A Princess Bike for a Princess

Our little princess got her first bike today, and of course it had to be a princess bike. I don't know if she was more excited about the helmet or the new bike. At least it won't be an issue making her wear her helmet. It was a little too windy today for much of a ride, but she rode it long enough to work up some good speed on the sidewalk before running into the neighbors mailbox. All in all, I would say a pretty productive first ride.

Weekend Trip to St. George

Alisa was in charge of an American Sign Language Interpreter Workshop down in St. George last weekend. We decided to go along and make it a little family vacation. We had a fun time swimming, playing at the park, and even making time for a little mini-golf. Most of all we enjoyed the warm weather.

Winner of the Brian Regan Art Contest!

Brian Regan is my favorite comedian.

Alisa and I have seen him perform three times, and for our Anniversary in a couple of weeks, we are going to catch his show again. Several weeks ago I found an Art Contest on his website. The only rule is your submission has to incorporate something from Brian Regan's comedy.

My favorite bit that Regan does involves Art. (I added the clip on my http://www.bardenpembleton.blogspot.com/ blog) Part of that bit involves him trying to disguise the fact that he doesn't really know anything about art. Those around him ask specific questions about certain artists, and his answers reveal his lack of knowledge.

So I chose to submit a piece, and although I am not an artist, my little sketch was selected as a winner. Before I get too excited, I would guess they accept all submissions as winners, but it is still fun to see it up on his website.

I have attached my submission below, but if you want to check it out with a blue ribbon attached you can go to: http://www.brianregan.com/. Then click "News." The first item is Art Contest Winners. My entry is the top left entry "Taylor E." Enjoy.

Ready for Spring?

We knew there was trouble when we heard the water running, we just didn't know we would find them in swimsuits playing on the bathroom floor. I think they are ready for the weather to be warmer so they can play outside. We are ready for them to play outside too!

Highlights of the clip?

1. Cassidy playing with her swimsuit on backwards.
2. Mckay slipping on the water and falling down.

General Conference Memories

What a pleasure it is to hear from the leaders of our Church. I was reminded this past weekend of how much I needed General Conference while I was serving my mission. I recall several times on my mission where I would think, "You know, I am really enjoying teaching others about the gospel, but it would sure be nice to have someone teach me for a change." Being able to enjoy General Conference was always a nice charge to my mission batteries. Strangely enough I remember being the most homesick during Conference. I was usually busy enough on major holidays, and never really had time to feel homesick, but as I would sit in a chapel to listen to conference, I would begin to imagine my family sitting together at home listening to the instruction of our leaders.

Now that I have two small children of my own, sitting around watching General Conference with them, is well, how should I put this......difficult! It was still a pleasure to sit and listen to our church leaders, however, instead of being in a quiet chapel on an island in the Pacific, I was instead listening to our leaders while helping to dress Barbies and playing with Play Doh. Although if I had to chose, I would chose to play with Barbies, than be alone in a chapel. Missions are fun, but Children are much more fun.

This Conference also made me realized how blessed I am to live in such close proximity to our General Authorities. In fact, it dawned on me that I have met all the members of our current First Presidency. I have met President Monson twice (both times at funerals), I met Elder Eyring as my wife and I were waiting in the Temple to be sealed, and I met President Uchtdorf while sitting just two seats away from him at a Utah Jazz game.

As always, Conference was a pleasure, but I am definitely going to need to read all of the talks in next months Ensign. I may have missed some important teachings while making sure Barbie was dressed modestly.