XBOX WIFE

TO MY STUDENTS...

2010-03-27T16:55:00.004-05:00

If you are reading this, then YES, you have found me, and I am very impressed!

Even though each of you have amazing detective skills and the uncanny knack to solve mysteries in classwork, I do believe that you would never be able to use your super sleuth skills to achieve solving a mystery of this magnitude (even though you are all very smart to be such a tender age).

So...if you are reading this, you have solved the mystery and now have the opportunity to win a little prize. Come to class anytime between Monday, March 29, and Thursday, April 1, to provide me with answers to the following:

the title of my longest post (and how many words)
the title of my shortest post (and how many words)
my secret identity
your favorite title
the post that you think is the best example of a personal narrative (Hint: It's a personal blog, so this one has LOTS of correct answers.)

Winners will receive 5 (you read that correctly - FIVE) whole "Brownstone" Bucks to use in class!

In addition, I must tell you that if you choose to comment, all prize money will be forfeited. This is not a joke. NO COMMENTS from students or your families!

Mrs. Brownstone's New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-04T22:01:00.002-06:00

Love even better.
Drink more water.
Be more organized.
Take the stairs.
Eat more regularly.
Foster my friendships.
Have more patience.
Cut some expenses.
Help a cause.
Redeem this blog!

Happy New Year, Y'all!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-06-09T00:12:00.003-05:00

It's hit or miss these days for me ~ still not feeling great but hopefully getting healthy, slow as that may be!

Hope you're all well! Thanks for the well wishes and the blog visits.

Mr. Linky is still not enabled, but to be honest, I've dropped the ball on that the last few weeks because I just haven't felt like doing much of anything! Please feel free to leave your link in the comments.

I am thankful for my two sweet, sweet babies.
They are growing up to be kind, wise, giving, loving, and a whole lot of other good things.
They are finally home for the summer, and this makes me so happy. I miss them during the school year.
They have made a schedule for themselves for the summer. I'll try to post it on here this week. It's very detailed and very cute. They even planned field trips!
They laugh a LOT. It doesn't take very much to get them started or to keep them going, and their giggles and peals of laughter are highly contagious.
They are the best of friends.
They are curious ~ I notice this always, but it definitely intensifies during the summer when they are not diverting some of that to their teachers.
They love to be outdoors. The "wildlife" in our yard is keeping them captivated.
They think I'm the greatest mom in the whole world, even on the days that I don't act like it.
They love God and Jesus, and they aren't afraid to share it!

Have a blessed day!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-05-26T07:25:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Tuesday Friends!

Mrs. Brownstone is currently under the weather with a minor medical emergency. She is still thankful for many things, include yourself among them!

Please feel free to leave your link for your thankful lists, and please remember to visit each other.

Mrs. Brownstone acknowledges that "Ten Things Tuesday" is not quite back up to speed, but maybe today she will find out one of the things that has been making her feel "not quite right" for awhile now.

Have a blessed day, and remember to give thanks!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-05-19T08:46:00.006-05:00

Good morning!

This morning I wanted to share some songs with you that are among my all-time favorites. Music is definitely one thing for which I'm thankful, and there are ten reasons listed below for your listening pleasure. The list is in no particular order, and it is by no means all-encompassing, but these are ones that either put a smile on my face, bring tears to my eyes, or cause me to sing out loud no matter who is around to hear it!

If you click the name of the song, it will take you to the lyrics. If you click "hear it", it will take you to an audio/visual performance. The A/V links are simply ones I could easily find on the Internet, not necessarily the ones to which I personally listen. Most of the worship songs have become favorites from singing them at church!

I'm thankful that for the music that touches my life! What are your favorite songs?

Have a thankful and song-filled day!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-05-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday, Friends!

I'm taking some time to be thankful today ~ hope that you will, too!

We have a cottontail rabbit living in our front yard.

And then there are the mallard ducks ~ a male and a female.

Not to mention the bluebird...

Or the redbird...

Or the yellowbird...

Or the black and white bird.

We also have the bumble bees, the roly-polys, the ladybugs, and the butterflies.

Then, of course, we have the squirrels.

There are also the hundreds of small geckos and dozens of chameleons (usually bright green)...

And three GIANT lizards!

We have our own zoo! I'm so thankful for the giggles of delight that it brings to my ears each time Tornado and Twister walk outside!

What are you thankful for today? Don't forget to leave your link in the comments!

Have a blessed day!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-05-05T09:52:00.003-05:00

Good morning!!

This is a quick list - I'm sitting here with one of my siblings (her favorite) so we're off to spend the day together.

It's a beautiful rainy day.
Field Day got rescheduled, so now it's TWO fun days - this unexpected free day and of course the new Field Day.
Thing 3 is funny. See parentheses above. :) Thing 3 added that tidbit.
No one in our immediate family has the swine flu. According to the media, we should never leave the house...but we do, and we're still healthy!
My husband scored U2 tickets for this fall. This is a BIG deal in the Brownstone household!
Tornado and Twister share our love for U2. They first heard them on the way home from the hospital as babies, and now they can tell you the name of every song, as well as the names (and facts) about each member of the group.
Our missionary friends made it home safely to the US for a visit with their families!
I've been doing Boot Camp at 5:30 every morning. It's kicking my bootie, but I love it! In just two weeks, I've already got better balance and more energy.
I discovered the most awesomely delicious snack of all time possibly. Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds. You should totally try them.
Guys are funny. It's like being around kids in a candy store with all of the superhero/space adventure/action movies that are coming out right now - i.e. Wolverine, Star Trek, etc. Can you say "Guys' Night Out"? :)

Well, that's my list for this week. So sorry I didn't get to visit anyone last week. It was a busy one! As always, until Mr. Linky is back up, you can add your link to the comments! Visit each other, too!

Have a blessed day!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-04-28T06:56:00.002-05:00

Wow!! It's been WAY too long since I made my own personal list of things for which to be thankful!! So here goes...

It was easy to get up this morning when the alarm sounded. It's getting easier each day.
The weather is nice outside ~ not too hot, not too cold, and the fog is beautiful. Summer will be here soon enough.
It's been a peaceful morning.
It's been a productive morning.
I've made new friends this week.
It was good to get to spend some unexpected quality time with Mr. Brownstone yesterday.
Tornado said farewell to an activity yesterday, opening the door to so many new possibilities.
Twister has been well for at least month, and that is a huge blessing.
Today will be a day where my efforts at home will be obvious. It's nice when those come around every once in awhile.
God loves me.

Be thankful, friends!!! Make it a great day!

Post your link in the comments!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-04-20T21:55:00.002-05:00

HELLO, TUESDAY FRIENDS!

Well, Ten Things Tuesday has been in a mess lately. There have been many things that have kept me offline for the last several months. In addition, I've had some trouble with the new computer and Mr. Linky. I am trying to get that all sorted out, but in the meantime...please feel free to leave a link in the comments section, and I will get those added when the other problem is resolved.

Thanks so much for visiting. Remember to be thankful everyday!

And please link. I could really use the encouragement I get from reading your lists.

Have a blessed day!

ON THE SUBJECT OF CONFESSION

2009-04-07T08:15:00.003-05:00

So XBOX Wife has had a hard time getting back up and running. It might not be so hard if our Internet would work consistently. Last year we had LOTS of trouble with our Internet and telephone services...so much that we even switched to a different company thinking that would solve the problem.

It didn't.

It's like our home was built on some crazy vortex that sucks the life out of all Internet and telephone attempts! The repairman will come out, take a look around, run a few tests...then he will turn to me and say, "Mrs. Brownstone, I cannot seem to find the source of the problem. That will be $139.95." ARRGH!!!

So, my confessions:

I am dissatisfied with our current Internet and telephone services even though the vortex is probably not their fault. Unless!!! Unless...it's a conspiracy! That's got to be it, right? They are conspiring to charge the Brownstones $140 a couple of times a year because that would help the company in this dire time of financial crisis. A good theory, except I don't anyone else that lives on a crazy Internet/telephone service draining vortex. I guess a mere $300 a year is not good bailout for any company.
Speaking of financial crisis, every time this happens, I fear that we haven't paid the bill, even though deep down I know that it has been paid. We are of the mindset that if we can't pay for something that is not a necessity (necessities being food, water, reasonable clothing, shelter, and electricity), then we don't have it. As much as we'd like to think of Internet as a necessity, it's not. I remember way back in the last century when nobody had Internet in their homes...and we had to walk five miles to school...in the snow...with no Ipod to keep us entertained.
And my final confession? I drove up and down our street until an open connection presented itself. Normally, I would drive to a wi-fi coffee shop or something. Normally. But it's hard to go anywhere when the telephone/Internet service company that you're using gives you a time frame of 8 am to 7 pm!!! SERIOUSLY???? So here I sit in my car, parked on the street in front of someone else's home but within view of my own home so as not to miss the repairman during the ELEVEN HOUR window we've been given. I picked a house to park in front of that belongs to someone we know, at least in a friendly down the street neighbor sort of way. The wife knows what trouble we've been having, so it's cool. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I should be embarrassed about even having to do this...even though I am completely, thoroughly, utterly mortified. Cars filled with other people, people not in the know, keep driving by and giving me funny looks. But...a girl has to check her email, right?

CREAK...CREAK...CREAK...

2009-03-15T13:45:00.003-05:00

That's me having to remember.

The weirdest thing happened...

All of the passwords and usernames on our computer had to be re-entered, even the ones that are set to remain on all the time.

Does this ever happen to any of you? And if so, how do you stop it?

I have a hard enough time remembering my username. It's really difficult when the password has to be recalled as well! Those should probably be kept somewhere safe. You hear about keeping important things under lock and key...it just seems the safe in my head may be getting a bit rusty!

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!

ICE PICK, ANYONE?

2009-03-13T21:01:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile. It feels like there might the need for an icebreaker.

Hi, I'm Mrs. Brownstone. If I could be on any reality show...

It would have to be "America's Best Dance Crew".

Particularly in the "Beat Freaks" crew.

Of course, I'd have to learn how to dance first.

How about you?

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-01-20T03:32:00.002-06:00

Today I will choose to be happy.

I am happy that I have a wonderful, loving, supportive husband.
I am happy that I have two fantastic kids that love their mama and remind me often, especially when they think I need to hear it.
I am happy that they are home with me today.
I am happy that my friend made it home safe from her trip. (and I can't wait to hear about it!)
I am happy that she had a fun time with her husband.
I am happy that it's not freezing outside.
I am happy that we got a lot done at home over the weekend.
I am happy that my grandmother is doing well.
I am happy that she lives with my parents now.
I am happy that I got to quality time with one of my siblings this weekend.

What is making you happy? What are you thankful for today?

A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES

2009-01-15T18:00:00.002-06:00

Recently overheard in the House of Brownstone...

A Brownstone: "I haven't had a nightmare in over a year, and if I do have a bad dream, it's not about monsters or movie-scary stuff, it's about random things like giant bugs, or something. I even had a dream that BARBIES were attacking me."

A Different Brownstone: "That could be a nightmare OR a dream...depends on how you look at it."

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2009-01-13T09:09:00.002-06:00

Well, the Happy 2009 Ten Things Tuesday list that I'd hoped to put up today is not going to happen, but below you will find Mr. Linky to add your link. If you're new, you can find the guidelines and the inspiration in the sidebar on the right.

Please pray for us today. Twister is sick...again, and we're on our way out the door to the doctor.

I'll try to post my ten things if the opportunity presents itself later in the day. Feel free to come check!

Have a blessed day, a blessed week, and a blessed 2009!

SIXTEEN LEFT, THIRTY-FOUR RIGHT...

2009-01-12T23:05:00.003-06:00

What was that combination again?

So, I just tried to log into Blogger.

It has been so long since logging in, I had forgotten my password. Nice, huh? After trying several times, I finally found the correct combination to achieve success in this venture.

It's a bit embarrassing actually. Forgetting my password... Seriously? Has it really been that long, or am I just getting forgetful? I hope it's the first one. Not that I don't love to come here and partake in this little luxury of life called blogging...I just am not ready for my mind to start going just yet.

It has been a long while. I know it has been.

And I'm sorry.

One of the best things about blogging is developing your own sort of community and readership, which in turn can be forged into a form of friendship, albeit one where we are never likely to meet face to face.

It's still a friendship.

And I wasn't a good friend.

I took a necessary hiatus and neglected to tell you.

And I'm sorry.

Hopefully you will forgive me.

Hopefully we can be friends again.

I'm not sure how quickly my return from hiatus will be a full return.

It's just one of those seasons.

I hope you'll come visit, though, as often as you can.

I'll be out exploring the neighborhood, too.

Happy New Year to you all!

DIA-LOGGING IN, DIA-LOGGING OUT...A DIALOGUE BETWEEN FRIENDS

2008-12-18T20:00:00.003-06:00

Hello! I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit. Please come in, and make yourself at home!

Yes, my hair HAS gotten longer. Thank you for noticing!

Intentional? Not really, it just grows so fast, and there hasn't been time for haircut!

Ha! Ha! No, I'm not going for a multi-colored look ~ those are just my roots showing.

Oops! Sorry! Let me just move those for you, and then you can have a seat.

Yes...I know. I'm taking those to the donation station soon. It's been hard to get over there before it closes.

Oh, did I forget to tell you? I've been working some ~ there were some unexpected expenses, and then of course...bum-bum-bum...Christmas shopping.

Yes, Mr. Brownstone's car had to have a new radiator...and new tires...and valve replacement.

Is that all? Oh, no, far from it. BowWow Brownstone had to have surgery.

Oh, yes. He's doing quite well for a "geriatric" dog. They say he has several more years to enjoy life with the Brownstones.

Thank you; we were so happy and relieved. He's like one of the family!

Ha! Ha! Yes, the kind that you put in the doghouse at night ~ unless is below 40 degrees or above 95 degrees.

Oh, girlfriend! Don't even go there! The telephones STILL don't work well, the Internet is temperamental, and the mobile phone...let's just say I could shed tears over it.

Yes, the new computer is great...when I get to use it.

PTA? The duties of my office are almost finished. They should have been finished long ago according to the people that said it would be an "easy job".

I KNOW! They lie like cheap rugs! But no...don't feel sorry for me. It's nobody else's fault that I have a hard time saying "no"! If I were them, I'd ask me, too. I'm usually a sure bet.

Church? Church is great. We love where we worship! It's crazy, though! Teaching on Sunday and Wednesday is definitely keeping us hopping!

Mr. Brownstone? Oh, yes. He helps ~ actually, you could say he does it,and I help.

Right now? He's outside grilling some burgers for us.

Mmm~hmmm. He makes great burgers, and just wait until you try his homemade steak fries.

Scout meetings for two kids? I'm not sure exactly. Thankfully, they aren't on the same day, but even still it's hard to keep the days straight. Luckily my scouting job is the same for both age groups.

You're too kind. No, really, I'm not that organized. In fact, Twister is missing an activity this week because I double-booked.

No, you're right. It couldn't be avoided...but that doesn't take away the sting.

Definitely. The other activities keep us even busier!

Sports here, creative arts there...

Volunteer work? Ha! Ha! Isn't most of it volunteer?

Ha! Ha! Ha! It's going well. It's only every other week for right now because that is what works for their schedule.

I guess so ~ it probably is best for my schedule right now, too; BUT...I'd go every week if it worked out better for them. It's definitely a blessing to be able to help!

Blogging? Right now, it would be a guilty pleasure. I don't know if it's good or bad (in this situation) that I'm not good at being guilty.

I know, I know. Visitors have stopped visiting, followers have stopped following... That's why it means so much to me that you dropped in for a visit.

Yes, it really does mean... Oh, please excuse me for a moment.

Mr. Brownstone has the burgers and fries ready for us!

Mmmm...I know. Don't they smell delicious? I can't wait ~ some days there seems to be barely time to eat!

...Amen!

How to summarize the past few months? I can't do it...just please pass the catch-up.

TO LINK, OR NOT TO LINK...

2008-12-02T14:11:00.002-06:00

It seems like Mr. Linky has not been working lately! I did post a link this morning, but I've noticed that all of the links that remained open have disappeared. Please feel free to leave your link in the comments section, and I will be happy to add it whenever Mr. Linky is once again in working order!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-12-02T00:43:00.004-06:00

Good morning, Y'all! Isn't this a blessed day? It is a day that the Lord has made! Rejoice, and be glad in it!

I rejoice that we just got to spend a wonderful weekend of thanksgiving with my family! It was so good to see all of them without the normal pressures of a week. We spent the weekend taking turns holding the newest sweet baby! It was almost enough to make me think about having another one.
I rejoice that I've just celebrated another year on this earth! I had a birthday over the weekend, and it was a good one! It was also one that reminded me that having another baby is just a nice thought. Though we would LOVE another baby and consider all children as a blessing from the Lord, I love where we are as a family!
I rejoice that I've got such wonderful friends! It's always a joy when I can look forward to spending time with them!
I rejoice that I've been able to reconnect with some old friends! It's so easy to get caught up in our daily lives that you can forget how much you miss talking to old friends until you're given the opportunity to catch up with them!
I rejoice in our church home! We have been so blessed to find a place that focuses on making church truly like a family. I get such a warm feeling of comfort from those with whom we worship!
I rejoice in having found a creative outlet! It seems like I haven't really had a lot of time to blog lately, and computer issues put a big giant forced hiatus in effect for awhile, BUT...blogging is a nice creative release for me. I wish it had been around longer!
I rejoice that my kids are so great! We just got back some testing scores for them, and I have to brag a little bit ~ they are so smart! They are great kids in all of the other ways that matter even more, though. They have a great capacity for loving others and for loving the Lord!
I rejoice that Mr. Brownstone is such a wonderful man and an even more wonderful husband! He makes me laugh every single day, he is a great provider, and most importantly, he is a man of God. He is also the best daddy for whom our kids could ever hope!
I rejoice that this is a season of rejoicing! I LOVE this time of year. I won't lie ~ I adore all of the commercial aspects of Christmas. I love decorating, seeing Santa in the malls, and buying gifts! I love the parties and the organized ~ and sometimes not so organized ~ chaos of all. BUT...I really love having a special time of year to focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don't care if He wasn't born on December 25. Since there is no way of knowing the exact date, I think it's great that one has been picked to honor His birth. I love that during this time of year there is a focus on giving, a focus on helping those less fortunate, and a focus on rejoicing! Even in a time of financial upheaval, it is so heart-warming to see people digging deep and helping others however they are able!
I rejoice that God sent His Son to earth! What an amazing sacrifice we are so blessed to have so undeservedly received. REJOICE!

As always, thank you for joining in the thanksgiving with me each week! If you're a first time visitor, please add (first time) by your name, so everyone can give you a big warm welcome!

Have a blessed week!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY...ON THURSDAY! THE THANKSGIVING EDITION

2008-11-27T09:55:00.009-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Y'ALL!

I love the image above because the little girl does have it right! We shouldn't leave being thankful for only one day a year. That being said...I love the Thanksgiving holiday! Today my "Ten Things" list is all about Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for the traditions of Thanksgiving! There is something special about knowing that so many people across America are doing the same thing all day long. Our preacher phrased it perfectly this week as "family, friends, food, fun, and football"!
We are sitting here all together in our pajamas watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! It's been so much fun to pass this tradition to my own children. We watched it every single year when I was growing up, and then one year we got to see it in Times Square. I am excited for the day that we will be able to give our kids that experience!
We just enjoyed homemade donuts courtesy of Mr. Brownstone. It is a tradition that he decided to start for our family when the kids were born. I love that he plans it our each year, and that it is his "baby".
Tornado and Twister are playing a board game. Mr. Brownstone and I will join in at some point, but they fit in as many as possible!
In a few minutes, we will be heading to my parents house. We alternate years between Mr. Brownstone's family and my family, and then do the opposite at Christmas. Because of this system, we never feel rushed to make it to the next dinner or celebration ~ we simply enjoy spending time with the family we are with that day!
We are getting ready to have a feast! The times that we are with my family, it is guaranteed to be a wonderful, traditional meal. We will have turkey, my mom's dressing, giblet gravy, green bean bundles with bacon, sweet potato casserole with brown sugar topping and nuts, corn casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, and more!
The Cowboys play today!!! EVERY year our team plays on Thanksgiving! It is so much fun to sit around together and cheer on our boys!
On Thanksgiving night, we will enjoy leftovers and no one will complain! They are so good, how could we?
In addition to the leftovers, we will watch some cheesy movie and laugh ourselves silly! It is a fun time for all of us!
Tomorrow morning we will get up extremely early and go into the hustle and bustle ~ even though we are almost done Christmas shopping ~ simply so we can be in the hustle and bustle!
While we have been decorating a little here and there, we will REALLY finish decorating for Christmas this weekend!

Thanks for dropping by today! As always, feel free to make your own "Ten Things" list and link away with Mr. Linky!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

THREE GUESSES...

2008-11-26T00:31:00.004-06:00

I will give you three guesses why the "Ten Things Tuesday" list did not go up on Tuesday morning.

Feel free to guess in the comments, and be creative! If you do leave a comment, please join in a brand new Mr. Linky ~ "Your Greatest Hits" ~ by leaving a link for your favorite blog post (from your own blog) posted during the month of November. (It's not required, but I'd love to stop by for a visit!) If you do not leave a comment, please know that I am thankful for your visit anyway! However, since I was unable to post a "Ten Things Tuesday" this week in a timely manner, I am reserving this particular Mr. Linky for those that leave a comment as a way of saying that I am thankful for your comments!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-11-26T00:20:00.005-06:00

Late, late, late good evening, Friends! It's way past bedtime in my neck of the woods; and obviously, it's not Tuesday anymore! Y'all must think I'm such a big flake ~ late posting, no posting, no visits or comments to your blogs, etc. etc. etc.

In the interest of getting to bed before it's time to wake, there is no thankful list for me today, though the list could be long. However, I am adding Mr. Linky for those of you that were able to make a list ~ or are planning on making a list ~ and would like to share it with all of us!

I'll be blogging my own list on Thursday for a special Thanksgiving Edition of "Ten Things Tuesday". Likewise, if you'd like to add your link to that list, too, I'd love to have you join in the Thanksgiving thankfulness! Please keep mind that it is the "Thanksgiving Edition", so it should reflect the Thanksgiving holiday in some form or fashion!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-11-18T07:41:00.006-06:00

Good morning, Y'all! What a beautiful, blessed day!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

And if you are a repeat visitor? THANK YOU for coming back time and time again! All of your thankful lists have been such a blessing to me!

Be sure and take a quick look at the link list when you get little opportunities throughout the day, so you can visit others and find out what is blessing them! Don't forget to welcome our newcomers!

I'm thankful for the "happy chaos" that can accompany mornings in getting two kids ready for school! I wouldn't change any of it!
Likewise, I am thankful for the quiet moment that follows. It is usually the only time the day is quiet! :)
It's busy this time of year, but it's starting off well and staying organized...for the most part!
Mr. Brownstone doesn't know it yet, but we are putting up our Christmas tree this weekend! It's still pretty warm outside, so it doesn't seem like we should be doing it yet, but I don't want to be focusing on decorating during Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is almost here! Yea! My mom makes the best stuffing ever!
I am thankful for the coming noise of thanksgiving! When you get a set of parents, four siblings, their spouses, and all of the grandkids in one house, it can get a little bit loud!
Our time together is filled with lots of laughter!
I am thankful for goofy, cheesy movies that require little thought to watch. My siblings and our spouses usually watch one at this time of year. It's a tradition!
I am thankful, too, for good books. There is always time to sneak in some reading.
Finally, I am thankful that the Cowboys won on Sunday! It at least puts them ~ maybe ~ back into the game.

What are you thankful for today?

Have a blessed week!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-11-11T11:43:00.005-06:00

Oops!
It's Tuesday!

Welcome to everyone! If you're a newcomer, be sure and let us know beside your link by typing (first time). You can grab the button graphic code, read the guidelines, and find out the inspiration for "Ten Things Tuesday" in the sidebar on the right. If you're a regular visitor, thanks to you, too! Y'all are the ones spreading the word about "Ten Things Tuesday", and it just wouldn't be the same without you!

A very quick list for me to be able to get Mr. Linky up for you!!!

the smell of clean laundry
the way clean sheets feel
nice lunches with friends
the funny things that kids say
children's spelling errors
good anticipations
autumn rainstorms
sunshine days
watching leaves flutter to the ground
lists!

Come join in the thanksgiving!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jan Fleming
2. Andrea - Life As I Know It
3. Loving Mom 2 Boys
4. Melissa
5. Kayla
6. The Gwennap 4- first time post

7. Jill
8. Emily
9. Katey@crazyhomeschoolmama
10. Kipi
11. mzzterry (corrected link)
12. Chandra

13. Courtney Kay!
14. Relimom
15. Linda
16. Sabrina
17. Andi
18. Sarah\'s Everyday Elegance

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-11-04T08:21:00.005-06:00

Good morning, my fellow Americans! And good morning, or afternoon, or evening, to my foreign friends as well!

Today is an important day for all of us here in the United States as we elect a new president, as well as many other government offices. In light of this, my list is all about America.

I am thankful for my right to vote. It really wasn't so long ago in the grand scheme of things that women did not have that right.
I am thankful for our military. They have made such a huge commitment to protect our freedoms and to keep us safe. I will never cease to be amazed and honored by their willingness to sacrifice for our country.
I am thankful for checks and balances. It would not be fun to have one single person in control of everything!
I am thankful that our pledge of allegiance still says "one nation under God". I pray that it will always have that promise.
I am thankful for our forefathers. It wasn't easy for them to set up this new country, but they stood firm for what they believed, and we still have our freedom because of it.
I am thankful for all of the "ideals" ~ baseball, apple pie, and such!
I am thankful for the monuments, the anthem, the flag, the symbols ~ all of them are powerful reminders of our freedom and our history.
I am thankful for the basic freedoms we take for granted ~ like having heat whenever we decide we need it! Our dear friends did not have heat for a couple of weeks when the weather turned colder because the government had not deemed it time to turn it on in their apartment building. I am so very thankful for our basic rights and freedoms.
I am thankful for our leaders. I do not always agree with everything various leaders have done or will do, and my beliefs do not always align with theirs, but I do think that we are called to respect our leaders in that they are serving our country, our state, our city... I also believe it is our duty to pray for them ~ to pray that they will make the best decisions and that they will never lose sight that we are one nation under GOD.
I am thankful that ultimately, I am not a citizen of this earth but a citizen of God's Kingdom!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello! You can also find the code for the graphic, the guidelines, and the inspiration behind "Ten Things Tuesday" in the sidebar.

And to my old friends...you're awesome! Thanks for blessing me each week!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jan Fleming
2. LInda
3. HisFireFly
4. Mrs. Greer
5. Melissa
6. Jessica First Time

7. aloted
8. Loving Mom 2 Boys
9. Sharon
10. Jayne
11. Rosheeda
12. Andrea - Life As I Know It

13. Courtney Kay!
14. Kipi
15. mzzterry
16. Joy
17. Dyane

THREE CHEERS!

2008-10-28T12:22:00.003-05:00

HIP-HIP-HOORAY!

Hey! Would you look at that!?!! It seems like everything might be back in working order! YEA!!!!

If you are here looking for "Mr. Linky", then please, by all means ~ LINK AWAY!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-10-28T09:27:00.008-05:00

Good morning, Y'all!

Things are looking up on the computer front here in the Brownstone home! We have a new Internet service, and today it is actually working... Keep your fingers crossed for us, there have still been issues with that one! Several early birthday and Christmas presents later, as well as a partial company reimbursement, we also have a new computer! (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) I haven't quite figured it all out yet, and I need to contact Mr. Linky to have the "Mr. Linky" capabilities reinstalled, so today there is not a box where you can link. Please accept my apologies for that, and please feel free to add your link to the comments section!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello! You can also find the code for the graphic, the guidelines, and the inspiration behind "Ten Things Tuesday" in the sidebar.

If you are a old-timer, thanks for coming week after week! Y'all rock!

I am thankful for our new Internet service. It's been a frustrating few weeks, but hopefully things are finally resolved.
We have an awesome new computer. I've never had a laptop before and can already see the massive benefits of it compared to a desktop. There is a lot to learn about this new one, so have patience with me!
It was so nice to log in and see that friends that still visit, even when I'm on a break!
We had a fun Trunk or Treat at church on Sunday night. Lots of unfamiliar faces came through, so I'm hoping we will see them again at church!
We have such good friends ~ I've felt so disconnected with our limited communication abilities, but each time we're with our friends, it gives me such a feeling of contentment.
Our families are always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it be babysitting so we can have a night out, or giving us early birthday and Christmas presents so we can communicate. That is only a small glimpse of the ways they help us!
There are the tiniest little birds hopping around outside my window ~ they are so cute!
Our two wonderful children are having such a great year, not just at school but at home, too. I am so proud of them!
I am thankful for humor. Whether it be dry or slapstick, it's always fun to have a good laugh!
I am thankful for great movies that make you cry. Sometimes it's good to have a good cry. As I'm typing this, one of my favorite movies is playing. If you haven't seen "Antwone Fisher", you need to rent it and watch it. Then email me, and I'll tell you more about why I love it so much.

Thanks again for your patience with my "Mr. Linky" issues! Have a blessed week everyone!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Joanna
2. Loving Mom 2 Boys
3. Jennifer
4. HisFireFly
5. Melissa

6. Dyane
7. Michelle
8. Jennifer
9. Lanii
10. Meredith

11. Skelty
12. Sharon
13. Chandra

TEN THINGS TUESDAY...ON WEDNESDAY!

2008-10-22T16:36:00.004-05:00

From the very beginning of "Ten Things Tuesday" until now, I have gotten many comments and emails apologizing for being a day or two late in making a list! I can honestly say that I am so happy for you to join in on ANY day of the week ~ it's always a good day to be thankful!

And as you can see, my friends, even the hostess is sometimes fashionably late!

So here I am apologizing to you...I am still having great difficultly with the computer ~ all of the pop-up issues are not quite resolved, and there really hasn't been a day that has enough hours to focus the time required to fix the problem!

BUT at this point it's not really the "virus threat" that is keeping me from blogging...a new issue has occurred. We are without Internet in the Brownstone home for the moment. I could interject here that we are also without a home telephone, but this is supposed to be a thankful post! It's a long story of switching providers, and miscommunication between the old and the new, and one turning off the old services before the other has started the new services, and just working with providers that are impossible to reach because all the employees are apparently computer-generated voices, or holograms, or robots, or something...but this is a thankful list ~ not a list about Internet and telephone troubles.

Did I mention that my cell phone is also kaput?
Seriously.
A friend stalked me down in the pick-up line at my kids school today because she knew she might catch me there. She decided that the cost of the gas would be worth it because it would be faster than snail mail.

Oh, yes, it's a no-win situation regarding communication of any sort for the Brownstone family, but like I said...this is a thankful list! I'm not going to shout "ARRRRRGH!" or anything like that.

So, onto "Ten Things Tuesday".

I am so thankful for my friend Jennifer for letting me come over and borrow her computer to catch up on some "must-do" things. Not only does she share her computer, she is just a really great friend. She's one of those people I could call for help in the late-late PM, the early-early AM, or just the middle of the day and not have to think twice about it. She would do whatever she could to help.
I am thankful that we had a cool-front blow through today. It definitely made a difference in the temperature!
I am thankful that my kids still love me, even though I was probably the only mom that didn't watch the news and know they needed to be dressed for a weather-change in the middle of the day.
I am thankful for the way they bounded to the car today with pink cheeks and wind-blown hair and proclaimed that is was a "Hot Chocolate Day!"
I am thankful that we will get to see most of our friends at church tonight. With all of the communication issues, I feel a little bit out-of-touch with everyone.
I am thankful for all of the new readers of this blog and the new people that have found "Ten Things Tuesday". I am excited to be able to come and visit your blogs as soon as we have Internet again!
I am thankful for all of the old readers, too! All of you are such inspiration to me ~ I am still amazed, too, at how this whole blogging community works!
I am thankful for the new cappuccino I found on "Hot Chocolate Day". It's called "Bananas Foster", and it is YUM! You can find it at your local "Quik Trip", also known as "QT".
I am thankful for all of the different flavors you can add to your drink at Sonic. It's a small pleasure, but it's fun! I added "orange" to my Diet Coke today. It was not my favorite flavor to add, but it was good and a fun change from cherry vanilla!
I am thankful for good books AND a good public library! I checked out three books today in the hopes that they will keep me occupied with all of the non-technological free-time I have recently been given.

So what are YOU thankful for today?

Because I am blogging from a computer other than my own, I am unable to add "Mr. Linky", but please feel free to add your link to the comments section, and I will link you up as soon as possible!

As always, thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

And if you are a repeat visitor? THANK YOU for sharing your blessings each week! I really look forward to reading them ~ I feel like I know y'all a little bit!

Finally, please remember, I am taking a short blogging break until I can deal with the computer issues and our Internet is activated. Please don't forget about me!

Have a blessed week!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-10-14T04:00:00.003-05:00

Previous Entry: Dear "XBOX Wife" Friends:

Hello, Friends!

Hope y'all are having a wonderful day. I'm absent today but wanted to encourage all of you to count your blessings ~ I'm counting mine! Today it is a "YET I" list. You can read about my first "YET I" list and what it means here.

My computer is acting up, YET I am so thankful for technology!
Allergies are not so fun for me during this time of year, YET I love Fall. It is my favorite season!
Our washer and dryer are just a bangin' and clackin' away, YET I am thankful that we've had them for so long, and they still get our clothes clean.
I have been sleep deprived due to busy-ness the past couple of weeks, YET I am thankful that I am able to be "busy".
My favorite drive-in (If you're a regular reader, you know the one!) has messed up my last several drink orders, YET I am thankful to be able to have a cold drink (and an indulgent one at that!) during the day. So many people don't even get a cup of clean water, much less something cold and refreshing.
Between the stock market, the war, and the political election, there is so much turmoil in the United States right now, YET I am so thankful that I live in America and have such abundant wealth and freedoms.
Due to a mix-up while changing service providers (long story!), our home telephone line is temporarily unavailable, YET I am thankful that a temporary delay has allowed me to get caught up on some things for which a telephone might be a distraction.
Having a job in the financial industry, Mr. Brownstone has been just a little bit stressed out at work (Can you blame him?), YET I (and he) are so thankful that he has a job to go to everyday...and one that he likes most of the time!
Sometimes I get overwhelmed if there is TOO much going on all at the same time, YET I am so blessed to have friends and family that are loving and supportive!
I miss being in adult classes at church, YET I am really enjoying the group of kids we have in the fifth and sixth grade class that we teach!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

And if you are a repeat visitor? THANK YOU for sharing your blessings each week! All of your thankful lists have been such a blessing to me and to others, too!

Remember, I am taking a short blogging break until I can deal with the computer issues. If Mr. Linky happens to not work on this scheduled post, please add your link to the comments section, and I will add it to Mr. Linky when I'm back online!

Have a blessed week!

DEAR "XBOX WIFE" FRIENDS:

2008-10-10T08:40:00.004-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 10/07/08

It saddens me to say that it's highly possible my computer is very sick. I'm having great difficulty using it, whether it is connected to the internet or not. A nasty little message keeps popping up informing me:

Your computer is infected!
Windows has detected spyware infection!
It is recomended to use special antispyware tools to pervent data loss. Windows will now download and install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.
Click here to protect your computer from spyware!

Now friends, a couple of things I would like to point out to you:

I added the bold and italicized purple to emphasize the spelling choices of the person responsible for informing people ~ myself included ~ of their misfortune. I did NOT, however, add the misspelling of "recommended" and "prevent". You'll notice the correct spelling here. It's nice to know that the "Windows" people have hired such competency to aid in time of computer crisis.
I added the giant bold orange to the existing exclamation points because nothing says "DANGER!" quite like orange can say it. I did NOT, however, add all of the exclamation points! If you read this blog often, you know that I do love the exclamation point. I can get as excited about things as the next person, but seriously??? Read the statement out loud exactly as the "Windows" people wrote it. They have apparently hired enthusiasm as well, again a necessary skill to aid in time of computer crisis.

So...what to do? What to do? I have not clicked the "warning" because I'm pretty sure that is what actually downloads the virus. The problem lies in the boxes that pop up every time I try to do anything on the computer, whether it be online or offline. The above mentioned is the smallest of three boxes. The other two are much larger. Much larger. And they pop up a LOT. A lot. I'm going to estimate that in the time I've taken to type this, they have come up at least twenty-five times. At least.

Arrrrgh!!! (Red indicates anger, don't ya know!)

So, my apologies for unanswered comments, unvisited "Ten Things" lists, and un-participation in your blogs. Manuevering around the pop-up warnings is taking time that I haven't had available this week. It is adding a great amount of time to accomplish any task on the computer, however great, however small. They are also causing the computer to just freeze-up completely, requiring a hard shut-down. In light of this, it might be a few days before I can respond to you. Please do not take it personally, and please know that I love visiting your blogs and leaving you comments! I just need to take care of this problem first.

In addition, I am going ahead and scheduling a "Ten Things Tuesday" post for Tuesday morning. I haven't used the "scheduled post" feature before, so I'm not sure if Mr. Linky will be working on Tuesday or not. Please come share your lists here anyway!!! I truly love reading them, and they are always such a blessing. It may take a few days, but I will visit them and you! If Mr. Linky does not work for some reason, the please just place your link in the comments, and I will add them to Mr. Linky when things are back up and running on my end.

Have a very wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-10-07T00:18:00.013-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Ways To Put Pennies In The Piggy!

Good morning, Y'all! What a blessed day it is!

Thanks to everyone for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, WELCOME!!! I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

And if you are a repeat visitor? THANK YOU for coming back time and time again! All of your thankful lists have been such a blessing to me. It was a crazy week last week, and I wasn't able to read most of the lists until yesterday, but they came at just the right time, and as always, they said just the right things!

If you weren't able to visit the other participants last week, be sure and take a quick look at the link list. There were several first-timers, and it was the most successful "Ten Things Tuesday" of all time! There were thirty of us sharing our blessings with each other ~ that's THREE HUNDRED happy thoughts!

Today is a very special day! One of my siblings ~ Thing 3 ~ came over and spent the night last night so we can spend the whole day together! While we are all four very close, I am still often left with the feeling that I don't get to see my siblings enough, so this day will truly be a blessing! Here are ten reasons that I am so thankful for you, Thing 3:

You have the gift of gab! We are never at a loss for conversation when we're together!
You have a dry sense of humor...and I totally get it! Not a lot of people can pull off "dry" well, but you are definitely one of those people.
You have the most eclectic taste in music of anyone I know! You have introduced me to so many new sounds, singers, bands, and musical genres ~ I would never have known what I was missing, and it would have been a LOT!
You are so great with my kids! Tornado and Twister love you so much. They are always so excited to find out that you are coming to spend time with us. Most importantly, they know that YOU love THEM. You always make an effort, even with your busy schedule, to carve out time especially for them.
You are not afraid to say what you think. I never have to worry if you are giving it to me straight or not! More than once you have helped to think about things in a different light.
You are extremely dedicated in your field of work, and you're really great at what you do! I know that your job is not always easy ~ even the parts about it that might look fun to an outsider ~ but you make it look easy! You have a real talent in fulfilling all of the areas that are important to make your job successful, even the ones that a lot of people in your position might overlook.
You are scary smart! I don't know a single person that could slide into a different job so effortlessly if that is what you ever decided to do. You've tapped into parts of your brain that the rest of us might never find!
You love to try new foods, and you love for other people to try them, too! You are not afraid to experiment with flavors and textures, and you'll try anything at least once. It's fun to dine with you! And for the record, you make crazy good hot sauce! I will always believe that you should bottle and sell the stuff.
You are never boring! Whether it's going to the movies or picking up at a moment's notice to go on vacation with your big sis and her family, you like to get out into the world and DO things!
You are true to yourself! You have never been afraid to not follow the crowd, even at the ages where a lot of strong folks finding it increasingly difficult to march to their own drummer. I admire your ability to be yourself and to be true to your own heart!
Of course, I couldn't stop at just ten, and eleven really will not be sufficient but gets the point across that "You Rock!" You love Jesus, and I'm thankful that our time together won't end here on Earth. Just think...you'll get to spend an eternity with your bossy big sister! :)

Have a blessed day! Don't forget to count your blessings!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Shara
2. Michelle
3. MeChele
4. ~Stacey~
5. HisFireFly
6. aloted
7. Andria
8. Jan Fleming
9. Joanna Ashlock
10. Crazy Homeschool Mama

11. Rosheeda
12. Mrs.Greer (First Time)
13. Jendi
14. Melissa
15. mzzterry
16. LovingMom2Boys
17. Danna
18. Trisha
19. Dyane
20. Lanii

21. Kipi
22. Sandra Foyt
23. Jenny
24. Jayne
25. Kellie
26. Jason
27. Julie
28. Aloted

TEN WAYS TO PUT PENNIES IN THE PIGGY!

2008-10-06T23:10:00.025-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 9/30/08

On the first Monday of every month, e-Mom at Chrysalis hosts "Marriage Monday", which is a challenge to blog about a specific topic that is linked in some way to marriage. I am a long-time reader, but this is the first month that I've actually participated by writing! It's my goal to backtrack and address each of the topics she has presented over the past year ~ there are some really great ones!

The topic for this month's

is FINANCES.

Yikes!

What a timely topic! All too often lately, it seems that people are suffering from debt. And not just small debts. Bills are getting paid late, or not at all...homes are being foreclosed...BANKS are closing! There are strains placed on our wallets, our physical health, our marriages ~ not to mention our kids!

So what is the answer?
How do we separate ourselves from the masses that are drowning in a sea of debt?
How do we turn this:

into this:

???

Following are ten ways that the Brownstone's try to live ~ most we follow always, and one just when we just need to cut back a bit (I'll confess, it's Sonic Happy Hour!) ~ but all are ways that have helped us a some point in our lives:

Read the Bible! Turn to God's word and see what HE has to say on the topic of finances.
Plan your day. With gas prices so high, it makes perfect sense to develop a plan of action for the week and map out where you need to go.
Somewhere along the way, we became a nation of daily designer coffees and Happy Hour soft drinks. Whether it's $5 or $1 a day, you can save a bundle by drinking more water!
PAY CASH!!!
Turn off those lights. And by all means, price compare for electrical services!
Do NOT try to keep up with the Joneses...or the Smiths...or the Rockefellers! Let's face it, we aren't all oil tychoons ~ and that's OK!
Don't try to keep up with your parents! While I'm sure they are lovely people, are most-likely worth admiring, and are a good example of where you'd like to be someday, remember that they've got at least twenty years on you! Success doesn't have to come overnight to be sweet!
Remember that just because something is advertised as a good deal doesn't mean that it is always a good deal!
Get back to simple family fun! Remember Game Night? Remember playing in the park or at the neighbor kids' house after school? It almost seems like it has gotten competitive to see who can participate in the most extra-curricular activities. And while I am NOT knocking extra-curricular activities, or anyone's choice or desire to participate in them, I AM saying that it's OK to say no! No one should feel like they have to because everyone else is, and no one should look down on another person's choice to "sit this one out in the bleachers". It's OK to take a breather when you need it!
Did I mention PAY CASH? If you can't pay for it with cash, then wait! As attractive as whatever it is seems, it will be even better if you don't have to use the plastic! Cut up the credit cards, or keep only one in the freezer if you feel you must have a security blanket. Take a Financial Peace University class by Dave Ramsey. He will teach you how to handle debt and budgeting with a well-laid-out plan.

Saving our pennies is not always easy, but the reward of financial freedom is so worth it! So invest in a little bank, save your pennies, put $5 in the jar every time you skip a trip to that coffee place, put in a few extra dollars when you organize your errands route, watch how quickly that bank gets fat! Who knows, we could be calling you "Rockefeller" before you know it!

The Marriage Monday community is a "diverse group of joyful, Godly women...young, old, seasoned, and newlywed." Come join in anytime ~ you just might learn something new! You can find out more about joining the Marriage Monday blogroll here.

Want an fun and easy post for Tuesday? Come join in "Ten Things Tuesday" ~ it will be a blessing!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-09-30T07:05:00.007-05:00

Previous Entry: Brainstorming "B"

Good morning, Y'all!

Thanks for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

Usually, I include a little description of WHY something gets a thankful nod, but this morning, I am going to focus on some one-word joys!

books
roly poly bugs
giggles
technology
creativity
nieces and nephews
Spray-N-Wash
granola bars
chubby cheeks
video cameras

One word, or a LOT of words...take time to be thankful today for the blessings in your life!!!

If you are a repeat visitor, thank you for coming back time and time again! All of your thankful lists have been such a blessing to me. I am often reminded to be thankful for something that has been overlooked!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. ~Stacey~
2. HisFireFly
3. Jamie
4. Alicia
5. MeChele
6. Jill
7. Emily
8. Melissa
9. andria
10. Danna

11. Andrea - Life As I Know It
12. Sabrina
13. kari(first time)
14. Rosheeda
15. diana/sunshine
16. mzzterry
17. Joy
18. Chandra
19. Katie
20. Kipi

21. Vicki
22. Jenny (first time)
23. Meredith
24. Jennifer
25. Julie
26. Jan Fleming
27. Loving Mom 2 Boys (Liz)
28. Lanii
29. Tracy

BRAINSTORMING "B"

2008-09-27T20:18:00.009-05:00

Previous Entry: Pass The Popcorn, Please!

Recently I came across a fun little meme. By commenting, I received a letter of the alphabet for which to list ten things I love in my life that begin with that letter.

Thanks to Amy at Adventures in Being for challenging me with "B"!

Brownstones...Mr. Brownstone, Tornado, and Twister ~ these are the people I love best!
Big Cheese and JayBird...My parents are amazing!
Brat Pack...It's great to have siblings that are also your friends!
Best Friends...I have been blessed beyond measure!
Brethren...Our church home is awesome!
Barbecue...If this wasn't on the list, then I wouldn't be a true Southerner!
Bargains...I am NOT a full-price shopper ~ not even for groceries!
Books...Reading is one of the greatest adventures!
Blog Comments...I'd be lying if I said I didn't love 'em!
Bible...Last typed on the list but not last in my life by any means ~ this is the most important part of my day!

Let me know in the comments if you would like to play.
Hey! Comment even if you don't want to play!
Because we ALL love comments, and if you comment, I'll come and comment for you!
And if you ask me to give you a letter, a LOT of people will probably come comment because they
will want comments, too!
Like I said...we ALL love comments!

PASS THE POPCORN, PLEASE!

2008-09-26T00:00:00.007-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 9/23/08

One of my favorite ways to relax on the weekend is to catch a great movie! I love to escape into someone else's story for an hour or two. Whether it be action, drama, comedy, or suspense...a true STORY or based on a TRUE story...or something we can see with the kids, movies are an easy way to just "chill".

There is one small catch to movies, though...you have to pay to get in the theater, and a lot of times it's not cheap! The majority of our movie-watching seems to be done at home these days. For most movies, we are more than happy to wait a year if we can see it for free on cable television. And if a year seems too far away? We are usually able to rent it within six months or so. That sets us back less than $5, and usually it's only a $1. There is also the "dollar movie" option, which could become available just about anytime after a movie is released depending on how successful ~ or rather unsuccessful ~ tickets sales have been. It's been a long time, though, since the "dollar movie" was actually just a dollar!

Occasionally, though, there are the movies that you a) just don't want to wait to see, or b) feel that seeing it on a big screen will enhance the enjoyment of the movie. Like "Batman", or "Spider-Man", or "Lord of the Rings". They beg for a ginormous screen and a great sound system! Movie tickets around here can get as expensive as $12, but the average ticket price seems to be around $9. We also have several theaters that include a dine-while-you-watch option, which is pretty cool if you don't have time to catch dinner and a movie but want to do both. The thought of paying $9 for a movie, though...well that just makes my stomach turn a little bit.

We, however, are fortunate enough to have a better option! There is a movie theater near us that sells tickets for $6. That's first-run movie tickets, y'all! Six. Dollars. But if we can time it just right...it's only FOUR dollars! It's not too hard to catch the last matinee of the day and then enjoy dinner afterward. Two first-run movie tickets and a shared entree at a non-fast-food joint? That makes for one great date night under $20!

Because we should all relax a little on the weekend, here is an easy question for you: How much do first-run movie tickets cost in your town?

Kailani at An Island Life celebrates Aloha Friday every week (IN HAWAII ~ lucky girl!!!) and has decided to take it easy on her blog posting, too. To quote her, "No long posts, no deep soul searching revelations...just a little fun."

Each Friday, she hosts "Aloha Friday", a carnival in which she asks one simple question for you to answer, and it never requires a lengthy response.

It's so easy and laid back, like, well...just like island life! If you’d like to participate, just answer my question in the comments section, then post your own question on your blog and leave your link at Kailani's blog! And...even if you don't want to join in the carnival with your own question, you can still answer my question in the comments section here!

This week Kailani's question is: What is the oldest item of clothing that you own?

The oldest item of my own personal clothing that I own is the little red dress I wore home from the hospital when I was born! ~~~ The oldest item of clothing I own that belonged to someone else is an old velveteen striped coat that used to be my mom's. I'm not sure how old it is exactly, but I'm pretty sure it's older than me! ~~~ The oldest item of my own personal clothing that I own that actually still fits is my high school letter jacket!

Aloha, Y'all!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-09-23T07:16:00.007-05:00

Previous Entry: Gimme A Break! Gimme A Break!

Good morning, Y'all!

Thanks for dropping by ~ if you're here for the first time, I hope you'll join in and express what is blessing you today! If you do join in, be sure and put (first time) by your name so others will know to give you an extra big hello!

If you are a repeat visitor, thank you for coming back time and time again! All of your thankful lists have been such a blessing to me. I am often reminded to be thankful for something that has been overlooked!

Yesterday was the first day of fall! And fall, don't ya know, is my most favorite season of all!
The weather has been perfect! It's sunny but not too hot in the afternoons, and the mornings have been chilly without being too chilly. Just perfect, I tell you...perfect!
The squirrels are going nuts for nuts right now! It's been fun watching them. Earlier in the year, they would have driven me nuts, but they don't live in our attic anymore, so all is well!
The trees are starting to change ever so slightly. We don't get the never-ending canopy of bold, beautiful colors like New England, but the changes that we do get are still beautiful!
The smells are changing, too. I love the smells of autumn!
There are so many fun things that are going on right now ~ football games, marching bands, school craft fairs and carnivals... It's just a really fun time of year! Nobody is too hot. Nobody is too cold. And the wind isn't blowing everyone down the street!
I have been getting to wear some long-sleeves in the morning the for past week or two. I do not love wearing summer clothes, but I simply adore the "winter wardrobe"!
This time of year brings a renewal of friendships. Don't get me wrong, I loved all of my girlfriends just as much in the summer as now, BUT...we get to see each other more now that all of the kids are back in school. It's fun to catch a quick breakfast here, or a leisurely lunch there.
This is the only season that has two names ~ I can't think of alternate names for the other seasons anyway! I like that you can be relaxed and call it "fall". It sounds so comfortable and casual. OR...you can be all fancy and call it "Autumn"!
It is time to break out the soups and stews! Meals in a bowl just do not sound that good when it is 100 degrees outside, but we are a soup and stew lovin' family! Mmmmm!

HAPPY FALL, Y'ALL!!!
What are you fallin' for this autumn?

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Shara @ Momintransition
2. ~Stacey~
3. HisFireFly
4. Kesi Keys (first time)
5. Melissa

6. mzzterry
7. Kipi
8. Carolyn
9. Chandra
10. diana/sunshine

11. Danna
12. Kellie
13. Sharon
14. MeChele
15. Julie

GIMME A BREAK! GIMME A BREAK!

2008-09-19T17:25:00.013-05:00

Previous Entry: Hellooooo, Friday!

Break me off a piece of that quiet life!

I am very much a person that tends to get overwhelmed quickly with tasks. To be honest, it's not the tasks themselves...it's the fact that I have a very hard time saying "no" to all of the other stuff. It's not hard to fold a shirt, sort the socks, or shine the mirror, but tasks at home are so much harder to accomplish when you try to fit them in around all of your "yeses". Yet, the tasks have to be completed to make the house a home, and a "yes"...well, that means "yes".

In between being a wife, a mother, and all of the other things to which we commit, it's really hard sometimes to find a quiet moment for ourselves! In my profile, I use the following description:

"...a housekeeper, a cook, a chauffeur, a washer woman, a tailor, a nanny, a teacher, a tutor, a secretary, a gopher, a banker, a nurse, a wife, a lover, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a friend, a provider, a volunteer, a church helper, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, a psychologist, an organizer, and a social activities director..."

Do you identify with any of these? I'm betting whether you're single, married, have no children, or have lots of children, that at least a few of these are roles in your life, too!

Earlier this year, I found a blog called Home Sanctuary. Rachel Anne continually reminds us that "Sanctuary is in the Small Things". What a concept! Each week day she challenges us to complete a single task in her daily post. Sometimes they require a little extra time ~ like "spot-clean your carpet". Sometimes they are super easy ~ like "make your bed". Sometimes they are serious ~ like "accept your blame". Sometimes they are silly ~ like "do something silly". Sometimes they remind us to take care of others ~ like "appreciate your Dude". And sometimes they remind us to take care of ourselves ~ like "pamper your feet", or like today's small thing!

Today's small thing was to "deliberately De-Stress by using one of your favorite techniques." We were encouraged to take a nap, blog, watch a movie ~ anything that would help us to simply "be".

I NEEDED it this week. For several weeks, I've been struggling with illness, and this week was the worst of them. However, when you're a wife and mother, you don't really get to call in sick! And it was one of those weeks where lots of things were scheduled to happen at all at once ~ a field trip with Twister, a training session for me, PTA duties, teaching Tornado's church class, and on and on and on ~ almost every minute of the week was accounted for something. Some of the activities were really fun, and all of them were worthwhile, but none of them were relaxing!

I was so excited to see the small thing for today! For the last several years, my mom, sister, and I have gone to a "Kaleidoscope of Homes". It's been scheduled all week; and though I love going every year, I had really been thinking about backing out today. After being sick for a lot of the week, not getting enough sleep and being tired, and needing to catch up on a million and one things at home, I was feeling a little bit guilty about taking a whole day simply to tour homes...and then I read today's small thing. I decided right then and there to get myself ready for the day and to go enjoy some quality time with two of the most important women in my life. We had so much fun seeing the creativity of others and just getting to be together! Then, after school was out, I took Tornado and Twister out for ice cream. It was all a really wonderful way to De-stress!

Rachel Anne has added a new component to her weekly challenges. Each Friday she hosts "Company Girl Coffee". It's a time to reflect on the "small things" of the week and how they brought a little order to the chaos, and then write about one or more of them. You can then relax a little more by having a cup of virtual coffee, and maybe even a warm slice of virtual pumpkin bread, as you read about how others are creating sanctuary in their homes!

Pull up a chair, and let me pour you a cup!

HELLOOOOO, FRIDAY!

2008-09-19T00:03:00.013-05:00

Previous Entry: The Polls Are Open!

Recently, I stumbled upon a new blog and learned something interesting: Fridays in Hawaii are known as "Aloha Friday". Isn't that fun!?!! Though I don't remember hearing the term while we were there, I do remember that Hawaii was a wonderfully relaxed environment. All of the locals seemed so happy and friendly!

I decided to do a little research on "Aloha Friday" for fun. TO-HAWAII.COM says that "Aloha" is the most-used Hawaiian word and that it's meaning "goes beyond any definition you can find about it in the dictionaries". It can mean hello, goodbye, love...but "the literal meaning of aloha is 'the presence of breath' or 'the breath of life'...Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect."

In the Aloha Spirit State Law, it states:

"Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
"Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
"Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
"Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

The concept of "Aloha" is so beautiful...now onto "Aloha Friday"!

We've all heard of "Dress Down Friday" or "Casual Friday", but did you know that they have close ties to "Aloha Friday", which in turn is closely tied to Hawaii's clothing industry? I didn't either! Prior to the 1940's, most of the brightly colored, locally-produced clothing (widely known as "Hawaiian shirts") was sold to tourists. Like most places, employees at larger companies were required to wear a more formal style of dress. In 1947, it was determined that it might boost the economy if residents wore more of the Hawaiian apparel, so "Aloha Week" was established. In 1966, after a campaign by the Hawaiian Fashion Guild, employers began to let men wear "aloha shirts" on the last day of the week, and "Aloha Friday" was born. Spreading slowly east around the globe, it eventually reached California in the 1990's, where it became known as "Casual Friday". You can read more about this entire topic on Wikipedia.

Kailani at An Island Life celebrates Aloha Friday every week (IN HAWAII ~ lucky girl!!!) and has decided to take it easy on her blog posting, too. To quote her, "No long posts, no deep soul searching revelations...just a little fun."

Each Friday, she hosts "Aloha Friday", a carnival in which she asks one simple question for you to answer, and it never requires a lengthy response.

It's so easy and laid back, like, well...just like island life! If you’d like to participate, just answer the question in the comments section, then post your own question on your blog and leave your link at Kailani's blog! And...even if you don't want to join in the carnival with your own question, you can still answer my question in the comments section here!

Today's simple question from the Brownstone Kauhale is:

What are your favorite snacks ~ one for "sweet" and one for "salty"?

My answer for both is a simple one: Pop Secret Kettle Corn!

And now I leave you with a video and song to start the weekend off right...

Aloha Friday, Y'all!

(If I have misused "Kauhale", someone please let me know! I had to Google it!)

THE POLLS ARE OPEN!

2008-09-17T22:00:00.003-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 9/16/08

In honor of the
2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION,
I have decided to conduct a weekly poll (or two) on this blog.

While I cannot say that there will never be a political poll here (especially since all polling is anonymous), I CAN say that most of them will NOT be political in nature. If your house is anything like the Brownstone house, then you are getting enough political polling without this blog adding to it! To prove my point, I will conduct a poll for every political call we personally receive.

You can find the poll box (or boxES) located in the sidebar under the "Ten Things Tuesday" button code box. All polls will be up for seven days. I'm excited to find out more about all of the XBOX Wife readers, and hopefully you can give me some ideas of how to make this blog better. I promise to throw in some fun, too!

Y'all be sure to warm up your voting fingers!!!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-09-16T07:47:00.006-05:00

Previous Entry: It's A Very Special Day!

Good morning, y'all!! A quick list for me today, as I'm headed right out the front door after the last keystroke!

A new door is opening for me today!
Two new doors opened last week.
It is chilly outside today!
We had an awesome dinner for $10 last night.
Tornado and Twister had a good morning.
Tornado and Twister also had a good night.
I have sweet friends who are loaning me a useful item so I can give said item a test run.
The Cowboys won last night!
I've been under the weather this weekend, but today I feel a little better.
This week is busy, but I'll be following an organized plan!

Have a blessed day, y'all! Go, and be thankful!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. MeChele Fuller
2. Shara @ Mom In Transition
3. Stacey
4. Aloted
5. HisFireFly
6. Rosheeda

7. Jill
8. Kellie
9. Joy
10. Alicia (First one!)
11. andria
12. Danna

13. Katie
14. Kipi
15. mzzterry
16. Jamie
17. Julie Swaim
18. Sabrina

IT'S A VERY SPECIAL DAY!

2008-09-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

Previous Entry: Private Brownstone

Happy Blogiversary...

To Me!

Pull up a chair, have a slice of cake, and help me celebrate!

One year ago today,
at exactly 2:15 pm,
I actually published a post for the first time!

It's been a crazy year ~
ups and downs,
posting frenzies and blogging hiatuses,
new friends and old friends.

Thanks to everyone that has dropped in
and a special thanks to those of you that have come twice!
Keep coming ~ help make the two-year celebration even better!

Next year, I promise to bring ice cream! :)

PRIVATE BROWNSTONE

2008-09-09T15:50:00.008-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 9/9/08

I came across this article earlier today.

Mr. Brownstone used to work at KFC a long time ago back when it was still called "Kentucky Fried Chicken". The secret formula was (and I guess still is) so secret that there is no recipe provided for the fry people at the restaurant! They follow a "formula" to make the batter for the chicken, such as "Mix one bag of A with two bags of B, and fold in a bag of C".

And to take it one step further...the various bags arrived from different distributors! While one food distributor was responsible for "A", completely different food distributing companies were responsible for "B" and "C".

When Colonel Sanders decided to keep his recipe "secret", he wasn't fooling!

Much to my chagrin, Mr. Brownstone never made it past the rank of private for the KFC organization, though he did snag a really great recipe for cinnamon rolls from a bakery once! Between those, his homemade fried donuts, and his egg-scrambling abilities, he's the five-star breakfast general in the Brownstone kitchen!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-09-09T07:41:00.005-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 9/2/08

Good morning! It's time to count our blessings out loud ~ or at least with keypad noises ~ for the week! If this is your first time to stop my blog, then welcome, and I hope that you will join in "Ten Things Tuesday" with us, and visit anytime!

It took a week, but the rain finally arrived!!! We needed it ~ desperately!
It brought a little bit cooler weather ~ not much, but every degree counts!
I've had a MSN Hotmail account for a LONG time ~ YEARS, in fact ~ but I only discovered last night that you could set up a calendar, and it will email you reminders!!! Not quite sure how I missed it for so long...but SO glad to have found it!
Tornado and Twister are making mornings a breeze this year! Last year, we struggled a little bit with morning grumpies and not staying on task. This year has been awesome, and it's not even the first week of school anymore!
I am thankful for restaurants that offer great deals. Sometimes we really can dine in a restaurant for cheaper than I can cook at home!
This is a big one ~ I haven't been craving Diet Cokes in the morning this week. It's only been a few days, but that is a huge one for me. I cannot, however, say the same thing for the afternoon! :)
We are continually having new friends placed in our path at church, work, and school. What a blessing!
An amazing opportunity for cultural experience dropped right into my lap this week to benefit an organization for which I volunteer. When it occurs, I'll be sure to include more detail ~ for now, it's a surprise ~ an incredible surprise!
I am thankful for quiet moments during the day...
I am even more thankful for the loud ones when the rest of the family gets home from school and work!

Have a blessed day!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jill
2. HisFireFly
3. Emily
4. Stacey
5. Sabrina

6. Shara @ Mom In Transition
7. Tracy
8. Katie
9. Aloted
10. Danna

11. andria
12. mzzterry
13. JSkelty
14. Joy

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-09-02T08:24:00.005-05:00

Previous Entry: Ten Things Tuesday 8/26/08

Good morning!

It's a gorgeous day here in the South!
It smells like we might be getting some rain!!
There are leaves tumbling down the street ~ the first signs of my favorite season!!!
We tried a new curriculum on Sunday in the class we teach ~ the kids seemed to like it, and so did we.
We enjoyed a nice lunch after church on Sunday with friends we haven't spent time with in awhile.
We bumped into not one...but THREE friends we haven't seen in a LONG while on Sunday.
We spent some quality time with Mr. Brownstone's family this weekend.
We spent some quality time with MY family this weekend.
We have parents that love us and our kids. They are also very generous. Mr. Brownstone's parents take us to dine out almost weekly. My parents purchase the majority of back-to-school clothing. We provide the hugs and good conversation...not to mention the grandkids.
Tornado and Twister are regaining their focus and organizational skills since school has started.

Please keep the Brownstone family in your prayers. Twister is still struggling with illness and is on ANOTHER round of antibiotics. Everyone else is battling off illness so far but it's throwing it's best one-two punch. Please pray that I will be able to get some rest, too. This four-hour-a-night thing isn't working too well for me!!!

Have a blessed day, y'all!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. HisFireFly
2. Jendi
3. Meredith
4. mzzterry

5. Danna
6. Shara
7. Stacy
8. Emily

9. Sharon @ Reservoir
10. Kellie

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-08-26T10:25:00.004-05:00

Hi, Y'all! Can you believe that summer is almost over and that school has begun? It was the shortest summer vacation the Brownstones have had in a long while. It was fun, and we were not ready to get back into the swing of things just yet...until the first day of school was actually here, and Tornado and Twister really loved their classes, their teachers, and their friends. I think they actually like having a schedule, too. I know that it's been good for me!

I am so thankful that Tornado and Twister got wonderful teachers this year! (Who am I kidding, though...they have had wonderful teachers EVERY year!)
They each have some of their very closest friends in class with them. In fact, Tornado has a culmination of all of the favorite friends from each school year ~ how great is that!!
Everyone was well on the first day of school!!! That is a really big one! Last week was feeling "iffy" since Twister had strep throat, and Tornado suffered from some severe migraine headaches. It was a weird week! Everyone is doing great now, though! And that's a good thing because we had to hit the ground running for school and other activities.
I have a rejuvenated spirit today after spending some awesome quality time with a lot of my friends yesterday! We had a lovely, long lunch together to cry happy tears and sad tears punctuated with yelps of glee that school started!
I am completely caught up with my PTA office duties. That will only last for another five hours, but hey ~ those five hours will be bliss!
I seem to never be caught up with my home duties the last couple of weeks, but Mr. Brownstone still loves me! :)
We had some computer problems earlier today, but they were actually able to get the problem resolved quickly ~ maybe this list isn't too late!
We have eliminated a HUGE amount of clutter in the past few weeks! We had so many things that were waiting to be delivered to other places, and finally most of it is gone!
I've been staying up late to stay caught up with the aforementioned PTA duties, so I've been really tired. Because of that, this morning I have not one, but TWO tricked up Diet Cokes with easy ice from Sonic!!!
The weekend was amazing! I spent quality time with some of my dear friends and with some new friends, too. We attended a Women of Faith conference, and the time was such a blessing!!!

Go and have a great day! Remember to count your blessings!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jennifer
2. mzzterry
3. Chandra
4. Myra

5. Tracy
6. Danna
7. Dallas
8. Kipi

9. Joy
10. Amy

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-08-19T09:25:00.007-05:00

Good morning, y'all!!! Hope this week finds everyone well! We've got a sick one in the Brownstone home. Please pray for little Twister. Strep throat isn't fun!

I am so thankful for our church!
We have the privilege of worshiping with some of the finest people and best friends we've ever known.
Our elders are accessible to the congregation ~ how blessed we are to have such great men leading us in the charge.
All of our ministers are fantastic! They are all down-to-earth regular people so you can be comfortable around them, but at the same time, they are knowledgeable, passionate, insightful, and wise.
There are so many people that are willing to pitch in and lend a hand, from the song leaders to the quilting ladies to the nursery workers to the benevolence room volunteers.
The opportunities to be involved are great! There are so many different ministries and projects that there is something for everyone ~ Giveaway Day, Benevolence Pantry, Quilting, Children, Youth, Missions, Camps, Finance...and the list does not end there!
We have just committed to fully support two missionary couples as they work to expand the Kingdom. They are young and energetic. What a blessing to us and to the people with whom they will be working!
We were finally ~ after many years of waiting ~ able to complete a beautiful new worship center! It was designed to be filled with music ~ from the scalloped ceiling to the tile floors to the big rock wall at the front ~ and the acapella singing was amazing!!!
Even better, though...we were ALL in there together on Sunday morning. For the time being, we will be able to worship as one body in one service. It was very moving, and I cried through a lot of it! Beginning with the raising of the cross on Thursday morning at 6:45 with the sun rising while we listened to Scripture and sang hymns like "Old Rugged Cross", continuing with a 72-hour non-stop reading of the entire Bible by members of the congregation to fill the walls with the Word of God, to the culmination of the reading with a congregational reading of the final few verses on Sunday morning, to the SEVEN baptisms (One that is the son of some of our closest friends, five that were near and dear to us from teaching, and one that moved away but wanted to come "home" to be baptized) and FIVE new memberships (My favorite quote from the day? Our preacher said, "God was saving souls and robbing hell." AMEN!), moving on to the church-wide feast, and finishing up the day with an hour of praising God in song. The whole day was amazing!!!
I am thankful that even with 1350 people there on Sunday morning, our church has an incredible sense of family. It has not lost the "small church" feeling and is working hard to keep it that way!

What are you thankful for today? Make a list, and come link up here! It's always a blessing to read about other peoples' blessings!!!

Remember, this is the day the Lord has made! Go out and rejoice!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. aloted
2. HisFireFly
3. mzzterry
4. Jennifer

5. Stacy
6. Tracy
7. Joy B.
8. Rosheeda

9. sharon
10. Amy
11. Meredith Roswell
12. Emily

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER "J"

2008-08-13T21:23:00.010-05:00

I got tagged two months (and three days) ago by my friend Allan (Sorry it took so long, Allan!), who also happens to be one really amazing preacher! You should definitely check out his blog when you get a chance. You'll be blessed by what you find.

To start things off right, I made up a little poem to share with you because everything is more fun when it rhymes!

From A to Z and Z to A
There's always a lot that we can say
So here are twenty-six letters combined in a way
To answer the twenty-six questions I've been asked today.

I'll never cease to wonder how it can be
That the great moments that define the world's history
And the answers to questions about you and me
Can be summed up so simply from A to Z.

A. Attached or Single? Attached...to Mr. Brownstone, of course! Not only is he super fun to look at and super fun to be around, he is a great leader for our family, a great husband, and a great dad. He also gives me the status of "XBOX Wife".

B. Best Friend? Mr. Brownstone has been my very best friend since our first date way back in the 1900's. And if you're one to say "Husbands, siblings, and parents don't count!"...then I have seven or eight girlfriends that are just the best ever!

C. Cake or Pie? Pie ~ chocolate, strawberry, key lime, apple, cherry, coconut, pink lemonade, peach... You get a taste for what I'm saying, right? Though, I do have to say that any form of cheesecake could give pie a good run for the money.

D. Day of Choice? Sunday! I really love Sundays. We spend a lot of family time on that day, and we also get to worship our Amazing Lord and Savior at a church that we love with friends that we love!

E. Essential Item? How about itemS!?!? It may seem a cliche, but I have to have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. I also have a purse-sized plaque-remover!

F. Flavor of Ice Cream? That is like asking me to choose a favorite book! Ice Cream, Frozen Custard, Frozen Yogurt, Gelato...all perfection in a dessert. My favorite flavor would probably be Peanut Butter and Chocolate!

G. Gummy Bears or Worms? Dare I say it...worms!!! I like the sugary coating. I did used to love to stick those gummy bears to my shirt, though, back when it was all the rage between Izod and Polo.

H. Hometown? Our Town :) It was a great little town.

I. Indulgences? I get a Route 44 Diet Coke with easy ice, regular cherry syrup, vanilla, and real cherries almost every day during Sonic Happy Hour!

J. January or July? Can I say "Juluary"? I do not like to be hot. I also do not like to be cold. July poses a problem because it is so incredibly hot here, which makes the air conditioner run non-stop, so it's either hot or cold in the house...never just comfortable! And as for January...it is sometimes a letdown because all of the Christmas decorations are taken down and put away, and everyone has either gone home, gone back to work, or gone back to school. Though I love winter and most things about it, January seems like a lonely month to me. To answer the question...the kids are out of school and home all day in July, and we usually take a fun vacation, so the nod goes to July!

K. Kids? Yes...my finest achievements ~ Tornado and Twister!

L. Last Movie I Saw In A Theater? "Space Chimps". I'm not really sure what more to say about that...

M. Middle Name? Jill

N. Number of Siblings? Three ~ Thing Two, Thing Three, and Thing Four

O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges, especially little Clementine oranges. I do love the green apple, though. And as far as flavorings ~ like gum, slushies, etc. ~ green apple would far surpass orange. Actual fruit seems to be the question here, however, so I stick with oranges as my final answer.

P. Phobia or Fear? Phobia. I have a major shark phobia. Realistically, I know that it borders on being ridiculous to get panicked if I'm the only one in the swimming pool, but there it is. I "phobia" the shark. Big time. (You can see how far this phobia reaches by my use of the word "borders". Somehow I've convinced myself that it is only mildly ridiculous. Who am I kidding? It's ridiculous! That's a phobia for ya!)

Q. Quote? I am particularly partial to Bible verses, but I don't really think of Scripture as a quote, even though it sort of is ~ I think of Scripture more as "the inspired word of God" and a quote as something for which anyone could be credited if they have something worth saying, or even sometimes saying something that isn't worth saying! There are so many Bible verses that I love, but here are three quotes that I really like quite a lot:

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." ~ Mother Theresa
"The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid." ~ Author Unknown
"To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation." ~ Francois de La Rochefouca

R. Reason to Smile? I could give you a million and one ~ Mr. Brownstone, Tornado, Twister, my family, Mr. Brownstone's family, our friends, our church, and that's just the people. That's not even mentioning all of the other blessings in life. But my reason to smile? I'm saved. In all of my imperfection, Jesus saw fit to save even me.

S. Season? If you've read this blog, then you already know the answer to this one! I love FALL, y'all! The cool, crisp air...the smells...the changing colors...the alternate name "autumn"...all of it.

T. Tag Four More? YOU'RE IT!!! I'm tagging everyone that is reading this who wants to play along but am also specifically tagging some relatively newcomers to this blog...Allyson at Oury Family, Tracy at The Redheaded Warriors, Sharon at Reservoir, and Kipi at In My Own Little Corner.... They are newcomers in the sense that I've only blogged about "Ten Things Tuesday" since April, so they haven't been tagged by me yet. Since summer is almost over, blogging will pick up the pace a bit. (Be sure and link back to me!)

U. Unknown Fact About Me? I am very shy. Being in a room full of people is extremely uncomfortable for me, even if I know all of them! A very small group (like 2-3 people) or a very large crowd (like an arena, or a church service) doesn't bother me as much, but a party or a classroom setting... Yikes!!! Being around 5 people up to 75 or so makes my stomach flutter with nerves every single time. I try to just put a smile on my face and get over it. Most people that know about these feelings are surprised, so maybe the smile is working! :)

V. Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan... Technically, Mr. Brownstone brings home the bacon, and I fry it in the microwave. Either way, I'm an oppressor.

W. Worst Habit? I am ~ believe it or not ~ a gum-swallower. I KNOW!!! It's yucky and gross and juvenile. You should also know that I didn't develop this habit until adulthood. I don't mean when I turned 18...or even in college...or even when I got married. This began when I was a grown-up!!! That means after I became a mom. So yes, I tell my kids "Don't swallow your gum; it's not good for you..." and then smile as mine goes down the hatch without so much as a second thought. Needless to say, I do not buy gum very often.

X. X-Rays or Ultra-Sounds? Would anyone answer X-Rays? I have to go with Ultra-Sounds. It was so precious to see our sweet babies before they entered this world!

Y. Your Favorite Food? One that starts with a letter of the alphabet. Just kidding. In all seriousness, there are very few foods that I do not enjoy (liver, beets, and I can't bring myself ~ even as an animal oppressor ~ to try cow tongue or weird stuff like that), so it's hard to pick a favorite. I really, really, really love fresh corn-on-the-cob, however, with butter and salt. Even as I type that, though, it feels like I'm cheating on nectarines, Tex-Mex, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Z. Zodiac? Sagittarius ~ Though not into astrology or signs of the zodiac, I found this and thought it was pretty funny. "On the upside, you are optimistic. On the downside, you are blindly optimistic."

So from Z to A and A to Z
Each little letter has it's own story.
And from A to Z and Z to A
That's all I have to say today!

NEED A VACATION?

2008-08-12T15:41:00.001-05:00

This month Mad Kane is inspiring us to take a vacation ~ at least in our own head! Check out the Limerick and Haiku prompt over at Mad Kane's Humor Blog. The topic is "vacations" ~ go on over and take a little trip!

A little limerick for you:

A vacation is calling my name.
Mr. Brownstone says he hears the same,
We want New York City...
Too expensive. A pity!
There'll be no Yankee Stadium game.

And now the haiku:

Vacations are bliss.
Mountains, beaches...or theme parks
We come home refreshed.

Mad Kane deserves a little vacation. Not only does she provide great creative prompts, she is an award winner! Nominated recently as a finalist for the 2008 Robert Benchley Society Award for Humor Competition, she was chosen as the first place winner by none other than Bob Newhart. She won for her humor column Guide For The Opera Impaired. You should totally go read it because it IS funny!

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Ms. Kane!

Don't forget...
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-08-12T08:36:00.004-05:00

Good morning!!! As always, thank you for stopping by XBOX Wife. I'm so glad you decided to visit and hope you'll come again! Be sure in join in the thanksgiving today!

I am thankful that weather is cooler today. You know it's been hot when 92-degrees sounds cooler!
Tornado is getting to attend an awesome camp this week. Our preacher, the associate youth minister, and the director of children's education have put together this amazing day camp for our kids to discuss their own faith. Tornado had so much fun spending the day with friends and in God's word!
We have so many friends at church. It's another family for us! It's so wonderful to know that Tornado and Twister are developing those lifelong friendships at such an early age.
I am thankful for spontaneous opportunities to lend a helping hand. It happened twice this morning. It's good for our kids to experience it because sometimes it teaches them patience, sometimes it teaches them empathy, and it always teaches them about love.
Sonic breakfast burritos rock! Nothing beats one of those accompanied by a Diet Coke with easy ice, cherry, vanilla, and real cherries. Breakfast of champions!
So much has already been accomplished this morning. My list is long and not all fun, but the day got off to a great start!
We will get to have some quality family time tonight. It will be the first night in almost a week that all four of us are home alone...together!
We are loving watching the Olympics! It is making for some intense television. We've been very pleased with the amount, as well as the quality, of coverage.
I'm thankful that our kids dream big! We've got one dreaming about competing in the Olympics someday. It's not an unrealistic dream. Maybe in 2016 I can wave to all of you from the sidelines.
Finally, I know a lot of them read this, so I can never say it enough...I am so thankful for my girlfriends. I've told them before, but I wonder if they can ever TRULY know how they have impacted my life. I love y'all!

Have an incredible day! Be thankful in everything!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Sharon
2. Allyson
3. Jenna
4. HisFireFly

5. Dyane
6. Chandra
7. Trisha
8. Stacy

9. Joy
10. mzzterry
11. Jen
12. Tracy

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-08-05T02:36:00.002-05:00

Hello, Friends!

I missed you last week! We had family visiting from another state for most of the week, not to mention...I got rather sick for a few days. Not so fun. :(

Please see the post below this one if you'd like to add your link for last week. Add your link for this week here!

I am thankful that almost all of our family lives within an hour or less from us.
It's so nice that we get to spend time with all of them on a regular basis.
I am thankful, too, that we get to spend time with the family that lives far away from us more often than you'd expect. Both of those families are the ones with babies.
We are blessed that we like to spend time with our family! :)
We're even more blessed that they apparently like to spend with us!
I am so thankful that I'm not sick anymore.
It was nice to know that I was missed by some of my "bloggy" friends.
I am thankful for these crazy online friendships!
Technology opens the door to many amazing things.
Blogging has opened that door even further.

Have a wonderful week!! Remember to count your blessings!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Dyane
2. Jayne
3. mzzterry
4. Trisha

5. Holly
6. Kathryn
7. Amy
8. jen

9. Joy
10. Danna
11. Tracy

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-08-05T02:35:00.002-05:00

Here is a link for July 29, 2008. Please feel free to link your list from last week here!

I was thankful for lots of things last week...family, friends, Tums, Tylenol, my bed, movie channels, chicken noodle soup, crackers, bananas, and Sprite.

How's that for ten? :)

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Amy
2. Jennifer

3. Trisha
4. Jennifer

5. aloted

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-07-22T10:51:00.009-05:00

Good morning! Hope this finds all of you well and full of thanksgiving!

I decided to do a slightly different take on the list today by asking each of my two children to tell me five things for which they are thankful.

"Our house because we don't have to sleep on the side of the street like some people do."
~ Twister
"Food because we don't go hungry."
~ Tornado
"Family because I have people to live with, they love me, and they take care of me."
~ Twister
"Pretty weather because we get to play outside."
~ Tornado
"Friends because it's somebody to play with and just to have somebody to talk to."
~ Twister
"Our dog because we have somebody to play with when we go outside."
~ Tornado
"Trees because they help us breathe and because it's fun to watch them change colors."
~ Twister
"School because you get to learn subjects, and we get to see our friends."
~ Tornado
"Clothes and shoes because they keeps us warm, and we don't get blisters on our feet."
~ Twister
"Church because we get to learn about God and Jesus."
~ Tornado

Wow! I was so thankful to hear that they "get it"! Though I think my kids are great...and while my thoughts are that it's just fine to be thankful for trivial little things...and for entertainment things...and for modern convenience things...I am so thankful that they were thankful for the these things.

I am thankful for my two sweet kids!

Have a blessed day!

***IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN "TEN THINGS TUESDAY, and you do not see your name under the "BLESSING COUNTERS" in the sidebar, please email me at XBOXWIFE@HOTMAIL.COM, or you can leave a message in the comments. I have been trying to update the list, but it's entirely possible that people have been inadvertently omitted. If you are one of those people, please accept my apologies, and please let me know that you would like to be added to the list! As always, thank you for sharing your blessings with all of us!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Lisa Beth
2. mzzterry
3. Amy
4. Allyson

5. Rosheeda
6. Tracy
7. Trisha
8. Jen

9. Shaila
10. Andria
11. Chandra
12. Danna

PRAYER IN ALL THINGS

2008-07-18T23:19:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

I would ask you to please life up in prayer our sweet friend "Mzzterry", her daughter Bean, and their respective husbands tonight. They are grieving the loss of their precious unborn child.

True to the form of the Terry we all know, they are glorifying God in all things. Please pray for them to experience the comfort that only He can provide. Please pray that they will be surrounded by people that care for and love them and that those people will be a great support system during this saddened time.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers on behalf of this family. Terry's has conveyed by email how much she appreciates all of the prayer support. She also appreciates prayers over the next few months as they all deal with the loss and the physical distance that separates them from being with Bean and her husband on a daily basis.

Blessings ~
Mrs. Brownstone

CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS!!!

2008-07-15T22:26:00.004-05:00

One of my blogging friends (and a fellow Ten Things blogger to many of you) has posted that her daughter, who is expecting a baby in February, is in the ER with pregnancy complications.

Please pray for Terry and her husband. Pray that they can be a source of strength to their daughter and her husband. Pray that they will draw their strength from their relationship with the Lord God Almighty.

Please pray for their daughter "Bean" and her husband "JBaby" right now. Pray that they keep their hearts focused on the Lord. Pray that they will have peace and comfort in this scary time. Please pray that Bean will remain safe and healthy.

Please pray for the sweet unborn child growing in Bean's womb. Pray for the health and strength of the baby. Pray that the baby will come into this world with a love for the Lord and a desire to serve Him.

Please pray for the doctors and the nurses. Pray that they will use their God-given talents to the best of their abilities. Pray for their wisdom. Pray that they will have a gentle beside manner with the entire family during this time.

Thank you, dear friends, for lifting up our sweet friend "mzzterry" and her family!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-07-15T09:42:00.005-05:00

Hmmmm...past 9:00 am? Check. That definitely means it is summer, as my "I'll try to have a link up by 9:00 am" has most assuredly fallen by the wayside! We have been staying up later and sleeping in later around here ~ both rites of summer for two kids on vacation. As a result, breakfast, etc., etc., etc....well, those are all happening later, too! Thank you for having patience for the links! Hope you're having as blessed a summer as the Brownstone Family!

I am thankful for special times with my children! I am thankful to get to spend quality time with them together, as well as time with each of them individually.
I am thankful for summer camps, which is where Tornado is this week. Though I miss the little force of nature terribly, I know that camp will be a blessing!
I am thankful that my children are active! They are involved in lots of different things, and they like to do things during the day.
I am also thankful for leisurely summer days! It's fun to just take a day to relax sometimes and do virtually nothing...together!
I am thankful for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. They are easy to make and an inexpensive option for a fancier homemade sandwich!
I am thankful for grapes ~ red or green, fresh or frozen. They are always a tasty treat!
I am thankful for oranges. They make the house smell so delicious!
I am thankful that our almost 25-year-old air conditioner still works!!! It is HOT here!
I am thankful for our quiet neighborhood. With major roads in the area, it could have been loud, but we are blessed by minimal traffic and quiet days and nights.
I am thankful for good friends and family! We are getting to spend a lot of time with friends and family this summer, and it's been so awesome!

Have a wonderful week!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Amy
2. Jennifer
3. Jill
4. Stacy
5. Vicki
6. aloted

7. Jennifer
8. Emily
9. Joanna
10. Joy
11. mzzterry
12. sarah in disturbia

13. Chandra
14. Danna
15. Kipi
16. Tracy

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE A GIRL'S HAIR DANCE!

2008-07-10T13:49:00.005-05:00

My good friend Jill is taking final orders for her bow business. She is closing shop on July 31, so you have until then to place orders for these adorable, boutique-quality hair bows. She is offering them at an amazing 40% off the original pricing! What a bargain!

Order yours while you can ~ you won't regret it. I've ordered several for a baby gift, and the mom was so thrilled with the bows that she placed an additional order!

Click the button above to browse Jill's bow site. She has lots of options still available!

Best wishes to Jill in her new endeavors!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-07-08T15:32:00.004-05:00

Hey, Y'all! You know that old saying "better late than never"? Well, I'm utilizing it today! We got in from a mini-vacation at 1:00 am this morning, so we all slept in a little. Technically, Mr. Brownstone did not get to sleep in as he had to go back to work. Poor thing!

To start things off today, I want to make sure we are all clear on something. You can post your Ten Things list anytime between Tuesday morning and the following Monday evening. Granted, it will be viewed by more people if you post it on Tuesday ~ mainly because I haven't really had a lot of time to blog lately, so traffic is down on the other days of the week. However, you are free to post it on any day!

Next on the day's agenda...I'd like to call attention to one of our regular "Ten Things Tuesday" bloggers. Mzzterry blogged in her list last week that she is going to be a new grandma! I just wanted to extend to her a heartfelt congratulations! She always has the most wonderful lists, and truly is thankful for her blessings! I think it would be fun if everyone left a "grandma name" in my comments section this week. I know thinking of grandparent names was one of the fun parts when I was pregnant with our first child. Of course, in the end, we went with what came out of Tornado's mouth...MOMO! How's that for a grandma name??? :) So...for fun, leave a grandma name in the comments! And again, congratulations to Mzzterry!! Many prayers for your daughter, her husband, and that sweet little blessing from God!

Finally...

I am thankful for a place to retreat! We are so blessed that my parents were able to purchase a home away from home when we were little kids. As adults, we are blessed to have use of Little Cabin. It holds so many dear memories, and it is such a delight to be able to make new memories with my own husband and children.
I am thankful for mountains. We are so blessed that our God knows we need mountaintops ~ figuratively AND literally!
I am thankful for the opportunity to view God's masterpiece of the nighttime sky the way it was meant to be viewed ~ with no city lights and no smog!
I am thankful that God designed so many beautiful trees, plants, and flowers, each with their own look and their own fragrance. It was so peaceful to breathe deeply the scent of pine!
I am thankful for varying climates and temperatures. To leave one home on a chilly, brisk morning and arrive at another home to a warm, muggy night...that's fantastic!
I am thankful for rain. It is surely another of those scents that must delight God's nose! I am also thankful to be able to watch a storm unfold on the horizon. It is amazing to be able to look at an area and know that it is being refreshed by rain. And to hear the rumble of thunder and the see the streak of a lightning bolt in the sky? God's artwork at it's best!
I am thankful for sunrises and sunsets. I am amazed that the same sun can rise and set every day, and it NEVER looks the same! We witnessed a sunset to marvel all others. It shone through a blanket of rain and beautiful dark blue clouds, making it appear that the sky was on fire!
I am thankful for my parents. They are so good to us! I am thankful that they made it home from their trip safely and that they were safe while they traveled in the Holy Lands for almost a month! It was a really long time for them to be away, and we missed them! I am so thankful that they were able to go to Little Cabin with us. It was such a blessing to spend time with them and to hear all about their magnificent journey!
I am thankful for Mr. Brownstone! We got to spend a couple of hours on a gorgeous golf course this weekend. The views, the scents, the silence ~ all amazing! It was like we were the only two people on Earth!
I am thankful for our precious children and for the questions that they ask us! Whether it be the simplest thing, or a question we won't know the answer to until we reach Heaven, it is such a joyful thing to see their little minds at work! If you haven't ever done it, ask your children what questions they will ask God when they get to Heaven. You will be so blessed! And then, just for fun, ask them what they will do when they get to Heaven and who they want to meet when they are there. We had this conversation for at least an hour over the weekend, and I'm ready to have it again!

Have a blessed week!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Vicki
2. nikki
3. Amy
4. Jill

5. mzzterry
6. Chandra
7. Emily
8. Allyson

9. Joy
10. Kipi
11. Tracy
12. Danna

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-07-01T02:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!
And an early Happy 4th of July!!!

I am thankful for the men and women that serve our country.
I am thankful for our forefathers that fought for our freedom.
I am thankful that while we may not all agree on political issues, we can live peacefully among one another.
I am thankful for our leaders ~ national, state, and local.
I am thankful for the men and women that serve our communities.
I am thankful that I had the freedom to be educated.
I am thankful for my freedom to vote.
I am thankful for my freedom to work if I choose to do so.
I am thankful for the freedom to raise our children and be a homemaker.
Most importantly, I am thankful for the freedom to openly worship my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. mzzterry
2. Sharon
3. Jennifer
4. Kipi

5. Amy
6. Allyson
7. Jennifer
8. Tracy

9. Jayne
10. bunmi bj
11. Vicki

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-06-24T15:09:00.004-05:00

Our computer has been down all day long!!! THANKFULLY, it is finally back up and running! I'm running out the door and can't post a list at the moment, but here is a link for y'all! Hope you're having a great and thankful Tuesday!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Amy
2. nikki
3. Emily

4. Danna
5. Jenni J
6. Sharon

7. Kipi

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-06-17T09:26:00.003-05:00

Whoops!

Not only did we ALL oversleep today...I almost forgot it was Tuesday! However, I will NOT forget to be thankful! In the interest of getting the link up more quickly for all of you, though, I will be making my list AFTER posting!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jennifer
2. Rosheeda
3. Dyane
4. shana

5. Amy
6. Jennifer
7. mzzterry
8. nikki

9. Chandra
10. aloted
11. Cristy

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-06-10T03:45:00.006-05:00

Good morning, Friends! This is a different sort of Ten Things list for today, but it's one that I've been wanting to do for awhile, especially considering that I haven't been able to take much time to update this blog daily, or to comment on your blogs!

I am thankful for...

old friends and new friends
unique blessings and shared blessings
simple blessings and unfathomable blessings
your joyfulness and my joyfulness
seeing things in a new light shed by others
being able to dig deep inside to find joy even when it's hard to find
fourteen great weeks of "Ten Things Tuesday" (This is Week Fifteen!)
the 40-plus individuals that have linked to "Ten Things Tuesday" (Wouldn't it be amazing if every single one of us did it one of these weeks!?!!) and all of the people I've seen that participate but that don't link here (Would love for you to join us here, though!)
the people that read and comment but are not making a list at all (I hope you're being blessed each week and hope you'll feel free to join in anytime!)
over 2000 thankful thoughts shared (And those are just the ones you've typed!)

Look how we've grown!
And look how YOU'VE grown. It's hard to believe, but it's been almost twenty years since I started making my "Ten Things" list...and I've GROWN! Some days it was ~and STILL can be ~ really difficult to make that list. There have been some dark days. There were days of mourning, days of fear, days of depression. BUT...there was always a sunrise on those times. And there was ~ and always WILL be ~ joy to be found in the smallest of things!

Thank you for joining me on this journey of joy and thanksgiving! (I'm going to be attempting to create a blogroll for "Ten Things Tuesday". Please email me at xboxwife@hotmail.com if you participate in "Ten Things Tuesday" and would like to have your blog included!)

Scroll all the way to the bottom for the "Ten Things Tuesday" link! I promise ~ it IS there!!!

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK ONE ~ MARCH 4, 2008
1. Jennifer

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK TWO ~ MARCH 11, 2008

1. Jennifer
2. Jill

3. Jennifer
4. Rhino's Real Total Package

5. Jayne

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK THREE ~ MARCH 18, 2008

1. Jennifer
2. Jill

3. Jennifer
4. Jayne

5. Danna Ramsey
6. Shana

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK FOUR ~ MARCH 25, 2008

1. Jennifer
2. Dyane
3. mzzterry
4. Jill

5. Jennifer
6. Shana
7. Tyler
8. Mercedes' World

9. Jason
10. Danna
11. Dallas
12. Kathryn

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK FIVE ~ APRIL 1, 2008

1. Chandra
2. Jennifer
3. mzzterry
4. shana
5. Dyane
6. Amanda
7. Dallas

8. Danna
9. Nikki
10. Jill
11. Andria
12. Jen
13. Sarah in Disturbia
14. Mercedes

15. Jason
16. Rosheeda
17. Jamie
18. Jenn
19. Jenni J

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK SIX ~ APRIL 8, 2008

1. Nikki
2. mzzterry
3. Dyane
4. Liza\'s Eyeview
5. Shana
6. Rosheeda

7. Jennifer
8. Chandra
9. Jill
10. Jen
11. Jamie
12. Jason

13. Danna
14. Jayne
15. Vicki
16. Jenni J
17. Michelle
18. Amanda

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK SEVEN ~ APRIL 15, 2008

1. Dallas
2. Dyane
3. Emily
4. Darrah
5. Chandra
6. mzzterry
7. Mercedes
8. Adrian

9. Rosheeda
10. We are THAT family
11. Amanda
12. Jennifer
13. Nikki
14. Jill
15. Joy
16. Danna

17. Michelle
18. JenniJ
19. Jen
20. Amy
21. David
22. Jason
23. Jamie
24. Andria

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK EIGHT ~ APRIL 22, 2008

1. Rosheeda
2. Chandra
3. Jason
4. Dyane
5. Jennifer

6. shana
7. Jill
8. mzzterry
9. Emily
10. Danna

11. Jason B
12. Darrah
13. jen
14. Joy B.

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK NINE ~ APRIL 29, 2008

1. Michelle
2. Jennifer
3. Lisa Beth
4. Rosheeda
5. Jill

6. Emily
7. Nikki
8. Chandra
9. mzzterry
10. Danna

11. Andria
12. JenniJ
13. Jayne

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK TEN ~ MAY 6, 2008

1. Andria
2. mzzterry
3. Jennifer
4. Skelty
5. Dyane
6. Rosheeda
7. Jill

8. Kristine
9. Dallas
10. Joy
11. Michelle
12. Trisha
13. Jen
14. Chandra

15. Danna
16. Emily
17. Kipi
18. Jenni J
19. shana
20. Nikki

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK ELEVEN ~ MAY 13, 2008

1. sandwiched
2. Vicki
3. Lisa Beth
4. mzzterry
5. Michelle
6. Rosheeda

7. Chandra
8. Danna
9. Jill
10. Adrian
11. Trisha
12. Kipi

13. Emily
14. Jen
15. Jason
16. nikki

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK TWELVE ~ MAY 20, 2008

1. Jennifer
2. Sharon
3. Amy
4. mzzterry
5. Michelle
6. Danna

7. Emily
8. Nik
9. Caitlin
10. Jayne
11. Jill
12. Trisha

13. Kipi
14. Jennifer
15. JenniJ
16. rieskha

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK THIRTEEN ~ MAY 27, 2008

1. Amy
2. Lisa Beth
3. Jennifer
4. Jennifer
5. Emily

6. Kristine
7. mzzterry
8. Sharon@Reservoir
9. Michelle
10. Jayne

11. Nikki
12. Jen
13. JenniJ
14. Trisha

Mrs. Brownstone @ XBOX Wife
WEEK FOURTEEN ~ JUNE 3, 2008

1. Jayne
2. Jennifer
3. Dyane
4. Amy
5. Shana

6. Jill
7. Jennifer
8. mzzterry
9. Danna
10. Sharon

11. Emily
12. Joy
13. Joanna

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Amy
2. Dyane
3. mzzterry

4. Danna
5. Jill
6. Sarah in Disturbia

7. Jennifer
8. Chandra
9. Joy

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-06-03T07:47:00.007-05:00

I promise to visit all of the new Ten Thing'ers soon! I'll come visit all of the old ones, too! Thanks for sticking in during the blogging drought around here. Things have been too busy to dare start reading and commenting. If I start, I'm not able to stop! BUT...I know you're there. I've seen you. I've sneaked the quickest of peeks...and am so glad to have each and every one of you on this journey of joy with me!

Good morning! Isn't it turning out to be a gorgeous summer? It's hard to believe, though, that it's not actually even "true summer" yet!

The one solid reminder we have, however, is SCHOOL. Yes...you read that correctly. The Brownstone kids are still in school! It's almost enough to make me complain a little bit. My philosophy is that there should be no school allowed during the months of June, July, and August.

NONE!

Not. A. Single. Day.

When I was in school, we started every year the day after Labor Day, and we were out for summer by every Memorial Day. You know what? We all turned out just fine!!!

Kids need summer!

BUT...this is "Ten Thing Tuesday". It is not a complaining post!

Our children are receiving a stellar public education. We are so blessed to be in a school district that has a high standard of learning.
They have a beautiful learning environment. Really...it's beautiful. The school looks brand new, and the layout is amazing. Each grade level is self-contained, with the exception of Art, Music, P.E., Spanish, and the Cafeteria, which are conveniently in one area, and the Library and the Office, which are centrally located.
The school is always clean. And by clean...I mean really clean. The custodians do a fantastic job each and every day. On this subject...if you've never thanked your child's custodian, you should totally do it. I've worked in schools that were not very clean and in schools that were immaculate. I fully believe it makes a difference in the performance of the kids AND the teachers.
The teachers are amazing! They win "Teacher of the Year" awards at higher levels than our specific school with an amazing ratio! I can't think of a single day that I've driven by the school in the late afternoon and seen an empty parking lot. They come early and stay late. There are truly teachers there with a love for teaching!
They are exposed to many extra-curricular classes, competitions, service projects, and opportunities.
It's a community. Everyone remembers all the kids' names. The principal, the vice principal, the office ladies, the nurse, the librarian, the custodian, the teachers, the classroom aides... They also know the parents' names, and to which kids we belong. I think that's pretty impressive.
There is a high parent involvement. We are encouraged to be in the building in a volunteer capacity (with a background check!) as often as we'd like to be there. There are many ways to serve as a volunteer, which makes it extremely easy to find something you like to do. We are also encouraged to come eat lunch with our kids. I try to do this at least once every six weeks for each of my children. They LOVE it!
This has to be prefaced with "kids are kids"...but for the most part, the kids are all great! My children have lots of really great friends from school.
Every year, they are placed with the teacher and the classmates that seems to truly be the best for them. The principal and the vice principal meet, and they consider every educational factor and personality trait of each child, as well as those of the teachers for the coming year. They also factor in what the teachers the previous year have said about student-to-student relationships. It's clear that it is never a hasty decision but always one that is well-thought out by the team. And PRAYER has a lot to do with it, too!
School is almost out for summer!!!

Have a wonderful summer! Do something fun with your kids...or your grandkids...or your nieces and nephews...or your spouse! And if none of these apply? Sign up to be a volunteer reader in the fall for a school near you! It will greatly bless you and the kids to whom you're reading!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jayne
2. Jennifer
3. Dyane
4. Amy
5. Shana

6. Jill
7. Jennifer
8. mzzterry
9. Danna
10. Sharon

11. Emily
12. Joy
13. Joanna

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

THE CARDBOARDS SAY IT ALL

2008-05-27T12:26:00.004-05:00

A good friend of mine just sent us a link that I wanted to share with you. Take a few minutes to watch this powerful, thought-provoking video...then take a few minutes to think about what your own sign would say.

Praise God for the joy and strength that we can receive through Him!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-05-27T09:46:00.004-05:00

Good morning, Ten Thing Tuesday friends!

Please pray for my little ones today. Allergy and asthma season is not being so kind to their little bodies. Please pray especially for Twister who has been struggling with fevers reaching almost 104. We are headed to the doctor right now.

My ten things will be up as soon as there is an opportunity to write them. Please feel free to link your Ten Things whenever you'd like. The link is up now.

Blessings to all!

~ Mrs. Brownstone

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Amy
2. Lisa Beth
3. Jennifer
4. Jennifer
5. Emily

6. Kristine
7. mzzterry
8. Sharon@Reservoir
9. Michelle
10. Jayne

11. Nikki
12. Jen
13. JenniJ
14. Trisha

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-05-20T07:59:00.005-05:00

Another Tuesday and another "Ten"... I hope that you are finding some time on Wednesday through Monday to be thankful, too!

I wanted to share with you a favorite Scripture passage this morning. It's 1 Chronicles 16:7-36 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible.

7 That day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this psalm of thanks to the LORD :

8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

9 Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.

10 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

11 Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.

12 Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced,

13 O descendants of Israel His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.

14 He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth.

15 He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations,

16 the covenant He made with Abraham, the oath He swore to Isaac.

17 He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

18 "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."

19 When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it,

20 they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.

21 He allowed no man to oppress them; for their sake He rebuked kings:

22 "Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm."

23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.

24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.

25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

27 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.

28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength,

29 ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

30 Tremble before Him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"

32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth.

34 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

35 Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise."

36 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD."

I think David gets it right in his Psalm of Thanks! "Call on His name", David tells us. "Tell of all His wonderful acts." "Rejoice!" "Seek His face always."

Sometimes it may seem that nothing is going your way. In today's world, it is so easy to get bogged down by "things" ~ whether they be busy schedules, materialistic items, political issues...there are so many different things to distract us from what is important! God is still present in our lives. He is there for us to recognize if we choose to do so.

Seek Him out in what may seem to be the simplest blessings.
Rejoice in the things we often take for granted in life.
Tell of all the wonderful things He has done and is doing for you.
Call on His name!!!

I woke up today because I could hear my alarm clock.
I could feel the warm body of my faithful Christian husband next to me.
I could stand up and walk when I arose this morning because I have two strong, healthy legs.
I made my way from the bed to the door because I could see the path before me.
I had the joy of seeing my two children snuggled so small and fragile in their beds, long eyelashes and cherub lips. God is allowing me to be their mommy.
I was able to use my voice to wake them. I sing to them in the mornings. "This is the day! This is the day...that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice! I will rejoice...and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice, and be glad in it! This is the day! This is the day...that the Lord has made!"
We were all able to dress in good, clean clothing and shoes.
We were able to have a healthy, balanced breakfast today, and we'll also be able to have a healthy, balanced lunch, as well as a healthy, balanced dinner.
We have cold, clean water to drink whenever we want or need it. We have warm water for showers and baths, too.
I was able to give my children the necessary vitamins and medicines they needed this morning.

We are so blessed. If you are reading this blog, then you are blessed simply because we know your eyes work! You are also blessed because you have access to technology! You are blessed because you have time in your day to relax long enough to read a blog! I encourage each of you today as you make your lists to really grab on to the most simple things in your life. List out the things that are truly God-given blessings!

Have a blessed day!
REJOICE in the LORD!!!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Jennifer
2. Sharon
3. Amy
4. mzzterry
5. Michelle
6. Danna

7. Emily
8. Nik
9. Caitlin
10. Jayne
11. Jill
12. Trisha

13. Kipi
14. Jennifer
15. JenniJ
16. rieskha

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-05-13T07:33:00.004-05:00

Don't give up on more regular blogging, folks. It's coming...it's just busy, busy, busy! I thought when my kids got older, it would be easier ~ not so! However, I wouldn't change a thing about our life. We're trying to savor every single moment...I hope you are, too!

I went to bed three hours earlier than normal last night. It's been a long time since we crawled into bed by 9 pm. It was a much needed rest!
I think we're getting some rain today!
We have a meeting this morning to discuss some awesome plans for our Children's Ministry program at church. Big things are afoot!
I just got to drive my sweet babies to school. I really enjoy that special time with them.
We got to see both of our moms on Mother's Day this year. We were able to spend some quality time with each of them.
My kids' made homemade cards this year, which I greatly prefer to store-bought. They have really made me smile (and laugh) every time I look at them!
Mr. Brownstone and I have a vacation coming up in a few weeks. It's fun to anticipate the time away with him!
I am thankful that God gives us willpower. I said "no" to getting a Sonic drink three days in a row now. Will I still have them occasionally? Yes ~ maybe even today...but it was time for the addiction to stop! I had success with this during the week last week and over the weekend as well. Since last week, I only had one on Friday. Yea!
My kids are good sports. We had Field Day recently, and they really cheered on the other kids. They were also gracious in winning and in losing.
Tornado did something at Field Day that I cannot even write about yet because it makes me teary-eyed. I will never forget the moment nor what Tornado said to me later that day to explain it. I am so thankful to have a child that thinks the way Tornado thinks. (Twister is a pretty great thinker, too!)

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. sandwiched
2. Vicki
3. Lisa Beth
4. mzzterry
5. Michelle
6. Rosheeda

7. Chandra
8. Danna
9. Jill
10. Adrian
11. Trisha
12. Kipi

13. Emily
14. Jen
15. Jason
16. nikki

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.

TEN THINGS TUESDAY

2008-05-06T07:18:00.005-05:00

A storm is coming, so this is going to be quick so I can turn off the computer!!

I am thankful that we have competent people called meteorologists that can monitor storms!
I am thankful for the rain that cools down the earth and makes flowers bloom!
I am thankful for the rhythms of the rain that must be great inspiration for all of the musicians in the world!
I am thankful that a storm will force me to be inside today to accomplish some much needed tasks!
I am thankful that my children are making getting ready this morning a breeze ~ it is allowing me a few minutes every now and then to get this list completed!
I am thankful that my children love school. Learning isn't optional, so I'm glad they enjoy it!
I am thankful that we had fifty-three new people to sign up to be teachers or classroom helpers at church this weekend for the Children's Ministry!
I am thankful for the leadership at our church. Not only are the sermons always great, but our preacher was on fire in his sermon about loving our kids on Sunday! AND...our elders are truly accessible. I truly feel blessed with the opportunity to know all of them and to know most of them!
I am thankful that I made some new friends at our Ladies' Retreat this weekend!
I am thankful that the weekend was successful with an great speaker, delicious food, and beautiful weather for the "Church Camp" setting!

Ten Things Tuesday Participants

1. Andria
2. mzzterry
3. Jennifer
4. Skelty
5. Dyane
6. Rosheeda
7. Jill

8. Kristine
9. Dallas
10. Joy
11. Michelle
12. Trisha
13. Jen
14. Chandra

15. Danna
16. Emily
17. Kipi
18. Jenni J
19. shana
20. Nikki

Learn more about Ten Things Tuesday here.