Blessed to be Bailey and Chloe's Mom!

This Blog is moving!!

2010-01-07T18:13:00.001-06:00

http://blessedbc.thebrownsfamily.net/
We are moving this blog to a new address come check it out!

Food in general is just not heathly!

2010-01-04T21:08:00.002-06:00

We are trying really hard to eat right, smaller portions and exercise. But man food is not healthy when you look at the calories of everything that taste good. I will keep trying. We worked on the WII tonight instead of getting to walk. It is cold outside and Chloe just can't take the cold at all. Tomorrow will be a better day! God Bless!

My personal Biggest Loser!

2010-01-02T11:47:00.000-06:00

As most of you know I have been overweight my whole like. Four years ago we started a really good diet and all of us did really well. Five months into the diet we found out we where pregnant! We continued to do really well until Chloe turned 1 month. She was diagnosed with Acid Reflux which was a mess, then 3 months later she was diagnosed with Torticulus. Then 7 months later we went into our first cast and I went down hill from there.
So this year we started and we are all holding each other accountable for the things we eat, and the exercise we do. I personally have stopped eating chocolate and can only have one sweet a week. I also gave up soda. We are exercising everyday. I am also going to do 15 minutes extras through out the day! So I hope by this time next year you will be looking at a new and improved ME!!

Celebrating 15 years together!

2009-12-25T19:27:00.003-06:00

If you don't know the story it is very interesting to hear. Over 18 years ago two college students where talking on what was then called relay! He opened my file and thought I was interesting, but she made him mad with something his so called friends had told her. After a couple of months and a very long Christmas break where she had to stay and work in the computer lab they began talking again on the computer. He thought it is either her or foreigners who would hit on him. So after some very interesting conversations, a few pictures exchanged they continue talking back and forth. The end of January comes and she is diagnosed with cancer. He asks her not to date anyone, and she is thinking who in the heck would want someone who is going to be bald! He invites her and her best friend to Florida for Spring Break! They say what the heck lets go! They meet and connect! But all good things end in a fight! Which ended up saving her and her best friend from spending several days in a car in a snow storm! He moves to Indiana and then turns around and heads back! Months go by and he moves back to Indiana. After a very long time and some major growing up on both their parts. A wedding is planned! Why Christmas Eve you ask? Her birthday is May 24th his is August 24th they will never forget their Anniversary if it is the 24th!
15 years have gone by they have lost a child; had a child; moved to Minnesota; moved to Texas; lost a parent; built a house; had another child; went through illnesses; gained more faith; volunteered to many hours to count; but most of all they have done it as a team. When I look at the picture above I see how we disguised not having hair, wishing more family could have been there, and cried because that is what we do. What you should see is a couple who has been through hell and back and are still standing strong with God as their guide! So to 15 more years and then 15 more after that!
I love you Edward Austin Brown!

Opening Night of Aladdin Jr.

2009-11-13T05:51:00.000-06:00

Last night was Opening Night for the NISD Middle School Production of Aladdin Jr. The entire Cast and Crew did a AWESOME job. Bailey belted out her solo like a professional. But I have to say the Genie stole the show. The young gentleman who is the Genie researched and pulled off the performance of a lifetime.
As the Mother of a cast member their audience presence at the end of the show was amazing. Making sure all the little kids got autographs and pictures. The teacher did such a wonderful job with them.

Praising God for Prayer Answered!

2009-11-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

All I can say is I serve a wonderful God! Thank you for my Chloe!

Waitingon Chloe

2009-11-10T05:39:00.003-06:00

We are back in a cast and waiting on test results to see how we are doing. This cast is so different from the others. It is higher and doesn't have a slight bend at the knee. So walking is much more difficult. And falling is so much easier. She gets it off 3 days before her Birthday which is good.

Love and Purple Cast

The Count Begins

2009-11-07T20:57:00.001-06:00

We have started the count down till the first performance of Aladdin Jr. We are at 4 days. Today they had their first rehearsal where they went through the whole play. I on the other hand spent 8 hours with the other volunteers making costumes, gluing a turkey onto a tray, but most of all having red feathers going up my nose from the birds costume.
I am excited to see my baby perform. I know she will do a fantastic job. I want to say "Break a Leg", but I already have one in a cast and I don't need two.

Love and Red Feathers!

My other Baby!

2009-10-22T11:35:00.002-05:00

She is Thirteen today!

2009-10-22T11:28:00.002-05:00

I am blown away today. She is Thirteen! I can remember the day I found out I was pregnant with her. April 1, 1996 talk about a Aprils Fool joke. Then they take me in a room and tell me we need to abort the baby. I had been through three months of chemo therapy with her inside me. She would be mentally retarded and they did not know what physical disabilities she would have because of it. I can remember the look on Eddie's face when I told him that part. I can also remember him saying exactly what I needed him ti say "We can handle whatever God gives us." And we never looked back. She came out healthy and has grown to be the kid.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY! I LOVE YOU!

And the new season begins..........

2009-09-13T16:52:00.000-05:00

The new season of Junior Bible Quiz begins. We had the parents meeting today and our first match is in 6 days. The season seems to be off to a great start. The shirts are awesome. Bailey is excited about being a coach. So may the best quizzers come from the Denton/Sherman Area.

Teachers who should never be around students!

2009-08-31T14:28:00.000-05:00

This year we got a teacher (coach) that seriously needs to look into a new profession. We had this same teacher last year and did not like her at all. She says things no student should ever have to hear and thinks they are the most encouraging words. I know if I was in the class and she said something to me I would probably hall of and hit her. I hope we have worked things out and we have moved on to better things, but I still think this coach should be hired for her encouraging words.

My Baby is a 7th Grader!

2009-08-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

I was told today I couldn't take a picture of her on the school grounds. If I wanted any pictures they had to be at home. So I gathered the troops and headed off to Gene Pike Middle School to drop her off at 7th grade. As she was walking in I got a picture of her backside just so I would remember. As I pulled away tears streamed down my face and a pray was in my heart.
Dear Lord,
I hand you my baby to watch and guide in the halls of this school this year. I ask you to give her wisdom to go your way in life. I ask that you give her knowledge to know right from wrong. I ask that if life gives her questions that she come to you for advice. I ask that every teacher that has her today be lifted up in prayer. That they give her the tools to learn. I ask that you be with the administration staff to keep all the students safe. But most of all I ask you Lord that she find believers just like you.
Amen
We drove away and the tears started to dry up. Then I looked in the rear view mirror and the one who would leave me next and she said "Go to McDonald's Mommy!" So off we drove to make memories.
I pray that every parent that watched their babies walk into the schools today has a safe year!

Mystery Shopping

2009-08-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

Well God has provided me with smalls job that pay a little. We are mystery shopping. We have been to Primrose, Exxon, Leslie's Pools, Walmart and T-Mobile. I hope this continues so we can have a little extra for all the things the kids need.

It is Freaking HOT!!!

2009-07-16T18:14:00.002-05:00

I can not stand the HEAT! I am not one who likes to sweat at all. It feels like the Devil is on our tails it is so HOT! I can't wait for December to get here at least is will be in the 80's.

Back from camp and a terrible two year old!

2009-07-13T07:46:00.001-05:00

Bailey is back from camp with so many stories and fun times. You can tell she is changed a little. Let me stress a little because yesterday she went back into Conflict mode. Between her and Chloe I don't know which one we want to put out to pasture. Chloe woke up yesterday with red bumps. We don't know yet if they are Chicken Pox, but man she was in a hateful mood all day. Praying this morning today goes better! I need it since I am on my own till Eddie comes home.

REMISSION

2009-07-08T16:21:00.001-05:00

CHLOE IS REMISSION!!
GOD IS GOOD!

Bailey is off to Camp what should we do?

2009-07-06T13:39:00.002-05:00

PARTY like it is 1999? Sorry can party like we use to. Have a 2 year old that wears us out. We have numerous Doctors appointments tomorrow. Swimming on Wednesday or Thursday morning. Friday afternoon we go back and pick her up. Man it already feels like the week is over and I have to go get her.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T17:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday America. Thank you to all the soldiers who have and are serving to have a land of Freedom.

Headed out early this morning to go the Irving Parade. We had a blast with friends during the parade. When then went over to The Gamez's for lunch and some much needed catching up. Now we are home and Chloe is napping while we are chillin watching a movie.

Everyone be safe tonight!

Potty Training at the age of 38!

2009-07-02T14:02:00.004-05:00

First and foremost I am too old to be Potty Training a 2 1/2 year old.

Now with that being said Chloe has begun the process of being Potty Trained, or in her case Mommy, Daddy and Bay Bay are being trained to take Chloe to the Potty. Sometimes I think she has it, and sometimes I think I am loosing it. What was I thinking starting this? She has burns on her private area from the Radiation and Chemo if she was Potty Trained they would go away cause the moisture would not be right on it. (Which by the way is WORKING!) But I sometimes think this is a loosing battle because she doesn't feel it till after she has started to pee. God just give me patience and let the washing machine continue to work.

Be blessed if all your kids are Trained and if not I say a extra prayer for you!

Jonas Brothers Concert with Bailey!

2009-06-21T08:37:00.003-05:00

Last night I took Bailey to the Jonas Brothers Concert at the new Cowboys Stadium. Can I just tell you Bailey was on Cloud 9 the entire evening. We saw Honor Society, Jessie James, Jordin Sparks, Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus. This was a huge blessing to us. Thanks for all those who helped getting us there!

So excited about our Mommy/Daughter Date

2009-06-20T12:22:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to take Bailey on her Mommy/Daughter date. We will be surround by a lot of people, but it doesn't seem to matter to us! Will tell more later!

The one Friend that takes advantage of you!

2009-06-18T15:08:00.002-05:00

You all have one! You know you do! Well I want to complain for a few minutes about mine. My friend is a single Mom, by her choice she went to another country and adopted this little girl. Recently this friend has and is taking advantage of our friendship. She knows it is very hard for me to say No to things and it is starting to really TICK me off. Well the most recent kicker though just burns my butt. She has been bragging for the last 3 months about getting Jonas Brothers tickets for her and her little girl. So for 3 months this little girl has gotten her hopes and dreams up about seeing them. Well the Mom has decided to sell the tickets because they could use the money for something else. This morning the little girl was at my house before Science camp and she didn't look happy so I asked what was wrong and she said she was just tired. A little later she comes over and hugs me and says she doesn't want her Mom to sell the tickets. What do you say to that? This Mom does not have a problem telling me how to raise my kids; why can't I do the same? Because I know if you can't say something nice don't say nothing at all. Sometimes it just sucks being friends with people.

Throw Up!

2009-06-16T18:55:00.002-05:00

Can I just tell you all how much I hate the sound of someone throwing up! I can handle the clean up, but the sound just about does me in. Chloe usually throws up a few time on treatment days and it is good you can tell when she is getting ready to by the sound. Almost every time I hear it I personally want to throw up myself. Why do you think this is? I can't wait for next Tuesday to be over.

Tornado did hit the neighborhood.

2009-06-13T07:26:00.002-05:00

Wednesday night Eddie and Bailey headed out to church since Chloe was not 100% I stayed behind with her. They had only been gone 20 minutes when all the storms hit. The electricity went off and Chloe totally did not understand why we where not turning the lights back on. Next the sirens went off and we went to the bathroom. Again she didn't understand why not lights on in the bathroom and why wasn't I going potty. So we played every game I could think of and every song that has hand motions. Finally I let her get in the bathtub and play with her ducks even though we where not taking a bath. Again she didn't understand. When all was said and done we have our back fence down, but it looks like that is the only damage.

I am finally getting my teenager

2009-06-10T10:12:00.002-05:00

Usually Bailey is up at the crack of dawn. You can put her to bed late and she is up with the chickens. Well her friend must have warn her out. She came home was in bed by 9 pm. with no argument. This morning Chloe went into her room twice to see if Bay Bay was there and finally at 9:30 she came zombie style into the living room. So maybe if I run her to the ground she will sleep in. So that is going to be my new goal.

First day of Summer Break!

2009-06-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

First Day of Summer Break and I wanted to kill both the husband and the oldest daughter. First the oldest daughter for getting up at 6:04 am. That is not even the regular school time of 6:40. Then she jumps down Daddy because her jeans are not washed. Did she tell anyone they needed to be washed? NO!!!! Then Daddy has attitude at me cause the oldest started his morning off bad. God Help ME! I am blessed cause Chloe woke up in a awesome mood! We are off to get car fixed, swim at a friends then for a lazy evening.

Nerf War is on in the Brown House!

2009-06-07T22:35:00.002-05:00

Well we did it! We found Nerf Guns that did not cost a arm and a leg. Eddie and Bailey have been eyeing Nerf Guns forever, but can't spend their gift cards or hard earned money on something that expensive. So yesterday we where at a yard sale where they had 2 medium Nerf Guns and 1 huge sniper that can break into 2 guns. We paid a whopping total of $2 for a the guns. Eddie took Bailey to Walmart to get ammo and now we have Nerf Wars! Chloe has her gun (if she could figure out which way to hold it she would be doing good) and likes to yell "Bang." Eddie has taken over the Sniper Gun, but I feel that he is going to be out maneuvered and Bailey will end up in control of it. So if you are driving by our house and a ORANGE target hits your window. STOP cause GAME ON!!

The end is close!

2009-06-04T13:43:00.003-05:00

There is one more day left of 6th grade. One more day left of finals and we will have a 7th grader on our hands. Where has the year gone? What a year that she changed so much. To all her teacher we say Thank you and be blessed.

Huge Fan of Facebook!

2009-06-02T20:20:00.001-05:00

Last year my friend Roxy sent me a invitation to see her pictures. If you know me you don't have to ask me twice to see someones pictures. So I signed on to this thing called FACEBOOK! I was addicted within 15 minutes. I was immediately finding friends from near and far, and I don't mean in distance either in years too. This place is sometimes my saving grace on bad days, it is my smile when someone gets or does something that is exciting. In just a few words you know what everyone is up too. With a few clicks you see pictures of your friends and their families.

Tonight my Step sister Becky joined facebook. We then spent the next 45 minutes chatting and catching up on the families. It was great to have that time together.

So I need to say Roxy "You are a blessing in my life in more ways then one! Thanks for opening a new world for me!"

I live with the Wal*Mart Greeter

2009-06-01T16:39:00.002-05:00

God love her, but Chloe is doomed to be the next Wal*Mart Greeter. (Even though that is my goal.) It does not matter where we go she is always saying "Hello, Nice to Meet You and as of yesterday Hi, Welcome to CiCi's." Most people get a huge kick out of her saying it. It is the most adorable thing in the world. The thing that does irritate her the most is people who don't say it back.
So if you see a little blonde, pig tailed girl sporting a patch over her eye and a bag on her shoulder if she says "HI" please do this Mom a huge favor and return her greeting.

Saturday are less busy!

2009-05-30T16:17:00.001-05:00

Like most parents when the weekend comes we are off doing all the activities our kids are involved in. Since summer is getting ready to happen (only 5 more wake ups till school is out!) things have started to slow down at the Brown homestead. Today we got to sleep in 8:00 am which is truly amazing for this family! We had breakfast and then headed for the pool! Then home for showers and lunch. We have taken naps and just chillin now. Tonight Bailey and I are heading to one of her teachers house for Movie Night with the book club. So again summer has just about arrived and we are slowing down.

Bailey and her amazing voice.

2009-05-29T13:14:00.002-05:00

I am going to brag here for a minute on how wonderful my Bailey's voice is. She has been singing forever, but lately she has come into just a beautiful and talented voice. She has no fear of getting in front of people so that is a blessing. (Unlike her mother who throws up when she has to get in front of a group.) Last night was the end of the year Choir Concert at Gene Pike Middle School. During the song "We're All in this Together" Bailey had a solo part that was just outstanding. I can't wait to see what happens in the future with this God Given Talent (one one else in this family could have given her this gene!)

Uncle Randy and now Aunt Julie

2009-05-25T14:24:00.003-05:00

As of 5:15pm on Saturday, May 23rd Bailey and Chloe have a new Aunt. We want to congratulate Randy and Julie on becoming husband and wife. We pray that they have many wonderful years together and that God guide them on the journey of life together.

Grilled Cheese

2009-05-15T06:11:00.001-05:00

I am a mother of a 2 year old who is not eating very well due to medical issues. The thing she will eat is Sonic Grilled Cheese. It is crazy to me to pay $1.40 for a grilled cheese when it probably cost them at the most 25 cents to make it. The thing is I will spend my last dime on one just to make her happy and get her to eat something. You gotta love what you will do for your kids.
Have a blessed Grilled Cheese day!

Lowe's Build and Grow Projects

2009-05-09T07:09:00.002-05:00

If anyone has a kid and they want to do something free and fun with them Lowe's is the place to be every other week. First off you go to Lowe's Build and Grow and sign up for the nearest Lowe's for the project you want to do. Next, you take your child and be there by 10 am to get their project. Next you do an easy build project with your child. When complete take project to the Lowe's B&G employee and your child gets a certificate and patch that they built an awesome project. You Could ask for a better time to spend with your kids.

Day 4 of Fevers

2009-05-05T06:14:00.002-05:00

We are starting day 4 of Fevers. Bailey will not be going to school and Eddie will not be going to work. When I call the Cancer Center in a little while I am sure Chloe will not be having treatments today either. We have cleaned, pushed fluids and medicine into them and made them rest, but still we have fevers. I sure hope this leaves the house soon and we don't have it again for a long time.
Be blessed! Especially if everyone is healthy.

Spring Cleaning Again

2009-05-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

The Swine Flu is in our area. They have closed two schools in our district, but not the one Bailey attends. Eddie, Bailey and Chloe have been running a fever off and on all weekend. So today we had to do Spring Cleaning all over again. We have scrubbed everything you could possible put your hands on. So hopefully no pigs will be landing in our home.

Yard Sales

2009-04-25T15:15:00.002-05:00

I DID IT!!!!! I finally had a successful Yard Sale. I have done several in the past and they have all been a BUST! But this weekend friends of ours from church joined us in our Neighborhood Garage Sale. I think what was so good about it was we priced everything to go. Not everything did, but I was happy with the results.
Have a Blessed weekend!

I love my Church Family!

2009-04-20T15:42:00.003-05:00

As most of you know I have no parents living, my brother is in the Chicago area, Eddie family is in Florida and N. Carolina, our closest relatives are in the Houston area and we don't see them often at all.
So our FAMILY right now is our Church Family, and we love them so much. I know all of you are great with the emails and prayers you are sending our way, but it is nothing compared to receiving a hug and someone telling you to your face, "That this too will pass; We are holding you strong in prayer; We thought of you today and just wanted Chloe to know we love her!" They say that a gentle touch will heal so many wounds and I know they are so correct.
There are days that go by and Eddie and I feel alone with this battle Chloe is going through. We worry when she is warm, cold, no poopies, no wet diapers, not eating,not drinking and most of all not resting. But because of these FAMILY members we are making it through one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time.
We are blessed to be members of TCOC the best FAMILY anyone could ask for.

My Bailey Boo!

2009-04-14T13:09:00.003-05:00

My Bailey Boo is growing up way too fast. I love her dearly. She is my mini me. I am seeing a lot of me in her and then I see a whole of her dad too. She just finished her career in Junior Bible Quiz and she couldn't have done better. She earned her Bible Master Seal and her team won first place in the Silver Division. She is getting ready to compete in a Solo Ensemble singing an Italian Piece. She is going to Youth on Wednesdays night which I am seeing a whole new girl evolve. But most of all I am blessed to have her in my life. I am truly grateful we didn't listen to the doctors 12 years ago.

Hamster Dance Card

2009-04-09T12:30:00.004-05:00

Chloe has received a lot of cards through all this, but none as great as this one. Coach Mary, Coach David and Quizmaster Mike Trombley are friends of ours through JBQ. Yesterday in the mail came the card, hamsters all over the front, you open it and it plays the "Hamster Dance" song. Chloe open and closes all the way to school and back. Shows Daddy when he comes home and is done with it for the night. Fade in to this morning. I am doing laundry and I hear the song from the card. I get a glass of water and I am watching Chloe in the living room with this card. She opens it (it plays music) she closes it. Again and again and again. She stand up and opens it the card plays music. She sits down the card plays music. She is really trying to figure out this card. She goes to other cards she has gotten open and close NO MUSIC. She takes the Hamster Dance card and has it as close to her face as she can get it and opens the card the song starts and she starts dancing in a circle, laughing and smiling. This just made my morning.
God Bless the Hamster Dance Song.

1st Place Silver Division

2009-03-29T15:48:00.002-05:00

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sandals of Peace North Texas District Silver Division 1st Place Team. They did an awesome job this weekend. Bailey quizzed out 6 out of the 7 rounds!! They had a great attitude and spirit toward everyone they faced.

On a sad note this was the end to Bailey's JBQ career. She has been learning JBQ for the last 5 years. She finished her career with getting her Master Seal also. She is excited to not have to study, but is ready to take her test so she can Timekeep for our division.

It is a true blessing to see God's work in her.

They old saying about Lemons

2009-03-24T20:55:00.002-05:00

You know the old saying "When life hands you lemons, make Lemonade!" Whoever said that; made that up; or whatever never had their baby going through such a hard time. Today was the day from He(double hockey sticks)! We started out the morning super good. We had breakfast, got dressed, played with Bay Bay then took her to school. Took our Chemo Therapy with no problems when the bottom dropped out. We where told we where to go ASAP to the Neurologist appointment by the hospital. We get half way there and are called and told we need to go to Plano. If you have any clue of the DFW area that is not a quick trip. So we head off in that direction. We stop for a clean up. We get to the doctors office and my purse sets off the security device. I have a weapon in my purse. I am like what the HECK!!!! I have Chloe's Lowes Build To Grow Hammer in my purse. We then arrive to the office to find he is not there today. He is in the Irving Office. Again if you know the area it is not a quick trip. After another clean up (throwing up from chemo) we make it. Thank God her Specialist came because I was going to lose my Christianity on a few people. To only find out one of the medications is causing Chloe to stutter.
Okay I want someone to MAKE LEMONADE out of that!
I am blessed though that Chloe made it through this round of Chemo Therapy.

Life is just rough right now

2009-03-17T19:11:00.002-05:00

To those who read this all I can say is that Life Is Rough! Chloe is not taking the Chemo Therapy very well. And today I think it hit the older one very hard. Chloe woke up throwing up. Bailey was still in bed so she didn't see this. We left Bailey at home while we went to Chemo. Then because plans failed we where trying to make Spring Break better by taking Bailey to the Dollar Movie. During lunch Chloe started throwing up again and it hit Bailey hard to see her sister sick and very out of it. I am blessed she was there. She was a trooper about everything and wanted to help and go home; she didn't get upset that we couldn't continue on with our day. So to those of you that have kids "Go give them a huge hug and kiss!"

Painted the Kitchen and the Wall in the Living Room!

2009-03-06T19:40:00.002-06:00

Well being stuck in your house without getting to go like you are use to can make you go crazy. Well I decided I needed a change or I was going to pull my hair out. First came buying the material we all would like so I could make curtains. After making sure the curtains came out okay we had to figure out what paint to buy. Eddie wanted the lighter paint, I went with the darker. Second, paint the kitchen. I got it all painted and was so excited. Third was find things at a reasonable price to decorate. So I was on the hunt. Between the Resale shop and Hobby Lobby's 80% clearance items I decorated the kitchen. Last but not least came painting over the willow tree in the living room. Yeap it is gone! Then with several discounted items from Walmart we have a living room that looks different.
For now I am please and totally blessed.

Walmart

2009-02-25T22:05:00.002-06:00

I have to say that this store may be the death of me. Not the cancer I've had, the stress I live with, but WALMART. My 2 year old is obsessed with visiting there when she isn't feeling 100% and since that has been a lot in the last 6 months we go often. We some times go 2 or 3 times a day. We sometimes visit more then one in a day, and we have even driven to another state to see if they have something. It is amazing how this place draws people. I believe I will have to start a 12 step program in the near future to get her off having to visit the store. But until then we are blessed that there is one within 10 miles.

Chemo in our future!

2009-02-16T20:43:00.002-06:00

Well the news was not so good today. We have taken a step backwards, but we are holding strong. Chloe will begin Chemo Therapy tomorrow. This will be new to her. If you are reading this please take a moment and say a prayer for her little body. Thank you God for the blessing of Doctors and Nurse who know their jobs and the plans that God has for them.

A picture says a thousand words!

2009-02-09T14:27:00.004-06:00

This one says "I love you!"

Power of Prayer

2009-02-09T14:25:00.001-06:00

Since my last post I have done a whole lot of praying. When you put it in Gods hands there is nothing else you can do. So I will continue to pray my daughters turn out okay and that they grown to be loving Christian women. I am going to refer to my blog name I am Blessed to be Bailey and Chloe's Mom!

I'm Struggling to be a good Mom right now!

2009-02-08T15:33:00.000-06:00

I know I am doing okay with Chloe she has her little outburst; handles the discipline I dish out then goes on like nothing has happen. But the 12 year old is a whole other story. She is not having a care in the world for herself, her actions or her things. We have taken things away, we have grounded and nothing is working. Then today I told her I would spank and this through Eddie into a mad man. He worries that they will be taken away because I said this. I am at the end of my rope though. What else can I do? I pray I am doing the right things in life. But today it is hard to be blessed when God's plan is not working. I am off to pray some more about this.

They said good-bye today.

2009-02-03T18:40:00.000-06:00

I have a very good feeling about Chloe's last treatment today. After we finished her Tech gave her a huge hug and said good-bye. He then says "Soon I will be taking your picture off the Hall of Prayer." It felt bittersweet, but also like we were loosing some really good friends. I pray that on the 16th they tell us it is totally gone. Thank you for blessing us today Lord!

Ice Storm that seems to be missing!

2009-01-27T14:38:00.002-06:00

I have lived in Illinois,Indiana and Minnesota where the weather can at times get really bad. I have watched the children of Minnesota go to school with lots of snow, ice and low temps. Yesterday they announced we where going to have a severe ice storm and we need to make sure we had provisions and we're ready. This morning at 5:30 we got the phone call that school was canceled do to the weather. I really have to laugh at all this cause the weather is fine; the road conditions are fine and it was perfectly fine for the kids to go to school. But I have to laugh at how Texas is treating the 29 degree weather and light mist.
Have a blessed day and may all your winter weather go away.

Serving an Awesome God!

2009-01-22T13:44:00.000-06:00

I serve a truly Awesome God! Chloe got reports back that where truly amazing. She has been fighting off Walking Pneumonia and just has not felt that great; when Eddie's boss hands him a bottle of the new Mova Acai Berry Juice. We have been having Chloe take this stuff for a week and she is sleeping, having no constipation (side affect of radiation) and has all this energy. In a weeks time she has improved 40% on most of her test. God new what we needed and put it in our path. We continue to prayer for remission. We have one more week left of radiation then a weeks rest before all of our tests again. Please continue to pray she will be healed and for her doctors and techs. Without those amazing people we would not be where we are today.
From Eddie, Bailey and I we thank each and everyone of you for praying for us, sending us emails and cards or just remembering Bailey and taking her somewhere so she can get out. We can't tell you how much all of you mean to us.
God Bless,
The Brown Family

Quiet on the home front

2009-01-19T20:39:00.002-06:00

After JBQ on Saturday Bailey went with a friend and her family to Oklahoma for the weekend. With Bailey gone and Chloe going to bed at 8:00 it has been quiet on the home front. We have been giving Chloe a new juice that should help her and it sure has been. She is sleeping a little better through the night. With Chloe sleeping Eddie and I have been able to catch up on our sleep. That is a blessing to us. So for the last several days the quiet on the home front was a gift from God. Now we are back to the craziness that is our life.
Everyone have a blessed day.

Bailey grades turned out GREAT!!!

2009-01-16T15:27:00.002-06:00

Math has been kicking Bailey's butt all semester. She is in AP Math, and I have to tell you Eddie and I are struggling to help her with the homework. But she pulled it off and got a high B in the class. The rest of her classes she got A's. She is in all AP classes so we are very proud of her! Way to go BAILEY!!

Reconnecting to your past!

2009-01-13T18:24:00.002-06:00

I have been hanging out on Facebook, and that has been very interesting. I was not a very popular or well liked person in High School. Most of you know I am overweight, but that should not stop people from looking at the inside of people. But I have been reconnecting with some HS classmates that didn't give me the time of day. Please take the time to look up old friends and look at the inside of them as they are now.
God Bless and hopefully you find friends in your past.

Apparently my 12 year is not the only one having trouble.

2009-01-09T21:38:00.001-06:00

I had to make a phone call to a friend today that Bailey would be able to go to a friends birthday party after her Dad had taken it away. My friend and I are talking about how the kids are both having trouble right now. And we both had to laugh or I think we would have been crying. Her daughter had gotten detention for telling the class they where all stupid. They live about half a mile from the school so she made her daughter walk home. She was walking to slow my friend made her jog home, while her daughter complained her toe hurt. When arriving home a toe was swollen. Then my friend felt guilty.
The Lord blesses us with these beautiful children. He gives us the Bible as our instruction book. But it doesn't tell us how to handle these hormones on any of the pages I have read. So I have decided that the words "this too shall pass" is the page I need to be on and just keep heading forward.

What do you do when there is 10 years difference?

2009-01-08T21:38:00.002-06:00

We are struggling with Bailey right now. In the past week her grades have dropped and she is crawling into a shell. With Chloe being sick we are trying to make sure Bailey is getting the attention she needs, but apparently it is not working. It is hard to do things with both of them when there is such a difference in ages and what they like and attention spans. I am just praying things will work out and she will get her game back on.
I am truly blessed with these two angels, I only hope I am doing the best.

Bammy is truly missed!

2009-01-06T21:35:00.003-06:00

Today would have been my Mother's 62nd Birthday. She would have been thrilled if she was in Texas with us because there was no snow. Her last birthday was spent in the hospital here in Texas. She was given the royal treatment from my friends. We even sprayed snow on her hospital window so she would feel like it was her birthday.
It will be six years since she has pasted, but there isn't a day that I don't miss her. The picture above is the last one we took of her. It was her college graduation, and a month later she was diagnosed with cancer. I am blessed to know that I will be with her again when I arrive in heaven and I can't tell you how much that means to me.
If your mother is still with you, be blessed. Call her and let her know how much she means to you.
Happy Birthday Bammy!

Barney Room is done!

2009-01-04T21:01:00.005-06:00

Sheets from Mrs. Jennifer
Curtains from Mrs. Tammy and Mrs. Starla(with the help of Mommy)
Paint (Pretty as a Princess) from Paw Paw
New Dollhouse from Paw Paw (put together by Daddy)
Used dresser from Paw Paw (good find from Craigslist Mommy)
The walls painted by Mommy and Daddy (with Bay Bay entertaining Chloe)

The look on her face as she walks into her new Barney Room
PRICELESS!!

Thanks for everyone's help with making this little girls dreams come true. She is truly blessed by all.

Truly thinking of murdering something

2009-01-01T06:42:00.002-06:00

We live next door to Bubba and Bubbette! They are the worst neighbors anyone could ask for, and we got them. They have 2 huge dogs which they do not take care of. Last night they put them in the back yard about 6:30 and left for the evening. Well about 7:15 the fireworks began, and so did the barking of these two lovely dogs. Welcome to the New Year! They stopped barking and fireworks stopped at about 3am. So you can imagine that when Chloe came into our room at 5:32am we where not so happy. Last night I seriously considered killing one of God's creatures, and it was not the dogs I wanted to kill it was those 2 idiots who put them outside before they left. We are going on 4 years living here and wish the options for neighbors would have been in the contract. Be blessed if you have wonderful neighbors because if you had Bubba and Bubbette you would be contemplating murder also.

My OU Girls!

2008-12-29T20:56:00.003-06:00

Oklahoma Walmart

2008-12-28T21:49:00.002-06:00

As most of you know Chloe's favorite thing to do is go to the Walmart. We have been looking all around for and OU shirt for my father-in-law since he got here (he lives in Florida, but can't stand the Gators and wants to wear a OU shirt the day of the game.) So today when Aunt Lita and Vicki got here we headed off toward Oklahoma to get him a shirt. We stopped in Gainesville, TX at the Cracker Barrel for lunch. They had a Elmo OU shirt 50% off that we got for Chloe and the cashier directed us toward the Walmart there. We did find a few OU things, but not what he wanted. So it was off to Ardmore, OK. He found a shirt; Lita, Vicki and Bailey got to shop and Chloe got to go to her favorite place twice in one day. God Bless Walmart and OU!

Another Mommy/Daughter Date

2008-12-27T18:59:00.002-06:00

Bailey and I headed out around 9 this morning for a Mommy/Daughter date. Our first stop was Barnes and Noble to get 2 of the Clique books that she was wanting. Then we where off to Grapevine Mills Mall. Steve & Barry was our next stop where we got Eddie 2 pair of Starberry's for the price of 1. Then 5 t-shirts for $10. We hit about 20 more stores before we where off to our last stop Walmart. We drug ourselves in to the house at 1:45. I was so glad to be done shopping for the day. She wore me out. I do like her idea for our next date. She wants to get pedicures so we are starting to save for that date. I can't tell you how great it felt that as we where walking down the Mall she wanted to hold my hand or have her arm intertwined with mine. I am blessed.

After Christmas sales!

2008-12-26T17:37:00.000-06:00

Well the after Christmas sales where not that great this year. We only got a couple of items (lights, tablecloth and 2 nutcrackers.) We where then off to other stores and walked away with NOTHING!!!! We are just going to hang out and wait for Aunt Lita and Vicki to come tomorrow! Be blessed today that we only have 364 shopping days till Christmas!!!!

Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T06:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was our 14th Anniversary. Bailey had worked it out with her Paw Paw to send us out for Dinner without kids. The last time that has happen has been years ago. We went to lunch instead because most restaurants would be closing early. Happy Anniversary Eddie. Love you!

Merry Christmas everyone! May God bring so much joy, peace and happiness into your hearts this season. Be blessed!

Seeing your children through others eyes.

2008-12-22T21:10:00.002-06:00

You know how you hope your children will act right in front of other people? Well today I got to see what someone else sees and hear comments about my children that you don't normally hear.
We where at the airport this morning waiting for Paw Paw to arrive and the kiddos where playing and we where chasing Chloe around so she would not get bored. We passed a lady and she said "Your children are well behaved and for the age difference you can tell they love each other." I think my head swelled really big before I threw a "Thank you." and was off to chase Chloe. But man it made my day to feel I was doing something right.
I then go to see my children adored by their Paw Paw. And him just say so many nice things about how my children act.
I am what my title says. Blessed to be Bailey and Chloe's Mom!

I have so much I didn't get done today.

2008-12-21T20:24:00.003-06:00

I grocery shopped.
Made chocolate blossom cookies.
7 loads of laundry.
Back to Walmart.
Back to different Walmart.
To Justin for some Tea.
Painted Chloe's B for her hair bows.
Hung 2 pictures.
Replaced 2 pictures.
Hung family ornament.
Wrapped several gifts.
Switched out light switch plate.

Wish I had a sewing machine about 10 thousand times so I could sew Chloe some drapes.
And the list could go on and on. Tomorrow we pick up Paw Paw Mike from the airport. Will write more then. Have a blessed day tomorrow can only get better.

Cleaning Day!

2008-12-20T10:20:00.002-06:00

We have finished cleaning the house, and now we are just going to take it easy for the rest of the day. We will take Chloe to Walmart so she can have an outing. Eddie and Bailey are going to head to church tonight. While Chloe and I will listen to the live feed from church. Bailey is needing to see her friends and be blessed.
Be blessed today for the home you have either a house, apartment or mobile home because there are lots of people out there that don't have a home to go home to.

Mommy/Daughter Date

2008-12-18T20:29:00.004-06:00

Bailey and I went on a Mommy/Daughter date tonight. I haven't been able to give her to much time the last couple of days, so tonight we went. Our evening started with dinner at Chili's. With a coupon for a free kids meal and me going kinda cheap we got out of there for $10 which included the tip. We then head to Walmart to shop around. She wanted to look at the book section for a book, but they wanted $8.49 so we are going to inter-library it. We then looked at all the cool clothes she would love to have, but we can't get right now. Then it was off to the pajama section where we found Christmas pajamas on clearance and grabbed them up for her. After that it was off to the electronics to drool over WII games and ipod accessories that are on our wish list. We rounded off the night with the Grinch Who Stole Christmas back at home. I am very blessed right now to have 2 beautiful daughters, but I am truly blessed to have Bailey's understanding right now with everything our family is going through.

Elf Yourself

2008-12-16T13:51:00.003-06:00

Last year I had a field day every time someone sent me a Elf Yourself. Some family had me rolling on the floor and grabbing for the Kleenex box. So if you want a laugh click here.
The Brown's

It's beginning to feel like Christmas.

2008-12-15T21:30:00.002-06:00

Well it is down right cold here in Texas today. I can handle the cold, but then when the wind hits you it is so freaking cold. The the best part of it beginning to feel like Christmas is Bailey's Choir Concert. They did a amazing job tonight with all their songs. I can't wait to hear them again on Wednesday at the nursing home. I am now praying the weather gets better so we can complete all we need to do tomorrow. Go out and attend a Christmas Program it will truly bless you.

The Party is over!

2008-12-13T19:10:00.001-06:00

The party is over. The child is soooooooo tired. Barney was a huge hit. And the sheets arrived right as the party was starting. What we do for our kids or the kids of those we love. God Bless each of you.

Blessing from Santa's Elves

2008-12-12T14:08:00.001-06:00

A huge thank you to Santa's Elves for the blessing you provided yesterday. God Bless you.

Pajama Day!

2008-12-10T14:51:00.002-06:00

We woke up to cold weather. High is only suppose to be 45 degrees! Yikes that is cold for Texas. We have let Chloe stay in her pajamas all day. I have to say this has been a blessing to my psych! She has only not felt good once. Took a nap (not a long one), but a nap! She is excited her best friend is stopping by to play for a bit. Bailey will be home soon and we can curl up and read for a little before church. We have been truly blessed with a good day.

Just wanting to scream at someone!

2008-12-09T20:26:00.002-06:00

I have to say Chloe is doing really good with her treatments, but when she doesn't feel well it seems like she cries all the time. Then top that off with Eddie and Bailey arguing with each other and I just want to SCREAM!!!! I don;t know how much more I can take. If I drank alcohol I would be drunk right now. I am truly blessed with this family of mine I am just searching for those blessing right now.

Family and Santa Pictures!

2008-12-07T16:36:00.002-06:00

I have to say that I am usually happy with the pictures. Today I think I could have killed a photographer with my bare hands. They took the pictures and when we went to look at them she had only taken 2 family pictures. One had the studio in the background and the other has Chloe pulling on Bailey's shirt to keep from falling. We went in for FAMILY pictures and you only take 2 and those where crap! They then took us in and took another set. Glare in everyone's glasses. So went in again and Chloe was done. So we had to go in a fourth time and got one good one! YEAH that is done. Then we headed over to Cabela's for a Santa picture. We had a little waith. but girls both did good and we have that out of the way.
Now we are heading to pick up Paula and Susana and going to Main Street Grapevine, TX. They decorate the whole street. Have Santa and carolers. It should be a great time.
Take a picture today and be blessed with who is in it!

Doing the neighborly thing!

2008-12-06T16:57:00.002-06:00

Today we cleaned house, went to the craft fair and Home Depot for kids craft. Then we did the neighborly thing and went to our friends Paula and Susana's house and put up their outside lights. They have not ever had lights on the house till we said we would do it. so now they are excited about it getting dark so they can see them lighted up. We are truly blessed to have those two in our lives. They help make us complete.
One Barney pillowcase showed up today!! Yeah I can't wait for her party!

Outside Lights are up.

2008-12-05T17:30:00.002-06:00

Eddie was nice enough to come home early from work today so we could get the outside lights up. After a couple of mishaps they are up and look really good. The two soldiers are up that I found at a great price from a yard sale. Also up in the inflatable snow globe that Bailey and I found on date night. We where at Grapevine Mills Mall at the KB Toys when they put everything 90% off. The globe was $99.99 and we got it for $9.99 and then we had another coupon and the total was $6.97! Oh yeah I'm good! I can enjoy the Holiday Season now. Be blessed this season.

Chloe is a Whiny Butt!

2008-12-04T19:25:00.003-06:00

This round of radiation has made Chloe the biggest whiny butt. Or is it that she is turning 2 in 7 days. We are hoping that it is just the radiation! Oh well I should stop whiny and just get over it.
Today has been a pretty boring day, but we where blessed to have great techs.
Have a wonderful day!

Stockings, Nutrackers and Tree

2008-12-03T14:32:00.006-06:00

It's been a while...

2008-12-03T14:07:00.003-06:00

since I have gone through our closet. I seem to find myself getting mad at Eddie for having all these clothes and he wears the same thing over and over again. So today I conquered the closet. After 6 huge lawn bags the closet looks pretty good. If only I could get him to part with the Atlanta Braves jacket that I think has seen better days. Now all that needs to be done it him cleaning up his computer pieces at the top.
Chloe being sick has done a few good things for this household. We don't go out very much so more things are getting cleaned. Also finding more things I had in hiding for gifts so we don't have to buy as much. I have also gone down memory lane a little with some of the things I have found.
Be blessed today, hug your children extra long and make sure to be thankful.

First treatment of Round Two!

2008-12-02T15:11:00.000-06:00

Chloe is FABULOUS today. No crying when we pulled into parking lot. Her doctor was there to see how well she to the longer treatment. She did a awesome job. We are back home and she is resting now till we go pick up Bailey. God Bless her doctor today and all the techs that come in contact with Chloe.

Thank God for Jennifer and Rob!!!!

2008-12-01T20:58:00.004-06:00

I have been on a mission for sometime for Barney sheets for Chloe. With everything going on in her life Barney seems to make her the happiest. This morning I put the Barney up in the sky and Jennifer and Rob came flying to the rescue. Jennifer found sheets; Rob found a light switch and backpack and then Jennifer found pillow cases for me to get. Today we have made a almost 2 year a very happy girl. We are truly blessed!

And to the person on ebay that had to pay 25.01 I am truly sorry you had to pay for Jennifer's happiness at driving the price up :)

27 days till Christmas!

2008-11-29T15:31:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is over and we are back home from Houston. Thank GOD!! We get to get back to our routine and sleep in our own beds. Now the busiest month of the year is about to arrive. Chloe's Birthday is the 11th; Dad arrives the 22nd; our anniversary is the 24th; Christmas Eve is the 24th; Christmas Day the 25th and then Aunt Lita is coming on the 26th. Between all of those activities we have Choir program; radiation; doctor appointments and shopping. So lord please give me the strength and make me realize I am blessed!

Family in town!

2008-11-24T21:26:00.001-06:00

My brother, sister in law and two nieces arrived today from Illinois. It has been a very good day catching up with them and watching the girls play together. Tomorrow we are headed off to the Mint and to hang out together before heading off to Houston Wednesday for Thanksgiving. Have a blessed Holiday!

Great News!

2008-11-21T20:37:00.000-06:00

Chloe went for all kinds of test today. It has shrunk 41% and her count is down 7000. We will start another 6 rounds on December 2 and have them two a week for three weeks. Praise the Lord that everything is going the way the doctor wants. Love and God Bless!

Round 6 is over!

2008-11-20T14:52:00.000-06:00

Chloe finished round 6 today with hardly any side effects. She is a trooper through all this. God has given her the best little spirit anyone could ask for. Tomorrow is a full day of tests for her. I just pray is has the endurance. Thanks everyone for blessing us with your prayers. Have a blessed day!

I know we are not dirty people, but it sure felt like it today!

2008-11-18T19:29:00.000-06:00

Today I pulled everything out of the refrigerator and cleaned it. Then I pulled everything out of the pantry and cleaned it. I know we are not dirty people, but today it felt like we where the dirtiest people in the world. There was no excuse for the dirt. So I need to just clean it more ofter. I also got all the laundry done so today was a very productive day. YEAH ME!!

Sorry it has been a few days!

2008-11-16T09:36:00.002-06:00

Chloe made it through her treatment on Thursday. We spent that night and most of the next day just chilling around the house. Friday night we hung out with Susanna while her Mom went to a USO volunteer dinner. Saturday we had JBQ at our old church. (Which I am really grateful that God lead us to TCOC! I love everyone there!) We can home for Chloe to have a nap and then we where off to Saturday Night Service. That's nights message was for my ears! Pastor Jeff new I need to be fed the word and everything he was talking about was what I needed to hear. I can't thank him enough for always having a sermon that is inspiring to the soul. After service we headed home we all of us pretty much fell into bed. Today we are having a slow morning. Bailey is playing with her Flip Camera, Chloe is running around the house trying to get someone to play with her, Eddie is trying to get viruses off the computer of a friends computer, and I am sitting by the window trying to get some sun even though it is on in the 40's here. We will head out later to church for Stop Training then come home again to go back to chillin. Have a blessed week everyone.

Dad is coming for Christmas!

2008-11-11T18:47:00.001-06:00

Eddie's Dad is coming for Christmas!!! This past February he had a heart attack and we could only afford to send Eddie to see him, so the girls are excited he is coming for a visit. On December 22 he will be here in TEXAS!!

First Impressions

2008-11-10T21:01:00.002-06:00

When we where getting ready to move to Justin in 2004 we where told we where going to like everything accept the receptionist at the school. Our friends told us she was not personable at all. During one of our trips out to visit the house as it was being built Eddie and I went by the school to have a tour and find out what they had to offer Bailey. Karla was the first person we encountered at the school. We went through the afternoon, and as we where leaving Eddie and I both looked at each other and said. I thought we weren't going to like the receptionist? From the first day of school to the last we fell in love with the front office staff at Hatfield. Chloe and I go up to have potluck with Karla and Dana every two weeks so we can visit them. Bailey, Chloe and I loves those ladies. So much so they are even on Bailey emergency contacts if something happens at school. So when it comes to first impressions of people; try to give them a second and maybe a third before you tell others just how you feel. Thank you Karla and Dana we are truly blessed to be friends with you both.

Week 1 of Fasting!

2008-11-09T10:44:00.003-06:00

Our church TCOC has begun a Capitol Campaign to build a bigger building. They have out grown the 3 services they have, and people are leaving because there is no room. In the process of them doing this we are praying and fasting for 5 weeks. This week was the first week of fasting. I gave up Chocolate and Chicken Express Ice Tea. Eddie and Bailey gave up all other drinks besides water and milk. This first week has been a real challenge for me in prayer and fasting, but I did it! I am hoping the next 4 week go better. We are off to church for a meeting today to see the rough draft plans of the new church and to see the direction the pastor has envisioned.
Have a blessed day everyone!

Chloe and her new glasses!

2008-11-08T11:07:00.001-06:00

Chloe got her new glasses last night and she is doing really good keeping them on. I do hate that they make her eyes look really big. We go back in 2 months to see if it is correcting the crossing of the eye. Isn't she a cutie pie though!

Welcome to my Blog!

2008-11-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

I have decided to start blogging again. I got very upset with some comments the last time and turned it off. I have pretty much given everything over to God since Chloe got sick, and with that going on in our life those comments mean nothing now.

What is going on with The Browns?

Eddie is still working for LXI. He is in a great Football Bible Study. They are doing it with Tony Dungy's book. Which I have to say is really good so far.

Bailey turned 12 at the end of October and is just in her element at Middle School. She is still in JBQ and has a wonderful team. Bailey continues to amaze us daily with all she is involved in.

Chloe turns 23 months in 4 days. She finished her 4th Radiation Treatment. Saw the eye doctor today and we pick up her glasses in a couple of hours. She is talking a whole lot more and makes you smile with her personality.

Rhonda feels about 100 years old with everything going on, but is just happy to have my family and friends supporting us. I went to a grown up movie last night with a friend. The new one with Richard G. and Diane L. is was okay!