Not Your Typical Picture For the Book of Firsts

No, I didn't beat my baby.

Last week Avery threw a water bottle at madelyn and got her just right. Poor baby!

Our Family Trip to Yellowstone

Here's where we've been lately. A family reunion type celebration with my Mom's new family. Every year (or every other) the entire family get together to do a big family trip. This year was Yellowstone National Park. Although it was in the 40's most of the entire time it was great fun to get to know my mom's new family; and mine now too. How lucky I feel that my mom married into such a great and loving famliy. They invited us ( me and my siblings) along and make us feel so welcome. We had a great time!

Happy Birthday to Me

Summertime

Self Image

On Sunday Avery came in and proudly announced that she had cut herself. I looked and indeed she did have a cut across the left cheek. I went into the bathroom to ask Travis how Avery cut herself and he was surprised. He explained to me that she took the razor and tried to shave like she has seen daddy do so many times before only he didn't realize that she had actually cut herself. He then looked at her and made a big deal about it as he tried to explain "that's why daddy says not to play with that, now look what you did to your face." She asked to see it in the mirror and as soon as she looked the drama began. She cried and cried and agonized. Like any practical parent we ignored her as she had already been prancing around the house for ten minutes without any concern to it. She continued to cry and kept saying something amongst the commotion. I finally listened long enough to understand what she was saying and it came out like this, " I looks sfunny...(more dramatic crying) I looks sfunny!". That is of course in Avery's language. I quickly grabbed the camera and tried to capture the whole pathetic seen on video but she wouldn't say it again. She was more annoyed and as I tried to get her to let me take a picture she turned her back to me and pouted on the stairs. She cried for a good half hour and actually cried herself to sleep on the way to church. It was funny but at the same time I was surprised that a two and a half year old already had a self perception of "I look funny!" suddenly Elder Holland's conference talk came into my mind. I realize that even at this young tender age Avery is very impressionable to her own and others self image. What a huge responsibility to be a parent.

The Creation: Like You've Never Heard it Before

NEVER HEARD THE CREATION EXPLAINED THIS WAY BEFORE!!!

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God’s great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Krispy Crème Donuts and Satan said, “You want chocolate with that?”

And Man said, “Yes!” and Woman said, “And as long as you’re at it, add some sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds and Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat and sugar from the cane and combined them. And woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, “Try my fresh green salad.” And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons, and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, “I have sent heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.” And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light; fluffy white cake and named it “Angel Food Cake,” and said, “It is good.”

Satan then created chocolate cake and named it “Devil’s Food.”

God then brought forth running shoes so that his children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote so Man would have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then god brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried then. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald’s and its .99 cent double cheeseburger. Satan said, “You want fries with that?” And Man replied, “Yes! And super size them!” And Satan said, “It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan smiled and created HMO’s

Pals

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Avery Makes Madelyn Laugh

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Davis Creek Trail

Shelley planned that we do this hike together as one last bonding moment before our brother Kyle leaves for Figi. We got lost 3 times and had to head back up the mountain to find the trail. No problem for my brother and sister who are health nuts and gym junkies, I seriously don't understand how we are related, I was ready to throw myself down the mountain just so I could hitch a ride out by helicopter. No it wasn't really that bad but I am so very out of shape.

Officially Elder Brooksby

My Brother Kyle was set apart tonight and tomorrow we take him to the MTC. It is amazing to see my younger brother so grown up now. Look at that grin on his face, he is beaming. He is so prepared. Listening to him give his two farewells was absolutely astounding to me. I wondered if I was hearing a future General Authority. I know he has worked very hard to get to this point and I am so proud of him. I admire him so much and am very excited to see what more he becomes on the mission. I am sure that Figi will offer some interesting and challenging experiences.