spotlight

This was a youth spotlight done in our ward for ward conference two weeks ago.  The theme was on the 13th article of faith and they chose 2 YM and 2 YW from our ward that they felt like are doing a great job in following this article of faith in some aspect of their life.  Jake was one of the YM chosen.  The Power Point Presentation was awesome with quotes and video from different General Authorities.  During the middle of the presentation they showed these slides of the youth. I was very touched with the outcome and the meeting was one I think all the youth will remember.

I thought I would share this with his Grandparents who I know are just about as proud of him as his Mom and Dad are.

Slide #1

Jake Butters (with picture of Jake and Harrison)

What is

praiseworthy

about Jake?

Slide #2

Jake is naturally a positive, happy kid who enjoys learning.  Jake quietly 

uplifts those around him. President Hinckley taught that each member needs a 

friend, something to do and to be nurtured by the Good Word of God.  Jake is 

that friend! He notices the new kid who has just moved into the area or one 

just visiting and includes them with his group of friends.  Jake thinks, 

“the more the merrier” and will go out of his way to bring people together 

for wholesome activities.  He has also been known to sit with fellow 

classmates when they are sitting alone at lunch.  It is these simple acts of 

kindness that helps the priest’s quorum be more united.

President's Day Weekend

One of the first things everyone does at Grandma's house is dig into the treat drawer.  There is always plenty of sweet things to go around.  And if that drawer even starts to run low Grandma is right there filling it back up again.

Cousins:  from oldest to youngest.  This little baby is such a sweetheart and Kayli would hardly give anyone else a turn.  She even held Dani while she studied for her Microbiology test.  Now that's the picture I should have taken.

Ipod games in the hallway

Two out three days we had rain.  So this is the first time we could head over to the park.  It was so nice to be outdoors but, we definitely needed our sweatshirts.

These two get along perfectly.  Brooke loves being taken around by Alli.  And Alli was extra smiles this weekend as she just got her braces off.  Woo Hoo!! Such happiness for a 14 year old.

The three Barton girls

Kayli and Amanda

Walking back from a great day at the park.  I love coming down here, getting away from everyday schedules, going for walks, playing games and really enjoying family.

Derek made it through another St. George 10-mile run to insure his entry for the marathon this fall.  He even ran the entire race in the rain...what determination.

solo ensemble

I had to grab a quick picture as I dropped Alli and her friend Shelby off at the school.  The sun couldn't be in a more perfect spot.  These cute girls have been working so hard for the last few weeks practicing for this big night.  

 The song that they chose to sing tonight was "Cowboy Take Me Away".  The outfits fit the mood.

Here they sit anxiously waiting for their turn.  I felt like we could be in line for American Idol at any minute.  And especially when they sang their song totally acapella.  Not many groups do this. What a great experience for them to perform in front of their peers and other parents.  So grateful Mrs. Jolley requires them to participate.  They had such great sound and presentation.  I wish you all could see the video.

Happy Valentine's Day XOXOXOX

"souperbowl partee"

I need to give credit to Derek for this one.  Every year we do a super bowl party but, not quite like this.  He thought of the idea, went to two different bakeries to purchase the bread bowls and made his famous "Male Chauvinist Chili" - very HOT and very SPICY I might add.  We also made a mild white bean green chili for some of the other adults and kids.  Everyone helped add to the meal and it was all delicious. But, besides the food, the company made the day even better.  We were so fortunate to have some of Derek's family in town for the weekend.

A few of Kayli's college friends joined us too.

 
Then it was downstairs to watch the Big Game...

Some of the Girlies!!

Madi really enjoyed playing with Everett and picking him up whenever he would allow.

Best quote of the day was Christophers who said while holding this Root Beer...  "This is the life just sitting here relaxing".

Taryn, Ryan and Everett

This picture should really be a video of Jack winding up and winding up.  I wish you could see how fast this little guys arm can swing. This action was followed by a power punch aimed right at Uncle Derek.

Hair by Sara

Yesterday, Sara worked on my hair while I was sitting at the kitchen table paying bills.  I was surprised at the results.  I'm not sure I can even do a french braid this well.

Sara's inspiration comes from her cousin Amber (10 yrs old) who was the expert hair designer last weekend.  Amber created multiple hairstyles on all of the girls including two of Kayli's college friends.  Here are a few of the many updos:

Nice Job Amber, we'll miss you working on our hair.

San Diego - Sea World

This was such a spur of the moment trip.  My awesome brother sent us all standby tickets to fly down to San Diego to spend a few days together.  Derek juggled the kids and schedules back home.  This quick trip turned out to be so much fun!

I haven't been to Sea World since I was a little girl living in California.  It was so exciting to see everything again.

WOW!  What a show. They have really made this way more Theatrical and Magical

Loved watching the flamingos strut on by.

Waiting for the Shamu show to begin.  The weather here is just PERFECT!

Shamu, Shamu, Shamu...Incredible

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Who would of thought they would be spending it with their original kids in San Diego - we just missed Kathy.  Kathy was already on another trip.

The Dolphin Show was so Amazing!!

Mom and Me before going to dinner in Old Town.

Enjoying a day of shopping and the view from Seaport Village. Ahh, warm weather!