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Family Christmas Party

Our family pictures from the Christmas party. I'm not sure why this happens, but everytime I want to have good pictures, my camera has to have problems. These are the best pictures that I had. Family members, if yours turned out better than mine, e-mail to me. Thanks.

Russell and family
Shelly and family

Wayde Brown Family
Charlie and Emma out for the night. They had a busy day.

Sharon and her family

Tanya and her family

Mom with seven of her children. Michael and Tasha were not able to attend.
We missed you guys.

Leslie and family

Brett and family

Callie, Kaylee, and Shelbie

Our family Christmas party was held on December 27th, at the Central Valley Community Center. I decided to have Lacey's shower on the same day. At the beginning of the evening, everyone was given a clothespin. If you heard anyone say the word,"party" you got to take their pin. We started the evening with our meal. The food was so great. After the meal, we shared some of the families' New Year's resolutions. It was quite hilarious at times.

After the resolutions, we watched the family video. Sharon put the video together. She has become an expert in this area. Anyway, the night before the party, Sharon gets on her computer and the video has disappeared. Cedar City had a power outage, the night before and she thinks that had something to do with the disappearing act of the video. Anyway, being the wonderful sister that she is she worked all night trying to put another video together. The previous video she had spent over a month on trying to make perfect. The video that she shared with us was truly amazing. She just happened to have snapshots when many of us were at our best. You know what I mean. She added captions that made it even funnier. We all had a great laugh and decided that we were just as dysfuntional as other families.

The highlight of the evening came when we gave my brother, Wayde, a Happy 50th Honor. We gave him some great gag gifts. The last gift was a a pair of boxer shorts saying, "King of the Hills, Get er' done." I think he handled it very well. If I get any pictures, I will add them for the family that wasn't able to attend. Our family had such a great time. I'm so grateful for all of them. I love the saying, "Like branches on a tree, we may grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." However, I also love the saying, "Shake your family tree and watch the nuts fall." Family members, Thanks for making our Christmas party one of my highlights for 2008.

Lacey's Baby Shower

I had Lacey's baby shower on Saturday, December 27th, at the Central Valley Community Center. We played a few games, had refreshments, and watched Lacey open her presents.

Madeline and Audrey helping Lacey open her presents. In the background, on the makeshift clothesline, is a camoflauge outfit that I bought for Landon to put on the baby.

This is Cashelle seeing if she estimated Lacey's waist measurement. Cashelle guessed correctly.

Advice given to Landon and Lacey using names of candy bars. The advice given was so cute.

Lacey's gift table. I had Lacey bring her own props to the shower. They were so cute, that I thought they would be perfect.

The cake that was served. This turned out much better than I had planned. My intentions were to make pumpkin cake roll and serve with ice cream. Anyway, to make a long story short, I gave up on the pumpkin roll after three tries. I believe that I operate on a pea-sized brain some days. It's a good thing that my family understands.

The baby shower went well. Lacey's mom, sister, and nieces were able to attend. Denise and Cassie came from Las Vegas. Ashley and Paula from Kearns, Tanya and Courtney from Spanish Fork, Vicki and Victoria from Orem, Grandma Twitchell and Brown, Donna Twitchell and Sharon Gricius from Cedar City, Sharon Hanks and her daughters, Peggy Twitchell and her daughters, my niece, Michelle, and Lyndsay, my daughter. Lacey received some wonderful gifts. I can't get over how many cute things that have for babies these days. All of the little gadgets are amazing. I think Landon and Lacey are definitely prepared for this baby. Only 6 weeks to go!!

Holiday Update!

This year, Landon and Lacey were able to spent Christmas with our family. I cooked turkey dinner for Christmas Eve. I invited my mom to join us. After dinner, we drove around and looked at the Christmas lights. It seems like there is less lights to look at every year.
Christmas morning, we got up about 8 a.m to open our presents. My kids and spouses bought me a digital photo frame. That was exciting, because I wouldn't have bought one for myself. Also, I got several books on Joseph Smith. Volume 1, The Joseph Smith Papers, was on backorder. They called on December 24, and said they were in. I'm excited to read that book.

Jerry got insulated coveralls and a knife from the kids. I bought him bib overalls, so he could feel old. Actually, he owned a pair before, but they were too small. He believes that they shrunk in the wash. I doubt that!

Lacey got a picture frame that I had made with Jayleigh's name. Logan got Lacey a Scentsy warmer. We were really hoping that Lacey wouldn't buy one before Christmas. She kept hinting at Landon, but he told her she couldn't buy one. So we lucked out.

I gave Landon some money to buy him a trail cam for Christmas. I also put together a 5 X 7 photo book of his elk hunt. I've decided that digital scrapbooks are the way to go. They work up in a flash.

I gave Logan money for Christmas and he bought a car stereo. He is also going to have one of his duck taxidermied (I wonder if that is right).

Later in the morning, we traveled to Grandma Twitchell's for lunch. Also, Lyndsay and Dusten were able to come. Landon and Lacey headed for Cedar City because Lacey needed to work on Friday. We were worried about them traveling over Bear Valley, because it was getting stormy, but they did fine. We have been so blessed, that they have been protected with all of the time they spend traveling.

Young Women

Do you notice anything different about the Young Women's theme?

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:
Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability,Good Works, Integrity, and virtue (new). We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

You have probably heard, but if you haven't I thought I would share the newest addition to the Young Women's theme. The church added a new value. The value is virtue. I definitely feel that it was inspired. Our Young Women need to learn this principle especially with the trials and temptations they are faced with everyday. We don't know what color it will be, but they will have to complete projects for this value.

Last night, I asked to be released from my Young Women calling. I feel sad, but I felt good about my decision. I have been pondering and praying about this decision for several weeks. My health has been crazy for the past couple of weeks and I have felt like it was such a burden for my counselor to carry the load when I didn't feel well. I will miss the girls. I have worked with the Young Women program for two years. This was my second opportunity to be involved with the Young Women program. It's a wonderful program.

Thanksgiving Weekend at the Dunes

Logan and Russell coming down a dune.
A few of us on the dunes.

Brett, Wayde, Logan, Landon, and Waylon

Russell, Brett, Wayde, Logan, Landon, and Waylon

On Saturday, a few of us got together to go play on the dunes. We were hoping for a moderately, warm day, but instead we ended up with a cool day with no hint of sunshine. I was cold most of the day, but we still had a good time. Three of my brothers were able to go with us. Wayde, and his son, Waylon, Brett, and Russell and his family. Brett had quite a trip. His first ride out he took a fall. He will probably have a few bruises to show for his trip. Landon was able to go with us. We spent about five hours playing. It was fun to visit with my cousins.

As you can see from my photos that I changed the battery in my camera, but didn't change the date. These pictures were actually taken on Saturday the 29th. Sometimes I think I don't have a brain.

Wayde and Waylon

Thanksgiving

Just a few of the cousins at my house on Thanksgiving. They seem to be changing so much and going their separate ways.

Mother insisted that everyone turn off their cellphones, so we just had to have this picture.

This year I decided to have Thanksgiving at my house. I think it turned out pretty good. We were able to seat everyone. I'm really enjoy my new dining-room when I have occassions such as Thanksgiving. It was really fun to see most of the teenagers in our families. Of course, Michelle lives in Richfield now, but it was nice to have her and her husband, Corey with us. Waylon was fortunate to have a few days off, so he was able to come. I can't get over how much Waylon has changed. I'm hoping at the Chritmas party we can get most of the cousins together for a picture.

Tagged! My answers.

My wish list:
1. Medical bills paid
2. a maid to clean my house
3. to be pain-free
4. to be healthy
5. to be debt-free
6. to transfer out of Special Education
7. Extra money
8. A nice truck for Jerry
9. All of my children active in the church
10. to own property in Soldotna, Alaska


I look forward to:
1. My grand-daughter, Jayleigh
2. A Carribean cruise
3. retirement with some savings
4. Lyndsay having a baby
5. A nice motorhome for vacationing
6. summer vacation
7. Lasik eye surgery
8. All of my scrapbook projects finished
9. Jerry's car quilt completed
10. Some creativity for my Young Women's church job

What I did yesterday
1. went to work
2. traveled to American Fork
3. Had back therapy
4. Ate at Panda Express
5. graded papers
6. talked to Lyndsay and Landon
7. had my 26th anniversary
8. laid on a heating pad
9. did my exercises
10. Complained to Dr. Lee about my lack of strength in completing my exercises



My favorite restuarants
1. Applebees
2. Panda Express
3. Sizzler
4. Texas Roadhouse
5. Big Rock Candy Mountain
6. Sagebrush Grill
7. Cafe Rio
8. I think I need to get out more and experience some new food establishments

My favorite TV shows- I must have a phobia about reality shows!!
1. Dancing with the stars
2. Amazing Race
3. The Biggest Loser
4. Survivor
5. Oprah
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Deal or No Deal
8. Dr. G Medical Examiner
9. What Not to Wear
10. Discovery Health Channel

Vicki's grandkids

This is a picture of Annalyn. Annalyn belongs to Victoria and Brian. She was born while we were in Alaska. She has acid reflux, so she has a hard time keeping her food down. While we were at the dunes this past weekend, I had the opportunity of babysitting. I must tell you that it has been many years since I have watched a baby. I honestly felt like I should have lessons. Things have changed a lot since I had my children. They have all kinds of gadgets to make parenthood easier.

This is a picture of Kerstyn. She belongs to Steven and Heather. She was born in April. She is teething, so she was a little cranky. I got to tend her Sunday morning and she was so good for me. When her parents got back from riding, she decided to have a little fit. She was so tired. We all took turns holding and tending Vicki's grandkids.

This is a picture of Melvin giving Kerstyn a sucker. Kerstyn was really liking the sucker, even though, it was messy.

This is another picture of Annalyn. I had to change her clothes because she threw up all over. She was a good baby. It was so fun putting her in her cute little outfit. As you can tell, I'm getting excited for Landon and Lacey's baby. I think having a little girl around will be lots of fun. One thing I realized this past weekend is that these little ones take lots of time. I've forgotten all about the things that you have to do to make a baby comfortable. It definitely is worth every minute.

Halloween

Logan and I found this online and couldn't believe that they spelled Halloween wrong. Oh, well, have a Happy Halloween.
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General Conference

Lyndsay and I traveled to Salt Lake City on Saturday to attend General Conference. We had a real rainy trip. It was raining when we left, so when we got to Spanish Fork we stopped at Shopko and bought us an umbrella. Boy, we sure were glad that we did. It never stopped raining. When we got into Salt Lake we rode Trax to the conference center.
I was so pleased to be at conference to see President Monson. When he walked into the conference center it was drop dead quiet. You didn't dare talk. Also, it was just the greatest to hear Bro. Wirthlin speak. He made you laugh. What a great attitude when things around us seem so depressing. I guess we really do need to laugh and be grateful for what we have. We have shelter, food, and a job. I'm really grateful for my family and the gospel. Where would we be without our faith? I believe that our faith will have to get us through these hard times.

Sunday, we had a little get-together to celebrate Dusten's and Jerry's birthday. Lyndsay and Dusten, Landon and Lacey were able to be there. We had cake and ice cream. The cake was from Albertson's and it was so yummy. I don't know why I love the whipped topping cakes, but I do. I should have sent all of the left-overs with Landon and Lacey because I have been eating cake all day today.
I was just thinking that our family won't know how to act with a grandchild's birthday in February. All of our birthdays are in August, September, and October. Anyway, families are great!

It's a Girl!

I knew all along that Landon and Lacey's baby was a girl. A few weeks ago, we went to Christensen's to get some material for a baby quilt. Landon and Lacey kept looking at little boy clothes. I told them they had better be looking at little girl clothes. Anyway, we are thrilled!
Lyndsay and I had to go shopping on Saturday to check out the little girl clothes. We found a few little outfits that will be perfect for next spring. I'm hoping for a little girl that likes to be dressed up a little bit with frilly dresses and bows. Lyndsay hated wearing frilly dresses, and she especially hated me doing her hair with cute little bows and barrets. Of course, we told Landon that she could wear camo and learn to shoot a gun. She will defintely be Daddy's Little Girl.

Baby on the Way!

Boy or Girl???

This Friday, Landon and Lacey will find out if they are getting a girl or boy. Our family is so excited to find out. Once we know then we can start baby shopping. Check back on Friday.

Some Family Pictures

This is a group picture taken at the Swiftwater Cafe in Whittier. Larry took the picture for us. Besides being our photographer he was our guide. He was a great guide and even shared some historical information with us. We should have hired him because he got us in and out of Whittier without having to wait for the train. Jerry and I could have used him to help us get in and out of Las Vegas. We got Lacey and her parents lost twice. They were very patience with us. This is a picture of Shari's dog. He could knock you over if you didn't watch out. I was hoping that I had taken some pictures of Shari's cute house, but I guess I didn't. She has an adorable home in Soldotna. The house has a huge yard.
This is a family picture taken in Shari's backyard.
Shari on the train. It was so fun to have Shari come with us on the train ride. She still has the sense of humor that I remember. I sure wished that she lived closer because we could have so much fun.

Michelle's Wedding

Pictures of Michelle's wedding and family.



Michelle and Cory's wedding cake. The flowers were edible. The cake was served to the guest after the nice luncheon that was prepared by Tasha and a friend.
Eric and his son, Preston. He is a little chub. Eric says he weighs about 30 pounds. He is nine months old and adorable. It was so neat to see Eric's son.
Michelle's centerpieces for her tables. Everything was beautiful. Tasha did such a great job, even if it did stress her out.
Cory and Michelle cutting the cake.



Shari, Larry and Tasha near a waterfall that we hiked up to while we were in the town of Whittier.

Well, as you all know we just returned from our vacation from Alaska. We had a great trip. The only thing that could have been better was if Landon and Dusten had gone with us. Lacey, our daughter-in-law, and her parents, Curt and Becky, went with us. It was so fun to have them with us. It was Lacey's first time flying and she did awesome. She amazes me. She is pregnant and hasn't had any morning sickness. How lucky can you get. Anyway, the purpose of our trip was to attend my niece's wedding.

Hummingbird watching

Watching hummingbirds is our new past-time. I decided to see if there were any hummingbirds in our backyard, so I bought a feeder. Jerry and I have been thrilled to see all of the hummingbirds that come to our feeder. There are probably 8 0r 9 different birds. One of the birds thinks that he is the boss and tries to keep all of the others away. They chase each other all over the yard. Zoom in if you can.

Update on my spinal decompression therapy

Well, this past month has gone by so fast. I haven't really accomplished too much. I've started a few quilts that I'm hoping to finish. Anyway, four weeks into the treatment, my ankle has very little pain. My foot is still numb, but I'm making progress. I feel really good about my progress. I have started the exercising part of my therapy. I do all kinds of exercises to strengthen my abs. The machine does the work for you. It's totally amazing. One thing that Dr. Lee stresses is that you should always contract your stomach muscles when walking, standing, lifting, etc. If you do these things it will help prevent future problems. Anyway, I'm hoping to be finished in three weeks, so I'll have time to come home and get things straighten up before heading to Alaska.

Brown Family Reunion 2008

Brett's wife, Dana, and daughter Makayla.
Logan with Kistie
My dad's brother and sisters. Uncle Arbon, Leora, Belva, and Heartley.

Aunt Leora's health isn't very good.
The Arland Brown Family

The Brown Family Reunion 2008 was held at Koosharem Reservoir on June 29, 2008. It was a very hot day. We had a pretty good turnout, despite, the short notice to the families. I was able to visit with some of my cousins that I haven't seen in years. I was nominated to be in charge of next year's reunion. I have scheduled it for June 27, 2009, at the Elsinore City Park. So, family members mark your calendar.

Lacey with Buffy, Denise, Landon, and Logan
My brother, Wayde, with his minature pinchers, Moto and Rosie.
My brothers, Russell and Brett. Do they look like trouble or what?
Russell, he's just happy to be there.
My great uncle, Clayton Brown. He is eighty-two years old and the only member of my grandpa's family that is still living. He seems to be in pretty good health.