The great deer hunt of 2007

Hey Bailey Gang,
As you probably know I have never been a hunter, but Hutton has always loved hunting and fishing. Earlier this summer our friend Paul Horne asked what he could do to help us. Paul is one of the most respected outdoorsmen in this part of the country. I asked him if he would help me stay connected with Hutton. Since then he has invited us on a couple of hunting trips. He called me earlier this week and asked if we wanted to hunt deer. I almost had the words out of my mouth before Hutton said yes. He was great to bring along his little brother. We met Paul's friend Tommy Hill in Big Lake. This is only my second time to hunt for deer, and I have never heard anyone describe an experience like ours. John, I think you would have loved it. We saw more than 12 bucks in 3 blinds, including 3 twelve points. We had to choose between several to shoot. They asked us to shoot 8 point bucks and leave the 12's for next year. Reagan's was a mainframe 8 with 2 extra stickers. The boys and I had a blast. Paul was great. I think we are spoiled. I don't think it is supposed to be like that all the time. The pictures are a little grainy, because they came from my phone. One of the guys took better pictures and should send them to us later. Thought you might like to see what we were up to this weekend. Tod

Reagan's Trophy

Reagan shot this deer with the first shot he ever fired from a rifle.

The next morning Reagan shot a beautiful 10 point.

The happy hunters. It was getting dark, but the boys were both excited.

The great hunt

Hutton's first buck, a nice heavy bodied 8 point.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

A teenager no more! We love you and heard the show was excellent. Can't wait to see the DVD. Have a wonderful day. We are glad you were born!

Uncle Stephen, Aunt Stephanie, Rainey and Em

Cowgirls

I don't have much to say, but the lack of new posts on this blog is depressing. So, here are a couple of little cowgirls to brighten things up a bit. Much love to all from the Bailey's of North Hurst.

Bailey's Graduation

We are looking forward to this weekend. Bailey Anne Brown will graduate from Midland Christian School. Rosalyn and I will leave on Thursday to attend the graduation and to take in one of Reagan's ball games.
I have a new camera, so watch this blog for more frequent posts.

Update from Searcy

I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, but it has been quite a while since the last post, and even longer since my last update. I check it periodically, and it makes me sad to see the lack of new information, so here is an update on my life as a college student. It is the week before Spring Break, so I am participating for the second time in the thrilling ritual of what people in the know call "mid-terms." My professors were kind and split the tests between last week and this one, so I already have approximately half of my tests behind me. I'm officially a sophomore, and the current plan is that I will graduate a semester early if I take manageable course loads and a few summer classes. The play that I'm in is coming along well, and it's fun to be part of a theatre crowd again.
Spring Break will be a much needed time of rest and fun with a side helping of job hunting. Come visit me because in Spring it's gorgeous here, and I can always use a distraction from all the studying my parents are paying for me to participate in. Hope to see everyone soon!

Bailey

Hey all,
18 years ago today the world forever brightened for me. She caused some trouble getting here so I thought she might turn out a little stubborn. I had no way of knowing how much favor God was showing me that day. It hadn't been very long since I had been a kid and I remember wondering about her future.

I had some modest dreams that day.

They told me that all fathers think their daughters are pretty. I was hoping for moderately cute. God gave me stunning, catch-my-breath beauty.

I didn't hope for genius, but I asked for some intelligence. God gave me a brilliant, clever, sharp, witty girl with deep understanding.

Given her genes I knew better than to expect athletic stardom, but I did hope for her to share that part of my life. God gave me a hard-working competitor that has made me so proud in so many arenas.

I had only one exceptional wish. I asked for her heart to be great. I wanted her to be kind and good. I wanted her to stand out in a crowd as a lover of people and a follower of Jesus. I was dreaming for someing way beyond average. God so far exceeded my expectations. I cannot describe what happens in my heart when I think of the lives she touches and the leadership she provides everywhere I turn.

I love to watch her with her brothers and with little kids and with people who really need love. I love to watch TV with her and talk about nothing. I love the way she gets a joke and can give it back with clever grace. I love when she does cheers in the living room becasue she thinks nobody is watching. I love it when she laughs. I love it even more when I can make her laugh and light up the room with her smile.

Already the prospect of not having her around has started to dim the brightness of my world. But I am happy for the world that gets a girl like her. Greater men than I will never know the privilege of being a father to someone so terrific. Whatever else I do or don't do with my life, no one can take from me this: I am Bailey Brown's Daddy.

I love you Bailey!

Love,
Dad

Happy Birthday Bailey

Happy Birthday, dear Bailey-----

What a wonderful day Jan. 25 was in Oklahoma City all those years ago. It seemed to take forever for you to put in your appearance, but you were certainly worth waiting for. You have brought us so much joy and we love you. I'd like to post a picture so that everyone could see how beautiful you are, but that is way beyond my computer skills. I know that your big day tomorrow will be great and we will be thinking about you. Love, Rose