The Braatz Family

1st day of school!

2011-11-11T12:11:00.001-08:00

Who knew this day would come SO fast, my baby, littel baby O is going to school! I thought it would be a tough transition for him going from a warm, loving home daycare of 4 kids total, to a crazy, loud school full of LOTS of kids, BUT he did awesome! Today is his second day and his teacher sent me an email and said he is still doing awesome!! He is shy for about the first 2 minutes after I leave then he dives right in! He had lots to say after I picked him up yesterday, it was fun to hear all about it! I had more tears and anxiety than this little guy did!
Great job Owen, only 15 more years to go!

First Deer!

2011-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

I don't have much to say about it just that it was hanging in my garage and I had quiet time in the house because ALL my boys were ooohhing and awwwing over the dead deer hanging from the ceiling! But nice job Bailey!

http://www.idohunting.com/forum/showflat.php/Number/698781/fpart/1/baileys-1st-deer

I think she is an angel....

2011-09-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Finally I can introduce Jessica, the BEST girl in the world! She is like a big sister the boys never had, only she doesnt beat them... as much!! Pretty sure the boys like her more than they like Rodney or I! LOL That is ok though, it is very comforting to know they are well taken care of and treated right when they are in her hands! WE LOVE YOU JESSICA and thank u for everything you have done for us and our trio!

Schools back in session!

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT summer these boys had! Between Jessica and both grandmas they spoiled these boys rotten! If you ask them how their summer was and they tell you it was fine, they are lying, they had the IDEAL summer! They went fishing, biking, Valleyfair, demo derbies, Vikings Training camp, up north for a week, drive in movies, waterpark, tubing and the list goes on......
Am I sad they are back in school.... KIND of! I do miss the quiet mornings Owen and I had and the non chaios in the evenings, but it is good they are back and we are in the swing of things once again! Bailey is in 6th grade and Brady is in 2nd grade, and O is anxiously awaiting preschool!

BIG FISH!

2011-09-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

I am still laughing at the excitement in Baileys voice when he called! Grandma Hannah was watching the boys their last week of summer vacation and pretty sure this was Bradys highlight!
Our phone rings and it was Bailey, I could barely hear him because he was crazy.. "dad", "no Bailey this is mom"... "mom, Brady caught a 50 pound fish, it is hugh"! "Get down here, u have to take a picture of it"! Meanwhile he kept calling me dad..... so Rodney, Owen and I drive down by the river where they are...... and this is the 50 pound fish they caught! LOL
Nice fish, it is a walleye and it was 27 1/2" long and about 8 pounds (you were close Bailey-LOL)

Dad let it go...... maybe he'll be 50 pounds next summer Brady!

Happy anniversary to my best friend!

2011-09-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ok so it was yesterday! September 8th

Rodney and I have been married for 10 years and have been together for 13 years, wow how time flies! We have endured many opsticles, ups and downs, roller coaster rides, but have made it through each and every one of them!!
So here's to another 10 years!
And because we share our anniversary with our little Owen, it is all about Owen so we all celebrate together!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Baby O

2011-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it has been 3 years since our precious Owen was born! Your an awesome little boy Owen, far from perfect, but the PERFECT addition to our family of 5!

NNO -2011 ROCKS Hillside Village

2011-08-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

What a blast this was! Our neighborhood has been celebrating NNO for a few years, I have to say that this one was the best so far! The kids had a blast and it was fun watching their faces and seeing their excitment! We were missing a few families and family members, but overall it was a good turn out! I love our neighborhood, we have SO much fun!

Summer vacation with ALL of us!

2011-08-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hill City, Mn or bust! That was our destination and we had a BLAST!!! The entire week was beautiful, cold the first day we got there, sunny and nice the entire week! Boys obviously fished the entire time and caught baskets and baskets of fish! It was hard to come back and we are counting down the days until next year!

The perks of having 3 boys..

2011-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

When dads away I get to take them fishing! I don't like fishing, but these 3 do!

Think he has a bite on his homemade fishing pole I made him, doubt it since there is no hook on it! Shhhhh don't tell Owen!

Thank goodness the only fish they caught, they could get it off the hook themselves! Yuck!

My boys are spoiled!

2011-06-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

And not by us, by our babysitter Jessica!
Really this girl rocks! Jessica, Bailey and Brady are the best of friends and it just makes going to work so much better knowing they are having so much fun and getting along! This is Jessica's 3rd year watching the boys and I wish I could keep her forever!

This is a picture of the boys at the drive-in movie she took them too, she stole them from us one night took them on a date and then kept them overnight, really who does that!? Jessica!

Jessica I want you to stay 22 forever and babysit for us forever!!! We appreicate everything you do and honestly you set the standards high for future babysitters!

Let the summer begin!

2011-06-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

So school is out and this is how the boys spend most of their days... fishing! Jessica is a saint,really she is! I CAN'T praise her enough, her and my boys get ALONG so well it is scary! Makes me want her to NEVER grow up because I will NEVER find another sitter like her!

Brady turned "7" on the 28th of May! He has 3 of his buddies over for a sleepover and pizza, we had a blast! Then on Saturday we took all 3 boys golfing, we didnt get to golf our 9 holes but had fun anyways! Hard to believe he is 7 and going to be in 2nd grade!

Golfing! The golf course needs more bathrooms, Owen and Bailey taking a bathroom brake!

As always summer is so busy! We've had a few other commitments as well as daily life stuff so we have been busier than usual! Bailey is still enjoying baseball, he got his 1st homerun and has really improved on his pitching and batting! Brady was suppose to start last week but they canceled because of the heat, so he starts tomorrow. O just goes along for the ride, pretty sure by the time O gets old enough to play sports he wont want to remembing how he was toted around to every practice and game to every sport imaginable!! LOL

So hoping for another great summer with my awesome family!

5 P.M. Weather Report

2011-05-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

5 P.M. Weather Report: "More rain and chills are on the way for Memorial Day weekend , Chris Shaffer reports (3:03)."

2011-05-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Randoms
The one of O is "Royal Day" at daycare in honor of the Royal wedding! LOL

Baileys 1st Communion

B and O meeting the Easter bunny, Brady was home sick and Owen wouldnt stand there unless B did! Bailey is a good big brother!

Coloring Easter eggs

Wow, where have you been?

2011-05-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am here, I am here!
Phew... time flies and we even had a break from all the sports! But we are back in buisness, baseball season has begun and is in full force! We have games two times a week and practice on Saturdays! Bailey is loving it! He is the starting pitcher and a first baseman and has progressed so much since last year, someday he will listen when we tell him practicing pays off! As of today their team is 1-1, coach Rodney is very proud of how far they have come since kindergarten! LOL Of course Brady is the bat boy and Owen and I are their biggest fans, what better way to spend an evening at a baseball game! Anyway Brady will be starting after school finishes and Owen and I will tag along and be Brady's biggest fans as well!

School is almost out, I have no clue who will watch the boys, I am hoping I can take a leave of abbsense for 3 months, but pretty sure they dont think I am serious! I have learned to not get stressed about things, it will all fall into place.... I HOPE!

Owen is Owen, he is now potty trained and has been for a few months! How... I have no clue, it just happened, but it is sure nice to not have to buy diapers anymore! Another milestone for the Braatz family! I have pictures but haven't uploaded for awhile, so that will have to be next time.

That's all I have to say for now, just a quick update on us!

Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy!

2011-03-16T11:12:00.001-07:00

Wow Brady look at the accomplishments you have made this year in wrestling! You have competed in several tournaments taking 2nd or third and even made it to state the 2nd year in a row! We are all so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself, your a great kid and an awesome wrestler and only to improve through the years! You will go places kid and don't you ever forget it! And like the title says "Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy"! I love you Brady, you are a champion in my eyes buddy, don't ever give up on your goals and keep giving it your all!

Brady finished up his wrestling season at the State Tournament in Rochester this past weekend! He did a fantastic job with 3 wins and 2 losses and over 50 kids in his bracket, he fought his last match until he just couldn't fight anymore and that is what makes me proud of this kid! He has such drive and determination and does not give up! We decided to stay in Rochester the entire weekend regardless of how the outcome was on his matches, pretty sure the boys had a blast swimming and just hanging out with the other wrestlers who competed.

So we are currently on a break from sports, which is always such an adjustment because we are so used to being on the go, but we will take this break until baseball seasons starts and try to enjoy it!

Brady fueling up before wrestling

Warming up with dad

EXHAUSTED!

We love you Brady!

It has been so long...

2011-03-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Been alittle busy, here are a few pictures, I posted the rest on FB

Our vacation was awesome and I am pretty sure I need another one! We had perfect weather, spent way too much money and had the time of our lives! So we are back and back to the craziness of our lives.... that was exhausting just writing that!

Basketball, wrestling, Owen... oh my! Basketball is now over, next weekend Brady travels to state in Rochester then we are done with wrestling, and Owen is just Owen- busy little boy! But the registrations are already out for baseball so we won't have a very long break in between- can't wait!

Other than that we are good, we finally have a weekend this weekend to visit family in Wisconsin and we are looking foward to getting away as a family! Next time I will write more I promise!

We are complete again!

2011-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

After Rodney working out of town since July 12th, we are whole again! Wow what a challenge doing everything especially with 2 boys in sports, the running was crazy! It is a good thing that O likes to travel and is such a good boy on the baseball field, t-ball field, football field, wrestling mat and the court! There was never a dull moment and I am looking foward to getting my reward in 10 days and pretty sure that I deserve it!
Random pictures of the boys from their sports, New Years and Christmas

It is still crazy with Rodney being home, both boys are so active plus add the school work on top of it all, but no I wouldnt trade it for anything! Weekends are usually fun filled with sports as well!

So Bailey has decided to not wrestle any more and is playing basketball. He loves it and is practicing hard to be a better player! Wierd for me though, I know nothing about basketball, I felt like I did when they started wrestling!

Brady is busy with all of his wrestling tournaments. He took 3rd in Zumbrota and 3rd in New Prague, he has alittle tougher competition this year, but is still fun to watch- just not when he is on the bottom! That still makes this mamma ill!

Owen started school on the 3rd... ok not school but that is what we call it! It is ECFE, but we call it school, although he is alittle upset and doesnt understand why he cant ride the bus to school! All too soon Owen, all too soon! He was ok the first night, but this past Monday he would not let me leave and go into the other room with the moms! He did sit with me the entire time though just listening to what us adults had to say!

As for me, I am counting down the days until I get a break from it all!!! Rodney and I are going on a cruise! We are both very excited to go!! I do have to admit though a few months ago when we starting thinking about the cruise I had severe anxiety about leaving the boys and how in the world grandma is going to do everything I do, benefit for her she doesnt work, so she has all day to prepare for the mad chioas at night! About a week ago and before Rodney came home for good, I got over the anxiety ( I think I had a bad week) and really starting getting excited about it! Of course I will miss the boys, but for me to be a "refreshed" mom I need this trip! LOL

So until after the cruise I am signing off....... hoping to be REFRESHED from the craziness at the Braatz household!

Brady

2010-12-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Brady wrestled in his first tournament blizzard weekend! Rodney was bound and determined to get him there since they hadn't canceled it. He was out very early trying to shovel a path so he could back the truck up, very thankful that the neighbor came up and plowed him a path, pretty sure it would of taken him most of the day to get a path cleared to get out! So they made it and Brady did wonderful! He was pinned by his first guy, then he pinned his 2nd and 3rd match, giving him 2nd place and also already qualifying for state in March! WTG Brady!! The pictures below are from Shakopee.

I also took Brady to a tournament in Zumbrota last weekend. He placed 3rd, which not sure how that works. Brady lost his first match 7-10 and won his second match 9-7 and didnt get to wrestle the last kid, but he placed 3rd and was very excited! He wrestled HARD!

I love watching Brady, then again I don't, kind of turns your stomach when your watching your kid get wrenched on or wrenching on some elses kid. So keep up the good work Brady!

Happy 11th birthday Bailey!

2010-12-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

So my baby turned 11 on the 26th, wow where does the time go! Your so fun Bailey, not that your not a challenge at times, but you are such an awesome boy who has such drive and determination!
As far as I know Bailey had a wonderful birthday, we had Thanksgiving on Friday so we got to celebrate both! We got him the Wii Just Dance (which is so fun!) and we also gave him some money. He recieved many cards with money and gift cards, he is pretty sure he is rich! We had a fun day celebrating with family, playing wii and 6,5,4! LOL

Rockets and the dome!

2010-11-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

What a day this was! I will NEVER forget the excitement and joy I got to witness in these kids' eyes, that was my highlight of the day! Brady was in awww the entire time, pretty sure his mouth was sore from smiling as much as he did!

So anyways for those of you who dont know the story I will fill you in a bit. One of the moms from our team submitted an application to the Vikings of Tomorrow, low and behold they choose us this year! Thanks Chris, u rock! So the 5th and 6th grade football teams are divided into 2 teams for which they scrimmaged each other on the same turf the Vikings play! It was awesome to watch them and see them on the big screen. Pretty sure they are still smiling today about it! The Vikings then gave us tickets to watch the game and what a game it was! Best game I have ever been too, perfect that it got to be Brady's first game!

Ok so football is OFFICIALLY over for us even though I have said that for the past few weeks when I thought it was really over, this time is for real until next August!

Halloween

2010-11-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Halloween has come and gone, here are my trio during Halloween!
O thought he was pretty cool as a biker! It was fun but glad it is over!

Apple Orchard

2010-10-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Fall isn't fall without a trip to the apple orchard! As always we had a blast and it was the perfect day to go!

Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there!!!

2010-10-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

And that is what you did Bailey William!

As your biggest fan I am so proud of you Bailey through every rollercoaster ride you have endured, u set a goal and you achieved that goal! I love your drive and determination and you didn't let anything get in your way! With that being said let me brag on you a bit!

Bailey started flag football in 1st grade, anxiously awaiting to play tackle football which he started in 3rd grade. He started off the first 2 years playing quarterback. This year he decided that he wanted to run the ball more and try out for running back on offense. Bailey William the running back! He may not be the fasted, but he sure can barrel through those kids and gain yardage! I guess they call it stiff arming those kids to knock them down before they get to him, alittle football lingo I guess!

So the pictures are from the home game we had against Hayfield, we ended up tying the game, but the kids played hard. This last Saturday we went to Waseca for a tournament. The first game we lost 12-18, but won our second game 6-0.

The second game is where Bailey's goal comes into play, his goal was since he started RB position was to score a touchdown and that HE did! Along with the other kids on the team, Bailey was on fire through the entire game! He had over 100 yards of rushing, of course his touchdown, several tackles and sacks! Now tell me that I shouldn't be proud of him, I was and still am beyond proud of that kid and honestly I can't help but smile every time I think of that game! Not only because he played excellent but because he made a goal and he worked so hard at achieving that goal without giving up or being hard on himself! For that Bailey William I am so proud of you!

With all that being said, Saturday was the 5th grades last game, it was a fun season and I loved every minute of the practices and games and the many miles that we put on! Bailey was asked yesterday to play with the 6th graders during their championship games. So another week of grass stains, bruises and on the go... HECK YES!!

#72 just remember these 2 things....
Arriving at one goal, is the starting point to another!

Know your limits, but never stop trying to exceed them!

You make me laugh!

2010-09-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Of course all of my kids make me laugh and smile, but today has been a difficult day for me so thought I would share and give you a laugh as well!

Thanks for making me laugh today Brady!

Owens 2 year pictures

2010-09-24T08:35:00.001-07:00

Heidi did a wonderful job considering little O doesn't EVER sit still!!! It was more of a comedy show than a photo shoot, but wouldn't espect anything different, my trio are a bunch of nuts and I love that we could capture their awesome, crazy personalities!!

http://hzphoto.zenfolio.com/p775468111

Misc pictures

2010-09-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Getting their face painted at Rodney's company picnic, Twins and Vikings go figure!

My darling Bailey practicing football before their big game against Grand Meadow!
Oh how I love to watch him play, so much I am hiring a babysitter to watch Owen so I can pace up and down the field with Bailey and actually watch the whole game without chasing after a 2 year old!! LOL Luv u Bailey and remember play hard and do your best!

Other than football being our life at the moment things are good. Brady is also in football, he practices on Tuesdays and is loving it!
Rodney just returned home after working 10 long weeks in Fergus Falls. It all went fine, but glad to have him back home where he belongs, but just found out he may have to go again until January! I have mixed emotions on that, but am thankful he has a job and that I have Bailey, he was my life saver and helped me out alot! Thanks Bailey!

The stages of a 2 year old

2010-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

"Why"? Enough said! We are officially in the why stage! Ha-ha for some reason this time around I don't mind it, I actually love explaining stuff to him instead of just saying 'because I said so". Eventually he will just say "oh" after saying why 10 times. Owen you melt my heart and make me smile every single day, I love all the stages you are going through even your tantrums!

First day of school

2010-09-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Happy dance for the first day of school, well sort of!! Summer is over and the kids are back in school, the weather is changing, BUT they are back in school!! LOL They look thrilled don't they? Actually the first week was awesome, so far Brady says 1st grade is fun and he likes it, Bailey says the same and he loves his teacher and is excited to take on band! Not like we need anymore activities to do! Ugghhhh

We are now in the football season for Bailey, they actually started practice a few weeks ago, we have our first real game tomorrow in Grand Meadow, I am very excited to watch him! I wish they had football for Brady, that kid needs to wear off some energy!

So anyways we are back in school and back to even more craziness to our lives! Bring it on!

Happy 2nd Birthday Owen!

2010-09-10T10:29:00.001-07:00

Ok so I am 2 days late on posting this, I have been busy!!!
My little guy is 2....... 2...... how did that happen?
Little baby O, u make me laugh daily, you are far from perfect, but your a very good kid even though your entering the terrible 2's. You can make anyone laugh because you have your dads personality and you can make anyone smile because you are dang cute!!!
Love ya buddy!

Their only young once..

2010-09-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

"Mom can Owen and I take the umbrella and play in the rain"... I have a better idea, take off your shoes and go get wet!!!!! And that we did!

Sturgis and back

2010-08-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Glad to have you home safe and sound Rodney!

Fun as a family!

2010-08-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

I love our family time, it has been pretty scarce lately, but we got to have it this past weekend! We surprised the boys with a trip to the Dakota County Fair on Saturday and we all had a blast, of course Owen was so good! He missed out on the rides at the Cannon Fair so it was fun to see his reaction with the rides, he loved them and was even ok that we were out of tickets and couldn't ride anymore! The boys rode the rides, played a few games, we ate greasy, but good food and saw lots of animals! Love you boys!

This was taken at our neighborhood NNO, I tried to convince him to take them all 3 away, but he thought they would be better off with me!

Weekend in WI

2010-08-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

Every year we try to pick a weekend to go to our friends cabin with the boys. The boys love it there as do I, it is very peaceful and relaxing along with great company! Bailey and Brady had a blast fishing! We went out on the boat and hit a hot spot and they caught fish left and right. Owen even caught a few with the help of his godfather- thanks Whiteye and Missy!

Bailey was bound determined to catch the big one, so when we got back to the cabin he started fishing from shore... low and behold he caught the big one!! We were in the cabin getting dinner started and we hear this kid yelling for help whom was Bailey... Rodney runs down by him with the net and scoops up a hugh 33" northern!! I wish I could of gotten it on tape, Bailey was jumping up and down, he was so EXCITED!

We had a great time and cant wait to go back! Thanks for the hospitality Whiteye and Missy!

Braatz vacation minus dad

2010-07-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Vacation with the Braatz boys sure is exhausting!! Fun, but tiring! I decided even though Rodney couldn't go with us I would take them anyways. So we headed 4 hours north of us to Hill City, Mn with some friends of ours. We had a blast! Owen was in heaven with the water and was pretty much in it from the time we woke up until bedtime. He was a champ, he napped 3 hours every day and went to bed about 9 every night so mom could have some downtime! Bailey and Brady we happy fisherman the entire week, they also enjoyed swimming. I just enjoyed not being at work and relaxing when Owen napped. I had a blast and I know the boys did too, these pictures prove that we had fun!

4th fun

2010-07-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th weekend! Considering..... Rodney's stepfather passed away, so that has been hard on all of us! Ernie loved the boys, he always said if he could have kids again, he would wish for all boys and wanted them to be just like our 3! Most of the time we disagreed with him, but all 3 loved him just as much as he loved them!!! So we are trying to help Rodneys mom as much as we can, it has been pretty hard on her!

Anyways we did have a good weekend, again it was spent together and that is so important to me!!! Just a few pictures

All the grandbabies Monday morning, they are the finest looking bunch ever!

A small taste of grandpas fireworks!

Getting the fire going..

The boys at the fair with Rodney and my brothers family

I had pictures of Owen, but must of lost them!!!

Anyway he loved the parade, he waived, clapped, danced the entire time, even enjoyed 2 suckers that he brothers gathered for him!

Baseball

2010-07-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Finally I know, here are pictures from one of Bailey's games and Brady's games.

These are of Bailey

He loves to pitch!

Just one night we were in the garage screwing around with the camera

Brady

Yes and baseball season is almost over for my boys, we are already talking about football! LOL

Never too old...

2010-07-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yes that is right... you are never too old to run in the Cannon Falls demo derby even when you are almost 42....

Rodney is like a kid in the candy store with his derby cars, he and the boys had a blast! It totally paid off this year, he took 3rd on July 3rd and I tell you what, Bailey and Brady couldn't be more proud of their dad!!! Bailey still shows people his trophie when they come over, people Bailey doesn't even know!! Rodney was pretty pumped up too and of course already talking about future cars for next year! And yes of course Bailey is too, even though he has 5 1/2 years before he can run- that gives me some time to prepare!

Ok of course I am proud of him too, was alittle nervous though when he got hit in the drivers door and everyone went running to his car! Thank goodness he just just walked away with a few bruises and alittle sore! He said that Ernie (his stepdad that passed recently) was there with him and kept him safe!

Last minute preperations and on the way to the derby

Proud winner

Proud sons!!

Proud brother (ok BIL but they always say they are brothers and they look alike)

I LOVE my life!!

2010-06-24T11:58:00.001-07:00

This may be a sappy post, once in awhile I like to stop and smell the roses! I know how blessed I am, sure we all have our ups and downs, but I usually stay focused on the ups and just take it all in stride!! Most people can't do that, so I feel pretty blessed that I can and I know that I am blessed with such a beautiful family, far from perfect, but beautiful and they are mine!!

Our lives are hectic with 3 boys non stop, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love getting up early to prepare a meal for dinner later that day so they can have a hot meal before we rush off to sports for the night, I like doing laundry in the middle of the night knowing that my boys have clean clothes to wear.... crazy you say, I feel otherwise, gives me a sense of peace knowing that I am taking care of my family and having so much fun doing it!! Sure people stare at me while shopping at Walmart with the cart stacked sky high and 3 boys by my side leading me in 3 different directions, but honestly a grocery trip would be boring if I didnt have them with me! My 3... ok 4 boys complete me and I am pretty sure I am one of the happiest and the :LUCKIEST people on this earth!

So onto other things.... my dear Owen, how fast you are growing!! Your words just keep pouring out.... your daddy taught you to say "luv you", melts my heart every time you say it! You are the biggest snuggler ever and so not an inside kid at all, which we love because we love to be outside with you watching you explore so many different things!! I smile every time I think of you Owen! My little Owen has also decided to use the potty... not the little potty but the big potty!! I set him on there, he holds himself up and he goes, fluses and washes his hands. Too good to be true I am sure, but it is cute when he says "I go potty"!! Your growing up way to fast baby O, makes me smile, yet breaks my heart! You are a very busy, active little boy, never a dull moment again I wouldn't have it anyother way! Thanks for being you Owen!

Bailey and Brady are doing good as well, having a blast with the babysitter and enjoying summer vacation. A majority of there days are spent in the pool or at the beach and just having fun with Jessica and believe it or not each other! Bailey has been very active in baseball, I have yet to get a picture though, he sometimes gets to play with the 5th graders which is a very big honor for him. Brady is busy with tball and working on his reading, he is doing a fabulous job too! You boys have been great this summer, I know we have a long ways to go, but thank you for being you!!!! They also took swim lessons again this year, Brady has come a long way since he first started lessons. Bailey is an excellent swimmer and I told him if he passed this year he could be done, he passed and doesn't want to be done!! He completed all of the journeys and completed 1 of the 3 challenges, so he has 2 left to complete and wants to go again next year!! That is my boy!

My darling Rodney has been working on his derby car, yes that is right his derby car! He may be 41 but still likes his derbies and is still a big kid at heart!!! He will run on the 3rd of July, the boys are excited to watch him again this year and they love helping him get it ready!! For awhile Rodneys job was a little touch and go, he was laid off for a few weeks and a few weeks he wasnt getting many hours, so that was a struggle finacially, but we are managing and tweeked a few things in our lives! Things have picked up these past 2 weeks, so we will just see how it goes from there, that is about all we can do!!

That is the Braatz family in a nutshell, fun huh?? Never a dull moment with us and I love it!
Of course here are a few pictures from the Braatz camera!

These are from my brothers 40th surprise party

Brothers forsure!!

Dad on his birthday

Swim lessons

Trying to dive....

Just being Owen and the waterbug he is

These 2 cuddle every morning!

Rodneys nieces wedding

The gang eating a frozen treat on a hot day

Fun Filled weekend

2010-06-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

We had the best fun filled Memorial weekend ever! Wish every weekend could be like that. It was our last weekend together as a family before the summer gets nuts and we have to run, so we made it count!! I think all of us will remember Memorial weekend of 2010!!

Friday was Brady's birthday, so we gave him his gifts and then took him to AppleBees and went to the neighbors for bonfire and us adults ended up staying up WAY to late, but it was fun! What happens in Hillside Villiage stays in Hillside Villiage!! LOL

Saturday afternoon was Brady's party with some of his friends that could make it, it was the most perfect day for his party!! They went on the slip and slide, we had water balloon fights, they swam in the pool, we had a pinate, ate pizza and cake, Brady said it was a fun birthday! Saturday night we then had another bonfire and a few of the neighbors came up, but we turned in before sunrise because we were tired from the night before. Sunday the boys and I went swimming in our pool and played a few lawn games and hung out with the neighbors. Monday we were up and at'em and all of us went golfing, Owen too!! It was so much fun, Owen and I just hung out in the cart and helped keep score. Bailey did fantastic, he shot a 60 on the front 9, I think Brady shot a 135.... it was a fun day! We then came home and grilled out for lunch and for dinner and just hung out as a family! I just love our family time and value it so very much! So anyways, thanks for a great weekend boys, it makes me smile everytime I think about it!

At AppleBees

Brady's buddies

I will keep you guessing on this one!

Golfing

Happy 6th Birthday Brady!

2010-05-28T09:15:00.001-07:00

Today my Brady is 6! I have to be honest, I have no clue what time Brady was born, I think it was in the morning, I do know that he was 6lbs, 14oz and 19 1/2" long! Brady is our little firecracker he always has been and probably always will be! So hope you have a great day Brady, we are going to have fun this weekend!

Here are a few pictures down memory lane of Brady

We say goodbye to a very special friend

2010-05-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very hard day for all of us! We had to put our cat, Harley down. He has been suffering from infection and he was litterally full of shit and the next step would be to open him which is something we didnt want to do.

Harley was born August 1998 and died May 20th 2010 at 5:05pm. He was a very special friend to Rodney and the boys, he only liked me some of the times, but that was ok I was used to that! Harley loved to drink water from the faucet, play with mice once he caught them, never ate them just wanted to play! Harley loved his treats and would cry until we gave him one. He loved to be outside even though he didnt have front claws and liked to cuddle with Bailey and Rodney. For some reason Harley didnt like me much, even though I was the hand that fed him most of the time, but I didnt mind, he would litterally chase me and try to bite me!

Here are a few pictures that I had on my camera of Harley

This was a very hard decision for us to make, even more so to actually do! Bailey and Brady went with me, Rodney stayed with Owen. We tried to make it real as possible for the boys. Rodney made a wooden casket for Harley and we put a blanket and his favorite toy in there for him along with a bunch of pictures. Once we nailed his coffin shut we all traced our hand on the top and wrote him a message. We then picked out a special spot for him and we all took turns putting dirt in and Bailey had the honor of putting up the cross that was made for him. We then said a prayer for him!

God bless you Harley and I hope whatever pain was causing you to be sick is now gone!! You were one of a kind and we will miss you greatly!

Pictures

2010-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Not much of an update just some random pictures! And yes I need to start getting pictures of the 2 older boys, poor B&B, Owen gets alot more camera time than anyone!!

Bailey has started baseball and was picked by the 5th grade team to play with them tomorrow, so Wednesday is his first game, should be fun!! He is going out for pitching and catcher, which I do have to say that his pitching has improved alot as well as his catching and his fielding, must be because I have been practicing with him!! LOL Brady starts after school is out and Owen will just be the boys biggest fan throughout the summer on the side lines cheering with me!

Speaking of summer, it is filling up fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have every weekend booked with weddings, vacations, baseball tournaments, ect... until the middle of August and it is only May! Should be fun though, all 3 boys just love being outside!

Owen having fun on the 4 wheeler and helping dad fix it!

At the duck pond

Randoms... the last one is by the campfire, we always wait until Owen goes to bed to have one, but thought he would enjoy it too so we let him stay up.

His new swing

Owens favorite thing in the whole entire world besides me! He loves the JD lawn mower! It will be a blast this spring/summer when I can bring him to grandpas and he can ride on the bigger tractors!

Not a mammas boy anymore!

2010-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

How could you do it baby O? You and I are like 2 peas in a pod! I didn't think that this day would come, but it has and it breaks my heart and I will do everything in my power to get it back!!
I was gone for the weekend with some friends and the boys were with Rodney so I guess that is where it all started!! Owen wants his daddy all of the time now! It hit me lastnight when Owen woke up about 10:30 (teeth) and there was nothing I could do or say to calm him down, once Rodney took him all was quiet! Of course Rodney thinks it is funny, I on the otherhand do not!

Come back to me Owen!

Tantrum oh my!

2010-04-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

My precious, perfect baby Owen had his first tantrum lastnight! So of course being me I had to capture it all!! LOL
Usually after we get home from daycare we have to go outside, heck most days we don't even make it inside. So it was dinner time and time to come in, well Owen was pissed and so not ready to come inside!!! Usually I can get him in by telling him we need to wash his hands (kid is obsessed with washing his hands), this time it didnt work. I had to pick him up and drag him in. He was not happy as you can tell from the video!

Rodney finally told him that he could sit on his lap and eat his dinner after about 5 minutes of throwing a fit!!

Still mad he has to be inside to eat! Pointing to the door saying "outide", "outide", "outide"

Taking a little drink, "maybe then I can go outside!"

WOW!!

The proof!

Braatz Family News

2010-04-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Not much happening at the Braatz household lately! We have actually taken it easy these last few weeks. Baseball starts next Wednesday, so I am enjoying not running everyday, but it is soon coming to an end!

Everyoone is well at our house, we are all just enjoying the beautiful weather that Mother Nature has blessed us with, we are usually outside from morning until dark. It is fun watching Owen explore so much, he loves to be around the boys and do what they are doing and loves riding the JD toys that we have. He is also the biggest dare devil, he loves to ride Brady's 3 wheel scooter or his 3 wheel bike down our driveway, needless to say he keeps us on our toes! I honestly dont remember the other 2 being that way, oh well, it is fun and I enjoy every second of it! We did take Owen for his 18 month checkup, he weighed 34lb and was 34" tall, so he is just as round as he is tall!! No he is perfectly healthy, he just has alot of Gergen blood in him and is going to be like Bailey and uncle Bradley!

Anyway, here are a few pictures I would like to share.

This is with Owens godfather, Whiteye, Owen just loves him and of course Whiteye tends to spoil him whenever he stops by! He is the perfect godfather for Owen in my eyes anyways! This is coming back from their ride around our loop!

Owen is my little cleaner, he is going to be a mini "me" when it comes to cleaning! He is the best picker upper as well! You tell him to clean up and he does it, his brothers should take lesson from him!

These were taken when the AWF came to Cannon Falls. We took the boys and they had a blast!! Owen stayed with grandma, I do have to say it was pretty fun! It was suppose to air last Saturday on channel 45, but for some reason it didn't. We are hoping this Saturday they will air
it, if so it will be on channel 45 at 6:30.

This little stinker loves to "drive"!!! When Rodney comes home from work and we are outside he runs to the truck or car so he can "drive" up the driveway with him!

Decorating eggs, as you can tell Bailey was not happy, can't remember why, he was just crabby I guess.

My handsome little guy, he is so stinkin' cute I can't stand it most days! He will definatley make you smile!!

Meeting the Easter Bunny, Owen seemed to like him, he gave him "knucks". This was also Baileys last year for the Easter basket hunt in town.

Eating a cupcake at my brothers, and the 6 little darlings! They are all so cute!

This is the cake that the boys and I made on Sunday!

State Wrestling Tournament- Rochester

2010-03-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Brady did an excellent job this past weekend!!! He had 3 wins and 2 loses, pinning one of his opponents adding another pin to his wrestling cap! He got pinned the first time up, that kid took first in the whole tournament. We couldnt be more proud of Brady and we all had a blast the entire weekend! Thanks for the fun Brady! And we will get'em next year!

Almost there

Warming up

Sporting his new cap he got with all of his pins, I think he has 12 pins now

Parade of Champions

Let the wrestling begin, this is the kid who pinned Brady and took 1st

The bracket after his first loss

Sportin' his new shirt too

Fun in the pool with friends

With his cookie grandma sent for his and sportin' his buise he got in his first match, he was pretty proud of that bruise he even showed it for show and tell!!

Sunday when we got home, he was EXHUASTED!!!

I have to admit, I am a bit sad wrestling is over! Watching the boys wrestle is very hard to watch being the mom and watching their body parts twist and turn like that, but it is fun and I enjoy going to the matches and practices! We are very proud of both the boys and being this was Brady's first year of wrestling he did a fantastic job, still has alot of work on according to coach Rodney, but has got it for the most part! So until next season!!

18 Months

2010-03-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Yes my baby is 18 months old today, thanks for the reminder Janet!! LOL Hard to believe he is offically 1 1/2 years old, where does the time go! Owen is so full of life he just makes everyone smile and laugh, he is just a joy to be around and such a good boy! Hoping he can teach his brothers a few things!

Owens vacabulary has really taken off, of course he still talks "foreign" sometimes but for the most part he is a chatter box and tries to say everything he ask him too! I tell him to say "Owen", instead he says baby of course because I call him baby Owen all the time! Like many boys, Owen is such an outside kid, loves to be outside and gets mad when it is time to go in. I just taught him to ride the gator the other day, he has the pedal down, needs to work on the steering, but think we will have it down pat come spring/summer! He loves it and the JD lawn mower- that makes grandpa proud! He is just a busy little guy all of the time, keeps all of us on our toes!

Owen loves his "beer"

Happy Owen on one our many outtings

Bailey and Brady on Waky hair and clothes day for Dr. Suess week, Bailey had like 10 shirts on

This was just lastnight, even though he wrestles with Elmo he takes the time out to rock and cuddle with him.

Other than Owen we have been busy with wrestling, baseball clinics and every day struggles and adventures.

We are taking Brady to Rochester this weekend for the state tournament, he wrestles on Friday afternoon! Fingers crossed he does well, he could care less but regardless it will be a good experience for him! We will go down Friday and come home Friday night, then go back on Saturday and watch the other rats wrestle and then check into our hotel room and let the kids swim while us parents "hang" out! Owen will be at grandmas, which I am having a really hard time with because he will be there all weekend! Get over it right.......I have a bit of anxiety about that, but I know he will have a blast and grandma will need a nap come Sunday morning when we get home!!

This is the last week of wrestling, which I am thankful to get a break, but I know that baseball practices and games aren't far behind!

We had confrences for both boys last Thursday and they are both doing EXCELLENT!! Brady has come such a long ways since the start of the school year, we have both worked very hard to get him where he is now! WTG Brady!! Bailey is doing well too, most of his grades are up, we will work on getting 1 grade up, right Bailey!?? His teacher had nothing but nice things to say about him and how polite and respectful he is, which makes me happy!

Nothing else really, our lives revolve around 3 very active busy boys! I think yesterday we left the driveway 6 different times and the motors on our vehicles never got a chance to cool down! And I am not complaining at all I enjoy being busy with the boys, I fear when they are all grown and out of the house (or not) and we are not as busy!

That is all I have for now! Of course I will update after this weekend to let you know how Brady did!!

GOOD LUCK BRADY and all the Mat Rats this weekend!

All about Brady

2010-02-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

Brady gets the limelight this time and I know Bailey reads this so don't be mad Bailey, you have had the spotlight several times before!! Plus you get mad at me when I post and talk about your wrestling!

Brady was on fire this past weekend! Saturday we went to Shakopee and he pinned all 3 of his opponents taking first place, which also means he will get to compete in the state wrestling tournament in March in Rochester! We also had a tournament on Sunday as well, there was only Brady and another kid in his bracket, he wrestled that kid 2 times, also pinning him both times again taking 1st place. 5 pins, 4 kids.... WAY TO GO BRADY!!! Really Brady has no emotions while wrestling, he just goes out there does his thing and could really care less if he wins or looses, he is too cute to watch wheather he wins or looses, but lately he has been on fire! He is enjoying wrestling very much and loves the hardware that he gets. I just made up and painted a shelve for him like his big brothers so we can display all of his trophies and medals! He is pretty proud of those!

This is in Shakopee, the parade

Brady and his opponents

Bailey placing 4th in Shakopee

This is from Sunday at the CF tournament

So we will see how Brady does in March, we are all excited for this will be his 1st State tournament!!!

Can't forget about baby O

2010-02-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

My precious darling Owen! I have to say that little O has developed a bit of an additude lately, not crabby, but if he wants something he is bound determined to get it, very bull headed like his mother! His vocabulary is really taken off, his new words are "owie", everything is owie when he falls for bumps himself! And "apple", the kids loves apples and applesauce and not only does he love applesauce he has to feed it to himself at the kitchen table on the big chair! Yes that is my Owen! Even though he has been saying Bailey for awhile, everything is "Baiey", he loves Bailey and vise versa, it is fun to watch Bailey and Brady interact with him, they are both so good with him, for now anyways! That is pretty much Owen, he has been a trooper since wrestling started, it gets to be long days at these tournaments and he is so good at them. I am usually exhausted by the day end though, but wouldnt trade any of it for anything!

Here are a few pictures from the playoff games, Rodney and Owen had a blast watching the game together, amongs other things!!
Cheers!

Owen cleaning up before the game, he loves this thing!

Reading the paper with dad

Owen also loves to sneak into Brady's room, pull the tub out from under his bed, climb on it so he can get into Brady's bed!! He will put the covers up, crawl underneath, pull the covers back over him and lay down and tell us "ni-ni"! What he doesnt know is that I am keeping him in his crib until he is 18!!!!

And then there was more wrestling

2010-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

We had a full weekend of wrestling last weekend. Saturday we took both boys to Kenyon for an individual tournament. It was a long day, but fun! Brady placed 2nd in his bracket, pinning 2 of his opponents and Bailey placed 4th. As you will tell from the picture of Bailey he was not happy! Which I dont blame him, it is fun to win, but like we tell him time and time again that you cant win them all and as long as he does he best we are proud of him no matter what! We have another filled weekend of tournaments this weekend and then we should be done for awhile. Saturday we go to Shakopee where both boys will compete in an individual tournament and also compete to qualify for state in March. Brady has to get 1st or 2nd place to qualify and Bailey has to do the same, otherwise get 3rd to get 10 points and place 3rd on Sunday to get another 10 points. Both boys said they are going to shoot for 1st both days! That is the additude I like to hear from them! If they dont that is ok too, they have both worked very hard this year and we are proud of them, but both Rodney and I would love to go to Rochester again for state, just for selfish reasons! (we had alot of fun with the other wrestlers parents!) So I am hoping that they both do well!

Brady wrestled Sunday in a team tournament in Kasson. Bailey choose not to because he was getting his stones from his faith steps in chruch. So Rodney took Brady and I took Bailey and Owen. Rodney said Brady had another good day, he pinned 2 more of his opponents, making a total of 5 pins since he started wrestling! WTG Brady! The Mat Rats team took 4th in the tournament and Rodney said everyone wrestled really hard! So WTG Mat Rats!

This is from Sunday after the team tournament, modeling his pins on his hat and medal!

This is from Saturday, Bailey not happy as you can see! But he did great in our eyes!

Brady on Saturday modeling his 2nd place trophy! He loves to have his picture taken!

So if you think of it this weekend, think of the Braatz boys and in your mind root them both on!! We are all pretty pumped and excited to watch them!!

Wrestling

2010-01-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

Both boys with their trophies

The wrestlers wrestling with Owen before the tournament started, who doesn't love Owen!?

We took the boys to a wrestling tournament in IGH this past weekend. It was Brady's first individual tournament. Both boys wrestled well and put up good fights! Brady got 4th and Bailey got 3rd earning him 10 points towards state which is in May. Brady is pretty proud of his trophy! Of course Owen was very good, he just amazes me how good he does at these things! Especially since we were there for 5 hours! Some of the videos are a bit shaky, only because I havent mastered the abitlity yet how to hold onto my 30lb kid so he doesnt run off, watch the boys wrestle and tape at the same time, so bare with me! Hopefully I get better with time!

Brady

Bailey- these are the only 2 videos I could get to upload, I had 7 of them!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Yes I am alittle behind, seems to be the pattern lately! We are all doing good. Owen just went back to a regular routine/daycare today, our daycare lady had a hysterectamy and was off for 6 weeks, so we had a couple weeks to scramble to find care for him, it all worked out. He seemed pretty happy to be back this morning! Owen had his 15 month check up a few weeks ago, I think he was 31lb and honestly I have no idea how tall he was, but both were obviously in the 100% tile! Yes my kid is big, but he is cute! He makes us laugh all the time, he is alot like his daddy when in comes to his personality, he is so full of life! And honestly as much as he runs around and is so busy all the time, you would think he would be smaller, he is just go, go, go, heck you would think I would be smaller too, but not the case!! LOL

Brady is enjoying his first year of wrestling! Last Sunday CF Mat Rats hosted a team tournament where the kids have to have wrestle offs to make the team, and he had to wrestle 2 different kids and beat them and made the team. Bailey didnt have to wrestle off anyone, so he was automatically on the team. They did really well, Owen and I only stayed for the first round and then came back for the last round. Brady got pinned 3 times and he pinned his last guy in litterally like 2 seconds! WTG Brady! Bailey lost his first 2, then won the 3rd by points and the last match won by forefit. We are very proud of both of them. We are taking them both this weekend to IGH to what will be Bradys first individual tournament, so he is pumped! Brady is doing excellent in school, he has come a long way since the beginning of the year. Rodney taught him how to tie his shoe in 10 minutes and he picked up on it instantly!!

Bailey is also enjoying wrestling, I think he has grown up alot since wrestling last year! Wrestling is a tough sport on kids I think, because it is an individual effort instead of team! He is doing fantastic and it is fun to watch him! As far as school goes he is struggling a bit, but we are working on that everyday and just encouraging him to get thru this year (he has a hard teacher accompanied by alot of homework everynight!) I honestly didnt think I had to put my thinking cap back on so early on, but some of the stuff he brings home is crazy, most nights he has an hours worth sometimes 2 hours of homework! Overall he is doing good and becoming such a joyful young man!

Rodney has been hanging in there, work is tough, but they seem to keep him working which is a blessing so I am thankful for that! As for me, still the same!! Just loving life every single day even though everyday is so very hectic and very crazy, it is fun and I fear of blinking because I dont want to miss anything my boys are doing! My 4 boys are my whole world and I thank god for them everyday and I feel so blessed to be his wife and their mother!

Of course I have pictures, but I think I need to step it up a bit, I dont have very many, espeically of Brady or Bailey. I did take pictures of them at the tournament but they turned out too dark!

Owen and I one morning when we didnt have daycare, we were playing with my camera!

Sweet angel!

This kid LOVES to brush his teeth!!

He also loves to vacuum!!

My monkey, this kid climbs on EVERYTHING, even on the our headboard in our room!

Weekend in WI with Rodneys dad and mom

Owen LOVES grandpa Bill!!

Baby O dancing, he is our little dancer and when he is not climbing or cleaning he is dancing!

Christmas

2009-12-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas was really good this year, goes by so fast though!! I forgot how exhausting it is when you have alittle one that needs to nap though, but Owen was a trooper and such a good boy all 3 days! We have one more this weekend in WI then we are done. It was nice to spend the holiday with family and kids, the boys had a blast and Rodney complained he wanted a present, so next year I guess we have to buy for each other so he can stop his whinning!!

Getting hugs from uncle Bradley

My boys!

The Gergens

Loving his new sled

Grandma and her 6 babies

The thrio and their Vikings wear

The tree after santa came, I mean Mrs. Clause, Mr. was sleeping on the couch

Rodney, Lilly and Owen on Christmas Eve

Kissing santa goodnight!

Trying out the fresh snow

Making cookies

Just being cute

2 vidoes of baby O

2009-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Baby O's first haircut

2009-12-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Owen got his first haircut lastnight, he was sporting a mullet, and it killed me to cut off the mullet curls, but I had too!! He did fairly well. I thought he was going to be ok when we first got there we was making friends with Pam while she finished cutting another gals hair. It was O's turn and he sat in the chair for a bit, then he was pissed!! Being the wonderful dad that he is, Rodney sat in the chair and put him on his lap, he was stilled pissed- poor Pam!! But she managed to get it done fairly fast! Thanks Pam!! He still looks like a baby, just more of a chubbier baby!! LOL His cheeks really stand out now I think, but he looks pretty handsome! Owens brothers also got their haircut lastnight, they of course did fine!! LOL

Into the chair

What the heck is this,I am not sure about this...

Still not sure....

Getting kind of irritated.... let me out!!!

Almost ready to cry....

DADDY HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still mad...

Side view

What a ham!

Brady's first wrestling match!

2009-12-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am NOT a fan of wrestling, it gets to my stomach watching anyone wrestle and it is nerve wracking when it is your kid that is out on that mat wrestling, but it is what it is and that is what boys love to do so be it!!

Lastnight the Mat Rats had an exhibition in Cannon while the JV was wrestling. This was Brady's first time wrestling another kid from a different school, he was pumped though! "Mom I am going to kick some butt" - ekkkkk now lets not get a big head, but glad you have a positive additude and are willing to give it all you got! He did too!! Brady wrestled his first match and the other kid gave up a good fight, but Brady ended up pinning him, yes his first pin!!!!!!! He wrestled his 2nd match and he was fantastic! He lost after 3 very hard periods and lost by points not being pinned! It was amazing watching him and how well he did for his first time! Very, very proud of him and he was proud of himself too!

Bailey also wrestled 2 matches and won both of his. His first match he pinned, and the 2nd kid was a kid he wrestled last year that beat Bailey, but Bailey did an excellent job and beat him with points! I am so thankful I have these 2 on my side!!! LOL They both did great and I couldn't be more proud of them on how well they kept going, weather they lost or not, they didn't give up and worked hard to get where they are today! Great job boys!!

After we got home, of course he needed pictures of himself!

Bailey's 1st match

Oh I have these in the wrong order, this is Brady winning the first match

Putting up our tree

2009-12-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

We put our tree up last Friday, Bailey wanted it downstairs, Brady wanted it upstairs.... Brady won!! LOL We didnt put half our decorations up yet though seeing how Owen thinks he can play with EVERYTHING, so we just put out a few things. For the most party Owen leaves it alone, althoug he likes to dance with the snowman we have!! LOL

Bailey being cute

Brady being cute

Owen dancing with the snowman

Fasinated with lights.... "petttyyyy" as O would say

O loves lights... too bad this one is sideways

Update on us

2009-12-09T11:35:00.001-08:00

Been alittle busy lately at home and at work, but seeing how today is a snowday I can update alittle.

Well the flu hit our house pretty hard over Thanksgiving. I had it Thursday- Friday, Brady got it Friday morning and Rodney got it Sunday night. Pretty sure Bailey started it seeing how he was sick the Friday before Thanksgiving weekend, so for that we grounded him! LOL Owen is the only one who didnt get the flu bug. It hit me pretty hard, I was down for 2 entire days and even on Saturday didnt have the most energy and didnt eat much. I lost 12lbs being sick, too bad I couldn't keep it off, unfortunately it came back! LOL We are on the mend now thank goodness! We planned to have the Braatz family and some friends over the Friday after Thanksgiving, but had to cancel it due to our illness. I was pretty dissapointed especially seeing how Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday ever! Oh well, we did cook up the ham and turkey and told people enter if you dare! My mom and her boyfriend came as well as Rodneys mom and boyfriend. These are some of the pictures we took.

My little angel and I

This is so funny, every time Brady tries to give me attention or sits on my lap Owen gets so mad, here is O trying to push Brady away! He doesn't do this with Bailey though, only Brady!

The sick family....

O and grandma, poor grandma got pretty sick too!

Of course we have been pretty busy otherwise. The boys started wrestling so that is every Tuesday and Thursday. Brady goes from 6-7 and Bailey goes from 7-8:30. We do the best we can with all of that and the homework and everything else, it is busy all the time, but I love it!!

Bailey is 10

2009-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

So I am alittle late with this!! Bailey turned 10 on the 26th of November, hard to believe, but he will always be my baby in my eyes anyways, hell they all will be my babies even they are grown men!

So anyways, Bailey didn't have much of a birthday, his mamma got really sick the morning of his birthday, hence the reason for only these pictures! He said he didn't mind though, we opened his gifts from us, 2- Knex sets, Miley CD (which is actually really good) and Axe. I attempted to make him a cake but couldnt so Rodney had to do it. Seeing how his birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year, we had plans to go to my brothers and his families for dinner. There was no way I could go, but the 4 of them got to go and enjoy themselves. So, sorry buddy I couldn't help you celebrate, but HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!!

Bailey's birthday party

2009-11-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

We had it a bit early due to Thanksgiving, his 10th birthday is on the 26th (Thanksgiving Day) But it was alot of fun, it just amazes me how far these kids have come since I met them 5 years ago. It was interesting to watch thier mannerisms now that they are older and into so much more - phones, music, each other!!!!! Anyway I won't get all sappy, but it is hard for me to realize that Bailey is 10 (almost). 10 years ago we brought him home in his Vikings outfit, laid him on the bed and looked at each other and said "what do we do with him now?" Ok I admit sometimes we still dont know what to do with him, but I think we have done a pretty good job raising him, he is a pretty good kid!

So as far as I know they all had a blast and I stayed with them the entire time just in case they know about the game spin the bottle or any of those other games Rodney played when he was that age!! LOL I asked Bailey if I cramped his style by hanging out with them and he said no!

The kids played a Wii bowling tournament and the boys beat the girls by a few points, played guitar hero. We had pizza, they attempted to watch a movie, but the boys were too busy chatting, snickering and laughing it didnt last long- poor girls wanted to watch it!! Then came the pillow fight until one of my pillows busted open, then that was over. We then had cake and after that they turned up the music and danced around like crazy drunk people!! The girls went home around 8 and the boys spent the night, and the boys stayed up until Rodney finally sent them bed at 2:30, hopefully they werent too crabby for their parents the next day!! I do have to say though that they boys were so much louder than the girls were, they must of all been hyped up on sugar because they were so loud and of course all showing off when the girls were there!

Playing Wii bowling

Eating pizza, these kids can eat!

Our 4th son and Baileys BF

Pillow fight

The gang

Dancing and showing off

I think there were judging here....

Silly boys

The girls

It was fun Bailey!!!

Baileys 1st deer hunting experience

2009-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Rodney took Bailey out with him opening morning of deer hunting. I think they got up at 4:30 and were in the stand by 5. They shot this one about1:15. Rodney said it is small, but shot it because Bailey was with him. Bailey thought it was pretty cool, and so did the other 2 when they brought it home! The joys of a hunters wife X's 3 boys!

The boys

14 months and as cute as can be!

2009-11-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Yes I am alittle late, but whatever I have been busy! So our darling baby O (is what I call him) is already 14 months old and honestly developing quite the personality. He is such a stubborn little guy and really has been using his Braatz temper lately! Don't get me wrong, he is still sweet as ever just with a little kick sometimes! He is THE busiest little guy ever, always into something or his new thing climbing on everything! He will take a bowl from the kitchen, turn it upside down and stand on it to reach something, now if that isnt stinker I dont know what is! He tries to climb on the speakers in the living room as well and they are not that big! Yes Owen keeps me busy, he is a bit like his mom, can never just sit in one place!

Baby O's vacabulary has really taken off as well. He will say Harley- Hareeeee, Bailey is Baieeeeee, grandma is take a deep breathe in and ma, all done, puppy is paaaa, it is really fun to try to get him to say things. He understands everything we say, Owen lets go get your jammies on.... he will run in his room and wait for one of us or Owen lets go brush our teeth - he will run in the bathroom climb on the stool and wait for his toothbrush. Of course he has to get his toothbrush wet throughout brushing his teeth and try to spit like his brothers too! He is just so fun!

Knock on wood Owen has been healthy so far this cold and flu season, I know we have a long ways to go yet, but I am hoping for the best!

So baby O, keep making us smile and laugh! I love you!

2009-11-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

This kid cracks me up!! He loves music and loves to dance!!

2009-11-04T10:56:00.000-08:00

This was on the way to pick up dads new truck. Lucky Rodney! He bought a 2008 Chev Silverado, 4 door extended cab. It is pretty much all decked out and is black in color. It looks really sharp and drives really nice. Now to make the payment................

I finally got teeth

Not sure what the scowl is all about...

We had a fun Halloween. I like it more when it falls on a weekend and we dont have to rush. So our first stop was at grandmas. She gave the boys some treats and even some tricks. Next stop was grandpas where Owen loved his dancing/singing skelton. Of coure they all 3 loaded up there with candy and even a can of pop! Next we headed home to eat alittle dinner before heading out and before Bailey's friend arrived. We all went to neighbor Bobs and to Jason then they dropped Owen and I off at home where we sat patiently for trick or treaters..... only we didn't have any!!! I was very disapointed.

Owen and played for a bit then he went off to bed. Finally around 8:30 the 2 neighbor boys came over!!!!!! They pretty much made my whole night!! I think Halloween and the world of dress-up is such a wonderful thing! Kids get to use their imagination and pretend they are someone else for the day, how wonderful! So couple hours later, they boys finally show up with TONS of candy!! Seriously what will we do with it all!! I am not eating it! It was a fun night for the boys!

Owen with grandma

Bailey loves his grandma

Cute Bailey

At grandpas

Grandpa and the trio

Bailey with his friend Dylon before trick or treating

Our pumpkins all lit up

Halloween fun

2009-11-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

This was Friday before and during the school party that Randolph puts on. Bailey's last year that he can attend! LOL

Bailey as a hobo

Brady as Darth Vader

All 3 monkeys

Brady playing a game

Owen fasinated by ALL of the balloons

2009-10-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I ever posted these....... shame on me!!
These are Owen's 1 year old pictures, I just LOVE THEM!!!! It was hard to decide what to order, I just got them back yesterday and am excited to get frames for them and start putting them up!

anyway click on the site (and yes that is Owen on the front) click online viewing and then click on Braatz Family and the password is bailey

http://www.heidizimmermanphotography.com/

Randoms and update

2009-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Look how happy he is!!

Brady wearing his hat that he paid $1 to wear to school for 1 day... Nice

Brotherly love

I guess not much on my end. Owen is doing good yes even after his 14 step fall! He sure has developed into a little monkey, he wants to climb on everything and anything! He is happy, healthy and that is all that matters! We did recently wean him from the bottle, now that was really hard for me, piece of cake for Owen!! He was only down to 1 bottle at night and doesn't even miss it! Seriously what is next... off to college! First it is the growing like a weed, smiling, cooing, rolling, crawling, walking, turning 1.... I can't take it anymore!!!! Well he will always be my baby so that I can atleast hold onto that!

Brady is concentrating on school a bit more, we have been really working with him so he doesn't fall behind, he has been doing really well! We wrapped up playing soccer for the fall, he had a blast playing and it did him some good to burn off some of his energy! He says he is going to try wrestling again this year, so we shall see in a few weeks at sign up!

Bailey is Bailey, he is a girl crazy maniac!! It is all about the girls, his friends and how cool they all are, dances and this is one is having a party, can I call so and so.....I will be honest, I didn't think this would start this early, he is only in 4th grade for crying out loud and I am really not ready for it! Well after his first mid quarter grades, his main focus now is on school work, that put a small cramp in his style!!! He has another week to get his grades up, pretty confident he can do it, he just needed alittle push from the behind! But he is now doing really well and adjusting to being "responsible" and not a little kid anymore! Oh gosh did I just say that? Where did my little Bailey go? Thank goodness he doesn't read these!

Rodney and I celebrated our anniversary last weekend, even though our anniversary was on the 8th of September. It was hard for him to drag me away, but I went and we did have fun! We got a hotel in Rochester and did some Christmas shopping, had a nice dinner at Red Lobster and just did alot of talking and of course had a few cocktails! I think that our relationship needed that, but because the boys have me so wrapped around their fingers, we don't get the opportunity to do it! It was nice, but I was very happy to be home in the mad chios of our wonderful world!!

Pumpkin fun at the Braatz House

2009-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Carving pumpkins in our house is always so much fun! I was hoping Owen would really get into more and get more messy, but he didn't! He was so confused on why we could cut the pumpkins top off and stick out hand in there to fish out the guts.... he sat for the longest time watching us, then he finally stuck his hand in his pumpkin and grabbed some goop and that was really about all! He does love pumpkins though, he gets really excited when he sees one and points to it and babbles! For the first time we used those stencil patterns, of course Brady had to have the same one as Bailey, and of course Bailey was mad about it. But it ended up working out!

So here is proof that we had a blast carving pumpkins on Sunday!

Our 5 pumpkins

Brady getting started

Sticking his hand in it

The boys- yes Brady is sitting on our kitchen table

Checking it out

So confused

Cutting his pattern out

Not so sure

Take a picture of me mom

Rodney showing him it was cool to feel

Hard at work

Going for it

Rodney helping Brady trace his

Not sure...

Bailey is so my kid

Cutting a small one before we started the big ones

checking it out more

Helping me carve his

Owens finished pumpkin

Mine... I think mine is the coolest!

The finished products

Baileys

Bailey and his pumpkin

Mom take another picture ofme, that other one was a bad one.... seriously.

At last a family picture with our pumpkins

Happy Halloween!!!

Owens new toy

2009-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to alot of garage sales this past summer, so there were a few in the paper for last Saturday, I decided to go by myself!! I scored some things for Brady and this new toy for Owen! He loves it and was so excited from the time we brought it into the house. He was mad when we took it apart and cleaned it up a bit. We brought it downstairs and I bet he played for close to an hour on it!!!! Best $5 I ever spent! The other 2 never had anything like this, so I thought what the heck, and in the spring we can bring it outside! Owen is out little moneky, the kid likes to climb on anything, that is why I knew he would love this!

Of course Brady had to check it out too!

So very thankful!

2009-10-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

More so than ever before!

I honestly don't know why I am even posting this, but I am going too, maybe someone will learn from my mistake and stupidity!

Monday night, typical night at the Braatz house, CRAZY, the boys were downstairs playing Wii and Owen and I went downstairs to check on them, came back up to check dinner. Of course I was holding him like I always do, but I needed 2 hands to do whatever I was doing so I put Owen down. He was teering apart the cubboards like usual, the phone rings I go to look and see who it is, hear the gate and that is pretty much when I blacked out! Owen fell down ALL 14 of our stairs! Did your heart drop...... mine does everytime I think about it!!!

By the time I got to the top of the stairs he was half way down and continued rolling to the bottom! It is a horror picture I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET!!!! The only thing I remember is thinking what shape is he going to be in when I get to the bottom, which seemed like it took forever for me to get there! Of course he was crying and moving all his limbs, so I scooped him up and just held onto him as tight as I could! Nothing happened to him, not a scratch, bruise, nothing only about 5 minutes of tears!! How did this happen, well when Owen and I came back upstairs, I, Stacy, his mother, his protector, forgot to shut the gate!!!! I preach and preach to everyone else about the gate and I forget to shut it, something I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN! Now I know he is fine of course, but it is hard for me to think about what could of happened from my stupidity mistake!

I have never felt so scared in my entire life, NEVER! I also have never cried so much nor I have ever thanked god so much for protecting my sweet baby O during his fall!

It is a memory, more like scary movie I would like to forget, but unfortunatley it will always be in my mind!

So now the boys ask me "did you shut the gate mom?"

Thank you god for keeping him safe!