Banana Bars

This weekend is our Women's Conference at the church. Kyle will be at home with the kiddos, so I decided to make them a little treat while I am gone. This simple little Banana Bar is the perfect thing to start your morning off right or to snack on during the day. We eat a lot of bananas at our house, but occasionally we let them get too ripe. There's lots to do with a ripe banana. 

These bars are what we like to make with ours sometimes. 

They are super sweet and rich, so one bar can take you a long way. 

Click here to find the recipe. 

I hope you enjoy them. 

Have a great weekend!

Remember this weekend…

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

Remember God's AMAZING GRACE this weekend and every day. 

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!

Our Mom

Melissa's turning fifty.

Oh, yes she is indeed.

It's something she thought might not happen

if she did not succeed.

She's succeeded alright in lots of ways.

As a wife, mom, nurse, and grandmother, 

they've all numbered her days.

Mom cooks and cleans all days of the week.

She weigh watches and exercises, 

which makes her not weak.

She's raised four awesome children

whom everyone adores.

She's often asked the question,

"Why didn't you have more?".

They've all succeeded in more ways that you know.

One day they'll make money with their own reality show.

In case you're wondering about these four,

keep reading below and you'll learn more.

Amanda will call at the drop of a hat 

if her toe hurts, Konrad's fussy, or Mary Wesley says the word "cat." 

She's always driven her mom up the wall 

like thinking she's dying or needs a quick trip to the mall.

The truth is obvious as you can tell.

She's just like her mother and sometimes that's hell. 

Nash is the smart one.

He's always made mom proud.

Till he starts yelling how hot the car is and makes mom get loud.

He's had more spankings than the rest of us.

I guess that's why now he gets away without a cuss.

Garrett the "perfect" one, whom mom adores, 

always got away with watching TV and never doing chores. 

He's turned out quite crafty living out on the farm. 

I'd say mom likes what he creates and doesn't pay a leg or an arm.

Then there's Wesley-

Mom's favorite by far.

Thank goodness for Sheldon, who teaches him he'll have to work hard.

Wesley's sweet and gives mom affection galore, 

but grandchildren are starting to take over and love mom more.

When we all get together it's quite a treat, 

till Nash takes off his shoes and all we smell is feet.

It's no surprise on Christmas or Easter.

When the phone rings we all know, 

something's wrong with Ms. Peaster. 

The nursing home calls all the time.

For every time we get right, 

Mr. Lee promises us a dime. 

Mom's worked really hard to reach her career as a nurse.

I know she's enjoyed having a little money in her purse. 

Well then something happened-

and no it's not a curse-

Her grandchildren came and now there's no money left in the purse. 

She's been blessed with two grandchildren so far-

and made us quite certain that Konrad's the star. 

Bibby's her name and she'll go down in fame-

because spoiling them both rotten is her game. 

With all of this said

I guess you realize this is your gift.

However, we promise as you get older

we'll give you a lift.

Enjoy your weekend away from us all.

Marke sure when you get back you give us a call.

We'll all want to know if you liked your surprise.

It's waiting for you in the mountains.

"Relax" is a word from the wise!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Bibby!

We love you!

Here's some pictures of her party we had last weekend. It was a very small family party. That's what she wanted, so that's what she got. Lots of food, fun, and family…

Here's a few more pictures of Mom!

Every Day with the Barfields

Here's a look at our last seven days!

Happy Wednesday!

Day 50- He makes all things work together for our good. 

Everywhere you look there is something to remind you of how GREAT our God is. 

He is for us and not against us. He is our refuge.

 He created all things to glorify himself…even the beautiful sunsets. 

Day 51- I spent my day with these goof balls. These two are becoming the best of friends. Oh, we have our challenges before us…I know…I remember, but they will be so thankful for each other. I love watching Mary Wesley about jump up on her feet any time Konrad enters the room, and the look on Mary Wesley's face when Konrad actually speaks to her is priceless. 

Day 52- Kyle and I went on a date Friday night. We ate at Jim Shaws, shopped around in Macon, and then ended with coffee from Starbucks. We were so glad to get to spend time with each other. 

Day 53- Mac meet Konrad, and Konrad meet Mac. My friend from college and her family were in town, so we made a trip to Lanes to play and eat lunch. It was so good to see her, and finally let our little boys meet each other. 

Day 54- My brothers and I threw a little birthday party for my mom's 50th birthday. It was just family and small, but that's what Mom wanted. Check back tomorrow for Mom's birthday blog post. 

Day 55- Monday morning after Mary Wesley went down for a nap I baked cookies for Konrad's pre-school class. They had an "I love to ready party." Hopefully the children liked them. I love to cook, but I have got to work on my baking skills.

Day 56- We played outside before nap time yesterday. You can't tell, but Konrad is soaked from his knees down. He thought standing in the water bucket with his shoes and clothes on was a great idea. I have laundry up to my ears every single day, because apparently Konrad and Kyle like to change clothes at least three times a day!!!! 

I want to leave you with some lyrics to a song that all of you know…"This is My Father's World." Most of you have heard it a million times. I LOVE this song. We've had such beautiful weather lately, and this song just  keeps coming to mind. I don't really know why, but I guess it's because when i'm sitting on my porch and I hear the "rustling grass" all I can think about is how He really does speak to us. So, i'll leave you with this…

This is my Father's world:

he shines in all that's fair;

In the rustling grass

I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere. 

Are you listening for the voice of God? 

Take time and let him speak you. 

He is seeking you with all His might. 

Pray that God would help you hear Him, even if it's in the "rustling grass"! 

Weekend Review

We had a fun, busy weekend. Take a look at all the fun we had. 

On Friday, Mary Wesley was still recovering from being puny all week, so the day was full of playing outside and resting. 

Since we never really celebrated Valentine's Day, Kyle and I decided we should probably have a date night. We went to Jim Shaws to eat, did a little shopping at Rivercrossing,  and enjoyed some coffee Starbuck's. It was nice to get out of the house and have time together. (Thanks, Nana and Grandaddy!)

Ashley, my friend from college, and her sweet family were at the Ag Center all weekend at the pig shows. Her husband had some 4-H kids showing pigs. She told me about a month ago that they would be coming to town. I have been looking forward to spending time with her ever since. She has a son, Mac, who is a few months older than Konrad. I knew they would have fun together, so we made plans to see them while they were here. We decided to meet at Lanes for lunch on Saturday, so Mac and Konrad could play outside. They weather turned out perfect, and the boys had fun. It was so nice to catch up and see Ashley. We could go years without seeing each other and pick right back up where we left off. Friendships matter. I might not get to see Ashley as much as i'd like, but I am so thankful that our paths crossed, and we keep up with each other. 

Of course, neither of our boys would cooperate and smile, but you get the point. They both love tractors, and they don't like taking pictures. We can't wait to spend more time with them next time! 

After naps and a snack we headed back outside to enjoy the pretty weather. Mary Wesley is quite the "dog lover" around here…besides her Daddy. The dogs entertain her, and I have been taking advantage of this! It's to the point where I will put her in her high chair and let a dog in just so she can watch the dog while I try to cook supper. Hey, whatever works…right?!?! Stop laughing at me! 

The dogs enjoyed the weekend too! 

On Sunday we went to church and then celebrated my mom's birthday. You will have to check back Thursday to read her birthday post. I think most of you will find it hilarious! I'll post pictures too! 

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

Have a great week!

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Whatever you face this week…may you look to HIM for strength!
He loves you and is ALWAYS there for you! 

Small Post

We've been spending a lot of time at home this week. Mary Wesley has been a little under the weather, and I have too. Thank goodness the weather has been decent. We have spent a lot of time outside. 

Clearly Mary Wesley loves being outside. She has more dirt under her fingernails than Kyle and Konrad put together after being outside. Even when she is sick she still enjoys being outside. Her favorite is watching the dogs run around. She also likes to eat pine straw. Yum! She's growing like a weed, so I guess the pine straw is contributing to that. 

I hope you all have a great weekend. 

Next week is full of birthday goodness and the post for packing your littles. 

And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:28

Every Day with the Barfields

Every Day

Week 7

Well, it's been one of those weeks where i've just been trying to keep my head above water, but i'm a SURVIVOR. I am so sick of all the sick and the sick and the sick. I am about to rant…i apologize in advance. If your child is sick, or if you are sick, or if a sibling of your child is sick, or your husband is sick, or your aunt is sick, or your grandmother is sick…(you get the point)…Please do the rest of us people a favor and STAY AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it happens all the time. People "don't realize" their sick. But seriously, don't be selfish if you know you are about to spread germs. My mother was so kind to keep all three of us at home if one of us was sick when we were little. She didn't want others experiencing the misery she was experiencing at the time. Wasn't that sweet? 

Well, that's how we do things around our house too. 

Ok, i'm done with that. In other words, we've had a lovely little cold going around our house. 

(Trust me…I know it could be worse.)

Now that the ice is gone, we have been enjoying the beautiful weather. 

Here's a little peak at our past week. 

Day 43- Konrad and Mary Wesley are working on Konrad's Valentine's. Konrad is so sweet to Mary Wesley. He is working really hard on being a "big" brother! 

Day 44- It was another ice day around here. I bundled Mary Wesley up and took on the icy roads. She's a GAP baby for sure! 

Day 45- Happy Valentine's Day! :)

Day 46- If you haven't read this book, you need to read it. It's about motherhood, and it's hilarious. 

Day 47- This child cracks me up every.single.day! He is just so funny. He ate leftover spaghetti for lunch then demanded this "King Cone" that my dad brought him. He literally ate the whole thing…and loved it. After supper he said he was going to get another ice cream from "Buddy". I told him he had enough ice cream for the week. 

Happy Birthday to our Shelly!!!

Day 48- Yay! Daddy's home! Kyle and some wonderful chaperones took the youth skiing this past weekend. These two were SOOOOOOO excited to see their Daddy. (I was too.) 

Day 49- We're about to have a full blown crawler in our house. Konrad skipped the crawling stage, so I'm not all that sure what this stage will hold. It's exciting though! 

I've been a little behind on all everything I have to do this week, but I am trying really hard to stop and be thankful for every blessing. Motherhood is one of the biggest blessings in the whole world, and I LOVE it. Challenges come with it though. Like…sickness…I mean what happen to take a little tylenol then get on the couch and sleep all day…nope, not with children! 

However, I can stop and be thankful it's just a cold. We can get through this.

 Look for the blessing in it, Amanda. Stop being selfish, Amanda. 

We've been snuggling and cuddling kiddos lately. What more could I ask for? 

Everything I need to get done will get done. Even if I have to lose more sleep than I already have. Who cares about sleep anyways? 

I'm so thankful that I have a God who loves me and gives me everything I need. 

Everything is in His timing not mine. 

Weeks like these remind me I am not in control. I need to let it go and enjoy the ride. 

Ok, so there is my spill for the week. Thanks for letting me share it with you. Don't judge. You have been where I am right now. I know it! :)

Love to you all!!!