Brunner party of 5

Brody's first blue ribbon!

2012-02-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a thrilling day for the two littlest Brunner Boys and their Mama.

Brody, who has flailed awkwardly down his lane each and every swim meet since November, consistently coming in last, received a first place ribbon yesterday.

I love the picture of him reaching for the edge of the pool, in front of his second place peer two lanes down. To make this even more excited, there were two heats in this race and his time was still first place amongst all 5-6 year old boys!

He looked up, looked around, looked at me and half exclaimed, half asked... "I'm FIRST?!?!?!" It was a marvelous and memorable Victory for our Boy!

Asher also shaved an impressive 11 seconds off of his race time in the 3-4 year old 25 yard freestyle. Here he is with his coach beside him. Look at that "big arm!"

Next month all three boys should also be ready to compete in the 25 yard back stroke. And Brody and Caleb are working hard to master the breast stroke as well.

Caleb was slated to race yesterday but had to stay home due to a bad cold.

Here are a couple of pictures of him from the last couple of competitions.

So Cal in January - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T14:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Morning 2011

2012-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

We had such a restful and fun Christmas day. It began dark and early and Brody was the first to shoot down the stairs to spy what awaited them under the tree. To his sad surprise there were very few presents there beneath the boughs. Brody's face was a mixture of shock and sadness. I took him by the shoulders and spun him around to see the loot that we'd stacked against the other side of the room, since Matt's childhood train set was wrapped around the base of the Christmas tree this year.

I think Brody's favorite gifts were the little Lego sets that were stuffed into his stocking. As always, Brody disappeared to play with the first few gifts, while the other boys wanted to keep going.

My favorite unwrapping memory of Asher (3) this year was when he opened two packages of his VERY OWN underwear! He'd only had hand-me-downs with characters that weren't his favorite and elastic bands that were slightly stretched out already. Check out Happy's happy-face! A close second to that gift was his toy Knights.

But the dearest response to a present of all what Caleb's, when he opened his little leather journal from his Dad. The week before was his birthday and all he really wanted was a black leather wallet like His Dads. And for Christmas it was a tiny leather journal "like Dads." The smile came straight from his heart as he looked up at his Dad.

Celebrating with Grandma is also always a treat for me... and the boys! We have had a blessed Christmas season celebrating our Savior's Birth, and enjoying the freedom of love and life He came to give.

Texas Family - December 2011

2011-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Caleb's 8th Birthday, Papa's 60th Surprise Party, Cousin Mary's Graduation, and plenty of Cousin FUN!

California Cousins -- Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

2011-11-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Highlights were:

fun time spent with our guests the Andersons
turkey hunting with Dad and Mr. Jeff
lazer tag with Dad and Mr. Jeff
the boys thanksgiving day puppet show
feasting, of course!
baking and decorating turkey sugar cookies
and fishing in the freezing cold
and while the boys did all their manly boy stuff we moms had a wonderful time cooking, baking, talking, and drinking tea.

Sweet Memories - Thanksgiving - 2011

Brody's first field trip

2011-10-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

I joined Brody for his very first field trip last week! It was a joyful trip to the local pumpkin patch on a big yellow school bus. We learned about pumpkins, went on a tractor ride and through a corn-maze, and then each chose a pumpkin to bring home.

I hope to find the time to take the whole family back before Halloween next week, and I was also hoping to visit an apple orchard this fall. If we're able to fit more Harvest fun into our lives I will let you know. But for now, here are a few fall pictures from Brody and my day together.

2011-08-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated the boys' first day of school - huge milestone this year with Caleb entering 2nd grade, Brody heading into Kindergarten, and little Asher ready to rule the school from preschool.

Asher LOVES school, Caleb couldn't wait to get back to his friends and the playground, and Brody is not so sure of it all. He'd much rather be home with me.

It turns out that he'll be home on Tuesdays and Thursdays since our school offers a Monday, Wednesday, Friday option. Even as I type, my middle blonde is playing happily in his room with Legos. But, alas, it's time to go pick up the other two from school.

It's going to be a great yeaar!

Here they are running to drop Asher off for his first day of preschool!

the last golden days of Summer...

2011-08-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by with cartoons and sunshine, popsicles and snow cones, trips to the beach and trips to the park, getting sprayed with the hose, bike rides, coloring, and much imaginative play.

Froggin'!

2011-07-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Last night we went "Froggin'" at our friends' house after dark. I used to love frogs! Loved catching them, holding them, and protecting them from my brother who threatened to skip 'em like stones across Bass Lake, where I first fell in love with these slimy amphibians.

So last night was a rite of passage.

Here's Brody with his bucket of tadpoles, which he is still calling "tagpoles." I've corrected him over and over but he simply won't let go of it. Finally he said, "Maybe tadpoles grow up into frogs, but tagpoles grow up to be toads!"

more horses

2011-07-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Caleb

Brody

Young Asher Beau

BROTHERS!

Their Mama

down on the farm...

Cutest Cowpokes

2011-07-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here are our darling boys at their horse back riding lessons last week. Brody (5) called them "horse backing lessons." Makes sense to me. While Caleb has taken lessons before, those had been on full grown ponies. This was the first time all three of them mounted and rode horses. At age three Asher was joyful and confident. Brody acted cool and had no trouble kicking the beast to get him to giddy-up and go. And Caleb swelled with pride to finally be living his dream of riding horses at an actual ranch.

We found a wonderful teacher up here in Northern California who is giving them a laid back environment to simply fall in love with these magnificent animals.

Yee Haw!

Mutton Bustin' Champion!

2011-07-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

We've been talking about Lake County's Rodeo for over a month now, especially the Mutton Bustin' Competition for children under 50 pounds. It's like Bull riding, or riding a buckin' bronco bareback, except they ride a full grown, sheered sheep. To tell you the truth, we didn't expect Caleb or Asher to be interested, but we thought it was right up Brody's alley. To our surprise he said, "no." This morning, however, around 9am we were talking about going to the rodeo tonight, and Brody told us he was ready to ride the sheep. I immediately made a few calls and signed him up.

We ran to the local Ag Store (this is farm country, people) and got Brody his first pair or wranglers and a pair of real riding boots. We also picked up a belt with a shiny little buckle. By the end of the night we had to exchange the purchased buckle with a man-sized belt buckle that read "Lake County Mutton Buster Champion - 2011"

His store bought buckle above.

His hard earned Mutton Buster Champion Buckle below!

Papa Danna and Cousin Alex were with us for the rodeo fun this evening.

Nana said they should have announced Brody's family

all the way from Texas was in the stands tonight.

All ready to ride!

Brothers and Buckles

Brody usually doesn't like people looking at him. After he won and before we hit the stadium bandstands I warned him, "people are going to be looking at you, be friendly and smile and say thank you. They're just excited for you." Here he is walking amongst his fans.

So Far This Summer...

2011-07-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

So far we've been swimming, gone skiing, inner-tubed, ridden sea doos, seen fire works and watched a demolition derby that had us laughing for days, gone horse back riding (or "horse backing" as Brody called it), been bowling, to the movie theatre, gone to Summer camps, had guests, bbq'd and slept hard. Here are some pictures of our water play...

Love Covers a Multitude of Sins...

2011-06-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Our first days of Summer Vacation were idyllic! Sweet hearted boys playing peacefully, contentedly, joyfully together (just read the last couple of blog entries...) And then something arose so great from within them that all the pedals on my sweet pea bouquet dried in an instant and fell to the counter top! The boys began to fight! And when I say fight, I don't simply mean flying fists and heated arguments (there were those too,) I mean whining, crying, flailing, irrational tears and grumpy hearts that can't manage to honor one another or me, their Mother. And it's been CONSTANT this week!

"Love Covers a Multitude of Sins... Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good... in our weakness He is made strong..." So many good verses have flooded my mind as I've separated the mutineers and sent them to time-out in various rooms this week. But even with all this wonderful, Biblical counsel welling up from deep within my heart, I've felt MAD. It is so difficult for me to not take their childishness personally sometimes.

So I asked God for His love, His Patience and Kindness and Goodness towards this renegade band of brothers He saw fit to give me as Sons. And wouldn't you know it?!?! Miraculously I have loved them well these past few days. We went places and did things, played, then came home, read books, watched shows, and they've dressed up as the scalawags they've been acting like!

I remember going to see a therapist in my young adult life who asked me to bring in some pictures from my growing up years (trying to pinpoint who was to blame for any issues I'd collected during my life!) Often times as I take pictures of our current family with these three little guys, I wonder what a therapist might have to say. Tonight I looked back over the pictures I've taken of them and I see happy boys, loved boys, forgiven boys, boys who have a mother who taps into her Generous Heavenly Father's Love when her's has all been spent... For Love Covers a Multitude of Sons... I mean Sins.

easy

2011-06-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Summertime, and the living is...

Splash parks, Nature hikes, Strawberries, Baseball Playoffs, swimming in the kiddie pool, and pancake picnics in the backyard at 10 am in their PJs. Life is sweet... especially when dripping with maple syrup.

(Put me in the game, Coach!)

Summer's in bloom...

2011-05-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

We always know Summer is here when our backyard Strawberry Patch is brimming with red, juicy berries and the sweet peas are as tall as I am. Well today I saw my first luscious, red Herald of Summer's Arrival! And the sweet peas are shoulder height. These pictures, however, were taken a couple of weeks ago at a local Strawberry Farm in Carlsbad.

The boys ate so many berries they barely had room for dinner that night!

Here are a couple of pictures of what's in bloom in my little (very little) garden...

Of course loads of Summer fun is always in full bloom around here!

Chubaka taking a swim

2011-05-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

As Brody looked down into the water I positioned my camera to take a sentimental picture of my boy deep in thought. Just as I was about to snap the photo he looked up and cried "I see Chubaka swimming in the Ocean!" This picture if of that very moment! As it turns out, what Brody saw was a large, brown clump of seaweed floating below the Oceanside pier.

Brody had so many questions for each fisherman on the pier that day... "did you catch any fish, where are they? Can I touch their eyeballs? That one's small, can I feed him to the pelican?... This particular fisherman let Brody squish his little fish' eyeball and then toss him to the large pelican staring at us from the railing.

Jedi Training

2011-05-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

We began our Summer Vacation with a trip to Disneyland. The Highlight for our big guys was being chosen for Jedi Training. The force, indeed, is strong with these younglings. Asher went into hysterics when he wasn't chosen, crying out, "I want to be a Padawan! I want to be a Padawan!!!" Of course he changed his tune when Darth Mal came out to battle the Young Jedi Warriors. He leapt into His Daddy's Arms faster than you can say "Death Star!"

Almost done with 1st grade

2011-05-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Caleb's school year is almost over.

He'll be a second grader before we blink twice.

I've heard it said that with little ones underfoot the days are long but the years fly by. I agree. Each of our days this year seemed long and full and loud and busy and messy with my two young ones at home, but Caleb's year in first grade flew by. He enjoyed wonderful friends and an amazing teacher, and learned so much I nearly fell over some days.

Now with only 6 more days of school left until Summer break I am growing increasingly sentimental. And rightly so! For the next time my boys head back to school not only will Caleb be in 2nd grade, but Brody will be starting Kindergarten and Asher Preschool! Oh, those two little ones are beside themselves with excitement. And that makes me so happy.

But first we have a Summer to fill with popsicles and sprinklers, trips to the lake and days at the beach, home made ice cream, strawberries picked straight from the backyard, and sun kissed little boy skin.

creative at the lake house

2011-05-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is all a little too Lord of the Flies for me... actually the whole raising boys thing baffles and exhausts me most every day. On this particular day I was enjoying a few quiet moments when I suddenly realized, something must be wrong. I went outside to find the boys thusly outfitted.

Try to guess who started this game?

That's right... Brody... which perfectly segues me into another highlight of our time at the lake house. For a couple of months now Brody has been asking his Nana in Texas to make him a Mummy costume. The day after Easter a package arrived for him.

Easter at the lake

2011-05-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

While I love this first picture with all my heart, I feel it's slightly misleading to post it. For it makes Matt's three boys appear little angles as he reads to them the Easter Story from the Bible on Easter morning. This is possibly the third time in our family history where all three have been able to settle down and focus in at one time. So it's a miracle in and of itself that I was there with camera in hand, ready for the historic and blessed moment.

Matt is actually reading from Caleb's new "Action Bible" that he got in his Easter Basket only moments before. It's spectacularly illustrated and packed with thrilling Bible tales of courage and God's mighty power. And it's all done in comic book format! Which may be the reason all three boys came in for that morning's read about Jesus' resurrection.

Here is Matt and his beard. He was outside watching Caleb run around the porch collecting his Easter eggs. We had to divide the boys' baskets and give them each their own turn hunting for treats. Caleb is like a tornado and collects them all in only a few crazy moments. While my two blonds love to find one, open it, maybe eat it, maybe save it for later, and then move on to the next. But here's Matt, early this Resurrection Day!

Old decorative water-skis are a perfectly marvelous

hiding place for Easter Eggs!

The day before Easter we received a knock at the door. The boys ran to see who might be coming for a visit and found a special delivery from their Nana and Papa. Three GLORIOUS Easter Baskets chalked full of peeps and pez, chocolate bunnies, bubble gum, bubbles, play dough, markers, crayons, and coloring books! O, the joy!

This picture below is of Caleb's basket, torn open just enough to get to the chocolate! Beside it are the eggs we had dyed the night before. Oh, and don't miss the left over donut holes I served for breakfast, not knowing that this sweet, sugary surprise was on it's way!

Caleb's basket included a doodle pad, so after shoving a few pieces of candy in his 7 year old mouth, he set to work on this beauty.

This was Asher's first Easter really getting into all the fun. The eggs, the candy, the crafts, resurrection eggs and resurrection buns... we had at least one craft, baking project, and Easter story every day all week long. And he loved every moment of it.

Easter it my favorite day of the year and I have every hope that they will inherit a passion for this marvelous day as well. And not just for the chocolate bunnies! "He is risen, indeed!"

date night with my big guy

2011-04-03T20:32:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a date with my oldest son. He wanted to get skinny jeans and "a hat like Jacob wears at church." So we did. Then we went out for pancakes at IHOP. The next day he went to school in his uniform, but as soon as he got home from school (before he even did his homework) he put on his cool new duds. Precious. Love the picture of him doing his homework all dressed up.

my blondes

2011-04-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Brew Crew

2011-03-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Caleb loves playing catcher, so he's usually smiling behind the mask. Here he is coming in from having just taken a hit in the shoulder straight out of the pitching machine. No tears though, Big Guy. He also got a super hit, way up over the head of the second baseman. I heard myself yelling, "Don't you dare catch my son's ball!" The Brewers had a great third game of the season. Lots of fun. And I even gave in to peer pressure and let the boys get a candy from the concession stand.

Go Brewers!

3

2011-03-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

Asher anticipated his birthday with GUSTO!

He wanted three things:

1) a trip to Disneyland

2) a big bouncy ball

3) chocolate cake.

Asher continues to love all things athletic, he delights in making people laugh,

and loves his mom, dad, brothers, Grandmas and Grandpas, and of course his brothers!

And we love him right back!

DISNEYLAND as a Party of Five!

2011-02-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

We finally braved the Happiest Place on Earth with our Party of Five!

The first two days we only spent a few hours as we ended up sloshing

through the rain. The last day, however, we had a crisp perfect day at

California Adventure! Thank you to all of our family who gave money

gifts at Christmas to make this trip possible! Mom, gave us a day and

Dad and Grandpa helped offset the cost of making it an annual pass

for the whole family! What fun. Let us know if you are planning a

trip and want our crew to join in on your Disney fun!

Our first day we played with our friends the Andersen's, but it was too

wet to get a camera out. It would have been fun to get a shot of us all

dripping wet in line at the Haunted Mansion.

Yesterday we had Aunt Samantha with us as well as my long time friend

Kerry and her son Korbyn. Too much fun with Mickey, Family, and Friends...

VALENTINE'S DAY 2011

2011-02-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day 2011 began with individual love-note placemats from Mom (that's me!) Caleb had a wonderful party day with friends at school and then in the evening we had two families over for a child friendly dinner party!

2011-01-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Lake House!

Many family and friends have been eager for pictures.

Here are a few. But we hope you'll come to see it (and us)

in person up at Clearlake very soon.

2011-01-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Chronicling highlights from each trip up North has been fun. And watching Caleb work alongside his Dad on the property has been chief among them. The muscles gained are cool, but his sense of accomplishing a man's task is cooler still. Here they are shoveling gravel that had been delivered to the front of the house, so they could take it under the back porch to help control erosion to the land.

Check out the thumbs-up Caleb's giving after showing me his hard day's work.

Asher did his part by carrying a rusty, old discarded chair up out of the brush and into "their fort."

This picture perfectly captures our week at the lake this winter. Each day a cloud would form like a thick pancake over the water but below our home. Gorgeous.

2011-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My boys woke up at the Lakehouse this morning, to find a night's worth of snow! Brody, of course, ran straight outside without his shoes on, and Caleb exclaimed "This is the most wonderful day of my life!"

May 2011 bring my boys much joy and pleasure as they grow in knowledge of the God who gives us all good things!

2010-12-31T21:14:00.000-08:00

Finally the SUN came out and the boys were eager to get their new skates on. Caleb told me that he had been teaching Brody to rollerblade in the garage over the course of their rainy, indoor days, but I was shocked when Brody actually rolled right out of the garage like he'd been doing it for years! What a big guy! And Caleb, his teacher, was so proud!

While Asher was THRILLED to open his own big boy skates on Christmas morning, he opted not to put them on outside. While he usually screams "I'M THE BIGGEST!!!" at anyone who calls him a baby or a little boy, Asher admitted that he might not yet be big enough for roller blades.

2010-12-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

How does a Mommy keep three little boys entertained over a lengthy, rainy Christmas Vacation?

Christmas Morning 2010

2010-12-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

What a sweet, sweet Christmas morning with our boys. There were stockings and then there was the story of Jesus' birth, there was breakfast and more presents beneath the tree, there was a mommy, a daddy, a Grandma, and three little boys who stayed in their PJs till noon and played all day long with their new toys.

When Asher opened his tennis racket form Nana Danna, he thrust it high into the air triumphantly! O, the Victory of finally having his own racket! I think nearly all of Asher's toys were sports equipment. Brody continued to collect crafty and imaginative play things. And most of Caleb's toys were either brainy first born games or his IPOD to help him develop a little "alone time."

2010-11-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE ME IF I HAD NOT CAPTURED THESE PICTURES OF BRODY"S FIRST SOCCER GAME! He got out there and hustled, even making the first goal of the 2011 Season for his team, The Silver Dragons!

Below is the shot of him kicking the stationary ball into the goal. O, the joy!

Now this is more like it! This is what the majority of Brody's time on the field looked like this season. Yes, some parents may very well tell stories of their young children "picking daisies" during their soccer games... but I've got proof. Here is Brody not only picking them but bringing them joyfully to me as the game rages on!

2010-11-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Caleb has found his niche... he's a defensive player for sure! Last year he started the year aggressively but settled back half way through the season into a defensive position. This year he did it again. I love the shot of his one great goal, scored on his first game of the season. Glad I was ready with camera in hand because it was also his last goal this year!

He did, however, master the "body block," as we call it. He jumps up and blocks the other teams kicks and throws with his chest. He doesn't go hard after the ball yet, but he knows what to do if and when it comes to him. (btw, that's neighborhood friend Hayden Werts Caleb is fighting for the ball!) Good times.

2010-11-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today was our last day of AYSO for 2010! And while I have to chronicle Caleb and Brody's season highlights, I would be remiss to not mention the true athlete of the family... Asher Beau Brunner. He spent his Brothers games and practices out dribbling every boy on the field. He looked forward to game day more than his brothers, and never missed a chance to put on his "uniform"; this yellow tanktop.

We can't wait to watch you play when you're just a couple of years older, Asher!

2010-11-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

This first picture of Caleb delights me no end! Here he is at the dinner table, laughing with his best buddy Jack, before the trick or treating got underway!

Once we hit the sidewalk we caught up with neighborhood friend Hayden. Caleb is so blessed with good friends. Really the best!

And look at that Candy!

2010-11-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Asher really enjoyed the hunt this year. Last year he was satisfied with a "pop" or two while everyone else racked in the loot. This year is was much more particular. He also really took him time taking in all of his familiar friends looking so different. And the neighborhood decorations with eerie green lights in the windows.

Thank you Shereen for taking this keepsake of a picture of my littlest Super-hero!

2010-11-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween here at the Brunner house is like a game of craps! You never know what the boys are going to roll (out of the house looking like!) Brody especially is our dress-up King. And Halloween night he surprised us all by putting on the red power ranger costume he's rarely if ever worn! What happened to all his favorites? Batman? Iron Man? Wolverine? Venom?

I captured some great pics of him with his good friend Katie... and overheard him trying to talk her out of marrying Asher. "No Brody," she said clearly, "I'm going to marry Asher not you!"

2010-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

We've been blessed with so much rain this Fall that the still-wet soccer fields were closed down on a perfectly beautiful day last Saturday! And so Matt took us to the Wild Animal Park! And it was a marvelous day!

Asher at 2 1/2 loved all the animals and walking not riding in his stroller. He also loved the tram ride through the safari and spotting giraffes, rhinoceros, and zebras all around. And Caleb LOVED using my point and shoot camera for the whole day! A rite of passage in his big boy life!

But the biggest rite of passage wasn't Asher foregoing the stroller or Caleb taking his own pictures, the biggest milestone was that this was our family's first big outing in nearly 7 years without a diaper!

Here are some dynamite pictures of our big guys on the larger than life merry go round. That's right, they are not too big for the merry go round!

2010-10-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

My "Baby" turned FIVE this month! On October 20th, Brody celebrated his birthday at Preschool in the morning and then at Chuck E Cheese's with a small handful of family and friends in the afternoon.

2010-10-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Asher LOVED his first trip through a corn maze almost as much as his Daddy did! All the Brunner boys had a marvelous time on our fall trip to the lake. And Lake County showed us a good time! I love the shot of Asher learning to work the loom at the harvest festival.

Our third born would have loved fishing too, had we let him hold a pole of his own. But I just knew the rod would end up in the lake below. Our fishing host, Mr. Hayden, tried to get Asher to kiss a fish for luck, but Asher wanted nothing to do with that! He did, however, love their swing!

2010-10-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

There were far too many highlights in Caleb's last trip to the lake to briefly mention! Oh, but I must try. Caleb loved running wild in a local farmer's corn maze, and countless games of chess with his Dad after his brothers went down for the night. But the great triumph for his mother was the moment he hoisted his pole into the air and reeled up his first little fish! Job well done, Sweet Caleb!

2010-10-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

We always knew our Brody would prove a great fisher-boy! He's patient and likes to spend long hours, playing contentedly on his own. That said, he didn't get to practice his patience this past week, for he caught two little fish in a span of maybe 10 minutes! Oh, what fun!

2010-09-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

What's a County Faire without Cotton Candy? And the Big Bumpy Slide?

2010-09-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Brody and Caleb rode the Mechanical Bull at the Lake County, County Faire!

2010-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our first born son, Caleb, is attending Kuyper Preparatory School. I love this picture of him shaking hands with the headmaster before leading the little school in the pledge of allegiance that morning.

Asher was thrilled to drop Caleb off on his first day, until he realized he had to leave! How that third born of mine wants to be a big kid! Soon enough.

It's going to be a wonderful year! Ms. Meizen is gracious and caring, confident and courageous. God Bless her!

2010-08-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

See the little, private vineyard? We're the house to the right. There's a switchback that goes from the house to the lake, where we will one day build a dock. But not today.

Dad's house is to the left of the picture another couple of homes, and he has a dock and a pool.

We're really excited about all of the fun times with our boys and friends that are to come!

2010-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our first trip to "the Lakehouse" with the Mostellers and Seymours -- August 2010!

2010-08-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Matt finally took a turn behind the boat this Summer! The last few trips to my Dad's lake house left Matt's back in shambles. But this trip he skied and then walked the next day!!!

And the timing could not have been more perfect, since this trip up to Clearlake in Northern California was to close on our own lake house, just a few homes down from my Dad and Anita's place.

2010-08-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday truly was a day that the Lord hath made, and we rejoiced greatly in it! For on August 21st, 2010 our first born son, Caleb Mathieson Brunner was Baptized at South Carlsbad State Beach.

He began asking to be Baptized this past Spring and when asked why he wanted to be Baptized he answered, "I want to show everyone that I'm a follower of Jesus." So on his cake we had the words written, "I'm following Jesus!"

It was a joyous day with many dear friends who love our family and are faithful in their encouragement of our boys. My mom, Joyce, and Matt's mom and step dad, Paula and Joe, were there with along with my Grandpa George, representing the family. The sun was shine and the Son was glorified!!! And look at these wonderful pictures that were captured!

2010-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Sweet Brody at prayer with a SD Padres tattoo on his check and a princess ring on his finger. Precious Precious... O, my heart!

2010-07-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

2010-07-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

If this were the Wild West than Caleb would be the Sure Shootin', Law Abidin' Sheriff; Brody would be his Wild-Card of a little Brother; and Asher... the Ladies Man, tippin' his ten gallon at the ladies.

2010-07-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite picture from our vacation this past week. My Dad and Stepmom hosted our Party of Five for a jam packed week of water fun. On the way home, when it hit Asher that we weren't going back to "Papa G's" house, he began to cry... "I want to go to sleep at Papa G's House... I want to sleep at Papa G's house and swim at Papa G's house!!!" Next year!

2010-07-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

I call this picture

GRANPARENTS...

2010-07-03T14:31:00.001-07:00

CLEARLAKE Summer 2010

2010-06-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here and good times abound! It's only June and we've already gone camping at South Carlsbad Beach, spent a day on Balboa Island with our cousins, and vacationed in Palm Springs over Father's Day weekend (complete with slides down the water slide into the sparkling pool, a tram ride up into the desert mountains, hiking, loads of ice cream, and a stop off the 10 freeway to visit the Dinosaur museum.)

This week it's "Kid's Games Summer Camp" for all three boys, and I get to be Caleb's camp counselor! Next stop WATER SKIING with Grandpa G in Northern California! Then we'll have a visit from Aunt Cherrie and Rachel for the week of the 4th, followed by more playdates at the beach and local parks. Last will be another family vacation, this time to McCall, Idaho. Does the fun ever cease?

2010-06-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Matt's exciting job as National Director of Marketing for Response Genetics, and the help of my mom and Matt's mom and step-Dad, I was able to join Matt in Geneva for one of the World Lung Conferences this Spring.

Walking through the Geneva streets and parks, and along the lake shore; our deafening climb to the bell tour of St. Peter's Cathedral at high noon, seeing Calvin's very own chair' eating wonderful crepes and fondu; taking tours to Vevey, Yvoire, Mont Blanc and Chamonix, and the Mer de Glace; tea at the four seasons; and much needed quiet. A lovely trip!

2010-06-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

There have been some wonderful times spent together this Spring, and before we jump into Summer time and all it's marvelous happenings I thought I ought to post some pics.

2010-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Nana has been waiting to see some Christmas pictures... so this post is for her!

Here are our dear friends the Al-Khalifas, who came halfway around the world for a traditional American Christmas with our family.

On December 23rd we rented a Duffy boat and went out to see the spectacularly decorated mansions around Newport Harbor. Loads of fun with Grandma Joyce and our friends from Bahrain.

Santa delivered 13 stockings to our home on Christmas Eve!

2010-01-21T10:26:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with my Mom (Grandma,) my Brother, Sister-in-law, and nephews (Uncle Geordie, Aunt Cathi, Aidan and Emmett!) Highlights were our trip to Sea World, playing Hockey on the cul de sac with some neighborhood friends, and Cousin Joy's scrumptious truffles. My dry Turkey was definitely not a high! Another wonderful blessing that came from our family time together was that my Brother took some family pictures for us.

2010-01-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

I've missed chronicling lots of big events here at "Brunner Party of Five." Managing all five of us is a busy life or me, and blogging just doesn't seem to make the cut these days! Last I wrote we were just beginning the fun at "Calvin Christian School" and enjoying Caleb's first soccer season.

Let's start catching up with our trip to Bate's Nut Farm in the Fall.

2009-09-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

While this picture was taken at Caleb's Soccer Game this past Saturday and Brody has had a haircut since then, it's still the perfect picture for today! Today Brody started his first "SPORT CLASS!" He'll have three weeks of soccer, then two weeks of football, two weeks of basketball, and three weeks of tee-ball... which totals TEN WEEKS OF FUN! Coach Darcy gives those boys plenty of exercise coupled with oodles of belly laughs. It's too perfect for Brody.

2009-09-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Caleb is having a wonderful time playing AYSO Soccer this year! He's just so strong and eager to excel. Hooping and hollering from the sidelines is the high point of our weeks!

And with Matt as Assistant Coach and me as Team Mom, we're quite obsessed! Brody plays on the sidelines and Asher eats till his belly's ready to pop open! It's a family affair.

This soming Wednesday Brody starts his Pee Wee sports class and is so excited to have a soccer team all his own!

2009-09-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Incase it's not apparent to you, ASHER LOVES IT when his brother's are at school. He just finger painted for the first time, ate oreos for a special lunchtime snack and got to play in the kiddie-pool all by himself. Everyone is enjoying their special days.

2009-09-12T17:09:00.001-07:00

KINDERGARTEN HERE I COME!

2009-09-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

CALEB'S FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN at Calvin Christian school! He came home wearing a "Class of 2022" tee-shirt!

He has 15 wonderful friends in his class and a marvelous teacher to keep them all learning and having fun together. So far he loves recess and PE most of all! But does that surprise us?

2009-09-12T16:55:00.001-07:00

These past few weeks have been too full, too exciting, too absolutely wonderful for me to take any time away to post pictures! But I must, I must before more wonderful moments in life take my time and attention. So many friends and family members have asked for pictures of Brody's first day of Preschool, Caleb's first day of Kindergarten, what Asher is doing on the days he gets Mommy all to himself, and all of the family enjoying Caleb's first year of Soccer! Like I said... TOO MUCH FUN!

2009-08-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a friend's house for a pool party. I took all three of my kids. Caleb and Brody are both new swimmers. They can make it back to the side after jumping in or swimming across, but if anything surprises them it can get dangerous. Asher, of course, is not a swimmer at all... though he loves the water as much as Brody did at this age.

During the course of our three hour play time (or should I say three hour high stress time?) I saved all three of their little lives.

Caleb was swimming to the side of the pool, toeing a boogie board behind him when two friends climbed on top of the board. instead of turning around and grabbing the board he only knew that he couldn't keep moving forward and started going under. I guess it's time to work on treading water.

Brody has a bit more confidence than Caleb, so when I say I saved his life Brody never actually knew that he was in need of saving. He was swimming to the side of the pool when a friend floated across his path in a pink inner-tube. Brody ended up under her. He kept trying to come to the surface, but couldn't get out from under the tube. My three year old remained totally calm, but was definitely out of air when I jumped in and pulled him up.

Asher was in the jacuzzi with me for his little adventure. My hand was on him as I turned to talk to another mom. Suddenly his soft skin wasn't in my hand so I turned back to him to find his eyes looking up at me from a foot under water. I plucked my youngest up and thanked the Lord for his safety too...

We are supposed to go to another pool party tomorrow, but I don't think I am up for another day like today. Two parents for three "not strong swimmers" is a must!

2009-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

He's walking, running, dancing, chasing, laughing... and loves to tickle us saying "tickle tickle tickle tickle. Asher (Happy) continues to make us all smile.

He loves to cuddle by placing his head upon loved ones and strangers alike until everyone near utters "awwww..." Then he sits back up and smiles knowingly. Yep, he's the baby of the family for sure.

I love this child's face and taking his picture is always a pleasure for me. I especially enjoy the color of his hair in the sun light, like corn silk in a Summertime field.

2009-07-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here's my first born miracle. I love it when the sun shines into his eyes. They sparkle like green lake water!

It doesn't matter how often I have asked him to not pick other peoples flowers, he does it anyway, so pleased to give it to me.

2009-07-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

Brody is as delightful as ever. he's finally riding bikes and even showing some interest in playing catch (albeit fleeting) but still loves playing with toys animals, dinos, and cars, and of course coloring.

He is VERY excited about preschool and knows that he is becoming a big boy. Today he is camping up in Julian with his Dad and big brother Caleb.

This picture of him in the orange shirt is of him on a tricycle, but he also is riding his big boy Diego bike with training wheels. Today up at the camp ground he asked to go off the jumps. Soon enough.

This one of him with his scrunched up face was the first picture I took with my brand new camera. So excited to have a fancy digital - Nicon 40D!

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

Our Party of 5 began 8 years ago with this Party of 2.

Here's my favorite picture that Matt took at Big Sur with our new camera. I missed the spectacular views since I was back in the hotel room with the flu.

2009-07-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

San Francisco, Fisherman's Warf

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

Our Party of 5 became a Party of 7 when Papa and Nana joined us for a vacation to Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco!

2009-05-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here's Asher walking around Indianapolis like he owns the place! This picture was taken out in front of the Indiana War Museum while Matt went inside with Brody and Caleb.

Caleb and Asher sat in a saddle at the Indiana State Museum.

This Western exhibit was wonderfully interactive for the kids but I think that Matt had more fun than anyone else.. he climbed on the stagecoach for a half hour trying to understand every part of the craftsmanship, suspension and rigging.

Monuments, fountains, museums and statues pepper Indianapolis! A beautiful city.

2009-05-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Caleb played his last game of the season yesterday. It was a hot day here in Southern California and it looked like he was about to fall asleep at short stop, but he made it through the game and this monumental first season and then went to a frozen yogurt party with the team. Here he is with his first baseball trophy.

Caleb also had his Kindergarten visit this past Wednesday. I took him to Calvin Christian in Escondido and he got to go into his Kindergarten class and meet Mrs. Zuidema who will be his teacher in the fall. He was very proud of himself. After the class visit we walked over to the administration building and got him a tee-shirt, which he wore three days straight.

And Brody will be right across the parking lot at Calvin Christian Preschool. So much growing up is happening in our home every day.

But before the fall and these marvelous rites of passage, we first have a summer of fun ahead of us In June we will have a visit from Nana and Papa, a trip to Carmel and then a water-skiing good time at Grandpa G and Gramita's lake house in Northern CA. In July Caleb has a week of Zoo Camp at the Wild Animal Park and a week of "Kids Games" camp at a local church. There will also be camping trips, beach trips, and much swimming. Now that Caleb and Brody can both swim... I will be freed up to be in the water with Baby Asher. Too much fun!

2009-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

I need to take a picture of Caleb's last piece of art. It was really more like a letter to Jesus than a drawing, but it was with crayons and on his art paper. It read, "Der Jesus Win EM i going to hevin"

2009-04-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Brody looked so pretty in his peach and baby blue argyle sweater this morning, while Caleb declared "Yeah, I don't have to wear a sweater vest!" It was fun coordinating their Easter duds again this year. I will do it until they don't let me! I do so love my boys!

2009-04-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little third born Easter Bunny!

Asher is now 13 months old and is a delight to us all.

2009-04-12T14:38:00.001-07:00

He is Risen, INDEED! We are having a wonderful Easter Sunday. Our church service was joyful and exciting. The weather is beautiful. The boys enjoyed all of their Easter festivities and now sweet potatoes and ham are making our home smell marvelous. We were not able to be with family or friends today, but are enjoying the sweetness of our PARTY OF FIVE! Or should I say, our party of SIX! Since Christ has overcome death, and is surely here in our midst as we celebrate Him.

2009-04-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's Palm Sunday AND it's my 35th Birthday! What a beautiful day here in San Diego! The sun is shining, my boys all wore pink to church, and Caleb and Brody were in the Palm Parade through the sanctuary shouting (okay, they were looking around rather dumb-founded) "Hosanna!"

2009-04-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

If only sweet Asher Beau was smiling, this picture would be perfect! Asher practically NEVER cries. Must be the capri sun juice bag he got his chubby little hands on Friday. It's been nasty pants ever since!

2009-04-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Caleb lost his first tooth yesterday, (while chewing a piece of gum) right before his baseball game. He's pretty proud of this fact. He equates it with becoming a man for sure! The tooth fairy left him a crisp one dollar bill. It's not crisp anymore. And Caleb boldly announced, "I'm not giving this to any missionaries either." No comment.

2009-01-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our party of five made, along with our much larger party of 18, amidst a crowd of thousands... had a wonderful time at the Rose Parade this morning!

2008-12-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

As imaginative and creative as Brody is "Big Dog" is the best name he could come up with! Merry Christmas Brody, Darling!

2008-12-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Caleb got a Leapster this Christmas! Thank you Nana and Papa for his Wall-E game:)

2008-12-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve! A gift for each boy from Great Grandpa George!

2008-12-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

Caleb's Roller Blades!

2008-12-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

Brody and Caleb each got skates and hockey sticks from Daddy / Santa!

2008-12-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

Brody LOVES his Larry Mobile! And so does Caleb. It was the biggest hit this Christmas!

Thank you Great Grandpa!

2008-12-27T21:30:00.001-08:00

Merry First Christ-mas Asher!

And Merry Christ-mas Brody and Caleb!

This Christmas was a rainy one, so most of the day (Okay, most of the WEEK!) was spent in doors!

Christmas morning was wonderful! Asher's push buggy was under the tree right there along with Brody's "Big Dog!"

Caleb was so pleased to give it to him! It was fun watching our fun-loving little blond come down the stairs with sleepy eyes and try to process his Enormous, fury gift. What sweet memories.

2008-12-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Asher is now 9 months old and nearly 22 pounds. Nothing as big as Brody was, but a hair heavier than Caleb. On his nine month birthday he started getting himself to a seated position AND then proceeded to crawl (army style!) A few days later is started pulling himself to a standing position in his crib. Unfortunately once he is up he has no idea how to get back down. He locks up and freaks out. Even now he is crying in his crib... I'm killing time at the computer trying to give him the opportunity to fall onto his bum and figure this thing out.

2008-12-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here's the other messy side of my favorite blond!