the Parish family 

We both got a chance to try out the tandem bike! Fun (and a little scary)!! 

the guest house 

our precious friends 

first experiments with glory of God nature pics 

They built this boardwalk through this beautiful area. 

Isaac got a lot of one-on-one time! 

big stuff

Hey everyone!

I guess most of you know that Randy and I went to Louisiana last week with Brent and Julie Pennington. We went to the Hermitage, the beautiful home of Eddie and Judy Parish where he does full time marriage and family counseling. We stayed in the guest house - it's a regular house that they basically made into a duplex. Brent and Julie stayed in one half and we in the other. There were bagels, snacks, drinks, etc. available in our kitchens and Judy cooked lunch for us and the Penningtons every day. We would have about an hour and a half of counseling in the mornings and then the Penningtons would get theirs in the afternoon (or vice versa). In the evenings, we would head over to the Parish's house (set just a little behind the guest house) and she would cook for us. One p.m. we had gumbo and the other night, steak and shrimp! She was a phenomenal cook and we enjoyed just hanging out and discussing life. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful - I've included pictures, but I don't think they do it justice. It was a beautiful place - the place was what I would call "anointed" and you could feel the presence of God.

That's just the physical description of the place, and a very weak one at that. There are no words to describe what happened in our spirits. We were a little intimidated to go because we had heard lots of stories about Eddie - he's very direct and gets right to the root of whatever problems might exist. Honestly, our main goal was spending all that driving time with the Penningtons and we thought we might get our marriage tweaked a bit while we were there. Have mercy. Both of us experienced unbelievably painful, wonderful, life-changing revelation of truth, hidden pain, intimacy...I really just don't have a lot of words to describe what happened and what is still going on. I knew that there was a certain level of intimacy missing in my life - with Jesus, with RB, with anyone for that matter, but I didn't realize how scary and hard it would be to go there. Blah, blah, blah! I can't describe it yet! Anyway, the bottom line is that RB and I have been praying for a while now that God would truly make us one, make us united. I had NO IDEA HOW He would answer that prayer, but He smashed down walls and any puny expectations I had! God in His GREAT mercy has saved our marriage - not from divorce or anything like that - but from mediocrity and shallowness and just existing together as buddies. I do not recognize Randy right now. Our kids are just sort of studying us (and keep telling Randy that he's already told them that I'm beautiful - ha!). Moriah watches how Randy is treating me (kissing me, etc.), smiles, and then holds up her arms and says, "My turn! My turn!" All I can say is that God is SO good and He is beautiful. May every one of you experience His beauty and His adoring gaze this week as you seek Him.

Big Weekend

It has been quite a while since I've blogged so I thought I would before another busy week begins. We spent most of the weekend in Brownwood watching a track meet that Hutton ran in. He ran the mile and two mile and did great although I'm not sure track will ever be his great love! We ended up having both the girls and the guys teams spend the night at the lakehouse. We had a blast and except for one gocart accident the kids were awesome. I was reminded again of how blessed we are to have such a wonderful place to enjoy. Thank you Dale and Rita for letting us entertain the group...I think we fed about 60 people breakfast that morning!

Bailey found out late Friday night that she made cheerleader. She told me during volleyball this fall that she didn't want to play next year and that she thought she might try out for cheerleader...she hasn't cheered since 6th grade but little details like that don't stop Bailey. She did great in front of the student body and I guess impressed the judges and administration. We are very proud of her and can't wait to see her cheer on the Mustangs next year.

Today was such a special day. Reagan has been waiting for quite a while to be baptized but it has been difficult to find a time when all four grandparents could be in town and he didn't want to do it without them. Our family has a special completeness now. He is a blessing and we are so proud of him.

Have a great week!

Lee Ann

I've been wondering where everyone was at. I guess everyone is busy. Lena sure keeps me busy. Since she started rolling over and teething, she doesn't sleep as well at night and wakes me up at 5:00 or 5:30 in the morning. The past few days you could look at her eyes, and she looked sleep deprived. You could say the same thing about me. She won't sleep like she used to. She got completely off schedule ever since James' family came into town during spring break last week. I think I finally got her closer to her schedule now.

It seems like she's getting bigger every day. I tried to put some pj's on her that were 3-6 mo. and could not snap them at the neck. I had to move her up to the 6-9 mo. pj's, and she's only
3 1/2 mo. old. I bought her a swimsuit and discovered that 12 mo. is too small. I couldn't find 18 mo. in one that I liked, so I got her 2T. It's a little big right now, but not too much. She's just a big girl.

James' is going camping this weekend with some of the couples from our young marrieds class at church. I decided not to go, seeing as it wouldn't be much fun with a baby. Lena and I get the weekend to ourselves, and I get to try to return to flylady mode also. I kinda got out of it this week.

Anyways, I hope all is well with you all. I'd love to hear from you. Sometimes I feel out of the loop since we are out of towners. What tryout is Bailey doing? Well, let us know what is going on in your lives.

Love you all,
April

Trying to fly...

I don't really have anything to report, but thought I'd add something to the blog since it's been several days since any new posts. What a busy family! We are anxious to hear how Bailey's tryouts will turn out, glad things are settling down to some "normal" for our Legacy guys, curious to hear Grandma's stories of Luke, Moriah and the others.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep up with Elijah--the Little Tornado, seeking wisdom from God on what to do about school next year for the older two, and trying to get back on the Flylady bandwagon. I just read the chapter about clutter and chaos and decided my life is being taken over by the evilness of clutter, as the Flylady calls it. It's time to take action.

Legacy is born!

On schedule (the most recent one, that is) our big Legacy transaction closed today. We are grateful for so many things that this blessing represents. Cary has made his Mom and Dad very proud as he has done a super job of guiding our team through an unfamiliar and at times very stressful process. Our long loving relationship with the McGraw family seems to me to be healthier than ever. Business and financial prospects appear to present wonderful opportunities. We declare as loudly as we can that 'God is good!' and we offer ourselves to be blessings as we have been blessed.

Dad

Roly Poly

Lena woke me up at 6:00 this morning. Too early. Wishing she would go back to sleep, I went and checked on her, only to find that she had rolled over in her bed, and didn't know what to think about it. This is the first time that she has rolled over. She went from her tummy to her back. This afternoon, I put her on her tummy on the living room floor, to see if she would do it again. She brought up her knees and tried to turn over, but only succeeded at scooting forward a couple of inches. She kept trying, but only got frustrated. For the past couple of days, she's been thinking about it, because when I put her on the floor on her back, she brings up her knees and rolls over to her side, but can't quite get all the way over. She'll get the hang of it. James and I were so excited about her rolling over. We love every moment with her. Just thought I would share.

April

Here's part of our crew coming home from a FUN ski trip to Steamboat Springs. 

Kerri Lunsford and I didn't "excel" in boarding like our sons. We just had good laughs and MANY hard falls! 

Mitch may never ski again - he's hooked on snow boarding 

The kids love to ski with Cary - he's much more patient than mom! 

I had to shoot these pictures quick before they ran back into the hot tub! 

Annie and Ashley made quite a team 

Good stuff

Last night Alex's t-ball team came for dinner. It was great to have an opportunity to visit with some of the families and have them here at our home before we sit together at games. We feel like this t-ball experience will be a great opportunity to connect with our community. Our practices are at LBJ (our school/church), and several of the families had heard of or noticed our church meeting there. Some had even seen our yard signs that we had out for awhile.

Ben and Tim were in Dallas with a bunch of church planters Thurs/Fri. They were encouraged by what is happening in Texas and what is going to happen. Phil Claycombe (our Stadia guy) preached at New Life this morning--a great sermon about planting churches. He introduced a couple that is moving to El Paso to plant in a few months (not in person). Funny thing is, we are the nearest church plant to them, so we are getting excited about the opportunity to work with them some. By the way, that 10% tithe we've been giving to Stadia will go to that plant as we determine.

We had a few GCR folks again today--some show up almost every week, just to encourage us. The Bartholomees have done so very consistently. I hope they are affirmed that God is using their seed-planting to bring people to Him. I cried, still sad that the Glenwood family we love has missed out on this blessing. I still pray that someday they will choose to be part of something like this.

We had a great day at New Life--I'm still amazed each week at the things God does. We've had a kid visiting Oasis (our youth group) a few times because his coach invited him. This past week Ben got to give him a ride home and talk to him more (he'd noticed he had brought his Bible and was very engaged in the Bible study), and this morning he came with his mom, brother and a friend. There's much more to the story, but it was just really cool. Coach Fernando planted, Ben watered... We'll see what God does.

It sure is exciting seeing God work. Phil talked in his sermon about how often we are so familiar with things of God that we miss seeing God. (He said it much better than that.) Although I still think I miss a lot, I'm thankful each day that God has shaken our life up enough that I am seeing Him in new ways. It makes me believe in Him more and more.

Lena, Our Cutie

Lena is doing just wonderful. A couple of days ago, she discovered her right hand. She found her left hand a few weeks ago. She just looks at her hands, turning them, and opening and closing them. It's quite entertaining. I enjoy watching her in all that she does. She talks to the fish on her aquarium bouncer and to the duck and butterflies hanging from her play mat. When she's fussy, she likes to listen to my Rebecca St. James CD, or watch me vaccuum. She loves to go on walks outside in her stroller. She sleeps really well too. She sleeps all night-10 hours from the night time feeding to the morning feeding. When it's time for her to go to sleep, I just put her in her bed and she goes to sleep. (With very little crying, if any at all).

I'm really enjoying staying home with her. It's hard to believe sometimes that 3 months have gone by since that icy day she was born. Before she was born, we weren't sure how we were going to make it with our finances with me staying home. But we decided that the best choice was for me to stay home to raise Lena, and we were going to just trust God. He's taking care of us. I don't wonder if the money is there for tithing, or buying the things needed, like diapers, wipes, food, etc. I just tithe, and I just buy. God is taking care of us, and there is no other way to survive except by trusting Him. I sleep better now than I ever did, since I decided to trust God in the matter of me staying home. Putting my trust in God in that area, has really helped me in so many other areas. I now have more confidence in myself.

Anyways, that's what is going on with us. James is still working hard--at his job and at school. I look forward to the day when he is finished with school, so he'll be able to relax more and spend more time with Lena. Everything is well with us. It's soooo hot here. The last couple of days have gotten up to nearly 90 degrees. Thank goodness the humidity hasn't been bad.

It's good to read about everything that is going on with everyone. Check your emails. I sent emails to some of you about being able to view the pictures that we just had taken this weekend at Sears.

Love you all. I can't wait to see you all again.

April

Rita, I just want you to know that I am LOVING my camera! I have never had so much fun taking pictures in my life!! 

a poem by McKenna

''GRANDMAS''

Grandmas,
Grandmas.
Who would not love Grandmas.
Grandmas give you
lots of stuff,
and Grandmas love you
lots and lots.
Grandmas never, ever ll' be different,
unless they will turn,
hieroglyphic!

By: McKenna

Hey guys

Steamboat has been great - a very good "deal-detox." Thank you for all of your prayers over the past weeks - I definitely felt them when I was on the road. In the whole process, the Sunday afternoon that you all prayed for me was the most affirming time in my life - thank you for that.

Jill will have to post some pictures when we get back. She and Mitch are actually going to try snowboarding tomorrow with Kerri Lunsford and her boys.

At one point, Jill and I couldn't find Emily, Josh, Ashley, and Annie. They had been skiing together right around the lifts at the base of the mountain. I went up to try to find them, and found a trail of hats, gloves, goggles, etc. They had gotten off the lift and decided to build a snowman. They're all having a great time, and despite being out of shape, I am, too.

love you guys
cb

more Luke humor

I have very few pet peeves, but there's one in particular that seems to keep popping up a lot lately. Luke has this habit of walking up behind me and rubbing his hand across my behind. It REALLY bugs me and I keep telling him to STOP touching my bottom. Today we were at Sam's and he did it again. I emphatically told him again to stop and he said, "I'm sorry, Mom. It's just so soft."

I just tried not to laugh and dropped the subject. My Lukey is special.

Hope everyone is enjoying Spring Break! Blessings!

Anda

The Drama Queen

She's not old enough to have much drama in her life, but tonight Katy just couldn't quit crying. As she climbed into bed, she said, "All my friends are dead. That's why I can't quit crying." "What???" I asked. "Well, not my real friends. My pretend friends."

I heard something earlier today in the back of the car about killing her stuffed animals because they wouldn't do something. I guess that's the price of killing all your friends...

This is disturbing stuff...

By the way (Reagan will be especially happy to hear this), we came home from the lake to a very smelly kitchen. Hopeful, we began checking the mousetraps, and sure enough--a dead mouse under the kitchen sink!!! HOORAY! He has licked the peanut butter off several traps, but we were sneaky and put 2 together this time. Licked one clean, but wasn't careful enough on the second!

The Browns in the Mountains

For all of us here in the mountains of Steamboat, we are having a great time. We woke up this morning to about 4 inches of new snow, and it is still snowing. The kids have all had a great time, and the adults are finding out we are out of shape. Cary seems to be relaxed and enjoying the time off after such a hectic last few months. We are all thankful for God's blessings and excited to see what he has in store. Of course the Blackberry's still work on the mountain, so the work hasn't stopped completely.
We will post some pictures when we get back home.

God is Good!!!

As all of you know by now, after more than a year of Cary's blood, sweat, and tears, the ball finally dropped through the hoop last Monday night. Thursday night, as they were all in NYC to finalize things that didn't go as expected, was a test of faith for sure, but God is so faithful. Monday was a long roller coaster day with the ball circling the hoop all day, but God finally gave us the go ahead.

I don't really understand the implications of what happened, but I believe it is an opportunity to bless many people. For the most part, we are all just glad that this stage is finally over. It is hard to say thank you sufficiently for all Cary did that will bless all of us. I am SOOO proud of him. I know he is exhausted, and my prayer is that he is being refreshed with his family and God's beauty. Thank you to Alan also for all he has done to make this happen.

Thank you all for all your prayers on behalf of "the deal." We all prayed for God's will to be done, and I believe it was. The deal is on the cutting edge of a new business approach, and it was no small feat to pull it off. Please continue praying as Cary steps into the role of CEO that he agreed to do only if God insisted upon it. :) I think he will fill that role with the same quiet strength and faith that has already marked his work to this point, but he will need God's constant presence and guidance in this new world of more public business.

We have much to be thankful for, but our family relationships--the way you all encouraged and prayed for Cary (and Jill) and what is happening, even though you were not directly involved--are an incredible strength and blessing. God continues to amaze me with His goodness. May all the glory be His forever and ever.

I love you all, mom

Grandpa and Mitch joined Cary and his team for the last two days. This is Grandpa and Mitch in Times Square while it is snowing. Grandpa thoroughly enjoyed having Mitch along. Everyone bragged on this well dressed, polite young man. He did the Brown Family proud!! 

This is the team that worked together: Kyle, Paul, David (the FBR host), Cary, and Steve Pruitt. Mitch joined them at the end, and I'm sure it was a wonderful learning experience for him. I think he also contributed some thoughts of his own as they worked through the final offers. This is in NYC, and it is snowing. 

Mitch and Grandpa get a taste of the limo scene with Cary and Kyle. It became a necessity to get from place to place in such a limited time. 

Ready to board once again--headed for home at last. 

This is how Cary managed to cover the country in the last three weeks. I suspect that it sounds much more glamourous than it actually was. 

The meeting on Thursday night as they were trying to discern God's will and come up with a "Plan B" after things didn't happen as they had hoped. We were all praying for them at this point. 

Off to the lake...

We're headed to Brownwood this evening for a few days of our spring break. Alex and Katy are besides themselves with excitement. They're packed and in the car, although we're not leaving for several more hours. We're looking forward to some nice downtime!

We hope to cross paths with Tod's family one way or another.

We're going back again at the end of next week for Odessa's spring break. (Our youth ski trip has turned into a lake trip instead--too little snow, etc.) This will be a "hosting" trip--not as relaxing, but fun just the same.

We sure are thankful for the lakehouse! Skiiers, we're thinking of you and hoping you're having fun and that the moms and dads aren't too exhausted to enjoy the trip!

There he goes! 

life with the Fort Worth Browns

Hey everyone -
It's true. Josiah missed his first game, but has successfully completed his 500 John8:32's! Praise God!! (Randy wants to know if anyone knows of any surgeons who do carpal tunnel surgery on 6 year olds).

Lukey made his soccer debut today. I love watching my kids' different personalities come out on the soccer field. Josiah is our thinker and plays with skill, intelligence and finesse; McKenna used to skip around on the field with lots of carefree joy; and then there is LUKEY! He plays with exhuberant ecstatic enthusiasm when he clues in that it's actually time to start playing. We were noticing that while the other boys would trot or walk back to their positions, Luke sort of bounded with arms flailing back to his. A firecracker - you were just never sure when he was going to go off! The game would have been going for 10-15 seconds sometimes before he realized it...but when he did, he was all over it! There was just no way to capture it on film or I would have tried!

We're so proud of you Cary and have prayed a lot in the last few days! Bless you in the name of Jesus!

Anda

Doesn't he look intimidating? 

The newest Blue Bear!