I love Moments Like this...

So some of my favorite memories are when my kids are all having fun together. Stephanie has been home this last week and the kids love having her home and have missed her soo much. It's nice to see them all have a smile on their face again. Almost evey night I have gone to bed and the kids have stayed up watching movies or playing games. This is what I have been waking up to.. I love moments like this.....

Our fun weekend!

This last weekend we went to Silverton to Pick-up Emily and spend some time with Jer, Stef and Kohen bug. It was Kohen bugs 1st birthday. He is such a honey baked ham!! Honey Baked because his skin is so dark and handsome. Stef went all out for his birthday and really did a great job. She is so artistic!!
Saturday morning I needed to get some excercise time in so Emily and I went for a 2.5 mile hike up at Silver Falls. We hikes the stairs of tears to the lower south falls. Painful, but I made it. We went up early before it got too hot. It was beautiful and I cant wait to do the full trek next year.
Unfortunately between the heat and Angies allergies we decided to call the weekend short and leave saturday Night. Its a good thing we did. It would have been a miserable trip home today. Its 105 degrees already at noon and the AC doesn't work very well, if not at all. It was a fun but short weekend. Check out the pic's....

Will be gone

We are heading out for a few days to Or-e-gon... To pick up Emme and for Kohens 1st birthday. I am soo excited to see her she has been missed alot. TTFN..

Speed Limit 25MPH

Yesterday Angie and I went out on an adventure to search for a Chinese recipe. We were going to cook Chinese food last night but could not find the recipe for it so we went to Panda Express to settle our appetites. While we were out we went to some open houses on homes for sale. It was fun and rejuvinated my excitement for our home to be finished. So I thought I'd give you some updated pictures, yes, they are excessive, so enjoy.

This sign is posted in the front of our house. I think the builders got confused and thought it was for our house and not the speed limit. I need a sign that says 60 MPH!

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

THE OUTSIDE

THE FORMAL LIVING, KITCHEN & FAMILY ROOM

THE BATH & BEDROOMS

As you can see we still have lots of work to do. Some of the extras we have added that have caused some delay are the heating elements for under the tile in the kitchen and all the bathrooms, a security system and wiring for our septic. We are underway now and hope to be in the end of July. Yeah!! OH!!! My favorite we are going to put in a little mini golf area in the front yard. So dont forget your putters when you come to stay.

Hangin with the Boys..

So this week has been very very boy time. Angela went to the Pioneer Trek this week for girls camp and Emme went to Aunt Stef's & Uncle Jer's for a couple weeks. So that leaves me with Big Mark, MJ, PB and Tiger. This is what we have done so far:
Monday - Watched shoot'm up movies
Tuesday - Watched the Celtics win the Basketball championship, YEAH!!
Wednesday - We are working on the new motorcycle trailer Mark bought, getting ready to buy a couple more motorcycles for the kids.
Thursday - Angie comes back so I'll be saved, YEAH!!
Friday - Get out Mani's & Pedi's Done, I'm sure angie will love that.
Saturday - Rest and Relax. Take a nap!!!
Oh, I almost forgot.... Snuggle with PB.

Fathers Day Weekend!

It was a fun filled relaxing weekend. Friday Jer, Stef, Kohen, Jeffie, Julie and Doug came up for a Fathers day celebration. We had a great time mostly just sitting around talking, swimming, eating or going shopping. And of course we had lots of food. Thank you all for coming up and spending the weekend with us it was fun and I can't wait to do it again ( next time we'll have beds, I promise :) ). Time always goes too fast when company is here to visit, I wish we had a few more extra days.
Mark, Thank you for being such a wonderful father. You have always been there to love and support us, expecially me and I love you lots and lots. I couldn't ask for a better husband to be by my side, through the good times and the bad. Thank you for setting a great example for MJ so he can learn to be a good father too. Your daughters love you lots and I hope they are as lucky as I am to have such a great husband. Thanks for being my best friend. I Love You, XOXOXOXO

UUUGGGHHHHH!!!

OK So I had to weigh in today . It has been 9 weeks since I started working out. I can't believe it but I gained 5 stinken pounds. We also took measurements and suprise, I have lost inches. So on a good note my trainer says I have probably gained muscle. I sure hope so, otherwise I might be really upset. I am on a 60 week walking program and starting out really slow to build both in speed and distance. My goal is to be able to run a 5K. I have always wanted to do that. So I guess I keep plugging away. Sooner or later somethin' gotta give..

E~M~I~L~Y

I can hardly believe it but this school year has gone by so fast. In a blink of an eye it is over. I might say that I am really glad to see it over. I have been driving them to school and back every day, not that I mind but it really takes up alot of time that I would rather be diving them to other places like sports or dance. This next year will be nice because the bus stops exactly in front of our new house, yeah!! I am excited for that.
So, Yesterday Emily has offically completed elementary school. The school had a small completion ceremony with lots of awards given. Emily recieved a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance as a "Special PE Class Assistance". This is where students get to go and help other students with special needs. The Completion kids all had matching t-shirts for the ceremony and afterwards they got to have cake. It was really cute. It amazes me how fast time goes by. Another year and I will not have anymore little ones anymore. They are all growing up so big and so fast.
Some of Emilys accomplishments this year were big and some were small but I think they are all great; here is a list of a few ~ Emily went to a new school where she had never been before with no friends. She went to a school rollerskating party not knowing anyone and had the biggest smile on her face. She past her WASL with ease and is in the top of the brackets. She is reading at 9th grade level. She knows what her weakest areas are and works harder in them. She took an overnight science adventure to Seattle with the 5th graders in her school all by herself. She is learning Irish dancing and loves it. She has read alot of books this year. She got her ears pierced ~ It seems whatever Emily does, she does well because she tries her hardest. I love her drive and determination, her courage to press forward. She never say's she can not do it beacuse it is too hard, she just finds a way to do it. Emily is growing up into a beautiful young women and I love her so much.

Its time to make a change

As you all know life is forever changing. With all the events happening in the last few weeks and months its time to make a change. I love changes and in a previous blog I have probablly talked about this before. I am excited. I have finally recieved my college transcripts from Chemeketa. I might say I am a pretty smart cookie.. holding a 4.0. One of my goals was after Mark was done with school I was going to go back. I am seriously thinking that now. There is nothing better in life than to have a family and to go to school. I am going to start with taking a few basic classes such as math, writing & German this fall. I have always wanted to learn German. Someday I will go to Germany, it has always been my lifes dream. And brushing up on my math would be great If you don't use it you loose it, and somedays I can't even count to 10. Dang, I am really loosing it. The only thing I will miss out while going to school is the late night Games with Jer and Mark which will be a real bummer. I loved those days!! Do you think I'm too old for school?

My Post's

After reviewing my post I realized it didn't look right. I didn't mean to post the Stephanie and Sarah together, it looks as though I was comparing the girls together and I am not. Both happened yesterday. Sorry, A rough day for me.

Sarah Dane' Widing

Last night was Sarah's High School graduation. It was exciting to see her graduate. She has done many great things. For the last three years Sarah has gone to Roosevelt high School POWER Acadamy. She graduated with several Awards, here's the list: Honors Acadamy Award, Certificate of Achievement Award, Jacque C. Jaegar Humanitarian Award, Certificate of Completion ward, Geraldine C. Cartmel English Trophy, Excellence in Science, Authur George history Award, Health Services Outstanding Leadership Award, Certificate of Adavanced Mastery and Second Place in the Oregon Small Schools Film Festival from the NW Film Center for " The Heart of Roosevelt" Power Acadamy. Sarah has also graduated with a Scholorship from Good Samaritan Hospital for volunteer work the last few years.

I am excited to see her future start. Highschool is only a very small step towards the big goal in life and she is now off to Southern Oregon. She has had her mind set on being a OB nurse for as long as I can remember and she can do it. I am very proud of her, She has turned into a beautiful woman and I believe she will accomplish whatever she sets her mind to do. Love ya Sarah, Whoop, Whoop!!!

Stephanie

Most of you know what is going on with Stephanie but I will fill you in on the latest news I have. As of Monday Stephanie was going to be coming home We were all so excited and I think she was too. I called to confirm on Tuesday but she was not home but at Jason and Dana's. I immediatly knew that she would not be coming home then. For some reason my family thinks it is better for Stephanie to live at Jason and Dana's rather than with her own family. Apparently her Aunt can help her more than her mom. I guess that's fine and now that Stephanie is not coming home the family doesn't want to get in the middle of it. Well I have news for you.. A little too late for that. You know, I could understand it a little more if Stephanie was abused but she not, she is the most spoiled kid of them all. I truely don't understand what she can do at someone else's house that she can't do at our house. Her statement is that she wants to go out when she wants to. I suspect that she will be doing alot of clubbing in the underage clubs in Portland with her great friend Amy. She want to have her free agency to make mistakes and learn from them. In my opinion some mistakes can be prevented. Why not have the joy & freedom of not living with the consequences of our actions. I know if I had to do it over again I would love to have that joy & freedom.
So I guess we can now deal with the consequences of all our actions. I can't help it other than to be hurt by these actions. It is going to take a while to get over it, but life goes on. I do wish Stephanie the best and wish her lots of success for her future. Good bye Steph, I love you. Mom.

PB

Our kitty PB (short for Porky Ballerina) has been acting pretty weird lately.
He has been so snuggly. I try to sleep he's on my pillow, I try to work and he is laying on my desk. He doesn't stop purring. I think he misses Stephanie. He would follow her around all the time and I think maybe he his getting lonely or maybe he sees I need extra loves and kisses lately. When I was a kid kitties always made me feel good. Thank you PB for makeing me feel better.

May 31st

Saturday was Stephanies birthday. I was really bumbed Saturday since she was not at home. I had a big 18th birthday planned BBQ and Pool. Lots of people were invited but I had to cancel. Instead Steph spent the day with her friend Amy & Amy got her a couple body piercings for her birthday.
Satuday night we spent in the hospital. Mark had an accident with his Bike on Monday and scrapped up his are pretty good. It had gotten infected and He was taking an antibiotic but it wasn't working. The infection had gotten into his bloodstream and was making him really sick. So they gave him an IV with a heavy dose of antibiotic and sent him home. He is doing much better today.
So pretty uneventful weekend here in the Barkley home.

Just checking in....

I thought I'd just check in today. Nothing much going on. A little bumbed today.
For those of you coming up this weekend it has been cancelled.
Have a great weekend. Hugs to all.. Danna

A short but very fun trip.

Thursday night we headed to Boise State for the State track meet. Jeffie went to state for the 1A Discus . I think he did very well out of 16 kids Jeffie placed 3rd in State. All of the kids on the stand were Seniors. What does this mean? Well to start off you have to be really good to go to state. To get to State takes lots of time and your skills are usually not perfected until you are into your Junior and Senior years. Jeffie is a Sophmore, this means he has two more years to become better. So he will be going to state for the next two years. Exciting!! Way to go Jeffie.
After the track meet we headed to Fairview Idaho. A very small almost deserted town. Doug gave us a tour of the town and then drove up to Soldier Mt. Ski Resort. The scenery is breathtaking. We are starting to love these high plain towns.
It was so good to see the family. Kohen is growing up so fast and little Jaxon is so adorable. I miss Doug and Julie already. Thank you for inviting us and always making us feel like the family. Thanks Jason for sharing your game with us. I can't wait to play again ~ no really, it was fun. Jer, I will make it up to you by having to leave early, I promise. We really did want to stay longer. Stef and baby, We love you lots and lots! See everyone soon.

Structure

Its amazing how structure and disapline play an important part in peoples lives. It determines our character, our inner well being. I wonder time and time again how my life would have been if I had structure as a child. Would I have been a better person, I believe I would. I do know for a fact that I would have never done certian things had I had the watchful care of parents over me. I would have known and seen what was important and what I should do to shape my future. I see this with strong LDS families. The structure that they have given to shape a child in the path which they should go. I respect those families and wish mine could be the same. I respect the children that turn into adults and have great families themselves.
I don't believe or respect the parents who say " oh honey, things will be fine , you turned out ok" or "your doing better than your parents were ar your age" . Or better yet, tell your kids the problems you had growing up. The point in life is to make life better, not to make excuses for the actions that happened You can not EVER take that attitude with children. I don't know how many times my kids have brought up my childhood against me. When they know the bad things that you have done as a child/teenager it is just an excuse for them to do the same. They also look at you differently, with no respect for the parent whatsoever. It just shows you that these parents either, 1) have no respect for you as a parent or 2) need to blame the child for the actions because they were irresponsible parents themselves.
We all go through our trials. Some are not necessary but happen because of the path we chose. Some doors will open and some doors will shut, and shut right in your face and hit your nose. Some paths we can never, ever turn back on. The trials that we have have determined our character. I know for a fact the path I was living at 17-18 would have turned out terrible if Mark and I had not gotten together. He is truely my angel. It has been a long hard road to somewhat get our head above water and no one did it for us. We spent 22 years to get here. Had we had structure and disipline when we were younger maybe it would have only taken us 10 years.
So my point ~ Stucture is necessary without it we will just go through life never achieving anything. Sometimes we don't like the structure but it will shape us and our future will be better than if we had none and if we are doing our best the trials that will come will be small. So both stucture and trials help define who we are and who we become, but how long does it take to be the best you can be is determined by the path you choose.

Its finally offical

After a very long process we are finally offical home builders again. It has been a very stressful time the last few months with the on again ~ off again , back and forth, side to side, up and down, upside down and rightside up (well you get the point) rollercoaster ride we have been on. When we started this process we knew it would be difficult, and it was. Never in my right mind would I ever do this again. Doug said it would be hard and I think he had some intuition right off the bat about our shyster builder. So I will start posting about the house again and we can finally be excited again!

Our Road trip to Bluewood.

Saturday was a great Day. After we finished a few errands in the morning I thought it would be a great idea to go on a roadtrip to the Mountian, especially since it was going to be 104 degrees. So we got in the car, went to Boarders for a Washington State Atlas, and hit the road. It was wonderful to go from the desert, to the rolling prairie and then up into the snowy mountians.

Sacagwea, Lewis and Clark Climing the hill.

MJ.. aka Clark. I love this picture of him. He is growing ups so fast.

The kids really had a great time. They were a little hesitant at first to just go. They didn't really understand what exactly we were doing. I am glad they said it was one of their best trips ever. As soon as we headed up the mountian the temperature dropped into the 60's. It was so nice to have a break from the hot weather we were having at home. Thank kids for going with us.

Due to the higher temperatures there was lots of waterfalls from the melting snow. On the way down we stopped to look at. Another great picture. I am so glad we went on this adventure. We now know where Bluewood (Ski resort) is and look forward to some hiking and skiing so close to our desert home. I can't wait to see where our next adventure will take us.

Parental Help!!

OK, So we all know parenting does not come with a manual. I have always loved to read the self help books and I love listening to Dr. Laura, but I have a problem and need some advice from the ladies in the house.
My eldest who will be 18 this month is wonderful and I could not ask for a better daughter. In fact I have several times called her " Cinderella " , which she does not like. She is obsessive about cleaning , which I have several times told her to stop and let the other kids handle the cleaning for a while. But she is so happy doing it , thats why I have called her " Cinderella" . But this is not my problem. My problem is that she doesn't seem to put the importance of herself in front of others. She gets distracted , especially with "the boy", and gets way off track with homework. At one point she had a standard not to be exclusive with any one person. She has been with "the boy" for the last 5 months now, He has been very persistant, which I don't like. He is going to be gone for 2 years and where does that leave her? Alone again. I think he is being very selfish and only serving himself here in this situation and is very unfair for Steph. This has also caused major issues with getting her homework done. We have explained this several times to both of them but their little "puppy love eyes" just cant see the big picture.
She also wants to be treated like an adult and make up her own mind. How can I sit back and let her do that and not have her priorities on order. I once talked with a sister in our ward ontime and asked her, " how do you just let them go and do what they want with out letting them fail?", She said " I just let them govern themselves and I would step in if needed so they didn't fail. I have done this. It's not working for me. I have exausted all the resources I have. So, do I let her go and hope things will work out for her? What about her future? I am really scared for her and the struggles she will have without her education.
As you can see I am rambling on and on here but clearly need your advice.

O ~ U ~ C ~ H

OK, I am really trying to get fit this year. My goal is to be able to go hiking again. I am planning a trip to the Wallowa Mountians next year.
It is a 12 mile hike into the wilderness with beauty beyond imagination. Anyways, so since I am trying to get in shape I see a personal trainer twice a week who is really working my butt off (literally)!! This last week I noticed knots in my back. Not wanting to delay progress in my workouts I went to see my Physical Therapist who gave me the torture treatment from hell. A deep tissue massage.. OUCH! I feel like I have been run over today. It's ok. I will survive. so Lesson # 1.. Dont neglect your body!!

Motorcycles, Piercings and Cha~ching....

It was a fun weekend and I thing the pictures say it all. The cousins came to play. Saturday was a fun filled day. Big Mark got a brand spankin' new motorcycle this last week so Saturday he took the kids for a spin at the Motorcycle park. Stephanie, Jayden and Emme were in Heaven and of course had to go faster, do lots of wheelee's and go on the whoop~tee~doo's.
After Dirt Bike riding Emme Wanted to get her ears pierced (she has been planning this for two weeks). The rule in the house is that when you turn 12 you can have your ears pierced. Emily is 12 in November. I told her no that I just didn't think it would be fair since Ang and Steph had to wait till 12 but if they said it ws ok then she would have to gt it approved through dad. Dad said Sure... When your mom lets me get my dirt bike you can get your ears pierced. We'll I didn't agree that Mark got his dirt bike but he did get it and so Emme gets her ears pierced. The cousins watched and Jayden was especially excited and wanted hers done too... So we did. jk .. Daddy made her wait. Dana and Jayden have a special piercing day coming really soon. I love her come on Mom, I can't wait anymore look as she sits in the piercing chair.
After all this excitement the Big kids (Mark, Jason & Danna) went to try a new casino. We have been playing Roulette, Its kinda fun. Mark and Danna came home with a big L on thier forehead while Jason was a lucky winner..... I think those four leaf clovers came in handy for someone..
Another great day filled with fun and excitement... Barkley style..

Lucky....

Yesterday while picking up Emily and MJ from school they were sitting in the grass very contently. I patiently waited and enjoyed the scene. A few minutes passed by and the kids hurried to the car. They were so excited. I thought maybe they had found a bug or maybe had lost something small. As they got in the car they were so excited to show me what they had found.. A 4 leaf clover and not just one they had found 4 of them. I don't know about you but I have searched all my life to find a four leaf clover. How lucky they were to find 4. They gave one to a friend and the other is a book to Cherish later on.

A proud mommy I am

Yesterday was take your child to work day. Of course Emme and MJ we excited that maybe they could go to work with dad but No kiddies allowed without National Security approval, so OK no problem. I assumed that they would be going to school.

We woke up and Emme was quick to get ready for school but MJ insisted that it was take your child to work day and that he was going to stay home and sleep. I didn't think that was a good idea since they already know what I do and are home with me when I work anyways so we have had lots of take your child to work day's.. He said that he was staying home so I bribed him with a little treat. A donut! Ah I couldn't believe that came out of my mouth. I hate sending the kids to school having sugar in the morning. It makes a terrible day for the teacher.

So anyways, off to Albertsons we go.. They quickly get their donuts and eat them while I pick-up a few items such as the usual bread, milk and shampoo. We get throught the check-out and off to school we go. Half way there Emme yells "MOM, We forgot to pay for our donuts!!" I told her we'll pay for them next time we go. MJ prayed, he thought maybe I would be going to jail. Nope, I'm here and picked them up after school was over. Emme asked, "Mom did you go pay for those donuts?" "Not yet", I said. I took a few dollars from my purse and gave them each a dollar and off to Albertsons we go. After paying for their donuts they both said. I feel much better now. I am so lucky to have my kids be concerned over a $.69 donut they ate. Isn't your

So Much to do ~ So little time.

Have you ever wondered how in the world you will accomplish everthing you want to do in life? I do every day, bogging myself down with what I would like to do with my life, after all I am going to be a big $) this year.. Ahhh, Such Joys that come with aging. There is so much that I wanted to do and it feels as though it will never happen; At least I am coming to realize thats what the man downstairs wants me to believe. I have 40 more years of life in me and now with my life halfway over I am going to start living!! I have decided that I am young and many people accomplish great things in their later years. I am starting with the basics. In order to accomplish my goals I must first get in good enough shape to live a long,long time. Long enough to torture my children and hopefully great-grandchildren someday. I have a Great Aunt that when Mark and I first got married she was out hootin' and hollerin' on her snowmobile going mock 10 around the trails. I want to be able to do that. Later that year she broke her leg doing something crazy she was in her early 70's then. So if I whine and complain kick me in the butt and tell me to stop it off.. then give me a hug of course and tell me you love me.

The Tale of Tatterhood

Friday night a group of kids from Angelas Drama class put on a few short skits for the Sons of Norway. If was a fun night for Angela ~ her first drama performance and she was amazing, a natural. She played the queen that wanted children in Tatterhood.

Sypnosis of Tatterhood ~ A folk tale from Norway

A king and queen wanted children, but having none, they raised an orphan girl in their castle. One day, the orphan began to play with a beggar child, and the queen tried to separate them, but the beggar girl said that if the queen knew that her mother knew how the queen could have a child, she would not send her off.

When the mother would not, the beggar girl urged the queen to give her something to drink, and when she was drunk, the mother told her take two buckets of water, wash in them before bed, and throw the water under the bed. In the morning, two flowers would spring, one beautiful, one ugly, and she was to eat the beautiful one. The queen obeys, except that she eats the ugly one as well.

Soon, she gives birth to an ugly and troublesome girl, and then to a beautiful and gentle one. The ugly girl they called Tatterhood because she was always dressed in rags. She rode on a goat and always carried a wooden spoon, and she and her beautiful sister were inseparable.

One Christmas Eve, there was a great clamor, and Tatterhood demanded until she learned that some trolls and witches had come to celebrate Christmas. Tatterhood went out to face them down, but while she was fighting, her sister put her head out to watch, and a witch turned her head into a calf's head.

Tatterhood rebuked them for their carelessness and ordered a ship fitted out, so she might find a way to free her sister. She sailed the witches' land, and there she fought them so hard that they had to free her sister from the spell.

Then Tatterhood sailed to a far off kingdom, where the king was a widower with only one son. The king fell in love with Tatterhood's sister, and Tatterhood refused to permission for them to marry unless she married the king's son. The king talked his son around, and a wedding was set.

On the wedding day, Tatterhood asked her bridegroom why he didn't ask her why she rode a goat, and when he asked her, declared it was a grand horse — and then it was.

She then asked him why he didn't ask her why she carried a wooden spoon, and when he asked her, declared it was a silver wand — and then it was.

She then asked him why he didn't ask her why she wore a tattered hood, and when he asked her, declared it was a golden crown — and then it was.

She then asked him why he didn't ask her why she was so ugly, and when he asked her, declared she was more beautiful than her sister — and then she was.

Tagged:

I was tagged so here goes:

Ten years ago...
Ten years ago I had just had Mark Jr. and had just moved into our new Molalla home.
5 things on list to do today...
1. Take the kids to school
2. Work
3. Pick the kids up from school
4. Get tortured by my personal trainer
5. Find time to sew on my quilt.
What would you do if you had a million dollars...
Right now I would pay off student loans, payoff my house and give the rest to my parents.
3 bad habits i have...
1. EATING ~ I have this love hate relationship with food!!
2. Procrastination is mine too.
3. Not spending enough "happy" time with the kids.
4 places I have lived...
1. Portland, Oregon
2. Molalla, Oregon
3. Rochester, Minnesota
4. Richland, Washington
4 jobs i have had...
1. My first job was at Taco Time @ 16
2. Cleaning Stalls
3. Liteco (work with my dad so no complaints there)
4. Being a Mom ~ the hardest job ever!!!
5 things people don't know about me...
1. I love to hike
2. I want to be a Jazzersice instructor.
3. I can design cloths and make with no pattern.
4. I love math
5. I am sensitive
Whats your hubby's name...
Mark Lloyd Barkley
How long have you been married...
20 3/4 Years almost 21
How long did you date...
I don't remember it was soo long ago.. but it was the end of my freshman year in High school 1983
Purposed March of 1987
Married July 11th 1987
Who eats more...
Thats a tie....
Who said I love you first...
I probably did.. I was such a leach.
Who is taller...
Mark is much taller
Who sings better...
I do.. For sure. Mark can sing good if he would just let it out and not hold it in.
Who is smarter...
Mark is smarter.. but I am smarterestedly smart
Who's temper is worse...
I think my temper is worse... especially at TOM time :)
Who does laundry...
Mark is really good at keeping the laundry going
Who does the dishes...
Mark is good with dictating who does dishes, but I am good at getting them done.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed...
I sleep on the right side of the bed but we both sleep in the middle...Ahh cutte!
Who drives when your together...
I used to but now he does. He doesn't like my car...
Who is more stubborn...
We are both stubborn.. but I think Mark wins by a few hairs on that one.
Who is the first to admit they're wrong...
I am usually the first because I probably cause most of the problems.. What? Who me?
Who's parents you see more often...
I think we see my parents more.
Who purposed...
Mark purposed in a funny sort of way. He says, "What would you say if I asked you to marry me?" I of course being silly said, "no" . He says, " No, really what would you say if I asked you to marry me?" Of course I would say "yes". and so on....
Who has more friends...
Mark has more friends for sure. He is a likeable guy. People love to keep in contact with him..
Who has more siblings...
Mark has more 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Who wears the pants in the family...
Mark wears the pants in the family, for sure and I don't mind one bit.

This tag is past on to Brydgette, Angela and Stephanie.....
TAG YOUR IT!!!

Happy Uppie Pants

After a longs days work and the kids at school we needed a little R & R time. So we finally got a family gym membership. I thought it might help all of us to relieve some not so needed stress and tension around the house ~ Well it did just that. Somehow the kids started wearing uppie pants. I have no idea where they would have gotten this idea from.... Dana, any ideas???...lol.. I am hoping that today when we go to the gym that they burn more energy and come home pooped and want to go right to bed, at least thats my plan. I really think they were excited to swim, play DDR, rock climb and play basketball last night that it was was too much fun to calm down just yet. Me on the other hand am quite sore today and went right to bed. I have hired a personal trainer, her name is Katie and so far she has been great. She really worked my buttocks off yesterday. I can wait to go again this week. I really do love to work-out. My problem is my motivation ~ thats where Katie comes in. She is helping me getting me started again working on those core muscles. YEAH!! I'm a feeling the core today. Next comes Yoga, I love Yoga!! Maybe Mark will go with me. Its quite to workout. So here's to Uppie pants and the smiles on those uppie pant kid's. They are all so silly. Gotta love those silly Barkley kids.. I have no idea where they get all this sillynessedly attitude from....

Memories

I was cleaning off my desk this morning and came across an unmarked disc so before throwing away I thougth I'd check it out. A good thing I did because all these great pictures from Aunt Kims camera were on there. This is from one of our first fishing trips with Aaron and Kim at Siltcoos lake. We have had some great times there and the kids really love and miss Siltcoos lake. Last year wasn't a great year at Siltcoos but I am hoping that this will be a great year to go for a week or so.

Counting my blessings

This last week has been really hard for me. We now face the fact that we may lose our home that we have worked so hard for. Our Builder NS Construction Group has not been cooperating with the bank or us; which completely stops our home from being finished. In the mist of this mess we have come to realize that blessings come in many different ways. Sometimes we lose site on the blessings that we have and focus in on the "things" that don't matter. So we will see if the house works out but if it does not that’s a blessing too.
This last weekend was conference weekend and I was so looking forward to going out of town to see family but I really needed to be home. We watched all four-conference sessions and I was humbled. My perspectives have been so far off that I am embarrassed to the fact that I have not been counting my blessings, which are many. I have a husband who loves me, a family that is close and loves to be silly. There are so many people in the world that have no homes, food on their plates and have lost their family. I am so blessed to have what most people do not and I thank the Lord everyday for that.
So I challenge you to count your blessings. It’s easy to look toward the “things” that we think will make us happy, but while doing so we focus so much on getting these "things" that we lose site of the Big Eternal Picture of what life is truly about.

A very busy Morning..

A very busy morning at the Barkley house
4:30am ~ Emily, Mom and Dad ~ Get our lazy bums out of bed.
5:10am ~ Take Emily to school, stop by Albertsons for Emily snacks and batteries. Emily's off for an overnight field trip to Seattle.
6:00am ~ Emily's bus leaves for Seattle. Mom's very nervous to let her go.
6:30am ~ Dad drops Mom off at home She cooks breakfast and gets ready for the day.
7:10am ~ Mom takes Angie to school so she can get there early to talk to her teacher about math.
7:30am ~ Another trip to Albertsons for Stephanie's lunch.
7:45am ~ Take Stephanie to the Benton County district Attorneys office where she is doing a job shadow with the prosecuting attorney. Mom's excited for her.
8:10am ~ Take MJ to school. Get him there early for safety patrol.
8:30am ~ Having computer problems. Got the computer restarted with a little help from Charter.
8:45am ~ Mom takes a small break for the morning and gets her work day started.
WHEW!!!! I am very proud of my kids and the opportunities that they are having today. How lucky we are to live in America where we have the freedoms to do what we want, when we want to do it. Have a great day America !!

MJ turns 10!!

Mark turned 10 today!!! YEAH!!!
It started out a sunndy day that quickly turned to snow. What a fun suprise. A little too cold for me this time of year ~ we were just starting to break out the summer cloths.
So our new tradition is that Mom and Dad take the "Birthday Kid" out to a dinner of their choice. MJ chose Olive Garden because they have good bread sticks, we agree.
When we got home MJ was so excited to open his presents and have cake. He was really excited because when he walked through the door everyone yelled "SUPRISE!!!!"
It was a great day! Jason, Dana and the kids came up early Friday and after presents and cake we went to their hotel and the kids swam in the pool, went in the hot tub, jumped in the pool, and it was a never ending circle of fun!! MJ said " this is the best birthday ever".
On Saturday we went out to the Yamaha shop where the kids watched a few guys do some fun jumps. To Cold to stay so we went out to eat and went swimming and played games for the night. A Fun Weekend.........6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday MJ!! You are growing into such a nice young man.. I love you Lots..XOXOXOXOXOX


He said it was his best birthday ever.

It's Here, Its Here....

Its Here, It's here... Enchanted movie has been released on DVD. In my opinion it is one of the best movies out there AND its PG. A fantastic musical movie. If you havn't seen it yet you must go buy it today!!!! Its a magical tale of true loves kiss. I don't want to say too much to spoil the story for those who have not seen it yet, So enjoy the music.....

March 17th ~

Happy St. Pattys day to you!!
Remember to wear something green.
And if you must pinch, Don't be mean..

Calling all cars..

Maybe I can pass for an old beat-up car. I sure feel like it. What do you think..

Urgent Casting Notice

We are looking for OLD, BEAT UP CARS & TRUCKS for the feature film TWILIGHT. The vehicles can be dented, scratched, wrecked, etc.

You and you car would need to be available NEXT WEEK (MON through FRI) to work on the film. Shooting will take place in Kalama, WA (about an hour north of Portland). The pay is $65/day, OT after 10hrs. You would also receive $40/day reimbursement for travel and a $20 car bump.

If you are interested in being considered, please e-mail the following to sally@extrasonly.com:

Name
Contact Info
Recent Photo of you AND your car

Thank you and we will contact you if we are interested.

Happy Birthday Eric!!

Today is Eric's Birthday but he is nowhere to be found.
He's out having fun, while my paper work mounds and mounds!!!!

It's not fair as I sit here all day..
While he's out having fun with no work and all Play!!!!

Eric's the oldest brother I got..
I'm glad he's my brother and I love him alot!!!

So I don't really mind that he's gone to Mexico..
Where the people are nice and he has lots of amigo's!!!!

Celebrate your birthday today with a smile..
We send you hugs & kisses from over the miles!!!

We love you Eric Hope you have a great Day!! XOXOXOX

My Mom and Dad

Yesterday was my mom and dads 45th Anniversary. I have to say that I am so proud of them. They have been through soo much the last 45 years and through all of the struggles and joys they are still together. They have been a wonderful example for me too look up to. I believe that marriage is a commitment and wether things are going great or going south, your in it together (even though it may not seem like it). There are not very many marriages that last this long. Thanks Mom and Dad for being an example of Love, Patience and Endurance.

Poem to MOM

Sorry guys this is long. I heard this on Dr. Laura yesterday I thought it was cute.

Poem to MOM


My son came home from school one day, With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough, To put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room, Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think, Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head, And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like, Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges, With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division, Better known as C.S.D."

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick ou t all you want, there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D .. Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned So I'll decide what's best. "

I said "No time to stop and eat, Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions, A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie, To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV, For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room, You'll take the couch instead.
The C .S.D. Requires Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get, Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights', It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out, Instead of C.S.D..?"

MOM (Mean Old Mother)

OK Already

Enough of Jordan talk..... Lets talk about something funeristedly.

Silly Boy

So last night we came home and Jordan was at our house AGAIN!! Oh My Gosh!! Jordan is one of Stephanies New " Boy - Friends " (you all know what I mean by that)! He is pretty fun to have around. He hasn't been too wild until last night. I think his true colors came out. (OK Paula, True colors [only an American Idol fan can understand that comment] ~ I'm not sure what color Jordan is here but I will let you decide).. Once Jordan got all fancied up in his attire he made Stephanie go to the store with him. He of course got to embarrass Steph while he pushed her around the store in a shopping cart. How spontaneistedly is that.

Angela Kay

Angela Kay Barkley was Born on February 26th and Weighed 7Lbs, 2oz and was 21 Inches long. She was the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. She looked like a little indian baby. I called her my little pappouse. She was quite and hardly ever cried. I remember the night she was born she slept all night. The nurses said they have never seen such a beautiful quite baby. How lucky I was to be blessed with such a wonderful gift from heaven. She has always been our angel. Thanks Angie for letting me be your mom!! I love You..
For Angelas 15th Birthday Mom and dad took her out for dinner to Olive Garden... Her favorite Place ever. She had Chicken Fettechini Alfredo with a Strawberry Daiquiri (virgin of course). While we were out to dinner the siblings decorated the house and surprised Angela. It was fun! Angela was very surprised too because I had told her that morning that we were going to do her b-day on Friday ~ she was glad that we didn't wait. She said it was the best birthdat ever!!

A little Family time!!

I love our family!!!! This last weekend Jer, Stef and Kohen can over to see us. It is soo nice to have them here. We don't ever do much except hang out and relax. Which I so appreciate. Thursday we didn't do much and Friday I had to work. Saturday they went to the park. I stayed at home. Sorry guys, I just felt really icky that morning and Sunday our family went home. We had a couple events on Friday night Steph had a peanut reaction from using a dish rag. Yep, she had a reaction by just touching the dish rag. This was the first time that she had to give herself her epi-pen. I am glad it was just a mild reaction. On Saturday Mark, Jer , Stef and I went to lunch. We ended up going to Outback. Stef is allergic to shellfish. Jer asked for a table away from people because of Stef's alleries to shrimp. The had justed opened at 3:00 so We all thought we'd be ok ~ not too many people around. It was ok Until one of the waitresses broght us some bread and waived a large plate of shrimp right in front of Stef's face! So needless to say Stef almost immediately broke out in hives and we quickly left to get benydryl. Another mild reaction, Luckily. So while Stef slept the benedryl off I worked on her pillows. Which gets me excited to work on my own once the house is done and we get to decorate. Stef helped me make some major color decisions ~ Thank you Stef. I can't wait to see them on the wall. I only chose a few colors. and accent wall for the Dining room and bathroom colors. Oh, and accent color for my bedroom. There is soooo much to chose from... I am so glad that Doug & Julie taught me how to start or I would have been in a constant state of confusion. Thanks you!!
I am always bummed when family has to go home. It takes us a day or so to get our spirits back and then we start looking forward when they will be coming again.. I love you all!!!

Angela's got some Bling Bling in her mouth!!

So Friday Angela went to get her braces on. She has been excited for weeks (or should I say months) to get these braces. She will have them on for about 18 months. So far she is doing well and with the new no ban technology she is having very little discomfort. She has been eating soft foods. The only sad thing she said is that she has to give up chewing on ice and gum which are her favorite (Darn.. The ice chewing and bubble popping always drove me nuts!!). I think she looks so adorable!!

A very Busy Week

What started out this week to be somewhat busy turned out to be pure crazyness!!
Sunday we found out that the Pinewood Derby was Thursday and being unprepared it threw us for a loop. Mark and MJ started working between building appointments on the pinewood derby car Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was weigh in and Thursday was the Pinewood derby. Thursday @ 6:00 was also Curriculum night ~ This is where the 4th graders did math games and the fifth graders had a night at the Museum. They dressed up in a character and had several poses. A button on their shirt that had to be pressed or a word that had to be said then the statue would come to life. Emily was a female soldier named Deborah Sampson. She dressed like a boy to cover up the fact that she was a girl. They found out she was a girl when she got shot and they had to examine her. Promptly at 7:00 we went to the church for the Pinewood derby. MJ had a great design and it did pretty well. He made it all the way to the second to the last round. Not bad for your first pinewood derby race. Great Job MJ and Emily.

It's official

It's official!! We ARE the offical owners of our house. After meeting with an attorney on Wednesday we found out what our rights were as a home buyer. (Which are pretty close to none ~ suggestion, before you sign a contract have an attorney look it over and NEVER take a builder for his word. Get everything in writing.) I suggest from the headaches that we have had and from what our attorney said, "building a home is very difficult and once you sign that contract your stuck! Your better off finding a home to buy". So friday we went in and closed our house. We felt much better as the day progressed and are excited to move into our home that we have been planning on for the last few months. We can now offically get excited for flooring and colors and cabnits. WHEW!!! It has truely been an experience that I really don't ever what to do again ~ Unless we are the general contrators. Enough said. Hopefully the hard part is over.

Baby Shower

Sunday, Stephanie and I went into Hillsboro for my cousins baby shower.
It was soo much fun. It has been nice now that Mark has been finished with school we can do these little trips. I remember when Cecily was a little baby and I use to push her stroller around in the park. This last year she finished her accounting degree at Portland State and has been working for the IRS for the last 5 years or so. She just took a new position as an IRS Auditor for businesses. Shes a smartie! and has done very well for herself. It was nice to also see my Cousin Tina. I haven't seen her for a very long time. She just has another little boy Giovannie. He is cute!! Tina is starting a Baby online resale store. I am excited for her too. She is doing so well. I am proud of my cousins! I missed my cousin Tony's wife Krisi and her new baby. On a sad note my cousin Tony is being called back to Iraq. He may be there for upto 18 months.
After the Baby shower we spent the night at my brothers house and we worked on the lighting for our new house. We went to dinner and visited with Sarah, She is doing so good. She has been accepted to Southern Oregon. She wants to be a birth nurse. And Monday I went and did our taxes. UGH!! and got home Monday night. This week will be a little calmer.... I hope.
BY THE WAY.... CHECK OUT THOSE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS. MY UNCLE BILL DID THOSE. HE IS SOO TALENTED!!!

L ~ O ~ V ~ E

Valentines day is almost here.. I love Valentines Day, It always reminds me of the true meaning of love and what a very special relationship I have with Mark. I know most of you think that we are too feisty with eachother. I call it the way we communicate. In fact it is been scientifically proven that couples who tend to be on the feisty side stay married longer and live longer. So, see we are normal in our own way.
I LOVE Mark and the many joys that he has brought into my life. I couldn't ask for a better husband who tries so hard to make his life and the life of his family better. He has stuck with me through so many trials that I have had in my personal life and Loves me no matter what. He has taken his family to the temple to be sealed for eternity. He has gone to school and sacrificed his time to help those in need. He Loves his family and has always been there for them. He is dedicated to serving the Lord and does so with a smile.
So I am really lucky to you Mark!! I LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOXOX