Dear Lord...

We rose today with runny noses and scratchy throats. My poor Brownies woke with dried snot stretched from one ear to the other. Breathing from their mouths and big swollen eyes...allergies and a cold I think. All this just in time for Daddy Brown's birthday next week. So, with that, I pray...

Dear Lord,

Please help my Brownies feel better. Please give me the strength to stretch my arms wide enough to cover them with love and understanding. Thank you for continued good health and goodwill to our brothers. Please keep Daddy Brown and I from getting sick. Please continue to give us sun and warmer weather. Please help Little Brownie not get so frustrated, so quickly with Big Brownie and please help him understand that biting is NOT the way. Please help Big Brownie to understand that all binkies do not belong to him. Please help them eat for nourishment and drink to stay hydrated. Please Lord, let them rest peacefully. Please Lord, let them feel solace and comfort in our kisses and hugs. Lord, I lift my Brownies up to you and ask for a speedy recovery. Thank you Jesus for being our Lord and Savior. Thank you for giving us each day and help us to live in each day as if it were the last. And lastly Lord, thank you for giving us a ray of sunshine in our newly passed down stock of "Zhu-Zhu Pets" from Aunt Berry and family. With such a wonderful distraction for the Brownies, they almost forget how bad they are feeling. In these things I pray to you in the name of Jesus...Amen.

This is the day that the Lord has made...

Having been cooped up in the house for several weeks, it was so nice to see the sun streaming through the windows this morning. We ate our breakfast, changed our clothes and opened the back door to find out what adventure was in store for us today. Big Brownie asked if we were going to watch Charlie Brown outside. I really can't believe he remembered our Fall outdoor movie back in November...but he did. I told him it was too bright outside to watch a movie. He was happy with that explanation. I have been wanting the Brownies to use their outside toys from Christmas OUTSIDE, so we brought our 3 cars, 1 fire engine and our t-ball set to the yard. As we ran and jumped, hit balls and dug holes, Big Brownie asked if we could ride on the cars. I took all the riding toys to the driveway and we began to ride around, running and pushing the cars with glee.

Then...the great escape. Little Brownie took off running down the side easement of our property. I told Big Brownie to follow him. Off we went to see what else we could find, and to the back of the field we ventured. We saw red birds, blue birds and robins. We saw a bee and a dragonfly. We dug in the dirt and found a worm. The Brownies didn't know what to do with this new found exploration. We took off through the field and found a huge brush pile with sticks and logs. We found moss on trees and cut hay on the ground. We found mole holes that we stomped and hills that we ran up and down.

Through the field we went to the horse farm down the road. And guess what, the horses were out and feeding near by. The Brownies ran to the fence and looked through with amazement and ease. They began to talk to and point at the horses, making sure that not only each other could see, but that I was also as excited as they were to see these beauties. I decided to take the road back to the house. I was definitely on pins and needles as we do have a little more traffic up and down our street these days. As soon as I'd hear a car, I would yank Little Brownie up in my arms and run to grab Big Brownies hand. All the while trying to explain that cars are nice to ride in, but can be very dangerous if we are not careful on the road. Big Brownie got the point right away and if I said, "Car", he'd run and grab my hand. Little Brownie on the other hand, just got really upset every time I picked him up. He wanted to look for and pick up rocks to throw. We threw rocks, dirt and leaves. It was my mission to find rocks for Little Brownie going in the direction of home. This was the only way to keep them moving in the right direction. I finally gave in and we ventured back the way we came through the field.

On the way back, we noticed a bird house on a fence. The Brownies got so excited to know that there were actual birds in the house. One flew out and they cheered! On our journey back, we crossed over a ditch. The Brownies could not resist the urge to stop and pick up more rocks, more dirt and sticks. I finally convinced them they might be hungry and thirsty and that we needed to head home. Once we got home, the Brownies played on the slides as I prepared a quick lunch. I set up our outdoor table under the leaf bare tree and brought out our lunch. They loved it. Chomping away on hot dogs, chips and bananas. However, the excitement of being outdoors overcame the feeling of hunger. They both ate just enough to satisfy the desire to eat and it was back to playing.

We went back to the driveway to play with our cars. Big Brownie looked up at the sky as a hawk was flying over head. He said, "Look Mama an eagle!" I told him to reach his arms out to the side and soar like an eagle. Before long, Little Brownie followed behind and we were all soaring like birds through the front yard. I can only imagine what people passing by must have thought. It was really cute. I convinced the boys it was time to come inside, and now, everyone is down for their naps and sound asleep. We have been craving the outdoors. Being so cold and snowy, it hasn't been worth it to get outside much. But on days like today, days that are truly blessing from the Lord, we can reach out our arms and soar like eagles. Oh yes, this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made! Get out and enjoy it!

Say What?

So yesterday, I posted some quotes that always make me smile. However, there is nothing more funny than having my own little comedians right here in my own home. Daddy Brown and I laugh all the time at some of the odd-ball things that come out of the mouths of our babes. Here's some of the more recent.

The other night, we were having supper and Big Brownie decided he was finished. He turned to me and said, "Mama, I'm not eating...I'm done. I'm not a good eater, please let me down."

I try to do at least 2 loads of laundry each day in an attempt to keep it under control. The Brownies LOVE helping load and unload the washer and dryer. Afterwards, I take the clothes to my bed and we begin to fold the clothes and proceed to put them away. This week, this was my conversation with Big Brownie, "Mama, are these clothes clean?" I said, "Yes baby, all of these clothes are clean." He asks, "How do you know they are clean?" I told him, "Because I washed them, dried them, folded them and now we are putting them away." He says, "Ohhhh, I wiped my nose on this one and it has a BIG booger on it. Is it still clean?"

Potty training is going pretty well at the moment. With the exception of one "on the floor sprinkling", Big Brownie has managed to do a really great job, for which we are VERY proud. That being said, he absolutely HATES wearing underwear. I've been putting sweatpants that are one size larger on him so he can easily pull his pants up and down to go to the potty. When we leave the house, I have been using a pull-up because I haven't been brave enough to go out without one. Yesterday, we were getting ready to run to Target. This was my conversation with Big Brownie..."Come here and let me put your pull-up on so we can go to the store", I said. He said, "No Mom, I'm not wearing my pull-up." I asked, "You don't want to wear your underwear?" He said, "No!" I said, "Ok, if you don't wear your pull-up then you absolutely have to tell me if you need to go to the potty while we are at the store or in the car. That way, I can take you to the potty at the store." He paused and looked at me a moment and said, "Ohhhh, do they have a potty at the store for me?" I said, "Yes, you know the one that Mommy and Daddy use when we need to potty and that is where you will go to potty if you need to pee-pee." He said, "Wow...that's awesome, let's go to Target to pee-pee in the potty!" I did allow him to go commando, and we did in fact visit the special potty at Target to make our deposit.

While we were at Target, we always visit the "holiday" section of the store. This week, Target is changing out the Valentine's Day decorations to Easter Holiday decorations, toys and candy. There was a pleasant older employee putting out the Easter displays as Big Brownie was exploring all the new items. Every time he would take something out to play with it, he would bring one to Little Brownie to play as well. I have been teaching him that he can only play with one item at a time and when he is done, he has to put them back on the shelf where it was originally found. As the employee was stocking the shelves, this is the conversation that I heard. Employee: "Hello young man, how are you today?" Big Brownie, "I'm good, how are you?" Employee, "Do you like playing with all the eggs and bunnies?" Big Brownie, "Yes and so does my little brother. What are you doing?" Employee, "I'm putting new stuff on the shelves for people like you to buy for Easter." Big Brownie looked at him a minute, looked at me and then looked back at the employee and said, "Will you tell my Mama I need this one RIGHT here?"

It is wonderful for Daddy Brown to sit back and watch the interactions with the Brownies. Little Brownie wants to talk clearly so bad, you can just see it on his face when he says something and you don't know exactly what he said. Fortunately, Big Brownie seems to understand him and feels the need to translate or correct him. Today, I made pizza rolls, mixed vegetables and applesauce for lunch. They ate the pizza rolls and some of the applesauce, but they both kinda frowned at the vegetables. Little Brownie picked up a carrot and yelled "Bean!". Big Brownie said, "No, it's a carrot and it's yummy." Little Brownie picked up a potato and said, "Bean!". Big Brownie said, "No, it's not at bean, it's a potato". There was a lima bean in the pile and Little Brownie picked it up and said, "Bean". Big Brownie looked at it, fished through his own plate and found one. He picked it up and looked at me. He said, "Mama, it's a booger and it's yummy." I guess as long as they are eating, booger or not, it's a good thing...right?

This week, I tried doing my workout during nap time so I can go to bed around the same time as the Brownies to get some extra zzz's. Today, Big Brownie came down while I was working out and said, "Mama, what are you doing?" I said, "I'm working out." He said, "What is working out?" I said, "Well, it's kinda like dancing so I can be healthy." I asked him to sit on the couch while I finished up. I asked him if he wanted to join me and he declined. As I'm finishing up, he asks, "Mama, you done?" I said, "Yes baby, I'm done." He said, "Oh good...that's not good dancing!"

Rules of Life...

Several months ago, I divulged several unknown facts about myself. One of my little secrets is that I LOVE the Nick Jr. preschool show...Olivia. It is a great little treat that I enjoy during the boys nap-time. Olivia is the main character and is a pig. She always states the "Rules of Life" on her show. A friend and fellow blogger, Farmwife, started quoting a few of Olivia's "Rules of Life" and it just cracked me up. So, I thought I would share some of Olivia's famous quotes with you.

Rule of Life #:

• 3. If you have to sit next to a little brother eating spaghetti you'd better wear a rain coat.
• 4. If you really want to hide your baby brother, change his diaper first.
• 5. Not everyone looks good in red, especially when you're pink.
• 15. If your little brother eats like a wild animal, it doesn't mean he is.
• 21. Little brothers don't know anything about being a mommy.
• 24. If you have a pet that never ever ever moves, watch out cuz one day he will.
• 28. I know this is hard to believe, but more of something isn't always better.
• 31. Most people think animals don't talk, but they do. They just talk very quietly.
• 34. Sometimes your lucky tights are luckier than you thought.
• 38. Just because a dog looks cute in a nurses hat doesn't mean he's a very good nurse.
• 41. What's the point to take kids to work if they can't help.
• 42. If it weren't for mothers, little brothers would be very stinky.
• 44. Sometimes children know better than their parent, but we never tell them.
• 47. Walking up things is harder than walking down them, but the view is beautiful.
• 48. School glue has many uses.
• 52. If your mom is having a baby and she asks you whether you want a brother or a sister, that does not mean you're really going to get the kind you ask for.
• 55. If your teacher says no to a sea lion or an elephant, a tiger is probably out of the question.
• 62: The harder you try not to giggle, the more the giggles try to come out!
  
• 68. If you build a really big solar system, make sure you have a really big bedroom door.
• 88. If you wake your baby brother from a nap, he will be sad and your mother will be upset too.
• 100. Red is the very best color for absolutely positively everything.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do...

Keep it up...

I gave myself a personal challenge this year. Let me be clear that this is not a New Year's Resolution, but more of a revelation. My challenge, lose 50 pounds in 2010. If you've been keeping up, the Brownies haven't been resting well and this put an initial "kink" in my challenge. Beginning in February, I decided no matter how exhausted I am..."EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE"! I am starting my 3rd week today of workouts. I have successfully completed 2 consistent weeks of working out at least 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes. Most of the time, my workouts begin at 11:00p, which I know is not an ideal time to workout and I most certainly could use the "I'm too tired excuse"...AGAIN. However, it is no longer an option for me.

Also, I have always been a scale monger. I would usually weigh myself everyday. This action would either encourage me or most commonly, discourage me in my progress. I haven't stepped on the scale once. Once or twice a week I have thrown in an hour long workout with Billy Blanks, which absolutely kicks my butt. When I am completely covered in sweat, absolutely out of breath and my muscles are aching so bad, I am always encouraged by his words...

"Where I am today, is where MY mind put me. Where I'll be tomorrow is where MY mind will put me. When I look down at myself, the only thing that causes me to look the way I do, is MY mind and MY will!" ~Billy Blanks

No truer words have been spoken. I just want to encourage you to get up and do something. Everything I've read says that working out is cumulative. If you can find 10 minutes, 3 times a day to do something...do it. It all counts. I still hate to workout and I am hoping that I will at the very least begin to make exercise a habit and a part of my life, for the rest of my life. I'll end with one more reminder from one of my new coaches Billy Blanks...

"Remember when you get tired and don't have the power, all you got to do is look up to the sky and ask the one on high to give you some power. Boy, he'll give you all the power you need. You know, when you're by yourself and down and out, just look up sometimes and ask God to give you what you need. He'll give it to you. He'll fill you up with everything you need and you'll start to do things you never thought you could do." ~Billy Blanks

Keep it up...if I'm doing it, you can too!

I Heart...

It is Valentine's Day and I've been in the mood for loving on my boys. Par for my course lately, Little Brownie was up from 1:45a to 5:57a last night. After I finally fell asleep at 5:58a, I was awakened by Big Brownie entering our room and up into our bed at 6:03a. Exhausted, I just rolled over and we all slept in until 9:30a. Up from the bed we jumped wishing each other "Happy Valentine's Day". I woke Little Brownie up from his slumber party crash at 9:45a. We all came downstairs and we made some Valentine's Day Monkey Bread for breakfast with a side of sprinkles, sausage and biscuits and grapes. We all enjoyed our special holiday breakfast. Sissy got to eat our leftovers and we have just enjoyed being with each other all day.

Daddy Brown and I will celebrate our 12th year of marriage this year and with that, we have shared 16 Valentine Day's together. There really aren't enough words in the universe to express how much I love Daddy Brown, my Big Brownie, my Little Brownie, my Sissy and my whole family. Make sure you love on the ones you care for and the ones that love on you. Make sure to tell your friends and family how much you love them every chance you get. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to say the words. Just say them often and say it with meaning behind it...I Heart You!

Days like this...

Even though the Brownies haven't been resting well and I'm exhausted every waking minute of the day, there are still treasured moments that I hope to remember for the rest of my life. Today, Little Brownie climbed up in my lap, wrapped his little arms around me and said, "Loooovvvee uuuuu". His little grin with those three bottom teeth just make my heart melt. He is beginning to use his words a lot more and seemingly a lot more clear. While making lunch, I heard a ruckus in the living room. When I came into the room, I saw the Brownies in separate corners of the room. I said, "Ok, what happened?" Little Brownie looked up and pointed his finger a Big Brownie and said, "Hit me!" I picked him up and sure enough there was a small red spot coming up on his back. After further inspection, there was also a red spot coming up on Big Brownie, so who really knows what happened?

To change things up a little bit, I decided to serve lunch in the playroom today. The Brownies LOVED it. Everyone sat at the table, watched their show and ate their food. It was a nice change of pace from the normal. After lunch, we read a few books and it was nap-time. I let Big Brownie lay in his bed while I get Little Brownie down in his room. I gave Little Brownie his milk, held him tight and kissed his cheeks and hands. Fast to sleep he went. I went to Big Brownie's room where he is quietly waiting for me. I began singing to him and he reached up. I took his hand in mine and he put his little arms around my neck. I rocked him to sleep and laid him down.

Is there truly anything better then days like this? My sweet Brownies give me a tough time but days like today make up for every minute of it. I hope I can remember for my entire lifetime the look and feel of my babies at this stage. They are so truly precious and I am so very blessed to be their Mama. Our children are gifts from God. The Good Lord never gives us more than we can handle, even if that means pushing us to our outer most limits.

Mama said there'd be days like this...

When I have an overly exhausting day, this song rings in my head. I think I sing it as a reminder that my day isn't any tougher than other mom's out there. In fact, I may be having a better day than most. I haven't blogged very much lately because of this exhaustive and foggy state of mind I've been in lately. The Brownies have gone crazy with their schedules. They have been up and down all night and then they finally go into deep sleep at 6am. We sleep in until 10a and then we muster up some energy to eat, play, read and watch tv, etc. Nap time has been sketchy at best and then bedtime...wow, can I even call it that?

We go to bed at a descent time, most nights, but no one sleeps for an extended amount of time and the Brownies tend to alternate waking up. Last night for instance...everyone is in bed and asleep at 8:30p. Little Brownie is up from 9:30 to 10:15p, then Big Brownie is up and down from 12a to 3:30a. Little Brownie is up tossing and turning from 2:00a to 4:00a. Daddy Brown wakes to give Little Brownie a bottle and lets me get some rest. I finally close my eyes and sleep until Big Brownie wakes up at 6a and then I threaten his life and binkie if he dare get out of bed again.

What is going on? Little Brownie is cutting 4 molars at the moment...so I know what is happening there and that will be for a short amount of time. But Big Brownie...if Daddy Brown or I lay in his bed and sleep there with him, he sleeps all night. Some nights are better than others, but last nights example has pretty much been the normal for about 2 weeks...and it's killing me to say the least. We have night lights and he isn't scared when he comes out of his room. He simply wants to lay in our bed with us or have us lay in his bed with him. Comforting and being attentive to every need has always been a priority of ours. But hello, can anyone shed light on Big Brownie. Why is he waking so much at night and for no real apparent reason? HELP!!!

EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!

Ok...I normally don't watch The Oprah Winfrey Show. However yesterday while flipping through the channels, I stopped as something caught my eye. The show was with Dr. Oz and Bob Greene about the silent killer of Diabetes. I stopped because I have family members that currently suffer from diabetes and the side effects the disease causes. Oprah, Dr. Oz and Bob Greene are attempting to bring more awareness to the disease and educate us on this disease that in most cases is a preventable, treatable and curable disease. I am of course talking about Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 is genetic and is treatable. However, in most cases of Type 1 diabetes, it is not curable.

Type 2 Diabetes however, is 98% man made. It is the disease that most overweight people will get and endure. Studies show there are approximately 6 million Americans right now that are living undiagnosed. Our diets and our sedentary lifestyle has increased not only the chances of more and more Americans to be diagnosed, but in the next 10 years, it will be the number 1 disease in America. Have I shocked you yet with all of these details? Wait...there is more. There are hidden sugars everywhere. For instance, who doesn't have these things currently in their fridge and eat regularly...ketchup and ranch dressing? For every 2 tablespoons of ketchup, there are 2 teaspoons of sugar. For 1 serving of ranch dressing, there are 3 teaspoons of sugar. One can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. And, if you consume 1 can of soda a day, based on a Harvard study, you are increasing your risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by 83%.

Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor. If you are like me and you have family members that currently suffer from diabetes, your risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes is almost certain. This doesn't mean you shouldn't consume any sugar at all. Our brain uses sugar to process data and think, our bodies need natural sugars as much as it needs protein and carbohydrates. Most people think Type 2 Diabetes is only about sugar, but this is a common misconception. It is about all the foods we eat. Eating simple carbohydrates and sugars that are highly processed, "white foods" as an example, and eating them in such quantities that our bodies can't produce enough insulin to help our bodies absorb nutrients properly. Oh, and most of Type 2 Diabetics will not die from a diabetic coma, they will die from a heart attack. The unprocessed sugar pumping through our bloodstream will scratch the lining of our blood vessels running through our heart. This will cause an abrasion to the vessels and the body will try to repair the damage. In doing so, over time, the repaired vessels will continue to become abrased and repaired causing scar on top of scar and ultimately close off the vessel. This is what will cause the heart attack. The same abrasions can and will happen in the legs causing loss of blood flow to the feet and legs. Many diabetics then suffer from amputations of their toes, feet and portions of their legs.

I have to say I have read many articles and seen many shows about Diabetes, but this actually spoke volumes to me. I was shaking my head almost through the whole show. The cure is very simple to hear and understand, but very difficult for most, including myself to do. Eat healthy, reduce processed food and sugars. Most importantly....EXERCISE! Exercise not only helps you to lose weight, but also helps to lower your blood sugar. I am not ashamed to say that I hate to exercise. I wish that were not the case. I have a chance right now not only to help myself, but to teach my Brownies before they are engrained in poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.

One of the things I continue to hear in my head...EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE! I can easily make an excuse every minute of every day of why I can't find time to exercise. I need to clean the house, I'm tired, I want to do something fun and crafty or the most common...I just don't want to. I am lucky enough to have a husband that is very active and encouraging. Even when I don't want to, he helps motivate me in a positive way to get me up even if it is 11:30p at night. The Oprah Winfrey Show honestly didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, maybe the details about hidden sugar and really defining for me how Diabetes damages the body internally. The eat healthy and exercise...doesn't everybody know that part? If you are overweight, I hope you too are motivated to get up and do something. 30 minutes a day of exercise is all it takes. Repeat after me...EXERCISE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!

Humble...

So, my Brownies are growing up. Today, we went to have brunch with Aunt Apple, a quick trip to the bank and to Target. When we got home, it was 2p and most certainly nap time. Big Brownie's potty training has been going well. No real accidents to mention. I haven't been brave enough to put real underwear on him when we leave the house, so he is still using the pull-up as a diaper for now. I'll ask him if he needs to go to the bathroom to use the potty and his reply..."No thanks". As we entered the house from our errands, Sissy was laying on the couch and Little Brownie walked over and rubbed her head. All the while saying, "Awww, Sissy-girl". I asked Big Brownie if he needed to use the potty? He said, "Yes Mama, I do need to pee-pee in the potty". I run over to help him pull his pants and pull-up down. I look over at Little Brownie and he is running to the potty to open the top and points to the potty. Big Brownie runs over, does his business and Little Brownie starts clapping his hands and saying, "YAY!" It brought a tear to my eye.

Some days, I think I am so wasteful of my time with the Brownies. I've been so tired lately from the interruptions of nap time and nighttime, that some days, I honestly am counting down how many hours it is until nap time or bedtime, so I can lay down and close my eyes too. Today, opened my eyes that my babies are going to be babies much longer and it hurts. It makes me ashamed that there have been days that I haven't cherished every second of every minute. Time that has gone by that I'll never get back. One day, I'll wake up and they will be in high school or college and they won't want to hug and kiss me voluntarily. There will be a time that I'll have to share them with another person that will be the love of their life. So, I'm humbly asking for their forgiveness. Knowing that because they are so small and so forgiving at this point, it is an easy task for them. A hug, a kiss, my love and my time is all they ever ask of me and Daddy Brown. For now, with the exception of goodwill towards our family and our belonging, it's all I'll ask of them.