Little Gymnast

When given the choice to dance or do gymnastics Tess chose gymnastics. We signed her up at Hill's Gymnastics to be in the same class as her friend Cole. The first two weeks Tess had a hard time during class. She would get upset because she didn't understand or know what to do. Cole was such a sweet heart and hugged and encouraged her. Tess and I went to Hill's this past week for an open gym hour so I could help her (since parents are banished behind the big windows). I wanted her to just go and have fun. Mission accomplished-- WE had a blast together. We stretched, walked on the balance beams, jumped on the trampolines, jumped on the bouncy floors and spring boards, flipped on the bars, and played in the styrofoam pit. Today's class went sooo much better (she fought back tears once but did great the rest of the time).  

Cole hugging on Tess as they walked together 

Right before leaving the house this morning I found my old competition leotard from when I was a gymnast. Much to my surprise it fit Tess!  Here is Tess giving coach Edward a high five after doing some tricks on the tramp!

She stayed in my leotard all day today!

Funny Abby

As part of our Family Home Evening every Monday we work with the kids on memorizing an Article of Faith. Abby has been working on the first one. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. In the past every time we got to Jesus Christ Abby would quickly say AMEN, like she was finishing a prayer. Last night for the first time she got past saying Jesus Christ and proudly ended with " and in the HOLY GOAT!" Dan and I got a good laugh out of that!

When Abby eats something she loves she tells me "Mmm Mommy Ga-licious" and then makes a licking sound.  She is such a funny girl, with so much personality!

15wks

I am starting to feel better. The reality of actually being pregnant is setting in, I'm not just sick. HURAY!  I still need to conquer other small issues but I am well on my way to doing more and taking care of my family again!  We are all soooo excited. Jake, Tess, and Abby can hardly wait for this baby to finally arrive. We've got a long while to go still. But we've got some fun things planned for the months ahead that will help make time fly by!

I want to share a couple of "personal moments" that will be a part of our Barnhurst blog books and not just my personal journal...

Dan is on a work trip this week. I can't take the second type of antinausea pill prescribed, the side effects only made matters worse. I feel miserable. Abby brought me my bowl this morning. James came to my rescue this morning and took Jake to school. Tess has been entertaining Abby all morning while I lay on the couch. Abby loves Tess! Today Abby wanted Tess to put her to bed at nap time. I heard Abby flip into her crib and then Tess read Five Little Monkey's to her and tucked her in. I am so grateful for my sweet big helper. I think life would be even more difficult right now if Tess was in school all day long and Abby left with only me to entertain her. Tonight Abby clung to Tess's leg and told me she wanted Tess to put her to bed again. I listened as Tess reads THREE books to Abby. Each time Tess would go to leave Abby would call her back in. I love my girls.   Almost 10 weeks...but whose counting. ME!



Children, even a two year old, can be so inspired! Let me explain. I've been so sick and everything in my house is suffering because of it. My house is a mess, my kids are often times sooo bored, and Dan is tired from doing both our jobs!
Dan is in Florida this week. Today I got up with Jake and Tess at 630 with my vomit bowl in hand and made a b-line to the medicine cabinet for some medicine. Tess asked what was wrong, I told her my head was pounding, she told me I could go back to bed--sweet girl. After getting all the kids dressed, breakfast done,  lunch packed, and Jake at school it was time to take Tess to preschool.  I took Tess to preschool looking as gross as I felt. I attempted to not be seen by ANYONE!  You know, head down and a quick in and out. Ha! I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in months who of course wanted to take some time to catch-up. She looked so gorgeous, like she always does. Cloths, hair, jewelry, shoes and perfume all perfect! As we talked I felt so completely embarrassed.  Why didn't I find the time to at least shower that morning!!? Then Abby and I headed to the store to buy more frozen dinners and some necessities. I held her in my arms as we crossed the parking lot. Out of the blue Abby says, "Mommy, you're a GREAT Momma!" and gives me a huge hug. How did my 2 year old know I needed to hear that! Inspiration from a loving Father in Heaven!  And yes, I cried walking into Walmart.