A Day in the Life of @barbaris

If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that no two days ever look quite the same. With four energetic kids, our home is always bursting with laughter, love, and, yes, just the right amount of chaos. Managing Our Family Rhythm Since I work creating content on social media, my schedule is a bit unconventional. My husband usually takes our two older kids to school, which lets me sleep in a little. Thankfully, my two younger ones love to sleep late, but that means that once they’re up, they’re instantly full of energy, so my days get off to a fast start. We’re from Venezuela, so breakfast often means arepas—our favorite comfort food. My kids love them, I love them, and there are so many ways to fill them. After breakfast, I tidy up the house because a clean space gives me peace of mind and helps me feel productive. Once things are somewhat in order, I use that time to get some work done: answering emails, brainstorming content ideas, sending proposals—everything that comes with being a creator. Around lunchtime, my husband will often pick up the older kids from school while the baby naps, and I start prepping so everything’s ready when they arrive. Once everyone’s eaten, that’s my moment to head to the gym. We plan it that way on purpose—baby asleep, three older ones happily playing, and my husband home studying or working—so I can leave for a moment. A Home Full of Personality When I get back, it’s right back into the flow of things. Avril is nine and already my little right hand. She’s so caring and always makes sure everyone’s okay. She has such a gentle spirit and a beautiful voice. Alvin, who’s seven, is the complete opposite in the best way. He’s confident, funny, and extroverted. He loves video games, reading, and filming videos with me. He’s always cracking jokes or dreaming up new ideas, and he truly believes he can do anything in life. Bella, our three-year-old, is pure love and mischief rolled into one. She spends all day telling us she loves us, so much that her siblings sometimes count how many times she says it in a day! She’s also the chatterbox of the family and recently swallowed a coin (thankfully, she was fine), which perfectly sums up her curious, fearless nature. And then there’s Archie, who’s one. He’s the sweetest little guy—energetic, affectionate, and completely attached to me. He follows me everywhere, and while it can be a lot at times, it fills my heart. My favorite thing is seeing how four completely different personalities blend under one roof. Each of them brings something unique, and we encourage their individual interests and personalities. Love, humor, tenderness, boldness, even when the house feels chaotic, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s every emotion and every color all at once. Balancing Time and Heart With four kids, one of the hardest parts for me is the guilt that comes when I can’t give each child the attention they deserve. Some days one needs me more than the others, and it can be tough to juggle that with work. But I’ve learned that even small moments matter, looking them in the eye, really listening, responding with intention. That still counts as quality time. I try to stay in tune so I can sense who needs me most in that moment. And while our house is never quiet (ever!), I wouldn’t trade the noise, laughter, and movement for anything. My husband’s support means everything. He gives me the time I need to myself, to recharge and stay grounded. Whether that’s heading to the gym or time in prayer, those quiet moments help me be my best self. Joy Sneaks in During the Chaos Of course, I definitely get stressed when things don’t go as planned, but I’ve learned that not everything depends on me. I also try to show gratitude often, thanking my kids for small acts of kindness, complimenting them sincerely, and being specific: “I love your eyes,” “Your hair looks beautiful.” Just the other night, my husband and I were both trying to get work done while all four kids were climbing on the bed, jumping, laughing. Just total chaos! Then, Bella got a nosebleed (Utah’s dry weather!), the older two were cracking up, the baby was bouncing around, and it was all so absurd we couldn’t help but laugh. What could’ve been a meltdown turned into one of those moments we’ll remember forever, messy, loud, loving, and full of laughter. We read together before bed, talk at mealtime, and share about our day after school. Those everyday moments turn into memories. Sometimes joy sneaks in like that—through a spontaneous “I love you,” a little compliment, or one of their hugs. Those are the moments that fill me up and remind me why I love this stage, even when it’s wild. What I Hope They Remember More than anything, I want my kids to remember that we were always united, in the good times and the hard ones. Time goes by so quickly. I can’t believe my oldest is already nine; it feels like just yesterday she was the baby. This season is chaotic, yes, but it’s also fleeting. I remind myself every day to slow down and enjoy it while it lasts. Excerpt If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that no two days ever look quite the same. With four energetic kids, our home is always bursting with laughter, love, and, yes, just the right amount of chaos.