Bruner Bunch

Crazy Summer!

2011-07-22T20:27:00.004-05:00

This was the first trip of our summer. Mari and I went to girls camp. It was Mari's first year. She absolutely loved it Mari said that the night before camp was like christmas eve she was so excited. I have to say it was fun having Mari there.

Getting ready to go snipe hunting! Those YCL's made sure that the girls all had tooth paste before heading out! It was a successful night!

Mari and her certificate and patch for finishing her first year!!

YEAH MARI!!!!!

Mari was quite the shot. Notice her bulls eye!!

As I said before it was a blast having Mari at camp with me. It will be fun in two years when Cassie will be there also.

This was the last day at camp. We were at the water games with our flag.

When Raylene and I were making these shirts Brian was helping and he put one shirt on the board back words so instead of printing on the back it was on the front. That is why everyone is backwards except of Halle.

This is my Joseph Smith picture. One morning we were running a little late! Big surprise! I was walking behind the girls and noticed the sun coming through the trees so I made them stop to take a picture!

Baxter's Bike Accident!

2011-07-02T22:01:00.002-05:00

Baxter was mountain bike riding with Bennett. They were riding down a hill and Baxter didn't make the turn and hit a log. He Supermaned over his handle bars. He actually had no injuries except for that perfectly placed stick that went up his nose.

We spent a couple of hours in the ER and had a CAT scan to find out that we needed to go to Burlington's ER which was 45 minutes away.

When the Dr. pulled the stick out both Brian and I were in shock by how big it was!

This was the stick that was stuck up Baxter's nose!

This is a fax of the CAT scan. You can see a darker line on the right side of his nose. That is the stick!

Wasn't sure if he fell off his bike or got beat up!

In our seminary class the kids are always talking about zombies. So we had to take a picture of Baxter zombie!

Scripture Bowl!!!

2011-05-21T15:04:00.006-05:00

I couldn't figure out how to make these pictures in order so I will just explain them.

Chris, Sydney, Minlie, and Danejah came in 6th out of 19. Team name Testosterone and the princesses.

This was the winning team. They beat the A team which consisted of Bennett's and Zak's older brothers. Was a sweet win for them! Justin, Colin, Kaili, Bennett, Zak, and me. Team Pure Awesomeness!

Pure Awesome beat A-Team by 1 point. As you can see the other teams weren't real close!!

Pure Awesomeness "DO NOT CROSS!!"

A-Team Baxter, Nathan, Natalie, and Noah, my only senior.

My whole class plus 4. Back row Jalisa (other class), Colin, Justin, Nathan, Minlie(friend), Danejah, Natalie, Sofia (other class), Kaili (other class), Chris.

Front Row Zak, Bennett, Baxter, Noah, Sydney.

Awesome kids! I will miss them over the summer! Looking forward to next year!

I also have to give my class kudos for working all year every friday to become as good as they did!!

Congratulations!!!

Next year 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! ;)

Have a fun summer!!!

Mormon Prom

2011-04-29T12:07:00.002-05:00

Mormon Prom was on good friday. There was an amazing turn out. This is only the third year they have done this. The first year I helped a ton and it was in our ward building. There were around 80 kids. The next year the stake took over and did it at the stake center there were around 150 kids. This year they rented a hall out in Lake Geneva and there were almost 300 kids. Each year it gets bigger and bigger.

Baxter and 4 other guys from our ward had dinner at our house before the dance. We worked actually I should say Baxter and Jody Lyons worked all day on getting our basement turned into a restaurant. Mari, Cassie, Holly and Caleb were the servers. It was a fun night.

The beautiful girls! Hannah Lyons, Hannah, Sofia Calderwood, Fernanda Flores and Lizzy

The handsome looking guys!

Noah Kjar, Chris Seivert, Baxter, Justin Forsberg, and Chase Junge.

Baxter went with Sofia! Cute aren't they?

Our friends daughter Hannah came down and went with Noah Kjar.

Over all it was a fun night. They also took pictures at the Prom as soon as I have those I will post them!!

Till Next Year!!!!

Happy Birthday Bennett

2011-04-20T07:23:00.001-05:00

Oh how fast they all grow up!! Today Bennett is 15 where did the time go?

This picture was taken when Bennett was in kindergarten. I asked him how he was going to smile for his picture and this is the face he pulled. After many hours of telling him that he needed to smile this is what came back on picture day!! Ya got to love Bennett! He has always done things the way that he wants. He is very headstrong, kind, loving and caring. He always is watching out for those who need protection!!

Happy Birthday Bennett

The picture below was taken by his brother last week.

2011-02-21T13:24:00.002-06:00

Here we go to yet another Doctor!! Baxter is still having stomach problems. He came home on Wed and said he will go on any diet I want to put him on that will make him better. A friend suggest Gluten Free. So that is what we tried. He has been doing that since Thursday. He said that there has been somewhat of a difference..

Now comes the bad news. A friend suggested a new GI Dr. I have an appointment on Friday. Which is good news but for them to be able to test to see what he has he has to eat Gluten. So he gets to go back to eating what he wants but also deal with the pain.

So until Friday that is all we know....

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

2011-02-14T07:13:00.002-06:00

You can't go wrong with a Disney Valentine!!

When the kids were little I would always leave a bag of goodies for them to find on valentines day. I made the bags last week and had them in my room. After seminary this morning the boys asked if I had presents for them.. I love that they still want a valentine from their mom!!

Cancun!!!! Can I go back?!?!?

2011-02-07T21:16:00.008-06:00

This was how Brian spent most of the days. He was able to come and have lunch a few times but mostly he was in meetings.

Me on the other hand spent most of the day lounging on these chairs soaking up the sun and admiring the view!! The Ocean was amazingly blue!

The last day we had the morning to play before we had to fly home. Brian was playing in the ocean and the ocean won. He was body surfing and one of the waves picked him up and threw him face first into the bottom. Notice the nose and forehead!

Eating lunch by the pool after loosing to the ocean. Ceviche with avocado.

I had guacamole which is what I had every day for lunch which some times was breakfast because I did not make it down there till after 11.

Mmmmmmmm

I posted this on facebook. For some reason diet coke tastes much better in Mexico. So needless to say that is all that I drank for the whole week!

One of the days I spent shopping in a market. I had quite the adventure I took a bus and when I got back on it was the wrong bus. I ended up down town Cancun which was not a very nice place luckily there was an american couple that pointed me to the right bus and I made it back to the hotel...

I can't wait till we can go back...

Disney World

2010-11-10T15:22:00.002-06:00

We went to WDW the last week of October and it was a blast. It was really hot unusually hot for that time of the year. We had a fun time despite the heat. I don't have alot of pictures to share because not very many of them made it to my computer they are on the lap top. I also am not in very many. In fact after seeing a few a friend asked if I was even on this vacation. I guess that is what happens when you have a hard time giving up your camera.

This is out side of the pirates of the Caribbean. A nice lady from England offered to take our pictures. There were alot of people from England there. As they say it must be there "Holiday" time.

As you can see from these pictures my children all love roller coasters. I was just impressed with what good pictures my new camera takes. This was from quite a ways away.

The boys rocking out at Rock n' rollercoaster.

This was the dinosaur ride at animal kingdom...

2010-09-21T12:22:00.002-05:00

Ben's football team has been amazing this year. So far they are 3-0. They beat the team last night 43-0. Bennett has had quite a bit of playing time and has "Pancaked" quite a few. Brian said last night that watching football players get hit is always somewhat painful but it is a different ballgame when it is your own child out there. Thank goodness that Bennett is the one doing most of the hitting!!

GO BENNETT!!!!

FOOTBALL!!!!

2010-09-17T16:18:00.002-05:00

I need to get better at this... It seems like since the beginning of August this is what our life has been..

Ben with his coach getting some advice.

He plays center which totally stresses me out!! Alot depends on those centers!

Just a cool picture taken by Baxter. Which I have to say is quite the photographer!

Since Bennett goes to a charter school that doesn't have a football team he has to play for the high school that he would be going to. These are the only players on the IT (Indian Trail) team that go to Harborside.

Giving mom that don't bother me look.!!

Over all I have to say that I am enjoying football. Bennett gets to play quite a bit and might even start playing defense.

NO CHILD LEFT OUT PROJECT!!!!

2010-06-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

Not all play grounds make this possible. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other devices can hinder a child from being able to play in an ordinary playground.

Chloe's Sunshine Playground is an accessible park that is tentatively planned to be built in Syracuse, UT. The playground will include features that will allow ALL children to play side-by-side, including those with special needs. http://thenochildleftoutproject.blogspot.com/

A "Scentsible" Way to Help!

Just wanted to let you know that there is another great opportunity for you to help raise money for the playground! If you love Scentsy (and who doesn't!), July is the time to buy. And Julie is the gal to buy it from! Scentsy consultant, Julie Dillman, is donating the profit of her sales for the month of July to our cause. How cool is that!

Go to her blog HERE to find out how!

Get some new scents. Buy extra for gifts. Let your friends and family know too.

Thanks everyone!!!

Here are Mari and Cassie starring in Honk Jr - They did great!!

2010-05-28T07:02:00.000-05:00

Trip to Virginia!!!!

2010-05-20T19:32:00.001-05:00

This was our annual trip to Virginia. We spent two days in DC.

Easter!

2010-05-19T18:33:00.002-05:00

Dying Easter Eggs!

Dad trying to convince Baxter that he should help dye eggs instead of taking pictures.

Cute Girls!

Doesn't Bennett just looked thrilled to be participating? Ya just got to love those teens!!!

Dad hard at work!

Random Pictures

2010-05-17T20:31:00.003-05:00

Ben's last band concert.. All of the trumpets decided to wear sun glasses. Typical trumpet players!!!

One of the parents of my seminary students sent me this!! It was quite delicious!!!! Thank you!!

Baxter sporting his new suit and vest for the dance!!!

Scripture Bowl!!!

2010-05-15T23:35:00.002-05:00

This was team Testosterone and the princess. They didn't want to participate but the did in the end and I think had a blast. Sofia, Fernanda, Danejah, Dalton, and Troy.

This was the B team and they came in 3rd. Chris, Colin, Dustin, Justin, Matt.

The A Team they came in 4th. Nathan, Baxter, Noah, Natalie, Matt wasn't on the team but he drew their flag.

Over all I think it was a great night.. Last year we had three boys go and did ok. This year we had 14 kids participate and came in 3rd and 4th. It was a great night. The cool thing is the majority of them are sophomores and freshman. So we hopefully will do well again next year.

Way to go guys!!!!!!

Prom with Mary!!!

2010-05-08T23:22:00.003-05:00

Baxter flew to Virginia to take Mary to Mormon Prom.. Just got off the phone with him and he said he had a total blast... He would definitely do that again!!

Look at my pretty corsage!!! The flowers were attached to a bracelet that she got to keep.

Trying to keep that pesky boutonniere to stay on.

What a cute couple!!!!

This picture is so the girls could make sure he opened the door for Mary..

Dinner..

Mormon Prom April 2

2010-05-07T19:57:00.002-05:00

We made all of the buildings in the back ground. It took quite a while.

Baxter and Melissa at the park bench corner. Baxter was in charge of all of the decorations.

These are all of the boys that came. We had no girls come. All of the boys but 3 are in my seminary class.

Showing their true personalities.

AWWWWWW!

Cassie's Baptism

2010-05-06T07:51:00.003-05:00

As I was going through pictures I realized that I forgot to post about Cassie's Baptism. What a horrible mother I am I guess thats what happens with child #4!! Oopps!!

Cassie and her beautiful dress. Getting ready!

Grandpa and Grandma came out for the big event.

It was an amazing day. This was the last time I will go through that as a mother. It was a very monumentous day. I can't believe that my baby is growing up so very fast!! Does any one know how to make them stop?

Piano Competition

2010-05-05T17:37:00.002-05:00

This is actually from some time in February. I am just a little bit late!

Taking the written part. They wouldn't let us see them playing.

Ben being Ben.... He was done and waiting for the girls. Baxter was still sick so he did not participate....

I guess it runs in the family...

Sisterly love!!! How cute!! How long will it last???

Mari's amazing solo!

2010-04-29T22:31:00.002-05:00

Daddy Daughter Date

2010-04-28T07:35:00.002-05:00

I am way behind on blogging so the next few posts will be catch up.. This is from February.

Every year our school has a Daddy Daughter Date. The girls really love it. They get to be all dressed up and have a special dinner and dance at a country club.

When you have the perfect twirling dress you just have to twirl!

Pretty in Pink.. and Yellow!!

Mari looking all grown up this was her last year. Next year she will be in Middle School!

Mari's beautiful hair!

Cassie's beautiful hair. It was after Valentines day so I had some flowers for their hair!!

SURPRISE PARTY!!!!!

2010-04-26T19:05:00.001-05:00

For Baxter's birthday I wanted to give him a surprise party. I have to say it worked out quite well! Nathan invited Baxter and Josh over to play video games and then they were going to go to a pizza buffet. Baxter was quite upset that I wasn't letting him have a party. Nathan brought Baxter home to open presents and everyone was waiting!!

On Vacation

2010-04-07T11:10:00.001-05:00

I have made a new resolution to update my blog more... However I still haven't put pictures from Baxter's Surprise Birthday party or any of our vacation. I guess that will have to wait until next week when I get back home. so until then.....

Who''s having a birthday?

2010-03-25T15:05:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that tomorrow I will have a child who will be driving, dating, and who knows what else... When he was this little it never entered my mind that this day would come so fast!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!!!!

Baxter's first BYU game he must of been 4...

Baxter and Molly

Hamburgers

2010-03-23T07:34:00.004-05:00

Friday is Baxter's Birthday so last night for dinner we went to:

I am not a big hamburger fan.. In fact I really don't like them. I would rather eat a hotdog when we grill and I never order them in restaurants. But these I could eat every week. As my kids like to say RED ROBIN YUMMMMM!!!

Baxter is feeling a little better but is still not going to school full time.

I'm Back!!!!!!!

2010-03-15T16:18:00.001-05:00

I have finally come back into the world of blogging and found this great swap!!

Come and join!!!!

Is Baxter alive???

2010-03-11T16:18:00.004-06:00

The answer to that would have to be yes but barely!!! We have had quite the month. I always thought valentines day was a bad day now I have proof. That sunday Baxter came home from church with flu like symptoms. He was not any better by Wednesday so I took him to the Dr. That was the start of it all!!!

Four weeks later (no school)

3 trips to the pediatrician

1 trip the Children's Hospital ER

7 blood draws

3 CAT scans

1 MRI

Many phone calls

Many emails

Many friends' advice

1 neurologist (in Chicago)

an answer!!!! YEAH!!!!!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

He has some problem with his inner ear.

The solution is....

Vestibular Therapy

We have gone to 2 therapy sessions so far and have another session tomorrow. Apparently they are retraining his brain. We will keep you all updated on how he is doing.

I also talked to the school and they have signed him up for homebound school. Which means that his teachers will be coming to the house 3-4 hours a week to keep him up to date with the rest of his class. Hopefully my next week he will be able to go to school for a few hours at a time until he gets all of his strength back!!

Thanks to all of you who prayed and showed lots of love and concern.

Christmas fun!!

2010-01-05T17:01:00.001-06:00

I know it has taken forever to update my post. But Christmas has been a little more hectic then usual!!! We had Grandma and Grandpa and Sera here. That was a blast!!! We also had some sad news which I will expand on later!! Over all it was a great Christmas!!!

2009-12-14T22:30:00.003-06:00

It's always fun when Grandpa(ma) comes when grandpa comes hurray!!!!

Thursday I will be singing that song the whole way to the airport!!! Then Brian and I are off to a fun weekend for our anniversary! Then on the 23 Sera will be here!!! This is going to be a great Christmas!!!

A bit more traveling left to do!!! Need to visit back east!

2009-12-07T07:21:00.005-06:00

visited 30 states (60%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

GO BYU!!!!!!

2009-11-28T20:15:00.001-06:00

26-23!!!!

Christmas lights

2009-11-17T21:08:00.001-06:00

These are the wonderful lights that Baxter spent a few hours putting up. He is already planning on what we are going to buy for next year!!! Brian is just happy that he didn't have to put them up.

Family Pictures!

2009-11-03T16:17:00.003-06:00

We had friends take some family pictures and now I have to decide on which one to make into a big picture to hang on the wall. I am taking opinions!!! What do ya'll think?

Please leave your favorite in a comment or I might never have a family picture. The last one we had done was when Baxter (yes my oldest) was 6 months old. So yes I need help!!!

Facials Fun and Food!

2009-10-23T08:41:00.006-05:00

AFTER

BEFORE

To all of my Bloggy friends out there I am having a girls night out facial party!! I would love all to come. If you can't come for reasons like.... You live out of state!!! Just too Busy!!! Will be out of town!!!! Or just don't like me all that much!!!!

Feel free to check out the website! www.jodylyons.lbri.com They have some major cool items. The pictures above are before and after actually they are after and before. I had major bags under my eyes and they have a wonderful product that made it go away!!! It also has done wonders for Mari's poor dry skin. Every winter her hands and rest of her body become so red and chapped that it is really painful. Last winter she started using the body wash and it has all gone away!!!!

Let me know if you can make it!!

What's Next?

2009-10-21T07:45:00.005-05:00

We have had the worst of luck lately! I keep telling Brian it is time to move! This is the longest we have ever lived anywhere and our house is starting to show it. Everything is breaking. First our Air conditioner broke.

Then we had to replace the microwave. Which was quite daunting at first considering my husband is not the best at things like that. We bought it and with the help of me and Baxter Brian succeeded in putting up the microwave. It hasn't fallen yet! Knock on wood!

Then it was the toaster which didn't cost quite as much but a pain to replace still the same. The one we had was from Mexico. The new one is not as good as that one was oh well!

Now we move on the our new fridge. We had company this weekend and were confused that our ice maker wasn't working. Then we started noticing that everything was thawing. Luckily we happen to have a fridge downstairs so we moved everything downstairs. Every day I get to hear about what a pain it is to have to go down stairs anytime anyone needs anything. We thought about not buying a new one but then realized we need two because where else are we going to put 8 gallons of milk? So off tonight to buy a new one.

Last but not least our dryer stopped working much to my disappointment and Brian's jubilation the dryer was able to be fixed so I still don't have the above dryer that I would love to have! ;(

So that makes #5. They say things come in threes. What is next to make it an even 6??? The boys (all of them) are rooting for the TV!!!

Everyone beware!!!

2009-09-28T19:21:00.002-05:00

Today was a monumentous day in our household! In exactly 6 month from today we will have a 16 year old. So that meant that today Baxter passed the written test and has received his temps. He has to have them for 6 months before he can get his official license. He drove home from the DMV. He actually had to make a left turn on to a very busy road! I only had a very small heart attack on the way home! For the next 6 months he will be taken out by his driver ed teacher and will practice and be taught everything that he needs to know.

I really can't believe that I am that old!!! Where did the time go it seems like we just left provo! In 2 years we will have driver #2. Wait that means in 3 1/2 years Baxter will be on his mission. I don't want to think about that!!!!!

Saturday is a Special Day!

2009-09-26T09:29:00.002-05:00

As the song says it is the day to get ready for Sunday. Our saturdays are so hectic it seems like we are just trying to catch up on everything that we missed doing during the week. I never have time to think about getting ready for Sunday! Sometime it does happen around 11 which then will include some sort of run to Woodman's to get something that we happened to forget during the day!

What do you all think about Saturday and are you able to get ready for Sunday!! Please shared how!!

Very Productive Day!!!

2009-09-22T07:24:00.002-05:00

After seminary and getting the kids off to school I started making salsa. The house smells yummy! It is always a great sight to see all of the jars! This is one of Baxter's creative camera taking shots!

Lehi's Dream

2009-09-15T07:09:00.005-05:00

In seminary today we talked about Lehi's dream. I put out a bunch of random things and barbies and gave each of them a scripture and they had to come up with that scene using what they could find. It was fun!

This is Danejah with Lehi and an angel talking to him leading him to the Tree.

This was Baxter's interpretation of the iron rod and the straight and narrow path.

Chris and the multitude of people on the path before they fell away.

This was after the mist of darkness (wind breaker) over took the people and they fell away.

This is Noah and the great and spacious building!

After we were done I passed out candy to a few of the kids and asked them to describe what it tasted like. Then I gave them the choice to share or not. Being the good kids that they are they all shared. It was a great morning!!

Seminary Rocks!!!

2009-09-14T17:33:00.002-05:00

If any one has been reading my facebook will know that I am into week three of Seminary. Last May when I was called by the bishop after complaining about not winning the seminary bowl to be seminary teacher. I have had all summer to get use to the idea and sleep in. Because now that school has started I am up by 5:30 every morning. Believe it or not I am loving it.

It has been hard to admit that because I love to complain about how much I hate getting up in the morning. As some people know I don't even answer the phone before 9 on non school days! I am the first to admit that getting up has not been easy as I am usually plagued by migraines. I have only had one this week and it was nocked out pretty fast by excedrine!

I think part of the joy is that I have the best kids in the world! I am sure as the year goes on they will become more tired and not participate as much but I will just enjoy what they are now! They all pretty much stay awake and participate.

Fridays have been a blast! We have been working on Scripture Mastery on Friday. They definitely perk up! Especially when the candy comes out!!!

I also have enjoyed the daily scripture study that I have had! I am learning right along with the kids. I only went to one year of seminary and it was Old Testament. So studying the BOM has been wonderful! I am sure Brian is getting tired of listening to all of the discoveries I am making which I am sure he learned in Seminary. But he has been patient and acted interested!!!

I better be off to finish preparing my lesson!

Chloe's Sunshine Playground!

2009-09-10T07:29:00.003-05:00

My niece is raising money to build a playground for her wonderful daughter and other kids in her town in need of a special type of playground. Check out the site above and see if there is anyway you can help. Starting in October there will be a digital scrapbooking kit that can be bought and the proceeds will go to building the playground!!

How can you say no to that face???

Farmer's Market

2009-08-31T15:56:00.002-05:00

We have become true Kenoshaites (sp). One saturday we went down to the farmers market by the lake. It was quite fun. My only regret is that I didn't take enough money!

Sister Sylva teaches kids how to decorate cupcake at the market so of course we had to participate!

Ben and his pink cupcake with an army guy!

The girls had a blast and of course were pleased that she had their favorite cupcake colors!

I would have more picture of summer activities but I am still waiting for Leaders (hint hint Seth) to get them to us!

Hopefully they will come soon because Baxter had a total blast at boundry Waters!

Family Renunion!

2009-08-29T16:47:00.004-05:00

It has been a busy summer and one of the activities was the Bruner Family Renunion. We were in charge this year so every one came out here. We rented a real cool house in the Dells and had a blast for a week!!!

Grandma and grandpa with all 17 Grandchildren!

There was a great pool. We also spent quite a few days at a water park but of course I took no pictures of that!

There was lots of cooking! With 30 people it seemed like we did that alot. This is Brian's Brother. I was in bed with a migrain that morning or maybe I just didn't feel like making pancakes we will never know!

Mari and Cassie were in charge of crafts for all of the kids they made door hangers and the older girls made braclets.

Grandpa was injured or should I say shot in the head by Ben during an airsoft game! He wiped the blood off and kept shooting. Of course after posing for a picture!

Both Cassie and Mari were throwing up and really sick for a few days. They did have some fun!

Such Brotherly Love!!!!

Be Scared Very Scared!!!

Of course we had to teach everyone Ninja and had a few games. Everyone even the little kids got involved!

What a Bunch of NUTS!!!

It was a fun week! My kids miss all of their cousins and are already talking about when we can go out there again! If anyone wants to visit pleasssse do!!!!

One more week!

2009-08-26T12:17:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to say sorry for being gone all summer. When my kids are home it is a fight to get on the computer. So when I do get time. I check email, facebook, and other blogs and that is about all of the time that I have. But school starts next week and I hope to have more time. I will have some make up posts because I am sure you all are just on the edges of you seats to hear what the Bruner Family has been doing all summer. Yes it has been a busy one!!!!

2009-07-24T20:57:00.006-05:00

This adorable little girl is my great neice Chloe! Her mom Tara who is amazing has set up a blog to raise money for an accessible playground!!! What to know what that is go Here!

Yep, that's what it will be named. She called her city counsel, met with them, told them what she wants and, get this... they AGREED.

If you want to help go HERE!

Our Nauvoo Trip!

2009-07-20T21:56:00.001-05:00

OFF TO NAUVOO

2009-07-14T10:56:00.001-05:00

We are off to Nauvoo for the rest of this week with the Youth from our ward.

I will return with pictures!!!!!!!!

2009-07-08T19:24:00.004-05:00

I was very excited to get my package from Debbie!

I actually got it on the 4th which was awesome. I loved all of the things that she sent.

The skittle and glow sticks were a big hit with my kids at the fireworks!

The best gift of them all was the Mickey Mouse bag. We are all huge Mickey fans in our house! It also is big and perfect for the beach. Can't wait to use it!!

Thank you Debbie!!!

Strawberry Jam Making!!!

2009-07-01T13:53:00.002-05:00

Mari busy at work cutting the stems off the strawberries. How about Baxter's photographer skills!!

Dad taking a break from the blending to pose for a picture.

Me stirring and filling away!!

Cassie and Mari cutting Berries.

The "fruit" of our labors. We made 30 containers. We are hoping to go pick raspberries in the fall and make raspberry jam also!!!

My kids have decided that they don't like anything but our homemade freezer jam. So every year we pick strawberries and make jam!

EFY

2009-06-29T21:37:00.006-05:00

This was a game that Baxter learned! It is called Ninja. It is a big hit in our household!!

2009-06-25T01:50:00.004-05:00

Please Help!

We were asked by a friend to post the following to our blogs. Please take a few minutes and read through this. You may also know someone who can help. You just never know when the table will turn, and your going to need some kind of love, and support. Please keep this dear family in mind. They could really use your help! Also please keep them in mind when offering your prayers. Thanks so much!

The Hess Family

***FEDERAL EMPLOYEES- PLEASE DONATE LEAVE TO RYAN HESS***

My name is Margie Hess, my husband Ryan was diagnosed on June 12, 2009 with a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since this is an aggressive form of T-Cell Lymphoma, his doctor has put him on an aggressive chemo regimen that will result in him being unable to work for the next 4-6 months and possibly longer. At the time of diagnosis he was finishing up his 1st year as a Podiatry Resident at the V.A. in Tucson, AZ. Ryan is a devoted husband and father of two children, Hallie (5) and Max (2). By the end of this month (June 2009), Ryan will use up the last of his vacation and sick leave and will have to go on unpaid leave. Ryan is the sole provider for our family; I stay at home with both the kids. Without him working we have no income. I need to stay home to help care for him, so I cannot get a job right now, either. As difficult as it is for our family to have to ask for help, we have realized that we must do so at this time. We were told that any federal employee (ie: military, Border Patrol, DEA, FB I, Dept of Justice, EPA etc. EXCEPT Post Office employees) can donate vacation time to be used as sick leave for another Federal employee. We would be so thankful for any number of extra paid days we can accumulate. Thank you so much.

How can you help if you ARE a Federal Employee?

Go to your HR department and request to donate leave to Ryan Hess who works for the VA. (Your HR person will know the form that needs to be filled out- each Federal agency has their own form to donate leave)

Once filled out and signed, the HR person will then need to fax or e-mail the form to:

OLIVIA McCLURE - Benefits Specialist (TUCSON V.A.)

Phone #: (520) 792-1450 x 6076

Fax # : (520) 629-1849

E-Mail : olivia.mcclure@va.gov

ALSO, for those who are federal employees, please print out this message and post it in break/lunch rooms to help get the word out as well as emailing it to co-workers!

How to help if you are NOT a Federal Employee:

PASS this along to ANYONE and EVERYONE that you know and then ask them to pass the message along. Post it on blogs, Facebook...whatever you can think of.

Thanks again everyone- this will help SO much!

GO TEAM RYAN HESS!

2009-06-25T01:42:00.002-05:00

I have not posted for the last few days for a couple of reasons.

First Brian has lost his camera and Baxter has his with him at EFY.

Second I have been sick as a dog since getting back from the treck.

Third and probably the most likely reason is Roller Coaster Tycoon.

Yes I have to admit I have become addicted. Ben got it for his birthday and we are constantly trying to see who can stay ahead of the other. As of right now I have 57% to his 50%. Oh well the things we find to spend time on!! Maybe if I wasn't playing my basement would be cleaned and ready to be finished. Buy hey what's the fun in that!!!

Youth Conference!

2009-06-22T09:55:00.002-05:00

Thursday thru Saturday of last week was Youth Conference. They asked Brian and I to go as a Ma and Pa. Of course we said yes because we just can't say no the Youth. Thursday was 3 miles up and down hills. Friday was 4 miles through the prairie. Then 2 miles on a road back to the house. I can say that I don't think I have ever been so tired in my life. I also have to mention that Thursday night our tent was floating in water. It was tornado weather. Would I do it agian??? ABSOLUTELY!!!!

Yummmy!!!

2009-06-11T08:40:00.002-05:00

What is better than Chocolate covered Cinnamon Bears??

I participated in a swap a while ago and my partner was from Utah. She sent me out these cinnamon bears. My hubby who loves all things cinnamon went a little crazy over these things. I have looked for them out here and the only place I found them was in the bookstore by the temple. Which leads me to believe they must be a Utah thing. So all of you Utahn's who have never tried these run to the store right now and buy some. Oh and if you feel so inclined send some our way!!! ;)

Band Concert!!

2009-06-09T08:52:00.002-05:00

This was Baxter's last band concert!!!!

These are two of Baxter's friends Courtney and Curtesia.

Not only did Baxter play clarinet he also played piano for the Jazz Band.

American Girl Doll Lunch!

2009-06-08T10:36:00.002-05:00

At School they had a raffle. All of the teachers offered to do things. Mari won an American Girl Doll Lunch!

This is Mrs. Gorr. She is Mari's 4th grade teacher.

This is Jillian and her doll Emily with Mari and Kit!

These are all of the girls that won.

Mari and Kit. She had a total blast!!!!!

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE SWAP!!!

2009-06-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

Check out this New SWAP!!!!
What a great Idea for a swap!!! She has awesome swaps and does a great job!!!
This is swap #2 and I just can't wait!!!!

WALKING!!!!

2009-06-01T09:20:00.002-05:00

I have always hating walking for exercise! I go to the gym almost everyday and ride the bike. I like to do that for a few reasons. First I can read and that is a good thing because I like to read every chance I get and that is strike #1 against walking! Second it does not make my legs hurt like walking does. Everybody keeps telling me that I should walk. So today I gave in and walked around the outside track at the "Y".

I have to admit defeat!! It really wasn't that bad. I have decided that every time that I have tried walking it has been with someone. I really believe that everybody that I know must have longer legs than I do. I always hated walking because I would get horrible cramps in my legs because I was always trying to keep up with who I was walking with. Today I was by myself and it was not as painful.

So I guess my conclusion is that if there is anyone out there who has legs shorter than mine is welcome to walk with me. Otherwise I guess I am on my own!!!

2009-05-18T17:42:00.002-05:00

On Sunday I received a new calling. Yes I will be the new Seminary Teacher for next school year. I am very excited about this new adventure. I love teenagers but not so sure about six in the morning teenagers. I guess we will all learn how to get along as I am not such a morning person myself. Brian is thrilled that he will no longer have to get Baxter up. Baxter's idea is that I should spend all summer preparing lessons so I won't have to do it during the school year. I think I will do it throughout the year. If anyone has any sage advise it will be greatly welcomed!

Typical Bennett

2009-05-15T22:09:00.004-05:00

This is Bennett's PreKindergarten picture. The morning of picture day I asked him to show me how he was going to smile and he made the face above. I kept telling him all morning that he needs to smile handsome. Thinking that I had gotten through I sent him to school. Needless to say this is what came back on picture day!!!! Ya just gotta love Ben!!!

More Virginia Pictures!

2009-05-10T21:56:00.003-05:00

These are the three boys Baxter 15, Bennett 13, and Drew 6.

Here are the ever so lovely girls. Mary almost 16, Kate 12, Mari 10, Sarah 10, and Cassie 7. Aren't they just the cutest!!

Here we are at our annual "Red Robin" dinner. Chris, Alan, Kate, Sarah, Mari, Baxter, Mary, Drew, Bennett, Brian, and Cassie!!! This was of course followed by ice cream at Friendly's. We all gained about 10 pounds that night. Every year both Brian and Alan suggest going to the local grocery store and just buying a gallon of ice cream but they never win!!!

Here we are at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Baxter looks a little wet because it was pouring outside and he had to go feed the meter!

Here is Ben with all of the necessary items to blow things up. He had to give Drew a few lessons. Drew only has sisters so he had a lot to learn from Ben and Ben was more than willing to teach!!!

Thanks Chris and Alan we had a great time and are counting down the days till next spring break. Unless we make a summer visit again!!!!

Virginia pictures finally!!!

2009-05-09T13:24:00.004-05:00

I have finally developed all of my pictures so I can share our fun vacation with you all!!!

After getting lost we finally found Ft. McHenry.

Ft. McHenry is where the Star Spangled Banner was written. There is a cool story behind it. I will try my best to remember. When the British were attacking Baltimore this is the Fort that was protecting the city. Francis Key was captured on one of the British ships out in the Harbor. When the bombing finally stopped and he was on a boat back home, he wrote the Star Spangled Banner about what he was seeing. They have a movie here that you watch that tell the story and when they are at the end they start playing the Star Spangled Banner and they open a curtain to the scene above. It is very moving!

Brian, Bennett, Baxter, Mari, Drew, and Cassie. Drew is the Riker's little boy. He stayed home from school to come on our adventure with us. Really what little or big boys don't like forts???

These are all of the cannons that are around the outside of the Fort.

We really couldn't go to Baltimore without finding Charm City Cakes. They do not have tours and will not let you inside. So we just got pictures. I have to say it was in a very scary neighborhood!

Haunted House!!!

2009-04-26T19:54:00.004-05:00

We had a great trip to Virginia. One day we went to Baltimore in search of Fort McHenry. We put the address in and went on our way. As we got off the interstate the area started looking pretty dicey. We didn't find Fort Mchenry here instead it was Fort Howard. We started driving around and it seemed like they were all deserted. But we kept seeing signs saying that there was a hospital and we kept wondering where. We decided to take a few pictures of the scary buildings!

This was outside the main building that use to be the hospital.

This was one of the houses.

The scariest part of it all was it had only been empty for 6 years!!! We had to take pictures so we had proof that we were not crazy!!

We did eventually find Fort McHenry.

Pictures to come later!

Flash back Friday!!!!

2009-04-24T14:03:00.006-05:00

Here are my flashback pictures!!!

Every spring break we head out to Virginia and Stay with some wonderful friends.

They just happen to have 4 kids almost the same age as mine. Here they are through out the years!

Bennett, Baxter, Mary

Mari, Kate, Sarah

Drew, Cassie,

April 2005

Baxter, Bennett, Mary

Drew, Cassie, Kate, Sarah, Mari

The other two little girls are Janet's

April 2007

Baxter, Mary

Bennett, Mari, Sarah, Kate

Drew, Cassie

April 2008

Kate, Drew, Sarah, Cassie, Bennett, Mari, Baxter (Mary was at Band camp)

Summer 2008

Mary, Baxter, Bennett

Sarah, Mari, Kate

Cassie, Drew

April 2009

Hopefully there will be many more years of these to come!!!

I'll Be Back!!!

2009-04-16T09:27:00.002-05:00

It has been a while sorry about that. I am in sunny Virginia well at least today will be. I will be back with lots of pictures next week!!!!!

Mother's Day Swap!

2009-03-31T21:14:00.003-05:00

Check out this Blog Swap!

My friend Cheryl is hosting a Mother's Day Swap!

It shall be fun!

2009-03-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

My niece Tara let m me know about this movement that has been started by the Special Olympics....

Food Storage Giveaway!!!

2009-03-30T18:04:00.001-05:00

Check out this cool giveaway!!!!

Food storage giveaway!!!!

Baxter's Birthday!!!

2009-03-27T16:54:00.004-05:00

A new Swap!!!!!I

2009-03-25T14:38:00.002-05:00

I had such a blast on the last swap I thought I would do another one. Check it out!!!!

Family Night!

2009-03-23T20:24:00.001-05:00

We decided to go bowling for FHE because we had free games.

I forgot the camera so these are with Brian's BlackBerry.

Overall it was a fun night and all the kids beat Brian!

Is it true???

2009-03-21T16:59:00.000-05:00

Is it possible that spring has finally sprung here in wisconsin??????

2009-03-16T12:47:00.001-05:00

Check out this new giveaway at Mamarazzi blog. It is awesome!!!!!

This is my dessert!

2009-03-14T15:42:00.004-05:00

I got tagged from Temaire so here it is!

This was our Thanksgiving dinner. We had Thanksgiving early this year because we left for Orlando on Thanksgiving. As you can tell by the photo Baxter's favorite part of dinner is the real mashed potatoes. In fact he almost had it for dessert.

I am suppose to tag 6 people so here goes:

I did 7 but oh well. You are suppose to go to your pictures. Choose the 6th folder then the 6th folder than blog about it!!!! Can't wait!!!

Good Mail

2009-03-10T08:36:00.002-05:00

I just found this on a blog today. Go check it out. I mean who doesn't like to get fun stuff even if it is just a card. Anything in the snail mail is awesome!!!! I can't wait!!!

Happy Birthday Mari!!!

2009-03-06T10:28:00.002-06:00

Mari in the birthday hat. Her mustache is actually a slap bracelet.

Dancing at Mari's party. Mari's birthday was actually in January but as usual we just didn't get around to her party. Since we don't do sleep overs we had a late night party with dancing, crafts, cake decorating and pizza.

Madison, Mckenzie, Ashley, katelain, and Mari. As part of the goodie bags we took pictures of each of the girls with Mari and gave them to the girls in a frame. This is the picture that we took for Mari.

GIfts from Melissa

2009-03-05T19:03:00.006-06:00

As I was laying sick as a dog on my couch today the door bell rang. I debated answering it or not because that meant getting up. I finally gave in and this is what I found on my front step. I was very happy that I decided to answer the door.

It was like Christmas. I was so excited. There were these cute wrapped gifts. I couldn't wait to start opening.

Melissa also wrote a very cute letter. I realized as I read her note that I had fogotten to put my note in the package I sent for Melissa. Sorry!!

I absolutely love everything. The green jar is a body scrub below that is a wonderfully smelling candle. The hearts are bath candles. I am amazed at how well the gifts fit me. My favorite thing to do is read in the bath. Can't wait!!!

Thank You Melissa and Thank you Mamarazzi for hosting!

My new addiction!

2009-03-03T11:12:00.001-06:00

I have been neglecting my blog because I have found a new addiction. Baxter introduced me to Mafia Wars on facebook and I can't stop!!!! Luckily you have to stop to let your energy build up so I did find time to make this post. I have to say that I am anxiously waiting to go back and check my energy level.

Pretzel alphabet

2009-03-01T13:16:00.001-06:00

This is what happens when you give bored children pretzels. Well at least mine. I have to say don't they have serious talent!!!

FLASH BACK FRIDAY!!!

2009-02-27T21:13:00.006-06:00

This was the Western Round up at West High the Spring of 1987. I liked 2 guys and couldn't decide who I wanted to ask. I had my best friend ask one of them (Brian) and I asked the other one. The week before the dance the other guy got Mono and couldn't go so a really good friend Danny jumped in and took me. Brian and I still chuckle about this dance because he still had no clue I liked him. Guys can be so clueless at times!!!!

This was Christmas 1987. This was my mom's wedding dress that we then bought a big piece of Satin and made a sash that had a huge bow in back. As you can tell by the bow in my hair that I was into bows!!!

This was our first official dance. It was homecoming 1987. It happens to be my favorite dance picture. I have to be amazed at how skinny we both were and at the time I thought I was not very skinny. Oh being a teen!!!!

Update

2009-02-25T07:37:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update!! We do have our computer back YEAH!!!!! However I haven't had time to post because it is book fair this week. As my family can tell you I am not home very much. So until the weekend this will be it!!!! ;)

2009-02-21T23:12:00.004-06:00

Books list
I found this on my friend Julie's blog and thought I would give it a go.
The Big Read, an initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts, has estimated that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they’ve printed. How do you do?

1) Look at the list and color those you have read. (I did the ones I have read and my comments in blue)
2) Italicize those you intend to read. ( I put the ones I intend on reading in red as well)
3) Remark on the books you LOVE.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen - I love all of her books!! This movie is by BBC is the only one that does justice to the book.
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien- L
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte- this is on my list of books I am going to read this year.
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling -I love these books. Do I get extra points for reading them more than 5 times???
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Just started!!
6 The Bible. -It's great. Not since high school.

7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte-
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell -In high school and I don't think I will read it again.
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman-
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott -loved it.
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy- On my list.
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare-No, but I have read LOTS of them
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier -another on my list for this year.
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien- ditto... Does half way then giving up count?
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger I read it a long time ago and loved it.

19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger I really want to!
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot .
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell At least 4 or 5 times!
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald -This is one that I read every few years. I loved the movie. I am in love with Robert Redford.
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy Half Way!
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh. On my list.
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck This is another one that I don't remember much about.
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll -I thought this was a fun read.
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame -Brian read this to me and the girls.
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy On my list....
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis - I Loved them all.
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden -Good book
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne - Yep
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown-
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez I really want to read this one!!!
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery -My favorite book as a child (and series) and still is.
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding -Not my favorite.
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan-the movie made me so sad that I don't think I can read the book.
51 Life of Pi -Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen- I really liked it.
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens -Once in High School
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck -Good book but so sad.
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac- I did not enjoy this book at all.
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville-
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker -
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce -hardly remember it... I read it in high school.
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt Read it with a Book Club but didn't understand most of it.
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert Can't believe I am admiting to that one!
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White-
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-another high school read. I plan on reading again sometime.
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams.
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas-
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo Another one that I read every few years!!!

Wow... 53....I'll have to revisit this list after this year is over.

LABELS: BOOKS

No computer what will we do???

2009-02-14T20:56:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!!!
This next week is going to be a very sad one in the Bruner household! Our Mac has crashed again and is now in the Mac shop being fixed. They said 3-5 business days. That means no computer during the day. Also Brian is leaving tomorrow so that means no lap top either. I am not sure how our house is going to survive without a computer for that long. I might have to go use one of my friends. I don't think I can go that long without checking all of the blogs that I check daily!!
AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Check Back next week to see if we have survived

2009-02-12T16:50:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to make sure you all are aware of the kick off party over at KIDZ!!!!! They have some awesome prizes plus some very uplifting and inspiring stories!!!!!

Check it out!!!

2009-02-11T17:39:00.003-06:00

We have had a Mac for about a year now and last friday it stopped working. Baxter and I took the computer to an apple store today. I have to say that I am impressed. They were very helpful and had the problem solved in a few minutes!!!!

I love Apple!!!!

Braces come off (at least till all her teeth are in!)

2009-02-05T17:13:00.002-06:00

Last day with braces for a few years any way!

No more brackets and slimy teeth!

Then comes the retainer. She also has one behind her bottom teeth.

It is way cute the sing a little song about having a beautiful smile. Then they give them a bag of all the candy that they haven't been able to eat.

Check it out!!!

2009-02-04T18:57:00.003-06:00

I was doing my usual blog surfing and found this site!

This looks like a fun thing to be a part of ! I can't wait! If you would like to find out more

click here!

SPT

2009-02-04T18:29:00.004-06:00

Lelly's Challenge this week was....

I Love you when.....

There are many answers to that question but I don't have pictures of them all.

1. I love it when he puts the kids to bed.

2. I love it when he takes me out every friday night.

3. I love it when he leaves notes around the house.

4. I love it when he calls me mama.

5. I love it when he offers and then does buy me a new car!!!!!!

As you can tell this is not our actual car as I live in Wisconsin and it has been months since I have seen my grass. I just thought this picture was a little happier!

We finally gave up on our Montana and now have a Toyota! I love it!!!!

Virginia here we come!!!!!

Two Front Teeth!

2009-02-01T20:25:00.002-06:00

Cassie has finally joined the ranks of people with no front teeth. Hopefully she won't be like the rest of the kids who took forever for their teeth to come in. If that is the case it will be another year of no corn this summer!!! Instead of all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth it is all I want for summer is my two front teeth.

A few very cool giveaways!!

2009-01-28T21:36:00.006-06:00

I just found this awesome site and she is having an awesome giveaway!!

Check it out!

Yummy Mummy

You have to go to her etsy store and check out her stuff! It is way cool!

RHBDESIGNS

Check out these soap cupcakes amazing how realistic they are!!!!

MUDPIES AND MARYJANES!

SPT

2009-01-27T21:25:00.003-06:00

I LOVE DISNEY WORLD!!!

I love just going to Disney!! But I really love going with my family!!

I love Disney parades and waiting for them.

I love riding on rides with my husband!

I love eating at Disney! Japan was amazing and France is always a favorite!

Most of all I love the Roller Coasters!!! Finally all my kids will ride as you can tell some like them more than others but they all were there!!!

Can't wait till we get to go again.

Have to admit even though we just got back we are already talking about the next trip!

I just love Texting!!!!

2009-01-26T20:00:00.005-06:00

I had a diet Pepsi (just for Tami) in my car and it was so cold this is what happened when Baxter brought it in. Nothing melts when it is below zero!

I just have a few thoughts on texting. I have to admit it is an effective way to get answers to short questions real quick.I use it when I need to get in touch with Brian when he is in a meeting. I am also learning that it is the only way that I can ever get ahold of my two boys. I am not sure that Baxter is even aware that a cell phone is actually used for talking. I can call his phone and he will not answer but if I text I get a response within minutes!!!!!

My other pet peeve about texting is that I will ask them to do things they will respond and have to idea what I just said because they are texting. Driving in the car is another one. I have to say it is not very fun driving in a car with a person who is texting!!! Baxter is so good that he can text while his phone is in his pocket and only needs to take it out to read it.

I really think that my child might not be able to function very well if he didn't have his cell phone!!! Someday I plan on teaching him how to use the call function. Until then I just hope he doesn't wear out his keys.

As you can see in the picture below texting stops for nothing!!!!

Cool Blog!

2009-01-23T16:34:00.002-06:00

Check out this blog I found! Way cool giveaways!!!

Thousand Word Thursday

2009-01-23T07:47:00.008-06:00

Thousand Word Thursday

I found this challenge on a blog when I was blog jumping and I thought it was a great idea so here we go!!!

I have shared these pictures before but I thought they were perfect for this challenge. Our daughter Cassie becomes a different person every time we go to DW. She is usually a little spitfire but it just intensifies when we are there. She loves everything and puts her all into it. She is the picture of pure joy! She hits the ground running when we get there and doesn't stop until we are going home. Then she usually crashes for the 2 day ride home! The bottom picture is from 2006 and the top from 2008. It is amazing how similar they are.

That is just the way Cassie goes through life

hands up screaming for joy!!!

1971

2009-01-21T17:20:00.006-06:00

* The 26th Amendment lowers the United States voting age from 21 to 18.
* Walt Disney World opened October 1.
* Soft contact lenses (invented in 1962) receive FDA approval.
* Charles Manson sentenced to death.
* Intel invents the 4004 Microprocessor. By 1974 Intel had created the 8080 CPU. These events were going to create dramatic opportunities in my life but in 1971 I didn’t know it. Back then I was just a tall skinny kid working for the NCR Corporation and I wanted a Pantera.
* The Temptations - "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)"
* John Lennon - Imagine

These are just a few things that were happening in the year 1971. Along with other great things like the birth of me and my husband. Tomorrow is my 38th birthday. I'm not really sure how I feel about that. Brian had a hard time with 30 but it didn't seem to faze me much. But the closer I get to 40 the more worried I get. I have enjoyed my 30's. Alot of things have happened.
We moved back to the United States and then within 18 months moved from Chicago to Kenosha. Which resulted in buying 2 house in the last few years. Quite the change!!!
I had my last child. My oldest has turned into a teenager and there are times that I really enjoy that!
We have gone on many vacations.
Had 2 kids in braces at the same time.
Have lost and gained to many pounds to list here.
Put my husband through school for the second time.
Have had a few surgeries and hope to have no more!
Became the crazy bookfair lady at all 3 schools. Spent 100's of hours in each of my kids schools helping teachers.

No wonder I am tired!!!
I have put on a few songs from the year I was born Enjoy!!

Boy did we have a fun COLD day!!!

2009-01-15T20:10:00.006-06:00

Last night I was complaining about some stomach pain I had been having for 2 days. Since it was late I decided to just go to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and doubled over in pain. So I just went back to bed. Finally around ten I was awake enough to stumble out of bed. Brian took me to the Clinic to see what was wrong. After 5 hours, 1 cat scan, one shot of sugar water and many times fixing my IV because it kept dripping blood they discovered I had...

Epiploic appendagitis is thought to occur as a result of spontaneous torsion, ischemia, or inflammation of an epiploic appendage of the colon. The condition presents with acute abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis.

They sent me home with 2 different antibiotics and Vicodin and the Dr.said you need to control your pain. The nurse was a little more helpful and at least told me I need to get ahold of my Dr and let her refer me to a surgeon.

So now I am going to go lay on the couch and enter la la land!!!!

2009-01-13T10:43:00.003-06:00

Self Portrait with those I love!

Me and my wonderful husband who I love dearly. He is my best friend! We just had our 16th Wedding Anniversary in December but we have been dating for 22 years this summer. Wow how does time fly!!!

This is the face he really wanted to make. But that is why I love him! He always makes me laugh. Well sometimes!!!!

These are also things that I love. Baxter who will be 15 soon and Ben who will be 13 soon. I have to admit and I have said this before that I really enjoy having teenagers. They are lots of fun and do keep me busy but they never cease to entertain! Mari just turned 10 is a sweetheart who is all girl. Then Cassie who is 7 and is my little spitfire that keeps me on my toes! She always has funny things to say!

This is what the Boys really wanted to do when I wanted to take a picture. I swear those things are attached to their thumbs.

2009-01-12T20:24:00.003-06:00

My Husband has decided to start blogging so now he can quit fixing mine! For everyone in my family I thought you would appreciate his last blog check it out!

Gringo Poblano!