All by myself...

New Year's Eve has begun and it is an unusual beginning. My mom wanted to spend time with the Brownies and offered to keep them overnight. I knew Big Brownie would be fine, however, I was concerned about Little Brownie. He has never spent the night away from home. He doesn't sleep well except in his own bed. Tutu came to pick them up, I gave out instructions, packed their bags and off they were for a sleepover at Tutu and Papa's house.

Once they left, we turned off the kid TV and the house was silent. A silence that I'm unfamiliar with. When the boys are here, asleep, it is a different kind of quiet. Tiptoeing around the house, phone ringers turned off, usually no television playing so that the Brownies can rest peacefully. Daddy Brown and I really didn't know what to do with ourselves. We are so used to our afternoon routine of Brownies up and down the stairs, books brought to be read, asking for snacks, juice, laughter, crying, running, playing, you know, the normal. We enjoyed an afternoon and evening just the two of us and it was nice. We had grilled cheese sandwiches and chips for dinner. We actually finished all our food without little munchkins eating it all. We watched a few movies, we talked and laughed.

I checked in on Tutu and everyone was doing well. Little Brownie went down without a fight. Big Brownie was a little more challenging, but she worked her Super Tutu powers and he too finally went to sleep. As Daddy Brown and I laid in the bed, we missed our boys. However, for one night, we slept without the baby monitor on. This morning when we woke, we didn't have to whisper, we didn't have to tiptoe and we didn't have to have the television on mute. Daddy Brown has left to ride his mountain bike with Uncle Berry today and I lay here in the bed with my laptop, watching non-kid TV.

Looking forward to my New Year's Eve with my boys tonight, but anxious to get out of the house this morning. I think I can do twice as much stuff since I'm not lugging the boys around with me. Can't wait to get into the car and drive with the radio on and go anywhere I need to without the worry of a meltdown in a store and getting home before nap-time. It has been an unexpected treat. Today, I'm all by myself. A luxury I don't mind having every once in a blue moon. However, I can't wait for all the noise and chaos to return this afternoon. Thanks Tutu Nani!

Family Traditions...

Family traditions are a fun part of life. It is a privilege that most of us take for granted because we really don't know any different. After talking to some of my family over the holiday season, it makes me thankful that I have a family and that we have each other to enjoy the festivities. Daddy Brown and I both grew up in households that held traditions.

When Daddy Brown's parents, Gran Gran and Pops were married, they began their first Christmas traditions. Gran Gran came from a family that really didn't celebrate at Christmas time. Pops family were farmers and with the exception of maybe something a little more at the table at Christmas, the land and animals still had to be worked. There wasn't a bountiful of presents, there wasn't a Christmas tree, there was no special Christmas meal or Christmas cards sent to the family and friends. So, when they got married, they decided that Christmas was a time for celebration. As Daddy Brown grew up, the home was steeped with love and Christmas filled the home with decorations, presents, food and laughter. Daddy Brown's most memorable Christmas was the year he got his first rifle. After all the presents had been opened, Pops told Daddy Brown he thought he saw something behind the piano. Daddy Brown went to look and there hidden behind the piano, a rifle.

My parents didn't have great family Christmas traditions as children either. My mom saved quarters all year long so that on the night before Christmas she could go down to the 5 and dime and buy everyone something for Christmas morning. Everyone woke up on Christmas morning with a small treat, everyone except my mom. There was no special meal, sometime no meal at all, no tree and no decorations. When my parents got married, they also decided that Christmas was a time for special traditions for us kids too. Every year, my dad would go out and cut a cedar tree. We simply couldn't spend extra money on a store bought tree. Myself, my mom and sisters would decorate that tree and the Christmas glow from the tree would fill the room. We had so many memorable Christmas years. My favorite was the year my sisters and I got 10 speed bikes. They were teal green. We went outside and didn't have a clue how to use them. Down the big hill we all went. Tumbling half the way down and getting scrapes and bruises to boot. There was the year we had snow and my mom dropped jingle bells from the reindeer saddles and used 2 by 4's to make sleigh tracks in the snow outside our door. The year of the Cabbage Patch dolls was huge as well. We mustn't forget the year my dad placed a present from Santa in the middle of the room after they had gone to bed and for a whole hour, my mom actually believed in Santa Claus.

Daddy Brown and I have no idea what it would be like to not have a family Christmas. We don't know what it would be like to not have a family to spend it with. Whether it be because our grandparents were products of the depression or just the times didn't lend itself to set traditions. Nevertheless, our parents made an effort to make sure we had memorable, loving, warm and fuzzy memories as kids. Neither of us ever had a want or need that wasn't met. Now as we have The Brownies, we are carrying on our family traditions and making new traditions of our own. Our Christmas Eve afternoon is always spent with Daddy Brown's family. Christmas Day afternoon is always spent with my family.

Christmas morning is preserved for our own family Christmas. Last night, Daddy Brown and I were up until 3a putting toys together that Santa had dropped off at our house. Wrapping presents, eating Santa's cookies and the reindeer food. Drinking milk and hot coffee to make it through the night. Our last prayer before bed was..."Lord, please let the boys sleep until 9a." And true to the Good Lord's word, Little Brownie woke at 8:57a and Big Brownie woke at 9:02a. Daddy Brown got the ambiance ready with the lights, video camera and digital camera up and ready to go. We changed diapers, gave out morning milk and waited until it was time. Time to see what Santa had brought us in celebration of Jesus' birthday.

We opened the door to the playroom and what did we see, Little Brownie got a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe and Big Brownie got a Radio Flyer old fashion tricycle. The trike ended up being about an inch too big for Big Brownie to pedal the wheel all the way around. Little Brownie was in the Cozy Coupe as fast as he could run and open the door. Then, Big Brownie asked, "Is it my turn?" Now, in the garage, Santa had a Little Tikes Fire Engine Cozy vehicle that was to be kept until his birthday. The warm and fuzzy Christmas glow was replaced with Little Brownie grabbing Big Brownie by the hair and pulling him through the window of his Cozy Coupe. Daddy Brown and I decided to keep the peace. Santa must have meant for Big Brownie to have the Fire engine for Christmas. Daddy Brown came downstairs, put it together and brought it upstairs to the playroom. We explained that Santa forgot to put this one under the tree. Happiness was restored and peace on earth, good will to our brothers resumed.

The laughter filled the room. Frosty the snowman played in the background and there was one more present under the tree. A present left by Santa for Baby Jesus. It was a book called "God's Christmas Gift" and was the story of the foretelling and birth of Baby Jesus. It explained that the greatest gift to us, was the birth of Jesus. And it ended with the explanation that the greatest gift to God is the gift of ourselves. The Brownies actually sat in my lap as I read the book in its entirety. It wasn't a long book, large font and lot of pictures. Daddy Brown and I, although exhausted, are so happy that our Brownies are able to experience Christmas embedded deep with our family traditions. I'm ever grateful that both sides of our family enriched our lives with the spirit of Christmas. Now, we get to teach and share with our babies the meaning of Christmas and the traditions of being a family.

It's not too late...

This year has really flown by. I can't even tell you how much I feel like I've lived and how quickly 365 days seem to pass. So here I am, on Christmas Eve...holiday cheer is abundant. Proud to say Daddy Brown and finally put up our Christmas tree last night. The Brownies were SO excited. When Big Brownie found out we were bringing a Christmas tree inside, he started alternately pumping his fists in the air and saying...AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!! and ALRIGHT...OUT OF SIGHT!!! Um, not sure where these tidbits come from, until I hear them come out of my own mouth. There are very few ornaments on our tree, as most of them are glass and breakable. Little Brownie was more interested in attempting to eat the Christmas lights and Big Brownie put little bells on the tree. It was a great night.

I rose early this morning to assess our gifts and see what still needs to be finished. Wrapping paper...check, tape...check, scissors...check! I'm ready to commence the wrapping...then Big Brownie woke up. So, I'll have to wrap with Santa tonight. I finally took down the "Everything is fall" decorations and have put up our Christmas decorations on the mantle. At 8a this morning, Big Brownie and I started decorating outside. I want the Brownies to come home from Gran-Gran and Pops tonight and see the lights outside at our house, like they have seen all season. Now, we had to do our best with what we had available. So, we have garland with white lights on the rails, twinkling red lights on the some shrubs and multi-color lights on other shrubs. Yes, it is very much out of the Clark Griswald book of holiday decorations, but we are okay with that. It is fun and Big Brownie loved it. Daddy Brown came out to assist and towards the end, Big Brownie perched up in one of our trees.

Now, let the baking begin. It really doesn't feel like Christmas unless there are plenty of cookies and treats filling the house with yummy smells. I'm so excited to spend our Christmas with two Brownies that walk, kinda talk and love all things Christmas. Daddy Brown is a good sport for all my craziness, and I love him more and more everyday for that. It's definitely not too late to put up your decorations and enjoy the sweet smiles, giggles and laughs! Merry Christmas Eve to you all.

Daddy's Hands...

Today is my father's birthday and he is 57 years young. Papa is the youngest of two children. He was the first man and male role model for myself and my two sisters. I think all young girls are marked with a special imprint of their father. Our Dad is the measuring stick that we, as young woman, used to define our relationships as we grew up. To say that my dad is brilliant, is really an understatement. Although he was never sent into war, he was in the service, where by chance, he met my Mom. As a child, I remember my Dad working midnights at the water plant and going to college during the day and sometimes evenings. He worked so hard to earn his college degree to better not only himself, but to be a better provider for our family.

I have so many wonderful memories of my Papa from when I was a child. I remember when I was, I think the age of seven, there was a beautiful dress at a fancy department store that I drooled over. It was a one piece drop waist dress, with a blue and green plaid pleated skirt. The top of the dress was white with puffy short sleeves and ruffles and buttons down the front. Oh how I desired to have this dress. One day, he took me to the store...and bought me that dress. I STILL LOVE THAT DRESS...and if memory serves me correctly, I believe I still have the dress stored away. It is possible that this was a reward of some form for good behavior or good grades, I'm not sure. However, I do remember that moment of awesomeness vividly.

As a child and teenager, I always thought we were abundantly rich. We never seemed to want for anything. Like a lot of families of the time, we had our share of hard times too. As an adult, I learned that there were times that my parents had to decide which bills would get paid and which bills would go delinquent so that we could buy groceries that week. My mom tells me the story of when I was born and they had no health insurance. The hospital told my Dad that he would need to get a loan from the bank in order for me and my mom to be discharged from the hospital. The high pressure tactics of the 70's didn't work on my Dad. He kindly told them that he would not get a loan and he would be happy to visit his wife and daughter as often as he could, until he could pay the bill in full and bring us home. That one truly makes me smile. I can imagine the hard, serious look on my Dad's face and the stunned look on the face of employee. I'm sure the hospital had never heard that one before...and as you might guess, they worked out a payment plan and discharged us both.

I remember he would ask me if I wanted to run an errand with him in the afternoons after school or on the weekend. On the way home, he would treat me to a hamburger or an ice cream cone. I remember the "I love you" from my Dad on the day of my wedding. There are so many wonderful times I've shared with my Dad. Before the Brownies were born, we tried to have breakfast at least one Saturday a month. We would end up spending the majority of our day together sharing our day to day lives.

I'm reminded of the old country song Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn...

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I look at my Dad's hands as they have aged over the years. They are a little rougher than I remember as a child, but they always have love and kindness as they wrap around me. If you can't tell from my post, I love my Dad. I am ever thankful for every day I have with him. Some people are not as fortunate as my family to have a father and friend like my Dad. He has a heart of gold and a mind of intelligence. I'm proud of the man my Dad is to my mom, my sisters and especially...to me. Happy Birthday to my Papa!

ICE, ICE BABY!

Sadly today, we have a sick Big Brownie, but yesterday was a blast. Aunt Apple and I left out in the late morning to do a little Christmas shopping and ended up going to see Charlie Brown on ICE at Opry Mills. It was AMAZING! It was also extremely COLD! Our first thought was to let Big Brownie walk and put Little Brownie in the stroller. It was like a scene straight out
of the movie, "A Christmas Story" with how bundled up they were. Not 1, not 2 but 3 layers of coats. I had put on their lightweight jacket plus their super warm down winter coats with hats and gloves.

When we stepped up to go in, the worker looked puzzled and said, "You know it's like 6 degrees and below in there?" I added the parka the facility provided and Big Brownie couldn't even walk. Down he went for a face plant, just like Ralphie's little brother, and he couldn't move, he couldn't get up, he could only cry. So, we put them both in the stroller and covered them up with blankets on top of the 3 layers of outerwear, sweater and turtleneck. I was concerned they would get too hot, until we walked in and the little bit of spit on the corner of my mouth, began to freeze. I realized they were snug as a bug in a rug!

The boys loved it. Little Brownie couldn't move his head in any direction and his arms didn't bend, so we moved them around a lot so they could see all the beautiful ICE carvings. Again, it was AMAZING. Aunt Apple and I had our winter coats on with parka and 2 layers of gloves and were still a bit chilly while in the exhibit. If you get a chance to go, it is open until January 2nd and I would highly recommend going on a week day during the day. We didn't have to wait in a line and it was not crowded. We were able to take pictures without strangers being in them. It is $2 cheaper if you go Monday through Wednesday and I think you can get a $3 off coupon from Wendy's. Children under the age of 4 are free. And the best part is that it didn't take us but about 20 minutes to get through the whole thing.

After we left, we did go to the Cool Springs area and do some Christmas shopping. It was a pleasant day and I'm glad we got to share it with Aunt Apple. May your Wednesday be very merry and bright!

Deck the halls...

Today started much earlier than expected. Daddy Brown had to get to work early this morning. Big Brownie notified me at 4:30a that he was out of juice and Little Brownie decided he would like a bottle around 6:30a this morning too. So, I've basically been up and at 'em since 4:30a. Since I didn't technically go to bed until almost 1a, it seems to be par for my golf course lately. So...hot coffee, fully leaded with caffeine and a few shots of my favorite creamer on tap today!

In continuing to Advent the Season, I decided to spread the holiday cheer as much as we possibly can. We are preparing almost 3 full boxes to ship to our American soldiers today. Things like socks, throws, hot chocolate and soup as well as our Christmas card and pictures colored from our children will be included. It makes my heart happy to know that hopefully on or before Christmas Eve, a few soldiers will have a taste of home for the holidays. Tomorrow, I plan to go through our own cabinets and come up with a donation for a local food bank. Thursday, I hope to have my Brownies voluntarily donate 1 toy to Goodwill for another child in need. I'm thinking that on Friday and possibly Saturday, we will try to get our Christmas tree and decorations up so that we can enjoy our Christmas week in the full swing of things. Then on Sunday, we will be caroling with our friends to spread the joy of Christmas to our neighbors. It should be a lot of fun and I can't wait to plan next weeks adventures.

On that note, we live behind a neighborhood that truly "Decks the halls with balls of holly" each year. This year, like years past, one house in particular seems to have every inch of grass, tree, brick, shingle and fence post covered with all things Christmas. This Friday, they will even have their very own Santa Claus available for children to visit and have pictures. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see the boys reaction. I love this season and I love all things Christmas. Let the spirit of Christmas fill your home, your family and most of all, your soul!

I believe in Santa Claus

Today, we mustered together some holiday cheer and the Brownies and I ventured to the Galleria Mall to see Santa. Tutu Nani joined us for added support and extra hands. When we arrived, Santa was off feeding his reindeer and was to return at 2p. Tutu Nani walked around with the Brownies while I waited in line holding our spot to visit Santa.

To my right, were 2 grandmothers waiting with their grandchildren and all the while, complaining about everything Christmas. The lines, the noise, the lights...if it had to do with Christmas, they were complaining about it. One grandmother said, "You know, I don't know why I even do this...why do I even bring them to see Santa?" As I listened to their conversation, it made me reflect back on when I was a child and the holiday memories my Mom and Dad made for us. The tree was always amazing. The gifts were always wonderful and thoughtful. We never wanted for anything. My Mom and Dad always made sure that we had the best Christmas every year.

As I'm in my own little world, the grandmothers turned to me and said, "Do you really get excited about all this Christmas jazz?" I replied, "You know, my tree isn't up yet, I don't have hardly any of my shopping done, but YES, I do enjoy watching the twinkle in my boys eyes." I went on to tell them that Christmas isn't just about the "Christmas Jazz", but that it is also a time to teach our children that it is Jesus' Birthday. They both looked me, stunned and speechless. It was as if I said that reindeer were my primary form of transportation. Tonight at a gathering, this very topic came up again. There was some discussion about whether we as parents should tell our children there is not a Santa. I know and understand that there is a fine line for children, to believe in something like Santa. I also have to say that I do enjoy all the "Christmas Jazz", the Jingle Bells, the caroling and yes...we even believe in Frosty the Snowman. Is that wrong?

I don't think so. I feel like there are small treasures in life that are captured only at certain times in life of our children. The Brownies and I have a conversation at least once a day about Santa, Christmas and yes, about Jesus. I still believe in Santa. Yes, you heard me correctly. Santa to me is not necessarily a person, it is a season. It gives me an opportunity to have open ears from my Brownies to hear and learn all the stories about Jesus, and to actually talk to them on a level they can understand. If talking about eggs gave me the same effect, we'd talk about eggs...then talk about Jesus. But that is not the case. My children are 1 and 2 years old. They understand more and more every day.

Deuteronomy 4:10 says, "especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb when the Lord said to me, 'Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.'" and Deuteronomy 6:7 says, "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." The season of Christmas offers us as parents an opportunity to talk to our children about Jesus.

When we finally do put our Christmas tree up, I want our Christmas tree to be an illustration that Jesus is eternal life. Our Christmas lights on the tree to represent that Jesus is the light of the world. I hope to teach our children that the exchange of wrapped presents are an example of God’s greatest gift, his Son who came wrapped in swaddling clothes. We talk about Santa, however we also talk about Jesus. Oh yes...I believe in Santa Claus. I believe in Christmas and I believe that God has given us this opportunity to use this season as a teachable moment. Thank you Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Christmas Gift of a Child

Reading my title, please don't get too worked up...I'm not referring to the Brownie family. I've been waiting all week to share of a new family member to our extended family. My sister and brother-in-law, Aunt and Uncle Berry have added a new Berry to their family one week ago today.

Aunt Berry is a photographer and she taught at a youth camp in Kentucky this past summer season. There were 3 sessions, 1 week for elementary school students, 1 week for middle school students, and 1 week for high school students. Because her Berries are currently in elementary and middle school, she was able to take 3 Berries (Cranberry, Strawberry and Raspberry) to week 1 and 1 Berry (Blueberry) to week 2. Not having children in high school yet, she made the third trip without any Berries in tow.

Aunt Berry has a special heart for children in middle/high school. She loves this age group and when she is able to teach a bible study in church, she always picks this age group. She has a special ability to connect with these kids on so many levels. While sharing time with some of the kids at camp, 1 kid stood out above the rest. A beautiful 16 year old girl with blonde hair and beautiful smile. Aunt Berry felt an immediate connection with this teenager. After talking to her for about 30 minutes, she felt as if she were talking to her own child. She spoke with some of the counselors and found out this teenager was in the foster care system right here in Tennessee and had been since the age of 10. She became burdened by this teenagers situation and commented, "I wish we had the means to adopt her." She text messaged Uncle Berry and surprisingly he replied, "Well, let's talk about it when you get home, maybe we can." Upon leaving the camp, Aunt Berry wrote this teenager an anonymous letter to let her know that she was loved, cared for and to keep her chin up.

This was the beginning of a long fight for the Berry Family. We all prayed for God's hands to be on this decision. Many roadblocks from the agency the State of Tennessee in trusts for the placement of their foster care children. Over the next 5 months, personnel changes, incorrect information given, classes scheduled then canceled indefinitely, were just a few of the many problems they encountered through this process. At one point, they considered whether these difficulties were God's hand closing the door. Then...a light. Uncle Berry made a final phone call to the State of Tennessee and explained their issues. They were immediately placed in the necessary classes and the ball was officially rolling.

Now the process to become a foster and ultimately an adoptive parent is an arduous process. Several home study classes and interviews from a social worker, 6 weeks of what are called "PATH" classes and of course the invasion of all things private to be disclosed. The Path classes were to conclude on December 19th and it would be possible that they would have this teenager in their home by Christmas. Hopeful is the best description of what my sister and her family were feeling.

The first week in December, they received a phone call from the case worker. If they were willing, the state may place the teenager in their home that week, even before all the classes had been concluded. The state felt comfortable enough with what they had seen so far and their commitment to this young girl, who is now 17 years old, to place her. The journey was almost over, she would be safe in the arms and home of the Berry Family. But unfortunately, heartbreak was to follow. 2 hours later on the same day they agreed to take the teenager into their home, the case worker called and told them there are now 2 families interested in this teenager and it would be January possible February, if ever, that she would be placed in their home.

A roller coaster of emotions...sadness, despair, hopelessness. Here is a teenager that has a family that wants her, is now stuck in the system because as chance would have it, someone else has seen what an amazing young lady she is and wants her too. But wait, there was one more phone call one day later. There had been an incident in this teenagers foster home that forced an immediate extraction from the home. An emergency placement into a group home within 10 minutes of my sisters home. The case worker told the teenager that their were 2 families interested in her and when the case worker told her a little about each family and told her to choose where she would like to go, she remembered my sister from 6 months ago at camp. A 30 minute conversation that made an impression on this teenager...and she chose to be apart of the Berry family.

Within 24 hours, we have a new Berry in the family...Mulberry. We are so pleased and happy to have an early Christmas gift of love and compassion of a young girl who has experienced so much in her young lifetime so far. She is enrolled in high school and is all honors classes. She sings in the choir and had her first recital with her new classmates last night. She is thriving.

Because my sister and brother-in-law had hopes of having her in their home before Christmas, when they ordered their kids stockings, they ordered her a stocking too and had her name embroidered on the stocking. Did I mention they have 4 children of their own, ages 8-12. When she walked into her new home for the first time, she saw her stocking and was puzzled. She asked, "Why do I have a stocking on the mantle?" My sister replied, "We have been preparing for you since July and this is your new home." From that moment, Mulberry has been calling them Mom and Dad. This is her new home and finally, she has a family. One that will love her unconditionally, provide for her every need and probably every want.

Matthew 21:22 says, "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." and Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Endurance and determination describes the Berry family over the last 6 months. It has been a journey of happiness, pain, heartbreak and love. An early Christmas gift of child is always a blessing. A blessing that will impact a young teenager at a critical point in her life. Hopefully, we can show her what a real family is like, that we love, encourage and support one another through all the trials and triumphs in life. Welcome sweet Mulberry to our family.

Off to bed...

The last few nights, Big Brownie has been coming out of his room at about 3:30a and making me aware that he is out of juice. I place him back in his bed, get him some juice and then sing him back to sleep. 2 nights in a row, I fell asleep in mid song and before I knew it, Daddy Brown was gone for work and it's time for everyone to wake up.

Yesterday was a big day, which I will share details in a later post. Little Brownie and Daddy Brown had come home early since Little Brownie was having a complete come-apart at dinner out with the family. When Big Brownie and I finally made it home around 10:30p and since we hadn't been home all day, he needed to decompress for a few minutes before we proceeded to bedtime. About 11:30p or so, we began our bedtime routine. The next thing I remember is waking because nature was calling my name. I assumed it was around 1a and realized Big Brownie was already out of juice. Thinking I would refill his cup and go to my own bed, I came downstairs and realized it was 3:30a. By the time I made it back up to Big Brownies room, he was awake and wondering where I had gone.

It is funny that Big Brownie has a full size bed and in that bed, we can fit...myself, Big Brownie, 2 body pillows, my personal pillow and no fewer than 20 stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes. I gave him his juice and he asked me to sing him a song. Now knowing my history of falling asleep with him, I snuggled up next to him and sang us both to sleep. As we are drifting off to sleep, Big Brownie begins to ask me, "Where is my rabbit? Where is my mama duck? Where is my pig?" and we go through the whole list then finally, I say enough. Off to sleep we both go.

This morning, I'm a little stiff. With everything in the bed, I'm literally hanging on the side of the mattress for dear life most of the night. Big Brownie is laying on me, next to me, feet in my back, foot in my ear, hand on my head. He steals my blanket and then throws it off. He nudges under my chin and before I know it, he has taken my pillow. Oh me...I'm praying to sleep in my own bed tonight, with my electric blanket, my 2 soft pillows with peace and quiet in my ears. Hopefully Daddy Brown won't snore...keep your fingers crossed, knock on real wood and pray for Mama Brown to rest well tonight!

Advent: Day 1

We had a fantastic beginning to our Advent of the season. It went as well as could be expected with the Brownies, since they are 1 and 2 years old. We opened our night with a prayer and then Daddy Brown read from Luke 1:26-38 as the Brownies and I began frosting angel and star cookies. Big Brownie complimented Daddy Brown and said, "Good reading Daddy!"

The frosting of the cookies, turned into eating the frosting. Eating the frosting, turned into fistfuls of sprinkles to the mouth and now...can you say SUGAR BUZZ?! What a wonderful experience on Day 1!!! Towards the end of our evening, Big Brownie asked, "Can I read it?" I asked, "Read what?" He said, "Can I read the bible?" So, we opened the bible and read our verse for the night again and when we finished, he complimented me too saying, "Good reading Mommy".

So excited to share this with Daddy Brown and the Brownies. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring on Day 2 of Advent.