Meagan's Birthday

Meagan has been a delight to have in our family for 22 years. She is an amazing young woman with so many outstanding qualities and talents. Meagan is a nuturer, that always watches out for everyone around her, especially her siblings. She is caring and kind, and gentle and attentive to those around her. She is a very motivated and a hard worker. She is the perfect oldest child. We love ya Meg!

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future. ~Author Unknown

This And That

Between this...... May 24th

and that........

May 23rd

my poor, beautiful, flowers don't stand a chance!

Mother's Day 2003

Mother's Day comes with many expectations. Many expectations are met, and others fade away into never never land. Mother's Day of 2003, I decided to lower my expectations just a tad since Steve was leaving on a hunting trip.

Steve made every effort to make Mother's Day memorable; breakfast in bed, wonderful gifts, but he was still leaving in the early afternoon for his trip. My oldest child at the time was 14 and my youngest was 9 months. My wonderful children offered to cook for me, but visions of the mess, and the contents of the meal kept running through my head.

I took Steve to the airport while the kids were in their Primary and Sunday School classes. After saying our goodbyes, dropping him off at the airport, and against by better judgement; I devised a scheme to have an effortless, no mess dinner.

I knew the kids were at church, and Ben wasn't old enough to ruin my plan. I dropped by KFC on the way home and ordered mouth-watering crispy fried chicken, along with all the trimmings. I hid the bucket of KFC in blankets in my car so I wouldn't be caught breaking the sabbath. I didn't want to be a bad example for my kids. I didn't stop at dinner, I then wrote myself a heart warming, very complimentary note from Steve. It included phrases from love songs, oh yes this was a fun letter to write.

When the kids arrived home they began planning the meal they were going to prepare for me. I quickly snuck out the garage door, grabbed the KFC meal, my choice of beverage, and placed them on the porch with the heart warming note, rang the doorbell and ran. I ran back in the garage door. The kids ran to the door and found a wonderful note to me from their father and dinner.

I acted so surprised. They were so excited and could not believe that their Dad had pre-ordered the meal (not on Sunday), payed for it (not on Sunday), and had it delivered with a sweet note. They were so impressed with his wonderful planning skills. When Sarah read the note she said, "that is too nice of a note for Dad". I thought I was busted, but she was just kidding, phew!

It wasn't until years later that my kids found out how much mischief I had been up to.

The best part of all though, was the note I found later on that Steve had actually written me. It was much sweeter and even more complimentary than the one I had written myself. He had met my expectations after all.

Mother's Day Program

Happy Flower Child

Mother's Day crown, and program.

Each child made a wonderful book about their mother for Mother's Day. These are some of my favorite pages from the book Ben gave to me.

Me
Not sure Ben enjoyed being a flower.

Lizzy's Harp Recital

Lizzy performed Concert Etude by Susan McDonald, and Minuet by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. I only had enough space on my memory card for Concert Etude, so that is what Lizzy is playing.

I love listening to harp music, it is heavenly.

No More Quandry

Remember this post? Well, things just seemed to work out.... and I'm pleading the fifth. My confidence in humanity, and the education system has gone up a notch.

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

I know there are many who have lost a loved one, I am not alone in the grief process. I have been inspired, by woman, some I know only through blogging, some by introductions by friends, of their strength through their this process. What I have learned, is while there are many ways in which we are similar in the way we grieve; we are also unique and individual, and experience grief in different ways. A young widow describes her grief in this article. Another mother shares her thoughts titled When Someone You Love Is Bereaved in her side bar on her blog.

We are all in different places in the grieving journey. Some of us are further along the path, and others may have experienced bumps both large and small along the way. Wherever we are, and whatever we are feeling at this moment, it is important to respect where each person is in their journey. Though this journey may be a difficult one, it is nice to know that it is people and our faith that makes the journey bearable.

A speaker at Steve's funeral talked about the importance of people in our lives. People who would serve us, but more importantly people with whom we should serve. We were encouraged to serve and be mindful of others. His advice was, as we prayed for others, served others, particularly those in our family, our grief would be lightened, and we would feel comforted by the Holy Ghost. We would find joy not only by those serving us, but by us serving others. By keeping the commandments, praying, and serving others we were promised the comforter. I am grateful to be able to feel the comforter in my life.

He also taught us from the scripture John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." We will not be left comfortless.

The passing of my spouse has been the most difficult trial I have been through. It was not in my plan, and has been hard for me to accept. When put my trust in the Lord, and embrace his plan, I have feel peace and comfort.

Many times we wonder how we can possible get through such a tragedy. Another scripture touched upon in his address was D & C , Section 42. Paraphrasing, it states that, those that have faith to be healed and not appointed unto death, shall be healed. No worthy man dies before his time. This has given me great comfort, at such a difficult time.

Grief is a continuing journey. It ebbs and flows. The level of sorrow may lessen as time passes, but it will never completely go away. There will always be reminders of our loss, memories of an amazing father, husband, friend, bishop, colleague, and family member. I always want to keep those memories alive.

Someday I might be as brave as these other woman and write about specifics about bereavement, however, for now, I am still learning and observing.

Random Acts of Kindness

This afternoon I was returning from errands, when I turned on my street, only to find two amazing people raking pine needles from my grass. I don't know how long they had been there, but how thoughtful and kind. They never called to ask if I needed help, because quite frankly I would have probably told them that we were just fine. They dropped by, did a kind deed, and quietly left. I feel full of gratitude to live around such wonderful people. I am the recipient of many kindness, and greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Alex and Lisa!

The Easter Bunny

Preparation for the Easter Bunny.

Just a FEW mishaps.
Tye-died eggs.

Katelyn in charge...kids in aprons, and newspaper down.
The Bunny came...with too much loot!

Grandma and Grandpa Brown's Easter Party was another hit this year, with fabulous food, and an extraordinary Easter egg hunt. The older boys loved finding eggs in an actual bird's nest at the top of a tree. There was even a treasure hunt for the older kids. (Kate in charge again..gotta love that girl.)

Easter Sunday

Easter lilies are abounding in symbolism. They are symbolic to spring, new life, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are not only beautiful, but their fresh fragrance fills your home with the aroma of spring. We took an Easter lily to Steve's grave today remembering the hope the Resurrection brings us.

Easter is a time when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that this mortal life is a stepping stone to eternity. It is through the resurrection that we learn that we will live again in the hereafter with love ones that have passed on. It gives us hope in our grief.

There are a few quotes from the article, In Christ Shall All Be made Alive, that bring me peace. They are as follows:

"Everyone seeks certainty in a world of doubt. Thus, Easter is a reminder of the certainty of life: life after loss, life after grief, life after death. The late President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. … But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives” (Ensign, March 2008).

Thus, the only thing more certain than death is the certainty of life. Moreover, the redemption of mankind from death is not a limited promise to a few but a universal covenant with all. The apostle Paul proclaimed that “as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Likewise, President Thomas S. Monson, worldwide leader of the Church, said, “Because our Savior died at Calvary, death has no hold upon any one of us” (Ensign, May 2007).

So, just as the dark Friday of Christ’s crucifixion passed into the bright Sunday of His resurrection, the hope that Easter brings has come again. In the words of apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Each of us will have our own Fridays — those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces.” But, he continues, “no matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come” (Ensign, November 2006).

As I mourn the loss of my husband, these passages bring me comfort, and peace. I know for certain that my "Sunday" will come. The difficult days will get better.

I am grateful to know that we will be united with him again.

Happy Birthday Katelyn

Katelyn Brooke Brown ~ Born March 29, 1993 at 12:45 a.m.
Weighed 7lbs 6 oz

Katelyn's birth was by far the easiest of all of my children. The only snag was getting my epidural (I'm much nicer once I get that). When the anesthesiologist came in, it happened to be one of Steve's old mission companions. They both forgot about me, as they were having a great time catching up. It didn't take long before I quickly reminded them that I was in need of some assistance.

I was very fortunate to have my doctor - Doctor Madsen- deliver all my babies. When Katelyn was born, she didn't cry. I was worried about her and asked the doctor what was wrong. He said there was nothing wrong, I just had a good natured baby. Katelyn's blessing day: Mom and Dad - Janet and Wayne

There were five babies born in one year on my side of the family.
Matthew, Stephanie, Jordan, Katelyn, and Laura (not shown in this picture)
Connie and Jordan, Me and Katelyn, Heidi and Laura, and Marla and Stephanie.

Katelyn's First Birthday.

The Brown's celebrating March Birthday's, Sunday, March 28th.

On Sunday we began the celebrations with a home cooked meal of Kate's choice. She chose, London Broil, with twice baked potatoes. We had several guests for dinner which made it extra fun. That same evening all the Brown relatives came over to celebrate March birthdays, and have unlimited dessert.

On Katelyn's actual birthday we went to dinner at Robintinos. My personal shopper (Sarah) came through with wonderful gifts for Katelyn. Lots of clothes and shoes, every girl's dream.

Katelyn is such a joy to have around. She is full of life, and fun. We are blessed to have her in our home. We love you Kate!

April Fool's Joke?

No joke, Meagan and Quinn will be moving to Las Vegas in June. They told us last night so that we would actually believe them. I guess change is inevitable.

Is it every easy to say good-bye, adios, sayonara? I don't think so. Especially when it is your first born, your amazing daughter, and fabulous son-in-law.

I have to keep reminding myself of the positive, they are only moving to Las Vegas; six hours away; easy to visit; not far from home; it's a great promotion for Quinn; and a wonderful time for them to bond away from their crazy (but way fun) family and relatives.

On the down-side, who is going to cook their meals; pick them up when their car breaks down; and provide them with unlimited entertainment? Isn't Las Vegas where Satan himself lives anyway (just kidding)?

Well....I think they'll figure it out. They are two of the most amazing people I know.

I'll miss them tons, but I'm excited for their new adventure.

Happy Easter Mike......From Ben

I was going through papers on my desk today, and this is what I found.

Ben's Bad Hair Day!

The Mix Up.

Today while I was paying bills I noticed a charge on my Marriott Visa Credit Card that I hadn't made. I looked on the back of the statement to get their phone number, and picked up the phone to call the credit card company concerning the charge in question.

When I called, a very strange "commercial" came on the phone. The things that were being said were "burning my ears". I could not believe that a commercial could be so dirty. I waited for a Marriott representative to get on the phone, so I could explain to them that they need to change the channel on their radio, so that those of us on hold could avoid such awful, and perverted "commercials."

As the "commercial" came to an end, the person said, "Now enter your credit card number for more intimate messages." I quickly hung up and called the same number that I thought I called in the first place. They answered promptly, Marriott Credit Card Services. Oops!