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.

Sweet SNOW, Sweet baby, & Sweet run!

What a wonderful month - SNOW, new birth, & personal celebrations!  We got SNOW this past week in Georgia!!!  The boys (including Jonathan) loved it!  It truly was a gift of time for me - 2 1/2 days off to spend playing, cleaning, organizing, & resting.  We taught Peyton how to make snow angels & snow balls.  We drank hot chocolate & ate popcorn while watching movies.  It was wonderful!  (See the highlights below!) 

Two weeks ago, I got to meet my niece, Laney Kathryn Boatman.  I was thrilled to spend some time holding this sweet girl & seeing my family.  It was my first trip to Kentucky without any of my boys! I was able to stay up late, sleep in, & spoil Laney!  I also got to celebrate Anna's upcoming birth of her baby boy, which I loved being a part of (& often miss big events).  

Last weekend,  some Royston running friends & I ran the Atlanta Hot Chocolate 15K (9.3 miles!).  We enjoyed some girl time - shopping, eating out, & enjoying downtown Atlanta while running.  It was a tough run - many hills, & due to sprained ankle & sickness in December, I was not fully prepared.  BUT - I am so thankful to have friends to PUSH me to do early morning runs, run an extra mile, &I hoping my children are seeing the benefits of exercise.  

It's been a whirlwind of a month - travels, babies, & cold weather.  Nolan is FINALLY walking at 18 months (he had his mama worried), Peyton continues to learn new things & become more imaginative in his pretend play, & Jonathan just had his BEST golf game today!  We are blessed & look forward to what the next 11 months hold for the Barlow bunch!  

Snow in Georgia - 

Nolan in the snow! 

Peyton learning to make a snow angel! 

Visiting my family in Kentucky for MLK weekend -

Laney Kathryn & Aunt Susan 

Laney wide awake! 

Celebrating Anna & baby BOY with my college friends & daughters from Kentucky -

Ella & Sarah Gregory, Anna & baby, Me, Codye & Campbell

Mom, Anna & baby, Me 

Don't you love the sign?  Misty Moore & I run to eat!!! :)

Misty & Me - Excited to run the Hot Chocolate 15K! 

FINISHED

The Most Wonderful TIme...

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! It truly is the most wonderful time of year.  After some needed time off, I am beginning to feel reenergized as a wife & mama.  We have made many memories this Christmas break - singing Christmas carols at the nursing home, looking at Christmas lights & a live nativity scene with the RBC children, Christmas shopping, baking cookies, creating a gingerbread house, seeing friends....so many to even share.  As a mama, I have loved getting to see my boys in the morning, help get them dressed, eat breakfast together as a family, & spend lazy days together.   It will be hard to return to work, but I don't want to think about that yet...
Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of the Christmas break -

Making our family gingerbread house!

Christmas Eve Service is one of my favorite services all year!  The boys sat with me this year (& when your husband is in charge it was two against one)!  Thankfully, our family-friends sat with me.  It was a holy moment for me & another way to emphasize the TRUE meaning of Christmas to Peyton!

Christmas Eve Service at Royston Baptist 

Of course, I wanted Christmas pictures in front of the tree...do you see how successful I was at this adventure?

Trying to take a picture of a 3 & 1 year old....oh my!

Christmas morning was magical - seeing the excitement of the boys' faces as they opened their gifts & playing for hours on the den floor.  Each year becomes more & more fun with these boys!

Christmas morning! 

This year, we went to Destin, Florida to spend time with my in-laws.  It was wonderful - too much eating, too many presents, too many memories.  The best memory for me - NOLAN FINALLY WALKED!  It was a magical moment, & one request I've prayed for many months.   The pictures can say more than I can -

Cousins in pjs Nana made for them! 

Trying to take a picture with Aunt Amanda...not happening! 

I hope you & your family had a blessed Christmas season.  As I begin to pack up the Christmas, I will always hold these memories close to my heart.  May you have many Christmas memories that you can hold close to your heart.  

Merry Christmas from the Barlow Bunch! 

A Blessed & Thankful November

Where are you, November?  The days seemed to FLY by... we celebrated Derby's birthday, my Dad's birthday, & Jonathan's birthday.  As you can see from the picture, we celebrated Jonathan's at home - grilled steaks & homemade milk chocolate pound cake.  Jonathan & I used our date night to pick out a mattress! :) Our Christmas & birthday gifts for this year are mattresses (man...we are getting old!).  It was a sweet celebration with my boys.

Jonathan's Birthday - the boys want cake! 

I was counting down the days for Thanksgiving break - the students & I both needed a break!  We had the BEST time in Kentucky.  I got to see my college roommates, who continue to be the BEST of friends.  I have been in Georgia for NINE years & they still call, email, text, & make time for me when I come to visit!  I am so blessed.  It was so much fun to see the kids - as our group continues to grow (& some couldn't make it due to sickness & bad weather).  Jonathan asked, "What did we talk about?"...with 5 children under the age of 5 there's not much quality conversation...ha!

Sarah, Ella, Codye, Campbell, Barrett, & my boys 

BUT - I LOVED every minute with the sweet girls!  I am convinced we will be forever friends.

Sarah, Codye, & Me 

On Thanksgiving day, Phil, Jonathan, Anna & baby, & I ran the Thoroughbred Classic at Keeneland race track in 21 degree weather (& a wind chill of 9)!  Nancy had a feast when we returned & also hosted our growing group for Thanksgiving dinner.  We had all of my favorites, ate too much, & exchanged Christmas gifts.  We made many memories.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Look at these precious boys - Carter 2 1/2, Nolan 16 months, & Peyton 3 years

Carter, Nolan, & Peyton 

My sweet sisters & their unborn babies (Anna with a baby BOY & Nancy & unknown gender baby)!

Me (& NO baby), Anna & baby, Nancy & baby

We have much to be thankful for this year - a healthy-walking 3-year old, a cancer-free 16 month old, a teaching job for me, & a wonderful church who loves our family.  Don't you have much to be grateful for during this holiday season?  God is so good & I am reminded of that daily.  Happy belated Thanksgiving!

All Treats...No Tricks!

Where has the time gone? Jonathan's birthday, Thanksgiving, & Christmas are all quickly approaching (& I'm not ready for any of them)!  Every holiday becomes more & more FUN with the boys.  Peyton wanted to be Spiderman or a Pirate for Halloween.  I found a pirate costume on clearance, so that was decided (& Nolan's was on sale too)!  The boys loved seeing the costumes, the neighbors, & the candy!

Halloween 2013

Matey Peyton does NOT liking posing for pictures - it makes me so mad (& I think he knows it)!  He has a beautiful smile & I can rarely capture it.  The picture below is the best I could do.

My pirates! 

This past weekend, we went to Savannah for the Rock-N-Roll marathon!  Jonathan has been training for MONTHS for this marathon.  My mom & Aunt Sally decided a few weeks ago to join him & run the half.  My Dad was my life-saver - taking the runners to the shuttle at 4:45am, helping me transport the boys downtown, watching Nolan while Peyton & I cheered on Aunt Sally, Grandmama, & Papa. WOW - they ALL did awesome.  I hope when I'm retired, I still am running marathons.  We couldn't have asked for better weather & fun memories! 

The runners & their supporters! 

I'm so proud of my husband! 3:13!!! 

Happy Fall!