Latest Posts

Introducing the newest Barela.

Published by Aubrey

We have a new member in our family. No, I am not pregnant. Just thought I’d say it because I know you are probably thinking it. Not a baby but a puppy! We were supposed to pick him up next week once we returned from Colorado but plans changed and he decided to make an early arrival. He is a 7 week old weimaraner and is proudly being taken care of by the kids until Brian and I return from our conference. So now Grandma and Pa are not only taking care of our 3 kiddos but also our new puppy. Yes, they are rockstars! His name is Obie named after Obi Wan Kenobi from Star Wars. Guess who named him? Luckily Brian and I agreed that this name would fit.

We talked to the kids yesterday right after they got him and they were so happy, proud and hilarious! Here are some of the funny things they said…

Mason– “Don’t worry Obie this is Grandma. She is not a monster but very nice and she will help take care of you.”

Theia– Said with much enthusiasm -“Obie went poop outside and when the poop dries I’m going to put on gloves and pick it up!”  Awesome. I hope this excitement continues to be the the pooper scooper.

Kaia– “He’s really cute. He’s grey and soft but he smells pretty awful.”

We can’t wait to see the kids and to meet Obie next week.

Bring on the chaos of adding a puppy to the mix!

 

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life in the circus.

Published by Aubrey


there is a weird theme weaving throughout my life right now.

the circus.

this week the kids are in VBS at our church and i’m volunteering in the girls’ classroom. the theme? “under the big top” it’s all about the circus. and let me tell you with hundreds of kids it’s crazy like the circus.

also this week i picked up a book from the library my friend mentioned to me “water for elephants” by sara gruen. (once again trying to read more) guess what it’s about? the circus.

and ironically enough i feel like our life has been a little like the circus lately. lot’s of coming and going. people in and out of town and our home, including ourselves. the kids are out of their normal routines and have at times being acting like circus animals. and i at times could be labeled as crazy as a clown. there are many different “acts” going on at once. i feel like i’m juggling a lot of balls. really just hoping and praying i keep it going a couple more weeks until things hopefully slow down a bit.

one of the hardest things for me to keep going when we are out of our normal routine is my quiet time in the morning. it is my source of strength and sanity. but when it is not first, not “center stage” if you will the balls come falling on head and quickly bring me to my knees. no other acts can go on if i don’t have Him.

part of me likes the circus life. i thrive on short periods of controlled chaos. i soak it in as a season of life to make great memories and more importantly draw closer to Him and who He wants me to be in and out of crazy times.

so here is to life in the circus! trying to live it up!

 

Swimming.

Published by Aubrey

Swimming Pool
Have you ever felt like you were just swimming through the many thoughts in your head? Whether big or small, heavy or light my mind can just get cluttered with a little bit of everything. This results in not being productive, indecisiveness and feeling distant with the present. Let alone the lack of energy because my mind is working constantly working on sorting all “this stuff” out. It’s no wonder I that when I feel like I’m swimming through my thoughts and feeling overwhelmed my time spent with the One who wants to take these burdens from me hasn’t been happening. Yes, they do go hand in hand. In my time spent this morning I read this and was reassured.

God is the fullness of all security and mystery. He meets all our emotional needs as well as our mental needs.

And with that I breathed a sigh a of relief. I may not be able to handle it but He can. He wants to take these burdens from me and he can more than handle it, whatever it is. I may not know the what, when and how but I do know He will. It’s another practice of walking by faith and not by sight.

So my prayer is that the only swimming I’ll be doing is in the actual swimming pool…not my head.




a wonderful week ahead!

Published by Aubrey

Big brotherSisters

we are off to ohio this week.

we are looking forward to lots of hugs from family and friends. seeing familiar faces that know us well. some good cousin time and maybe even a sleepover!

we are looking forward to a cookout celebrating the special dads in our family. we are so blessed to have several!

watching the kids run around outside and be reunited to what was “our” home for 8 months.

extra hands to help the kiddos to give my hands a little break. some extra time to sit.

i am looking forward to some long runs on familiar country roads, driving around in a town i know all too well, sitting in my mom and dad’s kitchen, a girls night with some of my bests and maybe even a little date night with mr. barela!

Yes! It is sure to be a wonderful week!

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Published by Aubrey

how are dresses made?

what is a car made of?

do kangaroos bite?

what is a magical door made of?

how is that building over there made?

how do flowers grow?

what are bike tires made of?

what is the hottest desert on earth?

what birds live in the rainforest?

These are just some of the questions I get to answer on a day to day basis. Their minds are working…and so is mine!

my girls.

Published by Aubrey

Protesting a walk on the trail lol!This picture was taken after a fun family night of pizza and ice cream. We wanted to take a walk afterwards on the trail and enjoy the beautiful evening just a little longer. The girls were having nothing to do with it. They stood firm and held their ground. It was a frustrating moment. I’m so glad Brian caught it on film.

As much as my girls smile and giggle, twirl and dance with joy and cover me with their kisses and hugs…I see these faces all too often. This picture really captures a day to day experience. These girls are strong willed and test their momma to no end at times. But I am reminded that with guidance, encouragement and much prayer on my part I can direct these little independent souls to do great things! They will be leaders among their classmates and friends. They will be the ones that others will look to as a source of strength and dependence. They will be the ones who won’t be persuaded into making choices that aren’t right. They will stand their ground for what is honoring and pleasing to the Lord. They will choose to walk the narrow path when others aren’t.They will be a light among many.

These are things I pray over my girls. Along with much patience and wisdom for me as I fight to keep them heading in the right direction.

I remind myself in the midst of it all it is so worth it! They are worth it!

mr. confident.

Published by Aubrey

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This boy has more confidence than I probably ever will. We are only days into summer and we can officially say Mase can swim. He is going off the diving board at the water park. I casually mentioned it to him that he probably could go off the dive soon as stood and watched others go off. Minutes later after some silence (he’s only quiet when he is really thinking about something) he said “ok I’m ready!” And with that he stepped into line with people twice his size. Well, what’s a mom to do? I stood on the side of the pool and took off my flip flops just in case I had to make a quick rescue. I waited and watched and cheered as my brave little boy climbed up on the board with much determination. He ran full speed ahead and jumped right off with cannon ball! He popped up and doggy paddled over to me with a look I’ll never forget. He was so proud of himself and I think a little amazed too. I hugged and cheered for him like he just did the most fantastic thing ever! And in his world he did! I was so proud of him.

Since then he has gone off numerous times and has added bigger jumps and twists to his list of tricks. He’s contemplating a flip. Be still my heart.

Truth is he isn’t so much my little boy anymore. Two months from today he will start kindergarten. And a couple weeks after that he will be 6. I love who God is molding Mason into be. Each day I am just in awe of what a gift he is. He is one special dude.

flowers forever.

Published by Aubrey

Fabric flowers I made last night. So easy!

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I did a quick easy project last night while me and Mr. Barela were watching the Bachelorette. Yes, we watch the Bachelorette and Brian is in to it just as much as me if not more! We have a great time analyzing each character. Brian is usually spot on! So while we were watching this drama, good for nothing show I made fabric flowers I found on Pinterest. I followed this tutorial and by the end of the show I had 8 unique flowers that will last forever. I bought the dowel rods at the craft store for super cheap and had my neighbor who owns every tool cut them for me. I then solicited the free help of the cutest 3 year olds to paint the sticks. I used fabric scraps of all sorts to make the flowers. This is a great for using up all those fabric scraps you have stuffed everywhere. (maybe that’s just me!) The tutorial does a great job explaining how to make the flowers. Really you are just scrunching the fabric up and gluing. For some of the flowers I added a button, contrasting fabric or bead to the center of the flower. Here is a close up of the flowers.
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Wouldn’t this be a great, simple gift to give someone with a cute card? Just a thought. For now they are filling empty jars and vases I have around the house. But don’t be surprised if you get one of these beauties from me someday!

Enjoy!

“Carmel life”

Published by Aubrey

Home is good.
One year ago this past week we left what we knew as normal and comfortable. What we knew as home. We watched our house be packed and loaded up and drove away in a huge moving truck with our car being towed behind it. We were left with some suitcases to live out of for the next week, one VERY LONG trip across country ahead of us….and a lot of sad good byes to do. My heart aches just thinking of it. That heart ache stayed with me for a long time and still comes back every now and then.  There are things and people that God put in my life that are so unique to Chico that can’t be replaced. Honestly, as much as I miss those things and certain people and places I don’t want to replace them. They are special in that time and place only. I hold on to those memories dearly. Our “Chico life” was finished and we were embarking on a very new and unknown adventure.

And we move forward.

Step by step.

We are slowly but surely building a new life here. And though it has been hard at times. Slower than I would like at times. We are really enjoying it. We have friends. Our kids have friends. We have a routine. I have running routes I like. We have our favorite parks and ice cream store. We have several Chipotles to choose from on Friday nights. We have a house we adore and feel safe and “at home” in. Neighbors that are friendly and helpful. We are finding the local coffee spots. Brian is home for dinner every night. We have family only 5 hours away and a part of our life in a new way. We have a church where people are starting to know us and miss us when we aren’t there. I don’t get majorly lost or confused on the numerous traffic circles I travel on daily and even have short cuts I use to dodge traffic.

So many of our questions one year ago have been answered.

It is good.

We are thankful.

He is faithful.

Our “Carmel life” is taking shape.