Happy Summer!

We're in full-blown summer mode as of this week, though I ended up getting stuck teaching a class this summer, which was not my plan.  I'm making the best of it, though, and working on being very productive and efficient while I'm in the office so that I can make the most of my time with the family when I'm not working.  My plan for the summer is to work Tues, Wed, and Thursday and stay home with the kids on Mondays and Fridays.  Well, not stay home.  More like go to museums, the zoo, the waterpark, and whatever else we can come up with to take advantage of some fun in the summertime!

Life on the farm is good...Miss Peppa Pig is growing up and learning to walk on a leash, which is as funny as it sounds.  Ruby still adores her and reads books to her in her room for hours by bribing her with mini marshmallows.  We got a baby pool for the ducks (who are now full-grown) to swim around in, but they haven't quite figured out the swimming part yet.  They mostly just stand on the edge and get their faces wet.  Sounds like we may be inheriting some Nigerian dwarf goats from a friend in the near future.  Goats are my favorite, and I can't seem to say no when they're offered up for free.  They have such great personalities--like dogs, but cuter!

Love

Peppa Pig

We went on a quick family outing this past weekend to Canton, TX, home of the the "famous" First Monday Trade Days.  It's basically acres and acres of flea market finds, and it happens once a month year round.  We had a blast, and there truly was something for everyone.  Ruby, our animal lover, spotted a mini potbelly pig in the "animal section" of the fairgrounds, and we couldn't say no.  So, here is Miss Peppa Pig in all her glory.  We're working on training her to walk on a lead.  Ruby is absolutely in love with her piggy, and Aaron has also found a soft spot in his heart for her.  I went to take a shower last night after dinner, and returned to find him snuggled up on the couch with Peppa watching TV!

Baseball!

Kai is playing T-ball for the first time this spring, and he is absolutely thrilled about it.  He would wear his uniform to school everyday if I let him, and his fun-loving spirit shines out on the field.  He giggles his way around the bases, high-fiving the other team's players as he jumps on each base with both feet.  It is absolutely adorable, and so much fun to watch.

Spring Pictures

Well, once again, it's been way too long.  Life has just been so busy lately.  Thank goodness for the camera on my phone, otherwise I'd never remember to document all of the precious moments in everyday life we've been enjoying.  I thought I'd do a little bit of catch-up blogging, mostly with pictures.  Pictures are always the best part anyway!  Here are some of our spring pics we used for our Easter card this year.  We took these down by the creek at the end our our property, and the kids had a blast exploring while I snapped some photos along the way. 

A rough January

January was pretty tough.  My dad, who lives in Granbury, about an hour southwest of us, was in a near-fatal car accident on the day after Christmas.  He had to be taken by helicopter to JPS Hospital in Fort Worth and has undergone six major surgeries and remains in the hospital on a ventilator.  If you're interested in monitoring his progress, I've been posting updates on Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.com/blakebarker) since the accident.  It's been hard on my dad, obviously, but its also been a huge adjustment for our family as well.  We certainly did not expect to spend a portion of every day for the past 36 days in the hospital, nevermind juggling child care for the kids, jobs and taking over dad's bills and other responsibilities.  Many times in the past month I've wished there were 3 of me, rather than just one!  But, we're managing.  We're doing what we have to do, prioritizing and re-prioritizing, and trying to enjoy the moments that Aaron and I are together in the same room with all three of our kids.  It's been a rough ride, and we're hoping that February proves much kinder. :)

January wasn't all bad, though.  Amanda has been such a wonderful support, watching the kids at a moment's notice when I've had to drop everything and be at the hospital.  And my mom is amazing.  She's made us meals on several occasions and even came up last weekend for an impromptu visit, which was wonderful.  We are blessed.