A holiday with family

This year, for Christmas, we decided to hit the road and visit both sides of our families. It was a long trip but worth the extra effort. 

We went down to Maricopa first and spent three days with Stephens family. 

I was able to do a few family pictures for Sarah and her adorable family. My boys played at the park while I snapped away. 

We drove up to Kingman on Wednesday so I could sing with my mom at the Alzheimer's unit. 

We spent Christmas playing games, with the flu, and freezing. 

I lost most of the games. Then I won a few and was accused of being overly manipulative. Ha! What can I say, I like to win. 

I sang in my moms church on Sunday morning after being up with Nolen all night who had the flu. Fun times. 

I made everyone get together for a family picture just to prove we were really all together minus Kendra and Michael. 

We drove home yesterday to a snow Albuquerque and to find our smoke alarms were blaring. We opened all the doors and searched for smoke. We found nothing. We have no idea how long they were blaring their loud warning. Luckily, our house did not burn down. 

Merry Christmas

This year has been an incredible adventure.  I say this all the time, but time really does fly by quickly.

Nolen spent most of the year in therapy.  He has been in Occupational Therapy at Kidpower for a year and a half and we have seen him grow in ways unimaginable three years ago.  Nolen loves minecraft and spends a lot of his free time building and creating new worlds.  We ended ABA therapy this month because of the expense.  I do wish we could afford to pay for the next year of therapy but I also believe he will be OK.  Nolen spends time with his best friend, Olivia and she has been helping him connect with his peers. Nolen played soccer this year and loved it!  He is still doing gymnastics and can't wait to go every Wednesday. 

Edward is in first grade at the Montessori Elementary.  He absolutely loves his teacher this year.  She is kind and very understanding.  He has improved in reading and math.  He still loves minecraft and spends his free time playing in Nolen's worlds on the iPad.  Edward is in gymnastics and begs me to let him quick every time we go.  HA!  He played soccer this year and liked it when we got to practice or the games.  This year, Edward learned how to ride a bike and perfected it every time we went to Kingman.

Stephen has been insanely busy with work.  He works 6 days a week and will continue to work 6 days a week for the next few years.  When Stephen isn't working, he is sleeping and when he isn't sleeping he has been working on his dirt bikes.  Stephen has been taking Edward out weekly so they could practice on the dirt bike.  They have both been really enjoying their time out on the bikes.

I have been more busy than normal this year.  I have tried to slim my schedule down but every time I turn around I have something new on my plate.  I took half the year off from singing so I could concentrate on the boys and my photography business.  I have taken six photography classes this year and have learned more about photography this year than I learned in the last 10 years.  I am so grateful to the friends of mine who have had me take their pictures.  Besides singing and photography, I have been out running.

As we close out 2015 I am so grateful for my family and friends.  I love you all and your generosity.  Thank you so much for reading my silly little blog and be blessed!

Happy Holidays!

Love the Barnes Family

He lost a tooth!

Edward lost his very first tooth last night.  We told him that the tooth fairy wasn't real but that I would put a surprise under his pillow.  He asked for three tokens so I put three under his pillow with four quarters.  He was so excited this morning when he woke up.  Little moments like these remind me of how awesome it is to be a mom.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

 When it snows here in Albuquerque, we run outside!  This year, I invested in snow pants.  I need to get better snow gloves so they can play out side with out getting wet and cold.  Today, they lasted about 1 hour outside before they came in.  Slowly, but surely, I am figuring out how to dress them for snow.  I wish I would have figured that out when I lived  in Rexburg!

Enjoy your Sunday!

A pic with St. Nick

This evening, I spent my time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  I had such a great time.  They were both absolutely charming.  They go around all December spreading holiday cheer by visiting children in the hospital and donating all the money they make for portraits to Galloping Grace!  They were both a true inspiration to kindness and love.  I could feel their spirit from across them room.  I absolutely love being a photographer. 

Piano Recital

Today was the boys very first piano recital!  They both played "Mary Had a Little Lamb".  They have practiced nearly every night since we started piano class in August.  Edward wanted to play more than one song and he seemed to be the most excited to play in front of a group.  I sure love these little boys of mine!!

Nolen playing Mary had a Little Lamb

Edward playing Mary had a Little Lamb

Last Day of ABA Therapy

For months, we have been trying to make a decision about Nolen's ABA therapy sessions.  ABA has been the best therapy for Nolen.  After a lot of thought and prayer we decided to stop his therapy for now.  The cost is mounting out of control at this point; however, Nolen is doing AMAZING!  We are going to try a few months without therapy.  I am so scared.  Nolen has been in ABA therapy for 2 1/2 years.  Half of his life.  I hope this is the right direction for him right now.  We have had such amazing therapists who have helped us with Nolen.  I am so grateful to Bridges for their support.

Nolen with Jenn