Old Blogs and New Posts

Over the next little bit I'm going to be re-posting some of my favorite posts from my old blog. I'm going to attempt to do this so that I can keep the blog info in one place rather than go back and forth between several. Since I now have an address that I like and an account I can remember the access too, this should not be too tough!

My first re-post is this one from 2005 and memories of Jonny. Fun, fun!

Weekly Drawing Assignments

From Drawing

Doing some cleanup of my office at home and ran across these small sketches (they are about 4"x5" sheets). I turned these in to Mr. Pullen (my HS art teacher) for a couple of weekly drawings. I wonder what happened to all the rest of 'em?

I can remember creating these - it's amazing that was as a freshman in 1989. According to the note on the opposite side of the elderly woman, I turned her in on 12-10-89. I also stretched the estimate and said it took me 45 minutes to create. Sorry!

Adding to the Family

Christmas came a few days early for the Brower family this year.

Last week as I thought about what I wanted for my boys' gift for Christmas, I wanted to give them something that would last beyond the colorful paper, shiny box, or assembly instructions. The more I thought about this, the more I thought we should get them a pet. Not just any pet, but a dog! A Cockapoo puppy to be precise.

Anyone that knows me knows that I am not a dog fan. I've said "NO" to a dog in any non-stuffed form for years now. My boys know that we are not getting a dog. Or a pet for that matter. Too much work, too many issues. Dad doesn't like dogs!

So I told Danielle that I thought we should consider getting a Cockapoo puppy for Christmas this year. It didn't take much more than that. Within a few days we found a Cockapoo breeder and a puppy we wanted to visit. In the swirling wind and negative digit temperatures of this past Sunday afternoon, Danielle and I made the 2 hour trek to Albert Lea, MN to visit KNS Pups. The boys stayed with my parents in case we didn't find the puppy we were looking for.

But we found a cute and very calm male Cockapoo pup. I was pretty certain we would find the puppy we wanted, but seeing him in the mix of a handful of cute little Cockapoos cinched the deal. He was the right temperament and awfully cute! So we made the trip back home and surprised the boys with Lincoln.



Lincoln, or Link as we've been calling him, has fit right in. The boys are having a ball on "Poop Patrol", teaching him to fetch, and getting to know him. It's been a fun few days for Danielle and I too. We have much to learn, but celebrating Christmas with a gift that draws us together has been quite a treat!

All I want for Christmas...is a Goat!

Lately I've been asked a time or two, "What do you want for Christmas?" My standard answer, "Nothing." I have more than I need. I am very thankful, truly, completely. I have much to be thankful for. Today, I know what I want and for any interested, here's my Christmas list. (Click the links...)

1. A goat
2. Clean water
3. A hospital
4. A new bike
5. A soccer ball
6. Milk
7. A doctor
8. To learn to read and write
9. Medicine
10. Surgery

If you clicked a link or two you already know, but my list of wishes are not for me. Give a gift to people around the world through Samaritan's Purse. The mission of Samaritan's Purse...

Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have a great desire to impact the world beyond my immediate reach and this is way that we can all be involved. If you're getting a gift for someone who has everything, consider helping one who really needs it in their name. Let them know you purchased them a goat for a good cause!

Make it a truly merry Christmas for someone who can never pay you back!

Matching Shoes!

Today I finally rec'd a good report on my foot! I had no idea how thankful I could be just to wear a full pair of shoes again. I went to an orthopedic doctor who looked at my x-rays and said all is well and on schedule. He made my day when he said I could get rid of the leg brace I'd been strapping into for the last month!

It's been 7 weeks and I'm walking unassisted again. Very thankful for health! I heard today that my mom-in-law had added me to her groups prayer line - thanks! (To her and all that said a prayer on my behalf.)