Summer on the run! (In more ways than one)

Wow! Summer is here. Every year I think that when school gets out things will get so much more relaxed and easy going but it never happens that way---swimming lessons, summer orchestra, Juice needs the car for work, eat lunch at the high school, summer job lists and fun activities when the jobs are done. It seems like we never get to slow down. So when am I supposed to do the laundry or make dinner? School has been out for two weeks and Silly Guy said to me yesterday, "School has only been out for two weeks but it seems like forever!" Oh boy, we better make more plans. 8 1/2 weeks to go! Maybe a trip to Bear Lake for a couple of days or to visit Sonny Pie at Camp Loll for the weekend :)

Speaking of Sonny Pie at Camp Loll he left yesterday morning for the whole summer. This is the third summer he's gone but somehow I'm more sad(sadder?) to see him go this year. He's just so dependable and easy going(most of the time) and good company. We're going to miss him!

I'm also literally on the run because I'm training to run in the Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run 15k with Stephen. I ran(and/or walked) 7 miles this morning. That's the farthest I've ever run. I get up early to run before everyone else is up(at 5:30 this morning because I was running so far). I like to go early while it's cold outside. Also, once everyone is up things get too busy and I never get it done. The race is in two weeks. It's pretty amazing that a little over a year ago I would never have even considered considering training for a race but here I am. It's still pretty hard for me but I kind of like it.

I feel so blessed that I am able to do all I do. I don't know how I manage it all and being the Relief Society president too. That job hasn't been too hard so far. Thank goodness I don't really know all I should be doing yet. I think it will get busier as I go along--and bring more blessings with it.

Sydney Australia Jones and the Ghost Town of Doom!

Superstar has been participating in Unicorn Theatre, a children's theatre class, for the past several weeks. It has been so good for him and he has LOVED LOVED LOVED it. On the last day we got to go and seen them perform a play they made up themselves entitled Sydney Australia Jones and the Ghost Town of Doom!

I'm so glad opportunities like this are available! I only wish I would have known about this one for my older kids!

Sonny Pie

Well our Sonny Pie is doing us proud once again! He was asked to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting last Sunday on how he is preparing for the Melchezidek Priesthood. I asked him what his topic was and he told me then disappeared into his room for a long time.

If the bishopric member who asked him to speak had known him very well he would have told Sonny Pie how long his talk should be because Sonny Pie gave a FANTASTIC 15-20 minute talk using the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood as a guide for preparing for the Melchizidek Priesthood. He filled so much time that the bishop rearranged the program and bumped one of the other speakers to next week!

Of course EVERYONE was just thrilled and telling us over and over how great it was and Sonny Pie like his usual self hated all the attention.

And then he wonders why he is always chosen to be the leader of everything! :)

Relief Society......what?

President...It's been over two weeks since I got the call and I'm just starting to be able to say it out loud. I am the Relief Society President. Wow.

Heavenly Father let me stay comfy and cozy in my comfort zone in Primary for so long....I really liked it there. But I guess it's time for me to stop playing with my kids and spend some time with my sisters. I really like having sisters! The ones I grew up with are amazing and wonderful women and there are many more amazing and wonderful women all around me.

OK.....I have never been one to hang out with the girls very much. I always did relate to the boys better and I live with a bunch of boys now and for the last 17 years.

But who the Lord calls the Lord qualifies. I have a testimony of that. So He will qualify me. He will help me be able to know and meet the needs of the women in my ward. I don't know how but I'll put my trust in Him and it will all work out. :)

clubs

"Now that you're a boy you can be in our club!"

--- Cutie, upon seeing his sisters super short haircut for the first time

The First Ever Barton Family Read-a-thon!

So it was Sonny Pie's turn to choose our family night activity tonight. He came up with a surprisingly popular idea---a read-a-thon! He had everyone put on their pajamas and get their blankets before he even told anyone what we were doing. He made some chocolate chip cookies and everyone got a good book to read.

When he told us what we were doing everyone was so excited. Silly Guy was literally bouncing up and down on his seat he was so excited.

What a fun activity!

Some thought on concert attire

Tonight Juice & I and my mother and sisters are going to the Utah Symphony. We're all very excited! Someone has asked what the attire should be for the evening and as I was discussing this with Juice she taught(or reminded---I'm not sure which) me something that I think is important.

She used to be upset with us because we insisted that she get dressed up for interviews with the bishop. We told her that he would get dressed up in his suit to interview her and she should respect that and get dressed up also.

She told me that going to a concert is like a bishop's interview--the performers get dressed in their nice clothes to come perform and it shows respect for their effort and practice and work to dress up to go watch them perform. As a performer I have always thought it is important to dress up for concerts whether performing or listening, but I never put it into words or thoughts quite so clearly.

Thanks Juice for your insights!