"B" is for . . .

Before leaving Arizona my little sister and I tried to snap a few cute pics of baby Dallen. He was not super cooperative (and neither would you if you were stripped down naked and thrown in a box during nap time.) But we were able to get a few cute ones. This is my favorite. I think it's simply adorable.

Tablerock + iPhone =

Friday was so beautiful that I decided to step away from all the designing and take the afternoon off to play with my roommates down at Tablerock in Laguna. When we got down to the beach it was simply picture perfect and I was bummed I forgot my camera in the car. Luckily I remembered my phone has a pretty sweet camera. I love how the sun altered the lighting and made it look like night and how our shadows on the sand look scratchy and bitmapped. Maybe I'll be forgetting my camera a little more often.

Yes for the Children!

FACT:Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.

I come to you today with a post that is very near and dear to my heart. It's about the children. I have already shared many of my thoughts and ideas as to why I feel Californians should vote YES on Prop 8, but this reason surpasses them all. The children.

These faces are our future, a future I am trying to preserve through the passing of Prop 8. Please take a moment to learn why these parents are in support of Proposition 8 and the reasons they are encouraging you to vote YES for the children and the sanctity of marriage.

Meet: Daniel & Joseph

"My children are so important to me. I want to teach them correct principles in my own home. A family, consisting of both a mother and father, is the most import unit in our society and children have the right to learn this, just as I was taught and my parents were taught."

- Jessica, Dana Point, CA

Meet: TROY & COLT

"When I see my kids playing, I worry about their future and the world that they will raise their children in. I think the one thing that we can do now to help their future is to keep the family a solid unit with a mother and a father in the home. That one factor will influence the future in more ways than we know."

- Erin, Mount Pleasant, UT

Meet: TY

"God intended for marriage to be between a man and a woman, and seeing how our nation was created 'under God' I feel it would be a violation of our nation's law and God's law to do anything otherwise!"

- Meggan, Orem, UT

Meet: ABIGAIL

"A Yes on Proposition 8 will mean we will never have to worry about our children being taught values which are not values at all. A Yes on Proposition 8 means that we will never have to worry about a court forcing our church to marry a same sex couple. A Yes on Proposition 8 will remind us that we still live around many Californians who value the role of a father and mother in parenting as much as us."

- Tyler, Laguna Niguel, CA

Meet: STONE

"I think The Family: A Proclamation to the World says it best: 'Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). ...The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.'

"Since I have been a mother, I have an even stronger testimony that marriage between a man and woman is essential. Watching my baby grow, I realize more and more every day the differences between the role a mother has, and the role a father has, and how essential these two roles, TOGETHER, are in my child's life."

- Kendal, Lubbock, TX

Meet: Dallen

"Nothing can compare to the joy of motherhood and looking in the eyes of a little child, so new in this world. However there is another kind of joy that comes from seeing a new father look into the eyes of the baby he helped bring into this world. I feel so blessed to see my loving husband gaze, awstruck into the eyes of his newborn son, and know that this lucky child gets to enjoy the security of a home with a mother and a father, the way that God intended a home to be. Supporting Proposition 8 ensures children the opportunity to have both a mother and a father to guide them through this world in such a challenging day and time. I vote Yes for traditional marriage."

- Jacki, Tempe, AZ

Meet: Bentley & Gage

"I want to be able to decide what values my boys are taught and unless Proposition 8 passes this freedom and right will be taken from me. They are my most prized posessions and they deserve to remain as innocent and pure as they are now for as long as possible. It is my right to teach them about the world when I choose to. Please help me protect my babies by supporting this proposition."

- Jaime, Los Angeles, CA

Meet: Madelyn & Stella

"I want to live freely. I want to raise my children the way I feel, as their mother, will be best for them. I want to teach my girls good morals and high, strong values. I want to be able to worship God the way I want to. I want to preserve our democracy by letting the people decide what's best for our nation, instead of those four judges from San Francisco. I want my children to grow up in a world where "marriage" is something unique, special, and meaningful. Because that's what it is. It's important; it is, indeed, unique.

"A union "between one man and one woman" is inherently different than any other type of union. I'm voting to preserve and protect this vital institution we've called "marriage" for centuries across civilizations, and throughout the entire world. For our families, for California, for our country, and for our precious freedom which so many have sacrificed so much for, I'm voting a fervent YES on proposition 8.

"Protect marriage, protect our freedom. Vote YES on 8."

- Amanda, San Clemente, CA

Meet: LILY

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

Meet: Caden, Gage & Zane

- Lindsie, Scottsdale, AZ

I hope the faces of these children and the words of their loving parents have touched your heart and given you a new perspective on why it's so important that we vote yes on Prop 8.

Vote YES for marriage. Vote YES for families. Vote YES for the Children.

To learn more visit: http://preservingmarriage.blogspot.com/

Knott's Scary Farm

Wednesday night I joined some friends at Knott's Scary Farm for a good spook and some terrifying rides...literally. Has anyone ever been on the GhostRider before? Ummm, are you kidding me? That was the scariest ride I've ever been on. Ever! From first glance it appears to be just one of those old fashioned wooden roller coasters. You know, slightly bumpy, maybe a little less exciting than the big upside down coasters.

But Oh No! After the first huge drop I thought I was a goner. I think I cried the entire coaster. No, really. It was the most rickety, rockety, un-safe feeling coaster I've ever been on in my life. And I'm not the only one that thought so. I was on it with three guys who said "At every turn I said to myself...this is the turn I'm going to die on. For sure!" I really thought we were going to die. And I'm not afraid of roller-coasters.

After the ride was over I had tears streaming down my cheeks. Don't laugh! It was really scary. Ok, you can laugh cuz it was pretty ridiculous. Needless to say, I will never be riding the GhostRider again. Ever! Maybe you'll have more fun than I did...if you like ALMOST DYING!

Preserve Traditional Marriage

Still looking for a good reason to vote YES on Prop 8?

Passing Proposition 8 protects our children and places into the Constitution the simple definition that a marriage is between a man and a woman.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World
"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

To learn more about the reasons to vote YES on Prop 8 be sure to visit our blog: Preserving Marriage for California.

Congratulations Mark!

It's been an exciting week in Arizona for the Bracken family. In addition to becoming a first-time Father, my brother-in-law Mark just recieved word that he passed the State Bar of Arizona. Congratulations Mark! We're all so proud of you and your many accomplishments.

Get the Facts!

A friend of mine asked if I'd like to participate in a blog she started about Preserving Marriage. As one of the contributors I invite you, especially those who are still undecided, to take a look and learn why you should vote YES on Prop 8. Be sure to check back often for updated information to keep you informed. You can visit our blog by clicking HERE or simply click on the picture "Preserve Marriage" on my sidebar.

Dallen Scott Bracken

Meet my little nephew, Dallen Scott Bracken. Isn't he absolutely adorable! I still can't believe he's here. This little stinker decided to come a few weeks early and catch us all by surprise. I guess he just couldn't wait any longer to meet his Auntie Aubrey.



After three days of rest and recuperation, my little sister Jacki and baby Dallen were released from the hospital. Unfortunately, she started feeling ill Saturday evening and was re-admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure and severe headaches. Today while she undergoes an MRI and a few other tests, I opted to stay in Tempe with Grandma Mimi and little Dallen until Jacki is well enough to return home. We are all praying for her speedy recovery.

I'm an AUNT!!!!

Guess I'm not going to Utah this weekend! My little sister Jacki unexpectedly went into labor Wednesday night and delivered a healthy baby boy via c-section. I am please to welcome my new little love into the world. Here are the stats:

Dallen Scott Bracken
Wendesday, October 8, 2008 @ 11:45pm
7 lbs. 4 oz. and 18 inches

After the delivery my brother-in-law Mark called me and held the phone up to Dallen's crying voice and I just lost it. I was so overcome with emotions of joy that I couldn't keep the tears back. I've already seen a few pictures via cell phone and he is absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to share pictures with everyone! I'm off to Arizona now to meet my little nephew. I'm an AUNTIE!

A Return to Zion

It's been two long years but I'm finally heading back to Utah for a quick trip to attend a friend's temple sealing in Manti, catch up with old friends at my Mission Reunion in Salt Lake City, and to enjoy some rest and relaxation with the little sis in Provo. Maybe one of these days I'll just stay in bed all weekend watching re-runs and eating ice cream. Not this weekend!

Conference Olympics

Just in case you wondered what we did in HB between Conference sessions...

A special "Thank You" goes out to Brother Lance Johnson for his amazing choreography skills.

Kiele, the lightweight, being hoisted up by Rodney, the muscle man.

This last one was taken by a passer-byer on a cell phone. Guess he didn't quite understand that we wanted the WHOLE pyramid in the picture. At least he was able to capture Brad defying gravity. How'd he do that?

Palm Springs Conference Retreat

October's Conference weekend is one of my favorite times of the year for this very reason. Our ALL girls Conference Retreat in Palm Springs! This year was just as incredible as the last. We hit the road late Friday night and arrived at the JW Marriott, an all inclusive resort. We dropped off our bags and hit the local club for some fun on the dance floor.




















The next morning the early birds were up with the dawn and ran a few miles while the rest of us lazys slept in and enjoyed the warm down comforters. By 9:00 we were all up and the 10 of us enjoyed breakfast in bed as we feasted upon the Word. After the first session of conference we headed out to the pool for some R&R and a light lunch. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.


















After some sunshine and a dip in the pool we headed back up to the rooms for the last session. What a spiritual feast! After conference we packed up our bags and headed for some grub at Armando's, a local mexican restaurant that came highly recommended by a friend from Huntingon. Good call.




With our bellies full and only a few hours of daylight left, we hit the road and made our last stop at the Desert Springs outlets for some cheap shopping. I think the best finds of the day go to Miss Amber Garrett. That girl always finds the cutest clothes. I think next time I'll just hand her my credit card and tell her to buy 2 of everything. One for her, and one for me. Can't wait for next year!!!