Monica's the Smart one...I'm the Crazy one.....

I am sure all of you who read Monica's blog will get this....hahahaha

It appears my cute pic of the kids did not load on my last post, so I entered it here....and yes, I realize I posted 2 of my handsome husband and myself...no, I am not trying to be "all that" but unlike my tech savvy sis....I can't get the silly pic to DELETE so I can add the other. I am sure it is just some simple answer, but being the crazy one, I figured it just made for another reason to post a blog. hahahaa

Have a Happy Day!!

~KB

Thanksgiving & Prayers

Hello! The holidays are upon us!!! Man, are they! It seems we are spending most every weekend from now through Christmas in Paris for various reasons! I keep packing and repacking the suitcase...and washing lots of clothes in between!! haha

We spent Thanksgiving with Chad's family this year...a birthday/Family lunch for PapPaw Rebel's bday..lots of food and watching the kids fish at Aunt Barbara's...and then to Great Granny's....ahhh, the yeast rolls alone are worth the drive!! We visited with Mom & Daddy the day after and spent a little time with them. There is just NEVER enough time to see everyone!!!

Maybe one day.....

There are lots of people close to us right now going through severe medical issues and procedures so please keep those around us and close to us in your prayers!

This weekend we are headed to the big Annual Christmas Parade back home and then to Mom's side of the family's Annual Christmas Party. It has a Polar Express theme this year and all the kiddos and maybe some of us adults...are wearing our PJ's!! Doesn't that sound FUN??!!!

I will post more later...........

Hugs, Kan

Fall Fun!

Hello, Everyone! I know, a blog! How unlike me lately!?! haha
Yes, its been a while since I posted anything, so let me catch you up on what we've been up to.....
let's see, last time I wrote Granny Ree had just made her debut in Heaven....since then......
Chad had a birthday! #38!!
Connor started Kindergarten and we all learned how to get our tails in gear! =)
We went to the Airplane Show as a family this year...last year Daddy and Connor had a Guy Day!My 'Lil Sister Mendy turned the big 3-0 in Sept which means yes, in 11 days I say hello to #35! Isn't that a cool number...35?! I think I may hold on to it for a few years. haha
Connor will be 6 years old in just 2 weeks! He is counting the days!
Halloween lasted a while for us since we went to Paris the weekend before it to the Annual Pumpkin Festival in Paris then did the Trunk or Treating thing at Sonic 2 days before the actual day, and on Halloween had Connor's Harvest Snack at school (since they are only allowed 2 parties a year it couldn't be classified as an official PARTY.)
We have spent the last 3 weekends in Paris due to
the Pumpkin Festival, my twin nephews'
Maverick & Remington's #5 birthday party
last week Chad had some work to do on our land, and we wanted to spend a little time with Pappaw & Granny Belle so we made a little trip to Powderly Friday and on Saturday went up to see my side of the family..
we were supposed to go to Mom & Daddy's Church for their 20th Homecoming but Connor woke up with a temp so we had to come on back to Pilot Point...hopefully we will have more time to visit with both sides of the family at Thanksgiving.

The visits never seem like we have enough time to just talk and visit--trying to run and see everyone gets a little crazy. One day we will be back there though and it will be easier, I hope. We just don't want to waste what precious time we have left with our grandparents. They have all had such a hard time this past year...and then with Granny Ree passing from this life, it makes me want to cherish the time we do have. The hardest thing about Granny Ree not being with us is that we really lost her 12 years ago when Alzheimer's took over, and this time of year always makes Mom and I miss her, because she LOVED this time of year, decorating and cooking and planning family get togethers! We pray we carry on the traditions that were so important to her...and I do not want us to have any regrets for not spending time with those whose legacy we should carry on...in name and in traditions.

This is our busy time of the year to run back and forth! Next week we will be back in Paris, several family members are having tests and surgeries, both sides of the family, thankfully same day though so we can try to be there for them....and then we will be back there again for a few days at Thanksgiving. Please keep our families in your prayers and we will give more details when we can.

Connor has started reading and is doing really well! He has learned about 25 sight words so far and is learning to sound words out...they are taught much differently these days...but I keep encouraging him to sound them out like we were taught in the old days! He has brought home 3 little readers now, and he thinks its so cool when he can read things on tv or on signs as we drive! WE think its pretty cool too! Guess that means we can't spell things out in front of him anymore..YIKES!

We are not going to our special little Church anymore...long story but, we got VERY involved, and very busy and my health kinda acted up, maybe from not resting and stressing too much, and I lost my voice 3 different times for a week at a time over a 6week period 9which meant I couldn't sing) and had to have tests run and medicines changed and needless to say we have decided to step back and go to a Church where everything--ministry wise, kids church, etc is already established and we can just be a part but not have to be so involved in setting up the different areas.

Well, that seems like just a whole bunch of rambling, but I think that catches us up.

Today, Kate and I are headed to Storytime at the library to meet up with some friends so I better go get us ready!

Pics are of the little family at the Pumpkin Festivel, strawberry ice cream cones from Aunt Brenda's store, the kids at the beach on one of our last HOT days, Darth Vader and a Princess Kitty, and my little family at the Airplane Show.

I will write more soon, promise! Blessings and Hugs ~Kan

Her Children Arise Up and Call Her Blessed...Proverbs 31:28

My Precious Grandmother, Marie Dickey, received her eternal healing last Tuesday night as she left this earth and entered the pearly gates of Heaven. She no longer is trapped in an earthly body with a mind that no longer recognized her loved ones and friends, but instead, she is preparing banquet tables for Heavenly feasts in Glory---she must be one of the best cooks in Heaven right now, I suppose!!
On Saturday, all of her family and friends attended her "Home-going". Those who were present at her funeral and even the funeral home staff told our family they had never been to such a service. Even those that did not know her prior to that day, felt as if they DID as they left that day. It was truly a celebration of her life and a tribute to the legacy she left behind of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she made sure knew her "Lovely Lord" as she called Him. Each of her six children spoke at the service recalling memories from the past, and her children, and grandchildren sang also. I am sure Granny Ree was extremely proud and honored as she watched from above. We are all so happy for her that she is now free from Alzheimer's disease and walking on streets of gold with PaPa Dickey enjoying all the splendor of Heaven. As her family we do "arise up and call her blessed."
~Kan

*For those who wish to have a copy of Mom's book "She Touched My Heart" about her journey with Granny Ree through Alzheimer's Disease....you can order her book through Tate Publishing or most any bookstore can order it if it is not in stock...or contact me.

If You're Happy and You Know It......

Remember this old song from Kids' Church years ago????
I was reminded of this song this morning during Pastor's sermon. He spoke about being a brook by the wayside...being that one person that someone else can count on when times are hard or difficult....how that everyone needs a person like this in their life, and how our church should be just that to us...a place where we come to be refreshed. The text was Psalm 110. He also reminded us that our joy comes from the Lord and if that is true we should be the HAPPIEST people on earth...profound thought, huh? I plan on remembering this the next time I feel like just being in a bad mood because my day has not gone "just right"...because even when I am upset or irritated...He is still the same...and His joy is unspeakable and full of glory, right?! So, the next time you feel down and out...may you be blessed with someone to be your brook by the wayside...to offer you a refreshing drink...so you can get back to singing...If you're happy and you know it...say, Amen!
~Kan

Backwards Backyard Party May 31st

Together Again...just like the song...we were all SOOO happy to be together again!!!

Well, almost all of us. One of our friends and her kiddos weren't able to come this time but altogether we had 10 parents and 10 kiddos! The theme for our Bugaloo get-together was Backwards Backyard Party...Connor is demonstrating in one of the pics...the guys wore their caps backwards...and some wore their clothes backwards...and I even wore my earrings in my ears backwards and put my rings on the wrong hands! We said "Bye!" as the ENTERED and "What a great party we had!" as they ARRIVED. We laughed our tails off! The kids really got into the backwards stuff...even coming in walking backwards! We had a good old fashioned potluck/cookout....hot dogs, chili dogs, grilled BBQ and Italian chicken, Roxanna's fruit salad, Ceci's famous big green salad, Manuela's mushroom couscous, and Heidi's delicious dips and chips....and then there were the desserts...peanut butter cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, vanilla ice cream cones...and cherry cheesecake ice cream...yummmmmm!!!! The kids also had a scavenger hunt which was requested by Connor and David....so we sent them on a clue chase all around the yard which finally led them to a trash bag with a big 'x' that was filled with clean trash of course AND a treasure box full of water guns, candy, stickers, and little cars! The pic of the group is right after the hunt. They had a blast! The water guns were also a big hit with the Daddy's...shooting the kids, shooting the Moms.....everyone had a great time! We sure missed our friend Les and her family...but we will get pics of them at our next shindig! We finally wrapped our fun night up around 9:45pm....the kids had played so hard and so much...swimming, sliding, swinging, playing in the sand box, then taking dirt from the sand box to the little pools, and water from the pools to the sand box...that they were FILTHY! We hosed some down outside, and then most of them came inside to 2 big tubs of warm water and had a quick bath before putting on PJ's and heading home! Since they all live at least 25 minutes or so from us we learned long time ago when we get together, to bring the kiddos PJ's to our family dinners so that we have them all ready to put in bed when we get them home!

Can't wait til we all meet again!

Pics are of the backyard before the party, Connor in full backwards attire, 7 of the 10 Bugaloos at the party---from left to right: David, Matthew, Conn, Kathleen, Willow, Kate is standing in the back and Samuel is standing up front....not pictured were Karissa, Daniel and Jason who were all three much too busy playing!!!

Hugs--Kan

Vacation? What Vacation?!?!

Hello! Whew! What a weekend we had.
Thank goodness it has come and gone! =)
Chad and I have decided that we are not doing so well in the "vacation" department.
At least for last year and so far this year anyway.
Last year's "vacations" consisted of a hospital stay in March for me having gall bladder surgery and in June a hospital stay for Chad when he crushed his hand....not very exciting...and actually quite painful!
Fast forward to this year---
oh, yes, this year our first mini-vacation---
the 4 day weekend for Memorial Day--
would be great!!!
At 5pm on Thursday Chad left his cell phone in the truck rather than attached to his hip and it would just be bliss...we would take the kiddos to preschool on Friday, have a garage sale while they were in school, then we would load up and go meet MeMe and PaPa at the lake...at the "Brannan Compound"! A little fishing, a little swimming, some tubing on the lake...seeing the rest of the Brannan Bunch.. it would be great! Connor was ecstatic...Kate was cautious...she's a little leery of being 'left' these days..haha...but it would be great....
and then,
well,
Kate started puking...
and puking.
Connor was fine, the rest of us were fine, she's cutting new teeth, you never know with a 2 year old...maybe something she ate, or her nasty vitamins I gave her...so she stayed home on Friday, Connor went to school for his last day Splash Day...and I had my garage sale. A tiny one...but made a couple bucks with just a little bit of effort. haha
Kate did great all that day acting silly and such but didn't eat a lot. By Saturday morning, no one else had busted out with a puking spell, so we thought...good...we at least have the weekend! So we headed to the lake, all was well, til Kate got too hot and at naptime had a repeat performance from the night before, then by that night, Chad was sick, and by Sunday at lunch, Connor had it too! My poor little family! They were little zombies...barely moving from the deck and back inside the camper to sleep. Thankfully though by Monday, everyone was great! Eating and feeling fine! We had a big family lunch with MeMe's side of the family and actually got to just sit and talk and relax instead of the usual rushing from place to place to see everyone during a holiday! By late that afternoon we headed home...where the washing of the afore-mentioned puke laden linens and clothes had to be done...and life was normal once again..on Tuesday, Kate and I made a trip to WalMart while Connor went to work with Daddy at the shop. And then, on Wednesday...guess who wakes up with the nasty bug...yep, the Momma. Thank the Good Lord for my Chad...he came in like Prince Charming and saved the day! Today, I am me...again. It was at least better than our Galveston trip several years ago...if you haven't heard that one, don't ask, suffice it to say...it was a trip that shall live in infamy.
Oh, well, there's always July 4th........

Seriously.

Okay, so seriously,
whose idea was it to say that the curvy women with big hips
from back in the day of
oh, I don't know,
those famous painters that painted women like that,
you know what I mean,
were....
FAT???!!!
After 8 days of walking, walking, and NO losing, I am thinking they were beautiful
and skinny is just a figment of some cruel person's imagination.
Oh, yeah,
that's my imagination,
cuz I can still "imagine" what I looked like skinny...
and of course I have pictures to prove it despite the current size of my you know what.
My whole thyroid issue is NOT, by the way, helping matters. A wonderful friend has sent me an email tonight full of pointers and tips to try so I am embarking on a new journey with that tomorrow. I will blog about it soon, but until I have something to remark positively about I will leave it at that. For now, just know, I am writing down all that passes my lips...and I shall call that journal THE ENEMY until further notice. NOTE: all of my dear family and friends who are size 8 or less and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE please just chalk this blog up to a little chunky butt and her ranting! haha
Love you all--Kan

Kate's New 'Do!

Hey There!

I keep forgetting to put up a new pic of Sister's hair!

You can see the 'before' and 'after'! Her hair is so cotton blonde..and so thin..we gave her a new cut to help it grow! (Hopefully!)

Have a great day!

~Hugs, Kan

Home at Last!

Hi! Well, it seems we have finally made Pilot Point our home! We have also found a Church 'home"! We are so very happy about it...you just can not imagine! It seems we have lived here the last 4 years without actually making our little town "home"...but finally we are settling in...all things happen for a reason...and at just the right time...so we will NOT say we have WASTED the last 4 years...we will say...we found our niche at JUST THE RIGHT TIME =)
Everyone knows we have visited several churches here and all were great in their own way--just not like back home in Paris. Which by the way is a very high standard to live up to..haha..but last Sunday night we found THE ONE! It is a Baptist Church right next door to Chad's office/warehouse--actually he rents his warehouse from the Pastor and his business partner. (Of course I have said many times we should visit there...but you women know, until God tells your husband.."hey, try THAT church"...its just in one ear and out the other... hee hee) Anyway, we went Sunday night, and stayed for the fellowship, then went Wed for AWANAs and back again today. Chad spent some time Wed night visiting with the Pastor while I helped out in the Cubbies class. He felt the need to "spill the beans" that I sing --so this morning I was told I was "needed" in the Choir room by the Pastor's wife since a "little bird" told them I sang! I knew all but one song-- thank goodness! Not too bad for this little Church of God girl. Connor really enjoyed Kids Church and his class Wed night. Wed night he and Kate had Cubbies class together and she did great in his class--she cried when it was time to leave because she wanted to keep coloring with markers! Today though--seeing me in the Choir did not make her happy--she kept hollering for me so Daddy tried taking her to her class. Kate was not too keen on going to her class without her Bubba...so after quite a bit of tears, they took her to Bubba's class where she dried the tears and did fine. Connor said she cried til she saw she was getting juice and cookies...ha--my kiddo definitely--feed me and I am happy! haha. As for my Connor--he catches onto things so quickly! All the way home in the van he sang "When we all get to Heaven" although his version was "When we all get to--gether" how sweet, huh? We called Papa and let him sing it to him when we got home! As you can tell we are very happy about the Church! Your soul just needs that fellowship with others--and when you are out of Church for a while you easily forget that--but once you are back in--it just makes a world of difference! One little man at one church we visited said--the 2 worst kinds of hurt you'll ever receive are from your family and your church--and the best support you'll ever receive is from your family and your church! So true, So true!
After packing the entire house and then unpacking it...we are glad things worked out like they did. We have always loved our home here and our yard so we are now doing little things to spruce up this house. Little things, that we always thought about doing--and finally are. A new picture here and there, new knobs in the kitchen, new ceiling fans-- things like that.
Yesterday while I made a quick run to WalMart Chad put a swing set together for the kiddos--thanks to MeMe and PaPa for the Christmas money to go for that! They LOVE it! Of course Connor can already scale almost every inch of the thing...quite the monkey he is! Daddy taught Kate how to climb the ladder to the slide so she thinks she is just "it"!
Oh--for those reading this--here is a challenge for you--after reading my sister in law's blog I read she is "going green"--which we are trying to do more of ourselves---less paper and plastic to fill up the earth...so I challenge you to try to decrease what your family adds to the landfills....if she with 4 little ones can work hard to go green--we have no excuse! My Chad is very conscious of the trees we waste--but I think our next thing will be saying bye bye to the paper towels...AGHHH!!!...check back to see if I actually do it......I LOVE THEM...but I am going to try. Also, as for reusable bags--Walmart seems to be the cheapest..$1.00 per bag. I heard Julia Roberts say on Oprah the other day, that she keeps some reusable bags in her car at all times, so when she goes in a store she takes her bags in, then uses them and does not have to use paper or plastic at the stores. I almost bought a couple yesterday--actually I have so many bags in my purse & tote bag collection--that I should probably just start there.
And, while I am on the "challenge" thing--here is one more--if you are feeling tired all the time, freezing cold when everyone else is fine, can't lose weight, having heart palpitations, and or just plain not yourself with "brain fog"-- please, please get your thyroid checked! My medicine finally seems to be regulating mine and I feel so much better and not so irritable and tired all the time! Your thyroid can do lots of wacky things and any time you have increased stress, (every one of us!), a pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, etc, your thyroid can be affected---it can even cause you to have fibromyalgia symptoms and problems with digestion! Okay, enough about that--if you want more info...email me..I will be glad to tell you what I know or get the book at the library--Living Well with Hypothyroidism.
Well, better run....choir practice is at 5pm...and I think I will try to catch a tiny nap while the kids are snoozing!

This week will be a busy one--leading up to our trip to Paris for Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!

Hugs--Kan

Okay, for my buddy Deb-- tag, I am it....so here is my survey. I am quite the bum and never fill these out when I am sent them by other people...so for all of you who have sent these surveys to me and I did not send it back...please accept my deepest apologies and read on dear friends...read on.....
Where were you born? Paris, Texas
Middle name: Manell (my mom combined my 2 grandmother's names Marie & Nell
How old will you be this year? 35 ---actually I already say I am...but really not til Nov
Nicknames: Kan
Do you cry often during movies? yep
What is your biggest pet peeve? don't dare lie to me..can't stand a liar
Favorite color: purple and green
Favorite foods: cheetos and m&m's
Favorite beverage: Dr Pepper
Favorite cold cereal: berry cap'n crunch
Favorite Smells: Chad's cologne---and my kiddos freshly bathed!
Favorite time of day: Supper Time with my Chad and my kiddos
What brand of shampoo/conditioner do you use? Suave
Make-up products? Mary Kay
How many pillows do you sleep with? 2
Do you play an instrument? used to play the trombone..first chair...don't be jealous..haha
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Die Hard 3 I think...????
What is your favorite article of clothing? My blue jersey tshirt with my fav number 22
What is your dream vacation? Any beach
What was your first impression of your spouse? So Handsome...wonderful..he's someone I could fall in love with and marry...and I did 69 days later!
If you were an animal what would you be? koala bear
What is your favorite "me- time" activity? Shopping or a long long long bath
What is one of your weaknesses? chocolate...if its close I will eat it....all of it.
What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? grilled cheese sandwiches
If you could live in a different decade/era which one would it be? Not sure..????
What is the emotion you feel the most? til very recently STRESSED!!!...but since we are not moving..peace lots of peace.
Do you consider yourself outgoing? depends on the crowd
What is something you are constantly working on? patience
Any hidden talents? I can pick up things and pinch you--with my toes
What is a word or phrase you overuse? Shut Up! and Seriously.
What was the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Watching Chad go through his hand injury.
What is the best thing that happened to you so far this year? We decided to stay here in Texas!
The best piece of advice you learned this past year? When my kids are grown I want them to say they had a wonderful childhood...not "Momma sure kept a clean house"
For the most recent pic of me...see below...a few posts back with Connor....
Love to all..........Kan

On Second Thought...

Okay, so we've been planning to move since about August of last year, and we've had a buyer for the house since January of this year, but as of last Friday it was still up in the air as to a close date....and when things just don't fall into place after all this time...you begin to say, "Okay, Lord, are ya trying to tell me something here??" After much thought, prayer, and possibly an ulcer or two (ha) Chad and I have decided to take the house off of the market and just stay here. In Pilot Point, in this house. Close to friends and our family...or at least only an hour and half away instead of 8 hours! So needless to say, since we thought we had the closing narrowed down to last week, I already had nearly the WHOLE house packed. Then after this weekend and all of our talks and contemplating...I am now --with Chad's help when he's not working--UNPACKING all of our junk! AGHHHH!!!! Oh, well, I am Spring Cleaning as I put it up and let me just tell you we are gonna have one heck of a garage sale when we get it all put back in place!!! haha

We have a peace about just staying here and think this is what is best for us, for our little family, for now. Who knows what the future holds! At least for now, though, we are Texans!

Pics are of the kids at the Dallas Zoo on Saturday... Daddy surprised them Friday and told them we were going to the Zoo on Saturday. It was Kate's first time...I have no idea why we did not take her last year...but she LOVED it! She walked her little legs off and refused to ride in the wagon! I think we all loved the African Penguins the best! We even saw two Penguins being walked on leashes...they were just adorable! The other pic is of Connor, see he would have been fine in Louisiana....haha

Til Next time~Kan

Not Yet....................

Well, looks like the big move will not be this week. Aww man!! I have ALL of those boxes packed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, well....its kind of at a stand still.. our buyer can't close this week and next week already looks CRAZY for Chad so it may be about 10 more days or so before we have a definite move date...I will keep everyone informed. Here were a few cute pics from this week I thought I would post...Conn and I acting silly, Daddy and the kids dog pile wrestling, Connor working on his tennis skills...Papa Stan will be soooo proud!...and Kate and a big ole sucker that she refused to give up until it was a little morsel and a stick! haha Enjoy! Blessing and hugs to you all!!!

Til next time----Kan

Spring Has Sprung!

Hey Everyone! Its Springtime! Which of course means crazy weather here in Texas and praying for tornado season to pass quickly! All is well here! Kate had her 2nd birthday at the end of February...she is such a funny little chicken! We just did the family thing in Paris with the grandparents, Mav & Rem and Aunt Mendy. Chris & Monica and the three queens and a king weren't able to make it...because of fevers and sickness between our two families we went from Christmas to Easter before we were able to see our other favorite Brannan Bunch! =)

We made Kate's special event for her birthday a trip to Midievel Times in Dallas.(kids were free in Feb--thanks Daniel and Misty!)..she absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED it! She was dancing and saying "Princess!!" and she even ate like a little piggy! Connor on the other hand thought it was way tooo loud but he thoroughly enjoyed it once the knights started sword fighting! Such a boy! haha

Easter was a whirlwind trying to see everyone! It seems we never have enough time to spend with everyone! The kids found a ton of eggs and I of course am eating all the candy with them..and when they sleep...haha

Kate is turning out to be quite the little comedian--actually they both are! We have so much fun just watching them!

She has also moved up to a big girl bed! As for Mr. Connor it will soon be time to pre-register him for KINDERGARTEN! Can you believe it?! I know he will just love school...he loved preschool so much...and he is all about moving and doing and going so I think it will be right up his alley! My kiddos officially LOVE Dora and Diego and their rooms now show it...they picked out new bedding for their rooms and they just love it!

Hopefully, we will close on the house here on Friday...then hopefully close on ours and make the big move by the 15th of April. We'll see. The close got delayed a week so that may delay our closing on our new house...hopefully not. We are praying it all falls at just the right time! Well, when we have definite news of dates of the move and new pics of the house I will post them.

Pics are of Kate on her bday--Kate with her new skirt on at MeMe's--our bunch at Midievel Times--and the Princess at Midievel Times.

Hope everyone has a great week!

~Later, K