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. 

Giving....

In our home, we talk to the Brownies quite often about how to handle their money.  When I speak of "their" money, this could mean money either given to them or money earned for completing a task that had a monetary value.  Now, since the Brownies are only 3 and 4 years old, this means breaking it down on terms quite simple.  They have a piggy bank in which we save money.  They have a "God" jar for their tythe.  They have a spend jar for the fun they want to buy.  And they have "Give" jar that we find either missions or charities to donate.  

Last night, I heard the Brownies discussing the "Give" jar.  Who or what do they want to donate money to help others.  The next thing I know, I'm presented with their "Give" jars and my tape dispenser.  They asked for me to open their jars and give them a big piece of tape. When I ask why? Big Brownie said, "Well Mom, we talked it over and we think it's gonna cost Santa a lot of money to give toys to everybody. We need to leave money out for him by the chimney, so he can start saving too."  When I came downstairs this morning, this is what I find taped to the wall.  I prayed prayers of thanksgiving that my Brownies have the ability to identify a need and figure out a way to help in their own way.  This was a precious moment and I am thankful that they have giving hearts and spirits.

 

S'more for you...

 

Being able to sit around the fire roasting hot dogs, making s'mores and enjoying the spring weather is just part of growing up.  These are the memories I hope the Brownies remember most.  Not what they got in their Easter basket to eat or play with, but the simple love of family.  This evening we brought out the roasting sticks and put them to use.  Dusting off the old logs to throw in the pit and sipping sweet tea, life just seems to slow down for a few hours.  Hot dogs over the fire, s'mores melting in our mouth and talking about our day.  No television, no email or cell phone to distract.  Just honest conversation with our boys and connecting as a family unit.  Once our belly's are full, we broke out the glow sticks for nighttime play once the sun goes down.  Oh spring nights, with the warm winds blowing through our hair, life doesn't get much better than this.  Thank you Father God for the many blessing abound.

Hold the Yogurt Batman...

Ever wonder what it's like to live with a superhero?  Well...The Brownies are Superheroes in their own right.  They love to dress up as Star Wars heroes, they love to dress up as Super Mario Brothers, but most of all, they love to dress up as Batman and Robin.  After having the Batman superhero birthday of all birthdays last year for Big Brownie, we have done nothing but be "faster than a speeding bullet".  We can make just about any experience more enriched with a cape.  How about an afternoon stroll with such a fine Superhero?  That's just what we did.  After Daddy Brown came home from work, and a quick "Super Yogurt" snack, we heading down the road to fix mayhem.  With our Super Dog Andy by our side, we set out to save the day.  Oh me, aside from giggling the whole time, we managed to save a caterpillar from certain death in the road, pick up a can or two to recycle and last but not least, save our dog Andy from dehydration by sharing our water supply with him.  Yep, I'm most assured that with Superhero Brownies in our home, the joker is no match!

Finding some peace...

 With the warmer weather, it is not uncommon to find the back door open from morning to dusk.  With the security of a fenced in back yard and our highly protective watch dog Andy, the Brownies are given a bit of freedom.  Especially on a busy at home work day for me, they love the opportunity to find activities.  Usually these activities are together, however on this particular day, Little Brownie fell asleep on the couch.  Big Brownie asked if he had to nap or could he play.  With my approval, he gathered his Star Wars Dictionary and found a quiet place to read and review.  This is where I found him...peaceful.

 

And about the cutest toes my heart has ever seen.