They call me "Mrs. Brown" now

He's here!

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

This time I have a VERY good excuse for not posting for so long :P

On Wednesday, January 11th @ 12:27 pm

Caed Michael Thomas Brown

came into this world :)

A whopping 8lbs, 14 oz., 21 in. long.

We are still adjusting, and learning together,

but we are sooooo happy for this little miracle

that God has blessed us with. :)

Pictures are coming soon. I promise!

For now, my son is waiting for his bath and supper.

And I am happy and ready for bed =P

:: A Pinterest Recipe ::

2012-01-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Easy Taco Melt

These are sooo easy and so good :) We had them tonight for supper, and Hubby really liked them! I had cooked chicken in the fridge, so I used it instead of hamburger. So yummy!

Give them a try!

:: Slight Rambling ::

2011-12-29T18:16:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a great Christmas! :) We did! It was great being in church for Jesus' birthday :) Now we are looking forward to Baby Boy coming!!!! And this Mama is soooo ready :D

I apologize for the lack of posts. Not only have things been busy with the holidays, I just haven't been feeling like blogging :/ My belly is making it hard to type on the laptop, and I haven't felt the greatest.

BUT the end is in sight :) We are 37 weeks, and according to the doctor today, progress is being made! Very good news to this swollen, in-pain, oxygen-deprived, first-time Mama :) PLUS the sonographer assured us it is for sure a boy :) Memee was a bit of a "doubting thomas" in technology :P We did play a bit of a trick on her and tell her it was a girl today, but she knows her daughter waaaay too well. =D It didn't help that Hubby was laughing hysterically in the background. :P

We finally got around to touring the other hospital today. We were very impressed with the nurse's knowledge, and she was really sweet. Now we just have to decide between "smaller" hospital and huge hospital. :D

My work in the church office is as caught up as I can have it at the moment. My bag is almost all packed, and his is all packed. The car seat is in the car. Minus cleaning the bathroom, my house is as ready as it will ever be. Little projects I had for Hubby are done. Memee and Aunt Emmy are on call. I am ready to be able to breathe again. Hubby is anxious to have the L&D over with.

Most of all we are ready to hold our little man!

Happy 2012!!

:: Happy Birthday to My Man ::

2011-12-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is My Man's 31st B-day :) I'm doing this post today because tomorrow is packed, and I wanted to make sure to get it in :)

I am sooooo thankful that God gave him to me. To be my leader, my best friend, my confidant, the one I serve Him with, the one I laugh with, the one I cry with, the one I have fun with...for the rest of my life. He is everything God knew I needed in a Husband...and so much more. I know I have said it on here before, and I will continue to do so because it's so true. God's will in a mate is more than worth waiting for! Yes, even 10+ years!

He absolutely can't wait for Baby Boy to get here :)

I love you, Babe!

Happy Birthday!! I look forward to celebrating many more with you!

:: Homemade Soap Giveaway ::

2011-11-28T06:41:00.001-08:00

Are you a fan of Homemade soap??? I can't say that I remember ever trying it, but I'm game :)

Victorian Rose Soap Company is having a Christmas giveaway here :)

Go check it out :)

:: Bass Pro Shop Scavenger Hunt ::

2011-11-27T11:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we had a Scavenger Hunt at the new Bass Pro Shop with our Youth group :) Here's just a few pics. We had alot of fun! Best of all the girls won =D

Consider this a baby bump picture =P If only you could see my feet and ankles here :p Actually it's probably better that you can't :)

The boys had a different camera, so I don't have their pictures yet.

:: Baby Shower for Buster/Boaz ::

2011-11-27T11:35:00.001-08:00

Since we aren't sharing the name we have chosen for our Baby Boy, he has been lovingly dubbed "Buster" by our church family and "Boaz" by his Uncle Mike :P

This past week my sister and the Ladies of our church threw us a shower. We were lovingly blessed with many things that Buster/Boaz will need :) Here are some pictures for you to enjoy :)

We are doing his room in Monkeys, so there were bananas and monkeys everywhere! :) It was soooo cute!

Isn't the cake adorable?!?! :)

Pretty mama and daughter :)

Special friends :)

My awesome, incredible, lovely Mama :)

(1 week out from carpel tunnel surgery)

1 of my best friends in the world giving the devotion :)

Katie Rae becoming "best friends" with her 3rd cousin :)

Food, Fun, and no nap = one tired little girl :P

We had a great time and all the ladies went to so much work. We even had brunch food consisting of various banana & breakfast dishes :) Btw - nutella spread on flour tortillas and wrapped around a banana is soooo yummy! :P

2011-11-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Happy

Thanksgiving!!!

~In all the hustle and bustle of tomorrow, don't forget to take the time to thank the Lord for His many blessings~

:: Thankful 22 ::

2011-11-22T07:06:00.001-08:00

I'm thanful for...

~My extended Family. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and so on, 1st, 2nd & 3rd :) I love having a big family! We have so much fun when we are together, and every in-law has been welcomed with love :) On the Rowell side they learn quickly that they have to stand up and talk for themselves :p Enjoy your family while you have them. All of my Grandparents are in Heaven, and I look forward to reuniting one day soon!

:: Thankful 20 & 21 ::

2011-11-21T10:25:00.001-08:00

Sundays are just too busy to blog, so I'm making up again. :)

I'm thankful for...

~My Country. I am so thankful to live in a country where I am free to go to the church I choose, believe the way I choose, and serve the God I choose. Many countries do not have that freedom.

~Those serving in our Military. Every day they are putting their lives on the line for me and for the freedoms that we enjoy. May God bless them and their families as they are apart, especially during the Holidays.

:: Thankful~19 ::

2011-11-19T05:06:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for

~ God's Provision. He is so good to us. Just in the past few days the Lord has provided some things we needed before Baby Brown comes that frankly I hadn't even prayed for yet! Thank you Lord!

P.S. Today is our first baby shower!! So excited!! One of the few times that I know NOTHING about something that is going on at church :) 8 weeks and 4 days to go!!! :D

:: Thankful ::

2011-11-18T01:32:00.001-08:00

It is currently 3:30 am. Hubby left for work about 40 minutes ago, and this bug that I seem to have caught has decided not to let me go back to sleep. So I figured this was a good time to FINALLY get my Thankfulness posts started :)

We have so much to be thankful for, don't we? We truly are a blessed people :) Here is the beginning of my list :)

I am thankful for:

~ My Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Salvation He so willingly died to give me. Where would we be without it? Lost and hopeless, that's where. He loves me in spite of me, and no matter how many times, I fail, He lovingly forgives and forgets. He gave us His Word to read and live by, and stay close to Him. Isn't He a Great Shepherd? He is so good to me!

~My wonderful Hubby. I'm thankful for his heart to serve the Lord, that he puts Him first, and seeks to honor Him with all he does. Hubby works so hard to provide for our growing family. He loves me and cherishes me...in spite of me. I'm so thankful God gave him to me :-)

~My bouncing Baby Boy. I can hardly believe, now :p, how fast the time has gone, and yet I am ready for January to be here :) We cannot wait to meet him, hold him, love him, and raise him to serve the Lord :)

~My Mama. I really and truly don't know what I would do without her. She gives of herself and her love so unconditionally to her family, church family, and friends. I love her so much and I am so thankful for how she raised me. She's an incredible Memee, and I can't wait for her love to rub off on my Baby Boy! She's not perfect - she would be the 1st to tell you that - but she's as close as they come :)

~My Daddy. He will always be "daddy" to me - even when I am 80. I am so thankful to have such a Godly man for my daddy. He has such a heart to serve the Lord with all that is in him, and he LOVES his flock. His mind is almost constantly on something at the church. He loves and gives of himself tirelessly and unconditionally. He is an awesome Papaw, and I can't wait for Baby Boy to meet him!

~My Sister. She is an incredible Mama, sister, friend, and listener. I am soooooo thankful that God allowed her to still live close during my first pregnancy.She has been SUCH an encouragement, and source of information. There's no one else I would rather laugh, cry, vent, pray, and love with than her!

~My 3 brothers. They are 3 of the greatest gentlemen in the world. They love the Lord, serve Him, and take such good care of the famlies God has given them. They still give their sisters hugs too :) I am so proud to call them my brothers!

~My siblings better halves. My SIL's have given lots of advice during my pregnancy also, and they are so sweet. And Lord knows I am thankful for Phil, even when he gives me a hard time :P They are wonderful help-meets and parents to 15 of the people I love most in this world :)

~My nieces & nephews. I have loved being an aunt from the beginning 13 years ago. The first one caused such a stir in our family, and brought such fun, love, and joy. Each one following has brought more fun, love, and joy. I love that even though the boys are getting older, they still give their aunts hugs :) We look forward to the new additions!

~My church family. I love them dearly, and love how they welcomed my Hubby with open arms :) They prayed hard and long for him too :P They love us so unconditionally, despite our faults. They have been almost as protective as Hubby during my pregnancy :)We truly are a family. We serve the Lord together, and take care of each other.

~My Hubby's family. Distance has not allowed me to get to know them very well yet, but they have been a part of shaping my man to be what he is today. I'm especially thankful for his mama, and for how she raised him :) And that when we do talk, she usually takes my side :P

~My friends. You know who you are :) If I name them, I will forget a name (however unintentionally) and then I would feel awful. I am so thankful that God made our paths to cross, and allowed our relationships to continue. I love living life knowing that I can go to any one of them with a burden, and they listen and pray and laugh with me.

~My Home. God has given us a beautiful home to live in, WITH a garage :) (We never had a garage growing up, and there would have been several cars in line to be in it before mine IF we had had one :P) I love making it homey for my Hubby and keeping it looking nice.

~My Goodly Heritage. I am so thankful that God placed me in a Christian home, and in a Preacher's home. Daddy & Mama have never wavered in their beliefs and standard-they have always been solid. I have watched them live out their faith daily without backing down. I am so grateful.

~My Midwife. She became my Midwife kinda by default, or so we thought :) I think God knew what He was doing though :) She has been so patient and kind to this first-time Mama.

~My Health. Thankfully I haven't had that many health problems in my 30 years. After being pregnant, and experiencing all the changes that happen to the body, I am REALLY thankful :)

~My Voice. Please don't take this as bragging, because it's not. I love singing, especially with my family. I'm thankful that God has given me this ability to praise Him and bring glory to His name! I can't even tell you how much I have missed singing while being pregnant. The oxygen just simply hasn't been there. I look forward to being able to sing again soon :)

~Coffee. Okay, I have listed the REALLY important things in my life to be thankful for. Now to list the important, but not as important as those above :p, things in life. I love coffee, and just about everything to do with it. Except for "Seattle's Best" - it's nasty. Sorry. Just sayin'. Baby Boy does not seem to care much for coffee though, except for Starbuck's =D Yes, we have started him early =p

Leave me a comment with a 1 or 2 (or more :]) things that you are thankful for :)

I am now caught up =) Let's see if I can stay caught up, even through a very busy weekend :)

2011-11-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

weeks!!!!!

We are 3/4's of the way there!! Woo hoo!! :)

The Doctor says Baby Boy is growing right on schedule. Other than swelling and pain in my feet and legs, everything seems to be going good. He is getting very active, especially when Mama lays down to sleep :P Hubby and I have decided that he will probably come out ornery and not quiet :) Either way, ~~I am~~ we are getting anxious for his arrival :)

In other news....

We are staying very busy with life in general. Between church, church activities, jobs, doctor appointments, birthing classes, and getting everything ready for Baby Brown, our calendars for November & December are filling up fast! We aren't complaining though :) We love the ministries God has called us to work in, and we are enjoying life together :) I really do love being married. :) We are looking forward to the Holidays and all that comes with them :)

The doctor did tell me to stay off of my feet as much as possible...which is NOT easy for me. So I have been getting projects done that have been waiting for me :) They only suffice so long though, so please pray for me that I will obey doctor & hubby's ~~orders~~ admonitions :)

I was going to post 1 thing every day in November that I was thankful for, but as you can see, it hasn't happened. Hopefully beginning Friday I will make this happen :)

My Mama is having carpel tunnel/trigger finger surgery on her left hand tomorrow. Please pray that everything goes well, and that this will fix the serious pain that she has been in for forever now. I know she/we would appreciate it!

:: I've been "pinned" ::

2011-10-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ever heard of a little website called "Pinterest"? Yeah...I had to. I think Valerie had mentioned it on her blog. Other than that I hadn't heard much about it till recently. My sister got hooked...and felt the need to get me hooked :P Okay, so I went and got hooked myself :) But she DID encourage me :) And I'm glad she did! It's incredible the ideas you can find on there! Allow me to share a few favorites I've found so far :)

Is this not a clever idea? Go here to read about it.

I am thinking of doing this in Baby Boy's room...but not exactly sure what I would use it to store. Shoes maybe?? Any ideas????

Pinterest is GREAT for DIY ideas like this!!

It's also great for recipes.

Like this one :)

Take it from me...it is soooooo easy and sooooo yummy!

So go try it out! Consider yourself warned. You WILL get "pinned" too :)

:: Pumpkins ::

2011-10-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am on a major pumpkin kick here lately. I LOVE pumpkin anyway, but even more so this year :)

I have had this burning nearly all day :) It smells so real!

I spent my day...baking, pureeing, and bagging fresh pumpkin :)

Sounds simple, right? I mixed these directions with these.

In theory, it is :)

I got the biggest pumpkins Aldies had :) And they were BIG.

And turned 2 of them into 44 cups of pureed pumpkin :)

I paid 2.50 for each pumpkin.

44 cups of canned pumpkin would have cost me 22.78 at Aldies, and 36.96 at Walmart. That is major savings! I still have one more pumpkin to do, and I can do a ton of baking without worrying about running out :)

I also whipped up some pumpkin pancakes for supper tonight, and am soaking the seeds to roast tomorrow :)

Granted, it wasn't particularly easy. My hands are sore, I lost some blood (don't tell Hubby!), and my feet are killing! me. But I have a great sense of accomplishment tonight :)

Oh and I also whipped up another batch of laundry soap :)

I got this recipe from Ang.

I made our first batch back in April, and I am just now getting low. It's not even gone yet! If I remember correctly, I spent $20.00 to get started, which included the tub seen above and the container I store it in.

This time I spent approximately $11.00! For 7+ months of laundry soap! :) And the best thing is that when Baby Boy comes we won't need to switch or buy expensive specialty soaps. :)

No pumpkin shortage in my house! :D

:: 1 Year ::

2011-10-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

and 1 day, technically :P

1 year ago on October 9, 2010, I married the love of my life. :D

I remember the day going sooooo very fast. I remember it being so much fun too though :) I finally got to kiss him!!!! :D

I don't think I shared very many pictures on here, so here's a few :)

SOOO very happy :D God is so good!

My FAVORITE pic of the most important men in my life :)

I LOVED my dress :) It was perfect!

The BEST friends a girl could ask for :)

I surprised him by singing a song to him :)

Daddy dragging out our first kiss :P

Our 1st kiss ever :D

My lovely ladies with Bev, who personally sewed all the dresses and did an awesome job! :)

And the rest are some of my favorites of just Hubby and I :)

I think I look tired here :p

So thankful for God bringing Mr. Brown into my life! He has totally changed my world and I LOVE him soooo very much! Looking eagerly towards Year #2, and all it holds :)

:: To Daddy ::

2011-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today is my Daddy's birthday :)

I am, unashamedly, one of the biggest Daddy's girls that you will find out there.

I am so proud to call him my Daddy.

I am so proud to call him my Pastor.

I am so proud that my children will have him for a Papaw. I can hardly wait for Baby _____ to be able to experience his Papaw :P

He loves God, his family, his church family, and those around him like no other man I know.

He has such a Pastor's heart. Most will never know all he does for his flock.

I am SOOO thankful that God has seen fit to heal his persistent heart problems.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.

I love you more than you know!

:: You HAVE to make these :D ::

2011-09-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Old Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened

1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze (recipe follows)

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.
FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

~ Yields 36 cookies ~

Notes: I reduced the sugar to 1 c. Plenty sweet. I also doubled the cinnamon, and also added a bit to the glaze. Oh so yummy! I adore cinnamon. I doubled the recipe, and got 36 cookies, so I think mine were a little too thick. :) No complaints from Hubby though!

They are SOOOOO good and sooooo easy. PERFECT for a pumpkin craving :P

ENJOY!!! :D

:: As ordered...er...asked...

2011-09-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

...I am updating!!! :) C & A ;P

Hubby and I are quickly approaching our 1 year anniversary :) So hard to believe! This has been a fast year! An awesome, incredible, fun, sometimes challenging...you get the idea. :) I will save that for a future post :) I said that to say that there were some things that I said I would never do/wouldn't do for a looong time. I have spent the last 354 +/- days eating some serious crow. :P Allow me to list a few :)

1. Have children before our 5 year Anniversary. :D Y'all know that story, and Baby Boy is bouncing around in my tummy as I type :) (Oh, did I mention we're having a boy????!!!! :D)

2. Can food/have a garden. I don't have a garden this year-we are planning a small one for next year. Baker and I also spent some time in the garden. Want to have some fun? Take a 2-yr old into the garden with you and let him pick to his heart's content! :) And I spent more time helping my mother can this year than I have in all previous 29 years of my life. We also have plans to do apples in the next few weeks :)

3. Quit my job. You know that story too. Do I miss it? The job, yes I do sometimes. But only a few of my coworkers :) I am thoroughly enjoying my work in the church office though, and being able to be home more.

4. Use these (points downward) on my husband's head.

See these??? Yup, they are clippers. I "swore" I would never cut my husband's hair. "There are plenty of people who are trained to do that, and I'm more than happy to pay them!" were my words. Up till 3 weeks ago, this remained true. We did pay them. Then one evening Hubby, needing a haircut and no shops being open, approached me with his clippers. With a smile he said "Either I cut my hair, or you do", and turns to walk to the bathroom. Yup, I followed him. I cut his hair. VERY cautiously at first :P By the time we were done, it looked pretty good :) Even if I do say so myself! :D And yes, I was asking myself afterwards why we have been paying someone all this time to do it when it was so easy! :P

5. Enjoy cooking/baking. I have gotten over this quite quick! I especially love to bake. I LOVE when my house smells of homemade bread! I plan to post some recipes of different things I have made/tried :) I am even cooking with fresh onions now! I DO NOT like onions, so this was kind of a big deal :) I've even branched out and used fresh garlic, thanks to the ~~urging~~ encouragement of Ang and Em :)

And ya know what???? My mama said at one time or another that all of these would happen eventually :) Well, all but the haircut one :) But she was the first one I wanted Hubby to show his haircut to! :) Mama's usually are right, aren't they?! :)

P.S. For those of you posting a comment as anonymous, please leave a name so I can at least know who you are :) Thank You!

:: 20 weeks!! ::

2011-08-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

We are half-way there! :) Seems like it's taking awhile for January to get here :P But I am trying not to wish it away either :)

We have been talking about names for either boy or girl :) We both like unusual names. By that I mean names that you don't hear every day. After all, when was the last time you met a Naomi? :) I have only met 1 other Naomi my age, and she was a complete stranger :)

So I have a challenge for my readers. Leave me a comment with your suggestion for a boy name & a girl name. Try to think of different names :) The more ideas the better! :) Old names are good too.

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister :) Love you!

:: From my devotions ::

2011-08-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was reading in Psalms this morning, and my heart was heavy with a few prayer requests. Some of them personal, others for people who are dear to me. I read these 2 chapters and both were a comfort and a blessing to me.

I am so glad that God DOES hear my prayer, and He IS there when my heart is overwhelmed.

No matter what Satan may throw my way, GOD is still there and He is my Refuge.

I am SO thankful for God's mercy! Aren't you?!

I WILL continually praise HIS name for all HE has done for me!

Psalms 61

1 (To the chief Musician upon Neginah, [A Psalm] of David.) Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.
3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given [me] the heritage of those that fear thy name.
6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life: [and] his years as many generations.
7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, [which] may preserve him.
8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Psalm 62

1 (To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.) Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation.
2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.
6 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

I also had the wonderful blessing of crossing an entry off of my prayer list today! My BF had a huge prayer answered, which I will share when the time is appropriate :) God is GOOD!

2011-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

A sweet blogger friend, Jennifer, is due to have her baby very soon. Please pray for her and baby, and her hubby :)

:: Creation Museum ::

2011-08-26T02:37:00.001-07:00

I have been there 2x's now, and both times I have spent the most time in the Ark exhibit. These pictures don't even begin to do it justice. They are also working on an exact, life-size replica of the Ark that is supposed to be done in 2014. We plan to go back :)

They told me not to. So I did :D

Adam & Eve before the Fall. I thought this was a neat picture.

Hopefully this gives you just a small taste of what the museum is about :) You should go :)

:: Young Adult trip to the Creation Museum ::

2011-08-26T02:21:00.000-07:00

In August some of our Young Adult group from church taak a weekend trip to the Creation Museum in KY. We had a great time! If you haven't been, you need to go!

This will be a "people" picture post, and the next post will be pictures of the actual museum. I am posting these at 4:00 in the morning, and have been up since 2:30. So no...they probably won't be in any order :P

So sweet! I rather think Katie enjoyed all the extra attention she got :P

The whole group :P

Em thoroughly enjoyed the swinging bridge :)

The group that left from IL. Katie was already buckled in :)

Katie Rae :) Isn't she the cutest thing?!!!!

A cute, little pantry where we ate breakfast :)

Blair met up with us for the weekend!

:: July ::

2011-08-26T02:06:00.001-07:00

In July Hubby took a group of our men to the S.H.O.O.T. camp at Cedar River Baptist Camp in IA for a few days. He had a blast!. When I asked him what they did, he said "We shot guns, ate great food, shot guns, listened to awesome preaching, ate some more...oh and shot guns!" :)

Mom and I went on a 2 1/2 day shopping trip while Hubby was out shooting his guns :) It was awesome!

Then towards the end of July, Hubby took the Teens out for a full week of camp. SHOOT camp was the first time we had been apart that many days, but Teen camp was even longer. Temps were going to be in the 100's, so Hubby decided he didn't want me going, being pregnant and all.

So I went to Indiana to see Ang for a few days and had a nice, relaxing time. :) I got to see her house all decorated, as well as her sweet in-laws :) I enjoyed going back and forth with her hubby too :P Ang said we were better than tv! She taught me some pointers on cooking too, and sent me back with a spice I hadn't ever heard of (not a huge shocker :P). I have now used it on almost everything. The sad thing is that I had the camera this time, and didn't take 1 picture :/

:: 30th Bday party ::

2011-08-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hubby had a Bday party for my 30th birthday with a flip flop theme :)

The fabulous, yummy cake my wonderful sis made! Isn't it adorable?

Sherry, Amy, Baby Brown and I :)

Hope helping me open gifts :)

Talking with my hands :P Go figure!

:: I will soon miss her ::

2011-08-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

She hasn't left yet, but one day soon she too will move away. For you see, God has set her and her hubby's hearts for the people of Alaska. To see them saved, and grow in God's grace. For this I am oh so happy - I know they are happy to finally know where God wants them to be. Please pray for the Hulett family.

One day soon she won't live 7 miles (if that) from me.

One day soon we will communicate mostly on Skype.

One day soon I won't see her at LEAST 3 times a week.

One day soon I won't be able to text her for a recipe or baby advice.

One day soon she will be in a place far different than me.

One day soon.

So for now I will treasure every minute I get to spend with her and her family. I will hug her every chance I get. Tell her I love her more. Text her as often as I possibly can. Call her every single time I feel like it. Ask every baby & recipe question I can think of as soon as I think it. Enjoy every yard sale and shopping trip with her and Mama. Take as many girl trips as possible. Love on her babies as much as is humanly possible. Look forward to the day she loves on my Baby. Let her hold my Baby as much as she wants. And tell her I love her some more.

There is just no friend like a sister.

Best Friends for life, no matter the miles that seperate us.

:: And her ::

2011-08-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Lord willing she will be home from college soon :)

I miss her.

:: And her ::

2011-08-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

We never have lived close to each other, but she seriously can read my mind. She did it just today. Miles don't mean a thing with friendships.

I miss her.

:: I miss her ::

2011-08-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

She lives in Indiana now, and she is happy. I am SO happy she's happy :)

But I miss her.

LOVE it!

2011-08-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

I just got this maternity skirt

in the mail yesterday from here, and I absolutely LOVE it!

The price was great (I cannot believe how expensive maternity clothes are, especially considering how long you wear them.) After making my skirts last as long as I could, it is SOOO comfortable! :) I can't wait to order a couple more!

They have regular skirts too that are super cute, modest, good quality, and good prices. Check them out!

Look! I'm updating! :P

2011-08-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

I do sincerely apologize for the lack of updates. Life has been very, very busy, and this mama-to-be has very simply just been very, very tired ALL the time. Unfortunately coffee doesn't even taste good right now :/ Which is probably better since I'm only supposed to have 8 oz. a day.

We are doing good :) 18 weeks as of today, and growing by leaps and bounds it seems. :) We have a sonogram on Sept 7th, but so far Daddy-to-be is sticking to his guns about NOT finding out the gender :) Even despite a little persuading from me of late :P We shall see when the time comes :)

I have lots and lots of pictures to share, and a long list of what Hubby and I spent the month of July doing :) When I get those pictures where I can post them, I will. I also want to change the look of my blog sooooo bad. So if anyone has suggestions for free background websites, please share!

For now, thank you for checking in even with the lack of posts :) Time for a nap :)

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-02T14:39:00.001-07:00

Jesus on the 4th of July
by Marilyn Ferguson

We gather ‘round to celebrate
On Independence Day
Pay homage to our country
As the children run and play.

With barbecues and picnics
And fireworks in the air
The flag we own is proudly flown
To show how much we care.

The stars and stripes spell freedom
She waves upon the breeze
While bursts of colors can be seen
Above the towering trees.

This is all quite wonderful
We revel in delight
But God above in divine love
Has brought this day to light.

With just a stroke of liberty
A touch of His great hand
He gave democracy to us
And helped this country stand.

The stripes upon our stately flag
Were touched by His sweet grace
Each star of white that shines so bright
Reflects His loving face.

So as you turn to face the flag
For battles that were fought
Be filled with pride for those who died
And freedoms that were bought.

But don’t forget to thank the One
That gives the bright display
The reason why we paint the sky
On Independence Day

Stolen from my BFF's blog "The Retro Farm Wife"

2011-06-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Happiness is not in circumstances,

it's in the heart

:: Oh and did I mention?? ::

2011-06-14T18:18:00.001-07:00

I ADORE popcorn. REAL popcorn. NOT microwave popcorn. NOT theatre popcorn.

REAl, popped-on-the-stove-with-oil popcorn.

With melted butter. And salt. Lots of salt. :P

Up to last Saturday I could only get this popcorn at Mama's, and it's been awhile.

But NOW I have my OWN popcorn pan!!! I can make popcorn at any time of the day or night!

And for free!!!!!

Woo and Hoo!!! :)

In case you're wondering, and even if you're not :p, Mama's still tastes the best! :D

(And I have NO idea why blogger keeps turning the pic. Sorry!)

:: Garage-saling :) ::

2011-06-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Mama and I went garage-saling last Saturday morning, and had a great time together! Besides some clothes for Katie & Baker and a few clothing items for Hubby and I, here are most of the treasures I found. :)

Paid: $.25 - This unique jar has been filled with coffee beans and taken up residence in my kitchen :) I love it!

Paid: $.25 - It will soon be at home in my living room. I'm a sucker for Americana :)

Paid: $1.00!!! He is in storage for now. :) Something close to this retailed at Hobby Lobby for $35.00 last year!

Paid: $.25 - My Bff told me to watch for these at yard sales, and I obeyed :) Mama got 2 others wreaths, and we plan to decorate them ourselves very soon :)

Paid: $1.00 - Tupperware bowl VERY similar to one I nearly paid $16.50 for the night before. It works great for Hubby's lunches.

Paid: $.13 ea. - The plan is for both to hold faux flowers, one in the bathroom and one in the living room. On 2 conditions - 1 that I can find something like the idea I have in my head, and 2 that I don't decide to use 1 in the kitchen :)

The only thing that was better than finding these treasures was spending the whole morning with my Mama. I love you Mama!

2011-06-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

I got to hear my Baby's heart beat today!!!!

Absolutely. Amazing.

:: My Poor Blog ::

2011-06-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

She has been so neglected :( But things have been exceptionally busy, so I have a good excuse :) I have ideas for posts all the time, but actually getting them to the blog has been a challenge. A challenge I just haven't had time for of late. Things seem to be slowing down the "normal" busy now, so hopefully I will have time to give her more frequent attention.

As of last friday, I am a SAH wife and soon to be mother (still wrapping my head around that last one :p). I am still plenty busy, I just don't have to get up as early in the morning :) I have more time to do my work at the church, and lots more time to experiment with cooking. I also have more time to spend with family and friends, which is awesome. This past Tuesday Em and I and the kids joined Corena and the boys for lunch. We had a great time chatting, as well as playing WII with the boys :) Baker enjoyed wrestling with the big boys :) Corena even sent some wonderful Mint plants home with Em and I so we can have our own fresh mint :)

The pregnancy is going well. Only a couple instances of puking, but tired and nauseous most of the time. We FINALLY get to go to the doctor this coming Monday! Besides having questions for the doctor, I can't wait to see "him"!! Okay, or "her". :P Actually we haven't decided yet if we are going to find out what the sex is - one day we say the surprise would be awesome, the next we think how much easier it would be to know in advance. :) So we shall see where we are when that time comes :) Although if Aunt Angela has a say, she will find out even if we don't :) Which I don't think I would mind, I'm just not sure about her secret-keeping abilities :P

I DO NOT have a green thumb, and honestly I've never had much of a desire to have one ( I DESPISE gardening with a passion!). Till I became the one buying vegetables! Seriously what they charge for peppers and tomatoes is insane! All that to say I am considering different ways of having just a few tomato and green pepper plants. Corena is doing the hay bales this year - yes you put the plants in the hay bales. Really kind of a cool idea. But on a recent trip to Walmart, I saw plants where everything was contained in one pot and all you had to do was water them. No messy "playing" in the dirt, and very little, if any, weed pulling!!! So we shall see :)

We are staying very busy with our church ministries :) God is blessing, and we are enjoying them. July will be a busy time with church camp and our Prophecy conference. Our church family has been a HUGE blessing during this time of grieving for our family. We are so blessed! They show their love to us in so many ways.

In 9 days I will reach the big 3-0! I am not worried about it at all :) Em, on the other hand, has proclaimed me "old" since I am only 10 years from being 40. Gee thanks Em! :)

God is GOOD all the time. ALL the time, God is good!
Keep smiling!

:: We love you, Grandpa ::

2011-06-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we said Good-bye for the final time till heaven to my Grandpa. Ray Anderson Hamock passed away on May 30th around 4:30 in the morning.

He took a turn for the worse the previous Tuesday, and between family members we kept a constant vigil at his bedside till he passed away. We spent many an hour singing Grandpa's favorite songs, and sharing our favorite memories of the man who loved us all dearly and was loved beyond measure. Sunday night before he passed Grandpa's room was full of family and friends. We sang, laughed, talked, cried, and sang some more. We watched Grandpa's chest rise and fall with each difficult breath, wanting so bad to see his suffering end and yet wishing we could help him breathe better. Mom looked at Em and I and said "He won't go while we're all here-he would have loved this". Her words could not have been truer.

Around 10:30 the nurse came in and told us that his heart was beating strong, and that now would be a good time for us to all go home and get some much needed rest. So all but Aunt Sandy went home, expecting to gather again at the Nursing Home in the morning. Mom had not slept in her bed for 3 days, so I was glad to see her go home and try to sleep. Around 5:00 Mom woke me to tell me that Grandpa had passed away, and her and Dad were going to the Nursing Home. Sure enough, he went to heaven in his sleep. Even Aunt Sandy had laid down for a few minutes of rest, and woke to the nurse telling her Grandpa was gone. After that things happened quickly. Mom was Grandpa's POA, and executor of his will and affairs.

The visitation and funeral were hard, but were also a wonderful time of remembering Grandpa and his faith in God, and the impact his life had made on so many. Daddy had the privilege of preaching his Father-in-law's funeral, and Mom and us kids had the privilege of singing. Grandpa loved to hear us kids sing, even before we were any good at all :)

And although it was hard, we were comforted immensely knowing that we will see him again! He is walking streets of gold with a clear mind and a new body! Maybe even walking hand in hand with Grandma, holding Em's babies in their arms. :)

See you soon Grandpa!

Love,
"Noami"

:: BIG news!!!!! ::

2011-05-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile, and for that I apologize. Thank you for still checking back :)

I do have a reason...well a few actually...but the biggest one is this :)

WE ARE EXPECTING!!!!!! :)

We found out 2 weeks ago :) but my parents were out of town and we wanted them to be the first to know :) Or 2nd maybe :P My sister kinda found out first :P

We are sooooooo excited!!! Hubby is over-the-moon, he's so excited :) Baby Brown should be here in later January, but I will give you the official date after we go to the doctor :) They wouldn't see me till I was 8 weeks along.

We are so thankful to God for blessing us with this miracle, and entrusting us with a little life. :) We would appreciate your prayers for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby :) So far not much morning sickness, just lots and lots of nausea. And achiness. Oh...and so far COFEE is the only thing I can specifically pinpoint that makes me sick :( Even the smallest amount.

Updates soon! I will very soon have ALOT more time on my hands :) Till January that is :P

:: Yes I was up :-] ::

2011-04-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful!

But it can't compare to the "Royal Wedding" we will be attending one day as the Bride of Christ!

2011-04-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

:: Busy Busy! ::

2011-04-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

We are going to be busy for the next 2 months...

Revival Services with Evangelist Bill Behrens all this week. Yesterdays messages and Sunday School were great, and we are looking forward to the rest of the week :)

Come See Sunday(Easter) at church. I am hoping to make Breakfast Cupcakes for the Sunrise Service - I saw them made on the food channel :)

Mama and I are going to see CELTIC WOMAN at the Civic Center!! WOO hoo!!! Can't wait!

Mother-Daughter Tea. Instead of a banquet this year, we are doing a Tea. We will be serving Various Hot Teas, and pastries & little sandwiches :) I am making Biscotti for this :)

May brings with it 3 weddings (1 of which I am coordinating), Mother's Day, 3 birthdays, 2 anniversarys, and various church activities. Hubby and I are also taking a long weekend to go to Ohio and spend time with dear friends, as well as family.

Before we know it, June will be here and with it comes Church Camp, my 30th birthday :), and a weekend away that Hubby isn't telling me anything about :P

Somewhere in there we are desperately hoping to sneak away to Chicago to see my BFF and her hubby :)

If you could pray with us concerning a special, somewhat-urgent prayer request, I would appreciate it. Gotta run! More soon, I promise!

:: Giveaway!! ::

2011-04-07T14:45:00.001-07:00

Hop on over to my BFF's SIL's blog, Stella's Apron Strings for this giveaway :) LOVE the apron :)

:: Boston Cream Pie ::

2011-04-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

1 round yellow cake layer (8 or 9 inch)

1 c. cold milk

1 pkg (3.4 oz) Vanilla Flavor Instant pudding & pie filling

1 1/2 c. thawed Cool Whip

1 square Baker's Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

I only had sweetened and it worked great

1 Tbsp. butter

3/4 c. powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. cold milk

Cut cake into 2 layers with serrated knife.

Make sure cake is completely cooled before cutting.

Beat 1 c. milk and pudding mix with wisk for 2 min.

Stir in Cool Whip. Let Stand 5 min.

Stack cake layers on serving plate,

spreading pudding mixture between layers.

Microwave chocolate and butter on HIGH 1 min.

Stir until chocolate is melted.

Add powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp milk: mix well with wisk.

Spread over cake. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Refrigerate leftovers.

I made this for our last church fellowship, and they ate it all :)

It's so yummy, and so easy.

Taken from Kraft Food & Family magazine

:: What we've been up to :) ::

2011-04-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures from the last couple months :) In no particular order...

Hubby and I spent some time with Grandpa at the Nursing Home. He can't remember my name, and he has no clue who Hubby is. But his eyes lit up as soon as he saw me. I love you Grandpa.

The birdhouse one of my Primary Church kids made and brought to me Sunday :) Isn't it sweet? He even gave me a kiss on the cheek :)

I love him :D

"My truck can eat your truck" Her words exactly :)

The BEST Sis and Bro in Law in the world :) Aren't they cute?!

Sweet Katie Bell :) We love her so much!

Supper at Mom and Dad's - my lovely sister - not sure what this is about actually :P

I am getting SOOOO domesticated :P

Hubby and Pastor Doug Rogers, who preached our Missions Conference. We had an awesome time with him!

Pastor Rogers and I are fellow despisers of all things Coconut - except for Mrs. Dickey's Peach Cobbler (pictured above). Oh is it yummy!

Baker, sporting a food-dirty mohawk :P, LOVES his Uncle Chris :)

:: Modesty ::

2011-03-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

You NEED to read this.

I can't remember the last time I have read something this good on Modesty.

Feel free to leave a comment on what YOU thought of it.

:: Baker and Katie ::

2011-03-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Who needs toys when you have Meemee's sandals?! :P He must have played with Mom's sandals for 30 minutes or better

Sweet Katie is a Mama's girl. But she loves Meemee and Aunt Nomi too :P

Pretty Mama, Pretty Katie :)

Don't ya just love my signature?! I know I do :D

Thanks Valerie! :D

2011-03-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Valerie at The Bishop's Wife very sweetly made the signature you see below for me :) and even told me how to have it post automatically! Isn't it cute?!

:: WOO HOO!! ::

2011-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

IT'S

THAT

TIME

AGAIN!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! :D

:: O so full ::

2011-03-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

THIS is how I feel right now. The sickness that has been all around me, but never IN me, finally cornered me. Never have I been more glad that I make sure there are plenty of boxes of Kleenexes around. I'm even picky about which ones I buy.

Puffs.

WITH lotion.

Period.

:: Is she sweet or what?! ::

2011-03-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Katie Bell playing in Aunt Nomi's scarf :D

:: A productive day ::

2011-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

I had such a productive day at home! :)

I got the whole house cleaned except for running the sweeper (still not pushing the back with that-hubby is going to). I even cleaned the shower, which is my very least favorite thing to do. Actually, I DESPISE it. Even worse than cleaning the toilet. Anywho...I made Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins for the teens for S.S. tomorrow. I also made 4 loaves of HOMEMADE Wheat Bread!!! See post below :) It's very yummy, and Hubby proclaimed it "wonderful" :D

Speaking of Hubby, he has been sick since last Friday. Thankfully he seems to be over the worst of it except for a horrible cough that he can't get rid of. Mama has been sick with the same thing, and is now on some prescription cough medicine that makes her dizzy. Please pray they both get feeling better. I have managed so far to keep from getting it.

5 more working days till I am part time! I am SOOOOOOO excited!!! =) I really cannot wait.

This coming Wednesday we start our Faith Promise Missions Conference. Bro. Doug Rogers, a 3rd generation missionary, will be our speaker. We are looking forward to it. This is one of my favorite things on the yearly calendar. I love getting to visit with the missionaries, and hearing their heart for the ministry. :) We also have a Youth Conference on Saturday that Hubby and I are taking our teens too :) We love serving the Lord!

I have been doing some serious blog hopping today too while waiting for my bread to rise and then bake. I love doing that! :) I love seeing how their blogs are set up, and getting ideas for mine :) Hopefully when my BFF is home in March, we are going to work mine over a bit :) She's a genius at that stuff, and now she's married to a comuter geek :) A very nice one, yes :) but a computer nut. I have NO idea if he reads my blog, but he knows I like him :)

Btw...Ang is coming home in March!! I can't wait to see her! Hopefully it won't be long before I can hop the train to Chicago for a weekend :)

Hubby is home from working at the church, so we are going to take some things to Goodwill and look around there a bit. Then we're gonna try to find a movie to rent for tonight :)

Ta Ta for Now :)
~Nom B.~

::I did it!!!!::

2011-02-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

I made homemade wheat bread!

Now for some of you this may not be that big a deal. But if you know me...or have even followed my blog much...you KNOW this is a big deal :)

For me this is God changing my heart, seeing as how I didn't want to be anywhere NEAR the kitchen for longer than it took to eat only 4 months ago.

It tastes scrumptious :) And my house smells WONDERFUL! :)

Couples Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN.

2011-02-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

We had a great time! And while my camera was on my personage the whole time, I didn't remember to take very many pics. Here are a few I did get :)

I'm using chopsticks!!!! And REALLY concentrating :P

Sushi! LOVE it :) Especially the Shrimp Sauce :)

Hubby and I with our "older" married couple. They were married over 30 years :)

Mama & Katie Bell in her Moby

Bro Jim & Sis Karen

Downtown Gatlinburg

From my heart...

2011-02-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest...I've started to write this post 4 different times, and I keep deleting it and starting again. I'm a little worried that someone will take something wrong that I say or judge me for what I say. But here goes anyway :)

**2 weeks ago I gave my notice at the job I have been at since I was 19. I loved my job. I enjoyed my job. I believe God used my job to help me to wait for Mr. Right. I learned so much, and I really enjoyed it. If I wasn't at church or home, I was working. When Hubby walked into my life and turned it upside down :P, I had no desire to quit my job. When we would talk about the future, it was always that I would continue working. That was what I wanted. I loved my job. And children were planned for at least 3 years down the road. Again this is what I wanted. Hubby wanted to wait, just maybe not 3 years :p. Unbeknownst to me, Hubby was praying that if it was God's will for it to be sooner, that He would change my heart.

God has been working overtime in this heart of mine. It happened so gradually, I didn't even realize it was happening. Anyone know what I mean? The first thing I noticed right away was that instead of staying a little longer each night at work, I was ready to go home right at 4. I couldn't wait to get home to my Hubby. I began to enjoy planning meals, trying to make sure that there was variety. Then when I was home with my back, I was home when he got home from work unless I was at the doctor. I liked being home when he got home from work instead of the other way around. Then when I started going back to work...I just didn't want to be there. I couldn't figure it out. Stupid I may be, but it just didn't occur to me. Till gradually God began to show me, and I was willing to listen this time.

I believe that God has a plan in everything that happens. I believe that He allowed the things with my back to happen so that I would HAVE to be at home, and would be able to realize what He's been trying to show me. Granted, it's a hard, painful, and expensive way to learn what God's trying to show you. And SHAME on me for being stubborn and trying to do it my way. We serve such a loving, patient God.

So we have taken it out of our hands as far as when we will have a baby, and placed it in God's. I gave my notice at work, and will be working something part-time till a baby comes. Both were huge steps of faith for us. Things will be tighter without my income. But Hubby AND I believe this is God's will for us, and we are trusting God to meet our needs. We have peace and are excited about what God has in store for us. The devil has already been trying to make things difficult. Our God is bigger though. Already He has been answering prayers and assuring us of our decision.

We would appreciate your prayers. =) And I sincerely hope that you don't think too bad of me. I am after all, a stubborn sinner saved by HIS grace.

Now for some more changes in our lives :)

As of today, Hubby has officially taken on the role of Youth Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church! We are so excited =) We can't wait to see what God will do with our Youth Group! This, as you can imagine, makes us even busier :-) But it's a good busy :)

As of the beginning of January, I am in charge of our Primary Church =) The kids are so much fun, but can be oh so challenging too. :P I have a wonderful Assistant who has the patience of a saint :P, and is a HUGE help.

I am also coordinating a wedding that will take place in May, and the Bride is keeping me hopping! :P

So we have ALOT going on. I am busy up to my eyeballs! :P I can't wait to go part-time working, and that will help alot. :) I look forward to being home when Hubby gets home from work, and being able to get my secretarial responsibilties at church done during the day.

I am so thankful for God working in my heart. And for His patience. And for the patience of one very sweet, loving Hubby :)

Hubby and I are going to a Couples Retreat in TN this next week, and each evening is full till then. So this will probably be it for a couple weeks. Hopefully I will have pictures to post. :)

Happy Valentines Day! :)

~~ A Happy Nom B.~~

Snowed In!

2011-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

So what do you do when you're snowed in?!?!

1. Change your blog template (or try anyway :P)

2. Nap (going to do this after this post)

3. Bake things that you know full well there is only you and Hubby to eat :D

4. Have Hubby arrange the basement (finally! :P)

5. Play Diner Dash (it's so addicting I actually considered downloading it)

6. Best of all - spend time with Hubby! =)

Now for that nap... :P

~~Nom B~~

PS - If anyone can tell me how to make the picture cover that line of red dots at the top, please email me or leave a comment. My patience is done with trying to make it work. But I don't want to give up the polka dots! :P

I love him so much =)

2011-01-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I at the Wedding

Thank you Mrs. L. for the picture :)

A Prayer Request

2011-01-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to do this post for some time, but haven't had peace to do so till now.

This couple means the world to me...and to so many others. I love them more than I can tell you. This is my brother Opey and his wife Renee. They have been married for 12 years. They have not been able to have children, but have a strong desire to raise children for the Lord. After much prayer and research, they have decided to adopt a baby. The cost for adopting a child ranges from $10,000.00 to $42,000.00. A LOT of money to put a baby in a safe, loving, Godly home.

Please pray for them that

1. God would provide the funds,

2. That God would bring along the baby that is for them,

3. That God will be with them and encourage them as they wait for this to happen,

4. That God will use us to be there for them and encourage them.

Renee is baking wonderful cookies and pies and selling them to put money towards the adoption. She is a WONDERFUL cook. If you would like to order something from her, or a list of what she makes, please send me an email at bondo61881 at yahoo dot com. I will put you in touch with her.

And please...we covet your prayers. Our God is a miracle-working God, and He knows the desires of Op and Nee's hearts.

~~ Mrs. B ~~

Finally! =)

2011-01-13T18:05:00.001-08:00

Wow, has life been busy! Of course I now have a hubby to take care of and cook for :) and my own home to take care of. :) Besides everything else, ie. my job, church work, etc. :) Oh, and nursing a hurting back :) NOT that I am complaining. As I told my mama tonight...I love being married. To HIM (see above picture :P)!

Here is a summary of our Christmas season :)

The weekend before Christmas was BUSY! Hubby and I were both in our church Christmas Play :) Hubby had to memorize lines, I just had to sing alot :)

It was fun. We did the play 3 times altogether. The picture above is Hubby in one of his costumes.

Saturday we had our Young Adult Christmas party. We played games, did a white elephant gift exchange, and ate and ate and ate :)

Then on Sunday we left RIGHT after church Sunday morning to drive to Indiana. My BFF married her sweetheart,

and I had the privilege of being her matron-of-honor. =)

We ate at a wonderful restaurant that I don't remember the name of :p, but it was very yummy and I ate salmon :). Hubby had octopus and something else that stunk :p but he loved it! Then we went to a beautiful bed and breakfast where the all the wedding party and guests were staying. The wedding was on Monday, and we had a wonderful time. Ang's new inlaws were very kind and welcoming, and so sweet :) On the way home we hit major snow in Chicago, and a 2 1/2 hour drive took 5 hours to get home. Hubby kept telling me I could sleep, buuuut...there was no way I was sleeping. :P My back survived, but it was protesting majorly by the time we got home.

Tuesday before Christmas we went Christmas Caroling :) We had a great turn out, and so much fun :) It's always great to see the people's faces light up when they see hear us :)

Christmas Eve Hubby and I were both off of work. All the guys on my Dad's side went for breakfast and shooting guns in Mackinaw. Hubby thoroughly enjoyed himself :) Mom, Em, Katie and I went to breakfast together and did our own gift exchange :) And talked for over 3 hours :) We decided we should make it a tradition :) It had started snowing big time, so hubby and I went home to take a nap and relax with plans to come back in to Mom and Dad's for games. By the time we got ready to head out, there was major snow on the roads, and no plow trucks had been out. So we decided to stay home and watch "It's a Wonderful Life". Hubby, believe it or not, had never seen it before. I thought he would fall asleep, but as it turns out...it was me that fell asleep :)

Christmas Day was spent at Mom and Dad's. We made breakfast burritos as soon as everyone got there, and then kept the menu simple for the rest of the day :) We spent the day playing games, opening gifts, and just enjoying being together :) It was a wonderful day. We ended the day by going to the nursing home to sing Christmas carols with Grandpa Hamock. :) I think he enjoyed having all of us there :)

New Year's was spent with our Church Family at our Watch Night Service. =) We spent the night playing games, eating, hearing our Preachers preach, and praying the New Year in. =)

Blogger is being weird, and has drained my patience :D

Ta ta for now :)

Nom*B :)

It's been too long, I know...

2011-01-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry! I can't tell you how many times I have started a post, and then something came up. I will get a post done soon. I promise! =)

~~A busy Mrs. Brown =)~~

2010-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Our First Christmas Tree

2010-12-10T21:48:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's REAL!! =D

It's been a while...

2010-12-10T20:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry! It's been a bit hectic around the Brown home the last few weeks! A good hectic =)

I am finally back to work, although only 4 hours a day at the office. My back is continuing to get better, just a lengthy process. It is very quick to let me know when I have overdone it. So I am doing my best to follow doc's orders and NOT overdo it. Which is hard when you have been confined to a couch and your 4 walls for the majority of a month +. =) Like I said though...my back keeps me in check. If for some reason I don't listen to it, my hubby is there to reinforce =)

Last Saturday I woke up feeling like I could conquer the world =) I felt good. And was I ever ready to get out of the house. That feeling lasted for about 3 hours, and after a few trips in and out of the car, it was completely gone. But before that happened, Hubby and I got to spend some time together out and about. =) It was nice to feel like a "normal" couple, if only for a few hours. We had lunch at a little Cafe called "Camille's". We enjoyed some lovely Tuscan Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese. We made out our Christmas list of who we're buying for, and a budget of sorts. Then we went to the Hallmark Store next door. I got this 'uber cute Countdown to Christmas for $6.00 =)

Then we went to Hobby Lobby in search of a cute Christmas Tree Skirt, which we found but I do not have a picture of. We also needed stocking holders. Aunt Betsy and Uncle Dean got us these super cute stockings with our names embroidered on them for our wedding.

So we needed something cute to hang them on =) These were half off at Hob Lob =D

Aren't they sweet? =)

Then we went to the Goodwill store to meander for a few minutes =) Due to a discussion with my nephew Ryan I was in the mood to find some cheap, cute "winter/Christmas" coffee mugs :) So off I went to that section at Goodwill. I found 5 for my ever expanding collection of coffee mugs at home =) Hubby wanted to know if I was getting rid of 5 that I already had at home. He he he! Of course not! :P Here are 2 of them I found

Aren't they adorable?! Definitely worth the $.39 I spent on them :)

I also really wanted to find a Nativity to put up in our home. We looked at a few sets at Hob Lob, but I really didn't care for them and didn't want to pay $75.00 for a set. Ryan had also mentioned that they found a Nativity set at Goodwill, so I decided to just see if I could find one. I didn't see any at first, but then saw a box kind of shoved back to the back of a bottom shelf. Hubby came over to pull it out for me, and this is what was inside!

A beautiful, like-new Nativity Set for $3.99! I was sooooo excited!

Thank you Lord for the "little" blessings =)
We have a very full schedule for the next 2 weeks =) It will be a fun and blessed time. Please pray that my back continues to heal. I have lots of pictures that I hope to get posted soon, as well as a few posts in mind.

~~Christmas Smiles~~

~~Naomi B.~~

She's Here!

2010-11-26T11:35:00.001-08:00

Katherine Rae Hulett

Born 11/25/10 @ 2:00 pm

9.1 lbs, 21 in.

She is just gorgeous =)

Mama and Katie Rae are doing good, and should be able to come home today. =)

2010-11-25T05:08:00.000-08:00

May we all take the time to thank God for all He has so richly blessed us with.

Hope you have a blessed day with family & friends.

Love,

~~ The Browns ~~

We've been meaning...

2010-11-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

...to get a good picture of us :P I thought it was a good one =) Not only was Ang our photographer for the wedding, or rather the weekend really. But she also came to help decorate for most of the day Thursday, spent the majority of her 30th birthday with us, and also did my makeup for the big day. I can't wait to be her Matron of Honor in Dec! =)

Thanks Ang!

Thanks to Aunt Sandy for the great pic! =)

Isn't she a beaut?!

2010-11-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

This now sits in my kitchen! =D

I really wanted a Kitchenaid Mixer, and I really wanted it in this beautiful "tangerine"color =) Isn't it beautiful?! :P With gift cards, coupons, and a return I spent $15.oo on this, and they delivered it to my door! I LOVE it! The tangerine makes a beautiful bright spot in my kitchen. =)

Now to heal so I can actually use it... :P

~~Smiling from the couch :)~~

Update on The Browns

2010-11-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

We are into our 2nd month of marriage! Big whoop, huh?! :P Actually the 1st month was quite interesting and event-filled. :)

....the Honeymoon was wonderful. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we went to North East Indiana. We were looking for low-key. Neither of us wanted to travel far, or do anything fast-paced or busy. So we stayed at the Springview Bed and Breakfast in Goshen, IN. We loved it! It was set back in the country, and yet had very nice, updated accomodations. The owners just loved it that we were there on our Honeymoon =) We highly recommend it for a weekend getaway. Goshen is only 20 minutes from where our family lived for 9 years when Daddy pastored the Bible Baptist Church, so I know the area pretty well. Em and I spent our main growing up years here, and it has a special place in all of our hearts. It was awesome to take Chris around to different places that have special meaning to me. :) We spent alot of time driving in the car, just talking and enjoying being by ourselves! =) And getting to know each other better. We would be driving along and I'd ask him to stop so I could share something that happened at that particular spot :) We had a ball! Chris also got to go for a ride in a REAL horse and buggy for the first time :) We have some awesome friends from Shipshewana, IN that are Amish ( A group of 15 of them came down for the wedding too!) They took Chris and I on a Buggy Ride, and then we enjoyed a wonderful supper of Hay Stacks with the whole family. :) Chris wasn't sure what to think when I told him what we were having for supper, but he came away stuffed to the brim. And that's saying something for my husband! :P We laughed and talked with them for nearly 4 hours, and had a great time of fun. We also saw a musical at Amish Acres in Nappanee. It was called Plain and Fancy. We both enjoyed it. Unfortunately I didn't take very many pictures at all. We had a wonderful week. =)

...as stated in an earlier post, I managed to mess up my back and hips really good. A herniated disc is extremely painful and needs time to heal. So I have been on the couch for 2 weeks now. And I have 2 more to go. Things are getting better with the help of an awesome chiropractor, but I still can't sit up straight, stand or walk for long, or lift anything. And according to my husband I shan't be lifting much for a long time. I am trying to do as much work as possible from home, and I have gotten a good portion of my Thank You's written :) However, putting my home together has been put on hold. :/ It's driving me nuts! I do not like to stop in the middle of a project! But alas, there isn't much that I can do. So I am trying not to go insane or make my husband go insane either! :) Our wonderful church family has been providing meals, along with cards and prayers. My wonderful Mother has been taking me back and forth to the doctor, as well as making sure that I see something other than the walls of our home :) She's also cleaned, done dishes, and brought suppers knowing that I would feel better just knowing it was done. She's been incredible. I am truly doing my best to stay down and listen to my body.

...Chris has been busy working 12 hour days at work. Which we are thankful for, especially since I am not able to work. He also stays busy helping Dad with things at the church. He went with Dad and the Teen group on a Scavenger Hunt last Saturday, and had a blast.He also helped Dad with a service at the Peoria Rescue Mission. We are presently helping Dad with the Youth Group to give Chris time to get to know them and learn from Dad, then he will take over sometime after the New Year. We are excited about working with the Teens =) Meanwhile we are staying busy with many other Church activities, although mine are limited for the time being. The schedule for December is extremely full.

...and amongst all of this my sister is due to give birth to my 3rd niece any day now! We are so excited to have another girl (we currently have 6 boys and 2 girls :p)! Please pray for her as she is quite uncomfortable most of the time, and VERY ready for Katie Rae to be here =)

...and...my BFF is getting married in Dec!! =) And I was asked to be her Matron of Honor, which I am honored to do. =) I can't wait to get off this couch and be able to help her! =)

So life is staying eventful! Well, actually not very eventful for me at the moment :p I am soooo ready to be off of the couch and feel like I have a life again! But I am trying to remember that everything happens for a reason, and that God has a purpose for it. =)

We do have a prayer request that is somewhat urgent. We would appreciate your prayers. For this and my back :) Thank you!

~~From the Couch :P~~
~~Naomi B.~~

Happy Birthday Mama!

2010-11-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

Today is Mama's __th birthday =)

(If you look in my posts from November 2009 you can get her age :p)

I am SOOOOO very thankful for my mama. She is absolutely incredible.

I love you Mama. I am so thanful that God allowed you to be my Mama. Thank you for all you have done for me in the last 30 years. For me, our family, our church. You are an amazing lady. I look forward to becoming more like you =)

Your daughter,

Nom

I was awake...

2010-11-09T04:15:00.000-08:00

at 2:30 this morning, not able to go back to sleep after my hubby left for work. So I took the chance to work on my mountain of Thank You's that I need to get done. I put in a Christmas cd, and this song was on it.

This song moves me every time I hear it. It's so true...and yet it reminds us of the most selfless thing anyone has done for mankind. Give His only Son for you and for me...

~~Naomi B :)

Observations from...

2010-11-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

~~ God is so faithful.

~~ You really do fall in love more every day.

~~ Marriage really does change a person. Or it has me :P In good ways.

~~ Love has a much different meaning now.

~~ However wonderful and lovely marriage is, there IS still the adjustment phase. :p

~~ It's fun learning to adjust together.

~~ Humor is a MUST.

~~ So is patience.

~~ I love being married.

~~ God does bring opposites together :P and makes them perfect for each other.

~~ I have turned into a candle person overnight. I love for my home to smell "homey".

~~ I have also turned into a seasonal decorator.

~~ I adapted to snoring MUCH faster than I thought I would. ;p

~~ I am WAAAAY more like my mother than I ever thought I was. =P

This is not necessarily a list of things that I DIDN'T know before but know now (okay except maybe the last one :P). It's simply a list of things that have become more real to me in the last month of my life =)

~~Keep Smiling~~

~~Naomi B. :)

See this?!?!

2010-11-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

THIS is a pot of Potato Soup that my Mama, who is the greatest cook of all time :D, called "Totally Awesome". =) It was a collaboration between Chris and I, but he did most of it considering I am couch-ridden. I peeled and cubed the potatoes from the couch, laying down :p. AFTER he washed them, seeing as how I CANNOT stand the feel of the "dust" on the potatoes. It's right up there with touching flour =P

ANYwho...our first try at making Potato Soup was a smashing success. It was sooo yummy! And with only 2 of us, we ate on it for 3 days :P

~~Smiling from the couch :P~~

~~Naomi B.~~

I admit...

2010-11-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

I was tempted to just skip to a winter background on here. =P But then I would be doing what so many people do...skip right over Thanksgiving. And we (I) have so very much to be thankful for.

I am especially looking forward to this Thanksgiving with my hubby =)

I need to ask for your prayers. I have messed up my back and hips something awful. At the moment I cannot sit up at all unless absolutely needful (aka trips to the doctor, bathroom, etc.) It is an extreme amount of pain to do so, and constant pain when laying down. So I have been off of work for 2 days now, and am visiting the chiropractor 2x's a day. He tells me that I am really messed up, but that he can help me. I have a bulging, inflamed, swollen disc in my lower back that seems to be the culprit. We are doing treatments through friday, and if it's not better by then he wants me to have an MRI to see if it's more severe than he originally thought.

Please pray that healing will come soon, and that I won't go stir crazy in the process. God has put me on my back for some reason. He apparently thought I needed to slow down. Which is totally against my nature. And only 3 1/2 weeks into our marriage, my poor hubby is having to do just about everything. On top of taking care of me. He DOES NOT complain at all, and constantly tells me to take it easy and tells me he loves me. It's a hard thing for both of us that there isn't really anything either one of us can do for me.

God is in control, and I am doing my best to trust Him. As my wonderful sweet husband keeps gently reminding me.

~~Smiling through the pain~~
~~Naomi B.~~

Please be patient :P

2010-11-02T13:42:00.001-07:00

Currently under construction =D

I LOVE...

2010-10-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

I LOVE...my husband. So very, very, very much =)

I LOVE...being married =)

I LOVE...just spending time with my husband doing absolutely nothing.

I LOVE...that our Honeymoon was nice and simple and relaxing. We got to spend lots of time just getting to know each other. =) After all, isn't that what honeymoons are about? :p

I LOVE...taking care of my husband and home. Yes it is quite overwhelming at times with working a full time job and my church responsibilities too. But I am loving it. =) The cooking I could do without...but it's growing on me :p

I LOVE...knowing that he's waiting at home for me after work. Because of our work schedules, he gets home about 45 minutes before me. He also leaves about 3 hours before I get up :p

I LOVE...kissing him and being kissed =D

I LOVE...making him happy.

I LOVE...that he makes me laugh. Oftentimes at his own expense :p, but who am I to pass up an opportunity? :p

I LOVE...My Man =)

2010-10-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

So very happily married =)

To Daddy & Mama

2010-10-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

I will ALWAYS be your little girl

I will ALWAYS need you

I will ALWAYS love you

Nom

Just a quickie =)

2010-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

I know I have been horrible about posting, and for those of you who faithfully check my blog...thank you for coming back :) Hopefully you understand with all that has been going on in our lives =) I plan to post more after the wedding and honeymoon. There will be lots to share then =) I am also ready to revamp the blog again :p

One week from this very moment, we will be taking pictures of the girls before my wedding! =) That's the plan =) Kinda surreal to think about honestly. But I am soooo ready to marry my Prince Charming. A week off of work is a wonderful added bonus =P

Almost everything is done, except the last minute things of course. Everthing has come together great. Not without a few bumps for sure, but that's to be expected =) I will never ever be able to thank or repay everyone for all the help, encouragement, and love they have showered on Chris and I and my family. We are so very grateful for the people God has placed in our lives =) I am so thankful for God and His amazing grace and provision.

This will be my last post till after the wedding. Pray for us that God will be honored and glorified through everything. And that all will keep "falling into place". =)

~~Keep Smiling~~
~~Naomi R~~

Work Shower pics =)

2010-09-20T15:44:00.001-07:00

"Work Shower =)"

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Family Shower Pictures

2010-09-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

"Family Shower =)"

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This says it all...

2010-09-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

We are now at 32 days till the wedding. While yes I am excited, I am also stressing. And unlike in the picture above...I have lost my appetite. The idea of eating seems to make my stomach hurt even worse than it already is.

There is soooo much going on, and sooooo much to do. And yes I know that it will all get done. And I also understand that what doesn't get done YOU and every other wedding attendee will never know about. Can you tell I have been told that a few times lately? =P

Oddly enough...that isn't much help to me at the moment. =p

I said all of that...not to complain. I said all of that to ask for your prayers. God has answered so many prayers and provided in so many ways, and I know He will continue to do so. =) Buuuut...I still need your prayers. Please. =)

Thank You =)

~~Still Smiling~~

~~Naomi R.~~

I know I have said it before...

2010-08-30T19:28:00.001-07:00

...and I am afraid I am saying it again. Life has been busy!

GREAT NEWS!!!! Daddy went to see his electrophysiologist today. He has been in sinus rythm for over 6 months and has been released by his Chicago doctors! Woo hoo!! Praise the Lord! He will stay in touch with a cardiologist here in Peoria, and the Chicago doctors told him to keep their number handy in case he needed them. Such a great group of people at Leyola Hospital in Chicago. We are very thankful for their excellent care of Daddy. =) Thank you Lord for your watch care over Daddy =)

As you can see by my ticker, we are getting ever so close to W-day! =) I am ready for it to be here! Well...not physically ready... =P We still have much to get done in the next 5 1/2 weeks. It is all coming together very well though. I have the best friends in the world. They are so willing to help and be a blessing =) But...what I would do without my Mama and my sister, I do not know. Yes I do - I would go insane! I am having trouble finding the words right now (shocker!) to explain. So just trust me when I say I would NOT be able to do it without them. =)

September is jam packed full of activities, for the wedding and not! 4 showers, 3 in IL. and 1 in OH. Evangelist Brian Sharp will be at our church for the day next Sunday. Really looking forward to hearing him for the 1st time. I still need to get my stuff from here at home out to our house. The kitchen is set up as far as the utensils we have so far. I just need to put the decorations up on the walls. Chris painted the living room and hallway, and it looks spiffy! Now it's ready for my furniture...as soon as we find time to get it out there =) And for my Americana decorations...again as soon as Mama and I find time to get out there =) And there is the matter of those pew decorations we are making... And that's not the half of it! It'll all get done. At least everyone assures me it will =)

Today is Op's Bday =) I don't think he reads this =P I hope he had a GREAT day. =) I love him so much. He's a GREAT brother and friend. This is the first picture I could find =)

Tomorrow is my Bestest Bestie in the whole world's birthday! My little sis turns 27. I love her so very much. =) Have a great day chik =)

Signing off for now =)

Keep smiling! =)

~~Naomi R.~~

Ladies Trip Pictures =) Enjoy!

2010-08-30T19:18:00.001-07:00

"Ladies Shipshewana Trip 2010"

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I have been busy...

2010-08-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

and now I'm leaving!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!!!!

That's right! Our Ladies Shipshewana Shopping trip is this weekend. And as you can tell, I am soooo excited! I am ready for a break! A break from work, wedding work, stress...from everything!!! =) We always have sooo much fun, so much food, and so much fellowship. I can hardly wait for the laughing. For the devotions with 15 women studying God's Word and sharing from their hearts. For finding that special purchase. For the beautiful, peaceful rooms in the Bed & Breakfast. For the lovely, scrumptious breakfasts. For the wonderful fellowship that comes with spending time with God's children-your family.

The Lord has truly blessed each trip in the past-each year they get better and better. And I can hardly wait to find out what He has in store for this one.

And I can't wait to RELAX!!!!!! I am banning the word "wedding", and any all associated words starting tomorrow at 1pm. =) It will be there when I return on Tuesday =P

Have a great weekend! I shall hopefully have many pictures to share. If you'd like to see pictures from our last trip, go to September 2008 in my archives. I believe they are there. =)

Keep Smiling!!
~~Naomi~~

Pictures from my 1st shower =)

2010-08-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful church ladies threw a Bridal shower for me =)

I love my beautiful Mama

Em, Mama, and I

I love my Sister, Best friend for life, confidant, encourager, rock.

My beautiful cake made by my talented sis =)

Matron of Honor~Bride~Mother of the Bride~Bridesmaid

Enjoying a scrumptious spread by our ladies =)

R.Palmer - a bridesmaid =)

Bev - Beautiful Dress maker and irreplacable friend

Lovely, awesome friend Julie - isn't her hair beautiful?! =)

Opening gifts =)

Maid of Honor~Bride's Personal Assistant

Beautiful Deann and Beautiful Hope =)

Dear dear friend - L.Hackney

Lovely coffee decorations =)

We had a great time. We cried, we laughed, we prayed, we thanked God. We got a ton of beautiful things for our home. LOTS of coffee stuff =)

Thank you so very, very much to everyone.

We have keys =)

2010-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight Chris and I received keys to the home we are renting! =) Very exciting, and a tad scary at the same time. =p God has blessed us with allowing us to rent a home instead of an apartment =) It truly was the Lord that opened this door. God is so good! I am very excited to be able to set up our home before the wedding instead of when we get home =) I will post pictures soon =)

We are planning to rent for a year, and then see where the Lord directs =)

In other news...

Dad spent another couple days in the hospital. He was losing blood again, but thankfully he got to the hospital before it got too bad. He has been in sinus rythm for 6 months now, Praise the Lord!, and so they took him off of his coumadin. The doctors believe this may have been the reason he was bleeding. Hopefully he will be able to come off of his other medications very soon. We are just very thankful that he is doing better, and home =)

Tomorrow is my first shower! =) Our wonderful church ladies are throwing a shower for me. Hopefully I will have lots of pictures to share. =) The best thing of all is that we can just take everything right out to the house =) I'm looking forward to a fun time =)

My kitchen theme is coffee (go figure :p), and on our trip this past weekend Mom and I found blue material with coffee beans all over it!!!! I was soooo excited =) She is going to make a curtain for my kitchen window, and then placemats and napkins to match. =) The walls of the kitchen are brown, so it will match perfectly with my coffee theme. =) Yay! =)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God has been working on my faith of late, or lack thereof I guess. I am such a comfort zone person, and so many things are happening that are pushing me OUT of my comfort zone. Good things, but still...new things. I am so thankful that God is so patient with me. I'm so thankful that when I give a burden to Him and then take it back, He's right there waiting for me to give it to Him again. It's the LEAVING it with Him part that takes the faith. Even though I KNOW He is in control, I still want to take it back. He is slowly but surely helping me to give it to Him and LEAVE it there.

And along the way He sends just the people I need to help me. People who love me and pray for me and let me cry my eyes out. Then hug me and gently remind me "God is in control".

I'm so glad He is.

I am one loved and blessed chik.

Thank you Lord.

Keep Smiling!

~~NKMR~~

A Must Read

2010-07-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Under the tab "Blogs I Visit" there is a blog called "Journal for Women". I would highly recommend you go read her post "The High Way and the Low Road".

I cannot begin to tell you how I needed to read that. I am sure it will be encouraging and convicting to you too.

I finally figured it out!!!

2010-07-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

I cannot tell you how long it took me to get the tabs at the top right! =P And it totally kept me from getting wedding stuff done! But the longer I tried with no success, the more determined I was to figure it out. =)

Ya know...after October 9th or so =P

You should check out of some of the blogs on my blog list though =) Especially "Miss A Photography". This is my awesome BFF who is taking our wedding pictures. =)

Keep smiling!
~NKMR~

2010-07-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

Yup! Em and Phil are having a girl!! Yay!! They (we :P) are sooooo excited. Her name will be Katherine Rae, after her Meemee, Aunt Nomi, and her Mommy =D How cool is that?!?! =P Mom and I are having to REALLY resist buying girl clothes and such! =) We have to focus on the wedding till October 10th, then it's katie-bar-the-door! =P

Kate (as she will be called :p) is due to be here November 25th =) Please pray that Em's pregnancy goes well, and good health for baby and Mama. =)

Wedding Music

2010-07-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say....today was a bit surreal. This morning Mom and I went to the home of my childhood piano teacher. She has graciously agreed to play for our wedding. This is a dream-come-true for me. Mrs. R playing for my wedding has been on my planned-for-forever wedding list. =) We moved away nearly 16 years ago, so I didn't know if this would necessarily happen =)

As I sat and listened to her play different selections so I could choose from them, it hit me, again :p, that this is really happening!! I am getting married!! Call it silly, if ya like. For me though it truly felt surreal. Just one more thing on the list =) It was incredible to sit and think about all that's happening in the next few months.

And I took a minute to thank the Lord for all HE has done for me, for us. When we pray together at night, Chris and I both can't thank Him enough for providing so much for us. We never want to take for granted that God brought us together, and He is taking care of us.

And in 77 days we are getting married!!!!! =D

=(

2010-07-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Remember our "puppy"? Mylaeka is a full-blood Great Dane that we brought home about 4 years ago. She was just 2 years old in this picture.

About 3 weeks ago we noticed a lump on her leg that seemed to keep getting bigger. We also noticed that she had begun to favor it, and took forever going down the stairs. Daddy took her to the vet, and he informed us that Mylaeka has bone cancer =( For now we are giving her aspirin 2 times a day, but we will probably have to put her down.

Mylaeka has become a member of our family, so we were saddened to hear this. She is great with the kids, and we have loved all 7 of our Great Danes. =) They may be big, but they are just big babies =)

Pictures!

2010-07-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Warning: These are not in any order =)

My 29th Birthday cake - Yummy Angel Food cake :)

The girls at work made my birthday very special =)

Trey, Nick, Ryan and Aud drying out on the new tire swing :) It was a HUGE hit

Enjoying the slip-n-slide. I had to keep reminding all the boys to be gentle with Aud :p

Derek spent more time belly-laughing in the pool =)

Grace, Audrey, and Trevor

Papaw and Audrey enjoying the yummy chocolate fountain :)

Present time!

Tearing into his cake =)

Sorry but I could not get this to flip. This is the cake Meemee made for Baker's 1st Birthday :) This was his tear-into cake :p

And this is the coool cake Baker's mama made for him =)

Steph and I - 1 of a bunch of pics =P

Our Baker man! =) He looks so little here and this is only from May.

Em, Mom and I - M&D Banquet 2010

Hopefully I won't let the pics get so far behind next time! There were many, many that I didn't post.

LOVE this quote =)

2010-07-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

They call me "Mrs. Brown" now

He's here!

:: A Pinterest Recipe ::

:: Slight Rambling ::

:: Happy Birthday to My Man ::

:: Homemade Soap Giveaway ::

:: Bass Pro Shop Scavenger Hunt ::

:: Baby Shower for Buster/Boaz ::

:: Thankful 22 ::

:: Thankful 20 & 21 ::

:: Thankful~19 ::

:: Thankful ::

:: I've been "pinned" ::

:: Pumpkins ::

:: 1 Year ::

:: To Daddy ::

:: You HAVE to make these :D ::

:: As ordered...er...asked...

:: 20 weeks!! ::

:: From my devotions ::

:: Creation Museum ::

:: Young Adult trip to the Creation Museum ::

:: July ::

:: 30th Bday party ::

:: I will soon miss her ::

:: And her ::

:: And her ::

:: I miss her ::

LOVE it!

Look! I'm updating! :P

Happy Independence Day!

:: Oh and did I mention?? ::

:: Garage-saling :) ::

:: My Poor Blog ::

:: We love you, Grandpa ::

:: BIG news!!!!! ::

:: Yes I was up :-] ::

:: Busy Busy! ::

:: Giveaway!! ::

:: Boston Cream Pie ::

:: What we've been up to :) ::

:: Modesty ::

:: Baker and Katie ::

Thanks Valerie! :D

:: WOO HOO!! ::

:: O so full ::

:: Is she sweet or what?! ::

:: A productive day ::

::I did it!!!!::

Couples Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN.

From my heart...

Snowed In!

I love him so much =)

A Prayer Request

Finally! =)

It's been too long, I know...

~~Our First Christmas Tree~~

It's been a while...

She's Here!

We've been meaning...

Isn't she a beaut?!

Update on The Browns

Happy Birthday Mama!

I was awake...

Observations from...

See this?!?!

I admit...

Please be patient :P

I LOVE...

To Daddy & Mama

Just a quickie =)

Work Shower pics =)

Family Shower Pictures

This says it all...

I know I have said it before...

Ladies Trip Pictures =) Enjoy!

I have been busy...

Pictures from my 1st shower =)

We have keys =)

A Must Read

Our First Christmas Tree