table for ten

Edom Up

2011-07-30T10:24:00.009-05:00

A fair bit ago, we went a blueberry picking with our friends,

Leigh and little Fisher.

And the berries were downright plentiful.

So while we all got busy discussin' and gatherin' and

tryin' to pick the sweetest darkest blue ones,

we occasionally went a grabbin' and tastin'

a red one. Oh my gee willikers.

The temperature, like much of what we've had here of late

was three digits high,

so after some lunch and homemade blueberry pie, a la mode,

we put on our thinking caps

and ventured on over to the more cultured side of town.

Only to find that they were...

So with one last pretty pickin'

we called it a day

in a ever so suitable, small town way.

Golden Opportunities

2011-06-30T17:16:00.007-05:00

Last week we embarked on summer field trip adventure #513 at The Choctaw Cacino. Yes, we are those parents. We did, in fact, consider Chuck E. Cheese but had a hard time distinguishing the difference. Then, the kids reminded us of the enchanting water slide and pool that the folks in Oklahoma so graciously included in their list of activities. I tell you, it is simply irresistible...for all ages. Well, almost all ages. My mom still remains uncertain about the exposure her precious grandchildren lay open to in such an environment. I assured her we consistantly use nothing less than SPF 50, although I don't know that sun damage is necessarily what she was talking about.

So, for YOU, Mom, I have captured a little pictorial documentation of exactally what goes on behind ~~casino~~ cabana doors.

For starters, see below the youngest looking tortured. Or water-logged. Whichever is most settling.

On another note, Maren just saw this shot of Ryan and commented, "You always have a picture of him like that." Turns out, after some research either she's right or Beyonce's "To The Left" is synced with my camera lens.

Moving on, here is the next to youngest loosing ground just in front of the blue lagoon. He may never recover.

Note: Mom - I want to reassure you I'm not talking of the Blue Lagoon flick with Brooke Shields that you didn't allow me to watch without a constant commentary of what was and wasn't right about that blissfully ficticious island situation. Thank you and without your endless love I might not have turned out so well. *wink wink*

But alas it appears that no permanent damage was done to any of the boys.

Now for their sisters, the jury is still out...

The one night stay just didn't allow for enough situations to prove positive of their resilience. I will most likely need about 10-15 years to gather evidence for certainty. For now, you can rest assured we are seizing all Blue Lagoon opportunities. But all bluffing aside, I'm betting on the good.

Thoughts Wanted, Apply Within

2011-06-08T12:40:00.003-05:00

If you knew that right now, Jesus and God were talking about you,

how would that make you feel?

5 Favorites

2011-05-28T00:18:00.003-05:00

The weather in Texas has been typical this spring. Crazy one minute, divine the next. After 40 years, I have officially decided that my all-time favorite day, weather wise is a sunny 69℉ that feels like 52℉ with 50% humidity, 10.0 mile visibility and winds blowing from the WNW at 6mph.

Impressed with my meteorology skills? Don't be. I do however, cut and paste well.

#One
Perfect weather. Ahhhhhhh, bliss.

Wait...go back up.

Did you see the little spider that sat down beside her?
Yeah, about that. Although I do love all God's creatures, spiders are not one of my favorites. Hear ye! Hear ye! I'm not talking regular seat at the local arachnophobic support group just yet, but you do have to admit that they are fairly assuming for their size. Case in point, she didn't spin into my #one favorite day photo with invitation in ~~hand~~ leg. Thank you.

And pansies in May you say? Well, they have done so supremely well this year that I haven't had the heart to rip them from their lush soil digs. But I will soon. Probably right after I spy the newest shipment of New Guinea Impatiens at Callaways, or after my neighbor plants a gorgeous spread in his garden.

Word of the day: Incentive.

#Two
Flowers bring me great cheer, so a lovely bouquet in my home certainly makes the cut. I'll even voice that a vase of fresh flowers is one of, if not the best anti-depressants on the market, with minimal side effects I might add. That is, unless you are an allergy sufferer, and if so hopefully you and the nedi pot are very good friends. We personally, go way back.

#Three
Now take a peek at the mirror that is reflecting the bouquet. That was my Grandmama's. I adored her. She was one of a kind, as is the mirror. When I inherited it, the silver was significantly worn so I took it to the glass and mirror shop for a renewed luster. During the hauling from here to there and there to here we instantly discovered it weighs five trillion pounds which is not one of my favorites but plainly has an established benefit in regard to thieves.

#Four. #Five.
Two delicious choices, not necessarily paired together for tasting, but more for the composition of the photo. Regardless of the poor photo, promise you will try KerryGold Dubliner cheese and Harney and Son's Paris tea if you haven't already. And for whatever reason, if one or the other cannot be found at your local grocery or market, stop by and I'll be more than happy to share because sharing is how favorites are brought to light anyway, right Oprah?

Until we meet again.

Emily's Place

2011-05-24T14:44:00.000-05:00

It was almost a year ago when I ventured away from my natural habitat
and discovered a new, very different surrounding where the doors are always
revolving and the needs are never ending.

As with any unearthed territory, the uncertainty can have it's qualms
but in reality, the differences are not significant at all, inasmuch as it is
similarity that holds the welcome home sign for all of us.

These are some of the
precious kiddos that I have
had the honor of knowing and
loving at the Providence Network.

Being a part of
this non-profit has been
such an amazing blessing.
It is true greatness when
you believe you are
in the right place at the
right time in life.

Unquestionably when
the hors d'oeuvres include
melt-your-heart smiles.

A Sacred Moment in Time

2011-05-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at this very place,

My youngest niece, with the chosen name of Margaret, was baptized.

I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe the beauty of this occasion.

And of her gown.

And of the family.

And additionally things such as my sister's lovely blue eyes.

And the other half of Oldest Son's smile.

And Darling Daughter number two?

Providentially, the Godfather knew just what to say.

He made her an offer she couldn't refuse.

Hello, Ella.

But in the end, it was Maggie who led the way

as we all were found going to the mattresses.

Beautiful day. Beautiful child of God.

The only wealth in this world is children;

more than all the money, power on earth, you are my treasure.

Coast to Coast Housekeeping

2011-05-18T10:48:00.006-05:00

I found a couple of vintage cookbooks while doing some spring cleaning this week.

Recipes from oyster salad to chill pills. Literally. HOUSEKEEPING IN OLD VIRGINIA was originally published in 1879. Such a fun step back in time. For example, a coffee cake recipe calls for one "teacup" of molasses. Can't you just hear it?

"Alice, hand me that Haviland cup and the Blackstrap, please."

Another one of the books titled WEST COAST COOK BOOK happened to be written by Helen Brown, which is my mother-in-law's name.

So interesting, however she never lived in California, Oregon or Washington I don't believe. Hmmm, I'll have to verify that. She did in fact live in Hawaii, in 1941 and was a mere 6 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed. She actually remembers the jolt and watching the nails being jarred from the walls. She remembers her mother gathering their most prized possessions (a fur coat for one) and scurrying Helen and her siblings along while her father kissed them goodbye as they were some of the first to board the boat. Amazing. Can you imagine? I'm sure the only explanation for her mother's presence of mind was the chill pill she obviously took that morning. And afternoon. And evening.

Chill Pills.

Sulph. quinine, two drachms; arsenious acid, one grain; strychnia, one grain; Prussian blue, twenty grains; powered capsicum, one drach. Mix and make sixty pills. Take one pill three times a day. Dr. E.A.C., Housekeeping in Old Virginia, M.C. Tyree, 1879.

Class dismissed.

To Know

2011-05-14T17:30:00.015-05:00

Raising a tribe of children can be challenging. According to Google, with this leading role I mingle the inner circle of Angelina Jolie, Nadya Suleman and primitive body artists.

Good to know.

I also learned this week from my 16 year old that my lack of support as her mother has caused irrefutable damage to her grades, social life and activities. According to her, it may take a lifetime to earn her forgiveness. And in the meantime, I am welcome to buy her a baboosh.

Again, good to know.

As I take all this in, I reflect on the certainty that the earlier years of parenting are far more physically exhausting while the youth and teen years tend to be more of a mental beating. Over time there have been countless occasions when my sanity has been questioned (daily according to my 18 year old) and often I find myself wondering if what I'm laughing at should really be scolded and more importantly if what I'm scolding might be handled better with a good laugh.

Like on Tuesday when my 6 year old called his 12 year old brother a white bitch. During a Wii game. Directly in front of the 6 year old innocent bystander he begged to have over for the afternoon.

And then there was yesterday.

After every possible resource had been tapped, it seemed that my 12 year old was destined to miss the traditional 6th grade father/child river trip. He was such a sad camper. Then older brother got a wiff of the situation and by golly, compassion engulfed him. Before we could say Snidely Whiplash, he rearranged his weekend work schedule, packed his bag and with little brother in tow, was off wearing the latest and greatest surrogate father fishing hat known to man.

And I, the unsupportive-insane-scolding-laughing-now tearing-mom am left knowing...

They are who they are in spite of us.
Which is comforting to all of us.
Thank you, Jesus.

Slow It Down?

2011-05-08T09:15:00.012-05:00

Life is busy. For everyone I know, regardless of what career they have, married or not, children or not or even if the responsibility of a furry little critter defines you, life is busy.

Last month I turned the big 4 0 and literally celebrated all month long. It was lovely and I did enjoy most every minute of it however, at a small cost, or perhaps a little bit bigger than small cost. You see, I am one who always enjoys a good social gathering but I recognize that not all do...or maybe just not quite as much as I do. One being my husband, and while I'm holding the honesty card, actually most of my kids as well. While I knew last month was going to be busy, I gave Sam the heads up only to find he was already far more prepared than I could have guessed. He actually entered all the extracurricular engagements on his phone calendar....keeping a record of all the "fluff" if you will. Initially, I was a little disturbed by his effort (so out of character and I could smell an ulterior motive) but I would have to be a blind mouse to not see his perspective. And when it was all said and done, memories were full but we were WIPED OUT. Which brought us to the, "what is really necessary in life" conversation.

~~He won.~~
It was unanimous.

Down Time.

Husband, kids, even the cat and dog agreed....by demonstration of course. Hmmm, let's see what that might look like...

Locked in a Vegas Hotel Room with a Phantom Flex from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

So, on this Mother's Day, this is where you will find me. At home. Lounging with the family - minus Collin (blasted his father for stealing him from me this day.) Excuse the vent, I'm good now. Or maybe a little brunch with a tall mimosa to take the edge off is in order? Kidding.

See Jen run.

Sit Jen, sit.

Stay Jen, stay.

Good Jen.

Enjoy your minutes today, wherever you are. For I am learning that minutes are from where all memories actually begin. Imagine that?

“I think the world today is upside down. Everybody seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on. There is much suffering because there is so very little love in homes and in family life. We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world.” Mother Teresa

A Birthday Workout

2011-04-15T09:35:00.007-05:00

Hike across green Ireland;

Bike the USA;

Backpack through New Zealand,

But don’t call it a day…

Do yoga in lovely Paris;

Jump rope in Katmandu;

Avoid Italian pasta,

(Well, maybe taste, but don’t you chew!)

Climb atop Mt. Everest;

Do aerobics on China’s Wall;

Lift weights on Mexican Beaches;

And honey, that’s not all…

Shake your booty with native dances

In Fiji and Bora Bora;

Move your body and exercise

Like you’ve never done befora.

Okay; that’s good; you’re finished;

Now you can take a break;

You’ve finally burned enough calories

To have your birthday cake!

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Birthday to my amazing love, friend and husband.

With our history, I can't imagine what is in store for the next year...

but as long as we're together, I'm game.

I love you, Mr. Brown!!! XOXO

A Little Ditty

2011-04-12T12:04:00.014-05:00

featuring three little cousins, Anders, Ryan and Ella. Hard to believe they are so big now and two will be graduating from kindergarten this year.

I actually ran across this today while looking for photos for my graduating 6th grader, which reminded me of my graduating senior. Gasp. Kind of makes you think of the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, huh? Including our kindergartener, that's three boys, all 6 years apart and all celebrating milestone graduations the same year.

Tear. Joy. Sniff. Laugh. Calltherealtorwe'removingtohawaii!!!

Sorry, got a little ahead of myself.

Raising 'em Right

2011-04-11T10:41:00.016-05:00

According to Viktor Lowenfeld, our 6 year old is right on target artistically. By this age Lowenfeld suggests that during the schematic stage, "The child arrives at a 'schema,' a definite way of portraying an object, although it will be modified when he needs to portray something important. A blue line and sun at the top of the page and a green line at the bottom become symbolic representations of the sky and ground. Landscapes are compose carefully, giving the impression that removing any single form would throw off the balance of the whole picture."

Please note the single item sitting proudly in the middle of the piece of artwork.

On target once again, I might add.

This takes me back to my first grade year with favorite teacher ever, Mrs. Hammert. She was recognized for many things but probably most admired for her brilliance in pioneering the back up lesson plan. One day, when my mom ( a teacher herself) and Mrs. Hammert were exchanging war stories, she graciously shared her morsel of all teaching goodness. But behold, this is intelligent and quite scholarly...

"Class, please find your seats and take out your supply box. Now, shut up and color."

God bless teachers and God bless Texas.
I can only assume Dr. Lowenfeld would agree.

Dream Rangers

2011-03-31T08:05:00.002-05:00

The commercial here says it all. I'm off to buy some leather now.

Oh The Places You Will Go

2011-03-29T20:54:00.005-05:00

Spring Break at our house started out fairly usual. Every year, Gib is graciously invited to snowboard it up in Angel Fire with his best bud's family. And every year he leaves full of anticipation and comes home a little braver. This year was no different in that regard, however this year the girls followed suit. They too were invited, but a bit futher west to the beautiful state of California. Sam's brother and his family hosted. And oh, what hosts they were!

They took them up, they took them down

They took them all around the town.

They took them in, they took them out

They took them without a single pout.

They took them near, they took them far

They took them to the bar...barge that is.

They let them play, they let them roam

And then they finally sent them home.

In the meantime, while Blake and Brayden practiced baseball for an upcoming tournament,

Collin, Ryan and I headed a different direction to the lake house. Invited once again by our wonderful friends, we actually ventured twice eventually dragging Pop and Gram with us, who preferred to relax behind the camera. ;)

Later in the week we met up with cousins at the Natatorium, and the next day at the park.

Cousins, cousins everywhere,
I see one, I see two,
I see another so very new!!!!

Yes, and during all the going, my sister and her hubby we're blessed with one who arrived.

Meet sweet Margaret Carolynn "Maggie"

Perfection.

By Saturday, Sam and I we're dreaming of our own getaway so we booked a last minute trip to Nevada, while my lovely sister-in-law offered to stay at our house with the bambinos. But, shhhh, Don't tell Ryan where we went, ok? He really doesn't like the idea of us ever having any fun without him so just between you and me, he thinks we went to Spank Camp - Sam's ingenious, fast-thinking creation. And just for the record, Spank Camp was GREAT! It was our first get away since...well, a long time. And although our pockets did leave a little lighter, three days of uninterrupted fun was worth their weight in gold.

Spank ya very much.

It's Official

2011-03-27T23:12:00.007-05:00

Anna

my 16 year old is absolutely the best photographer in the world.

Even when she is the subject.

It's ok, I can brag a little since most days, according to her, I'm mean.

Today and yesterday she did say I was nice. You think the fact that I worked away from home for the past 48 hours had anything to do with it?

Yeah, me either.

Champagne Memories

2010-12-07T08:05:00.025-06:00

When I review the last eighteen years of holidays, I truly don't know where the time has gone. Some days I wish I could crawl back into my little world all those years ago and burrow with my papooses.

I can remember the sound of the rocker like it was yesterday and the warmth of them swaddled in their favorite blankets. I can hear the friendly drop-ins for coffee and the enlightening words of the friends informing me that my youngest was two houses down lobbying for cookies. Naked. I can see our dear neighbor chipping golf balls as I watch from my front porch swing my oldest of 6 years discuss life with him. And my heart dances when I think of my daughter's maraca introduction that founded all future half-pint performances.

The memories bubble up like champagne at News Years Eve. All sparkly and delicious. So here's to the years of splendid champagne memories.

Cheers!

These Are The Moments

2010-10-30T19:22:00.008-05:00

This is a little snip-it of the memorial service we had for Sam's dad. We will not forget George's song of life and may it continue to bring smiles to us, the German Marines and generations to come.

Coffee Talk, Uncensored

2010-10-21T01:23:00.011-05:00

Many things are brewing in my coffee pot brain lately. I keep asking for decaf but it seems that only expresso is being served. I'll begin by soberly saying that I am so thankful that God is the giver and taker of life. It's easy to convince ourselves otherwise, but what a relief to know this truth.

Psalm 139:13-16

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

And then John 14:1-6

1 "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God,
believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, would I have told you that
I go to prepare a place for you?

3 And when I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also.

4 And you know the way where I am going."

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth,
and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.

But why does the end feel more like a four letter word at times than not? I think we have to remember that when death confronts us, whether it be from a distance or up close and personal, we are affected, no matter how far under the covers we crawl. We are affected because it brings the Giver and Taker up close and personal.

Tonight, Sam and I went to a "love differently" sort of thing. The evening topic was voicing needs, one of them being the need to grieve. The speaker noted that Americans don't really mourn the way that people from other nations do. Why I wondered. Do we feel like we need to be politely sad? Possibly. Are we so politically correct that honesty is no longer acceptable when it comes to our emotions? Many times, yes. Could it be that followers of Christ have a sense of peace that others don't? Certainly. But grieving is important. I know this to be true because our family has been in the midst of this very subject more than we would prefer lately. And with that, we have all mourned very differently. Still, I have found myself temped to assume that those not grieving as I am don't care enough or even worse...don't get it at all, just like other nations might think about us.

(Getting all pompous is something I do well. Blah.)

And then I was reminded that this is a process. Life is a process, for all. And our process is not going to ever look just like another's.

But there is one keynote not to be missed, as in all good roasts. Our minds, hearts and souls must remain saturated with the truth so that when the final dance is on stage, we are confident ticket holders of the next performance.

My cup runneth over.

Our Sweet Floy

2010-10-15T15:06:00.012-05:00

Living 10 years next door to someone so wonderful, and ornery will change a person forever. Words can't describe what she meant to us. Luckily I have these snapshots to speak instead. Hugs and kisses.

After the memorial we had for Floy on her would be 91st birthday, we captured yet another snapshot of many neighbors that shared that south end street of Angora.

Let the good times roll.

Love is...

2010-10-13T11:49:00.008-05:00

In my last post I touched on Ryan's perspective of love. Ironically, this morning, I received an email with similar child view love stories from my mom (thanks mom) that I couldn't resist sharing...

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes.  A group of professionals posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'  The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.

  
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."     Rebecca- age 8

  "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different…you just know that your name is safe in their mouth."    
Billy - age 4

   "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."    Karl - age 5

  "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs."     Chrissy - age 6

  "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."     Terri - age 4

  "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."  
Danny - age 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.    My Mommy and Daddy are like that…they look gross when they kiss."    Emily - age 8

 "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."     Bobby - age 7

 "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."   Nikka - age 6
    
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."     Noelle - age 7

  "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."    
Tommy - age 6

 "During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."    Cindy - age 8

  "My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."    Clare - age 6

  "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."    
Elaine - age 5

  "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."    Chris - age 7

  "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."    Mary Ann - age 4

  "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."    Lauren - age 4

  "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."     Karen - age 7

  "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."    Mark - age 6

 "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."   
Jessica - age 8

   

No Mo Hair

2010-10-11T17:49:00.016-05:00

Last night was date night. Dates are important. Even Ryan, our 6 going on 60 year old knows what date translates into..."It's how you love mom," I heard him explain to his dad earlier this week. I heart that boy. OK, enough soul exposure. For tonight.

So, the event was a wedding. Yay, because all girls know that wedding translates into dress up time.

The line up was as follows:

little black dress...check
strapless bra borrowed from my teen...TMI?? tell me about it...anyway, check
hair curled, make up done...check
jewelry...check
shoes...now for true confessions.

I'm not a shoeaholic.

Yes, I said it out loud, or in print, which ever is most convicting. I know that most women are in love with their expansive shoe wardrobe but my budget and desire have never completely mingled. At least not far enough in advance to enjoy a night out together. This typically translates into the last minute rummage through the skimpy collection on the bottom of my closet floor leaving me last night with a very unused, black patent sling strap ~~Jimmy Choo~~ Anne Klein heal. Perfect. Right until I saw the dingy fake leather sadly looking back at me.

These kinds of problems don't typically intimidate me though.

The Mission: to make the shoes look as good as possible while remembering that I have no attachment to the shoes itself. I quickly put on my Heloise hat and thought as she would...a simple buff...not effective. Clear finger nail polish, umm no, too time consuming. Then I spied the new bottle of spray wax that I bought from my hairdresser earlier in the week. (Now, hair products are a far different kind of addiction which we will not discuss tonight.) Man, not blogging for a year has left me full of tangents. I'll work on that. Anyway, the problem at hand seemed to be solved. A little spray here, a little blow dry there and voila! Good as new shoes.

Attention: this is not a tangent. We have a dog. Her name is Hedy. She is a Blue Heeler and she sheds.

The line up was complete. Sam, looking dashing as usual, grabbed my hand, the invitation and off we went.

We started the car, entered the info in the GPS and as I did the final check, it was then that I paid the consequence of my hap hazard attention to the detail of shoes. And apparently the lack of attention to my again, no name vacuum.

Let's just say that the spray wax and heat and shedding of our Hedy united.

Mohair patent anyone?

The cake however, was divine, as was the evening.

Congrats Melanie and Andy! May you love and laugh, with yourselves and others today (especially) and always.

Places in life

2010-10-09T18:51:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted on here. One year, three months to be exact.

Much has happened in my world since then. Life changing topics such as the birth of a new business... actually two, and two very bittersweet goodbyes. Goodbyes are never easy. I'm also working with a non-profit that's mission is very close to heart. A true privilege. But the greatest opportunity I've been given isn't visible to the eye, or recognized by the payroll department. It's one of those things that I had heard of and celebrated from afar but never thought I would obtain. Not that I didn't feel worthy, just didn't think I would be on the receiving end. And since my idea of what should happen and God's actuality tend to be so vastly different, I can't say that I'm surprised. What I am is grateful. Beyond grateful. And what I've been awarded is a second chance.

Hi there. My name is Jennifer Harris Brown and I am second. :)

Live Young

2009-07-09T08:11:00.001-05:00

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

2009-06-30T21:11:00.009-05:00

My oh-so-talented daughter, Anna, doodled this piece of art tonight. She, from what I understand, chose two of her favorite things from each room in our house. My favorite selections are the salt and pepper shakers, the daisies and the green chair. Wouldn't you agree that her attention to detail is truly unbelievable?

What a gift of art.

And love.

What a girl.

Zoo Day

2009-06-16T08:14:00.005-05:00

The day before school was out, Collin's class took a field trip to the zoo. Ryan and Ella tagged along too. How apropos, classwork was complete for the most part and chaperones were abundant as everyone always has free time at the end of May. Yes, I am being facetious. Honestly, though, lately everyday seems like zoo day in my life (except for the blessed vacation we took to Arkansas) so the outing really made me feel right at home. And, the Dallas Zoo in particular, has really made an elephant size effort in their recent renovations, so much so, that not once did I wish I was at the Ft. Worth Zoo while I was there.

Just a little end of the year comparison for brain cell sake, before that gray matter breaks for extended recess and assumes a sticky and delicious ice cream afternoon sort of form.

Summer is here! Soak it up.