The All American Family

Eli Dean Brown

Things that go bump in the Belly

As I begin writing this evening I look over at my lovely bride and can't help but smile. She is currently looking down at her belly waiting for the young man to give her a good kick. Its incredible watching her belly move(maybe he is upset about the hummus his mom fed him tonight.)I catch her doing this at least three times a day, the love she is already giving our child is unmeasurable. I started this post about a month ago and never got around to finishing it. Mom still sits there and watches her belly move around every night without fail. She has been experiencing quite a bit of movement and even some very mild contractions every once in a while. She certainly loves her baby boy!

We have begun taking our baby classes, i believe we had our fourth in a series of six last night. They classes are interesting to say the least, my idea of what Labor is has most definitely changed. I always thought that one afternoon we would stroll into the hospital and a few hours later go home with a new baby, almost like bringing the car in for a tune up. Yes I did just compare labor to a tune-up and yes sometimes I'm not the most intelligent of men out there(my wife will confirm that). I did have a good idea of what it entailed, however theres just so much information. I mean there is no way that I will be able to keep track of all these things to do. I have my list of things needed to bring and to do before, after, and during the hospital visit stashed in my wallet. I want to be the best partner I can be and make sure that when my wife pushes out that little watermelon she is well taken care of.

As you can see by the pictures the crib is ready and waiting. That's my green blanket on top, I've had it since i was a child and hopefully it be passed down over the generations. Of course we have a couple monkeys in there for him too. Yes we are aware that your not supposed to have anything in there with him, but for now they'll keep guard for the little guy until he is around to defend his territory. Oh and you can see his first Red Sox cap, grandpa and grandma got him that so he will be quite stylish. All in all everything is going well with the little guy, everything is ready(I hope) and we are just awaiting his arrival.


"Your my umbrella in the rain and my shade from the sun, most of all your just everything to me"

Putting it all Togther

Well i apologize for my lack of postings as of late, I have been doing a bit of traveling and as the due date draws closer we find ourselves ever so busy getting things together. The beginning of June I went home to NY to see my Mom, sister and grandmother. It was my grandmothers birthday so it was even more of an incentive to go. In true fashion my grandmother spent the day working and was only able to get away for an hour or so to catch-up. She is an incredible woman, she spent fifty years of her life working as a nurse in Scotia NY. She worked at the same hospital her mother worked at for over forty years. When she retired i thought it would be the best thing for her, finally being able to relax and enjoy life a little more. Well in true to the Brown name she still has yet to do so. God gave her a purpose in life and I truly believe that purpose was to help others, care for them and provide them a friendship. I'll never know how many folks she has seen pass on in her life but it always seems as if she is the last one to take on these folks before they take their trip. Maybe her purpose is that of someone who helps them reflect on life, remember the times of joy and help them achieve peace. I also realize that I am a product of her positive influence, and could not be more grateful.


The rest of my visit with my mother and sister was wonderful as always. Hannah is getting to be so big and she has developed such a personality. She continues to be a hard working student, and a very outgoing but yet humble young lady. I was able to catch her staring off into space one afternoon and I can see by the way she daydreams that she has some very lofty goals for life, I know she will achieve them too, she's just a good little lady with a big heart. My mother is also doing well, working hard and sacrificing her life for her children just as she always did. I do not mean that negatively at all, my mother is my hero and she is a hard worker and incredible provider. I owe my mother pretty much everything in my life without her guidance, discipline, laughter and I could go on all day I can't imagine where I would be. It was a great visit and as always I am happy to see my family, I know that Hannah is EXTREMELY excited about being an Aunt and my Mother is warming up to her new nick name of Grandma(maybe she is too young to be a grandma but she loves it anyway).

The following week I went to Florida to see my Grandparents and was put right to work. My grandfather who just turned Eigthy this past week has the an almost intolerable work ethic. At the age of Eighty he still buys and "flips" houses. Of course he must do most of the work himself(with some help from my grandmother) because anyone other than a "Brown" just can't do it right. That theme is common in my family, we seem to run with the old standby that "if you want something right you must do it yourself". Anyways, he was out in the Ninety-Five degree sun painting a house and course I wanted to help at least for my grandmothers sake who after many battles with cancer over her life the last thing she needs to be doing is holding a later while he paints. My grandparents are some incredible people, hard-working and dedicated. When I was young I used to go to Vermont and stay with my grandparents every couple of weekends, and some of the best memories I have are from those times. One thing iw ould always do in which I make sure happens whenever I visit now is to catch a Red Sox game with my grandfather. Two years ago I encouraged him to purchase the baseball package on TV so that he could watch every Red Sox game. Since than my grandmother had begun wearing ear plugs during the summer months and the neighbors have moved away. His hooting and hollering at the television can be heard as far as Fenway each night. I love sitting their shooting the breeze with him talking baseball. For those moments I am able to put all my beliefs about the Sox aside and listen to his many years of experience on the subject, its common ground its just enjoyable. Whenever he speaks it fascinates me, the life he has led and the things he accomplished are incredible. My grandmother continues to do well, making sure the family is well fed(family joke) and worrying about us as always. I always thought that my grandfather was the boss in the household but as I've gotten older I have realized who is running the show and she does a great job at it. It was a nice visit and I can't wait to bring baby Brown down to meet them.

The following weekend we had my Father and Debbie in town for a long weekend. They spent pretty much the whole day in Florida trying to get on a plane and finally made it later in the evening. It was so nice to have the help that I have been needing in moving around and putting together all the baby furniture. We were able to get everything put together and set up and it looks great. Considering that we will be moving in a few months we decided not to get a bigger place, so we made do with the room we had and it's just spectacular. As you can see from the pictures we were hard at work and I could be wrong but i do believe its the first time my father and I have "built" something together. It was kind of neat to do so. Kristine and Debbie folded and organized the seemingly endless pile of baby clothes. Which reminds me is there a right way to fold baby clothes? I mean they are so small does it matter which way they are folded? Anyways the rest of the weekend was filled with countless laughs(I never laugh as hard with anyone but my father) and endless preparation. It was so nice to have the help and spend time with them, i wish we could do it more often. I know its difficult for them both as they work very hard, hopefully when we move closer we will be able to get together more.

The month of June ended with a visit from my sister Morgan. She is spending the summer going cross country(BOI to FLL)by way of motor home with her grandparents. What was truly special about this was that Iwas able to spend some brother/sister time with her. We have not had much, if any of that over her thirteen years and I certainly was happy for it. We spent the day at where else, the mall. We rode the rides, played mini golf, had lunch and shopped. It was quite a busy day. I was able to get her to conquer her fear of roller-coasters. At first she was afraid but after a while she warmed up to the idea and ended up loving them, in fact we rode a few of them three or four times. It was a great day and hope that there are many more like it in the future.

So by now I believe you can see that June was a family month. It was very busy but nice to see all of my family. They are the best and I'm proud to have been raised by such an hard-working and fun group. I know our little guy will certainly enjoy them and will be showered with love throughout his life.



In the simple words of my grandfather "If you don't have family in your life, you don't have nothing"

Hallelujah!

Tyler is not going to ATL - at least not now anyways. I feel kind of bad that I am so grateful that he is staying when he was really, really looking forward to this opportunity. However, it was not the right time and I know more, better opportunities will come.

Baby Face

Is that the cutest face you have ever seen? This is the last we will see of the little guy until he comes out from current home in moma's belly. Not much to say tonight, just happy that all is well with him.

Is lemonade a juice?

Belly Pics

My mother kept asking me to post some belly pics...so here you go! I think I look normal from the front but look at me from the side and there is no hiding the fact that I am knocked up!

Mint Jelly

Well it's one of my favorite times of each year again, its BASEBALL SEASON! Oh and yes today was our first anniversary!! Our night was started at the doctor's office, in which we were able to this little guys heartbeat. He was moving around like a three year old on a sugar high. Yes that may well mean that we are in for quite a rambunctious child, i have a plan though. I figure if we get him into weight training by the time he's six to Eight months old it will allow him the strength to carry my golf bag when he is able to walk. This works in a few ways, first i Will save 15-25 dollars per round of golf as i will no longer need the aid of a cart. Second, he will be so tired by the time he's done walking 18 holes that I'll be able to enjoy lunch and a few beers with the guys. Wait, wait, wait before you call child services you must know that i am only joking(kind of). Back to the doctor's, the heart beat was nice and strong, its kind of neat to hear. It truly,at least to me sounds like a squishing sound, and its so fast! We will also get to view our baby boy again, as they have scheduled another ultrasound. Everything is ok, they just want to see his face this time and make sure all is well.

After leaving the doctors we headed out for a nice romantic anniversary dinner. We had never been to Jensen's and we had a coupon so we decided to try it. I must say it was pretty tasty. I had the prime rib and my love had the lamb. Does anyone besides my wife put mint jelly on their lamb? I just don't understand it.The meal was quite good though and i think we will go back again sometime. After dinner we went home and got lost in an entertaining episode of Rock of Love. Its terrible we know, but the laughs outweigh the trash.

As of today the Red Sox are perfect. I have no complaints and wasn't even able to yell at the television this afternoon they did so well. We shall see how the season goes, I'm just glad its back. Opening day to me is my own personal beginning to spring. I know that this time of year baseball begins, the Masters is coming up and the weather i turning for the better, brings a smile to my face. Well that's all for tonight!

-A year later I still feel like the luckiest man in the world, every morning when i wake up, every night when i walk through the door and every night when my head hits the pillow. Its all because your there.

And its a Baby........

BOY!!!!

Yes i know you really cannot tell by the ultrasound picture however, I can assure you we saw it(and dad is proud). In the picture above you can see the baby's arms are crossed over his face and his little knee is sticking out. The big blob to the left is just fluid, do don't get any ideas about what else it could be. Once again our BOY, I don't think i will say that enough over the next few months, was perfectly healthy looking. Currently HE weighs in at a strong eleven ounces and is two days ahead of gestation schedule. We promptly took the bat mobile to Baby's R Us and registered for all sorts of things. I think Ii scanned every Baby Einstein book and movie along with anything that had a monkey on it. I figure he will either be really intelligent or a real animal. If you check out our registry there are a ton of things on there however, we really don't want any BLUE THINGS. WAIT hold the phone i stand corrected, in the words of my lovely wife "we are leaning towards yellow, green, blue and brown. If you can find that color swatch your amazing. Otherwise that is really all we have for now, we are so excited and proud. Mostly we are happy that everything is OK, a healthy child is a good thing. Goodnight.



-"just remember son lambs skin is only 94% effective"

Chicken in the oven

After a long week with friends in Denver, it took me three flights, three states and three time zones to get home. It just felt so good to get home and hold my love, and the chicken she was cooking perked up my spirits. Denver was quite an adventure, i went to see my friend Mike who lives there now, also our friend Mark flew in. We went through the Coors, Budweiser, and New Belgium brewery and had a great time. We really didn't pay too much attention to the process but we did find the FREE beer to be awful tasty. We also ventured out on a pub crawl Friday night beginning at the Denver Nuggets game, i really don't understand pro basketball, I guess i would just rather watch a college game. The night grew long and reminded me of a time long ago when that was a nightly occurrence. I don't know if its that I'm getting older or i just have different interests but I just don't enjoy it as much anymore. Like i said earlier coming home just felt right. I also am on the road to quit smoking, i began taking chantix this morning. I should have began when i got it last Tuesday, however continuing to make excuses i did not. I know it will work because it has too, i must take this step as i do not want to be smoking around my child. Well the amazing race is on and its my favorite time to spend with my love so goodnight.

Speaking to the Womb

Well my lovely wife is away for the week and today being a day off I found myself a little lost with the extra free time I have. I ventured out to a baby store in downtown St. Paul today. As i was wandering around and listening to others in the store and their concerns about why this stroller isn't functional or as one mother said to her daughter "how was i able to raise you without a three hundred dollar bed set", I began to think. How do you raise a child? I know that i have become who i am because of so many people, so many family members and friends that were there to steer me in the right direction, or smack me in the head when i ventured down the wrong path. So this I dedicate to my unborn child, someday they may read this and understand why I might have done some of the things I did.

To my unborn child,

There are many things in this world that i do not understand. I cannot begin to explain the way the world works or how we walk the paths we do. I being your father must admit that i am not the smartest man there is(ask you mom), I will in fact make mistakes(we all do). You may not aways agree with the way your mother and I do things, just remember we will always have only your best interest in mind. We will always love and support you in any decision you make(unless you become a Yankee fan), just remember that we will at times nudge you in a different direction. You are new to this world, many things will change over your lifetime, and it may take your parents awhile to adjust to the differences from there younger days. You are very blessed as you have quite a large family to watch over you. Family is one thing that you are given in your life and they are a very important part of your life. You have some wonderful great grandparents, along with some amazing grandparents as well. They will be there throughout your life(hopefully babysitting sometimes), helping us to raise a fine child. Always, Always respect your elders, they are far wiser than us. One piece of information I believe will help you greatly throughout your life is to always remember that you Mother will always be right!! Seriously i know that may be hard to believe(I remind myself of this each time I argue with her). By the way I am talking to your mom as I write this and she has just said "I amaze her everyday". I'm sure some days the level of amazement is is less than others. So yes your mother will always be right, actually come to think of it women are pretty much always right. So if you do happen to be a wonderful little girl i will certainly be outnumbered. Truly though you mother is a very smart woman, she offers so much and is a great friend, she will be a wonderful Mom.

If we happen to be blessed with a mischievous little boy...
You will learn many life lessons along the way, I am still learning each day and here are some things I have figured out.

Always treat others with respect, especially your family and girls.
You can stick a rice krispy in your ear, it will be very painful and there will be no enhanced snap, crackle and pop sound.
Wrapping a ball of string around the house is fun, until your parents find out.
Your dreams will come true, we will supply you with all the tools we can to help you accomplish them.
The RED SOX are the greatest story in sports, love the history and the game or else.
If i ever say this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you I'm bluffing.
Woman will break your heart but they are wonderful and you will find the right one someday(I DID!).
come see me before you decide to "spend the night" with a young lady.
Did i mention your entire family lives and breaths for the Red Sox. Your great grandpa will review why we love them so much with you.


To my darling little girl...
Always treat other with respect.
Follow your dreams.
I will probably melt when your born, and you will be able to get anything out of me for the rest of your life.
The Red Sox make clothing and hats in pink.
Please go to your mother with any talk of "boys" if you come to me it will only end badly...for him....
You will have some great young aunts to confide in.
Short shorts don't fly.
I will be overprotective of you and i cannot apologize for that, just tell me to calm down like you mother does.
No dating until your 27.


No matter what we are blessed with, i will love you so much. Along with your mother you will be my world. I will make mistakes, just bear with me I'm new at this. No matter if you are a Red Sox fan you will be loved by so many, more than you will ever know and I will always be there for you.

Bouncing "It" Without further adieu

Well did we have an exciting day today, the first Ultrasound!!! Its so amazing to see your baby for the first time!! My goodness did little "it" look a lot like its dad today, Jumping around and refusing to sit still for most of the ultrasound. The doctor was pushing on Kristines belly and the little guy or gal would jump up and than fall back down into a cozy little resting position(kind of like when i sit in my chair with a beer and refuse to do anything, hopefully he/she doesn''t have any adult beverages in there though). As you can see by the picture it was waving at us quite a bit, probably telling mommy to lay off the salt!! Just an absolutely amazing day,the rest of the tests went fine and the doctor gave Kristine the all clear! Two more months until we know the sex, that will also be fun as we are awaiting the day. Otherwise all is well just wanted to send everyone an update and show them our baby!!!


-Miracles can happen and we see them live in black and white on a thirteen inch screen and nothing else could bring as big of a smile to my face.

Photo Album

Photobucket Album

New Year New Excitement

I know, I know i have been terrible at updating our blog. I have no excuse. Hopefully this recap of our facinating 2008 will make up for it. So lets begin, The beginging of the year brought a new traditon about for me, falling asleep to Dick Clarks rockin new years(and he isn't even on it anymore??) with, at the time, my wonderful girlfriend. As a few months passed we decided to take the big plunge, yes we both jumped into the ocean. Being the romatic man that i am i asked on our way to Sam's Club one afternoon, and no, i wasn't driving. So i guess you could say i sat down and asked?!? It pretty close to getting on one knee. Later on of course after we walked through Sam's i took my new fiance out to our favorite dive bar for a drink and a reuben. Yes ladies i am so sorry i'm off the market as i was quite the catch. A few weeks later we were married, you can view our pictures at www.photobucket.com/prairiemonkey . Jamacia was wonderful we had a relaxing time and even though it rained on our wedding day(tears from god- rock on italian traditions) we were married upon the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Our lone guest, Kristines longtime friend and future godfather of our child, Russell, made the trip half way around the world. It was absolutely spectacular, dancing around in the mineral pool, and topping it off with a leap into the ocean at sunset.


Upon our return we moved from Fran's house and into our first home togther. Nice and roomy and now includes a big screen T.V.(yes 50 inch, belive me i barked up this tree for a year before she let me even look at them) It has turned out to be great, i keep the place clean(i know i clean and iron too) and my dear Kristine keeps the rest of the wheels turning. More or less she is the brains and beauty behind this operation. Anyway, as the year went on we found that our company has merged, we are now working for Delta. I suppose this is exciting and nervewracking at the same time. We are unsure of our future and that is scary. As the days go by though, i tend to think less about it, more or less leaving it for when we really know our options.

This year also included a few trips besides Jamaica. We went to Mexico City in early Febuary. Truly i thought the same thing you proabably did, Why would anyone willingly go to Mexico City.Let me tell you, wow what a great place. I mean culture shock galore, however in all a really amazing place. I was not alive for the sixties and seventies but thats what era i think Mexico is in. Obviously their technology and such is up to date but when a guy has to fill a large bucket on the roof with a hose to allow you the ability to take a shower?>? Come on. The best tacos and quite possibly the best food I've eaten over a weeks time in my life. We stayed with a wonderful family(friends of Tina's)that's showed us such a good time. We also ventured to Seattle, Kris's old stomping ground. What a beautiful city, so green, i guess all that rain helps. I don't remember much sunshine while i was there, kind of gloomy really but i guess that is the common trend out there. Tina took us up to Lopez island for a week which was truly fabulous. It was like going camping when you were young, this time though you actually get to enjoy adult beverages with the relaxation. We explored the islands nut and bolts and it was so beautiful. Just waking up in the morning, having your coffee on the deck looking out onto the ocean, truly wonderful. I went golfing one afternoon, the course is right next to the airport or as i thought of it a strip of pavement with a yellow line. I'd love to be the ATC on that island, such an easy job, and i could probably golf in between takeoffs and landings. The rest of the island was just as interesting, kind of an old hippie town(more VW vans on that island than you would ever believe). Only one grocery store a few restaurants and one or two bars. The attraction is easy to see the simplicity and beauty of it. The last trio we took was back home to New York for my mother's wedding. Not much to say, it was a very nice day and she has finally found someone who really loves her and has promised to take care of her, and i believe him to i really do. She deserves it after working so hard and never putting herself first, happiness isn't something that's given its something that achieved.

With vacations over we had begun settling in for the long and cold winter(its -2 right now)and one day in the beginning of November my wonderful wife came home with a present for me. Wrapped in a pen box was a pregnancy test(it was capped)and to my surprise it was positive. We promptly went to the store and bought two more and took them both. Yes she was drinking water like it was going out of style, but come one MY WIFE IS PREGNANT. Theres a bun in the oven and i could not be more excited about it. Sometimes when i think about it i get Little scared, just worried about something not being right or going wrong, i know all will be well but i am going to make sure to count its fingers and toes when it arrives. Today Kristine's actually had her first doctors appt. Just as you would expect all is well, perfect health all around. The due date is August 18Th!!!!

The holidays rolled around and both of our mothers and my sister came to town. Kristine and her mother roamed the malls and found the deals of the century. Christmas day was nice, i had to work but as soon as i walked though the door, my sweetheart had her presents ripped open. We dind't go all out this year as we really do not need much, i did get my electric razor though!!! So happy about that i use it everyday, even when i don't have to shave!! My love also let me buy a big screen T.V a few days later, so never the less i am at her beck and call for the next four or five years! My mother and sister flew in Christmas night,m so the next day the mothers met and a traditional christmas dinner was had. It was so good, i haven't had a dinner like that in a while and it was good Kristine's mom did a great job. One day i took my sister sledding, and it was so much fun. I felt like i was ten years old, and they had a great setup where we went. My sister really enjoyed herself, most of all it was really nice to spend time with her as i haven't in quite a while. The hoilidays were great, it was so nice to be with family, and i look forward to it next year whereever we may be.

Years go by, faces grow a little more tired, and life changes. This year went by quickly, yet was the best of my life. Dreams came true, love blossomed, new life was created.

I don't know how it could ever get any better, i just know its always better with my heart holding my hand as we walk through the days.

Good thing theres always next year

The Red Sox are now down 3-1 one in the series. I guess its a good thing I've already won the game of life, makes the heartbreak of a Red Sox loss much easier to deal with. Well as you can see we have had a busy few weeks. My mother was remarried a few weeks ago, so we went to Albany to attend. Its odd being able to say that i have attended two of my mothers weddings. This one though is a good one, Dave is a wonderful man who takes great care of her and my sister. I had a lot of fun, seems like Kristine did too. The following weekend we made our way to Dallas. I was able to go out and golf with my buddy Andrew, we had a great time. I think Dallas is definitely on our radar of future places to live, the cost of living is so much less and it fits into our plans of owning a house within the next few years. Oh and did i mention Golf is incredibly cheap, cheap to the point that need to get my wife involved in the game so that we can spend some time together as i will be on the course more than usual. It has been tough going through these busy few weeks as it has led to a lack of cuddle time. Granted Kristine will never admit she likes to cuddle so i will say it truly is my favorite activity. Well even if the Sox don't pull it out, I've still got a a wonderful person that will help me fret over it for a month or so and that's hard to find.


Coming home to your arms is like crossing the plate after hitting a walk off homer run to win the world series--Priceless.

My turn

Hey there. Yes, it is Kristine. I decided it was finally my turn to post something since Tyler has been slacking. Following the Red Sox has obviously consumed all of his time the past 4 weeks so, I thought I would take a crack at this. As you all know I am not nearly as poetic or sweet as Tyler so, don't expect to feel mushy and gushy inside after you read this. After all, I am still me.

We have been having fun and traveling. We went to Dallas this past weekend to visit our friends Krista, Andrew, and their darling two year old, Emma. In Dallas we saw an air show where the Thunderbirds performed and there were several tributes to the Air Force and the Navy. It was cool. One of those moments that makes you proud to be an American. Oh, and then I went to visit our soon to be employer, Delta, in Augusta. Hmmm. Lots of trailer parks and dead grass around there. Not a great first impression. I still haven't decided if I want to work for Delta. I am thinking I might make the leap and find something else to do. We will keep you posted.

Gotta go - the Red Sox are getting pounded on in game 4 of the ALCS.

Kisses and hugs to everyone.

8,760 days worth of memories 365 with my best friend

Tomorrow I will be twenty-four years of age. I know I am so young and haven't had much life experience yet (insert young adult cliche here). However I think that each year when someone adds a number to that inevitable climb they stop for a minute and ponder the years gone by. I mean why not really? Did I think I would have this much and such an amazing life at this point? Probably not. I've got the world at my disposal, unlimited opportunity. I have a wonderful family that loves and cares for me. A great job that allows me to do things I could never imagine, and the best thing of all I have a best friend. A best friend that loves me, takes care of me, encourages me and can turn a frown upside down in an instant(usually with a monkey or prairie dog impersonation). So do I have it all? Yes! Do I want more? Of course. I think that my American dream is probably sixty percent complete at this time and for a guy that has lived only thirty-three percent of his life that's darn good in my book.

Ok so enough of that. To be honest the Red Sox are on and we are in a playoff race, so I will add more tomorrow. All about Seattle coming up..pictures too...

-sometimes it all just comes together....

As the night grows still

As the night grows still and the silence surrounds you and I
you turn over and say goodbye to the day
falling fast asleep into a world of dreams
I tickle your back and sing you love songs

You ask me not to leave your side, to keep you warm and safe
i can't help but smile as i dream myself

i dream about the days gone by
this short time we have had together
i dream about the days to come
the good times, the laughter, and the love

I will always be your warmth and you ll be my strength

lying awake thinking about the years we will have together
i can't help but believe that they will never be enough
enough to show you the world, and how much love i have for you
cherish each day i wake beside you, and each night i kiss you

i dream about the days gone by
the times we have had together
i dream about the days to come
the good times, the laughter, and the love


As i finally rest my head on the pillow
i know that your the reason i was given such a chance
to live this life through with a heart so full
its all because of you

the good times, the laughter, and the love
its all because of you


-just a few words i put together on a restless night watching my baby drift into dreamland...

Going For The Gold

Well the Olympics have certainly been keeping us occupied the last few days, i mean that Micheal Phelps can swim!! Otherwise we keep on trucking through the dog days of summer and are anxiously awaiting our vacation. Twelve days now!! I am preparing for my return to school after taking the summer off, September second be the day. Work seems to be going well, i received a bit of good news this past week as they announced NW will be using the computer system i specialize in. Two of our good friends Andrew and Krista have left us and moved to DFW. Andrew decided to leave Northwest, can't blame him. It will be tough not having them so close however we shall certainly meet up for at Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving dinner. Kristine was entertaining my father this past week while i was stuck in BOI. Interesting how my wife goes out and gets smashed with my dad, think they bonded? I suppose their isn't much more to say, daily life has kept us busy and the weekends have kept our "newlywed" status in check. The fair is coming up, and i don;t know about you but I'm really looking to having a friend pork chop covered in chocolate encrusted with twinky batter on a stick. No they don't really have that however they do serve a deep fired chocolate pickle on a stick. Kristine is going to enter the turkey call contest though, while i fill in for jojo the chimp in the monkey show, contractual issues from what I'm told. That's all for now, go USA!!!



-as the warm summer nights draw to an end, i look forward to holding you tight while those cool fall days surround us.

Cheeseburger In Paradise

As the summers peak draws near i find myself reflecting back on the first half of the year. So much has happened and the train seems to finally be slowing down, in a good way of course. First and Foremost i married my true love and my best friend. We continue to grow a little more each day. As i look towards the future i can't believe that this seed has only just begun to sprout. I feel as if i have known my wife my whole life, she is the best friend i could ever ask for whether it be a lazy evening playing scrabble on the deck or heading out for some drinks and dancing on a Saturday night. Which i must say Kristine was able to get my to left feet moving last weekend as we went out for the first time in a while and let it all loose. I can't exactly say i was moving like Kevin Bacon in footloose but more, his lumpy country boy friend who was their to get a good laugh at. Otherwise life is just as sweet as a honeysuckle vine. We have been quite busy the last few weekends getting out and experiencing the festivals and the food that comes with those festivals. We were in Florida for the fourth, Kristine met two of the most important people in my life, my grandparents. We also had an amazing seat for the fireworks, literally they we being shot off within a hundred yards of us, it was a great way to spend our first independence day together. Besides thanksgiving it has to be on my list of top holidays. I love the spirt people seem to remember how wonderful it is to be American, too bad you don't see it more. We are all set for our vacation in August, i know Kristine really misses her girlfriends, although I'm a good listener braiding hair and talking about boys isn't my thing(or whatever girls do pillow fights?) so I'm sure it ll be nice for her to see her friends. I am just looking forward to the relaxation. That's all i have for now.

-you love is relentless and i love it!!

Apple pies and lazy sunday afternoons

As the suns light begins to reach it peak, the brown family finds themselves enjoying more of the outdoors. The end of spring has brought us many of rainy days, filled with tornado horns going off each evening, and thunderstorms to catch our dreams. We went yesterday to the stone arch festival along the Mississippi river, such a gorgeous day. We filled up on quite a bit of good food and saw some amazing arts and crafts. The best part was that i was able to wake with the sun and my wife. Its not often as i work most Saturdays, so it truly was a special treat. Otherwise are home is looking just great, we finally have a kitchen table and after three different trips to the store a new bookcase. We have booked our tickets for seattle and can't wait to get out west. This will be my first trip so im very excited to see the sights. Today we spend playing scrabble(our new favorite game in which i have yet to win) and baking an apple pie. Thats mostly Kristine although she is sticking me with peeling apples(not my favorite but ill do it...because i love her). Thats would be about it.


-The sun will define the day, the moon will define the darkness, and you my love Define me.

AH The sweet sound of Silence

Moved we be, moved we are. As i sit here and look out over the courtyard of our new apartment i can't help but smile. We decided to move in on Saturday, which was a good idea because we had some help. Less than a week in we have only three boxes remaining, not bad eh? I can already see that my lovely wife is in a more relaxed state, which i enjoy seeing her smile more(such a beautiful smile). This summer looks to be a busy one, lots of work and travel. We have our non-rev challenge team all set so we have to get moving on that. As far as vacations go it looks like our week in Lopez will be the only planned one. It can't come soon enough. Nothing more exciting to say.


-It doesn't matter where your head falls on the pillow, just that you have someone special to rest your arm around.

Movin' Movin' Movin' Get Them Brown's A Movin'

Wow so much to say, its been awhile. We its official we are MOVING. We have found a great apartment about a half mile from where we are now. So excited, ts time we have our own space and begin our lives without the sound of high heels stamping against a hard wood floor at six o'clock in the morning. Anyways, we have a new couch as well, its big and comfy and allows for optimum cuddling. On the home front all is well, as you can tell we are excited to be moving, and Kristine will finally have a nice relaxing tub(she needs to relax more), instead of just a shower. OH YES AND A KITCHEN. There may be dirty dishes however salsa is made fresh daily, except Sundays for reasons i will not explain. On the work front nothing new. Kristine puts in her 23 hours a day and i struggle to get through eight. I have finished my semester at school looking at a 3.5 and I'm pretty proud of myself, however without the support of my wife i would have never made it. That's really about it, i can't apologize for are lack of excitement as our life is just the way we like it. If you happen to be in the Apple Valley area next week and feel the need to help us move i can safely say we won't pay you anything however we will have Vodka and Beer on hand to keep you thoroughly hydrated.


~Life isn't work, Life is the 16 hours a day you spend with the one you love~ Sometimes less, depends if I'm golfing.