Barber Bustlings

Bailey is ten years old. I still remember the day she was born. I remember the first time I felt her move in my belly - it felt like a fish swimming across my stomach. She has been such a blessing in my life since day one. Of my three kids, she was and still is the best sleeper. She is strong and independent, but still loves being with me. I hope that lasts; I hope we can make it through the next ten treacherous years. Bailey is social, smart and sometimes sassy. She is so much like me; that is where we clash. I want so much more for her, hope for her to not have my weaknesses, but then I take a step back. I want her to have the freedom to be who she is without apology. I'm sure my parents did their best at being parents, but I never want my kids to feel that who they are is not good enough. Aren't we all trying to be better than our parents were and hoping our kids will turn out even better than we did? I have never met anyone more determined than Bailey. When she w...

I am so glad my kids have a wonderful father. I am a very lucky woman to have Scott in my life! Scott and I were asked to speak in church on Father's Day. For those not of the LDS faith, they let normal church members speak at the pulpit during our Sunday meetings, especially when you are new, so you can introduce your family to the congregation. I don't normally have a problem speaking in public, but Father's Day is difficult for me. My father passed away 13 years ago, very unexpectedly, while I was in Venezuela as a missionary. Of course I think about my father every day, but Father's Day is a hard day. Scott's father passed away almost 4 years ago from cancer; the day is difficult for him, too. I miss both of our fathers and miss the grandfathers they would be to our kids. Needless to say, I cried off and on during my talk, but I was able to testify of C hrist, His love that heals and the power of the Atonement. I know our families can be to...

We had so much fun with Myles' pirate-themed birthday party. I don't have my computer set up so I made one invitation, then photocopied the others. My kids were enthralled as I burned the edges to make it look old like a treasure map. I also had a blast making the treasure chest cake. The party consisted of several games. First up, the kids had to walk to plank. Next, the kids dueled on the plank with swords (breadsticks). Whoever was left standing with sword in tact won. Next up was hooking pretzels. I fashioned a hook out of the top of a hanger inside a plastic cup. As soon as I get my computer up with the pics from my camera I can show what I am talking about. The boys took turns hooking pretzels to see who could grasp the most. Next we had a pirate piñata. Then we had cake and opened presents. Before the parents came we had a scavenger hunt to find their goody bags. It was a fun party and I was glad when it was over. I asked Myles what his favorite part of the pa...

Today Myles turned 6. I apologize for the pictures but they are from iphoto because my computer is not yet hooked up and I am stuck using a mac laptop (which I am  grateful to have) but miss the better quality of my camera.  Anyway, Myles Jay Barber is a true miracle and gift from God. All children are miracles and gifts from God and I do not mean to downplay anyone else's miracles, but Myles really came to us at a time when I thought we might never be able to have any more children. The fact that Bailey came without a hitch just proves that when she wants something badly enough, she will make it happen! After Bailey we suffered two miscarriages; both were hard on me emotionally and physically. I had a good friend who was a labor and delivery nurse who suggested I take a baby aspirin every day of the first trimester of my next pregnancy. Miraculously, this worked and Myles joined our family. *** Myles had a rough first year due to acid reflux (though he was en...

We have been in Utah for 11 days. In the past we have spent longer than this visiting Utah so in a way I am still just a visitor here. However, the house we bought needs a lot of work (more than we realized) and so I certainly won't call this a vacation. Before I rant about the negatives, let me stress that people have been very friendly to us here. We love our little cul-de-sac and the neighborhood. People at church have introduced themselves and as soon as school gets out here I know we will have playdates with our new friends. The first week here we were able to spend a lot of time with my mom and her husband, Bert. We also saw my siblings a few times. That really helped ease our loneliness and perpetuated my feelings of being here for a visit. We love being closer to family. I have enjoyed the downtime. Had this been the first week of summer in Arizona we would have been running from activity to activity, with my kids constantly needing friends over and swim time. Here my c...