July 29, 2009
Thank you Lord- Shawnda and Jeremiah are home!! God is sooooo good!
As Miri said "He's the cutest thing ever!"
Missing Jon...
July 26, 2009
Friday morning we met for family devotions and because we were out of town last week- this was our first meeting without Jon. In the middle of our meeting Miri suddenly blurted out, "We lost Jon!" :)
We are missing our boy!
Here's a shot of Miri and Mocha on Jon's bed... missin' their boy!
Zachary Thomas Ross is here!
July 25, 2009
Thank you Lord!
Hilary and Greg's first precious child
arrived today weighing in at
6lbs 13 oz.
Welcome sweet one!!
July 24, 2009
"God will see to it
that we are in circumstances
that are best designed
by His sovereign love
to give us opportunities
to bear fruit for Him."
~Elisabeth Elliot
As you trust in Him...
July 21, 2009
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
We're Home!
July 20, 2009
We had a wonderful weekend at the NC State Fairgrounds! I came away ever so grateful for the Special Olympics. To see the joy on these children's faces when they'd each get a ribbon or medal was precious! There were many emotions over the weekend. To see up close what challenges families face each day brought me to tears. To see family members bending over backwards to encourage each rider also brought me to tears. They were a family...understanding some of what it means to have a child with special needs. We were privileged to be there- to be a part.
Miri was a bit nervous to ride in the big arena but even though she had to change horses last minute- she did well. She was so funny- she won 2 third place ribbons which were her favorite color- yellow. She had 2 more classes to compete in and only wanted yellow :). She got a 4th place ribbon (white) but then rode her best in the last class (equitation) and got another yellow! Thank you Lord!
Sadly we had major camera struggles so these are the only shots that turned out. Bill did take video and another mom is getting me a CD of the pictures she took. If I get more I'll post them soon!
Special Olympics Here We Come!
July 16, 2009
Early tomorrow morning we meet up with the Mecklenberg team at Lifespan where we'll begin our trek to the NC State Fair Grounds where Mirielle will compete in the Special Olympics on horse back! She's so excited as are we.
Will you please pray...
1. For safety for the team
2. That Mirielle will not feel pressure to perform. We just want her to have fun!
3. That Dolly (the horse Miri's riding) will respond to Miri's prompts. She's an older horse who at times decides she's 'done'. Hmmm... kinda like me! :)
We'll post pictures when we return!
Miri on Dolly~
July 16, 2009
"We can stop pleading with God to show us the future, and start living and obeying like we are confident that He holds the future.” Kevin DeYoung
Day 1
July 13, 2009
I remember being aware when Jonathan was born- that one day he'd leave home. Grasping the fact that today is that day?? Impossible! I believe I will always be one of those mom's who make it a point to tell new moms to enjoy their children because it'll fly by. It really does.
I am so grateful to the Lord for all that has taken place over these past few weeks. Many wonderful memories were made- but the one that stands out most is our dinner on Day 9.
Today was indeed surreal! I truly sensed the grace of God at work- thank you to those who prayed! We started our day all rising around 6ish. As Jon was ready to head downstairs he went in to wake Miri. This was precious :)
The first thing she asked was- "Is there lightening?"~Due to the flash from the camera :)
Jon put the last few things in his car... then sat down to breakfast with Bill.
I love this shot... my 3 men!
This is the "DON'T LEAVE" shot!
My 3 kids :)
Miri was so funny! She said she wanted a "Don't leave" shot!!
As Jon was getting ready to leave I started crying so Miri said "Don't worry Mom- it's going to be okay! Jon will be close to Disney!" She then said "And you still got him!" (Pointing to Bill :) ) We laughed and laughed which so helped as I took this shot...
And this one...
How I thank the Lord for the privilege of being the mother of Jonathan Holt Brown!
Day 2
July 12, 2009
What a joy it was to worship alongside my boys this morning! After worship we had a sweet time of prayer for Jon which so encouraged our souls. Jon was able to say goodbye to most of his friends during the Mission 28 hot dog fund raiser after church. What a wonderful afternoon.
While at the fund raiser- our pastor- Mickey Connolly informed me that we are now a part of an exclusive club :). This club includes only a few families at Crossway. We are of a handful of families who have a child serving at a Sovereign Grace church in another state! In the slide show below you'll see a picture of Mickey shaking my hand - welcoming me-on behalf of my family- in this club :).
Jon and Taylor then headed to another barbecue which sadly I have no pictures of. When they came home tonight the goal was to pack the car! The Saturn is about full- and will surely be completely full by tomorrow.
Thank you Lord for a wonderful day.
Tomorrow will be here before we know it...
Here are the pics from today!
Day 3
July 11, 2009
Today Jon was home the entire day so I was able to capture a few fun moments :). We'll start with a picture from his time last night with Greg and Hilary. Hilary posted a tribute to Jon on her blog that you won't want to miss. It has some pretty hilarious pictures :)
There were a few 'lasts' today...
Jon's last weekly email to Julie- now he'll be able to see her!!
Jon doing his last chore in our home!
Most likely- last jam session :(.
Jon worked on his car today- getting it ready for the long drive to FL!
This proves he actually worked :).
I can't get enough of these shots! Miri loves her Jonny!
Jon has always loved dogs. Mocha will be missing her Jon and I know Jon will miss her too.
We said goodbye to these today. They were Jon's Starbuck's shoes. I know it's silly- but these were left out for years. I never thought I'd treasure them ... but realizing they won't be left at the door anymore made me want to take a picture of them. Tears... Yes- there were tears this afternoon... tears of loss and gratefulness intertwined. We will so miss our Jon!
Day 4
July 10, 2009
Day 4 started with Jon heading to his last day at Starbucks!
He worked a long day... 7-4. One of his favorite customers actually
brought in brownies for him -in celebration of his last day!
I sent Taylor to do my dirty work (picture of Jon working) and to get
our traditional Friday purchase.
Goodbye Starbucks!
Our traditional Friday purchase-Any sub for $3.99!
This came in the mail today- We already love CCC!
I will so miss our times playing music together. We practiced for Sunday which will be our last time playing together... sigh... You all ARE praying for me right? :) His grace is sufficient... His grace is sufficient!
Jon left around 6:30 to have dinner with Greg and Hilary. I asked if he'd take his camera :). I can share those pix on Day 3.
Day 5
July 9, 2009
Jonathan slept for the first half of his day today- which is understandable given he and Taylor thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the McMahon's 'Goodbye Jon' party :). Here's a picture from the evening...
Adam and Jon :)
I then spent the afternoon at the dentist getting a root canal. I wouldn't recommend one :)...but I'm thankful to the Lord for anesthesia!!
Tonight Jon chose my mom's recipe for Macaroni and Cheese. It is by far our favorite Mac 'n Cheese recipe. It's a rare sighting to find Jon near the stove- so check it out!
While we waited for the Mac 'n Cheese we watched another one of Jon's favorite movies... The Empire Strikes Back. Amazingly he can quote most of the movie. Yes- he's quite gifted :).
Here's the final product!
We ended our meal with Jon's favorite dessert- a version of Key Lime Pie. Yum!
Once the pie was consumed- Jon headed upstairs for surely his favorite time of the week- his phone call with Julie :). Need I say more?
Day 6 update
Ha- this was just posted on Facebook... a picture from the "Goodbye to Jon" party!
I want the shirt Adam!
Day 6
July 8, 2009
This morning Jon worked at Starbucks then was at his computer for most of the afternoon. Taylor grabbed him for a game of ping-pong ... I pulled him out for a haircut :)... and then we all played The Train! Taylor and Jon then left for a goodbye Jon party at the McMahon's which most likely will carry over until day 5- so I sent them with a camera :). Here are a few pictures...
Jon and Taylor have played many a game over the years!
Like the moves? You can also hear them from all over the house when they play:).
Okay- I made him pose for this... the haircut!
We love playing "The Train"!
Day 7
July 7, 2009
Today we didn't see Jon much! He was busy working on a recording project- then tonight he and Taylor led worship for their Tuesday night of prayer and worship! I'm so glad he was able to spend time with several of his friends! God is good :).
In the living-room...
In the studio...
Sam Shea hard at work!
Jon???? Wondering what Day 6 will hold?
Day 8
July 6, 2009
Today we did a little packing in Jon's room... then tonight we watched one of Jon's all time favorite movies... The Court Jester featuring Danny Kaye! I have so many memories of watching Danny Kaye movies with Jon... it was a wonderful way to spend the evening on Day 8!
Progress is being made...
Here's a hat Jon found in his closet and gave to Miri.
She's been singing and dancing with it on all afternoon :)
We so enjoy Danny Kaye!
Day 9
July 5, 2009
Today's photo- Day 9- was taken while Bill, Jon, Taylor and I had a special dinner together. We took some time to ask Jon a few questions like-
"What were some of your best childhood memories?" Building forts I think took first place! They would use every blanket/sheet/comforter/towel! They were incredible forts!
"What were some of your worst childhood memories?" Those awkward middle school years :) My poor boy!
"Is there anything unresolved (from the last 23 years) that you'd like to talk about?" Taylor started off asking forgiveness for throwing a hanger at Jon when he was about 11 :). We did get serious- it was a wonderful time!
"Do you have any observations for each of us personally- or for our marriage?" Jon had insightful observations for each of us and especially for our marriage. He encouraged Bill and I to make spending time with each other more a priority. Taylor suggested we endeavor to take a walk each day and spend more time in the Word together. We came away oh so encouraged and so grateful for both our young men!! God is so good!
I will always treasure Day 9 :).
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