Wait just a minute... has it been 6 YEARS?!

My wedding day, 6 years ago, was magical.  I think back and it feels just like yesterday.  We flew to San Diego in the morning and headed to our hotel with my parents and Stephen's parents.  We got dressed and headed to the San Diego Temple.  We were the last Sealing for day.  I was hoping to be done before the sun went down.  We were but some how, everyone got lost in the temple and I waited in the bridal room for them to be found.  An hour later, it was dark and they had been outside the entire time.  It was still beautiful to walk outside in the dark cold rain and try to take a few pictures to remember the day. 

Stephen is my everything.  My life.  My best friend.  My support.  My love.  I used to say that I wanted to marry my best friend, but I didn't know how to make that happen.  I really lucked out with Stephen because he found me and picked me to be his wife.  I love him with my whole heart and soul.  He understands me and doesn't pass judgment.  Trust me, he has many reasons to pass judgment, but he doesn't.  I have learned so much from him.  I am calmer.  Smarter.  Wiser.  Happier.  On top off all of that, we have the best two little boys!  Our lives are truly blessed.  I am happy.  Truly happy.

A memory

Evenings can get fairly chaotic here at the Barnes home. Last night was no different. I had spent the afternoon at the park with Nolen, then stopped at the store to pick up a few much needed items. By the time I arrived back home, it was well past five and the boys were ready for dinner. I scrambled to get dinner finished while also preparing for rehearsal. The boys finished dinner and were ready for their bath. I had only a few minutes to spare, so I stripped the boys down and put them in the tub. As I was just about to walk out the, Edward came running up to me saying Nolen peed in the tub. I walked over to the tub and saw a huge poo!!! I didn't have time to clean it up, so I took Nolen out of the tub and yelled, "sorry Stephen, there is poo in the tub." then I walked out the door.

5 hours!

It took 5 hours and a LOT of drinks of juice and milk to get Edward to use the potty for the VERY first time!  I hope this is the beginning of something wonderful!

Jemez Springs

I know it may come as a surprise to most of you, but I LOVE pictures!

Stephen and I decided to take a very quick vacation to Jemez Springs.  We both needed a moment away from the world but also not too far away so that the boys would enjoy the trip, too.  We chose Jemez Springs.  It is about 1 hour north west of Albuquerque and it is B E A Utiful!  We loved every minute of our brief two night stay in the canyon by the river. 

Great song and good video!

Birthday songs and kitchen sinks

3rd birthday party

Edward had a wonderful 3rd birthday party surrounded by his friends and little family.  I still can't believe I have a three year old!  The race track cake turned out perfect and he loved driving his cars on it even after the party was long over.  Happy Birthday, Edward!