Yearly catching up

It's time again for my yearly blog update haha. We have had a fun year. Jason turned 8 and was baptized, Katelyn graduated from seminary and High School and turned 18...to highlight a few fun things. Tyler will turn 12 in October and be ordained a deacon. Jared gets home November 11th. It's a milestone filled year for the Bartons. Also, Brent and I just had our 22 year anniversary. The younger boys just started 3rd and 6th grade. It's the last year they'll ever be in school together. It's fun to watch the kids grow and develop into more of who they are becoming. We look forward to the end of the year when Jared gets home and we can see how much everyone has changed in two short years.

Second day of school (without the glaring sun)

first day of school

Seminary graduation

Jason's baptism

Baptism

Glenn, Jason and Molly

Eldon, Jason and Megan with Maxwell hiding

Tyler (11) Jason(8) Katelyn (17)

Grandma and Grandpa with Jason

Barton Family

Katelyn's Graduation

After the ceremony

I want to like blogging

I want to like blogging.

I have been very diligent in keeping Jared's mission blog updated, but have sadly neglected out family blog. We have too many good things in life not to document them.

Katelyn is gradating this year!! She is playing senior Jazz with some fun girls. She works at Marv Jensen as a referee. Katelyn is getting everything out of High School that she can. I'm happy she's enjoying her life


Tyler is in baskeballbaseball season. That super time of year where they over lap. He's busy in scouts, school, video games, friends all the fun stuff!

Jason is getting baptized in 4 months! Crazy!! My very last baptism...his very first haha He's loving school, playing but mostly he is my thinker. He is so smart! Always taking apart his toys, watching science shows. He can explain what makes a black hole better than me. And that's just one thing. He soaks up knowledge like a sponge.

superman pose...stud

swish... stud

Jared sends many pics like this The sisters pose like elders, the elders pose like sisters. He's having fun

my sanity aaahhh..Katelyn

Brent's 43rd bday. When did I marry an old guy? Love him!! Handsome dudes

Tyler's new baseball team. We are so excited!

Katelyn "senior Jazz" so fun!!

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!!