Baseball Fever

At the Barney household, there is a strong passion for the game of baseball. Although, the weather is below 20 degrees my boys are getting a little antsy for Spring and baseball season. Mckay is eager to get outside and hit at the cage and Beckham's new passion is playing catch and hitting with Jason every night. He puts on his Yankee hat, grabs his glove (which is my old glove so it is a little oversized), bat, and ball and pleads with his dad to play baseball with him. All day he asks me, when Jason is going to be home to play baseball. This morning, before he would go to the YMCA, he made me call Jason at school to ask if he would play baseball with him tonight.  Jason, loves Beckham's drive to play baseball but, gets a little tired. Beckham could play for hours and only wants to play with him.   So, I guess dad better toughen up!

Beckham is playing Short Stop and likes to pretend he is Derek Jeter.
This time he decides to pitch and here is the wind up! 
Mckay wanted me to take some pictures of him Slam Dunking the ball on the little hoop. Boys, they keep us moving and busy!!   We're hoping for warmer days so, we can get outside to release some energy and play baseball.

Circle of Stars Gymnastic Meet

Mckinley had another gymnastic meet today in Indianapolis.  There were teams from all over Indiana and Kentucky at this meet.  I was so proud of her because she has worked so hard and today she did so well.  We were looking at her pictures from her first meet and it is so neat to see how much she has improved.  She placed in Bars, Beam, and had a personal best on floor taking 4th overall.  She placed 9th in the overall competition.  She was so excited.  I am posting her routines-- these are mainly for grandparents that live so far away and would love to see her perform.  

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Dad pulls Mckinley's second loose tooth

The Tooth Fairy has been busy at the Barney household.  Mckinley lost her second tooth in about a week.  She waited a long time for the Tooth Fairy to come and now She has been here twice.  Jason helped her get it out.  I thought she was being so brave that I had to take a few pictures.   I think Mckinley will be the dentist in our family.   She is fascinated by all of this.When Jason pulled the tooth it flipped up in the air and we couldn't find it for some time.  This is Jason searching for Mckinley's small tooth.  Here is Mckinley's toothless grin.

Cavs vs Pacers

Last week, Jason took Mckay to a Pacers game.  They were excited because the Pacers were playing Lebron James and the Cavs.  It ended up being a really close game and ended in the final seconds on the free throw line in favor of the Pacers.  Jason was amazed by Lebron James skills, size, and leadership but, Mckay wasn't won over. He wanted the Pacers to win and was cheering loud for them.  When Mckay got home I asked him if he saw some cool dunks and he said "yeah, Lebron James can really dunk it".   How fun for them, I am glad that I gave up my seat so that Mckay could go spend some quality time with his dad.We had a great Valentines weekend.  I forgot to snap pictures but, it was busy and fun.  Friday I went to the kids school to see them have their Valentine parties.  Beckham loved helping both McKay and Mckinley with all their projects and helped Mckinley win at BINGO. Friday night Jason and I went to our ward dance at the church.  We never got the chance to dance (Beckham had a pooping accident, which I think Jason was very relieved for)-- but it was good to mingle with friends and get some adult conversation.  On Friday night I also hit a late night showing of Confessions of a Shopaholic with some girls for a friends birthday-- great chick flick.   Saturday was super busy-- started with a 6:00AM run, a Visiting Teaching breakfast at 8:30 AM,  play dates for the kids, lunch at Five Guys, cleaning my house, and a dinner party with a few friends. It was a great weekend filled with good friends and fun times.  

Toothy Issues!!

Mckinley has waited a long time to have a missing tooth. Last Saturday, she finally worked her front tooth to the point that Jason could pull it. She has waited a long time and has been patient, considering most of her friends started losing teeth about a year or two ago. Here is her toothless grin.

Little did we know that losing her front tooth would also bring another tooth problem. For a couple of days Mckinley had been complaining about her back tooth. I thought she had a piece of food stuck in between her teeth or she had irritated the gums a little. After it was hurting for a couple of days Jason tested it and thought we should bring her down to the school to get it looked at.  Last Monday we took her down to the school to see her dad. I think she was a little excited to be one of dad's patients.  Her pain was real and she needed a root canal on her baby tooth. The staff was so nice to her and they all complimented her on how brave and cute she was. Jason's professor said she did better than most grown men. She did look cute sitting so big in the chair. I wanted to take a picture of her dad working on her but, forgot the camera. Beckham and I waited outside while he enjoyed running all over the dental school, going up and down on the elevator, and yelling in the stair well. I am glad we have connections in the dental field!

25 Things About Me!

On facebook, there is a tag going around titled "25 Things About Me".  Because I spent most of my computer time making that list I have decided to post it on the blog as well.  So here is 25 things about me!  Probably a little more than you ever wanted to know but, here it is.

1. I love to run fast.
2. I enjoy decorating my home-- if I only had the money to do everything I wanted.
3. I hate to read anything fiction. Jason wishes I would read more. Does Runner's World, the Internet, and Pottery Barn magazines count?
4. I love numbers. I look forward to balancing my checkbook, doing my tax's, and creating a budget(which I seldom keep but, I have good intentions).
5. I am a sucker for a good deal. I always shop clearance.
6. I watch Oprah and love shows with Dr. OZZ and Suze Orman.
7. I am a people person. I love to be surrounded by my great friends.
8. I watch reality TV. My favorites right now are The City, The Bachelor, American Idol, and The Real Housewives of Orange County ( I know this one is trash but, I am addicted).
9. A few of my favorite indulgences are Dorrito's, Peanut Butter M&M's, Dove Chocolates, and large volumes of Diet Coke.
10. I take my Diet Coke every where.
11. I am addicted to the internet.
12. I love to sit on the couch with my husband and rub feet.
13. I am a talker and at times I think I talk a little too much.
14. I love my hometown of Spanish Fork and the many great friends and memories I have from there. If only we could find a job there.
15. I love staying home with my kids and being a mom.
16. I am not a night person. I seldom make it past 10:00PM.
17. I fall asleep in most movies. I have seen the first thirty minutes of most movies and then I am out. Jason hates this because he is just the opposite.
18. I love to eat out. Especially, when it is just Jason and I. I love a good steak house or anything Italian.
19. I don't like to play games. I would rather just talk. Playing games requires too much thinking.
20. I married my high school boyfriend, who was my first kiss. We have known each other since the 8th grade and have dated since I was a sophomore in high school.
21. I love watching Sports. I enjoy college basketball, college football, and a good baseball game.
22. I love to dance and watch dance. I don't dance much anymore but, dance has always been my creative outlet and I enjoy the challenge it gives me.
23. I love pictures of my kids and getting our family pictures taken. I don't take pictures or know much about photography but, I love to have lots of pictures of my kids around the house.
24. I graduated in Biology at BYU but, can't name a tree or plant a garden.
25. I try to live life to the fullest. I value this life and the opportunities I have been given. I hope to always enjoy the journey.

Catching Up!

Being sick, I haven't had any motivation to post anything.  So, now that I feel better it is time to catch up on the past two weeks. 

On Martin Luther King Day we went to the Harlem Globetrotters at Conseco Fieldhouse in down town Indianapolis.  Both Jason and I remember going to this as children and just loving it.  Our kids were the same way, they loved it and got so into it.  Mckinley that night couldn't stop talking about how the other team cheated to try and beat the Harlem Globetrotters and Mckay was practicing all the new moves. Thanks Alan and Beth for the great seats!  

Beckham loved the snow cones.  

Over the weekend we were busy with a gymnastic meet and basketball games.  Mckinley placed in Vault.  Her scores were a lot better than last meet but, there were so many girls in her division that she only placed in one event.  I think there were like 40 girls or something like that.   I am finding that gymnastics here in Indiana is really crazy and competitive.  But, we are having fun.  Sorry the picture is so dark, I was far away.

Here is my lame attempt to get some pictures of Mckay playing basketball.  Every time I record he loses the ball or misses a lay up and then when I don't record he does something great. Anyway, he is liking basketball.  His team is struggling a bit but, Mckay has picked it up the last couple of weeks and leads his team in scoring.  Which I am not sure if that is saying too much because, as I said his team is not so good. But, he is working really hard.

Tuesday night Indiana had the sixth biggest snow storm in Indiana history.  This meant no school for anyone on Wednesday.  Jason was relieved that school was canceled.  He had been stuck in traffic for 3 1/2 hrs on Tuesday night and was dreading the drive into school.  McKay and Mckinley were so excited to play in the snow and had their snow clothes on at 8:30AM.  Beckham wasn't so sure about putting on all the snow clothes but, once we got him out in the snow he loved it.   So yesterday we had a fun day playing in the snow and having some quality time as a family. 
Jason shoveling the drive way.  Good thing Jason was home because I tried to shovel but, my weak arms couldn't lift the heavy snow.
I love this picture!  Mckay loves his ski goggles, Mckinley looks like a snow bunny, and Beckham is eating the snow.
Jason built the kids a snow fort.  They loved it!  Sometimes, it is good that we have snow days that force us all to stay at home and play with our kids.  It was a great day!

Feeling Better and 50 Degree Weather!

Since my last post, events are more positive at the Barney household.  After a weekend of fever, chills, and body throbs I realized my home remedies and over the counter drugs probably weren't working and I finally went to the doctor on Tuesday.  The verdict: Bronchitis.  It is amazing how 48 hours of antibiotics, some good cough medicine prescribed by a physician, and an inhaler has changed my mood, bodily phlegm, nagging cough, and physical appearance.  I can honestly say on Tuesday I looked as if death was approaching ( LeeAnn can testify that I didn't look so hot).   I think many, especially Jason, are glad that I wont be violently coughing anymore and I am glad that I wont be making permanent residence on the couch.  I am taking a few days off from the running, this is hard to do but all for better health.

Another positive note, we had such a beautiful sunny day today.   My car said it was 47 degrees. This felt like a heat wave after the awful cold we have had.  People were out at the park walking their dogs, many runners were out in shorts, and more people were out shopping.  I'm not going to get spring fever quite yet.  It is only the 22nd of Jan. and we have more Winter coming. But, I am relieved that we are having a little break from the cold.   It is amazing how health and weather affect so much of a persons well being.  I must be getting really old, that conversations gravitate around weather and health.

Cold Temps, Miserable Cold, and Remembering Good Times in UTah

To say it has been cold here in Indiana is underestimating the situation. It has been Frigid and miserable. The temps here have ranged from 30 degrees at the first of the week to -5 on Thursday, to -11 on Friday morning. This doesn't include windchill. I believe on Friday morning with the windchill we were close to -30 degrees. Ouch!! All events were canceled for the last couple of days. The kids didn't have school and I haven't been able to run in the morning. I have been bonding with the children a little too much while we have been stuck indoors. Jason and I are both thinking California sounds so nice right now ( yes Alan and Beth we are so jealous)! To make life more miserable, I have had this awful chest cold that I have had since Utah. I just can't seem to shake it. Hacking for hours at night, constant mucus and phlegm, running with a constant cough frightening those around me, and dealing with NyQuil hang overs have seemed to become regular for me. To help the situation we have had a few recommendations. My mom told me to get some Airborn stuff ( Which I haven't done), Jason's friend from school suggested some Bourbon ( If it doesn't get better I am seriously considering it), and a few people suggested rubbing Vicks on my feet ( a little weird). So last night I tried a few combinations-- I rubbed the Vicks on my feet, took some Zarbees, and some Mucinex. Needless to say I was passed out on the couch at 7:3o PM but, I am feeling a lot better today.  I am not quite sure what made the difference?? I am positive, it wasn't the Vicks on the feet.   It is in these miserable times that I reflect on our fun trip to Utah. Here are a few pictures that I didn't post. 

Jason and Mckinley at our Erickson Christmas party.  They look so much alike. 

The above pictures are of the Erickson grandchildren.  Dawna (my sister-in-law) gave all the kids their own Build a Bears.  They loved them.

This is a picture my friend Kelly sent me.  So cute!  I just love these girls.

Here is a picture that  I took with Jason's sisters.  We laughed while taking this picture because we took it four or five times.   Now days, you never know what is going to make it on the internet and none of us want to look silly.
We also got together with some of our great friends from High School.  It's so nice that when we come back to Utah we reconnect with these guys and it always seems like we've never been a part.  We missed Kyle and Aly.  They stayed in NC for the holidays. 

Although, Utah isn't exactly warm right now it's where so many of our great friends and family live. Therefore, it brings a warm spirit to my heart.  We miss you all and can't wait to see you soon.  And pray for a little warmer weather to come our way.

 

Getting Back to Normal

We are finally getting adjusted to being home. It has taken me a week to catch up on my sleep. It is amazing how a 2 hour time change makes such a big difference. I also think there's always a small let down after vacations. We had so much fun visiting with friends and family that we are a little homesick for Utah. Mckay was really sad his first day back to school and he began crying because he missed his grandma's and his cousins Jaxon and Andrew, too cute. We haven't been able to be too homesick because life here in Indiana has started full swing. Jason immediately was back in to school and I am afraid this is going to be a rough semester. Mckinley got off the plane and had gymnastics that afternoon. Her competition season will be in full force in the next couple of weeks. McKay had basketball practices and a game on Saturday. I have started my coaching job at the YMCA and have got a few fast runners so I am excited. My good friends here in Indiana had a girls night out on Wednesday to welcome me back and it was so good to see them. I had missed them. So life here in Indiana is getting back to it's normal busy self. We are trying to get used to the bone chilling cold weather, 9 AM church, and school but, we will survive.

Here are a few pictures from out vacation that I couldn't get off my camera to post. These pictures are mostly of Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

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