Our Boys

Day 12 - Ward 365

2010-03-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

OK - So I have not done very well over the past 11 days in posting daily like I wanted...UGH!! I have only dissapointed myself here, or at least I think that is it. well enough mumbling... Start over!

So at about 2:30 am this morning I hear Braydon open his door and coming up the stairs. I rolled over so that I could see him and held my arms out. He saw me and bolted the other way, not sure why, so I called him softly back into the room and he says, I'm jiggly.... OK, not sure what he means, but OK. So I tell him to go to the restroom and then he can crawl in bed with us. Well he seems to be taking forever, so I go check on him and he standing in the bathroom and says again, I'm jiggly... So I turned on a light and sure enough, there he is shaking (or as he said jiggly'ing). I go to help him and notice his pj's are damp, so I got him dry pj's and got him in them and in bed with us. There he lay for a few more minutes just jiggly'ing. But he warmed up quickly and they jiggles stopped. Poor baby was damp and cold and started shaking....

Other GREAT news - Andrew made the Staley HS Golf team yesterday! I am SOOOO proud of him. The golf team was one of his goals and I know he will represent the school to his best!! I can not wait to go and watch him play! Once I know more of his schedule, I will try to post it here, so that if other family and friends want to come, they can.

My new position is going great! I am loving my new job and can not wait to be able to turn the old position over to the new girl, Sarah! There is SOOOO much to learn and for the past two weeks I really have not been able to give the new duties 100%.

Well, Off to bigger things for the weekend! OH YEAH - Happy First Day Of Spring with Snow Storm!! Too Much!

New Goal.... Day One - Ward 365

2010-03-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who has just recently started blogging and made a goal to blog everyday for the next 365 days.... So I have been reading and enjoying, so I thought, I really need to post updates for family and such, so why not set the same goal. So here goes post # ONE!!!

The biggest news is that I received a promotion at work and am no longer going to be the Facilities Coordinator for them.... I am now the Payroll Administrator... Yes, I have 14 years of accounting experience (with the same company) so I am VERY excited.... I actually interviewed for a different position in HR two weeks ago tomorrow, well Carrie received that position which then opened the Payroll position, which I interviewed for as well from the manager asking me to. I then interviewed with two more levels of management two days later and was offered the position that same day. I then started some quick training and officially took over the position this past Monday. Now the unfun part is I have to do double duty till 3/22 when the new Facilities Coordinator starts (BTW - Congrat's to Sarah and her new position here).

Family Update:

Doug - Selling financial products for Modern Woodmen of America and does a Fantastic Job of what he does.... But sales are slow, and he has a job interview on Thursday!

Alex - Doing ok, I guess for a son I hardly see... I do know he has court on Friday! Praying and hoping this is is LAST!!

Andrew - Is going out for the golf team at Staley - So Proud of Him!! Should know by the weekend if he made the team!

Braydon - Well let's just say he the 3rd child right now, the free spirited one who beats to his own drum.... Keeps us on our toes with keeping him in line...

And for those that did not know, Grandma who lived with us passed away in January.... We miss her dearly!!

Well, that is it for my number one post.... Now to see how long Lani & I can keep going....

Hey Blog

2009-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

So time goes by, computers are slow and I just did not feel like blogging.... But really want to.... So here goes....

Doug's work is going GREAT (BTW, need to move investments around, need a new life insurance policy - Contact Doug 816-651-1050!!) He helped my parents and got them a GREAT deal, as well as several other friends.

House is OFF the market! YEP, God is AWESOME and is taking care of us, so we are NOT gonna have to move... Now once the market improves, I am ready to move but of my choice!

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR 80% OF THE HOUSE!!
Andrew is getting ready to start High School - He will be at Staley, and we are all excited about this, as this is the new school and has state of the art everything! His first day will be 8/17.

Braydon is getting ready to go to pre-school. We are putting him at Northland Christian, which is a private christian school! If things go well, he will probably continue on through his elementary years, but time will tell. His first day is 8/24.

Alex is enrolled out at JOCO in the Chef Apprenticeship program (Culinary) and is due to start 8/17 as well, but who knows here! Please keep this in prayer!!

I am enrolled at Maplewoods Community College. I am going back to finish up my Associates Degree in business. I of course will only be attending one night a week, so Come 8/20, I will be in class on Thursday nights! So call Doug if you need anything on Thursday nights....

So that is what is happening now....

For the older new's:
Celebrated Father's Day
Photographed a wedding
Braydon spent a week at Grandma's in Wichita
Photographed my Niece Emilee's Senior pictures
Participated in Kansas City Corporate Challenge events
Celebrated my Grandma's 91st Birthday
Celebrated the 4th of July
Went to Theater in the Park in Gladstone
Went to a friends 50th Birthday Party
Went to the Royals Hall a Fame game
Celebrated Doug being baptized!
Attended a Northland Cathedral Youth Group of the 80's Reunion

So here at some point, I will post some pictures, but if you just want to go see them before here and know my main password, visit my site: http://snapshots.zenfolio.com/ There are some out there that are not password protected, but not many... If you need the PW, you can e-mail me and ask, and I will get back to you!

Ward Weekender - Fun times with friends

2009-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

'psst... Do not know why I never posted this, probably because I had not uploaded pictures... Well, here it is without them....

So last weekend (actually in MAY!!)we too time to head to Branson and Springfield to visit friends and attend a graduation.

We started off by taking off work a bit early, yet it was I think 3:00 before we actually headed out of town.... We drove straight into Branson and played around at Branson Landing for about two or so hours. Then we headed out of Branson to E.J. & Vicki's house.

Got up Saturday lounged around and had a big late breakfast... It included pancakes, farm bacon, FRESH FARM eggs, bagels, fresh fruit, milk and juice! WOW - we were so full and had eaten a bit later, that we all skipped lunch. We went into downtown Branson; went into a few shops there, which included a flea market (Lots of Fun!), then we had to take Vicki to work :(!. E.J. then drove us down the Branson strip and showed off what was new and such, then we headed back to their house for a walk around the Farm.

The Farm is awesome....Oh to live liek that. First thier house is cute! Then the land is plenty, with trees and woods around, far enough off of the road to quiet the highway noise, then there is the Wedding Chapel they own, then the veggies, then the chickens, the donkey and Bubble's the ostrich! Then his parents also have a house down around the bend on the same property! Gotta Love it!!

So the kids spent the late afternoon and early evening jumping on the trampolene, riding bikes, trying to play baseball, or was that kickball? Anyway, they all played very well together, which is what mattered most.

We then had a very nice dinner of fresh farm pork chops and chicken! After dinner we sat on the sofa relaxing, talking and I zonked from such a wonderful relaxing day!

Sunday we got up, gathered our stuff and headed on back to Springfield to goto Phillip's graduation ceremony! CONGRAT's to Phillip! after the ceremony, we went over to Jordan Valley Park and the Ozark Stream & Fountain.

Ward Weekender - Mother's Day

2009-05-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Time for a more up-to-date Ward Weekender...

Friday - Got a new microwave for over the stove at a garage sale for $35.00!!!!

Saturday - Got up and saw Doug & Bradyon off to Lyon's KS for his Uncle's funeral. I then sold our old tent to a lady that came by, then I went garage sale'ing for about an hour and a half. I found some GREAT deals!! The best find of the day was the box of jewelry that I got for $5.00. It included 8 necklaces, three bracelets and five pairs of ear rings! There were several pieces that were silver, so what a deal it was! After the sales, My Mom picked me up for a Mother/Daughter tea in Liberty at Ann Marie's Tea Room. it was very nice and a quaint little place. She has a shop where she sells tea and tea pots, but then for tea's she opens up her house. It was a nice time. After that, later on my parents came over and we all had dinner together, which included Alex.

Sunday - Got up and went to church. had lunch at McDonalds (by Braydon's request), once we got home, I laid down and took a two hour nap. my Mom then came over and we went out Geo Caching. We found two. Then the guys cooked us dinner. We had finshed eating and my brother and family showed up and ate some too. Then we all sat around and chatted till about nine, when I said, Doug you have the extra hands, why not install the microwave. So they did! So once again, we have a decent microwave in the kitchen.

Well, I personally did not take any pictures, but Mom did and I have not seen them yet. Once I have some, I will post them.

I hope that everyone had a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Ward Weekender April 24-26th 2009

2009-04-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

So you see the videos below of the boy.... He did have a good weekend and loved his new bike, skateboard and he also got a cool little toy firetruck for free from another sale!

The house is LISTED! - Yes it it for sale, MLS# 1606308... I took more pictures than are listed and if you want to see them, visit the following and the password is house http://Snapshots.zenfolio.com/p535422784. Please pray that it sales quickly or that God brings other financial opprotunities our way, not that we don't love our house, we just need to downsize.

The garage sale this past weekend was just so-so as usual... We had LOTS of stuff (Thanks to Mom) and because of all of the other neighborhoods that were also having sales, we only made $200. But we are VERY thankfull, as that was money we did not have before the sale.

Sunday morning our little ray of sunshine was up at 6:00AM - YES!!! He did really good and had a little case of the "no's" with us around lunch time, but got over them quickly after sitting in his room in a time out for a bit... Then he & I went to Wal-Mart to fill Grandma's shopping list. Well about 10 minutes into the trip his eyes are getting heavy and within 15 he was out cold! So I got to shop with my almost 4 year old asleep in the cart the whole time! It was like I was there alone - GLORY!! There were no grumpies when I went to the bakery and asked for a cookie to be told they can not do that anymore thanks to their manager, there were no 'Can I...., PLEASE, I'll be you're best friend", I need that, I want that!! Yes, this trip was wonderful - Me & a sleeping toddler. He was so cute, that when I was checking out, I grabbed a box of 'nilla waffers and snapped his picture. Oh & he some how stayed up right and held onto his toys the whole time as well.

Alex came to my work a couple weeks ago - He had got a hair cut and had his braces removed... My boy is looking like a fine young man... Now if we could just get him to follow some of life's rules.

One last thing - Saw these on a walk to the P&L district a week ago.... is there such thing as a Daffodil Tulip? If not, does anyone know what these are, they were so pretty. They looked like a thick Daffodil on top and the green looked like a Dulip....

BMW New bike

2009-04-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

We traded in Braydon's Thomas bike at the garage sale over the weekend.... Bought this one for $20 and sold Thomas for $10.00... Thomas was well loved and had lots of knicks and paint scrapes as well as a spot that was torn on the seat... He rode on the new bike for HOURS while the garage sale was happening and begged to ride more on Sunday, which of course he got to do.

BMW more skateboard

2009-04-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

Another run down the driveway

BMW Skateboard

2009-04-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

BMW on his new skateboard, going down the driveway.

Ward Weekender - Behind yet again!!

2009-03-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

So instead of boring you with much details over the past month... I will share pictures, as that is what everyone likes to see the most.

This weekend - Snow - Building a snowman and a snowcat

Last weekend - Friends in town & Geo Caching - YEAH - LOVE it, My Best Dear Friend that lives in Everton introduced this to our family last weekend - & now I can not waith for warm weather and more geo caching adventures!! Best part is FREE, Clean, Family Fun!! Want to learn more, go to http://www.geocaching.com/

Two weekends ago - Was Last swim lesson & the Snake Saturday Parade - Weather was PERFECT for an hour and a half long parade!

Three weekends ago - I believe was dinner at the Crow's... To see the pictures from this wonderful evening, click HERE

Well I think that hit's the highlights... Now for the pictures...

Ward Weekender - Yeah I'm behind!!

2009-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

OK - I'm behind, so here are the updates in a quicky...

Ward Weekender 1/30... Black Friday, to Simple Sunday
Layoff's on Friday 1/30 - Good news for me - I have a job, plus one...
Saturday - Swim lessons
Sunday - Simple, nothing new

Ward Weekender 2/9... At this point not idea other than swim lessons on Saturday
Ward Weekender 2/13... Valentines - I Love my husand!
Ward Weekender 2/20... Relax, Relaxing, Relaxed.... Or at least for me...

So I want to write, but do not feel like it for now. So maybe I might get there and update you all... But most of all, I am glad to have a job! I will get pictures later.. Want to see wha I have uploaded, check out facebook, and get a good laugh!! LOL!

Ward Weekender 1/23/09, Cold, Work & Puppies

2009-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Another calm weekend in the Ward home.....

Friday - Finished the work week up by talking Doug into picking me up from work, as I really did NOT want to walk to the bus stop in the COLD weather! Got home, Cooked up some dinner (Steak & Salmon). Relaxed and played around.

Saturday - I worked most of the day at Social Suppers, got home and Doug went off to Cabella's to work. Then I had my parents over for dinner and they brought the new Cocker Spaniel puppies over.... See my Dad has retired and in his retirement he felt he needed a new compainion. Well, not just one, because he adpoted two! They are brothers, but are night and day from each other not only in personality but in looks. I will get some pictures and post them, because they are cute.

Sunday - Went to church, a funeral visitation (Wanda Klunder) and then with my Mom to take the puppies to the vet (yes on a Sunday, at Petsmart) Then the puppies came home with me and I get them for a week, because Dad went to Florida for the PGA Golf Show.... and Mom is in Quarter end at her work, so they will get a little more attention at our house for the next week, than at theirs....

So now these puppies.... Funny thing is Mom & Dad are having a tough time naming them.... I have named them, but they are not liking my names.... But if they do not hurry, my names are gonna stick!! So there is a Black and White one and I have named him Mitch and then #2 is Tan/Buff colored and I have named him Davis. You ask, Why Mitch and Davis???? My mom had a black and white Cocker when she was at home and her maiden name is Mitchell, so Mitch is short for Mitchell. The Buff one is short for Davison, and my parents had a buff colored one named Baloona for a long time. So, they puppies have shortened family names.... What is cute is Braydon even knows which one is which and calls them correctly, and they are starting to come. So if Mom & Dad to not stick to what I have named them, they had better hurry.

The boys asleep on their backs....
Davis wanting the toy Braydon is taunting him with
We just want to sleep....

TUG!

NO, Down here!

Ward Weekender 1/16/2009

2009-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well, not an exciting weekend for blogging in what we did, nor did we even take any pictures..... Now we did have a great relaxing weekend....

So Friday I went to a Happy Hour for a little bit, then Doug & Braydon picked me up and we went to our friends Jon & Jessie for dinner. They invited us over at an impromptu moment, as their original plans fell through... Impromptu or not, we had a great dinner and a lot of fun playing a game of "Jungle Speed" Now the fun part about this game.... I loved it, Doug, well, he tolerated it.... I would play again and again, Doug - NOT.... It is a game of paying attention to detailed shapes and sometimes color. I being the detailed one, of course loved it! So take a look at the link, there is a video on how to play (& I even think I saw a few different rules from what we played), but anyway, I loved it and have even considered buying it, as it is a game that here in the next year or so, could easily teach Braydon to love and enjoy.

Saturday - Was Braydon's second round of swim lessons and it was totally different than the first one. He went in and participated quite well and even smiled and had fun during his class.

Sunday - We went to church, grocery shopping and took Andrew to get his Ipo, Yep - Boring, Relaxing Day!

We also played on a lot of games this weekend on the Wii. Am trying to get a Wii Fit Balance Board and game and not get screwed on price.... If anyone can find a new one at the $89.99 price - LET ME KNOW!!!!

Ward Weekender - Christmas, Jan 11th and everything in between

2009-01-12T07:42:00.001-08:00

OK - The last post I did was about Thanksgiving.... Personnally, I have not felt like posting anything.... The Christmas season this year was just not there for me. & I just was not in the mood....

So here is a quick recap....

Sunday 12/14 - Members from Grandma's Church came and sang Christmas Carol's

Weekend of 12/19 - Went to Wichita for Christmas with Doug's family

Christmas Eve - Parents came over as well as Alex, had a great dinner and everyone stayed the night.

Christmas Morning - Kids opened gifts from us & Santa

Christmas Afternoon - Whole Family went to my brother & sister-n-law's for more food and gifts

Saturday 12/27 - Alex turned 19!!!!!!

Sunday 12/28 - Drove to Joplin to spend the afternoon with my mom's side of the family

Monday 12/29 - Jessica, Alex's Girlfriend, put together a surprise family birthday dinner for Alex.

New Years Eve - Spent with Jon & Jessie, Annie & Danny and of course the four little ones we all have

New Years Day - De-decorated the house and packed it away until next year

Weekend of 1/2 - Hung out and relaxed

This past weekend - Hung out at home, Started Saturday at Gladstone Pool with Braydon's first swim lesson the spent the rest of the day Saturday at Benjamin Ranch with AFLAC sales rep's for Doug's annual sales meeting, Sunday hung out at home

And that brings us to today....Blogging and back to work.

So over this time frame, we took ALOT of pictures; and now trying to decide what to put into this post and of course, I will link them all for you as well, that way you can look at what you want...

The album's on Zenfolio are password protected - So if you want to see them it is: Ward1012 and the PW for the album from Sat 1/10 at Benjamin Stables it is AFLAC

ALL PICTURES LINK

A few of the favorites for those that don't have time to go to the albums....

Grandma & the Christmas Caroler's from her church

The youngest of the Wichita Crew - Austin, Braydon & Tatum

Doug all "tuckered" out!!

The Boys Christmas Morning

My side of the family Christmas Afternoon....

Alex & Jessica coming in for his "Surprise" family Birthday Dinner

Some New Year's Eve Shots.... We had a BLAST!!

Braydon at the beginning of his first Swim lesson - NOT HAPPY!

Still not too happy....

Oh - Toys - That Did the Trick!! So we finished on a calm note!

Doug receiving his Start-Up Award....

Video Time

2008-12-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

There are video's that I have taken over the past several weeks and am finally getting around to loading them.... I am going to keep posting them, so check back to see what is new....

Alex's Birthday Cake

The kids running in Circles - Braydon, Caden & Tristen

Braydon's new toy from Justin & Tracy

Happy Birthday Aunt Laura

Ward Weekender 11/27/08; Thanksgiving, Decorating & Snow

2008-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

So as I look back over this past four days it has been a whirlwind.... This was a four day break from work for me, where as Doug had to work at Cabella's on Friday, Saturday & Sunday...

The weekend started Wednesday night with a last minute run to the store for a few things for dinner and to pick up a beautiful bouquet from Doug's Mom. THANK YOU! & of course all of the pre-dinner preparing & baking... For Thanksgiving, I made my fist Pecan Pie (which is my favorite pie). The pie in my opinion was perfect not only in looks, but in taste too. There was not one piece left after Thanksgiving!

Beautiful Flowers from Mom Ward

My first perfect Pecan Pie

Thursday started with cooking and family coming over. Other than the news from Wichita, it was a nice Thanksgiving. We celebrated dinner with my parents, Grandma and Linda, Wes & Jon (Cousins). My Brother and his family came over later in the evening and visited and we all had a nice visit.

My Mom did an oyster shot with Doug (this is normally a tradition he does with his Mom & Nancy), but since they were not here, My mom stepped up and just about threw up too, see the pictures for this event.

During the evening, my nephew and my youngest showed off their acrobatic talents. Braydon wrapped his feet around Patricks neck and they both held out their arms, yes the daring and brave - all boys!

Thanksgiving Day pictures:

Cheers

Bottom's Up

Oh - Yeah - One is enough....

We did it (but do not ask again...)

Braydon & his new best friend Jon

Wes & Papa

Grandma

Jon

Resting & Conversing

Braydon

Papa resting after dinner

Cute Hubby....

Smile

Grandma & Linda

Cousin Jon

My Mom & Sister-n-Law

Nephew Patrick

Braydon's Uncle Chris

Snap 2 - Nephew Patrick

Niece Emilee

The acrobatics...

Monkey Braydon

My Brother, Sister-n-law, Nephew & Niece...

Smile!

All tuckered out after a long Thanksgiving day
Asleep by 7:30pm!

Friday started by my Dad & I going shopping for ONE (yes ONE) item at 6:00am, and of course since we were not in line, by like 5:00am, So we did NOT get that ONE item... So we turned around and went home.

Doug had to work from 2-10, so Mom & Dad came over and we pulled the fake Christmas tree out of storage along with the ornaments and other decorations to make the house look festive.

Friday’s Snapshots...

Mama unwrapping the ornaments

Papa hanging ornaments

Braydon trying to help string the garland beads for Mommy

Mama and her hat

Mommy & Braydon sporting Christmas hats

HO HO HO from Papa

Hopscotch likes the tree

The King(& he calls me his Princess)

Saturday we hung out most of the day in PJ's at home, then Doug had another 2-10 day. Once he headed off to work, Braydon & I rested then went out and had dinner with Daddy... When we got home, the first snow had started. It was not sticking to the roads or driveways, but was sticking to the grass. Braydon was bound and determined to shovel the snow. So he found the big shovel when we got home from dinner and started through the grass... He was utterly HAPPY! He loves playing outside and you can see this in the pictures.

The Snow startes

So Shoveling Follows

Sunday we did the normal morning schedule with Church & then home. Of course there is still snow outside and Braydon wanted to play, but did not get to right away since he chose not to eat lunch. Doug of course had to head off to work again, and the rest of the evening was spent resting and blogging.... & I let the little snow monster outside on the deck for 30 minutes...

Sunday Pictures...

Playing in the new snow suit

Yes, still shoveling

Braydon still shoveling

&Still....

Oh & Remington likes

the snow too

Gracie's First Snow

& not too sure about it

So to finish this post
A list of what I am Thankful for.
-My Husband
-My Children
-My Parents
-Husband's Parents
-Siblings
-Rest of the Family
-Friends
-Job
-And most importantly
**My GOD who has given me these reasons to be Thankful**

A cool picture of the trees out back

RIP - Justin Warriner 11/27/2008

2008-11-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

During a time that is supposed to be Thanksgiving, grief struck the family. Doug's nephew, Justin Warriner passed away in his sleep the morning of Thanksgiving, 11/27/2008 in Wichita, KS. Justin was 27 and is survived by his wife Kelsey and five year old son, Austin. Services are Friday and Saturday he will be layed to eternal rest.

Please keep the family in prayers during this most difficult time.

Kelsey & Justin

Ward Weekender 11/21/2008, Relaxing, Snakes and Cards

2008-11-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

Well another weekend where not a lot went on...

Friday - We enjoyed a night at home.

Saturday - I worked from 9:30 to 4:30 at Social Suppers and Doug worked from 5:00 to 10:00 at Cabella's. I know Doug did some yard work, where as I did Laundry once I was home. In between the laundry - Braydon & I worked with clay and made some snakes and such.... As snakes were about the only thing we could make out of it, as it was old clay and drying out. Braydon actually rolled his all on his own. We then spent the rest of the day relaxing too.

Sunday - Went to church, Doug hung the Christmas lights on the house, I went to Sam's Club with Mom & Dad, then they came over for dinner. Before dinner we pulled fresh pecans from their shells. These are for the pecan pie for Thanksgiving, YUMMY! Can Not Wait! Then Braydon & I painted are clay snakes. Finally Mom, Grandma & I played a round of Liverpool Rummy. I was going to put a link of this card game out there, but what I found were variations to what we play... They are similair, but we play with a few differnt twists that I did not find on the sites I looked at. So if you are ever up for a fun game of cards when you are over, we always love to play and are willing to teach you are rules.

Well to everyone reading - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! May your families be blessed with many things to be Thankful for!

A few pictures to enjoy...

And lastly this happened Pre-weekender and I just did not get it posted:
Braydon had went upstairs to see Grandma, I thought they would be reading, so I went up to catch some video of them together... To my surprise I found that he had got into his Brothers room, took apart the track and took it up to Grandma to have her help him get into mischief! So here is the cute video I took.... Also, listen to what Grandma says they are doing, cute too!

Ward Weekender 11/14 Circus, Skates & Birthday!

2008-11-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Another weekend behind us.... And a much better WW to write about!

Friday - Doug left early to go hunting for the weekend; So he will not be back until sometime on Sunday.... My parents & I took Braydon to the Shriner Circus down at Municipal Auditorium. (Drew did not get to hunt this year due to his grades). The circus was fun, I had not been since Alex was little, not sure why we never took Drew.... We were in open balcany seating, so we got there right when the doors opened and got some Great seats. There were elephant & pony rides going on and Braydon told us he wanted to go ride the elephants. So down the stairs we went, the closer we got, the more he shyed away. Then, he said NO. They were much bigger up close and he wanted nothing to do with them. And at $10.00 a person to ride for 3 small laps - That was perfectly all right with us! So we went around to the ponies, and he did ride them. They were only $5.00 a person and you got what seemed like a better ride. As we were walking back to our seats, he saw some clowns... Yeah, typical toddler, clung to us and would not talk to them. So we got back to our seats and then I want a sword started... Well, Papa was going to buy one, but Mama made him wait until about half way through the show. Then I leaned over and told him to go get it, as all Braydon kept doing was asking each of us for one... Might as well get it over with! Now of course Papa bought the one that lite up AND made a swishing sword sound everytime the button was pressed! THANK YOU PAPA!! (PS - The sound box died all on it's own on Saturday afternoon, a blessing from above!) The circus was great, Braydon enjoyed it and boy were we ready for bed afterwards!

Saturday Morning - First thing in the morning when Braydon got up, he went down and was telling Grandma about the circus, as he was asleep when we got home. He was telling her it was Loud and how it scared everybody. Which was quite funny, as he really had a fun time and did not seem scared at all... Later that morning my Mom & I went down to my work to pack up unused office supplies and took them and donated them to The Heartland Book Bank. Our company purchased another company in Austin and are closing in on bringing all of their left over stuff up.... So we had to make room, and being what is in the supply room right now has been there for on average of 3 years, it was time to find a new home. So the Book Bank took it.

Saturday Afternoon - Once we got home from moving supplies, Andrew wanted to play outside, but I had him take Braydon for a bit. Then I hear Drew yelling, Mom, Grab your camera and come here. Braydon had decided he wanted to wear his skates like his brother. So Drew was so cute helping him and holding him up and protecting him from falling and getting hurt.

Sunday - Was going to be church and relaxing around the house waiting for Doug to return, as it is his birthday. Well the morning started off with a sick child, no church, spending two hours at the extended care clinic, then coming home and being with a cranky sick child. The Dr. said it was just a cold, but the over-the-counter stuff we were giving him was really probably not dossed correctly, so he gave us a prescription cold & cough syrup and a nasal spray. Within a few hours the nasty, snotty nose was MUCH better. But he was still cranky and he finally fell asleep around 4:00 and took a two hour nap, and woke up even crankier, but about after 30 minutes or so, he magically "popped" out and back to his old self and was quite happy the rest of the evening. Now the funny part, in a round about way, is Doug & his birhday age. A few months ago for some reason we were talking about how old we are. I was saying I was not looking forward to my birthday and being 39 and then Doug piped in and said how he was not looking forward to 44..... I looked at him and said "44??", hmm, " well that is good you still have another year plus a few months before that." He had to stop and recalculate how old he was! Talk about funny! Here he thought he was already 43, and was only 42, so he said he felt like he just gained a whole year of his life! So yesterday Doug turned 43 and now has a whole nother year to worry about turning 44...

To round off the post, here are the pictures from our events:

Braydon & Papa at The Pony Rides

From 2008

Mama & Braydon

From 2008

PaPa & Braydon

From 2008

Mommy & Braydon

From 2008

Braydon during the National Anthem

From 2008

Oil Can the Clown waving at Braydon

From 2008

All of the Light up toys when they took the house lights down

From 2008

We had GREAT seats for the high wire stuff!

From 2008

TIGERS!OH MY!

From 2008

OK - I know BAD picture, but lights were off, he was close and would not smile at me a second time.... But his face is priceless, this was right after PaPa bought him his sword....

From 2008

My favorite act! Man what strength!

From 2008

The Clowns

From 2008

More Clowns

From 2008

Our Clown

From 2008

The elephants

From 2008

The Circus Performers taking thier final bow

From 2008

Andrew & Braydon

From 2008

And yes there were some falls

From 2008

Trying it all on our own!

From 2008

Yes, standing alone

From 2008

Look Mom, No Hands....

From 2008

And yes, the face says it all ;0!

From 2008

Drew on a bike with his Roller Blades on - CRAZY KID!

From 2008

The start of Dougs Birthday presents from Mom & Dad

From 2008

The "Boys" sporting it!

From 2008

Our daredevil.... Jumping over the case from flat footed!

From 2008

Ward Weekender - 11/7

2008-11-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well what a weekend.... Cold weather setting in... So what that means now is we get to enjoy a wonderfull 3 1/2 year old with LOTS of energy and a 95# Lab inside the house with little outside time. Boy are they LOUD....

So here is what we did over the weekend; Friday - We stayed at home. Saturday - I worked at Social Suppers, was only supposed to work till noon, but did not get off until 3:30ish, then the rest of the evening was spent at home. Sunday - Went to Church, then we were all home for a bit, then Doug worked out at Cabella's and while he was working, I spent time updating my website for Snapshots. Please take some time and look it over and give me your feedback!

So as you can see we did nothing special, just a basic weekend spent mostly at home. I almost decided that this was too boring of a post, and was not going to post it, so I got out the camera and snapped off a few shots of Braydon running around to add a bit of spice. Of course he was LOUD and yelling "NO Pictures" so, no they are not that good, just plain 'ol silly!

Well until our next WW! Love to you all!

Happy Weekend!

Ward Weekender - Halloween

2008-11-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

Friday Day - I went on a field trip with Andrew & his team at school to Tucker Leadership Lab at William Jewell College. This is really a cool place... They are a leadership and Team building place. I suggest visiting their website for more detailed about them. Here are some pictures of what the groups did while there.... They had to solve problems as a group. For 13 & 14 year old's that can be a challenge within its' self!

Friday Night- Last minute party at the Mock's with Annie, Danny, Jon, Jessie & of course the boys... Most of us were in costume, and then of course some of them shared......

So who is who....
- Braydon was Thomas
- Dylan was a Chef
- Liam was a Frog
- Annie was a Princess
- Danny was a Knight
- Doug was Liesure Suit Larry
- I was LSL's date....
- Jon & Jessie borrowed the wigs & had fun at picture time
- Eli was his cute little self!

Dylan & Braydon

playing with the smoke machine

Braydon, Dylan & Liam

Heading out to Trick or Treat

Jon dawning Liesure Suit Larry's wig

Cute little Eli, cuddling with mom

Jon & Jessie Dawning the wigs

AM I SEXY or What!

Yeah - I Still Got it!

You ARE my

Knight in Shinning Armour

Liesure Suit Larry and very proud!

What Eli thinks of

all of the wigs!

Saturday - Doug went hunting since it was opening day, and then he worked at Cabella's. I spent the morning cleaning and then went out and took Little Miss Raegan's First Year pictures. She is the youngest of one of my dear friends and is such a cutie pie!

CUTE RAEGAN LYNNE!!

Sunday - Went to church, Wal-Mart and then relaxed around the house, worked on pictures and enjoyed the weather.

Overall - Braydon has a new way of waking us up in the morning.... He comes and climb's into bed, crawls up to our faces and says "Mommy/Daddy, It's time to wake up, it's a beautiful day!" You know it is cute the first time at 6:30am, but the second and third time, and on.....

WW - Ward Weekender

2008-10-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

So Friday was spent at home.... Had plans, but just were not up to getting a sitter for Braydon.... So instead we just stayed at home and relaxed together.

Saturday morning we got up and attended the annual Boo Bash at North Heartland Community Church. This is such a great community event. They do this as an outreach, but even us other church attenders, enjoy having a fun, safe event to attend for the kiddo's.

Sunday was another day of nothing much other than the usual plans of attending church and having dinner. Which Mama & Papa came over for.

The MOST interesting fact that we learned about this weekend was something our church (Northland Cathedral) is a part of. It is called Network 211 and Project 10 Million. This is an outreach using the Internet and people finding Jesus..... The coolest thing about it all is they are using Google Earth and it shows in real time where someone is at when they click to choose Jesus.... To actually see this online CLICK THIS.... Download Google Earth, then go back to CLICK THIS and open the see decision in Google Earth..... Then let it open, wait and watch the map. Every time someone clicks to receive Jesus, the map updates and moves to the new location. REALLY a COOL thing!!!

Well that takes us through last weekend.... I might have a few pictures somewhere at home, but I am at work, so you just get to read my ramblings....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Catch up...Again

2008-10-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well once again, time has gotten away, and I have not added much... So not much "news" to report, but here are some pictures for your enjoyment...

At the Gladfest Parade...

Braydon & Mommy

A good friends children that we sit with to watch the parade

Staley High School Marching Band (I think that this was their first local parade)

This is how Braydon felt about the siren noises....

Onto The American Royal with my work....

Some great co-worker friends

And more great co-worker friends

A few misc pix...

Remington & "Clifford"

More Remington & "Clifford" - (ie The Big Brown dog taking a snooze on The Big Red Dog...)

Braydon crashed on Daddy's lap.

OH YEAH - Andrew had a Birthday - He is now 14!! We had a small party at Chuck-E-Cheese, just the place a 14 year old boy wants to go!
Singing to him (Drew & his Dad)

Drew Eating (a salad at that!)...

Drew on the 'kiddy' ride with Braydon

Onto Pumpkins Etc. A great little NON-COMERCIALIZED Pumpkin Patch in Platte City. Worth the visit. We came home with 5 big pumpkins and about 11 mini pumpkins and only spent $11!!!!! We got yo go in the pumpkin patch for FREE to pick a pumpkin, then onto the hay bale maze (and of course the running on top), They also had a corn maze. Then they have this cute little set up for picture taking and a barn with already picked pumpkins and LOTS of kittens running around that they give away on 10/31. Great Place! WE WILL GO BACK!

Mommy helping Braydon on top of the hay bales

Braydon & Drew

You stopped my fun for WHAT?? A Pix?? Well here is what you get....FROWN!

Pose for the camera time

Mommy following the monkey who insisted on running on top of the hay bales... Yeah I was nervous!

Heading out to pick our pumpkins

Mama & Papa (my parents)

And LASTLY.... We did our annual anniversary/family pictures up in Weston at Weston Bend State park. Enjoy!

Six Wonderful Years.... Many MORE to come!

PS. After startig this post, I realized how much I have missed in posting... So Sorry for the longness, But I know you have enjoyed every bit of it!!! Love to you ALL!

Chuck E Cheese

2008-09-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Last night the boys & I (& Jess & Lauren) all went to the new Chuck E Cheese for dinner and a bit of play time... They have this cool little picture booth that snaps your pic, sketches it and prints it out... & this picture only cost us 1 token! We had to do it three times to get Braydon in the picture (as you can see his head is being held! LOL)

...Time fly's! When we are having fun!

2008-09-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

So, you get going and blogging is going great... Then LIFE happens!!! So now I can not say how long it has been, even after I have just checked... So here I am blogging about the latest in our lives as best as I can!

So - 1 we have a new young lady living with us temporarily... Lauren. She is the exact age of Alex and has experienced way too much in life for an 18 year old! We are trying to help her get back on track and a good start into adult hood... So more later here... PS - We really do adore this young lady and she has a lot of potential, she just needs to realize this herself!

2 - Alex is going to Maplewoods Community College and is living with my parents! Lots of GOOD things going on here! I sure do miss seeing him on a regular basis!

3 - Andrew was going down the drain in Algebra, but we have spent many hours bringing him current! I think he actually might understand it now and might pull a decent grade out of it now!!! He is darn lucky that I like this subject and actually understand it!!! This was my best subject in school! Even 20+ years later and I still get it and can explain it... Maybe I missed my calling...

4 - Braydon has learned where the bathroom is!!! Or at least this weekend he seems to have! And he still struggles with weekend nap time! It can take up to two hours for him to go down for a nap and then it is lite if the noise is there..... That is out of the norm noise....

5 - Doug is still unemployed... But, Good News!, He has passed his insurance sales exam.... Not sure 100% but I know that this is for life and supplemental insurance... Not sure what else he can sell.... But he has a call into the Aflac guy and hopefully this will mean that he will be selling this type soon. Now for prayers that this will take off like he thinks and that it will pay the bills.

6 - I am struggling thru my ASPiRE program at work........ We have to participate in scenario's! These are where we pretend to be the manager dealing with a problem employee. So I have had two meetings with 'my employee'. The first one I SANK like a ship in less than ten minutes! I learned A LOT and then in the second one, I actually carried on well and made it to the end and was able to 'schedule another' meeting with my problem employee. So now I have a third meeting this coming Friday - All I can say - Is Thank God this is not real! I have a lot to learn and am glad that I have this opportunity!

7 - Grandma is doing as well as a 90 year old can.... She can be cranky and loving all within minutes of each other! We love her and have learned to expect nothing less.

8 - Last weekend I took pictures at a good friends wedding and have now spent a week getting them ready for her.... You know - when you take 1600+ pictures which with my camera equates to 6gig of pictures, it can take a little bit of time to get thru them! I hope that they understand!

9 - Two weekends ago, I went with my Mom, and three aunts to Branson as the start of an annual trip in memory of my Grandma that passed away last December..... We had a wonderful time and have decided that this should be an annual trip, so until next year!

So here are a few pictures of recent events.... I am out - Good night!

My boys last night.... 'Twas a bit late for the younger ones to be so bright eyed!

From left to right - My Mom, Aunt Phylis, Aunt Teena, Me and Aunt Sally

A Rainforest Frog
Cool butterflies from the Butterfly house in Branson....

Happening's...

2008-09-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Not too much going on lately.... I do have some pictures - But they are at home and will have to be uploaded later!

Labor Day Events - Hung around the house - Had family and friends over on that Sunday for a Wiener Roast and S'more's... We had wonderful weather and even better company. We missed those that could not make it.

Weekend after LD - Doug & the boys were home and I went with my Mom & 3 Aunts to Branson. Doug had to work on Saturday, so Papa helped out with the boys...

Papa took them to the boys to a 9 hole golf course that is close by. Andrew & Papa both have a real set of clubs and Braydon just has a little plastic (very cheap) set at this point.... Braydon wanted to hit a real golf ball with his clubs and when he did so, the head's kept popping off of the shaft. This was upsetting and so they all loaded up in the car, went back to Papa's house. Papa has the equipment to build golf clubs and lots of extra clubs. So he measured Braydon and cut down a full size set to fit him. Then back to the course they went. Now they were all happy... Now Braydon was showing off his clubs to our neighbor (affectionately called Uncle Wayland. He was looking them over and states 'Now that just ain't right, that a 3 year old has a better set of clubs than I do...'. So maybe my Dad does not have a lot wrapped up in them and cutting them down is no big deal. And the best part - Braydon really likes the new clubs!

While in Branson we went to The Chinese Acrobats, Red Skelton tribute show and The Spirit of the Dance. I liked all of the shows because they were all different, but my favorite was the Spirit of the Dance on Saturday evening! I will get pictures posted soon and will provide more details!

Doug is still job hunting - So if anyone knows of an opening somewhere - pass it along!

Pee, Poop & Streaking...

2008-08-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, again you have read that right.... So I had every intention of writing about this past weekend tonight, but tonight was full of much better details.... So here is how it went.

Got home, had dinner, was cleaning up and Braydon asked to play on the deck, so I said sure. So I peak out after a few minutes and there he is pulling his pants up... He had peed down the stairs of the deck! So I got that rinsed off and talked to him about coming in to use the bathroom....

So a few minutes later he wanted to go down and play in the yard, so I said sure... & Again peaked out, and this time he is holding a little different pose and a 'frozen' face... "What are you doing?" I hollered at him... He just stood there, so I asked again, he finally yelled back very definite "I'm pooping!" and then yep, there it was.... Yeah - Another lesson to work on with the three year old - Where to poop!

OK - So his bodily functions done and taken care of, I thought he would be fine out in the yard.... I keep peaking out and he is in his sandbox, or in the grass playing with his train, back to the sandbox, etc.... Then my phone rings - My neighbor - "Does the word Streaker mean anything to you?" OH You have to be kidding me!!! Well there he was, not even two minutes after I checked on him, naked as a jay bird at the back faucet, playing in the water....

So we had one fun and entertaining evening, Now I hope you have enjoyed it too! I did snap some pictures of the jaybird enjoy!

Eighty-Eight, Eighty-Eight, Eighty, Eighty, Eighty, Eighty, Eeeiiiiighty-Eight!

2008-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

That was the chant at pep assemblies while in High School.... Each class yelling out their graduating year, the older group, the louder they were, and yes, in 1988, we the Senior Class were LOUD!

Twenty years later and we are still a loud group! I learned this over the past weekend at our high school reunion activities. The reunion committee planned a fun filled weekend and it was fun to catch up with a lot of class mates that for some reason or another I lost contact with over the years (and some of them right from graduation day, pretty sad!)

So Friday night there was a meet and greet at Tanners in Platte City; which is owned by a classmate and her husband. For Saturday they planned an event at The Deuce at The National’s Golf Club in Parkville MO. Then on Sunday a tour of the school (Oak Park HS) and a family picnic at Oak Grove Park.

Out of a class of over 500, there were just over 100 pre-paid for Saturday night’s event, so they were not expecting too many to show up all weekend... Well to start off with at Tanners, they only staffed for a turn out of around 50 to 75 and there ended up being well over 150 there, which was where I learned that we are still a loud group. Then on Saturday night, they had the pre-paid and another 64 pay at the door for a turn out of over 200. Sunday was the smallest turn out of the whole weekend, but after the partying that happened on Fri & Sat, I was actually not too surprised.

I also got to reconnect in a smaller non-formal get-togethers with the following classmates which was a blast! Jason Snitker, Lisa Mall, Mellisa Crawford, Laura Watilo, Diane Niemeck, Lindy Williams and Rhonda Hott. On Saturday afternoon, we met at Brookside neighborhood pool (in Gladstone) and on Sunday afternoon we gathered at Lisa Mall & Hubby Steve’s house in the Northland and had Mexican food and Margarita’s (which were YUMMY!!!).

Now another thing that is cool from another alumni student from OP is that he has created an OP History website and has taken the yearbooks from over the history of the school and scanned pictures in... It is a fun site to look at; if you want to laugh at the styles over the years take a look: Oak Park History You will see me thru the 84-85 to 87-88 pictures here and there.... I was in all of the Bands thru all four years. I was on the Cambia(our yearbook) Staff in 87-88. In 85-86 I was a pep-club leader.....

Picture time! (you can open the pictures larger within photobucket and scroll thru all of them if you would like)

Rhonda's two adorable children with Laura

Rhonda & Lindey

Lisa & Jason

Rhonda & Laura

Laura

OPHS main gym

Ted

Barbie and son

Laura & Chris - Celebrating 12 year!

Jason & Braydon

Melissa & Mike

Jason & Braydon

Steve & Lisa and one of their darling dogs (they both looked the same and now in pictures, I have NO idea which one is which! so this is Ted or Tarful)

Jason and another darling little one!

& one of Lindey's cutie pies with one of mine!

For Fun - Top 10 Songs of 1988
1. Faith, George Michael
2. Need You Tonight, INXS
3. Got My Mind Set On You, George Harrison
4. Never Gonna Give You Up, Rick Astley
5. Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns N' Roses
6. So Emotional, Whitney Houston
7. Heaven Is A Place On Earth, Belinda Carlisle
8. Could've Been, Tiffany
9. Hands To Heaven, Breathe
10. Roll With It, Steve Winwood

Sunrise this morning

2008-08-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

OK - I know, not the greatest picture I have captured, but cool anyway... Coming into work this morning the sunrise was just gorgeous... So the only camera I had was my cell phone. So what I snapped just happened to be right when I went past our church (Northland Cathedral)... When I got to work and was looking at it, just a cool picture of a wonderful sunrise beaming down from the heavens onto the church.... Just a breathtaking moment, even in low quality!

Dog Tired

2008-08-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Came to our room in the midst of the night... landed on our comforter and was sound asleep...

Can you put your foot in YOUR mouth?

2008-08-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well Braydon Can... So finding this out went like this: Friday night he ran downstairs, hollared "Mommy, can you put your foot in your mouth?" "Nope, sure can't. Can You?", "Yes", "Well show me - WoW - Wait, Let me take a picture!" "OK" Snap-Snap-Snap - Enjoy....

He has done it! & More.....

2008-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well, here I was thinking that it would be another few months or even longer before Braydon hit the overnight milestone of no accidents.... Well, he proved me WRONG!!! and with in the week of going dry during the day he also has gone dry at night since then too!!! So LONG diapers!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!!

Now for the funny - On Friday Doug & Braydon were out back working and playing (respectfully) and Doug came over to tell Braydon to go inside to potty, he said nope, that he just went in the rocks..... Late Sunday afternoon, we were out front unloading the car from our Springfield trip (more later on this), and Braydon was down on the sidewalk riding his bike, I happened to look over to him and he was off his bike, standing on the sidewalk facing the street and pulling his pants up. I asked him - Did you just go potty? "Yep" he replied. TOO FUNNY!! So we have the pottying down, now we just have to work on where it is appropriate going, because in front at the sidewalk, is not it! But he did have us laughing quite hard!

Potty Trained - YEP!!

2008-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

OK - So I have not posted about Mr. Braydon in a while.... Well we have some GREAT news - It finally CLICKED!!!! Braydon is potty trained (at least during the day!) This boy has not had ANY interest in using the potty, wearing underwear, NOTHING.... Taking privilege's away, like no new toys or no chocolate until your trained, meant NOTHING to him! He did not care....

Well about three weeks ago, his sitter was talking to me about him staying dry during quiet time and then going potty for her. So we said OK , Let's try underwear. So we started putting them on him and while he was with her, he stayed dry and went potty all day, but then he would get home and the stubborn little boy came out and he would wet and stinky in his underwear within 30 minutes of being home... Even when I would go with him and sit him on the potty!

So, at home he wore diapers and at the sitter he wore underwear, this went on for about three weeks.... Then last Thursday (7/24) We got home and he took off running up the stairs all the way to my bedroom bathroom and went potty..... Yep, all on his own!!! Then about 30 minutes later he ran back upstairs and did the big poo in the potty! He has not had an accident during the day sense!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!

Now last night he wanted to wear underwear to bed. So what the heck.... Just means I have more laundry if he wets the bed. Well, at about 2am he woke up did not want to go back to his bed, so I sent him into the bathroom, which I heard him go in, heard him go and then flush. He then walked over to Dougs side of the bed and finished going.... He just did not stay in the bathroom long enough to empty his bladder. So we just put a diaper on him along with dry pj's and we will try again another night!

ASPiRE

2008-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

Once you decided you wanted to try for the ASPiRE program, there was an application you had to complete. This application was three essay questions. The answers were required to be hand written and had to be turned in on time. So, after a few weeks of thinking it over, talking to other co-workers about it, I decided to take the plunge! I started by typing out my application and edited it, had my neighbor read and edit it a bit more and then started the grooling task of hand-writing it out..... I asked what the reason for hand writing it was, because if they were grading on hand-writing - I would not have been a contender. I was told, that if a person has to take the time and actually hand write it out, they are more likely to put more of themselves into the program than if it was just typed out. Anyone can take a few minutes and type something and turn it in.... But handwriting takes some dedication. OK - So I agree a little on this, and I am not running the program, so I have no say....

Anyway - Below are copies of my actual application that I turne in. I hope that they pull through so you can see my masterpieces.... I had to answer Who I thought was a great leader, What I think I will learn in the ASPiRE program and then to explain a time I was in leadership.... So before you read on, could you answer these and have a decent essay? Because another thing I learned, that if you only answered in a few short sentences that you were not high on the list....

Tag - You're It....

2008-07-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

OK - Since Jessie wrote this so well (& tagged me) - I am plagiarizing most of her post!

Have you ever been tagged before? No, well, consider yourself tagged then. If I have to suffer and do it, so do you? What does it mean, you wonder? Apparently, when you are tagged in the blogosphere you have to share 6 random things about yourself and then tag 6 others. Jessie tagged me and verses complaining about it, below is my randomness. So, post your comments with some randomness about you or just post some comments so we can link to your blog and read your randomness there. And I have no idea who all reads mine, so you are on your honor!Onto my 6 things...hmm....

1 - I played the flute from the 6th grade thru my Senior year with also playing auxiliary percussion my Jr. & Sr. years too.

2 - I have worked for Americo on and off now for 18 years (with more on than off).

3 - Doug & I met on-line and were married six weeks later (that was a joyous Five & 3/4 years ago).

4 - Photography is my passion (hint, hint http://www.snapshotbycasey.com/).

5 - I wish I had more time to spend with my family, as they mean the WORLD to me.

6 - I currently was accepted into the ASPiRE program at my work. This is an 18month Leadership Mentoring program that has one heck of an application process, that out of 29 applicants I was one of 14 that was accepted into the third class. I will post my essay application later as well as some of the details as it goes along....

Just a fun tidbit of info...

2008-07-24T06:43:00.001-07:00

I just remembered that I did not blog about what Braydon said at the Royal's game a couple of weeks ago.... Doug & I were laughing so hard, I just do not know how I forgot!!!

So anyway, we get to our seats and are sitting down and the game is already underway, so Braydon looks out onto the field and says "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk; Go T-Bones!"

Doug & I just started laughing along with the other fans that heard him.... And of course, we corrected him and said "Go Royals!"

Small Group Swim Party

2008-07-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

Our church small group had our monthly meeting at James & Patsy's on saturday. We had quite the spread of food and a lot of fun sitting, chatting and of course cooling off in the pool!

Photobucket Album

Click to view all pictures

Dew's Summer Bash II

2008-07-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

This past weekend by Braydon

2008-07-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

Friday night, Mommy & Daddy went out and left me with a sitter, Emily. Emily & her family are SOOO much fun, and I am sure that I had WAY more FUN than Mommy & Daddy!!! Emily's Daddy tried to get me to eat Frog wings and Fly Whiskers for dinner, but I told him NO, that’s disgusting! So he made sure and asked again, but I stood firm. We had mac-n-cheese instead and I think it was a much better choice, or at least for me, they can eat whatever they want when I am not there! I then played and played and had a wonderful time until Mommy & Daddy got there and took me home. I can not wait to go back and visit with them!

Mommy had to work at the Barry Road Social Suppers on Saturday, So Daddy took me to this airport (New Century AirCenter). They were supposed to have this cool air show, but it RAINED! So we just walked around, looked at a lot of cool airplanes and Daddy bought me some new toy airplanes. We had a lot of fun, I like spending time with Daddy! Daddy also said that when I get bigr we can look into The Civil Air Patrol I think that this would be TONS of fun, but Mommy looked it up and I have about 9 years before I can join them.

Off I go!

Can I sit here??

Flying my Schnook

Is this a gun Daddy?

Posing for the camera

Later on Saturday night Mommy & Daddy took me to another KC Royals game. I was a tad grumpy to start off with, but perked up a little during the game. I had a good time while I was there, but those baseball guys would not hit me a foul ball! I took my glove and everything, but they kept hitting them fouls to others in the seats. Mommy & Daddy were tired out, so we left early. On the way out we saw Slugger I do not know why Mommy & Daddy insist that I have my picture taken with this scary looking lion, but they did. I really did not want to go near him, but as you can see, they got me right by him. I kept my eye on him as much as I could. You know, he ended up being tamer than I thought, he gave me a high five and he let me stay on my Daddy’s shoulders. So when we got to leave, I was waving and telling him bye. But You know, I don’t think that the next time I see him, that I will want to get close again, but we’ll see......

Daddy & Braydon at the Royals game

I Don’t Think So....

Well OK.

But I am not taking my eye off of you!

Well maybe for a second for Mom to take a picture – HURRY Please!

OK – Bye now

Mini KC reuinion for class of 1984

2008-07-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

On Friday night Doug & I got a sitter for Braydon and met up with some of his High School classmates that now live here in Kansas City. Doug went to Southeast High School in Wichita and graduated in 1984. . We met at Lucky Strike Bowl in The Power and Light District, they had a good little turn out and everyone seemed to have grown up and no matter what social group you were in at HS, it did not matter tonight. Doug’s classmates have put together their own webpage and then within it there are links to see what other classmates are doing. It is really a fun site to browse through, as people have some then and now pictures and what they are up to and more.

We got there early, since I work Downtown, and it was not worth me going home to turn around and come right back, so we went to Gordon Biersch for a drink and appetizer. I had a Pomegranate Margarita – VERY YUMMY!!!! And Doug had one of the restaurants own brewed beers and he said it was good, don’t ask me, I do not like beer! We had their calamari, and it was nothing to oooo and aaaa over but it hit the spot. Now Lucky Strike lanes , were a blast and if you get a chance to go, I suggest going! They have a nice bar area with lots of seating that is cushy and fun! Then at their lane area, they have more cushy seats and digital art work that is scrolling on the screens at the end of the lanes. Now note, that this art work is a bit distracting and seeing the arrows on the lanes to aim the ball is almost impossible when there are images with brighter colors. So if you are a serious bowler, know that these are not the lanes for you do any competition at during their open lanes time! They also have some good drinks and appetizers here too. Now I will rave over their Bacon wrapped Parmesan filled Figs!!! Not a huge dish, but plenty of them to enjoy! I think that I am going to have to look into learning how to make these. There was a good turn out, but only six of us bowled... I did OK overall, but I did bowl better than Doug!

The Crew and some spouses that were there
Some of the Guys
Doug showing off his bowling skills

A Live visit from the Toy Fairy....

2008-07-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

Yep, you read that right, Toy Fairy. So what is the Toy Fairy? The Toy Fairy came into existence at our home back in April thanks to my Mom and Dad while Doug & I were in California. My Mom was struggling with Braydon to pick up his toys when he was done and to clean up before bedtime. So she came up with the Toy Fairy. The Toy Fairy comes and picks up toys that are not put away and gives them to little boys and girls that will pick them up and keep them put away...

It was bedtime on Monday and I asked Braydon to pick up his toys (which were everywhere) and lets go to bed. Well he told me “NO”... So I told him again to pick them up or that Mommy was calling the Toy Fairy and that she was coming to get them tonight before he would be asleep and his response was “OK”....

So what’s a Mom to do when a child calls you out...? Call the neighbor and ask for help! Yep, I got the phone, called next door and when Heather answered, I said, “Help”, she answered, “OK”, and I said “just go along”. I said “Hi Toy Fairy, Braydon has left a mess of toys and you can come and get them right now, I have left the back door unlocked for you.” Of course Heather asked, “what is the Toy Fairy?” I answered “OK, Braydon, remember when you do not pick up your toys that the Toy Fairy comes and picks them up and takes them away to other children” (of course at this point she was “OOO, OK”). I continued, “the back door is unlocked and you can not miss the toys that are all over the floor by the black bucket and that you can just take it too.”

I hung up and as we were getting Braydon’s PJ we heard the door alarm beep and a little bit of noise from the clean up... I finished with Braydon and could tell Heather was out with the toys (this is where it gets FUNNY!, well at least to me as I was laughing so hard I had to look away from the little guy! Sorry sweetheart, you were just too cute!) So I told Braydon, “lets go see”, he said “NO”, I told him I was going with him, so he hesitantly went with me down the stairs, saw the toys were gone and BOLTED back up the stairs. I followed (a bit slower) and met him in his room and said ok, time for bed. As I was sitting with him his eyes were very wide and he was asking is she gone? Is she going to stay in her fire truck? (??No idea where the fire truck came from), but I told him yes, she is gone and that she only takes toys and that she will never come where he will see her.

He is lying there, still very wide eyed and I know that it will be quite a time of sitting there with him to get him to sleep, so I ask him if he wants to go rock with Grandma, and he said, yes and up and off he went. About 45 minutes later, I picked up a sleeping child and put him to bed. & I am still giggling about it today!

Now on Tuesday night, he again did not want to pick up a few toys, so I told him the Toy Fairy would be coming once he was a sleep tonight. He was lying there and asked if she was out in her fire truck and I assured him she was and that she had other stops right now and would be by later. He then asked, can I go pick up my toys so the Toy Fairy doesn’t come? Well, of course you can... So he ran down stairs, picked up the few things that were out and then was off to bed, and went to sleep much easier this night!

Thank God for The Toy Fairy!!! – You know, what ever works!

Current Happening's.... Including the 4th of July!!!****!!!!

2008-07-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Good Day to all.... I have several different things to share today to bring everyone back up to speed....

One about two or so weeks ago we were saying bye to my parents who had come over and when we looked out we saw a rainbow... Yes I know, a rainbow, we see a lot of them, but this one was unique as it was a full rainbow from left to right. We usually only see half of it, but not this time. We say the WHOLE thing. So I grabbed my camera, put the fish-eye on and took a few shots. I have to say it was the coolest rainbow I have seen in a long time!

On June 30th, my Grandma (Dad's Mom) who lives with us turned 90 years old. We actually celebrated it twice with her. Back at the first of June, her Niece (Linda) & her church threw her and another friend who turned 90 as well a double surprise birthday party. Then on Saturday June 29th, we as a family had a family dinner in honor of her birthday as well. For one that is 90 she is doing fairly well. We love having her around and it is awesome that her great-grandchildren have gotten to know her like they have. Below are pictures from both parties.

Surprise

Grandma, Braydon

& her friend Robbie

Grandma & Linda

Gma, You’re how OLD?

Blow them out...

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Now onto July 4th....
We only spent $10.00 on a small bag of fireworks for Braydon to enjoy & thankfully so! As he absolutely HATED them! He tolerated a few things, but when they went “BOOM” he was screaming and heading for the door to go inside. Even watching from an inside window frightened him. As I took him to watch some pretty fountains from a window and he was doing well at first talking about all of the colors and then “BOOM” from a neighbor’s house and he ran from the window and wanted nothing more to do with them. So he stayed inside with Grandma and Papa was inside a good part of the time with him. So they enjoyed their time reading books and watching TV.

We did spend a majority of our time over with the Russell family which lives next door. We had a wonderful time watching them set off their fireworks. Doug did help in setting off a blue smoke bomb that painted their driveway, and so, never fear they got us back, see the picture below, it is actually quite humorous.

Heather pulling a confetti popper

Braydon telling Daddy “NO”

Hiding behind the truck...

Making a run for the house!

Ashley & her favorite – Poppers!

Someone else that does not

care for the loud noises

Ashley giving Doug

some confetti hair

And the finished product,

Good Job Ashley.

And we can not forget the

Birthday Boy – Marc!

Hey someone actually

took a picture of me...!

Confetti Popper Fight!

More...

Gonna get you Uncle Chad!

Yep, they got me!

This would be a

smoke bomb payback....

Braydon came back out...

Nope, still don’t like it.

DADDY!!!!!!

Take me IN!

Mama will take you...

OOOOOO

AAAAAAAA

Cool!

Neat to actually see bright colors

Ashley with a sparkler...

Looks like she is writing her name.

See the Flag?

Birds???

Pretty

Hope everyone had a

FUN & Safe 4th!

Camping at Lake Cheney with The Ward & Knox Families...

2008-06-24T06:59:00.001-07:00

We went camping this past weekend with Doug’s family at Lake Cheney just outside of Wichita, Ks. We got to see Mom & Nancy; Ed & Laura; Ed’s Boys Keegan & Riley; Laura’s Daughter & Grandson, Kelsey & Austin; and Laura’s youngest son Jeremiah & his girlfriend Karina. It was a great time and of course as always, wish it was longer!

We took Friday off of work, packed the truck and got on the road a little after 10:00am. We drove straight to the Lake and instead of tent camping, we actually got one of the cabins that is in the park. We got this thanks to Ed. He won it in some sort of drawing and he passed it along to us. THANK YOU Ed – It was nice, as we did not have to pitch a tent, had our own bathroom and shower (even though it was maybe 3x8, for the both the toilette and the shower. You sit on the toilette and your knees are almost touching the shower door.) There was full size bed and a set of bunk beds. Then since there were five of us, we took one air mattress, which was queen size and it took up the rest of the floor space in the cabin. We also had a dorm size fridge, a microwave and a coffee pot. So overall, it made camping a tad bit easier!

We then did most of our cooking at the After Deck, which is a LARGE cabin which is part of the Ninnescah Sailing Association which Ed & Laura are members of. This was nice, as we did not have to bring the cooking utensils, as it has a full kitchen.

We did not do much Friday after we got there, we lounged around and chatted. Saturday, we played in the water, went sailing, and then back to the beach. Sunday we packed up, played in the water some more, then headed home.

Did I mention that the camping cabin we stayed in was a two mile trek one way to the Ninnescah Sailing Assoc. Cabin that we cooked at?? I didn't?!, Well it was, and that was one great workout.... The boys and I rode 4 miles on Friday, 8 miles on Saturday and 2 miles more on Sunday.... Actually I did not mind the ride that much, as it balanced out my bad eating choices, you know the Pringles and peanut butter stuffed pretzels that we had for lunch on Saturday, and the beverage choices..... So instead of having a HUGE scare on the bathroom scale after the trip it was a very small one! And of course at this point, it is already off and back to where I was!

Now to the best part – The pictures!

Showing off

Hold on Remmy -
I’ve almost got it!

"I think this is how Daddy does it..."

Braydon showing off
his casting skills

Grandma & Braydon Fishing

Most of the Camping Crew

Andrew

The Boys

Sit Remington Sit

Go Remington Go

GO REMINGTON GO

Keep Going

Splash!

Good Remington

Andrew trying to “Surf”
With NO wind or waves!

Daddy & Braydon

Yes, Andrew is on his bike!

Matthew on his ride off the dock

Matthew’s big splash

Andrew’s turn

SPLASH

Yep, that is Sour Apple

Braydon at the helm...
With Uncle Ed’s help

Hey Riley!

Hey Keegan!

Hey Andrew!

Hey Matthew!

Mommy & Braydon

Daddy & Braydon Sailing

Mommy says I’m cute...

I think Grandma agree’s!

Strip time for swim time!

Tackle Football in the water...

More football

Austin

Grandma & Nancy

Get the bug Remmy!

Hey Mom, we caught a frog!

Thomas Time....!

2008-06-18T07:10:00.001-07:00

On Father's Day we took Doug out to see Thomas The Train in Baldwin City Kansas at the Midland Railway. OK - Maybe not for Doug, but for Braydon.... For those of you that have little ones that enjoy Thomas, this is a nice little event.

Besides the picture opportunities and the ride on Thomas, they had a magic show, Storey Time, Temporary Tattoo's, a Petting Zoo, Gift shop, coloring sheets and the best part several kid sized train tables that they actually got to play with...

Braydon was not too sure at first about any of the life size characters (as most toddlers are). But he did get a little better after we took a ride on the train. I will let the pictures do the talking...

I really do not Like Sir Topham Hatt

Close enough Dad!

I like Thomas, just not so close.

Wow – On the Train

Hi Mr. Conductor

OOOO, Look Daddy!

Aren’t I Cute?!

BIG steps

I STILL do NOT want to be this close!

I like live animals better

Bye Thomas

Now this is my size train!

OK – So there is a fence between

us, much better

Just plain Cute in

that conductor hat

All Smiles now

If you would like to look at all of the pictures from the day: Visit our photobucket album...

Photobucket Album

Plans? Don't make them when you have children...

2008-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I had every intention of heading home from work tonight, going and volunteering at the cat shelter (Katty Shack), eating dinner, loading the freezer and fridge back up since it died over the weekend, going out back with Braydon to plant some seedling trees that I picked up and relaxing and updating the blog with cool weekend events and visiting with Thomas the Train in Baldwin City, KS....

Well we got to the shelter, got through dinner, my Parents dropped in to say hello and bring over souvenirs from their recent trip, and boom, before we even got the table cleared, Braydon was climbing onto the bar stool and fell off and hit the back of his head on the leg of the chair Mom was sitting in (he hit hard enough that Mom said it scooted her chair).... He screamed and came running to me, I picked him up to sooth his screams and Mom said he's bleeding....

Yep, there it was, blood running down his back... So I took one look at the nice little gash on the head and knew it would not heal with out ER intervention.... So we arrived at Children's Mercy Northland at 8:30ish (I think, I really have lost track) and after a small wait, we were taken back....weighed, tempatured, blood pressured, questioned..... Then taken to another room to wait for the doctor... He came in and said yep...

So 1 staple and almost 3 hours later we are home and here I sit typing away... Now for the fun part, we get to set the alarm for around 2:00 am and wake or at least try to arouse Braydon to make sure all is well in his little 'ol noggin.

My Mom with us and just happened to have her camera with her. So pictures are below...

UPDATE - 2:00am came fast, but with a gentle touch and soft voice, he came right awake and is doing well. Even after going to be at 11:30 last night, being gently woke at 2am, he was up at 6:45, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to go for the day! I am hoping for an early bedtime tonight! LOL!!!

The Owie

Getting ointment put on Watching the Nurse
All Smiles & it is at least 10pm!
Showing off where they put the numbing stuff
Watching again

The weekend

2008-06-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

The past weekend of events....

Friday - Wine dinner with John & Jessie and their boys Liam & Eli
Saturday - Nothing, I mean just kicked back, and did nothing....
Sunday- Other than taking Joe & Shaunna's pictures and church - Nothing....

OK - Before the pictures I have to share about the wine dinner... Jessie found this cool idea where one suggests four ingredients, then the challenge is to turn those into something fun and or creative for the meal... Well Jessie got to suggest the ingredients in honor of her birthday (Which BTW - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jessie!!!) She suggested, Asparagus, Boursin cheese, caprese salad & German Chocolate cake.... So now the fun, there was supposed to be three couples but due to a scheduling conflict, Annie & Danny were not able to join us.... So Jessie & I threw together the following:
* Asparagus & Boursin Cheese bread roll ups (that ended up being itty bitty since I only had 4 slices of bread left)
* Caprese Salad (and of course we neither one had fresh basil, so we used dry)
* Asparagus with a Boursin Cheese sauce
* Spicey German Chocolate pork chops (The chops were crusted with cajun spice that I added cocoa and sugar too, then grilled and served with a brownsugar pecan coconut glaze) I have to brag here... For a dish I threw together with no recipe, they were YUMMY!!!!
* German Chocolate Martinis - Good to the last SIP!!!!
* Double German Chocolate brownies with vanilla bean ice cream, OMG - We were in heaven!

Liam & Braydon

Friday Dinner

Doug enjoying his dinner

Braydon pushing Liam on the swing,
and of course he is tring hide...

Adorable Eli

Yeah we know....

Puppy Love....

Cute as a button

Royal's Game

2008-06-03T21:27:00.001-07:00

Royals Game

Photobucket Album

T-Bones Pictures

2008-06-03T21:14:00.001-07:00

T-Bones Game

Photobucket Album

Royal's & T-Bones

2008-06-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Andrew, Braydon & I went to the Royals game last Tuesday and then last night Doug, Alex, Andrew, Braydon & I ALL went to the T-Bones game.... Both games were lots of fun & Braydon really enjoys being there and is all around well behaved for a three year old at a game.

Both games we got a freebie... Royals were handing out T-Shirt's for their hot dog derby and then at the T-Bones, we got a nice baseball cap. You can see us sporting them in the new picture across the header above.

Tonight at the T-Bones, we got there early enough that we were able to get Andrew signed up to participate in the between inning events. He got to try and catch the rocket launcher in a fish net... He was SO close, but missed both attempts. But for signing up and costing us nothing he received a $10.00 Cabella's gift certificate. YEAH for Andrew... He now has another reason to go and play at Cabella's some afternoon.

Pictures are in the above photobucket albums for both games.

Braydon - Is Three

2008-06-01T20:21:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend....

2008-05-27T06:37:00.001-07:00

WOW- After stopping and thinking about it, this is the first Memorial Day I have spent most of the long weekend at home in over 10 years!!! No camping what so ever, just a fun uneventful weekend at home.

So to sum up the weekend...
Friday, we both got off work a little early, and then hung around the house until 8ish, then took the kiddo's to the Drive In movie's... We had all good intentions to stay and watch both movies (Narnia & Speed Racer), but we BARELY made it through Narnia! It was SOOOO cold it was miserable. So as soon as Narnia ended, up and packed up up and off to the WARM house.

Saturday, Doug had to work most of the day, then we met up at Pierponts at Union Station for dinner. Now, we ordered a bottle of wine, and did not finish it... Now usually that is a problem, as when you spend money on wine you do not want to waste it; WELL not any more, some places including Pierponts ave a wine doggy bag! So, they cork the wine, put it into this bag and heat seal it and "WALA" your wine can now go home with you.

Sunday, My Mom, Grandma, Braydon and I drove to Joplin to place flowers on graves of family members. We visited and placed flowers on the following graves:

In the Osborne Memorial Park:
* Jesse Jacob Young - This is my Great-Great Grandfather (my dad's, mom's, dad's parents)

* Melvin Andrew & Mary Isablle Young - These are my Great Grandparents (my dad's, mom's parents)

* Woodrow & Betty Young - This is my Great Uncle & Aunt (my dad's, mom's, brother & sister-n-law)

* Clarence (known as Jr) & Dorothy Baker - This is my Great Uncle & Aunt (my dad's, mom's, sister and brother-n-law)

In the Ozark Memorial Park:
* Harold Davison - This is my Grandfather (my dad's, dad)

* Byron & Dorothy Mitchell - These are my Grandparents (my mom's parents)

* Louie George - My Great Uncle-n-Law (mom's, mom's brother)

* Phyllis Mitchell - My aunt (mom's sister-n-law)

* Lisa Mitchell - My aunt (mom's sister-n-law)

* Purl & Freeda Knapp - My Great Grandparents (mom's, mom's parents)

* Dixie Mitchell - My aunt (mom's sister-n-law)

A few pictures placing flowers:

Monday, SLEPT IN! Finished laundry, washed vehicles, planted tomato plants, re potted house plants, rested, watched TV & Typed up this blog!

Braydons's favorite new thing to do... Yes use the vacuum. You know the thing that just a few weeks ago ran screaming the other way when you got close... Something clicked and now he is ALWAYS wanting to do it... So instead of dragging out the big one, I have got him hooked on the little one...

At some point over the past week Braydon has learned to put his fingers into a "three" to show how old he is. It is SO CUTE, so we filmed it to share, I also included a couple of stills of him showing it off:

And another darling sleeping little one picture:

Happening's....

2008-05-23T15:01:00.001-07:00

So it is offical, Alex has graduated! Was seeming kinda iffy there for a while with his choices, but something happened in his life and he took a turn and pulled it off. Now to get him moved! (hint, hint - prayers needed here). His plans have been to attend Culinary school in Chicago, but due to finances and such, that will not be happening this fall, or at least right now, that is the story. So I plan on talking to him about attending Maple Woods for the year, as if he quits school, he loses his benefits of health insurance through my work..... & I know it is not cheap to get insurance on your own!

Doug & I have just been working and working and working, but you have to do what you have to do to pay the bills, right???

The Senior Class

Alex Receiving his

Diploma (case)

Blury, but the only

one of all of us....

Alex with his

DIPLOMA!

My nephew is also a senior this year and is actually graduating this evening. I took his senior pictures and thought I would show off some... So enjoy! This is Patrick.

Patrick

Davison

To end with is a cute one of Braydon... You know, when they are asleep!

Jott.com. Hey, if you...

2008-05-13T15:45:00.001-07:00

Jott.com. Hey, if you haven't checked out Jott.com, go out there and do so. It is the coolest thing since sliced bread. That is Jott.com. I love it. listen

Powered by Jott

Mother's Day

2008-05-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Just saw that for some reason, I never posted this... So I spent time doing it, I am going to post it! So better late than not at all.

Mother's Day was nice... To start with since Braydon had pink eye, we stayed home from church. So that meant SLEEPING IN, well at least until 8:30, which is late for me. Got up we then cooked a nice breakfast and Doug cleaned everything up. Spent the good part of the morning and early afternoon outside playing. Well actually, Braydon played, Doug tilled and I sat in my new chaise lounge chair! Mom & Dad came over for an early dinner and a game of cards, which for some reason, my Dad chose to beat all the mom's out on Mother's Day and won the card game.... Yes, we gave him a hard time about this, but he did not feel one bit of pitty on us! LOL!!!

Pink Eye, Sinus Infection, Ear Infection & Issues

2008-05-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

So what do those all have in common?? They are a recipe for undoing perfectly made party plans. Going into the weekend we had Braydon's 3rd Birthday Party & Alex's Graduation Dinner planned. On Friday evening we noticed Braydon had green stuff in the corners of his eyes.... I cleaned it up, and thought nothing more of it until about 30 minutes later there was more, so I cleaned it again and got to looking closer and saw the whites of his eyes were turning a light shade of pink. Doug & I talked it over and decided it best to call off the birthday party, so we called and cancelled his friends from coming and called family and told them to come later for Alex's dinner. Then some issues arose Friday night on Alex's Dad's side of the family, so that whole side cancelled on coming over to for Alex's graduation dinner.

So on Saturday morning, we got up and moving and I took Braydon straight to the doctor, and not only did he have pink eye, but a sinus infection and an ear infection. Poor little guy! They gave us two prescriptions to get him better. Now the fun part - Have you ever had to put eye drops into a toddler's eyes??? Well let me tell you - It took THREE of us to get them in. One holding his body down, one holding the head and a third to open the tightly squinted eyes and put drops in. The whole time he is screaming and yelling at you.

Despite all of this, we still had a nice time, Braydon was actually in a good mood with all that he had going on with his health. He was actually down right funny! (except when he was getting drops put in).

Braydon & Alex watching TV

Say Cheese!

Braydon on Alex's shoulders

Close up of Andrew

My own Fishing pole!

A place to use the new

shovel! & yes that is

colored sand...

Just like Mom...

I'm THREE!

Who needs a fork?

NOT ME!

Look Mom - No Fork!

Gma cleaning Braydon up

California

2008-04-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ok below are the albums of our pictures from our trip... They are all out on photobucket and there are a LOT of them.... So some slide shows are done for those that would like to see some of what we did.... Stay posted as I have some of Papa & Braydon here at home.... They are quite cute, but it is time to get the little guy to bed!

San Francisco Last Day

2008-04-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Mendocino Walk

2008-04-30T19:07:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Mendocino Lunch

2008-04-30T19:06:00.003-07:00

Photobucket Album

Redwoods

2008-04-30T19:06:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Mendocino

2008-04-30T19:05:00.003-07:00

Photobucket Album

Hopland Wineries

2008-04-30T19:05:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

Hopland

2008-04-30T19:04:00.003-07:00

Photobucket Album

San Francisco

2008-04-30T19:04:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

California Preview

2008-04-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

OK, for those that do not know, Doug & I are in Mendocino CA as I type.... Doug won an incentive trip through hiw work and Brutocao Cellars. This trip is all inclusive & has been a BLAST so far! So here is a small taste of the MANY pictures that I have taken. I will get the rest uploaded into Photobucket and into the Blog when we are not off enjoying the view!!!
Love to all, we miss you a little!
Casey

Gracie - The newest Ward addition

2008-04-15T20:40:00.001-07:00

We were adopted by a new little kitten this past weekend.... Not knowing if we were going to keep her, we did not say much.... So anyway after the weekend and everyone falling in love with the cute little furball, she is ours.... Her name is Gracie... and here are her pictures.

The Weekend by Braydon

2008-04-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend started off with mommy & daddy taking me to see Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who. It was really different to see a TV show in a big dark room with lots and lots of seats and strangers. mommy & daddy seemed to enjoy it as they laughed and kept shhh'ing me. After that they took me out for dinner.... I really would have rather been at home playing, I kept doing my best to get them to do so, but I failed to succeed in this. So anyway we did have a nice night.

Saturday I got to spend the day with mommy. We started the day running errands and I got a new dinosaur rain coat and boots, we then came home and I got to play outside for a bit. Then mommy made me come in and I really tried to tell her that I wanted to go back outside, as I stood at the door and begged how I know, I even showed her my tears and my loud voice for thirty minutes, but again, it did not work, she said it was too dark and it was time to clean up and go to bed. I heard her talking to daddy later that night that her head hurt from my begging.

Sunday was my favorite day of the weekend! We started off at church. Daddy helped my Sunday school teacher which was really cool. I got swallowed by a whale just like Jonah! After church mommy had a party with her friends. They had a lot of food out and they seemed to have a lot of fun. I wanted to watch Caillou, so I asked and mommy took me downstairs and put it on. She then went back upstairs. That is when my fun started. I love to play and dig, & this was my chance, so I got a digger truck and started digging in the big pot at the door. I moved the dirt onto the floor and spread it around with my digger. I wanted some rocks and boulders, so I went into the kitties room (which they have one of those white things over the knob, not a problem, I can get them open now!) and I got some liter and some food, it was PERFECT, I had so much fun, then mommy came down..... She was really upset with my having fun and took me upstairs. My mama was over and she put me into the bathtub, and we watched the water go from really brown to clear again.

Mommy and mama spent quite a bit of time cleaning up my fun. It was so nice outside, I then got to play on the deck, I asked if I could play in my sand table but mommy said "No, Braydon you just Had a bath" I did not care, but what could I do, as I can not get the lid off just yet, give me time & I will have it down pat! So anyway daddy has this thing out on the deck, I looked in it and YEAH, I found some water.... I splashed in it and got the deck broom out and played with it in the water, then here came mommy, shutting down my fun yet again. She dumped the thing with water and went back in.

Well with that, I went over and was playing with remmie (my BIG BROWN doggie). Then I saw the string of lights, so I started taking the bulbs out. Well, mommy came out again, but guess what! She didn't stop me, she let me keep taking them out. Well, I really could only reach a couple more, so I was done.

Then I came in & my daddy was home from work! I was really glad to see him, but I think mommy & mama were even more glad to see him, because they told him, I was all his for the night!

I love my mommy & daddy, they are great! I hope that they just remember that I am still little and am just trying to learn about my world around me the best way I can, Hands On!

Signed with Love,
Braydon

Here are some pictures that mommy took of me having fun this weekend! Aren't I cute?!!

PS - Braydon, we Love you and always look forward to the adventures you will take us through! Love you ALWAYS! Mommy & Daddy

Easter and such

2008-03-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well this past weekend was an extended weekend with Friday being Good Friday, and I was off work, so a three day weekend, that flew by!

Friday - Started today off with going over to Cheri's to dye easter eggs... Braydon came home with some colored hands, but he had fun! Then we went to Wal-Mart and the Easter Bunny happened to be there, so we have a snapshot of him sitting next to him with a frown, really cute! Then off to the first egg hunt of the weekend at New Mark Care Center with Grandma. Braydon was the big winner of a large stuffed green frog, a coloring book, a small stuffed dog and a whole lotta candy! It was a nice event that the center holds to get the tenants involved with children!

Saturday - Started the morning with a very CHILLY easter egg hunt at our Church; Then we visited a friends easter event at their Church with Braydon. He enjoyed most of it, as he just shy of 3 and still not too sure about why we are looking for plastic eggs and why we ask him to sit next to that large, adult size moving stuffed rabbit...... After all of the easter activity, we went up to Photographx Unlimited and rented their studio for a Senior sitting.... This studio was a great experience and is well worth your visiting them if you are in the area and want to take your own studio quality photos! We got there early enough that I was able to snap some pictures off of Braydon and Doug & I really am happy with the results! I will be going back with the whole family and get some more GREAT shots!

Sunday - Went to Church, then we had my family over for a very interesting easter dinner (a lamb roast, a small rack of ribs and three turkey legs).... After dinner we played dominos. What made it nice, was that we picked Grandma up from her rehab, and brought her to the house for the afternoon. We forgot one thing while all of the family was over....The camera!, so sorry, no pictures for this fun filled day.

Well Hugs to All & I hope that everyone had a VERY BLESSED EASTER weekend!

Dinner with the Crow's

2008-03-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

This past Friday we had plans with the Crow's and a mutual friend, David Allen... Well, David was under the weather and cancelled on us, but dinner was already underway, so Doug & I went on over and had a GREAT dinner - Yes, David, you missed good food and great time with friends! We of course will now have to plan into the summer to try this again, as Jessie is just around 11 days or so from having baby number 2!!! We are all so excited for her... I know that I am biting at the bit, because they decided to not find out what the little one is, and then of course, because of how people respond, they have also choose to not share their picks on names.... I personally think it is a little..... BOY.... But of course, will have to wait and see what God blesses them with! If you are reading this before she gives birth - Please keep them in prayers, as this one is showing a stubborn streak, and is currently not only breach, but facing the wrong way too. So unless God interveens, and the baby turns, this one will be delivered via c-section.

Photobucket Album

In regards to our lives lately....

Alex has been accepted to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary school in Chicago, IL. Mom is a teary eyed excited! My first born is leaving the nest!

Grandma fell and fractured her pelvic bone, spent 7 days in the hospital and is now in a nearby rehab care facility.

Doug has been busy working two jobs.

Drew has been his normal self lately - with the addition of getting not so great grades (he is currently grounded).

Braydon has changed daycare's and is doing LEAPS and BOUNDS better than where he was at. He went from being one of 16 to one of SIX! We love Miss Cheri (pronounced sherry)!

Me - Just working away and trying to keep everyone's busy schedule straight!

Well - I hope that you have enjoyed our updates, I am off to bed!

Leap Day Wine Dinner

2008-03-17T20:15:00.001-07:00

OK - I have been lazy over the past month and have not posted a lot that has happened.... So to get started, I am at least getting some pictures posted. The following pictures are from a wine dinner where we met over at Danny & Annie Mock's with John & Jessie Crow for another wonderful dinner..... I know that Jessie has been waiting for these pictures so she can share some as well.... So here they are... Also, Please note, that I actually got pictures from this PAST Friday night, posted above these!!! So, Yes, Jessie, you can snag them for your blog too! I do say this all in good humor. We have a good relationship and I know that she mentioned on her blog about the 2/29 dinner pictures since she forgot her camera that night, and then, I go lazy!... ell, I have at least got them posted now. Jessie - I hope that you find a few that you can smile about.... I happen to like the few where we tried the pink scarf on Braydon! He has that 'MOM, I can not BELIEVE that you just put a PINK scarf on me, and TOOK my picture!!" look.

Photobucket Album

Colorado Trip

2008-02-19T06:24:00.001-08:00

February 14-18 2008 Trip to Colorado

I joined Anita & Heather and went out to Colorado for a long girls get-a-way weekend. We had a fun time visiting and just relaxing! Click on the below picture to go out to photobucket to view all of the pictures.

Surprise Party Time

2008-02-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

What a fun weekend. My Mom turned 60 back in September and my Brother a& I tried to get together to throw a Surprise Birthday Party for her, but it did not happen until yesterday! & Boy was she SURPRISED!!!! We told her we were going out as a family for my Dad's birthday, which was this past week.... In the midst we invited a lot of family and friends over and then had her show up about 20 minutes later, she came in and WOW - She was saying, what, for me?? But it's not my birthday, it's Dee's (my Dad) birthday, we said, yes we know - BUT the party is for YOU! She had a great time and it was fun to see her friends celebrating with her!

Picture time:

Dancing with the Stars

2008-01-13T20:55:00.001-08:00

I attended Dancing with the Stars with fellow co-workers and our vendor Lockton this evening. We started with dinner at Dos Hombres and then on to the show at The Sprint Center in the Lockton Suite. We all had a great time and now we are each secretly thinking "Wish I could dance like that!"

Click on picture to see the full album on Photobucket

OK - The video's are not the greatest, but they show you a glimpse of the show and what a great job they did!

Another Crow, Mock & Ward Wine Dinner

2008-01-12T14:31:00.001-08:00

Last night we all met up at Jon & Jessies house for a wine dinner and a lot of fun. Annie (& Danny) made spinach stuffed app's that had extra's (ok my mind is gone and can not remember the extra's) in the dough. They were very YUMMY! Then Doug & I made some homemade mushroom soup that rocked if I do say so myself and we also took a spinach salad that was also good. Then Jon & Jessie made some AWESOME baked crepe's that were stuffed with ham, chicken and aspargus. Then Jon made some fresh crepes that we got to stuff ourselves with dessert toppings. There were several choices, but I have to say that fresh squeezed lemon juice and good ol' sugar was my favorite. Jon also gave me a lesson on making latte's and I made one for everyone while he cooked up the crepe's. Annie took over for Jessie and made the yummy fresh whipped cream for the crepes!

We then just sat around and chatted and enjoyed the company. Grandma joined us and she also seemed to have a nice time and enjoyed getting out of the house.

Well, the boys started off the night with some funny faces - So have fun enjoying the pictures of the fun!

If you click on the picture it will take you to the photobucket website and the album of pictures.

Photobucket Album

Dorothy Mitchell - 2/26/1921 - 12/23/2007, Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma

2007-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today has been a hard day. It started late last night with a call from my Mom. She said that my Grandma Mitchell (my Mom's Mom) was taken from her nursing home to the hospital; That she had been ill and was not doing well. She then called back around 1am and said that they were on their way to Joplin, as the only reason that Grandma was still with us, was the ventilator and that they were going to turn it off. They arrived around 4:30, which it was then turned off and Grandma passed away around 5:30am this morning.

Grandma these big brown eyes are looking up to heaven and are saying I will Love You forever and will look forward to seeing you in Heaven. Give Grandpa a hug and a kiss from all of us here!

So the rest of the post are pictures of my Grandma with family....

Grandma and her "Shadow"

Braydon meeting his Great Grandma for the first time

Grandma with four of her six kids at Christmas 2000

More of Braydon's first visit with Great Grandma

How 'bout a kiss Great Grandma?

Three generations of girls

A close up Christmas 2003

Grandma with Cousin Brent and his son at Christmas 2003

Grandma with one of the Great Grandbabies in at Christmas 2003

March 2007

A visit with Grandma in March 2007

My Mom and Grandma March 2007

Me & the boys Christmas Day 2006

Christmas 2005

March 2007 Braydon pushing Great Grandma around with Mama

Christmas 2002

Me & Grandma March 2007

Grandma & me Christmas 2002

Braydon taking his Great Grandma for a ride March 2007

PS - I know the pictures are not in date order, but they are all worth seeing, no matter the order.

Our Sexy Picture

2007-12-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I have one more party picture to add from my work party, and then tomorrow I will be working on adding Christmas in Wichita pictures, so come back later for the fun pictures!

Help Me - TOO Cute

2007-11-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Last night while I was blogging the previous post, I hear this little voice holler, "Help Me", It was not a scream or a cry, just a little "Help Me", kind of like when someone is trying to get your attention as they need assistance on something.... Well, I of course knew it was Braydon, but found it quite queer to hear him asking in that manner. So, I hit save on my work, turned around to find where he was at and what type of "Help Me" assistance he needed.

I immediately found him, giggled, grabbed the camera and snapped a few shots, questioned big brother about the situation, then "Helped".

OK - Here is the full story. Braydon had a beach ball he was tossing around and tossed at Andrew, Andrew was sitting on the floor watching TV and really was not wanting to play catch, so he tossed the ball back over his head behind him. Well, what he did not realize, was that the ball went into the corner behind the sofa. So, Braydon in turn went after his ball and then could not get out, as getting behind the sofa was much easier than getting out from behind it. So that is when the "Help Me" started and of course the giggles!

And here are the pictures that I snapped:

Wine, Fondue & Latte's.... YUM!

2007-11-26T17:25:00.001-08:00

Once again, I have not posted in a while, So to start with catch up time...

Wine, Fondue & Latte's

We had a wonderful Fondue wine dinner with Annie, Danny, Jon, Jessie, Kenny & Debbie, and of course Dylan & Liam.

Liam's Cute little feet!

Debbie being fed a Chocolate covered Strawberry
Dylan enjoying the chocolate
Annie teasing Jessie with her Latte....
Jon making Latte, after Latte, after Latte...

One for Me yet???

OK - I know you have one in there for me!!!!

CHEESE!

Kenny & Debbie

A common theme here.... Chocolate on the chin!

At the end of dinner Jon made us Latte's (decaf) & Liam took one sip and was hooked and kept drinking Mom's... I bet if it would have been in a sippy cup, he would have won any drinking contest hands down!

MORE, MORE, MORE!!!

MMMM - Thanks Dad! (As mom says, Thank you for Decaf!)
Dylan chasing bubbles

Liam Crow seemed to enjoy laughing at the ScareCrow....
Awe... Just smiling...

U-MMMM, Jon says to Fresh pineapple juice
Annie Jumped in Danny's lap, & Dylan & Kenny get silly laughing at her..

Darn the Luck - The chocolate fountain stopped.....

Good Night.

Justus Drugstore, a Restaurant

2007-10-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

Doug took me to Justus Drugstore, a Restaurant for our anniversary a few weeks ago.... Wonderful food & service. Well worth a visit!

Not much up on their website yet, but take a look!

The Weekend....

2007-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well we had a very busy weekend last weekend at the Ward household....So much, that it has taken me all week to get it loaded uploaded for all to see.....

Friday was spent throwing a 13th birthday party for Andrew. Being he is now a "Teenager" I thought it best to have a party to remember for him. So he knew he was having a party, but he thought it was an overnight at the house. What he did not know, was that it was an overnight at The Drury Hotel off of Tiffany Springs & I-29. We did this so he could have a swim party. He has said often that he wishes he was born in the summer so he could have a pool party. So we did the next best thing, rented a hotel room where there was an indoor/outdoor pool. We had to pick up a couple of boys and when we picked up the last one, I proceeded to blindfold him and took the back roads all the way there to surprise him. He was completely surprised and had a wonderful time.

Saturday, I worked for Annie at Social Suppers, then Doug, Braydon & I headed up to Weston to the State Park where we were married and took anniversary pictures, or at least we tried. This year we got more pictures of Braydon & Doug them Doug & I..... Braydon was quite the grumpy little guy. He clung to Daddy and pushed Mommy away, and when I had Doug put him down to take a picture of just the two of us, he was at our feet screaming at us. So, we got a couple of good pictures and a lot of funny looking ones.

Sunday afternoon, I took Alex to English Landing Park in Downtown Parkville and took his first set of Senior pictures. Braydon was with us and was the complete opposite of yesterday with Doug & I.... He wanted to be in every picture and was quite the "HAM".... He was so cute following Big Brother Alex around and trying to sit like him or right next to him. I go several pictures that are just priceless.

Sunday evening we carved our pumpkins for the front porch on Wednesday. Andrew did a skeleton and Doug & Braydon did a cat. Doug did a great job and them Braydon came along and pulled the tail and head off of the cat..... We tried to toothpick what we could back on. Oh well, we did have fun and Braydon really was just trying to help and be a big boy.

Well, that toped off our fun filled weekend last weekend. Hope yours was just as fun!

Priss (or as Braydon says Kriss)

2007-10-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our newest addition to our home. She is a beautiful kitty and she is from Katty Shack. Her name is Priss, she is doing very well blending with the family so far... The only things so far is Braydon can not say Priss, it comes out Kriss.... So here are the pictures of our beautiful addition. She is staying in Andrew's room right now, and as you can see, she is not shy of him, as she is lying right there with him as he fell asleep.