G-ma got sauced!

We tried to stop her, but she just wouldn't listen.

Mary's Back

Melissa, Brittany, Christy and Neil entertained the crowd with an outstanding performance of "Delta Dawn" but that was not all the entertainment our family provided for Mike's employees.

Charlie's Graduation Celebration

Congratulation Charlie on your Graduation
Charlie graduated on Friday and we went to lunch with a few of his friends after graduation and then headed to Disney. It was nice to see Disney at Christmas time with all the decorations and as you can see an enormous amount of lights at MGM. We had a blast and I know all of the good attractions if anyone needs any insight. Of course you all know how I am and I have brochures from all the theme parks and have rated all the rides and attractions we have seen recently or can vividly remember from past visits. We had breakfast with the characters on Monday morning and got back on the road home so we could start our Christmas shopping. Everyone drive safely over the holidays.
Love, Barbara

PUH-LEAZE!!!!

First of all, I love the picture Neil. I think when we all go to Berlin in 08 we should re-enact the photo! It'll be even funnier then!

Second of all, I'm pleading with all of you to puh-leaze (that's the exaggerated form of "please") send me some recipes. Nancy is the only one that got pumped up and emailed me a bunch of recipes.

For a family that spends so much time in front of their computers, it's pretty weak that nobody sent me any family recipes. So get on it! Email them to melissashayes@gmail.com.

Remember I'm accepting all recipes that you consider to be your specialties. Like Brittany makes the really good slice-and-bake cookies. That's awesome. Now she just needs to type it up in her own language with any special touches she has (like licking the spoon after each cookie?). And Lori's Biscotti is famous. And Bridget makes Christy's favorite mashed potatoes. And Uncle Mike makes heavenly barbecue chicken. And Nancy makes an amazing stolen recipe of Eggplant Parm. And my mom makes the best canned Grand's Biscuits ever. And Tony always thought it was important that Bridget share her Noodles & Breadcrumb recipe with my mom to make for us. And who owns the Dummlies recipe? And I don't know about you, but I want Pedro's Meatball recipe. You get the idea...

So please. Send them to me. Otherwise you won't get a copy to pass along for generations. And that would be a horrible disservice to our future Braun kinsmen... and to your belly.

Who Wants to go to Berlin

What a great time we'll have.

It's official! The Braun kids are coming up for the Christmas festivities!

Ricky and I are super excited. We can't wait to see everyone and take part in the fun! We will be arriving sometime on Friday depending on the traffic...and we all know how that goes.

Can't wait to see everyone! Love, Jen
ps-who is coming to NYC with me?

Berlin

I am in the process of adding more pictures to an album on kodakgallery.com, I'll send you all a link when i', done. But you see me eating. Guess what I am eating??!!! We found women making Dummilies!!! Yes, Dummilies!! They topped them with podered sugar and applesauce though. They were just like we remembered too!! Some day, some day, we must all go to Germany for Christmas market!! I'm telling you it is SO much fun!!! Oh, and that is Checkpoint Charlie, and us drinking Gluewein. (mulled wine) So good!!

Hello??

Where is everyone?? Come on people! Well, Hayle and I decorated our tree, and the dogs were playing. we went out to eat and there was a little festival in town we went to. We've kept busy making bookmark. We've made like 50!!! Hope they all sell. We'll find out tomorrow.

Beautiful Linsey

On Thanksgiving I took some pictures of Linsey, and I just thought I would share them. I think she looks beautiful! Plus I don't have Linsey's email so I can send them to her.

Christy

Christy

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, you can see we had a GREAT Thanksgiving over here! Mom got up early and made a pumpkin Pie first thing. Then we called Kathy and ASKED A QUESTION ABOUT bROCCOLI cASSEROLE. It was so delicious. But then mom got into the booze. She was doing shots all afternoon. We had a huge dinner and pie and friends over and such a good time. Well, the carcass is boiling so I can make soup tomorrow. I'm gonna let mom post. Talk to you all soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Hope everyone has a fantastic day.

Since We're Constantly Swapping Recipes...

Hello All,

Christy and I are prepared to unveil something exciting. Something creative and new- unlike anything before it. (Cue: "Chariots of Fire") Something you'll brag to your friends about, but won't dare share with them. Something your children will fight over upon your death. And then their children will fight over it when they die, until 200 years from now the Smithsonian is fighting for it. And the good news: we're including you in its creation.

BEHOLD! This December the Braun family will make its indelible mark on the culinary world. We'll all get a little bit fatter as critics storm us with praise for the gastric gift we will bestow upon each other. Grown adults will cry with anticipation, anorexics will cave at the sight, mamas will be slapped.

We give you- The Braun Family Cookbook!!!

You have a chance (allright, an obligation) to participate in something truly remarkable. Christy and I will be collecting family recipes to create a special cookbook of family favorites. No more calling Bridget for her Sugar Cookie Recipe. No more admitting you got a recipe off a website (ahem, Eggplant Parm) by referring people to it. This printed collection of recipes will house it all and give credit where it is due.

Here are the details:
**Please email all recipes to: melissashayes@gmail.com
This is a new email address, but please send it here so they're all in the same place.
**Please email recipe requests to us as well. Meaning, if you want to make sure that the Pumpkin Biscotti does not remain a secret, let us know and we'll harass the keeper to make sure it's included.
**Please send us any fun pictures of the food, the family cooking together, or anything you deem relevent to possibly include in the book.
**Be sure to include all details like ingredients, cook times/temps, etc.
**Make sure you send recipes that you are known for, recipes that you love, recipes that have some inside joke you'd like to share... whatever. Everyone should send as many as they'd like.
**Nobody is exempt. Please tell everyone so that we get 100% participation (including the non-bloggers and the 18-24 set). Even if your recipe is for Grand's Biscuits alla Mary. It will serve as comic relief for generations to come!

That's it. We hope to be hearing from you all soon. We will keep you posted on the printing of these magnificent books and just how exactly you can get your hands on one once we have done some hard work in designing and laying out.

Love, Melissa & Christy

You've got to try this!

Christy told me about these Asian Lettuce Wraps and I had to try them. Here is a link to the recipe http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Asian-Lettuce-Wraps-2/Detail.aspx
This has to be one of the best low fat, low cal meals ever. I did not use ground beef. I used left over chicken and shredded it, then threw it in the sauce just before serving to heat up. Out of this world. I also shredded carrots, green and red peppers and cucumbers to put on it. MMM good.

Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my

Really just bear. Gerry and I took a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday. We had dinner with an old friend of mine that I haven't seen in 14 years and then drove thru the Smokies on Monday. We missed the color by about two weeks, but it still was beautiful and we saw our first bear. Of course Gerry (aka Rita) did not get out of the car. We had a great time.

This is my Vera Wang! It fit, and didn't look too bad. We had such fun in NY!! Hayle totally wants to live there! Tonight was Guy Fawkes night here in Wales. He was supposed to kill King James and blow up Parliament in 1605 but was stopped. So every year they celebrate that it didn't happen by having fireworks and bonfires this weekend. And I have to tell you, their fireworks over here are to beat the band! They kick butt!! About4 times I thought it was the Finale, but it kept going. Anyway, we walked with our neighbors to a park to see them. Fun. Tomorrow, we're off to Costco, more fun! OK, now I want to hear from you all. You've been away from the blog too long.......

Happy Halloween

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy halloween!!

Love,
Jen

Show Me The Money!!

I was making this really adorable quilt (just because I liked it) and apparently Mom did too!!! She liked it so much that she donated it to her church for a raffle. Her church is very poor and these old ladies were looking in their closets for things to donate for the raffle. Most everything they found, went in the trash. Then they tried making crafts (like glueing toothpicks together in the shape of a cross), but that didn't go over so well....sooooooo good ole Mom opened her mouth. I wasn't even done with it and they were selling tickets!! So since I believe this is the only item for the show, I'm hoping you all will buy a couple tickets. You have to get the money to Mom soon, because the raffle is 11/3. I don't even know how much they are selling for, but I have to buy some too, because I really wanted this quilt. Mom also volunteered Lori's biscotties for snacks!! Way to go Mom. The priest loves her!! Send Money....

Barb's Birthday Party

For those of you that didn't know, Barb is almost 30. We had a blast.

Slap Yo Mama Enchiladas

Enchiladas Suizas Exquisitas

Makes about6 large enchiladas, serves about4-6

Ingredients-

Filling:

1 Rotisserie Chicken, meat pulled from the bones (can used chopped cooked chicken)

½ Yellow Onion, chopped extra small

1 Tomato, chopped extra small

½-1 Jalepeno (depending on how spicy you want it), chopped extra small

1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic

1 Can of Chopped Green Chiles

1 (7.4 oz) can of salsa de chile fresca (a Mexican-style tomato sauce with chilies, cilantro,

garlic and onions- make your own if you need to)

¾ Cup of Swiss Cheese

½ Pack of Cream Cheese

Sauce:

2 Cups (approximate) of Sour Cream

1 Cup of Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Teaspoon

1 Tsp. Chicken Bouillon

Flour tortillas

Cooking Spray

1 Cup of Swiss Cheese (get the good stuff from the deli)

Chopped Green Onions

Chopped Cilantro

Directions- (preheat oven to 360 degrees)

For filling: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan and sautee garlic until slightly browned. Add onion, tomato, and jalepeno. Cook for 5-6 minutes on med-high heat until well cooked and veggies look translucent. Add chicken and chiles and cook until warm throughout. Add both cheese and continue cooking until all cheese is melted and well mixed. Add salt and any other seasonings (like cilantro, cumin and oregano) to taste.

For Sauce: Heat the heavy whipping cream in the microwave until bubbling (about 1 minute). Add the bouillon and stir until dissolved. Add the sour cream and whisk until mixed through.

To Assemble: Heat the tortillas according to package to make pliable. Spoon chicken mixture onto center of tortilla. Roll tortillas up and place into a greased baking dish with the seams down. Once full, pour the sour cream sauce onto the enchiladas. This recipe might make extra sauce. Only top with enough sauce to coat the tops of the enchiladas and fill pan about ½ to 2/3 way full. Top with Swiss Cheese. Add a handful of green onions and cilantro. Bake at 360 degrees for about 15 minutes until the sauce is very thick (looks like ricotta) and the cheese bubbles. Turn the broiler on High and continue baking for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy in spots. Serve & Enjoy Enchiladas. Slap your mama.

Fall Adventure

Our trip to Cloudland Canyon did not turn out very well. It rained the entire day, it was freezing while we had lunch and we didn't get to do any hiking. But as you can see we still had fun.

Where IS Everyone??

I think it's been a month! Where is everyone, come on?? Update us on what you've been doing for the last 3 days at least. I went to an Indian Cookery Demonstration at hayle's school tonight. went shoppping this afternoon and had lunch with pete. Oh, while I was at school, hayle and pete went to dinner. and now they've decided it's something they need to do and will do once a month. hmm. I guess that's ok, I'll have my alone time as well. Ok, now you go.

Happy Birthday Cousin Mary!

Just wanted to wish Mary(VanSickle) Sigmore Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a great day. It is a super beautiful day over here so I'll take the dogs for a walk in your honor!! Have a good one.

Dinner

Linda and Hank are coming to Georgia the 14th of October. Tentatively we will be having dinner at my place on Wednesday the 18th and everyone is invited. Friday is a possibility if that would be more convenient for the masses. Let me know if you are coming so I can get a head count.
Love, Barbara

Happy Birthday Melissa!

I love you.

Because dad said so...

Just wanted to clarify that my last post was NOT meant in a mean way, I was being completely sarcastic. Apparently my dad thought everyone would be mad at me...so I'm fixing this like a good little daughter.

For real, start emailing me or something guys, I want to know what is up.
jennifernbraun@gmail.com

Block your drivers license!

This is upsetting, and thought I should pass it along. Now you can see anyone's driver's license on the internet, including your own! I just searched and there it was picture and all! Thanks Homeland Security! Privacy, where is our right to it? Check your driver's license - I definitely removed mine, I suggest you all do the same. Go to the website and check it out. Just enter your name, and state to see if yours is on file. After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked "Please Remove". This will remove it from public viewing, but not from law enforcement.

http://www.license.shorturl.com/

What up Fools?

I'm just starting a new post because I'm tired of the old one.
The following are acceptable talking points on MY post:
1. I got my new job and everyone can congratulate me.
2. The Georgia Bulldogs whupped ass again this weekend.
3. Bedazzling or craft projects
4. Creative use of eye make up
5. The marriage of Jimmy & Carissa (along with a move to Georgia?)

What will not be tolerated:
1. Making fun of grandma's spelling- she's old she can't help it.
2. Talking about the amazing weekend you all had together without Me & Nancy.
3. Inside jokes about "Egrets" and what-nots that were formulated on said trip to FL.

Also allowed are topics on current events, offbeat news, and personal anecdotes.

More of Florida

This was Saturday evening and the kids were getting ready to go out for dinner at 9:00pm. Too late for us older women. We stayed in Bridget's suite with Kelly and Johnny.
In the elevator on the way to Bridget's suite.

Up Close and Having a Great Time!

Mom and Kathy at the Marlin's Game

Fly the Flag Campaign

On Monday, September 11th, 2006, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.

Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

So take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and fly an American flag of any size on 9/11.

how was your weekend?

Hey everyone. So when is everyone going down to FL?? I read Brit's blog and I guess BB went down yesterday? And she's going down Friday. What about everyone else? We didn't do much this w/e. Hayle and I went to the mall for back to school shopping and we cleaned house on Sunday. Today we're do more little stuff. Nothing new. What about you??

Beach Near Us

I tried to learn some new things with my camera yesterday. I learned how to take black and white photos, and rapid fire pictures (whatever that's called, where you take take many really fast) and I also edited this one. Cool. We drove about an hour yesterday to the 'Gower'. Hung out, had lunch, fell asleep. But it still felt a little cold if the clouds came out. aah, nice day.

Pictures

I don't know about you but I certainly think this is alot nicer to look at when you pull up the blog then that last creepy picture.
This is a picture I took at my girl friend's who lives on Berry's College campus in Rome, GA and this is just a short beautiful walk from her house. This is where I want to take you (Linda and Hank) next time you come up. There are more deer on this campus then I have seen any where. Anyways, I just had to put a more pleasant picture up so when I check the blog I wasn't slapped in the face with those "Charlies Angel" I mean "Becky's Bitches".

I keep telling Tony and his friends to stop but they can't seem to stay out of my damn make
up case. I just wish creepy could say enough about the picture.

New Post

You all asked for a new post, here it is.
Some more pictures from our barbecue.

Fun with the Braun's!

We had a lot of fun at Gerry and Barb's, naturally. But it was hard work.
As you can see, Barb told both Gerry's to eat on the table.
They have a very big ball for volleyball and it ain't easy.
Then all that hard work in the pool. It was an exhausting day.
Sorry you all couldn't be here.

Where the frick is everyone!

Ok people, come on!! I am tired of pulling this thing up with no comments. What the heck are you so busy with in you Poor, Pathetic, Pledge Pin wearing, Preposterous LIVES, that you can't type a few words on this blog? Huh? Kathyt has asked each and every one of you a question, Personalized, and yet you fail to respond! Last night I dreamt I went for a walk with Pete, got separated and I could not find my way home. I walked through a closed university, through fields, then to I thought I was back at the university and made my way through the maze of stairs, (and slides) only t find it was a hospital whaere a girl was walking with a dog who kept tripping me so she gave him to me. Then I was in a school and a male teacher grabbed me, and NO ONE ever heard of Westbourne Road!!! Urrgghh!!! My legs are tired, and I am exhausted. I know no one likes to hear about other peoples dreams, but I felt this was so interesting you all would want to hear it. SO, today at 4pm, we are all going to a photography studio, with the dogs, to take pictures. If you're nice, I'll let you know how that goes. Now let me see some posts!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!

So sorry this is late. I was thinking of you. By the way, everyone, yesterday was my anniversary for quitting smoking. 20 years!!!