Memorial Day Party '09

Once a year Pine Canyon welcomes in the golf season with a party for the gourmet.  Fresh jumbo shrimp, sushi from Karma, and desserts galore.  But better than the food is the company.  This delicious dish is Carson a-la creme.  And below is Jacob Surprise, with some Rebecca on the side.

   The three Olson sisters.  Becca, me and Rachel.  Lauren was babysitting since it was adults only.

Turns out Edward Scissorhands has a golf membership.

The beat of the band made it hard to believe we weren't at an indoor club.

The matriarch and patriarch dancing the night away.  (I had to take a picture of this one 'cause it happens  as often as catching a shooting star.)

Harley got stung!

Our new little puppy Harley-girl got stung by two bees on Saturday!  She was chomping at the bees by the fountain, and well, there goes nature.  She looks like a catfish!  (And as sweet as she is, she wasn't whimpering, just laid in her doggy pillow, resting.)  Jacob brought her in laughing saying she looked funny, and Carson got that concerned tone in his voice, and called, "Jen?..."  We looked on animal websites and did a baking soda paste around her face, just like they said.  (I guess it sucks out the sting).  We also gave her a baking soda bath for good measure.  The swelling went down on one side within 10 minutes, but it took 6 hours to dissipate completely.  Poor Harley!  Perhaps next time she'll waste her time nipping at dog toys.

Stroll with me to Old Town Creperie

Are you hungry yet?  I am.  A fresh French crepe with apple and Swiss cheese with a bechamel sauce and fresh sprigs.  My friends at Old Town Creperie call it the Aspen.  It is one of many savory treats offered at this downtown Flagstaff stand, along with several sweets delights worthy of breaking any diet.  Each treat runs about 4-6 dollars, and it's difficult to share when they taste so good.  My sisters Rebecca and Lauren went with me and our brother Nick for a downtown run while we were in Flag for Memorial Day (yes- way back then) and Carson stayed back with the kids.  We found this hidden gem in an alleyway niche off Leroux and Aspen (thus the name).  Our next stop was P.J. Chilcottage, a darling gift shop with fresh soups and a vintage charm.  Then Shoes N Such, my secret obsession boutique where I actually pay full price sometimes!  (I dig their fresh selection and creative looks.)  Best of all, I got to spend some time hanging out with my siblings.  Bon Appetit!

2009 Preschool Swim Party

Miss Sandy has an end-of-the-school-year swim party at a friend's house.  Jacob and Isaac looked forward to it for weeks, and finally it came!  We sat around the pool as our kids played around.  One particular friend (in the white hat) kept careful watch of all the kids (on top of the other parents) as her close friend lost a child to drowning.  She said that she will never forget the howls of her friend over the casket of the child, weeping in apology.  That memory of her story haunts me as I was almost in the same place.  Teresa actually jumped in after a child who was started to struggle in the water and ruined her phone in the process.  Sweet helper!  Back to happy matters, the kids brought their own lunches, and they loved the fun and excitement!!  (If anyone wants to find out information about Sandy's preschool, just call me or send me an email.)

Isaac loved Miss Sandy!!! (and he is so photogenic!)

Teresa holds Ivy while talking to a Mom and Jacob endures the falls as mothers chat and watch.

Isaac and Jacob had fun on the rocks.  One of the fathers was kind enough to hold his son while ensuring Isaac slid the slides carefully.  Isaac is a little monkey, and would sooner hug a snake that hurt one.

Angels and Demons

Carson and I went to the movies with my parents and sisters.  Angels and Demons was a thrilling adventure but had an unfortunate ending (I really like the bad guy as an actor) and I had to close my eyes in a couple parts (as I seem to do in many PG-13's nowadays.)  When we got home, Austin proved the perfect cuddle bug.

Vicki's VivaKids

Our friend Vicki introduced us to head leaders in the company ExFuze where they have the nonprofit organization called VivaKids.  She had a reception in her home and we wish her well on her ventures!

Mangos with Becca

Rebecca and I have a favorite Mexican restaurant in downtown Mesa that we love to visit when she's in town.  It's called Mangos and their employees feel like family (as seen in the photo).  I always order an horchata with half root beer and we visit with David and others.  The food is fresh, and the atmosphere friendly, and it is so relaxing to eat outside and feel like Mesa really does have culture.

My aunt is doing better

Some may be wondering why my posts have become so irregular lately.  I have to admit.  Recently my family has faced a near tragedy with a medical condition of my aunt.  She was in the hospital for a long time, and is just now returning to her home.  I have spent two weeks away from my kids and have had a lot to catch up on.  Quite frankly, it is a miracle she is alive, and to respect her privacy and anonymity, I will not post any more detail.  But I just wanted to say that I believe that in our mortal experience we are given help from both sides of life.  That is to say that when trials come-'cause you know they will-ancestors, future posterity, and God join together to help us out.  And though we cannot feel these efforts directly, sometimes we can.  And in these moments, you realize what life is really about.

This is Carson talking to my aunt during one of her brief periods of wakefulness.

Following your heart

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart... pursue those."- Michael Nolan

Cooking has always been an inspiration to me.  Throw in some flour, egg, and water- and poof! You have pasta, or bread... or mush.  I loved watching my mother when I was too short to look over the countertop, and imagine what she was creating.  Sometimes she would lift me to see into the bowl, and if it was sugary-she'd let me lick it.  My favorite was chocolate chip cookies.  She's use her round Bosch, and I'd hope she'd leave more batter than not.  She told me recently that when she was a child she looked forward to Christmas, not so much for the presents, but because her single mother didn't need to work, and she would spend Christmas Day enjoying her kids' company and having nothing more important to do than make chocolate chip cookies together.  She said growing up she'd dream of becoming a mother that had nothing more important to do than make chocolate chip cookies with her kids.  And I started to laugh with joy.  I said, "Mom!  You did it!"  The most clear memories of her motherhood in my life were her always having time and making them-weekly at least-and whenever anyone would ask what type of mom I had, I'd say it in that way... "I have a mom that made time to make chocolate chip cookies with me."  The papers could be in a messy pile, the laundry not finished, or the dinner half made, but it didn't matter.  What this meant to me is that I mattered more than all those things.  And I felt so special that this intelligent capable woman had nothing more important to do than to spend time with me and bring a little joy into my life through cookies.  

P.S. Now her favorite thing to do as a Grandma is make cookies with my kids.  I feel so lucky that her favorite things pass on to my offspring.  

New Book Post

Please read my new book review on my book blog here.  Also note that I have a new link to the site on the right column that will show updates, etc.  Thanks and enjoy!

Friends at Ellie's Blessing

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." -Marion C. Garretty

The same thing goes for a good friend.  Kevin Duffin was raised as a quasi-cousin in my early years, and now my husband gets along great with him, and his wife Tara is a good friend of mine.  I joke that the four of us would have still become great friends even without the childhood connection.  Kevin & Tara's daughter Ellie was given a baby blessing last Sunday in their Gilbert home.  It was a privilege to attend such a sweet ordinance, surrounded by the extended Duffin family that I adore.  Susan (Kev's mom) made an arrangement of mexican salads, and Rex brought the yucalaly.  It was Ammon's birthday so his request for dozens of Krispy Kreme doughnuts was much appreciated. (Ok- I have to add that Carson corrected my spelling of "doughnuts" which was previously spelled "donuts."  Then Kyle pipes in "Haha. There you go, journalism major!"  What would I do without these guys.)

On our way there, Jacob and Isaac were disappointed because we pulled them out of Primary early in order to be on time.  They were minutes away from receiving their candy for practicing so well for the Primary Program.  As we waited for their speaking parts, it was really nice hearing the rehearsal because I will not be there for the actual performance.  Isaac yelled into the microphone, and Jacob delicately articulated his words.

Austin and Ellie would make a great couple someday!  (Great- I'm already doing what my mom and Susan did when Kevin and I were young.) Redo:  Hopefully they will be really good friends!

Meet the Crowd- AZ Diamondback's Event

The Arizona Diamonbacks Foundation fundraiser event in Paradise Valley was attended by some pretty nice people.  Above chef Eddie Matney (of the restaurant with the same name in Scottsdale) prepared delectable hors d'oeuvres- like his Mint Pesto Grilled Lamb Chops.  The kind host, Karen Hobbs, was in the kitchen when I was visiting with Eddie, and when I asked her to take a picture, she thought I meant take a picture with her.  She felt it was credit to Eddie and graciously took the shot!  Eddie was a former teacher of mini-classes at Les Gourmettes Cooking School by chef Barb Fenzl years ago.  I have taken 3-hour classes at her place since I was a teenager, and unfortunately never got to take one from Eddie.

Vernon and Lisa Parker; Mr. Parker is the Mayor of Paradise Valley and is beginning his climb to run for Governor of Arizona.

Atsushi Kasai with Ken Kendricks (owner of the Diamondbacks)

Me with my Love!

Carson and Atsushi.  Two best friends.

Galveston Ward Halloween Party

This year there was no place to have the ward Halloween party, so our friends Scott and Fawn Taylor opened their home (4-acre lot) for the ghosts and goblins to roam.  Game stations,  a potluck dessert table, and a fire pit were a few of the activities available for treaters.  Scott drove the kids around in a hayride along the greens, and parents shivered as temperatures reached below 47 degrees.

Pictures: me and Fawn, Fawn's fancy game station signs, Mary Poppins and Indiana Jones stopped by, Elizabeth, and two of the best gals on the block with Feline.

Carson being a kid, the Bishop and others talking with the missionaries, and best friends Karen Andersen and Rhonda Bevers with Shereen!

Ang (orange top) is awesome, and so was the party!  (Special thanks to Sandee Prince for showing me how to post large photos!)

Fundraiser for The AZ Diamondbacks Foundation

Carson and I represented W Holdings and his boss's contribution to a fundraiser benefiting the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation.  The setting was Barry Goldwater's former hilltop home (built in 1957) in Paradise Valley.  Valley residents of 24 years, Bob and Karen Hobbs, "went door-to-door for Goldwater in the 1964 presidential campaign," and purchased the home in 2000 for 4.1 million (left photo).  They kept their purchasing identity a secret to the pubic- creating a media stir until it was official.  Even their closest friends who had taken a tour of the estate got only a smile from the couple who knew they would be closing soon.  Its 3.9 acres has 360 degree views of Paradise Valley and Phoenix.  (I know I sound like a realtor- but I'm not.)  They purchased it with a commitment to preserve the architectural identity of the home which was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.  They preserve the legacy of Goldwater not only in the architecture but also in the details-like the original bathroom wallpaper made out of black and white photographs, and Goldwater memorabilia.  They divided 1.1 acres of the lower elevation (with permission from the town) to build a second property.  Bob Hobbs was the CEO of Naumann/Hobbs Co., the "largest material handling and storage products company in Arizona," with sales over $60 million in 1999 alone, and sold the company in 2003.  The company is now run by one of his two sons, and has 35o employees.  As seen below, the Hobbs have walls of photographs with presidents and the famous, media recognition and awards.  But the thing that impressed me most was how their family was displayed as their chief asset.  Vast portraits hung throughout with clever displays and heart-warming memories.  Christmas cards of the past near the kitchen, and family photos tastefully arranged on an entry way wall floor to ceiling.  Bob met his wife Karen when they were both attending ASU; they are now among the school's greatest benefactors.  They are indeed philanthropists who donate to causes such as education, fighting hunger, and assisting a Lutheran church in the Valley.  Tonight their home was host to a cocktail fundraiser for The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation; their target issues are healthcare for the indigent, youth development and education, and homeless and low income housing.  

(quotes from AZCentral.com)

By the sacrifice of others...

I found this on Voice for the Children- a blog put on by the AZ Family Council dedicated to highlight issues that affect our children, like web filters, online social networks & politics.  This image is of a little girl-Paige- whose dad left for Iraq for a year.  She said, "I didn't want to let go of him."  God bless our men and women in the armed forces, and may God bless their families!  I feel like He does, and our prayers are in a sea of many for their success and safe return.  The thing that gets my heart strings is that each one of those men has a "Paige," or someone hoping above all else that they return unharmed.  This one for all of you out there who are sacrificing your time and safety for ours.

Irrigation Kids- Resumed

I don't think I'll ever get sick of taking pictures of kids playing in the irrigation.  Germs aside, is there anything more fun or exploratory?  Here they are above watching a large ant promenade escape the waters (or 'eskopay' as Dory read it to Nemo).

I let the chickens out and they always find "higher ground' as the waters recede.  (There's a spiritual analogy in there somewhere.)

I always have to remove the laying box & chicken feed from the coup as they'll become flooded too. 

Isaac playing with the sunshine. 

Austin (under careful watch by me; duh) sagging like a maniac.

Austin has some shorts on and is ready to play.

Jacob and Isaac got this empty plastic flower pot and pretended it was their boat.  Then they filled it with cups full of water, all while singing The Land Before Time 47 1/2 song, "Big Big Big Big Water."

This image springs horror in my bones.  I know I was right there, it just looks like I'm so far away.  After- I was much closer when the accident took place.  It's just a really big step for me to let them play in water-period.  It'll get better in time.  I know it will.

Austin Sleeping

"A well spent day brings happy sleep" -Leonardo da Vinci

Grandma Kris's Food

The only thing I like better than talking about Food is eating." -John Walters (Welch Anglican priest & poet).  Jacob and Isaac are licking the bowl clean of Mashed Red Potatoes with Cream.  Grandma Kris finishes up her delicious pork; that pot covers two burners.  She has the touch of a true chef, and gets her rosemary fresh from a neighbors yard-with permission of course.  The 3 boys usually match for church, as you can see here, and sometimes there's not enough time to change before Sunday classes and Sunday dinner at Mom's.  

 

True Friendship

I have had some pretty good friends in my life, but none is as loyal and nonjudgemental as Will. Will moved into the neighborhood when I was in third grade.  His sister Lisa was my age, and he was my brother Josh's age.  Will has cerebral palsy, just like my cousin Eric, except Will has exceptional skill and mobility- something Eric only has now in Heaven.  Will would come over and play basketball with me on the side yard.  He'd beat me every time.  He was one of my first piano students when I taught for free in High School.  I hate to say that I'd get a little scatter-brained and forget to reschedule if there was a Track meet or something.  His mom started paying me (which I never felt fully comfortable with) I think to keep me more responsible.  It was during those teaching moments that I felt like I could see Will's heart completely, and we were just two friends playing music together!  One week, I introduced a new song Sweet Hour of Prayer in our curriculum.  There wasn't enough time to learn much of anything, and he left with his book and a secret determination.  The next week he came back beaming with anticipation.  He sat down and began playing the ENTIRE song memorized on his right hand!!  He had obviously worked all week on it and wanted to surprise me!  The tears couldn't help but flow.  Then there came a knock at the door.  Who is it?  That Mesa High guy that's been blowing me off since we met at Student Council camp.  He was a really nice guy- but I didn't seem to make his priority list.  He came over for some reason and became speechless when he met Will.  Later that month, when Tim Felicia finally asked me out, he admitted something.  He said he thought I was one of the fakest Mtn. View girls he'd ever met- and blew me off on purpose because he wanted to only have relationships with REAL people.  He said that when he met Will, he saw me for the first time and wanted to get to know me better.  We became lifelong friends.  Will is responsible for a lot more miracles than that, and I only have time for one here.  I now call Will friend whenever I visit my parents, see him at Deseret Industries where he use to work, or when he has a birthday party to attend.  He is a special guy, and though he cannot express himself the same way you and I can right now, someday with a perfected resurrected body, I'd imagine we'll still be playing music together!

Jacob's First Optometry Appt.

Jacob went to his first optometry appointment before the school year!  My poor eye sight wasn't diagnosed until I was in 5th grade.  Growing up I believed everyone saw blurry 10 feet away (now its more like 2).  One day while my Mom was driving on Brown Road, I complained that the city should make street signs bigger so you could actually read them in time to turn.  I was 9 at the time and she asked, "Honey, you can't see them?"  She asked me to read the next large sign allowed when I could see it.  I squinted all the way until we were under the sign, and yelled, "Gilbert!"  She made an appointment with Dr. Woolf- our neighbor and family Ophthalmologist.  When I first arrived, I couldn't believe how glass test cylinders could let me read so far away.  (I realized my fourth grade teacher wasn't punishing me by putting me in the back row- where I assumed everyone knew you couldn't read the board.)  When my glasses were ready, they had me stand without them facing the large north window looking at the third floor view.  I could see a Monet, if you will, that had a blank green landscape and probably some sky.  Then, when they put on the glasses, miraculously I could see branches a mile away, shrubs and everything clear!!  I said allowed, "I can see leaves!"  Feeling dumb for not knowing my own visual handicap, I felt like Charlie in Flowers for Algernon. My mother felt horrible, and we couldn't figure our how the school vision screening didn't catch it?  Even greater was my relief that this ailment could be fixed- with glasses, contacts, and someday laser surgery.  I wanted to spare Jacob the same scenario, so I made him an appointment before Kindergarten started.  The result: perfect vision, though I was told to bring him back at each growth spurt.  It was fun for me to see my little guy at such an adult setting, though the Optometrist made it fun!  (I now go to someone close in Chandler though Dr. Woolf is great!)

P.S. I urge you to donate old glasses to give someone around the world the chance to see.  Drop off at any Goodwill or LensCrafters, or mail them to LowVision- and get a tax deduction! 

New Additional Blog- On Books!

I am an avid reader- so I decided to keep track of my books and opinions on a blog to share.  It has a summary/review, and any notes you might find useful.  Check it out at jenbrownbooks.blogspot.com.  Enjoy and start reading!

Motherhood

This kid spills more than should be legal, but I love it.  It makes me so grateful that he's around.  I want nothing more than to be able to change it stinky diapers, wash his weathered clothes, and kiss his chunky cheeks.  

Following the Spirit.

Imagine you are leaving the church building of your nativity, and have a happy feeling from the meeting. You leave the large glass doors, and begin walking home. Something amazing makes you feel like you need to reenter that building. You don't know why, and it is your choice, but you feel like something indescribable is waiting for you. You follow the spiritual feeling, and enter the foyer- scanning the room, for what could possibly be that important. Suddenly you see an old neighbor (and forget all about the prompting). It's been years since you've seen her, and man time doesn't leave a mark! You walk up to her, do a mini-catch up, and she says, "You have grown up," (you were probably 7 since you last met). She suggests setting you up with her brother who just got home from his mission. You remember the kid who was 4 years older than you; he used to play basketball in the neighborhood and was known for including all the little guys, despite his popularity. You say aloud, "I remember that guy?! I think I had a crush on him or something." She smiles, looks down, and says, "He's right here." And the guy standing behind her turns around, and you think, 'Shoot, did he just hear me?' You small talk with him, thinking perhaps you'll hang out but he's way too old (you're only 17). That Friday you recognize him on the sidelines of your high school state game (he with his ASU buddies, and you with your Stuco video camera.) Your ride leaves you, he takes you home, and you stay up talking 'til 2 am (even though you have ACTs at 7:30 am!) 2 days later he happens to speak in your ward as a visiting returned missionary, and his same sister invites you to their house for dinner. He asks you out, and you click- just in time to sign up to take a Math class together at MCC (you're a dual credit high school student). Every day after class you spend time together, and you become best friends, just in time to go off to college; you agree to keep in touch (no promises- 'cause come on- you're only 18!) Well, a year later you marry him! It is the best thing you could have ever done! This is our story. That was 8 years ago. I don't know what exactly brought me back in that building, but man am I so glad I followed!  

(This photo is from bowling over the summer with friends.)

Swimming with the Bakers

During the summer my cousin Torsha and her hubby brought their kids to my parents to enjoy swimming and a BBQ. Her husband is a Mesa cop, and his biceps prove it. Single handedly, he swam with his kids Mikaela, Meilana, and Malakai and my Jacob and Isaac all across the pool. Then each child performed tricks off the diving board. 

Points for Torsha on the life jacket!

...the hands that prepared it.

My mother is another Martha Stewart (minus the jail time) but instead of cooking in front of studio audiences with millions coming in, she does this for her family, friends and neighbors for free. Her culinary abilities are unmatched in Mesa, AZ, and I am unfortunately not very close in her example. Her latest debut was at their ward Relief Society night showcasing budget cutting through The Price is Right. They held up an item and had each contestant guess the price, and astonishingly each price was low. My mom was in charge of the food, which was a replica of Costa Vida taco salads. I went along to help her out and to visit my old ward friends that I grew up with. For some reason I always feel at home like a little girl when I walk in that building. For dessert she made a homemade lemon tart with delicious flakey buttery crust. She single handedly made dozens and dozens of them. (While carrying them in before slicing, the other women were shocked that she owned that many tart pans.) If the world comes to an end, the next Williams Sonoma is at her house. Here she is delivering one of the many carts to sisters. God bless the hands that prepared them.

Strong families make strong friendships

"It takes a village to raise a child." That old African proverb rings true in my life. One such neighbor was the Duffin family. My dad and their dad grew up in the same small town. Brother Duffin served his mission in AZ, and joined my dad in the mortgage business in Provo while dating their eventual spouses at BYU. They had their first sons 2 weeks apart, and talked their wives into moving to AZ while the mortgage business was hot (no pun intended.) "5 years," my Dad promised. "Then we'll return to Boulder or Utah." That was 28 years ago. We would have annual summer swim parties in my parents' backyard where my dad would grill the burgers and Mr. Duffin would make his home-made ice cream. I'd call one particular cousin a "kissing cousin," but that would disrespectful to my new friend- his wife (not pictured here). I only had 2 actual cousins that lived in this state (and 5 living out of it) growing up so the Duffins filled a very obvious void. My parents were the first in their families to join the LDS church, so it was nice being close to people with similar values. They were listed as the guardians in my parents' will, so I slept easier knowing that if my mom was not around- I'd have someone pretty close. Susan threw me my bridal shower, was there when Isaac was born (since he was 2 weeks early and my mom was in New York), and continues to be a close example. When Carson and I were going over our list of names that would attend our Temple Marriage ceremony, he couldn't fit in all his close relatives cause that would mean over 100 people! (Everyone knows Carson's related to 1/2 of AZ.) He was baffled that I wanted to include "neighbors" over his family. "They are my family!" I said. I won. They attended- along with four other "neighbors" that were better aunts or uncles in my life than there ever was. Since he had over twice the people I had in there, it worked out just fine. Their first Duffin son married a beautiful bride himself (above), and recently they had their first child together. That baby shower took place at his parents' house over the summer; it was such a tribute to a wonderful mom-to-be! (My mother is front with my "God-mother" in the pink skirt. Everyone says they look and act like sisters. I'd have to agree.)

PJ Underwear-ers

Do I really have to explain? 

(Photos taken by Carson)

Jacob's 3rd day of K

Jacob's 3rd day of Kindergarten we were getting use to the schedule and Carson has begun his ritual of dressing Jacob in the clothes I'd set aside. I am trying to pre-plan the week's worth of clothes and group them into days sorted on a hanging clothing cubby. It was fun going to Target and getting polo shirts to match the plaid shorts we got at Costco. (Poor Isaac is roughing it being the younger brother). It was even more exciting searching for lunch bags at the end of summer. At potterybarnkids.com I found these lunch boxes for 7.99 (plus 6.50 for name inscription) on clearance! I got one of each of the two styles for each of my three kids! (I tend to overdo things.)

Isaac and Austin spend more meaningful time together as they are the only men left in the house. Isaac has blossomed into a protector of Austin, telling him, "No, no" when he's touching something off limits. He also likes to pick him up, tackle him, and make him scream- all with the best of intentions, of course. 

Jacob's growing up

This was a photo of Jacob when we were driving home from his school. He had finished his first week of all-day Kindergarten. It's a big step for a 5 year old. He sat there, calm as can be looking out into the world as if thinking, "I belong out there. I'm just getting my feet wet. What else is out there?" There was such a mature look, I had to capture it. Now, I am realizing that he is no longer "mine" but turning into his own. It's humbling to see him grow so independent, but I know his heart is still with his family. Jacob has always had a happy confidence with a curiosity to learn. Each kid comes unique, and this is his general mix. It will serve him well. Still, he is 5, and he asks me to cuddle him every night for a minute, cut his sandwiches with cookie cutters, and hug him tight during family night (like he did last night). I guess they never cease to be yours, which is why parenthood is so beautiful.

Carson- It pays to stick around.

Carson has begun taking Jacob to school every day by himself (this pic was of the 4th day). This is such a breath of fresh air considering back just a few years ago, we never saw him... 

He would come home from work at 10:00 p.m. every night when he first got his real estate job. I welcomed this, because I was used to him getting off work in Phoenix at 1 a.m. from valeting, and getting home around 2:00. This went on Tuesday thru Saturday for 5 years while we both went to school full time. We used to grocery shop together at 2:30a.m. just so we could be together! Late night meals were more like early breakfasts! What you do when you're 19 and in love. 

Anyhow, when he finally graduated and I was taking a lesser load (9 credit hours) because Jacob was born, he did an internship for a well-connected real estate guy. This led to a job 4 months later at the development group where he still has a job (thankfully)! In the beginning, he had a lot to learn, and though the group would close officially at 5:30, Carson was a late nighter. I didn't question it for months until I realized when the office actually closed by listening to their answering machine. Lets just say I had to make sure there were no secretaries lurking around at similar hours, which there weren't. (I trust Carson, but I don't trust my own gender.)

After he got the job, Carson would always say he needed to prove himself. "Just give me 5 years," he'd say. Last month was year 4. You work hard in the beginning so you can relax later, right? We lived separate lives for a while, out of necessity. Carson would leave before we got up, come home when the kids were asleep, and work every other Saturday. That was his "real estate residency," like a medical student; he had to learn all he could. It was especially tough when I was in the Young Women's Presidency, dragging my kids to mutual every week. I didn't realized how bad it was until one day Jacob was telling a neighbor kid, excitedly, "My Dad came over yesterday!!" (He thought the office was his home.)

Now, as you can see, it is much improved. And slowly with blessings (and a slowed down economy) I got my husband back. He is better than I imagined I'd get, and anyone who knows him can testify he's a keeper. And now he takes our son to Kindergarten every day! Sometimes it pays to stick around.

Jacob's 2nd day of K

The second day of Jacob's Kindergarten went as smooth as an ocean wave. Carson drove him on his way to work, and I stayed back with the other two. It's so nice having a husband who is a real team player! We did a quick family prayer while standing on the back porch, and kissed goodbye.

Mom's Crying Party

Everyone who is a mother of a Kindergartener (or has thought about this milestone) knows that the first day of school is expected to have a lot of tears. Misery loves company, so we thought all of us Playgroup moms who are in this together should join forces (working moms-we missed you). Karen had a little brunch at her home after we took those momentous pictures and dropped our kids off. To tell you the truth, I think I built the whole thing up so big that by the time Jacob's first day really came, it wasn't that hard for me. It was nice having a schedule in my day, and planned activities for Jacob. As for my career as a mom, it was liberating to be able to focus concentrated attention on each kid at different times. And it makes me so proud to see Jacob confidently enter the classroom, ready for his adventure to begin. No tears, no regrets, no worries! And I feel especially confident about the school we chose to send him to! Great job Jacob! It was a celebrating party to me, 'cause I know this is a big step for your future!

Left to Right: Me, Fawn, Kaylani, Jennifer, Karen, Diana, & Annie; some celebrating, some sad, & some in denial!

French Wisdom in an Italian Restaurant

Olive Garden is the new Les Deux Magots, or Parisian artist hang-out where intellectuals bounced ideas. For instance, while we were there, my friend Theresa told me that in order to keep both her children and her pocketbook happy, she buys one pop (or soda) for herself and a water for each of her kids! She then drinks a smidgen of their waters (1/5) and replaces it with pouring a little bit of her pop! Voila! Happy kids, less sugar in their bellies, and more dollars in her wallet! She is an extremely honest person, and knows that her kids don't drink enough to require a refill, so she is using her 1 paid drink the way she wishes. That's it. Thank you Theresa for being such a genius. You belong in Les Deux Magots where elites such as Oscar Wilde (my favorite, by the way), Hemingway, Sartre (I don't know who this is), Picasso, & Simone de Beauvoir shared their wisdom in the 20th century. (Why do French names sound so romantic?) This cafe made the quarter of Sainte-Germain-de-Pres famous in French history and culture. (My Italian chef instructor would be furious at my admitting that France has any culture.) 

Ivy won the Most Reverent Baby contest. 

Austin is such a messy eater! Maybe Theresa can conjure a remedy.

My Survivor List

Henry B. Eyring said in May's Ensign this year, "The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of [Heavenly Father and the Savior's] infinite love. God gave us the gift of living in mortality so that we could be prepared to receive the greatest of all the gifts of God, which is eternal life." 

For the purpose of seeing God's love through allowing me to experience adversity, I have compiled an adversity list, or what I would like to title, My Survivor List.  In chronological order, I have survived:

1. Being teased by my big brother; his name used to be "Mad Dog."

2. My parents' not-so-perfect-marriage (who's is?).

3. My little sister trying to sabotage my every move (back then).

4. At age 10 getting lost in a subway system in Vienna, Austria for an hour.

5. Best friends forgetting about me in 6th grade.

6. Other best friends changing paths in 9th.

7. Getting a heart break in high school (OK, maybe twice).

8. A would-be-fatal car accident if I didn't have my seatbelt on at age 16, and years of continual neck therapies since. 

9. Dating my sweetheart long distance at BYU for a year. 

10. Seeing my husband 2 days a week for years while we both worked and attended college.

11. Delivering my second son 2 weeks before my college graduation.

12. Moving 7 times in 8 years of marriage. 

13. Waiting in a full hospital lobby for nearly 3 hours while dilated to a 9 with my third son.

14. The natural struggles of a striving marriage.

15. Reviving my son who didn't have a heart-beat for 5 minutes. 

I guess that is a pretty regular list, and we all have one, but I just wanted to look back and see what I was able to survive. I know that at each step, the Lord was there, and He loves me, and He wants me to grow. Come what may, I will continue to choose hope over despair, and joy and love over sorrow and fear. The light always cancels out the darkness; so it goes with our lives. 

"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now--we must live in it." President Thomas S. Monson CES Fireside for Young Adults, Jan. 14, 2001. 

Music in Sainte-Chapelle

Listen to the music. Imagine the vibrations reflect off the 600 year old glass while the Parisian sun waves adieu through the colored glass of oppression and faith.

Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) on Ile de la Cite (Island of the City) in Paris has the best stained glass in all the cathedrals worldwide. Built in 1239 by King Louis the IX, it houses over thirty relics claimed to have belonged to Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. Obtaining these relics cost the crown 135,000 livres, over three times the amount it cost to erect the cathedral itself (40,000 livres). It was the Royal Family's private chapel, and is part of the little that remains of the original palace. During the French Revolution it was used as an administrative office, and during my Spring adventure with Mom, it was our sanctuary. Sunday evening the calming city felt somber, and our spirits cried for a peaceful moment.

Sainte-Chapelle is my mother's favorite cathedral, and for a woman with a Masters in Art History, that says something. She once practically wrote my 7th grade paper on a historical building because I had chosen this chapel as my topic. This stands out in my memory because it is the only time she has ever done my homework for me. I still have the paper in my memory box- with the unsuspecting "A" marked as a Scarlett letter. I feel extra special in this building, though, because it was consecrated on my birthday (734 years before I came around). 

When we approached the chapel's entrance, there was a line a mile long wrapped around the surrounding building. A banner said a concert quartet would play at at sundown (in 10 minutes) inside the chapel's stained glass walls. We entered the other line, labeled "Reservations," which was empty and led to the same entrance as the mile-long deadlock. Since we were leaving the next day, we asked if there was a second concert that evening. "No," the guard said, "But you are already at the front of the line. Go on in and enjoy the show." We couldn't believe he let us cut! Who ever said the French weren't sweet?

Eagerly we entered, but I needed to wash my hands, if you know what I mean, so was directed to a far off toilet in one of the surrounding buildings. When the girl ahead of me finally finished, and my turn was done, I returned to the Chapel doors, horrified to find them shut and abandoned! It would have taken too long to go back to the other building and I knew there was no entry once the concert began. Applause erupted inside as the musicians were introduced; my spirits sank. I felt like an unprepared virgin in Jesus's parable who, after getting oil for her lamp, was shut out of the feast! For 2 minutes I stood alone outside & discouraged. Suddenly the doors opened! My mother stood next to a guard that she begged to open the doors for her missing daughter! 

Once inside the miracle began! The pictures do little justice to portray the celestial glow of the chapel. And for a moment, we all felt like royalty.

Chuck's Swim Party in June Part 2

See part 1 here. Carnivores be ware: this post might make you salivate. This particular family night we initiated Chucks' new smoker grill. It was a Father's Day gift from his wife Judene, and it is his baby. Say hi to Celeste, Chuck, and the coveted machine.

Everyone brought ingredients to share... Mmm.

Jace- props to Celeste for the life jacket!!

The women culminate inside with the A/C. 

Heidi Brienholt was visiting from Texas with her daughter and a heavy Southern accent! Seen with sister-in-law Debra.

Slick Nick (as I call my little brother) hitched a ride with Curt and is lounging with Jaylee and Cassidy. They are all the same age and live like cousins.

Brian Trotter making his wife jealous with their friend Evan. 

1st Skateland "Trip"

Carson and I took the boys to Skateland for the first time tonight! The Roller Skating Association claims that roller skating burns 350 calories per hour when skating at 6 mph. Considering Carson and the boys circled the rink twice in 2 hours, I doubt they burned 10. Carson held the boys' hands as they walked like newborn ponies. (It was kind-of funny to watch them try to get up, only to fall a dozen times; I know- sick parenting humor.) I was surprised that nothing has changed in the last 20 years. They still rent the same skates, they play the Hokey Pokey, and sell 10 cent glow-in-the-dark necklaces for $1.00. I hung out with Austin and Feline while the boys played earthquake. And Jacob met a little girl who held his hand with the guise of helping him not trip. We ended the night eating hoogies at a nearby joint that serves asian meats in artisan breads. D-licious! (Kiroro is my favorite Japanese female artist. Her songs are 2nd & 3rd on the playlist. Overall translations: song #2- Have hope in your life & be careful with your dreams; song #3- I'm sorry it's been a long time & our love will have to wait.)

Ethan's Baptism

Baptism is defined as "a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth." Since it took place on the morn of the worst day of my life, I am particularly touched by the happiness in this picture. Here is Austin. Here is Carson. Here is me. Oh that we could speak to them now. But anywho (I know that that is actually not a word), we drove to east Mesa where we were privileged to attend this blessed event. 

One happy, partially present family. We are at the luncheon. 

*Side thought: Where does the word luncheon come from? Wikipedia: Lunchentach dates back to 1580 and has been abbreviated to luncheon and most commonly lunch. "Lunch was originally intended as a vehicle in which working classes could escape their job and purchase alcoholic beverages." Man have we come a long way.

This is Courtney's famous banana bread. She butters and sugars the Bundt pan before slightly under-baking her carbitious (another made up word) delight. I eat this more as a dessert than a main food group, but its worth every bite.

 Ethan (left) is the newest member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as of then). Elijah is congratulating him.

Answering the Question

I want to answer the question I posed yesterday. A little history. It was the 1-month anniversary of almost loosing my son, I had major PMS, and it was the 3rd day of my "No-Sugar Diet." Not a good day. A perfect storm, if you will. Well, I just want to write the other half of the coin. Or- rather- the bigger picture. I think it all comes down to one question:

"Do I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation?"

I mean, do I honestly believe that we are literal children of God? Does life continue after this earth and "upgrade" to joy unimaginable? Do I believe that we have a Savior of the world who was physically born 2009 years ago? Does all human suffering get swallowed up by His redemption?

Joyeably, I answer "yes" to all of these.

So what that means is: no matter what our human experience is, if we endure it well, we will be exalted. Regardless of religion, background, gender, or strife, each of us has that opportunity. So what if we are not perfect. What is perfection anyway? It's like saying "That's the perfect cloud" when many different shapes and shades are all needed to beautiful the skies.

"May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don't reach beyond your capacity. Don't set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don't feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don't compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest." This was the last Ensign main article titled "The Influence of Righteous Woman" by Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

I believe in this, and whatever life brings, I still believe it.

Dear God

Dear God, 

Why are we here? Why are we so in love with our children just to have them gone in an instant. We procreate, love our children, and do our best. But when that best isn't good enough, what then. What is the purpose of life when the things you hold most dear can be taken from you?

Sincerely, 

A heart-broken mom

Chuck's Swim Party in June Part 1

It's time to think about happier swimming memories. Like parties in Chuck's pool where for years we have held annual Brown Family Swim Parties! This year it was in June. My brother-in-law Chuck is a general contractor, so he took no stops in creating the dream backyard for his kids and friends. It began as a family project in '02 and many hands went into laying concrete, diggings pits, cutting tiles, and forming boulders. So, to the joy of my sister-in-law Judene, it was completed in '04. The final project: an over sized slide, a 10-seater waterfall cave with flat-screen T.V., a volleyball net, and a jacuzzi waterfall. It even has a deep end big enough to catch brother-in-law Matt jump from next to the telephone wires! All 14 of the Brown/Breinholt siblings were there. With their respective families, that totaled over 80 people, not including great-grand kids and friends!

Courtney, Tia, & me.

The boy's volleyball match.

Kenna catching Jacob & Isaac.

Austin playing with our friend Fawn.

Fawn's husband Scott holding their daughter Feline.

Proof that God lives.

I just wanted to share my little Austin with you.  His recovery has been amazing and nothing short of a miracle. Here he is waiting for a DVD to start with Isaac. His pneumonia is gone, his breathing is back to normal, his ear aches are healed, his liver enzymes (which were 800) are back to normal- 100. I know that God lives regardless of the condition of my son, but he is just one bit of proof (that means to world to me) that there is a divine plan and God is watching.

A Monkey of a Party

Tyson turned one and our friends Kenny and Marie had a birthday bananza at their new home! Monkeys were the theme, and with over a dozen kids, the place was a zoo. Friends from the old ward and neighborhood trickled in to enjoy plenty of games and treats. It made me remember Jacob's first birthday... the invitations, the excitement, and guests. Things sure have changed with our third; we didn't have a party for Austin, and I wasn't even in town! But Carson (super dad) took the crew to Peter Piper Pizza. And somehow, all our kids know we love 'em. (The birthday boy is in the blue-shirted monkey.)

For anyone who is wondering why I haven't told the whole story of Austin's accident, read this Nie Nie Dialogues post. I am trying to be happy. Smiling all the time, and so forth. And then it just hits me. Read to the end. You'll see.

Visiting Teaching Skit soothes my "Sole"

The Relief Society (or "Sole-ciety") did a skit promoting the Visiting Teaching program, and many of the members joined a skit comparing VT's with shoes. The room was decorated as if it were a shoe shop, and the narrator acted as a shoe saleswoman, guiding the "SOLE-SEEKING Sister" to the right "pair." The actors had nothing to do with their respective parts, but it was hilarious! The Loafers were lazy, the Flip Flops flip flopped, and the Tennis Shoes SNEAKED in the last day of the month. The Fury Slippers were not "fur real" (and cold-hearted inside), and the Converse conversed, or gossiped, about everything. Now enters the high heals. (My friend Fawn and I were lucky enough to play these.) "Finally, visiting teachers that are UPLIFTING," the announcer says. Fawn and I enter stage and put our arms around the "Sole-Seeker." Fawn: "We'd love to help you set some HIGH GOALS for yourself." Me: "We can BUCKLE down and work out those problems together." (Get this skit here.) It was nice participating in such a fun evening and get my mind off the trauma we've recently experienced. (These were the shoes I found last month at Last Chance's Christmas in July sale; Phoenix at 7 am = Kate Spades at 90% off. Now if I could just afford the pedicure.)

Nice Visiting Teaching quote by President Spencer W. Kimball: "To be successful, it seems to me that a visiting teacher would wish to have HIGH PURPOSE and remember it all the time, would want to have a great vision, a terrific enthusiasm that CANNOT BE WORN DOWN, a positive attitude, of course, and a great love..." Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball page 525.

The 2 Seconds Rule

Many of us know a lot about water safety. But would it hurt to know a little bit more? Here are a few ways us moms and friends can keep our kids safe, so we can keep the water a fun place and Arizona bearable to live in. Most of us have heard the slogan, "2 seconds is 2 long." So how do we incorporate that when humanly it is impossible to focus every 2 seconds on every child all the time 24/7? (Mothers agree.) It only took Austin a few seconds to move safely from the left of my friend's chair that was next to me to the water. I continued "supervising" the pool not knowing he was behind the edge in a blind spot. It was a clear blue day, quiet setting, and several adults watching. There was no splash or ripple. It only took a minute. According to the Mayo Clinic, that's all it takes for a child to drown or get permanent brain or organ damage. "More than three-quarters of children who drown at neighborhood pools are out of sight for less than five minutes. Drowning is a silent death. There is no splashing to alert anyone [even if you're right there]." Luckily, we quickly stood up and saw him floating, did CPR, and finally brought him back. I don't want to talk about my experience too much right now. We are lucky. Heros, victims, and distraut parents all wrapped up into one. Now what. Below is a list for mothers, grandmas, aunts and neighbors to help prevent and respond to situations like this. Prevention takes many layers, so I hopefully somehow it will help.

1. Get a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device with Heads Up (like this, this, or this; it's cheaper than a funeral or medical bills). Ages 1-4 are the most high risk, so everyone these ages needs to wear it any time around an open body of water. Supervision works most of the time, but Austin was that 1%. This is the biggest thing we were ignorant about.

2. Learn CPR. Become certified or learn online here. Response time is at least 4 minutes for the fire department, and it sometimes takes 10+ minutes to revive (if they can). Add that to however long they were under the water. Brain damage takes 4-6 minutes to happen, so time is your enemy. Use it wisely & be prepared.

3. Follow the spirit and your instincts. Do not panic. Don't ever give up. Even if you think it's not working, keep going. Something is better than nothing. (There will be plenty of time to cry later.) Just focus and keep going till professional responders get there.

5. Put your kids in lessons & teach them about water safety. Mobile babies who don't know how to swim are the greatest at risk. Nationally, nearly 70% of drown victims were not expected to be near the pool when they were found in the water. You CANNOT rely 100% on supervision. Always check the pool first if your child is missing. Teach older kids what a drowning looks like & to tell an adult (the more eyes the better) and teach them to never put younger kids in the pool (this happens).

6. Assign a designated watcher in social events. Take turns. All parents should watch kids, but according to the Mayo Clinic, "At the time of such incidents, most victims were being supervised by one or both parents." True lifeguards don't chit chat. Have the lifeguard where they can see every inch of the pool floor and surface.

7. Use Barriers. There should be a fence, a net, or a mesh or vinyl cover. Use self-closing, self-latching gates, and never prop the door open. Remember that some kids can create ways to climb over fencing. And never try to sell or move into a new home without a barrier.

 

FACTS:

About 300 children under the age of 5 drown each year in U.S. swimming pools. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-14 years."( Yep moms of older kids, that's you too.) Local reports count 37 valley deaths (12 children) in 2009 already. A great prevention website is preventiondrownings.org.

I know it's a lot to ask, and do, but believe me, it will be worth it to keep our little guys safe. I just want others to learn from my ignorance on some of the dangers, and keep others from experiencing what I and my son had to- and we were the lucky ones! Please pass this on. It can save a life.

Gratitude

I have so much to be grateful for right now. My children are alive. Nothing else matters. I have a loving husband. My country allows me to worship my God. I am healthy, I am happy, I am free. For those of you who don't already know, I experienced a mother's worst nightmare Saturday before last. I thought about writing how great Jacob's first week of school went, but that is not on my mind. Continually racing before my mind is that for a few minutes, my son was lost. He was not here. He was with God. I cannot comprehend that. I don't know how it works. All I know is that he found his way into the pool, and 1 minute later he was floating. I cannot share more than that right now... only I can say that I have a heart full of love and gratitude. I know that the only reason we are ALL here is because God (the mystical being who is unappreciated but who deserves all gratitude) created us. I know that. I have always known that and for a few desperate minutes while calling His sacred name, He heard me. And I got my son back. I now look at him, healthy and pink, and wonder if it all was a dream. My heart and my mind tell me its not. I cuddle him, I kiss him, and love him with a mending heart. He is back. He came back! He is mine.

For any mother or relative who did not get this same answer, my heart aches for you. And I am in awe and respect for how you live on.

Jacob's 1st Day of Kindergarden

(For those of you who have heard of our unfortunate experience last week, I will not be writing about that right now. I need to think of happier times.)

Jacob enjoyed his first day of Kindergarten! Crayola crayons, the smell of new shoes, and excitement filled the air! Jacob has been ready for weeks for this day. I have pre-packed hundreds of tiny snacks while watching Netflix movies over the summer; now all that planning pays off. Jacob was not nervous, but excited for activities, friends, and learning! He gets bored teasing his brothers and taking care of the chickens. We play the matching game and others at home, but he is ready for MORE, even if it is all-day Kindergarden as the city only provides. I was surprised I didn't cry at all, and I knew he'd do just fine. He is such an independent child (No worries- I have cuddly Isaac and happy Austin.) After dropping kids off, several parents culminated at the entrance- discussing how quickly our kids have grown up! 

New Horizons

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." -Andre Gide. Our good friends T.J. & Lisa have undertaken the voyage of moving up to Ohio to attend Law School... during which their first born (due in Feb.) will come! We all met in our current ward (why does it always sound like an insane asylum when I use that word) and were impressed by their friendliness, strong marriage, determination, and patriotism (thus the background)! We celebrated with them at a going away party hosted by her parents. And you know how Carson is related to everyone; well turns out Lisa's mom is best friends with Carson's sister Cindy. Anywho, it was sad to see them go but exciting to see them launch new horizons. Bon Voyage et bon chance!! I'll watch your blog 'til we meet again! (P.S. Just to be clear, that is swim water from the boys' bathing suits on Carson's slacks.)

The kids swam in the backyard.

Our neighborhood friends solving the world's problems.

Joe and Austin bonding.

Brilliant Brother-in-Law!

We are at The French Bee, a floral and European furnishings shop in central Phoenix. My little sister Becca is down from BYU with her husband for two weeks. Becca is awaiting a text from Jacob relaying his MCAT score (Medical College Admissions Test) that he finds out today. This will determine if and where they will go to medical school, which will influence the residency he'll get, which will determine what kind of doctor he will be. Antiqued tables and bee shaped soaps fill our minds, when Becca looks down at her phone, gasps- walks away- and says "WHAT!!!" 

Jacob is my brother-in-law of 11 months. He is witty, studies hard, and treats Becca like a princess (not to mention the first cousin of my dear childhood friend- Jen). He has been studying for ages and humbly attributes any smarts he has to reading (just read his last post.) The MCAT is a three-part test with composite scoring that ranges from 3 (the lowest) t0 45 (the highest). The average score in 2008 was 28.1, and anything from a 25 up you should get into medical school somewhere. My brother Josh got at least a 4.0 GPA in High School and BYU, and he scored a 29 and is now a plastic surgeon. Our neighbor, T.K., scored a 34 and is now at the MAYO Clinic. The highest score I've ever heard of is my uncle Jim who was the dean at the University of Wyoming; he scored a 37. So why did Becca gasp?

Jacob scored a 37!!! They can hand pick their medical school and will have much to look forward to in the coming years!

After we found out, we celebrated at Houston's in Scottsdale. We had already planned on going there for Carson's birthday, but we all wanted to turn it into a "congratulations Jacob & "happy birthday Carson" celebration. Congratulations Jacob! We are so proud of you (and I love you Carson! Happiest 31st)!

Swimming Lessons- Final day

It was a bitter sweet end to swimming lessons. I feel grateful I don't have to endure the natural sauna now that the heat has come, but it was somber to realize that this is likely our last lessons at this pool. (Who knows where we'll be next year.) The kids fantastically ended their "season" and showed that summer lessons are truly worth it! Jacob's teacher wrote on his report card, "Keep workin' hard! Your stroke is lookin' much better; keep your face in the water!" Isaac's said, "Isaac is a great swimmer and a pleasure to teach. Keep up the good work! :-)"

Swimming Lessons 2nd Session

Each day we arrive 30 minutes before the first lesson to get a good parking spot and front row seating in the shade. Austin is propped in the stroller beside me, and Jacob is eager to get his goggles on; Isaac prefers no goggles. I am reading a biography on the life of Walt Disney- and immerse myself in 1930's cartooning while keeping an eye on the kids.

Proud Papa and happy babe!

Jacob is blossoming now that he's in the proper class as a "Duck;" here he is watching Isaac's lessons.

Carson stops by after work and we leave to Qdoba for a quick dinner before he leads mutual.

Swimming Lessons '09

Swimming lessons in Chandler through the city are cheap and close. The neighborhood moms all bring their kids to Arrowhead pool; the kids are put into groups of 5 according to age and swim level. Jacob is a "Seahorse"and Isaac is a "Duck." The first two-week session was at 7:30 p.m. right after dinner and before bed time. The weather was cool and the sun slightly behind the clouds- telling all good night as we ended another day. It was early June and we all felt lucky that summer heat hadn't yet struck. While some of the kids were in the pool, fellow mom Karen played a spontaneous game of Duck-Duck-Goose and invited strangers to join in. (I love her spunk). Jacob showed unready for the 50-minute Seahorse class. While other kids could stroke half-way across the pool, Jacob struggled to do a complete stroke. I tried to change his class to a 30-minute Duck, but everything was full. I felt sorry I pushed him into it, but we toughed it out until the next two-week session. The teacher said if he seemed too exhausted, I could pull him out half way through the lesson- which occasionally I did. Eventually he could swim more like the others, and he wanted to stay the whole time.Isaac blossomed in his class. He was the smallest kid but had the most energy. Before the teacher could finish saying, "Now its your turn," he'd jump in facing her and swim with all his might. It was so cute seeing his little body power through, like a tiny salmon swimming upstream.

Electrical Fire at the Brown's

"Ching. Ching." goes Carson's alarm at 5:00 am. It's time to irrigate. I slowly role over, pat Carson's chest and say "I love you." The room's air seems thick... and what is that strange smell? "Do you smell that?" Carson asks. "Yeah, what is that?" I jump up and realize I am awake, and there is a smell... something burning!! From searching the entire house and outside we deduce that the smell is coming from our bedroom/office/closet area. We remove Austin from the site and can't find fire anywhere. Yahoo!ANSWERS compares the smell of an electrical fire to burning acidic rubber, a blocked hair dryer on high, or (logically) burning wires. That's us. Chandler Fire's non-emergency line says they don't open 'til 8 am. Dang! 9-1-1 sends a truck and four brave fire fighters immediately. (Don't worry; I put on a bra; you can't be too dignified you know). They smell the burning, but after 20 minutes of hunting, their heat sensor can't find anything unusual in the walls or ceilings. "Do you have an attic in this part of the house?" Yes! Just when we thought to call APS or Southwest Gas, "We found it!" A grouping of wires in the attic are red hot, starting to burn, and smoking. (It's above a corner of the office.) The amazing fire fighters say that if we hadn't called, our whole attic would have been in flames within an hour. Plus, the exposed wire was fried and right next to insulation. They shut off the breaker box, but- not realizing there was a second box- the wires arched with a flash and banged in our ears. Once all the power was shut off, they cleaned up the area and removed the danger. They told us to call a licensed electrician to fix it permanently before turning the power back on. Each year 67,800 electrical fires claim 485 lives and $868 million dollars in property loss. We are so grateful our home didn't add to that statistic. (Click here to learn how to prevent an electrical fire.)

The heat sensor showing the firing wires 6 feet away.

Our heros. Thank you Chandler Fire!!

"I love you" in Spider Man

This morning while I woke up, the boys ran in arguing over who owned the hand-out Isaac got in Primary yesterday. It was a cut-out hand shape with the middle and fourth fingers bent down with the words 'I love you' on the palm. "I got it first," Jacob whined, but Isaac clearly had ownership. In order to dwindle the conflict, I distracted them by asking, "Do you know what that sign means?" and made the love sign with my free left hand that wasn't under the pillow. "I love you," Jacob said. "It means 'I love you' in Spider Man."

Carla's Baby Shower

Welcome to the most beautiful baby shower I've ever been to. The mother: Carla. The father: Joe. The theme: a coed baby shower in a country club reception hall that was perfect for the beautiful parents to be. 

Torsha (my dear cousin) planned the whole thing: rose-adorned milk glasses, a burrito brunch buffet eaten by the flickering light of votive candles. 

The guys competed in a game of multi-tasking: talking on a cell phone, changing a doll's diaper, and hanging up laundry at the same time (they had no clue). Carson almost won with his inventive method, but was outdone by a more veteran father. 

Matt won the guess-the-mamma's-waist-size game with cutting the exact length of ribbon (Torsha on right).

 Carla opened her plethora of gifts while Joe sat proudly beside. 

In light of them not getting a wedding reception, their friends and family honored their start by this romantic and endearing affair!

Uncle Chuck!

Uncle Chuck is Carson's oldest brother of 13 kids. A kid at heart, he would never hurt a fly... unless he was teasing someone. In 2002 Carson and I live in his family's spare room for 2 months while their son was on a mission. We were in between living locations: our apartment lease ran up, and we couldn't resign for in 2 months we would be house sitting for my aunt for yet another summer. It was great getting to know their family better, but I hated waking up at 5:30 am for family prayer. I would justify sleeping in all the time because Carson didn't get home from working valet until 1:30 am, and my secretary job didn't start until 8:00 am. One day, obviously fed up with our sleeping in, Chuck grabbed us out of bed. He literally pulled me off- comforter and all- and dragged me down the hallway. I was screaming because I wasn't exactly decent, and he was embarrassed when he realized it. That is Chuck. Now that we have kids of our own, he is an uncle just like Carson is a father- playing games, teasing, and making people laugh! Here he is at our nephew Clark's wrestling match holding Austin. Carson was at work, so Chuck, Curt & Allison, nephew Bennett, and I cheered him on together!

Pools and Popsicles

The current financial debacle our nation finds itself in reminds me of a quote: "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked" -Warren Buffet. (This doesn't apply to all; sometimes the tide sweeps off your shorts.) Nudity aside, some friends came over to bask in the pre-heat sun of June. Theresa, Karen and Annie, with their kids, joined our Brown clan in the backyard. We played in irrigation water, swam in the fresh pool, and ate popsicles 'til our tongues changed color. There's something magical about artificial coloring in popsicles. Normally I repel from such "non-nutrition," but everyone needs a guilty pleasure, right? The kids found this gecko that somehow lived through the danger. Hopefully, financially speaking, so will our nation. Bottoms up!

Sale & Farewell at M & Co Papery

The city of Mesa is loosing a treasure at the end of this month. M & Co Papery, located in the heart of historic downtown, has been the source for fabulous invitations and stationary for the past 9 years. It is permanently closing it's doors July 31st and is clearing out all inventory right now. In 2000 Marlene Dunn (above) started her quest in the back of friend Kristin Alber's Domestic Bliss. It has evolved into a papery gem that can never be duplicated. It won Best of Phoenix, was highlighted in many prestigious publications, and fulfilled Marlene's "childhood dream of having a store of my own," she said. Now "it is with a heavy heart" that she is closing. In concert with Domestic Bliss's Summer Clearance Sale, it is going on right now at M & Co Papery on Main St. (Mon.-Sat. 10-5).

Now, Domestic Bliss is in the back (ok- just their clearance items are), and with their merchandise from 50-75% off- you're sure to find a bargain. M & Co is marking down progressively, with 30% off everything this week, 40% week 2, 50% off week 3, and 60% off their final week (July 27-31). Items include: invitations to any event, cards, gifts, decor, shelving, florals, holiday items, and much more. There is one cool couch priced at $600, and lots of little things. Marlene is an amazing person who has brought beauty and joy to each of her patrons. Thanks so much Marlene! You will truly be missed and we wish you well in the future! (see larger invitation here.)

Catch Your Kid

When Carson and I first found this house, we noticed with fright that there was no pool fence. The layout of the yard makes it near impossible for a fence -the house literally wraps around the pool- but I wouldn't move one box in without it being safe. My sister almost drown from a non-protected pool, so I'm a bit paranoid (love you Becs). After some lengthy research, I found what I consider to be the best solution (for which I'm sharing the info- not advertising). It has a 100% safety record and is on over 350,000 pools nationwide. It is cheaper than a fence and removable by an adult. It's a pool safety net and here's how it works. "Like a large tennis racket, the UV and winter-safe net is stretched over the pool and anchored to flush mounted fasteners" (KatchaKid). It takes a few minutes to remove and replace, but I don't swim most of the year anyhow. We have a motion-detector attached to the net and an alarm goes off inside if anything touches the net. It's so sensitive, if a bird lands on the net to drink water, it goes off. The kids chime with the alarm "Please check your nets; please check your nets," except they mispronounce it and say, "Please check a nuts; please check a nuts." I don't worry about their safety the way I would without this, and I freely let them play in the backyard. Pure bliss!

Notice: If you might leave the net off, or won't replace it immediately after use, this is not for you. None of the images from this post are mine.

Inspiring Friend

There are some people that just amaze me. Do any of you know that person who has an extraordinary challenge and faces it with a smile? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "For every minute you are angry you loose sixty seconds of happiness." Groucho Marx said, "I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be." Meet Elizabeth. She graduated from Mountain View High School, got an undergraduate degree at ASU, and went to an east coast school to aquire her Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. She supports a beautiful daughter single-handedly, and has maintained many high school friendships, including ours. She came to our home last week to meet Carson and the boys, and we went to lunch to watch our kids play. I was again amazed at her positive attitude and lack of complaining. She is many things- beautiful, friendly, and intelligent, but to people who don't know her they might label her as deaf. I must disagree. If there is anyone who LISTENS to her friends, LISTENS to her daughter's needs, or LISTENS to her own ambition, it is Elizabeth. We would all do well to LISTEN the way she does, and cherish our oportunities and open doors, and ignore our own self-deprecation.

(She just won #1 Most Lovable Person out of my Facebook associations. I'd have to agree.)

One Child

Is there ever a day when you can just spend time with your child... playing, laughing, tickling and feeding... without worrying about the laundry, or paying your bills, or having dinner ready? Can there be a time when your older children can go on auto mode, and be safely taken care of while you dote on your baby? "Enjoy having just one child, because you will never be able to give 100% of your time to another." My mother's advice rings in my ears. Now that I have three, I often feel guilty that there isn't enough time to dote on Austin. 

Lately Carson has been taking the wheel, taking the older two to ice-cream, or putting them to bed early. Walking in the grocery store with one child is such a vacation!! Basha's has a free supervised play center for children that is decorated with activities and safe, but it's nice not being called back for a potty break. Walking down the isle, I go down my list: 2% milk, King Arthur Wheat Flour, Grandma Sycamore's Homemade Bread, cilantro... I love running into old people that dote on my baby. I know its weird having a stranger touch your child's feet, but come on. If you were old, and lived in a home that had no children, wouldn't you grab those toes too? Imagine months without an embrace...

Austin's blue eyes just kill me. I remember when I was at my first session at BYU and Carson asked me on the phone what color his eyes were (it fit the conversation). Baffled, I scrambled to know whether they were blue or green! You'd think 7 months of dating would have taught me more. Now here is my baby blue #2. All mine... for now. Austin came into our family as a huge blessing in a happy time! Not wanting to rock the boat, I wanted to wait a year or two and enjoy the kids I already had. Now I see that he doesn't detract but adds to the joy, and makes my job much more worthwhile. But that doesn't mean I can't soak in these moments... just him, me... and the elderly passing by.

P.S. The music playing are my theme songs for each pregnancy. "Always and Forever" by Shania Twain played constantly at Domestic Bliss while I was pregnant with Jacob, I always used "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins when editing a childhood video for a client at home, and The Beatles, "Imagine" always spoke to my heart on the radio while pregnant with Austin. Now these songs bring be back to when my kids where new to the world. 

Father's Day with Grandpa Bill

Father's Day we went to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. We met my Grandpa Bill, his wife (Sherry), and her family- and my parents and their family. There is a 1-mile long miniature rideable train, similar to the one Walt Disney constructed in his own back yard in 1950. The realistic model has a scale is 5 inches equals one foot, and it choo choo's along the park that has a carousel, large open fields, and playgrounds. Every Sunday night there is a free concert at 7:30 by a local band and it was hopping for the holiday! My Grandpa reserved a Ramada that was perfect for our group of 23! (photo above: my sisters Lauren and Rachel with Austin and Parker.)

The kids loved riding the train with their cousins!

Left to right: Grandpa Bill, Sherry, aunt Rachel, Sherry's mom, my mom

Winner to My Free Cookbook Give-Away!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!  TARA WRIGHT WERMUTH!  Yay!  I will mail you the book pronto and thanks to everyone who participated!  To ensure equal opportunity, Carson drew a name blindfolded out of a bowl of names with equally sized pieces of paper- and there were three witnesses! Congratulations Tara!!!

I am doing my first giveaway! You can win the hottest new cookbook by Food Network host & best-selling author Ina Garten! Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics (list price $35.00) is filled with "fabulous flavors from simple ingredients" and teaches timesaving tips and easy to follow recipes. You will love this kitchen treasure that has become the foundation for the way I cook. Here's what ya do. (Open to everyone. Just do one below.)

1. Become a follower.     -or-

2. Leave me a comment from now 'til June 23rd on jencarsonbrown.blogspot.com (one per person; If you don't have an account, click anonymous & write your name & email)         -or-

3. Post this give-away on your blog with a link to be entered three times total (please comment to me that you did this)!

You have a huge chance to win this one! Be sure to leave your name and email address so I can contact you if you win! Giveaway runs from June 9, 2009 - June 23, 2009. Result announced right here on my blog. Ships anywhere in the U.S. Questions? Email jcjibrown@gmail.com. I'll be updating my blog as usual, but will keep this give-away on top. Thanks for stopping by & good luck!

Phoenix Zoo with Torsha

The kids loved going to the Phoenix Zoo with Torsha and her kids, Mikaela, Meilana, and Malakai! She is my first cousin and is in excellent shape (just look at those guns) so she pushed around the "twins," Isaac and Malakai! Austin was a trooper- not complaining of the heat- and we all enjoyed PB&J's under a canopy overlooking the lake. At one display, Jacob and Isaac starred across glass into the eyes of a blue-bottomed baboon. For a moment there they didn't look all that different. (Confession: I always feel guilty when I see their blue bottoms; it's like seeing someone naked when they don't even know it.) It was a treat spending time with great friends, especially Mr. Baboon!

I took this photo when I turned around after the Torsha picture.

Looking at a giant turtle.

Sweet Austin.

The "stare."

Beautiful Arboretum

My friend Theresa invited us to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum 55 miles east of Phoenix near Superior! It was worth the drive for as we arrived, I was truly taken aback by the beautiful mountains and lush landscape! The history behind the property is it was purchased by multi-millionaire William Boyce Thompson after WWI who earned his fortune in Wall Street mining ventures. He owned approximately 400 acres where he lived with his family, and established the Boyce Thompson Southwest Arboretum, with the help of University of Arizona, on a portion of the property. "The initial mission of the Arboretum was to study the plants of desert countries and to make the results available to the public," said the website. Now the public promenades the grounds with plentiful seating areas, much shade, and great foliage that in uncharacteristic for my part of Arizona! The kids enjoyed running through the trails, and creating games out of the displays. There's a place called The Children's Garden where natural products are made into instruments, and the kids initiated a peaceful band! Theresa and I met at our children's preschool, and she is an amazing daughter of God I am so grateful to get to know!

Family Moments

Carson and I did a little family devotional before church on Sunday.  The kids each picked a flash card with a sentence they had to finish. Here is what they said:

1. I would not like to have...

Carson- a dirty house.

Isaac- a dirty backyard.

Jacob- a dirty playhouse.

Jen- to be late to everything.

(I think my "clean house" lectures have sunk in.)

2. If I were a bird, I would...

Isaac- lay eggs and eat some ants and bugs.

Jacob- flap my wings and eat boogers.

Jen- have beautiful feathers.

Carson- fly up to Heaven.

(the last one was particularly touching because Carson's Dad is already there.)

Then we read a short story (from here) about when Jesus healed a blind man. The Pharisees contended that either he was a devil because he shouldn't have such abilities, or he was a sinner, because he "worked" on the Sabbath. The man who was healed said plainly, "If this man were not of God, he could do nothing" (John 9:33)." Trying to increase the kids' vocabulary, I asked, "What are Pharisees?" Isaac answered determined, "They fly and when they fly we lay eggs in Heaven." He obviously gathered all our flash card answers together. How I love children! These photos are of the kids after gathering eggs from the chickens.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bill & Brad!

My Grandpa Bill is a twin. He and his brother Jack, naturally, were born on the same day. My uncle Brad, is also twin. He and my aunt Michelle were born on the exact same date! So June is pretty busy for birthdays in my extended family. We went to lunch with Grandpa and Brad, because Michelle is in Hawaii and Jack is with God. Grandpa's favorite place is Veneto Trattoria which is on Scottsdale Road and McDonald. It serves amazing Italian food which brings you to Tuscany with each bight. It has been a while since we've have seen either of these dashing men, so it was a real treat to celebrate together! 

My Mom and her brother Brad 

My sister Rachel and my Isaac

Enrichment with Karen

Karen and I had a great time putting together our ward's second Quarterly Enrichment for Thursday. Together with our committee and some great volunteers, we had a showing of over 40 women, which is successful for our small and diverse ward. The last event's topic was Emergency Preparedness, so we asked what the women's top concerns were through a questionnaire, and got this as a response: Finances, Parenting, and Spirituality. This Enrichment Night was custom made to help them in those areas. "Chicken Soup for the Money-Strapped, Kid-Stressed, Spiritually Starved Soul" was taught by members of our own ward who are experts, if you will, on each subject. Brother & Sister Kempton (parents of 13) gave parenting advice from the scriptures and real-life stories. They said that teaching your kids "by the way side," or as as you walk through life, can give them the tools to choose better paths. The encourage cooperation through heavy praise and positive reinforcement, and never giving up an anyone. Brother Jones (a certified CPA) gave a convincing powerpoint talk on how to manage and control one's finances. Brother and Sister Johansen (amazing individuals) talked about how to fit spirituality, i.e. scripture reading and family time, into a busy lifestyle. We finished the evening with some wonderful desserts and loved how simple and powerful the event was! As Enrichment Leader I am learning a lot about event planning, especially with the help of Karen (2nd Counselor to the Relief Society) and our small but awesome committee!

Selling Produce at a Farmer's Market

Carson and I had the opportunity to sell Knorr Farms produce the Queen Creek Farmer's Market (2nd below)!  The sun was shining, and the people were hungry for organic food and a good deal. Carson had to be there at 6:30 a.m. and brought his nephews Clark & Bennett for the help. When a customer would pick a canteloupe, for example, Carson would say, "Ma'am, can I get your name? Ok, Sally, Clark here will take it to the register for you;" and so it went till 12 o'clock. We didn't sell all the jalapenos, canteloupe, or honeydew melon, so we set up a little stand on the corner by the Kwik Mart in our neighborhood. People flocked to get huge canteloupe for a dollar, and ten jalepenos for the same. Many locals asked when we'd be back! I'm just glad we weren't sited for selling without a permit in Chandler. In between selling, we had lunch at the opening of Mid First Bank in Queen Creek, where a woman won a flat-screen T.V. and the boys got frisbee's. (bottom photo). Read about Queen Creek's efforts to start a regular Farmer's Market here on the East Valley Tribune.

Family Night at Tumbleweed Park

Austin rules his roost.

Each month the Brown's get together for a big multi-family Family Home Evening! We get a schedule at the beginning of the month to tell us when we are in charge and the dates. It's fun to see all the cousins, sister-and brother-in-laws, and of coarse, Grandma. There is a short lesson, brag-time, and lots of talking, and each family brings a "munchie" to share! Carson has been dying to show his family Chandler's award winning Tumbleweed Park with its huge covered Playtopia and large greens (above)! We began with an adult softball game and were honored to have Wendy DeWitt & Collin DeWitt stop by. Carson and I gave a lesson on "the other side" of the Word of Wisdom, or the things we do, like eat meat sparingly, foods in their natural state, and fruits, vegetables, and grains.

 Carson has 13 siblings counting all the cousins raised as such, and all are married. Most have an average of 4 or 5 kids, so it gets pretty crazy.

Daniel talking with his mom, Courtney, Camette & Cindy.

Keiko playing with Diana on the slides and bridges.

Carson and I wanted a recount after our nephews and nieces beat us, respectively, in the races. (Check out little Isaac!)

David Archuleta Fever!

David Archuleta became a teen sensation on the 7th season of American Idol where he received 44% of over 97 million votes on the last episode. His career now includes a hit song and a tour that included Phoeniz, Arizona as one of it's stops. The Sunday night before his concert here, he gave a surprise fireside (or extra evening meeting) to the youth of my parents' stake (or congregational group, or diocese) in Mesa. Archuleta won the Teen Choice Award for Most Fanatic Fans, so they had to limit the congregation to what could fit into the building. They didn't announce who was going to speak, only saying that if they didn't attend, they would probably regret it and the visiting speaker was huge. Needless to say, the hundreds of faithful teens were shocked when he walked in the door, and the few who had an idea were overwhelmed as well! I was a quasi-chaperone to my sister and nieces, and brought my friend Keiko who is not a member of this church (far right). It was almost hilarious to hear the heartbeat of the group stop when he entered the room (no offense- he's 18 so my perspective is from an old maid). His voice gave credit to his overpowering fame; it was like hearing angels through the voice of one. The format was audience-written Q's & impromptu A's, and his sidetracking meant he answered only 4 questions in between songs. I am proud of "Brother Archuleta," as he was referred on the pulpit, and grateful to hear- in person- the experience of one who is swimming in fame, but not drowning in pride. He is using his God-given talent to help others feel God's love, and having an incredible time in the process. "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves" -James Matthew Barrie. (Watch him sing John Lennon's Imagine here).

Kids being kids

Carson and me with Jenny and Steve watching Land of the Lost

There is a garden in every childhood, an enriched place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again." Elizabeth Lawrence

 

Do you remember when a whole day was an eternity away? Do you remember when brownies after dinner was the only reason you swallowed vegetables? I remember watching the clock in 6th grade, just waiting to go swimming at my friend Lindsay's house. Those were the days. Even though we as adults have forgotten so savor the moments, its a good thing our kids are around to remind us.  Isaac & Jacob with friends at Pine Canyon. 

2 Birthday Parties!

Last night Carson and I had two fun birthday parties to go to. Cindy, his oldest sister, turned 50 this week, and her family surprised her with a party at her home with plenty of pinatas and food! Hoapili, or "Ho" as he is known by his friends, turned 35, and his wife Torsha (my beloved cousin) threw him and another friend a birthday bash in their backyard! They had Hawaiian dancers, a big fight on T.V., and dinner by his Mom- the queen of Hawaiian cooking. We caught up with some old friends, Heather and Martin from Mesa, and enjoyed with cool weather as we realized an Arizona summer with friends isn't so bad!

The amazing dancers: Ho's best friends, including Torsha- far right.

Torsha and some friends after the party calmed down. 

Here we go to Cindy's shindig.

Carson, Cindy, and one of her grandchildren 

She got to tear down her won pinata; she's earned it.

Austin eaten by Mosquitos

Lately Austin has woken up with some mosquito bites, and Carson and I haven't set up the "Nosquito Zapper" in the backyard yet. So last night I wanted to take some extra precautions until we get the job done. While Austin was sleeping on his left side, I sprayed OFF Insect Repellant on and around him (waving the air afterward so that he wouldn't inhale). I slept easier. When I awoke, I found this. He had been covered on the other side that didn't get the repellant: a total of 8 huge bites! It reminded of me of the Land of the Lost movie in theaters with Will Ferrell where he gets his blood sucked from a Jurassic insect. I'm so sorry Austin!  We'll set up the Zapper now!