Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Post for Kyle Poll

Kyle has a ton going on right now, so I thought I would post this for all to see. It will be a good reference in the future!

Graduation:

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT--- THURSDAY, APRIL 24 at 4:00 pm, Marriott Center
Elder Bednar is the commencement speaker.

Marriott School CONVOCATION --- FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Dean’s Reception: Friday, April 25 from 11:30 am -12:30 pm Tanner Atrium
(Graduates need to be at the Marriott Center by 1:00 pm to pick up name card/seating assignment)
Be in your assigned seat by 1:30 pm, as the Processional begins at 1:40 pm
Convocation will begin at 2:00 pm at the Marriott Center

· TICKETS ARE NOT NEEDED FOR COMMENCEMENT OR CONVOCATION

May 1: Lasik Surgery
May 3: Garage Sale at Ma’ and Pa’s
May 8-12: Lake Powell
May 23-27: Oregon Coast
May 28: Hawaii
May 31-July 17: Philippines
July 18 – August 5: Thailand, India, Israel, Germany (subject to change)
August 6-Late August: Centerville
Late August: NYC


That’s the plan for now. We’ll see what changes are made when the time comes. If anyone wants to go to Hawaii, the Philippines, or any of those other places, you’re welcome to join me. I’m planning on selling my car in May and I haven’t decided whether I’ll sell my motorcycle in May or in August. Probably August so I’ll have something to get around on that month. My couch and LoveSac are going to Mom and Dad’s this Friday. My full size bed is available. So is almost everything else I own. If there’s something you want, let me know.

Love you all. Thanks for all your love and support. I can’t believe this is over.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Canada & back again

Hi Family,
I just returned from Canada. Another successful scrapbooking trip. I went with a friends named Jeannie, she was so fun to have along and we had such a good time. We taught 235 women this weekend and they were all fun too. So the weekend was good. I returned home safe to a messy home (the same way I left it,...weird) and at 11:00 Andrea our cleaning lady came over. What a blessing she is I'll tell you that. I just would be at a loss right now.
However I ready Gmas post below, guess I'll have to call to find out what the other million things were but its nice to hear the updates. We got similar news about Matt's grandma today. It appears that she was mis-diagnosed with Leukemia which usually would be a good sign, but instead she has lymphnode (i spelled that wron, but don't even now how to fix it) cancer which is worse and they said her time here is limited. So we lost Grandpa Holbrook in September while we were away in Africa and now this news about Grandma Holbrook. Its hard for us, but she seems at peace...I think she misses Grandpa so much that she is thinking about when they get to be together again. So that helps us too. Aunt Jolynn and Uncle Brad are moving into that massive house to be with her and hospice has been called in as well. Matt is helping with some insurance details and hopefully we can find something to help out with as well.
Love you all and I'm grateful that you are all here and my family. Hope Bryn will tell us all about Hawaii, that's why I talked about Canada first so it didn't sound so lame!
Lov my fam!
Jodi

Thursday, April 24, 2008

ibmom & gma 4-24-08

Hi everybody,

I wanted to write you about a million things, but I will just limit it to 3, 4, or 5. First, we had our Brimley Family Home Eveining at Ivard's and Elizabeth's place last Fri. They have just remodelled their home and I'll bet added 1,00o sq. ft. It was wonderful and I thank Father for the wonderful family I grew up with. We were all there but for Dale B. and Leann and Mike had their anniversary date that night. Merwin, who underwent surgery for cancer of the pancreas 10 days ago. He looked pale but he was able to visit with us all. I found out that Michael, his son was home from Afghanistan. After Ivard took him home, we found out that he has been given 3 weeks to 3 months to live. He was nauseated and couldn't stay the whole evening. I got an e-mail from Lucille, his daughter. I would say it was the diary of a dying man. He takes so many pills. He's determined to stay home. Lucille and her husband will go over in a couple of weeks to stay with him. Death is not hard, it's getting there that is hard. Talked with Brynley about her trip to Hawaii and possibly back here after. Kyle is soon to graduate. We wish him the best and hope he can get to see us before going back to N.Y. We'd like to have been there, but travelling is not for us right now. We hope to get there for Michael's wedding. The weather is beautiful and my roses are too. Love ya lots, ibmom and gma

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Conference Call

So I went to check updates on the blog and the last one was Bryley on the 14th. Maybe we just see each other too much so we are all caught up. But I'm sitting here on a conference call where they are telling each date that items are coming in so I thought I should make better use of my time!

Things are busy here in the Holbrook Home. Its GREAT that I get to work from home and GREAT that my job is so flexible, but my job was busy before and I had no kids, so I am always feeling about 1 step behind. I took Carson to work yesterday and he just needs a little more attention than he did before. So I am not as productive as I was. Now I'm up till late in the night doing work and getting projects done. Once again, its great to watch American Idol while I work, but its just really busy.

But busy is good, and I would rather be busy than bored. My job is challenging again, looks like our company is up for sale again and we are busy preparing for our new product launches.

Oh, there is Carson, waking up from his nap in the middle of a conference call....I told him he needs to sleep through these, but sometimes he doesn't listen.

Well for pictures and videos as always check out his blog. We are sending a package to Lori this week...that is the 4th package since we have had him. That means he's 4 months!

Love you all. Hope you are all doing well. Blog if you have time because I really like to know what is going on in your lives.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Spring is Springing

Have I mentioned lately that life is good? Because it just is. It was good to see most of the family on Spencer's birthday on Saturday, happy b-day big guy! I am so happy spring is here, although I will miss my time skiing. I got two amazing days in last week, and besides the sunny weather, you wouldn't guess that it was spring skiing, just white powder-it was delectable.
Yesterday after stake conference I took a nap on the grass, and got some sweet farmer tan lines- it was great to be under the sun and warm too! I also had a wonderful long chat with Hna. Sierra. It was so happy to hear her voice, and listen to her slang Spanish. She's doing great, and trying to control her diabetes so she can go on another mission. What an amazing blessing it was to serve with her!
I went climbing today, and realized that I'm going to continue to enjoy my Mondays off and will hopefully start climbing more and maybe even get better. I also played some volleyball, went for a run, cleaned my car and made it to the Jazz game, then took a stroll through downtown Salt lake. I really like it here!
Work continues to go well, and I'm going to try to work my schedule so that I can take some saturdays off to enjoy the summer months.
We had a small birthday celebration for my roommate Liz last night, and it turned out quite well. I am surrounded by good people, and am grateful for my family. I have had a special reminder of how blessed I am to have truth in my life. I love the gospel with ALL of my heart, I am so glad I have understanding. Love you all! have a great week!

ibmom & gma

Dear Family,

I can't stand it when I write a blog and it doesn't print. This will be a shortened version. I enjoyed hearing your comments about Conference. The Church is true and we are so fortunate to be members of it. We enjoyed conference too and the way they voted on the new general authorities.

We were sorry to hear about Katherine's miscarriage and her grandma's death. We called Sat. to wish Spencer a Happy Birthday and he was off with one of his grandmas to the slides.

We had Jeff and family over last night so Jeff could receive a blessing for his upcoming surgery on Tues. the 15th, tomorrow. He's had a couple of whip lashes and it's damaged his neck and is in lots of pain. Chuck annointed and Stuart gave him the blessing. It was very good and you could tell he was being moved by the spirit. He'd appreciate your prayers.

Shaylee got transferred to a base in San Antonia where, she will get some dental assistant trainig. She'll be there till about Oct. Chris should be coming home in June.

We had a first yesterday. It got up to past 90 degrees. We hadn't turned our airconditioning on yet so it took dad about an hour to figure it out. I'm going to shut the door when I get through here. Love you all lots and lots. ibmom & gma

ibmom & gma

Monday, April 7, 2008

The Church is True!

Matt


Hi Fam! It's been a while since I last blogged. Life is good.

It was fun to go to St. George a couple weeks ago to go golfing w/ the guys in my ward. I'm one of the younger guys who attends this semi annual trip. 16 of us made the trip this time. About half of the men who go have been a Bishop at one point in their life, and most of them have been quite successful in their careers. We have a good time goofing around on the golf courses we play...I think I play better when I don't take it too seriously.

It was wonderful to listen to conference this weekend. It's been amazing to see how Pres. Monson has been lifted up to his new prophetic mantle. I remember seeing him at his press conference right after he was made prophet...he seemed overwhelmed and uncomfortable...but seeing him address the church this weekend, it was like I was seeing an entirely different person. I'm so grateful to be on the earth at a time when there is a true prophet of God...and I'm so grateful to know about this restored gospel!

The photo above is Jodi and Carson down in St. George last month....pretty sure that kid loves his mom! Our heart goes out to Katherine and Ryan...we're praying for you and your family, and we're so sorry to hear about your Grandma and the miscarriage.

Love you all,

MPH

Mortality-- rp

Good April morning to all of you:

I just re-watched President Monson's final words at the end of conference this morning. I agree with Elder Holland's observation that the "mantle has been passed" to President Monson. What a blessing it is to know that the work continues forward, even with the passing of others.

Speaking of "passing", our family has felt the effects of mortality over the past three days. First of all, yesterday afternoon, Katherine's grandmother passed away in her home with her family surrounding her bedside. She was able to go peacefully as the overall reaction for the family has been that of relief and joy. Many called her "Mommommie". She was truly a great person and had a big impact on Katherine's life.

Secondly, on Friday morning of last week, I received a call from Katherine indicating that she felt as though she was having a miscarriage. It has been confirmed that in fact, she did miscarry. We were anxiously awaiting to let everyone know that we were expecting our third child. Katherine's first Dr's appt was to be this Friday and after that, we were going to spread the word of our news. Our best guess is that she was 8-10 weeks along. It has been tough on us, but we're grateful for the blessings that we do enjoy.

Finally, all of us having been going through difficult colds. Kath has been hit the hardest and the kids and I have had milder cases. Hopefully we get everything feeling better soon.

So transitioning to more positive news....our home is just another 6 weeks or so away from being completed. The painters are doing their thing this week and the bricklayer should be done on the exterior as well within the next week or so. We're very excited about being able to move into our new home.

We're grateful for our family and for your willingness to help us out during this rollar coaster of times. Finally, congrats to T-boy for his successful election of Student Body Vice-President at Weber State.

Sure love you all!!
rp

Saturday, April 5, 2008

How could I forget


Possible the highest part of my week and I didn't even remember to report it. I guess, it will be bigger news soon. I don't know if any of you remember a time that I was in Ecuador with a 60 year old companion. I'm sure it's something that you don't think of very often, but I think about her at least daily, she impacted my life forever, and though it took me 3 transfers and 4 and a half months, I learned to love her. I've thought about her a lot lately, and just got a hold of her phone number. I called her and just heard her voice on the answering machine, it made me so happy and I can't wait to try and get a hold of her again. Anyway, that was my happy for the week!

Conference

Well Fam, April is here and I'm waiting for the April showers because that brings mountain snow showers. Life continues to go on and on and it's all good. Skiing this week was pretty good, until my last run on Thursday when my head found the base of a tree, that was not my favorite, but I lived through it and may buy myself a helmet next season, or maybe not, we'll see.
So my trip to Hawaii was temporarily delayed due to an airline, okay the airline of my choice going bankrupt, but hey, $200 more for a ticket, a couple hours extra, and we're back on track for a week on the beach. I am quite excited for it. I feel that a vacation has been long in coming.
Work is going fantastic, I love most parts of it, and although I work on Saturdays, it's usually the fun days where all of the parents, and kids come and enjoy themselves. This indoor soccer program has gone quite well...so far. I am getting excited an anxious for Spring and warm and hot weather. I thin I'll like my job even more when I get to work on our field and play Frisbee with kids over the summer. I love the population I work with, and think I'd take these kids without much of anything over the kids who have always had everything handed to them, because I feel like I actually make some kind of difference.
I'm excited for day 2 of conference, and am anxious to listen to everything that I missed out on today while I was working and sleeping. It was good to hang out with Carson and Jodi tonight, even though Carson didn't want to keep down any of the food that I gave him, I guess I just don't have the touch. And well, it'd be nice to hear from anyone else in my family...I assume that you're all just too busy to put a couple lines down on this "FAMILY" blog. I love you all!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Calling it Quits

So I have the last 3 posts on this blog. I may have to e-mail you all soon.

Yesterday, April 1 I sent an email to Keith, my boss. Keith it has been fun, but I need to give you my two weeks. I work until 4am sometimes and its just to much for me. Lets talk soon. Then 10 minutes later Jen, a coworker also works from home wrote in and said, Keith, we really have liked it here, but we need to put in our two weeks.
I was in the office so I could see Keiths getting red. I saw him go down to Suzi's (HR) office and knock. He responded, a nice email and said lets talk soon. 10 minutes later a co-worker sent an email...Keith I'm just to busy with school. I need to put in my two weeks. By this time...he started to catch on. Wait he said and came out of his office red faced. Is this some kind of joke. Ha ha April fools. We all quit. It was to real for him, but he took it well. He was going to have my job posted within 10 minutes. Good thing he found out!!! I told Danny (CEO) to play along too. It was really funny. Keith was a good sport...and nope, I'm not quitting:)