Resemblence?? I think so!

We had some much fun dressing up! We got tons of compliments too! Gavin's tin man costume was the biggest hit...but Cameron looked so darn cute in that hat.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Random pictures too cute to be ignored...

SEPTEMBER PICTURES

OCTOBER PICTURES

Happy Monday!

Things are moving along smoothly here. We just got back from South Bend this past Saturday. I helped plan Jason's sister, Leah's, baby shower. We got to see my papa too. If you remember, he broke his hip coming to see us last month. He is now in a rehab nursing home but seems to be doing well. His treatments for his cancer have stopped so we are praying that is does not spread. Without them, the doctors only give 3-4 months to live. So please continue to pray for him...for the cancer NOT to spread and for his spirits. I know he really wants to go home!

The family is preparing for Halloween these last few weeks. We picked pumpkins with our Japanese friends the other week. They are so much fun to hang out with...I think they really enjoy our "American" holidays! We love sharing our traditions with them too. Everyone in the family is dressing up this year...we are going as the characters from the Wizard of Oz. This is a first and should be alot of fun.

Hope everyone has a great week. I plan to post pictures of Halloween for you all.

Notice how fat Nolan is getting?! Look at those cheeks. He is almost smiling here. I have some good smiling pics, but they are still on my camera!

Cameron is so weird...He instisted on wearing all this one day! You should have seen the look on daddy's face when he got home...and he wonders what we do all day...gees!

It's with a heavy heart that I sit and write this tonight. This past Monday, we traveled to Plymouth to lay to rest Jason's uncle Craig. Craig was just 48 years old. He leaves behind a wife and three kids.

As we sat in the funeral home, I felt overwhelmed by the thought of losing someone that I love. I have yet to experience a death of someone close and can't imagine the hurt and pain that one experiences. I did not know Craig very well, but yet I mourned his death because of the sorrow and hurt that his family was feeling. What shock and pain it must be to loss someone with whom you loved so much.

At the funeral many songs were played. The first being "Amazing Grace." How many of you know that song, yet have never really stopped and really listened to it??

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That sav’d a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev’d;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ’d!

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The song was one of Craig's favorite. Why? Because he was a believer. He believed that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again. He called on him and was saved. His wife is also a christian and although she mourns his death, so rejoices because he is now in heaven with God.

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Craig knew where he was going when he dies...I know where I'm going when I die, do you? The bible makes it clear. "Who ever calls on His name will be saved" Saved??? Do you know what that really means??

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Stay with me here...

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We all sin. I know that I am a terrible sinner. But that's the thing, we ALL sin so if it weren't for Jesus dying on the cross and taking the brunt of our sin, we would never be allowed into heaven.

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Think of it this way....I am on one side of the river and God is on the other. I can't get to him because he is well...God and I'm well...me with my horrible attitude and righteous behavior. So what can I do to get to him. NOTHING really, because there is no way to EARN holiness or erase what I think and do. My punishment for my sin is death..forever separated from Him.

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So now what? Basically I have to have someone else EARN my way to God. Into the picture....Jesus. You see, he lived a perfect life (yes, he lead a perfect life!) and died in our place on the cross. He took the punishment for me so that I can go to heaven with God instead of hell (which I deserve). He is the bridge linking me and God! He SAVED me!!!

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Still have you here? Good.

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Now, what I choose to do with the "gift" is up to me. I can ignore it, deny it, or accept it. I chose to accept it and so did Craig. All you have to do to accept Christ gift is to admit your sin (if you understand that you are a sinner...) and for him to be the leader of your life (instead of you). A simple prayer that will change your life forever!

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Sound easy....it is!!! If you truly believe it, it seals your destiny forever. Pretty awesome isn't it?? No more living in fear of death. They say heaven is better than we can ever imagine and I want to be there with you. A friend said to me the other day, "I bet people would give more thought to this Jesus thing if they really understood what hell was like." I agree because if you choose to deny or ignore this gift, I really believe that you will end up there....for eternity. -

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So where do you stand? Are you ready to make a decision? I hope that you will and if you are still confused, I hope that you will seek out answers. I know that the bible has an ugly reputation for being hard to understand, so if you can't start there...start somewhere. Attend church, go to a christian website....ask me!!!
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The decision to ask God into my life was very personal. I had very misguided ideas about God and death and it took me sometime to understand all this. Heck, I don't understand it all completely now! All I know is, once you make that decision, you are deciding to change. You are no longer living for your own desires and wants, but are living for God. I am still FAR from perfect, but I am leaning on what God wants for me rather than what I want for myself. That is what being a christian is.

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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE think about what I've written. The most comforting thing about Craig's death was that he continues to live with God in heaven. What an amazing comfort to his family. I want to know that about you. Know that one day we will all be together in heaven, forever!!!!

-Jaime

P.S. I just want to clarify...God doesn't speak directly to me through revelations or anything....he doesn't do that! He tells me what he wants for my life in the bible....just want to make sure it was clear that I haven't heard God's actual voice :)

Update

It's been a while since I've given a family update so this is what's new around here....

Nolan: he's becoming a strong little man. Already holding his head up really well. He's smiling now, which makes my day! He really is a good baby minus the occasional crying for no apparent reason. He is sleeping about 5 hours at night which is WONDERFUL! He is also accepting a bottle (with mamma's milk, of course) which allowed me much needed time out with girlfriends tonight.

Cameron: he is becoming quite the big boy. He FINALLY says, "Momma" which is soooooo cute :) Now when he wants my attention, that's all I hear...He is saying quite a few words actually but I think our family is the only ones that could understand 1/2 of them.

Gavin: knows all of Psalm 100! He was been memorizing the 5 verses for about a month and was the 1st in his class to get it. He is also learning to read and is doing quite well. He LOVES school and seems to be adjusting well.

Jason: hard at work as always! We are so thankful that we have such a wonderful, loving daddy and husband. He helps out so much that I know that I would go crazy without him. Oh, and he is especially happy these days....the cubbies are in the playoffs!!!

Me: I contemplate whether you want to hear more about me or not?! Things are great and having 3 is not so hard after all, although it has it's days. I have begun writing a monthly column for our local MOPS newsletter...basically about shopping and how to save money! Wow, I know that's surprising, isn't it?? I also am starting to volunteer at the community center's clothing closet next month.

Well, I think that sums it up. Hope all is well with each of you. I will post pics of the little cuties soon!

Jaime

p.s. Please remember to keep my papa in your prayers...he had surgery on his hip a few days ago and prayer for healing and patience would be appreciated. He has a long road ahead of him.

Most of you received this in the mail (if you didn't, I really want your address!). I did them myself and have gotten so much positive feedback that I have done 2 other baby's announcement and am working on a 4th for a friend. I really enjoy the process!

I have created a few more and am interested in more business! Send people my way brownfamilyfive@verizon.net if they are having a baby, a birthday or even for their christmas cards. I can do them way cheaper than other sites who charge around $1.50-$3 per card!

I will post more of my designs later...

Jaime