Boston Photos

Thursday afternoon we headed to Fenway Park for a tour. We stopped by the Yawkey Way Store to get some gifts for family and friends.

The Fenway Park Press Box

View from the press box

Green wall for the Green Monster directions

View from the Green Monster

Original wood seats, in process of being replaced.

T - Greenline

Horrible idea, Dunkin's Donuts and Osaka Sushi Express in same space

Corinne on the Duck Boat Tour as we are getting in the Charles River

Self portrait via some building

Boston Time.

We are having a great time in Boston and will update photographs when we get home.

Barnett Fall Photos

Jim Meyer and his wife, Deb, met us at IMA a couple of weeks ago and took our Fall Family Photos. I think they turned out great, as usual!

I think she could be a runway model. She is so beautiful!

Sisterly love!

Love this photo, Chloe is the only one looking back!

Look at those 2 handsome men!

Love this one too! Harrison sees Chloe doing this alot! Poor Chloe, she tried her hardest to swing him up!

Thank you Jim and Deb!!

More news from the Barnett household:

Jason and I celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary on October 23rd. We are going to Boston from the 21st-26th. Kids are staying here with family and friends. Hope it all goes well. I have never been to Boston and am really excited to go. We are staying at Jason's aunt's condo in Boston (no, she isn't going to be staying there too)!

I can't believe it has been 5 years!!!! I can't wait to spend so many more anniversarys with Jason! He is my soulmate!

Love,
Corinne

I Order Every Time!

New Work Truck!

Updated Photos

I have converted back to the Chevrolet Family for my new work truck. It is a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab, 5.3 L V8,Victory Red from Dan Young in Tipton, IN. I had the company logo put on the rear window today by Mobile Graphics and tomorrow I'm taking the family up to Runyan Truck Store to get my bedliner and rail caps put on.

Have Vette, Will Travel

This past weekend, my friend and most importantly-my insurance agent, thought it would be fun to take his Corvette and run it at an Autocross event at the Grissom Aeroplex. I must admit, it looks like fun and his Vette sounds great.




In case the embedded doesn't work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRo0YZ_HEtk

Where Do They Get It?

The other day, Corinne and I were standing around and Chloe came up to us.

With a smile on her face she said, "look, this is a happy face."

She then pointed to her eyes and sort of squinted or such and said, "this is the stink eye."

Our daughter gave us her version of the stink eye. I could not love her more.

It Won't Be Like This For Long

So I heard this song this morning on my way in to work. It brought not one but many tears to my eyes.... the song is by Darius Rucker. It is called "It Won't Be Like This For Long"

Chloe starts preschool in a week and a half. It amazes me how time flies by. You don't even realize it. I look at my life with Jason and realize we will be married for 5 years in October. Even though Chloe wasn't a "planned" birth, I wouldn't change how quickly she came into our life and marriage. Jason and I have grown so much in the past 4 years. My love for him grows more and more...


Jason, this song is for you... Remember, Chloe won't be this little for long... I am sure in a few years, she will not want to snuggle or hold our hands. We need to cherish these moments.


Love you!


He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all night
Layin’ there in bed listenin’
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It's gonna be OK


It won’t be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laughin’
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
‘Cause it won't be like this for long


Four years later ‘bout 4:30
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This’ll only last a week or two


It won’t be like this for long
One day soon you'll drop her off
And she won’t even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It won’t be like this for long


Some day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times he'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle
And he'll raise her veil
But right now she's up and cryin’
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
‘Til her eyes are finally closed
And just watchin’ her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows


It won’t be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by
So, he's tryin’ to hold on
‘Cause it won’t be like this for long
It won’t be like this for long

Summer Photo Update

Chloe watching Mason's football practice, trying to be Sandra Dee

A game of chase
Mmm, popsicle drool

Cutie.

Yup, braces here I come.

It's not NASCAR without a Confederate Boobie Holder!

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Killer looking ride!

Artsy trying shot.

Brickyard 400 Pace Car - That is a paint job, not decals!

Mason's driver #17 Matt Kenseth

Up and close.

Water play in the back yard

Slip N Slide fun

I'll fit in the bucket.

Something to cool me down

The cup is half full

U.S. Golf Academy

For the next three days I am up in Plymouth, IN at the U.S. Golf Academy. This was a gift to me from our company for my 15 years of hard dedicated service! The day started out with three hours of lessons, then to lunch. After lunch I played on the Silver course 18 holes. I then had a light dinner and headed back out onto the Black course. I got through 10 more holes and then it just started to pour. I figured 29 holes on the first day was good and I didn't need to get soaked.

Hopefully tomorrow I will remember to take my camera with me and get some photographs of everything to be posted. Tomorrow will be lessons again and then more golf.

It is odd being up here by myself, I miss the family. The first 18 holes I played I had no one in front of me or behind me, I literally saw maybe 4 people the entire time. A little lonely but good to help focus on what I was doing.

Will update more as it goes!

Hot Air Balloon

Not that I want to copy our friends, The Swart Family, though I have to. A week or so ago we were out driving and noticed two hot air balloons getting rather low. The first one was the one in Swart's photos, we didn't follow that one, though were able to chase down another.

The photos are out of order because blogger is not allowing me to move them as I like...sorry.

Chloe Turned 4!

Chloe is 4! I can't believe it. I am a little late getting this post up here, but I have been busy. Chloe had a princess birthday party. Chloe dressed up as Cinderella and her friends came dressed up also. Carter was the knight who protected all the ladies! (photos will be posted soon!) Chloe received so many wonderful presents. She loves them all and plays with them all, but the one present, that still brings tears to my eyes, is her big girl bike. She continually tells us this is her favorite birthday present (words that melt my heart). She has to ride it everyday. She has to ride it from the door going out into the garage to the end of the garage to get to the car. Then when we get home, she has to ride it from the garage to the door. It is hilarious.... she has to show everyone her bike, even people she sees on a daily basis, like our next door neighbors... sorry Oilers!

There were a lot of changes that came around when she turned 4! She is no longer napping, but will lay down on the couch and relax while Harrison is sleeping. If she falls asleep, we let her sleep. She is also no longer able to take her milk upstairs, she has to drink it downstairs before she goes to sleep. That happened for the first time last night. She fought tooth and nail to try to get us to give in, but Jason and I held our ground and she fell asleep with her thumb in her mouth and finger in her belly button (yes, she still does that). She came in to our bed at 7 this morning, which was fine because I needed to get up and get ready for work.

She is very verbal and will tell you how it is. She is helping alot more with Harrison. If she is upset, she will go over to Harrison and try to hug him (although he just stands there with his arms down at his sides with his eyes looking at us stating, "Seriously, what the hell is going on? Save me please!). If he is upset, she will go over and hug him too, unless she is the one that made him upset.... then it is a different ball game.

She still loves swimming and we go often to our neighborhood pool. She only has 4 weeks left in her swimming program now and then she will start gymnastics. Both kids are getting a little burned out on the swimming... they have both been doing it since November.... every week.

She loves to help cook and bake. Cracking eggs is NOT her specialty. She can write her name all by herself, recite her address and even say the "Pledge of Allegiance" (yeah, Jason and I had no idea she knew that?!?!?!) She is going back to pre-school for 3 days a week and probably attending Lunch Bunch also. She is getting so big.... she is growing up so fast. She amazes me every single day with her intelligence and her charisma. She is very outgoing. She is memorizing songs, her favorite one right now is "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She knows the entire chorus.... she is just like me.

I love you Chloe more than my own life. I couldn't imagine my life without you, or Jason or Harrison for that matter. Jason, thank you for helping me raise such wonderful children. I love you more and more each day.

Love,
Chloe and Harrison's mommy, Corinne (in case you didn't already know)

Thank You All

I would like to thank everyone for making this a wonderful birthday! The day started off with breakfast at our house for about 14 people. After visiting for a bit, some headed to Dave & Busters for some arcade fun and good food. That place can be addictive. We then returned home to have a cookout for about 30 people including the little kiddos. Good times with friends and family, who could ask for more on their birthday? I am exhausted and about to crash. Until next year...

Slackers Are Us

My God, we have become one of those families. A family who has neglected those they love by not updating the blog, a family who has probably been spending too much time on Facebook detracting them away from their blog.

All that will change, at least for this week as we are all off of work to enjoy spending time with family and friends. We are all doing well, the kids are great...and pills all at the same time.

I am drawing a blank as to what I should write about what has gone on during the past month with the exception of I went to see Judas Priest last night with my friend Becca. Being a true fan, I am not going to lie and say it was the greatest or best concert I have ever been to as it was not. It was good and I am glad that I got to go. It was great to see them in such a small venue, about 2,400 seats versus a large 10,000+ stadium setting. We were 16 rows back and had great views all over...at least I did since I'm tall, Becca had some blocked views here and there. The band played about 17 songs which included the entire British Steel album.

Loud was the word for the night. They definitely still can play, Rob definitely can still sing and belt out the notes. You could tell this was their first show, some portions just didn't seem to flow here or there. That being said, there were some songs that just rocked out and hit on all cylinders.

The crowd was a typical rock band crowd, a mixture of freaky militia types with older women trying to look like they are in their 20's, with guys who are bald on top though still have hair down the middle of their backs, with drunks who don't care what show their seeing and then the regular fans.

The Murat

Becca
The curtain.

The band

The Metal God Himself.

Glen Tipton

The crowd and stage

Rockin on

Nostrodomus backdrop

More rockin

Harley ridden out for encore - Freewheel Burning

Rockin

Bunch of old dudes saying goodbye.

A Little Update

It has been a busy few weeks. We went to the Melting Pot to celebrate Alyssa's 30th Birthday. Six more years and Brandon gets to trade her in for two 18-year-olds!!

Birthday Girl and B

Todd and Jennifer
Chris and Amy
Chloe got more Princess clothes and a new Princess Barbie for being good.

Cutie.

Chloe had a year end recital for her school. Four different groups got up and sang and did motions together for the first time and it went great. One unfortunate boy stood at the end of a row and cried the whole time, he tried though!

Alligator snaps.

Harrison hung out with Gamma during the performance.

Don't know if she's pointing or crushing some one's head...

Umm...not sure.

Papa and Harrison having cookies.

Harrison shoving more in.

Memorial weekend was great. On Sunday morning I cooked biscuits n gravy, bacon and eggs for fourteen people. Monday it started out raining, though broke in time for us to have a cookout and break in the new grill!

That's about it for now, take care!

An Unexpected Wonderful Evening

The other day Corinne told me that she had a date night planned for us for this evening. We took the little one's over to Jerry & Doreen's and then headed out. I was thinking we were headed for a dinner and movie night. As Corinne is driving, we went by the movie theater and restaurants I thought we may be going to. At this time I had no idea where we were going. Got on the interstate and kept going, at this point, I figured there was only one place that we would be headed to, Famous Dave's. This was a pleasant surprise as we have not been there in a while and the food is great. The corn bread is the best I have ever had, and I had three muffins while we were there!

We walk in and I hear Corinne say,"...party of 12.", we turn the corner and there are my family, and friend's/coworkers sitting at a big table. My father and family had organized a surprise party for me because next month is my 15 year anniversary with our company. It is hard for me to believe 15 years have passed already.

We all had a great dinner, great food and great conversations. Once dinner died down I started to received some cards, gifts and more. I received an awesome plaque acknowledging my 15 years with the company. I received a certificate stating I was a shareholder in our company. I received a gift certificate for a Premier Golf Instruction Package, 3 nights at the US Golf Academy in Plymouth, IN with 1 on 1 instruction from a PGA Instructor - can't wait to get that scheduled. I received some golf balls, tees and two new shirts.

The last item I received was a desk nameplate with my name, our company logo and the word "President". I have been promoted to the President of our company, my father is the C.E.O. My father has been wanting to step down and semi-retire for many years and it seems that time has come. This not only means more relaxation time for him, it means that he has the confidence in myself and my abilities to keep the company running. For this I am very honored.

I want to thank everyone for celebrating this event with me and giving me one of the best surprise parties I have ever had.

New Family Photographs!

The other weekend we headed to Cool Creek Park to have our friends Jim and Debbie of Meyer Photography take some family photographs. They all turned out great, though I am biased!

An Impromptu Park Visit

This evening after dinner, we drove through a park where we will be getting our pictures taken tomorrow by our friend Jim. Once Chloe saw the playset, we were bound to be there for a few.

The tall slide.

Look at my pearly whites!

Chloe showing Harrison the path through the tunnel.
This tunnel has a rise in it, he kept sliding backwards.

Top of the rise, had to switch positions...

Sit down in the tunnel to...

Slide down the other side!

Fun times.
The second tunnel was no sweat.

Turning $90 into $1,100 In 5 Years

Last Sunday mom was doing some laundry and I noticed the machine sounded louder. Then during the high spin cycle, there were loud clunks and clanks and the machine stopped. We have the Whirlpool Duets. I opened it up and noticed the drum was able to just be freely moved around, not good.

We purchased the matched pair June 27, 2004 from H.H. Gregg and spent $90 on each unit for an extended 5-Year warranty. On Monday I called to have a service tech come out...on Thursday. He came out, opened the door, spun the drum and said, "You'll be glad you bought the extended warranty, it is about to pay for itself."

Basically the piece that holds the drum and makes it spin has corroded and broken, partially due to using non-HE (high efficiency) detergent. When we bought the units, we were told we could use regular detergent, just less of it. Not so much anymore. With front load units they advise you now to use HE detergent which has less suds. I did a google search and found this video that is similar to our situation:



I was advised that the entire drum assembly and spider arm had to be replaced. Parts and labor on this are about $1,100. I told him that if I did not have the warranty I would through it away and buy a new unit for less than that.

We are now waiting for the replacement parts to be shipped to our house, then I have to call and schedule a repair date for two guys to come out and fix it.

We are very glad this happened now and not two months from now when our warranty would be out. I'll update with some photos when it is taken apart.

The Years Of Tugging, Pushing And Pulling Are Here.

Yes, Harrison has found his penis.

Days Two and Three

Some photos from our fun times.

The big splash.
Interior of the water park.

The staircase to all the big slides, the roller coaster ones, the family one and the toilet bowl one.

Chloe going down one of the smallest slides.
Dry-off time after swimming.Fun times at the arcade, a small carousel. Chloe and Harrison on the bear in the lobby.
Story time.

Great Wolf Lodge - Day One:

We made the trip over, Corinne & Alyssa stood in line, me and Brandon made MULTIPLE trips from the vans up to the room to bring all of our stuff up.

The day started with a photo op before we even went inside the building.

While the grown ups were organizing the room, Harrison was looking around and found the tissues in one of the buildings, what fun we had.

We spent many hours at the water park, though we forgot to take the camera. So moving on...to story time at the grand lobby clock thingy. Evidently this is a popular thing as the place was swamped before we even got there.

Harrison decided he didn't want to sit on the floor so he went out and found a more comfortable place to hang out for a while.

More will come...

Chloe's Haircut

Today, Chloe decided she wanted a new haircut... so she got the scissors and cut her hair. Don't worry, she used her child's safe scissors.... no need to call CPS on me.

She cut her some bangs....

she did a little layering....

she attempted to get the right side to even out the left side...

she really did a number to it.... Mommy wept... ALOT! I found the hair.

It was sitting next to the couch on the register - hidden!

Half a baggie full... She went down for a nap.

I called our normal hairdresser - it is Saturday, her day off.

Then I remember Stephanie O'Hara! She had an opening at 4!!

So off we went... and this is how she looks now!

She will have to have the barrette there for a long time.. she cut her bangs REALLY short. Like so short it makes the little hair on top of it stick STRAIGHT up!

Thank you Steph! You did a great job!

Oh yeah, did I forget to mention tomorrow we are going on vacation! So this couldn't wait until we got back!

Didn't Even Make It Two Years.

In these tough times, tough decisions must be made. Tough decisions that disregard the wants and focus on the needs. Our family needs this at this time and we will work upon our wants when times can get better. We appreciate everyone's support and will update you as we can.

Want A Kick Ass Mustang?

2008 Roush 427R Mustang For Sale

Roushcharged 435hp / 400lb-ft

Low Mileage

Clean and ready to cruise the streets!

My Welcoming Committee

Some days I just don't know what I'm going to run into on a fire scene. Today I was out in the country and as I pulled in, I had two large dogs barking and jumping all over my truck. I have a job to do, no one was around, so I got out. Luckily they realized I was Alpha Male and they were just a couple of Big Sweeties!

OMG!!!!

Tonight I was giving Chloe a bath... we got her all clean and smelling so good (I love the way kids smell when they get out of the bath and put baby lotion on). She always likes to play after getting cleaned. Her new favorite thing to do is lay on her back with her ears in the water. So she is laying back and I was just sitting on the potty waiting for her to get done. Then, this is the conversation that came as she was laying there:

Chloe: "Mommy, I have a beaver."
Mommy: "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
Chloe: "I have a beaver."
Mommy: "You what?"
Chloe: (as she is grabbing her washcloth and folding it in half and then half again, then proceeds to lay back and place the washcloth on her forehead) "I said, I have a BEAVER!" (She said it a lot louder that time because I may be going deaf)
Mommy: "No Chloe, you have a fever."
Chloe: "That's what I said, beaver."
Mommy: "f-f-f-f-e-v-e-r"
Chloe: "Oh"

I told Jason after I got downstairs and was hiding my laughter. He started laughing and then said he was worried and needed to know who he was going to beat up.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the joys of having a toddler.
Chloe is freakin hilarious! Just when I need a great laugh, she comes up with something for me.

Love you Chloe!
Mommy

Hang In There

Well, I'm only 50% in the Sweet Sixteen. Yeah, definitely my first time.

Update on Harrison

Harrison had his 15 month dr appt last Friday. She stated he is doing very well. She couldn't believe he could say all the words he says (sissy, Chloe, Kya, kaka, dada, mama, nana, apple, applesauce, gamma (yes mom you read that right - he has said gamma), milk, and paci) just to name a few. He even has 2 word sentences that are said often in our household with Harrison, "sit down, go bye bye and so big". He is able to go up and down the stairs all by himself and LOVES to play outside.

Stats:

weight -- 25 lbs 12 ozs

height -- 32 1/4 inches tall

He is built just like his daddy. He has a long torso. He could easily fit into 24 month shirts, but can still squeeze into a pair of 12 month jeans. He is so laid back (once again, just like his father).

We have been to the zoo 2 times recently. This day it was beautiful and warm out. The other day it was 30 degrees. In 2 weeks, we are taking the kids to Great Wolf Lodge. They don't know yet. We are going to see how well the swimming lessons are paying off. Both kids are doing great with swimming. Chloe can swim all over the pool with her water belt on. Harrison doesn't mind at all being dunked over and over and over again. They both love to jump in the water. I can't wait for this summer. I have a feeling we are going to be at the pool alot.

That's all for now.

Much love from Harrison and Chloe

It Feels Like The First Time!

I am a Bracket-Virgin, I mean I was...That cherry has popped! For the first time, I donated my five bucks and filled out a bracket. I know jack-shit about baseball, though it should be fun. I picked Gonzaga to go through to my Final Four just because I like to say Gon-za-ga. I'll keep you updated as my mostly looses come through.

One Reason I Love My Mom And Lyman

Back in Jr. & Sr. High School Lyman and I hung out alot. Being the guys we are, we ate alot too. Lyman would have a knack of getting in line with me, pull out his wallet which was empty, and turn to me and say something like, "Can you cover me?" or "I'll get you back" or "You got me?" or "I thought I had money". And off we would go.

Tonight we were all in the back yard and mom suggested a place to eat, I mentioned one that Corinne had just suggested which sounded good too. The five of us went to the restaurant and as we're walking in, mom looks to me and asks, "Am I paying?"

"Well sure," I replied. "That's a nice thing to offer."

Mom said, "I wasn't planning on it, I didn't bring my purse."

And off we went.