Late night. . . or early morning

As most of you know, I randomly wake up in the night and can't fall back asleep. I am afraid that the blog world does not help me in falling back asleep! I played on the computer early this morning and found a cool website! Lately I have been working on updating our profile for our adoption process. . . I thought it would be fun to share some of the pics of my family. I love all of these pics - such a blessed reminder of how truly important family is!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Summer is here!

This weekend we headed to Batesville to MyMarsh and PawPaw's house. As usual the day was fun filled with the cousins! Below is Mary Blake, Isaac, and Elliott.Sweet Elliott! I got to put Elliott down for his nap - which consists of him playing with my hair until he falls asleep - anytime Baby E!

Collins and Garrison - Don't leave these two alone for too long . . they are trouble with a capital T!!! Last visit to MyMarsh and PawPaw's house, they locked themselves in a bedroom with candy and stayed in there quiet as little mice while everyone frantically demanded them to open the door. They stayed in there without making a peep for a full ten minutes or so. . . or at least until Marsh could get the door handle completely removed! Collins had no remorse over this adventure and I am wondering if this is a sign of things to come!

Isaac enjoys his popsicle

After they grew tired of the pool, they went fishing. Here are all of the boy grandkids lined up waiting for Paw Paw and Daniel to catch a fish. . . which never happened!

Collins and Graci

Last week Collins and Graci had a fun time playing in the water! Collins spent most of the time doing what he does best - aggravating! He spent a lot of time spraying Graci!

Skating Party

Last week, the kids celebrated the completion of catechism classes at Lawndale. The church had a skating party to celebrate. They had SO much fun. Special thanks to Bonnie, Coppie, and Esther for teaching them this year!!This is one of Collins' best friends - Raychel Sanders. . . I have to share this funny story with you! About a week ago, Raychel and her sisters (they live down the road from us) came over to play. We were all standing around and Collins walked up to Raychel, gave her a big hug and said, "Hey my Raychel." Then Raychel looked at me and said, " Ohhhhh, Mrs Braaaaaaaaaashierrrrrr, I have to say something - can you close your ears?" So I proceeded to pretend close my ears. She looked and Collins and said, " Hello, my love." SOOOOOOOOOOO cute and funny!!!

Mary Blake opted for a scooter at the skating rink!

Even Aunt Lis put some skates on !

Meeting Ruby Watson

Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting Ruby Watson, the newly adopted daughter of Mark and Christy! She is so beautiful!Here is Christy, Owen(also adopted), and baby Ruby

Me, Ruby, Owen (isn't he the cutest boy ever?)

She's awake! Brad holding Ruby (6 days old)

Circle Y

Yesterday we spent a fun filled day at Circle Y in Corinth with Mary Blake's kindergarten class. I can't believe this school year is almost over! Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better first year of school for Mary Blake. Ms. Wallace is a top-notch teacher and Mary Blake is going to miss her so much! Here are some pics from the day!

Emmy Lou had tubes put in her ears. . .

Last week Emmy Lou had tubes put in her ears. We got the pleasure of keeping Sara Glenn and Janey Beth the night before the surgery. (I seriously mean it Amanda - it was a pleasure - the girls were SO sweet!) Anyway, here are Collins and Janey Beth having a tea party that big sister Mary Blake put together for them. (She also added real sugar to their tea cups! oopsy) Thankfully, Collins and Janey Beth were very compliant with Mary Blake's well-orchestrated day of fun!To continue the story about the tubes. . . this afternoon Mary Blake picked up a cup and drank water from it - not knowing whose it was - or how long it had been there - Yuck! Here was the conversation: Me: Mary Blake - that was Emmy Lou's cup from yesterday when she and Amanda ate lunch here! Mary Blake: Oh yuck! I am SO gonna have to get tubes now!

The Brashier lovies

Mary Blake and Collins have both attached themselves to two special lovies (or yuhvies as Collins says it - working on those L's!). Mary Blake's "dog dog" was a gift for Collins from Coppie Holmes 4 years ago!! Needless to say, a then 2yr old Mary Blake laid claim to the sweet dog. Well, about 3 years ago, Uncle Andy gave Mary Blake the big dog below. This past year Collins has laid claim to this treasure (I will get you back when you have children one day Andy!). This is Collins and "Big Doggie". I take him off of Collins' head every night!

This is Mary Blake with "Dog Dog". Most of you have already met Dog Dog - including Mary Blake's precious kindergarten teacher, Ms. Wallace. It seems that Dog Dog sneaks into Mary Blake's back pack at least once a week! Glad Ms. Wallace is understanding!

Thank you!

Thank you Mary Blake and Collins for giving me the greatest joy ever - being a mother! I love you!

The Wrens

I think it was harder getting this picture than one of the kids! Elisabeth, Me, Rebekah, Daniel
Happy Mother's Day to the best mama in the world. . .I think we turned out alright - thanks to mama and all her prayers that carry us everyday! We love you Mama!

Happy Birthday Isaac!

Yesterday was Isaac's (my nephew) 2nd Birthday! Here is the birthday boy waiting anxiously to eat his cake!

Ashley made this awesome cake!

Daniel, Ashley, and Isaac

Found a frog in the grass!

Me and Elliott eating cake!

More funnies

A few nights ago, Brad had to have a man to man chat with Collins. It went something like this:

Brad: Collins, even though you don't feel good, you still have to use your manners. Do you understand?

Collins: (Very seriously) Well. . . . . I do like "nanners" a lot and apples, but not tomatoes.

That went well, huh?

Here's a pic of Collins asleep in the van. I wish I could sleep that well!

New Camera

Just got a new camera and I am trying hard to be a photographer! It is not as easy as it looks - especially when you hardly know how to turn the camera on!

Tupelo Storm

This was the only damage to our house from the storm. Our poor swing set was broken by this tree. The kids had fun anyway - who needs a swing set?

Collins climbing the tree

Mary Blake got brave climbing the limbs!

The grass IS always greener . . .

You know the phrase, "The grass is always greener on the other side"? Well, in our case, the grass IS stinkin' greener on the other side! When will the "mudness" end for us and this house?? I heard Mary Blake telling a friend of hers where our house was. . . She described it as the house with all the dirt and no grass! Hopefully (keep your fingers crossed and toes too!) I can post a picture with grass and a retaining wall very soon. However, don't hold your breath. . .
This is our backyard - come have a burger and enjoy the view!

Mary Blake's wisdom

Yesterday Mary Blake asked me why some people who are really old never die. . . Well, I said, they have to wait until God wants them to die. Yeah, she sighed, some people just live forever - like styrofoam - did you know, mama, that styrofoam never goes away? And there you have it! Such wisdom from a 6yr old!