Happy Father's Day (late)

I know it's a few days late, but this was a hard post for me. (my dad would say "better late than never, but better never late")
I have been blessed with 2 wonderful father's. First of all, my husband. He is so amazing. He is an example to me of many things such as, integrity, commitment, patience, calm, and my favorite...think twice, speak once. Each of these qualities and many more make me feel lucky to have him for a husband and father for our children.
Second, is/was my dad. He died nearly 9 years ago, when I was 26 (he was 53). Each Father's Day without him is, I guess, a little easier. He was also amazing. He was my hero. He taught me to anger slowly, and forgive quickly. He taught me to expect the best in others and find their inner good and help them to bring it out. He taught me unselfishness, by putting my needs above his. He taught me to expect great things in myself, to listen to the Spirit, to study and ponder the scriptures, he taught me to turn to the scriptures to find answers to my problems. The funny thing is, most of these things I have learned more fully since he died. His quiet example is still present in my life. He wasn't perfect, but he was humble enough to know it and tried as hard as he could to be a better person. I'll always admire his inner conviction to try again after he would stumble. I love him so much and still miss him every day.

Recital

Tonight Katelyn had her piano recital. She is amazing! She received her gold cup for her Federation performance, also she received the "Best in Federation" award which is way cool!!! It means her performance was voted best by all three judges for the day she performed. Way to go Katelyn!

2 Jason turned 2 today. Yeah! He had fun tearing wrapping paper, eating cake, blowing out candles and he especially loved his balloons. It's such a precious age, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!~
Grandma and Grandpa Barton made this cool toy that spins, Jason played with it for ever. He got a wagon, some sand toys, trucks, clothes and other cool stuff.
We love you Jason!

Represent! (fist bumps chest)

First of all, I don't know what my title means, I only know my 5 year old says this ALL the time. (thanks to Biggun')

My boys have been playing play station 2 to pass the boredom. On a baseball game, when you hit a home run, the crowd cheers and the announcer says "You can kiss that baby goodbye!" Well, Ty hit a home run and started saying " I'll kiss ya later baby!"

Which also reminded me of a funny Ty thing. When he was 3 he'd sing "Tyler, pyler, pumkin pie, kissed the girls and made 'em.....Happy!"

Represent! (fist bumps chest) ...er something

ode to school

Last week, J went to jr. high.
This week, J just teases Ty.
Today is day 2
which makes me a little blue
I need ideas to make the time fly.

3 months isn't so bad
as a mom, I should be glad (?)
What will be great
is soon we'll add Kate
and so much more fun to be had.

Summer vacation, at first, seems cool
maybe we'll go to the pool
until boredom sets in,
and prospects look grim
and then what looks good, surprisingly, is school.


Tomorrow....day 3...... :):):):):):):):[:):):)

Task oriented vs. People oriented

I read a book a long time ago called Positive Personality Profiles. It's basically like other personality determining books on the market. One thing I learned about myself was the fact that I am motivated with people oriented situations vs. task oriented. I've been thinking about this because I have been trying my little brothers' advice about charting you time in 6 min increments. Even though, as a mom, obviously we have many tasks, I am happier and feel like I am accomplishing more when I am helping people rather than doing the dishes.

So, where's the balance? I feel like I am being a better mom by reading to my kids and helping them do stuff but the laundry tends to pile up when I focus too much on play time. I had a friend who was the opposite, she gained a lot of satisfaction when her kids went to school with ironed jeans. There are definite benefits to both types of people and I don't think one is more important than the other, maybe it's just about finding a balance between the two. Or maybe it's about focusing on your strengths and developing your talents. I don't know.

The reason I am giving this scary in site into me is maybe other moms feel like me. Feeling bad about yourself for letting "tasks" go or feeling guilty for neglecting relationships with kids and friends. From my 6 min. experiment, I realized that I spend the bulk of my time on people, and in doing that, tasks fall through the cracks. But I realized that I do important things, I just can't prove it.........

Linda Barton 1974-????

Ever had one of those days....over and over and over and over again? Chaos and mayhem rule my life. We forget things on a daily basis.....every other thing falls through the cracks. I need suggestions on how to better manage my time so I can get everything done. So, Calling all bloggie friends!!!!!!! What works for you so you can face your day with s smiley face and get AT LEAST 75% of the to-do list accomplished???? HELP?!?!?!?!?! (hey, maybe a "to-do list" is a good start?)

BTW...

Tonight's baseball game was against the same team we played LAST night in championship. We won 14-2. I'll get over it soon, I bet....

It's like kissin' your sister...er something

A week end full of baseball. Games changed because of rain, and delays. We end up at a field for championship game with NO LIGHTS! We run out of daylight...game tied...game called in 6th inning....we split 1st and 2nd place trophies. I'm guessing the league is run by men.
Don't blog angry.....

cool dudes

Tyler and Jason were playing Wii today (Monster Jam) and they both had their sun glasses on. I snuck up and snapped the pic. Aren't these the coolest boys ever????

Hold To the Rod

Hold to the rod~James Christensen

I love this picture. I came across it on a blog that I read. I am no artist but this pic was thought provoking to me. I couldn't help but think about the things in my life that I hang on to that make it difficult to hold to the rod. 2Nephi 1:23 states, "Awake my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust."
To me, the worldly possessions along with sins, anger, grudges etc., are the chains that bind us and prevent us from grabbing hold of the iron rod, which is the Gospel and the plan of Salvation.
I also wonder if the artist was depicting pride with the worldly possessions. I know that when I am consumed with focusing on materialistic things, I am less focused on the Gospel. Life gets so busy and comes at us so fast, it makes me wonder what my hands are full with that make it difficult to *hold the rod*.

So, I'm curious. What does this painting make you think of? Any thoughts on this?

Tattooed and graduation hmmm

In our last 3 games, Jared has been hit 4 times. For all my non-baseball understanding friends, when you get hit and it leaves a mark, they call it "getting tattooed". Nice. At least Jared pitches so he knows who to "thank" for his agony.

Proud mom waiting for the perfect shot.

I'm putting lots of pictures of my ubber-hot/single bro-in law(I'm just saying, he's single) so he can steal them off my blog. He didn't have his camera....so enjoy hee-hee-hee

Killing time with grandpa at the not even a little boring ceremony. ;)

BBF'S

I thought he graduated but then the guy said it was BS. (ha ha lame joke)

Congratulations Uncle Glenn!!

We love you!

Dear Friends,

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . ." 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28)."How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? Is there a guide to follow?"May I suggest three imperatives for our consideration. They apply to the deacon as well as to the high priest. They are within our reach. A kind Heavenly Father will help us in our quest."First, learn what we should learn."Second, do what we should do."And third, be what we should be." ~Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be", Ensign, Nov. 2008

I have been pondering this message especially the part about the new heart. It seems like problems in our lives are generally similar, in the sense that in my salon, ladies tend to talk about similar issues at the same time. Sure, the issues change, however many of us go through similar experiences at the same time. Lately, the subject has been forgiveness in one form or another. Whether they need forgiveness or need to forgive someone else, the formula is the same. We need the power of the Atonement and the "new heart" that is a gift from the Lord. When we fully accept what is waiting for us.....(the Atonement) we receive the new, softened heart that allows us to know that forgiveness has taken place or anger, disappointment, or whatever feeling is keeping you from forgiving. I have personally felt this in my life and it is truly the best gift one could receive. I know that forgiveness is solely between you and the Lord. I love all my friends so much and hope this article helps you like it helped me.

Love, (your hairdresser/friend)

Linda

Silly Sunday

We love Sunday! It's so nice to relax one day a week by just hanging out and having fun.

Three blondes

Three blondes were driving to Disney Land.
They came to a sign that said "Disney Land - left".
So they went home....

Double Header

It's a crazy baseball week for the Barton Bunch. We are in a tournament this weekend so I was counting up our games we'd be playing. We will for sure play 8 and possibly 11 games from Mon- Sat. (Including 1 game for Katelyn) Good thing we love sports, and good thing it's super nice weather!

Tonight, we had a double header and Jared hit 2 in the park home runs! One of them was a grand slam. if you are unfamiliar with baseball terminology, feel free to do a quick Google search. lol) We have been so blessed to have great coaches for our kids. It makes all the difference.

Well, that's all for now, I'll try to post something else exciting soon. I hope everyone is having a great week!

Another night at the park

This was Jared's first time in the *bull pen* at a college baseball field. His team gets to play their league games at Cate Field at SLCC....way cool.... Tyler and his BBF (best, best friend) Uncle Glenn. Uncle Glenn = WAY cool. He is great with his nieces and nephews. We love having him hang around.

Random silly pic of Ty and Mom. I need to get a picture of him winking, it absolutely melts my heart. Yup, he's spoiled.

Individualtiy...

Always remember that you are unique. Just like everybody else.

My bravest child

If he could talk he'd say, "I think it's cute how you think I'm listening to you, mom." Or, "Hmmm, I could hear better before I put this food in my ears."

Nothing to blog, nothing to blog

I haven't had anything going on, at least anything blog worthy. It's been baseball, softball, baseball. Oh yeah, and rain. I used to think that rain stopped baseball games....not so much. They will however, stop for lightning.

SO, I've been thinking, I need a vacation. At this point it could only be an over-niter. Does anyone have a fun suggestions for something close, fairly cheap, and over night? My marriage would thank you. Maybe the winning suggestion could babysit my kids...wouldn't that be a treat? j/k PLEASE....make suggestions. Even just for a fun date night....seriously, I'm desperate.