Happy 3rd Birthday, Barnes Bragg!

On December 27, our Barnes turned three! It's slightly challenging to find a good time to celebrate his special day, but I am determined to make it happen, even amongst the busyness and exhaustion of the holidays. I mean… how can you not want to celebrate this bundle of a little Bragg boy? 

He chose Thomas the Train again this year… he was so happy, train conductor overalls and all. I found the "Thomas Birthday Tank" on Amazon for $8.99, and it sings "Happy Birthday" when you press the cake, and the little candles light up, perfect for the cake topper and the train table. Cool!!  I made a quick bunting with scrap booking paper, rubber cement, bakers twine, and skewers about 30 minutes before the party started… the candle from the past two 3rd birthday celebrations, and we were good to go! (Flying by the seat of my pants seems to be the norm these days.) Two years of Thomas in a row? By all means, big guy!

Russ's parents so generously offered to open their home for us to celebrate, and it was more than perfect! Most of my family came, along with a few friends. We had bar-b-que, with all the trimmings for dinner, and then Mrs. Sandy Clayton's birthday cake was delicious, as always!

These are my cousin's children, Colton, Kaitlyn, and Camryn. I hadn't seen them in ten+ years, so it was great to see them.

Singing "Happy Birthday"!

The kid's table. ;)

Tate, Barnes, Tyler, Lawson, and MIller… I'm not sure where Emmitt was.

Visiting with friends… Ben and Jennifer, and Aaron Reynolds.

My Dad and my Uncle Billy. 

Waiting to open his birthday gifts.

Pictures like this make me stop and say, "wow, we really do have four kids". 

Watching Barnes open his gifts.

Look! A John Deere trailer!

Thomas the Train flash cards!!

=My sister and me=

=My good friend, Jennifer, and me=

 Slightly out of order, but must be included… "Happy Birthday to You!!"… so, he's still mad that HE didn't blow out his birthday candles. It's all Emmitt's fault, even though you can't really tell in the video. As a matter of fact, he mentions it so often, that I've offered to redo the candle and let him blow it out. But, no… he just chooses to complain about it. Poor guy. We have learned our lesson… no one but Barnes can blow it out… even if the cake catches on fire!! Ha!!

Ok, Mr. Barnes… you are three. Every single bit of three. You are loud. You are funny. You speak in complete, full sentences, and articulate words very well. We understand 99% of everything you say. You scream if you don't get your way, which is not fun. At all. Especially in public places. You think you're as big as your brothers, and the neighbor kids. You want to do everything they do, and most of the time, they are accommodating. Thank goodness, or cue the screaming as previously mentioned. You have a great imagination, which includes… cooking on your kitchen or grill, hunting, fishing, building with Lego's, rodeo and farming… talking on one of your large collection of flip phones and blackberries… you can almost completely handle a Nerf gun all by yourself... great imagination!! You have learned to pedal your tricycle and are so proud!! You love your cowboy John Deere boots, and prefer no socks. Ugh. If we are at home, you never have your clothes on; underwear only. You love your baby sister, and are very good with her. You sing many of the songs we listen to in the van very well. You are finally growing! You are no longer in the "failure to thrive" category, but we still have to watch it. You drink lots and lots of Vitamin D chocolate milk, but we are to work towards white milk with added chocolate, due to the sugar… we'll see. You weighed 26 pounds, having gained six pounds in eleven months. They were pleased. Thank goodness. You are missing school, and are ready to go back in the fall. You still LOVE Mrs. Cara at Advent, and can hardly wait to see her the next week. You tell her you love her, and it warms my heart more than you will ever know, as does it hers. You say the prayer most every meal. You are doing a great job. Sometimes we laugh, because you start having a conversation with God… you both ask and respond. It's kind of funny. But at the same time, our hearts are touched as you faithfully pray for the "St. Jude kids to feel better"… oh, Dear Lord, how we learned so much from you over our two years in Memphis… all the way down to the St. Jude children. Yes, God, please help the St. Jude kids to feel better… completely healed and better. You cry not to take a bath, and you cry to stay in the bathtub. That is an exhausting process. You sleep in most mornings, until 8:30ish. You are very challenging to get to sleep, as well. You think it's a great, funny time, but we don't. It's quite hard, as a matter of fact… even after your Daddy reads way too many books. You love egg sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and fruit loops for breakfast, and donut holes if we leave the house in the mornings for some reason. You are currently afraid of police officers, although we are unsure what has caused that fear. You are fully potty trained… and I am so proud. Potty training is not my thing, but we finally got it! You wear underwear all the time, and haven't had any accidents in a very long time. You do, however, like to have fresh underwear throughout the day which drives me crazy. Sometimes, I oblige, and sometimes you pitch a fit and wear the same ones you already had on. Carline is like bedtime… not fun. If you don't fall asleep between home and the carline, you will scream until I get you out of your seat. And once you're out, it's like Ninja Warrior in the van. You are jumping around everywhere, or trying to change the radio station, or DVD. You love to have lunch with Dad on the square. You are happy to eat lunch anywhere with Dad… me, too, buddy. You are not a huge TV fan, but you like Daniel Tiger, Paw Patrol, Curious George, and you love to watch hunting shows with your Dad and brothers. When you do a good job, or do anything that deserves recognition, you turn your chin down, and don't want any attention… you'd rather us say "good job", and move on. No big celebration is needed. You are a MESS. You make the biggest mess of either of your older brothers. I can't keep up with your dragging out of the toys. They are everywhere. Literally. You like to park your trucks and trailers underneath the dining room table, underneath a little table in our bedroom, and you like to place toys in the refrigerator in the laundry room as you can open the doors, you take toys to the bathtub,  you will stuff bags full of lego's and little toy treasures… so many messes. But most of all, you are loved, my Barnesy Boy. No one is allowed to call you that but me. And you think it's hilarious. As of today, March 20, we have nine months and seven days left in the "threes"… three is not my favorite, but we're going to get through it, and watch you grow and grow. 

It was so much fun celebrating your third birthday, sweet boy!! We love you like crazy, our littlest big brother! 

Happy 6th Birthday, Emmitt!!

Last month, we celebrated our Emmitt's SIXTH birthday!!  It started out kind of rough, but was a happy day by the end of the night!  With our house being on the market, our schedule seems to revolve around the house being shown, which is not always convenient. We received an appointment notice the night before his birthday, which put everything on hold until after the showing.  The pancake breakfast he'd wanted for his birthday morning didn't happen… the elf didn't show up to decorate… and when we woke him early to go to Cracker Barrel for pancakes, he cried that he didn't want to wake up early. :( 

It was a sad start to the day. He opted for the donut shop, which actually worked out ok, but I was frustrated that the day didn't start out so well for him.  I dropped him off at school, and he was still kind of sad, but Mrs. Donna said he was happy and had a great day!  

Here are a few pictures from his special day…

This was early in the morning, before leaving for donuts and school. He insisted on wearing his boots, which meant jeans… it was a little too warm for boots and jeans, but you know… it was his birthday, so whatever. ;)

When we returned home from school, we were so excited to see that the elf had actually stopped by to celebrate our Emmitt!! The house showed over the lunch hour, so I suppose the elf decided it was safe to stop by after they left. We were certainly happy to see him, and he decorated for the birthday boy, as always.

His bedroom door…

He left a little note and some trinkets, as always...

He received a few gifts from us to open on his special day. We had a family party later on, where he received a bigger gift, but it's always fun to have little gifts on your actual birthday.  Water balloons and a model car kit brought lots of smiles. :)

He requested "dirt cake" for his school party… thanks to his helpful Daddy, he took dirt cake to school! The night before his birthday, I was cleaning everything for the showing the next day, so Russ helped out by making his cake. (Awesome husband!!) And Emmitt was tickled with how it turned out -  worms and all. 

The night of his birthday was Lawson's school talent show, so Russ's parents drove down to watch the talent show, and then we went to dinner at Stix in Collierville, which was his choice. It was delicious, as always, and was nice to have Mr. Richard and Mrs. Jane here with us.  Talent Show pics coming soon!

Barnes was scared, as always, so I stood to the side with him the majority of the "cooking time".  He will outgrow it before we know it, I'm certain. 

Grandmother and Granddad

Emmitt's selfie skills to follow… :)

Emmitt Bragg, we love you, buddy, and can't believe you're SIX!!  You are smart, funny, creative, a good little and big brother, you intentionally drive your big brother crazy, and are quick to play with your little brother. You are helpful, you love to camp, and do anything with the outdoors, you are a leader, you are prayerful, and have enjoyed playing t-ball for the first time this year. You are a great eater, and will try anything once.  Some of your favorite foods are cheese pizza, strawberries, cantaloupe, salad, peanut butter and banana, cherry tomatoes, pork chops, grilled chicken, pancakes, bacon, corn any way you prepare it, rolls, and most all desserts… and your favorite drink is Coke or grape kook-aid. 

We are proud of you, thankful for you, and we love you like crazy, Emmitt Bragg!!

Happy 6th Birthday to you!!

xo

Picking Back Up...

It's been a long time since I was last here.  I just recently realized, however, that each and every entry from years past contains great memories and meaning, and it's truly worth me making time to document our life, right here on this little blog.  If for no one other than us, it's worth the memories of the "little", yet so very big, details.  I'm going to attempt to pick back up on the memory documentation.  Our family's legacy is worth it.

See you soon, with overdue postings from this party of five, soon-to-be SIX!! 

Baby Barnes {Newborn Pics}

Time is flying, and our baby Barnes will be three months old tomorrow!!  I can't believe it.  We are, however, so thankful for our healthy baby boy.  He's growing by leaps and bounds, and bringing us so much joy.

When he was ten days old, a local photographer came and spent several hours in our home, capturing the newness of our sweet baby.  She did a fabulous job, and I am so proud of his pictures.  She was so genuinely sweet, but more so, she was patient, gentle, loving, thoughtful, thorough, and made me very comfortable as she worked with our baby.  The pictures make my heart smile, and my eyes teary as I sit here tonight.  So thankful for these newborn memories. 

Didn't she do a beautiful job? :) These are a few of my favorites - I love them. Thankful for these memories which we will cherish forever.  Here's to month number three... thank you, Lord, for our Baby Barnes.

Wednesday... but not wordless!

Hello, there... and Happy Wednesday!

I hope this finds you and yours happy and healthy.  

I haven't posted since January with Baby Barnes's birth, and goodness, much has happened since. Things are very busy to say the least, but we are making LOTS of memories, and having a great time. I didn't realize how much we would enjoy having a baby again.  He is such a sweetheart and we are truly enjoying every minute. It makes us smile to see our "three boys".  I still find my heart happy to see them all together, big brothers loving on baby brother.  So much joy.

I am not going back to school, and Lawson and Emmitt are only going to school three days a week - M,W,F.  It is going very well, and I am enjoying it very much.  While I thought I would stay on top of housework, laundry, grocery shopping, etc., it has not been as easy as I had hoped.  Barnes requires so much attention, and Emmitt is SO MESSY.  Right now there are lego's all over the floor, along with books, trucks and trailors, doctor kit belongings, and goldfish crumbs, to name a few.  He's just a mess all.the.time. But... it's ok. Cooking three meals a day plus snacks means a mess in the kitchen and on the table, and the play room is so well used that I try to remind myself that this is the season in our life right now, and this is just part of a house with small children.  Lawson doesn't play with toys too often, {mixed emotions}, he is constantly playing ball of some sort, or watching some sort of ball on T.V..  He loves it, and that's alright with us. Barnes has spent very little time in the floor.  It's a "hard hat area", to say the least. :)  His play mat fits perfectly in his pack 'n play, so that's good, and he still loves the bouncy-seat. :)

Pictures begin here, in no particular order.  My camera "broke" the week after we came home from the hospital, and I just got it back last Friday.  Needless to say, I feel like I've missed a lot, but am so thankful for the camera on my phone... 

I very rarely used the boppy pillow with Lawson and Emmitt, but have used the fire out of it with Barnes.  He has done so well with it.  Or maybe I've done so well with it. :)

Mrs. Jane made toboggans for the boys, and Lawson wore his for like two days straight.  

We have had more snow and ice than I can shake a stick at, and although it's painted beautiful scenes, I'm ready for green grass, full leafy-lush trees, and pretty flowers.  Spring - I welcome you with open arms!!

Russ was out of town when one of our sleet storms came through, so to show him what we had, I sent him this sometime around midnight.  Midnight baby feedings come with perks every now and then.  ;) 

First Wednesday night to church.  Winter baby means seven weeks at home.  I just knew it would bother me, but it was actually nice and relaxing with lots of cuddling as seen below.  

So funny!

Barnes has slept in his swing right beside our bed until the last four nights.  He is always so smiley when he wakes up in the mornings.  So sweet.

Lawson mastered checkers, so Santa brought chess.  His daddy is a great chess partner.

We were finally able to take Barnes to watch Westview play basketball... I'm pretty sure he's hooked. ;) We make such great family memories traveling to watch them play.  These two pictures were taken at Crockett County.  Chester County was the farthest destination to which we traveled.  Our girls went to state this year, but sadly fell short on the score board.  For memory purposes, Lawson's favorite player, Antonio Hogard, graduated last year...  He has taken a liking to Parker Beale this year, and he's so sweet to give Lawson attention with high-fives and big smiles.

Speaking of basketball, Lawson completed his first season of Upward basketball, with more pictures below.  He received a black eye after coming in contact with one of his team mates. 

A local church youth group here in Martin, sponsored a city-wide "Boot and Blue Out Bullying", and our boys participated. Thanks Martin First United Methodist Church for sponsoring such a good cause; it was neat to see our boys so supportive and interested!

My 4th graders would have immediately broken out with "What Does the Fox Say?" if they had seen him in this cute shirt. Crazy song, but the students at MES love it!!!!!!

Sweet hand and little feet.  Great memory.

The opening play of an Upward basketball game looks like this...

Last game of the season, taking the ball out.

Sporting his first tie, made by a talented church friend, Candy Ogg.  So cute!

=Last Upward game of the season=

He loves his bear mat, and is able to enjoy it when his brothers are at school.

Eating dinner at Pizza Hut… I went to refill Emmitt's drink, and when I turned around to return to the table, this is what I saw.  My sweet little family.  I love them so much!

Basketball fun. A constant scene at our house...

Emmitt and one of his creative messes.  I think this was his "camper"... :)

=Bundled up outside watching his brothers play and burn off some energy=

Tummy time with super cute shark pajamas...

Barnes's Sweet Smile!!

Two weeks ago, we spent several hours at the new "park", recently completed in the neighboring town of Union City.  It was an amazing time!  Several memories to follow...

=Playing in the military helicopter=

=His mean army face=

Hanging out in the Hum-V. Check out Barnes waving from the back seat.  It was so funny!! My favorite memory from the day!!

Lasso Fun!

Farming and making a mess, I'm sure!  Check out the dribbling basketball in the background.  Perfect scene.

Cuddling with mama...

Hanging out with Mama while the big brothers play in the snow...

Lawson was giving me a "W" for Westview and for "WIN" as we were listening to the basketball game on the radio.

Aunt Julie came to visit... yay!!!  

The Big Brothers had a great time at Grandmother and G-Dad's playing in the snow. :)

I love this picture!

Bath time - Russ is the BEST baby-bather ever!!

We had a house-full for Bible Study two weeks ago.  Twenty-one present - eleven of them were kids. :) Making memories, no doubt.  Love these kids and their parents.

Makes my heart happy!

We visited the dentist in Jackson two weeks ago, and E was so brave!

We accidentally discovered that Barnes loves to have a blanket over his head when going to sleep.  Works like a charm, and is almost instantaneous.  It always takes a while to "learn" your baby, and I am thankful for both of us that I learned this. :)

And that's all for now.   

So thankful for our family, and for the joy we share.

I need to catch up on his monthly updates, so there will be more to come very soon!