Jace's surprise!!

One week down! I'm so proud of Jace and how hard he has worked. After watching a million lessons, he begged me for some of his own. I'll be keeping track of his progress(or lack there of).

Thank you mom for all you did for me. I can see now what a sacrifice violin was for you all of those years(at least you started with a perfect child!) Hopefully Jace will be playing Twinkle Fiddle style by Christmas :) Happy Birthday- we love you so much.

Bear Rug for sale! $0.00 dollars

Let's take a stroll down memory lane......

Chad shot these lovely bears while hunting with my family in British Columbia last year. He managed to escape with only a gash on his face from an ax and near death experience as momma bear charged him and his guide. And what do I get for being a good wife and letting him do this???

Yes!! My very own bear rug!!! See- it matches the trashcan in the kitchen.

And I quote from Chad "My mentor used to be Steve Titensor until I saw how much thicker my rug was then all 20 of his."

Traumatizing the kids

"Is it really you dad?"

Like I said... the bear rug is for sale. In fact, I'll throw in a pair of golf clubs if you come pick it up tonight.

Day at the museum

The highlight of Jace's year thus far. He LOVES the museum.

Brenna pushed her way through all the school kids to get front row to all the exhibits. Lets just say mommy did not feel bad about not making it to the gym this morning. Brenna has got to be the fastest baby on record. Her belly would make you think otherwise...but seriously, try and catch her.

Kissing the fishies!

So I think everyone on my phone directory heard the "oh my gosh oh my gosh" from Jace. He could not contain his excitement all day...and well into the night. Here is a little sample:

and a split second after that video ended, Jace "accidentally" kicked Brenna off the couch. This is normal sibling behavior right???? Lord help me.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day made easy: Homemade card written by Jace, phone call, and new pictures on the blog. Love you mom, Sandi, Grandma M, Grandma T, Grandma Barnes!!!!! I seriously have the most gracious beautiful humble spiritual mothers in my life. I promise my kids that once I sleep through the night, like all the way through the night, I will be the best mom in the world. Just hang in there!!

oops!

1st outing to the beach. It was super windy and the water was freezing but the kids were good sports. Brenna kept eating the sea shells thinking they were dropped Lays potato chips. We lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes- that has got to be a world record for 2 kids under the age of 4. Here is to many more beach trips!!

Durant Park- Sunday morning stroll looking for fishies

We have had a ton of really cool thunderstorms this month. Here is Brenna going out to meet the tornados. It was POURING and she loved it.

Daily ritual- naked hose trampoline dancing. Jace really gets into it.

Walking Biscuit

Mommy's form of discipline....haven't figured out how to fit in Chad yet

and naked basketball. Yes, we Barnes' know how to have fun.

Great Grandma Barnes- 94 years and counting

We were lucky to spend this past weekend with Chad's grandmother Lois Barnes. This woman is AMAZING!!! She has just as much energy as Jace and Brenna combined. More than anything, she is the most faithful person I know. She is so close to our Savior and loves the gospel more than anything. Thank you grandma for your example to me and my children. I hope we can all live good enough lives to give honor to your name.

Attending church with grandma, who is the most popular lady there. Everyone has to hug and say hi to her. We both received roses for Mother's Day.

So no, Jace didnt get his red hair from Edward or the mailman or whomever Chad likes to think...he got it from his Grandma Barnes! (cant quite tell now though..)

Grandma picked the Old Sawmill diner out of every restaurant....crabcakes, mac and cheese, and apple sauce. Meal fit for a queen.

Classic

Jace and Brenna fighting with Grandma's walking sticks.

The heart of the home, grandma's kitchen. She has made some mean meals here...Lemon pie is famous.

Family Bowling

Classic family bowling pictures. You just gotta post em.

Bean dogger(Jace's nickname for Brenna) couldn't contain her excitement. As soon as she rolled the ball down, she'd stand and point for the whole 30 minutes it took for the ball to reach the pins.

So Jace cracked us all up. He has to first stick his fingers in the ball, then picks it up, looks down the lane, quickly drops the ball, and KICKS! wrong sport son, wrong sport.

Jace's victory dance as soon as the ball gets rolling. He doesn't really care to watch how many pins he knocks down. He is SERIOUS about his dancing.

Sexy booties