worth ten thousand words

i wanna tell you sumping

2010-12-04T22:00:00.000-06:00

"Mom, i wanna tell you sumping", she says... " I love you"

Drummin

2010-10-13T22:09:00.000-05:00

kinda shows their personality, T-bird refusing to pose, Eiley the little mommy and Brielle just wanting the wooden spoon.

Teensy

2010-10-13T22:04:00.000-05:00

I love your teensy self, your bum shuffle instead of crawling, your coy smiles and easy going nature. You are our mini princess.

you make me smile

2010-10-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

what to say about T-bird. She makes me giggle ( How bout that look on her face as she tries to use Brielle's head as a booster...'Oh you saw that mom?'. what would I do without you Taliah?....I certainly would not smile as much.

My grownup Kindergartener

2010-10-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe I have a school aged princess? We are homeschooling our girls and loving it. These are one of the projects we did in our first month. She is sooo proud, and I am so proud of her.

My autumn lovelies

2010-10-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

Pearl at the beach

2010-09-05T19:50:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love that ivory white baby skin? Our little Briellesy got to experience her first lake wading this summer and she loved it. sand in mouth and diaper.

Summer with family

2010-09-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

This summer has been rich with visiting family. We saw my entire "Peterson" clan in July all 30 somthing of us for a lovely weekend in Minnesota and then the girls cousin Charis stayed for 5 weeks ( with her parents of course) here in N-ville. We fell in love with her. We are so blessed to have such family.

Taliah is 3

2010-08-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

HOw did three years fly so fast my darling little T-bird. I love you!

love them

2010-08-02T20:24:00.000-05:00

a gaggle of girls

2010-08-02T20:21:00.000-05:00

I don't think there is anything quite as funny as trying to get 7 little girls under the age of 5 to all look one direction and smile. We just got home from the most lovely family reunion with my Dad's side of the family and it was little girl heaven ( with a little prince Kendrick, my newest and only nephew charming the girls)When i look at these pictures I laugh thinking of my sis and I talking , threatenging, coaxing through our smiling teeth..."Look at Uncle Micah, Look at Papa...please look at the camera take your hand out of your nose, your mouth, the rocks, your cousins hair. I just love it and my favorites are the silly ones. Oh I miss those girlies already.....sigh

something in the way she looks

2010-04-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

There is something in the way she looks. She watches with an intensity, guarded at first and then, once earned, with trust. She looks into you, not just at you... so perceptive...so sensitive. Unlike her sisters, she can break my heart with one look. When she shows her heart through her eye, it moves me. Somedays I wrap her up in my arms, my little T-bird, and tell her she is my treasure...my precious treasure.

the arch

2010-04-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

Saint Lousi has the most amazing steel arch downtown. quite impressive, and the day before we left we made a trip to see it, then it was 19 hours home with a stop to see some more cousins ( yes also girls) on the way home. Home sweet home!

More sugar please

2010-04-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

So little cousin Elizabeth had a special connection with Brielle and they liked to canoodle ( notice my sister's gorgeous belly with 3rd baby girl Harms baking inside)

And cause I wasn't kidding about the rolling on the floor sugar coma thing =)

And what photo shoot would be complete without a sisterly tooth check and CHEESER smile. I love that girl!

Saint LuLus

2010-04-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

So we visited my sister in Saint Louis and let me tell you it was a riot!!!!!! 5 girls under 4 years old. A trip to the Cupcakery was epic, beginning with tears and ending in a sugar coma.. The girls actually were rolling and laying on the floor of the shop while my sister, her friend and I sat back and laughed in our own sugar coma. I love my sister and being with all our girlies was nothing short of heavenly.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T19:26:00.000-06:00

Why I love these girls They are each so different, so unique so full of life.

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T19:24:00.000-06:00

In my parents house Valentine's Day was always a treat. My mom, who is brilliant at making traditions special would always set the table special with red tablecloth, conversation hearts strewn about, red hots ( my favorite), and special place settings. At each persons place there was a card from my parents and a box of chocolates. I remember anticipating coming home from school on Valentines to find the table set for our family love feast. I wanted to plan something special for our girls, and so we made a special artisan whole wheat loaf ( which Eiley has dubbed ' Our daily bread')
Heart shaped grilled cheese ( they are preschoolers) conversation hearts candles red tablecloth and an activity book present. Daddy came home with flowers for everyone and then he read out a special card he wrote for each girl affirming her identity. It brought me to tears. I am so blessed to have God's love and see it flow around our little family in such a special way. Happy Valentines to you too.
BTW my girls are on a bit of a conversation heart high ( ie running around the house shouting Valentines greetings and declaring their love for sugar!)

Family Day

2010-02-14T19:08:00.001-06:00

Saturday was the perfect day for an outdoor tobbogan run at the girl's Uncles house. With snow drifts up past the doors we climbed and slid many times. Taliah went on her very first sled ride solo, and loved it. I am so thankful for chances to make memories and grateful that David and I have made Family Day a weekly tradition that pushes us past any lethargy into real memory making fun.

Family Day

2010-02-14T19:04:00.000-06:00

Enjoying the cold we took our rosy noses and warmed up at The Slice of Life Bakery enjoying some creamy kale soup with yummy bits of Italian sausage....mmmmmmmmm

Snow ice cream

2010-02-14T18:56:00.000-06:00

What do you do when life in the cold north gives you snow...You make snow ice cream. Add a little cream a little maple syrup and yummers.

crafty family day

2010-02-10T23:19:00.000-06:00

a little snowmen creation indoors

a little belated christmas cheer

2010-02-04T10:25:00.002-06:00

My sweet sister posted a video of my family during christmas, and i will echo her sentiments. It just makes me happy.

ditto for why i love my family

cottage coziness

2009-11-03T20:15:00.000-06:00

we spent a lovely two days at my in-laws cottage, and i love how slow things get there. even in our life of no TV, SAHM, preschool living I love stopping it all and just being together, walks in the very brisk fall air, playing hide and seek in the surrounding 15 acres of bush, just enjoying family.... I love it and them.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

OUr family making our poster of what we are thankful for, and creating some Thanksgiving hand turkeys...fun family day!

For them I am thankful

2009-10-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

this is how you do it

2009-10-12T11:01:00.000-05:00

See Brielle, this is how you stick out your tongue........Good job you got it! =)

What kind of mom would I want?

2009-09-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

That one question has done more for changing my heart and responses to my girlies in the last few months than anything else, that, and a beautiful post highlighted by my friend about saying Yes.
IN the moment I am trying to ask myself 'If I were in my girls shoes, How would I want my mom to respond?' When Taliah shows up covered in top soil and green tomato seeds covering her brand new sweet summer dress, in my heart I ask the question, and then I laugh. I laugh and with gentle tones change clothes and remind her that we want red tomatos, and patience is needed.
The other mom would have had a very cross look and huffed her way through the clean up process mourning the loss of precious "clothes" and "tomatos" instead of celebrating the precious girl.

When Eiley asks to put on her swimsuit and play in the rain instead of having a quiet time, I remember that life is short, memories are powerful and I would want a Mama who would rejoice in my creativity and ideas. It definetely takes a heart adjustment.

I like things orderly and clean, and managing three children under the age of 4 often steals my graciousness, but I am learning, I am trying and I am loving the process of changing and growing. Today for our weekly Family Day we went to the lovely St. NOrbert Farmers Market for the whole morning. I asked myself, what kind of mom would I want? and so the little girlies had face paints and kettle corn and balloon toys and we drank slurpees ate homemade butter tarts and then stopped at a splash park on the way home and played in the water in our clothes, because, clothes dry, sugar eventually passes through their system, naps can be postponed and summer is short. It felt so good to enjoy, engage, celebrate our family and love on our little people. The biggest compliment came at the end of the day when Eiley bubbled over with thankfulness for" all the things we did today" and then drew me a picture asking me to marry her :)

Because i don't want to forget

2009-09-03T14:58:00.001-05:00

My girls say the funniest things, and I so often forget about it, but I remembered a few things today.
While chatting and walking to the store yesterday, we were desperately trying to avoid the hoards of ravenous mosquitos. Eiley fell suddenly silent. Stealthily she glanced at me and in an almost imperceptible whisper, she said " Maybe if we are really really quiet the mosquitos won't hear us" .......OH if it were only that simple =)

Then this morning I reminded Eiley to use the potty before we left the house. Taliah, my determined, anti-potty, diaper wearing two year old cheekily said " I oos potty ah reedy" ( I used the potty already)..... Oh if only that were true.

I can't wait to see what Brielle will say.

one out of three

2009-09-01T21:55:00.001-05:00

When you try to photograph three children under four years old at the same time it is rather like attending a circus. No one is doing the same thing at the same time, so I laugh at my attempts to capture perfect smiles from all three at once. I am not a great ringmaster. Oh well they are super cute anyhow. btw my incredibly talented sister made the adorable matching pillowcase dresses for my girl.

we love summer

2009-08-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Brielle

2009-08-27T20:58:00.000-05:00

Sweet baby girl you have captured our hearts. The last 10 weeks have been a joy with you in our world. Thanks Noreen for capturing her one months pics so beautifully

little intercessor

2009-08-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

I was walking with Taliah holding my hand. She noticed an old scar on my finger and put both hands on my hand and said " Amen amen amen amen amen amen amen ......humenahhumena..mommy.....humennna Jesus....amen heal amen amen amen."
Made me smile

Yes, Jesus loves me

2009-08-27T20:46:00.000-05:00

There are a few things that I hoped my girls would glean in our home as they grow up. First that they would know God's unconditional love through us, and then for themselves as they get to know Jesus. David and I pray daily that God will show our girls who He is. In the past week I have encouraged Eiley that she can hear God speaking to her. Taliah, Eiley and I made some mini cakes one morning and I told her we were going to ask God to tell us who needed a blessing and then we would take them a cake. So I said" Jesus, would you show us who needs a blessing?" I then asked Eiley who's name God was showing her. She mentioned the man who works at the local hardware store, as well as some friends of hers. So we took each one a note and a little blueberry cake. Then yesterday I was preparing supper and Eiley was sitting next to me. Out of the blue she says " Thanks God". I looked at her and said "hmm?"
"Oh God was just talking to me", she replied. "He said 'I love you', so I said Thanks God"
My heart swelled with joy. I told her that she was hearing God and that telling us how much He loves us is His favorite thing to do. "He just said He cares for me too," her little voice piped up. "Wow that is so great," I chimed in. A few minutes later she giggled out loud and said "Again?!?!....God just keeps saying 'I love you I love you I love you' God must love me alot Mom."
" Oh He does Eiley," I replied.
All day I just was thanking Jesus for speaking to my little girl, that the first time she spontaneously heard His voice, she heard Him say I love you.

4th of July

2009-07-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

WE had a fun day celebrating American INdependance Day since my girls are half American. Granna brought shirts and flags. Fun Fun

Brielle Sara Shalom

2009-06-29T09:27:00.000-05:00

My little button is one week old....we are so in love with her sweetness.
My mom brought this adorable handmade hat and booties ( we think she looks like a little baby Nepali Sherpa)

Sisters Sisters

2009-06-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

Sisters sisters there were never such devoted sisters ( song from Bing Crosby's White Christmas)

true faith

2009-04-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

My little Eiley girl has been speaking to my heart lately with her simple faith. Often I will hear her say " thank you Lord!" when she finds something that had been lost and prays for help finding it. Kinda precious out of a three year old's heart. WE were talking the other day about farm animals and she so sweetly said " I would love to have a lamb and a cow and baby chicks Mama" I explained to her that I too thought it would be so fun to have these pets but we did not have a place for them to sleep and grow and that farms were better for that. "I am going to pray and ask Jesus for them," she said, and then promptly " Lord Jesus please let us have a lamb and chicks and animals thank you amen" Later that day on the way to the city she asked me if we could buy some grain and seeds, when I asked why she explained that she would need them for her animals. "Well we don't have animals," I replied. and in a very matter of fact voice she said " But I asked Jesus for them and so we need to have food for when they come." Sigh,.... I wish I could get her a whole farm, and more than that I wish for myself to have her faith, simple expectant unfettered and precious.

a though provoking message

2009-04-24T23:09:00.001-05:00

Little Pearls By Michael Pearl

“The Instructor”

Jeremiah, three years old grandson, follows me around just like my shadow, talking every minute. I usually try to answer his endless stream of questions and teach him something useful, but after a while I get exhausted. He is not content to just talk; he finishes every statement with a question, “Isn’t that right?” The other day I was working on a project and was trying to concentrate on something tedious. I was trying to ignore him, but was growing a little irritated at his interruptions of my every thought. So when he next “demanded” a response from me, I answered him in an absentminded, flat, clipped tone that didn’t welcome any further discussion.
I was drawn back to reality when his tone changed from that of a constantly prattling child to a serious challenge: “Why are you talking like that?” “What?” I asked. “Why are you talking like that?” “Talking like what?” I asked. “Like that,” he answered in an accusatory tone.
Wow! A three-year-old psychologist! He was perceiving my attitude and judged it to be inappropriate. Rebuked by a three-year-old, indeed I was! He was simply expecting the best from me, nothing but love and support, complete appreciation and dedication. Instantly I repented and started pouring “interested,” rapt attention into this three-year-old’s important conversation.
How do you judge the age or maturity of a soul? When can it be hurt—perhaps even permanently scarred? I fear that we may be doing the most serious damage to a child’s soul in their youngest, most formative years, simply because we can’t see what is behind their “childish” prattle?a God-instilled love for and desire to be with “their” grownups. Is it any wonder that Jesus said so poignantly to his disciples (and to us!): “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)?
Lord, please give these old eyes renewed incentive to see what you see in the lives of all the little ones you send my way. Amen!
This post can be found at:
No Greater Joy Ministries

Sisterly love

2009-04-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

Eiley has long since discovered a way to get rid of food she does not want to finish. " I will share with Taliah". I must admit, it is too cute, so most times i don't stop her. She is quite smart, that one.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T21:44:00.004-05:00

EAster is such fun and reminds me of the best of what life is about. Jesus alive for us! I am 30 weeks pregnant and really starting to feel it, one day at a time, that is my motto.

Multi-tasking

2009-03-26T19:25:00.002-05:00

Randomness

2009-03-26T18:58:00.002-05:00

So lately I have been inspired by a cookbook maing meals in 1/2 an hour. My favorites so far are Morrocan Chicken Tangine with Apricot Couscous and Cheesy Pita bread , Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas with CostaRican Rice, Fish Tacos with spicy slaw and Southwest Sloppy Joes with warm sweet/red potato bacon salad. I admnit the weather makes me desperately want to do anything to brighten our home even if it means getting my little people involved in some new experinces. and of course no dinner is complete without diessert. My girls had chocolate pudding for the first time... it was a hit! On family day last week we made painted shirts we picked up at the thrift store, Eiley was proud of her multicolored tower. We desperately want spring, but we are holding tight, holding each other and keeping happy.

Heaven

2009-03-06T20:26:00.002-06:00

David and I just returned from 6 days in beautiful, warm Phoenix Arizona. We read, slept, hung out in silence, prayed together, and sat waay too many hours in the sun, which all combined, was blissful. I love my husband, He is my best friend and it just felt good to connect. Our girls did fabulous,in the care of my in-laws and a few precious friends, and we are now home trying to remember the silence...:) but even on holidays there is no place like home.

Happy Valentines Day =)

2009-02-14T13:22:00.000-06:00

Bert the snowman

2009-02-14T13:20:00.000-06:00

EIley and David built a very nice snowman a few days ago after our freak rain storm. Eiley was sad that he could not come and live with us, but we gaze at him every day

our little peanut

2009-02-05T13:26:00.000-06:00

unbelieveable beauty our little one...

my winter darlings

2009-01-12T22:58:00.000-06:00

I just love little bundled up kids, especially my own. It still is a novelty to a California gal like me. Though I have become quite exasperated with losing mittens and scarves. I just want to kiss those cheeks.

Ahhh the life

2009-01-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

We spent 3 lovely days at the Braun's cottage. It took David and his brothers 4-6 hours of shoveling to get us in to the driveway and their work was well worth it. OUr time was spent mostly sitting by the fire, eating, laughing, watching movies at night, eating some more and skidooing.... so relaxing... I have a bit of a need for speed on the skidoo, and Eiley seems to have taken after me. She said," I like to go fast", so we did, blazing trails on the 15 acre hilly, wooded property. I felt like a kid again. God has blessed us indeed.

2009-01-03T10:29:00.000-06:00

Hy to the new year

2009-01-03T10:17:00.000-06:00

WEll, let it go down in history. In the eleventh hour we actually were able to get a Braun family photo. Andrae and Jess left this morning at 5am, and last night on our way to HY's steak house we quickly assembled a Braun family pic. The last one was four years ago ( before the four grandkids)! I am a bit photo obsessed and the poor family has to put up with me always wanting to take pics of everyone. So with the growing landscape we thought we should document it. Everyone was good sports, and we got it, though a beautiful outside shot with evergreens was prohibited by minus 30 weather and a rapidly setting sun...... Then it was on to Hy's steakhouse where we celebrated Dad Braun's 60th birthday. What a great evening. WE will miss Andrae and Jess and hopefully it won't be 2 years before we see you again..Happy New Year!

pretty in pink

2008-12-19T22:26:00.000-06:00

Ok my girlies are too funny. We tried putting them in front of the tree and Taliah kept hopping up in excitement. Oh how I love these girls. They are my Christmas gift, with their sweet smiles and snuggly love.....sigh. I am thankful.

Taliah Grace

2008-12-14T09:53:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we dedicated Taliah at our church. Since teh moment she was born we gave her to God, it was special to have an elder couple stand with us in agreeing for God to have His way with our little dewdrop from heaven. Though Taliah was way more interested in her shoes..

i love my family

2008-12-14T09:49:00.000-06:00

we had such a lovely day yesterday going nowhere. I was in my pjs all day, finally at 7pm Eiley said "mom you still have your pjs on!" Quite observant she is. THis was my way of slowing down. We decorated gingerbread houses for our neighbors and played together read books and napped....Ahhh Saturdays. WE have not had one like this is a looooong time.

Finally a BOY

2008-12-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

WE are so thrilled that little Tobin Peter Braun was born two weeks ago. After 6 girl cousins we were ready for a special little boy. My sis-in-law Judy was amazing, delivering a 10 pound boy after a long labor, I am inspired by her stamina. I look forward to getting to know this little precious boy and as you can see Eiley and Tobin's big sister Kaelyn are very proud as well.

Angels Embrace

2008-12-07T09:27:00.000-06:00

I love this ornament, gifted from two special heart friends after we lost Taliah's twin in pregnancy two years ago this week. This September, when we miscarried again, this picture again comforted me. Every child is a special gift from GOd, a miracle, a true miracle. I am so thankful for GOd's comfort and that even in this season I remember that He sent Jesus as the ultimate comfort, to me and all mankind. For that I am truely thankful

New traditions

2008-11-08T12:59:00.000-06:00

We started a new tradition in ourhome this week. on the first snow of each year we will make homemade soft pretzels. Eiley was so excited and loved every minute of making the dough, forming shapes and of course eating the yummy chewy pretzels with honey cinnamon glaze.
DO you have any traditions, or ones you would like to start?

little writer

2008-11-08T12:56:00.000-06:00

My little peach decided to write MOM all by herself this week....... makes me proud. She is only 3!

I miss her already

2008-10-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

Mom is gone and i am feeling her abscence.......hmmmmmmmm. Wish we were able to be together more often. So special to see her with my girlies...

the puzzle that Eiley and God did

2008-10-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

see my post a soft heart for the story =)

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-10-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

A soft heart

2008-10-09T20:52:00.000-05:00

David and I pray daily for our girls that they will have soft hearts towards God and come to know him in a deep lifelong friendship. WE try to share the ins and outs of our friendship with Jesus in terms that their little growing minds can comprehend. I particularly love how my husband shares with EIley about his love for jesus and how even as a child he had a close connection with Him. The other day we were at the river for a "family Day" and after hiking through brush reached the water. David was showing EIley all the cool things about the river and he pointed to some rocks and said "Eiley did you know that when Daddy was a boy he would come down to the river and sit on these rocks and talk to Jesus?" Eiley's face was intently listening. After a few minutes of collecting clam shells she asked " Mom, do you think I can go sit on that rock and talk to jesus like Daddy did when he was a boy?"....My heart melted. "of course, let's go", I replied, so I took her to the rock and lifted her up and she immediately began to pray " jesus thank you for the river and my friends and help us to have a good day and......"

Then today during her quiet time she was getting a bit noisy and frustrated trying to put together a puzzle for 4-6 year olds. I came into her room to quiet her down and she said, "I can't do it mom, can you help me?" I told her I would help her after quiet time, but that she could pick another activity. later when I went to retrive her from her room i saw the entire puzzle complete! She said almost giddily "Look mom I did it!I finished the puzzle!i asked God for help and He helped me."

I am humbled and I am grateful. God keep my heart soft like Eiley's and help me to pour into her heart grace upon grace.

"I called unto God and He answered me and he heard my cry for help"- Psalms

Thumb-sucking Thursday

2008-10-09T20:31:00.000-05:00

a day for ice cream

2008-10-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

last week we went to BDI to celebrate the end of summer. What fun to walk the streets with ice cream and go for a picnic at a nearby school. It was a perfect "Family Day" We have been sharing with our girls that Family Days are the best days, because we do things together and enjoy each other. We try to do this once a week, starting with making French Toast in the morning and often some craft while Taliah sleeps and then an outing ( often very basic like the park , to the river, or maybe the city)but the focus is being together. It is fun to see Eiley already ask "Is it Family Day?....Yaayyyy!" We want our family to be the center of their world providing security and fun a soft place to fall and come home to when they do venture into the world. What a blessing family is.

happy birthday hottie

2008-10-04T21:27:00.001-05:00

i love sharing the same birthday with you and it only gets better I love you honey!

Amazing corn

2008-09-27T22:19:00.000-05:00

Had a great weekend lastweekend finishing with a fabulous sunny Sunday with some friends at the Corn MAze, wow what fun the kiddos had, petting animals, climbing the hay mountain, hay rides and of course the maze. Everyone was tuckered out by the end of the day.

The love of my life

2008-09-27T22:14:00.001-05:00

My sweet David truely is the love of my life. In August we celebrated 6 years of marriage. Every year gets better and better. We have been through a lot in 6 years: 7 moves, spanning 2 states and 2 countries, Being job-less, seeing miracles, me struggling through a season of chemical depression early in our marriage, having two beautiful girls,losing two babies in pregnancy, traveling the globe together, being apart for 23 days once ( never again). Marriage is the closest thing to heaven on earth that I can imagine. It is the hardest work with the greatest payoff. I am so thankful for the humble, generous, selfless, handsome, Godly, caring, funny man that God gave me in David. I am humbled that this man is willing to go to the trouble , do the work, grow stretch and continue to love me on my best and worst days.......I love this man.

We celebrated with two nights away from the girls, and then took the girls for some gelati on our anniversary. Eiley said to me the other day "When i become a man I will marry you mom." While flattered, I replied with something like:" Thank you sweet heart, but my heart will always be Daddy's, and someday you will meet a man like Daddy and get married to him instead"....OH that she would meet someone like her precious father.

Taliah Grace

2008-09-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

I love my little Taliah. She is all snuggles and cuddles. I used to dream of having a little one, who loved to cuddle. I love hugs and touch, and my little T-bird loves to lay her head on my chest or shoulder and suck her thumb almost anytime of day.......Makes my Mama heart so happy.

how bout them apples?

2008-09-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

My lovely Goodland Apple tree produced large gorgeous apples this year which were eaten, chopped, mashed and cooked into lots of delicious things. I am so thankful for that tree, and my tomatoes are yumm too producing so many tomatoes, I made 35 pint of hot spicy salsa...mmmmm. Of course we had one hen-looking tomato, not sure how that happened.

mini model

2008-09-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

I am so enjoying my sweet Eiley these days. it seems she has skyrocketed into the world of girlhood overnight. I love seeing her expressions hearing her heart and watching her show kindness to others. i love her sooo much

a visit from cousins

2008-08-13T10:42:00.000-05:00

Eiley's second cousins Kaitlyn and Svea came to visit last weekend adn what a blast we had. swimming hugging playing fun fun and we even had Svea times two Little Svea is a cutie though it did trip me out a bit hearing my cousin say "Svea I need to change your diaper"... of course she was talking to her baby....hmmmmm. we love cousins!

wordless wednesday

2008-08-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

They are growing like weeds....

2008-08-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

I mean tomato plants. Taliah turned one in July and out tomato plants are now over six feet tall, and what do they have in common? I could eat them both. Yummy!

fun with my dad's camera

2008-07-14T01:34:00.000-05:00

It's cousin time

2008-07-13T00:13:00.000-05:00

We are beating the heat with lots of swim time and sprinkler action around here. Oh family is bliss

The heat is on

2008-07-10T00:29:00.000-05:00

SO we arrived in CAlifornia a bit later than we planned after a diversion involving refuling on an unplanned stopover in Colorado Springs, and then sitting on the runway for 2 hours, but all in all we made it to Granna and Papa's house Yippee. When we landed at 9 pm it was 95 degrees outside! Wowzers.
Neither of my girls slept during our 12 hours of travel time and both were cheery, though Taliah promptly fell asleep on me when we arrived.
Today was 104 degrees and we went in the pool a few times, but I am eating fresh apricots from my parents tree, nectarines, corn on the cob and watermelon that reminds me I am in the "bread basket of the world". What a blessing to visit family.
The pics are courtesy of my Dad who has been snapping away since the plane landed

Hat coming down

2008-06-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

summer

2008-06-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

to be a princess

2008-04-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

It does not take any outside influence

It does not take indoctrination

It needs no instruction

IN the heart of every little girl there is a princess.

I don't think we ever really explained to Eiley what a princess was, but in the last few months she has decided that she is one and wants to dress like one at every opportunity. I think this is rather funny because she owns no princess movies ( has no idea who Belle, Snow White or Cinderella are)has no princess books.

On a small tangent maybe this shows the brilliance of Disney marketing. You don't even need to see the movie and your child still wants the stuff ( I don't know whether this is brilliant or incredibly scary)

Anyhow without going to deep into the Big Brother Disney rant, I am touched by the princess in my house. She is God's daughter and even at a young age we can let her know that. The fairy tale of her life has just begun and like every tale there will be dragons ( right now it is a horrible cough that kept us up literally ALL night....sigh), but through it all the King is watching out for her, loving her and I get to be his handmaiden, shepherding and loving my little one, reminding her who she is because of who He is.

And sometimes princesses don't have to wear ballgowns... undies over jeans makes a statement too.

Happy Birthday Ruth

2008-04-14T21:45:00.000-05:00

You are a shining light a precious friend and cousin. Happy Birthday sweet Ruth!

a little belated easter fun

2008-04-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

I know easter was two weeks ago but i had to share these beauties. my mom sent these matching dresses, which charmed us all. Eiley refused to take hers off all day,and after chocolatey easter hands got yumminess on her dress ( which I got out later)I finally pursuaded her to exchange her easter dress for something else.

work and being crafty

2008-04-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

The last few months we have been extra crafty at our house, painting and trying to celebrate the various holidays with a bit of pizzaz. decorating eggs, cookies and anything that combines eating and coloring. Eiley really enjoys these times and we make it a "family day" activity. The other day she went into Davids closet while he was getting ready for a meeting and she put on a shirt of his all by herself and then said she was going to go to work wth daddy. the blue shirt and sparkly shoes deserved a photo, but we had to break it to her that she could not go to work with dad. a sad fact she finally got over.

when i need a smile

2008-03-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

Lately it seems I have been short a few smiles around the house. My oldest little sweetheart has been growing in lots of things, including testing my patience. Needless to say she has been seeing a few more reprimanding looks than is probably healthy for an almost three-year-old.

I think I need to go through my pics more often, for as I sat here tonight looking, I realized how precious these two little human beings are to me, and I must reach deeper for grace and patience and joy to pour over them every day instead of running dry and letting furrowed brow be the most they see.

I often find Eiley's attitude mirrors my own.

I need more joy.

Jesus help me today to reflect your heart towards my girls, even in the 'teaching moments', fill me with more of you Lord.....Amen

A good Friday indeed

2008-03-22T16:31:00.000-05:00

Ever since we began this journey with Taliah, David and I have prayed
daily that God would heal her small blind eye. I have imagined in my
head what it would look like to wake up one morning and see Taliah
with two perfect eyes. I know that God is perfectly capable of healing
her and we continue to pray. In the meantime we have been seeing an
ocularist, who just today fitted her with a matching thick contact
lenns eye custom made to match her seeing eye. It was amazing to
watch Kathleen ( the ocularist) work all by hand. There are no
computers here and it is artists stuff. She paints layers and lays
down tiny veins, all to create a real looking eye. What fun! Now we
don't think Taliah looks any worse with her little eye, but what a
blessing to have the appearance of two beautiful green/blue hazel eyes
looking back at you.

my reader

2008-03-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

Eiley loves to read anything, she makes up stories with pictures and even takes out David's Bible and reads for 20-30 minutes ( with no pictures) The other day the weather was just above zero, so I set her up on a beanbag out side with books in the sun on our porch ( notice the snow drift behind her) She devoured lots of books before I made her come in. Capturing this moment through our window...

caught on film

2008-03-11T19:49:00.000-05:00

Here is the little hair grabbing ritual caught on film...makes me smile

Nothing lika a sister

2008-03-06T21:39:00.000-06:00

I am continually amazed at the love my girls have for each other. Eiley has so much patience with Taliah. She always seeks her out and reads to her, hugs her, talks to her, brings her toys. " I yuv you Taweeah," Eiley says in a high pitched 'baby speak' voice.

Eiley lets Taliah pull her hair and never gets frustrated or upset, in fact they have turned it into a game. Eiley puts her head in front of Taliah and of course little T-bird grabs a handfull and then Eiley says, " Who has my hair?,... who has my hair?" at which point Taliah squeals with laughter. I don't quite understand what is so funny about it, but the two of them love it.

Taliah perks up when she hears Eiley's voice and she breaks into smile when Eiley looks at her.... pure adoration.

They share a room and often at night they "talk" back and forth to each other before going to sleep. It makes me rememebr the comfort of sharing a room with my sweet sister growing up. The sound of her breathing made me feel safe and warm inside.

"We're best friends," Eiley tells me daily as she wraps Taliah in a head lock hug.

"That is right, " I reply, "You are best friends for life"

Sisters... What a gift.

OH to blog again

2008-02-15T22:58:00.000-06:00

Let's just say that this little princess is what keeps me from my computer. i guess my life is not that hard after all.

my sweet sleepyheads

2007-08-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

A few words for Wednesday

2007-08-29T15:09:00.000-05:00

OUr first trip to the beach this summer.

Taliah likes the warm sun.

Sister cuddle time

true love

2007-08-20T20:23:00.000-05:00

Introducing...

2007-07-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Taliah Grace Braun

Born Wednesday July 25 at 9:45am in our living room!

She is 7 pounds 11 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long, with dark hair and sweet cheeks.

Eiley is thrilled to have her sister finally here and we are enjoying our first day with her. We will keep everyone posted on life with TWO!

parking in the sun!

2007-07-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

Saturday was gorgeous here with blue skies moderate weather, and we decided a family day at the park was the perfect idea. We are trying to soak up all the time we can enjoying Eiley and each other before we welcome her little sister into this world. ( Hopefully soon)

Eiley had a blast. WE went on swings, had a picnic lunch and rode a miniature steam train, which was the biggest hit!

Summer days are lovely......sigh

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our family. My grandpa went to be with Jesus on his birthday only a few hours after I wrote the letter posted below. HE is no longer under Alzheimer's grasp, but instead he is himself, at peace singing with the saints in glory!

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2007-07-11T19:36:00.000-05:00

Happy 88th Birthday Grandpa!
I hear you are heading home soon. My heart is such a mix of happiness and grief. They tell me that it won't be long until you pass through the veil that separates us from perfection, peace, wholeness and eternal life. You are almost home.

I have a few things I want to share with you today. Though I know you may not be able to hear or understand, I love you Grandpa.

I have always had a special place in my heart for you, as you were the only Grandpa that lived in driving distance, the one I saw the most. I remember you telling me how your mother, Svea, had died when you were only a toddler. You said that you asked my parents to name me after her. Whatever the details, I am so proud to be Svea, named for your mother, a connection to our Swedish ancestral homeland, and a connection to you.

I remember when you were lying in bed for many years, your body weak , but mind sharp. I loved climbing up on top of your cushioned mattress, and snuggling next to you as you doled out chewable, cherry flavored Vitamin Cs., and talked about Creation and the war, and meeting our Grandma, and loving the Loons of Minnesota. I am sure we grandkids thoroughly jostled your lanky frame, but you always welcomed us.

I loved listening to you sing, reminiscing about your days as a church choral soloist. Your love for singing and music is threaded through our entire family. You always encouraged us grandchildren with our piano and singing, complimenting us on our long piano fingers.

I remember the Christmas that you came out of your bed to sit with us for the first time since I was born. What a celebration! Then to see your body heal over the last 20 years and watch with amazement how you cared for your garden and trees with new found vigor.

I smile thinking of your funny responses to affectionate words or expressions of love. I think our childlike exuberance often challenged your more emotionally reserved nature, but I could see as the years went by how you adjusted to the free sharing of "I love you".
You would respond with, "Oh you do now.... Well I suppose I feel the same way about you" The twinkle in your eye showing much love and affection.

I remember you telling my husband, David, that he must be sure to kiss me lots every day. "That is the way to keep your wife happy". I loved watching you love our Grandma, a woman of such grace and strength.

One of my fondest recent memories with you was when I was pregnant with my first daughter, Eiley. I came to visit and with a very large pregnant belly. I remember teasing you about touching the baby in my belly. Well, in a totally uncharacteristic move you reached over and touched my pregnant belly and then giggled the most contagious laugh and said " I can't believe I am doing this."
I did capture a photo to prove it, and your smile says it all.

I am missing you today, on your birthday. My heart is adjusting to a bitersweet reality that soon you will be singing with another choir. I am so pleased that with Him, your mind will be whole, not ravaged by an unforgiving illness. I know that soon you will be discussing Creation and Science and the logisitcs of Noah's Ark, with the One who holds all in His hands.

Thank you Grandpa for loving Jesus and showing me how to walk a path of faith and patience in this world. Thank you for praying for our family daily, always covering your flock of 30 something.

They tell me that soon you will be going Home, I will miss you..... but I will see you soon.

I love you Grandpa

Love,

Svea

We love water!

2007-07-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

What a day we had visiting our local aquatic center. We started off heading for the beach, but when lighting began to strike we changed course, and Eiley never knew the difference. She convinced her dad to take her up the 3 story waterslide again and again and again.

The weather cleared and we enjoyed the outdoor pool too.

I must say that the water felt fabulous for this 37-week-pregnant body of mine. It was just so lovely to spend the whole day together as a family enjoying, laughing and playing around.

We also did another "first" We took Eiley for her first Happy Meal at McDonalds. See, David and I both really dislike McDonalds, so we never go there, but we thought our daughter would probably really enjoy the experience, so we put aside out bias, and had a great time. She was enthralled with her Hello Kitty style set that came with her hamburger and fries. I have to hand it to Micky D's, they do know how to please kids. We also ran into lots of other families making their way from the pool to the golden arches. I suppose we could become McDonalds people... only time will tell.

My girls

2007-07-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

Here I am at 36 weeks. Saturday I will be 37 and this little princess seems ready to come out!

Last week I was having early labor contractions at 6 minutes apart for 3 hours in the evening, sooo I was told to rest and stop all work. Well, my sweet husband has taken those orders seriously and has done literally everything around the house, and good friends and family have dropped off treats, a few meals and encouraged me with prayers. Now I am feeling MUCH better, and the am having just normal toning contractions, but who knows when our little one will show her face. I am getting so excited to meet her, and see how she and Eiley will love each other.

Speaking of EIley , She found my shoes with a little heel on them and managed to walk all over the house....what a girl! She walks in them better than me. She has suddenly become a girl. She is no longer a baby or toddler, and though my heart misses those precious stages, David and I are LOVING her more every day. Lately when she ask for something and I say no, she tips her head to the side and says "Ask Daddy?" or even more funny "Ask Eiley?", to which I usually reply " Sorry, but no" She makes me laugh!

Why I loathe mosquitos

2007-06-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

EIley went for the afternoon to her grandparents cottage, which is on a beautiful river with tons of trees. After the torrential rain we have been having it, like every other inch of manitoba, is a mosquito breeding ground.

She came home with over 100 bites, even though she was covered with citronella, all natural child-safe repellent gel. I thought I was doing her a favor by not spraying DEET poison on her, but now I am not so sure.

She was so miserable, clawing at the terrible bites for the last 3 days. I lay in bed last night wondering if there was anything redeeming about mosquitos. Do they add anything to creation that is needed? can anyone help me out here? I am beginning to wonder if those blood-sucking beasts came with the fall of man and will be a primary resident in hell.

Anyhow, my dear husband made up an oatmeal conncoction that was vital to his survival the two years he tree-planted in the northern canada mosquito outback. He applied the pack to eiley and there was a bit of relief. I would welcome any suggestions for keeping these vermin away from my baby, or any recipes for soothing relief after they leave their mark.

The art of massage

2007-06-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

EIley loves to wrestle with her daddy, and the other day she decided to try and walk on his back.

We encouraged her telling her she was giving daddy a very nice massage. For almost 30 minutes she pounded away on David's back while we just laughed. She stood up several times walking up and down his spine. Silly girl.

I do love that my two sweethearts can enjoy each other so much.

On a fair day

2007-06-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we enjoyed the Niverville Fair. What a blast!

Eiley could not get over how many "peepoles" there were ( 6,000ish on Friday night). Our little social butterfly was in heaven. She danced to the bands on the main stage, ate food from the booths, rode a pony by herself!

We had fabulous weather, and a big highlight was Eiley seeing Daddy in the parade. David sits on our town council, so he walked in the parade with the mayor throwing candy to all the kids.

I have 6 weeks left until my due date, and a few moments this weekend I felt like I was carrying a bowling ball around, but what fun to live in a town that celebrates like we do.

There was an amazing fireworks show on Friday night and we live 2 blocks from main street so we watched from our porch.... ahhhh summer =)

A foot thing

2007-06-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

I am not sure where she got it, but 'Little bit' has a thing for wiping her toes. She asks me for a wet wipe about 126 times a day and then the first thing she does is shed her socks and wipe her toes. "One wipe pease Mama? Jus one?.....two... peeeeeease?"

Now her little obsession does not stop there, she is happy to spread the love and wash your toes if she happens to see them.

I was doing dishes the other night when I misplaced my wash cloth.

I don't have to tell you where it was.....I ventured into the living room, where Eiley was washing her dad's feet, very meticulously between each toe. She spent over 10 minutes in this ritual, and hardly noticed my camera. Let's just add that I did not use that cloth to finish my dishes. :)

I guess she is the most spiritual one in our family. Following Jesus' example of washing one another's feet is a daily passion for her.

A perfect day

2007-05-19T21:16:00.000-05:00

Traditionally May-long weekend (a holiday weekend, for you non- Canadians)is chilly and rainy. Just when all the parks open for camping and the frost has finally cleared, Manitobans are met with a reminder that winter was just over, but not yet gone.

However, today, May-long Saturday, was gorgeous!

My in-laws purchased an incredible cottage property with 15 acres last autumn and the whole family went out today to have a work/ play day. 15 acres is a lot to mow, even with 2 riding mowers, but we all got in on the action. Even Eiley wanted to participate, though playing on the play structure and trampoline and trying to find a way to get into the river were a bit more tempting.

We enjoyed grilled hamburgers and lots of sun. yippeeeee!

They say tomorrow is 90 percent chance of rain, but we are staying optimistic.