3.31.2010

2010 Walk for Life

~2010 WALK FOR LIFE~

**click on the link above**

If you have a chance, check out my site for the Walk for Life 2010. If you would like to sponsor me, that would be great. If you would prefer to send a check, just let me know, and I'll email you my address. Thanks all!! ♥



.outside.

A day outside...

Loving the time outside....

Enjoying the beautiful weather....

Does it get any better?

SPRING IS HERE!!

Love....

Her idea of playing... :)






3.29.2010

..life..

Things have been so wonderful around here today. I am so thankful for the Lord showing me how to handle my kids and myself to change things around here. Today went so nicely. Praise the Lord!

In other news....I caught Emilee smiling today (photo attached) :) I've been trying to catch her smiling with the camera and keep failing! GRRRR. Every time I get the camera out, she stops smiling. But I finally caught her!!



The kids have been fun, but calm today. I kind of wonder if they aren't coming down with something. We'll see. Kyle napped today. A little backround. Kyle NEVER naps. And hasn't since he was about 2 1/2. Alex napped too. And he hasn't for about 6 months or so. That was strange. And poor little Em. She's been spitting up every feeding. Yucky curdles. I feel bad for all 3 of them . But other than those things, they've been fine. Like I said. We'll see. Joanna has been so helpful and sweet today. It has been a real joy! I'm hoping the I-don't-like-Mommy phase is OVER!!! She's been doing really well the past couple days.

Well, that's all for me. Thanks for reading.



3.26.2010

I just wish


I just love watching my baby. I love listening to my baby. I just really wish I could capture it. I mean, really capture, and then carry it around with me so I never forget the little sounds she makes. The way her face scrunches up. Or how big her little mouth gets when she yawns. I really, really wish I could just remember it all forever. ♥




3.24.2010

Colds.

I haven't so much as had a sniffle since Emilee's been born, but today I woke up all stuffy and feeling funny. :( I could do without a cold right now, but at the same time, I'm thankful this is the first I've had one. I'm not feeling so awful or anything, just a little run down, slight headache, mild body aches. You know, how you feel with a cold.

Anyway, other than the cold, we had a nice day. Emilee took two really good naps today which was a total surprise....and really nice! The boys wanted me to take their pictures while doing silly poses. They were being so cute. I'm just bummed my camera wasn't in better focus. Oh well. They are still pretty cute. :)






Sigh....I just love them ♥


3.23.2010

Studying with my girl.


Joanna and I started a Bible study of sorts on Sunday night. It's been so much fun taking that time and reading God's Word with her. And watching her try to understand what the Bible is talking about is so precious. She's starting to ask questions and trying to understand the Bible for herself. It's been such a precious time. It's been so wonderful watching her curiosity in Christ grow. I love my little girl and hope that someday she comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.




3.22.2010

WHAT A DAY!

Oh my goodness. What a day today has been. It's just been one thing after another.

It started at 3 AM with Kyle waking up and whining next to my bed. Not a I-woke-up-and I'm-scared whine. But a I-want-you-to-wake-up-to-turn-on-the-TV-and-get-me-chocolate-milk whine. Needless to say he was in for a rude awakening. He ended up going back to sleep just in time for Emilee to wake up and nurse. Then she decided that she was up and at 'em. So, I took that in stride. No big deal. I'll get her to sleep, then I'll get a little more sleep before I have to get up to take Jo to school. In all fairness, I got about an hour more. And I was really thankful for that. So. Getting Joanna up this morning went well. Better than usual actually, which should have been my first clue. She happily got up, went into the living room to drink her chocolate milk and then started giving attitude. She didn't want to put her cup on the table, she didn't want to get dressed, she didn't want me to do her hair. SHE DIDN'T WANT ANYTHING! It was really frustrating. Meanwhile, the boys are running all over the house being extremely loud and Emilee is just sobbing! This was all before we had to leave!

Leaving went well, and the drive to the school went well, and dropping off Jo went well. Then we came home and the fighting started and NEVER STOPPED! Kyle and Alexander have been at each other throats all day. And it's so frustrating because they communicate so poorly. So I'm constantly trying to figure out who's lying and who's telling the truth. We had to run to Wal-Mart to pick up some things and that actually went well (PRAISE THE LORD!) Then we left to pick up Jo and the fighting started again!! I never knew a 2 year old and a 3 year old could fight so much!

Picking up Jo was an unfortunate event today too. She got in trouble. Not huge trouble. But trouble. And that makes me so sad because she's usually a good kid. But whatever is going on here at home is spilling over into school. I really think our new approach on things is going to help. It's really hard though.

All this, and even now there are meltdowns going on all around me! AHHHHH!!

But you know. A friend of mine said something to me today and I think it's so true : "Good thing kids are so amazing. I'm convinced that is the only way we make it." - Tracie LaCorte

I couldn't have said it any better.

My kids are amazing. And wonderful. And I'll take all these bad days if it means I get to be with them.




3.21.2010

What a glorious weekend

Despite the issues I'm having with my daughter (which seem to be getting better) I had such a wonderful weekend with my family! Joanna stayed the night at Grandma and Papa's Friday night, so it was just Jon, the boys, Emilee and me. We had pizza and just lounged around for the evening. It was really nice. Jon went to a friend of ours house to help with some gardening because we're doing a garden with them this summer. That should be fun. Anyway. It was just a nice night to relax.

On Saturday, we last minute decided to take the boys to the Imagination Station! What a great idea that was. They had such a wonderful time and was worth every penny. I loved watching the boys get into all the imaginary play. Their creative minds amaze me! They played and played for hours. It was so fun. I even met a woman with a baby the same age as Emilee and that was nice.

**i was bummed about the crummy pictures, but still cute nonetheless**






After the Imagination Station, we had to do some shopping for a baby shower I was going to today (Sunday). I found some really good deals which ALWAYS excites me. Then we headed to Grandma and Papa's to pick up Joanna. She was happy to see me, which surprised because usually she isn't. But I was glad. Then we came home and got everyone bathed and put to bed for church.

Today has been a good day too. I love going to church. Having the opportunity to worship my Lord and Savior, fellowship with fellow believers, who wouldn't have a great day if it started out like that?? I am just so thankful that I can worship my God without any restrictions. I love my Jesus so much! He has blessed me more than I can say. Oh, and Lee was doing a sermon on Biblical Parenting. I had to leave half way through to nurse Emilee, but I got the CD, so I'm hoping to listen to it maybe tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to hearing. Lord knows I need some guidance lately.

After church, I went to a baby shower for a friend. She had a really good turn-out. I was a diaper/wipes party and she got a TON of diapers and wipes. But like I told her, she'll use it all. It's amazing how much of that stuff you go through.

It was a nice weekend. I'm so thankful for all the Lord has blessed me with and continues to bless me with.




3.19.2010

The Challenges of Parenting

**I know the picture's blurry, but I just love it of her!**


I love being a mom. I'm one of those that, when growing up, and asked what I wanted to be, I would almost ALWAYS say a mom. And up until the past few days, the journey, although challenging, has been really fun! But I'm struggling with something that I didn't think I'd have to deal with for at least another 5+ years or so. My sweet Joanna doesn't like me. I don't even know what to make of it. When I ask her why she doesn't like me, she says "I don't know." What do I make of that? Well, I've been praying about this something fierce lately and I think I'm starting to get some direction. I'm going to start by spending more "mommy Joanna" time. Doing different things together that I typically put off. I'm going to start making them more of a priority. And second, I'm going to start being more prompt about my discipline. We've been so lax in that area and it's time to step it up again. I'm sure we'll come out of this all smiles, but right now, it is such a painful process. I'm glad I can find comfort in the Lord and the knowing that He gave me these children to raise to love and honor Him. So He thinks I can do it! We'll see!






3.18.2010

A long sigh.....

I'm not sure what my deal is today, but I'm in a funk! Hence the title of this post. I just feel like a long sigh. The kids were really testy today...or maybe it was just me. Who knows. I've been praying so much today, just trying to get to the bottom of what's going on, but I've come up empty handed so far. Oh well. I'm just going to keep my eyes focused on Jesus and keep loving on my family.








The kids and I took a walk today. Being outside was SO nice! I'm hoping Spring is here to stay! The kids are loving all the outside time too. They seem to be sleeping better. That's always a plus of outdoor play. I'm so thankful for the swing set form Jon's cousin. The kids have gotten so much use out of it and I'm sure they will get many years more. It has been such a blessing!





Am I Growed Up Yet?


This is Kyle's new favorite line. He asks me on a regular basis if he's "growed up." Today he walked up to me and said his usual, "am I growed up yet?" And then, before I could answer, he said "I am growed up! I am growed up! See, I'm on my tippy toes!" Haha. I just have to laugh out loud because I just love things from his point of view.




3.17.2010

Day 1

Well, this is my attempt at joining the blogging world. I know next to nothing about blogging, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Today was a good day for the most part.

We'll start with Joanna. Yesterday she informed me she doesn't want me going on her field trip with her and her school. I was, needless to say, heartbroken. She's only 5 for pete's sake! Anyway. I told her I'd like her to think about why exactly she doesn't want me to tag along and we'd talk about tomorrow (which is today). I asked her if she figured out why she didn't want my along. She told me she did it was just that one of the other kids at school's mom wasn't going, so she didn't "get" (yes, she said get) why I was coming. I calmly explained to her that the boy she was referring to, mother has to work. At a job. And be away from him all day long. Well, that brought on the tears. She thought it was awful that his mommy barely got to see him. I told her that sometimes both mommy and daddy's have to work to cover all the bills and groceries and such. She seemed to understand. But she then realized that she was glad I was home with her all the time. I guess, in the end, it was a good thing for her to have to look at. She's always had me. Since day one. And I praise the Lord for that. The thought of both Jon and I being gone all day, everyday, was something she's never had to think about before. Other than that, her day was good. She was her normal, wonderful, loving self. I adore my big 5 year old little girl. She's just so amazing.

Kyle. He's my 3 (almost 4) year old terror! A little backround, ever since Emilee (who I will get to a little later) was born, he's turned into this little devil! I'm not 100% sure what's going on, but we're taking it in stride. He gets up every morning demanding his chocolate milk. And ever time he says "get me my chocolate milk" I calmly ask him to say "can you please get me some chocolate milk?" He repeats what I say, but we go through this EVERY MORNING! Every single one. He never wakes up and asks nicely. Boy do I hope that passes someday. His worst today was biting Alexander (my other son). His automatic response was "I told him I'm sorry." So he thought he didn't need to be disciplined. Well, he was in for a rude awakening. I wasn't too harsh though, because, in all fairness, he did try to correct it himself. He's so much fun otherwise though. Today, after his bath, he came and sat with me and we just laughed. I love his little laugh. And he has a very contagious smile. Oh, and his giggle is amazing!

Alexander had a pretty good day except for the melt down he had because it was time to come inside. It's been nice here lately, so we went outside today and enjoyed the nice weather. Well, he seemed to think it wasn't quite time to come in. He ended up falling asleep after crying incredibly loud and hard. Which then caused problems for bed time because he wasn't tired! Oh well. You can't win them all. Xander (that's what we call him a lot of the time) is so funny! I love to listen to him talk. And oh can he talk. He's almost 2 1/2 and the boy has plenty to say! I wish I could type out the way he says things, but it's just not as funny as when he says it.

Emilee was born February 2nd and is the newest addition to the Barnes Family. It was a little harder than I expected, but things are starting to iron out. Like I was saying earlier, Kyle has been having the hardest time adjusting. And he loves Emilee, he's just been acting out like CRAZY! Anyway. Emilee is the first one of my kids that I've been able to successfully nurse. I think I lacked confidence and desire with the first 3, but with Emilee, I have both. I took alfalfa throughout my pregnancy, so I think that may have helped my milk come in faster, which lead to a satisfied baby earlier than usual for me. She's been such a joy! She's our last baby, so I've been soaking up every little thing. Not that I didn't with the others, but since I know I'll never experience any of this again, I'm trying to pay better attention. She's starting to smile on response which is so much fun! I love their little smiles. Oh, and the cooing is so precious. I love all the little sounds they make. I can hardly believe how much she's changed in the past 6 weeks! It happens so fast, I'm afraid to blink!

As for me. I'm 26 and have 4 kids. And they were all born after I was married. Having 4 kids is so different that I ever thought it would be. And I don't really know why. I mean, really, why is one more kid such a big deal? Oh well. The Lord says He won't give me more than I can handle. He seems to give me the grace to get through all these trials. I'm so thankful for my salvation and the fact that I don't have to figure out this life on my own. I'd truly be lost without His guidance. I really want to get back to a more regular quiet time. I haven't taken nearly enough time with my Lord. And that's so important. I need to make it a bigger priority. I love my husband. Even now, when we can't seem to get along. God blessed me with an amazing man who loves me way more than I deserve. Who is an amazing father. And a hard worker. I am truly blessed.

Well, this is my first attempt at blogging. I hope I did it right. I probably talked (if that's the term to use) way too much! I get accused of that all the time! :)