Remembering Nana

Doris Elda Bruner

October 9, 1930 - July 2, 2008

• My earliest memory of Nana was when I was three years old (actually one day short of turning three.) We were at the hospital awaiting the birth of my baby brother. I was sitting in the waiting room with Nana and Paw-Paw. I still remember playing with her sunglasses when a loud alarm sounded. I was so startled that I dropped the glasses. That's all I remember. I don't remember anything else about that day (like meeting my brother) or the next day (my birthday.)
• For as long as I can remember Nana called me "Messy Jessie." Everytime I went to her house I played with her make-up and made a big mess out of it. I'm sure there were other things that I got into as well.
• Nana and Paw-Paw lived in the country and had a huge garden full of vegetables. Nana loved to work in the garden and prepare the vegetables to eat or can. She made some mean green beans!
• She was one crafty lady! Nana could sew - she made clothes for me and always hemmed or mended our clothes. She could quilt - I still have several quilts that she made for me. My favorite is one that she stiched an outline of her hand on the back and the words, "I love you Jenn, Love Nana." She also crocheted and did embrodiary. I'm telling you - she was talented.
• She always drank Pepsi. At some point she changed to Diet Pepsi, but she always had the glass bottles of it in her fridge and was glad to share.
• She loved to play Solitaire and Yahtzee. Paw-Paw always went to bed before anyone else because he had to get up very early to go to work. Nana lined the Yahtzee cup with felt and we put a towel on the table so that the dice wouldn't wake him. Nana, Kim, and I would play Yahtzee until all hours of the night!
• Funny story. Nana has not always been Nana. You see, I am the third grandchild. My cousins before called her Granny. When I came along I called her Nana. Noone knows why. For about 6 years she was both. Then the other cousins converted and she became Nana to all!
• All the way from elementary school to high school, Nana was my saving grace. She brought me lunch money when I forgot it. She picked me up from school when I was sick. She ate with me during the Thanksgiving feasts because both of my parents were at work. She took me to school when I missed the bus. She attended my Kiwanas basketball games, junior high volleyball games, and high school tennis matches. She made so many sacrifices on my behalf I can't even count them all. I am thankful.

There are so many things that I remember about Nana - so many more than will fit here. What I will remember most about her was the way she loved me. She loved me unconditionally and I knew it. I also love that she loved my husband. And Bailey. She and Paw-Paw both called her "my girl." Nana only saw Campbell twice and I'm pretty sure she was unaware of their second meeting, but I know she loved him. She got to hold him and kiss him and for that I am thankful. I miss her terribly but it brings great joy to my heart to know that she is reunited with Paw-Paw and that they are both in heaven with Jesus.

a new year

As a teacher, my years begin in August and end in June.  After taking a year off from teaching, I started a new year at a new school in a new district teaching a new grade with a new team under a new principal.  You get the idea.  I've only taught at one other school in one other district and so it's taking some time for me to adjust.  I am teaching fourth grade language arts and so far I love it! My kids are soooo cute!  I had fun getting my room ready before school started.  The BEST part about it is that I have WALLS and a DOOR!!  I've never had either so you have no idea how wonderful it is! 

far side of room - check out my director's chair!

back wall and small group table

classroom library

computers and tv

my desk - front of room

my door!

Impromptu Trip

Yesterday at 1:00 PM we decided to go to Waco.  After quickly getting ourselves and the diaper bag ready, we jumped in the car and headed out.  This was Campbell's first trip to Baylor and he was able to enjoy it with just mom and dad. Bailey is in Oklahoma with my parents. They go every year for Labor Day weekend. You can read about last year's trip here.

Our first stop was the Baylor Bookstore.  We arrived a mere 10 minutes before it closed, but were able to get the kids some BU apparel in the nick of time!  We visited the Bear Pit, the SUB, and walked around campus for a bit.  Then we headed to eat dinner at one of our Waco faves, Buzzard Billy's.  We couldn't go home before stopping at Common Grounds for some heavenly coffee. So long for now, Wacko. We'll be back for Homecoming!

Daddy and Campbell at the Bear Pit

Momma and her little bear

a little piece of heaven...

Barber Shop

At the wee little age of 3 months, our son got his first haircut!  The mullet just had to go! Daddy did the trimming while I held his head still - not an easy task.  We just trimmed the back and over his ears.  We'll take him to get a real haircut next time, which at this rate could be next month!

Before . . . 

After . . . 

Couple of Cuties

3 Years & 3 Months

Bailey Kaye,

Today is your birthday! You are three years old today, although not until 11:41PM. You took cupcakes to school today and then we went out to eat for a birthday dinner. This is the first year that you have really understood that you had a birthday and how old you are. So much has happened this year and I am so proud of the young lady you are becoming. It was such a privilege to stay home with you this year. I've technically only been back to work for a day and I miss you like crazy. Your vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds since your second birthday . Daddy and I laugh constantly at the things you say! Your curiosity keeps us on our toes and usually involves a mess to clean. You love to sing and dance. One of your favorite Christmas gifts this year was the Star Station where you can sing and dance to music with a microphone and see yourself on television! We also listen to the CD from VBS to which you know ALL the words to ALL the songs. Daddy and I love to hear your "requests" for certain songs from your car seat. One more thing about music: you've learned the songs to my beloved Sound of Music. Oh how that makes my heart swell. One of the biggest accomplishments of the year was potty training. We didn't do much training, you just announced one morning at breakfast that you wanted to TT on the potty and that was that. We are STILL working on #2. Maybe one day. You also started sleeping in your big girl bed this year. I just can't get over how fast you are growing up before our eyes. It seems like it was only yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital in San Antonio. Now, three years later, we live in a new home in a new city and have a new baby. You are an an amazing big sister to your baby brother. We can't wait to see what this year brings, the things you will learn, and the love you will share with our family. We love you BK, Bai-Bai, B, Chicken Nugget, Darlin', Princess.
Momma

One day old

First Birthday

Second Birthday

Third Birthday

Campbell Clark,
My little man. You are three months old today. You're getting to be quite the chunk and I love it! Momma's heart just about broke last week when you had to go to day care for the first time, but I am comforted in knowing that Ms. Judy takes good care of you. Daddy and I have decided that it might be time for your first haircut, but we haven't figured out how to safely cut a three month old baby's hair. It is well beyond your collar. If you were in school you'd be violating the dress code! You smile at us often and even laugh when you are especially happy. You still enjoy your swing, bouncy seat, and activity mat. Your favorite position is to be held upright, facing out. You like to see the world! You are growing and changing so fast...I'm learning to savor every moment with you. I love you sweet boy.
Momma

A Party Fit for a Princess

The invitation

The birthday girl

The Menu: Hamburgers, hotdogs, Nonnie's famous corn dip and ranch style bean dip, and chips. We have had the exact same menu at all of Bailey's birthday parties! Sorry, no pictures of the food. We were busy eating!

Cake #1

Cake #2

Two Cakes? But of course, every princess deserves TWO cakes! The true story is I planned on making the Snow White cake but was nervous about how it would turn out and it wouldn't have been enough to feed everyone. So, my mom's boss made the castle cake and did an awesome job! Bailey loved both of them.

We had a treasure hunt for gold coins and jewels. The boys put their "treasures" in treasure boxes and the girls put theirs in princess purses.

Princess Bailey and her friends

The Cinderella Pinata - one at a time, each child pulled a string until the "magic" string opened the secret door for the goodies to fall out.



Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday dear Bailey...

Happy Birthday to you!

Snow White and her Snow White cake

strawberry...yummy!

Opening Presents

A monster truck for a princess!

Bailey and Kirston ridin' in style

Kadon driving the princess!

The only picture of all four of us on the day of the party.

First Days of School

I had trainings on Monday and Wednesday of this week so the kiddos had to go to daycare. We call it "school." It just sounds better. Bailey calls it her flower school because there are painted wooden flowers on either side of the front doors. It's a really cute little place in town. It's homey and the teachers are nice.

Judd has the pleasure of taking them in the mornings because I have to leave earlier than he does. I don't envy him one bit.

So Monday was their first day. I packed Campbell's bottles the night before and laid clothes out for both kids. Judd got them both up, ready, and out of the house before 8:00. Way to go Dad! He took Campbell to his sweet teacher then took Bailey to her class. Even though we had talked about going to school all weekend, she was not happy about being there. One of the girls in our youth group works there and saved the day. She talked Bailey into playing with the baby dolls with her while Judd slipped out. Whew. When I picked Bailey up, her class was outside. She saw me and almost started crying because she wanted to stay and play with her friends. It broke my heart, but I'm glad she was enjoying herself.

Bailey filled us in on her day: She learned about animals, namely zebras. She took a nap. Yes, it's true!!! She had a snack. She has a friend named Ci-Ci. Her teacher is veerrrry nice. That's about all we got out of her.

Campbell had a good day too. He slept, ate, and pooped. Imagine that!

Today was their second day. My training started later so I thought I'd take them so I could meet Bailey's teacher - she's gone by the time I get there in the afternoon. It was brutal! I think I cried all the way to my class. I'll stick to picking them up from now on!