Homecoming and Easter

After eighteen long months, Elder and Sister Brown returned home from their mission. Many of their children and grandchildren welcomed them at the airport and filled their home for the next several days. We are so happy to have them home!
As if Mom and Dad's homecoming wasn't exciting enough, the morning after they returned, Amanda gave birth to Liza Jane, her and David's sixth child. We are so blessed to still have Amanda with us, as the complications relating to the delivery almost took her life. By Easter Sunday, she was home and recovering well. This was truly a miracle.
We had a wonderful Easter. Chloe looked pretty in her new Easter dress.
Mom and Dad spoke in Sacrament Meeting that day, and they did a wonderful job. Duncan played a beautiful arrangement of "Because I Have Been Given Much" (Dad's favorite hymn). It was fun to be able to spend Easter Sunday with Grammy and Papa!

Dennis and Audra and their two children were able to come that day. They had flown to Vegas for business and made the drive up to Utah County. Thanks, y'all, it was great to see you! Here is pretty Caroline holding baby Liza.
Will playing with Chloe.

The kids had fun hiding and then finding Easter eggs. Lucy found the prized "golden" egg. She was so excited!!

Chloe had fun, too. She loves being outside!

38th Birthday

It happened last Tuesday (hence the green). I can't believe it's been 20 years since I graduated from high school. Duncan and I went out on a date, just like we did last year on my birthday. And, like last year, Nancy sat with Chloe for us; last year Chloe was only a few weeks old, and I was still recovering!2009

Senior picture 1989 (Actually, the picture was taken Fall of 1988).

I miss using my Galvanic Spa!!! I haven't used it since I've been pregnant, because it uses an electric current (albeit a very low one) and I haven't asked my doctor yet if she thinks it would be safe. It has never been tested on pregnant women. But I do miss it, because it makes my skin look and feel younger.

"Je veux un petit frère!"

Translation: "I want a little brother!"
Chloe's wish just might come true. Eight weeks down, 32 to go. Please pass the saltines!

The Cupcake Party

Chloe turned 1 last Saturday, February 21st. We had a small party where everyone got to decorate their own cupcake. Well, except for Chloe; she just got to eat hers.
Make a wish!
Chloe wasn't sure what to do at first.

We had to help her with the first bite.
But then she took it from there.



Parker couldn't resist Ginger's scrumptious looking cupcake.


Time to open presents.


What a fun birthday! Thanks, everyone, for celebrating with us!

Two Loves: Chocolate and Books

Last week Amanda told me about a "Valentine's Cupcake and Sweet Treat" photo contest online, where you could win a $500 Williams-Sonoma gift card. Well, I was all over that possibility, and knowing that I had until midnight on the 16th to submit my entry (so the rules stated), I went to work. Then bright and early on Monday morning (the 16th) when I went to submit my picture, I found that they had already closed the entry period. Those darn Disney people! So, no $500 Williams-Sonoma gift card for me. But this is what I came up with: a "Library of Love" made out of chocolate. By the way, I just devoured "Romeo and Juliet" and "Wives and Daughters." Mmm...

Our Little Manimal

The latest fashion from Korea for cold weather. And oh so cute! Apparently, adults can be found wearing these furry friends, too. Yikes! Thanks Grammy and Papa!

You Have an Apple on Your Shoulder

Here's a kind of long video of Chloe with a piece of apple perched on her shoulder next to her neck. She must have tucked it in there for safe keeping.