Jason turns 7

Jason turned 7 this week, how can that be? Where did the time go?

Jason loved stuffed animals

he always had ear infections (I'm not sure why?)

train 'em young

love this boy 

Jason adores Katelyn

one night we dressed Jason up like a girl and called him "Tyler's little sister" poor 4th child...

Snow Canyon

Jason and Jared, buddies for life

Happy Birthday, big guy!! We love you!!

Tyler's first super league Tournament

Starting pitcher in beautiful St. George

I always love the facial expressions when my boys pitch

The Eagles

Handsome dude

Intimidation factor 

chillaxin after a win

Tyler started super league this year. This was his first out of town trip. The Eagles went to the March Madness Tournament in St. George. Thanks to Mindy Peck for the baseball pictures, she is very talented! Tyler and I went alone, and even though we missed the rest of the family, we had a great time. I remember (like it was yesterday) when Jared was 10 thinking, "when Tyler is this age, Jared will be on a mission". I have no idea where all the time went....but here we are.
Life is good! Life is busy...but I'm finding that the more things change, the more things stay the same.
I haven't even thought about what things will look like when Tyler is on a mission. I guess I'll probably be a grandma.....

Prom

Katelyn and Quinn

Off they go!

fun prom group

Katelyn went to Jr. Prom last week. To say she was excited is an understatement! She had soooo much fun. Her date is Quinn, he's a great friend and is awesome. Her dress was gorgeous and matched the color of her eyes exactly. They went to Little America for dinner and to the Capitol for the dance and to the house of one of the boys' after for games and fun. Katelyn is beautiful inside and out! High School is turning out to be pretty fun for her.

changes

Lately, I've been thinking about all the blessings in my life. All the positive people that I surround myself with, all the negative people that I love and wish I could help be happy. I've been attending the temple as much as possible and am finding such joy and enlightenment there.
My family is growing and changing so fast!! I love each new phase that comes with their new ages. I couldn't name a favorite age because they are all better than the last!! We just heard from our missionary, I can't describe the joy that comes with each letter. Even when they may be a bit discouraged, the Lord is preparing them for something amazing.
Katelyn is going to prom next week. That's really crazy!! I like the boy, I like his parents, she's an incredible young lady.
Tyler and Jason are learning so quickly through their elementary years. I laugh sometimes at their boy fights. But they are great kids. Over all, I am so happy!
Tyler and Jason drew pictured for Jared and he hung them by his desk, They were so thrilled!! Having a missionary has been such a good example and experience for out family.
I have so much gratitude for everyone who helped get him out! Hus experiences bring me to tears. The Lord prepared him spiritually to be there and is helping him physically.
Oh, I got a new calling.  I am the teacher over the teacher who teach the youth. I'm excited! I pray for guidance as it is such a responsibility where the youth are concerned.
Wish me luck!

Crazy life

Jason and Jared

The reason I go do long in between posts is that I wait for something clever/witty. It doesn't usually happen. So today, I wanted to share a few thoughts on family and having a missionary.
I never knew how blessed I'd be for my sons missionary service. Almost weekly, lately, he's sharing some amazing faith building story. I could never replicate that experience at home. He's in the right place, taking every advantage open to him for growth. I am so proud! One thing he writes often is a reminder to never waste a day. Time is going fast for him right now. I learn from him. He always encourages us to not waste any day. That's great advice! Serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength. I realize how much time of mine is unproductive. I'm working on it.
I miss him like crazy, but would never change it because of the incredible experiences that he's having in Mexico.He's just been transferred to the city. I know it will come with new challenges and blessings. Every week I can see the growth in his testimony and his ability to rely on the Lord. (what more could I ask for) Our family prays for his safety daily. My younger boys even are talking about places they would like to serve a mission. What a great example!!(big mom smile)
I love the Gospel, I love the joy it brings to families as they progress toward baptism.
Life is great!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to my family and friends!

Our family has enjoyed many changes this year. Graduation to starting first grade, we covered it all.
Jared has been in Mexico 4 weeks now. He is so happy! He writes amazing letters which helps us enjoy his mission with him.We are looking forward to being able to Skype with him on Christmas.
Katelyn had a fun tennis season, she is enjoying developing her talents with tennis. She also got her drivers license which is AWESOME!! She just finished up helping with Silver Rush at the high school. They were raising funds for the Olive Osmond hearing aid foundation. She did "odd jobs" for donations in 8* weather. She made scones for the camp out. And she participated in many other activities. The school raised over $129,000!! Breaking last years record. Her biggest lesson learned was that all the small and simple things add up. Every little thing done was the reason they had great success.
Tyler played baseball, football and now is playing basketball. (those are the 3 seasons in my house) He played football for the first time and loved it. He was the kicker and averaged 35 yards per kick-off. He is in the fourth grade and is learning to play the recorder. He is very good and is even teaching himself the songs on the piano.
Jason started all day school. He is loving it! He is a very good reader, likes math and art projects. He also seems to like girls, and they like him (grrr, hands off, he's mine!) he is more independent every day.
Brent is working at Eagle Electric. Work has been steady which is so nice! He was called to serve on the High Council which has brought new meeting and responsibilities.
I am enjoying watching a chapter in our lives close, while a new one opens. I'm glad we didn't have all of our kids at the same time, and I am glad they didn't all leave at the same time. I am doing hair more now, as I have 6 whole hours to myself 5 days a week!
All in all, life is good. We are so blessed. Merry Christmas!

Viva las Mexico

Monday morning, Jared starts his journey to Mexico. Of course, he starts out by going to Atlanta, like you do, then will be picked up at the airport by Austin Emch, who is an a.p. I know Jared will be glad to see a familiar face. I mailed his Christmas stuff today and the extra items he forgot (like baptism clothes lol) He's likely opening it now.  I'm pretty excited. We love him so much and are so extremely proud.

This is the sign the boys hit on the way out of their apartment (such a boy thing)

I never thought Jared's handwriting would make me so happy. It's a great lesson when getting on your kids about their handwriting. Someday it will make you smile like nothing else could.

I know he's where the Lord needs him, and I know he's in the Lords hands. It makes me smile. 

Katelyn's first date

Katelyn went on her first date tonight. (sniff, sniff) Her date is one of her good friends. It was to the Halloween dance at school and there costumes were 80's tennis players.

Quinn is Jared approved, so that's good. And Katelyn is beautiful!!

Missionary Elder Jared B Barton

 Arms length :)

What a fun experience! Before Jared was set apart as a full-time missionary, we took some pics. Here are just a few. What a ride. He's been in the MTC for 6 days now and we got a letter from him on Saturday. We love our boy, we couldn't be happier at the choices that he has made throughout his life that brought him to where he is today.
This post was supposed to go on Jared's Missionary blog. I'm sure that I'll fix it someday, but until then, I'm leaving it on mine :)

Today is a normal summer day, kids are playing/fighting.playing. Katelyn started her tennis matches. She has decided that I am bad luck, when I come watch she loses. When I can't come, she wins. So, we'll see how that goes.  Elementary starts in a week and one day. Katelyn starts in a week in and a half. Jared goes to the MTC in 62 days.
Life is good.
Brent and I, and several family members attended the temple with us as Jared went for the first time. It was an amazing experience. Words can not describe the joy we felt. Jared has even picked up a shift to work at the baptismal  font (4:30-7:30 a.m.) He is enjoying the experience. I wish I could slow time down right now. It's ironic, because I spent a lot of time wishing years away. I love my family, I love the Gospel. I love the peace we feel when we are living the standards the Lord want us to be living.
(Thank you Molly for bring a camera, it was the last thing on my mind) We went to the Timpanogas Temple which was beautiful

I'm back, for now

It has been a long time since I posted here. I get caught up in reading other things online and never seem to make time to come up with something cleaver enough to put on my blog. Today, I just feel like expressing my gratitude for my family and counting my blessings.

This school year has been a strange milestone for our family. We have a senior in High School one end and a Kindergartner at the other. As gradation gets closer, and Jared works toward going on a mission, I am forced to look at how my family is going to dramatically change.  Guess what....I'm excited! The changes aren't as scary to me as much as they used to be.

So, here's my quick update on the kids. Jared is finishing up HS with a bad case of "Senioritis". It's a good thing he loves baseball or I don't think he'd be at school as much. His team is making a run for the state champs. In this photo, they had just won the Region title. He passed everyone by who was trying to congratulate him and ran straight to hug me!(small tears right now) He pitched the entire game and lead the team to a victory.
(blogger is new since my last visit and I can't put my text with the appropriate picture just yet.)

Katelyn is finishing up her Sophomore year and getting excited to get her driver's license. She starts tennis soon,and has grown so much spiritually this year. I am blessed with one beautiful,super helpful daughter. I can't imagine what I'd do with out another girl in the house. She is so close to her brothers. It's been fun for her to be back in school with Jared. he has a way of intimidating "unwanted suitors". One time a boy came up behind Katelyn and put his arms around her and Jared took her 2 inch thick biology and wacked him on the forehead with it. The boy hasn't touched her since. (Katelyn is grateful)

Tyler is an all out stud. He's finishing up 3rd grade, although he acts like a much older boy. He has always been the most responsible member of the family. (me included)
He has so much fun at what ever he is doing, as long as it's not school work. Tyler has a unique bond with each of his siblings. He's such a great kid, it's fun to see his personality evolve.

Jason is far to mature for his age. He hangs out at the ball park a lot, and can sweet talk Jared's friends (girls) into anything. Whether it's playing on their phones or hanging in the snack shack, he always finds a nice girl to blink his blue eyes at, and they melt. (yes, I'm worried) Last night, at the park, a girl brought him a cinnamon pretzel. Jared joked that Jason is a ladies man to which Jason replied, "it's probably because mom combs my hair so nice".

Life is good. I think I spent 2 years worrying about what this year would feel like. With all the crazy ups and downs, it's nice to just feel happy...and blessed.

Jared just pitched to help his team win Region champs!!

Katelyn is all baseballed out

Tyler is just starting his baseball "glory days"

Jason is my best bud, I'm going to miss him when he's in 1st grade

crazy summer

I haven't posted for a while....life is INSANE! Summer is crazy at my house. It's a series of tons of baseball at night, sleeping in from sheer exhaustion (except Jason...and me) and trying to squeeze in chores during the day.

Having two busy teenagers is busy as well. I'm ready for Katelyn to drive. (too bad she turns 15 in a few weeks) It's starting to actually become part of our decision to let them go out at night as to whether or not we are too tired to wait up for them to come home.

My Grandma and Grandpa are in there late 80's. (maternal) They are both having major health issues right now. It makes me sad. They are so wise and amazing. I can't imaging one without the other and I can't imagine me without either of them. Our family is praying for a speedy recovery for them both.

That's all for now, maybe I'll post something interesting later in the month. Happy 4th of July!

milestones

Life is measured in milestones. I had my 38th birthday a few weeks ago. Milestone.

As a younger gal, I liked the milestone of New Year's Day. I always set goals, reevaluated life, blah blah blah. I liked my birthday. I loved reviewing the year to see what I accomplished and what areas I was going to improve in the coming year.

As I got older, I started noticing Sunday as a milestone. Being spiritually fed on Sunday and carrying the feeling through the week. As the "spiritual high" would be wearing off, it was time to go again.

As I got even older, I noticed a new milestone. I found the value in taking one day at a time. Every morning, I can start with prayer, scripture study. Every night I can evaluate my progress for the day, repent as needed, and try again tomorrow to be a little better.

The funny thing about the "day at a time" philosophy is it rendered the other milestones semi-pointless to me. (Except Sunday worship, of course)

It's interesting for me to see the different changes we go through in life.

A day of Jared...

Saturday, our day started out picking up Jared's date to head with the fam up to Spring Mobile park. Herriman and Riverton played teach other. It was nice to sit in the sun, also, my nephew plays for Herriman so I got to see my sister. The little boys played with cousins and Katelyn and Sadie had been friends last year and had fun with each other. After the game we took Sadie home, and hustled home where Jared was getting ready for prom. It was a fun day. Jared had a blast on his date. Thanks always to my friend Lisl who made the corsage. She is amazing!

At the end of the week I am putting Jared on a bus to Anaheim, CA for a baseball tournament with the High School. I wished so badly that we could go (stupid budget!) but he's nearly 18 so I guess he's a big boy now. They are going for 10 days. (sigh) It will be a great experience for him, but we'll miss him. maybe I'll clean his room while he's gone......with a shovel.

I need this framed for my salon.

A well timed joke

My 8 year old's BFF is his 17 year old brother. I wished I took a picture of the things that happened tonight.

Tyler came out in some basketball shorts that used to be Jared's. They were a little big on him but if it used to be Jared's it's all good. Jared said, "hey, those are my John Stockton shorts" (meaning they would fit small and tight.)Next thing I know Jared is wearing the little shorts and Tyler is wearing the shorts Jared had on before. Jared was getting ready for an ice bath so it was time to trade back the shorts. Jared had sliding shorts on so he was going to just drop trou and asked Tyler, "what do you have on under your shorts?" Tyler paused and said," underwear.....and I think we all know what's under that." ....(sigh)He's 8.

After Jared was out of the ice bath, he asked Tyler if he wanted to get in. I jokingly said,"Ty, do you want to take a bath with Jared." He shook His little head, put his hand over his eyes and said, "mom, you don't know me at all." He can keep a straight face and be so funny...I love it!

Late night blogging

I really admire people who have the ability to write something interesting enough for me to want to read. If that's what you're looking for with post, maybe you should stop reading now.

Many people have a life that is lived in a before/after way. Whether it is a tragedy or something amazing that happened to you, your life is forever changed.

I've been thinking about a few of my before/after situations. What I notice never changes is our agency. We have the ability to let things define us however we choose. When we are sad it is easy to be really sad and not understand how to be happy again. When we are happy it is hard to believe we were ever so sad and it seems easy to be happy. Weird.

I've had times in my life when I felt I was clinging to the Gospel and other times when it seems natural and as if nothing could take the Spirit away from me. It's strange to me that the veil is so thin at times and feels like a brick wall at other times.

I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I'm not surprised when a trial comes my way. Ask any 8 year old about to be baptized why we are here and they will answer to get a body and be tested. I'll be honest, I don't like trials. Maybe that's bad to say. But, I always love what I learn from each trial. Each trial (eventually....cuz I'm stubborn) strengthens my faith, and shows me the love my Savior and Father in Heaven have for everyone of his children.

I don't get yelled at very often. But this week it seems like every time I turn around, someone is yelling at me. I have been blessed with an overwhelming knowledge that the people yelling at me aren't mad at me at all. Everyone has trials. We never know who is going through possibly the hardest time in their life. I have felt compassion for them that I'm sure wasn't from me.

If you understand what I mean by you life being defined by a before/after situation I hope it has strengthened your testimony.

Random catching up with the Bartons

Jared forbid me to put this pic on Facebook.....he said nothing about my blog. I think it's cute how my boys faces are the same while pitching. Their little corners of their mouths are turned down. Cute.

Anywho, I've been having a hard time posting lately. We've been busy with semi-same-ole stuff.

Quick update on the family.....Brent turned 40. Jared is meeting with colleges, Katelyn is almost done with her YW Medallion. For part if her Divine Nature project she learned to make bread with the help of my mom (cuz her mom doesn't know how) and she used the bread she made for the sacrament. I thought it was cool. Tyler is having cabin fever. He needs to be running around outside. Jason got his alphabet crown, which means he knows upper and lower case letters and all their sounds.

I'm so proud of all my kids!They are amazing.

Brent and I went to see Jim Gaffigan for his birthday in January....we love him. I laughed harder than I have ever laughed. Brent's sister gave us tickets for Brent's birthday. We were able to go with Crapo's, Brent's sister and Brent's brother and wife. It was blast.

I am reading the Book of Mormon again at a little slower pace. it's amazing to me how the words that you need to hear jump out at you even though you have read them many, many time.

I love the scriptures.

I just learned about Josh Powell......(if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all)

Katelyn is on the 9th grade basketball team. She loves it!!! She's a good player. She's learning so much about the game. It's fun to see her grow. She also likes boys(grrr) She has for a long time, she just isn't afraid to talk to me about them any more. I'm glad she will let me know what's up in her life. I literally don't know what I'd do without her. She is amazing.

The most funny Christmas card of the season.....

Brent's sister sent my the most funny card this year, I had to share the words:

Christmas Carols for the mentally ill

1. Schizophrenia ---
Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder ---
We Three Kings Disoriented Are

3. Dementia ---
I Think I'll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic ---
Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic ---
Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....

6. Paranoid ---
Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder ---
Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8. Personality Disorder ---
You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why

9. Attention Deficit Disorder ---
Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ---
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells....