Because Someone We Love Is In Heaven, We Feel Heaven In Our Hearts...

Arlen LaVor Brown (October 28, 1930 - March 5, 2009)


Loa, Utah – Arlen (Arlie) LaVor Brown, age 78, of Loa, turned his last blade of dirt on March 5, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was born to loving parents, Charles LaVor and May Taylor Brown on October 28, 1930 in Loa, Utah. Arlie married his sweetheart, Lorna Ruth Coleman, September 30, 1950 in Teasdale, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple, June 30, 1983. Together they brought a daughter and 3 sons into this world. They shared their lives for 59 years and celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2000.

He attended Wayne County Schools – class of 1949. Arlen was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various church callings. He was always a generous person and a friend to all. He was active in his community, serving as Mayor of Loa for 8 years; a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and Wayne Wonderland Lion’s Club.

Movin’ dirt has been his life. Brown Brothers Construction Company was originally known as LaVor Brown and Sons - the business was started in 1948 by Arlen and his father LaVor Brown. In 1964 Earl and Dale joined Arlen in the business and the legacy of Brown Brothers Construction, which has a reputation throughout the State of Utah for good work ethics and honest dealings, began.

Grandpa left a legacy of hard work and compassion, which has passed to his entire family. Brown Brothers Construction was honored by the Utah Department of Transportation as Small Contractor of the Year in 2006.

Arlen enjoyed spending time and traveling with his wife, family and friends. He most enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and being in the great outdoors. His work has always been his hobby and he loved being on the job or at auctions with his son’s and grandsons, something he enjoyed to his final day.

Arlen’s family was his life and his legacy. He is survived by his loving wife, Lorna Brown of Loa; his children: Arla Mae (Duane) Jensen, Roosevelt; Charles Albert (Jan), Michael Arlen (Becky), Ellis Roger (Kori) all of Loa and one sister Lois Brown Parsons of Central Valley. Eleven Grandchildren who love and will miss him dearly and 12 Beautiful Great Grandchildren who love and know him as Grandpa Great.

He was preceded in death by one Grandson, Dallas Arlen Brown; his parents; two brothers: Freeman Earl Brown, Dale Jay Brown; three sisters Erma B. Allen, Myrna B. Larsen and Owona B. Grundy.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 1:00 P.M. in the Loa Utah Stake Center. Family and friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Tuesday Evening from 6 to 8 PM., or Wednesday morning at the Stake Center from 10:00 to 12:30 PM prior to services.
Interment will be in the Loa Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

numbers

Twelve and A Half Years....
Since I lost my Maternal Grandfather. Is it possible to forget - in 12.5 years - how painful it is to consider the thought of loosing a Grandparent? I doubt I forgot, but somehow I snowed the pain with the happenings of my life.

Ten Days....
Since I had a face-to-face conversation with Grandpa Brown. Man, am I ever heavy laden with regrets.

Forty Hours...
Since tragedy struck.

Thirty-Seven Hours...
Since I found out tragedy struck. At times I hate the small town, word-spreading-like-wildfire bull shit. I will always be somewhat mad about this.

Thirty-One Hours...
Since Grandpa Brown last spoke.

Seventeen and A Half Hours...
Since I realized that there's a pretty good chance Grandpa isn't going to get better, and probably won't be coming home - to Loa, that is, anytime soon.

Six and A Half Hours...
I spent at the Hospital today, praying (under my breath) for a miracle.

Two and A Half Hours...
Of sleep is all I've gotten since we came home from the hospital. Better than most, I'm sure.

Countless...
Hours I've spent crying over the past two days. And tissues I've thrown away that have been drenched in tears and cry boogers.

Eight Children and Eighteen Granchildren...
Were at the hospital tonight - all at the same time. 95% attendance. (Dallas, however, is waiting for him on the other side.) How often does that happen? With our family - nothing less would be expected. It's just what we do, and how we do. Ya, we're that close.

Twelve Grown Men...
Stood - sobbing - over a hospital bed, which held one of their most beloved friends. It has always torn my heart out to see grown men cry.

Three Google Searches...
On the word "stroke" in the past twenty-four hours. I quickly got frustrated after each, though, because I still don't understand why this happened to him. Don't know what to expect from here either, which is another incredibly frustrating facet of this whole ordeal.


We'll miss you like crazy, Grandpa, if you can't stay here on earth with us. But, you also need to know that it's OK to go. Maybe Dallas needs a partner-angel in crime up there to help take care of business. Oh, and do me a favor - when you get where you're going please search out my future children so they have the pleasure of getting to know their "Grandpa Great." I wouldn't want them to miss that for the world. You can send down some of your firey personality, or bright blue eyes with them if you see fit. You already have your halo, go ahead... grow your wings.

Tagged by Shemra!

The Favorite 8's Tag.... Here's what you do -

1-Post rules to your blog
2- Answer the six "8" items
3- Let each person know by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows:

1- The Bachelor
2- Law and Order SVU
3- Friends re-runs
4- The Biggest Loser
5- The Office
6- Kath & Kim
7- The News??
8- I can't think of anything else I like to watch - don't do much T.V. at my house.

8 things I did yesterday:

1- Worked
2- Went to bed at 9:00pm (ahh.... felt sooo good!)
3- Went to a Basket Ball Game (Yes, I was being a super senior.)
4- Went to the gym
5- Went to Sunglow for Lunch with the girlfriends
6- Went to Sunglow for Dinner with James' Fam (Twice in one day. Pretty sure I won't be eating there for a few days - ugh!)
7- Cried with Colleen over her shitty past two weeks.
8- Mailed a Thank You card to Grandma O.

8 things to look forward to:

1- Building a house
2- Long Summer Days and Fun Summer Nights in Wayne County
3- The month of October (or fall)
4- Becoming a Licensed Appraiser
5- Retiring with James
6- Family getaway the weekend before Easter
7- The coming low-key weekend - full of chillaxin'
8- The next friends super vacation. (We WILL do that again - plan on it girls! Hey, maybe we could check off the Bora Bora wishlist item??)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1- El Mexicano
2- Steve's Steakhouse
3- Benihana
4- Lawrey's The Prime Rib
5- The Olive Garden
6- Jimmy Johns - Subs so fast you'll freak! (Not really a rest. but I do LOVE this little shanty.)
7- PF Changs
8- The Market Street Grill

8 things on my wish list:

1- To be the next HUGE lottery winner.
2- An all expenses paid two week vacation to Bora Bora, staying in an overwater bungalow.
3- A FREE interior decorator to help with my house
4- The Datsun to be completely functional. (Poor James, he just LOVES this truck, but it's a piece of shit! It is a 1978, afterall... what more can he expect out of her?
5- Own a home in The Keys, or Cabo
6- To be able to read minds
7- For James and I to die peacefully together (Like on The Notebook? Ya, like that.)
8- 200 more wishes to be granted five per year for the next 40 years.

8 People I tag:

1- Kaylin
2- Tiffany
3- MeriAnn
4- Keisha
5- Laurie
6- Kris
7- Marlene
8- Ashley

DUMB DEER, DON'T BOTHER ME!

So, what I'd really like to know is were you trying to commit suicide or what??

You just had to go off and ruin a perfectly fabulous evening, didn't you?
You know how fast I drive, I mean come on. You see me zipping up and down that road at least twice a day, so you know my car - you know that I don't slow down for hardly anything. What makes you think you're so special, and that I'd slow down for you??

Just look at what you've done to my car.....



Oh, and not only did you smash out my window so that I had to brave the remaining 10 minutes of the drive home freezing my butt off, but you also smeared some of your disgusting bodily fluids all down the side of my car. How do you feel about that, you little sick-o. Ugh.
Why don't you learn, dumb deer? I hit another one of your idiot deer buddies just about 1.5 years ago. You all should really communicate - I'm sure he'd tell you I'm a force to be reckoned with. My car may look like you won - but you didn't - my car can be fixed. I'm sure your broken head cannot.




If you look back on the chain of events, you'll clearly see that it was your fault. I tried, really tried, to swerve just enough to miss you. As you can see from the damages on my car, you went ahead and took it upon yourself to run - not in the opposite direction, but right into my car! Helllooo??? Can you say STUPID?

By the way, dumb deer, it gets worse. You scared me so badly that I screamed - really loud (you probably even heard me) and then I started crying hysterically, so that made me wake up this morning to a terrible itchy, scratchy soar throat. And another thing - you know I LOVE my Coach purse. Well, when you knocked your head off (well, maybe I should say through - ya, I think through works better. Pretty sure that's why I screamed so loudly - I was afraid you were going to fall through the window and touch me - ew) my window all the glass shattered right in on me, James, and my PURSE! Just how do you expect me to clean that little beauty up?? I mean there are millions of little glass shards inside and outside of that poor little thing. You are buggin' me so bad.




All I can say is that it's a dang good thing my sweet little Grandma O. agreed to let me drive her little Honda while she's away, and until my little Honda gets back from the car doctor, or I'd be a-foot. I hope you're proud of yourself....

So, from now on - dumb deer, you need to start looking out for ME. I'm tired of looking out for you - plus, it doesn't seem like that's working out too well for me. You always seem to find a way to throw yourself at my car, no matter what.

mY LiFe WoUld SUCK wItHouT yOu......

JAMES
My best friend. Who would I snuggle up to for my three hour Sunday naps? Who else could make me watch football so much that I actually start liking it? Who else would call me stupid names like "dorkspace" ? (And I'm OK with that?!?! - Only cuz it's you, Babe!) Oh, and I can't forget my punctuality problem.... I'm late wherever I go, and my life would suck even more if you hadn't been blessed with ample amounts of patience!

You are my soul mate, and I LOVE YOU! I don't even want to think of what my life would be like without you. (Shudder)




MY GIRLS.....
(Mom, Tif, and Kami)
How would I get through my day without at least one phone call from each one of you? Who would I go to breakfast with on Saturday mornings while still in my PJ's and my hair standing on end.... and feel good about myself because you all look the same? Who's house would I go to when I'm hungry and nothing in my fridge looks good? When I'm looking for someone to give me an honest, sometimes bitter truth opinion - you all are the ones I know will give it to me straight.





DAD
Who would I call when I need advice on - well, just about anything? Who else would we gross out when we talk about sick shit around the dinner table? No one else randomly sends me flowers just cuz they're thinking about me - right at the perfect time, when I need your tender mercies most.




PEPSI and CHOCOLATE
Ya, I still love these things. I've tried talking myself out of it..... I just CAN'T STOP! I know it was part of my resolution, but aren't resolutions made to be broken? This one was.



MAC MAKEUP
What would I have to look forward to every morning if it weren't for my fetish with MAC makeup, and all the other cool makeup accessories MAC has come out with? Seriously guys... I think I'd rather have a new eye shadow, lip gloss, makeup brush, or paint pot than a new pair of pants, new shirt, or even a new pair of shoes. (Jewelry comes in at a close second!) Phew - glad I got that off my chest. I'm now officially out of the denial stage in my addiction.

HALSTER, KINNER, AND TEE BUG......
(aka - Halley, Kinley, and Tee)

You can tell from the pictures why these cute little people melt my heart, and make me SO happy! :) Love ya to the moon and back!









....and too many more to mention.....

Cafe Rio in Fremont?!?

Ya, that's right.... I ate Cafe Rio from the comfort of my own home last night - The clone recipe is pretty dang good! Thought I'd share.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork:

Pork - the rib meat kind. (I think it shredds easier)
Pepsi - a couple cans
Brown Sugar - I used 1/2 Cup, and thought it was just right.
Salsa - about 2 Cups
Green Chili's - 1 little can
Garlic - 1-2 cloves minced

Most people said they marinated their pork overnight in the mixture, then cooked it in a crock pot for 5-8 hours. This recipe was an afterthought for me, and I had already started cooking my meat, so I just added the last ingredients when it had about 3 hours left, and simmered. Tasted good to me!

Cilantro Lime Rice:
Rice - 1 C (uncooked)
Chicken Broth - 1 Can
Water - 1 and 1/4 C.
Butter/ Margarine - 1 tsp.
Garlic - 2 cloves minced
Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix:
1 tsp. Lime zest
2 tsp. Sugar
Freshly squeezed Lime juice (about 1 lime)
2 Tbsp. Chopped Cilantro (be generous with the Cilantro)
When Rice has finished cooking, pour lime juice mixture over it - serve immediately.

Black Beans:
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 tsp. cumin
1 and 1/2 tsp. olive oil
Saute garlic and cumin in olive oil until you can smell it.
Add:
Black Beans - 2 -15 oz. cans - Drained and Rinsed
1 and 1/3 C. Tomoatoe Juice
1 tsp. Salt (I though the beans were a little too salty - so you may want to just salt it to taste.)
After that's boiled for a few minutes, and just before serving -
Stir in 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro (Again - be generous with the Cilantro)

Pile ingredients high in your favorite tort. (If you're lucky enough to live by a Costco they have yummy flour torts that are big - like Cafe Rio's. Since I'm not so lucky, and live in God's Country instead, I just used some Mexican looking torts I found at good 'ol Royal's Foodtown!)
*Enjoy!

My 2009 Bucket List

* Build a house..... is that too much to ask? I mean really!?!?

* Try to stay on top of Quickbooks so I'm not cursing myself next January. (like I am now)

* Come up with a good comeback to that dreaded question - you know it... "When are you and James going to start having babies?" Suggestions, please!

* Take more pride in myself and my things.
(I know what you're thinking - this is SO cliche!)

-Exercise More

- Eat fewer sweets, and drink less soda

- Keep my car clean (that's asking a lot!)

- Tan more. Yes, I know it's bad for you but I honestly feel better when I have a little exposure to those UVA and UVB rays!

* Finish the quilt I started in October.

* Take more pictures.

* Last, but probably most important - Complete and submit my Appraiser Trainee hours/points to the Utah Division of Real Estate.