VEGAS DAY 1

We were scheduled to land in Vegas around 10am. But our plane had electrical problems, and after boarding a new plane, we finally arrived around noon. Still, we had to go through baggage claim and take the the shuttle to our hotel. We didn't get there until after 1pm. Uncle Cj, Auntie Janelle, and Janelle's mom and dad were waiting to greet us at the hotel.

The first thing Jairus and I did was hit the pool

Overlooking Vegas from the pool

Waiting to go to dinner, Auntie Janelle danced with Jairus

The best dinner of my life! Thanks to Janelle's mom and dad!

Mother's Day

Now that I am a mom, Mother's Day takes on a completely new meaning. Not only because I have a little boy calling me Mommy, but because I understand fully the love my mom has for me. Those special things a mom thinks to herself about her children, I now know about because I think those things of Jairus all the time. The things he does that melts my heart, and turns it into goo. Now, I can look back on my childhood and see the quiet sacrifices my mom made for me without thinking twice. And how because a mom is always putting her needs to the side- I know what my mom gave up for me. I appreciate knowing now about her sleepless nights with a new born, her worry, her joy. Wow, I finally get it. Looking back, I remember my mom saying things like, "One day, Nita you will understand," and thinking then that I did; but only now do I fully grasp what she was telling me. I thank God for giving me my mom. She is a special woman, and I love her.
I am so privileged that God has blessed me with the gift of motherhood. Being a parent has taught me so much of His love. I now understand why it is so important to be slow to anger, and quick to forgive. And Why through the love of being a parent we must discipline and disciple our children. He has shown me why as a parent, we are given the divine ability to see the things our little ones can not. God speaks to me through the things Jairus does so often, I think I am closer to Him through the gift of motherhood.

Walking in Daddy's shoes

Jairus has an obsession with shoes, especially ones that aren't his.

Tired Train Conductor

Oh boy, we have had a hard day, I think the terrible twos are coming in with a roar. After a few battles of the wills this morning my little train conductor was quite tired....












As I was taking pictures of him, he fell asleep.









Time for a nap...

A friday at the park... With DADDY!

Daddy is so much fun

ahhhh, love.

Walking with Daddy

Going down the slide

Jaya's birthday party

happy birthday Jaya!!!!!!!!!!









Grandma and Papa got her an awesome

present. Her very own wheels.















having fun outside























birthday cake














yummy










jairus needed more cake.























Praise God, Jaya is such an able two year old! She has the sweetest disposition, she is the type of little girl you just want to squeeze! What a beautiful girl!

Stripping baby

watching 101
Dalmatians



















almost naked

















now he is
naked, and
dusting.

My two favorite boys!

Eating artichokes

tickle tickle

so cute

getting creative

What! Snowing in March???

Now, this does not even seem right, snow in nearly April! Go away snow.
















Beasties are cuddling up today.















Trying on Jairus' tux.

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter. The kids played and grownups hung out and ate! We couldn't do an egg hunt because the good old rain came for a visit, but it was fun just the same.




Uncle Chris and Jairus




























Jaya and her new baby















The Nieces Pieces

Jairus rockin' out.

A Long Day

Jairus had a big day today. He spent the day with his daddy, then went to his grandma & Papa's house to dye eggs with his cousins. Hopefully I will get some pictures from Carol or Sam to put on here to show you all.













I had some prep work to do for tomorrow, so I sent my boys and Soph into our room to watch a movie. They didn't last long as you can see.

Jairus' Tux

My big brother is getting married in May. Jairus is going to be the ring bearer, and I just ordered this tux for him. So cute. The tie is going to be a different color though.

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!