OUR DAUGHTER CELEBRATES HER 40TH BIRTHDAY TODAY

Where or where have the years gone!! Angie celebrates her 40^th birthday today and we are so happy for her. The Lord brought her into our lives almost 33 years ago. She was about 7 ½ years old, was wide eyed and had this pixie hair cut which she had created all my herself, with a pair very dull pair of scissors. Bless her heart she came into a family with four older sibling brothers and she had told us a number of times that she wanted to be an “only child”. Much to her surprise that would not be the case in our household. She spent so much of her first years going from one football game to another, as many as four games on a Saturday. She did enjoy gymnastics and so we signed her up for those classes. She had so much energy to expend and this was great for her.

We enjoyed camping as a family and she loved the water, creeks and rivers. When we asked her if she knew how to swim, she replied “I can swim like a fish” and proceeded to show us exactly what she meant—she could swim like a fish. She also loved roasted marshmallows over an open fire, making smores and eating watermelons that had been put in the cold creeks, to be eaten later. They sure have grown up since those days. Here she is now with her brothers, Charlie, Rob, Chris and Randy. There are just 7 years between our oldest and our youngest. Wow, what a house full of fun we had. 

Her adoption was finalized on August 20^th, 1981 on Randy’s 10^th birthday. After we left the attorney’s office, signing the final papers, we headed to Kentucky to spend a couple of years. We had a grand time enjoying all the room to roam around, ride horses and play games with her good friend Dana. In 1984 we moved to North Carolina and her new best friend, Michelle right across the street for a number of years and they spend allot of time together, enjoying their teen years.  Shortly after graduating from high school, she joined the Marines—what a fabulous Marine she turned out to be. She hung in there even during the tough times. We were so proud on her graduation day as we watched her march across that field after completing her training. Within a short time, she was sent to Okinawa, her husband was also sent over there, but to a different base. She came back to the States and gave birth to her son, Tyler. She has been one incredible mother, always looking out for Tyler’s best interest and encouraging him.

Angie has always been so thoughtful with her dad and I. Wanting to help wherever she can and finding little things to help “pick up” our spirits, especially during our journey through my cancer. One day we decided to get pedicures and manicures. She called ahead to the shop to make sure that I would get the best treatment ever. I am attaching a picture of our feet. We had another appointment to go to and our nail polish was not dry, so we rode in the car all the way to Birkdale with those “go between your toes sponge things, to keep from messing up our polish”. We were quite a sight, even took this picture to show our accomplishment. We did put flip flops on to go shopping later.

 

She is a hard worker and cares so much about her clients in her Vocational Rehab job. She wants them to be treated fairly and be able to have what they need to “survive” during their rough times. She tries to do battle for those who cannot help themselves.

So Angie, we wish you a very happy 40^th Birthday and so many more special ones to come.
We love you very much and are proud of what you have accomplished. Mom and Dad

 

 

GRAND-DAUGHTER ANISTON IS 4 YEARS OLD TODAY--LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN

As hard as it is for us to believe, our youngest grand-daughter, Aniston Gwen Brown, is celebrating her 4th birthday today. How can this be because it seems like it was just yesterday when Randy, her daddy and our youngest son, came walking down the hospital hall, in those scrubs that they have them wear in the birthing room, to announce Aniston's birth. His smile told it all and that smile is still there when Randy and Angela talk about Aniston. She "lights up theirs and our lives". What an incredible gift from the Lord she is. So now we will share a little about this little lady.

 

Being born in December, so close to Christmas, she was so little that first Christmas. But the next Christmas, she went to visit Santa and sit on his lap-thus this picture. It looks like such a "happy" time for both Aniston and Santa--he almost looks like he is sympathizing or at least empathizing with her "visit" with him. Things have gotten much better these past three years and Santa has become a special friend. She has even invited one of his Elves, Jack, to visit every December, though Jack seems to be a bit on the mischievous side and we trust that Aniston will not pick up any of his pranks. She actually has enough of her "own little mischief" without help from him.

She has a constant companion every day, every week, every month and all year long, who loves her and protects her. They are inseparable and they have tea parties together, play on the ipod, swim in the lake, hang around, play games and when they get tired they just lay down and take naps together. His name is Gunnar and sometimes she calls him her "Big Brother"--he looks after her like a big brother would, that's for sure.  They really love each other. But we must admit though, that at times they are "partners in crime".

 Being together as a family is very important to them. Here she is fishing with daddy at the lake, memories, memories and more memories. Randy and Aniston spend almost every Saturday and Sunday together, since Angela is a nurse and work week-ends. Randy has been doing this since Aniston was six or eight weeks old. They go through a fast food drive-thru and have picnics in the back of Randy's truck, go on "little journeys" together. He even took her to see the "fairies" and get her wings, and enjoy the Talking Tree, at the Renaissance Festival again this year. He is one incredible father and loves his little girl.

She loves her mommy and her mommy loves her and they spend lots of time together. Shopping (you know that girl thing), playing, cooking or just being together. This picture was taken this summer on their family vacation get-a-way to Seabrook Island/Kiawah Island. What a great time they had. More "MAKING MEMORIES', so very special. Angela is a fantastic mother and she and Aniston have such wonderful times together. Can't you tell by this picture how blessed they are!!

We love being with Aniston--there is never a dull moment. Always on the go and always playing crazy games with Granddad and being silly--you can do that when you are grandparents, don't you know. Her sweet kisses always make our day--never can get enough sugar from this little sweetheart.

We are closing her birthday post with a very special picture. Here is Aniston, the youngest grand-grandchild, just 10 days old, being held by her then 93 year old great-grandmother, Memo. The oldest and the youngest "Brown Family Ladies". We couldn't ask for a happier moment than that for our Aniston. The blessing imparted from her great-grandmother as she held Aniston for the first time.

 Aniston, we love you more than you could ever imagine and are so thankful that the Lord brought you into our lives--you are our precious ballerina, kiss giver, giggle maker but most of all OUR

 grand-daughter and we bless you on your 4th birthday. XOXOX, Always your Granddad and Meme

 

GRANDSON KEEGAN "THE MAN" BROWN IS 11 YEARS OLD TODAY

What a joy to share about our grandson Keegan, who celebrates his 11th birthday today. He is larger than life itself!! Once again, the years have gone by too quickly and he seemed to grow up overnight. Keegan is a very  special fella--he has a real heart for the Lord and a tender heart for people around him. He loves being with his buddies, family and just folks in general.We will be attaching quite a few pictures with his blog because he has so many interests and is just plain fun to be around. They gave Granddad the Washington Redskins mug for Father's Day this year (Keegan is a "full on" New England Patriot "man") and Granddad challenged Keegan to be a "real man" and drink from a real football team's mug.

 

No doubt about it Keegan loves sports, all kinds, he plays quarterback in football and is a great three point shooter in basketball. As you can see by the basketball picture he even plays with a fractured wrist, with his cast all wrapped up in ace bandage.

No stopping this grandson on or off the football field or basketball court. He is like the "Energizer Bunny"--he keeps on ticking, moving and is always on the go.

He love his family and even came to the pottery shop this year to make some special Christmas presents for them. He is something else--we cannot post any of his pottery work here because they are surprises for Christmas, but will do so after his family opens them.
One of the things that we remember most after he was born was his big, beautiful (Meme and Granddad can say beautiful) brown eyes. He still has that special "Keegan" look with those eyes--uses them to his advantage, we do believe many times.

He has always written a thank you note for everything that we have ever given him or anything that we do for him. Even when he was little we always got a "thank you drawing" in the mail. When we have been through some of these recent medical journeys, first thing out of Keegan's mouth, when we see him is "how are feeling and how are you doing". Always praying for us and asking the Lord to make us better soon. What more could we ask for than that. He always ends a conversation before we leave with "love you Granddad, love you Meme". Memories that last forever.

These last couple of pictures are from when we took him his birthday presents early, because we weren't going to be together on his actual birthday, today. But Granddad did call and sing his yearly rendition of Happy Birthday in whatever key or tune you would enjoy.

He so warms our hearts and spirits with his SMILE--it goes from ear to ear. So as this evening ends, Keegan, we send so many blessings on this very special birthday and for many more to come. We love you all the M & M and Smiles in the world, Granddad and Meme

 

 

KAYLEIGH, OUR OLDEST GRAND-DAUGHTER CELEBRATES HER 24TH BIRTHDAY TODAY

Our eldest grand-daughter, Kayleigh celebrates her 24th birthday today--seems impossible that many years have gone by since her special birth. What an incredible young lady she has grown into and we are so proud of her. She has that special caring heart that reaches out to those in need and finds the good in people. She is a loyal, faithful friend--someone that you would want in your lives. She has always lived life to the fullest, she can see the "sunshine" in the middle of the rain, "light "in the midst of darkness and "joy" in the depths of pain.

When she was little girl and would come spend time with us, she and Granddad (Charles) would play "bear" together. They would hide under the covers, at first very still and quiet and I would go over and rub my hands over the bumps in the blankets and the blanket would begin to move and "growls" would start. Then came the chant from both of them, "we want Hardee's, we want Hardee's"--so off Meme would head to Hardee's to bring back sausage biscuits to keep the hungry bears happy. SOOOOO many great memories. Kayleigh learned to roller skate down the long hall in our old Victorian house on Cedar Street, also rode her pink tricycle all over down stairs on the hard wood floors. We still have that tricycle here at the house and it has been ridden by the seven grandchildren who followed in her footsteps. The seat is a bit cracked and the basket in the back a bit faded but the "memories" go on every ride, with every rider.

Kayleigh is one of the most focused, goal oriented young ladies you will ever meet. She sets her sights on the future and heads toward it with determination and courage. In May of this year, she graduated with her RN degree and the pictures here are from her "pinning" night. What pride swelled up in all of us who were there as she walked across that stage to receive her RN pin. She went right to work with her "calling and gift" and is faithful to care for patients, who really love her. The first picture is of Chris, Kayleigh, Jenny and Jacob. Proud parents and brother.

She is definitely "Daddy's Girl". Love these two faces of happiness and pride. He and Jenny, as well as so many others, have been such a source of  encouragement for her through the months of study, stress and then success.
 

 Granddad and Meme are so blessed to see the marvelous young lady that Kayleigh has become. We have always been proud of her but this particular night, our hearts just swelled up with such joy, we thought that we might just burst open and dance and sing because she had made it. She is a RN. If you ever have the opportunity to meet her or even have her care for you some day, you will understand our joy.

But this is not the end of the story, just bits and pieces of the beginnings. Kayleigh has met a wonderful young man, Ryan, and they have a very special relationship and love for each other. Ryan treats Kayleigh with respect and dignity, very special virtues in the days that we live in now. It is such a delight to see them together and watch them grow in their love for one another. We are blessed to have Ryan in Kayleigh's life and Kayleigh in Ryan's life. And you will just have a wait for the rest of the story.

 

Kayleigh, we wish you the happiest of birthdays and so many more to come and we love you with all our hearts and could not be prouder, Granddad and Meme

 

 

 

CHARLIE BROWN III HAS A BIRTHDAY TODAY

"It's your birthday Charlie Brown". We know the real Charlie Browns and we celebrate Charlie Brown III's birthday today. Charlie was named after his dad, Charles, Jr., who was named after his dad, Charles, Sr., our Popo, who was born long before the cartoon character was created. What a special day, some ?? years ago, when our first born soon came into the world, on a snowy November evening, actually the first snow fall, in Chicago that year. We always knew when they were bringing him to my room from the nursery---all the other babies had these high pitched cries but then there was Charlie Brown, with an almost baritone sounding Bwah, bwah, bwah. Charlie was always on the go as a child---he loved life and everything in it and still does. Bless his heart, he became an older brother to three more brothers in less than six years. Yes, we had four sons under the age of 5 3/4 years old.

There was never a dull moment when Charlie was around and he never met a stranger--everyone he met became a friend pretty quick. Not sure if Charlie was the one who started this tradition, but he always managed to show his brothers how to blow up their match box cars with firecrackers or smash them in the "hammer to the car" derby. They had wonderful times running through the orange groves behind our house, in Florida,  having great days of who can hit the hardest and furthest with oranges. They came back home with bruises all over the bodies, guess this was the sign of "manhood" back in those days.

Charlie is a friend to so many-- loyal, faithful and true--always there for you!! He is such a "people person" and still to this day, he never meets a stranger.

Charlie met Heather and they were married in February of 1994 and since then they've had two wonderful sons, our grandsons, Conlan and Keegan. Charlie is a awesome husband and a fantastic father--always involved in the boys activities and their lives in general and  right there supporting Heather in her activities and goals. They have traveled the world together as a family and have seen things that you cannot learn in a classroom or by reading it in a newspaper or book. While they were living in Hong Kong, they gave us the gift of a lifetime, they brought us over there to spend three weeks with them. Also planned special side trips to Thailand, China and Cambodia for us. We spent Easter that year in Phuket, Thailand with the four of them, then they planned a trip to Bejing, China, for just Charles and I, with our own guide each day to show us the sights and share the history of this country, absolutely amazing.Then back to Hong Kong for a few days, in between, before we headed out with Charlie, Heather, Charles and myself, to Cambodia. We had the joy of being in Siem Reap, Cambodia, an amazing country to visit and see history unfold right before our eyes, with the restoring of Angkor Wat--a city that was literally covered with jungle, vines and land mines, from the war, until recent years. And the incredible opportunity to experience first hand the "floating village" where people are born, live, work, go to school, shop, go to a medical clinic or church and die on these dug out boats, all floating on this river. THESE MEMORIES WILL LAST A LIFETIME WITH US.

 

Now, for the side of Charlie that you all are waiting to see and hear about, although we are sure that his reputation has well preceded those who know him. Charlie has an uncanny ability to draw people into uncontrollable laughter until the tears roll down your cheeks and you hurt all over from his actions, expressions, multiple voice changes and on and on. We are attaching a couple of pictures from last Christmas that we think will explain it all. "Santa's Elf in Action". Our Charlie Brown, one of a kind!!

Charlie Brown III, we celebrate your life today and we are so proud of you and the man that you have become, with a heart of caring, loving and giving that the Lord has blessed you with abundantly. We could not ask for more.
We love you all the birthdays in the whole world, Mama Lou and Buddy Roe, a.k.a. Mom and Dad

GRANDSON TYLER IS CELEBRATING HIS 17TH BIRTHDAY TODAY

Our Grandson, Tyler, is celebrating his 17th birthday today. Hard to believe that has grown up so fast. We remember the day he was born and what excitement there was to have another grandchild, number three, for us.

Tyler has amazing skills in the outdoors. He is a Boy Scout and has earned so very many badges. Even at the young age of 12, he went with the older scouts to hike the Appalachian trials, with a back pack that we think weighed more than he did. He was gone a whole week and finished the hike, all in one piece and with memories to last a lifetime. He has always had an interest in what goes on in nature around him and has a great memory for remembering everything about most every knife that you could name. He has often talked about becoming joining the "service" after he graduates. We believe that he could do very well in the occupation. We are asking the Lord to give him the wisdom to know what path he is to take and where he can serve the Lord the best.

He is a hard worker. He has been mowing lawns for a number of years now and keeps at them until the are mowed just right. He has helped his Granddad  (Charles) with the firing of Raku pottery--this is hard work, but he hung right in there with Granddad. He has helped me in the pottery shop, at times, as well, and did a great job. Even helped me, along with his mom, get the shop cleaned up during my breast cancer journey, when I was not able to do any lifting. I just sat and watched while they worked and worked.

 

Angie has been an incredible mother to Tyler. She has been there for him in every situation and constantly tries to remind him how important he is to the Lord and to all of us, his family. We know that Tyler appreciates that and knows what kind of sacrifices she has made for him through these years. He is blessed to have a mom who loves him and cares what happens in his life. She tries to encourage him to "be all that he can be"

 

He also enjoys the family times down at the lake or at someones home. But the cousins love getting together and having fun--four boys and four girls--makes for a busy, busy time when they are together. I am attaching a picture that I think that he would enjoy. Here he is playing "hide and seek" with Aniston, 4 years old, with her just squealing when she would find him. He was good to do this with her. Then he and Jacob were the "hiders" together and Aniston had to find the them. These were taken on Labor day this year. It is so good to remember the good times and hold fast to those special memories.

 

Tyler has always been so thoughtful to remember our birthdays and special occasions, we so appreciate this. We pray a blessing over you Tyler and ask the Lord's perfect will be done in your life, you have so much to give. A very happy 17th birthday to Grandson Tyler.

We love you very much, Granddad and Meme  

OUR MEMO IS CELEBRATING HER 98TH BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN TODAY

Today we would have been celebrating our Memo's 98th birthday. But she is celebrating in Heaven with Popo and all the saints and angels--now she is celebrating all the time, forever and ever. Memo loved to have her birthday luncheons, dinners and the time with friends or family afterwards. She was a "Georgia born lady" and was given one of those wonderful southern belle names at birth, Eva Belle DuBose. Then she fell in love and married Charles Burrel Brown, Sr., our Popo (He went to be with the Lord in 2005 at age 95). She worked hard all her life, especially as a hairdresser, starting in her late teens and continued until her early 80's, amazing, going to the nursing homes and individual homes to do the hair of ladies who had been her clients through the years. She was so good about this. She was so loyal and faithful to her friends.

Memo loved her precious Lord and always had a one on one conversation with Him. Anytime there would be a situation in the lives of any of our family that looked "impossible", Memo would just say, "we're going to have to talk to the Lord about that". She had an amazing relationship with Jesus and had so many answered prayers because of her strong faith. She and Popo were faithful members of First Baptist Church of Orlando and were so dedicated to their Sunday school class and their friends there.

Memo always enjoyed being with family. Here is our whole family on Christmas eve 2010. She loved her husband, our Popo, and children, Charles and Nancy and I was truly grafted in as a daughter-in-love in 1963, her five grandchildren were her pride and joy and don't get her started on her great-grands--she would brag on them all the time. She was so proud of all of us. She treasured every minute that we were all together.  Family times were such great adventures, whether it be in Orlando, Columbia, SC, at the beach, in the mountains, at Disney World or anywhere we gathered. She loved her family.

Through the years Memo and Popo played shuffleboard, even won many championships in Florida and Ohio. And they played Bridge and other card games for many years together. Actually, Memo played Bridge with her friends the week before she went to be with the Lord, at age 97. She was very competitive, so you didn't want to challenge her to a game of anything, without the chance of getting beat by this determined lady. Her favorite Spades card game partner, here in North Carolina, was Terry Gates, Kara's dad--they always played together and won, when she came to visit. No one could beat these two--they were best buddies.

We celebrated her 97th birthday, November 1, 2011, together at Outback Steakhouse and she loved the big, delicious sundae that the waitress brought as everyone else sang "happy birthday". It was a good memory and a very special evening. Nancy, Charles' sister, and my wonderful sister-in-love had Memo and Popo move from Orlando, into her home and watched over them and blessed them for many years. We could never begin to tell you enough about the love and sacrifice that Nancy gave to them. Along with the rest of the family who cherished and loved her.

 

This is our Memo, holding a picture of our Popo, last year, Christmas 2011. Our whole family gathered, not knowing that it would be our last wonderful, lasting memory with her. On February 05 this year, at age 97 years old, the Lord called her home, quietly and peaceful while in church on that Sunday morning. "Absent from the body is present with the Lord". What an incredible legacy she has left behind--all of us--family and friends. We miss you and love you dearly. All of your family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CELEBRATING KARA'S BIRTHDAY TODAY

Today is a very special day for our daughter-in-love, Kara, she is celebrating her birthday. Seems like Kara's has been in our family since we first moved to Lincolnton, I guess that is because she has. When we came to Lincolnton in  December of 1984, Rob, our second born son, was in Dorcas Taylor's math class helping out and Dorcas said to Rob "do you see that girl over there, pointing to a beautiful young lady sitting over there, you are going to marry her one day". And guess what he did and that beautiful lady was Kara Gates, now Kara Gates Brown. So Dorcas's match making days had just begun but she was right on target with this one. Kara learned allot about the Brown family early on. One day, she and Rob were away somewhere when a friend delivered a pickup truck of hull corn to our door step. We called Rob to come help shuck "some" corn and Kara came right along with him and stayed until the last cob was done. (Complete with worm after worm and "Eke after Eke") What a trooper she was, she just fit right in. "Bless her heart", I don't think that she had any idea what she was getting into.

Kara is an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, daughter-in-love, aunt, niece and friend. She has a gentle spirit and such a tender heart. She loves the Lord and serves so faithful whenever and wherever she is needed at church. When she gets involved, she is whole-heartily involved. Loyal and faithful could be her second middle name--she is a friend is "sticks closer than a sister". She rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep--genuine gifts from the Lord in her life. What a joy it has been to watch her grown in the mercies and grace of the Lord in her life.

She is so supportive of Rob in his endeavors as an attorney and with all of his civic and church activities and his commitment to the Lord and His people. She loves and encourages, Elizabeth and Emery and is always there for them during their happy days and their tough days. She sees the good in people where others may fail to even look for even a speck of good. She wants people to succeed and become all that the Lord has for them. In recent years, she took a job outside the home and has done so, so well at it, she puts her whole self into what she is doing. She is a definitely a "people person" and no one who meets Kara ever walks away as a stranger.

This is picture of our Memo, Rob's 97 year old grandmother holding the picture of Rob, Kara, Elizabeth, Emery and family dog Scout that they gave Memo this past Christmas.
She so treasured her family. On February 05, 2012, just 42 days later Memo was in the presence of her precious Lord. This is what our Kara is all about loving family, loving friends and loving her Lord. A blessed birthday to a very special daughter-in-love, Kara. May this coming year have your cup filled to overflowing with the joy, mercy, grace, peace, love, blessing and abundance of the Lord's presence.

We love you dearly, Charles and Lynne

OUR RANDY CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY

Our Randy celebrates his birthday today and we wanted to share some special things about him with you all. He is our fourth born son and the other boys always said we spoiled him. Actually, they had a great part in that as well, he never lacked for their attention. We had four sons in 5 1/2 years, so they were super close and were and are great friends as well as brothers. Then the Lord brought our Angie into our lives when Randy was 9 years old, so he was no longer the youngest in the family. And now the four became five!! 

We are so proud of the man that Randy has become. He is an incredible husband to Angela and an amazing father to Aniston. The two sweethearts in his life. Angela works
week-ends as a RN, so Randy took on the diaper change and feeding duties plus everything else, every week-end since Aniston was about six weeks old and still does (she will be 4 years old in December). One of the things they love to do on Saturdays together, is go through the Chick-Fal A, drive thru, and have a "picnic" in a park or a "picnic" in the back seat of the truck. Don't you know that you can picnic anywhere that there are a father and a daughter who love just being together. Such as special tradition, along with so many others. They also love going out on the jet ski together, pictured below, with Aniston yelling "faster Daddy faster". He loves Angela so deeply and always wants the best for her. He has a wonderfully creative mind, a very special gift from the Lord. He is real perfectionist and has built some fantastic pieces and done so many creative things for their townhouse. He works until he gets it "just right". I do believe that you could eat off of his garage floor.

Randy has always been a champion of the underdog. He never likes for anyone to be mistreated or looked down on--so he developed this very special heart of compassion and caring for people. He is very observant along with an amazing gift of discernment. He is fairly quiet around people but takes in more than you can imagine in a matter of minutes.
If you ever want a friend, Randy is  one of the most loyal ones that you could ask for--he never gives up on anyone. He is real encourager and supporter. He is hard worker and keeps at a task until he sees it through. He is an outstanding athlete, it just seems to come natural for him.
We do want to add a very special member of their family, Gunnar, their silver Lab--he is so devoted to Randy (Angela and now Aniston). Gunnar has separation anxiety when he is away from Randy and is a very special part of the Randy Brown Family. 

This is a picture of Gunnar, jumping off the dock at the lake house to try and follow Randy on the jet ski--he would just about drown if we did not call him and make him come back. Loyal, faithful, buddy friend!!!

As we said in the beginning of this post, we are so proud to call him our son, he is precious  treasure in our hearts and we are

so grateful he belongs to us.

We love you dearly Randy and ask the Lord's richest blessing, provision, mercy, grace and love on all the years ahead of you. Always Mom and Dad

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNY

                     
Today, is a very special day for one of our daughter-in-loves, Jenny--she is celebrating her birthday. She and Chris are enjoying a well needed, happily welcomed get-a-away!! By the way, Jenny is a twin, so she celebrates a birthday with her sister Jessie as well. There are five girls in her family, including two sets of twins--"high fives", to Mickey and Wayne, Jenny's mom and dad.

What an incredible wife and mother Jenny is--she has done such a wonderful job raising Kayleigh and Jacob, along with Chris. She and Chris were high school sweethearts, so it seems like these two have always been One. What an example they have been to other couples and a source of real inspiration and encouragement. Jenny has a real heart of compassion for others.

When we have family gatherings, Jenny is always part of our "entertainment"--she loves to have fun. One of her great feats, to the delight of all of the kids, was her ability to wear clear plastic spoons over her eyes for glasses--we have pictures, but do not attempt this at home, at great risk to your laughter level. She taught Aniston, down at the lake house, on this past 4th of July, first of all how to squeal/scream at the top of her lungs (they were down on the dock at the time-outside, thank the Lord). They had a squealing contest--not sure who won!! Then Jenny proceeded to teach Aniston how to curl her tongue into a "U". Randy and Angela were so grateful for Aniston's newly acquired skills, taught by Aunt Jenny. These are just two of her many talents passed to the generations of her nieces and nephews through the years. Again, we have pictures!!!

Jenny has a beautiful voice and has been a very vital part of the praise team, at church, for years now. She loves to praise and worship her Lord. Psalm 95:1-2  reads "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song." Jenny has been so faithful to do this and we are so proud of her. What a blessing she has been to so many through this wonderful gift the Lord has given her.

She works for Gaston County helping clients through difficult times. She is good with these folks and is well respected at her job, by bosses and co-workers.

We love you Jenny and ask the Lord to give you many, many more years of His joy, mercy, love and peace and the fullness of all His blessings--may your cup overflow, again and again.
Blessings and birthday hugs, Lynne and Charles

HEATHER HAS A BIRTHDAY

                     
This is a "belated" birthday blog for Heather. I had done one for her birthday, which was
July 14th--I had finished the blog, but was looking for a picture to put with it. So Heather's Birthday Blog from us ended up in my draft and never got posted. So sorry--but like Popo always said, he liked to celebrate birthdays for at least a month or so--much more fun. So here is a Popo kind of birthday greeting. This is what I had written back in July.

Heather, one of our daughter-in-loves, Charlie's wife, celebrates her birthday today. We wanted her to know how much we love her and appreciate her. She is one of the most organized young ladies we have ever know--always ahead of herself. If she knows something is coming up on her calendar, all pre-preparations are done right away. She is like the master juggler--always keeping up with three, four or five things at a time.

She is a wonderful wife and mother. She stands right beside Charlie, encouraging him and praising his endeavors, trying to lighten the load where she can. As a mother, she excels in so many ways--she wants the very best for Conlan and Keegan and constantly reminds them "you can do it, I know you can". She is very involved in all of their school activities and extra curricular activities, mostly sports--right on the side lines cheering them on.

A little over 9 years ago, Charlie's job transferred him to Hong Kong, where he and the family spent 3 years. It was our great joy when they gave us a very special gift to come and visit them for three weeks. The day after we arrived, we were off with the whole family to spend Easter in Thailand--how incredible that was--enjoying the people and culture of such a beautiful place. Then Charlie and Heather arranged for us, just Charles and me, to go to Beijing, China for three days with our own guide, we were able to see the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and so much more over there. Then back to Hong Kong, to explore this amazing city with them. Our last trip was to Cambodia, just Charlie, Heather, Charles and I, the experience of a life time. We had such a fabulous time together. That whole trip was "priceless" for us--a once in a life time dream fulfilled and we are so grateful for them blessing us with that time with them.

Heather loves to take pictures--one very special pleasure that we share together. We love to "Make Memories" through our photography--activities, events and family times that cannot not be forgotten with our love for seeing it through the eye of a camera. Charlie, Heather, Conlan and Keegan have had the joy of traveling to many countries around the world--some of the best education they can give their children--experiencing the sights, sounds and beauty of these countries. And once again, Heather, with camera in tow.

Friends are very important to Heather--she is a constant encourager and a faithful prayer buddette (a girl buddy) to many of these friends. She remembers those things that matter and the Lord has blessed her with this gift--the overflow of this has covered many homes of these friends as well as the home of our families.

We love the thoughtful, giving hearts that Heather and Charlie, as well as the boys have--they never forget a birthday or special event. During my journey through breast cancer, they were always finding special ways to celebrate life in the middle of all of our hard times. Thank you notes are forever a part of their lives. We have always gotten a thank you note, all these years, for things done for them or gifts given. Heather is so good about making us feel appreciated by teaching the boys this "lost art" of thank you notes, mostly hand written, sent through the mail with a real stamp on them--another "lost art". Thank you Heather for being such a loving, caring daughter-in-love.

We love you and pray continued blessings over you during the coming years,
Lynne and Charles, also known as Meme and Granddad

WHEN LIFE SEEMED SO SIMPLE AND UNCOMPLICATED

Believe it or not the little 2 year old girl in this picture has added 67 more years to her life. I remember so well that little plastic stuffed lamb, which I treasured and kept her in my room for years until we made one too many moves and "little lamb" got lost in the bustle of life. Seems like a lot of other things got lost in the hustle and bustle through the years. But most of all I feel like I/we lost the simplicity and uncomplicated pace of life more than anything.

I miss the joys of being able to play all over our neighborhood, about a 9 block radius, without being afraid. I miss my mom ringing that old cow bell when it was time to head home for dinner. I can hear it like it was yesterday. I miss the fun of making up our own games with wooden clothes pins, pine cones, rocks, scraps of fabric, grandma's aprons, an old wash tub and anything that our minds could imagine at the time. I miss visiting every neighbor on our block to take fresh home-made meals when they were sick. I miss Mrs. Gonska's, our elderly neighbor across the street, coconut lamb or colored egg shaped cakes at Easter time. I miss Mr. and Mrs. Schellenberger digging up all the grass in their back yard and turning into an asphalt playground, so that we could roller skate, play hop scotch, jump rope and shoot basketballs to our heart's content. I miss Mrs Copeland babysitting for me, when my sweet Granny died because I was too young to go see my Granny like that.

I miss the years at Camp Awana, in Fredonia, Wisconsin. This is where I came to know the Lord as my Savior in 1951 and then spent a month or more each summer at camp as camper, worker,then leader and lifeguard. I still have the pleasure of the friendship of my oldest friend, we've known each other since we were eight and still remember each other's birthdays and every Christmas. We also talk on the phone as often as we can, sharing our joys, heartaches and just plain life. I treasure Dolly with all my heart and can say that we have never had an argument in all these years. Friends forever means friends forever.  

I miss spending a couple of weeks in the summer with Grandma and Grandpa Gleason in downtown Chicago. At a very young age, probably starting around five or so, my Grandma would pack Grandpa's lunch in his old metal, rounded top lunch box complete with the glass lined thermos of hot coffee. She would send me walking on my way to the gas station that he owned, about three blocks away from their house, so that I could spend lunch time with him and his old black dog, Midnight, he always smelled like oil because he loved going down in the "pit" where Grandpa changed the oil and worked on the cars. While Grandpa ate his lunch, I would pump gas for the customers (full service gas stations back then) and Grandpa would lift me up by the back of my britches and put me on the hood of their cars so that I could wash and squeezegy their windshields. Even got to wear his coin changer belt and make change for the customers, grandpa didn't have a cash register back then (and computers weren't even thought of)--I learned to count on my fingers and in my head. Those were the days!!

Another week or two, each summer, I would go to spend with Grandma in the Country, I never really knew her real name until I got older, she was always Grandma in the Country to me. She lived in a small town of 90+ people--actually I think that included all the dogs as well, in Indiana. There I learned to work in the garden, go "pickle picking", churn butter and put it in a bucket down the well to keep it cool, picking those luscious tasting grapes to make jam, sometimes eating more than we brought home, taking a bath in the wash tub or a sponge bath from the pump, also used the outhouse for other "hygiene items". Grandma never had running water in her house, until she was into her late 80's--she was content to live life simple. I loved the "smell of Grandma in the Country", Hattie Crowder, clean and crisp from the lye soap that she made. She taught me how to milk a cow, across the road at the Holly sisters' milking farm and taught me how to shoot my first rifle for the just in case times. Never knew what kind of "critter" you might come on while out in the field. A special trip to Grandma in the Country's sweet little home, in the winter, meant sleeping under huge down comforters and feather bed, brewing hot chocolate on top of the wood burning stove and enjoying all those home made cookies made from scratch. Those were the days!!

All of this to say I would not change my life all these years since those memories, but there are times that I long for the simpler, uncomplicated life. Life when everyone knew everybody's name and a hand shake meant something, it meant a binding contract, didn't have to write it on paper--your word was as good as that. When neighbors knew neighbors and all of your friends' mothers were your mother, when you were at their homes and they didn't think twice about getting a "switch" from the closest tree, for the back of your legs if you misbehaved or even thought about talking back to them. And when you got home, you could be sure your mother would have the "switch" in her hand, just for good measure. Oh, that we take time to soak in the joys of friendships, slow down and visit awhile, learn to listen and "weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice". Yes, so Simple and Uncomplicated!!

OUR SON ROB HAD HIS 44TH BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

Our second born son Rob (Robert Jon Brown) had his 44th birthday this past Wednesday, April 25th. He was born deep in the heart of Texas (Fort Worth) and has a heart as big as Texas. We wanted to share some of the special life of this outstanding young man with all of you. We could not ask for finer son, who loves us, prays for us and cares about our lives.

Rob is an incredible son, husband, father, brother, nephew, brother-in-law and friend. He is always so willing to help anyone out--whether it be family, friends or his church (where he is very involved in so many aspects of his church family)  He loves the Lord deeply and serves wherever he is asked. Plus in his civic activities--he is always available to serve--he has a true servant's heart.

At a very young age, probably around 12, Rob and another friend talked about becoming attorneys and they both fulfilled that dream, after hours of hard work and years of education. He is a man of integrity, truth, honesty, loyalty and the list goes on and on. His work ethics are so Christ centered--do all things as unto the Lord.  

Rob is a father extraordinaire--he spends time with his daughters, Elizabeth and Emery--fixing their breakfasts at home, then Saturday morning breakfasts going out as well. He gives 100% with his presence and love to all the activities they are involved in and is a major encourager in their lives. They love their daddy. He is a very special husband, loving Kara, his wife, with all his heart and supporting her with her work and dreams--they are high school sweethearts.  

As a friend, you could not ask for a better one--he has friends through the years, who still keep touch and try to get together a couple of times a year. He is a faithful, caring and encouraging friend. Always there with a listening ear and a helping hand. Even has an annual golf "test of the time" with three friends--an annual event and very competitive--all in fun but then again???? Everyone likes to win, right, Rob?

Hard to sum up 44 years of life on one page, these are just a few words for a very special man, our son, Robert Jon Brown. (Or better known to his grandmother, Memo, who went to be with the Lord, on February 5th this year, at the age of 97, as her "Sugar Frosted Flakes") He will always be Memo's "Sugar Frosted Flakes"!!! Probably the way she will introduce him when we all get to heaven.

We love you Rob and are blessed beyond words to call you son. You have enriched our lives more than you can know and we are so proud of you. Your tender, compassion spirit blesses us as your parents. Our heart's love and deepest prayers, Dad and Mom

**I had written most of this on his actual birthday, but put in my drafts file and failed to post it--so had to redo some of it** Sorry, Rob, I guess I need Emery to come and help me find my "memory brain", as she calls it. She is always helping me find it again. ** 

RESURRECTION DAY IS COMING

Such sorrow on Crucifixion day turned into rejoicing on Resurrection morning! It still amazes me how our precious Lord would die for someone like me. If I had been the only one, He still would have gone to the cross to die for my sins. How can I even begin to thank Him! He died for the sins of the whole world and yet He himself had no sin at all. Why? Why? Why? Because He loves us so much.

I believe that I would have been just like Mary when she went to the tomb and found it empty, saying "where have they taken my Lord"? Even after having heard Jesus say, "I will rise on the third day", my doubting mind would have wondered, how could this really happen? And then the angels at the tomb told her the news--"He is not here, He is risen, just like He said he would". Once it all sank in, I believe that my flip-flop footed feet would have raced to tell everyone I knew. Jesus is not dead, He is alive, He is alive.  So this is "our resurrection story" as well.

OUR OLDEST GRANDSON JACOB'S BIRTHDAY BLESSING

Our oldest grandson, Jacob, turned 19 years old on this past Wednesday,March 14--what a special day for him. We were away and I had this post already to put on my blog when we got back this week and just now saw it sitting in my daytimer. The days just slipped away from me. Sorry this got away from Meme, Jacob, but you know how her brain works these days--sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. So Jacob here is your SPECIAL post--you know how we love to celebrate birthdays all month long--so this will be one of those, especially for you! 

From the minute Jacob was born, he has always had a very special place in our hearts. When he was just as few weeks old, I held him during church service every Sunday morning. He was such a handsome baby and as soon as the preaching started his eyes would begin to close--even a number of years down the way. (Just between us Jacob, right?) We won't tell all our secrets here. It wasn't that he didn't like his Granddad's preaching--he just liked to get comfortable and would drift off to sleep. He was a very busy child, he loved to go, go, go! He has always loved sports, all kinds but especially basketball. He such a great basketball player and plays the game well. ESPN is one of his favorite channels--he keeps up with all of the world of sports.

From the time that he was a little fella, he has always loved gummy bears or gummy anything--so Jacob started a tradition among the grandkids--always headed for the gummy jar in our kitchen. Often when we would pick him up from school we always brought gummies and a bottle of IBC Cherry-Limeade or Dr. Pepper. He has a "bottomless pit" for a stomach--he eats all the time, but stays slim and trim--it's his metabolism. He also loved to stop at Bojangles on a drive home from school and chicken strips and fries were his favorite. Everyone tells him that he looks just like me, bless his heart, it's that Irish in me I suppose. But he brags on this all the time to everyone he meets, so that makes me feel good. He is a true and loyal friend--always there for his buddies and "buddettes" (as we call the girls). He has a tender, compassionate heart and hates to see people hurting.

He has such a love for the Lord and for people to know His Savior. He is very bold about his testimony for Jesus. If a Christian song touches his heart he will share it with everyone on Facebook or by "texting" it to everyone. We are so excited to see what the Lord has in the future for Jacob--he seems to have a real heart for missions and would like to be a missionary. We continue to pray for the Lord's perfect will for him. Whatever it is, it will be great!!! It is still your birthday week, so a happy, happy birthday to our very special grandson, Jacob "Basketball" Brown.
We love you Jacob and pray for the Lord's richest blessings in your life, Meme and Granddad

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

We are just a few days away from the beginning of Spring, but I do believe that Spring has already arrived in the Carolinas. I love the season of "new birth"--everything that once was dormant and hibernating, deep under the ground, begins to make its way to the surface. My hostas are already emerging under the layers of dried leaves that covered them all winter long. My first rose of spring has bloomed--it's an early bird--probably couldn't wait for all the other roses to catch up. So it has opened and raised its precious little face to the sun and I can almost hear it shouting, "look at me, here I am, I am the first rose of Spring at the Browns".

My spirit feels like that right now, ready to blossom and welcome abundant life for a new season. I feel so blessed, yet humbled, by the Lord's promise of "mercies that are new every morning". Why should He love me (us) so that He gives me (us) a promise like this?!? It's just because of who He is and not of who I am or what I have done, but of what He has done for me. If I could I would be doing hand stands and flips today because of His goodness, mercy, grace and love. So, I encourage you all to breathe in deep all that He has in store for you this coming season. Leave all your worries and cares at His feet and watch Him come through for you, because of who He is.

Yes, "His mercies are new every morning"--raise your face to Son and take in all the warmth of His presence and love. It's free to us, but it cost Him everything. So it is with a very grateful heart that I praise Him.

Grandson Conlan Celebrates His 14th Birthday Today

Grandson Conlan Hunter Brown continues to grow as a young man and celebrates his 14th birthday today. The years went by so quickly and Conlan has become such an amazing young man. We were there at the hospital when he was born and what a handsome baby he was. His dad and mom, Charlie and Heather, were so proud to announce that their first born son had arrived. Conlan had the deepest brown eyes, so stunning and still today people remark about how striking they are, He has a gentle, caring spirit and shows concern for people, family and friends around him. He is a loyal, faithful friend who sticks closer than a brother. He loves the Lord and is not afraid to share with folks about his relationship with His Lord.

Conlan is a young man of integrity and strength--he strives to be the best at what he does. He is involved in sports: basketball, baseball, football, swimming, tennis and Lacrosse, which seems to be his great enjoyment right now. He may have found his special sports "niche" in Lacrosse. He will succeed at anything that he attempts because he has a persistent desire to go "higher and higher". He has a grateful nature, he always sends a thank you note to us for anything that we have given him--which blesses us. Even when he was a real young child, we would receive thank you hand drawn pictures from both him and Keegan. Charlie and Heather have done an incredible job instilling the characteristics so often missing in children and young people today--respect and honor. We are so blessed as Conlan's Granddad and Meme, to have him on our lives and so deep in our hearts. We love you Conlan and bless you on  your 14th birthday, Meme and Granddad