IT'S ALMOST PARTY TIME

The M&M's are here !!!!!!

PARTY

Well I don't know about the rest of you, but I am so EXCITED about the party. We will be leaving early Wednesday morning for Orlando to hang with Rick & Cherie and then off to Deerfield sometime Friday. I don't think we have seen Carl since he got married. Geez 1995, 12 years ago - can't wait to see him and everyone else. Mom don't forget we claimed your living room. Is everyone ready to PARTY?!?!?!?!?!?

Happy Easter Everyone!

ok, I've called Mary's house, kathy's house, mom's cell, mary's cell, was gonna call lori's cell but don't have it, where is everyone???!!! We are having fun too you know. I cooked soup and anitipasta salad, ham and about to start a gorgonzola, rocket, risotto with julienned carrots. having wine and sitting for now though. what are you all doing? The weather here has been spectacular all day!

Well, it may be none of Christy's business, but I haven't decided yet because I still do not know why she asked. Christy, we're all waiting??????? Anyway, Hayle is at sports camp and loving it, I am just hanging out at home. Yesterday I pretended to have money and went and viewed that house near me. Can I just say, Oh My God!! If I could live there, I would be happy. So happy, I may stay here forever. Ok, not that happy, but really happy. It's so big though. I'd have to have Christmas over here and you could all come and stay in it. The staircase is so wide and it's original, so like 120 years old. It's like, well, I'd have to wear hoop dresses and talk with an accent and carry a little lace fan and just go up and down the stairs all day. I want it, I want it bad. So, I've become a gambler. Playing the lottery like a ravenous, drunken old man in Vegas. What's new with you all??

Calloway Gardens

We went to Calloway Gardens for our Anniversary. I thought it would be alot of formal gardens but it really was more of a natural setting. A few of the sites we visited were the Butterfly Center, the Sibley Horticultural Center and the Azeala Bowl. It was soooo relaxing. I just love nature. Can't wait for vacation Linda. We also visited FDR State Park and FDR's Little White House in Warm Springs. It was a great little get away. We are looking forward to going back with our bikes so that we can bike the gardens. It is amazing how rejuvaniting a day and half trip can actually be. Here is a link to some more pictures. Hope you enjoy. http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=155165221/a=35507335/t_=35507335

I'm Back Online!

Hi everyone, yes I am back! I know you all missed me. Like you will miss me at the Wedding Party. Well. just real quick, we had a blast with Christy and Leeman. While Pete was driving in this picture, both Christy and Leeman were standing up hanging out of the sunroof taking pictures and video. They were so funny! And they are good cooks as well. That's why we should all get together in the summer or spring next year and spend a week together. Rent a house in the Carolinas on the beach, or GA beach. Ok, gotta run, I have a lot of cathing up to do....

WakeUP!

Hi Everyone! No, I do not have internet yet! Wednesday, fingers crossed!! I am going with Virgin, so let's just hope it is better than the last service provider! Anyway, I am at Pete's office and cannot type at leisure, so I'll try to be quick and informative! Today is Mothers Day in the UK and we switched our clocks forward last week. So currently we are only 4 hours ahead of you. I think we change ahead in 3-4 weeks. So, I LOVED having Christy and Leeman here!!!! They are awesome. Christy, I hope I didn't totally treat you like you were still 4 years old. I was thinking how I handed you my mobile phone and was telling you how to dial it to call home, and thought, you must have thought I was retarded, when really I was treating you like you were! When in fact, I'm sure you know more than I do about technology. Anyway, I got a good laugh when I thought back about it. They worked their butts off at the school, filming EVERYTHING! I cannot wait to see what Leeman creates! We took them to a couple places not too far away, but really a week is too short when you come so far. We think next week we will go back to that beach with the dogs. When I get internet I'll be planning my summer trip home and then Vegas in october and xmas at Bridgets. So excited! So who wants to come over next?? ok, goota run, luv you all! (will post pictures when I have internet at home)

Where is everyone?

ok, it's been DAYS since anyone's posted, where is everyone?? I don't have an international calling plan at the moment, so I can't call too much right now. (it takes 2 weeks for anything to be switched' around here!) I wondered if anyones heard from Bridget and how's it going with her basement problems?? I'm REALLY excited about Christy and Leeman coming over next week!! It will be great to see some family!!! Hayle and I are going to try to plan to come in the summer. We're thinking a week in greensboro, then a week on Fort Lauderdale. Lori, will you be around?? This will be end of July.

Kathy and her beads.

I know she got more beads than me, but did you see her last blog. She took them right out of kids hands. I can't believe she could be so mean. Oh, and let's not forget Kathy went to 4 parades. I went to one. Okay, next year we all have to go together. That would be fun.

YOU HEARD IT HEAR FIRST

So get this Anna Nicole Smith died from an infection she got during her pregnancy. That's right her pregnancy from 5 months ago. Remember they have been talking about her having a fever. She didn't want to go to the doctors that is why she traveled with medical personnel. Do you think there will be a malpractice law suit? I still think that Howard K Stern killed both Daniel and Anna Nicole. I think he is an obsessed freak. Well remember you heard it here first.

Mardi Gras

John and I just came back from Mardi Gras. Only collected 68 strands of beads. Kathy is going next weekend, let's see if she does better.

Warning to anyone who is going. Do not stand next to little kids. They make you feel guilty for snatching the beads before they can get their little hands on them. I pulled my hand back so many times because the little boy next to me wasn't catching them.

Another warning. Keep your eyes on those beads coming at you. I looked away once only to get smacked in the face by a handful. Of course they fell right on my camera so I got those. Nearly knocked my glasses off my face. It was a great time. Everyone should do it atleast once.

Where the spirit of Africa comes alive...

I haven't posted in forever, so I figure I'd update everyone on what I'm doing. Currently I work at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge resort as a Front Desk Cashier, but I take my first class on Friday to become a Concierge cast member. The resort is fantastic and we just had some really exciting guest visit us, including the cast of Friends, a designer from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, host of Trading Spaces and singer, Daniel Powter. It's nice to be back at Disney and it's a fun place to go to work everyday. Hopefully I'll being seeing some of you on future trips to Disney. It's a great time to come with the Year of a Million Dreams celebration. They just started giving away one night stays inside Cinderella's Castle. This company is just out of control. AND so are some of the guest. I'll have to post more often about how absolutely NUTS people can be. The stories will get very interesting b/c I'm at one of the most popular deluxe resorts (we're the newest and we're about to be under construction b/c of expansion) and people are very irrate about EVERYTHING.

Well I'm really excited because Bob Iger, the head of The Walt Disney Company will be in our resort on Thursday. It would be so fun to meet him. Doubt it will happen, but I digress.

Mom, I don't know how you're surviving with all this lazy time. I was going absolutely insance living in Orlando for 3 weeks and not working. I never left the apt. Everyone said "there is so much to do in Orlando, just go out." Well, you can't do anything here if you don't have money. Seriously, who comes to Orlando with no money? ME.

Gma - As soon as I'm on a regular schedule I'm coming to visit, YAY!

Hope everyone is doing well. Peace.

Four Weeks and Counting

Well I got the cast off and got this Aircast boot. Not as stylish as my pretty purple cast but a whole lot more comfortable and the best thing is I can take it off. It has four different areas that you can pump it up for the best most comfortable fit. I can not put any weight on my leg and have to use crutches for two more weeks. Then I can start to walk on my foot in the Aircast. I have a follow-up visit at the doctors on Feb 23. Keep in mind this all started on Jan 4th. Well I will tell you it does not save anytime to stretch while you are on the ladder to reach something instead of getting down and moving it. Lesson finally learned. Well I also posted a picture of my nurse maid. I think he is as much over this as I am but has been incredibly there for me. Oh yeah, I lost an inch in my calf and probably gained a dozen or more in other areas. What a set back. Hope everyone has a great day Super Bowl Sunday - I am sure Bridget will and pray for a clear and sunny day in South Florida.

I still have no phone AND.....

after my phone call (from my mobile) to them, they have noted the account that they will no longer speak with me because I yelled at them and used a bad word. But they forced me to!!! After having no phone for a week, today they tell me, they're still looking into and, and will get back to me 'BY THE END OF THE WEEK'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh My GOD!! Are they for real??!! They must be operating in 1907 not 2007. AND, if I want to cancel my service with them, it takes 2 weeks to cancel!! Hello?? I haven't had a phone FOR A WEEK!!!! OK, I've unloaded, but I don't feel better, I'm more mad now. I'm gonna go kick someone.

Mary's New Office

You can see the difference with these before and after shots.

This new blogger is driving me nuts

Ok, this is a pain in the butt! I do not like it!! Anyway, where is everyone?? We have had non-stop rain, and MAN is the wind blowing!! (Poor BJ) Nothing really new here. We are going on holiday next onth to Gran Canaria. In search of sun. Cleaned my car yesterday, and made the Slap your Mama's Enchilada's again. Hayle slapped me before we even sat down to eat. hmmmm. what else is new with you guys? Where are you? Kathy, any new dates? Jen, any funny stories about kindergardners? Mary, surely you have real estate news??

Hop-a-long little Barbara

Let this be a lesson to all you "do it yourselfers." No more ladders for my beautiful blushing bride. She almost put two more people in cast riding the motorized cart in Publix today. She hasn't done very good on day "1" so I do not know how she will survive the next 3 weeks before she goes back to see if the doctor will even consider a walking cast. There goes her New Year's resolution to work out, looks like she will have to adopt Kathy and Mary's resolution. It should be a fun 3 weeks for me since she can't do anything. Wish me luck.

Gerry

New Year

Happy New Year everyone. My New Year's goal is to work out and modify my eating habits and I am off to a good start so far. Yes I know it is early but it is all about baby steps. What are all of your goals for 2007?

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