1 day ago
11/29/2008
The pefect black dress
Ok Geoff thinks I am CRAZY, but I have been very fixated on getting this dress. I have always wanted the perfect little black dress but have never been able to find one I adore and simply get the cheapo ones to get me by. Well, I have done it, I found this dress and can't stop thinking about how cute it is... here is the catch, its a little on the expensive side, its $90. Now back in my single days, this wouldn't have been such a big deal. I was known to shop at banana republic and buy one dress for $150 and never think twice but you other married folks out there know how that is hard to do when your money is accountable to somoeone else as well... But the thing is, those banana republic dresses/skirts that I bought years ago, I STILL wear. They are classic and probably won't go out of style for a really long time. Geoff told me to really think about it before I decided to get this for Christmas. What do you guys think? Is it worth it to pay more for this dress and wear it for years to come? Or, should I wait it out and hope that something less expensive comes along?
*Bonus- this dress comes with both a red and black sash! And the picture doesn't do it justice!
PS: i am baking my own turkey today because Geoff wants his own Thanksgiving leftovers... wish me luck!!
11/24/2008
Finally!!
I just bought these jeans
In a size 7/8!!!!!! I haven't been that size in suuuuuuch a long time!! I am down 21 pounds now and it feels amazing! Thats all.
In a size 7/8!!!!!! I haven't been that size in suuuuuuch a long time!! I am down 21 pounds now and it feels amazing! Thats all.
11/23/2008
Randomness from Geoffrey K Brown
Ok, so last night Geoff and I had our usual Saturday night date. He spoiled me and took me to Maddox (so so SO good, we had to drive to Brigham City to go, but by far the BEST restaurant in Utah I have ever eaten at) and then we went to Twilight (LOVE love LOVED it!!).
In between dinner and seeing the movie, Geoff had to stop and get his weekly dose of McDonald's vanilla ice-cream. It's like the only dessert we ever eat now that we are on that Body for Life program. Anyway, as we were sitting there eating our ice cream cones, Geoff pauses, looks at me, and says "You know what I really wanna see someday? A black person speaking chinease. Now that would be cool!"
i just sat there very baffled at what he said. Probably the weirdest most random comment he has ever made. I hope it made you laugh just as it did me.
In between dinner and seeing the movie, Geoff had to stop and get his weekly dose of McDonald's vanilla ice-cream. It's like the only dessert we ever eat now that we are on that Body for Life program. Anyway, as we were sitting there eating our ice cream cones, Geoff pauses, looks at me, and says "You know what I really wanna see someday? A black person speaking chinease. Now that would be cool!"
i just sat there very baffled at what he said. Probably the weirdest most random comment he has ever made. I hope it made you laugh just as it did me.
11/21/2008
An attitude of Gratitude
Our November issue of the "Ensign" still has not come, so for visiting teaching this week, I looked up an article on lds.org, and I searched "gratitude", which I thought would be a good Thanksgiving message to give. I found a great talk by President Monson titled "Attitude of Gratitude". Basically he just lists the things he is most grateful for, and it really made me reflect on the things I am grateful for in my life. He listed 6 specific things:
1. Mothers- i truly feel spoiled having the mother I have. My mom is a pretty special lady. Something I admire about her is the ability she has to reach out to all people. Almost every major holiday and a lot of sunday dinners were filled with strangers that she invitited that had nowhere else to go. She is a pretty amazing woman and continues to bless my life. I am very grateful for my Mom.
2. Fathers- Besides Geoff, my dad is probably my best friend. For those of you who know my dad, you know what a strong, spiritual leader he is. He was just recently released from the stake presidency, after 13 years of being a bishop or in a stake presidency. He never once complained of what was asked of him and served with all his heart. I am grateful for my father.
3. Teachers- I am glad President Monson mentioned teachers since both Geoff and I plan to be educators for life. i have been very blessed with some incredible teachers in my life. I had a fifth grade teacher, Mr, Holland, that has had a great impact on my life. One day, a rude 5th grade boy was making fun of me pretty harshley, and Mr. Holland pulled me aside and made it very clear how special he thought I was, and to never give up on myself. I still remember that to this day. i am grateful for the teachers in my life.
4. My county- I feel so blessed to live in this great country. it's nowhere near perfect, but there is so much good that comes from the United States of America. Without this promised land, the gospel would not have been restored. I am so grateful for my country.
5. My friends, My spouse- I have some of the greatest friends in my life. I can honestly say that the best friends in my life are my siblings. One of my greatest blessings is my sweet husband Geoff. I will save you all from all the mushy talk, but Geoff has blessed my life more than he will ever know. He is the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful man I have ever met. i will always be thankful for my friends and my sweet husband.
6. My savior- Of course, President Monson said the greatest blessing we all have is our savior, Jesus Christ. It is really hard for me to put into words how I feel about our Savior, so i will just say this: I know he lives and I will forever be in debt for what he has done for me in my life. i am grateful for Him.
I am so thankful I came upon this talk. Sometimes I feel like I complain about the small things in my life that I don't like that sometimes I take all these blessings i have in my life for granted. I am going to try harder to live with my life with an attitude of gratitude.
1. Mothers- i truly feel spoiled having the mother I have. My mom is a pretty special lady. Something I admire about her is the ability she has to reach out to all people. Almost every major holiday and a lot of sunday dinners were filled with strangers that she invitited that had nowhere else to go. She is a pretty amazing woman and continues to bless my life. I am very grateful for my Mom.
2. Fathers- Besides Geoff, my dad is probably my best friend. For those of you who know my dad, you know what a strong, spiritual leader he is. He was just recently released from the stake presidency, after 13 years of being a bishop or in a stake presidency. He never once complained of what was asked of him and served with all his heart. I am grateful for my father.
3. Teachers- I am glad President Monson mentioned teachers since both Geoff and I plan to be educators for life. i have been very blessed with some incredible teachers in my life. I had a fifth grade teacher, Mr, Holland, that has had a great impact on my life. One day, a rude 5th grade boy was making fun of me pretty harshley, and Mr. Holland pulled me aside and made it very clear how special he thought I was, and to never give up on myself. I still remember that to this day. i am grateful for the teachers in my life.
4. My county- I feel so blessed to live in this great country. it's nowhere near perfect, but there is so much good that comes from the United States of America. Without this promised land, the gospel would not have been restored. I am so grateful for my country.
5. My friends, My spouse- I have some of the greatest friends in my life. I can honestly say that the best friends in my life are my siblings. One of my greatest blessings is my sweet husband Geoff. I will save you all from all the mushy talk, but Geoff has blessed my life more than he will ever know. He is the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful man I have ever met. i will always be thankful for my friends and my sweet husband.
6. My savior- Of course, President Monson said the greatest blessing we all have is our savior, Jesus Christ. It is really hard for me to put into words how I feel about our Savior, so i will just say this: I know he lives and I will forever be in debt for what he has done for me in my life. i am grateful for Him.
I am so thankful I came upon this talk. Sometimes I feel like I complain about the small things in my life that I don't like that sometimes I take all these blessings i have in my life for granted. I am going to try harder to live with my life with an attitude of gratitude.
11/19/2008
Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree...
OK, after a long battle, I finally won. We put up our Christmas tree this week. Now before you judge, hear me out. Ever since I was little, Christmas decorations have brought me a natural high. There is nothing like the feeling you get looking at a beautiful Christmas tree and decorations. Last year I was able to finally design my own tree & I fell in love with it. I honestly would LOVE to decorate trees for a living down the road. It's so much fun.
Some of you know that at my job, I manage 25 clients with disabilities and 10 staff. This job is amazing but it also causes a lot of stress in my life. Especially lately. So, I decided that since rarely do I get to come home to my sexy husband (I work 8-4, and he works 4-12:30, sucks I know) that I needed something to come home to. So after much debate & even bribing Geoff with a new pull-up bar for his new hot body....and he agreed!! i love him.
So here is a picture of my christmas tree. It's hard to see just how pretty it is in the picture. But here ya go- I can't wait to see other's tree!!
Some of you know that at my job, I manage 25 clients with disabilities and 10 staff. This job is amazing but it also causes a lot of stress in my life. Especially lately. So, I decided that since rarely do I get to come home to my sexy husband (I work 8-4, and he works 4-12:30, sucks I know) that I needed something to come home to. So after much debate & even bribing Geoff with a new pull-up bar for his new hot body....and he agreed!! i love him.
So here is a picture of my christmas tree. It's hard to see just how pretty it is in the picture. But here ya go- I can't wait to see other's tree!!
11/16/2008
Bacon Potato Chowder...mmmmmmm
Hey everyone, I am making Bacon Potato chowder and let me tell you-- Its sooo good & really easy to make!! And you can make it healthier if you want. I made a few substitutions in the recipe to make it really low cal & you can honestly NOT tell the difference. It's delicious and perfect for a cold winter day!
Bacon Potato Chowder
6-7 peeled cubed potatoes
1 small onion diced
2 cans of corn, drained
1 package of bacon (I use turkey bacon & its sooo yummy)
2 cans cream of chicken (I use the 98% fat free kind)
16 oz sour cream (I use the fat free kind)
3 cups cream (I use skim milk)
3 cups water
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp parsley
Combine everything in crockpot on high for 4-5 hours of low for 7-8 hours.
You can add cheese and crackers if you wish. I am serving it with yummy french bread. I can't wait to get home from church to eat it!!
I really hope you guys try it- you won't be disappointed. It's easy to make and it makes alot!
Bacon Potato Chowder
6-7 peeled cubed potatoes
1 small onion diced
2 cans of corn, drained
1 package of bacon (I use turkey bacon & its sooo yummy)
2 cans cream of chicken (I use the 98% fat free kind)
16 oz sour cream (I use the fat free kind)
3 cups cream (I use skim milk)
3 cups water
2 tsp salt
2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp parsley
Combine everything in crockpot on high for 4-5 hours of low for 7-8 hours.
You can add cheese and crackers if you wish. I am serving it with yummy french bread. I can't wait to get home from church to eat it!!
I really hope you guys try it- you won't be disappointed. It's easy to make and it makes alot!
11/14/2008
11/09/2008
Standing for what I know to be right
The last few days, Geoff and I have talked in great detail about Proposition 8 and our belief in our church. I feel that it is my right, as an American to stand for what I believe is right and share it with those I love.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hold an temple recommend and keep that a very sacred treasure. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. I know it is only through his atonement and his plan for us that we can return and inherit all our Heavenly Father has to give us. I know that this is the only true church and that it is led by a living prophet. I know that Pres. Thomas S. Monson is that prophet. I know that Joseph Smith restored this church and brought fourth the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
As far as Prop 8 is concerned, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" provides enough of an argument, at least for those who consider themselves faithful members of the Church as to why Prop 8 needed to be passed. If that isn't enough I think the letter from the First Presidency urging the members in California to put our best efforts into seeing is passed, does that.
We don't have a Prophet just to follow when we agree with him. Our opinion doesn't make something right or wrong in the eyes of God. That's God's call. It's how we use our agency to be obedient to those things He has asked us to do that does.
The Proclamation wasn't given just to us as members of the church, but to the world. They were warning the world as to what will happen if these things continue.
These men are prophets, seers, and revelators. I raised my hand to the square a few weeks ago at General Conference to sustain them
The bottom line here is simple.
A. Acting on homosexual urges is a sin. One of the main reasons we came to earth is to start our own family. And as the proclamation states, marriage is between a man and a woman
B. In regards to Prop. 8, the Prophet has asked us to support it, not the republicans or the democrats - the Prophet. If you sustained him as such in General Conference, if you hold a temple recommend and said you sustain him as the Prophet, and if you say you have a testimony of the restored Church as led by the Prophet then what more proof do you need?
Many have called the LDS church, a church of "hate" and "discrimination". I was deeply saddened of the images of peopel screaming outside our Holy, sacred temples this past week with signs that were hurtful & untrue. I ask them to reconsider this opinion. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints are always on the front lines when there is a world disaster. When hurricane Katrina hit, members in my stake in Houston and many others from around the world, rolled up their sleeves, drove to New Orleans and went to work for days. This has happened throughout our church history. How is that a church of hate? Just because we don't recognize homosexual behavior as something that is right, doesn't mean we "hate" them.
I have some people very close in my life who struggle with their sexuality. Do I hate them? No. I love them more than they know. But, I will never turn my back on what God has told us is true and right. Because I love God more than anything and will always do my best to do what is right.
As for my blog, this is my blog. I will consider your opinions, I will even post them. But please remember that these are my opinions and beliefs, please at least respect that even if you do disagree with me. I love having a diverse group of friends and associates and I hope you all know that this blog was not to hurt or offend anyone. I just had to say something and stand for what I know to be right.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hold an temple recommend and keep that a very sacred treasure. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. I know it is only through his atonement and his plan for us that we can return and inherit all our Heavenly Father has to give us. I know that this is the only true church and that it is led by a living prophet. I know that Pres. Thomas S. Monson is that prophet. I know that Joseph Smith restored this church and brought fourth the Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
As far as Prop 8 is concerned, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" provides enough of an argument, at least for those who consider themselves faithful members of the Church as to why Prop 8 needed to be passed. If that isn't enough I think the letter from the First Presidency urging the members in California to put our best efforts into seeing is passed, does that.
We don't have a Prophet just to follow when we agree with him. Our opinion doesn't make something right or wrong in the eyes of God. That's God's call. It's how we use our agency to be obedient to those things He has asked us to do that does.
The Proclamation wasn't given just to us as members of the church, but to the world. They were warning the world as to what will happen if these things continue.
These men are prophets, seers, and revelators. I raised my hand to the square a few weeks ago at General Conference to sustain them
The bottom line here is simple.
A. Acting on homosexual urges is a sin. One of the main reasons we came to earth is to start our own family. And as the proclamation states, marriage is between a man and a woman
B. In regards to Prop. 8, the Prophet has asked us to support it, not the republicans or the democrats - the Prophet. If you sustained him as such in General Conference, if you hold a temple recommend and said you sustain him as the Prophet, and if you say you have a testimony of the restored Church as led by the Prophet then what more proof do you need?
Many have called the LDS church, a church of "hate" and "discrimination". I was deeply saddened of the images of peopel screaming outside our Holy, sacred temples this past week with signs that were hurtful & untrue. I ask them to reconsider this opinion. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints are always on the front lines when there is a world disaster. When hurricane Katrina hit, members in my stake in Houston and many others from around the world, rolled up their sleeves, drove to New Orleans and went to work for days. This has happened throughout our church history. How is that a church of hate? Just because we don't recognize homosexual behavior as something that is right, doesn't mean we "hate" them.
I have some people very close in my life who struggle with their sexuality. Do I hate them? No. I love them more than they know. But, I will never turn my back on what God has told us is true and right. Because I love God more than anything and will always do my best to do what is right.
As for my blog, this is my blog. I will consider your opinions, I will even post them. But please remember that these are my opinions and beliefs, please at least respect that even if you do disagree with me. I love having a diverse group of friends and associates and I hope you all know that this blog was not to hurt or offend anyone. I just had to say something and stand for what I know to be right.
11/04/2008
Ramblings from Mrs. Brown
Well it looks as if Obama has won. I can't say I am too happy about a socialist running our country.. .and as my older brother put it, we now should all "hide our money under our mattresses, Obama is coming!"... ha ha ha. I wasn't all super excited about McCain either, but he was the lesser of the two evils. I wish Romney would have stayed in the race. Maybe in four years, right?
Anyways, on a happy note, Geoff has almost reached his goal of 185 lbs! I am so proud of him! When we got married he was like 225 lbs, and in less than three months he has lost about 40 lbs! Amazing how it just sheds off of men. I have been doing the lifestyle "Body for life" with him, but I have only lost about 15-16 lbs.
Most don't know this, but I was pregnant about a month ago, but miscarried so my body is going through some adjusting I think. It was a rough & painful and devestating experience which I am still coming to terms with, but I know it was God's will... So we will just keep at it & when Heavenly Father wants a baby to come down to our family, we will be ready & willing!
I am so excited to get back into school next semester. I have taken a few semesters off, due to getting married and wanting to support Geoff so we wouldn't be starving and could live comfortably, but enough is enough! So next semester, Geoff and I will both be going to school full time AND working full time! We will NEVER see each other, except on the weekends. But that's pretty much how it is right now anyways. But I am SO excited to get back into the swing of things. It feels good to have an end in sight. I am going to try and graduate through all online classes, so it may take me a little longer, but it's the only way I can go to school & keep my job, which I LOVE! Plus when we move to Texas I can just finish school via the internet.
Anyways, this post is really random and has no point other than to share my happiness with those I love!
Anyways, on a happy note, Geoff has almost reached his goal of 185 lbs! I am so proud of him! When we got married he was like 225 lbs, and in less than three months he has lost about 40 lbs! Amazing how it just sheds off of men. I have been doing the lifestyle "Body for life" with him, but I have only lost about 15-16 lbs.
Most don't know this, but I was pregnant about a month ago, but miscarried so my body is going through some adjusting I think. It was a rough & painful and devestating experience which I am still coming to terms with, but I know it was God's will... So we will just keep at it & when Heavenly Father wants a baby to come down to our family, we will be ready & willing!
I am so excited to get back into school next semester. I have taken a few semesters off, due to getting married and wanting to support Geoff so we wouldn't be starving and could live comfortably, but enough is enough! So next semester, Geoff and I will both be going to school full time AND working full time! We will NEVER see each other, except on the weekends. But that's pretty much how it is right now anyways. But I am SO excited to get back into the swing of things. It feels good to have an end in sight. I am going to try and graduate through all online classes, so it may take me a little longer, but it's the only way I can go to school & keep my job, which I LOVE! Plus when we move to Texas I can just finish school via the internet.
Anyways, this post is really random and has no point other than to share my happiness with those I love!
11/02/2008
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