Bartlett Family

January

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

It seems as though it has been a few months since I have had the time (or maybe the word is motivation) to sit and reflect on what has been happening around here. It is nap time right now in this house and I have a hard time giving over my precious quiet time to sitting at the computer these days. There are so many other "urgents" around here that I rarely find time to sit and think. Does anyone know how much food is on the floor after 3 kids (4 this week) eat breakfast and lunch? You can't just sit back and let that hang out.
That is the adjustment as each new baby comes and then grows. Life changes so much, almost monthly. There was really so much spare time with just one or two little ones, but once three, and soon to be four (a June baby is on it's way)come along, the daily activites take you right until you fall in bed at night. I have really been enjoying the schedule and the busyness. I have never been great with free time. I am not a sitter and I don't have a ton of hobbies. If I can keep going all day I can get so much more done and some days even skip my "I am going to pass out hour" around 3:00.
All that being said...here are a few updates with our group:
- Abigail will be one in two weeks. She has four teeth and is getting a few more. Let's just say the house has been quite stinky around here with the teething poopies. Whoa sister. She waves and tries to walk, but 3 steps seems to be all she can muster up.
- We have our neice Patience staying with us for a week. We have never had a friend so long and it is going very well. I think we do four well!
- Spence just went on his first trip with his dad. He had a little button up shirt on with a Dutchman Tree Farms logo... just like dad. Too much cutiness for a mom to handle.
- Jack went potty yesterday and peed all over Abigails pack and play that was stationed in the bathroom (only so many available bedrooms) for the week. He is constantly bruised and taking to you while walking the other way. He loves a good time!
- We are expecting #4 in June. Not sure exactly when, but we have an ultrasound in a few weeks so hopefully we will know better then.
We are blessed by God's provisions daily and continue to stand in awe of his power in every area of our lives.

Where is the MOTIVATION?

2011-11-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

I still have to get dressed... and it is 9:00. Someone could show up at my door at any moment and that still doesn't motivate me to comb my hair. Hopefully, my next post will talk about how amazingly accomplished I am. Not today.
My resolve today, when it is so hard, is to write down three simple things and just do those. Simple things that I know I can get done.
Here they are:
- 2 loads of laundry
- Bonus timesheets
- My devotions

$$ Money, Money, MONEY $$

2011-11-04T04:16:00.001-07:00

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover has taken over at our house in the last month. I ordered the book and talked Justin into reading it two mornings a week. It has taken us a month just to read through the myths and obstacles, but now we have go to the game plan. We (me and with Justin's approval) refocused our budget and got some fire under our buns and today we paid off our first two big chunks of debt. Our goal is by December 31st of 2012 we will be debt free. We will still have a house to pay off, but that will give us something to work on in the next couple years.
In just a few weeks we have had so many new revelations about money. God doesn't want it to consume our life, he wants us to be able to give it to others freely without concern for our own well being. We are so excited to slowly get to this place. We want to teach our kids to have a biblical view of money and have the freedom to spend more time with them because we have been good stewards with what God has given us.
If you haven't read this book, GO PICK IT UP. It is such an easy read and will motivate almost anyone to put every penny they have to the freedom of being debt free.

Drug Choice of a Stay-at-Home Mom

2011-10-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

To put it in the words of my sister Laura "I have a sickness." There is something about canning, and you know this if you do it, that is like a drug or addiction. I hate it and love it at the same time. I hate that my kitchen is constantly a mess. I hate that I have to weed my garden to have anything to can. I hate that my fingers and ring always look dirty. I hate that the bottoms of my feet are always sticky. BUT... I love that I have FREE FOOD (this is the core of my addiction). I love looking at my jars on my counter. I love hearing the POP of a seal. I love hanging out with my sisters when we have to circle the wagons for a big load of something. I love giving them away. There is nothing like the delight of giving a jar to someone that appreciates the blood, sweat and tears that go into a quart jar.
Most of all... I love that they last. My mom pointed this out to me as we tried to analyze our love of canning. The clean laundry is now on a dirty child. The clean kitchen is dirty again, the rugs that were shaken this morning and the swept floor need to be done again. The dirty diaper that was is the trash is now... well, I won't say where, but the canning jars... THEY ARE STILL CANNED. A present day miracle. And, Lord willing, I can go down and stare at them for a few more months, to remember, remember that I actually got something done one time.

The Lovely Latte

2011-10-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

I got a few requests for this Pumpkin "dream" Latte so here it is.
1 1/2 to 2 C. brewed strong coffee
4 cups milk
4 Tablespoons canned pureed pumpkin
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons vanilla extract
Whipped cream

Add everything besides the whip to the slow cooker and whisk together. If unsure about how much coffee or sugar to add, start at the lower amount and you can always add more. Cook on high for 2 hours.
I doubled this recipe both times I made it because I made it for a pretty good size group and a double recipe filled up my crock pot nicely.
Have at least a bottle of whip cream per person... that was my special addition.

Pissy Haircuts

2011-10-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

I am not great at cutting my boys hair. I do it because it is cheap, I can do it when I want, and deep down I feel like I have must have inherited some cosmetology gene from my mom… so I must know what I am doing. Next issue… the toddler. It is one this to be Edward Scissor Hands with an adult who actually sits still, but with a 2 and 3 year old? Third challenge… the potty training son. I guess standing on the chair naked and dreaming about the bath to follow was too much for him. The stream of pee landed directly on my feet, almost nowhere else, then it slowly flowed into all the recently cut fine hair covering the floor. What do you do as a mom with peed on feet and a half finished hair cut? I can't send him off with a mullet so the show must go on. Ohhh, cleaning up pee-hair, with hairy hobbit feet at 9:00 at night is definitely a new favorite "dying to self" moment.

Pumpkin Spice Latte and Sugar Cookies

2011-10-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! We are headed to the farm to bring Justin and the lovely ladies he works with some Pumpkin Spice Latte (thank you Racheal Neal for posting this) and pumpkin sugar cookies. I can hardly handle the cuteness of it all. This latte is seriously one of the best treats in the world and you make it in a crock pot! I don't know... there is just something about making something in a crock pot that makes me feel more frugal and industrious.
Kind of like the sugar buzz that is sure to follow this adorable combo, I am on a holiday cooking high. Bring on the fetivities.

Menu Planning

2011-10-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Mom Bartlett had surgery last week and just arrived home today. After checking up on her it dawn on me that I need to get some meals over to her. I love my father-in-law but he only has two signature dishes... and you only can eat venison steak and pancakes so long. So I needed to make a set-in-stone menu plan this week because I am just going to make a bigger portions and bring them some. Plus Jack has some vomiting virus and I don't really want to be running through the aisles of Wal-Mart with my queasy son.
So here it is:
Monday: Cheeseburger soup and banana bread
Tuesday: Oven Stew and mashed potatoes
Wednesday: Stromboli and grapes
Thursday: Chicken Fried Steak/broccoli / and baked potatoes
Friday: Chicken and sausage alfredo and green beans
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Italian pulled beef sandwiches
There it is. Now, if I can just get Abigail to release her death grip on my leg I can check to see if my banana bread is still mushy in the middle.

Watching my every move. Starting her cooking classes young.

Bartlett Family Plan

2011-09-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday night of our weekend away was dedicated to writing out our family plan. This is our last piece of homework from our "Entrusted with a Child's Heart" bible study. So here it is:
1. Love and obey Jesus (Matthew 22:37
2. Work now, rest later (prov. 26:14; prov 28:19)
3. Speak the truth (Leviticus 19:11; Prov 12:22)
4. Honor and obey your parents (Eph 6:2; Ex 20:12)
5. Have a grateful heart (1Thess 5:16-18; Eph 5:19-20)
6. Give the Lord your firsts (Ezekiel 44:30; Malaci 3:8-10)

Weekend Away

2011-09-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the morning after a weekend away. Motivated and ready to get to work this week. My mind and body are rested and ready to CONQUER. I am a little scared of my list of "to-do's", but plunging ahead nevertheless.
Our weekend consisted of two VERY nice rooms. One at Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor (I had never been there before… SOOO CUTE) and a bed and breakfast in Mackinaw Island. We drove all over the northern part of the state and stopped in a bunch of quaint, little Michigan towns. Our proudest moment was when we realized we hadn’t fought the whole weekend, but an hour from home we may have struggled with that claim. It was the darn Lions game that came between us.
We stopped at Blackstar Farms and for $5 tasted 5 wines and took home our glasses. Something we have been meaning to do since we dated. Then we drove through Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs, all beautiful vacation spots for another trip. Next, the tunnel of trees and stopped at the Legs Inn (a very weird Polish/Native American restaurant). This could have been a “fight Spot” as my recently pumped breast milk spilled between, under, and all over the seats of Justin’s car. He handled it well and saved the day by sacrificing his golf towel for the clean-up. Very Romantic.
In Mackinaw we drove across the bridge, walk around town, worked on our Family Plan (from Entrusted with a Child Heart, that is for another post), bought chocolaty snacks for way too much money, and slept in until 8:30.
My favorite part of the week: The quiet moments. Sitting at the breakfast table looking out at Lake Michigan; Devotions on the balcony of our room; silence in the car. When we were first married I would have hated these moments, begging Justin to talk with me about anything and everything. Now it is a treat, a gift from God to be able to have a complete thought without a beautiful baby’s cry or a request for help from two busy boys.
Now off to my list. Relaxation is over and canning and cleaning are waiting.

The View out our room in Glen Arbor

Blackstar Farms

July already?

2011-07-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

I guess there is no time to be on the computer in the summer. We need to soak in every minute of the warm, long daylight. This summer has been amazing. Our house is a perfect place for out three little ones to spread out and play, play, play. Abigail is 5 months, somehow, and almost sitting up and beginning here crawling stage. We love her so much we just cannot get enough. Jack and Spencer call her "pretty girl" when they are talking to her and she has only laughed for them. Jackson talks as much as he can and to whomever will listen. Spencer seems so old this summer compared to last. He can follow directions, he likes to swim in the lake and he continues to try new things, which used to be quite rare for him.
Justin and I are blessed by the busyness of our little ones. It keeps us striving to be better parents at every turn. We are currently in a bible study that is reading "Entrusted with a Childs heart". It is such a good book we have learned so much already.

Here are a few summer glamour shots of the family.

Our beautiful home

Sleeping with papa Barlett

Campout with dad on Father's Day

Me and my boys

Helping Papa horses build our sandbox

Working on...

2011-03-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

I want to be better at a lot of things. My dream list is endless, but here are a few things I am trying to tackle recently.
- hugging my boys every time they eat (they are so precious, why not?)
- flossing my teeth (a tip/scare from an older and wiser sister)
- not being a crab to my hubby (why oh why is this so hard?)
- getting up earlier (yuck, but I have so much to do)
- Praying for my kids and hubby every morning (love this)
- Eating smaller meals (need to slide back into those size 6's again)
- Using gracefilled and fruit of the Spirit words (Is that promoting peace? Are you being gentle, kind? no, no, no you are not!)
I need to write them down so I can check back on my progress. Slowly but surely...

Three Little Paths to Holiness

2011-03-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my....I had only written those two words and I have already been interrupted. Spencer: "MOM, Jack is knocking down the fort. PLEASE COME." Up from the computer, fix the fort, tell Jack no knocking the fort down, leave the room, come back to the fort to help Spence fix a blanket, finally back to the computer. This is the story of my days and to be honest, I was really struggling with having a patient and loving attitude. How can a human being live like this?
I get up in the morning, feed Abigail, make Justin's lunch, get the boys bottles, change diapers, clean up a little, change a BAD diaper, take someone to the potty, stop a fight during my breakfast, feed Abigail, have to stop to wipe bran muffins off the boys hands, pj's, table, floor, wall. Pick up a now screaming Abigail, nurse some more, finish nursing only to find every cooking utensil and the silverware drawer emptied in the kitchen. When do I find time (interruption: comfort a crying boy who hurt himself on something, pat, pat, on the head) to do my devotions and make sure I have time to a quiet time to pray.
By God's grace, I have realized in the last few days that every season of life is going to look different. I may not get an hour to do my devotions and pray, but I can use the moments throughout the day (interruption: break up a fight over who gets what blanket) to choose righteousness and patience. I can read a short devotion during a quiet moment locked in the bathroom. I can call (interruption: stop jumping on your brothers head, it is not kind) a sister and be encouraged by a short conversation. I need to look for the little miracle moments in my day so that I can have a heart of Joy to fill my home with.
My little paths to holiness:

Abigail Grace Bartlett

2011-02-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

It has almost been a week since Abigail was born and I am just getting around to putting up some pictures. She was born 2/8/11 at 2:34 in the afternoon. She weighed 7lbs and 8oz and was 21 1/2" long. She was the biggest and the longest of all our babies and definitely the hardest to deliver. We found out almost 5 weeks ago she was breech and even though she was covered in much prayer she never flipped and decide to come into the world upside-down. We delivered her at home with a midwife. This was our first time having a homebirth and everything went better then we could have ever imagined.
The boys love her. They ask about her when they wake up from their naps and take turns holding her and getting her a pipe when she cries. Our home seems filled to the brim with joy as our new family of five fills every corner.
The adjustment has been very interesting. I lost quite a bit of blood after the delivery and my hemoglobin level dropped well below what was average. I have been babied by my mom for the last week and this week I am continuing to take it easy as my boys go to their grandparents and cousins houses for a few days. Abigail and I are already enjoying some special mom and me moments.
We have learned quite a bit with this new little one, most of all to trust our Saviour and be grateful every moment for our health and the health of our beautiful children.

The day before????

2011-02-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is the problem with going overdue (which we have never done before)... you never know when it is going to be the last day.
I keep thinking, "What should I do today, because it might be the last day before the baby comes."
- Should I clean the bathrooms, because I don't want to be having contractions in a dirty bathroom?
- Should I give the boys a bath because they are going to be at some one's house and I don't want them to be stinky?
- Should I balance my checkbook for the 100th time because I don't want to get any overdraft fees?
- Should I do laundry so that Justin has enough clean clothes?
- Should I just sit and cuddle and read with the boys because I am going to have new little one soon?
- Should I clean out my fridge... it is just plain nasty?
- Should I make a few meals to freeze for after the baby?
- Should I mop the floor again... I just did it yesterday, but it is gross again and I don't want people coming into my house seeing that?
- Should I sit on the computer and whittle the time away in hopes that a big bad contraction will come at any minute?

The real problem is that I am inpatient and I want to see this little one. I also like to have a plan and a schedule and at this point those are impossible. So, as much as I hate to say it, God may keep me asking that question for a few more days because it is refining me. Argggg.

Tot School

2011-01-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

One of my hopes for this year was that I could do a few more Tot School activities with the boys each day. We get the name from a fabulous blog www.1plus1plus1equals1.com. I just love all of the ideas of things we can do.
So I started off getting organized. I put all of our "games", as Spence calls them, in a large drawer that he can open. Now he can pick a game and then go put it away before he gets another one out. I think we have over 15 different activities that include cutting, counting, coloring and our personal favorite... dumping. Thanks a swap of several bags I made with my sister Sarah and friend Holly we have quite a few different options and the boys never get bored.
Spencer is definitely old enough to do a lot of the packs with little supervision and assistant, but Jackson on the other hand, wants to be in on the action and has very little coordination.
Here are a few pics from our "noodle dumping" today.

Breech Baby

2011-01-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

In the last three weeks we have found out that this little one is breech. It was quite a surprise to me since our boys went head down so easy and stayed that way quite a few weeks before birth. I kept thinking when we got to the ultrasound it wouldn't really be breech, but then there was the little head resting right under my ribcage.
We are hoping to have this little one at home so that made a big hole in our plans. Now I was faced with all of the questions like, "Do we go to the hospital? Can we deliver breech? What are the dangers of a breech delivery? Do I need to have a c-section?"
I never thought I would say this at the beginning of all of this, but I am thankful for this trial. I have had to really trust our great Saviour so much more then if this baby would have just been in the normal position. My husband had been a huge source of blessing and encouragement. I have had to give my attitude to the Lord and be thankful for the extra car time to be praying and praising him. I have had to give up my plans and trust the Lord know what we need and at the same time believe that he can flip this baby if he wants to.
Thank goodness for a walk with the Lord at times like this. We will keep you posted on where the Lord places this baby when we go into labor. Keep us in your prayers.

3 weeks or so...

2011-01-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

The belly is definitely showing how much time we have left to go. It is HUGE. I would post pictures, but I know I will look back and wonder why I did that to myself. Just to fill you in on some of the huge belly heartaches... I can barely reach my shoes to tie them, I can't change the boys crib sheets, a normal shirt is above my belly button, and I can't get the bath water high enough to keep warm. That was a little memory jogger for all of you past pregnant mommas and a little sneak preview for those who are looking forward to the big belly days.
Our "due week" is the 20th - 27th. We are going for a date range instead of one day this time because we are never exactly sure on one day and to save myself the heartache of feeling like I am overdue.
Keep my in your prayers. I tend to get a little crabby near the end because I am sick of being tired... and slow... and unable to get up from a lying down position. Also, I want to meet this next little one so badly and see my boys and hubby holding him or her. Hopefully the next post will hold pictures of our new family of five!

Christmas Prep

2010-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Time has flow by the last few weeks. Justin is still busy with work and will be until next week, but I am also very busy with Christmas prep, sister's having babies, finishing up our wreath season, and pre-baby cleaning. My hubby doesn't know it, but I have painted the bathroom (had it painted actually, by my fabulous father-in-law) organized the office, hung pictures, organized our room and rearranged the basement. Since we only have 5 full weeks left until this new little one comes I am feelin' the pressure to have everything in order. We are also having this baby at home so I have to have all my supplies organized and the room prepped for whenever he or she decided to bless us with their presence.
I have a new niece, Nadia Maria, born to my sister Sarah and her hubby Chris. A little, healthy, chubby baby that is so beautiful and has me dreaming of holding our little one. My sister Maria is also due in 3 days and I am anxiously awaiting that arrival. What better prep for remembering Christ's birth than to have a few in the family?
Here are a few pics from our comings and goings the last few weeks.

Justin and I on a get-a-way to Chicago to see our trees on the "Christmas Ship"

Jackson smiling for a pic

Our little elf's

Spence walking around with my heels

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

I love reading everyone else's blogs from Thanksgiving. They all seem to say it so much better then me. However, I am very thankful... and that will have to just be enough today.
We are very blessed here in the Bartlett household and it was nice to have a day just to think about what the Lord has really given us. I can get so caught up in the day to day that I lose sight of the big picture. Thank you Jesus for continuing to remind me of your generous hand upon our lives.
Justin has a DVD of Hillsong (the Australian music group) and as we watched that today I was reminded of all of God's precious children all around the world that have so much less then us. They had on statistics that said 30,000 children under 5 die every day from poverty. As a mom of 2 under five, soon to be three, that is a heart breaker. I am so thankful I can care for my kids don't live in fear that we won't be able to provide for their needs. I had a hunger building up in me today to teach our kids, every day of the year, to act out of a heart of gratefulness. I don't want selfishness, or pickiness, or unthankful hearts to take root in our home because it is not teaching them to be aware of God's other little gems who don't have anything. We can be content with so little and I want that to start with me.
What a great day. A time to reflect on God's blessings always pushes me towards changing my heart.

A day away with my hubby

2010-11-08T12:11:00.001-08:00

Justin and I are quite different in many ways... one being, he is sporadic and I am not. He often gets big ideas and wants to do them right way, whereas I want to plan it, stew over it, then analyze it and probably end up coming to the conclusion that we shouldn't do it... for some reason. Thank the good Lord that I have realized this pattern, in our three short years of marriage, and begun see a idea coming and roll with it.
Saturday Justin got one of those ideas and decided we needed to go away for the night and spend some time together before he gets even busier. So... we headed to Traverse City for the night and had a blast just hanging out with each other. We ended up with a beautiful room on the bay, went out for a nice dinner, played games, snuggled and slept in, went shopping, and just enjoyed the fact that God so wisely gave us to each other. I will always smile when I think of this weekend and the fun memories that we made. Thanks babe. You are so fun and my life would be quite boring without you!

We became addicted to Yahtzee

Justin rolled four Yahtzee's in one game... he will never forget it

A perfect spot for some prego pics. 11 weeks to go.

November

2010-11-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

The boys are in bed... and Justin is sleeping on the couch... and a I have a brief moment to catch up the blog. Novemember is here and it is VERY busy. Justin barely gets home before 8:00 and we run all day long. We have come to appreciate Sundays and being our only day of rest and we soak it up for all it is worth. Two weeks ago we took a trip to an indoor putt putt golf course and Justin started the boys on the road toward being golf professionals. And last week was Halloween and we had a blast taking the boys around to friends and family with there costumes on. We are loving our time together as family and each day getting more and more excited for #3 to be here to join our clan.
Other than that I am busy with changing diapers, instilling manners, teaching memory verses, reading sotries, wiping noses, gourmet coooking, and helping keep my husband healthy through his busy season. Justin has a few new job duties at the farm and is busy shipping 1/2 million trees in the next 3 weeks. Christmas is on the horizon and we are awaiting a slower season in life. For now we are eating, sleeping and working and praying we have the strength to get up tomorrow morning!

cuddle time

Hanging out with cousin David...sharing a bottle together

Halloween and lots of TREATS!

Dad helping Spencer with his swing

Jackson stealing balls and making this happen!

Recent Events

2010-10-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the lastest Bartlett adventures. We have been to visit Grandpa and Grandma Bartlett twice in the last few weeks. It was such a treat and the boys had such a good time with their great-grandparents.
The summer is gone and I am realizing that the boys are getting so big. I feel like they will be teenagers before I know it. They are such a blessing and I just can't get enough of them!

Visiting Great-Papa and Nana

Jackson giving a little kiss

Family time at the pumpkin patch

Jack

Spence

Brushing our teeth

Lovin' Life

My Big Helpers

2010-08-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

If I have never said it before... I love where we live. I get overwhelmed by my garden and canning and freezing and picking, BUT, somehow, it energizes me as well. The corn is ready, the tomatoes are thinking about it, the zucchini is never ending and now there is an apple tree with millions of apples on it. So the boys and I tested out our apple tree today to see if they were even edible. I am very excited because I think it may be my ticket to a unlimited supply of applesauce and frozen apple slices (and a little sad thinking about the lack of sleep). So we picked, carried, and peeled just a few apples off our tree and the boys were so helpful.
Here is the photo journal for your viewing pleasure.

Gathering apples

Spencer was handing apples to Jackson because he couldn't get in the wagon

Making his way to mom

Yeah! He made it... with Spence hot on his trail

My apple pealing station

Observing my work

Snack Time!

A few other garden goodies

Tot Packs

2010-08-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have a new passion that has developed in the last few weeks. School starting has given me the homeschooling fever (eventhough Spencer is only 2). I knew that there was some more productive things we could be doing with our precious time at home together. Something that was a little more structured and teach character skills and developmental skills at the same time. However, I didn't know what those things would be... everyone I knew that homeschooled had older kids. So I came across some great blogs of moms who are willing to share what they are doing. My sister Sarah, our friend Holly, and I are all making 5 bags (3 of each) and then swaping with eachother. I just got my first one done today and the rest of them are partially finished and spread haphazardly around the office. I can't wait to do these with Spence. I already tried this bag out on him and I got a good 1/2 hour of intense play out of him. I will post more pics as the other ones come along.

Each paper has 4 matching paperclips that can be slide on, piled on or just pushed around... whatever is fun for them

Forts and Summer

2010-08-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was looking through pictures on my camera today and I realized I better update any blog readers that I may have left on what we have been up too. The summer has been a blessing. Lots of family time, beach time, and smiles.
Justin and I have been married three years this summer and it is just starting to feel like we are falling into a bit of a summer routine. Fourth of July with the Bartlett's, days on the beach at my parents pond, weeding the garden, grilling out on the deck, having friends over, concession stand at the rodeo, and so much more. It has been a busy summer, but filled with so many great things. My heart can't help but be filled with gratefulness. Here are a few shots of the family.

Spencer always wants to build a "FORK"

One of our favorite places Mom and Dad Bartlett's

Working on a smile!

Haircuts and summer

2010-06-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Much like my blog, I have left the boys hair unattended for way to long. Here are some before and after pics.

Jackson's Long locks

He looked so much older with it cut

I must have missed Spencer's "after" picture. I think I was just glad the trama was over. That is why I wait so long, because he hates getting it cut so badly.
Here are a few more pic of the boys and I enjoying our wonderful backyard more than we could ever imagined. Thank to my wonderful husband for doing all the work!

Spencer wishing for a sandbox, but content with the flower bed

Jackson getting so big

A mask some cousins so kindly left behind

Expecting Number Three

2010-06-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

My two little ones are down for a nap and I am enjoying this moment that I have to reflect on our new addition. Little Bartlett #3 will be joining us the first part of the new year...January 27th, or thereabout. My greatest praise during this time is how much I am looking forward to this little one. I feel like the anticipation has grown with each child. I know it will be busy, I know it will be tiring, but I am not in that season yet and I am using the one I am in to prepare my heart with joy and thanksgiving.
Motherhood has been one of the Lord's greatest gifts in my life. It continues to pull me away from myself and closer to Christ. I struggle with new situations and thoughts everyday, but am continually being refined. I know this little one is just going to be another way Christ can reveal himself to our family.
Can wait to meet you baby Bartlett. We are all waiting.

Thankful

2010-05-12T11:30:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful today. The Lord has blessed our family so much. Little Jackson had a 104 fever last night, but we have so many resources at our fingers tips to help him get better. I can hardly think about the moms around the word that have to watch their babies suffer and can do nothing about it. It has to be hell on earth for a mom.
I am thankful I have a supportive husband who is concerned for our kids. I am thankful to have a warm house and another sibling to take his mind of being sick. I am thankful for a snugly little bed to lay him in. I am thankful to the Lord for saving me from a life of sin, so that I can live a life of gratitude.
Here or some pics from this week.

OUR SICK LITTLE MAN COOLING DOWN

THE BEST SMILE EVER

WEARING DADDY"S SOCKS

The Fence

2010-04-26T04:49:00.001-07:00

My dear, dear (one "dear" if defintely not enough under the circumstances) husband is building me a fence for my backyard. This is #1 on my honey-do list. I have been wanting a fence since Spence started to practice his 400m dash. So we got a great deal on PVC fencing (one of my other dreams) and last Saturday was the day.
Our brother-in-law David kindly offered his fence expertise and the two of them worked at it from 7 a.m to 9:30 p.m.
Only the posts are in.
They seemed to experience a comedy of errors for the first half of the day. Thank the Lord I had a baby shower to go to. All I could do was pray for them from afar.
From their stories it seems like...
- the wrong fence was dropped off
- there was no more of the right fence
- they needed hinges for the gates ( I ran to Home Depot at 7 am)
- David forgot tools at his house and turned around twice to run back for things
- They had to call the electrtian to find the power line
- They tractor broke
- They went to four stores to find the part
- The store with the part was closed
- And...it was raining
This is the great this about God... they both had such positive attitudes and we were all laughing about it and thankful for what did get done by the end of the day. It is truely only with the Lord's help that they were able to be so patient.
They are hopefully going to finish it up tonight, Lord willing. Then tomorrow I will be able to release the boys into their new outdoor home!

Discplined

2010-04-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Whoa... I love and hate that word at the same time. I want to be the most discipline person on the planet and sadly it seems my dream never comes true. However, I am proud to say I am making baby steps. I look back at the last five years and I have defintley gained some ground and I hope the next five will prove even more sucessful.
My sister and I have been getting together to help each other be accountable to shed a few nasty pounds that keep (literally) hanging around. We have had good days and bad days, but over all we are feeling quite victorious, not only in our eating, but in our quiet times, exercise and the over all captians we are of our families. Thank you Lord for conviction, repentance, and prayer. He is teaching me those lessons over and over again.
The main thing I want to remember and encourage anyone else with the struggle of discipline (in any area) is GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. You hate that you are doing something you don't want to do, or not doing something you know you should. Make a plan and make a change. And if that plan doesn't work perfectly, make some changes and keep on keeping on. If we never try to bring our yucky habits and slothfulness into obedience to Christ, it will never change.
So here is to another week of victory in Christ. To becoming a better mom, wife, and child of the King.

Family Pics

2010-04-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

We had family pictures taken a few weeks ago. What a blessing to be able to capture our family as it grows. I am so thankful to have these to look back on. They tell so many stories about our boys and what funny and sweet personalities they have. I am enjoying each day with this group!

Baltimore

2010-04-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

It is 8:40 at night and every one is in bed. Including Justin... that man... he somehow coaxed Spencer into sleeping in our bed with him. Spence would NEVER EVER EVER fall asleep with me. I love that it is something only Justin can get him to do. When I am at home with the boys all day I feel like I am awarded a lot of special moments, so it is nice to see.

We got home from Baltimore yesterday at 3:30 in the morning. My hubby and I went away for four nights just the two of us. Thanks to Mom and Dad Bartlettt and Aunt Alisa for watching the boys. It was a delight to spend that much time with my hubby. We had a booth set up to promote the fundraiser for the farm. We had about a 15 minute walk to the convention center from our hotel in the morning and it was beautiful out every day. We stayed right in the heart of dowtown, ate at a bunch of nice restuarants, went on a boat tour, went to the National aquarium, and the list goes on.

What really hit me hard during this trip was that I realized that if I didn't stay home I wouldn't have been able to go on this trip. I probably wouldn't have been able to take 4 days off, because I would be saving my vacation days for a family vacation or sick kids. I proably REALLY wouldn't have wanted to leave the boys because I would be gone from them so much already. I was able to bless my husband, by saying with my presence, your job is important, what you do is important and if I can come along side you in any way... I will.... I am on your team. He was so happy to show me what he does, talk about his work, and have me all to himself. And I am honored that he would rather have me go with him then anyone else!

"Tractors"

2010-03-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

The one word that fills most of the seconds in my days..."tractor." Tractor used to be anything that was big and was moving. Now we have a truck, BIG truck, and "tractor" is saved especially for green and yellow machines that are located, it seems, around every turn. A few weeks ago Justin took Spence to "John Deere Days" with Papa Wayne and it could have possible been the highlight of his little life. Recently, Justin purchased his own "tractor" (a John Deere lawn mower). Now there is one in the barn at all times and that little man knows it. Justin swiped the keys so we don't look out the window one day and find him finishing up the lawn for us.
All of this said... I am sitting at my computer smiling, because I love my boys, I am so thankful they are healthy and they get excited about things, and they can express themselves, and run, and laugh... the list goes on. Justin and I share so many smiles and laughs just watching our kids learn about and delight in the things around them. God is so good.
Here are some pics from the day away.

He loves hanging out with his dad

Now he has the hat

Don't forget out me

Little Boys

2010-03-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today I think I separated my boys 10 times from sitting on each other, pushing each other, kicking each other. Jackson has a new bump from every hit and Spence is showing some small signs of wear. They are only 22 months, and 10 months. Can this be possible? I am scared to think of what my future holds with a house full on teenage boys.
They are such a source of joy in my life, pushing and all. I can't imagine a minute without them.

A pep talk

2010-03-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

Do any other moms (and dads, not to disregard you from the blogging community) get scared some days that your kids are going to grow up wild and unruly?
What started as a good wake up call for me has turned into a slow growing fear that I might miss some key parenting strategies in raising my boys. If I just knew what those strategies were. I want to find the happy medium between being at the top of my game, a no nonsense mom, and loving them and understanding when they don't understand.
My first instinct is to grab a book read it front to back and start enforcing it tomorrow. While, I very well may need a little expert advice and that might be in my near future, I don't know why my first thought isn't to go to Christ. I learn so much about parenting while I spend time with him and hasn't he given me "everything I for life and godliness"?
Some times all you need is a good pep talk... from yourself.
"Krista, get in your word and ask God for what you need."
There, now listen to yourself.

Trying to get it all done

2010-03-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

Today I am feeling the effects of not being able to get it all together. I want to do so many things and then I get overwhelmed and struggle to do just one. I am satisfied most days if the boys, Justin and I are just alive at the end of the day. Sometimes I look around and think, "other people are doing it why can't I." I want to read 12 different books, always be caught up on my paperwork, and be on top of caring for my church family. I want to work out, eat less, sleep more... and some days I want to sleep less. I want to have 5 differnt families over, have coffee with friends, and sit and play with my boys for a hour. I want to hit my pillow at the end of the night and not have a huge roll-over list for the next day.
I know discipline is the key, but if I was a discipline person I wouldn't be having this problem.
I will have to be satified with the little victories... Bath time with the boys, prayers said kneeling by the couch, my husband happy with a good meal, one project completed, a neatly made bed, and no pee on the toliet. I guess it is just how you look at it.

Arizona

2010-02-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

Meeting Chris and Holly

Spence relaxing in the car

Uncle Marty giving rides on the "tractor"

Spence and Dad hard at work

We got back last Sunday from a trip to Arizona and Denver. We went to Denver first for a trade show for Justin's work and then on the Arizona. My sister Alisa and her Hubby Marty were our traveling companions and a big help with driving and taking care of the boys. We saw one on my very best friends, Holly (love you dream) and met her hubby Chris for the first time. What a delight, it was a long time coming. We hadn't seen each other since Justin and I got married. Then a 13 hour drive from Denver to AZ and we were at My mom and Dad's for a week. We went to the Zoo, horse races, spent time with cousins, climbed a moutain and came home wore out from our vacation. We loved, loved, loved spending time together as a family and the boys were delighted to spend so much time with there dad. Praise the Lord for safe travel the whole way. Here are a couple pics.

2010 Resolution: Be Frugal

2010-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

There are not to many things I am good at or even love to do, but I am cheap and I do love a good deal. There is just something about finding and buying something for less then usual that sends my heart soaring. I have decided in 2010 I am going to take it to the next level. I want to be creative in how I can save my family money so we don't have to be slaves to the paycheck. I love that saving money can help bring me closer to Christ. I can be a better steward of the money he has given me. I can simplify by buying less. I can take my eyes off things of this world and look at eternity more closely.
So here are some frugal thoughts so far:
Thrift stores: Why have I neglected them for so long? I was reading the Duggar book and she buys all her kids clothes at second hand stores. If she can cloth her family of 20 I can cloth my family of four.
Craiglist: I am already looking for Christmas gifts for the boys. Like-new play kitchen and tool benches. My boys are one and two years old. They don't know the difference and if they did get new toys they are going to be beat up in a week or two anyway.
And lastly, my favorite...
Salvage grocery stores: 25 pound bags of flour, .75 dressings, cereal for $1.10, chocolate chips for $1.00, .25 taco shells, and cheap cheese.
If I just did these three things I know I could save a ton of money, but I am going to keep looking for more creative ideas. Let me know if you have any other ideas.

Turning Struggles into Gratefullness

2010-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

I had a turning point day today as I chose to take the seemingly big struggles of the day and turn them into a grateful heart. Both of the boys are sick and waking up in the middle of the night which equals very little sleep. As I was doing my devotion this morning I was thinking and praying about all the moms who have kids with severe disabilities or fatal diseases. I am so blessed to have two healthy boys with only occasional sicknesses. I couldn't help but thank God it was only the flu and it would pass. Then Justin got in a car accident and call to let me know. Even though I was thinking about how much it would cost to fix the car I had to end feeling thankful because my husband is alive and not hurt at all. God is so good. I have so much to be thankful for that is just the start. My prayer is that I can view sickness as an opportunity for answered prayers and disappointment and an opportunity to expect more of God.

Here are a few recent pics:

Spencer catching up on his magizine reading

Baking cookies for dad's trip

Jackson on the move

Spencer testing mom's cookies for her

My boys at Christmas

2010-01-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of our Christmas at the Bartletts. The boys had matching sleepers and it made my day. Spence got a tractor from his Papa and Nana Bartlett and he wanted to open his presents on it. We had such a great time celebrating Christ's birth. I felt to fortunate to be surrounded by our little boys and my great hubby. God had been so good to us in 2009. We are so very blessed.

Ahh... A New Year!

2010-01-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have found a moment of silence and a few seconds of time with which I have over a million things I could do during that window, but this seems the most enjoyable. The Bartlett Family has come out of the Christmas Tree season alive one more time and we are excited to get into a new schedule. We are all hoping it will be less busy and filled with more family time, more sleeping, and more relaxing.
Christmas was great celebrating our Savior's birth and enjoying some time with both Justin and my family. The boys are growing and becoming more of their own little people everyday. Jackson is crawling and pulling himself up on anything he can find. Spencer is enjoying his little brother and loves helping his mom with the laundry and taking dirty diapers to the trash.
We have so many plans for 2010. Hopefully we will be able to share them with you throughout the year through our pictures and stories.
I am so thankful the Lord has given us another year to grow closer to him and nurture our childrens hearts to become kingdom bound. What a challenge we have ahead of us!

PICTURES

2009-10-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

A few fall family pictures.

Whoa... it has gotten away from me

2009-10-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Whoops... it has been almost two months. I hate it when I look at other peoples blogs and they keep not updating it. I am so sorry.
I have been draggin my feet because Justin takes the camera to work everyday and gets back so late that I don't have time to post pics. So just words today and hopefully pics soon.
The boys are doing fabulous... such a source of joy in our lives. Justin is getting very busy at the farm with Christmas just around the corner. Tree season is in full swing. In a few weeks he will leave at around 4:45 and come home at midnight. We are so thankful to see him at 8 or 9 most nights. We still have time for a glass of wine, a quick catch up on his day, and then to bed.
We are in our house and feeling like a king and queen. It is so beautiful and perfect for our family. We welcome any visitors at any time. One of the many delights in my house is a new stove my hubby bought me. It is deluxo and I have been baking up a storm, a new found joy.
Christ is working my heart is a huge way. Challenging me to be stronger in my faith and look at the needs of others. What an AWESOME God we serve. I have been having great and consistant time with him in the morning and it has been the highlight of my day. Please pray for protection over that time for me.
We love you all.

Our Little Golfer

2009-09-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

Moving

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

We are mid-move and I am trying to have a GREAT attitude. It is a little streeful, but we are plugging away. We are going to put all new flooring in our new house so we will be staying at my mom and dad's for a while. Justin is going to be gone every weekend so I will be doing most of the painting and moving in myself. However, I am very thankful. We are going to have a great spot once we get in there. I will post picture soon.

Trip to PA

2009-08-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Justin, Jackson and I went to Pennslyvania. Justin had a convention to attend and Jackson and I caught up on some bonding time with eachother. We stayed at a beautiful spot right on Lake Erie. What a blast. I love spending time with my hubby.

Jackson and I ready to walk downtown for dinner

We ate at an old firehouse. It had a old school trampoline hanging on the wall... with a big target it the middle. So fun.

Moving Day

2009-08-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

It is very bitter-sweet. My sister Julia, myself and our husbands have lived together for almost a year and we are parting ways next weekend. I am excited be in our own space again, but today I am mourning the loss of my sisters companionship. Julia has watched my boys, cooked me dinner, chatted over coffee during a slow morning, and slapped my hand when I ate too many goodies after dinnner. Now she will be 15 minutes away! I hardly know what to do without her. Eventhough there have been days I want to kill her cat, kill her dogs, and only have my husband to blame for the dirty footprints in the entryway, the good well outweighed the bad.
So Julia I will miss laughing with you, cleaning with you, dreaming with you, cooking with you, putting the smack-down with you, gardening (or lack thereof) with you, and being challenged by you.
Visit me often.

The Boys and Their Dad

2009-08-19T06:54:00.001-07:00

We have been on the road the last couple of weekends, but amazingly it seems as though we are able to spend more quality time as a family. The boys have loved hanging out in the hotel room and especially all the time with their dad. Justin is such a great dad and the boys love to talk and play with him.
Here are a few pics of all my men.

Jackson posing

Spencer trying his dads shoes on for size

Dad and Spence in the pool

Jackson and dad sleeping in

Dad getting Spence ready for bed

Wedding

2009-08-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

It is the day after our last VanderWeide wedding. A special thanks to my parents who successfully married off and paid for 6 girls weddings.

We had a blast and it was one of the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. Maria looked beautiful, the weather held up, and there was flowers everywhere. However, I am feeling the exhaustion creeping up.

We felt a little extra pressure for our entertainment piece because it was the last wedding. I think we pulled it off. We did an 80's number to "Pop goes my heart" from the Music and Lyrics movie. Justin was one of the main dancers with my brother-in-law-David. To top it all off we used my mom and dad as the grand finale. Here are a few pics. Very Scary!

The gorgeous Barn
More flowers

As always, A family pic

The sisters as backup dancers

My hot hubby

David and Justin in tighter pants then ever should be worn by a man

My mom....

and dad as the grand finale

Happy Birthday!!

2009-07-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

It is my WONDERFUL husband's birthday today!!!! He is 26. I am so thankful for him and I want to make this day really special. He started his day meeting with his bible study group. Then the boys and I brought him lunch and card. Tonight I am making chicken Alfredo and we are opening gifts before he goes to praise team practice. Tomorrow we are going out to a new sushi restaurant in Traverse City with my sister Sarah and her husband Chris. The guys birthdays are 3 days apart and they both love sushi.
Babe - I love you and I am so thankful God chose you for me. I could not have asked for a better husband. You are the best.
I will post some birthday pics soon.

Pics of the Boys

2009-07-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

I need to get some professional photos done, but it is a little hard with the closeness in the boys ages. Spence is not to pumped to be holding his little brother... and I am a little scared. I decided a few pictures at home would be my best bet for now. Check out our little cuties!

A Day in the Sun

2009-07-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Just a few cute pics of our "Little Bubba" on the beach this summer. He is so much fun.

Birthday

2009-07-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

We have decided to celebrate all the grand kids birthdays on the 4th of July since #10 was just born and life is getting pretty busy. Here is a peek at our first annual.

Birthday cakes for all the cousins

Cautious at first

"Is Nana going to stop me?"

"I'm going for it"

"and now I will help John Paul out"

THE FOURTH OF JULY!

2009-07-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

We are privileged enough to spend the fourth of July in Lake City with both of our families. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we took both the boys to the parade. We headed over to my family's for all the nieces and nephews birthday parties (pictures to be posted later) and then went back to Bartlett's for the fireworks. Justin had the whole week off after the fourth and we pulled a camper into Justin's parents driveway ( a little trashy, but very cheap and easy!). We had a great week and hope to make a tradition of it. Here are some pics.

Headed to the parade

The Bartlett clan who made it up for the 4th. Thanks for coming everyone! We love seeing you.

Justin's buddy Keith with Jackson. He is a natural.

Spence with his parade candy.

Spencer and his cousin Aletta, both with suckers.

Our Little Girl

2009-06-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Since we have two boys we decided we better see what it would be like if we had a girl. We also tried it out on my two nephews.

Spencer

Baby David

John Paul

A Day with the Grandparents!

2009-06-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

It was Grandpa Bartlett's birthday on Monday and Justin and I went to see him and Grandma in Traverse City. Justin's other Grandma was there as well so we got to spend time with both in one visit.
I just have to say... Grandparents are such a blessing. They have so much to teach us and they love us so much. I want my kids to spend as much time as possible with their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. I want to be more honoring of my elders and let them know how important they are to our family. That was what I was challenged with by our visit.

Justin and Grandpa Bartlett

Grandma Eaves and the boys

Grandma Bartlett and Jackson

One wedding down

2009-06-04T11:43:00.001-07:00

Before I begin... a slight side note. My "delete" button is right next to the "enter" button on my keyboard. I have deleted these top two pictures twice... it is hard to put into words my frustration.
Anyway, we had a wedding last weekend. My baby sister. What a beautiful day. She could not have married a better man. He is sweet, loves the Lord and loves to hang out with our family. Every time Justin and I go to a wedding it does something special for our marriage. It is a little reminder of the vows we took to each other and the sweetness of the Lord's plan for marriage. Here are a few pictures from the special day.

My oldest sister and her family
(Sarah, Chris, Emma, John Paul, Elijah and Steven)

The next sister (Scott, Laura, Mateo, and Ellie)

The bride and groom with my parents

All the nieces and nephews

The new Bartlett Family Picture

The Beautiful Bride

Memorial Day

2009-06-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great memorial day last week. We planted our community garden with David and Julia and the boys mowed the lawn. We headed over to my mom and dad's at 3:00 to help with wedding prep, which was s blast because all of my sisters and there families where there. It was just nice to have a morning at home with my husband and boys. Julia and David and Justin and I had a picnic outside by our garden and life just felt slow for a minute. I love that feeling.

My husband multitasking... smoking a cigar while mowing the lawn

Justin and David standing proud by their garden

1 year old!

2009-05-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

Where does time go? Spencer was a year old on Friday. We had a party with the grandparents and my oldest sister Sarah and her husband Chris. Their son John Paul is 9 days younger then Spence. They love to play together and I am anticipating all the adventures they will have as they grow up.

"Yes, I'm the birthday boy"

Spence dug into his cake and ice cream

Spence and John Paul with their favorite toys... Tupperware.

Attempting to get a good picture with the boys

The most recent family picture. Spence was pumped about it.

Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties

2009-05-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

With only a week until "Wedding Night" we had both the Bachelorette party and Bachelor party last weekend. The girls went putt putt golfing and out to dinner, followed by some lovely gifts for Alisa. The boys went paint balling and had a wild game dinner, followed by hitting golf balls over the pond. Both Justin and I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends within our family. We both had so much fun with lots of laughs and memories.
Girls night (I took the picture)

Boys night (Marty, Alisa's finance is sitting out front)

He is Here!

2009-05-17T13:46:00.001-07:00

Our little dream was born on May14 at 6:06. Jackson Silas Bartlett. He weighed 6 lbs 5 oz. and was 21 1/4 inches long. Spencer was 6 lb 14 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. They look a lot alike... both identical to their dad's baby pictures. Jackson may have a few different features, but we will keep you posted as he changes in the next few weeks. Spence doesn't seem to care that there is a baby in dad or mom's arms at all times. He just crawls on the next best thing. It is so amazing to be at home with both of the boy's. Our family is growing and it is so neat to see what God has decided to give us. You always imagine having a family, but it is very surreal as it starts to form with each new child.
The labor and delivery went very well. Although, if you had asked me that on the 14th my answer may have sounded different. In hindsight, I couldn't have asked for it to go any better. I had an epidural with Spencer and I was not going to be able to with Jackson because I was having the baby in Cadillac, which has a smaller hospital and doesn't have the ability to do epidurals 24/7. So I was a little nervous... to say the least. BUT I got to the hospital at 5:00 and the baby was born an hour later so we didn't even have a chance for pain meds. I must say that I feel a hundred times better after this birth. Yes, it killed, but the recovery time is nothing. I felt like I could have run a marathon right after.
So... I guess you want to see some pictures. Here are a few and we will put more on in a few days.

39 Weeks Pregnant!

The day before

Jackson Silas Bartlett

Pretty happy new parents

What a little dream

Papa and Nana VanderWeide

The Bartlett Men

Grandma Bartlett

Ready to head home!

The newest Bartlett family picture

10 more datys!

2009-05-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

We only have 10 days until our next little one is supposed to arrive. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I still feel good, besides a little swelling in my hands and feet and some sleepless nights. I am very fortunate with my pregnancies. I wanted to put some more pictures on in case the baby comes sooner than expected. Spence is getting so big and I am trying to spend every moment I can with him before his new sibling arrives. Justin has been very busy at the farm, working 70 to 80 hours a week. He should slow down just about the time this next one is due. It will be awesome to see more of him and have some quality family time this summer.

Here are some recent pics of what we have been up to.

Spencer's first ride. He is pumped.

Papa (my dad) helping Spencer's older cousins with their swords

What Spence has to look forward too!

Some pics of the Mother's day sale at the farm. Justin has spent a lot of time working and preping for it.

Some of the dug trees from the farm. This is what keeps my husband so busy.

4 Weeks and counting...

2009-04-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

So we only have 4 weeks until our home is filled with the joy of another little one... Maybe. When will it come? That is the question that is overwhelming my thoughts these days.

Not that I can do anything about it but Alisa is getting married 9 days after my due date... and my dress doesn't fit. Also, I had an ultrasound and the baby is measuring 3 weeks small so I of course I am thinking does that mean it may stay in there longer? What a guessing game. Spence came right on his due date,but who knws with this one

Since my last post we had Easter with the Bartlett and VanderWeide sides and a great time at both. Spence is getting so big and we love experiencing each first with him.

Here are a few of his latest things:

-waving

-shaking his head "no"

-emptying every drawer and cupboard in the kitchen

-eating enough bran muffins to fill his fiber quota for years

Here are some updated pics

Our little "Bubba"

Family Picture on Easter

Spence and his Cousins Elijah, Emma, and John Paul (John Paul and Spence are only 9 days apart)

Exploring the possibilities of grass

My Boys

2009-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Spence and Dad were just hanging out watching TV. It's March Madness time so they are getting their basketbal games in together.

I love having both of them in my life. They bring so much joy to my days. We are very excited about this next little one, but we are enjoying every minute we get with the three of us.

Home from Arizona and New Baby!

2009-03-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

My sister Julia and her husband David just had their first little one. All my sisters where able to make it to the hospital at the same time. We had such a great time passing him around. He is such a sweetie and I get to see a bunch of him since Julia and I live together. It is a treat to have a newborn around and it makes me even more excited for our little one who is on the way. David Roscoe Judah with his Aunt Krista (his favortie Aunt).

Me and my sisters. From the left; me, Sarah, Maria, Julia, Laura and Alisa. We got home from Arizona just 2 days before the baby came. Spence and I were so glad to see Justin. My wonderful husband had the house clean when we got home and numerous love notes around the house. It was such a blessing to be missed so much by him. However, we are glad to be home and I think we will stay put for a while. If we are able to go out again next year we will have to have dad come with us because I know I can't do a 4 hour plane ride with two little ones.

Lastly...

2009-01-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

My two youngest sisters, Maria and Alisa, both got engaged in the last two months. My sister Alisa asked me to take their engagement pictures and here is a sneak peek at a few. Both of the girls are going to get married this summer. Alisa in May and Maria probably in August. We are very excited to celebrate with both of the girls.

Christmas at the Bartlett's

2009-01-13T12:43:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas, celebrating with Justin's family and my family. Spencer tried to open a few gifts, but I think we will get a much better response from him next year. Christmas felt very different for me this year now that we have a family. It become so much more about other people and what Christ did for us. I have a few pictures of Christmas with the Bartlett's. I didn't take any pictures at my family Christmas. I will have to do better next year.

On the Road

2009-01-13T12:33:00.001-08:00

Whoa... it has been so long since I posted anything. Our family was gone almost the whole month of December traveling with Justin on a business trip. We vistited 7 states and traveled over 4,000 miles. We really enjoyed the time we got to spend together. Spencer was the best traveling companion we could ask for. He sat in his car seat for over 10 hours a day and smiled the whole time. Here is a picture of him asleep in his car seat with his bottle.

Family Get-Togethers

2008-11-27T11:29:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when my family gets together for the holidays. My lovely parents, husband and brother-in-law.

SIX MONTHS OLD

2008-11-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it happened, but Spence turned 6 months today. Justin was talking to me a few days ago and said, "Hun, Spence is almost half a year old." When you put it that way it is very scary. He is an adult already. Good thing we are having another one!

New Arrival

2008-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

Justin and I are proud to announce that God has decided to bless us with another little addition to our family! We are 4 1/2 months along and expecting Bartlett #2 May 1st. Spence will be only 11 months when this next little one arrives so I am going to have to be on my toes! This has really turned out to be a huge step of faith in my understanding of the Lord. I never would have planned to have kids this close together, but the Lord is teaching me that my children are not mine to plan, but his. I feel as though my trust in the Lord strengthens everyday and I choose to believe that he will provide all our family needs.

Family Pictures

2008-10-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

We took these pictures over Labor Day. These are the latest Bartlett family pictures. It was a beautiful day at Young Life Camp.

Visit to Grandpa and Grandma Bartlett's

2008-10-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

We stopped in to see Grandpa and Grandma Bartlett before they left for Florida. They let us bring them supper and we played Skip-Bo into the late hours of the night. Grandpa had a surprise for us too... our very own sequence board that he handcrafted for us. It had pictures of Spence, Justin and I, Mom and Dad Bartlett, and Grandpa and Grandma. It was one of the best presents in the world. A new family keepsake!

My First Post

2008-09-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is my first post.
Thanks to Justin's cousin, Rachael, who is my blogging hero, I have decided to step into the world of blogging. I want to keep in touch with my family and friends without having to e-mail everyone. I hope you all find our lives as interesting as I do! Please let me know how I can best keep up with what is happening in your lives.

So here is a quick overview of the lives of Justin, Krista and Baby Spencer:
1. Spencer, the love of our life, was born 5.22.08.
2. Justin is providing for our family at Re/max Professionals in Lake City.
3. I am staying at home and with Spence and managing the rental units we own.
4. We recently moved in with my sister Julia and her husband David to practice living in community and share bills.

Please check back periodically as I will fill this website with the day to day happenings in our lives!