Grandma and Grandpa Greats Birthday

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

Thanks Karen for taking them!

Fourth Party Pictures!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!