T-Ball Has Begun

So I just found out on Monday night that Zachary's T-Ball team he is signed up for was starting practice last night! So after a rushed day -- we spent an hour at the ballpark which was so surreal! I loved watching Zachary get out there and play his heart out -- and even though they can't hardly catch a ball yet -- the look on their precious little faces was PRICELESS!!

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Here is Zachary -- playing in the outfield!

When it was his turn to bat -- I have NEVER been so nervous in all my life! All I could think was, "PLEASE Lord, let him hit the ball!"

I put my shutter speed on the fastest and just held down the button to get the whole swing....

Strike ONE!

"PLEASE LORD!" Here is the swing....

Yep, Strike TWO! This is when I said in my most purest mommy voice -- "You're doing great buddy!"

And then -- he got a hit! I was jumping so hard that I didn't get it on camera -- but I did get him running to home plate! LOVE THAT FACE!

And bless Eli's heart -- if mommy cheers -- he cheers!! Go Zachary!

Zachary's first game isn't until May 1st, so we have a few weeks of practice to go! But I am sure you will be seeing more pics on this subject before then!

WMU Gatlingburg Retreat

This past weekend the "Women on Missions" groups at our church went to Gatlinburg for the WMU Missions Get-Together. There were 25 of us from our church and 1000+ total women there -- it was wonderful. The speaker, Kimberly Sowell was AMAZING and it was such a blessing! On top of all the conferences and sessions we participated in, there was tons of fellowship, laughter and SHOPPING! Thanks and kudos to all the husbands for holding down the home front for us while we were gone!

Some of the girls from WOM Group II

Some of the ladies from WOM Group I

"Wo"men in Black!

Hansel & Gretel Ain't Got NOTHIN' on Eli!

So let me say for the record that I am loving the fact that Eli has FINALLY decided to crawl! He looks absolutely adorable doing it too! However, one thing I had not expected with this new adventure was the "slobber trail" that he leaves on our new hardwood floors -- EVERY DAY! :) I mean, if you can't find Eli -- follow the spit! Can I get an AMEN from all the mommas out there?? Ah yes, there is a blessing to be found in everything....I'll let you know when I figure this one out! :)

Anyway -- so now in our house, if you can't locate the little crawler he is usually in one of two places: either in Zachary's closet chewing on his rain boots or in the bathroom trying to get into the bath tub! Thus...these pics! Enjoy....

And then he found his "friend" in the mirror....

"Greet each other with a Holy kiss......"

And then Zachary had to get in on the action....this is pure BARNES coming out in him! :)

Love THEM!

Sheldon Girls Night

Well Friday night was the famous "Sheldon Girls Night" at mom's house. We had a great time and mom really outdid herself with the dinner! I don't remember exactly what it was called, but anyone that can stuff a chicken breast with delicious fillings, wrap it up in some bread and bake it to perfection deserves a kudos from me! :) And while the night was a wonderful time of sisterly (and motherly) love and fellowship, we did miss Ashleigh tremendously! But thanks to Skype -- she was able to join us for this year's picture! Thanks mom for everything -- can't wait to do it again!

The beautiful dinner setting....

Great job Mom!

Me and Ra'Leah

Mom and Maggie

And a big thanks to Peepaw for watching the boys for me so I could have a break!

Happy Birthday Brandon!

Saturday afternoon we met up and mom and dad's for Brandon's birthday celebration! There was a lot of fun and laughs -- all great times!

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Uncle Brandon and Aunt Maggie

Little Eli

The boys had a blast with the party favors dad picked up...

Eli thought that they were pretty fun too!

"You make me smile like the sun, fall outta bed, sing like a bird, dizzy in my head...."

Grammie and Eli

Uncle Ben and Preston