Our Christmas Visitors

We have had the BEST week with lots of friends coming to visit us (in all reality - Peyton!) on Pine Valley! I have cooked & washed LOTS of dishes, but all worth it! Pictures & Captions:

RBC Staff (missing Lauren, Jake, & Hudson)

Monday - Started with hosting the Royston Baptist Staff for an appreciation lunch! It was wonderful - Christmas appetizers, Sarah Gregory's Chicken Chili recipe (Thanks Sarah!), Mom's fudge, Christmas candy, & JB's favorite - Derby Pie.  Monday night, we got to meet our dear friend, Margie in Commerce (Peyton slept the entire dinner...so no pictures)

Tuesday - Youth from our church in Atlanta, Second Ponce de Leon Baptist, came to visit & meet Peyton. I made Nancy's yummy Bar-B-Q Chicken pizza & we snacked on leftovers from Monday.  It was so much fun to catch up, play with Peyton, & laugh watching Griffin & JB play the Wii.



Wednesday - JB's dear friends, Scott, Amanda, & Luke Angle came to visit, as they were headed back to MS. WOW - we got a picture of our lives in 7 years.  Luke, 7 years old, is ALL boy & full of energy. It was so much fun to picture future Christmas moments.  Thank you Angles for being such role models for JB.  Sarah Gregory's baked spaghetti for dinner - a great casserole for a group!!

Thursday - Ansley & Rose came to visit - my student teacher from Fall 2009 & her daughter.  Ansley is such a giver - making the drive from Atlanta, bringing sweet Christmas gifts, & hugging Peyton. I just wish we could have visited longer, but so thankful for the short time together.





I can't begin to describe how excited Jonathan & I are to share our first Christmas with Peyton! We are making special memories with special friends & as a family. 

Barlow Christmas!

We survived my first week of work! Let's see - I cried several mornings leaving for work, JB forgot the diaper bag for the sitter, we had to scramble to find a sitter due to a funeral, Peyton decided to pick up his 2am feeding again, etc.  Needless to say, we were exhausted by Friday! But, I am excited about the job & my new students!
This past weekend Papa Rusty & Nana Barlow came to visit! We had the best time together - relaxing at home, opening Christmas gifts (b/c we'll go to KY to be with the Fraley family after Christmas), & enjoying worshiping together. Here are a few pictures of Peyton opening his gifts -

Grandmama Fraley is on her way to come visit this weekend! She is going to help me prepare for a Staff Appreciation Luncheon for Monday, December 20th.  Any ideas of what I can serve? I'm still thinking.....

Insanity: the Workout, the Weekend, & the New Job!

This week, Jonathan & I decided to start the workout program, Insanity (thanks to Nancy & Phil!).  Let me tell you - it is a GREAT workout.  We have motivated one another, smelled like we've never before, had Peyton laughing at our jumping jacks, & been extremely sore! We only have 54 more days...I'll keep you posted on the results!

Peyton Christmas Tree Shopping!

We had the best weekend! We went Christmas tree shopping - I packed the video camera & camera to capture Peyton's excitement of getting his first tree.  As you can see from the picture, he was beyond thrilled. We stayed up until midnight decorating (& I am NOT a night person, but was enjoying myself so much, I lost track of time)! We finished our home decorations as well - garland outside, candles in the windows, our Snow Village set out, etc.  We also had several Christmas parties - it was great to continue to make friends in the Royston area.  It was truly a magical weekend.

Peyton 3 months old! Wed., Dec. 1, 2010

Finally, another added detail to our week & another change to our lives...I got a job! It truly is an answered prayer.  I was hoping to find a part-time in education. Our county was on a hiring freeze, so we knew it would be a long-shot.  But, I applied, interviewed, & got a part-time tutoring position at Carnesville Elementary working with 4th & 5th graders to help prepare for the Spring test. I'll admit...I've been tearful all day thinking of leaving Peyton.  But, I am grateful for this position & have a friend watching Peyton. Another change with the Barlow Bunch...we'll keep you posted on how this week goes with our new routine!