A Tribute to Steve

My heart is breaking over the loss of a great man, and exceptional father and a true friend. He, along with his sweet family, has been one of the most profound influences in my life.

I don’t recall another person building me up the way Steve did. At a very vulnerable time in my life he made me believe in myself. He built up my self esteem in a way that no one else could. He really taught me to see the good in myself and love me for whom I am. He taught me this partly because he always saw the good in me and did love me for who I was.

He was a natural leader. His genuine love for others and life was contagious. He drew people in with his sense of humor. His dedication to church and family was evident in his daily tasks and most of his time was spent serving both. His family meant everything to him.

I feel humbled and thankful to have known this great person. I appreciate the impact his life has had on mine. I will miss him dearly!

There aren't too many days you can find all of the Browns in one place for very long, but Christmas is one of them. This is my very favorite day with the Browns. I have spent at least part of Christmas with the Brown's for the past 12 years. For the past 4, it has become an all day event. Cindy will make a huge breakfast. The rest of the day is spent watching movies, playing Micheal's new video games, and just have a fun time together. Jon always handles all of the new technical gadgets and then gets his boy fix by playing with Ben and Michael's toys. Madi and Tyli get spoiled with attention. I get my Brown fix and love every minute I'm there.


Steve's Obituary
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Stephen Wayne Brown
Stephen Wayne Brown 7/15/1958 ~ 8/25/2008 Stephen Wayne Brown, beloved husband, father, brother and son passed away suddenly Monday, August 25, 2008 of a heart attack at home. Steve was the first child born to Janet Pehrson and Wayne C. Brown in Salt Lake City, Utah.He was an active and faithful member of the LDS Church in which he served in many capacities. He served as a faithful missionary in the Anchorage, Alaska mission, was a bishop in the Mueller Park 5th Ward, and was currently serving as a member of the Bishopric of the University 13th Singles Ward. His energy and testimony blessed the lives of many, but particularly the youth he served. Steve graduated from the Olympus High class of '76 and later the University of Utah with a BS in communications. He was also a member of the Crimson Club. He was a partner at the Summit Group since 1986, President of the firm, and instrumental in the firm's growth to the largest locally owned communications firm in the state of Utah. He had a great sense of honesty and gave the truth whether you liked it or not. Many people came to work at the Summit Group because of their interactions with Steve. His personality was instrumental in the companies' growth. He was married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple to Cindy Fagg on June 20, 1986. Steve loved hunting, fishing, camping and the "Runnin' Utes." But his greatest accomplishment and love was his wife and children, whom he served with all his heart. The most enjoyable part of his life was spent attending his kids games, concerts, and recitals. He was their coach, cheerleader and friend. He is survived by his parents, Janet and Wayne Brown; his wife, Cindy who he loved dearly and his children: Meagan, Sarah, Katelyn, Michael, Elizabeth and Benjamin; also his siblings, Jeffery (Chantal) Brown, Michelle (Joe) Hanna, Jennifer (Scott) Brown, Leslie (Brian) Paul; father and mother-in-law, Don and Lavell Fagg; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceded in death by grandparents, Paul E. and Ruth Pehrson, Emeral and Clara Brown. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Fri., August 29, 2008 at the Mueller Park Stake Center, 1800 E. Mueller Park Road (1800 South), Bountiful. Friends and family may call Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main and Fri. morning 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com

Bear Lake

I love watched Jon revert to his 14 year old frame of mind. That is exactly what happens every year when we visit bear lake with his Rodeback cousins and their families. Luckily the kids and I have a great time too, otherwise I'd go crazy. Jon and his cousins played Frisbee and football on the beach. They played with Mike's super fast remote control car. They went riding on the longboards. They finished the day with a badminton contest. Not a lot has changed since they were fourteen. I think they are all pretty much the same activities minus scoping out the girls with binoculars. They would probably still do that if someone remembered to bring binoculars.

This year Jon's parents went with us. We all rode together in the van. We loved going with them. It was fun to experience this with them as Jon's family went together to Bear Lake for years and somehow the tradition has dwindled on our side of the family. The Rodebacks continue to go each year and we try to make it for some of the time. They got to talk about all of their memories as we were driving. I enjoyed listening to all of the stories.

Madi and Tyli loved the beach! They ran played in the sand and water all day. Tyli loved the birds and I had to chase her clear down the beach several times. She just wanted to catch the seagulls. Madi gets in her own world in these places. She creates and builds and plays. She especially loved burying "little Chase" in the sand.

We had a perfect day! Perfect weather, perfect family, perfect fun!

Team Mom/Dad vs. Team Madi/Tyli

One night last week Jon, Madi, Tyli and I were hanging out. It was getting late and we were just chillin' before bed. Madi had gotten new paints that day and was begging us to let her paint. Jon and I were sitting next to each other on the couch. Madi asks Jon, "Daddy can I paint?" He told her no, it was too late. Then even though I am sitting right next to him and heard the whole conversation, she comes to me and asks, "Mommy, can I paint?" I then proceed to explain that Daddy and Mommy are a team. If one of us says no then the other person is going to say no too. We work together and then we reached over and gave each other a high five. Madi starts whining and replies, "Well then I get Tyli on my team!"


Advantage Jodi/Jon for now, but what about when they are 16?

Pictures, Pictures and more Pictures

While Amy was here we went a little picture crazy. Here is some of our fun.

Down Time with the Lopez Clan

Not every moment of Amy's trip was full of exciting events. In fact, some of my favorite moments were the moments in between. I loved when Amy arrived and Carver and Madi were too shy to talk. I thought it was so cute how Tyli and Cooper were together. Sometimes they were so sweet and totally loved each other. The next minute Cooper would be hitting Tyli and she would be screaming at the top of her lungs if he even took a step in her direction. (Literally!

I love the moment when all of Amy's family and mine were snuggled up to watch a movie in my family room. I remember being so grateful for such a wonderful family and feeling so blessed that they got to be visiting us. Then Jon treated us to his yummy CP. I didn't realize before how much Jon and I speak in code.(like CP, which means "caramel popcorn") when talking in front of the girls. Kenna thought we were so weird.

I loved the late nights of talking with Amy. We never seem to run out of things to say. I especially loved taking Amy on some "hill" bike rides. Even though they don't have hills if Florida, she whooped me. I will also never forget how we snuck into Wendy's house and stole the bike pump. (We confessed later.) We really felt like sneaky thieves. It was so funny! Or when I gave her the baby monitor and told her she had to hurry and plug it in our it would wake up Tyli. I guess I said it with a hint of panic because she gave me a look of terror and took off running. Even now it makes me laugh.

I loved how cute Parker and Carver were with Madi. They really included her. Parker even told me that Madi and Carver were his "best cousins." This was the first summer she was a part of the "big kid" group. Sad for me, fun for her.

Madi's sleepovers with Carver were so much fun for her. They can be so cute together. They had fun playing at the park, painting, making glow balls, reading books together, playing video games, and playing imaginary games in the backyard. (Madi's weapon was shooting pink out of her eye.) Even though they are a couple years a part in age, they just have a special friendship. Lucky cousins!

It really was a special bonding time and we treasure all of these special memories. We love all of our Fulks Family and treasure all of these moments together.

Canyon Cookout

We had a family cookout up the canyon. We have been wanting to do this for years and finally made it! It was a hip hoppin' night. (As you can see from the video.) We had a great time roasting dogs, marshmellows and even cinamon bears. (Amy and I have taken our addiction to a new level.) The kids played in the river and hiked around. It was really fun and well worth all of the work it was for one fun night.

Slip N Slide

We had a hang out day at my house. Wendy did hair, Donna came to visit, Amy worked on her jewelry, I made lunch, Lexi and Dylan graced us with their presence :) and the kids played. It was a little crazy, but we had a great time. Sometimes you can have the most fun when you're not really doing anything at all. I love those days!

Jewelry Parties

Amy is amazingly talented. So much so, that she has created, designed, and hand made her own jewelry line. It really is quite fabulous! I felt so lucky to host Wendy's (maybe I stole it?) annual neighborhood jewelry part. The day of the party Amy and I visited most of they day while I was busy preparing treats and she was busy finishing off some of her jewelry. I can never run out of things to talk about with Amy. I will say we both probably would have accomplished more without getting distracted by each other. But where is the fun in that?

We had the party in the backyard, and thanks to some last minute help from my best backdoor neighbor Natalie, the party was a success. We had a great turnout. I had so much fun visiting with all of my friends. I realized that this is why people like having parties, they are fun!! I also felt like my training from the party guru and one of my best friends, Heather, had paid off. She has given me party 101 and I hope that she was proud! Can't wait for next year!

Brenda's Pool Party

This is one of my favorite family traditions. Every year Jon's sister Brenda has a pool party at her house. She is such an amazing host. She thinks of everything for everyone at every age. I am always amazed how she is running around getting the food or getting the toys or this or that, yet she seems to find time to visit and always gets a dip in the pool. I especially love seeing Brenda in "grandma" mode. She truly is amazing! She adores her grandkids and I love to hear about all of the funny things they are doing. (Especially from her perspective.) I think this is my favorite part about this annual event- I get to see Brenda in action! Not to mention the fact that everyone is always having fun. Also, we never get tired of chatting.

The funny thing about these annual parties is that they always bring the rain. (At least the past few years.) There will not be a cloud in the sky and somehow or at sometime during the party everyone will have to get out of the pool and squish under the umbrellas until the rain stops. I will never forget how Larry came out of the house carrying an umbrella with his swimsuit on to see why he wasn't getting cable. It was hilarious!! I have to say the rain just adds one more element to the pool day at Brenda's.

Team Mom/Dad Vs. Team Madi/Tyli

One night last week Jon, Madi, Tyli and I were hanging out. It was getting late and we were just chillin' before bed. Madi had gotten new paints that day and was begging us to let her paint. Jon and I were sitting next to each other on the couch. Madi asks Jon, "Daddy can I paint?" He told her no, it was too late. Then even though I am sitting right next to him and heard the whole conversation, she comes to me and asks, "Mommy, can I paint?" I then proceed to explain that Daddy and Mommy are a team. If one of us says no then the other person is going to say no too. We work together and then we reached over and gave each other a high five. Madi starts whining and replies, "Well then I get Tyli on my team!"


Advantage Jodi/Jon for now, but what about when they are 16?

Frontrunner and Gateway

Yeah! The Lopez's get to ride Frontrunner! Hopefully the new train was not disappointing. We were looking forward to all going downtown together. The kids loved it because what kid doesn't love trains and the adults loved it because we all got to be together. I was especially happy that Jon had the day off and got to join us for the festivities

Once downtown we stopped to play in the fountain. I think Madi and Tyli are still a little young to love this. Jon and I mostly just got hot and wet trying to show them how much fun they would have if they would just run through the fountains. They were just content to watch all the fun from the sidelines and eat snacks.

When we had enough we headed to the food court for lunch. Parker and Carver came with us. We ate by the coin rides. The kids had so much fun on the little rides and we never even paid a cent. They just played on and in them all. You would have thought we were at the park! Jon and I got to sit and enjoy lunch. It was great.

Then we all met up again for ice cream. After we headed back to the train and home. It was nice to enjoy the day like that. We especially love having Jon's mom along. She is always so cute with all of the grand kids. This was a day we will always remember.

24th of July

I woke up the morning of the 24th realizing that it would just feel like another day if I didn't find some way to take advantage of all of the festivities occuring around the state. Amy and I decided to head to a carnival that was happening nearby. We dressed the kids for some festivities and headed out for an exciting day.

We ended up having a blast! First things first- the big bounce house slide. How can you not resist a giant bouncy slide? After that we had snow cones which Tyli dumped right on the ground. So I then got her another one, which she dumped right on the ground. What was I thinking? Then we discovered the small ponies. The girls were thrilled! I walked beside Tyli for the ride and she giggled the entire time. Everyone loved it. We then enjoyed luch next to the entertainment. The kids were laughing and dancing. (Seriously, they loved it!) Kinsey got up the nerve to tell a cute boy that he sang good. Kenna and Brooklyn thought they met the next American Idol. (A girl was trying out the next day.) Who would of thought free entertainment could be so exciting? We ended the experience with a train ride around the park. Amy and I had a wonderful time spending the day making fun memories and laughing with our kids. I love that she is always up for anything!

The Fulks family barbeque was a hit! We ate, swam at the pool, watched the local fireworks, did a fireworks show of our own, and then watched a movie (Penelope) outside on the side of the garage. Our festivities ended at aboout one in the morning. It was the best 24th of July ever!

Girl Time

Movies, shopping, eating and talking, talking, talking. I love getting together with all of the girls. How lucky am I to have family that are some of my best friends! We truly enjoy being together. While Amy was here we had a fun night at Gateway with Donna and all of the sisters, in-laws and older cousins. We had a blast eating at the Rumbi Grill then enjoying the movie, Ma Ma Mia. We always sit through all of the credits talking and discussing the movie. I really think we could have a show with all of our insights and perspective.

Another night we snuck aways to see "Maid of Honor". Amy, Joanne, Wendy and I plus my friend Natalie and Amy's friend Amy, savored another night with no kids. (Thanks Jon!) After the movie we sat in the car talking until midnight. Once Jon started flashing the porch lights we knew we were in trouble. Oops Cooper was still awake. (Sorry Jon!) Another fun afternoon I got to tag along shopping with Amy and some of her close friends from High School. They were so fun to be around. I could have listened to them all day retelling all of their funny stories. They are hilarious! I felt like the little kid tagging along with the cool older kids.

We had one other shopping afternoon. Amy, Wendy, Lexi and I looked for ways to transform our homes by picking out new decor at Tai Pan. We all got some great stuff. I have to say I'm not really big into shopping as an event, but I could get use to spending time with friends and money in one fell swoop.

Swimming

Swimming is definitely one of our favorite summer activities. Of course it helps when your parents have a pool. We had some great swim days, but even more than that we had some super fun late night swims. A few nights we were in the pool until 10:30 or 11:00. Night swimming is one of my favorite things about summer. The pool has a cool turquoise glow. The stars are out. Some nights we'll turn off all the lights and float in the pool looking at the stars. Of course on these night we are grateful for a hot tub, but once you get in, it's hard to get out. We could never have too much swimming!

Summer "Staycation"

Every summer Jon's sister, Amy, and her family, come all the way from Florida to visit. She usually stays three or four weeks. That time is PARTY time! We have a blast! It has kind of turned into our summer vacation except that we don't go anywhere. My friend Stacy calls it a "staycation" and that is exactly what it is. Jon even took some time off of work and we played and played and played. Amy suggested making a daily record of what we did. It might not be to interesting to the five people other than myself who might read it, but it's good journaling for me.



July 19- Amy arrived. We swam late into the night.
July 21- We swam during the day. We had girl's night out at Gateway. Darin took the older kids to see Kung Fu Panda.
July 22- That night we swam until almost 11.
July 23- Wendy's birthday! I tutored, took the girls to the doctor, and babysat for Elise.
July 24- Carnival, Fulks' barbeque, swimming, fireworks and outside movie.
July 25- Trip to Gateway.
July 26- Brenda's Party.
July 27- Amy's family goes to church with us, Darin cooks us dinner, Amy moves her stuff to my house, we watch "College Roadtrip."
July 28- I hang at home. Girls sneak out to "Maid of Honor".
July 29- Early morning bikeride with Amy. Scouts with Madi and Carver.Girl shopping with Amy and her friends. We go to Ross and eat at Paradise Cafe.
July 30- Jewelry party prep and then party.
July 31-Breaking Dawn wristbands and shopping with Wendy and Amy.
Aug. 1- Early morning bikeride. Slip and slide, Breaking Dawn party. John arrives.
Aug. 2- Madi goes to Ani's bday party. I read and read.
Aug 3- Went to church. Read some more.Finished book and LOVED it!
Aug 4- Stayed home to clean. Car totally broke.
Aug 5- Hung out with the Browns. Went to the driveinn to see Wall-E.
Aug 6-Swam with Joanne. Family cookout up the canyon.
Aug 7- Amy's second jewelry party. Hung out with Jon that night.
Agu 8-Jon and John went golfing. I painted with the kids and went to the park.
Aug 9- Had lunch with Lopez family at Red Robin.
Aug 10- Had an adult family dinner and meeting.
Aug 11- Showed Amy's jewelry and went swimming at Laura's.
Aug 12- Goodbye Lopez's! (Sniff, sniff!) Madi's first dance class with Clytie.
What a fun STAYCATION! We love you Lopezes.

Things I Love!!

1. MY FAMILY

The most important thing to me in the entire world is my family. I absolutely love who they are! Jon is the most amazing husband. He has always loved me for who I am. He is kind, thoughtful, patient, hardworking, loyal and fun! He somehow manages to stay sane in a houseful of girls but seems to love every minute of it. I couldn't ask for a better husband or father.

Madi is so kind and sweet. I have seen her draw people in ever since she was born. She is able to find a friend in everyone. I love her carefree happiness. She loves to learn and work and read. Lucky me, since I love to teach.

Tyli is the most happy easy going person, until you do something she doesn't like. :) She loves to read, especially books with animals. She loves animals. She gets very excited over a huge dog or a small potato bug. They all thrill her. She adores her sister and wants everything she has. (Of course!) She entertains the whole family with her amazing dancing abilities. She is our Smiley Tyli.

Not only do I love my family for who they are, but I love the precious time that I get to spend with them. I treasure the quiet moments of reading, coloring and talking. The exciting moments of swimming, biking, and vacations. The eventful moments of parties, recitals, and friends. Even the enduring moments like tantrums, tears, and owies. I wouldn't trade one of them for anything!

2. THE TEMPLE

I love the temple. There is no place I feel closer to my family and to my Heavenly Father. In a world of busy chaos I can visit the temple and feel peace and joy. In the temple I can find myself. I remember what is important and what I am working for in this life. The temple really is a heaven on earth.

3. FRIENDS

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many people I love. I get to live with my very best friends. I also am lucky to be able to count my extended family as some of my best friends as well. My personal family is amazing. I also love Jon's family. They are all the greatest! I also love my lifetime friends. These friends are the truest because they have loved me through all my stages. (Yikes! Let's just skip past ages 15-18 please.) I love my college friends, my young women friends, my activity day friends, my scout friends, my ward friends, my school friends, and my kindred spirit friends. Last, but not least my inherited third family. I love you all. You make me a better person.

4. HOME

Jon and I have lived in our new house for about 8 months. We love it. Sometimes I think that I must still be dreaming. I love having a house that people can visit. I love having storage space, and closets, and a garage. I love my neighbors and ward. I enjoy be so close to the mountains. It is all really amazing when I think how much I have.

5. LIFE

I tried to think of a word that would sum up the rest of the things I love. Does "Lovin' Life" sum up that I love to exercise (go to the gym, ride my bike, run, walk), that I love to travel (anywhere, anytime), that I love to play (with my kids, with my friends, with my family) that I love to teach, that I love parties. I love life. It is the greatest.

Well, I just completed my first tag! What a good chance to think about what is important. Now I guess I tag Amy and do I dare, Wendy. Good luck!

Up Until the Break of Dawn for Breaking Dawn

I don't consider myself a "Twilight" fanatic. I will say that I do love to read, but most importantly I love to have fun. So a big book party sounded like a great excuse for a girl's night out. Now looking back through the pictures, I guess a fanatic might be applicable. Luckily I got to experience this exciting event with my darling niece, Kinsey. Really, I could say I went to all of this effort on her behalf. (Who's your favorite aunt now Kinsey?) Also, it really is fun to pretend your 14 again.

It all started on July 31. Kinsey and I headed over to Barnes & Noble at 6:30 in the morning just to wait in line for our wristbands, which would determine where we were in line the actual night of the book release. We had a great time visiting and reading. It really is fun to be apart of something that everyone is so excited about!

The next night all of my twilight loving friends and family gathered. We had a fun dinner at Cafe Rio then headed over to B&N for the real fun. We got vampire bites painted on. We played the scavenger hunt. Some people talked to Stephenie Meyer's sister. Some of us (Crystal) even got to touch Stefanie Meyer's sister's drink. It was just fun being around so many excited (and some crazy) people.

You might see this picture in our next ward newsletter. This can count for a church activity, right? Top Row: Me, Keri , Emily , Crystal . Laura , Stacy , Bottom Row: Wendy and Natalie

This was our whole group. We had a blast!

At about 11:30 everyone had to go outside and start waiting in line. The actually line went from the doors of B&N all the way to Michael's. (At least a quarter of a mile. It was crazy)Kinsey and I were the only ones who got to go in and purchase books so we had to elbow our way through the crowds in the end. It was fun hear her squeals of excitement. OK, maybe I squealed a few time too. We finally got our books, plus 9 others. The sacrifices we make for our loved ones.

By the end of the night Kinsey really had turned into a Vampire. I think that fourteen year olds are much more vulnerable! We ended our night with warm home made scones and those who could, stayed awake to read. I finished the book late Saturday night and LOVED it!! It was a very memorable experience for sure!!

Twilight Highlights: