We jumped the gun

Usually the Bradshaw family waits until the Sunday following Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. This year we jumped the gun a little bit. We put up our absolutely gorgeous Christmas tree today. We decided to do a real one this year. I may have to double up on the Zyrtec, but it is so beautiful that it's completely worth it. I promised my BFF that I would get some pics posted so she could see. So, here ya go Deanna!!





Later we're going to enjoy some s'mores and roasted marshmallows in front of our fireplace. I know, there's still a month to go for Christmas, but there's never a bad time for family time!!

Tee Pees, Rhymes, and Humilation

Tonight was Kindergarten Family Fun night at Tanner's school. The three of us got there early not really knowing what to expect. The learning began immediately. I learned that I am failure in the arts and craft department after a sad attempt at making a tee pee out of a paper plate. Tanner's tee pee turned out well. Then we moved on to making a place mat. Tanner glued some leaves, apples and a turkey on a piece of construction paper that will be laminated and sent home for him to use. It was looking really good until Jeremy decided that it was missing something and drew a target on the turkey, with a voice bubble saying "ouch".

While we were adding the finishing touches to the place mat, Tanner's teacher came in the room. Tanner ran up and gave her a big hug and announced loudly, "My Mom wants to know if you're pregnant." I'm not sure who was more surprised, her or me. After dying of embarrassment a few times, I managed to pick my jaw up off the floor and apologize. I was actually not in the least bit curious whether or not his teacher was pregnant...by the way, she's not. Thanks Tanner.

Next we went and read a Thanksgiving story to Tanner and then he showed us how they do the reading tests on the computer. We read Clifford's Thanksgiving Trip, and Tanner wowed us with his computer skills and scored 100%.

After that, we played some pattern matching games and rhyming games. They haven't worked on rhyming skills yet this year, and we had some comical results. At first Tanner wanted to put things that were similar together, like the coat and tie. After we explained how the game worked I pointed to a picture and he exclaimed "FROG". The next picture I pointed at was a dog. Tanner saw it and yelled "Chihuahua!!" Yeah, there's a skill we need to work on.

Anyway, despite my less than spectacular craft attempt, Tanner's ability to embarrass me horribly, Jeremy's redneck place mat, and our lack in rhyming ability we had a good time. We all agreed that Family Fun Night was fun and that six year old boys should be seen...and not heard.

Pics from our Beautiful Day!!

Today we took some time to enjoy some of the beautiful Autumn foliage in the area. Tanner got to play at the park and Mommy and Daddy got to spend some time in the sunshine. We figured this was going to be one of our last nice weekends and we didn't want to waste it.


This is one of the burning bushes in our back yard...one of the ones that didn't die.


How I love the scarlet leaves!


Tanner enjoying some play time.


Still more fun!


Hillside on the drive home


This one is self-explanatory


I think this is a Sugar Maple...whatever it is the park is FULL of them...so gorgeous!

Weekend Randomness

I just wanted to add these pics...but they didn't really fit in with the Halloween post...Enjoy!


Notebook Kitty snuck up and ate some of Jeremy's pizza when he wasn't looking. I could have stopped him...but then I wouldn't have this cute picture.


Tanner chatting on the phone in my office--I LOVE his argyle sweater. It's too cute.



It stormed here this morning. At one point I looked out the window and could see the small bands of heavy rain in the distance. I liked this one. It started out small and then got really big. Within five minutes of taking the picture, it was POURING.

Arghhh, Mateys!

Happy Halloween, oh people that I love. It is 9:30 and we are all finished trick or treating for the night. We had a blast. Tanner ended up with soooo much candy. We dumped it all into the great big bowl that we have always used to pass out candy. It filled the bowl with some to spare. Tanner was a big boy tonight and went to the all the doors by himself. He even remembered to say "Thank you"...so I haven't COMPLETELY failed as a parent ;o)

There were a couple of houses that were a bit over the top decoration wise and on those I did have to walk with him. One man dressed in black was measuring people for coffins as they walked into his yard. Tanner gave him a wide berth. Another yard had been turned into a graveyard. Near the front door they had a grim reaper that turned from side to side in a very robotic fashion. As Tanner neared the porch, the figure took a step towards him and waved, setting off lights that played the theme song from Halloween. I jumped too...the guy really did like one of those motorized figures. And I don't know about you, but I have always found the Halloween theme to be a bit creepy.



Now I am going to try to get my sugared up boy to bed. I finally got all the make up off his face. Tomorrow I'll have him Grandma and Grandpa a call...if he's not in bed with a tummy ache. And now I am off, I have a date with an incredibly handsome man to watch "The Strangers". Love you all!!

Let's Pretend it's Friday!

Can you believe that it's only Tuesday?? I know I'm not the only one who is already exhausted this week. I am more ready for Friday than I have ever been...ever! This week, I began a month long project as an OJT. I honestly have not left my desk more than twice in one day. Now, I don't want to say that I'm typically lazy or that I don't work. But I usually work at a MUCH slower pace. I told Deanna today how much I miss that slower pace. BUT it's only a month long and I'm sure I won't die of exhaustion. Tonight House is on...that means that I don't have a lot of time to be blogging but I wanted to post some pics that I had promised to some people. So here ya go! Have a great week everyone. I'll be posting Halloween pics this weekend. And if you're so inclined, don't forget to vote next Tuesday :o)

Tanner and Aunt Meleshia were being a little silly last Thursday while Jeremy and I were at his Parent Teacher conference. They had lots of fun though!


Meet Jinx--or as I like to call him "Notebook Kitty". He doesn't like it when I work, that means that I'm not paying attention to him.


Truffles and Freckles (aka Voodoo, aka Rufus, aka Buford) LOVE Jeremy. He makes a good napping buddy.

Fall Fun

The Bradshaw's headed to the farm today for some fall family fun. Every year, for the month of October, the Campbell farm outside of Clever opens to the public for their "Maze Days". The farm has two corn mazes: a four acre maze for the kiddies and an eight acre maze for adults. In addition to the mazes, there is a large pumpkin patch from which you can select a pumpkin to paint or carve, hay rides, a magic show and train ride for the kids, and a plethora of other activities to keep the whole family entertained. Today was the perfect day to be there. It wasn't too crowded, and the weather was gorgeous. We had a great time enjoying each other and creating memories that will last a lifetime...and we came home with a kitten. You KNOW that when Tanner looks at you with those blue eyes and says please he's hard to say no to. So "Jinx", the newest member of the family is, at this very moment, sleeping in Tanner's bed with him. I know, we're suckers. But we're happy suckers...and did I mention the memories?? Anyway, enjoy some of the pictures of our day.



Tanner with a LOVELY fake smile in the corn maze


Tanner picking out his pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.

Painting the pumpkin he picked for himself in the pumpkin patch



Tanner getting his face painted.


Tanner's "Spidey" face. This makeup took FOREVER to wash off.

School Pictures are in!

I was excited to learn that Tanner's school pictures came in today. I paid the five extra dollars necessary to receive not only prints, but a cd with his picture on it as well...in color, sepia, and black and white. My school pictures were never that cool. YES, you may still get one in print, but THESE can go on your computer or phone or can be used in whatever sermon you have coming up...I'm talkin' to you, Dad.

I'll post all three and you can decide which one you like best. Enjoy my adorable son!!

The color option. I love my little blue eyed boy :0)


The black and white version of the shot.


And last but not least the sepia shot...for those of you who prefer that old timey "when I was your age I had to walk ten miles to school, uphill both ways" kind of photos.

Attention Art Lovers...

...or Tanner lover's, either will do. Tanner's school is part of a program that showcases their art on the web. I finally received Tanner's screen name today...although they didn't give me the password. So I can't log in yet to approve any comments, BUT you can go and view the artwork he already has up on the site.

Just go to www.artsonia.com/Tanner966.

The website is really cool and you can even order the artwork in key chain, shirt, or Mug form.

Feel free to leave Tanner comments. I'll get this password thing figured out ASAP and go in and approve them so that he can see them.

Happy Monday!!!

As Promised...

Pictures from Tanner's sleepover and b-day party BEFORE he graduates from high school...

Tanner and Tyler made their own pizzas for dinner.


The boys enjoying their Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. Tanner is wearing his Harry Potter glasses that I believe are already broken.


My furniture being used as a launchpad. OOH speaking of Launchpads--wasn't one of the ducks on Duck Tales named Launchpad??? Sorry, the randomness sometimes takes over.


1-2-3 BLAST OFF. He only gets to leap off the furniture on his birthday.


The very tasty cookie cake that I made. Next year, I'm buying. I'm not cool enough to do this baking and decorating stuff. Although the race track cake was SUPER cool.

Sorry I took so long getting these posted. I don't know if you people have figured this out yet, but I am a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to doing things that NEED to be done. I could go to therapy and get to the root of the problem...but he'd just blame my mother :0)

Have a great weekend everyone. I'm off to clean the kitchen and wait for my amazing husband to get home. We have a movie date planned.

Happiness...in List form.

Today is October 4th. During my Sophomore year in high school, I was sitting in choir and Mr. Holt walked in and announced to the entire class that we were going to be celebrating National Ham radio day. I am pretty sure that I was not the only person that was utterly confused. He grinned and said..."It's 10-4 today, get it, 10-4." Then I think he might have snorted. Sadly, I now remember his horribly cheesy joke every time October 4th rolls around. It is a little sad that after four years in a really good high school THIS is what I remember.

Occasionally, I like to take the time and let you people into my head so that you can see what entertains the "beautiful (and slightly demented) mind of Juli". I am a simple girl with simple ways. I like reading, relaxing with my family and laughing...and not always in that order. Anything I can find that helps me achieve one of those things is immediately added to the LONG list of things I love. Here's a sneak peek at a few things that make me happy.

Things I have been LOVING lately:

1. THIS amazing collection of books. I just finished my third time through the series and am anxiously awaiting the release of the movie in November. I pray they don't mess it up.

2. Rereading all of the books (and watching the films based on those books) from THIS author.
Jane Austen was a genius well before her time. I hadn't read Northanger Abbey or Persuasion yet, so I had to remedy that. I loved both of them, and enjoyed the movies as well. THEN, I watched Becoming Jane, which is the movie based on Jane Austen's life. It was fantastic. I am pretty sure that if I could go back in time and visit any place it would be Jane Austen's England.

3. The greatest website of all time. This man makes me laugh so hard. I've watched his show from the beginning and actually remember watching the Daily Show when Stephen was one of his reporters. I recently listened to his audio book, "I am America and so can you". HYSTERICAL...he says in the introduction, "Like our Founding Fathers, I hold my Truths to be self-evident, which is why I did absolutely no research." The Colbert Report (the t's are silent!!) is political satire at it's best folks...if you take yourself too seriously or cannot handle "the truthiness" do not attempt to watch.

4. The Yummiest seasonal beverage. Every year I eagerly await the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. While I enjoy Starbucks deliciousness throughout the year, nothing makes me quite as happy as this beverage.

5. My favorite frozen dairy treat. I have a love for all things pumpkin apparently.

6. And last but not least, THIS cartoon. Who knew a cartoon about fairy godparents could be so enjoyable.

7. Making lists about things I love. It's fun, you should try it.


I am in a constant state of bliss lately so it seems like everything I do is fun and exciting. I can't say that one specific thing has made me feel this way. I think it's just a new found appreciation for the people I love and the life that I have (or it could just be the hormones). All I know is that optimism feels GOOD!! In any case, I hope that all of you are enjoying the many things that make you happy as much as I am enjoying mine. And if you are wondering "What things??" then you better get out that paper and start on a list of your own!

Happy Birthday Tanner!

Remember THIS little guy?





Sigh. He's not so little anymore.


Today is Tanner's 6th birthday. At this very moment in 2002 (with my Mother still somewhere in Kansas...sorry Mom, I held on as long as I could) Jeremy and I were welcoming our little bundle of joy into the world. I might be biased, but I remember gazing at him and thinking how very beautiful he was...so sweet, so perfect. I still catch myself thinking that exact same thought.

Tonight, I'm gonna make my little birthday boy some ice cream cone cupcakes. It will be just him and me celebrating this evening. But I can honestly say I'm TOTALLY ok with that. Tomorrow, Tanner's best friend Tyler is spending the night with us, and Sunday we're having his birthday party with the rest of his friends. He is LOVING his birthday presents. We bought him a new bike (complete with new helmet and pads), and some "Harry Potter" stuff. I'll be sure to get LOTS of birthday pictures as we continue to celebrate so that you can enjoy the weekend with us.

Happy Birthday Tanner!!! We love you!

Happy Labor Day!!

It's Baaaaaaack...almost

Ahem.....I have an announcement to make. Tomorrow is the first day of September...which means I can officially start my early annual celebration of Fall. Giggle with me, you know you are excited too. I've said it before, I will say it again, I love Autumn.



I love the crispness in the air, and I glory at the sight of leaves that set the tree lines ablaze with their shocks of red, orange and yellow. I love being able to break out my sweatshirts and jackets. I love apple cider, and Mums, and everything else that goes along with this amazing season.

Of course, September ALSO means that a very special five year old will be turning SIX. Time flies so quickly, and I am always amazed at how big "my little peanut" has gotten. We haven't quite finalized plans for birthday celebrations for family yet, but we're going to the kiddy party on the afternoon of the 21st...I wasn't brave enough to try and corral children without my husband who has to work in the 19th and the 20th. So if you are family and would like to visit on one of THOSE days, then you're welcome...I am pretty sure I can handle YOU.

I will also be saying "Good-bye" to my best friend this month (sad sigh). She is packing up all her belongings and moving far away to Illinois to be with the love of her life. I can't say I blame her, I wouldn't want to be away from the love of my life either. I will miss her though, even though I will still talk to her EVERYDAY...but you know how it is, it just won't be the same. So everyone wish luck to Deanna....and donate boxes if you can :o)

And now, I am going to say goodbye to YOU...just for a little while. The sun is setting and my two favorite guys are outside playing, and I am anxious to be playing with them...I'm sure you understand. Much love to you all. And don't forget to get out there and start looking for signs of Autumn to enjoy, for after all, “Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower."

Tanner's Puzzle

Tanner wanted to show Grandma and Grandpa this "puzzle" he made at school. He was really excited about it so we made a video. Enjoy!!

Our Favorite Student

I finally took the time to upload the pics from Tanner's first day of school. He has just finished his fifth day as a kindergarten student and is loving it! So far, I have nothing but great things to say about the school. In the mornings when I drop him off, he is greeted at the door by some overly cheerful teacher. During the day I can check in on their schedule online, so I know what is going on at that exact moment. Then at the end of the day, they walk Tanner out to the car and off we go. He is learning lots already. I am a very proud Mommy!!

And here's a picture of Tanner and Scooby playing Tug-o-War...just for fun. It was supposed to be a video of Tanner batting...I really do have one, however, blogger is not cooperating. So I'll have to try again later.

I'm ready...sort of.

Thursday is the big day!!! Tanner is very excited about starting Kindergarten. Mommy is excited too, but it's also mixed with the bitter-sweet knowledge that her baby is not a baby after all. We got an information packet two weeks ago giving us all the information we needed for the first day of school. His teacher's name is Mrs. Verch, and we're going to the open house tomorrow night to meet her. His buddy Tyler has a different teacher than he does...actually ALL the boys in his preschool class have different teachers, courtesy of Miss Crystal. Apparently, they give her a call when picking classes. I am thrilled that we have found such an excellent school district. I have heard nothing but great things about it. I just know that Tanner will continue to blossom this year. All of his school supplies have been purchased, along with his new school clothes. I bought the ingredients for Tanner's choice of dinner Thursday evening and chocolate chip cookies (which will be waiting for him on the table when he gets home Thursday afternoon). One night this week we're going to make the head of a "book worm" to put on his wall that will help us keep track of all the books he reads this year (for each book he reads we will attach a body segment). And last night he went to his first "Back to School" sleepover.

Every year, Miss Crystal hosts a back to school sleepover at her house for all the kids at the daycare center that are in Kindergarten and older. I think this year she had about twenty attend. She is a MUCH braver woman than I am. I dropped Tanner off last night and came home to a quiet evening alone. When I picked Tanner up this morning he was bursting with excitement about the things they had gotten to do. He really had a good time. Besides watching movies and having popcorn, the played on Miss Crystal's slip and slide and got to play in the hot tub and pool. They also took a little walk to the creek. Tanner's shoes were soaked and I had to dig them out from underneath 30 other shoes this morning. I was a bit jealous when I found out he got a soak in the hot tub...instead of a vacation next year, I may just go to Crystal's house. Right now, Tanner is taking a nap. I was informed that he was the last child to fall asleep...some time after midnight, and they were up this morning at 6:30. He's sleepy.

Tomorrow, the preschool is having Lil' Angels photography come in to do some pictures. They bring costumes for the kids, and they photograph them all dressed up! Some of the packages are really high, but we chose to buy one anyway. After all, we're not paying for childcare anymore (YAY)!!!!

I.O.U....

....some T-ball pictures. Tanner has been playing T-ball for two weeks. On Monday night, we head to the ball field here in town and watch the hysterics as this amazing group of 3-5 year olds do their best to get the basics of the game down. They are all so cute. Tanner is AWESOME...and that's just not Mommy talk folks! Every time he bats or throws the ball, I hear people whispering things like "Whose kid is that?", "Wow, he's got an arm", or "Look how far he just hit that ball!" Last Monday I was so proud when the ball he hit went sailing over everyones heads and into right-center. That's my boy!!!




Next week I will remember to get a video of him batting and running the bases so you can share in my pride!


We had a much better week here at Casa de Bradshaw. Rocky was sick for a few days and we were pretty worried, but it turned out to be doggy flu and he has made a full recovery. Tanner also has a new dog named Scooby (guess who named him) who we rescued.



Scooby is a Golden Retriever/Australian Shepard mix. He is seven months old and potty trained, although he has had a couple of accidents in the house when I missed him prancing at the door. He is a 27 pound baby!!! We don't think he will get much bigger and have decided to keep him inside. I am too scared to send him out into the yard...I'm just paranoid. Scooby LOVES squeaky toys and Tanner loves throwing them to him. Truffles loves her new playmate, so everyone is happy. And speaking of Truffles...isn't she adorable?? I love her!

Healing...

I slept in today. Tanner slept in today. Jeremy slept in today AND is staying home from work. We decided that we needed one day that we could spend together after our really horrible week. It is 12:30 and we are just now stirring.

Our tally of "Lost" Items stands as thus:

Our beautiful girls Chloe and Nugget whom we will miss more than we can say.

For those of you who I haven't talked to this week, our outside dogs got Parvo within the last two weeks or so. We noticed Chloe wasn't feeling well on Friday of last week, we immediately isolated her and began treating her, but Monday morning at about 1:00 AM she passed. As we doctored Chloe this weekend, we kept a close eye on our other dog Nugget, Tanner's golden lab. Monday night we noticed the first symptoms. Both she and our new puppy Truffles went to the vet on Tuesday to be tested. Truffles tested negative, Nugget did not. She fought hard as did we, but we lost her yesterday morning at 6:20. Tanner is devastated. Mommy and Daddy are heartsick.

Which brings us to the next three "lost" items.

Sleep...countless hours of it. One of us was up every hour giving medicine. And if we weren't on medicine duty, then we were still up, fretting.


Tears...Lots and lots of them. Parvo is terribly debilitating, and it happens so quickly.

Our sanity....like it wasn't going anyway

And the final thing that makes our list of things lost this week is....ALL of our fish. All four of them died last night, or this morning. We're not really sure when it happened. In short, it's been one of THOSE weeks.

Today is our day of rejuvenation. We're going to play and cuddle and soak in all the love that we can possibly give each other. Tomorrow we can go back to everything else that waits for us, but today...we heal.