Sad News

So far as I have had this blog I have never had to report sad news - that changed on Dec. 6, 2009 when my mother passed away.  The funeral was held in Tucson, AZ last week and I was able to see all my brothers and sisters.  We are all still in a bit of shock as it was totally unexpected, but I have found great joy as I have studied the scriptures this week and have been reminded yet again why the true meaning of Christmas really is a gift to each of us.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and have lots of opportunities to tell the people that mean the most to you how much you love them.  In loving memory to my mother, Mary Ann Brown, 12/26/46-12/6/09.

Ice Skating is Awesome!

A couple of weeks ago we went ice skating as a family.  It was a lot of fun and the kids caught on really quickly.  We will definitely go again!

A new member of our family

Introducing Mittens, the newest member of our family.  We picked her up from the pound and she lives in the barn.  She is a good mouser already (the purpose for her joing our family), and the kids love her.  She has had to climb a tree a couple of times to get away from Buster, but I think he will get used to her in time and she can defend herself just fine.  She is very cute and purrs alot, so we think she likes it here.

Happy Halloween!

Such cute kids!  Jacob was an indian, Kathryn was Princess Leah from episode 6 of Star Wars, Sarah was an indian, Emily was a pumpkin and Samantha was Cinderella.  My favorite part of Halloween is seeing the kids dress up!

My favorite tree in the Smokys

You know when you see the perfect tree in the fall and you are overcome with a desire to save the beauty forever?    We passed this tree several times while we were in the park and I was so glad we were able to get a family picture with the tree as a back drop.

I LOVE FALL!

We took a week off of work and school and went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to camp, hike, see the fall colors, relax, ride bikes and eat s'mores.  We had a super time.  James took Jacob and Kathryn on a 15 mile hike!  Amazing!  They had a super time and came back to camp just in time to start the fire (funny how I have lost the talent of fire starting with 2 scouts in the house), and have dinner.  We even got to see a mother black bear with 2 cubs.  It was a terrific week and we got home in time to put on our costumes and trick-or treat.

Happy Birthday Kathryn!

Monday was Kathryn's 9th birthday.  Boy this year has flown by!!!  She got a new camera that matches her eyes, some books, clothes, gameboy, and star wars toys.  Jacob designed and built her a night stand with shelves for her books and pretty things.  She had a super day complete with donuts for breakfast and dinner at a Thai food restaurant.  Her birthday celebration began on Friday when James took Jacob and Kathryn to watch a motorcycle race.  She had a chocolate cake on Monday and James made her a winter adventure cake to finish off her fun week.  We are so grateful to have Kathryn in our family.  Kathryn gives generously and is a kind, helpful, smart, beautiful girl.  We love you Kathryn, happy birthday!