Pregnancy Brain sets in? Or am I just blonde?

Well, firstly - computer issues are sorted so... we are back online! :-)

Ok, so I have been so blonde this last week.

On saturday night, i got in the car, closed the door and my car seat started moving forward and I couldn't figure out why as I was slowly being crushed against the steering wheel!!

My CD case had slipped between the controls and the seat and were pressing on it!!

So then I tried to reverse out the driveway only to hit something, there was a trash can in the road. So I got out and moved it.

I started to drive away and the light for 'open door' was on, so I had to pull over and check all the doors. The dumb thing was... it was the only door I hadn't used when loading up!?!?!?

Finally, we went to blockbusters and the coomputer's were broken, so we left. I noticed Esther had something in her hands... she had grabbed a shrek donkey toy and i hadn't noticed so I walked right out with it! I took it back in and told them my daughter had stolen it, they didn't seem to mind and in fact handn't even noticed!

Now today, i just got home from the store. I had started off down the road, to realise....ok give me BAD parent award here... that I had just put Esther in her seat and not buckles her in, it was only a few yards but i still cried!

So we carried on driving and I realised my purse wasn't in my diaper bag it was in another bag from when Josh and I went on a date last night.

So i drove home to retrieve the purse. I got to walmart and did part of my shopping and Esther was hungry as always so I decided to pay for the banana's so she could eat one as we walked around.

Well, I opened my purse and my debit card wasn't in it! Then it hit me... on saturday I had used a totally different bag for when I went to see The Miracle Worker and when I got gas, I'd thrown my card in the bag and not put it in the purse.

So back went all the groceries and home went Esther and I. I'm TIRED! And... i have to go back to walmart this afternoon to re-shop!

Computer Issues...

We are currently having computer issues and can only get online at other locations, this is just a quick message to let you all know why I haven't replied to any emails in the last few days. I think this computer is nearing its death...

If anyone needs to talk to us, please give us a phone call. We are only able to take incoming international calls right now otherwise we'd call out, we also cannot call out long distance.

Hopefully we'll have things sorted soon!

Speak to y'all soon!!

Rosie

No!

So.... Esther has been able to tell us 'no' for a while. But now, she has added in very functionally to her vocabulary!!!!

Mommy:Time to go night night?
Esther 'No'

Mommy:Brush teeth?
Esther: No

Mommy: Time to change your diaper.
Esther: dyber?
Mommy: Yes, come here please
Esther: No

Esther: Yumyums???
Mommy:Strawberry?
Esther:No
Mommy: Banana?
Esther: No
etc etc

Mommy: Esther, show me what sounds a cat makes
Esther: No

A magical music video journey!

So, DC talk are the legends of Christian music, and I am sure we have all heard them at some point or other. Esther was sleeping a little longer today, so over my cup of tea I decided to do some searching for some DC Talk videos. I watched 'Jesus Freak'. I'd heard the song before, but watching the video is very poignant. Yes... in bits it's slightly cheesy but what can you expect from the 90's hehehe. Any way... its very powerful, and somewhat empowering and convicting at the same time.



I've watched several more... but I won't bore you with anymore for now!

Weekend...

Wow, its tiring stuff! Its HARD Too. I was there from 2:45 to 8:30 and it still wasn't over! oh well! I had alot of fun though. I definately wouldn't mind

Baby names

OK... so we already had a boy name picked out, which most of you know!

It is... Caleb Matthan

Josh has wanted a son called Caleb his whole life, I guess he has visions of them going into the promised land together hehe.

Caleb means 'Loyal and Faithful Servant' and Matthan means 'Gift or Hope of the Lord'

And for a girl... we struggled because we wanted something with a biblical root, but it also had to match well with Esther. Oh and we are not trying to go with all 'E's it just happened that way... both are Hebrew, and begin with E...

Elisabeth Aylin

Although we are not sure whether it with be Elizabeth, but I think the s looks pretty. Oh and I haven't decided whether Aylin will be Aileen, but... either way its prounounced 'Ay - Leen' - it means beauty.

Oh and Elizabeth means 'God's Promise'

So there you go... either Esther Rose Brown and Caleb Matthan Brown
Or Esther Rose Brown and Elisabeth Aylin Brown

How to be a silly baby...

Esther... Step 1.... blow raspberries until you are red it the face.2.See if you can climb into the camera 3, show mommy where your nose, head and ears are when asked, 4.Stick finger up nose, then in mouth 5.Pretend to be an indian.

Due to popular demand...

This is a picture of me (believe it or not...), taken on friday night before I headed out to Bass Hall to see Selah for the Fort Worth Pregnancy Centre fund raiser. Its a bit blurry...

Curls...

Especially for mum and grandma...

The Stock Yards

Last saturday we took a trip down to Fort Worth Stockyards. Here are some pictures of the highlights of Esther's experience!

The Library!

Esther went to meet Alexa at the Library. As you can see by this picture, fu's idea of the library is to pick a book off the shelf and RUN with it, doing something that sounds like yodelling at the top of her voice. I'm glad holding a book is so exciting for her!

TIRED.

I can't every remember feeling this tired, ever. I feel like every movement I make is going to make me shrink it takes up that much energy! I swear I have lost about 5lbs already this week. blah. But... no morning sickness yet, which is a definate plus sign... pray that it does not happen!!!

I think Esther and I are going to go to the mall and play in one of the play area's today, I think we've been inside too much for her the last few days. She loves being outside.

Rain.

Good things about rain...

-Its not as hot outside
-There isn't a drought
-Its fun to watch Esther react to puddles
-Its lovely to see Esther just stare out the window in wonder.
-I don't have to water my plants everyday!

Bad things about rain...

-We are being attacked by hundreds of mosquitos
-It makes all the bugs want to come inside
-I can't hang my laundry out to dry.
-We can't go to the park or on a picnic
-It makes the roads dangerous because Texan's are used to driving in rain.(You got to be honest hehehehe)

3+1=4

Take a guess at my cryptic clue...

True Joy

Since I came to know Christ, I have been on a journey that very few have understood. In proverbs 3:4-5 God we are told...

"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight."

As someone who likes to have control of my situation, be able to plan and make 'wise' and 'logical' decisions, this has been difficult for me because God does not give us a 10 year action plan, in fact, He very rarely tells us what is going to happen the very next day.

God call's us not to try and look into the future and make our own plans, but to each day trust in Him, to be students of The Word, to be people of prayer.

We often try to make 'back up' plans that will ensure 'financial security', we make plans that we think make sense to us.

In James 4:13-14 God tell's us...

13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

There are two things that stand out to me there, firstly, that it is not our responsibility to worry about the future, because God is in control and has more amazing plans for us than we ourself could orchestrate.

Secondly, that our life is so brief, its not our possessions and how many cars and vacations we've had that matter in this life, its our relationship with our Lord and saviour.

There have been alot of times when God has called Josh and I to make choices that don't make sense to us or anyone else. We have to remember, that God knows what we need and in Matthew 6:25-34 He promise to provide for us...

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

OK so here's where we are so far... Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Do not worry about the future because God has plans for us and He will always supply your needs.

Now this all sounds so easy, but its not. Just because I choose to obey God does not mean I don't shout at Him "What on earth are you thinking????"

One thing I have noticed about myself is how quickly I forget the promises God has made to me and He never fails.

God knows us deeply and intimately, only He knows what is best for me. I may think I know what 'makes sense' but when I do that it always fails, but when I trust in the Lord, I recieve more joy and blessings than I could possibly gained from my own self effort.

When ever things get scary, I want to take the driving wheel and say to God "This time, everyone is REALLY going to think we are crazy" and He reminds me "Rosie, have I ever deserted you? Have I ever not known what is best for you?"

And the answer is simply this 'No' - God has never failed to keep His promise and display that He alone knows what is best for me and my family.

It is our job to be willing servants! Lord - Whatever you ask, I will do it.

I am learning to let go of worldly desires to have a car that never breaks down and a wardrobe of clothes that fit. hehe. God always provides a way to fix the car and as l;ong as its running, so what! He always makes sure I have clothes to wear, no matter what it looks like - Isn't someone with the Joy of the Lord radiating from them more beautiful than anything? Because thats what I want - I want people to see the Joy that God has brought to my life and I want that to radiate from me.

I am coming to accept that we can get everything we want - I need this, I need that, if only I could go away from a week, if only I could get a new sewing machine, if only I could buy this for Esther - When I get it - It never solves the problem.

Here's why - because if we are not satisfied with what God has blessed us with now and we moan and complain - nothing will ever be enough. A new sewing machine is not going to fix anything - its not going to make me any happier. Esther having the latest toy, living in a big house, travelling the world brings no happiness. Only living a completely Christ centered life can bring true joy.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 reminds us...

10 Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.
11 As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owner
except to feast his eyes on them?

I am coming to understand, that a Godless existance is pointless. We live, we die, we leave everything behind and after 2 or 3 generations, no one really talks about us anymore. What have we accomplished on this earth?

I know that God call's us to live a life that Glorifies Him. Once we become a Christian, why doesn't God just zap us up to heaven? What is the purpose of us staying here?

Its to bring glory to the Lord, tell people of His saving Grace, to tell people of Christ's redeeming love, that He died on the cross for them, to spread the word and fulfil the great commission made in Matthew 28:18-20

18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Truly - if I am not fulfilling the great commission, then I am failing as a Christian.

There is no gain is looking cool, getting everyone approval. In fact, when you are doing God's will, its tough.

When Paul was in jail, he still sang with joy. For he new that God was with Him. There is no greater Joy that living in Christ.

Fun Times

Its been a nice few days. Thursday was interesting because I can't remember the last time Josh came grocery shopping with me. I think it was before Esther was born!! Since then, mostly I have just either gone alone with Esther during the day or more recently, I have left Esther with Josh and gone alone! I think grocery shopping costs more with a husband in tow. He see's all the shiny packages and gets excited. We came home with more 'sweet' things than my waistline really needs! hehe

As a fathers day treat, we stopped by half price books so Josh could pick up a copy of the first book in a commentary series he wants to collect. Most women loose their husbands to computer games, sports or the bar. I loose mine to Bible Commentaries and philosophy books. He's so cute.

We came home and I made cottage pie and then ate some delicious pie while watching dumb and dumber! I can't believe I've never seen that movie. I want to quote a favorite line, but theres too many. Lets just say...'Do you want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?'

Yesterday I took Esther to the 'big' pool. She doesn't understand that if I'm not holding her she is going to sink and kept wanting to go off alone! But, she is too scared to lie back and she freaked out when I put my face in the water! Poor thing. She was fascinated by the swimming lady, so the poor lady had to deal with us staring at her swimming up and down! After that Esther collected these colorful rings on her arms, cute.

Last night Josh and I went on a date. Our wonderful cousin Daron gave up complimentary tickets to The Circle Theater and we watched a play called 'According to Goldman'. It was amazing, the acting was fabulous. It was hilarious in parts, heart warming but also devastating. Afterwards we walked to PF Changs. I'd never been before. It was excellent. All in all a lovely date!

This morning, we actually got a sleep in, we slept until 8, hehe. Now we are just taking it easy!

A week in the life of a Fu.

This is Esther at the park on saturday afternoon... She was sleepy at first, but when we finally awoke, she was very excited.


As you can see, Esther wasn't the only one having lots of fun!





On saturday night, Jessica and I took the girls to eat spaghetti at Italian cafe! $2.99 all you can eat spaghetti is always fun, especially when babies are eating!




On sunday, Esther and Alexa decided to go for a swim...



On sunday evening, Esther hung out with her cousin Bree...



On monday night, we went over to have pizza with Brandon, Jesse, Emarie and Noah, Jessica and Alexa visited too, since Jesse will be watching Alexa while her mommy works, so they wanted to meet and get to know each other. I have pictures but my camera ate them.

I also have pictures of our picnic on tuesday, which were also eaten by the camera, so you'll have to use your imagination! Esther and I went to target and got some italian soda, some sandwiches and chips, and picked daddy up from work as a suprise. We went to the seminary and laid our picnic blanket on the grass and sat under the trees in a nice breeze enjoying our lunch! Esther had fallen asleep in the car so she slept on the blanket while mommy and daddy has some quiet time to talk and relax! After she ran around looking for birds!

On wednesday, since daddy had already done overtime this week, he got the afternoon off work and we went to the zoo!!

Esther is doing really good at animal sounds so it was really exciting to get to hear her see the animal, then make the sound. Also, the tigers were roaring and she was roaring back! Everytime she saw a new animal her whole face lit up!!!







Oh and one more thing.... how do you clean a baby that just ate spaghetti?


We've been very busy!

A Weekend in the life of a Fu.

Splash time!

On tuesday I bought Esther a little paddling pool, and she has been in it everyday since! She points to it and wants to be in all the time! My little water babie! Here are some pictures from this afternoon...

Understanding questions and instructions!

The last 2 weeks has seen a burst of learning for Esther. She is interacting more than ever. She now understands...

-" Diaper Change" - Her reaction is to say dyber?, grin and run away or try and distract me by quickly pointing to something else in the room 'ball?'

- "Time to go outside" - She goes and stand by the door

- "Lets put shoes on" - She says 'Shoos? Shoos?' and sits down and holds a foot in the air for me to put them on. She is obsessed with shoes right now.

- Someone knocks at the door - "hoosit" (who is it) and runs to the door and looks up expectently!

- She can tell me where her nose and ears are, we almost have 'eyes' and 'head'

- She can tell me the animal sounds to Cat, Birdy and Horsey when I ask her 'How does the......... go?"

- We are learning to have a sippy cup instead of nurse during the day, she knows when I'll say no, but she asks anyway, grins and then shakes her head

- When we go outside, she holds out her hand for me to hold *most* of the time!

- When she wants a meal, she goes and stands by her highchair and tells me 'up'

Anyway.... thats all I can remember right now!

Typing all of that is bringing me to tears, I am so proud of her! She amazes me everyday!

A trip to the park

After a lovely meal at Italian cafe with Brandon and Jen, we decided to take Esther to the park, we had a lovely time!

First, we checked out the swings, which were a great hit and Esther shouted 'Weeeeeeeeeeeee'. It made me smile inside and out! Josh and I were talking about how Esther does all these 'Kid' things now. Where does she learn them from? She's so 'child like' now instead of 'baby like' if that makes any sense!





After the Swing.... came the slide, we did '1,2,3... WEEEEEEEE!' and At the bottom, Esther demand 'a-gan, up! a-gan!'





Finally, we went to see the ducks. Esther was VERY mad that we wouldn't let her run right into the water, but she soon got over it once she was distracted by the 'birdies' (burr) that go 'tweet tweet' or as Esther says 'twit twit' hehehe

A trip to the park

After a lovely meal at Italian cafe with Brandon and Jen, we decided to take Esther to the park, we had a lovely time!

First, we checked out the swings, which were a great hit and Esther shouted 'Weeeeeeeeeeeee'. It made me smile inside and out! Josh and I were talking about how Esther does all these 'Kid' things now. Where does she learn them from? She's so 'child like' now instead of 'baby like' if that makes any sense!

Lock In 2007

On friday we had our first youth lock-in at Crossroads Community Church. We really did have a fantastic time. The night started out with pizza, soda and some amazing DJ'ing by 'Phonzo (aka Alfonso!) and Joey. During this time Christina introduced her to her new dance move 'The Spill' and Christa showed us 'The fax machine'.

We got Chavonn and Alfonso to show us some dancing, on watching us, Alfonso commented "I've never felt so mexican in my life". Apparently white people can't dance.









After that excitement, Dave led some worship and I gave my testimony folloed by Josh sharing some scripture.

Then in came... Stem the Tide.

We all had a blast. The kids showed us how to effectively head bang, katy and Byron nearly passed out with dizziness!!!! We practiced the fax machine and spill also, and did a good bit of leaping around. I believe Emarie had a fantastic time dancing too!

Courtney and I then snuck off to make brownies, we almost confused the washing up liquid for the oil, which would have been a disaster. The mixture seemed REALLY thick, so we asked Leah about it and she pointed out that we forgot the water! That made a big difference!

After the band, we ate the brownies with some ice cream. We were talking to Scott about 'Skanking' to Ska music on which he replied 'You skank?' but it didn't sounds like a question. He insists it was a question, but some people believe otherwise!

After ice cream and brownies, we went back to DJ'ing, I had a go and really enjoyed it. We danced some more too.

After that there was a mix of playing X-Box, watching movies and playing games.

We had great fun playing 'Apples to Apples', Later I'll add some pictures of our Apples to Apples faces!

Photography.

So... I had my first 'photoshoot' on thursday night. I took Alexa's birthday pictures. I think they turned out pretty good! I definately need more practice, but thats what this is all about right now! Alexa was very restless, and moving everywhere!

I have a little album where you can check on what I am up to... www.rosiebrown.photosite.com

I have more 'jobs' lined up... Engagement pictures, wedding preperation pictures, some head shots for Bree, possibly some senior pictures and possibly a family shoot!

I am very excited. I just need to remember that I can't expect myself to have these immaculate amazing pictures right away, and I am in a phrase now where I am learning!

Swimming, Emarie and Rock Concerts.

On friday night, Josh MC'ed for Stem the Tide at 1st Baptist Benbrook. It was Esther's first 'concert'

She loved it!!! She just wanted to be right at the very front with all the moshing teenagers! She danced and yelled and stamped her feet, she had a blast! I am very exciting that Esther is a rock n' roll chick!!!

Esther also has a new friend, Emarie. They are such a match - both curly haired red heads with LOTS of personallity and too much energy. They were chasing each other around and making each other laugh so hard.

Today we went swimming with Leah,Timothy, Heather, Emarie and Jessica. Emarie and Esther were laughing hysterically as they splashed water at each other.

Esther also loved dipping her face into the water! We were in the pool for about an hour and a half. Esther just wanted to swim swim swim! She's a little water baby!

There is so much pleasure in seeing her little face light up and learning the things that she enjoys.

Tonight we went over to Scott and Leahs to celebrate Scotts birthday. We had a fabulous time... and of course Emarie and Esther had a great time playing with each other too.

We are so blessed to have so many lovely friends and good times!