Mike - Senior Prom

Senior Prom is a nostalgic time for seniors.  It is their last formal High School dance.  Students begin reflecting on what has been, and what is yet to come.  Many girl's save each corsage, reminiscing about their high school dance experiences.  Guy's, while a little sentimental, begin thinking about graduating and immediately leaving for 2 years on missions.  Yes, it's a rather reflective time.

Thank heaven for sisters!  Mike's choice of tux did not meet mine or Kate's approval.  With 20 minutes before closing the night before, we exchanged some of this clothing choices.  Black and white stripped shoes, "clown shoes", as Kate and I called them, was one of the few items exchanged. Phew!

Mike's dance group went to Fastkart in SL for their "day date", which was held the night before prom.  Fastkart is a facility where you experience a real speedway with two indoor Go Kart Road courses.  To begin with, each participate was given an attractive hair-net to wear under their helmet to avoid any scalping.  The group enjoyed flaunting their new hair-dos.  The kids had a blast racing against each other,  as the boys' politely (as they put it),"let the girl's win".

Kate had everything set out for Mike on the day of Prom down to what watch to wear. He looked very handsome! His date, Brynn Mortensen, looked gorgeous!  What a fabulous couple!

They began the evening dining at the Rodizio Grill.  The Rodizio Grill offers over a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, perfectly seasoned and carved table side by Brazilian Gauchos.  The girl's were very good sports.  They graciously ate every kind of meat that the boys' did, which included bizare choices such as rattlesnake meat, and chicken hearts.

The dance was held at The Davis Conference Center, where they danced the night away.

They finished the night off with swimming, movies, dessert, and fun at Zac Muri's house.  It was a cold night, but kids will be kids, and swimming was a hit.  It wasn't until days later they realized the pool's clorine count was a little high.  Some girl's hair changed colors, and others had to get their hair trimmed (only about 4 inches), while others had their swim suit color change from black to brown.  Oops!

They had a wonderful time, Mike's date, Brynn Mortensen, was gorgeous and fun!  What a great night!

Preparing to Go Kart

Our Family with Mike

 Brynn & Mike

Confiscated

Week ends are highly anticipated by my children.  It is a time to relax, enjoy life, participate in sports, and of course P A R T Y!  Yes, every teenager loves to party!

We hosted a surprise party for Mike's friend Tucker at our house this past week end.  Mike and his friends did a great job preparing for the party.  Of course they were assisted by Kate, and Tucker's mom.  Tucker's mom made a fabulous home-made birthday banner, and brought a delightful cake.  Kate helped blow up balloons, and made some tasty punch.  Tucker was very surprised!  It was a fun time had by all.

Lizzy had planned on having a couple friends over the same night.  I assured her that the boys' would be downstairs, and she and her friends could have the main level.

Ben was headed for an air soft war with the neighborhood boys.  My instructions to him, included wearing the necessary protective gear. I suppose my directions should have been a little more specific.

Unbeknownst to me, there was trouble brewing.  The basement windows were open to get some air circulating, as the party was going. Ben and his friends decided to shoot people at the party through the open windows with their air soft guns, and run as fast as they could.  Mike and a few friends from the party, hunted them down in the red truck, with a spot light, found them, tackled them, and brought them back home for their punishment.  When they arrived home, they decided to duct tape them together.  It wasn't until they were looking for duct tape that I began inquiring as to what was going on.  Where was I?  Right in the den, by the front door.  How could I miss all the commotion? My kids hate to tattle on each other, so they just take care of things themselves.  I wish they were a little more informative.

After my intervention with the duct tape, Ben's air soft gun got confiscated.

It's getting a little crazy around here!

Tucker's Party

Ben ready for air soft wars.

Liz and friends.

Girls or Boys?

One of the perks of extracurricular activities, is that you get to spend time in the car with your kids.  To avoid listening to me sing along to the radio, or other annoying habits I may have; on occasion, we engage in some very entertaining conversation.

Having the full attention of both Ben, and Lizzy the other night while picking them up from various activities, I proceeded to talk to them about our changing family.  "Within a couples months it be just the three of us at home,"I stated.  This comment got Ben's mind churning.  "Do you wish you had all girls' or all boys'?" he questioned.  "I am glad I have both," I declared.  "Well, I know that if you had to pick, you would have all boys, cause you like boys best," he stated. Before I had time to comment he explained, "You are not a 'girly, girl, mom'.  You love to watch sports, and especially love to watch me, he continued.  "I do love sports, Ben, but I also love watching Lizzy dance, and tumble too.  I think I'm a girly, girl, mom.  I like to wear femine clothing and jewelry, and paint my nails," I rebutted. "Well, that doesn't count as being a 'girly, girl'.  You love sports more than dance, and you like to watch me the most," he refuted.

Someone has a little confidence.

The Veil

Often when I am tending little Mason, I notice him staring in a corner with a big grin on his face, acting as if someone is standing there.  His face lights up as he gets excited about what he sees.  Sometimes, I get teary eyed, believing that the veil is thin, and that this cute little boy sees his grandpa.  Teary, because I wish Steve were here. Sometimes, Kate, believing the same thing as I do, will say, “Grandpa, are you there,” bringing a smile to my face.  I am sure that Mason and Steve got to spend some quality time together before Mason ventured off to this mortal life.

My two missionaries will be leaving in a couple months.  It is comforting for me to believe that their Father will be with them. I believe, that at times, they will feel his presence, and he will help them while they are serving the Lord.  There many earthly things Steve cannot do, but we are blessed to have an angel on the other side watching over us.  He will be able to help Kate and Mike on their missions in a way that I will not be able to.

Boyd K. Packer in his conference address in 1987, title, Covenants states, “I remind you that it is a veil, not a wall, that separates us from the spirit world... Veils can become thin, even parted...They who have preceded us in this work and our forebears there, on occasion, are very close to us... I am a witness that those who go beyond the veil yet live and minister here, to the end that this work might be completed.”

Easter 2013

Easter Sunday we had a fabulous Sacrament Meeting.  It made me a little teary....well maybe a lot.  That happens sometimes.  I have learned to be OK with that.  I'm grateful for my understanding about life after death.  What a blessing it is to know we will all live together as a complete family someday.  That's such a comforting, nice thought.

The Easter Bunny came to our house.  She filled the baskets to the brim with sweets, and left a few gifts.  Mike got a DVD of Duck Dynasty.  If you haven't watched that TV show, you are really missing out (according to Mike).  Ben got a super soaker. Can't wait to start dodging water bullets.  Kate and Lizzy were pleased with their new Easter clothes.

Mike LOVES to hide the Easter baskets.  This year he went a little overboard with Ben.  Ben's a good sport about it, probably because Mike is the mastermind behind it. Kate, gave up on looking for her basket and is just enjoying everyone else's.

We stopped by Steve's grave on the way to the grandparents.  Kate and Mike had copied their mission calls to leave at his grave, along with some Easter Lilies.  I had to take a picture of what will be left of our family when these two missionaries leave.  In the four and a half years that Steve has been gone, our family has changed so much.  Two are married, two going on missions, one grandchild, and only two kids and myself will be at home.  Life marches on.

Grandma and Grandpa Brown hosted a lovely Easter dinner, and fabulous Easter Egg hunt.  The grandkids are growing up, but they still love spending time together and with their Grandparents, and relatives.

Steve's grave.

Easter at our house.

The Easter Egg hunt with the relatives.

The hunt, two beautiful girls, the Hansen's with their new little one Milo, and Mason.

The crowd.

Two cute almost 18 year olds.

Cute boys with Grandpa Brown.

Easter Eve

Easter Eve day we delivered Easter gifts to the married kids and Mason.  Mase loved his bunny ball, bunny sippy, and new Easter out-fit.  We knew he would love his bunny ball, since I can't wait to give gifts and let him play with it at my house one day while I was tending him.

Bunny jars filled with Easter candy were given to the married couples, along with Chicks and Rabbits for Sarah.  Hope no one is dieting!  We love playing Easter Bunny!

The evening was filled with coloring eggs.  I learned a new way of coloring eggs from Pinterest that involved a whisk.  Unfortunately, I didn't love it.  Mase loved putting everything in his mouth.  He enjoyed getting in all the action from his bumbo.  We had a slight problem when we couldn't get this cute little Chunky Monkey out of it.  That's right his squishy little legs got stuck.  I held him, while Meg pulled him out of it.

We are ready for the Easter Bunny!

The Cottle's

The Hansen's

Our beautiful eggs.

Coloring Eggs.

Stuck in the bumbo.

Happy Birthday Kate

Twenty years ago, Katelyn Brooke Brown was born. I remember destinctly the day she was born. It was such an easy birth....if there is such a thing.  When she was born, I looked at the doctor and said, "Is something wrong, she isn't crying?" To which he replied, "No, she is just a good natured baby."  Kate certainly is good natured, but definitely Not quiet!  She is full of energy and life, and keeps us laughing. We are so happy she is a part of our family.

On Kate's actually birthday, Lizzy was trying-out for cheer.  Instead of worrying about herself, she made good luck treats for her sister, helped her with her wardrobe, and curled her hair. Always helpful, that is Kate.

We certainly didn't let Kate's birthday go past without a bang.  We decorated with balloons and candy, had a cute ice-cream cake, took her to Rio Grande, and watched her open presents.

We love Kate!

Cutest Baby!

Texas Road House for the March Birthdays. Ben was at baseball and Meagan was taking the picture....almost got everyone!

Happy 20th Kate!

Breaking Tradition

Junior High School is an interesting time of life.  Students are not only learning academics, but are also learning social skills.  It is enjoyable to watch kids blossom.  Some of the joys of advancing in school is participating in extracurricular activities.

All of my girl's (Meagan, Sarah, and Katelyn), have been 9th Class Officers.  We thought perhaps a tradition had been started at our house.  However, Lizzy had another idea.  She wanted to be a Cheerleader.  She is a great tumbler, who can pull off quite a few tricks for a girl her age.  From back handsprings, to tucks, she is pretty good.

Mueller Park Jr. High had Cheer try-outs on Friday.  Clinics- where you learn the cheer, dance, jumps, and tumbling- were Monday through Thursday.  Lizzy worked hard throughout the week to perfect the routines.  Her hard work paid off Friday during try-outs.  She was so excited to make the cheer team.

She thrilled to be a 9th grade MPJ Panther Cheerleader with 11 other adorable girls.  Yay Lizzy!

Good luck treats for Lizzy!

March Madness 2013

Bye, bye, bracket.  For those who were predicting  Gonzaga to take it all, you might have been a little disappointed by the Wichita St. Shockers defeating them. It was an unfitting end for a team that earned their first No. 1 overall ranking in school history just weeks before.

Besides being a top-seeded team, my love for the Zag’s may have something to do with #11, David Stockton.  Yes, he is the son of the talented, and athletic, Jazz Basketball player, John Stockton.

I got a little teary-eyed watching John and his wife in the stands, in the very arena John played in, rooting for his son.  The sadness that was felt by his family as they watched the Shockers defeat the Zags was felt by those of us who admire him and his family, and of course the Zags.

My adoration for John Stockton goes beyond the basketball court.  Yes, I watched him play from 1984 to 2003 with the Utah Jazz.  Back in the good ole’ days, TSG had season tickets to the Jazz, which allowed us to get up close and personal with the Jazz.

Besides John’s phenomenal basketball record, he is an amazing family man.  We got to spend some time with his family when we were invited to a 40th birthday party of a friend where the Stockton and Hornacek families were present.

It was 2001 when Mike and Mary invited us to his 40th birthday party.  Mary, his wife, and my friend, hosted the party.  Little did we know, that among the invited guests were the Stockton, and Hornacek families.

Mike was only 8 at the time, but couldn’t have been more impressed. John Stockton was one of his favorite players. Mary grabbed me and said, “You should see the look on Michael’s face.”  It was priceless!

My older girls were busy being teenagers and didn’t want to come, so we took the younger 3.  Ben had not joined our family yet, but I was contemplating adding one more to our family.

John Stockton’s wife Nada had just had their 6th baby, Samuel.  I had a great time holding, and playing with him since, I secretly wanted another little boy myself. When John Stockton realized Mike was my only boy among 4 girls he stated, “Well, you have to have another boy.”  I thought that might influence Steve, but it only made him laugh.

Ben was born in 2002, so I guess the joke was on Steve.  I tell Ben, that it was John Stockton that persuaded us to have another baby.  Not really true, but a good story.

Although we were probably just another face in the crowd to the Stockton’s, they were very memorable to us.  Hopefully, for the Stockton family and Gonzaga, next year will have a happier ending for the Zags.

Piano Federation

Ben and Lizzy participated in piano Federation. They have been preparing for months, two pieces to perform. Ben played The Ride of Paul Rivere, and Plaza De Torros, while  Lizzy played El Matador and German Dances Number 2.

It is a little intimidating performing before 2 judges at the University of Utah.  They both came back with Superior rating which is the highest level of performances.  I was grateful their hard work paid off.

Hi Chews

Hi-Chew is a flavorful Japanese fruit chew. This candy was once difficult to find.   It is now found in some local grocery stores, and is finally sold in bulk at Costco. Hooray! I was happy to find this tasty treat in the big size at Costco.

One would think this should last our family quite awhile.  However, for some reason it has only been lasting a few days.  I couldn't figure out what was happening until Ben came home from school one day with a little extra cash.

Ben delightfully reported, "Mom, I have earned $13 at school this week." "How so?" I inquired.  "Well, I have been selling Hi-Chew to kids at school, 2 for .50. No wonder he hasn't wanted to do extra chores for cash.

Mystery solved!  What cute little entrepreneur.

Alice In Wonderland - CAA Performance

Creative Arts Academy dance students performed in the ballet Alice In Wonderland.   The stage was transformed with beautiful, vibrant settings, spectacular costumes and props, and fabulous choreography.  Each performance (Thursday through Saturday) at BHS, was packed with standing room only for spectators to view this amazing ballet.  From the tiny teacups, to the more advanced dancer, each was majestic on their own level.

Kate, Meagan, and I, made it a "girls night out" watching Lizzy perform as a beautiful caterpillar, and eating out.  Lizzy was fabulous!

Liz

Fosse Company

Sisters

Dancing Caterpillars

Happy 18th Mike

Mike's choice of birthday celebration, was dining at The Market Street Grill. He wanted to curtail his distaste for seafood, since soon he will be living in Alaska for 2 years where seafood is abundant.  Market Street is well known for it's exquisite preparation of seafood, so I expected raving reviews.  He carefully chose a mild fish - halibut - that was very palatable.  I made him try their famous clam chowder, which he endured.  Even dining at one of Salt Lake's finest seafood restaurants could not make him a Pescetarian (person who just eats seafood, fruits and nuts).

His comment at the end of the night was, "Seafood is alright, but if I had to choose between beef and seafood, I'd choose beef."  To the delectable raspberry almond tartlet he said, "I don't really like fruit in my dessert."  What?  Who raised you any who?

My adorable little fisher boy likes to catch them, but not eat them.  Awe.......

Despite his lack of enthusiasm for seafood, we had a great time.  Happy Birthday Mike!

First Fish

Dining at Market Street

Birthday Celebration

Happy 18th to an amazing young man.  Love you!

Bountiful High School 4A State Basketball Tournament

The Braves headed to the 4A state tournament with a 19 game winning streak. Thursday's, win over the Westlake Thunder in the first round only pushed their streak forward. The Braves ended with a win over the Westlake Thunder 67-53. With Orem loosing in the first round, the Braves had momentum, and confidence in taking state. The Braves moved to the semi-finals Friday night, playing against, the Sky View Bobcats.

State basketball games are usually close.  Only the best teams are in the state tournament.  Once there, with all teams playing at the top of their game, anything goes.  Friday night was no different, when the Sky View Bobcats, beat the Bountiful Braves at the buzzer.  It is a game that will be remembered for years to come.

Shocked and devastated was the response by the players and the fans of the clutch performance by Jalen Moore from Sky View.  The Braves played their hearts out, and were confident with a win as they lead in overtime.  With only 2.9 seconds left in the game, and the Braves up by 3, Moore took a half court, fade away shot, that went in by pure luck.  What a heart breaker for the Braves!

The night wasn't a complete loss.  The players should be holding their heads high by playing an outstanding game.  Not only are their skills remarkable, but their hearts are too.  Friday night was "Pink Out", where fans wore pink to honor Mo Manu's mom as well as another student's mother and other cancer patients.

The fans and the community of Bountiful have rallied around Mo, and his family as his mother has been fighting cancer for the second time.  The chant's of, "We Love Lile!" rang from the stands, as the students, dressed in pink, expressed their love and support for the Manu family.

Mike, continued to support his team from the injured bench.  It was heart wrenching as he observed from the bench, unable to play the entire season.

With a young team, we are hopeful for next year!

Rain Gutter Regata

The Rain Gutter Regatta races small model boats along a 10-foot long water-filled rain gutter. As with the Pinewood Derby car races, each participant is given a standard kit that includes only the pre-approved parts for building a boat. One significant difference between this event and the Pinewood Derby is the involvement of the participant during the race. The participants must blow into the boat's sails to propel it along the rain gutter.

Ben and Mike have been preparing for days for the Rain Gutter Regatta.  Each Scout constructs, paints, and embellishes their boat to race in the competition.  Mike, wanting Ben's boat to be better than the delivered and approved kit, bought Ben's boat kit at the Scout store.  The Clerk insured him, that the kit he sold to Mike was better than the standard kit received.

Unfortunately, Ben's boat didn't fit in the 10-foot long, who knows how wide (not wide enough), water-filled rain gutter.  His beautiful boat couldn't even race.  Ben was disappointed, but since Mike made the error, not me, he quickly forgave.

Next time, I'm not delegating Boy Scout projects to my Eagle Scout.