Prayers...

When I think of summer closing in on our calendar, I always think about the joys of sleeping in, relaxed schedules, water slides and good friend play dates...too name a few.  Even though it's technically still Spring, we have busted out the water slide, bounce house, kiddie pool, sand table and just about anything else that might bring joy to our day.

Last week, we invited our cousin to come and play.  It was a special time because this sweet, precious 6 year old suffered an unexplained brain hemorrhage back in January.  After a routine follow up angiogram mid-May, the reason was finally revealed.  He has an abnormal blood vessel in his brain.  A vessel that needs repair immediately.  Because recovery will take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, he will likely not have a chance until late summer to enjoy the normal summer adventures that all young kids enjoy. 

After the water play concluded, I captured the boys having some "boy conversation" outside.  I could hear him explaining his surgery to Big Brownie.  He said, "Yeah, they are going to open my head, remove some bone, put 2 clips in and then I'll wake up."  There were many giggles and carefree, relaxed laughter.  It was a great afternoon.  Tomorrow, May 31st at 7:30a, he will indeed have brain surgery.  I praise Jesus that 2 leading neurosurgeons are right here in our area...a point that is not lost on me.  I pray knowing that God's hand will be covering every aspect of his procedure and recovery.  If you have a moment, please lift our family in prayer.  I am ever thankful for the support and love that surrounds this sweet boy.

Say What Wednesday...

The other day I heard a new word as the boys were playing.  I came into the room and asked, "What's a 'Fuscle'?"  Little Brownie crouches in his best ninja stances and yells, "Mom freeze!  Don't move a Fuscle or the bad guy is going to get you!"

We were in the store last week and Little Brownie asks Big Brownie, "What does a baboon look like?"  Big Brownie says at the top of his lungs, "Well, I think it is gray all over with a Big Pink Booooty!"  Laughter busts out all around us, which made them say it about 100 more times.

I can't remember if I have shared this one or not.  A couple of weeks ago, Big Brownie was talking to Daddy Brown.  He said, "Dad, when I grow up I'm going to Las Vegas to find me a pretty wife."  As I walk around the corner containing my giggles, I said, "Oh really and are you going to live in Las Vegas too?"  He said, "After I get my pretty wife to marry me, we are going to move to Jerusalem to do God's work."  Daddy Brown and I giggle as we agreed that if he finds a wife in Las Vegas, God's work in Jerusalem might be just the ticket for some redemption.

Big Brownie is really wanting us to have another baby.  He wants a sister so bad.  He told my mom, "I am praying that God puts that special seed in moms belly."  This after informing her and a few other people that I'm expecting a baby...which I am NOT!

We have started visiting a nearby church over the last month or so.  The boys LOVE going.  The gathering is held in a local elementary school and of course, it's called "Bible School" by the boys.  When we get ready to go they ask, "Mom, is this the Bible school that we have to take a nap or just have so much fun?"  I explain they do not have to take nap.  To that I hear, "Praise Jesus! That is the best place in the whole wide world!"  


This past Saturday after driving into town to run some errands, we stopped by to check out the new Riverwalk.  We found a family of geese walking as well.  Big Brownie said, "Why does that sign say no?"  I read the sign aloud and they both look at me and said, "But Mom, what did the geese do that they can't swim in the water...did they break the law?"  I grinned and explained that the sign is only for people.  Little Brownie says with a sigh of relief, "Whew, I was afraid we would have to bring them home to swim in our water slide!"

Oh the laughter...

With the warmer weather comes beautiful adventures.  Strawberry picking, water slides, outdoor play dates with friends, dancing in the rain, driveway bumper cars and little train rides.  The Brownies have experienced many adventures this first week of May.  And let's not forget the lessons we can learn from our own community.  This past weekend our local park sponsored the little train rides and an American History live fair.  Train rides, real horses, real Indians and REAL TORTURE!  That's right...The Brownies discovered and explored what it was like to live back in the day when soldiers camped in tents on wood beds with quilts, leather goods that had been transformed from animal hide and women wearing long dresses and bonnets.  Boys being boys, the Brownies found the most appealing...well, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Once in this contraption, the solider explained that this was a source of humiliation.  Townspeople would generally spit, hit and slap you while you did your time for a number of petty crimes.  Crimes that include stealing, lying and not paying your taxes.  The boys thought this was so cool.  We visited the horses.  Big Brownie has a weak stomach by nature, so the smell of the horse droppings almost made him lose his breakfast.  Little Brownie thought they were "AWWWESOME"!

While putting this post together, I remember how much fun it is to have the Brownies and watching them grow.  Hearing them talk to each other, correcting each other and loving each other.  It makes my heart sing to hear them show kindness and love and to hear the laughter.  The kind of laughter that is from the belly that is uncontrollable and rolls up like thunder.  The looks on their faces as this laughter explodes.  The kind I hear in my head and giggle when no one is around.  They don't seem to fight that often, but when a disagreement ensues, I am comforted to know that "I'm sorry" and forgiveness is near.   What memories I hope they will have locked tight in their souls.  So much glory watching them discover and learn.  Impromptu play in the creek, running in the rain, driveway bumper cars.  The simple moments of joy and laughter.

And at the end of the day, with all the fun abound, I am overjoyed to hear, "Mama, this has been the best day ever!"  Could it be that tomorrow will bring another adventurous morning, afternoon or evening.  I hope it does.  I pray it does.  I know it will.