New Years Eve with neighbors

We had a party with the McGriff family and the Autrey Family for New Years Eve.  We started at 7:00 pm at the McGriff's house.  We ate lots of food and then we talked and played games.  The first game that we played was a game called "Curses."  Basically, you have to do what the card says on your turn, like "Give the person next to you a compliment."  Then you pick up a curses card and give it to someone else.  You can have many curses cards at one time.  Some of the curses where. you had to talk with the hiccups, use sign language while holding your nose and talking like the wicked witch of the west.  Brian and our neighbor Rob, were so funny, trying to do many curses at one time.  We should of had our camera's there, because it was so funny.  We played that for a couple of hours and then we had intermission for more treats and snacks, and then we played a game called "Imagine If" for the last hour before midnight.  At midnight, the kids blew horns and did poppers and our neighbor did 1000 firecrackers in the street.  There were also many other fireworks going on at the same time also.  This was the first year without Cameron and Nathan, because they are both serving full time missions.  Cameron said that his companion and him for having their own New Years Eve party.  So it has been a great year for our family, with many opportunities and happiness.  2010 will be a great year for us too.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

New Zhu Zhu Pets

We purchased these Hamster pets for Erika after her guinea pig died.  Not to really replace him, but to have something to keep her mind busy and not be sad about her guinea pig being gone.  The Zhu Zhu Pets drive around in little cars, zip up ramps and spin down slides, run in their hamster wheels, and get into all sorts of crazy situations. Their artificial intelligence even allows them to know what room of their hamster habitat they are in. They make toilet-flushing or teeth-brushing sounds when they enter the bathroom and sleeping noises and alarm-clock sounds when they go into their bedroom.

Elder Brown update

Hello from Texas where it is warmer than Utah and NOT SNOWING!! HA HA Just kidding, I don't want to make you feel bad.

Well, this week has been a wonderful week to talk to you and to hear that all is going well. I am so happy for you and the support you are giving me while I am here in Texas. I love doing the work and am excited to continue to do the work next year in 2010!
Well, this morning the Zone Leaders, some spanish missionaries and me went and toured the new cowboy's stadium. It is so unreal. We went in the locker rooms and in the suite's and underground and found out all the statistics for the building. The roof opens in 11 minutes and is completely silent. You cannot hear it opening unless you actually look at it. The glass doors on the sides open in 9 minutes and they are completely silent as well. It is so amazing. The TV in the middle weighs I think around 1.2 million pounds and the arches holding it up bended about 3 inches when they first hung it. It is so amazing that the arches are actually holding that TV and the roof up. They told us all about why it looks like a UFO and why they built it the way they did. It is the biggest stadium in the world. Not to Dad's amazement, but I thought it was really cool. I have some pictures of it that I will have to mail home to you.
Well, the work is going great, we talked to lots of people this week, although no baptisms. We are still working with this guy from chicago to see if he still wants to receive the lessons, but other than that, the work is going great.
We have 2-3 District Meetings a transfer and we have 1 Zone Conference a transfer. I have been to many District meetings and 2 zone conferences. We have 1 more unexpected Zone Conference for the new year that president decided to announce to help us start out the new year. It is going to be a short Zone Conference, but worth while.
Well, that is all I have to let you know for this week
I know that I need to continue to do the work here in Texas. I know that the Lord has a plan for all of us, even animals, but we all need to continue to move forward with a desire to do good and better the next day.
I am so happy to be serving here in Texas. I am so happy to be bringing people into the waters of baptism. They need the change in their life and I know this gospel can do it. Continue to find people to have the missionaries come and teach. Everyone needs to hear the message that we share. Everyone needs that opportunity. Until next week, love ya tons and tons!

-Elder Brown

Marshmellow the Guinea Pig

Erika's Guinea Pig, Marshmellow, pasted away this evening.  We all had noticed that he was acting strangely the past couple of days, but when she went into her room at 9:00 pm, he was laying in the corner barely breathing.  She was able to hold him for a minutue before he gave his last breath.  She has had him for 5 years now.  She got him from Sharri's cousin, Kris Olsen, when Erika was 12 years old.  She was so happy to have an animal of her own and to take care of.  He was very smart Guinea Pig.  He knew exactly where Erika's room was when she put him down on the carpet, he would run straight to her room every time.  He would bite the top of the zipper on Erika's hoodie, and pull down the zipper a couple of inches.  She enjoyed having him as her pet.  We will be burying him in our backyard, if the snow storm lets up tomorrow.  Thank you Marshmellow for being a great pet for our family and especially for Erika.

Christmas at the Evans Family

We went to Grandma Holly & Grandpa Gary's house at 1:00 pm today to exchange presents with all the family. Milan and his family came during Thanksgiving, so they were not here this year. The red gift basket was from him with carmel popcorn and sweet roll bread and some other treats. Taylor received a Hannah Montana Barbie that sang songs and we gave all the kids Marshmellow blowers, which is what Easton is doing. Grandpa is relaxing and enjoying watching the kids and Erika is just being her beautiful self. We had lunch and stayed until 5:00 pm and then went over to the Brown family.

Christmas!!!

Our Christmas Stash - December 25, 2009

Pictures from Elder Brown

Cameron sent us some pictures for Christmas.  Elder Downs was his first companion in the MTC and then a picture of his district at the MTC.  The picture with Sister Anderson was at the MTC and she helped him tremendously with understanding the Book of Mormon.  Cameron's 1st baptism, Chris Roylance with Elder Moli in Arlington, Texas.  And the close up is his current companion Elder Young from Sandy.  Cameron also called us at 10 am and we talked to him for 40 minutes.  He is happy and loves Texas and the missionary work.  We sent him some christmas presents, which he said he didn't have on christmas eve, but the Zone leaders brought them to him on christmas morning.  We are so proud of him and his commitment to obeying the prophets and his Heavenly Father in serving a full time mission.  We love you Cameron!!

Riley at Olive Garden

We went to dinner at Olive Garden on Christmas Eve with Grandma Holly & Grandpa Gary.  Riley was not very happy about going, so he decided that he needed his blanket.  Instead of carrying it, be decided it would be fun to put it on his head and make silly faces.  So, this is what he did with his blanket on his head.  At least it made him happier and more pleasant to be with while we were eating dinner.

Elder Brown update

Hello from SNOWY TEXAS!

Yup that's RIGHT! 1" of snow!! It's feeling like Christmas and it's still snowing outside right now. I'm already excited because of the snow. I wasn't expecting snow, but it feels like home now.  Well, President is letting us e-mail this one time from a member's home. I know I will be talking with y'all tomorrow, but I just wanted to write you a litle bit. I will be calling home on Christmas Day. I can only talk for 40 minutes. Well, I won't be writing too much in this letter home because I will get to talk to you tomorrow. I will be using the calling card you sent. President requires we use it if we use the mission cell phones. Otherwise we can use a members phone to call home if we want, but I just want to use the cell phone because I am not sure if I can find a member to use. I guess president doesn't want us calling you directly on our cell phones because then you get our phone number and call us back, which is a no no, but I can use the cell phone if I use the calling card. Thanks for the 12 days of Christmas package, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to talking to you tomorrow and tell you all the things in Texas.  Love you tons and tons!

-Elder Brown

Merry Christmas from The Brown Family!!

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Lighted up House in Lindon

ika and Sharri decided to go and see the house that is decorated with many lights and all going on and off to the sound of music.  We looked up the address and map and headed to Lindon at 7:30 pm.  When we got close to the house, there was a line up of cars waiting to drive by.  We waiting for about 30 minutes, and then we were at the front of the line to see the house and they played 3 different songs.  You had to tune your radio to their FM station to hear the music, and the lights were really amazing.  They usually have 6 songs, but during the week of christmas the line of cars are too long, so they cut it down to 3 songs.  If you get a chance to drive by it, the website is http://www.holdman.com/ and then they will give you the address and some cool videos on how they put up all the lights.

Ward Christmas Party

Tonight we had our annual ward christmas party.  Brian had to help set up tables at 3:30 pm and Erika and the Young Women had to decorate the tables and setup for Santa.  Sharri cooked a turkey and mashed some potatoes and we all helped clean up.  Santa came before dinner started at 6:00 pm.  Erika and her friend, Heather were Santa's helpers, giving out candy to the kids.  Then we all had dinner following by a Navity Play.  Brian was asked to be the "ANGEL" that came to Mary.  He wore one of the Halo's that we had for previous costumes and Riley and the Young Men were shepherds.  It was a great night for us to be with ward members and neighbors to celebrate Christ's birth.

Elder Brown update

Hello y'all

I saw all the snow y'all have been getting and guess what, none for me! It is sunny and warm, which I am still getting used to, but that is okay for me. People are mowing their lawns and cleaning in the yard, and it is crazy to think it is December!
Well, yup 3 months. I can't believe it either.
Well, I wasn't transfered and I am still teaching the gospel here in Arlington. It is so wonderful.
I am so happy for Erika and Riley for their Christmas concerts and I think it is cool that they are praying for me. I always pray for y'all too.
Oh and I attended the Ward Christmas Party here. It was so cool.
Well, I wanted to tell you that I watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It was so wonderful. Anytime the prophet speaks to the Saints, I listen. So if he speaks anytime during the year I watch. So, I am hoping that y'all watch too, so you know that at the same time I am listening as well as you.
Well, due to time I have to cut this e-mail short this week, but I look forward to next weeks e-mail.
Love you all tons and tons!


-Elder Brown

PHS Fine Arts Christmas Concert

Erika had her christmas concert tonight at Provo High.  It was the annual Fine Art Concert, which includes all the different choirs, orchestra and band.  The choirs sang 19 songs and the orchestra's played 7 songs.  What's up with that?  We personally like the orchestra music, but we should since Erika is in it.  The highlighted songs were "Hallelujah Chorus" and "Angel's Carol."  The evening went from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.  It was a long evening, but well worth it.  We are so proud of Erika for her diligent practice and wanting to be in the Philharmonic Orchestra.  They sounded amazing as always.

Santa is coming to town!!!

We went to Grandma Holly & Grandpa Gary for dinner tonight and then we had a surprise visitor come to the door, it was Santa.  We all were able to sit on his lap and tell him if we were naughty or nice and what we would like for Christmas.  The highlight was Erika's response to Santa.  She wanted "World Peace"  She can be so funny sometimes, and by the look on her face, you can tell she was happy.  The rest of us just talked to Santa and he gave us all a candy cane and a little bottle of bubbles, which we had to ask our mother's if it was okay to open it.  This has become a yearly tradition for the Evans Family.  Thanks Grandma & Grandpa for inviting Santa to come visit with us.

Riley and the Snow!!

RILEY LOVES THE SNOW!!!!

Riley Jr. Jazz Basketball

Riley has been practicing for the past month to play on the Jr. Jazz Basketball Team thru Provo City Recreation.  He was so excited to play today.  It was a great game, but they lost, because the other team were alot taller than Riley's team.  Riley does some great screens and passes, but is not quite sure where he should be on the court.  His next game is on January 9th.

12 days of Christmas to Elder Brown

We decided to send Cameron the 12 days of Christmas.  Since this has become a yearly family tradition, we thought we would send some to him.  We had to be a little more creative, because it had to mailed to him and some of the items were heavy.  So this is what we did instead.

Now in the song, it’s partridge and a pear tree, 
But partridges are tough catches, as you can see.
So how about some different kind of pears,
Relax and enjoy them in your favorite chair.
                  (dehydrated pears in a bag)



Did you know two turtle doves are
Extremely hard to find?
So here are Turtles and Dove
The chocolate candy kind! (Turtles & Dove chocolate bars)


As the story tells it is 3 hens you should get
But we are not in France to buy them from the vet
Instead we have these fine pens to write things to do
Hope you like them in France’s red, white and blue. (1 blue pen & 1 red pen with white paper)

Four calling birds were not easy to find,
So we really found ourselves in quite the bind.
The calling card is for the phone call we await
Be sure and use it because that would be great. (AT & T calling card & chapstick)

On the fifth day of Christmas with things rather tight,
It's important to us that you travel light.
Gold rings are too heavy for a growing boy,
So enjoy these flaming Funyons and shout for joy. (Flaming Hot Funyons)

Six geese a laying an interesting sight
One of them squawked, and they all took flight
What they left in their nest, you’ll just have to look
They are made of white chocolate, so no need to cook.
(white choclate poached eggs with yellow M & M in the middle)

On this 7th day of Christmas, how nice it would be,
If seven swans a swimming you could see.
The pond was empty since the swans have gone south,
We only found goldfish to put in your mouth. (A bag of goldfish crackers)

On the eighth day of Christmas, we're busy as a bee.
Eight maids-a-milking, no where do we see.
But there in the barn we spy a tasty treat
They left you with a box of Milk Duds to eat. (A king size box of Milk Duds)

Nine ladies dancing was too big a crowd,
Besides their music is way too loud.
They danced all night long till their feet ached
After that they had to use canes for heavens sake. (9 ladyfinger cookies & 9 candy canes)

Ten lords a leaping would be an awesome gift,
But they were stuck while jumping a white snowdrift.
We had to be content as we found the little frogs
You might want to try dunking them in some eggnog  (A bag of gummy frogs)

Those eleven pipers piping remind us of a plumber,
To leave it on the doorstep would be a real bummer.
Make your water piping hot, and fill a cup with care,
We're giving you hot chocolate for you to share. 
(2 Single Hot chocolate pkts, 2 cups, 2 straws & ziploc bag of miniature marshmellows)

We figured twelve drummers would take too much room
So we drummed up some goodies just for you
And so we wish you a joyous Noel,
Merry Christmas to you for the whole world to tell!! (A drum filled with carmel popcorn)

Erika to PHS Christmas Dance

Erika went to the Christmas Dance at Provo High tonight with Gregg Allen.  They were in a group of 10 of her friends, so 5 couples.  They left at 6 pm and went and picked up their dates and then went to one of the girls Ward Christmas Party Dinner.  Then they went to another girls house and decorated Gingerbread houses and took pictures.  They went to the dance at around 9:30 pm and stayed until 11:00 pm.  She didn't purchase pictures, because her friends mom took a bunch when they were doing the Gingerbread houses. WHATEVER!!!  After the dance they went to another friends house for ice cream.  She came home at 12:00 am, because one of her friends had to take the ACT test the next morning.  They were going to watch a movie at our house, but there wasn't time and it was already late.  She had fun and is already talking about the next dance in January.

Erika's Recital

Erika had her Recital tonight at her violin teacher church.  There were 10 different numbers with a couple of group numbers in between.  Erika was the very last one to play her piece, which was Concerto in A Minor.  As always, she did an excellant job and we are so proud of her.  She has become quite the violinist and like her parents, she is a perfectionist, so she is so picky and unconfident in herself. 

Elder Brown update

Hello from Texas,

This past week has been wonderful. I now have my new companion Elder Young and we are both in the Arlington 2nd Ward. That means that I didn't get transfered. I am so excited, but that also means since I know the area more than Elder Young does, I have to take over and move the work forward here until he gets to know the area better. It has been a crazy week for me to help the work move forward here in Arlington. I still live in the same apartment and Elder Moli was transferred to the Euless 2nd Ward (Tongan Ward). He was so happy!  Well, Chris and his Sister were baptized these past few weeks. I baptized Chris and Elder Moli baptized Kay, Chris's Sister last weekend. I think I forgot to tell you about that baptism. So that means I now have 2 baptisms on my mission!   Well, Elder Young and I are keeping the work moving forward here in Arlington, and I am so happy to be serving and finding people to bring into the gospel.
Well, I have had a ton of experiences this past week that has brought me so much joy. I was able to find people to teach and hopefully I will be able to baptize in the upcoming weeks. Tam Buckner is a potential baptism this month. She has already had all the lessons and is ready for baptism, we are just waiting for her to say that she is ready to be baptized and we will baptize her in a heartbeat. Well, I am working on writing letters to everyone, but it has been pretty slow going for me. I don't think I will be able to buy a Christmas present this week for everyone. I actually to be honest, don't know what to buy. I love all of you and look forward to the future to continue the work here in Arlington 2nd Ward. Oh and 1 more thing you can send me letters again. Just to let you know. I love all of you and can't wait until Christmas. Tell the family I love them too and am praying and thinking about them at this time of the Christmas Season. I love Texas, I love missionary work and am optimistic for the future. I will talk to you next week.
-Elder Brown

The dance date answer!!!

 When we came home from Riley's concert tonight, we found this plate of cookies on our front doorstep.  It was the answer for Erika from her date to go to the Christmas Dance.  She was so exctied that she called all her friends and they came over and they giggled and laughed together in her excitement.  The X on the one sugar cookie was a cut out of a horse, so that is why he wrote dog on it.

Riley's choir concert

Riley had his first choir concert at Dixon Middle School tonight.  He was so excited, because he was chosen to play the tambourine in one of the pieces.  The choirs consisted of about 70 seventh grade students all at once.  The auditorium was packed with no seats to spare.   They sang 4 songs.  It was a great evening for all of us.

The asking to the Christmas Dance

Erika came home monday night and informed us that she is going to PHS Christmas Dance on friday, Dec 11th.  We asked her who she was taking, because as far as we knew she didn't have a date.  Apparently, the boy she was going to ask a couple of weeks ago, already had been asked, but it didn't work out, so her friends talked her into asking him (Gregg Allen).  She and her friends stopped at Macey's on her way home from school and bought, Christmas Tree sugar cookies and frosting.  They wrote on the bottom of a paper plate that said "Of all the trees in the forest, I would pick you to go with me to the Christmas Dance".  Then on the back of the plate, Erika signed her name.  Her friends and her drove to his house down center street and almost to the lake.  His family owns the ropes course.  They drove by and saw him out shoveling snow with his brother.  They had to be a little bit sneaky and run up to the door and put the plate inside.  She was in sure a hurray, that she left quite a mess in the kitchen when we all came home from school and work.  It is so fun to see her creativity and to have fun with her friends.

Grandpa and his boy band!!

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Santa at Grandparents

Tonight, we were invited to Grandma Bette and Grandpa Doug for pizza and then Santa was coming.  We were running a little bit late, and the rush hour traffic was not good, so we had what was left of the Pizza.  Brian's sister and cousins and all their kids were there and they were so excited and roudy, until Santa knocked on the door, then it was complete silence.  Santa had us all sing Jingle Bells and then he had a gift for each of the kids and adults.  We were there about 2 hours and then we needed to head home, because the kids had school and we had work.  It was fun to be with the family and enjoy laughs and fun with them.  Thanks Grandma Bette for having Santa come!!

Elder Brown weekly email

Hello from Texas,
This past week has been so wonderful. I have had the opportunity to baptize Chris Roylance and a member in the ward, Bro. Dalkhe confirmed him a member of the Church last sunday. It was such a cool experience to baptize him. He is progressing in the church and already has the aaronic priesthood. It was so cool to "dunk" him in the water. I felt so good.  Anyways, we ate Thanksgiving dinner at the Ward Mission Leader's home last thanksgiving. They fed us good. I was so full; I had to find room for the pie!  Well, if you believe it or not, it actually got so cold here in Texas over the past couple of days, we actually got SNOW!! NO WAY! It snowed for a bit, then immediately melted. It was so weird. It has been very cold here in Texas these past couple of days. I have had to bundle up and try to keep warm while we go door to door knocking trying to find people to teach.  Teaching isn't very easy here in Texas as most people already go to church or are aware of Jesus Christ. Some days I feel like we make no progress, but I continue to knock on doors and ride my bike to try to find people to teach. Some people are very nice, others are extremely rude. There is a new Elder here in my Ward who just got his mission call to Provo, Utah. I saw the boundaries of it, It goes all the way from provo south. So draw a straight line from side to side of the state with Provo being in the middle of the line and then go down until you hit St. George. That is how big it is. It is the highest baptizing mission in the world. See if you can find him, maybe not, but his name is Michael Brannock and he leaves for the MTC on February the 10. I hope all is going well at home. Tell everyone I love them and that I am working hard to bring those lost souls unto Christ. I will be getting a call this Saturday to let me know if I am being transfered. I will e-mail you next week with the news. Well, I hope I have told you enough stuff. I love all of you, and continue to pray for me.
Talk to you next week. Love y'all.

Elder Cameron Brown