Peyton is FOUR! What He can teach us!

Our first born is FOUR!  I truly can't believe it!  It has been a whirlwind of a year for Peyton.  I love reflecting over the year & hope one day to put these blog entries into a book for my boys.   There are many things Peyton has taught us over the years & continues to teach us as he grows & we grow.
1. Determination!  Peyton suffered a broken femur on September 3rd last year & had to be put in a full-body cast.  He showed so much determination, with such a high set-backs (back in diapers, unable to walk two weeks post-cast, etc).  Peyton truly taught me not to give up!

September 2013

2. Patience! Whew - has Peyton taught both Jonathan & I tons of patience.  We are both middle children - "peace-makers," "let's please those around us,"& Peyton is NOT!  Peyton is our strong-willed child who pushes every limit.  We have had to learn the importance of consistency & continue try to teach Peyton patience, as he is also teaching it to us.

Thanksgiving 2013

3. Pure JOY - Peyton lives in the moment & finds joy in whatever he is doing - whether that's playing, singing the "clean up song" as he helps clean up (sometimes after several reminders), talking to himself on the potty.  :)  His pure happiness reminds me to find JOY in all I say & do!

Peyton & Derby  February 2014 

4. Love of Learning - Peyton LOVES school - as the summer drew to an end & I had to return to work, his words, "YES - now I can go back to school!!!"  He loves to tell me what he's learning. He loves that I'm a teacher.  He loves his teacher, Miss Jill.  I am thankful for his love for school & thirst for knowledge.  (As I was anxious about returning to work, Peyton's enthusiam encouraged me that he did love "school" & his sitter.)

Easter 2013: One of my favorite pictures!

5. Confidence - Peyton is confident!  He is sure of himself & not afraid to try new things!  He's not afraid to meet new friends (at the park, swimming pool, Wal-Mart, anywhere)!  He asked me the other day, "Mama - am I a teenager?"  I assured him he was not (Although he already wants to be one).  What a wonderful reminder - let us be confident in who God has created us to be.  I pray Peyton always has confidence.  

May 2013: Peyton confident he's catching a shark! 

Jonathan & I thank God for blessing us with Peyton Baker Barlow!  He has already taught us so much in four short years & I pray for many more wonderful years with this sweet boy!  May we always be open to learning from our children. 

Nolan is TWO! Life lessons from a 2-year old!

Tomorrow, our second born, Nolan Crosby, is going to be two!  I can't believe it!  Where have two years gone?  Nolan is our huggable, lovable, sweet spirited little boy.  He LOVES his big brother & attempts to do everything that Peyton can do - sometimes he succeeds & sometimes he fails!  I thought it might be appropriate to share a few tidbits of knowledge I have learned the past two years.
Things Nolan has taught me in the past two years - 

 1. Embrace LIFE - Nolan loves life & smiles (even when he's crying).  He loves being around people (to the point where I have trouble getting things accomplished when he's awake).  He loves going to new places.  He loves trying new foods.  He truly has embraced life & I'm reminded I need to have this attitude daily.

Fall 2013

2. Be adventurous - Nolan loves any adventure (like his Papa) - from going 25 MPH on the jet ski, to sliding down a huge slide, to asking to swing HIGHER.  I tend to stay on the cautious side & blessed I have a little boy who isn't afraid to try something new.

Winter 2014 

3. SMILE - Nolan smiles to EVERYONE - nursery workers, grocery cashiers, my girlfriends, neighbors, & even strangers.  What a wonderful reminder - a smile can take us far places.

Easter 2014 

4. Have Fun - Nolan loves to laugh - whether that's being tickled or that he finds Peyton acting silly, he laughs.  Similar to smiling, I've been reminded on my tough days, Nolan's laughter makes everything much better.

Nolan's first popsicle 

5. Be Content - Isn't contentment a hard word?  Well, this boy doesn't struggle with it at his young age.  He is one of the most content toddlers I've been around, which is such a blessing in our household.

Nolan's first fishing trip

May I always find lessons I can learn through my children! Happy Birthday Nolan Crosby!

A Must-Read Book & Summer memories

Wow - I just finished an excellent book, Intentional Parenting, recommended to me by my sister, Nancy.  I loved it!  The book covers 12 chapters that each dispel some of the most common parenting myths.  They remind the reader that truth can empower both the parent & child, & become what God has called us each to be.  I love one of the last chapters, "Being a Free Parent," when the author states, "...that instead of focusing on being the parent God's called you to be, you can focus on being the parent God frees you to be."  As I read it, I would share my favorite parts to Jonathan.  I wanted to share it with you - as I know we all struggle with the day in, day out of parenting.  It was an inspiration for me (Thank you Nancy for sharing)!

A parent must-read! 

Oh, have we had a fun summer!  Father's Day was spent at church & the lake.  I do believe Jonathan felt loved & special.  Thank you Jonathan for being Peyton & Nolan's Papa!

Father's Day & celebrating a fabulous week of VBS

We survived Jonathan's back surgery - thank you for the many prayers.  He goes for his recovery appointment this upcoming week.  The first few days were tough, but he has done remarkably well!! Jonathan was improving so well, he travelled with us to Kentucky!  We have made it a tradition to go to Kentucky for 4th of July.  We had a blast & the weather was perfect!!!  My mom hosted a very successful Mary Kay party, we shopped, played with the cousins, & ran the Bluegrass 10K.  Nancy, Anna, & I had not run a race together in several years!  We crossed the start line together & all met our individual goals.  Woo-Hoo!!! (We were all excited!) 

Bluegrass 10K - Nancy, Anna, & myself

My parents fixed a feast for the 4th - all my favorite summers dishes!  We celebrated summer birthday's & ate way too much food!  The cousins had fun playing together - my boys loved the babies!!!  It brings so much joy to see our family grow!  

Celebrating the 4th! 

Laney, Peyton, Nolan, Carter, & Luke 

The boys just got back from "Cousins Camp" where they spent several days with Grandmama & Grandaddy.  Jonathan & I had a few quiet days & were able to be productive at home (& work for him).  Peyton & Nolan are home & the house is now busier, messier, louder, & more full of JOY!

FREE Summer FUN!

We have tried to soak up summer before today - D-Day…Jonathan's back surgery.  This has been a long time coming - MRIs in February saying that he had a herniated disk & would need surgery.  Jonathan wanted to wait until I was out of school, being that he can not lift or play with the boys.  We had it today - thank goodness we went through with it.  It was larger & harder than thought.  We appreciate ALL the prayers many of you said for him.  So…we have been busy leading up to today!!! 

We enjoyed several trips to parks - playing & picnics. FREE FUN! 

Jonathan & the boys at Victoria Bryant State Park 

We went the Canon Airport - sat in an airplane, talked with a mechanic & owner, & saw planes fly off.  FREE FUN!

HEAVEN for Peyton! 

Nolan in awe! 

We had Mega Sports Vacation Bible School at Royston Baptist!  I was so proud to see Peyton singing those church songs, earning his good behavior stars, & learning more about Jesus.  The theme & my 2nd graders that I 'sheperded'  were excellent.  We LOVED it.

Father's Day & Mega Sports VBS Sunday Celebration

Jonathan took Peyton to Home Depot to make a free craft - a lawn mower!  FREE FUN!

Peyton proud of his lawn mower! 

For my birthday, we went the Aquarium (you are FREE on your birthday)!  It was one of the best birthday's.  Jonathan surprised me & took me to my favorite Atlanta restaurant, Atlanta Fish Market, for lunch (a great time to go with two boys)!

Atlanta Aquarium on my birthday 

Nolan loved to put his hands in the water & try to touch stingrays

We are slowing down this week - taking care of Jonathan (& thanks to Nana for her help), completing summer home projects, & trying to get ahead on a few school things (all while the boys sleep).

I love free fun!  I love summer!   I am blessed to have three wonderful boys to share in the memories. I am thankful for smart doctors who took care of Jonathan today! Check out these wonderful attractions in Georgia & - THANK YOU for your prayers today & moving forward!

Hello Summer Break!

Hello Summer break!!!  I am so excited to see you!  Whew - it's been a tough school year & I am ready for a much needed reprieve.
I have loved drinking my coffee in my pjs, getting to feed my boys breakfast, enjoying a long workout (if you live in the Royston area - come to boot camp at the park - it's awesome!!!), & my favorite summer outing - swimming by a pool! We have already started our summer off with a BANG!!! My sister, Nancy & her family, came to visit us for Memorial Day weekend.  We had a blast - playing outside, shopping, bowling with the boys, exercising, & just enjoying time together!  I always cherish family time & feel so blessed that both the Barlow's & Fraley's come to visit.

Laney & Carter, Peyton & Nolan 

Nancy & myself with our youngest
 

After the Boatman's departure, we headed to Destin, FL to see Jonathan's parents & enjoy time on the beach.  This year was so much EASIER & more FUN than the previous years!  I wasn't nursing, neither boy needed a morning nap, Peyton loved to play in the sand & explore on his own, Nolan was happy with his Papa under the umbrella (he is his father's son), & I got to start reading an excellent book, Whistling Past the Graveyard.  The weather was beautiful at the beginning of the week, but we did have rain at the end of the week.  While in Florida, Jonathan & I celebrated our seventh anniversary.  We appreciate Nana watching the boys so we could go out on a date!  It was wonderful - beach-side dinner, yummy ice cream, & uninterrupted time together (which is rare).  

LOVE!

Enjoying Papa Rusty's boat 

We loved our time away!  

BIG, BIG news with the Barlow Bunch - I am now a Mary Kay consultant! Yes - I am going to sell make-up.  Jonathan is beginning his doctorate this fall at Duke Divinity, & I'm hoping this may help in a small way with his school loans.  I am excited to begin this adventure, but also nervous it could flop.  Of course, I want to be successful & make a positive difference in women's lives.  So - if you wear make-up, love feeling pampered, & love giving good gifts - call, text, send me a Facebook message, & I'd love to book a party or sell you product.  Crossing my fingers & praying this is a financial blessing for my family.
Welcome Summer - I've missed you!

To love & be loved on Mother's Day

As I was driving to work this week, I heard that 90% of mothers aren't truthful about their role as a mother - 40% claim it's not what they expected, & another percentage (can't remember exact amount) claimed it was much harder than they imagined.  The radio announcer then said - "There are a lot less mountaintop experiences than we think there are in real life."   This hit me.  Mother's Day was a mountaintop experience for me. But - this week alone - my 3-year bit a child at the sitter (a new one) & went to time out several times for throwing "fits" during transition time.  My 1-year old has not been sleeping well & I rocked him last night for an hour from 1:30am-2:30am & has started saying "No" a lot!  I feel I always share my mountain top experiences on this blog...but, today I want to be truthful.  I LOVE my boys with my heart & soul.  Motherhood is HARD.  I am always tired.  I am always praying.  I am always thankful to have such a wonderful spouse, whom compliments my weaknesses. Hang in there Moms - we have a HARD, but an extremely rewarding job!  Here are a few highlights from Mother's Day -
A wonderful church service!

Mother's Day 2014

After church, we took naps, played outside, & Jonathan made the most delicious dinner (all my favorites!)  My big gift - a new flower bed with knock-out rose bushes, clematis vine, & pine straw.  I love it.
Thank you to my mother-in-law & mama for being such wonderful examples for me.  My boys are loved!

My mother-in-law - Ophelia Barlow  Summer 2013 

My mom - Kathy Fraley & Peyton  Fall 2013

From a devotion my mom sent me today -   God isn’t going to let you see the distant scene either. So you might as well quit looking for it. He promises a lamp to our feet, not a crystal ball into the future. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know He leads us.  As Hebrews 4:16 promises, “we will find grace to help us when we need it.” From Traveling Light by Max Lucado God - Give us grace as mothers!  Amen

Our Easter

We had such a blessed Easter!  Our morning started with Peyton saying to Nolan, "Good morning Nolan!  Happy Easter! Jesus has Risen!"  Music to my ears - the true meaning of Easter.  In our secular world, full of Easter bunnies, Easter baskets full of gifts, the true meaning is easily lost.  I am thankful my 3-year old remembered the true meaning of Easter.  Jonathan preached a fabulous sermon, our choir sang beautifully, & the weather couldn't have been more perfect!  Our family of four enjoyed a quiet afternoon & steaks on the grill.

Easter Morning at RBC

Peyton & Nolan running in the church yard 

Posing in front of our beautiful church 

One week earlier, Nolan got to participate in our churches egg hunt.  Unfortunately, Peyton had a terrible stomach bug, so we missed it.  I have to share a  sweet picture from the hunt -

We made special memories, were able to worship the Risen Lord, & spend time as a family...not much more I could ask for as a mama!

Motherhood - a little of this & that...

I know all you mothers & fathers feel like me - running ragged from one event to the next, tired from lack of sleep, & just trying to balance & maintain your role as spouse, parent, & career (or stay-at-home role)!  I have been disappointed in my myself - neglecting to take the time to write - one of my favorite things.  I hope one day I can put these blog posts in a book for my boys - an online journal for them. 

The boys are growing - Peyton asked last week, "Mama - does the Easter bunny come down the chimney like Santa?"  :)  He also remembers the true meaning of Easter - that Jesus died on the cross (but it is very hard for a 3-year old to learn of baby Jesus at Christmas & adult Jesus dying just a few months later...a concept to discuss when he's older).  Nolan is finally saying more than, "Mama, Papa, & ball"! Nolan now wants to mirror his big brother - he even tries to "pee-pee" in the potty like him! Ha! 

My policeman & firefighter 

I made my first solo trip to Kentucky with both boys for our spring break.  Whew - let's just say we all survived - unhealthy snacks, lots of movies, & even a few spankings...not one of my proudest moments as a mama.  But, we loved spending time with our new cousins - Laney & Luke! 

Luke (in my arms), Nancy & Laney 

We missed Carter's birthday party, but celebrated his third birthday by going to the Lexington Children's Museum.  The boys had a blast! 

Nolan pretending to eat!

Our cowboy, Peyton 

Nolan LOVED the babies! 

We made it home safely to Papa (the trip home was much easier)!  We are loving this spring weather & preparing our hearts for Easter Sunday.  I am home today, a Sunday morning, with one sick little boy.  As he sleeps, I have had time to thank God for his sacrifice - loving us unconditionally.  In our weak moments as parents, I hope we all can remember our great God who loves us & cares for us!  Happy Easter!

Sooo Many Visitors...Too Little Time!

We have had a houseful of visitors this month...& we have felt sooo loved! We had my parents come for a long weekend, one of my best friends - Desiree & son Luke come over my fall break, my in-laws visit, & another best friend & children here from NC!  We have made many memories - Friday night bowling, trips to Athens, Saturday mornings at the park, & late night talks.  Each time our family & friends left, I truly felt it wasn't long enough - I needed one more memory, one more meal shared, one more night spent together.  I truly feel loved & my happiest when our home is full!
Desiree & I met Summer 2006 & became instant friends!  We were both interns at LaJolla Presbyterian in LaJolla, California!  We have shared in one another college graduations, weddings, moves, job changes, pregnancies...the list could go on.  Having a friend on the other side of the country is work, but we both put in the effort, we both care, & we both are fulfilled after spending time together! What a blessing!
Here are a few pictures -

This is about the best photo we could get with three boys three-under!!!
(& Peyton wanted to stand by the sticks! :) )

Peyton & Luke loving bowling!

Nana & Papa Rusty visting! 

I cannot forget to mention the major FIRSTS in the Barlow household during the past month & that were very monumental in this Mama's eyes -
1. Nolan's first haircut!!! Yes - my children are born bald & do not get hair until at least ONE...so Nolan had his first cut at 18 months!

Nolan's first haircut! 

Nolan posing for a picture! 

2. Peyton's first trip to the dentist!  I was a nervous wreck!  We have a very strong-willed first child, & I was picturing Peyton screaming & running out of the dentist before he got his teeth cleaned (which is one reason I didn't go at age 2 - I felt he needed to be a bit more mature!).  He did AWESOME - thanks to our hygienist & friend - Kelly!!! If you live near me & need someone to clean your teeth - ask me about Kelly!  She calmed all of Peyton's fears, explained all procedures, & made it fun!  (Whew...I survived too!)

Peyton's first dental appointment 

I hope you have had a wonderful month & enjoyed each moment - the big ones & the small ones!  May God fill our days with family & friends who we can show love & feel it in return!

A Week of Snow & Love!

What a week!  It started off normal - all to work & the sitter, but by Tuesday morning we were stuck in our home with ice & snow.  Jonathan & Peyton hurried off to get wood from a church member (Peyton had planned to "cut" it with his sword :) ), while Nolan & I found flashlights & all the candles in our home.  As the snow continued to fall, we waited for our power to go off.  Instead, we've had heat the entire week.
As a working mama of two small boys, I have such a hard time leaving them during the week, therefore, this week has been such a blessing!  We've played in the snow, watched movies, made Valentine's, had many races with Peyton's cars, & Jonathan & I began P90X3 (whew - I'm sore!).  It has been such a gift of time.  Here are my munchkins playing -

Nolan checking out the snow 

Peyton won't stand still for a picture! 

It is a rare opportunity to get to slow down & just BE.  I always have appointments, trips scheduled, & my long to-do list to accomplish during our planned break.  Our family of 5 (yes - including Derby) have gotten to BE this week.

Our Bunch (even Derby) & Olaf (from Frozen)

God has blessed us with "family" in the Royston area.  The Burrells have become our family - loving on our boys, helping us with home projects, baby-sitting so Jonathan & I can still have date nights...the list could go on!  We even got to make memories with them in the snow -

With some of our favorite people - Lisa & Mary Catherine 

Mary Catherine & "Little Man" 

I couldn't be more in love with my boys!  I get asked a lot - don't you want a girl?  I look at them & always say, "God has spoiled me with these boys & I couldn't be happier!"  My boys love on me, tell me I'm "pretty" when I wear skirts (true story!!), admire my jewelry, & just spoil me!  They are truly the love of my life.  Happy Valentine's to you & your loves!

Date Night with my love!

Happy Valentine's Day! (Yes- Nolan has a HUGE bruise!) 

O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise ... Psalm 51:15.