Parenting & Prayers

No one tells you how hard parenting can be... your own parents, your best friends, all the books you can read... Monday night was one of those nights for us.  Peyton is an energetic, fun-loving, active, all-BOY toddler.   When he has something on his mind, he doesn't forget it.  Jonathan & I didn't give in, so we saw many tears & angry yelling from our little boy.  I went to bed crying, wondering how parents survive.  It must be the power of prayer - prayers for wisdom, clarity, the presence of the Holy Spirit, a love for Jesus in our little boys' heart, etc.  For new parents, old parents, & in-between - how have you done it? What gets you through those tough days?
My little boy -

Playing with Jonathan's shoes & hats - his favorite toys! 

Moving onto my shoes...

Our wild man playing at Noah's birthday party 

Secondly, we learned on Tuesday that I might not have a job for the 2012-2013 school year.  There are major budget cuts for Franklin County School System & a possibility of my school closing down.  This brings heartache to our school - for those of us who might lose jobs, for those who have taught for years at Carnesville Elementary, & for the friendships formed.  Many tears have been shed this week in the Barlow home - tears with parenting. tears with the unknown, tears for more change before Nolan arrives.  This is life, isn't it?

Nolan's Nursery

We are excited about getting ready for Nolan's arrival - rearranging our guest bedroom, creating Peyton's room as a "toddler" room, cleaning out closets, & creating a space for Nolan that is HIS space.  After many discussions, lots of internet searching & comparing prices, we finally went back to our favorite bedding from Pottery Barn.  Here are a few pictures of what will be Nolan's space -

If you know me, I don't tend to go with all "neutral" colors.  Peyton's nursery is the Pottery Barn Dr. Seuss - all bright primary colors.  What I love about this bedding - it is completely different! I want Nolan's room to be different in every way.  I love the big basket (see picture 2) & hope to find some to store his blankets & toys (I've already been looking & have had no luck).  I am also having our art teacher paint a canvas with a Bible verse on it.  I love the neutral look for Nolan & excited to begin planning.
Do you have any creative suggestions for Nolan's nursery? I love to decorate, but always copy ideas from others...
Happy Saturday!

Where I Belong...

I feel the idea of death has surrounded me the past few weeks.  It began with Easter & reflecting on Jesus' death.  My dear friend & early running buddy, Billie Jean, has dealt with two unexpected, tragic deaths.  My co-worker, Susan, is a ROCK, as she continues to deal with her husbands unexpected death 2 1/2 years ago.  Another dear friend loss her niece at delivery.  Yesterday, Peyton & I had to take a detour home due to a car accident with at least two deaths.  Driving to school this morning, my new, favorite song (by Building 429) came on the radio.  I began to sing the chorus at the top of my lungs...reminded we are not where we belong...

Take a minute & listen to the song.  I love this YouTube video - tears came to my eyes.  Our hope is in the Lord.  When we get to heaven, what a celebration! 

Our Easter Weekend

Our Easter weekend was filled with family fun.  As a full-time working mommy, I treasure weekend time with Jonathan & Peyton.  Jonathan & I have always been the type that love hanging out with friends all weekend, but as Peyton has come along, I can tell I soak up the minutes with him (although, I do love spending time with friends...I hope you understand &/or can relate). 
Saturday, we took a road trip to Iron Station, North Carolina to celebrate Noah's Sexton's 2nd birthday! It was sooooo much fun to see Beth, Jeremy, Noah, & Eliza! We could not get a picture of Noah & Peyton together (they were too busy playing!!!), so Beth & I snapped a photo.

Easter Sunday is the biggest Sunday on the Christian calendar (along with Christmas Eve service). Being married to a pastor, I think I was more nervous for Jonathan's 2nd Easter Sunday.  I wanted to make sure we were early to bed, ironed our new Sunday clothes, prepared a special breakfast, & prayed God would prepare Jonathan's heart & mind.  It was phenomenal! Our choir cantata was unbelievable & I was proud of Jonathan's sermon, believing God was truly present in the sanctuary.  A few shots of our family -
We are in front of the Living Cross at Royston Baptist: 

Peyton is more interested in the motorcycle!

After church, we enjoyed eating Easter lunch with the Brister Bunch - Aaron, Billie Jean, Eden, Lily, & Isaiah.  We all have a blast with our friends & thankful for them!

Peyton, Eden, Isaiah, & Lily

On Friday, it was cold & windy.  It made me stop & think of Jesus' sacrifice.  The sun shone brightly on Sunday morning, reminding me of the risen Lord.  I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend.  I hope you were able to step back & remember the reason for celebrating the Easter holiday.

Celebration Weekend!

I could not have gone to Kentucky at a better time! Peyton & I had many things to celebrate while in Kentucky! I am on Spring Break this week, so we took another road trip alone...8 1/2 hours later we made it to Georgetown.  We were able to celebrate -

1. Carter's 1st birthday (our nephew/cousin)
2. Nolan's first baby shower (with my dear friends from college... a "bum" shower - diapers & wipes)
3. Mom's birthday (can you believe my mother is ONLY 39!)
4. Kentucky as NATIONAL CHAMPIONS....what a blast!!!

It was a wonderful trip & time to see family & friends.  I'm not sure when I'll be able to go back, due to Nolan's arrival August 3rd.  We went to the doctor appointments today (yes - I'm high-risk so I see multiple doctors...often!).  Nolan is right on pace with his growth & weighing 15 ounces.  Jonathan & I even picked out his "coming home" outfit.  Nancy & I love the Kissy Kissy brand (check it out if your a mama!) & I got him a white gown with blue scallops.  It's so sweet.

For the remainder of the break - spring cleaning, Easter dinner preparation, visiting with friends Lauren &Beth, Easter Egg Hunt with the Bristers! I am loving every minute off of work! Here are some precious pictures from KY -

Carter & Peyton...impossible to get them in a great shot!

Carter loving icing!

Nolan's Shower with forever friends from GC!

Nancy & Anna

Celebrating Mom's birthday!

Anticipating Easter!

Holidays become more & more fun with children, especially as they begin to understand the purpose.  Last year, Peyton did not understand the holidays, but Jonathan & I loved celebrating with him.  This year, he is beginning to communicate & understand.  This Sunday, our church had an Easter Egg Hunt.  Peyton LOVES being outside, & he is a TRUE boy - getting dirty, running with Derby, & crying when we have to go inside.  Therefore, I knew he'd love running outside to find eggs.  The pictures say it all -

The Barlow Bunch anticipating the hunt!

Showing Peyton what to do during an Easter Egg Hunt

Peyton understands the game now!

Look at him go!

We had the best time & Peyton WON sidewalk chalk (one of his favorite outside toys)! We look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday on April 8th.

A Quiet Night...

Jonathan is in Kentucky, scouting out a summer mission trip; Peyton is in bed; we are not watching television for Lent; I am enjoying a rare quiet night in my home.
There are a million things I could be doing...I have been sick all weekend, therefore, my to-do list did not get completed.   I finally caught Jonathan & Peyton's nasty virus which had me in bed all weekend & miss a day of school.  Thankfully, I am on the mend.  Due to not being able to read (a horrible headache) & not watching TV (Lent), I had hours to think & pray.  I love reading my friends (& blog acquaintances that I feel are my friends...haha) "Things They Love" blogs.  Well, I have a LONG list of things I'm thankful for (& for your sake will not mention them all), but here are a few -
1. As hard as it is working full-time, I LOVE my Kindergarteners!!! I never knew I'd love this age group so much! I love tying their shoes, making letters & sounds, reminding them NOT to tattle-tell, creating "their" spelling to words in journals, etc. I love my co-workers & school.  God is good to have placed me in such a good place.

Peyton (orange shirt) in the mob with my Kindergartners 

 2. I love our dog, Derby.  I know there are thousands of other things to be thankful for, but on nights I am alone, I appreciate him even more.  I truly feel safer with Derby guarding the door (although - if you knew my dog, he'd probably wag his tail at alone who tried to break-in)

Derby Barlow 

3. I am so grateful for this book, Jesus Calling  by Sarah Young.  My Sister-In-Law gave it to me for Christmas & I have loved it.  I read it while drying my hair in the mornings (it's hard to find quiet time in my house) & many mornings I have left for work feeling uplifted.  Thank you, Amanda! 

4. I truly am thankful for my friends in Royston, Georgia (I am thankful for ALL my friends - in KY, CA, OH, Atlanta) but this weekend, especially thankful for the wonderful, godly ladies I've met in Royston.  I was worried I'd move to a small town & have no one (let's face it - it's hard making friends as adults).  Thank you for opening your homes & hearts to me.

5. Of course, I am soooo thankful for my boys - Jonathan, Peyton, & Nolan on the way.  I already remind Peyton that,  "...he has to be patient with Mama because I take a much longer time getting ready than he..." He nods, laughs, & runs away.  As you mama's & wives know, there is no one more special in your world that your family.  

Peyton & Papa celebrating! (Peyton's 1st Birthday Party) 

Take a minute & think of what you are thankful for this first day of Spring.  Now, I hope this blog doesn't leave you sick up in bed, but do spend time pondering God's goodness in your life.
Blessings & Much Love!

Baby Boy On The Way!!!

We are almost 1/2 way there - 20 weeks on Friday!  There are many days that I forget I am pregnant! It is true...with your second baby, things are very different.  While pregnant with Peyton, I was extremely sick first trimester, horrible back pain second trimester, gestational diabetes, throwing up... the list could go on in the third trimester.  I worried about everything & had a long list of questions for every doctor's appointments in my little green book.  I gave up caffeine, took the Rx pre-natal vitamins (who knew the over the counter has the same ingredients), did not touch seafood, etc.  The nursery was planned months in advance (although we had no clue where we'd be living).
With baby two, I've felt great with only mild nausea, forgotten to ask questions at the doctor's office, relaxed on the caffeine (no worries...I'm not overdoing it!), given up sweets & on different Rx in hopes I can avoid the diabetes, & only begun brainstorming his nursery.  So, I have to remind myself our second sweet boy is arriving August 3rd!
Have we told you the name?  YES - Jonathan & I have come to agreement on the name!

Nolan Crosby Barlow

Nolan - a name we love (& for Jonathan it is after Nolan Ryan)

Crosby - a Barlow family name 

Our family will be growing in August...I continue to be amazed with God's goodness.  I pray we will be the best possible parents to both Peyton & Nolan. 

Most recent family photo with Nolan on the way! 

One of my favorite family photos pre-Nolan 

We will have our hands full with two Barlow boys! 

Note - I do not take Baby Bump pictures...not really my thing... 

Beach Bums!

I married into the right family...my in-laws live in Destin, Florida! This past weekend, Jonathan, Peyton, & I traveled to Destin to celebrate my mother-in-laws birthday, run a 1/2 marathon, & enjoy a long weekend with cousins.  Our highlights -
1. Jonathan ran the 1/2 marathon in 1:29!!! He was 1st in his age group & 15th overall! Miss Ophelia finished under 3:00 & did amazingly well! We are so proud of them both!
2. Peyton & Lele LOVED the ocean (& it was freezing)! It was so much fun to watch my toddler squeal at the waves.  They would've stayed outside all day...shivering.
3. Celebrating Miss Ophelia's birthday at our favorite restaurant,  Sticky's.  If you travel to the Destin area, it is a MUST! SOOOO delicious!
4. Catching up with family! We miss seeing siblings, parents, & cousins.  I hope Peyton (& baby boy) really know & love their cousins.  I cherish moments watching the children play together.
It was a great weekend.  Peyton & Jonathan both came home sick - pink eye, sinus infection, & a contagious virus (along with Peyton cutting 4 teeth).  Therefore, I've sanitized the house tonight, hoping I do not get it.

Bath time with the cousins!

Lele & Peyton: You can see their squeals!

This pictures captures Peyton's true joy!

Jonathan & Peyton after the race

The Runners: Jonathan & Ophelia

What special memories!

Fingerprints of God

This Spring,  I have had the opportunity to lead the Bible Study, Fingerprints of God by Jennifer Rothschild to a group of women at Royston Baptist.  I spent many weeks debating & praying over what study to complete with these women.  It's amazing how I was led to this study & love it.  To check out her website -

http://www.jenniferrothschild.com

It is the first Bible Study that I have completed by Jennifer & I am loving it! Jennifer is blind, but discusses how we can see & experience the presence of God.  This study challenges us to truly look for God. How do you see God? Do you take time in your ordinary daily moments to listen to God?

Since becoming a mommy, I see God everyday in my child.  First, through the birth of Peyton.  Then, seeing his mannerisms, personality, & looks.  Most recently, I see God through Peyton's daily new vocabulary & skills.  I see God through - the sunrise, sunset, my students, friends, special conversations, cards in the mail, anytime I hear my favorite Chris Tomlin song, flowers, my husband...I could go on.

Take a minute to think how you SEE God.  How do you see God's touch?  I would recommend this study to anyone looking for a new Bible study! Prayers to you & your family.

Back to the Bluegrass...My Winter Break!

Peyton & I took our first TRUE ROAD trip this past weekend.  We drove 7 hours to Kentucky to visit family & friends.  I'll admit, I was nervous taking an almost 18 month old alone in a car with me.  Jonathan & I "tag-team" our long drives, taking turns keeping Peyton "entertained" in a car.  Thankfully, he couldn't have been more perfect.  He loved his Sesame Street DVD, talked to himself for twos hours, ate many Cheese-Its, & survived the long drive.
We had the best time in the Bluegrass - celebrating Ashley & Megan's baby girls arriving this spring,  shopping with my sisters, eating my favorite home-cooked meals (thanks Mom!), running in the bitter cold (it was 70 in Georgia today), loving on my precious nephew, & making memories. Peyton & I loved our road trip!

Ashley & Megan's Baby Shower

Peyton loved Auntie Anna's hats! 

Family dinner with Cousin Tommy & Delean 

Girls Afternoon (notice Carter posing for the picture!) 

I love the fact that Franklin County Schools has a WEEK-LONG Winter Break!!! It is wonderful! Today, Jonathan & I went to doctor's appointments for Baby Boy & all is well.  He is growing (already 5 ounces), healthy (strong heart beat & measurements), & I'm feeling pregnant! It is true...with your second baby, you "show" much sooner! For my Thursday, more doctor's appointments & deep spring cleaning.  For Friday, a Barlow Bunch family day...I'm so excited!!!
My prayers to you & your family.  Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season.   I hope you have had time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice today & for the next 40 days.

Our Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day Highlights - We had a wonderful Tuesday! It started off early...
1. As I went running, Peyton woke up (5:30am) & didn't go back to sleep!!! So, at 7:00am, we got him up.  I was able to eat (quickly!!) Royston Drive-In pancakes & ham biscuits with my boys...the best gift!
2. Jonathan went shopping at Joann's Fabrics (YES...he did) & got me fabric, buttons, a pattern, etc. to make Peyton or baby boy 2 a romper.  Cross your fingers...one day you may see my sewing on the blog.
3. Kindergarteners & Valentine's day = EXHAUSTING! Enough said...
4. We did not have a date night, but instead ordered pizza & gave Peyton his new golf clubs (we found them on clearance after Christmas).  It's hilarious how much Peyton loves his clubs (Jonathan's dream come true).

Miss Jeanette & Peyton (his Royston Grandma)

Peyton & Peyton (don't look at the house!) 

Peyton excited about his new clubs

Papa showing Peyton how to play golf!

I am thankful for my family & a special day to show my love! Valentine's day was not the easiest as a teenage girl, but so much fun as a wife & mommy.  I hope your Valentine's was extra-special with the ones you love!

Psalm 37:3-6 "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."

(The verses on Jonathan's wedding ring) 

Our Weekend!

The Barlow Bunch had another wonderful weekend with family.  Papa Rusty, Nana, & Jack (their Maltese)  came from Destin, Florida to visit for the weekend & celebrate the Super Bowl.  We had a fun-filled weekend - dinner out to Carolina Pizza (if you live in the area...it is a MUST pizza joint) & Bob's Small Town Grille, an afternoon of golf, sewing lessons, cooking new recipes, Sunday church, & the Super Bowl!

If you don't know Jonathan, one fun fact about my husband - he LOVES football! This week, he watched every segment of Sports Center, read anything he could get his hands on concerning the big game, & even preached on the Super Bowl...haha.  SO, Sunday night was the climax of the season for him.  We had a blast hosting the RBC youth group, laughing at the commercials, cheering on our teams, & eating way too much!

We are thankful for family willing to travel, love & spoil Peyton, & spend time with us.  It is hard to live seven hours from both sets of parents & siblings.  We are thankful for a loving community in Royston, but miss seeing our family on a daily basis.  Consider yourself lucky if your parents & siblings live down the road! Thank you to the Barlows for a fun-filled weekend!

Jonathan, Ophelia & Peyton, Rusty 

Susan, Ophelia & Peyton 

I just had to add a few fun pictures of Peyton.  He LOVES playing outside & didn't want to stop to take pictures!

Peyton & Derby - Best Friends! 

I am very excited to finally write this post...as I have been waiting until the appropriate time to share with you - my family, friends, & readers.  Jonathan, Peyton, & I are excited to announce that the Barlow Bunch is growing!!! Yes, BABY BOY 2 will be arriving on August 3, 2012! 
The second time around, I wanted to tell my family more creatively than we did with Peyton (a phone call).  Peyton told our family on Christmas Eve (Fraley family) & on the 26th (Barlow family) from the pictures below created into a card.  My family opened it without me (but received a phone call soon after) & the Barlow's opened the card in the middle of our Christmas exchange.  It was so much fun to see (& hear) their surprised looks!

The sign reads, "For Christmas, Santa brought me...

"...a baby brother or sister!"

We learned Monday that we will be having another baby BOY.  I am thrilled that Peyton will have a younger brother.  I already envision bunk beds in their future! This pregnancy has been MUCH different than Peyton's - no nausea (THANK GOODNESS...especially with a little one running around), & cravings of orange juice, pizza, & sweets!!! For 13 weeks, it has been a breeze... Thank you for sharing in our joy of our new little Barlow bunch!

What I'm Lovin' this Saturday Morning!

Being a full-time working mommy, I cherish Saturday mornings (even MORE than before Peyton)! There are so many things I love about Saturday mornings -

1. Sleeping until Peyton wakes up (instead of my 5:15 am alarm)
2. Snuggling with my husband...if Peyton allows...
3. Cooking breakfast - pancakes are my favorite! (my husband always cleans up!!!)
4. Sipping on coffee & watching the Today show (my absolute favorite TV show...yes, I do DVR it during the week & watch if time allows) 
5. Playing with Peyton in his tent with all his toys (& not worrying about dinner, meetings, bath time, etc)

This Saturday is extra-special because my parents are here! Mom & Dad got in late last night & plan to stay until Monday.  We plan to shop (while the guys golf), enjoy a big church celebration tomorrow, & Jonathan & I are going on a long overdue date tonight (& have FREE baby-sitters). 

Peyton loves Mama's pancakes!

Peyton & Grandmama Fraley

These are the little things that I LOVE about life - moments at home with family, feeling relaxed & rested.  What do you love on Saturday mornings? Have a blessed Saturday! Much Love...

California Love

We are back safe, sound, & sick!  Peyton & I had a blast visiting the Jacobs family in San Diego, California.  It was one of the BEST weekends I've had in a long time (minus missing Jonathan in GA)!!! Desiree & I picked off right where we left off two & half years ago... the last time we saw one another.  We talked late into the night & didn't stop until early Monday morning, the boys loved playing together, & Jesse allowed us to have tons of girl time! Our highlights -

Dez & Susan (posing in front of her adorable home)

Peyton & Luke - new best friends! Shopping with their Mama's

Coronado Island, CA...beautiful!!! 

San Diego Zoo: Peyton loved the giraffes! 

As you can see from the pictures, we went to the beach, the zoo, & the fabulous CA shops.  It was truly a memorable trip.  Thank you Jacobs family for opening your home.  We love y'all!