THE BEST DAY EVER!!!

A SUPRISE VISITOR....

Can you guess who it may be??

A little hint.....

Our long lost friends-SNOW SNOW AND SNOW!!!!

WELCOME TO SOUTH CAROLINA MR SNOW

WILL YOU PLEASE STAY AWHILE??????

I'll play with you as much as you want...

Thank You So Much For Coming To See Us...

Oh, I just LOVE you soooo much......

Can't Wait Till Morning For Lots Of SNOWY FUN!!!!!

Sick Day

Pretty much what Maggie did all day!

And she's not even sick!

Sarah has been home sick since Mon afternoon but as you will soon see, when the Brabham kids are sick they definitely do not lay around sick.

They run around like crazy despite feeling "ill".

I rose early as usual for some "quiet time" then got the boys up and to school.

I quickly joined Jillian for the 30 day shred since I knew I wouldn't be making the gym or a run today. She killed me in 20 minutes flat-sorta like Sylke would at the gym.

Sarah slept in but then quickly went to apply her make-up for the day.

Then she enjoyed some yummy hot chocolate while we got ready to make

some Valentine goodies.....

....and some healthy home-made protein bars!!!

We had SOOOOOO many taste tests that we decided to get down and do some push-ups

(just for a little extra exercise)

She happily joined me!!!! :o)

Then we worked on Valentine Day cards for our friends!

LOVE those backwards "S"'s.

I've tried desperately to help her change this but she will have nothing to do with mommy helping her do her letters.
Then she decided it was time to play with the dogs-

in the kennel , of course!!

Why, cleaning up the big 'ole kitchen mess with mom would be way too BORING!!!

Oh yes, then the little trip to the grocery and the library then finally home-
(because the car is so BORING since the dvd is broken-a 7 minute drive is just unbearable without a TV!!!)
I, on the other hand, LOVE that its broken...even though we'd rarely allow it on such a short trip its so nice not to hear any fussing over it.
Plus, I LOVE to hear the kids sing! :o)
I just got done listening to Sarah belt out "Away In A Manger" to her baby "Jesus" lying on the dog bed "manger" in the den.
She's begging for some hay and a bucket for him to lay in but I told her it was not allowed in the house...she says "that's ok, he can lay outside under the trampoline"....
Doesn't sound like a sick girl to me!!!
I'm chuckling as I write because she has moved upstairs to harass the boys with her bucket and mixing spoons singing "Jingle Bells".....

Gotta LOVE those sick days!!!!
(and sweet little girls!!!!)

Time Flys....

I can't believe the month of January has come and gone.....

it's been a busy month over here!!!

Lets see, to start the month off we celebrated Casey Jr and Pop Brabhams' birthdays.

Their birthdays are a day apart and its always great fun to celebrate the 2 of them together!

This year we decided to "eat in" but Casey Jr was treated to his request of lobster tail and crab legs.

He was in food heaven I tell you.....the boy was a grinnin from ear to ear-

In between bites of course!This month brought us many cold and rainy days so even though it appears we have been LAZY...

the truth is,

we have been busy as bees!!

(I am cold natured and keep gloves on most of winter...even in the house)We really have done more than just lay around.....

we've had LOTS of playdates-

we went bowling with friends

AND

spent many dinners at the DOG and DUCK!!

The kids have had (in my humble opinion) way too many days off from school this month with teachers workdays, holidays etc etc.

I have been able to take days off with them so I decided to tackle one of our "monthly" to do house projects.

WE FINALLY PAINTED THE PLAYROOM!!!!

We have been wanting to do this since we moved in 4+ years ago but we got busy raising a family and well, just never had time.

Casey and I decided to break it down this year and tackle 1 project a month....

and well, we are already ahead of ourselves....

we just finished painting the foyer (FEB project) AND

have started working on the screen porch (MARCH)!!!!

Whoohoo...hopefully we'll keep this pace up! :o)

AKA "MARLEY".....

Surely I wouldn't be talking of this sweet face...

OR, this one!!!

Well, I'll let you decide.....who looks "Marly'ish"???

The answer....well, actually a tad bit of both!!!!

I'll start with "Cottenelle Puppy"...yeah, that's what she's been called by many.

She's really cute and furry and lovable and digs and pees on the porch and chews electrical cords and plays king of the yard with the above mentioned precious little girl!

Ahhhhhhh...the musings of a puppy mommy!!

Despite these all....we LOVE her so much!!!

She's in the "toddler"stage of puppyhood and well, its fun, busy, crazy etc etc!

Really, she's doing great and there is nothing better than when you call her name and her ears flop down and she bolts full force to you with her whole body shaking!

Daddy Casey is a sucker for her "because she's a girl and girls should be spoiled".

Yes, he whole-heartily believes that...I'm proof--

I forgot to mention he bought ME a sweet BIRTHday gift on Casey Jr's birthday because

well, I birthed him!!!

LOVE my AWESOME PINK RUNNING TOP!!!!

Anyway, she is a tad spoiled rotten but she's only little once!

(and did I forget to mention so stinkin' cute)

She came home the other day and had "pink boots with the fur"....

(yeah, the kids and I were singing LOW to her the whole way home from the vet....

I know not the greatest choice of song for young kids but.... we like it-Maggie did too)!

just a little minor surgery to remove her rear dew claws.

She's doing great and other than having cute little pink dressings.... you'd never believe she had surgery!!

Next up,

Marley #2

The cutie dancing in the pink pants!!

Whew...she's giving me a time-I'm talking sassy pants ya'll!!

I don't know what it is but rearing a girl is MUCH different from a boy!

One thing IS FOR CERTAIN....we are nippin it NOW before she becomes a tween.

I do remember praying when I was pregnant with her

(we did not know the sex of our babies)

that if this baby was a girl

we would survive the teenage years and menopause

since we would go down this road together at the same time!

(I was 36 when she was born).

I still pray this everyday...

God definitely has the wheel on this one and I know things will be just fine!!!

Aside from her sassy moments she is a gem and growing up way too fast.

Over Christmas break she finally went without a nighttime pullup!!

Crazy huh....I know 4 1/2 and still in pullups at night!!!

I thought girls were supposto get through that sooner than boys???

Both boys were DONE at 3 but Sarah just kept waking up wet...I mean sopping!!

Basically....it was a crutch and it was easy so it worked....well,

one night she fell asleep early(GASP....early????) and we just forgot the pullup(maybe early ALTZIMERS...we're old) and put her to bed and well....she woke up dry!

End of story...no more diapers or pullups here-we've GRADUATED!!!

She's halfway through 4 yr preschool and next month starts practicing for Kindergarten

by exiting the car all by herself.

She's so excited...I'm just wanting to freeze time a bit!

Last week they had Doughnuts for Dad so daddy was able to spend a morning at school with her.

I had a funny pic but it somehow disappeared and I'm too tired to retrieve it.

She downed about 3 Krispy Creme doughnuts then for some reason has had tummy issues all weekend.

The pic was most definitely post doughnut ingestion by the look on her face!!

(you'll just have to picture that one in your head) :o)

Introducing my newest addiction....

Holy Yummy!!!
Can I count that as a serving of veggies????
...we eat them plain AND on almost everything!!
Salads, wraps, eggs....everything!!
The marinated okra is pretty darn good too!!

Random....yeah I know, but they just crossed my mind as a snacky snack and I had to mention them!!!!

In a couple of weeks me and 3 friends will run our first MUD RUN!!
We're getting really excited although we really don't know exactly what we're in for except...
4 miles
12 obstacles
12 trivia questions
and LOTS OF MUD!!!

SOUNDS LIKE GREAT FUN!!!!

We had big plans to sign up for the Nashville Rock N Roll Marathon but had to cancel due to schedules and our kids sports.
Spring is a very busy time so its hard to fit in vigorous training...we're keeping our eyes open on a fall marathon but haven't made our decision yet...hopefully soon!!
We are also running the Cooper River Bridge Run and have a challenge with the hubby's going on that race. Casey has laced up his running shoes and has started training!
Watch out Boys.....we're out to WIN this one!!!


Last but not least.....I'd like to CONGRATULATE my friend Carrie on a weight loss of 50lbs!!
She has completely transformed herself and has inspired many including myself!!
She recently said to me before starting to run...."kathy, I'm not a runner"
Well, that "non runner" ran her first 5k a couple weeks ago and WON 1st in her age division!!
She rocked it!!!
Way to go Carrie....I'm so PROUD OF YOU!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASEY!!!

Happy 11th Birthday Son!!!

You have grown into a fine young man and we are so very

PROUD of YOU!!!!

Casey celebrated early last week with a sleep-over with several of his best friends!

A great time was had by all..thankfully the weather participated and the boys were able to play some football and capture the flag well into the evening.

It's hard to believe that 11 short years ago we started our family....

You continue to bring so much joy, love, and laughter into our lives every day!!

We wish you the best today and always!

love,

Mom Dad

Will Sarah Maverick and Maggie

We've Been Busy Havin' Fun, Sooo...Better Late Than Never!

Reason(s) to CELEBRATE!!!

1. Casey Jr. went to the orthodontist last week and got his expander taken out..

whoo-hoo!!!

As per Brabham tradition, we went out to celebrate to a place of Casey's choice. The kids LOVE "cook in front of you" restaurants so we knew exactly where we were headed. He picked Yakoso-a somewhat new Japanese restaurant in downtown Summerville.

Of course he ate his dinner on the celebratory RED PLATE and nearly finished his adultsized portion of food. A great time was had by all......even Sarah, who spent half the meal behind daddy's chair hiding from the fire.

2. Casey also lost 2 teeth that night---pulled them out himself actually!!!

He must of gotten this trait from his daddy because I was deathly afraid of getting teeth
pulled and splinters taken out when I was a kid.

****ok...I will confess (and this is NO REASON TO CELEBRATE)....yes, for you parents out there I did the undreamable (G...A...S...P!!!) The toothfairy FORGOT to come!!!

How could this happen you ask?????

Simple.....I'm a mamma of 3 kids, 2 dogs, a wonderful hubby,it's Christmas, and I've hit middle age. Yes, that's my excuse!! Well, thankfully it happened with my child that just learned the Santa/Toothfairy/Easter Bunny secret. He understood and kinda even laughed about it. I told him that's exactly why I NEEDED his help these days...I need a young brain that can remember things. He's ALL OVER this and has been huge help already this Christmas season! Thanks Casey Jr...you rock! ;o)

I did make up for this and he found a sweet surprise under his pillow the next morning!

3. We have 2 TERRIFFIC KIDS this month!!

Way to go Brabham boys.....we are so very proud of you both!!!

A parent could ask of no better gift this holiday season than to celebrate this honor with both of their sons!!!

The boys had their last day of school Friday and spent the day in PJ'S watching Polar Express, playing games, and counting down the last hours till Christmas break. Plus pizza parties and plenty of homemade treats!

YUM YUM!!

Sarah and I spent the day in the "BIG" school going back and forth between the boys' classrooms.

Sarah even got to go to computer lab with Will's class ...and boy she had FUN!!

(all practice for Kindergarten next year)

4. Sarah is out of school too!!

She had her last day on Thursday and we saw her perform in the last Bethany Christmas program for the Braham Bunch. Its bittersweet but she is SOOOOO ready for Kindergarten...probably even more so than the boys.

She did an AWESOME job and that girl just loves to sing.

After the Christmas program we went back to the classes for a little Christmas party. As I walked down the halls I looked at all the sweet and precious art the children have done-it honestly just MELTED MY HEART!!!! Sarah has been so very blessed to have such amazing teacher's this year. They even taught the kids to play 2 Christmas songs with chimes-I must say my make-up was down my face hearing and seeing this beautiful sight.
The Kids' Christmas List....

*LOVE the pointy ear effect...too CUTE*
*Staying on cue for her part in the song*

We LOVE you Mrs. Gunter and Mrs. Holcomb

5. Maverick and Maggie are officially the BEST of FRIENDS!!!

They are really starting to play all the time and they wear each other flat out. We all just laugh watching them. And we must say, regardless of her small size, she is one fiesty little girl. She just goes right after Maverick...almost always "going for the jugular" as the boys would put it!

We are soooo loving having another dog! She is just precious and completes our family. She IS SPOILED ROTTEN though.....oh well, she's only a puppy for a short time!!

6. Christmas cards have been ready for a week and FINALLY just got mailed!! :o)

7. and last but not least, TIS THE SEASON!!!!

I have 2 patients to see tomorrow then off for Christmas break. The kids and I plan to do a little baking with some friends and then Aunt Missy and Uncle John come to town tomorrow night...they are bringing their new puppy too!!

We can't wait to meet her!

Off to enjoy time with family and friends....

Wishing you all a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!!!