Ladies night out

Tory, Tory, Tory






Take it off







Cheating Heart

She's Crafty!

As the Beastie Boys say... "She's crafty!..." I won't quote any more after that because the song quickly defines what the Beasties really meant by "crafty"- and sadly (in this context) it doesn't actually involve art projects.

Anywhoozit. Everyone knows we Braun babes are quite the craftsters. Not to downplay the craftiness of our male brethren, but let's face it, the ladies are standouts. From knitting to sewing and spinning to painting, we all have our crafty hobbies. And there's the more artistic "crafts" like photography and graphics represented in the familiy craft pool as well.

So I've been exploring my own craftiness lately and trying to push myself to try crafts that I've avoided in the past- quilting being one of them. And I think its fun to teach others, explore things we don't know and create something. So very soon I will be unveiling the full extent of this challenge I am issuing myself and the others in the family (the boys are invited too!). But here is the general premise:
-Each month I'll announce a craft project. It may be a sewing project, it might be jewelry making. It might be something very vague like "Make a set of notecards" in which case you can utilize any number of craft methods. There might be very specific rules like "using only the color green..."
- If there is a family member that is a "Pro" at this particular craft, they will be called out as a resource. I'm going to try to make sure that everyone gets to be a "pro" so we're all forced to try something that someone else in the family enjoys. Feel free to send me ideas.
- At the beginning of the the craft month (I can't promise it will follow the lunar calendar- I might start on the 6th of the month or whatever day work slows down enough to do some planning), I will announce the project. Everyone will have two days to tell me whether or not they want to be involved in that craft.
- Each participant will then be assigned another participant (i.e. Mary has Jennifer; Jennifer has Kelly). They are not to tell other people (unless otherwise specified) who they are paired with.
- At the end of the month (yes, there's a deadline), they have to send their FINISHED project to their assigned person. That means you have to finish it (ahem, Mom).
- That also means that at the end of the month you will be getting a package in the mail that isn't junk. Or maybe it will be junk- but if you say that out loud, you'll be disqualified from future involvement.

And that's it. I just think it will be a fun way of forcing us to try something new, get and give a little gift and learn more about each other. The projects won't be too expensive or difficult (no fancy equipment necessary, etc.). And I think the boys can try to be creative in interpreting the rules so they can play without feeling like this is super girly (a guy friend of mine told me recently about how he learned to latch hook and when he could only find kitten patterns at the store, he made his own Grateful Dead skull pattern). So I hope you'll join me. And I hope you'll fill the comments section with loads of enthusiasm.

Trip advice

I'm headed to NYC and Boston over the next month, so I was looking for input on what I should see and do.

Happy Birthday Jennifer

The BIG 25 how old we are all getting. Hope you have a fabulous day.

The Gang

Happy Birthday to youuuu!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!

You are so good at sending other people birthday cards, so here is your birthday card via the world wide web :) 

Hope you had a grrrrrreat birthday! We think about you often.

Love, 

Us Braun's 

Goodbye Falcon

21 :)

today is ricky's 21st birthday!! we are very excited, but i think he is more excited. now he can drink beer with my dad....HAHAHAHAHA, we'll see how that blows over :) 

elf scene

a day at the beach

It's Snowing in Georgia!!!!!

What a cheap thrill!

ready steady go

Check out our latest Cache Find

Melissa and Stephen went Geocaching with us yesterday and this is one of the treasures we found. Melissa took this finger puppet and we left some Terrapin Labels. This was a fun hunt, it took us on a two mile hike through Sweetwater Creek. We had to find 3 caches with clues to find the final treasure.

I am adding a picture of John at another cache.

Biasotti's on the beach NEW YEARS

Happy New Year!!

This is is how we celebrated, how did you??!!

Wii Champion

santas escape

Happy Holidays from the Sullivans

Hope you're all having as much fun as we are

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.  If you are going to the Sullivan's Gala, have extra fun for us!  Make sure grandma gets in the sauce, and Neil wears his one piece PJ ensemble! If you will be staying home for the holidays, relax and enjoy yourselves!

Take Care!

We Miss you All!

Love,

The Braun Family

where are you?

what's everyone been? What's new? what are you doing? We are going to Finland on Saturday for the one day. We are visiting LAPLAND. This is the north pole, where santa lives. I tried to include a link if you want to see it. We will do reindeer rides, husky sledge rices, snowmobile rides and snow games as well as a visit to santa.
They will even provide us with outter clothing because they say we would not have clothing warm enough it is SO cold there! http://www.magicoflapland.net/lapland_winter_collection.htm

Goofen off on Thanksgivin...

Wish you were all here....

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I hope you all have a great day :) Our family is so thankful for all of you. We may not see you often, but we love you all!! Enjoy your turkeys, stuffing, and tators! Much Love, The Brauns

Party Time at Lori's

Today, Lori/Mom planned a hugh party at Lori's. The problem was that they forgot to invite anyone. Lori fixed enough stew to feed an army, but....We tried to have fun. Mom had to wear Kelly's sunglasses to hide her bloodshot eyes. You know how she likes to drink. Needless to say, the wine went like crazy....I did catch Lori Pouting for a minute. Then she tried inviting some of her friends, but no one seemed interested. Even Rob called to say he and Johnny were going to stop by Jacks to eat before heading home!!! Just so everyone knows, YOU MISSED A GREAT PARTY...And I heard Lori was serving stew for Thanksgiving dinner!!!

Gas Free

Lori & Rob are not the only movie stars, try making this commercial without laughing !!!!!! This is what Brian does with his new camcorder when he has time off of work.

Commercial

Hey Guys,

Check out Lori and Rob's acting skills!

The Brauns

Since there was a post with some "fallish" look to it, I thought I'd post what little bit of fall that I've seen here in NC. The weather has been staying pretty warm, but last weekend Adam and I went to Boone to visit Ricky on his new frontier. We had a great time. It's so great seeing my brother so independent and enjoying himself!! I hope everyone enjoys the view :)

It's Time for a Change.

The weather is finally starting to cool off. We have had very little Fall colors. I found these colored leaves. That's about the extent of it.

this is funny

Ok, yesterday, we all went to see Gwen Stefani. She was awesome!! She is the ultimate COOL. So COOL!! Beforehand, I took the dogs for a quick walk. As we walked into the concert, I realized I forgot to change shoes. So I was dressed, but instead of my dressy, pointy, black pumps, I had on my flat, dirty, red, clogs. How nice, at the Gwen Stefani concert. UGH!
So, last night, my sugar was a little high, unfortunately, I took too much insulin. I woke up, got Hayle off to school, but was so tired, I laid back down. Around 10am, I had a dream that a girl was in my room, cleaning, and told me I needed to get the kitchen curtains down, as they needed to be cleaned (they do). I woke up. At first I thought my underwear was on the outside of my pajamas, so I remember I had to check. (they weren't) Then I ran downstairs, climbed up on the kitchen counter and tried taking down the kitchen curtain pole. I couldn't get it off. I tried the other side. Wouldn't come off. Then, I started yelling 'Hello, Hello' thinking the girl was still in the house. Then I realized I was sweating. That's when I figured out something was wrong. I climbed off the counter and drank 2 glasses of OJ and finally came around. No one was here either. OMG, how stupid!! Hayle cracked up when I told her, so I thought I'd share.

A MUST TRY

This is IMPOSSIBLE...

http://www.addictinggames.com/theimpossiblequiz2.html

See how many questions you can get through. I've made it into the 50's.

UCF Football

Today was the first game ever on campus at UCF. We played #6 ranked Texas and it was an amazing game. We lost, but only by 3 points. I was hoping to win and rival the victory that Ricky saw in Michigan. I don't have amazing wildlife photos like my parents have been getting out west, but I really like the picture I took at the game today...

Wish it would post larger, but the stadium was packed and we had a great time. I've lost my voice, been scorched by the sun, and drenched by crazy Florida storms all in one day. Couldn't ask for a better time; can't complain about my new life in Orlando. Love you all, peace!

2007 Braun Halsey Vacation

Well lets see, we spent 3 days in Jackson Hole, WY and we are now at the West Entrance of Yellowstone, MT. We have been in the middle of a herd of Bison, seen Moose, Elk, a Mama Bear and her cub, a bald Eagle, a coyote, just to name a few. We are having a blast and have seen some amazing sights. We are on the hunt for Grizzly and am sure we will find some soon. We will be at West Yellowstone for a couple more days than on to the north end of Yellowstone, Cooke City and the Bear Tooth Highway.

Dublin

Dublin was really fun!!! Although it was over so quickly! We had some good Irish grub, but we didn't see any Irish dancing. They don't let any kids in any pubs after 7:30 at night, and that's when the shows begins. We did see alot of people REALLY enjoying themselves, unfortunately I didn't get it on video. Next time!

Hail to the CHIEF!!!

For those of you that do not know, Carl made Chief!! That is a great accomplishment for him, or anyone that has only been in for fourteen years. It is the highest non-commisioned rank he can obtain..We are very proud of him...His pinning ceremony is September 21 and I hope anyone that can go, will....Hank, Me, Barb and Gerry cancelled our return flight from Jackson Hole and are now driving to Salt Lake City to catch a flight to San Diego and then leaving there on Sunday night. Mom, Brian, Heather, Bridget and Mike (I think) will be joining us there..I haven't had a chance to speak with Carl, as he is going thru (initiation) until September 21. Gabby says he will not be home and she won't even see him until then....god only knows what they are doing to him!! Who would have ever thought that 32 years later, this little cutie pie would actually be in the Navy and a CHIEF at that!!!

The Big 25 (two five)

Happy Anniversary Rick & Cherie
What marvelous special day did you two have today?

Grease is the Word

Hayle went to a 50's Birthday Party yesterday, didn't she look great!

Thank You Brittany and Hello Boys!

Let the voting begin! Thank you Brittany

Joey and Brittany-All Legs!!

Since it's all about Joey this month....Mom was looking through pictures working on an album and came accorss this. How cute is it?? Now when they stand side by side, Brittany comes to his shoulders...I love pictures....

Run / Walk in Sept or Oct

This is in the very early stages, but Melissa and I wanted to plan a small weekend trip somewhere to run/ walk a 5k. Our idea was something motivating to get us / keep us working out. We figured if we committed to doing something for a cause, in another city, we would be motivated and excited to participate. Then my mom suggested we invite the whole family. I have narrowed down a few races I think could be fun. I thought since everyone may not be able to attend I picked some that have corresponding races in another city. This way everyone can participate, but we may be split into groups. Most of the races you can form a team and you raise money. Aunt Kathy pointed out Grandma would like to do something under Grandpa's name. Give me feedback. What cause, dates, or whatever works best. Also, I think it woud be fun if every 3-4 months we do something similar (physical and for a cause).

http://www.womensonlyrun.com/run/index.asp
http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=4660
http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=4650
http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=211659
http://southpalmbeachheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=222334

AUGUST

Okay so who will be in South Florida in August and for what time span? Nancy what is your itinerary like when you are coming to the US? I hear you will be in NC, FL, and going on a cruise? Where is the cruise cruising to? Details please . . .

James McAndrew

I'm not sure how many of you will find this interesting, but I certainly did. I have to start by saying that I find journaling to be the most amazing hobby and I just finished reading through a journal I kept for all 4 years of college. It was quite entertaining and was shocked about some of the decisions I've made and the experiences I have had over the past coupld of years. Maybe it will provide insight on my life to others down the road when I'm famous or atleast i'm related to someone famous, haha. Anyway, I've been reading through James McAndrew's journal, which has been very interesting and I thought I should type it up so it could be shared with others. His journal was much more insightful than mine. Feel free to take a look at what I call his "March of thoughts".

48 Hour Film Project

This weekend Leeman, his business partner, some friends, and I participated in the 48 hour film project. On Friday at 7pm we turned in a form and picked a genre out of a hat (Hoilday film), then we had till Sunday at 7pm to write, film, and edit a 4-6 minute movie. If you want to watch it click on the link http://youtube.com/watch?v=uzO0GevElBQ . Leeman made an extended version (because of the 6 minute limit we had to cut some scenes that were pretty funny). If you only watch one watch this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHWH6xf3NGk
Anyway we will be hanging out in Ft. Laud August 3rd and 4th and I thought it would be fun to film a short movie while there. Leeman and I drew a genre yesterday for the film and it is: Film de Femme (basically the lead will be a powerful women like Erin Brokovich). We plan on writing it prior to arriving so it won't take soo long to film. Let me know if you have any ideas or would like to be in the cast and/or crew.

Neil Graduated!

This is Neil's Graduation Announcement.

He graduated in only 3 years.

Yeah Neil!

Happy Memorial Day

Today as we enjoy this day with family and friends, lets remember all those you have fought, those who have lost their lives, and those who are continuing to fight for our freedom, so that we can enjoy beautiful days like today.
Happy Memorial Day everyone. I hope you all have a fantastic day.

Joey and His Girlfriend

Here are some pictures Bridget sent me of Joey and his girlfriend. I thought I would share them with you all.

do you remember kathy kling

http://www.clarion.edu/relations/alumni_news/11_02/11-02c&b.pdf

http://www.clarion.edu/relations/alumni_news/11_02/11-02c&b.pdf

She was my roommate right before I bought the condo in Sunrise, and we worked together at Amex. I googled her and look at her!! She won an emmy!!!

Memorial Day Pool Party

Everyone is invited to a Pool Party on Memorial Day at our house. Please let me know if you plan to attend so I know how to shop.

Fruit Arrangement

A fruit arrangement that Heather and Brian sent to Linda. I was very lucky to get these pictures before Linda ate the fruit. LOL

Swimming with the Sting Rays

Heather I hear you and Brian were swimming with sting rays on your honeymoon. On our way home me and Uncle Gerry drove up the east coast of Florida and stopped for a walk on Cocoa Beach and there were dozens of sting rays all over the beach. Mary, I also have a specail picture here just for you. (lol) Anyways, Heather I am going to send you and Gabby an invitation to join the blog so that you can create posts as well as comment on them. If you click on the contributors name you can sometimes (if people have completed the information) find out more about that contributor. But here is a run down on some of them.
Jen is Rick & Cherie's daughter
GMA17 of course if Grandma
Sailor Mom is Aunt Mary
Melissa is one of Aunt Mary's daughter
Christy is one of Aunt Mary's daughter
Nancy is the Aunt from the UK
Casper is me Aunt Barbara
High Time is HH2 aka Hank
Brittany is Aunt Bridget's daughter - hey Brittany post your email and I will send you an invitation too, along with anyone else you has not received one yet.
The rest I think you can figure out. As you can see all you have to do is ask a question and you will usually get alot of help here. So put your favorite picture or two on the blog from the honeymoon.

Links to Snap fish

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=153589933/a=77563598_77563598/t_=77563598
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=153590555/a=77563598_77563598/t_=77563598

Two links, the first one is the rehearsal and the second one is the wedding.

Brian & Heather's Wedding

I will post a link to Snapfish with the rest of the pictures later. I have about 500 to go through.

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??