Our Dating Days of 2007 PhotoBook

Yet again I've made another digital photo book through Shutterfly. This time I had a coupon code for a free 7x9. Small but fun. So I pulled together our pics from when we both lived in Utah and dated before we moved down to AZ. It's really crazy to look back on the days before marriage. The best friends we left behind and the life that we lived there. It's been interesting to dive into the pictures and memories and then to wake up the next day to 2 adorable kids and a sweet, loving husband. Life is really weird. I mean we experience unique and singular things at different times in our life and we will never have those chances again. What a gift life is... to be able to live those moments even once! I mean think of some of your happiest memories. Wouldn't you want others to experience that joy too? I imagine that is what Heavenly Father wants for us too. Thus, we are here living Earth Life on our journey to Eternal Life. And of course there is good ol' opposition...but that is something all of its own for another time. Anyway, enjoy another photo book ;-) To view the book best: wait until after the book loads and the "Just A Moment" finishes. Then choose the top Right corner option "Full Screen"and turn the pages at your leisure. And once again, forgive the order screen. I really don't want you to order this. I can't figure out how to remove that option.

Click here to view this photo book larger

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John's Fathers Day gift

So, I just ordered this book that I made for John. Shutterfly was having that killer 50% off sale again. I couldn't resist. I was already making him a smaller book anyway! Unfortunately, the sale ended June 6 at midnight. My computer froze 9 minutes before midnight and I hadn't proofed the book yet. Miraculously, when it came back to itself, a couple minutes after midnight, it was on the order screen and the price was still the sale price!!! So I rushed to complete the order and didn't proof it. I hope there is nothing too wrong :( I still haven't looked because I'm afraid. Well, enjoy another book post =D
I'd still choose the FULL SCREEN option in the top right corner. And if you get an "order" screen I'm so sorry. I can't figure out how to fix that. Happy reading/viewing!

Click here to view this photo book larger

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Baby Aleah Photo Book from Feb. 2012

I think the Full Screen option (in the top right corner) shows the book best because you can read all the journaling and see the two page spreads. I made this book in February when Shutterfly was having a super awesome special. I love how it turned out. I had no idea I could share it on a post until today. So YAY! Enjoy our little angel girl, Aleah.

Click here to view this photo book larger

photo books by Shutterfly.

Happy 4 year Anniversary

Our Anniversary was on May 2nd. 4 years! At this point in life I really am surprised at what a small number that is. It feels like so much longer....in a really good way. There are a handful of days in my life that I REALLY want to go back and live again. Or even a visit would be great. My wedding day is quite possibly #1 on my list. I guess that may be the plan with the perfect memory we'll receive when we are all resurrected someday. I have the best, most peaceful, joyous memories of May 2, 2008. I would love to hear it all and see it all over again. It was a heavenly day. Everything a bride could want. And the most modest, humble, sweet, loving, gentle, patient and adoring husband anyone could ask for. I was recently contemplating on how different I would be without him. John truly helps facilitate a life and environment for me to improve and become my best self. I have a long way to go, but I'm grateful for a husband who supports, guides, allows, waits, envisions and loves me along the way. What joy marriage can bring as we both do and give each other our best!

There is a quote in our room that says,

"Love is, above all, the gift of Oneself"

I often have to check myself to see if I am giving the gift of myself to John. Whenever negativity arises I can always look at my own conduct, feelings, actions etc. Most of the time I see that I am holding back...that although he is not perfect, it is my imperfections, weaknesses, issues, choices and such that create my (and therefore OUR) distresses. I think that human nature moves us to place blame on others (which I'm all too guilty of). But the truth is, there is no one to blame but myself. I'm not being hard on myself...I'm just being honest.

Here is a quote from Pres. Monson who quoted Pres. Young that says it plainly and eloquently,

“No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can overcome us unless we allow it such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by relating it to himself. Said he: ‘If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed.’ He continued: ‘This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation.’”

 Well...that is enough depth for now. Enjoy agency. Enjoy life. Enjoy love. Enjoy marriage!
Every year I like to post different pictures of our wedding.
This year is snap shots from Mom Barlow's camera. 

Covenanted

See that LOVE in my eyes? Who knew how much stronger it would get.
Or how much more it would grow and continue to grow. Awe...Love.

Daddy's Little Girl

Nice and clean--just the way I requested.

Our Wedding "Thank You" card 

Can you believe this GORGEOUS cake?
I had to make this pic big because I had forgotten how beautiful and detailed it was.
And the fountain...how fun was this?
The quilt in the background is from Aunt Sue-perfect!

You know...I bought this souvenir while I was in Hawaii and still single.
 I vowed that it would be the topper on my wedding cake. Vow kept.
It's just so stinkin' cute!

This quilt is from Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lynn.
Those pillow cases make me smile (& blush a little).

How about a trip down FALL 2011 Lane?

John, myself, Bryce and baby Aleah (totally newborn at the time) all went to some Fall Festivals at local Arizona Farms in October of 2011. We had such a great time! We made some great memories too. It was some of the first times we had taken Bryce out for these type of activities without cousins or Grandma and Grandpa. So, we were a little nervous at all of the things he had to do all by himself. But it didn't seem to phase him a bit. I look back on those 2 days and think "Wholesome Recreational Activities" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). Family... thats what this is all about!!! Whoo-hoo! Enjoy!

First up is a photo book (feel free to pause the book and turn the pages at your leisure) 

A photo album by Smilebox

And now for The Festival Videos...Be sure to pause the music in the right column so you can hear the videos. Also, pause the book when it opens. That way it won't automatically turn the pages while you are in the middle of watching one of the videos.

This photo album personalized with Smilebox

2011 Holiday Letter

You found us!
 (And if you noticed the purple here and there on the pic, it's not real. It's a digital error.
 Just wanted to set the record straight ;)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! First, let me apologize for getting the postcards out later than I planned. We had a few unexpected events take place. About two weeks before Christmas our sweet uncle Claire passed away. My heart breaks for his family. He was one of the brightest, most faithful and righteous individuals to live on this earth, in my opinion. His funeral was in Reno, NV on the Thursday before Christmas. We were fortunate enough to get work off at the last minute so we could attend. A few days before we left for the funeral we decided to stay for the whole Christmas weekend with my sister, Janet (who also lives in Reno), because the drive is SO long. With our two kids its 14+ hours. We felt so blessed to be there. It was incredible and inspiring!
The same day of the funeral we got a call that my mama went into the hospital. She had been very sick since the first weekend in October and progressively got worse. She was in the hospital for about a week. It was bittersweet because we were glad that she was getting the help she needed, but it was hard to have her in the hospital for the holidays. She is now out and recovering. She is staying with my sister Debra, who's husband is a doctor in Queen Creek, and getting the help she needs. I'm so grateful that we didn't lose her. It was too close and I just kept thinking..."I'm not ready for this". Apparently I was right because the Lord spared her life =) Thank you! However, that wasn't the only parental "health scare" in 2011. My dad went into the hospital a couple of times. I think it started in January when he started having heart and chest pains. He felt that he needed to do something about it. So, he went to the doctor who sent him to the cardiologist. Eventually, over the course of six months, he ended up with five stents and avoided any heart attacks. Phew!!! Going through the emotional roller coaster over the last year has been tough! Live Healthy and Eat Live Foods is now our motto for 2012 ;-)
Now for the Barlow's year in a nutshell (a rather large one). John is still going to school, working full-time and volunteer serving in our church as secretary of the Elders Quorum. He is still working toward his ultimate goal of becoming a certified MRI technician. As part of this process he must graduate from a 2 year x-ray tech school program, during which he is not allowed to have a job. To preface 2011 we must go back to 2010. John and I actually moved in with my parents in October of 2010. Through prayer and some deliberation, we felt that it was best to stay with my parents and save as much money as possible in preparation for the program. We also didn't know if he would get accepted to a program in-state or out-of-state. Plus, we didn't want to be stuck in a contract if we had to move. We had high hopes that he would get into a program Fall of 2011. But as it turned out, we accidentally overlooked a few prerequisite classes required by most programs. That has pushed us back another year. Yeesh, we could go through medical school by the time this is all done =D So, now we've decided to continue staying with my parents until we try again this year for programs. We have had such a fun time staying here. It's been better than we ever expected! My parents love having the kids around and Bryce LOVES my parents. 
Another big change in our life, in October 2010, was that John got a new job. He started working for Banner Central Scheduling. This job has been such a HUGE blessing for us. Not only financially, but also the flexibility of his work schedule which allows him to continue his school classes. YAY!!
Also, In October 2010, we found out that we were pregnant. However, we miscarried at 7 weeks. It was hard, but I felt such PEACE through the whole thing. In January of 2011 we found out again that we were pregnant and she was born October 7, 2011. Her name is Aleah Anna Barlow. She was 8 lbs. 7 oz. and 22 inches long. You can read a little bit more about the experience in an earlier post by clicking here. Aleah has been the most amazing baby!! She is so FULL of charity! We call her our angel and she really is =D She brings so much Joy and HOPE into our lives. She is just about 3 months old now. 
Bryce turned 2 on November 10, 2011. Let me tell you, he is active! And maybe I think this just because I'm his mom, but he is one smart kid. Too smart sometimes. It seems like he's figured out how to do everything except for change his own diaper. Ha Ha Ha...truly it feels like that. Now remember I didn't have any brothers, but John did. According to us, Bryce is a typical fun-loving boy, but with daily emotional break downs. Ha Ha...has anyone else here had a 2 year old? It's like living inside of a tiny fragile bubble inside of this big callused world. He is so amusing. I love him so much that it makes my heart hurt. Even better is that Bryce absolutely adores baby Aleah. He comes up to her and loves her, hugs her, and gives her kisses. He thinks she is the funniest thing too. Anytime she is down on the ground, or on his level, he laughs, plays with her and reads her books. I LOVE it! The moments that make a mothers heart swell and you feel like it will burst! Awe.
As for me, I get to be the wife of a loving husband, I get to be home with me sweet kids AND I have the incredible blessing and opportunity to work part-time from home. If that doesn't keep me busy enough...I just got called last Sunday as a Laurel Advisor in church. This is a volunteer service position for the young women ages 16-18. I'm already feeling the weight of responsibility for these girls! It's like being on a mission or out on the trail. But I just have to remind myself that I'm an instrument in the Lord's hands and He knows what I need to do for each precious young woman. I'm not alone in this endeavor. So, with much love and hope for your happiness and ours we say "Goodbye" to 2011 and "HELLO!" to 2012. 
We pray that the Lord will continue to pour out His blessings upon each of you. We pray that we will all have the humility to recognize His love and guiding hand in each of our lives and have the courage to choose the right. We know that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ LOVE each one of you abundantly. 
We love and miss you all!!
-The Barlows
John, Sara, Bryce, and Aleah

Could we be any happier!?  Well, maybe the baby could ;-)

Visual Legacies Photography

~ADORABLE!~

Ok, so the quick story goes something like this. The morning we were getting ready for Bryce's little Birthday party, I get a text from a friend in my ward. She told me about a friend she has who is a photographer and needed a newborn model. The way it works is that I get the pics for free for letting her use my baby as a model. Her company is Visual Legacies Photography, you should check her out on her website or facebook. So, we went and Viola! Aren't these so fun! Aleah Anna Barlow in her first professional shots. Cutie pie!

Background story: So she was asleep for all of the pictures. Including this one.
We got her all snug as a bug in this basket for the other basket shot below.
Then she was still being so sweet and kept smiling in her sleep.
So, the photographer told me to wait a second and came back with this huge pink
flower headband and put it on her. At this point Aleah's head kept falling forward.
The photographer had the brilliant idea to prop her head up on her hands like so.
Then she started snapping away and we got some cute expressions, but my
absolute favorite is this millisecond smile. It was pure talent that she caught it on film.

The perfect holiday dish ;-)

So, peaceful.

Pucker up baby! hee hee

She is just over 1 month old and Bryce is 2yrs. today!

Yes, Yes, she is here! 

Aleah Anna Barlow

Born: October 7, 2011 @ 12:39PM

8 lbs. 7 oz.

22 in. long

sweet little smile from our sweet little girl on her blessing day
11/6/11

She is beautiful, she is amazing, she is everything a little girl ought to be. Her middle name, Anna, is actually after 3 of her great grandmas. All on my side of the family. Her great great grandma from my dad's side and two of her great great great great grandmas on my moms side of the family. Pretty cool huh? Anyway, thank you all for your love and concern =D I couldn't be happier with her. I'll write the details of her birth day at the end of this post. For now I will say that I seriously had the hardest time ever, mentally, post labor and delivery. Uhm....I thought I knew what kind of pain I was in for. I mean I was in labor with Bryce for over 24 hours before we had to go to the hospital and have an epidural etc. I mean I was even pushing for 2 hours and all. But no no no...I had no idea what I was in for with a successful natural, non-medicated labor and delivery. WOW!!!! Can I just give props to every mother who has ever done that!!!! It is seriously the worst and the best all at once. It is hard to remember that there is a best part during it all, but hey, we are human. Thank heavens that we all have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, who can pick us up and carry us through. Quite literally. People always ask me why I chose a natural birth. For a few weeks I said, "I have no idea".  I'm still not sure how to answer that question. HOWEVER, I think after all is said and done I know why I would do it again. It builds my relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior. I have to rely on them 100% and I feel His closeness, His love, His strength, His mercy and more, for me and the baby SO SO SOOOOO strong during that time. Doesn't mean it is less painful or enjoyable (although I know people who can feel that way during labor and deliver), but I come out of the experience with greater faith, greater personal experience and a stronger more personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. So, if getting a precious baby isn't reward enough, the reward is augmented with a deeper testimony and relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Now lets enjoy some pics of her on her birth day.

Moments after birth 

New baby with her daddy, John

Right after her hospital bath

That very night the Cox kids came to visit and see the baby

Bryce came the next day, 11/8/11, to visit his little sister.

Aleah (without a name at this point) the next day, 11/8/11.
And I in the background looking so lovely ;-) HA!

This is the video of Bryce seeing the baby for the first time at the hospital. PRECIOUS! We were all in tears. REMEMBER to pause the music so you can hear it =D

Now for a tribute to our sweet boy Bryce.

Happy Birthday BRYCE!!

2 years old. WOW!

Bryce on his first "Neigh Neigh" ride (he calls them by their sound)

It's amazing to reflect back on my first child's life. We have been through so much together in such a short time. All of his "firsts" are my firsts as a mother. It's a relationship built on love and patience. Them being patient with you and you with them. It's exciting to watch him learn, grow, discover, explore. All positive words for pushing the limits to see where they are and how far he can go ;-) I love it. I mean it can be rough, but I love being his mother. I feel so blessed that this amazing little boy was placed in our family. He has such a sense of adventure and bit more on the dare devil side than I would like. He knows how to love and can show that love through hugs and kisses. He was moving a stool around the kitchen the other night while I was cooking dinner. He ran over my foot with all four legs of the stool. It hurt a lot. So, I said, Bryce you have to watch for people's feet because you just ran over my foot with the stool four times. He then bent down and gave my foot a kiss and asked if I was "otay?" (ok). That melted my heart. He is active, has no shame in showing emotions, the good and the bad. He LOVES the baby and is quite understanding when I feed her, or have to leave something because she is crying. I know that having Grandma and Grandpa in the same house is very helpful because he almost always has someone to go to. There is so much more. but the mothering duties call. And if I want to keep blogging then I have to remember that "a little of something is better than all of nothing" as my dad would say ;-)

Aleah's Birth Story (I'll come back to this)
The days leading up to her due date I tried everything I
10/6/11

NO, she is not 2 days old....

In fact, she is 0 days old. Yes, once again I'm past my due date. Yesterday I was feeling all kinds of faith, peace and comfort. Today I've just felt frustrated, angry and grumpy. On the bright side...I have been experiencing menstrual type cramps for the last 2 days. I hope that is a good sign and I hope it progresses into the beauty of LABOR! I've never wanted something so painful so bad!
Anyway, I'll obviously make a great announcement once she arrives, but until then we can look at the pictures of the baby showers! Yes, I put a plural on that shower because John's department at Banner was so sweet and thoughtful and threw him a Daddy shower by decorating his cubical and giving him a signed card with a gift card for our Baby Girl! (that was a LONG sentence) How sweet is that for our precious John and his first daughter?
And of course my Non-Surprise Surprise Baby Shower was super fun and SO SO appreciated!!!! So much thought, effort and love was put into it and I thank each of you so much for being there! It feels so good to be so cared about. LOVE YOU ALL and thank you 10 billion times over because I had NO girl stuff. THANK YOU!
~Remember to pause the blog music in the Right-hand column before starting the slide show~

Make your own thank you

A non-surprise SURPRISE Baby Shower!

Today I had such a sweet surprise from my co-workers. They asked me what I was doing on Friday. I thought maybe I forgot about something important. So I asked them what I was doing this Friday. They said, you are going to Josie's at 1PM. I asked why, they call me Dori at work (Finding Nemo) and I thought this time I really had lost my memory. Then they explained that they were trying to throw me a little surprise Baby Shower, but schedule conflicts kept coming up. So once they told me about it, they said to invite my friends and family!!! It's short notice so I thought I could invite you all this way....
So, you are INVITED...

TO: All my Friends and Family
What: A little "non-surprise Surprise" Baby Shower for Baby Girl Barlow (please feel no obligation to bring a gift. I just want to SEE you =D )
When: This Friday September 2, 2011 @ 1PM
Where: Josie Brooksby's Home
              21156 E. Saddle Way
              Queen Creek, AZ 85142


If it's any incentive....Bryce will be there too =} It'll be a casual and comfortable gathering. I'm super looking forward to it. 
I'll be there looking like this pic...only BIGGER ;-)

Bryce will be looking like this pic...only cleaner (at first) ;-)

Hope to see you there!!