A Haircut for me! (it's a slow week for blogging)

 My hair has never been this straight so I had to take a few pictures to preserve the good hair moment. They are few and far between. I have never been good at fixing my hair. I just don't like to take the time. The curls and cowlicks drive me crazy, and it is always falling out. And I don't like to spend money on getting it fixed. But when it does happen, it is very fun! 

Alec was my little photographer. He liked being on the other side of the camera for a change.

I sneaked a picture of him though.

Other happenings-
Alec was in the Pinewood Derby. Brian helped him with his car, which was WONDERFUL. It was pretty fast, but not enough to win a prize. But the night was still pretty fun. How can a kid complain too much when donuts and cotton candy are served? At the end every kid got a certificate and a candy bar. This is not an event that I love (it can be so emotional!) but this one was okay! Wish I'd brought the camera.

I had a day of science experiments with the preschoolers last Thursday. It was a fun and exciting mess. Then we attended a Science Night at the middle school. I had forced myself to take the kids. It's was cold outside and I was tired! But I'm glad we did. The kids made lava lamps and silly putty and pushed a stick through a balloon and other fun stuff. They had a table of reptiles and snakes that kids were able to hold. Very fun.

The kids have friends come over to house every Friday night. Sometimes they take turns and sometimes everyone invites for the same night. It can be quite a party. It is nice to have this wonderful house that can accommodate guests. We love it. And I love that the children have made friends in our new location.

Geoff has a new calling as an Elders' Quorum teacher and he also cleans the church every weekend. (1/3 of the church actually) He's giving a talk in sacrament meeting tomorrow. With that and two jobs, he is a busy guy.

Adam went to the Klondike Derby. I was unable to pry details out of him, but I think he had a good time making shelters, starting fires, shooting arrows, etc. He turns 14 this month and will be able to participate in Youth conference and dances and the trip to Palmyra with the youth of the ward.

Trevor asks every day if I think school will be cancelled. I'm sick of it. He thinks and almost expects a snow day every day! This is what comes from having 9 snow days this year. St. Louis is cold and snowy all the time. The temperature seems to rarely go above 20 degrees. It's like a South Dakota winter. The novelty of snow has long since faded away for the Barney kiddos. They have yet to go play in the latest snowfall. I don't mind it. I love staying home and making soup and homemade bread and snuggling in my warm bed. It's very cozy.

Annalisa is busy making valentines and even kissed the one she plans to give to a certain boy at preschool- three times. Trevor is bemoaning the fact that middle schoolers don't exchange valentines and that there will be no candy haul this year.

Piano lessons keep me busy. I'm up to ten counting my three boys. I love my calling as the primary chorister and I do my best to keep those kids on their toes. Music time should be fun! It takes a lot of planning. Lately it seems I am always planning. But it's worth it when I hear an older boy insist there is time for one more song before the closing prayer and another child say that their favorite song is one of the ones I taught her. Awesome.

It's great having a new baby nephew. He is so fun to hold and so dang cute. Max is very loved.

 Anna at preschool-

Anna is not sure she likes "Stone Soup."

Rain clouds in a jar

Oobleck!

Mixing colors in shaving cream

She made herself some whiskers- with permanent marker...

I guess I had more to say then I thought I did! Have a great week everybody!