Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thanks Matt-DAD

I have no victory speech. Just a solemn thank you. It is hard to argue with the count, because I was one of the counters. I would like to contribute my winnings to my yet to be born grandchild's college fund and thank all those who have contributed to my having a happy birthweek and a day. Yesterday we officially finished our school year. I still go to work, but won't be teaching any classes until we get back from seeing Kyle. Tonight is the PM Olympics for one of my classes. It will be at our home. I hope it goes well. I hope to see all of you at my end of the birthweek party this Saturday. I understand the starting time to be 10 AM, but may need to be moved up a little to accomodate Troy and Marrissa. Flash bulletin, it might be on Friday. Keep posted, or call Mom for the up to the minute reports. I love you all and appreciate all you do to keep our family caring and loving.
DAD
PS- Jodi-Have a great time in St. George. We'll love and miss you.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Details, details (KP)

I never was the best at reading the fine print. Congrats to all of the winners! I really have enjoyed reading so much more about what's going on in everyone's life. Love you all!

-KP

Monday, April 27, 2009

Request Granted....additional winner announced!! (Contest Committee)

Wow...the kid's a fighter! Kylie Q, if we are ever playing a game, I always want to be on your team. Your tenacity is most impressive. Thank you for taking notice in the results of this contest and pointing out some details. There HAS been a change in winner status....drum roll.....
Brynley....are you listening???

Thanks for noticing the post, especially the steller part. Not that I thought this may happen, but the committe set up the rules at the beginning and now it is time to refer to them. By the way, is your middle name Florida? Should we be looking for those hanging chads?

See Rule #4 on Jan 11 posting: "The end of a week is Saturday at 12:00 a.m. The beginning of a week is Sunday at 12:01." True that....you definatly wrote on both 1st(s) of the month which were Sundays, which made you golden for that week beginning with the Sunday. But, for example, if you look at the week of Sunday, Jan 25 at 12:01 to Saturday, Jan 31st at 12:00 a.m, the committee has done a recount, searching high and low and cannot come up with your name anywhere in that window of time. As you may guess, this same most unfortunate occurance happened the last week of February 22nd to 28th.

The committee has gone back to look at how they (after two vote countings) had missed the "Dad" posting on March 8th. Computer glitch? The post is definately the words of your father and none other...no mistake, but it says "Posted by Kyle Poll" as the signer ...check it out. So even tho you did not post that day, you got the credit and the father did NOT.

So now the real funny thing is that since your father realized that he did not win, he said so himself, "why would I read the blog now that I know I didn't win". So somebody should tell him that there now has been a three-way tie. That would make your father 14 for 14 just like Kat and G'ma.

Welcome on the Gold Medal Stand Mr. Gary Poll. You are a WINNER!!!!
The prize money will now be divied up three ways and you can all fight over how it should be spent. The committee recommends not to spend it all in one place...ya know....all eggs in one basket sort of deal. These big financial planner type people in our family will know what that's all about. You may want to go with a split stock option, and rumor has it that bonds are NOT the way to go right now. Most are suggesting investing in real estate. So with that tip...you are on your own.
Congratulations to all. Kyle and Brynley, you may both want to take each other out to dinner! You'll feel better for it!

ibmom & gma

Dear Forever Friends,
Isn't that great, no matter what else happens, we are family forever. Jills post was tremendous and she says they will be here over Memorial day which is tremendous. We already have reservations for Brynley & Dean, and we'll be happy to meat Dean. You are all welcome, just let us know. You know how it is first reservations get their pick of beds or couches or floor. We're looking forward to that. Diane and Ron are coming for over Mother's Day. It's nearly 11:00 a.m., and only 80 degrees. I'll have to close the front door in a few minutes. The Diamondback Ball game was super even if we didn't win. They had the roof open and Jeff and I had a hoagy sandwich. Fun days to remember. The cleaning girls came before we went to the game and then I had my hair done and nails manicured. What a terriffic weekend. Got to go now and get into my Church calling which is indexing. I hope you are all taking care of your Church responsibilities. Love, ibmom & gma

Sunday, April 26, 2009

I demand a recount (KP)

Okay, Okay, so I got a little cocky and competitive there towards the end. But hey, nothing's wrong with a little friendly competition. I'll also admit that I was a bit surprised when I read the official winner rundown (which by the way was quite the stellar post). However, I was ready to accept defeat and I figured that I had just inadvertently missed a couple of weeks. So I was writing my concession speech when I just thought, hmmmm, I might as well check what happened those weeks that prohibited me from posting when big bucks were on the line. Well, as it turns out.....drumroll please......

The judge was right, I did not post on the last week of January or February, HOWEVER....If you'll refer to posts on Sunday, February 1, and Sunday, March 1, you will see that I did post in each of the two referenced weeks, I just happened to post on the last day of the week, which just so happened to fall on the first day of the following month in both cases.

I promise not to complain if my request for a recount is overruled, but in fairness to all candidates, I think I must also point out that the official announcement states that Dad did not post on the week of March 8-14 and I just checked and saw a post from my dear father on Sunday, March 8. It's a short post, and Ryan posted that day as well with an awesome picture of his chest so I can see where Dad's post may have been lost in the shuffle, but there was indeed a post that day. Well, with all that said, I think I must sign off and turn in for the night. I love you all and even if I don't get the prize, I'm sure glad that we've all posted so much over the last four months. I love reading about what's going on with my family that is so far away from me. I can't wait to see you all in a few days.

Love,

KP

And the WINNER IS............!!!!!



Once upon a time there was a family.




  • They entered a contest by choice.

  • The contest results were achieved.

  • The family now knows more about the family.

So who was the winner of the big stakes cash prize??







Is it Marissa or Troy?























Ah....how can you get married and blog in the same quarter? It just ain't gonna happen. We sure do love those two for getting it done!

But...regarding the contest? a whopping goose egg...so...nope.





Was it the Mattster?

















Well, since Matt is coming on over with the little munchkin today for a birthday dinner, we can forgive him. However, another no hitter.....so nope.





Could it have been Gpa?







We love him like CRAZY. And true, it is a pretty giant step that he was able to read online all of our rantings and ravings, (without G'ma printing them off for him like in the olden days) so we are going to give him and A for access.








Was it the mother?



















Uh....3 x in 14 weeks makes not a winner.




Could it have been Jodi or Ryan?
















Well, a very honest effort coming in for RP with the grand total of 6 of 14. And a picture of his sexy chest and the wire leads was pretty amazing. (Did Katherine have to help you with that?)



Jodiah?

















Jod filled us full of eventful and mega-interesting info and pics....we especially loved the video of Buster's first steps! Nice job and such an easy photogenic model.

But alas....9 of 14 didn't quite fit the bill. (Hundred dollar bill that is)





Was it Bryn Tin Tin?






Burnhydle was hanging in there so much of the time. Altho, it was not just the Boston thingy that kept her from having that perfect score. It was skiing, snowshowing, x-countrying, climbing, kidding, basketballing, soccering, and just being the coolest kid for the kids that there ever was. But another very entertaining score of 11 of 14.





Now here is where it gets a little comical.

There are a couple of guys that thought they had it sown up, in the bag, close that refrigerator door so to speak.



KylieQ....can you spell the word C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-V-E?






Hey KP...what happened on the the last week of the month of January and February. They must have been killers. Probably busy writing the bills and stuff, because, ya just didn't quite show up. But come on guys...12 of 14 is worthy of talking about! Let's give him a ROUND of applause!




So of course with all the talk and chatter, we must all just have assumed that is was our DAD.


Was it DAD?















Our dad is the most consistent goal driven guy we know. If he sets a goal, it IS achieved. So there was a great effort to write on the proverbial Sunday and we would often see his howdy doodey on that day. But what happened the week of March 8th-14th? Ooops. Ya know, 13 of 14 times is dang close. So way to go!


However, close only counts in ya know....a game of horse shoes.


Well...that's just leaves two left.





14 of 14 weeks!!

Who?























GG and KK!!!!!!

Granma (Great) and Kat and Kids


What can ya say about the most techy G'ma there ever was.....and now posting pictures too!! Here's a woman who doesn't stop at anything. She's a mover and a shaker.













Kat's a fighter, an achiever. Give her a challenge and she's going to go for it.






And here are the stars of the show. The little budding movie stars are getting their start in the advertisement business. The announcements extraordinaire were fantastic and we can't wait to see the arrival of the next little star.














The prize money is ready and waiting. Perhaps we may arrange to deliver it to sunny Arizona in person on Memorial Day....and we may want to drag KK and associated father along with us (consider this pressure).....and Bryn and Dean are going too...and WHO ELSE WANTS TO COME ALONG!!!


WAY TO GO EVERYONE!!!

YOU TOOK IT A RAN WITH IT!


I LOVE THIS FAMILY- NO QUESTION!!
10,839 REASONS


Love THE MOM



























































Saturday, April 25, 2009

Congrats to all the winners!-- Katherine

I surrender! Fair and Square, I did not win the jackpot. So I think the rest of you should draw straws or something. It has been fun keeping up with what everyone is doing each week.

So funny story. Last week in church during Sharing Time we were watching a movie on the resurrection. We were watching when Mary goes back to the tomb and finds it empty, and then it shows two men running to the tomb. The teacher asked, "who do you think they were?" Without hesitating, Spencer yelled out, "Laman and Lemuel!" All of the teachers could not help but burst out laughing. Hopefully it didn't ruin the spirit that was there, but it really was funny. Oh, how I love that boy!

We will see you all tomorrow! Congrats to Bryn on finishing her race so well!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009





Testing! yeah! ibmom gma via Jodi

ibmom & gma learning to post pictures


Just trying to get as smart as you all are, except Gary. Testing one, two. ibmom & gma

Monday, April 20, 2009

ibmom & gma

Dear everybody,

What wonderful posts! Kyle, are you sure that's the David Buckner from Ogden? I thought
the Utah David Buckner taught acting career wise. He looks like the David Buckner from Utah. Are they one and the same? Let me know for sure. Jeff and Linda are over for FHE and brought some soup and I made the Salad. It is so great to have Jodi here and Carson too. Jeff is taking me to a Diamondback game next Fri. They play the Giants. Got to go. Love you all lots. ibmom & gma

I'm gonna pass out (KP)

So I don't know if you all heard about this, but this is my Stake President and Dad's good friend on the Glenn Beck Show. BTW, Emily and I were in a temple session with Glenn Beck a few months ago. Anyway, just watch the clip.

Click here to see David Buckner

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Arizona - Jodi

Its so hot here! I love it. Carson and I flew down here on Thursday and I worked Friday and Saturday. Carson got to go play with Alison and her kids all day on Friday and Saturday. He's teething and I don't think he was his usual chipper self, so I think Alison really had her hands full...she was amazing for taking Carson for two full days!
Today he has been mostly happy, he has slept a lot and for the first night in about 5 nights, I put him down without Motrin.

He loves to play in the Rocks at Grandmas, he can't get enough of the outdoors. He gets mad when I take him in. The kid is so funny. We are going to the Zoo tomorrow with Alison and her kids. Tuesday Grandma and I are going to a fancy place of her choice. Wednesday we have to come home. Guess I do need to get back to school. Its so, so great to see Carson play with GG and GGpa. He gets excited and says GG and Grandpa and loves to see them when we come back home. He has made himself right at home. We love the hot weather.




And I'm not sure why everyone is declaring themselves the blog winners. I havn't heard an offical post from the mother bear declaring the winner...and I'm pretty sure I'm getting the $100 dollars...I'm just saying!

A proposal-DAD

I propose that we take the $100 prize and go out to eat when Kyle is in town on May Day and that everybody who has posted on the blog since we started be invited and that Kath get to choose the place because the quality of her posts have exceeded the quanitity of my own. I appreciate the blessing that it is to be able to communicate this way. Someday I will learn how to put pictures on here too. We are down to about ten days until our Semester ends. Then I won't be teaching until Mom and I get back from our little trip to see Kyle in June. We also have a little trip down to Bryce Canyon in June. Good Luck to Brynley with her big Boston Marathon tomorrow. To Troy with his Crystal Crest opportunity this Saturday. Congrats to Abby for getting her 4 shots and to Spencer for turning 4 in such a splendid manner. Grandma Poll is finally starting to feel better. I look forward to seeing Jodi and Carson when they return. Mom's ribs still hurt. I hope Kyle's chest is improving. I hear he scored two goals last Monday, so he must be at least a little bit better. I chickened out on racquetball again this past week. Hopefully tomorrow. I love you each and all.
DAD

I would like to declare myself the champion! (KP)

Okay, Dad is my co-champion I think. Brynley really hung in there for a lot of weeks. In fact she held in for every week......except this week when she is in DC/NYC/Boston without a computer. Oh Bryn, you shoulda put in while you were at my house. I'll share my prize with you at the Shake Shack.

So I had a WONDERFUL week with my favorite little sister! Bryn, thanks for coming out and letting me hang with you and Kim. We did so many cool things. We went to the trio of squares: Washington Square, Union Square, and finally we ate at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. We went to Times Square, I watched them go to the Phantom. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge and ate at Grimaldi's. Oh the fun we had. I love you Bryn and I'm so glad you came. I hope some of the others of you get a chance to come visit. I know it's expensive and it's a long way from home, but just know that you're always welcome and that I love to see you all.

I went to Boston last night and watched the Red Sox beat the Orioles. I wish I coulda sat by Bryn and Co. all night, but such was not the case. It was still fun seeing Bryn and Dean. Good luck on the Marathon Bryn! I love ya!!!

To the rest of you, I'll see you in a week and a half!

Love,

KP

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Spencer's Birthday--Katherine

Well, Sunday was such a fun day celebrating Easter and Spencer's birthday. Thanks for everyone who came. When I put him to bed, he said, "Mom that was a fun birthday." The remote control jeep has been a big hit, and is about time to put new batteries in! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the cute card and money! He was excited to open it and see his picture inside. He has also been playing a lot of football with his dad thanks to Aunt Brynley.

On Monday, we did a little friends party over at Classic Fun Center. The kids had a blast there, and was extra nice because we almost had the whole place to ourselves.



Driving the car game is always a favorite!

I can't believe my baby is 4 years old. He has brought so much happiness into our home. Here is a little trip down memory lane. I can't believe how fast time has gone. Before I know it we will be sending him on a mission.

Spencer Ryan born on April 12th at 8:17 a.m weighing 6lbs. 12 oz.
"Our Little Dude"
1 year old
2 years old
3 years old

Our little 4 year old getting ready to go to church on Easter Sunday!

Our little Princess!I didn't ask them to hug for this picture, they did it on their own. They really are good buddies!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Thank you family--rp

What a fun past couple of days we've had around here. And thanks to the many who made it a deal to be apart of it, one way or another. I think both Spencer and Abby might sleep for the next week after everything that they've done. One birthday party after another birthday party! But like has been mentioned, I don't know of anybody who has been looking so forward to his/her birthday than that of my son Spencer.

Speaking of birthdays, we're already at the halfway mark before we have another birthday party of our third child. Of course, I can say "we're already" there because I haven't had to deal with the daily, constant discomfort of carrying the baby. I think Kath is overall feeling a little better, although she's not one to complain regardless of how awful she may be feeling.

And while we're on the subject of my wonderful wife, I'm not sure how and when this $100 blogger award will be given out. I know I should personally finish in the top 10. I also nominate my wife as the hands down "most improved award" for blogging. She has gone from once a year post to once a week post, with downloaded pictures included! Not only that, she's also created our own family blog and updates that regularly.

Well I'm signing out wishing all of my family, wherever they may be, the very best with all of the many good things that are going on at this time. I'm very pleased to be a member of such a great, eternal family unit.

ibmom & gma

High youz all:

What a wonderful blog. Good info about Spencer's BD. We called at least 10 different numbers trying to get hold of him.Can someone please give me the date of Marissa's birthday and the current address? Did you buy a house, Troy? Wish Brynley the best in Boston. Sounds like Kyle will be seeing Brynley soon and what fun to have Weber State in Carnaghe Hall. Oh dear, Jodi's back better be better by the time she gets here. I can't imagine how she'll do with the baby on the plane and all she needs to bring him down here. I hope she gets good help from the red caps. Gary, you had a neat trip with David. Which David was that? Jeff is going to be published in The Friend. They read his story and he just had to add a few things, including a testimony and a few minor changes. The story is "The Second Wind." it's a neat story about how his coach asked him after he would finish a race. "Hey Marler, Did you get your second wind?" After many races and it appeared he was going to lose, he got his second wind and a source of energy he didn't know he had, He won the race. I think it took a little prayer and help from God. Watch for it in the next couple of months. This is Apr. 13th and we still have temperatures in the 80's That is wonderful. Love you more than the last time, ibmom & gma

Birthday Cake Week + Easter Icing- (Mom)
















Well, as many as possible showed up to our big birthday events this week. We we happy to usher in another year for Marrissa; big 24 and for Spencer; big 4. Great food and fun was had by all who came. And, oh don't forget the Easter Egg hunt at the park yesterday. We always miss those who couldn't make it but now share the events with the rest of you. Love you all!
















Sunday, April 12, 2009

Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.....Wildcats in the city (KP)

Weber State, Weber State, Great, Great, GREAT!
So I had the thrill of being a Wildcat again this week. Weber State's wind ensemble was invited to perform in Carnegie Hall so Weber State decided to hold its semi-annual National Advisory Council meeting in NYC. That's good news for me. They invited me to a luncheon with the NAC and we heard Gary Crittenden, Scott Baxter, and Omar Kader speak. They all were very interesting. I sat next to Fran and Leann Wheeler. They said to tell you hi Dad. They also invited Emily and me to attend the show "South Pacific" at the Lincoln Center with them. It was a neat show and it was even better because it was free. The next night we had an alumni reception at Carnegie Hall followed by the WSU performance in Carnegie Hall. It was really neat, at least the first 15 minutes....then I got a bit bored, but that was my first time in Carnegie Hall and it was really neat. Well, I'm super excited for Brynley to be out here this week. I love you all and I'm excited to see you all in just 3 short weeks!

Love,

Kyle

Happy Easter-DAD

Have any of you noticed that the sponsor of our contest hasn't entered a post on the blog since the contest began? Maybe she hasn't had time to get on the computer or maybe she forgot how to do it. I know that I forget from week to week. When does this contest end anyway? Where is she going to get $100?
I don't think I have ever seen anybody more excited about having a birthday than Spencer was today. It was a trully memorable birthday party. I was able to take Carson on his first Easter Egg hunt. He actually put an egg in the sack. Of course he thought it was a ball and he threw four out that I put in. Abby was all too happy to add them to her already giant collection.
Best of luck to Brynley this week. Hope Kyle's chest is feeling better. Good luck to Troy teach forf 20 minutes in a Seminary class this week. I feel terrible about Jodi's back. Mom's ribs seem to be about healed and my knees made good progress this week. I think I might try a little racquetball tomorrow,
I appreciate the reminder that Easter is of all the Savior has done for us. I know that He lives today and cares about the things going on in our life. May we always remember Him. May we be as quick to forgive each other and others as we hope that He is to forgive us. Have a wonderful week.
DAD

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Congratulations!!!

Congrats to Gma and Kat! Really, I'm proud of you both! And as much as I hate to say this, I stand corrected, I did miss a week in March, I thought I was 100% until my triip, so hats off to you perfect bloggers. As a quick hope to get some good for nothing bonus points, I'm going to post a few pics of the last few weeks to make up for my laziness. I love you all, and welcome back to the blog for those who took a vacation over the last year. And I haven't even mentioned yet...happy birthday week DAD!











boston here I come

It's hard to believe that it's finally here. I'm leaving tomorrow for the race, as always I'm anxious to leave town- it's always nice to get away and try something new. I'll be leaving tomorrow, so I'll see you all on the other side!
General conference was great-I love to pick out different themes each conference. I especially loved to emphasis on the temple, what a neat place that is!
On Saturday night, after Priesthood session was over, Dean and I were trying to figure what to do with the evening, then we realized we hadn't visited our cousin Rachel for a while, so we jumped in the car and headed down South. We watched conference on Sunday with Rachel, had a picnic between sessions, loved the sunshine! and headed back North. We stopped by Doris' on the way home and had a great drum talent show from Chris. The trip was short, and sweet and made me really excited for the Summer!
This week has been a good one. It isn't exactly like I imagined my last week of training would go, but despite my ankle injury I have been able to ride the bike for a couple of hours this week. Well, I better go pack and do some laundry and call it a week. Love you all, and have a great Easter. Troy, you can eat the Easter candy that I would have found on the Easter egg hunt. happy birthday Spencer! Sorry I'll miss the festivities.

And its gone - Jodi

So a crazy week of work, school and life.
Thursday night I felt it coming...Friday it was confirmed. My back is out. Its been over a year since it been this bad, but just sitting here at the computer it throbs and twists. I went to Lori's house last night and took some strong pills, so Carson and I had fun doing that. That made it so I didn't care so much about the pain, but it never really left. So today is an exciting day of laying flat, because that is the way it won't hurt so bad. Need to do my exercieses so I can be ready for Arizona next week. Yikes, I'm afraid! Well thats all the sitting...talk to you later...see Carsons blog for the fun part of the week.
Hugs

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Katherine

So this has been a fun week so far. Starting with Conference last weekend. I always enjoy conference and hate to see it come to an end. I especially enjoyed Elder Scott's talk. Monday was a fun night celebrating Marissa's birthday and playing nertz, even though we took dead last. I am ready for a rematch now that we have had our practice round. Tonight we went swimming at the Aquatic Center as a reward for the kids finishing their scripture charts. They had so much fun. Their favorite part was the waterslide. You could hear Spencer the whole way down the slide laughing and saying "Woo Hoo!" Here are a few pictures.

We will look forward to more fun this weekend celebrating Easter and Spencer's birthday! We are doing dinner at our house at 5:00 for anyone who would like to come. See you all soon!