the barney crew

halloween fun

2008-11-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

our horse cart...

2008-09-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

Yes family and friends, we are now raising horses and taking them to carnivals for pony rides! NOT- This is Jeff's new "toy" friends. A very, very big toy.

He will make it his pit area for racing as I suspect he will be traveling more this summer for races... or living in it when he is in time out!!!

However, I must say it is a very nice trailer and will be interesting to see the end product.... never a dull moment at our house!!!!!

back in the saddle again...

2008-09-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Barney Crew is back in the saddle... kids are in school, mom and dad are teaching, homework is on full tilt! Mason just loovves second grade. His teacher is such a delightful lady. Mari of course can't wait for Monday, Wednesday, & Friday- school days! She is in class with her bestest friend and loves her teacher and most of all- MUSIC!
They both are busy with football for Mason and ballet for Marryn. It is so much fun to see them doing something they love doing! Other than that, we are just keeping busy around the Barney home as fall approaches.... just gotta' love this time of year! Take care friends and family!

toledo zoo

2008-08-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

IT WAS A GREAT TRIP!!

the vaca pictures

2008-08-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

the barney vacation

2008-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

it was a great vacation! we went to Maumee Bay Resort in Oregon, Ohio & then to the Toledo Zoo. we had a BLAST! the resort was WONDERFUL and very relaxing. we took the kids on their first jet-ski and paddle boat ride. we even went to a DRIVE-IN MOVIE! the kids thought that was pretty cool too. the zoo was amazing & we didn't pay a dime to get in since our zoo is a reciprocal zoo with the Toledo zoo! we all want to go again and stay longer.... anyone interested in next year, let us know!

all kinds of crazy...

2008-07-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

we have been busy- busy-busy..... summer life is the life FOR ME! the kids and i are offically tan bunnies! we are soaking up what is left of the summer and counting down the days until school is coming. WHICH IS ONE MONTH (cry, cry, boo, boo!!!) mason is getting taller and taller by the second. marryn is busy with gymnastics and just signed her up for dance. jeff has a big race coming up soon. and i -well i am getting my classroom ready and smooching my kiddos as much as possible! i will keep you all up dated on what we are up to. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ON THE BLOG- hint, hint, wink, wink!

4th of JULY

2008-07-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

happy fourth my friends and family! we didn't do much- the family came over for food and fun. we celebrated with our neighbors by lighting off the ever impressive load of $20.00 fire works from wal-mart (hell of a show i tell ya!)

the kids loved it and we loved not having to deal with the cars and crowds! the dogs were happy because mawmaw sat inside and gave them love as they DO NOT LIKE the boom-booms at all.

it was a great weekend and enjoyed spending time with mom, matt, and the kiddos. however, after the 4th it is like i get into school mode. we start august 14th and i have yet to really work on my classroom! YIKES.... i will have to get on that one.

other than that, everyone is fine. the kids are swimming fools, matt and jeff are busy keeping the pools poop free. and i am just being well, me! take care family and i love you lots...
i was thinking that everyone should start a family blog so we could talk to everyone.... i stink at phone calling and it doesn't get better for cards! let me know!

jeff's new love

2008-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

this is jeff's new passion. rock crawling- he's been busy getting big "m" and his truck together to tear up the pavement. not really sure what the goal of these buggies are yet. but it looks fun and you know that i am not a race car kind of gal! he built this bridge out of the branches that we had from the tree. i am thinking that he is about ready to get his truck out there soon! big men and their toys i tell you!

teeth update and well little m being herself

2008-06-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

from this picture and in a matter of days, big "m" has lost all front four of his teeth. yes, he looks like a jack-o-lantern. he was very excited to see about the whole tooth fairy thing. you know that teeth are going for a buck now a days! little "m" is well, lil "m"- we are in a constant state of drama here at the house. life is either very happy or very sad. this is one of her sad moments. god help us when she is 13?!?!

indiana weather

2008-06-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

oh yes... good old indiana weather! this is our lovely decorative pear tree! don't you love what it's done to our fence. we knew it was going to go, but was hoping that it would come the other way. nope. jeff and i finally have gotten the last of the tree out of the back yard and to the recycling place. damn tree-

lil' gal of mine.

2008-06-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

miss m had her first stomp- opps I mean tap recital. She was a doll! their theme was going to the zoo. as you can see, she was the sassy cheetah! she fit the costume very well.

poor-poor cow

2008-05-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

You know on my list of things to do before I die, watching a group of men "clip" a cow wasn't on the top one hundred. I was AMAZED to learn that there was a technique for turning a little boy cow into a non-manly cow. Interesting I must say.... check off that on my list. Hmmmm what else to see and do?

she going to blow....

2008-05-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

We took one giant step for science.... we made volcanoes!!! It wasn't too bad I must say. The kids LOVED painting them and making them erupt!

the summer is here..

2008-04-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

The kids have started their spring/summer fun. Mason has started baseball and is doing a great job! Marryn finished her Spring Musical! She did a great job and showed off her art work. Beautiful right??? I love this time of year- we are busy, and I mean busy- however- it is leading to bigger and better things to come... SUMMER VACATION MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY! YAHOOOOOO..

down on the farm...

2008-04-29T17:48:00.001-07:00

We had a BLAST!!! Went to Michigan to visit Jeff's aunt, uncle, and cousin's farm. LOVED their place & made this city gal' dream of a home far, far from the poo of the city!

The kids couldn't get enough of the cows, the cow's pooie, the four wheelers (thanks mel and greg), and the tractor rides out to the field to see the baby cow up close and personal. I will post more awesome pictures as we go!

mommy-daughter night at school...

2008-03-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

It was wonderful to see all of Mari's friends lined up in their P.J.'s, ready for their story to be read. She was excited to sit with this little boy who she speaks highly of- it was very cute! After we listened to the story we went to stations and made hand prints, cookie bears, and took a photo together. We ended our evening with a very elegant dinner at Tre Mac Donalds....oh la la!
It was a wonderful evening with my girl- one of many mommy-daughter days!

easter....

2008-03-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Easter at the Barney Familystead was very relaxed. My mom, Jeff's parents, and the kids. Missed everyone, however, it was nice just to do much of nothing and like it. Mom made some killer food and we ate some great treats too! This was Mason and Mari's FIRST TIME ( I know, I am a stinky mom) decorating eggs. They loved and couldn't wait to show the grandparents! For those of you who don't know, Mason is holding an OHIO egg- The Barney Family are STRICT U of M people. Jeff hopes this is temporary and he comes to his senses soon.
Sas eve enjoyed her Easter egg hunt while dressed up in her Christmas Dress! Gott'a love Sassy! Mason and Mari thought is was pretty cool that the Easter Bunny leaves money in the eggs. It was a fun time and loved seeing the kids happy as can be. Take care family and hope all is well with everyone! LOVE YOU!

lil' guy-guy

2008-03-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

this lil' guy-guy is growing up fast! he is the son of a dear friend and is one of the most cutest little boogers ever. it's wonderful to have little smoochies around... get to love em' up and send them back home!!!!

WINTER....

2008-02-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

Today we got a little snow, which means..... NO SCHOOL! I didn't think that we would be dumped on like this, however, I am not complaining. The kids are playing quietly, Jeff has shoveled all three drives, and I am doing laundry and relaxing! YEP, gotta love being a teacher!

Sassy's Birthday Bash!

2008-02-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well she is officially FOUR! Can you believe it family? FOUR!! She is all sas by the way. (I wonder who she gets that from?) Her party was nice. She had three of her little girl friends there and they spent the afternoon playing and laughing. Her theme was Strawberry Shortcake-Tinker Bell-Princess. That's Mari for you. She had a great day. We love you Sis- Happy Birthday!

he's old... really old.

2008-02-01T19:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday J.B. - you old man!

the other little boy ...

2008-01-26T14:28:00.000-08:00

It seems as though I have forgotten the other man boy in our home. JB is such a kid at heart! That's why I love the big guy so much. He is busy getting his gear ready to race this week or two. I am so excited for him. He is getting a new look for his car body and we have a new DIRT track in town. Now he can race his faster cars, which I think he is excited for.

We will keep you posted on J.B. and his racing. Unfortunately, I don't go to the races- I give him bad "ju-ju." It seems the presence of the great wife makes his cars fall apart! See the power I HAVE...muahhhahahaha!

p-a-r-t-y!

2008-01-19T16:54:00.001-08:00

The big boy, had his party. We hired a face painter to stop by. As you can see, she rocked the house with her amazing artistic abilities! here are three of the kid that got their faces done.- Lil' M.- Big M's friend- and M.'s cousins. They all had a FANTASTIC TIME & Big M loved seeing his buddies and family. i love doing this for my kids. i love giving my baby his moment. I want to thank everyone who came over- you are all such an amazing part of our life & we are blessed by that. Happy Birthday my honey bunny....

Love- Your Mother Nature!

happy, happy day!

2008-01-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

You are amazing my little man. Seven years ago I would have never dreamed that you would be apart of my life. You have filled my heart with joy and keep me focus on what matters in life! Happy Birthday my son- you are the best!

2008-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know M. you will enjoy these drama pictures. Just another day in the world of M.! Gotta love her.

santa was here!!

2007-12-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Santa was here and they were very excited. We spent time in Michigan and had a wonderful visit with Jeff's family. We then headed back to the Fort and got ready for eve with Mom, Matt, Sarah, Nick, and all. It was a great evening to see the kids excited about the arrival of Santa. The kids had a cold, however, that didn't hold them back. They both loved their gifts and played with them until their eyes were droopy.

christmas joy...

2007-12-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

It was M & M's first Christmas musicals. They were nervous, but not as nervous as their mommy! They both dressed in their best and were ready to go. It was a wonderful!!! I cried... yes, once again I cried like a baby. They were so beautiful and did such an amazing job. Both of them loved that their family was there to watch and give them a cheer. Both of them sang and did their hand motions too. It was a good time for both of them. It was great- truly.

it's here....

2007-12-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

It was a great day! We spent our morning playing in the snow & now the kids are truly ready for Christmas! I love watching them play. It reminds me of Matt and I when we were little. After awhile, they came in had lunch and hot chocolate- what a life! We then snuggled in and watched movies! Ahhh.... it was a great day!

my treasures...

2007-12-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

As you can see my babies are very excited about the holidays. We went to see Santa- Lil' M. had NO PART in the event. She stayed with Maw-Maw while big M gave his dissertation on what he wanted from good ol' Saint Nick. We hope that we see some of you over the holidays! Take care.

SHOP TO YOU DROP!

2007-12-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Went shopping today... presents are all taken care of at the Barney Casa! I will begin the wrapping process this weekend. Anywho- I stopped by Archievers and I think that this will be my next favorite place to go besides Rustic Hutch!
As I said in my professional blog, I am beginning to get my art nook together. I have decided that it is time for me to get back to doing some serious creating. I didn't want to scrap or stamp- I would get frusterated with that(I could draw faster than cut). So I have found my inspiration via Ruth's blog. ALI EDWARDS! She is amazing- I have found that I could take my artistic side and mix it with my writing side. Hence, LIFE ART! I think that this will be for me. It is a mix of photography, art, and writing all mixed into one. I love the concept because it makes you think while you are creating life long memories! HOW COOL! So, be prepared- hopefull after Christmas I will begin. Right now I am just collecting thoughts and ideas about what I am going to do!

Christmas Traditions...

2007-11-29T17:43:00.000-08:00

Ali Edwards inspired me to think about the traditions that are old, and the new traditions that we have started with our family. Here are some things that I hold dear, and some that we have started with our two children.

- We have a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner.
We have done this since I can remember. Mom make a beautiful dinner and the table with our Christmas dishes. When my brother and I were little, we were allowed to open one present. We were both very careful in our selections... it was so much fun. We still do that today. It is wonderful to have Matt, his wife, and his son with my mom as well. I love those moments that we are together as a family. It is even better now that we have our little ones to enjoy it with.

-We have a Pietras get together. No matter how far we have lived apart, the Pietras's have managed to get together every Christmas. I love being around my large family. It has grown since everyone has their own children now. Mom says it is like turning back the clock- she remembers when all of us were that little running around the house screaming and laughing. I cherish being with my family, hearing stories about their childhood, my Babci, and the silly things we used to do. It is a very special time for me.

-Now that I have little ones, we have a wonderful breakfast. My mom comes over and we eat while the kids are running wild around the house with their new toys.

-Our Christmas Trees. O.K. - we go a little over board. Five trees! But hey! They are so beautiful and each tree is so different. It tells a story or memory. I am excited to continue this tradition!

We have started our family journey. I am excited to see my little ones grow each year waiting for our special day.

stinky breathing...

2007-11-26T18:03:00.001-08:00

It's the worst when you see your little guy is unhappy. Not because he isn't getting what he wants, but due to the fact that he can't breath! He stayed in bed and was one with the breathing machine.
I hate to see him like this, and it always worries me. I don't sleep well which makes for a very LONG MONDAY.
However, he is a brave kid. He knows what he needs to do and does it. He stays in bed and knows that is what he has to do to get better. I just wish and hope that his asthma issue will go away with age... what a trooper!

barney mornings

2007-11-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Mornings... got to love em'!

snowman tree up and smiling...

2007-11-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

I LOVE MY TREE! We came home from Jeff's parents and started working on the house. At one o'clock in the morn, we were almost finished. I did manage to get Mr. Snowguy up and running! I was very excited to see him all bright and cheerful. The kids will love him when the return from the weekend in Michigan!

christmas fest begins...

2007-11-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

It has offically started- our house is buzzing with the begining of winter fun and decorations. We have cleaned out the storage room and went through various boxes. I I have been inspired by Ali Edward's blog to do some really neat holiday activities, so I ventured to the local Salvation Army and Goodwill Stores this week. Found some really neat stuff that I am hoping to transform. Here's my list of TO DO'S & IDEAS:

1. get all my cards organized,cut and get them framed.
2.get out my snowman tree and see if I need to do any repairing on him.
3.FIND OLD CHRISTMAS STAMPS!! Anyone out there have them, send them my way please!
4. sort out the christmas bulbs... can't wait to put them in my jars!
5. i want to make my own holly wreath- we will see how that goes!
6. get my new art area fixed and started! my own place.

Like I said, I will post pictures as it comes along!

christmas galore....

2007-11-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

If you don't know, the Barney crew LOVES holidays. We love decorating and getting ready for special occasions. This year, we spent all year getting ready for our favorite holiday- CHRISTMAS. I have searched high and low for various snowflakes and made more snowballs for our Snowman Tree. I can't wait! I would like to find some more candy jars to put on our mantel this year. I am in search for time period candies... sugar ribbons, mints, etc. to put in them. If that won't work, then various vintage bulbs and such. I will take some pictures and get them up and running soon. Let me know if you are out and about & find some interesting things that I would love...
We are planning a Christmas Party for all of our friends and family... so get December or January's calendar out- fun at the Barney's! Take care and, "It's getting to look alot like Christmas... lalalalalaaa."

welcome...

2007-11-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Barney's family blog! I hope that you stop by and let us know how everything is going in your neck of the woods!