Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Colors of My Rainbow

I love this quote and when I read it, I think about my boys ...


~ When it looked like the sun wasn't going to shine any more, there's a rainbow in the clouds, ~
Maya Angelou


These are the Colors in My Rainbow ...
Without them the days would be dull and the rain would not bring brightness and growth ...

Saturday, February 13, 2010

My Weight Watchers Partner ...

O.k., so I'll admit it ... I need to stop using the "I have 2 baby boys and just have not gotten around to dropping my baby fat" excuse. Specifically, there are two problems with this excuse...

1. My boys are almost 3 - no longer little babies..

2. One of my boys is adopted - thus the "you look really good for having twins" comment does not apply.

So, I have decided to step up and get some help to lose some of this extra padding. About 3 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers. So far I really like it. I think it is true what they say that the extra support is very helpful. I am especially fortunate as I have a weekly partner. I would like to introduce you to my WW Meeting Partner ...



Yep - Kellen has taken it upon himself to become my weekly escort to WW meetings. Our little toady is up every morning at 4:30 or 5:00 and meetings are at 7:30. Saturday mornings Kellen is up and ready to go and if I try to leave without him ... let's just say it is not pretty! Oh well, who doesn't need their own cheering section when fighting the battle of the bulge?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Hunter's New Boots -

Hunter is going to be 3 in April. He knows exactly how he feels about things and what he likes or doesn't like. When we make a family trip to Target, Hunter is always on the look out for something that interests him and something he thinks he can't be without. These frog boots are Hunter's latest find ...



I am sure you are looking and thinking they are pretty cute. That was my first impression. I thought, "What a great idea... fun boots that he can wear when playing outside in the spring." Well, these boots fast became 2 new appendages. They are as much a part of Hunter as his legs and arms or the blankie he carries with him continuously. I don't know why I am surprised as he did have to start wearing them in the store as soon as we could get his tennis shoes off. I guess he thought he would lose interest - Wishful thinking!

Looking back on the past week, Hunter has worn his frog boots to daycare 3 of 5 days. OK - I can handle the boots being used to go to daycare. Well, I found out on day three of the boots going to daycare that Hunter refuses to take them off. Better yet, 2 nights this week, Hunter convinced/sweet-talked big brother Eli (who would do anything for Hunter), to hand over the boots after everybody has been tucked in so he can wear his beloved boots to bed.

I keep wondering when this little phase will pass. We have tried bribery, hiding the boots, putting the boots in time out and even tucking them into their own bed at night. I am sure you are thinking I should just put my foot down, but Hunter's mix of insistence and those big blue eyes - I just can't do it to the little guy! So, stay tuned for additional installments of Hunter and the travelling frog boots!

Could you say no to this face?



(image provided by www.ladedaphotography.com - thanks Melissa)

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Five Men & A Mama?

Hi Everybody -

The title of our blog refers each of the members of our household and each of the men in my life (obviously, I am the mama). Let me take a minute to give you a brief description of each of my men ... Where to start? Perhaps chronological order might work best ...

Eli Richard


Meet Eli Richard Braun. Eli entered my life and heart on March 28, 2010. His dad, Richard, and I were truly blessed when this little guy was sent to us from heaven. I am very fortunate to say that Eli is my son and one of my best friends. Eli inherited his mother's love of gab and he always has something interesting to say. He is a great mix of nutty 8 year old and compassionate pre-teen. I enjoy every minute with him.


Scott Hornaman



First off, I need to say sorry to the girls who are looking for a guy who is a best friend, great dad, and overall great person because I think the supply was reduced by one when I married Scott. Scott and I met in the spring of 2004 and we have been together since. He really is my best friend. He is a good compliment to my personality and forces me to look at things in a new way. Scott can make me laugh until I cry or frustrate me until I am moved to silence, but I could not imagine my life with anyone else! Please don't tell him that because I will never hear the end of it!

Hunter Ryan


Meet my social butterfly! Hunter was born on April 24, 2007 and officially became our son on November 12, 2008. He is the sweetest little guy ever. He is 27 lbs of charm, joy, and affection. He gives the best "Holy Polies" (Hornaman code for kisses). He is the type of kid who will play for a wile and then feels compelled to come up and tell you how much he loves you. As if this is not sweet enough, he completes the whole gesture with a hug, nose rubby or Holy Poly. He is a true ladies man and everyone that meets him falls for those big, navy blue eyes, and long lashes.

Kellen Reed



And here is our baby! Kellen was born on August 23, 2007. Beware, the soft innocent eyes and cherub like cheeks only show a part of his personality. Take a deeper look into those eyes. Do you see it? There is a slight glimmer of mischief in those big brown eyes. Kellen knows he is the baby and tries to use it. He is my early riser (5:00 am to be exact). Kellen is also a sweetheart. He loves to cuddle and watch tv or sleep in my arm in the big bed!

Hudson Festus



Hudson is our newest addition. Hudson was a Christmas gift to the boys and seems to fit right in. He seems to think he is a person. He loves to be everywhere we are. He and Kellen make quite the team at 5 a.m.


And so ends the inaugral posting to our web blog. Please stop back often and feel free to add to our story!