Put Me In Coach....

Well I am out of retirement on the sports circuit and am now playing on the "Creative Kickers" on an intermural kickball team.  Stuart and I both made our kickball debut last night.  Little did we know that the first team we were up against, was the team that placed first in the league last year.  So you can imagine how well that game went.  Then we had our next game and actually had a fighting chance.  We didn't look so bad.  Of course, I play catcher, but my athletic skills really shine through in the sport of kickball, definitely more so than in softball.   

Picture this... bottom of the 3rd inning, runner was coming home, I square up on home, one foot on the bag and the pitcher throws the ball.  Of course, I catch it, still having my foot on the plate, but apparently the runner did not see my neon orange shoes or my bright purple jersey.  Success!!  She was out.... and so was I.  I realize that I am now sitting on home plate with dirt down my left side.  I received my first kickball injury to my elbow, with a slight skin abrasion.  What I didn't realize at the time was I also fractured 2 ribs during the illegal tackle.  Even with my injuries, I was able to score a couple runs to add to my teams points, but it wasn't good enough to pull through with a victory.

 

 

Needless to say, I am now on the injured reserve list.  Seeing that it is painful to breath, cough and make sudden movements, I am not sure I will be good for much more than team Mom.  Let's just hope that Auburn doesn't have a game like I did!! 

 

 



 WAR EAGLE!!

Quite the weekend...

What do you get when you add a wedding, a football game (1st of the season, in fact) and a holiday?!?  You get an A-mazing weekend of fun. 

Friday night we went to a wedding with great friends and had good times!!  The setting was perfect, the food was fantastic and the friends were the perfect start to the weekend-o-fun.  We kicked off our Saturday pretty early, making our way to Atlanta for the season opener for Auburn and Clemson.  Once again, we had amazing food, fun memories with friends and plenty of laughs... which included Auburn's performance against the Clemson Tigers.  While I am no way a fair weather fan of the Auburn University Tigers,  it was a disappointing loss at the Georgia Dome and made it a not-so-fun time.  That is until we were on our 3 hour tour home on the Marta.  What we didn't know was the dragon-con convention was also being held in Atlanta.  So as forged our way back to our hotel, we got to experience Atlanta's public transportation system with 30,000 tiger (Auburn and Clemson) fans as well as animals, creatures and people who work in the zoo.  While wrong trains and long waits made the trip ridiculous, we definitely had many laughs.

To top the weekend off, we were able to make our way home from Atlanta and do....NOTHING!!  Since yesterday was Labor Day, SJB and I both had off and it was wonderful.  We were able to get things done that during the week, we can't seem to fit it in the schedule.  SJB also got to get a round of golf in before the busy week kicks back up.  We have been narrowing down some more house choices that we will hopefully see this week, so all in all, it was a great (long) weekend. 

Oh... and bulldogs in Mississippi.... get ready!!  The tigers got their loss out of the way and are headed to Starkville!! 

                                
                                                                WAR EAGLE!!

Just pecking away...

Let's just say that I have never been more thankful for my seventh grade typing class.  Let me explain as I peck my story away...I recently had surgery on my right hand (my VERY dominant right hand) to correct my "trigger finger."  I have definitely had to rely on SJB to do everything from household chores to cooking and even playing beauty shop to help me wash and fix my hair.  None the less, I am thankful it is over and I am looking forward to a complete recovery and better use of my hands and fingers.

But to fill you in on the past few weeks of the Browns.... I will provide you a bulleted list of the high points.

SJB finished up his tenth week at Camp ASCCA. Thankfully, he was able to make it home in time to play nurse/babysitter for my surgery.

I was able to go to camp and help out with Prom, which was amazing. I was able to channel my inner "Ms. Gaye" (of course with the help of Mollie and Big E) to help with decorations and flower arranging. Stuart and I got to experience another prom at the greatest place on earth!! It was fantastic!!

Our traditional prom photo:)

Zoe & Andie!!

The  cutest Eli ever!!

 

• SJB, my dad and I attended the Neshoba County Fair in Mississippi.  While it was my first trip back to the fair in 20+ years, SJB and my dad were able to show me the ropes.  It was incredibly hot, but a good chance to see family I haven't seen in ages and have a nice little vacation.
• SJB and I celebrated 2 years of marriage!!  (can't remember if I already blogged about this or not...)
• We have gotten ourselves knee-deep in house hunting.  Now that he is home from camp, we are planning to buckle down on our search and hopefully the perfect abode will fall in our laps!!

While I know we have had much more going on... my mind is blank.  It is hard for me to think about the past when football season starts 4 weeks from yesterday!!  Yahoo!!  We are very excited about the upcoming season and crossing our fingers for the best!!  Until then....WAR EAGLE!!

Last Words For 2011...

It's hard to believe that it is the last day of 2011!!  This year definitely flew by and I am certainly looking forward to ringing in the new year with friends!  I can definitely put "more blog posts" on my list of New Year's Resolutions.

To end the year, I will post about our trip for Christmas in Huntsville.  We had a short, but jam packed trip, of family, friends and my favorite-ist cat in the whole world, Abby.  Abby and I go way back... and I don't doubt that she is quickly approaching her big nap in the sky:(.  She has definitely gotten slower and sleepier than before, but she still is my Abby.  While we were home, this is what I found...

A Stuart and an Abby!!  Stuart and Abby don't really have a strong relationship, but this trip brought it to a whole new level.  I am not sure if it had more to do with the fact that Stuart was napping on Abby's couch, or if Abby was simply seeking a new pal... either way, friends forever.

Find the hidden Abby!!

I hope that everyone has a great New Years!!

Happy 2012... and WAR EAGLE (tonight)!!

No Worries...

No worries, guys.  We are still here, just been super busy.  With work, football, camp, friends, food and sleep, I just simply have not had a chance to update the old blog.  Don't fret though, I have pictures from football fun, all 3 of my Halloween costumes and some camp fun to share as soon as I get a chance to get them on my computer!

On another note, congratulations to AUBURN/OPELIKA for being voted as the #2 cleanest city in America!!  I am so proud to call this place home.... for now:)  In honor of our the big game this weekend...

WAR EAGLE!!

A War Eagle Weekend!!

Not much to report in Brown world... but I guess that is a good thing.  We had our second football game this past weekend, vs. Mississippi State.  As usual, it was heart attack worthy, but the tigers were able to pull through for the W.  The game was filled with an eagle flying into a window, a heartfelt 9/11 tribute (complete with a moving version of "Taps"), horrible referees and even worse calls.  It was an 11:21 kickoff, which is absolutely no fun in tailgating world, but we all put together a breakfast tailgate, fit for a king!! 

The next couple of weeks will be no short of busy, as I am teaching 5 out of 10 work days, have in service 2 days and completing all the "office" work that is needed in between.  Also, our softball season kicks up this Thursday night!  I am sad to announce that Controlled Chaos' MVP, yours truly, will not be making an appearance this season (unless we are in a bad, bad way).  I heard that the bench needed a friend, so I stepped up to the challenge.  Plus, it allows me to document our teams' amazing skills via pictures:)

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler days (hopefully)!!  I will leave you with the only picture I took this weekend:(

War Eagle!!

A Long Season...

What do

These

+

These

+

This

+

 Here

=

A LOOOONNNNGG SEASON!!

Stuart and I definitely lucked up and scored season tickets for the most amazing season ever!!  (Insert laugh here).  Despite Auburn's challenges, including a rough schedule, I am so happy that we can be there to support the Tigers!!  I think SJB and I are both going into it with low expectations, therefore we won't be setting ourselves up for any major disappointments.  Through it all, I am sure we will still enjoy the games, make some new friends and experience Auburn football together!!  (We had NEVER been to a game together!) 

So until next time....

WAR EAGLE!!



A Weekend Full of Milestones...

Well... where do I even start?  This weekend was filled with milestones that will not soon be forgotten.  I celebrated the big 2-9 in a low-key, old- person kind of fashion and Stuart graduated from Auburn University, on the hottest day of the year, I might add.  So, nonetheless, we have had a weekend of celebration, all with the theme of growing up.  Graduation was held outside, at Jordan-Hare Stadium for all 3,589 students to graduate in one ceremony.  It has not been held at the stadium since 1968, which I guess was pre-global warming days, seeing that it was 1,000 degrees with the sun baking the left side of my body.  While Stuart might have the diploma to remember the day by, I have the lovely awkward tan lines.  All in all, it was a wonderful day of celebrating and seeing Stuart move onto the next chapter of life:)

Here are a few pictures from our scorcher of a day:

Procession

College of Education

Where's Stuart?

Getting his diploma:)

He's a Graduate!!

Official:)

WAR EAGLE!!

Congratulations, Stuart!!  I knew you could do it... even without a textbook.  There are some lucky special education students, who will be very lucky to have you enrich their lives!!  Can't wait to see what your future holds.... besides me:)

PS... here is a little photo fun I had while sitting in the hot box today:)

Take a Moment...

As I posted my last post, I couldn't help but think about all those who have lost parts of their life this past week in the deadly tornadoes that took over our state.  I hope that everyone is slowly able to collect their life and piece it all back together.  I can't imagine how losing all of your possessions feels.... tragic.  I must say that it feels good to be from a state that has put all rivalries, issues and past grievances behind them and band together and help those in dire need.  As we go through the next few days, weeks and months, my prayers are with those who were affected by these horrific storms.

ps-- My parents are still without power (and probably will be until at least Tuesday), but did not suffer any major damage to their house, so we are very lucky!  Please keep them in your thoughts!!

**NEW POST BELOW**

Just thought I'd share...

A friend of mine had this on their facebook and it was just too good not to share.  So enjoy!!

WAR EAGLE!!

A Little New Year's Countdown...

In honor of the new year (I know, I'm a little delayed...) I thought that I would provide a nice little countdown for 2011.  2010 provided many great things and I have no doubt that 2011 has many more amazing things in store!!  So, here we go!  (excuse the countdown starting at 7, but I am having a mental block at the moment...)

7 (.0)

My most recent a1c, which I am oh so proud of!!  Having stress of wedding, moving, new job, kidney stone, etc, it was no easy task, but I did it!!

6

Wonderful, blissful months of marriage!!  Can you believe it has already been 1/2 a year?

5

Months until Stuart graduates as a Collaborative Special Education teacher!!  Yahoo!!

4

                   

AMAZING parents!!  Stuart and I are blessed to have parents who are so caring and loving!!

3



Wonderful friends!!  I am so lucky to have these girls in my life and there is never a dull moment when we are together!!  We also have incredible music ability.... OGP!!

2

Fantastic kiddos!!  J & S are my most favoritist children in the whole wide world!!

and last, but not least......

1



BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY!!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

&

WAR EAGLE!!



It's Great to Be...

AN AUBURN TIGER!!!  Can I get a WAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR  EAGLE HEY!!!  It feels so good to be a part of a team that is a national champion!!  I am so proud to be a part of the AUburn Family!!  While the city of Auburn had pretty shut down due to "Snow-magedon," (which, ps-- I never saw the first flake) the streets of downtown were packed with excited Tigers armed with roll after roll of toilet paper.  I am not sure if it is sad or pride to have more rolls of toilet paper with you at Toomers than you have at your house?  If you aren't aware of the tp tradition, you can catch up here.

Here are a few pictures documenting this glorious event, which also served as Stuart's first time rolling Toomers!! 

WAR   EAGLE!!!

Waaaaaaarrrrrr Eagle....

HEY!!  In honor of our AUsome AUburn Tigers making it to Glendale for the BCS Championship, I thought that I would share a few AUburn fun facts:

• "War Eagle" is known as AUburn's battle cry and a greeting that hits the heart of any AUburn fan.  You can read here to learn more about it:)
• AUburn is also known as the "lovliest village on the plains."
• The population of AUburn (in 2000) was listed at 42,987.  On a gameday weekend, the stadium alone, becomes Alabama's 5th largest city.
• Traditions in AUburn are second to none, including Toomer's lemonade, Toomer's corner, the eagle flying and Tiger Walk.
• Aubie, AUburn's beloved tiger mascot has been the recipient of many distinguished awards, which include UCA National Rankings, UCA Leadership Awards and is currently ranked 2nd as Nationally Ranked Mascots.
• AUburn City Schools has been ranked among the top 100 school districts in the United States by Parenting magazine and as the best educational value in the Southeast by the Wall Street Journal.
• AUburn Univeristy's official school colors are ORANGE AND BLUE.

I feel so lucky to have called AUburn my home for 5 years of my life!  This city and school provide me with so many wonderful memories and life lessons that I will take with me forever!  It is truly amazing to be a part of a city/team that is lucky enough to be playing for a National Championship and I wish them all the best!!

I believe in AUburn and LOVE IT!!!

WAR EAGLE!!