Saturday, May 24, 2008

Running shoes

Well, I'm ready to go for a run, but I've found one more way to procrastinate the event, so you get to read a little about my life. Unfortunately, not much to read about right now. Life is Salt Lake is wonderful! Im loving my ward more and more and my roommates are just fine as well. Work has been a lot of work lately, but it is work I enjoy! I miss our family softball team, though the team that I am with are fun people, I have to remember that winning isn't really an option for us. Although, we did have a victory on Wednesday when the other team didn't show up! Short story short...we were playing around, and the ball was hit to my right, I reached over to grab the ball, and didn't grab it, but allowed it to bounce up and split my eyebrow open. 10 stitches later and a black eye and I'm doing great. I bet most of you don't even notice it happened when you see me because it was just above my eyebrow and completely blends in...now that's a relief. We'll see how it heals up though. Well, that's about all for the latest and greatest of your truly Brynley, I do hope to hear from my family soon.
Maybe I just don't have a life, but I usually check this blog for updates mmm daily, and it's quite disheartening when my blog was still the last post. So that is an invitation to my family to try to feel me in on your lives. I love you all!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Grandma Holbrook

(This is to get you to read my blog, Carson is not crying he is just making faces faces after his first try of peas)
Well it has been quite a week. For those of you who don't know Grandma Holbrook passed away on Friday. She was diagnosed with cancer 3 weeks ago and she is gone. Just gone that fast. Its hard for me to understand that type of thing, but I know she really missed Grandpa and I think she just wanted to be with him. And now she is with Matt's dad too and I know that makes her so happy. Being involved in funerals really is hard emotionally. Matt and I got home from the funeral and just crashed. It was really hard. We really loved her and she just made us feel so loved when we went over there.

Matt now has a lot on his plate with filling somewhat in his Dad's shoes to help out with the Family trust. His uncles are some really great men and they trust Matt a lot. So Matt is now involved with a lot in his family and I have to say I'm so proud how he handles it. He was meant to help his family and he does it well.

Its strange how life just keeps going on after these things so we are back at work, mutual, meetings and life today. It was the last day of American Idol and we had some neighbors and some mutual girls over to watch the finale. The little Mormon boy did not win, but that means he'll have time to serve his mission. Really I like the dude who won, so that's that.

Carson is growing so fast. He still has reflux pretty bad and we tried some different formulas, but he really has only liked the original one, so we will just keep on going with that and know that he is a drollin' spittin' up type of guy.

This is long, but the BEST news of it all I saved for the last.


WE HAVE A COURT DATE. This means on June 30, 2008 at 1:30 in the Farmington courthouse we get to take Carson and officially adopt him. He is six months old and Utah gives a 6 month waiting period after placements of kids. So we meet with the Judge and some others and ALL of you are invited if you so desire to come see this cool event. Its one of those things that really is just a short deal, but its a big deal to us so we are EXCITED.


We'll keep you posted after that on blessing date and temple dates as that is all news that is coming down the line.


Thanks for being such a great family. I love you tonz. Keep in touch!!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

ibmom & gma

Dear favorite people,

I'm so proud to be your friend and relatiuve. I love to read the blogs and still have a million things to tell you, but will just limit it to 5 or 10. Gary, I just finished the B of M yesterday. It was delightful and yes I did have that witness again of its truthfulness. I started today on the
D&C. We are a blessed people to live in this dispensation of time when the Church is on the earth again. I am so grateful to the Prophet Joseph Smith for restoring the Church and translating the B of M and writing the D&C. So grateful to have President Monson at the head of the Church. It sounds like some of you got to be taught by some of these elite apostles and counsellors. It was so good to hear of you kids helping your parents move in. Kyle, it was good to finally hear from you. Congrats on your graduation and all you accomplished and congrats on the eye surgery. Have a good summer. I hope part of it, 1 or 2 days could be down here. Bryn, I'm sorry about the plane fair going up. Make it another time and hope you're feeling better.
My kids have all been so good to me. Had a nice Mothter's day at Jeff''s ward and back later in the evening for Dinner. Dad didn't feel up to anything. His knees hurt and Jeff told him he should get an MRI. It shows more than an X-ray. But he say's no. He doesn't want to go in that tube. Jill, a little help from you please. He's been so discouraged the last week. He seems to hurt more and doesn't have the patience. Jeff and Linda also brought over the book, My Dear Sisters, by President Hinckley. I'm going to start reading it today. Love you all so much, gma & ibmom.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Tough post to follow-rp

After reading the post of Brynley, I'm thinking that a trip to Hawaii might need to be on my "to do" list over the next 10 or so years. The details were so great, it was if I went as well. I'm glad that her "scare" is somewhat under control and that she was able to have a great time.

I'm actually a little purturbed right now, as I almost finished a masterpiece (for me at least) blog. Sure enough, the power flickered long enough to send everything down the drain. I'm glad I didn't say out loud the words I was thinking.

As I look at the family, quite a bit of good is happening. We went to see Troy inagurated at Weber State. He did a great job. We also went to see Kyle's graduation at BYU. He did a great job with that. We're heard about Brynley's experiences. We love to see Matt and Jodi, because they always bring Carson with them. That Carson puts an instant smile on the face of whoever is holding him. He's quite the kid. We've experienced the completion of Mom/Dad's party basement. So congrats to all of you for all of the good things you're doing.

As for our family, there really is not a lot of new things to report. Our house is slowly creeping along. The painter told me that he'd be done by Friday and the stucco guys are working hard as well. Kath has done just a marvelous job with all of the issues and decisions that go along with completing a custom made home. The good news is that the our current living situation with the Loos' has worked out well, which can afford us to be a little more patient that we would be.

Spencer and Abby continue to grow right before our eyes. We've taken out the motorized Jeep that they received for Christmas. Both do a pretty good job of driving that. I took them hiking this past Saturday up by Fernwood. Spencer just loved throwing the rocks in the river. As we continued to hike, he picked up as many rocks as he could hold and kept them until we returned back to the river to throw them into the water. I told him that there would be rocks by the river, but he didn't want to pass up a good rock or six on the trail. That kid is 100% boy.

Abby is 4 going on 14. This past Sunday, she was playing catch with a baseball with her uncle Dave and his friend. The goal was to teach her how to not "throw like a girl". Well, of course, I hurried over there to give my two cents worth about that subject. Once I started to give to basic instruction, she promptly let me know that she wouldn't be taking any advice for your old man and that she already knows how to do it. And I thought, "here we go, and she's only 4!"

Well, I must be off doing my other work, but wanted to chime in(now for the second time).

Love you all,
rp

Monday, May 5, 2008

What a trip!






I wish I could tell you how marvelous my 10 days in Hawaii were, but I don't really have the vocabulary to do so. I think I did everything I wanted to do and then some, and everyone I was with finished their wish list too. It really was everything you'd ever imagine Hawaii to be like and more. A quick list of highlights: Ate a lot of great food (Is it bad that that is first), snorkeled, swam, kayaked, beach time, body surfed, real live surfed!, hiked a lot, saw a lot of waterfalls, cliff jumped, hiked, walked on the beach, did a session and sealing in the temple, visited the Polynesian cultural center, hiked, visited the doctor, camped on the beach, watched the sunset over the ocean, watched the sun rise over the ocean, saw dolphins, drank coconut juice, fascinated at the ocean, climbed trees, flew to Kauai, saw some amazing views/canyons, greens, trees, bushes, waterfalls, scenery, vistas, birds, fish, steams, rivers, etc. etc. etc. It was like a dream.

I think it would have been like a perfect dream if I wouldn't have had that darn groin problem, still have no idea what that was, but I did go to the ER today and they really don't have any idea either.

But, thanks to every one of you for all of your love, support, concern, calls and prayers. life is so good, and we have the best family. I love you all!

Congratulations to Kyle, I'm so proud of you. Sorry I missed your big day, but I love you just the same.

Congratulations to Troy, I happen to be proud of you too, good luck with the next year of your life!

Congratulations to Carson for being so darn cute!!! and his Dad...you look great! and Carson's mom, you are great!

Congratulations to Ryan and family for jeeping around the neighborhood, I can't wait for your new casita.

Mom and Dad, I'm in your house right now, it looks great!!! I love it, and am anxious for so many great memories here.

I love you all!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Cinco de Mayo Eve

I have come to the conclusion that the reason I don't write on this more often is that I don't really like to write letters. I have this fear that what I write about, only I care about. So, what the heck, I'll read my own blog over and over again. Here's my top eight things about what has been happening in my life since my last blog.
1) I have been loving working at the temple. Yesterday I did my first speaking part in a session. For the past couple of months I have spent lots of time in the baptistry and at the vail and in the memorizing room and a little time in the intitiatory booths, but yesterday I got to go through a whole session as a presenter. I am really striving to learn as much as I can as fast as I can and to grow in my love for the temple and in my understanding of its importance. It is a lot like reading the scriptures, the more time and effort we put into it the more we love it.
2) Thursday I went to the Ogden Temple with my Mom and Dad. It was the first time in 3 years that my Father has been feeling well enough to go to a session! I was so grateful to be there and to be with my two favorite teachers.
3) We have made great progress at our new home. It was oh so helpful to have my four sons emptying the storage shed for my birthday. The basement is now finished, the basketball court is poured and the basket is up, we are working on the Theatre Room, the TV is hung above the fireplace and we may someday get our yard in.
4) Friday night we had all three grandkids in the house and their parents and Troy with a date. It was so much fun! Plus, the Jazz won and will move on to the 2nd round of the playoffs. If they get through the Laker series we will celebrate big-time. Like the drinks will be on the house!
5) We had Stake Conference this weekend. Last night was the evening adult session. Our Stake Presidency talked about three goals for stake members this year. The first was to have all members read the Book of Mormon during the year. I have been reading a chapter a day since Jan. 1 and will finish on the 239th day of the year which will be August 26th. (If somebody hasn't started yet and they start reading tomorrow, and they read one chapter a day for the rest of the year, they will finish on New Year's Eve) The second goal was to increase temple attendance. I was able to feel pretty good about that one to. The third was something I have never done in my life; it is to read the Priesthood-Relief Society manual about Joseph Smith. I will read chapter one today as soon as I finish this post.
6)Today's session was broadcast to all the stakes in Davis and Morgan Counties. We got to listen to Gerald Lund, Elder Bednar and President Eyring. Elder Lund talked about testimonies and how to build and strengthen them. Elder Bednar talked about doing what we know and President Eyring talked about following a Living Prophet. I didn't see one person I knew, but I loved the Conference
7) I have been struggling a little bit with pride lately. I am so proud of our children. Having Brynley so far away and so sick and realizing how much I love her; watching our kids be parents and visiting significant events at BYU and WSU and listening to people talk about how wonderful our children are have all made me more grateful that ever to my Heavenly Father for sending such wonderful children into our home. I am so grateful for my Eternal Companion for the kind of wife and mother that she is.
8) I am excited for today. In two hours and fifteen minutes I get to pick up our baby girl at the airport and at 5 PM I hope to fix some pancakes for a part of the family and (most exciting) at a time yet to be announced the love of my life should return from St. George.
Life is indeed good. I love you all and know that my Savior lives.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

April is Over

Hey family,
This is a quick note to let you know that I still know how to blog. I will be more regular from now on is my hope. I am going to St. George tomorrow to a girl's weekend out with my Poll sister-in-laws. Kyle did great with his lasik surgery today. They let me in to watch. I'm sure it was one of the top hardest things for him to do, but do he did. Eye drops there rest of this week and we'll see how he does by tomorrow. Bryn gave us a scare with something painful in her leg and hips, but she seems to be ok for now so we are most grateful for that. Troy took his final test today and that means the end of the semester is finally arrived now for all of us. Kyle graduation was so cool because of all his friends and faculty that he has been such a part of for the past 2 years. I was just very sorry that I was a sicko that day and had to jet out earlier than I would have liked. It's been so wonderful to have my kids show up to the many phases of moving that we have had. I cannot thank you all enough for you help in hauling, setting up, building, fixing, cleaning, sorting, hefting, manuevering, etc, etc. Love you all for that. I am sure glad we are not having the yard sale this weekend, because we are still very far from being ready, but getting closer every day. Well, plan on doing some biking and hiking this weekend and it sounds like Doris, Peggy and Tami are willing to get to Angel's landing so here we go!

Love you all and thanks so much for being the very best family in the world. MOM