The Barton Family Blog

These beautiful tutus came from Maga just in time for Easter!  The photo shoot wasn't our happiest moment in history... But the photo are so cute, once again, it was worth it!  And the aftermath.... And... We quickly ditched the idea of a cousins photo shoot....! Sometimes in all the flurry of preparation on Sunday mornings, it's tough to make it to church in good moods, minus fighting, and focused on God.  But I was reminded Easter morning.... That our focus HAS to stay in the right place. Jesus is risen from the grave!!! All this dressing up and photo shoots CAN NOT take our eyes off the real reason for Easter!  The gravity of Easter hits me right where it should. The brutal death that my savior died on the cross. The pain and suffering he carried for me. It is a precious and sacred thing.  Don't let me forget all that Jesus went through for me. I am forgiven.  And for that I am so very grateful. 

We had lovely weather and a nice visit with my parents and Inlaws on Mother's Day!  Last year we took these: (Father's Day) & wanted to continue the tradition! Photos like these are such treasures!!! And I am sooo glad we work through the struggles and make sure we take them!!!  (Johnny had to work! Waaahhhh!!) Paga & Maga with 5 of their 7 grand kids! Papa & Nonnie with their 7 grand kids (4 adopted! The adopted grand kids outnumber the bio grands!)  We are so blessed to have family close!! We don't take it for granted. We love you guys!!!!  O... I almost forgot! My sister and her kids were there... O! And my other sister... We took pics but didn't love any of them. I'll post one anyway... For memories :)  And this one is cute of my sis & her kiddos!  And we can't forget the monthly Koa & Brock  pic! Happy May!!!!! 

My sweet baby girl turned seven on March 22!  We started off the morning with her usual opening a presents tradition. She decided this year she's going to protect her stuff from little brothers and sisters as several items were replacemnt gifts from previous years!  When we found out our church was doing a magic show the night of her birthday,  I had a crazy idea! We decided to let her invite her whole first grade to her birthday party at the gospel magic show!  She had 15 or more friends show up and all stay to hear the gospel! It was glorious! Five people (+ a ton of kids) prayed to accept Jesus and the kids had a BLAST! The show is totally geared toward kids, but has a fun gospel message entertwined.  Afterward we had cake and the kids got to take home animal ballons & play dough.  Overall it was such a fun night for Natalee!  Happy birthday sweet girl! Where did 7 years go?!? You are such a precious jewel baby! Love you!!!!!

Just a few pics... This boy... He is a papa's boy. He's obsessed. Wants to work hard and always be at Papas side. This day he skipped the children's library grand opening... To split wood with papa!  Decided to go bold. As bold as this girl goes.... And add some vibrant red to the under section of my hair. Too bad it's almost pink! Working on getting it a little redder soon :) This boy: got some DARLING clothes for his birthday! Seriously such a blessing. Sporting a new sweatshirt from Aunt Auttie below :) These two: they are sweet joy Adorable sweaters for Nonnie  These three.... Getting prettier every day. Gonna have to lock them up soon....! :) O how I love them!! Us two.... Getting a weekend away at the coast/marriage retreat. We were given the sweet gift of a coast stay by my sister in law & mother in law.  It was soooo relaxing!! One of the nicest weekends I've ever had away!

My sweet baby boy had a simple little cake & family birthday party on Thursday night. I whipped out a few cute touches with my wonderful cricut paper cutter. My kiddos birthdays always have to have a banner... (ok not always... but often....!) The little cupcake toppers were fun...  Cupcakes were a yellow cake mix with cookie dough centers.  I don't know how they tasted because I didn't eat one... but they got rave review from  some  party attendees... 1/2 the batch was a little iffy because  someone  turned off the oven without me knowing it! But in the end... no one will remember I suppose! (:   Frosting was chocolate chips melted with heavy whipping cream (what's not to love!?!?). We added a few "C"'s and "1"'s to the cupcakes, candies & water bottles. I love it! The non-readers in the family were convinced this banner said "Connor" and/or "Connor's birthday" (: Chocolat...