Austin's 12th Birthday!

Today, my sweet boy turns 12. It's hard to believe it has been that long ago that we were in the hospital on Christmas Eve awaiting the best Christmas gift I've ever received. Austin was the best baby ever. Slept great from day one, hardly ever cried. I was still in college when Austin was born & on at least three different occasions I had to take him to class with me. He never made a peep in class. He'd often watch the professors and listen so intently, as if he was trying to soak up every bit of knowledge he could. My professors would say he listened better than most of the students did!

Austin is artistic & compassionate. He notices the beauty in things & notices people who are in need & hurting. He has such a generous heart. He notices when people need a friend & tries his best to be kind to everyone. Sometimes his little heart will break when others don't do the same.

At this time in his life, Austin says he wants to be a surgeon when he grows up. He's definitely smart enough to accomplish this, if he doesn't let his flighty airheadedness get the best of him. I'm sure he will succeed in whatever he chooses to pursue. I'm not looking forward to those days when he leaves us to go to college & begin his adult life. After watching old home movies today, it makes me wish we could go back & have those sweet days all over again. Don't get me wrong, he's still a great kid, but I do miss his chubby cheeks & little voice.

To celebrate Austin's birthday, we took him to see Yes Man! the other day. He absolutely loves Jim Carrey. Then he had lobster tail at Outback Steak House. Austin said it's a good thing he's going to be a surgeon when he grows up because he likes expensive things! Then today, we took him to Build a Bear Workshop to create his penguin, Maxwell Smart. Also, the girls at IHOP sang Happy Birthday to him. That was great because he got really embarrassed. It's hard to believe this time next year he'll be a teenager. I don't want to think about it so I'm going to have to end this post before I start crying!

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone.

Black Eyed Boy

Okay, this picture does not do this injury justice. I literally started crying when I saw it the first time! Friday, Dylan comes running home from his friend's house, holding his eye. Of course, my heart stops. I started thinking, "Great, we just canceled the insurance & now we have to go to the emergency room!" But then he removed his hand & I saw the black eye. My first thought was, "What did you say to Ben?" Of course, I didn't think Ben was the type of child to punch his friends in the eye, but Dylan can have a bit of a sarcastic smart mouth at times. But instead of accusing I asked, "Oh no, what happened?" Turns out, Dylan was playing capture the flag with some neighbor boys and slid in the mud. As he fell, his face smacked into the underground utilities cover. Thank God it is in the shape of a dome and not squared off. Two days later, the swelling is going down some, but it's still lots of pretty colors. Well, this boy just shaved off a few more years from my life. BOYS!!!

2008 Recap

Okay, since I didn't write a Christmas newsletter this year, I just wrote our blog address on our Christmas cards. So, I guess I'll do a quick recap of what we did this year. If you want more details you can go back to the old posts.

In January, Austin & Dylan played their one and only season of indoor soccer. It was painful to watch. They were always competing against select teams and the score usually read something like 20 to 2. It did help them to become better soccer players. Their team was much faster in the spring season and they definitely communicated better. Too bad half their team left in the fall season to play select soccer. Austin & Dylan were stuck with very few players from their old team. Most of the new guys didn't really care if they won a game or not. After the 0 wins fall season, James & I decided we needed a break from soccer. The plan is for the boys to try baseball in the spring. James is keeping his fingers cross that they'll fall in love with the game. Check back in the spring for updates on how baseball is going.

In March we went to Washington, DC for a few days. We had been once before for a day trip, but didn't get to do everything we wanted. So, this year we decided to go back and do it properly. Let's just say we definitely walked our feet off. We visited the National Archives. It was very cool to see the Declaration of Independence in person. Then we went to the Natural History musuem. By this time we were very hungry, so we didn't spend a lot of time there. But I do remember seeing the big diamond. We visited the Spy Musuem and our favorite place of all was the Lincoln Memorial. Two different times we walked by the White House and stared with jealous eyes at the people being cleared to go inside. Maybe we'll go back someday to visit the White House. After our trip to DC, James got me on a prop plane (visualize a look of terror on Barbara's face!) to go visit The Holler in Pikeville, Kentucky. We had so much fun visiting James' parents and we even met a brand new baby cow!

In May, Austin's 5th grade band had their first concert. It was good to hear that all the students had little squeaks here and there, it wasn't just Austin. Also, in the month of May, Barbara informed her school district that she would not be returning in the fall! Three years in Normandy was long enough. It was time to move on.

In June the boys and I tried flying to Miami to meet James. We had planned to go to South Beach, but instead we got stuck at the Charlotte, NC airport. So, the boys and I got a hotel room, swam in the pool & ate Cracker Barrell. It wasn't as much fun as being with James in Miami, but we still had a good time.

This was the first year Austin & Dylan went away to church camp. I cried when they left, but James took me to Myrtle Beach for my birthday to cheer me up. This was our first trip away without the boys. It was so much fun. We should definitely do it more often, but my fear of crashing without them gets in the way sometimes. I'm not saying it's rational, but it's still my fear!

July was a big month for us. Barbara (me) got her real estate license and we went on a trip to Mexico. We had so much fun in Mexico. We even posted a video of Austin & Dylan parasailing back in July. Go check it out! Travel tip - check out skyauction for great travel deals.

In August Barbara started working with Prudential Select Properties. Austin & Dylan started back to school. Dylan started middle school this year, so he and Austin were at the same school again. It was wierd having a school year where they were in school and I wasn't, but it was a nice change for me.

In October Barbara got two listings! One is now under contract & we are eagerly awaiting the other one's sale. Barbara also had a blast going to her high school reunion. I reconnected with a lot of my highschool friends on facebook and enjoyed seeing everyone in person. I've also joined a Bunco group in the neighborhood. We play once a month. I've won $10 the first time and $15 the second time! Let's hope my luck continues in the new year!

I also started subbing in the boy's school district. Mostly I've subbed in special ed rooms. I really enjoy working with the paraprofessionals and it makes me feel good when they call and ask for me to come back. It's also nice to know that I do still have my patience. Last year I thought it might be gone forever.

James was relocated to Washington, DC in October, but will be returning home January 5th. He's been downgraded back to a first officer, but it will be nice for him to be back home. Please keep us in your prayers that we will financially be okay. It's kind of scarey living on half the salary you are use to. Hopefully I'll sell lots of houses and we'll have nothing to worry about.

It's been a good year for us. I hope it's been a good year for all of you. We miss you all lots & don't forget to come see us. It always makes the year a little bit better when friends & family come to visit.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

SOLD FAST!!!!

We now have a contract on my Brandywine listing. Hooray! My sellers are excited to move closer to their grandkids and the buyers are excited to be moving into their new home. Hoping to close in January. I guess I need to get back to work trying to get some more listings!

Austin's Winter Concert

Last Wednesday was Austin's first concert of his 6th grade year. If you remember, I posted a video of his 5th grade band playing in the Spring. James and I were pleasantly surprised at this winter concert. The 6th graders had improved so much in 6 months time! We are so proud of Austin & all his hard work learning to play the trumpet. The song I posted was Up on the Roof Top.

Another New Listing for October

Quiet Cul-de-Sac Lot

1370 Brandywine Lane

Saint Peters, MO 63376

$179,500

3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms

Split Level Floorplan

Oak staircase with custom gate. Atrium door leads to screened porch and large deck. Wood burning fireplace with circulating blower. Ceiling fan with light kit. Neutral paint & carpet.

Newer Wilson Art Laminate Flooring. Chair railing & ceiling fan with light kit. Tilt-in windows.

Large window, breakfast bar, skylight, wood cabinets & all appliances stay.

Master Bedroom suite

First bedroom is wired for phone and cable.

Second bedroom is wired for phone & cable.

Main bathroom features pedastal sink, newer tile floor & ceramic tile tub surround.

Lower level family room with wood burning fireplace, circulating blower & recessed lighting.

Large family room boast additional eating area or room for pool table.

Wet bar features full sized refrigerator.

Lower level half bath

Screened porch

Fenced backyard with newer retaining wall.

Large deck.

This home also features an additional sleeping area & office/hobby room in the lower level. The outside features maintenance free vinyl siding. Numerous exterior outlets are found in the enclosed soffits & are controlled by one switch found in the garage. This is a great feature for holiday lighting.

To view more photos and details about this property visit www.AtHomeWithBarbara.com/80063190

or call Barbara at 636-328-4661

Happy Halloween '08

Dylan won out by waiting until the last minute to choose his Halloween costume. I usually have a very strick rule about no blood & guts costumes. But considering we had less than a week left & he still did not have an outfit, I didn't put up a fight when he chose this outfit. As I went to put the blood in the heart that he'd pump with his hand to have blood run through the bones, it got all over my hands. It stained them bright pink. Thank God it finally went away Saturday afternoon. It wouldn't look very professional to be showing clients houses with my bright pink fingers!
Here's Dylan and one of our neighbors, Blake. Blake was Ironman, but he didn't like wearing his mask. Thanks to Blake's sister, Kayla, Austin had his outfit.

Introducing my new daughter, Autumn. He really does make a cute girl. Look at those legs!

Here's Austin & his friend Curtis. It was the year for 6th grade boys to dress up as little girls!

Prayer Request

For those of you who don't know, my husband James left today for DC. He has been transferred with his job. We've been living in denial for awhile, hoping he would not have to go. But today he left to go get set up in his crash pad. A crash pad is a place where pilots live if they are based away from home. He'll stay there when he's on reserve waiting to be used on trips. I hope for his sake he will be busy while he's gone. If he isn't busy working, I'm sure he'll get very sad and homesick.

Please pray for us all. The boys will be sad because James will be home even fewer days each month than normal. Pray for me that I'll be able to juggle everything and make some money to help cover the extra monthly expenses. Pray for James that he'll keep busy and not get discouraged. There is a possibility this is only for a couple of months. The bad news is if he does get to come back James would be down graded back to a first officer. If he does remain a captain he'll remain in DC. It's hard to know what would be best right now. We are definitely dealing with a stressful situation and could use prayers right now.

My New Listing

464 Fox Trail Drive

Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367

4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms

Oversized garage

Newly installed granite countertops, ceramic tile, backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

Crown molding, chair railing, newly installed frieze carpet and chandelier.
Large family room features gas fireplace with circulating blower, wiring for above mantel television and recessed lighting.
Access the second level from the front and back of the home.


Large loft on the second level.
Lower level features large rec room with newly installed ceiling, lighting and windows.
Lower level also features supplemental baseboard heating with thermostat, full bath and additional sleeping area.
Newly installed Anderson sliding glass door leads to large deck and private, level backyard.

Over $70,000 of professional upgrades completed summer '08. Professional landscaping to be completed Nov. '08. Enjoy all the amenities Lake Saint Louis has to offer: golf, tennis, clubhouse, pool, beaches and lake access. If you would like to view this home or find out more information call Barbara at 636-328-4661 or visit www.AtHomeWithBarbara.com/80061522.

Run, Dylan, Run!

On Wednesday, Dylan participated in his first cross country meet. Here's the kids at the start of the race. I was very confused. Having never been to a cross country track meet, I had no idea how it worked. All of a sudden the whistle blows and hundreds of boys take off running. The mother in me was scared Dylan would be trampled in the mass of boys, but he was okay. They had "rabbit runners" who lead the race, so the other boys would know what route to take.
Here's Dylan getting ready to cross the finish line.
He just crossed the finish line. I took this picture a second too late. I got him behind the girl instead of crossing the line. You can see his foot. He's right behind the girl in blue.
He was holding his neck. Turns out one of the boys in front of him knocked down a hive in the woods. A lot of the boys got stung. Dylan was stung in the head and on the neck. Thank God he's not allergic. He had fun running. Notice his new braces! He just got those last Thursday. He only has four brackets. They are pink and blue, so they're a little hard to see. I took a lot of pictures with my phone, but I still don't have a cord to download them to the computer. Oh well.

I'm Famous!

Okay, I'm not REALLY famous, but I was in the paper. My boss emailed me the article today. Last week at the Builder's Expo, My friends and I stopped to play black jack. Where was James, the card counter, when I needed him! Natalie (to my left) ended up winning a $50 gas card. Brandy (to my right) and I just had a good time. You can see how seriously I was taking the game. I've been working hard in real estate, but I guess I've been having a little fun too.

Another Season of Soccer

Today was the second soccer game of the Fall '08 season. I missed the first one due to an open house. I'm not a bad mother, the open house was scheduled before I knew about the soccer game. It was fun learning how to use the feature of my camera where it takes three quick photos at once. When I downloaded them to my computer, there were over 100. After going in to edit them, I think it's down to 80 something now.

Well, the final score was 5 to 1. We lost! We use to have a good team, but a lot of the really good players left to go play select soccer. So, now we're playing with five original players and eight new ones. Once they play together more, I think they'll get better. They are just learning how to play together. Here's some of my favorite pictures from the game. It was hard to pick just eight.

It cracks me up how Austin puts his tongue out when he's concentrating really hard. This is a feature that makes him look like my dad.

It looks as if Dylan's wanting to do the tongue thing also.

I like this picture of them together running for the ball. It's weird how their legs are in the same position. Look how long Austin's hair is getting. It was blowing in the wind.

Austin is fighting to get the ball.

I really like this picture. Wish I wouldn't have cut his head off. This is Alex. He played on the team last fall and winter, but not in the spring. We're glad he's back.

Here's Dylan kicking butt as a defender!

"Where's the ball going to land?"

Chandler, our goalie, makes a great save!

God's Angels

Okay. My heart is finally beating again. Today Austin was out riding his bike. He came running home to get me yelling that a kid had been hit by a car. So, I take my cellphone and walk up the street wondering who it could be. All the while thinking it might be one of the new neighborhood kids who just moved in last week. Dozens of cars are parked on the sides of the road. Police and fire trucks are parked blocking the entrance to our subdivision. As we make our way closer to the chaos, a neighbor stops to tell me who it is. I literally gasped as I heard the name of the daughter of our friends THE HONEYS.

Austin was so concerned. He kept telling me she was laying on the ground when he came to get me and there was blood everyone. My mind immediately started thinking about the Chapman's and their sweet little Maria. After the ambulance left with her I could see her poor 16 year old brother just standing there recounting the events to police and neighbors. He had been walking just in front of her and had seen the whole thing. Neighbors stood around and talked about how cars in the neighborhood drive way too fast on the front street of the subdivision.

The two younger boys are now in my basement playing video games with Austin and Dylan while their big brother, Mom and Dad are at the hospital with the daughter. We've been told the Cat scans were fine and it seems everything will be okay. She's in some pain from all the cuts and bruises, but thank God she is alright. I'm so glad God's angels were protecting her from a far more tragic ending. I'm also thankful for our wonderful neighborhood. It was great to see many of the moms come together to lift up this family in prayers and take care of everything.

Poor Austin and Dylan. The reins going to get a little tighter for a while.

Open House Sunday

Well, I just finished an open house today. I was totally prepared to be bored, but ended up having five groups of visitors! Didn't even have time to read the new book I checked out from the library.

On Friday I walked the neighborhood where my open house was. Walking in 90 degree heat in heels is no picnic. Let's just say I definitely needed a shower and I've been wearing flip flop, heel-less sandals since. I enjoyed walking the neighborhood though. I met three really nice people and talked to them for a while. Also met a very nice lady when I knocked on her door to ask if I could put my sign in her yard. One nice lady that I met, Ann, came to visit with her husband. They want their son and his fiancee to buy the house so they can be near by all those future grandbabies. I hope it works out for them. If I could sell him the house, that would be even better!

Who knew my gift of never having met a stranger would one day pay off in my career? All those times my dad tried to pay me to be quiet. It helps to have a gift for gab in real estate. Enjoying my new career so far. I'm definitely keeping super busy! Don't forget, if you ever need help finding a real estate agent, no matter where you live, I can help you out. I'll help set up interviews with experienced agents and I'll earn a referral fee at no extra cost to you. Just give me a call if you need any help!

Barbara Weightlifing

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James High Diving

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