The Bracken Bunch

Stan the Doughnut Man

2009-03-10T15:05:00.005-04:00

Connor went on his first field trip. It was to Stan the Doughnut Man, a local doughnut shop. This guy was really cool. He invites an entire preschool class into his kitchen so they can see how doughnuts are made. The get to see the machinery, the dough, the decorations, how they make the different types of doughnuts... actually, pretty interesting! Afterwards, the kids got to choose any doughnut they wanted from the cabinet. Connor, of course wanted "Swinkles," but they didn't have any, so he chose one with coconut... Delish!

My Little Valentines

2009-02-17T09:11:00.005-05:00

Kevin is in Cuba and will be gone for yet another week. My husband is so desperate to get out of his Valentine's Day obligations that he is willing to leave the country! Luckily I still had two people here who were more than willing to help me celebrate! Valentine's Day was spread out a little. Connor did not have preschool Friday, so he had his party on Wednesday. On Saturday, we had Red Day - we wore red (except for Kenall who opted for an animal print... Grrrr), made red art, ate pizza, and had red Jello for dessert.

The rest of the weekend was just full of silliness as you can see. Just trying to make it through this two weeks and make it as fun for all of us as possible!

Fun in the Snow

2009-02-03T16:31:00.005-05:00

Kendall tries to see what snow tastes like...

We were supposed to get a "dusting" to add to the snowfall from the storm last week. Well, four inches later... I couldn't resist. It was really coming down, and I wanted to see the kids have some fun outside. We've had some really bad weather lately, but it is above 25* today, so out we went. Fun in the Snow was followed by our traditional hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Mornings

2009-01-22T10:48:00.004-05:00

Morning wrestling practice.

Mornings are precious around here. Since Dad doesn't get home until after 9 most nights, we have to make the most of our mornings... and we do.

As the day moves on, and Dad has gone, we often have lots to do. We read, play blocks, dolls/action figures, kitchen, run around like crazy... but some days it is nice to get out and visit with friends.

School was cancelled on Friday, I think because of the cold, because there really wasn't much snow. So four of us Moms (I know that is bad English, but I'm not teaching right now) got together and had a play date. We all brought a little something that we already had lying around. We do not believe in spending any more than we have to these days! I baked some brownies and brought an open bag of Goldfish crackers. Both were a big hit by the way! Anyway, we managed to feed 4 adults and 10 kids!!! with little to no effort. Everyone had a great time - no fights and no injuries. This had to be one of the most successful play dates of all time.

This was Kendall's first playdate where she participated. She had a blast. I took pictures. I got a few of Kendall, but Connor - who was in Heaven - was not still long enough to get a shot!

OK

2009-01-10T12:10:00.005-05:00

Kendall's 1st birthday 12-13-08

A little outside fun

Kendall and Curious George Donna bought for her during a recent visit to Chatt. She loves it! Thanks, Donna!

I have been shamed to writing a few lines. Sorry that I haven't written in so long. Kevin has been out of town, and before that, sick kids and sick me, and before that, Christmas. So, I am taking advantage of Kendall napping and Spongebob Squarepants being on to write a little about what's happening around here. Like I said, Kevin has been out of town. He has gone to Colorado Springs. So, I have the two kids all to myself for a week. It feels like it has already been a week - time is passing very slowly. I can't believe that I have four more days to go. Luckily, the kids have been great. I am really blessed. Kendall is the most content little girl, and Connor, although very... um... bouncy, is just as happy as can be, and both are very loving. We've actually had a very good time.

For example, Connor got in his head that he wanted to have a party on Thursday. I was like, "Whaaaat?" He explained that it would be fun to "have snacks, dance, play games, stuff like that." So, I got out some emergency cake mix, and he helped me make cupcakes. He also helped decorate. Later, he, Kendall, and I danced to random music and theme songs on TV. We ate the cupcakes, and when Kendall went down for her nap, we played UNO. I don't know if that was what he had in mind, but we had a really good time. Good idea Connor!

Plans

2008-11-25T21:12:00.004-05:00

The Brackens will be headed up to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. We are all really excited to see everyone up there. It should be a great time with lots of family and really good food. Kevin's aunt will be hosting the dinner, which usually means about 30 to 40 people! Whew, brave woman! Connor is really excited to be headed back. He is looking forward to seeing his grandma and his grandpa as well as his Uncle Billy, Aunt Kerrie, and Steve, aka Husband (Connor's nickname for him - cute story, but don't have time.) In fact, we knew he would be really excited to make the trip, so we didn't even tell him when we were going until this afternoon. That way he wouldn't drive us crazy asking if it was time to go yet!

We enjoyed a nice weekend at home. I worked on some craft project, Kevin got caught up on work around here, and Connor played dress-up all day Saturday. Here are the outfits he played in. Oh, and did he get his imagination going. Too cute!!!!

Grandma and Grandpa

2008-11-13T13:15:00.003-05:00

We had a visit from Grandma and Grandpa this past weekend. First of all, Connor was so excited when he heard they were coming. At preschool on Friday, he told anyone within earshot the his Grandma and Grandpa were coming that day. According to his teacher, he mentioned it a few times in class as well! On Saturday, Kevin had his grand opening of the gym where he works. There was a great turn-out, and it was a great success. Later that day, Connor's preschool had a special event for dads and the kids. Because Kevin had to be at the opening, Grandpa stepped up to the plate. He was happy to do it, but I think a little concerned to hear that crafts and singing would be involved. Although not his "cup of tea," Grandpa made the best of it, and Connor had an amazing time. I am so glad that Connor had that opportunity, and thanks to Grandpa, did not have to miss it!

Catching up

2008-11-05T09:35:00.010-05:00

Whew, do we have a lot to catch up on. Well, the Brackens have moved. We live in Ohio now in a town called Liberty Township. It is just outside of Cincinnati. It is a suburban town with very nice people and beautiful scenery. So far, we love it here. We live in a great home in a wonderful neighborhood. There is plenty to do around here. Connor is already enrolled in a preschool here, and he loves it. Coincidentally, his teacher is from Colorado Springs, where we used to live and still have a burden... oh I mean a home for sale there. Connor has also started a gymnastics class at The Little Gym. It is perfect for him. He gets to run, tumble and bounce in a controlled setting! Kendall is starting to walk. She is 10 1/2 months old now. She is really getting her own personality now. She still smiles all the time, but she's no push-over. Whenever Connor picks on her or takes a toy away, she either screams at him, or she gives him a good wack! Thata girl!

What brought us here in the first place? Kevin accepted a job as a wrestling coach for a private wrestling club in the area called Prodigy. He will be coaching kids from elementary school to high school. He will also be helping fighters pursuing a career in Ultimate Fighting or Mixed Martial Arts with the wrestling aspect of the sport. This job will include some traveling, but he gets to do what he loves, so that makes it worth it for all of us. I am really happy that he has this opportunity.

As for me, I love it here. I am enjoying making our home our own. I am trying to get out and meet people, and I am happy to be closer to family in Georgia and West Virginia as well as still close to Chicago. We are pretty centrally located, so that is nice.

That's about all for now, I will try to post more often now that my life is settling down.

Old Friends

2008-08-01T14:04:00.003-04:00

I just finished reading an e-mail that one of my oldest friends wrote me. He sent me a song/poem I think to be done to the tune of Penny Lane (Beatles). It is called Stephy Lane. It was so cool to read. He put this phrase, "Room... Door!" in the song. That phrase was uttered by our parents every time we entered the Terry's home. This meant, go into the boys' room, shut the door, and don't come out unless one of you is on fire. We would stay in there for hours playing. And we always got along. I don't remember one arguement. I can't believe that it is true, but I really can't remember one time that we ever fought or got mad at each other. I watch Connor and his friends play now, and can't believe that kids can manage to get along like we did. To read those words now really brings those memories flooding back, thank you, Brian.

I moved around so much in my life that I really don't have any childhood friends - except Brian and Lee Jay. Every time I would move, I would leave the friends I had made behind. So, staying in touch with these two brothers is very important to me. Besides my family, they are the only people that have known me all of my life, so they are very special to me. We have gone through stages in our lives where we have gotten out of touch, but since the age of computers, and now blogs, we are able to at least email occasionally and read about each other's lives. They are a bit of a touchstone for me. I hope to always be a part of each other's lives.

Little Casanova

2008-07-22T16:26:00.005-04:00

Well, my biggest news is my four-year-old son has already had his first kiss. The details are sketchy, but during an outside play date at his friend's house, Connor and his classmate, Isabella, shared a "moment" while playing in the tunnel of a blow-up water slide. Seems that while inside the tunnel, Isabella asked Connor to give him a kiss. Connor eagerly stepped up to the challenge. Isabella asked Connor not to tell his mom, but being the perfect son (and a big gossip) Connor ran and told me right away. In his words: "Mom, I have a sequet. I kissed Isabewa . . . on the WIPS!" - all in a whisper, since he wasn't supposed to tell. I was soooo not ready for this information. However, I would like for him to always feel like he can share these things, so I tried not to show my mini-heart attack. How is he already kissing girls? He's not even in elementary school yet! It started to rain, so we put on a movie for the kiddos while the moms gabbed away in another room. Each one of us would take turns checking on them from time to time. After one of these checks, a mom came in and told the rest of us to come check out Connor and Isabella. I, of course, brought my camera along. We peeked around the corner to see Connor's head in Isabella's lap, and Isabella stroking Connor's hair. My baby!!!!

Home Again

2008-07-10T11:45:00.001-04:00

I am back home in Chicago. I have actually been home for a few days, but I have been trying to get my life back in some kind of order. I am not saying that Kevin had this place in a complete mess. All I am saying is that he forgot to clean anything for the nearly three weeks I was gone. The floors were covered with everything he had tracked in. The furniture was covered with dust. The bathrooms were untouchable! And I have a new crawler!!! Something had to be done and quickly. So for the past three days, I have been mopping and dusting and scrubbing, all while keeping up with my two cherubs.

I did have a wonderful time at Mom's house. I was able to see my family and a couple of friends. I also got to visit Chattanooga a couple of time, which was nice. It is always nice to go back down south. I get to come home to what is familiar to me. I get to spend time with my family. I get to travel familiar roads. I get to see old and dear friends. Oh, and the best part, eat good ole Southern cookin'! My grandmother is as Connor puts it, "a really good cooker!" Whenever I am in, Granny always treats me to my favorite meal - fried chicken, mashed potatoes (with gravy), peas, and the best biscuits (or as Connor says, "bixits") around. Mmmmm.

Our 4th of July was fun. I went to Chattanooga with Connor, Mom, and my uncle, Ed. That was actually on the 3rd. While we where there, we listened to the Chattanooga symphony play a variety of patriotic songs, Connor played in the sprinkler park there, and we topped off the night watching a spectacular fireworks display. On the 4th, Marvin spent hours making the best barbeque I have in my life. He's from Memphis, so he knows his barbeque. Granny and Papa and Ed joined us for dinner - so good to spend a holiday with my family. After dinner, we went outside for some games. Marvin, Ed, Granny, Mom, and I played bean bags, and Connor, Ed, and Mom had a little batting practice. I was really surprised at how well Connor could hit the ball - Ed, and Mom, you did a good job too.

I had to take off back home the next day, but what a perfect ending to a memorable trip.

Lane 60th Anniversary

2008-07-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

I have been travelling lately, so that is why I haven't posted. I drove, yes, drove, to Chattanooga with the two kids (12 hours). I did the trip in two days, so that made it easier. I arrived at Mom's house on a Thursday afternoon. We rested for a whopping 18 hours before getting in the car again and heading for West Virginia. My grandparents were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday, so we drove to Daddy's house that Friday evening. The kids were real troopers.

We all had a wonderful time at the anniversary party. They had a cookout at a local park. The weather cooperated, and we had a great day for an outside party. Connor really liked the facility. There were woods all around and a lake to the side. He was beside himself. There was lots of running and leaf-throwing and rock skipping to be done. In the meantime, Kendall enjoyed meeting her relatives for the first time. She enjoyed constant attention. I enjoyed seeing everyone again. I hadn't seen some for 10 years probably. So, that was nice. The food was delicious, and the cake was awesome! I have been trying to lose this baby weight, so it was very hard to be a good dieter under these circumstances!

It sure was nice to be able to help celebrate a marriage that has lasted for 60 years. Only 54 more years to go for Kevin and me!

I'm alive!

2008-06-08T14:29:00.000-04:00

You must have thought I looked like a real slacker. Two posts, and she's already quit. I hope you had more faith in me than that. The truth is I have been really ill with something like the flu. I know that it is already the first week of June, so that is why I am not calling it the flu, but it was exactly like it. I have been in the bed for three days with a fever and aches and chills... miserable. My mother-in-law, Nancy, was kind enough to watch the two kids on Wed. and Connor on Thurs. That gave me enough breaks to get some sleep and try to shake this thing. Yesterday was the first day I felt good enough to be out of bed for more than 20 minutes. I used what energy I had to try to get my house back in working order. There were stacks of dishes, piles of laundry, and a mound of dust on everything. You don't even want me to try to describe the bathroom!

On one of my many breaks - I'm as weak as a newborn - I was watching Kendall play on the floor of the living room. She was on her tummy enjoying all of her toys when she raised up on all fours. I got so excited. I thought, "This is it; she's going to crawl!" Well, she did move...backward. She scooted herself right across our hardwood floors. Connor did the same thing when he was around her age and beginning to crawl. After one of his attempt to crawl, he went backward and found himself underneath the couch - too cute.

Kendall's really growing. I can't believe she is already to this stage. She has already cut her two bottom teeth - which she likes to try out now while nursing OUCH! She is starting to master sitting up. She's eating cereal. Now she is trying out mobility. She needs to slow down. I am trying to savor these baby moments, and she is trying to speed through them. I am also pretty sure that I am not ready for two mobile children just yet. I would really like to be in our own home by the time she really starts moving around.

In the meantime, I am trying to slow down and really take in all that my two little ones are accomplishing. I am taking as many pictures and video as I can. I am at home for a purpose, and I don't want to take any of this precious time for granted.

Trip to Lake

2008-06-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

I don't have a lot to report today. It is a rainy day today, so we are spending our day inside. Probably going to do some coloring, play dough and games. Instead, I think that I will think of the beautiful weather we enjoyed on our mini-vacation last weekend.

Kevin, Connor, Kendall, and I met Kevin's parents at their lovely condo in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We took our new, well new to us, boat up to lake and enjoyed a great weekend with family. The weather was sunny and calm as we took to the lake in our boat. Connor had an awesome time. He is so excited to have a boat, and he enjoyed riding around and fishing with Dad and Grandpa. Grandma watched Kendall on the shore. She really liked getting to be outside. It was a really relaxing time, and we all had a lot of fun with our new toy.

Connor took along his scooter and our little daredevil decided to ride down a steep grass hill outside of the condo over and over. That was exciting enough to watch, but he added to our amazement by convincing Grandma to go down the hill with him once . . . only once. I looked outside at precisely the right moment and was able to grab my camera in time to catch the footage. It was definitely a classic moment! I will include some pictures.

All in all, a great mini vacation for all of us.

I did it!

2008-06-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe that I am doing this. I was innocently reading my cousins' blogs when I saw a link inviting me to create my own. Before I knew it, my fingers were clicking on the link and filling out the appropriate blanks and here I am. Hmmm.

I hope I can do as well as my heroes, Erin and Carrie, who inspired me to do this crazy thing. They keep up with their blogs almost daily. We'll see. Mainly, I would like for family and friends to be able to keep up with our family's lives up here in Chi Town. Connor's antics alone should fill this place up!