CHRISTMAS (Round 3) at Great Granny Loewe's House!

Granny Loewe celebrates Christmas on Christmas Day at her house every year. The family has grown quite large. Between eight grandkids (all but one married) and eleven great grandkids with two more on the way, the family has grown substantially over the years. It is always lots of fun to get together with all the cousins, aunts and uncles, and celebrate together. Every year at Thanksgiving we all draw names for Christmas, and then trade our gifts on Christmas Day. Kade got a football and sleeping bag from Emily, Brady got a old west shooting game from Reyce, Dane got some whisky from Laurie, and I got a sweater from Joe. After a huge lunch and all gifts were opened, the guys started their annual domino game of 42. We enjoyed spending the day with family and relaxing. Granny is really starting to get up in age, so we cherish each year we still have with her and celebrating the holidays at her house. We have never celebrated any of the holidays anywhere else. Thank you for yet another great holiday memory Granny!

The great grandkids opening gifts

Kade, Maddie, Brady, & Markie playing in the leaves

Markie and Brady have a cup of fruit

Christmas Morning!

The boys were very excited about Santa Claus coming to visit this year. Before we went to bed, Kade got the milk and cookies all set out, Brady got some carrots ready for the reindeer. You can bet there was no sleeping in for us Christmas morning. Kade was up at before 6:30am ready to go see if Santa had left him anything. We told him he couldn't go in there without Brady, so he went and got him up. Kade was welcomed with a new orange fourwheeler. He was very excited because it was a big one. Brady was just as excited about it even though it wasn't for him. Brady was so much fun this Christmas. He was thrilled about everything he got no matter how big or small the gift may have been. Everything was "Whoa, I got a ...! or "Whoa, that's cool!" Santa answered Brady's wish for a new gun; a big one for shooting big bucks and a little one for shooting birds. He was one happy little boy. It melted our hearts to see the boys so happy and full of appreciation. It was worth it to see those big smiles and excited gestures.

Homemade Christmas Cookies!

Kade wanted to make homemade sugar cookies and cut them out in different Christmas shapes and decorate them. I promised him we would do it so that he could put some of his specially made cookies out for Santa Claus. Even though we had fun making them, it was quite a long process and mess. Kade managed to spill two bottles of sprinkles all over the floor, and the icing, well that was a whole other story. When we finished though both of the boys were proud of the cookies they had made. I don't think we are going to make this a Christmas tradition though.

CHRISTMAS (Round 2) with Nana, Papa, & the Hardys!

It has become a tradition of celebrating Christmas with Nana and Papa Rau and the Hardy family on Christmas Eve. We all attend church together to take some time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of Jesus Christ, and then head over to Nana and Papa's house for some good home cooking, good company, and the opening of presents. This year we had beef fajitas, beans, rice, and all the fixings for dinner. It was sooooooo good. I hope we keep that up as a traditional Christmas Eve meal as well. After we ate, we gathered the kids and opened presents. It is so much fun watching them get so excited over their gifts. Brady got some new crocs and bath toys from the Hardys, and a hooded sweatshirt and hunting target game from Nana and Papa. Kade got a slingshot and t-ball cleats from the Hardys, and a hooded sweatshirt and buck hunting game that plugs into the television from Nana and Papa. The buck hunting game is most definately Kade's favorite gift. We have to pry him away from it. We had a great time celebrating Christmas with Nana, Papa, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Trey, Jenna, Leah and Luke. It is such a blessing to be apart of such an outstandingly amazing and loving family.

Family pic at church

All dressed up for church

Waiting to open presents


Kade's new buck hunting game


Brady's new target game.


New hooded sweatshirts

Miracle on Main Street!

Last Sunday, the children of our church put on a great Christmas program. Kade and Brady were both able to be a part of it. Kade was a caroler in the beginning of the program. He had a couple of lines to say, and he did a great job. Towards the end of the program he and Brady dressed up as shepards and were a part of the "Precious Moments" manger scene. Kade was all about doing a good job, but Brady was a whole other story. They were standing up front with their staffs and Brady decides that he and Kade should fight with them. He kept asking Kade, "Bubba, you want to fight?" Kade kept telling him "Cut it out." Then Brady decides to give Baby Jesus a poke in the cradle. After causing an uproar of laughter in the church, I decided it was time to go get him and take him back to the seat with me. The kids all played their parts well and the program was a big hit.

Kade and Jenna getting ready to say their lines.

The Precious Moments manger kiddos.



"Bubba, you want to fight?"



"Are you awake Baby Jesus?'

Go Cubs Go!!

The Brenham Cub football team made it to the State Championship game this past Saturday. Along with the Hardy's and Trostle's, we made the trip up to Austin to watch them play at the UT stadium against Aledo. Although it was a great game, and all the guys played hard, we just couldn't pull out the win. We ended up losing by two touchdowns. Even though we lost, we had a great time at the game. We couldn't have asked for a better day to go watch some good ole high school football. Maybe next year Cubs.

CHRISTMAS (Round 1) with the Maurer's and Siemglusz's

I think a new Christmas tradition was created Friday night. The first annual Maurer, Rau, and Siemsglusz Christmas took place. We all four went to school together, and since we have been married and had kids, we three families have become close friends. All of our kids are pretty close in age. There are eight accounted for right now with another little Rau on the way that we can add to the bunch next year. The kids all drew names and traded presents with each other, and after all the gifts were opened we enjoyed a great homecooked meal together. We had some of those mouth-watering ribeyes from Rau's Meat Center, some of Jamie and Wesley's delicious beans, and a very tasty batch of twice baked potatoes made by Steve and Adrienne. We then topped it off with a chocolate chip cookie cake. The Maurer's hosted Christmas this year at their home, and as always, they were the perfect host and hostess. I can't wait for next year; there is nothing better than getting together with great friends. It will be a blast to continue watching our kids grow up together.

Downtown Christmas Parade!

For the last few years, Brenham has hosted a "Downtown Christmas Parade" along with the Christmas Stroll. It has turned into quite a large event with almost fifty floats participating in the parade each year. St. Paul's Christian Day School has some floats in the parade each year as well. This was Kade's second year to participate in the parade and Brady's first year. The theme this year was "A Candyland Christmas." Christen Seeker, Kaden's mom, and myself were in charge of decorating the float for the Ocean Treasurer class. They were candycanes and peppermints. I was in chrarge of making the candycane archway. I think we did a pretty good job for just throwing this "trailer float" together in a few days. Brady rode on the Ocean Treasurer float with Kade, and he thought that was really neat. The weather definately fit the winter theme this year; the day before the parade we actually had a little bit of snow fall. On the night of the parade, we experienced freezing temperatures. Needless to say, we bundled up with our hats, gloves, coats, blankets, and a some good ole' hot chocolate before we took off on our float ride.

Kade and some of his buddies.

Kade and Brady.


Mom and her boys.


Kade and buddy Kaden Seeker.


Our candycane and peppermint float.

A Visit with Santa!

This past Friday, Dane and I took the boys to see Santa while he was here in Brenham visiting all the good little boys and girls. We weren't really sure how Brady would do with him considering last year he screamed and cried the whole time he was near him. We had been trying to prep him for the visit. Some days he would tell that he was going to sit on Santa's lap and other days it was a flat out "NO." We knew it was all going to depend on the mood he was in that day, and we just happened to luck out that day. When it was their turn to go sit on his lap and have their picture taken, Brady went right up to him and hopped up on his lap. Of course, it was no surprise at all that Kade was more than willing to go sit on his lap and smile his photogenic smile. Kade had been waiting that whole week to tell Santa exactly what he wanted for Christmas. He told Santa he wanted a new four wheeler and a deer hunting game (boy does he want that deer hunting game.) I really hope Santa comes through with that one. Brady told Santa he wanted a new four wheeler too and a big giant gun to shoot bucks with. When we left, Brady told me that he liked Santa and that he was nice. Watching the boys sitting with Santa on his lap and seeing how excited and happy they were makes the wonderful world of parenting all the more special and so worthwhile. It's these little moments that create a warm, heartfelt memory that will last a lifetime.

Thanksgiving Pics from Nana & Papa Rau's House!

Enjoying a deliciously tasty Thanksgiving meal with cousins.

Kade and Brady with cousin Luke.

Kade and cousin Luke.

Kade, Mr. Photogenic.

Kade flying high.

Little Man, Brady.

A Thanksgiving full of Thanks!

What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday than with the ones you love and lots of food. We are very thankful that we have our family and friends nearby so that we are able to spend time with and visit everyone. Our holiday stops actually started the Sunday before Thanksgiving at my Granny Loewe's house. She is 88 years old and still has the entire family over for the holidays, and it is not a small family. With eight grandkids (who are all married with kids except one), twelve great grandkids (with two more on the way), and aunts and uncles, Granny's house is quite full for the holidays. We had a great time with all the cousins. Every year we draw names at Thanksgiving for Christmas. It's always fun to find out at Christmas who got your name.
On Thanksgiving Day, we headed over to Nana and Papa Rau's house for lunch along with the Hardy family and Dane's Great Aunt Mimi Nienast. We always enjoy our time over there with everyone. The boys thoroughly enjoy playing with their cousins, Jenna, Leah and Luke. We spent the afternoon over there, and Brady and I managed to get in a nap.
That evening we were invited to the Maurer's home to watch a little football; A&M vs. Texas. It turned out to be a really great game, but those Aggies just couldn't stop those Longhorns from taking home yet another victory. Kade and Brady always love playing with Avery, Austin and Caleb.
That Friday after Thanksgiving, the boys and I decorated the house for Christmas. That was quite interesting. What they call "helping me," I call "getting in the way." Nonetheless, we got it all up, and it looks great. The boys liked decorating the tree and hanging on all the ornaments. It was a funfilled holiday weekend full of many things and people to be thankful for.

Good Shot Mama!

My new philosophy in life is "If you can't beat them, join them." With a husband, two boys, and a third boy on the way, you could say that I am out numbered in our household. Since I don't see any prom dress shopping trips, wedding dress shopping trips, or just shopping trips in general in my future with my own children, I figure I will have to enjoy the things they enjoy doing like hunting, fishing, and sports. The funny thing is, I love doing all of those things, and being able to do them with my favorite guys makes it all the more enjoyable. Almost thirteen years ago, Dane took me hunting with him and let me shoot my first deer at the Longbranch Ranch in Fredericksburg. I guess you could say I have been hooked ever since. It turned into kind of a hobby that Dane and I love to do together. Dane's family has a little place off of Hwy. 105 where we hunt each year. It's our Washington County lease you could say. Anyway I went hunting out there last weekend. I really didn't go so much to hunt as I did to just soak up some quiet time and catch up on some reading. I took the gun and binoculars just in case. Well, last Saturday afternoon, I looked up from reading my book and saw a pretty decent buck walking across the field. Dane and the boys had been on my case about always going and not shooting anything, so I went for it and ended up with a nice 8 pointer on the ground. Kade told me "Good shot Mama," and Brady told me "Whoa, Mama got a big buck." It was all worth it to see the proud reactions on my boys' faces. A wonderful husband, two amazing boys, and another little Rau boy on the way, what mom could ever ask for more? I've got it all.

It's Another Boy!

Dane and I went a couple of weeks ago for the ultrasound of baby #3. We really went in not knowing if we wanted to find out the baby's gender or not. The nurse asked us right away before we started if we wanted to know the sex of the baby, and we told her we weren't sure; just don't say anything, and we would see if we could tell on our own. Well, that first shot of the legs there sure looked like there was something in between those kicking, little legs. Neither one of us said anything because the shot was really quick, but the second time she she focused on the legs there was really no mistaken that there was definately something there. I told the nurse "Oh, it's a boy, isn't it?" She said "I'm thinking so, but lets make sure it's not the imbilical cord." It wasn't. She was able to differentiate between the two. I am very excited about having three boys. I think Kade was a little disappointed when we first told him. He really wanted a little sister. He told me "How am I going to take care of two brothers?" He has come around though and is excited about another brother. Brady, up until last week, said it was a girl no matter how many times you told him it was a boy. His cow was getting ready to have a calf, and he told me "My cow will have a girl," as if to say "you couldn't get the job done, but I bet my cow can." He was right; she got the job done. No matter what, we are very excited about another little Rau boy running around up here on the Wiedeville Hill. The most important thing to us that we pray for everyday is that he is growing normally and born healthy. We can't wait to meet you Nate Brandon Rau.

Parent/Teacher Conferences!

This past week, we met with Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. Hoppens for Brady and Kade's parent/teacher conferences. The purpose of the conferences is to discuss how much progress you child is making. They have one in the fall and one in the spring. Monday was Brady's conference. Mrs. Schmidt said that Brady is doing fine. He has a couple of things to work on, but she said because he is one of the youngest in the class is the reason he lags behind in a couple of areas. She says he will catch up in no time in the next few months to come. She informed us that Brady is a very headstrong little boy and extremely independent. He is going to do what Brady wants to do and there is no changing his mind. Although these may not seem like great qualities to have right now, she said they will be great qualities to have as he gets older. He will be a leader in the future and not a follower.
Kade's conference went great as always. He is right on track or ahead of where he needs to be. He is considerate of others feelings, uses good manners, listens well, participates in centers, loves to read and listen to stories, wants to please everyone, and is always willing to learn something new and be challenged.
WOW! What a difference. It is so crazy how different their personalities are and they are raised in the same home, by the same parents, the same way. I guess that is the difference between your first born and the second child.

Brady, my middle child!

Well, I have always heard that the middle child is the worst child. Even though the new baby isn't here yet, Brady is beginning to prove that there is truth to that statement. About a week ago he was in "one of his moods" you could say. When I picked him up from school, Mrs. Connie said that he just wasn't quite himself that day. He had been kind of whiny and just in a bad mood. Needless to say that mood followed us home. When we got home, I took the backpacks and mail in the house. The boys stayed outside to play. Kade came running in yelling "Mom, come quick. Brady." I thought something happened to Brady, but when I went out there, he was on the back of the mule dumping out fish food by the scoops full all over the carport. I disciplined and told him to go play on his play set. While I was sweeping up fish food, he proceeded to dump out the dog food. Once all the food was cleaned up, we went inside, and Brady told me he was thirsty. I gave him a PURPLE grape caprisun juice that he took in my bedroom and squirted out all over my light colored carpet; the entire juice. I sent him outside with Dane while I cleaned that up. While outside, he took the key out of the mule and hid it from us. When we asked him where he put it, he said "It proly in da house." I said no it's not. He said "It proly on top of da car." I said no it's not. We finally found it under the mule hidden up under a lip. Back inside the house, Kade was watching TV. Brady was being loud, so Kade told him to go in the other room because he couldn't hear his show. Brady marched in the kitchen, took out two pot lids, and got in Kade's face and starting banging them together as loud as he could. Before the night was over he managed to break an entire box of crayons in half and throw them all over the floor in his room. While cleaning them up, he decided to do a little artwork all over the carpet with a black crayon. By then, Dane and I had had it. We did some major disciplining. This was all in just one evening, and I was exhausted. Thank goodness this isn't an everyday occurance. It's hard to imagine how that innocent faced little boy can be so mischevious. No matter what or how much mischief he seems to get in though, we still love and adore him. He has a personality and a sweet side to him that can melt your heart. Let's just hope for future purposes that we see that sweet side much more often than the spiteful side.

First Deer Hunt of the Season!

A couple of weekends ago, Dane, Kade, and Papa Rau headed to Fredericksburg to go deer hunting at the Long Branch Ranch. Wallace and Delores Klussmann invited us up for the weekend to do some hunting. Because their place is high fenced, season starts in October rather than having to wait until November. Dane and Kade did all the hunting while Papa just relaxed and took it easy from work the whole weekend. Their first afternoon out, Dane and Kade shot a cull buck in the "Big Oats Patch." It was a six pointer with really wavy horns. Kade called me and told me that it looked like it had gotten a perm so he decided to name it "Squiggly." The next morning they went out rattling with Jon. Kade really like that. He said there were bucks everywhere and some of them came really close to where he was sitting. He said he can't wait for me to go up there with them so he can take me rattling because "it is so cool, Mom." He really had a great time with Daddy and Papa on their "all guy" hunting trip. I love the fact that three generations of Rau's get to make memories like this together. Kade looks forward to many more hunting trips with his dad and his Papa Rau.