Catching up with the Brauns

This is mom and nephew Porter. Mom has started chemo and is now sporting adorable hats.

Me and one of my darling sisters, April.

My Awesome Loved Ones

Ashley and Travis heading out to Semi-formal

Aren't they cute?

Too lazy to fix, but this is our new tv. Scott is very happy.

4 generations: Mom, Grandma, me, and Ashley

Our family is breathing a huge sigh of relief because harvest is finally over!!! Life is busy as always, but good. We are enthusiastically counting down to our vacation to Florida. It cannot come any time too soon.

Senioritis

So this is my senior. She is really enjoying her final year of high school, but wishing it was already over. She's worked out her schedule so she doesn't have to be to school until 9:30 and then she leaves at 1:30 for her internship. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. She's done with her SAT and ACT and now is writing essays for college apps and working on her laureate project. She still wants to go into computer programming which opens a lot of doors scholarship wise. Women in technology is huge and there are a lot of people willing to give out money. I can handle that :) She still has her heart set on BYU but is also applying to Purdue.

Any free time she has is spent with her boyfriend Travis. He is in the Decatur branch which limits how much time they spend together. That and the fact that he is in marching band. Ashley drags Juli and Tyler to all the competitions and they have a great time cheering on Norwell (where Travis goes).

Lots of exciting happenings going on at our house. Stay tuned for further developments.

I Came Home One Day...

and found this:

where we had once had a 50" t.v. we now had an empty tv stand. I called Scott and asked him what he had done with the tv and he had no idea what I was talking about. We looked around and found that the back door in the garage had been kicked open and our tv had been carried out the front door. Nothing else was taken and luckily no one had been home at the time. We of course called the sheriff, but there isn't much hope of recovery. It is extremely disconcerting to know that strangers have been in my home. I am even more paranoid than before and suspiciously watch any car that drives by, wondering if it was them.

This break-in has had a chain reaction. We decided that our new tv would be one that could be mounted on the wall (making it harder to walk off with). Before we did that it made sense to paint the living room and if we're going to paint the living room we might as well paint the kitchen too. So now my home is in complete chaos as these projects are under way. Also, we have to have new window shades that would completely block the view of the tv from the street. This has not been an easy undertaking finding shades that offer privacy, go with the decor, and do not cost an arm and a leg.

I hope that the next time I post I will have photos of my new and improved living room and kitchen. (including the new tv)

Indiana Weather

Anyone who has ever lived in Indiana knows that if you don't like the weather, just wait and in a few hours it will change. That was so true this week. The start of school on Monday brought 90 degree weather with high humidity. On Wednesday the YW had planned to have a back-to-school bonfire, but we got rained out. Yesterday, our youth had an activity schedule that involved water skiing, tubing, jet ski, swimming, etc. We woke up and it wasn't even 60 degrees! The YW delayed going for an hour and headed to Huntington Reservoir when the sun started to peek out. At 10:00 it was 63. The kids still swam and skiied and had a great time. It wasn't being in the water that was the problem, it was getting out. The wind was fierce. We had a lot of chattering teeth! But, the activity was a success and we even got to watch some airplanes practicing for an airshow. When life gives you lemons...make lemonade!

Check it off my bucket list

Final Score

UP CLOSE and Personal!

Mom and Son, Colts fans forever

Can we get this painted on our basement floor?

Great seats

A few weeks ago my sister-in-law mentioned she had a friend with season tickets to the Colts games but wanted to sell them. She asked if Blake and I were interested and we said duh! YES!!! So, checking the schedule we found that the only non-Sabbath game was a preseason game against the Eagles. It worked out really well since it was a Thursday and school hadn't started yet. So, we hopped in the Rendezvous and off we went. I was a little apprehensive about finding my way and dealing with traffic and parking, but it all went smoothly without incident.

The game was AMAZING!!!! I couldn't believe I was watching Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, and the rest of the Colts IN PERSON!!!!!! I think I took pictures of the whole 1st quarter. Every time I looked on the field and saw the Colts lining up for a play I would get so excited that they were right there. The seats were great and we were surrounded by Colts fans who weren't obnoxious and rude, but very loyal. We could scream our lungs out and noone cared. Scott tends to shy away from me during such events because I do tend to get a little carried away. I guess I'm just a tad competitive and get too into it at times. But, Blake is just like me and we had a great time. Our team won the game and there was much rejoicing.

Now, what's next on my bucket list?

Last Days of Summer

So, with only a couple weeks of summer left, Blake and I realized that we could no longer wait around for Scott and Ashley to get some time off so we took matters into our own hands. Dragging my brother Josh and his wife Katie along we headed for Wisconsin Dells. We stayed at the Kalahari resort and had a blast!!!! Blake and Josh had a great time at the water park, theme park, and bowling. I was so glad I had brought a playmate for Blake. Katie and I had fun too, but we enjoyed the more relaxing parts of the resort. Drifting down the lazy river, sitting in the whirlpool, going to the spa, was more my cup of tea. Although we wished Scott and Ashley were there, we had a great adventure.


Josh and Katie

My new pedicure

One of the waterslides

Blake turned into a fish and dragging him away from the water was not an easy task.

New Job

Last week I received a call from Human Resources offering me a 2nd grade teaching position at Haley Elementary School. I immediately said yes and then wondered if this was a good move. Not that I had much of a choice since I was laid off in May. I had really been hoping to go back to Northcrest where I taught 2 years ago. However, ever since friends and family have heard where I was going I have been bombarded with comments about Haley--and they've all been good!! There were 4 things I really, really prayed for with a new position:
1- a bus stop that would pick up and drop off Blake right at the school
2- air conditioning
3- knowing where I would be at least two weeks in advance
4- 2nd grade again
My prayers have been answered, and then some. All 4 requests were met and I couldn't be happier. A few days later there were job openings at Northcrest, but I felt like Haley was exactly where I needed to be so I didn't even apply. Although I would love to work with my good friends again I think this is where I need to be. I met with the principal for about an hour and he gave me a tour of the building and he shared his vision for the upcoming school year. He has been the principal at Haley for 19 years and everyone says he is awesome.
So, now I am planning for the school year--yes, ahead of time. I will hate to see the summer end, but I am happy with where I am headed.

Shipshewana

Every summer my mother-in-law and I trek to Shipshewana for a day of browsing and shopping. Depending on the weather, we may hit the flea market or head into town and visit the quaint shops. We left early yesterday morning and made it to the flea market not long after it opened. Due to the early hour and the threat of rain the crowd was very light. We did have to get our umbrellas out for a short time, but it was worth it! I loved hitting the antique vendors and found some great pieces to add to my collection. My greatest find was this picture. For some reason it just grabbed me and I had to have it. The price was pretty decent and it now graces a spot on my kitchen wall. I love the colors, it's very striking. Don't you love it? I had so much fun and saw so many great things I may make a second trip this summer.

Camp

It has been a long two weeks around our house. I went to girls camp last week and Scott and Blake were at camp this week. To be honest, I am not a huge fan of camping and only went so I could be with my YW. Luckily, it wasn't too hot and we only received a small amount of rain. However, I think our campsite was on top of a nest of daddy longlegs. They were all over our tents. In fact the final night I couldn't stand it any longer and slept in the car. The girls were fun and everything went well. If they will let me sleep in a hotel down the road next year I'll be happy to go again.
The deacons had scout camp this week and just got back today. This was an awful week for camping. The temp was very hot and humid and the mosquitoes were thick. And even though it's not his calling anymore, Scott ended up not only going, but he was the only leader for our group of boys. He felt quite abandoned. The older boys went on high adventure last week and the other leaders used up their vacation time going to that. But, he and the boys survived and actually had a pretty good time. They did take a vote and come back a little early. They had all had enough of mosquitoes.
Now it's just all the unpacking that's left and the mounds of laundry.

Ashley & Abby

BFFs

Two days ago Ashley flew to Utah to hang with her best friend, Abby Chamberlain. Abby just finished her first year at BYU and Ashley is using this opportunity to check the place out while spending some quality time with Abby. The two met 10 years ago when the Chamberlains moved to our branch (now ward) in Columbia City. They instantly clicked and have been friends ever since. Abby is one of those friends you always hope your child has. She has been a good influence and supported Ashley in always doing the right thing. Next year, with any luck, they will be back together again. Until then they'll continue with the texting and facebook and phone calls. I can't wait to hear how much fun they had!

Be Still

Today is My Ashley's 18th birthday and I have lots and lots to say about that and the wonderful person she's become, but today I've become quite concerned about my lack of ability to Be Still. Ever since I started teaching full time life has become more complicated. And although I work very hard to be home when the kids are home and to keep my priorities straight, I have become what I hate the most--a very, very busy person. I have always felt that there is a fine line between being "anxiously engaged" and just busy. Scott and I have tried to follow church leader's counsel to choose activities wisely and not to overschedule our children. We've been really good about that but somehow Scott and I have forgotten to apply the same counsel to ourselves. Between family, extended family, work, and church there is precious little time left for ourselves. Once or twice a year we take a few days just the two of us, but I'm beginning to realize that that's not enough. School has been done for 8 days now and I still haven't been able to Be Still. It's been go, go, go and I keep saying "When I get this taken care of, THEN I can relax". Today I was determined to stay in my jammies all day and just veg on the couch. Then I thought about the camp t-shirts I needed to make, the camp emails and camp packing I needed to do. The camp shopping, the grocery shopping, and the birthday dinner that needed to be planned. So I was out the door and running. It's 10:00 and my brain is still running with all the stuff that needs to get done. So, I think some reevaluation is in order. I need to prioritize, delegate, and just say no. Maybe when camp is done I can do that. Did I mention I'm contemplating grad courses this summer?

Why Would You Leave?

Indiana Facts :


I lived in Indiana all of my life, but didn't know many of These........it was sent to me, of course, by another Hoosier.

Tomato juice was first served at a French Lick, Indiana, hotel in 1925. The first tomato juice factory was also in French Lick, IN.

The world's largest orchid species collection is found at Ball State University in Muncie , Indiana.

The first regulated speed limit (20 - 25 mph!) was initiated on Indiana Roads in 1921.

The steepest railroad grade in the world is in Madison, Indiana.

An average of 400 funnel clouds are sighted each year in Indiana.

The city of Gary, Indiana, was built on fill brought from the bottom of Lake Michigan through suction pipes.

There are only two Adams fireplaces in the United States. One is in the White House and the other in the Diner Home in Indiana.

Josie Orr, wife of former Indiana Governor Robert Orr, flew bombers and Cargo planes during World War II.

The Indianapolis Methodist Hospital is the largest Hospital in the Midwest..

One of the first complete bathrooms in Indianapolis was in the home of Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley.

The career of Dorothy Lamour (famous for the Bing Crosby-Bob Hope Road Movies) was launched in Indianapolis.

Aviatrix Amelia Earhart was once a Professor at Purdue University.

Crown Hill Cemetery ( Indianapolis ) is the largest cemetery in the U.S.

The library in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, houses one of the Largest geneology libraries in America.

Wabash, Indiana, was the first electrified city in the U.S.

Pendleton, Indiana, was the site of the first hanging of a white man for Killing Indians.

The Courthouse roof in Greensburg , Indiana, has a tree growing from it.

The world's first transistor radio was made in Indianapolis.

Clark Gable and wife Carole Lombard (born in Fort Wayne, IN) honeymooned At Lake Barbee near Warsaw, Indiana.

The American Beauty Rose was developed at Richmond, Indiana.

Elkhart, Indiana, is the band instrument capitol of the World.

Frank Sinatra first sang with the Tommy Dorsey band at the Lyric Theater In Indianapolis..

Purdue Alumnus, Earl Butz, served as the Secretary of Agriculture.

U.S. 231 is the longest highway in Indiana (231miles).

Johnny Appleseed is buried at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The singing McGuire Sisters spent their childhood summers at the Church Of God Campground in Anderson, Indiana.

The main station of the Underground Railroad was in Fountain County, Indiana.

There are 154 acres of sculpture gardens and trails at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

La Porte County is the only county in America having
2 functioning Courthouses. (I think we can add Vanderburgh and Elkhart Counties in With that also.)

Nancy Hanks Lincoln is buried in Posey County, Indiana.

Crawfordsville , Indiana ( Montgomery County ) is the only site in the World where crinoids are found. (What is a Crinoid, you ask? A form of deep-water marine life that looks something Like a starfish.)

Pendleton, Indiana, was the site of the 'Fall Creek Massacre'. A museum Housing 3500 artifacts of pioneer Heritage now exists on that site.

St. Meinrad Archabbey is located in Spencer County and is one of only 2 Archabbeys in the U.S. And seven in the World. (Abbey Press is an operation of the archabbey.)

A Buzz Bomb (German - WWII), believed to be the only one on public Display in the nation, can be found on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn in Greencastle.

Roberta Turpin Willett was born in Indiana.

James Dean was born and is buried in Indiana.

The world's tallest woman lived in Indiana.

Red Skelton was born in Vincennes, Indiana.

Mae West and Claude Akins were from Bedford , Indiana.

The inventor of the television, Philo T. Farnsworth, lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Forrest Tucker was from Pendleton, Indiana.

You can't ship wine to Indiana. (So how does it get here?)

Bob Greise is from Evansville, Indiana and was quarterback at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.

Toni Tenille (of The Captain and Tenille) is from Indiana.

Oprah Winfrey built her residence in N/W Indiana.

Florence Henderson is from Indiana.

The much sought-after Hoosier Cabinets are an Indiana product.

90% of the world's popcorn is grown in Indiana.

The Jackson Five are from Gary, Indiana.

The birthplace of the automobile, the pneumatic rubber tire, The aluminum casting process,
stainless steel and the first Push-button car radio was in Kokomo, Indiana.

Frank Borman, NASA Astronaut, born in Gary, Indiana

Pretty neat, huh? And you thought there was only corn in Indiana

What I did know is:

South Bend is North,

North Vernon is South,

And French Lick isn't what you think it is either!

My Dad

Yesterday mom had an appointment at the hospital for a CAT scan to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. While she was away I got to spend time with my dad. Due to poor health he often has bad days, but yesterday was a good day for him. He was like his old self. We laughed and talked and napped.
What a great dad he has always been. He always worked so hard at everything he did. He was blessed to work for the church with the FM group, overseeing the physical facilities in an area. He really loved his job. He loves the church and has a strong testimony that he has shared with his his family through his words and actions. When I moved back to Indiana I was known as Ron and Peggy's daughter. Everywhere I go someone knows my dad and has fond memories to share. I truly believe he home taught every widow in the stake at some point. What I have always admired the most was his love for my mom. He is always so good to her and she to him. They truly love to be together and care more about the other person than themselves.
It has not been easy watching his plans for the future change. He always dreamed of retiring, buying an RV and traveling the US. He would always tell us kids that we had to live in different states so he would have a free place to stay wherever he went. Holly was the only one who took that advice. But, despite the changes he keeps his sense of humor, his love for his family, and for the the gospel. What a blessing to have such a wonderful father.

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Indiana Beauty

Welcome! I love this little frog peeking out.

I wish I could remember what these are called. I bought them last year and would love a few more around the house.


Pretty, pretty flowers

Until yesterday our slice of heaven was a little drab. The fields were brown and the flowers were lackluster. But, we had a wonderful gentle rain that changed all that. In just a few short hours the corn and bean seedlings burst from the ground and now all the fields are beautiful, neat rows. My flower bed in the front of the house is just bursting with beautiful blooms. I really am not very good at growing things. I tend to forget to weed and water. Plus I don't take the time to make sure the plants can adapt to growing in clay. But, over the years I have found a few favorites that despite my worst efforts will make me look good.

Another Teenager in the House

It's official, Blake's 13 now and loving it. He is very excited to be a teenager and not a tweeny. This past year has brought a rise in height and a depth in voice. He is very proud of the fact that he is now eye to eye with mom. Becoming a Deacon has been a wonderful blessing. His leadership abilities have begun to shine. He was just called as Deacon's Quorum President and serves as the Patrol Leader. He is blessed with wonderful leaders who work hard to teach these boys to be righteous young men who will be missionaries, husbands, and fathers. Blake is very goal oriented. He just earned his Life rank in Scouts and is determined to earn his Eagle by the time he turns 14. He loves school--o.k. maybe loves is a little strong. He tolerates school and is very happy at Memorial Park. Jazz band kept him busy all year and is preparing him for early morning seminary (it was before school). He was asked to apply for a spot on the ecybermissions team in 8th grade. We're waiting to hear if he was accepted. 28 students were invited to apply, 4 will be chosen. He is blessed with great friends at church and school. He also endures a lot of ribbing from us due to the number of girls that flock around him. He is also my buddy when it comes to cheering on the Colts or watching the Indy 500. I know I sound like a proud mamma, and I am. What a blessing he is to us.

Prom 2009

Ashley did a lot of debating back and forth about prom. Northrop's prom was the same night as Mormon Prom. In the end she decided to go with her church friends. After much searching she found a beautiful dress and topped it off with a tiara. She looked just like a royal princess. They had a wonderful time and enjoyed the evening immensely. She took a ton of pictures, here are just a choice few:

My Ashley

Ashley & Kara

Ashley & Juli

The Columbia City Gang

Kaye, Ashley, and Juli

Ashley & Andy

Ladies Night

Two years ago I met some amazing women at Northcrest Elementary. They immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable. Since then we have worked hard to stay in contact even though two of us are now at different schools. We decided that we should go to Ladies Night at the Tincaps game. We met for dinner at a great Mexican restaurant and then piled into my car and headed for the game. We had amazing seats and so much fun. I am not a baseball fan at all, but I easily got caught up in the excitement and now I am very hoarse from cheering on the team. It was exactly what I needed after a very bad week. I've always hung out with other members of the church and it has been a new experience getting to know these amazing women of other faiths. 3 of them are Catholic, 1 is Methodist, and I'm not exactly sure about the other one, possibly Catholic as well. They are such great women. I am truly enjoying their friendship.

Layoff--Pros and Cons

About a month ago I was told that all Resource teachers and those paid for with Title 1 funds would be surplussed. This meant we would have a job but we would have to reapply for openings. We were just relieved that we weren't on the list of 50 teachers that would be laid off. Then two days ago I heard rumors that they were going to have to lay off another 80 teachers besides the 50. Yesterday it was official, I'm on the lay-off list. My principal had lots of great things to say about me but it goes by seniority and my first two and half years don't count since I wasn't under regular contract. I've been tossing and turning all night thinking about the pros and cons. I'm hoping if I make a list these thoughts will stop swirling around in my head.
Pros- it's not a financial blow to the family
Cons- less money for extras
Pros- lots more time at home
Cons- more time to eat and shop
Pros- never wanted to work full-time
Cons- I LOVE to teach
Pros- can go back to school for master's
Cons- college costs $$$
Pros- very demanding profession
Pros- very unappreciated profession
Cons- now what will I do with the rest of my life?
Pros- more available to help out mom and dad
Pros- We can take vacations that are not during the busy season (i.e. school breaks)
Cons- Paying for vacations won't be as easy
It looks like the Pros win, so why do I still feel bad? I think I'll go read The Pigeon to cheer myself up.

Laugh out loud funny!

O.K., so a couple weeks ago we had our school book fair. The "deal" was buy 4 get 1 free. They were ready to close up shop and I was frantically looking for my "freebie" when I stumbled across this book. I hadn't read any of the Pigeon books (evidently I'm behind the times) but it looked cute. I started reading and it wasn't long before I was laughing out loud. It is a hoot! I bought it, brought it home to share with the fam then took it in to share with my class. By the end the class and I were laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face. I am now ready to buy all the Pigeon books and anything else this great author writes. It's amazing what you can do with a few simple words and brilliant, simple illustrations. I would love to have his talent! If you're ever feeling blue pick up this book it will cure what ails you!

Ta-Dah!!

Spring Break Aaaahhhhhh!

Spring Break, what a wonderful phrase! After much anticipation it finally arrived--and not a moment too soon. Scott and I decided to celebrate our anniversary this week by renting this amazing cabin for a few days. It was absolutely perfect! Out in the middle of nowhere, and very quiet and relaxing. After leaving Blake and Ashley with many, many strict instructions we drove down to Indy on Saturday and spent the day at the mall and eating at our favorite restaurant--Carrabas. We slept in until very late on Sunday and then drove to this lovely cabin in the woods. We spent the next 3 days totally secluded. Reading books, watching movies, sleeping in, watching the birds, taking walks, sitting by the fireplace, soaking in the jaccuzi....it was heaven on earth. We will definitely return to this cabin in the woods. You really should check it out, here's the link http://www.cabinsandcandlelight.com/index.html

Happy Birthday to Me

My visiting teacher gave me a card that says "On your birthday, adding another candle doesn't make you older...it just makes your life brighter!" I like that sentiment. And while I certainly don't feel 42, I'm o.k. with it. There's a lot of perks to being over 40. You're more settled, you're less worried about other's opinions, and you have a sense of being happy with who you are. I even don't mind the few laugh lines that have appeared. They show that I have had a lifetime of laughter and joy. The picture above is the vase of flowers my children gave me. Aren't they beautiful? Life is good.