April Fools!

Got Chuck & Brandee good for April Fool's Day! We have this pesky woodpecker that just doesn't get that our chimney is made of metal. He pecks on it every day and we can hear it in the family room, especially as we're doing scriptures. Kyle & I had been trying to think of some April Fool's thing we could do to them. Just about then they got back from the gym so I said "Guess what happened!" (even at that moment not knowing what I was going to say) The woodpecker gave me the que so I said "That woodpecker fell right down into the fireplace!" They came running over saying "Are you serious?" "Is it still alive", etc. . . . Yah, I got em good!

Baby Chance has arrived!

and just a few days after Aunt Brandee's 20th birthday! He is so precious! Paul & Skye are the cutest mommy and daddy too! It was quite an adventure awaiting his arrival! Skye invited me to come into the delivery room, so when they called and said they were going to induce her we did all we could to get some buddy passes and go! (thanks again Clint!) Chuck just wanted to take off and drive and I guess we could have made it (I think 15 hours labor and it only takes 11 hours to drive) but it was nice to get there in just 1 hour. Jana & I had so much fun being the nervous waiting grandmas. We could not go to bed that night, so drove back and forth to the hospital, and finally got the call at 3:00 am that she was beginning to push. They were such a great team, and Skye hardly made a peep. Also looking beautiful the whole time. (how does she do that? The pearl necklace and her lucky earrings helped) After he was born the had to whisk him away cuz he was having a hard time breathing. They did some tests and found that he had developed a little tear in his lungs on his first intake of breath. They said it's very common especially in premies. (They said he's 3 to 5 weeks early) He also had a little fever and they are giving him antibiotics for it. He'll have to stay a few days later than Skye does. He's got to get home and into this adorable bassinet his mommy has waiting for him!

We didn't get to see much of him, but had a great time hanging out with Kent and Jana and Paul and Skye (when we weren't all catching up on the missed sleep) Finally a few hours before we took our flight back home they let Grammy and Papa hold him. It was so sweet! He is beautiful! Paul & Chuck also gave him a blessing. Thank you Lord for another sweet grandson!

On the road again!

Yes, we were there! Well 2 days after closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics, but we were there. Brandee's northern adventure has come to an end. She spent 4 months in Seattle & 2 months in Vancouver, BC. She was ready to come home. She wanted to drive down the coast and we didn't want her to drive by herself, so I flew up (cheap flight on Allegiant) and drove down with her. It was a fun trip, and was good to be with my girl again. This picture is in downtown Vancouver at the outdoor torch they always showed. It was awesome to see some of the places we had just been watching the week before. They had big signs and poster everywhere with those athletes we'd just seen on TV. It was cool to be so close so soon after.
It was kind of hard watching Brandee say goodbye to Brooke, Hue, Stephen & Steph. I'm so glad they've gotten so close. Our last afternoon there we went to a little cafe and had "Fu". It was so good!
After that we stopped at John & Chawna's store and said hello. I had no idea Chawna got braces on, and when I saw her I tried to tell her she had something in her teeth - no idea it was a space! It was pretty funny!

They have all been so good to Brandee giving her that job. She had to do some volunteer for it, but they'll be paying her too. I think she gained a lot working there, and credit's that to Hue and some good business advice he gave her.

After that we went to Nikki & Shaun's and saw the boys and their new house. It's beautiful! I especially loved how she decorated their play room and bedrooms, and the playhouse in the back is amazing built within a cherry blossom tree. We had a fun night with them, which included yummy pizza, skipbo and lots of laughing. I tucked Jaydon in bed and read him a story, then he put 2 pillows on the ground and a blanket and told me that I was to sleep there with him. He then got his little stuffed animals all down off his bed and said his friends had to sleep there too. After a few minutes he started putting them back and I asked why. He said "they don't like the sound you're making". It was so funny! Now if it was Papa sleeping there I could have understood, but I wasn't even snoring! Those boys are so cute.

Then we took of driving down the Oregon coast. It was beautiful!
We thought we'd find a real nice seafood restaraunt and have dinner (nice one, a break from the fast food we ate) but we couldn't find one. We should have stopped sooner, but finally stopped and had the worst dinner ever! Brandee knew it would be when she saw the 24 hour sign. It was nasty chicken friend steak and some stuffed linguini thing. Uugghhh! We had to throw it away and just get a subway sandwich and split it. I told the waitress how awful it was and she just kind of agreed that it was not a popular dish, but no offer to bring anything else, or discount or anything! Still burns me!

So days of driving were fun & frustrating with this girl. Boy can we DEBATE! We ended the trip so fun though. Brandee's friend, Frank got us in to Disneyland and we had the best time! We were only there from 4:00pm to midnight, but that was plenty. I even got Brandee to attend a show, but she still couldn't get me to do Tower of Terror (free fall! no way) We watched Alladin in the big theater in CA adventure side. It was an amazing production. I just love the magic of that place! Afterwards Brandee wanted to drive straight home (she's so much like her dad that way. Talk about back seat driver!) We stayed at a cheap hotel real close and left the next morning. It was a fun trip, and now we're glad to get Brandee closer. She'll be finding a new job and a new place closer to home. She is such a great girl and I love her so much. We really had some good talks and know how much we mean to each other. We are different, but are really trying to understand each other. Together we learn so much more. I'm glad God gave us each other.

Kyle's Eagle Project

Kyle has been working on his Eagle Project for weeks now. It has been an amazing experience. He went to the City of Mesa and they gave him a few options of what he could do. He wanted to paint a house for someone, so they gave us this address. When Chuck he drove to get a look at it, it ended up being Brenda Stewart's house (who used to work for Curt at our office) We wanted to keep it a surprise, but I blew it and said something. She is such a sweet person, who we have really missed. He really wanted to do it then. What a blessing to help out someone you know.

So this young man has been working hard getting friends to come help, making calls for donations, picking up paint from the City, etc. We've still got a few more days of work to do, but we are proud of Kyle for this great project. Brenda is so happy too. Thanks to everyone who has come to help!

Utah Trip for Teesie's Birthday!

I found an amazing rate on Southwest last October to SLC, and without everyone's permission bought tickets for us all to go up for Teresa's birthday. (What did I have to loose? If they couldn't go, I'd go see Paul & Skye and my other Utah relatives 5 times!) But by a small miracle, 5 busy moms were able to get our schedules cleared and we went. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Teresa found out. I knew she would, she could never stand to be surprised (seriously, I remember her finding presents when we were teenagers and unwrapping them, peeking, and putting them back!) It was good she knew ahead though. We were able to really plan some fun things. Here is our itinerary! (we crammed a lot of fun in 54 hours!)
We ate at Les Madeliene's Cafe in downtown Salt Lake (this was a cafe Jill saw on the cooking channel, that had these yummy crescent Eurpoean type pastries).
We went to the SLT Temple (and didn't even get shushed for talking in there) Highlight was sitting across from a mirror in that amazing Celestial room and seeing ourselves squished on the couch there; my eternal sisters!) Then the chocolate began! Teresa took us to this cute little candy shop, near the Capitol. It was expensive, but fun to try all these handmade chocolates.
Getting back to Teresa's place so she could see her hubby who had gotten back from Switzerland on a church trip for 2 weeks (his flight came in about 4 hours after ours) What timing! We kept telling her to go spend time with him. He was jet lagged, so she let him sleep, gabbed with us till the wee hours, then snuck up to be with him. Yah, there was not much sleeping on this trip. (except for Doreen who would lay down and close her eyes and ossmosisly take in our conversations. She really needed this trip; new RS pres and planning her Aubrey's wedding next month)
Then dinner at Bajio's (which I have missed since they closed the one in Mesa)
Then Sunday church with Teresa, where she has told her missionary story about all of us, so it was fun to have her Utah friends come up and already know who we were.

Yummy dinner of meatball kabobs, and opening presents for her birthday. (she had like a million!) They wrap every little thing in different birthday bags, so it looks like they make out a ton on birthdays. Then OD'd on all the chocolate she got, including a big chocolate cake (which Doreen almost ruined by reading the incredients on the label) Yah, there was more chocolate! That night Paul & Skye also came up to see me, and we gabbed for a while. Or at least I gabbed with Skye (poor girl had a bad cold, which seems to last so much longer when you're pregnant) But she looked so cute with her little belly. And Paul talked lots to Rick about web stuff. Missy's daughter, Marin, also came by that night to see her mama. We all have such cute kids!
As we were digesting our chocolate, Rick got his
guitar and played for us, we even talked them into singing together, and Tyler into playing the piano for us, Tiff into playing a song she wrote for the guitar. They are all so amazingly talented!

Next day, we got up and helped with preschool
Valentine stuff. That was fun! (she's such a
great preschool teacher!) Then we
went to Granny Annie's restaraunt, that served these huge breakfasts, along with a huge scone, huge hot chocolates, and huge cinnamon rolls (we each took one home to the fam) We gotta go up there when we go back to Utah. My munchkins would love it! So yah, it was like one big party! I had so much fun (except when I'd think about Kyle back home doing his Eagle project while I partied)

2009 Year in Summary

Wow, you actually came to the blog! What a friend! I know it's easier to sit somewhere comfy and read a newsletter, but I just didn't have it in me this year (besides this is funner) I know you could read through all my blog entries and get caught up, but who has time for that? So here is a quick update on everyone this year:

Chuck is loving being a grandpa! He gets all goofy with his "Hey buddy" and funny noices. You can always tell when Charlie comes over - we hear it all through the house. He's been crazy busy at work with lots of research and development in the anti-terrorist barrier industry. It's been exciting, but scary as we try to develop something unique and keep our business open at the same time. He didn't have to travel as much this year as in the past, but did have a job in Utah this month and froze his tooshi off (why not in the summer??) Chuck is Sunday School teacher to the 17 year old class, and is always watching sports! (he says this really is the most wonderful time of year; football, basketball & baseball)

And I, yes, I have

gained weight this year, as you can tell by Chuck's face. I've got my 30 year class reunion next year though, so time to get fit again. (why is it harder the older you get?) I've been working in the office part time, and love being with the good people who work for us there. I also love being a grandma. If someone would have told me I'd be volunteering to babysit after all the years I did daycare & foster care I'd have never believed them. At church I'm still with the Beehives (12-13 year old young women class) They are a great bunch of girls.

C.J. has applied again for dental school and awaits word on if he'll be starting Aug 2010. He's still selling shoes at Nordstroms and will let you know when the good sales are, so go visit him!

Steph is a busy a little mama chasing Charlie around all day. She's so good to take him to the park and out to his other grandma's place to visit the goats. She is also the most organized and wonderful secretary in RS (that's what I keep hearing) CJ still works with the priest age boys. And Charlie is just having fun exploring the world. He is always on the go and figuring things out. They live here in Mesa in the Dolphin house.

Paul & Skye are having a baby!!!! HE's due mid April, and Skye is so cute barely starting to show. Paul is working 2 jobs now, one for APX Alarm and Thrive doing websites and helping people sell. Skye is now officially helping people to be more beautiful! She's doing tanning & eyelashes! (just in time, as her mother in law needs it!) They are teaching 5 year old in Primary and always have a funny story to share about what they say and do. They are still living in Cedar Hills in a basement apartment with the most incredible view of the valley below, including the Tipanogas Temple. They are starting plans for building a house this year . . . yes, in Utah. It's a great place to visit, so see them if you're up that way. We love doing that!

Jerry has been trying different fields of work this year after things slowed down working with dad. He tried landscaping and is now in sales at a call center selling construction tools. He tried out his lines over the phone with his dad, and all Chuck could say was "No! I hang up on guys like you all the time!" We are amazed though, he can take the rejection and is making sales everyday. He also has an sweet new girlfriend, Jessica Frey. She grew up in Switzerland and then moved to Oklahoma where a friend set them up on a blind date. She's been gone for 4 months back to Switzerland, but will get home this month, so he's always on skype (computer) talking to her. He has also been taking care of her little yorkie, Bella. She's part of the family now. Jerry's moved back into Mesa (1st part of the year was in Casa Grande) now he's between the yard trailer & home - we don't know where he really lives, but we like him around.

Brandee has ventured out this year and lived for 3 1/2 months in Mukilteo, WA with Nikki & Shaun (Jenni's sister) She loves helping her with Jayden & Gavin. She got a job at Red

Robin, but did not last long as the perky hostess there (can't you just see her? "Thank you for coming today!") She found a better suited job at the cutest little coffee shop next to an adorable little bookshop over looking the ferry going to Whidby Island. It is SO her! However the little AZ girl was freezing her tooshi off and wanted to come home (not to mention missing you know who; pictured right) She has decided now to give Canada a try, living with her Naito cousins. Not that it's any warmer, but at least she's not coming home before her northern adventures are over. Thanks to Nikki & Shaun for having her and being her springboard into being out on her own (well almost).

Kyle is sexy, single and sixteen (that's the summary he came up with for this) He is at Mesa High this year and loving leaving the junior high scene behind. He tried something new when a friend talked him into being on the swim team. He made some good friends there and just had the goal to not finish in last place - he accomplished that! (needless to say to say

he won't be doing that next year) His real talents are in drama. He's been in some little one acts and attended Thespian conference this year, and hopes to try out for the spring play. He's studying for his learners permit, and is hoping to get it over Christmas break. He finally feels motivation to get that and his Eagle project done, since dating just isn't the same when mom has to drive you. He will be doing his Eagle project in January, painting a house in a low income area of Mesa. If any of you feel inclined to help, we'll let you know the details!

Jenni is a big 9th grader now and has had quite the year so far. She tried out for volleyball, but so did 40 other girls (many of which played club) So when she didn't make it, she gave cross country a try. A little too hot in August, so she went for Badminton at Mesa High. She had to start at the bottom of the totum pole, but did pretty good in her exhibition games. For fall she tried out for basketball, but they were, of course looking for taller girls. Wish the coaches could have seen how aggressive she can be and let her try driving that ball under and around the tall girls! Anyway, so no sports this winter. She's looking forward to track in a month or so. She has decided to try out for cheer at Mesa High, but I'll believe it when I see it. She is also "considering" going out for dive (we've heard gymnasts make really good divers) so stay tuned to see what she ends up doing. Her biggest exciting news is that she got her braces off this past month!! She'd have such a beautiful smile if she weren't always popping her retainer in and out!

That's us! Hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. If you have a blog, leave me your address, or send an invitation if it's private. I LOVE BLOGGING in all my spare time (haha).

One more Brown family!

I can't leave out our newest family members! This is Nikki & Shaun, our other adopted kids. (sorry I couldn't get the picture bigger) For those who don't know our story, Jenni has an older sister who we have felt is a part of our family for 4 years now. She married Shaun Brown, making her officially a Brown! So here is their update; They live in Mukilteo, WA (just north of Seattle). We met them here living just a mile away from us (Did God have a hand in that or what??!!!) They moved up north when Shaun got transfered with Boeing. He's such a great daddy (even to our Brandee lately) Nikki looked for work in computers (her specialty area) but with the economy could not find a job. Instead she is quite the entrepreneur and just started a photography company. She got the equipment and put a little studio in her basement and is taking pictures and getting paid for it! (All those millions of pictures of her babies, that was for practice time!) She's pretty good. Jaydon is 3 years old now, and bright as a button, and little Gavin turned 1 this summer. They are 2 more of our sweet grandbaby boys!

Does this look like me?

This week I fought City Hall and won! I only won on a technicality however and not for the reason I should have won. I got "flashed" by a van right by Mesa High during the summer going 49 in a 45 mph speed zone. The sign said 35 mph on school days, I knew it wasn't a school day, so I went at a prudent & reasonable speed, and within what I thought was the speed limit. I was shocked when it took my picture. I wanted to fight it, so when it came I even had Chuck return it with knowing me as the driver (I know lots of friends have said how unwise that was) Anyway I got this great attny/judge friend of mine who helped me make my case. I had all sorts of questions to ask the officer in court. Funny, I watched 4 other cases and no one questioned the officer. I felt like a real lawyer doing my cross examination. Of course the officer had proof that summer school was in session, but I just fired question after question about why were there not any indicators to those of us driving by! I had my proof of when the last day of school was, along with pictures of the speed limit signs and blinking lights at Brimhall (which he said they did not have!) So I'm giving my statement and pulling all of these facts together and the dear, sweet judge interupts me and says "Mrs. Brown, how much longer are you going to be? We only had 15 min for your case, and I've got to let some other cases go now. Please sit at the back of the courtroom and we'll hear the rest of your case in a little bit". Man! Talk about anti-climatic! I sat back there and thought of how she was going to forget all my info, and how many cases she still found the defendant "responsible", so I really got nervous. However when I finally got back up and apologized for taking so long, she was so gracious and said "no apologies necessary, I want you to have all the time you need". So I wrapped it up real quick, the officer gave his one more schpeel, then the judge said "after hearing all of the evidence I'm not even going to judge on whether you were speeding or not. This (as she held up the photo above) is a terrible picture, and you cannot identify anyone from it. Defendant is not responsible". !!! It was pretty fun, but nerve wracking, to say the least. I just sure hope that the city will put up blinking lights around Mesa High now WHEN school is in!

Badminton!

Fun week at Badminton. MHS vs MVHS! Jenni & Cassady were rivals! MHS actually won! (which is a rare thing in sports against those guys) It was fun to watch with Curt & Alison!

It was especially funny to watch Uncle Curt go crazy watching girls play any sport. "They just don't think like a guy!" He'd say over & over again!

Wedding Bell Blues

Yes, I'm talking about Jim & Pam! We've been looking forward to this wedding ever since they flirted on the first season of The Office. What a huge disappointment it was! There were moments; when Jim swept her off to Plan C (Niagra Falls) and the cute dancing all the office staff did up the isle, but for the most part it was the trashiest episode ever! Doesn't Hollywood know what real romance is anymore?
Jill had a Wedding party and I brought over the bubbly (sparkling cider) She did the wedding cupcakes and we all watched together.

I think I should write some of these episodes! I can think of real romance! This happened with the last episode of Cheers years ago. I wrote my own ending after that disappointing one. Shelly Long would have come back with a little mini Sam (some little actor with perfect hair) and he'd have gotten his baby he wanted so bad!
. . . Why don't these writers call me?

It is FALL in some places!

We just got back from New York & Ohio. Those are amazing places and yes, it is FALL there! The leaves were beginning to change, although it was still quite green. We went for a business meeting in Buffalo, but when that was over we went to Ohio and saw the Kirtland Temple. Although our church does not own it, the relationship between the Community of Christ church and the LDS church was amazing. Truly unified in their Christianity.

We stayed at this cool Bed & Breakfast - the Homestead House











We also went to Palmyra and did a session at the temple and walked in the Sacred Grove. It's incredible to realize what happened there, and to ponder the significance.
I loved how the missionaries would tell you about the sites, but then apply it to their lives and ask how you could apply it to yours. At church there it was cool to hear them say the opening prayer and thank Heavenly Father for the Autumn weather. Then we left for home and arrived in the 100 degrees here. Yah, we'll be thanking Him too, in about another month.

Charlie Brown can rock & roll