I prayed for the perfect Summer...

and I got it!

I knew that this summer would be my last summer alone with Gage and I wanted it to be as great as it possibly could be. When Summer break comes around next year Gage will have a 4 month old little brother or sister, so this was his last year to have me all to himself. We had the best time together. He has got to be the funniest 2 (very soon to be 3) year old kid I have ever seen. You NEVER know what he is going to say next. I think what I love most about him though, is that he doesn't meet a stranger. He loves deep and he laughs hard!

We had both a fun and very productive summer break.

We attempted Tuesday story time at the library, but I have come to learn that if Gage can't hold the book or be right up close to it, he has NO interest. I think he may be a bit of a control freak!

We spent Wednesday mornings at his school reading books and making crafts with his friends and teachers. That was great fun, and I hope it gave Mrs. Fran and Mrs. Kijuana a little break!

Wednesday nights we spent in the Boddie Projects talking about Jesus, playing with friends, and passing out snow cones, popcorn, or cotton candy.

We had several play dates with our best friends Hollie and Rowan. These two boys together equal a big mess to clean and a sore belly from laughing so hard. I say it often, but I hope Gage and Row one day have the friendship Hollie and I have!

We swam with our friends Frank, Cathryn, Paige, Milo and Rudy...Gage LOVED it! They have always been dear friends, and I would be willing to bet that they will NEVER know the difference they have made in my life!

We had several lunch dates with our friend Stephanie...Gage loves to hang out with Stephanie, and her husband "Meester Wayne".

We also hung out with Becki, Jamie/Brayden, Jamie/Jameson/Joshua...in all of those different combinations of friends...we ate LOTS of Chick-fil-a...hey we even climbed to the TOP of the playground (and I do mean WE)!!!

We met daddy a few times for lunch and went to visit him at work so we could also see Mr. Stacy.

There were 3 beach trips for Gage, as well as trips to Powder Springs and Harlem. Both sets of grandparents made several trips to Milledgeville too! He was quite the traveler.

As much fun as Gage and I had on the go...my favorite times...were right here at home. The times where we wore our pajamas until we HAD to change clothes. The times we laid together on the couch watching "Thomas the train" and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". We had countless hours crashing cars, lining up trains, doing puzzles and reading books. I cannot begin to tell you how many blueberry muffins were consumed this summer, but the boy can put away some breakfast food! We would go from the living room, to his "big boy room" to the computer (when Nana was here), to "mommy and daddy's room" and back around again...one thing is for sure...Gage is always on the go. He wakes up early, and when he does, he is rEaDy to pLaY!

I cannot believe school starts tomorrow. I will begin my 8th year of teaching kindergarten at Putnam County Primary School. Time flies when you are having fun. I have been in Milledgeville for 11 years now! You know what? As AWESOME as this summer was for us, I always get excited about a new school year. This year will bring changes like none before it, but I know that God has called me to be where I am, and to do what I do, and for that I am very grateful.

Chris and I are also grateful that while we are at work-care is being provided for our little boy... care that is better than we could have ever hoped for. To Chris and I "The Learning Safari" is more than just a "day care facility". It is a place where Gage feels safe and is loved. He loves the workers and the children, and they love him too. It is more that just a place for him to stay while we work that provides meals, nap time, and a snack. It is a place of endless stories of friends he has made, things he has learned, and new toys/activities he has the chance to play with/take part in. Gage is partly who is because of this "home away from home" and Chris and I are thankful God sent us there. The innocence of a child can be stripped away in just seconds, so as parents you hope and pray that you are constantly making right decisions and doing the best you can for your child. This is not a perfect place, and it's not for every family, but it is definitely for the Brown's. Look out Mrs. Vet and Mrs. Nicole...you will have your hands full with Gage Brown. He will warm your heart, make you laugh, bring you challenges, and at the end of the day (or in my case at the end of the Summer) all you will be able to do is smile real big, hug him real tight, and kiss him on his sweet little cheeks!

Lord, thank you for this summer. It was truly perfect. You have done it again...you have blessed us beyond belief!

I have a heavy heart...

-for a childhood friend whose marriage is struggling. I haven't talked to her in a long time, but I hope that she knows that I am praying for her, her husband, and her two sweet babies.

-for the mother of 3 (this year will make 4) precious children I have taught. Doctors found a tumor in her husband's head this week, and he will have brain surgery tomorrow.

-for two special friends at work whose mother has been battling cancer, overcome so many odds, and is now facing rehab because of a recent fall that resulted in surgery.

-for two other special friends at work who will be making some MAJOR changes this year that we NEVER saw coming.

-for several friends who are desiring to get pregnant.

-for a friend whose husband's back is causing him a lot of trouble and pain and the doctors don't know what the cause is.

-for a friend who is struggling with a relationship.

-for a friend whose husband is praying about leaving his current job to possibly start a new career.

-for a friend whose husband has has some alarming symptoms, been to all of the "major hospitals" and no doctor can find the cause behind his ailment.

-for a long time friend of our family who battled cancer, won the fight, but continues to struggle with side effects from new medicines and constant infection.

-for a friend who has just graduated from college, has been on countless interviews, but none have resulted in a job offer.

-for a friend who is about to lose three people she loves dearly to a job change.

-for a local day care owner and her family who have lost more in the past few months than anyone should have to lose in a lifetime.

-for a college friend who lost her dad to a heart attack...they were so very close!

If I just stopped this post right here, with all of these situations, this would be pretty depressing read wouldn't it? It would sound as though I, and everyone on this list, was defeated. It would sound as though we have to just sit with heavy hearts, and let the chips fall where they may.

BUT GUESS WHAT?

We don't just sit and hope for the best, we can PRAY for the best. We can claim the best. We can talk to God HIMSELF and ask Him exactly what is best. What will happen with this marriage, this husband, and these friends? We can approach the throne of grace with confidence. As hard as these times are that my dear sweet friends are facing, none of these situations are a surprise to God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will not and cannot change. As big as the things are, He is oh so much bigger. He still works miracles! I have found that when we are faced with the unknown, or the odds are stacked against us, that is when He shines the most! My God likes to defy the odds!

As heavy as my heart is, it is also overflowing with thanksgiving that I have the opportunity to lift up my brothers and sisters in prayer! It is also our obligation to pray. How could we not? Think about the last time someone prayed for you...when people bless your life, like each of the people mentioned above continually bless mine...you can't help but talk to God on their behalf.