Lemon List

Here is a fun list of things to do when life gives you lemons:

1. Feel ripped off-cry out to the heavens and scream "Why Me?"
2. Compare yourself-nobody else has to deal with this
3. Sit with it-Ponder upon these lemons
4. Find Faith-sometimes you have to dig deep depending on the lemon
5. Re-look at the lemons, examine them, admire them, smell them, maybe taste them. 
6. Accept them-It is your reaction to the lemons not the lemon itself that will determine your future. 
7. Get to work-SERVE
8. Clean with them-you can help others that may have the same lemon maybe. 
9. Clean yourself with them-lemons can change us for the better
10. Appreciate them for what they are-I would rather have my own lemons than someone elses. 
11. Share them-you are not alone

Fringe

I haven't had bangs, or fringe as my boss calls them (is that the new thing or just him), since I was really little. I was told I had a tall forehead and should have bangs but I had a cow-lick so they never really worked with me. I guess a girl can grow out of cow-licks. LOL 

So I have been plotting these bangs for well over a season and looked at a few different pics of how I wanted to take this. Check out my pinterest page for a few samples, oh yeah I joined that bandwagon, crazy right. I was thrilled when I got them, then not so sure. It took a few days of styling to really appreciate them. Now I love them. I can wear them on the side, my preference, or in the middle. I want them to be a tad longer to really work with them. It is a nice change to the same old same old. 

Memorial Day BBQ

My family had a little shin dig BBQ the afternoon of Memorial Day. My parents pool opened so everyone came over to swim, then play games, then eat. It was so much fun. The weather was perfect, the food was so good, and we all had a good old time. 

My Mom had to get a pics of the grand-kids. I accidentally turned it into a motion picture on Google+, called auto awesome. The kids were hilarious. I told them to make funny faces and do crazy things and some of them pretended to eat Roan. 

 Roan advanced to the kid table. His cousins were so nice and helpful. :)

These next few pics weren't taken on Memorial Day but I am tagging them on here anyway. 

Roan at the play place at the University Mall

He loves going down the slide and can do so all by himself. He also loves cauliflower and cucumbers, random side note. 

 

Helping grandpa with watering some plants. 

 

 

This little boy is becoming not so little anymore. SIGH...time to have another one...just kidding...sorta. ;)

Splash Pad

Roan went to his first splash pad today. It took him a while to warm up to it. And even after that he really only played in it for 20 minutes. The rest of the time he cuddled with me. We are going to keep visiting these and pretty soon he will be jumping in and cry when it is time to go home. 

 We met up with some of our good California friends. 

Roan and Shye's conversation may have went like this....

So umn....I guess our Mom's want us to splash around and stuff...

 I guess so...

Hey, I like your shirt.

 You want to pull my finger...

 Ha Ha.

You are pretty funny. 

Oh yeah, well I think you are pretty. 

Okay so maybe it didn't go exactly like that. 

But there was some chatter between the two of them while on that rock.

Shawna and Shye

After the kids dried off from the pad the romance continued on the slide. :) 

We had a blast soaking up the sun and playing with our friends. 

Giveaway Winner

Thank you all who participated in my giveaway. You are all winners for helping spread the word for this good cause.  I put everyone's name in a hat, shook it, and then drew one name. 

Drum Roll.....

And the Winner is...

Marly Christensen

 Please email or text me by Wednesday, May 29 to claim your gift card and dozen greeting cards. If I do not hear from you by then then I will draw another name. 

Happy Girl

Happy Friday! So as promised I am going to share some of my notes from my cool Relief Society activity. 

Let me tell you a secret. Lately I have been at a loss when it comes to blogging. I even Googled, "What do I blog about?" Sounds lame. I have just felt so boring on here. All I talk about is Roan and food or nothing. I want this blog to be a little more than that, like me. :) SO I have been considering starting a "Positive Post" of the week. One thing that I feel sets me apart is my joy and optimism  And I want to share my secrets with you on how I try to live that way. SO after much thought and then this Relief Society activity I decided it was a good idea to get this ball rolling. So here is your first post and it will contain my secret.....

here it is....

I don't know 

LOL I am still figuring all this out so let's do it together. Starting with some good notes that I took on some things I try to live by.

How to be positive in a tough life

1. Learn to Laugh

It has been said that laughter is music to the soul. When I am in a rut I try to laugh at myself or find a joke. It makes the situation not seem as bad as it really is. Laughter lifts yours spirits and can be contagious. It is also good for your health. I have seen Patch Adams so I know this to be true. :)

2. Spring into Fitness

Now when I say fitness I don't mean hard cord Amber Brueseke constant fitness guru (love you girl, you are my inspiration). I mean any kind of fitness. When I am sad or stressed I go on a walk around the block. When I am angry and cooking I use the cans of food as weights and do 1-2 set to blow off steam. True story. I do love to workout and have found that when I do I am happier, especially when I work out with a friend. But I think any fitness level can go a long way and maybe even build into something. 

3. Stand Up to Service

I think the hardest times to volunteer for service is when I am going through some crazy stuff. Over the years I have learned that I will always be going through something. The times I look past it to serve and don't use it as an excuse are the times it is easier to handle. This week started out really tough. I wanted to ask for help but also didn't because I wanted that help to just be there as a sign I was loved and looked after. Finally when things got bad enough I cried out for help. A friend, who coincidentally was thinking about me a few days prior to my cry, offered to video chat. We did and it was great. In the conversation we talked about "bearing each others burdens"  and how we are all going through something and we shouldn't let that keep us from helping each other. I think when we help each other along it helps us forget our problem and makes us feel good, but more importantly confirms that we are not alone and don't have to live alone. Service can be as big as making a meal, going to the temple, or babysitting, and as small as a hug, phone call, or text. 

So suck it up and do it!

4. Trust in the Lord

There are challenges that seem or are never ending. Even when they seem so tough and impossible we need to try and practice faith and trust in the Lord. He knows what is going on and always has our back, even when it doesn't feel like it He is there getting us ready for the right time, thing, place. The Sister who shared these points with us shared this story that I will paraphrase for you. She had been living with nasal health problems since she was a kid. There seemed to be no end in site during this tough issue that effect other aspects of her life. Many times she did not believe that she would get well. She had seen many doctors and was ready to call it quits and just limit her life. Then in a priesthood blessing she was encouraged to continue to press forward in faith and was told that the Lord had a plan. Shortly after she finally found a doctor across the country that was studying and testing a cure for her specific disease. She joined his new study and through that was able to heal not only the one nasal problem but the other issues she was having. 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths. 

~Proverbs 3:5-6

I know that when we trust in his will for us we are comforted and directed. Many times I moved forward or acted from promptings or just moved because it was all I could do without know what was going to become of something. Then down the road I realized I was being prepared for something better or in a happier place because of those experiences. Little did I know and I still relearn that His hand is in everything. 

Does that make sense?

Okay so there is your first Positive Post. Now go out there and be happy. 

Here is a fun song I heard for the first time this week that brightened up my day. 

Emme's Yard Sale

We are throwing a huge yard/craft/bake sale to raise money for my cousin, below is the flyer. 

She was recently diagnosed with late stages of Lyme Disease. She has been battling bad health for many years now. NOW they have determined what is wrong and NOW we need your help so Emme can continue to live her life with the best quality and share her talents and have a family and all the buttons and whistles to come. The treatment is not covered by insurance. She is awesome and so upbeat and positive throughout her entire ordeal. Please Please Please consider donating. Please Please Please tell your friends, families, cousin's uncles roommates sister about this.

THANK YOU

OH AND PLEASE CHECK OUT MY GIVEAWAY ON HER BEHALF. ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!

Life Has Lemons

Last night, at my Relief Society activity, the theme was Life Has Lemons. We had three amazing ladies in our ward speak to us about some of their lemons and how they have handled them and got closer to God through those lemons. It was an amazingly uplifting evening. I took notes and cried. We all have lemons, ALL of us. But we can still be happy and find joy in this tough journey. I have some dear  friends that are dealing with some tough lemons right now. I thought of them last night and wished they were their beside me so they could feel uplifted too. I will be sharing my notes over the next few posts. The evening ended with this video. By the end I was bawling my eyes out. Please enjoy!



Just a friendly reminder about my giveaway post. There is only one week left. I still have only 2 people entered. Seriously this could not be any easier. so please advertise and increase your chances to win. If you have already advertised the post and or link then let me know so I can put your name in the drawing.

Active Boy

 Roan has been SUPER active lately. If we let him, I bet he would live outside ALL the time. We try to get some play time outside for a few hours a day and every time it is time to come in he cries.

 Contemplating were he will run to next. 

 Taking a breather

 He seems to be all healed up from his fracture and is really into running and playing and climbing. He especially loves to climb over Lars. It is so much fun to watch them play, they have their own little games that is theirs and theirs alone. 

May The 4th Be With You

We missed our friends, the Christensen's, so much during that weekend. 

 Thankfully we left some room in the pictures to photo shop the boys in wearing their Star Wars shirts. 

 No send us your pictures so we can get right on that. 

Mother's Day

My first real Mother's Day!

My Second Mother's Day

 Classic pose for us until he gets too big for it. At the rate he is going our roles in this pose may be reversed. 

My Mom on Mother's Day (with my Dad)

These days I am learning more and more things she has and still does for me. 

I love my Mom so much. 

I love being a Mom so so much. 

I love all the women out there who have been my "Moms" throughout all my life. They have encouraged, loved, and inspired me without evening knowing. 

Thank you and Happy Mother's Day!

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=25086690&nid=1017&title=have-you-seen-this-moms-are-awesome&fm=home_page&s_cid=featured-5

Help Emme and a Giveaway!

So my cousin-in-law, friend, and talented musician Emme Packer Koons has been unable to share her great talents and live life to its fullest for a while now due to medical issues. She's in need of some costly treatments and is looking for help to get them.

Please check out the linked project and open your hearts to help her out.

http://igg.me/at/emmepacker/x/3194881

Even if you cannot donate please share this link and get the word out. 

To entice you I am having a giveaway!!

Here is how it work. 

Share the link on your facebook, twitter, etc and your name gets entered into the drawing once
(one entry per day). 

Share the link on your blog and your names gets entered into the drawing twice. (one entry per day)

Donate $10 or more and your name gets entered into the drawing three times (one entry per day). 

Once you have donated or shared the link leave a comment below or email me at barlow.stephanie@gmail.com

The giveaway starts now and will run until Saturday May 25, 11:59 pm MST.

I will be giving away a $10 Sees Candy Gift Card 

And

A dozen handmade variety greeting cards by yours truly (valued at awesome). 

Here are a few samples:

Now go donate and spread the word and increase your chances to win!

Blast from the Past

If you have read this "History of Stephanie" in this blog then you may remember my two best friends growing up, Karin and Kristina. We are all old mature now and have kids and had careers and stuff like that. 

Let me tell you, we were quite the trio back then. Even though we now live across the country from each other we DO NOT miss a beat when together. 

Last week Karin was in town so naturally the three of us got together for a late night party at the hottest spot in town, Artic Circle on Lehi Main Street. I try and talk to these ladies on a monthly basis which is great. But getting together brings the fun to a whole new level. 

We spent hours reminiscing about good times from seminary, dances, girls camp, sleep overs, to Karin or Kristina's Uncle's noses falling off, and a High School picture of Karin's Dad I mistook for her Mom, and more. And then we talked about our kids and lives now. I love where we were together, where we have been since, and where we are going. I love that we can pick up where we left off and I love our friendship. 

That particular night I was having a rough time with a stupid visitor, Aunt Flow. TMI.

Our get together was just the pick me up I needed. I love you girls!

I found just a few of many pictures from my youth that I wanted to share. I would have gotten more but somebody, LARS, was in a hurry. Maybe one day I will go through and scan all my pictures. (oh ye of digital age have no idea what we had to do to get a picture back in the day). 

Please note that in my youth I was chubby, had braces at one point, crazy hair styles, and thick eye brows, but I was stunningly beautiful like I am today. 

 

I don't know the year this was taken, only that we were goofing off after a mutual activity

Kristina's Dad drove us around a lot, so we had to be at least 14-15 in these. 

 We dressed up for a dance or dinner at EFY 2000?

 Hanging out before early morning seminary

(Sister Raue in the back) I think we were 16is here. 

 Dressing up for a Youth Conference Dance at Alma College :)

 Helping Kris move to Utah :( Sad day for all. Also pictured is Rockford friend Stacey and Kris' little sister, Stephanie

Reunited in 2001 or 2002 in Utah. 

Kris already lived in Utah, Karin came out to go to BYU, and I moved to Utah. 

Here we are 2013!!!

I love this pic because it shows each of our personalities.

Kris was always the sly one with the bunny ears

Karin was always joking and laughing

and I thought I was so hotter than sliced bread

 Always having a good time.  

"The sun will set, the sun will rise, but through it all our friendship lies." ~Kristina 

Our little families. 

Homeowners=Us

SO we just bought a house!!

We closed on May 2nd. We will be moving into our home around the second week in June (until then it will be rented out to the previous owners for a month). If you want to come and strut your muscles or just help carry some boxes we would really appreciate it. Snacks and laughter are sure to be included. Info will be distributed as that date gets closer.

There are a few people I want to thank and tell you about. 

First, big BIG THANKS to Lars' Mom and my Mom and Dad and sister for watching after Roan during the every other night outs to look at houses or handle paperwork. We really appreciate it!

Second, Our Realtor, David Rock. Dave Rock has been used within my family since I was a wee wee little one. He helped sell my childhood home in West Valley, helped my parents find a house when they moved back, helped my Grandparents, and lots of other people we know. I always knew who he was because every year he would send my family a Christmas card and magnet that would stay on our fridge during the year. When we decided to buy a house there was no question who we were going to use. He has the knowledge and experience and we needed both. When we lived out of state we had a couple of a-okay Realtor's but none of them had a knowledge that Dave has. He is amazing and now mentors lots of to be Realtor's within his company. But seriously folks, Dave is not just another Realtor that will get you in/out of your house then leave and only reach out to you via Christmas card. He is your guy for the rest of your life. He has additional services that he provides for you free of charge forever. Like reviewing your county taxes each year to ensure you are getting the best deal and not paying unnecessary taxes and many many more awesome things. He also doesn't hide anything or sway you to his benefit  like other agents may do. He educates you through the process and figures out your wants and needs and makes it happen. Every time I have needed him I call and he answers, if he doesn't answer he calls me back within the hour. Plus he is super swell throughout the process and laughs at my silly jokes. When I got discouraged with the process he kept me optimistic with his encouragement. I can absolutely highly recommend Dave Rock to help you with any of your selling or buying needs. He covers the entire state of Utah so seriously...he is your guy...you won't be sorry. Below is his contact info:

David Rock

Happy Clients Since 1984

801.916.7625 call or text

Facebook me

Ulrich Realtors

Last, our Lender,  Allen Rowe. When we started the buying process we were going to go through our bank because they have been good to us with our car loans and have the lowest rates around. But when we got the counter offer asking for a shorter amount of time to get everything processed we knew that it wasn't going to happen through the bank because they needed 45-60 days and we had less than 30 days to get everything together. Our super awesome Realtor Dave Rock, contact info above, referred us to one of his contacts. Allen Rowe, not only did he come through for us on getting the loan process completed 2 weeks before the due date, he saved us money and because of him we were able to start out with equity in the home. He also got us the same rate that the banks were offering. Amazing guy who also educated us through the process and looked out for our best interest rather than just punching in numbers and choosing the best option that would profit him the most. His contact info is below: 

ALLEN ROWE

Branch Manager | NMLS #274049

801.942.6200 Direct

801.450.3362 Cell

801.942.7233 Fax

arowe@republicmortgage.com

6707 S. 1300 E. #200

Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Lars, Stephanie, Dave Rock, Allen Rowe, & Melinda Goodman (GT Title Services)

 

Both of these guys had the best customer service, which I am all about since I work in that industry. This really makes all the difference.  You might also be asking yourselves what I get if you tell the above guys that I sent you. Nothing but the pure joy that you will receive amazing service like I did. That and a free meal from Dave, but mostly that satisfaction and a peace of mind your needs are met. :) 

If you would like to know more please give me a call.

Let's CELEBRATE!!!!!!!