Raising the Barrs

I know... it's been a while.
Here's my list of excuses:
1. My computer crashed and my pictures are in NO order whatsoever and it's driving me crazy!
2. I wake up at 4:30 am to work out, work full time, live 30 min out of town, and have 2 crazy kids that are 1.5 and 3 years old. So...by the time I get home, cook dinner, and get kids to bed...I'm exhausted!!! I'd rather fall asleep in bed than on the computer!
3. I like spending time with my husband and he does not like blogging.
4. We've had on crazy year and it all started right before I quit blogging...hence the pause.
5. And...I'm a perfectionist. It has to have a theme, have the perfect pictures, and a catchy title. This is probably my greatest downfall. So...I quit trying to be perfect and just be me!

I know my blog is not life changing and rarely are there any great words of wisdom or insight. It's mainly my way of scrapbooking and sharing pictures with my few family and friends that read this.

So...get ready...here are major events since last year...
June: We started out in Angel Fire and then spent a lot of our month going back and forth between our house and my parents. They started build their house and the kids spent some time out there since Ms. Cindye was closed for the summer. Reagan and Adam got their fill of riding the mule, catching bugs, and throwing rocks. I think their motto was "No shoes, No shirt, and a popsicle please." When they weren't at Granny and Opa's house...they had the same motto at Nana and Papa's. Love my little country kids.

July: We started July off with a bang. On July 4th, right before bed time Adam fell into the fireplace and bit through his bottom lip. We had an unplanned trip to the ER and a plastic surgery consult. When we went back for the 2nd surgery and the doctor said his lip looked great and no surgery was needed. Praise the Lord!!! I turned 30 on July 11th and LOVE my 30th year of life! I couldn't ask for more. I have the "perfect" little family, I live in the country, love my job, and I'm in the best shape that I have EVER been in. Who knew 30 would be this great?! Being the summer...we spent MORE time at grandparents houses and at the lake. Unfortunately lake time was limited by the drought and low water levels.

August: Fairly uneventful. Thank goodness! We had the Fire Department picnic and it actually RAINED that day. It was the first good rain in a while. The kids LOVED the water puddles. August also meant back to school at Ms. Cindye's and back into a routine. However, before early mornings returned...Reagan and Aaron went on their first official Daddy/Daughter date to see Cars 2. They started at Chik-fil-a and then headed to the movies. And, in true Rachael fashion, Reagan fell asleep! She is her Mommy's child!

September: Due to crazy dry weather September was a rough month. The fires down in Bastrop were national news. Abilene volunteered to send out a strike team. And, of course, Aaron was first in line. He had turned down the first opportunity secondary to my surgery in May, but this time he felt he should go. He was gone for about 10 days to help fight fires. The kids and I were on our own. We were fine, of course. We were surrounded by friends and family and everyone was willing to help out where needed. Military wives are my official heros! To keep occupied while Aaron was gone...Sandy and I organized a food and clothing drive for the families and firefighters that were affected by the fires. Our small drive exploded! We filled an 8 foot trailer FULL of items to take. God is truly amazing in the ways he works!

October: Always a busy month with the fire department and the Guns 'n' Hoses bike race. Adam went back into the hospital after being diagnosed with a severe case of croup. We didn't even stop at admissions. They sent us straight up to pediatrics for a breathing treatment and went spent 3 days in the tent. We told Granny Happy Birthday and then there was Halloween. We actually went trick ore treating for the first time and the kids LOVED it. They refused to wear costumes but they liked getting candy!

November: We celebrated Reagan's 3rd Birthday Pinkalicious style. It was a REALLY pink party. The little girls dressed up in pink wings and crowns and had pink wands while the boys wore masks and swords. The house was FULL of all aged kids and it was a party to remember. Complete with pinkalicious style cupcakes. Reagan graduated to a big girl bed complete with fancy bedding from grandparents and parents. And then there was Thanksgiving...More food!

December: Always full of Christmas fun with LOTS of family. My favorite part of Christmas this year was taking the kids to candle light service at church. They were wonderful through the service and in awe of the candles. What a blessing to be able to raise kids in that environment surrounded by family. I'm pretty sure their favorite part of Christmas was getting their Arctic Cat Powerwheels. Better than watching a movie!

January: Aaron and I celebrated 6 years of marriage. Doesn't really seem like it's been 6 years. Another blessing. Our day started out with a killer WOD designed just for Aaron and I. It was a killer! Then we went to lunch with all the guys. Me and all the guys...interesting lunch conversations! Later that night we had reservations at Bonterra Blu in Clyde and enjoyed the night. The food was AMAZING!!! If you live anywhere in driving distance of Clyde you should eat here. The food is SPECTACULAR!!!

February: My dad turned 60! While we planned on attending the party that had been in the making...we all opted to stay home with sinus infections, bladder infection, ear infections, and pink eye. Oh happy day. Valentine's Day is typically uneventful at our house. And we stuck with tradition. However, I did accept the gift of a new jump rope and weight lifting shoes. Just an excuse to justify spending the money. We actually did have a late V-day date with some friends. We went to see STOMP! Live in Abilene! It was a great night!

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And here we are in March...

I know most people didn't make it this far and I don't blame you. Our life is not that interesting. It's all about kids and work and crossfit. However, we are lucky in that they all cross over at some point and intertwine. So...I will try to add pictures and update more often without the perfectionistic tendencies that hold me back!