizing, I love you all!

-KP

Monday, February 11, 2008

February Blog

Good February to all of you,

I remain committed to my once a month blog. I know I won't win any "dinner" awards with such a lowly goal, but I also have to set realistic and achievable ones for me.

Thankfully, my family has enjoyed relatively good health over the past several weeks. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. We're also grateful that our sicknesses were relatively small in nature.

Our thought and prayers go out to Grandmpa and Grandma Marler in AZ. The news sounds encouraging that Grandpa's hip is doing well. Hopefully, the new recruit in AZ, Shaq O'neil doesn't get hammered down with the same hip issues. It sure will be interesting to see what happens with that basketball team in the valley of the sun.

My children just continue to grow right before us. Abby is in Primary now. I saw her yesterday while she was walking with her Primary teacher. She barely even acknowledged me as she walked right by, as I guess it's not cool to run to her father when she's with her friends!!

It seems like Spencer is hitting a growth spurt. Not only are his clothes fitting a little tighter, but he's just talking up a storm. He's pretty funny with what he says, and he knows it as well!!

Our house has hit a bottleneck as it's been a couple of weeks since any work was done. Questar gas is behind on their work, and until the gas line is set-up, we're in a holding pattern. We're excited for Mom and Dad to move into their beautiful new home.

Well, I've "blogged" long enough. By the way, congrats to Kyle for his 1st place win on Saturday night. I was here in my office at 11:30 pm when I received the text message. That is way cool. Also, thanks to Jodi for being the best brochure maker in the world. For those who don't know, she's spent many hours helping me create a business brochure that I'm able to hand out with my business card to new prospective clients. I'm way excited to get the finished product soon!!

Now, I've blogged long enough. Sure love you all.
rp

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Once a month, once a week or once in a while

Well, here I am, back on the blog. It is Sunday night at 10:26, time for a boy like me to be in bed, but-I'm back on the blog. This past month has been a totally delightfuly one. I am so thankful for the life we are living. Here are a few of my favorite things since my last entry.
1. I loved the day we got out pictures taken. I appreciate you all adjusting your life so you could be there.
2. I have loved the transisition that takes place in our Church when a prophet dies. It is so pressure free. I love and appreciate President Hinckley. I look so forward to our new 1st Presidency. I got to attend President Hinckley's viewing. It was a 4 hour wait, but I am grateful I was able to be there.
3. I took my first speaking trip in a couple of years. I went to Seattle and did a Best of EFY. I really haven't missed the travel at all, but I still love to share my testimony.
4. We have had Carson over this weekend. Grandkids light up a life like nothing I have ever experienced. I am once again grateful for the mothering skills of my wife.
5. Our new home should be finished by the 21st of this month. We are supposed to have a walk through a week from tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I am not anxious to leave our Pivot Apartment, but we have committed to be out by the end of this month. Our new home is going to be nice. I so hope it will be a fine gathering place for our family. Kyle, why don't you move in with us when you finish your schooling until you have to leave for NYC?
6. I have had several missionary opportunities lately. I had a student get baptized yesterday and at least two others non members in other classes. I had a young man call the Institute this past week who wanted to know if the Gospel was for everybody. I sent the missionaries to him and found out I had been friends with his uncle in college. His uncle was not a member of the Church at that time, but has since joined. I love whatever involvement I can get with sharing the gospel with others.
I look forward to every opportunity I have to hear from or be with my family. You truly are the most important part of my life. I am loving reading the Book of Mormon and am grateful for the faithfulness of all of you. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you in any way. I have the time and the desire.
Love DAD
PS - How do you do a spale chek on this bloog?

Friday, February 8, 2008

My Family- A bunch of clowns

Hey boys and girls- So Jodi the Blog Nazi finally got to me and I must and WANT to post some pics. We always have such a good time when we are together. I can't wait to get Carson tomorrow. I will get to have lots of holding time cuz Dad has places to go and things to do and I'm staying right here for a nice change of pace. Sounds like Kyle is having some great times and 1st place successes in Vail. What a memory. Bryn, the skiing is only going to get better and better with all this great snow and there are bound to be some blue sky days. Kat and Ry, I'm so glad we're out of the croupy, coughy days. That was a tough streak there. Troy keeps me up on his love life (Mom, that's what you think)and of course I'm all ears. He gets some pretty funny stories going there. Have fun in Cali Jod and Matt....I'll be having fun back here in the land of the greatest snow on earth.

L

O

V

E

You

ALL!!!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

The Small things

Well its late on Thursday night, I had a house full of Bonko girls over and made some good Turkey Steaks and some sick mashed potatos. I get to work on the computer in bed tonight cuz Matt is in California with hes brother and cousins. They are playing golf, video games, and paint ball...now why again did I back out of that???
No, really it all worked out, Matt gets to spend time with his family, I get to go to Cali on Sat for our Tradeshow (we release a hot new proudct and are hoping to hit a homerun with it) and Mom and Dad so graciously will watch Carson.
Now, I don't mean to be one of those Mom's who can't be away from their child ever, but I already miss him so much and I can't wait to get back to kiss his little head.
Carson is smiling all the time now, especially to his mother, and I love every last one. He fits snug in his 0 - 3 month clothes now, and I am sad...I want my tiny baby back. But I love all the new stuff too.
He loves his fists and is happy if he can manage his way to them. He still has quite the gas issues, but is happy nonetheless.
Ryan and Kath and kids came over on Sat. for a fun night of games and we are so glad to spend time with them and their not so little ones. Abby was a good cousin and fed Carson and Spencer liked the balloons in the house that Matt gave me on my Bday.
Young Womens is going good, but I worry about my older girls in high school. Be good little ones, be good.
I started back to work offically last Friday and man its busy playing catch up. Working from home is amazing, I get so much done, but my life is busy. I started making meals this last month and that is out the door again. I do make a mean bowl of mac and cheese however, just ask my neice and nephew!
I have updated pictures on the baby blog so take a minute and go there and see our cute little tiny baby who I love so much I could just eat him all up.
www.lilholbrookfam.blogspot.com
OK, love you all. I sent a text a while ago telling you all to post, but most of you still didn't. Just cuz I'm a mom doesn't mean you can stop listening to me.
Thanks Gma for the updates on Gpa. I'm so happy to hear he is doing well. After being there last time, its so great to hear the progress, cuz I really know what it means. Can't wait to come down there in March.

-Jodi

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

$230 for a dress

Brynley
There are just some things that my roommate Jessica and I do not have in common. But, none the less, we get along and life is so good. Grandma and grandpa, I was so glad to hear that everything went well with Grandpa's surgery. You both continue to be in my prayers. I don't think there is anything new to report, just that I'm learning to ski still, but I think I'm getting a little more comfortable on the slopes. Work is good, play is good, and my boss told me that I deserved a vacation, so I think I'll go to Hawaii in April, and that should be good too. I hope everyone is doing well, but when I say everyone, i think I'm talking to just me and grandma because I don't think anyone else checks this....ever. So Grandma, I hope the weather is nice, the snow is great here in Utah..
I love you all!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

GMA & IBMOM

Dear Family,

It's good to hear from you two since the last time I read it. Ryan, I hope your household gets better. I feel so sorry for the little ones. They don't quite know what's happening. Brynley, I worry about you being on the slopes alone. Don't got off on a lonely trail and fall. No one would miss you and you might stay there a long time. But enjoy. Yesterday seemed like Sunday as we watched President Hinckley's funeral and life stories and pictures. We taped it so our friends, the Harrops could watch it. And also so Allison and Linda could watch it. What a house full of little people we had. They spent time trying to keep the little ones occupied. But it was neat and Carson and Talan broke up my breathing vials. But the funeral was magnificent. I especially enjoyed before the funeral, Sheri Dew was interviewed by someone about Pres. Hinckley. She spent a lot of time with him, writing his auto-biography and even being on the R.S. General Board and yes as ceo of Deseret Book. It was a wonderful interview and I'm going t try and get a tape of it. Grandpa is on final count down for his Surgery, tomorrow, Feb 5th. And he is as nervous as a cat on a tin roof. He doesn't go in until 1:30. Jeff is going to take us over and Luana will spend a few days here with me. (mostly evenings). Got to study for a mid term in my Humanities class that I will take some time next week. Love you all, ibmom and gma