Pumpkin Patch

I can't tell you how much I love the area we live in!!! Right up the street there was the cutest little pumpkin patch full of hay mazes, farm animals, bounce houses, ponies, haystacks to climb, and tons of pumpkins! It was the perfect end to our week!!!

Career Day

Barrett had his first Career Day at Primrose. He had a hard time deciding between a policeman or a fire fighter.

In the end, we chose a policeman.

For the past two weeks at school, they've been studying people in the community that help to keep us safe. The Allen Fire Dept. showed up in their big, red firetruck for all the kids to see. Barrett was up close and personal with all the gadgets and I'm sure he was full of questions. He told me all about the big ladder, fire hose, and lights on the fire truck!

The Allen Police Department also came up to Primrose and allowed the kids to look inside their police car, listen to the sirens, and overlook their fancy uniforms.

So much fun and so much learning! I love it!!!!

**Little, sweet piece of info...Barrett is wearing the same name badge that my daddy wore on his police uniform. My dad (Jim Barrett) is a retired police officer and wore his name badge, BARRETT, every day. As a child, I can remember him putting it on his uniform, snapping on his belt and all of his "police gear". Pinning the name badge onto Barrett brought back some sweet memories.

The name badge was also part of B's Show and Tell today at school. He was so excited to show everyone and tell them the story about how it use to be Papa Barrett's!!!!

Primrose Parade

We had a fun parade at preschool! For the past two weeks, the students have been learning about different cultures around the world. Pre-K2 dressed up as different animals around the world. Barrett was a giraffe...and a GREAT one at that. They were all adorable in their costumes. Mrs. Phillips and Ms. Braswell did a fantastic job!!!!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

We're studying LIFE CYCLES at school. Barrett wanted to read to my class a very informational book!!! There is a small break between videos. I (the director/camera lady) got into trouble for talking too much. Barrett reminded me that during story time...we are NOT allowed to talk. Yikes!!!

Barners Lately...

Wow! School is back in session, and I've gone from being busy with decorating the house and laying out by the pool / (summer time), to grading papers, catching up on laundry, cleaning house, conferences with parents, and trying to avoid all the "first week of school" germs! ha

We're doing spectacular. God has blessed us in so many ways and I must take the opportunity to say what a great start to my school year has been. I'm working with an exceptional group of ladies, a great new principal, and I have a wonderful group of students...teaching Math and Science to.

We couldn't be happier with the decision we made in Barrett's new school. He loves his teachers (I really think he has a secret crush on Mrs. Phillips), has already made some sweet, new friends (although we'll never forget our old ones....Wyatt Martin), and I'm impressed with the knowleged he has gained in such a short amount of time.

As far as the house goes...I'm LOVING it! Little by little, I'm decorating rooms or adding on. We put the brakes on getting landscaping done this summer. It became way too hot and we knew if we spent the money buying beautiful new flowers, etc. that we would want to water a lot more. With the restrictions and fear of a really expensive water bill...we decided to postpone landscaping until midyear or even the spring. Something to look forward to, right?

No worries, I have plenty of other things I plan to accomplish within the next few month. Matt thinks my "To Do" list (or really "Wish List") is never-ending. He's RIGHT! hahaha That's a woman for ya!

Item up next..............shutters!!!! Who wants to help?!

So proud of Matt! Really!!! He's always been great with working on cars, but assembling a playground...we have YET to do! Well, Matt decided to take the bull by the horns this weekend an put together a little swing set for Barrett. He did a great job! He finished up Sunday after church, and by the time Barrett woke up from his nap...his daddy had it all put together and ready to go!

Let's keep that cooler weather around so we can hang out in the backyard a little more!!!!

Softball and Airplanes

On our way to a Friday night "dinner out", Matt got a wild hair and surprised Barrett and I by taking us to D-Bat (an indoor batting cage). Now, most of you probably wouldn't believe me if I said I had never in my life played softball...much less, held a bat. But, it's true. I've always had a fear of something flying at my face and knocking out my teeth. Well, it was time to face my fears, and really...once I watched Matt a few times and had a few practice swings...I fell in love. Not to brag, but out of 25-30 throws...I hit almost every one of them. On top of all that...I did it all in flip-flops! haha

In the end, I realized I found a new sport in which I'm seriously considering investing some time in. Matt's work had a team put together that plays softball every Thursday night. Hmmmmm, maybe after practicing, I'll take a stand behind the plate! Who knows?!?!
I absolutely love where we live in McKinney! Less than a mile down the street is a little airport where we spend many afternoon and mornings watching planes take off, practice landing (touch and goes), and remodel older planes. Its truly an amazing sight! One afternoon, Barrett had the privilege of getting to climb inside a two-seater plane and seeing first hand all the dials and gadgets inside. Needless to say, he is all about aircraft!!!!
This morning, we sat out near the runway and watch a few planes.

Splash Day and Legos

I've already posted this picture, and mentioned on Facebook that I've become obsessed with Legos. It's so much like putting a puzzle together! Seriously, therapeutic.
Honestly, I always thought you just bought a big box of Legos and were suppose to get creative. Nope! Now days, they come with building instructions. I'm thinking...WOW...this is great. Not only does it reinforce creativity (for the days you don't want to follow step by step instructions), but it also teaches you how to read directions, sequence, organizing, and problem solving.
Geezzz, listen to me. Do I sound like I'm in my TEACHER frame of mode? Yep, that's what the middle of August will do to a person.
With the final product (first Lego masterpiece of 115 pieces), Barrett played with the truck for at least 3 hours straight. He also ran right to it this morning! He had to take it with him to the table for breakfast and once we got home from school, it was the first toy he wanted to play with! Whew...maybe. a. break. from. Hotwheels!!!! (Let's not jinx it).
Another SUMMER treat....Splash Day at Primrose!!! Lots of fun. He's already making so many friends. I absolutely love his teacher, and his coach!!!
Pardon the pose. I've given up on even trying to "train" him to stand still and smile at the camera.

Austin Reunion

Oh...I cannot wait to post pictures of my incredible weekend in Austin with my best guy friends. The guys that had my back all through college, treated me like a sister, and have continued in their lives as successful men...who I'm very proud to call MY FRIENDS! I had such a wonderful time hanging out with their wives and meeting their kids. Life's simple little pleasures of just reuniting with special people. Loved it!!!!

Okay...so I managed to sneak a couple in...

Funny Phrases

Oh...I wish I had a pen/paper in hand every time Bear says something funny...but, I'd be writing ALL the time. The kid is a "Hoot".
These are just for memories I don't want to forget. I'm not the best at writing in a baby book, so I'll add it to my blog (which essential IS my baby book).
Practicing Opposites:
Me: "What's the opposite of up?"
Bear: "Down"
Me: "What's the opposite of left?"
Bear: "Right"
Me: "What's the opposite of black"
Bear: "Red" (close enough...right???)
Me: "What's the opposite of in"
Bear: "H"
*Now...how cute is that??? Little guy thought I was talking about the letter N.

If Barrett hears an odd sound or sees something in disbelief, he will shout out, "WHAT IN THE WORLD????"

Upon seeing something really interesting, "Mom, that is sooooo cooool!" or "Are you kidding me?" or "Mom, that is awesome".

When he wants our attention and doesn't have it, it's, "Hey guys, I'm talking to you" or "Hey guys, yook at me!"

We just enrolled him at Primrose Schools and he refers to it as the "rooster school". That's because their logo has a big rooster on it. When I asked Barrett about his first day, he said, "Mom, I yike the rooster school. I played and played and played and played."

Bear knows I'm addicted to Dr. Pepper. When we're in a school and about to leave, he will say, "Mom, don't forget your Dr. Pepper".

Over a year, Barrett installed (manually coated) the bed of his truck with a bed liner. Since then, Barrett refers to it as exactly that!!! He'll ask Matt, "Dad, can I get into your bed liner?"

Calls all combines that he sees out in the field, "Frank". That's because in the movie Cars 1, they name the combine Frank.

Knows his cars!!!! Big cars! Real cars on the street. The kid can spot a Camaro, Corvette, or Mustang like a hawk! The only problem is that he'll blurt out (and it's usually a scream that scares me to death), "Mom, I see a red Corvette. That is sooo cool!" or "Dad, I just saw a blue Camaro!". Whatever the case, it's crazy how knowledgeable he is when it comes to the different models of cars!
Barrett seems very aware of his surroundings. Besides realizing that we've moved from an old house to his new house....and from Wylie to McKinney, the child knows landmarks like crazy!!!! He knows the directions to turn to get back to our new house, Hobby Lobby (yes, we've spent a lot of time there), Lowes, Target, La Hacinda, Whataburger, Old Mac Donalds, Mooyah, and more!

Hmmmmm, the more I write, I'm noticing that all summer, all I've done is EAT and SHOP!!! hahah

New Preschool - First Day

Matt and I struggled with finding a new preschool for Barrett. There was no problem with the availability of them all, I just wanted the right fit. One that challenged him, yet let him be a 3 year old. I have so many expectations for him and I know most of you think he is probably spoiled and I'm overreacting...but, I can do that...with my first one! haha

After many prayers, (prayers that begged God to give me a sign...a BIG sign, because I don't always catch on quickly). Well, I think I found a few......so we made our final decision and started Barrett to preschool today.
I ended up being the one with separation anxiety. Yes...Barrett and I have had a wonderful summer. He's my little best friend. We do EVERYTHING together and I absolutely love this stage of his life. (I love them all....what can I say).

They said he did spectacular, fit right in, and had a great day! I love his teachers and his coach, and everyone on staff is so friendly and outgoing. I hope and pray this continues to be a great year for Bear.

Oh...and some great advice from a friend of mine: (Thanks Lynn)

Sometimes we pray for God to help us make a decision, but really, maybe we should make the decision and ask God to guide us in that choice, direct us in our path, and give us signs as to whether or not we made the right one.

D.I.R.T.

We hit the JACKPOT!!!! I just thought having construction in around our new house was a bad thing...but man, I was wrong. It's actually beneficial...if you have a 3 year old BOY around!!!! We've been exposed to almost every truck/tractor known to man-kind. Dump trucks, cement trucks, 18-wheelers, bulldozers, excavators, tractors, food trucks (you know...the ones that come around for the little construction workers), furniture trucks, mail trucks, and more!!!!

On top of being front and center to all the equipment, we have had access to a lot of dirt/sand piles.

This morning, we helped ourselves (along with Ellie and Addison) to play in the sand!!!! We took our toy trucks and bulldozers over for a little fun in the DIRT!!!!

Afterwards, we cleaned up with the help of the sprinkler!!!!

Barner Highlights

Barrett's always into something! Besides coloring my new doors in the house (upon the first week we moved in), learning climb the OUTER banister of the staircase, and climbing up on the cabinets like a little monkey...he also managed to almost tear down the Frisco Post Office! As I was waiting in line the other day to mail off a package, I began to realize that I was repeating the SAME thing over and over again.
Me: "Barrett, please stay beside me. Barrett, please stay beside me. Barrett, please stay beside me."
Eventually, I gave up. Mainly, because he is 3 and there is no way that he's going to stand beside me (without a fight).
What he's doing in the photo is no where near the actual destruction.
Imagine if you will, Barrett's forehead placed again the black, horizontal bands/ropes.
I turned my back for just a minute (to write the address on the package I was mailing) when I heard poles dragging across the floor! Barrett was literally pulling the entire contraption through the main lobby of the post office with his HEAD against the ropes. No hands! It reminded me of a sling-shot in a sense. I was just waiting for him to pull everything over...or bounce back...flying across the floor!!! Geezzz
Here is yet another "trick" he's perfected within the last few days. His toes are so long, he can just dig into my cabinets and climb his way to the top of my counters! Nice! It's not so bad, except he prefers to do it near the oven. Not a good choice!!!!

He's fallen in love with his Lightening McQueen watch. I had my sister and nieces down for a few days, and we ventured out to Sam Moon where they bought colorful watches. Well, he wanted a watch too, but I wasn't going to give in and buy him a watch with rhinestones. Luckily, I found a watch that was suitable for a boy...and of course, right up Barrett's alley!!!! The time isn't even correct, but he thinks he can read it!!!
Barrett: "Oh Momma! It's time to eat."
Barrett: "Momma, it's twenty".
Barrett: "Mom, it's time to GO". (That's usually when we're shopping and he's tired of it)
This is my favorite...
We were in Hobby Lobby and one of the sales associates came on the loud speaker. I'd been arguing with Barrett about how he needed to stay in the shopping cart. Upon hearing the loud speaker announcement, Barrett said, "Momma! They said I could get out now!!!!"

I painted the word search below and took it to Hobby Lobby to be custom framed. It looks a lot better closer up, and honestly, I wanted a wider frame...but man 'oh man...custom framing isn't cheap! haha My plan is to hang a few things around it...circle TRUST GOD within the word search, and find a book shelf that will fit underneath it (but long/wider than the painting itself).
I had fun painting it. It was kind of therapeutic in a way. I painted every letter with a tiny little brush. Matt thought I was crazy, but it turned out okay. I like it. It's not glamorous...but it's different.

Heading up the stairs, there was an empty space/pocket. I finally found something I like to put up in it...and won't collect too much dust. I'd actually like to put something even higher above the candle sticks (painting or metal decor)...but I don't know how in the world I would get up there. I also need to chill before I end up "cluttering". haha

Summer Fun SNAPSHOTS

07/25/11

Time to catch up on adding some snapshots to my blog. Thanks to ME trying to unhook and reconnect wires...our home computer / PC has been in the hospital. I finally had to call tech support and have a technician out to look at it. Within 3 minutes...we were up and running. Whew!!!






Wyatt's BIRTHDAY party! Oh what fun!!!! Bounce-houses, Cars 2 birthday cake, balloons, presents, and lots of laughs!!! We just love Wyatt Martin!!!! We're going to miss him this year when school begins.






Here are our neighbors Ellie and Addison! The three of these children are like GLUE! They play so well together and spend hours in Barrett's Lightening McQueen car, their Barbie Jeep, on the trampoline, sliding up and down on the SlipN'Slide, or swimming at the pool!!!! Already, they are the best of friends!!!








Hands down...I must say this is one of my favorite summers. I've spent a lot of time enjoying the company of my sister and nieces, having lunches with Matt, shopping, decorating my house, catching up with old friends, swimming, and making memories with Barrett. I've tried keeping this summer on PAUSE! Of course, I wouldn't mind putting it in REWIND because I'd do it all over again!!!!


Granted, fun has lead to enjoying patio dinners on Friday and Saturday nights, lunch dates at a variety of restaurants, and late night Sonic runs...which in return, have caused me to pack on the pounds. I was doing really well in dieting in the spring. I lost around 20 to 25lbs...but it's gradually easing its way back onto my body! haha Oh well. I've had FUN doing it!!!!