Happy Thanksgiving!

From all of us here in the Brownell family, to you and yours. May your holiday be filled with family, friends, and a joyful time. We are so thankful for our family and friends, our Lord who provides for us everyday, and those who will sacrifice their holiday with family to protect our freedoms. Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Night to Remember

If you're married to a hunter, you no doubt hear the stories of a few nights each year when deer run wildly around the forest pursuing a mate (or two...). Legend has it, if you're lucky enough to be there, towering bucks will run out in front of you without caution.

Well, last night Daniel finally experienced it firsthand. Several does running about, a few bucks flying by, and one that stopped right in front of him.

So, the next time you visit, our home will probably have a buck mounted proudly for all to see. (Girls- does this mean I have to remove all China and florals from the home-I'm unsure of hunting decor etiquette). Needless to say the kids ( and the hubby ) are estatic.

Happy Birthday Rush!

Today our baby boy has turned 5! Doesn't seem possible that those scary and troublesome days are now 5 years behind us!

When we took a business trip to Houston, my water broke at 21 weeks. No labor though. We held our breath and jumped the plane home two days later, figuring, it was a only 2 hour flight. Also, I feared being admitted to a hospital in TX while Daniel had to fly home with the 4 children.

We made it home, had about 6 weeks in the hospital on bedrest --while my mother and friends shuffled our children around so Daniel could work during the day.

Finally, Rush arrived (oddly enough, I was the only one in the room of medical staff that was convinced I was in labor!) I had nurse who couldn't use the thermometer (I was burning up from infection) and a Dr. who wanted to check my appendix - turns out it was fine :)

Rush and I both had e coli - we were told the mortality rate for the baby was about 80%. However, the Lord had other plans. Rush fought that off and also pneumonia (very bad when you're on oxygen and 3lbs) the week of Christmas. That was a tough holiday.

It was a long ordeal, but we were able to bring him home the last day of January, after 11 weeks in the NICU. Praise the Lord!

Mountains and More

On Monday we found some more great waterfalls (while out apple picking- see next post below). The first waterfall was one we missed on July 5th b/c it was reserved for a wedding. I'm so glad we stopped this time - it was beautiful. And, no railing so we climbed to the top!

After the waterfall , we headed up to Black Rock State Park --the view was incredible--3600 ft up. You can see a few states, I'm sure. This was another stop we had to fly by back in July due to time constraints.

We finished up the day at Amicalola State Park. There is a huge waterfall (400ft?) and a restaurant in the lodge at the top. It has a gorgeous view, so we had a sunset dinner there. To make it even better, on the way out, after plunging down the mountain, we passed a group of 7-8 deer.

This picture is taken standing at the top of the falls looking over N. Ga:

More waterfall pictures from the first stop...

This spot is usually covered by water (bad drought here); Robert is in a hole that goes down about 5 feet and out the front.

The falls don't look too huge, but if you see Rachel back behind where Rush is standing, it looks alot bigger. I would guess it's about 50 ft. up to the top.

Robert got to the highest rock while we helped everyone else.

Apple Picking

Rush loved going into the trees looking for the little apples.

Today we were able to go apple picking for the first time in a tiny town called Long Creek. It was beautiful outside and the kids loved it. I never realized they grew all types of apples next to each other in one grove--about 9 varieties. As usual, it went by too fast, but so much fun! Grandma and Grandpa Brownell were up to visit us in SC, so they went along.

Now, what do I do with 6 bags of apples.....

Successful Hunt

My favorite hunter shot his first doe of the season on Saturday (the internet's been on the fritz since then or I would've posted that night). He went out to check out the trails and find his way around, so Robert wasn't with him.

Needless to say, he was very excited, as this was his first night out at the new hunting club in SC. Even better - he had to drag the deer up a steep hill afterwards. It had run down the hill in the few seconds before it died. Clever deer--sticking it to the hunter.

Daniel took Robert with him (he's a Jr. member of the club) Sunday after church was over. But, the next few nights were very windy as a cold front or two moved through, so Daniel and Robert didn't see anything besides foxes and such. And it was 29 degrees!!

They'll probably try again next week.. I'd like to load up the freezer for the year. The meat is so much better than Publix b/c there's no hormones or meds given to the deer. It's very lean because these deer are raised on soybean fields --instead of having to live in a tiny stall at a meat farm their whole lives. Much nicer for the animal to have a normal life.

Happy Birthday Daniel!!

(I've noticed I usually post these birthdays a day late, due to all the excitement and just having a too-full life! But, sometimes I just don't get to sit down long enough to worry about posts!)

So Happy Birthday Daniel! Not going to post which one, but he's thirthy-something.....

I couldn't find a more manly, loving, caring, giving, humorous, wonderful guy. I can always count on Daniel to do the right thing, keep a level head, and stay in control of the situation.

I love you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CVS-ing at Bass Pro Shops

Awhile ago, Daniel and I started putting purchases on his BassPro Rewards card. You earn points and can spend them at BassPro just as dollars. I put all of our gas, food, supplies, etc...on it --it adds up quickly!(We just pay off each month in full so there is no interest.) He uses the points for all of the fishing/ hunting stuff he'd like and gets them for free.

He bought a gun the other day and was just shy of the total points needed. However, the gun has a $25 manufacturer's rebate which means they will actually pay him for taking the gun from them!

This one I'm anxious to see b/c it's a muzzle-loader (think The Patriot, consequently on Daniel's list of favorite historical movies. Additionally, I believe I already mentioned, the place where he hunts actually was the site of filming for the Patriot. I guess if I were a good wife, I would be sewing colonial-era militia garb for him to run around in???)

With a muzzle-loader you have to ram everything down into the barrel to fire it-like you see on old movies. I think it'll be neat to see.

Hummingbirds!

I was buzzed the other day - literally - I thought it was a moth but it turned out to be a hummingbird! He was right next to me. Our 2 plum trees by the deck seemed to be his favorite-understandable, they're so good--we ate a ton of them this Summer. (He may have also gotten some of Rush's apple juice on the patio table.)

Then, last night he came back, and Daniel and I watched him for awhile. At the hardware store this morning, Daniel bought me a feeder and four birds have been fighting over it all afternoon--they found it immediately! They're soo cute, I just had to post some pics.

In other news, we are all well- with the exception of a small fish hook going into Ryan's finger. Ugh! But he's fine now and it's just a little mark. Luckily Daniel was here with me to get it out. Also, Richard yanked another of his teeth last night. (The previous tooth fell out while he was asleep.)

We are loving the cool weather here in SC, it feels like Fall! There's a few red leaves too ---but, we'll have to head back on Wednesday. (It's very hard to leave... ) But I'm promised we'll return soon for some hunting! (No, not me, just Daniel)

Happy Birthday Richard

September 11th brings Richard to 8 miraculous years. Whenever this day comes around, I find myself reliving the (very frightening) day that brought him to us. Racing to the hospital, a 3 minute flat C-section, 3 long months of NICU life, and months of oxygen.
Since it's been a few years, many of you may not know that doctors told us, several months ahead of time, Richard would not survive when he was born. (My water had broken around 15 weeks and doctors wanted to "terminate" that evening). We waited and saw several specialists in the next 14 weeks. I went into labor at 29 weeks b/c of an infection--within an hour we were rushing to the hospital.
Richard's heart and breathing stopped, so I was rushed in for a C-section and my doctor wasn't there - the nurses grabbed one in the hallway. When I came to, I laid in recovery for a long time wondering how the baby was. On the way to my room, they actually rolled me through the NICU, in the bed, to see Richard.
The next six months could fill several books--but it taught us much about ourselves and the goodness of the Lord -- providing for us, sustaining us, and sending miracle after miracle. It is hard to realize your own weakness and rely on someone else. It is hard to wait patiently for tiny signs of progress and hope for a life returning to normal.
Now, eight years down the road, we praise the Lord each day for our miracle boy and all he's been through.

And I often wonder what things lie in store for him.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza ruins in Mexico - it's like pyramids for the west. (Those Egyptians weren't the only hard workers!)

Most people know my brother is in Mexico, and they usually ask "Why???" For the history of course! Look at that sight - and you can climb right on it - pretend you are a Mayan, dragging that rock straight up to the top. Put on your tribal mask, do a temple dance,... maybe not. (I'd be pulling one of the children up.)

Seriously though, he is very close to Chichen Itza. In a few weeks he will be playing there with Placido Domingo, one of the Three Tenors. (Caroline - is he the other guy???). In the musical arena he's met a few famous people, but Domingo and Chichen Itza...too much for one day.

So, get your tickets now....we can play ball afterwards (there's a famous Mayan ball court there).

Giddy-up and Ride - Rachel's 9th Birthday

Rachel, like most nine year old girls, loves horses. So this year for her birthday we surprised her with a horseback riding party at the nearby stable. We started out at the park and then rode over to the stable on a trailer. I thought is was supposed to be a hayride, but there was no hay. (Turns out the kids thought the hay was too itchy anyway and just wanted the bare trailer.)

At the stable, the kids took turns trying to ride 4 horses. It was very humorous to see them shoving and whacking the horses in an attempt to make them go. Robert and Colton did finally get their horses to gallop around. Alyx also went flying by once (she said she had the bumpy horse). Rachel and Hannah were able to get a good trot going, but poor Larissa seemed to always be stuck in the middle of the corral.

We managed to get back to the park before the skies opened up. All in all, I think it was about perfect and the kids had a great time.

T. Burgess Books

Left out of the list below is one of my favorites: Thornton Burgess.
He wrote a large amount of nature stories that are old fashioned, humorous, and teach character and virtue through the animals. They are old and priceless, you just don't find alot of writing like this anymore.

They all have names like:
Chatterer the Red Squirrel
Reddy Fox
Old Mr. Toad
Buster Bear

They are good for the early grammar stage and up. You can find them for a few dollars on Amazon.

Also, Trivium Pursuit offers a great little pamphlet you can take with you to the library called The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. It lists hundreds of worthwhile books that passed their requirements for great content. There is no way I can read everything the children pick out (those who read independently). This helps us to pick out quality, safe books every time. If you are schooling your children, the books are also listed in the back by time period for History studies. (Search online for Trivium Pursuit to order - about $5.)

Worthwhile Books

Reading to the kids is something I've always enjoyed, especially with the little ones. There's something about reading a book so much that you know the words by heart. One of my favorites has always been How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I think every one in the family can recite it.

Here are some of our favorites for younger children:
A Fish Out of Water by Palmer and Eastman
Are You My Mother? by Eastman
Flap Your Wings by Eastman
Flyaway Kite by Bjorkman
Goodnight Moon by Brown and Hurr
Ping by Flack and Wiese
Slinky Malinki, Harry MacClary, and Schnitzel von Krumm (several books are in this series - excellent rhyme and so funny) by Lynley Dodd
Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak

and when they're a little older (grammar stage)
Charlotte's Web by White
Cheaper by the Dozen by Gilbert (you have to edit a bit)
Chronicles of Narnia by Lewis
David Livingstone by Benge
Frog and Toad by Lobel
Hero Tales by Jackson
Little House Series by Wilder
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Atwater
Stuart Little by White
Teddy's Button by LeFeuvre
Trumpet of the Swan by White
Wind in the Willows by Grahame

That's enough for now, but I"m sure I've left out many that I'll see tomorrow and want to add!

School's In :)

The majority of the schoolroom is now done - only a few things left to do. This is our 7th year home schooling, so it is long overdue. We've schooled in the gameroom mostly and that worked well when 2 were learning and 3 were playing. I could also see the sandbox and swingset. However, last year we moved upstairs to reduce noise for Daniel (the office was next to us). Now I have 5 schooling, so we need a better place to have everything organized and together.

This is "before"- Rachel's purple room (which was also a nursery for Ryan and Rush). Rachel has now finally moved out (like Peter Pan and Wendy) of the nursery - and will be 9 soon!

Here are the "after" pictures - this is Rush and Ryan's corner with all the Kindergarten type things they love. Ryan's desk is in front of the window - wood and white.

This is a picture I saw and painted on their wall. Rush loves the aliens in the flying saucer - but, we're studying Astronomy this year, so it will come in handy.

Second, fourth, and sixth grade corner. The empty wall on the left is getting a big dry erase board.

My desk, which is actually from Rachel's room. She wants to use the big table. The door on the left goes to the hall, the door on the right goes to the Master. (I'm recovering the chair)

Daniel let me have one of his gorgeous bookcases from his office, but it's already full!

Happy Anniversary

12 happy years!! It was actually on Sat, but I was sick that night and didn't get to posting. So, I'll have to scan pictures to put here b/c 12 years ago there was no digital photography! But it'll be worth the work.

Thank you, honey, for the best year so far!!!!!!!!!

Running totals:
5 children
4 homes
2 apartments
7 surgeries :)
6 trips to NY to the family cottage (miss that)
8 vehicles (wow!)
4 dogs (one now)
2 different jobs (Daniel)
2 preemies who scared us to our knees!
and millions of priceless memories.

Business Update

For all of my friends who were praying about Daniel's trip a few weeks back, thank you!
Altho they will not have the account immediately, (Daniel got the feeling prior to the mtg that they'd already made a decision) the company has said they will probably switch over in the Spring. So, that's a big praise!

Right now he is in Greensboro, coming home this eve, not having to stay over night. He is tired (left at 4am - Erica understands!) but excited to fly thru DC and then home - he actually just called me from Reagan Int'l and the Prez's helicopter went by. Also, on arrival you get to fly right up the Potomac which is neat - esp. for my History buff hubby! He was actually born in MD -maybe that's why he loves it. Anyway, we pray for another safe trip home.

I've been neglectful for the last week or two due to painting a few rooms and moving Rachel to the guest room and setting up a school room where she was. (When you homeschool, you feel like everything has to be done in the Summer:)) I took pics so I'll post them soon.

July 5th- More Waterfalls

We had so much fun on the 4th, the kids wanted to see more waterfalls. We headed out the next day and found the best one of all - no crowds, no railings. We actually thought we were lost as the road turned to dirt and we realized we were in the middle of nowhere. But, the road stopped in a forest and there was a tiny sign, so we started hiking. At the end of the short trail was a gorgeous waterfall that you could walk all over - and we were the only ones there! It was awesome. I'm sure we'll be back many times.

Prayer Request

For all of my SS girls who are checking, please pray for Daniel. He is gone Mon-Wed this week (14th) and on a tough sales call. He's not in sales, he's just been flown out to be the "audit expert" for this presentation. It is a big company and they are thinking they have no chance. He thinks they've already decided on another team and are just getting other "bids" because they have to. Besides a safe return, it would be great for Daniel and Steve to get this client-but it will take heavenly intervention!
Thank you!

Fourth of July

This 4th of July turned out to be a different one for us--no friends and family and no BBQs. So, we decided to get out (and stop working on the house) and head for the mountains.

We found some beautiful places and had a great time. So, if you're looking for a new tradition on the 4th -or any day- I'd recommend a Pettit CD and mountain roads. There are several waterfalls (maybe hundreds) in this area. Here are some of the places we stopped, but the battery on the camera died, so there are some that we missed.

Issaquenna Falls - beautiful to look at and an easy walk to the overlook. You will notice someone's eyes are closed in every picture - with 5 kids, it's just inevitable. Stump House tunnel - a RR tunnel started by hand before the Civil War. The state ran out of money about 1/4 of the way thru the tunnel and then the war broke out so it was never finished. You can walk into it 1600 ft, but we really needed a flashlight and couldn't go that far. This picture looks fine when you take it, but the light bounces off the mist coming out and the picture ends up looking white. Rush and Ryan run back out of the tunnel This one is for Erica and Rebekah - my flower photographers. This is all over the mountains and they call it mountain laurel. This was taken at the Fish Hatchery -which the kids loved. There were some beautiful trails there and they were able to feed lots of trout.

One overlook along the road gave us this gorgeous view of Lake Jocassee. Across the lake in the opposite mountains would be the Wilds. You'll overlook the lake if you take the hike to the falls.

We pulled off at this overlook and were admiring the ok view in front of us when I turned around and saw this view behind us. It was beautiful - but it's hard to tell from the picture.

We ended up in Highlands, NC which I just loved, being a woman. Daniel's opinion would be less glowing! Cute shops and neat places to hunt around for hours. We found a great pizza place --called The Pizza Place--best pizza I've had in a long time. Outside of Highlands, Bridal Falls was neat, because you can drive under it, but not alot of water because of the drought up here.

The last fall I was looking for was closed for parking improvements (I think Dry Falls was the name). You can actually walk under it - which Daniel was very excited about b/c he could act out his favorite "Last of the Mohicans" scenes. Anyway, that one we'll get back to some other day.

A big milestone

On June 23rd Robert left for Junior Camp at the Wilds. He ran onto that bus and never looked back (which makes Mom feel great ) He was so excited. (We met the church bus up here in SC-altho Spence did try to leave without us!)

On Saturday, we all drove to the Wilds to pick up Robert - just over an hour away up the mountain roads-which, Richard does NOT like. The kids were so excited to see the camp we always talk about and Robert was flying high from the best week of his life so far! I was glad to be back and look around after 5 long years away! Last time I was there with Daniel for a Couple's Retreat and expecting Rush. (After we got home, we flew to Houston, and then I went into the hospital for 6 weeks!)

We ran into the Monroes in the parking lot and all walked down to the lake while the kids talked their heads off about the past week. They had to show us every cool thing they did. We also got to meet Robert's counselor who seemed like a really great kid. (At the Wilds, awesome counselors are a given! I know, I was one!)

And at the end of the mountain trail --Richard puked all over. Poor kid.


So now, my children are going to the Wilds. It's hard to believe they're old enough--I've looked forward to this day for 10 years. Robert has showed the kids his camp video about 15 times. They think THEY went with him. We're going to do a Family Camp soon, tho. Now Rush is old enough to enjoy it and we found out he loves waterfalls, which they have. More on that trip later.


We miss you guys in FL! We decided to stay an extra week, so we'll come home around the 12th. See you soon!!!

First Stop-A few pics

What do you do after an 8 hour trip to Hartwell? You celebrate by running wild on the lake shore and get some good sunset pictures! This was June 18th, when we drove up here (me and the 4 kids, Daniel and Robert came a few days early) BTW this is down the road, not my backyard.

Road Trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't know if I will be able to access the blog on vacation, but we'll be in Anderson, SC 'til July 6th or so. If you're in the neighborhood, give us a call --we'll go tubing! (We're near Greenville). We'll miss you and happy 4th!