Look Mom! Look!

Cooper was so excited to show me something he had found in his cereal. "You have to come see what I found in my cereal!" I was busy making lunches for the other kids so I asked over my shoulder, "What did you find?" "No Mom! It's a picture. You have to look at it!" I walked over and looked at this arrangement of cheerios on his spoon. My early morning brain was trying to find some sort of picture in the circles. "Mickey Mouse!" I exclaimed. It was the best I could come up with. "Come on Mom. It's Jesus!"




Hmmmm. . .
I'm just not seeing it.
But he started my
day with a mile wide
smile!

A Mighty Bear gets his props!

Davis earned his Bear badge a couple months ago. He finally received recognition and his paraphernalia at our last Pack Meeting. He is expecting one more arrow point at our next meeting as well. I love that Brent and Davis are so ambitious with this. I love that they do it together and I love that Davis sets an example for all nine year olds to look up too. As a matter of fact, I know a few Boy Scouts that would benefit as well.

Sorry! A boasting mother can be annoying, can't she!

Three things I love

!! 1 - 2 - 3 !!

Cooper and I grabbed a bite of lunch today while we were out and about. We were sitting down and enjoying the meal when a little girl (maybe 5 or 6) came in and started to climb on all the seats and benches. Apparently she wanted to leave her mark. Her grandparents immediately started hollering at her and quite the scene erupted. It seemed to go and on. I was uncomfortable as I'm sure everyone else was as well. I felt sorry for the little girl. I felt sorry for the grandparents. You could tell that this wasn't just an 'off' day or that this was a rare occurrence for them. It seemed that this was LIFE for them. I had a huge lump in my throat as I thought about all that may have occurred in this family's life to bring this about. I was sad. I looked at Cooper as he observed the "not easy to take your eyes off of" explosion. He was sitting nicely and behaving well. Finally the sad little family left in a rush of yelling, kicking and dragging. My vision was blurred when Cooper looked up at me and whispered, "I think that little girl is sad." I nodded my head. No matter how much I swallowed, I couldn't get rid of the lump in my throat. I felt grateful for my little family. We aren't perfect by any means but by and large happiness is at the forefront of it all.

What is it about batter bowls and beaters??

IRRESISTIBLY YUMMY

AND 100%

CHILDHOOD GOODNESS!!

Cooper could hardly wait for me to get the brownie

batter into the pan so that he could have this

delightful indulgence all to himself.

Big sis and brother were at school.

And beaters are best when shared with Grandma!

Maddison is two years old and my mom is sixty years young!

A little drama

As corny as it may sound I just have to say it:

Brent is my Sam.

I know, I know! Corn!

You may recall this easy to love character from The Lord of the Rings. He was Frodo's faithful companion and served him tirelessly. Even when Frodo was mean and hateful, Sam never wavered (okay, once he ditched grumpy 'ol Frodo but he did return and save his life) and walked the perilous journey to Mount Doom with him. I happened to catch the very end of The Return of the King late last night with Brent slumbering beside me. After making it through last week with Brent standing ever ready, I was reminded how lucky I am. And he proved himself again when a laundry basket that seemed bottomless, was miraculously empty.

Okay, so I'm all for a little drama but I'm such a sucker for a happy ending!

Moments

Homemade bread and jam are just about as close to heavenly as you can get but a warm embrace of pure love is what clears the skys and brings heaven into view.

Rainy shoulders

I know this isn't news for anyone but just my own musings. Sometimes life feels like a downpour! It comes down hard, fast and relentlessly. Coming up for air seems impossible and so you just keep your head down and lean into the onslaught. At times like this it is hard to look outside myself. I'm not very good at finding the rainbow amidst the storm. Such were my selfish thoughts last week when I read my cousin's blog. The 'weather' in her neck of the woods was similar to mine. She said I could share with you. She lives on a large farm and among other raindrops falling down upon her she wrote this:

When I went to get the mail today, I was noticing how badly the alfalfa needs to be cut and how ragged the lawn looks. I was wondering what we are going to do about the Johnson grass in our garden plot and how we are going to afford the fencing that we want to put in so we have more pasture land. I looked at the weeds choking the electric fence line and wondered when we would ever have time to kill those off and get the electric fence working again. I wondered what possessed us to think we could handle a farm. I guess it has just been one of those days.
I came in the house and did something I hardly ever do--I turned on the tv. There was a talk from the 2006 Womens Conference on the BYU channel and the speaker told of a time when she was praying to have her burden lightened because she just couldnt carry it any longer. The Spirit whispered to her that she was praying for the wrong thing. She needed to pray for stronger shoulders to be able to carry the burden.

I was grateful to read Melanie's words. It was a slice of the rainbow I needed to see. And one of the wonderful things about being 41 years old, I do know that weather patterns like this come and go. I also know that a heavy rain is cleansing. It washes the dust and dirt away. So as the rain falls I'll look through the pelting drops and pray for stronger shoulders. What a beautiful perspective. Thanks Melanie.

Tagged again

Here's what I'm supposed to do: list 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts and then tag 5 other people.

JOYS

1. Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk (I've noted this on my blog in several other places. It must bring great joy!)

2. music, music, music

3. the fact that when I stand wrapped up in Brent's arms, I fit exactly under his chin.

FEARS

1. the dark

2. being alone

3. drowning

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

1. Edward

2. Lifesavers - the orange mint ones!!

3. ER - the final season begins September 25th

SURPRISING FACTS
These are no surprise - I'm such an open book!

1. hate to dust

2. love a good laugh

3. love good a read

I'd love for anyone to play along but I'll officially tag only one - come on Collette! You can do this! I'm here to help if you need it.

My birthday song

Here is a link to find the #1 song that was rockin' the airwaves on the day you were born.

On my birthday it was "Penny Lane" by the Beatles.

Leave a comment on my blog and let me know what your official "birthday song" is!!

After a big day

Great conversations should always begin

with a yummy treat and a glass of cold milk.

Ours did!!

Here we go again!

Another school year!

This year Maddie heads off to 8th grade.
I vow to enjoy this.
Next year means high school
and I feel quite faint when I
let my thoughts go there.

Davis is off to conquer 4th grade.

Both were excited and full of confidence

when they headed out the door.

A kiss for both and there they go.

Kindergarten for Cooper.

Is it possible that he is ready for this?

Or is it me - yeah, it's me.

I don't think I'm ready for this.

We walked hand in hand to school.

He was holding on pretty tight

but then again, that might have been me.

After waves and hugs of good bye

he got in line and listened very carefully to the

teacher's instructions. . .

which were to stand tall and straight like a pencil

and to put a bubble in your mouth and hold it there

while they walked to their classroom.

He walked away tall and straight as a pencil.

He glanced over his shoulder at me a few times

but then again, that could have been me.

When I in awesome wonder. . .

Walking through these groves of giants
made me feel like a tiny dot on the
timeline of eternity.

Pictures do not do it justice
but I tried to capture a little
of my AWE.

Words of a beautiful Hymn floated through
my mind and whispered to my heart.

The Giant Redwoods are meant
to be experienced by everyone.
Put it on your list of things to do.

As an afterthought. . .

This picture is my favorite although I

couldn't decide why.

I do now.

I love the path through these trees.

It looks as if I could follow this beautiful path

right into the arms of my Heavenly Father.

I think my mom would love this picture too.

He has a way. . .

The day before we left for California I was at the computer
and on the phone at the same time.
Multi-tasking!! Busy!! Getting stuff done!!

Davis comes in with this little art project he had just
whipped up and tapped me on the shoulder.

Without interupting me or saying a word out loud,
he pointed to the pink swan and then pointed at me
then he pointed at the blue swan and pointed to himself.
He walked out quietly.

My heart melted and again I realized how lucky
I am to be this child's mother.
He was sent to me with a heart
bigger than life.

I hope I don't mess it up!

I'm a survivor!

I got back from Girls Camp this past Saturday with these amazing young ladies!

I had such a remarkable week.

I could go on and on about all the fun ~

there was plenty of it!

I need to record a testimony strengthening experience for me. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember this post from when Shannon and I went up to Camp Lo Mia to find a place for our ward hike. I knew that that occasion had been special and an answer to prayer but I didn't realize the impact of that blessing until our hike experience took place last week. We have a Mia Maid in our program who has some severe health problems. Hayden was born with these serious health issues. Mostly lung related, she deals with this as part of her everyday life. Because of Priesthood miralces in her life, she is able to be a part of our YW's ~ and she is a gem!! Always a smile on her sweet face and a shining example of faith, courage and hope. Before camp she became quite sick and was advised by her doctor not to attend camp. Never one to miss the annual event, Hayden asked for a priesthood blessing that she would be able to make it to camp with our ward. Hayden's blessing was granted. Although she was not feeling 100%, she was well enough to attend - with certain restrictions. Hayden's physical exertion really had to be monitored. Our girls always made sure she had a piggy back ride up and down the trail from the lodge to our campsite. They really take such good care of her. When the morning dawned of our hike we realized that this might cause a huge problem for Hayden. More than likely she would have to be excluded from this part of our activities. As part of the hike, we had planned an experience where the girls would search the area for some objects and we would come together to discuss them. Unbeknownst to the girls, these would be the FOUR CORNERSTONES of the gospel. Before camp I had asked Hayden to participate during this hike and bear her testimony about the cornerstone of the Priesthood and the impact it had in her life. She was prepared and now she might not be able to go on the hike. While the girls ate breakfast, Shannon and I broke away to post signs and set up our hike experience items. We realized that the place we had found three months earlier was the perfect spot for Hayden. There was road access the entire way. Hayden could be driven to the "doorstep" of where we were going to be. Hayden was able to bear a powerful and heartfelt testimony of the power of the priesthood to our Young Women. As Hayden was driven back to the main camp the rest of the girls hiked back, I was overcome with emotion. The Lord knew that this was the experience our girls were to have. Had Shannon and I picked ANY other spot, Hayden would not have been able to be there with us. Heavenly Father was watching over Hayden three months earlier when Shannon and I decided to try the path less trodden. Truly, oh how lovely was the morning!

They call him what??

We were watching the MLB All-Star game last night. Derek Jeter was a fan favorite and the crowd would chant his name over and over - Jeter! Jeter! Finally Cooper asked, "Why do they call him that? Is he a big ol' cheater or something?" After a family laugh, Brent explained that his name was JETER not CHEATER.

4th of July moments

I just posted a slide show of our family vacation to Utah over the 4th of July holiday. I had so many fun pictures that I couldn't decide which to post. The slide show made it easier!! Here's a little commentary to accompany the pictures:

On our way to Utah we stopped at Bryce Canyon. It was THE most perfect day to do so. I don't consider myself much of a picture taker but I really liked the shots I got. The sky was such a gorgeous blue and the fluffy clouds made for fail-proof pictures. And yes, we did feed the animals. Why is it that kids cannot resist the cute little trail creatures that beg for a cracker??

Once we were at my Dad's, one of the first things I did was visit my Mom. I got a sweet smile from her that absolutely made my day! Oh how I pray she knew I was there and that my arms were wrapped around her. I took her to the commons area and played some Hymns for her. I love to do that for her. Mom, I love you. Your mansions await.

Our schedule was packed from then on:
- drive in with the cousins and swimming in their new pool
- working on Scout projects with Grandpa in his shop
- Cherry Hill water slide
- family BBQ at my brother's home. Jim is always so great about opening his home and inviting us all in. Being with my brothers and their families was the highlight for me.
- my kids playing Wii to their hearts content. Cooper took Jamie down in a boxing match!!
- fourwheelin' is always a must
- my Dad's delicious dutch oven ribs and chocolate cherry cake
- picking yummy fresh berries from my dad's garden
- Davis threw a baseball through one of Grandpa's windows. This is a first for us. I consider that pretty incredible given the amount of time we spend playing ball. That turned out to be an extra $100 we didn't have planned for the trip.
- celebrating the 4th!! My little hometown parade made me so happy!
- the patriotic flyover gives me such amazing chills!! My heart is full of gratitude.
- a fun evening of street fireworks and sparklers in Provo with the Penningtons
-watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks from the comfort of their lawn and again feeling the power of another flyover!! In the words of our little three year old friend Bennett, "it shook the whole earth!"
- we were close enough that we could hear Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group perform
- enjoyed the incredible french toast at Kneaders in Provo for breakfast. It should be a must on anyone's list
-took a little detour up the canyon and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls to cool us off
-the sound of the Provo river rolling by made me very emotional. It was a comforting and beautiful sound.
-hung out on BYU's campus and spent an undisclosed amount of money at the bookstore
-Brent was able to further his brainwashing of our children
-lunch at the Brick Oven topped off an wonderful trip!!

And that about sums it up!
For me the 4th of July holiday is best in Utah surrounded by cool evening temps and my family!!

Gooey goodness

A friend asked for this simple recipe just the other day so I thought I'd post it here. So yummy and so easy!!

2 bags of popped microwave popcorn - sift out the unpopped kernels
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
36 big marshmallows

Melt the butter and brown sugar at a medium heat. As soon as it is melted, add the marshmallows and stir. For the best and most gooey results, don't melt your butter and sugar too fast or too hot. As you stir in the marshmallows, take the pan off the heat everyone once in awhile. Pour this mixture over your popped corn and mix completely. I add peanuts to this recipe every once in a while. YUM-O!

Recipe Review

I tried two brand new recipes this week. As much as I love watching Food Network and have a secret desire to be The Next Food Network Star, I really don't cook anything other than the same rotation of recipes that I know my family likes. It does get rather boring - especially in the summer. So I found a couple of new food blogs with some great ideas. I decided that my children are old enough to try something new without having a meltdown and that Brent and I deserve some variety in between the tried and true standbys.


Recipe #1: Pineapple Meatballs served over rice
The review:

Myself - Not being a real meatball fan, I surprised myself by choosing this one, but the pineapple sauce had me interested. It was yummy and I would make this again.

Brent - He really enjoyed it. Thought the flavor of the sauce was yummy, especially over the rice and liked the seasoning in the meatballs. He asked that this be put into the rotation.

Davis - He liked this a lot. Although he picked the pineapple pieces out, he liked the flavor as well. He ate this heated up the next day for lunch and said it was best the first time around. Good to know. He said to please make it again.

Maddison - She cried. And claims she gagged. She cried again.

Cooper - He started out claiming he loved it. He was even cheering. After one bite, he smothered it in ketchup. But he finished it.

Recipe #2: Honey Lime Enchiladas
The review:

Myself - Soooo good! Definitely a keeper for me. I'm not a huge red sauce enchilada person so this one is my new go to enchilada recipe!

Brent - Loved it. Would definitely like to eat this again.

Davis - He gobbled it up as well. Although he said it was a bit spicy but not too bad.

Maddison - She enjoyed it. Said "wow! it's got a kick to it." Said she was happy to not be gagging this time and would definitely eat it again.

Cooper - it took us 20 minutes to convince him to try a bite. He finally did. He wouldn't swallow and refused to eat the 4 bites that were on his plate. Ketchup wouldn't work this time. After two nights of exploring his palate, he got a PB&Honey for his efforts. I know - I'm such a sucker.

So overall I have two new recipes that will appear again on the Brown family menu lineup. Most will be happy and well fed. I do understand that my daughter might refuse to come to the table on meatball night and that Cooper might live on PB&H for the rest of his life.
I'm actually fine with that.

Tagged

I have been tagged by my friend, Jo-Anne, so here it goes:


1.I was asked to name 5 things that I do for myself:
a. pray
b. read
c. indulge in Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk once in awhile
d. took my daily (sometimes more than that) Cherry Coke Zero out of my routine.
e. put myself in "time out" on occasion

2.Name 5 kind things I do for friends, my children or partner:
a. put myself in "time out" on occasion
b. pray
c. snuggle time for children and partner
d. offer hugs, a listening ear, a smile
e. make school lunches for my children and include a happy note on a napkin

3.Name 5 kind things I've done for a strangers:
a. held open a door
b. let a car merge in, even when I was in a hurry
c. helped with service projects
d. gave a compliment to a young mother
e. let people cut in line

4.Name 5 hobbies I enjoy:
I don't think I have hobbies, just interests.
a. book club
b. collecting new recipes - notice I didn't say trying new recipes.
c. writing
d. an enjoyable project - I have many unfinished projects
e. collecting scrapbook paper - not that I make use of any of it but I can't resist a cute piece of paper.

So there you have it!
Now hold your breath while I tag 5 others. . .
1. Kami
2. Jodie
3. Marla
4. Rhonda

A Celebration

This week marks our 8th year anniversary of our move to the land of the blazing sun and unforgiving heat. Davis was only18 months old when we pulled into the driveway on Cullumber Street. Is is possible that I have come to love this cactus filled place? I never thought my heart would let a piece of this desert find a cozy corner within its walls. In fact, I'll never forget the fit I pitched the evening Brent got the phone call that this was our choice. I was standing in the kitchen, listening in on Brent's conversation. Could this really be happening? Are they really asking us to move with the company or he'd have to find another job? I heard Phoenix, Arizona. Where?? The stinkin' desert?? Isn't that a bazillion miles from here?? No way! I'm NOT going! I was pounding my fist on the counter and stomping my feet for emphasis. Really I was - Brent will verify the horrific scene. He then said to his boss, "Before I give you my decision, can my wife and I take a trip out there and at least see what it's like. She is having a serious meltdown right now and I can't ask her to do this without checking things out."
We were heading to Phoenix that weekend.
Things I learned in that 48 hours:
a. to avoid scalding the bottoms of your feet, leave your shoes on when jumping from the car to grab a "house for sale" flyer.
b. I would be the only woman with children. After all, there were NO kids outside playing.
c. nobody owns a lawnmower because ROCKS take the place of GRASS.
d. cactus are prickly and depressing
e. Arizona would never make me happy

After lots of prayer, fasting and a trip to the temple that held our answer, we were back in Arizona searching for a house. Another 48 hours to make a decision. A college friend of Brent's insisted we take a look out in the East Valley. We did. We were lined up to look at twenty homes. The second one we looked at we knew would be ours. Five offers were put on the house. Ours was the accepted offer.
What I learned in this 48 hours:
a. our Heavenly Father is acutely aware of each of us
b. answers to prayers are sometimes scary
and most comforting of all was that Heavenly Father helped me to see something I didn't notice before. . .


c. the desert
blooms!!







My testimony is that whatever

desert you may be walking

through. . .

and no matter now prickly

the cactus seem to be,

you will find peace

and beauty. . .

where you least

expect it.

Your desert will bloom ~

it's God's plan.

I'm so grateful to celebrate 8 years in Gilbert. I'm grateful my heart yielded to this ridiculous scene. I'm grateful for every hand of service, every hug of tenderness, every breath of kindness. You are the blossoms Heavenly Father has placed on my path. I've gathered each and every one of you up and placed you in a gorgeous crystal vase and you sit right in the middle of my heart.

Maddison Joy

**for background music click on "She's a Butterfly" on my playlist. It is my song for Maddison. If you have daughter, I hope you love it as much as I do!!

The baby's due date was
the 4th of July!!
I was so excited to think that
my baby would have fireworks
to celebrate a birthday every year.
Instead, almost three weeks early,
she made her appearance.
A little girl!!
I secretly had hoped we would
have a girl first.

And every year since,
we celebrate her again.

age 2

age 3 1/2

age 8

age 10 1/2

Officially a teenager! Happy 13th Maddison Joy!

I come to better understand my purpose and my season

as a mother of a young family as each of

my children reach milestones in their lives.

I must pray continually, love unconditionally,

serve them faithfully, ask for forgiveness daily,

forgive readily, rebuke softly, offer praise immediately,

seek inspiration regularly, hug and kiss repeatedly,

teach patiently, and savor each moment gratefully.

Maddison is a JOY!

Her love, kindness, and obedience - mixed with

the very energetic drama of a female teenager -

are part of what makes our house a home

and our lives totally complete.

My first teenager. What a wonderful milestone!

But with all the happiness it brings, I must admit

with a deep sigh of motherly sadness,

I am aware that every milestone is a stepping stone.

Each taking her another step farther away from me.

Don't go too far too fast Sis. I love you "17"!!