Brown Town Has Moved!

A lot has changed over the past few months. We moved from this:

To this:

It's been a bit of culture shock for the girls, but everyone seems to be adjusting okay. (We only scream every other time we see a frog or lizard now!) One BIG adjustment that had to be made when we moved was going to new schools. In Las Vegas, school doesn't start until August 30th, but in Ivins school is already in session. Ashley went back on Wednesday the 11th. Morgan gets a little bit of extra time off and will start on Monday, August 16th.

Both girls are attending performing arts schools up here, and both get to sport lovely new uniforms.

Here are some pictures from Ashley's first week. ☺

*Click to view larger

Next week I am trusting Dave to take pictures of Morgan's first week since I'll be in Reno for staff development. We had a lot of fun going to her High School orientation last night! I have full faith in Dave, but just in case, check out this FRESHMAN!!!

One thing we miss in Ivins is having all of our family around. We're so lucky that Grandma Chris lives here. We have enjoyed spending time with her. We're also lucky to have our cute Liz to give us self-esteem talks and really awesome hair! Luckily we have gotten to see some family visitors and can't wait to have more!! Last night we had a fun surprise. Check out who showed up for dinner!

Our cute little Jared is all grown up and headed to college. We're so happy he could stop by for a little while on his way to school and give us his great old man advice!!

So Much To Do...So Little To Say

Do you ever wonder how you can have so much going on that it seems impossible to put it into words? That seems to be the season of life we are in right now. I really couldn't stand seeing my Christmas background and token December post anymore...especially now that it's almost April...so I had to at least update my background and post something!!

All of the Browns have a lot of things occupying their time right now. My favorite time-consumer is (and always has been) the girls. It is audition time again for the Broadway summer programs at their theater. They are doing Cinderella and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers this year. My latest project has been helping them put together their audition books and resumes. Just auditioning is a lot of work! These are the covers that I made last night. We have also been rehearsing songs and monologues nonstop! Auditions are Saturday, so wish us luck, and we'll keep you posted!

Can I Get Christmas Credit For This?

I can't believe it is December already!! We had some fun spending time with my parents over the Thanksgiving weekend. The girls spent the night at my parents one night and scored tons of jewelry! My mom likes to bead, and has acquired a huge collection of necklaces, bracelets, etc. She pulled out her stash and let the girls pick whatever they wanted. They both ended up with about eight different sets. My dad walked in and saw what was happening, turns to me totally deadpan, and says:

"Can we get Christmas credit for this?"

He cracks me up! Dave had to work most of the weekend, but managed to get Saturday off. We went to visit my parents again, and my mom remembered that she had some suit coats for Dave that had been her dad's. The living room started to look like the jewelry scene--only this time with men's clothes. Again my dad walks into the room and says:

"Can we get Christmas credit for this?"

I think that's going to be my new mantra this holiday season. I sat here alone at the computer tonight and laughed as I changed my blog background, because I wondered:

"Can I get Christmas credit for this?"

I am so not ready for the holidays and have not even tried to decorate yet. No Black Friday this year. (I know!!!) I can't see a break in my calendar for weeks!! I'm just going to give myself some Christmas credit for at least changing my background. Oh, and sorry for stealing your mantra, Dad! I guess we can share it. ☺

G.N.O.

Last night Dave called from work and said his boss had four tickets to the LeAnn Rimes concert at the TI for that night that he was trying to give away. (I wondered if they have to pay people to go see LeAnn after her crazy episodes lately?!?) None of us are huge fans, but we thought what the heck? That might be fun. So Ashley, Morgan, Sam (neighbor), and I headed down to the strip for some girl's night out fun.

All craziness aside, LeAnn has an amazing voice still! It was a really small venue, and we were in the 5th row. She was really cute and personable with the crowd, responding to lots of things that were shouted. We laughed hysterically throughout the whole concert because there were a few creepy dudes, who were old enough to be her grandfather, who thought they were at a private concert. They just yelled stupid things at her all night like...

• "Come on out, LeAnn!" (While waiting for her to start the show)
• "LeAnn! You rock, Baby Girl!" (After a ballad)
• "Oh yeah, take it off, baby!" (When she was taking off her very, very high heels)
• "Oh, I have a foot fetish!" (When she was performing barefoot)
  

We were so disturbed by these creepers, so at one point someone yelled something stupid and one of the yuckers yelled "That's what I'm talkin' bout!" My brain shut off at that moment and my mouth yelled, "That's what she said!!" I got a pretty good laugh from the rocker couple in front of me. (Did they BUY tickets to the show? There must have been a lot of comping going on.)

Right before the last number, the creepiest of the creepy guys got up and ran. We thought he was going to jump on stage, but he turned and ran out of the theater. We are certain he was hurrying to hide in her trailer, probably in the closet! (Ashley thinks he was sniffing her shoes.)

(I don't want to point, but blue shirt guy...creeper!)

Anyways, it was a lot of fun hangin' out with the girls last night. She sang her new song, "What I Cannot Change." It's kind of her version of the Serenity Prayer. It was very pretty. The caramel corn and Diet Coke were awesome, too!

Thanks for a fun night, girls!

Did your parents ever say that?

We were driving down the street the other day and Ashley says, "Hey mom, when you were a kid, did your parents ever say 'I hope someday you have a daughter just like you?'"

I said, "Yes, as a matter of fact they did. Why? Who told you that?"

"It was on an episode of Tool Time. I was just wondering if parents really say that."

I said, "Yes they do, and their wish came true."

Morgan says, "Well, which one of us is it?"

Hmmmmm......no comment! I could be in trouble. ;)

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I haven't posted in FOREVER!!! Here's why...

1. My master's classes (curriculum and instruction)
2. Dave's master's classes (addictions counseling)
3. Work, work, and more work
4. Relief Society
5. Young Women's
6. Hollywood Kids
7. School play practice
8. Busy tweens social calendars
9. Fending off boys
10. Creating tween girl classes with mom
11. Writing curriculum for new charter schools
12. Dishes
13. Laundry
14. You get the idea!!!

Here's some cute pics of the girls on Halloween to jazz up this post. Enjoy!!

P.S.--I promised my missionary aunt that I would update this blog, so I promise to try harder! Love ya, Aunt Kathy!!

Firsts and Lasts

First year at middle school....

Last year at middle school....

First year being at school together in a few years...

Last year being at school together for a few years!

The first day of school was an overall success for everyone. Both girls woke up on time, had good hair, and stylish gear. There was a little bit of confusion when first and second lunch got switched, and the bus was in the wrong place after school, but other than that, it was a good day.

Now we just have to do it 179 more times until it is summer again!!

I tried harder today...

...and got to take pictures at Day 2 of orientation. (Maybe they were scared that I'd actually come when school was in session?!?)

Welcome to Ashley's locker. Have you met her? This is sooooo Ashley! (Morgan's friends had locker envy!) She needs to do some babysitting so she can get her disco ball and mirror next!

Ashley and her friend Sam in front of Ashley's locker...

...and down the hall in front of Sam's locker. Sam is our next door neighbor. She and Ashley have four classes together, and have plans to eat lunch together. I'm so glad she'll have a friend for this transition!!

Yesterday the 6th graders were the only ones allowed to come to orientation. Today the 7th and 8th graders were able to come. Morgan had fun seeing her friends, skipping in hallways, and comparing schedules.

School shopping is done and we are ready for a great first year of middle school for Ashley and last year of middle school for Morgan!!!