Brawner Family Update

Fall Fun

2012-01-28T15:40:00.000-06:00

This was such a fun fall day at SDC.

A fun night with Jamie

2012-01-28T14:08:00.001-06:00

We had a super fun night with one of the student Jamie who lives at the Camp Barnabas prep academy this year. We took her to Social Suppers to cook and prepare two meals for the 11 people that are also living and working at the academy. We then went to El Charro Mexican food and topped it off with Coldstone. It was a fun night with lots of laughs for sure and just enjoyed Jamie's laid back perspective on life. God knew I probably needed a little more "Jamie" in my life.

Bye bye to the "baba" (sort of)

2012-01-28T14:00:00.000-06:00

Today was the day we offically said good bye to the "regular baba" as Smith affectionately calls it. He got one every day before nap and after bath. I know it's about time people. I have excuse after excuse as to why we still had our "baba" but it was getting stranger the older and bigger he got. The poor big fellow wears a size 5 at 2 1/2 so even though he's still a toddler he looks like a big kid. The other reality is that even toddler's don't have baba's. So I sacked up the baba's and moved them to the garage so I will be less tempted to "cave". I had purchased these sippy trainer cups for 12 month olds to transition from the bottle. We have been trying those for several months. He did not really like them and just reverted to saying "I need a "regular baba". But Momma wised up & just said they're gone. No going back now. We now love our "pirate and turtle baba's". It took a couple of days and it was surprisingly relatively painless but the "regular baba's" are now history! Jason feels like these are still bottles but they claim on the package to be a sippy cup. So I'm going with the packaging. Onward and upward with Smith Brawner as we now get serious about potty training (he's ready, I'm not cauz it's so much work) and with working on him being a "big boy". He is the third for sure and the baby of the family for sure cauz every time you ask him if he is a big boy or a baby he proudly replies "I a baby, I not a big boy, I a baby". Oh dear!!!

Currys party some more

2012-01-28T10:39:00.000-06:00

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Currys swim party

2012-01-28T10:36:00.000-06:00

Sent from my iPhone

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> We had soo much fun at Curry's swim party. It was an awesome indoor pool in Ozark that we hope to go back too. Curry and Jackson are great buds and so are his Mom and I. We don't know where we would be without the sweet Sutherland family. They are a tremendous blessing to us and it's so fun because all three of their kids are buds with my three. It was a big day also because MJ swam like a rock star and zero crying and no whimping out. I'm wondering if just maybe all my swim lessons are starting to pay off!
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Just another Family day at Lowes

2012-01-24T20:28:00.000-06:00

We are currently working on a family project of "flipping" one of our rental properties. The kids have been enlisted to help with the renovation and clean up. Some members of our family are a little more supportive than others as you can tell from the pics below. They have actually all done well considering the many trips to Lowes and the hours and hours spent at our Elm "rental" house. The sad thing is I feel about like Smith is looking in these pics. Especially since we have many hours left to work there!! Oh boy!

My poor attempt at a workout

2012-01-19T19:55:00.003-06:00

So this is why I feel flabby. How can I work out when this little face is peering at you from the gym childcare. He just keeps waving to me. I feel like such a heel and then feel guilty working out! Geez! This guilty Mom needs some alone time but it's super hard with that chubby face & that white hair!!

Krispy Kreme

2012-01-19T19:45:00.002-06:00

After the dog bath we had a yummy Krispy Kreme stop for some dessert. Smith was all about it. Mommy was fine with the free hot sample but Daddy insisted we needed another. Sissy says the sample doesn't count!!! Oh dear. Then we headed home in our temporary car (cauz we sold our van) which we have coined as "the home school van."

The beasts get a bath

2012-01-19T19:39:00.000-06:00

The beasts were super stinky so we made a family night out of it and took them to the dog wash and to Petland. Winston was barking at all the birds and cats in the store so he had to have a time out in the shopping cart. Woody likes the bath, Winston not so much but in our family if you're stinky bathing is not a choice.

No School

2012-01-17T16:07:00.000-06:00

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> We love being out of school. We had a good 4 day break. Went to the park, slept in & had fun hanging!
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Spurs Game on New Years Eve

2012-01-04T19:53:00.000-06:00

The boys had a blast

The Kiddie park

2012-01-04T11:53:00.001-06:00

We did a great kiddie park in Alamo Heights. The kids loved it and even sweet Jackson who was clearly way to big for the rides joined in on the fun. He was a little obsessed with riding the rides with his cousin Harper. Mollie Jane was a little afraid especially of the toddler Ferris wheel (oh dear). However, we all had a blast and way more smiles than tears.

New Years Eve

2012-01-04T11:46:00.001-06:00

We were party animals for sure. Jackson and Jason got to go to a Spurs game and the rest of us went out for a super yummy meal at Scenic Loop Cafe. Lots of fun and chaos with all the kiddos. We then came home and had champagne and put the little people to bed and celebrated with fireworks in our PJ's and Mammy and Jackson listened for firing guns and fireworks outside from neighbors.

New Years Day

2012-01-04T11:42:00.001-06:00

We had a great New Years Day. We went to church all matching and came home to a yummy ham and black eyed pea meal. We then had some very successful but a bit painful family photos which turned out great. I think it is also due to my new camera. Thanks Mammy and Pops. We then did a bit of fun shopping with just the girls.

Christmas at Mammy's

2012-01-04T11:31:00.001-06:00

We had so much fun having a second Christmas at Mammy's house. The kids were so excited and played with all their toys in the living room all week. Mammy of course went over the top and we were pumped to get some very coveted items we had been wanting for a long time.

How many cousins can we get in Mammy's tub?

2012-01-02T08:50:00.001-06:00

The cousins love bathing together in Mammy's big tub. It got a little crazy at times with all the jets & bubbles. Love all those nakey people. Sweet baby Greer opted for her own calm bath but give her a few months and I'm sure she'll join in the fun.

Brawner Family Christmas Pics

2011-12-24T12:18:00.001-06:00

We got the best pics last night of the whole family. Of course I was in heaven that people were matching and monogrammed! Getting three two year olds and four wound up kids to pose was not an easy task but they turned out super cute. I'm a little biased cauz I think we are a cute bunch anyways!

Brawner Family Christmas

2011-12-24T12:07:00.001-06:00

We had the annual Brawner Family Christmas last night! We go over to Kari and Travis's house and eat and have a mad time opening presents. The kids were very excited. Jackson insisted we bring our new family member Tom the Toad, who made the trip in his habitat. Oh my! Tom also opened his present last night. Jackson decided that Uncle Travis should do the unwrapping since Uncle Travis was the one who found Tom. Tom got a new hot tub for his habitat. We had yummy chicken spaghetti and a chocolate cake for desert. The kids played a loud game of Monster Daddy and wore themselves out. Fun had by all for sure.

Daddy's birthday

2011-12-24T11:52:00.002-06:00

We had a great birthday for Daddy. We went to Lambert's (home of the thrown rolls) and we threw some rolls at each other and ate a ridiculous amount of food. Jason's whole family was able to join us. Jackson said this is now his favorite place to eat along with Huhot's and Fuji's still. The kids had more fun catching the rolls. I think they definitely caught more than they ate. I then headed off to work and Jason and the kids hung out and we finished off the evening with a chocolate birthday cake for Daddy. Our Daddy is catching up to Mommy in age and while we don't feel old I think in several of our pics we are sure starting to look old!!!

Curry & Ellie's real birthday

2011-12-23T15:43:00.000-06:00

We had another fun day at the Sutherland house celebrating Curry & Ellie's birthday right before we got out for our lovely Christmas break!

Santa baby!!!!

2011-12-19T10:54:00.002-06:00

We were hoping this year would bring smiles from Smith when he saw Santa but not the case. I love these pictures today. However, yesterday while I was taking them and worn slick I thought I was going to loose it. Smith goes through having a full fit to just being super mad. At one point, I know his little mind was thinking (along with my husband and Tom Sutherland) enough already with these pictures in this Jon jon with a big Santa on it Mom!!! However, despite all that, we really had a great time at Breakfast with Santa. We went to brunch with our very best friends here in Springfield and it is always fun and of course a little crazy when we all get together. My kids were so excited to see Santa (all except Smith). When they laid their eyes on him and talked to him it was magical. He was pretty round and short. He was so kind and as Jackson quoted from elf "he didn't smell like beef and cheese." Jackson and Mollie Jane talked all day yesterday about how that was the real Santa. Santa had the neatest pocket watch that was amazing. It was like a music box with a little sleigh that danced around it and it showed all the time zones and was beautiful. A little boy came up to Santa and said that he wasn't the real Santa because he didn't know the name of his toy or something and then Santa explained that he did know the name of it an proceeded to say it and the little boy was speechless. Santa was also so good with Smith who decided to throw fits around Santa yesterday. Santa was so patient and was concerned that Smith wasn't feeling well or himself. Santa was right. Smith has been fighting a bad cold, although I think more of our behavior (as you can see from the photographs) was just being a lovely two year old as opposed to being "under the weather." Our whole family is now convinced that he was the real Santa and he was magical for sure. It was so fun and my dear friend Melissa and I because we have such similar taste ordered the same outfits for our kids so we were like one big family yesterday. Several people asked me if we were related. I said I wish! The reality is these friends really are like family and don't know what I would do without them the last several years with all the challenges it has brought and with my husband being "MIA" so often.

A fun Christmas party for Mommy

2011-12-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

Very fun that I got to sneak in a Chi Omega Springfield Alumni group Xmas party during a busy season! It is such a fun group of ladies and several of them have become some of my closest friends . We had an owl ornament exchange and ate some yummy food at sweet Katie Vance's house.

The Polar Express with Vivie

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000-06:00

We had such a blast with Aunt Jill & Uncle David on the Polar Express. They were in a separate car that was attached to ours. All my kids love their Aunt Jill and Vivie but Smith especially has such a place in his heart for his JJ & Viv. They have invested so much time and help with us this last year when we really needed it and because of that we have such a special bond. I truly don't know what we would do or where we would be without them. So the Choo Choo ride with Vivie was like over the top for big Smith. A couple of times when I turned my head he ran to Aunt Jill's car and stayed there. The last timeUncle Dave brought him back and asked if we recognized the chubby red fellow! What a fun night! We probably should have stayed in their coach cauz the vicious conductor was pretty nice to them!!!

The Polar Express

2011-12-14T17:20:00.000-06:00

We had the most amazing time at the Polar Express train in Branson. My kids were so excited and we had pumped them up for two weeks about this fun night. Jackson and Mollie Jane discussed it amongst themselves all week and were wondering if there was a magic track. They also were convinced it was the "real Polar Express.".

We all met for dinner in our jammies and then boarded the train. There was hot chocolate, super loud Christmas caroling, cookies, Santa & Ms Claus, Christmas lights and our very best pals in the whole world all cozied up on one train. How could it get any better than that? The kids were all amazing, however, we had an extremely crabby conductor. I thought it was part of the "act" of the serious conductor similar to the movie. However, my pals all caught on a bit earlier to "vicious Vic" and his moodiness. So needless to say Vic is no longer conducting and we were happy when he was done punching our tickets and moved along to the next train. It was a fun night full of lots of fun memories and for a few moments a few tears. However, today we have had much laughter about last night and have had multiple requests to ride the polar express again minus the crabby conductor. The kids faces were priceless when they saw Santa and when they were all crowding in the window to see the lights and the "north pole"

Cub Scout Genealogy project

2011-12-10T10:27:00.000-06:00

Jackson did a great job on his genealogy project for Cub Scouts. It was all color coded and very extensive. He researched and called trying to find out names of his relatives. We talked about it at our meeting at the Library Center and then did some research on micro-fish film. Jackson looked up 3-23-2003 & wrote what happened. Of course, Sissy was also there to help and assist.

Christmas PJ's

2011-12-04T12:40:00.001-06:00

One of my most favorite things in the world is pajama's. So I especially go nuts for Christmas pajamas. Here we are in our 2011 gear!

Dance Party Time

2011-12-04T12:38:00.001-06:00

In the Brawner house a new favorite activity which has spontaneously been happening lately is a "Dance Party." We like to have a variety of music and occasionally we dance on the table. This particular dance party Jackson busted out his trumpet. We tend to gravitate to the same music selection such as the macarana, the chocolato song, party in the USA, and any and all Christmas music (especially Feliz Navidad). We have been having so many lately that we are all really perfecting our moves!

Smith's stage

2011-12-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

I love that my child is going through a stage where he doesn't like his picture taken. He must have missed the memo that his mother is part Japenese! Sadly it hasn't stopped me so I hope he adapts cauz it could be a rough 16 years until college!

Girls love owls

2011-12-02T15:21:00.001-06:00

I love that Mollie Jane is completely & utterly obsessed with owls. Just like her Mama! She put together this outfit the other day all by herself. Her Christmas list pretty much consists of anything owls! Girls love owls people!

A great Tulsa Weekend

2011-11-29T22:37:00.000-06:00

We snapped some Christmas pictures in Tulsa. We had a blast staying at the hotel in downtown Tulsa for Ms Steph's wedding. It was tight all 5 of us in a room but everyone did great. Jason and I just laugh that staying in a hotel for our kids is the biggest thrill. We got home just in time to decorate and put up our Christmas tree. We are ready for Christmas for sure

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Our Sweet Miss Steph got married!

2011-11-28T22:02:00.001-06:00

How honored we felt to be a part of Miss Steph's big day. Mollie Jane wore my Mom's dress (that I wore too). It was precious. The kids did awesome and the Brawner family tore it up on the dance floor at the reception. We had a great time in Tulsa and of course there is nothing better for my kids than two nights in a hotel! Some fun memories

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T10:42:00.000-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving at my cousin's house. We go over there every year and get fed an amazing meal. They are so gracious and my kids look forward to it so much. My parent's best friend (and our Godmother) Cathy Dean came down and got to spend the day with us also. It was a lovely day where I ate too much and laughed a lot and enjoyed laughing with and at my kids.

Brawner family Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T00:47:00.000-06:00

We love our Claire

2011-11-25T00:44:00.000-06:00

My kids adore their second cousins Camp and Claire. They have been so unbelievably good to us and have given us so many wonderful hand me down toys and clothes and no matter what it is even if it's like a rubber ball my kids think it is the greatest thing ever cauz because it once belonged to Camp or Claire. What a huge blessing they are to us. I love these pics of my kids having fun with Claire Thanksgiving Day! Jackson and Claire even did a little duet concert of Jingle Bells. Too bad GeGe the musician matriarch of the family wasn't alive to see it.

Thanksgiving Day with Big

2011-11-25T00:35:00.000-06:00

My kids got super into making their Grandfather Big a poster because they were really worried about his knee replacement surgery. Jackson is into writing funny stories and constructed this very funny story about Santa and a blue taco. He then proceeded to do a section "about the author" and fully describe himself complete with his school photo. Mollie Jane just drew pictures so Jackson helped her place a photo of herself and did an "about the illustrator" section. Big got out of the hospital Thanksgiving evening after having been there 3 days and two nights. We were so glad and of course so grateful to Aunt Jill for getting the whole family together to celebrate Thanksgiving evening together in Branson.

Jackson's field trip

2011-11-20T21:46:00.001-06:00

Jackson's class went on a field trip to a cave, McDonald's, and a Natural History Museum. Smith, Mollie Jane and I met up with them at McDonald's and it was a good thing because Jackson might have starved eating only one cheeseburger and apples! We ate with him and then headed to the history museum where they talked a lot about Missouri archaeological history and all the caves and then about fossils. It was very interesting. Smith got asked to leave because he was a "loud guy" and talking about everything in the museum. He thought it was interesting too. Smith ended up watching a DVD in the car with another Mom while we finished the presentation. The kids got to go through the museum and the big deal was there was a gift shop where you could buy rocks and all sorts of things. Jackson took all his allowance and decided he needed to buy his sister a gemstone ring which was on sale for $1.00. It was really priceless though cauz all he bought was something for Sissy and he let her pick it out. She felt like a million bucks. We then went on a hike by a cave and dug for fossils. It got a little windy and cold for my tasted but the kids had a blast and Jackson says it was the best field trip he has ever had. Now he and Mollie Jane are spending lots of time exploring rocks outside our house and trying to hall them all inside!

Kindermusic at the nursing home

2011-11-16T13:41:00.000-06:00

Smith loved our Kindermusic at the nursing home in Springfield today. He usually wants me to hold him during the circle time but he walked all by himself today. We are starting to be a big boy!

More Veteran's day

2011-11-13T18:17:00.000-06:00

There was a slide show at Jackson's school where they asked for pictures to be presented of family members that have served. Jackson and I talked that we were so proud that he had so many pictures to turn in of family members that have served. What a legacy Jackson has.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-13T18:10:00.000-06:00

Jackson was all business for Veteran's day. His school did a great assembly and really explained well what the day meant. Jackson's cub scout troup assisted by passing out flags to everyone. We just wish our resident veteran "Daddy" could have been there. He was out of town that day!

1/2 marathon

2011-11-06T23:10:00.000-06:00

I had a blast running today with dear friends. Blair & Kristen are sisters and they both babysat Jackson and Mollie Jane when they were babies. Wish they both lived closer but it's always a blast when I get to see them. They are like family. The weather was gorgeous today and while I'm sure I could have trained more, I felt good during the run (minus listening to Blair burping). My enormous breakfast afterwards almost made that 13 mike run worth it. I'm sure I'll subject myself to it next year and maybe even hope to beat today's 2:10!!!!

MJ's soccer season

2011-11-04T00:30:00.001-05:00

Mollie Jane had quite a soccer season. Her two best friends Caroline and Ellie were on her team so all practices and games were very social. Mollie Jane actually did quite well and actually had a big score in the last game. We ended our season with a big pizza party at McSalty's tonight!

More Halloween night fun

2011-11-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

Halloween Night

2011-11-01T22:43:00.001-05:00

Halloween night we had a blast trick or treating on Pickwick St. There was
a parade at 5:00 and then we stayed and had a yummy pizza dinner with our
favorite family the Teas's! Jackson created his own "kitty litter" cake for dessert which he found especially funny. It was especially fun this year as the
students from our Camp Barnabas Prep Academy and our interns came down to
help pass out candy and see what all the Halloween fuss was about in our
neighborhood. We took one of the students Jake trick or treating with our
kids and he loved meeting our favorite sweet neighbor Ms Frannie. It was a
fun night and we got three huge bags of candy!

MJ's Halloween party at school

2011-10-30T23:59:00.000-05:00

Mollie Jane loves school and loves parties so party day at school is heaven for her. Plus Mommy and the chicken were there. Smith follows Sissy everywhere and doesn't miss out on a single snack that gets passed out!

Sunday Fun

2011-10-30T23:54:00.001-05:00

We had a great Sunday. We went to the spooky symphony, had a piano
recital, Mommy did a 10 mile training run, went to our church trunk or
treat and loaded up on candy and then ended the night with my three
precious friends and their husbands for a festive fall retirement party.
We are tired! God is good what a fun day.

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Smith's Halloween kindermusic

2011-10-27T13:15:00.000-05:00

Smith had fun dressing up as a chicken for Kindermusic!

Our Halloween debut

2011-10-27T10:41:00.001-05:00

We got to go to "Boo at the Zoo" the other night and enjoy the gorgeous Missouri weather. Jackson is an angry bird, Smith is a chicken and Mollie Jane is an owl. The family of the Brawner birds had a great night getting candy, checking out the animals and riding the train. It was our first big reveal of all the birds together!

Oh swimming!

2011-10-27T10:18:00.000-05:00

Miss Carol definitely earned her pay today. Smith had his first full swim lesson. Usually he splits the 30 minute instruction time with his sister but today it was all Smith. It would be about three minutes of solid screaming and then Miss Carol does a little game or finger song and Smith would calm down. She is teaching him to " bubble down" and learn to go underwater. He would be screaming and you would hear her say "bubble down" and he would stop screaming and do what he was supposed to do (go underwater blow bubbles out nose, come up and take a breath) and then the screaming would immediately start again. Afterwards Ms Carol gave him some bear cookies and I was using positive self talk with him while he was doing his sobbing breaths and he would repeat "fun at swim". He is great at repeating what I say but in between our self talk he would say " like the cookies" and "I nakey". So really the only part of this costly swim lesson he remotely enjoyed was it ending, being naked, and eating cookies!

Mollie Jane's Ballet Fall 2011

2011-10-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

Mollie Jane loves ballet. She moved up a class this year and is with her
best friend Ellie. They are so precious and she is most serious. Her
teacher is fabulous. Very serious, classical ballet studio with a
Christian emphasis. Mammy would sure be proud. Sissy is doing so well

A Mizzou dinner

2011-10-24T10:48:00.000-05:00

Mammy and Pops stayed a couple of nights after taking the big two kids to Disney. While Mommy was working and Daddy had army they babysat everybody and got people dressed in their Mizzou clothes. We had a victory dinner at our favorite place Fuji's. It was lots of fun and we were super sad to see them go!

More of Disney

2011-10-23T22:18:00.002-05:00

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Loving Disney

2011-10-23T22:15:00.002-05:00

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Still More Disney

2011-10-23T22:13:00.002-05:00

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Lots of Princesses!

2011-10-23T22:09:00.002-05:00

Mollie Jane loved this. Jackson did great and seemed to enjoy it but of
course was a little unsure in these pics. Poor guy, that's a lot of
princesses for a big guy!

Oh still more Disney!

2011-10-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

They did Epcot, MGM and Magic kingdom. They were there Monday through Friday and they loved it all. They couldn't really pick one favorite. Can you blame them? Lunch at the Princess Castle, Halloween party & trick or treating in the park, fireworks, Disney character breakfast, swimming pool with a volcano and a slide, the monorail, dessert at every meal, and the craziest rides at the best theme park in the world, how can you pick a favorite!

Oh happy Disney World

2011-10-20T13:08:00.000-05:00

Oh the wonderful world of Disney. My kids are just about the luckiest, most blessed kids in the world. Mammy & Pops took them to Disney World. They have been so looking forward to this trip! It was like "Christmas.". They woke up similar early on departure day and Jackson says "is it time to go yet?". Sissy said " mommy we are going to Disney World and it's still dark out". They loved Magic Kingdom and had a blast at the Polynesian Hotel.

Some time with my "cous"

2011-10-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

Smith is so lucky that his Aunt JJ is crazy about him and willing to feed him. She called and sweetly offered to have him spend a couple of days with them in Branson. It is so fun for Smith a huge blessing for me as it helps me attempt to get caught up on life for a few days without the big man. We got to see our other cousins and SueSue even stopped by to give him a "baba". There is no place like Aunt JJ's and it is fun to see the special bond he has with them and Vivian because they take him so often for me!! Smith is a man of few random words but he does talk about Aunt JJ so much. I love it and am sooo grateful they finally live close!

Great fall day at SDC

2011-10-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

We had the most gorgeous fall weather at SDC today. Jackson was out of school so after BSF we all piled in the rainy car & headed down to Branson to pick up Smith (who was hanging with my sweet sister in law Jill for a couple of days). God cleared up the rain and the park (no one was there) for us and we had a blast!

Smith loved the tram!

A great day for sure!

Smith had some definite anxiety while on the frogs. They were a little bouncier than I remembered. He was all about talking about them afterwards though!

Our favorite "shoot Em up game"

Oh Tom the Toad

2011-10-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

My kids have been very into making "habitats." They are constantly collecting bugs for their habitats and digging in my trash looking for something they could make into a habitat. Several nights ago at my sister in laws house in Branson my kids found a big toad & named him Tom. They decided Tom needed to come home so we transported him in a shoebox and Jackson insisted on putting him in a "really nice habitat" since he wasn't just an insect but an amphibian. Oh dear!! So Tom now lives in Jackson's room in a converted fish tank. Jackson asked his teacher Ms Lynn if Tom could be third grade show and tell. So Tom went to school with Jackson in his habitat & ate a few crickets for the class! Jackson was so proud!

We will survive swim lessons

2011-10-11T23:02:00.001-05:00

This is how we felt when we woke up this morning

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This is how we were feeling when we pulled into swim lessons and we decided to throw in that we had a stomach ace. We stopped tears and drama when we realized we weren't leaving and Momma didn't take much interest in our stomach ache story. I also threw in a little "Mr Bulky's" later today if we don't cry for Ms Carol. Oh dear will we ever learn to swim? I may be an old, broke woman with another line in my forehead at this rate.

We love Mr Owen!

2011-10-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Our very special Owen! We are very blessed to have such dear friends who also love our kids. My amazing friend Amelia helps us out more than she'll ever know. We are very frequently at her house for the best meals or pizza nights. She also has gotten into this lovely routine of taking Mollie Jane to do fun things like the Jumpy Places, movies, parks, eating out. She's a rock star Mom and I love it when she wants my kids to hang with her. Last night after she took Mollie Jane for a super fun afternoon we all met up at our favorite place ever, Mr Bulky's Candy Store for a yummy treat! I love that they are such dear friends my kids think of them more like family! Even Smith said last night in the car on the way home "fun at Mr Bulky's with Owen."

Rams game

2011-10-06T19:16:00.000-05:00

Jackson was all about the game Saturday in St Louis with his Dad & was convinced the best seats were up top. Guess with the way the Rams have been playing whether you're up top or close & center you won't miss much!!

A fun overnight in St Louis

2011-10-02T23:14:00.011-05:00

We had a very impromptu overnight to St Louis. We left Saturday evening after I worked all day and football practice. We got a fun hotel right across from the Rams stadium. We had a great hotel breakfast and swim and the boys went to the game and Smith, Mollie Jane and I went to the St Louis Zoo. It was a full day but nice to get away and we closed the weekend with a dinner at White Castle.

Smith was all about wanting to ride the train at the St. Louis Zoo until we actually got on the train and went through a dark tunnel. We survived and made it a fun ride!

The kids were all about the hotel stay. Jackson was so cute when we checked in late Saturday night choosing his bed and asking Mollie Jane, "sissy do you want me to show you where the bathroom is?"

Smith cruising around with his biscuits hanging out after a fun swim. He loves calling them his "biscuits."

Some lovely R&R in Naples

2011-09-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

We are really having a great time at the beach in Naples Florida. Jason's sweet sister Jill planned this adult trip and we are sure enjoying our time here at the Ritz.

Showie Option

2011-09-16T20:14:00.002-05:00

We all opted for a shower tonight. Since it was Smiths first official I was asked by the other two to take a pic. Just another Friday night at the Brawner house. What did we do on Friday night before kids?

Jackson's first flag football game

2011-09-13T19:01:00.000-05:00

Jackson did great in his first flag football game. He got one touchdown, two extra points and did some serious blocking. Who knew our string bean could play football. He had so much fun. We signed him up on a team where we really knew no one at all and the kids have all played before. So the blue jays won their first game last night and the Brawner family might have a future football player in their midst! We'll see! About 6 more games!

Smith's Kindermusic

2011-09-13T18:44:00.001-05:00

My Mom & Dad gave Smith Kindermusick class with Miss Ellen for his birthday. He really loves it. He does a great job in story time and is very attentive. He is working on attending to the activities of the class as often he doesn't want to hold the instruments. He wants Mommy to hold them for him (oh dear). He also enjoys running around during circle time. It is a fun activity and I am so glad to get to do it with Big Smith. I did it with Jackson and Mollie Jane too so I've just about completed a full decade of Kindermusik!

We love swimming lessons

2011-09-13T00:12:00.000-05:00

This is Mollie Jane's feeling about swimming lessons today. We're in the car and she's saying I want Smith to do swimming lessons not me! Honestly, it's hard to believe this is the five year old daughter of a college swimmer! I'd like to say she was a bit tired and we had a busy weekend but the real truth is she is extremely fearful of learning to swim! I know she'll thank me one day but today wasn't that day.

Kindergarten shots aren't so bad at the Brawner house

2011-09-12T22:43:00.002-05:00

Waiting in the exam room right before our shots. All smiles and we were chowing on our blue ring pop. This is actually my dress from when I was five and the one I wore on my first day of Kindergarten.

>
We try to make a fun day out of kindergarten shots. We did this for Jackson too! We get to go pick out a special toy at the store of your choice. Of course, my kids always choose Toys R Us cauz we never go there. I was able to talk her out of this $64 walking dog & we escaped Toys R Us with a $14 princess dress.

Fun with the Frech's

2011-09-12T00:22:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of watching our friends children today. Our kids love each other and play so well. After church we're loading up in my car & I turn around and am looking for Smith to put in the car and from the back seat I hear, "ride with boys". It was precious. He climbed in with them and was just sitting in the seat like a big boy. We are starting to see so many more moments with Smith where he is wanting to do what his older siblings do (especially Jackson).

Shopping at Sams

2011-09-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

We love our friends the Frech's! This was a photo of me and all the kids shopping at Sam's today! We were quite a site! The checkout man was literally laughing! Daddy see what fun you miss when you're at army duty!

Smith's first day of school

2011-09-09T18:46:00.000-05:00

> Smith had his first day of school. The big boy goes one day a week from 9-2. He does great and doesn't cry but when you ask him if he wants to go to school or if he likes school he says "no school". He does awesome but the reality is he's definitely the baby of our crazy family and he'd rather be with Mama!
>

Mollie Jane's 1st day of school

2011-09-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

Mollie Jane is so excited about Kindergarten. She goes five days a week from 9-12. She has a new teacher named Miss Angie. We think she'll be a great fit for Mollie Jane. Thank goodness we are still in a class with our best friend Caden!

Labor Day Run in Branson

2011-09-04T16:44:00.003-05:00

Lunch & Band with Bubs

2011-09-02T16:22:00.000-05:00

We were so glad Mammy and Pops came into town for a very quick visit. Jackson's favorite thing is to have Wendy's brought to him for lunch. Mollie Jane and Smith thought it was very exciting to eat with "Bubby" at lunch. Right after lunch was the long awaited band practice!! Oh dear!! We have been looming forward to 3rd grade band since last spring. Jackson was excited that we stayed and watched him in band practice. He is all business with his trumpet!

15 Year Anniversary Pics in Mexico

2011-08-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

We had a photographer take some fun pics of us in Mexico to celebrate 15 years of J & Al!

A Long Awaited J & Al trip to Mexico

2011-08-29T16:52:00.000-05:00

KC trip and glad to see Mammy & Pops

2011-08-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

I made a quick but very important trip to Kansas City to be with family and friends for the passing of our Preston. Preston and Cathy are technically my sister's godparents but I didn't even know that until I was a teenager because they have always loved my sister and I the same. They've been there for just about every major milestone in my life. It was a sad but good day. Lots of reflection and thank-fullness and realizing how incredibly blessed I am. We spent the day all together at Cathy's house and did lots of eating, laughing, games, and reflecting with old pictures. Preston will be missed so much. He was such a man of integrity and honesty. He spoke few words but when he did speak it usually always made me listen intently or crack up with laughter. Mom and Dad came down the day after the funeral and we did a fun but very hot picnic lunch in the park.

Our St Louis layover

2011-08-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

We had a bit of a layover in St Louis before we got on our plane to Mexico but we had fun going to a cardinals game,driving around my old neighborhood, eating at the Hill, running by the arch and of course eating at white castle

Fwd: Jackson's first day of third grade

2011-08-19T19:05:00.000-05:00

> So Jackson is officially a third grader. He is at the same wonderful school he has been attending since first grade. Ms Lynn is his teacher this year. The biggest excitement is that Jackson is doing band and he has chosen the trumpet as his instrument.
>

Jackson at K-1 for a month

2011-08-16T17:53:00.000-05:00

Jackson went to Kanakuk for 28 days! I can't believe he was gone that long! He had a blast. My sweet sister in law Jill picked him up cauz we were in Texas finishing up Camp Barnabas in Medena and visiting family and friends. Jason's parents were also able to be there for closing as well. His three counselors were Jesse, Brooks & Adam. I want to add to this post some fun thoughts from Jackson. But overall: He loved trip. They won honor cabin, loved blobbing, the party barn & camp Sundays! He seemed to bond with his cabin and his counselors stated that he was very wise and mature and was often times a fourth counselor to the rest of the cabin. Oh dear. That's my first born. More than anything I am so grateful that he has this opportunity to get to experience Kanakuk for a month. It is not an opportunity that we take for granted in the Brawner house! We are very blessed!

Devin and Kylie's Wedding

2011-07-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

We got to go to Devin and Kylie's wedding. It was on a two day break from Camp and it was so beautiful and sweet. Our precious Sarah Moll came in for the wedding and came with us. Mollie Jane was in heaven as this was the first wedding she had been to in a long time and could really remember. She has been really into princesses and dressing up so this was a fun night with our sweet girl.

You have been sent 5 pictures.

Fwd: Jackson's baseball

2011-07-19T18:42:00.000-05:00

>
> Jackson is on the greatest baseball team. This is third year on this team. It is a great group of boys and the parents are all wonderful. It has been a great fit for him and us in that they play hard but the coach gives the boys a healthy perspective when it comes to competitiveness. Jackson is a great hitter. He hit several doubles & triples. He frequently plays catcher and outfield. The Bears had a great season. March- August. Jackson is super sad when baseball is over but I am a bit relived cauz it's a lot of games and practicing especially from Purdy, MO.

Are you really going to Kamp for a month?

2011-07-17T17:59:00.000-05:00

We took Jackson to a fun day at White Water the day before camp. We swam with our sweet friend Caroline Field! We had a blast and stayed all day! We dropped Jackson off at K-1 the next day & our favorite family the Braners! Jackson and Tiki ended up in the same cabin which was awesome cauz they bonded over Easter when we went out to visit them in Durango. After we dropped Jackson off Jason and took a fun date night in Branson! It was nice to get dressed up and look presentable for a change.

4th of July in Texas

2011-07-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

4th of July Fun with Family

2011-07-06T19:48:00.000-05:00

We made it to Texas

2011-07-05T19:57:00.000-05:00

We made the 12 hour drive to Texas to hang with my family for the fourth but most importantly meet my precious new niece Greer Alison Pardue.

Smith's first movie

2011-06-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

We took a break from Barnabas one Wednesday night and went into the thriving metropolis of Monett to see Cars 2. We were loaded up with snacks and candy. Our sweet Blair had a few weeks before given the kids Cars 1 and Smith liked that but the theater was a new experience for him. He was a bit fidgety but overall did awesome. He brought his own cars and was clutching them in his hands throughout the film. His favorite was when the cars raced. He would yell out in the theaters "car cars."

Mollie Jane's ballet recital

2011-06-04T17:01:00.000-05:00

MJ did good but seemed a little overwhelmed on stage. She had a lot of fun and was all smiles. Our sweet Sis!

MJ's thanksgiving party

2011-01-22T18:11:00.000-06:00

> The actual day of Mollie Jane's thanksgiving party the water main broke at her school. She was so bummed cauz my parents were here and it would have one of the first parties where she actual had decent attendance of people represented for her cauz it is usually just Smith & I. So we celebrated the Monday after Thanksgiving. Mollie Jane was so great to include Smith in her party getting him a plate of food and a craft. He even followed her up and got in her class group picture. It was priceless.
>

Our Sarah Moll!

2011-01-08T10:57:00.000-06:00

Our Sarah Moll came for a visit and we were in heaven. She came all the way from Denver on her Xmas break. Why oh why does she not live closer.

Almost got Xmas put up but not yet

2011-01-07T10:55:00.000-06:00

Almost got it put up but not yet

The problem with not putting the SV up in one day is that my kids are obsessed with it
MJ knocked the basketball hoop over & broke it in half. Glued it back together & it's fine. Guess it will just always be a reminder of the Xmas years of the curious little hands who think it's a giant dollhouse
Oh dear!!!
GeGe would die though!

The big fellow!

Someone loves the bus
Found him sitting in the chair like a person
GeGe would die
He actually has never broken anything
Just MJ

New Years

2011-01-02T10:54:00.000-06:00

a full on rager of a party at the Kilbournes for New Years!

Big Smith in Purdy!!

2010-12-27T10:52:00.000-06:00

Big Smith in Purdy!!

At the Monett Lowes on our Camp Barnabas day poor Smith had to have his bottle in Lowes! That third child has to be flex!!! Jackson says "I need Ms Cyndy or Mammy to help me give Smith his "baba" he's heavy Mommy!!"
Miss y'all

Excuse me

2010-12-25T10:51:00.000-06:00

Excuse me

Someone just found the M&M candies
He was found eating them individually saying "Mmmmmmm"

Christmas

2010-12-25T10:50:00.000-06:00

Our favorite present

We are fully obsessed with our camera
That all he wanted to do last night is take pics. Mammy said she went in the hall this morning & saw flashes coming from Bubs room this morning
We love it Aunt Buzy

It's waffle day people

2010-12-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

It's waffle day people

Was the only present that came in late last night in the freezing rain after the Brawner family Christmas!!!!
Oh yum

Excuse me

2010-12-21T22:59:00.000-06:00

Stan was found by the piano holding a piece of the snow village saying "car car"
He really likes the "car lot " and fiddling with all Mommy's fake snow

Fw: Merry messy Xmas

2010-12-20T23:00:00.000-06:00

Merry messy Xmas

MJ's class party
Were making trees

Like mothers like daughters

Sweet buds

MJ's Xmas program

2010-12-20T22:57:00.001-06:00

MJ walking in line after her big performance