The Barrett Five

Eva Grace's 100th Day of School, 2nd Grade

2012-01-24T20:57:00.000-06:00

For the 100 Day celebration, the kids dressed up like a 100 year olds. Thankfully, there was an award ceremony on the same day so parents got to see all the kids dressed up. (Hilarious!). On one of her projects for the day she wrote she wanted 100 kittens, didn't want 100 sisters, would eat 100 Fruit Loops, would not eat 100 fish, would spend $100 on the American Girl Doll- McKenna, and her favorite thing about her first 100 days of school was art because she got to paint, draw and color. At the award ceremony she got awards for straight A's and Perfect Attendance. WOO HOO! Emma's school didn't celebrate 100 days of school. She did get her grades though and had all A's too, with one B. I was very proud of both of them.

Eva Grace learned about Martin Luther King....again

2012-01-19T21:46:00.000-06:00

Ok. I have to preface this story with the last year's. Her First Grade class learned about Martin Luther King and had to write on what they dreamed of being one day. Her classmates wrote of big things... a president, a movie star, a doctor, ... Eva Grace wanted to be... a real elf!

Fast forward... Now in 2nd grade, this week was MLK Day. EG comes home asking if she is a color or a white. She thought she was pretty colorful!

Can't wait for next year!

I will add that she has greatly enjoyed learning about MLK this week. She was really upset by the cruelty of others because of skin color. She couldn't understand why. She is my most compassionate child and I love to watch her get emotionally involved in something she cares about. Compassion is one of her strengths.

Ella.... again

2012-01-15T21:09:00.001-06:00

"Mama, your hair is sparkly!"

...aka gray roots! At least she thought it was a compliment. I have a hair appointment Tuesday. Thanks Ella!

more of Ella

2012-01-06T14:00:00.005-06:00

"Mama, you have feathers on your legs just like Daddy!"

Ella Ruth 4years old

... and have I mentioned lately that Cat really adores her???

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T19:11:00.001-06:00

We brought in the new year with the Pools, Parker, and Bunch Families. There were 8 little girls running around the house all night (and 1 poor teenage boy stuck to video games). It was a blast. Everyone in our neighborhood was sure to hear us yelling and screaming, "Happy New Year," at midnight!

Christmas Play 2011

2011-12-21T09:13:00.000-06:00

The Chrismas play was this Sunday evening! Emma was Mary and had a solo with Joseph (Trey Norris). They did a fabulous job. Eva Grace was a wiseman and also had a solo and did very good!! Ella was a dove, along with her friend Ella Mae). They were kept in line by Avery Collins, an angel. It was sweet, as always. Nanner directed the play and did a fabulous job again this year. I laughed so hard I cried a few times. It was a hit!

Emma's Fine Art Festival Artwork and Choir Concert

2011-12-21T09:10:00.000-06:00

Emma was one of the 10 kids at her school chosen to paint a canvas to auction off at their Fine Art Festival. She worked on this for 2 weeks. I have to say that I was super impressed when I saw it! She is very talented (that didn't surprise me!). Her artwork sold at a higher price than most, which made me proud. Unfortunately, we weren't the ones that left with the masterpiece. There was a bidding war and I lost. A teacher at her school really wanted the art. I bid 3 times in the last few minutes, but got beat in the last few seconds. It was an honor that someone wanted her artwork so badly! The lady stopped her after the auction and told her it was for her new Grandbaby's nursery. That made Emma feel good. She is now in business making some artwork for our house! After the auction, she also performed in the choir concert.

Christmas fun-filled weekend

2011-12-11T22:56:00.002-06:00

Who is your favorite reindeer?? This question was asked over the radio Friday morning on the way to school. Without missing a beat Eva Grace chimed in, "Dancer." I was very curious why ... She said, "Dancer is Santa's right hand reindeer. Dasher is on the left, then Dancer on the right, then she proceeded to list the rest of the line up. Dancer is Santa's first reindeer." She was very sure about this and it required NO thought. She does know her Santa trivia, basically has The Santa Claus book memorized and has for years. I was impressed. Emma and Ella both picked Rudolph.

Friday night the girls wrote their letters to Santa then Saturday we went to the Post Office to mail them. They have a special mailbox just for Santa that is kid sized. Rumor has it that Santa will write back so we are anxiously awaiting that!

Saturday, we went to Storytime with Mrs. Clause at Barnes and Noble, followed by a girls lunch and some Christmas shopping. We ended up shopping ALL day and had the best time. We also did several RAKs to add to our list. The favorite of the day was getting hot coffee for the Salvation Army bell ringer at Walmart. She told the girls, "You girls are the BEST." Eva Grace said, "Mama, did you hear her? She said we were the best! I feel so good right now!!" (Lesson learned, Acts 20:35 "It is more blessed to give than to receive.") My favorite stop was at Hancocks. All the girls decided they were going to make Christmas presents so one by one they stood in line at the fabric counter with their bolts of fabric as big as they were (especially Ella)and got the materials they needed for their projects. (scarves, shhhhhh!!)

Sunday night they were very excited to get started on making their gifts. It went so well we even decided to monogram them, which made them even cuter! They were so proud of themselves, as they should have been. I wanted a scarf myself. They plan to finish these up tomorrow. Eva Grace needs to add bling to hers, she says! ha. Emma had to make a scarf for some girl in her class. She struggled to remember her whole name. "Angelica...Emily...Brown. Ya, that is it." It was also on a green scarf, my favorite :). I love Christmas manipulations and secrets!!! I love my girls.

25 Acts of Random Kindness

2011-12-11T22:47:00.018-06:00

Our family is doing 25 acts of random kindness throughout this holiday season. These acts can't be things we regularly do! This will forsure be a tradition in the upcoming years. Here are our 25 acts :)

1- My friend broke her leg so I helped her put up her decorate her house for Christmas.

2- We took a family a meal. Their mom just had surgery.

3- We bought a Salvation Army bell ringer a hot cup of coffee.

4- We donated some money to the Ronald McDonald House charity.

5- We bought groceries and donated them to our church's food pantry.

6- We donated some clothes to a family.

7- Eva Grace took her teacher her favorite drink to school everyday for two weeks. (Diet Coke with Lime is hard to find).

8- I took pictures of a family and made them all copies.

9- Made cookies for our hard working mail man.

10- Took some cookies to Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Ann from church.

11- Got some paint and took some fresh cookies to the paint guys.

12- Gave some cookies to the cable guy who was fixing our cable.

13- The girls went Christmas caroling at the nursing home with Grandma and her friends. (AWESOME!!) Ella took her Santa hat of and an old lady yelled at her to, "Put it on, It's cute!" Thankfully, it didn't scare her and she did. After singing, the girls mingeled through the crowd with Grandma. The residents seemed very happy to see sweet girls. I was a proud mama. This was my favorite RAK so far!

14- Taped quarters to vending machines at Salsas. We put them on notes the girls made saying, "Please enjoy our Random Act of Kindness. Merry Christmas. Luke 2."

15- Eva Grace and Ella went caroling with Grandma in Bay. They sang to some of the elderly and shut-ins. This was one of Eva Grace's favorite RAKs.

16- Brought shopping buggies inside from the parking lot at the Dollar Tree... and it was raining... and cold. I have to add that we had joyful hearts :) No complaining was heard from anyone.

17- We wrapped a dollar in a note (like on #14) and left it on the toy aisle in the Dollar Tree.

18- Ella fixed her friend's toy.

19- Ella prayed for Eva Grace when she was sick. (unprompted)

20- We brought in the neighbors' trash cans after the trash ran. We did all down the street!

21- Burt paid extra on someone's Verizon bill!

22- We opened doors for people everywhere we went!

23- Helped an older lady in Hobby Lobby parking lot get in the store with her small kids.

24- Eva Grace did Emma's chores one day.

25- Emma made Eva Grace soup when she wasn't feeling well, and cooked supper for the family a few nights!

This project was a lot of fun and very rewarding. We all learned, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35~ Can't wait to see what we do next year!

Nutcracker

2011-12-04T16:42:00.002-06:00

One of Eva Grace's Christmas favorites is The Nutcracker. She started collecting the figurines last year and has several friends that are in the musical production at the Forum. Saturday night, we went to see it. She took her friend Abby Bunch with her. (Emma went to see it with her school on Thursday). They loved it and sat on the edges of their seats the entire time, very excited to see each friend perform on stage.

Sophie was a Snow Flurry :)

Lucy :)

Emma King :) EG was also excited to see and get hugs from Evie and Claire Pulliam, and Anna King.

It's Christmas Time!! Elfie is back and our halls are decked!

2011-12-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

It is finally Christmas time, The Barrett Five's favorite time of the year. I wish there was a way to blog about all these festivities, that is why there is an annual Christmas book made! We put up our tree the weekend before Thanksgiving. The girls were excited about Elfie's return (our Elf on the Shelf). He sent them this postcard in the mail. On the back he had written, "Emma, Eva Grace and Ella, I can't wait to see you soon. Love, Elfie"

Elfie made his return the Saturday after Thanksgiving, also Emma's birthday. He had the girls a special breakfast made of powdered donuts and hot chocolate. He also had them an "E" ornament for their Christmas tree, Christmas pajamas and house shoes.

Eva Grace can tie her shoes!!!

2011-11-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

LONG LONG LONG time in the works but she can FINALLY tie her own shoes (Thanks to Uncle Adam). Now to practice so it doesn't take her 5 minutes per shoe. She is SO excited. Way to go, Grace!

Manamana...

2011-11-28T17:10:00.000-06:00

Do do.... do do do

We saw the new Muppet movie Sunday night and the song is stuck in our heads! One of us will start it and the other will finish it. It isn't even a conscience thing anymore. If it isn't being sung, it's being hummed. HELP!!!

Ella Ruth ~ 4 1/2 years old... Such a comedian these days.

2011-11-27T21:59:00.000-06:00

Insists on calling people, "humans."

"Mom those humans are buying milk."
"The humans are walking their dog."
"I drew these humans holding hands."
I don't have a clue where she picked this up.

Most common words:
"BA BAM" (used after an accomplishment she is proud of).
"Seweously" or "I'm Seweous" (serious- she can't pronounce her "r's").

Can make her stomach grown on command. Seweously, she can! It is hilarious. Trick is to "swallow a bubble."

She loves macaroni and cheese, cauliflour and cheese, broccoli and cheese, mashed potatoes. She will eat several servings during the meal, then leave the table. After everyone is done she will usually end up back at the table with the serving bowl and spoon finishing out the leftovers. Here she is Thanksgiving.

Emma hits double digits, Happy 10th!!!

2011-11-26T17:18:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I have a little girl in double digits!!! Emma is 10 years old, where did this time go? We started her celebrations by singing Happy Birthday to her on November 1st, to kick off her birthday month. Then the countdown started when we were a week out, followed up by her birthday "two"day, birthday eve, and BIRTHDAY! Her birthday falls during the Thanksgiving holiday every year so she gets to see lots of family, which is great, but very busy. Grandma took her shopping and out to eat and Nanner got her 6 Hobby Lobby gift cards to do whatever crafts she chooses (Pinterest has given her lots of ideas). Having a holiday bday holds up her party so we have that mid-December. Elfie, our Elf on the Shelf, also came back on her birthday and had a big breakfast waiting on her and her sisters. She wanted brownies, not cake, so we had candles and brownies after our Thanksgiving feast. More bday festivities in the next few weeks.

Counting our Blessings, Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-19T21:12:00.010-06:00

Our Thanksgiving festivities were kicked off this year with Eva Grace's school having a Voyage of the Mayflower chili supper. We went to check out her artwork displayed in the hallway. My favorite was her poem.

"Thanksgiving looks as pretty as a kitten. Thanksgiving sounds as loud as 300 people talking. Thanksgiving smells as lovely as pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving tastes as sweet as candy. Thanksgiving feels as bumpy as a rotten pumpkin. Thanksgiving is special to me because it is my sister's birthday."

Saturday, Aaron and Chelsea came in from Benton to celebrate Thanksgiving. They ended the meal with a game of Candyland with the girls.

Since we celebrated with Aaron already and Andrew was coming in weekend, the Brown's decided to volunteer at the Community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day rather than do the big traditional feast with just the few of us. It was very rewarding for all of us, even the girls. After volunteering, we went to Grandma's house for burgers.

Later Thanksgiving night we did our Traditional feast at the Barrett's. It was sad this year because John Kirby IV passed away last week. Burt carved the turkey, as always!

Later Thanksgiving night we did our Traditional feast at the Barrett's. It was sad this year because John Kirby IV passed away last week. Burt carved the turkey, as always!

Emma and Eva Grace both made wishes and duked it out over the wishbone.

Emma won :)We ended the night with Ella dancing with Poppy. She loves to dance or anything Princess related. Poppy was a sweet dance parner. They spun around the living room floor for a good 10 minutes.

Black Friday I went shopping with Amy and Destiny, our tradition for the past 10+ years. They opened the stores at 10pm and midnight this year for the first time ever. Not sure how I feel about this. It seemed too early. I went though so it must not have bothered me too bad...

Saturday, Andrew and Sarah were in and we did Thanksgiving with them. It was also Emma's birthday :) We did breakfast that morning and the big traditional feast that night. We also did lunch on Sunday before they had to drive back to Atlanta.

It was a great Holiday. We have been given too many blessings to count.

Possum Problem Terminated... Thank you Eva Grace

2011-11-18T17:34:00.000-06:00

So, we've had a possum. Don't have a clue where it came from, think it has been living in our landscaping in the front yard, give me chills just writing about it. It was spotted in our backyard a few times, once it even came out during a cookout with people over and wasn't afraid!!! We were afraid, but it wasn't phased. The best possum moment though was when it got trapped in our garage overnight. We were about to leave for school and I heard something in the garage, looked out the door and there it was. The girls and I were all screaming. I told them they didn't have to go to school that day because the possum was between the car and us... Burt had the calm solution though... open the garage and let him out... Duh, I know, but I really thought we could just kill him while we had him trapped. (I wouldn't say this out loud, but I don't think my macho husband could kill anything... He even said the possum was the cat's friend, Polly...Polly the Possum) Anyway, the girls went to school. Tardy, but with a good story!

Finale to the story: Eva Grace just told me that she thinks she has killed the possum because she set a gum trap. She spit her chewed gum out on the ground a few days ago for the possum to eat, which would have caused it to suffocate, like it does birds. She hasn't seen the possum in a few days so she thinks her trap worked. Hopefully so.... (I also heard a loud bang and saw some suspicious flashlight activity at the neighbor's house the other night. If the gum trap didn't work, maybe the neighbors had some luck).

Emma... Another first.

2011-11-09T17:29:00.000-06:00

Ughhh.... Such an exciting day for her, little does she know what this means. I, however, very much do!! My little girl not so little anymore. I did let her enjoy this experience and smell until her heart was content. Her decision.... Teen Spirit, Sweet Strawberries.

KICKBALL

2011-11-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

Burt and I are playing on the first ever kickball league in Jonesboro! Our church has a team! Tonight was not only our first game, but the first game in the history of the league. ha. It was a lot of fun. We lost our first game but had a blast.

Some people on our team: Chuck/Amanda Hardin, Beth Wallace, Bridget Manley, Michael Broadway, Jeff Reid, Todd Dobson

Halloween 2011 ~ It was SUPER!

2011-10-31T23:00:00.000-05:00

We got into Halloween much more this year than what we usually do. There were more parties, including our Spooktacular Sleepover posted earlier and Ella's Party/Playdate. We wore several costumes including a cat, Snow White and Grumpy, Sleeping Beauty, a volleyball player, Ramona from Ramona and Beezus, and all of us were Super Heros. Thankfully, we have a great dress up box and some talent!

This was my FAVE!!! We were The Barretts! You know, like The Incredibles,... The Barretts! ha. The best part was that we all made our costumes! Emma made hers ALL by herself and did the sewing on the other capes. I sewed the emblems on but each girl designed their own emblem and helped cut it out. They also picked out their own fabric at the store and made their own wrist cuffs and masks. It was so fun.

Eliza Ramsey had a costume birthday party that we all enjoyed to kick off our dressing up events.

Our church Fall Festival was Sunday. Here are the sweet Ellas.

Monday, Eva Grace had to dress like a book character. She chose Ramona from Ramona and Beezus. If ever a book character matched a kid, this would be a great match.

Emma got to wear her costume she made to school. I'm so proud of her for making hers all by herself. That is impressive for a 9 year old to do.

Ella FINALLY got to have her Halloween party/playdate this morning. She was SO excited! Ella Mae and Faith came over for a little while. We played a mummy wrap game. Faith didn't want to play but Ella Mae and Ella Ruth looked super cute.

Halloween night we did our traditional trick or treating hayride at Nanner and Poppy's with our friends. Tonight Ella was Snow White and Burt was Grumpy. Ella was so excited about her "date" with Daddy. "We are going twick or tweeting togeter."

I don't know what these 2 did but Ella's trick or treat bag was twice as full as Emma and Eva Grace's. :)

Passing out candy was as much fun as trick or treating!

Our Crew this year! Hunter, the Reeds, Abby Lynn Bunch, the Parkers, Leah Hendrix and Zeke.

WORLD SERIES, Game 7, Cardinals WIN, Burt and Poppy went!!

2011-10-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

It was a once in a lifetime, bucket list opportunity! Burt, his dad and his life long best friend went to the World Series Championship Game. They bought tickets before game 1, on a chance there would be 7 games. It was a fabulous, nail-biting series! Cardinals won, Rangers won, Cardinals won, Rangers, Rangers, Cardinals (at the very last minute in the 11th inning) and Cardinals. They had great seats in right field 3 rows up from the bullpin. What a euphoric feeling to be watching your lifelong favorite ball team win the most important ballgame of the year. This was the Cardinals 11th World Series win in 2011.

Billy, Burt, Monte (works with Burt), and Dondee

I'm packing a suitcase and I'm packing a....

2011-10-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

Adam came over after church tonight and took us out for a treat... YOGURT! The whole family went and we played an old family traveling game on the way there and back. The first person starts packing a suitcase and each person builds on that, also remembering what each person in front of them has packed. If you mess up the order or forget, you are OUT!

Emma started packing the suitcase and packed
yogurt,
toothbrush (Eva Grace),
chicken nugget (Adam),
chimichanga (Amy),
1,217,000 feathers (Burt),
ice cream, (Eva Grace out)
go cart,
headlight,
bed cover,
double bubble,
pop tart, (Burt out)
a piece of Mama's hair,
a box of Twinkies, (mama/me out)
a cd,
a baby blanket,
a balloon,
toenail clipping, (Emma out)
ADAM WINS!

Emma taught her church class tonight :)

2011-10-26T21:01:00.002-05:00

Emma got to teach her Wednesday night class tonight :) Mrs. Bonnie lets them all rotate and teach if they want to. She worked hard to prepare her lesson and was very pleased with how it turned out!
She taught Psalms 56:3, "What time I am afraid I will trust in thee." Her class made the glow balloons with glow sticks. They made a face on one balloon side and wrote the verse on the other side. She ended the lesson with prayer requests and a prayer. I'm so proud of her! :)

Bedtime Stories

2011-10-25T20:23:00.001-05:00

"Once upon a time...."

2011-10-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Emma (aggravated)- "Eva Grace, you STINK!"

Eva Grace (complimented)- "Thanks!"

(She did stink. Not sure what she got into but it was pretty bad.)

SpOOktAcULaR Sleepover

2011-10-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

Eva Grace had a Spooktacular Sleepover last Friday night. 10 of her closest friends were invited to join in the fun. All came but one, Sophie, who got sick at the last minute. :(

Here were our invitations and the scavenger hunt list.

Emma, Eva Grace & Ella enjoyed helping me put everything together and come up with decorating ideas. I had as much party fun as the kids did. I hope they remember it for years to come.

For a late night snack we had Frog Eyes (grapes), Jackolantern cheese balls, body part gummies, blood bath punch (with a severed hand floating in it), poison apples, and pumpkin and ghost sandwiches. Amy Reed also made ghost pretzels.

The tables were covered in spider table cloths so we made our plates into spiders! We even froze spiders in the ice cubes to float in our blood bath punch.

We made several crafts through out the night. Here we are making popcorn hands. We also made ghost suckers and mummy bars. My favorite was the mustache on a stick.

back: Emma K, Chloe, Graci O, Avery C, Becca T. Front: Abby B, Peyton C, Lucy C, Eva Grace, Baile.

After crafts, we played some games. We tried to play Pass The Orange. You know, where you pass the orange from under your chins and can't use your hands. They found this hilarious but could not do it! Then we were going to do the Lifesaver toothpick pass, but they were all grossed out by this. Those were some of my favorite games growing up... We finished up the games with the Scavenger Hunt. This was one of their favorites of the entire night. They were split into teams. 1/2 went upstairs, 1/2 went downstairs. The first to find all the items on their list won. There was a rat on the main floor that was worth extra points. FUN!

After games, it was bedtime. They all piled in the basement and watched Hocus Pocus and Spooky Buddies. This picture was taken around midnight, between the 2 movies. Silly girls!

Our Spooktacular Breakfast... Ahh haa haa haa...
Bone pieces (frosted flakes), Eyeballs, poison apples, Lizard Eggs (cocoa pebbles), Frog eyes (fruit loops), and Franken Fruit, along with spooked milk.

Here are some of our spooky decorations...

We put glow sticks in green balloons then added alien faces and put them in the bushes and hanging from the trees. They looked really cool at night!

EVA GRACE GOT HER FIRST HOME RUN!!!

2011-10-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Last game of the season. Hit it to right field, past first base and past right fielder! I can't even type it without wanting to scream. I ran and picked her up, then Chloe grabbed her and hugged her, her team hugged her, Nanner cried, everyone screamed. ...Great night, proud moment.

Emma's Zoo Field Trip

2011-10-14T22:17:00.004-05:00

Emma had a field trip to the Memphis Zoo today. In our group were Caden and A'aliah. Ella also got to go. After the zoo, we checked Emma out and went to Gigi's Cupcakes and Michael's. Two of our favorite girly stops.

Ghost Painting Project

2011-10-14T21:50:00.001-05:00

We did this parent painting activity at church where we made ghosts out of our kids' feet. I was reminded that Eva Grace is VERY ticklish on her feet, making her part very tricky! I look forward to displaying this many years to come. It was fun to do it together with all the other moms from church.

Ella, what are we trying to say???

I think it is much cuter in person than the picture. :)

Check out our cool snacks!

2011-10-11T19:57:00.001-05:00

It's our snack week at Preschool. We had a little fun with it :)
Jack-o-lantern cheese balls and ghost poop

(We also took lots of fruit to even out the junk).

Goofy girls

2011-10-08T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ella's "homework"

2011-10-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

ERB, 4 years old, 10-2011

The most important news of the day comes from the car rider line!

2011-10-07T22:49:00.001-05:00

Barrett News Of Day:
Ella wants to be a princess cat super-hero for Halloween...
Eva Grace bribed a boy at school to show her his very hurt and gross finger by giving him a cotton boll from the cotton fields. She even got to ask questions. What a fair trade...
Emma ran a MILE in 6:45... not a typo!! Fastest in her class, boys and girls!!!
Burt and I got a bill from Ella's ambulance ride to Le Bonheur for $1600. Just a ride!! I need to run a transport service!
Breakdown from bill...
Pulse reader one time (band-aid thing on finger) $20
Basic ambulance fee $565
Mileage $13.50 PER MILE!!!
Grand total = $1600

October 7, 2011
Els 4, EG 7, Em 9.

Walking in high cotton 2011

2011-10-05T22:48:00.001-05:00

Walking in High Cotton! Our annual trip to the farmland in Missouri. This year we went with Nanner and Poppy, Mylo, Molly and Zeke.

Favorite memory from the day: Burt was trying to teach the girls the cotton life cycle. Eva Grace took away from the lesson she wanted to go "cotton bowling." Then she was trying to get a family game together. ha.

All the girls enjoyed collecting cotton from the fields and bringing it home to share with there classes at school.

Our Weekly Fall Schedule...

2011-10-03T22:38:00.004-05:00

This fall Jonesboro started offering league soccer and softball (new for fall), and Emma is old enough to play school intermural sports! I LOVE fall ball!! The temps are perfect for outside. Sometimes you need a blanket, sweatshirt and hot chocolate but you hardly ever have to fight off mosquitos or wipe away the sweat! It reminds me of going to watch my dad play softball when I was growing up. I loved it then too!

Daily Breakdown
Monday: Burt & EG- softball
Tuesday: EG- soccer & softball. Emma- volleyball. Burt- softball.
Wednesday: church.
Thursday: Eva Grace- soccer. Emma- piano. TEST NIGHT!!
Friday: .... usually something fills this space...
Saturday: Emma- volleyball. Eva Grace- soccer. Occasional sofball tournament.
Sunday: Church. Emma- volleyball.
**Don't forget school activities and studying for tests!! Busy, Busy.

I can't leave out Ella. Thankfully, at every event she has friends her age to play with, but she whines that she never gets to do anything fun! Her time is coming.

Here we go! This night Burt had a double header and Eva Grace had a double header. Both of them got home runs too :)

Eva Grace's lifelong buddies ~Peyton, EG, Chloe and Sophie~ We all have to cheer for each other even though we are on different teams.

Family Golf Game

2011-10-02T23:08:00.000-05:00

We had a great Sunday afternoon golfing at Sage with Nanner and Poppy. Emma actually played the entire game thanks to her golf lessons from this summer. We used at least one of her balls on the green. YAY EM! Eva Grace got to play part of the course on the smaller drives and putts. Ella enjoyed her Sprite and dragging clubs around. We all had a great time.

Yes, this is Eva Grace driving a golf cart. Yes, we were worried.

Love how this picture dates this age. This will probably be the last year Ella can fit in the basket behind the seat of the golf cart. Her favorite place to ride with her feet propped up, teddy bear, and Sprite!

Eva Grace Field Trip to Parker Pioneer Homestead

2011-09-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

First field trip of the year. I got to go too- WOOHOO!! A boy (Kyler)almost got his finger cut off but other than that it was a good trip.

Happy 35th BURTday, Daddy

2011-09-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

We have the most thoughtful girls, especially on special occasions. While Eva Grace was doing her morning chores of folding towels, she and Emma decided to leave Daddy a morning birthday message. (BD in towels for Burtday, and We love you (heart and u) spelled out in underwear. :)

Burt spent the day dove hunting with Billy and Dalton. When he got home, Emma had made him brownies, one of his favorites, and had the birthday plate and candles ready! All 3 girls had made banners and had them hanging up all over the house. Emma and Eva Grace donated their chore money for the week for a special present. (Emma even did a few extra chores for some extra money). They planned a Midnight Man's Night at the Movies. They earned enough money to get him a movie ticket, popcorn, Coke and candy. Burt decided to take them to the movies instead of his friends the girls had planned.

Eva Grace helped judge the Alpha Gamma Delta's Cupcake War.

2011-09-17T16:44:00.003-05:00

Friday night, Eva Grace and Chloe got asked by Mrs. Mitzi to be judges for Alpha Gamma Delta's sorority Cupcake War. Eva Grace was SO excited she was counting down the days, hours, and minutes. She had to wear the "most diva-ish" outfit we could find. (I had to tone it down a little before we actually left our house...ha).

The event was at Mrs. Mitzi's house. The girls knocked on the door and gasped when it opened. There were 100 sorority staring at them. I think Eva Grace heard angels singing. She never looked back and walked right into the middle of the room, Chloe soon following. They were the only 2 kids there and the only judges. They had all these sorority girls to themselves and ATE UP the attention, and the candy! They both had a fabulous time. They got little squirrels for helping out (the Alpha Gam's mascot). We were very thankful Mrs. Mitzi thought of asking us for our help in this project!

Backpack Blessing at Church

2011-09-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

Last Wednesday, our church had our annual Back To School Bash. This year we included our first Backpack Blessing. I LOVED it and am looking forward to doing it every year! Brother Don had all the kids hold hands and get in a big circle. All the backpacks were placed in the middle of the circle. Then, Brother Don prayed over the kids and backpacks. He prayed for the school year, the teachers, and the parents. What a great way to start the school year.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.... Ella broke her arm

2011-09-17T15:53:00.025-05:00

This was my little sweet pea on Sunday. It was our first outing out of the house or hospital (We were all ready to get out!!). As you can tell, the theme was PURPLE! Purple dress, purple shoes, 10 purple sparkely nails (thank you, Mrs. Mitzi), big purple hairbow, her purple Bible, and her purple BLINGED cast! Emma, Eva Grace and I also all wore purple in support.

They asked Ella when she went into surgery what kind of cast she wanted and she said, "a purple sparkely one." They only had purple so we added our own sparkles. I would have thought this was a typical thing but when we went back to the doctor for our check up they had never seen such a thing. Thankfully, they thought it was really cute too!

Blinging her cast is a fun memory I will always cherish :).

I love how this picture dates how small her little hands are :)

We have also been asked over 1000 times (literally, I think), "How did she break her arm?" So, this was my solution! HA! It is also part of my new fall line of shirts. Thankfully, we used pink in the shirt too because when we left this Dr. appointment, Ella decided to leave with a pink cast!
.

September 21, 2001
We went back to Memphis today for a check up. This time, Ella decided to leave with a turquoise cast. My favorite so far! We added bling and ribbons to this one. It will be our last one, hopefully. We go back to Le Bonheur next Tuesday to have the pins removed.

September 27The second operation went great!! Ella was bouncing and happy the entire time. Le Bonheur was fabulous. They let Burt go back with her until she was asleep- he even sang her to sleep :). They didn't start the iv or do anything to her until she was asleep!! When she woke up, Burt and I were with her and we were ready to go home. She never knew anything happened nor felt any discomfort. The cast was off, pins were out and all she had to do was wear a sling until our next appointment. (We had to fancy up the sling a bit :).

October 5
We went back today for our 10 day surgery check up. Everything looked great. She doesn't have to wear he sling anymore and we go back in a month for another check up. YAY!!

Ella has burp marks!

2011-09-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

While giving Ella a sponge bath and trying to scrub off all the adhesive from bandages and tape, I was scrubbing a spot that just would not come off. Ella informed me that that was a "burp mark." "A what?" I asked. "A burp mark. You know, you get them when you burp."

(aka a freckle or a birth mark)
Ella Ruth, 9-3-11, 4 years old.

Ella broke her arm!

2011-09-03T22:24:00.004-05:00

Wednesday night around 5:15 Ella fell off 3 of our stairs in the basement. She was playing on them, as she typically does, missed a step and fell off the side landing on her arm. She has fallen off dozens of times but this one was different. Maybe it was a Mom's intuition, but I knew it was broke when she hit the floor. I rushed to her and you could tell by looking.

Burt had just left to take Emma to volleyball practice so I called him, got Eva Grace ready, threw clothes on, grabbed Ella's shoes, got her some Tylenol and left as soon as Burt pulled up.

St. Bernards ER was fabulous. They got right to us. X-Rays, Dr's, nurses, I.V's, pain meds, etc.. Poppy and Granddad came for support, so did Brother Don. After our X-Ray results were in and sent to the Orthopedic Dr. he decided he didn't even need to see her, we needed to be sent to Le Bonheur for emergency surgery.

This was the first ambulance ride for anyone in our family! Thankfully, Eva Grace kept telling Ella how jealous she was that Ella was getting to ride in an ambulance, and how unfair it was she couldn't go, so, Ella thought it was cool. That was one of the biggest blessings! If she would have been freaking out, I couldn't have comforted her very easily. I was also thankful that the ambulance drivers allowed me to sit in the back with her, the hospital told me I would have to sit in the front. Ella's descritpion of the trip was, "It was better than ice cream." (Thank you, Lord!!)

When we arrived at Le Bonheur's ER, it took a while for them to get us seen and in a room. Ella and I arrived there around 10, Dad and Burt drove behind us and go there around 11. We didn't get to a room until after 1. Ella hadn't eaten since lunch the day before and was wanting some apple juice really bad. The doctors finally came in and said our surgery would be in the morning so she could have something to drink!! (Another blessing because this calmed Ella down a lot!). We were thankful for Bruce, Andrea and Ashtyn Wright who came to hang out with us for a while!! They brought us some awesome goodies: homemade cookies, snacks, and quarters!! It was the perfect time for this surprise! I also love the smiles in the picture of Ashtyn and Ella. (That wasn't the general emotion of this night). We couldn't get to our room fast enough and we were all exhausted!! I didn't sleep at all and Ella didn't sleep much but she was a trooper and didn't fuss much. The walls were thin so you could hear every baby crying down our hall any time. We slept with the tv on to try to disguise some of the cries. So sad and literally gut wrenching!

Thursday
Around 5:30 am, Dr's started making their rounds. Around 8:45 they came to get us for surgery. I am so glad Ella wasn't old enough to grasp what surgery was and what was going on around her. She was never scared (Another answered prayer)!! They took her in a toy room and she got a new baby doll, then she got to choose her cast color. She wanted purple sparkely, but they only had purple. I told her we could add the sparkles later :) The hospital let Burt and I go back with her and Burt got to go in with her while she was being put to sleep. She was such a trooper (more than her mama was) I kept most of my tears hidden from her but the surgery was tough. Honestly, it was the toughest thing I've ever done as a parent. That was my breaking point. They told us we could go eat while she was in surgery or go back to the room, like we had some spare time to spend... I couldn't leave. I was thankful my dad was with us. He made phone calls relaying information as it came available to family so I didn't have to. (That isn't my strong suit :).

After surgery, I couldn't get to her in recovery fast enough. They had put 2 pins in her left arm, right above her elbow. She had the purple cast she wanted and made it through the surgery just fine. From that point on she only got better! We got back to our room where she had some balloons from Granddad. Later in the day she got more balloons and a bag full of candy from the Colvett's. She loved sitting in the bed with all of her loot (and hiding it from her sisters that Grandma was bringing to visit her!)

Nanner came by then went and bought her an outfit to come home in. (We all only had the clothes we came in). Poppy, Ron and Judy also came by later. Another highlight of the day was meeting Olivia Holt, a Disney star on the new show Kickin' It. She came around signing autographs and meeting patients :). Ella didn't really know who she was but Emma and Eva Grace did and were quite envious!

Friday morning, we got to come home. Ella was very excited. She was tired of the hospital, but her nurses were very nice! Burt and I were ready for a shower. The hospital had no soap or shampoo. We only had the clothes we came in so we were nasty.

When we pulled on our street we could see balloons flying from the mailbox! It didn't end there. Ashley and Ella Mae Dobson and Amy Reed were waiting on us when we arrived. They had picked up my house, got Ella a cookie cake and a baby doll with a matching purple cast :) They also had her some purple KoolAid and me some unsweet tea. Berkley and Ella Mae even made her a card. It was very sweet! Later, The Pools came by and Aubrie brought Ella a bag of Blow Pops and a Webkins, which she also loved.

The one thing Ella wanted for being in the hospital was ice cream. She decided she wanted the girls to go with her! So, we picked them up from school and went to get ice cream! When we got home, Posey Peddler brought her some deliveries. She got balloons and a big pink bear from her classmates and teacher, she also got some beautiful sparkely purple roses and a basket full of goodies and candy from John, Kristin and Tindle! Nanner showed up later with groceries to stock our fridge and Mrs. Mitzi dropped by with some sparkely purple nail polish that matched her cast perfectly, a sticker book, and some snacks! Ron, Judy, Jaeden and Braxton brought her a mini pillow pet and some more suckers :)

Here is some of her loot.

We were all so blessed throughout this entire ordeal. We received over 300 Facebook messages, texts, visits and phone calls. Those simple messages letting people know they were praying for us meant so much!! It doesn't take any money, or much time. Just let people know you are praying. I will do better with this from now on. I will also be more greatful for my healthy kids.

Ella's lesson learned.... or Mama's lesson learned??

2011-08-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

Ella woke up this morning with a big wad of gum stuck in her hair. My punishment was to make her try to get it out herself for a while. After 2 minutes of trying she was back and no gum. Stupidly, I asked her what she did but I could already tell. She cut it out. So, I guess I learned MY lesson.

ERB, 8-19-11, 4 years old.

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-22T13:17:00.001-05:00

Emma is a 4th grader in Mrs. Case's class. Eva Grace is a 2nd grader in Mrs. McCall's class (Emma's teacher from last year).

A lot of prep work goes into the first day of school. Our backpacks were picked out and monogrammed with bling. Eva Grace believes you can't have enough sparkles, which is obvious by her unphotographable backpack. Our nails were also painted, favorite outfits picked out by each girl, teacher's gifts packed, and prayers said. Thankfully, all the school supplies were delivered at Open Houses, which were all 3 on the same night, at mostly the same times, in three opposite ends of towns!

Ella started Tuesday at Concordia. Her preschool from last year closed but most of her girl friends from there came to Concordia too! (Anders, Ella, Bella, Kaleigh).

One of her best little girlfriends, Ella Mae, is also in her class this year. And, Theron Johnson, Eliza Ramsey and Caroline Box are right next door! (Notice her lunchbox. She didn't get a backpack but was very proud of her new lunchbox!).

Teacher gifts this year...

Our Anniversary gift from the girls...

2011-08-07T21:26:00.001-05:00

Today is our Anniversary (12 years). The girls have been planning something special for days now. Burt and I both knew they were up to something but had no idea all the thought and detail they were putting into it.

After 2 days of jotting notes in a notebook, the plan was almost complete. Today was game day and the big secret was in the house. Burt and I were locked in our bedroom all afternoon, girls' orders. We could hear the girls cleaning and excuting their big plan. At 5:30 we had strict orders to leave the house, They had called Uncle Adam to come over and watch them. We had to be dressed up in "romantic clothes" and be back at 6:30 on the dot, "not early, nor late." Apparently Burt didn't pass the dress code because he had to change clothes, ha!!! We did as we were told and left, Adam was there beginning to cook super (one of his 2 assignments, the other was to go to the store and get the stuff)!

At 6:30, we arrived. The girls met us at the door dressed in their Sunday best ready to serve. Emma led Burt down one staircase and Eva Grace led me down another staircase to the basement where they had prepared an awesome candlelight, romantic dinner for 2. The table was set with white table linens and our best china. The chairs had also been draped in white linens and tied with hand sewn (Emma) ties to make them look elegant.

"Romantic" music was playing softly in the background as they each led us to our chairs. Spagetti and french bread was their meal of choice, which they helped Uncle Adam prepare. Ella asked us if we would like any and then dished it on our plates :)

Then the 3 of them went upstairs so we could, "have romantic talk and eat our food." It was one of the most romantic dinners I've ever had, the most thoughtful, hands down!

After our entrees, they proudly came down with our dessert, a hot brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with Hershey's syrup. It was delicious.

The evening only got better. Next to the dining area was a dance floor where they had set up for us to have a "romantic dance" to our song, Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. They got access to all of these songs from Burt's phone (pretty smart!!). They had flashlights that they waved around to look like strobe lights as we danced. (The pictures look light due to the flash but it was dark).

The girls wanted to jump in so they changed the speed from slow to fast and we all got down!!!

We ended the night by watching our wedding video from 12 years ago. The girls loved it. (Burt and I made fun of ourselves throughout the tape, but the girls thought I was a princess :) They are such romantics at heart.

Tonight was one for the memory books. I don't have to write anything down because it will be engraved on my heart. So much thought went into every detail they did tonight. I am so proud of each of them for going to so much trouble for us. There were so many details. Here are some of Emma's planning notes.
The song list...

To do list...

The seating arrangement...

The menu...

This Anniversary was unexpectidly one of the best ever! We have been very blessed over the past 12 years and have 3 of the most thoughtful girls on the planet.

Wheels and Hills

2011-08-07T14:57:00.003-05:00

"Wheels"- (pronounced Wheeils) The hills that make you lose your stomach a little when you drive up and down them. You put your hands up and yell, "Weeeeeeeeeee......"

"Hills"- Just raised areas of the road that you drive up and down.

Ella Ruth
4 years old
She shared this knowledge with us as we were driving to Granddads.

My sweet note from Ella

2011-08-04T14:51:00.003-05:00

Handwritten from Ella, "Mamma, your da best mamma everw. I tink you'wa da best. Love, Ella"

(I had her read it to me just to make sure I got it exactly right)!

Emma went to church camp :)

2011-07-22T18:02:00.010-05:00

Before picture (at drop off)...

11 am this morning (Friday) couldn't come soon enough! Emma has been gone to church camp since Monday. (Mt. Zion Baptist Church Camp, the same one I went to when I was a kid!!) It is the longest she has ever been away from me (2 nights was the longest) and the first time she has ever been away from family longer than 1 night.

Emma and I had a fun time packing her suitcase. After all was packed, Burt and I snuck back in her suitcase and added extra notes of encouragement for her to find throughout her week. Well, I added love notes like Mom's do. Burt added notes of advice ("Don't chase black cats with white stripes." "Don't feed the bears." "Don't get mad at squirrels that throw nuts."...) When I went to pick her up from camp, she had taped all the notes she had accumulated to the wall by her bed. :)

We had 5 girls from our church to go, Baylee, Hailey, Sarah, Emma and Katie. Mrs. Denise also went as the room mom. (There were 2 other girls from different churches in our room too). They all seemed to have a great time.

After picking the girls up from camp, most of the mommies, uh hum.. moms, and girls went to eat lunch at Tamollys. There were several stories told, songs sung and lots of giggling. (Some of the songs were the same songs we learned at camp when we were kids!). When we got home, I expected to hear lots more stories but Emma just wanted to lay around for some reason :). I look forward to hearing more stories in the days to come. We are all glad Emma had a great time but we all missed her bunches and are glad she is back home. She can't wait to go back next year!

After picture (at pick up)...
Definitely enough camp until next year!!!

**The following Sunday the girls got to speak in front of the church about their week and Mrs. Denise had created a neat slideshow. Emma proudly told the congregation about prank night when, "they hung the camp director's bra and panties from the flagpole." Such a proud moment... ha.

These are the days...

2011-07-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

Wednesday night, 8:30 pm. We have already been at church for 2 hours and 15 minutes. VBS is next week so I have accomplished a lot tonight and am ready to go home. I run down the kids, always a chore when leaving the church, only to find Ella outside mowing on the tractor with Burt. She couldn't be happier. There aren't many times she gets to just be with her daddy and he is probably her favorite person on the planet. So.... here I am, still at church, swinging on the porch swings, waiting a little longer to go home. And, here comes Eva Grace to help. What is a little while longer.... These are the days, right?

Perfect rainy summer day

2011-07-14T14:57:00.003-05:00

I'm curled up on the porch swing with the cat watching the girls play in the rain, which they have been doing for the past hour. Ella just brought me flowers (from the crepe myrtle bush). Life is good.

Trip to Bootheel / Swim Lessons / New Outfits

2011-07-10T17:13:00.002-05:00

Summer trip to the Bootheel Checklist

*Looked for snakes in big ditch outside Paragould. Didn't see any this trip.
*Ate at Bill's BBQ in Kennett.
*Looked for melons but none were ready or picked yet.
*All the girls got to drive on the gravel back roads in Senath, Cotton Plant and Hornersville. BURT, we don't text and drive! (He was actually playing with the music, which isn't any better!)

SWIM LESSONS
We did our traditional swim lessons at the YMCA this year! (Except Emma, she did a golf camp instead). Eva Grace did really well. She will be a guppy next summer. Avery and Chloe were in her class, as always. Ella also did really well, she gets to jump up 2 classes for next year. Her teacher described her as "vigorous." ha. She will be a polliwog next summer and was in class this year with Addison, Berkley and Ella Mae.

I made these new shirts for the girls!
I had some fabric that Mama Ruth and I had picked out together. I couldn't bring myself to cut it but it matched Eva Grace's shirt so well. I decided to let Lori make her some shorts out of them. I am so glad I did. The shorts are perfect and Eva Grace was excited to have something so special from Mama Ruth. I will treasure them forever. She also made Ella some cute little capris to match her shirt.

Eva Grace Softball 2011

2011-07-10T16:35:00.015-05:00

Fabulous softball year!! We had an awesome coach, a very sweet group of girls, a wonderful group of parents... can't brag enough about this experience! All the girls on the team are the same age and this is a brand new team. Our team name was Genesis... meaning we are starting from the beginning, which we literally did. This was our first year in fastpitch softball.
(team picture top: Paiten, Lawren, Hannah, Alexa, Vidalia, Lexie. Bottom: Laynee, EG, Gracie, Abby, Chloe)

Her favorite position was catcher, although, she also played left center, 2nd base and pitcher.It helped that one of the parents was a professional photographer. He got us lots of great action shots! One of the favorite events of the year was an ice cream social we had with one of our opposing teams, Valley Girls. Lots of our friends played on that team. Here is a picture!
Lucy, Sophie, Gracie Onstead, Hadden, Paiten, Vidalia, Abby Lynn, EG, & Chloe.

4th of July! 5K, Dinner at Barrett's and Fireworks

2011-07-05T17:48:00.007-05:00

Another awesome day! We have been trying to run a family race for a while now but things keep falling through. This weekend we finally did it at the Freedom 5K at Craighead Forest. Adam, Andrew, Sarah, Emma and I all ran. I had asked Emma a few weeks ago if she wanted to run it and train with me. She said yes, "I'm going to win it." I tried to do the motherly thing and encourage her but not let her hopes get too high. I really thought it was way out of reach! BUT they had age divisions and she WON her age division (9 and under). Not only did she win but the next kid that finished behind her was 14 minutes later. I am still SO PROUD of her. Her time was 34:24, almost a minute before me, and a great goal to improve on! Thankfully, Aunt Sarah could hang with her speed. I completely underestimated her. Hopefully the first of many times! We had a huge cheering section. Grandma, Burt, Eva Grace and Ella all came to cheer us on. (Eva Grace woke up early to give Emma and I a big hug and tell us, "Good Luck!") :)Burt being Burt! hahahahaha... He said he forgot his ring! (Green Lantern shirt...)

That evening we did our traditional 4th celebration at Nanner and Poppy's. The girls got to shoot off some fireworks. Smoke bombs were their favorite again this year. After dark, we all went to Kohl's parking lot to watch the city firework show. The Brown's rejoined us for that!

Redbird Game, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Sarah here :)

2011-07-05T17:39:00.004-05:00

This weekend was awesome. It started with Burt being off 5 days in a row :) Then Uncle Andrew and Aunt Sarah came in for the weekend from Atlanta! Adam cooked a fabulous meal for the whole family, including Greenwoods, Saturday night. Sunday, we had church followed by a Redbird game in Memphis. Burt and the girls stayed home for the game but the Greenwoods and Browns went. Unfortunatly, there was a deadly shooting across the parking lot while we were at the game. Two were killed, including a police officer.

After the game, there was a firework show. Where we were sitting, and the direction of the wind, made it a true fire show! There were pieces of fire falling from the sky landing all around us. A piece landed on Andrew's shorts. I had to get up out of my chair because a big piece fell there, and a piece fell on Martin. It was like a new sport. It was more dangerous to flee though because it was falling everywhere, so we stayed there and played dodge fire with Andrew screaming with laughter like a little girl :)Fun times!!
I had the best jersey in the park, a throw back jersey of Ozzie Smith's! (From Andrew a few years ago!)

Emma is playing golf!

2011-06-27T20:31:00.003-05:00

Emma is taking a golf camp this summer! She even got her own set of clubs. I hope this will be a family sport one day. For now, she is really enjoying her new sport.

Martin Family Reunion

2011-06-27T20:19:00.004-05:00

The Martin Family Reunion is held the 3rd weekend in June in all the even years. It was good to see everyone again. Orla and Laura Martin were my Great Grandparents on my Mom's side. There were 5 Generations represented at the reunion (counting the Martin's). The girls and I had a great time in Clarksville, Arkansas. Burt had to work.

Ella Burton

2011-06-25T15:17:00.002-05:00

I asked Ella to wipe the koolaid off of her mouth. Her lazy reply was, "It's not koolaid, I just sunburned."

Beach Pictures

2011-06-12T22:00:00.017-05:00

Panama City Beach VACATION!

2011-06-12T18:24:00.022-05:00

So much fun! This trip was pretty spur of the moment, how the Barrett Five roll best! The girls have wanted to go to the beach for a few years now (they are too young to remember the last time they were there), so we decided to surprise them. When Burt and I were contemplating going, we showed the girls a picture of the resort. Emma (9 years old) thought the sand was SNOW! That confirmed our decision. Each family member documented our trip every day and we took lots of pictures to mark our trip.

Sunday afternoon
Started our trip. We drove about 5 hours near Montgomery, AL then stayed the night.

Monday:
*Eva Grace set off the alarm in the hotel elevator. They had to call a slew of people to fix that mishap. (Thankfully, Burt, Emma and Ella were with her and I got to miss it!).
*Drove to Panama City. "The kids couldn't wait." (Eva Grace's words) We immediately went to the beach after checking into the hotel. Later that night we drove around the city, then ended our night at Dippin' Dots for ice cream.
Favorites of the day:
Emma- "Finding sea shells and jumping waves."
Eva Grace- "Wave jumping and the swimming pool."
Ella- "Playing in the sand with Daddy and the 'blue pool' (swimming pool)."

Burt- "Playing on the beach with the kiddos."
Amy- "Seeing the beach and watching the girls get excited."

Tuesday
*I went for a morning run on the beach.
*We all went to the beach again. Emma took her new boogie board.
*Went to Wonder Works (4 hours of fun!).
*Went for a nightly walk on the beach

Favorites of the day:
Emma- "Wonder Works rope climbing, lazer tag, and adventure ride with Daddy."
Eva Grace- "Wonder Works lazer tag, Circut station (pictured), and the cool interactive toys."
Ella- "Going to the osin (ocean)" ;) She was much braver today than yesterday.
Burt- "Wonder Works, 'the whole thing,' and "The flash on the balcony in mama's new swimsuit."
Amy- "Sitting in the ocean with waves crashing on my legs."

Wednesday:
*Me and Eva Grace ate breakfast at the resort
*Went on an awesome Pirate Cruise (Eva Grace doesn't like heights. She kept saying, "Mama you are nervousing me.")
*Chilled out while some storms passed (Florida storms are intimidating!).
*Took pictures at the beach
*Went to pier and saw several schools of fish, sharks, and a sting ray. Again, we were "nervousing" Eva Grace as we looked over the pier.
*Picked up sea shells
*Ate at Calypsos, where Eva Grace had the live music play Burt and I's song, Wonderful Tonight. Then Burt and I had to dance. The girls all joined in.
*Went back to the resort and swam.
Arrrrrgh!!!
Sword fighting on the boat! They also had a water gun fight, found a hidden treasure in the ocean, observed dolphins swimming in the wild, fired real cannons, got their faces painted, and got tattoos on this pirate cruise!
BAD CHILDREN WALK THE PLANK

Favorites of the Day
Emma- "Pirate Cruise, all of it!"
Eva Grace- "Swimming in the pool, getting Mama and Daddy to dance at the restaurant."
Ella- "Sword fighting on the pirate ship and water guns fight on the pirate ship."
Burt- "The pier."
Amy- "Pirate ship, dancing with Burt, my quiet time on the beach this morning with my Bible."

Thursday
*Went to the beach one last time.
*Drove home! Managed to make the drive all in one day so Burt and I dropped the girls off at Grandma's Saturday night and headed to Memphis for the rest of the weekend! It has been a fabulous vacation. I love my Barrett Five!The girls made a fort/tent out of the backseat on the way home. Pretty creative, I thought. They were set with their movies and snacks.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-09T15:11:00.013-05:00

Memorial Day was filled with fishing and burgers at Granddad's. Everyone caught at least 2 fish. Thankfully, Adam was there to bait our hooks, remove our fish and take care of our fishing technicalities. After we all got past the worms, a good time was had by all! We are such girls!
Granddad fishing with Eva Grace

Adam trying to convince EG to touch the fish she caught.

She finally touched the fish.. and let it go!

Even I caught 2 fish.

Emma's fish was wiggly!

Ella caught a fish!

Ella and Adam with her fish!

Ella and Granddad

Emma's catch (and she held it!).

I loved Ella's fishing positions.

Emma, Ella, Adam, Eva Grace (love how she is sitting :), and Mrs. Jane.

Emma's Locks of Love

2011-06-03T18:05:00.004-05:00

After weeks of waiting it was finally Emma's turn to get her hair cut! She was so excited. She also got a cute turquoise feather on the side. Of all the girls, Emma's haircut was the most dramatic to me. It was just one more thing to make her a little older.
For the first time, I have 3 short haired little girls, and they all look adorable. We were able to donate 30 inches of hair to Locks of Love.

Our First Presbyterian Preschool Days are over...

2011-05-25T21:26:00.002-05:00

A chapter of our lives has ended. I am very sad about this, especially since Ella still has 1 year of preschool left. The preschool has decided to close it's doors. Our entire family has loved each special teacher and their loving, Christian ways they taught my girls. The girls and I have all made lifelong friends. This preschool was a blessing and I am thankful for the 5 years we invested there! Here is Ella's last day there.

Here is Ella's sweet little (3 year old) class. For their last day (Fun Day) they got to have pony rides, a bouncy slide, bubbles and outside ride on toys, face painting, chick fil a, and ice cream sundaes! They went out in style!!

Eva Grace Soccer

2011-05-25T21:11:00.008-05:00

This year Eva Grace introduced us all to soccer. I had never been to a game and none of my girls had ever played, but EG wanted to try. So, we signed her up and off we went. The season ended last weekend and it was a blast. Very laid back and a lot of fun. Next year she wants to play again.
What a great team- Lucy, EG, Ridge, Braden, forgot his name will fill it in when i remember... Fabulous coaches Jenny and Kevin Box!!
I loved this picture! John Bunch took it at one of the games. She matches the figure on her shirt!

Emma's First Piano Recital

2011-05-23T14:02:00.005-05:00

I was one very proud Mama for Emma's piano recital. She did such a great job! I often pray for God to reveal my children's' talents to me so that I may nurture and encourage my girls in those areas, in hopes that when they are older they will use these talents to glorify God. I really feel like this may be one of Emma's talents. Piano comes naturally to her and she seems to excel easily at it. I greatly enjoy listening to her play!
Also, every woman in my family, and most in Burt's family (including several generations back) plays/ed the piano so it is in her blood! :)
Nanner, Poppy, Grandma, Granddad and Adam came to the recital. Eva Grace and Ella presented Emma with flowers after the performance.

Emma with Mrs. Stacy Gibson, her teacher.

Ella's Locks of Love

2011-05-21T14:50:00.004-05:00

A trend has started at the Barrett house. All the girls want to donate their hair to Locks of Love. Ella almost didn't make the cut due to her lenght. It was BARELY 10 inches. Daddy told her she couldn't get her hair cut unless it was long enough to donate. That would have been devastating because she was set on having this cute new do! She was smiling the entire time it got cut. She sat very still while Mrs. Angela cut her hair and was so proud. It does look adorable!

Eva Grace's Locks of Love

2011-05-16T12:23:00.008-05:00

Eva Grace has been excited about donating her hair for months now! In honor of Owen, her friend Peyton's brother, who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 4, she donated her hair to Locks of Love. I have to say that her hair looks ADORABLE!!
She had a hard time sitting still in the chair because she kept posing at herself in the mirror. It was hilarious.
Her ponytail was a little over 10 inches but she ended up with at least 11-12 inches off total!
Eva Grace with her friends Peyton and Owen Church at the Trike-A-Thon last weekend. We raised money for St. Jude's in honor of Owen.

Ella's first tball game!!

2011-05-11T09:35:00.018-05:00

It was finally baby sister's time to play ball! After 4 years of being at the ballfields watching Burt, Emma and Eva Grace play, we all got to watch her play! She was so excited and did very good! She did get a little injury when a ball smacked her in the arm, leaving seam stitch imprints. She cried but got right back out on the field!

Teammates Ella Mae Dobson, Ella Ruth, and Berkley Reed.

This is one of my favorite pictures even though it isn't that clear. I was so worried about getting pictures that I wasn't even thinking about getting her ready to bat. Coach Emma on the other hand, was on the ball and made sure she had everything she needed ready to go, and was helping her warm up batting.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T21:01:00.011-05:00

Our day started at church, then was followed by a cookout at our house with the Barrett's and Brown's. I got some handmade cards from my girls and a handwritten one from my mom. All will be kept forever :)

Eva Grace's Teacher Appreciation/ Late Easter Gift

2011-05-05T23:24:00.004-05:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at the girls' schools. Eva Grace was so excited to give this to her First Grade teacher, Mrs. Mitzi. It is a chocolate rabbit bought after Easter for $.25. She realized she didn't give her teacher anything for Easter so she could kill 2 birds with 1 stone with this gift. She even personalized the box so it was appropriate for both occasions. I have tried to convince her NOT to take this to school, but have lost this battle. She is so excited and has it wrapped, sitting by the door (along with some Bath and Body Works I added to the bag).

Ella Bella Ruth is 4

2011-05-03T21:41:00.017-05:00

I can't believe our sweet baby girl is 4 years old! I have tried to convince her that she is really only "fwee," but that really hurt her feelings. She completes the Barrett Five in so many ways. The perfect ending to our sweet little family. She is her Daddy's girl, no doubt about it. She loves the color purple. She has an attitude of a 9 year old complete with the head dance and finger point. She loves her little friends at church and preschool. She likes to be crafty and is pretty artsy. She is crazy about Uncle Adam and Poppy. She is a cuddler :), She has just started tball, her first organized activity. Her face looks like a button. For her birthday she wanted a real Bible. Her story book one wasn't "real." She got a purple sparkly one! She loves bling and sparkles. She isn't a big sweet eater! She loves asparagus. Her favorite TV shows are Tom and Jerry and Mickey Mouse. Her favorite drink is apple juice. Her favorite foods are Macaroni and Cheese, cauliflower and cheese and mashed potatoes. She has a lot of the same facial expressions as Emma, although she used to look more like Eva Grace. She just got her own big girl bed; she had been in the baby bed until we moved, her choice! She loves, loves, loves to sing. She is rarely quiet, but occasionally can be super shy. She loves to be read to. She can write her name, you make an E with a line, stick, stick, stick ("tick, tick, tick"). She may forever have a speech impediment because I love it and encourage it more than I should. She likes to help cook in her play kitchen and in a real kitchen, especially with Grandma. She loves Salsa's and Chic Fil A.

Her Birthday was anticipated greatly. She wanted to go to Chucky Cheese for her family dinner, where she had a blast. Tuesday at school, she took a cookie cake for her class. She is very excited to say she is 4!! Her friend party is next week.

HER FRIEND PARTY...........We had her friend party at the house. We got a big bouncy house, had sidewalk chalk and bubbles. It was really easy and fun. Somehow all my picutures got deleted before I got them uploaded to my computer, but my friend Mallery sent me hers. I was VERY thankful :)
Some of the sweeties there were, Berkley, Faith, Ella Mae, Anders, Halle, Theron, Tate, Addison, Noah, Audrey, and Joanna, Eliza, Sophie and Maddie.

To end off the night, we cooked out with the Ramsey's. Eliza and Ella are "Best Friends" according to Eliza :). When I asked her what her favorite part of the day was, her reply was, "I loved it all, Mama!"

Sunday, May 1, 2011

2011-05-03T21:14:00.002-05:00

Sunday night, 10:10 pm. Andrew calls us to tell us that President Obama has just called an unannounced press conference with breaking news to take place at 10:30 pm. Such an act is unheard of from Presidents. Our hearts start to race at what this news could be for our country. The news channels start researching to uncover what the breaking news could be. FINALLY, it is discovered that Osama Bin Laden is dead. The evil terrorist that was the mastermind behind the Trade Center/Pentagon tragedy almost 10 years ago, had been killed. The country was relieved that this man was no longer able hurt any more innocent victims. Some are worried about what this will bring now. Personally, I was relieved that something tragic wasn't taking place at the moment. My stomach was in knots at this breaking news announcement. I do remember where I was on 9-11-2001. I was teaching preschool when the news broke the TVs. Then our school had a bomb threat and we had to evacuate 20 little preschoolers to a near by church. NOT TO MENTION, I was 8 months pregnant with Emma. I also have a brother that has served (gladly) in this resulting war 2 tours. He has missed 2 Christmas's with his family and spent his first anniversary away from his wife. I know more have sacrificed more than our family. Tonight we are all reminded of how grateful we should be for all of those service men/women who protect us. I am reminded how grateful I am that God is in control. Tonight history was made and I'm glad to be from the United States of America.

Eva Grace 7th Birthday

2011-05-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

Today our Sweet, Funny, Tender-hearted, Eva Grace turned 7 years old. She started off the day with pancakes in the shape of the number 7. We made her a birthday shirt to wear for the day in her favorite color, turquoise. It was her snack day and she could bring whatever she wanted. She chose for Emma to make fudge muffins for her class (which she did all by herself)! While at school her class sang Happy Birthday to her, she got the Birthday spanking, and her old Kindergarten class also sang to her. She loved it all.

After school, her friend, Chloe, came over for a little while. Then we went to eat at Hibatchi, the restaurant of her choice, for dinner. Adam, Granddad, Grandma, Nanner, Poppy, Mylo, Molly, Zeke and Ms. Jane joined us there. She got lots of cool gifts and was very appreciative of them all. Tonight it is storming, which means we are having another basement party, the 3rd one this week. She is loving it though! It has been a good day.

Other festivities are still planned for the week. She is having a small sleepover with her friend Sophie, born 2 days apart, on Friday and her big friend party closer to summertime.
Eva Grace and Poppy
Eva Grace with Grandma
Hibatchi Dinner, her favorite restaurant.
Thanks Nanner and Poppy for the awesome snowglobe! She collects snowglobes. This one is a rolling Princess Carriage that plays "Bibbity Bobbity Boo." She can put her picture inside and it is engraved on the front with her name! Very pretty. She also got a new camera, some shopping dates, some seeds to plant, and some cool outside goodies.
Eva Grace and Granddad

The sleepover was fun!! It was for her and Sophie and they invited only their closest friends since preschool or earlier. This was to tide them over until their big party in a few weeks.

Easter 2011

2011-05-03T18:40:00.009-05:00

The girls really got into the real meaning of Easter this year, which filled me with joy! Eva Grace even met with Bro. Don a few weeks ago about becoming a Christian :) Many questions were asked, which started some precious conversations. I will always treasure these talks of Jesus with my girls!

We enjoyed the commercial side of Easter also with going to the movies to see HOP, going to the church Easter Egg Hunt, dying eggs with our friends, and egg hunting at home and at Grandma's. The Easter Bunny stopped by too, bringing Emma & Eva Grace cute Bible Cases for their Bibles (which they enjoy reading :), & Ella got the movie Tangled, Cat in the Hat, and a Mickey Mouse painting activity.

On Easter Sunday, the girls looked beautiful. Both sides of the family ate at Grandma's house. Ham AND turkey were for lunch, YUM! Here are their girls in their favorite color dresses.

NEW CRAFT ROOM!

2011-05-03T18:35:00.005-05:00

My craft room is getting closer to finished. I actually am able to have my machines set up in there instead of my kitchen! YAY!!! This was my first project to make in my new room. My dad, who is creating the room for me, took the photo. I am making a shirt for Lindsey Ashlock's new baby boy Aiden. I look forward to making many more fun things in the future! Below is all the craft supplies that came out of our old house. No wonder we were cramped. I didn't realize I had so much junk. Some of it is being donated soon! I need to have a craft yard sale!

Blogging, Take 2...

2011-05-03T15:42:00.006-05:00

OK! I have really missed blogging. I have been looking back on my blog and love all the documented milestones. I am amazed at how much my girls have grown and how fast time has flown by. The main reasons I stopped before were mainly time, and I thought people didn't really care what we were doing. I have since realized that I love the documentation! SO, I am going to start again, but this time for my scrapbook purposes!

To try and catch my blog up to date with the time lapse, here are my Facebook Status Updates. It isn't as good as blogging, but it will have to do.

April 19, 2011, 5:21 pm: Eva Grace just told me she couldn't pray because her closet door was off and I taught to pray in the closet. (Matt. 6:6).

Fri February 25, 2011, 3:48 pm: Emma is eating pickles and celery for her afternoon snack! Her choice.

Thu February 24, 2011, 3:35 pm: is excited about seeing all the book report projects tonight at Emma's school. This was their first big school project and it was a lot of work! Working together was fun, although she did most of all of the work! I am very proud of her.

Tue February 15, 2011, 4:39 pm: -Eva Grace just told me she hates it when people tell her Ella is "cute.". Ella replied, "I'm not cute. I'm really, really cute!"

Mon February 14, 2011, 3:51 pm: I'm LOVING seeing all these sweet kiddos sporting my outfits on this sweet day! They all look precious. (Even the teachers :)

Sun February 13, 2011, 12:17 pm: I just asked my girls what they learned in church this morning and loved what Ella learned, especially since I was her teacher. She learned that, "God told Jonah to go to Bay, but Jonah got scared and ran away so the big dolphin swallowed him and he was in his tummy for 3 hours. Then Jonah prayed to God and said he was sorry so the dolphin spit him out and Jonah went to Bay."

Tue February 8, 2011, 9:16 am: is at Jury Duty! First time in a courtroom!

Sun February 6, 2011, 5:37 pm: I have a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath house for rent. Great neighborhood, great neighbors, garage, privacy fenced in back yard, etc... Call me for details!

Tue February 1, 2011, 9:56 am: This past Sunday I taught Children's Church and felt led to teach Philipians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Funny thing that lately I've been stressing about Febuary's activities and happened to stumble across this verse in my Bible Study this morning. I guess sometimes God uses teachers to preach to themselves!

Sun January 30, 2011, 12:01 pm: is headed to Sunday lunch at Mom's. I picked the menu today. Her chicken and dumplings and strawberry cake are my favorites!

Thu January 27, 2011, 10:18 pm: just read in the most recent Family Circle magazine (January, page 16) that "having a husband creates an extra 7 hours of work each week for women."

Tue January 25, 2011, 3:27 pm: - Highlights from school today: Emma- it snowed, Eva Grace - Rykar has 18 pencils in his desk, Ella- Zelly was the line leader today but some of the boys cut in front of her!! I love car rides home from school! (Emma 3rd grade, EG 1st grade, Ella 3 year old class)

Sun January 23, 2011, 9:25 am: is thankful today for my husband who loves me, my kids who think I'm kind of cool, my family who tolerates my goofiness, and more friends than I can count the memories! I am so blessed!!

Thu January 20, 2011, 10:01 pm: am really hoping school is cancelled tomorrow. We didn't study at all for any tests today, I just knew school would be out. Girls just went to bed, flipped their pj's and got their spoons. They think that is the key, hope they are right.

Tue January 18, 2011, 3:15 pm: Today at school Eva Grace learned that polar bears aren't white, but clear!

Wed January 12, 2011, 8:32 pm: -Burt wasn't paying much attention to Ella as she was showing him how her baby could fly across the room. He got more attentive when he suddenly heard, "CATCH!"

Sun January 9, 2011, 12:47 pm: Who is the famous Valley View teacher who told the kids to sleep with a spoon under their pillow for it to snow? Her philosophy is spreading!

Thu January 6, 2011, 1:06 pm: most people spend lots of concern picking out the perfect food for their pets. At the Barrett house, we pick the bag with the photo that most resembles our cat!

Tue January 4, 2011, 3:07 pm: -Eva Grace after picking her up from school: "Mom, did you clean out the car today?" Me -"Yes." EG- "Man! I had a snack hidden under Ella's car seat!"

Sun January 2, 2011, 9:32 pm: It is bedtime and Ella asked for her 2nd drink of water. I told her, "no." ...Turned the corner and she is drinking the cat's water!

Tue December 28, 2010, 2:07 pm: is enjoying my chai latte (from my new AWESOME Keurig!!), my girls napping, and working on my 2010 Christmas book. Have enjoyed a family filled week and looking forward to seeing more family tonight. I am so blessed!

Tue December 21, 2010, 3:35 pm: and the girls are baking Christmas goodies at Mom's. Sausage balls, Chocolate chip cookies and Jesus's birthday cake today, more tomorrow!

Mon December 13, 2010, 10:23 am: is leaving Atlanta, headed to Auburn University for Andrew's MBA graduation. Also, wishing Andrew and Sarah a Happy 2 year Anniversary today! It's been a great weekend!

Fri December 10, 2010, 12:24 am: LOVES getting Christmas cards!!!!! It is one of my favorite things about this season. I can't wait to get to the mail box and usually have at least one opened before I get back to the door! I have them displayed where I can see and they bring daily smiles to my face!

Fri November 26, 2010, 8:06 pm: Happy Birthday to my sweet Emma!

Wed November 24, 2010, 8:05 am: is thankful and excited that I get to spend the weekend with all 3 of my brothers! What used to be pure torture growing up is priceless these days!

Mon November 22, 2010, 8:26 am: is thankful to have one of my Mama Ruth's Bibles! Doing my Bible study and seeing her underlinings and side notes written in her handwriting is the BEST!

Fri November 19, 2010, 6:37 pm: I've been relieved of all my cooking duties at our family's Thanksgiving meal. When I voiced my concern about this I was told to bring ice!

Sun November 14, 2010, 9:31 pm: Craft fair is over, voice mailbox is full, facebook inbox is full, email is crazy and tons of texts! I've made it through the texts and will hit the rest tomorrow! I'm taking orders this week until Friday! I loved seeing so many friends this weekend!!

Thu November 11, 2010, 4:23 pm: Little Bit of CHRISTMAS! WOOT!

Mon November 1, 2010, 9:27 am: Holidays are here! (I just excited some of you and irritated some of you!).

Fri October 29, 2010, 4:02 pm: Is taking a break from this already crazy busy weekend to enjoy a peaceful night in Memphis with my husband at, Wicked.

Thu October 28, 2010, 8:05 pm: - Uncle Adam is making the girls pumpkin and ghost shaped grilled cheese sandwiches! He is the bomb!

Sun October 24, 2010, 1:44 pm: prayers are with the family of Clifford Harper today.

Tue October 19, 2010, 5:59 pm: - Emma is getting Christmas music at piano lessons tonight! She is so excited, so am I!

Tue October 12, 2010, 9:14 am: just left Muffins with Mom with Ella at her Preschool :).

Fri October 8, 2010, 7:01 pm: is amazed at all the friends I have that are having 20 year reunions this weekend! I went to college with some of you... what does this mean???

Thu September 30, 2010, 6:00 pm: is headed to the Delta Fair!

Wed September 29, 2010, 4:28 pm: accidentally sent my phone, turned on, to school in Emma's backpack today!! Eva grace had just set me a new ring tone of her singing a song she wrote about how awesome her mom is :). Of course it rang during class!! emma was so embarrassed!

Tue September 28, 2010, 8:30 am: - apparently we have Southern accents... so everyone tells us.

Sat September 25, 2010, 9:10 pm: funny story... Burt made the comment that it is good he is around when MY family gets together because none of us have a sense of direction... then he gets us off a Disney bus at the wrong resort on Day 4 of our trip!!

Sun September 19, 2010, 11:48 pm: - When packing for a week long vacation for 3 girls you need a suitcase alone for hairbows and shoes.

Sat September 18, 2010, 9:35 pm: is predicting a highly active hurricane season for the next 3 years in the Atlantic! (Andrew just moved to Atlanta. We call him Jonah).

Thu September 9, 2010, 8:53 am: just dropped Ella off at her first day of preschool! I am so blessed to know all the sweet kids in her class, their Christian parents and her AWESOME teachers! I'm feeling lost with ALL my kids at school for the first time ever but very excited about my lunch plans :)

Mon September 6, 2010, 2:42 pm: is headed to the Missouri Bootheel with the family to look at the cotton :).

Fri September 3, 2010, 6:29 pm: is on location at the Barrett Camp Rock Party! Woohoo. We are counting down the minutes.

Fri August 27, 2010, 10:23 pm: Another milestone has been reached at the Barrett house! Emma has mastered the skill of wrapping her wet hair up in a towel on her head! She has almost had it for a while now, but now she has it down! Woohoo! Got to love those girly milestones. She is so proud.

Fri August 27, 2010, 8:17 am: Why do parents of small children ask questions????? Either no one did it or the other one did it. OR, if you do manage to pin the culprit and finally ask the question, "Why did you color on the cat?" You get an answer like, "I wanted the cat to have a green nose..." Why even ask?

Tue August 24, 2010, 3:52 pm: The Farmers Market is so cool! Our whole family loves it! The new facility by ASU is really nice!

Thu August 19, 2010, 11:41 pm: Eva Grace has INSISTED on wearing outfits I made her for the first and second days of school (Instead of the boutique ones I picked out). She said, "But Mom, these are my favorite!" It made my day.

Wed August 18, 2010, 5:21 pm: 's heart was happy when Eva Grace's friend Layla yelled as she was leaving today, "Meet me at the monkey bars tomorrow."

Sun August 15, 2010, 9:08 pm: Air conditioner is broke! Thank goodness for Uncle Adam! The girls are pumped about a sleep over!

Sun August 8, 2010, 9:01 pm: just found out Emma has Mrs. McCall for 3rd Grade, Eva Grace has Mrs. Mitzi for 1st Grade, and Ella has Mrs. Jamie Pierce for Preschool at First Presbyterian!!!! I'm excited!! I'm a repeat parent of 2 of them and couldn't be happier!!

Sat August 7, 2010, 11:16 pm: had a great anniversary! Our festivities for the day ended when a lady before us on the ziplines got stuck and they had to call the fire dept to get her down! We were stuck in the air on a small post for 30 extra minutes! Then we had to zipline down the same wire, plus 3 more before getting back to the ground!

August 6, 2010, 1:46 pm: 11 years ago this weekend (tomorrow to be exact) I became Mrs. Amy Barrett! Still get butterflies when I hear it!

Thu July 22, 2010, 11:28 pm: A cat + a lazer light = total amuzement for my girls. Add a piano with the lazer light and you have a piano playing cat. My girls are rolling on the floor in laughter.

Fri July 16, 2010, 3:28 pm: Just bought a new shower curtain! When I asked the sales lady if it was "manly" at all' she laughed! I hope Burt feels differently...

Thu July 15, 2010, 9:25 pm: is at the movies with my entire family! we are so not normal! All the girls have their blankets and Ella just sent Burt after popcorn!

Wed July 14, 2010, 10:58 am: has a dream.... and I got it this morning doing my Bible Study. Very exciting!

Sat July 10, 2010, 7:31 pm: just learned I can't tell my girls, "Shhhhh... Sit down," quickly in a restaurant :)

Sat July 3, 2010, 11:29 am: Has 3 girls SCREAMING with excitement in my back seat! Loving life and my family (I get to hang out with all 3 of my brothers today). This weekend is off to a great start and it is only the beginning!

Fri July 2, 2010, 10:46 pm: -the Double Tree gives you HOT cookies when you check in!! They bake them every 45 min., they are BIG and full of chocolate! YUM!!!!!

Wed June 30, 2010, 10:29 am: strongly dislikes trains!!!

Wed June 30, 2010, 2:23 am: All 16 movie theaters were sold out to a single movie at a midnight showing! That is crazy! (To Twilight, 2nd movie of series).

Sat June 26, 2010, 8:01 pm: is seeing Chicago (the play) at the Orpheum!! SO EXCITED!!

Mon June 21, 2010, 11:18 am: just started our annual swim lessons with our friends! Ella even gets to do them this year!

Mon June 7, 2010, 3:31 pm: - my brother's ROCK!! Andrew and Sarah are joining us in Disney World in Sept and Adam just surprised me with a Sonic large UNSWEET tea!!! Aaron is ok too!!

Fri June 4, 2010, 10:45 pm: has 21 Facebook friends with the name Amy (22 including myself), 19 Amandas, 22 Ashley's, and 27 Jenny's. Just saying...

Fri June 4, 2010, 7:03 pm: - clean car Friday!!!!

Tue June 1, 2010, 12:35 am: is praying for the Church family, Smith family and Dobson family who all have babies in the hospital at this time. Hug your babies and pray for these babies and their mama's (and families).

Sun May 30, 2010, 11:53 am: Loves to hear my sweet girls singing during worship service! Brings me to tears every time.

Fri May 28, 2010, 5:05 pm: is excited to be going to see my little cousin, CASSI, graduate from high school! we are so proud of her :)

Wed May 26, 2010, 12:06 pm: gets teary every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner! So thankful for all our service men and women, especially ADB!

Tue May 25, 2010, 8:17 pm: - it was hot and dry at the ballpark 20 minutes ago. Now it is pouring down rain and flooded. Where did that come from?

Sat May 22, 2010, 11:15 am: just learned ella is terrified of porti-potties.

Sun May 16, 2010, 3:39 pm: is so proud of Emma's softball coach for forfeiting our softball game this morning at 9 am so the girls wouldn't have to miss church! What a statement!

Wed May 12, 2010, 10:52 pm: - our cat just flushed the toilet! NO JOKE! The kids were asleep, Burt and I were a little puzzled at the flushing, then out walks the CAT!

Wed May 12, 2010, 9:13 am: went to Eva Grace's first tball game last night. Her trash talk is a little advanced for tball but she did leave her base to check on her friend who got hit in the face with the ball while batting.... that part made me proud.

Mon May 10, 2010, 10:55 am: can't believe my sweet Eva Grace is graduating from Kindergarten tonight. I am so blessed she goes to such an awesome school and has the best teachers on the planet, especially Mrs. Jami Bridger!

Sat May 8, 2010, 7:29 pm: Emma genuinely told me today, "Mom, you are the best mom ever." Of course, it made my year! I am incredibly blessed. I hope everyone has a blessed Mother's Day.

Sat May 8, 2010, 10:48 am: Is sad to see my brother Andrew leave today but has greatly enjoyed his week long visit home and is pumped he is moving to Atlanta! That's much closer than Iraq and Washington!!

Sun May 2, 2010, 12:17 pm: wishes my baby girl a Happy 3rd Birthday! I love you Ellaby Ruth!

Thu April 29, 2010, 5:14 pm: loves days packed full of friends and family!

Sun April 25, 2010, 8:19 am: is excited Eva Grace is "having the best birthday ever." I love Birthday weeks!

Wed April 14, 2010, 9:23 pm: - A lady at the fabric store asked me what all I monogrammed. I laughed and said anything I can fit in my machine. Then added, things I can't personalize I have friends that can! ...Should I feel bad about that? I kind of felt a little guilty. Do I have a problem? Nah, that's not it...

Wed April 14, 2010, 12:10 pm: -Why is it when people compliment your kids on being cute they instantly do something so not cute?????

Wed March 24, 2010, 10:10 am: went to see South Pacific last night at the Orpheum and brought home my own little Billis! hahaha.

Sat March 20, 2010, 9:11 pm: -we made Ella eat a bug today...No one else would so we tricked Ella into eating it! (At the Children's Museum. It was covered in chocolate).

Fri March 19, 2010, 9:51 am: dislikes that my mom isn't out for Spring Break! I really was looking forward to those breakfasts!

Sat March 6, 2010, 9:58 am: is on my way to coach our last Upwards basketball game. Lady Red Raiders, you ROCK! I will miss you girls! I'm so thankful for this opportunity to be your coach!

Mon February 22, 2010, 8:30 am: -Emma asked Jesus into her heart!! She will be getting baptized on March 7th!

Sat February 20, 2010, 6:42 pm: - Emma is the new Family Fun Skating Rink's Limbo CHAMP! Woot Woot!!

Fri February 12, 2010, 12:41 am: - Eva Grace was working on her Valentine cards tonight and got bored towards the end. She came to her friend Edwin's and decided to just write Ed. I told her she had to write EDWIN and she said, "I'll just call him Ed."

Sat February 6, 2010, 7:55 pm: Eva Grace - "Mom, can I put my artwork in the basement?" Me - "We don't have a basement." Eva Grace- "Then can I put it in the lair?"

Fri February 5, 2010, 12:23 am: -today Emma made the local news! I had no idea (& missed it) until people called/texted afterwards. Her response, "Oh ya!"... Eva Grace learned about Martin Luther King then wrote of what she dreamed to do. Her friends "dreamed" of having $1000, or living in Disney World. Eva Grace dreamed she could...... become an elf. Ella learned that cats hate stickers BUT it occupied her for over an hour so I it slide.

Tue February 2, 2010, 8:50 am: -The Groundhog saw his shadow! 6 more weeks of winter!! Happy Groundhogs Day!

Sat January 30, 2010, 1:52 pm: just fed the neighborhood girls snow cream (with no raw eggs) and hot chocolate. I wonder why the boys don't like my house? haha. I think I'll keep it that way as long as possible!

Fri January 29, 2010, 9:45 am: -a thunder snow storm? Seriously! I have never seen one of those! WOW! Kind of excited to see that.

Fri January 22, 2010, 7:49 pm: just beat Super Mario on the DS! Awesome, I know!!!

Thu January 14, 2010, 10:44 pm: thinks flannel sheets are fabulous!

Sun January 10, 2010, 7:45 pm: is eatting smores by the fire with the family! Thanks Adam!

Fri January 8, 2010, 10:31 am: is wishing UNCLE ADAM KENNON BROWN a HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Mon December 28, 2009, 9:10 pm: Eva Grace wants to find a wishing well so she can become an elf.

Sun December 20, 2009, 8:02 pm: is tired of leaving church functions with everyone thinking my kids are the wildest in town...

Mon December 14, 2009, 1:05 am: -Does anyone else feel fluent in Spanish when singing Feliz Navidad? Just curious?

Sun December 13, 2009, 9:59 am: - Eva Grace just asked me if the Angel told me to name her Eva Grace :)

Sat December 12, 2009, 10:10 am: just threw the best bunkin' party ever... 8 little girls told me so! :)

Wed December 9, 2009, 5:07 pm: just got the cutest, softest, pink snowman sheets for my bed. I hope Burt won't mind....

Mon November 30, 2009, 1:18 am: Eva Grace lost another tooth 2 days ago. She didn't inform anyone that she had placed it under her pillow until lunch today when she was voicing her concern of the tooth fairy's absence. Burt, very quick on his feet, told her that the Tooth Fairy took the Thanksgiving weekend off!

Thu November 26, 2009, 8:47 am: wants to wish my sweet girl, Emma Elizabeth, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Wed November 25, 2009, 1:07 am: Happy Thanksgiving! Do you know the Bible says if we thanked God for everything He has done for us, we wouldn't have enough life time to name everything. That is a lot of blessings!

Thu September 17, 2009, 11:10 am: just got confirmation that alligators really can't climb trees. hahahahaha. Thanks Andrew for that research.

Thu September 3, 2009, 9:41 am: I heard a loud crashing noise and asked Ella what she did. She looked at me, smiled, and said "SURPRISE!" (Ella 2 years old)

Wed September 2, 2009, 10:32 pm: -Emma picked everyone out matching pj's tonight. I didn't realize we all had matching pj's, but we do!

Mon August 31, 2009, 9:48 pm: - I was trimming my girls' fingernails when Emma asked me not to trim her thumb nails because she uses them to help people open things.

Sat August 29, 2009, 9:24 pm: just taught my girls how to make paper dolls. They are having a blast using my fabric scraps to decorate them. ...I was too.

Thu August 27, 2009, 10:30 pm: -Eva Grace has decided since she can't marry Daddy (because he is already taken) then she will just marry Uncle Adam! (EGB 5 years old)

Tue August 25, 2009, 10:13 am: Ella- "Dace? Where's Dace?" Me- "Eva Grace is at school." Ella- "Ooohh... Doe det her at school?"

Wed July 22, 2009, 1:36 pm: - if you just called me, please call back. Eva Grace said, " Peggy called," but I don't know any Peggy's! Then she said it was Maggie .... don't know any Maggie's either!

Sun July 19, 2009, 3:11 pm: is enjoying being with my Yaya's this weekend!

Wed July 15, 2009, 10:22 pm: Oh my stars! My MOTHER is on FACEBOOK!!!! I'm speechless - or I will be from now on :) Add her as your friend.

Tue July 14, 2009, 10:18 pm: paniced tonight when we pulled in for WOW and I forgot ... not the panties, not the shoes, not the diaper bag... THE HAIRBOW! Luckily, we found a white one in the car.

Ella

2010-02-25T08:45:00.002-06:00

Ella, 2 years old, just called a baby chicken a "chicken nugget."

Emma's Local News Experience

2010-02-05T18:39:00.005-06:00

Here is Emma's debut the news~

http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11935760#

Thank you, Emily Anderson, for sending me this link!

Today's adventures of the Barrett girls...

2010-02-04T23:56:00.004-06:00

Today Emma made the local news for her "Grapple" experiment (a grape/apple fruit). I had no idea and we totally missed it until sweet friends were calling/texting commenting on it. When I asked her about it she said, "Oh ya..." Thankfully, we were able to watch it on KAIT's website.

Eva Grace learned about Martin Luther King today. To sum it up, they apparently got to write on what they "dreamed" to do or become. Her friend Chloe dreamed she had $1000. Her friend Emma dreamed she lived at Disney World. Eva Grace dreamed she could become............. an elf! Very seriously, I might add.

Ella learned that cats hate tape today. This occupied her for at least an hour. She chased the cat with stickers then laughed uncontrollably when she caught him and watched him squirm it off. I should have stopped her but that laugh will get kids away with lots of stuff.

Emma's "Spa" Birthday Party Sleepover

2009-12-22T01:52:00.015-06:00

Emma started planning her 8th birthday party months ago. (She loves to plan events). She had almost every detail picked out! We had decided that she could invite 5 girls and that one could spend the night. ... WELL, that 5 turned to 8 and all but one of them spent the night! I cannot complain though, they were all very well behaved and we all, myself included, had a great time. Emma said it was her best birthday ever- which made the lack of sleep well worth it! Here are some pictures to mark the event.

Face Masks were a huge hit. They were hilarious while I was putting it on their faces!

Making cookies

The awesome cake was made by Jenny box. Everything you see was edible. Even the fingernail polish tops unscrewed from the bottles. It was perfect for this party! I let the girls decide which activity to do and when. For SOME REASON I did not think through eating cake at 10PM!! They were WIRED after about 15 minutes at 10PM!!! I learned a lesson from that one! BUT, we danced through a few Miley Cyrus songs to burn some energy then got back to spa "ing." I couldn't have asked for them to be better behaved. They are all really sweet girls!

They all had to be in the bathroom at one time to brush their teeth. This was their rule! ...at least they brushed their teeth!

Sleeping arrangements. I have no idea how these girls have so much energy but require little sleep. They outlasted me. I crashed at 2 but they lasted until almost 3! Then they were up around 7 am!!!!

Donuts for breakfast.

Here are the spa products each girl got to make and take home. We made bubble bath, soap, lip gloss, lotion, cookies, and paper dolls. The girls also enjoyed decorating their containers.

Ella and Nanner

2009-12-22T01:45:00.003-06:00

Ella and Nanner spend an afternoon together and Ella was SO excited. She loves Mouse (Mickey Mouse) and really thought she was all decked out in her ensemble (her shirt matched her huge purse). Being the baby, she doesn't get much alone time with people so when it is her turn, she relishes it!

Happy 8th Emma and Happy Thanksgiving

2009-12-22T01:24:00.002-06:00

Emma turned 8 on Thanksgiving day this year. I can't believe it. She has really grown into such a sweet, beautiful girl. I am so proud of her. We scheduled her friend party for a later date so we could "celebrate" outside of the holiday but Nanner had her a little party at her house.

Thanksgiving was very memorable this year. On my side of the family, we celebrated our big meal a few weeks early because my brother, Andrew, was going to be deployed over the holidays. We did get together early in the day on Thanksgiving to watch the parade and eat, but it was bittersweet with Andrew being overseas. Aaron was also unable to come home.

On Burt's side of the family, however, they had family come in that hadn't been here in years. It was very nice to see them. Most all the family was able to be under the same roof for a few hours. I don't know the last time this happened.

We are such a blessed family. My favorite thing to take away from this special holiday this year was the passage of scripture that refers to thanking God for all He has given us- and if we did, we wouldn't have enough lifetime to list everything.

How very true!

Eva Grace lost her first tooth (literally) and the Tooth Fairy went on Thanksgiving Break!!!!

2009-12-20T00:10:00.006-06:00

Eva Grace came to show me something. She had her first lose tooth. It was very lose and I'm surprised she didn't notice this before this point. It wasn't long until she and Emma got it out. (I am a super WUS with teeth pulling. I can handle all the other yukky mom jobs but I can't handle tooth pulling!)
After pulling it, Emma pumped her up for the tooth fairy visit. 'At our house, we don't like to part with our teeth so the girls leave the tooth fairy notes to leave the tooth. Here is Eva Grace's letter...
She insisted on taking it to church the next day and leaving it for the tooth fairy the next night. Even though she was advised not to do this because if you lose your tooth, the tooth fairy can't come, she did it anyway. Sure enough, she lost the tooth.
About a week later, she lost the other bottom tooth. She was more careful with this one but didn't want to immediatly put it under he pillow. She quietly changed her mind (without telling Burt or I) and slipped it under her pillow. Two days later we were eatting at Grandma's house and I happened to overhear Eva Grace telling Grandma that she had placed her tooth under her pillow the past 2 nights but the tooth fairy hadn't come. Without missing a beat when hearing this story, Burt assured her that the tooth fairy was off on Thanksgiving break. The next night this note and gift was under her pillow.

Here is a picture of the toothless beauty. She thinks the best 2 things about losing her teeth are being able to tell all her friends and drinking with a straw stuck through the hole in her bite!

Eva Grace's Thanksgiving Feast

2009-12-20T00:07:00.002-06:00

Mrs. Jami's class had a Thanksgiving Feast. It was very cute. The class dressed up like pilgrams and indians, sang some cute songs, then tasted a bite of all things Thanksgiving! She is loving Kindergarten!

Cirque Dream Holidaze

2009-12-20T00:03:00.003-06:00

Nanner and Poppy got season tickets to the Orpheum and we all went to see Cirque Dream Holidaze. It was a great show. We even got to eat at Panchos before the show.

Putting up our tree!!

2009-12-19T23:33:00.010-06:00

The Barrett Five LOVE Christmas time! We put our tree up very early this year (early-mid November). I get super busy with my business in November and if I don't get the tree up early, it is too stressful to enjoy. We also already had Thanksgiving with the Browns so it just felt right to decorate for Christmas!

Every year since we have been married Burt has gotten me a new snow village piece to go with our collection! This year he got the school house since Eva Grace started school!
We always get to open an early Christmas present when we are finished putting up the tree. This year the girls got these cute snowman flannel sheets. They loved them. I loved them too so I went back and got some for me later. Burt loves sleeping on them! haha.

Halloween 2009

2009-12-18T09:34:00.009-06:00

Halloween was very busy this year. Emma picked out our costumes and designed most of them. She planned the entire layout months before and decided we would all be the family of Sleeping Beauty. She was so proud of herself!
Some of our Halloween festivities included the fall festival at church, class parties, Andrew's visit and the Browns' Thanksgiving, etc... We also did our traditional Trick or Treating party/hayride at Nanner and Poppy's. This year we were joined by the Reed, Collins, Muhammad, Timmons, Parnell, and Brewer families. Here are pictures to mark the event.
Emma, aka Merryweather.
Eva Grace, aka Flora.
Sleeping Beauty family - the sweet witch was our cousin, Hunter!
This picture was prompted by the girls. They thought it was hilarious.
...and they all lived happily ever after!

Rodeo with Adam and Granddad

2009-12-18T09:30:00.002-06:00

Ghost Suckers

2009-12-18T09:24:00.002-06:00

I used to love making these as a kid! My girls loved it too! Even Ella enjoyed making them. Of course, she loved eatting them much more. Suckers are one of her favorite foods!

Emma's Field Trip to Pioneer Homestead

2009-12-18T09:08:00.007-06:00

The Second Graders at UHE went to the Pioneer Homestead. They got to explore how life was 100 years ago with many "hands on" activities such as handwashing clothes, a church service, a typical school day, making kettle corn and sorghum. It was very interesting! During the church service the preacher had everyone sing Jesus Loves Me and most of the kids did not know the words. I found this to be very sad!

These were our Halloween outfits for this year. I did the shirts and Lori did the ribbon pants.

Walking in High Cotton

2009-12-10T01:35:00.006-06:00

It was that time of year again when we made our annual trip to Hornersville / Senath, Missouri to look at the cotton fields. This is Burt's favorite place to be this time of year. He loves teaching the girls about cotton and reminiscing about growing up on his old stomping grounds. Emma and Eva Grace even got to "help" drive on the backroads.

The "Lesson."

The cotton was as high as Ella Ruth's eye!

Andrew's visit HOME!

2009-12-10T01:26:00.003-06:00

Andrew got to come home for a week in October! We made the most of his visit here with lots of quality family time.
One thing we did was have a few cookouts at Granddad's! There are lots of fun things to do there.
Feeding the fish with Uncle Adam.
Feeding the horses with Granddad.
Race with Uncle Andrew (this is a must do every trip!) READY, SET, GGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Andrew and Mama Ruth

We were all excited that Andrew got to come home for a week but sad that he was going to have to be deployed for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. We made the most of his visit and spent lots of quality family time together. We did Thanksgiving a few weeks early so we could all be together (minus Aaron...). His visit was very nice and he will be missed, as always. The girls didn't want him to go as you can see from this picture of him and Eva Grace as they were saying goodbyes. We are looking forward to April/May when Andrew will be back from deployment and visiting again!

Pumpkin Carving 2009

2009-12-10T01:03:00.004-06:00

My brothers have carved a pumpkin with my girls every year. It is a tradition! Unfortnatly, Aaron couldn't be here for this one but it was a rare treat that Andrew was able to be here!

Pumpkin pose #1. Emma and Eva Grace were all about cleaning that pumpkin out. Ella wanted nothing to do with getting her hands dirty!

Pumpkin pose #2. We like to torch our pumpkins! We always end up doing this every year for some reason.

After pumpkin carving we all enjoyed some carmel apples. YUM!

UHE Homecoming/Spirit Week

2009-12-10T00:42:00.007-06:00

We've got spirit, yes we do...Nettleton had their Homecoming festivities at school with a dress up theme every day. Eva Grace won "Most Spirit" in her class on School Spirit Day. They also had a pep rally at their school before the big game.
Eva Grace and some of her friends in her class! We went to the Homecoming game to see Chloe be the flower girl. She looked beautiful!
Emma and Brylee, one of her friends in her class on Spirit Day.
The girls and I made their outfits. I did the shirts (with their design input), Emma made EG's hairbows, Emma and I blinged her name on her pants, and I blinged EG's shoes. LOVE IT!

Miley Cyrus Concert

2009-12-10T00:18:00.009-06:00

We were very excited to get tickets to the Miley Cyrus concert, floor tickets at that! Emma and Eva Grace are big Hannah Montana fans! We went to the concert with Erica and Avery Collins, Amy and Chloe Reed, and Hunter Timmons. Our seats were with Hunter and Eva Grace and Hunter danced and sang the night away! Emma wasn't as taken with the concert because it was too loud (it was very loud). Here are some pictures from our night.

Eva Grace, Hunter and Emma hanging out before the show.

Us at our seats in front of the stage!

Hunter and Eva Grace dancing in the aisle!

Jammin'

Air guitars and air mics!

Eva Grace's Family Portraits

2009-12-09T23:18:00.005-06:00

Eva Grace has the potential to be a photographer someday. She loves to take pictures. I had to get a new camera so I gave her my old one and here are some of the downloads from it. These were taken with the timer but were all taken with her "cue" of what we should do. They are pretty corny but we laughed the entire time and got some really cute pictures. Here are a few favorites.
"Everybody POINT!"

"Everybody SLEEP!"

"Everybody LAUGH!"

Eva Grace's First Homework!

2009-12-09T23:14:00.003-06:00

Eva Grace had her first homework assignment! She had to cover her name written on a piece of paper with whatever she chose. She picked ribbons and bling (surprise, surprise!!). It turned out really cute. (I did help a little due to her insisting on using the hot glue gun!)

Storytime with Granny D at Barnes & Noble

2009-12-09T23:11:00.002-06:00

Storytime with Granny D, Faith, Ella Mae and Ella Ruth. We got our BoB book this day, her favorite book!

Kindergarten is Rocking!

2009-12-09T23:09:00.002-06:00

Homework

2009-12-09T23:06:00.002-06:00

It is great when you can multitask with homework. Emma has to read, Ella loves to be read to, and I don't have to do it all the time! Win, win for everyone!