I Know It's Been a Long While

Yes I know it has been quite some time since the last post. I am just not that good at doing my own posts. I find that I read a lot more than doing my own so I thought I'd better post something so people know we are still here. Here are some pics of what's been going on in the Brunstedt household lately.

Preston at Wild Water Adventure in Clovis

The whole family besides me at Wild Water Adventure. We went just a week ago and had a blast.

Madi with Ross at Wild Water Adventure. Ross could not get enough of the waterslides. He just loved them. Madi and Donovan enjoyed the big kid slides as well.

Ross donating money to the Charlie Tuck fund. (One of the horses at MARE that has been needing some extra care. )

Ross's first horse show receiving his medal.

Ross at his horse show.

Preston being silly climbing into the pocket of the pack n' play

March for Babies walk

The boys in papa's '31 Plymouth at the Street Rod Nationals. My dad has had this car since I was in the 5th grade and back then it was just a big old rust bucket. It definitely has come a long way. We had been to many Street Rod Nationals at the fairgrounds growing up but never with his car in it. My dad has worked very hard on it and it felt great to be there with him at the first one with his car actually in the show. Way to go Dad!!!

Celebrating Ross's 3rd birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. He had never been there so it was quite exciting for him and for us as well.

Well that about sums it up for now. My pregnancy seems to be going well. Only 49 more days to go! Woohoo!

MARCH FOR BABIES!!!!!

It's that time of year again. MARCH FOR BABIES!!! I feel terrible for not promoting it as much as I should have this year, but things have been quite busy around here. It is this Saturday April 25th at Liberty Park just off of Brimhall and Jewetta across from Liberty High School. Registration starts at 8am and the walk begins at 9am. I would love for those who can please come out and support Team Rossbear and if unable to make it to the walk a donation would be great. When making a donation, the best way would be to click on the March for Babies picture on my blog and go from there. Otherwise when you get to the walk you may do it then. As most of you know this is a very near and dear walk for me. Ross was born May 5, 2006 at 23 weeks gestation exactly weighing only 1lb 3oz and has definitely come a long way. He is almost 3 now and weighs 24lbs, has started walking and now began talking. I know without the research from the March of Dimes his chances of living would probably be very very slim. So please come out this Saturday and/or please donate to a very good cause. Also if you look at the previous post I made a little picture show of him please check it out.

MARCH FOR BABIES!!!!!

Ross Lowell 23 week preemie 1lb 3oz

Ross at M.A.R.E.

Ross getting ready to put a green ring around the green ball.

He has the biggest smile the entire time he is on that horse.

Ross started at the M.A.R.E Riding Center (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) two weeks ago to help assist with his development in many areas. He absolutely loves it. I initially wanted to get him in this program to help him in learning how to walk. Although, the process of getting it approved through Kern Regional Center took so long and Ross started walking. Yes he is walking!!! We are so happy for him. His walk is not the most steady walk and his gait is very wide but it gets him around and I know it makes him very happy to be more independent. Hopefully with time his walk will improve. Not only do we have Ross walking but Preston started walking too. Boy do I have my hands full. It's great though. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Preston's 1st Birthday

Preston playing pin the cookie in Cookie's mouth.

Daddy showing his birthday cake Papa made.

We can't seem to get that cake to him fast enough. He could not wait to get his hands on it.

Preston really enjoyed his birthday cake!

I know it's a couple months off but wanted to share a few pics of Preston's 1st birthday party. It was celebrated with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. As well as his grandparents and great-grandparents too.

A Small Glimpse of Our Summer

On June 21st Preston Scott was baptised by Fr. Ralph at St. Francis. That same day we continued the ceremony for Ross. You see he was baptised in the hospital the day after he was born and for some reason they (the hospital staff) thought we were not in the hospital and were unable to reach us. The priest baptised him without us there and left. The staff felt absolutely terrible for what they had done and had the priest return and give Ross a blessing and stated that when Ross comes home he would "continue " the ceremony for us. It was unfortunate that we were not able to see our son be baptised, but we were very blessed to finally bring him home and then be able to bring him to the church for the continuance of his baptism.

Preston Scott being baptised by Fr. Ralph June 21,2008


At the beginning of the summer the school Ross attends allowed me to take home one of the walkers that they use during the school year. He absolutely loved it he could go anywhere. The sad thing was we had to return it, but it was fun for him while it lasted. Actually he is doing very good now at walking. Of course he is not there quite yet but he is getting there. He takes about 4 good wobbly steps and then falls down. I guess all of these trips to therapy each week must be paying off.=)


The boys in their decorated cars for the 2nd annual 4th of July parade in our neighborhood.


Preston waiting for us all to load in for the big day at Sea World


This picture has a meaning to it. You see in 2003 when I was dating Stephen I took a picture of him, Donovan and Madison at this very spot. We came across the picture just days before we left for Sea World and he said he wanted to take that same picture again but with Ross and Preston as well.

Us taking a break at Sea World

Ross is Elmo's biggest fan and he could not wait to get to see him.

A photo-op with Cookie Monster.

Ross sportin' the 4-d glasses from the Sesame Street movie at Sea World. This boy was in heaven. Sesame Street is the next best thing to sliced bread.


Just a picture of Preston and his silly hair. He is just so cute.

So this is just a portion of what we did during our summer. It really was nice and went by too quickly. Now everyone is off to school and it is so quiet around the house. There are times I wish they were home again. I love you family!!!

May was Donovan's Month to Shine

What a great month May was for Donovan. ( I know I am a couple months off, but better late than never) First of all Donovan competed in his 2nd tournament for karate and he placed third in one event and 1st place in kumite (aka fighting). We were all so proud of him, and we could tell by the big smile he was very happy as well. He has been training for 2 years now with my brother-in-law and he has definitely come a long way. Also this month Donovan (my baby boy) graduated from Jr. High. I cannot believe how fast time goes by. I know once that first day of high school hits these next 4 years are going to go by just as fast. Just if I could slow them down, but I can't and that's okay. Donovan we are all so proud of you son keep up the good work and keep smiling.