Goodbye 2011

Hello 2012. I am looking forward to what God has in store for us in the coming new year! To recap 2011...

• We were still adjusting to having a new baby in the house.
• Experienced teenage mood swings, and still are.
• Moved back to SE Edmond to keep Davis in Cimarron.
• I went back to teaching in the fall.
• My mom moved back to New Mexico.
• Davis and I traveled to Honduras for mission work.
• Made it 6+ months w/o a TV in the living room. Only one small one in our bedroom.
• Lost our sweet dog Lucky to a hit and run :(
• David started third year at Beam's Industries

I am sure there are many other's but for now this is what I have.  Looking forward to a blessed year in 2012!

Honduras Mission Trip 2011

Arriving at the Tegucigalpa airport 7/9/11

This was the breeze way of our motel, it had beautiful foliage, including my favorite Bird's of Paradise just outside our door.

This is the front of our hotel that was staffed with an armed guard at all times.  Notice the street, most of them are like this, with all modes of transportation, even four wheelers are used to get around the area.

This is the health clinic at Predisan, we also attended church here.

Here is just one of many pictures of some of the guys setting poles on the ropes course that we built.

The outdoor hallway of Cerepa, the treatment center where we built the ropes course.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, city of 3 million

And here is our mission team!

Davis and I had the opportunity to join a CR mission effort in Honduras.  We had a wonderful time! Everything fell in place and the team was awesome. It was said on many occasions that "God wanted this trip to happen!"  We are so blessed to have been able to be a part of it.
While in Honduras we spent most of the week in Catacamas, a 4 hour drive from Tegucigalpa.  We helped construct a low element ropes course in the mornings at the treatment center Cerepa.  In the afternoons and evenings we trained several Hondurans on how to do CR in their community.  The worship time was awesome and the response was great!!! We averaged about 30-40 in attendance.  
Although, it was a long time away from David and the girls, I am thankful I was able to share this experience with Davis. 
Please pray that their new CR program will be a success!

Life changes...

So, I know I have been terrible at blogging the past year. I want to make an effort to keep it up, so here I go... again.

This last year has gone by so fast! Camille is almost one, which is soooo hard to believe.  I worked this last year from home doing medical transcription, which was a huge blessing and I loved doing it.  Since I was on the computer much of the day, I really didn't have it in me to keep my blog up.  Not to mention I want to spend time with my family.  Well, unfortunately I need to bring in more money to help support my family, therefore I am returning to teaching in August.  I am grateful that I was able to be home the first year of Camille's life.  I thank God for that. I also thank him for providing me with a job that has childcare at the school. How great is that?! She will be in a small childcare class on MY hall! A blessing that I never expected in my wildest dreams.  He is good at that.  I forgot to mention I will be working as a co-teacher (Special Education) at Del City High school. I am really excited! 


In addition to keeping up with a one year old, I am amused daily by my sensitive and dramatic almost six year old, and almost teenage son, standing at 5'10, might I had.  Life is never dull at the Brown house.  In my next post I will give a recap of our Honduras mission trip!

My sister, please pray for her...

Happy Birthday Kimmy! Cheesecake Factory 2009, Disneyland

I have three half sisters that live in California.  We have the same father. This is Kim the youngest of the three.  She is fighting for her life.  This was the summer of 2009 in California, the last time I saw her.  Since then she has had several surgeries on her legs for blood clots.  Three weeks ago she had one leg amputated above the knee due to this terrible cardiovascular disease that she has.  She found out last week that they will also have to take the other leg when her body is stable.  Since learning that news she has suffered a second heart attack.  Tomorrow she will be having a bypass surgery that is somewhat experimental... they will be using a vein from her arm.  She needs all the prayers she can get.  Just when she was starting to accept the amputation the heart issues increased. She has been very distraught these last few days, fearing she is going to die.  Kim is a fighter and full of life! I pray that her little body will be able to withstand this surgery and that God will intervene and surprise HER and all of her doctors.  Thank you for your prayers!

New OKbites blog!!!

Well, I made the effort to start this NEW BLOG sooooo come on over and check it out! Happy eating and exploring Oklahoma!

Baby steps...

So for the last few months I have disappeared from the blogworld, although I have managed to keep reading several every few days or so.  Life around the Brown house had been somewhat eventful and we have endured many changes. Since I spend a few hours a day at the computer transcribing it is hard to bring myself to blog.  I have missed it. I want to keep doing it.  Here is an effort to get back at it.  I am even considering a new blog reviewing restaurants in the OKC area... stay tuned for that one... that would require eating out more, which I enjoy, but not so sure the hubs will go for that one. Perhaps I could have guest reviewers???

Recent events...

Father daughter tea 2011

Enjoying a day at the park
Camille 7m

Mean girl's

So, there is a lot of talk about bullying these day's. Bullying is a terrible feeling. I have been bullied as a child and sadly a few times as an adult in the work place. I have made an effort to talk to my children about bullying.  I realize it most likely will happen at some point in their lives.  I can honestly say early experiences of bullying have shaped me in to who I am today.  I developed unnecessary fears, a poor self image, self doubt, and low self esteem due to bullying.  I have thought of several of the instances over the years, however, couldn't put my finger on it until recently.  I was bullied.

 As a mother of 2 girl's I pray that they NEVER have to endure some of the situations I encountered.  One specific example would be in 7th grade.  I was new to a school.  A small Christian school at that. Perfect target. My only friend's when starting there were boy's. Not good. The girl's at this school had attended for several years and already had their groups established. I was not about to be included. It was quite obvious.  I can remember purposely not being invited to a birthday party that pretty much every other girl was invited to.  To make matter's worse several mom's found out and attempted to include me.  At this point I was not about to attend.  Although they had good intentions I knew it was out of pity.  Needless to say I stopped attending that school by Christmas, and eventually moved back to my home state of California to finish middle school.  Long story short we returned in 9th grade.  Only with God on my side did I have the courage to go back to the same school, with the same girl's.  I was blessed with a new friend on the first day and we became inseparable for the rest of our high school year's.  The same girl's were actually nicer, more mature, and more accepting.  I often wonder if they had/have any idea how that impacted me?  For years I doubted and avoided relationships due to this one experience.  Praise God I finally believed that others were including me because they actually DID want me there, it was not just out of pity.

As I have matured I have learned that these experiences have shaped me in to who I am, even though it was "the end of the world" while I was going through it. I also know it broke my mother's heart! I am dreading these days for my daughter's, and of course my son.  To my surprise he has mostly mentioned a girl that he thinks is a bully... even to the boy's.  I have also tried to make sure he is not the one bullying.

I believe that some people may be getting irritated with all the talk and media coverage regarding bullying.  I believe it is necessary and so important. It's about time!!!

Mostly what I am trying to convey is that we as parents should be probing and making sure our children are not being bullied.  If we feel like they might be it is important not to minimize it.  I promise it can have long lasting effects.

Next stop... Amish Cheese House!

Over Fall break our family spent a few days at a resort at Grand Lake.  We were able to enjoy the hot tub and the kids loved having a few cable channels, since we do not have cable at home.  My 12 year old would have preferred to watch T.V. the entire time we were there.  Sorry, no can do.  Since there really wasn't much to do I had a grand idea! "Let's drive over to Chouteau to the Amish Cheese House to their anniversary celebration!" Davis was not thrilled, David was unbiased and Sophie was siding with Davis.  I was a little worried because it poured down rain the entire 45 min. drive.  I had no idea what we were going to experience.  I was really worried that it was gong to be a big flop.  Much to my surprise, several other people had the same idea.  I was so happy to see the parking lot full.  We were able to enjoy sandwiches w/ homemade bread, homemade chicken noodle soup, and homemade ice cream.  We also got to ride in a horse drawn Amish buggy because the ran stopped for about 30 minutes.  It was a great experience for the whole family.  We even read a small book about the differences between the Amish and Mennonite's.  There were several of both around the store/restaurant working or shopping.  One neat thing I learned about was the different families that will welcome you in to their home for a traditional Amish dinner.  I can't wait to go back and do this one.  If you get a chance stop by the Chouteau Amish Cheese House!

What does it mean to live simple?

This is such a broad topic! The first thing that comes to mind is simplifying my home. Less stuff to be exact.  Less clutter. Being a good steward of money.  Making use of what we can. Minimizing waste.  Yes, it borders on the movement of  "Being Green".  I believe it is important to be mindful of all the things I've listed.

But before all of these things I have learned that "living simple" can, if I choose, afford me the opportunity and privilege to lead a more Christ centered life.  I am guilty of always rushing around, especially rushing my kids. That is not simple.  I have been working really hard to minimize distractions or in my eyes "living simply" so that I can praise God, pray, study the Bible, and share these things with my family.  I have had to remind myself that: my children do not have to be involved in a sport each season, it is OK to make a mess... a big mess to do a craft with my daughter,  I should sit to nurse instead of trying to multitask and wash dishes while doing so, it's OK to take a nap, the laundry can wait- as long as we have clean underwear :) , and the list can go on.  Letting go of these things or better yet succumbing to some of them has helped me to have a clearer mind.  So for me "living simple" means not over commiting, learning to say no, and consuming and buying less therefore I have less to take care of.  It takes effort! 

What does it mean to you to "live simple"?

Out of the mouth of babes...

At the Dr. office:
Sophie to nurse, refferring to Camille... "she realizes you from when you gave her her shots". (thankfully Camille was in a great mood when this was said)

Sophie to Dr. Mickey... "you took forever" (in reality it was about 3-4 minutes wait time)

Camille: big explosion in pants
Sophie: "Mom was that you?"
Me: "um no, Camille just filled her pants"
Sophie to friend, and a few other parents around: " I wasn't sure because some times she says it's Camille, when it was really her".
Me: Speechless, and I can't believe I just wrote that!

Davis: "two 7th grade girls like me"
Me: " how do you know that?"
Davis: " because they always want to sit by me on the bus"
Me: "do you like either of them?"
Davis: "no"
Me: "why"
Davis: "because they are in 7th grade"
Me: a sigh of relief! and many other mixed emotions!

Davis: " I talked to Mrs. McBride tonight"
Me: "Really, about what?"
Davis: "she asked me if I was a soph. or a jr."
Me: "what!, did you tell her you just turned 12?"
Davis: "she said, "are you kidding me!?"

Sophie: "do I have to marry my first boyfriend?"
Me: " most likely you will not"
Sophie: "how will I know who I am going to marry?, how did you know dad was who you wanted to marry?"
Me thinking: she is only 5, I am not ready for this!!!

And sadly....
Sophie: "she gets all of the attention, everyone thinks she is so cute, I don't like being the big sister"
Me: "oh, honey... you are adorable too, and you can do so many neat things that you are going to be able to teach her. We love you so much"
Sophie: "I just didn't know she would be this cute."
Me: Confused and heartbroken. Any advice is welcome. We're trying our best to make her feel special and not 2nd best. I am grateful she is able to articulate how she feels even though it's a bit heartbreaking.

Life has been a whirlwind...

You would think this was my first baby! There are many things happening a the Brown house... new baby, house for sale= keeping it clean for showings, working as a medical transcriptionist from home, and keeping up with a 5yo. and 12 yo. I am content. I am happy. I wouldn't have it any other way.

One thing I am blessed to be doing each week is attending a Bible study at church on Wednesdays.  I have always wanted to be able to do this.  The study is on "Becoming a Woman of Simplicity".  I have been so encouraged by the verses and illustrations on how God wants us to live simply, more mentally than anything, so that we can make time for him.  Oh how I needed this reminder.  What I am learning is that it is all about BALANCE... and how do I get that??? I pray for discernment.  I need guidance as to what I will say "yes" to and as of late motivation to keep my priorities in order.  The women in my study have been a tremendous blessing too! I only knew a couple of them when it started, and that was only as acquaintances. I have loved getting to know new women and hearing their experiences of living simple.

I hope to be more actively blogging. I love knowing that highlights of my life are being recorded for a future keepsake. Looking back on past blogs has been a treat. I really had forgotten several things that I had written about.

Here are a few photos of the kiddos~ they grow so fast!

Sophie w/ Camille @ 2 months

Our Davis turned 12!!! This face explains it all.

Thanks to encouragement from Elizabeth,  Sophie now loves soccer!

The girls at the Pumpkin Patch!

Cousins 5 days apart are now 12 yo.

Camille

Proud siblings

Maybe she'll find her thumb like big sister???

Proud dad!!!

One of my favorites

Camille is here!!!

We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of Camille Kathyren!  She was born last night, August 2nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm. She weighs 6 lbs. 13oz and is 20 in. long. She has a head full of brown hair. She is so precious. So far she is such a content little girl. She arrived in only 4 pushes! She was screaming as soon as she entered this world and was rooting w/in minutes! I was laughing and smiling from ear to ear during the pushing phase. I can't say that I behaved this way w/ my other 2 births. I was so full of joy! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy. We are so blessed!

Pregnancy pics

My great friend Jeri came over today and took these pics. I am so grateful! I failed to take many pics during my other 2 pregnancies. I really wanted to this time. We had a great time! Thanks Jeri!

The hands of Sophie, Davis, and I

Tidbits about me

1. How often do you go over the speed limit? Very rarely, i was pulled over 3 times in the last year.... only 1 ticket.

2. Do you dance like crazy when no one is looking? No... but I sing like crazy.

3. If you were going to be stuck on a desert island which book, movie, and which CD would you take with you?  Redeeming Love, Sabrina, Norah Jones

4. What did you get in trouble for as a kid? talking in class, talking back, interrupting my mom on the phone, later... skipping school.

5. What really gives you the creeps? pedophiles, spiders

6. What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? Claire Abby, my Cabbage Patch doll, a hand held Pac-Man game, my radio/tape player

7. You run into a friend while shopping. Where were you? Target or thrift store

8. When you fall asleep are you usually on your side, stomach, or back?side while preggo, stomach otherwise

9. If fat or calorie intake were not an issue, what food would you consume the most? McD's french fries, pizza, chocolate cake, ice cream

10. If you could hire one of the following, which would it be: Driver, chef, maid, or stylist? maid

11. What movie have you watched the most? Sabrina and Steel Magnolia's

12. What perfume do you wear? Eternity

13. What was your favorite sitcom growing up? Little House on the Prairie, Brady Bunch, Roseanne (don't judge)

14. What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh? I was being covered w/ vaseline chest down to bottom of tummy, then wrapped with saran wrap all while naked... again don't judge..... then draped w/ casting strips to make a belly cast of my last pregnancy. Sophie and Moni my SIL got a real kick out of it! Sophie kept saying, "mom, it's just us don't be shy", I plan to post a pic after it's decorated!

15. What was the very first concert I ever attended? Clint Black & Alabama

16. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list? my mom

17. How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings? these days 30 min. or less, hope it's not to obvious

18. When is the last time you went to the mall and what did you buy? March or April to buy a maternity belt

19. Ever go to camp? LOVE camp! Sierra Bible Camp in Ca., and Camp Yamhill in Oregon

20. Do you collect anything? books and cookbooks

Random thoughts Thursday...

• I have already gone to bed once and have already woken up w/ Sciatic nerve pain, swelling, and what I think one may call restless leg syndrome. I hope I am not in for a long night! I barely have energy to write but it helps to pass time while my leg calms down.
• Today was a rough day with Sophie, she wore me out... from back talking, meltdowns, and attempts to manipulate time and time again I was ready to call it a night... however she stalled the whole process for about an hour and a half. She did finally top it off with the mother of all excuses, "mom I can't sleep because my back tickles and I think I should practice my sight words".  I smiled as I once again walked her back to her bedroom for the last time. *I do believe her shinanigans that she pulled today were brought on in part by pain and discomfort brought on by her broken arm. I am hopeful that today will be better.
• I am definitely in nesting mode, mostly in my head, which is very nerve racking. I still have several musts to do before this baby arrives in about 3 weeks... or less.
• I love you BofA, today I am purchasing a van, however, the deposit I made 2 days ago had a hold placed on it until tomorrow, therefore I was going to have to tell the seller of the van to wait 1 more day... needless to say I called customer service and they lifted the hold. I am so grateful! so make sure you don't make large deposits at an ATM or your funds may be tied up.
• Found out this week that I have a moderate case of scoliosis. This explains all the back and sciatic issues I have been having. Since I am pregnant I can't have an x-ray to determine the extent.  I am anxious to learn what I will be able to do to find some relief.  Last night was rough! I told David that I can now see how people can become addicted to pain medications when they are dealing with chronic pain. Anyone who suffers from chronic pain my heart is aching for you!
• I've had to apologize to my kids more than once for being so grumpy, and thats an understatement, Sophie informed me that I was grumpy before I was pregnant, then followed it with asking what grumpy meant, thank goodness! My feelings were saved from being crushed.
• Tomorrow Sophie will be getting a cast on her left arm for a buckle fracture. She is not happy about it.
• Spent to much on school supplies for Davis today, and I used coupons and shopped 2 sales! 
• I learned that I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced today. I knew I felt different. I did not dilate with either of my other two so I was excited about this. I hope I go on my own, however, we did schedule an induction for August 2nd, so there is now an end in sight!
• This post was compiled over a 24 hour period! 

Well it's about time....

I posted some pics of me pregnant! I have been putting it off and putting it off! So tonight my dear Sophie took some photos of me. My hair is a mess and I have on the worst shirt. But here it goes... I had to document this sometime, somewhere. While she was snapping away I mentioned how bad I looked and she reminded me, " no you don't mom, your toes are so pretty that I painted."
Perhaps before I have this baby I will get some decent pics... until then this will have to do.

35 weeks

Reading!!!

Tonight Sophie had a very difficult time going to sleep.  After making her lay in bed for 45 minutes, I caved. I realized she had napped really late today and like anyone else really could not fall asleep yet. So, since there is hardly anything appropriate on TV we resorted to reading, as we often do.  She chose a Bob Book we got at the library this week.  We have tried reading several times, but not too much pressure. Well tonight she read the whole book! With very little help! I was so excited. It is such a joy to watch children grow and learn! I am so glad I caved tonight.

Our 24 family Ways

  A few years ago when I started researching home-schooling I discovered the Clarkson family.  They have a ministry for Educating the Wholehearted Child.  I just love their materials!  I ordered the book Our 24 Family Ways, which is a series of devotions based around their 24 ways in which to instill Christian values in their children and family.
 Well, we used the book for awhile, then put it away for awhile.  We strive to have a devotion after/during dinner. Lately we have been using Meal Time Moments.  Tonight I got Our 24 Family Ways out.  I remembered they had a Way centered around choosing to be gracious even when we don't feel like it. Lately in our family this is something we have struggled with, therefore we started here.  The first lesson was great! There are 4 more to follow.  Sophie is our accountability girl, she makes sure we continue our devotions, I love that about her.  Davis had some very great points tonight, emphasizing that one who is wise is also mature.  The first lesson happened to emphasize worldly wisdom verses Godly wisdom.
  So, as I mentioned above the topic of home-schooling. We will be home-schooling Sophie in the fall.  One might ask... but why? There are many reasons...that will be in another post.  We are excited for the fall! More on that to come.  Davis will not be home-schooled, he is in no way interested at this point.
  If you are interested in the Clarkson's materials I believe you have to purchase them online or order them through Mardels.
  Have a blessed day!!!