Brown Family Blog: December 2009

To Our Sweet Family...

Well, it's that time of year again and as you know our travel schedule has left us with very little time to prepare for the "Brown Family Christmas." It will definitely have to be the fast-track version, but that does not mean that my heart is not full as I think of each one of you. I have the Christmas carols going as I begin to pull it together.

One of my thoughts this morning as I ponder our Christmas traditions is simply the words of Jesus--"If you love Me, you will obey what I command...This is My command: Love each other." Many speak of the horrors of the commercial aspect of Christmas, but as I consider each person in our very large family and how we might bless their lives with a gift, it seems to me that it is definitely a Jesus-honoring process--taking this special time of the year to honor and value each one as we love on one another. As many families are fragmented and pulled apart, we have the blessing of coming together to express love to one another and enjoy the gift of our very large family. I continue to be amazed at what God has done and thank Him daily for all of you, including the special memories of Connor that flood my heart even more at Christmas.

Please know that though the process of Christmas may be a bit stressful at times, it is so worth the effort for me as I look forward to "loving one another" in a special way as we gather once again for the "Brown Family Christmas". I love you all and look forward to sharing time together with each of you.

Love to each of you,
grandma

BROWN FAMILY CHRISTMAS 09

The whole neighborhood seems to await the arrival of the stockings at Trinity Drive. It is always fun to have a new one to add. This year we were blessed to have Alan, Cary, Melissa, and Trisha to help with the project while we were in Brazil so the neighbors wouldn't complain.

This part of our balcony is getting a little crowded :), but it is always fun to put up a "new" stocking. Welcome to our world, little Piper. The whole neighborhood drives by slowly to note your arrival.

A BUSY FALL...

I decided to post a few pictures from the past few weeks. Life is good.

THE BIRTH OF PIPER JOY BROWN

Piper Joy Brown
Born November 12, 2009, 8 pounds 6 ounces
She is already in love with her daddy.

McKenna got to be at the hospital when she was born. This big sister was thrilled with her newest baby sister.

The whole family came to see mama and meet baby Piper.

Isaac's smile says it all.

Malachi wasn't too sure he was ready to be displaced as baby, but he finally came around.

Moriah is very proud to finally have a little sister.

Luke is so tender with her.

PIPER COMES HOME

All the kids and Ms. Murray, their precious sweet next door neighbor, were in the driveway to greet Piper upon her arrival.

Josiah and Malachi with their "big brother" buttons.

The Seven. Oh the stories they will tell someday.

When Malachi first saw Piper in the hospital he wanted nothing to do with her. You can tell he changed his mind and has decided she is pretty cute.

Piper's siblings are all happy to hold her. She will never lack for love. Josiah and Moriah look pretty happy about their new baby sister.

Aunt Trisha, Katy and Olivia made a special trip to get acquainted with Piper. It looks to me like Piper has already figured out that she is going to like her Aunt Trisha.

Uncle Tod came by to meet his new niece.

COMO FOOTBALL

Randy helped coach Luke and Josiah's football teams. Luke's played in the "superbowl" and barely lost. I loved watching them both.

I'm not sure who had more fun--Luke or Randy. It was as much fun for me to watch Randy coaching all those little boys as it was to watch Luke playing as the only little white boy in the entire stadium. (I could always spot his white legs and identify him. :)