The Brunner Circus

Our Day of Love

2012-02-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

RB spoiled us and made us chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.

A Team

Valentine's Day 2012

Mad Face

Happy Face

Ainsley had a delicious lunch from the HyVee deli.

I ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Which gave me heartburn.

Why does peanut butter give me heartburn now? Is that some sort of thing that happens when you get old?

We also baked a cake.

The only person that ate any of it was Alivia.

But it was fun to make it with Ainsley and watch her put all the sprinkles in the middle.

We did early baths, ate a delicious grilled dinner courtesy of RB, and watched Dolphin Tale.

No flowers. No chocolates. No fancy restaurants.

But a perfect Valentine's day.

Funny Friday Foto(s)

2012-02-17T16:39:00.002-06:00

Facts:

Ainsley was wearing her third outfit for the day.

Three year olds are exhausting.

It was an impromptu, but fun playdate.

It was snowing.

I let the girls eat as many M&M's as they wanted to and I neglected to tell Mallory's mom that.

Three year olds are exhausting.

Ainsley was having a bit of a bad hair day.

Agnes was actually pretty well behaved and left the girls alone. Well, kinda good.

Actually, she did good for about 14 minutes, then had to go to puppy time out.

Three year olds are exhausting.

Happy Friday!

Snack Bag

2012-02-16T06:57:00.002-06:00

Last fall I found a cute little store where the lady makes door and household decorations out of window screen.

The first time I stopped, I bought a Christmas door decoration and when I went to pay, she told me she only accepts cash and check. I never have cash or checks on me -- always pay with my debit card, so I said I would run to an ATM machine quick and come back.

She said that wasn't a problem, to just send her a check in the mail.

I thought she was joking, but she assured me it was fine to send it in the mail.

I was shocked.

She didn't know me. It's not like we live in a small town where she could track me down.

I offered to leave my phone number, address, Ainsley (joking!), so she had a way to contact me....

And again, she said it was no problem, wouldn't take any of my info, wrapped up my purchase, gave Ainsley a cookie and sent us on our way.

Without paying.

It was such an odd feeling.

The check was in the mail as soon as we got home.

I decided to go back there a couple of weeks ago to get a Valentine's decoration and remembered to bring the checkbook along.

She remembered us -- actually, she remembered Ainsley and her pink winter coat.

Ainsley remembered the cookie she got the last time we were there, but there wasn't any at the store that day.

The owner felt bad, and as we were leaving, she let Ainsley pick out a cute little bag.

Of course I offered to pay... but she turned me down.

Ainsley picked out our door decoration, and she apparently liked the red heart with pink polkadots because she picked out the same design for her new bag.

The owner told Ainsley she could put her Valentine's in the bag, or maybe make it her snack bag.

Once we were home, Ainsley took her words to heart.

This hangs on our basement door, filled with snacks.

I will randomly take out the box of Teddy Grahams and Pringles and put them away in the cupboard... and she turns around and fills her new snack bag back up.

The owner of the store has no idea that I'm writing about her, but she does have a website if you are interested in looking at her homemade decorations.

I figure it's the least I can do.

Click here to see her website.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Yep. Still Dog Sledding.

2012-02-13T21:06:00.000-06:00

B Dawg, being a sled dog, pulling a sled dog, and pushing a sled dog with her nose.

Yep. Still Dog Sledding.

Dog Sledding Finale

2012-02-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

Ali was just out enjoying the snow.

Nana, Papa and B Dawg

Ali photo bombed my picture while checking on Addi, who was just coming back from a ride.

Looks like Addi had fun.

That morning, we took five female dogs out.

Roxy, Dora, Pepsi, Dart and.....???

(Anyone that was there remember the name I am forgetting??)

I think she looks like she's smiling.

Taking a little snow-eating break.

Love this picture! Makes me laugh.

Ali doing her 'old lady peering over her glasses' look.

He offered any of us watching a ride....

So. I jumped on.

It was so much fun!

I did feel bad for the dogs since they had been pulling little girls around... and then had to pull me. I'm sure I wore them out. Ha!

It was really bumpy, and my bottom was freezing cold by the end... but totally worth it.

We did have to stop out on the trail because Dora had to go #2.

Totally was downwind of that and just... ewwwww.

I loved listening to him say the commands -- took mental notes so I know what to say the next time we are dog sledding through the grocery store. Ha!

One more HUGE thank you to my in-loves for arranging this for us!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2012-02-11T15:04:00.001-06:00

It doesn't seem to matter how organized I try and be... if it involves our family going somewhere, on time, wearing nice clothes.. it's always going to turn into some chaotic event involving me running up and down the stairs eleventy million times.

It will also include me sporting a sweat 'stache.

Thankfully, I wasn't going with, so it didn't matter how I looked, or how much sweat was pooling on my upper lip.

The plan was, RB was going to take the girls out for dinner, then to the dance.

I take all the credit on teaching him how to 'do a date' properly...seeing as though we've been together since junior high. But I would like to state this for the record: He always took me to Bonanza. Last night, he took the girls to Red Robin. I'm sure it was the allure of the never ending fry basket that helped make his decision, but whatever the reason, I am quite certain the girls' dinner was better than any dinner I ever ate at Bonanza.

I was going to tag long for dinner, because ... well... the 3:1 ration can be a bit daunting. Turns out, they met up with our cousins Joey, Maggie and Estelle and I was able to stay home and clean the bathroom and kitchen. I know, I really know how to go all out on a Friday night.

The bathroom AND the kitchen.

And for fun, I tormented Agnes with the vacuum.

According to RB, dinner went pretty smoothly.

I find that a little hard to believe since there were 5 children, ages 3 to 7, with only two male 'supervisors'... at a restaurant for about an hour.... but as long as they had fun, ate, and left without any huge catastrophes... I would call that a successful dinner.

They were able to make it to church a little early, and got their pictures taken right away before the line became huge. I can't wait to see the picture. Between Ali's aversion to camera flashes, and Ainsley's smile... it's going to be awesome.

Then it was time to hit the dance floor.

Ali was pumped because they did a 'chain dance' -- they made a train of people and danced through the dance floor.

RB said that Ainsley danced... and danced... and danced... and he only lost her once on the way back from the dessert table.

He said it in a way that losing her 'only once' was a good thing. Ha!

But, I guess, if we were going to lose her in a sea of people... losing her at church was probably the best scenario. She was just fine when he found her, she was dancing with a new friend she made.

I actually had other plans last night. Once I was done cleaning, I showered and headed to the mall to find some Valentine's Day presents since I was, for once, kidless.

And that is when I saw approximately 83 Justin Biebers.

I spent approximately 45 minutes at the mall.

I will never spend another minute there on a Friday night.

I then went to my Bestie's birthday party, which didn't even start until 8 pm.

Who starts a party at 8 AT NIGHT?

I was exhausted and wanting my flannel pj's.

I managed to stay out until the wee hour of 9 pm, and then headed home.

Another successful Daddy Daughter Dance in the books.

I have big plans for myself next year.... that includes...doing nothing.

My four most favorite people in the world.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2012

FFF - Outtakes

2012-02-10T13:38:00.000-06:00

Longest. Week. Ever.

So happy it's Friday!

Tonight is the Daddy/Daughter Dance at our church.

Ainsley is old enough to attend now... so RB is taking all three girls.

Out to dinner.

Then to the dance.

By himself.

Pray for him.

Ha!

The girls were out of school early on Wednesday, so I thought it would be fun to put their Valentine's Day shirts on and take some pictures.

I'm quite certain their teachers gave them Pixie Stix as they are leaving the school building....

because they came home w.i.r.e.d.

Me: Ainsley...look right here (holding finger up above the camera lens) and SMILE WITH YOUR TEETH.

And... I guess you can say...she listened.

Red juice anyone?!

I don't even know what to say.

Except.. she looks and ACTS just like a Brunner.

If I could stop laughing long enough to scold Addi... I would.

But I can't.

Happy Friday!

Bestie. You knew I had to do something.

2012-02-09T10:22:00.000-06:00

Today is my Bestie's 30th Birthday.

Next year... and for the next several years after that... we will both be the 'same' age...

Thirty-Awesome.

But this year -- she's still just 30.

Have I ever told you the story about how we met? Nothing crazy... we were both working at the same insurance company and when I was 34 months pregnant with Addison, I accepted a position on a new team. When I came back from maternity leave, I started my new position and shared a cube wall with Allison.

I was a wreck.

Called the daycare every 2-3 hours to see if Addi decided to eat her bottle.

She never did.

Extremely hormonal.

Extremely exhausted.

New mom fears.

Learning a new job.

But yet, for some reason, Allison and I just 'clicked' -- even though we were at completely different parts of our life. And now -- I am so thankful that we met, became friends, became Besties -- and now she's more like 'part of the family' and Fun Aunt Allison to our girls.

Now....for the fun part...

Allison just got back from a trip to Mexico.

I think she had a good time.
Hmmmm...is that a bit of a sweat 'stache going on there??!!

Was even a cute dresser when she was a kid!

She is going to have to forgive me for posting these pictures.

Because Ainsley and I are taking her out for lunch today.

And because I got her a sweet birthday present.

He. He. He.

Happy 30th Birthday Bestie!

Exciting News!

2012-02-08T21:24:00.001-06:00

RB received some exciting news yesterday afternoon. The Athletic Director from UNI called and told him that he is going to be inducted into the UNI Athletic Hall of Fame.

It's not until next fall, September 29th for those who are interested in attending the football game/ ceremony. (UNI vs NDSU)

The pictures above are actually a picture I took of a poster we were given when the UNI baseball program was discontinued, (which is still a very sore subject in our house). The poster was in the baseball offices and they asked if we wanted it. Since then, it's been sitting in our basement. Someday, we'll build some sort of baseball shrine with the hundreds of plaques, and awards that RB received throughout his baseball career. Ha!

(Side Note to my In-Loves: this shrine will not be big enough for you to bring down the millions of baseball cards that RB collected throughout the year. Ha!)

Just to give you an idea how big the poster is...

My model was not thrilled to be pulled away from her indoor dog sledding.

Uncle Joey and Ali

2012-02-07T17:24:00.000-06:00

I had a hard time picking my favorite picture... so I posted all my favorite ones.

Our Weekend. Pt. 2

2012-02-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks Uncle Joey for snapping this picture.

I learned two things while on the four wheeler:

1. Taking pictures off the back of a four wheeler is tougher than I thought it was going to be.

2. I need to learn to say TREE louder...and sooner. Sorry RB for the little branch smack to the forehead.

My mom told me this AFTER we got home from the dog sledding... That this was the first time our dog sled driver had taken a three year old out alone. I think he has bigger sleds that hold more than one rider, but there wasn't enough snow for those.

Truthfully...I was a bit nervous for Ainsley, but she jumped on, held on... and off they went.

She showed no hesitation.

Getting some last minute instructions...

I think maybe I wasn't the only one nervous for Ainsley... (aka - her hovering cheering crowd)

And....they're off!

This was the first time I saw her after they took off. We turned off on a different route so I could take pictures. I was holding my breath because I wasn't sure if she was going to be freaking out... or loving it...

It was so quiet out there -- I did hear him talking to Ainsley and telling her exactly what they were going to be doing. That made me smile -- he was so good with the girls.

Getting closer....

Looks like she's doing good to me!

She looks so tiny on that sled!

They took a different loop through the woods and met back up with us.

At some point, Ainsley must have slipped down, so he stopped the dogs and sled and let her readjust.

I can't stop looking at the dogs -- they all look like they all have big goofy grins on their face.

With the other two girls, he took a sharp right... but with Ainsley he didn't, he went left... and I was right in the way and thought they were going to run me over!

She didn't say much about the ride that day... just that she liked it.

However, she's talked about it every day since and we've looked through the pictures so many times already. She has never once said she was scared and she wants to do it again...

One of the fun things about this weekend was letting the grandparents see how obsessed she is with dogs and dog sleds. I joke about it all time... and you might think I'm exaggerating... but I'm not! Our days consist of a lot of barking, howling, and playing dog and dog sled...

I just couldn't stop laughing at them watching her be a dog all the time.

Our Weekend. Part 1.

2012-02-06T12:27:00.002-06:00

I took over two hundred pictures this weekend.

It was awesome to break the new camera in!

A little background info... We aren't able to travel much on weekends because of the girls and their activities. In the fall, Addi had soccer on Saturday mornings, and Ali had games on Sunday afternoons. Then Ali went right into basketball with practice on Friday nights and games on Saturday afternoons. And now -- Addi has softball practice every Saturday afternoon. However, it was canceled this last weekend because of a school district activity so we decided to take advantage of a free weekend and head to America's Hometown.

That got Nana and Papa thinking... and they called and made arrangements for us to go and see the sled dogs and take a ride for ourselves.

RB and I told the girls about it several days in advance -- mostly because we wanted them to think about it and ask any questions (although, I didn't really know any of the answers - ha!) -- but we at least wanted them to get used to the idea of going on a dog sled.

My fear was we were going to get there, and they would all be too scared to ride.

Turns out -- I was worried for nothing. They were WAY too excited to be scared.

When we pulled up, he was just getting the sled out and the dogs were going crazy! Barking and howling... kinda sounded like our house on any given afternoon with B Dawg - Ha!

I felt like he would walk out into the yard to get one of the dogs to harness... and all the dogs would be saying... PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME....

And the one that would get picked, would strut by all his brothers and sisters and would take his place on the rope.

The dogs were crazy and jumping and loud... until they were all harnessed up. Then, for the most part, they stood their calmly waiting for him to finish.

Ali loves dogs.

She puddles any dog she comes across and just can't give them enough love.

She was in dog heaven out at the farm.

As I stated earlier, Ali took the first ride. The dogs were extra excited and energetic and Ali is our most adventurous girl. Most of my pictures of her first ride are just like the one above -- once we learned his path, we were able to pull off and take other shots.

RB and I were going 15 mph on the four-wheeler and weren't keeping up. The dog sled owner/driver (we'll call him L) had his GPS with him and said his top speed was 19 mph and I'm pretty sure that was Ali's ride.

It was such a bummer that so much of the snow had melted... But there was just enough snow/ice pack on the paths that we could still go out.

Addi was the second rider, and RB and I took a short cut so we could pull over and take pictures of Addi coming towards us.

While we waited, I took pictures of RB.

Here they come!

I was SO hoping I had the route right and they were going to turn... because otherwise I was going to get run over!

It's a sharp turn, but Addi held on tight and was even kinda smiling.

Or maybe her face is all scrunched up because the snow was flying back at her.

This was the home stretch as they were coming up to change riders.

It had been drifted in and the dogs loved to take off and run as fast as they could. Made for a very bumpy, but fun, ride.

She's definitely smiling!

I asked Addi what she thought of her ride...

Callin' the dogs.... OURSELVES!

2012-02-04T16:39:00.000-06:00

We had the quite an exciting Saturday morning!

What grandparents do to make their grandchildren happy...

Nana and Papa talked to one of their friends, who happens to dog sled as a hobby, and we were invited out to take our very own dog sled rides!

Ali actually went on the sled first. The dogs were a little excited and she's always up for an adventure... so off they went. And wow - I had no idea just how fast the dogs were going to go...but whoa. I was really hoping Ali was holding on tight! Pictures of Ali and Addi -- and one other person who was brave enough to ride the dog sled (any guesses?!) -- coming soon.

Addi rode next.

Then it was B Dawg's turn.

She wasn't scared at all!

Jumped right on. Held on where he showed her too.

And off they went!

RB and I followed with the four wheeler so I could take pictures. There was just a snow storm last weekend in America's Hometown... but the warm temps this week melted a bunch of it. There was just enough left in the woods to be able to take the dogs and sled out.

Thanks Nana and Papa!

I'm sure B Dawg will be talking about this for weeks!

Seriously. It was awesome.

Funny Friday Foto

2012-02-03T09:37:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since we've pulled out the sunglasses -- ha!

Happy Friday!

Go Rams - Pt 2

2012-02-02T20:43:00.002-06:00

Check out what a pro Addi is!

Uhhh... Ali? Maybe help hold??

Or...just wave at the camera.

Whatever.

Ha!

My two favorite cheerleaders.

*************************************************

On a totally different note... It was 60 degrees the last three days, and today was high 50's.

Ainsley and I have tried to spend as much time as we could outside.

I washed windows.

I cleaned rugs.

I ran outside two mornings this week.

I'm exhausted.

And as much as I am loving this warm weather... it's kinda freaking me out.

A couple of cold, snowy days sounds good about now... snuggling on the couch and watching movies.

Our week in phone pictures

2012-01-31T20:45:00.000-06:00

Addi wanted to see if she could still pick Agnes up.

Turns out... she can.

Barely.

I have no idea how much Agnes weighs, but we measured her and she's over 3 feet long.

And that just makes me laugh.

Gramma Mac picked up this little puppy sparkle purse for Ainsley, and then Grandpa stuck a dollar in it. She takes it everywhere with us.

My favorite part is that she wears it across her body -- which is how I wear my purse.

Awww...someone wants to me like her mama!

Ali got a new hat. I think she likes it!

Funny story about Ali:

On the way to gymnastics last night, she told me that a hedgehog is going to come out of the deep underground this week. If he sees his shadow, we won't have a fall. If the hedgehog does not see his shadow, then fall is going to start next week.

I was DYING... and didn't have the heart to correct her.

I took this picture at 4:20 this morning.

It was FORTY SEVEN degrees!

So perfect for a run outside.

FINALLY! Treasure Buddies!!!

Someone was just a little excited!

Ainsley and snuggled up on the couch this afternoon and watched it... (I may have dozed off a bit... not exactly my kind of movie)... and then the three of them watched it again when the girls came home from school.

This little girl is all signed up for preschool.

We stopped in yesterday to pick up the paperwork... I thought the actual sign up date wasn't until tomorrow, but the director said she would accept it early (since the big girls went there).

I didn't cry... until we got in the momobile to leave.

I was walking down the hall with Ainsley and all I could think about was being enormously pregnant with her... and walking her big sisters to their preschool room.

And now it's her turn.

We then spent the afternoon at the park (hello 60 degrees in January!) and then celebrated with ice cream. Mostly because mama needed a little ice cream to make her feel better.

Go Rams!

2012-01-31T16:51:00.001-06:00

The high school cheerleaders put on a cheer camp for the elementary school girls and they performed at the high school girls basketball game last weekend.

I've been to the high school a couple of times before... and it's just -- wow.

It's pretty new (maybe a couple of years old?) and just so... big and just...wow.

I was in Pep Band in high school.

Stop laughing.

But I can say this -- we had maybe 20ish people in ours.... not an entire section.

Ainsley jammed out to all the songs -- stood on the bleachers, waved her arms in the air, shook her little bootie -- so hilarious to watch her.

I would go back to a basketball game just to watch her get her groove on!

The big girls went and practiced for the first part of the game, then performed at half time.

Ainsley had both mom and dad attending to her every whim... she was in heaven!

Ummmmm. Yea. Totally a Brunner. Ha!

Ali looked for us as she walked out and then once she saw us she couldn't stop smiling and waving.

Addi saw us, looked away.. then kept sneaking looks at us until I finally stood up and waved at her and then she smiled.

Ohhhh....can you just feel the excitement?? Ha!

Ali was super impressed with the scoreboard -- very fancy for a high school one.

The cheer hadn't even started yet... she's just clowning around.

Addi Long Legs posing for me.

Lets Go Rams

LOVE this picture. Love it.

More to come!!

All about Ali

2012-01-30T10:03:00.001-06:00

A clenes (kleenex) box is shorter than my foot.

Self Portrait

Ali just loves school! She is big into Dr. Seuss books.

We are still working on learning how to tie her shoes. It's been a long, slow process.

She refuses to wear any pants that aren't athletic pants, or jeggings/skinny jeans.

She wants to wear her hair in a pony tail every single day.

She can walk into a room, knowing no one, and instantly make friends.

She has the best sense of humor.

I knew I would regret it, but she talked me into buying her a joke book.

Agnes and Ali are still best buddies.

She has no concept of person space. Which is great when we are snuggling... not so great when we are out for dinner and you get stuck sitting by her. Ha!

She loves playing games - boardgames and electronic games.

Ali has the most contagious laugh.

She eats Ranch dressing with everything.

She's a mommy's girl.

There is a reason her nickname is Ali Beans.

We'll just leave it at that. Ha!

Funny Friday Foto(s) - Bedtime Edition

2012-01-27T09:55:00.002-06:00

Bedtime for the girls is 7:30.

Why... WHY... at 7:28... do they get some sort of second wind that makes then go abolutely crazy? And, I want to know why I'm not getting any sort of second wind. It doesn't seem fair.

And... WHY does Ali insist on sleeping on the very edge of her full bed.

Not the wall side... the 'you are going to fall out of your bed if you move an inch' side.

You might have noticed her black gloves.

Her hands get so dry and chapped, that she literally itches them until they bleed.

So, I was desparate the other night and smeared Vaseline all over then and made her wear the gloves to bed.

I put the gloves on around 7:30ish.

It was before 8 when I heard someone on the stairs... and it was Ali telling me her hands were hot. So, I told her to take her gloves off.

At approximately 3:20 in the morning, she came into our room and asked if she could put her gloves back on. We said... Uhhh sure?? And went back to sleep.

It was 3:45ish... when she was back in our room asking us for help in the bathroom because she was wearing those darn gloves.

RB, who has WAY more patience than I do, calmly told her to take the gloves off, go to the bathroom, then put the gloves back on.

I was tucked under the covers.... laughing.

Last night it went better. We put the Vaseline on, then the gloves, then I pointed a fan at her so she wouldn't get hot. Then I told her I would take the gloves off of her before I went to bed and that she could just leave them off the rest of the night. This resulted in no early morning bathroom assistance calls...

Happy Friday!

Persistance Pays Off.

2012-01-25T10:44:00.000-06:00

What I won't tell you...

is that after Easter last spring, I stock piled Sweetart Jelly Beans.

(Because that is the only time they are available to buy).

What I won't tell you...

is that when I went to check out with my little jelly bean stash... I was a bit embarrassed when I put them all on the counter, until the clerk said they were her favorite candy too.

Then we bonded over mounds of sugar.

What I won't tell you...

when we got down to the last bag (end of summer), RB and I waited for the girls to go to bed before we opened it up.

Now, before you say how awful that is... let me just add this -- the girls pick through the colors and only eat their favorites. Leaving all the green and yellow ones for us. And that's just not cool.

What I won't tell you...

is that I have randomly stalked the candy aisles since last Easter... just hoping for rogue bag of Sweetart Jelly Beans.

What I won't tell you...

is that I have recruited people in my unhealthy love affair with these jelly beans.

Yes Aunt Koko.... I'm talking about you.

What I won't tell you...

is that I found the Valentine's edition of Sweetart Jelly Beans last week.

At Target.

What I won't tell you...

is that I squealed like a little girl on Christmas morning... and immediately got my phone out to send a picture text of my awesome and totally unexpected find.

What I won't tell you...

is that I bought four bags.

Sent two off in the mail that afternoon.

And the other two bags...and we have about a third of a bag left.

What I won't tell you...

is the Valentine's edition is only the purple and pink jelly beans... which is perfect for my girls because they do go picking through the bag.

What I won't tell you...

is that if you pop a bag of popcorn, sprinkle some Sweetart Jelly Beans on top... and snuggle in to watch a movie... it will make for a perfect night in (or snow day in).

Now... go buy a bag and try them for yourself.

And if you are one of my Farrell's buddies... just know that I ONLY EAT THESE on my free food day. Give or take a small handful every couple of days...

JOKING. Totally joking.

Ok. Mostly joking.

100 Days

2012-01-24T14:47:00.001-06:00

The big girls are celebrating their 100th day of school today.

They were asked to come 'wearing' 100 of something...

Last year we did stickers.

I learned that stickers were NOT the way to go...

(they fall off, causing major meltdowns, and the ones that do stick, don't want to come off at the end of the day, causing me to meltdown when trying to do laundry)

Had I planned better... I'm sure we could have come up with something a bit better...

but we ended up making a necklace out of ribbon and Froot Loops.

100 Froot Loops, to be exact.

Well, give or take a few on Ali's necklace because I saw her snitching when she thought I wasn't looking...

Maybe next year I'll try and be more creative.

But, at least they won't go hungry today -- Ha!

It's not just just me.... right? She looks so OLD!

Cute and Sassy.

Just how I like them.

Yep. We are still working on our 'picture' smile.

Why do you ask?!

Ha!

P.S. Little sister couldn't be left out, so she made her own Froot Loop necklace.

P.P.S. -- Do you realize that we register her for preschool in just a couple of weeks.

PRESCHOOL! for my BABY!

Excuse me while I go and have myself a nice little sob-fest.

Poor Agnes...

2012-01-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

She gets...

No love...

Insert Happy Face... Here.

2012-01-23T19:37:00.001-06:00

I would like to say that when I got the call that my camera was back from getting cleaned (again) and fixed... that I drove right there and it was clean and fixed and good to go.

Turns out, that wasn't exactly what happened.

I called the store on Friday morning to check on the status because I had yet to get any sort of email updates that they promised to send me.

I had to leave a message.

Then I waited 3 hours for them to return my call.

I called back, spoke to a very nice person on the phone, and was told that -- my camera was actually there and ready for pick up.

While I was annoyed no one had bothered to call to tell me it was in, or even just returned my phone call, I was happy and relieved that it was back so soon.

Friday night we took RB out for a birthday dinner, and afterwards, stopped and got the girls their ice cream (bribe). Then headed to the store to pick up my camera.

I decided to just run in myself, and took my camera bag with me so I could put the battery and memory card in the camera because I was a bit anxious that they might not have fixed it correctly, or just broke something else.

Truthfully.... I was a lot anxious. I still consider myself a total amateur with this camera and was afraid something would be wrong, but I wouldn't know it and just think I wasn't doing things 'right'.

Once the girl brought me the camera, and I unwrapped it from all the bubble wrap.... I noticed right away that it still wasn't 'clean.' Just so you don't think I'm being extra picky and annoying about the 'cleanliness' of the camera... let me just explain a bit:

There were crumb-like pieces all over the flash area. (I did not send it in like that).

There was still a thumb print on the end of the lens. (That I did put there before they sent it back to the lab for cleaning because I was just seeing if they even touched the lens).

There were a couple of other things -- things that I would have just overlooked, except that it had been sent in twice for cleaning, so one would think that it would come back spotless.

Then I put the lens on and looked for the scratches on the focusing mirror.... and that was fixed.

Was it fixed right? I don't know... Because as soon as I moved my hand to adjust the lens, I felt a flap of rubber...

That's when I about lost it.

Somehow, they had peeled back the rubber on the front of the camera, from the hard plastic... and it was just flapping in the wind.

At that point, I just turned to the girl helping me and asked her to call a manager over.

And then I sent RB a text saying it might be a good idea for him to come in... Ha!

Long story short:

They took my old camera.

Gave me a brand new one (same style/brand/etc).

And I learned that I will never again send my camera in for cleaning.
The End.

Happy Birthday RB

2012-01-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

The birthday boy requested cinnamon rolls...

He took the two big pans to work to share, but there is an entire circle pan full of cinnamon rolls on my counter... and they are chanting my name.

(Cinnamon Roll recipe here)

We actually had to wait on breakfast and singing Happy Birthday because Ainsley decided to sleep in today. She's always up between 6 and 6:15... but today the sleepyhead didn't get up until after 7!

Addi - Cam

We are headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner tonight ( no big surprise there - ha!) but don't expect any birthday saddle pictures. RB bribed the girls with ice cream if they didn't make him sit on it. Love it!

Happy Birthday RB... We love you!

Funny Friday Foto(s) -- IPad Edition

2012-01-20T13:17:00.001-06:00

(Ali)

I still don't have my camera back... so this weeks Funny Friday Fotos are courtesy of the IPad.

There is an app called Photobooth.

I may be slightly addicted to it.

I may be guilty of taking random contorted face pictures of myself and emailing them to certain people.

Sorry RB. And Bestie. And Jennie. And Hope.

I probably need some type of intervention.

(Addi)

(RB) -- The Birthday Boy!

There is approximately 174 pictures of Ainsley and I doing this pose... on the Ipad.

Ainsley might need a Photobooth intervention too.

(Ainsley)

(Agnes) (Obviously)

(Me)

(Addi) (This might be my favorite Photobooth picture yet!)

Happy Friday!

A Team - January

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

Taken Tuesday morning before school.

Addi's wet spot on her shirt is where she had to wipe off Agnes slime with a wet wipe.

They were all 'sharing' the IPad... you know how that ended.

Ali wants to wear her hair in a pony tail every single day.

It's so long now, and so pretty when it's down.

Addi refuses to wear a pony tail, except to softball practice.

She wants to wear her hair down, or off to the side just a bit.

Ainsley has such a pretty smile... but once I go to take a picture... (see below) - Ha!

Hanging Out

2012-01-19T05:56:00.002-06:00

Well. It's officially winter around these parts.

Snow. Wind Chills. Hats. Gloves. Shoveling. Wind.

All that fun stuff.

It's put me in a bit of a funk.

We've been sticking close to home during the days and just hanging out.

This is Agnes's favorite 'perch' -- off the back of the couch.

She's fallen off twice (that I know of) (she really has no idea how long she is) but just gets right back up. The dog trainer that we use called to tell us that her next class is starting... unfortunately, it's offered on a day that just doesn't work for us. I was bummed, but she will offer it again in March, so we'll try then.

Agnes has really good days, where she's a nice, normal dog.

Then she will have several really bad days in a row where she's stealing toys, biting, and driving me absolutely crazy.

My mom sent some gifts down for the girls and she even sent Agnes some little bones and yesterday I was sitting in the recliner and felt something.... Yea, Agnes 'buried' her bone into the recliner. Her soggy, already been chewed on bone... on my favorite chair. So gross.

Then when I threw it in her dog bed, she got all excited like -- Hey! A Bone! Yay!

My ears are so plugged right now, but I can still tell you this:

Our house is L.O.U.D.

Instead of pushing a chair around and pretending it's a dog sled, Ainsley drug up her old car from the basement and has been pushing that.

The car has wheels. Agnes barks at anything with wheels.

Which makes our house... L.O.U.D.E.R than usual.

My brother tried calling me yesterday and we finally just had to hang up because I couldn't understand what he was saying over the barking (from our real AND pretend dogs).

Random Pictures

2012-01-16T16:44:00.001-06:00

The girls were invited to a birthday party at Build a Bear a couple of weeks ago... just came across a few pictures that I took and haven't posted yet.

Too bad they weren't having any fun... Ha!

Insert Sad Face.... Here.

2012-01-16T08:19:00.001-06:00

On Friday night, I got the call that my camera was in and ready for pick up. It was all I could do to jump put of bed, change out of my flannel pajamas, and go pick it up.

However, as excited as I was.... I told myself that I should just wait until morning...mostly because all of my picture subjects were already in bed snoozing...

Granted, it was only 8:30, but now that I'm on the verge of old lady... I decided to stay put.

Don't even bother to judge me for being in bed at 8:30. On a Friday night.

Because while you were all sleeping in on Saturday morning, I was in the middle of one of the hardest leg workouts ever. Read: I may never walk the same again.

Saturday morning I was at the store as soon as it opened...

Got my little camerawamerababybooboo... took a picture of it and sent it out to a few people saying something like... Come to Mama... and we headed home.

(Complete side note: If you haven't tried a Luna Bar (as pictured above) -- so good! However, very fulling so I eat about half and then save the rest for later).

Anyways, got home and finished getting the girls ready as we were headed downtown for a show and then took a few minutes to put my camera back together. When you send it in, you can't send anything with it beside the camera, and lens.

I went to snap a few pictures when I noticed.... something was horribly, horribly wrong.

I have no idea what was all over my viewfinder except that it was black, sticky and it stained the cleaner cloth I used to wipe it off.

And that wasn't the worst of it.

Whoever cleaned my camera, scratched my focusing mirror (located on the inside of the camera).

So, just to recap: I sent my camera to get cleaned.

It came back dirtier and unusable.

I thought I was going to throw up.

You guys, I saved, and saved, and saved.... and saved... and worked an entire month extra at a job that I couldn't stand so I could buy my big girl camera, with a protection warrenty because we do have 3 little girls running around and I am prone to falling down for no reason....

Accidents happen. I know that. I can accept that.

But, something like this should have been caught BEFORE it was even sent back to me, explained to me.. and FIXED.

Of course, I called the store right away, explained what was going on and said I would be in as soon as possible to return the camera.

I tried to remain as calm as I could, but I'm sure my frustration came through as when I went back, the guy at the counter (who wasn't the same guy I picked it up from) knew my name and my situation.

I was offered a loaner camera.

So, I asked how the 'loner' system worked (again... I am so SO careful with my camera, but things happen... and what if I ended up breaking theirs???)

This is their loner system:

You walk out onto the floor.

Pick out a brand spanking new camera.

BUY IT.

Use it.

And return it for a full refund once your camera is returned.

Now, have I mentioned how long it took me to save for this camera?

Do you think I have an extra (several) hundreds of dollars laying around to 'purchase' a new camera?

To me... this is not a loaner system.

Not even close.

So. Long story short... my camera is headed back to the shop today.

I was promised expedited service... but not sure what to expect with that.

I just want to reiterate that I know that accidents can happen.

However, you can't scratch the focusing mirror and not realize it.

I could see it from the front and from looking through the viewfinder (once I got that clean).

I am most upset that someone didn't take the care and time to clean my camera right in the first place and now I am left picking up the pieces.

And because it's Monday, and I don't want to start Monday off on a bad foot... I'm going to close with some pictures of Miss Agnes.

She had a rough couple of days last week where she was just.... psycho T-Rex. It's like she wanted to be good... but just couldn't. Ha!

Posing pretty.

Ignoring me.

It's those eyes... and big floppy ears....

I can never stay mad for long....even at Psycho T-Rex.

I was using my mom's camera for these pictures.

Which, for a little camera, has some great zoom..... but I still had to get close enough where I could smell her breath when she yawned.

Gross.

Starting to get annoyed.

Getting sleepier... and sleepier... it's hard to be the center of all this attention...

Aaaaaannd... she's done.

Funny Friday Foto

2012-01-13T04:35:00.004-06:00

I think I had just asked her for a piece of popcorn.... ha!

Happy Friday!

I was ok with it.... until I had to call the dogs.

2012-01-12T12:22:00.001-06:00

Ok. So by now, you all probably know that Ainsley loves the 'buddies'...

the puppies that play in the movies -- Snowbuddies (Spookiebuddies and the soon to be released - Treasurebuddies).

She has her own 'sled' (a small chair) that she runs with and pushes through out house.

I really need to try and get it on video except that I usually find a safe place to stand because surprisingly... it can get a little rowdy with a three year old, a (chair) sled, pretend puppies, and a slobbery T-Rex that tends to join the fun.

But, we've taken it to a whole new level now.

Taking Ainsley with me to the grocery store has never really been an issue.

Walk in. Plop her in a cart. And off we go to get our groceries.

Until last week.

When she insisted on riding on the side of the cart.

Which, after 3 kids, I've learned to pick my battles.

It helped that we only needed three things: strawberries, chicken and milk.

Of course, all three are in completely separate areas of the store, but whatever.

Told her to hop on, and hold on tight.

I took about three slow steps... and she jumped off.

Ran to the front of the cart.

Acted like she was petting a dog.

Then acted like she was tying a dog up....

And then she turned, hopped back on the side... and yelled.. HAAAA HAAAA.

(which is what the little boy does in Snowbuddies to get the puppies to start running.)

Oh yes. My grocery cart had been transformed into a dog sled.

Which, just made me laugh. Ainsley has a very active imagination and if pretending our cart is a dog sled makes a very boring errand fun for her.. then I'm all for it.

However, it did turn our 10 minute errand into almost 45 minutes because she kept jumping off to check on her Snowbuddies... and I had to walk slow because she used her one leg like she was helping 'push' the sled and then of course, we had to stop and check out the lobsters (which has nothing to do with Snowbuddies... but just part of our normal grocery routine).

We made it through that grocery run.

This week went a little differently.

Our cart was still a dog sled.

She made sure to tie all the dogs up.

She also insisted on riding on the side.

But she made it very clear that it was up to ME to call the dogs.

Now, I was completely ok with the whole 'pretend dog sled thing'....

until I had to call the dogs.

A grown woman yelling...HAAA HAAA in a grocery store before she pushes her cart.......

is embarrassing.

But I did it.

Because that's what moms do.

Go Panthers!

2012-01-11T11:52:00.000-06:00

Nana and Papa came down last weekend and treated us to some fun tickets... The girls went to their first college basketball game!

It was the Drake Bulldogs vs (our) UNI Panthers.

Addi called the game before it even started... she told me she already knew the Panthers were going to win... and they did! Although, for awhile there... the game could have gone either way.

Took the first two pictures right when we got there.

The girls wanted to look ANYWHERE but at the camera.

So many cooler things to see than their mom holding a camera.

Speaking of camera... My mom was in the market for a new one, so she called me and asked me to pick her out one... then told me to play with it for a couple of weeks until I get mine back.

At first I told her no, because picking out a camera for someone is so difficult... but I finally relented and started researching and I think (hope!) I got her one she will like.

If not, I made sure to ask the return policy too - Ha!

One might think I'm a bit... spoiled... but I would like to point out that no camera for me, means no pictures on the blog... which means I ramble on for days, and days, which could turn into 2 to 4 weeks of posts of me rambling...

I think we all owe Gramma Mac a thank you for letting me use her brand spanking new camera.

Oh, and I'm also supposed to ' get to know it' so I can just teach her so she doesn't have to read the manual. So... there's that too.

Uhhhh. Yea. Still working on her 'smile'... Ha!

Parking is always an issue with these games, so we were there a bit early.

I used to think she looked like me... but in this picture -- she is all Brunner.

Especially the 'attitude' part...

The one thing I learned about having a small camera, is that it's easy to put in your purse and forget about it.

Nana was there too.

So was RB.

But no pictures of them... Bummer.

Guess we'll just have to go to another game!

I was a bit nervous taking Ainsley knowing it was going to be a late night... but she did great! Actually.. all the girls did great! Addi asked no less than 3,920 questions about basketball, all of which I referred to Papa or RB because I know absolutely nothing about the sport myself.. except that the shoes squeaking on the floor is annoying... but I guess that doesn't really qualify as knowing basketball. I spent most of the game trying to figure out where Ainsley's legs should go so she would stop kicking the poor dude in front of us... so thankful he was a good sport about it. Oh, and of course I watched the cheerleaders. And the band.

Stop judging me.

Still pounding the pavement

2012-01-10T08:57:00.001-06:00

January 10th....and STILL running outside.

With no snow on the ground.

And it was a balmy 31 degrees.

I keep saying... this will probably be our last morning running outside.... and yet, Mother Nature keeps providing this crazy warm(ish) winter weather.

I don't know whether to be mad or happy at her...

This is my awesome running partner Stacey.

I didn't bother to give her a heads up that I would be taking a picture of us this morning.

She also has no idea I'm putting it on the blog.

Hope she still wants to be my running partner because she's really good at pacing me.

And talking to me to distract me from all my running pains.

Most importantly though... she won't let me stop at Casey's and buy a donut on our way back to the gym.

All fine qualities in a running partner.

Finding JOY in the little things....

2012-01-09T11:26:00.001-06:00

B Dog

2012-01-08T18:01:00.002-06:00

Ainsley posing with one of Ali's new toys.

It plays music. And there is a microphone...that actually works.

It's the first thing she runs for when we get home from taking the girls to school.

The best part (I mean, if there is a 'best part' of a loud mother bugger toy.....)? You can flip a switch, and 'Barbie' talks to you in Spanish... but Ainsley thinks it's Dora talking to her. Ha!

Funny Random Story:

Last week in gymnastics class, Ainsley lost interest in the balance beams and wandered over to the open part of the gym... where she literally ran in circles... howling like a dog.

And all I could do is laugh.

Then she remembered the drinking fountain... and helped herself...

Her teacher (finally??) noticed she wasn't on the balance beams with the rest of them... and said -- Ainsley, come over and join us...

I can't see her at the drinking fountain from where I sit... but I did hear this..

I not Ainsi.... I B DOG!!!!

And then I died laughing again.

Never. Ever. NEVER EVER... did I think I would have to say this to any of my children....

We are going to a birthday party, and I don't want you growling at anyone.

Going thru Withdrawal

2012-01-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

Not sure if I've ever really made a New Year's Resolution.

But this year... I've decided I need to get all my picture files organized.

And actually learn more about my camera.

After I saved... and saved... and dug in the couch cushions... and saved... and finally had enough money to buy my camera, included was free camera cleaning for the next several years. I didn't get it cleaned the first year... but decided that this year, I probably should take advantage of it.

However, it involves sending it in.

And it takes 2-3 (possibly 4 depending on how busy the lab is but when the guy told me that I about had a full blown meltdown, so then he quickly retracted and said 2 weeks. Maybe 3.) for them to clean it, and send me back to me.

I took it in on Wednesday, January 4th at 11:15 am.

I hope to pick it up on Wednesday, January 18th.

Or sooner.

Since then, I've been whining.

And crying.

And trying to talk RB into letting me buy a new one in the meantime.

Which, I'm TOTALLY joking about (well, kinda) No really... joking.

And RB's not the only one that's had to hear me whine and cry about my camera.

My poor Bestie. And cousins. And mom and dad.

Yesterday we were at Build a Bear for a birthday party and the birthday girl's dad, who had no idea that my camera was sent in for cleaning said... I think this is the first time I've ever seen you without your camera.

Those poor Build a Bear ladies had no idea that when they went into work, their Saturday morning would include picking a weeping, full grown woman off their store floor.

In completely other news.

It's kinda hard to take a picture of yourself.

And why do my hands look so... weird?

Funny Friday Foto

2012-01-06T16:38:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday!

Top 10 Agnes Facts... Whether you want to know them or not.

2012-01-05T20:33:00.002-06:00

1. Full Name: Agnes T. Brunner

(Agnes T-Rex Brunner)

2. She has really short legs. And a really long body.

RB sometimes calls her sausage dog.

3. One would think that a dog with really short legs and a really long body wouldn't be able to jump.

4. That person would be wrong.

5. Especially when she's in the bathtub, soaked in water and bubbles... and you turn your back for one damn second and she JUMPS OUT of the bathtub and runs away.

6. One would think a dog with really short legs and a really long body wouldn't be fast.

7. That person would also be wrong.

8. One would think that a dog that loves taking a bath, could be easily lured back into the bathtub.

9. And, again... that person would be wrong.

10. Agnes has really short feet. A really long body. And is very naughty.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T20:04:00.003-06:00

The days following a trip from see their grandparents are always a bit.... interesting.

The girls are used to being waited on hand and foot, entertained every stinkin' minute, and expect to eat whatever, whenever.

Okay... I might be exaggerating a bit... but usually we try and just plan a calm couple of days to regroup after they have been up north.

However, they came back on Friday, and New Year's Eve was Saturday.

Instead of letting them stay up until midnight (or really, until like 8 pm... ) we went to the Science Center for their Noon Year's Eve party.

Yes. Ali is wearing slippers.

Her blister isn't slowing her down much.. except that she can't wear any of her shoes.

Which made getting dressed and ready to go that morning fun. And by fun I mean... not fun.

But -- new Christmas slippers to the rescue!

And for the people up north -- you'd better start checking the ice skating schedule...because all she talks about is when she gets to go back!

We went a bit early to get a parking spot and wandered around a bit.

Here they are casting spells with the magical ball.

Or, really... it's something to do with static electricity or something... but it's too 'science-y' for me... so we'll stick with magic.

Stopped in one room to give the weather report.

I know I've complained about this in previous years... but passing out NOISE MAKERS with 23 minutes (TWENTY. THREE. MINUTES!!!) to go before the Noon Years.... not ever a good idea.

I should have known that she was getting sick.

Strep Throat. Double Ear Infection. Miserable.

Consider yourself lucky that I didn't make this a video... the noise... THE NOISE.

She's my favorite child.

Because her noise maker was making her dizzy from too much blowing.. so she took a break.

Which lasted all of 38 seconds.

Then she started back up again.

So, to sum it all up... she was my favorite child for 38 seconds.

Partying hard... 7 year old style... Ha!

Almost time to ring in the "Noon" year....

Someone perked up enough to toot her horn...

Then it broke.

The. End.

But wait!!

It hadn't broken just yet...

It's hard to remember all the details when it sounds like a 8,308,351 ducks are all honking in your ears...

The Balloon Drop!

Had to laugh... they used to shoot out confetti too... but not any more.

When Ainsley was a baby I had to literally pull her baby carrier apart to get it all out! Ha!

Ainsley on her perch.

RB said he needs a neck replacement because she was sitting up there 'lasso-ing' people with her Tangled hair and wiggling all over the place.

I wasn't any help... I just laughed and took pictures.

The next couple of pictures are blurry .... but I couldn't help but put them on because it shows Ali counting down.....

3....2...1....

HAPPY NOON YEARS!

The noise!

The screams.

The excitement.

The horns.

The balloons popping.
THE NOISE!

Always a fun time.

But, we scooted out of there pretty quick after the big countdown and headed home for lunch.

We didn't do anything exciting later that evening...

It was absolutely gorgeous out, so RB and the girls went outside and played softball.

In sweatshirts. On New Year's Eve.

Then we ended up grilling BBQ chicken... and I ate myself into a food coma.

The girls were tucked in bed by 8... and we managed to stay awake until 11 to watch the Times Square ball drop on tv... then called it a night.

Party. Animals.

I blame the chicken. And being old.

Happy 2012!

************************************************************************************

Funny Friday Foto - Cuteness Edition

2011-12-30T17:19:00.000-06:00

Ali went ice skating for the first time.

She ended up with 4 blisters from the skates she started off with... but didn't want to tell anyone because she was afraid they would make her stop.

She also told Gramma Mac that it was her best sport in America's Hometown - Ha!

Both my Aunt Koko AND my mom said this... 'it was like she was running across the ice'...

Can't stop laughing at the picture above!

Ali holding onto (cousin) Brooke for dear life... Ha!

**Thanks for sending me these pictures!!! Love them!!**

Happy Friday!

10 Years

2011-12-29T17:22:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our 10 year wedding anniversary.

This is a picture of the top of our wedding cake.

For 10 years... it's been sitting in my in-loves deep freeze.

Apparently, the 'thing' to do was to save a portion of your wedding cake, put it in the freezer.. and then eat it on your 1 year anniversary.

Which we obviously forgot to do.

Anyone want to come over for some cake?! Ha!

Here's the deal, each year, my aunt and I try and wish a Happy Anniversary to each other first -- and most years... she wins.

(My aunt and uncle share the same anniversary date as we do).

And this year, she totally outdid herself and won again.

I woke up at 4 am yesterday and saw that I had missed a text.

At exactly midnight, my Aunt Koko had sent me a picture text of this sign.

I wrote back... Ha, Ha -- you beat me again.

And then at about 4:35 that morning, I was backing out of our driveway, when I saw THIS SIGN on MY GARAGE DOOR.

Someone came to our house, (not them, they live 2 hours away) and taped it on our garage door, without us even knowing it.

And that same someone, will not confess.

I have the list of suspects whittled down to 2... and I am not against using bribes to getting them to confess. I hear that Cold Stone ice cream gets people talking....

I laughed all the way to the gym, and kept laughing until class started and my hamstring soreness made me want to cry.
What I love about Farrell's -- The instructors are constantly changing things up and making us do new workouts.

What I hate about Farrell's -- The instructors are constantly changing things up and making my muscles hurt. Bad.

Our parents gave us the greatest gift for our anniversary... they took the girls for THREE WHOLE DAYS.

RB and I have spent more time together this week, than I think we have in the last 6 months. The best feeling in the world is knowing that after being married for 10 years, that we still want to be with each other, still make each other laugh, and are still in love. Sappy, but true.

We didn't do anything exciting yesterday... went to a movie, took down the outdoor Christmas lights, took Agnes for a walk, and went out for dinner.

We didn't exchange gifts (except I did get my wedding bands fixed), but we did give each other cards... and seriously, we bought each other THE SAME CARD.

I hope that when we start dressing alike...someone intervenes... Ha!

Thank you for all the anniversary calls and messages.. such a great feeling to be remembered and hearing from you about how much fun our wedding was... even 10 years later.

For me, it will always be one of the best days of my life.

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T10:20:00.000-06:00

Santa had a lot of reading material when he stopped at our house.... Addi and Ali made one more Christmas wish list... and then Ali drew him a picture, and they both wrote a little good-bye note to Jolly (our elf) who flew back to the North Pole until next year.

We left a cup of milk, a Hershey's kiss (Ainsley), a peanut butter star cookie (Alivia) and an apple bar (Addison).

I was SO excited for Christmas morning, that I think I woke up every hour that night to see if it was time to get up yet! Ainsley woke up about 6:30 and snuggled in with us until Ali woke up... who then jumped in bed with us too... then Addi finally was up just a little before 7.

The girls tore off downstairs, to find that Santa had indeed came... and also that Grandpa and Gramma Mac, Uncle Joey and Uncle Jimmy were also downstairs.... Huge thanks to my parents and brothers for waking up ridiculously early and coming over to spend Christmas Day with us.

As you can see... Ali finally got her American Girl doll! She has yet to be named.

Addi asked Santa for a Nintendo DS from Santa... and he delivered.

The girls made sure Agnes had a treat to open on Christmas morning... she tore off the wrapping paper to find a chewy bone.

Addi being her usual goofy self.

It was wild.

It was fun.

It was loud.

It was a mess.

Exactly what you would expect on Christmas morning with three little girls.

Ali showing Grandpa how to work her new LeapPad.

Daddy and Addi setting up her new DS.

I'm not sure who has played Frogger more... Addi or RB. Ha!

Ainsley was attached to Gramma Mac all day.

Can you tell he's the dad of three girls?! Ha!

We had an amazing Christmas... we were spoiled... ate too much delicious food... and just enjoyed spending time together.

And with that... I'm done with my Christmas posts... yay!!!

It was a Christmas miracle....

2011-12-29T07:35:00.003-06:00

No one cried when we saw Santa this year!

My Baking Elves

2011-12-28T19:55:00.000-06:00

We spent our Christmas Eve baking, and playing, and hanging out....

The girls all helped me bake cinnamon rolls, apple bars, and banana bread.

Ainsley baking...

Addi getting in on the fun too.

The girls all slept in their french braids... and woke up with crazy hair.

RB getting his 'bake' on too...

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-28T16:25:00.000-06:00

In an effort to avoid some of the Christmas rush at Christmas Eve services, we decided to attend the Christmas Eve Eve services.

And I think half of the congregation was trying to do the same thing... Ha!

It was a packed house! But it made the Silent Night song with the lit candles so unbelievably pretty....

Every year I say we are going to start getting ready super early, so we have plenty of time to take pictures with us all dressed up.

And every year... we are running late and just get off a couple of fast shots... and this year they were a bit blurry. Bummer.

The girls had hair appointments earlier that day, so they asked if our hairdresser would french braid their hair... so cute!

Poor Addi... her tights ripped the weekend before, and I found another pair of black tights in a tote in the basement... turns out the elastic in the waste was no good and she had to hold them up all night or they would just slip right off her hips... Ugh! She made me promise that next year I would buy at least two pairs of tights for her....

Posin' pretty.

Love Ali's purple dress with her purple glasses...

Yea... this was the best shot I got of Ainsley in front of the tree. She had eaten approximately 82 Hershey's kisses when I wasn't looking... and was a bit wired.

If you want to see an awesome video from our church service that night... click here.

It's Joy to the World, and while watching, please imagine Ainsley out literally dancing in the aisle... because that is exactly what she was doing.

This was the first year that Ali and Addi held their own candles during Silent Night... I was a bit of a nervous wreck, but happy to report that we didn't start any fires and no wax ended up on us. Whew...

Jolly, Our Elf

2011-12-28T10:22:00.000-06:00

This is our third year where Jolly, (our elf sent from Santa to check on us and see how good we are being before Christmas), has come to visit us.

However, this year... Jolly stepped it up a notch and made finding him more interesting.

Here are a few things he did....

Played Candyland with our Easter bunnies.

I think Jolly was jealous of all the attention Ali got when she climbed the rope at gymnastics - Ha!

Date night with one of the Tinkerbell fairies...

Front and center... making sure he saw all the nice (and naughty)... Ha!

Bath time!

Just... hanging around!

Yes. He hung underware on our tree.

I cut out the top of the tree because I didn't think you all wanted to see a picture of RB's and my underware... Ha! I had my fingers crossed all day that no one just 'stopped over' for a visit...

I wasn't very happy with Jolly that day...

Fishing.

Making a snowman.

Christmas with Nana and Papa

2011-12-28T09:52:00.000-06:00

We did things differently this year for Christmas. Since, forever... we've always spent Christmas back home in America's Hometown. But, the girls are getting older and we really wanted some Christmas memories in our own house, so we made the (rather hard) decision to stay at our house this year.

Nana and Papa came down the weekend before Christmas, and we had an entire weekend filled with activities -- Ainsley's birthday, Ali's last basketball game, Nana and I snuck out for mani/pedis and dinner, and on Sunday morning, we woke up early and opened presents.

Not quite awake yet... Ha!

On Christmas morning, we have always eating Skillet Scramble (mixture of scrambled eggs, canadian bacon, hash browns) and this year was no different. Martha really treated us and she woke up extra early so it was hot, and ready to eat when we all traipsed down the stairs. The girls were a little annoyed with us that they had to wait to open presents until after we had eaten... Ha!

Agnes had fun playing with her stuffed monkey and shredding paper.

RB finally got a new knife set... he's wanted one for years now... just never think to go and get one. He also got a chef's hat -- which I think means... he should be in charge of ALL the meal cooking around here, right?!

It was such a fun, relaxing morning of eating, opening presents, playing with new presents... and then we attended a later church service.

Dear Ali,

Stop growing up so fast.

Love, Mama

Ainsley and Papa playing one of her new games.

I asked her to smile for me... and this is what she did.

Ainsley was all about showing Papa how to play the games on the IPad -- she LOVES this one particular snowman game... shocker, right?! Ha!

Ainsley's Birthday

2011-12-28T08:46:00.001-06:00

The birthday girl was up bright and early the morning of her actual birthday...

I was able to get some snuggles in (and so did Agnes - Ha!) before the big girls got up.

Nana and Papa were down that weekend, so when they got here, we loaded everyone up and took Ainsley to Build A Bear. That is when she picked out her new puppy which she named, Snow Buddie, (or Howie, or Puppy depending on the day), complete with a leash and collar.

Addi-Cam

Just a few more presents to open...

I went to buy a snowman balloon for her chair, and came home with this big guy.

It's now in her room, and I do a double take when I walk by because I forget this giant snowman is just hanging out upstairs. Ha!

Ainsley doesn't eat cake or cupcakes, or birthday brownies... so I was at a loss at what to make to have her blow her candles out in... Then RB reminded me that she would eat chocolate chip muffins all day, every day... so that's what we made.

I still can't believe our baby is 3!

Christmas Picture Catch Up - Part 1

2011-12-28T07:56:00.003-06:00

I am going to try and play Christmas picture catch up in the next couple of days... we've had such a fun, but busy couple of weeks, and of course, I took pictures... and pictures... and pictures...

Grandpa and Grandma Mac were able to come down a couple of weeks before Christmas and watch Addi and Ali in the Children's Christmas Program at our church.

Hard to believe, but next year... Ainsley will be up on stage with them!

Nana and Papa came down the weekend before Christmas and attended services with us, so the girls got all gussied up in their Christmas outfits and posed.

My goal this year is for me to be in more pictures. It's SO hard for me to hand off my camera to someone.. not that I don't trust them, but that I don't like to be in the actual pictures.. Ha!

A BIG thank you to my father in law to patiently snapped away until we got a nice family picture.

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-24T12:59:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmasand Happy New Year from the Brunner Circus!

Another year hasflown by and with it… so many happy memories. Not a day goes by that we don’t count our blessings with three happy andhealthy little girls that make us smile and laugh each and every day.

Addison (7) – Addiis now in the 1^st grade and still loves school. She played her second year of t-ball lastspring and I think it’s safe to say that she takes after her dad when it comesto athletic ability. She also played soccer this fall. She is still an avid reader, picture maker,and my little helper. Addi is definitelythe family jokester and fills our house with a lot of laughter.

Alivia(5) – Ali is in kindergarten – FINALLY! She couldn’t wait to go to school all day and loves every minute ofit. She is working really hard onlearning to read and seems to really enjoy her math problems. Yet another trait inherited from her dad! J Sheplayed on the same t-ball team as Addi last spring, but was on her own soccerteam this fall. She is currently signedup for a basketball league and we get such a kick out of watching herplay. Ali also does gymnastics and mostdays you can find her practicing her new gymnastics tricks.

Ainsley (3) -Ainsi will be celebrating her third birthday in less than a week……and isofficially potty trained! Whoo Hoo! She is absolutely the silliest little girlwith the biggest imagination. She keepsme on my toes during the days and can’t wait for her big sisters to get homefrom school. Ainsley is on her secondyear of gymnastics and her favorite part of the class is the trampoline. Most days you can find her jumping off of our furnitureor drawing snowmen at the kitchen table.

Our beloved HowieBeagle passed away this summer. After a coupleof months of being a dog-less family, we brought home a basset hound puppy wenamed…. Agnes. She is so cute and so, SOnaughty. She has brought us many laughsas she is not the most graceful puppy… but as of today has eaten 1 strand ofChristmas lights, 5 Christmas ornaments, and tore apart a stuffed Christmasmoose. I had totally forgotten how muchwork the puppy-stage was.

As for Ryan and I,we definitely keep busy toting the girls to their various activities, andoccasionally sneaking out for a date night. I talked him into helping me train, and run a 5k last May. I was a nervous wreck, as it was my firstrace ever, but ended up having a lot of fun and loved having him at myside. We will be celebrating our 10^thwedding anniversary later this month and I can’t wait to see what the next 10years brings to us. I still update ourfamily blog, so if this Christmas letter just isn’t enough… feel free to checkin with our day to day happenings… http://brunnercircus.blogspot.com/

May you have the gift of faith, the blessingof hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and always. Ryan. Lisa.Addison. Alivia. Ainsley. Agnes.

Funny Friday Foto

2011-12-23T04:30:00.000-06:00

Can't. Stop. Laughing.

Happy Friday!

Tangled

2011-12-22T21:12:00.001-06:00

Addi and Ali helped me picked out Ainsley's birthday presents...

We thought maybe she would like 'real' Tangled hair... and a new play dress and shoes.

However, the new 'hair' weighs like7 pounds... so she does prefer her long scarf tucked in the back of her shirt.
Just in case you are wondering, Agnes has no preference - she will chew on either the scarf or new hair... Ha!

I may have hid the shoes already... Didn't quit realize how tall they were and I'm trying to avoid any broken bones over the holidays. Ha!

Last Game of the Season

2011-12-22T07:55:00.000-06:00

I may be a bit biased... but I think she's the cutest basketball player around.

Love this picture... I can totally see Ali being one of those gym rats that are always hanging out shooting baskets.

Ali loves to do the tip-off at the beginning of the game -- and she was pumped to be able to do it at her last game. However, check out the size of the dude on the other team. He's an entire head taller than her!

Yea. And he can jump.

She made this basket! Go Ali!

Getting the in-bounds pass.

(Yes, RB is helping me write this post. I have no basketball knowledge.)

(None.)

(The only thing I know about basketball is that the shoes on the gym floor are squeaky and loud and about drive me crazy.)

Dribbling down the court.

Water break.

Ainsley watching the game with Snow Buddie (aka Howie, aka Puppy). She picked him out for her birthday earlier that morning.

Ali's biggest cheerleader.

Ummmm... maybe we put Agnes in too many puppy time-outs.

Yes - we were totally that family that let their kid play on the floor...

It was the last game.

It was her birthday.

And seriously, she's cute and funny. How do you discipline that?

When I asked her to smile pretty for me... she turned around and refused to look at me.

And then slowly turned around and gave me this look.

So sassy.

Ali took a ball to the face literally 10 seconds before the game was over.

Made it almost an entire season without it happening... felt so bad for her. She recovered quickly to get her participation certificate.

I think it's safe to say that this won't be our last basketball season...

Another Vegas Act

2011-12-21T09:34:00.002-06:00

Ali was all about showing off her rope climbing skills at the birthday party...

Maybe between Agnes channeling Elvis, and Ali learning rope tricks... a Brunner Circus Vegas show is possible... Ha!

I know she's climbing over a foam pit... but COME ON! The fact that she's not afraid to scoot all the way to the top... amazes me.

Gymnastics Party

2011-12-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

The last couple of years, we've just had a small family party for Ainsley's birthdays, but this year with her actually having some friends (ha!) and because of Agnes... we decided to have her party anywhere but our house... She LOVES her gymnastics class, and the gym where she goes does offer birthday party packages. I can't say enough good things about how they run the parties-- they are organized, helpful, and most importantly... FUN!

The first hour was playtime in the gym... obstacle courses, balance beams, foam pits, ropes, trampolines, tumble tracks... The kids literally ran circles around us parents -- so fun to watch them all play.

One of Ainsley's favorite things.... the tumble track. It's like a trampoline... but long and she loves to run down it...

Big sis showing little sis how it's done.

Sara is just learning how to walk... although she didn't show off her skills for us... But she sure looks adorable just standing there!

This is Ainsley's new smile.

Drives me nuts.

We will be practicing our 'smiles' before Christmas... ha!

Mallory literally sprinted around the gym for 60 minutes.

I wish I had just s smidge of her energy.

Cheese!

It doesn't show in the picture, but the balance beam is maybe 3 feet off the ground...

Go Caleigh!

The kids all took turns jumping into the foam pits.

Then getting stuck in the foam pits.

These three were cracking us all up! Too funny!

Our balcony 'supervisors' - ha!

Gramma and Grandpa Mac were in town for the girls' Christmas program at church that morning, so hung out at the party with us for a bit.

Dad - see, isn't it just better to look at the camera....???

Love this boy! He is just so funny and cute and I just want to hug him whenever I see him.

However, I don't think he would appreciate that.

The kids would run down the tumble track....

...then dive on the mat and slide down.

They made it look so easy and fun.

Kinda made me want to try it.

But, then I remembered that I don't weigh 40 pounds and I don't think I would look so cute doing it.

One of my running partners and her little girl.

LOVE how Leah and Mallory (sisters) are standing exactly the same... ha!

Is there anything better than jumping on two huge trampolines with your best friend?

I don't think so.

Bestie -- when you turn the BIG 3-0 in just a couple of short months... lets jump in trampolines together...

She was super annoyed that I wanted my picture with her too...

(I can always tell when RB has the camera.... why, hello super close face shot...) Ha!

Ali shows NO FEAR at the gym.

My blood pressure has to go up at least 50 points when I'm watching her....

Towards the end of the gym time, they had all the kids get into the foam and sing Happy Birthday to Ainsley... So funny watching them try and move around with all those foam pieces...

And then they started tossing the foam at Ainsley --

She. Loved. It.

Sara was celebrating her first birthday the next day... so we went ahead and sang to her too.

Once a big sister...always a big sister.

Organized chaos.

Ainsley specifically asked for a snowman birthday cake (cupcakes).

She wouldn't wait for them to finish singing to her before she blew the candles out...

We ended with presents, where she was completely spoiled.

Such a fun day -- a big thanks to those who came to celebrate with us!

A Present

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

Last night my cousin Hope handed me a small Christmas bag... We don't normally exchange gifts but she said she saw it and thought I might like it...

Less than 10 hours later... I was using it.

And I loved it.

I can't believe I've gone my entire life without one.

Well, maybe just this entire chilly fall/winter.

I had no idea they even made these sorts of things...

After I used it this morning, I tried taking a picture of it to show you.

Yea... turns out, taking a picture of yourself can be kinda tricky.

Sorry for the scary eyeball picture.

Note to self: Make an eyebrow waxing appointment.

Note to you: Stop judging my eyebrows.

Getting a little closer...

Ahhhh... there we go.

It's a dryfit hat, that has a little hole in the back to pull your ponytail through.

SO. COOL.

Thanks Hopie!!

Ran with my running posse this morning at 4:15.

3 Miles.

It was 27 degrees.

In shock that five days before Christmas we are still able to run outside.

Although, a little snow for Christmas would be nice...

Next Stop... Vegas.

2011-12-19T21:34:00.000-06:00

Agnes has been working on her Elvis impersonation....

Dear Ainsley,

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Today you turn 3 years old.

As I laid in bed with you last night, rubbing your back, I thought of how much our life has changed with you in it. You are the most imaginative ball of fun and I absolutely love spending my days with you. Whether we are playing 'Tangled' or 'Snow Buddies' , curled up on the couch playing games on the Ipad, making cookies, or taking Agnes for a walk, I love every minute of it. Well, I could do without the 2 year old temper tantrums, but sometimes, even those are cute.

I love the way you call your orange juice... pumpkin juice.

I love the way you chat with me while we are waiting in the school pick up line for your sisters.

I love that you think your daddy works at a pumpkin patch.

I love the way you plop next to me and ask me to rub your back.

I love the way you say "Pease (please) " and "Where are my glubs (gloves)" and "Aggie naughty gurl (girl), Aggie go to puppy time out", and most of all..... "I lub you".

I'm not sure how you went from this 8 lb 3 oz little Ainsi Boo....

to this big girl with such big ideas and a very strong opinion on how things should work...

You completed our family and will always be our 'baby'.

Happy 3rd Birthday Ainsley Aryn.

At this point...

2011-12-16T20:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know 'who' is training 'who' around here.

By the glow of the.....

2011-12-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

IPad.

Funny Friday Foto(s) - Ainsley's Birthday

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of Ainsley's favorite 'games' at her gymnastics class...

The kids all sit in the middle of the trampoline... and the instructor (or daddy) bounces just a bit.....

AIRBORNE!

WHOA! Ainsley's legs in this one crack me up!

Mallory (running down the tumble track in the purple leotard) is in picture after picture of the party... and in all of them she is sprinting. Love it!

Happy Friday!

Cute... But Messy!

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

This is our third year making our own Christmas wrapping paper. Every year the girls look forward to doing it.... and every year I dread the mess. Ha!

We try and make enough to wrap the presents we bought the grandparents... although I think us making the wrapping paper makes it difficult for them to open because they don't want to rip it.

I have several of these long sheets in the basement... waiting to be used...

Anyone want to volunteer to come over and wrap presents? Anyone?? Hello? Is this thing on?

Wrapping paper and me just don't get along... I would rather sit and play with the tape.

Cristmas

(with an x through one of the a's because she didn't like how it looked and made another one)

I think instead of using this to wrap presents, I'm just going to find a big wall and tape it on for decoration. I also think that instead of wrapping presents this year, I'm just going to put a bow on them and just call it good.

And then use all that extra time to sit and play with the tape.

(You that know me, know I'm not joking about the tape).

(You that don't know me 'that well' -- I have a 'thing' with tape).

(One year my brother Joey bought me rolls and rolls of tape, the good kind - can't be the generic crap - and that was my Christmas present).

(I think using parenthesis is kinda fun).

Ali made a reindeer.

Ali also made a Christmas pickle.

Or should I say... Cristmas pickle?

I asked Addi to stand by the side she painted and she said I could only take one picture and that was it. Then she smiled like this, and walked away.

I can only imagine the fun we are going to have when she's a teenager.

Ali lost her 1st tooth!!

2011-12-15T15:30:00.000-06:00

Ali's bottom tooth had been loose for months, but she had no desire to wiggle it out and just left it alone. On the way to church last Sunday, she pipes up from the back of the momobile... "Uhhh mom.. I think my tooth might be falling out. I can wiggle it with just my tongue."

Gramma Mac was riding with us, and reached back to wiggle it... and confirmed that it was barely hanging on. I told Ali to just leave it alone, and hopefully it wouldn't just pop out during the children's Christmas program that morning during service...

It didn't fall out at church.

Or at Ainsley's gymnastics party.

But once we got home from that, Ali was determined to pull it out herself.

She gave it a couple of good tugs.... and it just popped right out!

Just when I thought our Ali Beans couldn't get any cuter...

When Nana found out that Ali had a loose tooth, she made her this cute little tooth pillow.

Ali's tooth is in that little pocket all ready for the Tooth Fairy to come and take...

And she did come!

Ali drew a self portrait before school on Monday to give to her teacher.

*********************

Yesterday was the girls' dental check up and Addi has 3 loose teeth right now, and Ali has 1 more loose tooth. No cavities for any of them. Yay!

We are going to keep the Tooth Fairy very busy in the next couple of weeks....