Swim lessons, Fathers day, and a new Pool!

We have had a fantastic summer thus far. Edward started the summer with swim lesson, which he loved! He would grab his towel and head for the door each evening as swim lessons approached. He was really good about going under the water and jumping in the pool; however, he did not blow any bubbles. I think he was the only kid in the class who didn't figure that part out. We smiled, laughed, and had a great time swimming for the entire 45 minute lesson.
For Father's day, Edward and I made a card and a special lunch for Stephen. He had to work on Father's day, so that was a little bit of a bummer. While Stephen was at work we made a great dinner of pulled pork sandwiches and an amazing easy to make desert. (I will post the recipe for those interested) YUM!
Since Edward loved swimming so much, I went to Target and purchased a little back yard pool. I will say he would much rather throw rocks into the pool than get in and swim. I think he liked the big public pool because we were in there with him.


I am sure there are many more adventures to come this summer and I can't wait!

Also, I am planning to have another giveaway real soon... so stay tuned!

Breaking even

You know that moment when you think, "We are just about to get ahead, or at least break even..." Well NEVER think that thought. The moment you do, something will come knocking on your back door and let you know you have many more things to pay for and many more things to do before you EVER break even let alone get ahead.
On a completely different topic, I wanted to find out from parents who have children of all ages, their thoughts on spanking. If you have a 30 year old son, I want to hear from you. If you have a cranky 3 year old, I want to hear from you. Did you spank? Did it work? What sort of discipline did you, and do you, find that works best for your children?
Stephen and I are in a huge debate about how we want to discipline our children. B.C. (before children), Stephen and I completely agreed that we would spank our children when they were naughty. Now... I am standing in a gray zone. I actually do not think I can spank Edward (and I sort of think he is too young to understand why he is being hit). Stephen does not agree.
I just want to do some research before I really decide on a strategy for discipline. I have heard spanking doesn't actually accomplish anything... (although, I was spanked and YES, I deserved it and remember almost every time I was spanked). I was a very rebellious child and it seems Edward may be that way as well. I need to come up with something soon. Time is running short to think of my discipline plan.
So, lets hear your thoughts....

He's a BOY!!!

We are so incredibly excited to announce we are having a BOY!!! Things will not be the same around here at the Barnes house; however, we are up for the challenge of raising two rambunctious little boys. I can't wait to teach them to be good men, I mean, GREAT men. I hope they will be best friends for life.

4 months (17 1/2 weeks)

just wondering...

Why every time Edward gets sick, I have to get it too....

200th post?!

Wow... this is officially post 200!! What a great one to date!

We celebrated Memorial Day in beautiful Phoenix Arizona. I had planned for months to throw Stephen a huge surprise party to celebrate his 30Th Birthday. I worked with his Mom, my Mom, and Blair to put together an amazing party.

At first I thought only a handful of people would show up. Much to my surprise, when we walked in the door at Craig and Blair's house there were more than 50 people in the room. I know Stephen felt extra special.








I also searched for months for the perfect 30Th birthday gift; a brand new laptop. He hasn't put it down since he got it. I know he loves and I hope it will last for the next 10 years.
We arrived in Phoenix on Saturday night then went straight to bed. Sunday I arranged for us to have a few family pictures taken. As you saw from my previous post, Edward did not cooperate. We did get a few shots and I officially have a family picture hanging on my wall. Sunday night we drove over for the surprise party to meet up with many friends. It was hard to visit with everyone because there were so many people there.

Monday was a beautiful Memorial day and we celebrated by eating some yummy hamburgers on the grill. Each night we were there we spent with our BFF's, Craig and Blair. I even won one game... however, I must admit I have played bunco a little more than anyone else at the table. Tuesday I tried to meet up with my college friends and only ended up seeing one. Of course I forgot to take a picture. Edward also took his first dip in a swimming pool!! I did not forget my camara for that. We flew home Wednesday night and I have been recovering ever since.



I am so grateful we have family and friends that live sort of close so we can visit often. I am sure the next time we will be in Phoenix will be after our cute little baby is born. Stay tuned to find out the gender June 15Th.
Happy Saturday, bloggers!

A few family pictures

We had some more family pictures taken while we were in Phoenix (since our session with an expensive photographer didn't turn out). Edward was less than agreeable. I scanned in the images so they are not as clear and pristine as they are in person.

We had them taken by a family friend, Robert Tolar. Visit his website at http://www.robertjamesphotos.com/