Brace Family

here is our christmas card!!

2010-11-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

Picture Joy Christmas

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

2010-11-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

does this work?

Trying this again. 2010..christmas card doing...

2010-11-29T20:03:00.001-08:00

Hi there friends and family- trying to figure all of this out again...yes - know shocker!

Is it August? wow..1 year old..Is it September?double wow...3 years old?

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Isaac is 3! am of birthday..fav. present from Nana and Papa Bill..Fed Ex truck collection set.

here it is the Fed Ex birthday that Isaac dreamed of and what fun it was in creating if for him. Mrs. Lauren our personal Fed Ex driver came to see Isaac and have him a duplicate little Fed Ex truck like the one she drives..Isaac was in HEAVEN!

to see some of the sweetest pictures, these are live from our play gorup we used to have...what a special time we all had together.

I know this blog is sort of out of order for pictures but just had to add these pictures in for all to see the big change in Isaac and all of the kids for that matter.

Olivia-Ryan walking with her puppy dog that La La Brace brought to our home..she loves this dog, it barks, sits, and walks...Jennie Jake and Owen would LOVE this dog!

Olivia-Ryan enjoying her birthday cake on her birthday. (a few days after her big official 1st birthday..weekend party...upload other pictures from my folks house also.

awww..Daddy and Olivia-Ryan at one week old.

nap time. how tiny is she.

after her first bath..she had dark hair.

I can not believe that one year is here and gone for Olivia-Ryan. It seems like about 5 months ago Olivia-Ryan was born. Olivia-Ryan has been a huge blessing to us. She is a lady and girly but also can hang with her total boy brother. Some fond memories I have with her are mostly late nights when she was super tiny...when we were the only two up in the house and wanted to treasure those times instead of make those long nights awful..every night up with her is a blessing...mostly now just when she is in a growth spurt does that happen.

Wow--Isaac is 3 years old now? what!! seriously...more writing to come.

Olivia-Ryan is walking steady these past few weeks and everyday wants to get into brother's room, play with what he plays with and keep up with him.

Updates on the kids..

2009-07-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Isaac- LOVES life, loves to talk to anyone.."What is your name?" he says, loves planes, trains and automobiles..."Isaac, what kind of cake do you want for your birthday?...a FED EX truck!!""WHAT?? any ideas? Isaac is not into food as much as he used to be but does eat just about anything you put in front of him when he is hungry. He loves loves his baby sister a whole lot, still kisses her on her head and says when she does something she is not suppose to do:" No mame". Isaac loves to ride his tricycle (to get pictures it is hard b/c that is the time daddy is not here and at work). Loves CARS, playing cars/trains etc., likes to pray for people all the time, says no thank you, please good manners. His attitude can be disturbing at times especially when he says..I all done with nap...and it hasn't started yet. naps are about 1.5 -2 hours long..getting shorter..Lord help me wear him out for great naps. Loves to sing scripture songs, bible songs, worship, kindermusic songs etc. anything to do with music.

Olivia-Ryan is growing up way to fast. ORyan will be 1 year old in about 3 weeks and we can hardly believe it..where does time go with #2. Olivia-Ryan gets quite upset with strangers..totally opposite of Isaac. Even if it's family or daddy (when we got back from our trip last week..she clung to my shirt)..we hope that gets better. She loves quesadillas, toast, waffles, broccoli, grapes, most foods except baby food...on our trip that was the easy thing so we did that and found great specials on my fav. organic Sprout food. She loves to stand on her own now, wave, say hi, Hat is her first word besides Momma and Dadda and LOVES hats, still working on the signing thing..be patient right?? She has been introduced to more different foods than we would EVER introduce to Isaac at that age. She loves to be obedient, she will cry if I say no loud to her and put her head down...(opposite of Isaac) Our kids remind me so much of our friends boys Jake and Owen. Olivia-Ryan is almost identical to Jake when he was younger and Isaac was just like Owen all over the place but good kid.

Chris and I are enjoying the different seasons of our life and trying to get more time together with his new business starting up this year. We do want to get more involved soon with our church home in volunteering etc. but also know our first ministry is our family.

Some Brace Family Updates:

2009-06-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind we have been in. I hope to read this back when the kids are all grown up and see that we made it through the 2.5-3 year old phase with lotsa patience gained, consistent parenting skills and ready to take on Olivia-Ryan when she gets there. LHM..aka.Lord Have Mercy.

The kids both celebrated another month older..Isaac 3 months from being 3 years old and Olivia-Ryan becoming 10 months old. BIG MONTH..as far as milestones in her life so far. (No wonder there have been some character growing days for Chris and I...teeth, pain,not napping or eatting well etc). Olivia-Ryan does not want to crawl hardly at all. June 13th she took her first crawl forward and then proceeded to try and stand and did holding onto the couch.wow she has a lot of balance. ORyan has aslo started clapping both hand together the first week of June, tapping her head, Da-Da.. (momma was last month), hand to open mouth going..bab baba bab ahll hall , walking around her Blue Toy as we call it, and Isaac's train table...and this am I saw that her top two teeth have cut the surface as of this am..wow what a month. Isaac (we think is coming out of his hard Lord help me days...yesterday he seems so much more obedient but also is drooling a whole lot, has his first zit, and very cranky...complains of teeth pain in the back..molars..last ones right?? Talking a whole lot and singing a whole lot. Our favorite lately is at the dinner table Olivia-Ryan was pretty fussy not wanting to eat etc and he says out loud ..DRAMA..yes he said drama..where did he hear that from...umm...me i guess under my breath when she gets going.

New pictures to upload soon from the past month.

Aunt Marianne's and Uncle Kent's wedding and visit with Nana and Papa Bill

2009-04-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Some highlights of our weekend: Aunt Marianne got married!!

Eatting some Dora ice cream from the ice cream truck..no really it still somes by good ol' Hanahan.

Nan and Olivia-Ryan relaxing together...getting good with each other before Mommy left...hard time for leaving her lately 8-10 months old the dr. said girls get very attached to mommy and i'm still nursing too.

sweet!!! soo thankful Marianne and Kent's wedding had great weather. Chris and I took their wedding pictures.

just got married...a little blurry but exciting picture!

Spring Portraits of the kids...

2009-04-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it has been a long time since these hands got to typing in the blog and then I decided I'm not going to beat myself up to have the perfect blog but at least 3 times a month or more if big things happen. While my parents were visiting this past weekend we decided to take the kids to get their pictures done at Portrait Innovations or the beach and we tried both places...Portrait Innovations def. won this race.

Olivia-Ryan is 8 months here and Isaac is about 35 months old...both of the kids will be getting a little older this Monday the 11th of May. We had a great time doing pictures and the kids did great..even with a 3pm appt.. (nap time)..only time avail...so we put them down early and wow what a gift to have good behavior and well napped.

Visiting Nan and Papa Bill and others in NC...

2009-04-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with Nana and Papa Bill this Spring. My great-grandpa visited us from Michigan he is I think 93 years old and looks great! Several times we were able to get together with my brother and his family. Chris was not able to make the trip due to work but that's ok b/c we are thankful for the jobs he has going on right now.

My mom's sister Donna and Larry also came to visit from GA. and we have a nice time seeing them. Donna had not seen Isaac since he was about 5 months old and had not met the little lady yet. We are excited to be visiting Aunt Donna again this summer for a few days in St. Augustine with Nana and myself...yes I did drive about 5 hours with both kids and just me..wasn't that bad. seems easier with two than with one...they keep each other company.

Isaac and Eli enjoying the great bubble makes..all ages love this thing!

SUPER COLD DAYS HERE!

2009-03-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ok..so it's almost April and the weather here has been very cold for us. Chris is still looking for a job and almost has a job lined up definitely..we are thankful!

Isaac is amazing us everyday on his new growing vocabulary and Olivia-Ryan is growing much faster than I think I remember Isaac doing..but she's also #2 also.

March days.

2009-03-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

So now Olivia-Ryan is picking up things.

smiling and interacting a whole lot more, starting to sit up without pillows behind her (I still use them just in case)

Olivia-Ryan loves bath time with her daddy...soon we will bath them together each night..they have done it one time and love it together! Isaac adores his baby sister and 9 times out of 10 he is treating her sweetly and Christ-like. I know that will change some but we tell them both every day, you are each others best friends besides Jesus. Isaac is also loving his school and whole lot and enjoying the time with other kids, learning all kinds of great lessons along the way.

Part of Christmas "Road Trip"

2009-01-29T19:11:00.000-08:00

Yes here we are having a blast at my parents from the 26th-6th of January.
We had some fun things happen while we were there.

These pictures give a snapshot of fun things we did #1 Chris and I kissed..yes we kissed! ha! getting ready for a date night New Year's Eve..joke picture!

Isaac got a BIG firetruck from Nana and Papa Bill and Olivia-Ryan got a fun monkey (lovey)..they both had a wonderful Christmas and also got some fun gifts from their cousins.

ok....my favorite picture so far of Olivia-Ryan and Isaac ..she is a very healthy 5month old and when we got home from our trip in the 2nd week of January was sitting by herself for a total of 10 seconds! whew.wee..she is taking her time on most things but I was quite impressed of her sitting on her own..she takes after her mommy and can balance well with that bootie of hers. ha

Our best group family picture by the tree.

After bathtime..look at those sweet adorable rolls!

Nana is soo happy here!!

My brother and his family Christmas day.

Pringles boy...ha!

2009-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Ok yes...i just had to do it...we had some yummy on sale Pringles and shared them with Isaac today for some snack and found a place where you could go online and create your own Pringles can and they would donate $1 for every can made to the Children's Miracle Network..why not..tried to be creative..but then noticed that Isaac's nose is running..oh well..pure toddler for you...no shirt, watermelon drip and 4th of July..doesn't get much more American than this! ha! www.pringles.com/popart ..try it yourself or vote for Isaac to win fav. can.

We're back and on a mission....

2009-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hi there Bloggers, friends and family:
It's official......We are all 90% better from our bad colds, sinus infections, and for isaac a ear infection too..oh...you didn't know this? yes...I had taken a short sabaticle from the blog to get ready for travelling over Christmas to my folks house in NC Dec. 26th-5th of January..since then we have all battled and I mean battled this stuff! All of our pictures our on the camera to upload (everytime I go to upload our computer messes up)anyway...the others our saved on a hard drive somewhere I can't find..
I will post some last years Christmas pictures for now so you can see just how much little man isaac has changed...ok..well we are having some major technical difficulties with our computer for now...again we are on a mission for me to keep up better with this blog and stay balanced in 2009 in all areas amen! Lastly...you won't believe how much Olivia-Ryan and Isaac have grown up even in a month...dang it..wish the photos would work uploading...good bye for now..not too long though! I have tried to leave comments on most of my friends blogs..and it won't let me so know that I Love keeping up with each of you all. Blessings!!

Happy Birthday Dadda!

2008-12-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is us going out for a date night for my birthday...Chris full throtle beard...off on our next date New Year's Eve..ha!

Today we celebrated Dadda's (Chris's) birthday. We had to make it creative because his birthday and my birthday is so close to Christmas...so we had a birthday breakfast..with his FAVORITE sour cream

cake originated by Dee Dee Brace (Aunt)..Chris's mom makes it so good I didn't want to mess up her recipe. As a surprise I invited her to come over very early while Chris makes his coffee and surprise him with it.

For a Christmas gift to the birds Dadda and Isaac made may pinecones with peanut butter and birdseed and hung on our front crepe Myrtle for their Christmas present..we are talking about taking care of nature in our Growing Kids God's Way class and had a blast making them.

Olivia-Ryan the first week of December stood up straight in her exercauser...we have a picture of Isaac with these antlers on too...I will add it....from when he was 3 months old and Olivia-Ryan was 4 months old.

waiting for Santa Claus.....on her first Christmas...

These are a few of my favorite past activities, days...

2008-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Having so much fun in the Brace Family.

This week..Happy Birthday me and Olivia-Ryan is 4 months?? wow!

2008-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

It's me ...thinking about all the uploads i want to do ..just one at a time...ha!
Olivia-Ryan is 4 months old today..she has been putting her clothes in her mouth and rattle type things and found her toes last week..so fun! We fall in love with her each and everyday and say what a precious blessing she is. Isaac is teething something hard lately..molars..seriously..when does this stuff end???
anyway...that's most of the reason i am not up to writing during nap time or at night b/c the effort it takes after a boy who is teething all over again....Lord help me..healthy and thankful though.

I celebrated my 34th birthday Sunday the 7th by : having all meals fixed, cooked for me, worked with precious babies at the Dream Center for nurseries,came home to flowers in 3 different rooms..lilies my fav!! a Elmo balloon greeting me on the porch!! so cute and homemade birthday cake decorated by daddy and Isaac...oh! also went to see 4 Christmases with Jessica at the new Cinnabare theather in Mt. Pleasant. more pictures later. Good night for now!

oh! just went to Isaac's first Christmas program at his school so cute. Isaac's class waved as part of the program..next year he will sing...can't wait. We had a nice reception and hung out with La-La Brace (grandma brace), the Page Family and the Ishie family.

Hi there I'm 4 months old today!!

2008-12-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

We are so tickled that Olivia-Ryan is gaining such cute facial expressions..the one in red is her usual grin to us when we say her name but when that camera is in front of her it is hard for her to smile. Some new milestones we are just starting to do this week: stand straight up in exersauser with feet dangling looks at all the toys and sometimes hitting one or two, giggling at me when I change her and tickle her,ah-ah,ah-mmm-mmm.., looks at her when you call her name, loves to watch the tv when it is on (try to keep it most of the time off her face but can't help it with 2 men in the house)
God is so good!! all the time! We all are excited about Christmas because this year we are taking our new mini van up to North Carolina to see my family on the 26th of December.

Random recent pictures

2008-12-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hello again blog readers...

2008-11-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm Kristen the slack writer..yes...I have been meaning to get this updated and will do it this week....i have tons of pictures to upload...hope you all are well! We all are doing great. I'm seriously trying to spend not too much time on the computer..but I totally want to keep all of this for a book one day. Good Day for now!

Baby Dedication ...what a precious memory...

2008-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day we had...we woke up...Olvia-Ryan is in a growth spurt big time so I was up with her two times last night..but other than that the day was wonderful. We dedicated Olivia-Ryan at the 9:30am service at the Dream Center..the first dedications to be in the new building. After the service we had family over for white chicken chilli, corn bread, homemade carrot cake(daddy's request) and other goodies.

Olivia-Ryan did great at the service and we had to wake her up after she was fast asleep in her carseat (after hardly sleeping all am)...glad that happened..that she fell asleep during the service. We were so thankful to have family atten the service. My folks are staying til tomorrow and all the other family is local.

this is a picture on the screen of OR...Sam and Amie did a great job!

Sleep through the night..first time..

2008-11-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Yes Happy Birthday mommy!! Olivia-Ryan slept through the night without a paci last night for the first time!! I'm writing this on the 13th and last night woke up at 5:30am for a little nursing..but almost...

Our little girl is 3 months old today!!

2008-11-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

Can't believe how the time has flown by...I know it's been some time since I posted but wanted to let all know that the 3 month mark is here!! Some pictures will post soon...long past couple of weeks. (some highs and some hard times) just pooped to do it during the night.

More pictures from the beach...

2008-11-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

yes i got my hair cut and back to it's original color..taking a break from highlights...thanks Ashley!

we got her to laugh..

I can't believe how big and alert Olivia-Ryan is getting. She will be 3 months in about a week. She is kicking her legs and almost rocking to try and turn over..so fun!

we did not get in the pool because it was too cool and took a long time and more $ to heat.

back of our house..

Girls Weekend Beach Getaway!!!

2008-11-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here is our view of the ocean...wonderful..thanks Emily for a great relaxing, Jesus filled, time! Such great fellowship and naps that i can't get here!!

Mom and I dressed Olivia-Ryan in a a lot of different outfits jus because she has soo many and can't wear them all..we tried to get the most Girlly ones...she was a great sport about it..she did great! better than she is doing here..turned on her noise maker, put her in this really big wall in closet to sleep because of all the light in the room..and did great her first time in a pack-in-play..ready to go again..did better in that than in her bed..or it might be time change..any others going through this?? time change thing??

Boys Weekend....

2008-11-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

What a fun night Chris and Isaac had..they camped out in the backyard..Chris is getting him ready for a camping trip. Isaac and Dadda roasted hotdogs over an open fire, ate sun chips and who all knows what else they ate and did...Tanner had a good time too. Stay tuned to the next outdoor getaway...Isaac did want to sleep in his bed after all was said and done...just like his mommy while daddy stayed outside (most of the night)..just relaxing and not having anyone to worry about..b/c Isaac was out asleep and the girls were at the beach..ahh...freedom!

looks like a little campground doesn't it..want to join them next time..let me know and we can arrange that..girls inside..until we have bigger tent...

It's Daddy and Isaac's weekend.....

2008-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

OK...not big on the whole Halloween thing at all...while I was at the beach with Olivia-Ryan, my mom and friends Isaac and daddy headed out in our safe neighborhood to get some candy..he had a blast! they both did!
Isaac went over to Abby and K-K's house to get all fixed up...thanks Emily and off they went...Chris was a lot more excited about the candy than Isaac was. I was dead set against Halloween and celebrating something we didn't approve of at all so I researched online about the day etc...and in fact in a Christianity Today magazine article it talked all about how Satan hates mockery..he hates that people pretend and mock him...so for us..that made a lot of sense..we still don't talk about it all the time during the season..more talk about Harvest time, praying for neighborhood, thankful etc..but we are going to have some fun with this..We would love for the enemy to be angry..instead of striping our joy away for what it could be and can be...Christmas is also a holiday that people wanted to not participate in because of the Yule Logs etc...so anyhow...for now we will be joyful about this and not make a big deal about it (again for our family..each is different)i will post the article later on..

October 31st.....

Pumpkin Patch ..for a 2 year old...and more..

2008-10-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to our great friends birthday party...Todd and Marti's daughter Reagan.. aka Re-Re ..they have a beautiful new home in John's Island..we had fun and then daddy helped brother Warren move to townhome of his own..we were all exhausted and had a late night with kiddos soo after all that..we slept in til 10:00am!! yes 10am! we have never d0ne that! guess we needed it!
Today we went across the street from Wannamaker park to get a pumpkin to carve
9from the mountains I guess?) etc..we are trying to teach Isaac about Harvest etc..on his level..then we drove to a great playgroud for Isaac...at his school fence and all! love it!! then we got home napped and headed to family cookout to celebrate our grandparents visiting Buito and Kathy..we love you all!! pictures to come.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!!!

2008-10-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

no seriously i love rain but this past friday..rained all day..kind of scary how much rain we got...chris was stuck downtown at 5 pm and then his mom got stuck in a puddle (big one) and sat in water up to her waist before anyone could get to her..she's fine now and the car is working..Buito and Grandma Kathy came in to visit last night so today I loaded to kiddos up and headed to Mt. p to visit with them and Grandma Brace..earlier in the day...that night is when Momma Brace got caught. We were not able to go to group but had great visit with family ..i seriously fell asleep head up on the couch talking way tired!! long week..

Date Night again with friends...

2008-10-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again! We had another date night this week...with our friends Jason and Demi ..we went to Charleston Grill..soo good! Chris and Jason had worked together on a project together and the pay was a date night with wives..we had a blast picture to come.

God is Good All the Time....

2008-10-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest goodie to bake...coconut/almond with Blackberry perserves..scones..yummy..made last Sunday night!! any other ideas for things to bake..oh have made 2 pumpkin cakes.. (thanks jennie for the idea) soo good!!

Isaac loves to kiss his baby sisters hand...after his blisters were gone!!

feels soo soft and little..baby sisters hand.

hold my hand baby sister...agree Jennie how to get a christmas picture with the two of them...have no idea!

Olivia-Ryan is 10 weeks and will be 11 weeks old on the 27th of October..

Isaac had a fever blister last week...

Just so you all know..if your child or you have a fever blister (after I have kept Isaac in the house all week) are not contagious unless they open up....

Here above (red vest) is Isaac the afternoon after his 4th day total of Child't Day out....he did great today! made a cross of stained glass -working on the letter C,X,...number 2 and the color-orange...

Here is Isaac and baby sister watching Baby Mozart (Isaac always says now..watch Baby Moart) soo cute!! but we watch it about 2 times a week...I can already tell these two will have fun (hopefully/eventually) ha! playing together....

She is growing .....

2008-10-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Taking some random shots of the two of them together lately and a few of her apart..she is changing soo much..I think she just wore this outfit for the last time tonight (10/26) because she is growing out of it...quite the cutie here even looks like she is smiling...we are working on tummy time every other feeding. I had my first Pampered Chef party on Saturday at my friend Adelle's home..Cindy my good friend hosted it...we had a blast and I got a Mary Kay make-over for the holiday look...so fun! oh! isaac has a fever blister on his lip so we are not going to take him to church on Sunday...call the dr. monday to see what to do..

Growth Spurt....

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

So I'm usually not good with telling when babies go through growth spurts but let me tell you i knew with this almost 10 weeks old one...it started um...I think Thursday evening ...that 's why no blogs...and went through to Monday am..yes.. and from the new pictures I've taken she looks different. Last week Isaac went to school again on Thursday and is still transitioning they said, "he loves the outdoors" would have school outside if they allowed him too. all boy! Friday night we had frozen pizza night (ha), me exhausted and Sunday night for relaxing i made homemade scones...soo yummo! picture in another blog..

DATE NIGHT and Young Life Banquet...

2008-10-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

Chris and I are really working on weekly datenights and Chris wants to win a free date night with babysitting from our leaders of GKGW class...anyway...Chris and I were table hosts for the Young Life banquet here in the Charleston area tonight..so much fun..this is the ministry while I was in high school where I accepted the Lord into my heart.

in August, 1991...junior year of high school...quite a long time ago at Saranac...in a closet by myself after a say-so basically standing up and telling the camp you dedicated your life to the Lord but i didn't do it quite that way...

Just me and the baby..What do I do??

2008-10-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well I have been praying and trying to find a school type/mommy'smorning out/child's day out program...oh my!! the Lord led me to Deer Park Baptist Church!! love it!! We decided today would be the day to check it out and start Thursday..well after going there we met Mrs. Absher..and she showed us around and met Isaac's teachers and classmates.. I didn't take the camera but will next week because Grandma Brace takes him tomorrow (dentist) and don't want her to have more than she has to do....anyway....he goes 2 days a week and so far as of today loves it!!they keep their doors all locked which i love!

Olivia-Ryan and I came home to relax and feed, make a picnic lunch to eat with brother and then we were off to pick him up..here she is in her fav. well not her fav. but daily is in this...carseat.and by the way..i do not like the screaming that goes on in the care from babies.. i did better I guess with Isaac..you would think it's easier to ignore but it's harder to deal with not sure if it's girl, acid reflux...not sure...

she is lifting her head now about 2 inches from the floor, cooing andsmiling at me..not at camera quite yet, waving hands alot, turning her head in one motion all the way to the other side. Olivia- Ryan loves baths from Daddy and loves snuggling with mommy...the acid reflux is soo much better with meds....preacid...totally recommend it! put in little spoon with drops of water not the dropper..lose medicine and after the first feeding the am...b/c she is asleep 15 min. before feeding (hopefully)

Can't stop cooking and baking.....

2008-10-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

Since having babies I have such a sweet tooth now...I make cookies, brownies every week for Chris and I munch some. I have been getting the little packs of them to add 2 ingredients so Isaac can help me out in the kitchen on his level...he pulls up a chair and is talking alot!! He says...I help mommy make cookies. ..so cute! craving biscotti and it's so stinkin' expensive so oooo i decided Sunday afternoon part of my mommy therapy is cooking or baking..so baking it is...coconut biscotti and almont biscotti...some dipped in chocolate!! yummy!!! gotta have it!

Today is she 2 months old...

2008-10-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Olivia- Ryan is 2 months old today and is growing rapidly...she is 22 inches (50%),
12 lbs. 10 oz. (90%),
HC: 15 3/4 (80%)...def. not lacking on the food... hopefully I can keep up with check-ups on here for both of the kiddos...she has her appointment on the 13th...2 days from now but close enough...

some new pictures of our sweet girl...and her "YO" brother

2008-10-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

she is 8 weeks old in the picture with her hands in front of her curled up soo cute! 2 months old..I have noticed a BIG growth change from 5-8 weeks they really change...

OK!! this picture of Isaac was taken when I went to check on him for room time...he had this hat on like this...too YO cute!

room time is working well most days for us..but we do have our moments when he doesn't want to..any advice? we keep being consistent with it.

Olivia-Ryan spends a lot of her time in her car seat on the go a lot!! our am's from 9-10:45am are our go times..errands, park, grocery, etc...to get only a few things.. with two it is impossible to shop unless you go to publix!! they have a car in the front of the cart! love it! they also have the pizza crust you can buy already made!

Fridays are library and pizza days...

2008-10-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well we decided we would start some traditions...library day is Fridays at Daniel Island library and then on the way home we stop and get some dough to make homemade pizzas as a family! Isaac had a blast and helped put on all the toppings. I got to get out of the house last night and have some time for me...hit the mall to take back some stuff..picked up a decaf coffee and some biscotti..(my new crave)..picked up some noise makers..4 of them b/c the Lord knew i needed them for baby, and our friend Owen $10~~ that's it!! we got 4!! need them? they are on clearence in the home section upstairs at JcPenney. Then after the mall closed I headed to Barnes and Noble for some cook books and magazine looking!! love it! thanks hunny!! I needed it after that day....get me out of the house..rain, and lots of tears and misbehaving mommy's night out!!

Carrie Davis is amazing!!! very gifted!!

2008-10-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is a shoot out to Carrie Davis....yes your letter came back yesterday with the check in it because ..well being a "Brace" now they always recycle stamps and well I tried to do that and it came back....Chris said you are not suppose to tape over a stamp..didn't know that...no marks..anyway.. the check will be to you soon..soo sorry!!! here is her wonderful, God-given talent...bible pages from (our family verses) Proverbs 3:5-6...the pages are in the background..interested in getting one to help you keep focussed on the Word ask me or the Davis Family is listed under our blog favs. and you can directly contact her!!

Wednesday playdate with Thomas, Lee and Ellison.

2008-10-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

WE always have a blast with this family...soo fun! I love that Lee and I have each other to go through this together...same almost age difference in both of them!! yes GREEN DAY!! save the Earth!! ha!

the girls sat in their seats while the boys were all over the place. I love that Thomas calls me Aunt Kristen the bubble lady! ha! so glad Lee he enjoyed them.

awww hugs!! let's do it again soon! you can come here!!

Happy Birthday Pop Leatherman...

2008-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yes today is my Pop Leatherman's 103rd birthday...if he were alive today...what fond memories...more later..gotta get up Isaac from early nap..and baby just went down...with a grateful, thankful heart i say...

Just for Always...dedicated to our gifts from the Lord...

2008-10-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play. *Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together. *Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles. *Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by. *Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned. *Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them. *Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys. *Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you. *Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry. *Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. *Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside y ou for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows. *Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given. *I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore. *And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day............

A weekend with Nana and Papa Bill Leatherman...

2008-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we:
went to the Farmer's Market downtown...
Isaac went to his first college football game...did great!Charleston Southern,had a yummy meal at a great Greek restaurant in NorthCharleston,noticed how big litte sister is getting (almost 8 weeks old),
went to church at the Dream Center and then lunc h out a Panera Bread...while mommy fed in the car. b/c she is not ready for public..yet...we had a great time though..some mommy daughter time. I will have to say nursing is much easier this time around. We are still trying daily to catch up on our sleep...soon hopefully through the night..
I love that my friends are patient with me..this 2 thing is not easy...right Jennie and Lee? But such a blessing...

Wonderful Weekend...tough first part of the week...

2008-09-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

I loved this weekend...a friend from college came to visit us..Aunt Chris and we had soo much fun with her. She lives in Raleigh, NC. Friday night mommy went out with Chris to Starbucks and got some yummy decaf. coffee and some lemon pound cake and biscotti to split..we laughed and got to catch up a whole lot while daddy went to small group and the kids stayed with Grandma Brace.
Saturday we got up and took Chris to see Chris's job site where he is almost done with the 3 homes he is doing and then to the Farmer's Market..I could go there every weekend and get fresh produce..Isaac rode the Pony..we will get pictures from Chris soon on here to add...
Saturday evening Chris and I had the evening from 5pm-9pm..to party at Mark and Christie's wedding reception...i wish I would have taken more pictures...we took Olivia-Ryan and she did great.
Sunday Chris left early and Isaac woke up with a cough and a runny nose..no nursery for him (didn't want to do that to you Amie) we had a quiet morning with a big breakfast from daddy..yummmmy!!
Around noon we headed to a lunch in honor of our dear friend Michelle who is finishing up Army Wives and taking a vacation..much needed..back in January.
Sunday night Daddy gave Olivia-Ryan a bath she loves it!! look at her eyeing him..
Chris, Mark, Leonard and Jason..it takes 3 guys to put on a flower..precious moment they have become great friends and we all girls have too.
the Bride Christie and Caleb..ahhhh soo cute!
after bath time...late night..bad hair ha!
Tuesday...don't we all wish we could stay in bed...mommy recovering from Virus from yesterday, Isaac has a cold..chilling in daddy and mommy's bed.precious.....wow tomorrow is October!! time flies by!!

DUST_DUST DUST!!! Kindermusic class and AJ

2008-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Daddy has been doing the baths..mommy is too scared to drop baby sister... from the other day. Heather i will get a bottom shot for you soon.

It's our time..to sing together....so fun!

AJ and Isaac love Kindermusic class...I highly recommend it and our teacher Polly? is amazing.

After singing today Isaac, Olivia-Ryan and I went to Ms. Jessica's house for some fun times, yummy chicken salad lunch and playing with a lizard in the backyard...he played dead...soo funny..these pictures are from Jessica..handling a toddler and a newborn not much big camera pictures when I travel...

oh! and we got a new Thomas table for Isaac from Callie today with Thomas and Percy chairs..hoping Isaac will draw, playdough and read books while mommy nurses...we hope so.

oh! not many posts..well I'm trying to get used to a having a as we think acid reflux baby...Isaac was not and lots of crying ..do all new babies do this?? i totally forget...we have Bible Study tomorrow..we will see how this week goes..soo excited to do the Daniel bible study and have something fun and great for my heart for mommy's time out!! love it and love the mug Jessica thanks!!

Random pictures from the past 4 days..

2008-09-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

Mommy playing with the camera today...at 5 weeks..she already loves the ceiling fan..ha!

Isaac training Truman (our nephew dog)to go get the ball he threw..
Cypress Gardens...more pictures to come...

Random funny pictures....

2008-09-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

birthday playdough kit!!

Truman our dog nephew...
Isaac grabs the cake!!
Olivia-Ryan and Isaac with their feet together..awww

omg!! look at Olivia-Ryans mouth..after a weekend of birthday festivities..wearing the "baby blues"
Lee!! loved that!!

Celebrating Isaac's 2nd birthday from 9/11/08

2008-09-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Isaac is right around the corner..here he comes...

so excited!! when Isaac gets excited he throws his hands straight behind his back like this. There is Aunt Michelle and cousin Luke. Isaac was soo excited to see his cousins Jake, Luke and Eli and his aunt and uncle Labor Day weekend (he didn't take a nap this day either)...over excited i guess and did great!!
There is Nana helping Isaac get ready to eat. uncle Jeff in the background and cousin Jake.
WOW....check out THOMAS!!! is it real??

Thank you soo much Michelle for making the cake..you are amazing and helping Chris with the Roman shades.

some of isaac's family birthday pictures!!

2008-09-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

my sister-in-law..did this cake love it!! Thomas is a big fan in our house...can't find the very cute pics of Isaac..i think they might have been erases by dadda....we will see....ugh.
these are the stages of making the big Thomas cake!

the week of Isaac's birthday..fast asleep.
Great picture of Papa..as Isaac says..Papa Bill ( my dad) as Isaac's cousins say...we didn't get a family picture wild day...we did this party over Labor Day weekend...the other celebration we did was a party with Isaac's Play Group...here at our house..fun times..more pictures to come.

ISAAC IS 2 tomorrow...

2008-09-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

the day Isaac turned one last year....what a day..crying week for mommy..baby turning one year old...drama for mommy!!
we look soo young....
we had yummy apple turnovers for family party.
card from nana and papa bill
birthday morning with mommy...special day and met daddy at Chic-fil. Tomorrow we are having our play group over for a play date and semi birthday celebration low key ..after our big one 2 weeks ago....
God is soo good as Isaac sang today and big boy went to his first Music school today...we call it that b/c we want him on best behavior...Kindermusik he loved it and baby sister slept the whole time ...came home feed her and then off to Chic-fil to celebrate Isaac's first day and mommy's craving! hA!

mommy's first day with the 2....

2008-09-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

WOW it's been a whole week since I've updated...well we are getting better and easier adjusting until daddy threw a curve ball to me last night that he wanted to go in first thing in the am...(today) and be home by 2pm..well I am here to say it went oh....soo well seriously..all soo well! Even made a semi-schedule to go by..first look at a schedule and not a pattern...i wrote down Isaac's name.....with all the 30 min. times under his name and then Olivia-Ryan's name and all 3 things she does..eat, wake sleep......now to 3 hours..until another growth spurt..just got out of it!! whew wee!!

Pictures to come soon!! We celebrated Isaac's 2nd birthday this past Sunday with both sides of family...about 16 of us...a pretty big crew...at a time or two it was a little much for me but overall I held up great..never know with my emotions lately. I wanted to keep it very simple and sweet. Our special guests who we see maybe 2-4 times a year were my brother and his family and Isaac's cousins Jake, Luke and Eli...we all had a blast.

Would have updated yesterday but we were all sooo tired and beat..zombies!!
It's 9:47pm so i better get some rest and get ready for our feeding hopefully around 11pm....oh!! Olivia-Ryan slept last night...well she was fed at 10:15pm and didn't eat again and wake until 1:50am...Chris also feeds her at the last feeding of the night..hoping she will drink quite a bit of pumped yummy in a bottle and then sleep longer..she drank about 4 oz!! wowser!! at 3 weeks old...didn't throw any of it up.....sometimes I have Chris also do the first feeding in the am depending how tired I am around 5 or 5:30am.
We are working on 5am, 8am,11am,2pm,5pm,8pm,11pm....always changes but her day starts at 8am..so mommy can get up,shower, drink some coffee, play with Isaac some and then get her up..tried soo many times and these times work best..again....i give myself about 15-30min. grace....just helps me to have a schedule and all are adapting well..our family works better with than without...especially when they are babies and when they are toddlers like 2 ish (Isaac)weekends we relax quite a bit not on bed times so much but like..sleep in..., go to be about 30 min later..which is only 8ish for Isaac, eat a late breakfast and have lots of family time and relax..ok i need to get off this thing overtired...pictures to come...

more pictures....

2008-08-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

We are having soo much fun..today was not too easy b/c Olivia-Ryan wanted to stay up all day long. I'm following a pattern now that she is like well most of the time clockwork too...eat, wake, sleep...yesterday couldn't get her up today exact opposite.so i'm guessing tomorrow will be a great day?? who knows!!

Starting to enjoy my husband again and my mom's help..I was soo mean, weird, hormonal etc for the past 2 weeks....so if you are going through this it does get better..most of the time..well this am..Isaac had taken his #2 diaper off during room time and got some in a little bit of everywhere I freaked out! I didn't get his hint right when he woke up...should have done potty time first thing like we've been doing...

Some fun pictures had to share...

2008-08-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

working on wake time for about 5 minutes here in the beginning...look at that hair...

Olivia-Ryan's first sponge bath.with her cute name towel from Aunt Heather.

About 40 min. before she arrived into our world.

Isaac playing in the water after a pour down of rain...good time to have a baby and be inside after all our rain.

TOO cute! had to get this shot of her napping and cozy. loves her hands out!

A little bit about us these days...

2008-08-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite shots over the first week...more to come.

love this one!! he is soo proud of baby sister!
this was chris as a newborn....

Hi there! I feel like it's been a month since I've updated...isn't true that the first weeks of survivor mode with a newborn and toddler you forget anyhow??? Just checking....

We are doing better daily. We have been hit with some trials but nothing the Lord hasn't brought through better closer to him etc. Our first trip as a family was Friday, Aug. 22 to a Cookout at Christie and Mark's house. We stayed about an hour and then left. For Isaac I really have been wanting to get out for his good. Today we went to church and all did great..well Isaac wanted to hang with the elementary kids..well we keep saying you are a big boy now..stuff I guess it is wearing on him...

Anyhoot! The big news is after 2 times in ER yes ER..one emergicare and the other ER...Chris is feeling better...had a virus on Iv's for 2 hours 3 days before baby was arriving and had a cinderblock hit his head 3 feet down ...5 staples later!! Planning on all of us not going to the hospital anytime soon.

My mom is an angel! I have not been the most pleasant person at all to be around..I trully think it's either hormones or meds..not sure. Have Mastitus this week but continue to suck it up and nurse through it!

We have had some amazing meals,friends, cards, calls , texts, emails, posts, walls etc. from everyone loving on us!

We have decided today to do Growing Kid's God's Way starting in Sept..easier to take a 3 week old rather than when she is older and get a sitter for Isaac on Fridays..anyone available? right down the street from us.

Isaac is also taking a Kindermusik class this fall through Jan. I missed getting him in a pre-school class but this once a week with a newborn I'm pretty sure will work great for us and then something new in January.

Hopefully it will be able to upload a bunch a pictures to see...

It's Friday we are in our 2nd day home...

2008-08-15T18:41:00.001-07:00

We are all doing very well...overall...very thankful. I am not even as sore as I was with Isaac after the first week. Today I even took a family walk with Chris, Isaac and Olivia-Ryan. The pictures from this week have been uploaded and will be placed on here later this weekend. Olivia-Ryan is feeding very well but when she is hungry...whew wee.....finally got that under control and wake her before she is Ravishing hungry. This week she has been wanting to nurse every 2 hours and just today we got to 2 1/2 hours.. I know it will come. I love it b/c mommy and all the gang get a break. Isaac is adjusting very well..you were right Lee. He is kissing her head and saying, baby sister...soo cute..Jennie you will love that part when Jake does that...almost there. My mom will be here for as long as we need her and then Chris will take more time off from work after she leaves. It was great having him home most of the week in the hospital and at home.
Good night for now and let the games begin...by the way..love that the Olympics are on now..great feeding tv to watch...seriously..we will make it through this weekend.
Are we up for vistors? yes starting next week. still sore and trying to figure stuff out but just text, call, email or facebook me. love to all!

Starring the cutie pie - Olivia Ryan

2008-08-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Photo shoot of Charleston's newest model - Olivia Ryan Brace!

Olivia Ryan has arrived!

2008-08-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share that Olivia Ryan Brace entered the world happy and healthy this morning at 7:53 am, weighing 8 lbs 2 oz and is 20 1/2" long. Mommy and baby are doing well. Welcome, Olivia! We are so excited to see the plans our Lord has for you... plans to give you a hope and a future.

Please stop by later tonight for more photos.

~CR

Ramen noodles and ducks....

2008-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

love this shot of isaac chillin' lunch on...um...Friday the 1st of Aug...?? soo fun and he loved it!!

As I go through old socks etc..we found these fun ducky socks that have rattles in the end of them..he loved them...what we do the last weeks before baby arrives and we are tired..ha! check out my curls....out of control..

We love Ramen noodles..had to get some funny shots of him with some noodles...don't think this was today but it was recent..trying to capture some fun photos of just brother Isaac before sister joins the world.

Mommy's Morning out with Marianne...

2008-08-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday..Sat. 8/2 me and my friend Marianne ate at Seabiscuit in Isle of Palms..one of my favs..now that we have moved I don't get there as often and it is a treat. we had a blast...Marianne will be moving to Redding, California this fall for Ministry school at Bethel Church..she is very excited and so am I/we for her!! love you Marianne...it is like Spa relax time when we get together...so fun!

Happy Birthday Sarah!! and only 8 more days...

2008-08-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

pictures not uploaded yet but here are some from the end of july last year..family beach trip..as you can see we didn't make it this year..too big and well my folks came here instead..these are my parents and my brother and his wife and 3 boys.

Hi there!

So thankful Isaac is staying in the crib. Thanks for all your comments.

I have had a good weekend so far. Had playgroup here Thursday and didn't get pictures..ugh..all I could do was keep up with the kiddos. but fun! Teresa-Lydia and Catherine-Parker came..we had fun!

Sharing ideas for discipline, activities and just seeing how we are all doing...great visit! Friday Isaac and I took it easy and ate Ramen noodles. ha! had to get some fun pictures of him.capturing all the time I can with him..enjoying it very much!!

Tired but slept all evening on the couch..we will see how sleep goes tonight..the Lord is getting me ready for feeding schedule. wow!

oh! last min. we also went to visit Ellison and Thomas tonight for about an hour..the boys had fun while Chris, Jaime, Lee and I caught up.. so grateful for them..Ellison is a doll!! checking now to see if photos got uploaded by my wonderful hubby last night.....and looking over our huge spread sheet list of things to get done this week! Chris cleaned out the pantry today..soooooooooo great!

The boys...and me and..ahhhhh....

2008-08-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today we went to see Thomas and meet his newborn sister Ellison. We had a great time!

Awesome dadda......

2008-08-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

One more thing that Chris did on Sat. so I could have some me time was take Isaac and one of Isaac's dear friends A.J. (aka: Austin James) to the water park in Mt. Pleasant..they loved it! A.J.'s daddy went also. After swimming and being boys they ate lunch at Brix pizza. love that!! Chris is amazing!!

My Dad retires and leaves a legacy...

2008-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Bridgewater coach retires
Bridgewater men's basketball coach Bill Leatherman announced his retirement Wednesday after 23 years at the helm of the program. Leatherman, who compiled a career record of 335-262, led the Eagles to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference regular season title with a 17-9 record in his second season. A year later, Bridgewater won the 1987-88 ODAC championship and earned a berth to the NCAA Division III tournament – the school's first appearance in postseason play. That team finished with a 24-5 record, the best record during the Leatherman years.
His teams made two more trips to the NCAA tournament. The 1995-96 team earned an at-large bid and finished with an 18-10 record. The next season, the Eagles finished with a 21-8 record and advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament.In acknowledging Leatherman's record of success, Bridgewater president Phillip Stone said: "Coach Leatherman's greatest coaching achievement however is in the effect he has had on the young men who played for him. They were required to dress up for games and behave as gentlemen; they had to play by the rules; team play prevailed over individual interests; no showboating or bad sportsmanship was tolerated; and students were required to attend class and keep up their grades. He has taken immense satisfaction from the fact that almost every Bridgewater College player he coached has earned his degree."Leatherman was named the ODAC Coach of the Year four times – 1987, 1989, 1996 and 2005. He was named the South Region Coach of the Year in 1987, 1988, 1996 and 2005. Following the 2005-06 season, Leatherman received the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Guardians Award for Advocacy. The honor is one of the top awards a coach can receive from the NABC.During his tenure at BC, Leatherman coached three All-Americans – Ramsey Yeatts, Dan Rush and Kyle Williford. The search for Leatherman's successor begins immediately

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!!!

2008-07-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Me driving our new fan we got about 3 weeks ago!! love it! after we got our nails done..pedicure..missed you Demi!
ta-da!! love this shot!! not too swollen
Dancin' Queens...loved Mama Mia after nails, Mama Fu's and this great movie..will buy it when it comes out for me and Olivia-Ryan to watch and remember she was in me then...nostalgic..ahhhh
ok random shots from Ashley and Darrell's wedding and wanted you to see them...they had this great picture taking thing...soo great! and fun...great way to get everyone's picture..got these from facebook.

Big Boy room in the works and baby!

2008-07-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

We love the color of Isaac's new walls..Marlboro Blue..by Ben. Moore..we are most likely going to change some things around and add some doors to the one dresser..but here is a taste of it..big room!

love our train table from the Windham's thanks!! and our borrowed crib
me at about 36 weeks..two weeks from C-section...hi olivia-ryan..this was a night before my friend emily and i went and got ice cream!yum-o!

Is it time yet??

2008-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi there!
It's about that time for this little girl to come out and my body has not been doing that great waiting....about every other day I have hard day and don't want to get off the couch...praying alot...still doing consistent room time with Isaac but that is about it..b/c of the way I feel. As we speak I'm not sure why he is not napping today...I think over tired...I need to rest and lately my head is having a hard time sleeping, resting etc..even though I'm dog tired...anyone relate? lee? jennie?
Our whole big boy bed well he didn't go into it a whole night yet....we decided to just put another crib in there b/c we couldn't wait any longer and with everything else going on ...we def. need to get our sleep now and not staying up hearing an unhappy boy crying..at least when he did cry he stayed in his bed or right beside it (big boy bed)on all the pillows...listened well to stay put. We are ok about it and Isaac is thriving in his new room and new crib...Thanks be to God!
have pictures of his almost done room and prego belly shots..just not online yet...hope soon...also just getting to Olivia-Ryan's room...now it is painted as of last night...potpourri green..love it!!!!

fun times with new things....

2008-07-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Cuddling with Isaac's blanket and Olivia-Ryan's blanket.just got today from the Wilson Family..soo excited just what mommy wanted and could not find....Thanks Lord!
Grandma Brace and Isaac playing with playdough after mommy comes home on Tuesday afternoons from tutoring Katie...there is a lovey adn baby doll on the table too...baby to borrow from the Bozarths (practicing gentleness) and lovey from the Wilson Family...love it!
new deal i got at Once Upon a Child for $10!! bouncy aquarium seat..while cover is being washed...Isaac loved it..I'm sure he will love to help sister Olivia-Ryan with this one..plan on taking out more goodies as time passes...

36 weeks..that shirt holds it in some..bigger than i look...seriously..especially my back side....ha!

Dinner with Da-Da....

2008-07-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

one of our favorite times...ok..the bowl thing not sure where he got that from Nana...?? ha! just kidding we all love drinking from the bowl when no one is watching..ha! got it on camera!

2008-07-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

These were taken a while back when we had just made us his bed and showed it to him....very happy..love the fishy bedding...it's called Conor bedding on sale at PBK. love it! from Grandma Brace and twin set also for later....those are his clothes before his dresser was painted..nightmare! no order..for about 4 days...ugh..better now.

Big Boy bed as we speak...

2008-07-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

As I type this I almost have tears in my eyes...yes tonight is the night Isaac is sleeping in a Big boy bed...small toddler bed our gracious friends gave us. He was crying like he has been doing since this virus...hope that is it. He might be a little unnerved but we will see...He did say he wanted to sleep in his Bi boy be.. aka..big boy bed.
Isaac would be crying like this if he was in his crib most likely. He is feeling somewhat better today still some fever and not much eatting but at lunch he ate all of his mac and cheese with sugar snap peas in it....can you tell I'm writing so I don't hear him cry...thank the Lord he is staying in his bed. The reason for big boy bed..is b/c..he did try to get out of his crib and as a wise one said..easier to deal with one child now rather than two real soon. We know these next few nights will be probably difficult but we are willing able and ready. Good night for now..I will let you know how it goes...the past two nights he has been up anyway so it's not much different if he wakes up again tonight..we are ready. shalom....going to cuddle with hubby while I get through this emotional time....

Intra Virus...

2008-07-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I have texted some of you to pray for Isaac and myself. Last night when Isaac got ready for bed he was saying he was cold. Then Chris wrapped him up and then after he went down around 7:30pm he was fine and tired..sort of warm..thought teething..well.....10:30pm came along and he was crying a weird hurting cry...Chris said..he's dreaming..well me mama knew something was up so I said please go get him...by the way..I couldn't sleep having pretty bad lower back pains..even in bed most of the night and couldn't get to sleep...nausea also...anyhoot back to Isaac well he had a fever of 100.5. gave him some motrin and tried to put him back down...screamed hard!! I got up with him not happy and rested on the couch for about 10 min. Put him down...then he never went back to sleep crying..Chris got him and layed on the couch with him..both fell asleep and after an hour or two Chris came to bed with Isaac sleeping on the couch from 3:30am-7:30am..never done this!!
Got up, no eatting just drinking..around 11am checked him and his fever was 102.2...oh my!! let's take a pool bath (cool) with bubbles, then we showered off the bubbles in our shower....ate lunch fever went down also after more Motrin.made dr. appt. for Chris to take him...3:45pm
Come to find out.....Intra Virus or Intro Virus..very common ..he got it...from it getting to his mouth through hands...go figure....anywhere it can happen and their are 75 other viruses similiar. Dr. T said let it run it's course..Isaac also had little bumps on the back on his mouth (sign for virus) all will go away..just hope me momma or daddy doesn't get it...not feeling well at all today...tv on all am just so I could be on the couch. somewhat better but contractions short every 20 min. continual pressure and back pain..Lord help me and soo much to do! seriously. any designers want to come help me??? thanks for your prayers and support.
hope to get it gone like now! ha!

Isaac and Mommy special morning...

2008-07-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have been very much trying to be intentional with Isaac for a while but really starting this week about special things to do together. here are a couple:
--thinking of doing/going somewhere in the car that takes over 2 hours b/c soon I will not have but about that much time with breastfeeding etc ..just with Isaac (really not going or doing much..just wanted to think about it)
--going to the library and getting a card for isaac to check out books/tapes/dvds..without another car seat to hold in my hand
--holding him tightly after he comes out of time out or mr. reminder...hugging him and him hugging me...swaying and singing worship songs to him (singing..Savior He can move a mtn., my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to Save..forever Author of Salvation..He rose and conquered the grave..Jesus conquered the grave
--things that would be hard to do with an infant (outside in the pool...well a monitor I will have while napping but still with just my eyes and ears focussed on him
--reading time
--along with everything goes scructure time, room time for 20 min. working hard on it this week...while I have a quiet time,email, laundry, read etc...he plays in his room indepently..we don't do pack in play anymore really unless I really need him to stay put...with timer on etc.
--look straight into his eyes while we pray and thank the Lord for him
--lastly...having him spray my hair in the am just as I spray my hair to get it curly and not frizzy..ha!
--oh! most important..Chris, Isaac and I pray every morning together as a family!! HUGE!!
thankful to have another one joining us in less than 3 weeks..soo grateful! All thanks be to HIM!!

I am not dilated at all yet with baby..feel like it though..lots of lower tense pain in abdomen area..Dr. Warner says to stay out of heat, lay low, do little as possible for less pain and contractions (which I continue to have quite a lot of) we will see if she waits til the 11th.....keep you posted. prego picture...ummmm need to do it soon. want to have that memory...

Happy Birthday Ellison and Torri!!!

2008-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today...well yesterday...I'm back posting b/c I had a conference call today for Pampered Chef and no nap soo I thought I'd catch up and blog and read blogs....Happy birthday sweet Ellison!! Ellison was born today..proud parents Lee and Jaime and brother, Thomas. Ellison will be exactly 3 weeks older than Olivia-Ryan (if we keep our c-section to that date) Olivia-Ryan will be here on the 11th of August..and we are soo excited.
Also my great friend from college also had a birthday today. By the way....Lee she is very intelligent, right/left brain elem. school teacher (before baby boy) and is sooo full of fun and excitment!! just like Ellison! very much a strong leader!!
hugs to both mommies and birthday girls!!!

Saturday so much fun!!

2008-07-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Today Laura, Lauren and I had a girly morning. We met my friend Berta and her daughter Michelle for breakfast in Mt. P and Charleston's Cafe...LOVE IT!! Anyway Laura and Michelle have kept up with each other through their cancer survival stories....soo fun and great inspiring. They met for the first time with me including having tears.
After breakfast Laura and Lauren dropped me off while daddy and isaac were on their way home from Parker's 2nd birthday party. I then slept all afternoon and daddy (chris) continued to let me rest. amen!

Laura and Lauren at breakfast...

2008-07-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

My sweet dear friends Berta and her daughter Michelle...Michelle and Laura meet for the first time as breast cancer survivors...soo sweet

Laura aka(La-La) and Lauren are our house guests...soo fun!

2008-07-18T19:15:00.001-07:00

hi there! It's TGIF...I'm updating the blog Lee..ha! love your comments!
Anyhoot..hope you are well prego friend and you too Jennie. My friend from NC after college...we were Young Life leaders together and became like sisters overnight...well her and her daughter Lauren are visiting us through tomorrow afternoon. We are having a great time...very much practice with sharing, and having a sister etc...for Isaac..tough times but learning moments...Laura and I at times pulling our hair out...while they tough it out...Lord help me! ha!
Anyway today we went on an outing Children's Museum..ok Isaac was in a stroller this time b/c earlier this week I could not keep up with him and he kept trying to run away from me...no Mr. Reminder but stroller most of the time..he did great! We ate lunch at Joe Pasta..very good and quick! (fyi...Musuem goers) then back home for all to nap..isaac was down from 1pm-3:30pm. Grocery shopping for salmon for dinner and then Laura (LA-LA), Lauren and I went to the mall and Barnes and Noble after Isaac was down for the night at 7pm. good night for now!

Austin and Isaac 7 months ago...

2008-07-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Austin relaxing at the Christmas party/his birthday...one year old

Isaac starting to do things he's not suppose to do....15 months...humm what did we do without a rug??

First time obedience...starting this week...

2008-07-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I just wanted to make a note for myself so when I publish this book it will keep up with what is going on in our family at different times and ages. Isaac turned 22 months about a week ago and with being pregnant I have slacked some with how I like to have things or we..during the work day for chris it is mostly me and Tanner (oh dog) helping out. First Isaac has been getting by with a lot lately and I said, "Chris...in my prego high hormonal voice....things have to get better around here or I will go wild once Olivia-Ryan comes.." soo we are using a timer....which I HIGHLY recommend b/c he loves it....I got one that I can take with me wherever I go..and a Mr. Reminder...flat spoon...First time obedience...if we ask Isaac to do something and he doesn't we either do timeout or Mr. Reminder comes out and he runs swiftly to do what he needed to be doing..I love it! Isaac and I visited A.J. today asa..Austin James Carpenter and his dear mom and friend Jessica. The boys did great together..we were even able to leave the room and while she was packing I hung out...we as girls multi task....and well with jess we can do that with each other..do 2-3 things at once and still totally catch up etc!! soo fun!
I brought Mr. Reminder and our new timer...it is working soo well......again if you need something new for your toddler try it..start with 5 min. and work up. amen! ha! oh!! this new facebook thing I'm trying out is taking me out of my blog time (like i do it regularly) so if i get slack either or you will understand.. prego....toddler...date time...clean...nap....etc. finally found all our pictures from early june and sitting here til all are uploaded!

I'm becoming a big boy..at least for some pictures...ha!

2008-07-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

yes....mom makes me hold up the date each month so one day..not sure what she will do with all my 11th dates...ha!
trying to see if I went pee-pee in my big boy pants...ready to change to others..I think I'm wet...oh! this is my new room in the works..the fish quilt will be all my bedding...etc.
yes! this rug was over the pulled up rug so I wouldn't mess with it....oh..my big boy pants are from Nana when she visited..they are "Cars" trying to work on keeping them dry every now and then but still not knowing when my bladder is full to run to the potty..it will come...i just say...uh oh.....pee pee..too late

Isaac is 22 months old today ...one more month til baby...

2008-07-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wow we have a lot going on! Today I concentrated on having a fun day with Isaac. We first headed to AR_TI's house and Re-Re for some catch up time and Isaac keeps talking about Re-Re...(he also sees her at church now)..anyhoot..Marti and I packed the kids in our rental car til our van is ready ..suppose to be today..we will see..anyway we went to the Children's Museum downtown and had a blast. After the museum we headed to eat lunch at Juanita Greenberg's ? nacho grande..close by..got the kids quesadillas and we got more quesadilla, a cool one, and i ate a tacho salad...headed home and rested...soon after Isaac napped...we played a lot in his room to be...with big blue ball bouncing all over(room empty) and then practiced wearing our new big boy underpants...yes....well now that I am reading the book I don't think he is quite ready..he is still wetting his diapers a whole bunch and won't tell me when he really goes poopy....think we might hold off..don't want to push it..getting his big boy room ready is enough for now....new carpet in Wed. and then ...new room..pictures all taken...on post....well before the baby Aug. 11th ha!

FUN with Nana...mom was wiped out!!

2008-07-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with Isaac at the Children's Museum..the day before Nana and Papa Bill left
mom had energy! ha! and we/my mom was mostly done organizing clothes..helping me clean etc..

Chris and I had a date night...to celebrate our Anniversay June 25th a night while my folks were here without Isaac...we went to a Japanese Steak House..one of my fav. things to do..picture kind of dark....I was very hungry oh!! on the 9th....today....I had serious braxton hicks contractions and very big pain in my lower back..stayed in bed the afternoon....more pictures of isaac with Papa and then others...

Having soo much fun the Nana and Papa Bill

2008-07-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

More later but as we speak Isaac is outside playing with both his grandma's. First my dad, Papa Bill played baseball with a real sized bat and a tee with about 6 balls. I got some pictures to show you later. Isaac loves throwing the ball lefty more than hitting...my dad said GREAT throw Isaac..as my dad says..maybe he will be a pitcher?? humm have no idea..Papa Bill would love it. After baseball he got in his pool and then in the sprinkler as Mommy waters the dry spots in our backyard..2 things at one time.
Isaac has already had a packed day. Yesterday was are first full day with Nana and Papa and Nana, Isaac and I went to get some containers to start organizing the closets (thanks Lee!!) Then Nana took us to lunch at Zaxby's..Isaac did very well and loved the grilled cheese with a few frys to dip into ketchup and some of my Ceasar salad..loves salad with crotons and lots of dressing. Isaac napped yesterday from 12:45pm-4pm..wow!! I was out and ran errands..got 2 pair of long shorts and a cute top for a few more date nights before the arrival of Olivia-Ryan. I also picked up some great clothes from my friend Kellie...0-3 months!! soo excited doing laundry and getting everything ready....fun!!

Fun with Papa...and Nana and Grandma Brace

2008-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

My dad is thinking Isaac will be a pitcher..not too much into hitting but loved throwing the ball..as my dad said.."great arm"...here above is Isaac and my dad reading a devotion together...Isaac gave it to Papa Bill to read to him..had to get that precious shot!

First thing to do with Papa eat Watermelon...

2008-07-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

ma..moon as Isaac would say...i love to eat ma moon...watermelon....really ripe and yumo! oh!! when i got this watermelon the guy at the Piggy Wiggly gave me some valuable advice to remember...when picking a watermelon...lay a broom straw on it..if it moves left or right it is ripe ..if it stays still it is not ripe..hummmmm....he said it works every time...will share in a facebook post soon....all should know!

Nana and Papa Bill arrive!!!!

2008-07-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time telling Isaac all am (while mommy and Isaac are getting over the colds and sinuses)ugh...that Nana and Papa Bill are coming today!! SOOO Exciting....we have some fun things planned and more organizing, painting, laundry for baby etc to do.
The biggest thing today that Chris looks as a blessing...is tonight we went to Noisy Oyster..on Rivers..very good and great local seafood..Isaac did very well. Anyway.....we got home and Savannah..my parents 10 year old beagle was out of her crate while we ate dinner out but in the guest room...she had been in the crate all 5 hours so dad decided to keep her out..well...when we got home the carpet was all torn up!! Savannah had gotten to the foam under the carpet..needless to say.....we are getting new carpet or laminate flooring in Isaac's new room....we might call it Savannah.
Anyway....thank the Lord the room was pretty much empty...b/c we are cleaning it out getting ready to be Isaac's room!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

2008-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

First of all I am soo grateful for all the servicemen do and to honor them today is soo important!
Second..I got a ripe watermelon..always wanted to try and make a fruit type basket..well in Pampered Chef we have this great tool in the picture...that you can do melons with, double knife..for pumpkins also too!! anyhoot..i tried it and Chris helped me pull it apart.
ta -da...here it is..my first ever! not very even but it tasted wonderful!!!!
Couldn't do the 4th without Isaac..no shirt, with a flag...eatting cut up watermelon on our porch! soo fun!
For our day chris and I had a much much needed date day...dropped Isaac off with Grandma Brace, went to our fav. spot where we love to drive on breech inlet, got appetizers and shopped at Target! loved it! great hubby that knows when mommy needs to be taken out of her role..and be bride! then even better after appetizers at 4pm..we grilled out chicken, roasted veggies and with small potatoes grilled...so yumo and watched fireworks all after 8pm..another great date time! loved it..one of my fav. days with chris..date days!

ok....potty training here we come...

2008-06-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well.. I know I haven't blogged regularly lately...but I have to share this with you all. Isaac woke up this am at about 6:45am...fussing...cri---ouu..meaning crib out... (get me out) momma dadda..etc...well Chris goes in and gets me and says..come here we have a poopy incident..I just thought we would have it smeared on the walls etc...it wasn't that bad.....just a big pile in the corner of the crib..yes and i guess some of his crib stuff was around it so he moved it all to the other side of the crib sitting there..uh oh...oh no....naked 21 month old...his diaper just was wet....couldn't yell at him b/c we have been teaching this week after pee peeing in the potty to get mommy and dadda when he has to go..he tried....soo anyway off to the tons of shout and high....sanitize cleaning we go for almost 2 hours!!! It's done now just need to check in and put it in the dryer...FYI...toddler taking off clothes or diaper..try putting the diaper on backwards and or duct taping the diaper shut..already googled it just a few minutes ago...we will tell you more after the day progresses on where we are at! Isaac is becoming a big boy!! Praise the Lord the poop wasn't everywhere..he was almost scared of it..no pictures for this one!!!ha!!

Isaac's new room (our old office/guest room) in the works...

2008-06-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

The color we love..Marlboro Blue...yes that's what i said...cigarette company...? should look up the true meaning on Marlboro..

This is Isaac checking out his new fish...toddler bed sheets and fish pillow..he was kissing them....ha!
As you can see he couldn't wait to get it..hid your eyes to your toddlers when looking at these pictures..no ideas...Isaac is a climber! has not tried to climb out of pack in play or crib yet......

Isaac's new room getting ready...

2008-06-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

here is a picture of Isaac's new room hoping to be done soon for him to start adjusting to...we will see!

YEAH TREAT!!!

2008-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is Nana's birthday and a new potty book that Nana got him...put stickers in it when you go potty.
Isaac dancing he's soo excited and so is mommy....he went potty today..pee pee....
his stickers!
he wanted to show you twice!
mommy resting and isaac being silly and cute!

Nana's Birthday and Isaac goes potty!!

2008-06-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

It all ranks up there since I had not seen Isaac go potty yet. With it being Nana's birthday today we started out by celebrating.....Isaac gets to use his new big boy bedding! I got it all out..soo excited and changed his sheets to his new one. After taking lots of pictures we called Nana etc later in the day and told her the good new that Isaac went pee pee in the potty after him telling momma outside in the pool that he needed to go potty. WHAT A TREAT!! When dadda got home from work..Isaac said again..Dadda home..he gave Isaac a special treat...this car holder that you push in the car, push a button and the car pops out ..he loved it! What a big helper he is becoming and gaining lots of stickers and treats after 5 stickers.
Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!

me 27 years before I met my hunk...

2008-06-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

this is me....well looks like Isaac right?? same body type ...I loved the beach and still do....this is the place where my hubby got down on one knee and asked if he could marry me 3 years ago February 13th, 2005...but it was in a different state...anyway I am soo thankful to have a wonderful hubby to live a lifetime with...more pictures to come!!

A new car!! well ..read on.....

2008-06-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Our test drive and then a loaner while we keep looking...van was ours on Monday....July 14th.....soo exciting more pictures on that date (working backwards)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

2008-06-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Better late to blog then never...Chris and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary today...it stared rocky with me not feeling well at all and well i really wanted to feel well for our day..but it got better.
Our sweet neighbor Emily watched Isaac..he was asleep as we went out .... we have been tired/literally exhausted from all our festivities and probably should have planned something ahead of time knowing how this week would be but it ended wonderfully!! We went car shopping...here is my anniversary gift....a picture attached! yep...Isaac loved it! We got to bring home this Pilot to test drive for a few days and see how it fit our family...since then we have also tried the Honda Odyssey...we love it!
we will see..oh and we went camera shopping for me a little camera to tote around with 2 kids etc..still car shopping and camera shopping.. for the anniversary...i'll let you know when we make a deal!

Wedding and much more!!!

2008-06-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hi there! YES..you say where have you been? Well...I'm here just not blogging too much. I wanted to post some things before I forgot and then add pictures either when we find our cord to do it or people email us pictures from the wedding. Darrell and Ashley were adorable and soo happy. The wedding day was perfect beside the heat..anything besides the rain right?? Family started arriving last week on Wednesday...Isaac and I hung out with his great-grandparents on 18-19th and got some special time together before all the rest came to town. Isaac is such a ham and enjoyed every bit of atttention he got this past weekend and last week from family, pictures, smiles, laughing, CHEEEESEEE!!! ....later nights to sleep (which he did soooo good at)..etc. We are very proud of how great Isaac did the whole time. ...our cord to upload is missing and we are hoping to get emails soon from family with photos we can use for the blog...WE LOVED VISITING WITH EVERYONE!!!! Isaac was especiallly excited because his Nana took care of him the whole time of festivities so mommy and daddy could breath and relax..good call!!! she was amazing....THANKS AGAIN MOM!!
Today Chris's dad and stepmom left....we all had a great visit with them and hope to see them soon. We have some family leaving tomorrow and the last of the family leaves on Thursday. WHAT A WEEK BUT WAY FUN!!! Hope Ashley and Darrell are havinga blast on their honeymoon!!

They are one!! Congrats-Darrell and Ashley!!!

2008-06-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

SOO exciting to have gained a wonderful new sister!! more pictures to come.... don't they look adorable!!

Actually the 21st...of June..some pics

2008-06-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Bridal Brunch at Whitney's home..soo fun!
Ashley got some fun stuff!!!........ lingerie type shower etc.....

ok....i look way big in that dress....after rehearsal dinner at Hamlin Plantation
Buito and Kathy with Ashley and Darrel during Rehearsal dinner...more pictures to come...

2 to 3 words together.....ISAAC!!!

2008-06-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Isaac is amazing us today..for the first time he said...Dadda home....instead of when I say...Daddy's home he used to say...DADDAA!!!!!!!!!
Now he can't stop saying ,"Dadda Home"...just had to blog this moment for us to keep forever ..how precious!!
He is doing some other word combos..but I'm trying to update and my brain is off for the night.

Fun with the drums and Thomas!

2008-06-11T13:02:00.001-07:00

Today has been great so far...it's 4:02pm and Isaac is still napping..praise the Lord!!! We went to visit with Thomas and his sweet mom Lee this am. The boys have so much in common and so do the mommies. Isaac and Thomas are almost exactly one month apart and his sister and Isaac's sister will be also....ironic? hummm i think it is the Lord helping us out with great friends ALL along the way. Chris and I met Lee and Jaime a while ago at a Family Life service and in my mind then I thought...we will be friends with them, missions trip..not sure but back in touch and now we are and the Dream Center made that happen...can't wait to share in awhile all the things we have in common with Thomas's parents...we look forward to many years growing together and making memories with this family..heaven sent! oh!! picture of Thomas helping Isaac with his drums...trying to upload now....ugh!