Life Group

I've been in my life group now for a year and a half and I love it.  The group is made up of such amazing women and I feel blessed to know them and study God's word and serve Charlotte with them each week.  We all got together for a Christmas brunch at my house.

I didn't break out my camera until Julie left and Deanna wasn't able to join that day.  Most everyone was able to come through.









Part of the day was a little gift exchange.  Rules given were "spend around $15".  Everyone picked a number and then would pick a gift and then the gift could be stolen by someone else when it was their turn to pick.  Mind you, most of this group has been together for YEARS and I'd never done a gift exchange with them before.  As I was shopping the day before, I stumbled upon what I thought was The Best Gift.  It was a box of "athletic conditioning type workouts" from one of the female trainers from the Biggest Loser.  It was titled "Hot Bod Now."  I thought it looked funny and practical and could be fun.  That is until everyone was opening cute decorative plates.  Cute tea towels.  Cute frames.  This is the response when my gift was opened:


I was pretty embarrassed that I'd totally missed the mark by giving a "funny gift" and couldn't stop laughing.  Mind you, I also wrote on the front of the gift bag, "You know you want this!"  I kind of built the gift up before it was even opened.  I couldn't help myself and "stole" the gift when it was my turn to pick so that Laren could get a nice, normal gift.  I must admit, I've opened the box and done some workouts already.  I maintain that it is fun and practical.  BUT I'm pretty sure that box will be popping up in another bible study gift exchange in the future.  :)

One of the best parts of the bible study was seeing Angie and Alex.  Angie and JT adopted Alex from the Dominican Republic.  Its been a long journey to adopt him and it was such a treat to see him and talk to him a little.  What an incredible boy he is and what a gift from God!



You can see more of Alex's story here: http://ourtreasureourheart.blogspot.com
Its a beautiful, amazing story.

Billy Graham Library

My bible study gathered at the Billy Graham Library one night to celebrate Christmas and spend some time together.  I snapped a couple of photos while we were there.

Miles and Reid - the duo


Reid, Noah, Griffin and Drew


Griffin and Noah checking out the live nativity scene



"If I close my eyes, you can't take a photo of me."  I stopped snapping after that.  :)

Griffin and "the suitcase"

Griffin's preschool class has several "suitcases".  Inside the "suitcase" (tote bag) is a book and a lovie that goes with it.  Believe me when I say that NOTHING is more exciting than getting to bring the suitcase home.  You get to read the book (we usually park and read the book before we leave the school grounds) and play with the lovie until bedtime.  The lovie MUST sleep in the bag, per school rules, and Griffin follows the instructions, tucking the lovie in just before I tuck him in.  It is darling.

When Griffin brought the Gingerbread Man home we forgot to take photos, so the next day I had lunch at school so we could recreate the love.  :)  Precious.

PS We love Griffin's teachers, Ms Amos (with the book) and Ms Pickett.  Noah had these same teachers.  For Ms Amos's birthday, each student made her a card and then all the cards were put in a birthday book for her.  The kids LOVED hearing her read their cards and share with the class.  Precious.

Noah's Holiday Program

Elementary school performances are adorable.  Plain and simple.  The kindergarteners had their own holiday program for family and friends this year.

You can see Noah in the middle of the pack with the red sweater, the green wreath on his head,  and the big smile.


This photo cracks me up.  The concert started late (6:45?) and our boys are usually in pjs, reading books by 7pm.  Noah was feeling it....


Noah and one of his new favorite friends this year.


Noah with two of his TK friends before the show.  They were super silly and giggly.



Quick photo of the boys after the performance.  Way to go, Noah!

Playing in the Rain!

It has been such a mild winter!  You can see my snowman decoration next to the mailbox...and the boys in shortsleeve shirts playing in the rain.

The Tripod shots and a few more

After our 5 minute tripod session, I snapped a few of the boys.  Yes, we are always look overdue on haircuts in the Brown house....but its tricky when everyone wants to "grow it LONG!"  You have to just suffer through the transition stages (at least that's what i keep telling mike).




Mike took one look at this photo and exclaimed "oh, no!" in a voice that was saying, "that is so cheesy!"  haha



love these boys.  oh how i love love love love these boys.