Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays! We hope this video brings a little smile to your face.

Love,

The Browns

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Why You Shouldn't Eat A Turkey

So, Eric (2nd grade) had an assignment to write about why you shouldn't eat a turkey on Thanksgiving from the Turkey's point of view. Let us just say, the essay was very persuasive.



"These are the reasons you shouldn't eat a turkey this Thanksgiving. First, I am really young! I am only 2 years old. Don't you want me to go to preschool? Second, I am super expensive! Turkeys cost a billion bucks. A rooster only costs 2 cents! Third, turkeys are really unhealthy. We eat tobacco and beer. So that is why you shouldn't eat a turkey this Thanksgiving."



We almost lost our Turkey when we read it. Ahhh, youth.

Happy Halloweeeeeen!

Happy Halloween everyone! I'm excited to blog surf and see all of your pictures. We had a great time. This was the first year I didn't make Eric's costume, but I knew I couldn't do a very good job replicating Captain Rex (in case you didn't recognize him, or come from the old school of Star Wars fans, he is a new character in the Clone Wars series). I did make an attempt at Lily's Ariel costume, however. I was pleased with the results, although as I was sewing the top, I half-considered giving up and just using seashells, it would have been MUCH simpler, albeit less modest. She loved the costume, which made me happy and she actually managed to keep the wig on, which was miraculous. Her preschool had a little program. The video is mostly for the benefit of grandparents. The second video is for anyone who is unfamiliar with Lily's innate ability to preen. She has been doing it since she was able to walk. That girl knows how to work it, I'm a little worried...

The Back Posting Continues...

Our Baby turned four in May! Where does the time go? It's a little frightening. Lily has been such a wonderful addition to our family. She is all girl, which is fun for her girly mom. She loves to sing and dance, play Princesses, My Little Pony, etc. She loves her brother, but knows how to quietly push his buttons. She is very affectionate and polite, always remembering to say 'Thank You', although 'Please' is a little more difficult to master. We love you, Lily, and can't imagine our family without you!

I was going through a rough patch, so Alec helped me with the execution of the cake. Someday, I need to actually learn how to decorate a cake for real.

Picture of our kids at the temple.

Fourth of July

I know, we have been terrible bloggers this summer, but at least it was for a good reason. We were on such great trips! My wonderful Aunt and Uncle let us use their cabin in Island Park for the 4th and we had a fabulous time.

Lily was able to have a Tea Party with Belle before the Playmill performance of Beauty and the Beast. She LOVED it, despite the shy look on her face.

Our favorite golf course in Ashton, Idaho.

Roasting marshmallows.

Adorable Afton!

One of the most beautiful places on earth.

Barrett brought his guns and let us embarrass ourselves target shooting. Let's just hope we never have to do it to stay alive! If so, put me on Barrett's team.

The Happiest Place

Kezia came to stay with us for a few days before the big Judd Grandkids vacation in lieu of her Senior Trip. Does she look like she is having a good time or what? Nope, she's not wasted, just tired from playing with a rowdy nephew and niece. We loved having her!

Alec's grandparents took everyone to Oceanside for a vacation. Our kids had never been to California, so it was full of magical, new things for them. They loved the ocean. Lily loves to be chased, and of course waves are a great perpetual chaser.

They had a fun relay race for the kids as well as crafts for them during down time.

Lily loved the princesses (surprise, surprise). She was a good sport and went on the big rides all morning, but by the time we hit Splash Mountain, she was done. I took her on the smaller rides in the afternoon, which she loved. As we were in line for Small World and she saw the boats she said, "Mommy, are there any monsters, or dark, or waterfalls on this ride?"

Eric was lucky enough (thanks to Grandma LuAnne pointing vigorously at his head) to be picked for Jedi training. We thought it was kind of lame at first, until Darth Vader and Darth Maul came to fight each of them. It was Eric's favorite part of the day and I still catch him practicing his Light Saber sequence.

We also did Legoland, which the kids loved.

Anyone noticing a pattern here? Thanks for the wonderful trip, Judd Family!

Dream On My Children

Two funny video clips. We found Eric in his 3 year old Dragon costume, brushing his teeth while singing his favorite Aerosmith song, 'Dream On'. The second explains itself.

Serious Back Post

So, kind of a big deal, in November, my baby sister Katie got married! I finally got some of her pictures, so I can post about it. She married a great guy named Cameron who is perfect for her and they are very happy together. I was in charge of decorating the reception--no easy task on a Mormon budget in a Mormon Cultural Hall, but the feedback was positive and Katie was happy with it, which is the most important part.

This was my favorite idea--a Dutch Wishing Tree instead of a guest book. I painted all of the willow branches (with Audrey's help), and this is the result.

The table lanterns were my other favorite find, they looked really nice with the lights dimmed.

Isn't she a beautiful bride? The great pics were taken by my cousin, Bryan McCracken, who lives in the North Salt Lake area, for anyone who is looking for a photographer. I can get you his info.

Projects and Pizza

Once upon a time, a boy named Alec and a girl named Jennifer went on a quest to taste the best pizza in America. A lofty quest, you might say. The humble couple decided it was within their reach since the best pizza in America happens to be in Phoenix. "It may not be so easy," said the local villagers, "you will have to wait a very long time to enjoy such delights, especially since it was featured on Oprah, Martha, Rachel ray, and the Food Network."
"We are willing to wait," said the doomed pair.
So, they found a sitter for their children, invited some friends, and planned to be at the doors just as it opened, willing to wait a couple of hours.
"Four and a half hours, is what you must wait," said the Hostess.
Disappointed, our luckless couple settled for TGI Friday's instead.
Then, along came our heroine, Missy, who had accompanied the pair on their first fruitless quest. Faithfully navigating the intricacies of the reservation system, she was able to get one of the coveted 3 spots for last night. Alec and Jennifer rode up in Paul and Missy's faithful black SUV, sat outside until opening, then nobly strode in past the glaring lines of rain-soaked pizza pilgrims, into the mecca of pizzadom, and were rewarded with pizza almost good enough to bring tears to their eyes. And they lived satisfied ever after. Thank you, Missy.

This is the only other excitement in our lives recently. I haven't done a big furniture project in awhile because we don't want to move stuff when we are finished with school, but this is something I have been wanting to make for a long time--an upholstered headboard. I found one with a cool shape for $10. Add foam, batting, fabric, covered buttons, and voila. I am very happy with the results. It finally feels like we have a real bed. Now if I could just put up our Half-Tester with it....someday.

The Piteous Plight of the Arizona Weatherman

This is how Arizona weather maps look 95% of the year. Needless to say, Phoenix, AZ is not a premium destination if you are an aspiring weatherman.

"Today's forecast, Sunny and hot. This week, Sunny and Hot. Next week, Sunny and Hot, etc. etc."

However, there is the summer monsoon season, which can get pretty exciting, and last week we had a winter storm that lasted a few days. Alec and I had to laugh when we first moved here and saw the weather report when there was a storm. The poor little weatherman was about to have a seizure, he was so excited to have something to report.

Well, it was the same way with this storm.

"We interrupt the show you have waited all week to watch to tell you that there is a Tornado warning for Scottsdale, blah, blah, blah."

3 Minutes later:
"We interrupt your favorite show again to tell you we were wrong about the Tornado in Scottsdale."

3 Minutes later:
"We interrupt the climactic moment of your show to tell you about a Tornado warning for Chandler, blah, blah, blah.

1 Minute later:
"We interrupt the punchline of the best joke in the show to tell you we were just kidding about the Tornado in Chandler.

Roll closing credits. Argh!

Then, the poor newsmen on the newscast were trying so hard to dramatize the actual damage that was done, which amounted to two tents at a car show blowing over. Oh No! Not the tents! If the tents blow over in a storm, what is next-- all of the Valley's Wind Socks, or maybe even garage sale poster ads?

A Perfect Christmas

Once again, we had a great Christmas with our families. I think we had the perfect combination of:
A little woodworking with Grandpa,

A lot of chubby baby,

A few angels,

A few crazies,

A LOT of humor,

And plenty of time with the families we love so much. Thanks everyone!

This video clip made my parental heart warm. Good job, Santa. No heartburn this year after all.