FALL

My most favorite childhood memory of the Fall season is when we would pack up a lunch and go on the mountain to get wood for the Winter. The leaves on the Aspen trees were all varying shades of vibrant warm colors. I remember the smells of pine trees in the crisp clean air. While dad would cut the tree, we would run around the forest. Some cousins once told us a story about finding a baby bunny in one of the trees they cut down for fire wood and had to take it home and nurse it back to health. From the point I heard that story I was on a mission to find a baby bunny of my own. This kept me quite busy until Dad would holler for us to come and help load the wood in the truck. I was a little saddened that I had to return with no bunny but of course always did what I was told. I will be honest that loading was a dreaded task. We not only had to place the wood on the bed of the truck but organize it in such a way that it could all fit. That always seemed to be impossible. However one thing that I appreciate from this task was how it taught each of us about teamwork. Our loads of wood were never small by any means, but with the work of everyone we accomplished a task that we never thought possible.

GROWING A GARDEN

Living here in Queen Creek, we have an advantage of planting crops in the spring and fall. Our spring garden produced corn, peas, bell peppers, carrots, lettuce, onions, & squash X30. Who knew that one squash plant could feed an entire family? Well, we love squash and I’ll just say that I emptied the (2) seed packets of all their content. We had enough squash to feed the entire ward plus put away for their year supply.
This season, we are trying to grow some corn, tomatoes, cucumber, peas, Watermelon, squash, Zucchini, Cantaloupe, and Pumpkin.

Growing a garden is so much easier than I remember growing up. We were in charge of the weeding. My sisters (you know the two) would tell you that I always used the excuse that I was allergic to the weeds and would get out of it. But trust me; I did my share of weedin’. In fact, I think that I may have had to weed my row and tidy up my sister’s rows of any extra weeds that they missed (it was surprisingly a lot). Yes, I was the Cinderella in my time… but I did end up with the Prince and that’s all that matters.

INDEPENDENT

Today Shelby is three months shy of her Two year Birthday. She is so much more independent, and really doesn’t need my help for a lot of things… She knows where all the food is, even the cereal boxes in the upper cabinets and there are so many step ladders/chairs around this place it’s a piece of cake. Anytime she needs to wash her hands, bathe a doll, or soak a washrag for a thirst quencher there’s a pool of water (never completely drained) right at her level. The clothes are in the drawers folded, easy to find. The magazines, for reading, come out of the basket with just a tip. Dishes can be cleaned with dish soap and that in itself makes dishes worth doin’. There is always a clean toothbrush handy for heavy scrubbing, tight corners, and even the teeth. She’s so good at multitasking and can get things done quick!
In the midst of all the Independence, my little munchkin still let’s me know that she needs me. She lets me comfort her when she’s hurt, snuggle with her (when she’s really tired) and always gives me good kisses. She makes my heart melt and that makes everything worth it.

PIRATES

Yo Ho, Yo Ho a pirate’s life fer me! Our latest Brown reunion was themed “Pirates”. We sailed the seven seas on the three day, three night all inclusive “Brown’s Buccaneer Adventure”. Dead Eye Dan and Crew planned the event and mailed itineraries to each Sailor & Crew. Our schedules read the following:

Friday
After arrivin’ in Tortuga (aka Milligan Valley) and findin’ a wee spot to hoist yer hammock, mingle with the rest of yer swashbucklin’ family and enjoy a potluck meal.
Saturday
Learn the ways of the pirate. If yer brave enough to join our crew, sign the articles of piracy and find out what awaits ye if ye go against the code. Plank walkin’ anyone? Next you’ll get yer pirate name and then ye’ll be able to participate in all them fun pirate games: Swabbin’ the deck, cleanin’ the bilge, and general mayhem makin’
Saturday night – Join the Cap’n at her famous Reception at Sea. A few lucky crewmen will join her at the Cap’ns table where the grog will flow freely! BURP!!
Make sure ye pack yer finest pirate duds because tonight it’s the world famous “Purty Pirate Contest”. Yer all encouraged to strut yer stuff on the catwalk fer glorious prizes.
Sunday
Today we’ll learn the fine art of hook management, and then low and behold, thar be gold! Ye’ll be hearin’ the stories of buried treasure and lost maps. Then it’s a race of the swiftest as we go in search of that X that marks the spot.
Sunday night – Tonight’s the night to shake that peg leg as the crew joins in some shanty songs and dance. Shake yer booty. Shake yer booty!!! Then it’s time to take out some of yer built up frustrations on a small, helpless cardboard container of candy.
I’ve heard it said, that if the mood is just right, pirates come back from the dead searching fer their lost treasure. If yer brave enough, come join us as we follow the pirate eye trail. If yer too yellow bellied, ye can always stay home with the wee babes. Dead men tell no tales!
Monday
We’re home from the sea, but before disembarkin’ we need to scrub the good ship Barn of the Bay from stem to stern, cause every body loves a shipshape ship.

Aunt Fonda worked her magic to every creative detail. All the hard work paid off and the reunion was a hit! Thank you Dead Eye Dan and Crew for taking us aboard the good ship Barn of the Bay and fulfilling our every swashbucklin’ fantasy!

A NEW BLOG

Who ever thought you could live life internet free? Ok me. Until reality set in, and a few eyebrows raised at my response to the simple question - "What's your email address?". I thought this question was supposed to be phrased "Do you have an email address?" We would have fit right in ten years ago. I have to say we are believers in the Internet, just a little behind in the times . Which brings me to why I decided to start a blog. You know the sequential questions in life? Well, after getting connected, it was only a matter of time before the blog question came up... I don't always give in to the pressure but this is the perfect solution to creative journal keeping plus sharing moments with Distant/Close Family & Friends.