I get knocked down....

Today I came to terms with the fact i need one pair of good jeans to wear. So Jairus and I went to Fred Meyer to pick up some pants. We look around, and I find a pair rather quickly. So I put them on and take off the tags and go up front to pay for them. The security tag was still on the bottom of the pants, so I put my foot on the counter so she could use the tag-gun to remove it. Well they don't have those anymore, the tag remover is a small hole in the counter. I found myself twisting like a pretzel to get the ball of the tag to go it. Ahh, got it. For a generous girl, I still am pretty flexible. Reaching into my purse, satisified that I made the cashier and at least three other random people laugh; I realized..... I forgot my debit card on the desk at home. I call Tim to bring it up to me so I can purchase my pants. About 10 minutes later he calls back saying the Focus is overheating. What? How many more issues can we have this freaking week? I could be one of those who pouts and cries "woe is me....." But I am just going to do a slightly psycotic laugh (hahaha) and move on. But serisouly, we need prayer. I feel like the enemy is trying to do anything he can to make life unpleasant in the Barnard house.

Jairus

I noticed a few months back, that Jairus' right eye was moving inward on occasion. Finally we were able to see a specialist today. The results, although in the grand scheme of things is not terrible; still hurt my heart because no mother wants to see her child have any "condition". According to the doctor, Jairus' eyes see the world as a blur, almost as if he were wearing drunk goggles. Obviously he can get around, but he has to strain so hard to focus on objects and try to make sense of fine detail, that it is forcing his right eye to turn in. The solution at this point are glasses. We have to go shopping for some tomorrow. If the prescription does not coax his eye straight, we will try a stronger set.

But you know what? I believe in God's hand. I stand on Jesus' will to heal those with maladys. I am praying and believing in a miracle and restored vision. I believe Jairus' eyesight will be so perfect, when the doctor sees him again, he is moved to tears through the restorive power of God. And I am coming once again to stand for my beautiful niece. She will see! I believe it is in God's will to FULLY heal her. Not just partially or "she has improved". No, not for our Jaya. Jaya will be healed. Through Sam today, I learned that doctors don't know it all. They are gifted, yes. But are they the Healer? No. Only ONE can fully heal. That is our Jesus. So loved ones, please stand with me and affirm their healing. Let us not waiver in our belief. It is not God's will to believe "a little". For anyone who is in need of a miracle in your life. Pray and believe, rest and stand on the promises the Lord has written in our Bibles. Pray on behalf of the ones you hold close to your hearts. For if you don't ask, you can't recieve.

Washington rain is here!

I have been pleasantly surprised to see how dry it has been this fall. But today, I woke up thinking, "Oh it still must be early, it doesn't look very light out." Oh I was wrong. The familiar gloomy clouds of the Northwest have made their fall debut. I think this is the heaviest rain of the autumn season! So now, we are resorted to playing chicken with the rain, trying to get the dogs out to pee before another typhoon session comes. Those of you who have pets know what I am talking about. If it is raining, I often find myself arguing with Tim about who is going to dry them off. And constantly changing the rules to whatever will give me the best advantage.
Tim "Mommy, let the beasties in."

Nita "No, I let them out, you let them in."
and on and on it goes, then the next day.....

Nita "Oh succulent lamb chop, you let your dogs out, you need to let them in."
Tim "No, you let them it," and our story continues.

The Pumpkin Patch

A fun fall family event. Sam, Jeremy, the nieces pieces, Mom and Dad, and Jairus and I all went to the pumpkin patch. Perfect day to walk around and let the kids get out in the sun. It was awesome, they are still all so little, we don't have to spend a dime to give them a great experience! More and more, doing stuff like this with my family has been the joy of my heart. Watching our kids grow together, and our family bonding and enjoying each others company is fast becoming my favorite thing to do.


Jairus is a new outfit designer! He picked out his hat and shoes, which totally makes the look!


















If we could only get ALL THREE of our kids looking in one direction at the same time!














Drummin' on the pumpkings. These two hams either get along like "peas and carrots" or fight like "cats and dogs".














This was cute. I may be chubby, but at least I am pretty.













Grandpa searched for this wheelbarrow. Thinking we were all getting pumkins. Instead it became a ride for the kids.














Inside, the kids got to play with all sorts of fun stuff. It was great to allow them to burn some energy. What a great day.


















































After the pumpkin adventure, we went back to the old people's house and had a good fall time soup, courtsey of Sam. And we tried to make carmel apples. Unfortunally, the apples I (rather Tim) got were sub-par, and I didn't grease the wax paper, so the finished carmel apples stuck like molasses to the paper. Oh well, all for the experience!

The transformation of the yard.

start from the beginning.... Very brown, lots of moss, bumpy. Generally pretty sad. But I like the man with the roto-tiller.

















A closer picture of the ugliness.

Finally, four months later..... All the dead grass is raked up, and we added a couple of features. A landscaped "island", and garden beds against the fence line. Looking better.

Just our work from another angle. By the way, our yard is about 2,500 square feet... That is a lot of raking.

This is the mound of dirt that I raked and shoveled. My mound, not Tim's mound, not the gardening troll, mine. I shoveled every grain of this pile of dirt.

And this my friends, is the almost finished product! Jeremy and Sam blessed us with an extravagant gift certificate to a nursery, and we were able to purchase all of the new plants you see. 4 lining the walk way, 5 up against the fence line and the three on the island. What an amazing blessing that is!
Tim and I had no idea we would be blessed in
that way. We are greatful to have such an obedient brother and sister, who listen to God's voice, and without hesitation give from their hearts. Let me tell you, we like the way God speaks to them! LOL. Thank you Jeremy and Sam, the beautification of this yard was because of you! We love you.

Training him young

Jairus loves to help me clean the house. I am taking full advantage. Some day his wife will thank me for it!