the brown famile

Tree Construction Coordinator

2011-11-25T11:47:00.001-05:00

Cora love to tell people what to do, I guess the ornament doesn't fall far from the Christmas tree

lunch with the birthday girl at school

2011-08-23T11:22:00.001-04:00

Birthday Boy

2011-08-04T08:17:00.001-04:00

Cohen is 3 today!

cohen's first trip to waffle house.

2011-06-12T20:09:00.001-04:00

Our Star Performer

2011-04-13T20:41:00.000-04:00

Cora sang in church tonight. The church kids are participating in a talent competition on Saturday, and tonight was the warmup. Baby Brother wanted to get up and sing too, so he fell too pieces when she started without him.

Name That Meal

2011-03-24T09:41:00.001-04:00

See if you can guess what Cohen was eating that made him so messy.

Cohen: "Mommy, is that a bullfrog in your diaper?" Gotta love two-year olds! #morningrumble #quoteoftheday

Birthdays and Butterflies

2011-03-15T21:05:00.001-04:00

Today marks another year of my life completed, a little fuller than those past. I am 36 years old today. Is that old? I haven't decided yet.

So, I spent the day with my best friend in the world, my hubby! (Cora spent the night with YaYa and PaPa and Cohen hung out with Mrs.Ellen all day.) We did some shopping and headed to Big River Grill for lunch. YUM, LOVE IT! After lunch and more shopping, I picked up my favorite little boy in the world from day care and we all headed to the older Browns' for birthday steak and CAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!!

Much spoiling continued as I opened presents from Patsy and Preston and my beautiful little Cora. Preston and Patsy gave me a beautiful necklace, much like one my friend Arlene wears that I'd been admiring. Its silver with a small coin and one behind it which is a little larger. The small coin has Cohen's name on it and the larger says Cora. Two little birthstone charms dangle in the center.

I think hand-picked presents from children are the BEST of all. Cora gave me two home-made Easter magnets, an Easter cannister (to be filled with candy for her, I'm sure is its intention) and BEST PRESENT EVER?? A BUTTERFLY CATCHER! Its a bamboo rod, about 2 feet long, with a pink net on the end of it. YaYa told me Cora had picked out several presents for me at the store, but when she saw this 'butterfly catcher', as Cora calls it, she OOOHED and AAAAHED over it and INSISTED it was the perfect present for me. When I had arrived at YaYa's, Cora took me straight to the sun room to show me her gift and tried to get me to guess what the wrapped 'butterfly catcher' was. She was VERY PROUD and I was VERY THANKFUL that she insisted on only the BEST for Mommy. I'm sure it will be a topic of conversation for MANY years to come.

By the way, can anyone tell me some uses for my butterfly catcher or know of a place where one can catch many butterflies?

THANKS EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY! And thank you, Cora Sophia (or Cora Sofunny as we like to say) for my perfect butterfly catcher!

sliding

2011-02-12T11:47:00.001-05:00

donut love pt.2

2011-01-29T08:08:00.001-05:00

donut love pt.1

Snow Day Pics

2011-01-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

double rainbow

2011-01-07T17:32:00.001-05:00

we just saw this over the mall. I may or may not have cried a little.

Christmas Gifts from India

2011-01-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Granny and Grandpa spent Christmas in india and brought us some gifts.

Cohen Sings Christmas Classics

2010-12-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

Christmas Cowboy

2010-11-26T20:55:00.001-05:00

Cohen is ready to saddle up and ride.

I like this pig

2010-11-23T20:28:00.001-05:00

Tonight the kids and I were watching a new video (new to us) about an animal teaching kids prayers for each letter of the alphabet. It was very sesame street-esque. Well, as we watched the main character, Cora talked about how much she liked him. She said things like "I like this pig." "I like that he's the color purple." "He's a nice pig." Finally, I couldn't take it any longer and said "Cora, he's an Aardvark."
"Well, he's a good pig."

A 4-year-old's Christmas prayer

2010-11-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

Today we have been cleaning house and talking about getting our home ready for Christmas. We read a story and talked about Jesus' birth and about Mary and "Joefoss" (courtesy of Cohen). Since I mentioned Christmas, Cora has been saying "Let's get our Christmas tree out and put it up." I explained to her that we needed to wait for Daddy because Christmas time is special to him, too. I didn't see what was coming next. Cora said "Mommy, did you know some children don't have homes to celebrate Christmas in? Isn't that sad? We need to pray that Jesus will give them a family that they can celebrate Christmas with and a home to put up a Christmas tree."

"Cora, that sounds like a good idea. Why don't you pray for them?"
So, she bowed her head and said "Dear Jesus, please help the little children who don't have homes to get a home and a mommy and daddy to love them. And help them to celebrate Christmas. And help them to be respectful and help them put up a Christmas tree. In Jesus name I pray Amen."

A child will be born to us

2010-11-18T20:46:00.001-05:00

Cora and the other preschoolers at our church are learning some of the scripture about Jesus birth to recite in the Christmas program. We were practicing the first couple of lines the other night and I think Cora got a little confused. "A child will be born to us. A Son will be given to us....Mommy, are you going to have another baby?" She was convinced the rest of the night that she was going to have another little brother or sister. I think she still is expecting to have another sibling...We're not.

Away in A Manger Cora-style

2010-11-08T19:45:00.001-05:00

Tonight, the kids and I read some Christmas stories. Yes, I know Thanksgivin' (Cora calls it that) isn't here yet, but I'm ready for Christmas anyway. So, we read a couple of stories about Jesus' birth and then Cora serenaded us with "Away in a Manger." She sang the first verse beautifully and then added a tag that was a little different...

"The cows were there to see the baby,

And the sheep,

And Bob, too.

The shepherds and the angel were there to see the baby,

And Mary,

And Joseph,

And Bob, too."

Can you guess what style of Christmas story we read tonight?

Halloween Pics

2010-10-31T21:25:00.002-04:00

What was that again?

2010-10-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

Earlier, Cora and I were in Wal Mart (Heather, we almost took a picture for ya---ask me later) and Cora saw something that caught her eye. She pointed up and said "Look, Mommy, its a ----- (and proceeded to say a word I didn't expect her to know and never want to hear from her mouth again.) I looked to see what she was pointing at as I tried to compose myself. She said it again "its a -----" and a few people looked and giggled. I was mortified but had the shock giggles, too. I quickly walked her away from where we were and explained that she shouldn't say what she'd been saying. She had no idea she was actually cussing and only thought she was saying a word she already knew, in a funny way by replacing the beginning sound. When she realized it was inappropriate, she stopped.

I can easily say I know she didn't hear that word from me and know that she was saying it innocently, but I do have to keep a guard on my lips around her and it is not always easy. Once when she was tiny, I was driving somewhere and another driver wasn't paying attention and pulled out in front of me. I yelled "Crazy lady!" and from the back seat a tiny voice piped up "Cady lady!" I knew then how quickly children pick up words from us and how closely they watch us. In our home, butt, crap, stupid and shoot are cuss words. My kids know not to say these words. Today was a flashing light to me that I must continue to guard MY mouth and be careful of what I listen to because young ears are listening. I beg you to do the same.

'Hear Somefin! '

2010-10-09T21:15:00.000-04:00

While we don't live in the center of New York City, we have quite a few sounds that surround our home in the evening. Neighbors' dogs barking, redneck neighbors revving their engines at 11p.m., occasional party crowds, train whistles, and because we live close to an expressway, sirens (police, fire engines, and ambulances).

Cohen tickles me whenever he hears something unusual to his routine. Suddenly his eyes get really wide, his mouth drops open and he says "Hear somefin!" Then, we wait quietly as he tries to recognize what's making the sound. The other night this happened. The sound was a fire engine, or police car most likely. He looked surprised for a minute and said "Fire engine!" and then completely regained his usual composure and plainly stated "Its on tivo'd".

Just in case you didn't see it on facebook

2010-10-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

The quote of the day in our house is actually scripture---although Cora tweaked it a little bit.
Tonight she sang "Romans 16:19 says 'Be accident at what is good. Be innocent of Egypt'". She proceeded to sing a little bit more of it before I lost it saying "and the God of peace will soon crush the station" or maybe it was "spaceship", either way, I'll be teaching her what it REALLY says---The God of peace will soon crush SATAN! underneath His feet!

Actually, after the day we've had, I really needed to hear that verse from her tonight. She has had a very hard day---being quite the sassy, defiant one. My mom says she's testing me to see who's boss. Well, I think its me and she thinks its her but now that I've heard that verse, it's definitely GOD. And she and I are going to be learning what that really means together.

Pancakes

2010-10-01T19:01:00.001-04:00

We had pancakes for supper the other night. Our kids love dip---any kind---so we poured some syrup in ramakins for them to dip them in. As Cohen sat down to dinner, he noticed the ramakin on his plate and immediately picked it up and started drinking the syrup! (Not juice, Cohen! Not juice!)

Really?

2010-09-27T06:42:00.001-04:00

5:45 a.m. Cohen wakes up. "Mommy!" Tiptoes into our room "Mommy!" I jump out of bed and rush out, closing the door,so at least one of us can get some inkling of sleep.

"Go back to bed, Cohen." I steer him toward his room. He stops by the bathroom.

"Can I go potty?"

Really, Cohen? I don't think I can sit in the bathroom and wait 10 minutes for him to possibly not even go.
"Go to bed, Cohen."
More persistent "Can I go pottyyyyyy?"

We go in. I open the linen closet and pull his seat from its hook on the door, place it on the potty, place him on it---oh yes, removed the diaper. He sits for two seconds and pottying ACTUALLY ensues. A few seconds later "Done!"

I lift him off the potty, send him back to his room, grab diaper, put it on him and put him back in bed. "Good night" I tell him as I cover him up and tiptoe back to my own somewhat comfy bed.

10 minutes later
"Mommy!"

I jump out of bed, run out of the room, shut the door and find him in the living room.
"Hear somefin' ."

I don't hear anything.

"Come on, Cohen. It's not time to get up. Let's go back to bed."

I usher him to his room and help him into bed once again.

Lightning McQueen comforter swallows him up and I tiptoe out again, closing the door behind me.

10 minutes later...

"Mommy!"
Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!

"HEAR somefin.."

"Cohen, I don't hear anything. Let's go back to bed."
He stops by the bathroom again.
"Can I go poopy in the potty?"

REALLY???

(I bypassed/vetoed this option. I was 99% positive it wasn't going to happen.)

Back to bed for Cohen. Back to bed for me.

10 minutes later...

We're both up for the day. Sesame Street is on. I'm blogging and about to get ready for work.

Cora sleeps in.

silly faces

2010-09-26T20:14:00.001-04:00

monkeys in a basket

4 year old perspective

2010-09-25T11:40:00.001-04:00

Last night we spent some quality time with the family at the park. The kids played on the playgrounds for awhile and then we took a nice walk along the river. Actually, Cora and Cohen took a nice RUN along the river and Geron and I had a somewhat relaxing walk. As we left the park, we decided to take the long way home and saw the most beautiful harvest moon, a pretty orange shade and it even had a 'face' smiling at us. Geron asked if I knew what made the moon look the way it did. I took astronomy in college and barely passed. I studied hard enough to ace the final only so I could barely get by the full-course with a C. That being said, I don't remember much about why the moon looked orange. Cora piped up from the back seat, though, on why the moon was high in the sky and I thought it was too cute not to post.

"When the sun goes down and the trees get black, that when the moon goes high up in the sky." (Being a bit artistic, I love the way she noticed that the trees look black in the moonlight.)

Introspective

2010-09-21T19:19:00.001-04:00

I debated whether posting this as it incriminates oneself, but if I must, I must.

Last night, Cohen was playing in the floor of the living room. One was on the way to the bathroom with a bit of an upset stomach. One let out a brief, yet resonant sound from one's bottom as one passed said child. In an instant, Cohen, still playing, said "I smell gas." One preceded to the bathroom and erupted into laughter.

The Art of Conversation

2010-09-21T19:13:00.002-04:00

Coffee Talk with Cohen, this a.m.:

Cohen woke up and walked into the living room. First words out of his mouth were

"Can I watch a movie?"

(I know, it shows that I'm not very creative in my morning entertainment for him while I'm trying to get ready for work, but it keeps him quiet while Daddy and Cora catch their few remaining morning z's.) He walked over to the recliner, pointed at it, and asked

"Can I sit on that couch?"

"Wait," I replied "where's my hug?"

He shrugged his shoulders and answered

"I don't know."

I tried again "Can I have a hug?"

He came over, crawled in my lap and gave me a big hug, including pats on the back. (I love that!) Then, I let him slide down and he walked over to the chair again. He turned to me and said

"What's Daddy doing?"

"He's sleeping" I responded.

"Where's Sissy?" he asked.

"She's sleeping, too."

"I sleep in da night" he said. "Where's Cohen?" he asked me.

"Right there" I answered as I pointed at him. He then looked at me, thought for a minute, and asked

"Can I watch a movie...'bout...Veggie Tales?"

He climbed into the recliner, I turned on Dave and the Giant Pickle, and went about my morning routine.

Cohen loves Lydia's shoes

2010-09-21T17:50:00.001-04:00

technically they are wedges.

haircut time

2010-09-17T16:46:00.001-04:00

Unicora

2010-08-28T20:34:00.001-04:00

gotta love bath time

Birthday Blowout

2010-08-18T11:04:00.001-04:00

Buzz! Woody! Jessie! Bull's Eye! Saturday was our big birthday bash for Cohen and Cora. We celebrated their 2nd and 4th birthdays at PlayWorld Down Under, basically a McDonald's Playground on CRACK!! (throw in some pizza). I was surprised and delighted at the great turnout of friends and family we had to party with us. All of Cora's friends from Wet Paint (the preschool class at church) and their siblings and parents, Cohen's nursery friends (minus one good buddy) and their parents, Cora's best friend from down the street and her mom and mimi, plus all of our parents and siblings (minus Uncle Sean), and even Cora's new Pre-K assistant teacher and her husband were there!! And Aunt Becky and Uncle Tom! Needless to say that the party room~which they gave us the biggest one by the way~was overflowing with people and it was fun! Its a good feeling to know how much your kids are loved by so many people, and to know what a strong Christian support system they're going to have as they grow up.

We played hard that day, climbing, sliding, running, yelling, ski -balling (like the new word?)...And ate a ton of cake, designed by Daddy, baked by Bi-Lo with our Favorite Toy Story character's on it. After all the exercise at PWDU, we headed back to the house.

Seeing all the presents in the living room at home felt like Christmas morning! Cora and Cohen had their own huge pile of gifts and couldn't wait to tear into each one of them. Its really hard to keep toddlers from opening presents while you try to write down what each gift is and who its from, especially when grandparents spoil them with a TON of gifts! The reactions on their faces were priceless and it was amusing to see what they really got excited about. Cora insisted that Annie take a picture of one of her birthday cards. Cohen had a fit when he saw Cora riding his new truck. And finding out that Cora's best friend new her so well she bought her the exact thing she wanted without being told----true friendship right there, folks!!

It was a great day and those two awesome kids definitely deserved every bit of it!

Happy Birthday, Cora and Cohen!! Mommy and Daddy love you so much and are so thankful to have you in our lives!

First Day of Pre-K

2010-08-13T11:23:00.002-04:00

Getting Ready To Go

lunchroom

With our buddy Mrs Woody

Pre-K already???

2010-08-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

It's official, I'm a mom! Cora starts preK tomorrow and I am sick to my stomach about it. I don't know if I've ever worried so much in my life! I worry that she'll be scared and cry and not want to stay at school. I worry that there will be children who teach her things that she's too young to know and she won't know how to deal with it. I worry that she still won't be ready for Kindergarten in the fall, but she'll go anyway and have to be held back or be pushed on without being adequately prepared for 1st grade. I don't want her to fail in any way. I don't want her to grow up so fast. I feel like I'm losing part of myself and I can't get it back. She won't even be four until the end of August. What was I thinking enrolling her this year?

Time is not my friend! Was it so long ago that I held my tiny beautiful baby daughter in my arms and told her how much I loved her as she made those precious little squeaks that were only unique to her? Seeing her smile for the first few times and discovering her sweet personality and intrigue with the world around her~those moments can't be recaptured except in the mind. Her first trip to high school youth camp at ten months was also the first showing of teeth in her mouth and the development of crawling. How cute she was crawling, dragging one leg underneath her and trying to walk with the other one at the same time.

I long for the video of her walking barefoot across the stage at church, as she first discovered a microphone and repeated over and over again "Aaaaah....eeeahhh..." was that singing? Eventually we learned "Ee I ee I Oh" though the Oh was more of a "doh" and E I was often reversed. Reading picture books and learning to imitate animal sounds, recognize colors and letters, counting...And then one day she really was singing "Jesus Loves Me this I know" and she DID know and still does. She's added so many new worship songs to her repertoire. How can she not be a vocalist one day? I love to hear her sing "I am a Promise, I am a 'fossivility' I am a promise, with a Capitol P, I am a great big bundle of 'fo-fen-she-ality' !" at the top of her lungs.

And to see her as a big sister. Every older sibling has their moments they want to be left alone or want to play with their own toys. But she really does adore her little brother. She has loved him since the first time she knew he was on the way. She would pat, hug and kiss my tummy and say "hi baby 'Tohen' ". She didn't know what to think when she walked into Mommy's hospital room the day Cohen was born and saw Mommy sitting in the strange bed with all the wires attached to her, but she knew she loved her little brother and wanted to hold him and kiss him and give him high-5's. She still likes to hold him from time to time, even though he's almost as big as her. She loves to wrestle with him, chase him, read with him, sing with him, teach him how to say new words, and occasionally help change his diaper or encourage him to go potty. She knows how to value him and just today brought him a sucker from Walgreen's pharmacy. She teaches him to share by giving her last gummies to him when he runs out because he eats so much faster than her and can't understand why she seems to have gotten more gummies than him.

She calls herself "napkin girl" and is quick to lay the napkins out for meal time, forks, plates, and cups, too, for that matter. She tells us occasionally when she grows up she wants to be a 'cooker', probably like Daddy since he's the better one of the bunch at our house. In the meantime, she serves us plastic fruit and vegetable salad, pours us tea from different sets she owns, and is quick to invite us to 'parties' she's laid out in her room. She's quite the hostess and loves to entertain. I hope this carries on as she grows older.

Cora Sophia is my sunshine. I love to snuggle with her at bedtime as we read fun books like Fancy Nancy, Junie B, Pinkalicious, Bible stories, and so so so many more. We always say goodnight with bedtime prayers, hugs, kisses, and high fives, over and over and over. And we say good morning with hugs, hugs, and more hugs. I hope these qualities will not be squelched, but discovered and appreciated by others. I hope Cora will be friendly to everyone and help kids who don't feel so lovable feel special and know that Jesus loves them, too. I hope she'll listen to her teachers and obey them and even volunteer to help them. I hope she'll be confident and know Mommy and Daddy love her and are so proud of the little young lady she is.

....................................
I love you, Cora! Thank you for being such a precious daughter. You are my special big girl and I am so proud of you. Tomorrow you will start big school. An adventure that will take you very far. In big school you will face so many choices, some good, some bad. I am praying you will know who you are and Who created you. I am praying that you will choose to follow Jesus and trust Him even as you are so very young. He will never fail you and will always love you. Be good, big girl! When I see you tomorrow after school I'm going to give you a HUGE hug and tell you how much I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Cohen and His Gifts

2010-08-04T23:27:00.001-04:00

this boy is way into Toy Story at this point

birthday boy

2010-08-04T08:44:00.001-04:00

today is cohens second birthday

Version 2.0

2010-07-26T18:43:00.001-04:00

Cohen wanted to play too.

Our First Robot

2010-07-26T18:36:00.001-04:00

you gotta love a kid with imagination.

The Prettiest Flowergirl

2010-07-25T22:02:00.001-04:00

Cora had an awesome time today, and after 6 hours the dress is still in good shape

The Flowergirl

2010-07-24T23:44:00.001-04:00

I meant to post earlier, but forgot

Little Gentleman

2010-07-24T19:37:00.001-04:00

at the Maclellan House

goodbye gatlinburg

2010-07-16T10:37:00.001-04:00

the kids had a great time this week.

messy girl

2010-07-15T20:22:00.001-04:00

beautiful morning

2010-07-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

gatlinburg day four

Make Believe

2010-07-07T18:46:00.001-04:00

Cora and I were playing earlier. She had on her Mulan dress and was pretending to be a young wife. Here are some things she told me about herself and her 'friend'.

"I'm married. My husband's name is Pastor Jares."
"Do you have children?"
"No, not yet."
"Do you plan to have children?"
"Yes, we want three."
"Three boys or girls or what?"
"Three girls. My friend Anna has three boys. Her youngest's name is Austin. Her oldest's name is Hi-ho."
"Oh, is he Korean?"
"No, they live in China. We do, too."
"Are you missionaries?"
"We're doctors. We help people have babies."

She just walked into the office with a large wad in her dress. She then dropped it on to the floor.
"Look, its two babies!"

I'm a grandmother!

2010-07-02T17:24:00.001-04:00

cohens new do

Cohen sings

2010-07-01T08:11:00.000-04:00

This morning, Cora is still sleeping in and Cohen is singing up a storm. He woke me up singing "Ring-a-round a rosie, pottet pul duh posie, aaah (Insert proper syllable here because Cohen was NOT saying it in a very nice way) Aaaaaah (again), fah......down!"

Just now he sang the end of the abc's "qrx wx, wx y an' z. Now I said my absoup!"

Crackin' me up this morning he is.

greetings

2010-06-25T20:06:00.000-04:00

We are all still here. We are just very busy!

2010-06-11T18:31:00.001-04:00

cora slides

cohen says cheese

1-2-3- GO FAMILY!

2010-06-03T20:56:00.001-04:00

Lots of teams have their little cheers that they throw their hands in the middle of the circle, stack'em up, and count off "!-2-3-GO [whatever]!" Tonight, Cora was goofing off in her room with us after her bedtime prayers and had us do the hand thing. Then she yelled "SHA NINO!" We then had to do it again, which time she yelled "BA ZING!" How that girl makes us laugh!

10 Years and Counting

2010-05-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

Today makes a decade since we tied the knot. It's been a wonderful ride; bumpy at times; lots of hi's some low's. I wouldn't change any of it. Lydia and I are going to spend the day together and celebrate the blessings we share. She makes me better every day, and I still feel unworthy of her love and devotion. We have been blessed with two beautiful children and are thankful for everything.

Episode 7 "Cohenbacca"

2010-04-21T22:57:00.005-04:00

Geron, as you know, is a huge fan of Star Wars and perhaps, like any fan, hopes to see his children develop the same liking. So, that being said, you can imagine Cohen has a few Star Wars toys, two main ones being a light saber and a Yoda doll. (Yoda to the adult, "Yo-yuh" to Cohen.)

Anyway, tonight, Cohen was playing with the light saber before bed and was headed to get in bed with it. When I attempted to retrieve it, Geron said

"Never separate a Jedi from his light saber."

Cohen crawled into bed and snuggled his light saber (in place of Ernie and Baby George tonight). As we left his room, Geron added "Good night, Jedi Cohen."

(Love you, we do.)

Day One in San Antonio

2010-04-06T17:15:00.002-04:00

This morning we got up and hunted down diaper rash medicine for Cohen, and a belt for daddy. Then we went to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Awesome time had for a drive-thru zoo type thing.

here are our pictures from the day.

incredible pizza company

2010-04-05T19:02:00.002-04:00

please be patient these are movies and make take a few minutes to load.

Sweet kids

2010-03-30T21:21:00.001-04:00

Cora love to hold her brother, and rarely gets to.

sweet kids

2010-03-30T21:08:00.001-04:00

Cora loves to hold her brother, and rarely gets to.

Sweet Moments with my daughter

2010-03-23T13:51:00.001-04:00

This morning I had a rare opportunity to take the kids to day care/preschool. Geron usually drives them since his office is right next door, but today he needed the truck so I took the kids. Little did I know what a special time was in store for me.

On the way to school, Cora asked me "Mommy, did Jesus make dark?"

"Yes," I said," He made the dark and the light and he called the dark 'night' and the light 'day'." "Did Jesus make storms?" she asked.

"Yes, he made storms, too, but we don't have to be afraid of them because He protects us. Cora," I told her, "out of all the things God made, He loves people the most."
"Does Jesus love kids?" she then asked.

"Yes, he does. The Bible tells us that Jesus said "let the little children come to me." Cora, Jesus loves us so much that he did something very special for us." I explained to her how Jesus came as a baby into the world, grew to be a man who showed us how God wants us to live, was treated terribly by people who were jealous of him and ultimately killed him---that he died for us, but he didn't stay dead. On the third day he rose from the dead and lives again. She took it all in and responded this way:

"Mommy, lets sing a song about Jesus."
So we sang "Oh, How I love Jesus."

Even Cohen chimed in with the word "OH".

Many mornings, I rush through the routine of trying to get the kids, and myself ,ready for the day and forget what the whole purpose of the day is---to worship the One who made it. As a mom, my most important role is to teach my children that Jesus loves them. This morning, they were the ones teaching me. Thank you, Cora and Cohen, for our precious moments of worship this morning and thank you, Jesus, for these precious ones who lead me into it.

A New First

2010-03-17T21:22:00.001-04:00

I find it hard to believe that elementary school kids will get in fist fights at school or push each other up against the wall and punch them, but it happens. I remember days like that in high school, and maybe just a tad few in middle school. BUT NEVER in preschool.

Today, we had a first at our house, well it actually happened at preschool. When Geron went to pick the kids up today, a swarm up boys came running at him when he entered Cora's classroom. They were trying to tell him that Cora had been in a fight with another child, a little boy. (Mom, if you comment, don't mention names.) While I'm not sure who started the fight, I do know that both parties have war injuries on their faces. Theirs, apparently, was a scratching fight. Cora's got an inch long scratch under her cheek which is presently covered with a Snow White band aid.

After school, probably the whole way home, Cora and Daddy had a talk about the importance of not fighting, but being kind to friends even when they're not kind to us. AND of the need to tell the teacher right away when someone hurts you instead of taking matters into your own hands. Once home, we cleaned the wound with an antiseptic spray---quite painful for her. Hopefully the remembrance of that spray will stop her from further fights in the future. We then added neosporin and the snow white band aid, which seemed to make everything better.

It was a little embarrassing having to explain at church tonight that the reason Cora had a band aid on her face was because she'd been in a fight at preschool. I also feel a little guilty for finding it amusing in a way. I took a picture for posterity---and future boyfriends. This is one little lady not to mess with.

Kids and stuff

2010-03-14T22:14:00.001-04:00

Our kids continue to amuse us daily. Here are some recent happenings for your blog viewing pleasure.

Cohen...His personality is really starting to shine. He loves to dance to anything with a beat. He can certainly get his groove on. Another past time Cohen enjoys is something we like to call 'nakey time". After his bath, I get him out of the tub, cover him up with a hooded towel and send him running into the living room to play with Geron while I finish Cora's bath. When its time to get dressed after bath time is over, Cohen throws a fit. Without guidance, I could see him easily joining a nudist colony when he's older. Babble has finally transitioned to talking with phrases like "I want juice" (or cheese---little boy after his daddy's heart), "I did it!" "I don't know" and "What's that?" Cohen has also shown signs of fear--but even that amuses us a little because what he's afraid of is a character on Sesame Street. Stinky the Plant, as my friend Dana put it, is a bit temperamental and has quite a gruff voice. For whatever reason, it scares Cohen. He's actually terrified of the thing. So, we've decided to delete those episodes from tiVo.

Cora...She tickles us daily with her view of the world. She has moments of sweetness that warm our hearts like nothing else. She has started praying on her own at bedtime and says some of the dearest things. Tonight she prayed "Dear Jesus, please bless our family. Help us to be kind and loving and to help each other. In Jesus name I pray. Amen." She talks about our friends who recently lost a baby and says "Mommy, Mrs. Chasity's baby is in heaven." Speaking of Heaven, on the way home from church today she was singing a song about going to Heaven. Halfway through she sings "everybody's talking about, everybody's going there Heaven, Heaven--I'm not going to Heaven!" Geron asked "Where are you going?" She answered "Kindergarten!" and then started singing "Oh, I'll go to Kindergarten when I'm five!" We pray that she will go to Heaven, but to her going to Kindergarten first seems to be vital.

Being parents is an amazing adventure. We are blessed with two beautiful children who bless our hearts every day. I don't understand why or how some people could choose to never have children. When I see how Cora and Cohen play together, I sometimes find myself wanting to add even more children to our family. Raising them is a difficult but rewarding role and I thank God for the opportunity to be a mom. I pray that I will be worthy of the calling and that my children will know Him because of who He is in my life.

Becoming a Big Boy

2010-03-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

Big news! Cohen peed in the potty this morning! YEA, big boy!! Mommy's so proud of you!

Musical Collaboration

2010-02-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

quotes of the day

2010-02-22T21:18:00.001-05:00

Today in the car, Cora told the following to Lydia.
"Tucker is a black and white dog. He stinks! He stinks like stunk"

This evening cohen found something at YaYa and Papa's new house, and we heard him say a word we didn't know he knew.

Cohen word: sizzo
actual word: scissors

mmm corn

2010-01-14T17:48:00.001-05:00

Cowboy in Diaper

2010-01-10T22:15:00.001-05:00

Discoveries

2010-01-09T20:50:00.001-05:00

A small discovery occurred in our home this evening...After being sent to bed, Cora waited for me to come read her a story. As I tried to get Cohen to sleep, I heard her calling for me with a bit of concern in her voice. "Mommy?....Mommy?" Geron took over with Cohen and I went to see what Cora needed. When I walked into her room, she was standing beside her bed with one hand behind her back. She looked up at me with eyes full of concern and said "Mommy, I have a hole in my bottom." Trying to stifle my laughter, I took her to the bathroom to wash her hands and attempted to explain the hole's purpose. I had to turn around and bury my face in a towel several times to keep from laughing. Oh the wonders of being three.

miss cora

2010-01-02T12:06:00.001-05:00

daddy's pretty girl

boot scootin' booger

2009-12-29T09:19:00.001-05:00

Grandpa and Granny bought the kids cowboy boots for Christmas. I'll
be posting a diaper pic soon so you caqn get the full effect of the
cuteness.

2009-12-25T09:20:00.001-05:00

"Do not be afraid"

2009-12-24T23:51:00.001-05:00

This morning, I was thinking about the shepherds whom the angel appeared to on the night of Christ's birth. How they were in the field with their sheep, going through their usual routine, keeping watch over their flock by night. And as Linus recites the words from Luke 2 "And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them. And the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were sore afraid." And in simpler terms, as Cora recites from the NIV, the angel said to them "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for ALL the people. (Even you, you poor little shepherds. You who have so little, who work hard and go home to a family that you can barely afford to care for. You who owe the government taxes that you don't have the money to pay and you'll have to give some of your flock for or perhaps even give your children for until you pay off your debt... I bring YOU, shepherds, GOOD news of GREAT JOY. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. A SAVIOR, do you hear me? He is CHRIST THE LORD. He's the one you've waited for, you've anticipated his coming with every fiber of your being. The one the prophets have talked about for centuries----the one God promised to send.. He's here!!! Finally, here! He's just a baby, but He's a king and He's come for you, to save you.

My brother wrote a poem about that night, the first Christmas. Click on his link at the side of our page. It is well worth the read this Christmas.

And in the words of my friend William (our pastor's four year old) Merry Christmas to all, and one for sleeping!

Cora, Cohen and Christmas

2009-12-23T22:02:00.001-05:00

Having lots of fun around here with two little ones at Christmas. Cora is going crazy to open a present and it doesn't even have to be hers. She, Geron and Cohen wrapped a present for me the other day and as soon as I got home, she said "mommy, you want to open your present?" She and Cohen have been given some gifts from friends already and after opening hers, she's stood by on edge trying to keep her composure while Cohen tears at scrap after scrap of paper. Christmas morning will be insane for her, I tell you, and not because of what she's getting. (Though that will certainly play a good part).

So, some updates and funny moments. Sunday morning was the children's Christmas program at church. Cora sang a song with her wet paint class (3 to 5 year olds) called "I'll Give God Me (This Christmas)". Adorable little number:

I"ll give God me this Christmas

Its the best gift I can give

I'll give God me this Christmas

And for Him I will live

I'll give God me this Christmas

From my head down to my toes

I'll give God me this Christmas

Its what He wants the most!

Each little one wore a wrapped box hanging from their shoulders by wide Christmas green ribbon. THey looked so precious! Cora had a special part in the program, too. She memorized most of the announcement that the angel gave to the shepherds in the field the night Jesus was born. She said "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy. It is for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord." I was so proud of her. Both Cohen and Cora were in videos in the program as well. Cora was an angel and Cohen was a sheep. Too cute!

Cohen has been admiring the "balls" on the tree for much of the Christmas season. For such a little guy, he has restrained himself pretty well from pulling ornaments off the tree. At first, it was "Ball! Ball! Ball!" and grabbing them right and left. Quickly he learned not to take the ornaments off the tree or mommy would be upset with him. So,the next thing he did was discover the button to turn the tree lights off and on. He would press his hand on it continually so the lights would flash. He eventually got bored of that and today moved on to something new. It being Geron's birthday, we gave Daddy a present this morning with two bows on it. After Geron unwrapped the present, Cohen took the two bows and put them on the tree. And has also tried to pull bows off the presents already under the tree to put on the tree as well. At what point do I just throw in the towel and say "Okay, Cohen. Go to town. " What do you do with a one year old at Christmas?

Our new favorite tradition involves the kids as well. We have a nativity scene (2, and both are childen's ones. One is even Veggie Tales!) that has a story that goes along with it called "What God Wants for Christmas." Each night of the seven nights leading up to Christmas we open one little box that has a different person from the Christmas story and we read a little story about their role in the first Christmas when Christ was born. Cora and Cohen have both enjoyed taking turns opening the boxes and holding the person or the box while Geron reads the story. At the end of each little story, there's a paragraph that says "What God wants for Christmas is to you a surprise. In box number 7 it is disguised. But-no peeking. Be patient! For this you must wait. Its what you offer him and its really great!" Tomorrow night we will open the last box which contains a mirror. I love this time as much as the kids do, I'd say.

Lastly, I think all the talk of Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus have really gotten to Cora. Tonight, she came over to me and said "Mommy, I need to go to the hospital. " "Why?" I asked her. She said "I'm sick. The baby in my belly needs to come out." Then she went in the other room and came back holding her doll. She said "Do you want to hold my baby? His name is Jesus. And I'm Mary." Yes, I love having little ones at Christmas.

Our New Ornament

2009-12-18T18:29:00.001-05:00

Santa is going to take all of Cohen's pacifiers back to the North Pole for the elves.

the first snowfall

2009-12-05T08:09:00.002-05:00

We were exited to get up this morning and see a little snow. This is kinda first for Cora. No pics of Cohen he was inside with the sniffles. Tried to show her how to do snow angels and snowballs.

Family Trees

2009-12-05T06:46:00.001-05:00

Cora has picked up at there are other names for grandparents than just "Granny" and "YaYa'.

This morning, I asked Cora "Who's your grandmother?"

"Granny!"

"Who's your nana?"
"YaYa!"

"Who's your mamaw?"
"Grandpa!"

Still just a little bit to learn here.

cohen pigs out

2009-11-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

this boy loves rice

christmas cheer

2009-11-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

Cohen loves our christmas tree skirt

Out of the mouths of babes

2009-11-28T07:50:00.001-05:00

Safely for Cora, she is still considered a babe in my book. This morning, after I had just gotten out of bed, I noticed her studying me and she said "Hey, Chewbacca! You're not Chewbacca, are you, Mommy?" (I actually got a good laugh out of that one. Now, If Geron had said that....)

And for the other special words of the day, Cohen, our babbler, is starting to make sense. So far, he hasn't been quite the talker his sister was. He babbles up a storm, but mostly things we don't understand. He said his first word on his birthday and it was "Alligator". I had wondered if he was having some hearing difficulty, but mom said something about his toy alligator and the next thing we heard was "Ali-ga-tor!" I think he babbles in his own language so he can say whatever he wants to say about us without getting in trouble. Or maybe he's figuring out some secret scientific formulas, or speaking Arabic. Anyway, this morning, he had a toy he was trying to get the lid off of and working pretty hard at it. He looked up at me, holding the toy up some and said "OPEN DIS!"

One more story that makes a mommy really proud: Last night, Cora was reading her book "The Stable that Bob Built". Its a Veggie Tale story about the Nativity. She and I have been reading it together at bedtime for the past few nights, but last night she was looking at it in the living room by herself. I heard her pipe "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy!" (The passage goes on to say, and she is learning this part as well: It is for all the people. Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.) Cora turned the page and read/spoke from memory "this is the stable that Bob built. This is the cow that mooed in the stable that Bob built. This the guy who don't know how to milk the cow in the stable that Bob built." She somewhat had it.

Anyway, seeing precious milestones achieved makes mommyhood special!

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:50:00.001-05:00

just a little message to all of you

Geron being Geron

2009-11-24T06:53:00.001-05:00

If you've ever been around Cora when she's acted like a real stinker, than you have seen a glimpse of Geron.

In the early morning hours, when its dark outside, it is practically pitch black inside our house. Often I use my cell phone as a flashlight to maneuver my way through the obstacle course that is known as my bedroom. Wait, people, it's clean. Its just laid out differently and our chocolate dressers have no visible shape in the dark. So, to keep from hitting them, I walk extremely slowly and try to feel my way through the room.

This morning, I woke up and performed my usual routine. I took a shower in our bathroom. Next, I went to the guest bath to get dressed, fix hair, put on makeup, etc. Then, I returned to my bathroom to hang up my towels and finally, I tiptoed out into the blackness of the master bedroom. By this point, I've been through that room about 4 times this morning. As I creep quietly across the floor, past one of the dressers---successfully not bumping it---WHAM! Suddenly I'm clobbered with a pillow! GERON!! Raucous laughter irrupts from the bed and I huff off to the office to post what a stinker my husband is!

I think this may be worse than having ice water dumped over the shower curtain.

Points of Exclamation

2009-11-16T02:09:00.001-05:00

Cora has been making attempts at exclaiming things lately. She picks up phrases here and there and tries to use them in conversation. Here are this weekend's attempts.

"Do You Believe That?"-

Saturday, at a restaurant bathroom, she discovered water covering the floor around the base of the toilet and piped "Mommy, are you believing that?!"

And once again yesterday, in a church restroom, she walked in one stall and saw some leftover "2" that hadn't been flushed. She took one look at the toilet, politely but emphatically said "No", turned around and walked into the next stall. As we were leaving the restroom she asked "Mommy, can you believe in that?!"

A thesaurus's alternate suggestion for "Good grief!" perhaps?-

After church was over tonight, Cora was running around the church and tried to go upstairs to Pastor Matt's office---I imagine she was going for a sucker. Anyhow, William, Pastor Matt's youngest and a year older than Cora, was on the stairs and wouldn't let Cora pass. She told us all about it at dinner. "William wouldn't let me go upstairs to Pastor Matt's office. He was being disrespectful to me. OH CLAMOROUS! He was rude!" (May have even been glamorous, but was amusing whatever the case!)By the way, William, thanks for standing guard. You did the right thing, little man!

sweet kiddos

2009-11-14T20:00:00.001-05:00

getting ready for bed

chow down

2009-11-14T19:08:00.001-05:00

cohen loves his corn

new phone

2009-11-07T08:01:00.001-05:00

so i have been waiting for what has seemed like years for Verizon to put out a decent smartphone. Now i have the droid running on the android operating system. It's pretty cool. I'm actually using it right now to write this. We wll see if it helps me to post more frequently. At least there should be more pictures.

2009-11-06T20:53:00.002-05:00

A sign that you're getting old

2009-11-06T10:56:00.001-05:00

Our youth pastor sends out a parent newsletter with a section called "Learn their Lingo" and it almost always reminds me that I'm getting older because there are often abbreviations or terms used in texting or chatting that I have no idea what they represent. For instance, today I learned what a "last texter" is. Like someone who always has to get the last word in, a last texter is someone who always has to have the last text. I'm probably one of them, for that matter.

So, this post is about a sign that I'm getting old. Here it is. Last night, Cora Sophia was trying to do cartwheels in our living room. We minimized and started attempting somersaults instead. After I gave her a good push, she flipped, stood up and said "You do one, Mommy." Before I could decline, Geron chimed in "Yeah, Mommy, you do one." and he started chanting "Mom-my! Mom-my! Mom-my!" And Cora joined in and was waiting with the most hopeful eyes to see her mommy do a somersault.

I am all for modeling behaviors and what not to help your children learn, but there comes a point where there are just some things one shouldn't do, but should let the child learn by trial and error. A somersault, if you are a parent, is one of those things.

As they continued cheering, I contemplated "Should I do one? The last time I did a cartwheel I saw stars. But a somersault doesn't take as much effort. Surely I could do one of those."

I got down on my knees. I assumed the starting position and felt a little push from the backside. "No, Cora. Let Mommy do it on my own, please. Move aside so I don't kick you." Once the way was clear of all toddlers, I put my head on the floor and flipped. IMMEDIATELY I FELT MY BRAIN DROP FROM MY HEAD, THROUGH MY STOMACH, AND INTO MY LEG. I layed flat on my back on the floor with my eyes closed, silent. After a few moments, I spoke. Once Geron realized I was alive, the laughter broke out. "YAY, MOMMY!" was the cheer from my beautiful (clueless to how much her mommy is crazy about her) little girl. I said "Cora, now you may tell everyone that your mommy has done her last somersault ever." So, she told her daddy. And maybe she'll tell some friends at school today. And in the meantime, I'm telling you. And because I can't do a somersault anymore without my internal organs shifting a foot lower, I have come to the conclusion that I am getting old.

Actually, the fact that I even attempted to do one is probably an early sign of Alzheimer's.

New Pictures of The Kids

2009-11-02T14:46:00.001-05:00

Not a whole lot of smiles here, but O well...

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from geronbrown's posterous

Sweet Compliment

2009-11-01T08:05:00.001-05:00

This morning, Cora was looking at me while she was getting ready and said

"Your eyes are brown, Mommy. I love those. Jesus made your eyes brown."

And when we were in Kentucky recently, we met one of my dad's coworkers. She was a very nice lady named Marla. We talked with her for awhile at the Plum Tree. Later that evening, Cora said
"Marla is nice, Mommy. She loves Jesus. I want to go to her house." Just so you know, Marla didn't mention once that she was a Christian, but she is. Even kids can tell!

Coraisms

2009-10-28T22:53:00.000-04:00

Cora has been cracking me up lately with the things she says. I recently went on a ladies retreat to Gatlinburg with some women from our church. Cora and Cohen stayed home with Daddy for two nights in a row. IN the car the other day, we heard Cora saying "Cohen, say 'Gatlin'. Say 'burger'. Say 'Gatlinburger'." I said "Cora, its actually 'Gatlinburg." She then began questioning me about my trip and asked if I had played games in Gatlinburg. She wanted to know who all had gone on the trip with me. Finally, when she had seemed to have heard enough, she said "Mommy, when I grown up, I'm going to be a mommy, and I'm going to go to Gatlinburg."

Tonight at church someone in our vicinity said something about the sun shining on them. It was 8 oclock and quite dark at the time. Cora piped "There is no sun."

Another something Cora has taken to doing lately, which we all highly enjoy, is making up her own praise songs. She's actually been doing this awhile now. Sometimes she takes bits and pieces of songs and sings them over and over. Like "Blessed be the name...Blessed be the name....Blessed be the name of the Lord." But other times, its entirely her made up song "Jesus Praise. God Holy. Praise. I love Jesus. Sing praise. Holy, etc. etc etc." I guess this comes from listening and observing Geron and the praise team as they rehearse on Sunday mornings.

Speaking of singing, my final cute thing for the day is Cora's latest rendition of Jingle Bells. I don't know if someone has been singing it at school or if she's just remembering it from last Christmas, but lately, Jingle Bells has been one of Cora's favorites. She's just got it a little mixed up...

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Open wide and sleighhhh...."

We get about that far. I've tried to sing with her and refresh her on the actual words. So far, she's having none of it. So, for now, have fun as you open wide and sleigh...and if you figure out how to do whatever that is, let me know.

Cora Sophia

2009-10-10T22:43:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe she was ever like this...

Do you remember when yours were this small?

My Very Favorite Little People

2009-10-07T22:20:00.001-04:00

If you haven't met these two little bundles of sunshine, than you are
missing out!

You, my beautiful Cora and Cohen, brighten my day and fill me with
gladness. I love you so much and am so blessed to be your mommy.

Thank you, God, for my amazing children!

Enchanted Corn Maze

2009-10-03T16:47:00.001-04:00

Today our church had a family outing to the Enchanted Corn Maze below
Rock City. Cora and Cohen really enjoyed it. We only went through
the first phase of the maze, due to a tired toddler and a heavy baby,
but I would definitely do it again.

While the maze was the main attraction, there were plenty of other
activities for the fam. Among the free, were the cow train ride for
the little ones, a hayride around the outside of the maze, a pet maze
(our oldest 'pet' liked that one a lot), and a re-maze, which was a
maze made from recycled materials. We didn't actually go through this
one, but I thought it was a neat idea (and I imagine Jenna could
probably make one of her own from all the recycling she does. :) ).
Face painting, pumpkin painting, and bouncy houses were also available
for small fees, but we didn't partake. Nor did we invest in a funnel
cake---hard to believe, I know---but they were there, too, with nachos
and other yummy fall carnival type foods.

At night, they have a haunted maze, same maze with spooky characters
running around in it. The guy driving our hayride told us that he
dresses up as a zombie at night and never breaks character, and the
hayride actually takes place IN the maze during the evening runs.
They also show horror movies and have a haunted trail. Having seen
Children of the Corn one time too many, the evening festivities did
not sound appealing to me. But if you're one who likes to get their
spook on, you might want to check them out.

We enjoyed just getting to visit with friends and watch the kids have
fun. It was a great way to wear them out for their Saturday afternoon
naps!
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Bring on the flood

2009-09-22T05:17:00.001-04:00

Sunday morning, Pastor Matt shared about a funeral he'd attended over the weekend. Bill Bates lost his mother this past week. He, Bill, spoke at his own mother's funeral and gave testimony to the godly life she'd lived. Well, God used that illustration to begin a work in me. My inner clockworks started spinning and set in motion thoughts of "what will my children remember about me?" And not really what will they remember about me, but will they see Jesus because of what He is doing in my life? Will Geron recall a wife who saught after God's heart in the way she treated him? Will my coworkers know who Jesus is because of how I went about my work?

Tonight/this morning, I was awakened by water. I actually had to go to the bathroom, and perhaps Cohen had cried first and that was what woke me up, but while I was up I HEARD running water. It sounded more like POURING/RUSHING water. I followed the sound to our laundry room. There was definitely water coming from somewhere, but I wasn't quite awake enough to determine what was going on. I was alert enough, however, to get Geron to come check it out. He discovered the hose attached to our washer had busted. Water covered the laundry room floor. Not only that, but there was also a good-sized puddle on the kitchen floor(a step UP from the laundry room).

In our 'flood', I began to thank God. First, for allowing me to wake up and find the problem so that it could be taken care of before it got worse. And then, for showing me that its time for me to 'wake up' in my spiritual life and get on board with what He is doing.

Lately, I have not been able to settle and keep quiet about the Lord. He is flooding my heart with His love for me and I want to let it spill over into my life so that others will see Him and want to know Him, too. There is a lot to be done/changed in me and I've found hope with Christ that it can be so. I think for a long time I have had an unteachable spirit and God is breaking that wall down.

I long for God's discipline because I know in receiving it I am loved by Him. In college, I was part of a campus ministry leadership team. A group of us used sidewalk chalk all over campus to publicize and upcoming event. I don't recall what we'd written at the time, but remember some of it wasn't appropriate. Several members of the crew were called in to the campus minister's office individually and lovingly reprimanded for what had been done. I was not one of them, though I knew the part I'd played in what had taken place. For years it has bothered me that no one called me out on that. Did God not love me enough to discipline me, too? He did! No, I wasn't taken behind closed doors and told of what I'd done wrong. But God convicted my heart just the same. Looking back over my life, God is always faithful to tell me "Lydia, you're in the wrong. This doesn't glorify Me. This isn't part of my plan for your life." Fact is, our campus minister probably recognized that my spirit wasn't ready to be taught. And how I wish I had been. But now, God is doing a work in me and I am hungry for Him.

I definitely find that my selfish desires conflict with my desires to please the Lord. I pray that my love for Jesus will always rule out over my self. I thank God tonight/this morning for loving me so much that I can't settle anymore. I praise Him for being faithful in my life. I thank Him for letting me remember where I've been but more importantly what He has brought me out of and rescued me from. I look forward to what He is going to do!

oops

2009-09-18T20:39:00.001-04:00

Cohen fell and banged his head into the door frame. Instant shiner!

Birthday Number 3 and Walking Take 2

2009-08-25T21:13:00.001-04:00

It's official! Cora Sophia is three years old! And I think she'll be 20 on her next birthday. I think she feels that way about it, anyway. We celebrated this past Saturday at the local park. Beautiful weather, beautiful birthday girl! Close friends and family were able to come party with us. Tons of presents were opened, or I should say unwrapped. Cora got a kitchen from us for her birthday, so most other guests gave her something to go along with it, which means lots and lots of tiny play food and dishes to lose. We opened all that kind of stuff at home. And so far, everyone, she's loved playing with ALL her gifts! She is quite the little 'chef"! And Cora is not the only one who is enjoying the new toys. Baby brother is having a hay day with the electronic kitchen gadgets as well.

I should add that Baby Brother is now WALKING!!! So, he'll be really into Cora's toys and everything else now. Not climbing yet, well, climbing stairs, but we don't have those to worry about in our house. Cohen took his first steps (THAT I GOT TO SEE) tonight at home. Apparently, he's already taken some at day care that Geron told me about tonight. It's killing me, people! Moms are only supposed to know about the first steps WE get to see. Any taken before that moment are null and void.

So, anyway, there are probably some birthday pics to see around this blog somewhere, so please enjoy our three year old's special day pics. By the way, when asked what her favorite thing about the party was, it wasn't the toys or playing with her buddies William and Matthew---whom she wanted to play with instead of open presents. What kind of girl is she??? (Well, they are pretty cute boys, though!) Her favorite thing was the cake!

Ode to 'old' people texts and facebook comments

2009-08-13T04:54:00.001-04:00

Sitting up at 4:47a.m.

Awakened by a wet diaper, but baby slept as I changed him. Cohen did, too. (HA!)

Couldn't get back to sleep because I had something on my mind.

Looked up Titus 2 on internet. It DOES say in the Bible, that older women should teach younger women how to be good homemakers. How did I miss this? I am convicted and pray I'll have the energy to start this MAJOR change. (half-laughing half scared to death)

Going back to bed. Another early day with new kindergarten students tomorrow.

Other: Love the new texting commercial where teens are lecturing their parents about facebook and texting. "Sitting-on-the-patio..." If you know what I'm talking about pretend you think it is as funny as I do.

It is 4:52a.m.

Recorded for Posterity

2009-08-11T20:19:00.002-04:00

Tonight, something monumental occured in our home. Cora watched her
first Star Wars movie with her Daddy. Talk about a bonding moment!
In the beginning, she was just as into it, if not more so, as Geron.

Earlier today we got a catalog with Halloween costumes in it. I think
she may be interested in being Padme Amidala now, "Keen (queen)
Amidala" as she'd say.

We have talked about doing Cohen's room in Star Wars decor after he
graduates from his crib. I'm afraid my girly-girl may want one, too,
after tonight.

birthday boy

2009-08-05T08:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Cohen's first birthday. It's hard to believe that he is growing up so fast. Granny, PawPaw & Yaya were all able to be there for his little party. He didn't quite know what to think of the cake because he was very sleepy by that point. He got lots of fun toys and stuff. Cora had a little difficulty with Cohen getting all of the attention, but we reminded her that her day is coming in just a few weeks.

Here is a link to all of the pictures.

Sometimes You Pray for Your Kids to Be Quiet

2009-08-02T17:44:00.001-04:00

How many parents wish they had just a few moments of peace and quiet? How many have thought "if you'd just be quiet for a day, it would be so nice..." ? The past few months, Cora has gotten in a habit of talking CONSTANTLY and I've sometimes thought "wouldn't it be nice to have a remote that I could mute her with?" But this weekend has changed my thinking on that a little bit.

Cora is sick. She has 'stomatitis', a virus that has caused about 50 blisters to develop in her mouth. She has barely talked for the past three days. Most of her communication has consisted of grunting with her mouth closed. She has refused to eat or drink or take medicine. We have offered every favorite food imaginable to her: Ice cream, popsicles, jello, pudding, milk shakes, slushies, candy---you name it---and she has refused it. That's one way you know she's really sick. She has snuggled with anyone who would hold her, that's the other way you know she's sick. NOT a snuggler, that one.

Being a virus, there is no medication to stop this, it just has to run its course. So, we are praying hard for strength and fast healing. The blisters can last up to two weeks, though.

Today, Cora has eaten a green bean, a few licks of ice cream, and drank about 4 ounces of thawed popsicle. She's actually spoken a bit, too. But she is no where near being the upbeat little girl we all love so much. Oh, we still love her--that didn't sound right. She's just not at all herself. Please pray for her quick healing and pray for us as we do our best to nurture in this time.

Fun with Mr.Potato Head

2009-07-30T08:43:00.001-04:00

Cora and I got pretty creative with Mr. Potato Head the other day.
Notice the pierced tongue and nose. Little Miss has longed to have
her ears pierced, so I put Mrs. P's earrings on her and I think that
nipped it in the rear for awhile. (Those things really pinch!)

Anyway, this morning, Cora waltzed into the living room, hands behind
her back and said "See my butt?" I just laughed and finished packing
the diaper bag. So, she said it again "See my butt?" To entertain
her, I said "Yes, I see it." (Didn't because she was wearing a dress
and she was holding her hands over hiney anyway.) Then, insistent as
she is, she turned her hind side toward me and smiled that huge grin
and said it again. "See my BUTT?" She was holding Mr. Potato Head's
backdoor flap on her bottom!

She cracks me up!

Big Girl Bed

2009-07-28T09:47:00.001-04:00

This was the morning after Cora's first night in her big girl bed.

Zoo Fun

2009-07-16T14:25:00.003-04:00

So Lydia's folks are in town and yesterday we went to the zoo in Knoxville. Everybody had a good time I think. We saw lots of animals even they they were asleep. Cohen loved the river otters immensely; Cora asked a zebra where his mommy was; Granny was highly impressed that the rhino's did number 2 in the exact same spot; Grampa tried to pass himself off as Amish; and Lydia wanted to adopt a baby chimp.