A New Phase of Life!

Jenni has been gone for just over 2 weeks now, and we are empty nesters. It's weird to think, and it feels so different here at home. It's so much quieter and calmer and cleaner! I remember asking my sweet mother-in-law, Charlene, with all her experience raising 14 kids, which phase is the hardest, and which phase is the funnest. She thought a moment and said that every phase has it's pros and cons. I can really see that now. So I started a mental list and have watched it grow. I call it my "What I'm going to miss", and "What I look forward to" list. Here it is:

Miss: having help taking care of this big house, splitting up jobs/chores
LFT: I don't have to ask, or check on anyone's chores . . . I could just do it myself! (it's kind of easier)

Miss: someone in another room in the house! every room but ours is empty!
LFT: a Grandkids toy room, a Mesa High room, maybe even a Mickey Mouse room!
(most likely have a Missionary room soon)

Miss: a morning schedule starting at 5:30 am makes for a longer day (yes I'm a morning person)
LFT: sleeping in until 6:00, maybe even 6:30 (I'll admit 5:30 is even too early for me)

Miss: family scriptures, all of us studying God's word together. Dad's "what" game (he'd say it in the middle of reading to see who was paying attention)
LFT: no one complaining! deeper study with Chuck (he throws in a comment or heavy sigh at times, just to help wean off the years of complaints)

Miss: family prayer, everyone taking a day to say all the prayers of that day (it was cool when there were 7 at home, one for each day of the week)
LFT: making more time for personal prayers

Miss: kids asking for money and giving them a much needed chore to be done to get it
LFT: our change jar may actually get filled now (couldn't quite understand how it never got higher)

Miss: watching responsible kids do their own laundry
LFT: a fraction of towel usage, and clean laundry room

Miss: my kids friends coming over and hanging out
LFT: seeing them at wedding receptions (sometimes their own), or running into them around town. Also maybe we'll see our friends once in a while now.

Miss: school dances (buying beautiful dresses, or matching tuxes to beautiful dresses, ordering corsages, taking pictures, etc.)
LFT: 3 more weddings!

Miss: carpools, and helping at all the schools; Johnson, Brimhall, Taylor, & MHS
LFT: my smaller car, and more time to clean out much buried rooms & closets

Miss: seeing my friends while working at the school
LFT: lasting friendships that started because we worked together as moms

Miss: Chuck calling me "MOM"
LFT: Chuck calling me "Sweetheart" or "Sweetie"

Miss: mothering
LFT: grandmothering! (and being more of a business partner to my eternal partner)

Thank you my awesome, wonderful children; CJ, Paul, Jerry, Brandee, Kyle & Jenni, for the amazing lessons YOU'VE taught me, the great people you are today, and for your return (10 fold) of the love I gave to you. It's been a grand adventure!!

2012 A year in review

If you got our Christmas card this year, and saw this blog address on the back, first let me apologize if you got on and I had nothing, also for some of those pictures. Paul wanted to use that picture, but you can hardly see him, and me, you can't miss those knees/thighs. Sorry! So, this has been quite the year. In some ways the hardest year ever and in other ways the most amazing.  God surely has manifested Himself to us, and for His never ending love and comfort we are eternally grateful!
It was a big year for birthdays & anniversaries! 2 new "birth" days; Demi (Paul's) & Logan (Jerry's), and a 50 year old birthday, a 30 year wedding anniversary, and 30 year mission reunion.
I'll just start with the youngest and work our way through the family & the year.

First Jenni, my baby is now 18! I can't believe it! She's been with us 10 years now, and wow that went fast! She has had an eventful year playing tennis & badminton (earned the jackrabbit spirit award), 2 trips to Seattle, had a friend, Jakelle pass away,went on a pioneer trek (where she pushed a handcart, and dressed and lived like a woman in the 1800s - tough stuff), had her first migrane headache (induced by laser tag lights). She is now finishing her first 1/2 of her senior year, and then wants to get her Care Givers Certificate and get a job in a nursing home or care facility.

Kyle worked at Nielson's frozen custard to earn some money for his Student Council NY trip, (he is quite the comedian - check out this youtube video "Kyle Brown 4 contagious things"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwFJpD9Xsoc) He was very busy as the Service Commissioner in stuco, in charge of  Breakfast w/Santa (a community service event) and teacher appreciation luncheon.He and some friends also took a General Conference trip w/dad and stayed at his brother Paul's house in Utah. The biggest thing of his year was Graduation in May!
He is now preparing to go on a mission for our church, and expects the call to come next month. We'll keep you posted.

Brandee had the opportunity to go live in Germany with Jerry & Jessica this past summer. She got to tour many places in Europe, as well as help nanny Madi. Before that she tried her hand at field labor with the family business. She was awesome as a goofer and meeting attender, but it just wasn't her thing. She's home now and working at Flancers. Her employers love her, because she is very personable and a very hard worker (something many people lack these days) It is such yummy food, go see her and try it out!

I've been involved this year in too many activities, as usual. I'm on SAIC counsel at Mesa High as well as Grad Night Chair. Recently both Chuck & I have become precinct committee members. I finally got more involved in Right to Life which I love by doing 40 days for life, where we stand in peace in front of abortion planned parenthood offices. I've missed judging for Speech & Debate this semester. I have been working in nursery, and am now compassionate service leader. Have had fun visiting podiatrist cousin Brian for my plantar faciatis. Another pain I dealt with for 5 months was LA fitness taking money out of our account (if you have a membership, watch it carefully!) We had visitors from Austria, my old 5th grade pen pal, who found me on facebook, came with his family. I also wanted to feel like a kid on my 50th birthday, so I spent it in Disneyland. It was so fun, and was nice of some other "young" friends to come with me!

The next great adventure was for our 30th wedding anniversary. We, Doreen & Lester Stradling, and Jill and Scott Adair went on an Alaskan Cruise! Amazing beauty we saw in God's great earth! As well as seeing the Yukon by train, Glaciers and wild life that took our breath away. My sweet husband of 30 years was so romantic too, as you can tell from this picture. His sweetest line on the trip "I'm gonna find you a bear". I just love my big Brown bear hugger!

Wow, I just realized how many trips we went on this year. I also went to Utah for the 4th of July to see what celebration with Teresa Starr in small town Centerville, UT was like. It was so fun & patriotic! In Sept I went to Switzerland and Germany to see grandbaby Logan come into the world. Right after that I went to meet Chuck in Alaska where he was working. Other fun things we've done is having an Olympics in London party, with lots of good British food, and getting involved in the presidential election. (that was a lot of detail, but this is my journal too)

I've also had fun reading the "Great and the Terrible" series (really prepares you for what's coming!) and Steph Nielson's book, "Heaven is Here". When I finished that book I remember thinking "wow, will our family ever have to go through something hard like that?" It was just a few weeks later that we did.

Chuck has started traveling again for work; California, New Mexico, Alaska, and Japan (he leaves again next month)  He also went to Canada to our x-brother in laws wedding (Shu). He loved that! His fun stuff this year was spending his birthday in Utah for Demi's baby blessing and at zoo with Chance & Demi (that is the best zoo!) He also got to attend his 30 year mission reunion, and loved reminiscing with many old mission buddies. He has been Elder Quorum president at church for 3 years and recently got released. Some of his pains this year have been much dental work done by soon to be Dr. C.J. (who loves inflicting this on his dad) Also too many funerals; Uncle Phil, Uncle Karl, and our sweet little Dylman.
The business growing, and finally getting out of the "red". We have been able to offer ins. benefits now, and have added a new secretary (after a nightmare one) & marketing dir. We are so blessed to work with some of the best people ever.

Now for the birds that have left the nest:
Jerry & Jess - have a new addition; Logan Desmond Brown. Born in Sept. He is the spitting image of his daddy when he was a baby. I seriously have had flashbacks when I hold him. They gave me the greatest birthday present (a few months later) by letting me come and see his birth. I have the sweetest daugther in laws ever! They have all let me witness a birth now. Jerry & Jessica plan on moving back here in the spring of 2013. We are excited for that.
Paul & Skye - also got  a new addition in February; Demi Brown. They continue to work on their awesome house. Another addition is a room in the basement so we'd have a place to sleep when we come over! For the 4th of July they had a great barbeque (on Paul's new grill)and their beautiful back patio. The Halloween picture on our card has to be explained. The kids costumes were just too cute; Incase you couldn't tell, Demi was a fluffy bunny, and Chance was Carl Fredrickson from the movie UP.

CJ & Steph - I know many of you are wondering how they are doing. They are just incredible, and are amazing examples to us of faith. They are doing awesome things for our community, donating to various charities, all having something to do with Dylan. They took some of the money that you sweet friends and family and others have given to them and are giving back. They have helped an animal shelter, because Dylan loved animals so much. It was funny that the people asked if they'd like to adopt an animal since they gave, and they both resounded "NO, thank you" (it was ONLY Dylan who liked them so much) On his birthday they gave lots of food to Care Partnership, that helps the needy. For Christmas they have chosen a Christmas angel, a 2 year old boy, and plan to start this tradition every Christmas. They have a special Dylan tree near their front door. I will cut and paste just a little of what Stephanie wrote on her blog titled "We can do hard things";  "Our world came crashing down when our precious 22 month old son was killed. We spent the next week doing things we never thought we would. With much help from family, friends, amazing ward members and tons of community outpouring we managed to plan a funeral service and bury Dylan's body in his finally resting spot.

My heart is full with love for my Savior and Father in Heaven. I do not know why Dylan's life was not spared, but I do know that he was needed and if it hadn't been that night in that way it would have been another night in another way. Dylan was not meant to be on this earth for long. His spirit was simply "too pure." In the coming years I hope to do all things pleasing unto my God to return to my son and be united as an eternal family."

Nikki & Shaun - our other adopted daughter and family. They have been able to come down from Washington many times this year, which has meant so much to us. Jaydon & Gavin are getting so big, and are playing many sports and recently were in a wonderful Christmas play that we got to watch through live feed.

As we have the year draw to a close, I must say that we treasure each other in a deeper way. We know how fragile life can be and are kinder to each other. It was wonderful that we could celebrate an early Thanksgiving together, when Papa got back from Japan. It filled my heart with JOY to be around these great people that God has put in my family! With all the service we've witnessed this year, We've decided to try something new this Christmas. We're going to go with some friends to feed the homeless downtown Phoenix. The kids at home are excited. They have such good hearts!

We love you all and wish you the Merriest Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love and treasure one another!

 

The BEST Thanksgiving Weekend!

We had everyone here for Thanksgiving! It was so great! We had dreams of all running in the turkey trot, but only Jess & Jerry ended up doing it! (Go team Brown!) In the meantime Skye was giving me my Christmas present (eyelash extensions) while the turkey was in the oven. Dad and Jenni took Madi to watch mom and dad run. We set up long tables for dinner, and invited Nana & Grandpa. We took some time before we ate and with 3 kernals of corn and a reminder of the early pilgrims, we each went around and told 3 things we were thankful for. It was wonderful and I realize how very blessed we are! While we were digesting we watched a puppet show put on by Uncle Kyle & Aunt Brandee (gotta get those pictures of my other camera too)
The whole weekend was actually all dedicated to being together as a family! We did a service project the next morning, helping Aunt Lee, in Phx clean out her house in prep to moving into a nursing home. Then we had family pictures. That was a comedy of errors. From conflicting clothing colors to babies tired and crying (note to self: have pictures in the morning!) But we did get some good ones. That night we had Jenni's birthday dinner at Native New Yorker and everyone honored her (except the waiter who spilled on her) Can't believe our baby is 17 years old!
The next day Aleja had to come see her boys! We got some good video's of her feeding Madi! She's such a crack up and brings laughter and love to our family!

On Sunday we had a big gift exchange. Since the tradition died this year on the big Brown family side, we thought we'd try it on our littler scale. The sad thing was that CJ & Stephanie and the kids were sick. I think we needed CJ's more competitive spirit there, because hardly anyone took anyone else's gifts. I knew some people wanted other things, but no one tried!

After that we did karaoke, and Jaydon & Gavin rocked out to a song they often hear mom rocking out to; "Living on a prayer"




We also tried to start a tradition that just ended on my side of the family too. Even though it's a little early we wanted to have a nativity, but they are just a little young to fully cooperate. We did stage a few pictures though (Yes, we had 2 baby girls to play baby Jesus!)

That night we had an "end of an era" experience, with our 4th and final Scout getting his Eagle. CJ did make it to that, and all the boys participated in the ceremony. My biggest regret is that Kyle should have given his mentor pin to his oldest brother CJ for the great example he was, 10 years ahead of him to the day. (mom's are supposed to help them think those things through) I'm so proud of them all for working hard, earning badges, learning lots of things, and doing huge service projects to serve our community! They are all fine young men! The scouting program is a truly inspired program and I know it has been a part of them becoming who they are. I love all my Eagle Scouts!

Europe to Colorado

So for catch up time again, I should start with a wonderful trip we made to Germany & Switzerland in Aug/Sept to see baby Madi (Jerry & Jess of course too) It was such a great trip! Sandy (Jess' mom was so wonderful to do some guide touring with us. We went with her and Desmond to some beautiful places. We had lunch at the top of a mountain there in Kandern, where you could see 3 countries (France, Germany & Switzerland) from the top (4 - Austria -on a clear day) They were such wonderful hosts. We had the guest bedroom on the top floor and walked down to a small bakery many mornings. Poor girls who worked there had to figure out what Chuck was ordering. We got to be a part of Madi's baby dedication, and a beautiful luncheon afterwards. We also toured Lake Lucern, where I was 30 years ago with Teresa.(I've got to find my cord to upload the pictures!)

Our next trip was to Evergreen, Colorado last October. We went to the Attachment Experts Therapy Center for some good family counseling. We had hoped to go last summer, but lost our spot and went during October break. We learned so many things about ourselves and how to better get along as a family, as well as see some amazing and beautiful sights in Colorado. I'd never been, so was surprised that Denver was not the rocky mountains I had thought it was. You have to go about 20 miles away to get to the pretty stuff. One day in particular we had elk walking right infront of our cabin! Brandee joined us the 2nd week, when Kyle went home for Student Council committments.


We also went to see my cousin Tami Platt Jeppson who lives on an amazing ranch in Larkspur, CO. We had the best time catching up and getting to know our families.

We had fun days fishing and playing in the snow. Where, yah, Kyle got me good.

Jenni also met a poor little friend. She titled this one
"Does someone need a hug?"

Oh how I've missed BLOGS!

I'm finally on my blog again! I can't believe how long it's been since I've written! That is sad for someone who has finally found the ultimate scrapbook type journaling dream! Just been too dang busy for fun! (yah, play your little violin for me!)

So catch up time! Here are some highlights from the past 10 months:

* First GRANDAUGHTER born March 8 in Germany to Jerry & Jessica: Madison Ryleigh

* Went to Johnson Elementary's 25 year reunion (Yes, Brooke White, pictured here, made an appearance to her old school)

* Highly involved in Mesa High's #1 Drama Program

Said good bye to Booster presiding

* Stake Roadshow - Kyle plays #1 Villan - Haman

* Weddings galore! Neices Nettie & Tia, Gonzales/Bingham in our back

yard & buddy DeeDee's daughter to an Osmond!

* Grandkids birthday parties: Chance, Charlie & Jaydon

(made a trip to UT & WA for two of them!)

* FPED Defense show in VA - showcasing our business to many potential customers

And now Summer! If I could think of a theme for this summer it would have to be

"Summer of Surgeries"

Jenni had her nose fixed from an accident when she was about 2 years old. They told us we had to

wait till she

was over 16, when her nose stopped growing (I thought your nose and your ears never stopped growing) Anyway it was a hard surgery, but she's recovered now and has this perfect shaped nose. Let's hope in the sports she's involved in and and the accident prone girl she is that it stays that way.

Kyle also had his wisdom teeth out. (why do they call them that? don't we want to keep all the wisdom we can?) He wanted me to video him as he came out of the anesthetic so all his friends could see

him. Yah, he was pretty goofy (see FB for one of the videos) He got pretty swollen and laid on the couch for days. He's doing better now, but still has 2 big holes he's trying to keep food out of.

School dances!

Just had to post some cute pictures of Jenni & Kyle and their dates

(Jenni's was Christmas formal obviously, and Kyle's was Prom)

Catching up on Kids

First off, our first born started Dental School, here at AT Still. We're so glad they could stay in state (and even in city!) They had a neat white coast ceremony before he began. It was almost like the graduation ceremony will be, except that they got their student coats, which look just like Dr's white coats! He's on his way! We're so proud of him! Next big news is that they had little Dylin Dee Brown, born one week ago today! He's so precious, and my sweet Stephanie surprised me and let me come in to witness! Wow! 2 birth witnessing this year! It's such an amazing miracle!


Paul is working hard at 2 jobs in Utah, and having so much fun with little Chance. He plops him up on a pillow as he gets ready to play Modern Warfare, and says "let's get the bad guys, Chance!"
Jerry is soon leaving for international adventures. He and Jessica are going to live in Switzerland, for who knows how long? They said just a year or two? I'm holding them to that! I can't go long without seeing that grandbaby! They'll be getting hitched in about 3 weeks, so yikes! Gotta get ready for that!
Brandee just moved out, but not far away, we're so glad! She's got a cute little apartment on Broadway and working hard to pay all her bills now! We still love her to come cook when ever she can!
Kyle just made the musical at school, and we are so excited to see him in that! We have such a great Drama program at Mesa High, and I'm glad he's involved!

Jenni is playing badminton now, and has a great season going. She's on JV, and can really keep great volleys going, and even smash it at times!

Summary of Summer!

Yah it's been too long since I've written! So here is a quick overview of our summer 2010!

Started with Girls Camp. Chuck & I were asked to be camp cooks. A perfect calling for Chuck, but I hate cooking, so I was his assistant. It was pretty fun now looking back! Our most popular dish was Philly Cheesesteaks Sandwiches! YUM! We also took up our solar oven and the certifying girls made peach cobbler in it. It was great to be next to the Brinton's cabin (we got to sleep in it rather than in tents like everyone else - being cooks had it's priviledges!) The camp director (amazing Bethany Wells Rudd) made us these adorable aprons. She made us past camp directors looks bad, with all the cool, cute camp stuff she did.

Our next quick trip was taken directly from girls camp. The bishopric brought Kyle up for the last night with them, then we took off early for Utah to go to Chance's baby blessing. He is the cutest little boy, and he was so good during his blessing. It's amazing to see your son give that blessing and realize that it wasn't long ago, that he was getting his. WOW! (no more tears!)
Skye and her mom put on this amazing luncheon afterwards. Aunt Lynette & Sara came too. My cousin Amy even came later in the day and brought her kids. The rest of the Tolman's couldn't make it. It's been good to see my relatives more often too.

A few weeks later back here in AZ we had a "Skye on Skype" Baby Shower. Modern day tech allowed us to have her and Jana there. She opened a few gifts for us (ones we had taken up to them), then we opened some on this side for her. Her Dewitt cousins came and it was such a blast! We also got to hear her play the harp for us (had some technical difficulties, but still enjoyed it - mostly enjoyed watching Chance enjoy it. He loves his mama's playing)

This summer we also had my 30th Mesa High Class Reunion! Still hard to hear myself say that. I sound so old! We decided to keep it simpler this go around. We had only one big activity on June 12. Some people made other activities that had had smaller turnouts to; Cruising Main the night before (City of Mesa sponsors once a month, and since we did that way back when, why not?) It was hilarious trying to get out of the back of Ralph's truck when we decided to do a Chinese Fire Drill. By the time we got our old bones up, the people from the cab had already gotten all the way around and were ready to take off again! On Sat there was a group of Harley Davidson riders who took a quick trip out of town, and a group of us who went to Peter Piper Pizza for a BYOGB activity (bring your own grandbaby) It was fun to see those cute little ones. Our big event was in the MHS cafeteria, and we only had about 1/3 of the people we've had in the past, but I've realized that only those who really loved high school are going to come now. It was so great to see so many, but sad that when you're in charge you don't get to visit and catch up as much.We found our old Gahtso cup at a city museum and brought that back (our class won it all 3 years!) Our student body pres, John Waldron did a great program, and the decorations were great! Only regrets; we didn't talk about the food fight there in the cafeteria, do our class yell, or even sing Carry On! We are getting senile, you can tell! Seriously someone would point out someone for me and I would think "you mean behind that old guy?" So great to see "old" friends! Class of 80's really great!

Next was a family reunion, on the Brown side. We went up to Cedar City, UT and Paul, Skye and Chance came down to meet us there! It was great fun! We not only saw all the Brown cousins, but we stopped to see my cousins the Bates, new place in St. George. The Kleinman Clan was in charge this year and did a great job on food and activities. Of course we had "Mafia" games late into the night. Brandee came up and got some real drama in that game going! It was so fun to have her up there! The last night we had a talent night show where our Brown gang did a skit to "Once there was a Snowman". You can see from this picture all the cousins showing the snowman tall, tall, tall!

I went straight from there back up the Salt Lake Valley with Paul & Skye because we got word that my sweet Aunt Gayle had passed away. It was fun to travel back sitting in the back seat with little Chance. I stayed with Aunt Lynette and had some sweet times remincing my aunt's life as well as talking about my dad in heaven finally getting a sibling up there with him. The funeral was beautiful and I had another "awakening" watching her children and their love for her and for God, and for the church, even though they are not all active. It was precious time spent with my Aunts Carol, Norma & Lynette, and many cousins. We all went to Gardiner's Village and walked around and had lunch. They are some good people & I love them all. (no pix, left my camera with Jenni)

We had a few other get aways this summer to the cabins of some friends. Missy Gardiner had us up near the beginning and Ralph Deifenderfer in July. It was so nice to get out of the heat here! At Missy's we felt young again, watching dare devil friends cliff dive (Lane in pix), reading our journals from high school, and playing games, but felt old again at Ralph's laying around in hammocks, sitting on the front porch watching the weather & sitting snowbird style all the way home (among other things).

This was also the summer of meeting foreign friends! We finally got to meet our sweet Jessica's parents who came from Switzerland. They are amazing people, who have their own Christian church there. We had a barbeque and sat and talked about their travels all over the world. One of the most amazing things however is the great daugther they raised, and we just love her. She's a great blessing to Jerry. (We have found since then that they are going to be a mommy & daddy, so stay tuned for further announcements & celebrations!)

We also had Michelle Moka from Germany come and stay for a month. We took her to Botanical Gardens & Hole in the Rock, but it was too hot to get out for long. So we decided to take her to CA and see Hollywood, since we had to get Chuck's truck back from there anyway. Brandee stayed and took her to the beach in San Diego too. She is a very sweet girl, who we met through brother in law John, along with her sister Marie.

Another amazing foreign friend story, is that my old 3rd grade pen pal, Marcus Buisman from Austria found me on Facebook! Is that remarkable or what? We've had some good discussions, and he has an amazing memory of 3rd grade and our friends there. It's been fun getting reaquainted!
One more semi-foreign friend tidbit. Stephanie from work got married to her sweetheart in that foreign land of Oklahoma. She will be leaving us soon to go back, and we are heartbroken about that, but are happy for her & Emily! (pictured here with Josie)

So that was pretty much our summer. Sounds crazy now that I look back at it; a lot of fun stuff crammed into 3 short months!

Happy Birthday to me!

I had such a fun birthday! I love birthdays! Never mind how much older you are getting . . . and how that leads to no more birthdays . . . so anyway, I just wanted to see how cheap I could make this birthday, cuz we are so short on $$$. I just wanted to go get a free breakfast at Denny's, sit at the park and watch Charlie, then go see the movie Avatar, which is now at the $2.00 theater! Yah, it would have been so cheap, but my sweet hubby also went out and got me flowers, candy for the theater, and pretty new earrings. We also went to Cold Stone after the movie (only spent .77) and free dinner at Joe's bbq with Whitmers (it's Joe's bday too). Funny we went there cuz Chuck also brought home a large smoked bbq pork! (yah, for MY birthday, cuz that's me, big meat eater) Isn't he so sweet! (thanks Curt!) He just didn't know when to quit! I got to hear from all 4 grandbabies today! (Jaydon & Gavin sang to me) It ended at almost midnight by seeing baby Chance on Skype. He was wide awake and we swear he whispered "Happy Birthday Grammy"!

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.