The softer side of Duff.

I love when Duff is like this. Still, and quiet. So cute.

Almost Over

He will be home soon! And oh boy am I ready to see my husband! It has come to my attention how good of a husband I really do have. His absence has shown me how much support and help he gives me. Since he left, I have been constantly wanted and pulled, climbed and drooled on for affection from the beasts and the monster. When Tim is home, he is always pulling one of them away so I can have room to breathe; I never noticed before how much he shares the load of the home with me. Not to mention, I miss his presence. Sleeping next to him is MUCH more comfortable than sleeping in between 300 pounds of dog and a toddler!

Tim is doing well too. He is ready to be home. While in Georgia, he said he has learned a lot from the training he is going through- so that is good. He got to go see his friend Caleb (a soldier stationed with him in S. Carolina) this weekend, they worked out and saw a movie. While down there, he has gone hunting for wild pigs, and actually got to shoot at one, but didn't take him down. He is loving the weather out there and the polite Southern hospitality. He is currently getting his resume prepared to apply for a position with F.P.S. (federal protective service). Please pray for Tim, that God gives him favor with finding a new career path. It is so nerve racking to wonder how we are going to support our family after the military. God is good, I know He will take care of us, the not knowing how, where or when is the hard part. Patience has never been a quality of mine.

I am ready for his military service to be over. This family has had enough seperation to last a lifetime. I am thankful for his service, it has helped to shape Tim into the incredible man he is today. And let's face it, I have seen him in the military uniform for a while now, I am ready to see him in a Cop's uniform! Now that's hot! I told him he could be a firefighter and that would be equally hot, but Tim has no desire to fight fires. Oh well, Tim will be the hottest cop around! Lucky me!

Got Buzzed!

Got a new buzz cut! He did so good while the guy was shaving his head. I like it, he looks so big now!

Cousins hanging out~

I got to take Miah home with me last week! The kids had a good time. They ate popcorn and watched movies. They play pretty well together, Miah is a good big cousin.

Building Blocks

Ohhh, getting so tall...


















"My creation is pretty much awesome!"


















"I can't get enough of my own skills... It's a Barnard thing."

Hanging out at the park!

Spring is on its way, and it is so nice to get out of the house! He loved being at the park, most of the time he was watching the older boys in amazement. I could see on his face "They are so cool!" He walked around and picked up rocks and sticks and pine cones. Keep the good weather coming, I could take him to the park every day!

I feel like i have been just running like a chicken with my head cut off. Finally I remembered to put up video for Tim.

Sad Face

Jairus and I took Tim to the airport this morning. SUCK. I didn't cry, which surprised me because I usually turn into a sobbing mess. I suppose I have more important things to worry about besides crying. It is definitely different this time- it is harder. Preparing for his departure I said how it must suck being a single parent!! And I only work three days a week, and my mortgage, groceries, and all that is taken care of. It has been stressful for me arranging childcare on those few days I work, I couldn't imagine what it is like for parents who have to worry about child care all the time. Luckily for me I am blessed with an amazing family and awesome friends, so I think taking care of childcare will be easier than I imagined.

Our good friend Pat works for FPS and Tim really REALLY wants a job working for him. Hopefully Tim will get is resume' in soon. They are hiring right now, and I know Tim would be a perfect candidate. Please pray for favor for Tim with finding outside employment when he gets out of the military.

Other than that, we are doing well. Work and being home keeps me pretty busy, I can't even imagine what it will be like when we decide to have another baby! Jairus is getting so fast, I can hardly keep up with him. Naps are good for him and for me! Anyway, thank you for stopping in to check on our family, any prayers you have for us are well appreciated. Keep Tim in your prayers, I know leaving his son is harder than he lets on. We love you!

Hanging out in the recliner

The man of the house! Where is his remote???

Art time

Coloring and painting is one of his favorite activities. I really like the chalk. Easy to clean and if he eats the chalk, it has calcium.















Here he is coloring with ERASEABLE crayons from Sam, Jeremy and the girls. Another favorite of mine. What will those folks at Crayola think up next?

















This is a little messier... Okay a lot. but it is so much fun! I love watching him check out all the colors and mush them together. These are washable too, so no permanent harm done. Another gift from Auntie Sam, Uncle Jeremy and the girls.

Love his face. But when do they stop eating things that are not food?

Messy Face!

I am usually not one to let Jairus eat junk. But it was Chistmas time and we all were. I don't think I could ever get sick of taking pictures of his messy face.

Christmas

What an awesome holiday we had this year. Christmas Eve was spent with Tim's side of the family. It was so much fun to enjoy time with family over a couple Yueltide beverages. The kids have grown so much, and opening presents this year was complete chaos! I didn't have time to thank much less see who got Jairus what. All in all it was a great day. Christmas Day was spent with my mom and brother. Very low key and relaxing. Tim made a great spiral ham, and all the trimmings. Thank you to every one who thought of us this Christmas! We love you..

Jairus in his new recliner from is Grammy.

Presents on his table from Grandma and PaPa Charbonneau

Assistance from Uncle James

He has it!

New Leggo set. It looks familiar... He played with it before I wrapped it.

sporting the reindeer antlers.

Coming to look for a
tree.....


















Found one just his size!









Follow me this way Daddy!



"My PaPa would be so jealous!"





























After falling in the mud we headed back. I am so glad I put on his snow pants!












He got some mud in his shoes, but other than that he was clean and dry.

FIRST HAIRCUT!!!

Waiting for his first haircut.















The first snip...


















He wasn't sure about it, so I
sat with him.












Finished!

Now that is a good looking man!

Sleeping....

Thanks Duff for the bone

This picture is fuzzy, But I just love it!

Enjoying his birthday present in his birthday suit

Isn't he just the cutest!

Falling into place

God really gives us what we need, doesn't He? I have been invited to a BNI (network marketing group) for ISAGENIX. I was concerned about finding trustworthy childcare for Jairus on those Tuesdays. But my good friend, Sarah Zitny said she would be happy to have him. Sarah is such a blessing to me and to our church. She makes the childcare schedules, and always fills in when someone flakes out. Thank you Sarah, you are a great friend, I love you! You have blessed me so much.

Now about my job..... I will be working Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a total of 20 hours a week! I will bring Jairus to work with me on Thursday and Friday until Timmy gets home from work! Then on Saturdays, I will leave the little man with his Daddy. I am really excited to get out of the house. Jairus will get to make new friends and get out too! This too perfect! Only ONE could orchestrate this amazing blessing!

God has blessed this family today!!!

I have had the itch to get out of the house a little bit. Tim and I talked over me getting a part time job. I was concerned about how I was going to make this work, childcare and juggling our schedules. Last week, I put in an application at Graham Fitness, the little gym 2 miles away. Today I went in for an interview. It was amazing, God set it up so perfectly, almost showing off his skills to bless! Not only do they need me the hours I want to work, they have childcare for FREE, and I will be getting a gym membership for FREE! We have been praying for financial blessing, and had no idea what that would look like. But let me tell you, it is looking pretty good from where I am sitting! I get to get out of the house, without compromising my values as a mom and a family woman. Jairus will spend time with other adults and getting socialized with children! I will get to contribute to our finances. That feels so good! Tim works so hard for us, and now I get to help ease the burden a bit. Thank you JESUS! Praise the Lord for this incredible blessing! Anyway, wish me luck. I haven't started yet. My new boss and I are going to get together tomorrow or Friday to hash out details. So pray for me, and for our family that we adjust well to the change. And believe, that God will pull you through your trials. He certainly has pulled us through!