A day on the beach in Mexico

To Rocky Point, Mexico

 

We all slept in and Bridget made us all breakfast.  Since Bridget had Kyle still sick and Julie woke up with a migraine, Tamra and I went to Costco to buy food for our week down in Mexico.  We decided to have breakfast and lunch in our condo's for the week.  We bought alot of food and we both were surprised that it was only $230 dollars.  When we came back from Costco, we loaded up all the food and head out around noon.  We had to give Chad's car a call name, so they were the Black Ninja.  We caravaned down to Rocky Point, stopping half way to buy Mexican Insurance.  Most US auto insurance companies don't cover Mexico, so we bought 4 days worth for $40 a day.  We had to cross the border around 4 pm, which we were stopped and asked where we were going and where we were coming from.  We told them we were with the other two cars in front of us, but we said we were from Utah and they said from Arizona, so they were a little bit confused, but they still let us cross.  They also asked us if we had anything to claim, like 10,000 cash or something.  Yeah, right, a family in a mini van wanting to cross the border with 10,000 dollars. I don't think so. We arrived in Mexico at 6 pm and unloaded all the suitcases. Scott even found a dead cockrock that was over 2 inches big.  Tamra was freaked out about it, so Scott had to pick it up and then we tried to eat it for the camera.  Tamra, Scott, Colton, Brian, Sharri, Erika, Cortney & Erika were in one condo and Chad, Bridget, Ashton, Kyle, Julie, Hailey, Austin and Connor in the other condo.  The Condo's were called the Princesa at Rocky Point.  Our condo was on the bottom floor, so we were able to walk right out onto the beach, which was great for the kids.  The kids wanted to try the swimming pools first thing, but they were a little chili and it was dark and windy.  After we all were situated, Chad went into town and bought chicken taco makings for all of us.  It was so good and everyone was so hungry too.  And then we played some games until 11 pm or so. 

Elder Brown update

Well, I got to talk to you a couple of days ago. Well...I guess I will be writing a short e-mail this week. We didn't have hardly anyone at church on Sunday, but that's okay. It was the holidays so what do you expect?
I have a question. What do you want me to do with the Nativities and Christmas Tree? Do you want me to send it home? Do you care about it? Let me know.  This week looks to be great. Although we are supposed to be getting some rain tomorrow. Oh well... This week is going to be great. I know that the Lord is blessing me and Elder Roberts to do what we need to do to the work of the Lord. Also, I wanted to tell you that we found a Less-Active Spanish lady in the Laundromat today. She got baptized in Dallas, and then moved to Malone. She knew where the church was, but didn't know if they had a Spanish side to it. We told her to come. She said she would. Cool experience already this week. Anyways, I hope all goes well in Mexico. Don't die or I will have to take care of the house by myself. Ha ha, just kidding. I hope that y'all have fun. I look forward to next weeks e-mail. Take Care!

-Elder Brown

To Phoenix, Arizona

We decided to go to Arizona the week after christsmas to visit with Chad and his family, and then go to his condo in Mexico.  We weren't too excited to leave right after christmas day, but in the end we were so glad we did.  We headed out at 7 am from Provo and arrived in Gilbert, AZ around 7 pm.  It was a long 12 hour drive, but we did have fun between the two cars.  Tamra & Scott drove their Black Expedition and we drove our Van.  Julie and family rode with Tamra and we had Cortney with us and Colton.  Julie made arrangements to have walkie talkie's between the two cars, so that made it really fun to talk back and forth to each car.  We play games back and forth, like license plates and scavengar hunt and battleship.  Our call names were Black Thunder and Blue Dart. We drove thru a snowy blizzard by Panguitch and then across the colorado river by Hoover Dam.  What a great experience to go across the bridge looking down to the river.  Chad's wife had made spaghetti dinner for us all when we arrived there.  It tasted so good from our normal snacks and treats in the car.  The kids ran around and played on the swingset in back and then they all changed and swam in their pool.  They were all so happy to not be in the car anymore.  We all stayed up late and talked.  Chad's little boy Kyle, was not happy and had a fever, so they took him to the doctor and he had strep.  Not good for going to Mexico with.

Christmas 2010!!!

 

Weight Watchers

Tonight, my co-worker and friend, Alice made Lifetime member at Weight Watchers.  I have been going since August and Jane started in September.  We also have another co-worker that goes with us, Denise, that started in October.  We all have such a great time together, supporting each other during the day at work and then our weekly meetings on Tuesdays.  We all look forward to being together and with our WW leader, Marion.  She is the best leader, she makes us all laugh and tells it like it really is.  She is awesome.  Alice has been my inspiration to join and start losing weight.  I figured if she can do it, so can I.  I have lost in total of 33 pounds since August.  It is so confirming to me that if you eat healthy and make better choices that you feel better and look better.  Also just walking every day makes a big difference.  I have neighbors that keep me going with my walking, even if it is too cold outside.  I decided before our WW meeting, knowing that Alice made Lifetime, I went and bought balloons and Life Cereal and Lifesavers. I took them early to our meeting to tie the balloons to our regular chairs and leave the treats.  Alice was so surprised and very happy. We are all such good friends.  Thanks Alice for letting us be part of your Celebration.

Elder Brown update

First off...I cannot believe that the Tabernacle is GONE! When you e-mailed that to me, I just sat at my computer for a minute and just remembered all the memories from the building. I was so sad to see that it burnt down. WOW is all I can say. That is just so sad.

I am not getting transferred, whew... Elder Roberts and I are together again for another go around, but this time, Elder Roberts is a District Leader. He is excited for the calling, but is getting nervous about all that is involved with it. Elder Roberts has only been out 8 months and he is already a District Leader. He is a great missionary and I think he will be a good District Leader. He knows what to do. I hope I get your package in time. I think they will get it to me by Christmas.
Well, as for missionary work. We almost had a baptism yesterday, but Saul backed out on us last minute. He knows he needs to get baptized, but he just is scared. He has been investigating the church for 3 years now. He was investigating in Arizona before the new law was put in place in Arizona, and now their family had to move to Texas so they wouldn't get deported. Louis, their son, is really angry that his parents took them out of Arizona, but he is learning to get over it.  Aracely is doing great. She is still progressing towards baptism. All is going well.  Michael is also doing great. He committed to live the word of wisdom and law of chastity last time we taught him. Things are looking up in Hillsboro!
Well, other than that, I think that is all for this week. We are taking a half P-Day today so we can open presents and stuff on Christmas morning. The same part-member family that fed us on Thanksgiving is going to be feeding us on Christmas. They are way cool. Sis Ables is a less-active member, and Bro Ables isn't a member. He is still getting over the concern of the Book of Mormon. He is praying and stuff.
Well, as promised, I put up the tree that Nancy McGriff sent me and took some pictures for y'all. Enjoy!
Talk to you on Christmas Day at 10 my time. Also, talk to you on the Monday following Christmas Day. Have a great week!
Love ya lots!

-Elder Brown

Provo Tabernacle destroyed in Fire

This morning we received some texts and phone calls that the Provo Tabernacle was on fire.  We were sad to hear this news.  As the day went on we heard that it was still on fire and that the night before there BYU was decorating and setting up equipment for a Lex De Azevedo concert.  A brand new piano was in the building as well as many instruments.  Later in the evening, my neighbor and I decided to drive by it and we parked the car and walked around the building.  It was an amazing view of the building and still seeing that it was on fire at 10:00 pm.  We have spent many Stake Conferences in there over the past 16 years as well as Utah Valley Symphony concerts to other choir concerts.  It is a total loss and the roof caved in and just left the towers.  They are trying to save the shell in case the church wants to rebuild it, but it looked pretty sad.

Riley choir performance at District Office

Riley's Concert Choir performed some of their christmas songs at the District Office during the morning.  They all received new collared shirts which say Dixon Concert Choir and on the sleeve it says Tenor, which is what part he sings.  He was so embarrassed to see me come and listen to them, but how could I not.  All the students asked him if I worked at the District, so this made him embarrassed a little bit.  They sounded good, especially in a small area with not as many people.  He is getting to be a really good singer. Maybe he should join the ward choir too....we will see about that.  He is enjoying being in the choir, and two other students from our ward are in it as well, Sara and Abbie.  Good job again Riley!!!

Riley & Erika Christmas Concerts

Again, Riley and Erika's concerts were on the same night.  Luckily they weren't at the same time.  Riley's was at 6:00 pm and Erika's was at 7:30 pm.  Riley is in the Concert Choir, so they sang last and Erika Philharmonic Orchestra played second in the PHS Fine Arts Concert.  We hurried after Riley's concert to get to Provo High and made it just in time.  As always the two concerts were awesome.  We are so amazed at the hard work the teacher's and students put in to make it an enjoyable evening.  Erika's had the PHS Choirs as well at the end.  Erika was moved to 3rd chair in the 1st violins.  She told us that she was 5th chair, so we were surprised.  She has excelled in her violin playing and her teacher can see that and moves them when he feels they need more of a challenge.  Erika wouldn't do this on her own, so that is what we like about her PHS Orchestra teacher.  Riley is singing Tenor in his choir and wants to do the PHS choir next year as well.  We are so happy that they both are involved in the Fine Arts and developing their talents and sharing them often.  Great Job Riley and Erika!!!

Santa at Evans Family

We had our tradition family dinner for Christmas at Grandpa Gary and Grandma Holly house.  We have Santa come and all the grandkids and kids get to sit on his lap and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.  Santa was supposed to arrive at 7:30 pm.  We waited and waited and waited and then at 8:30 pm Grandpa Gary decided to fill in for Santa.  The little grandkids, Addie, Taylor and Easton were looking forward to telling Santa what they wanted, but instead told Grandpa Gary to pass on to Santa.  We brought our cardboard Cameron to sit on Santa's lap too.  We left around 9:00 pm and then they called Santa and he had the wrong date written down, for the next week.  We told the kids that he was so busy and sometimes he forgets.  We all had a great time anyways and mostly just being together as a family.

Christmas Card from Elder Brown

We received this card from Elder Brown today.  He is getting creative with his technical abilities.  We were very impressed.  We hope you all get one as well.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

A Christmas Carol

One of neighbors gave us some free tickets to see "A Christmas Carol" at her school that she works at.  The four of us and the McGriff family all went.  It was put on by the school students who live there in a residential treatment center.  They did a great job for students, especially the "Scrooge" part.  He did an amazing job.  This was a great family outing for the holidays and the best part was it was FREE.  Thanks to Sister Harris for the tickets.

Erika Violin Recital

Erika had her violin teacher Recital tonight in north Provo.  Her grandparents came as well as her friend Peggy.  She played the piece she has been working on for the past 6 months, called Mediation.  She was so worried, but of course played fabulous that brought us almost to tears.  She is so hard on herself and a perfectionsist, so she thinks that she isn't good, but we all think differently.  She also played in a quartet playing 'Geus Banbino" and another song.  Her teacher has pushed Erika to be a great violinist. We are so grateful she has the patience to work with her.  Hopefully you all will be to see the video of it when we figure out how to post it privately.

Great job Erika, again!!!

Erika accepted to Weber State College

Elder Brown update

Well, first things first, I mailed my GPS and SD Card home last Tuesday and you haven't gotten it yet?!? Yes I put $200 insurance on it and confirmation delivery. I hope it gets to you otherwise I will be getting $200 for a new GPS. It will be a very nice GPS. I don't know where my package is. I call a number to track the package and it just says that it is on it's way to you. I hope it gets there. Oh well if it doesn't. I have my pictures saved so I can resend it to you. Plus I can get a nice GPS.
Our Mission President does not allow missionaries to stay the night with other missionaries. The only time I can stay with another missionary is when I am on exchanges with the District Leader. That is it. Otherwise, you are in your own area. That is what President Sagers said.
We are teaching a few people. One named Ricardo. He is concerned about Santa Clause and Christmas and all of that. We already told him that Santa isn't a part of the church and that Christmas is to be focused on Jesus Christ. He still doesn't understand. He is a Spanish. He is also very old. About 70 years old. Also, we are teaching a lady named Aracely. She is also Spanish. She is reading and praying about the B.O.M. right now. We are also teaching a guy named Michael. He is looking for a church and a returned Sister Missionary who is in the Branch brought him to us. He really likes the church. Hopefully he will get baptized soon. We are also teaching a Spanish investigator named Saul. His family moved from Arizona. They moved here because of the illegal immigration thing taking place. Their boys are not very happy with the move. They want to go back, but the mom is the only one holding the family together right now. She is a very strong lady to be getting everyone to church every Sunday from Clifton, TX which is a 45 minute drive to the church. That is some dedication let me tell you. Saul won't get baptized yet because he doesn't know what he will tell his family. Also, what his friends will think of him and what that means he will have to stop doing and give up. He says he just needs time to decide if this is what he wants to do. I hope he makes the right decision.
Yes, I did get to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night. I also thought it was very good too.  I think that is all for this week!
-Elder Brown

Santa visit at the Brown's

We were able to go to Grandma Bette's and Grandpa Doug's to have Santa come. Tamra, Laena, Julie and Christi's families were all there, so it was a little bit crazy with all the kids running around.  We had Pizza, salad and dessert first, then Santa.  All the kids and adults were able to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted, and he gave us all a little gift.  It was a lot of fun and so Grandpa as you can see in the picture.