Labor Day Party...poolside!

Our labor day got started a few days early since I have to work on Monday.  We have so enjoyed entertaining family at our place since we got our pool cleaned this summer.  I never knew how much fun swimming was until I got to swim with my nieces and nephews.  Unfortunately we didn't get to swim with my younger brother and his family this time.  It was a great day for a swim party as this summer has finally brought some hot and humid days.  Our evening started early with some cooling off in the pool, then some amazing food from the grill and smoker, a little bike ride (again thankful we live on a dead end street), and some more swimming, resulting in the kids getting tubbies twice.

I unfortunately was eating when Elianna was out riding her bike but I did happen to capture the sweet moment above when poor Isaiah was having trouble getting up the little incline in the road and Isaac rode over to help him out.  Sure did tear at the heart strings.

All of the kids enjoy swimming but Isaac is clearly the little fish.  We had quite a fun time splashing around this evening.  The kids LOVE the "waterfall" we created using the pool pump and pool noodles.  There aren't many pictures to share from the evening because we were all too busy swimming but I was able to get the last few of Isaac and he just makes me laugh.  His facial expressions are priceless!!

Isaiah insisted I get a picture of Isaac's pet caterpillar he found along the pool. What a fun, fun night!!!  We feel absolutely blessed by wonderful times like this we've been able to truly enjoy at our home.  Jamie and I enjoyed a week of "staycation" last week and after getting some much needed projects crossed off our list, I was amazed at how different I feel finishing projects here.  Feeling a sense of settling and transforming our house into our home has become a true treasure.  Having family come over and enjoy moments of happiness and fun is just the icing on the cake.  We ARE so blessed!!

Introducing Travis

My nephew, Travis Lincoln, was born on June 19 and joins his sisters, Rachel and Jessie, and bother, Caleb to round out the family.  My SIL Lacey brought him down this week for a little photo shoot and I got to meet this little cutie and what a fun time we had!  Welcome to the family, Travis, we're a crazy, loud bunch!!

Goals

This Mother's Day turned out to be an odd day for my family but it also resulted in some great photo ops with the nieces and nephews.  I certainly felt blessed this Mother's Day although I have yet to attach the word mother to my life.  We were blessed with some wonderful unexpected time with my parents and got to enjoy a great church service with them and I do enjoy celebrating my mom on Mother's Day, instead of focusing on the negatives that Mother's Day can bring to those of us who aren't able to be mom's.

I also got a wonderful reception from the above 3 as they came running through the door at Grammy's house.  I got a flower from them and Isaac went running out to mommy stating, "Mommy, Aunt Jess is here!"  Always brightens my day to know they enjoy time with me.  I had friends who sent me special messages acknowledging the day in my terms which is always so comforting.  And then we got to spend time with the Tate's helping them pack up their house as they prepare to tear down and add an addition to their home.  I even got a sweet Auntie card from Elli for Mother's Day...we so enjoy our time, no matter how it's spent, with them!!  I think one of comments every time we leave that we are still amazed at how much our friendship with the Tate's is so comfortable for both of us.  We are so blessed by the the many friends in our life and are so thankful God has placed us where He has!

All of that to say that even though I am not a mom, I too felt so loved yesterday.  Thank you to the many who in some way reached out and made me feel loved!

So while at my Mom's I told the kids we were gonna go outside for a little and enjoy the sunshine while Pappy was finishing his grand meal...that Pappy sure can cook..we LOVE coming home to eat!  I asked these 3 if I could get a picture of the 3 of them and without posing them this is what I got...this NEVER happens!!

I was also able to get a few candids and the photo below just makes me giggle...this is so Isaiah...kid makes me laugh.

And Elli, the girl so loves spending time with people but she sure can march to the beat of her own drum.

I hadn't seen these 3 in forever!!  It was so nice to see all of them again but we sure didn't get to spend enough time with them.  I also got a chance to spend a little time with them outside and got some great pictures.

And don't let these 2 girls fool you...they look all sweet and innocent and best of friends in the photo below but they often need to be separated.  Ah the joy of sisterhood...something I have no reference for and sometimes I'm grateful I didn't.  But I do love these pictures and do love these kids!!  So thankful for the chance to see them again!

And last but not least, I titled this "Goals" for a reason.  Another great addition to my weekend was the run I had on Saturday.  After watching Ben and Taryn finish the last marathon and standing at the finish line seeing all those people come across the finish somehow sparked a desire to "know".  I've been wanting to do something to get into shape for quite some time, but never had a clear goal in mind and it's so hard to find the motivation to just simply get up and get out.  Well I've found my motivation!  I am planning on running a full marathon this coming November.  I started training last week, thanks to the help of Ben and Taryn!  Taryn came up with a training schedule for me to start and Saturday my challenge was to run a mile without stopping.  My body was ready to quit after the first 0.2 miles and I felt like the end of that little mile would never get there but I DID IT!!  I never enjoyed running but I've found a new sense of happiness and motivation in something I never dreamed I'd do!  My attitude has changed so much over the last 2 weeks and I'm in no way saying this journey will be easy but I'm so excited about reaching this goal and about the positives it's brought to my life.  I've come to the conclusion that trying to achieve the goal of getting pregnant the last 7 years has been daunting and has wore me down.  While attaining that goal has been out of my hands, I've discovered that setting a goal I KNOW I can accomplish has brought about a happiness and joy I haven't felt in 7 years!!  Jamie is hoping to run with me and has been my greatest cheerleader thus far, but I've also had many who are amazingly supportive so far and I'm truly blessed to have many who care!  I'm hoping to blog about my running journey and need to get some pictures on here, so stay tuned for more!

"I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength"

And to my wonderful Mom who has cheered me through all of life's journeys, storms, and challenges, I would not be the woman I am today without your amazing support, love, and devotion!!  I'm a better person because of the sacrifices and love you selflessly give.  I am so thankful for the friendship that has grown since my childhood and feel so blessed to call you one of my closest and dearest friends as well as MY Mom!!  I love you so much, Mom!!

And a Happy Belated Nurses Week to all my nurse friends!!

26.2...NOT a Bible verse!

Team Brown was at it again today!  Jamie and I got to follow along with Mrs Tate and Elli as we chased Mr Tate along his marathon course.  

Go Daddy Go!! Kristen and I spent most of the afternoon on Tuesday making t-shirts to support Mr Tate.  Had it not been for the "genius" who couldn't use the darn iron we may have been done before supper time.  But regardless we were quite proud of our creations.

Little Miss Pigtails

Man down!  Poor Elli needed a little breather before moving on to the next cheer point.

My friend Taryn was also running the race today and I was excited to cheer her on as well!!  GO Taryn!!

Elli cheered from quite a few locations...the ditches along the road, inside the van, on top of Uncle Jamie's shoudlers...she was a hopping little cheer bunny today...especially when Daddy came on through.

She was still cheering/hopping even as he ran on...gotta love the girl's enthusiasm!

Ben got support even on the phone.  He got to say a quick hello to his boss and close friend, Kasey.  

We followed this guy throughout the course and he became our lookout for Ben, knowing Ben wasn't too far behind this guy and his furry friend.

Here he comes!!!  So excited and relieved to have finished his 5th full marathon before his 30th birthday which happens to be this week.

Taryn made it despite not feeling totally prepared to run.  She told me she was planning to back out until the bombings happened at the Boston Marathon.  She decided she would still run in support of those from Boston.  It's amazing to see how many people come together to cheer and support many they don't know and encourage them in their dedication in sticking with the course...a course that was 26.3 miles, NOT 26.2!  So proud of the runners I knew today and their hard work in making it across that finish line!  Congrats, Ben and Taryn!!

For those curious, the saying on the t-shirt came from a blonde moment I had while shooting a wedding with Ben.  I questioned what the 26.2 sticker meant on the back of his car and wondered what Bible verse it was.  He started laughing and informed me it wasn't a Bible verse but the miles in a full marathon.  We still laugh about that.

I'd also like to mention how proud I am of Kristen.  She got accepted into a doctorate of nursing program for this Fall.  Congrats to Ben on achieving his goal of 5 before 30 and on Kristen for reaching high!!  So proud of you both!