Our White Christmas 2010!

The Brown's had a very Merry Christmas in 2010! Christmas is always a special time at our house because it's full of traditions and sweet memories from many, many years! It really is the most wonderful time of the year! I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I love shopping, cooking, decorating and all of those fun things we only do one time of year. This Christmas was extra special because of the snow! I really thought we might see a few flurries but God really suprised us with a 3" white Christmas! In fact, we still have a few patches of snow in our yard today. Darin took the kids outside Christmas afternoon and built a snowman with them. He was so cute!! We're going to be really sad when he's gone, but like the song says... he'll be back again one day!

We celebrated Mia's 2nd birthday on December 23. She had a "Minnie Mouse Birthday" in honor of her new love for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! She was a little overwhelmed with all the gifts between her birthday and Christmas but she survived all the celebrations. Mia continues to be a blessing and continous reminder of God's love to our family. She has been home for five months now and has really adjusted well. She is talking much more and beginning to bond with our extended family too.

Will and Molly had a really good Christmas as well! Will's favorite gift was an airsoft rifle. I'm just hoping no one ends up in the ER as a result of this gift. Every now and then, I hear something that resembles an army attack or something from the History channel, and I realize it's just Will on my front porch with his new gun. Molly's favorite gift was a trampoline. She has been asking for a trampoline for quite a while, so Santa gave in and filled her request this year. In fact, Molly wanted to give Darin a trampoline for Father's Day last year! She just couldn't believe that he wouldn't want a trampoline, LOL!! Anyway, my children were blessed this Christmas but I really hope above all they are starting to understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I can't believe 2010 is coming to a close and it's already time for a New Year! I'm excited about 2011 and I can't wait to see what God has in store for The Brown's... Happy New Year to all of you!

O, Happy Day! Jameson Hayes is Home!

Let me just start by saying.... we had a big ole party at the Birmingham Airport this morning. Gina and Jameson's plane arrived at 8:30 and Jameson had a huge welcoming committee. What a sweet, sweet feeling.... just like it was back in July when we saw Mia for the first time. Jameson is a beautiful, healthy girl and is going to bring so much happiness to The Hayes family. Gina was thrilled to see everyone and Jameson handled the camera flashes, squeals and tears pretty well. She went to her daddy like she had known him from day 1! I think she's going to be crazy about her big brother, Owen, too. I can't describe the feeling you see when you meet these precious baby girls. We can't wrap our minds around what they've been through and where they've been. It's bitter sweet! You feel horrible in one way for taking them from their heritage and country but you know you're bringing them to a life of happiness, freedom and most of all a country where they can serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Opportunities they would've never had in China.... are abound here in the U.S.! Anyway, I can't wait to watch Jameson grow and bond with her forever family and I'm so thankful one more of God's children were rescued from that place. God never intended for anyone to be alone and orphaned. I would love to adopt a little girl in our family but that's something that must be prayed over and God must supply many needs in order for that to happen. We'll pray and see what happens...

Jr. High football is over now so everything is settling down a bit in the afternoons after school. I hope we have more family time now and can really focus on the important things in life. I love to watch Will and his friends play ball and I think it's important for them to participate in team sports but it's demanding and much family time is sacrificied. I'm looking so forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. It won't be long before we can begin decorating, shopping, cooking and enjoying the most wonderful time of the year! I'm so blessed and I love my family. I hope all of you have a blessed holiday season! Be thankful and count your blessings....

It's been forever...

Ok, I know it's been forever since I've posted, but life is just so hectic around our house. Monday nights are spent at the jr. high ball football games, Tuesday's are practice and gymnastics for Molly, Wednesday night is church night. I think we stay home on Thursday nights but we're back to the high school games on Friday nights! Wow- makes me tired just typing it! Joyce Meyer says that we go through seasons in life and I think I'm going through one of the busiest seasons right now. I don't want to complain. I know one day I'll miss the rat race!

My good friend, Gina Hayes, is in China right now getting her precious baby. Her name is Jameson Harper Hayes and she's a doll in the pictures. Gina affectionately named my niece Mia the "Chinese Spider Monkey" after an adventurous shopping trip to Birmingham recently so I've got a name for her baby now- "Chinese Chunky Monkey"! LOL! Gina and Jameson will be arriving at the Birmingham airport next Thursday morning and we will be there to greet them. Can't wait to kiss, squeeze and hold that little angel! We love you Gina!

My niece, Mia, is adjusting well. God has blessed our family abundantly with Mia. She is not only a beautiful little girl, but she's smart too! She's a constant reminder of God's love and I love to just hold her and watch her play. I'm amazed at how God plans everything out in our lives if we just trust in Him.

Well, it's getting late and I need to get the kids in bed so we can get up and do it all over again. I promise that I'll do better with my updates. Until then.... count your blessings!

With Love,

Allison

Terrific Thursday!

We had a great day yesterday! Will, Molly and I started the morning off with a trip to Cracker Barrel. We're trying to "practice" our routine of getting up early again, so I managed to get them up and we headed out to breakfast. After breakfast, we went to WalMart to begin the dreaded school shopping trip. I know, I know, I shouldn't be like that but... I know for the kids it's great fun but for the mamma- not so much! We got separate shopping carts so that we didn't have to sort the supplies again when we got home and I think that helped a little. Molly got her a tacky little lunch box that she was MEGA proud of and a new backpack too. For Will, it's not that much fun anymore but he was a trooper and helped me get most of the supplies on the list. When we got home, I went to school to work for a while and they stayed with Mimi. Molly took her backpack to Mimi's house and they decorated it really cute! I'll post pics on the 1st day of school- that's a family tradition! Yesterday afternoon we went for a swim. Nolan and Mia joined us and we had so much fun swimming with Mia. She loves the water and the pool. She was even getting out of the pool and jumping to me and Will yesterday. What joy it is to see her laugh and giggle! Ashley cooked supper for us last night. She said it was our "thank-you" meal for helping out with the kids while they were gone. She grilled shrimp and made homemade salsa and key-lime cupcakes. She's always a great hostess and a great cook so we really enjoyed eating dinner together as a family. The pics I posted today of Will and Molly with Mia were taken last night. We are making up for lost time and spoiling that little angel. We just can't resist! Will spent the night at Ashley's house with Cole and Molly and I came home and snuggled in the bed. It may be summertime but I'll snuggle with Miss Molly any chance I get.

Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend. I think we're going to meet some friends at the mall for lunch and maybe see a movie. Other than that, I don't have a clue what this weekend has in store for us. Until then, enjoy this beautiful day God has given us and count your blessings!

With Love,

Allison

Monday, July 26th

Good morning everyone! Let's see.... what is there to tell you since I updated last Wednesday? Not alot of anything! Life has settled down a little bit since last week and we actually had a relaxing weekend. The kids and I have been going to visit our new niece and cousin each day and she is adjusting to her new family so well. She is a precious little angel and we are all so in love with her! She loves Will and Cole which I find a bit interesting. I was thinking she would like Molly and Nolan since they're closer to her size and still really, really wild ( I guess I should've said "energetic") but not so. She prefers her mommy but if she can't find Ashley, she'll gladly go to Cole or Will. We went on a shopping venture Saturday to Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart and Chick-fil-A. She rode in her carseat and was a good, little girl. We've taken her swimming at mom and dad's several nights and she loves the water. She'll put her face completely down in the water. Ashley says that she's sleeping better at night and beginning to play with her toys. Everytime I look at her, I'm amazed. Not only because she's an absolute doll but I think about how hard it must have been for her birth mother to leave her that day. I wish that her mom could have a glimpse of us playing with her and kissing her, and see her beautiful home, clothes, family, etc. I think her birth mom would be well pleased. She loved her enough to give her up and God protected Mia until His plan was fulfilled. I can't imagine what Mia's mom went through on the day that she left her, but I'm glad she did what she knew was best for her baby. Otherwise, we wouldn't have our little angel right now in Alabama.

We're just enjoying these last few days of summer. We're in between sports right now so we're not rushing to some type of practice each afternoon. We may go swimming this afternoon but I guess I need to get off this computer and do something productive before we do.

Have a great day!
With Love,
Allison

What a Reunion!

OK, I've really fallen down on my blogging job! Sorry, but the last week of my life has been a real blur to say the least! We left last Thursday for Montgomery. Will's baseball team was playing in the sub-state tournament. Our boys from Glencoe made us really proud! They played their hearts and souls out for Glencoe and made us proud to be Yellow Jackets. We really wanted to win and advance to the state tournament in Greenville but God had a different plan for us and He touched his with a sweet, sweet story. Let me share it with you... We played five games from Thursday night to Saturday. The 1st game was Thursday night. We had a rain delay and didn't start playing until almost 10 p.m. so the game wasn't over until after midnight. Our team did great- had a big win! So, we played again on Friday and won. We were supposed to play on Friday night but it was rained out so we had to start playing on Saturday morning. We were facing "THE GIANTS" of the tournament- Opelika!!! Our boys have a history of being intimidated against some teams, so we were really encouraging them to give it their best. Well, they made us proud. They gave it 110% and should've won the game. I know, I know- you don't want to hear bad umps but guess what? We had some really, really bad calls. In fact, I bet if I had checked the umps driver's license it would've said Opelika, Al. If you've ever spent anytime at a baseball park you've probably heard the phrase "home cookin' " well, we went to Grandmother's house for lunch that day! LOL! Anyway, we lost in the 6th inning. We played another game around 11 and lost that game in the 6th so we had to play another game at 3:30. It was about 100 degrees in Montgomery with a heat index of 300 degrees so we were all zapped. We had to play Crenshaw Co. and that was the same team we had played on Friday and beat. The game was back and forth but one of our boys hit a homerun and we were up 7 to 4 so we were thinking we had this one won. Well, remember I said earlier that God had different plans? A player for Crenshaw Co. got up to bat and hit a grand slam! Yes, a grand slam which made the score 8 to 7 and they won!!! We quickly started hearing people say "oh, my goodness he's never hit a homerom much less a grandslam!" We were all down and upset and then we heard this.... That little boy lost his 17 yr. old sister in a car accident two weeks ago. He told the coach when he stepped up to the plate that he said her name and this one's for you and he hit a GRAND SLAM and WON THE GAME!!!!!! Wow, who can say there isn't a God? He is everywhere ya'll- He was even in Montgomery, AL at a Dixie Youth Little League game! God does care- he cares for all of us. So, like I told Will on the way home.... we were all winners Saturday. No, we didn't advance to the state tournament in Greenville but what an awesome memory for a hurting family. God is so good.... ALL the time!

So, we came home Saturday night and prepared for the reunion on Sunday. Family and friends started gathering for Mia's arrival at the Birmingham Aiport Sunday night around 7:30 p.m. Their plane was supposed to land at 8:18 p.m. We got there and found out it was a little ahead of schedule and would be there at 8:07 p.m. When we saw Ashley, Griff, mom and Mia coming everyone started clapping and cheering. What an awesome moment! Cameras were flashing and tears were flowing. You could tell they were exhausted but the boys ran to their mom and it was such a sweet, sweet spirit there. Guess what? God was there too! We could feel HIS prescence! Prayers had been answered. Ashley, Griff and Mom had traveled around the world and now we were actually able to touch that sweet little girl. They got everything loaded up and headed home. They're still recovering from jet lag and having a new 18 month old around but overall, I think they're doing really good.

We've seen Mia a couple of times since Sunday. We ate dinner at my Grandmother's house on Monday night. Mia let me take her outside and hold her, kiss her and feed her egg drop soup that Aunt Kay had brought. On Monday night, we went swimming at Mom and Dad's house. Mia LOVED the water! She laughed and giggled and even put her face down in the water. So far, she's really attached to Ashley and Cole but she's warming up to all of us. I think she's gonna like her new family! We just praise God everyday that he chose us for Mia and I hope we can raise and teach her well.

Well, I've gotta get going. I'm going to school today to plan a workshop that we're doing on August 2nd. It's almost time to go back... I can't complain, it's been a great summer. I'm kind of looking forward to school starting back and Fall. I love the fall- the leaves turning, cool days, pumpkins, Halloween and most of all AUBURN FOOTBALL!

Enjoy this beautiful day God has given us and remember to count your blessings!

Allison

And We're Off....

Well, I've fallen down on the job for blogging and I'm afraid to say this might become the norm. I wanted this to be my daily journal, but we haven't slowed down long enough to do that lately. We're leaving today for Montgomery. Our boys play tonight at 7:30 and the outcome of that game determines what time we play tomorrow. They've worked so hard, but our sports are overlapping now. We had to have football pictures made yesterday and today it's back to baseball. Wow, I wonder about this sometimes? However, I think that sometimes Will does better the busier he is. He's so well-rounded- he makes good grades, he loves playing sports, he loves cooking, gardening, playing video games, etc. so if he can handle it, then I can too!

My sister comes home from China in 4 days! Yeah!! We can't wait to be at the airport Sunday night. I don't have huge expectations for Mia greeting us with a smile, but it will be so wonderful to touch her precious, sweet face in person. I know she's going to have a big "welcoming committee" so I think I'll have to get in line! She's defenitely warming up to Ashley, Griff and Mom but she's about to meet sooooo many more family members, a new home, a new dog, etc. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers. God has seen them through his far and I know He will continue but they still need our prayers.

Well, gotta go wash some clothes, take Will to get a haircut, pack some suitcases, and head off to Montgomery! I hope all of you enjoy this beautiful, summer day our precious Lord has blessed us with!

With Love,
Allison

Montgomery Bound

Well, we're Montgomery Bound! The Glencoe Yellow Jackets 11/12 yr. old all-stars came in 2nd place in our district tournament last night so we're advancing to the Sub-State tournament in Montgomery, AL next weekend. The boys are thrilled to be going to stay in a hotel! You'd think they've never been out of Glencoe! Anyway, I really wish they would do well. We've got a great group of kids but they've got to learn to be more competitive and be more confident- something that's really hard to "coach" them on. As a reading coach, I'm always reminding teachers that if we keep doing it the same way, we're going to keep getting the same results... That really isn't a problem unless you're unhappy with "your same results" and you're trying to improve and we're defenitely wanting to improve our baseball game! I absolutely love being a literacy coach in an elementary school because I'm able to work with teachers and students and it's always about improving and being a more effective teacher. I worked with a wise lady for a couple of years who would say... "Good, better, best- never let it rest, until the good is better and the better is best". Gosh, I just love that saying. We can always say "we're good" but shouldn't we always want to be "the best"!

I've talked with mom and Ashley several times via email and text and even a phone conversation this morning. The connection is very sketchy and I just feel fortunate if we get to talk for a minute or two. As far as I can tell, Mia is doing about normal. She's still in the adjustment phase and I'm thinking this may last a little longer than we'd expected. It's going to be interesting to see how she does when she meets her brothers, cousins, grandparents and extended family. She just thought she didn't have any family... I know they are all exhausted and are ready to see the Ol' US of A! They said after these two weeks, Lee Greenwood was their hero! And I'm proud to be an American... yeah, you're singing it now too, aren't you?? LOL!

Well, I saw the school supplies out at Walmart this week so you know what's around the corner? Yep, August 5th. But, until then... I'm going to enjoy my last few weeks of the relaxed, carefree days of summer.

Have a great weekend! God Bless you!

Allison

Technology is Amazing

Technology really is amazing to me. Will, Molly, Pace, Dad and I were just able to talk to Ashley, Mom and Mia in China. I mean, really? I guess for some it really isn't that big a deal, but for someone who is still intrigued by cell phones and things, it's amazing! It was 7:00 a.m. in China and they were about to get their day started. We were able to see Mia. She was sitting in Ashley's lap and looking into the webcam. She is so precious!! I just can't get over how stinkin' cute she is. She is beginning to smile just a bit at Griff and mom but still will not let them hold her. She wants Ashley to carry her and hold her all the time and I think Ashley is pretty much exhausted. She is mourning. She is sad, but it will get better in time. I think she's already better that she was yesterday. Ashley said they went shopping and the sales clerk was a beautiful, Chinese lady. As they walked out of the store, Mia reached for the lady and cried. She didn't know the lady but she looked more familiar to her than Ashley or Mom. It breaks your heart to think about what this baby is having to endure, but how much do you remember about being 18 months old? That's really our only salvation right now. What she's gaining is so much better than what she's leaving behind. Mia just hasn't realized that yet. By the way, isn't the hairbow Ashley has on her in the picture above obnoxious?! It's so obnoxious that it's cute. We have a thing for "propeller" hairbows in our family. Molly is still wearing them. She told me one time she was too big for those bows and you know what I said..."Don't you know it's against the law to not wear one of those". Now, she doesn't even ask! I'm a mean, old mom.

Well, our Jackets pulled out a victory against Crossville last night so we're still alive! We actually got to quit in the 5th inning because we were winning 10-0. Will has been in a hitting slump, but he got two great hits that made his mom proud!!! I love my Wizzy and I love to watch him play baseball! We play at 6:00 tomorrow night. If we win the first game, we'll play again at 7:00. If we lose the first game, we're coming to 54 White Oak Drive! This is a great group of kids and I'm proud of them regardless of any score, hit, run, etc. Go Jackets!!!!

I'm really tired tonight, and that's about all I can think of today. Maybe tomorrow I will have more "words of wisdom". LOL!

With Love,

Allison

Wonderful News!

Well, we had a great 4th of July! It was a busy, busy day that started at 5:30 a.m. but it was wonderful! I got up early and made potato salad and brownies and finished cleaning the house. Then we went to church. We got home and Darin put the finishing touches on the ribs and everyone came over around 1:30 to eat. We had a delicious meal and we also celebrated Madison's birthday. Then Will and I headed out to baseball practice at 4:00 and then our baseball team had a cookout/fireworks show over at The Lang's. Finally, we went to our church for the "Celebration in the Park" and they had hot dogs, cotton candy, inflatables, fireworks, etc. I'm so thankful to be an American, live in a free nation, and be able to serve a risen Savior! Wow, we're really blessed beyond measure when you think about it.

4th of July was extra special this year because we were anticipating Mia's reunion with Ashley, Griff, and Mom in China. They left last Wednesday and Mia's "Gotcha Day" was scheduled for July 5th in China. A person from the orphanage drove Mia 6 hrs. to meet her new family. Mia had never been in a car before and she was taken from a place that was her home, even though we don't think of an orphanage as a home. My sister has wanted a daughter for so long and July 5th, 2010 was the day that God answered her prayer. I've heard that blessings follow obedience. As I've said earlier, Ashley felt led to do this even though during the last ten months they've experienced fear, frustation, financial sacrifices and much more. However, she and Griff were obedient to His call and what a blessing they've now received. Don't you wonder what blessings await you and me, if we would only be obedient to His call....

Mia is doing great! She is beautiful, totally beautiful but we already knew that from the pictures we've seen. I talked to Mom early this morning and she said that she's very attached to Ashley, and that she loves looking at a book that Ashley took that has all different types of textures and things. Mia cried when they first gave her to Ashley but overall I think she's doing well. Mia is grieving right now for her home and caregivers but all of these behaviors are normal. Like Ashley said, it's very sad to see a child grieve like this but what she's gaining far surpasses what she's left behind. But, you know what? I don't feel like Mia has received the biggest blessing. Our family has! This little girl is going to bring life, happiness, hope and be a constant reminder of love to our whole family and community in the days and years ahead. It's just a surreal feeling when you really stop to take it all in. So many people have called, emailed, texted and asked us about Mia. I'm so thankful to all the prayer warriors out there. The prayers have been felt and I know Ashley & Griff will continue to need them.

We're about to head out to Collinsville for another baseball game. Will's team lost last night but it's double elimination so we get a chance to redeem ourselves tonight. Let's go Jackets!

Well, I hope you have a great Tuesday! May you feel the love of God today as our family has in recent days.

With Love,

Allison

Summer Fun

Saturday was a busy, busy day for us but we loved every minute of it! It started with a 6:00 a.m. trip to WalMart and Johnson's to buy groceries. Molly and I attempted to do the shopping on Friday but WalMart looked like Christmas Eve so we turned around and walked out! I got up bright & early Saturday morning and took off to do the dreaded trip. Next, we had another family swim at Gig & Mimi's pool. Our cousin from Atlanta, Madison, has been home all week and we've really enjoyed swimming with her. Then we decided to go to Wright's Dairy Farm in Alexandria. The dairy farm is only about 10 minutes away but Molly and I have never been there so we went. It was a family outing... Aunt Kathy, Uncle Mike, Great Mommy, Madison, Molly, Will & Nolan. We got to see the cows being milked and the kids enjoyed some ice cream. Fun! Fun!

Gig really took one for the team last night! He is such an awesome granddaddy! We had made plans with some of our friends to go out to dinner and see the fireworks show in Gadsden. However, Nolan, Cole & Garrett were at Gig's house and guess who knew it? Oh, yeah- Miss Molly! Molly and Nolan never miss an opportunity to play together so Molly decided she wanted to stay with Gig too and Darin and I were happy to let her! Ha! Ha! So, Darin, Will and I went to the Courtyard Cafe with The Diggs and enjoyed a nice, peaceful, delicious dinner! Thank you, Gig! Oh, but wait... it gets better. Gig met us in Gadsden with all the kids to watch the annual fireworks show. By the way, Molly is terrified of fireworks. So we sat outside and enjoyed the fireworks with our friends. Then Gig took ALL 5, yes I didn't stutter, ALL 5 kids to Ashley's house to spend the night. Have I ever told you that I love my dad???? I'm about to leave and go up there. I hope everyone is still alive and breathing!

When we got home, Ashley had left a message on the answering machine from China and we attempted to skype. Not much luck! Very slow and distorted. We may not talk again until July 18th! LOL! Anyway, Mission Mia is still underway and she will be ours in just a few, short hours.

Today, is another action-packed day. We're headed to church, home for a family cookout @ 2:00, baseball practice @ 4:00, cookout @ The Lang's @ 5:00 and church fireworks afterwards. Makes me tired to think about it!

Happpy 4th of July everyone! Isn't is great to be an American. I'm so thankful to all past & present soldiers! God has really blessed the United States of America. Remember to give God the glory and praise Him for all he has done and don't forget to .... Count Your Blessings!

With Love,

Allison

So far... so good!

Everything has been going smoothly since Mom, Ashley & Griff left on Wednesday. We've been really busy and are getting used to the limited communication with them. Mom sent me a text this morning and she said they were having problems with phone and internet connections and they are hoping things will be better once they get to China. I've heard that it takes around two weeks to develop a habit, so we should be getting used to all of this about the time they come home.

We're getting ready for a holiday weekend around here! It's going to be a busy one too. Tonight, Will has his first all-star game in Collinsville. I guess we'll swim and clean the house tomorrow because Sunday we're going to go to church, have a family cookout around 2:00 and then go to the "Celebration in the Park" at our church Sunday night! I'm about to go shopping for our menu and I'd like to get Molly something cute & patriotic to wear! I know... I'm always looking for a reason to buy Miss Molly something new to wear, but she looks so darn cute in everything that it's hard to resist! LOL!

My granddaddy has blueberry bushes at his house and it's becoming a summer tradition that we go help him pick them about every other day. We picked yesterday afternoon, and I came home with a 2 gallon bucket full of blueberries! So... if anyone has any good blueberry recipes, please share!

Well, I guess I better finish this post. Darin has just taken Will to the river for a few hours and my aunt came and got Molly to go swimming but they will be arriving momentarily and I need to get Molly dressed to go shopping.

Happy 4th of July everybody! Aren't we blessed to be Americans? Enjoy this holiday weekend with your family & friends. May God Bless YOU!

With Love,
Allison

Can you believe it's July 1st?

Can you believe it's really July 1st? In the life of a schoolteacher, July is a little scary because it means summer vacation is 1/2 over. The month of June seems so peaceful and you wake up each morning with such a relaxed, blissful feeling but it seems like after July 4th, summer is over. You start thinking about the new school year and working in your classroom but I love my job and honestly I'm usually ready to go back. Besides, I'm thankful to have two months off because most people have three weeks!

Well, you wanna hear how yesterday afternoon went? Will called my dad to come over and assist him with cranking the lawnmower. So of course, Gig came to the rescue. While dad was here, he asked me if I wanted him to trim my shrubs. My dad really LOVES to do about three things: burn, sand and buff, and cut stuff. I know it sounds crazy but it's true! Anyway, I was happy he offered so we spent the afternoon outside trimming the hedges and shrubs. We did this last summer but they had really gotten BIG again. I've posted pics of our home- can't really tell much about the finished product but the shrubs look much better! I just love the picture of our house when it snowed, so I loaded that pic too!

After our afternoon outside, Darin and I took the kids to church and to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Las Brisas. Then, we came home. Molly knows how to dial my parents' phone number so she sneaks and calls alot. She came in my bedroom and told me that she had called Gig and she was going to spend the night. I thought that would be a pretty good idea because I knew Gig was probably lonesome with Mom being gone. Well, Will joined the spend the night party and all was well with the world. Until, 10:20! At 10:20, Will calls me to come get them. He had fallen asleep and Molly had proceeded to put toothpaste all in his hair! I mean, really? Where does this kid come up with this stuff? As someone said..."you can't make this up". Molly is famous for just pulling "tricks" out of her hat. So I turned the outside light on, and Gig rolled up and let them out. He looked pretty frazzled. I guess he'd rather be alone!

I'm thinking Ashley, Griff & Mom have probably made it to Tokyo by now and may be on their way to Hong Kong. If I hear from them, I'll update. As for "The Brown's", we've got some family cleaning to do before any swimming will be done. Will has practice at 5:00 this afternoon. Never a dull moment.

Enjoy this beautiful day God has blessed us with and remember... to count your blessings.

With Love,

Allison

And they're off....

Just got a text from mom and they've boarded the plane in Atlanta for the flight headed to Tokyo. The way I have it figured, they should be there somewhere around 3:30-4:30 a.m. our time (July 1). Will had made plans to go with some of his friends today to play paintball guns. We were eating at my grandmother's house yesterday afternoon, and he came up and asked me if he could go to the airport with Gig instead. I told him that his friends would understand and I thought that was a great idea! My precious Will is so tenderhearted and I honestly think he just wanted to see them leave for himself and be a part of their departure. He's always been an adult in a kid's body! And, I know Gig (my dad) enjoyed his company too. They stopped at Cracker Barrel and ate breakfast and then met Molly and I at at Dr. Sims office.

Will, Molly and I had appointments for our 6 month dental cleaning today. I guess the third time is a charm because Molly somewhat cooperated and had her teeth cleaned for the first time today (without being under some type of anesthesia)! I guess the prize she was promised from WalMart did the trick. Now, please don't misunderstand me. She wasn't the perfect patient- not by a long shot! However, Dr. Sims did manage to count and brush her teeth. Will has always been a model patient and student. He has gotten fillings without a shot and when he broke his arm, he acted better than most adults! Molly, on the other hand, is full of drama! Just kills me..... I say she's just like her dad when she acts like that. Dr. Sims asked her what her prize was going to be and she quickly replied "a trampoline". She's really wanting a trampoline. She even told Darin on Father's Day that she was going to buy him a trampoline but she didn't know how to get it home! In the end, she settled for a Buzz Lightyear for her prize.

I hope everyone has a blessed Wednesday and hopefully by the time I blog tomorrow, I will have some news on the "world travelers" or as I like to think of it "Mission Mia"!

With Love,

Allison

June 29, 2010

Good Morning! We've got another busy day on tap for "The Brown's". We're about to go pick bluberries at my granddaddy's house and then Will has another practice game tonight. The Glenoce majors start playing this Friday night in the All-Star tournament in Collinsville so good luck to our boys who have worked so hard this summer! In between, we're going to celebrate Ashley, Griff & Mom's departure to China. Griff, my brother-in-law, wanted Mata's pizza before he left for China so we're going to honor that request and have Mata's pizza this afternoon! Needless to say, our family is always looking for a reason to eat Mata's pizza!

This whole journey has been surreal for our family. Ashley & Griff began this process in late September and some people wait years for closure but God blessed Ashley & Griff with the gift of time and they've sailed through compared to most people! On the other hand, it's like when you find out you're expecting- 9 months seems so long away and you think it will never come and before you know if you're holding that precious baby! We've experienced that same "pregnancy" feeling with Mia. We knew she was coming but it just seemed like a dream and that it might not ever really happen. Like I've said before, we consider our family to be honored and blessed that God has chosen us for Mia. She's going to bless so many people.... I just know it!

Darin and I attend North Glencoe Baptist Church and we have an awesome pastor, Bro. David Denson. He preaches such practical, life-applying sermons that make you feel like you can become a better Christian each and everyday. He's been preaching a series of sermons called "Suffering Well". Like Bro. David said one Sunday... you'll never have a testimony without a test"! He also reminds us that "God never wastes a hurt". We all have endured hurts, hang-ups, trials & tribulations but we can still "let our little light shine" during these times. Even though Mia has been in an orphange in China since she was just a few days old, she awaits a BIG earthly blessing! She will have opportunities here to serve Christ that she would've never had in China. And just think about her birth mom... how happy she would be to know Mia is finally safe and sound with the family God intended for her all along! So... my sister has suffered well! She has invested her heart & soul, finances, family, time away from work, etc. because she felt led to do this. I admire her & Griff so much for following where God led. Please pray for safe travels to and from China, and for Mia's adjustment period. I'm praying Mia will sense the love and that the Holy Spirit will surround Ashley, Griff, Mom & Mia each day.

And just think.... the next time we have Mata's pizza for dinner- Mia will be here to eat some too! LOL!

Have a great Tuesday and remember to....Count your blessings!

Allison

Monday, June 28, 2010

Well, it's Monday morning! It's amazing how much more fun Mondays are in the summer- no rush, rush to get out the door for school and making sure you have the backpacks, gym clothes, practice stuff, etc. Today Will has basketball practice and then baseball tonight. Hopefully, we can get enjoy some time at the pool in between our two sporting events.

This week is going to be a BIG week in our family. My sister is adopting a beautiful, little 18 month old girl from China and they leave this Wednesday for China. Right now, it's bitter sweet. We're so thankful that God has chosen our family for Mia, but we're all anxious about the trip and the time spent apart. They will be gone until July 18 and our family is really close and that seems like a long time for us to be separated. Please pray for safe travel, a smooth transition for Mia, and for Cole, Garrett, Nolan, Molly and Will. I have a feeling there's going to be some children missing their Mom, Dad and grandmother! We're unsure about how we're going to communicate now while they're in China. We're hoping to skype but we're also not sure how reliable that's going to be. Ashley is going to try and update her blog www.fivefairleys.blogspot. com and I'll post here as I talk to them. We're just trusting God to see us through this journey- literally!

I hope you enjoy your day! Remember to count your blessings....

Allison

The Braves Game

We had so much fun in Braves Country yesterday. Will couldn't wait to get there- in fact, we were there 30 minutes before the stadium opened. If this gives you a hint, the stadium opened at 4:30 and the game started at 7:00. However, we made the most of it! We were able to watch batting practice and then we went to eat at The Chop House restaurant inside the park. The Braves did great! This was Molly's first Braves game and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Bless the people who work at Turner Field. The ushers are so patient- Molly stopped the little man that was on our aisle and bought one of everything he was selling- except for the ice cold beer and she would've bought that too if she could've rounded up an ID and some high heels! LOL!

We went to get Will's haircut this morning. Will and Gig went to Silver Lakes fishing and then we went for a nice, long swim over at Mimi & Gig's. We just love these summer days!

Hope your day has been fabulous! God is so good....

Allison

Day 2

Well, it's Day 2 on my blogging journey. We've got a busy day today so I thought if I was going to blog that I should do it early this morning. We're going to see "Our Braves" play at Turner Field in Atlanta, GA tonight. Our family loves baseball and it just doesn't seem like summer if we don't make it to at least one Braves game before school starts back. Our family went to Disney World during spring break this year and while the girls (Molly, Mimi, Aunt Ashley and Mommy) enjoyed a day at Bippidi Boppidi Boutique, the guys (Darin, Griff, Gig, Will, Cole, Garrett & Nolan) enjoyed at day at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where they saw the Braves play the Florida Marlins. So... I guess you could say this is our 2nd game of the season. Will is taking a friend, Madison, and Molly and I are going too. I'm praying that they don't have a 2hr. rain delay like last night and that the game starts on time as I really don't want to be on I-20 by myself with three kids at midnight! Do you "see what I'm sayin'?"

I'll post pics of the game tomorrow. Darin gave me a new Nikon camera for Christmas and I'm lovin' it! Just wish I had time to really sit down and figure it out. I know it is capable of doing so much more than pointing and shooting!

We're having a BIG yard sale at one of my friend's house on Saturday. I really hate yard sales but I'm gonna give it a go one more time. Yard sales are like labor pains... they hurt really bad at the time but then your memory fails you and before you know it, you're doing it again! Ha!Ha!

Well... I hope you enjoy this beautiful summer day God has blessed us with. Take some time today to thank Him for your blessings!

God Bless,
Allison

Just getting started

Well, as the title says. . . I'm just getting started. I sat down in March and fully intended to start a family blog. In fact, I did start a blog.One day... one entry... and that was it. My life gets really hectic in the spring and so I just never got around to posting another entry until today. Most of you who are reading this blog probably already know me and my family, but just in case you don't- I'm going to give you a little background about "This Brown Bunchx4".

My name is Allison and I'm married to Darin. God has blessed Darin and I with two precious children. Will is about to be twelve on June 23, 2010 and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" turned six on May 11, 2010. I'm a schoolteacher and will begin my 12th year of teaching this August. Darin is a lineman at Alabama Power. He's a hardworking man and has been at APCO for 12 years. We live just outside of Glencoe and as most people with young children these days we're overbooked, stretched too thin, and basically run ragged. We get by with a "little help" (really it's ALOT of help) from Mimi and Gig. Guess you're wondering who Mimi and Gig are? Well, that's my parents and luckily they live right across the road from us. So close that their house is accessible by go cart, golf cart and four wheeler!

So, why did I start a blog? Well, I've considered that question myself. Just as I told my children when we adopted my sister's yorkie (Max) back in September. . . "the last thing I need is another responsibility". I hope this blog won't be another responsibility for me but a way that I can share funny family stories and really just keep a journal of our daily lives. I abandoned scrapbooking a long time ago but I see this blog as a form of a "scrapbook" of The Brown's.

Today is Tuesday, June 15. We've got quite a week planned. On Wednesday, we're going to an Atlanta Braves game, Thursday and Friday will be full-prep mode for the multi-family yard sale we're having on Saturday. In between, Will has practice games Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday for all-stars. And I've started a blog???

God Bless,
Allison

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Well, this is officially a "new beginning"! I decided to start a blog and I'm going to try and tell my family's story through this blog. Anyone who knows "The Brown's", know that we have many stories to tell. I hope that this blog will provide much laughter, love and happiness.



We've just returned from a family vacaction to Walt Disney World. It was a fabulous week but we're very tired. I almost wish I had one more week to rest, clean my house, and get rejuvenated! Oh well, life goes on. . . I love this time of year because baseball is in full swing, the weather is beginning to change and spring just always symbolizes a beautiful new beginning!



Darin has taken Will fishing for the day and Molly and I are going to a birthday party this afternoon so the fun never ceases! I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day that God has blessed us with. Count your blessings. . .