Denver

Colorado Christmas

Mikey and I are in Colorado for Christmas. This is NOT what it looks like. There is no snow on the ground! Tomorrow we are going skiing so we will see snow. Someday that is how I want to spend Christmas :)

Sewing and Sowing

I have decided to teach the girls in my class how to sew. This might be a crazy idea, I will find out tomorrow. I am bringing my machine to school and our first project is going to be making classroom pillows for reading time. I am not sure how many will be interested but I am going to start a club. I used to love starting clubs when I was young and its about time that I started another one. I will call it: Sewing and Sowing: Girls Giving Glory To God.

You reap what you sow: The Harvest is coming!

Around the Brown House

What Mikey is doing these days:

"Hi Mikey" Katie says after a day at work. "Did you go outside today?" "Nope" answers Mikey, who then goes back to the study. (Exams this week)

What Katie is doing these days:

Working long long days. Planning a class trip to "Africa". Trying out art projects. Reading childrens novels. Constantly thinking of ways to be a better teacher.

Where we wish we were:
See above picture

Goodnight!

Tears, Singing, and Cupcakes :)

I was for warned by the third grade teacher of some particular "chatty" students. I was also told to be aware of an uncontrollable boy with undiagnosed needs....

I came to school very early Tuesday morning to finish preparing for the first day of school. I was excited to meet my students and teach! I had my armour on. Prepared for the worst with a plan a, b, and c. I picked up my smiling fourth graders and walked to our classroom. They were VERY excited for school to start and to have the "new, young" teacher. I began the day by giving them their prayer journals. After we had prayer I then proceeded to explain the rules and procedures of the class. One student asked if I was going to be strict about the "card system." I said, "oh yes," this is your warning, if I ask you to pull your card it is too late. His smile turned upside down. My students listened and I began to teach...... I noticed one student imp articular, I will call him James, he desperately wanted attention. I let it go for a while but then I knew I had to put a stop to this behavior. "James, pull your card!" At that moment the class became completely silent and every one's eyes were downcast. James got up and pulled his card. I could feel the terror in the room, I felt bad at this moment, what had I done? James then went to the back desk and filled out a refocus sheet (thanks Katelyn!). I went over to talk to him and noticed tears streaming down his face. "oh, no" I thought, "I can't make a kid cry on the first day of school!" But I explained to him the reasons and told him how sin affects our lives....

My class has done well with the routines. We go unnoticed in the hall ways and line up the quickest after recess. The student who was suppose to be "challenging" has been succeeding. I know it's only the first week of school but I feel the Lord working in my classroom. During Bible time we have been learning the hymn of the month, In Christ Alone. We read the lyrics and then listened to it for the first time yesterday. They loved it! Today I played it again and they all starting singing and playing imaginary instruments. James, who is the attention getter, asked me to play it again Mrs. Brown, play it again. The whole class cheered and we sang it again! In the afternoon time we were finishing up our art project and the sad, insecure girl with a horrible home life looked up at me and asked if I would play "the song" again. So during art time the whole class was worshipping the Lord while painting. I just stood back and watched as the boys played the drums and air guitars and the girls sang. This is going to be a good year.....

Fruit of the Spirit, NOT Fruits....

This has been my project for the past week. Changing a completely empty room into something that is Fourth Grade ready. I decided to chose a Fruit of the Spirit theme for the year. I want my children to build up their character to honor God above all else. Bearing Good Fruit. I have a challenge ahead of me, quite the group of kids.....

P.S. I do have to give credit to my wonderful sister who has spent countless hours helping me this week. A couple friends from my Bible study helped as well! So thankful!

Dessert, Disneyland, beach, baseball....the end of summer :(

We have been busy the past two weeks...moving in and getting ready for the fall. Mikey started his second year of medical school on Monday and I start next week at my new school. We love where we live and are excited for this new season! (I can do without the 115 degree though)

Totally not pink!

I finished the chair and ottoman last week. It was not an easy task but I am very happy with how they turned out!

*The chair is green with pink accents, right? It's not girly at all....*

Tennessee Street

Mikey and I moved into our new house on Wednesday. We LOVE it! Cheaper, brighter, and we have a washer/dryer!! We also have an outdoor patio, which I am in the process of stringing lights on. Sister Sarah helped with the move because we are practically neighbors now!

Out with the old in with the New!

I repainted kitchen chairs, tv stand, and nightstand. I am still in the process of reupholstering the chair and ottoman. We found these priceless items at a garage sale, all of it for under 50.00. My mom has really helped with it too, hopefully tomorrow we will have it done! Now I am off to my fourth trip to Jo Ann's in a week.

The Browns in Bere

This is a short newsletter that we put together to share an overview of our time in Chad. We will be sharing more detailed stories......

Where In The World Are Mikey and Katie? (to the tune of Carmen San Diego)

We take off tomorrow from LAX to Miami to Paris to Chad. We will arrive in the capitol city of N'djamena on Monday and spend the night at missionary house. On Tuesday we will pick up another young traveler and board a bus for an eight hour trip down south to Bere. We are not sure if we will have access to a computer or anything.....so see you in a few weeks!

P.S. It is our one year anniversary!!

Toy Story 3 Birthday Party

We have been dreaming of this party since January when we found out that it was coming out the day after Mikey's birthday. I made a southern style BBQ dinner with a three layer birthday cake for dessert. Mikey dressed up as Woody for part of the night. After celebrating we went to watch the premiere of Toy Story 3. Another great birthday celebration for Mikey!

Mikey Turns 25

Happy Birthday Mikey! I am so happy you were born!

These are the Moments We Live For!

Getting on a plane to Africa...
Accepting your first contracted teaching job...

Watching the world cup with all your friends...

Getting Out the Boxes

Thursday night, after I accepted the fourth grade position at a Christian school in San Bernardino, I took out some boxes. In the study, I put all my teaching supplies in boxes, not knowing when I would be able to take them out. Thursday night was the night. I took EVERYTHING out, took account of markers, paper, journals, things I had bought in anticipation of someday having my own classroom. The study is extremely messy but I can't wait to move it all into my classroom. I have to wait until next week because the current teacher is still there. That would be rude of me to barge in with boxes. I do get classroom money to buy supplies which is a bit shocking considering the circumstances, so I am looking forward to shopping for decorations. I can't believe that I will be a fourth grade teacher. More pictures to come soon!!

Denver to Santa Barbara

Brown Family/ Zach's Highschool Graduation

Elliott Family/Jeffrey's Highschool Graduation

Our mission trip to Chad (TCHAD in French)

May 8, 2010

Graduations

Matthew Stephen Miller

will receive his diploma on Saturday. He is joining the family of fellow graduates :)

(more pictures to come soon)