Let's imagine...

In case you missed it, apparently 49 of our blessed 50 United States of America saw snow this week. That blows my mind away. But, I'm a BIG KID at heart and love the snow. I love the winter. I think it is in most definitely my nature to cuddle up, snuggle up and love on those around me. Knowing that, I think colder weather gives me excuse to do those things more often. Snuggling up not just to the people around me, but in my favorite item as well. I have a favorite red sweater. It is a bit worn and tattered, but it is my favorite item to sleep in, go to the mailbox in, go to the store and yes, it has gone to church with me a couple of times over the years. That poor garment probably looks more of something you'd see denied at the Goodwill, but I love it. And when the weather is cold, I love nothing more than to put that sweater on and spread the love and cheer. Matter of fact, I went to bed 2 nights ago and got cold. My aforementioned favorite sweater was AWOL. I was up at 2:45a, scrounging around the house looking for it. Who would have thought I would have been a good girl and hung it up in the closet...WHAT? Why was it put away? Who knows, but crisis averted and I was able to rest well and warm in my comfy.

With the snow on the ground, Big Brownie's preschool closed all week and Daddy Brown staying home a couple of days to play in the snow with us, we have used our imagination to go on adventures you couldn't believe. Each morning, we have rose to a different place to explore. One morning we were on the moon. We were astronauts exploring the moon's surface for moon rocks (quilt batting). Another morning we woke to be at the zoo. Pancakes in the shapes of our favorite zoo animals and the chance to be and feed the giraffe, elephant and monkeys (a.k.a. our 1 year old boxer Andy, who by the way, is an awesome stand-in). We even had an adventure at the North pole. We enjoyed snow smoothies, snow eggs, snow cream and pet the reindeer.

What fun it has been to use our imagination to go places. Little Brownie is really expanding in this area. Last week, Big Brownie and I were having an imaginary picnic. He couldn't understand why we were eating sandwiches that didn't exist and drinking from cups that were shaped by our hands. He looked puzzled and finally said, "Where, where is the sandwich and what juice are you drinking?" Big Brownie said, "Here, take a sip of this?" Reaching out his hand, Little Brownie takes the imaginary cup and says, "Oh, Okay brother!" Since then, we have had imaginary birthday parties and BBQ's. Little Brownie is always responsible for going to the store to get the candles and the cake. I love to see such development before my eyes. To see the curiosity build, wheels in the mind work and finally, to see the light bulb come on and...they get it.

With all the big boy changes around here, there has been some changes in me. Today, I started a bible study with 2 very dear friends. I'll be honest, I don't usually do studies for a couple of reasons. One, I don't know the bible like I should and sometimes I feel incompetent or intimidated by those who do. Two, I have always had an issue with reading aloud. I remember when I was in elementary school and I stumbled on a word and the other kids giggled and smirked at me. And three, I cry when I openly pray. I feel so emotional, so exposed and raw before the most powerful being of all, our Father God. These were all reasons that have held me back for many years. However, when presented with this opportunity, I didn't have a second thought.

So, after our first study on Chapter 1 of "The Power of a Praying Parent", I have been processing the words all evening. Tonight as I put Big Brownie to bed, we normally recite our usual bedtime prayer..."Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take"...and then we usually proceed with thanking the Lord for our family and friends, etc. We pray same prayer every night. Tonight, I asked Big Brownie if he would pray WITH me. We sat in the bed holding each others hands and we just began to talk to God. In our prayer, I told God how much I love him and Big Brownie said, "Yes, I love you God this much!" and held his arms out wide. I told God how thankful I am for Big Brownie, and Big Brownie said, "I'm so thankful for my Mommy, my Daddy, my little brother and our reindeer dog Andy!" I told God how I hope he will help Big Brownie lead a life of love, faithfulness and Godly wisdom. And Big Brownie said, "Please help me to stay out of timeout tomorrow." I could go on, but the point is, while I'm learning to pray more effectively and directly for my boys, I haven't been giving them an opportunity to openly pray. I've been so focused on reciting words to give them a base, I haven't stepped back to see what planted seeds in them have began to grow. I was truly in awe of my Big Brownie. I know Little Brownie is not to that point yet, but I'm already thankful for my study in one day, that has opened my eyes to discover something new. I can only imagine what the next few weeks have in store for us, but as always, it will definitely be an adventure.

Jump-a-thon...

Yesterday was the first day of the new year for us to actually leave the house. It has been an awesome week from Christmas to New Years to just lay low and hang out with each other. Going to bed late, sleeping in, naps on the couch, picnics in the living room floor and even wearing our pajamas all day long. Since I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old and we have officially hit the winter chill, I have to be a little creative with physical activity for my boys. Jumping has become one of our favorite activities and has helped to reduce the amount of Cabin Fever we have felt.

So, each evening we have a jump-a-thon! That's right, I let my children bounce off the walls, couches and chairs (supervised of course) until they are sweaty and silly. The laughter alone will make you smile. Taking turns gives us an opportunity to learn sharing and kindness. Jumping a certain distance is teaching them a bit about restraint and calculation of consequence. Jump to close...fall on your knees, jump to far...fall on your face. BUT, jump the right distance and you land on your feet. I am sure I'm fooling myself into believing this is actually "good" for them. However, with most things in our life, we just roll with it. So here are a few pictures that will make you wanna JUMP too.

Jumping like ROCK STARS!

Rolling on the floor and silly faces!


Time for a little wrestling...


Ending with some love and hugs...

I love these two Brownies!

Sunday Status....

Happy New Year from The Brownies. We are excited to see what the new year holds for us and for you. We rang in the New Year in a quiet fashion. For the first time, Big Brownie had a sleepover here at our home. Cousin Peanut Butter Fudge came to spend New Year's Eve night with us. The boys played and played. We watched movies and ate popcorn. We had a real blast. Long about 9:00p, the boys started winding down and with much anticipated quiet abound, everyone was asleep and in their beds at 9:45p. It was great. I could not have asked for a better night from them all.

As much as there will be many resolutions to be made in the new year, we have had some pretty big milestones here at the end of the year. Little Brownie made a few decisions of his own. First, he decided he no longer wants his "baba" in the morning and evenings. This is a big one because even though he is over 2, he has enjoyed having a bottle when he wakes and when he goes to bed. My thought was that one day he would decide he didn't need it anymore and he did. Secondly, he no longer uses his "binkie". He went to sleep on day for nap-time and didn't ask for it. I waited by his door with binkie's in hand for when he would wake and request it. But he never did. So now, for the last week, he has been without a binkie. I ransacked the house in search of every hidden binkie I could find to put them away. Just today, he found one in the toy box in the playroom. He came downstairs smiling with binkie in his mouth. With a little push, he told the binkie goodbye and placed it on the counter.

And finally, the same day Little Brownie decided he didn't want his "Baba", he also took his diaper off. He brought it to me and said, "Mama, I don't want to any more!" He handed me the diaper and ran off. All the while saying, "Pee Pee in the Potty!" So, my Little Brownie isn't so little any more. He has been an eating machine. This morning for example, I made homemade biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and sausage links. He ate almost everything on his plate. Within 15 minutes from leaving the table, he came to me and said, "Mama, can I have my oatmeal now?" So, he ate half a bowl of oats. Although he has many words in his vocabulary now, he still struggles sometimes communicating and it is very frustrating for him. Several of his words are similar and it can take me a few minutes for him to finally get his point across, but believe me, he gets his point across. He loves to give night-night kisses and hugs. He is gonna kiss you on the forehead and the cheek, and of course, on the lips. I praise God everyday for these little milestones and blessings as Little Brownie grows so abundantly. He will always be my miracle baby and he continues to bless me with little miracles everyday.

Big Brownie has been such a blessing. One day, he is going to make a special woman, a wonderful husband. He loves to help me clean up. He loves to help me do the laundry. He loves to help make supper. He is so thankful and grateful. He thanks me for cleaning his toilet and he thanks me for his meals. He is so precious. He has also decided he needs a sister. For the last two weeks, he has told me, "Mama, we need a baby." He proceeds to tell me, "Mama, do you know where you can get me a sister?" I asked, "Where?" He explains, "Can you please go get me a sister at the 'Sister' store?" This has brought many questions about where babies come from. I have explained that only God decides when we will have a baby and when he plants a special seed in my belly, he will decide if it will be a boy or a girl. He told me last night, "Can we trade little brothers in for little sisters?" We are still explaining the whole baby thing on a daily basis, however, I think it is so sweet that he loves all the babies around us. He loves to sing to them and rub them. He is a good Big Brother to Little Brownie...most of the time.

So, since it's the New Year, I feel I need to make a few resolutions. So here we go...

First, I'm gonna start back running. I haven't ran much through the holidays and I miss it. I've thankfully only gained 3 pounds since before Thanksgiving. Last year my goal was to lose 50 pounds. I lost 15 pounds total and gained 3 back.

So my second resolution is to lose 18 pounds this year. 50 seems like so much and if I hit it, that means I'm doing something extraordinary. I'll be ecstatic to lose my the 3 I gained over the holidays and 15 more.

For my third resolution, and I do understand that this might be a little tmi...too much information, however, I'm going to shave my legs at least twice a week through the winter months. Some things I just let go during the winter months and that is one of them. So, when I get in the shower and I'm going to spend a few extra minutes taking care of me.

My fourth resolution is to be a better wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend. To be a better wife is to take more time for just us, and be more understanding as a partner in life. To be a better mom is to have more patience and spend more time with them as individuals and to be a better example. To be a better daughter to my parents and to my in-laws, I want to invest myself in whole in their lives on a more regular basis and to be available to help and to listen. To be a better sister and sister-in-law by being a better listener and participate more in their lives. To be a better friend by continuing to live through the good, the bad and the ugly.

My final resolution is to be the best follower of Christ. I want to dedicate myself more to the study of the Bible. I am going to set aside more time everyday to be quiet and listen. Time needed to really listen to the word of God. I will fill my tank with the holy spirit everyday so that I can follow through with the above resolutions. I can't do any of these, to the best of my ability, if I don't give myself to him first. I realize this most important resolution should be the first resolution I have listed. But God is my real want and need no matter what order they are listed. I want to be closer to him. I need to be closer to him. Happy New Year to you all and I hope and pray many blessings to each of you. It is a new day to get up and do something special with your time. To do something extraordinary with you family and friends. AND to be the best you that you can be.

With Love, ~Mama Brown.

December to remember...

Wow...I just realized I haven't made a single post this entire month of December. SAD, I know. Don't scold me, but we have been having so much Christmas fun that I haven't had a moment to take a deep breath...until now.

It's the day after Christmas and I sit here and think about all the wonderful adventures we have shared. This month has been like a dream. Much needed time spent with family and friends. Play dates for the boys and friendships deepened through sharing and understanding. Watching the sparkle in the eyes of my babes as they learn more and more about the reason for this particular holiday. Jesus! Singing carols and watching movies, talking about Baby Jesus as often as we can. Talking about Santa and the elves...and the discovery of the "naughty" list. Big Brownie attempted to place Little Brownie on the aforementioned list on several occasions.

We started this season with donating to the Goodwill. In anticipation of the abundance that was to come and we re-organized the playroom. Any toy that hadn't been played with was given to the Goodwill in hopes that others might find a Christmas gift for their little ones. We also shopped the Goodwill, as WE are also in a different place, day and time from just a few years back. We enjoyed laughing and tailgating at the local Christmas parade with family and friends. We enjoyed Friday play dates to put together gift bags for the homeless and enjoyed making cookies and singing songs. We had Breakfast with Santa and even went to a neighbors home where Santa and Ms. Claus came for a visit. We enjoyed the birthdays of a neighbor friend and of our Papa, and celebrated in the anniversaries of Tutu-Nani and Papa (No. 38), as well as Uncle and Aunt Berry (No. 17). We have had snow twice already this season and we even had a White Christmas...well, it snowed on Christmas but we didn't have much accumulation.

We had our "sisters" over for PLAY, PLAY, PLAY to allow their Mommy and Daddy to enjoy an evening out. We celebrated Christmas Eve "Eve" with my Grandmother and Aunt, Christmas Eve with my "In-Loves" and Christmas Day with my family. So now, I sit here at 8:30p taking a deep breath, drinking a warm cup of tea and basking in the quiet of my babies sleeping. The thought of getting to bed before midnight almost blows my mind away and the feeling of happiness that we have one more day tomorrow to share of Daddy Brown's Christmas vacation.

Yes, December has been a month of new memories. Love that has grown for so many and happiness that my babies had a wonder filled and blessed Christmas. I think all parents want to give memories of the season to their babes, as much as they want to give gifts. I would rather they remember us sitting and reading books and singing songs as opposed to what they opened on Christmas morning. I hope they remember snuggling up in one big bed to read as many books as we can, for as long as their eyes can stay open. I hope they remember falling asleep in my arms and hearing my voice, and feeling my breath as I kiss them good night. I hope they remember the love I have for them.

My love for them can never compare to the love our Father God in Heaven has for us. There is no comparison to his love. I can't imagine, as the sin-filled child that I am with the many times I fail him on a daily basis, that he continues to love me. And to love me abundantly. I am thankful for the opportunity of a new day. I remind myself when I am ready to pull my hair out with my boys, how many times the Good Lord wants to pull his hair out from me. It helps me to have grace and understanding. To know that my boys at times fail or walk a different path from my instruction and yet, I still love them. I still forgive them. And it makes me love them more. I pray for them on a minute by minute basis sometimes. I try to pray over them, with them and for them as often as I can. Yes, December is always a month of renewal for me. This season is used as a tool to help me teach my boys of the greatest gift. The gift of our Father, descending from heaven above and bringing with it eternal life ever after. Thank you God for your son Jesus. Thank you Father for your forgiveness and love. Thank you Father God for Daddy Brown, for Big Brownie, for Little Brownie and for our family that we share in life and love. Merry Christmas!

i

Superstar...

Did you ever dream about being a superstar? When I was a little kid, I used to think I could sing better than anyone on the planet. I would ask my Grandparents if they would like me to "entertain" them. I sang in the car, in the bath, at school, in my room and most definitely in the store. My mom used to politely ask me to be quiet, so she could hear herself think. If I wasn't singing, I was talking. If I wasn't talking, I was humming. And guess what? My mom told me I would have a child one day that would do the exact same thing.

Her prediction was correct. Little Brownie and Big Brownie love to sing and talk and hum. They love to have a "sing-a-long" and bob their little heads up and down as we dance and sing our tunes. I recently put a CD player in the playroom so we can listen to music and books. Big Brownie requests I play music in the mornings. It is so precious to hear his little voice singing away and making his own words match the tune. Little Brownie is chiming in as well. The favorite of the week and/or year is Frosty the Snowman. Honestly, Little Brownie has been requesting and watching Frosty the Snowman all year long. We have literally burnt up our first Frosty DVD. I had to scour the stores last week to find a replacement, which was difficult because there are now several versions, prequels and sequels to the original.

The Brownies are my rock stars. At the end of the day, I feel much like my mom where I want to teach them how to play, "Quiet as a mouse". They really haven't mastered this game...AT ALL, but it is worth a try. So, back to my original question..."Did you ever dream of being a superstar?" I have felt like one many times over the last few weeks. If I get out of the house for a few hours without the Brownies, upon my return it is as if a superstar has walked through the door. "Mommy, Mommy!" says Little Brownie. "Mommy's home, you're back!", says Big Brownie. All followed with big hugs and big kisses. Walking in the house to hear their sweet voices and their feet pounding the floor as they get closer to me, is an enthusiasm I hope will continue through many years. It makes me feel good to know that I may not be a Superstar to most, but I am a Superstar to the most important.

Happy Anniversary...

Today is our 12 year anniversary. It seems like yesterday, but it seems like forever. It is hard for me to remember a time before Daddy Brown was in my life. We dated for 4 years before we married and now, we have officially known each other for half of our life. But it is also hard to remember life before the Brownies were born, so that is just my mind putting priorities in place...I think. Life is harder now than it ever has been. Harder in that Daddy Brown and I have to work to find time with each other when it is just each other around. With Brownies literally running under foot, to be able to sit and just look at each other and laugh or talk or cry, those moments are cherished. To be able to take a breath of the same air while wrapping my arms around him, revitalizes my spirit.

Last night, Gran Gran and Pops took care of the boys overnight. It's been a while since we have had the opportunity to just be "me and you". We dropped off the boys and were just giddy at being in a car without car seats in the back. To drive to get gas and not have to worry about the boys getting fussy. To eat a meal without making it kid friendly by holding this and holding that...and to eat it all. To come home to a quiet house, not worry about what was on the television and to laugh. To laugh and talk without spelling words or mouthing phrases. To talk frankly and stay up as late as we wanted. To fall asleep next to the one I love without looking at the monitor to make sure I didn't hear a cough or wheeze or cry.

It is just as much work to make time for these moments with just each other, as it is with the Brownies. To look at Daddy Brown and be able to just be me. To be his wife and not the mother of his kids. I don't want 15 years to pass that we haven't looked at each other with love in our eyes, to laugh until we cry and talk until the sun comes up. Our big night didn't consist of much flare. We went shopping for Big Brownie a new pair of shoes. We went to Target and walked around aimlessly in area's of the store that we normally don't get to go because we are running in and out, trying to avoid the toy department and holiday areas if possible. We held each others hand without having a little Brownie hand in between. Daddy Brown was able to wrap his arms around me while were in the checking out line, and I miss that. I miss being about to show a little "PDA" with Daddy Brown. To have him brush my hair back to see my face or give me a love pat on the rear when I walk by. Yes, it was a great night to be just me and Daddy Brown. Thanking Jesus today that I have Daddy Brown in my life. That we have 2 Brownies to raise and we have a loving and caring family to share it with. Hug, Kiss, Laugh, Talk, Hold, Cry and Look at the one you love today. You don't have to do all of these at one time, but make sure you at least do one every day.

Friday Funny...

I could not let this day go by without sharing a few funny words from Big Brownie. Last night, Daddy Brown made a deal with Big Brownie. If he slept in his bed all night and didn't come out, he could sleep with a toy gun. Daddy Brown said his eyes lit up and he was excited sleeping with his toy gun. This is not a deal that I would have made, since I don't really know how I feel about toy guns just yet. Anyway, at about 5:30a this morning I heard him screaming in his bed. I jumped up and ran into his room. I asked what was wrong and he had lost his toy gun and was upset. I searched feverishly in the blankets and pulled out his toy gun and he literally fell over back to sleep. I laid down beside him and watched him sleep.

About 8:15a, I woke up and had fallen asleep in the bed with Big Brownie. He was staring at me and smiled when I opened my eyes. Not only was he coveting his toy gun, but in the midst of all the covers that lay upon his full size bed, a binkie had been found and was in his mouth! I asked him, "Where did you get that binkie?" He said, "I just hide it under my pillow and the binkie fairy is gonna come get it and bring me a dollar." I said, "Oh, I didn't know that there was a binkie fairy?" He said, "Oh yea, she is gonna give me a dollar for my binkie and I'm gonna buy me something." I said, "What are you gonna buy?" He said, "Well, if the tooth fairy comes with the binkie fairy, then I will get 2 dollars and I can buy a whole bunch more binkies and get a whole bunch more dollars." OH MY GOODNESS! Where did this child come from and where did he get that pearl of wisdom!

I've got a big day today, so I've got to get moving. However, I will share again soon, I just didn't want this funny to get lost in my brain forever. Happy Friday!