more blankets...

It was the girls turn for blankets today. I had taught them previously this summer how to sew so they wanted to help construct this project. They each helped me tie their own quilt and felt really cool that they were "making" something. It was really fun.

Breckyn got a frog blanket to replace Fabio Le Frog. Fabio didn't last more than a day in our house. I think it was too much attention for the little guy. He looked pretty freaked out and he wouldn't eat so, back to the pond he went. (yes, I am very thankful that the frog did my dirty work for me)
Zoey picked pink kitties. She got a silky back and sides-- sooooo snugly.
Em is still very happy with his blanky and uses it all the time. Rugby has been pouting because I couldn't find Spiderman material for him. I have to go back into Brookfield to get his. He has never begged to go to the store before-- he must want it really badly to be willing to go to the store.

blankets...

I decided to venture into the unknown this week. I found some "Cars" material last week at the fabric store and decided to make Em a blanket. I put it together this afternoon. I wasn't too hard either. I picked out some satin for the bottom, McQueen for the top, and silky seam binding for the sides. It has some batting in the middle and I tied it with red thread. It only took about an hour but the love from Em will last a lifetime (the life of the quilt that is).

As soon as I finished he took it downstairs to watch-- "Cars."
This is Rugby's face when I told him I'd make him a spiderman one next. (it's too easy)

sorry...

This morning Tim was trying to get a little extra sleep after a long business trip and a bad cold took the best out of him. The kids apparently didn't get the memo. They woke up at 6 a.m. and bombarded him with questions every 10-15 minutes. I got up and took the kids downstairs and explained the situation to them. They felt really bad and decided (with a little encouragement) to do something nice for him. They drew "sorry pictures" for him and left them outside his door so he would get them when he woke up.

This was Rugby's. He does the cutest drawings of these circle people right now. It cracks me up! (we are still working on the missing "b" in his name)
This is Zoey's version of what happened this morning...
Breckyn drew a "sorry monster" to explain that she was sorry for her monstrous behavior. (very creative)
Emerson was using all of his creativity to try to make Daddy happy.

I'm sure some day they won't be able to draw a picture to get out of trouble but today it worked. Thanks guys!

Barlow Taylor fun...

Yesterday the boys took the day off so we could all go to the water park together. The kids really enjoyed themselves. We love having the Barlows near-- it makes our lives exciting... (My kid's famous quote is, "It's boring without the Barlows!!" I hear that every time we have to go our separate ways.)

Rugs with his swim gear...

Em's newly found "3" attitude...

Chloe was pooped out and needed to take a little snooze while we were at the park. Jodi was actually trying to keep her eyes open but due to her "BPD" (blinking picture disease) it just looks like she is trying to fake sleep. Maybe we should start her a BPD awareness group.... or at least get her the T-shirt.
Maddie is hiding somewhere behind all that fog...
The Barlow men were taking on the water slide many, many, many, many times.... go Super Dad!
The older kids stopped for a quick picture-- they swam so hard.
Brecky and her new goggles (yes, upside down)The Barlows (and Amber the neighbor girl) all splashed out and ready to go.

Zoo Fun...

We piled the kids in the car this morning and set off on a family adventure. We only have a few short days until school starts again and we wanted to make the most of it so off we went to the zoo... Emerson is ready for anything...
The front seat patrol-- getting along quite nicely today.

Zoey spent her time teaching Rugs how to write his name in the back seat. (she helped clear up the "p" business and had him writing "b" by the time we got there)

The gang stopping for a quick snack break...

Z and E driving the milk truck...

Rugs in his sweet dairy wheels...

Em playing around on the slide...Breckyn was the only one brave enough to pet the goats. The other kids just threw the goat food at the goats and ran for their lives. You'd think some one attacked Em the way he was carrying on... geesh...
When we got home Tim said he wanted to take Breckyn on her Daddy daughter date this week. I stayed with everyone else and started to mow the lawn. When they returned Tim said he got Breckyn something she really needed. I'm thinking school supplies, a new shirt,--- not even close!!!! He bought her all of the supplies needed to house a pet frog. They caught one in the yard and were thinking of names by the time I was aware of the situation. I lost a very big battle in our home tonight.... it's inside--- inside!! My only rule was it couldn't be taken out of it's cage when it was in the house. The frog looks pretty freaked out if you ask me but Breckyn looks pretty happy. Tim says if she does well with this he might get her a turtle. My idea of a pet is something furry and cute NOT slimy and jumpy. Either way, Fabio Le Frog is here to stay.

Happy Anniversary...

This past Wednesday, August 22 was our anniversary. We have been married 9 great years. I wasn't going to post anything because anniversaries are usually only important to the 2 people involved but, I can't resist a post about my favorite person, Timmy.

When we first started dating, I had never met anyone quite like Timmy. He had so much spice and sass-- I just wanted to be with him all the time. I thought about him so much, I'm surprised that I actually passed all my classes that year. He was entrancing and a really lot of fun.
We had a lot of fun before we got married. I remember a lot of surprise dates and late night runs to Burger King. He sure kept things interesting. Here we are at a friend's wedding before we were engaged. I was so smitten...
This is our engagement picture. We were both so happy and excited to see what the future would bring.
The big day... We were sealed in the Chicago Temple for time and all eternity on a summer day in August 9 short years ago...

...fast forward a few years and Tim became a super Dad in many ways. Four kids in four years threw us both into parenthood rather quickly. Good thing he was a natural.

He has been a great husband in so many ways. He has treated me like a princess and indulged me in all of my schemes. He has a way of making me feel beautiful no matter how much baby weight I've still got hanging around.
Tim fills our family with love and support. He has a way of keeping things interesting. Everyday he tried to convince the kids that he doesn't really sell power supplies-- he really is a spy. (they have yet to believe him)To the man I love... Thanks for 9 wonderful years of your companionship. Thank you for passing all of that sass and spice to our children. Thank you for being a righteous leader for our family. I love you and all of your obsessions with batteries, bacon, chocolate, and me... Happy Anniversary Babe!

bath time...

Before Cam left I got do my favorite thing-- bath time!! I love to let the kids splash and play (and get clean). Here are two of my little buddies in the tub...

Chloe and Cam splashin' it up...
I couldn't resist giving them bubble dos. Chloe has "Pebbles" hair and Cam went with the bubble mohawk.
...great side view of his bubble do...
Cass and the kids-- all clean!
Our littlest super hero. (I can't let him be here without influencing him a little in the super hero department)

Dad and his helper, Caleb. Caleb has been a good sport this summer. He is always willing to help, even on the stinkiest jobs. He is on the road to being the next generation worker guy. Good job Caleb!!

Dad and the princess. Princess packed her "angry eyes" today.

Bedroom Makeover...

I know it's been a few weeks since I painted my room but, I wanted to have everything in place before I did my finish photos. I had a lot of fun with the idea of this room. It has been the plague of my existence for over a year now. I have been in search for the perfect fabric or bedding to make the room exactly how I wanted it. I finally settled on my original idea (figures) and went to work....

I forgot to take before pictures so this is a picture from when we first built the house. We added gold curtains and a few things on the walls since then-- but you get the basic idea....

...after. I was going for a spa kind of feeling. I wanted the lighter colors to make it feel soft and relaxing. The last few trips Tim and I have taken, our hotel rooms had white bedding and it is just so inviting. I love to come in here and just melt into all of the fluffy covers and relax...

This is the tub area before......and after. I added a little bit of greenery to make it feel warm.
This is the bathroom before.......and after. I painted the vase and also the jewelry box to match the room. I put in white rugs and white flowers for accents. The color is a few shades darker than the bedroom.
Here is a closeup of the curtains. I found some that I loved in Pottery Barn and had my mom whip them up for me. She is so great... thanks Mom! (also more green in the corner to add a softer touch)Here is an up close version of the bedding. I bought it from Restoration Hardware and it's super soft. I LOVE IT!
They also had a matching shower curtain that I couldn't do without. I just love the new look.(thanks for letting me play Timmy)