The Brown 6 Pak

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:59:00.003-06:00

Nope, Spencer is not Dorothy for Halloween. He dressed up as his other passion in life - Thomas the Train. Madison is Sleeping Beauty, Skyler a Ninja and Megan just wanted to be something scary. She definitely succeeded. The kids came home with a load of candy. (I've been having sleepless nights worrying about all the candy "bugs" eating away at their teeth)

My cute little Dorothy

2008-10-01T16:29:00.002-06:00

Spencer has discovered the movie "The Wizard of Oz". He loves musicals or at least any movie that has singing and dancing in it (the Wiggles is another one of his favorite). He has now pretty much memorized a part of every song sung in the movie. His favorite character of course is Dorothy. Getting ready for Halloween I discovered a Dorothy dress that my sister had given Madison a couple of years ago. Well, Spencer got sight of this dress and that was it. For the next couple of weeks he insisted on wearing the dress every day. I finally had to make the excuse that I am washing the dress and because it is dirty he is not able to wear it. I felt a need to break the cycle of Dorothy. It seems to be working as he is now imitating Scarecrow's dance moves and sings with him as he and Dorothy goes off to find the Wizard.

Neighborhood buddies

2008-08-25T16:18:00.001-06:00

Spencer is one lucky guy. He has two little neighbor boys his age eager to play with him on a daily basis - Sam and Jameson.

Hooray! Hooray! for the new school year.

2008-08-18T15:54:00.000-06:00

Yep, I'm one of those moms who look forward to when summer break finally ends and the kids go back to school. Here they are ready for their first day of school.

Soccer girl - Meg

2008-08-01T12:44:00.006-06:00

Megan has shown a tremendous amount of interest and love for the game of soccer. This year we decided to pursue soccer with a little more intensity. Instead of signing her up for the Legacy Center soccer program, we had her try out for the Lehi Strikers League. She was fortune enough to be chosen to play on one of three U10 teams. As a coach's assistant I was able to experience the difference in league coaching versus community - what a difference! Being involved in a more competitive level also brought on some new challenges. Megan and I experienced several moments of frustration with each other. I discovered that I'm very competitive and get way too emotionally involved. Megan discovered that she has a mom with a powerful voice. I got drawn into the practises and games and found myself "yelling" with enthusiasm. Megan thought I was yelling at her not realizing that I was only raising my voice as the intensity grew within the game. I would call it an "enthusiastic emotional display of encouragement" . Needless to say we talked it over and for now the issue is resolved. Megan is an amazing girl and has accomplished so much. Myself, I have a lot to learn and to correct. Way to go Meg!

Summer fun continued...!

2008-07-31T07:25:00.007-06:00

July was a continuations of some fun activities with friends and family. We went to temple square via tracks, which is always a highlight for my kids. I finally got to see the new Joseph Smith movie and loved it.

Here we are spending a Saturday at Jordanelle. My sister Lidia loves to go on outings and goes all out. We had wave runners and canoes and everyone had a blast. Natalie and her kids were there too. The cousins really enjoy each other.

This month we also had two birthdays. First Jon on the 21st. What a picture! If he could be goofy like this all the time he would. He is a great husband and father and I love him dearly. Some of the things I adore about him is:

His dedication to our family
He works hard to provide for us
He is ALWAYS looking out for my well being and happiness
He loves me unconditionally
He puts up with my nagging
He genuinely cares

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!

Spencer had a birthday on July 26. He turned two. What a cute boy he is. He is into trains and the Wiggles so I attempted to make him a choo-choo cake. Needless to say there were some complications but he loved it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCER!

We went camping with our friends in Toeele. We try to do this every year and it has therefore become a tradition. I am not a big camper (two nights is about the max that I will sleep in a tent) but I try to tolerate the no running water and smelly camp toilets.

Summer Fun!

2008-06-29T09:54:00.006-06:00

Summer is finally here and has allowed some wonderful fun filled days in the sun. One of the highlights of summer is spending as much time as possible at the pool.

Summer also invites some fun activities with the church. Activity Days Day Camp was a blast!

Don't forget that summer means a bunch of lazy-do-nothing days and days shared with good friends.

Sporting events have also been a part of our summer days. We've had baseball, soccer practices and swimming lessons so far.

The zoo has been another one of our favorites this summer. You can never get enough of animals. Ours seemed to be the giraffes.

Liberty Park is one of our favorite parks and we try to go there every year to feed the geese and ducks and of course to ride on the rides.

Keepin' it Real Tag

2008-06-05T16:02:00.016-06:00

I haven't had much to blog about so this tag is welcomed in the way of helping me post something. My instructions are to take pictures of the things listed below, but no straightening, primping or prepping. I have to leave everything just as they look and take pictures. Here I go:

1. The refrigerator: It is a good thing I went shopping yesterday.

2. My closet: It is what it is. Definitely not my dream walk-in closet.

3. The kitchen sink: Hooray for a clean sink! I do like a clean sink. When it is clean it feels like my whole house is clean. Kind of weird!

4. Laundry pile: Okay this is kind of embarrassing. There always seems to be a never ending pile of clothes somewhere. Either I am washing or I am folding laundry on a daily basis. I could definitely do without this responsibility.

5. The toilet: I was very nervous about this one. Thank goodness the seat was down. It's a good thing because I think the toilet bowl needs a scrubbing.

6. My favorite room: I picked Megan's room as it is the only room that is somewhat completely done to my liking. I have so much I want to do to all the other rooms. My problem is I lack talent, finances and motivation.

7. Favorite shoes: There is definitely only one pair of shoes - my slippers. If I could where them to the store I would.

8. What are the kids doing right now: Megan is at her activity day and Skyler is playing at a friends house. Spencer was taking a nap until I took this picture. He is such a light sleeper.

Madison is playing with her friend.

9. Self portrait: There was technical difficulties with the download of this picture. Sorry.

10. Where I want to go: Back to Cancun. Or any kind of warm water beach. Oh how I wish.

2008-05-19T08:25:00.006-06:00

I need to soothe my conscience by writing about an unfortunate event that has left me with endless guilt. As some of you know a stomach bug hit our home last week. Spencer was the first to get it then Madison (who's illness took a turn in a different direction) and finally Jon (I'm still surprised that Megan and Skyler did not get it). I carpool with two other moms for school and this morning I received a phone call from both saying that their kids were sick. I feel awful! I had tried to not carpool with my sick kids and called on both moms to help out. Jon also took off time from work to pick up kids, but it seems it was not enough. I feel so bad and know that if the tables were turned I too would not be to happy. My deepest apologies!

What a mess!

2008-05-07T09:28:00.014-06:00

Yesterday I received a phone call from a fellow blogger who called to let me know that if I could see her house right now, I would believe her when she says that her house isn't always picked up. The interesting thing is that right before this person called (anonymity is crucial, I do not want to taint her "perfect" image) I was thinking about what a mess my house was.

I always find it a challenge when my kids feel it necessary to pull out every owned toy when friends come to play. Keeping track of where these toys are being dragged to and left behind is tiring. Or perhaps the most tiring thing is my almost two year old Spencer who thinks that any un-dumped bucket of toys needs to be dumped.

Keeping a tidy house is something I never thought I would struggle with. When I was first married my house was picture perfect. When baby #1 came the only challenge I encountered was making sure the diapers were picked up and put away. Baby #2 added some additional challenge but only that of keeping track of more diapers and the occasional toy left lying around. With baby #3 I felt my grip loosen with the upkeep of my house. There always seemed to be a mountain of laundry to be done, dishes from the night before to be cleaned, toys that needed to be put away and of course the dreaded bathrooms that needed disinfecting. I was feeling a little overwhelmed. My only solution was to shift my cleaning routine from day to night after the kids had gone to bed. Not my ideal but definitely workable. But wait, having baby #4 sad to say, has left me with no hope of ever enjoying a clean house for more than ten minutes. This is true, there seems no end to dishes, laundry, toys and unwanted messes. My only saving grace has been a new attitude of "oh well"! When a bucket of toys get dumped, food gets dropped or clothes are left on the floor I am capable of stepping over it and ignoring it.

I frequently ask myself: "what happened?" Until recent I was making excuses, but when I read a fellow blogger's comments with regards to these same frustrations, I realized that my focus had shifted. She said: "... things I accomplish in any given 24-hour period are usually the evidence of what I considered most important that day". Thank you, thank you. For now I will put away my quilt and shame for not always having a clean house and use the time spent worrying about my house, enjoying my children and husband.

Lights and .... Action!

2008-05-03T08:52:00.009-06:00

Megan had a wonderful opportunity to participate in her school play " Seussical Jr" this year. Her self confidence in her performing ability grew and she gained new friends. She had a blast! Here are a few pictures of her new found love:

Just another Sunday

2008-04-13T18:02:00.012-06:00

Today in church Spencer sat on my lap while sacrament was being passed. Like every other Sunday we give him the opportunity to partake of the bread and water, with a little help of course. Well this time he was eating some Cheerios as we waited for the water. (Church was full because of baby blessings, and we had to wait a little longer for a new filled tray). While helping Madison get a cup, Spencer grabbed one and began drinking. Everything was fine until he started to take the cup out of his mouth. From his mouth and into his cup came munched-up cheerios mixed with water, and then, in his attempt to replace the cup he accidentally dumped the contents all over the tray. Yep, there were cheerios and backwash floating everywhere. It even fell into some of the filled cups. My intention was to quickly remove all the gross water but before I could do that Megan had passed the tray on to the next person. The deed was done, nothing I could do about it, and ever so embarrassing. So a little advice for those of you who find yourself sitting next to a family with little children during sacrament: check your water!

When a girl likes a boy

2008-04-09T14:31:00.012-06:00

I've been contemplating as to whether I should blog about my daughter's new interest or not. I could not resist because this is definitely a new phase in her life and one that I never thought would come around.
Next door to us lives a family who have four boys. Two of those boys are always at our house wanting to play with Skyler. One of them is a year older than Megan and even though he and his brother enjoy playing with Skyler I have noticed a change in playing arrangements. Since there aren't any other boys in the immediate vicinity his age and not very many other nine year old girls, the two of them have taken to playing with each other. (I will say that they are always in a group with other boys, Megan being the only girl). I watch them interact and have to smile at all the innocent gestures, for instance: when the group are picking teams to play a game they always pick each other; they like to chase each other when a game of tag is being played; and oh the goofiness that my daughter oozes when he is around is just incredible. Oh, and the other day I noticed Megan coming in to brush her hair before going out to play, what! she usually never cares about what her hair looks like. So there you have it, girls don't always think boys have cooties and visa versa.

Happy Birthday Skyler!

2008-04-01T10:51:00.010-06:00

Skyler turned 7 today. We are so excited and happy for him. He has anxciously been waiting for this day.

He was born on a Saturday afternoon during General Conference. I was induced on the 1st for two reasons: 1. my doctor was leaving for a trip and would not be here for his due date (April 5th), and 2. Jon thought it would be sooo... cool to have a child with an April fools birthday. (Men and their ideas of what is cool... the poor kid will forever dread his birthday in fear of what trick might be played on him). Skyler was born at 4:26pm and weighed 7'11oz , he was my smallest baby.

I must say that he wasn't my "my prettiest" baby. I know that sounds mean but he was born with very little hair, and the little he had was extremely fair. He had no eyebrows (that's because you couldn't see them) and his skin was white. We called him our "ghost baby". The years have blessed him with some cute freckles on his nose and the most amazing blue eyes. He is such a handsome boy.

Skyler's personality is one of tenderness and stubbornness. He is loveable, perhaps lacking a little towards his sisters (yuck, we don't like girls at this age). He is the other man in my life. He is smart, a good friend and loves to have fun. There is nothing more in life he enjoys than playing with his friends. This kid can play.

We are so grateful for him in our lifes. He is a blessing to us and we love him dearly. Happy Birthday big boy!

4 Things Tag

2008-04-01T10:00:00.007-06:00

Okay, I've been tagged. So if you are reading this blog check to see if I tagged you.

4 Jobs I've Had:

Seamstress at BYU laundry while going to school

Assistant clothing designer for Sage Design

Customer service at 1-800-Contacts

Waitress at the Marquee and currently at McCrath's Fish house

4 TV Shows I Watch:

American Idol

Law and Order

Men in Trees

Extreme Make Over

4 Places I've Been:

South Africa

Australia

Ecuador

Cancun

4 People Who Email Me:

My sister

A good friend from South Africa

My mother-in-law (only when she can't get a hold of me via phone)

Lakeview Academy

4 Of My Favorite Foods:

Fruit

Bread (any starch)

Salmon

Key lime pie

4 Places I Would Rather be:

In a hotel room by myself (Yes, I love having room service and a TV for myself, I can watch whatever I want and not be interrupted.)
On the beach

At a spa resort

Hawaii or Cancun will do

4 Friends I Tag:

Amy J (just in case you're bored)

Marci

Mandi

Chelsea

4 Things I Look Forward To In 2008:

Warmer weather

No more carpool during the summer break

Working in the yard

Paying off our car

Easter Sunday

2008-03-30T14:13:00.000-06:00

Easter was a nice day spent with Jon's family. The kids just love their grandma and grandpa. We are trying to treasure every holiday or any other day spent with them as they will be moving to Texas at the end of the year, where they will retire and spent their next fifty years in pure relaxation. At least we hope so.

Our Missionary

2008-03-28T16:58:00.006-06:00

I wanted to dedicate a small section of my blog to my nephew Joshua Snyder. He recently left for his mission and will be serving in Tampa Florida. We are so proud of him and know that he will make a wonderful missionary. He has a wonderful quality of being able to light up a room and touch your heart with his warm smile.
How wonderful it is when you have family members your children can look up to. Joshua is the first of our extended family to serve a mission and has left a noticeable impression on each of our children. I love the gospel and the goodness that it instills in our lives.

So much fun!

2008-03-03T13:57:00.006-07:00

Every year my sister's ward gets discounts tickets to Soldier Hollow where they go tubing. This is the second year we have tagged along for a little winter fun. Jon, Megan and Skyler went while I stayed home with the two younger ones (last year I thought I was going to come home with some missing toes and fingers - it is bitterly cold at 8pm). They had a blast and was able to spend time with two of their favorite cousins, Robyn and Joshua. Joshua will be leaving for his mission shortly which made the time spent together even more valuable.

Boys and their hair

2008-02-22T18:25:00.014-07:00

For school-"wet & slick", no help accepted.

Skyler came home from school one day very sure that it was now time to start growing out his hair. I thought this to be a great opportunity for a little self expression. Nothing harmful I thought. I was okay with the idea of his hair growing an extra inch or so. Well a month passed and I was sure he was ready to get a hair cut. I suggested a trip to the barber but he was adamant that nobody touch his hair. After another month of enduring the long sideburns, I secretively started devising a plan to cut his hair while he was asleep. A hair cut was now becoming a necessity. But no, this kid was determined. He explained to me that his best friend at school was growing out his hair and that "Zac Efron"(for those of you who do not know who he is, he is the main character in High School Musical) was so cool with his surfer-dude hair. I could not believe my ears. What was happening to Skyler? Growing up? No way! My little, innocent, six year old was no longer any of these things. So when you see Skyler in the neighborhood or at church please don't think of him as neglected but understand that we are in the process of transforming him into "a cool dude".

It's already February!

2008-02-11T14:15:00.001-07:00

Okay, can anyone tell me where the time has gone. Since my last blog I've missed four weeks of my life. Actually I haven't missed it, it just kind of came and left me behind. One of the things that has taken up time this month is the part time job I started. Yes, I'm working from home making survey phone calls. Exciting? I don't know. It has definitely added some additional stress to my life. I'm not sure if this job is for me, but everyone tells me it will work out and to give it three months. What does that mean? I've gone from wanting to quit to thinking I am a whimp for wanting to give up. The hardest part is trying to find uninterupted time. Definitely not the easiest thing for a mother of four kids. I guess I'll figure it out.
Apart from starting the new job "the sickness" has hit our home. I am going on week two with throw-up and diahrea (definitely the worst combination). Spencer has had a solid week of it and now it is Madison's turn. It definitely takes some major patience to keep up with all the neediness. Needless to say my emotional bank is depleted and my nerves are just a little shot from all the crying, whining etc. I'm sure you all know what I am talking about. In addition Jon got sick with laryngitis and hasn't been able to speak for the last five days. Crazy! (I kind of feel like a shaken soda can ready to explode, if that makes any sense).
With the endless loads of laundry and carpet cleaning I've fallen behind on all aspects of life and I find myself a little off course this month. So here I am already anticipating March, hoping for better weather and a healthier family.

New Year Goals

2008-01-09T19:41:00.001-07:00

I'm sure like many others we anticipate 2008 to be a great year, a year in which we will attain all our goals. I'm one of those people that likes to set goals for the new year and pretty determined to stick by them. I've set several different goals for myself, none that seem severe or unattainable (I've long learned that goals need to be small and simple). Goals like exercise more, make more nutritious meals, be more patient with my children and not to yell at them are a few. The funny thing is I think these were the same goals I had for 2007. Do you ever feel like there are just some things that you will never perfect? I so much want to be a better mother, wife and friend - how about "Person". I don't know but sometimes I think Heavenly Father looks at us with a smile knowing that this earthly progression is an endless challenge. So I'm guessing what my real goal for this year should be is: "try, try, try .... try!" To all of you who have good hopes and desires of attaining goals, good luck. May we all be little more perfect by the end of the year.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-12-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

Christmas Day

2007-12-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I am a little late with my entry with regards to Christmas. Christmas Eve was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Browns house. Santa showed up early there for the little ones and we all had fun with a little early ripping of wrapping paper. There were lots of yummy treats and fun watching everyone open their presents.
My sister Lidia who is the "picture-taker-maniac" of our family finally sent me pictures of our Christmas day spent with her family and my younger sister Natalie. It was a day filled with excitement as families exchanged gifts and cousins got to spend time playing together. The "boys" big and little hung out playing xbox and Wii. Later after some convincing the men took the little ones sledding.
Christmas has come and gone and already there is the anticipation of what Santa will bring next year. (Maddie gets very upset when we tell her that Santa went on vacation and wont be back for another year.)

The 4 Brown elves!!

2007-12-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

We were sent a couple of e-mails with these and loved them. Please click on the link and check out our 4 little elves!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1295433161

Let us know what you think!

Happy Birthday!

2007-11-28T13:15:00.002-07:00

I neglected to add a picture or two of the birthday girls in our family for the month of November. I now have a 4 yr old (Nov 13) and a 9 yr old (Nov 17).

Madison is our spice in life. She is the spice that leaves you with a stomach ache (as my husband once commented - just a joke). WE LOVE THIS LITTLE GIRL! She is a princess continually trying to be better - a free spirit.

Megan is the calm before, during, and after the storm. Not much can upset her, but be aware we have seen her do the unthinkable. She is kind, compassionate and loving. We know why Heavenly Father sent her first. She makes the world a better place.

Christmas Poem

2007-11-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

My Heart Returns to Bethlehem

My heart returns to Bethlehem
At Christmastime each year
As earth awaits the manger King
With angels bending near,
I journey with the Wise
MenTo worship the King
And wonder as I seek Him
Which gift I should bring.
What shall we give the Christ Child,
Unworthy as we are?
Perhaps a blanket for His bed,
Perhaps a shiny star!
Perhaps I'll read Him poetry
Or sing a lullaby,
Or maybe I'll hold His handIf He begins to cry,
My heart returns to Bethlehem
At Christmastime each year
And kneels beside a mangerTo shed a joyful tear.

Life can be very busy and sometimes we don't stop to think of the things that matter most. So we'll use this opportunity to wish all those we may, in our hustle and bustle forget to wish, a very wonderful and memorable Christmas season and please remember why we celebrate!

Kids say the funniest things!

2007-11-16T21:10:00.002-07:00

As I was putting our 4 year old Madison to bed tonight, out of the blue she looked at me with completely sincere eyes and a serious tone of voice..."Mommy, I don't want to be a people anymore. I want to be a pony!" this caught me a little off gaurd and i was a little at a loss as to how to respond. Then she continued..."I wish I had magic, so i could be a pony." I just said to her..."Um...I'm not sure theres anything we can do about that sweety." She was very disapointed. I will be trying to update this "kids quotes" blog often, I love hearing the way they look at the world!

Tanya and Megans night out.

2007-10-26T23:54:00.001-06:00

It's funny how things work sometimes. You worry you'r not spending enough time with the kids one on one, you throw suggestions at one another, and then bam! Something gets dropped right out of the sky and into your lap! Thats kind of how we felt the other day when a great freind (Autumn Halliday you ROCK girl!) called and said "Hey I have 2 extra tickets to the Hannah Montana concert!" Well it took some convincing but Tanya finally decided to grab those tickets and take a very excited 8 (almost 9) year old on a very "cool" mommy / daughter outing! Thank you so much Autmn for giving them the opportunity to spend such a fun night togather!