My A-Maysing Family

Time Flies

2011-04-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have blogged about my family and what we are doing. I guess we have been a little busy. This spring Brynna has been attending Girl Scouts on Tuesday nights. Those same nights I have PTO and Brian has church meetings. Getting to and from all these activities are a little stressful, but we have managed so far.

Brynna's softball team has done some fundraising and are in full swing for their season. The first game is April 25th~ we can't wait! I will be posting pictures and discussing about how her season goes shortly!

Speaking of short, Brynna is sure growing. I can't believe how tall she has gotten in the past few months, I can rest my chin on her head now... without bending over! Yikes, pretty soon we will be looking eye-to-eye and then I will get the neck ache looking up at her!

The school year is fast approaching the end, we are all ready for the summer fun! What a great spring we have had (now wishing the weather would warm up for good!)

Snow Day

2011-01-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I love snow days! But only for about 15 minutes outside. After that I would rather be in the house doing nothing. We did shovel the drive way after our very nice neighbor had already snow plowed once for us. Brynna is still talking about going out, but it would be dad's turn next! :)

Life this holiday season

2010-12-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed! The time we spend together is so special. After all the home KU football games, we have enjoyed staying at home and doing things together. Brian and Brynna love (well love might be a little strong) to work out in the yard. Brynna helped clean out the gutters and enjoyed getting on the roof with her dad.

We traveled down to Texas again for Thanksgiving. It was a great trip with lots of activities to do. Christmas presents were exchanged and we came back with a great bundle. Also upon on arrival home, the mysterious Elf, Brizzy, returned.

Brizzy is the Elf that watches over our family and reports to Santa each night as to what we have done each day. We sure want to make sure that we are being good and the reports are all positive.

Christmas is just around the corner. We are looking forward to time off and spending it with family!

Flinthills

2010-09-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend:

A lazy day in Eskride hanging at the log cabin. PERFECT!!

KU game

2010-09-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

Rock Chalk Jayhawks!

At least we fans came prepared for the game... unfortunately the players didn't do their part for the first loss of the season.

Wishing for a Jayhawk victory next week. If not, we will still have fun tailgating!!!

1st grader!

2010-09-06T15:53:00.001-07:00

We now have a 1st grader in the Mays family. She is super excited about school which is the easy part these days, not sure how that will be in the middle school years. She is in Mrs. Felsberg's class. They had sneak peak, the night before school and we were able to meet the teacher and see the room. The next day was raining, but that didn't stop us from walking (part of the way) to school. So far, Brynna has been very excited about school and learning lots.

Camp experience

2010-08-04T14:21:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun being a counselor at church camp this year. We had one of the best groups. Never an issue or problem... they are also all really good kids!

Here I am about to give my thumbs up to do the high ropes course. I am a little nervous, but really ready to face those nerves!

Climbing up...

almost to the top

glad there was a rope to hold onto

zip lining down was fun

Campfire planning and rehearsing for the skit was the best!

Jacob, Jennifer and Courtney did the best skit called CPR...

If I were not a camper, I would be...

Being with my sister and dad, makes this experience even better! It is great to spend 'alone time' with them walking in the mornings.

Another group activity...

Weekend with Zaehringers

2010-08-04T14:01:00.001-07:00

Omaha zoo bound!! It had been a year since the kids saw each other and just a few months since we spent time with Brent and Melisa at Vegas. We wish we lived closer! So we try to find times we can gather for a short weekend if possible. We planned the trip to Omaha and also met up with Lynelle and Chuck (friends of Melisa from law school).

Brynna and Lexi (I think!)

Lexi and Addi

Brynna Brian and one crazy looking giraffe!

All the kids

Melisa and Lexi riding the ski lift behind us. Brynna continually looked back and told me they were still there.... I said, "Thank goodness!"

BJ and Brian

The entire group~ whew!

Mr. Cool, my husband~

Birthday weekend 2010

2010-07-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! There is a 6 year old living in my house. I can't believe that it has been 6 years of bliss! Brynna is such a joy and she is so smart. The birthday party was a success and the kids had tons of fun.

Birthday Weekend approaching

2010-07-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

There are some people who really think of the 4th of July as a chance for a three day weekend. A time with family and a time to enjoy fireworks. I am looking forward to all the above, but my weekend celebration will end after my daughter celebrates another birthday. She will turn 6 this year. Which means she needs two hands to show you how old she is~ which makes me want to cry!!

Softball

2010-06-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Lil Devastations!

We have had the greatest time watching Brynna play twice a week for a couple of months now. She has improved soooo much!

Theater Camp

2010-06-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Brynna has been taking a 3 week theater camp through Helen Hocker this summer. Her experience has been wonderful! She will perform in a short play next week and already has her lines memorized! She seems to be a natural with this memorizing thing... we shall see.

This week has been dress like a... character! She wore PJs to class yesterday and today is Hawaiian day. She is just too cute!

BJ's Graduation

2010-06-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

I am a little out of order for my posts, but wanted to include my big news with my graduation from Baker University.

Above is a picture with Connie Pitman. She was the one who encouraged me to obtain a master's degree while I still was young enough to enjoy the process. She was right.

California Vacation 2010

2010-06-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

School's out for summer and the Mays family heads off to California for a vacation. We were able to stay with my dad's childhood friend at his 'beach house' in Redondo Beach. We were awe struck with the beauty of the place and their hospitality. We had the best time sitting and talking. Sightseeing was also quite a bit of fun. We did lots of activities and saw quite a bit. Here are some pictures to go with our stories you might here.

On the plane! California here we come!!!

Ocean was cold and waves were really choppy!

Brian still found a way to relax~

Papa and Brynna on the boat.

Brynna Dave and Olivia

Is she Queen of the world? Not from the top rungs of the boat! However she is quite the princess.

Aunt Nie and Grandma with Brynna.

Brynna getting ready for her first boat ride.

Dave and Olivia on the boat.

Angels game! They won in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Celebrity sighting: Ben Kingsley and Bruce Willis. (Ben was receiving his star on the walk of fame) Great timing, huh?

Brian, Aunt Chan and Brynna

Brynna smiling at mommy.

At Universal Studios riding the tram around the park.

Minnie was our first character photo op at Disneyland.

Disneyland and riding the carousel. Brynna got her ears!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The two goofiest characters at Disneyland!

In a stationary tea cup... mom wouldn't handle the real thing!

Fairygod Mother

Brynna crashed after the fireworks at Disneyland!

Mom and Dad after Disneyland. Still smiling!

The Mays family with Aunt Chanda!

Steph and Drew off Santa Monica Pier.

Dave and Olivia's 'little house' also known as the beach house.

Church photos

2010-06-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Every three years the church updates their pictorial directory. Below are the photos we chose. Now you can see why I am almost broke! We are kind of cute as a group~

Softball!

2010-04-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Brynna's first softball game of her career occured last night. (4-27-10) She was extremely pumped and ready to go! The coach put Brynna in the line up as the second batter. I was a little nervous about that convidence in her, but mom pointed out that it looked like the girls were in an order alphabetically by first name. So I don't think it had anything to do with her ability at this point.

Her first at bat was priceless. She hit the ball and ran to 3rd base. I, along with half the other parents, started yelling that she needed to go the other way. She cut across the pitcher's mound and made it to 1st safely!

Here she is scoring her 1st run!

When the girls went out to play the field she was assigned 1st base. She really did a great job. She even got one girl out! You can tell she is 'into the game' at this point.

This is her second at bat and did not have any funny stories to tell at this point. She actually hit a double! She was fast around the bases.

Spring Break

2010-03-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

So Brynna and Brian traveled down to Texas to visit everyone there and had a BLAST! I will post pictures soon! The Jayhawks didn't fair so well at the end of our break as they lost to N. Iowa and both Brynna and I were deeply disappointed and were brought to tears. :(
I was also quite disappointed when we had 4 inches of snow drop on the first day of spring.

January

2010-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe January has already gone. I am still having difficulties writing 2010 on checks and things. This month has been busy. We don't have many pictures to show for the month, but several stories.
The beginning of January was still very snowy. We get back from Chirstmas break and immediately have two snow days. It was so very cold! Brynna and I stayed home most of the time.
Brynna and I went to celebrate our cousin Dylan's 4th birthday. It was robot themed and Brynna loved all the cool robots!
Brynna has started girl scouts now on a regular basis. We didn't start in time to sell cookies~ but next year be ready to get that phone call. :)
Then the last Saturday in January, Brynna and I got together with Sonja and Abby Pressgrove and had lunch and went to Potwin Pottery. The girls had a great time creating their jewelry boxes.
That is January in a nutshell. Wonder what February will bring us?

2009 in review!

2010-01-01T12:47:00.001-08:00

Trip to Texas was fantastic! Brynna loves to play with her cousins.

Porsche joined Mercedes in heaven in August 2009. He is missed!

Mrs. Rivera, who was my kindergarten teacher, is also Brynna's. Can't believe she is a kindergartener!

KU games may not have been the way we wanted them to turn out, but we had a great time nonetheless.

Easter family photo... the second one is most like us daily.

My baby turned 5 on July 5! What a great day that was.... she is so cute.

The end of Community Preschool... sad! Brynna loved her time and learned so much!

Halloween was so much fun at the Martins!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Officially we have a new tradition! For the past two years the Switzky's have come to our house to play games and ring in the new year. What fun we had!! We had lasagna and french bread. Played our own version of Friends trivia (the Mays's won by 1 point!) and played Wii resort! The best part was that we all stayed up and rang in the beginning of 2010 together! I love my family!

Brynna and Aunt Nie are playing Wii and both are laughing hysterically.

Izzy

Drew wanting the Wii remote

Aunt Nie and Tori snuggling

Drew and Brian battling it out on the sword fighting game.

Brian and Brynna creating princess jewelry.

Cheers!!! Happy New Year!

Brizzy the Elf

2009-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

So this year, I was told about Elf on the Shelf. This is a great way to keep Brynna focused during this holiday season. We named our elf: Brizzy. He would watch over us during the day and at night he would fly to the North Pole and report to Santa about how we did during the day. Then the next morning he would hide in a new spot in the house for us to find him. This elf was a great motivator knowing he would tell Santa if we misbehaved. The Mays family was really good this year.
We can't wait until next December to see Brizzy again!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T14:38:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

This year we experienced a first. Christmas Eve services at church were canceled due to the snow fall. When 4 inches fall in one day and another 4 inches fall on Christmas, we can definitely call it a White Christmas... which is another first- not watching White Christmas.

Christmas Eve... dinner and games

and new PJ's!

Christmas morning! Brynna's first thought was how to get Izzy involved in her gifts. Then it was what did Santa bring me.... and the answer was.... anything princess!

Looks like Brian was having fun with his presents!

Then it was off to Grandma and Papa's house to see what Santa left there!

Miss Tori settled down!

Brian and Brynna waiting for breakfast!

Aunt Gail, Dylan and Brynna opening presents later on Christmas day.

My A-Maysing family! I am so blessed~

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

We traveled to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with Brian's family. We had quite the time. Brynna played with her cousins and stayed up late! We were able to see the horse that Lorenzo has bought and the land he is going to purchase to make room for the horse. We also went to Ft. Worth to the theater and saw Santa is coming to Town. All in all Thanksgiving was much fun!

Lily sleepover

2009-11-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

Finally! We were able to have Lily over to spend the night. The moms and dads and girls ate dinner at Olive Garden first, then Lily came home with us. What a night the girls had. They were able to watch a movie in their 'fort' and when we checked on them, they were both about to fall asleep!

In the morning we got up and I made them pancakes. I thought it was a special occasion and let them choose what shapes they wanted their pancakes in... the heart was quite popular.

Then it was time for a quick bath... they played and played until they turned wrinkly! Can't wait for the next sleep over... partially because it will be Brynna at Lily's! :)

Carving Pumpkins

2009-11-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

I am way too traditional. I drew my face and made it normal as I could. Not very creative, I know.

Brian gave Brynna a choice of what she wanted from a stencil set. She chose the hardest one (according to Brian) the lion. It was cool.

Brynna drew her own faces and did a great job.

The fun about gutting a pumpkin is the roasting of the seeds.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-08T17:12:00.001-08:00

We have enjoyed going to the Martin household for the past 3 years to celebrate Halloween. Brian and I based our costume off of what Brynna wanted to be this year. She was Snow White, I was was the witch and Brian was a dwarf. He started the night as Happy, the dwarf, but then KU lost their game and became Grumpy, but then after drinking a few he was the new dwarf Loopy!

KU game 10-10

2009-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

BRRR! Too cold to take pictures! We were really bundled up for the KU-ISU game. KU came away with a close victory- I am not sure the defense for either team showed up?!!?

KU football!

2009-09-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Waving the Wheat is the best use of our time. We tailgate a couple hours before the game and spend some time after the game to celebrate! What a great game too!

funny story told by Grandma

2009-09-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

"Brynna and I went to the coffee shop in Brookwood for a latte and bagel.
They have leather furniture. Bryn sat on one and slid off. She told the lady next to her that they must have just cleaned them. Then Brynna looked at the rug (it was stained with coffee and dirt) Brynna said to the lady..Maybe the should work on cleaning the rug. The lady laughed."

Vegas!

2009-09-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Brian and I went to Vegas over Labor Day weekend to celebrate our ten year anniversary. We met up with Brent and Melisa Zaehringer. We had a blast talking, gambling and drinking! I will post pictures soon.

Porsche

2009-08-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

Today was tough. We said goodbye to Porsche. He was 12 years old and led a very good life. He will be missed.

Brynna told me last night as we were saying our prayers, that I could take her stuffed animal dog to sleep with so that I wouldn't be lonely. Ahh! what a sweet heart!

First full week

2009-08-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

So life at the Mays house has definitely changed since the start of school. We used to be lively bunch of folks. We could stay up and party with the best of them. However, now that school has started, we are EXHAUSTED. We are in bed by 7:15 and asleep by 7:30- myself included most nights. Wow school takes a lot of energy and effort.

Brynna has loved her first week. She did a detective theme this week where she had to bring something to school each day that was the color being asked for. She loved the last two days when she brought her princesses for the color yellow and green.

Looking forward to the weekend.

What a week!

2009-08-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

First week of kindergarten is done. We survived and loved every moment. Friday night the school was celebrating their 50th year with a gathering at the school. We had sloppy joes, dancing to music, and a watermelon feed. We stayed as long as our tired bodies could handle. Now we are gearing up for a whole week of school. Wonder what that will entail?

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today was a special day! Brynna started kindergarten in Mrs. Rivera's class. Brynna woke up with a smile on her face and was ready to go. The morning went wonderfully and she was eager to go to school. (I think mom and dad were just as eager) We left the house at 8:00 and walked to school. Then waited in front of the school for Mr. Williams to invite us in to the classroom. Brynna was such a big girl. She knew where to put her backpack and lunchbox and had no trouble being left in the hands of Mrs. Rivera. In fact, I think she was ready for us to leave her after we arrived. She is such an independent girl sometimes. I did not cry in front of her. I waited to shed a few tears later. Can't wait until 3:30 to pick her up today! Yeah for a great start to the school year!~

McEachron Sneak Peak 8-11-09

2009-08-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Walking into McEachron Elementary School for the Sneak Peak.

Putting the supplies away for Mrs. Rivera. BJ had Mrs. Rivera as her kindergarten teacher 30 years ago! What a great memory for Brynna and mom to have. Kindergarten officially starts tomorrow!

cousin's birthday party

2009-08-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Lillie Bauer turns ONE! We went to celebrate this great day in Leavenworth. We played inside, but the pool was where we wanted to spend most of our time. Brynna loved the pool. She dove off the board and landed belly first many times. We put her in a floaty suit and she went all over the pool without any help. Then all the cousins played a new game called Duck! As you jumped off the board, ducks flew at your head. We had fun!

Last week of July

2009-08-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

The summer has flown by and this last week was no different. Brynna had zoo school from 8-12 each day which was hard on all of us since we had to be up so early. She loves going to learn about all of the different things that the zoo has to offer. She told me that she is going to take Grandma next week to explain to her what the animals are.
On Tuesday, she encountered a bug bite on her belly button. Don't know if it was a spider or not, but it swelled and itched. Quick trip (ok, not really quick) to the drs. and she has an antibiotic and a cream.
Summer has been fun, I am starting back to work on Wed. the 5th which is way too early. And it is also cousin Anne's daughter, Lillie's 1st birthday!

The dogs

2009-07-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

So Izzy will pose for the camera. What a good dog. Porsche and Brynna were too tired!

Porsche is 12 1/2 years old. What a grey beard he has grown! He has some health issues that will probably limit his mobility and life span some, but we spoil him anyway!

Royals game

2009-07-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

July has been unseasonably cool. The 100 degree weather has dodged us at this point. This weekend was another cool one and we had so much fun at the Royals game.

Gooney golf

2009-07-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

We went to play Gooney golf and go carts on Friday night. Brynna is really getting the hang of this putting thing. She did much better. Then dad got a bucket of balls and let her hit a few off thee tee. Then off to the go carts! What a night....

Preschool camp

2009-07-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

So Brynna starts preschool camp this week. Even though she will be in kindergarten in the fall, she gets to go back to preschool one more week to have fun and play. We were told to bring a T-shirt for tie dying. Stay tuned to see how that turns out.

You Rock

2009-07-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

After a long day of fun, it was time to wind down... but did that happen? NOPE, we got out Guitar Hero and rocked it out with the each one taking turns on the guitar and drums. Brian was the best drummer and its a toss up on who did the best with the guitar. (Ok, it was me, but I am not going to brag on myself on my own blog!)
We were sad that everyone left early on Monday to get back to Texas. It was a fun weekend!

What a day!

2009-07-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

My little girl turned one whole hand today at 4:40pm. She had her 'princess' birthday... where you turn the age of the day that you were born. (5 on the 5th of July). The party was a success The weather was great! The gathering was tremendous! Thanks family for making it a success! I will post pictures of the princess birthday girl later. There are soooo many to choose from on the camera.

2009-07-04T15:44:00.001-07:00

This was a fun outing getting our pictures taken. I can't believe my baby will be 5 tomorrow!

Birthday weekend

2009-07-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

The family from Texas arrived around 2 pm. The kids just jumped from one activity to another. They could not sit still. One activity was playing dress up. Quin Quin was the power ranger and Brynna was the princess that she is. Jocelyn enjoyed being the decorator. Day one is underway!

First pictures

2009-07-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

Last weekend (6-26-09) dad celebrated his 70th birthday. The turnout was tremendous! This picture was taken right before the party started. We had great food and dancing! The following night we had a great Alderson gathering at Aunt Nie's for a barbeque.

(great chicken and hot dogs, Uncle Drew!)

First blog

2009-07-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first edition of the Mays family blog. I will try to update this often and wish you will check back often. You can post comments and keep in touch.
Brynna is turning 5 this weekend and the family from Texas arrives tomorrow. This should be one fun-filled weekend!