Brenna

How is it that someone so little can have me out of my mind almost daily? My sweet little girl has a will of iron. There are so many days that I wonder how I am supposed to raise her to be well adjusted in this world. I find it humorous that she is so much of me and so much of Nathan put together, although that would make sense. There are so many times during the day when I want to pull my hair out and just start over. Am I using the right discipline techniques? Would something else work better? She brings me to my knees daily asking my heavenly Father to please guide me because I don't want to mess up his precious little gift to Nathan and I. Even with all my mistakes, I pray that she will grow up knowing that she has a Mommy and Daddy that love her dearly and she has a Heavenly Father that never leaves her side.

So here is a funny little story. I put Brenna in time out for something the other day. Don't remember now, but it probably had to do with listening and obeying. Wow that is a hard concept to learn. It's just a little ironic that I am still learning that one while I am also trying to teach it. Anyways, I moved to the kitchen and hear Brenna singing a song about why she is in time out. Talk about some silent laughter. So apparently that was not very effective. She did give me a good little laugh.

Speaking of laughter. While I am pulling out my hair daily, I am also laughing daily. She has such a since of humor. Nathan always said he wanted her to have my looks and his sense of humor. (Not sure what that says about my sense of humor. Maybe we should have a talk about that one.) I love to hear her laugh. Her laughter often brings my own laughter bubbling to the surface. Whether she is "waddle, waddle, waddling" from the bathroom or cracking herself up over a movie, I love to see and hear she humor developing.

I am blessed. I pray that someday God will grant Nathan and I a second special treasure. If not, I will constantly remind myself that I have a precious treasure. When I am saddened by what feels like a dream fading, I can hold my little Brenna bear and know she is an answered prayer. God is faithful. He will always answer my prayers. I will listen and obey.

Wow

Canyon: Came and Went





Houston Quilt Show: Been there, done that.




We have been very busy girls, but we are home now for a little while. We are all looking forward to our visit with Nonni and G-Daddy here. Brenna has been talking about it for days now. Not sure what we are going to do, but I know it will be great to visit with them.

I have many stories and lots of pictures, but I am too tired to tell it all. I think the recap would be too boring for most. Maybe I will get to some of the stories eventually. I will try to stay on top of things now that I am home for awhile.

Canyon Here We Come

Nathan made the mistake a few days ago of reminding Brenna that we were going on an airplane this week to see Krissy. As any of you with young children know, that is a big mistake.
Brenna: "Mommy are we going on the plane now." (That was Sunday. The trip is Thrusday.)
Me: "No, we have 4 more days."

Five minutes later.
Brenna: "Is it four days now?"
Repeat a million times.

By Monday, I was ready to kill Nathan. Instead I decided to make Brenna a calendar to help her see when we were going on the plane.


Brenna has a brilliant Mommy. Now every time she asks when we are going on the airplane we look at the calendar and she tells me. Sometimes I am just so smart.

Anyways, we are both very excited about our trip tomorrow. Hopefully the flight will be fine and we will have a wonderful time in the cooler weather. Thank goodness Oma is ahead of me in dressing my child. She has already provided Brenna with the only warmer clothes she owns right now. Thanks Oma and Pepere.

Off Week

In honor of our football off week, I thought I would post the pictures of Brenna's new Badger shirt. Last Friday, I wore one of my Badger shirts and Brenna again informed me that she wanted on too, "Just like Mommy's." Well, I can only resist that request so many times. I took her to Walmart in Beeville and bought a white T-shirt and some fabric. I decided to make one since I couldn't find one to buy. I made a mighty fine shirt if I do say so myself. She was quite cute in her little shirt and hair bows.

It took me longer than nap time to figure out how to make this shirt, so I decided to play a movie for Brenna while I finished sewing the shirt. Brenna kept looking over at my work and exclaiming, "Is my Badger shirt done yet, Mommy." When I finally said yes, the smile on her face made all the trouble completely worth while. She loved wearing her Badger shirt to the game last week. I guess it is all the little things that count for her.

Before the game, I took her outside to snap some shots of her new Badger look. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I couldn't narrow them down very well, so there are quite a few.

That tongue cracks me up. I used to make fun of Aaron when he was writing or doing anything with a lot of concentration. His little tongue would stick out just like Brenna's. I guess she is a little like her uncle, but I think she is just being funny here.


Not sure what that pose was for, but I thought it was cute.


Such a funny little girl.

Little Dresses for Africa

I was so privileged to participate in a program called Little Dresses For Africa. I had not previously heard of this Christian based organization, but I love their idea and vision. Little Dresses is a non-profit organization that provides dresses for little girls in Africa. Many times these girls are taking care of their brothers and sisters because their parents have died of AIDS or some other illness.

I have made a pillowcase dress before for Brenna, but I forgot how long they actually took to make. I went to the party expecting to whip out several of these simple but cute little dresses. I was wrong. I only finished one because I wanted to add little things to it so the girl who receives it might feel special and loved. I must say that I had a lot of fun making this little dress and would like to make more for the organization. Maybe I will organize a little party like this in Karnes City in the future. I loved being able to meet people and spend the afternoon sewing, laughing, and chatting with other ladies. How fun!

This is a picture of our final products. Our hostess send me the picture. I love the way the dresses turned out. So cute.

Bathtub Art and Puppy Luvin'

I was amazed one night last night when I passed the the bathroom door and peeked in to make sure Brenna was doing okay in the bathtub. She loves using the bathtub markers and usually just colors all over. This night was different. This is what I saw.

I thought Nathan had helped her in someway and asked Brenna if Daddy had been in there with her. She turned to me and said, "Look Mommy, there is Daddy, Mommy, and Brenna."She said she did it all by herself and Nathan confirmed her claim. I praised the stew out of her. Maybe some of Dad's artistic ability is finally coming through the genes. I suppose the future will tell.

I love to watch Brenna play with Annie, although many of you know that sometimes that can become too rough. I am not looking forward to paying that vet bill on the credit card. On this day, Brenna was being more gentle. She loves giving Annie hugs and kisses. Annie is so patient and tolerant. She is actually a lot more tolerant than I imagined she would be. I'm not sure if Brenna is telling Annie a secret or if she is just hugging and kissing. Lately she has started to whisper secrets into my ear. Maybe she is taking those to Annie too.


A little later, Brenna had all her stuffed animals on the floor. She was laying in the middle of them and Annie decided that would be great fun for her too. Brenna loved it and blessed me with one of her precious giggles. I love being a mom.

No Title

I can't think of a title to define this last week. We have been crazy here in the big KC. I'll review the highlights. Last Sunday night, Brenna and I went to SA. We both had Dr appointments on Monday, so we spent the night with A and E. It is always fun to be there. Both appointments went well, although there wasn't much new information. I guess some appointments are just like that. On Wednesday, Brenna and I went to a "See you at the Poll" rally. It was a great time of worship, but Brenna was up late that night. She became progressivly more grumpy and tired as the week moved along. She had many late nights and of course she didn't want to nap. What am I going to do with that girl?

Thursday was my work day and the night of the 33 Miles concert. It was a crazy day for many people here. The concert was awesome. I am still thinking through it and Nathan is still recovering from all the moving of equiptment of several different events. The concert was the first of his events. I loved being a part of something God is doing in KC. I am still hearing people say how amazed they were that the band was so good and they came to KC. Thank you 33 miles, John Waller, and Pocket Full of Rocks for taking your time to minister to the people of KC.

Friday was football day. Brenna didn't nap and was up late again. Poor thing was just so tired by Saturday. The whole Jones Family was grumpy by Saturday night. Sadly the Badgers lost the football game, Brenna still had a great time at the game.

Saturday was a marching contest for Nathan. Brenna and I went to a sewing party in SA. Yes, you read correctly. I went to a party where we all brought our sewing machines and sewed. And yes, It was a lot of fun. We were making dresses for little girls in Africa who have lost their parents and are caring for the rest of thier family. I loved being able to make the little dresses as cute as possible and thinking how much the little girls would love them. I met new people and had a great time talking and laughing with my new friends. Brenna had fun playing with her new friends, although she was very tired by the time we left.

So that is it. I have several posts worth of pictures coming this week. I'll end with one picture from last week. Although Brenna isn't naping most days, she does fall asleep sometimes. It is normally pretty funny too because she has books all around her. I was able to capture one of those times before waking her.