Five Brown Kids

You might think my little kindergarten countdown is really cute, but seriously, it's my lifeline this summer. Jaxon may be the cutest, smartest, fastest kid on the planet but that doesn't make him any easier to care for day after day, after day. Five years and six months down, just 30 days to go.... I can do it!

Today I was released as primary president. Almost three years ago the bishop asked Tyrone and me into his office. I was seven months pregnant with Scotia. He called me to be the primary pres and I looked at my huge belly and my swollen ankles and feet that had constant pins and needles and wrists that couldn't bend and then looked back at him in total disbelief. Then I accepted. Scotia was born five weeks early, and when she was two weeks old and still less than five pounds she stayed home with Nana while I went to church and was sustained and set apart. In those early months Tyrone still worked a Sunday or two a month. Before Primary I would drop Scotia off in the RS room with anyone I knew and tell them I'd be back in two hours. It turned out I really was called. We got organized and got going. Worked a lot and had a lot of fun too. I worked with wonderful teachers who showed up every Sunday for two hours of trying to teach gospel lessons while keeping children in their seat...

Our little house has been full for the past three weeks, after a wonderful week at the beach our first set of guests left on Sat. On Sunday we had the mission president and his wife over to say goodbye before they head home. They are the parents of some of our good BYU friends so it's been fun to visit with them over the past few years. Monday eve Tyrone's parents arrived. We had swim meets, and swim practice and preparation for the baptism all week. Courtney and her kids arrived Friday afternoon just in time to get ready for the baptism. Although I only have one picture as proof that they were here, we had a great time with the Ricks. The boys and men all went to see "Night at the Museum 2" at the local IMAX theatre, while the girls went out for ice cream. After Courtney and I ran we spent most of Saturday at the pool and then surprised Emily for her birthday. Willie grilled on Sunday and it was great. The Ricks left at lunch time on Monday, and that eve the Fosters...

I read this book over the weekend. It can be summed up in a quick scripture, "but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). Or being prepared can save your life.... This book outlines the ways people react to disasters and traumatic situations and how you can give yourself a fighting chance by being prepared and thinking ahead. Look for the fire exits and stairwells at hotels, read the brochures in the airplane and make a mental note of exits and practise, practise, practise, staying calm and acting. This is a recommended read for everyone! Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly - Ripley, an award-winning writer on homeland security for Time, offers a compelling look at instinct and disaster response as she explores the psychology of fear and how it can save or destroy us. Surprisingly, she reports, mass panic is rare, and an understanding of the dynamics of crowds can help prevent a stampede, while a well-trained crew can get passengers quickly but calmly off...

This tastes just like the stuff my mom made growing up, and I loved it! 4 cups cubed, cooked potatoes, chilled Combine: 1cup mayonaise 2 tbsp vinegar 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp pepper Add: ( any of the following to the potatoes and then gently mix in sauce, a little at a time, you may not need all of it) Diced celery Diced onion Sliced tomatoes Cubed cheese Tons of sliced dill pickles No hard boiled eggs!

I can still remember my baptism and now I have a child old enough to be baptized! I may be a bit biased but it was all around wonderful. The speakers were excellent and right at Taye's level. We had wonderful and loved friends and family and teachers there. The water in the font was warm! We sang primary songs loud and clear for the opening and closing songs and the Elders showed a video of Pres. Hinckley bearing his testimony while Ty and Taye were changing. Taye was totally emotional the whole time, with tears dripping down his cheeks and the spirit was wonderful. Fabulous evening! Taye is in the first generation of black Mormon kids whose parents grew up in the church, went to primary, participated in youth activities, served missions, attended BYU and got married in the temple. Both sets of grandparents are long serving members too and I can feel this groundswell of faithfulness moving through the generations.

In addition to grandparents, the Ricks are in town this weekend for Taye's baptism. Today we hit the farmers market, an afternoon at the pool and then Emily's surprise party before we came home for a pre-dinner rest. Here's how Scotia fell asleep...

Brown Family 2009 Video from jessica brown on Vimeo .

First Meet 09 Jaxon, first place in six and under boys freestyle (you'll have to wait 30 seconds for the start whistle) Taye, first place in boys 7/8 fly

These fresh and homemade chicken nuggets are so simple. I half-way thawed four frozen chicken breasts and then cut them into 1 inch chunks. I emptied one package of Chicken Shake N Bake into a bag, added the chicken squares and shook until they were all covered. Make sure the chicken is not too moist when you put in the bag or you'll get a gooey mess. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400 for about 12- 15 mins. They cook quickly. I love to serve these with home fries .

This one's for you Courtney!

Last weekend my brother and his wife and kids and my littlest sister and her son (husband home finishing up grad school) all descended on my house to prepare for a week at the beach. We enjoyed a sand free swim in the pool and a little birthday celebration for Taye complete with Nana and Grandpa (in Ecuador) on skype. We had a great week at the beach, weather was wonderful and everyone loved the waves and sand. Well except Isaiah and he was totally content riding Rand's bike around the neighborhood with anyone who would take him. Great week - hopefully next year everyone can make it.

Rand Norah Isaiah Taye Hannah and Isaiah Carrie and Norah Jaxon

Fresh Friday Recipes to Come! Cafe Rio Burritos Tomato, Basil and Fresh Mozarella Pizza Ginger ale so strong that it will make you cough! Blueberry and peach french toast, wow! Hamburgers and mom's potato salad Fresh peaches from the farmers market Canadian chocolate bars, thanks Hannah! John's spagetti and garlic bread with fresh mozarella

Walk on the pier S'more and sparklers Digging, digging and more digging Checking out an amazing sand castle by someone else Lunch at the beach house Swinging on the hammock

Brown Family 2009 Video from jessica brown on Vimeo .

Q: What do you get when you cross a bi-racial nerd raised by white vegan hippies with a black triple sport star RM whose parents grew up in the time of segregated schools? A: Something like this - a cute pickle eating, peach loving, race sprinting, math whiz who swims like his hair is on fire! Happy Birthday Taye! (photo by Crickett Photography) Nana and Grandpa sent cash and with a donation from us too we headed out to the grand opening of the local Lego store. The lines were off the hook and people were buying like crazy. No recession in lego land. Here are Taye and Jaxon judging the merits of different kits - Taye decided on this one. (Taye took the picture so no zoom, but I do love how Jaxon is already trying to get it) Taye's baptism is scheduled for June 19 at 6:30pm. Please join us if you can.

That we are heading to the beach... with all my family that lives within a 1000 mile radius. Can't wait!

This is a salad staple in our house and goes with any meat and starch type meal. Thanks Em! Toss: Bowl of washed and torn greens Sliced carrots Sliced tomatoes Frozen or fresh peas, or any other veggies you love Mix: 2 tbsp virgin olive oil 1 tbsp (and an extra shake for good measure) balsamic vinegar good shake of garlic salt (start with 1/4 tsp and add more if you need) Top: Mix greens and dressing Garnish with croutons and shredded asiago cheese

I love this time of year!

I forgot to mention that Scotia potty trained a few weeks ago. A friend gave us a bag of pull-ups they no longer needed so I thought it was as good a time as any. She wore them the first two days and did great. On day three we started with underwear and she hasn't looked back. By the end of the week she was telling me when she had to go and that was it. It was easier that easy. Thanks Scotia! And thanks to our long serving diaper can which has been in constant use for the past 7 years, 11 months. Enjoy your retirement.