Father's Day Top Ten

10.  Going downtown Detroit for the Thanksgiving parades and the Fourth of July fireworks when I was a kid.  My Dad braved the crowds, not to mention the thugs downtown, to give us the opportunity to have some holiday fun!  I remember very distinctly the year that we went to the Thanksgiving parade in our red station wagon, and upon returning to the car after the parade was over found that the back window had been smashed open and the rear spare tires stolen!!  We had to hold a blanket in the window on the way home so we wouldn't freeze, and then had to tape it up with a black garbage bag at home until we could get it fixed.  As a parent now, I wouldn't have reacted very well to that whole scenario, but my Dad did!

9.  FORD MOTOR COMPANY!!  I am so brand loyal, that when Mark and I broke down and had to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan before Parker was born I felt like I was betraying a sacred bond or something.  LOL!!  I recognize how hard my Dad worked at a company that provided our family with a very nice, comfortable life!  I am so impressed and proud of the fact that he worked there his whole career...over 35 years!  I bet the day after his retirement must have felt so strange NOT to have to hop in the little blue truck to make that treacherous commute to Dearborn EVER again!!  

8.  While working for Ford, he would often spend a lot of his time teaching seminars and doing management training courses all over the Metro area.  One place that he would often teach at a lot was the Hilton in Northville.  Because of his "connections", they let us use the pool a few times!  In addition to the pool, what was cool about this place was that they had all the free, hot popcorn you could stand!!  He would take us swimming there in the evenings, and bring buckets of popcorn home for us to munch on! Even though my memory of this is a little sketchy, I remember it with a lot of fondness.

7.  The Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance Mexican Fiesta when I was 11.  I know I've blogged about this one before, but this was such a special night for me and my Dad.  I felt special, and proud to be his date.  And I realized for the first time, that he was actually not a bad dancer!

6.  Our backyard POOL!!  How many summers did Dad sacrifice MOST, if not ALL of his time after work and on weekends taking care of our pool?!?  Wow! I can't even imagine!  But it was one of the BEST things I remember about summers growing up in our Golfview house.  I loved the pool!  Sometimes so much I'd end up a broiled lobster by the end of the day, but jump right back in the next morning.  I remember going to the pool store in Plymouth with our little water sampling kits in order to get chlorine and the supplies we needed to keep everything working properly.  Those were fun mornings with my Dad helping him out and spending time together.

5.  The Wilderness Youth Conference when I was 14.  It was my first Youth Conference, and we were going into the wilderness to do high adventure stuff and "rough it".  I had really, big hair back then and was looking at not having access to my arsenal of hair-doing devices for a whole week, in front of boys!!  It was really the true definition of "roughing it" for me at that point in my life.  My Dad was one of the leaders that year, and I remember seeing him every now and then out at the high adventure spots, handing out Gatorades to the youth and leaders.  I remember being so glad and relieved to see him!!  It was so good to have him there, and I remember feeling really safe knowing that if I needed him, he'd be close by.  I also remember the last day, we got letters from our parents for us to read on our "solo journey".  His letter was so sweet and I will never forget the way it made me feel.  I knew my Dad loved me and I was special.  

4.  My Dad only has 1 lung.  I have really vague memories of this because I know I was really young when he had the surgery.  What I do remember is climbing all over him in his hospital bed, and while he recovered at home.  He had one of those "breathing machines" where you have to blow in to make the little ping pong ball rise to the top.  I remember thinking that was my toy, and I'm pretty sure he let me.  Since his surgery, I remember noticing that when he slept, only one side of his chest would rise up and down.  Remembering that my Dad only had 1 lung when he would be working hard on the pool, or in the yard made me appreciate him all the more.  He never complained, but got the work done anyway.  His example taught me that you can overcome physical obstacles, and not letting it hold you back.

3.  Going through my Mom's heart attack brought my Dad and I closer.  I remember the morning after my Mom's heart attack, coming downstairs to the kitchen and seeing my Dad sitting in her chair situated between the table and the counter by the phone, with the family calendar on the table in front of him.  What a surreal moment that must have been for him.  Looking at this full calendar of activities and obligations for five of his six kids, and the realization that he was in charge.  I remember feeling the mantle of my place in our family very distinctly at that point in my life.  I was 12, and I was the "woman of the house" while Mom was away.  Shauna was at school by this time, and the boys were busy with high school and jobs.  I was the next oldest in charge of the "little girls".  I set to work that day making sure the laundry continued to get done, lunches packed, house picked up and straightened, and helper of the meals that would be brought in by so many Relief Society sisters.  I know my Dad was grateful that it was one less thing he had to worry about.  I wanted to make him proud by helping him, and my family by doing the best I could.

2.  Service with a smile.  My Dad gets the best hometeacher EVER award.  Especially during the "Joyce Kotlarek" years.  LOL!!  What other hometeacher is willing to help a cranky old lady who calls him at 11 pm to tell him she's got some diarrhea and can he run to Perry Drug and get her some Immodium?!?  Who will ever forget all of that?!? 

1.  Priesthood.  One of the stories about my birth that I love is that my Dad had to miss Stake Conference (when he was in the presidency) because I was being born!!  From that time on, my Dad has always been an example of the Priesthood and service in my life.  His Prieshood has blessed me all through growing up...father's blessings before the start of the school year, before starting jobs, before going to college, on my mission, getting married, etc.  He has always been able to do it, and the first person I look to when I needed extra strength and support.  To this day, his blessings are important in my life and I am grateful that he is now able to bless all of our kids through his calling as Patriarch.  Thank you for always being worthy and representing Christ in our home, Dad.  I love you, and am grateful for you today on this Father's day!!

No More Pencils, No More Books

School's out for summer!!  Hooray!!  I feel like we've all graduated...it's been a tough year...hopefully we are all a little wiser for it.  Looking forward to some freedom and summer adventures!!

   

"TGS Spring Show" Each class sings a song, the band performs, there's a sentimental Powerpoint presentation, the super inflated Superintendent gives his sappy shpeel, the audience sweats in their seats...blah, blah, blah...pretty basic.  Haha!  I must say that Maryn did great on her flute!! (She's sitting in the white top, front row.)

  

Our Star Reader!!  Avery took 1st place in the K-5 grades for AR this year with a new school record (guess who she beat for the record?  that would be her own flesh and blood...Maryn...talk about sibling rivalry!!  Erg!)  Anyway, she scored a 665 over Maryn's 530.  As you may recall, she did this by sequestering herself in her bedroom over Christmas break to read "Gone with the Wind".  She did this for dual purposes.  1.  To beat Maryn's score and 2.  To beat her "boyfriend" Brian who is the next white star down from hers in this pic...haha!  She did it!!  Girl power!!  So proud of her performance this year!

 Here's "MarynAvery" on the last morning of school.  Avery made this sign for her 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Cacciatori and Mrs. Mareta.  She really did have a good experience this year, even though in many ways TGS is a ship going down in flames.  I am soooo bitter, aren't I?  LOL!!

Little Miss Parker Faye amidst the spring dandelions...and believe me, there are PLENTY in our yard this year! 

This was getting ready for Mimi's (what Parker calls Maryn) "Spring Flute Fling" held at a church in Peru.  Maryn has been playing with an Ensemble this year, and this was the Concert to end the year...the music was beautiful, and I am loving her teacher and this studio!!  I hope Maryn continues to love it as much as I do. (She's on the front row, far right, green dress)

I just love these girls of mine!!  So proud of how they are growing and blossoming.  Another school year down, and now they are mine all summer long!  Whoo hoo!!

My Mom

Because I'm a bit of a procrastinator, I didn't get a card out to my Mom in time for Mother's Day.  So in lieu of this, I thought a blog post for her would be a nice substitute.  (Plus I'm pretty sure she is one of my only readers now anyway...:)

Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mom:


10.  She's an awesome cook!!  Everything I know about cooking, and my deep love for food is because of her. I am so, SO grateful to have been raised on home-cooked meals, and dishes made with love!!

9.  She's an awesome speaker and teacher!!  When I have had the chance to hear her give talks or lessons in church, or otherwise I have always been blown away at her perspective, her observations, use of examples and analogies, and strong testimony.  I was lucky enough to have had her as my seminary teacher for 2 years, and that was a special bond we share.

8.  And did I mention she's a professional storyteller?!?  How many people can claim this as their "job"?!?  In addition to the fact that she is truly talented in this arena (my faves are Tiki Tiki Tembo and the Gingerbread Man), I love that she turned a hobby into a career!!  Talk about entrepreneurship!  She saw a need in her finances, and just made it happen.  I really respect that a lot.

7.  Day-trips around Michigan, with a few over-nighters splashed in.  My Mom enjoyed traveling and exploring what our great state had to offer.  I loved how whenever we had a break from school, we would pile into the family car...either the big red station wagon, Econline van, or min-van, and hit the open road!  She would find out about something interesting, and we would all discover it together.  Places and events such as the Tulip Festival in Holland, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Camp Dearborn, The "Havens"...both Grand and South, Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Huckleberry railroad at Crossroads Village, Frankenmuth and Birch Run, Kensington Beach, just to name a few...we always had a fun trip planned for our breaks to give us the feeling of discovery and vacation.

6.  Shopping Trips. I learned as a young that if I wanted to be included in impromptu shopping trips on Saturday mornings, I needed to actually get my butt out of bed before noon.  When I did, my Mom would sometimes spring a fun shopping spree on me just "because".  I would usually come home with something special, and not always just because I needed it.  I have always appreciated how my Mom knows how a new outfit or something cute for your house can cure just about whatever is troubling you...especially now as an adult, I look forward to trips to "the Peddler" as time with my Mom (and my crazy sisters too, but that's another story for another day!! LOL!).

5.  Sacrifice.  Need I say more?  My Mom is the pinnacle of sacrifice out of love for me in my life.  Everything she does is for her family.  She and my Dad raised six children, and I know it wasn't easy or cheap.  They both learned to work hard, and sacrifice so much for that purpose.  I know how much she has personally sacrificed for me, and a lot of the time I was an ungrateful punk about it.  I will never be able to repay her.  I can only strive to do better and be more like her.

4.  She's honest and tells it like it is.  'Nuff said.

3.  She's one of the funniest people I know. 

2.  She's always up for a good chat...will listen to you for hours on end, and give sound, thoughtful advice and feedback. 

1.  I can't imagine anyone else...she is the best, and I love her so much!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!

Top Ten of my Thirties

10.  3 states in 10 years: leaving Twin Falls to move to Michigan, Spring 2006; moving to Tonica, Illinois, December 2008.  Really hoping for another move before my 40th birthday...fingers crossed!

9.  The Compuware years, Spring 2006-Fall 2008 culminating in getting the boot from Compuware, October 2008 thus suspending (and hopefully ending) my career in Technical Writing!

8.  Lots of callings for me: Primary teacher and YW counselor 2004-2006, RS teacher and Primary teacher 2006-2008, RS teacher, Activity Days leader, and Nursery leader 2008-2012, Temple Prep teacher and YW 2012-present...years of service and sacrifice that have helped me to learn, grow, and realize who I am and what is most important in life.

7.  Seeing my FAMILY!!  Day Family Reunions; Snow Mountain Ranch in 2007, and Crystal Lake in 2010.  Sister's Reunions; Park City in 2005, and Couer d'Alene in 2008. Lots of other impromptu reunions along the way including Denver in 2011, a weekend at Erin's house in 2012, and most recently a weekend in Michigan with all 5 of my siblings this past month!  Brown Family Reunions: so many weekends and quick trips to Rexburg and Rigby (when we lived in TF), 2004-2006; visiting Summer 2007, 2009, and 2010;  the last time we would all be together before losing Dennis (Sept. 2010), and Laurie (Jan. 2011).  Our first voyage to Idaho without them, Summer 2012; with hopefully many more to come!

6.  Checking an item off my bucket list of things to do before I die...eating dinner at Rick Bayless's restaurant, Frontera Grill; April 2013.

5.  My first semester teaching!! Summer 2012--hopefully the beginning of a new adventure!

4.  Running a half marathon, Fall 2008.


3.  Watching my children grow over the past 10 years...lots of milestones and transformations.  Watching Maryn and Avery go from toddler years to school age years, 2 baptisms and 1 baby blessing, Maryn entering Young Women, while Parker finishes Nursery and enters Primary, and now Middle School and Preschool...these are the best years of my life.

2.  Parker Faye Brown, born September 5, 2009; the perfect way to mark my 35th year. So grateful we have our little monkey to keep us "young".

1.  Celebrating 15 years of marriage with Mark, December 2013; the perfect way to toast #39...together.

Birthday Significance

My birthday this year is significant because it is the end of an era.  The end of my "thirties", so to speak.  Another decade down, gone, over, past, finito...I apologize if this sounds a little depressing, I guess I am just feeling really "mortal" today.

But seriously, where does the time go people?!?  Where?!  Where, I ask you!?!  Finishing up my thirties has caused some serious, inward searching.  What have I done with this decade?  Am I a better person?  Did I do any good in the world?  What kind of person do I want to be going into my forties?  What do I want, nay NEED to accomplish in the next ten years?!?

Oh the humanity!!

In other news, my birthday has been fan-tabulous!!  As with other birthdays in the past, it has stretched over the length of an entire weekend!  Love when that happens!  Last Thursday we hit the road to Michigan to accompany Mark to his prospectus defense at WSU on Friday.  Which, by the way, went swimmingly.  He passed with flying colors, and is mere months away from being done for good.  I can't tell you how great that makes us all feel!  GREAT, I tell you!  Saturday we spent the day feeding ducks and playing at the park in Farmington Hills.  Gorgeous, spring weather!  That night the Griswolds hosted a summer kick-off/birthday bash for me at their place.  Grilled burgers, dogs, corn on the cob, fruit salad, chips, cold beverages...all the makings for a good time!  Also the best chocolate bday cake with ice cream, serenaded and presented to me by all my favorite people.  It was glorious!  Thanks again for making it extra special!

So my actual birthday was yesterday, and it continued to be a great day!  Mark and Parker and I got some lunch, and then I had to work.  Oh well, that's life.  When I got home, Mark had grilled dinner and the girls had baked me another cake!  It was so lovely. I am truly blessed.  I love my little family, and I am so grateful I get to spend another year on this earth with them.

Stay tuned for my top ten highlights from my thirties...I'll try not to be too morbid this time!!

Babies and Baptisms and Impromptu Reunions

It was quite possible that my head could have exploded with all the fun jam-packed into one tiny little weekend.  When I heard the news that all 6 of us siblings would be joined for an extended period of time, I think I could feel the excitement bubbling up in anticipation of the pure adrenaline rush!

Erin's oldest child, Braeden was to be baptized on Saturday, April 13th; and her youngest, baby Addie was to be blessed on Sunday, the 14th.  To celebrate these joyous events, my parents went to the effort of transporting us all there.  What an awesome reason to celebrate, right?!?

It was so great to be together again (I think the last time was when Avery was born at her blessing...10 years ago! You may recall a certain sibling of mine jumping out of a rolling, red suitcase...haha!)  Of course, we've had reunions, but not an event where we were able to just be together as siblings under my parent's roof.  It was extra special.

Friday night at Buca de Beppo in Livonia...we were seated in the "Pope" room.  It was hilarious and awesome!  And the food was delicious!

 Saturday before the Baptism, Maryn and Avery gave Cole and Braeden their birthday presents from the Browns.  They were so happy to get to spend some time together.  When it came time for Braeden to sit with his family for the Baptism, he wanted to sit with his "MarynAvery" instead. :)

 Erin did a fabulous job setting a beautiful table of refreshments for after the Baptism.  

"If you feed them, they will come."  

Reminded me of similar baptisms over the years in our beloved Livonia Ward. 

 The Griswold Family, with newest member of the Church, and newest member of the Day clan!!

After the Baptism, we took some time to have a photo shoot to get an updated "sibling photo" for my parents.  We had a hoot goofing around together, despite the crummy weather we managed to get some great shots!!

 Hannah and Melanie chillaxin' at Jeff and Amy's house on Saturday night after the Baptism. 

 J'amy made us a yummy dinner, and then we sat around and talked and laughed for hours.  It was great!! (Jeff, Ryan, and Shauna in pic)

 Sunday morning at the Livonia Ward for the blessing of Adalyn Cora Griswold.  

She is such a sweetheart, didn't cry a bit for her blessing!

As you can see, poor little Addie was just done at this point.  She was so good for her blessing, but at this point, her hunger took over her emotions.  What girl hasn't felt that from time to time? Ha ha!

Feeling grateful for so many wonderful people to share my life with, and the opportunity we had to spend time together.  Wish we lived closer so we could see each other more often, but honestly moments like these definitely make up for the distance. 

I love you all so much!!

Peoria Zoo Members

I think I posted earlier this year about how we are members of the Chicago Field Museum, and we usually use that membership to help pass the dreary winter months.  This year we decided to become Zoo members to help us pass the spring/summer/fall months.  We have enjoyed getting to know our little Peoria Zoo better over the years.  It's small, but sweet.  It will hold a special place in our hearts I think.  Especially our beloved giraffes.  :)

During our break from school for the girls, we made a lovely Spring day of it with a picnic at a park halfway down to Peoria in a little town called "Washburn".  We love traveling through the little towns on the way to the city, and this one is especially cute.  We have even caught Washburn on the day of their town-wide garage sales before, and that was a special treat!!  They have a fabulous park for being such a small town, so we decided to enjoy that on our way to the Zoo!