MOSH

We've been having a lot of fun, here in Jacksonville, and keeping ourselves very busy. We went to the Museum of Science and History for children. At the museum, they were able to pet a possum and play with a couple of box turtles. Ella was sad when they wouldn't get the snake out of the cage to let her hold it. Funny girl.



After we finished up at the museum, we went over to The Jacksonville Landing to have dinner on the pier. It was a beautiful windy day.

Ethan Rides a Bike!

So I know that Ethan is way over due to be riding a two-wheeler without training wheels, but we've just been lazy about teaching him. We were heading over to the caboose park with Amy's boys and we only had one bike with training wheels that was in working condition. I told Ethan he could probably ride a bike without training wheels if he really tried. Well, he met that challenge and had a huge smile of pride on his face. It's only fitting that Ethan would ride a two-wheeler at his very favorite park to ride bikes at. He's been riding at the caboose park for as long as he can remember. Ethan can't wait to get home and show his daddy! Good job, little man!

Speaking of milestones: Since coming to Florida, Ella has gone potty in the toilet every time! That's a big deal! Yipee!

Yumm Yumm

These are two places that are "Must Eat Ats" when we visit Florida.

Florida

The kids and I came to Florida to visit family on Tuesday. We live about as far away from them as possible in the U.S. so we had to take three flights to get here, making our travel day over 15 hours. I know our trip to China next month will make this one look like a breeze, but traveling with two little ones on your own is never easy. I do have to say that the kids were amazing. Ethan was a huge helper and people kept commenting on what a great big brother he is. He would let Ella lay on his lap and he'd tickle her back. It was so sweet. They thought they were so big when they got to sit in there very own row. Ethan would read the flight information pamphlet (or atleast read the pictures) and then tell Ella about the rules as she dipped her airplane cookie in her water. It was adorable. We left home at 9:30 in the morning and climbed into bed in Jacksonville around 3:15 AM the next day (including the three hours time difference). I was thankful that we were blessed with safety and that the kids were so patient. We have been in Florida for about a day and half and we are loving it. We got to meet Amy's baby, Lola, for the first time. She is the sweetest thing ever. If I had babies that good, I'd be having a zillion. Ella was sad last night when it was time to go to bed. She kept saying she wanted to ride a fast bike to go find her house so she could see her daddy. We are planning on going to the zoo and the gator farm so Ella will love it. I'll post all pictures when I get home to my new computer.

Spring Tea Party

There's really no better way to celebrate the first day of spring than with a tea party. Renae, Marinn's mom, has a friend visiting from Spokane so they invited us over to meet her and her darling children with a little tea party! Ethan had the day off school so he was forced to come along. I had a pink shirt and tie picked out for him- but he REFUSED!!! Oh well. Renae had little treat boxes for the guests and darling crowns for them to wear. It was really fun to meet Renae's friend, Holly- I've heard so many great things about her. Thank you for a wonderful spring luncheon. You gotta love this picture- three out of the four kids aren't looking at the camera. Cheers!

St. Patrick's Day

On the morning of St. Patrick's Day, Ethan woke up and looked out the window- looking for leprechauns. He said if you catch a leprechaun then you get to keep his gold. It was cute to see Ethan keep checking the window as he got ready for school. After school I asked if he had found one yet... nope. While he was at school I went and bought a leprechaun hat. I tried to find some gold chocolate coins, with no luck, so I settled for Lucky Charms. I put the hat on the fence. Later that night I told Ethan that I saw a leprechaun hop over the fence, I told him to check the backyard for tracks. Ethan saw the hat on the fence. Then he said, "I'm a little bit scared of leprechauns." I had tucked one of my gold belts behind the couch and I said, "Ethan, he left his belt here too!" Ethan wouldn't get off the couch to get it, he was too nervous. I was so worried that I was going to give this kid nightmares about some crazy leprechaun jumping in his window at night that I told him I was teasing him. I gave him the lucky charms and he was over it. So funny. Oh well- Happy St. Patty's Day.

Happy Birthday Kent

Kent turned 30 this year! Let me take a minute to put some words down about how important Kent's life is to me. He has been taught the correct principles and values and let those lead him throughout his life. I am thankful to have a husband like him. Of course, there are things that drive me crazy but I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. He is so good to me and good for me. He is an example to me of patience and goodness. He has taught me so many things in the years that I have known him. I have a lot of respect for Kent. He makes me want to be a better person. He is is major part of my happiness. I am glad that he is in my life and that he is the father of my children. I am grateful to know that I am sealed to him forever and that we will never have to be apart. Marriage has been harder than either of us ever thought it would be, but he is worth it to me. I love him so much and I am honored to be his wife. Happy Birthday Kent. I love you!
I love this picture- Kent is no longer interested in blowing out the candles, Ella is mad that she can't reach the candles and Jory is finishing off the candles! Awesome.

Going out in Style

We are home from our weekend in Vegas. We had such a great time full of fun activities. We were sad not to be able to meet up with our friends that live in Vegas, but we were on the go the entire time. Although our cougars didn't win the game we saw, it was fun to be there and cheer them on. As we all know, Vegas is famous for the buffets. We took advantage of that, and ate more than I ever thought possible. We hit the breakfast buffet- twice- and a Brazillian buffet that had NEVER ENDING meat supply. It was divine.
We went on a couple thrill rides including the Big Shot on top to the Stratosphere. The roller coaster at the New York New York hotel about killed us all. Kent said, "I can't believe I spent that much money to pay for the worst head ache of my life." It was a lot of fun and the coaster camera caught a picture of Brent and Erin.

We did some shopping and saw the sights of Vegas. We went to see the show "O" and it was incredible. Our friends were very thoughtful about making the weekend all about Kent's birthday. Thank you for helping me celebrate Kent. He had a weekend that was perfect for him to celebrate that last few days of his 20's! Tomorrow is his birthday and there is no way anything I do will be as great as this weekend was.

Viva Las Vegas

We are dropping the kids at Reagran's and heading to catch a flight to Vegas with some of our friends. We are celebrating Kent's upcoming 30th birthday with a weekend get-away to watch BYU play in the March Madness tournament, see a show, stop by an all-you-can-eat buffet and maybe a dip in the pool. Have a great weekend!

Ethan's fun weekend

Last weekend Ethan had his friend, Benjamin (Kathy and Jory's son) sleep over. They have had a sleep over once before and had the best time. There are no little boys in our nieghborhood so are glad that Benjamin will come play with us! They made themselves a nice bed in front of the TV and we bought a new movie for them to watch.
The next morning, Kent and I had to run errands so we called Annie and her friends over to babysit. One of the girls is on the competition stacking team. The kids loved watching them stack these cups.

Giving Up Chocolate

My friend sent this joke to me in an email. This one is for Kent. Love you!

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and
shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this
money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago', the homeless woman told
me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I
need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair
done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead,
I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you
for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman
looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and
chocolate.'

Engaged in the World

Elder Robert S. Wood of the Seventy said: “For too many, responsibility seems to end with hand-wringing and exclamations of dismay. Yet talk without action accomplishes little. We need to be vigorously engaged in the world. If our schools are inadequate or destructive of moral values, we must work with fellow members of the community to bring about change. If our neighborhoods are unsafe or unhealthy, we must join with the civic-minded to devise solutions. If our cities and towns are polluted, not only with noxious gases but soul-destroying addictions and smut, we must labor to find legitimate ways to eliminate such filth. … We have the responsibility to be a blessing to others, to our nation, to the world” (“On the Responsible Self,” Ensign, Mar. 2002, 30–31).

As I was preparing my visiting teaching lesson, this paragraph jumped out at me and stuck. It hits home at this point in my life more than ever. As we are in a town that has low test scores in the schools and high gang violence, we talk about the things that we wish were different here. This paragraph tells me what to do about it. "Do" being the operative word. I hope to reflect on this advice often as we decide where to raise our children on a permanent level. I am thankful for words of the prophets and apostles that give us modern day revelation that will give us peace in our lives. Questions can be answered if we follow the teachings of Christ. I am thankful for this message at this time in my life.

My sister-in-law, Kim, came back to have the rest of her dental work done. I am sad that she won't be coming back soon because I have such a good time with her. She is so easy going and fun. We stayed up until 3:30 in the morning just talking and talking. Although her trip was less than 24 hours, I am glad that I had some quality time (even it it is in the wee hours of the night) connecting and learning more about each other. Thanks, Kim, for listening. I am glad we are a part of each others lives.

The Priesthood Sings

There was a special treat at church today. A small group of men, sang "I Need Thee Every Hour". Not only was it beautiful, but the spirit of these men was felt as they sang. There is something tender and sacred about members of the Priesthood conveying their testimonies through the power of song.
My heart was touched to see a few of Kent's close friends singing in this group. I felt a strong sense of gratitude that my husband has such wonderful, uplifting friends. We have always been blessed as a couple to have good friends in our lives that help us stay close to the church and have a lot of fun with. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for sending people that help enrich our lives. It was hard to leave Florida, and all of our dear friends there. Moving here, I know the Lord is mindful of us and puts people on our path for a reason.

Day of Faith

A couple of people sent this video to me, and maybe you have already seen it. I just wanted to post this to my blog for people that know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. This might have some of those burning questions answered. Harvard student, Rachel Esplin, is on a panel of students at a "Day of Faith" event.
Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

Little Lola

Here is a picture of Lola today. She has already changed so much. I wanted to post this picture so you could see all her gorgeous dark hair!

Lola Tate Barlow

Kent's sister, Amy, just delivered a healthy little girl. Lola Tate Barlow was born at 4:06 pm, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz., measuring 20 inches long, having lots of dark hair. Baby and mama are both doing well and we couldn't be happier.
This picture is so tender. Amy and Lola meeting face to face. Lola looks so aware that her mother is holding her.

Adventures of Pocket Edward

So I found the funniest blog EVER! Erin and I laughed and laughed as we read it. This girl is the cutest, funniest person I've never met. She talks about the adventures of her Pocket Edward, their trip to Disneyland together, him taking a bubble bath, making her dinner, etc. If you want a good chuckle, take a look.

Potty Break

Ella has been doing pretty well about potty training. Only one dirty diaper since we started. That is nice. We are using pull-ups so I am much happier than when I was trying to go straight to underwear. The other day I was looking around for Ella when I found her like this:
She had snuck a brownie from the counter and then gone to the bathroom. I was just happy she is now taking herself to the bathroom. She can have that brownie. Although now it has been "flagged"(Seinfeld episode).

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Since Dr. Seuss would have been 105 on Monday. This week at school, Ethan has been celebrating Dr. Suess and his birthday. They have been doing things such as wacky day, pajama day, sports day and hat day. I love Dr. Seuss books and I know we all have atleast one book that we remember reading as a child written by him.


I love the characters in this picture. I'm trying to figure out if the Grinch wants to fix the tie or shred it into pieces- love his little expression here. Also the goat figure thingy that is staring Dr. Seuss in the eye and saying "Are you serious I have to stand on this tiny wobbly little thing?" What an imagination- I am glad he shared it with all of us.

Shannie

I had a wonderful conversation with my good friend, Shannie, today. We text and email to keep in touch- but nothing can replace a good heart to heart. Thanks for the phone call, Shannon. I love laughing and catching up with you. You are one of those people that understands me inside and out without judgement. Love you! I am happy all is well with you and your little family.

Beautiful Nieces

Of course I made my nieces let me take some pictures of them while they were here. The weather was cold and rainy so we just were only able to snap a couple shots! Thank you, girls! You are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Family time

My mom and sister, along with her kids, came to visit me last weekend. It meant the world to me that they would drive so far with a carload of people to come see me. I had the best time with them. We were able to go out to see a movie, go bowling, attend bookclub, and even see Ethan's last basketball game (which they won)! At the game, my niece, Morgan made a little poster to hold up that said "Go Ethan!" She cheered him on the whole game. It was cute when Ethan came to the side to throw the ball in, he yelled out, "Hi Morgan!" and waved at her while everyone was waiting for him to continue the game. I loved that!

After the game, the team had a bowling party. Each player was given a trophy. The team gave Kent a plaque and a "Thank you" picture for being such a great coach.



There is nothing I enjoy more than having a table surrounded by people I love. I am so thankful my family took the time to come see me- it means so much to have their support and love. I love you!