I really want to wim one of these!!

Its your buuurrrrrtthhh-day!

Okay.. one more birthday I want to add to the list.

Allison has quickly become one of my very best friends! Today is her 19th birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!! We have so much fun together.. even if it is late at night acting crazy while grocery shopping.

Or dancing in the rain - her first time. WHAT?? Thats too bad. But we had oh so much fun the other night when it started pouring, we ran and danced and jumped in the puddles, splashed each other. Shawn loved it too!!
But one of my favorite things and some of the most special times in my home, has been her allowing us to invite the missionaries to have discussions with her (for her second time around). It was spiritual and fun and exciting. I am embarrassed to say that this was the first time that I had a friend of my own have the discussions at my house. My sisters and brother were always great missionaries but I was always shy and whatever the stupid excuse, never invited anyone. Well I finally did and it was so fun! We looked forward to them and miss them now. Allison has taught me so much about myself. She has taught me to be bold and to not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. She faces so much adversity all the time and she always stands up stronger and braver than the time before. I am so grateful that she was introduced to Shawn and I because we love her so much. She is part of the family now, she always will be! Thank you Allison for being my partner in crime, my listening ear, an awesome babysitter, a best friend- I LOVE YOU!

byeeee

September Birthday!

I started doing family birthday posts at the beginning of last October. I decided I would do a whole year. So with this last September birthday, I have finally come full circle and end here on little Mr. Elijah's birthday.

Elijah is a little stink pot! He is cuddly and sweet and a total spitfire! I am so happy to have him here in AZ where I can see him all the time. He is a total crack up, walking everywhere with his blankie and 3 paci's. He is adorable with is sweet smile, big adorable blue eyes and curly blonde hair. He is such a cute boy, I LOVE HIM. Happy 2 years little man!

Super-Powers

Somebody asked me the other day,

"If you could have the powers of any SUPERHERO, who would it be?"

MARY POPPINS! She can fly, talk to animals, transport herself and her friends to magical places, clean up with songs and a snap of her finger. She can carry anything she wishes in her bag, no matter the size. She can fly and float with laughter and even those around her, weather or not they are magical. She is amazing, and she is so classy and beautiful.

Who's superpowers would you like to possess?

A lesson on HONESTY

A lot to be said about Lacy lately...

On Sunday we went up to Ryan and Krista's to spend time with the family while Sharon and Don were there, but lucky Lacy got to go the day before with Mimi and have a fun sleepover with one of her favorite cousins, Anna. She had so much fun, Mimi and Krista both said she was perfect, and she begged to go back as soon as possible. On Monday night we were unpacking her backpack when we discovered something odd. It was a beautiful purple crown, a princess doll and a wand. All of which were not Lacy's. We asked her about it and at first she said, "These are Anna's, she's letting me borrow them."

Oh really Lacy?

After a little more talking with her, tears starting running down her face, she said her tummy hurt really bad and that she took them with out asking. She was scared to tell Anna or Aunt Krista because she was afraid they would be so mad that she wouldn't be allowed to come back to their house. She just wanted to drive up there and quietly put them back in her room.

While that is a good idea to return them, that is not the lesson we want her to learn. I always remember hearing in primary or YW about the kid that steals from the convenience store and their parent makes them go back and tell the clerk they are sorry and return it. I was a perfect child and never had anything happen like that :) jk... I had my moments.

So anyways, we taught her about repentance and forgiveness and how Heavenly Father would be very happy with her if she could ask Krista or Anna for forgiveness and tell them how sorry she is. If she could call them up and tell them what she did. She had a hard time understanding that Krista would be proud of her and happy with her for telling the truth and that she wouldn't be mad. She was so scared. She kept saying her tummy hurt. We had to teach her a little about guilt and how you feel sad when you do something you know is wrong.

She finally got the courage to call Aunt Krista and she was very brave and sweet when she told her she was sorry and she would keep the toys safe in her backpack and she would return them as soon as she could. She would never do anything like that again. I was so chocked up and teary watching my little 5 year old so scared and crying doing something so scary for her but I know she learned her lesson.

The next day she came home from school and told me about a girl who got a red card in school (thats bad!) She told me that three of the girls left the class when they weren't supposed to, to meet up with their book buddies in the bahroom (I'm getting the story from a 5 year old... so who knows how accurate it is?). She said they asked her to come but her tummy started to hurt so she said she didn't think they were supposed to do that and she would rather stay in the class where they were supposed to be. She said those girls got a red card and she got a green. I was so proud of her. She is such a rock star! I LOVE HER!!!

Thanks Krista for being so sweet to Lacy and for helping me teach her such a valuable life lesson. I LOVE YOU!

Oh Jenny Jenny Jenny

Well since I put Lacy on blast and I love Shay enough... I will tell you my most embarrassingmoment as of recent that happened at Target. The day after it happened I called Charmaine and told her and she had to pull over because she was laughing so hard (at my expense) she almost crashed her car!!

Well anyways... it was late one night when I needed to do a quick Target run for somethingreally really important. Something like toilet paper or toothpaste. I can't really remember what it was. All I know is that it was past Jack's bedtime and I had him with me and he was a little cranky. So I ran it planning to run quickly out when I spotted the dang cutest little ruffly black tank top right in the front of the store.

And if you know my Target, you walk right into the women's clothing section. It's a smaller Target, so its also right by the dollar spot, the the left of the food court and caddy corner to the check out. Needless to say, I was visible to tooo many people! Well anyways... I had on a tight grey shirt and I thought to my self, I can just try it on real quick in front of this mirror, right on top of this shirt and be quick and done with it.

Well I tried it on (and to make the story worse, it wasn't even cute on!) So I quickly took it off, with Jack whining and clawing at me and I started my way to the pharmacy section... (YES, I didn't notice right away..) When I looked down in my hands and realized that with the tank top, I had REMOVED MY SHIRT!!!! YES.. I was standing in target in my over the shoulder boulder holder... LIKE A FOOL!!!

And you know how when you scream, DON'T LOOK, everyone looks? Well I said, at a far too loud decibel, "OH MY GOODNESS!" And everyone turns and looks at me like I am a total and complete FREAK... what is that crazy lady doing with her shirt off, I try and turn my shirt the right side out, and get it on while running to find an alone space that doesn't seem toexist anywhere in the universe!! And by now my shirt is certainly made of GLUE and will not cooperate and Jack isn't helping. By now the toilet paper doesn't seem so important. Except IT IS... I HAVE to get it!!! Oh my heavens. I am sure the perv security guards if they even exist, enjoyed watching the surveillance tapes on repeat.

Kill me!!

No, not really, I am definitely one to laugh at myself.... after a few months :)

The kind that beavers build

Oh that Lacy...

The other day we were driving to get an after school treat when she was playing her FAVORITE game, the rhyming game. It hardly ever ends well.... this time it went a little something like this,

" bat, rat, Lacy, bacy, Hugo, bugo, shoe, two, slam, dam... Oh but mommy, its not like a bad word or anything, its the kind that beavers build."

at first I died laughing, then I thought, "What the HECK are the teaching my kid in school!!"

This doesn't even compare to the night before we were at Target, (yes for those of you who know it was the Target and if you ask real nicely and I really love you, I will tell you of my most embarrassing moment which happened at Target) well Lacy was once again playing the rhyming game and she was in the cart and we had a conversation that went like this, starting with her rhyming game

Lacy: itchy, b****y

ME: Oh Lacy don't say that, thats not very nice.

Lacy: What, itchy?

ME: No, the other thing

Lacy: b****y?

ME: YES LACY, don't say it! (I was a little flustered, ok, don't judge!)

Lacy: What does b****y mean?

ME: Lacy stop saying it! Its just not a very nice word, its very bad, and you say it when you are being very mean. (I'm not very good under pressure, OK!)

Anyways, she went on to say it another 7 times and I was blushing as the other moms around me were laughing and giving me funny looks like, "control your potty mouth child!"

Ahhh!! What are we to do with children!!

Mee too

I also had a birthday in JULY.. on the 23. It was an interesting day spent the entire day cleaning, packing and then driving up to Yosemite. It was worth the drive... but it was still an interesting day. Before we left I got to spend some time with my girls. Lately (besides time with Shawn and the kids) time with my girls is my FAVORITE! They keep me laughing and I just loove them. I really just wanted to blog about my favorite gift I got (the pink shoes and bird print come in a close tied second) BUT... my hottie hubby sold his precious mountain bike and got me a TOWNIE! He loves me so much. I LOVE my bike.. isn't it the cutest thing you have ever ever seen?

Sooo behind on my birthdays.

I started in October and I wanted to do a whole year around. Well I was pretty on top of it. Then we had a mad computer crash, a few in between and then we finally got a much needed new computer (more on that later). Well I didn't have my calendar (because of no computer) and I really wanted to make sure I didn't leave anyone out.

Now enough excuses, here it is, a much needed family birthday update!

JUNE:

16 - Brian is a big fancy lawyer working at some super-famous law firm now. He is motivated and driven and does so much for his little family. Brian is a wonderful husband to my seeester and a great father to my precious nieces and nephews. He loves to tell stories and he is an endless vault of information. He is sarcastic and hilarious. I LOVE YOU BRIAN, hope you had a wonderful birthday.
27 - Paxton and Bodee share the 27th for their birthday, only a year apart. Paxton is so fun right now. We just spent a week with him at Yosemite and oh how I miss those kids!! He is brave and sweet and has always had a laugh that will have you putty in the palm of his hand. He is fun and I miss him like crazy already! Love you Pax!

Bodee is such a sweet little cuddle bug. He loves to give kisses to his big and younger brother. He is kind and playful. I love him so much and especially love it when he climbs up onto my lap and curls up to give me hugs. He is such a sweet heart, happy birthday Bodee!
JULY:

22 - Braxton is getting so big. He is the big boy over at his house now with 2 younger brothers. Him and Hugo and best buds and Hugo often begs to play with Braxxxon. He is fun and a little spitfire at times, I love Braxton and want to steal him and claim him as my own!!! Jk... but I just love my nieces and nephews so much!
28 - Krista (to my left). Krista is absolutely adorable. She is thoughtful and smart. She is selfless always making sure everyone else is taken care of before herself. She is wild at times, and I love when I get to see that side come out. She is funny and speaks her mind, and I wish I was more like her. She is brave and beautiful from the inside out. I adore her and love her so much. Happy birthday sister!
30 -My dear mamasita also just had a birthday. She is absolutely stunning, this woman. She is superwoman and if you have ever met her would would agree. She can do absolutely anything!!! She has taught me to be strong and to take care of myself. She is handy and a powerhouse! She is also so stinkin hilarious and I know if I ever need a good laugh or a shoulder to cry on (even at 12:30 at night) she will be there to give it to me. I love her and I always say that all things good I have, came from my her! (and maybe a few from the old guy, her hubby). She is perfect, LOVE YOU MOMMY!
AUGUST-

3 - Billy boy had a very very special birthday this year and we are so lucky we got to share it with him. He turned 8 and made the choice to be baptized. I am so proud of him for being such a good example. He is such a sweet caring boy with a sensitive soul just like his Aunt Jenny. He reminds me so much of me when I was younger. Shy at times, super sensitive with a little mischievous streak that will make an appearance when you are watching closely. He is a peacemaker, and a great example. I love you Billy and I am so proud of the sweet, handsome boy you are!
6 - TJ (right in the middle) TJ is another powerhouse in he family. He is a go-getter. He can do anything at all that he sets his mind to. He is inspiring!! We all wish we could take a little of the ambition and success that TJ has in every aspect of his life. He is a wonderful husband and father and that is really what counts the most. He is hilarious and such a tease (I'm pretty sure all the boys LOVE to tease!!) Happy Birthday TJ we love you and miss you guys like crazy!
9 - Katie. Katie is such a cutie. With her blue eyes, sweet dimples and curly blond hair. She has the sweetest voice and dainty delicate walk. She is fun and adorable. She loves to be creative, crafty and adventurous. Sometimes it gets her and the ones she is with into trouble, but later in life it is going to be to her advantage. She will be like TJ, ambitious and successful, I can see it now! She has a sweet heart and really just wants to be cared about. She loves being the center of attention and how could she not, being that cute! Love you girl, happy #6!
20 - Koby is the top left. He is the leader of the pack. He is the oldest Brown grandkid and my oldest nephew. He is a rockstar, that kid. He is insanely smart, he loves to read and do whats right. I watched him a lot when we were camping and what I saw made my heart melt. He stands up for what he believes even if it isn't what the rest of the boys are doing. He cares more about doing good than being popular. At his 10 year old state is is inspiring me to be better. I love you so much Koby, thanks for being YOU!
27 - My one and only blood brother is a 1/4 of a century! He is getting sooo old :) He is also a rockstar kind of guy. Much like Koby he stands up for what he believes in and inspires me on a daily basis to do better. He is kind hearted and cares about everyone is his world and is so aware of everyones needs. He is hilarious and silly and will have you belly laughing within moments of meeting him. He is one of my closest friends and I am grateful so much for everything he is constantly doing for me. He is always serving others, he is so selfless and I love him so much for everything. Happy Birthday OLD MAN!!

Such big kids!!!

Lacy had so much fun getting ready for her first day of KINDERGARDEN!!! She went with me grocery shopping to pick out her breakfast and lunch for her first day, we did some shopping, and Mimi also took her on a special back-to-school clothes shopping trip. G-Pa and Grandma took her to get a new backpack and gave her some money for some back to school clothes. She was so spoiled and was so excited. She didn't feel great all last week and even woke up a little under the weather, but there was no way she was going to miss it! She had a great first day. She said it was a LOT of fun and a little scary. I can't wait to hear more! Hugo is also getting so big. He is now wearing BIG BOY undies!! He is so proud of them and the first thing in the morning when we were getting Lacy all ready he wanted his picture taken too, I'M a BIG BOY!!

4th of July

We had a pretty low-key 4th. We had a BBQ over at my parents on Saturday and then went to Pioneer Park right across from the Temple and watched fireworks with the Jones' and popped popcorn in the park and played with glowsticks. It was a lovely cool evening, it was perfect. I didn't get great pictures but Mimi got the kids adorable 4th of July outfits, so I had to share.. Hugo isn't so happy, Jack on the other hand...

Lacy just wants to hurry and get in the pool.
Maybe he just needed his mama!

Getting ready..

Shawn's maternal family has been going to Yosemite every year for the past... well, forever and we are soo looking forward to going next weekend. Lacy has been talking about it since the minute she got back last year and the same the year before. It is by far the highlight of her year, and will be for us this year as well. We can all hardly wait. We got a new tent this year, seeing as last time we went we took my parents pop-up tent trailer that they no longer have. We are ecstatic to be in a tent this time and to not have to tow that thing again! Well we got the tent and we HAD to try it out before going, just to make sure all the pieces were there. Well the thing is HUGE. We had to clear out both couches in the family room... Enlist some help from three little munchkins...

and voila our whole room was filled from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. The kids of coarse loved it! It was an easy set up, It will fit us all nicely and we are all even more excited then before to get on going. We will report more on the trip when we get back!!!

Here is a better picture of what it actually looks like!! It took up so much room in the room that I couldn't back away far enough to snap a shot!

Lightrail-date

Chantal, Clarissa, and I and our husbands all went on a super fun, note-worthy date last weekend. We took the lightrail over to Chase field and had dinner up at the TGIFridays and watched the last little bit of the diamondbacks game. We then took the lightrail back to Mill Ave and walked around and ended up hiking A-mountain. It was a little warm but it wasn't bad seeing as it was breezy and 10pm. We had so much fun laughing and playing like kids, without our kids! All except for the one moment on the lightrail when I got lost and thought everyone had left me. (Hence the sad-face).. they were all watching me squirm and thought it was pretty hilarious... punks!

Soccer Camp

Lacy just finished a 4 week soccer camp that she absolutely loved! We loved it too because it was indoors and kept her nice and busy. On the last day we noticed that she was the only girl in the class. It obviously never seemed to bother her (or us for that matter) seeing as it took so long for us to even see it. She loved it, learning about the game, the different positions, learning how to dribble, pass, and much more. She was so enthusiastic and most of all, she loved waving at us and making sure we were watching her "sweet moves!"

The only picture I snapped was the last day, with my phone, after the game when they were sitting around getting a thank-you and good job from the coach!

Shake it!

Lacy was playing on the wii doing some hula-hoop and it was just too hysterical not to share. The girl has got some serious moves! She is so funny!! I love this girl!