Busy Barners

Wow! These past few weeks have busy for us. I've got an ongoing list of projects and appointments that continues to grow. Summer is almost over for the Barner's...but hopefully, it's the beginning of a new and exciting Fall!!!!

I recently moved into my new classroom with Allen ISD. I absolutely LOVE it. The building is brand new as well, and absolutely amazing. Our elementary is K-6th grade. I'll be teaching 4th grade Math. I can't tell you how happy I am about being departmentalized and focusing all my attention towards one subject!

I can hardly wait to finish decorating (so many ideas are spinning in my head that I can't sleep at night). I'll have to take pictures once it gets completed.

We're still trying to sell our house, but I'm staying positive. I think God has plan. Actually, I know he does. I've been so busy trying to get adjusted with everything that I've been experiencing professionally (new district, new teammates, new school building, new procedures, paperwork, etc...), that God is watching out for me before I stress myself completely out.

It can't all happen at once anyway, right? Seriously, I don't think I would want that...unless I planned on joining a mental hospital.

One thing at a time. Nice and easy. No need to rush.

Overall, my commute to Allen won't been too bad. I timed it the other day and it will take me about 25 minutes vs. the 15 minutes it took me to get to my previous school. That's not too bad. And, my school starts at 7:50 instead of 7:30.

On a sad note, my sweet Grandma Kovar passed away last Sunday. She had been ill and in the nursing home for about 2 years, but prior to that, she lived an amazing life. I spent a lot of time with her as a child and I have so many wonderful memories of her. She was such a special person in my life. Truly amazing. She taught me so many things about life.

Matt and I decided we needed more date nights (which I'm loving). We went out again on Saturday to my favorite place, Mi Cocina! (wink, wink)

Matt has been my rock lately. Bless his heart, he is my sounding board and I appreciate him so much! What a great, best friend to have!!!!!

Here's a look at my parent's extended back yard (past the fenced in pool area where we spend the majority of our summer). Barrett loves feeding the horses and cattle with Papa. His latest thing is climbing the fences and petting the horses. Soon, he will be able to ride!

You've got to check this out. Barrett was bitten by a mosquito on Sunday morning. This is what it looked like 3 days AFTER the bite. Really, this picture looks wonderful compared to the bite when it first happened. Every time he gets bit by a mosquito, he swells up like this and the area becomes red with fever. I hate it for him.

Even though we had him on Benadryl and applied a lot of Cortizon cream...Barrett maintained a great attitude. His sweet little self would come up to me (as he was scratching his leg), and say, "Ouchy. Make it feel better Mommy??? Peeeese?"

Now...you tell me how much fun can Chapstick be??? Barrett will tell you. He found my stash of Chapstick (bedside drawer). As I was doing laundry, I realized it was nice and quiet in the house. Too quiet!!!! I walked into the living room, and this is what he was playing with.

We've traveled a lot in the car (back and forth to Throckmorton and Seymour to my Grandma's funeral). I've had a lot of time visiting with Barrett, singing with Barrett, and listening to Barrett's movies in the DVD player!

A little swim time in our backyard.

And last but not least...our best friend Wyatt had his second BIRTHDAY! These two have the best of time together. Someone commented at the party that they acted like brothers. It's no lie...they do!!!

We love you little buddy!!!!! Happy birthday!!!!

Zoo in July

We took a trip to the Dallas Zoo last Sunday. We tried to get there early (before the heat...and the crowds).
Barrett walked the entire time (except for the occasional boosts up on daddy's shoulders to see the animals). He was one tired little boy by the time we left.

Matt and I were worried about Barrett staying hydrated on this super hot day...but Barrett was much more concerned about the alligator "statue" getting something to drink! Maybe Barrett needs a pet since he seems to take such good care of them.

If it were up to him though, he would want an alligator, monkey, or giraffe.

This is Barrett's reaction when I told him not to waste the water and keep it for himself to drink! What do you think he is saying to me???

Play Time!

One of our favorite places to go this summer is Allen Celebration Spray Park. Wednesday, we were tired of being cooped up in the house, so I made a sudden decision to take Barrett out for a little fun in the sun. It was super cloudy, so I didn't know if there was going to actually be any sun...but once we arrived in Allen, the sun was out and shining bright on us!

You could tell Barrett was already getting tired and ready to nap. We sat down on a blanket and had ourselves a little picnic (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, raisins, Goldfish, and juice).

Shortly after eating...even Barrett agreed he was ready to lounge back and relax. By the time we headed home, Barrett was fast asleep in his car seat.

That afternoon...it rained..but one of Barrett's favorite things to do while it rains is to PLAY in it! Even though this firetruck was given to him on his 1st birthday...it continues to be a "hit" around our house. He is waaayyyy too big for it, but insist on keeping it around (even though I've attempted to hide it away in the closet / attic for our next baby).

Friday, I told Barrett this his friend, Wyatt, was coming over for a play date. This is how he reacted!!! Can you tell he was just a little excited???

Barrett has a small grill with all the "fake food". He thought he would offer a few bites to his buddy Wyatt!!! I'm kind of afraid what might happen if they ever decide to make MUD pies. Will they eat them??? (probably)




This is close to 11:00 - YES...I said eleven. The boys would not slow down long enough to realize they were tired. Eventually, the fights over Lightening McQueen, Woody, Buzz, etc. started, and we had to call it quits.

Did Barrett sleep in from being up so late? Of course not. He was up bright and early the next day wanting to know where Wyatt was. I told him, "Probably asleep!!!". haha

Welcome July 2010

We've managed to stay busy playing out in the sprinklers, swimming at Uncle Robert's house, and driving to Throckmorton for 4th of July festivities.
Hanging out at the Barner's house in Frisco. There is a house right next to his brother's for sell, and I would love to buy it. We would have automatic babysitters built in next door! hahaha Barrett adores his cousins.


Even on those cloudy and rainy days...you couldn't keep us inside.
"Singing in the rain...oh I'm...singing in the rain"

Of course, on those days we were stuck inside, Barrett had his new friends to play with (Woody and Buzz). He's so cute to watch. He found this flashlight and was using it as a spotlight on his little characters.
Other fun toys lately are Lighting McQueen, Tow-Mader, and Chick from CARS movie (no picture...but he carries them every where we go).

Barrett loves being outdoors, especially in the "country" (Meme and Papa's house) where he can run wild! All the open space is my child's wonderland!

Before I could even get Barrett out of his pjs...he was ready to go to the barn with Papa.

Riding on Papa's "big" tractor. Barrett refers to this tractor as the "bigger bigger tractor"!

Stomping on grasshoppers was a lot of fun (imagine that).

But picking them up and hauling them around everywhere was fun too! He wanted to bring them inside to Meme, but we had to explain that grasshoppers needed to live outside and stay outside!

Riding Papa's Mule is a blast!!!! Barrett can even tell you how to turn it on (put it in N, turn the key, let off the brake). We might have to invest in something with 4wheels on it very soon!!!! Matt is ready for a mini-motorcycle....but I think 4 wheels are much safer than two!

Fireworks at my sisters....what a blast!!! Her front yard is about 75 yards in length. At one end...we set up lawn chairs and blankets (along with homemade ice-cream, popsicles, and sparklers). At the other end, are our husbands. They are in charge of lighting all the fireworks (big ones) and putting on the show!!! Lots of fun.

Barrett didn't care much for the loud booms and pops, but snuggled up to his Meme and things weren't as bad.