4 Years!

Jonathan & I celebrated four years of marriage on Thursday, May 26th! WOW - how the time has flown by...as a child I hated that saying...but, it's true!
In four years, we have - 
Both completed our Masters of Divinity
Moved 3 times within Georgia
Traveled to the Bahamas, Ghana, Gatlinburg, TN, Charleston, SC, CO, MS, KY...
Changed Jobs
Had our precious Peyton
Experienced both highs & lows as a married couple
The advice I have given my friends who have gotten married after me - 
Be gracious to one another because you both will make mistakes
Learn each others love language - show them!
Listen to one another & learn how to clearly communicate
Find a hobby to do together
It's OK to be upset near your spouse, but not at your spouse
Marriage is work...good work!
Our Challenge for this next year of marriage - 
We enjoy reading books together as a couple, but need to work on our quiet time &/or devotions together.  We discussed our "love languages" & want to continue to put forth 110% toward the other spouse.  While running this morning, I thanked Jonathan for having the desire to continue to want to work on our marriage & make it the possible it can be! I look forward to many more anniversaries!

JB's first trip to KY & Keenland

Our 1st Anniversary Dating - I thought JB was proposing!

Summer 2010: Peyton on the way!

Peyton's Arrival!

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy & dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness & patience.  Bear with each other & forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14 (read at our wedding)

Beach Bums!

We just returned from our beach trip to visit the Barlows & Prices in Destin, FL.  We knew this beach trip would be different with Peyton, but wonderfully different. I'm the girl who is usually out at the beach by 9am & doesn't pack up until 6pm.  With Peyton, we had to be a little more flexible! Peyton loved the sand & loved the pool! We came home with good tans, felt rested from a busy spring, & made many memories.  I think the pictures can tell it better than I can - 

Peyton waiting for the plane! 

Exploring & Eating Sand!

Date Night!!!

Papa & Peyton! 

Peyton in the Pool!

Cousins: Laid-Back Hayes & Playful Peyton

Flying Home 

Thank you Papa Rusty, Nana, Uncle Seth, Aunt Amanda, & Hayes for making the week special! Back to reality & to a week of work....

Face Lift for the Blog!

Jonathan here... sending out a quick message to everyone just to let you know that the blog has undergone a face lift.  Susan wanted to change it up so I handled the logistics of making it happen and Susan was in charge of the creative design.  I hope you like what you see!

The Latest...

Mother's Day was incredibly special! Jonathan outdid himself & I have big shoes to follow for Father's Day.  Sunday morning, he got us McDonald's breakfast (my favorite) & showed me the video he made & posted on the blog.  What a gift that I will always treasure! My BIG gift was an elliptical machine! I LOVE it & have already used it numerous times.  My only Mother's Day request was that I not cook on Sunday.  Jonathan grilled out chicken & steak kabobs, sweet corn, & prepared salad.  It was delicious.  Thank you Jonathan for my first Mother's day!

My favorite Mother's Day gift! 

A guilty pleasure - curling up with a good book! Life is very different with a little one, but when I have a few minutes, I take it! Since dating, Jonathan & I enjoy reading a book & discussing them.  I have a new favorite book that Jonathan & I both can't put down & has created a lot of discussion in the Barlow household.  A book I'd recommend to all parents & teachers - Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax. Check out this YouTube Video interview with Al Roker from the Today Show (also a favorite & guilty pleasure) -
Why Gender Matters
It's worth watching the clip! I don't advertise many things, but this is one I'd recommend.

Prayers to you & your families this week! We are headed to the beach tomorrow!

Happy Mother's Day

For my Beautiful Wife on her First Mother's Day!  Peyton and I love you very much!

This is the day the Lord has made!

Peyton 8 months

Peyton turned 8 months old on Sunday, May 1st! To celebrate this day, we had also scheduled Peyton's baby dedication at Royston Baptist.  We were in a unique situation with Peyton's dedication, as Jonathan is the senior pastor.  We didn't feel Jonathan should dedicate his own son, so we asked Dr. David Sapp, from our Atlanta church, to come dedicate Peyton.  It was such a special day!

The Sapps & Barlows

Not only did the Sapps travel to Royston for the dedication, so did Atlanta friends - Lauren & Chuck Allen & Margie Coggins, all dear friends to Jonathan, myself, & Peyton.  The Sapps, Margie, & Lauren (& Chuck) were some of the first to know about our pregnancy, threw us beautiful & generous baby showers, have watched Peyton grow the last 8 months, & prayed for a safe pregnancy, delivery, move to Royston, & now guidance as new parents.  What special people to celebrate with us!

Margie & the Barlows

Lauren & Chuck

We also had Eddie, Misty, & Alera Holland join us for Peyton's special day.  If you remember from an earlier post, Misty is the friend that I flagged down walking & the rest is history.  I think I text or call Misty on a daily basis asking baby questions...what an answer to prayer.  Moving to a new town as a new mother is scary & the Hollands have been such a blessing!

Girls & Babies!

Last but not least, our parents & Auntie Anna (we thought Aunt Anna sounded funny...so, we're going with Auntie & I love it) also came for Peyton's special day! WOW - what a help! Due to my inconvenient ankle sprain, our parents were a HUGE help in preparing for Sunday.  They helped with the cooking, cleaning, & yard work (a picture for a future blog).  Peyton was spoiled to pieces by both families (& we were too).

With Auntie Anna

Papa Rusty, Nana, Grandmama, & Grandaddy!!!

My sister-in-law, Amanda, mailed a card with the verses, "I prayed for this child, & the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord, for his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28 These verses ring true in our lives & our prayer for Peyton's life. Sunday was truly a day the Lord hath made!