What they've been making

January we were back at school and the boys have been busy as ever learning about all kinds of new things!  These are just a few of the fabulous projects that they produced!

Caiden Project 1:

 Caiden Project 2:  

He had to disguise the snowman and he chose to do a pirate.  

I think it turned out great!

 Ethan Project 1:

love the feet ;)

 Ethan Project 2:  

He is getting better and better at staying in the lines!

Just Like Momma

Today I get this random text with this picture and the following message "Just like momma! LOL!"  It was just the thing I needed to make me laugh...hope it does the same for you!

I love the fact that our friends are the boys teachers!  

Thank you Mrs. Franklin for capturing the things I miss!!!

Wisdom...Gotta Get Some

We have a great series going on at LifeChurch called Better.  You can watch the series here.  This past week was on wisdom and it has spoke to me more and more everyday this week.

As I get older I am realizing what to value and what to prioritize.  To think about how far I have come in my walk of life is just plain crazy to me.  I said that when I turned 30 that it was the best year, but I must have to admit that I really feel that God is gonna make this year top that one.  I feel like He is putting people my life to make me a better person, mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, and teacher.

Our LifeGroup has committed to reading a chapter of Proverbs a day indefinitely.  I would love for anyone who ants to be filled with God's word, who is looking for answers, or just needs help out of a rut to joins us in the challenge.

Celebrating Kloe

I must start this post off by saying...

WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!

My fabulous friends/hostesses put on the best shower yet to date.   A big thank you goes out to my ladies...Caitlin Hern, Nikki Randall, Holly Green, Katrina Avers, and Natalie Reid.  

The decor was absolutely the cutest I have ever seen, the food was perfect, and the cake was adorable!

I have been excited about Kloe arriving, but today was just plain overwhelming...I totally mean that is a great way.  I had friends from all walks of my life there.  When I stopped and looked around at all the wonderful people who chose to come share this special day with me, the fabulous decor, all the great food...it hit me and I just started crying!

Katrina of course had my back and broke the ice by having everyone introduce themselves, tell how they know me, and tell a funny story if they have one.  When she said that I thought to myself...This could get interesting or embarrassing!  It was great hearing all the different parts of my life verbalized.  These are just a few of the fabulous people that came...

I feel like I opened presents for days.  Kloe really got a great start with all the wonderful gifts that were brought.  There was a great mix of over the top frills, bows, and bling with the everyday wear.  I loved opening every gift and seeing all the PINK:)

The boys helped me sort all her gifts and we got to break in some of her new books that night.  They are getting excited for the arrival of their sister.  I know they are going to make great big brothers!

Now the next task...the NURSERY!  

THIS IS MY FAVORITE PART!!!!

Loving My 30's

This year John is gone for both our birthdays again, but I have some wonderful friends and beautiful children that made up for my hubby being gone.  

I had a dinner cooked for me, a wonderful cake made, and a roaster pan!  Not to mention I treated myself to an Arbonne make over and ordered all new make-up!

I must say again...the thirties are turning out to be better than I ever imagined!

Goodbye Doesn't Get Easier

As most of you already know John is changing branches in the military from Air Force Reserves to Army National Guard to pursue his dream and goal of becoming a commissioned officer.  Of course that means there is family sacrifice involved just as any part of being a military family. 

He has had to leave us for additional training, but the good news is that he will be back to be at the birth of his daughter, Kloe!  Okay as long as all goes as planned he will :)

Monday morning we got up and ate breakfast as a family with the intention of saying our last goodbyes at dinner that night.  John finished packing and we all loaded up to drop daddy off for work.  We said our normal goodbyes, daddy went to work and the boys and I headed home.

As our luck goes the day did not go as planned.  John called to let us know that they changed their minds and he was not going to be able to meet us for dinner and to say our official good byes.  The boys were divested as was I.  

Caiden cried hysterically while Ethan became physically sick (let me just say how much fun that was on the top bunk, being 7 months pregnant, and cleaning that all up!).  As for mommy, I had to hold it together for the boys.  Needless to say bedtime was my time to let it all out.

To look at the bright side of things...we did get to spend a great morning together, we did get to say good bye, we did get to give kisses and hugs, and it is only for a short while (okay shorter than his deployment).

Thanks for all the love, support, and prayers that everyone has and will continue to give our family.  We couldn't do it without all of you!

Basketball Firsts!!!

Caiden was invited to play on a "teacher kids team" for basketball.  We jumped on the chance, we love the people on our team and they aren't all psycho like some of those other teams!

The first practice was priceless.  Just picture it, 6 kids all 6 and under playing basketball for the first time.  Jeff Hoke, our coach, bless his heart!  He was telling the kids to rebound (like they know what that meant), trying to get them to do drills for dribbling, passing and shooting (hilarious), and getting them to decide on a team name.  That was a lot for one night and 30 minutes no less!

The kids picked out the team name and they are officially known as the TORNADOES!

Caiden was having issues with dribbling.  He is a double dribbler.  So I go out there 7 months pregnant trying to explain to my 5 year old how to dribble.  I''m sure it was a sight!

The next morning was his first game.  Luckily John was able to attend before he left for military training.  He was the sideline coach for the game.  The kids did way better than we all expected!  They tied the game and Caiden scored one of the baskets!!! Oh yeah baby!!!  He did a great job rebounding, fast breaking, and hustling down the court when the other team was on a fast break.

John and I are really excited that Caiden likes basketball since it is our favorite sport to play and watch. I really get excited during the game and am so focused!   I was that mom the first game as I yelled "Get in his face!" It just came out...he was standing there with his hands up and the kid was trying to shoot the ball.  Needless to say it is the big joke amongst the parents now :)

Racking up the Awards in the Brown Household

Thursday morning before the awards ceremony during Morning Myers, Caiden's name was called for Student of the Month for December.  As soon as his name was called he looked at me and started crying! I could not get him to calm down, he thought he was in trouble because he had to go up and stand by the principal.  I went up there with him and then they called the other students.  Luckily two of his other friends were nominated for their grades and they helped me explain it to him.  He finally calmed down before they took his picture.

When I picked him up at the end of the day he was so pumped about his award.  He kept asking me "are you prod of me mommy?  Is daddy proud of me?".  I so wish I had the entire thing on video!

Friday was the official awards ceremony.  Both the boys were getting awards so it was really exciting!  John and I were able to get someone to relieve us form work to be there.  Seeing their little faces light up when they saw us just melts my heart!  And the waving, non stop waving...enough said!

Funny side story...John calls me to see if I made it there yet or not.  I tell him I'm on the way.  He said there is a girl there he arrested the other day there staring at him so he would be waiting in the office.  As the ceremony gets underway her and her family (whom he arrested several of them as well) keep staring at John.  We just laughed...they probably thought he was there to pick them up!  Okay back to the important part!

Ethan received a Reading Award.  I know he can't read yet, but it was for meeting the goal of us reading together.  I really have enjoyed the time that it makes me take with him.  Life can get so busy you forget about the little things sometimes!

Caiden received Student of the Month for December, a Reading Award as well, and Most Responsible!  Yeah I said it Most Responsible!

We are so proud of our little boogers!!!  They really do love school an strive to do their best!