Brett Ainar

My boys...and brotherly love.

2011-06-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

My boys are getting so big that I wish I could freeze time. They are 5 and 10 years old now. Great ages to do things with them. They tired me out sometimes, but I realize that this precious time will not last. So I try to endure all the activities that go with raising active boys. They also have a great sibling love for each other. Don't get me wrong they can fight too!! But Brett looks up to Michael with such love and admiration. Michael loves being the big brother and the protector too. I get goosebumps when I see them hug or help each other. I try to explain how their relationship is very important and will always be there if they take care of each other. I want them to be always close. It is a good feeling when you are close to your sibling...

Best Presents Ever!!

2010-12-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

God gave me the best presents ever!! Michael and Brett!! They are so adorable!!

Soccer Boys!!

2010-11-14T16:56:00.001-08:00

My boys had their final soccer games yesterday. They both did well. Brett got a medal!! Michael had a three game tournament and got a goal which is great for a fullbacker!! Way to go boys! I am so proud of you!! ;-)

Halloween Pictures

2010-11-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

It is a little late but here are so pictures of Brett and Michael on Halloween!! Brett was a Policeman and Michael was a Special Forces guy. They don't want to be like their Daddy too much - do they!! ;-)

Champagne Island!!

2010-09-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great Labor Day weekend with our family at Champagne Island!! ;-)

4th July Fun times down at Beach

2010-07-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great time down at the beach. Enjoy the pictures ;-)

How to make your Children Healthy from Inside - Out

2010-05-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

I been researching lately on positive parenting and Stress-free kids. I implimented some tools that I learned from these techniques and it helps my children to be more happy, to say nicer things and to use technique to control their anger. Not that they were angry kids before, but it helps them cope better with tantrums and unhappiness.

Digging deeper into the subject, I realize that there are so many influences on what our children eat, hear and see on a daily basis that can make them unhealthy.

First what they eat. I thought my children ate well until I heard about the pesticides in fruits and Veggies, and the dyes (especially the yellow and blue dyes), the artificial coloring, sugar, and on on in foods...I try to buy organic veggies/fruit (when on sale), buy from a local farmer's market or grow our own garden. I also soak and wash all fruit and veggies. We have chickens so we get fresh eggs everyday ;-) Also, I have been pushing more water in their diet to flush out their systems (with all the toxins in our world they need something). I feel in our society that we easily get caught up in fast foods, sugary items and forget what is good for us. We need to scale back (on these sugar foods, dyes and toxins) for the health of our children.

Next, the things that our children hear on the TV, radio, at school or out in public is devasting to say the least. My youngest, being the smart kid that he is, picked up some choose words that we do not say in theis house, but felt the need to share at his school!! So some things I have control over and others I don't. So as for TV and radio, we are limited the amount the kids watch or hear. We go outside alot or play book CDs, do puzzles (Brett has a great brain teaser puzzle called "Traffic Jam"), take care of all our pets (chickens, also collecting eggs, lizards, snakes, dogs, etc.).

Finally, the things children see sometimes can be scary too. If we see inappropriate behavior I use it as a teaching tool to show what is appropriate and was is not. Also, always make your child feel that they are safe with you not matter what is happening.

I only scratch the surface of everything we should do for our children. We live in different world than when we grew up in and with that we have to make different changes to make them healthy.

PS. Don't forget to be a kid with your children. They will love you for it!!

Orange You Happy??? ;-)

2010-05-08T20:48:00.001-07:00

I hope you have a sunny day with your love one!! My boys and I have orange smiles ;-)

Beachtime fun 2010!!!

2010-05-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Fun times with my two boys and dogs ;-)

Easter Eggs anyone!!!

2010-03-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our dyed eggs last night and this morning at the easter egg hunt ;-) The boys had so much fun!!!

3 Years with my baby!!!

2010-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

On Feb 20, 2007 in a small court room in Rakvere, Estonia, Brett became our son!! Our judge was Judge Sirja Tooming. She looked over our documents with fine tooth comb and ask a lot of questions, but approved our adoption of our boy - we were so excited!! She told us to come back in 4 hours so we went to get our boy.

He lived with a foster family (a single woman with total of 8 kids living with her). It was heart breaking because when we arrived most of them were crying. Then my 6 year old son Michael started to cry. I asked him why he was crying and he turned to me and said mom these are happy tears!! After that we were all crying.

My boy Brett was happy and started walking 4 days before we arrived. He was beautiful! His green eyes were stunning and he was eating porridge. The caretaker crocheted a beautiful outfit for him. It was beautiful. Then it was time to leave with our boy - it was sad to say goodbye - how do say goodbye to a woman who took care of your child for the past year?? We did exchange e-mail addresses and I do send her updates and pictures every couple months. I also gave her a heart pendent to let her know that she will always be in our hearts for what she did for Brett and us. God Bless you Veronika!!

Brett's 4th Birthday Pictures

2010-02-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Brett's 4th Birthday pictures - enjoy ;-) We love you Brett!! We hope you had an awesome Birthday!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Brett!

2010-02-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Brett is 4 years old. I can't believe how big he is. I Love you baby and I hope your Birthday was the best!! I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. Please know that Daddy, Michael and I love you dearly! I thank God for my Brett Ainar!! We are truly blessed!!!

The big snow storm!!!

2010-02-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Buttercup was such a cutie pie too!!!

There was so much snow. But Brett was determined to climb that hill and sled!!

Unfortuantely, there was sooooooo much snow Brett did not go anywhere ;-(

My boys had fun in the snow ;-)

OMG - There is so much snow!!!

Here is the two boys and the two dogs playing in the snow!! Since they couldn't sled, they decided to get out their gifts from Uncle Neil and Aunt Jenny - Snowball Blasters!!A gift that keeps on giving ( a black eye that is) ;( Remember - pay backs when you have kids!!!!

Merry Christmas to all, and all a good night...

2010-01-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!!

And Buttercup in her kerchief and Kodie in his cap, Had just settle down (with a Penguin) for a long winter's nap!!

Even the doggies - Buttercup and Kodie - had visions of doggie toys and treats dance in their head. To their surprise, Santa was very good to them too!!

Their eyes , how they twinkled! Their Dimples, how merry!! Their cheeks were like roses, theire noses like cherries! Their droll little mouths were drawn up like a bows, and they didn't know which way to go!!!

When out of blue there arouse such a clatter, I sprang from my bed (7:15 AM) to see what was the matter!! When to my blurring eyes should appear, two little elves name Brett and Michael!! I knew in a moment - it was time to go DOWN STAIRS!!

Neil Donnelly
Lol! I luv the reference to 5:15-7:15. Funny!
December 25, 2009 at 9:28pm ·
Write a comment...

Our tree was lite so bright and merry that even Santa could not possibly miss our house... especially since mom was up to 5:15 AM!!!

Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...

Here are my two cuties on Christmas Eve before we went to church ;-)

Joshua Ciarlante
priceless. i love it. they look like the perfect irish gents from a Christmas movie
December 25, 2009 at 10:57pm ·

Winter Wonderland!!!

2009-12-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

It is a winter wonderland!! The kids and dogs are sooooooo excited!!! We are suppose to get over a foot of snow today!!!

Brett and Buttercup (AKA Butterball) enjoying the snow!!!

Michael and Buttercup snuggling in the snow!!

Of course I can't forgot my wild one - Kodie!! He is chasing Buttercup!!! Run Buttercup!

Kodie got Buttercup!! Poor Buttercup!!

My Soccer Boy

2009-11-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Brett had his last game - again he had a soccer goal to boot!! He received a medal in which he was real proud of! He is really athletic and it was good to release some of his energy!! I think sports are going to be his thing!! I am really proud of you baby!!

The kids were great at the Wedding

2009-11-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Brett was a great Ring Bearer! Brett walk so nicely down the aisle at the church with his cousin Taylor. The kids look great together! I was so proud of them. Brett looked so handsome in his little tux. I love you Brett Ainar! I love the last picture - they finally crashed out on a couch at the end of the reception after a night of crazying dancing. I love you guys!!

Rehearsal Dinner before the big Wedding Day!!

2009-10-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the groom, the bride, the bridal party, both set of parents and of course the flower girl and the two ring bearers. Fun was have by all at the Elephant Room @ the Crown Plaza for the Rehearsal Dinner:

Sleeping babies on the beach...

2009-09-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

My beautiful baby boy sleeping on the beach!!!

My Dad (Pop-Pop) snoozing on the beach!!

My Uncle Joe after a harde day at the beach!!

What A Life!!!!

Long overdue summertime pictures!!

2009-08-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful summer - down the beach, at Oma's house swimmming and back yard fun! It is amazing how much my sons are growing. They are everything to me!!! Even if it was a rainy day on the beach - flying a kite or playing in the sand or swimming in the pool...we had a great time!

As you can see Brett is a little Ham with the girls!

Brett loved the beach as you can see with the sand!!

Out of the mouth of babes...

2009-07-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

My older son Michael was teasing my younger son Brett. This is their conversation:

Michael: Brett, you are a baby!!
Brett: No. I am not!!
Michael: Yes, you are a baby!
Brett: No. I am not! I am mommy's baby!!

I love Brett so much! He will always be my baby!!! Even though he was not born from my tummy - he was born from my heart! It fills my heart with so much love to hear him say that he is my baby!!!

I love you babies!! Yes, you are both my babies even when you are 50 years old!!!

The Ups and Downs with a three year old....

2009-06-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Brett is doing well at home, however he's been acting out sometimes at preschool for the past couple of weeks. He has so much energy and when he can not go out due to the rain or can not do some other energy activity then he tends to act out at school. We told the school that they need to let him waste some of that pent up energy. His main teacher (Miss Jen) is really good with him and Brett is really good for Miss Jen. However, she has been out a lot for the past couple weeks and those are the days that he tends to act out. There is such a big difference between teachers too. His teacher (Miss Jen) will rub his back until he falls asleep for nap which doesn't take long (5 minutes) and he will sleep for a good 2 -3 hours. While other teachers will just yell for the kids to go asleep and will not rub their backs. No wonder he doesn't fall asleep for the other teachers. Brett is my sweet boy - I think he has trouble adjusting to change and he has a lot of energy. I can't wait to sign him up for soccer in the fall. He does really well in sports and this should help to waste some of that energy...At our home, we have 2 acres for the kids to running around on - so it wears the kids out. I am big beleiver on having the kids outside during the nice weather.

We also just finished our basement into a cool play room for the kids. It has multiple sections for the kids' reptiles and pets, for air hockey, a library, building blocks/legos, cars, artwork, chalk board, mini basketball net, football net, nerf guns, etc. It has plenty of room for the kids to running around too. It is great during rainy days! I will post pictures of the basement (before and after) once I can download my pictures onto my computer.

The Easter Bunny came to our house

2009-04-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter! The boys got up and found baskets of candy & small toys from the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny also left them a note that he hid some eggs filled with some goodies or a couple with $$$ in our living room (26 Eggs in total). Well my boys went crazy looking for the eggs. Of course I had to help Brett since their was 5 years difference between him and his older brother. After the egg hunt, we went to my parents' house for breakfast. Then we went to church and after church my parents gave us three more baskets filled with goodies. Then my brother and soon to be sister inlaw came over and gave the boys each another basket. So we had a total of 8 baskets of goodies and my one son does not eat candy! There was no way I was giving Brett all that candy. A 3 year old on a major sugar high is no fun when you have to chase him all day :-)

I will post pictures once I get my camera to download the pictures. I hope you had a great Holiday too!!

Big Kids, Little Kids & Dogs

2009-03-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Well we had another snow storm on Monday. The kids (Big and little) & Dogs loved it -Everyone had off from school and work! Fun was had by all!! Enjoy our pictures - we had a blast!

Brett was laughing so much!

Michael was helping Brett up the Hill as Daddy scoped out the best sledding trail.

Who is this mask man - Daddy is that you????

Michael flew down the hill!

Our Dogs (Buttercup & Kodie) were so cute in the snow!

Watch out -Daddy's turn (he is such a big Kid)!

Here comes Mommy with Brett!

After sledding, we went in and had some warm soup & hot chocolate - YUM! It tasted so good!

Two years ago...

2009-02-21T18:12:00.001-08:00

Two years ago on February 20, 2007, Brett Ainar officially became our son in a small court room in Rakvere, Estonia. Brett was always our son and was meant to be with us.

As I read his court documents (with tears coming down my face), it seems like a lifetime ago that we were in Estonia. Brett has grown so much since being home. We love him dearly!

Thank you God for our Brett Ainar!

I love you Brett Ainar with all my heart and soul!

Love and Kisses,
Mommy, Daddy & Michael

My baby turned 3 Years Old!!

2009-02-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Brett turned 3 years old this past weekend! I can't believe it - time flies! We had a party at our home and he was so happy. He celebrate with his family, friends and his cousin Taylor (they are totally cute - see pictures below). Brett, Taylor and Michael will also be in my brother's wedding -they will be so cute! I can't wait!! Well Happy Birthday Baby! I wish that all your dreams come true! I know mine did!!

Brett loves the cars so of course he had it on his cake!

Daddy helping Brett on his new bike!

We sang Happy Birthday to Brett and he blew out the candles early before we finished singing. Everyone was laughing and he was looking like why are you laughing!! He's my snugglebunny!!

Brett and Taylor - I think they thought it was both of their birthdays - Brett shared his new toys so nicely. I am proud of you baby!!

More Snow!!!

2009-02-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

We had another winter storm yesterday and last night. The kids had a blast sledding! Even I join the fun and went sledding a couple of times. Our dogs (Buttercup & Kodie) loved it too!! Enjoy our pictures!!

Did anyone see our snow angels?

2009-01-25T20:44:00.001-08:00

Here are our two boys enjoying the snow and making snow angels! Are they too cute for words....

Enjoy!!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

Fast forward to Christmas 2008....

Brett has grown leaps and bounds. He is so smart and only 2 1/2 years old ( he will be the big 3 years old in beginning of February). Brett and Michael are true brothers through and through. I love the pictures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of my two my boys. I hope you enjoy....

Happy New Year!!!

Our Baby Boy Brett Ainar in Estonia - Feb. 2007

2008-09-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our adoption journey to Estonia to adopt Brett

2008-09-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to Blog so I want to add all the beautiful pictures of our journey to Estonia to adopt our baby boy Brett. We left for our trip to Estonia on 18th of February 2007 ( a little late posting ... but late is better then never). We (my husband, my son Michael and myself) went to court on 20th of February. The judge was tough and look over our paperwork with a fine tooth comb - she told us she approved the adoption and to come back in 4 hours for the approved paperwork. So we went to pick up our baby boy. Our son Brett lived with a foster family (7 children & a single mom) in a not such good living conditions. Don't get me wrong she did the best she could with the little money she had. We arrived and the other children and foster mom were crying - it broke our hearts. My son Michael ( 6 years old at the time) began to cry. I ask what was wrong and he said mom these tears are happy tears. That was it, we were all crying. Brett Ainar was 1 years old - the youngest baby to come out of Estonia for international adoption. He was eating hot porrigde when we arrived. He had a smile that lite the room and the most beautiful green eyes! We missed him - we saw him in early October 2006 and now 4 months went by. He was already walking ( 4 days before we arrived) and he was so big. The foster mom had made an outfit for him to wear so we let her dress him before we left. The snow suit we brought barely fit him. He was a big boy. It was snowing and my husband carried him to the car. We went back to court to pick up our approved documents. The rest of the week we got to know our bundle of joy as we also explored Tallinn Estonia.

Adoption Timeline

2008-03-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2006 - pick our agency - Adoption Hope International, Inc.

July 28, 2006 - 1st homestudy interview with social worker.

August 15, 2006 - 2nd homestudy interview with social worker.

August 20, 2006- pick our country to adopt (Estonia)

August 28, 2006 - recieved videos of available children and a baby video :-)

August 28, 2006 -called angency and told them to hold the baby for us and possibly another older child.

September 29, 2006 - October 4, 2006 -went on our 1st preview trip to see the baby "Ainar".

October 4, 2006 - accepted referral of our baby.

October 10, 2006 -sent in complete and apostled Dossier.

November 15, 2006 - sign court papers and authorization papers.

Febraury 2007 - got a call from the agency that we had court on Febraury 20th, 2007 WHOO!!

Febrauary 18, 2007 - we (including our 6 1/2 yr old son) left for Estonia for our little boy Brett Ainar.

March 4, 2007 - came home from Finland (had to go to Finland for his Visa) with our baby boy!!