G-ma N G-pa

Christmas Party

2011-12-30T00:42:00.004-07:00

Family Ukulele Site

2011-10-11T18:42:00.002-07:00

As requested at our most recent meeting of the Brooksby Ukulele Club, I've changed the permissions for our club website so that anyone with the link can view it.

So, here is the link:

https://sites.google.com/site/brooksbyukuleleclub

It's not the most interesting site there ever was, but it serves its purpose.

Love,
Jess

It's Been a While

2011-08-12T15:21:00.004-07:00

Thought I'd post something new here!

We have loved visiting Grandma and Grandpa. I love chatting with them and then we have the bonus of swimming too!

Saturday's Acoustic Night

2011-05-22T20:26:00.002-07:00

I meant to put this on my personal blog, but in my haste accidentally put it here. To avoid confusion about disappearing posts that are no longer available, I decided to leave it up. You are welcome.

To celebrate all things ukulele and acoustic music in general, I invited a bunch of people over to my house Saturday evening for an acoustic night. What I thought it would be and what it ended up being were two different things, but it turned out 10 times more fun and awesome than I could have anticipated. Instead of going around in a circle and people playing one song at a time, we hooked up the laptop to the TV and surfed the internet for chords for songs, then played along as we all sang. Lisa Loeb, Dixie Chicks, Weezer, The Darkness, whatever came to mind. It was kinda like play-it-yourself karaoke. Then we proceeded to create our own songs about Nachos, Nacho (a different kind), Ikea, and various ladies in the room. One of the best parts = We recorded the silly songs we made up. Wanna listen?

http://soundcloud.com/jabrook

So much fun. I can't wait till next time. (Ben and Me on Ukulele. And Ben also brought his saw)

Brooksby Party May 6

2011-05-10T21:45:00.001-07:00

We're looking for pictures from the party, including the Brooksby Ukulele Cult performance. Did anyone take pictures? We sure had a great time!

Christmas Party

2011-01-02T14:39:00.006-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas party was very fun this year. The kids enjoyed the bouncey house. And I'm pretty sure everyone enjoyed the food and the company.

I know I saw others taking pictures, please post a few!

Some played games

The kids colored, jumped and played with the puppy.

The Show

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa are so special! And I think it's so great that they get to share their special day with each other! We love them so much!

Grandma is such a strong woman, she is so encouraging and kind. She makes me feel so loved and I can feel that she loves and cares about me so much. She has the ability to make me feel so special and important, almost like I'm the favorite... but I know she does it to all!

Grandpa is so gentle, hard working, kind, and giving. He is always giving and serving and is so fun with the kids. He serves me every time I come over by entertaining the kids so Grandma and I can talk.

I love hearing the stories of these amazing two. They are my heroes and I am proud that they are my grandparents!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

81, 87

Happy Anniversary

2010-10-08T22:43:00.002-07:00

You two are great examples for us all! Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa (Great)! Love you! Hope your day was great!

Fourth of July!

2010-07-06T22:22:00.006-07:00

Everyone can post their pictures, but here are some of mine!

Apologies

2010-03-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello family. I just wanted to say that I am sorry I haven't gotten more of the "story project" stories up. I started a job in January on the other side of the country (well, not literally) so I was staying with Gma and pa for a while. However, my computer - the one that I need to transfer my recordings into my itunes, was at my family's in QC. Then, with moving to the other side of the country that I work at 2 weeks ago, I just barely got my internet working. More or less, I should have some stories up soon. By the end of this week. I hope...

Love ya bunches!

Bliss

2010-02-06T17:45:00.004-07:00

I forgot to post this before... I got a little caught up in January but now that I'm feeling better. This was from our visit in January... the last picture this camera took. Baden was so tired. He walked right up to Grandma Great and almost instantaneously fell asleep on her shoulder. Oh... and she loved it, like I need to say that. He never does that with me so that's even more special that Grandma got to experience it!

Story Project New Audio Format

2010-01-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

I changed the audio format from .w4a to .mp3, so I hope that solved anyone's problems with not being able to play it on their computer.

Toodles!

Story Project #2-Grandma

2010-01-07T23:45:00.004-07:00

Grandma Episode 2- Working at the drugstore, and other various jobs.
(link below)

In this interview, Grandma talks about serving soda and ice cream to cute guys and movie stars as she worked at the drugstore. She also talks about the other jobs she had growing up as well as work related accidents she experienced. I am sure you will be impressed by all of the different people grandma talks about- she sure does remember them well.

I hope you enjoy her stories.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3891993/Drugstore.mp3

To save / download the audio to your computer, right click on the link and "save target as". That way you have it on your computer. The internet file storage program I am using is only so large...

FYI- same editing disclaimer as SP#1.

Story Project #1-Grandpa

2010-01-07T23:28:00.006-07:00

Grandpa Episode 1: Adding machines and other accountant machines.

(Link below)

In this interview, grandpa talks about adding machines (see above), comptometers (see right) , and early calculators. He also talks about how you use to make copies of something (pre-xerox). Other accounting gems heard as well.

I hope you enjoy his stories.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3891993/Adding%20machines.mp3

To save / download the link to your computer, right click and "save target as". That way you have it on your computer. The internet file storage program I am using is only so large...

FYI- The interview is not edited for content. I did edit it a little so that you could hear everyone better. If you want me to edit them (so you can't hear me...) , let me know. Or, do it yourself.

Calling All Family Members

2010-01-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

So, for Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas, I thought it would be nice to do what I am calling "The Story Project." When I am over on Saturdays (and any other time) I will record them sharing their memories, experiences, stories, poems, you name it. Not only will it be neat for me to hear these stories from them, but I thought it would only be right and good to share them with everyone, to have them for a long time for us to listen to whenever. The way I see it, it's a gift from me to me, from me to gma and pa, from me to you, and from gma and pa to all of us.

Here is where I need your help:
What do YOU want to hear about? The freezing fishing trip, Grandma growing up in Kanab, their favorite vacation. Really, anything. Reply to this post or email me (Jessica) with your requests.

My plan is to put the recordings/interviews up on this blog (somehow...) and also create a CD of them to give to everybody. I hope that everyone enjoys these special stories-we are so blessed by Grandma and Grandpa and all of our wonderful family.

Teaser: I already recorded about 50 mins of conversation today. Stay tuned- I will have the mp3s up ASAP.

Christmas Party

2009-12-29T16:17:00.007-07:00

Zach was a little confused at first. He though Jessica's legs were his mother's.

The spread.

Talent show... (sorry Craig I missed you.)

Grandpa waiting for Santa!

This year we did the white elephant with just the Grandkids. We didn't have the story printed out so Preston ad libbed it. It was pretty funny.

Then the Great Grandkids opened theirs.

Once again GG's through a GREAT party!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T22:53:00.004-07:00

Well the Stapley's came in a little late on the whole evening so I'm sure the feast was amazing as ever and there was fun to be had. (Someone else will have to fill in the other details). When we showed up though everyone seemed to be having fun. We had fun chatting with all. The pies then came out, which were SO yummy. A few played some games of Sequence. Which was when the men started to hang the lights, and of course the only thing I took pictures of. So next holiday I will be quicker with the camera.

We truly do have a lot to be thankful for! I'm so glad that our whole family is so close and it is always fun to see everyone. We sure do love Grandma and Grandpa!

Thanks for the great Thanksgiving!

Grandma and Grandpa Greats Birthday

2009-11-20T11:56:00.003-07:00

We went to surprise Grandma and Grandpa on their Birthday with a visit! Happy Birthday Grandma and Grandpa! The kids sure had fun at our visit, we are love you both!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD AND MOM!

2009-11-17T07:50:00.001-07:00

YOU HAD A BIRTHDAY, SHOUT HOORAY! WE'RE GOING TO SING FOR YOU TODAY. ONE YEAR OLDER AND WISER, TOO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

(ok, it's not original, but it's heartfelt)

Bry and Nat

2009-10-15T11:37:00.003-07:00

Bryan and Natalie Hatch are doing Great!! The Lord is really blessing us BIG TIME!! We are trying to do everything right and be grateful for all our blessing. We really are enjoying life! So Bryan has been working so hard at University of Phoenix and we are praying that all his hard work will pay off come Dec. when we find out if he gets a raise!!! He has ONE more class at school and then HE will have his Bachelors in Business Marketing!! YAY!!!! So that means that he will graduate on NOV. 7 less than a month away!! I can't believe this day is almost here! I am so Pleased with him and ALL he does. And I -Natalie am trying to get my craft on like Hillary. Sounds like we need to get together. I am currently the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society in our ward and it's fun Planning the (NON) Enrichment activities that we have. LOTs of work but fun! I also am trying to teach myself to sew. Ha ha It's working ok but I need help. I need to call Linda or my mom or if there is anyone else who could help please call me!!! Well we LOVE Grandma and Grandpa Brooksby and hope all is well.

Update - Hillary

2009-10-14T11:08:00.001-07:00

Well yes I have been slacking with this blog, we are not dead, and we still love Grandma and Grandpa very much. Here is a little update from us...

We are loving being in our new house. We are pretty much settled in for sure now. We are loving the neighborhood and we like our ward a lot. I've been trying to meet the neighbors slowly taking cookie over to each one around the street to get to know them. It seems like it should be the other way around but I decided to be more out going and not wait around for people to be my friend. Its been working out well doing it this way too, so I'm glad for my attitude change! Preston has already spoken in church and is now the ward chorister. I don't know how I've flown under the radar in the ward but I have. It has been a bit of a challenge sitting by myself through the first part of the meeting, because Preston's on the stand. Sacrament is more of a challenge with the two kids and being "in tune" but we will get better at that. Kya, as usual, loves nursery and is excited every week to go, it's just trying to get her to sit through Sacrament Meeting. When the Sacrament is finished and the Decans are going back to sit with their family Kya always says in a loud voice, "Yay, Nursery!" Every week we have to explain that there are still speakers, songs, and one more prayer left. I am glad that we do have some good kids, they really do pretty good.

I have been being pretty crafty lately. I think it's got a little to do with trying to find a place for all of our stuff in our new found space, which is just a bit smaller than the last place. I have to get creative in storing things and I actually have been enjoying doing so. I've been trying to be a bit more organized with the space I do have which is nice. I'm slowly getting my walls decorated now, it is fun to have picture on the walls again. I didn't hang a thing in our big house knowing we wouldn't be staying and all.

Kya is truly a little girl, she is so smart and comprehends everything! She still loves her nails painted and has to have a bracelet on all the time. She has an imagination, she can make things up and play for a long time. They both love to be outside with our chicken and turtle.

Baden is a super happy, fast little guy! He get where ever he wants really fast. You can tell that he can't wait to be running around with his big sister. He is always happy and so super sweet. He is determined and gets frustrated if he can't do what he has set out to do. He's got 7 teeth now and more on the way.

Preston is still working really hard. Now I know why he says he wishes that he lived back in the day that you lived on a farm and you got payed base on how hard you work. Because it doesn't always work that way now. We have faith that we are in the Lords hands and he will do with us what is best. We are doing what is right and trying our best.

So there is something... I know there was quite a few of you that got together for something special last Thursday but no one posted about that, hint hint Kent!

Wassup?

2009-10-13T15:48:00.002-07:00

So wassup wid dis blog? No one in the family does or writes things anymore? Everyone too busy writing meaningless drivel on Facebook to update their blogs? Jan and I would like to know what's going on with everyone. Please write something!

Love to all.

Thanks, Dad and Mom

2009-08-23T17:28:00.003-07:00

I just want to write a short note of thanks to my parents. Thank you for being dedicated to each other over all the years. Thank you for doing the hard things. Thank you for caring enough about each other and us, your children and posterity, to want us to be sealed in the temple. I reflect on that experience quite often, even though it was over 50 years ago. Thank you for staying active in the church when it would have been so EASY to drift away into complacency. Thank you for your example of selfless service, even anonymous service. I have seen many of the quite, undetected acts of service you have given to others, and it has made me want to be a better man, myself. I have even started giving candy bars to people I home teach. Thank you for teaching your posterity right and wrong, and for being examples of love, kindness, dedication, work, and steadfastness. Thank you for all the love you show your posterity. I am so thankful that my grandchildren know you. My kids only knew two of their great-grandparents, and I feel so blessed that my grandkids know you.

Thanks, Mom and Dad. Speaking for my clan: We Love You!

Family Pictures

2009-07-14T17:22:00.004-07:00

Thanks Karen for taking them!

Fourth Party Pictures!

2009-07-12T01:10:00.006-07:00

I know others took pictures please feel free to share!

You sure know how to throw a party G-ma and G-pa! Thanks for all the fun!

July 4th PARTY

2009-07-05T19:16:00.003-07:00

We had a wonderful 4^th of July party with everyone in our family here. Stan, Karen and kids were here also. Family pictures were taken by Karen, and the whole thing was busy and fun. Swimming was extremely popular for it was 109 degrees out side. Julia’s snow cone machine was kept very busy also. We again sat on the front lawn and watch the fire works over at the country club—while the little kids paraded around with their glow in the dark necklace’s and bracelets shining. Otter pops and home made ice cream help to keep us cool.

Love to all. VerDon, Mom or Grandma

Memory - Hillary

2009-05-28T10:16:00.004-07:00

While Jessica and I sat by the pool at the Memorial Day party, I was remembering some of the things we did when we were kids. We used to come swim (A LOT) at Grandma and Grandpa "B's" house. If the diving board was use a lot a collection of water would pool up in the HOT bricks. We would always sit in the warm, usually dirty water and pretend that it was a bath.
Sometimes we were able to play with gallon jugs. We would fill them up and set them on the HOT brick the entire time we were swimming and then when it was time to get out and we were all cold we would pour the whole gallon of warm water over us.
Other times Grandpa would let us have one of the 5 gallon buckets which we would play with in the pool. We would turn it upside down filled with air and then push it under the water while one of us was underneath breathing under water!
We had lots of fun times at Grandma and Grandpa B's. Of course there was the Victorian hair styles, the candy bar game, making wave pools, putting dive rings around our ankles pretending to be mermaids, and lots of other fun games in the pool. Then afer we got out of the pool we would ALWAYS get a treat. It seems like we spent almost everyday there and I'm glad we did.

Conference Sunday

2009-04-20T14:08:00.005-07:00

I know this is a little belated but here is the party that we had at Grandpa and Grandma's Conference weekend. We ate first (of course) and then had fun chatting and playing games.

Everyone had a lot of fun playing games. First "Sets" and then "Fact or Crap."

We sure had a ton of fun, thanks for the party!

SLEEPOVER at the Brooksby's

2009-04-07T14:40:00.009-07:00

Bryan and Natalie Hatch decided we haven't lived unless we had a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa Brooksby's house. So we went over there Friday March 27,2009 and spent the night. We made them our favorite Taco Soup which we all enjoyed for Dinner. Then we showed them some of our pictures from our Argentina trip. We talked and laughed and played some games. We taught them to play the card game "golf" and Grandma beat us all. Way to go grandma!! Then we played rummy and that was a lot of fun. We stayed up till late and it was a Blast!!! Then in the morning Bryan and I made homemade Biscuits and Gravy and it was delish!!!! We talked some more and even go some of it on tape. Grandma and Grandpa tell some fun Stories. They have lived incredible lives and we are so glad that we get to be a part of their lives. We love these two very much and are so happy to be FAMILY. Thanks for the sleepover we will have to do that another time.
Sorry boys these SASSY Ladies are already taken (by Bryan and Carl)

Beautiful Flowers for a BEAUTIFUL Lady!!!

We brought these flowers for Grandma

March 28,2009 Saturday

Bryan, Natalie, Grandma and Grandpa the morning after our sleep over.

Grandma and her latest bird house. It's a pretty fancy one.

Visit - by Craig

2009-03-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

I tend to visit Grandpa and Grandma (Mom and Dad to me) on Sundays. Dad is often just coming in from, or just heading off to, a meeting relating to his preparedness calling in the church. Mom always tells me about her day at church. They may not realize it, but their example is very powerful. I appreciate it more than words can say. Being a disciple of Christ is not an easy road to travel. It helps me, personally, to have them ahead of me on the path, not sitting on the sidelines, on vacation. A lot of people figure that at some point in life, they've done enough and they can just coast. (Ane maybe they have, and maybe it's alright for them, I can't judge). As for myself, I don't intend to to that, but intention alone isn't enough. I have the example of my parents, who are still in the harness, pulling, in their eighties. Having been shown their example, I intend to follow in their path. God bless them for their good example and for their leadership on this trek through life.

Craigs Pies

2009-02-23T21:36:00.002-07:00

Yesterday after church Craig came over and made these two fresh lemon pies for Carl to take to his home teaching families. Then he went home and made four more for his families. He called today and said, "Never again will I make pies from now on it will have to be tarts."

Just an Update

2009-02-13T22:20:00.007-07:00

Janae- Is doing great in school and enjoying being with her friends.
Brandon- He's 16 now, and already going on dates. He is in school/community production of Beauty and the Beast, so that takes up a lot of his free time.
As for me-I'm just being my normal self. I never really have much time to socialize with friends because I'm always working. If I'm not at Coldstone, I'm babysitting for a lady in our ward. But the hard work DEFINITELY pays off.
Jessica- Is getting ready for her recital next month. She has a really nice dress for the ocassion. She comes and visits on sundays and its always fun to see her.
Mom- Is hard at work being the right-hand man (actually woman) to Dr. Jensen's wife. There is always something for her to do, but that doesn't mean that she not there for us kids.
Dad- He is being the best dad anyone could ask for (but every kid says that). He works hard a day and still spends time to hear all of our little stories of what happened throughout the day.

Hey

2009-01-22T17:54:00.003-07:00

Hey its Jennifer. I hope everyone is having a great time. Heres a update on whats going on right now. Im not going to school but, I'm babysitting for a family in my ward twice a week from 6am-3pm and working at Coldstone Creamery the rest of the time. It gets hectic and I have little time for socializing with friends but they are all in Idaho anyway. At this very second, Janae is sitting next to me reading over my shoulder and being annoying. Love you all. Check out my blog http://jenb205.blogspot.com/.

Update - by Hillary

2009-01-22T13:14:00.003-07:00

Preston has been working very hard. He has been such a HUGE help to me, especially since Baden has joined us!
Kya is the best big sister. She getting better with her sentences and tries more and more words everyday! I can't believe that she will be two next month! She is so big!
Baden may not look like it but he is getting more and more rolls. He is such a GOOD baby. He only cries when he's hungry, the rest of the time he is usually content.
As for me, I'm adjusting fairly well to being a mom of two, and I'm loving it so far!
Other than that we just can't seem to stay healthy at our house! Kya has a "booby nose" or boogie nose and has been coughing. Baden is just a little congested but not too bad. And I have not been able to stop coughing for a few weeks. I think we are on the tail end of it though and hopefully with be well soon!

Visit - by Hillary

2009-01-08T18:34:00.002-07:00

I'm catching up my visit that I had with Grandma and Grandpa. I did my normal Wendy's stop and took it over. Kya fell asleep in the car on the way over but didn't stay asleep when we got there. She was ready to have fun at great g-ma's and g-pa's house! It was fun because Kya was talking a lot, and showing off how many words she is using now. She played with all the toys upstairs for a while and then found out that she could get all of Grandpa's attention by having him read books. Then once she had his undivided attention she lured him downstairs where they played for a long time. I think she made him discover every part of the basement and pull out every toy! From the upstairs where Grandma and I were visiting it sounded like she was having a TON of fun! Baden like always was a very good boy, which allowed Grandma to hold him most of the time we were there. She said that she has to hold them while he's still small because when he gets bigger she won't be able to. I think it was a treat for both Grandma and Baden. It was a great day and I was able to spend most of the afternoon with them, mostly talking to Grandma, (cuz Grandpa was preoccupied by someone!) Before we left Melissa came over. Kya didn't want to leave once Melissa's kids got there, which gave me an excuse to stay even longer. We love our visits!

Christmas Party

2008-12-23T18:00:00.005-07:00

As always the Brooksby Christmas Party was a huge success, we ate lots of food to start off. I think the biggest hit with the food should go to Melanie with her delicious cinnamon apples. Then it was downstairs where Santa came and passed out gifts for all that would sit on his lap!

Santa... well Santa was there!

Then we played our annual White Elephant! My favorite and is looked forward to all year!

I think Preston took the cake for best gift again, an imaginary award that Preston tries for each year!

Then more gifts, Grandma and Grandpa out do themselves with how generous they are! And I always love the poem I get from G-pa each year! We love getting together with everyone.

Visit - by Hillary

2008-11-21T16:52:00.005-07:00

We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa on their birthday, from what it sounds like... as did everyone else. We had a good chat with them and it was fun because we came while my mom and dad were there as well. Kya was being really fun the whole time we were there, dancing around and playing. Grandma was so nice, she had had so many visitors that she hadn't eaten her dinner yet, she was just fine to sit and chat rather than slow down to eat! I'm glad it was a good birthday!
Grandma told a story about her dad, Foote, and their "delicate" manners. She said that the lady that raised her mother came to visit. She was a very prim lady and wore a very tight corset which made her sit very straight and tall. Her figure evidently was important to her. Grandma said that when she stepped out of the car to meet Foote, one of the first things he said to her was, "You're not as big as Hazel said you were, you can too fit through that gate!" Then she went in to meet Foote's dad. Who was a big man and his gut hung out in the front. And when he met her he said, "Why, my belly sticks out in front just as much as your behind stick out in the back." Needless to say she was pretty offended by the comments. But by the end of the week she had learned not to take them too serious and she could dish it out to them just the same! Grandma said that is just how they were never thinking people would actually take them serious.
I really enjoy the stories that I hear at Grandma's. I don't want to forget the ones I've heard.

Update - by Hillary

2008-11-21T16:16:00.002-07:00

Mostly everything is the same with Preston. He is still working hard and has been doing great with his work. He is glad to have Bryan back home because he loves his Saturday mornings, when they play Ultimate Frisbee, it didn't run too well with out Bryan.
Kya is just so much fun at this age. I have been enjoying my last moments with just her. She likes to go for walks with mommy (since I need to be doing it anyway). There is a horse and goat that live just three houses down from us that we visit almost everyday. And we always get to see the ducks at the wildlife preserve behind our house. She is an expert at throwing a fit, but I have gotten pretty good with dealing with them as well. She really understands everything we say and is still pretty obedient. Kya is still jabbering away, but more and more there are really words here and there. Kya LOVES candy! Halloween introduced her to getting candy at home not just at Grandma's house. We are letting the candy disappear from sight quickly, and only letting her have it at special times!
As for me, I've don't remember feeling this miserable when I was pregnant with Kya. Don't get me wrong it's not too bad, but I definitely want this boy out... the sooner the better! Like I said I've been trying to walk everyday or at least every other day. Hopefully that will help get things going sooner rather than later this time. We are enjoying our house and we are fitting in the ward more.

Updates - by Wing

2008-11-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Jacob - busy as usual. Glad that Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are coming soon!
Wing - learned how to Crochet from Pauli.
Amber - saying funny things all the time. Love to show Zach how she can dance!
Zach - rolled over the first time on November 19th!

Visit - by Wing

2008-11-20T16:42:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful time visiting grandpa and grandma while we were in Arizona. Craig brought over a box of puzzle and almost did half of it with grandma. Amber had fun with grandpa-great in the backyard. We heard her saying 'I'll show you' (and she was laughing very loud) the whole time she was out there. Jacob, Zach and I got to relax for a little while. We really miss seeing the whole family. Hope we can get to see you all more often someday!

Wonderful Birthday 164 years

2008-11-18T09:03:00.002-07:00

Grandpa & Grandma just had the best birthday ever. We heard from nearly everyone in the family and lots of friends and neighbors too. We had over 40 cards at the end of the day. Visits started at 7 AM and the last ones left at 9PM. Phone calls lasted until 10PM. What a wonderful day.
Together if we had put candles on a cake there would have been 164 and we would have probably set the house on fire.
We celebrated with Jacob, Wing & kids and Craig on Friday before Jacob's family went back to Folsom and Craig to New Orleans.
We felt very fortunate to have all this love showered upon us. We love you all.

Update - by Josie

2008-11-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

There isn't a whole lot of news out here in Queen Creek. Our family is doing well. Everyone is is busy going one way or another. Now that it won't cost a fortune in gas to come in to Mesa, maybe we'll be able to come in and visit more often.
'Cause as you know we really hate making that LONG drive to Grandma and Grandpa's house (ha ha!) Anyway we'd love to see everyone more often and look forward to our next get together.

Update - by Whitney

2008-11-17T21:09:00.001-07:00

Rhett- he is doing good in school and learning so super fast! He loves to set up bike races in our back yard with all the neighborhood kids, this was what he had me spell for the invitation- Guess what I'm having a bike race tomorrow after school at my race track see you I'm the coach!
Charlie- she is really helpful, and sweet. At school and church her teachers are always telling me that she is one of their favorites! Her laugh is super contagious and it even makes her laugh more. She did a good job singing in the primary program!
Kael- he has been playing and riding his bike and swinging and doing anything outside. His humor is hilarious, he doesn't even try to be funny, he is at a really cute age!
Taj- he is super clingy to me (first one of all my kids that likes me more!(for right now anyway)) and he is standing up to everything and falling a lot!
Micah and Whitney- just hanging out with our super fun kids and together!

Update - by Emily

2008-11-17T09:47:00.002-07:00

Geoff is happy to almost be done with this semester - he has 6 more months of school, and then the last year is his internship. After 7 years in school, that doesn't seem too bad! Basically, that's life for Geoff - school, sometimes work, sometimes sleep, sometimes eat. That's it. Sorry, I wish it was more exciting!
Jackson is doing well in school. Last week at parent/teacher conference they said that Jackson is doing math at a 3rd grade level (he's in 1st grade) - and that's only because they haven't given him harder than 3rd grade. He is constantly trying to figure out numbers, and really likes that kind of thing. Maybe an accountant in the future?! He is such a good kid, and never gives his teachers any problems.
Natalie just started a real preschool. We hadn't put her in anything because it is too much money, but then a friend in our ward just told us about an opening at the preschool she takes her daughter to that is very reasonable. Natalie really likes it, and has become good friends with this little girl in the ward who goes too. All of the adults at church say they want to take Natalie home with them because she is so loving to them. She hugs everyone she recognizes even... and some she doesn't.
Staci is such a funny girl! She is going through the stage where she calls everyone with grey or white hair either "grandma" or "grandpa". It usually makes their days when she gets excited and says, "Hi Brampa" to a total stranger. She is getting to be more like a little girl rather than a baby.
As for me, Emily, I am helping plan and pull off the ward Christmas party. This is right up my alley, so it is fun for me. I am doing quite a bit better with my ear pain since going to this TMJ specialist in Salt Lake, and am trying to keep my chin up about the migraine stuff. Anyway, that's about it. Just trying not to go crazy is a full-time job for me. I am looking forward to seeing my parents for a couple of days when they come next month to help John and Anna move back down to Mesa. I sure miss everyone down there!! Love you both, Grandma and Grandpa, and hope you have a Wonderful Birthday!!

Update - Kent & Jan

2008-11-15T22:26:00.002-07:00

Kent and Jan are back in the groove of life in Pinetop. It has been cold at night and beautiful in the daytime. We just work and then look at each other at night. We have enjoyed visiting with everyone the last couple of weeks, and we are looking forward to our trip to Utah and Idaho coming up in a few weeks. We will be moving John and Anna and the boys back to Mesa! They will be there December 14, and anyone who wants to help unload the truck will be so-o-o-o welcome.
We have had Melissa and Brad and the kids here this weekend, and life has been pretty exciting - especially the duck feeding and taking the kids to the McDonalds playground. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Update - by Melanie

2008-11-02T12:47:00.002-07:00

As far as updates, Will and I are just busy busy busy!! We really need a vacation, and we are looking forward to our honeymoon in Tahoe VERY much!! :o)

Visit - by Melanie

2008-11-02T12:45:00.003-07:00

I've attached some pictures from last weekend (Sunday October 26th) when Grandma and Grandpa came to my parents house. Will and I drove over to my parent's house earlier in the day to get our wedding favors put together before Grandma, Grandpa, Ben, and Jacob got there (Jacob was in town for the weekend for work). We wanted to get as many done as we could before everyone got there, so we could relax and visit with everyone. Ben, Grandma, and Grandpa arrived while we were working, and Grandma and Grandpa sat right down and said, "What can we do to help?" We told them we were done for the day, and we were putting everything away, but they insisted on helping! They joined our assembly line, and because of their help, we got the bags all done! We got WAY more work done than we were originally planning on! It was really fun sitting and visiting with Grandma and Grandpa while we put the bags together. Grandma and Grandpa kinda teased me a little about even having wedding favors, but I'm so grateful for their help! After we finished, we had dinner, then played a few rounds of the card game "Butt." Grandma and Grandpa are such good sports, even when landing the the "butt" position a few times! I love spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, and I'm so grateful to have them in my life! :o)

Update - by John

2008-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

John--Just added a few more classes and is working hard to finish up school in December, yay! We're very proud of him.
Anna--Doing fine, feeling good. Learning to knit stockings. We (John and Anna) made plum jam this week, yum.
Adam--Personality! Learning to write letters. Constantly asking how to write things, and copying or tracing everything he finds.
Joshua--What a doll! Shy and sweet, with a mind of his own. Learning a few words and loves to help Mom.

We're doing well up here, now that John's financial aid came through so we won't have to go home early. The weather is beautiful and the leaves are starting to turn colors. We're glad to be here, and also glad to be coming back soon.

Love you all!

Update - by Linda

2008-10-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

Not a lot of news from us old folks!
Brad has had his account base change once again! All of his customers are now in the Phoenix area (no travel!) I think this is the first time he hasn’t had to travel out of town! He was put in as the Financial clerk for the ward and Bishop loves the fact that Brad is always available!!!
Linda is still working hard at the Law Firm and enjoying Young Women.

Update - by Whitney

2008-10-21T10:30:00.002-07:00

Rhett lost his first tooth on Sunday! Started school again and loves it. Wants to be Indiana Jones for Halloween

Charlie Is a very good helper, she always washes her plates off when she's done eating. Even her preschool teacher says that she is a great helper. She loves to play dress up and barbies with her cousins. She wants to be Sleeping Beauty for Halloween.

Kael likes to dress himself, and most of the time he puts his shirts, pants, and underwear on backwards. The other day he had a cup of milk that was just a bit too warm for him. He gave the cup of milk to me and told me it was "soggy". We were laughing a lot over his soggy milk. He wants to be Indiana Jones for Halloween too.

Taj Starting to pull himself up and walk around the couch. Pushes the big exercise ball around the room with his head.

59th Wedding Anniversary Party

2008-10-20T22:33:00.007-07:00

We all got together for a surprise for Grandma to celebrate the two being married for 59 years!

We had yummy food!

And partied all night with everyone!

Apparently our family doesn't take normal pictures.

And maybe I missed something but it looks like Kent is smoking something?

Then got the munchies?

Anyways we all had fun and enjoyed being with everyone! Thanks Don for the pictures!Grandma was truly surprised and it was fun to for everyone that came. We all love you both dearly!

Update - by Josie

2008-10-20T21:48:00.003-07:00

As far as our family goes, there isn't much news. Janae and Brandon are busy with school. Brandon is driving us crazy with his filming of his latest movie.
Jennifer is working alot, saving her pennies so she can attend school in the Spring.
Don is surviving. His head hurts alot so he has become a hermit when he gets home.
As for me, well, I try to keep up with everyone and stay busy working on various projects.

Visit - by Josie

2008-10-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

We don't get over to mom and dads as often as we would like. During fall break, Brandon, Jenny, Janae and I went over to visit with them for a little bit. Janae was hoping the pool wouldn't be to cool, but it was. Grandpa challenged Brandon and Janae to a game of pool. We had a fun time getting to visit with them.

Visit - by Jessica

2008-10-20T19:58:00.001-07:00

On Sunday I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa and just spend some time with them. They had made a wonderful lunch for us so that right as I got there we were able to sit down and eat. After we had finished, we just talked about everything: the economy, why people live where they live, great grandchildren, the importance of family, friends, and the gospel, just to name a few. I love visiting with Grandma and Grandpa- They are so knowledgeable, wise, and loving. I really loved being able to be there with them.

Memories - by Jessica

2008-10-20T19:53:00.004-07:00

A couple of days (or weeks...) ago I was reflecting on my most recent experience of living with Grandma and Grandpa. I feel blessed and privileged to have been able to live with them for those 3 years. I was just thinking about how I would often get in these silly moods late at night and just come dancing into the room Grandma and Grandpa were in to make them smile. Grandma and Grandpa have such wonderful smiles and laughs.
One other silly memory in particular:
Grandma would randomly bring me in old clothes of hers and ask if I wanted them. One such time, she brought in her old "house coat" and I said "sure, I'll take it." Well, I don't really remember what prompted me to wear it, but it was something along these lines: I was practicing my violin and was really tired and I thought "Maybe that robe will give me special powers and make me want to practice better." (I know...silly) So, I put it on and to sum it up, grandma came in and thought I was something else. I was acting so silly- I don't know what got into me :-) Anyways, it just brought a smile to my face to think of just one of the many good, crazy, fun times I have had with Grandma and Grandpa. They really are the best.

Update - by Melissa

2008-10-20T10:29:00.002-07:00

The Criders are doing well!
Brad passed the BAR Exam, which is fabulous! To celebrate the kids and I are taking him to Disneyland this week! We are really excited to go and have a fun family vacation.
Susannah is loving Kindergarten, and her teacher says she is a great girl...which we already knew, but it is nice to hear other people say it!
Owen just turned 4 years old, and had a great birthday! He is such a happy boy, but has been quite troubled by the idea of growing up too fast! I am honestly troubled by that idea too!
Lydia is a busy girl. She is about to turn 2 and it definitely shows! She is growing up so fast! She says just about everything, and something new every day. Her newest phrases are: "I don't have to" (not my personal favorite), "Mmmm...delicious!", and "I love you, mommy". She is so fun to have in our family.
I am doing well, and not doing too much to speak about, but I am enjoying my life as a wife and mother. I am very blessed!

Update - by Ben

2008-10-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Haha nothing much to say. Can't go to school this semester, so I'm just working. Just recently helped my now-ex girlfriend move up to Oregon.
Got a new motorcycle about a month ago, which is a lot smoother, quieter, and more comfortable! :-)

Update - by Emily

2008-10-20T10:24:00.001-07:00

Geoff is REALLY busy with school. He leaves the house at 6:00 am and doesn't get home until 11:30 at night. Then he studies usually for another hour, and goes to bed. He is doing fine in school, but can't wait until the "school" part is over... only 7 months. After that he will have his internship, and it should be a little easier! He still works on Saturdays at Walgreens and plans to stay with them after graduation.
Emily is busy being a stay-at-home Mom. She is just about the same with her health, but hope to get some relief soon. She loves this time of year, but isn't ready for winter yet! She misses all of the family down there... but knows this is where we are supposed to be, and is happy. The just opened a D.I superstore by her house so she doesn't miss Goodwill as much as she used to.
Jackson has lost 4 teeth in the last 3 weeks. He is in it for the money now! He likes school, and has a large group of girls in his grade that want to marry him when he grows up. Hopefully he will have inherited Geoff's ability to not be really interested in girls until he is home from his mission. If he inherited anything from Emily that way, then we are in trouble! He is going to be an Army guy for Halloween and is excited 'cause we found a camouflage machine gun at D.I. for him to carry around.
Natalie is just a sweet little thing right now. She is loving everything about life and finds joy in just about everything. She goes to "mommy and Natalie pre-school" (because it's free) a couple of times a week, and loves that one on one time with Mom. She is constantly singing and dancing, too.
Staci seems to be healing from her broken arm pretty well. We have another appointment for her at the Dr. this week, so we'll hopefully hear more. She is the epitome of "terrible two" right now, and keeps us all on our toes. She thinks there was a open position for "boss" of the family, so she hired herself. She doesn't want anyone to tell her what to do, or what to wear - she is mostly content just being left alone to do whatever the heck she wants. I get the feeling that I am already holding this one back in life!!

Update - by Wing

2008-10-15T20:00:00.001-07:00

Jacob: work is extremely busy with lots to learn and wish he can 'only' work 50 hours a week!
Wing: is getting used to going out with 2 kids. The baby fat is still hanging there and doesn't seem to be off anytime soon. Sigh...
Amber: is going through a 'I'm a baby' stage. Love to dance and bounce around everywhere!
Zach: is such a smilely and talkable baby! He's 13lbs now!

Recipe - Fruit Salsa

2008-10-12T22:16:00.004-07:00

Here is the recipe from my (Hillary's) blog, if you didn't look at it.

Fruit Salsa

1 8 oz can of crushed pineapple, (do not drain)
8 oz of strawberries chopped fine
3 kiwis peeled and chopped fine
2 mangos
2 T brown sugar
1/3 c orange juice

Mix pineapple and brown sugar well. Add all other finely chopped fruit and orange juice. Toss and chill. Serve with cinnamon tostada chips.

Cinnamon Tostada Chips

Preheat oven to 400˚. Cut flour tortillas into strips. Lightly spray with water. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a Ziploc bag. Put strips in bag and shake until coated. Place in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 min or until lightly brown and crisp. Cool on wire rack.

Or just buy them at Food City, they're fried and very yummy.

Update - by Hillary

2008-10-10T16:25:00.002-07:00

Preston - Is still working hard and doing very well. He has been really helping the company by coming up with great ideas and signing up new companies.

Hillary - I only have 2 more months! Yha whoo! I feel pretty good most of the time my hips and back get to hurting pretty bad some days though. I got put into Sunbeams. I "team teach" which allows me to be in Primary every other week, and on the off weeks I get to go to Sunday School and RS.

Kya - Is starting to sing songs a lot! Her new one is “Twinkle Twinkle”, she sings it like this, “Kinkle kinkle ee ee car…” She kind of trails off but she still bobs her head to the rest of the tune and tries to sing with you! Some words are more clear than others, it’s super cute! She loves to color, she likes me to color with her and usually likes me to draw a duck for her. When I get done drawing it she’ll put the crayon in front of my face and says, “Duck, duck!” until I draw another one for her. She’s at that stage that fits are the thing to do! When she throws one (which is a lot) she usually hurts herself mostly on purpose, i.e. she’ll bang her head on the wood floor, or will hit herself in the face. It’s very pleasant, but we’re getting through them ok.

Update - by Whitney

2008-10-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

Rhett- He got his first wiggilie tooth!
Charlie- She had fun feeding the ducks!
Kael- He had fun playing on the playground!
Taj- He is crawling so fast!

Memories - by Whitney

2008-10-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Some memories that I can think of right now -The basement has so many memories for me, playing movie theater selling fishies and popcorn along with red vines. And buying them with your pennies! We also loved to write our names as many times as we could under the stairs.

Visit - Natalie & Bryan

2008-10-05T21:44:00.004-07:00

We had a great time visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Brooksby tonight. They are always so cheerful and pleasant to be around. We always feel the spirit so strong in their home with them. We had a great time talking to them about conference and the things we had learned. They have such strong testimonies and always choose the right. We talked about our plans are for our trip to Argentina and the people, the culture, the food and even the bus rides. Grandma said that she used to take the bus to Kanab to Salt Lake several times and that they took about 5-8 hours. She had even taken a bus from Mesa to Kanab too. She said she didn't mind it too bad. The buses were a little crazier in Venezuela were Natalie served. (Buses I took on my mission, there were people traveling with dead chickens in their hands for their dinner.) The buses in Argentina won't be so crazy, says Bryan. Grandpa also talked about how he had to travel from place to place for work. Looking back he said that the business travels made him feel important at work but that now he realizes he would have preferred to be home with his family.
Well we just think the World of our wonderful rich Heritage. Carl and VerDon Brooksby have done a great service by teaching their kids the truth. We feel it is such a GREAT BLESSING to be the fruits of your labors. We love you Grandma and Grandpa!!! Thanks for Loving us and always supporting us in our decisions of Life. Thanks for you donation too. The Lord will bless you for blessing others.

Post-Priesthood Meeting Pizza Party

2008-10-04T20:28:00.004-07:00

Grandpa, Craig, Mark and Ben enjoy Papa John's Saturday night. You should have been there. We played pool too!

Visit - by Hillary

2008-10-01T19:07:00.002-07:00

Kya and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa today. I thought it would be good to make sure that Grandma was all set up on the blog and had everything the way she wanted it. Of course we had a few other things to do there too, like swim and eat.
We stopped by Wendy’s and brought that with us, knowing full well that they would have fed us if we didn’t have anything, I just didn’t want to mooch! So we ate lunch when we got there. Grandma and Grandpa ate their lunch with us, of course with their half a Pepsis’. I noticed that Grandma puts salt on her celery, now I know where I get it. I have to have salt on everything it seems and I know that my mom does too. At least I know that it won’t kill me too early because Grandma’s still here! I also noticed that Grandpa puts peanut butter and raisins on his celery. Grandma said that he doesn’t eat celery without peanut butter. Grandpa told a story of when he was a kid that when it was really late at night and he would already be in bed. His brother would come to bed with a stick of celery just to be a pest. He would crunch the celery right up by Grandpa’s head, so that he wouldn’t be able to sleep.
I showed Grandma how to do some things on the blog, in case she wanted to. I put her blog as her second home page so every time she brings the internet up she will have her blog already there. She seemed to love it!
Kya and I went swimming for a bit. Then we came in and talked for a while. We talked about names along with other things. I didn’t know that Grandma didn’t really like the name Linda that’s why it was Linda Sue, but the Sue didn’t really stick. Grandma said that that was all Grandpa asked was if they had a boy he wanted to name him John, and a girl, Linda.
Kya had fun running around, reading books, and playing with the toys. She was using her signs which was fun for G-ma and G-pa to see. She was doing the sign for candy, so she ate candy corns. Grandma always has good treats, and always did too!
It was nap time by the time we left and Kya was out by the time we got to Brown Rd.
We enjoyed our visit, we love both of you Grandma and Grandpa!

Visit - by Whitney

2008-09-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa, we have so much fun hanging out with you! Rhett, Charlie, Kael and Taj love to play with all your very organized toys. Your games have been fun to play with, with my kids. Playing with balloons were one of the highlights for them. I love hearing your stories and reading your poems. Thanks for letting us come hang out and I think that it is so funny that you always try to feed us while we are there! Also thanks for all your love and support. We always feel love from you both!

Visit - by Linda

2008-09-28T15:08:00.001-07:00

Saturday for Women’s Conference, G-ma, Whitney, Hillary and myself were at my house to watch. We like to meet here so we can pause the talks to eat, visit, or discuss something mentioned in one of the talks. It is always fun to have mom here with us and have a little time to ourselves. We find that there really isn’t much difference in our ages at times! Hillary brought some of her yummy fruit salsa – we all enjoyed it – even me, the non-adventurous eater!!! Thank you Dad for bringing Mom over! We love you too!

Visit - by Hillary

2008-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

For women’s conference my mom had Grandma, Whitney, and I over to watch the broadcast. It has become a bit of a tradition to watch it together on the TV. We eat and have lots of fun together. It really felt like I was just hanging out with my girl friends. Whitney commented to me that Grandma doesn’t really have wrinkle on her face. I told her that hopefully we inherit Grandma’s good looks. Grandma wanted to know what we were talking about and so we filled her in. Grandma said that she used to have wrinkles but they’ve faded somehow, she said it was do to the fact that all of her kids had moved out and that’s when they faded! (Which we all know isn’t true because Grandma worries about everyone and as the family grows it just adds to her worries!) Grandma said that her mom would notice all of Grandma’s imperfections and try to fix them, but not in a mean way. Grandma’s mom would tell her to pinch the end of her nose all the time, “You have a ball on the end of your nose you need to pinch it so it will go down.” We all thought that was pretty funny! Grandma said “She just wanted me to be perfect and she knew I wasn’t.”
I had a lot of fun last night and I was glad that I got to spend time with my girl friends!

Update - by Hillary

2008-09-28T13:15:00.001-07:00

Preston- New job is going great, he loves it. He’s working hard. And he started soccer again.
Hillary- Pregnancy is going good, definitly feeling pregnant. Has gotten good at cleaning the new house.
Kya- More fun everyday, she’s picking up on new words and new sign language too.