Busselman Family

2012-02-11T15:10:00.004-06:00

WHO AM I???!!

Can you take a look at this picture and guess who Braxton is?!?!

Clue: Who always has a hat on with a pencil in it?!?! YEP!!! GENE WERNER!!:) He randomly grabs his hat and asks for a pencil, so 'I can be Gene Werner mom'....gotta love it:)

TA-DA!!! He lined up every train he had and placed them in a nice order on the track..if you can look closely, he has a 'man' driving each one as well...
Because we have Sooo much room in our house, we decided to bring the tent back out! He not only naps in it, but sleeps inside there at bed time! Hey, don't judge me...he has a bed, but refuses to sleep in it! (and don't get me wrong..I LOVE our cozy little home, and am VERY thankful...just wish it were bigger!!!)

Braxton was at the shop and told Brad he NEEDED this flash light for something. When we got home, he lifted the hood of his JD tractor and turned the light on and said, "now I can farm in the dark mom." He had a plan all along:)

Braxton was soooo excited that Brandon (Werner) came over to play! (are you seeing a trend with these Werner's and my son?!)

Braxton got to spend Thursday with Great Grandma Korfus (Korth)...and he was so proud of his bag he packed...notice my upside down laundry basket...I mean, Braxton's new step stool.

When it snowed last week, we went outside. Braxton was so happy to play with his 'outside toys', he grabbed the first thing he saw and ran! Yep, we are moving snow with a combine! Hey, JD's can do anything:)

I PROMISE he is smiling so big under all that clothes!!!

Mommy *Braxton going outside to play in the snow!!!

2012-02-05T12:50:00.003-06:00

Thoughts this Sunday...

Brax: mommy, can I see your mints?

mom: Buddy, you won't like them, they are hot.

Brax: mom!!! I did NOT ask you for one, I only asked to see them!

Well...put me in my place please!!:)

*****

Brax: Mom, where does snow come from?

mom: well, Jesus made it snow.

Brax: No mom! He didn't! The clouds made it snow!

Mom: well, yea, I guess they did.

Brax: Mom, why does it snow?

Mom: I think Jesus and the clouds made it snow because we need the moisture.

Brax: oh yea! And mom, it snows for Santa, too! right mom?!

*****

Brax: Mom, can we have a baby Isiah?

mom: well, let me call his mommy and see if we can borrow him.

Brax: Mom, I want my own baby, and I want him to have crazy hair, okay mommy?!

*****

Brax:Mom, it's gonna be my birfday soon. April 7.

Mom: No, Braxton, April 27..

Brax: Yea mom, that's what I said, April 7!

*****

2012-02-02T21:21:00.002-06:00

Goodnight Walls...

Tonight when getting ready for bed, it came time to say prayers. And they went a little something like this:

Braxton:"dear Jesus, I pray for my house, my tool bench, the wall, just this one (as he touches the closest wall), my animals, my Grandpas. Amen."

He has a really rotten cold and is terribly stuffy...he is breathing super loud and says, "mommy, (whispering)listen.......I snoring, and I sound just like my daddy!!!" He was sooo proud;) Oh joys, 2 snoring boys in my house:)

Now, as I am typing..I hear him talking..."for Pete's sake....well, what in the world" --these are the things coming out of his mouth RIGHT now...I'm curious as to what is going on in there?!?!?!?

When we got a little bit of snow a few weeks ago, he comes home and in the house yelling, "mom, I want a bowl of snow for supper!!"--s0, excuse the pink bowl, but he is eating snow! (I promise I did make something else for supper..but I'm sure he didn't eat it!)
Cousin Carson stopped by for a bit...they almost fit in the chair together:)

What a fun little set up. This step-stool has been sooo handy! It serves as a table, stool, bench, lunch table, and now a play-doh making station...

Today it was a BEAUTIFUL day out..so I cleaned the garage while Brax played in the sand box...today it was sand castles, and tomorrow sounds like it will be snowballs:(

He doesn't look it, but he was really silly and saying "CHHEEESSEEE"....p.s. Check out them braces...as they won't be around much longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YYYAAAYYY!!!!

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-30T18:19:00.002-06:00

A lot Of Everything...

Things have been so busy lately!!! (sigh) And I know we are just getting started!!! Brad and I are on the Fun Night Committee..which is one of the biggest fundraisers for our parish. It is fun being a part of something so big, but nerve-racking knowing A LOT is on our shoulders!! We have had sooo many meetings and preperations...and on Saturday, the 28th, the big night went on and it was GREAT!!! More details and pictures to follow...for now...let's get back to Braxton:)

As I was picking up toys before bed, I had to stop in my tracks and just take this in. Braxton had his bull driving the tractor as you see...and the tow truck, with 2 tow ropes hooked up to pull it out...ohh, the imagination:)
It kind of appears he is looking at me, but really he was focused on the t.v. behind me...he looks so seriuos!
Brad took off work early today to go get Braxton and take him ice fishing!!! What a fun surprise to Braxton!!!! I'm so lucky that my shop window can see the Lindsay puddle where they were..it was adorable! I snuck down quickly inbetween clients to snag some photos:) To my understanding, both boys put a pole in the water...and Braxton caught all 11!!!
This picture makes me cry happy tears!! ***LOVE*** my boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight I put capri lounge pants on...(a little behing on laundry) and Braxton stared at me for a bit before saying, 'umm, mom..I think you need to pull your short pants down' So, we had a quick fashion tip about what capris are:)

2012-01-22T13:32:00.002-06:00

FLYING SHARKS...

Awhile ago we got him this shark hat, but he didn't want to wear it because it was scary...suddenly we don't leave the house without it:)

Ever since we had Braxton, Brad has told me that, 'everytime you go shopping it doesn't have to be "Christmas" for Braxton'..but then I started noticing, he is JUST AS BAD AS ME!!! The very same day he told me this, he ended up buying him a tractor and wagon while we were at Bomgaars:) In my defense, I ordered this for Christmas, but it just now came in!!!
Poor kid, I made him ride home from daycare for 12 miles, with this HUGE box behind him!! He had all kinds of cute guesses at to what it was! He really wanted it to be a "john deere tractor" he informed me...

...and POOF..let me grant your wish!!! He LOVES that there is a tractor and deere on it!!

YES, it reclines, too!!!

We finally convinced him to let us move it into the living room next to Brad's recliner. I would've taken a picture of them side by side...but I was too busy fulfilling the orders they were barking at me!!! "get me books please, get me sumfin to drink please,(because YES it has a cupholder!) get me a blanket please, get me a snack"...and did I mention these were orders from Braxton and BRAD!!!

Doing a little hay bailing/hauling...

******

A few days ago Braxton came up to me and asked, "mommy, do you like goldfish kisses?" Not knowing what that meant, I said yep, and glad I did...He puckered up like a fish and smacked one on me! Although these things seem little to some, I share them because I don't ever want to forget the everyday sweet things he does! I love my little man...

(Right now he is curled up taking nap on his new chair, and wearing his new shoes)--hey, whatever works!!!
***I HATE that I don't have any pictures of this.....Last weekend Brad took me out on a "date". I got home from work and Braxton said, "mommy, daddy's taking you on a date and Uncle Lyle's gunna babysit me, but I'm not a baby, right mom?!??" So, by the time we were going to leave, Braxton was pushing us out the door yelling, 'GO AWAY!!!LEAVE!!!!' WOW..that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside:( To make it even better, Brad had to run back inside 10 minutes later, inwhich he thanked Lyle for coming, asked Braxton if he had fun, and told him we were home for the night...poor kid started to tear up..didn't want Uncle Lyle to leave!!! So, at the age of 2.5 our child prefers us to be gone...and I suppose this will never change....

2012-01-09T19:59:00.002-06:00

Look at me...

I think that these next two photos are quite funny...Braxton's new personality is shining through..

These 'teeth' are from Grandma Sherri---there's a sucker on the other end...which he thoroughly enjoyed:)
Reguardless of what ya'll think....Braxton WANTED to wear this to school last week:) I SWEAR!!! (he got a bunch of ties from a 2nd cousin...and when he asked if he could wear it, I told him he needed a special shirt to wear a tie...well, he got to go to the ortho with me, and we went shopping...where I found the special shirt...the very next day he remembered and insisted on wearring it to school;) some say nerd...some say handsome...say whatchu want;)

****

Funny story time!!!

A few weeks ago, I got home from work and Brad was on the couch watching t.v. Braxton was rocking with me in the chair...I was telling Brad a story, and Braxton politely patted my hand and said,

"mom, I think he probly not listening to you"

And, ENOUGH said!!! How smart this child is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-01T20:35:00.002-06:00

RECAP 2011

While Brad & I were engaged and going to our marriage classes with Father Jim, he repeatedly told us that it is all about making memories...not how much money you have, not what possesions you own, but making memories! Whether it be going out to eat, or to church, or a small vacation, the memories will always be what you remember, and what matters! For a man who has never been married, he seems to have all the answers! Brad & I really did enjoy our sessions with him. We said it was like counseling before you actually need it:)

Father also told us that our first year of marriage would be the hardest. At the time, we didn't quite know what he meant. I mean, we were newly weds, having the time of our lives, all happy and in love, not many cares in the world...and then it hit us....when he said it would be the hardest year, he didn't necessarily mean that we would have a huge fight, or have a falling out, or kick one out because the toilet seat was left up, or the toothpaste wasn't rinsed out of the sink...he was trying to tell us to be prepared to face challenges together, as times will get hard. Unfortunately, he was right...it did turn out to be the hardest year...

In our first year of marriage, we lost Brad's Grandpa Korth in a horrible farm accident. On New Year's Eve we lost Brad's other Grandpa Busselman. The following March our niece, Charli was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer...(which I want to add, that she is doing GREAT now!!!!!!) I know that everyone has to deal with hard things in life, I don't want to sound like a downer, or to make it look like I am wanting sympathy, I am just simply saying that Father was correct...the first year of marriage had many ups and downs for us....but, together, we made it through. We always reflect back on the memories we had with both Grandpa's...and it keeps us smiling. The times when Braxton makes silly jokes and doesn't even realize it, that's when he reminds us of Grandpa Art, and when he is stubborn, yet makes us turn our heads and laugh because it's just too funny, that's Grandpa Glenn shining through. I wish Braxton could have met them, but the stories and memories we will share with him over the years, he will feel like he knew them!

Over 2011, we have made many memories with family and friends! The things that stand out to me right now are:

~Our first trip to Las Vegas (while Braxton got to spend days with all his Grandma's & Grandpa's) and the memories he made there are priceless!!!

~Braxton & Brad & Grandpa John's first ice fishing trip to the puddle

~family trip to Colorado

~many many many hours spent in the yard working on our retaining wall

~Brad turned 3-0!

~Braxton turns 2!

~Lots of camping trips and fishing

~Sibling trip to Lake McConaughy

~Braxton learns his ABC's

~Braxton's first deer hunting trip with daddy

~the Elf, Santa arrives!

...and the most important highlight of 2011, Braxton becomes potty-trained!!!!!!!!

There were many more memories made, too:)

It is hard to believe that we have had our little miracle for almost 3 years now!!! Where in the world does the time go?!?!?!? He has brought more joy to our lives, more smiles than I could have ever imagined, and more laughter than one would ever know!!! And let me add, he has tried our patience waayyy more than we would've ever thought possible!! BUT, we LOVE every second with him!!! Thank you Braxton for the best years of our lives, and we cannot wait to see what memories he brings in the years to come!!!!

I had to share this picture again...I will never forget the day he went on the potty!!! Happy happy joy joy for us all:)

Happy New Year to you all....and Make the Best out of every second of 2012!!!

2011-12-31T16:31:00.003-06:00

IT'S HERE...

For those of you who count down, well, here it is, A NEW YEAR!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I am proud of all of you who make the new year's resolutions, and proud of you who actually keep them, and proud of all ya'll who attempt! (more than I can say for myself!) I have a hard time with making rules for myself;)

(my missing picture) Grandma Deb, Grandma Jody (with) Harper, Great Grandma Lois, Charli (with) Grandpa Bob, Braxton (with) Great Grandpa Allen & (our lovely photographer)Brenda
:)Braxton was making a shoe out of playdoh and came to try it on my foot...looks like I wasn't cinderella:( It did not fit.

He was so serious listening to his father...but really, he was more than thrilled to get a sleeping bag from Grandpa & Grandma Busselman...He sleeps with it every night!!!

You are seeing correctly, a swimming shark is going through the living room at the Busselman's! I always knew anything was possible at Grandpa & Grandma's!!

Only our child!! he got a tow truck, and later got a jeep, and managed to hook them together! Like Father Like Son:)

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-12-25T15:15:00.004-06:00

A WHOLE LOTTA EVERYTHING!!!!

Saturday night was the kick off to our Christmas'. We hosted my family for a Christmas Eve supper. (thankfully we were all feeling somewhat better) The first time I was to host Christmas, was 2 years ago...the GIGANTIC snow storm:( So only Dad & Jody had made it. SO, I was really excited this year! We (okay, Brad) made a prime rib and smoked a turkey, but I take credit for the twice baked potatoes, corn, and cheesecake;)mmmm!!! The kids had SO much fun playing together! Braxton was so excited all day! We made the mistake of telling him that when he got up from nap, Charli and Harper would be here--that little stinker cut his nap short...but we still did okay...

He HAD to build a wall he tells me?!?
His teacher, Ms. Krys gave him a dry erase board. He was practicing B's and C's on it

I told him to smile...and he made a monster face instead:)

The kids happened to be sitting like this so I told them to show me a face...I'm liking what I'm getting;)

----oops----accidentally deleted a grandparents photo...I will upload it later...moving on...

Our B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L niece Charli...in her long sweater...NOT a dress!

...and her handsome lil bro, Harper!

Some would think I dressed the boys alike, but I DID NOT!!!!

Brax made Reindeer food at school, so before bed we were sprinkling it on the yard!--looks like it attracts pandas!!!

He made sure to remind Great Grandpa Allen that he needed a hug goodbye~

...and Grandpa Bob needed a hug, too he said~

I woke at 4:58A.M. to hear Braxton saying, 'come her mom...'

He played for a bit, and did end up going back to sleep til 7...whew!!!

Santa pulled thru and brought a semi!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because ya'll know we had room for this train table...

We ALL got B&B Repair Sweatshirts!!!
p.s. Santa brought lots more...but I don't want to be judged, so I'm not posting anymore pics...LOL!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-24T16:39:00.002-06:00

What goes up...must come down...
Braxton has been very crafty at school lately! I love his art projects he brings home!!!

Braxton informed us that the reason he doesn't sleep in his bed is because "it is a baby bed and he IS NOT A BABY!!!' He has been sleeping on his cars couch...next to his bed:(
Isn't this just adorable?! He is such a helper!!!

THANK YOU to cousin Carson for borrowing us his bed!!! Braxton wanted to 'drive it' and couldn't understand why he couldn't push it around his room! It was 'too heavy' he informed us!

Sad to report that Braxton did not sleep any better in his bed last night. He still woke MANY times...

...but Brad sure had a good nap this afternoon on it:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

2011-12-23T16:25:00.002-06:00

It hits again...

I thought maybe I would be able to escape the flu, but no such luck. I'm hoping now that all 3 of us have had it within 3 days, that hopefully it's gone and we will not pass it on to anyone. I am feeling somewhat better...I am trying to scrub and sanitize and shampoo carpets, and do laundry as much as I can, but I'm not going to lie--I have NO energy! I REALLY am hoping all gets done so we can have Christmas at our house tomorrow with my family as planned...
I have to share this little story..there was no picture taken, but you can visualize! When we went to bed last night, I cuddled up on the bathroom floor (just made more sense) and Brad and Braxton went to bed...Braxton knowing I was sleeping on the bathroom floor. I woke up ill at 3am...alone in my bathroom. Woke again at 5:30am, to find Braxton had carried his pillow pet into the bathroom doorway, and layed down beside me. For some reason he didn't bring blankets in with him, but was obviously cold, as I found him covered up by towels!!! I thought that was pretty cute. All them times he helped put laundry away payed off:) Good thing he knew where to find them:)

I hope everyone has A WONDERFUL Christmas Eve!!!!!

2011-12-22T13:14:00.002-06:00

3 Days and counting down.....

We are ALL excited for Santa to come here at the Busselman House!!! I am SO anxious to start some family traditions for our family of 3!!! The last few years we did a few things, but this will be the start of him actually remembering from year to year!! I cannot believe HOW MUCH this child remembers!!!!

I hope things go as well as planned...Braxton came down with the flu Tuesday afternoon and it held on strong til 5:30am....Wednesday night he seemed good...then Wednesday night-Thursday early a.m., Brad was lucky enough to catch it...Needless to say I'm spending every second at work these days!!! I am just awaiting my turn:( I HOPE and PRAY we DO NOT pass this on to anyone...although I'm hearing it is everywhere!!!

He wasn't sick in this picture, but he kinda looks sad....buck up butter cup:)
he was just REALLY into Donald Duck!
If you look at the previous picture...look at my little rudolph the red nosed reindeer! He had a minor accident at school earlier this week...even got himself his first bloody nose! They tell me he's a bleeder, but a trooper;)

What makes every little boy feel better?!?!? Duh...a tractor, combine, wagon, and semi from Jerry!!! I was at work when this all took place, Brad even took pictures (maybe he is more trained than I thought-good man!) but as I'm looking at this picture, it dawns on me that Jerry can wrap! Way to go Jer:)

He was pretty proud when I got home! And please excuse my messy house---and my childs' unmatching jammies!!! It has been a little bit of chaios at our house this week...Which leads me to my next thought...if someone out there will finish my Christmas shopping, PLEASE let me know...I will willingly hand over my debit card!!! (I'm SERIOUS!!!)

2011-12-11T19:24:00.003-06:00

Dear Santa...

Braxton has been telling us for over a month, that for Christmas he wants: a cycle, a hammer, a john deere bench and a green semi, and a dirt mover!! Everytime anyone asks him what he wants, he rattles these things off without hesitation!!! I hope Santa pulls through;)

Not everyone grew up with St.Nick, but we did! So, we mixed a bunch of ideas together from my childhood, Brad's, and threw in a few others...and December 6th came....so Braxton and Brad hung the letter he wrote (from school) on the clothes line...and set their boots outside the door and waited....
meanwhile....a scary shark came by!!!!!

...the doorbell rang and there sat candy in Braxton's boots, but it was surrounded by rocks because he was 'a little naughty' as he tells us....

...and daddy was 'a lot naughty'...look at that big ol rock!!!
(and mom was at work...and someone neglected to put her boots out!)

So with the first snow, what else do you do, other than eat a bowl of it?!?!?!?!? I have NO IDEA why he wanted snow, but he did. And then we had a science lesson and learned why it turned to water....

I am SO excited...I got invited to a cookie exchange!!!! I am to bring 8 DOZEN cookies!!! AHHH...let the baking attemption begin! (obviously the gal who invited me has never tasted my baking;)

...and the building starts...

Braxton~Daddy~Mommy ( I didn't ever consider myself short...till now!)
(OH MY GOSH!!! As I'm viewing this...I just noticed what's in Brad's left hand...NICE!)

2011-12-04T15:38:00.003-06:00

"Santa" the elf

We had a busy week around here as usual! Brad's littlest sister, Megan & hubby, Chad, were back to visit for a week, so Braxton is STILL talking about his Uncle Chad, and how he has 2 Uncle Chad's!!! He is learning there are 2 of a lot of people! There is "big Jett and little Jett" at school...the "red Uncle Chad, and the Uncle Chad with no belly button"....((I better explain that a bit. Chad had Husker attire on and Braxton noticed all his red. As for my brother Chad, he was in a horrid accident years ago and with many surgeries, he was left with no belly button))..."big Carson (his cousin) and little Carson at school"...."great Grandpa Alan, and Alan Bender..these are some of his favorites he talks about often. He thinks it is pretty cool to know 2 people with the same name! He's having a hard time understanding why people call daddy, Uncle Brad, 'his name is not Uncle, it's daddy!!!' he shouts at them:) So much to teach a 2 and half year old! And we have learned not to forget the 'half'!!! And everyday he asks if he is 5 yet! NNOOO!!!! That seems crazy to think of preschool and kindergarden and etc to follow!!! I believe school is where he first learned 'big and little' though. So by being tall makes you big in his eyes (not fat) just to clear that up!

Before having Braxton I remember thinking how cute it is when kids wear their halloween costumes when it isn't even halloween! And when they dress themselves and totally Don't match! Well, we are now there! Living reality and I LOVE IT!
Doesn't he just look awnry?!?!

I guess Brad does know how to run my camera! What a lovely shot:) Braxton wanted to sleep on his cars couch one night, and being the parents we are, sure why not! Well, he takes every nap on there and has slept there every night since! One night he asked if I would lay by him for a bit, sure thing! I thought I'd just pretend to shut my eyes...yea...3 hours later I woke up to realize I had a great snooze!

Uncle Chad.Aunt Megan.Braxton

He had a BLAST with these two!!! They haven't been back for a year, so I'm sure he was a totally different kid then when they last saw him!

Brad was in a wedding this weekend...which means lots of Grandparent time for Braxton! He started Friday night off at "grandma kor-fus's' house" where they had a houseful of people for Thanksgiving meal, followed by waking up Saturday morning and saying 'I go Grandpa Bob's house now, right mommy!" but, it wasn't a question, more of a demand! To let you know how his stay was, well, let's just say he started crying and screaming when I went to pick him up! He DID NOT want to go home:( He told me he helped Grandpa Bob move snow with the backhoe...so first thing we had to do when we got home this chilly morning...yep you guessed it! Although he did say that Grandpa Bob doesn't have a dumptruck like him:) We are SO lucky to have grandparents (on both sides!) around so close!!!

Okay!! Story time! I was on Pinterest (LOVE IT!!) earlier today and Braxton happened to see the elf on the shelf on the computer and asked all about him. I told him what I knew and followed with telling him that if he was really good, maybe, just maybe Santa would send and elf down for him. He followed with, 'i wanna take a nap momma'! OKAY! I will never turn down a kid wanting to take a nap!!! The crazy part of this, is that while he was napping, this package was delivered on our porch...and Brad and I had NOTHING to do with it! I know I know, Santa brings the elf you are thinking...(but being realistic to all you parents--someone had to bring it!)
Let's just say we have great friends!!!

We had to get a picture with "SANTA the Elf" before we picked out a spot for him to sit for the day! yep, he named him all by himself! We decided that whatever name he first picked that we would go with it:)

This is where Braxton placed him. I sure hope "Santa" doesn't need all them kleenex's when he sees how naughty Braxton is!

And I sure hope that "Santa" the elf remembers to sit in another spot tomorrow...ahh...that would be tragic if he didn't move:)(note to self!)

Happy December!!!

2011-11-27T15:24:00.006-06:00

One Little...Two Little...Three Little Indians...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful to have spent Thanksgiving 2011 with Family!!! (with many surprises!)

I was SO thankful to get to host my first Thanksgiving for my Preister family! I was a little curious to see if my food would all time out at the same time, and it did! WHEW!

Great Grandpa Alan, (the tow truck and the es-ca-bader), Braxton, & Brad

(When we say our prayers at night, Braxton will bring up Grandpa Alan first...Braxton LOVES this man!!!)
Charli, Harper, and Braxton. I thought 2 horses was plenty, looks like we may need a 3rd--KIDDING---NO ONE take that as a hint------I DOOOO NNNOOOTT WWAANNNTT AANNOOTTTHHEERR HHHOORRSSSEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 little wild indians and a Grandpa Bob (with a mouse on his finger!)

Brad~Braxton~Amanda

Friday night the Widhalms got here!!!!! This is sweet little Londyn Claire and Braxton! She is almost a year younger than Braxton, but may weigh the same?!?!:) She is SO mellow!!!

I would tell Londyn to lay down so I could tickle her...she would say, 'kay...tickle' Aww!! And Conner thought it was more fun to tickle Aunt Manda!

Yes, my child was as wild and naughty as this picture looks!!!

These 2 just hung out here!!!

Braxton said, 'i'm thirsty for milk mom'...and when I turned around, he was helping himself to the milk! Self-sufficient!
(pardon my messy fridge!)

This was our tree @ the Festival. In the far left corner was our bulldog who escaped his fence...pulling our tree over...what you can't see is our awesome bowl of blue and white LHF bulldog M&M's.....MMMM!!!

I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday weekend!!! Brad's littlest sister Megan and husband, Chad, are back...so we will have another week of family!!!

2011-11-20T19:39:00.002-06:00

Brad and Braxton took off on Friday for Red Cloud to deer hunt!! I'm not sure who was more anxious to go...they had a great trip!!! I stayed back to have a tree at our Festival of Trees, and I had to work many places this weekend! If you missed out on our Festival, YOU MISSED OUT!! It was great and DELICIOUS!!! I believe it's every 2 years!

When Brad was packing up his gun, Braxton had to get his in there, too! For some odd reason this brought tears to my eyes! My little man is growing up...
Photos...compliments of Brad:)

I guess when Brad was unloading things into the deer stand, he told Braxton to wait and watch out the window...he listened well:)

A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E!!! He even has his 'ears' on!

yes, he did come home on a sugar high!!

While I missed my boys SO MUCH, it is plain to see they were too busy to miss me;/ I am glad Brad got this experience with Braxton. He seems awful young to have gone along, but from the stories I am hearing, it was a good time had by all!!!

When we were driving tonight, he randomly chants..."ha ha ha mommy, you didn't get to go deer hunting"

He has quite the imagination lately...In target the other day, we were buying gifts for some friends who are expecting. I came across a client, and he proceeded to tell her that, 'My mommy has a baby grrl in her tummy" and "I get a little sister" Oh, it gets better....we go to Brodkeys and he is still munching on his chicken strip from lunch...the gentlemen working says, "You got a big ol piece of chicken!" and Braxton follows with, "You're a BIG OL MAN!" YIKES!!! This is terrible and mean, and wrong of me, but in Braxton's defense, have ya'll walked by Brodkeys?! ...if so, you know my child tells no lies.......except the target conversation....THAT is IMAGINATION!!!!!!!!!! ( just to clarify and clear things up!!!)

While cleaning the bathroom tonight, Brax hopped on the scale and I said, "WHEW!! 20 pounds!!!"....he jumps back with, 'no, mom, 23 pounds'.......Not sure where that came from...but he was pretty accurate!!!! Skinny minnie!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!

2011-11-15T22:33:00.002-06:00

Run Santa Run!!!

While Brad was gone this past weekend deer hunting, I participated in my first 5K race!!! I wasn't sure how I would like it, but I LOVED IT!!! I ended up running with some gals originally from Lindsay, and had a blast with them!!! My time was 29m3?s, which for me was great! Always room for improvement! Braxton got to go to Great Aunt Peggy's house while I ran...and I'm still hearing tractor stories about her:)

I don't know where I am, but this is what we ran in! HILARIOUS!!!
Ahh..he wanted a picture of, 'me and you momma'

Goof balls! Tay-der taught Braxton how to 'bicycle'...their new fun game I hear:)

I was taking a picture of something this morning, and he said, 'momma, will you take a picture of my es-ca-bader'

This is what I was originally taking a pic of...how funny...he stacks things so nicely! (notice the pile of corn is still around!!!)

...'and momma, take a picure of my sem-ma-mi'

****

Got to share this!

Monday night we were driving to a meeting, and this is what I hear from the backseat of my VAN.

Braxton:'momma, can we get a new car?'

Momma:'what?'

Braxton:'can daddy buy us a new car?'

Momma:'what would we do with our van?'

Braxton:'maybe we can give it back to Santa?'

Momma::)'what kind of car do you want?'

Braxton:'a fancy one!'

Momma:'who has a fancy one? what do you mean?'

Braxton:'a fancy car like Debbie mom, then we would be cool"

OH MY !!! It dawned on me! Sunday night, we were at "Debbie's house", and in her garage sits a new suv...I made the comment, "whew Debbie...look at your fancy car, you are cool!" This child of mine is ALWAYS listening!

SO, tonight when I went to pick him up, he says, 'mom, you didn't get a fancy car yet, why?!"

Oh, Braxton! SOMEDAY! Really, what is wrong with my 2005, paid for-salvage titled-mini-van with hail damage?! Is it possible to embarrass a 2.5 year old?!?!?!?!!?!?

p.s. Brad got a 5x6---yay!!!

2011-11-10T08:19:00.004-06:00

W.o.r.d.s. say it all...

Last night, Brad, Braxton and I were driving and Braxton is SO quiet when he talks... So,

Amanda:"what did you say buddy?"

Braxton:"stop talking mom, I am talking to my daddy, not you"

Brad:(with a smirk)"what's up buddy?"

and the conversation went on without me...it was about deer hunting, so I stopped listening!

Earlier, Brad was telling me that they went and picked up a 4wheeler to borrow from a friend and Braxton was asking why we don't have a 4wheeler, and why Jerry has one, and that "Jerry has everything!!!" REALLY!?!? At the age of 2.5, does this really start this young?!? He also informed Brad that when he turns 3 1/2 he is going to come to work with him!!! Well, CHEAP daycare is all I thought:) Listening to the things Braxton says, and asks about amazes me...like when he was climbing on my back, felt my bra strap and insists on knowing what it is, and what it is for?! hmm..how to answer that one?!

He also informed me that he 'wants to be the baby, but just pretend he's my baby, because he is really a big boy'...well, consider it done:)

I think it may be a long weekend as Brad is deer hunting without Braxton:( Brad has informed him that he is going to 'find the deer', that way when they go back next weekend, they can shoot them..we will see how this pans out!!!

Hope everyone is having a good week!!! Another weekend is almost here:)

2011-11-06T19:06:00.000-06:00

TURKEY TURKEY

He wanted to say cheese:)
The boys enjoying their homemade smoothies and peanuts

Braxton gets to take snacks tomorrow for all his friends. SO we made these little turkies, and don't worry, I got pounds of grapes all cut up, too:)

I was getting a little tired of doing them, as you can see some have drooping eyes, large eyes, missing tail feathers, beat up beaks, yea...it's like they really came from the wild! I should see how many calories are in one of these...2 oreos, reeses peanut butter cup, candy corn, whoppers, and a lota frosting--sorry moms, your kids are coming home on a sugar high tomorrow:) Your Welcome! (it's just like they are when they come home from Grandma's:)

***Right now in our house***

Braxton lays in bed trying to sleep, hacking/barking...poor little man. He is doing better than last night that is for sure! He hasn't had a fever anymore today, and the coughing/gagging, has downsized to just coughing..and he isn't itching at his ears...we have a mini drug store in our house from prior sicknesses, so we got: benadryl, cough syrup, tylenol, motrin, decongestant, antibiotic...hmm..what else?! NO, I do not have him on all these...I'm just saying we decided against the dr today, since we figured we got all he would prescribe anyways. The vapor humidifier hasn't stopped running yet...but don't think it's helping much:(

2011-11-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

BCH Lunchdate

Today Braxton and I went for a much overdue lunch date with my old college roommate/friend Danielle, and her sweety little girl, Brynlee (LOVE LOVE LOVE her name!)

The last time we had lunch, Braxton was probably 1 if even, and Danielle wasn't even pregnant! Like I said, much overdue lunch date!!!

The kids both did great! We sat for over 2 hours and the kids were both so content, and even shared toys by the time it was time to leave!

Braxton wanted to say 'cheese' he said...can you see it?!
It's sideways, but the gal working brought them both a balloon animal, this was our turtle...which Braxton wants to know what a turtle says?!??! ANYONE know??? (Jenny, I know what your answer would be..but only McKenna needs to be taught that:)

Braxton was so surprised that a 'grrl would play with a tactor'...

So she handed over Elmo for him...good trade!

I had some errands to do while in the big city, and 10 minutes into walmart, he says, 'mom, I'm not gonna take a nap, I just wanna pretend'...and he was out!! Ever carry a 2.5 year old thru walmart and push a FULL cart of junk?!? WHEW!! I was sweating!!! Pathetic, I know:) So, he was exhausted, and 3 hours later, still remains asleep...my yard is waiting to be mowed, and my leaves are waiting to be raked...wake up wake up....(never thought I would want nap time to be over!)

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

What's happening in my house RIGHT now... My dryer, my very old dryer, has decided it doesn't want to stop! When the buzzer (which sounds like a dying buzz) goes off, it doesn't stop till you open the door, and as soon as you shut the dryer to make it stop buzzing, it immediately starts back up! Anyone need anything dried??? So, question of the day, do I let it constantly buzz, or constantly dry round and round:)

2011-10-31T20:27:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Who says Halloween is only for a day?!?!? Our plan to trick-or-trunk got changed when we got a phone call from the Bender's!!! Bender's=FARMING!!! Braxton was SOOO excited to go drive the combine!!! All I kept hearing was 'mom, you ride with Alan, and I will ride with Jordan, I'm big and can go by myself '....oh man, he doesn't want me already:( We skipped nap and rode for hours...he even drove-seriously drove on his own! Jordan would point, and away Braxton would go in that direction!!! He worked so hard, he fell asleep!!! So, nap began at 4pm...3 hours late:/ So, when we woke him at 6pm, you can about imagine the monster we had on our hands...Note to self...DO NOT SKIP NAP!!!

I can into the living room Sunday to find him shooting his horse:/ (But really, look at that stance)
This was the rig Braxton got to drive!!!!!!

...and this is what the result was after driving...I swear he normally fits in his bed!

Our little Tiger..or Lion as he says...he really wanted to be a lion, so I may have told him he was:)

Give him what he wants and he will be your best friend! He LOVES Jessica (Pelster)

He was running away from "Gene Werner"..but first he had to chase him and tickle him with his tail...

Grandpa Johnny Bob, Gramma Sherri, and Braxton (that is what he calls grandpa!!!)

..and Aunt Kelly

Grandpa Bobby John, Grandma Jody, and Braxton (his new name for this Grandpa) What is really funny, is that while we were pregnant, and didn't know what we were having, when I mentioned boys' names, Brad kept saying, "let's name it "johnny bob, or bobby john if it's a boy"...well, thank God he was kidding:) NO offense guys...love your names:) Dad was pretending to throw him into the air and he was giggling so hard!!! He even got a horsy ride from dad, my favorite ride as a little girl!!!

This is a little of what we brought home from the farm...REAL CORN!!!

Grandma Debbie & Braxton

Uncle Dillon and Braxton...this is my 'little brother' who is almost bigger than me!!! I interrupted his basketball game with a buddy, he wasn't impressed. Guess I'm not that cool big sister he once thought I was:(

Trick or treating at Uncle Lyle's...he was giving kittens away...Brad was a fun hater and we left without one:(

I'm not even kidding..these 2 were dancing to 'boots with the fur...down low...bla bla bla"...but HOW CUTE!!! Check out these moves! They were totally insync with each other!!! (all you single ladies...Uncle Lyle is single...29 years old...great personality...yes, I am really pimping him out on my child's blog!!!)

Great Grandma Korth and Braxton He told her his ABC's, so she gave him MORE candy...so much candy that she reminded us we could freeze the candy bars for later...

I will take what I can get for a family photo:)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2011-10-30T11:15:00.000-05:00

Fire Fighter Braxton...

At school Braxton got to talk about Fire Safety. When I picked him up he was the only still wearing his hat! He said he was going to be just like his daddy:)

I call it a tiger...he says lion...easiest to not argue with a 2.5 year old!!!
We got Cousins Kenna & Carson to come over for a sleepover! They had SOOO much fun together!! Braxton was a bit territorial of his things, but all in all, did quite well!

The kiddos brought their sleeping bags..which caused a problem for little man, who does not have one yet...(although I think I heard Santa may be bringing him a camoflauge one!Shhh) But, Gramma Sherri stopped by and had a great idea of a pillowcase!

He just HAD to be in the middle of the kids...

Our town has volleyball subdistricts tomorrow, so they moved Trick-or-Trunk and trick-or-treating to tonight! So, I'm sure more pictures to follow soon....

2011-10-23T15:41:00.000-05:00

Apple-tight

Oh joy...the tent made it back upstairs in my kitchen! Oh how I've missed this big ol' thing laying around:) Braxton just loves to play in it, but it takes up so much room! He found a new way of playing with it...upside down and sideways!

Friday night I picked Braxton up from school, and we went on a date to Pizza Hut:) Brad was down in Red Cloud--getting things ready for hunting season--so it was just us 2. When we were leaving, they had them lovely vending machine things right by the door..clever...so I let him get this .25 cent thing...I call it a thing because that's what it is! Braxton first called it his penguin, then bird, then owl, now it's a tiny birdie...It's so cute, but I wish I knew what it was..anyways, this little creature goes EVERYWHERE with him! And I mean EVERYWHERE---the bathroom, breakfast table, lunch table, outside, and nap:) Look closely in his right clutched fist:) This is at nap time. Notice the jammies on as well-I wear lounge pants whenever I possibly can, and he thinks they are my 'jammies', so at nap he always wants his 'jammies' on too:)
Saturday night Braxton got to spend the night at "Grandpa Bobby's and Gramma Jody's" He has renamed my dad I guess:) We went to a friend's Halloween Party...good times had by all

We have Bumble Bee Kelly, PA Jamie, and Me the Firefighter

I'm not too creative on ideas for costumes...can ya tell?!

HILARIOUS!!! People come up with such great ideas! Alan off the Hangover was the best!! If you haven't seen the movie, than you will not find this funny, if you have, you are laughing your buns off right now! This man looked legit!!!

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

Oh...the reason for the Apple Tight heading...SO, when I went to get Braxton this morning, Jody was telling me that she told Brax he needs to get an 'appetite'...my little man who still doesn't each much. So, when I get there, he tells me, " I wanna eat sumfin, I wanna eat an apple tight at gramma's".... By the sounds of it and looks of it, I'd say Braxton had a great time there! He's been telling Brad stories all day about the backhoe, and forks, and skidloader, and scooping gravel...I guess this is the closest he will get to living on a farm:)

2011-10-22T09:38:00.000-05:00

Show & Share

Braxton had his first "Show & Share" at school today!!! He was SO excited when I told him he got to take 'one' toy to show his friends! Of course, he wanted to take all of his tractors, but we narrowed it down to just a skidloader:)

He is SO into stickers right now! He puts them in the strangest places, though!?
He had to take 'grandma's skidloader'...Gramma Sherri gave him this months ago, whether or not it is to 'borrow' or 'keep', he always refers to it as "Gramma Sherri's skidloader"...p.s. hope Gramma S isn't expecting it back:)

We were playing hide and seek, and I opened the tent door to this!!! AHHH!!!

2011-10-16T13:23:00.000-05:00

BuCkEt LiSt

I guess you could say I've always thought it would be fun to do a marathon!!! I know, I know!!! NO ONE takes me as a runner, and let me be the first to tell you, I AM NOT! But, I have been attempting jogging for awhile now. There was a Run, Walk, & Roll event hosted by the Columbus Hospital, so it was a great chance for me to get started with runs! They had a 1mile, and a 5K...since I'm "new" to this, I just thought the mile would be fun, later realizing that I actually can run 5k (S-l-o-w-l-y), it was too late to do...but, the mile was a GREAT experience, and it was perfect for my very first race!!! Keep in mind, I haven't ran since high school...10 YEARS AGO...I am quite proud that I haven't quit or chickened out!!:) I have a lot of great friends who run 5K, half marathons, and even marathons, so I really envy them..someday maybe I will be at the half marathon..but for now, I'm just aiming towards a 5K for my next race! I had a good friend tell me how addicting it is...and I get it now! I CANNOT wait to do it again! I was curious how it all worked...there are people at the start holding up the 6minute pace signs...yea...I kept walking..next, 7minute sign...yep, kept walking again...finally found my spot...the '9minute pace' sign...just what I like to see--:) I have to say, it was totally differenet running against 400 people, than it is by yourself around the town of Lindsay at 10pm! Braxton was feeling much better Saturday morning, so him and Brad were great supporters for me at the finish line:) I love my boys!!!!!!!!

Braxton & me before the race
Braxton thought this was a really cool thing! He kept telling me I had to take it home with us:)
---Just so ya'll know, I know I'm a dork..anyone can run a mile...but it's a big accomplishment for me!!! ;)

2011-10-14T17:36:00.000-05:00

I don't feel good Momma...

Throughout the night, Braxton was up more than his usual..which was my first thought of something being suspicious...and the fact that he wanted to 'hold my hand' at 3am...was another. Because of the rough patches thru the night, we all ended up waking up later than we needed, so we were rushing to get out the door--I thought he seemed warm, but he sleeps with 33 animals, and 12 blankets, so I didn't think much til he said, "I don't feel so good Momma", and he showed me his sad face and started to cry:( I took his temp, to see 101.4 and 101.2 in his ears...So..of course today was our turn for 'snack day', so we still dropped off our snacks, and headed to the shop to rearrange our day. While he calmly sat there while I did some calling, yep, you can about imagine what happened next...the flu set in:( Brad and I have learned to stay calm, and Braxton didn't even cry, he just got more sad:( (Don't worry, I scrubbed, wiped and sanitized the shop over and over!!!) He hasn't gotten sick since about 10:30am, but he is miserable. He's sitting at 103.5 right now for a fever, and watching a truck movie--which seems to be making him a little less sad. Really, if you could see him, it's So heartbreaking how sad his voice even is

~No one has been sick at school or daycare, so leave it up to us to start the flu~Sorry Ya'll!!

He is drinking water, which is good..but can you see how pink his little cheeks are:(
He has taken a nap from 11:30am-2:30pm, and another from 3:15pm-4:30pm...wonder what the night will lead to....

Going to bed last night, all seemed great...Daddy and him loaded up all the tractors and were heading them to bed after a long hour of farming:)

...and THIS is why I was determined to drop snacks off! I wasn't about to have 30 basketball, (yea, I know-pathetic--they turned into baseballs sort of instead of basketballs!)footballs.....

...flowers and butterflies all around my house all weekend long! Don't worry..we sent carrots and dip for the healthy part!

Hope everyone has a great weekend...And stays healthy:)

2011-10-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

WANTED: 2 year old boy!!

WHY? Why didn't someone tell me how much EASIER things are with two 2 year olds?!?! HAHA:)

Today we had Logan come over for a play date! I think his daddy was thrilled so he could get out to the fields, and mommy was excited to get to go to work...and I was THRILLED Braxton would have a ''buddy" for the day! Winner winner all around!!

Luckily Braxton has almost 2 of everything!!! It made sharing so much easier!
If you look closely out the 3rd window pane..you will see what they see! (a skidloader!) Yea, Logan is standing on a book, but he IS just that much bigger! Logan is about 8 weeks younger, yes, younger than Brax...our runt:)

I just L*O*V*E this!!! Look at all them toys surrounding them! They drug out EVERY toy in our house...and toys I forgot we had...they found:) SO FUN!!!

I didn't really know how nap was going to work...considering every where I wanted to lay Logan, I heard, "momma, that's my bed, momma that's my couch, momma that's my floor"...AGGHHH!!! Child of Mine!!!!! Finally, I gave in...Braxton got his ultimate wish!--he went to nap in "MY" bed, and Logan got the cars couch, and ALL were happy!!! Look at how sweet he is!!!!
I'm baking some fun cutout cookies, it is Braxton's turn to take snack tomorrow..so we will make it a fun/healthy snack (not sure what the healthy part is going to be yet:)

This is SO fun...I feel like a stay-at-home mom right now! Two kids sleeping, I'm cleaning and baking...ah..no one burst my bubble, as I know staying home isn't always this easy! But, I'm ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT RIGHT NOW!!!!

Check out this stud rockin MY bed!!!

2011-10-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

Who's Birthday?!??!?!

(check out the bed head!)

We had to run to Albion to get some totes so we..I mean, I (Amanda) can pack away all the things in the camper:( It's going to be a sad time this week when I have to pack the camper away, knowing it'll be at least 6 months till we see it again:( When we got home from church we skimmed the adds. It was so cute watching Braxton look at the add for Bomgaars...he held only a partial page of the add--you bet, the page with ALL the tractors, trailers, toys, etc! The entire way there, he asked, 'do we get to go to the John Deere store and get me a toy momma?' Considering he was good in church...he picked out a semi with trailer, and a 'escabader' on it. He even wanted to 'wait till we get home momma and open it den'. He was so proud to call grandpa bob and tell him ALL about it!
Randomly, I opened a box of cereal to find an Unwanted Spongebob! Those of you who have seen this cartoon totally understand why I say "unwanted!" Anyways, Braxton spotted it, and I told him he could play with him for a bit...seconds later, he had the little toy turned over and was 'burpping him momma!'....hmm??? Where did that come from?!? And soon after, Spongebob found his way into the trash can...just seemed to jump right in there:)

It's like it was his birthday today! Aunt Kelly showed up for a surprise visit! They made a tent as you can see:) Always fun when Aunt Kelly shows up! (She is no longer Aunt Keldy..it's now Kelly!)

Then....our friend Barry brought over a backhoe!!! I thought it was for Braxton...but as you can see...well, you see!!! (OH MY...look at all them toys in this picture!!! How embarrassing!)

Typically Braxton doesn't eat much, and STILL often wakes up through the night..so before bed we try and give him a 'snack' to hopefully fill his little belly for the night! Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't! He was SO proud of his 'apple carmel', that I finally remembered to buy! I LOVE this cheesy little grin! (pardon the unmatching jammies that Dad put on him!:)

While Braxton took nap today I cleaned/rearranged/tossed things/organized the storage room. We have quickly noticed lately how we are really running out of room in every room of our house..even the storage room is too small. After today, though, I do feel like I made some more room for more junk...Spending all day in the storage room, I came across a lot of things, and thought about many things, too....

I find myself really thinking about many things lately, so stop reading..because here comes the rambling!!!-----------

Okay, warned you , and yet, here you still are reading...

*Do I really need to keep the 10 large totes of Braxton's baby clothes around?!? I feel selfish! He practically wore a new outfit everyday of his life until age 1...I feel that I should give them to someone to use...but yet I hoard them in my storage room that I don't even have room for!!!

*I look at the 2 large Christmas trees in the storage room, and my 6 pencil trees?! Really Amanda!!! 8 trees?!?!?---on that thought, November 18-20, Lindsay is hosting a Festival of Trees, at which a friend and I will be decorating a tree for it! (wonder where we will get a spare tree from?!?) SO, mark your calendars...it's SO Fun! Vendors, crafters, food, and much more!

*There is a sweet little voice at 10:07pm saying, 'momma, I need wotion on, momma! MOMMA!!!'...and it makes me smile at HOW SWEET he is!!! Everyday I look at this AMAZING little man in my life and SMILE and wonder how we got so lucky!!! Despite the middle of the night awakenings, and the whiny little spats, I'm right now hearing, "mom mom momma, where you at?"... I LOVE IT!!! I LOVE hearing MOMMA come out of his sweet little mouth! At the supper table tonight, he surprised Grandma and Grandpa Busselman by saying his ABC's! He did GREAT! He skipped a few letters, but it was adorable! I wish so badly that I could stay home with him ALL DAY and do the stay-at-home mom thing, but I know that just isn't possible. But, if I did stay home, I know deep down that there is NO WAY he would know as much as he does! Daycares are wonderful for kids!!!
(so, his hands were sticky from the apple--that's what he was wanting--:)

So, while I may not remember to wash his hands off, I know I'm not mother of the year...but I am pretty proud of my 2 1/2 year old! By all means, I am not taking all the credit...Brad is SO great with him. For months these 2 boys of mine have been planning the deer hunting trip! I really think Brad is more excited at this point! I will admit, I'm jealous, but watching these 2 do things together melts my heart:)

Okay, enough random thoughts here...Have a great week!

2011-10-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

CONVOY
I call it a convoy, he calls it, 'a garage with a open gate'....kind of makes sense what he sees, eh?!

Braxton is ALWAYS playing with his tractors, and farm equipment, but last week he got to play with the REAL things! We rode with Al Bender in the combine for hours! Al even took it out of auto-steer so Braxton could drive!!! He (Brax) learned so much....he learned how to 'chill in a combine', how to eat the heads off teddy grams...how to eat just the peanuts, and not corn candy...oh...let's see...let's just say Alan had just as much fun as my 2 year old!!! The memories are amazing!
???Braxton wanted pancakes for breakfast...and decided he wanted a "B", like him! (School has taught him his name starts with a B, and he recognizes B's all over the place!!! SO cute:) So, this was my pathetic attempt at a B...sad, I know!!!!! *I thought it was super cute that he asked for this, because when we were little kids, my mom would make letters and designs for us with pancake batter, too:)

We found another purpose for our bench..'it's my little tiny table momma'... He carries his couch into the kitchen every morning now and has breakfast like this...if that's what it takes for him to eat, I'm ALL FOR IT!!! Who needs rules?!?!?

2011-09-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hello? Gamma?? Are you there???

Wow! The independence is coming through! Braxton has been wanting to do so much on his own...which is sad for mommy:( You all know what I mean, it now takes 5 minutes to pick out our clothes, which usually consists of a 'Mader shirt, Mickey Mouse underwear, and Cars shoes...then it takes another 5 minutes to put our coat on, and climb into our car seat...oh how fun the mornings are---REALLY!! It is pretty cute! Don't get me wrong, he still whines and clings to us often, but is at the same time growing up so much! It is like having a conversation with a little mini-grownup.

He asked if he could call his "gamma Sheri" and go to hers house...
They were counting/organizing money...

He wanted to make a road, with water and a stop sign... I told him all the info about a stop sign once...

Mommy: "Braxton, what do you do when you get to a stop sign?"

Braxton: "Look for cars!!"

Mommy: "what shape is a stop sign?"

Braxton: "an ock-ta-gon"

Mommy: "and what color is a stop sign?"

Braxton: "Green and Yellow"...

Yea...we have a little ways to go with our colors....

Braxton was so excited to have Uncle Dillon stay with us! They played so well together and Dillon even babysat for us!!! Brax was sad when he had to go back home...

We made it to Cousin Charli's soccer game! She is SOOO good!! She's in the black! She WAS NOT afraid to go after that ball!!!

and Cousin Carson was playing, too!!! He made a great goalie!!!

While Brad was in Wyoming for a family wedding, Braxton and I had a very busy weekend with Booster club, making food for my circle, and working...and don't forget--our POPCORN PARTY!!! This is an every night thing now!!!

On Sunday, I took him to the Pumpkin Patch. Brad happened to be gone last year for this, too...so maybe it will just be a yearly thing for 'momma & Brax'...can you see the excitement on his face!! He was jumping SO high!!! And when he got out, he went up to the lady, thanked her and gave her a hug for letting him jump...HOW CUTE!!!

We were giggling:) "Look at that silly duck with his butt in the air, Momma --He's funny"

We went down this slide again, and again, and again...did I mention again, and again, and again?!?!?!

This is where he HAD to call his daddy and tell him about the deer he sees:)

...and he INSISTED on riding in the BLUE train!

And he rode on snickers, that was 'brown and white' according to him...

As I sit here right now...he is saying, "momma, Braxton is riding the horse"

and he has taken my camera cord and that is his 'gate', as he parks his skidloader for the night...
Every day this amazing little boy in my life amazes me with something new that he says! Some things are so sweet, some are hilarious, and some are sad...

When I got home from work last week he runs to me and says, "momma, I have a kiss for you!" And I almost broke into tears...then, he takes me by the hand and points to the hersheys kiss on the counter...ohhhhh....and then he ate it:) Sweet, but not what I thought he meant...:)

Then, he randomly will tell me that I'm not his friend, or he doesn't like me, then seconds later, he runs up to me, hugs me and tells me I LOVE YOU MOMMA! YOU ARE MY FRIEND!

Last night, he asked me, "momma, where is my sister?" After repeatedly telling him that he doesn't have a sister, he then asks, "when can I have a brudder then, momma?" "Camron has a brudder, Evan, and Gavin has a brudder (which is really a sister) Jaedyn". "When do I get a brudder?" I told him he would have to share his toys and his mommy and daddy if he had a brudder or sister, and he followed immediately with, "momma, I don't want a brudder anymore, okay" WHEW!!! PROBLEM SOLVED:)

A few nights ago I was putting laundry away and Brad and I were both in another room, and we could hear, 'mommy....mommy... MANDA WHERE ARE YOU?!?!?!?" OH MY! I guess that's what I get for teaching him our first names. Tonight Brad asked him what his name was, and he said, 'Braxton Buffelman'....we will have to work on our s's:)

_____________________________________

2011-09-11T13:51:00.000-05:00

THANKS FRIEND

Thank you to the sweet person who so kindly left my son a giagantic bag of mini tootsie pops in our mailbox!!! Although I'm not sure of the story behind them...Braxton will be excited when he gets up from nap to see 140 suckers!!! I LUV this small town!!!

2011-09-11T13:15:00.000-05:00

Say it isn't so...

The imagination of a 2 year old!!! He insisted on having 'brown' play-doh, because, 'that's a boy color, right mom!?!' Minutes later, this is what I come to discover! He told me he 'needs Jordan to pull him out!'...and Jordan strongly explained, JOHN DEERES DO NOT GET STUCK BRAX!
Just incase you needed it from another angle...Sorry Uncle Chad...I know this picture is disturbing;)

2011-09-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

Labor Day
After doing some random things around the shop/house, we took Braxton fishing to the Lindsay Puddle! What FUN!!! He no more than dropped his line in and caught a fish!!! If you ask him how big it was, he will stretch his arms as far as he can and says, 'this big mommy!'...he's got a little story-teller in him:)

Shocked to see he actually wanted to 'pet' it!
...and of course after we got a bucket full, we let them 'go back by their mommies'

I promise he WANTED to wash his big wheel! I think he did quite a good job, too:) Brad was washing the pickup, so monkey see, monkey do!

No no, you aren't wrong, we Do Not live in the country, this is what has been going up and down our alley quite often! Jerry (Klassen) has been working quite a lot on his back yard...See what we started--all by adding a fence...it has created multiple projects for the entire neighborhood:) You should see the neighbors turn their heads when this pulls up!!!

Braxton LOVES tractors, but I repeatedly tell him to stay out of the way, and he took it upon himself to go to the far front of the garage, pull up a chair, and patiently wait for Jerry to get done. He was so proud to put his JD boots back on yesterday! Looks like fall is nearing!!!

Braxton has been big into counting everything lately, repeating (or mockin me as I call it!), asking what color EVERYTHING is, and his newest thing--when Brad and I are having a conversation, he will wait till we are done and say..."what you guys talking about"..or "what you say mommy to daddy"...looks like we are going to have to watch what we say...not that we are ever inappropriate:)

________________________________________

Church Saturday Night:

(keep in mind, this was after the fair!)

The setting---5 minutes into church when it is dead silent...

Braxton:"mommy, do you have sheep poop on you?"

Mom: "shhhh Braxton!!!!"

Braxton: "but mommy, do you have sheep poop on you???"

Mom: BEAT RED IN FACE!!! "no buddy!"

-------

10 minutes later he starts to talk a little...

Brad slightly turns his head towards the front and shh's him..

Braxton: "mommy, daddy pulled my ear!!"

Mom: "shh braxton, it's okay"

Braxton: "DADDY PULLED MY EAR MOMMY!!!!!"

Dad: BEAT RED IN FACE!!!

-------

another 5 minutes...

Braxton: " I see Papa John Mommy!!!"

and papa John thought this was pretty neat as you can imagine!

Oh what will he say next!!!????

---------------------------------------

2011-09-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Don't forget....

Of course, you can't go to a fair without a $6, 30 second train ride...that he was 2 inches too short for...and I was 2 feet too big for...but they made me ride with him.....Ahh, he memories...

2011-09-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm a BiG kId

I get reminded often now by Braxton that he is "big, right mom?!" We stopped off at the grocery store in Humphrey after school one day, and he discovered their 'mini shopping carts' that was just the right size for him! He pushed it thru the 4 aisles they have:) and all I got to add to the cart was milk...these are the rest of the items he chose..

I am amazed because he actually picked out the noodles that I DO buy, the correct bread, and my favorite lettuce! He got a little healthy kick to him and grabbed an apple, informed me we have 'camel' at home...notice the SUGAR bug juice...:( he did GREAT! Maybe he will do all my shopping from here on...

Brad got him some ear (cover thingy) for hunting...and his new gun...you can see his 'i shoot you' coming out of his mouth as I took the pic! (don't worry, we are working on him only shooting deer...not people...he's 2, give me a break!)

Saturday, Brax and I took off for the state fair! (daddy had to work:() Once we FINALLY got parked and in the correct gate, we had FuN! He saw, BIG cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rode a train, and got many many toys...because you all know we don't have enough:)

He just discovered a BiG cOw!

He really wanted his picture taken by this tractor! It was ALL his idea---seriously!
I thought about buying it for him, the sticker said, $197,??0.01

I was shocked he wanted and did milk the cow!!!!

...and touched the sheep!!! Our little scardy-cat is coming out of his shell!!!!

We pulled away, and he sleepily said, "mom, I want my Grandma Jody, (yawn), I want my Gramma Sharwee, (yawn), I want me daddyyyyy...and he was out! Notice the tractor we could afford, the cultivator, anhydrous tank...and ? whatever that other thing is...he just had to have!
He was exhausted!!!

2011-08-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

B.I.G. B.O.Y.

We finally changed Braxton's bed into a daybed! Slowly adjusting towards a bigger bed I suppose. He thought he was pretty cool getting the rail taken off:) I think he was most excited about getting to use daddy's tools!

...and we quickly learned how to jump on the bed:)

Brad got some large sticky-note packet and Braxton and him found fun with it! Although this looks cute, this is how I should be applying notes to myself to remember things! I am SO forgetful!

I arranged a quick weekend get-a-way to Lake McConaughy to meet the Widhalm's, and the Preister's! On our way, we stopped in North Platte at Fort Cody (?I think?) and Brad enjoyed showing Braxton some things he got to do when he was a little boy, too, when his family stopped here as well.

I love it...after we took the picture, Braxton said, "no more mama", as you can see his "nooo" face:) For about a week now, 'mama' is ALL he calls me...I think it's kinda cute:)

I cannot remember whose idea it was to ride these go carts, but Brad informed me that he got kicked out of here (!!!) when he was younger...hmm...nice Brad!

Hangin' at the lake waiting for all to arrive...Braxton is big into 'candy necklaces' right now...along with CANDY in general:)

Thought this was super cute of 'my boyz' ;) Wish I could say one of these boats was ours:(

Mr. Dock took an excellent family photo for us;)
We did some fishing quick, too! Brad caught a...um...quite large fish...like 20some inches long I suppose...and while Braxton and I lolly-dollied over there and got to catch a glimpse of it, the line broke and 'the big catch of his life' got away...good thing he still has 'the best catch of his life' yet:) hee hee

Aaaahhhhhhh.....KIDS EVERYWHERE!!!! It was a struggle to catch a 5 year old, 4 year old, 2 2 year olds, and a 1 year old all on the same shot...but I managed! They were ALL so WILD Friday night! It was AMAZING seeing them all together playing!!! Charli being the oldest was a great leader, and Conner just a year younger really looked up to her! Next in age, Braxton, (the only child), was excited and had fun, but was VERY whiny and territorial of his things...Harper, next, just followed Doe-doe (Charli) around and hung out, and last, Sweet little Londyn, is the most MELLOW thing I have ever seen!!!! She is just along for the ride:)

I haven't had picture with my big sis and big bro in years...as you can see, Londyn was attached to mommy, and I grew a set of arms around my neck...hmmm...

On our way to the campfire, Conner got to ride in our deluxe-built-in-car-seat...vans got it all, what can I say?!?!? Braxton was really proud that Conner got to ride with us!

5 SILLY MONKEYS!

Pretty girl enjoying her s'more:)

Handsome having a grahm cracker...who needs the rest?!

And mr. bug collector found himself a grasshopper! He has an official 'bug catcher' container, with holes in it and all!...okay Jen, I'm sure you are right and someday I will have one, too..ICK!

Look who gave me a flower!!!! AWW...I hope he is always this sweet on his mom! he did pick one for Aunt Jen, but it got a little demolished on the 20 foot walk back to her....

Thank you Mr. Grill for taking out photo...
Amanda*Braxton*Brad Chad*Charli*Brenda*Harper Conner*Justin*Londyn*Jennifer

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the Widhalm's, and the Preister's for coming 4 1/2 hours to play with us!!! I am SO glad that it actually worked out for us to all meet up and hang out! Of course the weekend was waay to fast as I figured it would be, but it was A BLAST!!! Hope we can do it every year!!!! Thanks for the meals, too girls! It was Ddd-elicious!!! (miss you all already!)

p.s. I somehow deleted a few pictures out of here...so I will add them later...sorry Londyn!

2011-08-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

*Milestones*
I think it is safe to say it...we are diaper free at our house!!!!!! One night watching the hunting channel, Brad told Braxton he could go turkey hunting if he wasn't in diapers anymore! So, he runs to me telling me "mommy, I wanna wear nun-derwear". Knowing that was a longshot of it working, we threw the 'cars' undies on and a few accidents later, 3 days later, we were ready to be A BIG BOY!!! I'm sure there will still be accidents, but I suppose that's expected! It has been a month and a half of NO DIAPERS and Brad and I AND Braxton are ALL EXCITED!!!

We have collected pampers-gifts to grow points- from out diapers for 2 years and 3 months, olny to end up 2 points away from the largest prize---the BIG WHEEL! Thankfully Brenda borrowed us a few, and we got it!! All in all I suppose the big wheel costs us a mere $6,000...we are still excited to have gotten something! He was SOOO excited to find it when he got home from school!

The rule hasn't changed. Braxton is still not allowed to sleep in our bed, but when he gets up at 6:30, I go shower and tell him to go wake daddy. This is the 2nd time I have come back to this...HOW CUTE!!! (notice they both even have their mouths hanging open! Sorry Brad!)
We started one Friday taking treats to the kiddos at school, and now it is an every week thing for Braxton. He was so excited to make this school bus cupcake cake!

This one made Braxton giggle, he told me, "it looks like Miss Brandi mom!"

For those of you who know me, you know it was a BIG step for me to let Braxton have playdo.. as I H.A.T.E playdo!!! The smell freaks me out...but I'm learning to get over it! Braxton LOVES to 'dig dirt' in the yard, or sand box, but when it rains, we can't..so he has adjusted by settling for clumps of playdo to bulldoze!

Grandpa Bob, do you have to work on your Harley this often, too?!??!!?:)

I love pillow pets!

So sad I missed out on this...I was working my long shift at the bazaar, but I hear thanks to Cousin Carson, Braxton had no problem going down this slide over and over! Towards the end of the night I got to see him go down it, ended up in me freaked out as he caught air and did end over end unplanned summer saults! And he loved it:)

We didn't get the B&B Repair or Xpress Salon car in this round, but he was still excited to ride. Tyce, Braxton, Marley & Zoey...a few of them are Future Bulldogs:)

he L.O.V.E.S this slide at school!

...and shocked me by starting off on his bottom, to turning to his belly, to ending face first! I guess the 2 year old daredevil is coming out!

I think Brad had a little more advantage! (they were seeing who could get higher)

They were 'poppin a wheely' on the tire swing!

I swear he really was giggling...I think you can see it in his eyes! Brad likes to roll him up like a hot dog and tickle his toes...poor kid!

he started with his silly 'cheese' smile! We were making a project 'for my daddy' he tells me.

2011-08-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

I Help....

Braxton and I made ewwy-gooey fudge chocolate chip peanut butter filled cupcakes to take to "jackie's house" aka daycare... They didn't get done til late Thursday night, but right away Friday he remembered!! And was SO proud to carry them in this morning! He is (kind of) learning to share...;)

Brad pretty much made the sweet corn this year...it was his turn, right?! He had the best helper ever. Braxton didn't understand that he couldn't use a knife, so he got himself a fork:)

...and did EXCELLENT putting it into the bags! (one scoop went in the bag, and a handful in his mouth!)

It's so fun to squirt Papa Bob with his new pink :/ gun

It's a dark picture, but these cool dudes had their shades on ridin' the harley and Braxton wanted his picture taken:)

Don'tcha know that cowboys wear puma?!?

This makes me chuckle..small story..we are NEEDING new carpet, so we got samples laying around, and he has decided that is his new 'rug' where he enjoys snacks now. Who needs carpet, we will just buy samples:) and the easy cheese, yea, it's much yummier to squirt it directly into our mouth I guess!

READY.....
SET....
SHOOT!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-27T21:27:00.000-05:00

Busy at the Busselman's just bouncing around....

......and Hanging out....

2011-07-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July!!!
At our house...fireworks were, "scary mommy! I go in the house! Make daddy stop!" SO, Brad was a little bummed because he LOVES doing fireworks...but we still managed to do a few!

ahhh...fishing with daddy:)
Braxton wanted to take his picture with his buddy!...I love this little green man...

Awwww:)

These 'pops' are about the most we got him to do...and it took a lot of coaxing!!! At one point, he had to wear his snow boats to step on them!!! Did I mention it was 102 degrees out?!?!?!

If anyone is looking for a handy man, I think I have one in the making... (Brenda, I think we are for hire!)---not sure he can do kitchen sinks yet, though--

2011-06-27T21:50:00.000-05:00

Why?

Why?

Why?

This is the 3 letter word I have heard drives parents CRAZY...but we are only 2 days into it, so it is still cute:) On Saturday I was hooking up Braxton's large trailer to his small tractor, trying to explain it won't work, and that's when I got the, "why?" And since then, that is ALL I hear!!!:)

"Braxton, let's change out of our jammies and go to Jackie's"...

"Why mommy?"

"Braxton, please pick up your toys."

"Why mommy?"

"Braxton you can't wear JD cowboy boots with khaki shorts!"

"Why mommy?"

Everyday is something new at our house! He has been trying so hard to hold up his pointer finger and middle finger and show you that he is two...but having that thumb hold down the other two fingers in hard when you are a little guy:) So for now, his two pointer fingers will work.

Braxton has really been a daddy's boy lately..so it was time to show him that mommy can be fun, too:) (ha daddy!) Brad was 'garfing' (Golfing) as Braxton calls it, so we decided to work on the landscaping at the shop some more...I am transplanting hostas (because they are coming out my ears at the house!) and then river rocking, etc...which required me to drive the skidloader...OH YEA!!!! Mommy is now the COOLEST!!!:) (until tomorrow when Brad out does me with something else!)

It is amazing to watch Brad and Braxton together! You can just watch the two of them and see Brad's eye twinkle with every move Braxton makes! They are best buds thats forsure!!!

Everynight before bed is when Braxton and I get to snuggle and say prayers...On Monday night we were praying for our friends, as she was in labor to have their little girl...

"for Kayla's little girl....

"mommy, I want a baby grrrl",

"you do?"

"mmmhmmm"

"where would she sleep?"

"not in Baxton's bed, that my bed"

"nope, not in B(r)axton's bed"

"hers sleep in hers bed"

"where would 'hers' bed go, our house is too small"

"umm...hers bed go in da camper"

And this is one of them times....don't ya just love what kids come up with?!?!?!?!?!?

Braxton is big into taking naps ANYWHERE but in his bed...
Enjoying a yummy marshmallow around the campfire*

...and this is what I meant when I said daddy does all the fun stuff:)

For Father's Day weekend, we went to Pierce camping with my parents, and Brad's parents! What a fun time!!! Braxton LOVED showing off in front of his 'gampas' and 'gammas'...and especially Aunt Kelly!

Way to go mommy..you remembered a riding toy this time!!!

I SWEAR Grandpa didn't really let go!! When he talks about Grandpas now, it is either, "Gammpa John", or "Gammpa Bob"...then he usually talks about a motorcycle:)

It's tuff being this cool....

...and Best Friends are made!!! Harper turned "2" on Fathers Day! So, we jumped out of camping for a bit and went to his FUN party! The boys FINALLY played together and were running and screaming and having a blast!!!

2011-06-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

Someday.....
...Someday I promise I will stop taking pictures of my son playing in the tub...But he's only 2 and therefore I find it cute!

We have been traveling to Columbus a lot lately for baseball/teeball games and LOVING them! McKenna plays coach pitch on Tuesday nights, Carson on Wednesday nights, and Charli on Thursdays..WHEW!!! And Braxton LOVES to watch them all play! He has learned that 'Gampas' buys him m&m's at all games! So, when we are at home, he wants to learn to play, too:) Look Out!!! The ball is coming at ya!!!
Another day of being worn out after playing hard!!!

(my little helper`` is trying to hit 'buttons' as I update the blog:))
We went camping to Yankton over Memorial Day weekend and had so much fun! Lots of friends from Lindsay were there, too! ( it was a chilly morning)

All weekend Braxton wanted to 'drive' Gene's boat...While Brad was putting the life jacket on, I asked what that handle in the back of the jacket was...turned around to this...Brad says that's what it is for:)

I'm not sure, but I think it was equally FUN for the boys!!!

He must've learned to hold hands from Cousin Charli and Harper...this is his new thing in the car.."momma, hold my hand peas"....I LOVE IT!!! And Loved it even more when he told dad, "no, just mommy hand"...hee hee It isn't too often mom trumps dad!...okay, NEVER!

...gotta have chocolate pudding when you camp!.....(if you notice the streak across the front of his head, I forgot to mention we had a little mishap in the boat...we hit a bump and Braxton took a tumble that knocked him silly out! He's OKAY I assure you:) He was honking the horn to the boat shortly after.

( my little helper just tells me, 'it's okay momma, i push a button'--he REALLY likes to play on the computer too)

This is BRAxton Standing with hiS new FROG, hERMAN...( AND yes, he found the caps lock button right now)

New swimming pool that Brad thought he just had to get for Braxton:)

ah...a picture with momma:) That's my new name I guess

I am aware we do NOT have it that bad...but we were bummed Saturday morning to see what Friday nights storm did to our new fence. The 70+mph wind pulled the anchors right out of the cement!!!

...the boys will get it figured out!

The roof blew off the well shed across the street from us...

When I ask for a 'smile and say cheese' , this is the new thing I get in return...

2011-05-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

An update from the Busselman's...

*So, after Braxton's Big Ol #2 Birthday...we are rearranging our 'not-so-big' house to make room for all the awesome toys we got!!!!! It was so sad when we went to put the basketball hoop together, we realized the yellow hoop ring thing was missing...so, a quick trip to Norfolk and we are all set with a new one with all the parts!!! He realized he wasn't tall enough, so he found his own way of making a basket! Little smartie!

*Always wore out after a big game of basketball...nothing better than falling asleep in daddy's arms:)
*So growing up in a MAJOR farming community, Braxton is constantly seeing tractors go by, and he 'WANTS TO RIDE TAC-TOR MOMMY!!!" So, good thing for the Bender's and Klassens:) Braxton got to ride in a few different colors of tractors:), and he even got to drive one! Thanks Casey and Jerry!!! Let me know if you need a hired-hand someday:)

We went on our first camping trip over Mother's day weekend! WHAT A BLAST!!! We went up to Pierce after work Friday. Braxton was beyond excited when we picked him up from school with the camper!!! It was such a beautiful weekend. The weather was perfect. We hung out Friday night, and Brad got some fishing in on Saturday while Braxton napped...(he had a great surprise when he woke up...)

Braxton is still in his crib at the age of 2...He has never attempted to crawl out, or even shown interest of doing so. When he wakes up, he just yells for 'daddy' or 'mommy I up'...so, until he crawls out, we plan to keep him in there..hope he isn't 10 and still in there--haha

He was pretty excited to sleep on the couch in the camper! He did great! We were a little questionable about him falling off, and yep, good thing we put cushions down! About 4am, THUMP...didn't wake him to fall, but it woke mom! Why is it that mom's hear EVERYTHING and WORRY about EVERYTHING!?!?

*So, Saturday we rode bikes, walked, played tractors, ball, everthing else that summer brings, we even got the smore's out! Mmm:)

When it was time to come home, Braxton was so sad. He wanted to stay. We are so excited for our upcoming camping trips!!!

Braxton made this at school for me for Mother's Day. When I woke up Sunday morning, Brad had practiced "Happy Mother's Day Mommy" with him, and I got the cutest card and Braxton told me, "Happy Birthday Mommy"...how cute...must've had his Birthday on his mind yet:)

Braxton was picking me 'flowers' aka dandilions and he was so proud!!!

*This was Brad's big catch of the day! It was delicious!!! And this next photo was the Big Surprise Braxton got when he woke up. Braxton went to reel in his pole, and this is what was on the end of it:)

When it was time to go home, he tried to 'hide' so he could stay. Too cute--when he doesn't want to go home or do something he 'hides'...the mind of a 2 year old--how sweet and innocent

Lil man & me on Mother's Day after going to graduations...what a busy weekend!

Brad & Braxton planted some touch-up grass on Mother's Day. He has turned into quite the little helper.

*It has been so busy lately going and because of this, we are in the van a lot. Braxton has been so funny to ride with! We were heading home yesterday after meeting new baby Justine, and when Brad turned the corner, Braxton says, "No guys, not that way" he pointed the opposite way and told Brad, "go that way daddy". His new favorite phrase all week has been, "hey guys", or "no guys", "listen guys", "GUYS" is the new word!:)

*I can't wait to post a picture of Braxton's new haircut! It only took, Grandpa B, Grandma B, Daddy, Cousin Kenna & Cousin Carson to entertain him while I CHOPPED away!!! He used to sit so great, then...he turned 2...enough said:)

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*HAPPY WEEK to All!!!*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

2011-05-03T21:35:00.000-05:00

My first tree........

Braxton got his first tree from Little Saints Daycare last week for Arbor Day! So, we decided to plant it at the shop...in hope of watching it grow along with Braxton in the years to come:) He was so excited to help daddy plant it!!! Look closely, as it is super small!!!

Sunday, May 1st we celebrated Braxton's "2nd" Birthday with all his family and friends!!! This was his 'tractor' cake he wanted!
Pretty girl Cousin Charli had to help Braxton open gifts...everyone he opened, he wanted to hoard and not attempt to walk away from for the chance of a cousin touching it:)

Great Grandma Korth gave him a baggie FULL of smarties...his fav:)
**there is a little story behind it...a month ago at the firemans supper, Braxton convienently helped himself into Great Gma's purse because he saw she had 'candy' in there...and ever since, when he sees her, he wants 'candy':) It amazes me what he remembers!!!**
Braxton got his "ONE" gift he was asking for!!! A 'baset-ball and hoop'...THANK YOU Gpa & Gma P!!!!!

...making a wish...

...awwwww!!! LOVING on his rockin horse from Jesse & Uncle Lyle:)

Oh Uncle Lyle...thank you for buying all the 7 kids at the party a baby chick!!! Let me know how much we owe you for feed:)
Check out these new pajamas:)

Happy Birthday to you .... Happy Birthday to you..Happy Birthday Sweet Braxton.....
Braxton had a Great 2nd Birthday THANK YOU to ALL of you for celebrating such a special day!!! Thank you for helping our house look like a mini John Deere store:) Braxton is LOVING every single gift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And So are we!! Watching him be so happy playing makes us SO happy!!!

2011-04-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY BRAXTON JOHN!!!

It has been a week long of celebrating at our house!!! April 23rd Brad turned the big 3-0! I tried my best to give him a 'surprise' party, and my cover got blown 30mins before...all in all, it was still a BLAST and he was surprised somewhat:) I am thankful it is over...I did A LOT of fibbing...and HATED that! But it was all in good reasoning, right?!?! (keep telling myself that to make me feel better)

Brad really wanted Braxton to have goldfish, so we came home with Terry and I'm sad to say the other mr.goldfish did not get a name...maybe if he would've lived longer than 6 days I would've gotten it named:( Braxton really didn't seem to mind they died!...good thing they are only 30cents, right?!

Uncle Lyle decided to bring the Easter Bunny to Braxton, since he was scared of it at the Easter egg hunt! He sure seemed to enjoy this little bunny! How adorable!

He was so great at coloring the eggs. When I asked him who he wanted to give them to, he replied, "daddy and jerry" Jerry is our neighbor...who is also Braxton's BESTEST buddy!!!

Brad*Nathan Chohon*Keith Reichmuch*Eric Reichmuth*Scott Wegener---Brad's classmates to surprised him at his party...there were a few more that didn't make the photo:) Brad's class is so close! It made Brad's night to have them there...Nate even drove 7 hours!! True Friends!!!
..and Thank You Gene Werner for helping Brad get his first and ONLY 30 pointer!!!

As you can see the Easter Bunny came Sunday morning...a tad too early for Brad!!!! In his defense, his wonderful friends were a little harsh on him with the drinks!!!
Grandpa John helping Braxton find his eggs at Great Aunt Jackies!So everyone thought I was horrible for having them take this picture and not redo it...this is just how it is with a 2 year old...you win some, you lose some...obviously it was a losing day for photos...
Grandma & Grandpa B stopped by on Braxton's bday to bring him a few presents...

..and the famous Jerry even made it over! He MADE Braxton a box-scraper! AWESOME!!!
For some reason, he thinks his new fishing pole is a GUn.....
Brad, Braxton, and I spent the entire day in Omaha at the Henry Doorly Zoo! He LOVED the animals!!!!!!!!!! LOVED everything about the ZOO! It was SO much fun spending the day with the boys!!!!!!!!!!!
I even got a 'thumbs up'...he was having so much FuN!

...and the next day the party continued...he got his 1st John Deere hat from teh Al Bender Family!!!

...and the gifts just keep on coming...In the mail the day after, his mack truck, trailer and BACKHOE that he SO BADLY was asking for, FINALLY came in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and it just keeps getting better, he got to drive the tractor with Jerry!!!! We are still hearing all about it!!!

***and the big party isn't until Sunday...hope I have enough room for pictures of all his loot he is going to get....*** ReMemBeR people, our house is SMALL!!!!!

2011-04-21T09:58:00.000-05:00

QUACK QUACK... check out Braxton's slippers...Mom's are camo...so you probably can't see them:)

Braxton is 'learning' to share...so, Sunday he decided to share his oatmeal cream pie with his cows!!!

...so, this is the famous "Tay-der" that Braxton loves so much...

...and this is Braxton and Taylor 2 years ago next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fun times at the Easter egg hunt! Daddy & Braxton**Aaron & Callista**Leon & Logan----the future class of???20--???(that's too much math!)

...So Tom Cruise, do you prefer boxer briefs??????.....

...or whity-tighties?!?!?!?.....
I think he was actually sneezing as I took this...he really does like his new undies! I know, I know, someday he REALLY will not appreciate the photos I share with you all:)

---hope the Easter bunny finds all of you this weekend:)

2011-04-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

Never feels like there is enough time... I am a little behind right now on many things in life... I will try and back track our last part of March... Hmm...St.Patty's Day---Braxton got his 1st tattoo:) His lucky clover:) We didn't even party and drink our GREEN beer like we possibly did years ago (heehee), but I did go to play practice...Our town put on a melodrama "Pecos Bill & Slu-foot Sue meet the Dirty Dan Gang"...whew! Quite the title! It was practices every Sunday from Jan-thru March, and ended with multiple practices a week towards the end. For those of you who seen it, I hope you really enjoyed it as much as we did performing it! It was a great cast to work with! I, am NOT an actor, but with a few drinks :) I can pretend to be! I am glad and sad that it's over, but glad to have my Sundays back with my boys!!! So, Jody has decided that dad needs to eat healthier, and I agree...So she mentioned she doesn't buy ice cream anymore, so my sis and I bought him a homemade ice cream maker for his birthday, and I HAD to buy myself one, too!! We are LOVING it at the Busselman house!!!

Oh wow!!! So this picture isn't to show off his combover(where did that come from?!!?!) It is to show you the 'flower' he made us at school! He was SO proud of it when I picked him up:)

We had a Fireman's Supper a few weeks ago, and we made Easter Cupcakes to take...I have such a GREAT helper!!!(FYI--we didn't use the liners that he was playing with on the floor---I SWEAR!)

I KNOW this looks like child-labor or something, but he REALLY TRULY wanted to vacuum! He even CRIED when I told him it was time to shut it off! Now, daily, he wants to 'Keen' with mommy...why, just WHY can't his father want to 'CLEAN'!?!??!?! ......and YEA, that is VICTOR NEWMAN on the t.v. in the backround! Can you believe he is STILL on the Y&R?!?!?!?

...and here we are learning to lick the spatchula when mom got done baking bars!

What do you do when it snows at the end of March?!?!?! You make a SNOWMAN!!! (okay okay, so Brad made the snowman, but I had to go out in the cold and put the eyes/nose/mouth/buttons on! Give me some credit!!!)

REALLY mom?!?!?!? I thought I could HIDE his basketball from him till his birthday...this is the Handsome Smile I got from him when I said he could open it...but he had to say "cheese" first!!! "baset-ball' is his new favorite thing!!! and I MEAN FAVORTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loving John Deere Tractors!!! Can't wait till planting season!!! ...and let me CLARIFY we ARE NOT the parents who let their child in their bed....BUT, one morning around 7am Braxton got up and ate his 'bar' (nutrigrain bars are his fav) as usual, then wanted to go by daddy (who was still in bed--no sense in us both being up, right?!)so, I put him by daddy and figured Brax would be jumping all over him, I went to shower, and this is what I came back to!!! Jealous Mom!!!

Cousin Harper and Charli came for a quick visit one Sunday morning...the boys' hair is identical!!! (...and ya, not sure who's on the t.v in this shot:)

and life is ALWAYS good when "Tay-der" comes to visit! Braxton cried when she left...even wanted to ride in her car!

Braxton had SO MUCH fun playing outside Saturday!!! What a BEAUTIFUL day it was!!!

And happy to announce, this is our new fence!!!!!!!!! It is really coming along!!!!!! The project is getting closer to being done!!!!!!!!

HUGE THANK YOU's to Brad, Lyle, Jerry, and John for doing the fence! I was at work doing prom hair...and it sounded like the guys had a few glitches with the fence...sad to say it was the manufacturer (and not our wonderful helpers), but they got it up and going eventually....

We went with 6 foot, total privacy, well, almost, we may cut a window for the neighbor...ha ha Jerry

Can you tell I'm LOVING it?!?!?!?

..and Grandpa came to check it out that evening...I was hanging with my foot resting on the tools, along with dad, so monkey-see, monkey-do had to do the same!! I LOVE it!!!!!!!!

Check check check it out, our almost 2 year old can drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

Giddy-up Cowboy...
I do believe this will be my 'bragging about Braxton' update:) (as if every update I post is about anything else?!) Braxton has become fascinated with this light-thingy that attaches to his hats!

It was Dr.Seuss week at school, and this is his hat he made. He was SO proud of it. He has been making ALL sorts of fun things at Little Saints Daycare! He us Valentine's, Shamrocks, Face-plates, and is always bringing colored pictures home for us! WE LOVE IT!!!

Wishing it were because of better reasoning...but our friends had a funeral, so Braxton ended up having a SUPER-FUN playdate with Olivia & Logan! He wants "Livvy" to come back he tells me! Logan was born 2 months after Brax..but has 3-4 inches on him, and about 8lbs as well...we have discovered Brax is a little peanut...(sorry Uncle Lyle, I will remain to call him that!)

Aunt "Kelldy" came for a visit, and Braxton didn't want her to leave...he still asks 'where Kelldy go?!?!?!?"

You are never too little to lick the spoon while mom bakes!

LOOK OUT GAMPA! Braxton, Myself, Dad, & Jody went to Colorado this past weekend to celebrate Londyn's (my niece) first birthday! We got to go to a parade, where Braxton felt the need to push 'gampa' over...over, and over....

He was so silly with his stroller...

Him and Conner tended to fight over this car a tad bit, but Braxton being littler, and Conner is such a good sharing cousin, he let Brax have his way...pretty much let Braxton have his way the entire weekend:( Sorry Con

At the parade with Gamma & Gampa Sweet Lil Londyn is on the move

..this little chunk-a-monk can E*A*T!!! She is ADORABLE!!! Braxton LOVED on her so much! He even got to feed her a few bottles, but was quick to tell her I was 'his mommy'...

Conner got Grandma to 'shave' the frosting off his face...he was such a good big brother this weekend!

mmm...CAKE!!!

This is my FAVORITE pic! He looks like a pro...look at the stance...haha---for those of you who know us, Braxton better not get his 'sporting skills' from us, or he is in trouble:)

Justin*Jen*Conner*Londyn-MISS YOU GUYS!!!
The chair Londyn is in, Jody painted it to match her room and Londyn LOVED it...wouldn't leave that chair alone the rest of the weekend! G-reat gift guys!

Braxton always manages to get presents too...Thanks for the bubble maker Aunt Jen!

Story time started out with Jen and Brax and led to FUN for all!!! Thanks for the popcorn Uncle Justin!

Justin's mom was also there, inwhich by Sunday, he was calling her "his gamma"! and loving all over her. She gave Conner this gigantic velcro sandwhich making kit...Braxton and Jen had a blast with it...he was so excited while they were playing, he even started calling her 'mommy jen'...I was jealous..he was 'ALL ABOUT HER!" poor Amanda...
thanks Jen for teaching him to say 'purple jelly'
Ah, Thank you Grandma Sheri for the fun activities for the ride to and from. I have to admit, this was the absolute worst he has ever traveled...but it still wasn't as bad as it could have been I guess. Dad & Jody nicely told me they thought he did fine...it was a long 9 hours, and the poor thing just wanted 'out'...understandable!!!

All -in- all, we had a great trip. The weather was good. And we made it to and from safe and sound. It has been YEARS since I went on a vacation with my dad..and I enjoyed it very much! Thanks Dad & Jody!!!

We have become in love with 'micky' and 'minnie' and 'goofy' and 'luto' at our house...he even gets up in the morning and asks for 'tv'...which probably isn't the best thing, but he is like me, he likes the noise on, but doesn't even watch much of it...

His vocabulary has become so broad lately! We went thru the alphabet book tonight and he pointed to most everything and followed with telling me what each picture was of! I cannot believe our little man is going to be 2 in less than 2 months...If you ask him, he will tell you already that he is '2'...and sometimes he will even tell you he is 'blue'. They learned those two things at daycare and he is stuck on that! They informed me today that maybe we should look to pull-ups or underwear soon. He has remained 'dry' at daycare the past few weeks...YAY!!! I hope we keep progressing forward with this! As we were loading up our new freezer tonight, he informed me 4 times that he had to go 'poddy' or 'poopy', so, 4 trips in and out of the house/garage, with him going every time...led to me getting NOTHING done...I'm thinking diapers were easier! HA! Just joking! We are so proud of him, and hope he keeps it up! Thanks for following along on this long and BRAGGING update tonight! I know all of your kids out there talk and can use a bathroom, but he is our one and only little man and we are going to dwell on it all and enjoy every minute of him!!!

2011-02-27T10:44:00.000-06:00

We have at our house...a puppy, a cow, a kitty, and now a 'baby'! These are some of the things Braxton's imagination has been coming up with! There are many kids younger than Brax at daycare, so he likes to play 'baby'...He looks so funny, he's SO big:)

Braxton and Daddy made me a birthday cake!!!!Double-layer chocolate!!!MMM!!! We will forever be giving this child rides in something I swear! We had to tote him around in this all afternoon:)

Brad*Braxton*Amanda
Braxton got 2 sleepovers at Gma B's this weekend!!! (Thanks Gma)We have never gone out 2 nights on the weekend since we had him...and although it was SO fun to hang with friends, I don't think I will go out that much again! It's so hard to start the week off 'behind on sleep'. Braxton had to take his big ol blanket to Gma's for the slumber party!
Hope everyone had a great February, and happy March is around the corner:)

2011-02-24T13:23:00.000-06:00

CHEESE-BERGER!!!
Braxton's new thing while I attempt to take a picture is to say, "cheeseburger":) Funny little boy! As much as I HATE to admit this, he has been showing a few signs of the....yep, I'm gonna say it,...the "terrible 2's"!!! The tattle-tailing on daddy and grandpa has been pretty funny, though:)
I made the dumb mistake of telling someone that Braxton hasn't been to the dr since 15 months, and is almost 2!!!...Boy was that a jinx or what! RSV the very next day:( There were some cases of it at his daycare, so to be expected. He seems to be getting over his hacking each and everyday!
I try to take Thursdays off for 'housework' and catch up on 'things', but lately I have been working M-T-W-Thursdays-F and Saturdays, so you can IMAGINE what our house looks like...just picture a mini tornado passing thru:( So, it was WONDERFUL to have 1/2 the day off today!!! Braxton and I have accomplished SO much! We even finished taxes (tooting my own horn here!) Braxton has been a BLAST today!!!

............if only I could find him..............

Braxton had so much fun when Gma & Gpa P stopped by:)

..my little grocer shopper...

...and he is SOOOOOOOOO GOING to HATE me someday for this!! He really wasn't posing, but it sure looks that way!!! Sportn' the new cars undies:) (sorry Brad, had to post it!) I now call him Tom!!!haha

Cool shades from Vday!

our own little Shrek...he watches daddy clean his ears after showering...so, monkey see, monkey do

..my very own mechanic!!! I heard this 'noise' and this is what I find...He's got a screwdriver in one hand and a hammer in the other, with the cycle tipped on it's side...he said it was 'broken'. I assume it's a harley:0)hahaha...just teasing Gpa Bob!
..and this is the 'cheeseberger' shot:)

Have A GREAT weekend Everyone!!!

2011-02-13T16:10:00.000-06:00

67* DEGREES TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?!?! What a beautiful Sunday! I didn't accomplish much today that I wanted...we did though start are day off with church, followed by a quick errand/neccessity trip to Norfolk while the boys slept (JEALOUS!) and then cleaned, and off to play practice! Yep, I said it, I am in the town play at the end of March! I can't believe how much fun I am actually having with it! I will keep you all posted with dates and times!

Brad and I actually had an 'abnormal' week last week. We went to VEGAS for 5 days!!! AHHH...WHAT FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We missed Braxton like CRAZY, but it was nice for "us" to have some time together as well! We went out with another couple, which they were a BLAST! I guess that's about all I can say...you know how it goes...what happens if Vegas, stays in Vegas!

Hee hee

Thanks Again to ALL the Gmas & Gpas for taking such GREAT care of our lil man!!! Before we left, Braxton 'insisted' on helping me clean...why can't his father????

In attempt to weigh our luggage, Braxton wanted to weigh in...weighing in at 22lbs...YAY!!! (while eating string cheese:)
CHEESE

The boys 'coloring' so nicely...

Cheese*burger!

...this sad little picture is what happens when Braxton repeatedly stands up on the furniture... he stood so nicely next to the snowman, without touching him...WHY? is my snowman out yet??I do not know...

Standing infront of the water light show! How PRETTY!
Ya just can't go anywhere without running into someone you know! Brad and I posing...with Larry Wiese to join...HA
Girls just wanna have fun....
We ran into MORE people we knew in Vegas...I'm the 'cow', Brad the 'fireman', Lyle the 'pimp', Barbie the 'pirate'?, Wiese the 'cock', Alan the 'joker' and Brad the 'clown', I would say all the parts fit everyone QUITE well....HAHAHAHA!!!

2011-02-03T20:36:00.000-06:00

Happy GroundHog Day!!!!!! That little varmit must've gotten my message...I hear he didn't see his shadow??! YAY!!! Braxton came home from "Little Saints Daycare" and had some pretty cool things he made there! He made his own version of the groundhog popping out of the hole...Too Cute!!! He also made a dinosaur with 'spikes' on his back! What Fun Stuff they do there!!! He also that night was still feeling pretty 'crafty' so we started working on decorating our valentine's!!!

2011-02-01T15:07:00.000-06:00

BUSY BUSY BUSY...
Busy with what you ask?!??! We have been having some good ol fun at the Busselman's!!! Braxton is still learning to use the poddy, although we as parents are learning it is a CHORE for us to take him ALL the time! It's going okay...hoping he catches on a little more soon:) He has been talking SO much lately...wonder where he gets that 'rambling on and on' from***
Braxton has been L*o*v*i*n*g to wear daddy's glasses lately...even attempts to read a magazine with them on...pretty funny considering he can't READ or SEE thru the things (I'm talking about Braxton, not Brad :0)

"Uncle Lyle" paid us a suprise visit last week, and managed to play the 'uncle' role and teach my son to play the 'drums' with colors...on the chair..floor...counter...etc! And taught him to 'throw' books up in the air.....Thanks Lyle! The next night Lyle walked towards the door while we were eating supper and Brad asked him who was at the door...he plainly said, "Lyle"...HOW CUTE***WINNER WINNER WINNER***

Braxton didn't let the single digit temps, or the frozen snot on his nose slow him down this past Saturday...he got out on the Lindsay Puddle for the Knights of Columbus Ice Fishing Tourney and WON!!! Won the cutest little set of lures...too bad he won't get them for awhile...(he may of had a tad of help from Daddy:)

The boys decided one night to have a 'slumber party' on the living room floor...Braxton gave daddy a kiss goodnight...............

...and go figure...guess who was asleep first?!?!?!?!?!??!!?? They both actually slept in those spots till 7am the next morning...and, well, I, I got a bed ALL TO MYSELF!!! I LOVE slumber parties!!!
Cowboy up!!! Braxton got "2" cowboy hats from Gma & Gpa B for Christmas...
(pardon the green candy stuck to his face)...and what cowboy doesn't have it in black??!?!?...and Yea, he had to go get my boots...I just LOVE this pic:) he's looking thru his john deere catalog:)

...And what else do you do on a 'Snow Day'??? You BAKE with MOM!!! This is what happens when little boys don't listen when you tell them to turn it on speed 1, not 8!!! Boy did he giggle!!!
P.S. Cinnamon rolls @ our house....
What are we going to do when he doesn't fit in the clothes basket anymore?? This thing has brought so much joy to him!!!
Not only did we spend the day at home, Braxton got to have his 2nd Cousin, Abbree over for a little play date! Of course, monkey-see, monkey-do, he had to eat at the island like Abbree.
..they got to play farm and every other toy by the looks of it:)

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Hope everyone is safe in this lovely blizzard we are having...Have a GREAT month of February...and shoot that little fuzzy groundhog if he makes winter last any longer...We want to go play OUTSIDE and not freeze in the process:)

2011-01-24T19:32:00.000-06:00

MOM??? MOM WHO???
I'm starting to learn that I don't exist much in our house anymore...I'm the 'picture taker', therefore I am not in any photos... I'm the 'disciplinary' parent...therefore I'm not exactly the 'fun' one...but the biggest thing I've learned is that I CANNOT make the 'cool' tractors noises that Daddy can make...therefore Daddy is the FUN one to PLAY with!!! Ah...poor Amanda:)
So, now that I'm over that----WHAT FUN we have been having at our house!!! Braxton is wanting to sit on the poddy at home, and at daycares, so that is an interesting and learning experience for us all. I'm learning that he does much better at daycare! He WANTS to go there ALL the time...and ACTUALLY goes! At home, it's more a game! Typical I hear:)
Braxton has also been learning to put sentences together. They don't always make sense, but he is quick to grab you by the hand and show you what he is wanting...which helps tremendoulsy at times. Although this morning, it was loud and clear when he came into the bedroom, pulled the pillow from under my head and said, "Mommy up, my piddo"....or "mommy i-team", which I learned means 'ice cream'!---Brad's favorite is 'i go daddy, i go daddy'! And he runs and puts his coat, hat, and boots on...them I'm the bad one who has to tell him no no, you gotta stay with mommy---that goes over REALLLL well:( Lately he seems to think if he puts a "PLEASE MOMMY" in front of things that he will automatically get what he is wanting...(and usually it works)...
Our little man will be 21 months this week! We were watching him thru the monitor the other night (which we plan to do til he moves out!!!) and we were discussing how AMAZING he is!!! Braxton has made our lives so wonderful! He brings so much joy and love to our house! I need to sometimes tell myself that we need to be thankful for what we HAVE, not to dwell on what we think we WANT in life...and we HAVE everything in life we NEED! WE LOVE OUR LITTLE MAN!!!

Being S*I*L*L*Y
You've all heard of Noah's Arc...Braxton is making his own...with pigs, horses, ducks and moos

...and here is Braxton's new 'horse'

Chillin' with daddy eating PEZ---(Uncle Chad's Fav)

We will never outgrow the laundry basket rides....

---Happy Last week of January---

2011-01-16T11:24:00.000-06:00

Out numbered already!!!
I am learning as time goes on, I am getting outnumbered more and more...
I had to do hair for the Hearts dance on Saturday, so Braxton got to hang out with daddy, and Grandpa B. ice fishing!!! (I had to quickly get over it as I am at work looking out my window seeing my 20 month old being pulled in a sled across a frozen pond----) I'm not sure who enjoyed it more...by the looks of the picture I would have to say that was one PROUD Grandpa! Braxton was more excited that he got smarties and a juice box! It amazed me how warm it actually is in them little heated huts! They did catch 'some' fish...not that I could tell you what they were...so I think it was a great day for them:)

-----Hope everyone has a great week!!!------

2011-01-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Let it snow...let is snow...let it snow...
I hope everyone is enjoying the snow we are getting...Braxton and I went out and scooped early this morning so it was clear for church go'ers...sad to say I biffed it a few times and am a little soar...but it made Braxton chuckle as I went down:)
Braxton and I have enjoyed the weekend together as Brad was gone on a snowmobile trip...I CAN'T wait til my 'turn' to go on a trip comes up!!!---I think it is REAL soon:)
Braxton got to spend some time with Gma & Gpa Preister on Saturday while I went wedding dress shopping with a friend. Glad to say she found a dress and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! It was pretty cute when I went to get him, he was chillin' on the floor snuggled in blankets watching t.v.! If you know my child, that is unheard of!!!
To my knowledge, Brad is headed home with all of his limbs and none of them broken...Can't wait to hear stories...

Braxton helping Brad stir 'something'...he is SO into "HELPING!"

Posing in another new hat...

The 'boys' before Brad took off...Braxton is just as attached to 'hats' as his father!
So..someday Braxton will not enjoy this photo...let the fun times of potty-training begin:(

So I am trying to 'entertain' Braxton the best I can to keep him on the poddy...@ 5:30 this morning, making 'hats' out of his blanky was all I could come up with..but it worked!!! Desperate times for mom here...Feel free to pass any potty-training tips my way...

******************Have a Great week!********************

2011-01-02T15:12:00.000-06:00

HAPPY 2011!!!

Happy New Year!

We brought in the New Year up town at the Lindsay bar. It was a great time being out with friends! Thanks to Gma & Gpa B for keeping Braxton over night...

We had a very fun weekend being home with Braxton!!! Saturday we played so many toys, and went to church, (I'm thankful the cryroom was packed--Braxton was entertained by all the adorable kiddos his age!) and after church Gma & Gpa B stopped by with Kenna & Carson...the kids had fun playing and showing off to one another.

Today, (Sunday) Brad took off early this morning to take our dogs hunting (it's ALL about the dogs:) So, Braxton helped me take down all our Christmas decor---I know, I know, it's too soon, but if you've never been to our house, then you don't understand how limited we are on space! He did a great job putting ornaments away and carrying things to the storage room with me! He is SUCH a helper. It amazes me each day how much older he is acting! I love it!!!

Then, tomorrow, back to the normal swing of things...Hope everyone has a great start to the year!

Braxton enjoys going up and down the steps alone! (still makes me nervous!)
I really don't know what we are doing here...but it must've been funny to us both:)

Brad & Braxton were 'fixing' my light fixture...

His favorite thing right now is dragging random things into our bedroom and playing...

We've been spending a lot of time outside sledding! I swear it takes 20 mins to get him dressed...so then we have to stay outside for so long to make it worth while!
Carson*Kenna*Braxton...checking out to see if Gpa is still at the table...
Carson is big into "wrestling", so he was teaching Braxton some moves...he didn't seem bothered by Carson body slamming him...haha
Say hello to our new 'puppy'. He is big into 'pretending' he is a puppy. Even carries a puppy puppet around (from daycare) and pants like a dog...oh let the games begin:)

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Good luck to those of you who set new year's resolutions...and best of luck sticking to them! I am terrible, so I decided not to even attempt...I'm a quitter before starting:)

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2010-12-28T07:25:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
We hope everyone had a great holiday weekend spent with loved ones!!! We started the holiday weekend off to Uncle Lyle stopping by and giving Braxton a motorized MOTORCYCLE!!! Brad and I sold both our bikes this year, and now Braxton gets one...something wrong with that?!?! Next, we went onto Columbus to the Preister's where Braxton made a haul there...trucks, remote control cars, barnyard farm set, tools.... onward home so Santa could come to our house by morning light...Braxton was THRILLED to wake up...Boy oh boy, Braxton must've been SUPER GOOD this year...he got SO Many presents... a tool bench set, books, puzzles, slippers, John Deere Cowboy boots, skidloaders, semi and trailer...Ah, silly Santa brought WAY TO MUCH!!! We went to Brad's parents' Christmas afternoon where I realized that we will A) need to build on B) move, or C) stop having children :) He got a train set, a horse on rockers, cowboy hat:), bath toys, oh my goodness!!! We even had to go hop in Grandma Sheri's tub and play!!! Next, leads us to Sunday, we went to Great Grandma Korths house...in which he got a zhu zhu pet a.k.a a rat! It is the cutest little bugger. .. and Braxton LOVES it! I know I'm forgetting half his toys, but you get the idea! SO, needless to say NO MORE TOYS at the BUSSELMAN HOUSE for awhile...(YA RIGHT!!!) We had a great weekend and hope all of you did too! Hope everyone has a SAFE and FUN New Year's Eve!!! I'm super smart and getting teeth pulled....so, we will see how that goes... HAPPY 2011

Daddy enjoyed this gift just as much as Lil Man

Checkin' out the chicken from Grandma Deb...

No no these are not his JD boots...these are mommy's....hey, at least they matched his outfit!

His favorite gift right now is the skidloader...just like Grandpa Bob's and Uncle Chad's!!!

Silly Harper and Braxton
Looking for a horsey ride....I think it is so cute how boys are 'boys'...he loaded his capn' crunch into the skidloader bucket and was eating it out of there instead of the bowl....

The Busselman Family

Grandmas Jody and Braxton being silly....
Grandpa showing him how his new remote control firetruck goes...

2010-12-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

All it takes it a dusting of snow...
Brad no more than walked in the door today (sunday) from being outside all day hunting, and wanted to g back out to take Braxton sledding! As you can see...not much snow, but it made them BOTH super happy! (and mommy too...I was left in the house to bake!)

I think if you click on this picture, it will enlarge it and you can see the monsterous smile on their faces!!!

After we took a picture, he waved and told me "bye bye"...guess it was just him and daddy time!

Hope everyone has a great week finishing up their Christmas shopping...let me know if anyone wants to take my list and shop for me...I swear the hours get fewer and fewer each day...

2010-12-16T19:31:00.000-06:00

Dear Santa....all my mommy wants for Christmas is...

we missed Santa in Humphrey, so to the mall is where we heard he was next going to be. He enjoyed petting santa's hat, and telling him, 'ho ho ho', but said NO when I asked if he wanted to sit with him...So, I figured I may as well tell Santa what was on my list...in one ear and out the other I have a feeling:)
Found the coolest sled the other day! Who know sleds now come with a built up booster and buckle?!?!? He had a blast being pulled all around the house...can't wait for snow to toss this toy outside!!!

2010-12-04T12:40:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when you stay at a basketball game too late...
We went to the Lindsay vs St. Francis basketball games Friday night and Braxton had a BLAST! He enjoyed a bag of popcorn, and a sucker while watching the girls win...and made it thru the 3rd quarter of the boys' game...
We were 'planning' to go see SANTA today and he got all dressed, all the way down to the coat, and then got himself a blanky while I blow-dryed my hair (in 3 mins!) he managed to fall asleep for 2 1/2 hours...missing Santa...
So, if anyone knows Santa's next route stop PLEASE let us know...he woke up saying "HO-HO-Ho" I feel so bad we missed him....

2010-11-28T18:56:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!! Brad, Braxton and I spent the holiday in Fountain, Colorado with my (Amanda's) Sister, hubby, and 2 kids! It was a great drive both ways! We have made the 9 hour trip a few times now, and each time we get nervous, but it's for nothing because Braxton travels so well! Whew!!! My sister is a FABULOUS cook/baker, so we of course gained our holiday 'pounds'! The kids played every toy possible...here are some pictures for you to enjoy...Conner (3) and Braxton (now 19 months!)...thanks for that reminder Jen:)

Since anyone reading this blog is old enough to know..."Santa" bought this black and decker work bench for Braxton, and I'm so excited because he had a BLAST with Conner's! Good Job Santa!

Nothing like a beating a horse while it's down...I attempted to give the kids 'horsy' rides...what a chore...good thing our boys are skinny dudes!!!

"Baby" Londyn is 8 months old and LOVED her Uncle Brad! I am sad to say I was a little (lot) jealous, but she chose Brad over me...She's too young to know better!!!:)

You can see the boys had a blast!!!

Reading books to the kids...man, I need to get an Ipad...or whatever it's called..Fun Stuff!!!

Baby Londyn riding 'auggie doggie'...So FUN!!!
He was lounged on our way home...
...AND THIS IS WHO WE CAME HOME TO!!!!!!!

THANKS SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have NO IDEA where this little kitty came from, but he/she (haven't gotten that info yet) was waiting for us and is the nicest kitty ever! It has been around all evening, even followed me to the shop tonight and back home! Braxton LOVES kitties, so THANKS to whoever sent him our way, and I'm sorry to whoever is now missing their pet:)

..OHhhh...and One more suprise we got when we got home...Aunt Kelly!!! Braxton was pretty excited to share his tent with her! Thanks for stopping:) Grandma and Grandpa came too, but didn't make any pictures....oops...

So, as you can see, Braxton had a GREAT long weekend...will be curious how the week starts tomorrow...Happy Monday to all!!!

2010-11-23T08:23:00.000-06:00

...and "it" strikes yet again!!! :( Yep, the flu hit Braxton late Friday night, early Saturday morning, and then hit mommy and Grandma Jody Monday--we are HOPING it stops there!!! Thankfully Brad was gone hunting again, and I can't believe it, but he did NOT get a deer! He didnt' seem to bummed about it. We will be traveling to Colorado (YAY!) for Thanksgiving, so getting it butchered and jerky made before then wasn't really an option. SO, unless he saw a 'wallhanger' for my living room, he wasn't going to shoot just anything. (Can't say I'm bummed either!) Although, now it's fair game for me in December to bring the "wall hanger" home!!! Ahh, the competition between a husband and wife:)
We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoy your time spent with family and friends! I will have TONS of pictures to share with you when we get home! I can't wait to see how our 'non-sharing 1 1/2 year old' does with his 3 1/2 year old cousin and 8 month old cousin...hmm, should be interesting! Happy shopping to all you CRAZIES out there!!!

2010-11-14T13:13:00.000-06:00

...And deer season is off to a start.........so I became a 'hunting widow' for a few days! Braxton and I got to hang out doing our usual! Playing tractors, farm, blocks, reading books, nap and church. I know, I know, we lead a crazy life!:) I did get away with a friend Saturday to a craft show, to find out when we got home that Brax slept the ENTIRE time!!! Brad hasn't made it home from the 'mighty hunt' just yet...we are hoping for a wall hanger...let me detail that...we are hoping for a 'wall hanger' to be hung at the shop office:)

Who needs siblings when you have a GIGANTIC duck to pull around?!As every kid loves to help, so does ours! Ohhh...and DO NOT be fooled, it looks as if Brad is doing dishes---HAHAHAHA--he is mixing up deer jerky! Notice the mess and cupboards left open, yep, that's how they remained once he was done:)
After that hard work of helping dad, they sat down to dunk some oreos:)

This is one of the pics off Brad's deer cam...we are hoping he comes home with this or BIGGER!

2010-11-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

Saying '18 months' makes Braxton sound so little, but '1 1/2' makes him sound like a BIG BOY! His vocabulary is growing each day. He loves to say 'baby' for some reason, and so I've been asking him if he is 'a baby', and of course, he's got the head shake and NO down!!! No is also one of his new favorite words. Makes Brad and I chuckle when he actually uses it in the correct term...like, 'should we go to bed?', or 'do you want to come inside?'....:)
We all got over the flu after a weeks time, from Braxton, to I, to Brad, to Grandma...and hopefully it ended there. I guess a good friend told me that when your kid gets sick from daycare, that means they must be good at sharing! (haha) True in a twisted way, right?!

Braxton has upgraded to a booster seat. I still can't bring myself to put the high chair away though:) If you look closely, the drill has masaquered the cupcake...ahh...what a boy!!!As I was making lunch one day, he brings me his 'little people' movie, so I put it in, turn around minutes later, and he has pulled himself a chair, and enjoying his mac n cheese!!! And you can't forget, he NEEDS the cowboy boots on for EVERYTHING he does!!!
A BEA-U-T-I-F-U-L little Bat girl, teaching my little cow how to share! And Superman and Chad scoping out the 4wheeler...Harper probably wondering why it isn't motorized like his!

a tired little cow with Grandma and Grandpa P

Not exactly the best family photo...Brad looks ..well, eh, drunk? I've got a goofy crooked smile, and Braxton thinks we are pretty funny:) P.S...he wasn't really drunk:)

Great Grandma Korth with a little cow, Pretty Cheerleader, and a dirty Knight

The school hosted an aweome Trick or Trunk, but Braxton was a stray cow trying to find the playground!
I think it's his messy hair that makes me LOVE this photo so much!
He just looks so sweet and innocent:)

2010-10-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

GERMS=HECK AT THE BUSSELMAN'S!!!
Braxton got to check out Humphrey's new daycare last week! He absolutely had a blast there...and proved that he shared quite well with the other kids! He shared so well, that he came home with the flu that 9 others had. Other than his pyloric stenosis when he was a baby, he really hasn't ever thrown up...so it was a diffucult night for us all. He was so sad and confused, and mommy and daddy were heartbroken to see him so sick, but it was short-lived and he was awnry by the next day. Now, we can't say the same for mommy, who got sick Saturday and is still (milking it) . I don't know how these kids bounce back...I feel like a truck hit me! I don't have any good pictures to share..the flu wasn't really something I figured you would all want to see! But, on Wednesday we will have a 1 1/2 year old boy!!!! SO I'm sure there will be some pictures to see! Hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying our last nice days it looks like! Stay healthy...stay away from the Busselman's..:)

2010-10-18T21:31:00.000-05:00

ANIMALS are our new friends!!! Braxton has been so attached to taking stuffed animals to bed every night...hey, whatever will help him sleep better we are all for it!!!!!!!! I believe we are up to 7 puppies, one horse, a giraffe, 6 teddy bears, one kitty, a lamb, and the BIG duck! Don't worry everyone, I take them all out as he falls asleep! He looks scared in this picture, but that is his 'PLEASE DON'T TAKE MY ANIMALS' away from me look!Braxton got to monkey around with Grandpa over the weekend...

Brad spent the entire weekend bringing in dirt and leveling it...it is coming together a little more each weekend...good thing because I believe our nice weekends are coming to an end!

Grandpa takes lots of breaks from working on the yard...I am pretty sure he comes just to come inside and play!
We spent our weekend 'monkey-ing' around inside...away from the work!

...and this is what happens when friends let inexperienced friends drive skidloaders.:)
(skid loader being unstuck with the tow truck)

After bringing in many loads of dirt with the tractor, we got the dumptruck, which brought in over 25 loads of dirt...and we will STILL need more!

WANTED: FREE dirt....Please call 920-3529 :)

This gives you a good idea of what the yard is looking like. We will need to add quite a bit more dirt after this settles, but for now, it's coming to an end!

What you cannot see is Braxton riding along with a very large smile:)

2010-10-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

The Farm Life...

Braxton and I got a little taste of farming on Monday! I always tease Brad when he takes Braxton to go ride in a tractor, not being sure which one has more fun...but now I GET IT!!! We had the opportunity on Monday to ride in a VERY large tractor and combine!!! WOW!!! What an experience for me! Obviously growing up in town I never really new much about the farming process, and I'm sure I still don't, but I did learn a few things! Braxton and I rode along and did a little "disk riping"???, and then got to ride in the "ombine" as Braxton calls it! HOW FUN!!! The few hours we were in there felt like minutes...I'm sure most farmers don't exactly feel that way! THANK YOU to the whole Bender clan for the FUN night!!! We can't wait to come back and 'play' again:)

I didn't get a very good picture, but this is the tractor we rode in...it was too dark to get pictures of the 'ombine'...

Braxton enjoyed a Sunday afternoon at the Pumpkin Patch by Norfolk...
I was SO shocked that he wanted to ride on this horse....he ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

While daddy was deer/turkey hunting, Braxton seemed to have better luck seeing deer... He even got to feed it!

What a cute little apple tree:)I apologize for taking these pictures in the dark...this view is from the very top level of our yard looking North west...the house you see is Jerry's and the shed is Formaneks...and it will get a drain tube put in this week, along with the gravel and then slowly get back filled...
This angle is where I took a previous picture where my dad, Brad, and Braxton once stood (also where my garden was).I am standing in Jerry's yard looking Southeast and that is our garage with the light on...
This shot is standing in the alley looking West...and that dirt pile will be leveled out...
And another shot in the alley looking further West...
I have had so many people wonder what we are doing in our back yard, nope, it's not a building, not an addition, not a swimming pool, it's just a big ol wall that Jerry and Formaneks get to look at:) I hope these pictures made a little sense, and I apologize because I'm sure someone tomorrow will tell me I was off on my directions! Imagine that! If ya get our way feel free to stop and check it out, we get that a lot:)

Happy Week ahead to all...

2010-10-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

...and so the yard goes on...
We are still working on the big yard project! I am glad to say it is nearing the end for this year! With what some would say, a few minor set backs, ( I would say major), we did get the forms up, walls poured, and we will be bringing in LOADS of dirt in the next few weeks and finishing up! With plans to plant a yard this next spring and put up a privacy fence so our little man doesn't fall off a 6'6 wall!!! It was pretty cool to see such big equipment in our yard! Braxton was completely amazed at all that was going on!

This was the huge pump truck we had to order to get our walls done...

...had a little mishap with the cement...yep, it's not supposed to be poured all over like that:(

I know it looks like we make our child do chores, but I swear he wanted to help wash off the shovels!!! Monkey see, monkey do--he tries to do everything his father does!

Of course we had to do the hand prints!!! Wouldn't be right to just let cement look normal and smooth.
Braxton really wanted to be Taylor's date for homecoming...he even cried when she left! Ah, chasing after girls already:)

2010-10-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Happy October Everyone!!! It's hard to believe it's harvest time and Halloween is just a few short weeks away! We have been enjoying our B-E-A-U-TI-FUL weather!!! We took our last camping trip of 2010 last weekend. Just as far as Pierce we went, and heard all morning on the radio about a parade in Norfolk, so we thought Braxton would enjoy that! His first parade...can you believe that?! After a few minutes, he caught on!!! He even learned how to fill his pockets plum full of candy!!! What a fun thing to learn:) It was sad to put the camper away, but exciting to know we have one for the years to come!!! Here are some pictures of our busy...a.k.a. awnry son...

So, who would've thought he could do any harm while I vacuumed...

...this is what I turned around to....

...Grandpa Bob and Grandma Jody gave us this great hi-chair before we were even pregnant...(someone was excited)..well, I hate to say this, but Braxton thinks it is time for a new one...this one seems to get 'fixed' by his hammer, or drill almost everyday!!!
On my day off, Braxton spends the entire day with me and we bake and clean...Sounds fun, right?! Well, he got tired of watching me one day, went and got his couch, his stuffed animals that he is suddenly ATTACHED to, and his blanket, and made himself a nice little bed in the kitchen...

...and this was him...before the summersault...

The Pierce Campout!!!

2010-09-19T15:50:00.000-05:00

...And so it begins...
It wasn't too long ago that Braxton was 'attached' to mommy and Brad's comment was, "Don't get used to it", and so he was right!!! Brad cannot leave Braxton's sight, and when he does, it makes for a very sad little boy:( That leads to our next problem...Hunting Season!! Brad has this idea that a 17month old can go deer hunting for a weekend!!! He's crazy, right?!! While I think it would be adorable, and fun for them both, selfishly, I CANNOT go that long without my little man!!!(meaning Braxton of course:) I think it is time that I realize this may be my last 'hunting season' with Braxton at home with me. We have agreed that once he is poddy trained, then he can go! (MAYBE) I suppose that will be just around the corner as well...a task that I am not quite ready to start...so, all you parents, if you got poddy training advice, we are all ears!!!
Okay Okay, while I am saddened that he wants to take him deer hunting, I am not that big of a fun hater...I realize the day will come, so I got Braxton the 'gear' to get him prepped...

Totally reminds me of the 'Christmas Story' movie...he really was able to move well in this though:)
I'm not sure how well you can see this, but when I blew this picture up the boy's eyes are EXACTLY the same color...ahh, another traight from his father...I SWEAR someday he will resemble something from me:(

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***HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY***

***HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKLYN***

2010-09-12T09:23:00.000-05:00

*******GO HUSKERS*******

Saturday the 'guys' worked on the yard again...they got the footing poured and re-bar(not sure how to spell that..but it looks good to me)all put in, and next will be the forms need set up and poured. THANK YOU THANK YOU to the guys!!! It will make my mowing so much easier once this is done, and Braxton will have such a fun yard to play in!!!

Every good man keeps his cooler is sight...and arms reach:)

He looks like a pretty good foreman I would say!!!

...and Braxton even tried to help!!!

This is the progress after Saturday...it may not look like much to you, but it's PROGRESS to us:)

Braxton has been OBSESSED with cowboy boots lately. These are actually Brad's boots from when he was 2!!!

We have upgraded from riding in the little laundry basket...to the big hamper!!! He loves to help with EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that we are doing!!!

Mr Independent feeds himself for every meal and SCREAMS when you try to help him...it was a pretty big bite of jello, but he managed:)

I have been teaching Braxton to give actual kisses, and the only one he will give them to is Brad, and on a slim occasion I will get one, but this morning, he came into the bedroom, with Brad's help he climbed into our bed, gave me a big ol wet kiss on the lips, turned, and gave Brad one too!!! It was the CUTEST thing ever!!! Everyday with him is fun and memories are made, but lately he is really starting to act 'older', I suppose that'll mean the terrible 2's are coming as well. As every kid does....he can do lots, but NEVER is public when you want him to. I swear kids make us parents look like liars! On a good day though, he can 'moo' like a cow, 'sssss' like a snake, 'ruff' like Dozer, as well as say "Do-der", "mommy", EVERYTHING is 'daddy', and he tries so hard to say what you say. This morning I swore he was saying 'manna', go figure, he was reaching at the counter wanting a "Ba-na-na", but I can still pretend he knows my name, right? Well, that was the bragging moment on my son, had to do it:) Hope everyone has a great week!

2010-09-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

Enjoying a glass of milk and cookies with daddy:)

Braxton and Mommy being silly:)

Braxton was all geared up for the Football game Friday night...sad to report we lost:(

Since it was Labor Day Weekend, we decided to labor in the yard! We are ripping out our basketball court,(sorry Brad, you'll have to shoot hoops somewhere else) and we are putting up a retaining wall...NOT FUN!!! We got Dad here all afternoon Sunday to start the project!

The '3' hard workers...I was busy taking pictures:)
Who would've thought?!?! Braxton rode with Grandpa for an hour in this excavator!!!! There is a little buddy seat in there that he fit 'o-so-good' in:) THANKS Grandpa for the fun ride!!!

I know you are all thinking that this looks like so much FUN.....so.....Anyone interested in helping pour footings, set up forms, and poor cement, CALL US!!!!! ha

Braxton found himself a "horse"!! We hear from so many people that Braxton looks just like his cousin Carson...what do you think?! I just hope he isn't as awnry as his cousin:)

Look who found mom's shoes!!

2010-08-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

You know you got a cold when................

...you go to the drawer and pick out the thermometer to take your own temperature...

...and you go to the shelf and bring back a box of kleenex' and start wiping your own nose...
Braxton has been coming down with an awful cold the past days. Started with the runny nose, then led to the cough, raspy voice, poor appetite, and of course sleepless nights for all in the Busselman house......but the bright side...he (knock on wood) hasn't had a fever yet! He's trying so hard to be a tuff guy:)

Hope everyone is having a great week:)