Lisa and I have been married for over two years now, and for a good 10-12 months of that I was disfellowshipped. I leave for Iraq in one week, returning home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and today I recieved a letter in the mail signed by our First Presidency...
Dear Brother Phillips,
In response to your petition, the sealing clearance that will permit Lisa Diane Shupert Phillips to be sealed to you in the temple has been approved.
I have no idea when we'll be going, but it'll be before the final jump overseas. I just wanted to share this with everyone...if anyone still even checks my blog anymore...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Cute, Laughing Baby
This was too cute. I had Lisa run and get the camera so we could post this. I apologize for making a baby voice :)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Baby Pics
So I promised these like two weeks ago, but I've been too lazy to drag them off the camera or transfer them from Lisa's computer. So finally today, I just walked the five feet to Lisa's computer and am doing it from there...It'll still take me a minute to browse the hundreds of pictures that Lisa has taken....
Okay, so this one isn't really of Gavin, I just wanted to show off how good my wife looked after four hours of labor...
Here's one of him still in the hospital.
And one week old.....
After his first bath....
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Gavin Lucas
I guess I should digress from publishing another in my series to announce that Gavin was born yesterday (April 30th) at 1:41 pm. I don't have any pictures up yet, they're all still on the camera which is at the hospital.
We had an ultrasound on Monday and a doctor's appoinment on Tuesday with plans to induce on Thursday of this week. Everything had indicated the baby was too big and needed to come sooner rather than later or risk needing to come by C-Section. The doctor had done a few things on Tuesday to try and stimulate labor naturally and it must have worked. Lisa was only in labor for four hours and did it all naturally (we had been fighting on this one, but my experience with Erica and one too many epidurals was not seeming to win her over.) The baby is big, but only measures in a 20.5 inches and 7lbs 13 oz. They had to weigh him twice, because no one believed he only weighed that.
On a side note, I'm curious to see how Gabby (our dog) reacts to him. She was already giving me a "WTH" look this morning when I gave her breakfast instead of Lisa. She has the chance to really win me over on this one, if she's as attentive to Gavin as she is to me...
On another side note. I lost my job on the 18th. Go figure. I wasn't given a very good reason, something about "not being a good match" which probably means I didn't meet their liberal views on how to influence children (I used fear and respect). I already have two jobs lined up. One in the County, the jail not law enforcement, though it seems like they'd prefer me for the latter. Another with a member of our ward who runs his own landscaping business. Crazy that both would pay equal to or more than I was making as a teacher, and neither one of them requires a degree past associates.
We had an ultrasound on Monday and a doctor's appoinment on Tuesday with plans to induce on Thursday of this week. Everything had indicated the baby was too big and needed to come sooner rather than later or risk needing to come by C-Section. The doctor had done a few things on Tuesday to try and stimulate labor naturally and it must have worked. Lisa was only in labor for four hours and did it all naturally (we had been fighting on this one, but my experience with Erica and one too many epidurals was not seeming to win her over.) The baby is big, but only measures in a 20.5 inches and 7lbs 13 oz. They had to weigh him twice, because no one believed he only weighed that.
On a side note, I'm curious to see how Gabby (our dog) reacts to him. She was already giving me a "WTH" look this morning when I gave her breakfast instead of Lisa. She has the chance to really win me over on this one, if she's as attentive to Gavin as she is to me...
On another side note. I lost my job on the 18th. Go figure. I wasn't given a very good reason, something about "not being a good match" which probably means I didn't meet their liberal views on how to influence children (I used fear and respect). I already have two jobs lined up. One in the County, the jail not law enforcement, though it seems like they'd prefer me for the latter. Another with a member of our ward who runs his own landscaping business. Crazy that both would pay equal to or more than I was making as a teacher, and neither one of them requires a degree past associates.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Celestial Knights, Installment Two: CK 2024
This is the second version of the Celestial Knights and the first one that I am solely responsible for (2001).
Valor M. Phillips
The Celestial Warrior
Age: 25
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 15
Constitution: 15
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 15
Powers:
Mimic
The second version of the Celestial Knights actually takes place years into the future. In the real world, years of separation, infighting, family affairs and loss of spirituality have destroyed the cohesion of the group that became the Celestial Knights. This storyline was written as a warning beacon to that ends.
Will has since left for grad school, and has been replaced by Matt Draper (Big Daddy). He along with Rodney, and John wake up in the year 2024 after somehow being cryogenically frozen for many years. They are immediately attacked by villains who exhibit superpowers although the Knights have none of their own at this time. They are rescued by Valor, who has aged and grown through the years and bears a striking resemblance to his father, Brad, whom they do mistake him for.
The three soon discover that the world is very different than the one of 2001. Though the cloning process, fallen spirits were able to take a mortal body and the absence of the veil left them with innate knowledge and ability beyond normal man. Latter-Day Saints, who were more aware of their divine nature than others, soon learned that they could ‘tap into it’ through the priesthood to harness their own ‘supernatural’ abilities.
However, in (or because of) the Knights’ absence, Brad fell away from the Church and was deceived by the Adversary into creating clones of the Celestial Knights who soon turned him into becoming Infernal Warrior and they, his Infernal Knights.
Valor’s powers are much like his fathers. He can mimic the powers of evil and turn it against them. Along with this, he wields the Sword of Laban and bears the breastplate of the Urim and Thummin. As a child, Valor was protected by Styx, whose power remained unchanged from the original as his musical talent is part of his divine nature.
John T. Leschorn
C.H.I.P
Age: 24
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma:
Powers:
Bio-Link: This is John’s sole power but it is what makes him compatible with his cybernetic body.
After awaking in the year 2024, John’s body was completely decayed from the cryogenic freezing process. After meeting The Prophet and having his divine nature revealed to him, the Church outfitted him with a cybernetic body, as the price of losing him was far greater than the destruction of his body (temple). It is also here that we see the name Chip convert to C.H.I.P. John’s cybernetic body gives him near limitless options and tools at his disposal.
John is the most devastated after learning of Brad’s fate. It is he that begins the mending process within the Knights.
During the final battle, John pits himself against The Dark Myst, Rodney’s evil self. His enhanced sight helps him well in the battle as it allows him to see The Dark Myst in his gaseous state. However, it does not help him when The Dark Myst enters his armor and corrodes his wiring.
Matthew R. Draper
Big Daddy
Age: 30
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 12
Powers:
Density Control: Matt can control his own density, making himself much heavier.
Growth: Matt has the ability to make himself much larger.
The least developed character of the Celestial Knights. Matt was added more out of acquaintanceship than actual group dynamic. It was also needed to replace Will’s character, Styx, as he was starting graduate school in this time period.
In the final battle, Big Daddy pairs off against P.A.I.N., C.H.I.P’s evil counterpart. Unfortunately, size and density were no match for the armament this completely robotic foe could dish out.
Rodney L. Hendricks II
The Iron Rod
Age: 24
Strength: 20
Agility: 10
Constitution: 20
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 10
Powers:
Alternate Form: Rodney can transform his body into iron, which also gives him super-strength and protection. This power can remain active even if he is knocked unconscious.
After awakening in the year 2024, Rodney has his powers unlocked by The Prophet after journeying to the Hidden Temple with Valor and the rest of the Celestial Knights. It is here that Rodney learns of the fate that has befallen Brad and vows to revert him to his true nature.
When The Celestial Knights face the Infernal Knights it is Rodney who realizes that they can not fight their own counterparts, and faces off against Ogre, Matt’s evil facet. It is too late for the other Knights who soon fall. It is Rodney’s last stand, backed into a corner protecting his friends, that causes Brad to realize who his true friends are. In his pause, he is struck down by Valor, who is unaware of the situation.
As the two Celestials battle the Infernals, the Adversary arrives, now being able to take form in a cloned body of Brad’s. As hope seems lost for the Celestial’s, Rodney’s vow is realized as the translated body of Brad arises as Dominion.
Bradley J. Phillips
Dominion
Age: ??, apx. 46 at time of death
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 25
Constitution: 25
Intelligence: 25
Wisdom: 25
Charisma: 25
Powers:
Power Suppression: Dominion can suppress the powers of most evil foe.
Absorption: Dominion can absorb nearly all forms of attack.
Dimensional Travel: Dominion’s main form of movement.
Flight: Dominion can move through the air.
The translated form of The Celestial Warrior. This is Brad’s true nature and his power thus reflect that. Instead of being able to mimic an enemies powers he can completely suppress them. In minor enemies, this power will completely destroy them.
After his arrival at the pitched battle, Dominion defeats the Infernal Knights and battles the Adversary to his escape.
At this point, Dominion takes the reigns as the leader of the Celestial Knights, who now comprise: Dominion (Brad), The Celestial Warrior (Valor) Big Daddy (Matt), The Iron Rod (Rodney) and C.H.I.P (John).
Together, The Celestial Knights continue to battle the Adversary and continuously foil his plans.
Valor M. PhillipsThe Celestial Warrior
Age: 25
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 15
Constitution: 15
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 15
Powers:
Mimic
The second version of the Celestial Knights actually takes place years into the future. In the real world, years of separation, infighting, family affairs and loss of spirituality have destroyed the cohesion of the group that became the Celestial Knights. This storyline was written as a warning beacon to that ends.
Will has since left for grad school, and has been replaced by Matt Draper (Big Daddy). He along with Rodney, and John wake up in the year 2024 after somehow being cryogenically frozen for many years. They are immediately attacked by villains who exhibit superpowers although the Knights have none of their own at this time. They are rescued by Valor, who has aged and grown through the years and bears a striking resemblance to his father, Brad, whom they do mistake him for.
The three soon discover that the world is very different than the one of 2001. Though the cloning process, fallen spirits were able to take a mortal body and the absence of the veil left them with innate knowledge and ability beyond normal man. Latter-Day Saints, who were more aware of their divine nature than others, soon learned that they could ‘tap into it’ through the priesthood to harness their own ‘supernatural’ abilities.
However, in (or because of) the Knights’ absence, Brad fell away from the Church and was deceived by the Adversary into creating clones of the Celestial Knights who soon turned him into becoming Infernal Warrior and they, his Infernal Knights.
Valor’s powers are much like his fathers. He can mimic the powers of evil and turn it against them. Along with this, he wields the Sword of Laban and bears the breastplate of the Urim and Thummin. As a child, Valor was protected by Styx, whose power remained unchanged from the original as his musical talent is part of his divine nature.
John T. LeschornC.H.I.P
Age: 24
Strength: 14
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma:
Powers:
Bio-Link: This is John’s sole power but it is what makes him compatible with his cybernetic body.
After awaking in the year 2024, John’s body was completely decayed from the cryogenic freezing process. After meeting The Prophet and having his divine nature revealed to him, the Church outfitted him with a cybernetic body, as the price of losing him was far greater than the destruction of his body (temple). It is also here that we see the name Chip convert to C.H.I.P. John’s cybernetic body gives him near limitless options and tools at his disposal.
John is the most devastated after learning of Brad’s fate. It is he that begins the mending process within the Knights.
During the final battle, John pits himself against The Dark Myst, Rodney’s evil self. His enhanced sight helps him well in the battle as it allows him to see The Dark Myst in his gaseous state. However, it does not help him when The Dark Myst enters his armor and corrodes his wiring.
Matthew R. Draper
Big Daddy
Age: 30
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 12
Powers:
Density Control: Matt can control his own density, making himself much heavier.
Growth: Matt has the ability to make himself much larger.
The least developed character of the Celestial Knights. Matt was added more out of acquaintanceship than actual group dynamic. It was also needed to replace Will’s character, Styx, as he was starting graduate school in this time period.
In the final battle, Big Daddy pairs off against P.A.I.N., C.H.I.P’s evil counterpart. Unfortunately, size and density were no match for the armament this completely robotic foe could dish out.
Rodney L. Hendricks II
The Iron Rod
Age: 24
Strength: 20
Agility: 10
Constitution: 20
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 10
Powers:
Alternate Form: Rodney can transform his body into iron, which also gives him super-strength and protection. This power can remain active even if he is knocked unconscious.
After awakening in the year 2024, Rodney has his powers unlocked by The Prophet after journeying to the Hidden Temple with Valor and the rest of the Celestial Knights. It is here that Rodney learns of the fate that has befallen Brad and vows to revert him to his true nature.
When The Celestial Knights face the Infernal Knights it is Rodney who realizes that they can not fight their own counterparts, and faces off against Ogre, Matt’s evil facet. It is too late for the other Knights who soon fall. It is Rodney’s last stand, backed into a corner protecting his friends, that causes Brad to realize who his true friends are. In his pause, he is struck down by Valor, who is unaware of the situation.
As the two Celestials battle the Infernals, the Adversary arrives, now being able to take form in a cloned body of Brad’s. As hope seems lost for the Celestial’s, Rodney’s vow is realized as the translated body of Brad arises as Dominion.
Bradley J. PhillipsDominion
Age: ??, apx. 46 at time of death
Strength: 25
Dexterity: 25
Constitution: 25
Intelligence: 25
Wisdom: 25
Charisma: 25
Powers:
Power Suppression: Dominion can suppress the powers of most evil foe.
Absorption: Dominion can absorb nearly all forms of attack.
Dimensional Travel: Dominion’s main form of movement.
Flight: Dominion can move through the air.
The translated form of The Celestial Warrior. This is Brad’s true nature and his power thus reflect that. Instead of being able to mimic an enemies powers he can completely suppress them. In minor enemies, this power will completely destroy them.
After his arrival at the pitched battle, Dominion defeats the Infernal Knights and battles the Adversary to his escape.
At this point, Dominion takes the reigns as the leader of the Celestial Knights, who now comprise: Dominion (Brad), The Celestial Warrior (Valor) Big Daddy (Matt), The Iron Rod (Rodney) and C.H.I.P (John).
Together, The Celestial Knights continue to battle the Adversary and continuously foil his plans.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Celestial Knights, Installment One: The Original Version
I've been meaning to do this for a while now, at the very least to share with Will and John but the rest of you may get a kick out of it too. This version is the one inspired by Elder Stone's picture of the three (Will, John, and Rodney). I've been bugging Rodney for years to get me a scan of the picture, but alas, no luck. For future installments, I found a game system that had pretty good character development, so I designed the others on that. Since I was never, part of that picture, I have included a close approximation of my character at that time (1996-1999).
B.J. Phillips
The Celestial Knight
Altered Human
Age: 17
Fighting:??
Agility:??
Strength:??
Endurance:??
Reason:??
Intuition:??
Psyche:??
Powers:
Cosmic Ability
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, The Celestial Knight is impervious to any earthly attack.
B.J. found his way to the Church through extraordinary circumstances in extraordinary times. He initially made contact with the Knights as John gave him frequent rides to church. Although never officially a member of the original Celestial Knights, much of his integration came during this time period so it is important to introduce him here.
Later, as Will left for his mission and John married, it appeared as if the Celestial Knights were doomed to fade into nonexistence. It was here when Rodney befriended B.J. and introduced him to the hidden powers of the group.
Considering himself quite average in comparison with the rest of the group and with no special talents, B.J. chose to name himself after the group. The only thing that set him apart was the fact that he received his powers through a visit to the temple. This is where the Knight’s powers begin to transition away from an alter-ego form.
The Celestial Knight has the ability to control the powers of the cosmos with incredible ability. This allows him nearly limitless options: he can teleport great distances, fire blasts of energy from his hands, and even manipulate matter.
Little was done with this storyline, however, The Celestial Knight will slowly evolve over the next few years until he returns to Indiana as The Celestial Warrior.
William E. Herrington
Styx
Altered Human
Age:18
Fighting: Monstrous
Agility: Unearthly
Strength: Incredible
Endurance: Amazing
Reason: Amazing
Intuition: Monstrous
Psyche: Monstrous
Powers:
Superspeed: Styx uses his superspeed to propel himself.
Sonic Manipulation: Styx can control sound with devastating effect.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, Styx is impervious to any earthly attack.
Born the first of many, Will was still quite the loner in High School and had few to no friends, until one day when he knelt in fervent prayer to Heavenly Father. Will then met, befriended and eventually baptized fellow Celestial Knights, Rodney Hendricks and John Leschorn. Together, under his supervision, they formed the Celestial Knights, sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. Will takes his name from the sticks used to play his favorite instrument, the drums.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form he would stay in for years.
When Will becomes Styx, he can move with shattering speed and manipulate existing sound to surprise and dazzle his opponents. Will was the original ad-hoc leader of the group.
John T. Leschorn
Chip
Robot
Age:18
Fighting: Amazing
Agility: Amazing
Strength: Amazing
Endurance: Amazing
Reason: Class 1000
Intuition: Unearthly
Psyche: Unearthly
Powers:
Flight: Chip uses a sub-dermal jet pack to propel himself through the air.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, Chip is impervious to any earthly attack.
Baptized November 23, 1995 by friend and fellow Celestial Knights Will Herrington. They along with Rodney Hendricks soon discovered the innate powers that flowed into them whenever they kept the Book of Mormon close. They thus formed the Superhero group that still today is known as the Celestial Knights, although it has taken many forms throughout the years. They were sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. John took his name from his love of computers (micro)chip.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form he would stay in for years.
When John, comes in contact with his Book of Mormon, his body is replaced with a cybernetic one that increases nearly all of his physical attributes as well as giving him a plethora of useful tools.
Rodney L. Hendricks II
The Iron Rod
Altered Human
Age: 18
Fighting: Monstrous
Agility: Incredible
Strength: Class 1000
Endurance: Unearthly
Reason: Incredible
Intuition: Incredible
Psyche: Amazing
Powers:
Leaping: Unearthly, The Iron Rod uses his innate strength to propel himself.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, The Iron Rod is impervious to any earthly attack.
Baptized October 31, 1995 by longtime friend and fellow Celestial Knight, Will Herrington. They along with John Leschorn soon discovered the innate powers that flowed into them whenever they kept the Book of Mormon close. They thus formed the Superhero group that still today is known as the Celestial Knights, although it has taken many forms throughout the years. They were sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. Rodney took his name from the iron rod presented in Lehi’s vision.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form that he lasted in for years.
When Rodney becomes the Iron Rod, he has superhuman strength and can become totally immobile. He can use his strength to perform such feats as causing an earthquake by striking the ground with his fist and knocking his enemies to the ground.
It's things like this that make my wife wonder why she married me, but it's fun to look back on the storylines you will see presented in chronological order and see the development I have achieved over the years.
B.J. Phillips
The Celestial Knight
Altered Human
Age: 17
Fighting:??
Agility:??
Strength:??
Endurance:??
Reason:??
Intuition:??
Psyche:??
Powers:
Cosmic Ability
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, The Celestial Knight is impervious to any earthly attack.
B.J. found his way to the Church through extraordinary circumstances in extraordinary times. He initially made contact with the Knights as John gave him frequent rides to church. Although never officially a member of the original Celestial Knights, much of his integration came during this time period so it is important to introduce him here.
Later, as Will left for his mission and John married, it appeared as if the Celestial Knights were doomed to fade into nonexistence. It was here when Rodney befriended B.J. and introduced him to the hidden powers of the group.
Considering himself quite average in comparison with the rest of the group and with no special talents, B.J. chose to name himself after the group. The only thing that set him apart was the fact that he received his powers through a visit to the temple. This is where the Knight’s powers begin to transition away from an alter-ego form.
The Celestial Knight has the ability to control the powers of the cosmos with incredible ability. This allows him nearly limitless options: he can teleport great distances, fire blasts of energy from his hands, and even manipulate matter.
Little was done with this storyline, however, The Celestial Knight will slowly evolve over the next few years until he returns to Indiana as The Celestial Warrior.
William E. Herrington
Styx
Altered Human
Age:18
Fighting: Monstrous
Agility: Unearthly
Strength: Incredible
Endurance: Amazing
Reason: Amazing
Intuition: Monstrous
Psyche: Monstrous
Powers:
Superspeed: Styx uses his superspeed to propel himself.
Sonic Manipulation: Styx can control sound with devastating effect.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, Styx is impervious to any earthly attack.
Born the first of many, Will was still quite the loner in High School and had few to no friends, until one day when he knelt in fervent prayer to Heavenly Father. Will then met, befriended and eventually baptized fellow Celestial Knights, Rodney Hendricks and John Leschorn. Together, under his supervision, they formed the Celestial Knights, sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. Will takes his name from the sticks used to play his favorite instrument, the drums.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form he would stay in for years.
When Will becomes Styx, he can move with shattering speed and manipulate existing sound to surprise and dazzle his opponents. Will was the original ad-hoc leader of the group.
John T. Leschorn
Chip
Robot
Age:18
Fighting: Amazing
Agility: Amazing
Strength: Amazing
Endurance: Amazing
Reason: Class 1000
Intuition: Unearthly
Psyche: Unearthly
Powers:
Flight: Chip uses a sub-dermal jet pack to propel himself through the air.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, Chip is impervious to any earthly attack.
Baptized November 23, 1995 by friend and fellow Celestial Knights Will Herrington. They along with Rodney Hendricks soon discovered the innate powers that flowed into them whenever they kept the Book of Mormon close. They thus formed the Superhero group that still today is known as the Celestial Knights, although it has taken many forms throughout the years. They were sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. John took his name from his love of computers (micro)chip.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form he would stay in for years.
When John, comes in contact with his Book of Mormon, his body is replaced with a cybernetic one that increases nearly all of his physical attributes as well as giving him a plethora of useful tools.
Rodney L. Hendricks II
The Iron Rod
Altered Human
Age: 18
Fighting: Monstrous
Agility: Incredible
Strength: Class 1000
Endurance: Unearthly
Reason: Incredible
Intuition: Incredible
Psyche: Amazing
Powers:
Leaping: Unearthly, The Iron Rod uses his innate strength to propel himself.
Armor of the Lord: Class 5000
Like all Celestial Knights, The Iron Rod is impervious to any earthly attack.
Baptized October 31, 1995 by longtime friend and fellow Celestial Knight, Will Herrington. They along with John Leschorn soon discovered the innate powers that flowed into them whenever they kept the Book of Mormon close. They thus formed the Superhero group that still today is known as the Celestial Knights, although it has taken many forms throughout the years. They were sworn to uphold the will of the Lord. Rodney took his name from the iron rod presented in Lehi’s vision.
Little was done with this storyline, although this is the form that he lasted in for years.
When Rodney becomes the Iron Rod, he has superhuman strength and can become totally immobile. He can use his strength to perform such feats as causing an earthquake by striking the ground with his fist and knocking his enemies to the ground.
It's things like this that make my wife wonder why she married me, but it's fun to look back on the storylines you will see presented in chronological order and see the development I have achieved over the years.
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