The whole gang

The whole gang

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Christmas Day

Our big highlight was watching little grandbaby Charlie open his presents. He was really more interested in the wrapping paper and eating it, than he was in any toys. He got lots of cute toys and books and a walker. Also both great grandma's got him some Mickey Mouse clothes!

. . . and for the big kids we got Rock Band! This is Jerry, C.J. & Kyle rockin out! There's some pretty good old 70's rock songs on it. Chuck even got into it! You should have seem him rocking out to "Roxanne" and "Mississippi Queen" (I'm so tempted but he won't want me to put the picture of him on it) We were in our pj's almost all day. We just played and played. I must state here on our blog that I did beat Chuck at the Beatles version of Monopoly. I carried him when he couldn't pay rent after buying "Sgt Peppers Ave" (he bought it just cuz he knew I wanted it - that's my favorite Beatles song, and I owned the other 2 properties next to it! He went broke buying it, but bankrupted me soon after) I love Christmas Day!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Nine Ladies Dancing

Actually it was more than 9 ladies, but I have to write about the Chrisitan Dance Companies annual Christmas recital. They hold it every year at Mesa High, and we're just waiting for some anti-Christian to try to put a stop to it - there will be a fight to keep it. It is made up of girls (and one guy this year) from all different Christian religions, and is so incredible. The spirit of Christ and Christmas is so strong through the dance and music there. They go through His whole life beginning with his birth, and ending with an amazing rendition of "How Great Thou Art". It has become one of my holiday favorites! (see this link for a write up in our church magazine recently, my buddy Jill Adair wrote it!)
http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/NewEra/English/2008/NE_2008_12_11___02252_000_011.pdf

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Past - First and Last


The year was 2002. We got invited to some foster family
Christmas parties where foster families got lots of presents for the whole family. It was nice, but we got way more than we needed. It's amazing to see how much the community helps out kids in need. They also had Santa which Kyle & Jenny got to meet. This was her first Christmas with us.






We also went down to Tucson on Christmas day to see Grandpa Brown in the hospital. It was such a special day. Grandma Brown was playing the piano in the cafeteria and some of the patients and their families had gathered around as we sang Christmas carols. One of my favorite things! I love it when Charlene does that! I will never forget that Christmas spending it with Dad Brown. He was/is such a special man. This was our last Christmas with him (here on earth) Special note: His parents, Granny & Papa both happened to be born on Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Village People!



No, not the YMCA kind. This is my village, it's tiny, but it's all mine! Thanks to Jared Arnett I now have mountains, and I'm displaying it in my armoire in the living room. There are some of my neighbors who have huge Christmas Villages and tomorrow night we are hopefully joining them on the neighborhood Village Walk. I went to see the Martin's today, and fell in love with their Norman Rockwell houses. They have actual scenes from his paintings in the windows. For years I have gone to the Bartels for "Village Therapy" - that's when you get a cup of eggnog, or hot chocolate, plop right on the floor infront of it and spend at least an hour just staring at it. I know I'm not alone in this, but I pick out which house I live in and which route I'll be walking to get to the carolers in the main square. (I know, it's a little creepy) Last year I got to see the Arnetts, it took up their entire family room. You gotta check it out on youtube. See "Arnett Christmas Village". I was kind of dreading setting mine up, but about 1/2 way through it was FUN! I know you have to have a bit of a God Complex to create these little worlds, but it's a great way to stay in touch with your inner child; escape real life "playing house" with good clean fantasy "village people"!

Anasazi Reminders



Last weekend we went to the annual Anasazi Fundraiser Dinner. It's the 4th year we've gone and it's always such a great event. This year we sat by Brian & Allison Trotter who have been our mentors in Anasazi (sorry the pix was from my phone) We were at the table next to Brooke White (who was in our ward growing up) She sang for it; "Let it Be" like she did on American Idol, and one she wrote "It's Gonna Change". It was moving! The next day was an Arbinger Seminar where we got to personally talk to Terry Warner, the founder. He reminded us of our "Way of Being", and how to do things with a heart of peace rather than a heart at war. Here is our Young Walker, Brandee with some friends at the skills expo. Kerri on the left was a trail walker. She's so awesome and is married and has a baby now. Susanne in the middle was on the trail with Brandee (dawnstar?) They were busting coals, like Brandee used to show us, and bongoing on drums. Even Kyle got into it! Great weekend!


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Iron Rod

We had a special FHE with guest appearance by Father Lehi.

All the Brown cousins came and Nana & Grandpa. We read through the scripture and then had the backyard set up with an iron rod, that lead to the white and delicious fruit (marshmellows). We had a great and spacious building on the slides. Those prideful people yelling to those at the rod even managed to get some to let go follow them. It was touching to see the ones at the rod tell them not to go, to come back and hang on. Afterwards we put our fruit into cups of hot chocolate and talked about what it means to hold to the rod. The little kids had great thoughts on it.
What a day and age we live in, where the mists are thick and the need to hold on greater than ever!










Sunday, November 30, 2008

Horsing around on Thanksgiving

Thanks to Uncle Chris & Aunt Nora for such a fun Thanksgiving! We had the best food, and then
went out doors and rode it off. (well I didn't get on, I didn't want to hurt the poor beast, I was rather full) The kids rode, and even got tips on how to train and control the horse. My bro is like the best horse trainer, they really call him a "horse whisperer". It was great fun!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Birthday Cake!


Okay, this is from here on out the Birthday Cake of choice at our house! It is soooo easy and soooo yummy! We got the idea from the Lara's in our ward, so we made it for Jenny's birthday. The boys always wanted ice cream cakes and I'd spend a fortune on them, when I could have been doing this all along! It's just layers of ice cream sandwiches, whip cream, crushed Butterfinger candy bars, chocolate and carmel syrup!

Gratitude Attitude


The other day I read the greatest Thanksgiving day poem I've ever read. It was deep, yet simple, showing gratitude for large and small blessings, bringing to mind pleasures and joys we sometimes overlook or take forgranted. I would copy it and put it right here on my blog, but without the authors permission I could get in to trouble (even if I do know him personally) Actually it's our nephew, Clark. What an awesome guy; rough and rugged on the outside, but has this poetic side we didn't know about!
It has really made me think about what I'm grateful for; hot water in the shower, baby smiles (isn't it cool that you don't have to teach them that, they just do it!) flowers, music, the people in my life, laughing, etc., etc., etc. I wonder what this coming year will bring, and I want to remember that no matter how things change (and yes, change IS coming - Obama promised!) that there are ALWAYS THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR! What will we not have next year at this time that we have this year? Will it be harder to thank HIM then? I for one will try. I hope everyone in this nation/world will. It changes your everything to have that attitude of gratitude. Thanks be to the ONE we are eternally indebted to!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

This week . . . much better

Although there was still much contention, we had a tender mercy and joyous moment. My little peacemaker to the right here, really did an awesome thing for her mom. She's helping me to see into the mind of a jr high creature.
After we talked for a bit (actually she has joined her older siblings in telling mom and dad just exactly how to finish raising these kids), she tenderly told me I was a good mom, and that she was on my side! It was like bells ringing in my heart and I felt like I was in a movie as I ran to embrace her. We just hugged and cried together and I told her what an awesome girl she is. She's the best! I love her so much. And you know, I don't think that moment would have been as sweet if not for a bitter past. It was truly pure joy to me!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

A rough week

Ok, I've been trying to figure out how to write this blog entry without sounding too down, or name names or blame blames, so I will just say that I know God gives us family associates that challenge us, stretch us, and help us to grow! I want to be honest on my blog, and say that sometimes life is really, really hard. I don't want to sugar coat things or supress things, but I also don't want to put on the "woe is me!" act; things can always be worse! I can honestly say that I have learned things being a parent of the people I parent, that I could learn in no other way, and for that I am grateful. I'll just say that this week I have worried and cried till I'm exhaused, I have debated certain political issues till I'm sick, and I have felt frustration as I've faced a school problem we've never dealt with! BUT! (and this is a big BUT! heehee) I AM STILL STANDING! Today as I took the sacrament at church I had more hope and love than I could contain (infact it leaked out of my eyes through the whole song) Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is my salvation! Not only for the things that I do wrong, but for everyone I love. He will save us ALL! I read an article about this lady's little grandbaby who grabbed a hot curling iron, and how he cried and cried in pain. She prayed for him and asked the Lord to let her have the pain instead of him. As she pleaded to Him she heard a voice that said "that is not necessary, I have already done that". WOW! . . . I just thank HIM for that!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

You're a good man, Charlie Brown


Just had to post the 2 cute Charlie Brown's we saw this Halloween! The first is grandbaby, adorable Charlie Brown in his little ghost costume (he was also a cowboy on Halloween night) and then this awesme pumpkin that C.J. and Stephanie carved. I can really see the resemblance, can't you?

Parent Weekend at BYU

We went to Utah to visit Paul & Skye last weekend. It was so great! It was as much or more fun than going on a vacation, just to hang out with your kids. They are the cutest newlyweds, and working away at life. Their basement apartment overlooks the town of Cedar Hills, including the Tipanogas Temple where they got married. I finally our last morning got a picture with all of us in our BYU Parent Weekend shirts. We went the first day to the art museum there and what I thought would be torture for Chuck ended up being something we couldn't tear him away from. They had an exhibit of Geneva Steel, so he got his little "Bob the Builder" face on and was facinated by that exhibit. (wish I coulda got a picture there) Paul teased me the whole time about my picture taking. He calls me a Japanese tourist.
I found out that Sky is a professional shopper. She and her mom took me shopping and gave me a whole new look. We got lots of cute sweaters that I can only wear for a few months in AZ. Skye said it was much funner to spend someone elses money (yah, woulda been for me too!) We also went to the BYU game. It was
amazing. I've only been to ASU games and there is a whole different feeling there. They had a tailgate party, which involved plinko game, watching Vocal Point sing, and drinking hot chocolate and eating donuts! We saw Vai Sikahema and his family, as well as Vanessa Gissell and her family. Her daughter married the quarter back, Max Hall, and her other daughter married another player on the team. It was perfect weather too. We found some seats up by Skye's family and watched the first 1/2 of the game, then went back to their apartment and had wings and watched the second 1/2. What a great time! It was so good to be with them. Yah, we'll be visiting Utah more often!

The Breinholt Resort



Chuck's cousin, LeRoy and his wife Kelly invited us up to their cabin a few weeks ago. Chuck, myself, Jerry, and Kyle went. We took Alejandrina last minute. It was a blast. It is a total resort and they get it all to themselves (although they invite people, and share it with the ward YM/YW often, as well as work people) It was amazing. They also took us on their razor (go cart thingy). Roy is just as big a hot dogger as he was when we all used to go dirt bike and quad riding in the 80's. You'd think being a bishop would slow him down a bit. We played volleyball, sat around the fire and ate
Burger House burritos. When we left for home our car broke down,

and only Chuck & Kyle could

fit in the cab of the tow truck. Jerry, Aleja and I stayed in the desert with a little fire and waited for C.J. to come pick us up. It was a great time.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

October - My favorite month!

I don't know if it's because of Halloween, or the leaves changing, or that the holidays are coming, or it could be that Sam's Club has their pumpkins pies out (I'm getting one this week!) or maybe it's football or because it finally starts cooling down, but I love this month! I'm so glad that Chuckie is home for a while. It has been such a blessing. Had kind of a rough week this past week, not feeling well, and more teenage problems, but we're gonna hang in there. I'm looking up my "Love and Logic" notes and getting reaquainted with the Arbinger principles, so things are bound to get better. It sure helps also to have a dad around the house. (btw, I do love football, but haven't watched a complete game since the boys were playing. But everyone I love loves it so much and I like the sound of it in the background, especially Chuck's yelling at the plays . . . all weekend long!)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Come On Honey, KISS THE MOOSE!


We just got back from Alaska, Vancouver & Seattle! It was so amazing and beautiful! And hard to believe that it's actually cold somewhere, when it's still so hot here?! I love seeing the wild life. Thousands of salmon swimming upstream, bald eagles, and two grizzly bears in captivity. Never saw a moose, until this giant stuffed one. Chuck wasn't as excited as I was obviously. He was excited enough to take off his shoes and try to catch a salmon with his bare hands. I wanted so bad to see a black bear in the wild. We saw this sign warning us of a nearby mama bear, but we never saw her.







We got to see Chawna & John in Vancouver too, and go on this incredible hike that caused much muscle pain the next morning. They were in great shape going on that hike every morning. We also went on a hike with Ned Chesley, our buddy in Ketchikan, AK. We seriously thought that hike would never end.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Listen for his "do it again" and "ready, set, go!"

A visit to Seattle!


We are in Seattle right now visiting Nikki, Shaun, Jaydon and Gavin. I can't believe how big Jaydon is. When they left Mesa a year ago, he was still a baby, now he is such a big boy. He's only 2 years old, but as his preschool teacher says "he's a 4 year old in a 2 year old body". He says and does amazing things. Complete sentences, and cleaning up spilled milk on his own. He is such a little man. And Gavin is quite the cuddler. It's so fun to see their little family grow. They are amazing and we are loving every minute of our quick little visit with them

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Go Sarah!



This was too funny! I had to post it! It is exactly what I was thinking as they have ripped on Gov. Palin's experience. And who ever said she would be running the country?? Yes, our chief executive has power, but isn't this country still ran by the people?? I am questioning that everyday now!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Introducing Skye Gunderson Brown

And last, but not least, to top off our great summer, we got a new daughter-in-law! Paul did good! She's quite the catch. We all love her!

Aunt Nonie & Uncle Bills Big Day!


My cousin Kimberly and I planned a big event for her parents for June 20. It was their Golden Anniversary, Wow 50 years! We had it at this nicest resort in Scottsdale. Kim has the greatest ideas and it was so fun to get together to plan and shop for it. We also had a big 4th of July party with them. It had a 50's theme, and good barbeque, swimming and a sleepover. This is my dad's twin sister and I have so many great memories growing up with them, and here's another one to add!

Introducing Charlie Brown the IV

A new grandbaby and a new grandma

Kyle loses his head!



We stayed at the Fackrells Condominium in Rocky Point and had a blast. I will never forget burying Kyle and within a minute of taking this picture his legs started to cramp up and he was screaming for us to unbury him. We were laughing so hard as he burst out of the sand and started limping around.

Our Exciting Summer!


This summer started off with our first girl graduate!
It was a crazy night. Most years we are sitting through sweltering heat. At Paul's graduation there was a dust storm, but at Brandee's it was rainy and cold. We were in shock. It was kind of sad cuz only parents could come, so CJ, Steph, Paul & Skye (who came from Utah)and grandmas and grandpa had to sit home and wait for us. We also had to have it in the auditorium, while the other 1/2 of the graduating class was in the gym. The saddest part about it was that her 3 other cousins were in the gym. How often will that happen when you get to graduate with 3 cousins. We were all planning on yelling for them together. If the weather is any indication of this graduates future, she'll be amazing us throughout her life!

Finally beginning my blog!

Okay, it only took me four visits to "blogger" over 2 weeks time, to get my blog to the place where I could finally type and get things going. This blogging is so amazing! It's exactly what I dreamed of when I'd think about the ultimate in futuristic scrapbooking! I feel lucky to be alive when it became a reality! I had no idea it was so wide spread. I have seen just a few blogs over the years when a few different Ellsworth girls would send me this strange http address, and I would open it and instantly get to see their lives and catch up on them (complete with pictures and a cute background!) Now I must give thanks to my friends at work that got me going on it; Stephanie & Josie thanks for making this really happen for me! (sniff, sniff)

My sweet daughter in law (another Stephanie in my life) started one and after I got on hers and read about things they were up to, things I didn't even know, although I see and talk to them often, it just deepened my love for blogging. Not to mention the cute pictures of my little Charlie I get to look at everytime Stephanie posts! I will also love getting on any of you, my friends blogs and catching up with you. Now all I need is more time to do this fun thing I will love!