County Road 3

So we officially own 5 beautifully wooded acres. Despite the fact that there is no house there yet, Devin has moved in. He brought his skidsteer, chainsaw, and lighter for company. They are clearing the driveway and building sites for Devin's building and our house. So Miles and I have been visiting (mostly to make sure he has food and water!). Devin required that one of us help him work (you know, earn our keep) and well, I was busy. So...

Really the land is pretty and we are excited. Its a nice secluded spot close to the interstate, and convenient for grandma's needs and our own. Its got a perfect building spot for the house we have picked out. Theres a nice creek and an awesome camping spot. We already made s'mores!!!!

Miles has been having fun. He really does work...loves to help his Dad. Devin cuts the trees into small logs and Miles stacks them. He can also pick up roots, put wood on the fire, and loves to ride in the skidsteer!!!

Welcome!!!!!!!

We are the Brownlows: Devin, Kelly, and Miles. Sister Christine inspired us because we love to visit her blogspot. OK I need to stop right there and stop using the word we...Dev and Miles could care less about a family blog (they do look at your pics though, sis!). It'll be me, Kelly (aka Mom), who'll be posting my version of our life together. So enjoy! I'll post a family pic as soon as I have a fabulous one.

Dev likes to hunt, and to collect big-boy toys. He has a pretty successful (gaging by consistant ability to buy toys and still keep wife happy) construction business, but would love to become a professional hunter for a living. Devin is undeniably a wonderful father, and a pretty great husband as well. He really is a family man, but dont tell him I said that.

Miles is 2 yrs, 2 mos, and loves life. (Except when he has to come inside, eat, clean himself, sleep, etc...). He likes to "work" with his dad, cook and clean with mom, read books, pick up sticks, drink juice, throw toys, and eat pickles and candy. Miles is also affectionate, polite, and extremely cute. He has just started daycare (parttime) and is struggling with not being the center of attention at all times.

And this all works out really nice because it means Ive got a great family! I really am at my best when I am with them. Although my home and fam are my 'secure base', I am also really invigorated by my career. I will graduate from UTK in May 2010 with my master's degree in Social Work. My interests are non-profit management, grant writing, policy/program analysis, evidenced-based practice...all in the name of helping the disadvantaged. I also like to read, cook, craft, garden, shop, socialize, etc.

So currently, we are in the process of buying land and beginning to build a home so that my grandmother can live with us. It is all going to happen pretty quick, and we hope to be moving in over Christmas break. So that will be a recurring theme, I am sure, in future blogs. I am working part-time for the summer at a small agency that assists indivs. with HIV/AIDS. I interned with them this past school year. Devin has been playing with his 1977 Ski Tique skiboat lately. He's put a V8 engine in it, and we are looking forward to having a lot of fun on the river this summer. I am sure that this "fun" will look like Kelly drinking a LOT of water and Devin thinking this is hilarious! Miles is planning on spending a lot of time outside this summer, and asserting his independance as much as possible. I'll keep you posted!