The Browns at Disneyland

Well here are the pictures of Disneyland. We did have a lot of fun. Jack loved space mountain and went on it like 10 times. He also loved hugging Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) Meg loved dancing with the princess's at their castle and the little roller coaster in toontown. I think Im good with vacations for awhile but we did get alot of fun pictures. Enjoy.

Matthias Turns One!

Okay, so we're a bit late with this one. Just wanted to share some photos of Ty turning one. He had a great day. Lots of presents, balloons and a yummy Elmo cake that I had a lot of fun making. The professional shots are ones my friend Julia took. Anyway, hope you are all well and we are so looking forward to conference! Enjoy

ps: I don't know why the pictures look so off. Still working on that.

The Browns update again

Do you all love that I write in like once a week, oh well I guess Im a true blogger anyway. I had to show you all the new pictures, Jack on his first day of school and Jacks first soccer game. I love that school has started, and the weather is getting cooler, you all know that I love the autumn time and Halloween. We are off to Disneyland in less than a week and the kids are so excited. Im sure I will have plenty of pictures next time too. Have a good week all

AF Happenings

August started out with a fun date at USANA ampitheater where we saw distinguished country singer Martina McBride perform. Tickets to see the show were actually a birthday gift to Jen this past May. We had a great time though and very much enjoyed seeing her perform and listening to her great songs (and she has many). I, myself, am not much of a country genre fan, BUT, there are a few country singers I really do like and she is one of them. Mainly because her songs keep that country "twang" to a minimum and the lyrics are full of God, faith, hope, and love.  Anyway...it was good to get out and we thank Mom and Dad for watching the kids while we had that fun evening.

Soccer started up for Lydia and Joshua during August. They are both quite the stars on their teams and do a good job. They are fun to watch and we're grateful they get to use their talents. (Rebekah is a good player too, but opted out this year due to everything else she's involved in). Dance started up too...Jen continues to teach for a few hours once a week and Rebekah and Lydia are in her classes which is fun. Joshua started scouts officially and is working on his Wolf badge; Rebekah continues taking piano lessons; Sarah has a blast at both pre-school and a dance class of her own; and all the kids have great core teachers this year for which we are grateful. Matthias is officially walking all over the place and has FINALLY cut four teeth. He continues to be a joy for all of us. All in all, the kids stay busy though we have tried not to overschedule them as we've been directed by our general authorities :)  Family time is still the funnest time and we love Monday nights and Jen and I love to see the kids enjoy playing together at least once a week as we have a "family day" and give the friends a break.

Our garden started really producing this past month and I think the kids are officially "squashed" out. We have so much squash that we've been freezing it to use during the winter. The beans have been yummy and our tomaotes are finally turning red. It's been a great little harvest and even the kids have looked forward to watering the garden and picking off the goods for us to intergrate into our meals.  Thanks again to Dad for his help in getting it up and going.

While Jen, Rebekah, and the two youngest stayed home from the Bear Lake excursion, Joshua, Lydia and I really had a great time. We want to thank all of those who were there who gave of their time, their food, and their water-expertise in helping us have an enjoyable couple of days. You guys are great!

On a sad and somber note, we had quite a tragedy hit our neighborhood this past week. One of the families I home teach--the dad--was turned over to the authorities for molesting his 5-year old daughter. As sick as that is, it's also very sad and heartbreaking to see the ripple effects within the family. The mom and the seven or so kids are hanging in there and we're all praying for them as much as we can. As the word got out and the kids found out, we had to deal with the subject--and tried hard to explain things at a level that was appropriate. This was challenging and not very fun, but I think we did OK and they are praying for the family as well.

Well, before ending this post, Jen and I just want to say how grateful we are to a loving Heavenly Father who keeps us going even when we're stressed and life is full of challenges. We've come to understand that when we are weak, then we truly are strong. Relying on Heavenly Father and having faith in Christ is the only way to live this life and to feel the joy and happiness that's available to feel. As we seek inspiration in our callings and in our conversations and dealings with our kids, we know we'll be OK if we're trying to live right. 

Talk to you all soon!

PS: I've started my own blog just out of a desire to write and also out of a desire to heed the suggestion of Elder Ballard :)  There aren't a lot of entries yet and I don't post that often, but you can take a look if you're so inclined...

thoughts...

Dear Family,
    Probably, when you see that I have written something, you don't want to read it because it is always so preachy.  I guess once a parent, always a parent, always trying to teach when you can and do all you can  to fill that responsibility.  Dad and I don't lead a very exciting life, full of tales to tell you all, but you knew that already.  I will say that there have been some things on my mind, and part of the reason I haven't written for awhile, is I get carried away.  You are all wonderful and we love you very much.  You and your families bring us much joy.  We love watching the kids grow and you grow as parents in your abilities and understanding.
    The last while I have thought about the big and spacious building.  For as long as I can remember, I have termed it "the world" or the bad stuff that is out there, but it seemed a little ways off, especially when I read the story in the Book Of Mormon.  People pointing fingers, laughing at our ways, scoffing at how we dress or talk or the goals we have.  Lately I have realized, that ole' big spacious building might not be so far away as we would like it to be.  In fact some of those people in the building may be some that go to church but during the week they laugh at us, point their fingers or see nothing wrong in looking and talking like the world.  The brethren have said that it is becoming harder and harder to tell the saints from the world because we are beginning to blend in a bit too much.   When we go to the temple and they turn on the lights a little more towards the end,  I think it is symbolic that we are asked to walk a higher path, one that sets us apart from the world.  The world slides in so carefully.  We don't even notice sometimes how quietly little things begin to change because we don't pay close attention or it becomes the "in" thing.
    Each week at the sacrament table we promise to keep the commandments. Not conveniently, "but always remember Him  and keep His commandments which He has given them."  It talks about exactness in keeping the commandments, and I see in my own life, if I am not careful, I begin to think something is not as bad as it used to be, because of .....there really aren't any excuses.  I think we have to be willing to be complete in our desire to do the right thing even if it is hard.  I ask myself some questions often and when totally honest some of the answers aren't what they ought to be.  Some of these questions are,  What does my heart really desire--really deep down?  What is most important to me?  What am I willing to do to make sure those important things come to pass?  Are the things most important in line with the teachings of the Savior?  Is Christ and His teachings really first in my life?  Do my children know  by what they see, hear, and participate in that Christ is the center of our family?  Is my house built upon the rock, or is the foundation starting to get sandy?                                             I think of the scripture included in the Young Women's theme, I will stand as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places and as I review my day I wonder if I have done that.  All of us can work on  becoming exact in keeping the commandments, being complete and full of integrity to ourselves and to others. 
    Really, we want no empty chairs at our table, including ours.  As I stated before we love you so very much and we recognize all the good you are doing.  You are serving your families, in your wards and stakes, and your communities.  You are doing so many good things.  Maybe this little rendition is just for me.  Love one another and stay true to the faith. We will always love you.                                                                Mom and Dad

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Dear family,                                                                                                   Sept. 1, 2008
    Another week come and gone.  I hope you enjoyed my slightly longer letter last week.   This week's will be short again seeing as we had to do some serious shopping.  Good news is though, is that the cereal was on sale so we stocked up big time.  You would have laughed to see us checking out at the grocery store.  We also had to finish moving today.  I'm not sure if I mentioned it but we are now living with a different family.  I'm still adjusting to the change a little.  We live kind of off in no man's land and our living quarters are small but they are very nice.  Sometimes a little change is good to keep ya on your toes.
    Well, the update on Wayne is a good one.  He is continuing to read, pray, and come to church.  We found a good fellowshipper for them and his wife finally joined us for a lesson and seems interested as well.  The greatest part is that they have both recognized blessings in their lives because of the gospel.  Wayne admits that he is considerably more happy and confident.  It is really cool. 
    I must mention that the highs and lows of this week were, shall we say, very extreme.  I think in order for me to continue to progress I needed to be humbled a bit.  I have recognized over this past week that there are some major weaknesses that I need to overcome.  I am doing my best to do better and to pray for help, but the hard thing is that there is never enough time to really evaluate and make plans as to how I can improve in the different areas.  Time just goes so fast it's like I'm just trying to get by.  I guess I just need to really make it a priority because now is probably the best time I'll ever have to work through many of my imperfections.
As a companionship Elder Williams and I are really trying to work on applying things we learn and study about.  That is always the hard part, applying it.  It has been fun to see us grow.
    The ward here is trying to get the members more involved in the missionary efforts.  President Jensen gave us some direction from Elder Perry on how that should work, so we are trying to make it happen here.  But it is tough.  Members are so busy and are so scared to share the gospel.  It is kind of frustrating being only 19 because I want to make so much happen but I have to be careful not to overstep any bounds.
    Well family, life is good.  Challenges and trials push us towards becoming who God wants us to be and for that I'm grateful.  Stay safe and be happy.
                                                                                                                                                      Love, Elder Pitt

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Jordan

Dear family,
    What did I tell you, this past week flew by.  It truly amazes me how fast the weeks go.  Well, transfer calls were last night and both Elder Williams and I are safe.  We'll continue serving together here in So. Royalton for at least another 6 weeks.  We are excited about it.  We are however changing houses.   We will be living with the former Bishop and his wife now.  So that will be a bit of a change.  We are working on coming up with some new goals and plans for this new transfer.
    Mom I think I'm pretty much fine as far as clothes go.  Although, new ties will never be turned down.  As far as things for my birthday, you could probably just save all the money and put it towards the purchase of a laptop when I get home or something cool like that.
    So I will start with the update on Wayne.  He is so amazing.  He is reading from the Book of Mormon most every night as well as praying and he's come to church 3 times now.  He has the best most sincere questions and he agrees with everything we teach.  He basically knows most of the gospel, but just doesn't know that he knows it.  He fed us dinner this past week and we met his wife.  She is really nice but isn't too interested yet.  She is Catholic and she works on Sundays.  Wayne will have some Word of Wisdom issues to overcome, but we are confident in the converting power of the gospel.  He is a joy to teach.  We just need to be able to teach him more often. 
    Oh, mom, I just thought of something.  It would be nice to have some thank you cards to give people.  I think you can buy like cheap ones in packs of 25.  I can't find any out here but if you could maybe send some sometime, that would be great. 
    Alright, back to the update.  We had a really good week.  We found 10 people who said we could come back.  We are hopeful that a few will work out.  We'd love to be able to teach more than just one person.  But we are still grateful that we even have one.
    We are working on trying to be more united in our teaching Elder Williams is a little quiet so we are trying to find ways so that we are always both talking whether it be on doorsteps or in lessons. 
    This week there was a neat experience.  A woman in the ward passed away due to cancer leaving behind a husband and 6 young kids. (That is not the neat part.)  What was neat was the way the family handled it.  They have been so strong and amazingly at peace.  They have a real testimony of the plan of salvation and it shows.  The husband is really into missionary work and so the whole funeral was centered around that.  All the talks were basically letting people know what we believe and how that can bring peace.  There was a dinner after so all the nonmembers could mingle with the members.  It was really neat that this man, Bro. Dunkle, truly sees the importance of missionary work.  Enough so that he would be willing to use his wife's funeral as a way to teach others the gospel.  He is an amazing man.  I do feel bad for their family though.
    Exciting news, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the seventy is coming to the mission in a few weeks.  He will be speaking at our Zone conference.  The weath has finally gotten better.  It reained for about two months straight but we've been dry for a few days now so that has been nice. 
Alright, I think I'll end on a spiritual note.  I gave a talk in District meeting on the doctrine of testimony so I will share a few highlights.  Just like our faith, our testimonies must always be centered on Jesus Christ in relation to the judgment.  We must gain a testimony of Christ and stay true to it.  Christ who was our perfect example also had to gain a testimony of himself.  In Jesus the Christ, it talks about how Christ had to gain a knowledge of His divine role and who He really was.  He had to stay close to the spirit and pray often to gain this testimony.  Satan's temptations were also temptations for Christ to doubt or deny that testimony he had received.  Satan, likewise, wants to get us to doubt our testimonies of Christ because they are so important.  I believe that our testimony of other things is only as strong as our testimony of the Savior and His role in our lives.  We must continually cultivate and strengthen that testimony throughout our lives.
    I want all of you to know that I know that Jesus Christ truly is the Savior and Redeemer.  He loved us all enough to make an atonement for us so that we can be with God and our families forever.  I know that Christ is the Son of God and the only way back to Heavenly Father.  I'm grateful for His perfect example. 
    Well, family, I sincerely love you all.  I hope that things go well as you all transition back into the school year.  I am well and happy and wish the same for all of you.                                                                                                                           Love, Elder Pitt

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Bear Lake

We just wanted to thank mom and dad for all the work they put into letting us go up to Bear Lake again this year. We had so much fun, despite the few who were sick, the rest of us had a blast, here are some pictures we had, that are fun to see. We loved spending time with all

Dear family,                                                                                                                                           August 11, 2008
    Is it P-Day already?  Wow, days go by so slow but the weeks just fly by.  I decided that P-Days are the most stressful day of the week.  There is alwys so much to do I almost don't look forward to them.  ha ha.  I wanted to thank all those who sent things this week.  The mailbox was consistently full so that was great.  I love the pictures and notes from the little kids.  They are the best. 
    Well, for sake of time I will launch right in to the miracle story of the week.  For a couple weeks now we have been praying and fasted for just one someone who has been prepared and really wants to learn.  In the Book of Mormon I read about Amulek's conversion and decided that was who we were out to find, someone like Amulek. 
    Well, after praying to find someone like Amulek we received a referral from Salt Lake City for a man named Wayne Olado.  He wanted a Book of Mormon after visiting temple square.  Well, we visited him this week and he told us all about how he spent two and a half days at temple square while his wife was in a convention.
    He is a contractor and has done really well in life.  But as he told us, he has always felt like there ought to be something more to life than making money and working.  He said that he has been looking for real peace and happiness and that the people in SLC had it.
    He came to church on Sunday and had a tour up at the JSM.  He enjoyed it all pretty well.  We can't meet with him this week because of his work but he said he might come next week to church. 
    Obviously it is really early yet and there is likely to be a stumbling block or two but we feel like he is the answer to our prayers.  Now we have begun to pray that Satan will be held back until Wayne can gain a strong testimony.  Pray for him too.
    God answers prayers.  We are excited to have someone to teach.  We pray that we will be humble so that things can move forward.  On that note, I'm grateful that this is God's work and that I'm just an instrument.  Have a wonderful week.  I love you all.
                                                                                                                                       Love, Elder Pitt
   

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Bear Lake

Ear Family,
    Hope everyone is excited for our Bear Lake extravaganza.  Here are some things to help us be organized. 
1.  Label everything you bring.  Last year taught us that although we are family we can lose things.
2.  If you have life jackets for your family, please bring them with you.  We are trying to have enough so when we are down to the lake all can be having fun at the same time. 
3.  Bring an umbrella if you have one that is big enough to stick in the sand and shade us.  We have a canopy, but in the bear lake wind it didn't do much.
4.  Bring jackets for all.  The nights have been getting chilly there.
5.  Every family will be in charge of food for breakfast and lunch for their own family.  We will combine for dinner. (see schedule)
6.  We have some lawn games but if you have something appropriate your may bring it at your own risk!
7.  Sand castle toys are always fun.  We have some left from last year we will bring.

Dinners;
Tuesday:  Grandma and Grandpa

Wednesday:  Catherine and Miriam

Thursday:  Jenny, Jenn,and  Alicia  (it will be our biggest night)

Friday:  For those who are left, perhaps there will be left overs like last year

Dad and I, Isaac, and Travis' Family will be coming home Friday.  Dad and I fly out to Portland Sat., Isaac has a hockey game Friday, and Travis and Family have some rehersals on Sat. for our Stake musical which you are all invited to see.  (Sept. 18, 19, and 20) I don't know if there are others.  We have to be out on Sat. by noon, but if a family wants to keep having fun hey! sounds good.
   We are going up on Tues. and some of the older kids might be invited to come.  We found a lake with a rope swing, a small stream to fish and a cave if we want to go.  It is a ways a way.  We will let you know those details soon.  Travis will be bringing the boat, ( or us depending on how many kids come) and Jason the jet skis.  We hope to have a great time and a safe time. 
    If I have forgotten anything I will let you know, or you can e-mail or call with questions.  Every couple has their own place to stay this year so that will be a bit different, but hopefully good too.  See ya next week!
                                                                                                                   Mom and Dad

p.s.  I know this went to some of you who are unable to be with us this year.  We hope we can get this on the calendar earlier next year so maybe you can join us.  We love you Ammon and Natalie,  Ardi and Aaron, and Hyrum and Jenna.

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Eight is Great!

Hello everyone!

I think the big news since the last time we wrote is: YES Lauren can walk!! I told her that Nursery would be rough if we didn't spend more time working on it at home. Although I kinda missed the "Frankenstein Walk" stage, it was pretty funny to see her just decide one day she was going to do it, and on July 4th she officially took off. I think Lauren was holding out for the holiday too so that it would be easier on her dear mother to remember exactly when it all started. She has officially gone to two weeks of Nursery as well (ok, she only stayed one hour the second week, but hey). The last few weeks have been incredibly crazy as Jerem and I have completely tag teamed. First he was at Scout camp for a week, then Rachel, Melissa and I went to Cedar City for a few days and then Jerem and Dad went fishing. phew. It will be so fun to be all together at Bear Lake for a last hurahh before school starts.

Thanks to Papa Pitt, I've been reading a lot about family work and establishing the cause of Zion. To have these quotes running through my mind like that all day and making more divine what I am doing continually has been a real blessing. So easily do we lose perspective. It also made me so grateful for the examples of Mom and Dad Pitt, who seem to never lose perspective. I'm grateful for a good home, I'm grateful for Jerem who I'm ever so indebted to my Heavenly Father for giving me to, I'm grateful for little people to snuggle with and who forgive and love so easily, I'm grateful for the gospel, I'm grateful for a wonderful family who I learn from and love so much, I'm grateful for rocking chairs and reading the cross-stitch that Grandma Marshall made for me "Cleaning & Scrubbing can wait till tomorrow....", and when cleaning can't wait till tomorrow....I'm grateful for magic erasers and 409 and washing machines and vacuums, I'm grateful for ancestors who have gone ahead and shown us that even when life is really really hard, that through Divine help we can make it.....and we should turn to that example in conquering hard things now although usually not as physical as their's were, and I'm grateful for our Savior who has shown us the way and made it possible to live with Heavenly Father again. We love you all and pray for you. Thank you for who you are and how that makes raising our family so much easier and better.

Love, Catherine and Jerem

Happenings from American Fork

Dear Family,

While I have a magical moment I thought I would post our entry for August. July was a full month and we are so amazed at how much can happen in one month.

First, thank you to everyone who came down and supported Joshua in his decision to be baptized. What a special day that was and we are so thankful for all of our family and the love they give us!

As most of you know I got a new calling this past month. I have the opportunity to serve as the young women's president in our ward. I am loving the calling and learning so much! The girls I get to serve are amazing and I feel lucky to spend Sundays and Tuesdays with them. Ryan has been a trooper having to shoulder the night time and Sunday family load a bit more. I couldn't ask for a better husband!

We also had the chance to go to a Jorgensen family reunion at Bear Lake that was awful for the parents and lots of fun for the kids. Our sleeping conditions were of such that neither of us parents slept more than 1 to 2 hours and Rebekah & Matthias managed to not sleep much either. Top that off with the problems I have been having with my eyes as late, getting the van stuck etc . . . we left the trip a night early so that we could get some sleep. It all worked out and like I said the kids had a fantastic time playing with new cousins (my cousin's kids) that it worked out just fine. I still am having problems with my eyes but we are going to a different doctor on monday and I hope he can help me out more than my optomotrist was able to. And we are all looking forward to an opposite experience at Bear Lake in a couple of weeks.

We want to thank Mom and Dad again for taking the time to come down and be with our kids while Ryan and I got to go celebrate a belated anniversary. We had a great time going to dinner and then to the Martina McBride concert where we had awesome seats and got to hear great music! It was nice to have a night out where we didn't have to worry about the kids and just spend time together. It's been a while for that to happen.

The kids are doing great. Matthias got his first tooth, he's only 11 months :) and the kids are ready to start school in a week. Soccer started for us this past week! Dance starts back up in about two weeks! Can we believe that fall is right around the corner?!

Ryan and I are planning on running a relay marathon with some friends of ours. So we have been having fun with running with friends, and looking forward to the challenge.

Not much else going on here. I know I am looking forward to seeing everyone at bear lake. It feels like forever since I have seen many of you and we sure do miss you!

Hope you all have an amazing August and know that we love you down here in AF.

Love Jenn, Ryan, and the crew