being the Barlow's

Living like no one else.........

2011-03-07T11:40:00.003-05:00

A couple of years ago while Adam was deployed I first heard about Dave Ramsey. He is a money management expert who at the age of 26 was a millionaire and then lost everything and was bankrupt by the age of 30. He then decided(along with his wife) to begin managing their money "the right way" and became a millionaire a second time by the age of 40 and the rest is history.

After hearing about Mr. Ramsey, I went out and bought his book, Total Money Makeover. Of course, I started reading it, but then quickly lost interest and it started collecting dust. It wasn't until Adam got home from deployment and we got here to KS that we realized that we needed to do some serious evaluation of our money. We weren't big spenders, but little spenders......A little here and a little there. The problem was that we had just come off of a deployment so that extra money stopped, we had a house on the market that hadn't sold OR rented yet, AND we were giving up our BAH($1700) to live on post. We were also eating out a lot.......sometimes over $500 dollars a month. Something had to give. We didn't know where our money was going, and that's a scary thought.

I guess I could go on and on, but to make a long story short.......................

In November of last year we both read Total Money Makeover and set out on our money journey. Dave's motto..."Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else", or something like that. We been working hard and since November we have paid off at least $10,000 in debt(with a little help from a Tax refund). We have recently started Financial Peace University(FPU) which is another of Dave's Ramsey's programs to manage your money and we are loving it. It is also Biblical based. We are paying cash for everything, we started an emergency fund, and have cut up our credit cards. :) We are also doing this together, as a husband and wife should. For the better part of our marriage I had been the financial officer. We still have a long way to go, but in the end we will be better for having decided to make this change.

If you have any questions on the program, feel free to ask. Below is a video of Dave Ramsey talk a little about himself and what he is all about.

What do I know? Would you like to know?

2011-02-21T22:21:00.004-05:00

It has been awhile since I've posted, but maybe once or twice a year is more my blogging speed. I think about things to blog about, esp. while driving around town, and sometimes even in the shower. "Write them down as soon as you can", I think to myself, but it never happens.

One of my friends, Mandy, recently shared the blog post below on FB and it is so true for many of us who stand proudly by our military men. So many times I want to put my feelings into words on a page, but I'm left staring at a blank sheet of paper, or my blank computer screen.

This life that I chose isn't an easy one, but it is worth it. I can honestly say that I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I married a soldier, but I'm a better person for it.

The time that our sweet little family has with Adam is precious and a blessing from God above.

The post below come from Her War, Her Voice! and it speaks volumes to the life of a military wife.

What a Military Spouse Knows

As many of you know, my husband came home from our third deployment not too long ago. During the deployment, a reporter asked me to share “What I Knew” about deployments and military life. This was my answer:

As I forced my hands to unfurl from his neck, feeling the familiar sting in my nose as tears pushed against my will, the words rattled and echoed in my brain. “Not again.”

I watched him walk away–that uniform, identifiable gait—and my heart bent and splintered as the reality of a third deployment began to shower over me.

I picked up the phone, dialing the numbers my numb fingers always meander toward, and sat in silence while she tried to ease my pain. “I can’t imagine…He will be home….I’m here.”

And then she said six words that shot through my ears, penetrated my brain, and stiffened my spine: “You know how to do this.”

She was right. I do know how to do this. I intimately know the all-too familiar lump in my throat. The year of being both father and mother, making the best of a situation. I know exactly how one year feels as I X each day off my calendar. And I know how to ensure that while our lives are on hold, we still live.

The truth is I know a lot:

The thought of being alone for a year doesn’t bother me. The fear of being alone for a lifetime—does.

Flat rate boxes can hold twenty whoopee cushions, four kindergarten projects, and five perfume-scented letters.

Technology can be a double-edged sword—one side delivering his face; the other a brutal live-action feed of explosions and camouflaged body parts.

Murphy’s Law is a constant companion. The moment he walks out the door, anything that can break, collapse, bleed, or explode–will .

Five hours of uninterrupted sleep is a gift from the deployment gods

Holidays are hard, but manageable.

Deployments come and go, but sand from his boots never leaves.

Nothing can replace a handwritten letter. Through those beautifully folded pages, he is holding my hand again.

When the National Anthem is played, I know goosebumps will rise on my arms, and a lump will fill my throat.

The silence in communication following a war zone attack is agonizing.

Laughter is a powerful ally.

Each deployment offers two options: grow or regress. This is a choice.

Cereal is always a dinner option.

Videos of lost teeth, ballerina recitals, and preschool graduations can be emailed to Iraq nearly instantly.

Five powers of attorney and the intimate details of his will are needed to navigate a deployment.

White out blizzards can actually bury a truck in five minutes.

Rosie the Riveter was right: We can do it.

Children cling to hope and the promise of tomorrow.

Living in each moment together is possible when facing the fear that it could be your last.

Welcome home kisses are sweeter than the finest chocolate.

Anger will grip me and depression can hold me, but another military spouse will steady me.

A six-year-old child can feel the absence of her father so deeply that she can suffer from clinical depression.

A military spouse will often hold her/his tongue, silencing a story, for fear of sounding “unpatriotic.”

The sound of a bugle can make my heart swell with pride or collapse in sorrow.

Duct tape and a monkey wrench can fix nearly anything.

Despite the protestors and those who tell me I “knew” what I was getting into, I know there are countless American citizens who will go above and beyond to show they support us.

There are many things I know.

I know how to change the brakes on my truck, rappel from the side of a cliff, shoot a double-barreled shotgun, balance a checkbook, earn my keep, and kiss a child enough to feel like two.

But there are still so many things I don’t know.

I don’t know how to start my heart again when I see a death notification car on my street.

When that knock echoes on the door of my neighbor, I don’t know how to forgive myself when I am relieved.

I don’t know how to hug him enough to last a lifetime, or kiss him just so in order to feel satisfied—should our reunion be at the foot of a pine box.

I’m not willing to learn how to pretend he doesn’t exist, to keep him out of our life while it goes on without him, or to build a wall so high he has no way to scale it.

I don’t know how to stop his panic attacks, and I have no idea how to make my nightmares of rampant bombs and lifeless limbs disappear.

I don’t know how to adjust to his presence in my house when our floor rarely feels the weight of his boots.

I don’t know how to tell his small children that, yes, he leaves them all the time. But because he loves them so deeply, he is willing to die to keep them free.

I can’t understand those who would question my desire to stay with him, or how I can peacefully sleep beside a “killer.”

I am amazed and confounded that despite all he has seen, he still has the courage to laugh.

I don’t’ know how to give up on my family.

But, most importantly:

I have no clue how to still my pounding heart when he finally walks through our door again, I don’t know how to pull my hands from his sand-stained neck and say goodbye, and I don’t know how to ever walk away from a man who stands while many choose to sit.

Overheard........

2010-08-27T11:20:00.001-04:00

while getting dressed after my shower:

(I can hear Quinn running down the hallway)

Maddie: "QUINN!, don't pull your penis out NOW, wait until you get to the potty!"

Out of the mouths of babes. :)

I'm Back!

2010-08-26T10:18:00.003-04:00

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, here I am attempting to start the blog back up. So much has happened over the past year and a half! I'm not sure that I will be able to backlog it all, but I will do my best to get everyone back into our loop. Some of the things that have happened since my last post in March of 2009:

In no particular order.......

Adam deployed and is now home (May 19th, 2009 to June 15th, 2010)
Maddie turned 7 (March 11th, 2010)
Maddie started 2nd grade at a new school (August, 2010)
Quinn starts a new preschool in a week (September, 2010)
Quinn is 4 (August 7th, 2010)
Our Schindler had to be put down because of cancer :( (September 26, 2009)
Arrived in KS (July 26th, 2010)
Adam and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary AND he was home for it!!! (June 26th, 2010)
Adam and I have been together for 16 years (February 26th, 2010)
Maddie was saved (March 2009) and baptized (April 2009) AMEN!!
Eiger is 11 today! (August 26th, 2010)
We got a new puppy! (I know we are crazy!) (August 14th, 2010)
Adam got his Level 1 certification in CrossFit (2010)
I completed my first triathlon (September 2009)
I participated and finished the "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" (October 2009)

I am positive that I have left some things off of this list, but these are some of the things that have happened since my last posting. The saying here at Fort Leavenworth for this year of ILE is, "This is the best year of your lives". So here's to a fun filled year of lots of family time and integrating back into a somewhat "normal" way of living(at least for a little while). I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us!

Until next time.......

Sad news

2009-03-16T22:09:00.003-04:00

Schindler on the left. Eiger on the right.

Sweet Schindler

I haven't posted in awhile, but I never dreamed that my next post would be a sad one. Friday I got the news from the vet that our dog Schindler has cancer. That cursed disease leaves it's mark everywhere around us!! The vet took me back today when I picked them up from boarding so I could see the mass on ultrasound. It's about the size of a grapefruit. Given our options:

-exploratory surgery (to see exactly what kind and exactly where it is)
-drawing fluid out to see what kind
-nothing

we have chosen the last of the options. Why cause a long drawn out recovery with an extremely low probability that he will even recover at all, or there is a possibility that the mass could rupture and make things worse. We would much rather spoil him rotten during his last months(yes only months left) and pretty much give him whatever he wants. More good days than bad is our thinking.

At the moment I am in denial. He has lost some weight (down to 68lbs from almost 90), but he is the same Schindler that we all love. Even on the way home from the vet today, he was trying to fight Eiger for some crumbs in the car seat. Since I've let both dogs in tonight, he has been in the trash can, stolen part Maddie's leftover food from dinner off the table, and shared some popcorn with me. If there had been any food on the counters, it would have been devoured in a moments notice. Spoiled, spoiled Schinny. I'm sure there will be some bad days ahead, but right now it's time for some major spoilage for Schindler (and Eiger too), but esp. Schinny. Maybe some cheeseburgers from McDonald's, some nice car rides with the windows down, and plenty of nights to share popcorn.

Keep us in your prayers. I will keep everyone updated.

Slacker

2009-02-10T17:19:00.003-05:00

Yep, that's right.....I'm a blog slacker. I really don't know what has happened to me; I know I should update more often. Hopefully I can catch a spark and get going again.

The weather has been beautiful here in Fayetteville the past few days. The weather man says it's gonna stay this way for awhile. The high for today was in the 70's! We ventured out to the park on Saturday. Here are a couple of pics.

Not "Wordless Wednesday", but "Wordy Wednesday"

2009-01-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

This little boy is too cute!!

Wordless Wednesday(on Thursday)

2009-01-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

Dirty Little Secrets

2009-01-06T17:29:00.002-05:00

Maddie says that this song says: I'll keep you my "Dirty little Sea Crab" HA!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-06T22:42:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T22:09:00.002-05:00

Here are a few shots from Thanksgiving and then a few from the Dicken's Holiday in downtown Fayetteville on Friday evening.

Cute

2008-11-26T15:42:00.000-05:00

MyHotComments

Pizza for Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T22:26:00.001-05:00

Quinn's preschool had their "Thanksgiving" lunch today. Instead of having turkey, they had something that most of the children will eat; pizza. Maddie had a dentist appointment so she played hookie for the rest of the day and enjoyed the food as well. She also got to see her former preschool teachers and her good friend Wyatt.

What am I? Chopped Liver! :)

2008-11-19T14:32:00.001-05:00

Adam asked Maddie(5) if she is gonna be a Paratrooper when she grows up and this was her answer:

Nah, I think I'm just gonna be an ordinary girl like my mom......with no job.

Prayer

2008-11-16T23:52:00.001-05:00

I found this and it really hit home to me. We really need to build our families on a solid foundation. I for one know that we need to pray more in my family. GOD BLESS!

GOLD DIGGER

2008-11-11T23:33:00.001-05:00

For those of you who just read the previous post and are confused with the lingo "Gold Digger", here is the song that Madalynn was referring to(yes, luckily the song in the movie is edited for young ears)

Kanye West - Gold Digger

What kind of fish is Lola?

2008-11-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, we have the movie Shark Tale in our collection of children's movies. I've never sat down to watch it full length, until tonight. If I had to give it a review I'm not so sure it would be a good one. Aside from the adult language(IMO) and sexual overtones, the way the fish interact with each other is a little too much for children. Anyway, against my better judgement and not really thinking about it, Maddie has watched the movie quite a few times before me so she knows most everything about it. During the movie tonight she kept asking what kind of fish is "Lola"?

A little about Lola(according to www.sharktale.com) Lola is a sensuous Dragon Fish(Ahhhh, there it is!!!) who uses all her feminine wiles to get what she wants-and what she wants is the Reef's newest hero: Oscar. A true femme fatale, Lola may prove fatal to Oscar when she gets her hooks into him.

So I tucked Maddie in after the movie and in a matter of minutes she is up.

Mom!! I know what kind of fish Lola is!! There's a song in the movie and it says she's a GOLD DIGGER. Is that what kind of fish she is? I could do nothing but nod and laugh. I guess I can tell her the truth tomorrow. I just love my Maddie!!

Cute!

2008-11-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

A Strong Woman vs. A Woman of Strength

2008-10-24T15:16:00.004-04:00

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...

A strong woman walks sure footedly ...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ...
but a woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

Send this page to all the "women of strength" you know.

Hard Labor

2008-10-24T08:09:00.000-04:00

Out of the mouths of Babes

2008-10-16T22:36:00.001-04:00

From Maddie:

Mom, when am I gonna start wearing deodorant? Sometimes my armpits get sweaty.

LOL!!

My favorite people!!

2008-10-11T23:05:00.002-04:00

Finally, a 4 day weekend to spend with my favorite people in the world; Adam, Maddie and Quinn!! Aside from a small trip to work yesterday after Maddie's field trip, it looks like we may get to see Adam for 4 days straight. It has been a treat to have him for the first 2 days of the long weekend.

NUMBER 1!!!

2008-10-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

Will I ever finish?

2008-10-05T23:48:00.002-04:00

I seem to be reading more and more these days. This is a good thing because I have never been a big reader. The funny thing now is that at this moment I am finding myself reading 3 books at once, lol. One is for my Bible study, one is a book I started a couple of months ago, and one I just bought tonight that just caught my eye as I walked by. In case your interested, here they are: I will try and review them when I finally finish. :p

Bible Study: Lord, Is It Warfare?, Teach Me to Stand

Started a month ago: The Glass Castle

Started tonight: The Shack (I have already read half of this one in one sitting)

Get ready to BOO HOO!

2008-09-30T22:30:00.000-04:00

Thoughts

2008-09-23T10:44:00.003-04:00

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8 (NIV)

It's amazing how I seem to get caught up in everyday life and think that "I" am on the right track and "I" am doing such great things. "I" am such a wonderful person who tries to help people, "I" take care of my family and "I" keep them safe and on and on with the "I's". What's missing here? GOD!! It's so easy to get caught up in everyday life and the world and leave him out. For example, as I'm sitting here typing this and I have forgotten the simple, yes SIMPLE task of thanking him for my protein shake. There are so many times I'm just truckin' along thinking that things are going great, but then I fall on my face and it's all because I've left God out of the picture. I am so thankful that God doesn't forget me and leave me out of his plan. I want to thank him for forgiving my unworthy self.

Pics from the mountains

2008-09-23T10:33:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pics from the mountains over Labor Day. I like these alot, but will try to post more later.

All in one update.......

2008-09-16T08:28:00.000-04:00

*August 5th-8th I had the privilege of going to San Antonio with the Fort Bragg Wounded Warrior Committee. There were 4 of us who made the journey. I really had no idea what to expect, so I was a little nervous but very excited all at the same time. We had the honor of meeting some of the bravest HEROS (Paratroopers and others) in the world. Just to be in the presence of such selflessness left me speechless to say the least. These men and women put themselves in harms way and could have lost their lives; and all for each and every one of us here in the United States. It was truly amazing to see their positive attitudes and willingness to go back into harms way and do it all again if they could. As I hugged one Paratrooper and said,

"Thank You", he responded by saying, "No Problem, anytime. If it weren't for you guys, we wouldn't be where we are".

Saying thank you was just not enough, and it never will be. We as American's have a duty and responsibility to honor our wounded and our fallen military for the rest of our lives. We can never repay the sacrifice they have made for us. If you ever have the chance to visit with our Wounded Warrior's, please don't pass up the chance. You will walk away a changed person, with tears in your eyes and a renewed pride to be an American and live in a country where we can be free.

*I recently went on a trip to Mid Pines Inn and Golf Course in Southern Pines. This was just over 2 weeks ago. The trip went well, Adam's parents watched the kiddos. It was for the 82nd All American Leadership Conference. Anyway, the day I returned was Maddie's back to school fair. She had a fun time getting her face painted and eating hot dogs. We also had a chance to meet her teacher, Mrs. McDonald and her assistant Mrs. Raynor.
Later that evening after the grandparents left I was preparing dinner for Maddie and Quinn. I told Quinn to get in his seat (like I always do) and like a big boy he was on his was to sitting down. As I glanced over my shoulder he was sitting in his chair smiling at me and then the next glance (approx. 15 seconds later) I saw him falling from standing position out of the dining room chair! He landed on his left side with his head hitting our ceramic tile first. It sounded like a melon hitting the floor. I ran over to pick him up and he was screaming and shaking all over. The first thought in my nursing mind was concussion. There was no vomiting, no loss of consciousness, and his pupils were equal and reactive. The next thing I noticed was that each time I would pick him up under his arms he would SCREAM. Hmmmmmm, maybe a dislocated shoulder blade? Adam was on his way home and didn't really believe me when I told him over the cell that I knew something was wrong. He just has a headache, I was told. Eventually when he got home, and picked Quinn up, he knew something was wrong as soon as he heard the scream. Off to the ER we went. After almost 6 hours in the ER, some Tylenol with Codeine, and a few x-rays the verdict was in: Quinn has a broken collarbone. It's actually one of the most common breaks in children and doesn't completely harden until age 20. Who'd of thought?

We decided that Quinn was pretending to be a paratrooper; the only problem being that he used his head as his first point of contact and his collar bone was 2nd, lol. (*BTW, he only wore the sling long enough for us to take pics, lol!)

*Maddie started Kindergarten on August 25th. I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. She was a little sad when it was time for us to leave her, but by the end of the day there was no doubt that she was up for the challenge for "big kid" school.

Thanks for taking the time to read the latest..... I still need to add a few more things, but for now, I'm off to take Quinn to preschool. Have a good day!! MUAH!

Some Morning CHEESE!!!

2008-09-16T08:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Obama........Speaks for itself

2008-09-09T16:49:00.001-04:00

Forgive me, I'm in a blogging slump!!

2008-09-01T18:52:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, I should be blogging more. Hopefully there are a few of you out there who like to keep up with us and our everyday lives here on the Barlow front(Shawn). I promise that I will update soon! Hopefully I will get time this week and Maddie starts her second week of KINDERGARTEN! and Quinn starts his preschool tomorrow. Some things I hope to blog about......

*Wounded Warrior trip to San Antonio

*Maddie starts Kindergarten

*A broken bone in the household

*Labor Day trip to the mountains

I shall continue on soon!

Weekend House Guests

2008-07-28T16:04:00.002-04:00

We were happy to have a couple of our good friends Jerry and Shawn down from the mountains last weekend. The kiddos esp. had a wonderful time with them. Here is a video of Shawn Serenading Madalynn, lol!

Silly

2008-07-19T17:18:00.002-04:00

Maddie LOVES to go into Quinn's room just after he wakes up from his nap. Here is a tidbit of what happened a few days ago......

YUMMY, Fresh from the Garden!!!

2008-07-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

An attempt at reading

2008-07-16T22:11:00.004-04:00

I'm not much into reading, but I would like to be, lol. I found this book yesterday while browsing the books at SamsClub. I had skimmed it before and it seemed to grab my attention so I bought it. It's called:

Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt

**Through use of wit, wisdom and humor, author Karen Linamen helps women work through stressful periods in everyday life. She offers a candid and clear approach while occasionally drawing in a Christian tone to the book.

I have read the first chapter already(a feat for me) and I LOVE this excerpt from the first chapter called: Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary...How Does Your Garden Grow? Ms. Linamen is describing what she has learned from her gardening experiences(good and bad)(funny and sad). In the second to last paragraph of the chapter she says this:

Finally, what else do I learn from my garden?
How 'bout the fact there's a Master Gardener, someone who orchestrates the seasons, commands the sun, coaxes the rain. Someone who knows how to pack eighty feet of morning glory vine in to a seed smaller than a nail clipping. Someone who enlists the help of birds and bees, ladybugs and caterpillars, spiders and earthworms to tend to the green things he has set into motion.
Best of all, someone who says, "Look at the field lilies and how well they're dressed! Hey, if I take such good care of the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, don't you think I can take care of you?"

God is everywhere around us if we will just take time out of our busy lives to stop and look around at what he has created. His work truly is amazing and he will care for our every need if we will just look to him.

Dale Jr. Fans

2008-07-15T17:20:00.000-04:00

Quinn and Annadea had a great time on Saturday night watching the Chicagoland race in their Dale Jr. "getups".

4th of July

2008-07-13T22:21:00.001-04:00

We had a grand 4th of July here at good ol' Fort Bragg. For the 4th year in a row(as many years as we've been here), our family tradition has been to go on post with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day.

Playing catch up once again

2008-07-05T21:30:00.004-04:00

Where to begin..... I have so many things to catch up on, but bear with me because things will be in random order. We have been on leave for the past month(thank goodness) and have had some good times. We spent the first and second weeks of leave just hanging out and working around the house. The third week was spent in beautiful Kure Beach, NC. We stayed in quiet, peaceful neighborhood called Seawatch. It was truly a home away from home. Take a look at the slide shows:

June 26th marked mine and Adam's 9th anniversary!!! Wow! We decided that out of the 9 years, we have been together for 4 of them, lol. That's army life for ya! We were at home (West Jefferson in the mountains) during this time, so we went to the place where Adam proposed to exchange gifts. We're not big gift givers for holidays, but this one was special since we hadn't celebrated together since 2005. Here is the view from the overlook at Mt. Jefferson where Adam proposed. It was a little hazy that day, but still beautiful!!

I'm sure there's more to add, but I have to do it later. I'm off for some quiet time with Adam.

Summertime Fun!!

2008-06-30T22:41:00.000-04:00

Brigade Ball

2008-06-07T10:18:00.003-04:00

We had a great time at the Brigade Ball on June 3rd. We ended up closing down the place dancing the night away. Here are some pictures from our night.

Maddie

2008-06-04T18:23:00.001-04:00

"I LOVE Dale Jr. He's my biggest fan."

Quinn

2008-06-03T09:59:00.001-04:00

The Class of 2008

2008-05-31T21:44:00.010-04:00

It seems like yesterday that we moved to Fort Bragg and I began searching for the perfect place to send Maddie so that she and I could have a "break" from each other to recharge. Ok, I needed the recharging, but she also needed the socialization with other kids her age. I tried on post hourly care. This seemed like a great idea since it was so cheap, but it turns out that it's not for everyone. Another place that I explored at a local church was and is a wonderful program, but it was too much money for us. It wasn't until I met my good friend Jodi that I found (in my opinion) the BEST place to take Maddie. At the time Madalynn was just about to turn 18 months and it was at that point I started feeling a little "trapped" with her all day in the house. I needed to have a little bit of a life for myself without her, even if I just sat at home and watched TV or slept the 4 hours she was gone. I really think that Maddie was getting a little bored of doing the same things with her mommy all day everyday. So I checked out the school and took a tour and decided to give it a shot. The infant class was only one day a week on Wednesday mornings from 9-1, so I talked it over with Adam and we decided to give it a shot. The first morning was hard, but I made it through. I had to gradually learn just to walk off and leave her, even if she had crocodile tears in her eyes while calling my name. Each and every time I left her she got better and better and (to make a long story short) the rest is pretty much history. From 18 months to 5 years old Madalynn has been enrolled at Hope Mills United Methodist Church Parent's Morning Out (PMO for short). What a mouth full, lol. I can't believe that she has finished this "phase" of her life and is ready for Kindergarten!!

On May 22nd, 2008 Madalynn Elizabeth Barlow graduated from HMUMCPMO.

Here is a cute video of her class

Congratulations Class of 2008!!!

Off to the beach

2008-05-28T22:38:00.010-04:00

Once again I've fallen behind on blogging. But I guess it really doesn't matter, there is always time to play catch up, esp. right before my dear husband says he's ready for bed, lol. Oh well.

May 9th - 11th

We headed for the "Captain's Beach Bash" leaving Maddie and Quinn with our friend Lilly. We had a great time! We really didn't know how to act being without Maddie and Quinn for two whole days. Of course most of what we talked about was how much fun the kids would be having if they were with us. We did "live it up" a little while we were there and ended up staying out until 4 in morning!! We tried to recount the last time we were out that late and it was many moons ago, lol. Here are some pictures from our trip:

Most of the trip was pretty uneventful, except for the fact that Adam's motorcycle broke down on Mother's Day before we came home and we ended up having to leave the bike and then come back for it the next day. It just so happened that we were at the beach during bike week so there were more motorcycles there than you could imagine. The HD dealership was so backed up with broken down bikes there was no time to get to Adam's bike before they closed on Mother's day. So we drove back home in Adam's truck with our 4 new Hermit Crabs(more about them a little later) only to get in the bed and get up the next day to drive back to get the motorcycle.

May 12th, 2008

We decided to make a day out of the excursion so we put on our swim suits and made the 2 hour trip back to Myrtle Beach.

When we arrived the motorcycle still wasn't ready so we had some lunch and headed to the beach. It would have been a great day for the beach except it was extremely windy and the water was freezing. Did this stop Maddie? NO, not at all. She had a blast splashing and building sand castles. I wish I could say the same for Quinn, but he had a hard time even leaving the blanket without crying. He didn't want to get dirty and when I stuck his feet in the water, he grabbed onto me shaking and reaching for daddy. It took him until time to leave before he wanted to play with his sissy in the sand. This was two hours later.

More from Maddie.........again

2008-05-28T13:49:00.002-04:00

It was raining on the way to the preschool picnic and Maddie said,
"Mommy, you need to turn on the "windmill wipers".

More from Maddie.......

2008-05-27T15:59:00.002-04:00

Maddie told me that one of her friends at school had a cavity so he had to go to the dentist and get a "refill".

Barlow Garden 2008

2008-05-03T20:55:00.003-04:00

We finally managed to get our garden planted for this year. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy some of the yummy things we are growing, as long as we don't have to move. Then maybe it can be a selling point for our house. ;)

Thanks to our good friend Lilly for helping out with the work. We love you!

Maddie's First T-ball Game

2008-04-28T15:36:00.008-04:00

Maddie had her opening ceremony and first t-ball game on April 19th. We made it to Honeycutt park at the scheduled time our coach had told us to be there, only to find out we had 30 more min. to wait. So Maddie spent her time well by picking some flowers and playing tag with her other team mates.
It was finally time to line the team up and walk onto the field for the ceremony. Everything was going well, until, well Maddie(of all people) became nervous and started to cry! "I'm scared of all these people mommy". "I feel so small and I don't want to do this". The mom in me wanted to scoop her up and take her away from it all, but then I came back to reality and realized that she would be just fine. The rest of the ceremony went pretty well after the coach too the team out onto the field. I think the fact that Maddie was out of sight of me and Adam made it a lot easier for her to be out there "alone". It was a cool ceremony. All the teams marched out onto the field as their team name was announced (Maddie is on the Rockies), and then color's were presented and the first pitch was thrown after the National Anthem.
The first game wasn't until a little later, so we headed off for some lunch at good ol' Roly Poly. It has been the Barlow tradition to eat lunch there on most Saturday's since we are out and about. Madalynn started feeling the stress of the first game on the way to lunch and her tears started flowing once again. "I DON'T WANNA PLAY", she cried. "I'm too nervous". We decided that there should be no discussion of t-ball until after lunch. Luckily she agreed and the crying stopped for awhile and we had our yummy lunch. After lunch out, we set out for the game. Maddie with her pink glove and her pink striped cleats waiting anxiously in the backseat. We made it to the field and in no time of course she was ready to go. We instructed her that there could be no picking flowers while she was out on the field, and she assured us that she wouldn't. Later on we kept seeing her bend over and then mess with her behind only to find out that she was putting rocks in her back pocket. After all her team is called "The Rockies" for crying out loud, so who wouldn't want rocks for their back pocket. To make a long story short, Maddie ended up having a great first game. She even managed to make it around the bases in the correct order.

Let's play catch up!

2008-04-16T13:52:00.006-04:00

It seems that life gets so busy sometimes that days and sometimes even weeks go by before I can even think about sitting down to blog. By the end of the day, even on days that I've really gotten nothing accomplished I find myself just wanting to sit down and veg on the couch with Adam. There are tons of things I could blog about, but I seem to forget them just as quickly as they happen.

So this entry is to catch everyone up on what's been going on in our lives in the last little bit......

A Little Background: Some of you guys know that last year Adam and I stated really working out and taking better care of ourselves. It all started with a program that was recommended by my sister-in-law, Juli called Body for Life, or BFL. It is an awesome program that totally changed the way I think about food and working out. I won't go into details, so if you want to know more about it you can go to the website. Anyway, starting in June last year I was a size 12/14 and am now down to a size 6 (and sometimes 8 ;) ). After Adam finished his BFL cycles, he started a new program called CrossFit. The results were and still are amazing. So when he returned home I jumped on the band wagon and started too. I can tell such a big difference in the way I look and feel. I am much more toned and stronger. It's fun and difficult at the same time, but anyone can do it.

When Adam got home we started working on items to build somewhat of a "home gym". It's not anything you might imagine. It doesn't include a Bowflex, eliptical machine, or any machine that has anything to do with cables. Crossfit is all about functional movements of the body(you can read more on the website) so that's what we are building on. We are far from being done, but some of the things we have so far are Kettlebells, and jump boxes, which brings me to why I started this portion of the entry.

We(mostly Adam) built a set of jump boxes. Mine was the first one finished, with his and Maddie's(yes Maddie is doing CrossFit for kids) to follow. Here are a few pics from our work:

**********************************************************************************

Maddie also started t-ball last week. She knows nothing about the game, but I am sure that she will learn very quickly. We are still on the lookout for a good deal in a Tee for her to practice with and she has her mind set on getting a pink bat. Her team is the Rockies. She's not so good at catching and it seems she would rather play in the grass than wait for that one ball to come her way. When she hits, it's not not batting practice, it's hitting "home runs". Her first game is on Saturday, so there will be more pictures to post from that adventure. Quinn also had a good time at practice, trying to steal everyones ball and also playing in the batting helmets.
***********************************************************************************
We think that we have FINALLY found a church we like. Not that we dislike any of the other churches that we have been to, but we just didn't feel that we were where God wanted us to be. Adam and I both grew up going to smaller churches and we both agree that smaller is for us. My friend Jodi told us about her church, Stoney Point Baptist Church and we have been going there for about 2 months now. The only thing is that we don't know how much long we will be here in Fayetteville. It's all up in the air. I guess the important thing is that we have found a place where we can feel the spirit of God and the people are very welcoming.

***********************************************************************************
I guess that is just about it for the updates on us. I really though I had more to put here. I'm sure there is more, but for now I'm going to go watch Raymond and wait for Adam to get home from Greenramp.

Maddie Milestone!!!

2008-04-07T19:22:00.000-04:00

Madalynn tied her shoes all by herself for the first time today! :D

So proud of himself........

2008-04-03T21:40:00.004-04:00

eating like a big boy!

****************************************************************

Poop

2008-03-31T21:44:00.010-04:00

This is what Quinn looked like after having dinner at Red Robin with us last week. Sometime during dinner the urge to, well, you know, came over Quinn. And when your 19 months old, you gotta go when you gotta go. Anyway, dinner was over and we got up to leave. Quinn had been sitting in the high chair next to Adam. Daddy proceeded to take Quinn under the arms and lift him out of the chair, when I heard him call my name. AMANDA!! What are we going to do? I turned around to find Adam holding Quinn under his arms (Quinn smiling with his cheezy teeth as usual) with squishy poop oozing it's way out the back of Quinn's diaper. (EWWWWW! I know this is gross, but it's a memory I have to document, lol.) We looked at each other like two deer in the headlights not really knowing what to do, and then scurried out of the restaurant before any of it fell out onto the floor. We tried letting Quinn walk out like the "big boy" that he is, but he just wanted to go everywhere but out the front door. So Adam had to carry him under his arms out in front of him out of the restaurant and then like an airplane over his shoulders to the van, lol. Sure I guess we could have went into the bathroom to find a changing table, but we found that we made the correct decision in leaving when we got to the van. It took all 3 (me, Adam, and Maddie) to get Quinn changed. Adam had to hold him up in mid-air while I took his clothes off. He was soiled clear up to his ears by the time we got his stinky clothes off. I even found a smear on his cheek. The whole time, Madalynn, who is our trash bag holder was gagging with every breath she took. We got him cleaned up and a new diaper was in place when I realized that I had no spare clothing. Oh well, at least it was a warm night. Quinn smiled all the way home!

Adam's Jump

2008-03-31T15:53:00.007-04:00

Last week on Wednesday, me and kids were able to go out to see Adam's first jump since getting back from Afghanistan. We packed a picnic lunch and headed out to Sicily drop zone (out in the middle of nowhere, Fort Bragg). It was a beautiful day with low winds and there were quite a few people there to see the jumps. There were 4 passes total. The first drop time was at 1pm and we got there around noon, so we had some time to kill. We had our lunch and Quinton had a fun time trying to figure out how to eat the inside of the apple while spitting out the skin, lol. Maddie made some new friends to play in the dirt with and can always find the time to pose for the camera. After waiting for what seemed like forever(with two kiddos it really does seem like forever, lol), we could see the first plane in the distance. We got our first clue that it was on it's way because the Girl scouts to our left were screaming like crazy. The guys didn't jump the first pass, so they had to circle back around: More waiting!! The second time around worked and Adam was the second jumper out. It too Maddie a while to figure out what was going on and I don't think she saw the parachutes in the sky until all of the guys were out of the plane. Once she realized it had happened, she came screaming from the end of bleachers tell me to look in the sky, "There's my daddy!!" It too a bit of pointing and head moving before Quinn could see the plane coming, but once he saw it he immediately pointed towards it. By the third pass he was clapping his hands with the rest of the crowd there.

Maddie's Pink Poodle Party

2008-03-19T21:22:00.002-04:00

Maddie's 5th Birthday Party was this past Sunday. Her real birthday is on March 11th, but since it was a weekday, we opted for a Sunday party. The party was a great success. She decided to have a pink poodle party so we came up with the idea to have her friends bring pet supplies for the local animal shelter instead of gifts. We got tons of food, treats and other supplies for the animals at The Haven.

Cutie Quinn

2008-03-19T21:11:00.000-04:00

Maddie's Latest Masterpiece

2008-03-19T21:10:00.000-04:00

Before I was a mom......

2008-03-16T10:51:00.001-04:00

Before I was a Mom;
I never learned the words to a lullaby.
I never thought about immunizations.
I had never been puked on,
Pooped on,
Drooled on,
Chewed on,
Peed on…….
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple little grin.
I never sat up for hours watching a baby sleep.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

A little thing called TAG

2008-03-13T14:08:00.005-04:00

7 facts about me:

1. My husband and I were high school sweethearts. We met when I was 15 and he was 17. We have been married for 8 years, but together for 14.

2. I AM NOT a neat freak, lol. Actually I am messier than my husband at times(well, most of the time).

3. I am from West Jefferson, NC: home of North Carolina's only cheese plant.

4. Green is my favorite color.

5. Hot dogs are one of my favorite foods, and I like drinking milk when I eat pizza.

6. We are an army family. We have lived in NC(presently), GA(twice), TX, and visited Korea. My husband got back 2 weeks ago from deployment to Afghanistan.

7. Spring is my favorite time of the year. I love listening the the birds chirp and the air smells wonderful! Flowers start to bloom and trees start to bud. Everything is so new. :D

I am tagging:

The Parker Pack

Huse blog is it anyway

5 minutes with Chase

The online musings of yet another army wife

Mommyology

Ok, so I'm only tagging 5 people, but that's ok. I'm surprising myself by even doing this, lol. ;)

Here are the rules -

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

WELCOME TO THE PARTY!!!

2008-03-10T19:15:00.009-04:00

Welcome all you blogging women! I guess I'm starting my party in the middle of the party, but better late than never, huh? Stay as long as you want to (there's not too much to read, I'm fairly new to blogging) and be sure to leave me a comment when your finished so I can check out your blog as well. Thanks for stopping by!!!

Let me start by introducing myself. I'm Amanda and I hail from good ol' North Carolina. I am a stay at home army wife and mommy if two wonderful children, Madalynn and Quinton.
Madalynn is 5 tomorrow (although sometimes we confuse her for a teenager) and Quinton is the ripe old age of 19 months. He is heading right into the 2's with wild abandon!!

Glamor Queen Maddie

Sneaky little Quinn

Our family has been an army family for 8 years. My husband Adam, just returned from a 13 1/2 month deployment to Afghanistan on February 29th. We are soooo glad that he is back home with us.

Five random facts about me before you get reading:

1. My husband and I met when I was 15 and he was 17. We have been together for 14 years and married for 8.

2. I am afraid of the dark, esp. quiet darkness.

3. I LOVE hotdogs, but HATE celery.

4. I recently started doing Crossfit with my husband. Yesterday made week 1.

5. I am learning to deal with and embrace my lack of organization. I used to get overly stressed out about it, but am now realizing that I should be proud of my self for keeping things together in this life of organized chaos.

America's Favorite Mom

2008-03-05T16:08:00.003-05:00

I have only met Heather once, but as far as I can tell she is a very strong and courageous woman. She is the best friends of one of my great friends Jodi Luther. Please take the time to read Heather's story and then vote for her if you feel led to do so. Thank you and happy voting!!

Love,
Amanda

VOTE FOR HEATHER

The countdown is over.

2008-03-02T09:17:00.008-05:00

Adam arrived just after 11pm on Feb. 28th, 2008. We are very excited that he is home. The reunion was great and we were happy to have Adam's parents with us and his sister, her husband and their son Jack. Maddie was the first to get to him. We had a bet going as to who would be the first to give him hugs and kisses. We all know that she would be the winner of that bet, :D I was holding Quinn so I guess that together we were second in line for some hugs. We got to visit and chat for the allotted 15 min. and then Adam had to go so he could get back to brigade so he could turn in his sensitive items. All of us (with the exception of Adam and our Brother-in-law Charles) came back home to get the kiddos in the bed. Charles and Adam ended up getting back home at 2am. It is great having him home again, and hopefully we will get to keep him around for awhile.

Quinn got his...........

2008-03-02T09:14:00.008-05:00

VERY FIRST HAIR CUT!!!!

Things began with Quinn having a look of confusion on his face. He hated having the cape around his neck and being stapped in (even though he got to sit in the Radio Flyer plane) didn't help the matter either. But things started looking up as soon as he got to experience another "first"; a lollipop.

We started out by asking the nice lady to just cut off the sides so we could have a mullet shot for memories. Brad and Angela will be able to relate to this one, lol. We wanted to get a "Business in the front, Party in the back" look. Quinn really enjoyed his lollipop. He looks like a different child will all of his baby locks gone.

How do you clean a kitchen?

2008-02-24T22:08:00.003-05:00

As the clock ticks and the days pass by bringing me closer to the day(Friday hopefully barring any changes in weather or flights) that I will be able to see my dear hubby; I can feel the time crunch coming on. I always do my best work under pressure, running wild through the house trying to make everything "just right" for Adam when he walks through the door after being gone for what seems like forever.

Jill helped me to make a list of things to do this week.

To be successful with pre-deployment preparations I need to:

*tackle Mt. Laundry

*wash the sheets

*steam clean the polka-dot carpet in my living room
polka-dot carpet: this carpet has seen runaway dogs going wild with muddy paws after potty breaks during the rain, leaky sippy cups, spit-up, throw-up, "I forgot" to wash my hands stains, and of course there is the "I left my coffee and coke can on the floor and Quinn decided he would have them for breakfast to get his day started" stain.

*mop floors

*clean office

*clean out van (this is like a second home to us and even comes equipped with leftovers from dinner the night before and a box of Might Bites that Maddie and Quinn love to munch on. Last time I checked there was even a hair dryer in there).

*last minute grocery shopping for produce and veggies.

*make Quinn's "Welcome Home Daddy" t-shirt

*make Welcome Home signs

I am quite sure that there are other tasks that need to be listed here. My brain seems to slow down a bit at night time after the kiddos go to bed. I'm sure that everything will slowly get checked off of the list. I can only hope that as the week goes by and the trash piles up filling the house with the sweet aroma of dirty diapers and last nights leftover dinner thrown on the floor; Adam will walk in the house and say,

"Ah, the sweet smells of home, it's good to be back".

Army Families - Army Strong

2008-02-23T21:57:00.002-05:00

This video has been out for a while, but it touches me every time I see it. I am so filled with pride that our family is an army family. Sure we go through separation with deployments and time in the field, but through it all we are truly strong. I have never been so proud in all my life as I am to be an army wife and to be a part of army family.

American Idol Fans

2008-02-22T17:21:00.003-05:00

For those of you who watch American Idol, here is a blog you can check out for those times that you just need some behind the scenes info about contestants, who got voted off, and sometimes some juicy gossip. Thanks for starting this Lindsay and Brenna.

My Spirit Has Been Broken

Quinn's Latest

2008-02-19T09:39:00.005-05:00

Well I guess if I have an "update" entry for Maddie, I need one for Quinn. He is growing up so fast and is very excited to give his daddy a run for his money when he gets back. I can't believe that he will turn 2 this year! Check here often for updates.

February 19, 2008

This is Quinn's latest song. He likes to sing his ABC's, Where is Thumbkin?, and now Happy Birthday. Of course you can't understand a word he is saying, but it sure is cute and he has the tune down pretty good. I've included a link for download in case anyone is interested in hearing it.

Happybirthday.wma

February 20, 2008

My Sweet Boy

Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T19:34:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day was an ok day this year. It's the second one in a row that Adam has missed since being in Afghanistan. That also means that he has had to turn 30 and 31 while being deployed. If you ask him the will tell you that he is 23.

My dear friend Jill and her 2 kids Jacob and Annadea came over to "celebrate" with us. We made homemade pizza with crusts that I got from Trader Joe's (my new favorite store), we had apple cobbler, cookies, soda and coffee!! Oh and I forgot we had vanilla ice cream. By the time we were finished with this Valentine's feast we were all about to fall asleep from carb overload. I don't remember the last time I have eaten so much food. It was nice to take a break and just relax with good food and a great friend.

One reason I can't get to bed.........

2008-02-12T23:30:00.002-05:00

is that I am addicted to EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND!!!

Believe it or not, when it was on Prime Time TV we never watched it. I don't know why. I'm sure that we watched something else that we thought was much better at the time. But during all 9 seasons I don't ever remember watching one episode from beginning to end. I had friends that watched the show and were always raving about how funny it was, but never really gave it a second thought to tune in. Then, during one of the many late nights I have had during this deployment(I never get to bed before 1am on most nights) I was surfing the TV and saw that the show was on. From the moment I watched that first episode, I was HOOKED!!! Now it comes on twice in a row at 11:05pm and then again at 11:35pm and as hard as I try and as tired as I may be I cannot go to bed when it's on. Even when it's a rerun.

I really want to buy the box set of all 9 seasons so if anyone out there knows where to get a good deal on it, just pass it on to me!!

Stolen from my friend Mandy's Blog who took it from an email. :)

2008-02-11T01:10:00.000-05:00

Things NOT to say to a military Spouse or Girlfriend!

1. “Aren’t you afraid that he’ll be killed?”

(This one ranks in at number one on the “duh” list. Of course we’re afraid. We’re terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds —but thanks brilliant, you just brought it back to the front. Maybe next you can go ask someone with cancer if they’re scared of dying.)

2. “I don’t know how you manage. I don’t think I could do it.”

(This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here’s why: it’s not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we’d get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We’re not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.)

3. “At least he’s not in Iraq .”

(This is the number one most annoying comment for those whose husbands are in Afghanistan. What do they think is happening in Afghanistan? An international game of golf? Guys are fighting and dying over there.)

4. “Do you think he’ll get to come home for Christmas/anniversary/birthday/birth of a child/wedding/family reunion, etc?”

(Don’t you watch the news? No! They don’t get to come home for any of these things. Please don’t ask again.)

5. “What are you going to do to keep yourself busy while he’s gone?”

(Short answer: Try to keep my sanity. Maybe there’s a military wife out there who gets bored when her husband leaves, but I have yet to meet her. For the rest of us, those with and without children, we find ourselves having to be two people. That keeps us plenty busy. We do get lonely, but we don’t get bored.)

6. “How much longer does he have until he can get out?”

(This one is annoying to many of us whether our husbands are deployed or not. Many of our husbands aren’t counting down the days until they “can” get out. Many of them keep signing back up again and again because they actually love what they do or they VOLUNTEER AGAIN and AGAIN to go back to Iraq b/c there is work that needs to be done.)

7. “This deployment shouldn’t be so bad, now that you’re used to it.”

(Sure, we do learn coping skills and its true the more deployments you’ve gone through, the easier dealing with it becomes. And we figure out ways to make life go smoother while the guys are gone. But it never gets “easy” and the bullets and bombs don’t skip over our guys just because they’ve been there before. The worry never goes away.)

8. “My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you’re going through.”

(This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband’s three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 12-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, he flew comfortably on a commercial plane, slept between crisp white sheets and ate well, paying for everything with an expense account. There is no comparison. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a ford taurus with mercedes convertible.)

9. “Wow you must miss him?”

(This one also gets another big “duh”. Of course we miss our men. There are some wives who do not and they’re now divorced.)

10. “Where is he exactly? Where is that?”

(I don’t expect non-military folks to be able to find Anbar Province on a map, but they should know by now that it’s in Iraq. Likewise, know that Kabul and Kandahar are in Afghanistan. Know that Muqtada al Sadr is the insurgent leader of the Mahdi Army in Iraq and that Sadr City is his home area. Know that Iran is a major threat to our country and that it is located between Afghanistan and Iraq. Our country has been at war in Afghanistan for seven years and at war in Iraq for five years. These basic facts are not secrets, they’re on the news every night and in the papers every day —and on maps everywhere.)

11. “Well, he signed up for it, so it’s his own fault whatever happens over there.

(Yes, ignorant, he did sign up. Each and every day he protects your right to make stupid comments like that. He didn’t sign up and ask to be hit by anything, he signed up to protect his country. Oh, and by the way, he asked me to tell you that “You’re welcome.” He’s still fighting for your freedom.)

12. “Don’t you miss sex! I couldn’t do it!”

(hmmm, no i don’t miss sex. i’m a robot. Seriously…military spouses learn quickly that our relationships must be founded on something greater than sex. We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night. And the hard truth is, most relationships probably couldn’t withstand 12 months of sex deprivation.)

13. “Well in my opinion…..”

(Stop right there. Yo, I didn’t ask for you your personal political opinions. Hey, I love a heated political debate, but not in the grocery store, not in Jamba Juice, not at Nordstrom, not in a bar when I’m out with my girls trying to forget the war, and CERTAINLY NOT AT WORK. We tell co-workers about deployments so when we have to spend lunch hours running off doing errands and taking care of the house, dog, and kids, they have an understanding. We do not tell co-workers and colleagues because we are giving an invitation to ramble about politics or because we so eagerly want to hear how much they hate the President, esp. while we’re trying to heat up our lean cuisines in the crappy office microwaves.)

last but not least….

14. “OH, that’s horrible…I’m so sorry!”

(He’s doing his job and he’s a badass. Don’t be sorry. Be appreciative and please take a moment out of your comfortable American lives to realize that our soldiers fight the wars abroad so those wars stay abroad.)

If you want to say anything, say thank you. After all, we are sexually deprived for your freedom.

Boys

2008-02-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

Where to start? Having a boy child around is truly a blessing, but you can never truly grasp the differences between having a boy and girl until you have one of each. One difference is that Maddie can get mad and upset, but it takes her awhile to build up the drama. It starts out as small drama and then can get worse unless stopped before it's out of control. Most of the time she can be (for lack of a better word) "reasoned" with. I say that lightly because how can you really truly reason with a 4 1/2 year old child? On the other hand, Quinn get's upset and it's like a bomb exploded. No warning whatsoever that the meltdown is going to occur. On any given day, what sets him off can be opposite from the day before. If he gets the wrong food on his tray, it is immediately thrown through the air. Not once piece at a time, but each hand grabbing up food and hurling it across the room. Take a toy away from him or something that is considered dangerous for children to have, and he screams and cries until he can find something to calm himself down. If he catches a glimpse of what you have taken away (even if I've put it in the most discreet location), he starts the "fit" up again.
Temper isn't the only thing to deal with. Maddie was never a climber. Quinn is extremely adventurous when it comes to climbing. We have a Kangaroo Climber that was handed down from cousin Jack at Christmas time and we absolutely love it. Quinn decided that it's a great idea to get on top and sit straddling the sides. He has fallen off, but whines only a min. and then proceeds to climb up again. He loves to stand up in chairs and uses them as a step stool to move on up onto any thing that is a little bit higher. He's very proud of his accomplishments and always wants me to see what he has done. I always know that he is on top of something when I hear a little voice calling: MAMA ! MAMA! MAMA!
I'm sure that one day soon I could very well find him on top of the refrigerator.

More from Moo

2008-02-06T11:01:00.007-05:00

This entry into my blog will be dedicated to the things that Maddie does and says. Check back here often for continuous updates!

************************************************************************************
February 6th, 2008

**Mommy, did you know that dinosaurs lived thousands of years ago and now they are stinked?**

February 9th, 2008

Mom: Look at those geese, Maddie.
Maddie: Wow mom! Did you know that if there is only 1 goose, it's called a goose and if there's more than 1 it's geese.
Mom: Do you know what they call a group of baby geese? They call them goslings.
Maddie: (weird look)
Mom: (continues with educational moment) What do they call a group of baby ducks?
Maddie: ducklings
Mom: Good Job!!! and what about baby Chickens?
Maddie: CHICKENLINGS!!!

February 10, 2008

Back during Christmas Break I decided that my new little nephew Gavin looked like a little "Homie G" in the striped hat he was wearing. Madalynn agreed with me, but the next time we saw him, she said......

"He looks like a little "Homie Cheese".

February 12th, 2008

**Mom, is it time to wash this "air conditioner" out of my hair?**

**I'm glad I don't have "da-monia"(pneumonia) anymore.**

February 23th, 2008

Singing in our household is an everyday thing. From the latest hits on the radio, to traditional children's songs, we listen to a variety of music. While trying to find a parking spot at Walmart, the radio is on and Maddie is singing:

Lord can you tell me
How far is "Leather"
How far is "Leather"

For those of you who don't know, the word should be Heaven, lol.

March 5th, 2008

While deployed, Adam has gained interest in Crossfit. While in GNC he bought Maddie her first 5lb. kettlebell

She was so excited when she got it. She said to Adam:

"Thank you daddy, but if I'm going to workout and exercise with a 5 lb. kettlebell made just for a 5 year old, then I'm going to need an IPOD."

Is she really only 5(on March 11th she will be)? Where does she come up with these things? lol

March 22nd, 2008

Me: Maddie, What do you want for breakfast?

Maddie: I want the same thing I had yesterday, A SCROODLE DOODLE (Toaster Strudel)

____________________________________________________________________

Maddie: Hey mom, do you know what you do when you go on a date?

Me: Well Maddie, I don't know, why don't you tell me?

Maddie: You go out to a fancy restaurant and talk about yourself.

More from Maddie.......

2008-02-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

While driving across town I noticed that Maddie was looking at her most recent Sunday School story sheet. She was trying to decipher for herself what the words on the page said. Suddenly she asked me this question:

"Mommy, can you tell me what these ERECTIONS say?"

I really thought that I was going to drive the van right off the side of the road! After laughing to myself for a moment and as I tried to compose myself I said to Maddie:

"I think you mean DIRECTIONS sweetie".

Dear Military Wife (long, but worth reading)

2008-01-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Military Wife,

I am an American woman that has no idea what is going on in the
military other than what I hear on the news.

I have never had to let go of someone so that they could go fight for
people that they didn't know, people that sometimes do not appreciate
or understand what they are fighting for.

I have never had a sleepless night of worry because of a report that
another bomb has exploded and I still haven't heard from my husband.

I have never had to wait for months on end to hold the one that I loved
so.

I have never had to tell my children that daddy wasn't coming home
tonight because he was so far away fighting for something that they
aren't yet old enough to understand.

I have never had to hold my head high and suppress the tears as I hear
that it will be at least another six months of separation before my
loved one gets to come home.

I have never had to deal with a holiday away from the one that I
thought I would share every day of my life with.

And I have never had to feel the panic rising in my heart at the sound
of a ringing phone or knock at the door for fear that it is the news
that everyone is terrified of getting.

For the reasons listed above, I can not tell you that I understand how
you feel.

I can not tell you that you must be strong.

I can not say that you shouldn't be angry, because you "knew what you
were getting into when you married a military man".
I can not say these things because I have never had to walk in your
shoes.

What I can say for certain is that because of your unselfish acts of
bravery and your husbands willingness to stand up for those who see him
as "just another soldier" - -

I will never have to walk in your shoes.

I do understand that as a military wife you are expected to uphold a
certain amount of control, but I never understood how you could do it,
until now.

I have figured out that you are not like other women.

You are of a special breed.

You have a strength within you that holds life together in the darkest
of hours, a strength of which I will never possess.

The faith you have is what makes you stand out in a crowd; it makes you
glow with emotion and swell with pride at the mention of The United
States of America.

You are a special lady, a wonderful partner and a glorious American.

I have more respect for your husband than I could ever tell you, but
until recently I never thought much about those that the soldier leaves
at home during deployment.

Until this moment I could never put into words exactly what America
meant to me.

Until this moment, I had no real reason to.... Until I heard of you.

Your husband and his military family hold this nation close, safe from
those who wish to hurt us...but you and those like you are the backbone
of the American family.

You keep the wheels in motion and the hearts alive while most would
just break completely down.

Military families make this nation what it is today.

You give us all hope and you emit a warming light at the end of a long
dark tunnel.

Because of you and your family...I am able to be me.

I am able to have my family.

I am able to walk free in this great land.

Because of you and your family, I can look ahead to the future with the
knowledge that life is going to be okay.

Because of you and your family, I can awake to a new day, everyday.

I realize that you are a stronger person than I will ever be because of
these things and I just wanted to take the time today to say thank you
to you and your family for allowing me that freedom.

I will never be able to repay this debt to you, as it is unmatchable.

However, I hope that you know that no matter where you are...

what you are doing...

what has happened today...

or what will happen tomorrow...

Your husband will NEVER be "just another soldier" to me....

And you, dear sweet lady, will never be forgotten.

You are all in my prayer's everyday and I pray that God will bring you
back together with your loved one safely.

May God Bless You

Mommy Brain

2008-01-28T09:47:00.000-05:00

I really do believe that there is such a thing called "Mommy Brain". Maybe it should even be listed as a syndrome somewhere in some medical book. Some days I am quite proud of myself for being so organized(yeah right) only to find that I have left 50 other things off my list that should have been finished a week ago. I can't even seem to remember what I wanted to blog about just 15 min. ago. Am i just a procrastinator? I think not. I honestly think that I have been inflicted with Mommy Brain, something that I bet most of you mommy's out there would agree with me on. The only tasks that seem to get accomplished are the ones that revolve around the kids. But you know what? If at the end of the day Maddie and Quinn are taken care of and I've managed to pee at least once in my day, then that's accomplishment enough for me.

What Did I Do Today?

What did I do today?
Today I left some dishes dirty,
The bed got made around 3:30.
The diapers soaked a little longer,
The odor grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilled the day before,
Are staring at me from the floor.
The fingerprints there on the wall,
Will likely be there still next fall.
The dirty streaks on those window panes,
Will still be there next time it rains.
Shame on you, you sit and say,
Just what did you do today?

I nursed a baby till he slept,
I held a toddler while she wept.
I played a game of hide and seek,
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess that' s true.
Unless you think that what I've done,
Might be important to someone,
With bright brown eyes and soft brown hair,
If that is true...I've done my share.

-----Author Unknown

GO GO GO GO GO

2008-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

It's funny how much children learn just from their parents. Obviously it's because they are with them ALL the time. But it never ceases to amaze me at how fast the pick up on all of the "not so good" things we do as mommy's and daddy's.

Example 1: Maddie already has the "mothering instinct" bred into her. At times, she is a very good mother to Quinn. He cries and her response is, "It's okay Quinny, sissy's here". But if he tries to take a toys it's, "NO QUINTON BARLOW, YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT!!, THIS IS NOT FOR BABIES"

Example 2: As I am letting the dogs out for the morning, instead of saying, "Hi dog, dogs", Quinton begins to exclaim: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!! and then GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!!!! All the while he is pointing his finger toward the playroom(that's where the outside door is) as if to tell them to get the heck out and they better not cause anymore trouble in the house.

What did I learn from these experiences? That in their own little ways, our children hold us accountable for the things that we do and say in our lives: good or bad

SNOW!!!

2008-01-21T23:27:00.001-05:00

Well it just wouldn't be right if I didn't say something about the snow that we had a couple of days ago. Maddie waited all day watching the rain and continually asking when it would turn to snow. Finally, while Quinn was down for his afternoon nap and Maddie and I were having our "quiet time", the rain gradually changed into snow! At first it was just a few large slushy flakes falling and then more and more until it looked like huge cotton balls falling from the sky. We put on our coats and went outside so Maddie could try catching snowflakes on her tongue.

We only managed to stay out for about 5 min. until she got too cold and we had to come back in for some hot chocolate with marshmallows. YUMMY!!

A little later Maddie and Quinn were both able to experience the snow when the ground was covered a little more. Quinn really was quite amazed at the snow and plopped right down in it after walking around in it for awhile. Maddie made an attempt at making a snow angel.

Coffe Girls: Thank you

2008-01-17T20:04:00.000-05:00

On most Thursday mornings you can find me and two of my wonderful friends having coffee and chatting about everything and nothing at all. Today was one of those Thursdays. I invited Kristen and Ashley over to my house for this particular coffee day. Ashley brought Krispy Creme Dough nuts(my mouth is watering just thinking about them), and as tempted as I was to scarf one down, I refrained. Anyway, we had our coffee, our usual breakfast casserole, and some apple slices. We then proceeded to practice the "Crank Dat Superman dance", lol. After a few attempts at it we decided that we each needed some individual practice before we come back as a group to perform. Look for more updates as we may just have our own video just like these ladies in the link above.

Thanks girls for Thursday coffees!!!! Love you!

Walking on Water

2008-01-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

While driving to Walmart the other day a song came on the local Christian radio station. The song was saying how Jesus and his deciples were on a boat when a storm came and the deciples were afraid. After Maddie heard the words she immediately became curious about why they were afraid.

I tried to explain to her (in all my infinate wisdom, lol) that Jesus wanted the deciples to trust in him to take care of them no matter what and that when they doubted him that he walked on the water. "HE DID WHAT"?!?, she exclaimed. I told her that yes, Jesus walked on the water and made the storm go away and that he can take care of us no matter what bad things happen. "Wow", she said, "I didn't know people can walk on water, can my daddy walk on water?". I told that her daddy could not walk on water, but that he is our hero anyway and that he does great things by keeping us all safe.

After a few minutes of thinking about what we had discussed, Maddie asked,

"Mommy, did Jesus use his surfboard to walk on the water?"

Rub a dub dub, Quinn is in the tub

2008-01-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

OH THE TEETHING!!!!

2008-01-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

Teething was never a big problem for Maddie. She breezed right through it. Quinn on the other hand hasn't had it so easy. The first few teeth that came through didn't bring too many complaints, but now it's a different story. He is working on getting a molar and has been waking up screaming in the middle of the night. I guess the best way to describe the situation is, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Syndrome". One min. he is the sweetest boy and then the next he is screaming on the floor and trying to bite anything that gets in his way, even if that means my big toe gets in the way. I even found him trying to chew his way through the side of the rocking chair.

Maddie Moment

2008-01-09T11:32:00.000-05:00

I was trimming her hair when she asked me: "Mom, are you going to be the Barbara?"

Time

2008-01-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

I have so much time on my hands I do absolutely nothing at all with it, lol. Madalynn and Quinton go to preschool on Tuesday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's from 9am - 1pm. What a break for me! You would think that I could "move mountains" (mountains of laundry) with all that time. Instead, I find myself watching THE VIEW and drinking my coffee here on the couch with my laptop as my best friend, lol. I guess I just need this time to recharge so I can get back to the rush of trying to clean the kitchen, fold the laundry, and vacuum the floors, all while changing diapers, fetching snacks, and wiping the noses of my two wonderful kids!

Have a great day no matter what you do!!

So Quinn is walking!

2008-01-08T00:19:00.001-05:00

How is it that time goes by so swiftly that before we know it our "baby's" aren't really "baby's" anymore at all? I catch myself asking that question almost every day that passes. Quinton (Quinn) took his first steps in November and now it's January and he is well on his way traveling around the house like a little old man. Although he isn't perfect at it (yet), he is getting better everyday and harder and harder to keep up with. It's bittersweet seeing him accomplish such a milestone, but (sigh) i guess growing up is just a part of life.

The Best of R & R

2007-09-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

We couldn't have had a better time during Adam's R & R from Afghanistan. He got home on August 6th and stayed until August 25th.

Beach 2007

2007-07-04T23:57:00.000-04:00

The kids and I had a wonderful (and much needed) trip to the beach the last few days of June. As hectic as it was with 4 mommies and 8 kiddos, it was a much needed stress reliever.

Ocean Size Love by Leigh Nash

2007-06-17T10:48:00.000-04:00

I know what I'm doing may be dumb
I know I should not be staring at the sun
But the thought of you leads me to temptation
It's the same whatever side you're on
Separated we are delicate and small
And the space between needs a retention

I see you right in front of me as close as you can get
And I pray that you won't leave this daydream yet

And it might seem much too far to get back to where you are
But it's close enough with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me
Send a sign across the sea and I'll pick it up with an ocean size love

I don't have to worry anymore
If I really need you I'll go to the shore
And the thought of you there is my protection

I see it right in front of me
A vision in my head
And I know this is as real as a daydream gets

And it might seem much too far to get back to where you are
But it's close enough with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me
Send a sign across the sea and I'll pick it up with an ocean size love

You make no sound but I can hear you in the wind
I can see this never ends
Like the sea
Like you for me

And it's close enough with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me
Send a sign across the sea and I'll pick it up with an ocean size love

And it might seem much too far to get back to where you are
But it's close enough with an ocean size love
So if you can't reach out to me
Send a sign across the sea and I'll pick it up with an ocean size love

Body For Life SM

2007-06-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

So I messed up a bit when I said that I had 2 friends that are doing BFL with me. I actually have 3, and one of them is Adam. How could I have forgotten to include him. He is the one who brought it up to me that we get started on this in the first place!! I am sooooo sorry that I didn't include you in my first BFL blog. I in no way meant to leave you out. I think that it happened so that I could come back and type this blog especially for you to let you know how much you mean to me.
Without you I don't think that I could keep on keeping on. Whether it's BFL or just everyday happenings in life, you are with me. Thank you so much for being the wonderful husband and father that you are!! I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to be in your arms again.

Oh yeah, and I came up with a name for Adam (or any other husband who joins in....maybe Ron) in this. Of course it might sound cheesy, but instead of BFLB (Body for Life Buddy), it's BFLSM(Body for Life Soul Mate).

BFL (week 1 down): June 11th, 2007

2007-06-12T21:47:00.000-04:00

Well I did it. I made it through week 1 of BFL. I really like the program so far. I do have times when I want to eat something not so good for me, but I am strong and I will not give in!!! LOL After all, I do get a free day once a week where I can eat whatever and how ever much of what I want. Friday was my free day for the week. I did good for most of the day. My only bad food was the Ranch on my salad and the pizza from good ol' Geno's in WJ.

Anyway, I'm down 2 lbs. and have decide to see my trainer once a week for an hour. I should be able to do the other 5 days on my own.

I weighed in today and I was at 165lbs. That's less than I have been in over 4 years!! YEAH!!

BFL: June 4th, 2007

2007-06-12T21:46:00.000-04:00

BFL.......Translation: Body-For-Life - and today is my first day on the program. I have to say that I am extremely proud of myself! I have followed the plan to a T so far and I don't plan to stop anytime soon. I have to believe that I can become Miss Fitness USA by the time this stinkin' deployment is over, LOLOL. I mean, who doesn't wanna be a hot sexy mama for their man who is returning from war!!
So today I woke up, went to the gym for my first 20 min. cardio and tomorrow is my 45 minute upper body strength training workout.
I do have a partner(s) in all of this (well 2 to be exact). One is my SIL, Juli and the other is my wonderful friend Kristen, who ate some Oatmeal cookies for me today.
I hope to log my progess quite frequently, so if you would like to check in feel free. Hopefully in 12 weeks I will be brave enough to post my before and after pictures!!

Out for a girls night: June 4th, 2007

2007-06-12T21:33:00.000-04:00

I really don't know how long it has been since I have been out. Especially out with just the girls and no kids. Yes you read that correctly......NO KIDS!!! Wow!! It was fun. I had a great time!! Thanks so much to Ashley who invited me to join in on the fun and to Kristen who was there until the bitter end melting like sugar in the rain, LOL!! I can't wait to do it again, and this time maybe Maddie will go to sleep earlier than midnight and I can do something with my crazy doggies. :)

Disney Store with a 4 year old: March 19, 2007

2007-06-12T21:32:00.000-04:00

WOW!! I never knew that taking a "just turned 4 year old" into the Disney store to use up her Disney money could be such an ordeal, lol.

I had told Maddie that as long as she obeyed the rules and listened to me while we got the oil changed in our van that we could go to the Disney store. Before we even reached the entrance to the store from halfway across the mall it's "MOMMY!! I see it, hurry let's go!" We went in and immediately she grabs the first thing she sees. It's some sort of wand with CANDY in it of course. "Let's look around some more and see what you can find", I say. So here she goes to watch Snow White on the huge tv screen they have in the back of the store. After prying her away from that we made our way back up to the front of the store to look at the princess section. Cinderella (or as Maddie says Cinderellie) is very big in our household these days. So many things to choose from and so little time. There are dress-up clothes, dress-up shoes, tea sets, hair bows, carriages, stoves, strollers, make-up, castles, and art supplies all of which are adorned with Princess Cinderella herself. And don't forget that Arial, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, and whoever else I have left out have the same things staring us in the face. So how does a 4 year old make the decision. She doesn't, lol. "Let's go look at Tinkerbell" she says. So once again we head towards the back of the store to look at Tinkerbell, and once again she is taken with Snow White on the big screen. Finally we make it back around to the princess section, but not without looking at the movies section. Maddie wanted to get Cinderella III or Lady and the Tramp II, but upon finding out that she could only have 1 of them for her $20 in disney bucks she changed her mind. "Okay mom, let's go get something with Cinderellie".
We made it home with Cinderella and Prince Charming complete with clothing and shoes for both, a small tea set with trays, a table and chairs, and a small Gazebo that doubles for storage. Oh yeah, and some cookies from one of the mall concession stands.