Elder Brown update

Well...first off let me start out with what happened last night. So, we heard there was a Tornado warning, but they told us they weren't exactly sure when the main part of the storm was going to hit, so they told us to just listen for the sirens and get in the bathtub if they go off. Well...all I can say is I cannot remember what happened last night. I went to bed and woke up to a nice sunny morning. My companion and my District Leader said they both woke up around 1-2a.m. and heard what sounded like a airplane flying over, then they opened the door and saw the rain coming down and it just flooded everything. There are fences down everywhere and it is just crazy what happened. Apparently a Tornado hit about 50 miles away from us, which I was grateful since it didn't hit us. Whew...made it!  

Well, as for missionary work, well things are starting to pick up. The ward is having what they call a Daily Missionary Fast, where a family signs up every day for 1 month and that family fasts for 24 hours for missionary work that day here in the ward. They just started yesterday. The Bishop said that whenever they do it, they have always had baptisms. I am so excited for their support!  

Well, on Saturday we spent the day inside because Elder Anthony was sick, and I think I am getting something too. Uh oh, start taking those meds...UGH! We did have a good week though. We found this lady while out tracting one day, and she was not interested at all, but we decided to offer some service to her and she said yes I need my lawn mowed and trimmed up. So, we went back and did some yard work, and now she has a BoM and is reading and praying. Amazing what the lord can do.  

Well, I hope y'all enjoy your week off.  One last thing, that is way cool that Elder L. Tom Perry was at our church building. Now when I come home I can say that, when I am standing at the pulpit, that I am standing in the place where a Apostle stood. It is so amazing to be in the presence of an Apostle of Jesus Christ. You just know that this gospel is true just to be in their presence.

 

I love y'all so much

 

-Elder Brown

Riley volleyball pictures

As you can see, it is a co-ed team.  There aren't enough boys to make many teams to play each other. Riley is doing very well with his over hand serve and bumps, but can't spike it yet, he is not taller than the net.  He is a cute kid anyways.

Riley's typing test

Riley brought this home today.  Apparently, he types really well and fast. He doesn't have to be in the keyboarding class and Provo High next year.  30 words per minutes is pretty good for his little fingers.  Good Job RILEY!!

Erika BYU Scholarship

Dear Erika:
Congratulations on your commitment, preparation, and citizenship.  Brigham Young University is pleased to award you the following:

Semester	Scholarship	Amount	Required Hours
Fall  2011	Brigham Young Grant	$1140.00	14
Winter 2012	Brigham Young Grant	$1140.00	14

Scholarships provide financial assistance, but they also represent a vote of confidence in you. We celebrate the gifts and talents you contribute to our student body.
Sincerely,
Financial Aid Office
Brigham Young University

Erika's last District Orchestra concert

Tonight was the last district concert for Erika.  We have been going for the last 8 years, since Erika was in 5th grade.  We had a little tear in our eye, because we will not be attending anymore District concerts. We might be able to go to BYU concerts, but no more Provo School District Orchestra concerts.  They were amazing, hearing the two pieces they played, including Pirates of the Caribbean.  We are so proud of Erika for the amazing violin player she has become.

Riley's new duct tape project

 Riley has been playing on the City Recreation Volleyball team, so he has been practicing alot at home.  He decided that he needed a volleyball net for the back yard to practice on.  Of course, since he received a bunch a duct tape for his birthday, he decided that he would make a volleyball net with some of it.  It is perfectly measured out to exactly the same amount of one color and even the squares in between.  He hung it up with string between the basketball hoop and the swing set.  He had a bunch of friends come over and play with him after he finished the masterpiece.  He makes us all laugh

Elder Brown update & 21st Birthday

Well, I have had a good Birthday so far. I received your packages and I sincerely thank you for sending them to me. I really do appreciate all the love y'all have given me. Thanks so much and I love y'all too. Thank everyone for me that sent me a e-mail from DTI and the family. I received over 22 e-mails telling me happy birthday. Thank you so much!  Well, some missionaries decided to sing happy birthday to me during P-Day activity today. It was so cool and funny. I always love it. I really didn't do anything different for my Birthday. It just felt like a normal missionary day. I guess since I don't really have people to celebrate it with, it's just not as fun. I have gotten a lot of cake the past couple of days, hopefully that counts for everyone saying that I need to get some cake.  I loved General Conference! It really hit me when the prophet said "Don't wait around to get married, get going!" Not exact words. It really hit me that the prophet really doesn't want us to wait around to get married. WOW! I really liked Elder Holland's talk at the end as well, where he talked to people who watch conference but are not of our faith. That really hit home for me. I was just thinking, there is probably lots of people not of our faith who watch conference as well. I was able to watch all sessions of General Conference at our Stake Center. It was so good to watch it at our church building so I could feel the spirit more while we watched it.  Anyways, just a little update on what's going on around here in Denton. Well...the work is hard and struggling. We really don't have any investigators to teach, we are doing so much finding, and I just don't like it very much. I am pushing through it though. I hope that the lord will see our efforts and bless us with people for us to teach.  Anyways, thanks so much for everything!
Love ya so much!

-Elder Brown

The next doll cake!!

We decided to make a doll cake for Erika's friend, Heather, for her 18th birthday.  Heather loves the color green, and we found a doll that had green hair and wings.  Heather loves fairies as well.  At first, we didn't think it would turn out so great, but it actually turn out okay and Heather loved it.  I keep adding to my portfolio every time I make a doll cake and they are all different color and design.  Chalk it up to another one.

Spring SNOW - again!!!

It snowed again in Provo.  There was about 3" on the ground when we woke up.  Seriously, the winter season is over.  We are ready for spring, and then we get hit with SNOW.  Fortunately, it melted by the end of the day, but the whole week will be cold and rainy as well.  We want nice 70 degrees weather, today.

Sharri's new bike

 I received some cash for christmas to be able to buy a bike in the spring.  I finally found one that I liked and was comfortable as well.  Of course it is my favorite color and the price was right too.  The family will be going on my bike rides over the summer, so I needed a bike to go with them.

Answer to Prom to Levi

 Erika decided to answer Levi today.  She gave him a little present that said "I will go to Prom with you when Pigs fly."  He was so confused by it and she said she would explain later.  She wanted to find a large box to put balloons in.  We went to RC Willey and asked them if they had a large box we could have.  They gave us a recliner box, which was perfect, because that was all that would fit in the van.  We then went to Zurchers and bought a dozen pink balloons and a big PIG balloon.  She wrapped the box in pink paper and taped the balloons to the inside of the box, so when he opened it, the balloons would all come out and the PIG in the middle of them.  She wrote "April Fools!! Pigs do fly!!!"  And then a big YES in the bottom of the box.  She drove up to Salt Lake and left the box on his front door step while he was at the Jazz game with his uncle.  She drove the van for the first time with 3 of her friends.  She did just fine and got home after 10 pm.  This was quite the project, so hopefully the next answer won't be as elaborate.

Another PROM invitation

Erika received this in her calculus class today.  His name is Ryan Nielsen.  He has been in her class all year, and they are really good friends.  There is a class joke, that they tease each other like an old married couple.  As you can see by the notes that she wrote to him a while ago and the picture she drew of him, they are really good friends.  She will be going to Provo High Prom with Ryan on April 23rd.  The other Prom she will be going with Levi on May 11th with her cousin Cortney at Jordan High School Prom.  Luckily, she will be wearing the same dress for both. whew!!  We are so glad that she will be going with a good friend to Provo High Prom.

Finally found the DRESS!!!

Erika and I have been searching for the perfect dress for Prom.  She wanted to get a turquoise or light blue dress, so the selection was a little bit harder, and to find the right size.  We have been looking for about a month or so.  We have gone to both Orem and Provo Malls, a couple of people that were selling their old dresses on KSL and a couple of bridal shops, which they didn't have the price tags on, so I am sure that we didn't want to ask the price.  We went to a couple more of bridal shops in orem and provo and finally ended up at "The Bridal Center" on university avenue and 200 North in Provo.  They had many different dresses that were blue.  She saw this one and it was a size 6, so we were sure if it would fit or not.  The gal that works there, said it will fit, because it laces up in the back.  Of course, it did and she fell in love with it.  She was so excited about it.  I was okay with the price of it, but I really didn't have a choice at that point, she had to have it.  The gal that helped us, took the dress and made an appointment for a fitting in a couple of weeks.  She told us to bring the shoes she was going to wear and jewelry, so they could fit the top and the bottom a little better.  She also checked to see if anyone else at Provo High Prom was wearing the same dress, and no one had yet, so we were good to go.  Erika was so happy with it and I was happy to be done searching for THE DRESS!!!  I told her later that evening, that it was a good thing she was the only girl in our family, because I would be in deep debt, because of the perfect dresses.  We then had to go and get the shoes she wanted, which were island blue vans canvas shoes.  That is the style now, not a pretty evening shoe.  She said she wanted to wear the same jewelry from last years prom, so I will save a little bit.  Now she has to decide on how to do her hair, but that is 3 weeks away.  She is so cute and happy in the dress.

Elder Brown update

Well, first off let me start by saying that I am so happy. We had a really nice cool front come in and cool it down into the 60's again. I AM SO HAPPY! I really don't like it once it gets about 75. I just start sweating and it is just miserable. I love it right now. It is supposed to stay this way for a few days. I love it!  Well, this week is going to be different because our district leader and all the leaders of the mission are headed to a 4 day training in Hurst and Colleyville and so, I will be in a 3 some for 4 days. Elder Anthony and I have to take care of our area and our district leaders area. It is going to be interesting because we will have to work in both areas. It will be fun though.  Elder Anthony and I have been struggling a little bit. He isn't the most obedient of missionaries, but I am doing my best to set the example and lead the way the White Handbook and the Mission President says we need to be doing. It will be difficult for me because since I am the senior companion, I have to be the one to say, "Nope, that is disobedient, we cannot do that." I have to be the judge and decide whether or not something is approved for us to do and what not. It is hard, but I know I have been doing my best to be the most obedient I can be and that's all that matters.  Well, I cannot believe that I will be 21 next Monday. I look back and I think, wow, I am 21. NO WAY! I guess time does fly. I cannot believe Nathan will be 22. That is crazy to think about! It just seems like we met and became friends the other day. Where did it go?  Yes, I am still in a car. I love it too. Although we don't have a lot of miles, so we have to walk a lot too. I am having a really hard time biking. It aggravates my Asthma real bad. So President Sagers has said that if it aggravates it bad, just to not ride one and do more walking. I can handle the walking, but for some reason, the biking really is not good for me. Maybe the Humidity? I don't know.  Just one last thing. I am so excited for General Conference. It will be great to hear the Prophets, Seers and Revelators talk to us. I now really enjoy listening to them. It makes me so happy to hear their message. As I watch conference, I think, "My family right now is watching too." It is a good feeling.

 

I love y'all so much. Take care and have a good/warm filled week!

 

-Elder Brown

Riley ordained a Teacher

Riley was ordained a Teacher in the aaronic priesthood today.  He turned 14 years old yesterday.  He asked his dad to ordained him.  Both of his grandparents came down for his ordination as well as our good friends, the McGriff's.  We are so proud of him.  He is growing up so fast. (not growing any taller though).

Riley playing Volleyball for Provo Recreation

Riley has wanted to play volleyball, but Provo High does not have a boys volleyball team, so he has to play for the City Recreation leagues.  He is a really good player, except he is not very tall, so he has a hard time doing spikes over the net.  Another sport for him to enjoy!!  And on his birthday too!!  HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!

Riley birthday party

Riley had his birthday party today.  He decided that he wanted to go Laser Tagging with his friends.  He invited 13 friends.  He is a very popular friend, which we are happy about.  We had to take 3 cars to get everyone at the Laser Assault.  We had to wait 30 minutes to get them all in together.  Brian even went with them, to make the teams equal.  They had a great time shooting each other for 30 minutes and then they all received their scores on how many times they were shot and how many times they shot the other team.  Brian was shot 70 times by the other team and Riley shot his 14 times and Brian shot Riley 7 times.  Brian said he was an easy target, because he was so tall and easy to see around the walls and pillars.  After the all looked at their scores, we went back to the house and opened presents and had ice cream and cake.  He played with his friends for a while and then we took him to Olive Garden for dinner.  It was a really great day for him.  

Erika being asked to PROM

 Erika came back from her Orchestra Region concert and her car was all decorated.  Her friend, Levi, had decorated it while she was gone.  As soon as she opened the hood, Levi came walking from the other side of the parking lot.  There was a dozen flowers in the trunk.  She knew he was up to something, because he asked her for her car keys to put his stuff in her car and then he left the door unlocked, so he could get in the car and decorate it.  She was so excited.  Provo High Prom is April 23rd, but not sure if that is what Prom they are going to go too.  Levi spent the day with her, including taking her out to lunch and dinner and watching a movie at our house until 9:00 pm, then she took him to the bus stop for him to ride the UTA bus back home in Salt Lake.  Next is the find for the dress.

Elder Brown update

Well...I got transferred to the Denton 2nd Ward, which is interesting because Lake Cities 2nd Ward meets in the same building I do now. So guess what? I got to see Michalynn yesterday and talk to her for a minute. She invited me out to lunch and I asked her about the temple. She said she is getting ready and she really wanted to hug me because she said "If it weren't for you and 3 other missionaries, I wouldn't be here today." I almost started crying. She is almost ready to go the temple, and when she does, I will have the opportunity to go with her. That is amazing!  Anyways, the work here in the Denton 2nd Ward is VERY SLOW. I got here and there are hardly any investigators and the ones we do have are not progressing investigators. So basically there is nothing going on here. So, I guess I go my work cut out for me. I love the Ward though. It is definitely a change from the country to the metroplex. We live right next to the University of North Texas campus. Actually a member of the church is the president of that University, and he told all the missionaries in Denton that he wants to have a day where we come on campus and talk to people about the church. It will be so much fun. I am so excited!  Well, I will now give you my address. 

 

500 S IH 35 E Apt#737

Denton, TX 76205

 

My new companion's name is Elder Anthony. He is from Lindon, UT and he has been out 1 year now. He is very funny and cool to be serving with. I know we will do a good job here in Denton. I know the lord will bless us.  Well, I hope all is going well with Erika and Riley. I will try to send a Happy Birthday card home for Riley, if not, I wish Riley a very Happy Birthday from Cam. One year older and wiser too!  As always, I love y'all so much and I thank you so much for everything that you do for me. I really do appreciate it. I know it is going to be very hot this summer, but I hope I can make it 6 more months. It seems like time has stopped to me, I don't know why, but it just doesn't seem to be "flying" as some people say the 2nd half does. Maybe I am doing something wrong, I don't know.  Anyways, I will talk to you later.

 

-Elder Brown

What is in my garden? Goffer, groundhog or Voll?

 When I came home for lunch today, I saw this on the side of the carport?  I have been seeing little hills of dirt around, but I thought it was Riley moving dirt.  Well, I think it is a little cridder that is making tunnels and holes all over my garden.  It makes me mad, because I think they are coming this way, since they have been working on the freeway.  Now, I have to try and figure out how to get rid of him or them.  UGGHH!!!

Riley's Choir Concert @ Dixon

Riley's 8th grade Concert Choir performed tonight at Dixon Middle School.  They have been practicing and rehearsing since the christmas concert was over.  They sang some fun songs and they all had a great time.

Riley's simple machine for Science

Riley had to build a simple machine for his science class.  He has been working on it for weeks.  They have to have three different motions and an energy transfer.  He invented the golf ball dispenser.  Yes, he has GOLF on the brain most of the time.  Once he got it done, then he had to make a commerical for it.  Riley and his friends made a video commercial and then all were so funny in it.  The teacher thought it was great.  Hopefully, I can post the video on our blog.  He took it to school today and had to a presentation on it and watch the commercial.  He is always building and building things.

Another Doll Cake to the portfolio

I received a phone call from Erika while i was at work and she told me that she was baking a cake for her friends birthday.  I told her that was great, but then she informed me that it was a doll cake, and could I decorate it this evening.  So, here we go again, adding to the portfolio, but not by choice. Erika told me exactly what she wanted the dress to look like, and we did the best we could.  I think it turned out okay, even though we didn't do it with fondont.  Most of these doll cakes take alot of time decorating, but this one only took an hour or less, thank goodness, because it was 10:00 pm when Erika delivered it.

Riley TSA Competition

 Riley was able to attend the annual Utah State TSA competition at JATC in West Jordan.  He participated in the bridge building and flight making.  He was so excited to go again.  They left at 5:30 am and got back home at 7:30 pm.  He had a long day.  He didn't get an award to qualify this year, but he still was happy to go with the other students on his team.  Hopefully, he will be able to go the Nationals in Dallas Texas in June, even though he didn't place.

Riley was able to attend the annual Utah State TSA competition at JATC in West Jordan.  He participated in the bridge building and flight making.  He was so excited to go again.  They left at 5:30 am and got back home at 7:30 pm.  He had a long day.  He didn't get an award to qualify this year, but he still was happy to go with the other students on his team.  Hopefully, he will be able to go the Nationals in Dallas Texas in June, even though he didn't place.

Utah Valley Symphany Student Solo Concert

Erika and I had to go to a orchestra concert tonight, for her orchestra class.  She has to do a concert report every term for the class, so as usual, she left it to the last minute.  Lucky for her, we found a concert to go to.  It was a really good concert, and the best part was it only lasted an hour.  We heard from different student's playing their instruments.  They were a good symphany and it was quite enjoyable for both of us.  Hopefully, Erika will get it together sooner to get her concert report done early, especially with graduation coming up!!!

Elder Brown update

Well, first off, I wanted to let y'all know that I am headed to Denton, Texas. AHH, I am so excited. The work up there is rough, but I have been assigned for the first time in my mission to be the senior companion. Meaning that I am the one that is supposed to take the lead in the companionship and help us both do the work of the Lord. I am so excited! I really do think I am going to have some fun this upcoming transfer.  Yes, thank you so much for the shoes. They are working out great! I love it!
Well, I have been feeling a lot better now that I am getting transferred out of Hillsboro. To tell you the truth, I really struggled here in Hillsboro to do missionary work just because of the stress of it. Hillsboro really isn't that big and I have pretty much tracted the whole town. Elder Clinger says that his new companion and him are going to retract a lot of it and try to get outside of Hillsboro and do some work out in the country.
Well, just a quick little summary on missionary work here in Hillsboro before I get transferred to Denton. Well, Elder Clinger and I have dropped 2 more investigators this past week. They just will not accept the gospel. UGH! Satan works so hard! We haven't picked up any new investigators because people just aren't interested. I just cannot believe how set people are in what they are doing. I guess people are more tight nit in a smaller community. Also, I left 2 baptisms this Saturday for Hillsboro. Davin Washing and Kyle King, 2 eight year old boys are getting baptized this Saturday. I personally feel I did what I could to help the work of the Lord move forward here in Hillsboro! I know the Lord will bless this area with more baptisms.

Well, I do not have my new address in Denton, but I will get it to you next week! I will leave Hillsboro Wednesday morning.

I love y'all so much, and keep smiling and loving Utah, because I want OUT OF TEXAS! It is so HOT that I will just melt away in a heartbeat! AHHHH, I'm dying! Just kidding!


-Elder Brown

Erika Utah Vally String Festival

Erika had her yearly String festival this morning in American Fork.  She played her 2 solo's and she was in a quartet that played 2 songs.  She doesn't like doing these, but does it anyways for the practice and experience. She is an amazing player.  Of course, I had to record her, but I didn't check the batteries before we left, so I only got some of it, so enjoy what you can.